Dear Friend,

A decent month of sales for GTA realtors as 5,010 homes sold through the MLS system. With a listing inventory of about 25,000 homes, it shows that buyers have a good variety of homes to look at before they buy and this also means that 4 homes are NOT selling! More on that later.

The Toronto Real Estate Board reported an average selling price in November as $1,039,458, and it’s interesting to break down that average into different components.

Detached Semi Detached Row Townhouse Condo Townhouse Condo Apt Total

% of

Sales 45.8 % 9.7% 10.3% 7% 25.9% 98.8% *

Ave Price $1,346,017...

I recorded a segment with Wolfgang Klein for AM 640.

Hear it on Spotify. 

Toronto's Power of Sale Surge: A Wake-Up Call for Buyers and the Market

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) real estate market is undergoing a fundamental shift, and a rising tide of Power of Sale listings is serving as a stark reminder of the financial risks taken during the peak market frenzy of 2020-2022. While these listings still represent a small fraction of the overall market, their sharp increase—more than doubling in the past year in the GTA—is a critical indicator of which borrowers and properties are now under the most stress.

The Two-Tier Mortgage Market: Major Banks vs....

The Ultimate Guide to North York's 'Downtown': Condos for Every Buyer (Yonge & Finch to Sheppard)

The stretch of Yonge Street between Sheppard and Finch Avenues is not just a major artery—it's the dynamic "Downtown" of North York. This vibrant, high-density corridor, known officially as North York Centre, offers a truly unique urban experience right outside the heart of Toronto. For condo buyers and renters, it represents the ultimate blend of convenience, culture, and connectivity.

Location, Location, Lifestyle: The North York Centre Advantage

What makes this neighbourhood a...

The Sweet Spot: Why Toronto's St. Lawrence & Esplanade Area is the Perfect Place to Call Home

It's the age-old Toronto conundrum: How do you live right in the core, close to your office, transit, and all the action, without sacrificing community, convenience, and a high quality of life?

As a full-time Toronto Realtor® who literally grew up navigating these streets, watching the city change over time, I can tell you that most neighbourhoods require a trade-off. Except one: the vibrant, historic area around St. Lawrence Market and the Esplanade. This is Toronto's definitive "sweet...

Toronto Real Estate: More Than Just Transactions—It's a Relationship

By Brian Matthews, Full-Time Toronto Realtor®

It's one thing to have a real estate license; it's another to have nearly two decades of dedicated, full-time experience navigating one of the most dynamic markets in North America. My name is Brian Matthews, and I have been a licensed Toronto Realtor® since 2002.

This city isn't just a place I work—it’s home.

The Advantage of Growing Up in Toronto

I didn't just move here for the market; I grew up right here in Toronto. That means my understanding of the city goes...

Stop Wasting Time: Why Shopping Without a Mortgage Pre-Approval is a Recipe for Disappointment

As a Toronto real estate agent, one of the most common scenarios I encounter is the eager homebuyer who has spent weeks, or even months, online, falling in love with properties, only to hit a wall when it comes to making an offer. The culprit? Shopping without a mortgage pre-approval.

It might seem like a minor detail, something you can "get to later," but I can't stress this enough: entering the housing market without a pre-approval is not just inefficient; it's a guaranteed way to waste...

The Virtual Vexation: Why Bad Digital Staging is the Fastest Way to Kill a Home Sale

In today's real estate market, the first showing happens online. Almost every home search begins with a scroll, making professional, beautiful photos a non-negotiable. This is where virtual staging shines, promising a cost-effective way to transform an empty box into an aspirational lifestyle.

But there is a dark side to this digital wizardry: when used poorly, virtual staging doesn't just fail to sell the home—it actively poisons the in-person viewing, turning excitement into crushing disappointment.

...

The Glass Paradox: Are Toronto's Sleek Condo Towers Leaking Your Energy Dollars?

Toronto's skyline is defined by shimmering towers of glass, iconic symbols of modern urban living. We love the floor-to-ceiling windows that flood our units with natural light and offer breathtaking city views. But beneath that sleek, sophisticated exterior lies a lesser-known truth: these expansive glass facades can be a major culprit in energy inefficiency, costing condo owners significant money in heating and cooling, and contributing to a larger environmental footprint.

As a condo owner, you might...

The Hidden Cost: How Maintenance Fee Hikes Can Cap Your Condo's Price Potential

As a Toronto condo owner, you're likely keeping a close eye on property values, hoping to see a healthy return on your investment when it comes time to sell. While market conditions, location, and unit features all play a crucial role in your condo's final selling price, there's a less obvious but equally powerful force at play: maintenance fees.

Many sellers focus on the "comps" – comparable units that have recently sold in their building or neighborhood. However, what often gets overlooked is the impact...