This April, the vacant home tax was a very hot topic in Ontario with cities like Hamilton and Sault Saint Marie adopting the measure to tackle local housing availability and affordability. But it was an especially sensitive subject in Toronto, with tens of thousands of homeowners being forced to contest bills after neglecting to declare whether their homes were vacant. This was an error in judgement made even more painful following the City’s recent decision to hike the rate from 1% to 3% of a home’s current assessed value.    So, as a public service and to help avoid future confusio ..read more

The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) has published the sales figures for April. With 7,114 home sales reported through the local MLS, transactions were down 5.0% compared to the previous year. This marks a second straight month of cooling activity following a strong start to 2024.   A surge of new homes for sale in April offered prospective buyers increased choice as they navigate the market. The16,941 new listings are a 47.2% increase over last April, with active listings rising 74.4% to 18,088. Inventory now sits at 2.54 months.   The rise in listings worked to keep price ..read more

IN CONVERSATION WITH GENERAL ROMÉO DALLAIRE General Roméo Dallaire is a global human rights advocate, author, political advisor and former Senator. Famous for his leadership during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, he continues to bring international attention to issues ranging from the use of children in armed conflict to the impacts of PTSD on veterans and their families. In his new book, The Peace, General Dallaire calls for a revised approach to global peace. He critiques the failures of international interventions, while proposing a future where humanity prioritizes collective well-bei ..read more

There are two types of patios, broadly speaking. There are patios that serve as an extension of one’s home – comforting, exciting places where you’re happy to while away the hours. And then there are patios that feel like an extension of the surrounding streets and wilderness – overgrown, inhospitable areas that “came with the place” but aren’t really incorporated into the home. Chances are, you want the first patio. You want a sanctuary space optimized for tranquillity, entertainment, hosting, resting, and generally living the good life. The good news is, that patio is well within your reach ..read more

4 Most Frequently Asked Questions By Mark Weisleder As you may know by now, there have been recent changes to the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002 (TRESA) that governs the relationship between a real estate agent and potential buyers and sellers. With that in mind, I’d like to give you some answers to the most common questions I’ve received since the Act was passed. 1. What is the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) Information Guide? The RECO Information Guide gives information on everything a buyer or seller can expect when they are considering receiving services from a real estate ..read more

Given its world-topping diversity, impressive arts funding, and unparalleled urban energy, it’s no wonder Toronto is an artistic and cultural hub. But just because Toronto’s prodigy seems inevitable, doesn’t make it any less impressive. On any given weekday, you can saunter into a literary reading series in the Annex, a sculpture exhibit in a Parkdale, a three-act play at Soulpepper, and an indie film screening at one of the city’s independent theatres. Top the night off with a crisp martini next to a tight, three-piece jazz ensemble – and, wow, you haven’t even scratched the surface of what T ..read more

By Sophie Kaftal & Bobby Zielinski Excerpted from Kitten and the Bear, Inc. Copyright © 2024 Kitten and the Bear, Inc. Photography by Johanna Martin. Published by Penguin, an imprint of Penguin Canada, a division of Penguin Random House Canada Limited. Reproduced by arrangement with the Publisher. All rights reserved.  At Kitten and the Bear, we handcraft traditional fruit preserves and buttermilk scones using time-honoured methods. Our years spent learning the art of preserving has given us a great appreciation for tradition, heritage, and the power of the human touch. Kitten and the ..read more

The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) has released the sales figures for March. Despite more buyers having adjusted to the new interest rate environment, the 6,560 home sales reported represent a 4.5% decrease in transactions when compared to the previous year.  Prospective buyers were afforded a greater selection of property than they were a year earlier. The13,120 new homes listed for sale represent a 15.1% increase over last March, with active listings rising 23.1% to 12,459. Inventory now sits at 1.9-months as the spring market gets underway.  Increased competition among ..read more

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly time flies, and this year has been no different. With Q1 already in the rear-view mirror, market watchers will now have their sights fixed firmly on the second quarter of 2024 and the always anticipated spring market.  With sales volume on the rise (Q1 sales were up 11% from 2023), lending rates for 5-year fixed mortgages nearing 5%, and predictions that the Bank of Canada will be lowering the key lending rate this summer, the market is witnessing a notable uptick in activity. Certainly, at Harvey Kalles Real Estate, our agent open houses are attrac ..read more

Our Top 6 Toronto Arts & Culture Events for Spring This spring, discover Toronto’s vibrant arts scene with our Top 6 events supporting local institutions and programs. From gallery exhibitions to outdoor art installations, immerse yourself in creativity and culture. Join us in celebrating the talent and diversity of Toronto’s artistic community while contributing to its growth and sustainability. NEXT WAVE FILM FESTIVAL TIFF Next Wave film festival returns for its 13th edition to champion new and emerging storytellers. Programmed for youth and by youth, this festival offers free Of ..read more