Sonya's Blog

2012-03-05T21:28:00.000-05:00

45 Simpson Avenue, listed at 769,000 and sold this evening for $868,000!

2012-03-05T07:45:00.000-05:00

45 Simpson - Grand Dame of a house in prime Riverdale is taking offers this evening at 5pm. http://x.co/h9xT

2012-01-30T23:09:00.000-05:00

New Listing!
29 Allview Crescent - offered at $669,000
Beautiful extremely large 3 + 1 bungalow in Bayview Village.
Virtual Tour is here;
http://x.co/dHyf

Join me for the open houses Wednesday February 1st from noon till 2 and Saturday and Sunday, the 4th and 5th, from Noon till 4 pm.

2012-01-18T08:03:00.000-05:00

Jon Sowerby from TVH Group speaks;

When is 2.99% not really 2.99%?

Recently, lenders made a bit of a splash when the announcement was made that a 5 year fixed rate mortgage term could be had at an interest rate of 2.99%. Needless to say this exciting news certainly generated some buzz! Now, not that I am biased but I can certainly appreciate as much as the next mortgage broker when something draws attention to the mortgage industry. It gets people thinking about refinancing their homes to pay off debt or perhaps buying a new place. Clearly, money is about as cheap as it can be so if there is a time to do something it is likely now. However, I do bring this to you with a note of caution. Simply put while the rates are great unfortunately not all mortgages are created equal. So while some of these offerings will do wonders for your balance sheet and be all they were supposed to be, some of these products will come with a pretty healthy dose of buyer beware.

When you are going through the hectic process of buying a home or perhaps struggling to get out of debt you don't always take the time to stop and read the fine print. Although the numbers might seem very right, sometimes everything else is extremely wrong. Now it would be disingenuous of me to write that I don't like the idea that rates have fallen. Given my profession I generally view this as a positive both for the consumer and my business. But as surely as I feel that way I can also tell you that sometimes these offers come with significant strings attached. Accordingly, I encourage you to be careful. Make no mistake, if you are thinking now might be a good time to take care of those credit cards or upgrade to that bigger house you're probably right. But let's do it properly. Needless to say, I am here to chat with you or any of your friends or family who want to take the plunge. Call or email and we'll get the ball rolling. That way you can be certain that when you do make your decision and settle on a mortgage solution that you are making the right choice!

- Even if you don’t have a mortgage need at the present time but you need some help in one of the above areas please call or email me. I am privileged enough to work with some of the best in the business and I know they will take excellent care of you and yours.
Jon Sowerby

Verico TVH Mortgages Inc.
63 Lombard Street
Toronto, M5C 1M2
Phone/Fax 416-488-0074
Toll Free 866-449-0074
www.jonsowerby.com
Brokerage License No. 11946
License No. M08002811

2012-01-05T18:41:00.004-05:00

Exclusive Listing. Click my Facebook link and friend me to see lots of pictures.
Address is 72 Arundel Avenue. Listed at $849,000....3 + 1 bedroom, 2 car parking, steps to Danforth near Logan. This is a total renovation, from inside out, top to bottom, done to perfection by exquisite renovator, granite countertops, high quality hardwood flooring. Details are beautifully done and this is ready for move in!

2011-12-05T03:50:00.001-05:00

169 Booth
A wonderful little condo alternative that is screaming for a new owner! It's the best deal going in Leslieville. Consider putting %25 down on this $389,000 property and carrying it for lower than your condo. $1494.19 to be exact! And though it has 2 car parking, you'll be walking to all the new and fantastic pubs, restos and bistros with your date....it's in the heart of Leslieville just off of Queen street.
Come see it! Let's talk! Click on my Facebook link for pics.

2011-12-01T00:35:00.001-05:00

I love this!!!

Canadian men are tops when it comes to being hairy.

The Movember campaign netted in excess of $33 million in Canada -- more than in any other country in the world.
The campaign to raise funds for prostate cancer research began in Australia in 2003 and has become a global event, now taking place in 14 countries.
Canadians began participating five years ago, when about 2,000 men grew a "Jack Layton" or a "Lanny McDonald" for the cause.
This year, more than 245,000 men -- dubbed Mo Bros -- registered with Movember Canada, said spokesman Matt Matheson.
"As people see more moustaches, they start more conversations," Matheson said, which helps to spread awareness.
Most Mo Bros will shave Wednesday; others will wait until Thursday, when the final fundraising totals will be announced.
Way to go all Movember Men!!!

2011-11-21T15:16:00.002-05:00

485 Jones Avenue is SOLD!

2011-11-08T16:10:00.011-05:00

Two new listings;
169 Booth Avenue & 485 Jones Avenue

Come meet me at 485 JOnes Avenue...this is a spectacular house! Open House on Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 pm. Tony Quarrington, the wonderful guitar player and composer is playing from 2 to 4. Join us for a glass of wine and a song or three.
Here is my YouTube blog for 485 Jones Avenue.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCQgIeQTLeA
virtual tour:
http://x.co/aq9X

And here is 169 Booth Avenue, on Open House this weekend from 2 - 4 pm, it's the perfect two bedroom condo alternative with a large back yard and 2 car parking, in the heart of everything wonderful that new Leslieville has to offer.
virtual tour:
http://x.co/ayUJ

2011-11-04T20:14:00.008-04:00

Come see 485 Jones Avenue, MLS # E2234072....An incredibly beautiful reno-ed two and half story 4 + 1 bedroom gem in the Pocket district of Danforth/Riverdale. Listed at 599,000 and all done for you to just move in and enjoy! Click on the virtual tour link below.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCQgIeQTLeA

And 169 Booth Avenue is due out early this week. An amazing deal - condo alternative well done modernized row house, perfect for a professional couple. It's literally steps to the most amazing trendy and new part of Leslieville and right off Queen Street. It even has 2 car parking and laneway in the back, with a full sized yard and walk-out to the back onto a nice deck. Jimmie Simpson community centre gym and Starbucks within baseball throwing distance.

2011-10-27T20:54:00.003-04:00

This just in from Leanne Conroy of RBC;

Canadian housing market remains resilient

Canadian homebuyers remain unshaken by the recent volatility during the last few months in global financial markets, according to data released this week by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and Canada’s Housing Market Update from RBC Economics Research. Home resales rose modestly by 2.7% in September overall in Canada, after staying relatively flat in August (relative to July), with the majority of provincial markets posting gains.

Housing markets continue to be generally balanced across the country – CREA indicated that the sales-to-new listing ratio was in the ‘balanced zone’ in two-thirds of local markets, and the remainder was evenly split between markets where conditions were favourable to sellers and buyers.

The resilience of Canada’s housing market in August and September, at a time when renewed turmoil in global financial markets raised concerns that this might spook homebuyers, is reassuring on many levels. In general terms, it speaks volumes to the continued strength of the market’s underpinnings – balance between demand and supply, positive employment trends, and low interest rates. But perhaps more importantly, it says much about the confidence Canadians continue to have about making a major purchase and the financial commitment that comes with it.

While further global anxiety could unsettle homebuyers, we believe that the confidence Canadians have expressed to this point indicates that they are placing a greater focus on domestic economic conditions and market fundamentals than the volatility taking place outside of Canada’s borders.

Leanne Conroy

Mobile Mortgage Specialist
RBC Royal Bank
647-283-2035

leanne.conroy@rbc.com

2011-10-25T11:51:00.004-04:00

It's Halloween time! My absolute favourite time of the year. Normally I shun all forms of squash, but I can't resist making coconut curry pumpkin soup, pumpkin pies, pumpkin shortbread cookies, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pancakes.....I just love the colour and the smell of pumpkins. And of course, I usually carve out about 6 or so for party decorations....it's a pretty eco thing to use for a decoration...

Are you going out trick or treating this year? We are and it's a Monday this year.....a little anti climatic after all the weekend parties but I can't resist going out if only for the yearly Halloween play on Langley at the corner of Howland. There are three shows, 7:30, 8 and 8:30 pm. Don't miss it!

One of my favourite places in Leslieville has closed it's doors...:-( ....Leonidas on Coady at Queen is gone and now, I must treck all the way up to the Danforth for a chocolate fix, at their Leonidas sister shop. I tell myself it might be best though, as the walk with work off any calories from a 3rd piece I might indulge in! When pressed for time, I go around the corner from my brokerage to It's The Icing On The Cake... the most incredible cupcakes! Check out their Halloween treats!

Stay tuned for my fall listings and 'houses bought'....Happy Halloween everyone!

2011-10-09T07:06:00.000-04:00

You've got to check this out...it's too funny and a very real example of why hiring a professional in real estate is the smart move for you! Click on the title of the article.

ForSalebyOwner.com founder gives up on own listing, hires real estate broker

2011-10-05T13:29:00.000-04:00

The Fall Market; What a fabulous fall we've had so far. So many wonderful listings out now and still a very strong market. Predictions are not recommended, especially in writing, but I'd have to say, the next few months look very promising for a lot of sellers. Riverdale and Leslieville are indeed one of the hottest pockets in the entire GTA right now and will be for a number of years, I should think. There's so much building/developing just south of us, it can't help but be strong in the future.
Income properties are the flavour du jour for my clients these days and not surprisingly, these clients are women, 2 of them single. It's a fantastic way to agment your income and the ladies are on top of the game by investing in these. I have many contractor/ renovator friends in my pocket to help them along too, so the process is a lot less scary with a few guys wearing tool belts around. Proud to feel like I'm helping them build their portfolios this way!

2011-07-22T14:39:00.000-04:00

The singing realtor is at The Old Nick, 123 Danforth right at Broadview, Saturday the 23rd at 10:30 pm with her full band. Come cool off with some hot jazz and swing blues and torch tunes.
I've been busy in Leslieville lately and would love to meet you so come up and say hello in person.
In the meantime, check out leslieville.org for up to date happenin's around the area.....

2011-07-10T13:09:00.001-04:00

I'm a summer baby so as long as it's warm out, I won't complain. Come celebrate my birthday at The Old Nick @ 123 Danforth. I'm singing with my band and would love to see you! July 23rd @ 10:30 pm, no cover.
http://theoldnick.wordpress.com/
In late August/early September, I'm taking a quick 6 day holiday with family to New York City. Along with a few museums, all the typical tourist attractions, the latest one being Ground Zero, we'll be run off our feet and loving it. I haven't returned to NYC since 9/11 and want to pay my respects to that location and a city in which I spent a great deal of my late 80's and early '90's. I'm also sitting in with my friend Vince Giordano at Sophia's Restaurant. His big band The Nighthawks have a sound straight from the swing era. It will be an honour to sing with them....video to come!
For the rest of the summer, I'm here in Toronto and always taking your calls. I love hearing from you at any time and will as usual, answer you without delay.
Coming soon to this site; links and buttons and other clicky things. Leslieville is so rich in attractions and news and events, it may me a while to list them all but they are coming.

2011-06-16T07:44:00.000-04:00

I know, terrible that I should leave this for so long. But it's a good thing as I've been busy....a few listings have sold and I've got some buyers out and about....and yeah, I admit, I've taken a day off here and there to enjoy the weather, plant my garden. I've got a new Ebike (in screaming neon orange so you can't miss me and hit me....which happened a few months ago), a new Smart car with my face on it (so, again, you can't miss me!) and I'm ready for summer.
No one could have predicted this kind of price climate and bidding wars to last so long...there is simply not enough on sale these days and it was quite a surprise that spring hit and not much came out. I do see the prices leveling off though and there isn't the same 'almost guarantee' that things will indeed sell in multiple offers anymore. If you're a buyer, this trend has been painful. Let's see what July brings us.
Tips? I got a few .....try Ecopainting if you're freshening up your walls.....ecopainting.ca 416-733-7767 for guilt free colour indulgence.

2011-04-20T11:04:00.002-04:00

You know what gets me fired up....in a good way? Eco anything! I went to the Green Living Show and was filled with hope....anxiety over pollution, waste and generally killing this earth literally keep me up at night....so I thought I'd go hang with some very forward and green thinking people.

I met Tom Knezik from Solares.

"Solares Architecture Inc. offers architectural, interior design, and project management services required at every step of the design and building process, from Concept Development to Construction Documentation. The resulting Environmentally Integrated Homes™ provide a lifestyle of plenty with a reduced environmental footprint."

And they mean it....check them out....solares.ca

Then there was Greg Hill from Maple Hill tree services. If you're anything like me, killing a tree for a coveted view or a much needed parking pad puts you in tears, call Greg.

"Maple Hill is dedicated to salvaging wood from " last resort " urban tree removals. Trees need to be removed periodically due to old age, environmental reasons or urban development and often end up consuming precious space in our landfill sites or in the fireplace, contributing carbon to our atmosphere. As an effort to give these trees renewed life and the respect that they deserve our carpenters create unique and hand crafted wood products, highlighting the natural qualities and unusual characteristics of each tree."
And that's just the beginning of their wonderful services and vision....http://www.maplehilltree.com/index.html

Going to this show with my daughter was the best part though. Seeing the new electric cars manufactured by large car companies was a moment in history I and likely, she, will never forget. Much like watching the first man on the moon with my father, even then I realized there was no turning back for mankind.

2011-04-03T21:05:00.000-04:00

Finally! April is here and with it, the smell of earth, the last of the snow and fewer layers of clothing. In between running open houses, I've been out singing at some few choice places around town. It's a great way for me to meet clients. So, if you like jazz, blues, swing and torch tunes or going to any of the numerous open houses, come see me! I'm easy to locate. In fact, I'm at the Liberty Bistro in Liberty Village on April the 8th @ 7 pm. And I'm at 67 Langley doing an open house this coming weekend during the day......so come out and see me!

2011-03-01T21:45:00.005-05:00

Check out my new listings!

135 Simpson Avenue, Toronto
MLS#: E2046865
here is the virtual tour link;
http://x.co/S379
This is a wonderful duplex but so easily converted back into a grand single family home. Large, bright, solid, with good sensible renos and upkeep in the heart of Riverdale. Great Value. Perfect Location. You'll love it!

67 Langley Avenue, Toronto
MLS#: E2046793 and here is the virtual tour link;
http://x.co/S4Bh
What can I say except maybe....this is a dream home! I love this house, the seller designer had a blast 'unrenovating' this Victorian gem. He's somehow managed to make it look modern, open and airy all the while bringing out the original character and splendour of the house from the past. Beautiful!

2011-02-08T16:58:00.003-05:00

I had the pleasure of doing an open house for an agent last weekend in Riverdale in a beautiful, little, well kept house. It was so packed at one point, I wondered how they could see the house for the people! Offers were being held back to get everyone through it over the mid week and weekend. It went over asking and had 4 offers on it, though it was a 2 bedroom in a family neighbourhood known for it's 2+ kid per family ratio. The lucky winner just couldn't stop shouting with joy. Sweet!

As winter bears down, your garden is buried and you'd think no one would venture out if they really didn't have to, do what this 2 bedroom house couple did - put yours on the market first, before the big spring push! Being the first on the market, when the pent up demand is strong with lack of product over the holidays, is a big plus.

2011-01-24T23:18:00.001-05:00

What keeps me up at night? The answer to this has changed considerably over the last decade. Since having a child, my worries have centered increasingly on whether or not there will be a clean world for her by the time she's ready for her own set of 'Mother Worries'. Using household cleaning products with as few chemicals in them as possible, reusing shopping bags and buying non bleached paper items for the house only go so far in assuaging my Eco Mother Guilt.
Here are a few companies thinking and changing things in greener and grander ways.
Check out http://www.villagetechnologies.ca,

http://www.greenneighbourhoodhomes.ca and my favourite on name alone; http://www.fourthpig.org

As you get set to sell, buy or renovate your home, take a look at what they offer. You'll be amazed at things like grey water recovery systems, clean green insulation materials like straw bale and reclaimed flooring materials. These companies go beyond using the usual cleaner paints; they take this green living concept much further to make your everyday existence in your home less damaging to the world at large. Ah! Now I can sleep better knowing I've spread the word and lessened my Mommy Guilt by just a little bit! Oh, and let me know if you use them and what you think of them, okay?

2011-01-10T15:15:00.003-05:00

Hi there and Happy New Year! I survived a weeks worth of classes for my commercial Real Estate and have to say, my brain feels heavier!
Did you stay true to your resolutions? My resolution was to find the perfect workout place that understands new and old techniques and how to blend them;yoga, body weight, core workouts... In my eternal quest to find the perfect workout and fueled by my new year's resolutions, I stumbled across a new gym - Energy Xchange at Queen and Broadview. Seems that Leslieville and Riverdale are getting hipper and slicker by the day. This place is cutting edge in decor and workouts. Amazing!
And later next week, I'm working on a pitch for a real estate show for TV....we should be shooting the pilot in a month or two....stay tuned!

2010-12-30T13:10:00.001-05:00

Well, this is it. One more day left to 2010. The world didn't end and I got through my first half year as a real estate representative and continue to do the odd acting and singing gig too. I really enjoyed this year. It was full of firsts. That already, is reason enough to celebrate big tomorrow.
There has been quite a bit of interest on my listing on Branscombe Road in Brighton, Ontario and I'm showing it this first week of January again to a few interested buyers. If you're looking for a weekend oasis outside of the city, opening a spa/retreat center or getting out of dodge entirely to finally write that novel, go to MLS# X1994036.
Riverdale/Leslieville - or even Toronto East End real estate seems not to have slowed down at all, at least not with regard to listing price versus selling price. I think that Downtown Toronto Real Estate will enjoy another good year in 2011.
I'm back in school top of January, slugging it out doing my commercial real estate course. Mandatory, no doubt chock full of somewhat useful information and sees me up at 5 am if I want my workout done too. Wish me luck! I'll let you know if I'm still standing after the exam.
Have a fabulous New Year everyone. Be well and be safe. See you in the New Year.