It’s been quite a whirlwind summer in the real estate market. A very busy summer made up for a quieter Covid spring. We saw and are seeing a lot of movement as people readjust to the new Covid reality. An exodus from the city was reflected in substantial increases in prices out of the city. Cottage country has exploded. Those living in smaller homes with young children and working form home are looking for larger homes either in the city or out of the city. Many in condos are going... [read more]

How to list and sell a home during COVID-19. The real estate market is somewhat frozen but a small part is thawed and still moving. Those that need and really want to are trading real estate. The new reality is a lot of virtual and much less personal contact. This includes virtual meeting with the clients, virtual assessment by the stager, staging with masks and gloves. We are focusing on upgraded 360 virtual presentations. Even buyers that are seriously looking are limiting where they go... [read more]

  Sales with no conditions are tougher to get these days… In prime areas of Toronto we are used to getting firm sales particularly with multiple offers. Offers with no conditions are for sure rarer now. Buyers are extremely careful with committing to financing without a commitment from their lending institution. We are seeing many offers conditional on financing and buyers are refusing to take the condition out even if it means losing the deal. We are also seeing an increase... [read more]

New listings are starting to pop up as the spring market finally begins and the city is waking up. It’s after March Break and spring is around the corner after an unusually tough winter. Buyers spirits appear to be good and demand for houses is there. We saw signs of a peppy market before March Break and we believe the level of activity will be high the next few months. Strategic home preparation, timing and pricing are and will be key to a successful sale. Cutting corners is not... [read more]

    Many prime neighbourhoods in Toronto are designated Heritage in one form or another and other neighbourhoods are thinking about it. This is a complex issue. On one hand neighbourhoods want to retain their character and want to stay away from a mishmash of homes which would ruin the look of a traditional neighbourhood. On the other hand, Heritage designations do limit what you can do with a house. Many old houses are not conducive to today’s living standards and... [read more]