RE/MAX Hallmark expands into Richmond Hill and Oak Ridges, Strengthening Their Connection to York Region: Here We Grow Again

Toronto, ON (February 5, 2009) – The acquisition of two new offices in Richmond Hill and Oak Ridges has allowed RE/MAX Hallmark to expand its presence north of Steeles Ave. into York Region.

RE/MAX Executive Realty offices located at 8 Weldrick Rd. W. in Richmond Hill and 13321 Yonge St. in Oak Ridges will operate under the RE/MAX Hallmark banner, effective immediately. The move brings the number of RE/MAX Hallmark offices to eight and the total number of sales associates to more than 500, making the company one of the largest in the RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada franchise network.

“Our market share had been steadily increasing in Richmond Hill and the surrounding areas, so when the opportunity to acquire both offices was presented, we acted quickly,” says Ken McLachlan, Broker-Owner, RE/MAX Hallmark Realty. “Our company ranked in the top ten real estate companies in Richmond Hill without a visible presence in the community.

The new offices increase RE/MAX Hallmark visibility in Richmond Hill and provide the company’s sales associates working at other Hallmark locations with a stronger connection to their real estate clientele in the northern part of the Greater Toronto Area.

“RE/MAX Hallmark has experienced tremendous success in the Toronto marketplace in large part due to the guidance and leadership of veteran brokers Ken McLachlan and Debra Bain,” says Michael Polzler, Executive Vice President, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. “Both Ken and Debra continue to set the standard for excellence in the real estate industry. There’s no question that the two new offices will flourish under their direction.”

Celebrating their 28th year with RE/MAX, the RE/MAX Hallmark team operates in the GTA and includes over 500 agents, brokers and administrative staff. Specializing in residential and commercial real estate, RE/MAX Hallmark helps thousands of individuals, families and businesses each year with their real estate needs.

RE/MAX Hallmark is the Top Contributor in the world to the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). Each year, agents donate to their local network hospital a portion of their commissions earned when a home is bought or sold. RE/MAX Hallmark is also a leader in in-house training and is a member of the Chairman’s Leadership Advisory Board of RE/MAX International (CLAC) - an association of 75 of the leading RE/MAX broker owners worldwide. Visit the RE/MAX Hallmark website at www.TorontoHomesAndCondos.com

Mid-Month January GTA Housing Resales at 888

TORONTO, January 19, 2009 – Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 888 sales during the first half of January compared to 1,776 in the first 15 days of 2008. “According to Statistics Canada the economic situation throughout Canada changed noticeably over the past year with job losses in the fourth quarter of 2008. Toronto is not immune to this, the GTA housing market has been impacted,” according to TREB President Maureen O’Neill.



The average GTA price mid-way through January is $332,495 from $367,574 during the same
period in 2008. The median GTA price was $301,000 compared to 316,000 last year. “While
sales have declined, listings have remained high. GTA home buyers have benefitted from more
choice,” explained Ms. O’Neill. “Historically, increased choice in the marketplace has equated to
a moderation in price growth."


In January 2009, stronger declines in sales and prices were experienced in the City of Toronto.
“Sales for January a year ago may have been elevated by the flurry of transactions completed
before the city’s land transfer tax went into effect,” added Ms. O’Neill.


“The costs of home ownership in the 416 has increased due to the added land transfer tax many
home buyers now face in the City of Toronto. Some households considering the purchase of a
home in the City have either put their decision on hold or looked elsewhere in the GTA.”