2007 was a busy year...there is no doubt about it. Activity increased a whopping 12 percent over last year for a record setting 93,193 sales.
Prices rose seven percent to $376,326 compared to last year's $351,941 and it has taken barely a month on average for homes to sell.
It's obvious that concerns over the U.S. economy have not had an impact on the past year but it will be interesting to see what impact the new land transfer tax (coming into effect February 1st. ) will have on buyers in 2008.
On another note, our financial advisor Shawn Rutledge of BMO Nesbitt Burns, sent an interesting commentary on the capital markets.
Fears over the economy always have an interesting effect on the real estate market but he shared a statement from Peter Lynch of Fidelity Investments who pointed out an interesting difference...
"Lynch suggests investors should emulate homeowners. "Your own home is a great investment, Lynch says, because of the key psychological reason that most of us aren't tempted to sell our home to satisfy a whim or to escape a feared bear market. "
"'There is no ticker tape for real estate or TV commentators mentioning that the house next to you on Lawrence Avenue declined 10% in active trading today, or that one on Roselawn Avenue went down 15%. Daily prices would drive homeowners crazy and be counterproductive.'"
The point? Invest wisely for the long term for maximum benefit and don't let the media hype scare you out of making an investment that makes sense for you, whether in capital markets or real estate.
Check out the prices in neighbourhoods around the GTA below for their average 2007 price overall!
Neighbourhood Watch - 2007
E02 -The Beach (coxwell, danforth, victoria park)
Average Price: $494,797
E03 - Danforth North (DVP, victoria park, danforth)
Average Price: $356,759
E01 - Danforth South & Riverdale (DVP, danforth, coxwell)
Average Price: $409,611
C04 - Bedford West & Lytton Park (allen, 401, yonge, eglinton)
Average Price: $715,065
C09 - Rosedale (yonge, st.clair, bayview, bloor)
Average Price: $1,085,223
C03 - Forest Hill (allen, eglinton, yonge, st.clair)
Average Price: $823,917
C12- Lawrence Park/Bedford East (yonge, 401, leslie, eglinton)
Average Price: $1,265,707
Source: Toronto Real Estate Board 2007 MarketWatch - for the full report, click here.
Who do you know who is interested in buying or selling? Please forward my blog or pass on my info...
(416) 690-2181
info@markrichards.ca
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Thursday, December 13, 2007
All I want for Christmas...
Having seen what makes clients jaws drop (other than the cost of real estate), and what makes buyers want to jump at a house, this month I'm going to focus on something fun...technology in the home.I have to admit it's been on my mind. We've just chosen our home media and we were astounded by the options and possibilities.
It also felt like we needed a PhD to figure out what all this stuff was so I'm paraphrasing some articles from http://www.electronichouse.com/ to give you the low-down on what you can look for in your next home, or install in your current one!
Security
It's a little scary what you can do.Orson Wells, Big Brother...whatever you call it, consider the ramifications.
You can put cameras everywhere.
Think seeing who's at the front door is just for condos? Not anymore. Using a baby monitor? Now you can pull up a high-res view of your child's crib on your plasma screen in the kitchen. Not sure your cleaning lady is getting under the furniture? Now you can spy on her, or anyone else in your home...from your laptop.
Home Theatre
My wife doesn't understand why she gets a new kitchen with our reno and I get a new media system....and why my wish list is just as essential as a fridge or a sink. At the top of my list is a great home theater. Here's what you need to get (operative word being NEED)...
Screen
Is your room usually bright? Go LCD. Dark? Try plasma or a projector. In between? Microdisplays, especially for value in screen size delivered per dollars spent. LCDs and RPTVs (rear projection) don’t have as broad viewing angles as plasma, so make sure you can control the angle both horizontally and vertically. Oh, and go big or go home.
Surround-sound Receiver
Be sure a receiver or preamp is capable of playing in Dolby Digital or DTS Digital 5.1-channel surround sound (meaning five speakers and a subwoofer), or whatever you want to hear.
DVD/CD Player
DVD players can also play CDs, and many “universal” players can play multichannel DVD-Audio (DVD-A), Super Audio CD (SACD) and any other kind of CD- and DVD-R/RW/ROM you can find. Also be sure to get a progressive-scan DVD player if you have an HDTV. New Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD players play high-definition DVDs, as well as standard DVDs and CDs.Satellite or Cable Receiver
Get a high-definition receiver, because you’ll need it to watch HDTV. And DVRs are built into some receivers, saving you from having to buy another box.
Great Add-ons
Digital video recorders (DVRs) allow you to record programs to a hard drive and pause the program you are watching. TiVo players are popular DVRs. Satellite radio tuners let you receive commercial-free radio from XM or Sirius satellite radio systems. Digital media servers allow you to store, organize and instantly access your personal music collection (aka iTunes). Streaming devices can take the audio or video content on your computer and stream it wirelessly to your home entertainment system.
Audio
For speakers, don't scrimp. You get what you pay for so ignore that guy with the back of his van doors open.
Have the same speakers all around...or at least the same manufacturer. And don't buy one of those surround-sound systems in a box that come with the receiver. Worst case just buy the speaker-only package. The speakers should also have identical power ratings and frequency ranges.
The center channel is the most important speaker in a surround-sound system. All of the on-screen dialogue comes through this speaker, and about 70 percent of all sounds in a movie soundtrack come through it. Spend your bucks here.
Get this! Now you can have invisible speakers. You install them in your ceiling or walls and actually plaster and paint over them...I don't know exactly how they work but I'm getting them. As much as manufacturers have tried to make cool looking speakers, they never quite look right in the corner of your room.
Control Panels
Instead of having to control your music and media from a receiver, or even adjust your lighting from a switch, now you can do it all from a very cool looking control touchpad.Just don't lose the touchpad or you won't be able to see or hear anything.
If you are a little bit more old-school, you can go for the remote-on-steriods..Another neat feature you can get is the ability to control multiple 'zones' in your home. You could have relaxing jazz playing in your master ensuite, and head-banging garage rock in the basement...or whatever works for you.
Speaking of controlling things, were you ever frustrated by trying to find music on your little iPod screen? Now you can bring up iTunes on your plasma screen and select music with your remote.
Overall...
This is just the tip of the iceberb when it comes to home technology. If your budget is unlimited, so are your options.
But beyond the fun and how cool most of these things are, they do add real value to a home and can give your home a competitive edge in the market...at least that's what I keep telling my wife!
She must agree because she is on board with some great options that we're going to do in our new home :)
What is your home worth? To find out, contact me at (416) 690-2181 or info@markrichards.ca.
November 2007 Market Watch
Last month became the best November on record with 7,313 resale home transactions in the GTA.
TREB President Maureen O'Neill announced today, "...eight of the 11 months so far this year set new monthly records. No other year has shown as many record-breaking monthly performances.”
Sales were up 16 per cent in November compared to the same timeframe last year.
At $393,757, November’s average price increased 11 per cent as compared to a year ago and remained in line with the previous month. Some of the most significant activity in November took place in the 416 area code.
Based on strong sales in all housing types, Riverdale (E01) saw a 56 per cent increase in transactions compared to November 2006.
In the Islington/Kingsway (W08), sales rose 55 per cent over last November, driven primarily by an increase in detached home sales.
"These numbers reflect the fact that people who live in the Greater Toronto Area see real estate as an excellent long-term investment”, said Ms. O'Neill.
Neighbourhood Watch - November 2007
E02 -The Beach (coxwell, danforth, victoria park)
Detached: $656,336
Semi-detached: $470,466
Condo: $334,875
E03 - Danforth North (DVP, victoria park, danforth)
Detached: $456,566
Semi-Detached: $385,611
Condo: $152,892
E01 - Danforth South & Riverdale (DVP, danforth, coxwell)
Detached: $575,183
Semi-Detached: $426,261
Condo:$353,824
C04 - Bedford West & Lytton Park (allen, 401, yonge, eglinton)
Detached: $1,017,494
Semi-Detached: $548,417
Condo: $350,372
C09 - Rosedale (yonge, st.clair, bayview, bloor)
Detached: $1,388,701
Semi-Detached: $1,587,500
Condo: $557,833
C03 - Forest Hill (allen, eglinton, yonge, st.clair)
Detached: $870,798
Semi-Detached: $616,600
Condo: $774,396
C12- Lawrence Park/Bedford East (yonge, 401, leslie, eglinton)
Detached: $1,465,176
Semi-Detached: n/a
Condo: $684,182
Source: Toronto Real Estate Board November October 2007
MarketWatch - for the full report, click here.
Who do you know who is interested in buying or selling? Please forward my blog or pass on my info...
(416) 690-2181
info@markrichards.ca
TREB President Maureen O'Neill announced today, "...eight of the 11 months so far this year set new monthly records. No other year has shown as many record-breaking monthly performances.”
Sales were up 16 per cent in November compared to the same timeframe last year.
At $393,757, November’s average price increased 11 per cent as compared to a year ago and remained in line with the previous month. Some of the most significant activity in November took place in the 416 area code.
Based on strong sales in all housing types, Riverdale (E01) saw a 56 per cent increase in transactions compared to November 2006.
In the Islington/Kingsway (W08), sales rose 55 per cent over last November, driven primarily by an increase in detached home sales.
"These numbers reflect the fact that people who live in the Greater Toronto Area see real estate as an excellent long-term investment”, said Ms. O'Neill.
Neighbourhood Watch - November 2007
E02 -The Beach (coxwell, danforth, victoria park)
Detached: $656,336
Semi-detached: $470,466
Condo: $334,875
E03 - Danforth North (DVP, victoria park, danforth)
Detached: $456,566
Semi-Detached: $385,611
Condo: $152,892
E01 - Danforth South & Riverdale (DVP, danforth, coxwell)
Detached: $575,183
Semi-Detached: $426,261
Condo:$353,824
C04 - Bedford West & Lytton Park (allen, 401, yonge, eglinton)
Detached: $1,017,494
Semi-Detached: $548,417
Condo: $350,372
C09 - Rosedale (yonge, st.clair, bayview, bloor)
Detached: $1,388,701
Semi-Detached: $1,587,500
Condo: $557,833
C03 - Forest Hill (allen, eglinton, yonge, st.clair)
Detached: $870,798
Semi-Detached: $616,600
Condo: $774,396
C12- Lawrence Park/Bedford East (yonge, 401, leslie, eglinton)
Detached: $1,465,176
Semi-Detached: n/a
Condo: $684,182
Source: Toronto Real Estate Board November October 2007
MarketWatch - for the full report, click here.
Who do you know who is interested in buying or selling? Please forward my blog or pass on my info...
(416) 690-2181
info@markrichards.ca
Thursday, November 15, 2007
The NEW Land Transfer Tax - What you need to know.
Despite the fight to the bitter end, the new land transfer tax was approved by the City of Toronto in October.
It's important to understand how it works if you are thinking of buying or selling as it will affect everyone, especially if you were thinking of postponing any activity until the spring.
I've attached the details from the Toronto Real Estate Board but here is a good summary...
A second land transfer tax, on top of the provincial land transfer tax, has been approved at the following rates for residential homes:
*An easy-to-use calculator is available at http://www.nohomebuyingtax.com/
0.5% of the amount of the purchase price up to and including $55,000
1% of the amount of the purchase price between $55,000 and $400,000
2% of the amount of the purchase price above $400,000
When does it take effect?
February 1, 2008
But there are exceptions...
1. Grandfathered Transactions
If you enter into an agreement of purchase and sale by December 31, 2007, and your close date is on or after February 1, 2008 you will be charged the tax but the city will rebate you in full afterwards.
2. First Time Home Buyers
First time home buyers of new and re-sale homes will receive a rebate of the Toronto land transfer tax of up to $3,725 (this equals a 100% rebate on homes purchased for up to $400,000).
Here's how we're seeing it affect the market...
If you are thinking of selling, be prepared to move and close before February 1, 2008! If you are not able or willing to do so, you may find buyers negotating the equivalent tax from their originally intended offers. On a $500,000 home this would work out to $5,725.
If you are thinking of buying, the motivation to move faster just got stronger. Again, the hit to your bank account means thousands of dollars. And you cannot roll this tax into your mortgage as you can with CMHC insurance premiums.
Even if you buy before December 31st but close on or after February 1, 2008 you will still have to come up with the funds and wait to be refunded by the city.
For the details directly from the city, click here.
And about that U.S. economy and our soaring loonie...
The U.S. economy has been like a little black cloud following us around that occassionally has slivers of light but is bothersome nonetheless.
While I already visited this topic, I thought it was worth doing a quick update and checking in with the economists given the track record of the dollar lately.
Should we be worried as home owners, or future home buyers? Will our property values drop? Will the market crash?Here is a great snapshot from TD's quarterly economic forecast from October....
- Canada's economic growth to soften, but economic expansion will continue
- Canadian dollar to remain close to, or slightly above, parity over the next six months
- U.S. economic slowdown to persist through 2008, but a recession unlikely
- Comination of strong loonie and U.S. weaknesses will hamper selected Canadian industries, including: manufacturing, tourism and hospitality
- Domestic Canadian economy and Canadian real estate markets will remain solid
They go to say...
"The Canadian housing market remains strong. We do not believe that there is a bubble in Canadian real estate, as prices and sales growth have been driven by economic fundamentals, not speculation or inappropriate lending behaviour that characterized the U.S. experience."
To see the full report, click here.
Who do you know who would enjoy this blog? Please forward it on!
Regards,Mark
http://www.markrichards.ca/
info@markrichards.ca
416. 728.2499
It's important to understand how it works if you are thinking of buying or selling as it will affect everyone, especially if you were thinking of postponing any activity until the spring.
I've attached the details from the Toronto Real Estate Board but here is a good summary...
A second land transfer tax, on top of the provincial land transfer tax, has been approved at the following rates for residential homes:
*An easy-to-use calculator is available at http://www.nohomebuyingtax.com/
0.5% of the amount of the purchase price up to and including $55,000
1% of the amount of the purchase price between $55,000 and $400,000
2% of the amount of the purchase price above $400,000
When does it take effect?
February 1, 2008
But there are exceptions...
1. Grandfathered Transactions
If you enter into an agreement of purchase and sale by December 31, 2007, and your close date is on or after February 1, 2008 you will be charged the tax but the city will rebate you in full afterwards.
2. First Time Home Buyers
First time home buyers of new and re-sale homes will receive a rebate of the Toronto land transfer tax of up to $3,725 (this equals a 100% rebate on homes purchased for up to $400,000).
Here's how we're seeing it affect the market...
If you are thinking of selling, be prepared to move and close before February 1, 2008! If you are not able or willing to do so, you may find buyers negotating the equivalent tax from their originally intended offers. On a $500,000 home this would work out to $5,725.
If you are thinking of buying, the motivation to move faster just got stronger. Again, the hit to your bank account means thousands of dollars. And you cannot roll this tax into your mortgage as you can with CMHC insurance premiums.
Even if you buy before December 31st but close on or after February 1, 2008 you will still have to come up with the funds and wait to be refunded by the city.
For the details directly from the city, click here.
And about that U.S. economy and our soaring loonie...
The U.S. economy has been like a little black cloud following us around that occassionally has slivers of light but is bothersome nonetheless.
While I already visited this topic, I thought it was worth doing a quick update and checking in with the economists given the track record of the dollar lately.
Should we be worried as home owners, or future home buyers? Will our property values drop? Will the market crash?Here is a great snapshot from TD's quarterly economic forecast from October....
- Canada's economic growth to soften, but economic expansion will continue
- Canadian dollar to remain close to, or slightly above, parity over the next six months
- U.S. economic slowdown to persist through 2008, but a recession unlikely
- Comination of strong loonie and U.S. weaknesses will hamper selected Canadian industries, including: manufacturing, tourism and hospitality
- Domestic Canadian economy and Canadian real estate markets will remain solid
They go to say...
"The Canadian housing market remains strong. We do not believe that there is a bubble in Canadian real estate, as prices and sales growth have been driven by economic fundamentals, not speculation or inappropriate lending behaviour that characterized the U.S. experience."
To see the full report, click here.
Who do you know who would enjoy this blog? Please forward it on!
Regards,Mark
http://www.markrichards.ca/
info@markrichards.ca
416. 728.2499
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
October 2007 Market Watch
October 2007 was another record breaking month with sales up 15% over October 2006!
"There is every indication that 2007 will be a banner year for resale housing activity in the Greater Toronto Area," said TREB President Maureen O'Neill. "The effects of the City of Toronto's new land transfer tax will definitely be felt in 2008 but we are also confident that consumers will see the value of real estate as a solid long-term investment.:
Prices rose in October, with the average climbing 11% over the $356,423 recorded in October 2006. (!) An incredible return when you consider your principal home is not subject to personal taxes or capital gains when you sell.
Neighbourhood Watch - October 2007
E02 -The Beach (coxwell, danforth, victoria park)
Detached: $670,473
Semi-detached: $432,162
Condo: $356,143
E03 - Danforth North (DVP, victoria park, danforth)
Detached: $454,854
Semi-Detached: $443,529
Condo: $211,500
E01 - Danforth South & Riverdale (DVP, danforth, coxwell)
Detached: $529,250
Semi-Detached: $432,162
Condo:$257,000
C04 - Bedford West & Lytton Park (allen, 401, yonge, eglinton)
Detached: $958,411
Semi-Detached: $588,383
Condo: $257,064
C09 - Rosedale (yonge, st.clair, bayview, bloor)
Detached: $2,156,542
Semi-Detached: $1,264,111
Condo: $732,414
C03 - Forest Hill (allen, eglinton, yonge, st.clair)
Detached: $913,797
Semi-Detached: $629,349
Condo: $761,640
C12- Lawrence Park/Bedford East (yonge, 401, leslie, eglinton)
Detached: $1,500,871
Semi-Detached: n/a
Condo: $629,250
Source: Toronto Real Estate Board October 2007
MarketWatch - for the full report, click here.
Who do you know who is interested in buying or selling? Please forward my blog or pass on my info...
info@markrichards.ca
"There is every indication that 2007 will be a banner year for resale housing activity in the Greater Toronto Area," said TREB President Maureen O'Neill. "The effects of the City of Toronto's new land transfer tax will definitely be felt in 2008 but we are also confident that consumers will see the value of real estate as a solid long-term investment.:
Prices rose in October, with the average climbing 11% over the $356,423 recorded in October 2006. (!) An incredible return when you consider your principal home is not subject to personal taxes or capital gains when you sell.
Neighbourhood Watch - October 2007
E02 -The Beach (coxwell, danforth, victoria park)
Detached: $670,473
Semi-detached: $432,162
Condo: $356,143
E03 - Danforth North (DVP, victoria park, danforth)
Detached: $454,854
Semi-Detached: $443,529
Condo: $211,500
E01 - Danforth South & Riverdale (DVP, danforth, coxwell)
Detached: $529,250
Semi-Detached: $432,162
Condo:$257,000
C04 - Bedford West & Lytton Park (allen, 401, yonge, eglinton)
Detached: $958,411
Semi-Detached: $588,383
Condo: $257,064
C09 - Rosedale (yonge, st.clair, bayview, bloor)
Detached: $2,156,542
Semi-Detached: $1,264,111
Condo: $732,414
C03 - Forest Hill (allen, eglinton, yonge, st.clair)
Detached: $913,797
Semi-Detached: $629,349
Condo: $761,640
C12- Lawrence Park/Bedford East (yonge, 401, leslie, eglinton)
Detached: $1,500,871
Semi-Detached: n/a
Condo: $629,250
Source: Toronto Real Estate Board October 2007
MarketWatch - for the full report, click here.
Who do you know who is interested in buying or selling? Please forward my blog or pass on my info...
info@markrichards.ca
Thursday, October 18, 2007
My Extreme Makeover
I'm not sure if my wife just doesn't think I'm good looking enough or if she doesn't want me to be recognized on the street but my 'identity' as undergone an extreme makeover!
Check out my new website by clicking here ...
And here is the back of my new business card...
Click on comments below and tell me what you think!
My Little Black Book for Your Home
When you own a home, the shopping will never end. Trust me.
You might consider it a fun experience or, you might rather clean the toilet with your toothbrush. :)
Now on home #3, my wife and I have had done a lot of research and shopping and have found some of the best places and best finds for everything that you need for your home.
Many clients ask me after closing where to find great furniture, contractors, finishins, supplies etc...so now I'm going to share our shopping secrets with you. Don't forget to say Mark sent you!
(most of the suppliers have a live link to their websites - just click on the name if it's green!)
Renovations
Contractors
Give me a call directly if you are looking for a contractor. I have a few good guys but it depends on what you need. I also have other trades but again, it depends on what you are looking for.
Selba Kitchens - Paula Murphy 416-967-3600
For a full range of kitchen styles and budgets, Paula is the one to go to.
ecoEnergy Government Retro Fit Grants
To get rebates and grants for your home improvements, be sure to check this out and have an energy audit done before you start any work!
Home Improvement Materials & Supplies
Flea Market Tiles at 1345 Morningside Rd. (416-822-1201)
A cozy little store with an extensive array of ceramic, glass, marble, granite and porcelain tiles that are surplus from home builders. Owner Tony DiMarco claims his prices are about half of those in tonier stores. But make sure you measure carefully, and pick up a few extra tiles, because there's no guarantee you'll ever find more of the same tile.
Habitat ReStore
They sell good-quality used and surplus building materials and end of stock or trade show items at deeply discounted prices. Proceeds from the sales support the construction of Habitat houses in the community. It's a bit of a mish-mash of stock, but if you're planning any kind of renovation, check them out often. My wife just found an incredible chandelier from a tradeshow display - retails for $1500, got it for $225!!
Lee Valley Tools
So much more than tools! They offer an incredible selection of great quality cabinet hardware and things you never expected. Plus they are a tool junkie's dream.
Home Depot
The usual suspects, Home Depot & Rona. My preference is Home Depot where the staff tend to be former trades people and know their stuff. From my experience I'm guessing Rona's hiring base is the local high school. If you know what you need and just want to get in and out, don't go crazy going to specialty stores. Just hit the big box.
Caplan's Appliance Store
Check out their clearance centre!! We found a high-end dishwasher and got $400 off and there was a barely visible scratch on the side of the door. They also give decent discounts if you are buying an appliance package - i.e. everything for your kitchen - and they don't have to be the same brands.
Sunrise Landscaping Building Supply
More personal service and assistance than the big-box places. The only plant matter they sell is sod but great for stonework, lumber etc.
Roman Bath Centre
Great and unique bath products, good prices. We went there first to make our fixture and porecelain selection for our reno then checked out TUBS.
Tubs
They have a huge showroom just off the Queensway at their Etobicoke location. The other great thing is that they have at least 20 model suites set up so if you're trying to get ideas first, check them out. They also have selections of tile and more product range than most places so you should be able to find everything you need.
Audio, Video & Sound
I have a a couple of guys but it's by referral only so give me a call if you're looking for a great deal on plasmas, lcd's etc.
Clean-Up
European Cleaners 905.686.2379
If you can, it's well worth it to have them come in a clean your old place post-move and make sure your new place is spotless before you move in. Moving is stressful and busy enough without having to worry about mopping and cleaning two places (this is assuming that you were brought up right and taught to leave your home in the condition you would want it in for yourself!)
Healthy Home Carpet Care - Garvin 416.783.3434
Nicest guy and he can get stains out that you'd never think possible!
Paneless Perfection Window & Eaves Cleaning 416.779.7263
Junk Removal - John 416.792.8748
There are so many frachises but John is my guy. He's reasonable and fast.
Staging & Decor
(this is all in the family :)
Decor - Heather Richards Interiors - (416) 706-0813
Staging & Home Organization - Kelly Richards Design - (416) 301-2862
Home Furnishings
Craigslist
Great for buying items that would not be ideal for shipping or that you want to see first as they organize by what's available with your city.
Ebay
Great for smaller items - just be careful about getting stung with delivery or duty if you are shopping from sellers in the U.S.
GH Johnston - 950 Dupont StToronto, 416-532-6700
Great, decent quality and a great art section at the back.
EQ3 416-815-2002
My wife loves EQ3 as they have innovative furniture with style but very affordable prices.
Elte or Up Country
For those with fine taste and the budget to match!
Au Lit Fine Linens Outlet at 2045 Yonge St. - 416-489-5245
Owned by mother/daughter duo Peggy Byron and Joanna Goodman. Tucked above and just south of Au Lit's main storefront, the outlet is a great place to get high-end linens at up to 50 per cent off regular prices. It's a good spot even just to get inspired about trends in colours and textures.
Homesense
Somtimes you can luck out and get some great finds. We've bought great contemporary lamps for $99 that retail for $299. Other great buys include dishware, towels, mirrors and even area rugs.
A note on Ikea...
Ikea can be great for some things, not so great for others. Vanities, organizational solutions, accessories etc. Just try not to buy the truly recognizable things like lamps, billy bookcases etc. if you are doing quality finishes everywhere else. Also, be careful about supplies like faucets. We bought one for our condo and ended up having to spend more money on our plumber because it did not fit regular North American standards.
Other Resources
A lot of the time you spend on your home is involved in research and figuring out what you want. Here are our favorite places and things to browse for inspiration, product reviews and info.
Websites
HGTV
Great for when you're watching the channel and see something you like - they have shopping guides for most things shown on their programs.
Cityline
Check out their extensive database of video clips for home tours. They are a great source for inspiration.
Home Builder Canada
This is an industry site but a great source of information for product reviews and manufacturers of all types of materials and supplies.
Magazines
Living Etc.
This is a UK publication...the brits may have a strange sense of humour but they have our favorite decor magazine. They brialliantly show how you can mix elements of traditional and contemporary and for a unique but lasting look - and they showcase a great mix of homes...grand and compact.
Metropolitan Home
A higher-end view of the world of decor but with usability and comfort considered.
Other Tips
For Ideas...
Whether you are in your dream home or just starting out, buy a photo album and cut out any pictures in magazines of rooms, furniture, elements or ideas that you really like. Put them in the album. Not only is this a great way to get to know your own style but when you are ready to buy or renovate, it's a great reference point and guide to help in the decision making process.
For Sanity...
If you are in a relationship then draw a line in the sand and decide who gets executive decision making powers. i.e. I get the final call on anything structural, anything in the basement and electrical. My wife gets the final call on decor, finishes and kitchen. That's not to say that you shouldn't play nice and consider what your partner wants. It just means you can ignore it afterwards if you choose and not argue about it :)
Everyone has their great place and finds. I'd love to hear yours and keep sharing so please comment below!
Who do you know who would enjoy this blog? Please forward it on or send me their email address and I'll add them on.
Regards,
Mark
http://www.markrichards.ca/
info@markrichards.ca
(416) 728-2499
You might consider it a fun experience or, you might rather clean the toilet with your toothbrush. :)
Now on home #3, my wife and I have had done a lot of research and shopping and have found some of the best places and best finds for everything that you need for your home.
Many clients ask me after closing where to find great furniture, contractors, finishins, supplies etc...so now I'm going to share our shopping secrets with you. Don't forget to say Mark sent you!
(most of the suppliers have a live link to their websites - just click on the name if it's green!)
Renovations
Contractors
Give me a call directly if you are looking for a contractor. I have a few good guys but it depends on what you need. I also have other trades but again, it depends on what you are looking for.
Selba Kitchens - Paula Murphy 416-967-3600
For a full range of kitchen styles and budgets, Paula is the one to go to.
ecoEnergy Government Retro Fit Grants
To get rebates and grants for your home improvements, be sure to check this out and have an energy audit done before you start any work!
Home Improvement Materials & Supplies
Flea Market Tiles at 1345 Morningside Rd. (416-822-1201)
A cozy little store with an extensive array of ceramic, glass, marble, granite and porcelain tiles that are surplus from home builders. Owner Tony DiMarco claims his prices are about half of those in tonier stores. But make sure you measure carefully, and pick up a few extra tiles, because there's no guarantee you'll ever find more of the same tile.
Habitat ReStore
They sell good-quality used and surplus building materials and end of stock or trade show items at deeply discounted prices. Proceeds from the sales support the construction of Habitat houses in the community. It's a bit of a mish-mash of stock, but if you're planning any kind of renovation, check them out often. My wife just found an incredible chandelier from a tradeshow display - retails for $1500, got it for $225!!
Lee Valley Tools
So much more than tools! They offer an incredible selection of great quality cabinet hardware and things you never expected. Plus they are a tool junkie's dream.
Home Depot
The usual suspects, Home Depot & Rona. My preference is Home Depot where the staff tend to be former trades people and know their stuff. From my experience I'm guessing Rona's hiring base is the local high school. If you know what you need and just want to get in and out, don't go crazy going to specialty stores. Just hit the big box.
Caplan's Appliance Store
Check out their clearance centre!! We found a high-end dishwasher and got $400 off and there was a barely visible scratch on the side of the door. They also give decent discounts if you are buying an appliance package - i.e. everything for your kitchen - and they don't have to be the same brands.
Sunrise Landscaping Building Supply
More personal service and assistance than the big-box places. The only plant matter they sell is sod but great for stonework, lumber etc.
Roman Bath Centre
Great and unique bath products, good prices. We went there first to make our fixture and porecelain selection for our reno then checked out TUBS.
Tubs
They have a huge showroom just off the Queensway at their Etobicoke location. The other great thing is that they have at least 20 model suites set up so if you're trying to get ideas first, check them out. They also have selections of tile and more product range than most places so you should be able to find everything you need.
Audio, Video & Sound
I have a a couple of guys but it's by referral only so give me a call if you're looking for a great deal on plasmas, lcd's etc.
Clean-Up
European Cleaners 905.686.2379
If you can, it's well worth it to have them come in a clean your old place post-move and make sure your new place is spotless before you move in. Moving is stressful and busy enough without having to worry about mopping and cleaning two places (this is assuming that you were brought up right and taught to leave your home in the condition you would want it in for yourself!)
Healthy Home Carpet Care - Garvin 416.783.3434
Nicest guy and he can get stains out that you'd never think possible!
Paneless Perfection Window & Eaves Cleaning 416.779.7263
Junk Removal - John 416.792.8748
There are so many frachises but John is my guy. He's reasonable and fast.
Staging & Decor
(this is all in the family :)
Decor - Heather Richards Interiors - (416) 706-0813
Staging & Home Organization - Kelly Richards Design - (416) 301-2862
Home Furnishings
Craigslist
Great for buying items that would not be ideal for shipping or that you want to see first as they organize by what's available with your city.
Ebay
Great for smaller items - just be careful about getting stung with delivery or duty if you are shopping from sellers in the U.S.
GH Johnston - 950 Dupont StToronto, 416-532-6700
Great, decent quality and a great art section at the back.
EQ3 416-815-2002
My wife loves EQ3 as they have innovative furniture with style but very affordable prices.
Elte or Up Country
For those with fine taste and the budget to match!
Au Lit Fine Linens Outlet at 2045 Yonge St. - 416-489-5245
Owned by mother/daughter duo Peggy Byron and Joanna Goodman. Tucked above and just south of Au Lit's main storefront, the outlet is a great place to get high-end linens at up to 50 per cent off regular prices. It's a good spot even just to get inspired about trends in colours and textures.
Homesense
Somtimes you can luck out and get some great finds. We've bought great contemporary lamps for $99 that retail for $299. Other great buys include dishware, towels, mirrors and even area rugs.
A note on Ikea...
Ikea can be great for some things, not so great for others. Vanities, organizational solutions, accessories etc. Just try not to buy the truly recognizable things like lamps, billy bookcases etc. if you are doing quality finishes everywhere else. Also, be careful about supplies like faucets. We bought one for our condo and ended up having to spend more money on our plumber because it did not fit regular North American standards.
Other Resources
A lot of the time you spend on your home is involved in research and figuring out what you want. Here are our favorite places and things to browse for inspiration, product reviews and info.
Websites
HGTV
Great for when you're watching the channel and see something you like - they have shopping guides for most things shown on their programs.
Cityline
Check out their extensive database of video clips for home tours. They are a great source for inspiration.
Home Builder Canada
This is an industry site but a great source of information for product reviews and manufacturers of all types of materials and supplies.
Magazines
Living Etc.
This is a UK publication...the brits may have a strange sense of humour but they have our favorite decor magazine. They brialliantly show how you can mix elements of traditional and contemporary and for a unique but lasting look - and they showcase a great mix of homes...grand and compact.
Metropolitan Home
A higher-end view of the world of decor but with usability and comfort considered.
Other Tips
For Ideas...
Whether you are in your dream home or just starting out, buy a photo album and cut out any pictures in magazines of rooms, furniture, elements or ideas that you really like. Put them in the album. Not only is this a great way to get to know your own style but when you are ready to buy or renovate, it's a great reference point and guide to help in the decision making process.
For Sanity...
If you are in a relationship then draw a line in the sand and decide who gets executive decision making powers. i.e. I get the final call on anything structural, anything in the basement and electrical. My wife gets the final call on decor, finishes and kitchen. That's not to say that you shouldn't play nice and consider what your partner wants. It just means you can ignore it afterwards if you choose and not argue about it :)
Everyone has their great place and finds. I'd love to hear yours and keep sharing so please comment below!
Who do you know who would enjoy this blog? Please forward it on or send me their email address and I'll add them on.
Regards,
Mark
http://www.markrichards.ca/
info@markrichards.ca
(416) 728-2499
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