Archive for July, 2009

The Impact of Technology on the Building Industry

Barbara Lawlor - Baker Real Estate

Barbara Lawlor, president of Baker Real Estate, provided some insight in this month’s Condo Life Magazine. She spoke about how the building industry and home buyers have been impacted by technology. It’s a great read as she is bang on about everything!

Here is a snippet from the article:

Our Toronto condominiums hold so much international interest that some customers from abroad choose a suite via the Internet alone! Computer technology is so sophisticated now, that it’s the next best thing to being there. Builders are including fabulous graphics, renderings, floorplans and virtual tours. In fact, on the website for The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, you will find tours of two model suites that were created digitally, complete with Pat Baker leading the way.  As for the buildings themselves, web-users appreciate fly-bys, or virtual 3D renderings of the condominium within the context of its surroundings. The experience is like flying — swooping past the exterior and into the lobby, amenities areas and suites.

For the full article click here

In short, the web is now a method for people to pre-qualify themselves as
condominium buyers. Of course, nothing replaces the tactile experience of entering
a sales centre and touring a model suite — but remember because of technology,
the world is getting smaller by the minute. Our Toronto condominiums hold so
much international interest that some customers from abroad choose a suite via the
Internet alone! Our Baker site also lists buildings available in the United States and
other countries, so this international
convenience works both ways.
Computer technology is so sophisticated
now, that it’s the next best thing
to being there. Builders are including
fabulous graphics, renderings, floorplans
and virtual tours. In fact, on the website
for The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton,
Toronto, you will find tours of two
model suites that were created digitally,
complete with Pat Baker leading the
way. As for the buildings themselves,
web-users appreciate fly-bys, or virtual
3-D renderings of the condominium
within the context of its surroundings.
The experience is like flying — swooping
past the exterior and into the lobby,
amenities areasBarbara Lawlor - Baker Real Estate and suites.

Ontarians Willing to Spend More Money for Energy- Efficient Homes

green house edited for home Ontarians Willing to Spend More Money for Energy  Efficient Homes

Builders and sellers take heed: according to a new Leger Marketing poll, Ontario hombuyers are ready to open their wallets for homes that are energy efficient, will retain their value and are built with environmentally friendly materials. These three features were identified as the top three features that Ontario homebuyers are willing to pay for when purchasing a new or resale home. “These survey results provide valuable information for builders and sellers looking to increase their appeal with today’s savvy homebuyer,” says Judy Pryma, president of MasonryWorx.

Baby Boomers Most Likely to Invest in Energy Efficiency

The survey highlighted some interesting differences between generations of homebuyers. Ontario residents between the ages of 35-54 years are most likely to pay more for energy-efficient homes (42%), while those over the age of 55 are least likely (34%). Homebuyers between the ages of 18-34 years also rank energy efficiency high, with 41% willing to pay more for this feature in a new or resale home. Purchasing preferences also vary by region: Homebuyers in southwestern Ontario are most willing to pay more for an energy efficient home (50%), followed by people who live in Northern Ontario (48%).

via: newswire

Modern Interiors

interior6 Modern Interiors

These are some beautiful modern interior photos. Looking at these pictures can definitely inspire any homeowner/homebuyer. We particularly love the dark bedroom and bathroom pictures. It’s extremely bold and it screams modern!

via: plastolux