Green – Water Efficeincy

 

When it comes to water and the environment the city of Toronto is allways looking for ways to save.Yes save you and i money, the Toronto toilet rebate program allows you to replace your old water guzzling toilet and receive up to $75.00 cash-back….

Looking to replace your washing appliances how about another $60.00 for making the switch to a front loader….

Need a new high efficient shower head the city will sell them during Community Environment Day for $15.00 apiece talk to your local councillor’s to find the next location and date….

If you do not live in Toronto do an internet seach and you will likely find that your own local government will have similar incentives to save…..

Source…. Rob Paterson, City of Toronto

Neighbourhoods – Ontario’s softening real estate market

With the real estate problems our North American cousins are experiencing down south is appears we are beginning to catch a cold sort of speak. Our real estate concerns in Ontario are more related to stable employment than Sub prime.  The average price of a resale home in Canada fell by 3.6 percent. A decline that started in June when prices fell for the 1st time in more than nine years.

Ontario with its sluggish economy thanks to the meteoric rise in the Canadian dollar and a major employer the auto sector being hammered by high fuel costs are major contributors to the concerns about dropping housing values. With the major markets like Toronto only seeing a rise of 1.5 percent in July we could soon see a drop in values.

With listings outpacing sales the market is definitely changing buyers now have a bit more leverage than previously. Sales are down 10.9 percent from the ‘07 robust record setting year and listings are up 18 percent there are now more to choose from and homes are remaining on the market for longer periods. This may now may just be the time to get into the market.

However there are still some hot pockets in toronto with bidding wars although fewer than before. Remember with real estate location location location will determine the price….  

Source…… Rob Paterson, Crea

Ask the Agent – Real Estate future and the DNCL

The DNCL do not call list will re-shape real estate in its entirety as now the client is truly in control. Real Estate will have to go back to its roots and provide the personal touch that has been lost with the advent of computers and the Internet. I may have a bias being a Realtor but the DNCL will not serve the public as you think.

The telephone will still ring at the most inopportune time as the the major telemarketers ie banks, pollsters and of course anyone in-which you may have had business dealings with in the last 18months will be calling .

With regards to real estate i feel we will go back to when most people had a more personal/professional relationship with “there Realtor”. This will be a good thing for Realtors as the salesperson image should leave and a more respected professional image will take its place.

When clients come to the office my job is made easier and the whole process becomes professional. Having my clients come to the office may sound selfish but think about it would you ask your mechanic to assess you cars engine at your residence without there tools?

The Internet may be great for searching up information but in real estate there has to be a personal touch. This will benefit the Client who comes into the office and is looking to buy a house as they will now have proper representation remember the listing agent is working directly under contract for the Home Owner.  

Cold Calling clients has had its day and now its time for both Seller’s/Buyer’s and Realtor’s to take a look back at the past for the best result’s .

Source…. Rob Paterson 

Neighbourhoods – A Day at the Beach

Woodbine Beach / Ashbridges bay  to be exact, If you have not been to this gem by the lake you are missing something that’s for sure. This beach offers something for all if you are like me and do not like the sun you can enjoy the 100 year old trees providing lots of shade for you to barbecue and picnic under.

Or if you are a sun lover you can enjoy plenty of rays without having sand kicked all over you this beach has lots of space with a length of a kilometre or more and a depth of half a kilometre you will always find your space.

If you are unprepared you do not have to worry as there are plenty of places you may purchase food stuff . Oh yeah, dont forget to bring a bike as there is plenty of paths to cycle roller-blade or just to stroll.

If you are travelling by car come early as the parking is all but taken by 9:30am. A car is not necessary to travel to this urban beach as the TTC will get you there by street car.

The Beach is located along lakeshore ave east of the Don Valley Parkway past eastern ave. If you do not like crowds and traffic go during the week! if you have an experience you would like to share pls send us your comment.

Planning a move to the leslieville/Beaches area email Robert-Paterson@ColdwellBanker.ca for more information ” Let’s Make a Deal today”

Source…. Rob Paterson