Admission Fee to View $5 Million Home In The Beaches

A seven bedroom, five bathroom heritage home has been listed in the prestigious beaches area for a cool $5 million.  The property offers a guest house, green house, and the rare ability to swim from your own front year.  Sounds beautiful?  Would love to see it?  Well, your access will require a $50 donation to Sick Kids.

There are no photos on MLS, no virtual tours, and the media has been denied entry.  This marketing tactic was set in place to filter out non-serious, nosy lookers.  The listing agent and owners wanted to ensure that only serious buyers were viewing the home.

Within the past year or so, we've seen realtors and sellers adapt some guerilla marketing techniques - we've seen properties grossly under listed; we've seen sales boasting lower fees, and we've even seen houses listed for $1.  This particular marketing ploy comes with a little more class - if you have a home of that worth, of course you'd like it to make sure that people aren't just coming in to look because they're curious or bored, and the icing on the cake is that the money is going to a good, local cause.

Click here for more info

Why econdos Is a Great Investment

I haven't been this excited for a pre-construction project in a while.  When I saw the information on econdos, I flipped out.  Apart from the facilities being beautiful, clean, and modern, the investment opportunity is one that Toronto has been needing.  Something that can restore faith and confidence in our new condo market, and something that will entice buyers again.

When I look at new projects, I look at the aesthetics of the project, the area, and the investment.  With this project, the photos speak for themselves.  The amenities are amazing, from the infinity pool, to a party room that is of a night club caliber.  The floorplans are impressive, and are space efficient.  The area is hot, and getting hotter.  It's accessible, being on the Yonge subway line, and just a quick ride into the core of the city.  The building has underground access along the subway line, which connects you to three corners of the Yonge and Eglinton intersection, additionally giving you access to retail stores, restaurants, and a movie theatre without even having to step outside.

The investment is what sold me.  The pricing is in alignment with where our condo market is, as well as with the area that the project is in.  Prices start from the mid $300s, but my favorite layout is one that's $439, with a spacious balcony, and is south facing.  Amidst projects that are offering free parking, or free maintenance fees, econdos is offering a 5% deposit structure, which is an intelligently aggressive approach during a time where new condos are so competitive.  So, with econdos, you are required to put a 5% deposit for the first 48 months, then the remaining 15% at the end of the four years.  So, let's consider this; for my favorite unit, the 20% is approximately $86k - 5% of this is roughly $21k.  When you compare this to conventional deposit structures that require 20% at the start, you have $65k that has been freed up for four years.  In a time where investing your money is a growing trend, $65k can make a lot of money - 8% is a very feasible yield, that's a sufficient downpayment if you're interested in a fixer-upper, or even private lending with a 12% return.

Apart from the deposit structure, you'd be looking at a mortgage payment of around $1400, with maintenance fees of - let's say - $360, so you're looking at $1760, with a rental that would be upwards of $2000.  Of course it's difficult to forecast when you're looking years ahead, but confidence in the area is very strong.

In my opinion, it's an all over project - modern look, impeccable facilities, great area, and lucrative investment.

Pharrell Williams Designing Prefab Homes

Pharrell Williams has always been one of my favourite producers and musicians, but now I have an even higher respect for him.  He's collaborating with Pritzker prize winning architect Zaha Hadid, and will be working on some prefab homes with her.  Here's an excerpt from his new book “Pharrell: Places and Spaces I’ve Been”:

Pharrell Williams:: With my next project, after my next chair, I would love to do a prefab house, have you ever done a prefab?

Zaha Hadid: No, but I’ve done temporary structures. So I think the prefab could be interesting.

PW: The average single-bedroom trailer or mobile home is somewhere between $40,000 to $70,000, and two bedrooms range to about $99,000. They say that we are bouncing back from the recession, but in a lot of areas, especially the housing sector—

ZH: It’s not coming back…

PW: …at all. So I felt that if we would make something that was about $75,000 to $100,000 that we would could do something really fun and really next-level that could change the game, you know?

ZH: No, of course.

PW: So if you’ll be into it I’d love to talk to you about doing prefab houses together.

ZH: That would be very exciting.

PW: First of all, I’m super excited. I’m not going to jump up and down and run out of breath. Then we won’t finish the interview. But when we finish I will do that…Because I’m a big kid!

ZH: [Laughs]

via: http://freshome.com/2013/01/10/an-architecture-collaboration-between-pharrell-williams-and-zaha-hadid/#sthash.jDIZgegz.dpuf


He's also designs furniture, here are chairs he designed:

via www.dazeddigital.com

The Canadian Real Estate Market From A Realtor's Perspective - Part I

As the spring market fast approaches, this past month has been a media frenzy.  Maclean's first print issue in March featured a cover with a family walking up to a burning house, with the headline "You're About To Get Burned - Canada looks exactly like the US before its devastating housing crash - maybe even worse" splashed across the front. Days after this issue was released, The Star retorted with "Canada's Real Estate Market To Cool, Not Crash".  The National Post published their two cents with "Ghost Of Fannie Mae Haunts Canada's Housing Agency" and "Why We're In Trouble If Housing Craters".  The Globe contributed with "Home Sales Seen Rising, Prices Dipping In 2012 and "Carney Sees An End To Rock Bottom Rates".

I can only imagine what an average Canadian reader must think.  The discrepancies and differences in opinion are from different ends of the earth.  I can't say that I'm right, and anyone else is wrong, but what I can offer is my hands on opinion of what we see happening, and what I think will happen.  So, I'm going to pick this apart for you - Realtor style.  My three-part article will address the fears of the Canadian housing  market following in the tragic steps of the American Housing Crisis.  We're going to look at three of the main Canada versus the U.S. comparisons - household debt, interest rates, and housing prices.

Part I - Household Debt

 The U.S. kicked off the housing crisis with a household debt average of $1.30.  Today, the Canadian household debt is $1.51.  So, with every $1 we make annually, we owe $1.51.  These simple numbers are enough to scare the pants off of a lot of Canadians.  But, let's take a true look at the nature of this debt.  What is the average credit score across the U.S versus Canada?  The average American credit score in 2005 was around the mid 600 mark, whereas the average Canadian credit score today is in the low to mid 700s.  To state the obvious, Canadians can carry debt very responsibly, and our debt is manageable. Canada 1 - U.S. 0.

So how is it that Canadians owe so much more money than Americans?  Maybe we don't.  When publishing the average American household debt,  there is a large factor that is not included in this calculation.  In fact, this omittance is actually responsible for part of the decrease of the household debt that Americans have been bragging so much about as of late.  Approximately $254 billion dollars of delinquent loans, charged off debt, and mortgage foreclosures were unaccounted for when calculating household debt in 2008.  These unpaid debts are charged off when they reach serious delinquency, and are lost in an abyss.  That is a staggering amount that would dramatically affect the household debt, especially when you think about this discrepancy having occurred for years.

Another thing to consider is assets and investing.  This is definitely my hands on experience talking, but there is a vast amount of real estate investors in the downtown Toronto core alone.  So, we have to ask ourselves, how much of that $1.51 of debt is servicing itself?  The Toronto condo boom birthed so many investment savvy buyers that we now have anyone from 23 year olds to retirees purchasing investment properties.   According to CRA, Canadian families with an after-tax income of $50,000 to $74,999 have a median net worth of $260,300, and families with an after-tax income of over $75,000 had a median net worth of $505,700.  The average American household has a net worth $182,000 (median income is just under $50k).  Let's factor this in for some rough calculations.  Using $100,000 income, that would mean that Canadians owe $153,000 and Americans owed $130,000.  If we add the net worth to that income, and then divide that by the debt, we are looking at a household debt of $0.42 for Canadians and $0.46 for Americans (I used the Canadian median of $260,300 to be nice).  

All of my calculations are rough, but my purpose was to illustrate ambiguity, and to illustrate the nature of Canadian debt.  I see buyers every day circulating their liquid money for investment purposes.  An investment doesn't always pay off within the same year, so it won't reflect cap rates, projected income or returns on investments.  I also see responsible buyers, who are not exceeding their means, and manage their debt comfortably.

Condo Map

This was an amazing article done by the Toronto Star outlining the condos in the core of the city

Back to Site Seeing

Site Seeing

February 10, 2012



Allison Harness

1. AURA AT COLLEGE PARK: Yonge St. and Gerrard St. Builder: Canderel Residential. A glass and stone 75-storey tower with 939 units and a three-storey glass retail podium. Prices: penthouses from floors 72-75 from over $2.2 million for 2,335 sq. ft. to $17.5 million for 11,370 sq. ft. Fees: about 33 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: underground connection to the subway, 24-hour concierge, rooftop garden, recreational and fitness centre. Sales: 99.25 per cent sold. Status: under construction. Occupancy: starting 2012. Sales centre: 717 Bay St., 416-962-8688, www.collegeparkcondos.com

2. 33 BAY RESIDENCES AT PINNACLE CENTRE: Bay St. and Harbour St. Builder: Pinnacle International. A 52-storey with 634 units. Prices: from $329,900 for 618 sq. ft. to $649,900 for 1,051 sq. ft. Fees: 49 cents per sq ft., plus hydro. Amenities: exercise rooms, 70-ft. lap pool, whirlpool, saunas, theatre rooms, party room, banquet room, business centre, tennis court and putting green. Sales: over 85 per cent sold. Status: built. Occupancy: immediate; penthouses to be released soon. Sales centre: 8 Harbour St., 416-925-3325, www.33BayResidences.ca

3. BISHA HOTEL AND RESIDENCES: 56 Blue Jays Way south of King St. W. Builder: Lifetime Developments and INK Entertainment. A 41-storey hotel/condo with 337 condo suites and 100 hotel rooms. Prices: from $302,900 for 389 sq. ft. to $754,900 for 944 sq. ft. Fees: 57 cents per sq. ft. Amenities: two bars, two restaurants, 24-hour café, rooftop patio, infinity pool, fitness centre, lounge, business centre, salon, 24-hour concierge and à la carte personal services. Sales: 90 per cent. Status: construction starting soon. Occupancy: spring 2014. Sales centre: 56 Blue Jays Way, 416-637-2211, www.bisha.com

4. THE BRANT PARK: 434-444 Adelaide St W. and Brant St. Builder: Lamb Development Corp. An 11-storey building with 167 units. Prices: $243,900 for 402 sq. ft. to $947,900 for 1,411 sq. ft. Fees: 54 cents per sq. ft., plus heat and hydro. Amenities: party room. Sales: 65 per cent sold. Brant Park 2 coming soon. Status: pre-construction. Occupancy: August 2014. Sales centre: 11 Charlotte Street, 416-368-5262, www.thebrantpark.com

5. BURANO ON BAY: 832 Bay St. Builder: Lanterra Developments. A 50-storey glass and steel tower that will rise from the historic Addison on Bay. Prices: from the low-$500,000s for 875 sq. ft. to the mid $700,000s for 1,222 sq. ft. Fees: 53 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: outdoor pool and hot tub, 24-hour concierge, theatre, party room, Internet lounge, fitness room, steam rooms and guest suite. Sales: only a few remain. Status: under construction. Occupancy: August 2012. Sales centre: by appointment, 416-968-1010, www.buranocondos.com

6. CHARLIE: King St. east of Spadina Ave. Builder: Great Gulf Homes. A 36-storey tower with 314 units. Prices: from $470,990 for 781 sq. ft. to over $1.7 million for 2,032 sq. ft. Fees: 45 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: outdoor pool, poolside lounge, steam room, catering kitchen and dining room, lounge, billiards/media lounge, fitness/weight room, aerobics/yoga studio and 24-hour concierge. Sales: 96per cent sold. Status: under construction. Occupancy: spring 2012. Sales centre: by appointment only, 416-927-9772, www.charliecondos.com

7. CRYSTAL BLU: Bloor St. west of Yonge St. Builder: Bazis Inc. A 35-storey slim glass tower with 136-units. Prices: from about $1.6 million for 1,600 sq. ft. penthouse. Fees: 48 per sq. ft., plus hydro. Sales: two left. Status: built and registered. Occupancy: immediate. Sales centre: by appointment, 905-532-0435, www.crystalblucondos.com

8. 12 DEGREES: Queen St. and Beverley St. Builder: BSAR Group of Companies. An 11-storey building with 96 units. Prices: from $300,000 to $1.5 million. Fees: 51 cents per sq. ft. Amenities: rooftop pool and cabana lounge area, dining room and catering kitchen, fitness and yoga studio. Sales: 85 per cent sold. Status: under construction. Occupancy: spring 2013. Sales centre: by appointment only, 416-408-1200, www.12degrees.ca

9. ELEVEN RESIDENCES: 11 St. Joseph St. Builder: Barney River Investments Limited. An 18-storey building with 206 units with a brick podium (originally a warehouse) with a glass tower. Prices: $537,900 for 1,095 sq. ft. Fees: 45 cents per sq. ft. Amenities: theatre, gym, rooftop terrace and 24-hour concierge. Sales: 99 per cent sold. Status: built and registered. Occupancy: immediate. Sales centre: 11 St. Joseph St., 647-349-2489

10. EXHIBIT RESIDENCES: Bloor St. west of Avenue Rd. Builder: Bazis Inc., Metropia, Plazacorp. A 32-storey tower with about 200 units. Prices: from the $800,000s to full floor penthouses for an unknown price. Fees: 59 cent per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: two lounges, curved bar, party room, reflecting pool, dining room with kitchen and lounge, fitness gallery, yoga studio and a cool down lounge. Sales: 85 per cent sold. Status: construction to start early 2012. Occupancy: May 2014. Sales centre: 162 Cumberland St., 416-967-7778, www.exhibitresidences.com

11. FABRIK: 431 Richmond St. W. west of Spadina Ave. Builder: Menkes Developments. Prices: starting from the mid-$200,000s. Fees: N/A. Amenities: N/A. Sales: coming soon. Status: construction not started. Occupancy: N/A. Sales centre: registration only, www.menkes.com

12. FASHION HOUSE: King St. W. and Brant St. Builder: Freed Developments Ltd. A 12-storey building with 230 units and an 11-storey building with 104 units. Prices: from $304,900 for 464 sq. ft. to over $1 million for 1,566 sq. ft. Fees: about 49 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: 24-hour concierge, fitness facility, infinity pool and courtyard with water feature. Sales: 92 per cent sold. Status: under construction. Occupancy: spring 2013. Sales centre: 600 King St. W., 416-360-0600, www.fashionhousecondos.com

13. FESTIVAL TOWER: King St. and John St. Builder: The King and John Festival Corp. A 46-storey glass tower with 373 units atop TIFF Bell Lightbox. Prices: from $509,900 for 619 sq. ft. to $2.4 million for 2,289 sq. ft. Fees: about 53 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: three-year membership to Tiff Bell Lightbox, 24-hour concierge, resident services director, a-la-carte services such as dog walking, room service and valet parking, tower cinema with seating for 55 people, indoor swimming pool, whirlpool, outdoor terrace and sundeck, sports lounge, spa treatment rooms, meditation garden, yoga, Pilates and dance studio and lounge with Wi-Fi, outdoor terrace. Sales: 98 per cent sold. Status: built. Occupancy: immediate. Sales centre: by appointment, 416-203-2020, www.festivaltower.com

14. FIVE CONDOS: St Joseph St. and St Nicholas St. Builder: Graywood Developments Ltd. and MOD Developments Inc. A 45-storey, 507-unit tower integrating the historic facade of 5 St Joseph St. Prices: from the mid $200,000s for 378 sq. ft. to over $1.2 million for a penthouse with 1,683 sq. ft. Fees: 50 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: piano bar/dining room, billiards room, cocktail lounge with bar and kitchen, TV lounge, party room, men’s and women’s change/club rooms with wet and dry steam rooms and private lounges, cardio and weight training studio, roof garden, outdoor dining and barbecue area and 24-hour concierge. Sales: almost 80 per cent sold. Status: construction started in September. Occupancy: November 2014. Sales centre: 618 Yonge St., 416 928 0555, www.fivecondos.ca

15. FIVE HUNDRED WELLINGTON WEST: 500 Wellington St. W. and Portland St. Builder: Freed Developments Ltd. An intimate 10-storey building with just 17 exclusive luxury penthouse-sized loft suites — half and full floor. Prices: from $1.9 million for 2,475 sq. ft. to $2.7 million for 3,470 sq. ft. Fees: about 42 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: private elevator access. Sales: 5 units left. Status: under construction. Occupancy: December 2011. Sales centre: 600 King St W, 416-360-0600, www.500wellingtonwest.com

16. 300 FRONT STREET WEST: 300 Front St. W. and John St. Builder: Tridel. A 49-storey glass tower with 683 units. Prices: from $379,750 for 652 sq. ft. to over $2.4 million for 2,660 sq. ft. Fees: 39 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro, heating, cooling and hot water. Amenities: sun deck, infinity pool, cabana lounges, fountain, barbecue, massage room, steam rooms, whirlpool, lounge, yoga studio, spinning room, theatre, dining room, kitchen, poker room, fitness studio, billiards room, bar, kitchen, party room and lounge. Sales: 94 per cent sold. Status: under construction. Occupancy: December 2012. Sales centre: 28 Linden St., 416-217-0300, www.tridel.com

17. INFINITY 3: Lake Shore Blvd. W. and Lower Simcoe St. Builder: The Conservatory Group. A 35-storey glass and precast concrete building with 407 units. Prices: from mid $300,000s. Fees: 42.45 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: indoor pool, whirlpool, his/hers change rooms and sauna, massage rooms, cinema, billiards room, table tennis room, exercise room, aerobics room, gym, party room with kitchen, boardroom, library, 24-hour concierge, roof terrace with cabanas and guest suites. Sales: undisclosed. Status: under construction. Occupancy: unknown. Sales centre: 137 Bremner Blvd., 416-214-1988, www.conservatorygroup.com

18. 650 KING: 650 King St. W. and Bathurst St. Builder: Freed Developments Ltd. A 16-storey building and a 10-storey building with 118 units in each. Prices: from $419,900 for 760 sq. ft. to $719,900 for 1,084 sq. ft. Fees: about 49 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: part-time concierge and courtyard. Sales: 98 per cent sold. Status: under construction. Occupancy: January 2012. Sales centre: 600 King St W, 416-360-0600, www.six50king.com

19. KING CHARLOTTE: Charlotte St. north of King St. W. Builder: Lamb Development Corp. A 32-storey building with 232 units. Prices: $395,900 for 642 sq. ft. to 579,900 for 962 sq. ft. Fees: 52 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: Outdoor pool and party room. Sales: 63 per cent sold. Status: pre-construction. Occupancy: January 2014. Sales centre: 11 Charlotte St., 416-422-0333, www.kingcharlotte.com

20. LANGSTON HALL RESIDENCES: Adelaide St. W. and Charlotte St. Builder: Langston Hall Development Corp. with Hush Homes. A 21-storey building with 51 units. Prices: from $565,750 for 808 sq. ft. to over $2.3 million 2,880 sq. ft. Fees: 47 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: library and selected reciprocal privileges with the Templar Hotel. Sales: 70 per cent sold. Status: construction starting fall 2012. Occupancy: spring 2014. Sales centre: Templar Hotel, 348 Adelaide St. W., www.langstonhall.com

21. LIBRARY DISTRICT: Front St. W. and Bathurst St. Builder: Context. A 29 storey, coloured glass tower. Prices: from $289,900 for 585 sq. ft. to $465,900 for 826 sq. ft. Fees: 52 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: fitness centre, locker rooms with saunas, stretching room, party room, media lounge, outdoor terraces and guest suites. Sales 80 per cent sold. Status: under construction. Occupancy: May 2013. Sales centre: 1 Market St., 416-861-8181, www.librarydistrictcondos.com

22. LIVING SHANGRI-LA TORONTO: University Ave. and Adelaide St. W. Builder: Westbank Corp. and the Peterson Group. A 66-storey, 393-unit glass building. The first 17 floors will be 200 hotel suites and the remaining upper floors will be condo units. Prices (parking included): from $978,150 for 891 sq. ft. to over $9.3 million for a penthouse with 3,336 sq. ft. plus a 1,400 sq. ft. terrace. Fees: floors 18 to 49, 54 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro; floors 50-66, 75 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro (includes limo and valet service). Amenities: private garage with private estates, screening room, corporate function rooms, banquet room, spa, indoor pool, hot tub, doorman, concierge, fitness centre, yoga studio, steam rooms, business centre and access to hotel services. Sales: about 85 per cent sold. Status: under construction. Occupancy: summer 2012. Sales centre: 200 University Ave., 3rd floor, 416-599-0333, www.livingshangri-latoronto.com.

23. LUNA: Spadina Ave. and Fort York Blvd. Builder: Concord Adex. A 38-storey glass tower, eight-storey podium and a 18-storey building with 700 units in total. Prices: from $359,900 for 745 sq. ft. to over $2.2 million for 3,018 sq. ft. Fees: 45 cent per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: 24-hour concierge, lap pool, alfresco bar, cabanas, aerobics/yoga studio, steam and sauna, massage and manicure rooms, theatre, fitness centre, guest suites, billiards room and Internet lounge. Sales: 97 per cent sold. Status: built and registered. Occupancy: immediate. Sales centre: 23 Spadina Ave., 416-813-0999, www.cityplace.ca

24. THE MERCER: Mercer St. and John St. Builder: Graywood Developments and Beaverhall Homes. A 33-storey, 412-unit glass and brick building with retail space. Prices: from the mid $259,900 for 363 sq. ft. to over $917,900 for 1,023 sq. ft. Fees: 51.5 cents per sq. ft. Amenities: media room, dining room with kitchen, fitness centre, spa, lounge and change/shower rooms, party room, terrace with water feature. Sales: 75 per cent sold. Status: construction not started. Occupancy: December 2014. Sales centre: Mercer St. and John St., 416-597-6940, www.themercercondos.ca

25. M5V CONDOMINIUMS: King St. W. and Spadina Ave. Builder: Lifetime Developments & TAS Design Build. A 35-storey, 306-unit glass tower and podium. Prices: from $569,900 for 1,011 sq. ft. to $918,900 for 1,358 sq. ft. Fees: 50 cents per sq. ft. plus hydro. Amenities: terraces with fireplace and kitchen, gym and yoga studio, his/hers change rooms with steam rooms, dining room and lounge, guest suite and 24-hour concierge. Sales: 10 left. Status: built. Occupancy: June 2011. Sales centre: 56 Blue Jays Way, 416-446-1666, www.m5vlife.com

26. NO. 210 RESIDENCES ON SIMCOE: 210 Simcoe St. north of Queen St. W. Builder: Diamondcorp and Sorbara Development Group. A 25-storey, 294-unit building. Prices: from the $200,000s for 412 sq. ft. to over 1,800 sq. ft. Fees: 52 cents per sq. ft. Amenities: art gallery, steam rooms, fitness room, party room, yoga studio, executive concierge and outdoor amenity space. Sales 80 per cent sold. Status: construction to start spring 2012. Occupancy: spring 2015. Sales centre: Queen St. W. and McCaul St., www.210simcoe.com

27. PARADE: Fort York Blvd. west of Spadina Ave. Builder: Concord Adex. Two 38-storey and 43-storey glass towers connected by a bridge and two connected 18-storey and 21-storey buildings with 1,600 units in total. Prices: from $307,800 for 468 sq. ft. to over $1.3 million for 2,068 sq. ft. Fees: 45 cent per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: 24-hour concierge, squash court, spa, hot yoga studio, pet spa, aerobics/dance studio, lounge, indoor pool, whirlpool, pool-side lounge, steam rooms, party room, fitness area, terraces, Internet lounge, guest suites, billiards room, cards room, kids play area, arts and crafts area, outdoor pet area and theatre room. Sales: Phase 1 95 per cent sold; Phase 2 70 per cent sold. Status: under construction. Occupancy: fall 2012. Sales centre: 23 Spadina Ave., 416-813-0999, www.cityplace.ca

28. PALATIAL COLLECTION: Bay St. and Harbour St. Builder: Pinnacle International. A 53-storey with 491 units. Prices: from $368,900 for 535 sq. ft. to about $1.9 million for 2,112 sq. ft. Fees: 51.5 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: concierge, exercise rooms, lap pool, whirlpool, saunas, heatre rooms, party room, banquet room, business centre, tennis court and putting green. Sales: over 85 per cent sold. Status: immediate. Sales Centre: 8 Harbour St, 416-925-3325, www.successtower.ca

29. PANORAMA: Dan Leckie Way south of Lake Shore Blvd. W. Builder: Concord Adex. A 28-storey glass tower and a connected seven-storey podium with 401 units in total. Prices: from $438,800 for 650 sq. ft. to about $1.3 million 1,525 sq. ft. Fees: 50 cent per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: 24-hour concierge, fitness centre, sauna, rock wall, sports lounge, hot tub, terrace, guest suites, billiards room, Internet lounge, bar, games room and outdoor area with barbecue pit. Sales: 97 per cent sold. Status: built and registered. Occupancy: immediate. Sales centre: 23 Spadina Ave., 416-813-0999, www.cityplace.ca

30. THE PINNACLE ON ADELAIDE: John St. and Adelaide St. W. Builder: Pinnacle International. A 43-storey building with 564 units. Prices: from $339,900 for 594 sq ft to $659,900 for 1,047 sq ft. Fees: 51 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: exercise room, whirlpool, screening room, deck, party room and terrace: Sales: over 75 percent sold. Status: excavation complete. Occupancy: fall 2013. Sales centre: 283 Adelaide St. W., 416-596-1600, www.pinnacleadelaide.ca

31. QUEEN AND PORTLAND: Queen St. W. and Portland St. Builder: Tribute Communities. A five-storey residence built above a two-storey retail space with 96 units. Prices: from $447,000 for 751 sq. ft. Fees: 59 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: fitness centre, day concierge, terrace with water feature and barbecue area. Sales: two left. Status: built and registered. Occupancy: summer 2011. Sales centre: 393 University Ave., www.mytribute.ca

32. RESIDENCES AT RCMI: 426 University Ave. south of Dundas St. Builder: Tribute Communities. A 42-storey, 318-unit building. Prices: from $386,660 for 494 sq. ft. to $563,990 for 763 sq. ft. Fees: 48 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: fitness room, access to dining facilities located within RCMI, bicycle storage and 24-hour concierge. Sales: 88 per cent sold. Status: under construction. Occupancy: June 2013. Sales centre: 393 University Ave., 416-363-4800, www.mytribute.ca

33. RESIDENCES AT RITZ-CARLTON: 183 Wellington St. W. west of Simcoe St. Builder: Graywood Development and Cadillac Fairview. A 52-storey, 159-unit glass building. Lower floors will be hotel suites with residential units starting on the 22nd floor. Prices (parking and locker included): from $1.6 million for 1,512 sq. ft. to over $9 million for more than 6,000 square feet. Fees: 79 cents per sq. ft. Amenities: spa with indoor pool, exercise facilities, steam rooms, saunas and whirlpool, 24-hour concierge, valet parking, guest suite, games room, theatre room and doorman and access to hotel services. Sales: about 80 per cent sold. Status: built. Occupancy: 60 to 90 days. Sales centre: 183 Wellington Street, Suite 4403, 416-591-1000, www.theresidencestoronto.com

34. REVE: Front St. east of Bathurst St. Builder: Tridel. A 13-storey building with 305 units. Prices: from $345,500 for 645 sq. ft. to $890,000 for 1,455 sq. ft. Fees: 53 per sq. ft., plus hydro, heating, cooling and hot water. Amenities: party room, meeting room, billiards room, theatre, yoga centre, sauna area, wellness centre and terrace. Sales: 91 per cent sold. Status: completed. Occupancy: immediate. Sales centre: 28 Linden St., 416-514-2710, www.tridel.com

35. SEVENTY SEVEN CHARLES WEST: Charles St. at St. Thomas St. Builder: Aspen Ridge Homes. A 16-storey glass building with 56 units with a stone clad base. Prices: from over $2 million. Fees: 89 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: 24-hour valet parking and concierge, personal training room and boardroom. Sales: undisclosed. Status: under construction. Occupancy: fall 2012. Sales centre: by appointment: 416-203-7034, www.77charles.ca

36. STUDIO ON RICHMOND: Richmond St. W. west of Simcoe St. Builder: Aspen Ridge Homes. Rhombus-shaped 31-storey towers anchored by nine-storey podium with 337 suites. Prices: from $382,990 for 625 sq. ft. to $845,990 1,294 sq. ft. Fees: 52 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro and water. Amenities: outdoor Zen area with therapeutic hot tubs, winter lounge with heated floors, indoor and outdoor yoga spots, steam rooms, barbecue areas, billiards room, bar, media lounge, party area, fitness studio and terrace. Sales: 78 per cent sold. Status: construction not started. Occupancy: fall 2013. Sales centre: Duncan St. south of Richmond St. W., 647-352-7736, www.studiocondos.ca

37. STUDIO 2 ON RICHMOND: Richmond St. W. west of Simcoe St. Builder: Aspen Ridge Homes. Rhombus-shaped 41-storeys tower anchored by six-storey podium with 422 suites. Prices: from low $300,000s for 495 sq. ft. to 1,275 sq. ft. Fees: 52 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro and water. Amenities: outdoor Zen area with therapeutic hot tubs, winter lounge with heated floors, indoor and outdoor yoga spots, steam rooms, barbecue areas, billiards room, bar, media lounge, party area, fitness studio and terrace. Sales: just opened. Status: construction not started. Occupancy: late 2014. Sales centre: Duncan St. south of Richmond St. W., 647-352-7736, www.studiocondos.ca

38. TABLEAU: 117 Peter St. at Richmond St. W. Builder: Urban Capital, Malibu Investments and Alit Canada. A 36-storey building. Prices: from $375,900 for 590 sq. ft. to $679,900 for 1,036 sq. ft. Fees: 51 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: 24-hour concierge, fitness centre, steam room, screening room, games rooms and guest suite. Sales: over 90 per cent sold. Status: under construction. Occupancy: June 2014. Sales centre: 554 Queen St. E., 416-591-8887, www.tableaucondos.com

39. THEATRE PARK: 224 King St. W. west of University Ave. Builder: Lamb Development Corp. A 47-storey building with 234 units. Prices: $409,900 for 530 sq. ft. to over $2.2 million for 2480 sq. ft. Fees: 54 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: outdoor pool and full gym. Sales: 80 per cent sold. Status: pre-construction. Occupancy: July 2013. Sales centre: 11 Charlotte St., 416-422-0333, www.theatrepark.ca

40. THIRTYTWO CAMDEN: Camden St. and Spadina Ave. Builder: Sorbara Development Group. A 12-storey building with 87 units. Prices: from $215,502 for 367 sq. ft. to $849,900 for 1,361 sq. ft. Fees: 52 cents per sq. ft. Amenities: fitness room and outdoor terrace. Sales: 50 per cent sold. Status: under construction. Occupancy: December 2012. Sales centre: Queen St. W. and McCaul St., 416-860-0060, www.thirtytwocamden.com

41. THOMPSON RESIDENCES: 621 King St. W. east of Bathurst St. Builder: Freed Developments. A 12-storey building with 252 units and an 11-storey building with 82 units. Prices: $289,900 to $2 million. Fees: 55 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: access to hotel services business lounge, residences lounge. Sales: 75 per cent sold. Status: excavation underway. Occupancy: December 2013. Sales centre: 600 King St. W., 416-360-0600, www.thompsonresidences.com

42. TRUMP INTERNATIONAL: 325 Bay St. and Adelaide St. W. Builder: Talon International Development Inc. A 60-storey glass and stone tower with 118 residential units starting on the 33rd floor and 261 hotel units which are for sale. Prices: residential, from $2.3 million for 1,310 sq. ft. to $19.6 million 7,799-sq.-ft. penthouse. Hotel suites from $967,000 for 571 sq. ft. to $6.9 million for 4,014 sq. ft. Fees: 82 cents per sq. ft. Amenities: spa, fitness area, lap pool, business centre with meeting rooms, boardrooms, catering service, 24-hour concierge, valet parking and access to hotel services. Sales: 80 per cent sold. Status: under construction. Occupancy: begins spring 2012. Sales centre: 325 Bay St., by appointment only, 416-214-2800, www.trumptoronto.ca

43. U CONDOMINIUMS: Bay St. south of Bloor St. W. Builder: The Pemberton Group. A 45-storey tower with 429 units and a 55-storey tower with 537 units. Prices: from the mid $600,000s for 892 sq. ft. to over $1 million for 1,458 sq .ft. Amenities: party room, library, exercise room, yoga studio and 24-hour concierge. Sales: a few remaining. Status: under construction. Occupancy: November 2013. Sales centre: 50 St. Joseph St., 416-546-6605, www.ucondos.ca

44. THE UPTOWN RESIDENCES: 35 Balmuto St. south of Bloor St. Builder: The Pemberton Group. A 48-storey precast concrete, granite and glass building with 284 units. Prices: from $948,900 to $1.5 million for 1,270 to 2,110 sq. ft. Amenities: lounge with outdoor terrace, fitness centre, steam rooms, media lounge, 24-hour concierge, virtual golf and theatre. Sales: undisclosed. Status: built and registered. Occupancy: immediate. Sales centre: by appointment, 905-326-4100, www.pembertongroup.com

45. VICTORY CONDOS ON KING: King St. W. west of Spadina Ave. Builder: BLVD Developments. A modern 12-storey steel, brick and glass building. Prices (parking and locker included): over $2.2 million for 2,545 sq. ft. Fees: 49 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: executive concierge, security service, screening room, lounge/bar, boardroom, dining room with kitchen, fitness studio and guest suite. Sales: one penthouse left. Status: under construction. Occupancy: winter 2011. Sales centre: by appointment, 56 Blue Jays Way, 416-446-1666, www.victorycondos.ca

46. 400 WELLINGTON WEST: Wellington St. W. west of Spadina Ave. Builder: Sorbara Development Group. A 12-storey, 102-unit building with a window and masonry exterior. Prices: from $409,990 for 811 sq. ft. to $944,990 for 1,529 sq. ft. Fees: 50 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: party room and executive concierge. Sales: 80 per cent sold. Status: under construction. Occupancy: immediate. Sales centre: Queen St. W. and McCaul St., 416-860-0060, www.400wellington.com

47. 550 WELLINGTON: Wellington St. W. and Bathurst St. Builder: Freed Developments Ltd. A 10-storey building with 336 units with lofts, bi-level street lofts, loft penthouses and 102 hotel suites. Prices: over $1.2 million for 2,723 sq. ft. Fees: 56 cents per sq. ft., plus hydro. Amenities: access to hotel services, fitness centre and spa. Sales: one left. Status: built and registered. Occupancy: immediate. Sales centre: 600 King St. W., 416-360-0600, www.550wellington.com
Though we try to provide the most up-to-date information available, we cannot guarantee all buildings or features are listed. Please contact builder for latest details. To update information please email condosonthemarket@rogers.com.

My Trump Experience

I took advantage of the beautiful day today and decided to walk over to the launch of the Trump International Hotel & Tower.  Before I even entered the front door, a member of the concierge approached me with a big smile, and warmly invited me into the building.  This first impression lived up to the expectations that the media and press created - that Trump Toronto will exude the class and elegance that is synonymous with the namesake.

I entered the front lobby, and to my surprise, it was smaller than I expected - part of me expected to see an overly large, rather cold atmosphere.  Instead, I was surprised to see an intimate and inviting atmosphere, one that was more befitting of a smaller space.  I could tell off the bat that quality thrived within the halls of the Trump Tower.  The crystal pieces in the lobby were blindingly shined, and the laser cut granite floors were immaculate.

I think that this building will attract to foreign investors, and real estate connoisseurs.  I definitely look forward to working alongside this building.