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Mark Savel

A Decade of Trust: Why This Family Keeps Choosing Mark Savel

By Testimonials

Thank you so much for all of your help in this transaction, Mark! We first worked with you when I was pregnant and now our daughter is turning 11 this summer! We really appreciate everything you’ve done for us. We have high expectations for professionalism and competence in a real estate agent and you’ve always exceeded it. I am sad to be in the real estate market outside of Ontario, without your support. No one compares.

 

Deb and Everett

A Comprehensive Guide to Toronto’s Best Hotel/Condos Buildings

By Advice For Buyers, Toronto

Toronto, a city known for its dynamic lifestyle and diverse real estate offerings, has seen the emergence of a unique housing trend – the hotel/condo hybrid. Combining the comfort of hotel living with the convenience of condominium amenities, these developments offer residents a lifestyle that’s both luxurious and convenient.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the noteworthy hotel/condos in Toronto, each bringing its own distinctive charm to the urban landscape.

The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto

Location: 183 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V 0A1
Developer: Cadillac Fairview & Graywood Developments
Architect: Kohn Pederson Fox Associates
Year Completed: 2011
Number of Floors: 51
Number of Units: 159
Sizes: 1,397 – 11,000 Sq.Ft.

Features:

  • Luxury Redefined: As part of The Ritz-Carlton brand, these residences offer unparalleled luxury, with high-end finishes, stunning views, and access to the hotel’s amenities. The 24 hour concierge is available to help with valet parking, chauffeur services, and security. The building is equipped with an expansive gym, yoga studio, saltwater pool and spa!
  • Prime Location: Situated in the heart of the Entertainment District, residents enjoy easy access to theaters, restaurants, and cultural attractions. The Ritz-Carlton, is directly connected to the PATH, Toronto’s downtown walkway linking 27 kilometers of underground shopping, services, and entertainment, as well as St. Andrew subway station. The condo is also within walking distance to the city’s attractions, restaurants and sports venues; The CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, Roger’s Centre and Scotiabank Arena (formerly Air Canada Centre), as well as the Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Shangri-La Toronto

Location: 180 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5H 0A2
Developer: Westbank and Peterson
Architect: James Cheng
Year Completed: 2012
Number of Floors: 66
Number of Units: 393
Sizes: 819 – 4,400 Sq.Ft.

Features:

  • Opulent Living: The Shangri-La residences exude opulence, with spacious layouts, contemporary designs, and top-tier amenities. Our favourite space in the Shangri-La is the stunning Lobby Lounge. Residents do have their own private entrance, but walking through the lounge is always a special treat. They have an expansive drink menu with an array of small-bite options. For something a bit more upscale, Bosk is the ideal place to have a conversation, business meeting or special date night.
  • Five-Star Services: Residents can indulge in the hotel’s world-class services, including a spa facilities (Miraj Hammam Spa), fitness center, and an indoor lap pool, hot tub and sauna!

St. Regis Residences Toronto

Location: 311 Bay St, Toronto, ON M5H 4G5
Developer: JFC Capital ULC
Architect: Zeidler Partnership Architects
Year Completed: 2012
Number of Floors: 58
Number of Units: 118
Sizes: 1,300 – 11,000 Sq.Ft.

Features:

  • Timeless Elegance: Formerly known as the Trump Hotel – the property was sold for nearly $300 million, and was rebranded to the St Regis in 2017. Today, the St. Regis Residences embodies timeless elegance, offering a refined living experience with bespoke services and sophisticated design. Residents have exclusive access to the Sky Lobby on the 32nd floor, which comes complete with 24-hour concierge, a fitness centre, a fully equipped gym, an indoor pool, and direct elevator access. Room service and maid service is also available (at an extra cost)
  • Coveted Location: Situated in the Financial District, residents are near Toronto’s business hubs and cultural attractions. Residents can dine out right in the building at either the Astor Lounge (perfect for drinks and small bites) or at the Louix Louis Grand Bar and Restaurant on the 31st floor… you’ll definitely want to check out the 60 ft mural on the ceiling of the Grand Bar. Painted by local Toronto artist Madison van Rijn, the mural, known as a ‘Bouquet of Whisky’ is inspired by a glass of Canadian whisky and looks just as refreshing as one. Salute!

Four Seasons Private Residences Toronto

Location: 50 Yorkville Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 0A3
Developer: Menkes Developments & Lifetime Developments
Architect: architectsAlliance
Year Completed: 2013
Number of Floors: 55
Number of Units: 210
Sizes: 655 – 9,038 Sq.Ft.

Features:

  • Yorkville Elegance: Nestled in the upscale neighborhood of Yorkville, the Four Seasons Private Residences provide a sophisticated living experience with stunning views of the city. You’re steps away from the cities finest shops in the city, with all the big brands at your doorstep.
  • World-Class Amenities: Residents enjoy access to the renowned Four Seasons amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and gourmet dining. D Bar is the destination of choice for those looking to unwind with a cocktail and some lite bites. Cafe Boulud offers a more formal setting and features a menu highlighting seasonal locally sourced ingredients and one-of-a-kind style.

Conclusion

Toronto’s hotel/condos redefine urban living, offering residents a blend of luxury, convenience, and world-class services. Each development brings its own unique character and charm, catering to different tastes and lifestyles. Whether you’re drawn to the opulence of The Ritz-Carlton, the contemporary elegance of Shangri-La, or many offerings of The Four Seasons these hotel/condo hybrids enhance the city’s real estate landscape, providing an elevated living experience for those seeking the best of both worlds. Explore these iconic residences and discover the epitome of sophisticated living in the heart of Toronto.

Connect with us below for more information about any of these hotel/condo projects!

Woman charging electric car

Is Installing an EV Charger Worth It?

By Advice For Buyers, Advice For Sellers

In an era where sustainability and eco-friendly choices are at the forefront, electric vehicles (EVs) have become a popular choice for environmentally conscious individuals… and those sick of paying at the pump!

As more people make the switch to EVs, the question arises: Is it worth installing an EV charger at home? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the considerations that can help you decide if making this investment is the right move for you.

Convenience and Accessibility

Pros

  • Home Charging Ease: Installing an EV charger at home provides the convenience of charging your vehicle in the comfort of your own space. No more trips to public charging stations or waiting in line.
  • Flexible Charging Times: With a home charger, you have the flexibility to charge your EV overnight or during off-peak hours, taking advantage of lower electricity rates.

Cons

  • Upfront Cost: The initial cost of purchasing and installing an EV charger can be a deterrent for some. However, various government incentives and rebates may offset these costs.
charging EV car electric vehicle clean energy for driving future

Cost Savings

Pros

  • Lower Charging Costs: Home charging is often more cost-effective than using public charging stations, especially if you can benefit from lower nighttime electricity rates.
  • Reduced Fuel Costs: Over time, using an EV charger at home can lead to significant savings compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles.

Cons

  • Upfront Investment: While the long-term savings are notable, the initial investment in the EV charger and installation might be a financial consideration. We’ve found prices range from $3-5,000 (and up)

Environmental Impact:

Pros

  • Reduced Carbon Footprint: Embracing EV technology and home charging aligns with sustainability goals, contributing to a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles.

Cons

  • Electricity Source: The environmental benefits depend on the source of your electricity. If your local grid relies heavily on fossil fuels, the overall impact may be less pronounced.
an electric car plugged in to a charging station

Government Incentives:

Pros

  • Financial Support: Many governments offer incentives, rebates, or tax credits for the installation of EV chargers at home. Researching available programs can help offset costs.

Cons

  • Program Availability: The availability and terms of government incentives may vary, and not everyone may qualify for these programs.

Conclusion

Deciding whether to install an EV charger at home involves weighing the convenience, cost, and environmental considerations. For many, the benefits of easy charging access, potential cost savings, and a reduced carbon footprint make it a worthwhile investment. If you’re considering making the switch to an electric vehicle, exploring the available incentives and evaluating your specific circumstances will help determine if installing an EV charger at home is the right move for you.

brown sofa near glass window

The Pros and Cons of Open Houses in Toronto

By Advice For Sellers

Selling your home is a significant undertaking, and one question that often arises is whether hosting open houses in Toronto is worth the effort and investment. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of open houses to help you make an informed decision about whether they are the right strategy for selling your home!

The Top 5 Pros of Open Houses:

  1. Exposure to a Wide Audience: Open houses attract a broad range of potential buyers, including those who might not schedule private viewings. This exposure can increase the chances of finding the right buyer for your home. The more people through the door, the better the chance of getting the most for your home.
  2. First Impressions Matter: Open houses allow buyers to experience your home in person, creating a tangible connection. A well-staged and inviting presentation during an open house can leave a lasting positive impression. Remember, we don’t sell like how we live… so don’t take it personally if your realtor advises clearing out personal effects.
  3. Feedback and Market Insights: Hosting an open house provides an opportunity to gather feedback from potential buyers. This insight can be valuable in making necessary adjustments to the price or to enhance your home’s appeal in the market.
  4. Sense of Urgency: Creating a sense of urgency by having specific viewing hours can motivate potential buyers to make decisions quickly, especially if they see others expressing interest in the property.
  5. Facilitates Networking: Real estate agents often use open houses to network and connect with potential buyers. This can lead to additional exposure for your property through word of mouth and industry connections.
brown staircase

The Top 5 Cons of Open Houses:

  1. Security Concerns: Opening your home to the public may pose security risks. While most visitors are genuinely interested in purchasing, there is a potential for theft or unauthorized access. Always have jewelry, laptops, and any other high-value items removed from the home.
  2. Inconvenience for Sellers: Hosting open houses can be disruptive for sellers, requiring them to vacate the premises for extended periods. Balancing privacy and the desire to showcase the home can be challenging.
  3. Quality of Leads: While open houses attract a wide audience, not all attendees may be serious buyers. Some people might be curious neighbors or individuals who are not financially prepared to make a purchase.
  4. Limited Time Frame: The limited time frame of an open house might not be sufficient for potential buyers to thoroughly explore the property. Private showings often allow for a more relaxed and detailed viewing experience.
  5. Effectiveness Varies: The effectiveness of open houses can vary depending on the market, location, and property type. In some cases, the return on investment may not justify the effort.

    If you’re interviewing multiple realtors before choosing the right one to sell your home, ask them to outline all the processes and procedures they use to host a safe and efficient open house!
brown wooden dining table with white chairs near kitchen

The 3 Best Tips for Maximizing An Open House:

  1. Effective Marketing: Promote your open house through various channels, including online listings, social media, and traditional marketing methods. Don’t discount the old-school methods of sidewalk signs and door to door marketing.
  2. Well-Staged Presentation: Ensure your home is impeccably staged for the open house to create a positive and memorable impression. (and yes, a tray of freshly baked cookies is always a good idea)
  3. Security Measures: Implement security measures to protect your property during open houses, such as removing or securing valuable items. Have your realtor keep a log of all guests and visitors

Is Having an Open House Worth it for Your Home?

The decision to host open houses when selling your home ultimately depends on various factors, including your comfort level, the local market conditions, and your specific goals. While open houses can provide exposure and valuable insights, they come with potential drawbacks. Carefully weigh the pros and cons, and consider consulting with a real estate professional to determine the most effective strategy for showcasing your home in the competitive real estate landscape.

Trusted Toronto Realtor | 9 Years of Exceptional Service with Mark Savel

By Testimonials

We first met Mark Savel about 9 years ago and he helped us buy our first property (condo) in Toronto. He was with another brokerage at the time and we followed him to Sage when he moved over. We never even considered going with another agent!

He recently helped us sell that same condo and buy our first detached house and true to form, he was so knowledgeable, helpful and communicative throughout the process. He made everything so easy for us and for that, we are very grateful! He truly went above and beyond. We relied heavily on him for advice and information throughout the process. His patience always helps to make us feel comfortable and confident in our decisions.

We can’t recommend him enough!

Nadia and Derek

Why Clients Keep Coming Back to Mark Savel – Trusted Toronto Realtor

By Testimonials

We have a long-standing relationshIp with Mark Savel. His professionalism, experience, and amazing communication skills keep us coming back.

Mark understands the real-estate market and the needs of his clients. Mark made what is typically a very stressful experience a very easy and reassuring experience. I would highly recommend Mark Savel as your realtor, he’s the best!

Chris and Kat

Honest & Knowledgeable Toronto Realtor | Client of 10+ Years

By Testimonials

I have known Mark for about 10 years now. He sold me the property so it was natural that he would help me sell it. I like Mark because he is honest, straight forward, helpful, and knowledgeable. He knows his stuff and he is a very good negotiator. He also sold my townhouse On Foundry a couple of years ago. Unfortunately I am now living in Milton and I don’t think he works that far but for any investment I want to do in Toronto, Mark will be my guy!!!

Chrisi

First-Time Home Buyers Find Dream Condo with Mark Savel

By Testimonials

My partner and I were first-time home buyers and Mark Savel helped us every step of the way with a great sense of humour and an assurance that we would be able to find our dream condo – and we did! He has an abundance of knowledge and knows exactly what and how to look when surveying a potential property. Whenever we had additional questions, he was a short text or phone call away, and always made sure we were comfortable and confident in the next steps we made. I think we truly lucked out by being able to work with Mark and will always appreciate his dedication to our dream!

Vanessa and Patrick

Toronto Real Estate Market Report – November 2020

By Monthly Market Updates

 

According to the calendar… this year is almost over. According to November’s market numbers, the craziness continues!

The Toronto Real Estate Market saw a drop in new listings, active listings and overall sales. It also took about 4 days longer (28 versus 24 days) for homes to sell in the city. But between a mid-month lockdown and the seasonality of the year – this didn’t really come as a big surprise. 

Average Price

The average price of a home in the city increased by 13% when compared to the same time last year, bringing us to an average price of $955,615. And for those keeping score… that’s a $116,000 increase since January of this year (not bad during a pandemic).

 

Every segment of the market saw a drop in sales for November. The detached market had the biggest decline with a 24% drop month over month. However on an annual basis, both detached and semi-detached saw great gains with an 18% and 36% increase for each. Price increases were also the strongest for these two segments up over 8.5% for each. 

Condo Activity

2020 was definitely NOT the year of the condo!  In November, sales were down by more than 4% month over month – and nearly unchanged year over year. Prices followed the same trend – down by 4% month over month and nearly 3% year over year (nearly $20,000 less than the same time last year).

… but it is in the condo market that we see the biggest opportunity. With prices down and supply up, buyers, especially in the downtown core, these next few months offer one of the greatest times to get into the market. A quick MLS search for 1 bedroom condos south of Bloor brought up nearly 150 listings – this time last year, that was practically unheard of!

Three Trends To Watch

  1. We’re optimistically hoping that vaccines and the current lockdown help bring down COVID-19 case numbers in the months ahead and a return to a new normal.
  2. New by-laws for AirBnB operators will be enforced in early 2021 – will this impact supplies in the condo market further
  3. Will those that left the city due to COVID-19 make it through a northern winter? And will that impact demand in 2021?

 

DETACHED HOUSES

993 sales took place
295 fewer homes than the previous month (24% decrease in sales)
145 more homes than the previous year (18% increase in sales)
The average price of a detached home was $1,477,226
An increase of $6,369 compared to the previous month (0.4% increase in price)
An increase of $116,980 compared to last year (8.6% increase in price)

 

SEMI-DETACHED HOUSES

336 sales took place

80 fewer homes than the previous month (19% decrease in sales)

89 more than the last year (36% increase in sales)

The average price was $1,160,911

An increase of $6,824 compared to the previous month (.59% increase in price)

An increase of $93,884 compared to last year (8.8% increase in price)

 

TOWNHOUSES

362 sales took place

47 fewer homes than the previous month (11.5% decrease in sales)

68 more homes than the previous year (23.13% increase in sales)

The average price was $819,752

decrease of $8,338 compared to the previous month (1% decrease in price)

An increase of $56,454 compared to the previous year (7.4% increase in price)

 

CONDOS

1,375 sales took place

63 fewer condos than the previous month 4.4% decrease in sales)

more condos than the previous year (.5% increase in sales)

The average price was $640,208

decrease of $27,953 compared to the previous month (4.2% decrease in price)

decrease of $19,647 compared to the previous year (3% decrease in price)