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New property listed in Mt Albert, East Gwillimbury

I have listed a new property at 21102 Mccowan RD in East Gwillimbury. See details here

Welcome to your dream retreat nestled on a sprawling 2-acre property surrounded by trees. Meticulously maintained and updated over the years this stunning home offers a blend of comfort, elegance and functionality. The open concept gourmet kitchen with huge centre island, granite counters & b/i appliances connects the spacious family room with a cozy fireplace and built-in wall unit. Only steps away a 3-season sunroom & expansive deck are great for warm evenings. A formal dining and living room is perfect for those family gatherings and the main floor office is a private retreat overlooking the yard. A sunny and bright upper level includes 3 spacious bedrooms featuring a primary bdrm. with renovated ensuite and an updated main bathroom. A lower level includes a recreation room with built-in cabinets and a 4th bedroom/office. Surrounded by trees this property also includes a workshop/barn with heat/power & water for a versatility of uses and a large utility shed.

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Open House. Open House on Saturday, September 30, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Please visit our Open House at 21102 Mccowan RD in East Gwillimbury. See details here

Open House on Saturday, September 30, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Welcome to your dream retreat nestled on a sprawling 2-acre property surrounded by trees. Meticulously maintained and updated over the years this stunning home offers a blend of comfort, elegance and functionality. The open concept gourmet kitchen with huge centre island, granite counters & b/i appliances connects the spacious family room with a cozy fireplace and built-in wall unit. Only steps away a 3-season sunroom & expansive deck are great for warm evenings. A formal dining and living room is perfect for those family gatherings and the main floor office is a private retreat overlooking the yard. A sunny and bright upper level includes 3 spacious bedrooms featuring a primary bdrm. with renovated ensuite and an updated main bathroom. A lower level includes a recreation room with built-in cabinets and a 4th bedroom/office. Surrounded by trees this property also includes a workshop/barn with heat/power & water for a versatility of uses and a large utility shed.

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Open House. Open House on Sunday, October 1, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Please visit our Open House at 21102 Mccowan RD in East Gwillimbury. See details here

Open House on Sunday, October 1, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Welcome to your dream retreat nestled on a sprawling 2-acre property surrounded by trees. Meticulously maintained and updated over the years this stunning home offers a blend of comfort, elegance and functionality. The open concept gourmet kitchen with huge centre island, granite counters & b/i appliances connects the spacious family room with a cozy fireplace and built-in wall unit. Only steps away a 3-season sunroom & expansive deck are great for warm evenings. A formal dining and living room is perfect for those family gatherings and the main floor office is a private retreat overlooking the yard. A sunny and bright upper level includes 3 spacious bedrooms featuring a primary bdrm. with renovated ensuite and an updated main bathroom. A lower level includes a recreation room with built-in cabinets and a 4th bedroom/office. Surrounded by trees this property also includes a workshop/barn with heat/power & water for a versatility of uses and a large utility shed.

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Open House. Open House on Sunday, October 1, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Please visit our Open House at 40 Lloyd's LANE in King. See details here

Open House on Sunday, October 1, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Gorgeous Custom Built home on a sprawling10-acre estate in desirable King Township shows to perfection. This impressive home, constructed with superior Alba Stone, has been finished with attention to detail including winding oak staircases, hardwood & natural stone tile floors, tray & shiplap ceilings, custom trim and more. This spacious design offers over 3900 s.f. and includes a formal living/dining room, gourmet kitchen with oversized centre island, granite counters, custom cabinetry, & black stainless-steel appliances. The Family room boasts a natural stone w/b fireplace with a French door walk-out to the manicured lawns. The spacious 2nd floor offers a primary suite with a spa-like ensuite bathroom, custom walk-in closet plus 3 additional oversized bdrms and a shared main bathroom. Includes: Detached workshop/garage with power & water, Attached 2.5 car garage w/ separate entrance to basement. Located minutes from Hwy 400, 9 and 27 & amenities on a quiet no-exit street.

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Locals Love - Central York Fire Services Open House

Do you like to explore fire trucks and rescue vehicles? Do you enjoy coffee, donuts and hot dogs? Would you like to brush up on your fire safety knowledge, play games, and say hi to Sparky the Fire Dog? There's an event coming that's just right for you! 

Central York Fire Services is holding its annual Open House in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week. There will be games, prizes and fun for the whole family. Activities include morning coffee and donuts, BBQ hotdogs, Tim Horton Express Train, arts and crafts, fire safety wheel, vehicle rescue, fire trucks, prizes, games, "Sparky the Fire Dog", fire extinguisher demonstration, fire safety information and much more!

Details below:

Date: Saturday, September 23rd, 2023

Address: Station 4-5, 300 Earl Stewart Drive, Aurora

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

This popular event is sure to be fun for everyone. See you there!

Find out more HERE.

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September Market Update

I can't believe that we are already in September and the leaves are starting to turn. This is a great time of year to get yourself ready for the changing seasons, clean up your flower beds and get those kids back to school or sent off to university.

As we head into the fall historically this is the time of year when we see a pick up in the real estate market for a few months before Christmas. The recent Bank of Canada announcement to hold the current Bank of Canada rate at 5% comes as the Canadian economy reported slow economic growth for the second quarter of 2023.

What does this mean for the real estate market? According to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), higher borrowing costs, continued uncertainty about the economy and Bank of Canada decision making, and the constrained supply of listings resulted in fewer home sales in August 2023 compared to August 2022. On a seasonally adjusted monthly basis, sales and average price edged lower. In the short term, we will likely continue to see some volatility in terms of sales and home prices, as Buyers and Sellers wait for more certainty on the direction of borrowing costs and the overall economy,” said TRREB President Paul Baron.

In the York Region area we are seeing an increase in inventory and numerous price reductions from Sellers that need to sell. Prices may continue to move downward in the next few months as inventory increases and Buyers have more choice.

The fall market is a great opportunity for Buyers that have been sitting on the sidelines, and bidding wars may be a thing of the past. We are definitely moving into a more balanced market. Sellers should not wait any longer if they plan to sell as prices may be less next year. If you are buying and selling then whatever the market is doing will not have a huge effect on you.

Enjoy the rest of the fine weather and please don't hesitate to reach out if you are thinking of buying or selling. We would be happy to discuss all of your options.

- Jill Renshaw, Broker

The next Bank of Canada rate decisions will be on Tuesday, October 23.

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I have sold a property at 23 Kingston RD in Newmarket

I have sold a property at 23 Kingston RD in Newmarket. See details here

Welcome to this stunning split-level home with two separate living areas or easily convert to a single family residence. Featuring gleaming hardwood floors, crown moulding and designer paint colours that flow throughout all principal rooms this lovely home has all the major updates and is move-in ready. The 2 bedroom upper level includes a chef style kitchen with S/S appliances & granite counters, spacious living/dining room and a convenient laundry room with access to the garage. The lower level boasts a generous sized 1 bdrm. apartment with a cozy family room with gas fireplace, rec room, and a modern kitchen combined with laundry. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to own a home that offers both stylish finishes and income potential. Conveniently located within walking distance to Upper Canada Mall, shops, restaurant, schools and transportation.

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Open House. Open House on Sunday, September 10, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Please visit our Open House at 40 Lloyd's LANE in King. See details here

Open House on Sunday, September 10, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Gorgeous Custom Built home on a sprawling10-acre estate in desirable King Township shows to perfection. This impressive home, constructed with superior Alba Stone, has been finished with attention to detail including winding oak staircases, hardwood & natural stone tile floors, tray & shiplap ceilings, custom trim and more. This spacious design offers over 3900 s.f. and includes a formal living/dining room, gourmet kitchen with oversized centre island, granite counters, custom cabinetry, & black stainless-steel appliances. The Family room boasts a natural stone w/b fireplace with a French door walk-out to the manicured lawns. The spacious 2nd floor offers a primary suite with a spa-like ensuite bathroom, custom walk-in closet plus 3 additional oversized bdrms and a shared main bathroom. Includes: Detached workshop/garage with power & water, Attached 2.5 car garage w/ separate entrance to basement. Located minutes from Hwy 400, 9 and 27 & amenities on a quiet no-exit street.

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Open House. Open House on Saturday, September 9, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Please visit our Open House at 21 Meadow's End CRES in Uxbridge. See details here

Open House on Saturday, September 9, 2023 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

This showstopper of a Bungalow with Loft has it all - soaring vaulted ceilings in the Living Room, open concept kitchen & dining room, primary suite on the main floor with a spa like ensuite, loft with 2 additional bedrooms + updated bath and a spacious finished basement. The elegant chef style kitchen with large centre island features granite counters and built-in appliances, open to the Dining Room with electric fireplace this is the perfect spot for entertaining guests. The kitchen offers a convenient walk-out to a sunny 3 season sunroom and a two tier composite deck with water feature and a beautifully landscaped and private yard on a large oversized lot. The finished basement offers another bedroom, 2 pc. bath, recreation room and plenty of storage. Conveniently located just a short walk away from parks and trails, and a five minute drive to downtown Uxbridge, this property offers peaceful surroundings on a quiet street and easy access to local amenities and hospital.

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New property listed in Pottageville, King

I have listed a new property at 40 Lloyd's LANE in King. See details here

Gorgeous Custom Built home on a sprawling10-acre estate in desirable King Township shows to perfection. This impressive home, constructed with superior Alba Stone, has been finished with attention to detail including winding oak staircases, hardwood & natural stone tile floors, tray & shiplap ceilings, custom trim and more. This spacious design offers over 3900 s.f. and includes a formal living/dining room, gourmet kitchen with oversized centre island, granite counters, custom cabinetry, & black stainless-steel appliances. The Family room boasts a natural stone w/b fireplace with a French door walk-out to the manicured lawns. The spacious 2nd floor offers a primary suite with a spa-like ensuite bathroom, custom walk-in closet plus 3 additional oversized bdrms and a shared main bathroom. Includes: Detached workshop/garage with power & water, Attached 2.5 car garage w/ separate entrance to basement. Located minutes from Hwy 400, 9 and 27 & amenities on a quiet no-exit street.

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Should you Buy a Home on a Corner Lot?

Experts share the upsides and downsides of owning a home on a corner lot


Let’s say you’ve found your dream home, but its location isn’t what you expected. You might have been looking for something set back from the road or at the end of a cul-de-sac. Instead, you’re contemplating a corner lot property.

“Having a corner lot home has its advantages and challenges,” says Courtney Klosterman, home insights expert at Hippo, a home insurance group. “While bigger is often seen as a luxury these days, do your homework to assess the size of your yard and willingness to invest time and effort into home maintenance tasks.”

Here’s what real estate experts say you should keep in mind when buying a home on a corner lot.

What is a corner lot? 

A corner lot is a plot of land at the intersection of two roads. 

“A corner lot is one that is on two adjoining streets, typically the streets run in the front and one side of the lot or home,” says Sarah Martin, vice president of sales at Stone Martin Builders. 

These homes will have more sidewalks, more yard frontage, and more visibility than neighboring lots. You could find that your corner lots sit in the middle of a neighborhood or at the top of a very busy street. In short, there are a range of locations for corner lots, each with their pros and cons. 

But all corner lots sit at intersections, and we’ll explore the factors that make this a good or bad choice depending on your preferences.

Corner Lot Features to Consider

There are definitely pros and cons to owning a corner lot, depending on how you view certain aspects of homeownership. Here’s a quick overview of the most common considerations buyers make when considering these types of properties.

More Yardwork

More yard means more yardwork, which can be a con depending on your situation.

“Corner lots tend to have larger yards, which could mean more work to maintain landscaping, lawns, and other debris,” Klosterman says. “If service providers like gardeners aren’t an option for you, be prepared to take on the extra work.” 

Of course that means more to mow, but don’t forget the winter months.

“It’s always recommended to consider the year-long weather and storms in the area, and necessary activities to prevent problems, such as plowing snow and ice or protecting the home against flooding or high winds,” Klosterman says.

More Traffic

Given their location, corner lots see a lot more traffic, which can be a problem for some buyers.

“It depends on the neighborhood where the home is located as to how much more traffic that could mean,” Martin says. “In a quiet, residential neighborhood there may not be much traffic impact at all, being on a corner lot.”

But if you know the area has more traffic in general, the corner lot will highlight that.

“The extra traffic could mean more noise, more light from headlights shining into the home, and less privacy,” Martin says.

Dean Sinibaldi, a Realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Main Street Properties, has seen that this increase in traffic also leads to more frequent crashes.

“I have personally witnessed multiple crashes at corner lots. I owned a home adjacent to a corner lot and have seen some fairly bad accidents due to drivers running stop signs of the intersecting streets,” he says.

If you’re unsure about how these factors might affect your home, check with your real estate agent.

“It’s important to talk to a home insurance provider like Hippo about the coverage and costs to insure a corner lot home. Depending on the location of the home, your annual premium for a home on a corner lot may cost more if the home is near a road or intersection,” Klosterman says.

Higher Visibility

Some buyers might be worried about the implications of higher visibility given a home’s corner location.

“Homes located on corner lots may be perceived as having higher risk for burglaries,” Martin says. “These homes have fewer neighbors surrounding them and are more accessible given access from two streets, but that also provides the homeowner with a bit more privacy.”

Still, you can mitigate those risks if you’re worried.

“Homeowners who have concerns might consider more lighting and security features to help ease their mind,” Martin adds.


More Attention

In addition to higher visibility to potential burglars, your corner lot will feature prominently in a neighborhood, and curb appeal (or lack thereof) will be more apparent.

“Some Realtors may agree ... corner lots are described as gateways to streets, cul-de-sacs, neighborhoods, and subject to more scrutiny. More often than not, [they’re also] held to a higher standard of appearance by the community HOA or neighborhood associations,” Sinibaldi says.

Of course, you might enjoy the limelight.

“At Stone Martin Builders, we find that those building a home on corner lots seem to like the creativity that the added yard space can offer when it comes to landscaping and gardening,” Martin says.


Additional Features of Corner Lots

Corner lots have a unique layout compared to other types of lots in a particular subdivision, Martin says. That could mean more options for layout and design of the property.

“Often homes on corner lots offer more design options than those that are built on a regular lot,” Martin says. “For example, corner lot homes could be designed with side-entry garages. This makes for great curb appeal, as the front of the home is not obscured by front-entry garages.”

Plus, the larger lot offers more opportunity for outdoor features the buyer can add later.

“The extra land space of a corner lot can also mean more options outside, such as room for a pool and play equipment for kids,” Martin says.

You might also find that your home’s interior is affected by its location.

“One additional pro of a corner lot parcel not touched on yet within this is, corner lots offer more natural light than the other lots because, in some cases, there are fewer neighbors’ homes blocking the sun due to the intersecting streets,” Sinibaldi says.

Resale Value of Corner Lots

Another major question you’ll likely have when buying any home is how it will fare when you go to resell in the future. When it comes to a corner lot, Sinibaldi said you have a good chance of selling easily.

“A corner lot is typically, always preferred in today’s market,” he says. “Corner lots in today’s housing market are typically highly sought after, due to the characteristics and the many benefits these pieces of real estate offer today's buyers.”

In fact, Sinibaldi says he has seen corner lots sell between 50% and 100% faster than other types of lots. He says that’s an interesting turn of events, given that corner lots used to be a lot harder to sell.

“In the ’90s, when developers first started building large-scale, cookie-cutter homes, the developers had a hard time selling corner lot homes. The developers were receiving negative feedback due to more street exposure, noise, less usable yard, and less privacy,” he says.

In order to combat the negative feedback, some developers decided to add a premium to these corner lots of $5,000 to $10,000, Sinibaldi says, which drew attention, and they began to sell.

That said, you’ll still want to decide whether a corner lot is right for you before buying. You shouldn’t simply purchase the home given its location on the street.

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New property listed in Uxbridge, Uxbridge

I have listed a new property at 21 Meadow's End CRES in Uxbridge. See details here

This showstopper of a Bungalow with Loft has it all - soaring vaulted ceilings in the Living Room, open concept kitchen & dining room, primary suite on the main floor with a spa like ensuite, loft with 2 additional bedrooms + updated bath and a spacious finished basement. The elegant chef style kitchen with large centre island features granite counters and built-in appliances, open to the Dining Room with electric fireplace this is the perfect spot for entertaining guests. The kitchen offers a convenient walk-out to a sunny 3 season sunroom and a two tier composite deck with water feature and a beautifully landscaped and private yard on a large oversized lot. The finished basement offers another bedroom, 2 pc. bath, recreation room and plenty of storage. Conveniently located just a short walk away from parks and trails, and a five minute drive to downtown Uxbridge, this property offers peaceful surroundings on a quiet street and easy access to local amenities and hospital.

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