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30
Nov

How much is my treehouse worth?

No matter what type of abode you have chosen; 3 storey detached, 1 bedroom condo, row house or treehouse there blog nov 2911 150x150 How much is my treehouse worth?is  an approximate value for these homes in various neighbourhoods.  Example, you can buy a 3 bedroom detached house that is totally renovated in Trinity Bellwoods for $1million or you can buy a similar house in Brockton Village for $600,000.

In this post I have taken 4 Toronto Neighbourhoods that I focus on, broke them down into three types of houses (detached, semi detached and row house) to give you an idea of value.  Please note that the values are based on houses that are either “WOW” or those that “Need Work”…and I used 3 bed, 2 bath with 1 parking as my guidelines.

As you review these value ranges, please take consideration into factors that effect value of your house: parking (number of spots), garage vs. no garage, lot size, level of upgrades, location within a neighbhourhood (busy street vs. quiet street and boardering area), income potential (with a basement apartment)…all of these factors would effect which part of the range your house falls under.  That is why it is important to use a knowledgable real estate agent when deciding to sell your house and to help establish the value of your house.

 

Roncesvalles or Roncey Village

WOW Detached House -  $850k-$990k

NW (needs work) Detached House – $680k-$800k

WOW Semi Detached House – $700k-$800k

NW Semi Detached House – $540k-$650k

WOW Row/Townhouse – $650k-$720k

NW Row/Townhouse – $490k-$570k

 

Little Portugal

WOW Detached House – $600-$900k

NW Detached House – $560k-$680k

WOW Semi Detached House – $650k-$850k

NW Semi Detached House – $400k-$520k

WOW Row/Townhouse – $570k-$820k

NW Row/Townhouse – $420k-$520k

 

Dufferin Grove

WOW Detached House – $700k-$900k

NW Detached House – $500k-$680k

WOW Semi Detached House - $550k-$700k

NW Semi Detached House – $470k-$550k

WOW Row/Townhouse – $550k-$620k

NW Row/Townhouse – $350k-$510k

 

Dovercourt-Wallace Emerson-Junction

WOW Detached House – $580k-$710k

NW Detached House – $460k-$550k

WOW Semi Detached House – $500-$730k

NW Semi Detached House – $420k-$550k

WOW Row/Townhouse – $500k-$540k

NW Row/Townhouse – $350k-$400k

Thinking about buying or selling?  Do these numbers peak your interest?  Call me today to set up a time to discuss your real estate needs.

Cheers,

Amy

2
Nov

Buying for less than $500k IS possible!

A recent report by the Toronto Real Estate Board stated that prices were escalating to close to $500,000 in the GTA.  Check out this report for the full story http://torontorealestateboard.com/market_news/release_market_updates/news2011/nr_mid_month_1011.htm

However, I have seen more houses in the $349,000-$499,000 price point in one of the hottest growing neighbourhoods of East York.

A commute from Woodbine/Danforth area to the city centre will take you approximately the same time as it would if you were living in The Beach, High Park or North Toronto.  Buyers should take note of growing areas of the city and get in before the neighbourhoods BOOM and prices start to escalate.

My listing at 192 Barker Avenue is at the lowest side of the scale at $349,000 and offers parking, backyard, finished basement and room to grow.

http://www.realtor.ca/propertyDetails.aspx?propertyId=11228203&PidKey=1356992908

With condo fees affecting your mortgage approval, it is important to see what is out there on the market and to make smart decisions.  Your first house will likely not be your last house…so buy now with interest rates low and hold onto your investment and watch it grow.  Over time you will be able to take the return from your first purchase and re-invest it into your second house and so on.

You don’t just buy one stock and hope it increases, you generally re-invest when the timing is right.  Real Estate is the same thing.  Get in when you can, and I tell buyers to ”buy yesterday” when they ask “When do I buy?”

Don’t be discouraged by escalating prices, as these figures are based on wide based statistics of varying neighbourhoods.  Buy into a gentrying neighbourhood at a lower price, make the necessary improvements to continuously add value to your investment and sell when you are ready to make the next investment.

IF you have more questions about buying real estate in Toronto or specifically seeing my house on Barker Avenue, give me a call today!

Cheers,

Amy

2
Nov

Too Much Candy!

On Monday October 31 we celebrated Halloween…and at my house in Brockton Village we had a total of 6 kids come to the door, 6!?  I was shocked and surprised as previous years we would see quite a few more ghosts and goblins so I prepared myself with over 200 pieces of sugary treats.  We even decked ourselves out in homemade Yip Yip Martian costumes from Sesame Street to entertain our annual trick o’ treaters!

loading Too Much Candy!

So what am I left with?  You guessed it, a bowl full of Smarties, Coffee Crisp, Aero and Kit Kats and I mean a BIG BOWL!  I would love to tape up the box and store it away until Halloween 2012 but I really don’t think I should pass out year old candy to next years rug rats.  So what do I do with all this left over Halloween candy?

Initially I thought about taking it to a neighbouring school or community centre, but then I thought to myself are schools really going to take candy from a stranger?  Do teachers really need more sugar filled kids running around in circles when they should be doing long division?

So I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to what I can do with this candy…because I know that no amount of duct tape will keep me from ripping into this sugary box of goodness when I need a quick fix.

Freeze it, bury it, what to do?!

Cheers,

Amy

23
Jun

Trendy King East – SOLD IN 2 DAYS!

Sorry this unit has SOLD…looking for something similar?  Contact me to start your condo search!

A sought after building in a high demand area of King Street East!

Just steps to the famous St. Lawrence Market, this beautifully renovated 759 sqft (1bed + den) unit is ready to move in…Without a thing to do!
 
loading Trendy King East   SOLD IN 2 DAYS!
 
Dark Torly’s wood floor throughout the entire living space and neutral porcelain tile in the foyer and designer kitchen.
The kitchen has all the updated finishes, granite counter, breakfast bar, undermount sink, stainless steel energy efficient appliances and pot lights. The bathroom was given a fresh facelift in 2010-2011 with new tiles, fixtures and paint.
The California shutters and crown moulding complete the overall polished look of this quiet North facing unit, overlooking the Historic Courthouse Square.
 
Common areas include a gorgeous roof top deck complete with gardens and bbq’s, visitor parking, 24 hour concierge and party/meeting rooms.
 
Need transportation? Walk out to the corner of King and Church for your choice of Zip Cars, Bixi Bikes and TTC..
Everything you need is at this trendy corner; grocery, fabulous restaurants and landmark brasseries.
Simply move in and enjoy!
 
No parking or locker with the unit, however there are plenty of rental parking spaces available for $45/month and can be rented through the property management office onsite.
15
Jun

Make this address your HOME – SOLD

Sorry this unit has SOLD.  Interested in a unit like this?  Contact me to start your condo search!

Welcome to 45 Carlton Street, The Lexington – Check out the virtual tour! www.45carltontoronto.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTZ_E0ym0EU

A light, bright and airy 1200 sq.ft. downtown condo with an open concept living/dining/kitchen area within a well-designed split bedroom plan. A newly renovated kitchen and a fresh coat of neutral paint throughout the entire well-maintained corner unit. Ample storage, closet and living space unique to this address. Ideal central location within steps to College Subway, universities, and endless shops and services – Loblaws opening across the street soon too!
What comes with your purchas: Fridge, stove, dishwasher, microwave, washer, dryer, all ELFs & all window coverings.

Extensive amenities also include a running track, whirlpool, rooftop deck, hobby room, billiards, library, BBQ deck, security & visitor parking. Plus a recently updated gym!

This gorgeous split bedroom plan also offers two ensuite storage closets and parking.

 Interested in more informtion or would like to book a showing?  Please contact me at 416 530 1100 or awilliamson@bosleyrealestate.com

Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

4
May

SOLD in 7 days! Brockton Village Modern Townhome

Welcome to the hot and trendy Brockton Village.  This Victorian inspired townhome has everything you need in a modern home.

Sorry this home has now SOLD!

loading SOLD in 7 days! Brockton Village Modern Townhome

http://www.131florencestreet.com/

Three stories of open concept living, boasting 9 & 10 foot ceilings and dark hardwood floors, give this home a warm and inviting feeling.  With a family room on the main level, you can choose to set up a home theatre or an inviting office space.  This floor also has a 3 piece washroom, laundry room, lots of closet storage and direct access to the over sized built-in garage.

The second floor of this contemporary home is currently used as a living space/family room with two large north facing windows, crown moulding, freshly painted and a powder room.  The large eat-in kitchen is what draws in your guests; bright, open, upgraded with fabulous stainless steel appliances, tumbled marble and more than enough storage for all your fancy cookware and mixers.  The kitchen opens up to a private 200 sqft terrace outfitted with a functional and funky pergola and natural gas line bbq to create an entertainers dream!

The hardwood staircase with wrought iron spindles lead you to the top floor of the townhome where natural light cascades through the hall and 3rd bedroom through two skylights.  The master bedroom wall was moved to increase the size of the room and to create direct access to the 3rd bedroom (currently used as a walk in closet). The 2nd bedroom has a charming bay window and an oversized storage closet.

This Victorian townhome has all the appeal of its original predecessor and all the features of a modern family home…just move in and enjoy!

29
Apr

SOLD in 2 days! A sweet and lofty lifestyle…

What was once Pattersons Chocolate Company is now home to one of  Toronto’s most desirable addresses…

Welcome to  The Historic Chocolate Co. Lofts!

www.955queenstreetwest.com

Step inside this true hard loft, showcasing original brick walls, wood beams and ceiling. Wrap around windows and juliette balconies frame this serene south west tree top view. Full day sunlight cascading over 1033 sqft of inspired living space set in the historical portion of the conversion.

loading SOLD in 2 days! A sweet and lofty lifestyle...

Master bedroom is nestled at the back of the loft, creating a quiet sanctuary and is larger than most with his/hers walk in closets, 4 piece ensuite bathroom and continuous exposed brick along west wall.
Upgraded kitchen Features: 8ft maple hard wood cabinets balancing out the marvellous 10ft ceiling height, custom island with clever storage and breakfast bar.

Original owner with an eye for detail handpicked this spacious loft boasting the best features and split bedroom plan – 2nd bedroom currently being used as an open concept den. This loft features both an ensuite and exclusive locker as well as an owned parking space. Owner has thoughtfully integrated the wiring system to expose full brick wall potential.

Want to book a showing?…contact me at awilliamson@bosleyrealestate.com or send me a Facebook message

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE THURS. MAY 5, 5-7PM

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE SAT. MAY 7 & SUN. MAY 8, 1-4PM

9
Feb

Favourite Trending Neighbourhoods

I was at the gym this morning and had a lovely conversation with a member about various neighbourhoods in the of the city and how much they have gentrified in the past 10-20 years.

loading Favourite Trending Neighbourhoods

For example and this is definitely a fan favourite for me is that of  Dufferin Grove.

The lady I was speaking to today, bought her house in Dufferin Grove back in 1992 for less than $300k and without a doubt she could sell this house today for close to 3 times that amount.  When she bought the house her friends from the ‘well to do’ Northern neighbourhoods would come down and visit her, often frowning upon the fact that she lived at Bloor and Ossington in such a ‘dodgy’ part of the City.  Well it’s been almost 2 decades living in her Edwardian home and although the thought has crossed her mind, she’s not selling this beauty anytime soon…believe me I tried to convince her to sell…I know there are a lot of hungry buyers out there. 

I live in Brockton Village and really do love it…I can walk EVERYWHERE from here.  There is a wonderful community of dog owners that meet at a neighbouring park off Sheridan Avenue every morning who all share an enthusiasm for their expanding village.  Take your kids to McCormick Community Centre for a skate or a few laps in their indoor pool, while you enjoy a relaxing yoga class.  Or if you prefer more dance and entertainment the famous Lula Lounge featuring music of Latin America, with cozy booths and dance-hall style floor is located at Dundas and Dufferin.
Of course after you’ve exhausted your dance moves, don’t forget about all the mouth watering bakeries on Dundas Street West!

Wallace Emerson Junction is a great pocket of goodness.  Located north of Brockton Village and north west of Christie Pits, there is so much to find and do in this booming neighbourhood.  It’s so good in fact, that I show this area to so many first time home buyers and young families that now everyone wants to live there.  A lot of the attention on this area comes from what it offers, great childrens programs at Wallace Emerson Community Centre, lots of schools and community focused shops and cafes.  If you live in this ‘hood and have grown ‘out’ of your house…there is a flurry of home buyers that would love to be the next generation of W-E-J.   

The City of Toronto is like an over stuffed sausage and spilling out into all kinds of directions, west, north, east…can we talk about the east for a second?!  One word: Leslieville.   What can I possibly say about this neighbourhood that hasn’t already been said… 3 of my clients moved there all in the past 14 months and already we can tell the value of their homes have increased substantially.  This neighbourhood is like the Annex of the EAST with great schools, trendy shops, fabulous restaurants and quick access to the Beach and highways.

These are just a handful of my favourite trending neighbourhoods and while I travel through the city streets, I’ll keep you posted on fabulous new finds along the way.

Cheers,

Amy

2
Feb

HootSuite…come up to MY room.

This past weekend I went to visit my friends and all their wonderful art installations at Come Up to My Room in Toronto at the Gladstone Hotel. Check out all the fabulous pictures at http://comeuptomyroom.com/  Thank you Jeremy Vandermeij for putting on, what I would say was the best show I’ve seen in years and a refreshed view of the arts.

Here’s Jeremy http://comeuptomyroom.com/video-interview-jeremy-vandermeij/

Although I am not an artist per se, I have dabbled in sketch drawing for years and feel a sudden overwhelming urge to get back into it…thank you CUTMR 2011 for the inspiration.

One of the other big hits this year was my BOSS Mark McLean and his three spectacular art installations…pictured here between his Soldier “Peace” and the Canadian Eh Moose (which I have first right of refusal on when he sells it)

loading HootSuite...come up to MY room.

What does CUTMR have to do with HootSuite you ask?  Well nothing really.  Actually when I saw Jeremy earlier this week and after the show he sat with me to share some of his favourite artist blogs, which lead into the discussion of how to use Facebook and Twitter effectively to promote my links, fave blogs and what I’m interested.  Insert HootSuite.  Categorizing my “mentions”, direct messages and being able to schedule “tweets” is mucho fabulouso and I’m hooted…I mean hooked.

Follow me on Twitter @QueenWestBosley, I promise to share all that has caught my attention.  The good, the bad and of course the jaw dropping “I can’t believe you actually tweeted about that”.

Cheers,

Amy

16
Nov

HST – How it affects Real Estate?

HST 150x150 HST   How it affects Real Estate?The other day, I was out with a friend and she asked me how my business was.  My answer was; “Business is great…working with a lot of great buyers and also trying to get some listings on the market within the next few weeks.”  Her response was positive but also seemed a little shocked that there wasn’t a mass exodus from the market because of the HST.

Hmmm.  HST eh?  I was quick to ask her what she meant by that.  See my friend Read moreentry more HST   How it affects Real Estate?