Two Contenders For Large Yonge Street Condo
55 DELISLE AVENUE, NO. 505, TORONTO
- ASKING PRICE $995,000
- SELLING PRICE $993,500
- PREVIOUS SELLING PRICES $850,000 (2008); $818,000 (October, 2006); $555,421 (July, 2006)
- TAXES $6,139 (2011)
- DAYS ON THE MARKET Nine
- LISTING AGENT Elli Davis, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd.
55 Delisle Avenue 505
The Action:
There were about two dozen showings for this two-bedroom-plus-den corner suite situated in a brick mid-rise around the corner from popular restaurants, shops and subway at Yonge Street and St. Clair Avenue. With little turnover in the roughly six-year-old building, two contenders negotiated offers and the property was sold within days.
What They Got:
This fifth-floor suite is an mid-size model in the Carlyle with 1,505 square feet of living space, complete with nine-foot ceilings and windows everywhere but the enclosed den, as well as hardwood floors in public areas and carpeting in the private sleeping quarters on opposite sides of the unit.
The dining area is situated off the open living space and separate eat-in kitchen, which both have walkouts to a balcony with a gas outlet.
The master suite features a walk-in closet, a curved bank of windows and the larger of two full bathrooms.
Stacked laundry machines, stainless steel kitchen appliances, including a gas stove, two lockers and two parking spots, are included with the unit.
Each month, the fee of $1,224 covers water and heating costs, not to mention 24-hour concierge and maintenance of a gym, party room and guest suites.
The Agent’s Take:
“The appeal is that it’s a newer building by Yonge and St. Clair,” says agent Elli Davis. “It offered high ceilings and it was in excellent condition.”
The outdoor space also bore some benefits of a backyard. “It was a nice balcony that looked through the trees,” says Ms. Davis. “Many people moving from a home want to retain their barbecue and they do allow it there.”
Posted in The Globe and Mail, April 05, 2012
Older Toronto Condo Delivers Space Bonus
61 ST. CLAIR AVENUE WEST, NO. 807, TORONTO
- ASKING PRICE $675,000
- SELLING PRICE $645,000
- PREVIOUS SELLING PRICE $316,000 (1996)
- TAXES $4,761 (2011)
- DAYS ON THE MARKET 26
- LISTING AGENT Elli Davis, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd.
The Action:
On a stretch of St. Clair Avenue West between Yonge Street and Avenue Road, this two-bedroom corner suite at Granite Place welcomed 25 potential buyers, from young professionals to downsizing homeowners.
61 St. Clair Avenue West 807
What They Got:
On the eighth floor of the two-tower community, the 1,412-square-foot suite features windows in each room, including an eat-in kitchen with parquet floors, a carpeted dining area and an open living space with a walkout to a 25-by 8-foot balcony that is also accessible from a master suite.
Practical assets include two bathrooms, including the master ensuite, a laundry room, a locker and parking.
The monthly fee of $1,070 pays for utilities, 24-hour concierge and common amenities, such as a gym, indoor pool, hot tub, party and meeting rooms and a private park.
The Agent’s Take:
“People really love Granite Place [on account of] the lush landscaped lobby and a very large indoor pool, which attracted a lot of people,” says agent Elli Davis. “It’s an easy walk to the subway and the shops. The Yonge and St. Clair location is very, very hot.”
This suite, which is an average size in the roughly 30-year-old building, also provides lots of space to roam. “This was a split, two-bedroom, two-bathroom plan and the balconies are quite large there,” adds Ms. Davis.
Posted in The Globe and Mail, April 05, 2012
A Tiny Price Cut Moves a Big Casa Loma Home
337 SPADINA RD., TORONTO
- ASKING PRICE $1,195,000
- SELLING PRICE $1,190,000
- PREVIOUS SELLING PRICE $691,588 (1999)
- TAXES $8,429 (2011)
- DAYS ON THE MARKET 67
- LISTING AGENT Elli Davis, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd
Done Deal 337 Spadina Road
The Action
Situated across the street from Sir Winston Churchill Park and down the street from St. Clair West subway station, this four-storey executive townhouse was initially listed for over $1.2-million. After visits from roughly 40 shoppers and a price reduction to $1,195,000, it ultimately sold for $1,190,000.
What They Got
In a row of 12-year-old townhouses, this roughly 3,000-square-foot residence has a fairly standard plan with three bedrooms, four bathrooms and several entertaining areas indoors and out, plus nine-foot ceilings with pot lights throughout, an elevator and access to a double garage off the lower-level recreation room.
At street level, there is a foyer and library with limestone floors.
Hardwood floors flow throughout the second level where there is a dining room with decorative wainscoting and under valance lighting, and a central kitchen with stainless steel appliances, including a gas stove, and granite counters overlooking a sunken living room with a gas fireplace and terrace doors.
Sleeping quarters consist of two bedrooms on the third floor, along with a laundry room, and a sky-lit master suite on the fourth floor with his-and-her closets, a five-piece bathroom and a wide deck.
The property was also outfitted with central vacuum, sound and security systems.
The Agent’s Take
“Three thirty-seven Spadina was beautifully located in Forest Hill near Spadina and St. Clair,” says agent Elli Davis. “You can walk to Forest Hill Village, Winston Churchill Park, St. Clair [West] subway, Loblaws and the Joe store.”
This townhouse also had many modern comforts and conveniences buyers wanted. “Features include four levels, an elevator and double garage attached,” says Ms. Davis. “It’s perfect for downsizers or someone who doesn’t want the maintenance of a home, but doesn’t want a condo either.”
Posted in Globe and Mail, Mar. 22, 2012
Nine Visitors to One Bedford, One Buyer
1 BEDFORD RD., NO. 2101, TORONTO
- ASKING PRICE $1,795,000
- SELLING PRICE $1,715,000
- TAXES not yet assessed
- DAYS ON THE MARKET 49
- LISTING AGENT Elli Davis, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd.
The Action
Done Deal – 1 Bedford Rd. NO 2101
In a new luxury high-rise on Bloor Street, just across from Varsity Stadium by the Royal Ontario Museum, this two-bedroom plus den suite was initially listed for $1,795,000 and later reduced to $1,750,000. Nine serious buyers had private tours before one signed a deal.
What They Got
On the 21st floor of One Bedford, this 2,091-square-foot corner suite has unobstructed views down to the CN Tower with nine-foot tall windows in each room, including the den, an open entertaining space and a dining area, which has a balcony, as well as an eat-in kitchen with a granite-topped island.
The master was outfitted with broadloom carpeting rather than hardwood floors like the rest of the suite, access to a second outdoor space and the larger of two full bathrooms.
Additional luxuries include a powder room and high-end Sub-Zero and Miele appliances, along with a locker and parking spot.
Heat and hydro are not covered by the monthly fee of $1,290, which pays for 24-hour concierge and operating of a gym, indoor pool, hot tub and party room.
Local amenities also surround the building, which is literally steps from St. George subway station, designer boutiques on Bloor Street and esteemed restaurants in Yorkville, not to mention fine art galleries and museums.
The Agent’s Take
“The location in this building was key really … because it’s right on Bloor,” says agent Elli Davis. “The view was spectacular south and east on the 21st floor, so it had a very spacious, open feeling.”
The suite also provided less work and more space than other options. “It was a brand new condo that was very lightly lived in,” Ms. Davis states. “It was probably on the larger side.”
Posted in Globe and Mail, Mar. 22, 2012
Four Bidders Vie For Casa Loma Home
44 WELLS HILL AVENUE, TORONTO
- ASKING PRICE $950,000
- SELLING PRICE $1,120,000
- PREVIOUS SELLING PRICE $850,000 (2007)
- TAXES $6,595 (2011)
- DAYS ON THE MARKET Six
- LISTING AGENT Elli Davis, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd.
The Action:
44 Wells Hill 500
In a residential pocket between the St. Clair West subway station and the historic Casa Loma landmark, fierce bidding wars have broken out over the last few properties listed for sale, including this detached, brick residence.
Four buyers out of 26 who booked private showings later submitted strong offers.
What They Got:
Built circa 1930 on a short treed street, this two-storey house is considered one of the older and smaller homes in the area.
It contains four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a fireside living room and separate dining room, as well as a rear sitting area and adjacent family room off the kitchen with a walkout to a private backyard and patio.
To store large items, there is an unfinished basement, detached garage and private driveway.
The Agent’s Take:
“It’s in the Casa Loma enclave and it’s a detached home with a private drive off Nina Street, so it was great for parking or for walking to the St. Clair and Bathurst area, subway, Loblaws and Joe [store],” agent Elli Davis said. “It featured nice, original charm of mouldings, hardwood floors, etcetera, so that was really well received.”
Posted in The Globe and Mail, March 22, 2012
Elli Davis Interviewed: Home Sales, Prices up in February
By: Sunny Freeman, The Canadian Press
Posted by brandonsun.com
TORONTO – An early bout of spring weather helped Canadian home sales pick up in February following two months of declines, defying predictions the market is starting to cool.
“The Canadian housing market remains buoyant, with an unseasonably mild winter likely adding some further juice to the mix,” said BMO deputy chief economist Douglas Porter. The Canadian Real Estate Association said Thursday that home sales rose 1.4 per cent in February, gaining back one third of the month-over month decline in January.
Compared with a year ago, actual home sales rose 8.6 per cent to 36,937 homes sold over CREA’s Multiple Listing Service. CREA noted the market remained balanced as both home sales and the number of newly listed homes increased 1.9 per cent, reaching their highest level since May 2010. The increase in supply should help keep the market balanced going forward and home price growth in check.
![THE CANADIAN PRESS [Paul Chiasson]](http://www.ellidavis.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/cpt83049032-high.jpg)
THE CANADIAN PRESS
[Paul Chiasson]
That also served to skew the national average home price higher — a replay of which was not expected this year, said Gregory Klump, CREA’s chief economist. “February’s data bear this out, but other factors are now keeping the national average price aloft. The main one is the housing market in Toronto, where a tight balance between supply and demand continues to drive some of the strongest home price gains in the country, particularly for single detached properties.”
A preference in recent months for single family homes, which are typically more expensive than condos, has helped to buoy the national average home price. The national average price for homes sold in February was $372,763, up two per cent from its reading for the same month last year. Average home prices in Vancouver are still double the national average at $806,094. But the Toronto market has now taken over as the country’s driver of growth, with sales up 12.2 per cent and home prices up 10.6 per cent year over year in February to $454,470.
One Toronto bungalow that recently made headlines sold for $421,800 over the asking price, with the winning bid coming from a university student with funding from her parents in China. As more buyers get priced out of some of the hottest markets, some are questioning whether — like the Vancouver market at its height last year —an influx of foreign investment is driving up the value of Toronto homes.
But Toronto real estate agent Elli Davis said while many of her listings receive multiple offers — some from foreign investors — she doesn’t believe foreign bids are responsible for the run-up in prices.
“(Foreign investment) has been common for years,” said the 29-year industry veteran, adding that most of her buyers are from Toronto.
“It doesn’t matter who it is, if someone wants to pay more than someone else, that’s just how the market is.”
Industry watchers, who are closely monitoring home prices, have suggested Canada’s real estate market, which has been fuelled by low mortgage rates since the recession, will soon cool off — but many predict a so-called “soft landing.”
Others have called for a more drastic decline in sales and home prices, saying that the market is overheated, creating a housing bubble that could soon burst. But BMO’s Porter said that the modest two per cent increase in home prices hardly justifies predictions of a devastating housing crash. “Could it just be possible that with a high percentage of Canadian analysts and media outlets located in Toronto, that the perception of Canada’s housing market is being deeply influenced by the strength in the local market?” Porter wondered.
On a weighted basis, which gives each region, regardless of size, an equal weighting, prices were up even more — at 4.6 per cent year-over-year, a jump that will “raise eyebrows in Ottawa,” said CIBC economist Avery Shenfeld. “Policy-makers are growing more concerned about the risks of an overshoot in home prices (and related mortgage debt) that would set Canada up for a harder landing down the road,” he said.
“That increases the odds of a policy response at some point this year if home price momentum continues, with measures aimed directly at housing and mortgages rather than rate hikes being the likely weapon under consideration.” Ottawa has stepped in with tighter lending standards three times in the past three years in order to reduce the risk of overborrowing from those most vulnerable to a rise in interest rates.
Royal LePage 2011 Awards Gala
Phil Soper, Elli Davis, Gino Romanese & George Heos
The Royal LePage 2011 Awards Gala was held at Le Parc banquet hall this year. It was a lively evening of dancing, music and merriment…and, of course, a celebration of the achievements of some of Ontario’s top real estate agents!
Elli was honoured with the awards for #10 National Team, and #8 Ontario Top Team, as well as #10 National Chairman’s Club.
Toronto Home Magazine Features 110 Bloor Street West #1905
Toronto Home Magazine
100 Bloor Street West 1905
Toronto Home Magazine featured one of Elli’s listings in their Winter Issue. A stunning suite at 110 Bloor Street West was chosen for its beautiful interior design and architecture. William Mockler and Stuart Watson, of Drawing Room Architect Inc., turned a dark, outdated suite into a modern space, with clean, contemporary design. Read “The Big Picture”.
Toronto Life Real Estate Advice Column
Elli’s advice column in the recently published Toronto Life Real Estate Magazine offers some great insight to those considering buying or selling a home in today’s market.
Casa Loma Area Home Goes $425,000 Over Asking
39 WELLS HILL AVENUE, TORONTO
- Asking price: $950,000
- Selling price: $1,375,000
- Previous selling price: $460,000 (1997)
- Taxes: $6,641 (2011)
- Time on the market: 7 days
The Action:
39 Wells Hill Ave
Residential properties in the Casa Loma area rarely come on the market, so it was a good bet there’d be some interest in this three-storey home. But to ensure a quick sale, the home was listed with a price under $1-million. The strategy worked better than anticipated, resulting in over 60 private showings in addition to two open house events and 15 offers.
What They Got:
In the 1930s, this detached brick house was built on a 35- by-101-ft lot that currently faces a quiet, treed street nearby St. Clair West station, Sir Winston Churchill Park and schools, as well as shops, restaurants and a 24-hour supermarket.
Traditional attributes include leaded glass windows, hardwood floors and multiple fireplaces in areas like the formal living and dining rooms.
For casual lounging, there is a sunroom, a breakfast area off the kitchen and a second floor library.
Three out of four bathrooms are on the top two floors, which each have two bedrooms. One on the second floor has a deck and the other features an updated four-piece bathroom and sitting area, while the third floor bedrooms have walk-in closets.
The one-bedroom basement apartment has kitchen and laundry facilities, a bathroom and a separate entrance.
A driveway and garage offers private parking.
The Agent’s Take:
“The attraction there was the Casa Loma neighbourhood and the fact it was detached with parking,” agent Elli Davis said. “They call these kinds of houses Arts and Crafts houses – with the original trim – but it had some updates.”
Listing Agent: Elli Davis, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd.
Posted in The Globe and mail, Jan. 11