• Category: Blog

    How to Find a Great Neighbourhood When Looking for a Home

    Posted on by Trisha Wilson

    Finding the perfect home can be challenging, but deciding which neighbourhood to live in is perhaps even more important. After all, you’ll never love a house if you don’t like your community, right? Your location affects everything from affordability to your quality of life. A great neighbourhood maintains or raises your home’s value, making it easier to sell down the line. Here are some of the features to look for during your search for the ideal place to move.

    Check out the area schools, parks and community centres

    If you have or are planning to have children, living in an area known for its sought-after schools and daycare centres increases your property value. Having lots of green space, playgrounds and sports complexes for extra-curricular activities also boosts a home’s cachet.

    Figure out your commute

    Whether you’ll be driving to the office, cycling or taking public transportation, you’ll want to be sure you’re not spending hours on the road twice a day or more if you and your family participate in sports or other activities. Do a trial run of your commute, or find out if you’ll be driving with or against traffic during peak hours. Choosing a house near a subway or bus stop or commuter train station is a smart move.

    Use your senses

    Many homeowners opt to live on a quiet street as a respite from urban noise and traffic. Walk through the neighbourhood you’re considering and pay attention: Can you hear birds chirping, or cars honking and planes flying overhead? Are the homes well maintained and the streets well lit? Do the local shops and eateries seem like places you want to hang out in? Take a deep breath: Do you smell any weird industrial odours? Be sure you can picture yourself living here.

    Evaluate an area’s “walkability”

    Want to be able to pick up some groceries on foot or hop on your bike to get your morning coffee? See if the home you’re looking at is located in a walkable neighbourhood. Having to get in the car and drive 15 minutes when you run out of milk works for some folks, but not everyone.

    See if your potential ‘hood offers cultural and outdoor options

    Whether you love going to plays, movies, art galleries or concerts, or staying active by hiking, biking or jogging, you’ll want these activities to be located close to your new home. If you have a dog, be sure there are plenty of dog runs or open areas nearby.

    Talk to the neighbours

    Sometimes the best way to get the lay of the land is by chatting with people who can guide you. Ask your Realtor and/or ring a few doorbells surrounding the house you’re interested in, and ask these potential neighbours what they love about where they live. Find out where they shop, eat and go out on the town.

    Asking the right questions and evaluating all your options using the best resources will help you find your ideal community!

     

    Written By: Wendy Helfenbaum, Real Estate 101, Relator.ca

    What Does The Change In The Market Mean For Sellers?

    Posted on by Trisha Wilson

    The recent changes being reported in the news can paint a negative picture, particularly for detached homes in the city. But the truth is that this market is very much alive and capable of fulfilling your real estate goals. It might just take a little bit of elbow grease!

    Selling is no longer as simple as putting a sign on the lawn

    This time last year, selling a home the same day it went on the market was far from unusual. But the market has changed, and we are in a much more balanced market than we saw in all of 2017. That doesn’t mean your home WON’T sell, but it may require that you stage it, hire a professionals cleaning company, declutter and plan for plenty of open houses.

    Your home needs to be priced competitively

    Let’s say you remember a sale that happened in your neighbourhood last summer, the house was similar to yours and sold for $250,000 above asking, so logically, you could price your home at the asking price plus $250,000 and it might even sell for more (inflation!), but the hard truth is that your home is priced based on the most recent sales. If there hasn’t been much activity in your community then it may be time to test the market. The most important thing to do when testing the market is to react quickly to a price change. A good thing to consider is how much traffic your agent anticipated? If they expected much more than you have been seeing, that is a clear indication that it is time to reassess the asking price.

    You may need to make some upgrades before you list

    The truth is in this market, to get the money you’re looking for, it may be worth your while to consider some upgrades. Big ticket items such as kitchens and bathrooms can be a great way to increase the bottom line on your home. If such a big undertaking isn’t something you’re ready for, redoing trim work or painting and changing light fixtures is a great way to add some appeal on a budget! Whether you’re planning a big or small renovation, the first thing on your list of to-dos should be to address any issues that could come up during a home inspection. Your potential sale could depend on it!

    Choose the right agent who will do the necessary work to market your property effectively!

    There are a lot of things to think about when selling your home, choosing the right agent is one of them! While their sales history, list of services provided and list of contacts are crucial aspects of your decision to hire an agent, it is also important to find out how they plan to market your home. According to a 2017 study by the National Association of Realtors, 44% of people start their search for their next home online. It is important that your agent has a strong online presence, and that they will be sharing your property with their vast audience, as well as advertising throughout the community and neighbourhood. Choosing the right agent can make the sale either a breeze or a nightmare. Choose wisely!

    Farmers’ Markets To Visit This Summer

    Posted on by Trisha Wilson

    Toronto is a wonderful city known for many things including farmers’ markets!

    Toronto neighbourhoods offer many farmers’ markets throughout the year for community members to enjoy. Below is a collection of some of Toronto’s best. Head out to discover all that they have to offer and leave the market with a bag full of fresh produce and fun memories!

    Annette Farmers’ Market

    When: Every Wednesday from May to October, 3pm-7pm
    Where: Runnymede Presbyterian Church parking lot
    680 Annette Street, Toronto, ON, M6S 1V9

    Etobicoke Civic Centre Farmers’ Market

    When: Every Saturday from June 2 to October 27, 2018, 8am-2pm
    Where: Etobicoke Civic Centre
    399 The West Mall, Etobicoke, ON M9C 2Y2

    Humber Bay Shores Farmers’ Market

    When: Every Saturday from May 26 to October 6, 2018, 9am-2pm
    Where: Humber Bay Park West
    2225 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke, ON M8V 3X7

    Stonegate Famers’ Market

    When: Every Tuesday from June to October, 4pm-7pm
    Where: Christ Church St. James Anglican Church parking lot
    194 Park Lawn Rd, Etobicoke, ON M8Y 3J1

    Market Days at Montgomery Inn

    When: Every Wednesday, year-round, 2pm-6pm (Indoor during the winter)
    Where: Montgomery’s Inn
    4709 Dundas St. W, Etobicoke, On M9A 1A8

    Weston Farmers’ Market

    When: Every Saturday from May 12 to October 27, 2018, 7am-2pm
    Where: The GO Parking lot
    1865 Weston Rd (South of Lawrence Avenue), York, ON M9N 1V9

    Four Places To Take A Day Trip This Year From Toronto

    Posted on by Trisha Wilson

    Just like our license plates state, Ontario is “Yours To Discover”!

    Scandinave Spa – Collingwood, ON

    Spend the day relaxing in the heart of nature! Treat yourself to a massage or spend the day in the Scandinavian baths; either way, you are in for a day of quiet relaxation. Phones and electronics are prohibited during your stay, so be prepared to unplug and enjoy every minute of the tranquil environment situated on 25 acres of natural Ontario birch, Canadian maple and pine trees.

    Rattlesnake Point – Milton, ON

    Rattlesnake Point is one of the most beautiful places in Ontario: spend the day there in any season and you’ll see what we mean! Home to some of the best cliffs for climbing in Ontario offering a variety of different climbing levels. With three designated sites and more than 235 routes, you will enjoy scaling the cliffs under a canopy of rich woods.

    Wine Country – Niagara-On-The-Lake, ON

    Enjoy wine country with a tour of one of the many wineries in the area. Offering a wide variety of events, concerts, shops and attractions, wine tasting isn’t the only way to enjoy this Ontario gem!

    Wasaga Beach, ON

    Enjoy a day at the longest freshwater beach in the world! Wasaga is home to starting points for hiking trails over 50 km long, including the Pine Trail and sections of the Ganaraska Trail. Wasaga offers something for everyone. If you are planning a day trip make sure you stick around to enjoy one of the breathtaking sunsets!

    How to Prepare Your House for a Home Inspection

    Posted on by admin

    Having a close knowledge of your home’s nooks, crannies, and weak spots is important. Whether you’re preparing for a pre-home inspection as a Seller or expecting a Buyer’s home inspection to be performed, it’s always best to be prepared! Home sellers will have an easier time by preparing for a home inspection and are less likely to encounter any surprises and can take measures to prevent future problems. So grab a broom and get ready to make some improvements.

    1. Clean the House

    Simple but always overlooked. A clean home speaks for itself; it shows you take care of the house and always makes a good impression.

    1. Be on Time

    Be on time because the inspector will be. Sometimes they tend to arrive early and begin inspecting the exterior of the home, so leave the drapes or shades down till you are dressed and prepared. There’s nothing more awkward than a surprised and unprepared seller being spooked by a stranger walking their lawn.

    1. Leave the Utilities Connected

    The inspector will need to run the appliances, furnace and air conditioning as a part of the inspection. This is very important if you’re selling a vacant home – the last thing you need is another appointment to complete the inspection or a fee to pay, that’s just more money down the drain.

    1. Provide Access

    To the garage, attic and basement. Inspectors will need to check every little detail of the house, so give them access and make sure you’ve given them space to navigate themselves around; remove boxes, clear access and move any storage that cannot grant them access.

    1. Prepare to be away for Three Hours Minimum, Many inspections can take up to 3 hours to complete. Get the kids, dogs, cats in the car and go for a long drive – like approximately 3 hours long. Go to the movies or grab a meal; try to schedule a time for the inspection when you can be out of the house and feel prepared rather than rushed.

     

    Keep Your Plants Green!

    Posted on by admin

    Tip 1: If you don’t have enough time to water your plants or you travel a lot, set your plant in a shady area and remove the buds. This way they need less water.

    Tip 2: Use proper soil, or better yet use fully composed yard waste. Supply your plants with the right nutrients, quality soil is key.

    Tip 3: Give plants plenty of water – it’s crucial to their survival. It’s like plant 101.

    Tip 4: Use a proper pot or container; it’s going to be your plant’s home for the rest of it’s life, talk about pressure. Nothing too big or too small, go with something just right; medium is the word. Your plant will grow the longer you take care of it and the right amount of space is fundamental to it’s growth.

    Tip 5: Watch out for bugs! Some insects actually transport viruses from one plant to another.

    Tip 6: Deadheading (cutting off the faded bloom) encourages the plant to keep producing more flowers or leaves.

    Let Us Help With Your Spring Cleaning

    Posted on by admin

    There’s no better feeling than coming home to a clean house, which should be motivation enough to tackle a deep clean during this upcoming spring season. Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to get rid of all the stuff you can live without. While it’s true that taking on an entire home can make you feel like an ant about to climb a mountain, breaking it down room by room can ease the burden.

    Start by making a checklist of all the essential tasks you need to do for each room in the house. Go through your checklist and check off everything you’ve done so far. It’s such a satisfying feeling when you start checking items off your list and it gives you just the motivation you need to go on. Now, no one said you have to get everything done in one weekend; if you give yourself five tasks per weekend, you can easily complete your list before spring ends. Go at your own pace and make sure you focus on the areas in your home that really need the most attention. The notorious and dreaded spring cleaning has an upside: it’s a project that will allow you to feel good about getting rid of all the stuff you don’t need, especially when you are looking to sell or simply de-clutter.

    You can sell your unwanted items on Kijiji. This popular online advertising service has come up with a way to help you de-clutter while at the same time make a profit for your efforts! Another way to rid yourself of unwanted belongings and feel good about it at the same time is to donate unwanted clothing items, old toys and accessories. Take the extra step to help a foundation or donation and make a difference in your community. This time of year is also famous for hosting yard sales! If you like to get hands on, set up your very own street sale and invite your neighbours to participate to increase traffic in the community on the day of the sale. Some tips for hosting a successful yard sale are below:

    • Make sure you advertise! Have the kids create posters they can place around town. Don’t forget, less is more, so avoid the glitter and drawings and make sure the information is bold, clear, and short.
    • Have a plan: Not everyone is crazy about sifting through your used goods for the perfect find. Place hot ticket items at the front to draw people in and make them want to explore the sale further.
    • Name a Price: Make sure that all items are clearly marked with a price so your visitors can decide whether or not they would like to purchase it based on the price. If you have a bunch of small items, you can also create a table where all items are priced under a certain amount to encourage people to buy in multiples. People love a good bargain!

    Armed with a plan and enthusiasm, you’re spring cleaning efforts will pay off in no time!

    Listing Your Home in Spring is a Good Choice

    Posted on by admin

    On average, over the past five years in the Greater Toronto Area, selling your home in May could net you $60,000 more than if you were to sell in January. Last year’s Spring Market Report trends prove that there was a significant price increase and high demand in the GTA during the first quarter of 2017. Supply increased in the last few weeks of March, as more Sellers chose to list their homes.

    We all know that timing can be everything, and choosing when to buy or sell a home could save you tens of thousands of dollars. While there tends to be more inventory for Buyers to choose from, there’s usually more competition which benefits Sellers.

    Aside from the nice weather, a home tends to show better in spring and summer. Almost all houses look better in the late spring and summer when flowers start to bloom and the grass turns green again, so if curb appeal is a concern for you, this may be something to consider. More Buyers are also ready to buy as they might be looking to use their tax refunds as a down payment and with tax refund cheques in the bank, spring buyers pay full price more often. The advantage for Sellers with kids is that moving in the summer means schooling isn’t interrupted.
    Overall, it’s a win-win.

    Renovating Your Home

    Posted on by admin

    Renovating your home is a big job, it takes a lot of decision making, time, effort and of course–money! Nowadays there are so many new ideas to upgrade your home, from textiles to new technology there are hundreds of things to choose from! That’s why, when it comes to renovating, the idea of taking on a big reno can be a little daunting and overwhelming, but there are some small changes that can make a significant impact while providing you with the perfect facelift for your home.

    HGTV did an editorial on kitchens and bathrooms, which are arguably the two rooms in your home that will provide the biggest bang for your buck. If you’re looking to do a quick and easy change, a freshly painted bathroom and kitchen can change the feeling of a room completely. Freshly installed countertops can transport a room from drab to dreamy, but can also be expensive if you don’t do your research. The average price for supply, manufacture and installation is roughly $70 to $80 per square foot. A natural stone or quartz countertop will run you about $25 per square foot, while a more expensive and desirable material such as marble would cost you $30 per square foot. On the other hand, basic granite typically costs around $15 per square foot.

    Another great feature to upgrade in both the kitchen and bathroom would be the backsplash. The perfect backsplash can change the entire feel of a room, pulling it together and bringing it to life all-in-one. When we talk costs for the

    Renovating your home is a big job, it takes a lot of decision making, time, effort and of course–money! Nowadays there are so many new ideas to upgrade your home, from textiles to new technology there are hundreds of things to choose from! That’s why, when it comes to renovating, the idea of taking on a big reno can be a little daunting and overwhelming, but there are some small changes that can make a significant impact while providing you with the perfect facelift for your home.

    HGTV did an editorial on kitchens and bathrooms, which are arguably the two rooms in your home that will provide the biggest bang for your buck. If you’re looking to do a quick and easy change, a freshly painted bathroom and kitchen can change the feeling of a room completely. Freshly installed countertops can transport a room from drab to dreamy, but can also be expensive if you don’t do your research. The average price for supply, manufacture and installation is roughly $70 to $80 per square foot. A natural stone or quartz countertop will run you about $25 per square foot, while a more expensive and desirable material such as marble would cost you $30 per square foot. On the other hand, basic granite typically costs around $15 per square foot.

    Another great feature to upgrade in both the kitchen and bathroom would be the backsplash. The perfect backsplash can change the entire feel of a room, pulling it together and bringing it to life all-in-one. When we talk costs for the average installation and labor of a tiled backsplash, depending on the material of course, it would be safe to budget between $800 – $1,000. For a natural stone slab, the cost is an average of $25 per square foot, whereas for stone and glass it would generally cost between $15 – $20 per square foot and go up from there. More affordable options would be ceramic tiles that cost about $2 per square foot and up.

    Keep in mind what your needs are, though, because choosing your material based solely on price can leave you disappointed in the end. You’ll want to consider durability, necessary maintenance and, of course, appearance to ensure you are making the best choice for your home and lifestyle. There are many factors that will influence price, including the material’s thickness, edging, cuts, angles and the number of slabs required. The cost will also vary depending on the material’s finish, from refined to polished to leathered.

    These are just two options you have when updating your home; new countertops and the perfect backsplash can reinvigorate your home. Upgrading is one of the best ways to remodel the home you live in, and if you’re bringing it into the market for resale, it’ll help give it a better overall market value! Remember: it’s your home and you get to make the changes you desire, so do it with passion!

    average installation and labor of a tiled backsplash, depending on the material of course, it would be safe to budget between $800 – $1,000. For a natural stone slab, the cost is an average of $25 per square foot, whereas for stone and glass it would generally cost between $15 – $20 per square foot and go up from there. More affordable options would be ceramic tiles that cost about $2 per square foot and up.

    Keep in mind what your needs are, though, because choosing your material based solely on price can leave you disappointed in the end. You’ll want to consider durability, necessary maintenance and, of course, appearance to ensure you are making the best choice for your home and lifestyle. There are many factors that will influence price, including the material’s thickness, edging, cuts, angles and the number of slabs required. The cost will also vary depending on the material’s finish, from refined to polished to leathered.

    These are just two options you have when updating your home; new countertops and the perfect backsplash can reinvigorate your home. Upgrading is one of the best ways to remodel the home you live in, and if you’re bringing it into the market for resale, it’ll help give it a better overall market value! Remember: it’s your home and you get to make the changes you desire, so do it with passion!

    Toronto’s Tree Campaign

    Posted on by admin

    Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation has been helping Toronto transform its parks and green spaces since 2002. They work with the City of Toronto, community groups, neighbourhoods and individuals to better the community and reimagine your local parks.

    Every Tree Counts is a program in Toronto to grow our tree canopy to 40%. For all you tree lovers, this is the perfect chance to fill in that empty space on your lawn! By simply calling or messaging the City of Toronto, you can request to have a tree planted in front of your lawn or business. The Foundation’s website (http://everytreecounts.ca/) elaborates on the benefits of this initiative: “Making Trees Count funding aims to encourage innovative partnerships and support projects and collaborations that improve the quality of life for all of Toronto’s residents”.

    Key objectives are to increase the number of native trees and shrubs planted on private land, to support tree care activities and to support communities including neighbourhoods with less trees. The program also strives to build community capacity, knowledge sharing, partnerships and networks while facilitating community driven, locally owned tree upkeeping efforts.

    A representative will come to your property to examine exactly where your tree should be planted. They will determine which species of tree is best suited for your area depending on the sunlight and soil. Toronto is presently at 19.5% and is continuing to run this program to encourage communities and neighbourhoods to get involved and take the initiative to become a part of the Making Trees Count campaign.

    For those who want to be further involved, they can also apply for a grant through the city’s Every Tree Counts initiative which funds tree giveaways and community events while providing an excellent opportunity to be hands-on in helping the community

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