Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 6,232 sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in August 2010.

This represented a 22 per cent decrease compared to the 8,035 sales recorded during the same period in 2009. New listings decreased by one per cent year-over-year to 10,488.

“The prospect of interest rate hikes and new mortgage lending rules prompted some households to purchase a home sooner than they otherwise would have this year. The result has been a larger than normal dip in sales over the  summer months. With this said, it is important to recognize that sales on the year were eight per cent higher than in  2009,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Bill Johnston.

The average price for August transactions was $411,012 – up six per cent compared to the average of $387,921 reported in August 2009.

“Market conditions have remained tight enough to support higher home prices in comparison to last year. Under current mortgage lending standards, a household learning the average income in the GTA can comfortably afford the mortgage payments on an average priced home. Market conditions and the affordability picture would have to change dramatically before a sustained drop in the average selling price would take place,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

For full Real Estate resale statistics for the Greater Toronto Area click here.

Source: Toronto Real Estate Board

TORONTO, JULY 6, 2010 ? Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 8,442 sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in June.

This represented a 23 per cent decrease compared to the record 10,955 sales reported in June 2009. Sales for the second quarter of 2010 amounted to 28,810 – up one per cent annually. Year-to-date sales through June were up 23 per cent to 50,455 compared to the first six months of 2009.

“We experienced a record number of existing home sales during the first half of 2010, but these sales were weighted more towards the beginning of the year,” said newly elected Toronto Real Estate Board President Bill Johnston. “The pace of home sales has moderated from record levels over the past two months with the prospect of higher mortgage rates.”

The average price for June transactions was $435,034 – up eight per cent compared to the average of $403,972 recorded for June 2009.

“With more homes to choose from in the second quarter, many home buyers have been making less-aggressive offers. This has resulted in less upward pressure on the average selling price,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis. “The annual rate of average price growth in the second half of 2010 will be in the single digits.”

For full Toronto and GTA sales statistics for June 2010 view Market Watch here.

Source: Toronto Real Estate Board

TORONTO, May 5, 2010 – Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 10,898 sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in April, representing a 34 per cent increase compared to April 2009.   There were also 20,683 new listings in April – a 59 per cent annual increase.  Both the sales and new listings results amounted to new records for the month of April under the current Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) boundaries.

“The GTA resale market is functioning properly.  Sales were high as buyers continued to take advantage of affordable home ownership opportunities. Listings grew as home owners reacted to strong sales and price growth,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Tom Lebour.   “More balanced market conditions will result in sustainable rates of annual price growth in the second half of 2010.”

The average price for April transactions was $437,600 – up 13 per cent compared to the average of $385,641 recorded in April 2009.

“Home sales continue to be driven by many different segments of the market, with sales growth for all major home types in both the City of Toronto and surrounding 905 regions,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis. “Home sales will remain strong in the second half of 2010, but will slip from the current record pace as borrowing costs rise.”

Click here for full April 2010 Toronto Real Estate statistics.

TORONTO, March 3, 2010 – Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 7,291 sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in February, representing a 77 per cent increase over February 2009. The average price for these transactions was up 19 per cent year-over-year to $431,509. Sales and average price increases represent both increased demand for ownership housing and the base year effect, which involves a comparison of economic recovery this year to a period of economic decline last year.
“Increases in existing home sales and average price were noted across the GTA in low-rise and high-rise home types. Similar rates of growth were experienced in the City of Toronto and surrounding 905 regions,” said TREB President Tom Lebour. “This suggests that first time, move-up and down sizing buyers are all active in the existing home marketplace.”
New listings also increased in February, climbing 24 per cent compared to the same month last year.
“Annual growth in new listings is expected to continue. New listings growth will start to outstrip sales growth as we move through 2010,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis. “As the market becomes better supplied, we will see more sustainable single-digit rates of price growth.”

Review full February 2010 Toronto Real Estate Statistics click here.

Source: Toronto Real Estate Board
Greater Toronto REALTORS® are passionate about their work. They adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service. Serving over 29,000 Members in the Greater Toronto Area, the Toronto Real Estate Board is Canada’s largest real estate board. Greater Toronto Area open house listings are now available on www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com.

In October 2009, Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 8,476 sales, up 64 per cent from October 2008. The average price for October transactions was $423,559 – up by 20 per cent compared to the same month last year.

“Strong sales growth has occurred across many property classes – from price ranges that would attract first-time buyers to luxury properties selling for over one milliondollars,” said TREB President Tom Lebour. “The highest rate of sales growth in October was experienced for properties selling for over $750,000. In contrast, luxury home sales
declined at an above-average rate last year.”

Year-to-date sales, at 74,721, were up nine per cent compared to the first ten months of 2008. Average price, at $392,264 was up by almost three per cent.

“After a short dip in the winter, the average home price in the GTA has rebounded because sales have been high relative to listings,” according to Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis. “Watch for listings to rebound in 2010 as home owners react to the strong sales and price growth experienced in the latter half of this
year.”

For full October Market Watch click here.

Source: Toronto Real Estate Board
Greater Toronto REALTORS® are passionate about their work. They adhere to a strict Code of Ethics
and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service. Serving over 28,000 Members in the Greater
Toronto Area, the Toronto Real Estate Board is Canada’s largest real estate board. Greater Toronto Area
open house listings are now available on www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com.

1. Increase Ventilation

Proper ventilation reduces the concentrations of indoor air pollutants and provides healthier air quality in your home.  Start by making the most of exhaust fans or opening windows when showering, cooking, or using the dishwasher in order to let moisture escape your home quicker.  If you have a garage, install an exhaust fan to the outdoors to prevent car fumes from entering your home.  Make use of ceiling fans that draw up and distribute cool air from the floor on warmer days, and circulate warm air that collects near the ceiling on colder days.

2. Use Water Softners to Combat Hard Water

While safe and suitable for drinking, hard water, or water containing high levels of calcium and magnesium, can still have its setbacks. Harder water creates mineral build-up that can clog pipes and appliances and leave a soapy film on bathtubs and shower tiles.  It can also be tough on your hair and skin, and deteriorate the quality of your laundered clothing.

Try using a hard water conditioner that traps minerals during the wash to soften your laundry and eliminate build-up on your dishes.  In the bathroom, use an easy-to-install soft water filter on your showerhead to help prevent dry skin and reduce soap scum build-up.  For a more complete solution, consider installing a water softener system in your home.  This will not only benefit your skin, laundry, and dishes, it will also help eliminate mineral deposits in pipes, fixtures, and appliances.

3. Balance Humidity

If the air in your home is too dry or stuffy, it can irritate your skin and cause respiratory problems.  On the other hand, too much moisture in the air can cause mildew, dust mites, and other conditions that can trigger allergies.  That’s why balancing humidity is important.  Humidity is normally measured by the amount of moisture in the air using a hygrometer.  As a rule of thumb, the recommended humidity in your home should be between 30 – 50%*.

If the air in your home is too moist, a dehumidifier will help prevent a damp environment and protect walls, floors, and furniture from water damage.  If the air in your home is too dry, a humidifier will add moisture and relieve dry skin and many allergy and asthma problems.  It will also reduce cracked paint and plaster occurrences, as well as prevent wood floors from warping.

*Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

1. Check your furnace filter regularly and clean or change as needed.  A clogged air filter reduces the efficiency of your furnace which equates to higher heating costs.

2. Inspect the air intakes and exhaust vents of your furnace to make sure no unwanted creatures have taken up residence in them.

3. Have your furnace motor and burner serviced by a qualified HVAC contractor.  Some of the tasks they may perform are: Carbon Monoxide testing, check operation of safety controls and thermostat, service and inspect  the burners, inspect the ignition system and service as required, inspect and service the fan blower & motor, check the gas line to the furnace.

4. Ensure that your cold air return ducts are open and free of obstructions.

5. Make sure that the space around your furnace is not obstructed by boxes, furniture, and objects.  Maintaining airflow around your furnace is important and also helps prevent safety hazards.

6. Clean your humidfier and replace any parts that no longer operate due to water residue.

The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporations website has further tips on seasonal maintenance of your home and it’s mechanical systems.  CMHC home maintenance schedule.

3811 Forest Bluff Crescent

Stunning Home In Desirable Mississauga Neighbourhood. Modern Eat In Kitchen With Breakfast Bar, Travertine Backsplash, Custom Finished Counter Tops, And Walk-Out To Private Tumbled Stone Patio & Perennial Garden. Hardwood Throughout Main Level With Gas Fireplace, Powder Room, Oak Staircase, And Garage Access. His & Hers Closets In Master Br With 4 Piece Ensuite & Oval Soaker Tub. 2nd Floor Laundry. Landscaped Front With Flagstone Walk.**** EXTRAS **** Include: Stainless Steel Fridge, Stove, & B/I Dishwasher. Washer, Dryer, Elf’s, Window Coverings, Central Vac. & Equipment, Gb&E, Cac Compressor, Security System [Not Activated], Hardwood & Laminate Where Laid.

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TORONTO – July 6, 2009 — In June 2009, Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported a record 10,955 sales, up 27 per cent from June 2008. The seasonally adjusted annual rate of sales in June was 100,700.1

“The record result in June is testament to the fundamentally sound housing market in the GTA,” said TREB President Tom Lebour. “An increasing number of households have been confident in purchasing a home in the region’s affordable and diverse resale housing market.”

The average price for June transactions was $403,972 – up by two per cent compared to the same month last year.

“The re-emergence of seller’s market conditions has exerted upward pressure on home prices,” explained Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis. “Look for sales to remain high relative to listings in the second half of the year. This will keep home prices growing.”

1Seasonally adjusting TREB MLS® data removes recurring seasonal trends observed each year. For example, MLS® sales are highest in late spring each year and lowest in the winter months. Removing the recurring seasonality, allows for the analysis of a meaningful trend reflecting actual changes in market conditions. By multiplying the monthly seasonally-adjusted figure by 12, creating an annual rate, we can compare how the current month relates to historical annual figures.

Median Price

In June the median price was $345,000, from the $335,250 recorded during June of 2008.

Complete June 2009 Real Estate Statistics click here.