Neighbourhoods – Leslieville Toronto

A quaint village Leslieville roots date back to the 1850’s and is named after George Leslie afterwich the neighbourhood is named.

Leslieville is bounded by Carlaw to the west Coxwell in the east the railway tracks to the north and Lake Shore Blvd to the south. There is a huge mix of old world housing dating back to the original homes being built around the late 1800’s and the second wave of older homes originating in the early 1900’s.

With the reclamation of industrial lands there have been newer Semi & Detached homes built in the last 15 years. The price range of homes is between 300 – 600,000.00 this area has a large number of bungalows, semi and  detached homes. 

Leslieville’s shopping/entertainment district runs along old historic Queen street. The stores are mostly independently owned and cater to the needs of the local community.

Leslieville Residents enjoy the lake front Woodbine Beach. This outdoor paradise has been rated blue flag which is the highest standard in the world for beach water quality.

A day at the Beach

   Planning a move to the leslieville/Beaches area email Robert-Paterson@ColdwellBanker.ca   or call 416-997-7268 to receive Leslieville MLS Listings

“Let’s Make a Deal today”

Source….. Rob Paterson, Internet

Neighbourhoods – Toronto Greenery all around

Ah! Beautiful Toronto

With the trees in full bloom from June through September our great city is awash in green come October the colours change to hues of yellows browns and reds a magnificent site.

Toronto a city of mature neighbourhoods made up of valley’s and ravines with large tracts of green space planted right in the city core.

To see the change autumn (fall) brings to our city sky-scape take a trek to high park in late September/early October enjoy a fall day on the week-end with a picnic. Or you may want to add some excitement to your day take spend a day at the rouge valley and enjoy the Toronto Zoo. If cost is no issue and you are looking for a great place to eat enjoy an afternoon in the CN Tower remember the restaurant rotates 360 degrees.

Or take a simple bike ride down one of the many trails through Toronto ravines. Toronto somethings never change…….

Source…. ”Rob Paterson”  

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

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

Neighbourhoods – Thinking of Moving…..

Why Move When you can Renovate….

 

By adding space to an existing structure, you are able remodel the entire house. Attic space can be replaced by new bedrooms. Planning your home with an architect and receiving approval from city hall can take some time but hey the benefits of staying put in the Neighbourhood you associate with home is great.

 

Here is a basic summary of the process:

 

The Planning process – working with an architect

Permits – Demolition/Building

Construction

 

Throughout the process, government will be involved to ensure the plans are designed to the right standard. Permits are issued to allow work to begin on the site. During construction and upon completion an inspector could visit the site to ensure proper compliance with the law’s and regulations. If non-compliance is found a fine could be levied and the site will be shut down.

 

Renovating can save you dollars in commission and add dollars to your homes value when you do decide to sell. Please note the government may re-assess your home and give it a new value for tax purposes be prepared for this.

 

Enjoy your new space!

 

Source…. Rob “torontorealty” Paterson

Neighbourhoods – Know your Neighbour…..

Ah, the good old day’s of 30 years ago…my perception was everyone knew each other, or so I thought. Maybe it was people spoke to each other without hesitation unlike today when catching a glance of someone could land you a dirty look or a rude gesture.

Well back to my point. The old days everyone knew the neighbourhood gossip/snoop who had all the dirt on everyone. Well this lady was despised when you had something to hide but when you wanted to know or tell she would be the first person you would seek out.

Now this is not what i want for a Neighbour and most of you think the same. I am sure we all want a neighbour who would look out for our property pick up the fliers maybe just maybe cut the grass yeah I know that’s pushing it but hey it would be great right!

Unfortunately we have lost all touch with the Neighbours on each side of us do to our own fear of association. We have become a closed society and this is to all of our disadvantage. Hey, its in our best interest to say Hi to the guy/gal next door, who said you had to be friends. People will acknowledge and generally should reciprocate the same.

Just imagine your own personal security no “911″ call you have Neighbourhood Watch. The people who you say hi too have as much to lose as you do. If undesirables appear in the neighbourhood remember they also have a property value to maintain/protect. The benefits of association are greater than knowingly ignoring the person who could keep an eye on your home when you are away. Who knows? The person next door could become a good friend after all.

Source… Rob “torontorealty” Paterson

Neighbourhoods – Understanding Market Timing

Understanding Market Timing

Timing in Real Estate is very important when is the best time to enter the market?

If you are selling a home remember the Real Estate market does not have seasons unlike what many believe. When you have made up your mind and know the date you wish to move by your home should realistically be put on the market 90-120 days prior to that move date.  

If you wish to move by spring you should list your home early in the new year. There are benefits to this as your home will have less competition due to most homes being listed in late spring. 

If you are buying a home the same rule holds true 90-120 days, a January 1 purchase willl have you moved in by (spring) April/May. Purchase your home by May and your children are set for school in September and so it goes remember use a 3-4 month rule or 90-120days this is usually the negotiated time period for closing.

Source…. Rob Paterson

Neighbourhood – Picking the Area Before Buying

 Getting to know your Area

Before you buy, May i suggest that you walk through the neighbourhood you are considering on the weekend and in the evening when everyone is home this will give you a better feel for the area. What could be more important than finding out about the area you are about to make the biggest investment of your life in.

 If you can get to know some of the neighbours ask them about the area and how it has changed over the years. Remember  these people have the best knowledge of the area better than any realtor after all they live there.

 What to look for in any area

1. Proximity to school’s/recreation centre’s
2. Shopping and Parks
3. Places of Worship and Transit

Once you have found your area and are considering a move if you have no Realtor feel free to contact me  Robert-Paterson@ColdwellBanker.ca for any realty service that you may require.

Source…. Rob Paterson

 

Neighbourhoods – Oil Price and Real Estate

Oil Price & Real Estate

With oil prices at a premium how does this impact your real estate?

Well this all depends on location. In the next few years there will certainly be a migration back to the cities and an accompanying rise in prices, as i write people are thinking and doing.

It’s anyones guess as to how much the regions surrounding the cities will be impacted. The farther you are from a major centre the more the impact.

My personal opinion is oil will have to reach $200.00 a barrel before there is a noticeable impact. Can you imagine $2.00 a litre?

Source… Rob Paterson

Neighbourhoods – Toronto Beaches

Toronto Beaches

Swimming in toronto has reached new heights with most of toronto beaches this year reaching a Blue Flag designation.

Blue Flag you ask?  Well this designation is like an Academy Award for beaches internationally. The urban myth of swimming in dirty desease riddled water is just that myth our beaches rank up with the top beaches in the world see swimming conditions.

With gas prices so high take the transit avoid the traffic headaches getting to the beach has never been closer and easier than now!

Source…… Rob Paterson