Wait! Did you know we publish a monthly newsletter that you can subscribe to for FREE? Just click the link at the bottom of this post!
Here's what we explore in our December issue:
First, we share our Homewatch News contribution, 'How To Identify and Remedy Dangerous Kitec Plumbing', which is a must-read for homeowners whose house or condo was built between 1995 and 2007. During this time it was extremely popular for builders and developers to use kitec plumbing; at the time it was thought to withstand corrosion, but it has been since found to corrode at an accelerated rate. With the risk of leaks, floods, and property damage looming, we thought it was time for homeowners to check what's behind their walls! Continuing our efforts to share pertinent information that could help enhance your real estate savvy, our Homewatch News segment was turned into a direct mail piece delivered to around 40,000 Toronto households. It's part of our on-going marketing efforts that range from traditional print campaigns like advertising our Innovative Space ad in the Friday Globe and Mail newspaper (for over twenty years), to our daily blog on urbaneer.com, and our social media presence on Facebook, Google+, Instagram and Twitter.
Each month we share the tale of what one of our buyers bought in our Home Of The Month feature. In December, we recount the story of Buyers climbing the property ladder from a central west-end stacked condo townhouse to a premium freehold Riverdale property. We've long contended that – given the soaring escalation in prices – those who aggressively stretch themselves to their top dollar in an effort to bypass multiple climbs up the property ladder will ultimately serve themselves well. If you can limit how many times you have to pony up the exorbitant closing costs associated with buying Toronto real estate, the better you'll increase your net worth years from now while reducing the hassle of moving. Which is exactly what our Buyers did, when they leaped from starter home to forever home by pro-actively purchasing this Riverdale Victorian manse with an aggressive bully offer. Be sure to read the full story if you're a condo owner looking to climb the property ladder.
In December's installment of our Dear urbaneer series, entitled, 'How Do I Set My Home Up For Financial Success?', a client posed the following question:
“Dear urbaneer: Under your calm prudent guidance, we are thrilled and relieved that after several months of searching – and losing in those frustrating bidding wars – that we are about to take possession of our new Home! We'll admit the search was emotionally exhausting, and while you always said we'd ultimately find the one (which we did!) we're only just enjoying the joy and jubilation that comes with the end of a long journey. However, now that we’re reconciling we've tied up the bulk of our finances in this home (both cash and debt) we want to take the appropriate steps to make ensure we not only preserve but increase the value of our house. We know you've got the formula locked down, so what improvements do you recommend? Signed, Setting Our House Up For Future Financial Success.”
First, we applaud this very astute question that demonstrates prudent forethought on the part of our Buyers. We mined our collective experiences as realtors, designers, and homeowners to formulate a matrix of the most profitable and value-boosting renovations and upgrades, specifically in regards to cost vs. return at the time of sale. Read the blog to see what tops our list!
We're thrilled that one of our most popular blogs this month was our 'Urbaneer Toronto Real Estate Fall 2015 Forecast: Part Two'. In Part One, we studied what the pundits had to say about potential activity in the market, backed up by a whole lot of data. We also looked at the ongoing possible challenge that the condominium market presents. In Part Two, we delved into the potential impact that the results of the recent Federal Election and the change in government could have on the housing markets. We also discuss the ongoing challenges surrounding affordability in the City of Toronto. This one's a must-read for all Torontonians (especially since our month-old prediction regarding the possibility of new minimum down payment regulations has already come to pass)!
This month the urbaneer team was delighted to share our latest press in Thomson Reuters about the Federal Government's change to the minimum down payments required for CMHC-backed mortgages. Steven Fudge, as a seasoned realtor and past Reuters-contributor, was interviewed for the piece. Steve shared his predictions for how the new policy – created in an effort to cool the hot Vancouver and Toronto markets – will directly impact our city's real estate market trends in 2016 and beyond. This is must-have information!
And don't miss the sensational unique urban homes listed for sale and lease for your consideration!
Click HERE to read our December newsletter, brimming with important information!
New to urbaneer? Consider signing up in the box at the bottom of the page below if you'd like to receive this newsletter without pressure or hassle. It's an easy way of keeping informed on Toronto's real estate market.
And please remember, we are always here to help.
~ steven and the urbaneer team
we're here to earn your trust, then your business.
