GTA REALTORS® RELEASE MID-MONTH RESALE HOUSING FIGURES

 TORONTO, February 19, 2013 – Greater Toronto Area REALTORS® reported 2,823 sales through the TorontoMLS system during the first 14 days of February. This result represented a decline of 8.3 per cent compared to the same period in 2012.

 The number of transactions was lower for most home types in comparison to last year, but so too was the number of new listings. This means that market conditions remained quite tight, especially for low-rise home types. The result was continued price growth over last year,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Ann Hannah.

 The average selling price for Toronto MLS transactions in the first half of February was $509,061 – up by four per cent in comparison to the same time last year. 

“The annual rate of price growth so far in February has been in line with expectations for 2013. The average selling price in the GTA will continue to grow this year but at a slower pace compared to 2012. The basis of this price growth will be the low-rise segment of the market, for which months of inventory and therefore choice for buyers remains very low,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis. 

                                                2013                                                              2012

You'll know the home is yours when you first step into it. It will have that just-feels-right look and feel to it. You'll know the home is yours, the one you can call home, by that feeling deep inside that tells you everything is right.

You can read a lot about real estate and you should. There are some very important things that you need to watch for as a first time Brampton homebuyer. There are homes that are in a bad neighborhood, houses with underlying structural damage etc. You need to become aware of these factors, of course, but the one thing you can't read about is the feeling that comes over you when you have been desperately trying to find the right place and then suddenly find it. It is the feeling of finding home.

You may get discouraged as a first time Brampton homebuyer. It may take some time before you find the house you can call home and you may feel that it is all a wasted effort. A lot of clients hit the point of frustration right before they see the house they want. It's like magic. The desperation comes and then the home pops up.

In Brampton there are a lot of listings being added every day. Some of these homes have incredible designs that are simply inspiring. The thing is that you need to find the one that inspires you. Then you have made it.

You will know a home is right for you when you feel it. You can walk into this Brampton home and imagine your furniture in it. You can envision stepping out into the back yard on a sunny day with a cold drink in your hand. Everything fits together perfectly, and the small things that aren't perfect really don't matter.

A Brampton real estate agent will help you find this house. All the agent needs to know is what you are looking for. He'll need a feel of what you want and then show you what's available. A good agent will never give up until you are fully satisfied and happy with your final decision.

This is really all there is to it. You'll know when you know. There is no big secret that a first time Brampton homebuyer doesn't have access to. There is a perfect home out there just waiting for you - you just need to keep looking for it until you find it.

Bathrooms are constantly in need of maintenance because they collect dirt and are exposed to high humidity on a regular basis, which can make things break down more often. Ensure that the caulking in your bathroom is solid and secure.

If caulking starts to break away or crack, replace it as soon as possible before a problem arises. Showers used on regular basis will promote the accumulation of bacteria and mold. Be sure to clean your shower on a regular basis, especially if you start to see an accumulation of film or black mold, typically on the shower curtains or doors. If you see any leak around the base of your sink or toilet, be sure to seal if off as soon as possible, otherwise it can turn into a big problem. Lastly make sure that you have a bathroom exhaust fan and that it is in working order. The fan can help to remove humid air quickly from the room, which cuts down the damage that such air can do to the bathroom.

Weekly Sales Report - February 24, 2012

Region Area Sales Average Price

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

Weekly Sales Report - December 15, 2011

Region Area Sales Average Price

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

treb mls sales sales monthly with three years Comparison

 

Sales Comparison for previous three years.

TREB MLS New listings Monthly with three Previous Years for Comparison.

Trem MLS Sales to new Listing ration Monthly with Three Previous Years Comparison

Mississauga Homes for Sale
Brampton Homes for Sale

Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 7,092 residential transactions through the TorontoMLS® system in November – up 11 per cent in comparison to November 2010. At the same time, the number of new listings was up by 14 per cent in comparison to last year.
“We have seen strong annual sales growth through the 2011 fall market. The increase in transactions has been broad-based, with strong growth across low-rise and high-rise home types throughout the Greater Toronto Area,” said Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) President Richard Silver. “The market has also become better supplied, with annual new listings growth outstripping that of sales. As this trend continues into 2012, we will see more balanced market conditions.”
The average price for November transactions was $480,421, representing an increase of almost 10 per cent in comparison to $437,494 in November 2010.
"Despite strong price growth this year, the housing market remains affordable in the GTA," said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis. "The correct method of assessing affordability is to consider the share of the average household’s
income that is dedicated to mortgage principal and interest, property taxes and utilities. Currently, this share remains in line with generally accepted lending guidelines. Given this positive affordability picture, average price growth is forecast to continue in 2012, albeit at a more moderate pace."

• Have adult supervision. Go with your kids if you don’t think they’re old enough to trick- or-treat on their own. If they’re old enough to trick-or-treat without an adult, tell your kids to stay in a group.

• Take the long way 'round. Have your kids trick-or-treat in areas where there are a lot of people around also avoid taking short-cuts through alleys and parking lots.
• Try trick-or-treat-friendly homes. Ensure your kids only visit houses with lights on. And, you might also suggest the houses they visit have some sort of Halloween decoration on the porch.
• Stay outside. Make sure your kids don’t go inside someone’s house. They can get their candy from the porch.
• Remain visible. Dress your kids in a bright costume so others can see them. If their costume is dark, have your kids wear reflective strips or carry a glow stick or flashlight.
• Remember, shorter is safer. Goes without saying but just in case you forget, ensure your kids’ costumes aren’t so long that they can trip over them.
• Don't cover the face. Instead of masks, have your kids wear make-up so they can see better.
• Check their treats. Check your kids’ candy before they eat it. Throw out any candy that is not in its original wrapper or looks like it has been tampered with.
• Say "no" to strangers. Tell your kids to never accept a ride or go anywhere with a stranger.
• Follow the Rules. Encourage your kids to follow all the regular rules for walking around. That includes looking both ways before crossing, obeying all traffic laws and using cross walks and crossing lights where available.
• Have a great time. Make sure your kids have tons of fun and get lots and lots of candy.

Every one doesn’t have to be genius or a hero to protect their home or family from fire. It’s up to all of us to prevent fires.

All you have to invest a little time, energy and money for this. Residential fires are either a lack of foresight and planning by the owner or a burning case of stupidity.

According to Ontario Fire Marshal, the number one cause of fires in the home is people vacating kitchen while they are cooking.Cigarettes, matches and lighters are the fourth-leading cause of preventable home fires in Ontario and the leading cause of fire related injury and deaths in the province.

Fire prevention Canada says you have just three minutes to escape a burning home before it becomes fully engulfed.

So what can you do?

1. Ensure you have working fire alarm on evey floor and out side all bedrooms. Make sure to test them regularly. Also change their batteries twice a year.

2. Develop a home escape plan with youe family members so everyone knows exactly what to do in the case of fire breaks out.

3. Stay in the kitchen when using the range for cooking.

4. Don't sit down or lie down when smoking.

These following simple steps can help you to enjoy the winter without fear of damage to your home

As the cold weather approaches it is important to ensure your home is winter ready. There are plenty of simple ways to winterize your home without breaking the bank, with a positive effect on lowering your heating bills.

 Interior:

Inspect your furnace and replace the filter. Stock up on furnace filters and be sure to change them every month. Next, have your fire place cleaned so it will be ready for use. Screen the top of your chimney to keep out rodents and birds and store fire wood in a dry place away from the outside of your home. Inspect the mortar between bricks to make sure that your fires remain contained within the hearth. Insure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors had the battery replaced.

 Exterior:

Examine the exterior of your home for cracks and crevices that could allow cold air to seep inside. Apply weather stripping around doors and chalk windows. Homes with basements and attics are prone to cold drafts. In basements consider covering window wells with plastic wraps. When the warm weather returns you can remove the wrap.  Warm air rises so adding extra insulation to your attic will insure that warmth stays where it’s needed. These small what important steps can make a huge difference on your heating bills.

 Garden:

Prune trees and shrubs to minimize potential for damage by snow, particularly those hanging close to the home. Clear and store planter for spring, dust plant bulbs with bone meal. Drain all garden hoses and shut off outside water. Seal the driveway and deck.