Swan Lake and Bridle Trail - New Listings
Check out our new-listings page for details on a couple of exciting new listings in the Markham Area. The very sought-after Swan Lake gated community, and Unionville's Bridle Trail! 20 Belle Terre Way in Swan Lake is a rarely-available two-storey townhouse in the heart of the community. With over 1624 sq.ft. of living space, this is an incredible opportunity. 32 Library Lane in Unionville, is a gorgeous 3-story, 3750 sq.ft. home steps from Main Street and the Unionville Community Library!
20 Belle Terre Way, Markham - Swan Lake
32 Library Lane, Unionville - Bridle Trail
Vancouver's Pricing Dilemma
There has been plenty of media attention to the housing market in and around Vancouver, BC of late. With the skyrocketing prices, seemingly driven by foreign buyers, many local residents have been looking for government intervention to curb interest. From a more national perspective, people have been discussing how the new 'foreign buyer tax' in Vancouver may slow down our market growth -- while we feel it may do exactly the opposite! In fact, I expect to see an uptick in the volume and pricing in the Toronto area and the surrounding GTA/York Region. Foreign investment is at an all-time high. They want to invest here. They want to move here. If it simply costs more to move to Vancouver, then why not spend less and come to Toronto. I think we will very quickly see the outcome of their taxing providing a result that they simply aren't expecting.
Besides, look at the incredible number of loopholes for a foreign buyer who is set on purchasing.
““As a Canadian or permanent resident, I could set up a company and fully capitalize it with foreign money and there’s nothing stopping me from buying up as many properties as I wish without paying any of this tax,” Eby said in an interview. ”
See this article from the CBC on the new Realty tax on foreign buyers.
Just Leased - 144 Treegrove Circle, Aurora
Aurora has quickly become a highly-desired area for families both new to the area, and ones that have grown up around York Region. We're seeing continued demand for the becoming-unique larger lot sizes that are available, and the interesting mix of both new and older homes.
We've just leased this lovely home on 144 Treegrove Circle, Aurora - congratulations to the lovely family moving into this wonderful neighbourhood!
71 Longwater Chase, Unionville
Just released to MLS! This is a fabulous Monarch-built family home in the heart of the Bridle Trail. Steps to schools and a short walk to Main Street, this home is ideally situated in town. Upgraded from top to bottom, including an open concept kitchen with all-new appliances, this home must be seen! Visit www.71LongwaterChase.com for more details on this listing. Asking $1,339,000
I'm Sold!
40 Wrenwood Court, Unionville - Sold!
We're excited for another great family moving into this lovely home in Unionville. What a way to enjoy the Canada Day Long Weekend, but with the finalizing a purchase of your new home. Congratulations from The MAC Team!
77 Huron St, Thornbury - SOLD!
77 Huron Street, Thornbury
The Thornbury market continues to heat up! We were thrilled to get this wonderful home at 77 Huron Street for our clients this week. With the activity in the area increasing, it can be challenging for buyers to get their dream home -- Congrats Jason and Sarah!
77 Delmark Blvd, Markham - SOLD Over List!
Here is a wonderful new listing just in time for the long weekend. This is a fabulously located home in the Sherwood Forest / Amberglen (7 & 9th Line) area of Markham Village. Perfect for first-time buyers, or those on a budget looking to get into this wonderful neighbourhood. This home has been cared for by its original owner since new! Ready for you to make it your own -- choose your upgrades and bring out the gem inside! Backing onto a fantastic greenspace, this great home won't be around for long! 77 Delmark - SOLD OVER ASKING! Call us for details.
Myths vs. Reality - Real Estate Offers
Understanding A Real Estate Offer
There's a lot of misunderstanding about what a Buyer's obligations are/may be when they make an offer on a residential real estate property in Ontario. Here are some examples of things buyers often ask (or worse, just assume)
1. IF WE CHANGE OUR MINDS WE CAN ALWAYS PULL OUR OFFER BACK, RIGHT?
The answer is no you can't. If your written offer has been presented to the Seller (or even in the possession of the Seller's agent), your offer is "live and real" until the expiration of the Irrevocable time specified in your offer. If the Seller signs and accepts your offer, you're committed to the contract. An exception to this is a new build condominium where the law permits a 10 day cooling off period.
2. WE HAVE A HOME INSPECTION CONDITION. WE CAN ALWAYS FIND SOMETHING WRONG TO GET OUT OF THE PURCHASE, RIGHT?
The short answer is probably not. Until recently, home inspection clauses contained language saying the offer was conditional on receiving a "satisfactory report on home inspection in the sole and absolute discretion of the Buyer". A ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada (Basin v. Hrynew) has changed that. It obligates principals in a contract to complete their obligations in good faith under that contract. Unless there is some major latent (hidden) defect discovered that would have caused the Buyer to make a different decision, you're obligated to continue the transaction.
3. IF WE CHANGE OUR MINDS WE AUTOMATICALLY GET OUR DEPOSIT BACK, RIGHT?
The short answer is it's not automatic. Return of a deposit depends on Buyer and Seller agreeing in writing to release each other from a contract. If you have a firm deal (conditions removed), and attempt to cancel a deal, or fail to close as agreed, it's quite possible you will not see your deposit back. The Seller can make an application to court for the deposit to be directed to them as damages for your failure to close, and it's highly likely they will get it.
4. WE NEED TO CHANGE THE CLOSING DATE BY A MONTH. WE CAN DO THAT, RIGHT?
Possibly, but not unilaterally. It can only be done in writing, and with the agreement of both Buyer and Seller. It can be done by an Amendment of the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, or by another instrument generated by the lawyers representing the Buyer and the Seller.
5. OUR AGENT FORGOT TO PUT THE FRIDGE AND STOVE IN THE AGREEMENT, BUT THEY'RE ON THE LISTING, SO WE GET THEM ANYWAY, RIGHT?
No. The only document that matters here is the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. If it's not in the Agreement, it's not part of the deal.
6. WE'RE BUYING A CONDO APARTMENT, SO WE DON'T NEED TO PUT IN ANY CONDITIONS, RIGHT?
Professional advice is you should ALWAYS have a home inspection. If you choose not to, you should sign a waiver (Form 127) that you are acting against our advice. Our experience is that inspections have revealed many important issues in condo apartments related to health and safety, and structural integrity. Another important consideration is your lawyer's examination of the condo documents, called the Status Certificate. When you buy a condo, you're buying into the financial condition and obligations of the condo corporation. Legal advice is important here!
When you sign an Agreement of Purchase and Sale, you are signing "under seal". A seal on a contract is a solemn commitment, a pledge to go forward. You will be held to its terms. You need professional advice from a REALTOR® and, in some cases, your lawyer BEFORE you commit to signing an offer.
Spring Market Strong - 14% YOY Increase in GTA
The RE/MAX Spring Market report has just been released, and in a surprise to nobody, the GTA market is still going strong. Around Toronto, we have seen a 14% increase in price compared to Spring 2015. Download the full report for more details.
Joseph Street, Markham
We are thrilled to present this incredible property in the heart of Markham Village. Joseph Street, is a custom-built luxury residence, that has left nothing to spare. Situated on a large 0.628 Acre lot (L-shaped, as much as 220' deep), backing to a quiet ravine and conservation area. Take a peek at www.57Joseph.com for details on this lovely home. Contact us for details!
Great decorating tip for your popcorn ceilings
If there is one thing that seems to always come up when looking at a home with popcorn-style stucco ceilings, it is the question about what can be done with them. Typically, if the stucco has been painted-over at some point in the past, it is nearly impossible to simply scrape-off and smooth -- you are relegated to a much larger, and more expensive, repair.
In this great DIY article, they show a different approach - to simply put up a decorative material over the old ceiling finish, and have something that is beautiful and very unique!
See the results at Lifestyle And Design Online
19 Pinebrook Hollow, Unionville $1,438,000
Another exciting new listing in Unionville! Check out this gorgeous 4 bedroom 'Victoria' model, by Monarch, in the middle of the Bridle Trail. Located on a large, pie-shaped lot on a quiet court, this home has been impeccable renovated top-to-bottom, and shows incredible pride of ownership. Check out www.19pinebrookhollow.com for details. Don't miss the pubic open house this Sunday 2-4pm!
41 Normandale Road
Just listed - 41 Normandale Road in Unionville.
This is a beautiful 4+1 bedroom home backing onto the ravine. The pie-shaped lot features an in-ground pool and custom deck, while the inside has been renovated throughout.
Asking $1,780,000 - Visit www.41Normandale.com for more information on this new property. Open House this Sunday 2-4pm!
81 Longwater Chase, Unionville - SOLD!
Just launched into the market, we are excited to present 81 Longwater Chase in Unionville! This is a stunning 4 bedroom home, backing onto a beautiful park. Top-quality finishes throughout, this is open-concept living at its finest. In-ground pool and luxurious inside and out, this home is perfect for entertaining year-round! Visit www.81LongwaterChase.com for details. Asking $1,275,000 - Open House Sunday February 21st, 2-4PM. Offer presentations Monday February 22nd, 6pm!
Featured Home - 81 Longwater Chase
