Simple
home staging steps can up a home's appeal
 By Melissa Rayworth, AP
It's a question all homeowners face
when they decide to sell: How can you make your home as appealing to potential
buyers as possible? In today's market, that question has become even more
crucial.
"It really depends how much
your home is worth," says New York-based interior designer Janine Carendi.
"Is it in move-in condition, and will buyers expect it to be?"
Not everyone should invest in fancy
upgrades and fresh coats of paint, she says. But all homeowners can benefit
from reorganizing and beautification.
Carendi and fellow designers Mallory
Mathison and Brian Patrick Flynn offer some tips on making your home
market-ready on a budget.
Click here for the full article
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Protecting your mortgage is as important as protecting your home
For most Canadians, buying a home is the largest
investment they will ever make and for first-time homebuyers in
particular, there is a lot to learn from the process. Once the deal is
signed and financing is secured, it's important to ask one more
question: "What if I can't repay my loan?"
The answer may come in the form of credit protection
insurance. Depending on the type of coverage in place, this will help
manage a person's debt in case of unexpected circumstances, including
critical or terminal illness, accident or death.
"There's a tendency for new homeowners to put
insurance on the back burner," says Dave Minor, vice president at TD
Insurance. "In reality, the best time to look at your options is when
you're securing your financing. With creditor insurance you can rest
assured that your family will not have to manage your financial
obligations should something unexpected happen."
"Credit protection insurance goes hand in hand with
home insurance," adds Minor. "Protecting your financial investment,
plus your home and its contents, provides a solid foundation for
security as a homeowner."
When deciding what insurance is right for them, homebuyers should consider:
- Who will pay my mortgage if I can't work?
- Are my co-borrowers and guarantors protected?
- Do I have insurance protection in place before the purchase of my new home closes?
- Do I have sufficient savings to manage emergencies?
- News Canada
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Toronto Bike Month:
May 25 to June 25
Toronto's Bike Month is a celebration of all things bicycle related in Toronto. There are dozens of events happening across the city - some of the highlights include a free intro to bike repair workshop (May 27), some daily Lunch and Learn sessions at the beginning of June and May 25th's Group Commute.
Click here for more information
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Market News
Greater Toronto
REALTORS® report 8,107 Resales in April
In April 2009, Greater Toronto
REALTORS®
reported
8,107 sales - down seven per cent from April 2008. While April sales remained
lower than last year, the resale housing market gained momentum on a
month-over-month basis. The seasonally adjusted annual rate of sales in
April, at 80,900, was up 26 per cent from March and up two thirds compared to
January's ten-year low.
"Conditions in the resale housing
market have improved markedly this spring," according to TREB President Maureen
O'Neill. "Home purchases have increased as households have taken advantage of
low interest rates and slightly lower home prices."
The average price for April
transactions was $385,641 - down three per cent from last year.
"The rate of average price decline
continued to diminish last month. This is due in large part to a tightening in
the resale market," stated Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis.
"The level of sales relative to new listings increased in April."
Click here for more
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For Sale: Great 1 Bedroom!
555 Wilson Heights Blvd. #207
Wonderful Low-Rise Building in a great location. Short walk to
Downsview Subway Station, schools and shopping. Shows like a model
suite. New engineered Black Walnut hardwood floors in all main rooms,
mirrored closet doors with closet organizers, extra large balcony
offers wonderful sunset views, very bright and spacious, dining area
fits a formal diningroom set, white galley style kitchen has many
cupboards (new doors and hardware). Parking and locker are included.
Call today for a viewing.
Click here for the full listing  |
The Rental Corner: Queen West Beauty
76 Crawford St. Available for $3200 Wonderful, Quiet Street In Queen West, Newly Renovated, 2
Levels, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Spa-Like Washrooms, Extra Large Terrace From
Livingroom, Large Private Sundeck From Master Bedroom, Separate
Diningroom And Family Room, Separate Entrance. Walk To Trinity
Bellwoods Park, Queen West Boutiques, Galleries, Bistros, Cafe's And
More. Ttc To Downtown Or Subway Less Than 1 Block Away. Click here for the full listing  |
Sold! 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: Beautiful 1 + Den at DNA One
Contemporary "Urban" Living, Spacious & Bright, One Bedroom Plus
Den In Sought After Dna Phase One. Parking And Locker Included. 9'
Ceilings, Stainless Steel Appliances, Granite Counters, Centre Island,
Laminate Flooring, Dark Chocolate Cabinetry, Spa Bath Has Luxurious
Rain Showerhead And Glass Doors, 3 Sliding Barn Doors, Large Terrace
Has Bbq Outlet. Unit Is Over 20' Wide. Extras: Stainless Steel
Refrigerator, Gas Stove, Built-In Dishwasher, Built-In
Microwave/Exhaust Fan, White Stacked Washer/Dryer, Upgraded Halogen
Lighting, Privacy Roller Blinds, Upgraded Glass Shower Door. Quarter
Round Installed Throughout Unit. Click here for more |
The Rental Corner: Candy Factory Lofts
993 Queen St W Leased for $1900 The Candy Factory, South Facing, Over 1000 Sq.Ft. Of Authentic Loft
Living, Exposed Brick And Mechanicals, Juliette Balcony, Bright And
Spacious, 12 Foot Ceilings, Granite Counters, Hardwood Flooring.
Parking And Locker Included. Ttc At Doorstep, Walk To Trinity Bellwoods
Park. Minutes To Downtown Financial And Entertainment Districts. Click here for the full listing |
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