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Market Watch update by Paul!

Hi again !

Aug 5th and all is well !

Factors to watch this month

- School is coming - late labour day this year !

- Summer weather has been poor and people feel as though they haven't been missing anything weather wise so agents and consumers have been heavily involved with real estate transactions with no guilt or shame.

- I'm in Muskoka right now - been speaking to the locals up here most are saying there hasn't been a nice day weather wise up here in the last 2 months best two days happened just last weekend.

- Maybe good weather this August?

Monday and Tuesday in Muskoka since the weekend have been cloudy and rainy both days.

- Swine flu talks are swirling with the anticipation of certain schools not opening for the month of September.

Garbage strike is over in Toronto, newspapers were talking about added bacteria from public garbage sites becoming a contributor to the swine flu situation.... Stay tuned for that.

- the US housing and stock market situation is improving.

- Still a bunch of layoffs to take place in North America, bad times are not finished yet.

- 75% of the real estate business usually takes place in the first 6 months of the year.

PZ

What's about to happen to the Real Estate Market ?

By Paul Zammit

We watch the Market like a Stock Broker - I am constantly asked were the market is headed.

Heres whats about to happen

1 Sellers will start to withdraw from the market in the next 30 days - They will become sick if you will of the negativity.

2. Buyers will have less properties to choose from. (As hard as that is to believe)

3. Rates will come down to help kick start the market.

4. Supply and demand will mean that we may head back to a neutral to Sellers market for a very short period of time in the next 60 days for a period of say 30 days.

5. Corporations will be transferring employees more that ever this year and they will be buying homes during the months of December and January, so watch out for those relos !

Our Recommendation if you are a Seller - Stay on the market ! If being on the market during the holidays is bothersome I think taking the sign down from Dec 10th till Jan 10th is probably a smart thing to do to avoid social negativity during the peaceful fast approachingng holiday season.

If you are a buyer - think long term - unless you are selling in the next year be concerned about a falling market re price, but if you are buying and holding onto your real estate for 4 to 5 years you virtually won't be losing any money because the market pricing will come back in full force and effect by then.

In the meantime, stay positive, stay lean, keep smiling and keep the economy moving and build equity !!

Paul

Say Good-bye to fixed mortgage payments, Say hello to a Super Line of Credit. All set up for free! No legal fee or appraisal !

By Paul Zammit

Whether you are in the process of buying a home or already own a home, this report applies to you.

In all my years in real estate I thought I had seen most of the ways of doing traditional mortgages. In the last year I've come across a brand new product from Manulife called the Manulife One Account.

Here’s how it works...

When you open a Manulife One account they will lend you up to 80% of the appraised value of your home (On Approved Credit). You use this to pay off the balance of your existing mortgage and any other outstanding loans you might have and combine your mortgage, savings and income together into one multi-purpose “ borrowing and chequing” account.

Now you pay one low interest rate on every dollar you borrow.

Say goodbye to fixed payments, by depositing your income into the account your payment is automatically covered and you instantly reduce what you owe. As you pay bills and other expenses throughout the month the amount you owe will slowly go back up, but you are still much further ahead. Plus whatever money you have leftover at the end of the month acts as a lump sum payment against your debt without a penalty.

The best part is you can always get at your money if you need it. In one easy step, the key elements of your financial life your mortgage , short term savings, chequing account, credit cards, loans and income are all combined within a single multi purpose account.

You will pay thousands of dollars less in interest cost and be mortgage free years sooner.

With appreciation,
Paul Zammit

PLAY VIDEO!

Toronto June Market Balancing Out

TREB Members reported 8,600 sales in June, TREB President Maureen O’Neill announced today. “Sales were down 18 per cent from the 2007 total of 10,451, which was the best performance ever for that month,” noted the president. “Nevertheless, the 8,600 figure is the fifth best June on record, and indicative of an active, healthy market.”

Sales within the City of Toronto totaled 3,481, down 18 per cent from the 4,238 recorded in June 2007. Sales within the 905 suburbs, at 5,119, were also down 18 per cent from the 6,213 recorded during the same period last year.

On the pricing front, June’s GTA average came in at $395,866. This was up four per cent over the $381,963 recorded during June of 2007. Prices increases were roughly equivalent in both the City of Toronto and the surrounding suburbs. Within Toronto, prices averaged $433,082, up three per cent over the $421,139 recorded in June of 2007. Within the 905 suburbs, the average price came in at $370,559, up four per cent over the $355,240 recorded during the same period last year.

“With summer coming, and a 22 per cent increase in inventory to nearly 27,000 this June over last, the market is slowly shifting towards balance after several years of favouring sellers,” said the President.

Breaking down the total, 3,357 sales were reported in TREB’s 28 West districts and averaged $374,043; 1,483 sales were reported in the 14 Central districts and averaged $518,471; 1,697 sales were reported in the 23 North districts and averaged $430,498; and 2,063 sales were reported in TREB’s 21 East districts and averaged $314,755.

Decorating on a Budget: It Can be Done!

Whether you're getting ready to sell your home or you're just in the mood for a spring spruce-up, learning to decorate on a shoestring budget can be rewarding both for your pocketbook and the aesthetics of your home.

Tracy Lynn, owner of Style On A Shoestring says that decorating on a budget is not only possible but also very doable. No matter what theme or décor you choose, Lynn says there are three important considerations.

"Organization and functionality are just as important these days as is being attractive. Most people are not into the big fancy living rooms and dining rooms anymore but they want the space to be nice and they want to [decorate] it reasonably," says Lynn.

Lynn launched her company after she gutted a home and redecorated it on a shoestring budget. She received so many compliments that she decided to start her business in San Diego, California. But she understands that decorating is a luxury.

"I think it's definitely an extra in life. Most of the time people want to be proud of their homes. They want to enjoy having people over and they want to be organized. They also want it to function well," says Lynn.

So keeping costs down is always a top priority. But when you flip through catalogues featuring furniture and decor and you pick items you like, the prices just seem to quickly compound. That's when you need a decorating shoestring-budget strategy. It starts with taking inventory of the things you have. Which items need to go and which items can stay? Redecorating doesn't mean you have to throw out everything. In fact, Lynn's company offers a re-design service that helps you learn to use what you have. The key is getting fresh eyes on your home. When you bring in experts, they can offer a new perspective.

"Taking the things that consumers already own and just re-arranging it or de-cluttering it -- moving art around or possibly adding a few pieces to what they already have. We have done this many times in various homes, says Mary Wadstrom, designer at Style On A Shoestring. She adds, "It makes the husbands really happy because we haven't purchased anything; we haven't done any shopping -- we've just switched their things up a little bit."

Here are a few more tips to getting a quality look on a lean decor diet. Just like anything, investing in the preparation time and research can reap outstanding results.

Set a personal financial limit and then stick to it. Decide what you can afford without breaking the bank. Then call in the experts. You don't have to hire them to do the overall decorating. You can actually do many things on your own but, again, getting some new opinions will allow you to see things in your own home from a different view.

Use professionals to gain valuable advice. Lynn cautions that you carefully think about each purchase because often people end up with items that just don't work. She says she hears this complaint frequently "I went out and I bought this couch and now I need you because I can't return it and it doesn't fit. I blew all this money." Getting expert help doesn't have to be expensive. You can receive free consultations and research expert advice in online publications.

Space-plan before you buy. Don't impulse-buy or you might end up with furniture and décor that doesn't ultimately match the room. Before you buy anything you should map out the look and style of what you're trying to create. "You don't want to buy anything until you understand what everything is going to cost," says Lynn. She says go through and decide how much each item will cost "because that will help you stay in the budget," explains Lynn. You can choose to splurge on one item but then scrimp a little in other areas.

Determine if you can do the work. You don't always have to buy a new piece. Lynn says maybe you can re-finish or re-paint an old dresser so that it has a new look to match your updated décor. However, she says be sure to consult with experts and get the advice you need before you begin a do-it-yourself project.

Relax and enjoy the process. So many times people try to complete the decorating process in a shorter-than-necessary time-span instead of enjoying the process of creating something wonderful that they will likely be living with for many years to come. Decorating your home for sale or for livability doesn't have to be a stressful, chaotic process … take a breath and give yourself the time to enjoy this creative journey.


Written by Phoebe Chongchua

Need to Sell your Toronto Home Faster?

Stage Your Toronto Home to Sell Faster and For More Money!!

We all know that first impressions don't tell the whole story but we also know that they go a long way in establishing one's will to continue investigating compatibility.   

I would bet that every real estate agent could tell you a story about a home that they have attempted to show to a client where they didn't even get inside the door because the buyer was completely turned off by something they found offensive.   Happily, most of us are proud of our homes and take good care of them but these stories only reinforce the power of the first impression.  You are trying to sell your home for the best possible dollar and to do that you will need to appeal to the widest possible range of buyers.   That is to say, the more people that your home appeals to the more likely it is that your home will sell for more money – and faster as well.

So, how do you create your home's best first impression?  (And by the way, most buyers spend less than 30 minutes in a home before they submit an offer and considering the significance of the purchase, one might say that most buyers only have first impressions!)

That's where I come in.  I will visit your home and provide you with the information and an objective opinion necessary for you to create the best possible environment for the sale of your home.   My background gives me the ability to see your home from two perspectives; as a designer I draw on my Masters degree in Architecture and 12 years as a professionally accredited Interior Designer and president and owner of a successful and respected firm; as a real estate sales representative I get exposure to what buyers see and, more importantly, what makes them want to make offers on homes. 

Contact Brian Schindler at 416-723-5023 or email brian@zammit.com

Looking for something to do in Toronto tonight?

Pecha Kucha Night Toronto - Volume #2

23 May 2008
START 19:30
END 21:00
DOOR free! Doors open 4:30pm

20 images. 20 seconds. 1 night of stimulating conversation ... PECHA KUCHA TORONTO VOL.2 returns with 10 top Torontonians' favourite sacred spaces. As part of the launch of the 2008 Doors Open Toronto weekend, Pecha Kucha Toronto Vol.2 will be held the evening of Friday May 23, 2008 at the Royal Ontario Museum. Building on the Doors Open Toronto theme of “Sacred Spaces, Sacred Circles”, this will be a unique opportunity to celebrate Toronto’s creative talent with design peers, and the general public alike ... WHAT IS PECHA KUCHA? Derived from a Japanese term for the sound of conversation ("chit-chat”), a Pecha Kucha is an exciting, fast-paced presentation format. Ten speakers will present a slideshow of 20 images, each slide shown for 20 seconds. The result is a high-energy creative showcase.

Featuring Presentations by…
Jason Moriyama: Moriyama + Teshima Architects, Tye Farrow: Farrow Partnership Architects, Roberto Chiotti: Larkin Architects, Derrick Hodgson: MDRL Creative, Tania Bortolotto: Bortolotto Design Architect, John Sewell, Heather Dubbeldam: Dubbeldam Design Architects, Jeanne Lamon: Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, Johnathan Kearns: Kearns Mancini Architects Inc., David Pontarini: Hariri Pontarini Architects

Just Show up!  Doors open for FREE at 4:30pm. There is a performance by Tafelmusik Orchestra and Toronto Consort at 6:00pm, then a brief intermission, and Pecha Kucha hits the stage at 7:30pm.

There is seating for approx. 350 and standing room for many more.

For More information visit:

http://pecha-kucha.org/cities/toronto/2

Open Houses for this weekend May 24/25

All Times are from 2:00pm to 4:00pm

$579,000 -31 Roman Rd - Don Mills & John 
Sat & Sun

$659,900 -16 Belinda Crt - Bayview/16th Avenue
Sat & Sun

$479,000 - 231 Romfield Crct - Bayview / 407
Sat

$469,000 - 4 Holm Cres - Bayview/Greenlane
Sun

Hot Toronto Condos

Please call The Paul Zammit Team at 416-494-7653 or email team@zammit.com to arrange a time to go in and view these models!

Portrait Condos
From the low $200,000’s to over $600,000

Main Intersection: Sheppard & Bathurst
Builder: ELM Developments
Suit Size: 585 to 1700 sq. ft.
Occupancy: End of 2010

Be among the first to get the best selection of suites while they’re still available. Minutes from North York’s city centre, Portrait Condominiums offers stunning terrace views, lush gardens and picturesque courtyards. With impressive layouts and striking features, Bathurst and Sheppard will never be the same.

Call the Paul Zammit Team at 416-494-7653 for more information or email us at team@zammit.com and someone will get back to you asap!

EMERALD PARK CONDOS

Main Intersection: Yonge and Sheppard
Builder: Bazis International

Contact The Zammit Team now for your opportunity to purchase before the public at a special, VIP sales event. This event is invitation only and is your chance to purchase a suite in this beautiful building before sales open to the general public.

Emerald Park is earmarked to be the most lavish condominium undertaking ever constructed in North York.
Luxury condominiums are coming to the southwest corner of Yonge and

Sheppard. High above the cityscape, the two magnificent towers of Emerald Park will soon emerge from the ground.

The builder of Emerald Park is Bazis International, an internationally renowned company with over thirty five projects world-wide, including an impressive Toronto portfolio. Bazis International is responsible for the very successful Crystal Blu condominiums in Yorkville, and the upcoming 1 Bloor residences at the very prestigious corner of Yonge and Bloor.

Call the Paul Zammit Team at 416-494-7653 for more information about EMERALD PARK or email us at team@zammit.com and someone will get back to you asap!

The Essence - The Kingsway/Dundas St W- Urban Living

Suites include parking, locker and 6 appliances...
One bedrooms range $240's - $255,900.00
One bedroom plus den's $240's - $265,900.00 
2 bedrooms plus dens $380's - $449,900.00 (1055 sq ft to 1140 sq ft) 
$499,900.00 (1255 sq ft.) 
Penthouse $599,900.00  (1348 sq ft)
1560 sq ft (large terrace) $699,900.00   
Only 12 suites remain.... 

What’s Going on With Toronto’s Real Estate Market?

"?" Yes, it's apparent that the market is not moving at a pace we would all like to see, but let's not cloud judgement yet on the future of Toronto Real Estate.

While the Toronto Real Estate Board announced a startling 22% drop in sales in March, some economists say that  Ontario is on the brink of a recession, which will be short lived thanks to Ontario’s healthy real estate market.

So what’s really going on? Is the market ‘cooling down’, heading for a US style collapse, or is our real estate market healthy?

Apparently, this drop involves sales volume and not average pricing. It could be from supply and demand, a speculative bubble burst, home owners defaulting on their mortgages, new mortgage products like extended amortization or what people see in the market. Boom and bust markets play a key role in the consumers purchasing trends.

Whatever the cause, it doesn’t seem that this decline will have a major impact on Toronto’s real estate market since there has not been a major decrease in housing prices between 1992 and 1998. Most homes only saw a slight change, nothing greater than $10,000.

It looks as if this drop may lead to a more balanced market in the near future.