
WHAT’S WRONG? STUCK IN A VINYL SIDED HOME OR COMMUNITY?!
VICTORIAN VILLAGE , BY PREVIN COURT HOMES, IN ALLISTON IS THE ONLY EXCLUSIVE BRICK AND STONE COMMUNITY IN NEW TECUMSETH.
NOT ONLY DOES IT LOOK BEAUTIFUL FOR YEARS TO COME, BUT YOU HAVE TO ASK YOURSELF ABOUT THE ADDED VALUE OF BRICK AND STONE, NOT TOO MENTION THE ADDED VALUE OF A WHOLE COMMUNITY BRICK AND STONE.
PLUS OUR VIBRANT COMMUNITY IS SURROUNDED BY AMENITIES WITH: SCHOOLS, DAYCARES, PARK/SPLASH PAD/POOL, RESTAURANTS, CINEMA, WALKING /DOGTRAILS, HOSPITAL…ALL LOCATED CONVENIENTLY WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE.
YOUR HOME IS A HUGE INVESTMENT WE THINK THE CHOICE IS CLEAR.
Kristen and John Large were expecting multiple offers on their semi-detached home, but they were shocked at the intense competition that followed. After a six-person bidding war, the couple sold to a buyer who had lost out on two other homes and was willing to pay $53,000 above their $518,000 asking price. That offer that came with no conditions, not even a home inspection.
The couple, who were looking for a bigger home, were thrilled at the deal – and nervous of what was to come. “All I kept thinking about was: ‘I’m going to be on the other side of this table in a little while,’” Mr. Large says.
Sure enough, two months later, the couple found themselves in competition with six other buyers for a four-bedroom detached house that had been priced well below market value, a popular tactic among agents looking to spark a bidding war.
They won on the second round of bidding. Now it was their turn to waive all conditions.
“You take a bit of a gamble,” Mr. Large says. “But that’s probably what it takes to win out in this market.”
Such scenes have become commonplace in Toronto’s overheated housing market. Except that the Larges’ home buying and selling frenzy was playing out in Aurora, Ont., a suburb roughly an hour’s drive from the city.
Toronto’s sizzling market may get all the attention, with the average price of a detached house topping $1.2-million last month. But it’s in the suburbs where the most intense housing battles are being waged.
Last month, the volume of home resales soared an annualized 23 per cent in the Toronto suburbs (known by their area codes as the “905”). That volume was nearly double the 12-per-cent increase in the city itself. And the benchmark price of a detached house in the suburbs jumped nearly 15 per cent from a year earlier, the Toronto Real Estate Board reported.
In Milton, northwest of the city, the benchmark detached-home price surged an annualized 42 per cent. By comparison, the benchmark price for a detached house in Toronto rose 10.5 per cent from a year earlier.
Greater competition for suburban homes has meant the previously staid 905 housing market is starting to see the aggressive tactics more common in Toronto.
Richmond Hill real estate agent Shawn Zigelstein began noticing a change in the market last fall, when it seemed that every home that came up for sale in the community was involved in a bidding war. It caught many local agents off guard, he says.
“It used to be rare that in the 905 we would see multiple offers and product going for over asking price, firm deals with no conditions,” he says. Now, “offers with eight, 10, 12 other agents are almost normal.”
Some of the factors driving the suburban housing market are similar to those driving home prices in the city: low interest rates, strong employment and immigration. The economic factors are even more important in the suburbs, which are home to nearly half of all job growth and 75 per cent of immigration to the Greater Toronto Area.
Foreign investors are also becoming an increasingly potent force in the suburbs, in some cases paying well over asking price to purchase the home with its existing furniture.
Clients now sometimes ask if their listings can be advertised in Chinese-language newspapers in hopes of attracting top dollar for their properties, says Caroline Baile, the Large’s real estate agent.
“They see our market as a safe market to put funds in and they’re coming in and they’re putting their money into homes,” Mr. Zigelstein says. “At the end of the day, they’re not looking at the prices as much as maybe they should if they were doing their research properly.”
The suburbs have also been changing, with newly constructed or renovated homes aimed at a wealthier buyer than in the past, which is also helping to drive up average prices. “Most families or couples in the old days weren’t really buying $1-million properties,” Ms. Baile says. “But it’s almost like that is the price point for a lot of people now.”
But the biggest driver of the hot suburban market has been provincial policy, says Frank Clayton, senior research fellow at Ryerson University’s Centre for Urban Research and Land Development.
Ontario’s decade-old legislation aimed at curbing sprawl has predominately affected the 905, which is home to 90 per cent of the developable land in the GTA. The sweeping overhaul to the land-use planning rules has restricted the amount of land available for building single-family homes in the GTA in favour of condos. That has helped to dramatically slow development.
Despite steadily rising demand for suburban homes, the number of housing starts for what Mr. Clayton calls ground-related homes – detached and semi-detached houses, along with townhouses – has actually declined in the 905 over the past decade. “It’s very odd because demand is extremely strong but supply is going down,” he says.
The end result of booming suburban prices is that many local first-time buyers have been pushed out of the suburban market into farther-flung reaches of the region. Ms. Baile has clients who have been priced out of Aurora and Newmarket and bought homes in communities like Keswick and Bradford instead.
Few expect the conditions that are driving the hot suburban market to change any time soon. “If people want lower-density housing and we’re not producing enough of it, prices are going to be high,” Mr. Clayton says. “They’re going to stay high and probably go even higher.”
WHEN SHOPPING FOR A HOME YOUR COMMUNITY CHECK LIST SHOULD INCLUDE:


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.
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.
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 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.

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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

There’s a certain peace of mind that real estate buyers enjoy when they purchase a newly built home. The uncertainty involved in buying an older construction revolves around how the prior owners treated the house.
Occasionally, previous occupants try to hide shoddy construction or previous problems with the home by falsifying records or performing slapdash renos. Even a good inspector misses a well-obscured flaw, which results in you having to invest in more time and money to fix it yourself.
Purchasing a newly built home greatly increases the likelihood that you will be fully satisfied with the quality of your home. The use of new material results in better durability and more efficient use of energy, particularly during the summer and winter seasons.
The quality of hardware and technology installed in new homes also tend to be superior compared to older builds. Stainless steel kitchen appliances, and wireless built-in speakers provide examples of modern amenities that provide solid functionality while improving the look of the home.
Builders work with home buyers to implement interior and exterior designs that match the needs of you and your family. Prior to completion, you’re able to plan all aspects of the final product, including floor plan, materials, appliances, paint color and a wide range of other details and home accessories.
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of arranging every single aspect of a new home, builders also offer a wide variety of pre-set plans that take care of all the necessary details.
The majority of new home constructions are undertaken by builders with a solid track record of success. Unlike smaller outfits, experienced builders are more likely to have an extensive network of contractors and suppliers who help create better builds.
The knowledge that you won’t have to perform any significant repairs or heavy duty maintenance on the home for a long time is another attractive aspect of purchasing a new home. Modern materials and design also reduce the amount of work required to take care of your home.
New homes often have warranties attached to them, so in the rare case that something is wrong with the build, the seller is responsible for making sure that everything is fixed according to expectations.
A recent survey showed that 41% of real estate buyers prefer newly built homes, which shows that many people prefer to avoid the risk of moving into an existing development. Contact a professional, experienced builder such as Previn Court to learn more about how new build neighbourhoods cater to your lifestyle.
Finding the right home for your wants and needs can be very challenging, especially when there are lots of unknowns such as whether an appliance will break down or if the electrical will need to be replaced. At Previn Court Homes, we recognize the peace of mind that a newly built home provides, and our friendly staff takes the time to introduce you to all of the features of our quality residences.
With over a thousand homes built over the last few decades, and plans to build thousands more, we know how to create houses that families call home, and we invite you to explore our models. Contact us to learn more about our homes, or register for priority updates and special offers, and let us help you find your dream home.

Moving can be exciting as well as stressful. It represents a new opportunity and a fresh start. However, it’s also a lot of work. You have to pack everything you own and then haul it to a new destination. After the boxes arrive, you have to unpack. We know that parts of moving aren’t fun, so we’ve compiled a list of tips to help you move without losing your mind.
It’s amazing how many things we accumulate, even in a short period of time. You don’t have to move all of them, though. Before you start packing, go through everything and decide what you’re taking with you, and what you’re either going to donate or throw out. Don’t know how to make the decision? A good rule of thumb is to think back on whether you’ve used that object or worn that clothing in the past year. Are you planning on using or wearing it in the next year? If the answer to either of those questions is “no,” say farewell to it.
Another step which will keep you sane during the moving process is setting a schedule. Pull out your calendar and mark off certain dates. Important dates would be when you need to be out of your old home, when you need to be in your new home, when the movers are coming (if you’ve hired them), when you have to turn off the utilities and when you’re signing any contracts or crucial documents. Knowing exactly when those dates are, and what you need to do in preparation for them, will make you less stressed.
It might be tempting just to throw things into boxes without rhyme or reason. That attitude will hurt you once you move into your new place, though. Pack items from the same room in the same box. Then, label those boxes. Another helpful tip is to make a list of what you’ve packed in each box. When you’re unpacking, you’ll know exactly which box belongs in which room, and what’s inside of each box.
Moving into a new home is a massive undertaking. You don’t have to go it alone. Find a team of dedicated professionals, including a real estate agent, lawyers and movers. These people can take care of many of the small details you might not be aware of in the moving process.
It’s no secret that real estate prices can be confusing to some. If you happen to fall into this category, there’s no reason to panic. 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. Honestly, it’s the first step to purchasing the home of your dreams. Why not get started today?
Are you planning on buying a home this year?
Buying a home is an exciting prospect, but it can also be overwhelming. There’s quite a bit you need to know as a home buyer, especially if you’re buying a home this year. We’ve gathered important facts for you about the housing market in 2015.
If you’ve spent any time browsing ads for homes, this fact isn’t news to you. But, were you aware that over 40% of first-time home buyers can’t afford a house without their family’s help? In a report published by BMO in April 2015, nearly half of the respondents said that they would not be able to purchase a home without their family’s assistance. A significant factor in the unaffordability of Canadian homes is their rising prices. The cost of buying a Canadian home has risen since 2009.
In spite of rising home prices, the situation isn’t so grim for Canadians seeking to buy homes. A survey conducted by private mortgage insurer Genworth Canada showed that first time home buyers are wealthier than average. The survey showed that almost a third of Canadians buying their home for the first time had an income above $100,000. The number of first time home buyers with that income in Toronto was 40%, while it was 39% in Calgary. Twenty four percent of first time home buyers in Montreal and 21% of first time home buyers in Atlantic Canada fall into that category.
Many first time home buyers are intimidated by the cost of a high down payment. The good news is, down payments aren’t high in every part of the country. According to a study by Genworth Canada, 63% of first time home buyers paid a down payment of less than 20% of the cost of their home.The median down payment across Canada was less than 12% of the home cost. There’s bad news for people in Vancouver and Toronto, though. The median down payment in Vancouver was 20% of the home cost, while it was 21% in Toronto. Toronto and Vancouver are Canada’s most expensive cities in which to buy properties, so people planning on buying a home in those two markets should save up.
Whether your buying new homes in Alliston or further out, keep your eyes open and make the decision that best suits your needs before your wants.
At Previn Court Homes, we know that house hunting is extremely important, and we strive to create beautiful homes that will provide long term value. Since our inception over 40 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.