Appealing Winter Curb Appeal

It’s time to talk about winter curb appeal. If you’re planning on listing your home in the winter, a layer of snow does not relieve you from your obligation to make your home’s first impression one that counts. Winter buyers still want to see the best that your home can offer, and they’re making those first judgments from the moment that they roll up to your driveway.

Luckily, winter curb appeal is a lot easier to perfect than summer curb appeal. With the lawn mower and garden shears safely stored in the shed for the winter, it’s time to dust off the shovel and broom and take them for a spin around your property.

It is imperative that your driveway walks and steps are always perfectly shoveled and broomed when you are showing your home. Not just because it shows the sound nature of your concrete work, but also because it keeps those potential buyers safe. The last thing you need when you’re packing boxes and dreaming of your new home is lawsuit on your hands. Not only does it keep you free of litigation, it also says a lot about the type of homeowner you are: neat, tidy, and on-the-ball. This is the type of impression we want to leave with buyers. It puts them in a good mood before they even pass through your threshold. Walking through wet snow and having it close in on a buyer’s feet before they even come in, gives them a feeling of disorganized annoyance, and that’s the attitude that they’ll have as they begin to survey your home.

Christmas lights are always nice to have, but also need to be extremely neat and tidy. No big, huge flashing light displays are welcome here. Keep your arrangement simple and classic. We’re looking to highlight the home, not overpower it. You are allowed to have Christmas lights on your home anywhere between November 15- January 5^th. If you’re selling anytime outside of those dates, the lights have got to come down.

Being that it gets darker earlier, it may be wise to illuminate your walkway with solar lights, so buyers can easily make their way to the door. Also, don’t forget to turn on your outdoor lights for every showing, so that buyers can easily see your exterior and make their way safely to your front door.


Just because it's cold doesn't mean it's time to stop maintaining the front of your house. Winter curb appeal can take on its own delightful characteristics; you just need to know what you're doing and be deliberate about it.

Tidy up. First thing's first: That pile of boots at your door and the snow-covered toys laying around the front yard need to go. Then rake up pine needles, branches and other debris. Clean up and cut back any dead flowers in the garden beds. Wash your front-facing windows and sweep the porch. This quick cleanup will immediately freshen up the look of your home and get you ready to take on some of the more fun winter facelift projects.

Paint your front door. A fresh coat of paint in a color that contrasts well with the changing tones of each season will ensure your home's best lasting impression. Some recommendations are red, burgundy and plum hues. The use of color helps to create interest, and stresses how important it is during these dark months when all gardens and greens have been cut back, covered or have lost their leaves.

Decorate and accessorize. Hang a wreath or other decorative addition on your front door. A wreath is fitting decor any time of year, a long as you dress it up differently depending on the season. We suggest that you highlight it with warm rusts, golds, browns and greens. You can take a simple wreath, spray paint it metallic and add a brightly colored ribbon for a striking front door.

Paint your fence. The fence should be the same color as your home's siding. This helps the fence blend in with the house's setting instead of stealing the focus.

Utilize outdoor lighting. Lighting is always important, but it is even more crucial on dark winter nights. Landscape lighting is practical, as it extends the use of your front yard into into the evening hours, and allows for safe passage for you and your guests. It is also a very purposeful design choice. New LED lighting focused on some of your front garden accents can significantly change your home's evening appeal. The right lighting will make your house a warm gem that stands apart from the others on chilly winter evenings.

Use pots and planters. Place pots and planters near the front door to create a welcoming entry. Landscape designs are anchored by focal points. An easy and fast way to add an element of focus to a front door is to frame it with symmetrically placed planters and deliberately chosen plants. We suggest a pair of cast stone or Italian Terra Cotta urns planted with an upright evergreen shrub. The Graham Blandy Boxwood, and other year round covers including variegated English and Glacier are all lovely choices. Colorful pots with winter blooms will also significantly change your curb appeal, adding a splash of color.

Creative alternatives to add character, baskets, galvanized buckets, and barrels all make interesting alternatives. We suggest adding willow branches, evergreen arrangements, branches with colorful leaves, and gourds creating your own arrangement.

Frame your garden. Use clean and attractive borders. From one of our sources they say "landscape borders play an important role in a home's curb appeal -- whether we're talking about the whole yard or just a planting bed; a defined area catches the eye more readily than one that is indistinguishable." Various curbing materials such as concrete, brick, stone and slate add definition to your garden area and help it look tidy even in the winter months.


Mix up the hardware. Giant transformations from minor hardware changes aren't just for kitchens and bathrooms, the front of your house can use a hardware makeover too. A rubbed bronze door knob, a glossy black mailbox, or decorative house numbers are quick ways to freshen up your look.

Keep your home's character intact. Remember that interesting sculptures, benches, yard ornaments and other creative touches add personality and increase your curb appeal (providing that they are tastefully done).

Be a good neighbor and shovel your walk. Even the most beautiful home will make a poor impression if it looks like you're careless about your neighbor's comfort and safety.
 
Checking your curb appeal for winter is a much easier task than creating curb appeal for summer, but unlike the summer months, it may require some extra time in shoveling after every single snow fall. So snowsuit-up and get shoveling!

Happy Holidays from Dan Corcoran & Keller Williams

How To Prepare Your House For Sale

Prepping and staging a house. Every seller wants her home to sell fast and bring top dollar. Does that sound good to you? Well, it's not luck that makes that happen. It's careful planning and knowing how to professionally spruce up your home that will send home buyers scurrying for their checkbooks. Here is how to prep a house and turn it into an irresistible and marketable home.
 

Here's How:

Disassociate Yourself With Your Home.

• Say to yourself, "This is not my home; it is a house -- a product to be sold much like a box of cereal on the grocery store shelf.
• Make the mental decision to "let go" of your emotions and focus on the fact that soon this house will no longer be yours.
• Picture yourself handing over the keys and envelopes containing appliance warranties to the new owners!
• Say goodbye to every room.
• Don't look backwards -- look toward the future.

De-Personalize.
Pack up those personal photographs and family heirlooms. Buyers can't see past personal artifacts, and you don't want them to be distracted. You want buyers to imagine their own photos on the walls, and they can't do that if yours are there! You don't want to make any buyer ask, "I wonder what kind of people live in this home?" You want buyers to say, "I can see myself living here."
 

De-Clutter!
People collect an amazing quantity of junk. Consider this: if you haven't used it in over a year, you probably don't need it.

• If you don't need it, why not donate it or throw it away?
• Remove all books from bookcases.
• Pack up those knickknacks.
• Clean off everything on kitchen counters.
• Put essential items used daily in a small box that can be stored in a closet when not in use.
• Think of this process as a head-start on the packing you will eventually need to do anyway. 

Rearrange Bedroom Closets and Kitchen Cabinets.
Buyers love to snoop and will open closet and cabinet doors. Think of the message it sends if items fall out! Now imagine what a buyer believes about you if she sees everything organized. It says you probably take good care of the rest of the house as well. This means:

• Alphabetize spice jars.
• Neatly stack dishes.
• Turn coffee cup handles facing the same way.
• Hang shirts together, buttoned and facing the same direction.
• Line up shoes.

Rent a Storage Unit.
Almost every home shows better with less furniture. Remove pieces of furniture that block or hamper paths and walkways and put them in storage. Since your bookcases are now empty, store them. Remove extra leaves from your dining room table to make the room appear larger. Leave just enough furniture in each room to showcase the room's purpose and plenty of room to move around. You don't want buyers scratching their heads and saying, "What is this room used for?"

Remove/Replace Favorite Items.
If you want to take window coverings, built-in appliances or fixtures with you, remove them now. If the chandelier in the dining room once belonged to your great grandmother, take it down. If a buyer never sees it, she won't want it. Once you tell a buyer she can't have an item, she will covet it, and it could blow your deal. Pack those items and replace them, if necessary.
 

Make Minor Repairs

• Replace cracked floor or counter tiles.
• Patch holes in walls.
• Fix leaky faucets.
• Fix doors that don't close properly and kitchen drawers that jam.
• Consider painting your walls neutral colors, especially if you have grown accustomed to purple or pink walls.
  (Don't give buyers any reason to remember your home as "the house with the orange bathroom.")
• Replace burned-out light bulbs.
• If you've considered replacing a worn bedspread, do so now!

Make the House Sparkle!

• Wash windows inside and out.
• Rent a pressure washer and spray down sidewalks and exterior.
• Clean out cobwebs.
• Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.
• Polish chrome faucets and mirrors.
• Clean out the refrigerator.
• Vacuum daily.
• Wax floors.
• Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures.
• Bleach dingy grout.
• Replace worn rugs.
• Hang up fresh towels.
• Bathroom towels look great fastened with ribbon and bows.
• Clean and air out any musty smelling areas. Odors are a no-no.

Scrutinize.

• Go outside and open your front door. Stand there. Do you want to go inside? Does the house welcome you?
• Linger in the doorway of every single room and imagine how your house will look to a buyer.
• Examine carefully how furniture is arranged and move pieces around until it makes sense.
• Make sure window coverings hang level.
• Tune in to the room's statement and its emotional pull. Does it have impact and pizzazz?
• Does it look like nobody lives in this house? You're almost finished.

Check Curb Appeal.
If a buyer won't get out of her agent's car because she doesn't like the exterior of your home, you'll never get her inside.

• Keep the sidewalks cleared.
• Mow the lawn.
• Paint faded window trim.
• Plant yellow flowers or group flower pots together. Yellow evokes a buying emotion. Marigolds are inexpensive.
• Trim your bushes.
• Make sure visitors can clearly read your house number.

5 ways to spruce up your home for holidays

Candice Olson is returning for a second season of Candice Tells All on Jan. 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET and PT on W Network. The designer and TV host shares suggestions on ways to personalize your space and spruce up your home for the holidays:

1. Create a personalized wreath on the front door by using letters to spell out a message, or your family name. You can use any kind of letters. How about letters from vintage signs or monogrammed ornaments? Hang them on your children’s bedroom doors, spelling out their names using toy block letters.

2. Get inspired by nature. Use fresh bows, wreaths, berries and branches around the house to bring the outdoors in. You can paint pine cones and branches in fun colours and then incorporate them into your arrangements. Collect small branches from the outdoors, spray with high-gloss paint in various colours, suspend them horizontally and use them to showcase interesting ornaments, such as clip-on bird ornaments or anything with a hit of sparkle to glam up your space.

3. Fill vases of different sizes and shapes with glass ornaments. Surround them with candlelight and place them all on top of an old mirror to maximize the sparkle.

4. Buy some festive metallic accent pillows and cosy faux fur throws, and then swap out your current accent pillows over the holiday season. It will add some sparkle and fun to your sofa for those big family get-togethers.

5. Don’t forget to include your children’s creations in your decor. Holidays are for the whole family. Try showcasing some of their art and ornaments from previous years in shadow boxes displayed across the mantel or on a console table, along with some lights and cedar bows. Have room for two trees? Give the kids a small tree of their own to decorate any way they want — you may even have a future designer on your hands.

How to Improve Curb Appeal

Home Selling Advice to Help You Attract Potential Buyers

A large percentage of home buyers decide whether or not to look inside a house or take it seriously based on its curb appeal—the view they see when they drive by or arrive for a showing. You can help make sure they want to come inside your house by spending some time working on the its exterior appearance. It's difficult to look at our own house in the same way that potential home buyers do, because when we become accustomed to the way something looks and functions, we can't see its faults. Decide right now to stop thinking of the property as a home. It's a house—a commodity you want to sell for the highest dollar possible.

Curb Appeal Exercise

The next time you come home, stop across the street or far enough down the driveway to get a good view of the house and its surroundings.

1. What is your first impression of the house and yard area?
2. What are the best exterior features of the house or lot? How can you enhance them?
3. What are the worst exterior features of the house or lot? How can you minimize or improve them?

Park where a potential buyer would and walk towards the house, looking around you as if it were your first visit. Is the approach clean and tidy? What could you do to make it more attractive?
Take photos of the home's exterior. If you have a digital camera, view the color versions first, then remove the color and look at it in black and white, because it's easier to see problems when color isn't around to affect our senses.
Make a list of the problem areas you discovered. Tackle clean up and repair chores first, then put some time into projects that make the grounds more attractive.

• Kill mold and mildew on the house, sidewalks, roof, or driveway.
• Stow away unnecessary garden implements and tools.
• Clean windows and gutters.
• Pressure wash dirty siding and dingy decks.
• Edge sidewalks and remove vegetation growing between concrete or bricks.
• Mow the lawn. Get rid of weeds.
• Rake and dispose of leaves, even if your lot is wooded.
• Trim tree limbs that are near or touching the home's roof.

Don't Forget the Rear View

Buyers doing a drive by will try their best to see your back yard. If it's visible from another street or from someone's driveway, include it in your curb appeal efforts.

Evening Curb Appeal

Do your curb appeal exercise again at dusk, because it isn't unusual for potential buyers to drive by houses in the evening.
One quick way to improve evening curb appeal is with lighting:

• String low voltage lighting along your driveway, sidewalks, and near important landscaping elements.
  
• Add a decorative street lamp or an attractive light fixture to a front porch.
  
• Make sure lighting that's visible through front doors and windows enhances the home's appearance.

Landscaping Decisions

There are times that adding elements to your landscaping can improve curb appeal, but there are other times when removing something is even more effective.
For example, we had a listing for a large brick house with large white columns. Tall evergreens, planted in front of each column, had grown taller than the roof. They obscured the columns and windows and made it difficult to see the front of the house.
We suggested that the owner remove them. She trimmed them back, but it didn't do the trick—they were unattractive and still kept potential buyers from seeing the true character of the house.
I sold the house to a couple who could see past the trees. One of their first tasks after closing was to yank them out of the ground, instantly boosting the home's curb appeal.
Most buyers cannot visualize changes, and often won't take a second look at a house if the first look doesn't appeal to them. Home buyers who can visualize changes, and are prepared to make them, expect you to reduce the price of the house to compensate for the work they plan to do.

A Few Curb Appeal Tips

• If you can budget it, a fresh paint job does wonders for a dingy house. Drive around your town to find color schemes that are appealing.
• Install a more attractive front door, maybe something with leaded glass inserts.
• If you can't justify the cost of a new door, consider replacing plain doorknob hardware with something more attractive.
• If new hardware is beyond your budget, repaint or stain the door and polish the hardware?

If you brainstorm, you'll find that there's a solution to most problems—one that lets you stay within your budget. The trick is to find the areas where improvements are needed, then work on them as best you can.

Top 15 Best Loved Christmas Movies of all Time

When you think of the holidays there are some classics that will make you laugh, make you cry and everything in between. Thinking how to spend a cold December's Eve? Check out some of these fav's.

15. Frosty the Snowman - 1969 version
14. A Charlie Brown Christmas
13. Scrouged with Bill Murray
12. A Christmas Carol
11. White Christmas starring Bing Crosby
10. Trading Places with Dan Aykroid & Eddie Murphy
9.  Home Alone 2 with MacCaulay Culkin
8.  The Santa Clause with Tim Allen
7.  1947 version of Miracle on 34th Street
6.  Elf with Will Ferrell
5.  How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carrey
4.  A Christmas Story with Peter Billingsley
3.  Home Alone with MacCaulay Culkin
2.  National Lampoons Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase
1.  It's a Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stewart

Ripley's Toronto Aquarium opening 2013

This is great news for Toronto!

The Ripley's Aquarium is set to open in Summer 2013 and will be located at the base of the CN tower.

Some fun facts!

• It will be 12,500 square metre building
• There will be 450 aquatic species
• 13,500 sea and fresh water inhabitants
• Living in 6 million litres of water
• They will have a lagoon with a 96 metre moving walkway
• It will create 600 preconstruction jobs and 350 jobs after it is built
• The city anticipates an annual economic benefit is $35 million

Toronto was in need for some fresh attractions to bring in tourist dollars and to give us Torontonians to get excited about!

You can follow this project on line at www.RipleyAquarium.com/Canada

City of Toronto Mandatory Downspout disconnect

Toronto City Council has approved a bylaw making it mandatory for property owners to disconnect their downspouts. It will come into effect across the city in three phases. Disconnecting downspout(s) from the sewer system can reduce the risk of basement flooding and releasing polluted rainwater into our local waterways.

The Bi law comes into effect for Riverdale November 30th, 2011.

Before beginning any work, plan out what can be done and how. Decide where the water will go

Consider your options as there may be more than one way to disconnect. Preparing a plan or sketch can help you map out where the water will go. Use elbows and extensions to help direct water around any obstacles.



Determine what tools and materials you will need



Downspouts can be made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, galvanized steel, vinyl/plastic or copper, but the most common material is aluminum. Downspout elbows and extensions also come in standard shapes, sizes, colours and materials. Ask if the materials you choose can be painted to match your paint colour or blend into your landscaping.



Safety is a priority

Be careful when working with tools and supplies. Use personal protection equipment such as gloves and safety glasses when performing any work. Also, watch out that disconnecting doesn’t create any hazardous situations, for example, creating a tripping hazard by placing an extension across an entry or walk-way.



Read the Do-it-yourself instructions.

Toronto home sales up 8% compared to this same time last year

Pace of Home Sales Remains Brisk in October

November 3, 2011 -- Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 7,642 home sales through the TorontoMLS® in October 2011. This represented an increase of 17.5 per cent compared to the 6,504 transactions reported in October 2010.

Monthly sales data follow a recurring seasonal trend that should be removed before comparing monthly results within the same year. After adjusting for seasonality, the annualized rate of sales for October was 97,100, which was above the average of 90,700 for the first three quarters of 2011.

"The pace of October resale home transactions remained brisk in the GTA. This bodes well for a strong finish to 2011," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver. "Home buyers who found it difficult to make a deal in the spring and summer due to a shortage of listings have benefitted from increased supply in the fall."

The average selling price through the TorontoMLS® in October was $478,137 - up eight per cent compared to October 2010.
"Sellers' market conditions remain in place in many parts of the GTA. The result has been above-average annual rates of price growth for most home types," said Jason Mercer, the Toronto Real Estate Board's Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

"Thanks to low interest rates, strong price growth has not substantially changed the positive affordability picture in the City of Toronto and surrounding regions."

The Big Why: Tony Robbins from TED Talks

Fascinating look at how emotions impact our BIG why...

For the Love of Cake: Liberty Village

We stumbled on For the Love of Cake when we bought a cake ball deal from Groupon. This place is a gem! Whether you are ordering a special cake or looking for treat, all of the deserts here are a work of art!

We had cake balls which are two bites of cake (bigger than a tim bit) and dipped in chocolate or some other delicious coating. The salted Caramel was my favourite. This bakery is worth the drive! and if you haven't been to Liberty Village lately, wow, has this neighbourhood evolved fast! So many excellent shops. Enjoy!

How technology is going to change your home

A few of these technologies are already in place in Japan and parts of Europe. See how technology is going to change the way we communicate, gain access to information and stay connected to our families.

Where to eat in Riverdale: The Combine Eatery

As Riverdale residents, we are always looking for good food combined with good value. A few too many times lately we have left establishments still hungry and with a big bill.

Last night the family headed out to The Combine Eatery at 162 Danforth Ave, just east of Broadview. The owner, Amy is delightful and the staff was friendly and attentive. They have done extensive renovations and the casual cool ambiance is relaxing and welcoming.

So enough about the space, let's talk food! We have a very picky 9 year old who had the Mac and Cheese and loved it! The menu includes Lobster Tacos (Yum!), Ribs, Hamburgers, Gourmet Onion Rings, fresh cole slaw, big leafy salads. Honestly, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu. All this and very reasonably priced.

Though it is not good for you, we did have the poutine and it was fantastic!

They don't take reservations however if you have a big group, call before your get there and they accommodate as best they can.  These folks get the concept of service!

Looking to try someplace new? Check out The Combine Eatery!

http://www.torontolife.com/daily/daily-dish/opening-daily-dish/2011/07/21/introducing-the-combine/

Top 100 Agents in the US in 2010

Real trends reports on the top agents in the US and Keller Williams has 43 of the top agents and 40% of the total deals sold. There are reasons for this!

Curb Appeal your home this fall

Who doesn't love a good deal? Home Depot is offering Buy One Get One free on fall Mums.

The offer runs September 9th through September 14th and remember to print off this coupon.

If you are thinking of adding some colour to your porch or garden, this is a good deal. Enjoy!

Back to School! Know what school district your home is in

The impact school districts have on home prices can be a fairly dramatic, especially in Toronto.

The reason?

In Canada where we have socialized education and each school gets the same amount of budget per child, it is the affluence and involvement of the neighbourhood that can make a difference. For example, Jackman P.S fund raises like professionals and the result is Scientist in the School, better playground equipment, more class room resources and arts programs. The community raises about 60% more than what the school budget is.

It is information like this that can make your home worth more and if you have kids, will impact their education. Toronto real estate prices can be effected by a few factors and schools are a big part of this.

Want to know more about schools and districts? Check out the Ontario Ministry of Education interactive school guide.

Just Listed: 335 Springdale Blvd $449,900

Open House Saturday and Sunday 2 pm until 4 pm

This lovely detached 3 bedroom home located in Danforth Village East is the perfect combination of warm original wood character and fresh renovations. With a bright modern kitchen, entertain or relax with an easy walk out to a new deck and green yard. Just move in and enjoy the convenient main floor laundry, updated bathrooms and tasteful colour pallet complimented by sunny newer windows throughout.

Extras: Fridge, Stove, Stove Hood, B/I Washer And Dryer In Kitchen, All Electric Light Fixtures, Mirrored Closet Wardrobes In Master Bedroom, A/C Unit In Master Bedroom. New Siding on the upper level and on the front of the house. Enclosed front porch, Gas Hook-Up for BBQ, New Furnace (2009), 100 Amp service and breakers.

Toronto Real Estate: July Real Estate Stats

Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 7,922 transactions through the TorontoMLS® system in July 2011, representing a 23 per cent increase over July 2010. Total sales through the first seven months of this year amounted to 55,863 – down by 1.3 per cent compared to the same period in 2010. After adjusting for seasonal fluctuations, the July figure continued to point to an annual sales result close to 90,000 – in line with results from the previous six months.


"Strong home sales continued in July, with a substantial rebound over last summer’s slow-down brought about by higher mortgage rates, new lending guidelines and misconceptions about the HST. The greatest rebound was seen in the condominium apartment segment in the City of Toronto," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver. "If the current pace of sales holds up, we could see the second best year on record under the current TREB market area."

The average selling price in July was $459,122 – up by almost ten per cent compared to the July 2010 average of $418,675.
 

"Tight market conditions have boosted the annual rate of price growth this year. However, the listings situation is starting to improve. A better supplied market later this year and into 2012 would lead to a more sustainable rate of price growth," said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.

Toronto Taste of the Danforth

 
The Taste of the Danforth is one of the largest street festivals in North America - and for good reason! It's all about the food!

Our hands down favourite is Messinis. They make the best Gyros on a pita. The secret? Fries are one of the toppings! If you want to try a Messinis, the line up will be around the block so best to try their famous Greek Fries (Silver dollar fries topped with Feta and Oregano, toasted golden brown) any other time of the year.

For Souvlaki on a Pita, Detroit Eatery is the spot. This Greek family business has been a fixture for over 20 years and they know how to make souvlaki!

New to the Danforth this year is the Combine eatery - we look forward to checking that out as well as Dolce Gelato.

Word of caution - take the subway! Parking is nuts. Exit at Broadview, Chester or Pape. The festival stretches from Broadview to Jones.

This year's festival begins on Friday, August 5th at 6:00pm and runs through to Sunday, August 7th at 8:00pm.

A Decima Research poll indicated that 90% of respondents identified "The Taste" as their favourite GTA festival event -- beating out such iconic events as the Toronto International Film Festival, Caribana and Pride Week. The Pilaros Taste of the Danforth won two Toronto Sun Reader's Choice Awards: a Gold for Favourite Community Festival and a Silver for Favourite Summer Festival.

For more information check out http://www.tasteofthedanforth.com/tasteofthedanforth.php

Toronto Home Energy Retrofit Grants

Under the ecoEnergy Retrofit – Homes Program, the federal government provides grants, up to $5,000, to homeowners who undertake renovations that improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

To be eligible, renovations and a post-retrofit evaluation must be conducted between June 6, 2011 and March 31, 2012. The provincial government no longer provides grants for energy efficiency renovations but it does pay 50 per cent of the cost of a home energy audit, up to $150.

Details

Before undertaking any renovations homeowners must first have an energy audit of their home performed by a licensed service organization (list of auditors provided at government web site address provided below). The evaluation report provides customized recommendations for renovations to improve the energy efficiency of the home. Once the homeowner has completed the renovations, a second audit must be undertaken by March 31, 2012 to determine the change in the home’s energy efficiency.

Homeowners participating in the program must register directly with the program BEFORE booking their pre retrofit evaluation.

Homeowners are required to provide receipts, for products and services purchased for the retrofits, to
their energy advisor at the time of the postretrofit evaluation.

Homeowners who participated in earlier versions of the program before April 31, 2011, and who did not receive the maximum amount of $5,000 can submit another application for improvements purchased and installed AFTER June 6, 2011.

For more information on the federal government’s ecoEnergy Program visit:
 

http://www.ecoaction.gc.ca/ecoenergy-ecoenergie/retrofithomesrenovationmaisons-eng.cfm

For more information on the provincial government’s Home Energy Audit grant visit:

http://www.mei.gov.on.ca/en/energy/conservation/ohesp/

Ahhh, summer passes by so fast when we are already at the August civic holiday. Here's what's going on in Toronto fro July 29th thru August 1st.

The Artist formerly known as Caribana - now Da Caribana Lime is on all weekend at Ontario Place.

There is an Art Market in the Distillery district - the Distillery is always a lovely stroll.

A Mid Summers Night dream is taking place on the Carrot Commons roof top garden, 384 Danforth Avenue. Ticket prices range - check out their web site.

July 31st is the Street Golf Tour and Concert at Dundas Square. Features PGA Certified Coaching Clinics, Swing Analyzers & some of the newest technology for beginner & advance golf training.

The Brick Works Farmers Market and the East Lynn Family Markets run Saturday Mornings.

Enjoy your extra long weekend!

What to do in Toronto for July 23rd and 24th 2011

Toronto is a fun filled summer city and there is lots going on!

Beaches Jazz festival wraps up this weekend with a 5k, 10k and 20k Beaches Jazz Tune Up.

If Heavy Metal is your thing, there is a Heavy TO festival at Downsview Park.

Rock and Roll hall of farmers Steely Dan is playing at the Molsons Amphitheatre.

Looking for something more subdued? Check out the Farmers Market at the Brick Works. Beautiful back drop and fantastic vendors.

Don't forget Taste of the Danforth is coming up August 5th, 6th and 7th.

Have a great weekend!

Toronto Real Estate: Mid July 2011 Resale Market Figures

It's an interesting market out there. Home prices continue to climb...

Toronto, July 18, 2011 – During the first 14 days of July, Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported an increase in sales and the average selling price compared to the first two weeks of July 2010. The number of sales through the TorontoMLS® system was up 35 per cent to 3,609, compared to 2,672 last year.

"Low mortgage rates, rising incomes and good news on the jobs front have kept consumers confident in purchasing a home in the Greater Toronto Area. In fact, home buyers are much more confident than they were this time last year when concerns around the HST, interest rate hikes and new mortgage lending rules had temporarily put a damper on home sales," said Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) President Richard Silver.

Tight market conditions in the GTA drove a strong rate of price growth through the first two weeks July. The average selling price was $464,277 – up 9.6 per cent compared to the average of $423,773 in July 2010.



http://www.torontorealestateboard.com/consumer_info/market_news/news2011/pdf/nr_mid_month_0711.pdf

Toronto Real Estate: June 2011 Resale Market Figures

Toronto, July 6, 2011 – Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 10,230 home sales through the TorontoMLS® system in June 2011 – up 21 per cent compared to June 2010. This number represented the third best June result on record behind 2007 and 2009. The number of transactions during the first six months of 2011 amounted to 48,189 – down by 4.5 per cent compared to the first half of 2010.

"The strong June result capped off an interesting first half of 2011," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver. "The pace of sales was a bit sluggish at the beginning of the year, but rebounded in May and June. Because of the positive affordability picture, home buyers remained confident in their ability to purchase and pay for a home over the long term."

The average price for June transactions was $476,371 – a 9.5 per cent increase over June 2010. Through the first six months of the year, the average selling price was $467,169 – almost an eight per cent increase compared to the same period in 2010.

"While sales have been strong, we would be on track for a record number of transactions in 2011 if not for the decline in listings so far this year," said Jason Mercer, the Toronto Real Estate Board’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis. "Tight supply meant more competition between home buyers and an accelerating annual rate of price growth in the second quarter."

"Home owners will likely react to the stronger price growth by listing their homes in greater numbers. A better supplied market would result in more moderate price increases," continued Mercer.

http://www.torontorealestateboard.com/consumer_info/market_news/news2011/pdf/nr_market_watch_0611.pdf

Greater Toronto REALTORS® Report June Mid-Month Resale Housing Market Figures

TORONTO, June 16, 2011 – The number of sales and the average selling price reported by Greater Toronto REALTORS® were both up during the first 14 days of June 2011. Sales through the first two weeks of June amounted to 4,787 – up 16 per cent over the same period in 2010. The average selling price for these transactions, at $477,853, was up nine per cent.

"The spring has always been the busiest time in the resale market, but the results for May and the first two weeks of June represented a marked improvement over last year. Low mortgage rates have kept affordability in check and buyers have felt confident in paying for a home over the long term," said Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) President Bill Johnston.

The number of new listings on the TorontoMLS® between June 1st and June 14th was down by eight per cent compared to 2010.

"Listings have been in short supply this year, while a lot of people have been looking to buy. The result has been enhanced competition between buyers and more upward pressure on price," said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis. "Strong price growth will prompt more home owners to list as we move toward 2012."

http://www.torontorealestateboard.com/consumer_info/market_news/news2011/pdf/nr_mid_month_0611.pdf

Toronto Housing Prices: April 2011

GTA REALTORS® REPORT MONTHLY RESALE HOUSING FIGURES


TORONTO, May 4, 2011 -- Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 9,041 existing home sales through the TorontoMLS® system in April 2011.

This result was down 17 per cent compared April 2010 when sales spiked to a new record of 10,898.

While off last year’s record result, April 2011 sales were in line with the average April sales level reported over the previous five years.
“Existing home sales have been strong from a historic perspective through the first four months of 2011. Expect the pace of sales to remain robust through the spring, as the economy expands and home buyers continue to benefit from affordable home ownership opportunities,” said Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) President Bill Johnston.

Market conditions tightened markedly over the last year. April 2011 sales accounted for 62 per cent of new listings during the month – up substantially from 53 per cent in April 2010. Tighter conditions resulted in the average April selling price growing by nine per cent annually to $477,407.

“The number of listings has been below expectations so far this year. Increased competition between home buyers has led to an accelerating annual rate of price growth,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis. “The strong price growth experienced in April should result in more listings and more balanced market conditions.
 
For more information, head on over to http://www.torontorealestateboard.com/consumer_info/market_news/news2011/pdf/nr_market_watch_0411.pdf

Just Listed: 422 Victoria Park Avenue

Open House Saturday April 30th and Sunday May 1st

2:00 pm until 4:00 pm 

Beautiful oversized detached home in the Upper Beach. This 3 bedroom plus sunroom home offers both traditional and modern touches throughout. The grand living room and dining room are perfect for entertaining. There is an easy walkout from the kitchen to west facing garden oasis with a detached garage and studio work shop. Ideally located close to shops, restaurants, TTC and the Beach.

Extras: Fridge, Stove, B/I Dishwasher, Clothes Washer, Clothes Dryer, Gb&E, Cac, 100 Amp Panel, All Window Coverings, Elf's, Broadloom where laid. New back roof in 2006, new front roof in 2010, New roof on shed & garage in 2009 and HE furnace (gas) in 2010

Join us! Saturday April 30th And Sunday May 1st, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

visit us at http://www.thecorcoranteam.com/

Call us! 416.465.4545 or Email us Info@TheCorcoranTeam.com

 

Opening Soon: What's new in Toronto restaurants

Soon-to-be open restaurants on our radar:

Keriwa Cafe (1690 Queen St. W.) will be opening in May, with a focus on local, seasonal food with an Aboriginal twist.

Uncle Betty's Diner (2590 Yonge St.) will also have comfort food on the menu, but think more traditional diner fare like hot dogs, ice cream and burgers. They're planning a soft opening in early May.

The Combine Eatery is under construction on the Danforth near Broadview. No word on what they'll be serving, but one of the co-owners is Amy Chow, who used to own the now-defunct True Restaurant in Yorkville which specialized in local and organic cuisine.

Against the Grain (25 Dockside Dr.) pub will be opening in the Corus Entertainment building this spring. It's owned by F.A.B. Concepts Inc. who also own Brazen Head Irish Pub and the Foggy Dew.

If you live in Riverdale you may know Amy of the Combine Eatery as the better half of Cam - renowned mechanic and owner of Cam's Thruway Muffler on King Street East.

Good luck Amy!  We will certainly be over to check out your new diggs.

Decorating Tricks to Make a Small Space Look Larger

Lots of people live in a small home, a small room, or just a small space. Some people live in a small apartment because that's all they can afford, and they're grateful for it.


Some people live in a small apartment or home because they're tired of taking care of a larger place and want to "downsize."
Others just don't want a large home. Small is beautiful! And easy, and practical, too!

But no matter what your reason for living in a small space, you'll undoubtedly have to make some compromises in your decorating, get really organized, and make some adjustments to your lifestyle in order to make everything fit and not feel cramped.

If you're looking for a cozy, intimate space, you're in luck. By using soft, snuggly upholstered pieces, dark, warm tones, and dramatic lighting, your tiny corner can become a wonderful private space.

But if you really feel the need to stretch out in your small space, you can make some decorating changes to make the area look and feel larger without moving any walls! With color, furniture arranging, and interesting lighting, your space won't feel so cramped.

See if some of our tips will work for your small space.

•Clear Out the Clutter

There's nothing that makes a small space feel cramped more than having too much stuff. Work out ways to get collections out of view, organized behind doors, table skirts, or on shelves. With things neatly arranged and out of sight, the space that is in view will feel orderly and open.

•Open the Way

With furniture and accessories blocking the view into a room and out to open spaces, a room will look cramped. By moving furniture out and away from walkways, you'll open up the space and make it feel larger. You can also choose short pieces of furniture like an ottoman, an armless, open chair, or a low table, and place large, tall pieces along a wall rather than out in the open space. If you can see the floor, the room will look larger.

•Chooser Soft, Light Hues

Whereas dark, warm colors make a space feel cozy and intimate, light, cool colors make a space feel open and airy. For optimum effect, select soft tones of blues and greens.

•Use a Monochromatic Color Scheme

Choose colors that are in the same color family and use tone-on-tone woven upholstery fabrics, textured wall finishes, delicate tonal drapery fabrics. Cool colors and delicate warm colors on most surfaces give the room a more open look.

•Coordinate Wall and Furniture Colors

Contrasting colors tend to break up a space. Pieces of furniture are less interrupting and tend to blend with the space if they're colored to match the wall color.

•Let in the Light

Any room will look larger if it's well-lit, either by natural light or artificial lighting. Get rid of heavy draperies and open up the windows to let the light of the outdoors into the space. Add more lamps or install track lighting or recessed lighting.
Here are some more things you can do to make a small space at least feel larger, even if the floor space stays the same.

•See-Through Space

By using materials that you can see through, anything beyond will appear farther away. For a tiny bathroom, I got rid of an opaque glass shower enclosure and substituted a clear, frameless one. The room is the same size looks bigger. Now we can see all the way (an extra 3 feet) to the wall at the back of the shower.

You can also use glass or lucite for tabletops. With a sturdy base of wood, stone, or metal, the space around the table will open up the view beyond.

•Reflective Surfaces

 

You might not like the look of a mirrored wall, but you have to admit that it always makes a room look larger. Instead, use a large framed mirror on a wall or stand an over-sized framed mirror against a wall. You'll get the same room-enlarging effect as a mirrored wall, but with more style. The space and the light will be reflected for a more open feeling.

Top a coffee table or side table with a piece of beveled plate mirror or have a chest of drawers or bureau covered with custom-cut and installed mirrors.

•Believe It or Not, Bigger Is Better!

Use a few large, simple pieces of furniture or accessories in place of several smaller pieces which would make a small space look cluttered. With open space and large blocks of color, the room will appear to be more calm and comfortable.

•Keep the Upholstery Plain

Select plain colored upholstery for furniture instead of bold plaids, stripes, or prints. Use texture for interest and stick to neutral tones if you can.

•Airy, Light Fabrics

Sheer fabrics allow light to pass through window treatments, bed skirts, table covers, and furniture slipcovers. If you want something other than plain colors, find soft floral vines or simple stripes to keep the look simple.

By following some of these simple rules about decorating a small space, your home will feel comfortable, not cramped. You'll have an intimate space that suits all your needs.

Thanks to Coral Nafie for this article

Bring your own mug to Starbucks for Earth Day and get a free coffee

April 22nd is earth day and Starbucks is generously offering a free coffee or tea if you bring in your reusable mug.  They are also offering 20% off travel mugs as a long term sustainability strategy.

So bring your mug, head to your favourite Starbucks and enjoy a free coffee on Earth Day!

Getting your home ready to sell: 10 painting don’ts

Painting is not as easy as it looks. Sure, any chimp can be taught how to load a brush and slap some paint on the wall, but a quality paint job requires human intelligence and at least a temporary devotion to detail. For your next painting project, be sure to steer clear of these 10 amateurish painting mistakes.

1. Don’t skimp on the prep work.

Like middle school, prep work is awful drudgery that must be completed before you can move on to better things. Indoors, the most important stuff is cleaning all surfaces, repairing damaged areas, patching where necessary, and prepping the area (see item 10, below). Outdoors, the critical prep work is removing peeling and otherwise loose paint, repairing damaged or rotted wood, and cleaning all surfaces.

2. Don’t mess with old paint unless you’re sure it’s lead-free.

Apart from curious kids eating paint chips, all of the warnings about lead paint can be realized with paint prep work: sanding or scraping lead paint makes it friable (airborne), the perfect state for getting into your body. To play it safe, if there’s any chance a surface may have been painted with lead paint, have a sample tested first.

3. Don’t paint over moisture or active mould.

Stain-blocking (and specifically mould-blocking) primers are good for preventing colour bleed-through from dark mould stains, but they’re not intended to correct a live mould problem. And they’ll only mask a moisture problem for a very short time. Since mould and moisture go together, first stop the moisture (wherever it’s coming from), then kill the mould (with detergent or diluted bleach) and let it all dry completely before priming and painting.

4. Don’t paint bare surfaces without priming first.

As much as you might resent it, primer is your friend. It sticks really well, it fills pores in raw materials and it’s less than half the price of paint. Using an extra coat of paint instead of primer is a waste of money and likely will result in a poorer finished product.

5. Don’t paint masonry on a whim.

Poured concrete, brick, stone and concrete block are among the very few building materials that can fairly be called “maintenance-free.” Painting them once changes that forever.

6. Don’t use tape (in most cases).

Pros don’t use tape for the same reasons you shouldn’t: it’s time-consuming and painstaking to apply, it usually lets paint bleed underneath its edge, and it can peel the new paint off when it’s removed. Instead of using tape in the usual places, remove anything that’s removable (like outlet covers and cabinet hardware), and take the time to “cut in” a clean line of paint along the edges of trimwork and the like.

7. Don’t use cheap paint.

Quality paint goes on better, lasts longer and has much nicer colour than lousy paint. And when you consider that you’ll be looking at the results for the next decade or so, an extra $10 or $15 is a worthwhile upgrade.

8. Don’t use cheap paintbrushes.

This goes right along with the last item. A $3 brush will never work well and should be discarded after the first job, right about the time it starts shedding bristles. A $10 brush knows how to handle paint and will become a treasured tool for years down the road.

9. Don’t paint window tracks.

Errant baseballs aside, painting the tracks where the sashes slide is perhaps the best (and dumbest) way to ruin a window. This is akin to lubricating ball bearings with caulk. For the same reason, never let paint overlap from the stop to the sash and vice versa.

10. Don’t paint over outlet and switch covers.

Being too lazy to remove electrical cover plates before painting, and merely taping off the covers, leaves a ridge along the edge that usually peels away in a large, unsightly chunk if the cover is removed later. Take the two minutes to remove the switch plate.

Thanks to Philip Schmidt of the Toronto Star for this article

Start Gardening Indoors with Spring Herbs

If you're eager to garden, start with an indoor windowsill herb garden and you'll save money on expensive grocery-store varieties. Plant herbs in pots and place them near a window that gets at least 5 hours of sun a day. Herbs adapt well to indoor growing conditions and can be put outside when the weather warms up.

Position well:

Most herbs need five hours of full midday sun in warm weather to produce the best flavour and growth. They can be planted indoors in containers or window boxes, then moved to the garden when it warms up. Although some herbs like parsley and thyme can tolerate a little cool weather, it's best to bring them indoors in the late fall to help preserve them. A sunny south-facing window is adequate for most indoor herbs.

 
 
 
Follow directions:

Not all herbs are created equal. If you've planted your herb garden in one large pot, group together herbs with similar growing requirements for more efficient plant care. For more tips, read our Plant Care Guides or refer to the section on growing conditions below for detailed planting tips on individual herbs.

 
 
 
Water properly:

Most herbs need to be kept damp but not wet; don't over water and do encourage proper drainage. Wait until the soil is dry, down to a depth of a 1/2 inch or so, then water thoroughly until soil is moist.

The best time to pick herbs is first thing in the morning, when they contain the most essential oils and are most fragrant and aromatic.


Harvest herbs by cutting back a shoot to just above a leaf to encourage regrowth. Fiskars has a wide variety of shears available in-store and online, complete with serrated blades and sharp precision-ground blades.
 
Growing conditions

Basil: Plant in full sun in moist well-drained soil.Mint: Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist soil.Oregano: Plant in full sun in rich fertile soil.Parsley: Plant in full sun or partial shade in rich moist soil.Sage: Plant in full sun in well-drained soil.Thyme: Plant in full sun in light well-drained soil.
 
Thanks to Home Depot for the tips!