1001 Bay St. #1408 (Wellesley and Bay streets)

• Asking price: $385,000
• Sold for: $382,000
• Taxes: $1,951 (2011)
• Monthly fee: $489
• Bedrooms: 1
• Bathrooms: 1
• Time on the market: two days

“A spectacular view of the city can be enjoyed from this suite, in a luxury condo on Bay Street,” says listing agent Elli Davis.

1001 Bay Street 

The one-bedroom, one-bathroom suite has a combination living and dining room, stainless steel appliances in the kitchen and French doors and a four-piece ensuite bathroom in the master suite. The den has an east view of the city.

The suite has an ensuite laundry and comes with one underground parking space and a locker.

Building amenities include a concierge, an exercise room, an indoor pool, a sauna and a squash court.

The suite is within walking distance of the TTC and shopping.

Listing Broker: Royal LePage Real Estate Services (Elli Davis)

Posted in National Post, May 14, 2012

You might also like

1. Sold: Suite Faces East Over Hoggs Hollow
2. South Skyline View
3. Sold: Home Zoned Residential/Commercial

There are not many people (in the developed world, at least) who have never heard of the Guinness Book of Records. It is the dream of thousands to be mentioned in this annually updated collection of world records and thereby prove to be exceptionally good at something. Athletes, for instance, are often trying their hardest to not only win but actually break records. It is no different for Canada and some of its citizens. Do you know what are we THE BEST at?

The Book of Records

As usual, I find it important to briefly discuss the origins of the publication, which is something like The Bible in the world of records. It was more than six decades ago, in 1951, when the then managing director of the Guinness Brewery (the name of the book of records is not a coincidence, as you can see) Sir Hugh Beaver realized answers to simple questions that were going through his mind were nowhere to be found. To be more specific, he was wondering what Europe’s fastest game bird was, and he was unable to get a satisfying response.

Since he was distressed by the fact that an informative book containing superlative facts was missing, Sir Hugh took the initiative in his own hands. Thanks to his activity and immense help of the fact-finding twins Norris and Ross McWhirter, the very first Guinness Book of Records or Guinness World Records, as it has been called since 2000, was published on 27 August 1955. Needless to say, it was amazingly successful; by Christmas of the same year, it became number-one bestseller in Britain. What I find quite fascinating is the fact that book itself actually holds a world record, as is it the best-selling copyrighted book series of all time.

Guinness World Records Day

The annual Guinness World Records Day was celebrated for the first time on November 9th, 2005. Are you wondering why it started more than half a century after publishing the first edition of the World Record’s Book? The answer is indeed very simple. It was in November 2004 when the World Records became the world’s bestselling copyright book and the event was created to regularly commemorate this fact. What is the point of this day? As you may have guessed, the aim of this event is to encourage people to break world records. The celebrations every year are huge: more than 300,000 enthusiasts eager to break a record participated the last annual celebration in November 2011. That certainly is a great success!

Guinness World Records Museum

Guinness World Records Museum

4943 Clifton Hill
Niagara Falls, Ontario
If you are interested in learning some of the amazing record-breaking facts but reading a book just does not seem exciting enough, you do not have to go too far from Toronto to find exactly what you are looking for. Explore “sports, animal, and structures sections,” see life-sized models of remarkable human beings, and much more. I am positive that a visit to the museum that “brings the Guinness Book of Records to life” will make for a lovely family afternoon. Take your children and discover who/what is the best, fastest, the tallest — or simply the most extraordinary. Have fun!

World Records Set in Canada

Do you know at least some of the world records of Canada and its citizens? I only knew a few, but after a little research, I feel relatively well informed and eager to share my newly found knowledge with you! Here is some of Canada’s (and Toronto’s) greatest past and present world records.

Largest Smoothie

Why not to break a record and please hundreds of people at the same time? Mixing a large smoothie is a fantastic way to achieve both. Smoothies are not too difficult to make, they are delicious, and at the same time good for your health. Canadians are sure aware of all that! In 2010, Dairy Farmers of Canada successfully mixed a 1,000-litre blueberry smoothie in Toronto in July 2010 and earned a mention in the Guinness books of records.

The 100 per cent Canadian smoothie was made up of up of 550 litres of Canadian milk, 300 kilograms of frozen Canadian blueberries, 150 litres of Canadian vanilla yogurt, and 35 litres of Canadian honey. A huge number of people participated in the event and tasted the record-breaking blueberry goodness. Who knows? It might have inspired them to mix their own smoothies at home. Canada is certainly great at that — interestingly, the previous largest smoothie was made in our country as well. Yummy!

Largest Gold Coin

For more than three years, Canada was the home of the most remarkable coin in the world. In spring 2007, the Royal Canadian Mint issued the then largest gold coin, the face value of which was a fantastic $1 million. This precious piece was 99.999 per cent pure gold and its weight was about 100 kilograms (220 pounds). Queen Elizabeth II was depicted on the front side of the coin — it was actually the largest official portrait of Her Majesty in gold — and its back showed something typical for Canada, three maple leaves.

Unfortunately, this coin is no longer the largest in the world. In October of last year, the new largest gold coin was unveiled in Perth, Australia. It is actually quite similar to our coin: Queen Elizabeth II is depicted on one side, and a typical Australian feature (a kangaroo) is on the other. The coin is, like the Canadian one, 99.999 per cent pure gold, but it is A LOT heavier. Its weight is an unbelievable 1,000 kilograms.

Longest Street in the World

Yonge Street by Wikimedia Commons

All those who have ever lived in or at least visited Toronto certainly know Yonge Street. Not only is it a national historic site, well known for offering great fun and food, but it is also extremely long. While there is controversy about whether it actually is the longest street in the world, patriotic Torontonians certainly believe there is no longer street anywhere, so I just have to mention it.

Years before it was paved, Yonge Street was a trail used by the Huron First Nation and colonial explorers. The founder of Toronto, John Graves Simcoe, named the street after the British secretary Sir George Yonge. Until 1998, the amazing 1,178 miles long street was listed in the Guinness Book of Records. However, without Highway 11, which apparently is not really a part of this street, it loses this precious recognition. Many people, including me, still believe there is no longer street in this world.

World’s Longest Freshwater Beach

Wasaga Beach by Wikimedia Commons

Take a trip about two hours north of downtown Toronto and you will find a record-breaking place. The 8.5 miles Wasaga Beach is the longest freshwater beach in the world. Wasaga Beach is one of the best and most popular places that is accessible and not too far from Toronto.

In the white sands, right on the waters of Nottawasaga Bay, you will find entertainment all year long. The weather is moderate during both summer and winter, thanks to which you can enjoy sunbathing as well snowmobiling and skiing in the most pleasant way possible — without unbearable heat and frequent snowstorms. Now, while the weather is not that warm yet, you can take your kids and have a lovely family picnic on the beach. There are tables available for you. Besides all this, you can shop, play minigolf, hike, or take part in one of the many events that take place on the extremely popular beach over the year.

World’s Biggest Beaver Dam

Would you believe there is a beaver dam that can be seen from space? As strange as it might sound, there indeed is one here in our country. The world’s largest beaver dam is located in a national park in Alberta and in 2010, it spread over unbelievable 850 metres.

The ecologist who discovered the record-breaking dam in 2007 thanks to modern technology (Google Earth) claims it has been in the making for approximately 40 years and generations of beavers participated in creating the structure. Nevertheless, it would most likely never have been discovered without Google Earth. That is pretty funny: it can be seen from space yet it took decades to be found.

You might also like

1. Wizard World Comic Con Tour in Toronto
2. 2010: Housing Records?
3. Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada – All that Glitters Gala, Nov 8th

• ASKING PRICE: $649,000
• SELLING PRICE: $676,000
• PREVIOUS SELLING PRICES: $475,000 (2003); $455,000 (2002)
• TAXES: $3,588 (2011)
• DAYS ON THE MARKET: Two
• LISTING AGENT: Elli Davis, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd

The Action:

1177 Yonge Street

Few suites are listed for sale at The Ports, so when the opportunity presents itself, they sell quickly like this two-bedroom penthouse, which was purchased in a bidding war after just two dozen showings in two days.

What They Got:

On the top floor of a seven-storey building, this 1,361-square-foot unit features large south-facing windows and hardwood floors in most areas, including a living room with a wood burning fireplace and a dining area with sliding doors to a 100-square-foot balcony, as well as granite floors and stainless steel appliances in the sky lit kitchen.

Other assets include a carpeted master suite with a walk-in closet and entry to one of two full bathrooms, a full sized laundry room, in addition to two lockers and two parking spots.

Utilities are not included in a monthly fee of $1,101, which covers recreation facilities and visitor parking.

The Agent’s Take:

"It's a penthouse that has skylights, so it is very bright and has a gorgeous view down Yonge Street, so you can see the CN Tower," agent Elli Davis said. "It does need some updating, thus the price was more affordable than some of the newer condominium buildings in Toronto."

Residents of this roughly 30-year-old building also have easy access to desirable amenities. "The building offers 24-hour security, a tennis court, barbecues and tables in the park area on the east side of the building," adds Ms. Davis. "Its in a residential area, but it’s on the subway line and steps to shops, so it’s well located."

Posted in The Globe and Mail, May 4, 2012.

You might also like

1. Two Contenders For Large Yonge Street Condo
2. Extraordinary View on Yonge Street
3. Yonge Street

• ASKING PRICE: $895,000
• SELLING PRICE: $975,000
• PREVIOUS SELLING PRICES: $799,100 (2009); $705,300 (2004); $332,500 (1999); $264,700 (1996)
• TAXES: $5,784 (2011)
• DAYS ON THE MARKET: 15
• LISTING AGENT: Elli Davis, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd

The Action:

Amid a mix of semi and detached homes – many with three bedrooms – this detached, two-bedroom house received about three dozen visitors before one paid $80,000 over the list price to buy it.

31 Fairfield Road

What They Got:

A recent homeowner of this roughly 70-year-old house gave it new life by refinishing the maple staircase, installing new hardwood floors in the bedrooms upstairs and remodeling the three bathrooms and an eat-in kitchen.

On the main floor, there is a living room with a wood burning fireplace, an adjacent dining room and a rear family room with double doors to a private stone patio and landscaped garden.

Added bonuses include skylights in the main bathroom and master suite, which also features a Juliet balcony, a guest bedroom in the basement and a private driveway to the side of the 31-by-102-foot lot.

The Agent’s Take:

"There is some redevelopment on the street, so some of the smaller ones are replaced by newer, larger ones," agent Elli Davis said. "But this was an older home redone, so it retained the older charm and was beautifully done inside."

The home’s locale was also in demand. "It’s a quiet street close to Mount Pleasant and Eglinton where there are terrific restaurants and shops," Ms. Davis said. "It’s close to Northern Secondary School, which has a gifted program."

Posted in The Globe and Mail, May 04, 2012.

You might also like

1. Location sells Lawrence Park detached
2. Four Bidders Vie For Casa Loma Home
3. A Tiny Price Cut Moves a Big Casa Loma Home

This year is passing by unbelievably fast! Another month is behind us, which is good news for those who are eager to have fresh updates about the housing market in the Greater Toronto Area. The market report for April 2012 has been published, and here are its findings!

As Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported, 10,350 homes were sold through the Toronto MLS system last month. Compared to April 2011 and 8,778 transactions, the level of sales rose by a very strong 17.9 per cent. With a 22 per cent increase, single-detached homes contributed to the overall rise the most. The same type of home recorded the most noticeable growth in prices too, as the average price went up by 9 per cent. In general, the average price for a property was $517,556 this past month, 8.5 per cent higher than $476,802 seen in April 2011.

Overall, 2012 has been a fantastically successful year for home sales in the GTA. In the next couple of months, the current trend is expected to continue. The reason is simple: in the words of TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis, Jason Mercer, “Borrowing costs are expected to remain a positive factor influencing home sales.”

You might also like

1. GTA April Sales
2. Housing Market in the GTA – January
3. Housing Market in the GTA – February