With open houses still temporarily prohibited in COVID-19 hotspots -- which includes Toronto, Peel, Ottawa, and York Region -- in an effort to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, online open houses are the next best thing.
It's no secret that Toronto's real estate market has seen a dramatic shift in how homes are purchased and sold this year due to COVID-19. And while the real estate industry is considered essential, the traditional ways of doing business -- in-person showings, open houses, and one-on-ones with agents and potential buyers -- are no longer feasible... at least until daily case numbers in local hotspots improve.
As a result, many brokerages have pivoted to online open houses and tours.
If you've been thinking about upgrading your current living situation, whether that means you're on the hunt for more space or perhaps just want to see what's currently available on the market, join us for a virtual walkthrough of six new listings you can tour from the comfort of your own home.
READ: Ask An Agent: What Are You Advising Homebuyers To Do During the Second Wave?
These listings include a spacious multi-million dollar condo, a single-family detached for under $1 million, and a charming four-bedroom in High Park. For all of the chosen properties, there are multiple available live stream dates posted on the listing page that you can add directly to your calendar. Just click on the listing and you'll see a 'live' button just above the price, click that and it will shoot you down to a YouTube link where you'll find the stream.
2 Indian Grove, High Park
2 Indian Grove/Realtor.ca
Specs: 4+1 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, single-family detached home
Asking price: $3,749,000
Listing agent: Richard Silver, Sotheby's International Realty Canada
Description: This charming brick home is located just one block from High Park and has tons of perks, including an exceptional architectural design by John and Patricia Patkau, gorgeous landscaping, and spacious rooms. The home also has modern finishes throughout including teal accents, pops of colour, sculpted steel touches, exposed brick, and sleek hardwood floors. What’s more, thanks to all the windows, natural sunlight pours in throughout the house, making it feel open and bright.
#601 -39 Brant Street, King West
#601 -39 Brant Street/Realtor.ca
Specs: 1+1 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, condo
Asking price: $660,000
Listing agent: Marci Chiappetta, Sotheby's International Realty Canada
Description: This bright and spacious condo is located in the heart of Toronto's trendy King West neighbourhood and has a 9-foot exposed concrete ceilings, gleaming hardwood floors, a modern kitchen with stone countertops, and a balcony offering unobstructed views of the city skyline.
22 Lippincott Street, Kensington Market
22 Lippincott Street/Realtor.ca
Specs: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, single-family freehold
Asking price: $1,674,000
Listing agent: Martin Markle, Freeman Real Estate Ltd.
Description: Inside this beautiful Victoria, which sits between Little Italy and Kensington Market, this 3-storey home has plenty of old-world charm mixed with modern finishes: exposed brick walls, stain glass windows, hardwood floors, base mouldings, luxe light fixtures, a gas fireplace, and ceiling medallions.
14 Greendale Avenue, Rockcliffe Smythe
14 Greendale Avenue/Realtor.ca
Specs: 3+1 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, single-family freehold
Asking price: $739,900
Listing agent: Jasbir Parmar, Royal LePage
Description: Nestled in the up and coming neighbourhood of Rockliffe Smythe -- one of the last few Toronto communities where you can buy a detached home for under $1 million -- you'll find this renovated 2-storey home that features a fully fenced-in private backyard and is patio-ready for outdoor entertaining.
17 Raymond Avenue, Lambton Baby Point
17 Raymond Avenue/Realtor.ca
Specs: 3+1 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, single-family freehold
Asking price: $739,900
Listing agents: Emir Elizabeth Dickson and Karla Jeanne Wardle, Royal LePage
Description: Tucked away on a quiet, tree-lined street, you'll find this 3-storey home that has beautifully appointed principle rooms, a brand new kitchen with a centre island and breakfast bar, and a gas fireplace. The stars of the home might be the master bedroom that features a four-piece ensuite and walk-in closet, the finished basement, or the private fenced backyard that's perfect for hosting and entertaining guests during the warmer months.
#402 -500 Wellington Street West, Waterfront Communities
#402 -500 Wellington Street West/Realtor.ca
Specs: 3+1 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, condo
Asking price: $3,149,000
Listing agents: Meta Vodopivc, Cityscape Real Estate Ltd.
Description: This spacious loft on Wellington Street is definitely worth taking a (virtual) look at. It has soaring 10-foot ceilings throughout, a 450-sq.ft private terrace, direct elevator access in the suite, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a Scavolini designed kitchen. Additional perks include a 'gallery hall' for art enthusiasts, a massive master suite with a marble spa bathroom, an enviable walk-in closet, and two parking spaces.