Design (above), Joel Bray Design

APRIL ACCOUNTING

It's been a slower than expected start to the spring market. The amount of sales and selling prices are similar to this time last year but the number of listings is up slightly. The Bank of Canada's delay in decreasing interest rates has contributed to the sluggish start. Knowing how strongly Toronto's real estate market responds to the news means that this could continue until an announcement is made. Looking at the graph (at the bottom of this email) of home prices in all sectors of the market, I'd say that this is likely the most balanced and healthy that I've seen the market in years! Freehold homes in prime areas are performing the strongest by far, with multiple offers in most cases. The condo market continues to lag behind. It takes a very special unit to produce multiple offers. I suspect we will see more of the same for the next few months. -Andrew

FUN IN THE KITCHEN

Whenever there's a special occasion I love to bake a cake. Last month for my friend Justin's birthday I made a triple chocolate cake and for Easter my mom requested a pavlova. I've linked both recipes below in case you'd like to try them!

RECIPE: Triple Chocolate Cake With Hazelnut Buttercream

I wanted a cake with a moist sponge and adding oil ensures that. The hazelnut buttercream is my favourite icing and it's a hit every time! I covered the sides of the cake in chopped hazelnuts and added fresh raspberries on top for colour.

RECIPE: Pavlova With Fresh Fruit

Pavlovas can be notoriously finicky. They're mostly egg whites and sugar but the process takes precision, time and patience. I topped the pavlova with whipped cream and berries.

ARTICLES OF THE MONTH

Joel Gives A Builder-Basic Condo A White & Bright Facelift See how Joel turned a dark, builder-basic condo into an airy haven with a white palette, weaving in soft hits of colour through accent pillows... 10 Home Office Design Ideas To Motivate You Whether you turn an entire room into a designated office, or create an open-concept workspace, an inspirational area to work in will motivate you.

Where Canoe's Executive Chef Eats In Riverdale & East Chinatown Discover all of the best spots for dumplings, pho and burgers in Toronto's east end, according to Ron McKinlay the executive chef at Canoe. Toronto Unveils Design Finalists For New Port Lands Observation Tower The Port Lands Authority of Toronto has provided an update on the city's much-anticipated new observation tower. The $460 million project...

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