Toronto, ON

I can always tell when a sellers' market is upon us. When a condo has just been put on the market, and that same day I'm lining up in the hallway with my clients, along with other agents and their clients, trying to get in to show the unit. Multiple offers, buyers bidding irrationally, and negotiations are becoming more infrequent. A tough market for buyers, but the sellers are now back in the game. Consumer confidence is back up, and it looks like it's going to be a busy Summer for me. Usually in the Summer, the market tends to cool a little, but it is showing no signs of slowing down, as we go into July. A very good sign of a healthy market.

Casey Ragan

TORONTO'S CONDO SPECIALIST

www.TheCondoLife.com

Thinking of buying a home?

There are many major decisions you must make.

You'll be making the largest financial transaction of your lifetime.

How much can I afford?

How do I start this process?

Which mortgage is better for me?

Should I go to a bank or a mortgage broker?

Do I want to live in a house ....

..... or a condo?

Should I buy downtown, or in an up and coming area?

Should I use up all my savings or should I use up to $25,000 from my RRSP (tax free) (first-time home-buyers)?

Should I look on my own, or should I hire a real estate agent?

What are the benefits?

So many decisions ... a little overwhelming, is it?

There is a lot to consider, but if you do your research, and you partner up with the right people, you will be happy with the end results.

The first thing you have to do is hire a real estate agent.

Maybe one has already been recommended to you ... maybe you have a friend in the business ... maybe you are interviewing a few .... whatever the case, absolutely work with a real estate agent. One who will look after your best interests.

Your REALTOR can help you understand the entire process. He/she can help you find the best mortgage for you, at the best terms (take your REALTOR along to the financial institution, if you need to. You must feel comfortable and you must understand everything ... and it's part of the job).

If there is anything you don't understand, as things are explained, ask them to stop, and explain again. Ask questions. Make sure you understand completely.

Hire a good real estate lawyer. You will need a lawyer to close your transaction, so start using them right from the beginning. It doesn't cost you any more. If you have an accountant, you should speak with them as well. Speak with everyone and anyone you trust, so you can start feeling more comfortable about buying your home.

The seller wants to sell that house.
The listing agent wants to sell that house.
The bank wants to lend you the money. Without you, nothing will happen.

Your REALTOR can help you with all the paperwork, he/she can negotiate the best price for you; can hold your hand from beginning to end... ... and beyond, well after you move in, to ensure everything goes smoothly.

If you don't buy ... nothing happens in real estate. You're the most important person.

Keep that in mind. It makes things a little bit easier.

Your team will make this happen for you. You have a great REALTOR; you have a good mortgage broker or lending officer, you have a great lawyer ... your team of professionals who is there to help you.

If you do some research and you approach this with confidence, you will make the right decision, and it will be stress free. You and your team are in control. You are the only person who can make it happen.

There is a great home out there for you - when you're ready - and when you have your team in place.
Happy home-hunting.

Sylvie Conde, Broker - Toronto Real Estate
Sutton Group-Associates Realty Inc., Brokerage 416-966-0300
sconde@sutton.com
www.sylvieconde.com
www.torontorealestatelife.com

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Bloordale Village, along Bloor Street West bordered by Dufferin and Lansdowne, has often received a lot of negative publicity in the past. Being so close to the Annex, recently new art galleries, film studios and new developments nearby are slowly revitalizing the area. With real estate prices climbing in areas like Parkdale, Beaconsfield Village, The Junction and Trinity Bellwoods, not too many neighbourhoods in the central core along the subway line are affordable anymore.

Bloor-Gladstone Public Library emphasizes community and openness, offering a nice face-lift to the street front.

Area Attractions:

Paul Bright Gallery 1265 Bloor St W

Mercer Union 1286 Bloor St W

Toronto Free Gallery 1277 Bloor St W

Funktion Gallery 1244 Bloor St W

Starving Artist 584 Landsdowne Ave

The Holy Oak Cafe 1241 Bloor St W

A group of representatives from a spectrum of different neighbourhoods got together in 2007 with a vision to form an ad hoc committee in 2007 called People Plan Toronto. The group invites the public to identify problems with the planning process in the City, consider alternative models, and create an action plan for positive change.

Public consultation is often inadequate in new development planning process, leading to decisions which often leaves the public baffled.Recently, PPT came up with the concept to create a Community Planning Resource Centre. PPT proposes to take planning beyond design and architecture, and place more emphasis on development relative to the urban context, addressing issues such as marginalization, transportation and infrastructure, and community building, all of these through collaboration of citizen involvements in Toronto.

As the initial vision, the Centre will provide clear and useful information about planning, design, and Toronto's planning process to citizens and community groups; facilitate the provision of professional assistance to communities who are seeking to respond constructively to development proposals; help with pro-active community planning initiatives; and enable communities to share information and build relationships amongst each other. They have provided a survey to invite the residents of Toronto to voice their suggestions on what the objectives of Community Planning Centre should fulfill.

For more information , goto PPT website.

The dollar value of homes sold in the past week in the East is up approximately 2%, the North is the same and the Central area is up 4%% and the West is down 3% over the week ending June 11. The average price of all homes has decreased approximately 1%.

The numbers of homes sold have decreased in the East 1%, West up down 2%, Central no change and North down 4%. The decrease in total 3%.

June 25, 2009
Region	Area Sales	Av. Price
East	500	$323,014	+2%
West	911	$370,032	-3%
Central	436	$496,461	+4%
North	516	$433,165	0%
Total	2,365	$398,228

NOTE: Please note these are preliminary figures. Minor adjustments may be required at month's end.

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I proudly server buyers and sellers in the Toronto Neighbourhoods of: Forest Hill, Cedarvale, North York, North Toronto, Summit Heights, Wilson Height, Bathurst Manor, Leaside, Bayview, Thornhill, Richmond Hill and all surrounding areas.

Whether you're buying or selling and looking for a Toronto Realtor or feel free to e-mail or phone us and we will be happy to guide you through your real estate experience.