20
Sanctuary Lofts : Authentic Lofts Coming Soon to Bloor West
0 Comments | Posted by Casey Ragan in Authentic Loft Conversions, Bloor West Lofts, New Construction Projects, New Toronto Lofts, Toronto Condo Buyers, Toronto Lofts
The Sanctuary Lofts is a new 19 unit church-conversion project located at 1183 Dufferin Street, south of Dupont Street and north of Bloor Street West. The Walsh Group and Concept Lofts Developments are converting this historic Presbyterian Church, which has stood for almost 10o years, into authentic hard lofts. Designed in the early 1900′s by William R. Gregg, this church has become a recognizable landmark, due to its Collegiate Gothic architectural style.
Sanctuary Lofts
The exterior has deep red brick, Tudor-arched windows, cut stone detailing and decorative keystones. The windows are amber tinted and decorative rose stained glass, which highlight the arched wooden trusses, curved wooden pews and ornamental light fixtures.
The lofts will range in size from 600 sq ft to 1765 sq ft.
Casey Ragan
“Toronto’s Condo Authority”
18
Mid-Month Market Statistics Released – May 2012
0 Comments | Posted by Casey Ragan in First-Time Buyers, Investing in Real Estate, Toronto Condo Buyers, Toronto Condo Market News, Toronto Condo Sellers, Toronto News, Toronto Real Estate, Toronto Real Estate News
The Toronto Real Estate Board reported 5,142 transactions for the first 14 days of May 2012. This result was up by more than 14.5 per cent in comparison to the first 14 days of May 2011. The number of new listings continued to grow at a slower pace than sales – up 13 per cent year-over-year to 8,749.
“Annual growth in sales was experienced across the GTA for all major home types in the first half of May. Sales growth was strongest for the condominium apartment segment. While the condo market has generally been the best supplied market over the past year, we have continued to see enough demand to exert moderate upward pressure on average selling prices in this market segment,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver.
The average selling price in the GTA for the first 14 days of May was $517,242 – up by six per cent compared to the same period in 2011.
“A shortage of listings in the low-rise segment of the market has resulted in a lot of competition between buyers and above average annual rates of price growth. Tight market conditions are expected to remain in place for the balance of 2012,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.
>>Click here for the full news release
Casey Ragan
“Toronto’s Condo Authority”
16
E Condos – Yonge and Eglinton’s Newest Project
0 Comments | Posted by Casey Ragan in GTA Condos, Midtown Toronto Condos, New Construction Projects, New Midtown Condos, Toronto Condo Buyers, Toronto Condo News, Toronto Real Estate, Yonge / Eglinton Condos
E Condos is a landmark development coming to the corner of Yonge and Eglinton (located at 8 Eglinton Ave E). Already considered one of Toronto’s most desirable and dynamic neighbourhoods, Yonge and Eglinton is about to get a whole lot better with the upcoming launch of E Condos, from Bazis, Metropia and Riocan. E Condos will be ideally situated on the north east corner of this celebrated intersection. E Condos will be two towers (65 and 45 storeys, 736 and 266 suites), and complettion is scheduled for 2017.
The neighbourhood is attracting professionals who want to eat, play, party and live in the heart of Midtown Toronto. They especially want to be as close as possible to this particular intersection for one very good reason: exceptional public transit — an increasingly desirable feature for Toronto real estate.
E Condos
Yonge and Eglinton already has the Yonge subway line for easy access to downtown Toronto’s Financial District. This will soon be expanded with the much-anticipated Eglinton Crosstown below grade LRT, adding a convenient east-west transit link.
Combined with a thriving corporate culture, a dynamic retail environment, and enough restaurants and entertainment venues to dine out on every night, it’s easy to see why Toronto’s young and upwardly mobile are flocking to Yonge and Eglinton.
E Condos will make the most of its coveted location, with a convenient underground connection to both the transit lines and the Yonge-Eglinton Centre, a bustling entertainment/shopping complex with movie theatres, Indigo, Starbucks, 24 hr Metro supermarket, and many other shops.
The developer behind E Condos is Bazis Inc., one of Canada’s prominent residential developers, renowned as visionaries who create exquisite condo towers boasting world-class architecture in premium locations. For E Condos, they have partnered with the award-winning team of Metropia and RioCan. Metropia’s founder, Howard Sokolowski, has a rich 25 year history in developing residential communities, building more than 30,000 homes. RioCan is Canada’s largest real estate investment trust that owns and manages Canada’s largest portfolio of shopping centres.
E Condos’ architecture is by Rosario Varacalli, the architect responsible for envisioning the transformation of the corner with these two modern towers that will befit the landmark status of the location.
Street level retail space and a lower level retail concourse will provide convenient access to daily essentials. The commercial area will be managed by partner RioCan.
Inside the residential space, stunning 20 and 30′ high lobbies will provide a dramatic welcome, and will feature 24 hr personal concierge services.
There will be two pools projecting dramatically out from the buildings. The pool on one tower will perch about half way up, while the other will extend at penthouse level. Pools will be surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, for breathtaking city skyline panoramas. The adjacent E-Sky Lounges will provide stylish and convenient gathering places to chill out and admire the views.
In addition, each tower will feature another entire floor exclusively devoted to more spectacular amenities. These will include a range of stylish spaces, both indoor and outdoor, including a state-of-the-art gym, dining areas, party and games rooms, technology lounges, and more. Residents will have all-access passes to the leisure areas in both buildings. All amenity areas are designed by Mike Niven Interior Design.
“E has been carefully planned to bring the very best living experience to a neighbourhood that is already one of the best in the world,” says Veronika Belovich, VP of Sales & Marketing for Bazis Inc. “We’ve taken great care to assemble a fantastic team and to get every detail perfect.”
Suites will range in size from 400 to 1200 sq ft (consisting of studios, 1 bedrooms, 1 bedroom plus dens, 2 bedrooms and 2 bedroom plus dens). As always, Varacalli has designed spacious units with large windows and balconies in every suite.
Suites will start in the mid $200,000s, offering exceptional value for such a premiere location.
Source: Urban Toronto
Casey Ragan
“Toronto’s Condo Authority”
15
Does a Condo’s Layout Matter? How to Choose the Best Floor Plan
0 Comments | Posted by Casey Ragan in Downtown Toronto Condos, First-Time Buyers, GTA Condos, New Toronto Condos, New Toronto Lofts, Toronto Condo Buyers, Toronto Condo Information
Does a condo’s layout matter? Absolutely. The most sought after unit in any condo enriched city is nicknamed the “Wide Shallow”. The “Wide Shallow” is a floor plan that’s wider on the glass side and shallower on the unit depth, which offers the best characteristics of maximum glass and light with an optimum use of square footage. It’s the most desirable and efficient layout available.
For the most part, a developer has little choice over a project floor plate (referring to the entire floor plan). Usually, because of the land dimensions and city planning rules that cut into a floor plate, floor plans tend to suffer. One aspect that is often overlooked when choosing a unit is its actual location within the floor plate. A unit in close proximity to the elevators can prove to be very frustrating, as noise levels tend to be high there.
One of the most important features to look for when considering a floor plan is the location of the windows in the unit. It is always more attractive to have windows in all the bedrooms and it is a proven fact that natural light increases the resale value of the unit. Corner units typically have twice the amount of natural light, which is an extremely attractive feature for future buyers, but beware of oddly shaped corner units. Some corner units have large foyers, which tend to be a great waste of square footage.
A good piece of advice is to stay away from the garbage chute. Many new condo purchasers have been disappointed to learn, once they’ve moved into their condo, that they are constantly bothered by the sound of the garbage falling down the chute, as well as the noise from the opening and closing of the chute and the disposal room door. This has proven to be a larger problem for residents on lower floors, especially when the garbage chute runs behind their laundry room.
When choosing your floor plan, don’t forget to take into consideration the closet and storage space. Builders today are building taller condos, but the unit sizes are shrinking. With smaller floor plans, large closets and storage spaces come in handy, especially if an owned locker is not available.
Choosing a functional layout, is also very important. Even though pie shaped suites or suites with sharp angled walls have a stunning architectural effect, they are extremely difficult to furnish, and have a lot of wasted space. Evenly shaped rooms, such as rectangles or squares, do not have this issue as they make furniture placement much easier and the space more functional. Take into consideration the above-mentioned tips when buying a pre-construction or resale condo.
Casey Ragan
“Toronto’s Condo Authority”
14
Buying a Condo: Pre-Construction vs Resale?
0 Comments | Posted by Casey Ragan in Downtown Toronto Condos, First-Time Buyers, GTA Condos, Midtown Toronto Condos, New Construction Projects, New Toronto Condos, New Toronto Lofts, Toronto Condo Buyers, Toronto Condo Information, Toronto Real Estate, VIP Broker Events
Whether you want to buy a new or resale condo, it’s essential that you’re represented by a qualified buyer agent that specializes in the Toronto condo market.
There are arguments to be made for both sides of this equation. On one hand, the idea of spending hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars with only seeing a floor plan can be nerve racking. However, the idea of buying a brand new, never occupied unit can also be very enticing.
When you are buying a pre-construction unit, the sales office only has a miniature model of the building, floor plans on the wall, and a model suite. Having a qualified agent with you at any new condo sales office is important, so that you have a knowledgeable guide to make sure that you make the right choices.
It used to be true that pre-construction prices were lower than resale prices, but in recent years that has definitely changed. The frenzy of investors and first-time buyers interested in the countless new projects being launched in the City of Toronto, has driven pre-construction prices up significantly. In some cases prices are $100 – $200 more per square foot, in the more popular condo neighbourhoods in Toronto.
A new condo buyer definitely has more choices when it comes to choosing finishes, floor plans, floor heights and upgrades. It’s important that you work with a condo agent that has access to VIP Broker Events, to secure these choices ahead of the public. Of course, a resale buyer can also make changes after the purchase, and having the right agent with the best contractor referrals can be beneficial at this time.
The builder’s Agreement of Purchase and Sale can be a very complicated document, typically 50 pages thick and written exclusively to protect the builder. Resale Agreements are about five pages in length, but still can be very confusing to a first-time buyer. In either case, working with an experienced condo agent is essential.
The sales representatives at a new condo sales office work exclusively for the builder, so it’s important to have the proper representation while visiting any new condo sales centre.
The newer a condo is, the lower the maintenance fees will be. Maintenance fees will always go up overtime. The Tarion warranty is also attractive on a newer purchase. New condo owners benefit from one year and two year warranty protection against defects in work and materials, and seven year warranty protection against major structural defects. Resale purchases also have the Tarion warranty, as long as it falls within this time frame.
Closings can be as long three to five years in a pre-construction purchase, and can be postponed a few times (this can be very tricky, when you’re trying to sell your current condo). Resale closings are usually never longer than 90 days, and can be as short as a couple of weeks.
There are interim occupancy fees in a pre-construction purchase. Buyers are moved in as their floor is finished, while construction continues on the above floors. All the while having to pay interim occupancy fees until the building is complete and registered. Then the buyer takes ownership and the mortgage begins. Depending on which floor the unit is on, these fees may have to be paid for several months.
Resale and new condos are also taxed differently. Resale condos are exempt from HST, while new condos are not. Many new condo owners sell after completion, so it might also be a good option to wait for listings of those units that have never been lived in.
Either choice can be beneficial to ones particular needs. If you want to make the most educated decision on the most expensive purchase in your lifetime, having the right agent to guide you through either process is vital.
If you want to be notified of VIP Broker Sales Events in advance or resale listings that haven’t reached MLS yet, contact me now.
Casey Ragan
“Toronto’s Condo Authority”
13
Life Condominiums – New Condo Project in Midtown Toronto
0 Comments | Posted by Casey Ragan in Davisville Condos, Midtown Toronto Condos, New Midtown Condos, New Toronto Condos, Toronto Condo Buyers, Toronto Condo News, Toronto Real Estate
Chestnut Hill Homes and A2A Properties are developing a new project called Life Condominiums, which will be a 13 storey boutique condo located in Midtown Toronto. It will be situated in Davisville at 68 Merton Street, just east of Yonge Street. The area offers a charming array of shops, cafes, bistros and restaurants. Life Condos will only be a short walk to the Davisville subway station, and a 15 minute ride downtown.
Life Condominiums
This project will have 149 suites, ranging is size from 488 sq ft to 1342 sq ft. Suites will come with large balconies or terraces, and offer fantastic features and finishes. They have open concept layouts, ample closet space and plenty of room for comfortable living. The lobby will have a warm and welcoming ambiance, with a 24 hr concierge, plush seating areas and decorative accents. The building will feature a state-of-the-art fitness centre, party room, meeting room, and a guest suite.
Suites start from the high $200’s. The proposed cccupancy is April 2014.
>>Click here for a Video Preview
Casey Ragan
“Toronto’s Condo Authority”
12
Yonge and Eglinton Condo for Sale – Panache Condos
0 Comments | Posted by Casey Ragan in GTA Condos, Midtown Toronto Condos, Toronto Condo Buyers, Toronto Condo Listings, Toronto Real Estate, Yonge / Eglinton Condos
This condo building is located just 1 block east of Yonge Street and only a few steps to Mount Pleasant Road. Yonge & Eglinton a vibrant midtown neighbourhood is steps to everything you could want in city living. It is popular for its mix of independent shops, big box stores, awesome dining and great nightlife. Located in the heart of midtown you have easy access to the downtown core, TTC is right outside your door and the DVP & 401 are both just ten minutes away. Whether you desire a night out on the town or a bike ride through Sunnybrook Park, Yonge and Eglinton truly has it all!
Panache showcases the very best design, with large windows to ensure that rooms are filled with natural light, without sacrificing privacy. Suite 1603 has a fantastic layout with unobstructed, panoramic downtown and midtown views. Panache features a variety of amenities, including a 24 hr concierge service, indoor swimming pool, sunbathing terrace, exercise facility, party room, and an area for barbequing. Suite 1603 is perfect for buyers that looking to up-size from a one bedroom suite, and investors seeking an income property. Urban chic living at the Panache!
Panache Condos - 212 Eglinton Ave E # 1603
$469,900 - 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, with 1 parking space
Contact me for a private viewing.
Casey Ragan
“Toronto’s Condo Authority”
10
Aura at College Park – Construction Update
0 Comments | Posted by Casey Ragan in Downtown Toronto Condos, GTA Condos, New Construction Projects, New Downtown Condos, New Toronto Condos, Toronto Condo Information, Toronto Condo News, Toronto Real Estate
The corner of Yonge and Gerrard is starting to change already with the Aura at College Park Condo project (located at 388 Yonge St.) construction well underway. The entire corner will be completely revitalized once the condo is complete and the retailers are operating. With Bed Bath and Beyond occupying an entire floor of Aura, it’s safe to say that the corner of Yonge and Gerrard is set to be a shopping destination for many. Aura’s location is one of the most desirable in the city. With the universities and hospitals close by, along with access to the PATH system and the subway, it’s no surprise that Aura would sell out sell out so quickly.
Aura at College Park
A look at Aura at College Park Condo from a distance puts it’s magnificent structure into perspective. Approaching almost 20 floors makes it one of the largest buildings on the Yonge and Gerrard corner currently. Only 58 more floors to go.
With the retail component and podium complete, it is at this point that we will see how fast the tower will begin to rise! It won’t be long before Aura at College Park will be altering the Toronto skyline.
Penthouses Features: Between 75th and 77th floors- 2,200 to over 5,000 sq ft. Penthouses are priced from $2.2 million, and range in size from 2,201 to over 5000 square feet. Top floor penthouse, 11,370 sq ft, priced at $17.5 million. Panoramic sky high views of downtown Toronto and beyond. Custom engineered wood floors in all rooms except foyer, bathroom and laundry rooms.
Superior Kitchens: Beautifully designed custom cabinetry, self closing drawers include cutlery and spice inserts • Ceasarstone or granite countertops • Designer backsplashes • Island counter with undermount sink • Kohler Sub Zero wine fridge and refrigerator • Wolf gas cook top with hood and warming drawer • Miele dishwasher • Under-cabinet lighting • Free standing cappuccino machine • Water purifier by Kohler
Elegant Master Ensuite: Custom designed vanity with marble top framed mirror above vanity • Heated marble floor tiles • Frosted glass toilet enclosure • Marble tiles on toilet enclosure wall • Kohler free standing bath tub frameless glass shower enclosure with a rain shower head and 4 energizing wall mounted body sprays • One-piece elongated toilet and bidet • Convenient inserts for soap and shampoo caddy recessed into shower wall tiles • All fixtures and accessories by Kohler
Building Features: Direct underground access to the College Park Subway• Future connection to the PATH system • Walking distance to major universities, hospitals, financial district, designer shopping, restaurants and entertainment 2 storey glass enclosed lobby overlooks 3 acre park 5th Floor landscaped rooftop • State of the art fitness facility • 3 beautifully appointed suites for guests State-of-the-art, high speed elevators • Underground parking garage 24-hour concierge and security service controlling building access and surveillance of the building • Sprinkler system in building to be one of the first in Ontario
The podium of the tower will feature 180,000 sq.ft. of estimated retail space anchored by U.S. giant retailer Bed Bath & Beyond, establishing the retailer’s first urban location in Canada. Other retailers include BMO, Alice Fazooli’s and Canyon Creek restaurants.
Aura will have 985 suites, ranging in size from 500 sq ft to 11,370.
>> Click here for live construction progress
>>Click here to contact me if you are interested in purchasing or selling a Toronto condo or loft.
Source: Urban Toronto and Canderel Stoneridge Equity Group Inc.
Casey Ragan
“Toronto’s Condo Authority”
9
FAD: Fashion District Condominium – VIP Broker Preview Event
0 Comments | Posted by Casey Ragan in Downtown Toronto Condos, Fashion District Condos, GTA Condos, New Construction Projects, New Queen West Condos, New Toronto Condos, Queen West Condos, Toronto Condo Buyers, Toronto Condo News, Toronto Real Estate, VIP Broker Events
Arrive in style. FAD : Fashion District Condominium. Coming to a runway in the Fashion District, where Spadina meets Queen West. Fusing the Garment District along Spadina with the trend setting fashion scene of Queen West. The result is a hip, fashion forward residence FAD : Fashion District Condominium, a stunning residence where style is its core.
FAD: Fashion District Condominium
Introducing FAD Condos, located at 170 Spadina Ave. Presented by Tri-win International, FAD will be a contemporary tower that will add some cool yet respectful architecture to the corner of Spadina and Queen Street West. Designed by Wallman Architects, FAD Condos will do something we love: take a small pocket of underused land and transform it into something of which the city can be proud. FAD will rise 19 storeys on what was once a low-rise commercial building. The project will include 210 units, with just 44 parking spots in an underground garage.
Suites are starting in the $200,000s.
BE FRONT ROW. DON’T GET LEFT IN THE CROWD.
>>CLICK HERE TO ATTEND THIS BROKER PREVIEW EVENT
>>Click here for more information, or if you are interested in any other Toronto condo or loft project.
Casey Ragan
“Toronto’s Condo Authority”
8
IT LOFTS in Little Italy – VIP Broker Sales Event
0 Comments | Posted by Casey Ragan in Little Italy Condos, Little Italy Lofts, New Construction Projects, New Toronto Condos, New Toronto Lofts, Toronto Condo Buyers, VIP Broker Events
Rising seven storeys (56 suites) above Little Italy, IT Lofts put you at the centre of vibrant city living. Little Italy offers great nightlife, shops, cafes and restaurants with a modern European vibe you won’t find anywhere else in Toronto. IT Lofts is the ideal place to live, work and play.
IT Lofts
Developer Worsley Urban Partners is committed to developing unique design focused projects. With a mandate to reinvigorate established neighbourhoods, Worsley introduces their latest development that is sensitive to the urban fabric of the community with a strong emphasis on architectural style, quality of workmanship and overall design.
There’s a VIP Broker Sales Event and a Broker sneak peek scheduled.
Casey Ragan
“Toronto’s Condo Authority”