KELLER WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES, BROKERAGE
INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED
Make this Valentine’s Day One She’ll Remember
SINCE 1978
Custom Fine Jewellery for Every Occasion 1107 Lorne Park Road, Unit 20, Mississauga
905-891-0001
www.lorneparkjewellers.ca
W
ow a month has already gone by as we turned the page on 2020. It certainly was the year of the unexpected. Despite all the challenges we faced, the real estate market continued to adapt and flourish.
The housing market as a whole recovered strongly in 2020, there was a dichotomy between the single-family market segments and the condominium apartment segment. The supply of single-family homes remained constrained resulting in strong competition between buyers and double-digit price increases. In contrast, growth in condo listings far-outstripped growth in sales. Increased choice for condo buyers ultimately led to more bargaining power and a year-over-year dip in average condo selling prices during the last few months of the year. The lack of inventory in January demonstrated that if you are ready right now to list your home, you could potentially realize 100,000 or more from your home’s value, an increase from just 6 months ago. This still allows you to be in control of the closing date. If you’re ready, ACT NOW. If you’re not and need to move more slowly, while we might not have the traditional spring market we will have great opportunities to bank your equity if you’re able to move outside the GTA. The Realty Group has embraced the growth in the market and the Real Estate Industry. We have enhanced our listings with more professional photography, full 3-D virtual walkthroughs, complete floor plans, digital property presentations and are offering virtual open houses and virtual showing appointments. Modern, new programs like Zoom and electronic signatures have enabled us to continue to work while continuing to provide the service and expertise our clients require. As clients are always the top priority for The Realty Group, we continue to offer luxury services as well as industry knowledge. Our team is growing to serve you even better in 2021. If you are curious about our Sell ‘N Stay Home, Preferred buyer program or are just interested in a Home Valuation, reach out today we are here to make 2021 a memorable one.
Theresa Baird - Broker
Theresa Baird Broker
Your Home Renovation/Repair Contractor for Life
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Makes no difference large or small, interior or exterior, repairing after a fire or other disaster or helping you create your dream home with the perfect kitchen renovation or home improvement. We are here to make it happen for you. Hire us today as your one lifetime home contractor and never have to call anyone else ever again. Call us today for a personalized estimate. PAINTING
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CON TEN T S
6
FEBR UAR Y ISSUE - 2021
14 22
6 10 14 18
HOW TO AVOID PHONE SCAMS Some handy tips to not get sucked into spam calls
VALENTINE GIFT IDEAS A few suggestions for him or her this Valentine’s Day
THE AMAZING CHOCOLATE CAKE A tasty treat
DESIGNED TO EMBRACE THE LANDSCAPE 12 Beckwith Lane, Suite 106
22 26 30 33
26 RENOVATIONS THAT ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME 6 renovations that make your home worth more
UPDATED IN HISTORIC NEIGHBOURHOOD 18 Queens Drive
HAS COVID CREATED THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO DOWNSIZE Explore the possiblities that are now available
WHEN DOWNSIZING IS AN UPGRADE How to benefit from selling your home
HOW TO AVOID
PHONE SCAMS
Here are some of the most common scams around. These scams are often over the phone or through an email and can sound legitment. There is the government agency that calls demanding immediate action with a threat of arrest or legal action. Then there is the bank fraud alerts that request personal information over the phone. Free cruises or vacaton offers, free medical test kits or treat-
“
It can be to tell as the caller ID can be deceiving and can look like a number recognize, like a bank’s customer service line, or, in some cases, your own phone number.
“
T
he amount of spam calls increased this year - use these tips to identify potential scammers and put an end to phony calls once and for all. ment and debt relief or credit repairs. It can be hard to tell as the caller ID can be deceiving. The call appears to be from a number you recognize, like a bank’s customer service line, insurance office, or, in some cases, your own phone number. Neighbouring is when a call comes from a number in your area code in hopes that you’ll be more likely to answer.
If you see a call from unknown numbers do not pick up! If it is a legitimate caller they will usually leave a voicemail or send a text. Answering robocalls or spam calls increase your chances of receiving even more calls in the future. You can check the number by searching on the web along with the word “scam” to see if it’s been reported before. If you do pick up the phone, exercise caution and avoid replying to yes or no questions like “Can you hear me?” A
“ You can report unwanted calls by signing up for the National Do Not Call Registery, a free service that can block you from receiving sales calls.” recorded “yes” from your voice can be twisted to mean you agreed to a purcharge. Also be careful of anyone asking personal questions or taking payments over the phone with an unverified caller. Remember that most legitimate companies like banks, credit card companies and the government all have the information that you may be asked to verify. Phone scammers often prey on people by tapping into
their fears. Some scam artists are clever enough to have ready made answers to questions you have. Ask them to provide confirmation that they are who they say they are. Revenue Canada as well as other major companies do not phone clients concerning financial issues. Although it seems old school, mail is the most common form of communitcation regarding serious inquiries.
If you find yourself becoming a victim of unwanted calls there are several different options. For telephone scams and spoofing you can report the call to the Canada Anti-Fraud Centre online or by phone, or you can notify the local law enforcement. Visit http://antifraudcentre-centreantifraud.ca or call 1-888-595-8501.
If you find that you are getting sales calls or robocalls you can sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry which is a free service that blocks you from receiving sales calls. If the unwanted calls continue after 31 days on the registry you can file a complaint on the Government of Canada website at: Innte-dncl.gc.ca/en/Consumer/File-a-complaint
Information and images for this article are from Buffini & Company and Adobe Stock.
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s ’ e n i t n e l Va Day GIFT IDEAS
L
ooking for the perfect gift for that someone special this Valentine’s Day. It can be difficult to think of the right thing for the person who looks like they have everything. Whether your in a new relationship or been together for many years, Valentine’s Day can be stressful with a lot of pressure to give the ideal gift. Here are a few suggestions we found online that we think you might like...
. . . r e h r o f
Preserved Rose Inside each gold or silver heart-shaped box, there’s a rainbow, blue, or red preserved rose, so that she can be reminded of your love long after Valentine’s Day ... unlike the fresh rose bouquet that dies within a week of its delivery. Available from amazon.com
Essential Oil Diffuser Bracelet With this wrap bracelet, she can enjoy the benefits of essential oils wherever she goes. She can add 2-3 drops of oil to the bracelet’s felt pad to relieve tension, get a mood boost, or feel instant relief. Available from amazon.com
Crystal-Infused Bath Soak These crystal-infused bath salts work from the outside in: Choose the one formulated with rose quartz crystal to bring out her sensual and romantic side. If you’re lucky, she’ll invite you to join. Available from uncommongoods.com
Intimacy Deck No matter if you’re together IRL or not, pull a card from this deck to spark intimate, intentional conversations. Some questions dig deep (What do we need to work on most in our relationship?) while others look toward the future (As a parent, would you be a good cop or bad cop?). Available from bestself.co
What I Love About You Journal Fill this book with sweet nothings, inside jokes, and future plans for your life together. That way, she can flip through the pages whenever she needs a reminder of just how loved she is. Available from amazon.com
Custom Name Earrings Write out her name, nickname, or go-to word (“love,” perhaps?) with a pair of minimalist earrings in silver, rose gold, or gold. Available from etsy.com
Date Night Bucket List At this point in your relationship, you both feel like you’ve seen and done it all. This handy jar of 25 date ideas will prove otherwise. Once you complete one of the ideas (create a piece of art together, for example), write the date on the back of the stick. Available from uncommongoods.com
for him...
Long Distance Love Being long distance from your guy is hard! These help you bridge the distance between you and your love. When you touch your bracelet wherever your guy is he will see and feel it and vice versa. Remind him this Valentine’s Day that no matter where he is that you are always thinking of him. Available from amazon.com
Beard Grooming & Trimming Kit for Men Care Is your guy one of those guys that don’t like to shave. Lets admit it, we love it too. Help him bring out his inner lumberjack but allow him to keep his beard tame by getting him one of the top Valentine’s Day gifts for beard guys: this beard care kit! Armed with a boar-bristle brush, leave-in conditioner, and a unique blend of oils, go ahead try and keep your hands off him when he’s sporting a well trimmed beard. Available from amazon.com
Universal Socket Engraved “I love you” This Universal Socket Engraved“I LOVE YOU” makes the perfect Valentine’s gift idea representing your concern and love for him. It’s one gift that will bring convenience for your beloved to work at home, in the field or daily work. He can even unscrew most bolts, nuts, hooks, and other odd shape fasteners that he might not have the right tool for. Available from amazon.com
Diamond Decanter Who says diamonds are just a girls best friend. This Valentine’s Day gift him his own diamond. This handsome diamond decanter will put a smile on any guys face while looking good on any bar or counter top. So he may not be able to wear it but diamonds will quickly become your guys best friend too. Available from groovyguygifts.com Lingerie for Women Lace Kimono Robe What does every man want for valentines day....You! Show him how much you care this Valentine’s Day with this flattering lingerie set and get his heart racing. He won’t believe how lucky he is and how gorgeous you look. Made with women in mind this is a sure fire hit gift all around. Available from amazon.com Athletico Golf Shoe Bag This cleat bag would be all he needs to complete his golf essentials. Let him know your full support for this hobby of his by getting him this golf shoe bag. Who says practical can’t be romantic, this Valentine’s day gift for him can check both boxes. Available from amazon.com
FIXD FIXD instantly tells you why your “Check Engine Light” is on, how severe the issue is, and how much the repair should cost (all in simple, easy-to-understand terms) – leaving shady mechanics in the dust and no longer able to rip you off! FIXD is easily plugged into any gas, diesel or hybrid car from 1996 onwards. Available from my-smartgadgets.com
Viking Drinking Horn Mug Perfect for his beer or favorite drink, this personalized Viking drinking horn mug has the classic shape and design. Each piece is very unique and is naturally polished. It also comes complete with a stand. The best part is it can be laser engraved with his name or initials to make it extra special. Available from etsy.com Article from goodhousekeeping.com and my-smartgadgets.com
The
Most Amazing
Chocolate Cake
The most amazing Chocolate Cake is full of moist, chocolatey perfection. This is the chocolate cake you’ve been dreaming of! I have been searching for a great chocolate cake recipe for years. I have found it. My search has ended. I now have THE recipe. If you have ever seen the movie Matilda you will surely remember the scene where the boy is forced to eat the most delicious looking chocolate cake ever. I feel just like that boy when I eat this cake. It is my Matilda chocolate cake for sure. This cake is moist and has the perfect crumb. I cannot imagine making a chocolate cake using any other recipe. It is so easy to make and puts doctored cake mix recipes to shame. I’m eating a piece of the cake as I’m writing this, drooling all over my keyboard. It is insanely delicious. A decades search was worth the wait. Every…decadent…bite. Who wants cake?
INGREDIENTS FOR THE CAKE • Butter and flour for coating and dusting the cake pan • 3 cups all-purpose flour • 3 cups granulated sugar • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder I use Hershey’s Unsweetened Cocoa Powder • 1 tablespoon baking soda • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt • 4 large eggs • 1 1/2 cup buttermilk - Buttermilk is essential for this recipe • 1 1/2 cups warm water • 1/2 cup vegtable oil • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
INGREDIENTS FOR THE ICING • 1 1/2 cups butter softened • 8 oz cream cheese softened • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder In order to make the frosting dark. I use half Hershey’s Special Dark Unsweetened Cocoa powder • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract • 7-8 cups powdered sugar • About 1/4 cup milk as needed
Article and images rom www.thestayathomechef.com
PREPARATIONS FOR THE CAKE
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter three 9-inch cake rounds. Dust with flour and tap out the excess. Mix together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a stand mixer using a low speed until combined. Add eggs, buttermilk, warm water, oil, and vanilla. Beat on a medium speed until smooth. This should take just a couple of minutes. Divide batter among the three pans. I found that it took just over 3 cups of the batter to divide it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes in a 350 degree oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on wire racks for 15 minutes and then turn out the cakes onto the racks and allow to cool completely. Frost with your favorite frosting and enjoy!
PREPARATIONS FOR THE CHOCOLATE CREAM CHEESE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING
In a large bowl, beat together butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results Add in cocoa powder and vanilla extract. Beat until combined. Beat in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time. Add milk as necessary to make a spreadable consistency. The frosting should be very thick and will thicken even more if refrigerated. If you want to make it extra intense - use coffee instead of warm water.
SOLD
3210 PARKERHILL ROAD IN MISSISSAUGA
754 HIDDEN GROVE LANE IN MISSISSAUGA
1510 PETRIE WAY IN MISSISSAUGA
THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING THIS YEAR? GIVE US A CALL, AND WE’LL HELP YOU GET STARTED ON YOUR JOURNEY! REALTY GROUP
tbaird.com
DESIGNED TO
EMBRACE THE LANDSCAPE 12 Beckwith Lane, Suite 106 Blue Mountain
ENJOY THE BLUE MOUNTAIN LIFESTYLE Authentic gas lanterns welcome you home as you enter the main building. The stone accents and heavy timber frames reflect the surrounding forests and mountains. Mountain House’s architectural style is rooted in tradition with 21st century amenities and is designed to highlight natural materials. This intimate collection of buildings was situated to maximize both privacy and the gorgeous views of the mountains, natural areas
“Minutes from the hill and water. This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom open concept unit enjoys mountain views and makes the most of every getaway...” and beyond. By being focused around the exclusive amenity buildings, including a private Nordic Spa, Mountain House inspires a strong sense of community. Mountain house is your base camp for your 4 season play-
ground unlike any other. Minutes from the hill and water. This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, open concept unit enjoys mountain views and makes the most of every getaway and experience an incredible outddoor adventure in these natural, scenic surroundings.
FEEL COMFORTABLE IN YOUR SURROUNDINGS
Mountain House is modern chalet-style living with all of the high-end features and finishes you expect from the award winning developer Georgian International. Every detail has been carefully considered to ensure you have the space to enjoy mountain living, inside and out. Share your own culinary creations while entertaining family and friends in your open plan kitchen. Our kitchens include your choice of high quality cabinetry. You decide the choice of cabinet door colour in a contemporary finish. Doors and drawers close gently with soft close mechanisms. Smooth laminate countertops feature a drop-in stainless steel kitchen sink with single levered tap with pull down spray. High quality kitchen appliances including fridge, wall oven, cooktop, over the range microwave with hood fan, dishwasher, washer and dryer are available. Optional stylish subway tile backsplash and under counter lighting complete the look.
S
Renovations
THAT ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME ome of the best home renovations — think an updated kitchen, new deck or remodeled bathroom — can get pricey. That’s why it’s helpful to know what kind of return you might expect before you decide to take on a remodeling project.
The 2020 Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling magazine looked at 101 U.S. markets and compared the average cost of 22 remodeling projects to see which retains its value at resale, based on a survey of 3,000 real estate agents and firms. Here are the six home remodeling
projects that deliver the highest returns. MANUFACTURED STONE VENEER Average cost: $9,357 Average resale value: $8,943 Cost recouped: 95.6 percent Replacing vinyl siding with stone
veneer on part of your home, such as an entryway, is a big curb-appeal upgrade. The average cost estimate is based on factors such as installing 36 linear feet of sills, 40 linear feet of corners and one address block, and materials including two separate layers of a water-re-
functional kitchen can add more than just value to your home: It can boost your enjoyment of everyday activities like cooking, entertaining friends and sharing meals with your family. Potential buyers also see the intrinsic value of this kind of upgrade. You’ll recoup a little more than 77 percent of the cost of a minor kitchen remodel, on average. In a remodeling project of this kind, you might replace appliances with new, more energy-efficient models; reface cabinets with new shaker -style wood panels; install new countertops and a new sink and faucet; replace hardware; add new flooring and repaint the walls. SIDING REPLACEMENT (FIBER-CEMENT)
sistant barrier and corrosionresistant lath and fasteners. This cosmetic improvement and accent design element is likely to catch the eye of a potential buyer, and can allow you to recoup more than 95 percent of your renovation costs. GARAGE DOOR REPLACEMENT Average cost: $3,695 Average resale value: $3,491 Cost recouped: 94.5 percent A good-looking garage door is high on the list when it comes to getting cash back on your investment. The estimate for this job is based on the cost of
removing and disposing of an existing 16-by-seven-foot garage door(s) and replacing it with a new four-section garage door with heavy-duty galvanized steel tracks, and assumes you’re reusing the motorized garage door opener. This curb-appeal enhancer will get you back around 94.5 percent of what you spent on it when you sell your home. MINOR KITCHEN REMODEL Average cost: $23,452 Average resale value: $18,206 Cost recouped: 77.6 percent Creating a modern-looking and
Average cost: $17,008 Average resale value: $13,195 Cost recouped: 77.6 percent Old, dilapidated siding can make even the nicest house look worn-out. For the average home, replacing 1,250 square feet with new fiber-cement siding will cost you just over $17,000, and you’ll get back more than three quarters of that investment upon resale. This upgrade includes all 4/4 and 5/4 (a fraction measuring thickness) trim. SIDING REPLACEMENT (VINYL) Average cost: $14,359 Average resale value: $10,731 Cost recouped: 74.7 percent Vinyl siding replacement can help freshen a home’s exterior and may be a more budget-friendly solution compared to fiber-cement siding. The $14,359 average cost estimates replacing 1,250 square feet with the new siding, and you should get back roughly 74 percent of that investment upon resale.
WINDOW REPLACEMENT (VINYL) Average cost: $17,641 Average resale value: $12,761 Cost recouped: 72.3 percent You could recoup around 72 percent of the cost to replace your current windows if you install low-E, simulated-divided-light vinyl windows that feature a custom-color exterior finish. (Low-E means low emissivity, an energy saver.) You’ll want to ensure that the trim exterior matches existing ones, and the interior trim is left untouched. The average cost for this type of renovation will set you back around $17,000.
Why should you consider a home renovation? Remodeling your home adds to your enjoyment, but it can also boost your home’s value over time, too. When you refinance your home, for instance, renovations will be taken into account when a property appraiser assesses your home’s current market value. A higher home value means you’ll have more equity and a lower loan-to-value ratio. You might even be able to cancel private mortgage insurance payments earlier than anticipated. When you sell your home, buyers will want to see a clean, well-kept home with modern updates that’s move-in ready. Plus, if you live in a competitive housing market, your listing might be competing with other upgraded homes for buyers’ attention.
How much shoule you invest in a home renovation? Remodeling your home adds to your enjoy before you shell out big bucks for custom updates in your home, having a solid understanding of what renovations yield the highest return for the money is key. You also have to take into account your budget and your renovation goals to ensure you can be as efficient as possible, since remodeling professionals will need this type of information when meeting with you. It’s important to keep in mind that costs can vary greatly by region based on the cost of labor and materials, as well as the level of service offered. Still, there is some value in adding personal touches, even if it’s the fact that you’ll get enjoyment from your renovations while you’re the homeowner. Article by Jennifer Bradley Franklin and from bankrate.com Photo Adobe Stock/Illustration by Bankrate
BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED This home has been beautifully and completely updated while maintaining the exterior integrity of the historical neighbourhood. 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom with hardwood flooring throughout, marble flooring in bathrooms and kitchen. Stainless steel appliances, quartz counters, pot lights throughout. Open concept main floor, formal living/dining, family room. 2nd floor two baths, three bedrooms and top floor has master retreat with walk through closet, a spa bathroom with marble floor and soaker tub. Stainless steel fridge, gas stove and dishwasher. Also included are 2 heating sources, and tankless water heater owned. Located close to many amenities with easy access to Highway 401, shopping and hospital. Family friendly quiet street. New plumbing throughout, new electrical.
UPDATED IN HISTORIC NEIGHBOURHOOD 18 Queens Drive York
HISTORIC OUTSIDE WITH CONTEMPORY INTERIOR Inside this classic looking home is a modern feel. The family room with clean lines and built-in shelves and modern lightning. Open living room and dining room with potlights and kitchen with breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, gas stove and double sink. Bright open master bedroom with large windows. Large bathroom with stand alone bathtub, sospicated double sink and marble flooring and wall tile.
Has COVID Created the Perfect Opportunity for Boomers to Downsize?
F
or empty nesters and the retired set, the term ‘downsizing’ doesn’t exactly have a history of evoking excitement. For many, the thought is that downsizing occurs later in life when it becomes too challenging to maintain the family home.
“The typical picture people have in their minds is adult children or grandchildren having to make decisions about what to do with Grandma’s fine china collectables, or Grandpa’s buckets of broken tools after a health crisis forces them into an assisted living home,” says Toronto-based downsizing expert and realtor, Keisha Telfer, co-founder of Transitions Realty.
Another outdated notion is that downsizing means a downgrade in personal living space – a belief that likely stems from the fact that condos 30+ years simply aren’t on the level they are today. But times have changed, especially in cities like Toronto. Rather than sacrifices, downsizing early can actually be associated with upgrading – something that’s
reflected in everything from luxe home finishes and five-star amenities, to more cash in the bank to take full advantage those welldeserved golden years (once the world returns to normal, that is). “If done properly, downsizing for Boomers is a proactive, planned transition, leveraging the equity in their home to fund their new lifestyle and find a renewed purpose. We call this
“rightsizing” or “upsizing” your life,” says Telfer. “The Baby Boom generation is more active, more mobile, more connected, and wealthier than any previous generations. Downsizing early means creating your third age, living the way you want to live.” If you’re living in a detached single -family home in Toronto, but realistically only use just a half or a quarter of the space your house affords, now may be an ideal time to consider selling, say experts. While the ongoing pandemic continues to wreak havoc on most parts of the economy, Toronto’s housing market is booming something that’s reflected in record-high figures.
According to the December 2020 market report from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), detached homes accounted for 42.3% of sales in December, with prices rising 17.7% year over year. “Housing types like detached single-family homes have surged to popularity in light of the pandemic, with young hopeful buyers looking for more outdoor and indoor spaces to accommodate working and living from home,” says Telfer. Many Boomers currently occupy these coveted houses. Telfer says this pent-up demand for detached homes has bolstered the average price for single-family home types in the suburban regions of the Greater Toronto
Area (GTA). Of course, anyone in the market is well aware of this reality. “So, the question isn’t ‘should boomers downsize early?’ but ‘why shouldn’t they downsize early?’ when their chance to capitalize on this extra bump in home value is here right now,” says Telfer. For many, downsizing means moving into an amenity -packed condo where things like shovelling snow, cutting grass, and walking to get mail are removed from the equation. “Downsizing is an increase in lifestyle,” echoes Christopher Castellano, head of marketing and sales at Camrost Felcorp Inc. “You’re
no longer required to do all this maintenance and upkeep on your house, and now have a suite of amenities, a concierge, and hotel-like conveniences.” Castellano points to the fact that many downsizers haven’t upgraded their homes in at least a decade. “Now, they can sell their home for top-of-the-line appliances, designer finishes, professional gym equipment, and impressive architecture,” he says. He points to Leaside’s upcoming Upper East Village master-planned community, for example, as a property that has attracted a large number of downsizers from across the GTA. “We’re seeing downsizers from very urban environments transitioning to a quieter place that’s still highly accessible to the downtown core,” says Castellano. “Another segment are downsizers from traditional suburbs who want to be close to their kids.” The biggest factor to consider says Castellano, is that downsizers should realistically look at what the most essential space they use is and where they spend the most time. “Then, at the end of the day, look at how their lifestyle will improve by making a move to a condominium – things like maintenance, amenities, a concierge, and location,” he says. Indeed, condo living makes sense for many. But, with the current state of the market – incredibly
high supply with an incredibly low demand – some Baby Boomers contemplating downsizing may rightfully question whether now is the best time to purchase a condo.
“This may be painting with a broad brush, but typically downsizers in the GTA go after product that sits around $1.2 to $1.6 million. So, at that level, condos have been stable throughout the pandemic and we’re now seeing that those condos are starting to get a lot more attention. I think it’s due to the incrediblerun-up of detached homes and semi-detached homes in the resale market.”
For those who take the downsizing plunge, Telfer advises to prepare for both a complex modern-day real estate market and the emotional hurdles associated with physical memories and attachments. “When downsizing, it’s important to keep in mind that you probably haven’t moved for many years, and a lot has changed in the real estate and financial world since the last time you moved; there are a lot more aspects than just the sale of your home to think about,”
says Telfer. “If you get ahead of the game and figure out your plan to downsize early, you can address any areas of concern.” For many downsizers, the emotional toll associated with parting with a longtime family home and the countless memories made within its walls are tougher than the sales logistics. “One important conversation to have with anyone making this transition is how to incorporate momentos, photos, collections, and other important tokens into their future living space and lifestyle, but also how to preserve the memories they have,” says Telfer. Of course, downsizing means the creation of new memories, as active retirees and empty nesters enter this so-called “third age” of life. “For some, downsizing might actually mean a condo in a downtown core, or a bungalow in a suburban quaint town, close to golf and hiking trails,” says Telfer. Regardless of the vision, the facts speak for themselves: the average detached home sold in Toronto in December 2020 was just shy of $1.5M. And that money goes a lot farther when you’re picking the space you need rather than keeping up the one you’re no longer using. Article by Erin Nicole Davis as seen on www.torontostoreys.com. Photos from Shutterstock.com
When
DOWNSIZING is an
W
UPGRADE
ould you move right now if you could put the money in the bank and upgrade your home. It is possible! Our client lived in a beautiful executive townhouse in Mississauga. While modern and gorgeous there was not much of a backyard.
Since they did not need to commute to work they decided that they would sell their home for something more to their liking. They got over $835,000 for the townhome in Mississauga and were able to purchase a 3 bedroom home with a huge backyard in St Thomas for just over $440,000. That’s appropriately a $350,000 profit; not only a windfall financially but in every other way.
With the option to work from home now, deciding to make a move like this could be a good financial opportunity for you and your family. You could get a larger home allowing for more space to work from home and for your family to live comfortably, especially in this trying time. Whether you’re upsizing or downsizing we will find you the perfect place. Call or text the Realty Group to discuss securing equity in your home.
HOMES SOLD BY
REALTY GROUP
Here are some of the homes we sold or helped our clients buy in 2020. We would love to earn the honour of having a photo of your home here too. Are you ready to list, buy or invest in your next home? Call us today to get started!
