16
Etobicoke HOME & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE SPRING 2016

Our Etobicoke - SPRING 2016

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

 

Citation preview

Page 1: Our Etobicoke - SPRING 2016

EtobicokeHOME & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

SPRING 2016

Page 2: Our Etobicoke - SPRING 2016

[email protected] I www.StevensonTeam.ca

2 OUR ETOBICOKE SPRING 2016

We don’t want to jinx it but it appears that we may have gotten off relatively easy on the weather front this winter. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the tail-end of winter continues in a mild man-ner and spring comes early. You will then be tempted to check out your gardens to see what flowers are coming up. You might even be tempted to start the annual spring ritual clean-up and re-organization

sooner than expected. You may even be tempted to reor-ganize your life and upsize to a larger home or downsize to a smaller one. Either way, we are here to help with your choice of a lifestyle change because helping you is what we do. Liv-ing and working in Etobicoke for over 30 years has given us a personal perspective on life in our neighbourhoods. We are happy to talk about the terrific schools, restaurants and shops

that all our neighbourhoods have to offer to everyone who visits or inquires about prop-erties that we represent. So give us a call for a friendly chat about real estate. We are ex-perienced, knowledgeable and approachable.

Happy Spring!

Liz John StevensonAndrea Streich

s a l e s r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s

[email protected]

Page 3: Our Etobicoke - SPRING 2016

3 OUR ETOBICOKE SPRING 2016

[email protected] I www.StevensonTeam.ca

WHAT’SINSIDE

SPRING2016

Meet the Team What Buyers and Sellers have to say

In the Community

Real Estate Update Year end stats for 2015

Travel to Learn & Give Back

The Doctor is in

Peach Salad Recipe

Sold Homes in 2015 by the Stevenson Team

Home Showcase

Keep it Simple Home Staging Tips

Community Events

8

6

10

11

144 11

12

1314

16

67

810

F E A T U R E S

Page 4: Our Etobicoke - SPRING 2016

[email protected] I www.StevensonTeam.ca

4 OUR ETOBICOKE SPRING 2016

TOP 3% IN CANADAFOR ROYAL LEPAGE in 2014

based on commissions

MEETthe TEAM

LIZ STEVENSONSALES REPRESENTATIVE

Liz has over 18 years of real estate experience preparing and listing homes, and negotiating successful offers for buyers and sellers in a very competitive marketplace. Her success can be measured not only by her numerous sales awards but by her many happy clients that consistently refer her to their family and friends.

“Market intelligence and thorough research forms the core of the expert advice I provide to our clients to help them make informed decisions when buying or selling their homes.”

OF AWARD WINNING PROFESSIONALSLiving and Working in Your Neighbourhood

ANDREA STREICHSALES REPRESENTATIVE

Andrea is a valuable member of the Stevenson Team,providing a high level of service to buyers looking for their dream home at any budget. She brings much youthful enthusiasm and determination, along with over 6 years of practical experience, to each client home search.

“I am passionate about helping our clients at every stage in their life find the right home, not just a house.”

JOHN STEVENSONSALES REPRESENTATIVE

As a Professional Engineer with an MBA, John has had the opportunity to work in many careers, from theaircraft industry to real estate consulting to interiordesign project management. Combining 35 years of business expertise with internet marketing savvy, John has developed a dynamic marketing plan to sell homes with effectiveness and flair.

“I believe that today’s internet technology is one of the most important and successful tools that we have at our disposal to successfully market properties for our clients.”

Page 5: Our Etobicoke - SPRING 2016

5 OUR ETOBICOKE SPRING 2016

[email protected] I www.StevensonTeam.ca

Our Buyers and Sellers

have something to say...

After meeting with four Realtors, what impressed us most about you, in addition to coming well prepared with sales history and trends, was that you listened and asked great questions. You then invested extensive time to prepare a remarkable marketing approach for our property. We were impressed by your willingness to devote so many hours to open houses, a strategy that most other agents claimed was a waste of time. Your intuitive eye to spot and engage potential buyers at the open houses is what eventually lead to encouraging the ultimate buyer to submit a strong offer. You are truly remarkable real estate professionals and a lovely couple as an added measure.”~ Pat and Richard Taylor

We were very impressed with your personal, professional and practical approach in selling our home. We were always kept in the loop and you were very patient in discussing any concerns or questions we had. You were always available with good advice, helped us get our home ready for sale quickly, including finding repair people and a stager, and in general bent over backwards to make sure the sale went as smoothly as possible. Even more impressive is that your dedication continued even after the deal was done. I would highly recommend you to my friends or family, in fact to anyone looking to buy or sell a home in Toronto. We have worked with a number of Realtors over the years and would say, without hesitation, that you are one of the very best!”~ Lynn and Michael Bevan

We cannot say enough about the support and professional advice given to us by Liz, Andrea and John. Through-out the listing and selling process, they were both there to make the experience a smooth one. Their personal attention to detail along with their help in coordinating the work made the challenge of moving a pleasant one. We highly recommend the Stevenson Team for anyone considering selling or buying a home!”~ Sue and Bob Weishuhn

If patience is a virtue, then Liz and John have it in spades. We had a specific need for a very particular property on which to build on, and although it took over a year, they finally found not only the right property for us, but also helped us to land the property with four other buyers bidding on it. Great job.”~ Eva and Richard Sachs

I had the pleasure of working with the Stevenson Team when I purchased my home, and then again when I had to sell my home to move west. There are many real estate professionals in the GTA, but in my experience, none better than the Stevenson Team. They will give you their undivided attention and focus from beginning to end. I highly recommend Liz, John and Andrea. Thanks Stevenson Team! I really appreciate everything you did for me.”~ Niaz Nejad

Page 6: Our Etobicoke - SPRING 2016

[email protected] I www.StevensonTeam.ca

6 OUR ETOBICOKE SPRING 2016

THE ROYAL LEPAGE SHELTER FOUNDATION

The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation helps women and children escape violence and rebuild their lives. Because we are committed to strengthening the communities where we live and work, Royal LePage is the only Canadian real estate company with its own charitable foundation. The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation is Canada’s largest public

foundation dedicated exclusively to funding women’s shelters and violence prevention programs.

Every dollar raised goes directly to helping the more than 30,000 women and children who are served each year by the shelters and support programs we fund. Since 1998, the Shelter Foundation has raised more than $20 million and currently supports 200 local women’s shelters and national partners, including the a couple of shelters located in Etobicoke.

We donate a portion of our commissions and Royal LePage offices across Canada hold local fundraising events. Our bro-kerage and staff also volunteer and provide in-kind goods to benefit the women and children residing in their local shelters.

To learn more about the foundation, please visit www.ShelterFoundation.ca

The Stevenson Team is a proud supporter of people helping people in our community

THE ROTARY CLUB OF TORONTO WEST

The Rotary Club of Toronto West is a local branch of a worldwide organization of business, professional and community leaders. Rotarians provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build fellowship, goodwill and peace in the world. Rotary International has been instrumental in fighting

diseases like polio and HIV/AIDS, providing clean water and basic education, along with participating in economic and community development around the world.

At the local level, The Rotary Club of Toronto West has participated in the following community activities this past year, particularly centered on youth at risk:• Completed funding of relocation and renovation of Microskills Rotary Youth Centre in North Etobicoke• Funding provided to PACT Urban Peace Program youth skills training in South Etobicoke• Funding provided for supplies to Maybelle Arts Park improvements• Funding provided for food cost for Montomery’s Inn youth cooking program• Funding provided for TCDSB Mini-Olympics for special needs students• Hands-on projects that included Kids Against Hunger food packing, winter coat and hat collection for Comfort From

The Cold program for Etobicoke’s needy• Tokens 4 Change fundraising for youth with shelter

The Rotary Club of Toronto West meets every Thursday morning at 7:30am at Montgomery’s Inn. For more information, please visit www.RotaryTorontoWest.com

Page 7: Our Etobicoke - SPRING 2016

7 OUR ETOBICOKE SPRING 2016

[email protected] I www.StevensonTeam.ca

THE STEVENSON TEAM’S

Central EtobicokeREAL ESTATE UPDATE

Average Sold Home Prices for

2015

N

Market information contained herein is based on current statistical information obtained from the Toronto Real Estate Board from January 1 to December 31, 2015 and dos not include properties that have been privately transacted. Average prices are based on sold properties only. Variables in the listing sold prices may not be consistent with year-to-date or historical averages for the areas. The neighbourhood map has been provided for illustration purposes only. No information provided is intended for legal use and not intended to solicit properties currently under contract with a brokerage.

RANGE

$610,000 - 5,800,000

$720,000 - $3,975,000

$630,000 - $2,755,000

$550,000 - $1,405,000

$581,500 - $850,000

$615,000 - $1,450,000

$535,000 - $3,200,000

$385,000 - $1,900,000

RANGE

$1,168,000

$591,300 - $673,000

n/a

$275,000 - $610,000

$365,000 - $398,500

$357,000 - $675,000

$201,000 - $820,000

$312,500 - $695,000

RANGE

$395,000 - $1,1887,000

$199,500 - $745,000

n/a

$171,000 - $491,488

$155,000 - $347,000

$352,000 - $595,000

$198,000 - $1,650,000

$260,000 - $870,000

Detached Homes Townhomes CondominiumsAVERAGE

$1,462,028

$1,516,728

$1,206,481

$733,218

$694,104

$872,878

$1,129,259

$1,062,934

AVERAGE

$1,168,000

$632,150

n/a

$503,961

$383,150

$573,885

$569,761

$552,167

AVERAGE

$806,656

$394,882

n/a

$264,921

$245,337

$411,817

$322,355

$443,196

Kingsway South

Edenbridge Humber Valley

Princess Rosethorn

Eringate Centennial West Deane

Etobicoke West Mall

Markland Wood

Islington City Centre West

Stonegate Queensway

Kingsway South

Edenbridge Humber ValleyPrincess

Rosethorn

EringateCentennial West Deane

Etobicoke West Mall

Stonegate Queensway

Islington City Centre West

MarklandWood

Planning on Selling? Call us today at 416.233.8657 for a FREE and comprehensive market evaluation by our expert team

Page 8: Our Etobicoke - SPRING 2016

8 OUR ETOBICOKE SPRING 2016

TODAY, enlightened travellers often say they want to go on vacation, but sense that the total experience should not be all about them. Reaching out to the world is also about generating positive results for the greater good.

This is exactly what prompted three adventurous women to travel to Peru on an off the beaten track expedition to Machu Picchu. They went with the help of Charity Challenge, a tour operator dedicated to benefiting charities, as well as giving help to the local communities where their travellers go. The tour operator has a unique and carefully planned program for trips to nearly 12 countries. You can trek, cycle, climb, or ski throughout the world with the organization, while raising vital funds for a charity you love.

Give Back

TRAVEL to LEARN

and to

“We all had to sign a paper agreeing not to use any environmentally damaging products etc. They also hire local people for the trek from the cooks to the guides. Some of the money they get from the participants is donated to needy causes. Our Guide and his people were fantastic on the trek and in Cusco, they helped us whenever we needed things like hotel advice and changing money.”

You too can go on many adventures that include raising money for a charity and giving back to the local communities you visit. For example, the leading human rights organization, Amnesty International, is just one of many charities that benefit from these exciting tours. More information is available at www.charitychallenge.ca. THN

www.newscanada.comTOP LEFT: Great Wall Discovery, ChinaTOP RIGHT: Sapa Hill Tribe, Vietnam Trek

MIDDLE LEFT: Kilimanjaro Summit Climb, TanzaniaBOTTOM LEFT: Sahara Desert Trek, Morocco

ABOVE: Ancient City of Machu Picchu, Peru

It was the BEST thing I did in a long time,”says GERHILD NEUGEBAUER

from British Columbia.

“First of all it was just so well organized and the participants all had the same goal; making people aware of the charity of their choice and its purpose … Some of my friends offered to sponsor me without me having to ask for a donation because they wanted to be part of the adventure.” Neugebauer also pointed out that Charity Challenge is environmentally conscious.

travel & lifestyle

Page 9: Our Etobicoke - SPRING 2016

OUR ETOBICOKE SPRING 2016 9

TODAY, enlightened travellers often say they want to go on vacation, but sense that the total experience should not be all about them. Reaching out to the world is also about generating positive results for the greater good.

This is exactly what prompted three adventurous women to travel to Peru on an off the beaten track expedition to Machu Picchu. They went with the help of Charity Challenge, a tour operator dedicated to benefiting charities, as well as giving help to the local communities where their travellers go. The tour operator has a unique and carefully planned program for trips to nearly 12 countries. You can trek, cycle, climb, or ski throughout the world with the organization, while raising vital funds for a charity you love.

Give Back

TRAVEL to LEARN

and to

“We all had to sign a paper agreeing not to use any environmentally damaging products etc. They also hire local people for the trek from the cooks to the guides. Some of the money they get from the participants is donated to needy causes. Our Guide and his people were fantastic on the trek and in Cusco, they helped us whenever we needed things like hotel advice and changing money.”

You too can go on many adventures that include raising money for a charity and giving back to the local communities you visit. For example, the leading human rights organization, Amnesty International, is just one of many charities that benefit from these exciting tours. More information is available at www.charitychallenge.ca. THN

www.newscanada.comTOP LEFT: Great Wall Discovery, ChinaTOP RIGHT: Sapa Hill Tribe, Vietnam Trek

MIDDLE LEFT: Kilimanjaro Summit Climb, TanzaniaBOTTOM LEFT: Sahara Desert Trek, Morocco

ABOVE: Ancient City of Machu Picchu, Peru

It was the BEST thing I did in a long time,”says GERHILD NEUGEBAUER

from British Columbia.

“First of all it was just so well organized and the participants all had the same goal; making people aware of the charity of their choice and its purpose … Some of my friends offered to sponsor me without me having to ask for a donation because they wanted to be part of the adventure.” Neugebauer also pointed out that Charity Challenge is environmentally conscious.

travel & lifestyle

Page 10: Our Etobicoke - SPRING 2016

[email protected] I www.StevensonTeam.ca

10 OUR ETOBICOKE SPRING 2016

Simple Tips for Daily Detox

1. Avoid toxins such as household and industrial chemicals, pesti-cides, plastics, alcohol, recre-ational and prescription drugs.

2. Drink a minimum of 8 glasses of water per day and use fresh lemon in your water for liver cleansing.

3. Fresh, organic cold-pressed olive oil is the best for your liver. Olive oil is best used raw/unheated, and is ideal in salad dressings.

4. Exercise and sweat regularly to help with liver detoxification.

5. Practice deep breathing exercis-es for 5 - 10 minutes a day.

Dr. Jackie maintains a family practice in Etobicoke. To book an appointment for an individualized consultation or a free introductory 15 minute consult, please visit www.doctorjackie.ca for contact information.

by Dr. Jacqueline Streich, ND

CLEANINGTHE SEASON OF DETOXIFICATION

CLEANSING&

Spring is a time of creation and of life being restored. This is a good time to take a look at your life and make a new

plan for your health. What do you want to clear out as the past in your environment and within yourself? Spring is a time of planting seeds and watching them grow. We and nature both flourish in this season.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), each season is paired with an organ. The organs of the spring season are the liver and gallblad-der. They carry out essential body functions, particularly the digestion and processing of many substances we take into our bodies. With more than 100 known functions, we can’t “live” without our livers. In addition to assisting with digestion and metabolism, the liver is also responsible for filtering the blood of toxins and breaking them down into waste products for elimination.

From a natural viewpoint, when the liver is overloaded, it is less able to detoxify the blood, and poisons remain, potentially leading to many acute and chronic problems which manifest themselves in each individual’s weak-er areas. Too much of any food, but especially alcohol, chemicals, smoke, drugs, fried oils and meats can be toxic to the liver and gallbladder. Stress can also take a toll on our body’s natural

ability to detoxify and cause further burden on the function of the liver.

There are many natural substances that support healthy function of the gallbladder and liver, and which help to protect us from chemicals and the unhealthy foods or toxins we may be consuming. Apples, apple juice and apple cider vinegar are helpful for gall bladder function. Olive oil is a great nutritive and healthy fat. Fresh lemon and lemon water is also a favourite for daily liver support, as in TCM the liver is stimulated by “sour” flavours.

In addition to proper nutrition, there are many ways to assist your body in being able to detoxify more efficiently and effectively. There are hundreds of various “cleanses” and “detoxes” available on the market making it somewhat confusing for the average person to make sense of what’s out there. In certain cases these programs may not be suited to everyone. A Naturopathic Doctor is educated on the use of natural detoxification therapies and can rec-ommend the appropriate diet and supplements ideally suited to your individual needs.

This spring, as you assess all the tasks need-ing to be done as part of your household spring cleaning, take some time to check in with your body and consider doing some personal spring cleaning as well! ◘

Page 11: Our Etobicoke - SPRING 2016

11 OUR ETOBICOKE SPRING 2016

IngredientsGrilled Basil Chicken• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts• 3 Tbsp olive oil, plus more for brushing grill• 1/3 cup slightly packed chopped fresh basil• 2 cloves garlic, minced• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Vinaigrette• 1/3 cup olive oil• 3 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar• 1 Tbsp honey• 1 tsp dijon mustard• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Salad• 10 oz Spring Mix lettuce• 1 lb peaches, sliced (about 3 small)• 2 ears corn, husked and kernels cut from cob• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted• 1/2 small red onion, sliced thin (about 3/4 cup),

rinse under water to remove harsh bite• 4 oz Goat cheese, crumbled

InstructionsFor the CHICKEN:In a small mixing bowl whisk together olive oil, basil, garlic, and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper (about 1/2 tsp of each). Using the back of a spoon, press basil against sides and bottom of bowl (to help extract flavor from basil). Place chicken in a resealable bag and pound thicker parts of chicken to even thickness with a meat mallet, then pour basil mixture over chicken and evenly distribute basil over chicken. Seal bag while pressing excess air out, rub marinade over chicken and transfer to refrigerator and marinate 2 - 5 hours.

Preheat a grill to 425 - 450 degrees over medium high heat. Brush grill grates lightly with olive oil then place chicken on grill. Grill until cooked through, rotating once halfway through cooking, about 4 - 5 minutes per side (chicken should register 165 degrees in center of chicken on an instant read thermometer). Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes then slice into strips or dice into cubes.

For the VINAIGRETTE:

Whisk together all ingredients until well blended and season with salt and pepper to taste. Store in refrigerator until ready to use, stir again before pouring over salad.

For the SALAD:

In a large salad bowl gently toss together lettuce, peaches, corn, pecans, onions, and grilled chicken. Sprinkle goat cheese over top and drizzle with vinaigrette. Serve immediately after adding dressing.

PEACH SALADwith Grilled Basil Chicken and White Balsamic-Honey Vinaigrette

Page 12: Our Etobicoke - SPRING 2016

[email protected] I www.StevensonTeam.ca

12 OUR ETOBICOKE SPRING 2016

Liz John StevensonAndrea Streich

s a l e s r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s

[email protected]

SOLDHOMES2015

Whether you are contemplating a move or would just like a sense of what your home may be worth in today’s market...

38 Westhead Road* 1300 Islington Avenue* 90 Stadium Road*38 Toledo Road*39 Chartwell Road*

JamesClubCondo.com EssexCondo1615.com155PrincessMargaret.com15Dimplefield.com

12Whitecroft.com 26Clissold.com 88WestDeanePk.com1535Islington.com95Botfield.com

31Totteridge.com 16Tettenhall.com 145PrincessAnne.com2Ashwood.com23Bournemouth.com

CALL FOR A FREEMARKET EVALUATION

416.233.8657

Page 13: Our Etobicoke - SPRING 2016

13 OUR ETOBICOKE SPRING 2016

[email protected] I www.StevensonTeam.ca

HUMBER VALLEY EXECUTIVE HOMEWelcome to this unique one-of-a-kind renovated three bedroom four bath two storey executive residence on a resortlike setting in Humber Valley.

Enjoy entertaining your guests from the upscale gourmet kitchen with high end stainless appliances to the dining room with glass surround over-looking the pool and pergola. Relax in the main floor family room with soaring ceilings and walkout to deck and patio. The renovated spa-like baths are a designer’s dream.

But access from the huge master bedroom to the amazing second level private deck over-looking the pool and huge landscaped property is the ultimate highlight of this incredible home.

ShowcaseHOME Listed at

$1,299,0001535 ISLINGTON AVENUE

Page 14: Our Etobicoke - SPRING 2016

[email protected] I www.StevensonTeam.ca

14 OUR ETOBICOKE SPRING 2016

2016 IS THE YEAR TO SIMPLIFY Check out these simple ways to make positive changes in your home

As we begin to anticipate the end of the winter season our thoughts often turn to upcoming changes in

weather. With that first burst of warmth we tend to get restless and look forward to the changes that spring will bring. Some of us even get the urge to clean out our closets and lighten the load of the heavy winter gear.

This is true for our lives as well. We collect “stuff ” over time and then we find that we spend too much time dealing with the “stuff ”, cleaning around the “stuff ” and moving “stuff ” from place to place. And when we are faced with selling or moving, the “stuff ” weighs us down.

It’s time for a change. Let’s make 2016 the year we simplify our lives and our sur-roundings. Benjamin Moore has selected Simply White (OC-117) as the paint colour of the year. In our progressively complicat-ed lives, we seek simplicity. Take the time to review what you have. Group similar items, particularly if they are smaller, to reduce the visual space the take up or group larger possessions to make a stronger statement in

a room. Remove items that you no longer enjoy or use. These can be sold, given to someone who will enjoy them or donated to a cause you would like to help with. You and the recipient will both feel better!

Simple does not need to be boring. Some people mistakenly think that staging is boring, that you will be left with no colour and no personality if you simplify and stage your home. The opposite is actually true. When you remove all the small things that clutter up your space, you direct attention to those few things you love or the selling point of the room.

Staging is colour. You should feel emotion when you walk into a room. Pick a shade that makes you feel happy or calm or ex-cited. It could be a colour in a favourite piece of art or in a scarf you enjoy wearing. Then repeat that colour in several places. In these photos, I used a builder’s new home and enticed potential buyers with simplicity and colour. Your eye goes to the finishing details, the splashes of colour, the spaciousness of the rooms. The result is calm and pleasing, draws you in and holds your interest.

Staging your home, whether for selling or for living, does not have to be expen-sive. You can make a great impression with accessories that look good, and these accessories, if carefully selected and placed, can be very cost effective. Magazines and the internet are filled with ideas. They of-

ten feature a presentation showing similar items in a range of prices. Good research and a dash of creativity can achieve won-ders for all budgets. A good stager can help you use your budget well and save you from making costly errors. For years, the

Stevenson Team has recognized the value of staging their listings with outstanding results. When an experienced realtor and a qualified stager work together, they get results. Showcase your home now and enjoy the benefits.

Take a deep breath and take that first step to simplifying your home surroundings. Begin to reduce and eliminate what is un-necessary. Simplify your space and you will start to simplify your life. Free yourself, reawaken your senses and love your space all over again. ◘

Alice Landa is president and owner of Master Stagers Inc. and has lived in, and served, the Etobicoke community for many years. She has achieved one of the top designations in Home Staging as an Accredited Staging Professional Master. For more information, please visit www.masterstagers.com.

by Alice Landa, ASPM, CCSP, CPA, CGA

Page 15: Our Etobicoke - SPRING 2016

15 OUR ETOBICOKE SPRING 2016

[email protected] I www.StevensonTeam.ca

Disassociate Yourself from Your Home Make the mental decision to let go of your emotions and focus on the fact that this house will no longer be yours and it must be prepared to attract new owners.

De-ClutterRemember that you are selling space and clutter reduces the look of spaciousness. Pack up books and knickknacks. Clean out closets and storage areas.

Make sure the kitchen and bathroom counters are clear of everything. Think of this process as a headstart on the packing you will eventually have to do.

De-PersonalizePack up your personal photos and family artifacts so that Buyers are not distracted by how you live. You want the Buyers to see themselves living there.

Maintain The MechanicalsHave the furnace, air conditioner and chimney inspected and cleaned. Check drains and ductwork.

Fix any plumbing problems or leaky roofs. Buyers expectations are that these items are in good condition.

Do Your Fix-upsRepaint or at least touch up interior and exterior paint for a fresh, polished look. Replace items that show wear and tear. You can instantly modernize a room with upgrades to faucets, drawer pulls or a new light fixture.

Brush Up Your Curb AppealFirst impressions are everything so show off your home’s best face. Tidy up the landscaping, invest in fresh outdoor lighting and house numbers if applicable, and choose a few tasteful accessories to create an inviting entranceway. Don’t forget to wash the windows.

Hire a Professional StagerIt’s a fact! A staged home sells faster and for more money. A home buyer is willing to pay more for a home that has been professionally staged. A stager will know exactly how to show-case your home to its best advantage.

BUYERS EXPECTATIONS ARE HIGH in today’s market place.Put yourself in a Buyer’s shoes and open your front door. Do you want to go inside? Does the house welcome you? Linger in the doorway of every room and imagine how your house will look to a buyer.Examine carefully how the furniture is arranged and move pieces around until the rooms look spacious and have impact and pizzazz.Finally, does it look like nobody lives in this house? Now you’re ready!

Secrets to a SUCCESSFUL HOME SALE

C ONTR ACTORSARCHITECTS • HOME BUILDERS

RENOVATORS • HANDYMEN

LEGAL/FINANCIALLAWYERS • MORTGAGE SPECIALISTS

ACCOUNTANTS • FINANCIAL ADVISORS

I N T E R IOR / E X T E R IORIN-HOME CLEANING • JUNK REMOVAL

EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE • LANDSCAPING

MOVING SERVICESMOVERS • PACKING & STORAGE

SENIORS MOVING SERVICES

We know all the right people you need for home prep!

Page 16: Our Etobicoke - SPRING 2016

COMMUNITYEVENTSSpring 2016

FEBRUARY 12 - 15 GTA Home & Reno Show The International Centre - 6900 Airport Road (10am - 10pm)

FEBRUARY 20 Coldest Night of the Year Walking fundraiser that raises money for the hungry, homeless and hurting in 100+ communities across Canada.Church on the Queensway - 1536 The Queensway (5pm - 8pm)416-640-2005 • www.coldestnightoftheyear.org

MARCH 18 - 20 Toronto Comic ConBoasting unique exhibitors, presentations, workshops and many celebrity guests. Metro Toronto Convention Centre

MARCH BREAK 14 - 18 Junior Chef Camp at Montgomery’s Inn Kids learn how to cook.

APRIL 1 - 3 Spring Cottage Life Show Meet more than 550 exhibitors showing boats, docks, builders, contractors, innovative building products, green solutions, decor and style, water toys and more.International Centre

APRIL 25 Flea Market Kingsway-Lambton Church - 5 The Kingsway (8am - 1pm)

MAY 1 2016 Mandarin Multiple Sclerosis Etobicoke Walk St. Mark Catholic School - 45 Cloverhill Rd. (8:30am - 1pm)

MAY 28 - 29 Doors Open TorontoCommunities open the doors to some of Ontario’s most intriguing and charming heritage sites. Admission is free!

MAY 30 Rosie’s 16th Annual Fun Fair Rosethorn Junior School - 2 Remington Dr. (10:30am - 2:30pm)

FE

BR

UA

RY

MA

RC

HM

AY

AP

RI

L