MOVE IN READY, WATERFRONT COTTAGES AVAILABLE NOW!

Are you looking for a cottage or retirement property? East Lake Simcoe is the perfect escape from urban living and only 1.5 hours from Toronto. East Simcoe includes the towns of Beaverton, Brechin and Lagoon City. These communities have a blend of rural and waterfront land along the sandy shallow shores of Simcoe. Whether you’re looking to downsize and slow down or escape the city for fun summer weekends, it is worth the drive to East Lake Simcoe.

2586 & 2589 Lakeshore Drive. Brechin, Ontario L0K1B0




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March on GORGEOUS, your options will start to open up as we move into the spring market. This winter has been a real slog for home buyers, with little to no inventory. Home sales via Canadian MLS® Systems climbed 3.6% in January 2019 compared to December 2018. Homebuyers are still adapting to tightened mortgage regulations brought in last year, however their impact on homebuyers varies by location, housing type and price segment. Although TREB stats can be helpful for overall insight, it is important to assess the development, transportation plans and local business improvements in a specific area.

Mimico is a great example and has been tagged as Toronto’s new GO to community. Royal York Rd. has become a booming stop with the legendary Sanremos bakery, Jimmy’s Coffee, originally a diner, that has been transformed it into the warm, cozy coffee shop and the Meat Department, where all the meat comes from family operated farms, within a 100 mile radius of Toronto. We’re about to see even more changes with the new Mimico GO stationmaking it an even more accessible neighbourhood for downtown commuters. 

This is also a very exciting time of year, as we roll into the cottage market. If you are looking for a cottage, it is show time! This is the perfect time of year to be purchasing for the summer season. Sellers have been sitting on properties for the winter months so they are eager to sell and re-listing prices will inevitably rise as we move into a new year. If you have any questions, please reach out as I have several EAST LAKE SIMCOE properties coming on the market this spring.

HELLO YELLOW! Yellow is the color of sunshine. It’s associated with joy, happiness, intellect, and energy. Yellow produces a warming effect, arouses cheerfulness, stimulates mental activity, and generates energy. Bright, pure yellow is an attention getter, which is the reason taxicabs are painted this colour and it is seen before other colours. Yellow is positively powerful so it only makes sense to use the colour yellow to attract buyers to your property.

Here are some tips to keep your house warm and save on energy — and the bills they bring.

Make some basic changes: Some of the most effective ways to warm up your home are the simplest. For example, open your blinds in the morning to let in both light and heat during winter. Close them at night to prevent a chill from cold windows. Switch your ceiling fan so it runs clockwise at a low speed to push the rising warm air downward.

Save water heater use: Most water heaters are automatically set to 60 C. If you lower it to about 49-52 C, you’ll reduce the amount of fuel used. Insulate the first one to two metres of pipe coming out of the heater. Wrap a tank-style heater in an insulation blanket, which you can purchase at a big-box store.

Make your home airtight: Prevent warm air from slipping outside by creating a tight envelope. Replace, caulk or apply weatherstripping to drafty windows and doors. Don’t overlook air leaks from utility cut-throughs — the gaps that allow pipes into your home, as well as chimneys and recessed lights. Check your ducts to make sure you don’t have holes, which can seriously affect your bills.

Do an energy audit: A professional audit will teach you more than you ever imagined about your home’s energy usage. The auditor will use a variety of tests, including a blower door and possibly infrared imaging, to identify air leakages, air infiltration, humidity levels and insulation efficiency. An auditor will offer recommendations to clear up air loss.

Maintain your HVAC equipment: Hire an HVAC service technician to inspect, clean and maintain your heating system. A good technician will tune up the system for peak performance, and they can also catch small problems before they become big problems and leave your family shivering. Also, check and replace your HVAC filters once a month — a dirty filter makes your system work harder.

Check your fireplace: A working fireplace creates a straight path to the outdoors. Keep your damper closed when you’re not burning a fire. Check the seal on the flue damper to make it as tight as possible. Caulk around the hearth to prevent air loss.

Use a programmable thermostat: Set your thermostat to roll back about 5 or 6 C when you’re asleep or out of the house. When you’re home and awake, set the thermostat as low as is comfortable.

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! Button your bonnet, we’re in for a ride. Goodbye to the bad predictions of 2018 and welcome to the wild west of recession threats. Despite factory closings, and political shifts, Canada is one of the leading countries in new technology and innovation in the Cannabis sector. People are moving to the GTA from all over the world for high paying executive jobs. The demand for move in ready homes continues to rise and the inventory continues to decrease making their value continue to increase. Higher interest rates and stress testing slowed things down right out of the gate in 2018 but have since balanced and I anticipate a lot of activity in the early months of 2019.

The government is now looking for more innovative ways to make home ownership possible for the new generation of home buyers. Real Estate investment and financial education for young professionals has become a major focus. In 2019 you’ll start to see more co-op opportunities and shared asset purchases in both city and rural markets. Options for Homes was one of the first organizations to identify the need for this type of housing and continues to build high end condominiums with downpayment support. If you are looking to get into the market, it is worth checking out the NEW HUMBER development at 10 Wilby Cres. Here is a link to my current listing at the HUMBER. Please reach out for more info about availability and prices.

Shopping for a new home can be intimidating. With so many things to do and think about, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But it doesn’t have to be that way. 

I go above and beyond looking at the MLS listing feed. It is really important to me as an agent to build good relationships with my peers and network of REALTORS. It provides me with the opportunity to get leads on upcoming listings and position me as a competent professional at the negotiation table. I am also a big believer in hitting the streets. If you are looking for property in a specific area, I go door to door to collect info on who may be selling in the future. Here are some good tips for making the home hunting process a lot easier and much less stressful.

1. Get your mortgage arranged in advance.
You don’t want to find the ideal home on the market, only to face problems arranging a suitable mortgage. You might end up losing the opportunity. So, make mortgage arrangements in advance by getting “pre-approved”. With that pre-approval, you can shop for a new home with confidence.

2. Clearly define the kind of home you want, and the neighbourhood you want to live in.
You can’t view every home that’s on the market. If you try, you’ll burn yourself out! So, write down a clear description of the kind of home you want. How many bedrooms? Big kitchen? Pool?

Don’t forget to include the neighbourhood. Upscale? Close to downtown? Lots of trees and parks? Urban and close to shopping and theatres?

With this information, we can quickly create a shortlist of properties that meet your criteria.

3. Take good notes.
After viewing a few homes, you may easily start to forget the details. Was it the first property that had the large elm tree in the backyard or was that the fourth property you saw? If you take good notes, you’ll be better able to make decisions later on about which homes to shortlist.

4. Take care of yourself, and your family. Eat right. Pace yourself. Don’t try to view too many homes in one evening or on one Saturday afternoon.

Want more ideas for finding the perfect home? I can help!

In reaction to the onslaught of digital technology and social media increasingly embedding into daily life, we are seeking authentic and immersive experiences that enable connection and intimacy. Sociable and spirited, the engaging nature of PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral welcomes and encourages lighthearted activity. Symbolizing our innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits, PANTONE 16-1546 Living Coral embodies our desire for playful expression.

Representing the fusion of modern life, PANTONE Living Coral is a nurturing color that appears in our natural surroundings and at the same time, displays a lively presence within social media.

The intensive process of predicting the next color to take over the design world begins with noticing the hues that are starting to appear more prominently in new fashion lines, films, cars, art, and the streets of some of the world’s trendiest places, like London, Paris, and Milan.

In 2014, Leatrice Eiseman—executive director of the Pantone Color Institute—told Glamour that Pantone’s color experts are trained to look at “macro influences” around the world. “You can’t look just in the category that’s of specific interest,” Eiseman said. “You might manufacture clothing, but you have to know what’s happening in the bigger world around you so you know what color to choose.” This concept applies to real estate professionals as well. Understanding the market goes well beyond the local news or TREB stats. It is crucial to follow the economics of an area within the broader area, assess supply, demand, determine buyer profiles and build your listing or buying strategy to execute your goal successfully. Here is a little punch of LIVING CORAL to spark some ideas.

During the winter months brick can shift and crack due to the cold weather and age. Although brick is a material that is meant to last it still requires a little maintenance, care and cleaning. Here are some brick basics that might be helpful to determine your brick care plan. 

While some cases are better left for the professionals, there are many ways for homeowners to maintain and prevent further damage to brick. These simple maintenance tips will help keep your brick, and your house, looking brand new.From stately colonials to simple ranches, brick has remained as a popular building material for centuries. Its energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal are an added bonus in terms of resale value. Brick is relatively maintenance free, but occasional cleaning, spot checks for water damage, and repointing are necessary in order to ensure long-lasting structural integrity.

The least aggressive approach should be your first plan of action when it comes to cleaning brick. Just like soiled clothing, different types of dirt on your home’s exterior will require a different cleaning agent. Once a year use a garden hose, with a spray nozzle, or a spray bottle to remove any loose dirt.

If a particular side of your home receives little to no sunlight and the nearby vegetation is damp, be on the lookout for moss, mold, or mildew growth. A solution of one cup of bleach mixed with a gallon of water can be applied with a scrub brush can be used to clean most problem areas. Use a natural or synthetic bristle brush — wire brushes leave traces of steel behind that will rust and discolor the bricks. Before applying a bleach solution to brick, give the area a thorough soaking. This will help prevent the brick from absorbing the bleach.

Water damage is caused by one of two conditions: splash back or rising damp. In splash back, the continually of rain beating against the brick soaks into the mortar, causing the mortar joints or the bricks to crack. Rising damp results when ground water seeps up from below, leaving behind what is called a tide line. The moisture above the tide line will eventually evaporate, but the salt crystals that remain will, over time, cause the bricks and mortar to break down. Freezing and thawing cycles can accelerate damage to water-soaked brick, so repairing problems early will prevent more extensive repairs in the future. Look for water damage on an annual basis, and budget for some possible repointing every five to ten years.

Repointing is necessary in places where the mortar joints have become soft or the mortar itself is cracked or damaged. The damaged mortar is removed carefully so as not to disturb the surrounding brickwork. Fresh mortar is applied in layers. When repointing, the depth of the new mortar should be twice the width of the mortar joint. Mortar applied directly to the damaged surface will not hold up.

Owners of historic or older homes will want to make sure that the fresh mortar matches the original. A contractor will take a sample of the mortar, crush it, and dissolve it in acid. This process removes the binder and leaves behind the sand aggregate, making it easier to identify the proper shade.

Painting a brick facade was first in vogue in the early 1800’s. Removing that paint can be a painstaking process. Chemical treatments work best for paint removal, and are best left to professionals. Sandblasting should never be the remedy for paint removal, as it causes lasting damage to the beauty and integrity of brick. The remaining brick will be rough in texture, and since sandblasting removes the kiln-hardened outer fire-skin of the brick, it will become more susceptible to dirt build-up and moisture penetration. This is especially true of bricks made before the turn of the century.

Aggressive treatments, like chemical applications used to remove chalk, calcium carbonate, and rust, are best left to a professional. Chemicals must be spot tested in various concentrations. Too high of a concentration can etch the surface of the brick, damage window glass, or cause discoloration.


CURRENT LISTINGS

Purchase your dream condo overlooking the Humber River on Wilby Crescent, just steps from the Weston GO station and the UP Express (15 min to Union Station) The Humber is minutes to Weston Lions Park, a 7.4-hectare park with two ball diamonds, a tennis club, skate park, basketball court, splash pad, playground and outdoor pool. This up-and-coming community is on the verge of revitalization with arts groups such as Artscape and Urban Arts. Each suite includes three standard appliances (fridge, stove with hood fan, dishwasher).
You may also qualify for down payment support with the Options for Homes down payment loan. This loan is payment free, will save you thousands, and can help you own your first home, or simply a new home, sooner than you ever imagined possible.

Move over October, It’s MOVEMBER!

I just love this time of year when men have the opportunity to become a hairy, hipster version of themselves. The Movember foundation was started by 2 Australian men over a pint of beer in 2013. It has now grown to 5,542,507 participants in 21 countries and funded 1200 men’s health projects. I love this story because it all started with a vision.

The thought of buying or selling a home can be daunting and a little scary, but similar to the mo bros, it all starts with a vision. I understand that your vision expands beyond just buying a home, you’re buying into a community, lifestyle and investment in your future.

It’s almost impossible to get through the day without being exposed to at least some real estate news. Open the paper or turn on the TV and you’ll be greeted with a news report about interest rates rising and housing prices moving up or going down. This information does not necessarily provide you with local market information. I can provide you with the insight and information you need to help make the best decision and make your vision a reality.


The clock is ticking and time is running out to get all those last minute fall jobs done before the snow flies. If you’re looking for a reliable, available resource, try Jiffy. Jiffy is a platform that instantly connects homeowners with nearby, quality home improvement professionals. Jiffy makes it easier than ever to hire nearby handyman services for smaller household jobs that still require a professional touch. Whether you need your TV mounted, some drywall patched, or your windows caulked, they can connect you to the right pro for the job.


Trying to understand which professionals are required when undertaking the design and construction of a major home renovation project can be confusing. You need a team of the right specialists who understand how to help you make your old Toronto home functional, beautiful, and comfortable at a price you can afford, delivered through a positive, enjoyable experience. Men at Work specializes in home additions and major home renovations in old Toronto neighbourhoods.

It was less than a year ago that the Roncesvalles BIA collected a group of local business owners and residents to form the RONCY street art advisory committee. On Saturday, October 20th, artists Phlip Cote and Jim Thierry Bravo had the privilege of unveiling our first community project funded by the City of Toronto’s Street ART Program.
IMAGES PROVIDED BY THE RONCESVALLES BIA

HELLO GORGEOUS!

I curate modern real estate experiences using technology and modern design. With over 15 years in the creative advertising industry, I am able to customize the buying and selling experience based on your needs and vision.

When buying, I will take the time to preview and curate sent listings and provide you with showing information in advance. Using basic technology like google maps, I am able to share directions to each destination, outlining driving times and property order. I provide you with recent comparable sales and neighbourhood trends so you can make an informed decision before placing an offer. This process makes home hunting efficient and allows you to schedule the rest of your day.

When selling, I can provide you with listing strategy options and information to determine a price that will maximize your pool of buyers and get you the best price for your home. Using my strong background in graphic design, I am able to customize all your marketing material from post cards, digital ads to social media with carefully crafted copy, high end photography and broadcast quality video production.

I specialize in the West GTA and East Lake Simcoe areas with access to list and search property on both Toronto Real Estate Board and The Lakelands Association of Realtor. I have a strong Royal LePage network and team of lawyers and mortgage specialists who communicate and work with me to make the real estate transaction process seamless.

 

You’ve decided that want to buy a condo. Condominium life can be rewarding, safe, and social.

Like a house, factors such as location (proximity to schools, restaurants, shopping and public transit) play a significant role in choosing where to live.

However, purchasing a condo, while similar to buying other real estate, differs in many ways from buying a traditional house. As a condo owner, you own your unit, and you also pay a share of the common expenses to maintain the building and its amenities. This is known as a common expenses fee or maintenance fee.

There are several factors to consider when you decide to purchase a condo because unlike a house, you will be joining a community where all the unit owners in the condominium need to work together to ensure the building in which they live remains safe, secure, and well-maintained.CLICK HERE FOR A COPY OF MY CONDO GUIDE>> Condo Guide 2018

Some say, If you can’t handle Canada in January you don’t deserve to enjoy it in July. I think, if you live in Canada, you’re just damn lucky. 

The month of July is filled with excitement and dreams for what could be the best summer ever. Lazy summer days overlooking the lake and sweaty TTC commutes make you stop to think about the future and plan for perhaps a little simplicity. Whether you’re looking to shorten your commute or downsize to a condo, I can provide you with information on local market trends, schools, transit and resale value margins to make an informed decision on your purchase.

Market conditions are becoming tighter in the Greater Toronto Area and this will provide support for home prices as we move through the second half of 2018 and into 2019. There are emerging indicators pointing toward increased competition between buyers, which generally leads to stronger price growth.

If you’ve found yourself priced out of the city or looking for an investment property, you may want to take a look at the Brechin/Lagoon City area. Just 2 hours from Toronto, located on the East side of Lake Simcoe, Brechin has become a popular destination for kite-boarders with its shallow, sandy shores. This has increased the demand for rentals in the area making it a great place to invest. You can find a 4 season property for as low as 300K with daily rental capacity of up to 300 per night.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Brechin, check out my Brechin feature page.

Color theory is both the science and art of color. It explains how humans perceive color; how colors mix, match or clash; the subliminal (and often cultural) messages colors communicate; and the methods used to replicate color. People decide whether or not they like a product in 90 seconds or less. 90% of that decision is based solely on color. Warm colors are generally associated with energy, brightness, and action, whereas cool colors are often identified with calm, peace, and serenity. It is important to keep this in mind when selecting a pallet  The colours, patterns and accents play a big role in the overall feel of a room.

Mother nature is often the best inspiration for colour. Here is a little colour inspiration to spark some ideas.

The simplest and most inexpensive way to prep your home for sale can be done with a coat of paint.

In just one day, you can add a crisp new look to your home. Home sellers are often advised to slap on a fresh coat of paint before listing their properties, but don’t overlook the impact of color.

According to a paint colour analysis, a fresh coat of paint in the right shade of blue has the potential to put more green in your pocket and help future buyers envision themselves living in the space.

If you’re looking for a painter, please reach out to Awat at Adept. Adept Painting Services is a residential, commercial, and industrial painting company. It is a one stop shop for all your painting needs, such as furniture and cabinet painting/finishes, homes, decks, restaurant, office, and special coat painting.

Awat would be happy to provide you with a free estimate on your next project.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT WEBSITE:
Phone: (647) 704- 5957
Email: info@adeptpaintingservices.ca

Since the introduction of programs like HGTV’s love it or list it, there is a common belief that your home MUST be professionally staged to sell. This is a myth. There is no one size fits all strategy because every home and circumstance is different.

Listing strategies require careful analysis to plan and execute a successful sale. I have outlined the various listing strategies most commonly used.

PREP // STAGE // LIST LOW // HOLD BACK OFFERS

Listing low and holding back offers has become a very popular strategy in todays market. It is a great way to cast a wider net to buyers and build excitement. Hard staging is the new norm in this case because it helps the buyers to visualize life a beautiful home. There are great advantages here but you’ll need to be prepared for the time commitment and investment.

PREP // STAGE // LIST @ MARKET PRICE // TAKE OFFERS ANYTIME

Listing at market price has historically been the most efficient way to sell property. The listing price can be supported by recent sales in the area and you are likely to avoid stressful bidding wars. This strategy does require more patience but you are likely to get your asking price.

PREP // LIST EXCLUSIVE

Listing property exclusively means that it will never go public on MLS and there are several reasons / benefits. Perhaps you want privacy, the speed of sale is more important than price, you want to keep it off MLS in case it doesn’t sell or the seller may want to restrict showing access. This can also a good way to pre-market (coming soon) as you prepare to list and build a buzz in desirable homes / areas.

LIST AS IS

You will often find estate sales listed in ‘as is’ condition. This is the best option for properties that have not been maintained, require a great deal of work or would otherwise be considered a tear down. You should always do the basics (cut grass, trim trees and clean) but there is no sense investing money in these properties.


HELLO GORGEOUS!

Summer has arrived and it is getting hot. I can’t say the same about the spring market, it came and went in the blink of an eye. The average selling price was $804,584. On a year-over-year basis, sales were down by 32.1 per cent and the average selling price was down by 12.4 per cent.

The year-over-year change in the overall average selling price has been impacted by both changes in market conditions as well as changes in the type and price point of homes being purchased. This is especially clear at the higher end of the market. Detached home sales for $2 million or more accounted for 5.5 per cent of total detached sales in April 2018, versus 10 per cent in April 2017.

The exciting thing about this time of year is that the recreational market opens up. I have found some really special lakefront properties on Lake Simcoe for as low as $199,900. If you’re interested in learning more about the Ramara area, check out my Brechin feature page.

These days, space is at a premium—but, there are a few simple solutions to make even the smallest of gardens useful and attractive. While small gardens are by no means new, there has been great progress in the way they are designed. Here is a little backyard eye candy to inspire you.

CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO VIEW THE RENTAL APPLICATION SITE:

RENTAL REPORT…
The average rent for one-bedroom condominium apartments in the TREB market area was up 11.4 per cent on an annual basis to $1,995. The average two-bedroom condominium apartment rent was up by 9.1 per cent over the same time period to $2,653. “The GTA continues to be one of the most desirable locations to live in the world and will remain so over the long term. As people have moved to the region to take advantage of quality employment opportunities, rental demand has remained strong. The result has been heightened competition between renters, in an ultra-low vacancy environment, and double-digit rent growth in some market segments,” said Mr. Syrianos.

The number of condominium apartments listed during the first quarter was down 11.8 per cent compared to Q1 2017. The total number of units leased was down 7.5 per cent. With a vacancy rate hovering at one percent for condominium apartments, there has been less supply available to would-be renters, which has resulted in fewer lease agreements being signed. “The low-vacancy, high rent growth situation that has unfolded in the GTA over the past year will be further exacerbated by the rent control provisions contained in the Fair Housing Plan. Some investors who, previously would have considered investing in rental units may now look elsewhere for returns on their money. This does not bode well for a sustained increase in rental supply over the long term,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Director of Market Analysis.

With summer in full swing many homeowners turn their eye to a backyard deck. What better place to relax or have a barbecue and entertain their friends? But if you’re planning to build one yourself, be careful.

If it isn’t done right, you may run into problems later when you try and sell your home.

Here are a few things to consider:

Do I need a building permit? Every community has its own rules, but typically, if your deck is more than two feet above the ground and roughly 10 by 10, you will need a building permit. In some places, if the deck is attached to your home, you always need a building permit. In my opinion, by getting a proper permit, it is easier to answer any questions about your deck when you sell your home later. This is because the City will do a proper inspection when your deck is completed to make sure that everything was built correctly.

What should I use to build it? David Power, president of The Deck Builders in Toronto, says that while the foundation of most decks is usually pressure-treated wood, the veneer and railings are usually cedar.

If you decide to stain your cedar deck, you should pre-stain all six sides of the wood before you install it. In addition, make sure that there is at least a one-quarter inch gap between each piece of wood.

Does the deck’s size matter? Yes. Toronto planner Michael Goldberg says the square footage of a deck may count when determining whether your home complies with the zoning bylaws.

For example, if the deck is at least four feet off the ground or the foundation is extended for construction of the deck, then it will count toward the square footage available for building.

If the deck is too close to the lot line, it could also be a problem. If you make a mistake, you could be forced to remove all or part of your deck.

DIY vs. a pro: In my opinion, you should always use an expert. However, if you like doing these things yourself, beware that if the deck is not properly secured to your home, it could lead to water in the basement later. In addition, improper design and construction could lead to the deck rotting out and collapsing under the weight of people on it. If it happens, you will be liable for any injuries caused to guests who may be visiting your home.

Is deck design important? It is very important. Figure out in advance where your barbecue and furniture are going. If a hot tub is going in, make sure you leave enough space for this as well. Some owners prefer the hot tub close to their house so they can use it in the winter. Others prefer it in another area of the yard so that they can have more room to entertain on the deck.

Will I need guard rails? If the deck is more than two feet off the ground, you will likely need a guard rail that is at least three feet high. Once the deck is higher than six feet off the ground, it will require a 3 ½ foot high railing.

In all cases, the openings in the guard rails cannot be larger than four inches so that no one falls through.

Should a deck be part of a home inspection? Yes. Professional home inspectors should be able to tell you whether the deck is deficient in any way and whether it may have to be replaced as a result of poor workmanship.

When you are looking for a deck contractor, get references and look at examples of the work they have done elsewhere. Properly constructed decks should last for at least 20 years.

 

THE NEW (EXCLUSIVE) WAY TO PURCHASE YOUR NEXT HOME…

There is a NEW trend sweeping across the real estate industry and it reads EXCLUSIVE.

Traditionally buyers would be set up with a REALTOR to receive MLS listings based on a series of criteria… location, number of bedrooms / bathrooms, parking… as technology evolved and clients took a more hands on approach, buyers were able to utilize realtor.ca to source properties, seems simple right? Well, there is one big problem with that process, COMPETITION.

Despite the media buzz and the Spring market numbers being down there are a lot of buyers and very little inventory. This has sparked a new trend in hunting for exclusive properties to help minimize the competition. Agents can work one on one to facilitate a transaction that will never hit the public market. Broker Bay recently launched a new platform providing members access to an exclusive listing network. As a member, I am able to search and preview homes before the sign goes on the lawn. If you have any questions about Broker Bay or how to hunt for your next home with an exclusive pass, call me on my cell phone.

According to the Pinterest spring trend report, it looks like homes are embracing a cool blend of natural and modern touches. From new takes on florals for spring (that are actually groundbreaking) to bold hues popping up in interiors everywhere, these trends are definitely going to make your home stand out this season.

Although we’re just easing into spring, now is a great time to start thinking about summer and getting your home prepared. Paying attention to a few maintenance items can give you a leg up on the season so you don’t need to wait in line for repairs once summer heat hits.

Check your roof

After a rough winter, you definitely want to check your roof to make sure it hasn’t been compromised. A summer rainstorm could provide a not-so-fun surprise leak right over your couch.

Check for misaligned, cracked or missing shingles, all of which can let water seep in and check flashing (those metal pieces where the shingles meet places like your chimney) for rust, and inspect the caulk around pipes or skylights to be sure it hasn’t cracked. Take a look at the chimney. If it’s masonry, inspect the joints between bricks or stones for pieces that have fallen out or have vegetation growing in them. Both could be signs of water problems.

Get your air conditioning serviced

Here’s what’s going to happen if you don’t: There’s going to be a scorching heat wave in your city, causing everyone to flip on their air conditoning at the same time as you turn on your A/C—which, of course, will not work. And neither will the air conditioning units of numerous other people, all of whom will be calling for service at the same time.

No one wants to be forced to wait several days (at least), all sweaty and angry, for a repairman to come and provide some relief. Do yourself a favor and schedule a servicing now so you’re good to go when the temperature rises.

Check your sprinklers

If it’s been months since you’ve used your sprinklers, you just don’t know if they’re still in good shape. Wait until the warm weather arrives and you could have a situation on your hands similar to the A/C conundrum. Check them now so that if you need a fix or an adjustment, you can schedule it well in advance.

Manage air leaks

Did you check for leaks in the winter? You’re probably good to go, but, then again, it wouldn’t hurt to do another check. After all, leaks are quite literally sucking the air out of your home, and dollars are going with it.

Spring for a new fan

If you don’t have ceiling fans in key areas of your home, it might be time to add them. Fans can make the room feel more comfortable, so your air conditioning doesn’t have to work as hard, thus saving you money.

Don’t ignore your fireplace

Once the temps have risen and your fireplace is off limits for the next couple seasons, don’t just walk away and pretend it doesn’t exist. If you haven’t closed the damper, you’re letting hot air into your home, which will make it much harder to keep cool.

Change out your window coverings

You can freshen up your space by opting for lighter materials that bring in the sunlight. “As warmer weather becomes the norm, and we crawl out of the darkened caves we’ve been hibernating in all winter, update windows to reflect the light, airy mood of the upcoming summer days.

While you’re addressing your windows, take a look around to make sure you don’t have any unwanted friends hanging around and do a thorough inspection of your window screens and look for any tears or holes requiring repair.

JOIN ME IN SUPPORTING RONCY ROCKS! JUNE 9th, 2018 

Presented by the Roncesvalles Village BIA, Roncy Rocks is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors and volunteers, including the entrepreneurs who run our outstanding variety of specialty shops, restaurants and services along our mainstreet. We have some very exciting things planned for this years festival including an ART PARTY with PULP and artist Luna Li.

WHAT IS THE WORD IN THE NEWS VS. THE WORD ON THE STREET?

It is March and the spring market is about to get steamy. Just like an exciting Trump tweet, the media is always ready to jump in and provide you with their perspective of the information. Having worked in advertising, it is a concept I understand well and trust me, there is always a way to spin a story. That said, it is a good idea to consult with a local agent to get the right information about your neighbourhood. Homes in the Valley will not be selling with the same process, pace or price as a home in New Toronto. I can help you to identify trends and market shifts as you navigate the spring market.

The number of new listings entered into TREB’s MLS® System amounted to 8,585 – a 17.4 percent increase compared to 7,314 new listings entered in January 2017. It is however important to note that the level of new listings was the second lowest for the month of January in the past 10 years. January was slow but activity is starting to pick up and it looks like we have a very healthy spring market ahead.

You have probably heard about Choice Properties in the news by now as they have recently launched a new program in collaboration with Metrolinx. Choice Properties (owned by Loblaws) is rolling out grocery pick up centres at GO stations across the GTA. Along with several other development Choice Properties is also in the process of designing a new mixed-use centre which will extend the Roncesvalles community North. The development area will span the existing shopping space which is now home to Loblaws, LCBO, Coffee Time and Kal Tires to a more modern, high density development making the public transportation more accessible.

•    a new mixed-use centre for the community

•    extending the feel of the creative Roncesvalles community north

•    transitioning from low-rise on the south towards higher densities at Bloor

•    moving the school to the south end of the site

•    places to work and play, not just live

•    improving connectivity across the rail corridor, and

•    making better connections to the transit stations

The Choice Property Community Idea Centre is located in the old Zellers building. They are currently looking for feedback to assist in the design.

It is that time of year again to make or break your New Years resolution. My New Year resolution is to practice my magic act, pulling a rabbit out of a hat…ABRACADABRA! Maybe not but a girl can dream. Life can often feel like a magic act. What are your dreams and plans for the coming year? A step up in your career? A home renovation? A move? An exciting vacation?

I know a little about dreams. In fact, you can say that I’m in the dream business, helping you find what is, perhaps, the most important thing in your life…a home. After many years in production and advertising making creative dreams a reality, I spent the past year making my dream of being a REALTOR® a reality. I know how to take a dream, turn it into a practical plan, and make it happen.

“The Pantone Color of the Year has come to mean so much more than ‘what’s trending’ in the world of design; it’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today.” – Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute.

Pantone 18-3838 Ultra Violet is the 2018 colour of the year. As individuals around the world become more fascinated with color and realize its ability to convey deep messages and meanings, designers and brands should feel empowered to use color to inspire and influence. The Color of the Year is one moment in time that provides strategic direction for the world of trend and design, reflecting the Pantone Color Institute’s year-round work doing the same for designers and brands.



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