Topics:  Gentrification in the Junction: erasure, displacements and the marketization of space past and present AND

The Politics of Aesthetics in Toronto: Opportunities for Radical Urban Planning. It looks good! Check it out!

Thursday February 23, from 7-8:30pm
at Alternative Grounds, 333 Roncesvalles Ave.

Kim Jackson
Title: Gentrification in the Junction: erasure, displacements and the marketization of space past and present

Summary: Local organizations often deploy historical narratives to sell their neighbourhood to potential home buyers and business owners in an effort to reinforce gentrification processes. Taking the Junction as a case study, this research looks at historical continuities between colonization, as primitive accumulation, and gentrification as ongoing primitive accumulation strategies to continue the marketization of space. The increased marketization of both space and sociality rifts the community into those who participate and are therefore valorized, and those who do not and are therefore excluded, made vulnerable and considered expendable.

Bio: Kim Jackson is a Phd student in Environmental Studies at York University. She has lived and worked in community based social arts practice in the Junction for over 5 years. Her academic research looks at the ethical tensions that result from the daily life reproduction of capitalist relations in shared space of the neighborhood.

And

Brendon Goodmurphy
Title: The Politics of Aesthetics in Toronto: Opportunities for Radical Urban Planning

Summary: In an effort to ‘revitalize’ a neighbourhood by changing its aesthetics – that is, its look or feel – are communities contributing to its gentrification? In this research, I seek to understand how aesthetic strategies are mobilized at the neighbourhood level, and the role that they play in contested notions of community and conflicts over urban space. This research seeks to clarify the politics of aesthetics in community development, and the opportunities and challenges that aesthetics offer planners, artists and community organizers to bring about radical social change, based on the right to the city.

Bio: Brendon graduated from the Master’s program in Urban Planning and Community Development at the University of Toronto in 2011. His research interests include uneven development and poverty, social housing, food security and social movement building. Currently, Brendon is working as a support worker for adults with disabilities. He is also volunteering with the Parkdale Activity-Recreation Centre (PARC) on a food security project.

Thursday February 23, from 7-8:30pm
at Alternative Grounds, 333 Roncesvalles Ave.

Event co-sponsored by Painting Our Stories and Community Arts Practice at York University

It’s crazy out there for buyers right now. There are bidding wars galore and many buyers are left in a wake of disappointment and disillusionment when they lose out on yet another house. It’s maddening and it doesn’t feel fair.

If you’re an investor who already has a firm foot on property ladder, you have nothing to lose by waiting. But, if you’re a person looking to buy a home to live in, time is of the essence; time ticks by and prices get higher. Chances are homes you could afford two years ago, you cannot afford today. Consider the money that you’re wasting, paying someone else’s mortgage while you’re waiting for the bubble to burst. The stats show that Toronto house prices have been on a slow and steady rise for the past twenty years, they are not getting lower.  It makes sense that if you want a home now, start thinking rationally about how to succeed.

How do you compete when there are 12 other offers?

Some of the houses are selling for crazy money, (up to 200k over asking) and it’s leaving us agents baffled and shaking our heads. Why is this happening? Firstly, there’s just not enough product on the market to satisfy the demand right now and secondly, mortgage rates are still at an all time low, which means an increase in buyers entering the market.

So what do you do?

KEEP A LEVEL HEAD

• Figure out what you can afford in monthly mortgage payments, keeping in mind the cost of the lifestyle you want to continue to enjoy, and stick to it.

• Give yourself say, a 2% headroom on top of that to allow for a rise in mortgage rates in the coming years. (Seek the advice of a good mortgage broker. I can recommend a few.) Be smart.

• Work with an experienced agent who knows the neighbourhood(s) you desire and who can help you choose which homes are in your “true price range”.  A good agent will be able to suss out which ones are underpriced and help you get a realistic handle on what strategy to use if you are in a bidding war situation.

• Buyers are reported to lose out on up to 10 bidding wars in this market before they get something, so don’t get emotionally attached. NEXT.

• Sellers like clean offers. (no financing or home inspection conditions) Be prepared to act quickly and book a home inspection before the offer date so you know what you’re getting into. Make sure you have your financing in place. Some mortgage brokers can do “mock offers” and get the financing green light beforehand for the property so there are no nasty surprises later.

ALTERNATIVELY

Studies show that the majority of buyers prefer a ‘move in ready WoW house’; they emotionally connect and instantly picture themselves living there. Consequently, more buyers compete for the limited supply.

How about this?

Instead of going for the houses that everyone else is competing for, keep an OPEN MIND by choosing:

• Cheaper areas or streets near more expensive ones.
• Houses on a busier road, but in a great location. It might be busy in the front, but the backyard could be where you spend your time.
• Houses that need work, if you’re handy. Or if not, ask a mortgage broker about the Purchase Plus Improvements Program. (They can help qualified home buyers tailor improvements immediately after taking possession, to make their new home just right. All this can be done with one manageable mortgage and 5% down payment.)

Everyone is different and so is each situation. Work with an agent that empowers you with information and choices so that you succeed in getting a home you’ll love for many years to come.

1. Can the realtor that helps me list my home for sale also help me find a home to buy? In most cases the answer is yes. Ask your realtor to explain the concept of agency and how it works in Ontario. Be sure to ask what limitations, if any, your representation will have.

2. What happens when my realtor is not available? Realtors work extremely long hours and try to be available whenever and wherever you need them. But, ask your prospective realtors what arrangements they have in place when they can’t meet with you.

3. What would you tell a buyer considering my home? A good realtor will quickly spot your home’s best features and advise you the best way to showcase them. Be sure you are comfortable with the way your home will be presented.

4. What do you think is the key to selling a home: advertising, Internet exposure, or promotion to other realtors? Does the realtor have their own personal website? Since the success of the listing realtor’s marketing plan will be based on how to attract prospective buyers, ask to see samples, and be sure you understand and agree to the approach.

5. What sold the last three homes you listed? Realtors should be able to explain how they sell homes in the past and how these experiences can influence your sale.

6. What advice would you give a buyer considering my home? Do you want top dollar for your home, or as many offers as quickly as possible? Make sure you agree with the technique your home will be framed for buyers and their realtors.

7. What distinguishes your personal service from other realtors? The number one criticism from both sellers and buyers is that realtors don’t return their phone calls. Listen carefully when realtors describe their communication skills and how they will communicate with you. Do you prefer a personal phone call, a text message or an e-mail?

You have now spoken with several realtors, and it’s time to make a selection. Consider carefully their suggestions and the information they have told you regarding your home. Do they embrace your best interests?
Did they seem trustworthy and honest without suggesting an unrealistic listing price, just to get your listing?
Were they realistic when discussing your home purchase? Did they communicate well? Were you on the same page?
Were they committed, motivated, and experienced?
Judge carefully whom you wish to represent you in your sale and purchase. This is most often the largest sale and buy home buyers and home sellers make in a lifetime. This is not a race, but a journey you will want to be memorable for all the right reasons.

For more information, please e-mail me at: danyelle@bosleyrealestate.com. Also, you may reach me at 416-530-1100.
Danyelle Boily, Sales Representative Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

When square footage is at a premium in downtown Toronto condos, affordability becomes an issue and many Buyers have to compromise on the size of their unit. Have no fear, some design solutions are here!

While I was  at the Interior Design Show last weekend, I discovered quite a few space-saving inspirations perfect for small condos, guest bedrooms or holiday homes.  Here are a couple of examples of bed storage that do double duty: (Please forgive the photo quality. I took these with my iphone.)

Flip top bed with storage underneath. You just have to make sure no one is sleeping when you open it.

Bed with under-mounted drawers. Plenty of storage, enough to do without a dresser.

Save even MORE space with furniture from Resource Furniture.com , experts in sourcing multi-functional furniture designed in Europe. Check these out:

Queen size Murphy Bed with desk, BEFORE.                                            Pulling the bed down. *note the desk

AFTER, with the desk and contents safely stowed underneath. Great for a home office that doubles as a guest room.

And this double seated couch with pop up foot rests, perfect for watching TV:

Queen Size Murphy Bed Couch, BEFORE.                             Extendable foot rests…

AFTER, with bed pulled out. *Note: the couch is neatly stowed underneath and the bookshelf and contents remain upright. Amazing!

Bright, breezy open spaces can be had during the day and at night, just take down the bed and sleep on a full queen size bed. I like these multi-use beds because you can entertain guests without feeling as though they are in your bedroom. It tucks away easily and neatly.

This one is a beaut! Great colours and nice use of space.

BEFORE                                                                                     AFTER. Again with shelf that tucks in and remains upright.

Here’s an example of a table that serves as a coffee table, to a medium sized table, to full on dinner party table.

With a little imagination you can live as though you have twice as much room without the headache of clunky big furniture eating up all the floor area. You do have to be a little organized and tidy to make small spaces work, but it’s worth it!

I haven’t seen such a well thought out combination of form and function in furniture before. If you want to see what else Resource Furniture stocks check out this furniture-in-action video:
 

 

I’m always on the lookout for new and inspiring designs and love to make recommendations to clients about sourcing great finds to furnish their new home. It’s such an exciting part of making your home have soul with your own special touch.
If you’re interested in getting ideas, follow my Design Moods-Interiors on Pinterest!

Now if only I could figure out how to properly layout text and photos on WordPress….

As a direct result of our county’s sound financial policies, the Real Estate Market in Canada and particularly Toronto remains robust and healthy.  2011 was the second best year on record for sales in the GTA.  Had it not been for our lack of inventory, it no doubt, would have been the best.  Buyers remained confident as interest rates hit historically low points.  Sellers were very happy clients as the time frame to sell a home lessened and the sale/asking price ratio rose in many instances over 100%.  The average price of a home in the GTA increased a healthy but conservative 8% over 2010.

To continue with our conservative growth, the forecast for next year is reasonably similar market activity with a moderate price growth of 4%, according to Jason Mercer, Senior Manager of Market Analysis for the Toronto Real Estate Board.  Remember, if you are waiting for the market to peak to sell your home, the only way you know it was at the top is when it starts to fall.

Dufferin Grove
Average sold price: $748,360
Average # of bedrooms: 3
Most common house type: Semi-detached
Most common house style: 2 storey
Most expensive property sold: $1,890,000
Least expensive property sold: $442,500

Brockton Village
Average sold price: $490,108
Average # of bedrooms: 3
Most common house type: Semi-detached/Row
Most common house style: 2 storey
Most expensive property sold: $850,000
Least expensive property sold: $300,000

Beaconsfield Village

Average sold price: $645,093
Average # of bedrooms: 3
Most common house type: Semi-detached
Most common house style: 2 storey
Most expensive property sold: $880,000
Least expensive property sold: $410,000

Trinity-Bellwoods
Average sold price: $726,084
Average # of bedrooms: 3
Most common house type: Semi-detached
Most common house style: 2 storey
Most expensive property sold: $1,040,000
Least expensive property sold: $449,000

High Park North
Average sold price: $785,168
Average # of bedrooms: 4
Most common house type: Detached
Most common house style: 2/2.5 storey
Most expensive property sold: $1,275,000
Least expensive property sold: $497,000

High Park South

Average sold price: $895,018
Average # of bedrooms: 4
Most common house type: Detached
Most common house style: 2 1/2 storey
Most expensive property sold: $1,750,000
Least expensive property sold: $405,000

Roncesvalles

Average sold price: $704,069
Average # of bedrooms: 3
Most common house type: Semi-detached
Most common house style: 2 / 2 1/2 storey
Most expensive property sold: $1,141,000
Least expensive property sold: $376,000

Parkdale

Average sold price: $646,521
Average # of bedrooms: 4
Most common house type: Detached/Semi-detached
Most common house style: 2 1/2 storey
Most expensive property sold: $877,500
Least expensive property sold: $338,000

The Junction

Average sold price: $600,144
Average # of bedrooms: 3
Most common house type: Semi-detached/Detached
Most common house style: 2 storey
Most expensive property sold: $965,000
Least expensive property sold: $305,000

*MLS stats from January 1, 2011- December 31, 2011

Christopher Watt- Open file photos: by fieldguided.blogspot

Designated a heritage site by the city, the Sylvan Apartments are celebrating their 100th anniversary by growing more decrepit each day.”It’s definitely kind of mysterious to me,” says neighbour Geoff Piersol, looking across the street at the abandoned building one overcast morning.

When the 30-year old information professional was thinking about moving to Dufferin Grove last year, the view of the vacant two-storey structure on the corner of Sylvan Ave. and Havelock St. hardly registered. But once Piersol moved in across the street, he took some photos of the “seriously spooky” property for a guest post on his girlfriend’s blog.

From Piersol’s perspective, the Sylvan Apartments only get more intriguing with time. It’s no a surprise that they’re in rough shape, he says, but that they remain standing at all.

Some municipal history may be in order. Fire insurance maps show that east-west Sylvan Ave, and north-south Havelock St. were joined up by an extension to the former in 1910. In that year, most of the Sylvan Apartments were built. A 1927 addition to the structure running south down Havelock established the property as the corner’s main architectural feature.

It wasn’t until 2006 that Toronto city council designated parts of the Sylvan Apartments, which ended up totalling 16 units, as being of cultural heritage value. A bylaw notice described it as a “well-designed early 20th-century apartment building with features of Edwardian Classicism by Toronto architect James A. Harvey.”

In 2007, the Ontario Municipal Board heard from property owner JDC Property Management on grounds that city council had understandably failed to respond within 90 days to a rezoning application made by JDC that would have left the Sylvan Apartments open to demolition. While JDC tabled a no-fault settlement in the weeks before the hearing that would have preserved at least some of Harvey’s work, city authorities refused. As one expert for the defence said before the OMB, according to public documents, Toronto doesn’t do “facadism.”

The Sylvan Apartments had been contested for a number of years already. In 2003, JDC acquired the property from the estate of one Jean Gwendoline Hutson. (“Miss Hutson” a poem by former resident John Skaife, is here.) Local heritage aficionados soon took issue with the prospect that 42 condominium units might one day appear on the site.

From his side of Sylvan Ave., Piersol describes the changes he’s noticed across the street since he moved in, the kind of subtle changes to which century-old properties seem prone.

Vandalism is clearly increasing. He points to a second-storey window, where someone got inside and spray-painted four letters — ELYK — on the interior of the glass. (It seems cryptic, but consider an alternate scenario in which some squatter-artiste named Kyle seeks local fame.)

A minor epidemic of ground-storey graffiti seems to be getting worse, Piersol says, though not long ago someone stopped by with a roller and some brown paint.

The building has been vacant since 2006 but has not been totally forsaken. Someone mows the lawn on a fairly regular basis. A magnolia tree presides over the property’s unlikely backyard, an open greenspace without an interior fence.

“I was back here in late May, early June. It was amazing,” Piersol says, walking around the southernmost units on Havelock, bringing a row of somehow English-seeming garages into view. The garages are notable at least partly because the driveway leading up to them is so overgrown that it has all but disappeared.

But for Piersol, real insight into the Sylvan Apartments’ past has been fleeting. Walking up Havelock a few months ago, he says, he noticed what looked like a hydro bill on the ground, and now wishes he’d taken a photo because the balance owed was something like $3,000.

Odd items abound in the backyard. The head of a stuffed animal lies decapitated on the grass, perhaps forgotten by whoever was setting off fireworks behind the building some weeks back. A wooden staircase that once connected to a second-floor balcony has been torn down and now resides on a ground-floor deck near a not-quite-empty can of Tuborg beer.

A newly broken pane of glass on the second floor catches Piersol’s eye. “When I first came here, none of this debris was here. None of these windows were broken. I hate to see this stuff,” he says.

At some point the Sylvan Apartments start looking less like a relic of early 20th-century Toronto, frozen in time, and more like a symbol of 21st-century life in a city where there’s money to be made when buildings fall apart.

“Parts are so damaged that in the best-case scenario, maybe some kind of architectural salvage is possible. But it probably has to be torn down. That’s what I think, anyway,” Piersol says. Indeed, the Havelock side looks like it’s starting to sag.

Asked if he considers the Sylvan Apartments an eyesore, Piersol is quick to emphasize that he doesn’t mind the property this way and actually finds it interesting.

“You can kind of see some details inside when the light is right. I’d love to [see more] in there,” he says.

Update, Aug. 16:

The Sylvan Apartments redevelopment is held up by the owner’s stalled plans to develop 16 rent-geared-to-income units on Dovercourt Rd. north of Dundas St. W., explains Chris Gallop, a staffer in Ward 18 councillor Adam Giambrone’s office.* That development was put on hold by the recession.

“The holdup is at his end,” Gallop says. “His approvals stay in place for perpetuity.”

If you have any questions about the Dufferin Grove Neighbourhood or would like listings of homes for sale in Dufferin Grove sent to you, I can be reached at 416.805.8084 or danyelle@bosleyrealestate.com. I look forward to chatting with you!

Here’s another great article by Mark Weisleder, a certified Real Estate Instructor for the Ontario Real Estate Association and well-respected Real Estate Lawyer, who has lectured thousands of real estate salespeople on how to protect their clients. For information on crime statistics and a comprehensive mortgage calculator, click on the bar menus above.

A year ago I wrote the most common mistake home buyers make is buying with their heart instead of their head — usually because they panic while involved in a stressful negotiation for which they are unprepared.
The result is that buyers pay more than they should, or are disappointed later when they find defects in the home or discover the neighbourhood isn’t quite what they thought.
So, here’s an updated list of six ways to prepare yourself:
1. Sell or buy first?
We are still in a seller’s market in the GTA, with the number of buyers exceeding the number of available homes. In this type of market, you should buy your new home first and then sell your existing home. If you sell first, you may find yourself running out of time, with no home to move into, as the closing date nears. This leads to panic buying.
In a buyer’s market, sell your home first as you won’t have as much trouble finding a new one.

2. Research, research, research
Check police websites for neighbourhood crime statistics. Ask at City Hall if new developments are planned or whether a new large employer is relocating to the area. Jobs mean demand.
Walk any neighbourhood you are interested in and talk to people. You will learn the demographics of the area and its facilities. What schools are in the area and is there a waiting list to get in? Are there activities nearby for children, including parks, libraries and community centres? You also get a sense of the friendliness of the community and whether there are surprises that no one is going to advertise — vandalism, former grow houses, or the neighbour from hell.
3. Find the right agent
Do not go into an open house alone, thinking you can save commission. The agent is working for the seller and their job is to get the seller the most money possible. While focusing on saving a few dollars negotiating commission, you will invariably give away important information about yourself, which will hurt you later.
Start by asking family and friends for a buyer agent referral. Then study the agent’s own website. Do they offer information that will assist you with your search? Do they have a team of professionals they can share with you? When you interview them, ask them about their knowledge of the area; in particular, is it known for sewage backups, termites, flooding or mould. Ask for their own success rate when working with buyers, especially in bidding wars, and then call those buyers yourself.
4. How much can you afford?

You should never live just to pay your mortgage, or else the rest of your life will suffer. Meet with a mortgage broker in advance to determine how much you can safely borrow, based on your income and family needs. Buyers should also realize the lender will do an appraisal and if the lender believes you paid more than the house is worth, they will not give you the full amount of the loan you expect. So, be very careful about stretching yourself to the limit when you make an offer.
5. Choose a home inspector carefully
The home inspection is becoming even more important, as it is one of the only ways for a buyer to check against unwanted surprises after closing.
Ask for references and call these references yourself, especially the ones who bought older homes, where problems are more likely to occur later. There are now additional inspections that test specifically for mould or termites. There are video cameras that can tell you the condition of your sewage system and scanners that can look behind walls. If it is an older home, it is worth this extra investment.
Remember, most inspection firms have a limitation of liability clause, which states that if they miss something that costs you money, they are not responsible. Ask the company if they have ever been sued by a buyer.
6. Title insurance is a must
Title insurance can be arranged through your lawyer. You will be protected against unpaid taxes or water bills by the seller, as well as problems that are not known at closing. This includes problems where part of the home or swimming pool is in fact on your neighbour’s property.
However, it is a mistake to believe title insurance will protect you against everything. For example, it won’t compensate you if you thought your lot was 50 feet and a later survey showed it was only 48 feet. That is why you should always ask for an up-to-date survey on the property.

When I went to help my parents move, I was surprised and relieved how well my mother was handling it. As she swept each empty room, she said she was glad that she no longer had all this upkeep. She had made peace with it and was very much looking forward to new beginnings and an easier life.  This reassured me somewhat.

I went around the house and said goodbye to each room; I went to the yard and said goodbye to the trees I had climbed, and I looked out to the river and said goodbye to the view that made me dream of far away places. It was a nice house to grow up in.

That same day, I helped my mother unpack and put up picture frames and move furniture in her new home. I went shopping for curtains and a new couch and some soft furnishings. Before long, her new place looked great and looked just like home. It wasn’t sad at all. In fact, it was pretty great.

Fast forward to this year. I went to visit an old friend who had recently bought a house near our old house, so naturally, I decided to do a drive-by to see what the new owners had done with it. I parked in front and ‘casually’ walked by. The house looked the exact same from the outside. So far, so good!

As I got closer, I noticed the owner gardening in the back yard, I introduced myself and cheekily asked what changes had been done to the house. Right away she invited me in! I couldn’t believe how open and kind she was.

She proudly showed me each room and what she had done to make it her home. She had kept the 40 year old hand carved kitchen cupboards and said that she admired the worn cracks in them; the fence my father had built still stood straight after 15 years; and she kept the my father’s hand built patio the same.

The new owners had beautiful artwork and had chosen nice paint colours for the walls. She had great taste, and in my mind, she really honoured our house. Her house. It was evident she loved it and in turn, it made me happy and sigh with relief.

Someone loved the house as much as we did. Full circle. Happy ending. I could let go.

Tips for letting go:

• Say to yourself, “ this is not my home anymore; it’s a house – a product to be sold.” You can make your new place home.
• Make a mental decision to ‘let go’ of your emotions and focus on the fact that soon this house will no longer be yours.
• Picture yourself handing over the keys to the new owners.
• Say goodbye to every room.
• Don’t look backwards—look towards the future. Imagine your new home and get excited about decorating it and making new memories.

It’s not easy effecting big changes in your life. Give me a call or send an email for more tips about selling your home. It would be my pleasure to help you.

While I can understand how people would want to update their homes and get rid of old smelly carpets and peeling wallpaper, I privately scream in my head, “Noooo don’t touch the kitchen cabinets! They are so cool.!“. The curves of the wood, the nooks, the deep cupboards and the hardware are beautiful. And  such classics! They are a statement in themselves and neutral enough to reinterpret with a modern touch. Why fight it, when you can work with it?

Replacing all the cabinets with soulless Home Depot ones, is expensive and frankly, criminal. With a lick of paint you can freshen them up, add vintage feel countertops and perhaps add shiny new appliances with a retro feel.

Check out these vintage looking appliances that come in a wide range of colours.  For inspiration you can peruse the Retro renovations website to get tips on overall looks and styles. In it you’ll find tips on how to source vintage countertops, flooring and lighting. Let your imagination run wild and create a unique look in keeping with the original style of your home.

Here are some retro laminate countertop designs by Formica and Wilsonart that I stumbled upon while sourcing countertops for my house. With the right touch, you can inexpensively vamp up a kitchen.

Or combine old fashioned cupboards  with a more modern stone engineered countertop paired with a neutral white or off white subway tiles along these lines…

The possibilities are endless. So think twice about removing age old craftsmanship and see if you can make it work by combining the best of the old and the convenience of the new. If you’re a first-time buyer whose budget is limited, I can point out tips on how to decorate and save money all the while making it home. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact me.

When it comes time to selling, most people think their house is worth more than it is. I spent a lot of money on that shag carpet; it’s worth 5x more now! I dug the basement out with my own hands, that work alone deserves another $20k! My neighbour, whose house sold last year, is twice the size and completely renovated. I want the same price!

So how exactly do you determine a house’s value?

Let’s distinguish the difference between asking price and value. In simple terms, an asking price is a suggested price based on an evaluation of houses that have sold recently nearby of similar size and quality. Value, or the actual selling price, is a combination of what a Buyer is willing to pay for your house based on what they’ve seen and what a Seller is willing to accept.

Recently I did a home evaluation for a Seller who insisted, when asked, that honesty was the most important quality in an agent.  “Great”, I thought, “no problem!” I set about inspecting his home, noting the problems areas, upgrades and features and I diligently reviewed the recent comparables. The truth is his house needed a lot of work. Taking this into consideration, I came up with  price range and told him. The Seller’s face dropped. He didn’t like my honest answer after all. He insisted the house would sell for much more.

Buyers today are shrewd; chances are, they’ve seen a lot of houses and they keep a mental tally of what they sold for. My experience working with them tells me that most want a house that is problem free, is in a good location and has that intangible emotional draw of home. A lot of Buyers are seduced by a house that’s been renovated from top to bottom. This Seller’s home did not fit either description.

Not surprisingly, the Seller didn’t hire me to sell his house. He chose an agent who agreed to list it with the unrealistic asking price, only to have a price reduction one week later. The house languished on the market for 3 months and did not sell. If no Buyer is stepping up to the plate after that much time in our Toronto market, the house is overpriced.

A good selling agent will explain what Buyers are looking for and diplomatically make suggestions to improve the likelihood of a sale, will have knowledge of the product in your particular area and show you relevant comparables and most importantly, they will be honest with you even when it’s difficult. An agent should be looking out for you and your interests, not their own.

Timing and proper pricing play a big part in the successful sale of house; you have to get it right from the outset.

For more information, please feel free to contact me and I’d be glad to answer any questions.

~danyelle