We Live in the Icon. We Work in the Icon. We Know the Icon. Contact the Condo Chicks for all your real estate needs.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Top Ten Real Estate Deals
Click on Icon Condo for more information on any of these deals!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Tips on Selling your Icon Condo
Here are a few tips when selling your condo in Toronto:
1. If the unit is vacant, staging can have a positive effect as it can help potential purchases visualize how space can be utilized.
2. If the unit is occupied it is extremely important to keep the space tidy. Surfaces should be clear, washrooms should be clean and dishes should not be in the sink.
3.It is to the sellers benefit to remove any paintings or objects with religious meaning. A simple religious object can limit potential buyers.
4. Be flexible with showings. If people can't get into see your unit, how can you expect it to sell?
5. If you are home when a showing is booked, step out of your home. Potential buyers will feel like they can't talk freely with their agent and will feel pressure to look quickly. You want showings to be a pleasant and comfortable experience.
6. Restrain pets. Even though Snoopy may be really friendly, a lot of people are scared of dogs.
A few little changes can make a huge difference when it comes to selling your home. A little more effort can set you apart from your competition during these market conditions.
Click on Icon Condos for more information!
Friday, February 11, 2011
The Truth about Open Houses
According to The National Associations of Realtors, only 1% of homes are sold by conducting public open houses. Realtors use open houses as more of a prospecting tool then a way to sell the home. It is not uncommon for a listing agent to pass on the job of hosting an open house to a newbie agent as there is a very low chance of the home selling through this avenue. For newbie Realtors, open houses present a great opportunity to meet prospects who are in the market for a condo. When parties come through the open house, the Realtor has them put down their information on a sign in sheet. In addition to being a security measure, this list allows the Realtor to follow up with them and help them in their home search.
Another type of open house is what is called an "agent open house." This type of open house allows Realtors in the neighbourhood to have the opportunity to visit the property before it is exposed to the public. What is commonly forgotten is that Realtors have access to the most important tool for selling your home and that is the MLS system. If an agent has a client for your home, they will book a showing for their client through the MLS system. Not only is the property advertised freely to all the Realtors on MLS, but is also published on the public MLS site. From the public MLS site, buyers can search for your home and contact the listing agent if they want to view the property.
Another common misconception that sellers have is that newspaper and magazine advertising increases the odds of selling your home. Again, according to The National Associations of Realtors, only 3% of homes are sold by advertisement inquiries. Also keep in mind that these advertisements can be very expensive.
Realtors understand that sellers want everything possible done to sell their home however, Realtors also know that conducting open houses and newspaper advertising generally will not sell a home. In reality, Realtors bring the most serious and qualified buyers so focus on the types of marketing that attract the Realtors; having a well put together home that shows well and pricing right and then the qualified buyers will follow.
If you are looking to sell your toronto condo or home, click on Condo Chicks for more information.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
New Mortgage Rules when Buying an Icon Condo
For home buyers with a CMHC insured mortgage, the new rules will effect mortgage amortization. Amortization will be changed from 35 years to 30 years. On average this change will increase monthly payments by around $40 for every $100K borrowed. Down payments for purchases can still be 5%.
In terms of refinancing, the max mortgage advance will be 85% of the appraised value. This loan to value number used to be 90%.
Good news is that these new mortgage rules will help to keep interest rates low. The Bank of Canada has announced no prime rate change, leaving variable rate mortgages and credit lines as is. Flaherty hopes these new rules will help to keep Canadians spending in check.
We have about 2 months before the new rules come into play (March 18th). If you are looking to purchase a Toronto condo, make sure to visit the bank or your mortgage broker soon to arrange financing. Contact the Condo Chicks below in you are looking to purchase or sell a Toronto Condo.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Toronto Condo Icon Update
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Process of Buying a Condo
SOLD: 270 Wellington: $334,500
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Multiple Offers
Recently we were in a situation where the listing agent had listed a property above market value, hoping to create a multiple offer situation. After reviewing the comparables with our clients, we came up with a number that we felt was fair for the property. Unfortunately, we did not win the property, nor did any of the other offers that were submitted. Ironically, the listing was terminated the following day due to the fact that nobody was willing to over pay for the property. It will be interesting to see if the property comes back on the market at a more reasonable price.
Our advice to you when entering a multiple offer situation is to review all the comparable properties, and determine what the property is worth to you.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
1+1 with Parking and Locker now $334 500
Friday, October 29, 2010
Annual General Meeting
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Two Work/Live Units For Sale in The Icon
Friday, May 28, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
Follow The Condo Chick's Chronicles...
http://www.condochicks.com/category/condo-chicks/
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Introducing The Condo Chick's Chronicles
http://thecondochickschronicles.blogspot.com/
Garage Cleaning
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
New Icon Listing
Contact us for details!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Icon Footage: The Newest Video of the Condo Chicks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkgzjxDjHyI
Make sure to pick up a copy of the National Post this Saturday as we will be featured in the Real Estate Section.
http://www.condochicks.com/
Thursday, April 8, 2010
CONDO CHICK INTERVIEW
For all your Icon and real estate needs, please visit us at http://www.condochicks.com/
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
SOLD: 250 Wellington St West #132
Friday, March 26, 2010
No Hot Water
Monday, March 8, 2010
New Website Launched
Don't forget to contact us for not only your Icon needs, but all of your condo needs!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
New 1 Bedroom + Den Unit Coming Up for Sale
Contact us for details!
http://www.condochicks.com/
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
King West is the Place to Be!
Many may argue that King West extends as far as Liberty Village, which is not the case. “True” King West technically ends at King and Strachen. Over the past few years, King West has become recognized as a prime location for condo buyers. Even though it may not be as centrally located as condos east of Spadina, it is for this reason this location is grabbing the attention of buyers and investors. With buildings being zoned as low rises and an abundance of greenery, these aspects alone are very appealing to buyers.
Another factor that is appealing to buyers and especially investors, is the price per square foot. With buildings selling in the $300.00 s/f range just five years ago, owners in King West have made a great investment. With the average price per square foot now being over $500.00, investors are flocking to the area hoping that only in a short time, prices will catch up to the $550.00 s/f as condos in “prime locations.”
A lot of developers have started to jump on the King West opportunity. Recently, projects such as Art Condos and Minto at 775 King West have launched hoping to take advantage of the King West intrigue. Canderel Stoneridge, who is responsible for condo buildings DNA1 and DNA2 is planning on launching their third and final phase of their DNA series in the spring. Having essentially being one of the first to make it’s mark in King West, their third and final phase, DNA3 is expected to be one of the most sought out launches in the City. This final phase will be built in the old Chrysler parking lot, which is the last prime location in King West.
For information on the upcoming launch of DNA 3, or any other condos in the King West area, contact the Condo Chicks. http://www.condochicks.com/
Friday, February 26, 2010
Our New Website is Coming!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Icon Condo for Rent
Beautiful one bedroom plus den condo with parking for rent in the ICON at Wellington and Blue Jays Way. Tenant has option to rent non-furnished for $1700.00 or furnished for $1800.
Move in date April 1, 2010.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Updated Average Values for Icon Units: 2010
1 bedroom with parking and locker: $303 000
1 bedroom + den with parking and locker: $320 000
2 bedroom with parking and locker: $400 000
Contact us if you have any interest in selling your unit in the Icon or buying in the Icon.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Fire Alarm Testing January 13th, 2010
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Multiple Offer Situations
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Good News for Icon Owners
If you are looking to sell or buy in The Icon, contact The Toronto Condo Chicks.
Christmas Party at The Icon
The Condo Chicks
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Annual General Meeting
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Two Bedroom Unit Wanted
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Sellers Needed
North Lobby Entrance
Monday, August 24, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Dryer, Exhuast Duct, and Exhaust Fan Cleaning
If you preferred you may provide a cheque payable for this amount to TSCC 1441 before August 21, 2009.
Please feel free to contact us for all your real estate needs.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Selling Your Unit
The condo market is anticipated to slow down in August therefore your property may take a little longer to sell than normal. In general, real estate slows down in August as a lot of people go away on vacation.
Please feel free to contact us for any information on your ICON unit as well as other buildings downtown. We also specialize in other buildings both pre construction and built. You can visit us at http://www.torontocondomarket.com/ and http://www.torontocondochicks.com/
North Lobby Renovations
Friday, June 12, 2009
Selling Your Icon Condo Unit: Commissions
1. Would you ask your hairdresser to reduce their cost for cutting your hair or ask your lawyer to reduce their fee? Don't forget that your Realtors career is to trade in real estate and they are considered an expert in their field.
2. By asking your Realtor to reduce their commission for selling your ICON condo, you are essentially asking for a minimal service. At a reduced commission, your Realtor will probably be less inclined to hold open houses, provide marketing material or have professional photos taken. These simple tools can help accelerate the sale of your condo unit by providing maximum exposure and help you get top dollar. In the end, you get what you pay for.
3. Don't forget that the commission you are paying your realtor is not the actual amount they will be receiving. There is a huge misconception that Realtors make tons of money. Real Estate brokerages take a percentage of that commission, with some as high as 50% depending on the program your Realtor is on.
4. Your Realtor will spend a lot of their own money and time helping to prepare your ICON condo for sale. Getting professional photos, floor plans, internet marketing and brochures made up all costs money. Your Realtor may spend thousands of dollars and a lot of their time preparing your condo unit with no guarantee that they will make commission if the unit does not sell or that the seller will change their mind.
By hiring a professional Realtor to sell your ICON condo, you are paying for a professional service. It is important to interview a few potential Realtors to see which one is best suited for your needs. Compare selling strategies and ask what is included in their commission that they are charging. The most important element when choosing a Realtor is that you feel comfortable with him or her and that they give you the confidence that your ICON condo will be sold quickly and smoothly.
If you are interested in selling your ICON condo, please contact us.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Fire Alarm Testing
Friday, June 5, 2009
New Maintenance Fees
Monday, June 1, 2009
The Entertainment District on King Street West
The ICON Condos Neighbourhood
The Clarence Park....
If you've wondered whats going up in the old parking lot which is now under construction at the corner of King and Spadina... well its going to be an LCBO! This is a much needed addition to this neighbourhood. With the closest LCBO at Loblaws in the St. Lawrence market area, this will surely attract more people to this neighbourhood.
The Icon Condos On Wellington, Toronto
The Icons (I say this because there are technically two condo buildings) on Wellington Street West in Toronto is a young professionals dream. I may be a little biased considering I do live in the condo building but I think it's safe to say that it's not only a very affordable condo but it is also extremely well maintained. You would never know that these buildings are close to ten years old.
With an exceptional exercise area, roof top terrace, party room, boardroom and 24 hour security and concierge, this building is hard to beat. (Did I mention all the pretty faces?) With tons of new condo projects going up around including the Festival Tower, the value of the condo building is naturally going up.
To make a long story short The Icon condo buildings accommodate investors, renters and buyers. If you have any questions regarding availabe condo units in the Icon please feel free to contact us- your Icon Condos residents.





