The demolition of the third Dickinson Tower from the original five towers in Regent Park Phase 3 of 5 15 year redevelopment is underway. Proposed Phase 3 will make way for market condos and rent-geared-to-income housing, as well as a brand new 2.8 acre sports athletic ground integrated as part of the 69 acre revitalization.               There were two opposing views as to whether one of the remaining apartment towers at 14 Blevins Place should be preserved or torn down when the City decided not to designate the buildings as part of the heritage inventory. The modernist highrise apartments were designed by Peter Dickinson in the 1950s, and won the Massey Medal for Architecture in 1961. Each unit was self contained and extended two storeys with an internal staircase to the upper bedroom ... 08/27/2014

My strong, beautiful and gracious baby is 9! Can't believe she is already nine - what a journey, what a fun-filled journey it's been so far! All the best to you Alissa, all that your little heart desires - best friends, fun, success, achievements, super powers and super abilities. Your life is just starting - live it with your heart! Being a Real Estate Agent with Sutton Group Summit Realty is so much fun!Being a Mom is even better!www.MarinaG.ca 08/26/2014

While riding his bike at the skate park today, my 13-year old got approached by a group of people. The action was staged and organized and at first my son did not even realized he was targeted. Until he was offered to purchase some cigarettes and marijuana. Right there, just follow them around the corner. My son is a swimmer, swimmer with a goal, and pure idea of smoking drives him furious. He got himself out of there immediately and came home. We called police and reported the case. And we heard literally the following from the officer:1. This area is known for drug usage. - Well, great, this helps a lot.... 2. Your son did the right thing by getting himself out of there immediately. - Ok, thanks. But how does it help other kids that could come there tomorrow?3. He would send an office... 08/21/2014

Currently offered for sale, this amazing home, located in the highly desirable area of High Park, has all one's little heart could dream about! Being a Real Estate Agent with Sutton Group Summit Realty is so much fun!Looking to own an amazing house? Ask Marina!www.MarinaG.ca 08/19/2014

Dear John, I care about you!  We've known each other for years! I trusted you! I love you, I really do.  But listen..... Its meIts not you You call me late at night and ask questions,You want things explained, You want neighbourhood details and perspectivesDeep personal back ground info You want property histories.... What sold on the street? How was it inside? I know you are seeing properties with other agents.   Stop the denial.We need to sign a Buyer's Agency or I refuse to be your emotional information center and data bank anymore.... I cannot handle the late night emails and phone calls that demand immediate attention without your mutual commitment. You tell me..... I cannot commit to you without your commitment to me.     so.....   It's over between us...  I cannot handle the lies. 08/04/2014

How much value does an extra bedroom add? Can you sell for more money with a 3 bedroom by converting a den in a 2 bedroom home into a bedroom? Truthfully, there is no formula for how much the selling price can increase by adding an extra bedroom. Likewise, converting a windowless den into a second bedroom may not be an attribute when it comes time to sell just because you gave it a new purpose and labeled it a different use. Some owners may want to convert a 2 bedroom [or 2 bedrooms with a den] to a 3 bedroom to make it look better on paper upon selling the property. You may get more traffic to attract the segment of buyers who are shopping for a 3 bedroom home, but if it is a compromised space where the third bedroom is too small to utilize as a proper bedroom with sufficient closet sp... 07/25/2014

          OPEN HOUSE 3 Wembley Rd Sat 2-4 PM. Asking $1,399,000. Fabulous 3+1 bdrm home in the Upper Village. Professionally designed by Tara Fingold. Completely reno'd. Fantastic oasis backyard in the centre of the city. Stop by and see for yourself. Main Floor family Rm Large principal Rooms Back Yard with Built in Pool and large deck                 07/24/2014

Bank to Condos ….. Over a hundred years ago, the Dominion Bank opened its new Headquarters on the SW corner of King St and Yonge St. Now in 2014 this building is undergoing restoration work which includes repairing and cleaning the very rare white terra cotta facade; in the process of trying to make it look like it did in 1914. This is the second restoration work, as in 2006 a new portion was added that rose 49 Floors, while keeping the original 14 storey building. This landmark today has offices, hotel suites, restaurants and condos with luxurious penthouses. Picture "Courtesy of Toronto Public Library"       07/12/2014

  After a Buyer has purchased into a condo development and takes possession of the unit, the period between the interim occupancy date to the unit transfer date is called the occupancy period. At the interim closing, the Buyer will be asked to provide a number of post-dated cheques to cover the monthly occupancy fee for the period until the condo is registered.   So how will the occupancy fee affect your budgeting? I get asked this question a lot. Technically there is no exact minimum or maximum charged by the developer, but the amount cannot exceed the prescribed interest calculated on a monthly basis on 1] the unpaid balance of the purchase price at a prescribed rate; 2] an estimate based on the municipal tax on the unit on a monthly basis; 3] the projected monthly common expense cont... 07/02/2014

Canada Day 2014 in Toronto.   Happy Canada Day!   If you are spending the holiday in Toronto, you can enjoy the festivities all over town. These include the Ribfest, the CHIN International Picnic, EdgeFest and the Canada Day Extravaganza at the Harbourfront.     And of course, there are fireworks, as wonderful as fireworks are from the land, they are even more beautiful from the calm waters of the Toronto Harbour. You can take a cruise to enjoy the light show in the sky, along with dinner as you sail on Lake Ontario. It will be a great way to celebrate this country’s 147th birthday. 07/01/2014

There truly is a science when it comes to staging difficult floor plans and more often than not, it is these layouts that are the most difficult to sell.  So what floor plans is that you ask?                  The long narrow rectangular floor plan and what can be even more challenging is when it is a loft with 20ft ceiling heights which can add to that clostrophobic boxy feel.    The rectangular floor plan is one of the least desirable styles of homes from detached to semi to condo and the solution will vary from one home to the next.  Below was a challenging loft.  What should have been a cult metropolitan luxury; a trendy loft in a trendy neighbourhood and up until we staged it had sat for 4 months with only 1 offer that fell through because potential buyers could not get past the flo... 06/21/2014

  Snapshot Of Toronto Weekly Condos and Freehold Deals For The Weekly Of June 19th, 2014.     As at June 19, 2014, there are several condos and homes priced thousands below market value. These condos and homes may include: Power Of Sales, Distress Sales, Fixer Uppers, Estate Sales and Vacant Properties that must be sold! The price ranges from $175,000 up to $799,000 and includes starter and luxury condos and homes. Some of these good deals are as follows:    2Bed, 2Bath Condo/Spacious Toronto Condo/Excellent location – Bus stop at Door!/ Within minutes to subway/ Priced to sell/ Asking price - $175,000 3+1Bed, 2Bath Semi-detach/Fabulous investment opportunity/All brick semi-detach/ Basement features separate side entrance/Won’t last long  / Asking price$350,000 3Bed, 2Bath Detach/ Highl... 06/19/2014

  Tight Market Conditions Prompt Strong Price Growth  TORONTO, June 4, 2014 – Toronto Real Estate Board President Dianne Usher announced that both the number of home sales through the TorontoMLS system and the average selling price were up strongly in May compared to a year ago.  Total TorontoMLS sales for May 2014 amounted to 11,079 – a new high for the month of May. This result was up by 11.4 per cent compared to 9,946 sales reported in May 2013. The average selling price for these sales was $585,204, representing an 8.3 per cent year-over-year increase compared to the average price of $540,544 in May 2013.  “We are now at the peak of the spring market when we generally see the greatest number of sales and the highest average selling prices. Based on the May statistics, buyers have be... 06/04/2014

There are resources available, from my team of professions, to make repairs to your parents house; repair and repaint. Drywall if needed. Make cosmetic updates to help sell the property for the highest dollar. This is preferred to selling a property that might be tagged Handy Man Special or Needs some TLC. If needed We can lend you the money to fix Mom's house BEFORE we list.   We can contract these services directly to completely freshen the paint colours, declutter and empty out the property, dispose and donate unneeded furnishings.   Carpeting can be removed or replaced and updated, changed out for hardwood floors for maximum  impact with first impressions.   All these expenses can be termed into the services provided in addition to listing the home for sale.  Contractors can add the... 05/31/2014

Snapshot Of Toronto Weekly Condos and Freehold Deals For The Weekly Of May 29, 2014. As at May 29, 2014, there are several condos and homes priced thousands below market value. These condos and homes may include: Power Of Sales, Distress Sales, Fixer Uppers, Estate Sales and Vacant Properties that must be sold! The price ranges from $254,900 up to $649,000 and includes starter and luxury condos and homes. Some of these good deals are as follows:    1Bed, 1Bath Condo / Prime Location Within Walking Distance To The Waterfront /Spectacular Lake View / Living and Dining Room Features Hardwood Floors / Lovely Open Concept Layout Features Modern Kitchen With Granite Countertops And Stainless Steel Appliances / $254,900 3Bed, 1Bath Semi-Detach / Semi- Detach Raised Bungalow / Estate State / Ba... 05/30/2014

Snapshot Of Etobicoke Weekly Condos and Freehold Deals For The Weekly Of May 29, 2014.   As at May 29, 2014, there are several condos and homes priced thousands below market value. These condos and townhomes may include: Power Of Sales, Distress Sales, Fixer Uppers, Estate Sales and Vacant Properties that must be sold! The price ranges from $259,900 up to $949,000 and includes starter and luxury condos and homes. Some of these good deals are as follows:   2Bed, 1Bath Condo / Prime Location Steps To Major Transportation / Spacious and Bright Suite With Balcony /15 Minutes To Downtown Toronto / Steps To Parks, Library and Shopping / $259,900 2Bed, 2Bath Detach Bungalow / Highly Sought After Prestigious Neighborhood / Steps To River, Park, Excellent Schools And Major Transportation / Great... 05/30/2014

In our RUSH to save money; Get the lowest commission. The offset is the service.  If your business model is to charge a few hundred to list a house, what services are you skipping?       I provide an unmatched marketing plan and put this in writing. There is a video library of Testimonials; My Reviews Just click here Ask How much the agent will spend on marketing; Printing Brochures Related Marketing Costs Video Tours and Hi Res's Photo's Do they have Visible Online Advertising and use Social Media Will they keep up to date with legislation and rapidly changing technology.  REBATES dont matter when 10's of thousands are lost at the negotiation table or the promised buyers never appear. Not all real estate agents provide the same service. I have observed mistakes that cost people money a... 05/28/2014

Real Estate Agent David Pylyp single handedly Stopped a Terrorist enterprise from occurring in a sleepy west end suburban community. " I realised that renting to "these people" was problematic when they completed the Individual Identification Record supplied by the Canadian Real Estate Association.  I was paying close attention to the television ads that promote diligence and using a REALTOR® " David Pylyp explained  "We had already signed the Agency Acknowledgement, Working with a Realtor Brochure, Explained and Signed the Buyers Representation Agreement when I was completing the updated 4 page Individual Identification Information Record. This is where FINTRAC needs to know where your deposit monies came from and who is really buying or renting the house." Normally people would shake ... 05/22/2014

Timeline; Toronto Summer 2014 Yes, sales are up, again, by a staggering 19% in Toronto! The average price of a detached home in the 416 is pushing a million dollars for an updated home in a good neighbourhood. http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/05/20/toronto-house-prices-soar_n_5359659.html?utm_hp_ref=canada-businessThe number of detached homes sold last month were 1300 with a year over year appreciation of 13% in value.[Flash back 4 years] http://youtu.be/mu269xorKBY   Same Media Perspective. Sales in the 905 are selling 3 times as many,with 3,500 units, but the individual price for a detached property is averaging $645K.  Simply put, you are driving till you can afford teh picket fence and private yard Sales in tony neighbourhoods like Roncesvalles Village and Bloor West only numbered ... 05/22/2014

Doing Everything yourself Could save you money, usually it is time consuming and nets a poorer result. http://SellinginToronto.ca   Family Law Court in Ontario is CLOGGED with unrepresented litigants because of the expense of using lawyers.  with that comes a lack of proper process, forms, disclosure, obligations and the ever present; I didn't KNOW I was supposed to do that! Can you imagine how our legal systems would be clogged with Self negotiated real estate transactions, private buyers and private sellers neglecting time lines and waiver needs.  Did you cancel that contractor?   Did you pay cash for that roof repair?  Who rewired the basement? At some point DIY and Home Handyman Have some strings attached and thats quality and warranty. I'm just reading an article here from Legal Ma... 05/15/2014