Publication: The Globe and Mail
Date: December 7, 2017
Topic: Condo square footage, listing transparency, and consumer confidence
Ralph Fox, Broker of Record at Fox Marin, was featured in The Globe and Mail discussing the importance of greater transparency in condominium listings. The article examined how many Toronto condo listings displayed broad square footage ranges instead of exact measurements, making it difficult for buyers to accurately compare properties in a market where pricing is often based on cost per square foot.
The feature explored whether providing more precise property information would improve consumer confidence and help buyers make more informed purchasing decisions.
Quotes from The Globe and Mail
“I’ve been a broker for 10 years … it’s always been an issue. Most recently I had a client who’s relocating from Vancouver, they were commenting how [there] it specifically states the size of the floor plan. Here, there are pretty broad windows where you are really left to scratch your head. A condo is a commodity, they are really based on a per square foot basis.”
— Ralph Fox, Broker of Record, Fox Marin
Fox Marin’s Perspective
Fox Marin’s perspective is that accurate property information is essential for helping buyers make informed real estate decisions.
The article highlighted how broad square footage ranges can create unnecessary uncertainty for buyers, particularly in Toronto’s condominium market where value is frequently measured on a price-per-square-foot basis. When exact measurements are unavailable, it becomes more difficult to compare similar properties and accurately assess market value.
Ralph Fox emphasized that buyers deserve clear and consistent information, especially as condominium prices continue to rise. Small differences in unit size can have a significant impact on both value and purchasing decisions, making accurate floor area an important part of the listing process.
From Fox Marin’s perspective, transparency builds trust. Providing buyers with complete and accurate information helps create a more informed marketplace and allows consumers to make decisions with greater confidence.
Why This Matters
Clear, accurate property information is fundamental to a healthy real estate market.
For buyers, understanding a property’s exact size is an important part of evaluating value, comparing listings, and determining whether a home meets their needs. In competitive urban markets where prices are often discussed on a per-square-foot basis, precision matters.
For sellers, transparency helps establish credibility and can lead to more confident buyers throughout the transaction process.
The article reflects Fox Marin’s ongoing commitment to advocating for higher industry standards, greater transparency, and a better experience for consumers navigating Toronto’s real estate market.
Read the full article in The Globe and Mail.
Read The Full Article
About Fox Marin
Fox Marin is a boutique Toronto real estate team focused on central and downtown neighbourhoods, offering white glove, strategic, advisory-driven support for buyers, sellers, renter and investors.
Known for a thoughtful and highly hands-on approach, Fox Marin combines local market expertise, strategic marketing, negotiation experience, and client education to help clients make informed real estate decisions.
Fox Marin has earned its reputation as Toronto’s premier downtown luxury real estate team, backed by over $580 million in sales*, more than 1,000 successful transactions, and over 500+ glowing 5-star Google Reviews. Discover the advantage of working with a proven team with a track record for winning results.
*Source: Jan. 1, 2018 – Sept 1, 2025, RE Stats Inc. & Exclusive
