Patrick Lowney Real Estate
1858 Queen St. E. M4L 1H1 Toronto, ON, Canada

It’s amazing how many home sellers (and their agents) put up barriers to their own success. Even though there are fewer homes on the market, buyers are still being selective. After all, when entry level homes are approaching $1-m, you want to be sure that your wish list is mostly being covered. So it stuns me when I see terrible cell phone photography, no staging, lack of a home inspection report, written descriptions that miss key features, limited hours to book showingsthe... list goes on. With each one of these missed opportunities, the number of offers that comes to the table drops. The house should look like as close to a model home as possible, be available to show at the drop of a hat, and any concerns that the buyers may have should be anticipated and addressed. After viewing the house, most buyers should be thinking Why WOULDN’T I offer on this? What do I have to lose? That’s the only way to get top dollar. My process takes you through all of these steps in a way that’s organized and will set you up to get the most number of offers. Want to know more? Drop me a line and I’d be happy to share!

My fear of bees and my love of real estate rarely intersect. Except in this one instance. Give it a watch, and feel free to have a laugh at my expense.

Thinking of upgrading your living situation this year? Then the time to start prepping is NOW. A lot of people don’t factor in what it takes to get a home ready for sale. Decluttering alone can take a few weeks. Then there are all of those repairs and cosmetic upgrades that you’ve been putting off. Since the pandemic began, most trades have been in pretty high demand, so the chances that you’ll have to wait for a handyman, plumber, or electrician to have availability are pre...tty high. And if you plan on buying a new home before selling your current one, keep in mind that it can also take a while to find the right house. This might sound overwhelming, but I’ve got a streamlined process that will put all of the puzzle pieces in place. The important thing is not to delay the preparations. The sooner you reach out, the sooner I can put together a workable schedule for you. Bonus: if I know your plans, we can hit the market at the perfect time so you can get the biggest of bucks for your home. So, even if the idea is just percolating, reach out today and we can start planning.

Is it possible to represent both the buyer AND the seller in a transaction? Well, yes....is it ethical? Well....maybe just watch the video.

My goal for the year: stop operating on West Coast time.

I just realized that I never introduced my personal assistant: our 145 lb (and growing) Great Dane. Here's a little intro!

Wishing you all a very happy holiday!

I first met Mark back in 2016 when we worked together to buy his first condo. He ended up getting a bigger space than expected on a quiet side street right downtown. After the big shift to working from home earlier this year, we started looking for houses so that he could have more room and some outdoor space, but when we saw that the condo market was a bit more challenging than usual, we quickly pivoted to selling first. Once the deal was done, it was only a few days before ...we managed to snag him his dream home in a highly desirable neighbourhood for less than other recent sales nearby. Mark had the following extremely kind words to say about working with me. Thanks, Mark! . Patrick has been amazing to work with, and a huge asset in my real estate transactions over the past few years. Back in 2016 he helped with my first condo purchase, and this fall we sold the condo and bought my first house. Patrick’s knowledge and experience in real estate gave me a ton of confidence throughout the process. And his patience is second to none; no matter how small my questions or concerns, he always made sure to address everything! . Navigating the Toronto real estate scene is a challenge at any time. And now, with current markets leaning more in favour of condo buyers and house sellers, there’s no way I could have done this on my own. But Patrick is just so much in the know. I completely trusted his judgement, and his expertise really helped to relieve a lot of the stress. Looking back at the whole process, I couldn’t be more satisfied with my condo sale and new house, and owe a lot of it to Patrick and his guidance. . . . . . #torontorealestate #torontocondos #torontocondosforsale #torontolofts #torontohouses #torontohousesforsale #eastdanforth #riverdale #thepocket #eastyork #lowneyonthetowney See more

New listing alert! 908-1103 Leslie is a corner unit that has it all: 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open concept living space, and stunning views for miles. Hardwood throughout the living area, upgraded kitchen with brand new appliances and granite counters, and a balcony off the living room with clear views. The master suite includes a walk-in closet and 3 piece ensuite, while the east facing second bedroom could easily double as an office...perfect for those working from... home! Incredible amenities include gym, party room, concierge, and car wash(!). Comes with locker and parking spot close to the building entrance, and best of all...it's bargain priced at $599,000. As always, please like/share/message me for more info! . . . . . . #torontorealestate #torontocondos #donmills #torontocondosforsale #torontolofts #lowneyonthetowney See more

Look who’s back on the market! 817-75 Portland is the condo of your dreams. 1 bed + den, 1 bath with separate shower and bathtub, and an open concept living space to die for. Nearly 900 square feet with a 100 square foot south-facing balcony that’s perfect for hosting a crowd. Den has a closet and is large enough for a bed. Comes with locker and parking, but no need for a car - multiple transit lines, restaurants, cafes, and bars are all at your doorstep, with Gardiner access... minutes away. Priced at $849,900 taking offers anytime. Message me for more info or to book a showing, and please spread the word! . . . . . #torontorealestate #torontocondos #torontocondosforsale #torontolofts #kingwest #entertainmentdistrict #seventy5portland #seventyfiveportland

Wishing you all a very happy holiday!

I first met Mark back in 2016 when we worked together to buy his first condo. He ended up getting a bigger space than expected on a quiet side street right downtown. After the big shift to working from home earlier this year, we started looking for houses so that he could have more room and some outdoor space, but when we saw that the condo market was a bit more challenging than usual, we quickly pivoted to selling first. Once the deal was done, it was only a few days before ...we managed to snag him his dream home in a highly desirable neighbourhood for less than other recent sales nearby. Mark had the following extremely kind words to say about working with me. Thanks, Mark! . Patrick has been amazing to work with, and a huge asset in my real estate transactions over the past few years. Back in 2016 he helped with my first condo purchase, and this fall we sold the condo and bought my first house. Patrick’s knowledge and experience in real estate gave me a ton of confidence throughout the process. And his patience is second to none; no matter how small my questions or concerns, he always made sure to address everything! . Navigating the Toronto real estate scene is a challenge at any time. And now, with current markets leaning more in favour of condo buyers and house sellers, there’s no way I could have done this on my own. But Patrick is just so much in the know. I completely trusted his judgement, and his expertise really helped to relieve a lot of the stress. Looking back at the whole process, I couldn’t be more satisfied with my condo sale and new house, and owe a lot of it to Patrick and his guidance. . . . . . #torontorealestate #torontocondos #torontocondosforsale #torontolofts #torontohouses #torontohousesforsale #eastdanforth #riverdale #thepocket #eastyork #lowneyonthetowney See more

New listing alert! 908-1103 Leslie is a corner unit that has it all: 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, open concept living space, and stunning views for miles. Hardwood throughout the living area, upgraded kitchen with brand new appliances and granite counters, and a balcony off the living room with clear views. The master suite includes a walk-in closet and 3 piece ensuite, while the east facing second bedroom could easily double as an office...perfect for those working from... home! Incredible amenities include gym, party room, concierge, and car wash(!). Comes with locker and parking spot close to the building entrance, and best of all...it's bargain priced at $599,000. As always, please like/share/message me for more info! . . . . . . #torontorealestate #torontocondos #donmills #torontocondosforsale #torontolofts #lowneyonthetowney See more

Look who’s back on the market! 817-75 Portland is the condo of your dreams. 1 bed + den, 1 bath with separate shower and bathtub, and an open concept living space to die for. Nearly 900 square feet with a 100 square foot south-facing balcony that’s perfect for hosting a crowd. Den has a closet and is large enough for a bed. Comes with locker and parking, but no need for a car - multiple transit lines, restaurants, cafes, and bars are all at your doorstep, with Gardiner access... minutes away. Priced at $849,900 taking offers anytime. Message me for more info or to book a showing, and please spread the word! . . . . . #torontorealestate #torontocondos #torontocondosforsale #torontolofts #kingwest #entertainmentdistrict #seventy5portland #seventyfiveportland

Feeling cramped working from home? Need to stretch out a bit but still want to be close to city life? Look no further: 817-75 Portland is the WFH condo of your dreams. Spacious bedroom with walk-in closet and walk out to a nearly 100 square foot balcony, big, bright open concept living room/dining room/kitchen, deluxe bath with separate shower and bathtub, and a den big enough for a bed with a double closet. South-facing for maximum sunlight, and just shy of 900 square feet total. Comes with parking and locker. Asking $849,900. As always, please message me for more details or to book a showing, and feel free to share!

These guys are the proud new owners of a great condo in the Distillery! Not only were they a DREAM to work with, they managed to snag their unit for $50K less than two identical units that had recently sold. Congrats, guys! Here’s what they had to say about working with me! . My partner and I just bought our first home and had no idea what we were doing. There were things we hadn’t even thought about but Patrick was extremely patient and helpful with our questions, especially... as we flip-flopped between not only the type of home we wanted, but the city we wanted to live in! He advised us, looked up things for us, took us around and basically made this experience fun and exciting instead of stressful, as it very easily could have been. . Patrick has a vast amount of knowledge and experience but was also humble enough to tell us that he’d get back to us if he didn’t know the answer. When it came time to make an offer, he was encouraging and had great advice, and never made us feel any pressure. He arranged and made multiple trips with us for viewings, inspections, etc., and has lot of contacts to make all of the many steps as simple to get through as possible. He also added a lot of personal touches to our home-buying experience that were unexpected and greatly appreciated. We had a great experience with Patrick and would wholeheartedly recommend him in fact, he’s already working with friends of ours! . . . . . #torontorealestate #torontocondos #torontocondosforsale #torontolofts #distillerydistrict #canarydistrict #rivercity See more

Look who has a brand new price! 402-77 Maitland is now listed at $734,900 taking offers anytime. 2 big bedrooms (master can fit a king bed!), 2 renovated bathrooms, open concept living space with updated kitchen and new hardwood floors, and treetop balcony! Building is a quiet retreat in the heart of downtown, with transit, parks, restaurants, cafes, and bars all within a few minutes' walk. Please share, and feel free to message me for more info!

Also on the market today is this stunning unit at 402-77 Maitland Place! Nearly 900 square feet of living space includes 2 large bedrooms (master is large enough for a king bed), 2 recently renovated bathrooms, open concept living/dining space, and a treetop balcony. Walk-in pantry and breakfast bar make this a dream kitchen! Tons of amenities in the building, including gym, indoor pool, squash courts, woodworking shop, and 24 hour security. Priced at $724,900 taking offers t...his coming Monday. As always, please like/share/message me for more info! Co-listed with @virajtanna . . . . #torontolife #torontorealestate #torontocondos #torontolofts #churchstvillage #allangardens #cabbagetown #downtowntoronto #lowneyonthetowney #torontorealestateforsale See more

First of 2 great condo listings on the market today! Want to live right downtown but still have some peace and quiet? Are the 1-bedroom units you’re seeing feeling a bit too much like being crammed into a shoebox? Then check this out: 401-3 Market St. is a spacious (673 square feet) 1 bedroom unit with an upgraded kitchen with centre island, large west-facing windows, built-in media centre and pantry, and tons of storage throughout. Parking and locker are conveniently located... on the same level as the unit, but no need for a car: St. Lawrence market is at your doorstep, along with too many cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops to name. Walk to Union Station in minutes, or easily hop on the Gardiner to get out of the city. Priced at $684,900, taking offers anytime. As always, please like/share/message me for more info! . . . . #torontolife #torontorealestate #torontocondos #torontolofts #stlawrencemarket #marketwharf #downtowntoronto #lowneyonthetowney #torontorealestateforsale See more

I first spoke to Andrea and Shane when they were about to have their first kid. Looking at how the housing market was quickly increasing, they realized they’d quickly outgrow their 2 bedroom semi and wanted to make the leap up to a bigger house before they missed their opportunity. Finding a house that wouldn’t be another stepping stone was a bit of a challenge, but we ended up snagging them a house with huge bedrooms, parking for up to 3 cars(!!), and a combination of origin...al charm and modern updates, located on one of the most highly coveted streets in the east end. After over 60 showings in 6 days, we managed to sell their current house for $160,000 above asking! Here’s a bit more about the experience in their own words: . We are so glad that we worked with Patrick on the purchase and sale of our house. The Toronto market is definitely challenging to navigate, and Patrick was patient, calm and trustworthy along the whole journey. He never pressured us, never rushed us, and always took the time to explain everything so that we made informed decisions. He was honest with us as we saw each house, and helped us make a great decision when we bought our new home. For the sale of our house, he was upfront about what services he would provide, and was very accessible with all of our questions. He got us the right price on the sale, and made the whole process as easy as it could possibly be. He was also really fun to work with, and we would happily recommend him to anyone. Thanks, Patrick! . . . . . . #torontorealestate #torontorealtor #realestatehomeward #leslieville #beaches #beachestoronto #upperbeaches #lowneyonthetowney See more

NEW LISTING ALERT! 325 Rhodes is the perfect 2 bedroom starter home! The open concept main floor features an updated kitchen with quartz counters, gas stove, and heated floors, and a walkout to the huge backyard. Basement has a separate entrance and 4-piece bathroom, also with heated floors. Best of all is the neighbourhood: within a 5 minute walk, you have hot restaurants, cafes, breweries, gyms, and grocery stores. Multiple TTC lines around the corner mean getting to the Be...ach, Leslieville, or downtown only takes a few minutes. Offered at $849,000! Again, please spread the word, and message me for more details! . . . . . #torontorealestate #torontolife #leslieville #littleindia #gerrardindiabazaar #beachestoronto #thebeachtoronto See more

NEW LISTING ALERT! 103-99 Chandos is the perfect hard loft without the loft price tag! Walk straight out to street level from this 1200 square feet suite with almost 11pm ceilings. Featuring 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, this corner unit is comparable in size to most semi-detached homes! New quartz counters and backsplash, freshly painted, hardwood throughout. Huge bedrooms - the master (with walk-in closet) can fit a king bed with tons of room to spare. Comes with parking and l...ocker. Boutique building with only 15 units also has rooftop patio. Offered at $799,000 taking offers anytime. . . . . #torontorealestate #torontolofts #hardlofts #wallaceemerson #gearyave #ironworklofts #foundrylofts #torontolife See more

Sometimes you just need a makeover, right? Check out 410-330 Adelaide St. E., back on the market after a fresh coat of paint and some new furniture! Formerly a 2-bedroom unit, it's been opened up to provide a huge open concept living/dining/kitchen space...keep it as is, or easily convert it back to 2 bedrooms! Walk-in closet AND pantry, 2 full bathrooms, and parking and locker. Cafes, restaurants, boutique shops are all at your door, along with multiple transit lines...walk downtown in less than 10 minutes! Bargain priced at $749,000...that's just over $800/square foot! Message me for more info, and as always, feel free to spread the word! http://www.330adelaidestesuite410.com/

Are you looking for a 2 bedroom house but sick of the bidding wars? Have I got the place for you...we're prepping this one for MLS, but the sellers are willing to sell today for the right price 2 bed, 2 bath WIDE semi finished basement with separate entrance and wet bar heated floors in the kitchen and bathroom a 2 minute walk from a great stretch of Gerrard St. E. with cafes, restaurants, boutique shops and breweries... multiple transit lines right around the corner...20 minutes to downtown by streetcar! Feel free to message me for more info or share widely! See more

Link below for a list of places to donate. If you have no money to give, google Zoe Amira Stream To Donate for a YouTube video full of art and music from black creators. There are a lot of ads which will make the money that will be donated to BLM. Remember to turn your adblocker off. https://www.thecut.com//george-floyd-protests-how-to-help- #blackouttuesday

How long has it been since you’ve hung out with people? . As much as I’ve been relatively OK with quarantine times (see previous post), I have to admit that not seeing friends has been wearing on me. After 8 weeks or so, I’m sure we’re all in the same boat. . Particularly since so many of my clients have become friends. I’ve always appreciated times like this when the market allowed me to breathe a bit because it meant that I had more time to give people a shout and hear how ...their lives (and their new homes) were treating them. . This is obviously different, though. It’s not like I can just call up my clients to go grab coffee or have dinner together. . I’ve been really fortunate to work with people who largely share similar interests. An eye for design, staying current on new places to check out in the city, and most importantly, a love of good food and drink. . Thankfully, I’ve found a great excuse to see my clients and indulge in a shared hobby all at once. . Anyone who knows me know that I am a Certified Beer Nerd. Hunting down good bottles across the province has become a thing I do pretty regularly. Thankfully, so many of my clients are also up for trying new places. . With so many wineries and breweries offering delivery, I’ve been making large orders and doing porch drop offs of beer. . It’s been such a great way to have a quick catch up while still following the rules. And I get to see cute babies like Kai (pictured)not just on Instagram! . Don’t get me wrong, I’ll be very happy when we can all go for real hangouts again. . But in the meantime, there are definitely worse ways to catch up with people than being their alcohol distributor. See more

Both agents and sellers in Toronto have been a bit spoiled over the past few years. The cycle of listing a home under market value, having the masses come through the house over the course of a week before battling it out, and selling for well above expectations became the norm. . But since the world seemed to change overnight a couple of months ago, it’s no wonder there has been some confusion about how to go about selling a home, particularly since allowing strangers into y...our house is now a health risk. . Most agents even found their activities ground to a halt entirely. But as the weeks have gone on, we’ve had to innovate in order to do our jobs. While selling a home virtually seemed to be a nearly impossible task a short while ago, we now have a variety of ways to showcase your property in order to minimize contact. . This can be as drastic as selling your house sight unseen in as is condition; while this is obviously the safest method since you’ll be avoiding contact with others entirely, you may sell for below market value. . More often, though, sellers will rely on great photography, virtual walkthroughs and open houses, and detailed floor plans in order to have all of a prospective buyer’s questions answered before they walk through the house. At that point, details that would normally be worked out during the offer process can be solidified to make sure everyone’s expectations are in alignment. . Some sellers may even want to sell their property conditional on a viewing. Although a buyer may still back out of the deal after seeing your home in person, it provides a bit more assurance than the typical free for all we’ve seen in Toronto. . So if you’re thinking about entering the market, either as a buyer or as a seller, don’t worry. There are plenty of options to make sure you get the deal you want while being as safe as possible. See more

So, home prices are down, right? We’re thinking now is the time for us to be looking in order to get a deal. . I keep hearing this from prospective clients. Not surprising, given the current climate. The media certainly isn’t helping things with misleading headlines (which they’re guilty of at the best of times). . I’ve been tracking the sales week over week and year over year, though, and here’s what I’ve found:... . - the number of new listings decreased from week to week through March - Number of downtown condos sold has had the biggest drop (from 182 sales the week of March 1-7 to 50 sales last week) - Average sale prices peaked in most neighbourhoods in early March, and have since levelled out - Average sale prices in nearly all sectors are still up from April of 2019 to April of this year, ranging from a 4% year over year increase in the east end to a nearly 14% increase in the west end . There’s a good explanation for all of this. This year started with a bang, with most sale prices being so high that there really was no explanation. . Starting in March, we were getting an increasing number of listings on the market that were riding that wave. Since the majority of sellers tend to buy properties before listing, as quarantine began, there were still a number of sellers who had to sell for a decent amount. . After a few weeks, those who were under the gun to sell had already done so, and those who had to buy may have decided to take a break. . With a lower number of listings on the market, any buyers who have come out of the woodwork are in the same position they may have found themselves in earlier in the year. The balance between the number of buyers looking and the number of listings on the market hasn’t shifted much. . The sellers on the market now may not be under the same type of pressure as those who sold at the beginning of March. Since precedents have been set in terms of price, we’re seeing sellers that would rather hold out to at least match the comparable sales rather than take a financial hit. . So, in summary: what we’re seeing right now is a slightly more balanced market than we usually see. Buyers may be more likely to be in the driver’s seat when it comes to negotiations, but the deep discounts are still few and far between. Whether or not you’ll see the crazy bidding wars that Toronto is accustomed to depends on how the property has been marketed. . I’ll keep posting weekly updates, but if you have any questions in the meantime, just drop me a line! See more

Wow. Week 7. I just realized that we’re entering week 7 of the new normal. . I know the future still seems uncertain, but it seems that more and more, we’ve realized that we should accept our current lifestyles and embrace how we’re living right now as much as possible. . As we get used to Zoom meetings, juggling working and parenting at the same time, and cooking for ourselves more often than usual, it seems we’re all a bit more grateful for the silver linings in this situ...ation. . I’ve actually been pleasantly surprised by the number of people who have been saying that they’re kind of enjoying this time (always said a bit sheepishly, it seems). I have to admit that I’m finding a lot to love about it myself. . Like no commuting! Trying to go from a meeting in the Beaches to High Park to show houses during rush hour has always been a very specific type of hell. Will it take me 35 minutes or 2 hours? Shrug emoji. It’s nice to not have to feel that stress of sitting still on the Gardiner while the clock is ticking. . I’m also thankful to be spending more time with my partner and our dog. Trixie is getting older, so it’s a bonus to get to be around her so much. More than ever, I’m inspired by her ability to find joy in lying on our back deck for hours at a time. . And I’ve been pursuing hobbies again! Making music for the first time since I left my job at a recording studio 10 years ago has been such an unexpectedly fun side effect of having more time at home. Not to mention my baking has increased and I’m getting ready to plant our vegetable garden for the summer. Next on the list is to take up running.we’ll see if/when that happens. Ha! . All of this has reminded me (and others, from what I can tell) that there’s more value in activities that bring you joy than we may realize. When we start the transition back to normal life, I hope we can all maintain this appreciation for the little things and not get so wrapped up in always moving faster and getting more.What have you been enjoying about the past few weeks? Share in the comments! See more

Hey everyone! It’s been a minute. What’s new? Ha. If that isn’t a loaded question these days, I don’t know what is. I’ll be honest, dear readersI haven’t quite known what to say to you over the past few weeks. I know I’ve never been a hard-sell kind of guy, but still, posting about real estate felt secondary to other concerns for most people. I’ve been surprised, though, about how many people have reached out to me over the past few weeks. I guess the benefit of having extra... time is that we’re all thinking of the future when things are a bit happier, more secure, and we can all realize our dreams a bit more. And I’ve been seeing this reflected in the market as well. While this isn’t the case across the board, the other night a 1 bedroom bungalow in the east end got 21 offers. I showed a property to my clients yesterday (the second day it was on the market) and they received an offer well above the list price hours later. Buyer confidence is returning as we all get used to the new normal. To be honest, I’ve felt from the beginning that we aren’t going to see a huge dip in home values in the city. But I can understand the fear that comes with a lack of certainty about how long this situation will last, and what the world will look like when we come out the other side. The bidding wars and general frenzy isn’t being seen across the board, though. Depending on the type of property, location, and price range, we’re also seeing more properties sit on the market (in relative termsthis IS Toronto, after all), or priced to avoid competition. If you’ve been thinking about buying, now is the time to keep an eye on the market. It’s a rare opportunity to possibly get a house on your terms for under the asking price. As we’ve seen time and time again in Toronto, fortune favours the brave/the early bird gets the worm/insert other cliché about striking early. In the event that you aren’t quite ready, though, I get it. I’m happy to give you a weekly update on how certain neighbourhoods and property types are selling. No pressure, just the facts. Drop me a line anytime. And stay safe out there!

So, I know you've wanted a house but the prices have been crazy. You'd maybe choose a condo, but they're all so tiny and cookie cutter. What if I told you that you could have: Nearly 1200 square feet of living space (similar to most semi-detached houses) 2 spacious bedrooms...one big enough to fit a king bed with ample room to spare an open concept living space with nearly 11 foot ceilings... in a neighbourhood on the rise, featuring super cool breweries, cafes, shops, and restaurants a hard loft feel for only $879,000 It's true! You can have it all! Check out 103-99 Chandos, newly on the market! No updates needed...just drop your bags and relax. Check out the website below, feel free to share widely, and if you have any questions, please drop me a line! http://www.99chandosavesuite103.com/

You know what’s unbelievable? Our real estate board is still permitting open houses and taking a totally passive Discuss it with your seller clients stance. Sign this petition to urge them to officially ban open houses until this mess is resolved. Please share widely.

It's a beautiful weekend for an open house, wouldn't you say? C'mon out and see the gem before it disappears (not, like, physically...as in, someone will buy it. Right). I'll be there for an open house from 2-5 PM today and tomorrow, hope to see you there!

As someone who works with a ton of first-time buyers, I know what it's like when your wish list doesn't line up with your budget. But what if I told you that there was a 2+1 bedroom house with parking that has schools (elementary AND secondary), transit access, incredible cafes and restaurants, and a park with an ice rink, pool, off-leash dog area, and a playground listed for $629,900? It's true! 599 Rhodes Ave. is now on the market! Bonus points: a separate entrance to the basement and a beautifully landscaped, fully fenced backyard! Check out the website below, share freely, and come see me at the open house this Saturday and Sunday from 2-5 PM! https://bit.ly/2kRMcvR

Let's face it: renting in this city is stupidly expensive right now, right? What if I told you that you could have a 1-bedroom condo with parking AND a great south-facing view for less than what you're paying in rent? You'd think I'm crazy, I'm sure... But I'm not! Check this out. 509-300 Coxwell is on the market today at $369,000. Located on the top floor of the building, you've also got transit at your doorstep, and an up and coming stretch of Gerrard right around the corner. Message me for more info or to book a showing, and as always, share freely! :)

One Friday in 2010, I went into my job managing a recording studio like any other day, and at the end of the day, I no longer had a job. Not that I hadn’t seen this coming; I had watched the department I managed dwindle from 5 people down to myself and a part-timer over the years, but the timing couldn’t have been worse. I had just given notice to move out of my apartment, and I was still months away from getting my real estate license. I have to admit that I felt a bit scar...ed and honestly, hopeless. But a funny thing happened after a few days. I began to think of my situation as an opportunity, not only to really reflect on what I truly wanted to do with my time, but also what habits and beliefs I was holding on to that may not have reflected who I really was anymore. Expenses would obviously have to be scaled back, but I would have to adapt to my new reality in other ways as well. Moving in with my partner presented a huge lifestyle shift, but also a learning experience that could be exciting. They say you never truly know someone until you live together, and that’s true. I loved my partner's willingness to jump headlong into a new project around the house (making different liqueurs was a highlight, even if it lead to many sugary hangovers) and his ability to find fun, weird activities to fill our weekends meant we were never bored. Because I could no longer see myself in the recording industry long-term, I had a few months left to complete my education, and during that time, I had to really consider what it was that I wanted out of my career. I knew I loved working with people - that’s what drew me to real estate in the first place. But what I had hated was a daily schedule that was set in stone, and being at the mercy of an employer’s schedule. I knew that real estate would mean an unpredictable schedule, but daily changes in where I was working and helping a variety of people see the potential in houses got me genuinely excited. And I also wanted to use one of my traits as a Libra to my clients’ advantage: we’re TERRIBLE at making decisions for ourselves, but excellent at helping people come to a decision for themselves. Being laid off ended up being one of the best things that ever happened to me - it pushed both my relationship and my career to new places. (Pictured: me, younger, bespectacled and significantly less grey, at my recording studio job in the mid-aughts).

You have no idea how often I hear So, summer is a really slow time for real estate, right? As with most real estate questions, the answer isn’t really a straight yes or no. Things DO tend to get a bit quieter in July and August when it comes to new listings. Can’t say I blame people for wanting to get out of town rather than focusing on selling their house. Since there aren’t as many new listings, buyers tend to pause as well. But the savvy buyers out there usually realize ...that if someone is selling their house during a time of year that’s perceived as being slower, there’s usually a good reasonnamely that they’ve bought a house already and need to make that sale. FAST. So, while it may not be as much fun as patio drinks or hanging at the cottage, if you’re planning on buying, summer is a great time to keep an eye on the listings. Less competition + highly motivated sellers = more bargoons. Plus, if you have a house to sell and you time things right, you can even hit the market when things pick up in September. Win-win! Interested in seeing what’s on the market these days? Gimme a holla!

A lot of buyers get nervous at the idea of competing in a bidding war. But there’s no need to or . Here are a few simple tips that will help you get ahead of your competition!

It wasn’t supposed to be like thisthis was supposed to be the dream home. After saving up a downpayment for what felt like forever, you finally managed to break into the housing market and bought your first property. It was a bit smaller than what you wanted, but you felt justifiably proud: this was your very own home at a time when so many of your friends were still renting. But things have felt differently lately. You keep wanting to entertain, but there’s really only roo...m for a couple of your friends. Working from home more often means that the couch is doubling as a home office, and while you met someone special and it’s gotten serious, you keep dancing around the question of kids. There’s barely enough room for the two of you to hang out without getting in each other’s space, so the idea of tripping over toys isn’t even worth contemplating. I’m here to tell you that there IS a way out. Most people in your situation are surprised at the amount of equity that they’ve built up in their current home. Those regular mortgage payments may not have seemed like much, but chances are they’ve put a healthy dent in the amount owing. At the same time, the market has risen across the city. If you were to sell today, you may have a larger down payment to put towards a larger place where you can have space to entertain AND grow your family. Best case scenario: you can make the move up without your expenses increasing! To find out what your current home may be worth, and hear more about what homes are available in your price range, send me a message. I’ll be happy to help!

I was going through my files recently and came across this pic. Yep, this is my first headshot in real estate. If you know me, I’m sure you’re surprised to see that I even own a sport jacket. I’m sure you’re NOT surprised to see that it looks like I forgot to take the hanger out of it before putting it on. See, when I started in this business, I thought I’d have to dress a certain way, look a certain way, and most importantly, act a certain way in order to be successful. I le...arned a lot from the people around me, but at the same time, there was a general attitude that I was uncomfortable with. Knock on doors, even if they have a no soliciting sign. Just steamroll people with questions, even if they say they don’t want to sell. If someone has you in to list their house, don’t leave until they’ve signed a contract. I’ve never been a high pressure guy, and that was why I got into this industry. I figured that times had changed and people could see through shady sales tactics. More importantly, they would want someone who felt more like a knowledgeable friend than a salesperson. So it was really disheartening to hear all of these techniques that I hated so much being encouraged. Even more disappointing was hearing the number of agents saying that you couldn’t find success unless you behaved this way. As time progressed, though, I realized that when I ignored my gut and listened to this advice, it turned people off. It’s like they could tell that I wasn’t being true to myself. And to paraphrase a very wise woman (*cough* Rupaul), If you can’t be true to yourself, how the hell are you gonna be true to anyone else? Can I get an amen? So I decided to relax and be genuine. You need more time to think about things? No problem, I’ll check in with you in a few days! You’re not sure whether or not you should make a move right now? I’ll tell you honestly what I think, even if it means I may not get a sale. And the more I behaved this way, the more successful I became. And the more successful I became, the more I relaxed my wardrobe as well. Thankfully, I no longer look like I have a hanger stuck in my shirt, and I’m glad people appreciate it.

A few years ago, I decided to solidify my reputation as a Tough Guy (note the capital letters) by getting my first tattoos on my biceps. To balance things out, though, I made sure that they would be the nerdiest, least intimidating tattoos ever. As a bit of background, you’ve gotta understand that I love my dogs. Like, I REALLY love them. When I first moved in with my partner, he thought it was hilarious that we would leave the house for a few hours and on the way home I woul...d always say I’m so excited that we get to see Trixie and Ethel soon. When people talk about their kids, I often respond with Oh wow, my dogs do the same thing! (I’ve really gotta be careful with that one) A few years ago, a friend gave us two pencil drawings of the dogs looking their most cartoony. She somehow perfectly captured their personalities, which was incredibly impressive considering she made them in 10 minutes. I had been considering tattoos forever, but was worried about hating them in the future. Given my obsession with music, I had almost gotten a few band-related tattoos in the past (I’m now incredibly thankful I hadn’t taken that plungeI don’t think they would have aged particularly well). I also just couldn’t see myself getting anything serious; I’d like to think that I’m known for my ridiculous sense of humour and ability to laugh at myself and wanted something that could reflect that. One day my partner and I were joking and I said that I was going to get our friends’ drawings tattooed on me. I meant it as a joke, but he immediately went Oh my god, that’s PERFECT. I knew it had to be done. So, despite my fear of needles, and after a few rough drafts with the addition of a banner with each of their names (Me to the tattoo artist: You made the birds look too good. Can you make them look really stupid?), I took a day off and got both of them permanently etched on me. Now that they’re getting older (Ethel is now 8, Trixie is 12), I’m so glad I made the decision to make them a permanent addition to my body, in all their absurd glory. As one person who saw them once said, If you ever go to prison, you realize you’re going to get the sh*t beaten out of you, right? Yep, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What’s the number one thing you need to have in your dream home?What’s the number one thing you need to have in your dream home?

You have your weekend routine nailed down: coffee at the shop that opened around the corner, down the street to the gym you’ve been going to for years to get a quick workout in, then window shopping in all of your favourite shops nearby. But your current home just isn’t cutting it anymore. You bought it with the intent of moving in 3-5 years, and now that that time is up, you’re feeling more cramped in the space than you had thought possible and ready to take the leap to some...thing that suits where you are now. You’ve seen the sale prices of homes nearby, though. You don’t know if you can be comfortable financially if you make that move. At the same time, you can’t see yourselves anywhere else. It’s the neighbourhood you’ve loved living in now for years, and you feel like the people you see around have become friends. The good news is that you live in Toronto, where nearly every neighbourhood is transforming. Areas that people would never have considered moving to a few years ago are suddenly bursting with new life. Chances are you don’t even know about neighbourhoods like Earlscourt, East Danforth, Corso Italia, and Birchcliff. They’re also likely to have all of the amenities that you love at a much more attractive cost. Even better, more and more people just like you are moving in and making this the next hot neighbourhood. Don’t believe me? Send me a message and let me give you a tour of the area that will fit your needs best!

There’s no two ways about it: buying a home in Toronto can be competitive. I recently appeared on CBC’s Metro Morning with Matt Galloway to discuss how to be innovative as a buyer in order to find hidden opportunities to buy in a cutthroat market. Have a listen HERE: https://soundcloud.com/user-570388585/metro-morning-may-30

It’s a bit of an open secret that most house listings are underpriced in Toronto. So what’s the logic behind that? If your list price isn’t something that you would accept, isn’t it a bit like rain on your wedding day when someone offers full price for your home? You might think it’s ironic, but a lower price can actually lead to higher offers. Here’s how that works:

I recently helped a young couple that were planning on beginning their family move to a neighbourhood that was unfamiliar to them. Laura and Edgar had only ever lived in the west end. They had their favourite restaurants in the neighbourhood, friends close by, and their daily routine down pat. Once they realized that their current neighbourhood might be financially out of reach (which happens more and more in the current market), I showed them a few areas in the east end th...at offered some of the same conveniences they loved: a quick commute to work, a park for their dog, and a neighbourhood in transition with a lot of young families. While they were initially hesitant to move into such an unfamiliar community, they quickly saw the potential in an up-and-coming area, and found a place that they loved. Here’s what Laura and Edgar have to say about working with me: "Patrick Lowney was a great realtor when we were ready to move to a larger house. From the beginning Patrick was calm and accommodating, and never pressured us when it came to making offers on a new house or getting our townhouse ready to be listed. Patrick was patient as we looked at houses across the city for many months, and always provided excellent advice about an offer strategy, making sure we never went above our budget. Patrick was also a great help getting our house ready to list with professional cleaning, repairs, and staging services, as well as beautiful photography. Our townhouse was sold within days, and we received 7 offers, all well above the asking price. We were especially impressed with how tactful and honest he was with all of the buyers' agents, while still protecting our best interests. Patrick patiently explained all of the details and was readily available whenever we had questions or concerns that needed addressing. When we had an unfortunate experience on day one of our house being on the market (a glass table had shattered, creating a huge mess that was dangerous for anyone viewing the home), Patrick was on the scene first and was already addressing the issue by the time we spoke to him. His honesty and willingness to go the extra mile was greatly appreciated during what could have otherwise been an extremely stressful time. We’d highly recommend him to anyone searching for an agent they can trust."

Pop quiz: is the number of sales up or down in Toronto at the moment? How about sale prices year over year? You can be forgiven for not being 100% sure of the answer. After all, it seems like every local news site will publish an article one day saying that the market is crashing while the following day reporting that the number of sales are up. But if you’re like most of my clients, you recognize that the housing market continues to climb each year.... I know it can feel hopeless. I had clients that began looking at houses around 2010 and couldn’t believe what they wanted would cost $300,000 so they put their search on hold. A few years later, those same houses were $550,000 and they felt overwhelmed. They finally jumped into the market a couple of years agoand ended up paying over $800,000 for a home that required renovations. Another client of mine was a bit more fortunate. On the advice of her parents (gotta love backseat real estate experts!), she was waiting to buy until prices dropped by 25%...never mind that the market was rising steadily, and that it had been well over a decade since the market had dropped anywhere near that much. Fortunately, I was able to convince her to start the search and she soon had bought a semi-detached house in an up-and-coming neighbourhood for under $450,000. Now, just a few years later, that same house has doubled in value, so even if the market DOES drop 25%, she’s still far ahead. The best advice that I can give you as a buyer, even though it’s a bit of a cliché, is that if you’re thinking about getting into the market, the best time to do so was 5 years ago.but the second best time to do so is RIGHT NOW. Want to see what’s available in your price range, or hear about preliminary steps to start the search? Send me a message and let’s find your next property together!

A few years ago, I found myself in a situation where I had to ignore my gut reaction. I had planned an epic trip with a friend of mine, my first real vacation in what felt like ages. We were going to go to Prague for 5 days before meeting up with a mutual friend in Copenhagen. Unfortunately, disaster struck her just a few days before we were supposed to leave and she had to back out. Completely understandable, but I immediately started cancelling all of our reservations. I’m ...a bit of an introvert, so no way was I going to do this trip on my own it was just too far out of my comfort zone. But then I started to think about what would happen if I stayed at home. The day to day routine that I really needed a break from would continue, I would lose some of the money we had already paid, and I might be kicking myself for ages. So I decided to go on my own. And who would’ve guessed it, but I had an incredible time. After my first awkward day, I loved the freedom that I had. There was no one else to consider when making plans, or staying out until 2 am, or deciding where to eat. And while things like eating alone or talking to strangers at bars felt uncomfortable at first, I found that people were super intrigued when they found out I was travelling alone, and a lot of them ended up telling me they wished they could do what I was doing. I ended up making some great friends and finding out a lot about myself on that trip. So much so that I did another, longer solo trip to Europe the following year. I’m hoping to make it an annual tradition. Normally, we’re told to go with our gut feeling - but it’s important to know if that gut feeling is fear. Fear is the body’s yellow light - slow down and consider whether to stop, but don’t just brake when you’re in the middle of an intersection. If I had gone through with cancelling, I would have missed out on some incredible experiences. It’s still a reflex that I’m working on, but I’m glad I ignored my gut and got out of my comfort zone this time!

NEW LISTING ALERT! 678 Rhodes Ave. is a rarely offered detached home with all the bells and whistles - just show up and drop your bags! 3 good sized-bedrooms, renovated bathroom and chef's kitchen with centre island and quartz countertops, and hardwood floors in the open concept main floor. Best of all, you're *literally* 2 minutes from the subway, an up-and-coming stretch of Danforth, schools, parks, etc. etc. Priced at $899K. Message me for more details or to book a showing! https://bit.ly/2Yc2puC

Well, colour me chuffed. The results are in, and of the 400+ extremely talented agents in my brokerage, I ranked in 4th place for 2018 for individual agents, and 9th overall (individuals and teams)! I obviously couldn’t have done this without my superstar clients and everyone who kept me in mind for referrals, as well as the support staff at Homeward...you guys are the real stars! Let’s make this happen again in 2019, hey? . . . .... . #torontorealestate #torontorealtor #torontorealestateagent #torontocondos #danforth #danfortheast #leslieville #riverdale #queenwest #corktown #lowneyonthetowney See more

I think that we can all agree that the world is a crazy place right now. Proof: 28 Afton has now been on the market a week and is still waiting for that perfect buyer! Could it be you? You've worked hard this year and deserve a Christmas present for yourself. Give me a shout if you'd like more details!

Out in Queen West/Dundas West/Ossington/Trinity Bellwoods this weekend? Come swing by 28 Afton Ave.! I'll be there 2-5 PM today and tomorrow. Check it out!

JUST LISTED! 28 Afton Ave. is the house of your dreams: high ceilings, classic touches like stained glass and pressed tin with well-thought out updates like an oversized bathroom with clawfoot tub and separate glass shower enclosure. Fenced in back patio is perfect for summer barbeques, or go to the 2nd floor treetop deck. Best of all, Queen West, Dundas West, and Ossington are all a 3 minute walk away. Listed for $1,069,000. As always, please PM me for details, share, like, comment, etc.! https://bit.ly/2OHiin8

New listing alert! 55 Montvale is on the market today. Big principal rooms, 3 large bedrooms, built-in garage, and a separate entrance to the finished basement. Perfect for first-time buyers, builders or renovators! Priced at $724,900 taking offers anytime. PM me for more details or to book a showing!

Anyone looking for a reno project in a prime neighbourhood? Check it out, 8 Caronridge Crescent is on the market today, listed for $849,900: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, near great schools, the 401, transit options. Spread the word, and feel free to PM me if you have any questions!: https://bit.ly/2x79akZ

Here it is, the condo townhouse you've been waiting for! 2-43 Dekoven Mews couldn't be better located in the Junction Triangle (Transit score of 100, Walkscore of 93), features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, balcony AND rooftop terrace, and single car parking. Upgraded kitchen and open concept living space with 2-piece powder room are separate from bedrooms and 4-piece bath...perfect for entertaining! Or head out on the town with Bloordale, High Park, Bloor West, the Junction, Roncesvalles, and the new Sterling Rd. revitalization within minutes. Message me for more info or to book a showing, and feel free to share! #torontorealestate #torontocondos #junctiontriangle #bloordale #bloorwest #highpark #roncesvalles #sterlingroad #lowneyonthetowney http://www.43dekovenmewsunit2.com/

Wouldn’t it be great if your most stressful decision each morning was whether to have coffee on your second floor balcony or your rooftop patio? Coming to MLS tomorrow. 2 bedrooms. 2 bathrooms. Junction Triangle. 2 TTC stations, UP Express and the railpath a stones throw away. Message me for more info! #torontorealestate #torontocondos #junctiontriangle #bloordale #bloorwest #roncesvalles #upexpress #lowneyonthetowney

JUST LISTED! Do you want an amazing view for the summer? Multiple transit options? Walking distance to the waterfront and King West? A modern 1-bedroom suite that comes with both a parking spot AND and affordable price tag? Check out 1105-170 Fort York, on the market today at $424,900, and as always, feel free to share or message me for more info! www.170fortyorkblvdsuite1105.com

Looking for the perfect starter condo or investment unit? This one ticks all the boxes: Floor-to-ceiling windows spanning the width of the suite Walkout to a 120+ square foot balcony A floor plan with no wasted space King West at your doorstep... Multiple TTC lines within a few minutes walk or easy access to the Gardiner Boutique building designed by the legendary Phillippe Starck Affordably priced at $449,000 Message me for more info or to book a showing, or come out to our open house this Saturday/Sunday from 2-4 PM! http://www.75portlandsuite321.com/ See more

JUST LISTED! 904-1830 Bloor is a bright, spacious studio unit in a pet-friendly building. High Park is across the street, 2 subway stations are just a couple of minutes walk away, and the unit comes with locker and parking (rare for a studio unit!). Listed for $349,900...have a look, spread the word, and let me know if you have any questions!

Is there a word to describe a feeling of nostalgia for something you didn't really experience yourself? If so, it applies to the feeling I get looking at these old photos of our fair city. Or maybe I just long for a return to the days when it was easy to find a parking spot downtown...

Also new on the market today: 2380 Bromsgrove Rd., unit 20! This 3-bedroom condo townhouse is just waiting to be restored to it's former glory. Located in Clarkson, close to transit, highway access, schools, and parks. Priced to sell at $329K!

42 Lindner is now on the market! 3 bedrooms, a finished basement, renovated throughout, a large fenced yard, and an up-and-coming area, all for $649K (I KNOW!!). Message me for more info or to book a private showing!

Hitting MLS tomorrow! A detached (), 3-bedroom home () that's move-in ready () in the Junction Triangle () for $649K ()! Message me for more info!

This seems like a perfectly reasonable response to an unfortunate situation...*cough*...

New newsletter is available! Check it out for a market update, listing and event info, and more!

So, a year and a half ago, clients of mine bought a dated Cabbagetown semi that needed some love, but had some incredible mid-century accents. Fast forward to today, and here's the finished product! http://www.greatcanadianhomes.ca//chilled-out-california-/

JUST LISTED! 412-383 Sorauren is a 1 bed + den unit overlooking Dundas West! Tons of storage including linen closet and kitchen pantry, den large enough to double as a bedroom, office or nursery, upgraded Aya kitchen, and hard loft features without the hard loft price tag. Message me for more info or to book a showing, or come out to our open house this Saturday & Sunday from 1-3 PM! www.383soraurensuite412.com

Open house reminder! Come see me at 412-383 Sorauren today and tomorrow from 1-3! 1 bed+den, over 700 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, and loft features without the loft price tag. Priced at $499K!

I know real estate agents are notorious for inventing/promoting new names for neighbourhoods. I just can't get behind this one, though.

Who wants to live in 383 Sorauren Ave.? I have a 1 bed + den unit hitting the market later this month, but the sellers are willing to sell off-market for the right price. Message me now if you want to get into a great building/neighbourhood without the competition!

JUST LISTED! The sexiest address near Monarch Park! 69 Lamb Ave. is a large 4-bed, 2-bath semi with a newly renovated main floor (new powder room, kitchen, hardwood floors), beautiful original accents (plate rail, stained glass windows, and original pine floors). $999,000, offers anytime! Check out the link below, and feel free to spread the word! http://tinyurl.com/kdoro4f

Oh my god, MARRY ME, Sean Speer! "I think that municipal politicians and provincial politicians need to look at the extent to which their own policies, particularly around zoning and development, are affecting the city's housing affordability challenges," said Sean Speer, a Munk senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. "We have people steering the car in the direction of addressing the demand problems, and then other voices driving in the other direction to deal with... supply." http://www.cbc.ca//bu/toronto-real-estate-summit-1.4073857

So, I know that people complain about the cost of real estate in Toronto...fair enough. Just want to drop a little reminder that it could be far worse... https://www.pedestrian.tv//01a57ebc-d06d-4656-959e-7cf4451

New listing alert! How would you like to have a 2-bedroom unit in the Phillippe Starck-designed 75 Portland? Of course you would. Nearly 1000 square feet indoors, featuring exposed concrete, Scavolini kitchen with gas range, master bedroom with walk-in AND ensuite(!), and an incredible 236 square foot balcony. Offered at $779,000. Message me for more info or to book a private showing!

I don't normally work outside the GTA, but for this, I may make an exception...anyone interested? https://www.dwell.com//frank-lloyd-wrights-last-major-resi