Real Estate Thoughts ~ Toronto Homes For Sale

Forest Hill Luxury Suites

simsonchu@chestnutpark.com (Simson Chu) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:02:00 +0000

Heritage mansion converted to four elegant suites in the heart of Forest Hill. Private elevator access from parking to your suite. Windows all around and balcony off the Master suite. State-of-the art kitchen with Viking Pro Stainless Steel appliances and gas stove. Exquisite workmanship is found throughout the suite. Four suites are available from $895,000 to $1,350,000. 1 Parking is included.

Brazil Real Estate

simsonchu@chestnutpark.com (Simson Chu) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 21:07:00 +0000

In the past week, I have featured number of condos in different part of Brazil. They are gorgeous with magnificent ocean view. The price of a condo in Brazil is only a fraction of what we normally pay in North America.

Despite many good reason why buying in Brazil is a perfect opportunity such as low interest rate, major infrastructure supported by the government, thriving tourism, my concern is the safety of the city. Being a conservator investor myself, I would stick with North America especially Florida is so cheap right now, maybe renting a vacation property in Brazil is a better option.

Looking after the property while we are in North America is not easy, the extreme heat, humidity and the sea salt deteriorate the property real fast, maybe cruise is the best way to tour South America!

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

simsonchu@chestnutpark.com (Simson Chu) — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil is famous for the Statue - Christ the Redeemer and Copacabana Beach. Carnival is their big party festival which is coming up in January.

This home has the most fantastic view you could possible imagine in Rio De Janeiro.

Unobstructed views of three different beaches, the city of Rio de Janeiro and it's landmarks, two nearby lakes and mountains covered in lush tropical vegetation. Absolutely stunning!

3bdrm home, originally built with the intention of being an 8 bdrm bed n breakfast. This home has a plenty of room for expansion if desired. Nestled amongst Rio's most beautiful landscapes, this home has an open and airy feel that puts you immediately at ease.

Salvador, Bahia

simsonchu@chestnutpark.com (Simson Chu) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 21:18:00 +0000

Our next stop in Brazil is Salvador, Bahia! It is a beautiful beach town. The beach is clean and sandy. The nightlife is fantastic. Life is laid back and serene. Surfing and body-surfing are abundant. A 15 minute walk in either direction has low tide-bathing pools amidst the reef.

Modern kitchen, satellite tv, telephone. 15 minute ride from the airport, 25 minutes from the night-life and restaurants of Salvadors beach front Orla, and 40 minutes from old town Pelourinho. The layout over-looking the beach is spectacular.The beach has wonderful low tides and full moon walks.

The Brazilian city of Salvador, home to some 2.7 million people located on the northeast coast, is the capital of Bahia State. The official name of the city is São Salvador da Baía de Todos os Santos, or literally translated, Holy Savior of All Saints' Bay, and is often called Salvador da Bahia. The city itself sits on a peninsula between the bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

The climate in Salvador is tropical, with the highest temperatures in March around 30 degrees and the lowest in July with daily highs around 26 degrees. The location is humid, but it is moderated by the ocean location and the fact that there are not many extremes. It is a popular place for Brazilian and international tourists, and its location along the coast is making it very attractive for international investors looking for great ocean front property.

Salvador is considered the cultural capital of Brazil. It was founded in 1549 by settlers and was formerly the Brazilian capital when it was a Portuguese colony. Salvador has its own Carnival every summer, and of the nearly 5 million visitors to Bahia almost half of them came to Salvador

Recife, Brazil

simsonchu@chestnutpark.com (Simson Chu) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:01:00 +0000

Our first stop at Brazil is Recife. It is not too far south of the Equator. The town seems relatively poor. We saw beggars and homeless person everywhere. But hey, the prices of Recife Brazil real estate purchase properties is cheap. For example, a nice modern two bedroom 600 sq2 apartment near a beautiful beach could normally sell for around US $17,000 while a three bedroom 1100 sq2 apartment could cost around US$ 44,000 while a luxury villa complete with a nice beachfront and pool could be worth US $ 150,000. The price of buying a property in Recife would be a mere fraction that you would spend if you were in the US or in Europe. Property taxes are also cheaper in Recife with an average of US$ 150 to $350 per annum, depending on the value of the real estate property. Add that to cheap residential insurance that runs from $50 to $100 annually and the cheap utilities monthly expense of $45 to $80 that already includes electricity, water, gas and telephone bills.

Tenerife, Spain

simsonchu@chestnutpark.com (Simson Chu) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:32:00 +0000

Our next stop of the cruise was to Tenerife, Spain. Tenerife is an Island west of Morocco. Tenerife is less green then Madeira Island. The downtown area is very similiar to a small European town with lots of little stores and cafe.I just picked a resort apartment to feature. The price of a nice condo apartment is significantly lower than Madeira Island, Portugal.
Tenerife South offered For Sale Apartments in Complex Oasis Golf Resort. These properties are approx. 10 years old and have been kept in excellent condition, the furnishings and fittings are of a very high quality and show very little sign of wear. The apartments are duplex style, each one with a bedroom & bathroom on the lower level, the kitchen & lounge on the upper level. There are terraces both off the lounge + the bedroom, and with views to the sea of the lounge terrace. These properties are priced well and below most bank valuations to sell quickly. There is an option to take a contract with the tourist company during the next 3 years with an agreed number of weeks per year of personal use. The Resorts is a modern resort-style Colonial surrounded by the most, beautiful gardens Tropical, located between the two most important tourist resorts and the best beaches in the south of the island. This is a modern complex of apartments with Indonesian style architecture surrounded by lush gardens and located between Los Cristianos and Playa de Las Americas.

Madeira Island, Portugal

simsonchu@chestnutpark.com (Simson Chu) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:13:00 +0000

We just got back from our trip to the Southern Part of the world. Our cruise embarked at Lisbon, Portugal. Lisbon is the capital of Portugal. Our cruise sailed south and first stopped at Madeira Island, Portugal. The island is so peaceful and clean. We were thinking this island would be a nice place for retirement.

Just to give you an idea of how much the property worths on Madeira Island.

This listing is $750,000 Euro. Ideally located just above the old town of Funchal - close to shops, restaurants and pharmacy.

3 king-sized bedrooms - all with built in closets
3 bathrooms with main ensuite Study
3 receptions - one with feature fireplace
Fully equipped fitted wooden kitchen with breakfast area
Laundry Double garaging with electronic gates

Lovely established landscaped garden with automatic water tank irrigation system
Ample space for swimming pool and BBQ entertainment area

Real Estate Newsletter

simsonchu@chestnutpark.com (Simson Chu) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:25:00 +0000

Real Estate News:

Winter may be fast approaching but there is certainly no cooling trend when it comes to the Greater Toronto Area resale housing market. In the first two weeks of November, Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 3,666 sales, an 84 per cent increase compared to the same period a year ago. The average price of GTA homes sold during this timeframe also grew, by 10 per cent, to $415,066. Condominium activity throughout the GTA was even more extraordinary. Sales of this housing type increased 90 per cent to 959 transactions, with an average price of $296,664, up 15 per cent year over year.

Article above provided by TREB

Featured Listing:

Cabbagetown - Victorian Townhome

Listed at $949,000 Property Taxes: $4,440.59

3 Storey Victorian Townhome In Cabbagetown. High Quality Workmanship From Top To Bottom. 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths. Brand New Kitchen, California Shutters,Lighting,Balcony And Private Deck. 2 Gas Fireplaces and Oversized Laundry Room,Wine Cellar, Crown Mouldings & more. Please click for video clip.

Just Leased

Freehold Townhome on Alcorn Ave

Bay Street Condo - Murano

Thank you for your business! This has been a prosperous year for my real estate business. I have closed 7.5M of sales volume and over 50 transactions in 2009. Thank you again for trusting me to assist you and your family.

I will be away on vacation from November 29th to December 18th, 2009. If there is any issue with regard to the past transaction, please contact Chestnut Park Office at 416.925.9191. I will have limited access to my email during the holiday. For current listings information, please contact my business partner Teresa Chow at terchow@trebnet.com. She will be able to assist.

Cabbagetown Victorian Townhome

simsonchu@chestnutpark.com (Simson Chu) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:06:00 +0000

Listed at $949,000 Property Taxes: $4,440.59

Please contact Simson Chu at Chestnut Park Real Estate for Detail. Email: simsonchu@chestnutpark.com or visit my blog at http://simsonchu.blogspot.com

Real Estate Newsletter

simsonchu@chestnutpark.com (Simson Chu) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:57:00 +0000

Real Estate News:

GTA REALTORS® Report Mid-Month Resale Housing Figures

November 18, 2009 -- In the first two weeks of November, Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 3,666 sales – up 84 per cent compared to the first two weeks of November 2008. The average price for these transactions was up 10 per cent year-overyear to $415,066.

The market is still sizzling hot. Last week, my client registered an offer at 600 Queens Quay for a 1 bedroom suite with parking and locker. The asking price was $240,000. 19 other offers were registered. It was sold to another purchaser with 25% over asking price. Please click for detail.

Just Sold ~ Bloor Street Neighbourhood Luxurious Sub-Penthouse

Listed at $839,900. Maintenance Fee $0.45 per sq ft. Property Tax assessed 1% of Purchasing Price.

Yorkville Luxurious 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Subpenthouse Suite with Parking. Interior Design by Brian Gluckstein. West Facing Unobstructed City View. Subpenthouse Finishes Including Double Sided 36" Gas Fireplace, 7.25" baseboard, 10' Smooth Ceiling, Cornice moulding, Downsview Kitchen with Top of the Line Appliances such as Wolf 30" Professional Dual Fuel 4 Burner Range Gas Stove, Subzero 27" Fridge, Miele Dishwasher, Airmec Vulcano 30 wall hood with Stainless Stell Finish. 2 Full bathroom with marble and Kohler Vanity. Please click for BSN official webpage.

Featured Property

Merchandise Loft ~ Affordable 1 Bedroom unit

Listed at $308,800 Property Tax $1,775.81 Maintenance Fee $300.21

True 693 Sf 1-Bdrm Loft Condo At Merchandise Building - High Ceilings, Concrete Floors/Walls & Exposed Ducts. Kitchen Has Granite Counters Open To Dining Area. New Laminate Floors In Entry Foyer/Hall & Master Bedroom. Bathroom Has Sunken Tub With Sliding Glass Doors Opening To Master Bedroom For Ensuite Access. Please click for detail.

Cabbage Town Townhome

Listed at $699,000 Property Tax is $3,314.41

Elegant Victoria Built Town Home On One Of The Prettiest Streets In Cabbagetown. Sword Street has Been Recently Landscaped By The City. This Meticulously Maintained Home Is Gorgeous. The Open Staircase with Natural Wrought Iron Bannister Give The Main Floor An Open & Contemporary Feel. Please click for detail.

I will be on holiday for 3 weeks starting from November 28th, 2009 to December 18th, 2009. If you have any real estate related questions, please contact my business partner Teresa Chow at terchow@trebnet.com or contact Chestnut Park office at 416.925.9191 for assistance.

Real Estate Market Report ~ November Issue

simsonchu@chestnutpark.com (Simson Chu) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:22:00 +0000

November 18, 2009 -- In the first two weeks of November, Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 3,666 sales – up 84 per cent compared to the first two weeks of November 2008. The average price for these transactions was up 10 per cent year-overyear to $415,066.

Merchandise Loft

simsonchu@chestnutpark.com (Simson Chu) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:55:00 +0000

Listed at $308,800 Property Tax $1,775.81 Maintenance Fee $300.21

New Featured Listing ~ Cabbage Town Townhome

simsonchu@chestnutpark.com (Simson Chu) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:04:00 +0000

Listed at $699,000 Property Tax is $3,314.41

Merchandise Loft

simsonchu@chestnutpark.com (Simson Chu) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:10:00 +0000

Listed at $829,000 Property Tax $4,449 Maintenance Fee $852.75

1 Parking and 1 Locker are Included. 2 Bedroom and 2 Bathroom 1787 Sq ft Corner Unit. Fantastic Layout and Breathtaking City View. Polished Concrete Floors. Granite Countertop, Kitchen Island, Huge Master Bath With Double Wide Shower. High Ceiling and more…

The Verve

simsonchu@chestnutpark.com (Simson Chu) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:31:00 +0000

Listed at $409,900 Maintenace Fee $365.77 Property Tax is not assessed yet.

The Verve at 120 Homewood. 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom 823 Sq Ft. North and West Facing Corner Unit with Balcony. Parking is included.

St. Lawrence Market

simsonchu@chestnutpark.com (Simson Chu) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:11:00 +0000

Listed at $469,000. Property Taxes: $2,807.95/2009. No maintenance Fee. A Wonderful Renovated End Unit 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom. Executive Freehold Townhome Situated Between St Lawrence Market And The Distillery District. Bright Open Concept Main Floor Living Space With Large Updated Kitchen And Front Secluded Front Patio Perfect For Entertaining. Huge Master Bedroom With Large 4 Pc Ensuite. Tons Of Storage, Private Garage.

Broadview Loft Penthouse

simsonchu@chestnutpark.com (Simson Chu) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:16:00 +0000

1 Bedroom and 2 Bathroom Loft Featuring 21' Ceilings with Stunning Floor-To-Ceiling Windows. Second Floor Features A Large Bedroom and Office Space with Polished Concrete.
S/S Bosch Range And Appliances, Ceiling-Installed Shower. 2 Lockers and Parking.
Listed at $599,900 Property Tax 2009 $2,822.91

CREA Clarification

simsonchu@chestnutpark.com (Simson Chu) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:07:00 +0000

CREA Clarifies Media Inaccuracies

November 4, 2009 -- The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) today released the following statement in response to the various media reports regarding the proposed resolution between CREA and the Competition Bureau:

“The media has inaccurately reported that a proposed resolution between CREA and the Competition Bureau would result in members of the public being able to access the MLS® System to list their homes for sale without involvement of a REALTOR® member of CREA. This is incorrect. The MLS® system is a system for REALTOR® members of CREA. It would not be appropriate for CREA (or, in CREA's view, for the Competition Bureau) to comment further on ongoing settlement discussions. If a settlement is reached, that will become a matter of public record."

Real Estate Newsletter

simsonchu@chestnutpark.com (Simson Chu) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:41:00 +0000

Real Estate News

November 4, 2009 -- In October 2009, Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 8,476 sales, up 64 per cent from October 2008. The average price for October transactions was $423,559 – up by 20 per cent compared to the same month last year.

MLS is proposed to open to the public ~ The Competition bureau is concerned that Canadian Real Estate Associate's rules have restricted consumer choice for alternative business models in real estate. Please click for detail.

Investment Opportunity

X Condos Phase 2 VIP Price List is available. Tentative Occupancy date is November 15th, 2013. Please click for detail.

The Verve ~ Over 30th floor, 1 Bedroom plus Den suite is listed at $340,000. The price includes 1 underground parking, 9' Ceiling and Stainless Steels Appliances. Buyers assume Tenants til the end of Lease at March 31st, 2010. Please click for video tour.

Featured Listings

Upper Forest Hill home listed at $859,000. 3 Bedroom and 2 Bathroom Detached home with finished basement and separate entrance. Please click for video tour.

Authentic Belt Loft: Breathtaking Design Radiating Warmth & Sophistication! Spectaular Kit! Fantastic Built-In Closets! Great Balcony Off Dining Rm. A True Authentic Loft Conversion, Direct Elevator Access To Over 1700 S.F. Fabulous Open Concept Designs! Listed at $789,000. 2009 Property Tax is $4,921.40 and maintenance fee is $670.88.

Luxury Condo at St. Clair. Price Reduction! This listing was featured in last week newsletter! It was priced at $1,850,000. Now, New Price is $1,600,000. New Price per Sq Ft. is $615.

X2 Condos VIP Price List

simsonchu@chestnutpark.com (Simson Chu) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:51:00 +0000

$3,000 with offer.

Balance of 5% in 30days

5% in 60 days

5% in 180 days

5% on occupancy

Occupancy date is tenatively set on November 15, 2013

Maintenance fee is roughly 47 cents per sq ft.

parking is $37,500 and locker is $3,950.

Please email simsonchu@chestnutpark.com for price list

The Verve ~ Investment Property

simsonchu@chestnutpark.com (Simson Chu) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:16:00 +0000

Listed at $340,000
1 Bedroom plus den with parking. 9' Ceiling, North view and high floor

Real estate industry considers outsider listings access

simsonchu@chestnutpark.com (Simson Chu) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:45:00 +0000

The Competition bureau is concerned that Canadian Real Estate Associate's rules have restricted consumer choice for alternative business models in real estate.

President of Association has indicated the system will soon be open to competitors to satisfy Canada's Competition Bureau – giving consumers more choices on how to buy and sell homes at a lower cost.

Right now, sellers cannot put their own contact information on a listing. Instead, a sales representative must handle every aspect of the sale if a property is listed on the system – from the wording of the original listing to the delivery of offers.

Changes would mean offers could be sent directly to sellers, and those hoping to sell their home without an agent would be able to showcase their property on MLS for a smaller fee. The cost savings would be substantial.

There are many discount brokers out there especially in the suburbs. They offer flat rate for listings. My parents taught me there is no free lunch and you get what you pay for. I was at the porche dealership in the weekend, and I have to wait for hour and a half to meet with my car salesperson. With today’s economy, you would think the Porshe dealership would be quite empty. The reality is consumer still appreciate the brand and value the services and the product that the company offers even at `a higher price.

Upper Forest Hill

simsonchu@chestnutpark.com (Simson Chu) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:52:00 +0000

Listed at $859,900. Property Tax in 2009 is $4,760

3 Bedroom and 2 Bathroom Detached home with finished basement and separate entrance.

Desirable Upper Forest Hill Family Home backing on to beltline.

Featured Listing ~ Belt Loft

simsonchu@chestnutpark.com (Simson Chu) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:04:00 +0000

Breathtaking Design Radiating Warmth & Sophistication! Spectaular Kit! Fantastic Built-In Closets! Great Balcony Off Din Rm. A True Authentic Loft Conversion, Direct Elevator Access To Over 1700 S.F. Fabulous Open Concept Designs! Listed at $789,000. 2009 Property Tax is $4,921.40 and maintenance fee is $670.88.

Real Estate Newsletter

simsonchu@chestnutpark.com (Simson Chu) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 01:41:00 +0000

Happy Halloween!

Toronto Real Estate News:

There is no report from Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) this week. From my daily work, the market is still strong, 8 offers were registered and presented at 77 McMurrich for a 1 bedroom in Yorkville.

Just Sold ~ 120 Homewood Ave

This investment property is a 1 bedroom suite at The Verve, high floor with a fantastic east view. It was listed at $269,900. Congratulations to my client!

Featured Luxury Property

Listed at $1,370,000. This house is in a fantastic location sourrounded by million dollar homes. Wide lot 41x106 Feet. Custom-built 4 Bedrooms and 5 Bathrooms detached home. This house is well-priced, and most suitable for family trades up to an entry-level luxury home in the area. The gorgeous home caught my attention because of its potential to become a 2 million dollar home. Take a look at both video clips and make a comparision. Toronto Luxury Listing ~ 508 Glengarry Ave

Toronto Luxury Listing ~ 112 St. Clair St. West

The price of this luxury condo suite at Yonge/St. Clair has reduced significantly. Now is $740/sq ft. Comparing to most of the brand new construction downtown price at 500/sq ft. This $740/sq ft luxury condo conversion is not bad for the location and the workmanship. Listed at $1,850,000.

Featured Listing ~ 130 Parliament St

Parliament St Affordably priced at $429,900. 3 bedroom and 2 bathroom at Corktown, Toronto.
Downtown Live and Work Opportunity, Ttc @ Door, Walk To Corktown, Distillery District, Lake, And St. Lawrence Market. Seller Claims 50K In Upgrades Within The Last 4 Months. New Kitchen, New Ss Appliances, New Windows, New Paint, New Carpet. All Windows Coverings,4 New Appliances.