New GTA Condo Project News & Updates

Looking for something to do this weekend?  Why not explore Tableau Condominiums' newly released penthouse suites?  Located near Peter and Richmond, this condo will be right in the heart of Toronto's incredible Entertainment District.  With two exclusive packages offered at this weekend's launch, it's a great time to consider the possibilities!  Doors open at 12 p.m. sharp on Saturday, April 30th.  More details can be found after the jump.

In the meantime, check out what other condos are Grand Opening this weekend in our updates from this week's New Condo newsletter!  Remember, if you want to be one of the first to receive this information directly in your inbox, simply sign up here.

Happy Friday!

Project and Market Updates
>  Skyline to Offer Unprecedented Four-Season Resort Ownership Opportunities     at Deerhurst this Summer >  Condo Sales: Past 60 Days at Mount Pleasant Residences This Weekend >  Liberty Central Grand Opening >  The Yorkville Condominiums Grand Opening
Condo Living
>  Condo Renovation & Decor Idea: DIY Stone Wall >  Buying a Condo: Make a List … and Check it Twice! >  Rentals 101: Condo for Rent by Owner or Realtor?
Condo Projects Coming Soon
		36 Hazelton 36 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto Alterra
Top 10 Most Viewed This Week
	New Developments	Completed Projects
	Perspective Condos The Rushton Residences Uptown Markham Condos - Phase I The 6th at Angus Glen Terrace on Danforth York Harbour Club - West Harbour City - 3 Pace Condos Liv Lofts Grand Genesis Condos Centrium Condos	Bloor Street Neighbourhood (BSN) The Verdale Glen Lake King's Terrace Accolade Esprit 100 Wingarden Court The Prince Edward Crestview Place Condominiums Applewood Terrace

Sale Alert! Buy this Table Lamp, Get 1 Free at IKEA!

With its sleek clean lines and height adjustable base, IKEA's ALANG Table Lamp provides the perfect mix of fashion and function to just about any condo.  And from now until May 1st, you'll get 2 for the price of 1!  But hurry; this offer is valid only while supplies last, one per customer.  

If you're looking to update your condo living room, IKEA's Living Room Event is still on until May 8th, which will get you 15% back in IKEA gift cards on qualifying purchases.

It sure sounds like there are some great deals to be had...happy shopping!

Condo Renovation & Decor Idea: DIY Stone Wall

A space transformed:
the stone wall is subtle and neutral yet provides high impact.

In his search for something to liven up the stark white wall in his condo living room, Julius wanted something unique that would set his condo apart from others. Inspired by the popularity of stone fireplaces, he decided to install a decorative stone wall, even though the idea was initially met with raised brows.

The project took approximately two days to complete and cost approximately $1,600 for the materials.

Condo Sales: Past 60 Days at Mount Pleasant Residences

This week, we're heading to Toronto's midtown for a closer look at Plazacorp's Mount Pleasant Residences, completed at the end of 2008.

This development is comprised of both high-rise and low-rise suites plus townhomes, and offers its residents a range of amenities including a concierge, fitness centre, party room and media room.  Its prime location provides a wealth of neighbourhood amenities including shopping, restaurants, banks, groceries, theatre and Eglinton subway station.

In the past 60 days, a total of two units have sold at Mount Pleasant Residences with prices ranging from $320,000 for a 2-BR unit under 900 sq ft to $470,000 for a 2+Den suite of 948 sq ft. These properties spent an average of 29 days on the market.

For more information on Mount Pleasant Residences, please click here.

If you’re a Realtor and would like to share similar stories, please contact us at info@livehigh.com to participate or be featured in a post.

Please note that units can vary greatly in features and finishes which would normally be considered in any purchase or sale. Any transactions outlined above are for general information purposes only and may not reflect those of typical suites. LiveHigh.com is not responsible for the accuracy of information provided or for any damages or loss resulting from the use of such information. For further information on these or other sales, please consult a real estate specialist.

Rentals 101: Condo for Rent by Owner or REALTOR®?

Do you have a vacant or soon-to-be vacant condo unit for lease?

When it comes to renting out a condo investment unit, we're often asked whether one should venture the task alone or work with a Realtor to find a new tenant.

If you're looking for some direction, we've summarized some of the major pros and cons of each scenario to help you decide what's best for you.

New GTA Condo Projects: Highlights & Market Updates

Happy Good Friday!

Here's a quick summary of this week's new condo project highlights and updates.

To subscribe to our weekly newsletter and receive it directly in your inbox, simply register here.

Enjoy, and have a wonderful long weekend!

Project and Market Updates
>  GTA New Home Industry Posts Solid First Quarter >  Condo Sales: Past 30 Days at The Republic Condos >  King+ Condos: Location, Location, Location! >  Registrant Preview Sale at the Station an Overwhelming Success! >  Buying Real Estate in Florida - a Free Seminar Hosted by Baker Real Estate This Weekend >  Carmelina Condos VIP Special This Weekend only:  Free Maintenance for 1 Year
Condo Projects Coming Soon
		Leslie Boutique Residence 2756 Old Leslie St, North York Great Lands Corporation
Top 10 Most Viewed This Week
	New Developments	Completed Projects
	Perspective Condos Uptown Markham Condos - Phase I The Rushton Residences The 6th at Angus Glen Terrace on Danforth Pace Condos Twenty One Clairtrell Love Condominiums York Harbour Club - West Harbour City - 3 Liv Lofts	Bloor Street Neighbourhood (BSN) The Verdale King's Terrace Accolade Red Hot Condos 100 Wingarden Court 25 Broadway at the Republic The Chrysler - NY Towers Village By The Grange Glen Lake

No sign yet of Zillow Canada, but in the meantime...

Seattle-based real estate site Zillow.com filed for $51.75 M initial public offering (IPO) earlier this week, according to CNNMoney. 

The company was founded in 2004 and provides a database of more than 100 million U.S. homes for sale or rent, as well as homes not currently on the market.

For more information on the IPO, click here.

Condo Sales: Past 30 Days at The Republic Condos

This week, let's head uptown to Toronto's popular Yonge and Eglinton neighbourhood for a closer look at Tridel's 25 Broadway at the Republic, completed in July 2010.

Like many of Tridel's other buildings, this high-rise two-tower development offers its residents some incredible amenities including a party lounge, theatre room, billiards lounge, outdoor cabana lounge and a health and fitness studio.  Its prime location provides a wealth of neighbourhood amenities including shopping, restaurants, banks, groceries, theatre and Eglinton subway station.

In the past 30 days, a total of three units have sold at The Republic with prices ranging from $580,000 for a 2+Den unit of approximately 1,040 sq ft to $1.615 M for a 2-BR suite of 2,435 sq ft. These properties spent an average of 64 days on the market.

For more information on The Republic condos, please click here.

If you’re a Realtor and would like to share similar stories, please contact us at info@livehigh.com to participate or be featured in a post.

Please note that units can vary greatly in features and finishes which would normally be considered in any purchase or sale. Any transactions outlined above are for general information purposes only and may not reflect those of typical suites. LiveHigh.com is not responsible for the accuracy of information provided or for any damages or loss resulting from the use of such information. For further information on these or other sales, please consult a real estate specialist.

King+ Condos…Location, Location, Location!

Dramatic contrast found in the King+ showroom reflects the contrast in the building and suite design

We recently had the pleasure of attending King+ Condo’s highly anticipated preview of their sleek new boutique building at the corner of King St E and Sherbourne St.

VIP attendees were treated to catering by Mark McEwan and project information

Located in one of downtown Toronto’s most desirable neighbourhoods, this condo pegged to be an “urban residence that pays tribute to its heritage while celebrating the city’s future”, as explained by Steven Macaulay, a partner in Plus Development.  The modern 17-storey glass tower will sit atop a turn-of-the-century historic façade which the developers have carefully preserved and restored.

Models: Custom paneling in the kitchen and elegant bathroom finishes are coming along nicely

Designed by Tact Architecture and Mike Niven Interior Design, suites will be distinguished by open concept living spaces, vintage-style wide-plank laminate flooring, sleek European-inspired kitchens with custom paneled appliances, and elegant bathrooms with frameless glass showers.  An abundance of windows, balconies and terraces will make spaces feel bright and airy. 

At King+, residents will have easy access to the best that downtown Toronto has to offer.  Conveniently located just steps from the St Lawrence Market, George Brown College, Distillery District and other great landmarks, residents will find shopping, restaurants and other lifestyle amenities within walking distance.  For those who prefer to stay in, planned building amenities include a lounge, well-equipped fitness centre and comfortable guest suite.  When traveling a little further, residents can hop onto the King St streetcar right at their doorstep.

King+Condominiums will offer 132 suites ranging in size from 415 to 1,405 sq ft, with prices starting at $244,990.

Interested in this project?  Click here for more details or register at the official website for priority updates.

New GTA Condos: Project Information & Market Updates

Hope everyone's making the most of this rainy Saturday afternoon ... as always, there's lots going on in Toronto's condo market!

You'll find this week's highlights from our VIP newsletter, below.

To be one of the first to receive our weekly project and market updates directly in your inbox, please click here to subscribe.

Happy reading!

Project and Market Updates
>  Two Model Suites Showcase Unparalleled Opulence at Churchill Park >  Condo Sales: What Sold or Leased at the Accolade in the Past 30 Days? >  Toronto Housing Starts Continue to Move Higher in March >  Pace Condos - Building Rendering Now Available >  Love Condos - Registration Now Available on project website This Weekend >  King Charlotte - Grand Opening This Saturday April 16 >  Carmelina Condos VIP Special This Weekend only:  Free Maintenance for 1 Year
Condo Living
	>  Design Inspiration: Solid as Quartz >  Condo Renovation: Overhaul of a 20-Year Old Space (Bathroom)
Condo Projects Coming Soon
		Aristo 2 at Avonshire Harrison Garden Boulevard, Willowdale, North York Tridel
		York Harbour Club - West Harbour City Phase 3 Fleet St, Toronto Plazacorp
		The Rushton Residences 743 St Clair Ave W, Wychwood-Casa Loma-St.Clair, Toronto
Top 10 Most Viewed This Week
	New Developments	Completed Projects
	Perspective Condos Pace Condos Uptown Markham Condos - Phase I The 6th at Angus Glen Liv Lofts NY Place Q Loft Portrait Condos The Avanti Terrace on Danforth	Village By The Grange Bloor Street Neighbourhood (BSN) King's Terrace The Verdale The Palisades 100 Wingarden Court Tiffany Place Accolade St. Clair Pointe Glen Lake

Free Seminar: Buying Real Estate in Florida

With our dollar at a premium and Florida's real estate at record low prices, Canadians have been flocking south of the border to take advantage of the amazing buying opportunities.

Interested in learning more?  Join Baker Real Estate and their panel of experts at this free seminar as they share their expertise on current market conditions in Florida; taxation, ownership and mortgage options for Canadians; foreclosures and short sales and more.

This exclusive event takes place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4th at 175 Bloor Street E.

Space is limited, so register now and mention that you heard about it through LiveHigh.com!

Design Inspiration: Solid as Quartz

We're loving the kitchen renderings at Concord's new Quartz condos, coming soon to CityPlace downtown.

Featuring premium quality full-size stainless steel appliances (a much-needed step up from the ever-popular "condo-sized" appliances), super-sized storage and like its namesake, real quartz counters, these kitchens look fashionable yet functional.  How chic!

Visit the Quartz website, or click here for more information.

Condo Sales: What Sold or Leased at the Accolade in the Past 30 Days?

This week, we're heading to North York for a closer look at Tridel's Accolade condos.

This distinctive blue tower was completed in 2009 and is situated on Wynford Drive near the DVP and Eglinton Avenue.  With such easy access to the highway, residents are always a quick drive away from popular area amenities.  Public transportation is also conveniently located within walking distance.  Residents have private access to the building's recreational centre (aptly dubbed the Accolade Entertainment District) which includes a party room, fitness studio, digital lounge and guest suites, as well as a la carte access to the adjacent Crowne Plaza Hotel's services and amenities.

In the past 30 days, two units have sold at Accolade, ranging from $280,000 to $295,000 for a 1+Den suite.  These properties spent an average of 42 days on the market.

Five units also leased at Accolade over the past 30 days, ranging from $1,400 for a 1-BR unit to $1,800 for a 2+Den suite.  These units spent an average of 32 days on the market.

If you want more information on Tridel's Accolade, please click here.  Interested in buying, selling or renting in this building?  Our featured professionals can help you here.
 
If you’re a Realtor and would like to share similar stories, please contact us at info@livehigh.com to participate or be featured in a post.

Please note that units can vary greatly in features and finishes which would normally be considered in any purchase or sale. Any transactions outlined above are for general information purposes only and may not reflect those of typical suites. LiveHigh.com is not responsible for the accuracy of information provided or for any damages or loss resulting from the use of such information. For further information on these or other sales, please consult a real estate specialist.

New Condos: Greater Toronto Area Project & Market Updates

Hello, condo enthusiasts!

Here are the latest updates from this week's New Condo Development newsletter.

Want to subscribe?  You can do so here to ensure that you're one of the first to receive this little gem directly in your inbox every Thursday morning.

Happy Friday!

Project and Market Updates
>  Aspen Ridge to Introduce Scenic III this Spring! >  Condo Sales: The Past 30 Days at The Icon >  Taylor Morrison, Monarch Poised to Move Forward with New Partners >  Introducing Exhibit Condos!
Condo Living
	>  To Pack, or Not To Pack... >  Preparing Your Condo Rental Unit for Lease >  Condo Renovation: Overhaul of a 20-Year Old Unit (Kitchen Reno)
Condo Projects Coming Soon
		Parkside Development - Mondial Condominiums Lower Sherbourne, Toronto Great Gulf Homes
		Sanctuary Lofts 1183 Dufferin Street, Toronto
Top 10 Most Viewed This Week
	New Developments	Completed Projects
	Uptown Markham Condos - Phase I The 6th at Angus Glen Pace Condos Perspective Condos Liv Lofts Peter Street Condos Grand Genesis Condos The Avanti Q Loft NY Place	Bloor Street Neighbourhood (BSN) Mapledale The Icon II Majestic Court King's Terrace Landmark of Thornhill The Palisades Panache Condominiums eko Markham Centre Condos Bellair Gardens

Condo Renovation: Overhaul of a 20-Year Old Space (Bathroom)

In today's final installment to Simon's condo overhaul, we'll have a look at his bathroom renovations.

Simon's original master ensuite included both a bathtub and a shower.  During this renovation, the bathtub was removed and the overall footprint of the bathroom was reduced to allow for the addition of a walk-in closet in the master bedroom.  All work was done by contractors and everything was replaced, including new (waterproof) drywall, new tiles for the floor and shower, potlights were installed and some plumbing was moved.

In the guest bathroom, the updates were a little simpler; just the vanity and toilet were replaced.

Post-Renovation Wrap-Up

Aside from a few minor aesthetic complaints, Simon is extremely happy with the overall update.  As for the work involved, he now realizes that as a renovation first-timer, he took on an ambitious amount of DIY work and would likely allow the contractors to handle some of it if he were to do it over.

Project costs came in at $35,000 (which included $3,000 in contractor fees).  Given Simon's projected budget of $30,000, he did go over budget by $5,000.  This overrun was primarily a result of unforeseen labour in the kitchen as well as some additional hardware and decor items purchased.

While Simon had originally fallen in love with a sub-penthouse suite in the same building, he's ecstatic that he was able to find a similar, much cheaper unit, put in a little TLC to create his dream home and come in at a much lower price than he would've otherwise paid.  After renovations, Simon paid approximately $260 per sq ft for his condo vs the asking price of about $377 per sq ft for the sub-penthouse suite.

Century 21 Offers Buyers Free Home Technology Services

Attention Buyers!  If you’re working with a Century 21 agent, be sure to ask them about their new promotion with Best Buy.

Century 21 Canada and Best Buy Canada recently announced their new Geek Squad Partnership, offering Canadians who purchase a new home through Century 21 one of three Geek Squad services for free:

1. Theatre Consultation ($99 value): Geek Squad will come into your home and provide installation recommendations to help you choose the right products to meet the needs of your room and optimize your space.
2. Basic Home Theatre Setup ($149 value): Geek Squad will set up your TV, connect your audio and video components and position your speakers for an optimal Home Theatre experience.
3. Standard Wireless Network Setup ($119 value): Geek Squad will set up your in-home wireless network to get all of your devices connected seamlessly throughout your home.
   

Condo Sales: The Past 30 Days at the Icon

This week, we're heading downtown for a closer look at Tridel's Icon condos.

Located in Toronto's very lively Entertainment District, this two-phase development is conveniently situated near popular restaurants, lounges and bars.  There are also several banks, shops, grocery stores and streetcar access within walking distance.

Completed in 2002, this popular Tridel condo hosts a wide range of amenities for its residents including 24-hour concierge, a fitness centre, an indoor pool and a party room.

In the past 30 days, five units have sold at The Icon, ranging from $275,000 for a 1-BR suite to $437,000 for a 2-BR unit.  These properties spent an average of 43 days on the market.

Seven units also leased at The Icon over the past 30 days.  Unfurnished units ranged from $1,450 for a 1-BR suite to $1,850 for a 2-BR suite.  Furnished suites leased from $2,950 for a 2-BR unit under 1,100 sq ft to $3,300 for a 2-BR unit of 1,275 sq ft.

If you want more information on this popular development, please click here for Phase 1 and Phase 2.  Interested in buying, selling or renting at The Icon?  Our featured professionals can help you here.
 
If you’re a Realtor and would like to share similar stories, please contact us at info@livehigh.com to participate or be featured in a post.

Please note that units can vary greatly in features and finishes which would normally be considered in any purchase or sale. Any transactions outlined above are for general information purposes only and may not reflect those of typical suites. LiveHigh.com is not responsible for the accuracy of information provided or for any damages or loss resulting from the use of such information. For further information on these or other sales, please consult a real estate specialist.

Preparing Your Condo Investment Unit for Lease

Did your last tenant leave your condo looking a little tattered and torn?  Has your unit seen better days?  If you have a vacant condo rental unit that isn’t quite “move-in ready” – and this can apply to a newly-built suite – there are some simple steps you can take to prepare it for market before beginning your search for a tenant.

If your unit requires any maintenance or renovation, you’ll want to complete such updates before marketing it to optimize your showings.  While you may be thinking along the lines of “minimum effort, maximum gain”, you’ll want to balance this mindset with a long-term investment strategy.  Making more substantial changes can not only make your unit more appealing to renters, lower your vacancy rate and potentially command a higher rent per square foot, but with the right updates, you’ll ultimately increase the market value of your unit. 

In assessing what updates should be made, you’ll want to consider what’s available in the surrounding area.  If you happen to be in a neighbourhood where many newly-built condo units are readily available to renters, keep in mind that this is essentially the competition in your search the right tenant.

New Condos: Greater Toronto Area Project & Market Updates

Have you seen the latest project and market updates?  If not, you'll find a little snippet of our weekly newsletter below.  And if you're interested in receiving this info a day earlier like our VIP subscribers, sign up here to receive updates directly in your inbox.

TGIF everyone!

Project and Market Updates
>  Emerald Park Breaks Ground! >  Churchill Park offers Outstanding Opulence in Forest Hill >  Condo Sales: The Past 60 Days at St Gabriel Village
Decor
	>  Condo Decor: Spring into Style with Fresh Foliage >  Condo Renovation: Overhaul of a 20-Year Old Unit (Preparation)
Condo Projects Coming Soon
		Lofts on Gladstone 8 Gladstone St, Toronto Streetcar Developments
		Lago Condos Etobicoke Monarch
		Q Loft 1205 Queen Street West, Toronto Royal Queen Developments
Top 10 Most Viewed This Week
	New Developments	Completed Projects
	Uptown Markham Condos - Phase I The 6th at Angus Glen Perspective Condos Pace Condos Liv Lofts Theatre Park Condos Grand Genesis Condos Terrace on Danforth Peter Street Condos Carmelina Condos	Bloor Street Neighbourhood (BSN) Players Club 500 Sherbourne The Verdale Bliss Condos St. George Mews Kingsway Terrace King's Terrace Yorkdale Court 123 Woodbine Ave