When people first suggested that the term “Merry Christmas” was politically incorrect, and that we should start saying either Happy Holidays or Seasons Greetings, I though that the whole P.C. concept had gone a little far.

I’d like to thank all of my loyal blog readers for their support over the last year, and I look forward to 2009.

I’m going to add a few new features to the Toronto Realty Blog next year, including video blogs, forums, and perhaps a fresh new look.

Seasons Greetings to everybody, and I’ll be back in 2009 with just as much cynicism, sarcasm, and opinionated banter as in 2008!

One of my readers suggested I tackle this topic, so I’m much obliged to help out.

For some people, this might be a list of costs they were never even aware of.

For others, this leads into a detailed discussion of how to include these items in a capitalized cost figure, and how it affects their return on investment…

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I always get frustrated when I see this on an MLS listing.  Why does the listing agent have to present?  Can’t I just show my client the property alone like the other 99% of all showings?

Usually this doesn’t turn out to be an issue.

But here is the story of one instance when it was an issue…

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There’s a new marketing trend emerging in real estate, and it’s rather creative and timely, in my opinion.

Consider it a new take on an old practice.

Who says open houses always have to be from 2:00 - 4:00PM on Saturday & Sunday anyways?

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What’s $170,000,000 between friends?

The old adage, “You can make numbers say anything you want” sort of rings true with this new study released by the Toronto Real Estate Board.

However, after reading their latest press release, I have to agree with their findings.

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I think it’s a fair question.

And if you feel the question is silly and the answer is obvious, I think you’d be surprised to hear that some people assign an intangible value to a home previously owned by somebody in the limelight.

Let’s run through a couple of examples, shall we?

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Too much serious talk about real estate lately…..time for some fun!

I’m not trying to make this into a glorified Facebook page, but here is a look into what our office did on Tuesday to celebrate a year of hard work and the upcoming holidays.

Viewer discretion is…..partially advised…

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A reader emailed me the other day seeking my advice on pre-construction and its viability under the current market conditions both in terms of investment and as a principal residence.

I’ve been touting pre-construction as a fantastic investment vehicle for the last three years, but times change.

As I told my curious reader, “That ship has sailed, my friend.”

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“Moss Park Luxury Condominiums!”

Does that sound right to you?  Or is this a complete oxymoron?

Believe it or not, there are a couple of new developments in this area, and I’d like to examine just how difficult it will be to make Moss Park the next hot locale…

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Referral’s are a part of any business, as they should be.

One hand washes the other!

Or how about, “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours!”

There are, however, rules and regulations in the Real Estate industry that all of us must follow…

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