DNA3 Condos Construction Update: December

The Condo Chicks try to make their way down to the DNA3 Condo construction site a few times a month. Since we last visited at the beginning of November, we decided to check in again as we are getting close to the end of the year. It's hard to believe that it's been almost a year since the DNA3 Condo Sales Center was closed in order to start construction. As you can see from the photos below, it was no surprise to us that the construction of both towers is well underway. Check in again with us at the end of December to see the progress of DNA3 Condos before we move into 2013.

For more information on buying, selling or assigning your DNA3 Condos, as well as other King West Condos, click on King West Condos.

Mist Yourself at DNA3 Condos!

Construction is well underway at the DNA3 condos site located in the heart of King West. With the heat wave this coming weekend, the water features that will accompany the amenities at DNA3 Condos are in our thoughts.

Many builders are shying away from pools due to the affect they can potentially have on maintenance fees. However, in the case of DNA3 Condos, the builder is still implementing certain water features in the amenity space to add diversity. Not only will there be a rain room located in the fitness area, but there will be a misting station on the second floor roof top terrace. This will be one of the first of it's kind to the hit the amenity circuit amoungst Toronto condos. For example if residents are taking in the sun on the terrace on a day like today, they can refresh themselves under this misting staion. Not only will this allow residents to enjoy the sun for longer, but it adds a trendy element to the amenity space which naturally attracts the demographic found in the King West area.

So until DNA3 Condos is complete which is anticipated late next year, King West residents will have to wait to "mist" themselves!

For more information on DNA Condos for sale and upcoming assignments, click on DNA3 Condos.

DNA3 Construction Update

Good news! Construction for DNA3 Condos has begun! Keep checking in with us for updates! Happy Holidays! For more information on DNA Condos and King West Condos click on King West Condos.

DNA3 Construction Starting Soon!

DNA3 Condos is set to start construction in just a few weeks! It is hard to believe that this project that launched just last year is almost sold out. There are only a few units left which are available for purchase at pre construction pricing. The unique thing about these units are they are penthouse units with unobstructed views! Don't miss out on purchasing in the fastest selling project in King West!

Click on DNA3 Condos for more information!

DNA3 Condos Update

Well, it looks like DNA3 Condos is almost sold out! There are still a few units available for sale. If you're looking for a studio unit or a small one bedroom plus den, there are a few still left on the lower penthouse and upper penthouse floors. With that being said, construction is just around the corner! With the sales centre being taken down at the end of December, construction for DNA3 condos will be well underway in the New Year.

For more information on availability, click on DNA3 Condos.

Only a few units left at DNA3 Condos!

With construction of DNA3 Condos right around the corner, there are only a handful of units still available for purchase at pre construction pricing. From a small west facing studio unit to a stunning two bedroom two bathroom unit with a 260s/f wrap around balcony, there is something for everyone!

Click on DNA3 Condos for more information!

DNA3 Condos Construction and Incentives

With DNA3 Condos being one of the fastest selling new condos in King west, it is no surprise that construction is set to start in the next couple months. With that being said, this is your last opportunity to purchase before excavation on the site begins.

Remaining units vary from studios to stunning two bedroom layouts that boast wrap around balconies. Not only can you purchase two parking spots with these two bedroom units, but you only have to put 10% down. Don't miss out on this opportunity!

Click on DNA3 Condos for more information.

Why invest at DNA3 Condos?

With an abundance of new condo projects launching in the downtown Toronto, there is no question that there is a lot more new condos for investors to choose from. The majority of these new condos that will be built in three to four years are located within the entertainment district. More specifically, east of Spadina, north of Queen, south of Front Street and west of University. It appears as though the entertainment district is slowly being turned into a condo community. With new condo towers being approved for over 40 storeys, this location of the city will soon be congested with new residents. Our question is:  "Are there too many people investing in these condos?" We feel that the answer is yes.

Even though the downtown Toronto location is centrally located, one has to question if buying in a condo with over 70% of investors is a smart choice. The problem with purchasing in these condo developments is that with such a large number of investors, one will be faced with the challenges of competing with multiple units when trying to sell, and secondly if a lot of the units are rented out, there is the risk of the condo building turning into a highly tenanted building. Unfortunately when this arises, the quality of the building has a tendency to diminish as end users naturally take more care in maintaining the unit and building it it's entirety. It is for these reasons that we have found that if investors look into purchasing in the east end of the city (west of Parliament) as well as the west end (west of Bathurst but east of Dufferin,) the potential of a greater return on their investment is stronger.

One condo project in particular that will be a great investment is DNA3 condos which will be located right at the corner of King and Shaw on the north west corner. The first two phases of DNA Condos which are DNA1 and DNA2 respectively,  which are already built on the opposite side of the street are a huge success in the King West neighbourhood. With many end users in these buildings, the resale values and rental values have been renowned to be some of the highest in the city. The key to achieving such high numbers is not only the high ratio of end users, but also the quality of the product used to build these two buildings. With the recent launch of DNA3 condos which will be the third and final phase, there is no doubt that this building will also achieve some of the highest resale values in the city. With superior finishes and amenities then it's prior two phases, DNA3 condos is set to be a landmark in the King West location. The occupancy is set for 2013 and construction is looking to start in the next couple of months. With this mind, investors still have the opportunity to purchase before construction has started as well as to buy into a building where there will be a large percentage of end users; thus setting them apart from other investors.

For more information on good locations to invest, and/or specifically DNA Condos, contact us at our site all about Toronto Condos: DNA Condos.

DNA3 Condo Update

With approval granted for the upper floors of DNA3 condos, it is no surprise that this condo will be a landmark in King West. Both condo towers will now be 14 storeys in total giving these upper floor units unobstructed views in all directions. This alone is rare to find in the King West area as zoning laws have proven to be quite rigid in the past. Considered one of the fastest selling projects in King West, there is no doubt that these upcoming new releases at DNA3 Condos will sell out just as quickly.

For more information on availability at DNA3, floor plans and assignment, click on DNA Condos.

Selling my DNA Condo :How much will I get?

We recently met up with a client who was looking to sell her DNA condo.  During our meeting it became very evident that her main concern was knowing what percentage of the asking price we expected to deliver to her.  Many Realtors use these statistics as a marketing tool for themselves by saying “Sold for 110% of the asking price!” As Realtors we know these statistics don’t carry much weight. However, from the perspective of a potential seller the listing agent looks like a superstar, right?

Pricing your DNA condo for sale is one of the most important parts of the selling process. Determining the listing price depends on a few factors, such as market conditions, comparable sales and of course the unit itself- taking into consideration layout, location and condition. There are few pricing strategies that can be considered once a seller is ready to go to market.

1. A common pricing strategy in a strong buyer’s market is to under price the property and hold off offers until a certain date. It is the seller’s home to generate a multiple offer situation which will in return push the selling price above the asking price. Although the selling price is above the asking price, it does not necessarily reflect that the seller got any more for the property than true market value. It is by using this strategy that you will see agents marketing themselves by stating they sold over the asking price. Keep in mind that a major concern with this strategy is that the buyer can’t actually afford the price of the property generated by the multiple offer situation. More times then none, their original budget was the listing price- not the selling price which can at times go as much as $50 000 over the original asking price.

2. Another strategy is to price the property at market value. This strategy is a safer strategy as it targets the right buyers. If a buyer has been financially pre approved for a mortgage, they know exactly how much they can afford.  An offer received that is conditional on financing approval will not be such an issue as the buyer’s have likely already been pre approved at the listing price.

3. A final strategy that is not as common as others is overpricing the property. This option works at it’s best when sellers have no urgency to vacate or don’t have any financial pressure to sell. A seller must carefully consider this option before listing their property as the buyer will most likely be someone who has been waiting specifically for that unit to come onto the market. In other words, the buyer pool will be much smaller for an overpriced unit, however an end user, who has been waiting for the unit will always pay a premium for their primary residence.

In short, don’t be fooled by marketing material that suggests that properties have been sold for well over 100% of asking. As you can see there are many different stratgies that can be carried out when deciding to list and sell your DNA condo. Take the time to carefully consider which option best suits you.


Click on DNA  to contact the Condo Chicks about listing your DNA condo for sale.

Condo TV Interview

The Condo Chicks were recently interviewed on their knowledge of the Toronto condo world. 

Click on DNA Condos to hire the Condo Chicks to sell or buy your next Toronto condo.

DNA 1&2 Condos or DNA3 Condos?

When it comes to purchasing a condo unit, many of our buyer clients ask us which is the better choice, buying a resale or pre-construction unit. The difference between the two being that one already physically exists and the other one does not. Deciding which route to take depends on a few factors such as timeline, motive and capital. In the case of DNA Condos on King Street West, buyers currently have the choice to go either way.  DNA Condos 1&2 are finished and can be moved in at anytime while DNA3 Condos will not be ready until 2013.

When purchasing a resale condo unit, such as DNA1 or DNA2 Condos, there are no surprises; what you see is what you get. You know exactly what you are getting into as you can physically visit the unit, see what finishes have been used, know how the management is running the building, etc. Generally speaking, items such as window coverings, light fixtures and built-ins are left behind by the sellers which are a bonus. Another positive aspect of buying resale is that a buyer is able to visit multiple units in different locations before making a decision to see which one best suits their needs. The down side of resale is that you are not the first owner of the unit and some prep work of the unit may be required before move in.

On the other hand, when purchasing a pre-construction condo unit, such as DNA3 Condos, you are essentially buying an idea and not a tangible item as the condo doesn’t physically exist yet. Instead of visiting the unit, you visit the sales center where you purchase off of a floor plan where you must visualize the space you are purchasing. The nice thing about buying pre-construction is that you are the first owner and everything is brand new. Like at DNA3 Condos, when color selection comes around, you can even pick the colors that you like best for your unit. Think custom made!  By the time the builder has sold enough units to start construction and construction has been completed, it isn’t until years later that you are actually able to move in. If you are looking to move into a condo unit immediately or within a short time period, then resale is the way to go but if you are able to wait a few years and have a flexible timeline then pre-construction may just be what you are looking for, such as DNA3 Condos.

The next thing to consider is motive. What is your reason for buying a condo unit? Is it to reside in or to flip? When buying a resale condo unit, you can potentially move in immediately whereas if you buy pre-construction you must be patient and flexible as the original occupancy date will most likely fluctuate. If it’s an investment that you are looking for, and the price is right, then pre-construction may just earn you that extra cash you are looking for. When buying pre-construction, you buy at today’s market price with the anticipation of the future market price being significantly higher.

Finally one of the most important elements of buying a condo unit is the cost and if you can afford the financial obligation. In either situation, a down payment must be made. In resale, on average a 5% down payment is given as a deposit with the offer. Depending on what has been arranged with the bank, a further deposit is paid to the bank upon unit closing. This deposit amount can vary from 5% down to 100% down, in which case a mortgage would not be required. When you purchase a pre-construction unit however this flexibility is not allowed. The builder has strict deadlines when deposits must be made. Usually a deposit is made with the initial signing of the documents, another one upon closing and then a few others in between which usually totals about 25% down.

A condo can be a great investment and a great place to live whether you purchase resale or pre-construction. Choosing which route to take depends mostly on your urgency to move but also on your financial situation and your reason for buying. In either case take the time to determine which route makes the most sense for you.

Click on DNA Condos for more information!

World of Condos Interview

The Condo Chicks are happy to share their recent TV interview regarding all about condos!
Click on Toronto Condos and enjoy!

Units Available at DNA Condos

Currently there are a few units for sale in King West's renowned DNA Condos. They are as follows:

1. Two story one bedroom unit with parking listed for under $320 000

2. A one bedroom plus den unit with a locker but no parking listed for under $335 000

3. A two bedroom loft with two washrooms with both parking and locker listed for under $420 000

For a full list of available units for sale, contact us at DNA Condos.

June Market Update

The GTA saw 10,230 sales in June, up 21% from last June making it the 3rd best June on record.  This is quite the turnaround from the first half of 2011 -  down by 4.5% compared to the first half of 2010.

Average prices for June was $476,371, up by about 9.5% from June 2010 and up by about 8% from the average selling price for the first half of the year at $467,169.

Listing supply is down this year which is why we are seeing the average price increase. Buyer demand has pushed this price up in the second quarter of the year.



* Toronto Real Estate Board, New Release, July, 2011.

Pets at DNA

It's becoming a new trend for pets to be allowed in Toronto condos. It wasn't too long ago, that there were restrictions on having pets in your condo. This was inevitably a hard decision for downsizers with pets! The Condo Chicks are happy to share that DNA condos is indeed a pet friendly condo!

For more info on selling or buying in these King West condo buildings, contact us at DNA CONDOS.

Builder of DNA Condos

For a lot of you that don't know, the builder of DNA Condos is Canderel Stoneridge. They were essentially the first builder to start development in King West with their first phase of DNA. After it's initial success, it was only natural for the builder to continue the DNA brand with it's second phase, and now selling it's third and final phase which is still in the pre construction phase.

Canderel Stoneridge has an excellent reputation for building good quality product. They simply put forth an effort to build their DNA condos with the highest quality finishes and features. It's this type of quality that maintains the high demand and resale values in these buildings.

For more information on buying or selling your DNA condo, click on DNA Condos for more information.

TV Interview: April 18, 2011

We are excited to share with all of you that we will be interviewed this Monday, April 18th, 2011 at 9pm on the TV show “In Tune with Real Estate.” From what we have been told, it will be on channels 10 and 63.  We will be asked questions regarding the condo market as well as other elements that come into play when buying or selling a condo. Make sure you “tune in” to see what we have to say!

Last chance to buy a unit at DNA3

 Here’s what is available:

1 bedroom +den, 1 bathroom   – 622 sq ft with a wrap around terrace
1 bedroom + den, 1 bathroom  – 564 sq ft with balcony (furnished unit)
2 bedrooms, 2bathrooms – 754 sq ft with wrap around balcony
2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms  – 754 sq ft with terrace (BBQ hook up)

Click on DNA3 Condos for floor plans and pricing.

Tips on Selling your DNA Condo

The current real estate market condition in Toronto is starting to pick up for sellers. The  market early last year proved to be a strong seller's market with condos sitting on the market for only a few days before selling. The  market today is definitely starting to pick up just in time for spring.  In the meantime, it's more important than ever to put the extra effort in when selling your Toronto Condo.
Here are a few tips when selling your condo in Toronto:
1. If the unit is vacant, staging can have a positive effect as it can help potential purchases visualize how space can be utilized.
2. If the unit is occupied it is extremely important to keep the space tidy. Surfaces should be clear, washrooms should be clean and dishes should not be in the sink.
3.It is to the sellers benefit to remove any paintings or objects with religious meaning. A simple religious object can limit potential buyers.
4. Be flexible with showings. If people can't get into see your unit, how can you expect it to sell?
5. If you are home when a showing is booked, step out of your home. Potential buyers will feel like they can't talk freely with their agent and will feel pressure to look quickly. You want showings to be a pleasant and comfortable experience.
6. Restrain pets. Even though Snoopy may be really friendly, a lot of people are scared of dogs.
A few little changes can make a huge difference when it comes to selling your home. A little more effort can set you apart from your competition during these market conditions.

Click on Dna Condos for more information!