Richard Silver

Archive for September, 2011

Toronto Real Estate Board Supports Home Energy Rebates

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Energy Rebates Should Be A Priority

September 23, 2011-- Unfortunately, summer is quickly coming to an end and before we know it, the cooler weather will be here.   While we can't do anything to stop the cold weather from arriving, we can make sure that our homes are ready for it by making them as energy efficient as possible, but, as many homebuyers and owners know, doing so can be costly.  That's why, during the current provincial election campaign, REALTORS® are calling on all provincial parties...Continue Reading...

REALTORS® Respond to Core Services Review at Toronto City Council

Toronto, September 21, 2011 – REALTORS® are following-up on their presentation to the City’s Executive Committee, earlier this week, by providing additional information on why they believe that the Toronto Land Transfer Tax is not part of the solution to the City’s financial challenges. “We are proud that the Toronto Real Estate Board was the only business organization that had the courage to go to City Hall and call for the fiscal restraint that so many Torontonians want and demand from...Continue Reading...

Are you too old for tech? Why it’s not about age.

A very wise person once told me that “successful people get results and unsuccessful people get excuses”. Since then I have tried to live life with no excuses. It is a constant challenge to keep that promise, and the “age” excuse is the one the keeps boiling to the top; it’s the easiest one to indulge…. No matter where I travel, when the topic of technology/change comes up, I hear “I’m too old to change” and they are usually younger than...Continue Reading...

Toronto Real Estate: Buyers beware in real estate purchases, too

September 16, 2011 - I recently read an article in the Toronto Star that got me thinking about the experiences of homebuyers purchasing newly built condominiums. The article detailed buyers who had bought from floor plans, but, unfortunately, once the unit was built they were disappointed when they realized that one window looked at a brick wall, the floor was laminate and the balcony was “more of a ledge.” This article is a good reminder that there is a lot to...Continue Reading...

GTA REALTORS® Release Mid-Month Resale Housing Figures

Toronto, September 16, 2011 – Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 3,149 transactions during the first 14 days of September, representing an increase of more than 25 per cent in comparison to the first two weeks of September 2010. New listings over the same period, at 6,890, were up by 14 per cent compared to last year. “Purchasing and paying for a home over the long term represents the single largest financial commitment most households will make over a lifetime. To make this...Continue Reading...

Tell Toronto City Hall to Target Waste, Not Home Buyers

September 16, 2011 -- Next week is an important time for our City and for property buyers.  Some key City of Toronto Councillors will be making decisions on how to get the City's finances in order so that City Hall can live within its means.   What they decide can directly impact your property buying decisions because their actions may be an important step towards keeping Mayor Ford's promise to repeal the Toronto Land Transfer Tax, which costs the average Toronto...Continue Reading...

Toronto Area Housing Market Charts for August 2011

Here are the Housing Market Charts for August 2011 from the Toronto Real Estate Board. Look at the past three years in a perspective. These provide a better picture of the market than just month-to-month figures...Keep an eye on chart 10 which is the Affordability Chart. Toronto Area Housing Market Charts, August 2011 View more presentations from Richard Silver Continue Reading...

REALTORS Care Foundation: Realtors ride for a great cause

September 2, 2011 -- One of the many things I enjoy about being a REALTOR® is that there’s never a dull day. Thanks to our varied professional backgrounds and range of special interests, even after 32 years in the business, I learn something new virtually every time I chat with another GTA REALTOR® Member. One example of the diversity within our professional community is a group of REALTORS® who also happen to be motorcycle enthusiasts. Each year they get together for...Continue Reading...

Press Release: Toronto Area REALTORS® Report August 2011 Sales

Toronto, September 7, 2011 – Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 7,542 sales through the TorontoMLS® system in August – a 24 per cent increase over 6,083 sales in August 2010. New listings, at 12,509, were up by 20 per cent compared to August 2010. Market conditions remained tight as sales growth outstripped growth in new listings. "Home sales in the GTA have stood up well despite a less certain economic outlook," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver. "Home sales will...Continue Reading...