Welcome to 2013! Another year has come to a close and January seems to be speeding by. 2012 saw the average home price increase strongly and with 85,731 homes sold in the GTA in 2012 the average homeowner made $32,000 in equity. 2012 saw an increase of 7% in the average price of a home in the GTA increasing the cost to an average of $497,298. Along with a look back at house prices in 2012, this month our newsletter takes a look at whether or not you are legally responsible to disclose the fact that you have noisy neighbors. Most lawyers say no but caution you to be truthful if you are asked direct questions about noise. Your home is your safe haven and this month in our ‘House Smart segment we look at how to test for Radon gas as well as some winter safety precautions. And, back for 2013 the ever popular Pearls of Wisdom. Here is a sneak peek: “It’s such a pity that youth is wasted on the young.” – George Bernard Shaw
James Metcalfe Real Estate
James Metcalfe’s November Real Estate Update in Our Home Toronto
It is hard to believe that we are already halfway through November. This month in our Real Estate Update in Our Home Toronto we find that the average price of a resale home in October in the GTA was $503,479, a +6% increase from October 2011. Townhomes saw an increase of +3% and condos remained flat at +/- 0%. The average price remains well above the rate of inflation but volume of homes sold is decreasing. This month we also discuss an important court decision regarding the question of whether or not condo corporations need to inspect the unit before issuing a status certificate (for the unit)? In this month’s look at “Personal Finance” we look at three important tips to take into consideration when evaluating adjustable rate mortgages. And as always, we have our ever popular “Pearls of Wisdom- here is a quick preview “The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits”-Albert Einstein .
James Metcalfe’s Real Estate Update October 2012…In Our Home Toronto
Here is our October 2012 Real Estate Update in Our Home Toronto. September saw strong price growth versus 2011. The average price of a resale home in the GTA in September was $503,662 a +9% increase from 2011. We also saw strong growth in single detached homes (+8%), semi-detached homes (+12%), townhomes (+6%) and apartment condos (+6%). This month we also provide some ideas for decorating for the fall season including tips on rugs, lights, plants and backdrops. This month in Legally Speaking we discuss the legalities of the home inspection clause with a case from the Ontario Court of Appeal. We also provide you some tips on how to strengthen home inspection clauses from the seller’s point of view. Finally this month we provide you with some heat saving tips and the ever popular Pearls of Wisdom….here is a preview “Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes”- Jim Carrey
James Metcalfe’s Real Estate Update September 2012…In Our Home Toronto
Here is our September Real Estate Update for Our Home Toronto. The average price of a resale home in the GTA in August was $479,095 a +6% increase versus the August 2011 average of $450,323. Meanwhile, the apartment condo market saw a -2% decline on a year to year basis. This month also features an article on the importance of a good home inspection…learn the six most important items to look out for during a home inspection. Also, this month…know your rights as a condo owner and the responsibilities of the condo corporation…an interesting case out of Langley BC. Once again we also return with Pearls of Wisdom…here’s a quick preview ” I am fond of pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals.”- Winston Churchill.
Exquisite Ravine Home with Pool Oasis
100 Applefield Dr is an exquisite home that offers truly unbelievable value. The home features a gourmet chef’s kitchen with 7 premium appliances as well as a spectacular pool oasis with direct access to Birkdale Park. This 2,296 sq. foot home also features an amazing wood burning fireplace,pepper maple hardwood floors a heated salt-water pool, and 5 patio areas with perennial gardens. Visit OurHomeToronto.com for many more fabulous home listings or contact me directly at 416-931-4161.