Richard Silver

Toronto Real Estate: Bringing Clarity to the Marketplace

Buyers today are getting a lot of mixed messages. The statistics from the Toronto Real Estate Board have been strong but a lot of the price increases have been driven by a shortage of listings meaning a lack of options for buyers. It is a tight market for Today's Buyer at a time when mortgage rates are at their lowest in history, making it the best time to get a mortgage. There are also a lot of confusing statements coming...Continue Reading...

Greater Toronto Housing Market Charts for November 2011

Here are the most recent Housing Market Charts for November 2011. These charts go back over the activity of the past three years and help you view the market in a fuller perspective. November 2011 Housing Market Charts View more presentations from Richard Silver. Your thoughts??Continue Reading...

Toronto Real Estate: Housing Market Charts for October 2011

I love my Toronto housing market charts because they do a lot to put the Toronto Real Estate Market in perspective. They give you a good grasp of the past three years... Toronto Real Estate Board: Market Charts October 2011 View more presentations from Richard Silver Feel free to ask questions and email them back to me.Continue Reading...

REALTORS® Remind City Council that Land Transfer Tax is Unpredictable Revenue Stream

 TORONTO, October 14, 2011 -- In a letter to Mayor Ford and City Councillors, the Toronto Real Estate Board is reminding City Council that the Toronto Land Transfer Tax is an unpredictable revenue stream, and that the only fair solution to the City's financial challenges is a combination of responsible fiscal management and fair revenues, like property taxes and user fees. REALTORS® comments were in response to a recent City Finance staff report indicating that the Toronto Land Transfer Tax is...Continue Reading...

Toronto Real Estate: Renovation Rebate Would Benefit Homeowners

October 7, 2011 -- When home buyers are shopping for a home, they often consider its future potential in addition to its current condition. So, the need for renovations and upgrades, either out of necessity or desire, are often factored into their buying decisions. Frankly, this is a good thing because home renovations help to create jobs and generate tax revenue for the government, worthy goals that REALTORS® are calling on provincial politicians to support and encourage with a rebate...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...

Toronto Real Estate: What’s Happening in New Home Sales

Thought that you might enjoy seeing this graphic from our friends at BuzzBuzzhomes.com. The new housing market includes both Condominium and Low Rise homes but does not include the Resale homes that would be featured on MLS usually. Great work Mr. BUZZ!! Continue Reading...

Your Finances: A New Approach to Home Ownership & Finances

President's Resale Homes & Condos Column TREB President's Column as it appears in the Resale Homes & Condos August 6, 2011 -- As I begin my term as president of the Toronto Real Estate Board, I am excited to use this column to arm homebuyers and sellers with information that will help consumers make informed decisions when it comes to real estate. For most people, buying a home represents an opportunity for a fresh start and ours is definitely a city that embraces...Continue Reading...

Greater Toronto REALTORS® Report May Resale Housing Market Figures

TORONTO, June 3, 2011 – Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 10,046 sales in May 2011 – up six per cent compared to May 2010. This result was the second best on record for May under the current Toronto Real Estate Board service area. The number of new listings in May, at 16,076, was down 15 per cent compared to last year. “Positive economic news and low borrowing costs led to strong sales through the first five months of the year, including the...Continue Reading...

A Lesson in Social Media Gone Wrong!

Over one year ago now we decided that three of us would go on  a Cruise from Santiago Chile' to Rio de Janeiro on Holland America Cruise Lines at Xmas and spending an extra five days in Antarctica. It was a wonderful experience and one we will not forget. For the most part, Holland America was a great host as well but... One of the main reasons we chose Holland America is that two of the three of us are addicted to...Continue Reading...