Taking Care of Your Christmas Tree

Once you get your tree home, you will need to do a few things to keep it fresh. With proper care, the average fresh Christmas tree should last at least five to six weeks.

The main thing your tree needs is water. You've probably heard of several home remedies that suggest you add something to the water, such as aspirin, 7UP or Sprite or even bleach! You don't need to do that. Plain water will do just fine.

Once you bring your tree home, if you are not going to set it up immediately, you should put it in a bucket of water in a well-shaded area out of the wind. Most retail locations will put a fresh cut on the tree -- trimming about one-fourth to one-half of an inch (0.64 to 1.25 cm) from the base. It can take as little as four to six hours for the base of the tree to sap over. When this happens, a seal is formed and the tree will no longer take water. If this does happen, you can make another fresh cut and place it in water immediately.

You can trim your tree even after you have put it in a stand. You can cut back some of the bark along the base, exposing the pinkish layer underneath, or you can drill a few shallow holes along the base. This works because it is not the center of the trunk, which absorbs the majority of water, but rather the outermost rings just below the bark. One of the easiest ways to make sure your tree is getting enough water is to select the best tree stand. The average Christmas tree can use as much as 1 gallon (3.79 liters) of water a day, and you should check the water level daily. The general rule of thumb, according to the National Christmas Tree Association, is that one quart (0.95 liters) of water is required for each inch (2.54 cm) of the trunk's diameter. So, if you have a tree that is about 6 feet (1.83 meters) tall with a trunk that measures about 4 inches (10 cm) in diameter, you will need to have a stand that holds at least 1 gallon (3.79 liters) of water.

When shopping for stands, be sure to find out how much water the stand holds when a tree is placed in it. Many simply tell you how much water the stand holds without taking into account the displacement that occurs once the tree is in the stand. The stands shown below are examples of really great stands.

In addition to keeping your tree watered, you should not place your tree near anything that could be a possible heat source. Avoid fireplaces, furnaces and air vents. It's really amazing that something that starts out the height of a quarter turns into a big, beautiful centerpiece for the holiday season. Please remember that when the season is over, you should remove your tree before it dries out. Several communities recycle trees by chipping them -- check with someone in your area about this service.

National picture of the Canadian real estate market

As the Canadian real estate market continues to rebound from a steep decline a year ago brought on by the recession, home buyers remain nervous about the stability of the economy, according to a survey of 1,225 Royal LePage agents and brokers across Canada. However, few buyers think home prices will decline again.

When asked to comment on the most common fears they are hearing from home buyers over the past three months, 38 percent of Royal LePage agents and brokers cited economic stability and related factors such as job security. 23 percent said home buyers fear they may not be able to sell their existing homes at the price they are hoping for, while 12 percent said buyers are hesitant because they believe prices have not yet hit the bottom of the cycle. Twenty percent of agents and brokers said they are not hearing any concerns from buyers.

The Royal LePage Advisor Survey, conducted online in November 2009, also found that an increasing number of Canadians are purchasing homes as investment properties, and almost 50 percent of brokers and agents say the number of buyers intending to renovate their properties after purchase is increasing.

Changing Leaside

Lots of changes are happening in Leaside, or could happen depending on what happens at the Ontario Municipal Board. Currenly before the OMB is a proposal to replace the heritage- designated Talbot Apartments on Bayview Avenue with an 8-storey condo tower and condo townhouses.

On Thursdsay Dec. 10 at 6:30, a public meeting will be held at Leaside Library concerning another development site at 85 Laird Drive, part of which is occupied by a heritage rail maintenance facility. The site at one time was going to be used for a car sales facility but that plan went down with the demise of General Motors. First Capital is proposing to a 180,000 retail power centre for the site with 928 surface and below grade parking stalls. The city wants to maintain the area as an employment centre but the days of industry in this former industrial park seem numbered. I would love to see a Liberty Village type of development with loft condos, small offices, and some bars utilizing some of the heritage buildings.

Hot Market Continues- More Properties Needed for Buyers

Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 7,446 sales in November – slightly more than double the November 2008 result when GTA home sales had dipped markedly due to the economic downturn. Year-to-date sales were up 14 per cent compared to the first 11 months of 2008.

“This year in the GTA home sales will be in line with the healthy levels experienced between 2004 and 2006,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Tom Lebour. Increased resale home transactions in the Toronto area and country-wide played a key role in pushing the Canadian economy out of recession in the third quarter.”

The average price for November transactions was up 14 per cent year-over-year to $418,460. The average price year-to-date was up four per cent to $394,464.

“Very strong annual growth rates for sales and average price should be expected through the first quarter of 2010, because we will be comparing the current recovery to the housing market decline experienced last winter,” according to Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis. “As we move into the spring, growth rates will move to more sustainable levels.”

Strong Market Continues in November- More Listings Needed

In the first two weeks of November, Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 3,666 sales – up 84 per cent compared to the first two weeks of November 2008. The average price for these transactions was up 10 per cent year-over year to $415,066.

Increased interest in ownership housing has been widespread throughout the GTA and across all housing types,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Tom Lebour. “However, it is important to point out that we are now making comparisons to the fall of 2008 when we experienced a marked decline in sales and average price”

Year-to-date sales, at 78,233 are up 11 per cent compared to 2008. Average price, at $393,180, is up by three per cent.

Eglinton Crosstown LRT Meetings

Another series of open houses is beginning for the Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (LRT). The LRT line will run from Kennedy subway station all the way to Pearson Airport and will undoubtedly have an effect on property development and values along the route. There is generally a positive impact on property values along the route as more intensive development occurs around the stations, though this often takes place over a number of years. For more information, see www.toronto.ca/transitcity

TREB Reports Strong Growth in October MLS Transactions

In October 2009, Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 8,476 sales, up 64 per cent from October 2008. The average price for October transactions was $423,559 – up by 20 per cent compared to the same month last year.

"Strong sales growth has occurred across many property classes – from price ranges that would attract first-time buyers to luxury properties selling for over one million dollars," said TREB President Tom Lebour. “The highest rate of sales growth in October was experienced for properties selling for over $750,000. In contrast, luxury home sales declined at an above-average rate last year.”

Year-to-date sales, at 74,721, were up nine per cent compared to the first ten months of 2008. Average price, at $392,264 was up by almost three per cent.

Economic and Condo Update 2010

I attended the Economic and Condo Market Update yesterday sponsored by Genworth Financial (thanks to Jessica Magno for the invitation). In his address, a speaker from the Conference Board of Canada showed that our economy seems to be on the mend. While it is of little consolation to those who are losing their jobs, he pointed out that we experienced eight years of employment growth from 2000- 2008, far greater than the jobs lost in the last year.

An interesting point he made is that it is unlikely that the US will very soon start to address the huge deficit that they are building up, which is actually a good thing for us in Canada. Once they start to address it, there will be a tightening spending by Americans, our biggest export customers. He said that the introduction of the HST in July 2010 will add .7% to the inflation rate, with the overall rate expected to be 2.7% He did not foresee an increase in mortgage rates beyond 1-2%, which he felt would not have a significant effect on the real estate market. I took my son Michael, who recently graduated from Trent with a Bachelor in Business Administration and is looking for a job in finance, with me. It was interesting to see how the younger generation views these things.

One of the other speakers was from Urbanation (www.urbanation.ca) who spoke about the Toronto condo market. He felt that the biggest issue with the coming HST is its impact on condo maintenance fees, which he expects will rise by about 6%. He said that when fees rise to over $600/mo., it has a negative effect on condo sales. Overall he was very positive about the condo market in Toronto, reporting that the unsold inventory is down significantly. He noted that a number of successful projects had revised their suite mix, going to smaller less expensive units.

He noted that there has been a difference in price per square foot between new and re-sale has declined. He also identified the condo areas that have experienced the most price appreciation since 2007:

Downtown core: up 16%

North York City Centre: up 12%

City Place: up 10%

Downtown West: up 9%

Downtown East: up 8%

Harbourfront: up 8%.

Terry Fox

Congratulations to all who participated in one of the various run/walks held this past weekend- the Weekend Walk to End Cancer, Terry Fox, etc. I participated in the latter. I walked in the first Terry Fox Run, 29 years ago, at the UBC Woodlot. We were living in Vancouver at the time of Terry's historic journey and so felt quite connected to it. Because of other Sunday morning commitments, I hadn't participated in another until yesterday.

The 10 km. walk through the Sunnybrook valley park system wasn't too hard, quite pleasant really. I did enjoy the free massage at the end though- only a five minute massage but by two people and so effectively 10 minutes! The majority of the participants walked rather than ran.

I learned that funds raised by such walks has had quite an effect on improvement in cancer treatment. At the time of Terry's death, the survivorship rate from his form of cancer was only about 15%. Today it is 75%. 

It was a morning well-spent. Thank you to all of the organizers and many volunteers who made it possible.

First Week Back- A Busy Real Estate Market

You really notice a difference the first week back after Labour Day. With the kids back to school and  everyone back from the cottage, the city is much busier. Traffic volumes, and so commuting times, return to their pre-summer levels. the benefits of living in the central city, with a short commute to work, become more obvious.

We are finding things busier at the office too with the client rooms being used more. We are receiving a lot of calls on our new listings. As will be reported in our article on the back page of the October North Toronto Post magazine, the real estate market was hot this past summer even though the weather wasn’t. In August, sales through the Toronto Real Estate Board were up 27% over last year. In July, they were up 28% over 2008. We expect this busy market to continue this autumn.

Why has the market been so hot? Primarily because of today’s low mortgage rates. As the economy moves into a recovery period, it is likely that interest rates will increase. Buyers want to acquire their home now while they can still tie into a low mortgage rate.

As a result of all this buying, there has been a significant decline in the number of active listings. Prices have moved up somewhat. If you are a potential seller, this autumn would be a great time to take advantage of the opportunity to put your house or condo on the market. Our neighbourhoods look glorious at this time of year too with the turning of the leaves.

If you are a potential buyer, now is the time to contact a realtor® to help you find your home before mortgage rates go up. It is also nice to be into your new homes before winter sets in. A realtor® can help by bringing good properties to your attention early. Many listings have multiple offers. A realtor® can guide you through this process.


Considering buying or selling? Please contact one of the sales team here at the Royal LePage Bayview Branch.

15 Reasons to Go Back to Work

Labour day weekend is still to come but with September 1, the fall market is upon us.

The September issue of the Globe's Report on Business (ROB) magazine had a great article entitled 15 reasons to be back to work (and be happy about it). While the article is directed at Bay Street types, it had a few reasons that apply to realtors as well.

1. There is money to be made. The real estate market generally picks up in the fall with buyers, sellers, and realtors returning from summer vacations. There is also some "nesting" that goes on as we prepare for the long winter.

2. Because ski season is only 13 weeks away. The fall real estate season can be short and so now is the time to get busy.

3. You're getting a new suit. Nothing makes you feel more like getting out and doing some deals than wearing a new set of clothes. Apparently you can get Brooks Brother's suits in Toronto now but you don't have to go that high end (they cost about $1300). I heard a story recently about two guys showing up at an event wearing the same suit (or same-looking suit anyway). One fellow said to the other, "who is you tailor?", to which the other gentleman replied "Tip Top". One fellow had paid considerably more for his suit than the other.

4. Finally, you don't have to "tweet" after all. While social networking is becoming an important part of marketing in real estate, the ROB article reports that more than 1/3 of the people who sign up for Twitter bail after their first message. You can follow our CEO Phil Soper at http://twitter.com/PhilSoper.

Blue Rodeo at Molson Amphitheatre

It's not real estate related but I can't resist the urge to write about the Blue Rodeo concert Thursday night at the Molson Amphitheatre in Toronto. My wife was at the cottage and my friends otherwise busy and so I decided, "what the hey, I'll just go myself" and I am glad I did. It was Blue Rodeo's 10th annual show at the outdoor lakefront performance site and a large crowd gathered (19,000 is capacity).

The grass area, where I sat, sold out but there was room to be comfortable under the late summer evening sky. The affection shown by the crowd towards the band really impressed me (many seem to have been to lots of Blue Rodeo concerts) and they responded by putting on a great two-hour, two-encore performance. They played many of their hits ("Try" was one of the encore numbers) as well as some new songs from an upcoming release, and even a few sing-alongs.

To bring this back to real estate, it made me appreciate living in a city where we have a facility such as the Amphitheatre and can see such great performances.

Summer Holiday Reading

I was fortunate to spend two full weeks at my family cottage this summer. It has been a few years since I have been able to spend two full weeks there and I found that it makes a big difference. One week feels like three days while two weeks feels like three weeks. You need those extra days to slow down from the city pace and not try to fill every day with activity before it is time to go home.

I enjoy the time at the cottage as an opportunity to some uninterupted reading while not too tired (as compared to bedtime reading). I always try to do some "work reading" and some recreational reading. My work reading was "What Would Google Do" by Jeff Jarvis. I found it to be a rambling piece with the author often repeating himself. However, it was enlightening for me on the impact of the internet on business. The author suggests ways in which Google's business model can be applied to other businesses,including real estate. It is worth a read. A new book that likely covers some of this same territory is Free:The Future of a Radical Price by Chris Anderson (he is referred to by Jarvis in his book). For more info, and reviews by other readers, google the title!

My "recreational" reading was Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson with David Relin. It tells of Mortenson's efforts to build schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan, beginning in the mid 1990s. Reading this book helps to build an understanding of what is happening in those countries with the Taliban and the Islamic extremists. Mortenson tells an interesting anecdote of going to pay his respects on the death of Mother Teresa ending up by himself in a room with her body. The book wasn't as "recreational" a read as often do over the holidays but well worthwhile.

GTA REALTORS® report sales up first two weeks of July

In the first two weeks of July, Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 4,437 sales up 27 per cent compared to the first two weeks of July 2008. The average price for these transactions was up four per cent year-over-year to $394,750.

"The resurgence in home ownership demand experienced in the spring has continued into the summer. Home buyers continued to take advantage affordable market conditions in the first half of July," said TREB President Tom Lebour. "If the mid-month results carry forward, we may see the best July on record."

Year-to-date sales, at 45,213 are down four per cent compared to 2008. Average price, at $384,645 is down one per cent. "The GTA housing market has held up very well this year given the current economic climate, especially relative to past economic slow-downs," explained Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis."The cost of borrowing has been key. With inflation in check, the Bank of Canada has been able to aggressively lower interest rates – an option that wasn’t available in the early 1990s or early 1980s."

Source: Toronto Real Estate Board
For a complete copy of the Market Watch Report visit www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com

Inpressed with How We Are Dealing with the Garbage Strike

I made my first visit to the garbage drop off down at Sunnybrook Park Sunday morning. I was very impressed by the courtesy shown by the City replacement workers and also by those dropping off their garbage. Seems the City had a few more workers on than necessary (e.g. 2 "greeters") but maybe it is understandable given security concerns. Overall, I have been impressed by how people have been dealing with the strike. As responsible taxpayers, we are managing our garbage so that there is no rush to satisfy the strikers' demands and end up with another rich contract.

GTA Resale Market Posts Best June on Record

In June 2009, Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported a record 10,955 sales, up 27 per cent from June 2008. The seasonally adjusted annual rate of sales in June was 100,700.

"The record result in June is testament to the fundamentally sound housing market in the GTA,"said the Toronto Real Estate Board’s newly appointed President Tom Lebour. "An increasing number of households have been confident in purchasing a home in the region’s affordable and diverse resale housing market."

The average price for June transactions was $403,972 – up by two per cent compared to the
same month last year. "The re-emergence of seller’s market conditions has exerted upward pressure on home prices," explained Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis. "Look for sales to remain high relative to listings in the second half of the year. This will keep home prices growing."

New RLP Recreational Property Report

Despite the economic downturn, many Canadians are still dreaming of owning a recreational property, both as a long-term investment and to enjoy with family and friends. Canadians are willing to make sacrifices to own a cottage, and more want to use their cottage, cabin or chalet year-round as a recreational property and, for some, as their primary residence, according to the 2009 Royal LePage Recreational Property Report.

The 2009 Royal LePage Recreational Property Report comprises a nationwide survey of Canadian attitudes towards recreational property* ownership, coupled with a market analysis of recreational property prices, trends and activity in selected leisure markets across the country.

“The survey showed the dream of owning a get-away property on the water to escape the pressures of city life and to relax with family and friends, is still alive and well across the country,” said Phil Soper, President and Chief Executive of Royal LePage Real Estate Services. “Beyond the obvious lifestyle benefits however, our research demonstrates Canadians see recreational property as a smart and safe long term investment.”

The survey found that 64 per cent of Canadians view cottage ownership as a sound investment. To pursue their dream of buying a recreational property, 55 per cent of Canadians would be willing to make compromises with regards to their financial or lifestyle choices, such as purchasing a property with family and friends, renting out their cottage, making a cottage their primary residence, buying a fixer-upper, or moving into a smaller principal home in the city.

“While Canadians build their own personal equity through cottage ownership, they also contribute to the economy of the small leisure communities they vacation in by shopping at the local stores and through activities such as boating and golfing,” continued Soper.

Following a reduction in sales in the latter half of 2008 and over the winter, the recreational market is now showing signs of renewed interest and increased activity. Consumer concern about the recession and increasing inventories have eased demand and helped alleviate the chronic supply shortage that has characterized the recreational real estate market in recent years. Improved affordability is keeping many markets busy. So far this year the busiest areas have been those offering more modestly priced or entry-level properties, such as the Kawarthas in Ontario.

Full 2009 Royal LePage Recreational Property Report (.PDF)

President Obama's Campaign Manager

One of our salespeople here at the Bayview Branch, Susan Gucci, was presented with a Civic Award at the Toronto Real Estate Board recently. Her work with school councils was recognized, including her development of a breakfast program at East York Collegiate. Congratulations Susan!

Susan and I were fortunate to have reserved seats to hear the speaker at the event, David Plouffe, campaign manager for President Obama. In his fascinating address, he attributed the success of the Obama campaign to a number of things, including:
-a disciplined focus one theme, strategy, message
-small financial contritutions made my many rather than large contributions- their average contribution was $85, many made by retirees and students
-recognition of the many small contributors of their value to the campaign
-grass roots support groups organizing themselves, using the website www.mybarackobama.com, the website was used to identify supporters
-they successful changed the electorate, increasing the participation of latinos, blacks, younger people- Obama spoke to many student groups-used internet advertising, "viral marketing', sending Obama volunteers into restaurants, bars etc. where young people went
-winning the first primary in Iowa was key, establishing Obama's creditability as a presidential candidate- in Iowa, as many young people as old people turned out to vote
-"nothing is more powerful than a human being speaking"- many people voted because their friend or neighbour was voting- "my neighbour sees the work like I do"
-Obama supporters took responsibility for swing voters, getting them out to support Obama
-people tune out politicians because they know what they are going to say, but listen when their friends or neighbours speak
-the Obama campaign was willing to defy the conventions of politics and speak to the electorate like they were adults and not tell them what they wanted to hear, didn't speak in sound bites
-Obama volunteers like to do hard things, were very committed- didn't see volunteering as a ticket to the West Wing but rather believed in what Obama was saying, win or lose
-the campaign wasn't afraid to roll the dice and try risky things- there we no leaks from the campaign- those who didn't perform were not kept on
-the campaign was viewed as series of small elections, not a national campaign

Real Estate Lessons from Musicians

This week I attended a presentation by Gary Keller, co-founder of Keller Williams Realty International. I was quite underwhelmed by his presentation- maybe he was having a bad day or I've just seen the same material presented many times already. However, I was impressed by a musician he presented named Billy McLaughlin. Billy plays a style of guitar where much of the sound is created by plucking the strings on the fretboard rather than the more common strumming style. Billy's successful career was curtailed when he was diagnosed with an incurable neuromuscular disease affecting his right hand. He he could not play anymore. After some trying times, he made a comeback after teaching himself how to play all his songs left-handed. I am not a musician but it seems to have been quite a feat.

A film about Billy, called Changing Keys, is being presented at the ReelheArt Film Festival in Toronto on Thursday June 25, raising funds for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation. He will also be performing after the film. For more infomation see www.reelheart.com or www.billymacmusic.com. For a video clip see http://depthqmedia.com/ChangingKeys.

How does all this relate to real estate? Most musicians have such a passion for music that when a they are playing, they really are "playing", not working. The work is the hours of practice that go into being able to perform, an exceptional amount of work in the case of Billy McLaughlin. It is the same for realtors. When we are doing listing presentations, presenting offers, and so one, we are like a musician on stage- we are playing. We are working when we are spending hours training in how to do these things effectively, when we are doing the research, when we are developing our leads, etc. We can't expect to be able "to play" unless we are also willing to do the work. When things look a little grim, through perseverence and creativity, such as exhibited by Billy Mclaughlin, was can succeed.

The movie August Rush came to mind as I watched Billy play- the young musician in it plays a similar style, using the frets. Another musican who plays a somewhat similar style is Kevin Ramessar. I was fortuate last year to attend a house concert where I saw this very talented Canadian musician play. (www.kevinramessar.com).

Riding My Bike in Leaside

I went out for a bike ride around Leaside after work last night. First I rode past Northlea School where the Child Care Centre was holding its annual BBQ. Riding south I passed by Trace Manes Park, where an Atom baseball game was going on. Turning back towards home, I rode past Talbot Park, at Eglinton and Bayview, where baseball games where going on at both ends of the field. The last leg of my journey took me past Leaside High School where it seemed like a million little kids were playing soccer. As I put my bike away in the garage, it thought what a fantasic active family neighbourhood Leaside is. It was is just one of the great neighbourhoods that we serve at the Royal LePage Bayview Branch.

Market Rebounds in May

TORONTO, June 3, 2009 - In May 2009, Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 9,589 sales,
up almost two per cent from May 2008 – the first annual increase since December 2007. The
seasonally adjusted annual rate of sales in May was 81,3001.

“The resale housing market in the GTA has remained resilient in the face of challenging times
globally,” according to TREB President Maureen O’Neill. “Many home buyers have taken
advantage of extremely low mortgage rates.”

The average price for April transactions was $395,609 – down less than one per cent compared
to the same month last year. “The average resale home price has moved in line with last year’s level because of tighter market conditions experienced this Spring,” stated Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis. “Home sales have increased strongly relative to new listings, bolstering home prices.”

Source: Toronto Real Estate Board

For a complete copy of the Market Watch Report visit www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com

Greater Toronto REALTORS® are passionate about their work. They adhere to a strict Code of
Ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service. Serving over 28,000 Members in the Greater Toronto Area, the Toronto Real Estate Board is Canada’s largest real estate board.
Greater Toronto Area open house listings are now available on www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com.

First –time buyers back in the market

As realtors® in many Toronto neighbourhoods are finding, first-time buyers are back in the market.
Royal LePage has just completed a survey that found low mortgage rates and lower home prices are causing more first time buyers to enter the market, or at least consider doing so. Concerns about job security and, to a lesser extent, the state of the economy are mitigating factors.
Potential buyers were asked to rank their top incentives for purchasing a first property. While lower home prices and interest rates took the top two rankings, the third most popular incentive was the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit. The recently introduced Home Renovation Tax Credit was not ranked as highly. The increase in the amount that can be deducted from an RSP under the Home Buyer’s Plan was not a big factor either.
There were significant response differences across Canada. In the west, where high housing prices have kept some buyers out of the market in recent years, the drop in housing costs was much more of a determining factor than in Quebec and Atlantic Canada, where housing prices have been more stable.
In the Greater Toronto Area, condominiums continue to attract many first-time buyers because of their relative affordability. Also most are located where first-time buyers want to be- close to work, entertainment, and transit. However, the market has also picked up considerably for “starter houses”- bungalows and semi-detached homes in the less expensive neighbourhoods.
For more information, see www.royallepage.ca.

Easter Sunday Open House

Should I do an Open House on Easter Sunday?

Of course if your religious observance of the day would not permit you to do an open house, you should not. That being said, in past years, I have found Easter Sunday to be a good day for open house. There are visitors in the neighbourhood, coming for Easter dinner. You never know when one them will be your buyer, or pass information on your listing on to a buyer. Make an Easter Sunday open house special by giving away daffodils for similar. I would not recommend open on Good Friday.