Exploring Toronto Neighbourhoods: Willowdale

Looking for a thriving, diverse neighbourhood centrally located that offers either an urban or suburban vibe? Look not further than North York’s Willowdale.

Where is Willowdale?  Comprised of three villages: Newtonbrook, Willowdale and Lansing, Willowdale runs on either side of the Yonge corridor north of Finch Avenue up to Steeles Avenue.  To the east, it is border by Bayview Village and to the west, by Bathurst Manor.

This area has changed significantly in the last few years.  Cadmium, business and retail development has increased along the Yonge corridor.  Comparing pictures taken in 1980 versus 2010 show demonstrate the impressive growth and ever-growing skyline. Single-family homes built prior to the 1960s are being redeveloped as much larger homes.  Landmarks in this area include: North Central Library, Mel Lastman Square, Toronto Center for the Arts, Gibson House, John Mckenzie House and the Holocaust Museum.

This area is becoming a transportation hub, linking to Toronto in the south via subway and cities and towns to the north, west and east via bus. TTC Subway Line 1, the Yonge-University line, runs in a north-south direction through the neighbourhood with Finch Station to the north and Sheppard station to the south.  Line 4, the Sheppard line, runs in an east-west direction from Sheppard station to the west and Don Mills Station to the east.  The 401 can be accessed from the neighbourhood via Bayview and Yonge exits.

I encourage you to catch out further what this fine Toronto neighbourhood has to offer you.

David Gharat

www.housecondopro.com

David Gharat RE/MAX For Sale 21 Horton Blvd, Toronto, M1J1K7

Summer in Toronto: What is Simcoe Day?

Summer in Toronto: What is Simcoe Day?

Retail signs have started to go up announcing hours for the Civic Holiday on Monday of this upcoming long weekend.  Some people in Toronto refer to this holiday as Simcoe Day.  I love my work so long weekends don’t really get me excited but I was curious about the reason for this holiday. 

This mid-summer holiday is recognized in some but not all provinces.  In Ontario, the holiday has different names based on municipality. In Toronto, it is officially Simcoe Day.  For instance, here are some other names for the Civic Holiday:

Colonel By Day in Ottawa,

George Hamilton Day in Hamilton,

Joseph Brant Day in Burlington,

Founders' Day in Brantford,

McLaughlin Day in Oshawa,

Alexander Mackenzie Day in Sarnia,

James Cockburn Day in Cobourg,

Peter Robinson Day in Peterborough,

John Galt Day in Guelph,

So who was Simcoe and why does he merit a holiday? Simcoe Day was named in honour of John Graves Simcoe, the first lieutenant governor for Upper Canada (now Ontario).  Simcoe influence on Ontario and Canada was remarkable. 

As Lieutenant Governor and British Member of Parliament, he was known to support the abolition of slavery before coming to Canada, supported the Act against Slavery in the 1793.  This meant that slavery was abolished in Ontario decades before all other colonies in the British Empire. 

Simcoe was also responsible for moving the capital of Upper Canada (now Ontario) from Newark (Niagara-on-the-Lake) to York (now Toronto).  At the time, Toronto was severely underdeveloped and Simcoe’s decision began the development of the city.  Two main streets were built at this time through Upper Canada – Yonge Street and Dundas Street.           

In July 1796, Simcoe return to England due to ill health and never return to Upper Canada.

So, this weekend, enjoy time with friends and family and be grateful for Simcoe for putting Canada on the forefront of slavery abolition.

David Gharat

www.housecondopro.com

Your Home, Your Investment: Low Maintenance Gardening

Your Home, Your Investment: Low Maintenance Gardening

So you want a nice garden or yard where you can relax and entertain your family and friends but you don’t want to be a slave to keeping it looking up.  While there is no such thing as a no maintenance garden, you can look at a low maintenance landscaping plan that requires minimal effort to maintain. 

What is low maintenance landscaping?

A low maintenance landscape reduces the amount and frequency gardening activities.  The type and number of features and plants will determine the amount and frequency of watering, weeding, pruning, deadheading and dividing you will need to invest. The best plan will move the frequency of maintenance activities from daily or weekly to monthly or seasonally. As you plan a low maintenance garden, you will want to consider landscaping design features, plant selection and ongoing maintenance requirements. 

Landscaping Design Features

What design features will reduce the gardening activities I need to do weekly or daily?  As you plan and continuously improve your garden, consider the following design features:

1)   Outdoor Living Areas:  Add outdoor living areas such as patios and porches, to reduce the amount of green space that needs to be maintained.  It is critical that patios and walkways be built on a solid foundation and in a proper manner.  Otherwise, you will have unwanted weeds and ultimately increase your maintenance.

2)   Plant Areas/Flowerbeds: Establish plant areas or flowerbeds with edging, landscape fabric and mulch or river stone.  Avoid over-planting flowerbeds.  Plan for the mature width and height of plants. Over-crowding can negatively impact the appearance of your garden.

3)   Ground Cover:  Do not overlook a grass lawn as part of your design as ground cover.  It takes a lot of plants to cover the same space as a grass lawn. Gardens without grasses tend to be warmer. 

Plant Selection

As you establish your garden, it will be important to understand the lot conditions and select plants are compatible with those conditions and easy to maintain. Study the information on specific plants online or on labels attached to plants. Consider the following points.

1)   Light and Soil Conditions: Consider what areas are shady, sunny or partially shady or sunny and select plants accordingly. Know whether your soil is sandy or clay-like and select plants accordingly. 

2)   Drought-Resistant Plants: Select drought-resistant plants to reduce the need to water.  Here are some to consider: Grasses, Marigolds, Portulaca, Sedum, Cricks & Hens, Daylilies, Lavender, etc.  Please note that new plants will require more water until they are established. 

3)   Slow-Growing Foundation Plants: Select slow-growing foundation plants to reduce the need to prune and trim plants.  Limit pruning to 1-2 times per year.  Here are some plants to consider: Green Mountain Boxwood, Peonies, Draft Norway Spruce, Blue Fescue Grass, etc.

4)   Perennials: Select more perennials than annuals.  Perennials are planted once and come back year after year.  Perennials, once established, will have roots deep into the soil, reducing the need to water and the need to deadhead. Annuals need to be planted each year and will require more watering. 

Ongoing Maintenance Requirements 

Once you have designed your garden to fit your taste and burden level, you will want to look at preventative maintenance as a key part of your plan.  Here are some suggestions to help make the garden maintenance so much easier.

1)   Interlocking Stone: Apply polymer sand to the crevices of interlocking patios and walkway blocks to reduce the growth of weeds. 

2)   Flowerbed Mulch or Stone:  Replenish flowerbed mulch or stone annually, as needed.  This will prevent the growth of weeds and improve moisture retention of the soil.

3)   Pruning:  Plan to prune or trim your slow-growing foundation plants in the spring and/or fall according to their specific care. 

4)   Weeds and Moss:  Spray weeds and moss with vinegar.  This will not only look after the menace but also prevent future issues.

5)   Gardening Tools: Invest in the proper gardening tools to do the minimal work you need to do.  There is an L-shaped weeding tool you could not live without.

 Happy Gardening!

David Gharat

www.housecondopro.com

Your Home, Your Investment: Preparing your home for summer vacation!

Your Home, Your Investment: Preparing your home for summer vacation!

It’s summertime and you may be planning to get away to the cottage, the beach or across the country to visit family and friends.  If you are planning to be away longer than 3-4 days, you will want take specific steps to prepare and protect your home for while your away.  There are several checklists available on the topic.  Here is the one we use for preparing and protecting your home room by room.

General:

Home Monitoring: Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check on your house every 3 days.  Investigate installing a security system to monitor your home more closely.

Social Media: Do not communicate beyond a trusted group that you will be away.  Avoid posting photos on social media while you are away.

Pets: Arrange for care of pets, if necessary.

Home Insurance: Review your home insurance policy to make sure you comply with insurance company requirements.

Yard and Driveway:

Flowers: Arrange to have summer annuals watered daily.

Lawn: Arrange to have lawn mowed if away longer than 2 weeks.

Flood Lights: Install motion-censored floodlights outside your home.

Windows: Close and lock all windows.

Vehicles: Leave vehicles parked as normal, be it in the driveway or in the garage, if possible.

Entry:

Additional key: Have an extra key made for a trusted neighbor or friend.

Mail: Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to collect your mail if you have an outdoor mailbox.

Newspaper: Discontinue the newspaper while you are away.

Air Conditioning: Set temperature 4-5 degrees Celsius higher than normal to save electricity.

Living Room and Bedrooms:

Lamps: Turn on one indoor lamp near a window during the evening hours using a timer or a web application.

Electronics: Unplug all small electronic while you are away to save electricity. 

Kitchen:

Perishables: Remove all perishables from your refrigerator that will go bad before your return.

Garbage: Remove all garbage from your inside home.  Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to put out on Garbage Day.

Recycling: Remove all recycling from inside your home. Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to put out on Recycling Day.

Compost: Remove all compost from inside your home.  Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to put out on Recycling Day.

Dishwasher: Run and empty dishwasher.  Leave dishwasher open while you are away.

Basement/Laundry Room:

Laundry:  Wash and dry laundry. Make sure last minute dirty items are dry.

Water:  Shut off water supply if away longer than 2 weeks.  Adjust hot water heater setting to vacation setting, if possible 

Relax and enjoy your summer vacation!

David Gharat

www.housecondopro.com

Driving Around Toronto - For Sale And Open House Signs

Driving around Toronto these days, you actually see For Sale and Open House signs up in neighborhoods.  This is exciting! While the last few years have been exciting, I believe his balanced, non-frenzied market is strong with potential benefits for buyers, sellers, and investors.

Whether or not to buy, sell or invest at any given time for any one individual or family depends on many factors.  The real estate market and the prices that result from the forces of supply and demand are only some factors to consider.  Your current personal, professional and financial goals and milestones will also be key in your decision. 

If you are buyer, here are some positives to consider:

· Recent requirements for 20% down payment protect prospective buyers from over-extending their debt.
· With increased supply in the housing market, prospective buyers have more choice, more time to consider different homes and review home inspections.
· Increased tax requirements for foreign buyers tempers the foreign demand somewhat and may be beneficial to buyers who reside in Canada.
· Overtime, once the forces of supply and demand set in, prices may become more stable and predictable and potentially, more affordable.
· Real estate, over time, appreciates and continues to be a very good investment.

·   Interest rates remain historically low and any anticipated increase would likely be modest.

If you are a seller, consider the following benefits:

· With more days on the open market, sellers will be in a position to consider best offers over the course of days, not hours.

· Home prices (otherwise seen as asset value) may be more stable and predictable, allowing for better financial and retirement planning.

· If you have been in your home for a while, you can use the value from your home to downsizing and fund an earlier retirement or you can leverage the value from your current home to upsize to your future home.

David Gharat

www.housecondopro.com

Your Home, Your Investment: The ABCs of Preparing your Home for Sale

Your Home, Your Investment: The ABCs of Preparing your Home for Sale

So you are thinking of selling your home, great!  Before you put it out on the market, you will want to do some preparation work. In a balanced market, where buyers have a choice of homes, this preparation work is even more important. Do one a day and you will be ready to sell. There are many great lists out there with suggestions for you, here is ours:

The ABCs of Preparing your Home for Sale

Accessorize: As you prepare you home a viewing or open house, think about adding accessories to certain room.  A fresh bowl of fruit in the kitchen or fresh flowers (non-scented) in your living room creates a welcoming environment for buyers viewing your home.

Bathroom:  Bathrooms are a key room buyers will assess when viewing your home.  Without embarking on a full renovation project, you will want to make it looks its best – clean and sparkly.  After honest assessment, consider replacing toilet seats, toilet paper rolls, towel racks, etc.  At every viewing, place clean, preferably white, towels on the racks and remove all personal toiletries from view.

Closets: Buyers will want to check out the storage space that your home offers.  To best show off this feature of your some, pre-pack some of your off-season items and leave closets spaces 2/3 in use.

De-Personalize: Specific personal items such as family photos, collections, unique personal items (think large faux tiger rugs) will distract the buyer from seeing your home as a fit for them.  Remove and pre-pack all of these items.

Extra keys:  Likely, a lockbox with a key to your home will be needed for viewings and open houses.  Rather than have to access this each time you enter your home, you may want to get an extra copy of your key.

Front Door (for houses): Just after buyers see your front garden, they will see your front door step and door.  First, make sure the steps and door are all in good working condition.  If not, fix them.  If the door needs it, give it a fresh coat of paint or a touch-up.  Add accessories such as a welcome mat and perhaps a seasonal planter to create the best first impression.

Gutters (for houses): The exterior of your home should be in good working order.  To make sure water is properly draining from your home, clean out your gutters or eavestroughs.

Home Inspection (for houses):  Prior to negotiations, you may want to arm yourself with a home inspection.  Any issues identified with your home can be addressed or factored into your asking price. 

Intense Emotions:  Selling a home you have lived in through a stage or stages of your life can bring up intense emotions in you and in your family members.  Take time to acknowledge your emotions, honour past memories and then, look optimistically to the future in your future home.

Junk De-cluttering: Clutter or junk includes items that are 1) garbage (that which is broken, out of date or not in use), 2) out of place (that which is in the wrong room or place), 3) not useful or necessary (unwanted gifts or items bought in error) and 4) belong to someone.  In preparation for your home sale and moving, you will want to throw, sort or donate these items.

Kitchen: Kitchens can be the heart of the home and can sell your home.  Clean out cupboards, refrigerators and ovens.  Keep countertops as clear as possible.  Consider packing away extra pots and pans, dishes and small appliances to fully show the space your kitchen has to offer.

Landscaping (for houses): Landscaping adds to the curb appeal of your home.  Consider removing overgrown shrubs and planting new ones and completing any walkway or driveway repairs.  Make sure to weed walkways and keep lawns mowed for viewings. 

Make plans for animals (including humans!):  Buyers will be more relaxed viewing your home without the distraction of pets, kids or even you the homeowner.  It is best to make a plan for where you all can be during this time.

Neutral colour scheme: A neutral colour scheme will be more appealing to buyers.  If you are painting or buying new bedding, select neutral tones.

Odor Elimination:  Be it fish or pet smell, you may have grown accustom to the unique the odors that build up in your home.  The impression your buyers have of your home will be impacted by how your home smells. If needed, clean all surfaces where the dog lays, and clean the cat’s litter box daily.  Prior to viewings, air out rooms and spray air fresheners.

Paperwork:  Gather all paperwork related to your home including: utility bills, tax bills, renovation details, warranties, mortgage details, etc.  It is helpful to have this in one file as questions come up.

Quick Clean up and Tidy: You will want to do one big or Xtreme cleaning and then daily or prior to each viewing, you will want to do a quick clean up and tidy. 

Realtor: Select David Gharat Real Estate Group to help you through the process.  We are proud to have served our clients with trusted and dedicated service.

Status Certificate (for condos): Prior to negotiations, obtain the status certificate for your condominium building.

Touch-up Paint: A coat of paint can be the least expensive and easiest way to refresh a tired room or outside features of your home.  Go through your home, inside and outside, and list areas where some paint will help.  Remember to keep new colours neutral.

Update Light: Make sure all lights have light bulbs and are in good working order.  Consider updating old light fixtures.  The light fixtures you select should make the style of your home.

Vacuum Floors and Walls:  Vacuum and clean floors and walls making sure to get all cobwebs and to remove dirt and stains.

Window Cleaning:  Shiny windows inside and out will present your home in the best possible light.

Xtreme Cleaning: We recommend you complete Xtreme cleaning.  This is like spring cleaning but with a thought to moving.  Your Xtreme cleaning will include many items on this list.  Once you complete this one Xtreme or big cleaning session, you will maintain it with Quick Clean-ups and Tiding as your home is on the market.

Your Basement:  Whether finished or unfinished, take some time to clean and tidy all its rooms.

Zen Bedrooms:  Bedrooms should be presented as peaceful and restful areas.  Make sure to de-personalize the space, use neutral or pale colours, and make sure closets are in their best shape. 

David Gharat

www.housecondopro.com

Canada’s 150th Birthday

As you celebrate Canada’s 150^th birthday, you may wonder how Canada got started and what we are marking. 

First, let's review Canadian history.  Back in 1867, following a series of proposals and conferences (Quebec City and Charlottetown), what is now Canada with 10 provinces and three territories was started.  The federation, a political union of self-governed provinces under a central (federal) government, included Canada West (Ontario), Canada East (Quebec), New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.  These four regions came together and agreed, under the British North America Act, to come together and be called Canada.  While Queen Victoria, the British monarch at the time, signed it into law on March 29, 1867, it came into effect on July 1, 1867.

Additional provinces and territories joined the union over time Manitoba and Northwest Territories in 1870, British Columbia in 1871, Prince Edward Island in 1873, Yukon Territory in 1898, Saskatchewan and Alberta in 1905, Newfoundland in 1949 and Nunavut in 1999. 

Beyond the historical milestone, I believe we are celebrating Canadian values and the richness this union brings to our lives.  Although it is somewhat hard to express, you will perhaps view this richness is hinted at through our symbols: the maple leaf, the beaver, the flag or on logos on t-shirts you can buy at this time of year.  They read “True North, Strong and Free”, “No matter where I roam, Canada will be always be home” or the simple “Canadian, eh?” For my part, I am grateful to live in a strong country where I am free and encouraged to practice my religion, speak my candid options and pursue my business goals and dreams.

God Bless Canada!

Your Home, Your Investment: Stay Cool with Central Air Conditioning!

Your Home, Your Investment:  Stay Cool with Central Air Conditioning!

Summers in Toronto are usually sunny, hot and humid.  Even though we love it, the high humidity, hot air temperatures and bright sunshine can sometimes combine to make an uncomfortable indoor environment. An air-conditioning system provides relief by lowering the air temperature and the humidity level your home.

There are a few options open to you and qualified HVAC Specialists can help you determine the system to cool your home.  Some options to consider include:  a room air conditioner (either window or wall-mounted), a central air conditioner or a heat pump.  A room air conditioner works if you are cooling 1-2 rooms.  A heat pump may be an option if you are looking for a new heating and cooling system. If you want to cool the entire space of 4 or more rooms and your home already has a furnace to heat your home, investing in central air conditioning may be the best option for you.

How does a central air conditioning system work?  Air conditioners, working in conjunction with your existing heating system, manufacture cool air by evaporating refrigerant such as Freon.  Basically ,there are coils both inside (for cold air) and outside (for warm air). The units contain a compressor to change Freon into hot, high-pressure gas that travels through the coils. As it does so, it loses its heat and becomes liquid; the liquid in turn goes through a valve and evaporates into cold, low-pressure gas. When it enters the coils, it absorbs the indoor heat and lowers the temperature.

What factors should you consider when selecting a Central Air Conditioning system? There are five factors you should consider when selecting a central air conditioning system: 1) Size, 2) Energy Efficiency, 3) Budget, 4) Manufacturer’s Brand and 5) Installation.  Let’s consider each factor in more detail.

1) Size: Determining the size of the system that best fits your home is key. Factors such as number of rooms, number of windows, ceiling heights external temperatures should be considered.

2) Energy Efficiency: Residential air conditioners use the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) as a measure of their efficiency. This measure shows the number of British Thermal Units (BTU) of cold air provided for each watt of electricity.  Higher EER is more efficient and more expensive units.

3) Budget: There are two costs associated with installing a central air conditioning system: equipment cost and installation labour costs. To help reduce the costs of the system, ask about Manufacturer, Installation Vendor or Government of Ontario rebate programs.

4) Manufacturer’s Brand:  There are multiple air conditioning brands and each brand manufacturers different units to meet different needs. Warranties are pretty standard at 10-year parts and labour.

5) Installation:  After you determine the size, energy efficiency and budget, selecting the installation vendor may be your most important decision.  Good equipment can be installed improperly, creating short and long-term problems.  

David Gharat 

www.housecondopro.com