We all know and have probably experienced the “phantom bid.” “I know you need to think about it, but I’ve already got a lot of interest from different people.” “You really should buy now, it probably won’t be here next week.” Even though it can be easy to spot the scam artists, proving it’s a scam was a different story. Until now.

Under new Ontario legislation, it is illegal to imply any kind of offer has been made, unless the offer is in writing and is signed. No offer is valid until it is signed, regardless of individual circumstances. Agents will also be required to keep record of every offer on file for 12 months, so that any customers who suspect they were duped can make sure one way or another.

New Laws for the “Phantom Bid”

The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) have been tasked with enforcing these new rules and protecting customers from unscrupulous real estate agents. Prior to this, they did receive complaints about phantom bids, but very few: “We don’t believe that it’s a rampant practice. But if it happens, it’s very serious and we would take it very seriously,” according to Joseph Richer, RECO registrar.

The current chaos in the Toronto housing market is being credited with creating the surplus of phantom bids by using the surplus of buyers and dearth of properties on the market to cover their tracks. Under this new legislation, anyone caught can be fined up to $50,000 or face two years in jail. On the other hand, they could simply face a disciplinary committee, who can order them into educational courses or fine them $25000. These are very harsh punishments for an agent to potentially face.

Protecting Home Buyers

President and chief executive of Royal LePage, Phil Soper, believes other provinces will introduce similar laws. “What tends to happen is that one province will put something in place . . . and it’ll spread to other provinces,” said Soper. “The regulators in the provinces tend to keep in pretty tight step with each other in terms of how legislation is developing.” Despite this, officials across the other provinces have been quick to point out that they haven’t received that many complaints, and do not believe that their real estate agencies are in need of tighter regulations.

So far, the pre-existing legislative tools have proven sufficient to police the world of real estate in other provinces, and there is no sign of further interference from provincial governments.

Looking for a New Home?

At Previn Court Homes, we know that home buyers are looking for a residence that will make them feel both physically and financially comfortable.  Learn more about our beautiful affordable new homes to buy, or contact us to register for priority updates and special offers, and find the perfect home for your budget.

July saw a record number of Toronto-area homes sold, with an average selling price of $609,236 for the month.

According to Mark McClean, Real Estate Board President: “9,880 homes sold in the Greater Toronto area in July 2015, representing an 8 per cent increase from the sales in July 2014.”

According to a recently released report, the sales broke the sales record for July, a month that’s typically slower for the real estate industry. “It is important to point out that home ownership demand has been driven not only by low borrowing costs, but also by the fact that the GTA economy has been performing quite well,” McLean said in the report.

Sky High Real Estate Prices in Toronto

The TREB report found that the average sale price in the GTA was $609,236 for the month of July, up 10.6 per cent from July 2014, when the average was $550,625. Even though the average sale price reached a record high in July, prices are actually lower than the average price in June.

According to these findings, the city of Toronto is set to break the record for number of homes sold in a year, previously set in 2007. The previous record was 93,193 homes sold, with an average selling price of $327,236. With this report, TREB has recorded 64,514 sales in 2015. Records have consistently been broken across the year, with April, May, June and July all exceeding expectations. Additionally, monthly sales have been higher year-over-year every month of 2015, when compared to last year’s sales.

Expensive Condos

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation have stated that a surge in condo construction pushed Canada’s housing starts figure to its highest level of the year in August, at 196,565.

We’ve all heard the stories about crazy house sales in Toronto, like the eight feet wide three storey property that features a garden, balcony and a sauna that’s currently on the market for $750,000. Or the dilapidated house on the Beaches that sold for more than a million, despite not being hooked up to hydro, with holes in the roof and animals inhabiting a few floors and just generally being deemed “uninhabitable.”

The fact is, the Toronto real estate market is heating up, with no sign of cooldown coming any time soon. According to TREB, the rate of sales growth is outpacing the rate of listings growth by a wide margin. In a release, Jason Mercer, TREB’s director of market analysis, stated: “As long as this situation persists, expect home prices to trend strongly upward.”

Tired of Living in Toronto?

Toronto has definitely lost its groove. Its no longer the jewel it used to be. As such, now is the perfect time to leave Toronto. One of the best places to live outside of Toronto is Alliston. If you’re ready to move, we at Previn Court build a home for you. With over 35 years of experience, we have built homes for over a thousand families, including detached, townhome, and unique attached single units, and we can help you find the perfect home for you.

Take a tour of our incredible models, or contact us today for more to let us know your needs in terms of bathrooms, bedrooms and budget.

Race to the Bottom

There isn’t a single buyer who benefits from a bidding war. When two or more purchasers enter into a bidding war for a home, only the sellers win. Real estate markets with intense competition, in particular big cities like Toronto, can result in a difficult buying process that ends up inflating the cost of real estate.

The economics are simple: demand for a limited resource always ends up in a price spike, regardless of whether or not the commodity is worth the price. In order to get the best bang for your buck when buying a home, avoiding competing buyers helps to reduce the cost of your investment.

Have Your Own Home Built

Get a new home built just for you, without the need to worry about other people bidding it out of your clutches. You can lock up your dream home in nearly developed areas, such as the ones we offer.

These types of homes are built strategically to provide fantastic quality and a neighbourhood plan ideal for families. Since many of these projects take place on parcels of underdeveloped land, builders choose locations that are far enough from hectic locations, but close enough to enjoy the conveniences of the big city.

Previn Court has been creating custom homes and building neighbourhoods from scratch since the 1970s.

Avoid Hot Markets

For several years, Canadian real estate has been in a continuous boom, with prices and demand for homes rising on a consistent basis. Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary have witnessed some of the strongest gains, which have resulted in skyrocketing prices, restricted availability and frantic development of condos to help cater to rising demand.

As a whole, over the past decade, the Canadian real estate market has accelerated rapidly, party due to Canada’s reputation as a steady economic performer during times of international economical strife. The influx of foreign investment attracted by Canadian economic stability, especially in Vancouver and Toronto, has resulted in massive quantities of real estate inventory snapped up in expectation of profit.

When you attempt to enter incandescent markets, you increase the risk of being burned by the intensity of the competition for limited housing stock. Finding areas that are adjacent to hot markets can result in a solid investment, particularly when buying a newly constructed home that guarantees you don’t have to worry about previous occupants.

Are You Interested in Buying a Home in Alliston?

Are you tired of living in downtown Toronto? Are you considering buying a home in Alliston? We can help. With over 35 years of experience, we have built homes for over a thousand families, including detached, townhome, and unique attached single units, and we can help you find the perfect home for you.

Contact us to let us know your desired number of bathrooms and bedrooms, as well as your budget, and we’ll send you priority updates and special offers on our beautiful new homes.

When making the all-important decision of choosing the neighbourhood in which your family lives, selecting the type of surroundings that your child is exposed to is one of the most pressing concerns.

While big city life does offer a variety of cultural and educational offerings that can enrich your child, the hustle and bustle of city life may also be a distraction. Big cities have plenty of pollution that has proven to be damaging to the physical development of children, in particular their cardiovascular system.

This has lead families looking to purchase a home to ask themselves: is it better to raise kids in a small community, or shell out the cash to buy a home in the big city?

Extreme Living

The pros and cons of big-city living have mostly to do with the population density that big cities are known for. When millions of people pack into geographic locales of limited space, the large number of people who live in close proximity rises significantly. Instead of a few families living on a sleepy cul-de-sac, there’s a good chance that dozens occupy a small amount of real estate, especially in a condo setting.

This extreme population density attracts many of the best and brightest to the city, giving your family the chance to meet many of the brightest people in the province. Opportunities for education and culture increase, as the promise of large audiences draw some of the best artists and performers from around the country.

The Evolution of Small Communities

Despite the perceived cultural and educational gap between big cities and smaller communities, the differences between the two have shrunk. Small communities recognize more and more the importance of culture and education for their citizens. As a result, big cities are no longer the only place for children and adults to engage in great cultural events.

At the same time, moving into a smaller community results in a quiet, more laid-back lifestyle. Rather than the noise of traffic, police and human industry, families can enjoy peace and quiet away from dense populations.

Another huge benefit is the reduction of pollution that you and your family experience living away from heavy traffic and industrial activity. Dozens of studies show the health difficulties children face when surrounded by air pollution, increasing the number and severity of asthma cases, among other health issues.

Small communities, especially ones located far from pollution but close to amenities, provide the best of both worlds. Builders such as Previn Court houses create master-planned communities that give home buyers the option of bringing their families into small neighborhoods which provide easy living for their loved ones.

Want to Raise Your Kids in Alliston?

If you want to raise your kids in a small community, you should consider buying a home in Alliston. At Previn Court, we are proud to present our beautiful community of Victorian Village Alliston. An exquisite collection of 32′ & 40′ designs that reflect the unique Victorian architecture found in Alliston with updated details that will make this the most desireable new community.

Contact us today more information about buying a home in Alliston.

Parents looking for the best environment in which to raise a child have to weigh the pros and cons of buying a home versus purchasing a condo.

A variety of factors come into play, such as cost, convenience, market conditions and availability, but for most parents, the most crucial variables involves finding the best place to raise and develop their child. One of the biggest advantages of purchasing a home revolves around the benefits of having a yard for your children.

Healthy Development

An important part of a child’s growth takes place during the time they spend playing outdoors, discovering the natural world that surrounds them. Providing your family with a yard is one of the safest ways of facilitating this sort of growth, in particular when your kid is young.

Large yards that feature trees, bushes and vegetation introduce your child to the natural world. In fact, studies show that children who play in the dirt enjoy a variety of developmental boosts, including a stronger immune system, improved mood and a reduction in obesity, depression and disorders like ADD and ADHD.

Children who grow up in condos tend to be surrounded by a landscape dominated by concrete and glass. This can make it difficult as a parent to expose your children to nature, especially when living in a downtown metropolis.

Leaving a Legacy

When you purchase a house that includes a yard, especially a large space with plenty of greenery, the value of your investment is much more stable than if you purchased a condo. A survey conducted by the National Association of Landscape Professionals revealed that home buyers possess an overwhelming demand for green space when they consider the purchase of a domestic property.

Nine out of ten respondents revealed a preference for abodes adjacent to grass, plants, trees and other features of natural landscapes. In terms of the importance of living close to green space, 91% of respondents answered that it’s important to live close to natural spaces, while 60% believe that it’s very important to do so.

Condos simply cannot meet this demand. While there are other factors that are important when it comes to the value of real estate, the fact that home buyers seek to have some sort of connection with nature results in reduced perception of the value of condos.

Previn Court Homes have a portfolio of real estate that offer fantastic yards, green spaces and investment value. Contact us to learn more about terrific houses that match the needs of your family.

Buy Your Family a Home in Alliston

If you have a big family, you should definitely buy a home with a yard as opposed to buying a condo. If you’re an Alliston resident, we at Previn Court can build one for you. We know that home buyers are looking for a residence that will make them feel both physically and financially comfortable.  Learn more about our beautiful affordable new homes to buy, or contact us to register for priority updates and special offers, and find the perfect home for your budget.

Many homeowners dream of having a yard of their own. There are many benefits to having and maintaining a yard with your house, that are both private and public. Although a yard can be aesthetically pleasing, they also come with a few other upsides that often get glossed over or forgotten:

If You Have Kids

The first, and most obvious, is play. If you have kids, yards are a great way to let them play outside safely. Rather than having to pack and unpack for a trip to the park, you can leave your kids outside in the yard with their own toys and under your supervision.

Similarly, if you have a dog, taking him or her for a walk can be awkward depending on your schedule, but a yard could cut down on walktime without cutting down on playtime. They can also be educational, teaching children about the seasons and about growing vegetables and other edibles. Gardens provide people an important opportunity to maintain their cultural heritage through growing plants that are important in their culture’s food or rituals.

Going “Green”

Several psychological studies have found that exposure to green plants has a positive effect on stress levels, especially in urban areas. They allow the mind to rest, something we rarely get to do today. In the American Journal of Community Psychology, researchers Brogan and James write that plants contribute substantially to psychosocial health.

The second is both aesthetic and financial. Depending on what you plant in your yard, it could affect the value of your home. For example, planting a tree could have a massively positive effect on your home across the board. In a study carried out by Indiana’s Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, a healthy 15 ¾-foot-wide silver maple could add two and a half thousand dollars to the value of your house.

According to a 2010 Forest Service study in Portland, trees added an average of nearly nine thousand dollars to a sale price, and reduced the time on the market by two days. They also remove dirt, smoke and other pollutants from the air, improving air quality so you can enjoy your garden.

Trees will also cut down on heat retention, enhance night-time cool downs and improve water conservation, allowing you to reduce your water bill and keep your garden beautiful. They also disperse water vapour through transpiration, lowering heat and supporting plants.

Want a Yard or Garden? Think About Moving to Alliston, Ontario

Simply pick up the phone and call the experts at Previn Court Homes.

Scheduling an appointment is the best way to get all of your questions about the real estate market answered. It’s the first step to purchasing the home of your dreams. Why not get started today?

For many years, condos were offered as the ideal home. With advertising all over the city, it’s easy to see why many people agreed, but times are changing. People are beginning to see the numerous issues faced by those who live in condos.

Size

Condos are small. For a single, they may have a decent amount of space, but for a family, there is rarely, if ever, enough space. In 2013, the average size for new condo units was about 739 square feet, 1.6% lower than 2012’s average. For comparison, the average size of a new unit in 2010 was 797 square feet and in 2009 it was 816 square feet. A decade ago, the average size was 1,006 square feet. Condo’s are steadily getting smaller, as developers continue trying to cram as many people as possible into as small of an area as possible.

Privacy

As the condos continue to shrink, privacy is one of the first things you’ll lose. Everyone has a horror story about a nightmare neighbour who plays music too loud, or has dogs, or is just messy. But you shouldn’t have to live like that. If a neighbour chooses to let their property fall into disrepair or impact on your private space , that’s their own decision, but if it is negatively impacting on your home and privacy, then it’s no longer a matter between a  lessor and a tenant, but between you and them. Condo living exacerbates this.

Amenities

Many condos are advertised as coming with gyms, pools and other amenities, and costs are usually included in rent. The downside is, if you do not or cannot use these amenities, you are still paying for them, and you cannot avoid these payments. As a result, your rent could be artificially inflated by something you are not in control of and may not even want.

Garden

Gardens can be beautiful, and many homeowners dream of having their own garden. This can be quite difficult to do in a condo. Sure, you can scatter a few plants around your condo to add some life and colour to proceedings, or have window boxes installed, but this is limited. Even if your condo does come with a garden or a green area, it is controlled by your lessor. You have no say in how it looks.

Control

Most condos in a building are cookie cutters, they look the same regardless of floor or number. Although you can change the furniture or the interior, you can’t change it too much. When you enter and when you leave, the condo itself will remain the same. You cannot install a new living area, or make any changes you would prefer. By owning your own house, you can do whatever you want with it.

Want a Yard or Garden? Think About Moving to Alliston, Ontario

Simply pick up the phone and call the experts at Previn Court Homes.

Scheduling an appointment is the best way to get all of your questions about the real estate market answered. It’s the first step to purchasing the home of your dreams. Why not get started today?

Property taxation is a major source of funding for the municipality, school boards and county, which require the funding to support their programs and deliver their services to the public. Depending on what kind of property you hold and what amenities it has, you could be paying substantially more or less than your neighbours.

If you are living in Toronto, unfortunately you are probably paying much more than you would be elsewhere. A multi-residential home in Toronto costs 1.7265482% in taxes. The same building in New Tecumseth costs 1.495112% in taxes. Now factor in a much smaller cost of land.

It goes on. If you’re a business owner, you pay 2.7665397% if you have a general commercial building. In New Tecumseth, you pay between 2.248089% (occupied) and 1.573663% (vacant) in taxes.  If you have industrial properties, you pay a flat 2.8273363% in taxes, but in New Tecumseth, it’s between 2.830112%(occupied) and 1.839572% (vacant).

A fraction of a percentage could equal the loss of hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Flexible Payment Options

Right now, New Tecumseth allows you to pay property taxes in the following manner:

• In person at the Administration Centre, 10 Wellington Street East, Alliston; by cash, cheque or by INTERAC.
• Mailed to 10 Wellington Street East, Alliston, Ontario L9R 1A1 (cheques only)
• After hours payments may be deposited by cheque only through the slot on the south door of the Administrative Centre at 10 Wellington Street East, Alliston, Joint Operations Centre, 6558 8th Line, Beeton and at the Tottenham Community & Fitness Centre, 139 Queen Street North, Tottenham.
• Through telephone/internet banking, ABM’s (automated bank machines) and at the counter of most financial institutions, as long as the micro-encoded tax stub accompanies the payment.
• Payment through the internet.

Property Tax, with No Real Property

As well as having to pay a higher rate of taxes, your home will also be limited. If you’re living in Toronto, odds are good you don’t have your own backyard or place to entertain guests outside. In the depths of summer, it’s patio and barbeque weather, and a yard (either front or back) is ideal for having friends over. In winter, it’s ice rink and snowball weather, and having a yard gives you and your family the opportunity to do it yourself and avoid the lines.

Additionally, paying less taxes obviously will reduce costs, freeing up your finances for other things, like further improving your house or taking vacations.

Interested in Buying Property in Alliston?

Buying a home is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make in your life, which will impact how comfortable your family is both in the house and financially in the future.

At Previn Court Homes, we know this decision is an important one, and we strive to create beautiful homes that will provide long term value.  Since our inception over 35 years ago, we have constructed in excess of 1500 homes in Canada, and in the process made the dreams of 1500 families come true. Take a tour of our incredible models, or contact us today for more to let us know your needs in terms of bathrooms, bedrooms and budget.

Every year, so many people are drawn to the lights, the sounds, the people of downtown Toronto. As the song says “Things will be great when you’re downtown!” Unfortunately, many people are getting a sharp wake-up call due to sudden and unexpected rent hikes and a high cost of living.

Downtown condo realtor Andrew la Fleur estimates condo rents in the core have jumped 10 to 15 per cent just in the last year. Although an estimated 32,000 new condo units have been built in the Toronto over the last five years, construction hasn’t been enough to keep up with demand. Tighter mortgage lending rules and high house prices have forced many would-be buyers to rent longer, which is leading to a shortage of strong rental properties.

Escape Toronto Traffic

There are also the other issues of city life, from nightmarish traffic to the risk of crime to pollution. Traffic jams are an increasingly large problem, and the TTC is struggling to meet the demands of the citizens. If you own a car, you have to pay extra for parking, on top of paying your already high rent. For too many, this is too much and they are forced to make very tough decisions. Many choose to stay, struggling with debt, but others opt-out, giving up on downtown living in favour of something less stressful.

Consider Alliston in Simcoe

So, is it time to move out and up? The town of Alliston in Simcoe county is just ninety minutes away from Toronto, and enjoys beautiful scenery, affordable property prices and lower property taxes, making it an ideal candidate for those working in Toronto who are looking for something stable and secure. There are two public elementary schools, two Catholic elementary schools and one high school, with two parks, several pools and numerous residential areas, so young families can rest assured that they will be well taken care of throughout the year.

Commonly called the “potato capital of Ontario,” Alliston can boast of thousands of acres of farmland and is now the home of Honda Canada manufacturing, with three major factories, and numerous other businesses are proud to call Alliston home. In the 2011 census, the town grew by 23%, more than 4 times the average in the county of Simcoe. Many of them commute to and from Toronto, to avoid the costs and stresses of everyday life there.

With Alliston, it’s possible to have your cake and eat it, working in downtown Toronto while living affordably with much more freedom than city life offers.

Are You Interested in Buying a Home in Alliston?

Are you tired of living in downtown Toronto? Are you considering buying a home in Alliston? We can help. With over 35 years of experience, we have built homes for over a thousand families, including detached, townhome, and unique attached single units, and we can help you find the perfect home for you.

Contact us to let us know your desired number of bathrooms and bedrooms, as well as your budget, and we’ll send you priority updates and special offers on our beautiful new homes.

An Autumn in Alliston

The town of Alliston offers a variety of great events that everyone from ages 3 to to 103 can enjoy. This fall, a variety of shows, events and workshops bring the community together to enjoy one of the most beautiful times of the year.

Splash’N Boots

Winner of the 2013 SiriusXM Indies Canadian Children’s Group of the year and moninee for the 2014 and 2015 Juno for children’s album on the year, Splash’N Boots are making an appearance on November the 1st at The Gibson Centre.

This event consists of a live musical performance that the entire family can get into. They’ve shared the stage with such children’s music luminaries such as Sharon, Lois and Bram, as well as Fred Penner.

After numerous sold-out concerts across the world, including Dubai, Australia and Spain, this duo brings their highly acclaimed act back to Canada for the delight of the children of Alliston.

32nd Annual Sugar Plum Fair Craft Show & Sale

One of the biggest events of the year is the Annual Sugar Plum and Craft Show and Sale, which offers more than 100 vendors who sell some of the finest crafts and artisanal foods from around the region.

This year, the event takes place on November 14th and 15th, giving people two whole days of browsing fantastic items with fellow members of your neighbourhood.

Women’s PROBUS Club

One of the more popular recurring events during the fall season is the PROBUS club for women, which meets on the final Monday of each month at the Nottawasaga Inn. This gives retired and partially retired members of the community an opportunity to gather and discussed shared interested amongst themselves.

Open Studio @ The Gibson

Artists of all skills and backgrounds are welcome to join artist-in-residence Greg Hindle at The Gibson Center. On Tuesdays between 10 am and 3 pm, the artist provides advice and mentorship to everyone who attends. The cost of this even in $7 for members of The Gibson Centre and $10 for non-members.

Talk of Alliston Toastmasters Club

This toastmasters club provides a venue for those who wish to improve their oratorical skills in all sorts of different situations, from small talk in social situations to speeches and workplace presentations. This club meets at the Alliston Library on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month between 7-9 pm.

Quilting Corners Quilt Guild Meeting

On the first Tuesday of each month during the fall, the Quilting Corners Quilt Guild meets from 7-9 pm. During this monthly event, presentations, workshops, demonstrations and contests take place. A membership to the guild costs $35 and the attendance of each event costs $5.

Are You Interested in Moving to Alliston?

Does the events in Alliston interest you? Would you like to move to Alliston? We can help. With over 35 years of experience, we have built homes for over a thousand families, including detached, townhome, and unique attached single units, and we can help you find the perfect home for you.

Contact us to let us know your desired number of bathrooms and bedrooms, as well as your budget, and we’ll send you priority updates and special offers on our beautiful new homes.