Saturday, August 23, 2008
Monday, May 05, 2008
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Toronto Condos and Lofts: Free Condo Buyers Seminar by Yossi Kaplan, Manny Machado and Scott Brown
Toronto Condos Buyers Seminar!
with:
Yossi Kaplan of UrbanRealty.ca
Scott Brown of HLC Mortgages
Manny Machado of MTV's Budget Cribs
Saturday, Oct. 20th at 12pm - 3pm
Elbow Room Studio
1071 King Street West, Toronto
Registration is FREE and MANDATORY as we are very limited in space:
http://www.urbanrealtytoronto.com/iContact_signup1.htm
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
- looking to buy a condo within the next 6 months.
- looking to spend up to $275,000
- looking for solid, professional representation
SPEAKERS:
- Yossi Kaplan, Toronto Condos expert
- Scott Brown, HLC mortgages
- Manny Machado, host of MTV's Budget Cribs
The event is intended for new condo buyers who are ready to make a purchase within the next 6 months.
Program:
YOSSI will be speaking about finding the best available condos for your budget, negotiating, closing, and how NOT to get taken for granted by evil developers
SCOTT will be speaking about financing, getting money back at closing and your financial future.
MANNY will be showcasing the amazing CLEI furniture that can turn any studio into a posh live-work environment.
***
The event is FREE, and LIGHT LUNCH will be served.
***
IF YOU WANT TO PARTY, WE'RE WORKING ON AN AFTER-PARTY FOR THAT NIGHT! THE SEMINAR IS FOR SERIOUS BUYERS ONLY, AS OUR CAPACITY IS LIMITED TO 20 PPL.
TO REGISTER: http://www.urbanrealtytoronto.com/iContact_signup1.htm
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Philantro-Party: The Cement Mixer Party!
The good people of Habitat for Humanity are throwing a party & a silent auction in order to buy a cement mixer, and to promote their re-stores.Kim Smiley, VP Matketing & Development at Habitat told me that every dollar donated to Habitat, incl. funds from cement mixer party go directly towards building homes for families living in poverty in the city.
Tickets $30 in advance - call 416.755.7353 x235, or $35 at the door.
Silent auction includes:
- one hour of court time at the Raptors practice facility
- two return flights to any Canadian destination (thanks Westjet!)
- a 6-night stay for two at a Costa Rican B&B
- killer sports packages courtesy of the Argos and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
- a day with your very own personal stylist (including $1000 spending money!)
- a stunning Electra Amsterdam bike
- a 10-week Rock'n'Roll immersion with League of Rock
- original art
- a comfy, coxy two-seater sofa
- a photoshoot with a professional photographer
- tickets to the September Bare Naked Ladies concert at Rama
- raffle prizes & a door prize
Should be a fun night! hope to see you there.
facebook event link: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=2473103968
Yossi Kaplan is licensed Realtor with Harvey Kalles. His clients are downtown Toronto condos and lofts investors, buyers and sellers.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Dating and Condos
There's something in common between Toronto downtown condo living and dating.
First, it's about the size: "how big is YOUR condo?" - don't tell me you never asked or were asked this question... ok then... a few more pearls:
"How is the view?"
"Does it look good from the back? or just the front?"
"Are you the first one in there?"
"Are you just going to go in and pull out quickly or you think of staying for a while?"
"Did you get it upgraded?"
Funny? sure. Coincidence? I don't think so. Condos long have become a status symbol of the "upwardly mobile", and Canadians are known for their obession for owning their homes, and Toronto condos have long gone from serving the purpose of a roof to a place where a young person, single or couple, can live in style in a downtown location, away from the parents and without the need for a car.
Do you see the line between the condo owners and the condo renters? I think I do. When renting and owning are comparable, and with owning not only increasing your personal worthiness in the market but also allowing you to invest in a steady, large market.
Oh by the way, the next dinner party is at my place. Red or White?
Buyers and Sellers call Yossi Kaplan at 416.441.2888 x678 email UrbanRealtyToronto@gmail.com
Keywords: Toronto Condos and Lofts, Toronto Housing Prices, selling and buying Toronto real-estate.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
My Amenities or Yours?
You scored a super hot date and you're contemplating these choices: spa treatment for two, private film screening, ashtanga yoga or hot yoga class, roof top drinks and bbq, an open bar friend's birthday at the party room, go for a swim, the jacuzzi, playing scrabble at the library in front of the fireplace.
Perhaps invite a bunch of friends to a catered party for sixteen in the private dining room, then walk them out to the private terrace for desserts and conduct a little show off with clear views of the city and the lake. At midnight it's time for a dip in the outdoors whirlpool with a drink at hand and wrap it up with the limited-guests after-party upstairs.
These private member clubs require no formal membership. These are not your 80's style facilities with a large pool at the basement with gyms older then Arnold. We're talking primo facilities leveling with the best of gyms and boutique hotels.
The social / community aspect is also served through the party rooms, billiards rooms, classes, movie nights and many other activities offered widely through the condo board or management, and through your condo's community website.
Contact | Yossi Kaplan, MBA | 416.441.2888 x678 | UrbanRealtyToronto@gmail.com
Keywords: Toronto Condos and Lofts, Toronto Housing Prices, selling and buying Toronto real-estate, Toronto Top 10 Condos and Lofts
Monday, August 20, 2007
Toronto's Top 10 Condos and Lofts
OK people, your turn: please vote for Toronto's Top Condos and Lofts!Be sure to scroll down the page as there are a total of 8 polls, 4 are real-estate related and 4 are anonymous stats. No information is stored besides the answer.
Rules: vote once in each category. You're allowed to repeat your vote every 24 hours, so if there are other projects on the list you like, come back tomorrow and select them.
link: http://www.urbanrealtytoronto.com/top10/
Porjects Participation List: 29 Camden, 66 Portland ,Candy Factory Lofts, Robert Watson Lofts, SoHo, Tip Top, Chocolate Factory, Brewery Lofts, Argyle Lofts., Liberty On The Park, Liberty Village, Zed, Waterview - 231 Fort York, Optima - 81 Navy Wharf, College Park, Radio City, Spire, The Hudson, The Matrix, The Riviera, Waterclub, 18 Yorkville, 550 Wellington, Festival Hall, Liberty On The Park, M5V, The Met, Verve, Vibe, West Side Lofts, X Condominiums, Casa Condos, 100 Yorkville, L-Tower, One St. Thomas, Pier 27, Ritz-Carlton, Shangri-la, Trump Toronto, 155 Cumberland, Museum House, Regency Yorkville.
© 2007 by Yossi Kaplan. Please obtain written permission before qouting, copying or unsing any of the material on this site, Survey included, thanks.
About: Yossi is licensed Realtor with Harvey Kalles. His clients are downtown Toronto condos and lofts investors, buyers and sellers. Contact UrbanRealtyToronto@gmail.com or call 416.441.2888 x678
Buying and Selling Toronto Condos with Yossi Kaplan
| Investing with Yossi |
 "I'll show you the investments andtechniques you need to know" |
Providing full-service for Canadian and Global investors, including:
Register now for a complimentary, no-nonesense consultation & assessment
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| Selling with Yossi |
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Providing full-service listing and marketing, including:
Contact: Yossi Kaplan, MBA urbanrealtytoronto@gmail.com |
| Buying with Yossi |
 "I'll help you locate and negotiatethat property you want" |
Providing full-service for re-sale and new-developments purchases, including:
Contact: Yossi Kaplan, MBA urbanrealtytoronto@gmail.com |
"My friend told me..."
With significant upwards momentum in real-estate pricing especially this year marking a phenomenal increase in condo values, clients often ask me these two questions: "my friend told me the market is going to go under" and "my friend told me that it's better to buy a house then a condo".
So lets look at these two:
The first question is a polite version of "My father told me abut the 1990's Bubble Burst - will it happen again? prices are sooooo high!". So here is what you want to look for in a market: is it healthy? how many transactions are occurring? what is the source of the transactions? why are people buying and selling? where are they from? who are they? what kind of financing they have? what kind of debt load are they taking? (email me if you want the answers)
And to qualify the second issue, i.e. "do condos hold their values like houses" research the following: compare similar price brackets and similar locations; compare appreciations over periods past 1-5 years; compare the maintenance costs; deduct house maintenance from value; deduct CHMC costs if you would have to use it (from estimated profits); and don't compare a grand-Victorian to a 500 sq. ft. condo - it's just not the same category. If you do, I'll tell you that a Smart Car and a GM Truck are also comparable.
My point is, never panic, avoid rumors and always look at the facts: "my friend told me so" is NOT a fact - it's a rumor. Research the area and make an intelligent decision based on facts and expert knowledge (that's me), then continue there.
For more information call Yossi Kaplan at 416.441.2888 x678 email UrbanRealtyToronto@gmail.com
Keywords: Toronto Condos and Lofts, Toronto Housing Prices, selling and buying Toronto real-estate.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Off-loading Investor Condos
"Timing is everything" especially when it comes to selling.
"Off-Loading" occurs when a new residential building nears completion. Investors who pre-purchased bulks of condos start to "Off-Load" their inventory to the private market (NOT on MLS).
Buyers who are now in position to buy into nearly-completed projects can take advantage of inventory not available before (most buildings will sell-out prior to completion), and will enjoy a relative discount over prices past closing.
How to find Off-Loads?
Sold-out buildings are simply impossible to get into, as they are sold-out. Interested parties should call us with the request (area, budget, size, etc.) and we'll go through our lists and find the best match possible available for sale out of private inventory.
Why buy Off-Loads?
- Never lived-in, ready-for-occupancy condos
- Tarion applies as you'll assume the contract
- Low downpayments [in many cases]
- Reduced closing costs [in many cases] - benefit from investors' terms
- Your name goes on title as first owner [transacting before closing]
- Price discounted over closed units, but you pay closing costs.
- Brand-new buildings represent considerable
For more information call Yossi Kaplan at 416.441.2888 x678 email UrbanRealtyToronto@gmail.com
© 2007 Yossi Kaplan, MBA.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Bliss Condos @ Liberty Village
The reasons I like Liberty Village so much are pretty simple:
- Location, Location, Location: The Gardiner, Queen West, Downtown or High Park all within minutes of walking, driving or cycling.
- Prices are reasonable and affordable: Call me for details.
- Great finishes and amenities. With 276 units you get a pool, concierge, gym, etc.
- Smart floorplans. They make sense to me.
- Fully planned 45-acre site, supermarket, bank, restaurants, soprts facilities, parks.
- Increasing value. Just look what happened at CityPlace a couple of years back and you'll know that this is no different. Chances are you'll do well on appreciation.
For more information contact
Yossi Kaplan
urbanrealtytoronto@gmail.com
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
650 King Street West, Toronto Condos
Six50 King Street West launced last night and sold approx. 140 units of the 200+ available, during Brokers event.
That's about two thirds of the available inventory, before the site is opened to the public on the weekend.
Peter Freed's King West buildings seem to be popular and selling quickly. The first two completed, 66 Portland and 20 Stewart, have made nice profits for the original owners and now commanding prices in the $450+ PSF, penthouses at $500+.
King West looks a lot better by the day, from a run-down neighboorhood it grew in just a few short years into the new trendy area of Toronto's downtown.
My prediction is that King West will keep growing and we'll see even more older buildings being replaced with new residential structures, prices will at $500 PSF+ within 6-12 months, and hopefully we'll see a retail-level cleanup, pushing out the low-end and bringing in some modern updated retail to serve the needs of the new swanky residents.
For more information about Six50 King West, contact:
Yossi Kaplan, MBA
urbanrealtytoronto@gmail.com
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
The L-Tower: $750 PSF
The L-Tower opened to Brokers and investors. My neighboor camped out since 6am on a Saturday morning to purchase a 598sqft condo for $360,000. That's $600 PSF.Now think about this for a second: as expensive as the amenities and services in the building are, it's still a lot of money. Sure, location is excellent and one would get fantastic views of the city and the water. But $600 per foot? and why are people fighting over these units?
I will conclude the following:
1. Luxury is NOT comparable to "standard" condos. It's not for everyone and it wants to stay that way, collecting the able and the wealthy into new super structures designed by top architects.
2. Luxury pushes the entire market up. Now that we see customers shelling out $360,000 for one-bedroom, those $240,000 / $400 PSF one-beds don't seem that bad.
3. No more "but in the 80's" or "I want to be close to the ground" talk. Reality has changed and so should you.
Will the L-tower be a good investment? I think it will. www.theltower.com
For more information about this project contact Yossi Kapan, urbanrealtytoronto@gmail.com or call 416.441.2888 x678
Related Articles:
Dealing with Multiple Bids
Note to re-sale buyers: if you're planning on bidding on downtown Toronto condos and lofts, get your ducks and bucks inline as the last few sales I've seen happened within hours and were awarded solely on basis of price and no conditions. If you are going into a multiple offer situation:1. get pre-approved and have the approval letter in writing.
3. set your final price target and be ready to pay what it takes if this is the condo you want.
Yossi Kaplan is a downtown Toronto condos and lofts expert. contact: urbanrealtytoronto@gmail.com or call 416.441.2888 x678
Related Articles:
Monday, August 13, 2007
EXCLUSIVE SALE! CONDOS @ N1 TOWER
| | Toronto Condos Lofts and Real-Estate by Yossi Kaplan, MBA Salesperson, Harvey Kalles Real Estate Brokerage, LTD. 2145 Avenue Road, Toronto t. 416.441.2888 x678 f. 1.866.598.6001 www.UrbanRealty.ca + UrbanRealtyToronto@gmail.com | |
EXCLUSIVE SALE! CONDOS @ N1 TOWER
note: the building is sold-out.
offering a limited and exclusive selection of units:
| | N1 is a new CityPlace 42-story tower on the West side of Spadina towards Lakeshore Blvd. N1 is a part of the N1, N2, O and WEST ONE complex. The facilities are spread and shared between the buildings, offering a unique Sky Garden on the 27th with a bookable private party room seating 16, The W-club includes a 16-people whirlpool, a serving area, an outdoor space, indoor lounge and a professional chef's kitchen for meal preparation, and of course a well-fitted gym and pool. Why buy in N1:
| .... | |
EXCLUSIVE N1 CONDOS FOR SALE: NOT available on MLS.
Investors & first-time buyers welcome!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
The Best 8 Tips for Toronto Condos Buyers
Now although I do not expect any you to become a maverick real estate investor after reading these, these all make sense yet seldom put together:
1. Buy low and sell high. At all cost avoid buying real-estate at market value. With new developments that means buying as early as possible, if you can, get on the insider investor list, or attend broker’s opening night. It’ll save you thousands of dollars.
2. Look for master-planned sites. These are large areas that are designed by a team of architects and engineers and have extended longevity which adds to value when reselling.
3. Look for projects with 200 or more units. Smaller buildings can have high maintenance fees, since they carry large fixed amenities costs, divided by a small number of resident. Reserve funds with large buildings will have larger pools, safeguarding the tenants from extreme expenses.
4. Look for buildings with great amenities such as rooftop patio, garden, waterfall, movie rooms, party rooms, gym, pool, billiards, etc. Proper amenities make for great living, easy to rent and easy to re-sell.
5. Look for an assignment clause. An assignment clause in the purchase agreement states that legally you could transfer future ownership to a condo you have purchased but yet to close (i.e. take posession), taking profits faster and not going through the expenses and hassles of closing.
6. Find the best floorplan available and grab it. If you believe it’s really good, then get a couple. Each building has better and worse plans. Learn how to read plans and pick the best ones in each project.
7. If you find that you cannot make up your mind, talk to someone. If you are losing too many deals, retracting offers, not focused, seems to be juggling several options, then find someone to talk to and resolve the issues that are stopping you from investing with a clear mind.
8. Find a real-estate investment specialist. They will have the know-how and the who-how to find the most qualifying investments and get you in front of the line, and the best value.
And the winner is…
Thursday, August 09, 2007
A high-rise balancing act
Recall "500 Bucks Per Foot" we wrote about just recently this year?
Well, the Globe and Mail's Derek Raymaker thinks $699 PSF is the average downtown Toronto.
Like it or hate it, the market is changing and whichever way you want to look at it, prices are giong up, and fast.
Our experience shows that $430 PSF is not unreasonable, with 600-ish square footers go for $230,000 to $260,000, 700's at $300,000 (please add $25,000 for parking if a new construction), and junior 500's in the $225,000 range.
To see the complete article follow this link.
For more information please contact Yossi Kaplan.
A high-rise balancing act
Print Edition 13/07/07 Page G3
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
The Printing Factory - 201 Carlaw Ave. Toronto Condos and Lofts
The Printing Factory Lofts, is located on the east of Carlaw North of Queen St. E., originally a printing factory, will see the addition of a new construction structure in the middle of the courtyard. The front of the complex - which is next door to The Garment Factory Lofts - faces East to Carlaw, and the property line extends to Boston Avenue, which is a cool, quiet leafy street. the Printing Factory Lofts features ceiling heights of 8 1/2' to 24', town homes at 9' and Tower suites at 10'. The design is minimal, i.e. exposed concrete and exposed ductwork, interiors are modern and there are no amenities at this complex. This brings condo fees to a quoted 29 cents/sqft which includes part-time concierge, common elements, building insurance and maintenance. Occupancy quoted to us at winter 2008, and to be safe one could add an approximate six months of realistic construction delays. Prices start at the 190's for 550-ish suites, 600 sq ft from 200's and 1,000 sq ft for approx. 390,000. The building has some smart suites designs and a lot of choice for those who like a real lofts, a modern condo in a former industrial complex, or a town home just east of the downtown.
As the area develops - and it will significantly - expect prices to increase to near downtown market level. Current prices at the Printing Factory are in the $330 to $400 / sqft with many Tower suites available in the sub 350 range, and penthouses closing on 400.
Yossi's Pros
- new development for reasonable prices
- more affordable then King West
- up and coming area
- foreseeable price increase
- reasonable and workable floorplans
- easy access to downtown, Gardiner, DVP
Yossi' Cons
- lack of amenities - where's my gym?
- exposed concrete is passé - gimme hardwood and finish my ceilings
- Beaverbrook's first downtown development
- Queen East side will take time to catch up to Queen West
Architect: John Chandler
Application: http://www.urbandb.com/canada/ontario/toronto/201_carlaw-it040.pdf
Interior Designer: n/a
Developer: Beaverbrook Homes
Links:
- Printing Factory Lofts official website: www.theprintingfactorylofts.com
- Google map for Printing Factory Lofts
- Printing Factory Lofts at Urbandb.com
Remember, if you are considering buying or investing in a new development, consult a professional before walking into a sales-centre. Our professional consultation is always at no charge. We will guide you through the entire screening, evaluation, negotiation [yes you can negotiate] and purchase process. To understand the risks of buying without proper representation, read Closing Costs: What You Don’t Know Can Cost You.
Contact:
| Yossi Kaplan, M.B.A urbanrealtytoronto@gmail.com t. 416.441.2888 x678 f. 866.598.6001 Harvey Kalles Real Estate Brokerage, Ltd. 2145 Avenue Road [click for map] Toronto, M5M 4B2 |  |
Monday, July 23, 2007
17 Multiple-offers for Tridel's Matrix
361 Front Street: The Matrix - 750 sq.ft. unit facing the city with parking and locker was offered at $269,900, receieved 17 multiple offers and sold without any conditions at $292,500, as reported to me by listing agent.To me, that's a steal: at $352 PSF NET someone got a great deal. I have visited the unit and thought it was one of the best condos I've visited recently. Clean, bright and spacious, great design and in very good condition, the rules of bidding in multiple offers are not to be messed with.
It is crazy to pay $22,600 over asking? I dare you to find an equivalent condo selling for $352 PSF. If you do, you know what to do.
Yossi Kaplan is licensed Realtor with Harvey Kalles. His clients are downtown Toronto condos and lofts investors, buyers and sellers.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
6 Bucks a Day Condo
Many of us think of purchasing a condo in this fashion: save for downpayment, find a condo, pre-qualify for future mortgage, buy the condo, wait till it's built, move in and own.
But in reality it's not that easy to save for downpayment, and prices increase faster then one can accumulate savings, eroding your savings value. Simply put, you're being left behind.
So here is an alternative: finance the downpayment on your new condo. Simply borrow the funds required - 15% in many cases - and put your name on a unit.
$6/day is what you'll need to put the downpayment on that $250,000 condo.
In the example above, we've used a 6.25% interest rate, and paid the interest only. Remember, you'll still need to qualify for a loan and be able to pay it back promptly, and you'll still need to be able to qualify for a mortgage. Nonetheless, it is possible, I've seen it done before.
For more information call Yossi Kaplan at 416.441.2888 x678 email UrbanRealtyToronto@gmail.com
Disclaimer: this article is for edutainment only and does not constitute as financial advise. for all financial matters, consult your financial advisor. © 2007 Yossi Kaplan, MBA.
