“It is clear that the public expects the Mayor and City Council to move forward with the commitment to repeal the Toronto Land Transfer Tax, and it is unlikely that they will forget about this. This is a significant tax: it costs the average Toronto home buyer almost $6,500, and when added to the Provincial Land Transfer Tax, average Toronto homebuyers face almost $14,000 in land transfer taxes. REALTORS® look forward to working with the Mayor and City Council on a reasonable approach to deliver on this promise,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Bill Johnston.

TREB has consistently opposed the Toronto Land Transfer Tax as an unfair tax that hurts Toronto’s economy. TREB strongly believes that the commitment by Mayor Rob Ford, and numerous City Councillors, during and after the election campaign to repeal the Toronto Land Transfer Tax was, and is, sensible.

“Recently, the City’s Budget Chief has pointed out the budgetary challenges facing the City. REALTORS® believe that City Council is moving in the right direction by conducting a comprehensive review of City services; we also strongly believe that the commitment to repeal the Toronto Land Transfer Tax can, and should, move forward,” said Johnston.

A recent public opinion poll conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs found that 75 per cent of Torontonians support Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s commitment to repeal the Toronto Land Transfer Tax.

In light of the City’s Budget Chief’s recent comments, the poll contained interesting results. In particular, even when asked to consider the City’s expected budget shortfall, the public’s support for the repeal of the Toronto Land Transfer Tax remains very strong, with 68 per cent of Torontonians believing that the Mayor should follow-through on this commitment, despite the City’s budget challenges.

The poll also found that the public is paying attention to this issue: a large number of Torontonians, 61 per cent, were previously aware that Mayor Ford has committed to repeal the Toronto Land Transfer Tax.

Q: I was shocked to hear I had to sign a three-month exclusive contract with a real estate agent in order to submit an offer or even to look at property. This was supposed to cover the time and expenses in finding the right home. Do I have to sign?

A: No, you don’t have to sign an exclusive contract with a real estate agent when buying a home. It’s your choice.

The law requires buyers to sign a document, called Working with a Realtor, at the earliest practical opportunity. It’s better to have a conversation about it when you start looking at homes together, rather than in the hectic time before you submit an offer.

Having an exclusive contract, known as a buyer representation agreement (BRA), is just one of the ways you can work with a realtor. If you prefer not to sign, look for someone who won’t insist on exclusivity.

You can negotiate the contract terms, such as signing for a shorter period than three months (even a month or 10 days). You can limit the contract to a specific property, street or neighbourhood, if the agent agrees.

Market conditions tightened markedly over the last year. April 2011 sales accounted for 62 per cent of new listings during the month – up substantially from 53 per cent in April 2010. Tighter conditions resulted in the average April selling price growing by nine per cent annually to $477,407. “The number of listings has been below expectations so far this year. Increased competition between home buyers has led to an accelerating annual rate of price growth,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis. “The strong price growth experienced in April should result in more listings and more balanced market conditions.”

Remarks For Clients: *Location!!!Prime Eglinton-Mt Pleasant Area*A Real Gem* Chaming,Renovated Home-Features Open Concept Living & Dining*Large Modern Kitchen/Skylight W/O To Deck*South Garden*Fireplace*Gleaming Hardwood*Permit Parking.

Remarks For Clients: Beautifully Renovated Family Home In Moore Pk. New Wiring, Heating, New Kitchen With Granite Counters, Stainless Steel App, Pella French Doors To Deck, 2 Skylights. Restructed 2nd Floor, 2 New Bathrms With Heated Flrs, Built-Ins, Skylights, Pot Lights, New Windows, Hdwd Flrs. Tradional Features, Leaded Glass, French Doors, Gumwood Panelling, Plate Rail. This Is A Gem! Prefered Quiet St Permit Pkg For 2 Cars, Perfect Opportunity For Young Family!

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Fall In Love With This Riverdale Beauty!! Exposed Brick Wall On Main Floor, Reno'd Chef's Kitchen With Gas Stove, Butcher Block Counters & Breakfast Bar, Open To Dining Room! A Super Entertaining Area. Walk-Out To Covered Porch & Prof Landscaped Oasis West Facing Garden & Stone Patio. High Fin Basement With Reno'd 3 Piece Bath, Laundry & Storage. Tree Top Deck Off 3rd Bedroom! Reno'd & Enlarged 4 Piece Bath. W/W Closet In Master! Brick To The Top! Shows A 10!

Impressive Executive Residence! Enjoy Lifestyle Comforts In This Spacious Home, Complete With Inground Pool! Hardwood Floors In All Bdrms. Stunning Master W/4-Pc Ensuite & Large Sitting Room. Binn's Oak Kitchen W/Built-Ins. Kohler Baths. Huge Finished Bsmt W/New Broadloom. Family Room W/Fireplace. Interlock Surrounds Pool. Perfect For Entertaining & Family Living. Public Open House: Sunday April 17th, 2:00-4:00Pm.

View this recently sold House or see all my home sales

View this recently sold House or see all my home sales

Wow!Stunning Traditional Family Home,Completely Renovated Like New!Shows Like A Model!Reno Kit (2008),Reno Baths (2008),Great Brkfst Rm Overlooking Family Rm,Separate Lr & Dr,Amid Stately Multi-Million $ Homes!3 Homes Wst Of Ledbury.

Entertainers Dream-Grand Design!Custom Model-Builder's Own Home! 10Ft Ceilings,H/W Flrs,Crown Molding,Wainsotting,Coffered Ceilings,4 Skylights,Potlights,Travertine Heated Flrs In Basement.Granite Counters In Kitchen/Build In Stainles Steel Appliances:Gas Stove,Dbl/Dr Fridge,Dbl Sink..Central Location Steps To St.Clair,Hillcrest Village,Restaurants,Shopping,Schools.

View this recently sold condo or see all my home sales

View this recently sold House or see all my home sales

Please come with any questions you may have. In the meantime you can take a virtual tour of this Applewood - Golden Orchard House for sale.

As always please do not hesitate to give me a call at 416 487-5131 if I can answer any questions before the open house, or if you would like to book a private showing.

Ray Doner
RE/MAX ULTIMATE REALTY INC., BROKERAGE

View this recently sold condo or see all my home sales

Yonge-Egg! Beautiful Open Concept 1 + Unit In Delightful - Friendly But Quiet - Boutique Building - Literally A 2 Minute Walk To The Yonge Subway. Spotless & Bright With Floor To Ceiling West Facing Windows & 2 Walk-Outs To A Large Balcony. Note Hydro Included In Maintenance Fees. Restaurants, Shops, Cafes - All At Your Feet! Extras: *2 Lockers (57/58), Pkg., Appliances (Stainless Steel Fridge, S/S Stove, S/S Microwave/Range Hood, S/S B/I Diswasher, Washer/ Clothes Dryer Ensuite),Existing Window Coverings & Electric Light Fixtures,Recent Vanity W/Granite Counter In Bath

Ultra Chic Boutique Condolofts,Next To Shangri-La Hotel,Heart Of Dwntown,Unobstructed South Views,Huge Corner Unit**W/Den**, 1170Sqft, 160Sqft Balc,Open Concept,Entertainers Dream,Walk To Ttc,Hot Nightclubs,Restaurants,Fine Shops,Great Finishes,Gym,Rooftop Pool,Cabanas,Firepits,Excellent Location & Value, Building Now Registered. New Unit Never Lived In. Extras: : New Appliances, Frigidaire Elec Cooktop,Lg Fridge, B/I Dishwasher, Full Size Washer/Dryer, B/I Microwave,Island W/Granite,Glass Backsplash, Mst.Bdrm W/Sliding Barn Door, Oversized W/I Closet, Very Large Ensuite