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| Monday, 13 February 2012, 04:27:20 PM | Our Government has renewed The ecoENERGY Retrofit program up until March 31st, 2012 providing home owners grants up to $5000 to help make their homes more energy-efficient. Good-bye high energy costs!
For more info please visit the following site:
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/6551
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| Wednesday, 04 January 2012, 08:42:28 AM | Ahh yes!! The holiday dust has settled and some of us are all a bit heavier:) and hopefully more relaxed. Now comes the task of getting ready for 2012! All in all as far as real estate goes in the GTA, the resale housing market has been quite decent with the average selling price sitting at $465,412, an increase of 8 % for the same period last year. The average condo price in the City of Toronto sits at $356,182 (Q3 of 2011) which represents a 24% increase over the same period in 2010. Acoording to TREB president Richard Silver, condo sales have accounted for about 1/4 of total exisitng homes sales in the GTA in 2011. A few factors account for this, namely historically low interest rates, Canada's better general economic standing in the world as well as the influx of foreign investors and immigrants. Let's not forget first time buyers that are opting for condos instead of homes.
To the chagrin of some, even myself, our landscape is being increasingly dotted with some unsightly vertical filing cabinets (ie:condos) that will no doubt obstruct the Torontonian landscape for many years to come. The upside to this besides bringing business to the city in addition to the spin off business real estate brings with each transaction; some builders have tried to put thought into their soon-to-be smaller scale projects. One that comes to mind in my neighbourhood would be the Howard Park condo that has tenatative occupancy in January 2014.
Can't wait to see the finished project, no more propane stations! Besides the great exisiting lofts in Ronces Village, new and well thought-out condo projects are always welcome.
Now, some stats relating back to December 2011. Courtesy of TREB...
Market Statistics from Market Watch
Second-Best Year on Record for Sales
January 5, 2012 -- Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 4,718 transactions through the TorontoMLS® system in December 2011. The December result capped off the second-best year on record under the current Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) boundaries. Total sales for 2011 amounted to 89,347 – up four per cent in comparison to 2010.
“Low borrowing costs kept Buyers confident in their ability to comfortably cover their mortgage payments along with other major housing costs,” said TREB President Richard Silver. “If Buyers had not been constrained by a shortage of listings over the past 12 months, we would have been flirting with a new sales record in the Greater Toronto Area,” added Silver.
The average selling price in December was $451,436 – up four per cent compared to December 2010. For all of 2011, the average selling price was $465,412, an increase of eight per cent in comparison to the average of $431,276 in 2010.
“Months of inventory remained below the pre-recession norm in 2011. Very tight market conditions meant substantial competition between Buyers and strong upward pressure on selling prices,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.
“TREB’s baseline forecast for 2012 is for an average price of $485,000, representing a more moderate four per cent annual rate of price growth. This baseline view is subject to a heightened degree of risk given the uncertain global economic outlook,” continued Mercer.
Peace out!
Happy New Year Everyone!
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| Sunday, 01 January 2012, 03:50:14 PM |
As part of the City of Toronto's 2012 budget cuts, the 110 year old High Park Zoo is on the chopping block.
Please email your local councillor for Parkdale-High Park: Sarah Doucette to vote against the closure of our iconic mini zoo in High Park's south end! Council will be voting on this on January 17th-19th, 2012.
As a kid, I remember spending many a lazy summer afternoon taunting the yaks and admiring the peacocks. Perhaps you or your children have fond memories of this zoo as well. This little zoo adds a unique dimension to an already unique inner city park.
Your emails count!
Please visit: www.ward13.ca
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| Wednesday, 21 December 2011, 07:10:44 PM | 3 Easy DIY Wreaths
Transform a standard evergreen wreath into three distinctive show-stoppers.
By Larry Bilotti
 One of the easiest ways to decorate your home for the holidays is with a seasonal wreath. There are many options available, from pine-studded, ribbon-draped, natural pine variations to those bearing dried fruits, nuts, berries, bells, and more. And of course, there are artificial wreaths that not only offer seasonal cheer, but also the benefit of long-term storage and reuse.
You don't need to spend a lot of money to add some beautiful holiday cheer to your front door, mantel, window, or family room. Nicole Esposito Polly, a New York-based floral designer, decorator, and former style director at Country Living magazine, shows us just how easy it is to transform a standard evergreen wreath into three distinctive show-stoppers.
Starting out with a basic evergreen wreath (available in abundance—and at reasonable prices—at home and garden centers, farmer's markets, tree farms, and even many grocery store chains), and equipped with some basic tools and supplies, Nicole shows us how to create three different special holiday creations.
If you think the Pinecone Holiday Wreath (at right) is a beauty, wait until you see what she was able to do with Vintage Ornaments and Children's Building Blocks. Grab your own wreath and start customizing!
Never underestimate the power of a glue gun and some spray paint! Check out this site for more ideas (www.bobvila.com)
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| Monday, 31 October 2011, 10:12:05 AM |
Happy Halloween! Remember to not eat all your candy at once!
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| Tuesday, 13 September 2011, 09:12:18 PM |  Hey! It's Polish Festival time again, September 16, 17 and 18th. Get your perogie and beer fix while exploring the fun shops on the new and improved Ronc!
See you there!
Visit polishfestival.ca | |
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| Friday, 02 September 2011, 10:25:58 AM | It's Labour Day weekend already?! Can you believe it? Have a safe and happy weekend everyone! By now, those going back to school have bought their school supplies and are ready to go back or not:)
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| Friday, 01 July 2011, 05:54:32 PM | Happy Canada Day!
Good luck zipping up the 400, many cool things to do in the city....try chillaxin' in the backyard. If it looks bad then make it pretty, nothing like a bit of sweat equity in the garden. it does pay off! Try cleaning that neglected bbq and have your own ribfest! Ok, you get the idea....whatever you do, do it responsibly and have fun this weekend!
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| Saturday, 04 June 2011, 11:55:50 AM | Get ready for Roncy Rocks! Saturday June 18th from noon-8pm, our street will be host to many local artists and musicians, don't miss out!
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| Thursday, 12 May 2011, 08:03:14 PM | Just a kind reminder from our BIA guy, Keith, that the annual Spring Fever Sidewalk Sale is happening this Saturday, May 14th from 10am to 6pm.
Might be a slight chance o' rain but who cares! Come out! The sidewalks are walkable, parking is free and most likely you can nosh on some naughty foods!
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