Virtually Toronto Real Estate: News and Information
for July 2002
TODAY'S TOPICS
-Toronto Real Estate Board 'MarketWatch'
July 2002
-Neatness Leads To Top Selling Prices
-Basics of Feng Shui
-On Location-The Guide To Ontario's
Film & Video Industry
-MARKET WATCH-JULY 2002-
Prices Stable, Sales Ease in June
Average prices climbed moderately in June, to $278,638 from May's
$278,323, President Ann Bosley announced today. "As the summer
market progresses, we are seeing typical signs of a slower pace.
Purchasers willing to house hunt over the summer may find less
competition and therefore, opportunities to purchase for the asking
price or even less, as opposed to the bidding frenzy of the Spring
market."
The pace of sales also became more moderate in June, with Single-Family
dwelling sales recorded through the TREB MLS system coming in
at 6,627
units. This was down a moderate eight per cent from the 7,176
figure
recorded in June 2001.
Breaking down the total, 2,461 sales were reported in TREB's
28 West districts and averaged $257,095; 1,145 sales were reported
in the 14 Central districts and averaged $383,451; 1,370 sales
were reported in the 23 North districts and averaged $296,238;
and 1,651 sales were reported in TREB's 21 East districts and
averaged $223,458. TREB Market Watch (July 2002)
-NEATNESS LEADS TO TOP SELLING PRICES-
In the last few years studies have shown more there has been a
tendency to cocoon -- spending more time at home.
While this trend in the 1980s resulted in changes in the way
new houses were designed and increased in square footage, the
latest manifestation appears to involve a renewed interest in
neatness.
Neatness -- the elimination of clutter -- is also important to
the sale of a house.
It's important to take the excess out of the house and pack it
away. In fact, many buyers subliminally equate a messy house with
a house with problems.
And prospects who see "problems" with a home are unlikely
to bid vigorously for the property, much less buy.
Clutter is primarily created by busy lives.
Computers have doubled the problem with paper because only one
side is being used.
By the time most people have reached their 40s and 50s, they
have been collecting stuff without pause for more than 20 years.
Garages hold a collection of bikes and lawn equipment instead
of cars. Closets have clothes that their owners could wear again
if only they could lose 10 pounds.
And then the children grow up, and the parents have to downsize.
Not only can clutter be a turn off. Odors that a lot of longtime
homeowners have gotten used to can torpedo a sale.
Dogs and cats, but especially cats, are a big problem. Some buyers
are allergic to cats, and often have to leave the house before
they've checked it out because they are sneezing too hard.
Sellers are often torn between wanting to make a good impression
and trying to meet every other obligation in their busy lives.
If you get a call from your agent saying that a prospect will
be coming in an hour and the house is a mess, what are you going
to do.
The best tact is hire someone to clean regularly while the house
is on the market. Your agent probably has names of such firms.
Then, you can clean regularly so that the mess doesn't become
overwhelming.
Consider doing a daily cleaning routine, especially the bathroom.
Spend some time each day tidying, cleaning the toilet, doing
the dishes, making the guests clean up after themselves. Then
again, you can tell the guests to postpone their visit until after
the house is sold.
(realty times)
-BASICS OF FENG SHUI-
Have you ever wondered why some places feel good? Or have you
noticed how other places just don't feel right and you are relieved
to exit?
There could be several reasons.
The ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui is the art of recognizing
the energies of the earth, its' inhabitants and their relationship.
It is based in Taoist philosophy of Yin and Yang and how to enhance
the balance of those two aspects of Universal Energy known as
Qi. Yin energy is described as watery, cool, dark, night, internal,
peaceful, gentle, and descending. While it's opposite, Yang is
described as fiery, warm, light, external, active, strong and
ascending.
In nature we can see these two aspects of Qi through the manifestation
of the four seasons. For example the summer is hot, bright and
dry, while the winter is cool, wetter and has darker, shorter
days.
For most of us our homes are the private part of our lives where
we can relax and rest to strengthen ourselves to face the challenge
of living in the world. If our home is too Yang, we may have sleep
difficulties or be unable to really relax and recharge. On the
other hand if the house is too Yin, it may be difficult to focus,
plan or accomplish our life goals.
Living rooms and kitchens are Yang rooms. We socialize, entertain
and gather in them, so it is important that they are cheerful,
uncluttered, comfortable spaces. Living rooms should be beautiful
and uplifting. Beauty nourishes the Soul. Display meaningful pictures,
paintings and your best artwork. Have comfortable and good quality
furnishings. Color schemes with a neutral base and bright colorful
accent pillows, rugs and window coverings will give years of enjoyment
for family and friends.
Bedrooms are the most Yin rooms in a house and should be oriented
with the purpose of rest and regeneration in mind. This means
no televisions or computers, please! Keep all electrical equipment
to a minimum. Battery-operated alarm clocks are preferable to
electric ones.
And that telephone! either get rid of it or turn off the ringer
and place it far away from the bed. Warm and soft colors are appropriate,
pink, peach, lavender and blue are peaceful choices.
While Feng Shui has been employed to improve careers, fortunes
and personal relationships, it's higher purpose is to uplift ourselves
and our environment. This is what is known as Sacred World, recognizing
that the earth is sacred and all of its inhabitants. It could
be appreciated more fully, just as we care for and plant a tree
and it in turn gives us the gift of its' fruit.
So we can take care of our homes, our gardens, our world and
it will take care of us.
(realty times)
-ON LOCATION-
THE GUIDE TO ONTARIO'S FILM & VIDEO INDUSTRY -
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This site has been created specifically for film and television
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It offers up to date listings for talent and crew, location support,
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http://www.to-ontfilm.com/docs/ofdcmain/index.php
