Nestled along the picturesque shoreline of Lake Ontario, the Beaches neighborhood in Toronto offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, community spirit, and an exceptional quality of life. If you're in search of the perfect place to call home, the Beaches beckons with its unique charm and an array of advantages that make it an ideal destination for homebuyers. Let's dive into what makes the Beaches an exceptional place to live and explore the advantages of making this vibrant neighborhood your new home.

1. Stunning Waterfront Living: One of the greatest draws of the Beaches is its stunning waterfront. Imagine waking up to the soothing sounds of lapping waves, strolling along the boardwalk, and taking in breathtaking sunsets over the lake. With its sandy beaches, picturesque parks, and ample opportunities for water activities, the Beaches offers an idyllic coastal lifestyle that feels like a year-round vacation.

2. Tight-Knit Community: The Beaches exudes a strong sense of community that welcomes residents with open arms. From lively street festivals and farmers markets to local cafes and boutique shops, there's always something happening in this vibrant neighborhood. The friendly atmosphere and active community associations make it easy to connect with like-minded individuals and forge lasting friendships.

3. Abundance of Recreational Opportunities: Living in the Beaches means having access to a wealth of recreational opportunities. The neighborhood boasts numerous parks, including the sprawling Kew Gardens, ideal for picnics, sports, and leisurely walks. Additionally, the Martin Goodman Trail provides a scenic route for jogging, cycling, and rollerblading, offering breathtaking views of the lake throughout the year.

4. Eclectic Dining and Shopping Scene: Food enthusiasts and shopaholics will find their haven in the Beaches. The neighborhood is home to an eclectic array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries, offering a diverse range of culinary delights. Whether you crave international cuisine, farm-to-table fare, or cozy coffee shops, the Beaches has something to satisfy every palate. Furthermore, the area boasts a delightful selection of boutique shops, vintage stores, and local markets, making it a shopper's paradise.

5. Excellent Schools and Family-Friendly Environment: For families, the Beaches is an excellent choice due to its proximity to top-rated schools and a family-friendly environment. Parents can feel confident in providing their children with a high-quality education while fostering a sense of belonging in a neighborhood known for its safety and community engagement. The abundance of parks, playgrounds, and family-oriented events further enhances the appeal for families seeking a nurturing environment.

Conclusion: The Beaches neighborhood in Toronto presents a remarkable opportunity for those in search of a wonderful place to call home. With its stunning waterfront living, tight-knit community, recreational opportunities, diverse dining and shopping scene, and family-friendly environment, the Beaches truly embodies the essence of a desirable and fulfilling lifestyle. Whether you're captivated by its natural beauty, the sense of community, or the endless activities, the Beaches is a neighborhood that promises a truly exceptional living experience.

So, why wait? Dive into the Beaches and explore the possibilities of finding your dream home in this remarkable Toronto neighborhood.

Southeast neighbourhoods of Toronto, a great place to live

 

Toronto's Southeast neighborhoods offer a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and community spirit. Nestled along the eastern shores of the city, these vibrant areas showcase a diverse range of housing options, excellent amenities, fruit markets, cafes, restaurants, shops and a close-knit atmosphere. I would like to shine a spotlight on the Southeast neighborhoods of Toronto, by highlighting their unique characteristics and why they are worth considering for your real estate needs.

1. Leslieville: Located just east of downtown, Leslieville is a trendy and dynamic neighborhood that has transformed from an industrial area to a hub of arts, culture, and culinary delights. Its charming tree-lined streets are dotted with Victorian-style homes, trendy boutiques, cozy cafes, and renowned restaurants. With a vibrant arts scene and a strong sense of community, Leslieville offers an inviting and eclectic atmosphere.

2. The Beaches: Known for its picturesque sandy beaches, the aptly named neighborhood of The Beaches is a tranquil retreat within the city. This family-friendly community boasts a lively boardwalk, inviting parks, and a bustling main street filled with charming shops, restaurants, and cafes. With a mix of detached homes, townhouses, and low-rise condominiums, The Beaches provides a serene coastal lifestyle with easy access to downtown Toronto.

3. Riverdale: Situated just east of downtown, Riverdale is a diverse and welcoming neighborhood characterized by its leafy residential streets and historic architecture. It offers a range of housing options, including Victorian-era homes and modern condominiums. Riverdale is beloved for its proximity to parks, such as Withrow Park and Riverdale Park, which provide ample green space for recreational activities and community gatherings.

4. East York: East York, a former borough that amalgamated with Toronto, offers a suburban feel with the convenience of urban living. This family-oriented community features tree-lined streets, well-maintained parks, and a variety of housing choices, including detached houses, bungalows, and townhomes. East York is known for its excellent schools, local shops, and the sprawling greenspaces of Taylor Creek Park and the Don Valley.

5. Scarborough Bluffs: Located in the eastern part of the city, Scarborough Bluffs is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. The neighborhood is defined by its towering cliffs overlooking Lake Ontario, pristine beaches, and lush parks. It offers a mix of housing options, including waterfront properties, single-family homes, and townhouses. Residents of Scarborough Bluffs can enjoy outdoor activities, hiking trails, and stunning views, all within close proximity to the city center.

Conclusion: Toronto's Southeast neighborhoods provide a diverse range of real estate opportunities with their unique character and desirable amenities. From the trendy vibe of Leslieville to the tranquil coastal ambiance of The Beaches, these neighborhoods offer a high quality of life, strong community spirit, and a range of housing options to suit various needs and preferences. Whether you seek a vibrant urban atmosphere, family-friendly surroundings, or natural beauty, the Southeast neighborhoods of Toronto are worth exploring for their charm and distinctiveness.

 

HOME MAINTENANCE

Easy ways to maintain your home 

 

Spring is a great opportunity to fix up the inevitable wear and tear on your home during the winter. Here are some suggestions to get your place back in shape:

Inspect your air conditioner

Test out your A/C and address any issues before the heat of summer hits. Remove the cover, clean debris, or schedule a service visit if needed.

Give some TLC to your washer and dryer

Run vinegar through your washer’s hot water cycle, remove residue and mold from dispensers, and vacuum lint from dryer vents while inspecting hoses for damage.

Fix up your faucets

Look for leaks and repair by tightening fixtures or replacing washers. Descale indoor faucets with vinegar to improve flow and test outdoor faucets for cracks or leaks caused by sub-zero temperatures.

Seal gaps and cracks around windows and doors

Seal spaces or cracks where air may escape and bugs can enter. Mend holes in screens, lubricate hinges, and remove dirt to make the eyes of your home look like new.

Refresh in and around your home

Spruce up your entryway with planters or fresh flowers. Tend to your garden and lawn by weeding and cutting back vegetation. Crack open your windows and let the fresh air flow freely.

Put my expertise to work for you!

Ask me for spring maintenance tips to help keep your home at its best.

 

Cristina Van Blommestein 

Sales Representative 

(416) 606-4663 

cristina@royallepage.ca 

http://cristina.royallepage.ca 

Royal LePage Estate Realty - East Toronto Office, Brokerage 

(416) 690-2181 

1052 Kingston RD  

All offices are independently owned and operated, except those marked as indicated at rlp.ca/disclaimer.

Not intended to solicit currently listed properties or buyers under contract. The above information is from sources believed reliable, however, no responsibility is assumed for the accuracy of this information.

 

©2020 Bridgemarq Real Estate Services Manager Limited. All rights reserved.

 

The Right Fit

Home may be where the heart is, but it's also where you and your family need to comfortably fit. If you're trying to decide between a single-family home and a condo for your next move, you'll want to weigh the various configurations. Houses: Houses come in a myriad of formations, from single-story bungalows to multi-floor mansions. A detached house is a complete unit on its own where you own both the building and the land it's on. A semi-detached house shares a wall with another house, but is otherwise its own complete unit. Townhouses also fall into the single-family home category, and while they can have the space and indoor layout of a detached or semi-detached house, they're attached either on the sides or vertically with the other townhouses in the complex. There are two types of townhouses — freeholds, where the owner owns both the house and the land it's built on, and condominium townhouses, where the owners own a percentage of the condo corporation versus any actual land. Similar to an apartment condominium, condo townhouse owners pay a monthly maintenance fee to cover water, sewage, garbage and shared amenity expenses. Condominiums: A condominium can refer to one unit within one building, or a series of buildings on a piece of land. It is governed by an elected body that makes decisions pertaining to building regulations, maintenance and concerns that affect unit owners and residents. The difference between an apartment and a condo unit is that with apartments, each unit in the building is owned by one entity and then rented out to tenants. With a condo, an individual owns their particular unit, which can then be either occupied by the owner or in some cases, rented out. Let's sit down and review your current needs, wants and budget, as well as your future lifestyle requirements in order to find the type of housing that provides just the right fit.

 

Support Services

Reluctant about relocating? Mystified by mortgages? As a homeowner, you’re certainly not alone!

Homeownership involves what is most likely the largest financial commitment you’ll ever make, so you’ll want to be confident you understand exactly what’s involved when both buying and selling, especially when it comes to all the costs surrounding your decisions. Let your real estate salesperson and your mortgage representative educate, guide and support you throughout your most significant transactions.

Thinking of making a move? Your mortgage professional will help you determine what you can afford, and your sales representative will help you work within your budget.

Most people tend to do their research when searching for a new mortgage, then after much deliberation, finally decide on one only to then “set it and forget it”. With new mortgage products continuously being introduced to the market, however, coupled with your own changing financial and personal circumstances, you’ll want to verify your current loan agreement still makes sense for you.

Not planning to move anytime soon? It’s still important to schedule regular reviews with both your loan provider and your real estate sales representative.

Your real estate sales professional never really stops working for you because we know that, while your current home may be perfectly adequate for now, chances are you’ll be looking to upsize, downsize or make a lateral move at some point. There’s absolutely no cost or obligation to maximizing our existing relationship by asking for regular updates on the latest neighbourhood trends and home prices, and there’s certainly nothing wrong with having someone keep an eye out for your dream home in case it comes up when you least expect it! 

At the very least, you’ll want to connect with your real estate sales representative so you’re always cognizant of the current value of your home. You may be surprised at how the market has changed since you purchased it!

What motivates us? Did you ever wonder what motivates you?

 

What Motivates You: the Carrot or the Stick?

Whether you are trying to motivate yourself to save for a down payment for  that beautiful new home or whether you are trying to save for that goal you are trying to attain, the best way we can motivate ourselves or others will depend on the type of personal motivation we have or the type of motivation the person we are trying to motivate has.  Do we know what that is?

When I learnt about motivational styles years ago, I found out that some people move towards things they want while others move away from the things they do not want.

I remember that growing up one of my brothers would clean his room when dad said, "if you clean your room, we will go to the beach" . He would have that room done as quickly as he could as he was motivated by the carrot, but my other brother would not. My dad would need to say, "if you do not clean your room you will lose your allowance",  my other brother was motivated by moving away from what he wanted to avoid, the stick motivation.

We are all different, knowing what motivates us or  what motivate those we mentor is useful, as if you are a move towards person, moving towards what you want, writing your goals down will help, having a picture in your mind or literally in front of you will help you as you will start to move towards what you want.

If on the other hand you are a move away person and you need the stick, you  will need to remind yourself of what you are trying to avoid , staying in a house that is too small. Take pictures that reminds you of how crowded the play room for the kids is, or how small your closet or office is, remind yourself with a picture, remind yourself why you need to move away from that.

If you are motivating your employees, the people you mentor, your kids, your family find out first what works for them, do not tell them how poor they are doing,  even if you are a move away person, if they are a move towards person you will demotivate them by doing that, it will have the opposite effect. 

If you are a carrot person nothings gets you going more than to know there is a reward at the end of the tunnel, you need a coach that dangles the carrot in front of you and lets you know what you are doing right you will attain your goals, but you will be completely demotivated by a critical mentor. So mentors and parents remember this.

If you are a stick person or are trying to motivate a stick person, remember move away people are motivated by trying to avoid negative feedback, so remember they need to motivate themselves by reminding  themselves of what they want to avoid and do well with a coach that tells them what they are doing wrong. 

Smart home like technology

 Many young buyers, specially millennials are attracted to smart homes, homes with security systems, smart thermostats, RING doorbells, energy-efficient appliances, tankless water heaters, solar panels and other smart home-like technologies.

Millennials and most other younger buyers are busy, they are working hard on their new careers, they value their free times, they like environmentally-friendly homes as they want to reduce their carbon footprint which lines up with their values and lifestyle. 

So if we are home owners, even those who aren’t planning to sell in the next couple of years, investing in this technology will be helpful as it will benefit for when you are ready to go on the market. It is one of those investments that is worth doing, it will return your investment to you and you will get to enjoy those upgrades for the time being.

Most of us have spent a lot more time at home this year during the pandemic, so investing in our home is well worth it. Investing in smart home technology is a smart investment that will make your life easier and more comfortable as well.