TREB President’s Column as it appears every Friday in the Toronto Sun’s Resale Homes and Condos section.

January 25, 2013 –
You chose the right REALTOR®, the right neighbourhood, and the right home to suit your lifestyle.  The terms have been negotiated, the necessary forms have been completed and all that’s left is to pack and unpack the boxes.

Unpacking is often an afterthought in the moving process, but a little prep work before you move will contribute to you getting to enjoy your new home sooner.

Preparation should begin well in advance of your transaction. If you are selling your current home, make it more marketable and rid your space of unwanted goods by recycling, donating, or selling them online. This will also pay off when you are ready to move, less to pack!

Many pieces can also be packed ahead of time by renting a moving container that can be kept on your property. Alternatively, you can enlist a moving company to pack for you, and arrange temporary storage at a facility if you need it. Regardless of who does the packing, ensure you have an inventory list of boxes and their contents. 

One box should include cleaning supplies and essential tools like a utility knife, screwdrivers, nails and a hammer. Speaking of essentials, prepare a box of everything you need for the first few nights like snacks, drinks, a change of clothes, toiletries and pet supplies. It should be the last to leave and the first to be unpacked.

Housework is usually needed before you break open the boxes and procrastinating on this step will only add stress in the long-term. If you foresee it as a roadblock, employ professional cleaners prior to your move. Bear in mind though, that cleaning each room on your own also offers a good opportunity to start a list of needed fix-ups.

Once you’re ready to bring in the boxes, move them efficiently by taking them directly to the rooms for which they are labeled.

There is a reason that kitchens and bathroom renovations provide the best return on investment: they’re key to the enjoyment of our homes. Tackle them first, beginning by lining the cupboards.

Put linens for each bed in clear, separate bags and if you have a family, set each member to work on their bedrooms, emphasizing the importance of an organized closet.

Sketch or obtain plans of your new home before your move, and arrange furniture based on them. Designating the right person for the job certainly applies to setting up electronics; do so to ensure valuable time isn’t wasted.

Garages and storage spaces are underrated in terms of the importance they have in helping a home run efficiently. Take your time organizing these areas to achieve the best possible functionality. Depending on the season and your housing type, you may also want to set-up the barbeque in order to cook without creating dirty dishes.

Break down boxes as you unpack them and reduce your environmental footprint by reselling or recycling your packing materials where possible.

Finally, take some time out for walks in your new neighbourhood. Just like efficient unpacking, getting involved with neighbours and community events will add to the enjoyment of your new home.  For more tips on how to achieve a smooth transition talk to a Greater Toronto REALTOR® and visit www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com

Ann Hannah is President of the Toronto Real Estate Board,
a professional association that represents 36,000 REALTORS®
in the Greater Toronto Area.

Follow TREB on www.twitter.com/TREBhome, www.Facebook.com/TorontoRealEstateBoard and www.youtube.com/TREBChannel

Article source: http://www.torontorealestateboard.com/market_news/president_columns/pres_sun_col/index.htm

WELLAND, ONTARIO, January 21, 2013 — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the City of Welland celebrated the official opening of 25 affordable housing rental units in Welland today. The project is supported by almost $3 million in funding through the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The construction of this project created up to 63 jobs in Welland.

Rick Dykstra, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC); and Jim Bradley, Member of Provincial Parliament for St. Catharines, on behalf of the Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; along with Gary Burroughs, Regional Chair, Regional Municipality of Niagara, and Barry Sharpe, Mayor of Welland, made the announcement.

“With the opening of Churchill Residence, seniors of Welland now have access to more stable, safe and affordable homes”, said MP Dykstra. “Our Government is proud to invest in affordable housing in this community and across the country to help improve the quality of life for people in need of a hand up while also creating jobs and stimulating the economy.”

“Our seniors deserve to live in a home that is safe, stable and affordable”, said MPP Bradley. “These new affordable housing units are bringing positive change to the lives of Welland seniors. The construction of the building generated 63 jobs and stimulated economic activity in our area.”

“The development of 25 new and much-needed affordable housing units in Niagara is an example of what can be achieved by working together,” said Regional Chair Gary Burroughs. “On behalf of Regional Council, I congratulate Goodwill Industries Niagara, Niagara Regional Housing and the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program for partnering on this important project, which will provide safe, suitable and affordable housing for seniors.”

“Goodwill Industries Niagara has expanded their presence in Welland and is making our community a better place to live,” said Mayor Sharpe. “I know City Council recognizes the importance of the new affordable apartments on Churchill Avenue and the employment and training services provided in the new building. As Welland’s Mayor, I offer both my congratulations and sincere thanks to the Goodwill Niagara Board members, volunteers and staff who worked tirelessly to make this innovative project a success.”

Churchill Residence located at 1 Churchill Avenue is also the location of a new Goodwill store, a community centre, training centre and a drive-through donation drop off. The federal and provincial funding for this project is complemented by more than $215,456 in municipal financial incentives from the City of Welland.

“The Churchill Residence is Goodwill’s response to the Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy and the region’s Prosperity Initiative to strengthen communities,” said David Eke, Board Chair, Goodwill. “Goodwill is pleased to participate in the creation of safe and affordable housing for Welland’s seniors. In addition, at this location, Goodwill will provide employment training and employment opportunities for this community promoting dignity and independence for people who need it most.”

The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest approximately $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of almost 605,000 households living in existing social housing. In Ontario, this represents almost 238,000 households. These investments are improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.

Ontario continues to build new affordable housing and repair existing units for Ontarians with housing needs. Since 2009, the provincial government has provided more than $191 million to build new rental housing units for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities. Since 2003, Ontario’s funding commitment of nearly $3 billion is the largest affordable housing program in the province’s history. Ontario is supporting the creation of over 17,000 affordable rental housing units; making more than 263,000 repairs and improvements to social and affordable housing units; and providing rental and down payment assistance to over 81,000 households in need. The province’s Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy sets a strong foundation for a more efficient, accessible affordable housing system in Ontario.

Affordable housing is a key component of Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. Download a copy of the Government of Ontario’s Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy. To find out more about affordable housing in Ontario, visit www.ontario.ca/housing.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642.

Media inquiries:

Dean D’Souza
CMHC
416-250-2760

Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Kelly Baker
Office of Minister Chiarelli
416-585-6842

Maryellen Maclellan
Niagara Regional Housing
905-682-9201, ext.: 3938

For more information, visit: www.ontario.ca/housing

Article source: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2013/2013-01-21-1000.cfm

WELLAND, ONTARIO, January 21, 2013 — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the City of Welland celebrated the official opening of 25 affordable housing rental units in Welland today. The project is supported by almost $3 million in funding through the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The construction of this project created up to 63 jobs in Welland.

Rick Dykstra, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC); and Jim Bradley, Member of Provincial Parliament for St. Catharines, on behalf of the Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; along with Gary Burroughs, Regional Chair, Regional Municipality of Niagara, and Barry Sharpe, Mayor of Welland, made the announcement.

“With the opening of Churchill Residence, seniors of Welland now have access to more stable, safe and affordable homes”, said MP Dykstra. “Our Government is proud to invest in affordable housing in this community and across the country to help improve the quality of life for people in need of a hand up while also creating jobs and stimulating the economy.”

“Our seniors deserve to live in a home that is safe, stable and affordable”, said MPP Bradley. “These new affordable housing units are bringing positive change to the lives of Welland seniors. The construction of the building generated 63 jobs and stimulated economic activity in our area.”

“The development of 25 new and much-needed affordable housing units in Niagara is an example of what can be achieved by working together,” said Regional Chair Gary Burroughs. “On behalf of Regional Council, I congratulate Goodwill Industries Niagara, Niagara Regional Housing and the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program for partnering on this important project, which will provide safe, suitable and affordable housing for seniors.”

“Goodwill Industries Niagara has expanded their presence in Welland and is making our community a better place to live,” said Mayor Sharpe. “I know City Council recognizes the importance of the new affordable apartments on Churchill Avenue and the employment and training services provided in the new building. As Welland’s Mayor, I offer both my congratulations and sincere thanks to the Goodwill Niagara Board members, volunteers and staff who worked tirelessly to make this innovative project a success.”

Churchill Residence located at 1 Churchill Avenue is also the location of a new Goodwill store, a community centre, training centre and a drive-through donation drop off. The federal and provincial funding for this project is complemented by more than $215,456 in municipal financial incentives from the City of Welland.

“The Churchill Residence is Goodwill’s response to the Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy and the region’s Prosperity Initiative to strengthen communities,” said David Eke, Board Chair, Goodwill. “Goodwill is pleased to participate in the creation of safe and affordable housing for Welland’s seniors. In addition, at this location, Goodwill will provide employment training and employment opportunities for this community promoting dignity and independence for people who need it most.”

The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest approximately $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of almost 605,000 households living in existing social housing. In Ontario, this represents almost 238,000 households. These investments are improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.

Ontario continues to build new affordable housing and repair existing units for Ontarians with housing needs. Since 2009, the provincial government has provided more than $191 million to build new rental housing units for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities. Since 2003, Ontario’s funding commitment of nearly $3 billion is the largest affordable housing program in the province’s history. Ontario is supporting the creation of over 17,000 affordable rental housing units; making more than 263,000 repairs and improvements to social and affordable housing units; and providing rental and down payment assistance to over 81,000 households in need. The province’s Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy sets a strong foundation for a more efficient, accessible affordable housing system in Ontario.

Affordable housing is a key component of Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. Download a copy of the Government of Ontario’s Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy. To find out more about affordable housing in Ontario, visit www.ontario.ca/housing.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642.

Media inquiries:

Dean D’Souza
CMHC
416-250-2760

Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Kelly Baker
Office of Minister Chiarelli
416-585-6842

Maryellen Maclellan
Niagara Regional Housing
905-682-9201, ext.: 3938

For more information, visit: www.ontario.ca/housing

Article source: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2013/2013-01-21-1000.cfm

Waterloo, Ontario, January 18, 2013 — The official opening of three new affordable housing projects for seniors living on low income, people with disabilities and other low-income households was held today in Waterloo. Combined, these three projects received more than $10 million in funding from the federal and provincial governments. The construction of these projects created up to 208 jobs in Waterloo Region.

Peter Braid, Member of Parliament for Kitchener – Waterloo, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC); and John Milloy, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; along with Ken Seiling, Chair, Region of Waterloo, made the announcement.

“Our Government remains committed to giving a hand-up to those who need it most here in Waterloo Region and throughout the country,” said MP Braid. “These three projects provide safe and affordable housing while contributing to the community and the local economy.”

“Our government is proud to have invested in affordable housing projects in Waterloo to assist those who need it most,” said MPP Milloy. “Access to safe and affordable housing helps vulnerable individuals and families secure employment and build stronger communities.”

“Community based groups in this Region have seen the need to make safe, affordable, supportive and accessible housing available and have worked with the Region and other levels of government to build it,” said Ken Seiling, Regional Chair. “We need to be grateful we live in such a caring community.”

Today’s event celebrated the official opening of three new affordable rental housing projects in the Region of Waterloo. Projects include:

• Supportive Housing of Waterloo, 362 Erb Street West in Waterloo received $3.6 million for 30 units for people with disabilities and other low-income individuals
• My Owen Place, 364 Erb Street West in Waterloo, received $5.98 million for 49 units for seniors living on low income.
• MennoHomes in Wellesley, received $480,000 for four units for low-income families and individuals.

The federal and provincial funding for these projects is complemented by $1.52 million in regional financial incentives from the Region of Waterloo. Additional funding for Supportive Housing of Waterloo is complemented by $210,030 from the City of Waterloo.

The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest approximately $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of almost 605,000 households living in existing social housing. In Ontario, this represents almost 238,000 households. These investments are improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.

Ontario continues to build new affordable housing and repair existing units for Ontarians with housing needs. Since 2009, the provincial government has provided more than $191 million to build new rental housing units for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities.

Since 2003, Ontario’s funding commitment of nearly $3 billion is the largest affordable housing program in the province’s history. Ontario is supporting the creation of over 17,000 affordable rental housing units; making more than 263,000 repairs and improvements to social and affordable housing units; and providing rental and down payment assistance to over 81,000 households in need. The province’s Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy sets a strong foundation for a more efficient, accessible affordable housing system in Ontario.  

Affordable housing is a key component of Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. Download a copy of the Government of Ontario’s Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy. To find out more about affordable housing in Ontario, visit www.ontario.ca/housing.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642.

Media inquiries:

Dean D’Souza
CMHC
416-250-2760

Kelly Baker
Office of Minister Chiarelli
416-585-6842

Marian Ngo
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Deb Schlichter
Region of Waterloo
519-575-4521

For more information visit: www.ontario.ca/housing

Article source: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2013/2013-01-18-1000.cfm

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Article source: http://www.torontorealestateboard.com/market_news/condo_report/2012/condo_report_Q4-2012.pdf

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Article source: http://www.torontorealestateboard.com/market_news/rental_reports/pdf/rental_report_Q4-2012.pdf

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Article source: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pageid=273633

GTA Commercial REALTORS Release Quarterly Commercial Market Figures

TORONTO, January 4, 2013 – Toronto
Real Estate Board (TREB) Commercial Division Members reported transactions
amounting to almost 3.9 million square feet of leased space through the
TorontoMLS system in the Fourth Quarter of 2012.  This result was down by 30 per cent compared
to the Fourth Quarter of 2011.

Industrial properties accounted for 83 per cent
leased space reported in the last three months of 2012.  The average industrial lease rate, for
properties leased on a per square foot net basis and for which pricing was
disclosed, was down slightly from last year, at $4.65 for Q4 2012 versus $4.92
for Q4 2011.

“There were a substantial number of lease
transactions in the Fourth Quarter of 2012, but the level of activity remained
lower than in the same period in 2011.  While the Canadian economy continued to grow in 2012, the pace of growth
was somewhat anemic, especially where the export sector was concerned.  The high value of the Canadian dollar
continued to be a competitive disadvantage to export-focused firms.  In addition, economic uncertainty in the
United States coupled with global economic headwinds, prompted many exporters
to remain on the sidelines in 2012 with regard to real estate investment,” said
TREB Commercial Division Chair Cynthia Lai.

There were 214 commercial property sales reported
through the TorontoMLS system in the Fourth Quarter of 2012 – down from 300
sales in the Fourth Quarter of 2011.  Sales were down for all property types on a year-over-year basis.  The number of industrial sales was closest to
last year’s level – down by 17 per cent to 97 transactions.  Commercial/retail and office transactions
were down by 28 and 49 per cent respectively.

Average sale prices per square foot, based on
transactions for which selling prices were disclosed, were up substantially for
the industrial and commercial/retail segments.  Over the same period, the average selling price for office properties
was down.

“Given that the pace of sales was slower this year
compared to last, the large average selling price increases for industrial and
commercial/retail properties were more associated with a change in the composition
of sales.  For example, in the Fourth
Quarter of 2012, there was greater proportion of industrial sales in smaller
size categories compared to the Fourth Quarter of 2011.  All else being equal, smaller properties tend
to sell at a higher price per square foot,” continued Lai.

Fourth Quarter 2012: All Commercial Lease Transactions

Total Leased Space for All Lease Transaction Types on TorontoMLS

Total Leased Square Feet

Q4 2012

Q4 2011

% Change

Industrial

3,211,738

4,540,624

-29.3%

Commercial

374,872

483,308

-22.4%

Office

290,232

503,076

-42.3%

Total

3,876,842

5,527,008

-29.9%

Continued

Lease Transactions Completed on a Per Square Foot Net Basis with
Pricing Disclosed on TorontoMLS

Leased Sq.
Ft. (Price Disclosed, Per Sq.Ft. Net)

Avg. Lease Rate (Price Disclosed, Per Sq.Ft.
Net)

Q4 2012

Q4 2011

% Change

Q4 2012

Q4 2011

% Change

Industrial

2,475,701

2,129,389

16.3%

Industrial

$4.65

$4.92

-5.5%

Commercial

209,370

200,297

4.5%

Commercial

$15.10

$19.56

-22.8%

Office

148,895

240,121

-38.0%

Office

$12.35

$11.45

7.9%

Total

2,833,966

2,569,807

10.3%

Fourth Quarter 2012: All Commercial Sale Transactions

Total Number of Sales on TorontoMLS

Total
Sales

Q4 2012

Q4 2011

% Change

Industrial

97

117

-17.1%

Commercial

80

111

-27.9%

Office

37

72

-48.6%

Total

214

300

-28.7%

Fourth Quarter 2012: Commercial Sales Completed with Pricing Disclosed
on TorontoMLS

Sales
(Price Disclosed)

Avg.
Sale Price Per Sq. Ft. (Pricing Disclosed)

Q4 2012

Q4 2011

% Change

Q4 2012

Q4 2011

% Change

Industrial

97

92

5.4%

Industrial

$87.99

$70.08

25.6%

Commercial

80

92

-13.0%

Commercial

$195.07

$151.84

28.5%

Office

37

52

-28.8%

Office

$185.98

$223.13

-16.6%

Total

214

236

-9.3%

For information about Buyer Representation Agreements
(BRA) visit www.BRAFirst.ca

For Media/Public Inquiries: Mary Gallagher, Senior
Manager Media Relations.

Toronto
Real Estate Board 1400 Don Mills Road Toronto, ON M3B 3N1, Office: (416)
443-8158, Email:maryg@trebnet.com

Greater Toronto REALTORS are passionate about their work.
They adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple
Listing Service. Serving over 35,000 Members in the Greater Toronto Area,
the Toronto Real Estate Board is Canadas largest real estate board. Greater
Toronto Area open house listings are available on www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com

Article source: http://www.torontorealestateboard.com/market_news/release_market_updates/news2012/nr_comm_watch_1212.htm

TREB President’s Column as it appears every Friday in the Toronto Sun’s Resale Homes and Condos section.

January 4, 2013 –
In study after study, when it comes to doing business, branding, reputation, and even friendliness, our country ranks among the best the world and as Torontonians, we should be proud of the contribution our city makes to Canada’s world standing.

One key element that fosters our outstanding international reputation is development, and to recognize some of the city’s foremost recently designed commercial buildings Greater Toronto REALTORS® hosted a Commercial Building Awards Presentation and Reception November 21st at the Toronto Real Estate Board.

During the first half of this year REALTORS®, developers, and architects were invited to nominate various types of projects located in the Greater Toronto Area including Green, Industrial, Commercial Office, Commercial Residential, Multi-Residential and/or Institutional, with one new and one retrofit building being selected to receive an award.

A panel of judges comprised of professional engineer Mitch Gascoyne, REALTOR® Phil Nanavati and professional quantity surveyor Paul Westbrook evaluated projects, which were completed between January 2009 and November 2011, based on various criteria, such as sensitivity to the environment, design and innovation, and success in answering a specific developmental need in the community.

The winning entries were Habitat for Humanity Toronto in the new building category and Birchstone Centre in the retrofit class.

Habitat for Humanity Toronto, located at 155 Bermondsey Road, took top marks for its innovative approach to serving a number of different functions and its environmentally sustainable design. The new facility includes the organization’s Home Building Factory, training facility, ReStore East York and administrative office all under one roof. It is also LEED Silver Certified, meaning it meets stringent standards in building environmental sustainability. 

Birchstone Centre, located from 3571 to 3609 Sheppard Avenue East, stood out because of the energy efficient materials used in its renovation and its ability to eliminate waste by re-using the existing building shell. In addition to its energy efficient enhancements, the design improved functionality by adding an elevator to service medical and dental offices and was beautified by adding three glass feature towers to break up its former strip mall appearance.

Since each of the buildings nominated contributed to making ours a more attractive, environmentally sustainable city they also merit recognition. They include: Yorkdale Centre, Tyler Mews, Cushman and Wakefield Toronto East, CSREFI Canada Leaseholds Incorporated and Liberty Plaza.

Local historian Mike Filey served as the event’s keynote speaker. A noted author, tour guide and radio host, Mr. Filey offered unique insights into Toronto’s past.

The success of this event would not have been possible without the commitment of REALTORS® who volunteered their time to help organize it. Many in fact, also contribute to a better Toronto by volunteering their time to support various efforts in communities throughout the GTA.

Nominations for the Second Annual Commercial Building Awards will be sought in 2013, with a reception and presentations to be held in Winter 2014.

If you know of a building that you believe merits recognition, I encourage you to share your thoughts with a Greater Toronto REALTOR® and for the latest information on our city’s real estate market visit TorontoRealEstateBoard.com

Ann Hannah is President of the Toronto Real Estate Board,
a professional association that represents 35,000 REALTORS®
in the Greater Toronto Area.

Follow TREB on www.twitter.com/TREBhome, www.Facebook.com/TorontoRealEstateBoard and www.youtube.com/TREBChannel

Article source: http://www.torontorealestateboard.com/market_news/president_columns/pres_sun_col/index.htm