Aura at College Park Part 3 - Features & Finishes

TORONTO’S ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK

• Canada’s tallest condominium offers unparalleled panoramic views of the entire city
• Beautifully designed and appointed, the stunning lobby overlooks a 3 acre park
• 24-hour concierge and security service controlling building access and surveillance of the building
• Elegant finishing details in corridors and in entrance doorways to each suite
• Individually controlled in-suite heat pump system offering on-demand central heating and air conditioning
• Individual suite metering for hydro consumption (subject to Hydro protocols)
• Architecturally designed, expansive double-glazed windows throughout exterior and pre-finished aluminum window frames
• Inviting landscaped entrance and welcoming arrival area
• Bicycle storage room with convenient air pump
• Three beautifully appointed suites for your out-of-town guests
• Lush, landscaped roof top garden over the podium
• State-of-the-art, high speed elevators
• Controlled elevator access to individual floors where applicable
• World class recreational centre with state-of-the-art equipment
• Sprinkler system in building to be one of the first in Ontario

EXTRAORDINARY LIVING SPACE FLOORS 5 - 55

• Private balconies and terraces with breathtaking views as per plan
• All ceilings to be white stippled, except in kitchen, bathrooms and laundry/storage area (where applicable)
• Kitchen, laundry area and bathroom ceilings are to be smooth, painted flat white
• Interior walls painted white in quality latex paint in all rooms, woodwork and trim in semi-gloss
• Sculpted 4″ baseboards and 2″ matching trim throughout
• Contemporary style swing interior doors with metal lever hardware
• Personally encoded in-suite intrusion alarm monitored by concierge
• In-suite smoke and heat detector and emergency button with intrusion alarm
• Decora switches and receptacles
• Capped ceiling outlet in living room, dining room and den

FOYER FEATURES

• Solid core suite entry door with elegant brushed metal lever hardware
• Mirrored sliding closet door or wood swing closet door as per plan

DREAM KITCHENS FLOORS 5 - 55

• Contemporary design highlights these unique gourmet kitchens
• Choose from sophisticated cabinetry packages, in a range of appealing colours from builder’s samples
• Sleek, stainless steel refrigerator with tempered glass front panel, stainless steel self cleaning oven, dishwasher and space-maker microwave
• Countertops and backsplash are a precision crafted, durable solid surface selected from an expressive grouping of samples and colours
• Halogen track lighting
• Durable stainless steel sink complemented by a single lever chrome faucet and integrated drain board

LUXURIOUS BATHROOMS FLOORS 5 - 55

• Contemporary lines accent the unique vanity design for the main or ensuite bathroom. The builders package includes a range of fashionable vanity colours to choose from.
• Relaxing deep soaker tub in ensuite or main bathroom (as per plan)
• Overmount sink in main or ensuite bathroom
• Fashionable single lever faucets on all vanity sinks
• Full height porcelain and ceramic tiles create a gracious look on bathtub walls in main or ensuite bathroom. Builder’s packages include exciting samples and colour choices.
• Porcelain tile bathtub skirt in main or ensuite bathroom. Fashionable samples and colours from builder’s packages
• Porcelain tile flooring in main or ensuite bathroom. Contemporary colours and samples from builder’s packages
• Ceramic tile flooring in second bathroom. Builder’s packages provide a selection of samples and colour choices
• Separate shower stall features frameless glass door as per plan
• Exterior vented exhaust fan in all bathrooms
• Privacy locks on all bathroom doors
• Pressure balanced tub and shower faucets provide total temperature control
• Designer bathroom fixtures complete the look
• Dual flush toilet in main or ensuite bathroom

BEDROOM RETREATS FLOORS 5 - 55

• Mirrored sliding closet doors, or wood swing closet doors as per plan
• Easy sliding, glass panel, bedroom doors for a more spacious, open concept layout as per plan

SOPHISTICATED FLOOR COVERINGS FLOORS 5 - 55

• Engineered wood flooring in all rooms except bathroom and laundry rooms. The builder’s package includes enough samples and colours to express your lifestyle

LAUNDRY FLOORS 5 - 55

• Easy care, white ceramic tile flooring in laundry closet
• Convenient front loading stacked washer and dryer combination

SAFE AND SECURE PARKING GARAGE

• Residents’ underground parking accessed via a secure garage door operated by personal remote control
• The garage is painted white and brightly lit for convenience and security
• The garage is well ventilated and protected by fire sprinklers for added safety and protection
• Strategically located parabolic mirrors provide visibility to assist traffic flow
• Closed circuit cameras with two-way voice communication monitored by 24-hour concierge are provided in the garage for surveillance and access monitoring

VIGILANT ACCESS CONTROL

• Uniformed concierge and security stationed in the main lobby and on duty lobby 24/7
• On site management
• State-of-the-art enterphone system in the lobby vestibule allows visitors to contact residents directly to gain admittance complete with in-suite monitoring facility through TV cable
• Personally encoded suite security access system monitored by the 24-hour concierge
• Hand held personal emergency alert device to activate alarm
• Exterior doors from common areas and amenities monitored at concierge desk
• Underground security system complete with security keyfob

ELECTRICAL FEATURES AND INTERCONNECTIVITY

• 100 amp electrical service with circuit breakers and copper wiring throughout suite (110/208 volt)
• Pre-wired cable TV outlets in living/dining, kitchen, bedrooms and den if applicable
• Pre-wired telephone jacks in living/dining, kitchen, bedrooms and den if applicable
• Wiring for high speed Internet
• All balconies and terraces to have electrical outlets.

Aura at College Park Part 2 - “It has begun”

That’s right.  The inevitable line to the sales office has begun.  Remember folks the numbers are handed out on March 6th … that’s 13 days away!  This smashes the 9-day record held by the 1 Bloor East.  When I drove by the area this morning, there was line of 7 or so empty lawn chairs.  One was in his car warming up and the rest took shelter elsewhere.  For those not sure what this is all about, basically on Thursday March 6 priority numbers will be handed to agents on the first come, first serve basis.  On Saturday (the broker event), they’ll return to the sales office to purchase according to priority number order.  I’ve lined up overnight before and it wasn’t pleasant.  So I can understand 2-3 days but two weeks in a line is just simply crazy!

Aura at College Park Part 1

Over the next few days, I’ll be posting ample content on Aura at College Park.  You’ll find the floor plans, information on features and finishes, special dates, photos, etc. all provided to you without signing up.  You’ll save time and resources from downloading the large pdf files just to view the floor plans.  They’ll be laid out in our typical Condolicious format.

Aside from the subpar splashpage (see), everything is looking great heading into the launch date.  It’s certainly going to be a phenomenal “building in the sky”!  If you may be interested in this project … even remotely … please register at info@condolicious.com and you’ll be well taken care of.

Here’s the first tidbit and more to come:

• Canderel Stoneridge is one of the largest condominium builders in Toronto with over 2000 condominium units built or under construction and a further 1000 in the planning stages.
• The Residences of College Park Phase I is now completed and registered. Phase II has already started to occupy.
• Both buildings showcase the luxury appointments signature to a Canderel Stoneridge building.
• AURA AT COLLEGE PARK is proposed to be one of the tallest residential towers in Canada.
• Modern glass building will have stunning views of the city, lake and skyline.
• Podium level will consist of top name retailers in North America, making the building one of the few mixed use buildings in the city.
• Direct underground access to the subway means owners never have to step outside to reach the transit station.
• A world class recreation centre is planned for the building that encompasses some of the most state of the art facilities seen in a condominium in Toronto.
• Environmentally conscious building means a sustainable building for the 21st century.
• Suite finishes will be of the highest level incorporating the finest natural stone and woods.

Listings Update

You’re probably thinking “already? wasn’t the update suppose to occur next Monday?”  Well, I’m experimenting with daily updates of listings.  This should be a big help to buyers and sellers - well, mainly buyers.  Let’s see if this time-consuming task is worth the effort

Some of the latest listings include leases at WaterParkCity Atlantis (231 Fort York), a cute one-bedroom at Spire, and a few units available for sale at The Riviera (228 Queens Quay).

Toronto Real Estate Board reports sales near 3,000 at mid-month

Resale home transactions in the Greater Toronto Area declined in the first two weeks of February, Toronto Real Estate Board President Maureen O’Neill announced today.The first half of the month yielded 2,775 transactions, down 14 per cent from the 3,240 sales recorded in the same timeframe last year. The moderation in sales was more pronounced within the City of Toronto–down 18 per cent to 1,066 from last February’s 1,308—than in the 905 suburbs, which saw transactions off 11 per cent.

“It’s important to recognize that the mid-month report provides an indication of market conditions based on a very brief period,” said Ms. O’Neill.

“However, we believe the harsh winter weather we’ve experienced in the early part of the month has had a negative impact on both sales and inventory levels. If you can’t get buyers out to your open house, then you are less inclined to list. And fewer listings means less appealing product for the potential home-buyer. It’s a compound effect.”

Although sales eased, several positive factors were also noted. At $385,735, the average price in the GTA rose seven per cent compared to $358,533 recorded in mid-February 2007. Within the City of Toronto, the average rose 11 per cent to $434,657, although pockets within the East end (Agincourt, for example) rose at the more affordable pace of around five per cent. As well, properties are remaining on the market fewer days.

The average number of days on market is currently 31 versus 35 days at the same time last year.

Furthermore, a few neighborhoods both within and outside of the 416 area code saw increased sales over the first half of February, 2007.

In Ajax (E14) sales were up 11 per cent compared to mid-February 2007, based mainly on an increase in detached home sales.

In the West region, the W3 (York South) district saw a 41 per cent increase in transactions, driven by strong sales of semi-detached homes.

Central Richmond Hill (N04) also experienced a notable increase in sales compared to the same timeframe last year. Transactions were up 21 per cent, primarily due to an increase in attached row sales.

“We are optimistic that we will see a strong spring market because the economic fundamentals remain in place,” said Ms. O’Neill. “Prices are still particularly affordable in Toronto’s East end.”

Downtown Condo Listings Updated

Whew … Finally done updating! Visit www.condolicious.com to get an idea of the latest listings.

Feedback for Condolicious

Condolicious has been quite successful over the past half-year in providing information and services to condo buyers and sellers.  It always makes me warm and fuzzy when clients say how useful and helpful the site is … and of course how they love the name!  I threw the name at marketers to get their expert opinion and they all stomped on it.  I received responses such as “It’s a professional business, it needs to be professional.  How about ‘luxury refined’?”  I laughed it off, stuck with my instinct and it has paid off!  Honestly, being “unprofessional” doesn’t mean you don’t know what you’re doing and that you can’t do a great job at it.

Back to the main reason for this post.  As much as Condolicious has accomplished their goals, there’s always room for improvement and I’m sure there’s plenty of room.  Positive feedback, negative feedback or what have yous, it’s all good because it points you in the right direction.  So:

• Is Condolicious helpful to you? How has it helped?
• Does it provide you with what you’re looking for?
• Anything missing from the site that you think should be there?
• etc.

You may have noticed only minor updates in the past while, but there will be a concerted effort in expanding the site in the upcoming year! So stay tuned.

Sold for 81% of Asking!

Wow, wow and ….. wow!

Don’t worry “Sold for 81% of Asking!” is not what I said to my seller client nor am I talking about the American market.  While performing my daily routine of browsing through the day’s sales, I found one sold for 81% of asking!  You’ve got to be kidding me.  Talk about not knowing how to price reasonably.   Kudos to the buyer agent for talking some sense into the listing agent and seller and making the sale a reality.  My issue is that the seller would have fetched a better price by pricing near market instead of starting at way above market.  There were tonnes of comparables to use yet it was scrapped along with any logic and reason.  Months of non-productivity could have been eliminated as well.

Yes, the listing agent is suppose to work in their client’s best interest and get them the best price, but there needs to exist some justification and needs to be within limits e.g. is it tastefully renovated? are you in a condo that everyone is fighting to live in? are you a celebrity? etc.  As easy as it may sound, shouldn’t you drop your unrealistic client?  A deal was eventually made, but at what cost?  If a potential seller were to know about it, I think they’d pass the Agent 81% option.

One $10 Amazon.com gift certificate up for grabs!

We participated in a survey and were awarded with a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate.  Oddly, Amazon.com is unable to transfer the gift certificate to one of their partner sites, namely Amazon.ca.  Since we don’t shop at Amazon.COM, we are making this gift certificate open to the first person who uses it.  The amount isn’t much but hopefully someone can put it to good use.

Here’s the information:

Gift Certificate Code: CCYQ-GMHDE2-X2SL
Gift Certificate Expiration Date: August 14th, 2008

TREB Scholarships for Graduating High School Students

TREB (Toronto Real Estate Board) is offering graduating high school students an excellent opportunity to earn some extra spending money - $5000 to be exact - ideally towards your post-secondary tuition and residence costs.  This is the program’s second year after a successful launch last year.  If you know of anyone who will be graduating this year, we strongly urge you to pass on this information to them.  March break is fast approaching and it would be an opportune time to work for this scholarship!  Applications must be submitted by April 15, 2008.

Click the following link for more details: TREB Scholarship ‘08 Application