Ontario 2020 Builders' Annual

ONTARIO EDITION

2020 builders’

annual

The first and only complete guide to pre-construction homes and condos

ALLEGRO, AURORA

EDGEWOOD, PICKERING

PORT PERRY

PICKERING

42’ & 50’ Bungalows steps from Lake Scugog.

40’ Detached homes backing onto preserved nature.

From the mid-$700’s.

From just over $1.2 million.

COMMUNITIES BUILT FOR YOU For over 40 years, and more than ALLEGRO, AURORA

8,500 homes built, Geranium has been creating communities and homes designed for you - for each stage of life.

With every foundation we pour and every brick we lay, you and your family are the inspiration behind designing and building a home you will live in for years to come.

It is because of our current and

COURTS OF CANTERBURY, PORT PERRY

future homeowners that we are committed to providing quality and value in everything we do. We are ever-evolving to meet the needs and desires of our homeowners.

Inspiring, designing, guiding, building and thriving.

Built for family, by family.

From the ground up.

COURTS OF CANTERBURY, PORT PERRY

AURORA 52’ & 61’ Detached homes on mature treed lots.

From just over $1.5 million.

geranium.com Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Renderings are artist’s concept. Brokers protected. E.&O.E. September 2020.

FROM THE GROUND UP For over four decades, Geranium has been guided by a focus on outstanding Community Development, Design Innovation, Construction Excellence, and superb Customer Service.

We’ve built more than 8,500 homes and completed many master-planned communities contributing to the growth and development of the most desirable locations across Southern Ontario.

We approach the planning of every community with a lens of its future residents. The design features, building materials and energy efficiency supported by a stringent construction program with attention to behind-the-walls details provide homeowners with cost savings and enjoyment for years to come.

We are one of Ontario’s few fully integrated land development and building companies, dedicated to providing homeowner value from the ground up.

Learn more about our communities and homes at geranium.com.

geranium.com Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Brokers protected. E.&O.E. September 2020.

e

editor’s letter WAYNE KARL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF GTA EMAIL: wayne.karl@nexthome.ca | TWITTER: @WayneKarl

New home excellence in the new normal To borrow from that famous Bob Dylan song, the times, they certainly are a-changing.

The last six months of 2020 have been like none other any of us have seen. Sure, there was the great recession of 2008-09, SARS and other significant societal moments that severely challenged our economy and housing market.

No other issue has come at us so unexpectedly, dictating major changes in how we live, work and play, so quickly and significantly, with potential longterm changes in everything we do.

But, as our 12 contributors in our Expert Panel, and another six in our Industry All-Stars feature explain, real estate in the GTA continues to perform well, and over the long-term, is

+ get social

expected to remain healthy.

In your favour are a number of key points. One is the strength of the economy in Ontario, the GTA and Toronto, and therefore the housing markets in and around these areas.

Another is the new-home building industry, which in the GTA and surrounding area, is second to none.

To say builders and developers – and supporting marketing and sales firms – are resilient is an understatement.

They have all pivoted and adjusted their businesses to respond to COVID-19 appropriately, while continuing to build quality product.

The times are indeed changing.

But big picture, long term, new home excellence in the GTA in the new normal remains an opportunity.

Interact with us on social media: nexthome

nexthome.ca | myhomepage.ca 5

table of contents

5 8 22 27

›› Frank Spaziani, Kylemore ›› Brian Brown, Lifetime Developments ›› Troy Dosman, Minto Communities ›› Mark Basciano, Mountainview ›› Deena Pantalone, National Homes ›› Scott McLellan, Plaza ›› Samson Fung, Tridel ›› Gary Switzer & Noorez Lalani, MOD

Editor’s Letter New home excellence in the new normal

Need to know 5 reasons to be upbeat about GTA housing

BILD Report BILD Awards of Excellence

Expert Panel High level advice from some of the industry’s top builders ›› Vince Santino, Aoyuan ›› Michael DiPasquale, Dunpar ›› Hamid Hakimi, Elite Developments ›› Boaz Feiner, Geranium

6 Builders’ Annual 2020

46

Industry All-Stars Homebuying insights from marketing and sales icons ›› Debbie Cosic, In2ition Realty ›› Hunter & Mariana Milborne, Milborne Group

22 ›› Barbara Lawlor, Baker Real Estate ›› Chris Markovic, PMA ›› Elliott Taube, IHMG ›› Riz Dhanji, RAD Marketing

54

OHBA Report

58

Legally Speaking

62

Personal Finance

74

A year of action for #homebelievers

Guiding your growth

6 first-time buyer mistakes – and how to avoid them

The List Builder Roster

2020 builders’

annual

CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER

Jacky Hill jacky.hill@nexthome.ca

EXECUTIVE MEDIA CONSULTANT

Michael Rosset

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – NATIONAL REAL ESTATE

Susan Legge susan.legge@nexthome.ca

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF – GREATER TORONTO AREA

Wayne Karl wayne.karl@nexthome.ca MANAGING EDITOR

Rise Levy

CONTRIBUTORS

54

Jesse Abrams, Jayson Schwarz, Joe Vaccaro, Dave Wilkes

SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT, SALES NEXTHOME

Hope McLarnon 416.708.7987, hope.mclarnon@nexthome.ca

SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANTS

Jessica Wilson 416.873.1049, jessica.wilson@nexthome.ca Natalie Chin 416.881.4288, natalie.chin@nexthome.ca DIGITAL SALES MANAGER

Amanda Bell

46

VICE-PRESIDENT MARKETING – GTA

Leanne Speers

SENIOR CLIENT RELATIONS SPECIALIST – GTA

Sonia Presotto

MANAGER CUSTOMER SALES/SERVICE

Marilyn Watling

SALES & MARKETING CO-ORDINATORS

27 builder index Inside Front Cover 10

Geranium Homes Tridel

13

National Homes

16

Mountainview Homes

19

Plazacorp

24

Elite Developments

40

Lifetime Developments

43

Branthaven

51

Georgian International

55

Minto Communities

59

Kylemore

63

Tribute Communities

66

MOD Developments

68

Aoyuan International

71

Dunpar Developments

75

LASH Developments

76

Mattamy Homes

Gary Chilvers, Vi Nguyen

HOME SHOW MANAGER & NEWSPAPER CIRCULATION – GTA

Josh Rosset DISTRIBUTION

distributionteam@nexthome.ca ACCOUNTING INQUIRIES

accountingteam@nexthome.ca

DIRECTOR OF PRINT MEDIA

Lauren Reid–Sachs

VICE-PRESIDENT PRODUCTION – GTA

Lisa Kelly

PRODUCTION MANAGER – GTA

Yvonne Poon

GRAPHIC DESIGNER & ASSISTANT MANAGER

Alicesa Pullan

GRAPHIC DESIGNER & PRE-PRESS COORDINATOR

Hannah Yarkony

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Johannah Lorenzo, Mike Terentiev, Alice Wu

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Editorial Submissions from interested parties will be considered. Please submit to the editor at editorial@nexthome.ca. nexthome.ca | myhomepage.ca 7

NEED TO KNOW

5 reasons to be upbeat about GTA housing

by WAYNE KARL

It may seem like there’s a lot of uncertainty in GTA housing, with all the economic and market challenges brought on by COVID-19.

Indeed, there is some insecurity in certain areas, but there’s also plenty of reasons to be upbeat and positive about the new home market in Toronto and elsewhere in the GTA. Here are five of them.

8

Ontario price growth forecast to end of 2020 Market

%

Muskoka

18

1 #ONTARIOSTRONG

Durham

14

This point could certainly read #TorontoStrong, or #GTAStrong, in the context of the strength of its housing markets, but in fact much of Ontario is equally a strong performer. Why? In a word desirability – in the fact so many people still want to come and live and work in the GTA and elsewhere in the province. Strong and diverse economies produce employment opportunities, which lead to population growth, which means healthy real estate markets.

Take, for example, a recent report from ReMax Canada that highlights that price growth in Ontario will lead the country for the remainder of 2020 and into next year – thanks to pent-up demand and low inventory levels.

The ReMax 2020 Fall Market Outlook Report forecasts the average sale price in Canada could increase by 4.6 per cent during the remainder of the year, but check out the expectations for markets in Ontario:

Sudbury

10

Thunder Bay

10

Brampton

5

London

5

Mississauga

5

Niagara

5

Toronto

5

Hamilton-Burlington

4

Kitchener-Waterloo

3

Ottawa

3

Builders’ Annual 2020

Peterborough

3 SOURCE: REMAX 2020 FALL MARKET OUTLOOK REPORT

Given the impacts COVID-19 has had on the economy and real estate markets, it’s critical now more than ever to look at things on a micro level. It’s easy to read the headlines from national bodies such as the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) – which are mandated to analyze what’s going on across the country. But what’s most important to you is what’s happening in your market. When you buy a home, you don’t buy a national market. You buy one property, on one street, in one neighbourhood, in one city and region.

Forget the national headlines. Examine what’s happening in your market. The same applies to the economy.

If you need further convincing, re-read reason No. 1.

4 INTEREST RATES

2 NEW HOME EXCELLENCE It’s true that the GTA housing market has a new home supply problem – chiefly, that there’s not enough of it to meet demand. The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) and other groups continue to lobby the various levels of government to address the issue – and they are listening. But that will take some time to sort out.

In the short term, though, especially strong sales and price growth are the order of the day. In its latest market statistics, for example, BILD reports that new home sales in August 2020 were up 217 per cent from August 2019, and 119 per cent above the 10-year average. Two-hundred and 17 per cent.

“With the record sales activity and unusual number of project launches we saw in August, it is becoming clear that the COVID-19 pandemic delayed consumers’ housing purchase decisions as well as builders’ project openings,” says Ryan Wyse, group manager at Altus Group, BILD’s official source for new home market intelligence. “After the normally busy spring months were severely affected by the pandemic and related government-imposed restrictions, we saw much stronger activity than normal during the summer.”

And the quality of new home product in the GTA is second to none. For insight into this new home and condo excellence, see BILD President and CEO Dave Wilkes’ commentary on page 22.

3 LOCAL, LOCAL, LOCAL Location, location, location is the oft-quoted No. 1 rule of real estate, but if there was ever a time to underline a 1a it’s now, and this: Local, local, local – meaning real estate is local, hyper local.

Interest rates have been at historical lows for… it’s been so long, many of us forget. The Bank of Canada’s influential overnight rate has been at 0.25 per cent since March 2020, and most experts don’t expect any significant increase any time soon.

“Our assumption is that rates should stay fairly similar to where they are now moving into 2021,” says Jesse Abrams, co-founder and CEO of Homewise, a mortgage advisory and brokerage firm based in Toronto. “(This year) saw a huge drop in rates, due to the macroeconomic climate, driven by COVID. Real estate is a large part of Canada’s GDP, and as the economy rides the wave of the pandemic, encouraging the constant flow of home sales is going to be integral. This leads us to believe that rates should hold steady through 2021.

If the economy does suffer again, there is potential that rates could drop further.”

5 THINK LONG TERM It is paramount – especially during times of any uncertainty such as we are seeing during the pandemic – to view housing in the long term. Historically, there aren’t many investment classes that outperform real estate over a period of, say, five to seven years.

While serious, the pandemic is a short-term challenge.

“The pandemic has resulted in many families rethinking their housing needs, and many have taken this work-at-home opportunity to show their employers that they don’t need daily supervision to get their work done at a high level,” says Ben Myers, president of Bullpen Research & Consulting Inc., Toronto. “Some are even getting much more done, as they save themselves the long commute and stress that goes with it.

“With no need to consider a daily trek to work, buyers can expand their geographic search area, and many can afford that brand new home they’ve always desired, in a community that is outside the GTA. “Look for a boom in the secondary markets on the outskirts of the GTA in 2021.”

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You are the Greenprint

TM

COMING TO BURLINGTON THIS FALL RAVINE TOWNS AND SEMIS FROM THE $690’ S Whether you’re just getting started or right-sizing, National’s extraordinary new community in Burlington is minutes from the waterfront and walking distance to schools, shopping, recreation, parks and trails.

• Extra Deep Ravine Lots • Private Backyards

• Nestled beside Conservation • Next to Tyandaga Golf Course

REGISTER FOR PRIORITY PREVIEW

nationalhomes.com Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. E. & O. E.

• Private Garages and 2-Car Parking • A New Park at its Heart

New GREENPRINT from National

focuses on community health and wellness home runs as efficiently as possible for both the planet and for your wallet. Using Quartz Countertops and 100% Recycled Carpets preserve natural resources by using safe man-made alternatives, and all Hardwood Flooring meets the high standards regarding low environmental impact.

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oday, homebuyers are looking for environmentally responsible options in real estate. National Homes recognized the importance of sustainability to their buyers, and began developing a program that gives buyers the reassurance of knowing that when buying a new home, they are also doing their part. That program, called “GREENPRINT”, is now about to launch in National Homes communities across the GTA. For over 25 years, National has lived by the mandate that “You are the Blueprint™”. This customer-focussed approach has been the driving force behind the design and construction of every community they have built. And now, they are taking it even further.

The “GREENPRINT” to an eco-friendly home isn’t all about features and finishes. One of the most revolutionary technologies that National Homes has adopted to help keep your home as environmentally responsible is the use of innovative Panergy Wall Systems. Tested in Europe for decades, these prefabricated building envelopes reduce CO2 emissions, have superior thermal, moisture, and acoustical performance, are more fireproof, and have far higher energy efficiency than traditional constructions. All this paired with faster installation and significantly reduced construction waste makes Panergy one of the smartest and greenest options on the market.

Striving for the betterment of our planet on top of the betterment of our communities, National notably includes environmentally friendly materials, procedures, and features to maximize energy efficiency and reduce waste.

This focus on health and wellness starts with green living and encompasses all aspects of lifestyle.

In recent months the importance of a home has become more apparent than ever before, factoring directly into your wellness and quality of life.

National offers environmentally responsible features as standards in all their homes. From features like Programmable Thermostats and Low-flow Faucets, to Drain Water Heat Recovery Pipes and Energy Recovery Ventilators, National ensures that your

Quartz countertops preserve natural resources as a man-made material

By offering so many green features and finishes in their communities, National Homes is showing a commitment to sustainability as they continue to roll out new innovative ideas like “GREENPRINT” programs. National strives to put clients first and work on a personal level to meet the needs of those people who prioritize environmental responsibility, all while building homes as eco-friendly as possible.

LAKE ONTARIO

JOSEPH BRANT HOSPITAL

TYANDAGA GOLF COURSE

13 MINUTES

HWY 403/QEW 4 MINUTES

KERNCLIFF TRAILS 6 MINUTES

PAUL A. FISHER PUBLIC SCHOOL 2 MINUTES

National Homes’ You are the Greenprint philosophy can be seen in its brand new community of townhomes and semidetached homes, Tyandaga Heights in Burlington. Designed to make the most of its location, Tyandaga Heights is an intimate enclave of homes with a park at the very heart of the neighbourhood, embodying the soul of this community.

While this public park may be controlled

by Burlington proper, National Homes has been working hard to encourage its design to focus around wellness, environmental sustainability, and community building, with suggestions of a yoga clearing, flowers to attract pollinators, and play structures to best suit the needs of all residents.

I

n addition, they ensure that outdoor living has a special place in each of their communities by carefully selecting locations in some of Ontario’s most beautiful neighbourhoods, and providing plenty of private outdoor space wherever possible.

Tyandaga Heights features extra deep ravine lots that back onto Conservation lands, with trails that

For more information on National’s You are the Greenprint philosophy, please visit NationalHomes.com

SHOPPING 2 MINUTES

connect to Kerncliff Park conservation area and its 5.5 km of hiking trails. Every single home in the community provides either a spacious backyard or a large private terrace, ensuring that no home goes without its own outdoor space.

Similarly, The Vale is another environmentally conscious National community in Courtice, located at Prestonvale and Bloor. Set against the backdrop of a lush forest, where the pulse of urban living beats in harmony with the rhythm of nature, The Vale is just minutes to the vibrant waterfront. Residents can choose from three townhome collections with contemporary finishes and Bright Ideas that incorporate health, wellness and vitality to offer a better quality of life.

With their mission to listen to their clients and fulfill the needs of each homeowner, National designs each project around those key values that drive our society - community, wellness, innovation, and green living. National strives to provide a lifestyle for their buyers that meet their needs physically, mentally, and holistically, even as those needs are constantly changing.

Discover why we love building here!

NIAGARA

FA L L S LIVING

Parks, green spaces and trails offer hours of exploring • Our golf courses are worldrenowned • Wine country is only steps away • Breathtaking natural splendour • An agriculture powerhouse with Ontario’s freshest produce and other crops • Big-city amenities – shopping, dining, spas, and more • Incredible schools, recreation and community centres – perfect for active lifestyles and growing families.

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BILD REPORT

BILD Awards demonstrate excellence in GTA homebuilding industry

by DAVE WILKES Every year, our BILD Awards celebrate and recognize the best in the design, building, marketing and sales of new homes in the GTA. The excellence of our industry’s work is a huge source of pride. This year, the awards ceremony was virtual, but even more meaningful. At a time when our communities are reeling from the health and economic effects of COVID-19, each winning company, home and condo development reminded me of the contribution that our industry makes to our region – supplying homes, creating jobs and generating revenue.

Home Builder of the Year Lowrise – Great Gulf Homes

22

Builders’ Annual 2020

I cannot do justice to all of the winners in the 44 BILD Awards categories in this column, but I will mention a few. You can see a complete list, as well as images, at bildawards.com.

Great Gulf Homes was named Home Builder of the Year, in both the lowrise and mid/highrise categories.

This award recognizes builders that set the standard for the industry through professionalism and dedication to excellence.

Our Green Builder of the Year Award recognizes builders that best demonstrate outstanding leadership in Green building practices. Tridel was named Green Builder of the Year in the mid/highrise category and Acorn Developments in the lowrise category.

Acorn Developments was also the recipient of the People’s Choice Award, selected by popular vote, for Lookout on the Knoll, a townhouse development in Richmond Hill. The company took home two other awards related to this project: Best Semi-Detached/ Townhouse Design and Best Website.

The award for Best New Community, Built, recognizes a vibrant, complete community that optimizes its use of land and existing and new infrastructure. This year, the award went to Residences of College Park by Canderel

Best New Community Planned/Under Development – Brightwater

Best Highrise Building Design – Tridel at the Well

Home Builder of the Year Highrise – Great Gulf Homes Management. The award for Best New Community, Planned/Under Development, went to the Brightwater community in Mississauga, by DiamondCorp, Dream Asset Management, FRAM Building Group and Kilmer Van Nostrand.

Concord Canada House by Concord Adex was named Project of the Year, Mid/Highrise, while New Lawrence Heights, a townhouse community in North York by Metropia and Context Development, was Project of the Year, Lowrise. This award category recognizes new projects in the GTA that best combine excellence in design and marketing and best exemplify quality and innovation.

Ralph Del Duca, president of Chestnut Hill Developments, received the Riley Brethour Leadership Award, named after the late founder of PMA Brethour Realty and presented to an individual who exemplifies outstanding professional achievement in residential building while contributing to the improvement of the profession and the Association.

Finally, I’d like to mention an award that recognizes our members’ role as true community builders, the Stephen Dupuis CSR Award, named in honour of a beloved president and CEO of BILD who passed away

People’s Choice Award – Acorn Developments in 2011. This year, Concert Properties was chosen as the BILD member that exemplifies commitment to corporate social responsibility, in recognition of its environmental leadership and its support of organizations working with homeless youth.

Looking for a quality built, award-winning home?

Be sure to visit bildawards.com and be inspired by the creativity, quality and innovation that go into designing, building, marketing and selling new homes in the GTA.

Dave Wilkes is President and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD), the voice of the home building, land development and professional renovation industry in the GTA. For the latest industry news and new home data, follow BILD on Twitter, @bildgta, or visit.bildgta.ca.

nexthome.ca | myhomepage.ca 23

contributors 2020 Expert Panel

High level advice from some of the industry’s top builders

VINCE SANTINO Senior Vice-President, Development | Aoyuan

MICHAEL DIPASQUALE COO | Dunpar Homes

HAMID HAKIMI CEO Elite Developments

BOAZ FEINER President Geranium

FRANK SPAZIANI Vice-President Kylemore

BRIAN BROWN Principal Lifetime Developments

TROY DOSMAN VP, Construction Operations Minto Communities

MARK BASCIANO President Mountainview

DEENA PANTALONE Partner National Homes

SCOTT MCLELLAN Senior Vice-President Plaza

SAMSON FUNG Vice-President, Marketing Tridel

GARY SWITZER | NOOREZ LALANI CEO, MOD Developments | President, MOD Developments

Industry All-Stars

Homebuying insights from marketing and sales icons

DEBBIE COSIC Founder and CEO In2ition Realty

HUNTER & MARIANA MILBORNE Managing Partner | President/CEO Milborne Group

BARBARA LAWLOR ELLIOTT TAUBE CHRIS MARKOVIC President and CEO President, International Division President Baker Real Home Marketing PMA Estate Inc. Group Realty Inc. Urban

RIZ DHANJI President and Founder RAD Marketing

nexthome.ca | myhomepage.ca 27

During ‘normal’ times, buying a new home is a major decision, likely one of the most significant of your life. These days, COVID-19 and its associated challenges has everyone carefully weighing location, housing type, amenities and inclusions. For guidance, we went to some of the industry’s top builders and developers for expert advice.

by WAYNE KARL

Expert panel

Vince Santino

SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT, DEVELOPMENT AOYUAN What key advice would you stress to prospective new-home buyers in these unprecedented times?

Do your due diligence and shop the competition based on your own highest priorities. Larger, more affordable condo suites, as an example, are becoming more of a presence in areas outside the downtown core. Buyers may be able to take advantage of more space, utility and flexibility in locations just north of the downtown core for a more reasonable price. Given what has transpired in 2020, having space to be able to work from home – such as offices or boardrooms in common areas that are equipped with the conveniences and infrastructure for work, in addition to in suite dens and flex spaces – has become much more important.

How might the pandemic affect the new home industry, that buyers should be aware of?

One particular area is the reduced need to be in the downtown core. We have seen how the workforce has quickly adapted to working remotely, and options that weren’t necessarily prominent pre-pandemic, are now right in front of new-home buyers. The prospect of living further from the downtown core, in larger condo suites or ground related townhomes is much more of a consideration for purchasers than ever before.

How is Aoyuan addressing the affordability issue in the GTA? In our initial venture in North York, we teamed up with the local municipality to deliver an affordable housing program. In our first phase at M2M, Aoyuan’s A First Home program focused on smaller one-bedroom and one-bedroom plus den

28

Builders’ Annual 2020

suites, to tremendous response. We were able to offer great suites at a price that helped first-time homebuyers realize their dreams and get into the housing market. Using the example of M2M again, we expended significant effort on designing larger two- and three-bedroom suites with all the utility a homeowner would want. Given the location is only a few subway stops from the downtown core, we were able to provide larger spaces, conveniently located at walking distance to public transit, at a price point that buyers could afford.

What is it about Aoyuan that differentiates it in the marketplace, or what would you like potential buyers to know about your company or projects?

We don’t think a home is simply a room with four walls. It is in our DNA to ensure that the right amenities are present in all of the communities we develop. We try to ensure our homeowners have options with respect to transit, retail, shopping, entertainment, parks and public spaces so they can live the best quality of life based on their own personal needs. At M2M, a daycare, community centre, public park, 80,000 sq. ft. of retail and 100,000 sq. ft. of office is a great example of how we bring Building a Healthy Lifestyle to life.

Michael DiPasquale

Expert panel

COO DUNPAR HOMES What key advice would you stress to prospective new-home buyers in these unprecedented times?

More people are looking to locations that give them room to safely distance but still have conveniences close by. This is one reason home sales have been surging in the 905 and beyond, as people seek less dense neighbourhoods. Communities where people can walk to grocery stores, parks, restaurants and services, yet allow for safe distancing, will be sought after.

Parks, greenspaces and trails are more important than ever, not only as places where people can get outside to exercise, relax or socialize, but to enjoy the calming benefits of nature.

Many people want to avoid elevators due to social distancing and hygiene concerns, and they seek homes with private, ground-oriented entrances, such as townhomes. With so many people working from home, or kids being schooled at home, it’s important to have enough room for family members, and to have open-concept spaces for the family to come together.

Not everyone can afford or wants a large backyard, but thoughtfully designed decks and rooftop patios can maximize space and provide that vital connection to the outdoors.

How might the pandemic affect the new home industry, that buyers should be aware of?

Buyers wanting to visit a sales office or model home should book an appointment first and bring a mask and hand sanitizer. Alternatively, many builders have turned to technology to serve buyers while keeping everyone safe. Buyers can tour new houses from the safety and comfort of their own homes on their computers or devices, and thanks to DocuSign, purchasers can now complete a transaction entirely online.

Buyers should note how the market is shifting, with many purchasers choosing lowrise homes as opposed to highrise condos. The 905 and other centres beyond the GTA are enjoying robust sales, as more people look to neighbourhoods and communities where they can safely social distance and be close to green space.

With a rise in remote working, more buyers are looking

at homes that can accommodate home offices.

How is Dunpar Homes addressing the affordability issue in the GTA? While Dunpar specializes in luxury townhomes, we work individually with our buyers to make the purchase process as smooth as possible. We have an in-house mortgage broker to help them find the best financing options, and we work with each buyer to create a deposit structure that works for them.

What is it about Dunpar Homes that differentiates it in the marketplace?

Our quality of construction, craftsmanship and attention to detail. Rather than building a broad spectrum of housing types, we specialize mainly in luxury townhomes and have created a niche for buyers who want upscale, lowrise living in desirable neighbourhoods. We are discriminating in our choice of locations, seeking out those that provide sustainable living with easy access to highways, recreation, schools, shopping, parks and greenspace.

We also strive to give our customers more than they are expecting, and many are repeat buyers who appreciate our standard of customer service and the quality of our homes.

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Expert panel

Hamid Hakimi

CEO ELITE DEVELOPMENTS

much-needed spa-inspired retreat. Caregiver options providing space to accommodate for senior living for blended families. A wellness space to workout, rejuvenate and rebalance. A home is so much more than a home now, due to the pandemic.

What key advice would you stress to prospective new-home buyers in these unprecedented times?

Take your time researching. Compare builders, pricing, quality and deposit structures. Don’t think of a home for your needs in the moment. Think of it as a longterm investment. Research the location of your home to see if it is sustainable for you and your family for now and future growth. Choose affordable locations close enough to education, convenient transportation, and desirable greenspaces with conservation areas.

Select a home type that best accommodates the specific needs of your entire family. Ensure amenities are curated to give ample outdoor space focusing on health and wellness. Consider upgrades that will be well appreciated in the principal rooms such as the kitchen, dens, bathrooms and lower levels.

How might the pandemic affect the new home industry, that buyers should be aware of?

Location, space, and the overall importance of a home has changed. More people are working from home.

Purchasers are buying and moving to southern Ontario where they have a higher quality of life, for a fraction of the cost with more space. We understand that the home now serves a multitude of uses. It is a sanctuary that makes you and your family feel safe. An oasis where you enjoy time with friends and family outdoors.

A backyard featuring a garden, nourishing your family.

An office housing your business and educational needs. Gourmet chef-kitchens become the social and activity hub of the home. Spacious ensuites provide a

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Builders’ Annual 2020

How is Elite addressing the affordability issue?

We diligently meet with city officials, planners and the public listening to and addressing their economic needs and requests. The most important factor to addressing affordability is selecting locations that are sustainable and affordable in the first place. We offer luxury homes at affordable price points, as most of our properties are located throughout southern Ontario, where the average price per sq. ft. ranges from $400 to $600. The largest trend in home types right now is in townhomes, which provide more space/privacy than a condo, but are more affordable than single-detached homes. For single-detached homes, bungalows are currently the most popular and affordable style, maximizing space for young families and removing unwanted stairs for empty-nesters. Most of our developments are mixed use, featuring singledetached and townhomes that support affordability, lifestyle, space and are energy efficient.

What is it about Elite that differentiates it in the marketplace, or that you’d really want potential buyers to know about your company or projects?

We build everything as if we would live in it ourselves.

Before developing any land, we become experts in that region to truly understand and deliver on the needs of our future homeowners.

We focus on the most current technologies, with health, wellness and leading innovative features throughout our developments ensuring we deliver a sustainable product. For example, smart-home technology, mechanical systems with integrated disinfection measures and hands-free controls in common areas.

We work with incredible award-winning teams. They design homes, where floorplans maximize every square inch of usable livable space, ensuring our homes are efficient, enjoyable and affordable. We build homes inspired by you, with innovative living for life.

Boaz Feiner

Expert panel

PRESIDENT, GERANIUM

What key advice would you stress to prospective new-home buyers in these unprecedented times?

Often, times of crisis or significant change present opportunities to pause and reflect. If you’ve been searching for a new home for a while, what was important to you prior to March 2020 may be significantly different now. Consider simple pleasures and things that you may have taken for granted previously that are now top of mind. For example, you may feel greater appreciation for a home that’s larger, or the desire for a backyard where the kids have more room to play outdoors. Or perhaps you’re now working from home and need a proper office space, versus the dining room table you’re used to working from.

I encourage prospective homebuyers to consider what’s now become more important to their lifestyle and to find a home that enables you to have the quality time you want for you and your family.

How might the pandemic affect the new home industry, that buyers should be aware of?

As with many industries that have had to adjust to influential (good and bad) factors, the construction industry has also been impacted. Something that may affect prospective buyers is potentially longer timeframes to complete homes. This is a result of many factors, but a few examples include longer wait times for permits or required inspections, as well as shortages on building materials.

We expect that more home designs will address e-working and e-schooling, yet also offer flexibility as things evolve.

As people are spending more time at home, they are using more power and water. Therefore, buying a home that offers a high degree of energy-efficiency and water conservation will become more important, as will locations that provide high-bandwidth Internet service.

How is Geranium addressing the affordability issue in the GTA? There is no simple answer to the housing affordability challenge. However, over the last few years, Geranium has introduced home styles such as stacked townhomes, offering a great alternative to highrise living especially for first-time buyers. Providing living spaces where every square foot is utilized effectively, allows builders to offer smaller layouts that are highly functional, at a more reasonable purchase price.

Housing supply shortages can result in upward pressure on home prices. When there is not enough supply to meet demand, prices can be forced up.

Therefore, having an adequate supply of all types of housing for all types of homebuyers at all times is one of the most important ways we can mitigate against upward price pressures. Residents can support their local municipality in their effort to provide an adequate supply of housing for all household types.

What is it about Geranium that differentiates it in the marketplace, or that you’d really want potential buyers to know about your company or communities?

Geranium approaches the design of every community with a lens of its future occupants. For this reason, the streetscape and home design process is unique to each community in which we build, factoring the needs and wants of our future homeowners as well as elements such as environmental features and area amenities. In addition, we focus on behind-the-wall construction excellence and future-proofing our homes based on new construction technologies.

We recognize a home is a significant investment for families, and along with providing energy savings, it needs to hold its value for years to come.

In addition to offering a range of home designs in both contemporary and traditional layouts, as well as a high-quality level of finishes, it’s the small details that you don’t see that really make a difference to the overall quality and operational efficiency.

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Expert panel

Frank Spaziani VICE-PRESIDENT KYLEMORE

What key advice would you stress to prospective new-home buyers in these unprecedented times?

Purchasing a new home and choosing where you live has never been more important than it is today.

Given the costs and expenses associated with such a significant purchase, you will want to take the time to find a home that offers you built-in flexibility with features you’ll value, providing many years of enjoyable use as your family grows and changes.

Consider multi-purpose spaces that evolve to study rooms and could eventually offer privacy for teenagers. You’ll also want areas you can gather with the family. Many households include multiple generations, which may require a home layout that offers a self-contained suite.

Depending on your stage in life, consider whether the floorplan offers the flexibility to adapt to your needs in the future. And, as is apparent since midMarch, we are spending more time at home, enjoying the outdoors in your yard is something many are contemplating.

Finding a neighbourhood that is well located, and includes the kind of facilities, shops and services you need is important, especially with more people working from home who are reliant on local amenities.

How might the pandemic affect the new home industry, that buyers should be aware of?

Timing is key to our industry, affecting both new-home buyers and builders. The initial shutdown of municipal operations and the gradual transition to online services have affected the speed at which approvals can be completed, ultimately impacting the timing for bringing new residential communities to market.

The pandemic has also influenced the availability of materials, labour and equipment necessary for building homes. This situation has us evaluating

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Builders’ Annual 2020

alternatives to materials such as wood sheathing, for example, to maintain construction schedules while retaining product quality.

How is Kylemore addressing the affordability issue in the GTA? Our niche is at the top level of home design and construction and, while maintaining these standards, we do offer a range of sizes and styles suited to firsttime buyers, as well as others.

In our Langstaff-Gateway development, currently in the planning stage, we are supportive of the Mayor of the City of Markham’s initiative to include some affordable housing opportunities at this Bayview and Hwy. 407 location. This, combined with Kylemore’s quality highrise buildings, will create a dynamic mix of housing.

At Angus Glen South Village in Markham, released for sale this fall, we will offer a full range of home styles, from townhomes to spacious homes on 70-ft. lots, and in the later phases midrise condominiums.

What is it about Kylemore that differentiates it in the marketplace, or that you’d really want potential buyers to know about your company or communities?

Each year, we build a finite number of high-quality homes in desirable, mature communities in the GTA. The choice locations, designs and built-in features and finishes we include mean that our homes come at a premium price we know may not suit every buyer.

This is our market niche; one that has been developed and sustained over 22 years through the vision of our partners and the commitment of a hands-on team that includes loyal suppliers/trades and staff who are excited take on every new project.

Expert panel

Brian Brown

PRINCIPAL LIFETIME DEVELOPMENTS

What key advice would you stress to prospective new-home buyers in these unprecedented times?

Don’t sway from your original thought process. This is an unprecedented time, but the issues are ultimately short-term – think forward instead of just about the next year or so, and make your decisions based on your criteria versus any inconveniences you might be facing now. Prioritize location above all else. Do your research into what’s changing in that community and what the future plans are, as that’s what you’re buying into.

How might the pandemic affect the new home industry, that buyers should be aware of?

We’re re-looking at amenities and what’s important to the buyer to make sure we’re meeting changing needs. Condo lobbies, for example, need to be set up to accept an influx of packages with ease. People are also changing how they’re working, so the need for amenity space to allow you to work from home, both from your unit and from communal space, is becoming much more important.

How is Lifetime addressing the affordability issue in the GTA? Many of the developments we’re proposing already offer affordable units within the building. We’re also looking to design spaces as efficiently as possible,

knowing the size of the suite dictates its price. Many of our developments are mixed use, and because the need for office space is decreasing, it allows us a greater opportunity to put more affordable housing in the building.

What is it about Lifetime that differentiates it in the marketplace, or what would you really want potential customers to know about your company or projects?

Despite the size of projects that we have on the go, or the scale of the projects we’ve built, Lifetime is still a family-run business, heavily focused on the architecture and design of our buildings. And probably most importantly, we don’t think of ourselves as just builders – we recognize our buildings have a great impact on the neighbourhood. As such, our culture is rooted in social responsibility and we are dedicated to supporting and enhancing the communities in which our projects live.

We’re proud to say our Lifetime Charitable Foundation has raised more than $2 million for some of the most vulnerable and at-risk communities in the GTA, including our most recent “See You Soon Toronto” campaign, which has raised more than $200,000 to support Toronto’s hospitality industry and essential workers in the medical and public service industries.

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Expert panel

Troy Dosman VICE-PRESIDENT, CONSTRUCTION OPERATIONS MINTO COMMUNITIES What key advice would you stress to prospective new-home buyers in these unprecedented times?

The GTA is a challenging and highly competitive market to purchase a resale or pre-construction home, with all types of product available. It is important to focus on where you want to live, and then you can determine what you can afford in that specific market.

With new construction, it’s important to understand who you are purchasing your home from, their product, features, values, quality and their customer service.

How might the pandemic affect the new home industry that buyers should be aware of?

To ensure that construction sites remain a safe space, additional COVID protocols and social distancing measures are enforced. This has resulted in slower construction productivity and will likely lead to price increases to account for the longer durations and additional health and safety measures. With more people working from home, designs are being redeveloped with an emphasis on creating spaces that are conducive to this new normal, highlighting multifunctional rooms and smart technologies that allow for touchless control, wherever possible.

How is Minto addressing the affordability issue in the GTA? Minto has always strived to offer a wide range of expertly designed products, recognizing the importance of creating affordable, quality homes. This is why our acquisition focus includes land purchases that can be used for affordable housing, on lots that

34

Builders’ Annual 2020

are further outside Toronto, where we can build homes with more space, for less. We have plans to launch two major projects next year in Oshawa and Etobicoke, and are also building smaller square footage entry level products, such as studios and one-bedrooms, with projects that are focused on combining residential and rental aspects.

What is it about Minto that differentiates it in the marketplace, or that you’d really want potential buyers to know about your company or projects?

Developing more than 85,000 units across North America since 1955, Minto is an integrated builder and developer, with dedicated in-house teams for rental, low-, mid- and highrise developments. We build in major cities across the GTA, including in Unionville and Oakville, where next year, we will be launching new phases of our award-winning communities Union Village and Oakvillage. We have also recently broken ground at our two downtown Toronto condo projects, The Saint and 123 Portland.

Above all, we are customer focused, creating a specialized touchpoint plan which includes more than 60 touchpoints from sales to possession, ensuring that our homeowners are receiving the absolute best service possible. Our continued emphasis on sustainability, including energy efficiency, indoor air quality and technologically advanced smart-home and building designs, is why, in part, we won the Building Innovation, Highrise Award at the 2020 EnerQuality Awards, and only further proves our commitment to building better homes.

Mark Basciano

Expert panel

PRESIDENT MOUNTAINVIEW What key advice would you stress to prospective new-home buyers in these unprecedented times?

With everything from absorption of sales to changing the ways homes are offered, shown and sold, this pandemic will no doubt have short- and long-term effects on the real estate market. As society navigates through COVID-19 and all levels of government react and enact policies to deal with the situation, millions of Canadians in the non-essential workforce are now working from home and are not visiting businesses and other public places.

Some buyers may decide to put off on their home purchase while they assess the uncertainty of the health, economic and employment conditions.

In the long term, the market will return strong.

Although it’s very difficult to predict how long COVID-19 will pose a threat, the reality is that the fundamentals of most major urban centres and housing markets won’t change. Pent-up buyer demand, inventory shortages, limited land inventory and the population growth are all conducive to healthy market activity once we have mitigated the health risks and the financial markets stabilize.

What is it about Mountainview that differentiates it in the marketplace, or that you’d really want potential buyers to know about your company or projects?

Mountainview has been a leader in the building industry and is known for innovation, quality, exceptional customer service and giving back to the community. We’ve been one of Ontario’s leading builders for more than 40 years, proudly developing communities and homes while providing a variety of choice and range to new home purchasers.

We have always been and continue to be fully engaged with our involvement in the building industry at many levels. Our engagement, people and commitment to customer service has resulted in many industry awards and accolades. Our corporate culture is built on values which are largely focused on customer experience and giving back to the communities we build within and to the people that call them home. Value, quality and attention to detail can be seen in the products we build and everything we do.

How might the pandemic affect the new home industry, that buyers should be aware of?

Niagara, like many places in Ontario, faces a challenge of housing affordability that affects the dream of homeownership for some. Over the past decade, Niagara has transformed from a sleepy regional hub into one of southern Ontario’s most attractive places to live.

Mountainview’s 40 years of experience in the housing market gives it the capacity to address the housing affordability issue. We are trying to build more housing, build denser neighbourhoods, more affordable housing around transit, and giving more choice to consumers. With the growth and prosperity in the region, what we need are leaders with the political will to take it on, support our projects and work with us and other builders and developers.

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Expert panel

Deena Pantalone PARTNER, NATIONAL HOMES

What key advice would you stress to prospective new-home buyers in these unprecedented times?

The world has changed. Ample personal space and privacy combined with natural outdoor attractions are the key to healthy, active living. We ask our customers to consider a number of factors, such as location and outdoor private space. We believe private yards will provide sanity and well-being for the whole family if the public outdoor space ever closes again. You can get more space for your money in the suburbs and put yourself at less risk.

Consider a location just outside the city with an agreeable commute into the city. A location that is also closer to nature, with open fields where you can picnic or work out in the park is huge for your wellbeing. Inside the home, look for space for a home office, for kids to do virtual learning. Ideally, powder rooms should be close to the front door, to wash your hands upon entry. And storage spaces, to keep a good stock of non-perishables. National is making all of these considerations for our upcoming sites such as Tyandaga Heights on the Park.

At Tyandaga Heights, the homes are large and come with abundant private outdoor spaces. And steps from home, residents have the Kerncliff Park and City Park with acres of open space and unspoiled nature inviting them to a wholesome, healthy lifestyle.

How might the pandemic affect the new home industry, that buyers should be aware of (for example, some reports indicate more buyers will prefer lowrise homes such as those National builds)?

We have already seen a lot of people moving out of their condos and looking for a home that offers private outdoor space. We encourage that move to bring you closer to nature and well-being. In fact, National’s new “You are the Greenprint” is the idea that we not only want to build homes with designs that are smart and make your life easier, but we also want to encourage well-being and health, by building in locations with access to greenspace, with rear yards, with a flex space for a prayer room or yoga studio.

Above all else, health and well-being of ourselves and our family are going to play a major role in homebuying decisions than ever before, and at National, we embrace that. Within the home, National’s

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Builders’ Annual 2020

unique Greenprint philosophy makes wellness a central feature of your everyday living. It’s our holistic approach to homebuilding that takes into account everything – from the natural locations we choose to build your home in, to the materials we use, to the way rooms are laid out, to the placement of windows, and even the lighting – everything plays a vital role in your family’s health, happiness and longevity.

How is National Homes addressing the affordability issue in the GTA? That’s not an easy issue to address, but at National we know that it starts by listening. In particular, talking to Millennials, because they are the ones who are facing this crisis head on. We can’t change the entire market, but we can discover their needs and financial threshold before we put pen to paper and use the information to design and sell homes they can afford and want to live in. Our highly popular “Bright Ideas” philosophy incorporates a ton of space-, time-, energyand eventually money-saving ideas and technologies that enhance the quality of life within a National home.

What is it about National that differentiates it in the marketplace?

National has a very different approach to homebuilding.

We put customers’ needs first, before we even begin to design. This is even more important these days, and post-pandemic.

We start by talking to prospective buyers of an upcoming community about what they are looking for in a home.

Scott McLellan

Expert panel

SENIOR VICE-PRESIDENT PLAZA

navigate for approvals to move ahead, and where often just a portion of their staff is working. Approvals are way behind, which highlights how important it is for builders to be patient.

In addition, because of horizontal social distancing, materials are much slower being delivered to building sites. With vertical social distancing, transporting materials within the building has slowed because of the restrictions of numbers of people riding elevators.

What key advice would you stress to prospective new-home buyers in these unprecedented times?

The biggest piece of advice I would give to prospective new-home purchasers is that this COVID situation will eventually go away. We saw evidence of this recently when the province opened up somewhat in late summer, and there was a huge demand for real estate. Units were selling fast with prices rising in most locations across the GTA. It is important to note that the cost of building materials and labour continues to spike, and regardless of whether you make a buying decision, buy in a highrise, townhome or single-family home, real estate will continue to sell.

In spite of the recessions we have experienced, the real estate market has always been resilient, and what used to be seasonal no longer exists. The key difference with this economic slowdown is that it will take a vaccine or the virus running its course before we see a full market recovery. But the market will most certainly come back.

How might the pandemic affect the new home industry, that buyers should be aware of?

The most significant effect during the pandemic has been on construction schedules, primarily because of the various layers of government that builders must

How is Plaza addressing the affordability issue in the GTA? Plaza has always been a leader in product design with the needs and designs for the buyer being paramount. We are constantly modifying and improving and working with our purchasers to create a product that is more affordable, but without cutting back on quality, finishes or customer service.

What is it about Plaza that differentiates it in the marketplace, or that you’d really want potential buyers to know about your company or projects?

The Plaza difference is our customer service commitment to be there at all times regardless of the conditions. When COVID hit, we immediately implemented a system where the purchaser could navigate the entire buying process digitally through video-conferencing. We heightened our messaging so that they all knew they had that option and could consummate the deal through DocuSign.

We strongly believe in accommodating our purchasers. We currently have three buildings that are occupying, and we are providing two options for postdelivery inspections: We accompany the purchaser throughout the suite respecting social distancing; or we videotape the PDI and send it to the purchaser. If, by chance, there is a deficiency, we video the repair so the purchaser has the comfort of knowing it has been taken care of. We have found that this has instilled a great deal of trust in us by our purchasers.

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Expert panel

Samson Fung VICE-PRESIDENT, MARKETING TRIDEL

What key advice would you stress to prospective new-home buyers in these unprecedented times?

Do your research and prioritize what is most important to you – whether that be location, proximity to work, access to transit, or simply the shops, restaurants, parks or other neighbourhood amenities.

The builder’s reputation has always been important, but more so now, more than ever. Select a quality builder that has a good reputation, with testimonials from happy homeowners, and truly cares about the community it is helping create.

How might the pandemic affect the new home industry, that buyers should be aware of?

The pandemic has created a stronger awareness of wellness and health opportunities within our industry.

Buyers should seek out builders that prioritize and are able to adapt to this new challenge.

For example, within Tridel’s communities, we are focused on improving the indoor air quality of suites using ERV systems, as well as the common areas, by installing UV air purifiers directly into the duct system. We are also continuing to improve our touchless experience by using wave-to-open door operators and touchless fixtures in the common areas.

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Builders’ Annual 2020

How is Tridel addressing the affordability issue in the GTA? Affordability in the GTA continues to be challenged by lack of supply in the market. We are introducing new projects in different areas such as Thornhill and Etobicoke, in addition to the downtown core.

Tridel is also a proud partner of Toronto Community Housing, as we work together to revitalize the Alexandra Park community. Our latest launch, MRKT Alexandra Park, is introducing 175 suites downtown, and 103 affordable suites, within the fully integrated community.

What is it about Tridel that differentiates it in the marketplace, or that you’d really want potential buyers to know about your company or projects?

Tridel has been a proud builder of homes for more than 85 years, and we’ve delivered more than 85,000 homes to happy homeowners. Our commitment to quality and sustainability has earned us numerous awards within the industry, including Home Builder of the Year, Best Customer Care, and Green Builder of the Year, an astounding 11 times.

Another of our core values is innovation, so we are relentless in our pursuit of doing things better than ever before. We’re constantly looking to improve the experiences of our homeowners.

A recent example is our Tridel Connect system, designed to have technology improve the convenience of living in a condominium by providing features such as automated parcel delivery to receive and store packages, as well as providing high speed Internet for all the remote workers at home.

When you’re buying a Tridel home, you’re buying more than just a condominium. To us, it’s your trust that matters most, and we promise an exceptional customer experience.

Expert panel

Noorez Lalani | Gary Switzer PRESIDENT, MOD DEVELOPMENTS | CEO, MOD DEVELOPMENTS What key advice would you stress to prospective new-home buyers in these unprecedented times?

Noorez Lalani: The pandemic forced us to reflect on whether our homes are truly able to accommodate the nuances of our individual needs and unique daily routines. I don’t think people ever thought we’d look at homebuying through a lens that forces you to imagine your living room as not only a place to lounge and relax, but also to exercise; or at a kitchen as not only a place to dine, but somewhere that can double-up as an office.

Make sure your purchase checks off all (or most) of your boxes. Unfortunately, there is no “one size fits all” piece of advice; make a list of all of the attributes you require in a home. It might include: Proximity to transit and grocery stores, nearby parks for outdoor activities, extra useable space that can accommodate homeschooling or work. Then, don’t be afraid to be picky and shop around. Truly do you best to imagine living in your space in the most turbulent of circumstances. If it still feels comfortable, then it’s the place for you.

How might the pandemic affect the new home industry, that buyers should be aware of?

Gary Switzerr: The pandemic has affected the new home industry in a number of ways that we can expect to remain for the foreseeable future. Buying a home is a very emotive experience and a huge part of the joy in doing so is quite sensory. Previously, buyers could walk into a presentation centre at any given time and be greeted by an associate, with the ability to touch, feel and interact with the space. Nowadays, obvious restrictions have been placed in order to keep both the buyer, seller and sales teams safe. We wouldn’t say the process is any less special, but it’s different and will require some adapting.

From a design perspective, buyers can certainly expect to see a number of new trends emerge.

What might have been important before the pandemic, is seemingly less so. Creating a space where livability and lifestyle can co-exist harmoniously in a single dwelling will become the impetus behind suite design for many builders.

At the same time, we anticipate amenity and communal spaces will be designed to facilitate social distancing measures and some shared work-from-home spaces.

How is MOD Developments addressing the affordability issue in the GTA? Switzer: One of the biggest factors is the lack of supply. At MOD Developments, we’re increasing supply through the addition of 551 new condominium units with our latest project, 55C Bloor Yorkville Residences. At the same time, we’re also replacing the 100 rental units that once existed on the site.

Historically, cities that have the biggest affordability issues are typically the ones where the amount of new housing does not meet market demand. Only by increasing supply and maintaining a mix of housing types can Toronto remain affordable.

What is it about MOD that differentiates it in the marketplace, or that you’d really want potential buyers to know about your company or projects?

Lalani: Our mission is to develop high-density areas that nod to rich architectural and cultural histories, while still remaining innovative and forward-thinking.

We’ve been extremely lucky to re-imagine some of Toronto’s preeminent heritage sites and bring them to life in a way that will stand out for decades to come.

We implement the same attention to detail and design excellence needed to execute projects such as Massey Tower and Waterworks and apply that same thinking to everything we do. Every single corner of our properties – from the landscape to amenity areas and suites – has been conceptualized to perfection so that we’re honoring the neighborhood it will reside in while allowing it to soar on its own.

GARY SWITZER

NOOREZ LALANI

nexthome.ca | myhomepage.ca 39

C R E AT I N G .

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For over four decades, Lifetime Developments has been renowned for its creation of thriving residential neighbourhoods and successful commercial properties. With an artistic fervor woven into every project, Lifetime is dedicated to holistic city building in the Greater Toronto Area, building interconnected communities with the purpose of greatly enhancing the city’s vibrant real estate and development sectors.

An unrivaled passion for the industry and diverse portfolio complements Lifetime’s strong company culture that is rooted in corporate and social responsibility. Lifeline, Lifetime’s charitable foundation, was founded in 2014 out of the company’s commitment to actively support and enhance the communities in which they build.

The foundation has since raised more than $2M for organizations that provide necessary aid and support for some of the most vulnerable and at-risk communities in the GTA and across the country.

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As we approach our milestone 50th Anniversary in 2021, we will continue to bring exceptional talent, leadership and dedication to every community and provide our homebuyers with “The Best Built Home at Any Price”.

For almost 50 years, Branthaven has made its mark in the homebuilding industry with our own brand of design-forward developments. From our inception as a master builder of one-of-a-kind estate homes, Branthaven has developed and delivered a broad portfolio of quality single-family homes, classic and contemporary townhomes, boutique condos and luxury rental residences. Along the way we have earned our reputation as an award-winning, respected brand and a sought-after home builder across Southern Ontario.

Branthaven’s commitment to innovate and improve every detail in home design and the building process ultimately shapes the way our homeowners can live life through better living spaces. We are constantly re-imagining today’s homes with our life-centric interiors and design savvy Fresh Thinking™ features. The pillars of our brand - Quality, Value, Integrity and Pride are the very foundation of our customer experience and our industry-wide reputation for homebuilding excellence.

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During the last week of September 2020, on the cusp of the pandemic’s second wave in Ontario, we asked five industry game changers to share their insights and predictions for the year ahead with regards to the pre-construction real estate industry. Here’s what they had to say...

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by SUSAN LEGGE

Debbie Cosic Founder and CEO In2ition Realty

The moral of the story is that we have figured out how to keep the new home real estate market flourishing in the pandemic situation.

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If momentum has anything to do with new home and condo sales, we can look forward to ongoing success in 2021. In July, as the pandemic scare lessened, we had the strongest new home sales since 2007, and benchmark prices for both low- and highrise homes were up over the previous 12 months. Then came August, with overall sales up 217 per cent from August 2019 and 119 per cent above the 10-year average. Benchmark prices were slightly down from July, but still up year over year.

The moral of the story is that we have figured out how to keep the new home real estate market flourishing in the pandemic situation.

Technology took a starring role in making that happen, as shopping and buying new homes and condos online has become an easier process. There will always be some people who prefer to come in person, and we can continue to accommodate them during the pandemic by following protective procedures. Consumer confidence continues to remain strong, which is great news for our industry and for the economy.

Pent-up demand continues, especially for product outside of the city core. Flexible work schedules that lessen personal contact every day and the increase in work-from-home jobs mean people can live anywhere. In line with that trend, the need for home office space has become paramount, even in compact condominiums, as well as some sort of exterior space, whether just a balcony large enough for a chair and a table or a rooftop terrace.

By buying new, you choose the elements that make your home reflect your personality. You also earn equity, usually before you move in. Mortgage interest rates are still exceptionally low, and prices continue to rise. So, sooner rather than later should be every buyer’s motto, now and into 2021.

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President/CEO and Managing Partner Milborne Group Hunter: In March, April and May when things initially locked down, business volumes dropped probably about two-thirds. They didn’t go to zero, but they really fell off significantly. Because you’re buying a pre-construction condo, it is pretty discretionary, right? You don’t have to do it this week or this month or this quarter, but by June 1 we did a new launch and it was quite successful. Then on July 6, we did another one and on Aug. 18, another one. It was a total of about 850 units and overall they’re probably 75 per cent sold.

Mariana: What’s also changed is the emphasis on the right deposit structure. More than ever, it’s so important to marry that whole offering because it really comes down to what people can afford. Also, providing inventory in the $600,000 to $700,000 range. This seems to be the threshold where people feel confident buying a one-bedroom, or one-bedroom plus den suite. But again, the deposit structure needs to be extended for as long as possible.

Hunter: There is a little bit of a decentralization trend happening, so places we are selling in Newmarket, Uxbridge, Stouffville and Hamilton are going to do better over the next year or two, also because it’s more affordable.

Mariana: You really have to look at the different generations and what their motives are for buying. In terms of condos, there’s always going to be an appetite for small units in the downtown core. In some 905 areas, you will be seeing more multi-residential condos coming.

We see local people are buying to downsize, but they are buying smaller units for their children, too.

Hunter: In March, April and May, prices held steady. The projects we launched this year were priced higher than those we launched last fall. Generally, prices are up, and there are many reasons for this. Look what’s happening in the U.S. Canada is still more immigration friendly, and immigration dropped off but now it’s coming back. If a global pandemic didn’t dampen the prices of real estate, then what will? You may see some plateauing, or you may see some prices dropping a little here and there, but there is a lot more demand than there is supply.

In terms of condos, there’s always going to be an appetite for small units in the downtown core.

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Remember that real estate was the first to pick up and reignite the economy after the great depression.

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Barbara Lawlor

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President and CEO Baker Real Estate Inc.

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LOOKING AHEAD, I anticipate a very busy 2021 for real estate professionals. To say that 2020 has been unusual is an understatement – but it has shown once again that we are part of a resilient industry. Remember that real estate was the first to pick up and reignite the economy after the great depression. Here we are again, with different circumstances, but with history repeating itself. Real estate has led the charge in the current economic recovery of our great city, region and province.

Thinking back, the banking crisis of 2008 and 2009 was a low point as well, and during that time, real estate came to a halt. We did recover, of course, and the pandemic situation is different in that we sold residences throughout the worst of it. Real estate was considered an essential service, which it is. People’s life circumstances change, and as a result, so do their housing needs. Pandemic or not, many people had to buy to accommodate their lifestyle needs.

Our numbers may have been down, but we never stopped selling. We met the situation head on and made our business work, largely through the use of technology.

It showed our true grit as industry professionals. I see a bright, positive future. Just look at the sales statistics for both resale and new homes and condos. July, August and September have been brilliant. Prices have risen, and the market has exploded – unheard of during a recession.

People now have the choice of purchasing totally online, or in person with COVID-19 precautions in place. Both approaches are working equally well for us at Baker Real Estate Inc. As an industry, we have proven that you can’t keep us down, even with a pandemic.

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Elliott Taube

Chris Markovic

President | International Home Marketing Group Realty Inc.

Division President PMA Urban

THIS TIME is really teaching us how to be more strategic and creative, which is interesting.

We’ve launched projects recently, and the process has completely changed. It used to be, we would do separate broker and public events, and we’d invite 100 to 1,000 people. But we can’t do that anymore. Now, it’s all done online.

We still host people at the sales office, but we’re getting more concerned with the (COVID-19) numbers going up.

And, we’ve found the majority of people ask us questions online and on Zoom, and our reliance on using more digital, user-friendly tools has come to forefront. A scale model is no longer important if nobody’s coming to the sales office. But an online portal, such as Blackline, where people can spin the building and see their unit, and say, “I want a two-bedroom, 800-square-foot unit facing south.

What’s available?” These tools are becoming much more engaging and important to the end user.

Will new home designs change because of the pandemic? Yes, 100 per cent. Aside from our company’s main form of business, which is to sell real estate, we’re involved with the majority of our developers right at the design stage, and we’re looking at that more carefully than ever before.

With regards to highrise, people are looking for slightly larger units. We’re seeing more suites with workspaces and dens, as opposed to micro suites, and we’re seeing slightly larger condos coming into play. For condo amenities, we’re also determining how we divide these spaces in the event of another situation such as a pandemic.

On the lowrise side of the business, we’re seeing greater importance of including home offices, home recreation areas and outdoor spaces, and the building standards are all playing into this. Air quality control is also important in both lowrise and highrise housing now.

COVID-19 has certainly transformed many facets of our life, and the housing market is no exception. There have been a lot of projections and predictions on where the new home market is headed in this new context of the realities of the pandemic and life in a post-pandemic world.

In the early days of the shutdown, many in the industry predicted an abrupt correction of the market – in sales volume and pricing. Looking back, we see that the complete opposite has, in fact, occurred – we are now seeing sales activity and pricing reach new highs. There have been many surprises and re-forecasts, but what comes next and what does the new normal look like?

Housing supply is very tight. Interest rates are at historical lows. Since the reopening of the economy, the rebound we have seen in the housing market has consistently beaten predictions. We saw a more than 200-per-cent increase in new home sales from last year (August 2020 data, Altus/BILD) along with sizable price gains. So, what are some interesting takeaways from our experience?

A time for reflection: We have all been contemplating and re-examining life choices: Work, relationships and housing, in particular. The realities of life during a pandemic highlight some of the limitations of small suite lifestyle, the potential challenges of living in a highrise, access to greenspace, and the flexibility of truly working remotely – not having to commute on a daily basis. As such, we have seen a shift and motivation to move to less urban density and more ground-oriented housing. Does this mean the end of the skyscraper condo in the downtown core? Most likely not – years of intensification, urban planning and placemaking will not vanish and the desire to live in the heart of major cities will not diminish – this is very likely a short-lived reaction to the current state.

We have all been contemplating and re-examining life choices: Work, relationships and housing, in particular.

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Riz Dhanji President and Founder RAD Marketing WHAT I believe is this is a short-term phenomenon that’s happening.

The reason is because, obviously with the pandemic, people feel that they have this option to work from home now. People think “Okay, I can move out of the city now” because they don’t have to work five days a week downtown or maybe they can do four days a week outside the city. Traffic is easier, so it’s a lot better.

People are not understanding that there’s an end date to this, and the end date is the vaccine. In the news right now there’s a possibility of a vaccine early next year, with mass adoption come spring or summer of next year, right? As soon as that happens and as soon as companies start to say “Okay, the cases have gone down. It’s under control. We want people come back to the office,” you’re going to see companies and employees starting to move back into the office, particularly in the downtown core. You’re going to see borders open up and immigration start to flow, too. Over the next few years, Canada may well make up for the immigration that it has lost this year. So, traffic is going return, and people are going to say “Wait a minute, my drive is two hours now when I thought it was going be less, and now my employers asking me to come back to work more often.”

We need to rethink this strategy of staying outside and look at moving back into the city. That’s my sense, for the next year. I’m not saying that everyone who decided to move outside of the city is going come back, but a big portion of them will move back in and a big portion of new immigrants will take over renting condos in the downtown core and working in the downtown core. Major tech companies and corporations such as Amazon and Shopify are still increasing office space there. So, they’re looking 10 years out.

Yes, there will still be a certain amount of working from home, but eventually people are going to get back into the office.

We need to rethink this strategy of staying outside and look at moving back into the city.

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GEORGIAN COMMUNITIES

new opportunities are on the horizon.

There’s a change on the breeze, and it’s bringing more inspiring communities to Southern Ontario.

Georgian Communities, known for their remarkable homes at Blue Mountain and within the Oro-Medonte region, is finally ready to release new information on their upcoming projects. Incredible

natural amenities offering richly unique lifestyles to families across Ontario’s best landscapes is the mark of a Georgian community, and these new projects are guaranteed to carry that legacy.

Before releasing this new information, let Georgian Communities’ current projects speak for them.

the architecture reflects the land.

Three unique communities; Mountain House, Windfall, and Braestone. Each of these has offered families a place to call home in locations where nature is the inspiration for everything. From the chalet-inspired condos of Mountain House, the Georgian Bay cabins of Windfall, and the farmhouses of Braestone, the architecture

reflects the land in order to bring to life a vision of a neighbourhood that lives harmoniously with its surroundings. Each element lifted from nature is lovingly refined and artfully crafted to bring the best quality design, craftsmanship, and life to each and every home.

With new releases coming to both Windfall and Braestone this

year, single family homes in these unmatched communities are plenty.

Condominiums at Mountain House are almost sold out however, and this exclusive opportunity is nearly gone!

breathtaking Copeland Forest Trails right in your backyard, residents can enjoy hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding just around the corner.

One of two new additions to Georgian Communities is coming soon to the charming historic village of Craighurst. Just minutes from the urban centres of Barrie and Orillia, this upcoming neighbourhood will benefit from all of the amenities that come from living close to the city without losing the small town charm found in spades here in Craighurst.

Located at Horseshoe Valley Road and Highway 93, this community will offer inspirational architecture just one minute from highway 400, providing the best access to the city while still avoiding the congestion and rush of urban living. With the serene and

Continuing to build remarkable homes around the Blue Mountain area, Georgian Communities is introducing another new project to Collingwood. This boutique infill development will include just 19 units, offering singles and semis with an additional selection of condos to be built in a renovated historic schoolhouse at the corner of Maple and Sixth Street. The unique inclusion of history in this modern community is one of the ways Georgian Communities incorporates architecture into their neighbourhoods, blending past and present in a way that creates timeless communities that seem as

if they’ve always belonged. All the amenities of Downtown Collingwood with walkable shops and restaurants and the proximity of Blue Mountain provides this upcoming community with the perfect blend of nature, charm, and convenience that Georgian proudly provides in each and every project.

With their dedication and passion to providing quality homes in Ontario’s most incredible landscapes, Georgian continues to create unique communities to invite families to explore unmatched natural lifestyles.

Though Mountain House is almost sold out, new opportunities to escape from city living are coming soon to Windfall and Braestone, with exciting new projects in Craighurst and Collingwood on their way!

Keep an eye out for more information on these upcoming new releases by visiting the Georgian Communities website.

georgiancommunities.ca

OHBA REPORT

A year of action for #homebelievers

by JOE VACCARO

It’s hard to look ahead into 2021 without reflecting on what a year 2020 has been.

The world came to a standstill as COVID-19 swept across the globe, impacting every aspect of our lives in Ontario. Borders, schools and businesses all closed.

During these times of uncertainty, the Ontario government began to identify essential businesses and services that needed to continue to stay open and keep working, such as grocery stores and pharmacies.

The Ontario government also quickly recognized that there are thousands of buyers waiting for keys to their new homes, and that any delay in their scheduling move would have a cascading effect on the homebuying and building processes. With the residential industry applying new health and safety protocols and tracing requirements for every worker on a jobsite, Ontario made residential construction an essential business which allows housing projects to continue working until completion.

Connected to the work on the site is the important work of municipal building officials to inspect and approve homes for occupancy. To the credit of many municipalities, building departments responded by moving inspections onto a virtual or remote platform, and through the power of innovation and ingenuity, we all started working together to get keys into the hands of homeowners.

What is happening on jobsites across Ontario, the effort to work together to keep everyone safe while completing homes, was equally matched by the provincial government, as they continue to stay focused on its signature housing legislation, More Homes, More Choice.

Moving forward on new growth plan population forecasts, finalizing development and community

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benefit charge regulations, and providing provincial approval for municipally supported housing projects through a municipal zoning order, are all key important actions to delivering the much-needed housing options Ontarians require.

For a year that started with a complete COVID-19 shutdown, it is looking to end with a lot of positive housing news. The systems put in place by our industry and government during the initial shutdown will likely continue moving forward, an example of making things better as result of a crisis. That should serve as a longterm positive outcome.

The most recent housing starts tell us that housing construction remains strong, keeping thousands of people employed and getting those keys into the hands of new homebuyers faster and safer. The latest sales numbers tell us that Ontarian’s are still #homebelievers, who still believe in the great Canadian dream of homeownership. This means 2021 is shaping up to be another busy and productive year for our industry, where we need to deliver more homes and more choice across Ontario.

Joe Vaccaro is CEO of the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA), the voice of the residential construction industry in Ontario representing 4,000 member companies, and organized into 29 local associations across the province.

The industry contributes more than $56 billion to Ontario’s economy, employing more than 336,000 people across the province. ohba.ca

VIBRANT COMMUNITIES FOR HEALTHY LIVES.

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In 2020, “There’s no place like home” took on new meaning.

In an unprecedented year, Minto Communities GTA continues to prioritize building strong communities, one home and one relationship at a time.

It goes without saying that 2020 has been an unexpected year.

We’ve seen communities around the world, including our own, come to a standstill dealing with the spread of COVID-19. At the same time, there’s been the rise of an important social justice movement, which brought long overdue conversations and experiences into a new light.

Among all the challenging and chaotic moments, our homes have become more important than ever. For some of us, our homes became our offices. For others, our homes became our gyms or our daycares. For many of us, they became our sanctuaries, our space to disconnect, find peace of mind and spend time with loved ones despite the uncertainties we share.

That’s why Minto Communities GTA prides ourselves on building quality homes for community members and families.

No matter the type of home we build, whether single-family homes, townhomes or multi-residence condominiums, we always start with the fundamentals. Great locations in vibrant neighbourhoods, excellent design in a range of styles that include sustainable design features and building practices to ensure a greener future for all of us.

And we feel very fortunate, that even in a year like 2020, community members continue to choose Minto Communities.

Three of our milestone projects — 123 Portland and The Saint in downtown Toronto, as well as our low-rise community Union Village in Markham — all experienced an incredible sales response. This allowed for all three to officially break ground and start the construction process. Ivy Ridge in Whitby opened doors to 2 model homes and had an incredible sales response as well.

The low-rise community is now 95% sold out.

Though the past year has presented unforeseen challenges across all facets of the industry, the patience and flexibility of our homeowners has allowed us to adapt and persevere together.

The health and safety of our tradespeople, employees and communities is of the utmost importance to us, and it’s through

@ MintoCommunitiesGTA | MintoCommunitiesGTA.com

MC 47931 Corporate Builders Annual Magazine 3PG Ad.indd 2-3

the support from our homeowners that we are able to navigate through the uncertainty to get the job done.

Future homeowners weren’t the only ones to respond positively to our work. Minto Communities GTA experienced an extremely successful (albeit virtual) industry award season, taking home wins from both the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Awards of Housing Excellence, where The Saint won Best Mid to HighRise Condominium Project (Planned), and the Durham Region Home Builders’ Association Awards of Excellence, where we received five awards including Green Builder of the Year, and three design awards for our Ivy Ridge development. Topping off these wins are two BILD Awards for 123 Portland – Best Suite Design, Large, and Best Short Video.

As we continue to build better places to live, Minto Communities remains committed to sustainable building. 123 Portland and The Saint are both targeting LEED® certification, while our Ivy Ridge and Union Village homes are targeting ENERGY STAR® certification. Each community has its own thoughtful collection of green features, ranging from energy saving VRF building systems, to water efficient plumbing fixtures, LED lighting, undercounter waste storage systems and more.

As our commitment to quality homes continues to grow, our technology evolves as well. In 2020, Minto Communities GTA began developing our new smart home system, Minto Intelligence.

Recognizing the convenience and simplicity we’re all seeking in our fast-paced world, Minto Intelligence will be offered in select high-rise and low-rise communities, giving residents the ability to access a series of convenient features through a smartphone or tablet app. Reserve amenities, adjust the temperature in your suite remotely, unlock/lock your door, or register guests in advance of visits – these are just a selection of the different functions that will be offered at your fingertips.

We know how fortunate we are to experience success during a time which hasn’t been easy for many. And we recognized that as a developer, we have a responsibility to invest into the communities where we build, supporting the residents, businesses, and organizations that make them so great. Our year has not been defined solely by our construction progress, our accolades, or our new services. It’s been defined by giving back and getting deeply involved in communities across the GTA. Whether we’ve been hosting a special Balcony Bingo event for seniors who are isolated due to COVID-19, purchasing from restaurants that faced long closures during lockdown, or donating directly to organizations that are making a difference every day like the Daily Bread Food Bank, we’ve been honoured and humbled to step up throughout COVID-19. Without strong communities there would be no Minto Communities GTA, and we are committed to continuing to do this work.

To find out more about Minto Communities GTA’s current projects, commitment to sustainability, or community support, please visit MintoCommunitiesGTA.com

WINNERS OF TWO BILD AWARDS FOR 123 PORTLAND: Best Short Video, AND Best Suite Design, Suite 1441

2020-09-25 2:11 PM

LEGALLY SPEAKING

Guiding your growth

by JACQUELINE MONETA, JD, and JAYSON SCHWARZ, LLM When you are looking to buy a new property, it can be frustrating to hear your lawyer advise that you need to speak to another lawyer about a specific issue, because it’s outside their area of expertise. The reason is that far too often, lawyers take a narrow approach to your matter, and may specialize in their field to the point where they can’t provide valuable assistance. He or she may become bogged down in the immediate purchase and forget to look at how this transaction fits into your life. Finding the right real estate lawyer, who will look at your situation holistically, at the start of a transaction, will serve you for years to come.

GUIDING YOUR GROWTH For example, at Schwarz Law LLP, our motto is “Guiding Your Growth” – a responsibility we take seriously. Our goal is to provide our clients with the best possible representation. Backed by years of experience, our lawyers are dedicated to providing guidance for growth, whether personal, professional or as part of your business team. We take the position that your lawyer should be like your family doctor, acting as your point of contact for all things legal, quarterbacking your success.

HOW DOES THIS AFFECT BUYERS? So, what does this mean for a real estate buyer? It means your lawyer should ask questions and listen thoughtfully to your answers. They should look at the purchase of a new property through the lens of your individual goals and

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needs. Is this an investment property? Is this a purchase of a principal residence? Are you a first-time homebuyer, or are you investing with partners? While these questions certainly impact how your deal will be closed, they can also have more complex business, commercial or even estate issues.

As a buyer of a new property, making sure you work with a real estate lawyer who can help you incorporate a new business to protect yourself as a real estate investor, or set up an estate plan for your family, or just guide you through the purchase process, will ensure that you understand how it all works, and you and your investment are protected today and into the future.

The purchase of a home or a commercial real estate investment can be the largest investment most people will make in their lives. It is important to work with a lawyer who understands your goals and can protect that investment for years to come.

Jayson Schwarz LL.M. is a Toronto real estate lawyer and partner in the law firm Schwarz Law LLP. Visit online at schwarzlaw.ca or email info@schwarzlaw.ca with your questions, concerns, critiques and quandaries.

A FOCUS ON WELL-BEING Now, more than ever, enjoying overall well-being is a focus for all of us. During the past 18 months, the Kylemore Team has been exploring the idea of Wellness as the essence of our future communities. Today, Wellness has become a core pillar for the company, driving us forward.

Our goal has always been to offer our residents closely-knit communities by providing a social framework as well as better living in a luxury environment. Our focus on Wellness enables us to expand upon this tradition by ensuring we pay attention to many other aspects of lifestyle that can be enhanced by what we build, how we build and where we build.

COMING FALL 2020

BECOME A PART OF THE FAMILY. REGISTER TODAY FOR OUR NEWEST COMMUNITY IN MARKHAM – ANGUS GLEN SOUTH VILLAGE KYLEMORELIVING.COM

WELLNESS. THE NEW LUXURY.

MINDFULLY FOCUSING ON WELLNESS IN THE HOMES AND COMMUNITIES WE SHAPE. TO REGISTER FOR UPCOMING COMMUNITIES VISIT KYLEMORELIVING.COM

PERSONAL FINANCE

6 common first-time buyer mistakes – and how to avoid them

by JESSE ABRAMS Purchasing your first home is the start of an exciting new chapter. However, it’s also a lot more complex than many first-time buyers anticipate, making them prone to missteps if they’re not prepared. Here are five common mistakes – and how you can avoid them.

1. NOT FULLY UNDERSTANDING THE DOWN PAYMENT Although first-time buyers in Canada are able to make a down payment as low as five per cent, down payments of less than 20 per cent require mortgage insurance. This protects your lender in the event you’re unable to make your mortgage payments. The cost of insurance will vary based on the size of your down payment. For home purchases with a down payment of 20 per cent or more, insurance is not required.

2. NOT GETTING MORTGAGE PRE-APPROVAL Mortgage pre-approval is highly recommended and very helpful. It allows you to determine how much you can borrow at the start of your home search, while providing insight into your overall home affordability.

3. NOT CONSIDERING FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER INCENTIVES

Before you begin your home search, look into some of the government-assisted programs available to firsttime homebuyers.

FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER INCENTIVE This incentive assists buyers in making a down payment on their first home. It offers them five per cent on the purchase price of a resale home and 10 per cent for a new build.

4 FAILING TO CONSIDER YOUR CREDIT SCORE Strong credit is a prerequisite for buying any home.

Your debt-to-income ratio and credit score are two key metrics that lenders use to determine your eligibility for a mortgage. It’s recommended that your credit score is above the high 600s, and preferably 700-plus.

5 OVERLOOKING ADDITIONAL COSTS First-time buyers are mostly focused on saving for a down payment. But other financial considerations include your monthly mortgage payment, lawyer fees, closing costs, mortgage insurance (if applicable), property tax, moving costs and other living expenses.

6 NOT SHOPPING AROUND FOR A MORTGAGE PROVIDER

Many first-time buyers assume the big banks are the only place to get a mortgage, when credit unions and monoline lenders offer competitive and often better mortgage products. Shop around and see the different options available.

HOME BUYERS’ PLAN (HBP) This program allows qualifying first-time buyers to withdraw up to $35,000 tax-free from their RRSP for their initial down payment. Buyers are then required to repay these funds back into their RRSP over 15 years.

LAND-TRANSFER TAX REBATE This rebate helps to offset the land transfer taxes that need to be paid upon purchasing a home. Eligible buyers in Ontario can receive a rebate up to a maximum of $4,000.

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Jesse Abrams is Co-Founder at Homewise, a mortgage advisory and brokerage firm based in Toronto. thinkhomewise.com

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Winner of the Coveted 2010 Desjardins Business Excellence Award in Ontario

“Highest in Customer Satisfaction with New Home Builders in the Greater Toronto Area”

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Proud recipient of Ontario Homebuilder of the Year at Tarion Homeowner’s Choice Awards 2016

Tribute Communities received the highest numerical score in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2010 Canadian New Home Builder Customer Satisfaction StudySM. Study based on 1,864 responses from homeowners in the GTA, measuring 8 home builders and measures opinions of consumers who purchased a new home in January-December 2009. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed in April-June 2010. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. Tribute Communities was honoured with the coveted 2010 Desjardins Business Excellence Award, marking the first time a homebuilder has been given the distinction. As co-winners with De Beers Diamond, this award acknowledges “Best Large Business” as recognized by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. Tribute Communities is the proud recipient of “Ontario Homebuilder of the Year” at Tarion Homeowner’s Choice Awards 2016. Prices, terms, and specifications are subject to change without notice. Renderings are artist’s concept only. E.&O.E.

@MYTRIBUTEHOME / MYTRIBUTE.CA

A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE FOR OVER 35 YEARS Tribute Communities’ commitment to building homes of distinction and style has resulted in more than 35,000 new homes and condominium suites and even more satisfied homebuyers and families across Southern Ontario.

From the warmth and style of a beautifully appointed single detached home to the urban lifestyle that our architecturally distinct and exquisitely designed condominium suites afford, Tribute homes are built by passionate people who truly care about bringing homeowner dreams to life.

Oshawa In partnership with RioCan Living, Tribute Communities has been instrumental to Oshawa’s on-going economic renaissance. As Oshawa continues to experience a prolonged period of

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growth, a series of master-planned communities have been created to provide thousands of homes to the city’s rapidly increasing population. Now, discerning homebuyers can find comfort and value with expertly built residences across the city, accessing a plethora of essential modern amenities with ease. From protected greenspaces and conservation areas to entertainment, transport, dining, retail and healthcare, everything is just a moment away from a Tribute community. This partnership is not only meeting the needs of Oshawa’s homebuyer, but is creating countless job opportunities by drawing in businesses from across the GTA and beyond. A new 839,000 sq. ft. retail plaza is scheduled to be completed in winter of 2022, and will serve to innumerably bolster the area’s excellent local shopping and dining scene. Through their cooperation, Tribute Communities and RioCan Living are truly laying the foundations for Ontario’s next great city.

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Nestled in the heart of Oshawa’s most vibrant neighbourhood, UC Tower offers exceptional suites and unparalleled building amenities in a 35-storey condominium residence conveniently located just minutes from Ontario Tech University and Durham College. With easy access to the upcoming RioCan Windfields retail centre and over 21,000 sq. ft. of exceptional amenity space within the tower itself, UC Tower is Durham’s true hub for modern living. Furthermore, residents can enjoy 7,782 sq. ft. of marvelous outdoor recreation space and even more greenspace. Convenient access to transit options like the GO bus, Highways 407, 412 and 401 make UC Tower the ideal place to call home. Construction at UC Tower is already underway, and

Phase 2 is coming soon!

ARTIST CONCEPT

ARTIST CONCEPT

ARTIST CONCEPT

AT TRIBUTE COMMUNITIES, WE MEASURE OUR SUCCESS BY THE SATISFACTION OF THE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF HOMEOWNERS WHO LIVE AND THRIVE IN THE DIVERSE COMMUNITIES THAT WE HAVE BUILT OVER THE YEARS. CREATING A UNIQUE SENSE OF BELONGING THAT BINDS TOGETHER THOUSANDS OF TRIBUTE HOMEOWNERS INTO ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY.

mytribute.ca

@MYTRIBUTEHOME

PRESENTATION CENTRE 23 St. Thomas Street, Toronto ON M5S 3E7 info@55charlesresidences.com 416.968.3342 Prices and specifications subject to change without notice. E. + O.E. Exclusive Broker MarketVision Real Estate Corp. Brokers protected. Image shown is the actual model suite.

WE ARE HONOURED TO BE HONOURED. We are proud to share that 55C has been awarded the BILD 2020 Best Innovative Suite Design and the BILD 2020 Best Model Suite.

We are grateful to be honoured for our attention to detail and design excellence, qualities in which we take great pride.

Construction is well underway, and our vision is coming to life as 55C is set to change the downtown landscape for decades to come.

Be sure to register on our website to remain informed and receive updates as we move forward in reshaping the Bloor Yorkville neighbourhood.

Book your private appointment today, or visit us online to take a virtual tour of our Award-winning suite.

55charlesresidences.com

Aoyuan International believes that health and wellness

Aoyuan introduced their impressive, contemporary aesthetic

begin at home. With this ethos in mind, everything you

and dynamic family-centric spaces to Canada in 2018.

need to live an active, vibrant life is within reach in all of

Using an on-the-ground approach, the firm only works with

their thoughtfully- designed urban lifestyle communities.

carefully selected local talent who understand the devel­

Since 1996, Aoyuan has built over 200 residential devel­ opments and large-scale commercial and retail projects worldwide. As a pioneer of master-planned developments, the company's premiere property, Olympic Garden, was celebrated by the International Olympic Committee for its seamless balance of work-life-activity planning.

"Building healthy lifestyle communities has been part of Aoyuan's DNA from the beginning," says

Vince Santino,

Senior Vice President, Development (Eastern Canada)

opment landscape and nuances of the market they are building in. This, along with an unwavering commitment to design is what separates Aoyuan from other developers and makes their distinct portfolio extremely appealing to purchasers.

"The magnitude of what Aoyuan has accomplished is incredi­ bly diverse and that gives us a very broad perspective,"

Fan Yang, General Manager, Aoyuan International (Canada)

explains. "Our goal is to consider exactly how purchasers

will be affected by the decisions we make. Will residents be able to move freely in kitchen? Have we maximized the natural light of a home in the layout? Can a decent size home office fit in the flex? Is there a good balance in the amenity program? Our designs emerge from these answers and are based on the functionality of the entire community and what buyers really need."

Aoyuan International currently has five projects in Canada, with a total development area over four million square feet.

M2M COMMUNITY In Toronto, Aoyuan's expansive 8.6-acre M2M at the Yonge and Finch corridor was one of the city's largest land acquisi­ tions in 2017. These extraordinary complexes, designed by Wallman Architects, promote ultimate efficiency and livability.

One-bedrooms effortlessly transform into spacious 2- and 3-bedroom suites with the use of sliding walls, allowing for inter-generational and growing families to live together comfortably.

This over 1,650 residential unit mixed-use development also has more than 30,000 square feet of retail and 40,000 square feet of office space, a community centre, a daycare and a public park that will be connected to the adjoining neighbour­ hood. M2M's first phase has been greeted with tremendous success, selling out the initial release and winning the BILD® People's Choice Award in 2019. The building is now under construction, and expected to reach grade later this year, with occupancy anticipated in 2022.

Earlier this year Aoyuan released the M2M Spaces collection, consisting of 25 spacious townhomes ranging from 1,000 to 1,300 sq. ft. and an additional 12 sub-penthouse units beginning at 703 sq. ft. Designed to maximize green­ space for residents, suites feature street­ level entrances and views of a future new public park in the Park Collection, face inward towards private courtyard terraces in the Courtyard Collection, or offer personal rooftop terraces with an elevated park or courtyard view in the Rooftop Collection. Every suite will have access to fresh air and lush out­ door spaces, an increasingly important element in today's urban environment.

"The Spaces Collection is definitely inspired by our focus on healthy living, which is reflected in both the interiors of the residences and the wellness-inspired property amenities," says Vince Santino, Senior Vice President of Development of Eastern Canada. "In our fast-paced world where we all juggle different aspects of life; these residences are designed to make things easier for you by giving you everything you need in one place."

All of the suites at M2M have access to a range of amenities, including a rooftop infinity pool on the 9th level, outdoor areas for children's play, lush gardens inside a private courtyard, a state-of-the-art gym, a pet spa, and a business centre for those continuing to work from home. Connecting the new development and the existing Yonge and Finch neighbourhood will be a new public park to be launched during Phase Two. The completed park will offer much-needed respite for residents and community members seeking green spaces in North York.

In Vancouver, One Central, a spacious 44-storey, 550-suite condo with over 12,000 square feet of amenities, is set to be the largest and tallest residential tower in Metro Vancouver's popular Surrey City Centre.

Alpha Garden, a five-tower, four-phase development in Burnaby, designed and planned by IBI Group in cooperation with PWL Landscape Architects Inc., features 50,000 square feet of retail and office space encircling a park. It is conveniently steps away from a SkyTrain station.

Planning is also underway for the newly acquired Vancouver property, The Valley, located near Queen's Park and an 8-storey, 41-suite tower in Fairview, Granville's high-end residential neighbourhood.

"Aoyuan has what it takes to help make Toronto and Vancouver more liveable for people who want a healthy way of life," says Santino. "The company's deep understanding of people's lifestyles and behaviours has allowed us to build a strong service-oriented approach to real estate development."

Aoyuan has no plans of slowing down. If anything, Canada's unique culture of diversity and inclusivity has inspired the company to design more master­ planned lifestyle communities in urban settings across the country.

Vancouver and Toronto will remain Aoyuan's focus for future development and the company is in negotiations for projects in both cities. That said, Aoyuan is exploring moves into Montreal and Ottawa and remains very confident in the Canadian residential market with a long-term strategy focused on growing in Canada over the next 10 to 20 years.

Better by design.

dunparhomes.com

Better. It’s what we build towards.

Over the past thirty-five years, we’ve committed ourselves to building better communities across the GTA, raising the standard through distinctive design and unparalleled craftsmanship. To us, better isn’t simply a word but a muse.

JUTLAND SQUARE ETOBICOKE

H E R I TA G E G AT E MISSISSAUGA

An adjective that informs every An adjective that informs every blueprint and every brick facade. blueprint and every brick facade.

From our townhome and rental communities composed of elegance From our townhome and rental communities of elegance and excellence, to commercial developments thatcomposed inspire and lead, Dunpar and excellence, to commercial developments thatAnd inspire and lead, crafts without exception.

Without compromise. without equal.Dunpar crafts without exception. Without compromise. And without equal.

We’re simply better. By design.

We’re simply better. By design.

T R A FA L G A R R I D G E ORAAKFA VIL T LL GEA R R I D G E OA KV I L L E

Current Communities Current Heritage GateCommunities | Mississauga Heritage TrafalgarGate Ridge| Mississauga | Oakville Trafalgar Ridge | Streetsville Centre Oakville | Mississauga Streetsville Centre | Mississauga

Now Under Construction Now M O V E IUnder N N O W Construction M O V E I N Village NOW Lakeshore

| Etobicoke Lakeshore Village | Etobicoke

Commercial Commercial Jutland Square | Etobicoke Jutland Square | Etobicoke

Luxury Townhome Rental Living Luxury Townhome Rental Living The Ossington | Toronto The Ossington | Toronto

Mid-Rise Rental Living Mid-Rise Living N C O M I N G S O O Rental O O N Square | Bloor West Village COMING S Kingsway Village Kingsway Village Square | Bloor West Village

ROSTER

{

THE LIST A list of contact information from builders and developers to help you stay connected

Aoyuan Homes

Kylemore Communities

National Homes

145 King St. West Toronto, Ont. M5H 1J8 416.363.6688 aoyuaninternational.com

9980 Kennedy Rd., Ste. 200 Markham, Ont. L6C 0M4 kylemorecommunities.com KylemoreLiving kylemoreliving

291 Edgeley Blvd.

Concord, Ont. L4K 3Z4 905.669.9199 nationalhomes.com NationalHomesCanada nationalhomesca

AoyuanInternational

Branthaven Homes

Lifetime Developments

720 Oval Court Burlington, Ont. L7L 5K2 905.333.8464 branthaven.com branthaven branthavenhomes

49 Jackes Ave., Ste. 200 Toronto, Ont. M4T 1E2 lifetimedevelopments.com 416.987.3344 LifetimeDevelopments Lifetime_Dev

Plazacorp

Dunpar Homes

Mattamy Homes

Tribute Communities

105 Six Point Road Etobicoke, Ont. M8Z 2X3 416.236.9800 dunparhomes.com dunparhomes dunparhomes

7980 Keele St. Vaughan, Ont. L4K 4G7 905.907.8888 mattamyhomes.com MattamyHomes

1815 Ironstone Manor, Unit 1 Pickering, Ont. L1W 3A9 905.839.3500 tributecommunities.com TributeCommunities mytributehome?lang=en

Elite Developments

Minto Group

3410 S. Service Road, Ste. 102 Burlington, Ont. L7N 3T2 289.816.1024 elitemdgroup.com elitemdgroup

4101 Yonge St., Ste. 600 Toronto, Ont. M2P 2E3 416.977.0777 minto.com MintoGroup mintogroup

Georgian Communities

MOD Developments Inc.

85 Bayfrield St., Ste. 300 Barrie, Ont. L4M 3A7 705.730.5900 georgiancommunities.ca

555 Richmond St. W., Ste. 1106 Toronto, Ont. M5V 3B1 moddevelopments.com moddevelopments moddevelopments

Geranium 3190 Steeles Avew. East, Ste. 300 Markham, Ont. L3R 1G9 905.477.1177 geranium.com geraniumhomes geraniumhomes

74

}

Builders’ Annual 2020

Mountainview Building Group 3350 Merritville Hwy., Unit 9 Thorold, Ont. L2V 4Y6 mountainview.com MountainviewHms

10 Wanless Ave., Ste. 201 Toronto, Ont. M4N 1V6 416.481.2222 plazacorp.com Plazacorp-108663477502163

Tridel 4800 Dufferin St. Toronto, Ont. M3H 5S9 416.661.9394 tridel.com tridel tridel

WE GIVE OUR BEST, SO YOU CAN LIVE YOUR BEST.

Register to be the first to hear about our upcoming condominium opportunities across the GTA.

LASHGROUP.CA

CONSTRUCTION HAS BEGUN

LIVE LARGE 3 BDRM / 2 BTH / 910SQ.FT. FAMILY SIZED SUITES AT MARKHAM & ELLESMERE

BALCONY BEDROOM 2 9'0"x9'0"

BEDROOM 3 9'0"x9'0"

LIVING 10'4"x10'4"

DINING/KITCHEN 12'6"x9'5" W/D

MASTER BEDROOM 10'3"x10'1"

WIC

ARTIST’S IMPRESSION

LOCATION IS EVERYTHING - UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO - CENTENNIAL COLLEGE - SCARBOROUGH TOWN CENTRE - SUBWAY & LRT - BEAUTIFUL PARKLANDS & GOLF COURSES - SHOPPING & RESTAURANTS

THE 3D SUITE

SALES OFFICE 1151 MARKHAM RD 416.430.0003 / INFO@TRICYCLECONDOS.CA MON 12-6PM / TUES 12-6PM / SAT 12-5PM / SUN 12-5PM

NextHome_8" x 10.75"

tricyclecondos.ca

T:8" S:7.25"

WE BUILD FOR THE BUILDERS Who are these builders? They’re our homeowners.

The ones who bring the neighbourhood together. Day in and day out, they unite everyone on the block. These are the builders who have been at the heart of what we do since the beginning.

We may build the Townhomes, Single Family Homes, and Condos, but it’s our homeowners who build up our communities.

S:9.75"

S E E O U R N E I G H B O U R H O O D S AT M AT TA M Y H O M E S . C O M