Latest monthly newsletter for August 2013. Looking for information about buying and selling or just some casual reading, check out my monthly newsletter.

1. Toronto Real Estate Newsfrom Michelle Makos August 2013
When it comes to selling a home, people sometimes think
about trying to do it themselves; however, there are many
hidden pitfalls to be aware of. This month's article outlines why
it's important to retain a real estate agent's expertise.
There are also some tips that'll come in handy if you plan on
flying with your kids this summer as well as the lowdown on
geocaching which is a popular new way to enjoy the great
outdoors!
Thanks so much for checking out this month's newsletter. Please get in touch if you have any questions or
comments regarding the articles, or real estate in general -- it'd be great to hear from you!
Cheers,
Michelle
Toronto Real Estate Market Report
What to Expect when Selling your Home Privately
Thingsto Know When Flying With KidsIn Tow
Geocaching: High Tech Hide & Seek
Toronto Real Estate Market Report
Greater TorontoArea REALTORS® reported 8,544 residential
sales through the TorontoMLS system in July 2013.
Total sales were up by 16 per cent compared to July 2012.
Over the same period, new listings added to TorontoMLS and
active listings at the end of the month were up, but by a
substantially smaller rate of increase compared to sales.
“Last month’s sales represented the best July result since
2009 and was the third best July result on record. Despite
recent increases in average borrowing costs, home buyers
are still finding affordable home ownership options in the
GTA,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Dianne
Usher.
“We are a year removed from the onset of stricter mortgage lending guidelines and many households who put their
decision to purchase a home on hold have reactivated their search. An increasing number of these households are
getting deals done,” continued Ms. Usher.
Reflecting tighter market conditions, the average selling price for July sales was up on a year-over-year basis by
eight per cent to $513,246. The low-rise market segment continued to be the driver of overall price growth. It
should be noted, however, that the average condominium apartment price was also up by more than the rate of
inflation on an annual basis. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) was also up on a year-over-year basis for all
major home types.
“We are forecasting continued average price growth for the remainder of 2013 and through 2014 as well. Months of
inventory for low-rise homes remains near record lows, suggesting that sellers’ market conditions will remain in
place in the second half of 2013. An increase in listings in 2014 would lead to more balanced market conditions
and a slower pace of price growth next year, albeit still above the rate of inflation,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s
Senior Manager of Market Analysis.
What to Expect when Selling your Home Privately
If you're planning on selling your home, you may have considered putting
up a "For Sale" sign and doing it yourself.

2. Many people have successfully sold their own homes; however, they don't
always necessarily come out ahead financially.
Just as it's not recommended to represent yourself in court, it's not a good
idea to market and negotiate your biggest asset. Here are a few reasons
why it's important to retain the services of a professional real estate agent:
1. No Upfront Costs - You don't have to worry about the various
advertising costs which can quickly amount to a small fortune.
Time is money too and oftentimes it makes more financial sense to
spend time on other projects.
2. Exposure - Your pool of potential buyers will be very limited whereas an agent can expose your home to the
masses! Selling privately can take a while which drives up carrying costs and the longer a home sits on
the market, the less it's likely to sell for.
3. Motivation - The only reason to sell on your own is to try and save money. Buyers who go it alone know
this and expect to share in your savings. Real estate agents are paid on commission so it's in their best
interest to get you top dollar!
4. Third Party Negotiator - Buying or selling a home is an emotional roller coaster! Just one wrong remark can
cause a deal to fall apart. A third party negotiator provides an important buffer between the buyer and the
seller.
5. Experience - Real estate transactions can be fraught with potential problems. Agents can advise you on
various legal matters as well as multiple and counter offer scenarios. An agent can also help stage your
home in order to attract the best possible price.
6. Convenience - You'll have to show your home to strangers on short notice which can be frustrating and
dangerous. Most prospects aren't that serious or are just plain nosy. Agents only work with qualified
buyers so they don't waste time or compromise their personal safety.
Selling a home privately can be risky which means you're gambling with your biggest asset. It pays to have a
professional on side to look out for your best interests throughout this complex financial and emotional
transaction. Do-it-yourself jobs are great in certain situations but when it comes to selling a home, it's best to
enlist the services of a professional.
Things to Know When Flying With Kids In Tow
If you have young children, flying has likely taken on a whole new meaning
and fun probably isn't a word that springs to mind!
Flying with little ones can be somewhat bearable though if you're properly
prepared. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Call Ahead - Get details on seat selection, strollers and car seats.
Reserve the bulkhead seats if you're traveling with an infant and ask
for a cot.
2. Extra Extra!! - Bring extra snacks, crayons and toys. Put diapers
and wipes in a separate bag so you won't have to lug your entire
backpack to the bathroom.
3. Get a Move On! - Keep your kids moving before the flight to help
them cope with the confined space onboard. They'll burn up energy
which will stop them from kicking the seat in front of you.
4. Fasten Your Seatbelts - Have a few items handy in case there's turbulence and you can't access the
overhead compartment and always have a drink ready to help relieve their ear pressure.
It always takes longer to do anything with kids so make sure to allow lots of extra time. Although it seems like
you'll have an eternity at the airport, activities such as check-in, snack time and bathroom breaks will quickly eat
up your time but if you're properly prepared, you'll be able to relax and enjoy a smooth flight!
Geocaching: High Tech Hide & Seek
Geocaching is a high tech treasure hunt where a GPS is used to locate
hidden caches. It's a great way to get active with your family and explore
the great outdoors!
Geocaches are containers that include a log book and small treasures.
Once you find the geocache, you replace the treasure with something of
your own, log in your details and then check-in online.
Exploring hometown hiking trails takes on a whole new meaning and the
best part is that geocaching doesn't cost a cent! Instead of searching
around for the remote this Sunday afternoon, head outdoors for a real life

3. treasure hunt. For more information, visit www.Geocaching.com.
Are you sick of scouring the paper and MLS sites looking for homes? Tired of playing telephone tag with
agents only to hear the home's already sold? Sit back, relax and let me do the work for you! Just visit
my website and check off the features you're looking for. Whenever a home matching your criteria hits
the market, it'll be automatically flagged and emailed to you so you'll never have to worry about missing
your dream home. This service is free and there's no obligation! Click here to get started.
Created by RealEstateWord.com
Not meant to solicit clients already under contract.