If you are moving out to your own apartment with your fists in your pocket and nothing but lint, you probably need to know how to furnish it inexpensively.

Here are 10 Steps that will help you furnish your apartment inexpensively

Steps:

1. Decide on what your basics are- they should include a bed and a dresser (if there isn’t enough closet space). A kitchen table with at least 2 chairs (4 if you like entertaining). A couch, a TV and something to put it on, (unless you want to mount it to the wall).

2. Set a spending budget and allocate what needs to be purchased first and what can wait till later.  

3. Check out all the furniture stores in your area, then go outside of your district and see how the prices compare. The products downtown may be the same as in urban neighborhoods, but they usually come with a heftier price tag.  

4.  Surf the web, look up all your local department or furniture stores and see what they are offering. You may be able to find places that carry the same merchandise in stores as online. If you walk into a store, ask if they price match.

5.  Shop at IKEA, but be selective. You can find very practical furniture at affordable prices here; however, not everything is appropriate. Pick items that are sturdy and put back substandard stuff. This is also a great place for décor, knick-knacks, candles, pillows, and even bedspreads can be acquired here for less.

6.  Browse bargain shops or outlet stores, they are usually filled with discontinued well priced items, including flatware and cutlery. The furniture may have minor markings or dents, but are usually discounted heavily. The savings outweigh the imperfections.

7.  Try checking out the FREE section on Craigslist, people get rid of things all the time. You might be lucky enough to find something nearly brand new.

8.   Thrift stores that are located in or around expensive neighborhoods often carry gently used decent rate furniture at good prices. Look for solid wood pieces, or even small things like picture frames, or silver that can be polished.

9.  Garage sales may gross you out, but if you spot one, go for a look-see. You never know what you might find, only consider clean and maintained product.

10.   Reuse, repurpose, and recycle. Got a postcard with an image you love? Get a frame for it from the dollar store and display it as art.  

 If you haven’t found an apartment yet and need a place to stay, SkyViewSuites can help. www.torontofurnishedrentals.com offer comfortable units that you can rent while you search for your own apartment to furnish.

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Furnished apartments are just that, apartments that come furnished. Everything you need to know about them is right below:

Features

Typical units contain the essentials needed, closets, bed, dresser, a TV and sometimes a parking spot. Sophisticated units come equipped with appliances, cutlery, pans, pots, plates, you name it. Renters of furnished apartments are only required to bring their clothing and personal belongings with. Depending on the apartment you find, cost for utilities may or may not be covered in the rental fees, so be sure to check on that.

Appeal

Furnished apartments are convenient for renters, and therefore owners are frequently filling them. Property managers reserve rooms for people regularly because there is demand.

Types

Furnished apartments come in various sizes ranging from studio, 1 or more bedrooms, maybe a den, to complete condos or whole houses.

-Studio sized are perfect for bachelor(ettes), or single people. They are usually tiny though, with the bed exposed to what may appear to be a kitchen. The only thing that’s secluded is the bathroom. These cute little units are admired in metropolises like Toronto.

-Couples can occupy a furnished condo like the ones at SkyViewSuites www.torontofurnishedrentals.com, and get their sheets and towels washed for them. Biweekly cleaning is also provided.   

-For travelling families, complete houses can accommodate their furnished rental needs.

-In certain cases, such as for students, one property can house multiple students depending on the way it is divided up. Typically there will be areas that are communal, such as the kitchen, bathroom or backyard. Each renter living there will have their own furnished bedroom, but have to live with roommates. This allows each person to pay less for living and have the possibility to save more.

Settlement

Furnished apartments can be compared to hotels, since you have to pay to stay. However, its best to consider exactly what your paying for, with furnished apartments you get more. There’s a kitchen so you can cook instead of going to the store, or out to eat. A hotel may be a good place to dwell for a few days, but an extended stay might leave you in a cramped mood. For lengthy visits and to feel at home, a furnished apartment might take the score.

Terms

Every furnished apartment rental is due to come with terms. It is wise to know of the rules and ask questions regarding anything you can think of. For example, what happens when the faucets stop working, who is to be contacted? Make sure you and the owner or property manager is aware of the duration of your stay, and the prices should reflect that. Finally, read the fine print.

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You need a furnished apartment but have no plan on where to begin. Before you do anything you must have a basic idea of what you need. Ask yourself some questions: How big does it have to be? What locations are you looking at? When were you planning on moving in, and how long will you be staying? How much money are you prepared to spend?

Gather all your thoughts and follow these 10 Steps to successfully rent a furnished apartment:

Steps

1.     Think of everything you want in a furnished apartment and write a wish-list. Furnished rentals vary; you can find lofts with exposed piping, or contemporary condos with killer kitchens.

2.     Google some of your specifics, for example, search for long term, or short term furnished apartments and see what’s out there. Most of the time there is a one month minimum.

3.     Check out different competitors’ websites and compare prices and sizes of the furnished apartments. SkyViewSuites www.torontofurnishedrentals.com offers unbeatable value.

4.     Another alternative would be to read your local newspaper. This is, if you are searching locally.

5.     If you are travelling, you can also try Craigslist to see what’s available in other districts. If you do find something there, be cautious and make sure to have all the arrangements documented.

6.     If you’re pressed for time, or would rather not research your options, ask a real estate agent. They may be able to refer you to someone who can help, or someplace to check out.

7.     Set up appointments to view rental units, schedule multiples in the same day. Take the person you will be staying with if any, or a friend.

8.     Ask questions about the ones you may be interested in, you want to know what is included with the rental. Utilities, house ware, and linens may or may not be incorporated.

9.     Decide if you need parking or storage and inform the owner or property manager. Find out if there are any extra fees, or security deposits. The last thing you need is to be surprised and shocked upon leaving and having to pay added costs.

10.  Look over the rental agreement and make sure there is nothing harmless in the fine print prior to signing. Confirm if there is a grace period just in case you need to cancel.

Once these 10 Steps are completed, you are sure to have yourself a furnished apartment!

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Toronto is a melting pot of cultures. Turn this way, see Greeks, Italians, French, that way, Chinese, Portuguese, Taiwanese, you name it. Through the diversity of this municipality comes culturally crafted cuisine. Cravings can easily be catered to in this city, though; the copiousness of choices might complicate choosing a place to feast. There are countless fine dining establishments scattered throughout this town. However, they may not always be accessible to the economically conscious, which is why Summerlicious exists. 

This annual food festival is celebrating its 10^th year this July from the 6th-22nd and over 100 restaurants will be participating. During Summerlicious, Toronto’s Top restaurants offer prix fixe menus with starters, entrées and desserts. Vegetarian menus are also available. The prices during the food festival range from $15, $20 or $30 for lunch and $25, $35 or $45 for dinner (drinks and tip are extra). *Fair warning: portion sizes reflect the reduced prices; don’t expect to get a 40 oz. steak dinner for $20. 

Initially, the promotion began with 35 participating restaurants in 2003. Constructed on comparable events in other cities, it was intended to increase the restaurant business at a slow stage of the year. The festival is managed by the special events department of the city; they elect which establishments are permitted to partake. Numerous rubrics for suitable restaurants include firm price standards, a clean health inspection record, and good reviews from prominent Toronto restaurant review guides. Substandard eating places or franchised chains do not contribute to this event. 

The hottest season of the year has become synonymous with Summerlicious. Once the shorts, tank tops and flip flops come out, everyone knows the event is on its way.  This two week festival of food floods the city, carrying people who wouldn’t otherwise visit most eateries, straight to the doorstep of these establishments. Summerlicious is their chance to experience the chefs’ cleverness, while absorbing the ambiance of these restaurants.  

So, whether you enjoy sampling new foods, or are afraid of taking risks with restaurants, Summerlicious is suitable for all. $15 isn’t a steep price to pay for lunch, so why not be part of a Toronto tradition? Residents and visitors alike adore the opportunity to awaken their appetite with an inexpensive amount of cash.  

Foodies flying out for this feast find furnished condo rentals in Toronto comfortable and affordable. Toronto accommodations can be made by calling 1-888-SVS-STAY (787-7829).

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Beer, Biere, Biiro, Bira, Cervesa, Piwo, however you say it, is the most widely consumed alcoholic drink in the world. It is one of the world's oldest prepared beverages, possibly dating back to the early Neolithic or 9500 BC, and is recorded in the written history of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. 

Canada also has a rich brewing history, which is why there’s an annual festival held to celebrate this fermented drink. Toronto's Festival of Beer, also known as Beerlicious or Beerfest, commemorates its 18th year this July from the 27-29th. 

The first Beerfest was held in 1995, and since then its popularity has grown considerably. Hosting major and microbreweries from Canada and abroad featuring more than 200 brands of beer on-site. Approximately 35,000 beer enthusiasts attend the Festival yearly, and close to 100 vendors participate. This includes beer, alcohol, food and beer by-products. 

Besides imbibing beer, the fest also hosts several music bands, and other activities. Chef Ted Reader & Friends give tips on grilling in the grilling tent. Patrons will be able to learn about the countless distinct varieties of beer that both Ontario and the rest of the country have to offer.

From lagers to stouts, fruit beers to ales, they have something for everyone. There are plenty non-malt based brew available including ciders and ready-to-drink beverages. In addition, there are food vendors serving up oysters, poutine, and burgers to combat your hunger.

For those interested in learning more about beer, there will be a Girls Guided Beer Tour, the Brewmasters Series, World of Beer Pavilion, and Owner's Lounge, three of which are new this year.

Hours of Operation for the Festival are as follows:

•Friday, July 27 - 4:30-11pm

 •Saturday, July 28 - 1:30-8pm

 •Sunday, July 29 - 1:30-8pm

The fest is located at the Exhibition grounds in Bandshell Park.
 

*This is a 19+ event, no children, no pets, no exceptions!

*Tickets can be purchased online, and are $38.50 and include 5 sample tokens, a new commemorative Toronto's Festival of Beer glass stein and a Pocket Guide.

*Discounts are available for Libation Nation members. LN members receive $5 off the price of their first ticket.

*“Hoptimize” your General Admission ticket for express entry, an extra hour and a half in the Festival, and 5 extra sample tokens for an additional $10.

Please, don’t drink and drive. 

Furnished apartments in Toronto, or Toronto furnished condos are close to the festival site. Toronto accommodations can be made by calling 1-888-SVS-STAY (787-7829).

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For those of us old enough to remember, the late 1980s to early 1990s was a bleak period for real estate in Toronto. 

Back in the mid-1980s, baby boomers worked themselves into a home buying frenzy. They were spending an average of about 55% of their household income on mortgage payments. Home and condo prices were at an all-time high. Then, in 1989, the Bank of Canada raised interest rates by 1% over the course of 1 week. That may not sound like a lot, but some people with variable rate mortgages (or those with upcoming renewals on their fixed rate mortgages) could no longer afford their mortgage payments and were forced to sell, starting a 6 year long slide in real estate prices. 

Currently, with downtown Toronto condo prices at an all-time high and mortgage interest rates at relative lows, some people fear that history is repeating itself, and that we’re heading for big dip in downtown Toronto condo prices. However, there are many important differences between then and now.

First, affordability - today, while it may seem that prices are out of whack and people are over-extending their buying power, the numbers show that the average amount of household income going towards mortgage payments is closer to 30% (as opposed to the 55% back in the 1980s). Interestingly enough, 30% also happens to be quite close to the threshold that most Canadian banks now use in order to determine whether they're willing to give you a mortgage. 

Which leads me to another important difference between then and now: the increased stringency with which our banks are giving out mortgage loans today – the details are beyond the scope of this article, but suffice it to say that Canadian banks are being hailed globally as a model for financial stability and responsible lending criteria by economists and financial experts around the world.

Third – a different breed of investor. In the late '80s (much like now), investors held a significant proportion all condos. The difference is that those investors were flipping them quickly for short-term profit, which of course meant they were not prepared to carry them for a long period. Today's investors have a longer-term outlook and are prepared to carry the condo outright, or rent it out if need be (sometimes overseas investors will rent out their condos to their local friends and relatives). Also, some investors are renting out their condos as short-term fully furnished rentals (with companies like ours www.toroontofurnishedrentals.com) in order to try to generate higher cash flows. 

More importantly, a lot of the foreign investors are purchasing properties outright (with cash) – as such, they don't have to worry about a mortgage, so an increase in interest rates is not going to force them to sell. This is not to say that interest rates are not an important factor in real estate prices, they certainly are, but for certain market segments (like downtown Toronto condos), they're not nearly as important as they once were. 

The other thing to consider is that fiscal policy is very different today than it was 25 years ago. The Bank of Canada raising interest rates by a full 1% over so such a short period as they did in 1989 would be unheard of today. Furthermore, there are many indications that demographic pressures in developed nations combined with more gradual global economic growth will continue warranting a low interest rate environment for many years to come. Scenarios similar to what’s been happening with interest rates in Japan over the last 20 years may become the norm rather than the exception (Japan has had low and sometimes zero interest rates for about two decades).

Having said all that, of course there's no guarantee that the real estate market won't fluctuate, like anything else. Also just like anything else, the short term fluctuations can be much more volatile than the long-term trends. Trying to flip a property in a short amount of time can be quite profitable, but it can also be quite painful. The key to minimizing risk with real estate is to treat it as a long-term investment - if you're able to do that, you'll be able to ride out any temporary dips in the value. For example, ask a baby boomer that bought a house or condo in the 416 area code at the peak of the market in the late 80s and managed to hold onto it until now ... ask them how much their investment is worth today and if they regret buying it and you shouldn’t be surprised to hear that despite all the short-term fluctuations, it’s performed quite nicely over the long run.

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If your idea of Chinese is the fast food joint that delivers noodles in cartons, then you, my friend, have a lot to learn. 

Toronto has a colossal Chinese population, and a hub, also known as, Chinatown. Toronto's Chinatown first appeared during the 1870s, the earliest record of the community is traced to Sam Ching, who owned a hand laundry business on Adelaide Street in 1878. The original Chinatown was centered near present-day Elizabeth and Hagerman Street, but the present downtown Chinatown is centered at Spadina Avenue and Dundas Street. 

Toronto's Chinatown is one of the leading in North America. With the population changes of recent decades, it has come to reflect a diverse set of East Asian cultures through its shops and restaurants, including Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai. The major Chinese malls in the area are Dragon City and Chinatown Centre.

 Historically, Toronto's Chinatown has been characterized by immigrants and families from southern China and Hong Kong. Since the transfer of Hong Kong's sovereignty to the People's Republic of China in 1997, immigrants from mainland China have significantly surpassed those from Hong Kong. However, currently, Cantonese remains the chief language used by businesses and restaurants in Chinatown. 

The Chinese immigrant populace now contains diverse subgroups: while some Vietnamese Chinese, who normally arrived as underprivileged refugees, continue to reside in old Chinatown, others now live in suburban Mississauga; the wealthy Hong Kong Chinese now tend to settle in Markham and Richmond Hill. Among new immigrants, those who settle in the historic Chinatown tend to be Mainland Chinese.

To the east of Spadina Avenue, numerous university students attending the University of Toronto, the Ontario College of Art and Design, and Ryerson University live in many of the small houses built as workers' housing. Toronto serviced apartments are a larger and more comfortable alternative to those old homes. 

The area to the west has seen a surge in Latin American immigrants. The diversity brings a more multicultural flavour to the district, but may gradually reduce or eliminate its identity as Chinatown. For those who wish to immerse themselves in Chinese culture, without actually going to China, Toronto short term apartments are the right choice. 

There are many attractions that take place in Chinatown, such as the guided interactive tour called A Taste of the World. Many restaurants are available to serve up authentic Chinese cuisine like, Bright Pearl Seafood Restaurant, Kwangtung Dim Sum, or New Ho King Restaurant. 

Festivals also taking place in this neighbourhood are the Toronto Chinatown Festival and the Chinese New Year celebration.  

If you’re visiting, staying in Toronto furnished suites, or planning a trip, make your way over to Chinatown and see for yourself. Toronto accommodations can be made from anywhere by calling: 1-888-SVS-STAY (787-7829).

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Are you gay and proud?  Its 2012 and society has changed so much, taboos that once were have turned into approval, especially in regards to the LGBT community. Church and Wellesley is an LGBT-oriented community located in Toronto that is central to the annual Pride Week celebrations. Hundreds of thousands of people gather at the largest event of its kind in Canada for Pride Week. 

The ten-day event takes place yearly during the end of June; this year’s dates are Friday June 22^nd to Sunday July 1^st. The celebration of the diversity of the LGBT community in the Greater Toronto Area is happening again for the 32^nd year!

What you don’t know about Pride Week:

• It’s the third biggest Pride celebration in the world and the largest festival in Canada
• It takes place over 22 city blocks on 7 stages with hundreds of artists, 3 parades and hundreds of events at venues throughout downtown Toronto
• The 2011 festival saw approximately a million people celebrating and supporting the lives and stories of Toronto's queer communities

Here’s a little Pride history:

• The first Pride march happened in July of 1972, and Toronto's Pride Week developed out of the mass protests that followed the 1981 bathhouse raids.
• In 1996 the first ever Dyke March is held, with a turnout on Saturday of 5,000. 
• In 2009 the first ever Trans March is held on Church Street.

A theme is selected for each Pride Week that reflects the current context of the queer community and helps shape the festivities. Previous themes included "Fearless" (2006), "Unstoppable!" (2007), "Unified" (2008), and "Can't Stop. Won't Stop." (2009).

Pride Week is produced by Pride Toronto, a not-for-profit, community organization. It’s a FREE event supported and made possible by a large base of volunteers, corporate sponsorship, public grants and Pride Toronto’s fundraising initiatives. The festival features 10 days of arts and cultural programming, community activities, one of the world’s largest street festivals, the Pride Parade, Dyke March, Trans Pride March, Family programming and much more.

Pride Toronto exists to celebrate the history, courage, diversity and future of Toronto's LGBTTIQQ2SA* communities. * Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer/Questioning, 2 Spirited, Allies

Family Pride is a retreat and a destination for families of all kinds. The Saturday and Sunday of Pride Week, Family Pride offers wide-ranging family-friendly activities and events. Pride Week is open for all to attend, and attracts roughly one million people throughout the entire week!

Pride Week is definitely the place to go to feel liberated from constricting social “norms.” For furnished apartments in Toronto, or to make Toronto accommodations to join in Pride Week, call: 1-888-SVS-STAY  (787-7829).

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Ever been to the Caribbean islands? Did you fall in love with the relaxing landscapes? Have you seen the crystal clear waters, blue skies and felt the hot sand underneath your feet? Did you listen to the melodic music of the drums while sipping on something sweet? Wondered why you had to leave such paradise? Life, right? But it is fair, because every summer in Toronto comes Caribana Festival. 

This celebration is all about Caribbean culture and traditions. Caribana is frequented by Canadian citizens and tourists from all over the world. Approximately 1.3 million visitors come each year for the festival’s final parade, which usually coincides with the Ontario Civic holiday weekend that falls on the first Monday of August. The dates are July 10 to August 6, 2012 at the Exhibition Place. Visitors spending their summer here prefer Toronto furnished suites.  

The annual fest began in 1967, burning with the excitement of calypso, steel pan, elaborate masquerade costumes, carnival traditions and music of many Caribbean lands including in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Brazil, Barbados, Guyana and all West Indian nations. 

Caribana carries on for three weeks. The underscore is the closing weekend: everyone comes together in the street Parade of Bands. Live artists play pulsating rhythms, the sounds of Steel Pan, Brass Bands, Calypso, Soca, Chutney, Reggae, Hip Hop, and Salsa can be heard through the 1.5 km parade route all day. 

Caribana is planned months in advance since the costumes and band displays are elaborate and delicately designed for movement. Like other Caribbean carnival events, this one attracts celebrities, spectators, and musicians, from all over the world including the Caribbean, North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. These travelers trust in Toronto serviced apartments.

This showcase event features an illuminating exhibit of colour, pageantry and many genres of music. Starting at Exhibition Place and going west along Lake Shore Boulevard. Live Caribbean music plays from large speakers on the flat-beds of 18 wheeler trucks; keeping parade participants and spectators moving. Exhibition Place and Lake Shore Boulevard becomes animated with the sights and sounds of Carnival!

Expect to be wowed at Caribana, from the family events, to nightlife parties, you will feel exhilarated! 

Thinking of coming to the festival and staying for a while? Make your way over, it’s easy to find furnished apartments in Toronto. 

Contact 1-888-SVS-STAY (787-7829) for more information.    

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Hockey fans from all over, furnished rentals in Toronto transport you closer to your true love!   

The Hockey Hall of Fame is a museum and hall of fame devoted to the history of ice hockey. It holds shrines on players, teams, National Hockey League (NHL) records, NHL Trophies and is home of the utmost hockey honour, the Stanley Cup. Ice hockey is imperative in the lives of Canadians; it’s not just a sport, but the spirit of many who enjoy playing or watching the game. It’s vital to the existence of those who breathe hockey. 

The popularity of the sport along with its rich past made way for the Hockey Hall of Fame to be established in 1943 in Kingston, Ontario. In 1958 the Hall moved to Toronto, and was given its first permanent location in 1961 at the Exhibition place and finally moved to its current site in 1993. 

It is located in the downtown core of Toronto at the corner of Yonge & Front Street in Brookfield Place in the lower concourse level.  It’s conveniently situated near other Toronto attractions, including the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Air Canada Centre, and the Eaton Centre. The Hockey Hall of Fame is the ideal place for any hockey enthusiast to explore the leading collection of hockey memorabilia in the universe. Suitably, Toronto furnished suites are positioned in close proximity.  

The Hockey Hall of Fame has 15 exhibit areas spreading over 57,000 square feet (5,300 metres). Trophies, game worn equipment and other rare hockey memorabilia are displayed here. The chief attraction of the Hall is the Stanley Cup, the trophy handed out to the National Hockey League champions each year. For a fraction of the year, a replica of the Stanley Cup replaces the real award while it voyages outside the Hockey Hall of Fame for a number of charitable proceedings.

The main attractions and exhibits include: the Verizon Great Hall (Hockey’s Cathedral), The Montreal Canadiens Dressing Room, and the NHLPA Be a Player Zone. 

General admission is $17.50, Youth (ages 4-13) is $11, seniors (ages 65+) pay $13 and children under 3 are free. Toronto accommodations can be made by calling 1-888-SVS-STAY (787-7829). 

Hockey Hall of Fame Hours of Operation are as follows:

Winter/Spring/Fall

(Excluding Christmas & March Breaks where hours are adjusted)

Monday-Friday: 10:00am to 5:00pm

Saturday: 9:30am to 6:00pm

Sunday: 10:30am to 5:00pm

Summer

Monday-Saturday: 9:30am to 6:00pm

Sunday: 10:00am to 6:00pm

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Jazz has evolved plenty since originated it the early 20^th century. Today, there are 55 genres within the Jazz tradition, bebop to cubop, cool jazz to smooth jazz, Latin jazz, Gypsy jazz, and the list goes on. The blows on brass, plucks on string, and thumps on percussion instruments make melodic mood music. Adding in sultry singing spices up the instrumentals and allows you to sink into the songs.  

In its honour, Toronto hosts one of North America’s leading annual jazz festivals. It began in 1987 as an eight day tribute to jazz, and has turned into a 10 day celebration bringing in more than 500,000 devoted patrons. Over 350 performances and 1,500 musicians play at 40 locations across the region of Toronto. Commemorating its 26^th year, the event will take place from June 22^nd through July 1^st. 

The centre of the festival is located at Metro Square (221 King Street West South side of King Street West, between Simcoe & John Streets, near Toronto furnished suites) in the middle of the Entertainment District. An extraordinary 1,200 seat fully-licensed Mainstage Marquee and outdoor stage is where many marvellous events are offered for FREE.

Music lovers and some of the greatest jazz celebrities from around the world make it their objective to attend this festival. This accentuates its status as a leader in artistic brilliance and exceptional creative standards. Its continued success and growth enhances Canada’s international reputation. People flock to furnished condo rentals to relax before and after the fest. 

 According to www.torontojazz.com,

Over the past 26 years, Toronto Downtown Jazz has: 

Presented over 25,000 artists, 85% of whom were Canadian

Presented over 1,900 free public events

Contributed over $420 million to the GTA economy

Been blessed with over 58,500 hours contributed by volunteers

Welcomed over 8.5 million people to the Festival

*Toronto short term apartments can provide somewhere to stay for those visiting Canada. 

Tickets for special guest performances by Natalie Cole, Roy Hargrove, and Ziggy Marley, and many more artists start at $45. 

Other features of the festival include:

Jewellery@jazz: a 10-day open-air market featuring more than a dozen jewellers, artists and craftspeople, at Nathan Phillips Square.

Groove and Graffiti: workshops lead by Mediah and Elicser, two of Toronto’s top aerosol artists, talents are showcased on July 1^st at Metro Square.

So, whether you’re into ragtime, acid blues, modal jazz, or jazz-funk, all you cool Kats sure to have fun at this festival! 

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Whether you’re a history buff, curator, or not, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). From dangerous looking dinosaur bones, to gleaming gemstones, galleries of all interests subsist here.  

The ROM is Canada’s largest museum of world culture and natural history and the fifth largest museum in North America. Being positioned in the city of Toronto is fitting since this is one of the most stirring multicultural urban centres in the world.

The Royal Ontario Museum contains over 6 million items and 40 galleries. It has remarkable collections of minerals and meteorites, dinosaurs, Near Eastern and African art, East Asian art, European history, and Canadian history. This museum is home to many travelling exhibits, such as the King Tutankhamen exhibit. Furnished rentals in Toronto can house those who travel with the exhibits.  

The ROM was initially known as the Museum of Natural History and Fine Arts in 1857. In April 1912 the Royal Ontario Museum was established by an Act of the Ontario Legislature. The ROM first opened its doors to the public on March 19, 1914.

The museum adds 67,000 objects annually to ensure that its audience is always interested. Some of the areas that the ROM is involved with are:

• Archeology
• Geology
• Genealogy
• Paleontology
• Sociology

These subjects are all symbolized through unique, informative exhibits. The Gallery of Canada: First Peoples is devoted to the aboriginal inhabitants of Canada. It includes numerous examples of early 19th and 20th century artwork and clothing and is comprised of artifacts from the indigenous cultures of the Plains, Eastern Woodlands, Northwest Coast, Subarctic and Arctic regions. 

Another popular exhibit is the Evolution display with an audiovisual presentation on Darwin’s theories of evolution. Meanwhile, the Dinosaur collection is frequented by many who are attracted to the extinct animals, and is great for educating children.

The Gallery of Korea is Canada’s only permanent gallery dedicated to Korean art and culture, displaying a variety of artifacts from stone-age tools to contemporary artworks.

The museum is expediently located near Toronto furnished apartments for rent, and other tourist attractions. At the corner of Bloor Street and Avenue Road, north of Queen’s Park and on the east side of Philosopher’s Walk in the University of Toronto.

The ROM is one of Toronto’s 5 Best Attractions; Toronto accommodations can be made by calling: 1-888-SVS-STAY (787-7829)  or visit us online at: www.torontofurnishedrentals.com

For hours of operation and ticketing information, visit: www.rom.on.ca 

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The breeze at the top of the Ferris wheel, funnel cakes and ice cold lemonade reminds us of our childhood. How about making all of your friends’ line up and race to shoot water at the bulls-eye to win the prize? This is more than that; it’s the Ex-making you feel like a kid again. 

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), also known as, the Ex, is the mother of all fairs.  Canada’s biggest yearly community event occurs from August 17th through September 3rd.  Presenting various forms of entertainment and events, games and rides, sports and parades, international food and shopping, Kids’ World, and a three-day air show. Since its perfect for all ages, it’s visited by roughly 1.3 million people every summer. 

Founded in 1879, and has been reputed as the best place to go for the latest and greatest products, and of course, fun. The CNE is central to the framework of this city; amusing and educating millions of people while generating economic benefits for Toronto. People from all over Canada and the U.S. vacate to experience the Ex themselves. Toronto serviced apartments let you feel at home while on vacation. 

Although nothing remains the same for 133 years, the Ex maintains being one of Ontario's grandest annual traditions. At the moment, it is the 7th largest fair in North America.

According to the Ex’s official website, an Economic Impact Study conducted by Enigma Research Corporation in 2009, reported that the CNE had a gross economic impact of $58.6 million on the Greater Toronto Area and $80 million on the province of Ontario in that year.

Other highlights of the research findings:

 • Local Residents spent $52 million related to the CNE

• The average non-local stayed for 2.5 nights 

Turns out, Toronto short term apartments are an excellent choice for non-residents coming to the CNE.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the Ex is around the corner!  

Ticket Prices are as follow:

General Admission (14 to 59 yrs.) $16

Seniors (60 yrs. plus) $12

Children (5 to 13 yrs.) $12

Family Pass $48

Children (4 yrs. & under) FREE

*Special corporate rates are also available. Additionally, for Human Resource professionals, Toronto corporate housing can also secure the best prices for your company.  

Other special offers include: 

*$8 @ the Gate - Opening Day - Friday, August 17th 

*Visit the CNE Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, after 5 pm - Get in for $5!

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Large cities are known by their landmarks, for example, Chicago: the John Hancock building, or the Willis Tower (formally known as the Sears Tower). Paris: the Eiffel Tower, London: Big Ben, New York: the Statue of Liberty, etc.

When it comes to the beautiful city of Toronto, the ultimate landmark is the CN Tower, soaring at a height of 553.33 m (1,815 ft, 5 inches). It is located in the heart of Downtown between the Rogers Centre (formally known as the Sky Dome) and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Front Street.

The CN Tower draws in more than two million international visitors annually, many of which prefer to stay in Toronto furnished condos. The building elevates to various levels, each featuring a different focal point. The breathtaking view at the Look Out Level, at a height of 346m (1,136’) is a perfect place to take pictures. Snapshots on the Glass Floor, up 113 storeys at 342m (1,122ft) will definitely find a place in the family photo album as well.

The Sky Pod at the 447 metre (1465 ft.) level contributes a clear 360 degree view of Toronto, Lake Ontario, and close districts. The charm of the famous Toronto landmark doesn’t stop on these levels of the CN Tower. There are plenty of stores, cafes, bars and restaurants scattered inside the building as well.

Here are some interesting CN Tower facts:

• The CN Tower was built by the Canadian National Railway
• It stands at 181 storeys, 553.33m (1,815 ft., 5 in.)
• Opened to the public on June 26, 1976
• Official opening on October 1, 1976
• Lightning strikes the CN Tower an average of 75 times per year
• Long copper strips run down the CN Tower to grounding rods buried below ground to prevent damage from lightning
• The CN Tower dims unnecessary exterior lights during bird migration seasons to prevent bird injuries
• Original cost: 63 million
• Adjusted cost (1999 dollars): 260 million
• Six glass-faced elevators travel at 22 km/hour (15 miles/hour) to reach the observation deck in 58 seconds

The CN Tower is open 364 days a year (closed on Christmas Day). Hours of Operation are adjusted seasonally. To confirm the hours for the date of you wish to visit the CN Tower, please call: (416) 86-TOWER.

For Toronto accommodations, or to find furnished apartments for rent in Toronto, contact us at: 1-888-SVS-STAY (787-7829).

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The Taste of the Danforth is Canada’s largest street festival attracting over 1.3 million every August. This annual 3 day weekend event commemorates all of Greece’s glory. Some visitors base their entire summer vacations around this festival. For those who do, Toronto furnished apartments are the best choice, offering convenience of your own place, at comparable hotel rates.

During the 3 day fest, Danforth Avenue between Broadview and Jones closes for traffic, allowing memories to be made for more than 15 blocks and over 2.5km of Greek entertainment, fun, and food. From souvlaki to mezes, authentic Greek cuisine is presented at the outdoor patios of several restaurants.

There is something for everyone to do, from a Kids Fun Zone, offering a variety of activities for children’s enjoyment, to beer gardens for adults. Economically priced quality food served from stations flood the sunny streets.

Here’s a little festival history:

• The Taste of the Danforth was modeled after Chicago’s street festival, The Taste of Chicago.
• The festival first started in 1994 where it drew an attendance of 5000 people.
• In 1995, the festival jumped to 100,000 attendees
• By 1996 the Taste of the Danforth was so large that the street had to officially close for the festival to accommodate over 500,000 visitors!

Greek Town is located roughly between Chester and Jones Ave on Danforth Ave. Over 450 businesses are positioned in this area and each contributes monetarily to the encouragement and adornment of the community. Blue and white honorary signs flank the street poles in this neighborhood, making it easy to identify when you have arrived.

In the early 1970′s, Canada welcomed thousands of Greek citizens. Many members of the community made their way to the Danforth. Greek Town on the Danforth is the largest Hellenic business community in North America and indeed is the third largest in the world after Greece and Melbourne, Australia. In 1994, the Taste of the Danforth was created making it the largest Greek festival in the world outside of Greece.

Excited? The hours are as follow:

Friday, August 5th: 6pm-12am

Saturday, August 6th: 12pm-12am

Sunday, August 7th: 12pm-8pm

*There is a number of municipal public parking lots (all with Handicapped parking spaces) located within one block north and south of Danforth Avenue. Parking on residential side streets during the festival is extremely limited and illegally parked vehicles are vigilantly tagged and towed away. Taking public transit may be the easiest and most stress free way to go.

E-mail: info@tasteofthedanforth.com Phone: (416) 469-5634 Fax: (416) 469-8200

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The other day, a client asked me whether now was a good time to buy a condo in downtown as an investment property for the purpose of renting it as a furnished apartment in Toronto.

Specifically, this client was looking at a large loft around the King / Spadina area listed at $600,000. The unit itself was a great fit for short-term furnished rentals in Toronto, and the building had all the amenities that someone looking for a furnished apartment in Toronto would want (gym, pool, etc.).

My client’s main concern was that he had been told there by several people that there was a bubble looming in the downtown Toronto condo market. My advice to him was three-fold:

Will it matter in the long-run?

The most important consideration in this decision is your time horizon. If you're looking at this as a long-term investment and want to rent the unit as a short-term serviced apartment for at least 10-20 years, at which time it will likely be worth over $1,000,000, it won't matter much at that point whether you paid $600,000 in 2012 or say $540,000 in 2014 (10% less).

Have you considered both sides of the coin?

Say you wait two years and condo prices do drop by 10%, so at that time you will be able to buy a unit like this one for $60,000 less. However, during this two year period, you will have lost almost $50,000 of profit that you would have otherwise generated from renting the unit as a short-term furnished apartment (corporate housing in Toronto rents very well…). So in actuality, you will only have saved $10,000. On the other hand, if condo prices increase by 10% over this period, not only will you have missed out on lost rent, but you will also have missed out on $60,000 of investment growth.

Are you financing the purchase?

If you're financing any significant part of this purchase, mortgage rates are at an all-time low right now. You could lock these rates in for up to 5 years. Furthermore, renting the condo as a Toronto short-term furnished apartment gives you a lot more flexibility if you do decide to sell it and take the equity out of it (that is, with short-term tenant, you wouldn’t have to wait for a 1 or 2 year lease to end before you can easily sell the property). This added liquidity protects you in case you’re not able to renew your financing for some reason later on.

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If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me if I’m worried about a bubble in Toronto condo prices, I’d probably have enough to buy another investment condo. I wish the term “bubble” was never associated with unsustainable property value. Bubbles used to be associated with good things: chewing gum, soap bubbles and names for pet puppies. 

Unfortunately the warnings of Toronto’s real estate bubble have persisted. Friends, family and self-proclaimed experts would always try and dissuade me from venturing into the condo market. Fortunately, the warnings were not enough to stop me and back in 1999, I purchased my first investment property. Thirteen years later, I still hear the same warnings AND I still own that first (but not last) condo I bought. The result: the properties have grown in value, and renting these furnished apartments has covered my carrying costs and generated a modest monthly profit as well. 

Was I clairvoyant? No - hindsight is 20/20, but the truth is that like any other investment, I took a risk, put in some hard work and had a bit of good luck. To pretend otherwise wouldn’t be fair, because the reality is that no one has a real-estate market crystal ball. All we have is our own opinions, but my advice about advice is don’t listen to anyone who touts their advice as a “sure thing”.

Which leads me to why I’m writing this … I’ve noticed that recently, local media in Toronto has fallen in love with this story. Every other day I’m reading an expert prediction about why Toronto condo prices will definitely fall soon. I prefer not to make predictions myself, but having lived here for the last 20-odd years and having seen the significant price increases of property investments over that time, I too sometimes get the feeling that condo / apartment prices in Toronto are starting to get a little out of hand … it almost seems like they have to come back down, as if there was some invisible force of real-estate gravity, lurking in the background, waiting to strike. 

As such, I’m always interested in to read about the reasons why these writers predict a real estate bubble in Toronto and see if I can find anything that strikes a note with me. So far, I’m still not convinced - after reading dozens of these articles, I’m starting to notice some gaps in the theory. First, it seems that whenever statistics are quoted, they’re usually broad statistics that don't differentiate between different markets and locations. The fact is that even within Toronto, a house in the suburbs will have different price characteristics than a condo in downtown. That needs to be taken into account.

The other thing I’ve noticed is that most of these articles fail to recognize foreign investment as a driver of higher prices. If they do mention it, it’s often assumed to be just a temporary phenomenon. My opinion is that foreign investors will continue to flock to cities like Toronto, which provide a safe-haven, a place where they can live if things turn sour in their home countries. In China, for example, residents have lived under a communist regime for so long that mistrust of government and lack of faith in the possibility of permanent economic prosperity are common.  For an increasing number of wealthy families that face unstable political environments, investing in Toronto Furnished Apartments would represent a sensible way to hedge their bets.

There is also a leveraging factor which occurs because Canada has such a small population – there are an estimated 3-4 million millionaires in China, and that number is growing every day. While that’s only a tiny fraction of the Chinese population, as far as Canada goes, they represent more than 10% of the entire population of Canada!

Some other important issues which don’t get mentioned very often include the following:

Even within Canadian culture, values are starting to shift. Time is becoming the new currency. Younger generations are starting to value their time more and are willing to give up space in exchange for the ability to walk to work and being close to all the action downtown Toronto.

Over the next couple of decades, aging baby boomers are going to push the demand for condos even higher. There are a lot of baby boomers in Toronto who are reaching an age where they no longer want the hassle of having to maintain a home and also prefer being close to restaurants, theaters, etc. 

Toronto is a world class city. It's clean, safe and diversified in its industries. It's serves as Canada's financial hub and also has strong service, tourism and entertainment industries as well. Over 100,000 immigrants arrive in Toronto every year and in comparison to other world class cities such as Vancouver, Hong Kong, New York, London and Tokyo, downtown apartments in Toronto are STILL underpriced. 

Real estate developers are no longer building apartment buildings. This has significantly impacted the supply of newer, upper-end rental units in the city … condos are now able to fill that gap without fear of “over-supply”.

A good test of the Toronto condo "bubble" theory took place back in 2008/2009, when real estate markets were collapsing all over the world. There were areas in the US, like Florida and certain parts of California that experienced 50%-70% decreases over the course of a few months. Places like Manhattan and downtown Toronto passed this “test” with flying colors. Downtown Toronto experienced a 5%-10% overall decrease (closer to 5% for marketable condos in prime areas) and recuperated shortly thereafter.

No one can say with certainty where prices will go, but whenever I get into a discussion about downtown Toronto condo prices, I always ask the person if they own any real estate. Most often the answer is “no, I’m waiting to buy until prices come down.” That’s fair, but I would hate to think that their hesitations are overwhelming enough to trap them in their own bubble. I wish I had the opportunity to reach out to more people who are afraid of the “bubble monster”, but we can’t win them all. On the fence? No problem, buy me a latte (preferably a bubbly one) and we’ll talk.

-- 

 "TorontoFurnishedRentals.com offers companies and individuals furnished apartments, corporate housing, serviced apartments and extended stay housing in Toronto. Our customized solutions suit the needs of of travelers for business, vacation, immigration, or relocation. We also offer investors an unique opportunity to benefit from the Toronto furnished rental market - hassle free. " 

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If I had a nickel for every time this question has come up in discussion …. 

 First, let’s discuss some mortgage mechanics and terminology (this will come in handy later). In essence, a mortgage is a loan secured by the property it finances. For illustration purposes*, we will use a loan amount of $101,000 with monthly payments of $1,000 and an annual interest rate of 6%. The following illustration provides a high-level overview of the mathematical relationship between the interest rate, the loan amount and the monthly payments: 

Balance at start of month | Payment (on 1st)  | Mo Interest | Interest During Mo | Balance at end of Mo
a. $101,000                               $1000                 0.5%                $500                      $100,500

b. $100,500                               $1000                 0.5%                $498                      $99,998

c. $99,998  …. etc

*Note: I have taken some liberties to simplify this example and while the actual process is much more technical, the important concepts are explained in this illustration.

This monthly calculation repeats until the loan balance is exhausted and no further payments are required. The amount of time that takes is called the “amortization period” (typically 25 years). 

The amortization period is not to be confused with the “term of the mortgage”, which represents how long the terms of for mortgage (payment amount, interest rate, etc.) are valid for. This is usually a much shorter period (typically 5 years), after which one must re-finance (that is, re-apply for another loan in the amount of whatever balance remains at that time, subject to the interest rates at that time).

With that in mind, we move on. While the term “fixed rate” is self-explanatory, more important is what we mean by the term “variable rate”. 

While fixed rates are determined based on bond yields, variable rates are based on the Band of Canada’s overnight lending rate. This is the rate at which banks loan each other money for very short periods of time. Each bank uses this overnight lending rate to set its “prime rate”, and there is usually no difference among the “prime rates” of different banks (although they are all higher than the Bank of Canada’s overnight lending rate). Furthermore, banks also adjust their “prime rates” every time the Bank of Canada changes the overnight lending rate.

What may differ across banks is the margin they apply to their “prime rate” in order to determine their “variable rate”. This margin can either be negative or positive (or zero), which is why “variable rates” are always discussed as “prime + x” or “prime – x”. When you take a mortgage from a bank at a “variable rate”, the margin (x), is set for the term of the mortgage, however the “prime” piece can fluctuate as described above.

Although there are situations where variable rates can be equal to or greater than fixed rates, those situations are very rare and beyond the scope of this article. Generally, fixed rates are higher than variable rates, thus giving rise to the dilemma which this articles addresses.

Before we go on to address that question, one other technical detail we must understand is that even with a variable rate mortgage, it is common to have a fixed monthly payment. This is possible by the use of a “trigger rate” (a notional rate of interest set higher than the current variable rate). By basing the monthly mortgage payments on the higher trigger rate, the monthly payments can then be set up as a fixed amount, even if the variable rate changes (so long as it does not exceed the trigger rate). In the example above, the monthly payment would be calculated based on the same amortization period, but using the notional trigger rate, while the interest applied to the loan balance each month would be based on the actual variable rate at the time. 

The basic idea in comparing fixed vs variable rate mortgages is your own personal risk tolerance. The lower the variable rate, the more attractive it is for you to choose a variable rate mortgage. On the other hand, a fixed rate gives you protection against rising interest rates.

Here is a key point which most people do not realize. Because a fixed rate acts like an insurance policy against rising interest rates, this risk is shifted from you to the bank. Also, like any insurance policy, the protection it brings comes at a premium (the banks would be foolish to give this protection away for free). These “premiums” are built into the fixed rates themselves (that is, the fixed rates are set slightly higher to compensate the bank for taking on this risk). As such, with a fixed rate mortgage, the bank is not only selling you a mortgage, but they’re also selling you interest rate protection, and some banks structure incentives for their mortgage brokers accordingly.

Having said that, how much protection are you really getting? Consider that whatever protection a fixed rate provides, it does so only for the term of your mortgage. In the US, mortgage terms can be as long as the mortgage amortization period (e.g. 25 years), while in Canada, the typical mortgage term is only 5 years. If rates have increased in 5 years from now, you’ll be in the same boat as everyone else trying to refinance. 

Of course, in the US, fixed rates for a 25 year term are significantly higher than for a 5 year term (because the protection goes on for longer), however at least in that case the premium you pay protects you for the entire life of your loan (not just the first 5 years).

Also consider that because of the mechanics of how a mortgage loan is amortized (paid off), the interest rate at the start of the loan (when the principal balance is higher) is significantly more important that the interest rate later on. For example, over a 5 year mortgage term, all else being equal, the person with a variable rate of 4% for the first 2.5 years and 6% for the last 2.5 years will have a lower balance at the end 5 years (when it comes time to refinance) than the person who chose a flat 5% fixed rate for the whole term. Although it may seem that their interest rates average out to the same amount, because of the compounding effect of interest, the person who was able to take advantage of the temporarily lower variable rate will end up paying off their mortgage sooner.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to how attractive the difference is between the lower variable rate and the higher fixed rate, and how much you value the protection of a fixed rate (i.e. your risk tolerance). 

You need to consider your risk profile as a whole before making a decision. For example, how would you be affected by the worst case scenario where interest rates rise above your trigger rate and require an increase in your monthly payment? If that situation would cause a significant cash flow problem for you, then perhaps the protection of a fixed rate is worth paying for. On the other hand, if this would spell disaster for you, then you may want to consider a less expensive property with a smaller mortgage loan.

One final issue to consider is taxes. If you’re purchasing an investment property, the mortgage interest is tax-deductible. As such, any extra insurance “premium” you are paying via a higher fixed rate becomes cheaper on an after-tax basis.

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You've made the decision to purchase an investment property and after some preliminary number crunching, you’re considering marketing it as a fully furnished luxury rental. If you have done your research and your analysis is in the right ball park, you will have realized that on average, you can earn anywhere from 25% to 50% more rent using a furnished rental business model. Furthermore, depending you how you shop for furniture, this 25%-50% margin should be enough to offset the initial cost of the furniture within the first 2 years.

This comprehensive article will help guide you towards finding a property that is well suited for furnished rentals in Toronto. Having gone through this process several times for my own personal investments (and numerous times for our clients), I will start off by narrowing down the options based on the two most important considerations – location and type of property:

Location – when choosing a location, you must consider the type of tenant you are hoping to attract. The market for furnished rentals is mainly composed of:

• professionals coming to Toronto on work assignment
• expatriates returning for extended visits
• people in the film industry working on projects in Toronto, and 
• people relocating to Toronto who need temporary furnished accommodations while they search for a more permanent arrangement

The majority of these potential tenants will prefer a central downtown location, and this is where you should be looking to purchase. Experience shows that locations south of Bloor Street, in between Sherbourne Street and Bathurst Avenue enjoy the highest demand. Secondary to that, any location along the Yonge subway line (for example, Yonge and Eglinton or Yonge and Sheppard) can also perform well. 

Type of Property – again considering your target market, an easy to manage property with hotel-style amenities (such as a fitness center, swimming pool, concierge, etc.) is your best bet. Specifically, a condominium in a relatively new building is preferable to any other type of property. The only disadvantage with condominiums is that they are subject to monthly maintenance fees. These fees are used to pay for the building amenities (and sometimes include your energy costs), as well as grounds-keeping, snow removal, building maintenance, etc. Also, a good portion of the maintenance fees are placed into a reserve fund which is set aside for major unexpected building repairs. 

Now we have narrowed down your potential purchase to a condominium in the downtown core and we are ready to review the 10 steps that will help you achieve a successful investment:

1. Work with a knowledgeable property manager. Even if you are looking to manage the property yourself, most property managers will be happy to chat with you about what they see as important characteristics for an investment property. This is important information you can obtain for free. Furthermore, some managers offer a consulting service where they will help you choose a property, even if you want to manage it yourself. However, if you are planning to use a property manager to manage your property, click here for more information on how to evaluate property managers.

2. Find a dependable and reputable real estate agent with experience in furnished investment properties. As a buyer, a real estate agent’s services are free for you. Some agents may even offer a financial incentive for you to use their services.

3. Leave emotion at the door. For example, you can prioritize your criteria and evaluate each potential property based on those criteria. One way to do this is to rank units by using a “scorecard” with marks for each criteria and then compare each unit’s score against the purchase price.

4. Focus on the numbers. The two main measures you need to consider are:
• Your expected annual cash flow. This is calculated as your gross rental income less all on-going expenses. Expenses include your mortgage payment (if any), condominium maintenance fees, insurance premiums, property taxes, etc.
• ROI (return on investment) – this is an annual measure, expressed as a percentage. It is calculated as A/B where A = the sum of:
• your annual cash flow (as described above)
• the total annual principal paid on your mortgage (if any)
• the expected annual growth in the value of your property
and B = your total initial investment (down payment, land transfer tax, legal fees, cost of furniture, etc).

ROI_vs_Cash_Flow_-_Calculator.xls Download this file

Download this excel spreadsheet which calculates estimates for both of these performance measures (based on various assumptions and inputs). Note that these two measures often move in opposite directions. For example, in a situation where you make only a small down payment, your ROI will be high because the denominator (B) will be smaller. However, your cash flow will suffer because of your higher monthly mortgage payment. The reverse is also true. You must decide which is more important to you (ROI or cash flow) given your long-term investment objectives.

5. Start small to minimize risk. While it is true that larger, more expensive condominiums can generate higher rents and higher returns, keep in mind that risk and reward always go hand-in-hand. For example, should you experience a period of vacancy, the carrying costs are higher for a more expensive property. If you’re just looking to get your feet wet in the furnished market and want to minimize your risk, consider starting off with a bachelor / studio condominium.

6. Detach yourself from your personal tastes. When it comes to décor and furnishings, neutral is the way to go. Think of it this way - if several different prospects view your property, it’s better to have all of them score it an 8 out of 10 than half of them score it a 10 and the other half score it a 6. Remember, your tenants’ tastes are different from your own, but so long as there is a netural look and feel to the décor, you should be able to maximize your occupancy rates.

7. Watch out for maintenance fees in new buildings. In newly built or pre-construction condominiums, maintenance fees often start off low (as they are initially set by the builder in order to entice pre-construction buyers) and then creep up quite quickly to a more realistic level after the owners take possession of the building. This risk exists with established buildings as well, but if a building is run well and has been in operation for a few years, maintenance fees should increase at a slower pace. If you are purchasing pre-construction or in a relatively new building, consider the number of units in the building. Buildings with more units or buildings that are part of a larger complex can spread certain fixed costs (such as concierge and building management services) over a larger number of units, resulting in lower maintenance fees.

8. Make sure you’re not violating any building by-laws. Most condominiums have a 30 day minimum rental rule, however some have longer minimum rental periods. You should obtain this information before a purchase and ensure it does not conflict with your plans for the property.

9. Consider the long term. Due to the high transaction costs involved in any real estate deal and the short-term volatility of real estate prices, real estate is more viable as a long-term investment than a quick way to make money.

10. Don’t forget parking. Not having a parking spot will affect the marketability of your unit. You could potentially be closing the door on 60%-70% of the furnished rental market by not offering parking. The alternative would be to rent a parking spot in the building and market it together with the unit, but the simpler solution would be to purchase a unit that already has a parking spot.

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Toronto today has become an alluring urban center catering to anyone looking for their preferred form of entertainment. Here are some must see neighbourhoods during your stay in Toronto.

The District

The city's top spot is The Toronto Entertainment District, or as it is commonly called, The District, located within an eight square blocks area in the heart of downtown. It offers some of Toronto's best theatres, bars and nightspots and, as well, The District encompasses many gourmet restaurants, fine shopping, sporting facilities, theatres, movies and a number of other attractions.

Yorkville

Yorkville is known for designer shopping, the best upscale restaurants in the city and plenty of celebrity sightings. Here you will find Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Escada, Gucci and plenty of other designers to add to your wardrobe collection. With designer shopping comes designer cuisine. Some of the best chefs in the city have gathered in this neighbourhood in an effort to attract hungry shoppers during the dinner hour. If shopping has tired you out, be sure to visit one of the many luxury spas that are sure to please those who need some pampering.

Toronto Theatres

Toronto is the third largest theatre centre in the English-speaking world, thanks to a number of famous shows that have passed through the city over the last 20 years.

Here is a list of major Toronto theatre venues:

The Princess of Wales Theatre

300 King St W, Toronto Ontario Canada, (800) 461-3333
This 2000-seat theatre is located in the heart of the theatre district in Toronto.

The Royal Alexandra Theatre

260 King St W, Toronto Ontario Canada, (800) 461-3333
Opened in 1907, the Royal Alex has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and has been extensively modernized since then. The building underwent more work in the summer of 2006 and is located just down the street from the Princess of Wales Theatre.

The Canon Theatre

244 Victoria St, Toronto Ontario Canada, (800) 461-3333
Formerly known as The Pantages, this Toronto theatre opened in 1920 and hosted The Phantom of the Opera for a number of years.

Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre

189 Yonge Street, Toronto Ontario, Canada (416) 314-2901
Built in 1913 near the bottom of Yonge Street, the Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre holds 1,561 people and the upper level Winter Garden holds 992. 

Famous People Players Dinner Theatre

110 Sudbury St, Toronto Ontario Canada, tel. (416) 532-1137
Opened in 1974 and located west of the main downtown area of Toronto, this dinner theatre offers a black light show with puppets and actors with colourful costumes performing on stage. 

Four Seasons Centre For The Performing Arts

145 Queen Street West, Toronto Ontario, Canada (416) 363-6671
Opened in 2006, this beautiful new building is the new home of the Canadian Opera Company and the National Ballet of Canada. 

Hummingbird Centre

1 Front Street East, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (416) 393-7469
The Hummingbird Centre has hosted many major performers over the years and both the National Ballet of Canada and Canadian Opera Company called it home at one time. 

Roy Thomson Hall

60 Simcoe St, Toronto Ontario Canada, (416) 872-4255
Built to replace the legendary Massey Hall, this theatre opened in 1982 and seats 2,812. I've seen several live concerts here and the acoustics are fantastic.

3. Festivals and Special Events

Toronto is a very multicultural and ethnically diverse, which makes for some very special events and festivals that attract tourist from all over the world. Here are some events you may be interested in:

Toronto Winter Festival

Late January to early February
Residents and tourists ignored the cold and snow to get out and celebrate all that Toronto has to offer in the winter. The city was bursting with culinary experiences, fantastic free entertainment at Nathan Phillips Square and a showcase of Toronto's vibrant arts scene.

Toronto Jazz Festival

Late June
For the past 20 years, Toronto Downtown Jazz has produced the Toronto Downtown Jazz Festival. Over the years has come to be recognized as one of North America's premier jazz festival producers, while the organization itself has been used by other arts organizations and festivals as a model for community involvement, artistic excellence and outstanding production standards.

Toronto Film Festival

Early September
Join the thousand of locals as they seek out celebrity spottings and tickets to major movie events. The Toronto Film Festivaldraws fans from all over the world and has become well respected by actors, fans and producers alike.

Caribana

Early August
Every summer, Toronto blazes with the excitement of calypso, steel pan and elaborate masquerade costumes during the annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana) Festival.

Nuit Blanche

Early October
Nuit Blanche was originally conceived in Paris, France in 2002, in an attempt to bring contemporary art to the masses in public spaces. Now universally translated as "Sleepless Night", Nuit Blanche brings more than a million people to the streets of Paris every year. In 2005, Paris organizers contacted the City of Toronto's Special Events office with an invitation to join the ranks of approximately six other European cities producing similar all-night events.

Toronto was the first North American city to fully replicate the Paris model, and has inspired similar celebrations throughout North America, including San Francisco, New York, Miami and Chicago.

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