Marina Bolletta FRI CRES REI ASP Broker of Record
Mark Tavares Sales Representative

416 947 0777

March 2009
Welcome to our March 2009 eNewsletter!

The Federal government has brought back their financial incentives to make your home more energy-efficient - I have some information on that initiative as well as links to the approved improvements and the companies that can help you with them. 

I have an article on mortgage strategies - with interest rates so low, you may want speak with a mortgage professional about renegotiating. There's a lot happening in the city this spring - below are three of the events, including the One of a Kind Show.

My featured listing this month is a two-level open concept loft on Merton Street. Just a few steps from Davisville Station, it's a great neighbourhood where almost anything you could want is within walking distance.

Marina, Mark and Associates.
Save money with a smart mortgage strategy

Sleep
(NC) Current economic conditions and the availability of more sophisticated mortgage products over the past several years have left many homeowners "scratching their heads" when it comes to taking out a mortgage. Perhaps never before has it been more important for would-be and current homeowners to do their homework before securing a new or renegotiating a mortgage.

John Turner, director mortgage sales at BMO Bank of Montreal, recommends that mortgage shoppers develop a strategy using the following steps in order to ensure you obtain a mortgage that will best fulfill your current and future needs.

Step 1: Start with a clear understanding of your monthly cash flow by developing a list of your fixed expenses such as payments on an existing mortgage, car, credit card and unexpected home repairs.

Step 2: Consider your financing needs may change of over the next five years. For example, you may be planning to start or expand your family or you may be thinking about opening a new business - both of which will impact your income and expenses.

Step 3: Speak with your banker to develop a plan for paying off the mortgage in the fastest and most cost effective way possible.

"Your home is the largest investment you'll ever make and while exciting, it can also be a stressful and confusing experience, even in the best of markets," says Turner. "The best advice is to work with a mortgage specialist, create a strategy and find the mortgage that's right for you."
ecoEnergy
You May Be Eligible For Government Grants By Increasing your Energy Efficiency

Procrastination

Following Parliamentary approval for the transfer of additional funds to the ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes program, Natural Resources Canada has resumed payment of retrofit grants to Canadian homeowners.

Because of the immediate and lasting benefits to homeowners, our economy and our environment, Canada's Economic Action Plan includes an additional $300 million for the ecoENERGY Retrofit-Homes program. This will allow as many as 200,000 more homeowners to participate in the program over the next two years.

In addition to helping homeowners control their energy costs and reduce emissions, this new investment by the Government of Canada will generate some $2.4 billion in economic activity across Canada, creating and protecting jobs for thousands of Canadians.

Click here for a list of approved energy advisors and here for the full document listing all improvements
Three Events You Won't Want To Miss This Spring

Events

The 22nd Annual Images Festival runs from April 2 to April 11. Showcasing contemporary moving image culture, there are multiple events happening along West Queen West.

Classical 96.3 says "Images has become a key event for lovers of art as well as film."

Click here for more

Reel World Film Festival April 15-19th

Canada's premier festival celebrating diversity is gearing up to hit Toronto once again.

The ninth annual ReelWorld Film Festival strives to promote the work of multicultural filmmakers and artists, and gives them the opportunity to network with other professionals.

Click here for more

The Spring One of a Kind show runs from Wednesday, April 1 to Sunday, April 5, 2009
at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place

Not quite as large as the Christmas show, dozens of artisans are showcased, and it's a great place to find some unusual pieces.

Click here for the website.
For Sale: Two Level Open Concept Loft

18 Merton St. #506
The 'Radius' Uptown 2 Level Open Concept Loft With Floor To Ceiling Windows, 2 Bedrooms, Den, 3 Full Washrooms, 2 Balconies, 2 Walk-In Closets, Laminate And Ceramic Flooring Throughout. 16 Foot Ceilings In Living Area, Bright South Views. Parking And Locker Are Included. Gym, Common Terrace With Bbq's, Recreation Room, Visitor Parking. Walls Removed In Main Floor Den To Create Separate Dining Area. Walk To Subway, All Amenities Within Minutes. Approximately 1050 Sq.Ft. EXCELLENT PRICE FOR THIS UNIT.

Click here for the full listing


Sold: Westside Gallery Loft

Queen and Dovercourt - 610 sq.ft. unit $269,990


Inspired by the individuality and eclectic character of the Art and Design district, Westside diverges from conventional residential design. Two mid-rise buildings will emerge from the landscape to create a cohesive and lively alcove, tucked away just yards from the action on Queen West. Features include 9' ceilings, exposed concrete, translucent glass partitions, european style kitchen, rainforest shower, roof top waterfall and hot tub, yoga/pilates studio.

Various floor plans still available. Call us at 416 947 0777 for more information

Click here for more about Westside Gallery Lofts
Sold! Updated home with Large Lot

25 Skelmore Cres. sold for $430,000!


Gardener's Paradise! Like Being In The Country! Lovely, Sun-Filled Cheerful Tastefully Updated Home On Lge Priv Parklike Pie-Shaped Lot. Lge Relaxing Covered Porch, Entertaining Deck, & Cozy Patio. Over $100,000 Spent In Tasteful Upgrades & Breakfast Area Addn. Loads Of Upgrades(Kitchen, Doors, Windows, Hallway, Bathrms, Porch, Fencing, Landscaping, Driveway, Circuit Brkr, Fam Rm, Pot Lts, Roof With Vents, Etc Etc). Shows Like A Model Hm. Truly A Rare Find!
The Rental Corner

King/Shaw

1000 King Street West
Leased for $2300 per month.

Massey Square Two Bedroom, Two Bath Executive Penthouse In Desired King West Village! Fully Furnished & Uniquely Decorated. 902 Sf Featuring Dark Kitchen Cabinetry With Mosaic Glass Backsplash & Breakfast Bar, Adjoining Dining Area, Spacious Living Room, 4Pc Master Ensuite W/Soaker Tub. Parking & Locker Included! Balcony With A View. Shows Beautifully!
Market News
   
Greater Toronto REALTORS® Reported 4,120 Resale Housing Transactions in February

Toronto Real Estate Board Members reported 4,120 sales in February 2009 compared to 6,015 sales recorded in February 2008. The average home price was $361,305 last month compared to $382,048 during the same month last year.

"A considerable number of transactions continued to take place in February 2009. Motivated buyers and sellers, who were aware that market conditions changed over the past few months, were able to negotiate transactions
acceptable to both parties," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Maureen O'Neill.

On a month-over-month basis, sales and average price were above January levels of 2,670 and $343,632 respectively. The housing market is seasonal. Traditionally, in the first half of every year, sales and average price climb to their highest levels in late spring before trending lower from July onward.

Click here for more