It’s a new year and you may be thinking of a renovation or a refresh of your home. If you are considering selling and want to create an updated look without huge costs, a trending paint colour is a quick and simple option.

The right colour can make a big difference in your space. Tried-and-true white is still trending - I personally love Sherwin Williams “Origami White” and, preferring a monochromatic look, chose it for both my kitchen and walls in my condo. Soft greys are still trending - usually a safe choice and there are bolder colours trending in the top paint colours of 2023 such as Benjamin Moore’s “Raspberry Blush” or Sherwin William’s “Redend Point”. Would you go bold?

Courtesy of Benjamin Moore

Courtesy of Sherwin-Williams

I have to admit, if I discover a bold coloured wall in a client’s home we are about to list for sale, I ponder, “should it be painted more neutral?” However, recently we listed a home with burnt orange coloured walls that gave the room a rustic, New Mexico look - cactus and all - and it worked to set the mood of the room and is right on trend this year with earthy, more natural tones.

Let us know which colours you would choose. We are interested in discovering what home owners are choosing to do with your space - are you a follower of trends or do you boldly roll with your own inspirations. It  must be difficult for some to buck the trends when every designer and real estate agent tells you to “paint in neutral tones” to appeal to the masses.

Viva la Paint - it can be transformative and defines the spaces we live in - the choice is yours!

If you don’t wish to tackle painting yourself, we’d be happy to provide references for trusted professionals.

Please reach out to us for more information or assistance.

1)      Mississauga is rich in cultural diversity offering a wide range of neighbourhoods for all walks of life. No matter what stage of life you may be in, there’s something for everyone. You may chose to live by the water in trendy Port Credit or in upscale Lorne Park or near the bustling City Centre in a high rise condo like the iconic “Marilyns”.

2)      Location, Location, Location. Mississauga is home to Canada’s largest international airport, University of Toronto’s Mississauga campus, the Art Gallery of Mississauga, the Living Arts Centre and recreational parks such as the Riverwood Conservancy and Erindale Park.

3)      Home buyers in Mississauga enjoy the benefit of paying only the Provincial Land Transfer Tax without the addition expense of the matching Toronto Land Transfer Tax that is levied on those who choose to buy a home in Toronto.

4)      Mississauga’s close proximity to Toronto is a bonus for those who commute to downtown for work, to see the Maple Leafs,  the Raptors or the Argos compete, or attend major concerts in the big city.

5)      Square One Mall, in the City Centre, is a shopping mecca with anchor stores such a Hudson Bay, Walmart and Holt Renfrew; restaurants including two of our favs - MADO, a Turkish cafe (try the Turkish delight) and Reds Square One (try the cookies and the tarts); movie theatres, hair salons and more.

Mississauga is a great place to live with vibrant communities offering a wide selection of housing, shopping and schools.

Call us today to tour our new exclusive Mississauga listing at 3208 Cedartree Crescent! 

3208 Cedartree Crescent is nestled within the family friendly neighbourhood of Applewood Hills. Enjoy the 6 kilometre trail maintained year round or take the kids to the playground - both right behind the house. The home is also close (walking distance) to shopping at Creekside Crossing (Walmart, Costco), Mobilia, LA fitness, schools and a quick drive to premium malls (Square One, Sherway Gardens), Go Station, golf and international airport.

Book your tour and come see this renovated home boasting stunning views of landscaped grounds, pool and parkland.

Call 416-985-1486 (Nancy) or 416-894-4079 (Dave).

Now that we are in the midst of winter do you find yourself dreaming of summer? Are you considering purchasing a cottage or waterfront home? What do you like most? A secluded wooded lot? A sandy beach or a rocky shoreline like we see in the Muskokas?

We are fortunate to live in the GTA, where potential buyers have a variety of properties to choose from. The longest fresh water beach in the world lies just 1.5 hours north of Toronto boasting mostly sandy, shallow shores. The Muskokas, with stunning vistas within the Canadian Shield, are just 2.5 hours north of the city. Collingwood, just 1.5 hours north of Toronto is close to both water and the Blue Mountain ski hills.

The possibilities are endless and, waterfront, for many reasons, is a good investment. The benefits include improved air quality, gorgeous natural scenery, a more laid back life-style filled with serenity and improved mental and physical health aided by waterfront activities. We, personally, have enjoyed waterfront living for over 20 years and, speaking from our realtor’s perspective, we’ve seen the values of surrounding beachfront rise significantly over those years. 

Your initial considerations in looking for a recreational property may be your budget, how far how you want to drive to your vacation property and the type of property your prefer. We can help you figure out the rest.

There are many other things to consider. Places like Wasaga Beach and Collingwood offer city amenities such as city sewers and water, bike and ski trails, shops and services. The further up the Georgian Bay coastline towards Tiny Township and further up Highways 400 and 11 to the Muskokas, the properties tend to have wells and septic systems and you may have to drive for groceries.

No matter what your preferences are, this winter may be a good time to purchase waterfront property. Historically, sales tend to be slower in winter with fewer active buyers and less competition. We may see an even slower sales trend this year due to higher interest rates and costs of inflation. This leaves great opportunities for active buyers with purchasing power to snap up a waterfront home!

Although the number of listings are down, there are some great opportunities for you.

If you want to purchase a waterfront property give us a call and we’ll help you discover yours.

A municipality and administrative district within the city of Toronto, Etobicoke is a diverse and rapidly developing area that attracts new residents from all over the country. With a population of about 365,000 and a variety of different neighborhoods to choose from, the Etobicoke real estate market has seen a surge in high-rise condominiums and other multi-story developments. If you are looking for the best places to live in Toronto, these are some reasons Etobicoke should be on your radar.

Etobicoke Real Estate: Three Things to Love About Living in the Area

1. A Privileged Location and Easy Access to the City Center

2. Excellent Services and Recreation Opportunities

3. Diverse Neighborhoods that Accommodate Different Lifestyles

"We love this 2200 sq ft penthouse with a rare 2000 sq ft terrace boasting 270 degree views!!

Enjoy the perks of Bloor West Village shops and picturesque Old Mill.

"We love this penthouse - boasting generous, modern living space, 4 bedrooms and incredible views"

"Close to off leash dog park and tennis!"

Wow! We love the zen feel of this magical property - utilizing large windows to showcase the beautiful outdoor surroundings. From the picturesque pond views to the modern interior features - this home is the ultimate in unique luxury living. 

7825 19th Sideroad, King, Ontario Canada

List: $4,800,000

Listed by: Khalen Meredith, Broker, Sotheby's International Realty Canada, Brokerage

One of our current listings.  Rarely offered 4 season beach front cottage on the worlds longest freshwater beach.

Sun, sand, surf.and amazing sunsets!

132 Shore Lane, Wasaga Beach, Ontario Canada

List: $1,499,000

Listed by: Nancy Pierce and Dave Duncan, Salespersons, Re/Max Professionals Inc., Brokerage

We don't usually post property crush leases but, this one deserves attention!

The design features pop! We love the ladder in the kitchen and the subtle ensuite door-in-the-wall.

And, admittedly, we are huge fans of loft properties.

Call us if interested in leasing this unit in the iconic Tip Top Lofts.

637 Lakeshore Blvd. 1018 - Toronto

Rental: $12,000 / month

Listed by: Andrew John Harrild, Salesperson, Property.Ca Inc., Brokerage

Luxury and location at it's finest....be one of the first to own an indoor sky pool.

Love it for the unique story behind it….

The Versailles inspired mansion was featured in the Emmy award winning Canadian show Schitt’s Creek. Fan’s of the show take note! The Belle Maison, located in the the prestigious St. Andrews-Winfield Toronto area, boasts 12 bedrooms, 16 washrooms, Sistine Chapel inspired frescoes, ornately carved limestone, indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, theatre, grand marble staircase and 4 car garage.

It's a delicate balancing act to keep people safe and healthy and to support the economy.  The food services industry has and will continue to be hard hit until this pandemic is wrestled to the ground.  You can help by ordering online for contactless delivery from many fine Toronto restaurants.  We've rounded up some of our favourite spots offering delivery on apps like Doordash, UberEats and Foodora or through their websites.

• Aba's Bagels is offering delivery on orders of $25 and over. Plus, their 'Bagel it Forward' program lets you send a $30 package to family, friends or loved ones.

• Akira Back is serving fresh sushi from Bisha Hotels' ground level cafe, French Made, every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Alma (UberEats). 

• Aloette is now available on Ritual and Doordash.

• Annabelle is now offering takeout and curb side pick-up daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. (647 398 1585)

• Bar Mercurio's organic, ancient flour pizzas are now available on UberEats.

• Big Trouble Pizza is offering takeout and delivery from their Spadina location. (Foodora)

• Boonsik is giving you $5 off when you spend $20 or more (UberEats).

• Cactus Club is offering some of their fave eats for delivery, plus a Happy Hour special every day from open until 4pm, starting at $6. Enjoy $5 drink specials, six packs starting at $17 and 1/2 price bottles of wine from a selection of fine favourites. Order pick up online or get delivery with DoorDash.

• Chantecler will offer next day home-delivery. Cut off is at 3 p.m. (416 628 3586).

• CIBO is offering most of their regular a la carte menu, plus beer and wine is available. All three CIBO Wine Bar locations are open daily for takeout and delivery (through Uber, Skip, DoorDash etc). 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Calii Love's King Street West location will prepare healthy menu items for both pickup and delivery while supplies last. Beginning this weekend, three varieties of nutritious and affordable wraps will be available for $6.99 each.

• The Drake Commissary is on Uber Eats and The Drake Hotel will be soon. Both restaurants are currently available for walk-ins.

• General Assembly Pizza is available for takeout and delivery and will also be offering pizza kits. Each kit makes two pizzas and includes instructions. Choose from the Loving Cup ($21) or Mila Margherita kit ($19). 

• Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria is offering 10 per cent off all phone-in orders at their Bloor St. West location, and providing the option for curbside pick-up or home delivery via Skip The Dishes, Foodora and Door Dash.

• FIGO is offering carb-filled dishes for takeout and delivery through Ritual and Uber Eats now, and Foodora and DoorDash next week. Place your order for pizza, pasta, and other Italian favourite French Made.

• Frankie's Italian is now offering takeout and Uber Delivery daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. plus curb side pick-up (647 351 2524). 2 for 1 on personal pizzas.

• Garleek Kitchen is available on UberEats.

• Good Hombres will be taking pre-orders for a specific menu by Instagram direct message, email (info@goodhombres.ca) or text message (647 621 6949).

• Happy Burger Toronto is available on UberEats and Skip the Dishes.

• Hadrien Verrier Patisserie is delivering faves like their salted caramel bread pudding on UberEats from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Alternatively email info@hadrienpatisserie.ca.

• Miku is providing takeout – call 647-347-7347 or use Ritual and UberEats.

• Rudy's Rude Dude double cheeseburger is available on Doordash for $5. Type promocode 5DEALS at checkout.

• Oretta is currently offering a limited menu of pizza, pasta and salad. On UberEats exclusively, Oretta has a buy 1 get one free offer for their Margherita Pizza, Paccheri Bolognese and Barbabietola Insalata items.

• The Oxley is open seven days a week from 12 till 6 p.m. Delivery is available: south of St. Claire Ave, east of Bathurst, north of Dundas and west of the DVP. Orders for delivery should be placed and paid for over the phone the day before delivery which will be made between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at no charge (647 348 1300).

• Pizzeria Libretto’s King Street West and Danforth locations are delivering their famous Neapolitan- style pizzas and an assortment of classic Italian dishes.

• Pukka is offering 10 per cent off takeout orders.

• Weslodge has partnered with food delivery services to serve you their signature items in the comfort of your own home. They’re also open for good old fashioned take-away. Menu items will be available on Foodora and Uber Eats this week, and Ritual and DoorDash next week.

• The Shozan Room is offering a free avocado roll with your next order on Ritual.

• TORA's menu offers a variety of Japanese dishes including comforting miso soup, crispy gyoza and of course their signature flame-seared Aburi oshi. (Ritual, UberEats).

For more Toronto restaurants and bars offering takeout and delivery, check out Takeout COVID.