Team Canada FanFest

VELD Music Festival

VELD Music Festival (commonly referred to as VELD) is the largest annual electronic dance music festival in Canada,^[1] held at Downsview Park in Toronto, Ontario. Since its inception in 2012, the festival has had a number of notable acts, including deadmau5, Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren, Hardwell, Steve Aoki, Zedd, Illenium, and Tiesto.

The music festival has three concert stages: the Main Stage, the Bass Stage (formally known as the Rémy Martin Stage), and the Sirkus Stage. The Bass Stage features dubstep, trap, riddim, and other sub-genres of electronic dance music, while the Sirkus Stage hosts mostly house music, such as bass houseand tech house.

WHEN: Aug 2-3-4

WHERE: Downsview Park, Toronto

More Information and Tickets: www.veldmusicfestival.com

Caribana Weekend 2024

CaribanaToronto.com advertises and sells tickets to the majority of Caribbean inspired events and parties taking place over Caribana 2024 weekend. Toronto’s Caribbean Caribana festival has grown exponentially since its start in 1967 and is currently North America’s largest cultural festival. What was once a three-day event has now grown into three weeks of celebration, absorbing most of the city with its infectious feel-good vibes.

Over a million tourists are expected in Toronto during the August long weekend to experience everything Caribana weekend has to offer. The beauty of Caribana weekend 2024 in Toronto is the varied audience it attracts: everyone from families across Canada and the U.S, young singles looking for a good time, to celebrities throwing Caribana themed parties in clubs across Toronto.

WHEN:Thursday, August 1st – Monday, August 5th 2024

In many ways, having a lot to choose from is a good problem to have – at least as a home buyer in Canada’s most competitive market. However, that doesn’t make the process of house hunting any less stressful. 

More properties to choose from means you have a better chance of finding a home that checks all the boxes. But it also means there are a whole lot more listings to sift through as you navigate the market. So how can you make that process easier? Keep reading. 

Perks of a Buyer’s Market

High inventory is a trademark characteristic of a buyer’s market – and that’s what we’ve been seeing in Toronto lately. Right now, buyers have the advantage of a less active market – which means the process is less competitive and prices aren’t escalating as fast as they used to. 

That said, with less overall activity (sales) and inventory still entering the market fairly consistently, we’re starting to see a surplus of available homes. This, in turn, has created another unique perk for today’s buyers: greater selection. 

Preparing to buy a home in Toronto? Explore these blogs for helpful advice. 

• When a Home Seems Too Good to be True 
• How to Take Advantage of First-Time Buyer Incentives
• Why Creativity Matters When Placing an Offer on Toronto Real Estate

Know What You Want

First things first – before you start house hunting, you’ll need to know what it is you’re actually looking for in a home. This might sound simple (or even obvious) but you’d be surprised how many buyers head to the market without putting any thought into their home wishlist. 

A good way to sort out your must-haves is by asking yourself a few simple questions. 

Think about location. Where do you want to live in the city? Are you drawn to the downtown core, somewhere central but close, midtown, or a more suburban neighbourhood? How important is proximity to work, schools, or public transportation?

Next, consider what you need from the home itself. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Do you want a big yard or a garage? What about a home office? Are you looking for a detached single-family home, a townhouse, or a high-rise condo?

By having a clear idea of what you want, you can narrow down your choices and focus on homes that meet your criteria.

Don’t forget to think ahead too. Moving is a big process so you’ll want a home that can meet your needs both today and in the future. Are you planning to start a family? Will your kids be moving out? How soon are you looking to retire? All of these insights will be helpful in ensuring you make the right choice and investment. 

Know What You Can Afford

Along with knowing what you want from a home, you should also know what you can afford. Before you start looking at homes, you need to understand your current financial situation. This means having a solid grasp on how much money you have saved, what your income is, and what your expenses are.

With that in mind, getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a good way to have an accurate idea of what you can afford to buy. When you get pre-approved for a mortgage, you’re essentially providing all your financial details to a bank or lender, who will then determine how much they are willing to lend you and at what interest rate. A mortgage pre-approval can also give you an advantage when making an offer on a home, as it shows sellers that you are serious and financially capable of purchasing their property.

Looking to make the most out of your next home purchase? Check out these blog posts for unique pointers on buying.  

• 3 Neighbourhoods That Are Perfect For First-Time Homebuyers
• How Many Real Estate Agents Should You Interview Before Choosing One?
• How to Realistically Save For a Downpayment in Toronto

Work With an Agent

When it comes to finding the perfect home, a professional real estate agent is the best tool in your tool kit. Whether the market is swelling with available homes or inventory is scarce, a professional knows how to match you with the right properties based on your criteria. 

Of course, in a market like Toronto, finding your dream home is only one piece of the puzzle. Even when the market is in favour of buyers, navigating the negotiation process can be tricky. That said, an experienced and knowledgeable real estate agent can guide you through this process with ease – helping you actually land the perfect home. 

Ready to head to the market? As Toronto’s leading real estate experts, we can help you find a home that speaks to your heart. Send us an email or call 416-587-3300 to discover your path to success. 

Are you looking for a new way to check out real estate in Toronto? Downloaded Listed, a new real estate app that lets you work directly with your agent to buy or sell seamlessly. It’s as easy as using Instagram! Download the app via our exclusive link right here.

Canada Day Long Weekend 2024

VISIT OUR CALENDAR PARTNERS EVENTS IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN THE CITIES BELOW:

New York

Washington DC

Miami

San Francisco

Los Angeles

San Diego

Santa Barbara

Seattle

Orange County

Chicago

Greenwich

Denver  

Naples

Taho, Reno-NV

Sacramento

The Hamptons, NY

Atlanta

Tampa Bay

Park City

SarasotaT

As one of Canada’s earliest cities, Toronto is renowned for its abundance of remarkable heritage homes. While these centuries-old properties span a diverse range of architectural styles, one of the most prominent types of heritage homes found in Toronto is the Victorian home. 

Given the elevated profile of these properties, many homebuyers entering the Toronto market place Victorian qualities at the forefront of their wishlist. 

In this informative article, we will explore the definitive traits of a Victorian home in Toronto, their origins, and more. 

Available Victorian Homes in Toronto

Curious about which Victorian homes in Toronto are currently available for sale or lease? Explore a few of our existing listings – both of which are charming properties reflecting traditional Victorian architecture.

18 Geneva Avenue | $1,599,000 | Cabbagetown

404 Sackville Street | $2,950/Month | Cabbagetown

62 Admiral Road | $17,500/Month | The Annex

Preparing to buy a home in Toronto? Explore these blogs for helpful advice. 

• When a Home Seems Too Good to be True 
• How to Take Advantage of First-Time Buyer Incentives
• Why Creativity Matters When Placing an Offer on Toronto Real Estate

The Origin of Victorian Homes in Toronto

Victorian architecture flourished during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901), a period marked by industrial advancement and major growth in Toronto’s population. As part of the city’s ongoing development, many homes were constructed during this era, reflecting the preeminent tastes of the time. 

Anatomy of a Victorian Home

Victorian homes typically feature steeply pitched roofs with multiple gables and dormers. These varied rooflines add to the visual complexity and grandeur of the structures.

Unlike the more balanced designs of earlier periods, Victorian homes embrace asymmetry. This can be seen in their irregular floor plans, uneven rooflines, and eclectic mix of window styles and placements.

Large, wrap-around porches are common in larger Victorian homes, providing outdoor living space and adding to the decorative facade.

One of the most defining features of Victorian homes is their elaborate decorative elements. Especially in some of Toronto’s core communities that were developed as upper-middle-class enclaves, you’ll find homes featuring intricate woodwork, patterned brickwork, and accepting on the gables. Along with larger design features like towers and turrets, smaller embellishments such as finials, spindles, and scrollwork are also prevalent. 

The Bay-and-Gable

No article about Victorian homes in Toronto would be complete without mentioning the Bay-and-Gable. The Bay-and-Gable style is a distinctively Toronto architectural form and is arguably the city’s most iconic type of housing. 

Developed in the late 19th century and early 20th century, this style was popular among the city’s growing middle class. The proliferation of Bay-and-Gable homes corresponds with Toronto’s rapid urban expansion and the need for efficient yet aesthetically pleasing housing solutions. While a unique style in its own right, Bay-and-Gable homes are heavily inspired by their Victorian predecessors and many civil historians and architects consider them to be a category or sub-classification of Victorian homes. 

What Makes a Bay-and-Gable Home?

The most prominent feature of Bay-and-Gable architecture is the large bay windows in the front of the home. These windows not only add to the exterior charm but also increase the interior light and space – usually being featured across multiple stories of the home. Of course, these homes also have a steep gable roof – often facing the street. Depending on the property, the gable may be decorated with wooden trim or bargeboard, adding a touch of Victorian flair.

While Bay-and-Gable homes can feature some decorative trim, they are generally less ornate than their Victorian counterparts. The emphasis is on clean lines and functional design, with decorative elements serving to highlight architectural features rather than dominate them. Entrances and doorways are recessed or set to one side, sometimes with a small porch. 

Looking for insights on Toronto neighbourhoods that feature great Victorian homes? Read these blogs next.

• 3 Toronto Neighbourhoods For First-Time Homebuyers
• Why Families are Flocking to Riverdale & Leslieville
• Toronto’s Best Neighbourhoods For Cyclists

Where Are Victorian Homes Found?

Victorian homes can be found all over central Toronto and in some communities beyond the downtown core. Areas with lots of Victorian homes, including Bay-and-Gable include The Annex, Parkdale, Riverdale, Summerhill, and Trinity-Bellwoods. However, the highest volume of Victorian homes in Toronto is found in Cabbagetown. In fact, Cabbagetown is home to the most preserved Victorian homes of any neighbourhood in North America. This includes both traditional Victorian properties and Bay-and-Gable style homes. 

Ready to head to the market? As Toronto’s leading real estate experts, we can help you find a home that speaks to your heart. Send us an email or call 416-587-3300 to discover your path to success. 

Are you looking for a new way to check out real estate in Toronto? Downloaded Listed, a new real estate app that lets you work directly with your agent to buy or sell seamlessly. It’s as easy as using Instagram! Download the app via our exclusive link right here.

Do West Festival

Toronto’s start to summer, in the heart of Little Portugal!

This annual celebration of music, arts, food, fun, and community takes place along Dundas Street West, from Ossington Avenue to Lansdowne Avenue, covering 16 blocks of downtown Toronto. Do West Fest brings the neighbourhood together and draws visitors to the area to explore shops, food, and rich cultural diversity.

Presented by Little Portugal Toronto B.I.A and Uma Nota Culture.

WHEN: June 7th-9th

WHERE: Along Dundas Street West

Taste of Little Italy

TD Toronto Jazz Festival

What began in 1987 as an eight day showcase of jazz now attracts in excess of 500,000 loyal patrons annually over 10 days as more than 1,500 musicians entertain all across the city. The Festival has become a destination event, not just for music lovers but for some of the greatest jazz celebrities in the world, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in artistic excellence and outstanding production standards.

The festival’s continued success and growth is a testament to strong relationships with stakeholders including patrons, Toronto City Council, Members of Parliament, corporate sponsors, volunteers, private donors and all levels of government. The TD Toronto Jazz Festival is endorsed by Toronto City Council, international artists and has been designated as an event of municipal significance that enhances Canada’s international reputation.

WHEN: JUNE 21-30

MORE INFO: www.torontojazz.com

Toronto Pride Parade 2024

The annual Pride Month kicks off with an official flag-raising ceremony at City Hall and runs throughout the month of June, building up to the high-energy festival weekend. This dynamic event includes the Toronto Pride Parade on Sunday, June 30, 2024.

WHEN: Sunday June 30

WHERE: Church Street

MORE INFO: www.pridetoronto.com

VISIT OUR CALENDAR PARTNERS EVENTS IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN THE CITIES BELOW:

New York

Washington DC

Miami

San Francisco

Los Angeles

San Diego

Santa Barbara

Seattle

Orange County

Chicago

Greenwich

Denver  

Naples

Taho, Reno-NV

Sacramento

The Hamptons, NY

Atlanta

Tampa Bay

Park City

Sarasota

Beginning your home search is undoubtedly exciting. Exploring home listings online or in person, weighing your options, and imagining what your life could look like in each home is a fun experience. However, it’s important not to get lost in the process – especially when you think you’ve found “the one”. 

In real estate, love at first sight comes with a few risks. All too often buyers are so impressed with how a home looks that they rush into the buying process without thinking carefully about their decision or doing their due diligence on the property. 

So how can you ensure that what you see will be what you get? In this blog, we’ll highlight three key considerations to ensure you’re not just impressed by a home but also educated about it. 

Always Be Diligent 

It’s easy to get quickly carried away when you’ve stumbled upon your dream home – or at least, the one you’d like to buy. After spending your time and energy scouring the market, finally finding a home that not just checks all the boxes but also blows you away can feel elating. As real estate agents, we love seeing our clients light up when they discover the perfect home for them and their families. 

At the end of the day, a home is not just where you live but it’s also a major investment. For most people, it’s the single largest purchase they’ll make in their lifetime. So, it’s important to protect yourself as you make such a major investment. 

Buying a home soon? Have a peek at these blog posts for more information and advice. 

• Will I Ever Be Able to Afford a Home in Toronto?
• How to Take Advantage of First-Time Buyer Incentives
• Why Creativity Matters When Placing an Offer on Toronto Real Estate

Don’t Skip the Home Inspection

As a buyer, one of the most important steps in your buying process should be a home inspection. Regardless of how great a home looks on the surface, it can hide certain flaws. Problems like faulty electrical wiring, plumbing complications, roof leaks, mould infestation, or even issues with the foundation won’t be immediately apparent when you walk through the home. However, a professional home inspection can bring these concerns (among other potential issues) to light. 

A home inspection is usually included as a condition or contingency as part of your buying offer. This means that once your offer is conditionally accepted by the seller, you’ll have a short time period to have the home inspected. 

Depending on the condition or age of the home, the seller may have already had it inspected ahead of time. In an instance like this, your agent will ask for a copy of the inspection report and go through it with you. They’ll help you make sense of any areas of concern or other potential issues. 

Want to find the right Toronto neighbourhood for you? Check out these other posts from our blog for helpful tips. 

• 3 Toronto Neighbourhoods For First-Time Homebuyers
• Is Yonge & Lawrence a Family Neighbourhood?
• What Makes Toronto’s The Beaches Neighbourhood Special?

Zoom Out

In addition to verifying that the home is in good condition and matches your needs in the short and long term, you’ll want to zoom out and consider the area surrounding the home. When it comes to lifestyle and convenience, neighbourhood plays a big role in what makes a house really feel like a home. So, even if the property itself is great, you’ll want to consider if its location and surrounding community will make a good fit for you. 

For instance, a home may look incredible, but if it’s a 90-minute drive from your workplace, it may not be the most practical place to live. While extending your commute may seem like a small sacrifice in theory, it can be exhausting in practice. Another common example is schools. If you’ve found the “perfect” place but it’s a long way from your kids’ school (or where you’d like them to go to school), you may want to rethink how the home will meet your needs long term. 

Ready to head to the market? As Toronto’s leading real estate experts, we can help you find a home that speaks to your heart. Send us an email or call 416-587-3300 to discover your path to success. 

Are you looking for a new way to check out real estate in Toronto? Downloaded Listed, a new real estate app that lets you work directly with your agent to buy or sell seamlessly. It’s as easy as using Instagram! Download the app via our exclusive link right here.