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I have sold a property at 60 Woodroof CRES in Aurora

I have sold a property at 60 Woodroof CRES in Aurora. See details here

This Gorgeous Home Is A Showpiece! Located On A Quiet Street, In A Desirable Neighbourhood, Within Walking Distance To Schools, Parks And Shops This Lovely Home Is Absolutely Perfect And Ready To Move Into. Offering 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Finished Basement And A Well-Landscaped Front And Back Yard This Pristine Home Has Been Updated And Renovated From Top To Bottom. The Main Floor Features Hardwood Floors In All Principal Rooms And Includes A Cozy Open-Concept Design With A Recently Updated Modern Kitchen Including Quartz Counters, A Breakfast Bar & Stone Backsplash. Open To The Dining Room & Great Room This Is The Perfect Home For Entertaining. 2nd Floor Which Includes 3 Bright And Sunny Bedrooms With Easy Care Bamboo Flooring In Every Bedroom. The Stunning Main Bath Has Been Recently Renovated And Includes A Custom Vanity With Quartz Counters, Double Sinks And An Oversized Glass Shower. Finished Lower Level Includes Spacious Rec Room W/ Space For A Home Office And More!

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Open House. Open House on Saturday, January 14, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Please visit our Open House at 60 Woodroof CRES in Aurora. See details here

Open House on Saturday, January 14, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

This Gorgeous Home Is A Showpiece! Located On A Quiet Street, In A Desirable Neighbourhood, Within Walking Distance To Schools, Parks And Shops This Lovely Home Is Absolutely Perfect And Ready To Move Into. Offering 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Finished Basement And A Well-Landscaped Front And Back Yard This Pristine Home Has Been Updated And Renovated From Top To Bottom. The Main Floor Features Hardwood Floors In All Principal Rooms And Includes A Cozy Open-Concept Design With A Recently Updated Modern Kitchen Including Quartz Counters, A Breakfast Bar & Stone Backsplash. Open To The Dining Room & Great Room This Is The Perfect Home For Entertaining. 2nd Floor Which Includes 3 Bright And Sunny Bedrooms With Easy Care Bamboo Flooring In Every Bedroom. The Stunning Main Bath Has Been Recently Renovated And Includes A Custom Vanity With Quartz Counters, Double Sinks And An Oversized Glass Shower. Finished Lower Level Includes Spacious Rec Room W/ Space For A Home Office And More!

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Open House. Open House on Saturday, January 14, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Please visit our Open House at 60 Woodroof CRES in Aurora. See details here

Open House on Saturday, January 14, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

This Gorgeous Home Is A Showpiece! Located On A Quiet Street, In A Desirable Neighbourhood, Within Walking Distance To Schools, Parks And Shops This Lovely Home Is Absolutely Perfect And Ready To Move Into. Offering 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Finished Basement And A Well-Landscaped Front And Back Yard This Pristine Home Has Been Updated And Renovated From Top To Bottom. The Main Floor Features Hardwood Floors In All Principal Rooms And Includes A Cozy Open-Concept Design With A Recently Updated Modern Kitchen Including Quartz Counters, A Breakfast Bar & Stone Backsplash. Open To The Dining Room & Great Room This Is The Perfect Home For Entertaining. 2nd Floor Which Includes 3 Bright And Sunny Bedrooms With Easy Care Bamboo Flooring In Every Bedroom. The Stunning Main Bath Has Been Recently Renovated And Includes A Custom Vanity With Quartz Counters, Double Sinks And An Oversized Glass Shower. Finished Lower Level Includes Spacious Rec Room W/ Space For A Home Office And More!

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I have sold a property at 17161 Kennedy RD in Whitchurch-Stouffville

I have sold a property at 17161 Kennedy RD in Whitchurch-Stouffville. See details here

Very Rare Opportunity To Acquire Over 36 Pastoral Acres With Over 672.32Ft. Of Frontage And A Pond. The Perfect Spot To Build An Estate Home Or Or A Small Hobby Farm. With Agricultural Zoning This Property Permits A Variety Of Uses. Easy Access To Highway 404, And Minutes To The Town Of Stouffville And Newmarket With An Abundance Of Amenities.

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2023 Home and Design Trends to Watch
Sustainable design and warm, cozy spaces are on the rise in 2023.
Modern living room

© CreativaStudio / Getty

While homeowners compile their holiday wish lists, we’ve compiled a list of 12 home and design trends experts think will be next year’s stars.

Architecture and design experts weigh in on what’s emerging in 2023. As the new year emerges, lifestyle changes due to the pandemic continue to hold strong. Cutting home expenses and conserving resources are top of mind for many. Move over, granite: These new countertop materials are coming in strong, and cozy comfort is taking the place of stark, minimalist design.

Home Office Updates

For many, hybrid work is here to stay, so home offices make the list, though changes are in order. Many crave some interaction, says Priscilla Holloway, a salesperson with New York City–based Douglas Elliman.

Architect Liz Peabody of Boston-based The Architectural Team says that open, partially open and glass-walled spaces are seen in houses as well as multifamily buildings’ common spaces and individual apartment units. Another change is that some offices are larger and have a window for a nice view, according to designers at The Plan Collection(link is external).

Why now? The pandemic changed how and where we work, and people are still figuring out what works best at home.

Home Office

© Ropewalk, Charlestown

Home Office

© Camille Maren, Avalon Saugus

Induction Cooking

Though the change will be gradual, many homeowners are expected to switch to induction cooking from natural gas. Many are finding that their cookware is induction-safe, despite previously held beliefs, says Chicago kitchen expert Mick De Giulio of de Giulio Kitchen Design. Induction has many benefits: Water boils faster, food cooks quicker, and homeowners have more control of heat level calibration, he says. Additionally, the smooth surface is easier to clean.

Why now? Many cities are outlawing natural gas hookups in new homes and buildings to reduce fossil fuel emissions and better control environmental and climate challenges.

Kitchen Induction

© Dave Burk, Hedrich Blessing Photographers

Eco-friendly Design

More real estate sites list eco-friendly design as a priority, from solar panels to energy-efficient windows, stronger builds that better resist severe weather, more tech features like programmable thermostats, gardening apps(link is external) and smarter, more environmentally friendly, hygienic toilets like Toto USA’s Washlet and bidet toilets. TOTO also manufactures domestically, reducing its products’ carbon footprints, says Bill Strang, president of corporate strategy, e-commerce and customer care. 

Why now? More homeowners know the importance of sustainable design due to climate change reports, how fossil fuels damage the environment and the importance of preserving resources.

Eco Design Toilet

© Toto U.S.A.

Cozier Comfort

Tough times call for an antidote, and many are seeking a dose of comfort within the walls of their homes. The ebb and flow of COVID-19 in conjunction with other stressors has people wanting to feel as though they’re wrapped in a warm hug, says Chicago-based designer Tom Segal of Kaufman Segal Design. He suggests doing so with patterned wallpaper on both walls and ceilings. A tactile touch also works, he says. Think big, upholstered headboards; ’50s and ’60s lounge-style sections to sprawl, watch TV or eat; and colorful tufted or handwoven area rugs that resemble art.

Why now? Collective stress levels are at an all-time high, and people are finding they need a respite from the constant barrage of information available because of the digital age.

Cozy comfortable bedroom

© Daniel Kelleghan Photography

Cozy comfortable living room

© vaninwegen digital arts

More Natural, Personalized Interiors

The biophilic, natural look prevails in appeal because of the benefit nature provides. Homeowners want organic furnishings, live plants and warmer colors in the clay palette, says Gena Kirk, vice president of Design Studio at Los Angeles–based homebuilder KB Home. The latest iteration reflects interest in embracing memories through personalized design aesthetics that display mementos and heirlooms, Kirk says.

Why now? During the pandemic, homeowners opted for cleaner, minimalist interiors to set a clear boundary between personal space and the outside world. They now want to return to a new form of nesting, through an accumulation of textiles, warmer colors, new hardware and fabrics for a welcoming, natural environment to live, work and play, Kirk says.

Natural-looking kitchen

© KBLA Westport

Dekton and Neolith Surfaces

Every few years, a new countertop surface takes center stage as the best in terms of durability, sustainability, color or novelty. The latest “it” surfaces are newer “sintered” stones, a combination of minerals that form a solid surface that can’t be etched, scratched, burned or stained. Dekton and Neolith appeal because they resemble marble and other high-end surfaces and are resistant to fading, says Boston designer Jodi Swartz of KitchenVisions. Milwaukee designer Suzan Wemlinger adds that because the slabs are large, there’s less need for seams, and they can be used in outdoor kitchens without cracking in extreme temperatures.

Why now? New technology processes have led to the development of these stain-resistant, strong surfaces, and kitchen counter durability is nearly always top of mind for homeowners.

Neolith Kitchen

© Michael Lefebvre Photography

Affordable Design Choices

Instead of tempting buyers with fancy cabinets, finishes and appliances, more homebuilders are turning to affordability as a feature. “Good design is not about spending the most money but offering well-designed homes, sometimes without bells and whistles,” says Mary Cook, founder of Mary Cook Associates, a Chicago-based commercial interior design firm. Builders are displaying predesigned packages of cabinets, countertops, appliances and flooring that keep costs down. They’re also cutting square footage to show that buyers can live well in smaller homes, Cook says.

Why now? Higher interest rates have put a pause on buyer frenzy. “We went from crazy busy to crazy slow,” one homebuilder says. Now is the time to see how affordability and quality design come together.

Zero Emissions

Master-planned developments are taking the guesswork out of emission-free living. Developer Marshall Gobuty of Sarasota, Fla.–based Pearl Homes shows how with his 18-acre Hunter’s Point development, the first LEED Zero–certified community in the world, he says. “There’s no energy cost associated with the 86 single-family houses except for a $35 monthly maintenance fee from Florida Power,” he says.

Why now? With the pandemic and overall inflation, energy costs continue to soar. Also, sustainable development helps communities adapt to challenges posed by climate change and protects natural resources.

Zero emissions home

© Pearl Homes, Allan Mestel

In Multifamily: More EV, Fewer Additional Amenities

Few multifamily buildings are constructed without an EV charging station, says architect Peabody. Developers are including a handful and leaving infrastructure available to expand the number. At the same time, they are devoting less square footage to amenities since younger generations are less inclined to pay for features they may not use, especially after seeing how the pandemic shut down facilities. What most still want are lounges, coworking spaces and outdoor areas to exercise and unwind, Peabody says. Pet parks and spas still make the list as well, says Cook.

Why now? EV stations are essential as more people switch to electric vehicles. Just over half of passenger cars sold in the U.S. will be electric vehicles by 2030, according to Bloomberg(link is external).

EV charging vehicle

© The Architectural Team, Christian Scully and Modera Marshfield

Eco-friendly Lounge

© Ed Wonsek

Walkable, Affordable Boomer Living

More efforts are underway to create more options for the enormous boomer cohort as they age(link is external). Many want to give up owning a car, live where their location has a high walkability score and cut living costs by living in smaller, energy-efficient homes. One example is developer David Fox’s Passive House building in Northampton, Mass., to be completed in 2024; it will eliminate 80% of typical energy needs to heat and cool and be built with sustainable mass timber construction, solar panels, a community garden and a bicycle shed. The building’s 70 apartments will average 1,200 square feet; share a gym, lounge and roof area to exercise; and limit rent increases.

Why now? Boomers are the largest aging community to date, and as the country ages, more emphasis on how elders live is needed now.

Fire-Resistant Modules

On the east coast, building structures to withstand Category 5 hurricanes and floods are in high demand. On the west coast, however, San Diego–based modular builder Dvele focuses on manufacturing fire-resistant steel modular houses. The company started with 500-square-foot homes constructed from a single module design and now offers 4,000-square-foot homes from seven module designs. All are also highly energy-efficient due to self-powered solar panels, says Kellan Hannah, the company’s director of growth.

Why now? The National Interagency Fire Center statistics show that as of last October, almost 60,000 fires burned 7 million acres, above the 10-year average of 48,000 fires and close to 6 million burned acres. Fires are only worsening, meaning construction must adapt.

Fire-resistant home

© Dvele


What’s NOT Hot?    

Several once-popular design choices are losing appeal, primarily because they require high maintenance or aren’t functional for today’s busy routines, says Gena Kirk with homebuilder, KB Home. She suggests letting go of these four in the year ahead.

High Pile Carpet 

While soft, shaggy carpet styles make a statement, they are difficult to keep clean and aren’t practical, especially in households with kids and/or pets. 

Gray Cabinets 

Gray cabinets have been popular but are cooling off as more homeowners shift to warmer hues to make their spaces more welcoming. 

Standard Subway Tiles 

Standard-size white, horizontal subway tiles are still popular, but many now prefer larger 4-by-10 inch or 4-by-16-inch tiles that run vertically to draw eyes up and give an age-old design a fresh look.

Open Shelves 

Most struggle with clutter, so even though some love the open look above, others are opting for the traditional closed cabinets since they find it easier to keep stuff concealed. These days there are countless custom interior organization systems to arrange contents in a neat fashion.

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Open House. Open House on Sunday, January 8, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Please visit our Open House at 60 Woodroof CRES in Aurora. See details here

Open House on Sunday, January 8, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

This Gorgeous Home Is A Showpiece! Located On A Quiet Street, In A Desirable Neighbourhood, Within Walking Distance To Schools, Parks And Shops This Lovely Home Is Absolutely Perfect And Ready To Move Into. Offering 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Finished Basement And A Well-Landscaped Front And Back Yard This Pristine Home Has Been Updated And Renovated From Top To Bottom. The Main Floor Features Hardwood Floors In All Principal Rooms And Includes A Cozy Open-Concept Design With A Recently Updated Modern Kitchen Including Quartz Counters, A Breakfast Bar & Stone Backsplash. Open To The Dining Room & Great Room This Is The Perfect Home For Entertaining. 2nd Floor Which Includes 3 Bright And Sunny Bedrooms With Easy Care Bamboo Flooring In Every Bedroom. The Stunning Main Bath Has Been Recently Renovated And Includes A Custom Vanity With Quartz Counters, Double Sinks And An Oversized Glass Shower. Finished Lower Level Includes Spacious Rec Room W/ Space For A Home Office And More!

Read

The December 2022 Market Watch Report has been released and according to the report, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) housing market experienced a marked adjustment in 2022 compared to record levels in 2021. Existing affordability issues brought about by a lack of housing supply were exacerbated by sustained interest rate hikes by the Bank of Canada.

"Following a very strong start to the year, home sales trended lower in the spring and summer of 2022, as aggressive Bank of Canada interest rate hikes further hampered housing affordability. With no relief from the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) mortgage stress test or other mortgage lending guidelines including amortization periods, home selling prices are adjusted downward to mitigate the impact of higher mortgage rates. However, home prices started levelling off in the late summer, suggesting the aggressive early market adjustment may be coming to an end," said new TRREB President Paul Baron.

Supply of new listings continues to be an issue which explains why prices seem to be stabilizing in recent months. Lack of supply has also affected the rental market as renting is becoming more popular in this environment of high-interest rates and we have seen double-digit rent increases.

All reports that I am reading, including the Royal Lepage 2023, Quarterly Forecast is predicting that the steep declines in pricing have reached an end and they are predicting more normal trends on the horizon. The median price of a home in Toronto is expected to decline by 2.5% in 2023, while the median price of a condominium is forecast to increase modestly by 1%.

Lack of supply is still a challenge and if you are thinking of selling then please keep in mind that the spring market starts early and we have already seen an uptick in listings in York Region. If you think you might be selling in the next 6 months then please don't hesitate to contact us for a current market evaluation of your home and to talk about a strategic marketing plan.

 Jill Renshaw, Broker 

 
 
Jill Renshaw 
Broker, Royal Lepage RCR Realty, Brokerage 
P   905-836-1212
M   416-209-9244
W   www.homestoview.ca 
E   jill@renshaw.com 
 
Subscribe for free:  Access to Real Estate Listings


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New property listed in Bayview Wellington, Aurora

I have listed a new property at 60 Woodroof CRES in Aurora. See details here

This Gorgeous Home Is A Showpiece! Located On A Quiet Street, In A Desirable Neighbourhood, Within Walking Distance To Schools, Parks And Shops This Lovely Home Is Absolutely Perfect And Ready To Move Into. Offering 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Finished Basement And A Well-Landscaped Front And Back Yard This Pristine Home Has Been Updated And Renovated From Top To Bottom. The Main Floor Features Hardwood Floors In All Principal Rooms And Includes A Cozy Open-Concept Design With A Recently Updated Modern Kitchen Including Quartz Counters, A Breakfast Bar & Stone Backsplash. Open To The Dining Room & Great Room This Is The Perfect Home For Entertaining. 2nd Floor Which Includes 3 Bright And Sunny Bedrooms With Easy Care Bamboo Flooring In Every Bedroom. The Stunning Main Bath Has Been Recently Renovated And Includes A Custom Vanity With Quartz Counters, Double Sinks And An Oversized Glass Shower. Finished Lower Level Includes Spacious Rec Room W/ Space For A Home Office And More!

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January 2023 Market Update

The December 2022 Market Watch Report has been released and according to the report, the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) housing market experienced a marked adjustment in 2022 compared to record levels in 2021. Existing affordability issues brought about by a lack of housing supply were exacerbated by sustained interest rate hikes by the Bank of Canada. 

"Following a very strong start to the year, home sales trended lower in the spring and summer of 2022, as aggressive Bank of Canada interest rate hikes further hampered housing affordability. With no relief from the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) mortgage stress test or other mortgage lending guidelines including amortization periods, home selling prices are adjusted downward to mitigate the impact of higher mortgage rates. However, home prices started levelling off in the late summer, suggesting the aggressive early market adjustment may be coming to an end," said new TRREB President Paul Baron.

Supply of new listings continues to be an issue which explains why prices seem to be stabilizing in recent months. Lack of supply has also affected the rental market as renting is becoming more popular in this environment of high-interest rates and we have seen double-digit rent increases.

All reports that I am reading, including the Royal Lepage 2023 Quarterly Forecast, are predicting that the steep declines in pricing have reached an end and they are predicting more normal trends on the horizon. The median price of a home in Toronto is expected to decline by 2.5% in 2023, while the median price of a condominium is forecast to increase modestly by 1%.

Lack of supply is still a challenge and if you are thinking of selling then please keep in mind that the spring market starts early and we have already seen an uptick in listings in York Region. If you think you might be selling in the next 6 months then please don't hesitate to contact us for a current market evaluation of your home and to talk about a strategic marketing plan.


Read
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