Eat, Play and Love Mimico! What life in Mimico is like and why so many are drawn to it.

WHO LIVES HERE

Set upon the shores of Lake Ontario in South Etobicoke, you will find this popular little Village of Mimico. It’s a vibrant spot that was once considered more affordable than the downtown core but has quickly become one of Etobicoke’s hot spots to live. On one side you have the newer condo alley and on the other you have the more traditional neighbourhood. Many young, well educated professionals are choosing Mimico to be their home.

NEIGHBOURHOOD AMENITIES

Mimico has been under major gentrification for many years, and as a result offers much to do for the resident or visitor. It has a small-town vibe, yet is under 20 minutes from the City core. Spend an afternoon sailing at the Etobicoke Yacht Club, or walk the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. Bring your own or rent SUP and kayaks and spend the day out on the water.  Seasonally, the Humber Bay Shores Farmers Market runs weekly and offers everything from local farm produce, eateries, honey, knives, meat to baked goods. It’s a fun day, it unites the community and supports local. Transportation getting in and out of the area include the highway, Mimico GO station, Lake Shore street car and buses.

LOCAL FAVOURITES

There’s something for every taste here in Mimico. An old favourite of mine is sitting out on Eden Trattoria’s patio. It’s right on the foot path and directly facing the lake. Chiang Mai recently opened, being a second location for them. The restaurant offers a great atmosphere and authentic Thai cuisine.

MIMICO REAL ESTATE

Much of Mimico is now a wonderland of high-rise condos. Being so close and owning such a stunning piece of real estate has made ownership very popular here. Mimico to the west offers a traditional mature neighbourhood with family homes and tree lined streets.

While there’s no shortage of wonderful neighbourhoods in Etobicoke, Islington Village is one of the best. Are you ready to learn what it takes to live here?

For more local area information check out our West Toronto Living page and our blog posts on Edenbridge-Humber Valley & The Kingsway.

The Toronto condo market certainly took a hit in 2020. It was the makings of a perfect storm with Covid-19, record low interest rates and newly regulated short-term rental rules that came into affect.

Buyers had new opportunities to buy, more buying power. With all the lockdowns and restrictions in place, buyers even started to head out of the City altogether.

Condo Listings Outgrow Condo Sales

The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board conducted consumer polls by Ipsos. In Fall of 2020, it was found that over two thirds of investors were thinking about selling due to new short term rental rules and reduced rental prices.

2020 had 46,692 new condo listings (up 33% over 2019) and the average price growth was only up 7.1%. Condo sales account for nearly half of all sales within the City boundaries.

In another poll by Ipsos, home buyers intentions hadn’t actually changed in regards to purchasing. Of the 30% of survey responders, 45% of those were first time buyers. Which should be positive news for the rebound in condo sales in 2021.

GTA Realtors reported 10,970 sales through TRREB’s MLS system in February 2021. That’s a 52.5% increased over the 7193 reported sales in February 2020. The condo segment lead the way of all GTA areas combined with a 64% sales increase compared to 2020.

Looking back at the 4^th quarter of 2020, condo sales were up 20.7% over the 4^thquarter of 2019, with a total number of 6469 sales in the GTA. The average selling price was down by 1.1% over prices from 4^th quarter of 2019.

Looking ahead in 2021

The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board forecasts a year of low supply which will result in great buyer demand and continue to surge sale prices. Predicting during a pandemic is challenging as we still don’t know the full extent of the fallout from Covid-19. They do expect that demand for housing in 2021 will remain strong.

The RE/MAX 2021 HOUSING MARKET REPORT forecasts the condo market to continue to be a buyers market due to ample inventory levels. Condos will likely see more activity this year though especially once our borders relax their restrictions and the Country starts allowing for our regular Immigration to resume. For more information on some building in Toronto and Etobicoke see our Condo Guides.

Whether you have questions about the market or you’re ready to find your perfect property, I’m here to help. Reach out to connect with me today!

Are you New to Canada and want to buy a home? Did you know there are programs available to help make that possible? You have the ability to purchase without having to live in Canada a set period of time or have established credit. Sagen (formerly Genworth), Canada Guarantee and CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) are Canada’s three default insurers and they all offer similar programs for Canada newcomers.

Permanent Resident vs. Non-Permanent Resident

Permanent residents with good credit may qualify for a typical mortgage and can purchase with 5% or more down. Alternately, permanent residents with weak credit may be approved with alternative measures of verification. They will qualify under the New to Canada Program and can purchase with a minimum of 5% down.

If you are not a permanent Resident of Canada, have good credit and have a work permit you could also qualify for a typical mortgage. And in the event that you are not a permanent resident, have good or weak credit, you could qualify under the New to Canada program with a minimum down payment of 10% to purchase a home.

Before You Apply:

-Depending on which type of mortgage you will quality you will want to start saving up for your down payment which could be up to 10% of purchase price

-Start building up your credit rating here in Canada. Here’s some tips on building credit: Tips to build credit

-Alternative Credit Support Documentation (For Ex: Rental receipts, Paid Utility Bills, Income Verification etc.)

These programs are wonderful options to allow newcomers to Canada to get investing in themselves and build roots here. It also allows for access to home ownership and eliminating rental ups and downs.

You can also check out Canada’s default Insurers- Sagen (Genworth)  CMHC & Canada Guarantee for more information or call me to get started!

If you’re looking to research neighbourhoods to buy in, check out our neighbourhood guides for Edenbridge-Humber Valley, Islington Village and The Kingsway.

These favourite high schools all offer students one thing in common- and that is instilling strong leadership values! We’ve highlighted some notable Etobicoke high schools and their individual strengths.

Bishop Allen Academy Catholic Secondary School (Grades 9-12)

Founded in 1989 and named after Bishop Francis V. Allen, who was the Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Toronto from 1954-1972. The curriculum offers an early and extended French immersion program and is also known to have the largest gifted program in the Catholic School board.

Bishop Allen is a well-balanced school choice for students, offering a rich co-curricular program that includes vocal and instrumental music, as well as visual arts and a drama program. They also have an advanced placement program for grades 11 and 12 that allows students to earn University credits while still being in High School.

Bishop Allen Academy

721 Royal York Rd., Etobicoke ON, M8Y 2T3

416-393-5549

Website: www.tcdsb.org

ECI- Etobicoke Collegiate Institute (Grades 9-12)

Founded in 1928 with a solid reputation for its in depth leadership development program and full-service focus which concentrates on the individual needs of students for their overall post-secondary success.

ECI offers a rather large extra-curricular program inclusive of a wide variety of sports teams (Go Rams!), music, drama and art productions; such as, robotics; auto and wood shop; me to we; Student and Athletic Council; Terry Fox club and much more.

Etobicoke Collegiate Institute

86 Montgomery Rd., Etobicoke ON, M9A 3N5

School Boundary Map available here.

ESA- Etobicoke School of the Arts (Grades 9-12)

Founded in 1981, this audition based high school is a specialized public arts-academy in Toronto and is considered the oldest free-standing arts school in Canada.

Earning high ratings from the Fraser Institute annually, students are offered a full range of course selections in addition to an art major. ESA focuses on the arts such as dance, film, drama, music, theatre, visual and contemporary arts.

Etobicoke School of the Arts

675 Royal York Rd., Etobicoke ON, M8Y 2T1

416-394-6910

Website: https://www.esainfo.ca

Richview Collegiate Institute (Grades 9-12)

Founded in 1958, and well known for its long list of Notable Canadians that attended over the years, such as Stephen Harper; Richview is known for its diverse student population and deep community ties.

They are The Saints! With School colours of scarlet and Gold, Richview has a wide range of sports offerings such as archery, badminton, curling, soccer, rugby; to name a few, as well as band, Jr Orchestra and Symphony. They also have an excellent arts program, and intensive leadership and co-op programs.

Richview Collegiate Institute

1738 Islington Ave., Etobicoke ON, M9A 3N2

416-394-7980

Boundary Map for regular attendance is available here.

A key part of the decision-making process when searching for the perfect family-friendly neighbourhood is having a thorough understanding of the selection of local schools. Considering the wide variety of top-notch schools in Etobicoke, choosing the right one can feel a little overwhelming. That’s why it’s always useful to work with an experienced local real estate professional.

For more local area information check out our blog posts on Islington Village, Edenbridge-Humber Valley and The Kingsway.

In real estate, we often come across the terms “custom home” and “custom build”. Usually, they’re used to entice the reader to act (since the word “custom” implies something better than the norm). Of course, that’s not always the case. There are pros and cons associated with this option, and the most important thing when you’re deciding what’s right for you is understanding what you’re getting involved in.

If you are thinking about purchasing a custom home, here’s what you need to know.

What is a Custom Home?

There are three types of custom homes: custom, semi-custom, and spec homes. There are many factors that will go into your decision of which type of new home will suit you best.

A custom home is completely customized. That means you make each and every decision about your future living space, from the location and lot to the number of closets, light fixtures, and outlets you’ll have. You choose the interior, the exterior, the floor plan, the number of bedrooms and overall square footage, the garage, driveway, and landscaping.

Everything is carefully chosen, and you’ll work alongside the builder and architect. It can be a lengthy and very time-consuming process. You’ll go through each step of the actual build. You’ll find the lot, create a timeline and budget, take part in the design process, secure permits, engage in site preparation, be involved at the building stage, etc.

If making a lot of decisions is difficult for you, you might want to build a semi-custom home instead.

Pros

You choose the lot and location, have complete control over the process, and all designs will be highly customizable.

Cons

It’s a time consuming (and potentially lengthy) process. Custom homes can be costly, and financing is more complicated.

Semi-Custom Homes

This is the in between option, where most of the decisions are made for you (or are grouped together so that they’re easier to make).

With a semi-custom home, your lot, size, and floor plan are usually already pre-chosen or designed. You can then add modifications to the plan, but sometimes the choices are limited. You should still be able to choose finishes and colours based on what the builder can provide.

Pros

Semi-custom homes are more cost effective, there are fewer decisions involved, and the process is quicker.

Cons

This option comes with limited options for finishes—and limited control during the building process.

Spec Homes (Speculative Builds)

If all of the above feels overwhelming (or perhaps your budget doesn’t allow for a custom home), you may want to opt for a spec home (also known as a speculative build). This is a completely turn-key option where the builder has already chosen the lot and built the home, usually with modern finishes and design in mind. From there, the builder sells the completed house.

Pros

Opting for a spec home saves a lot of time, is cost effective, and requires little to no decision-making.

Cons

With this option, you can’t decide the lot or location (and design options are limited).

These are three very different and exciting purchase options if you’re looking for a new home. Toronto and the GTA have a wide selection of excellent custom builders to choose from. For more information on custom homes or design projects, reach out to me today!

Without a doubt, the Kingsway is one of my all-time favourite neighbourhoods. This Etobicoke gem is high on my list of suggestions whenever clients are looking for an idyllic place in the west end. With stately homes, stunning natural beauty, and a super-convenient location, this is the perfect community to put down roots!

Learn what the Kingsway has to offer, right here in my neighbourhood guide!

Who Lives Here?

In the Kingsway, you’ll find a lot of families. The area offers a wide variety of single-family homes, plenty of great schools, and some gorgeous green spaces—all less than twenty minutes away from downtown Toronto.

Of course, families aren’t the only ones falling in love with the neighbourhood. Anyone who’s looking for a picturesque (yet convenient) place to live will feel right at home here.

Neighbourhood Amenities

The best communities are rarely far from charming eateries, cafes, and shops. The Kingsway is no exception!

To start with, there are over 30 restaurants in the area’s core business district. Azarias is one of the local favourites. Its unique seafood options—which include spicy shrimp tacos and scallops with pesto—are truly a cut above.

Another must-try is Plan B, which serves up South African barbeque (think handmade burgers and smoked sausage). Last but not least, ViBo Restaurant and La Veranda Osteria won’t let you down when your craving Italian.

When you’re looking to soak up some local charm, head to the Kingsway Village Shopping District on Bloor. The specialty stores are worth browsing, and the old-fashioned street lamps are so quaint! If you need to stock up on basics (like groceries or your prescription medications), Humbertown Shopping Centre is your best bet.

Green Spaces

Whether you’re a jogger, cycling enthusiast, or nature lover, you’ll love heading outdoors in the Kingsway. The Humber River Recreation Trail, which clocks in at 8 kilometres, provides beautiful waterfront views.

Home Smith and King’s Mill Parks are also well worth visiting. You’ll find a pond, fire pit, and picnic area in the former, and an off-leash dog area and plenty of greenery in the latter!

Other Things To Do

Looking for a fun way to spend a couple of hours? Check out the old Kingsway Theatre. Built in 1939, this neighbourhood attraction screens a wide variety of films (including foreign flicks) and serves cocktails and snacks.

The Kingsway also hosts fun (and family-friendly) seasonal events. Check out Pumpkinfest at Halloween, along with Easter and Christmas in the Kingsway. Then there’s my personal favourite. A Taste of the Kingsway. As far as I’m concerned, this annual street festival (which takes place every September) is one of the best places in the city to enjoy cuisine from around the world!

Your Next Home

The Kingsway is known for its large lots, gently winding streets, and beautiful old architecture. Edwardian, Tudor, and Arts & Crafts-style homes are especially popular. It’s all set against the beautiful Humber River Valley, making scenic walks and drives a part of day-to-day life for locals.

The Kingsway is a prestigious neighbourhood, and home price points tend to reflect that. It’s not unusual to pay well over $1 million for a condo (and significantly more for a single-family home). Of course, there are properties priced below (and above) the average. An agent who knows the area can help you assess potential options for your budget!

Thinking of calling the Kingsway home? When you’re ready, I’m here to help you start your search. Reach out to connect with me today!

The roots of current-day Islington Village go back to the early 1880s, though the area has undergone its fair share of changes since then. Today, this Central Etobicoke neighbourhood is filled with vibrant local businesses—and known for its beautiful homes and abundance of charm.

If you’re thinking of calling Islington Village home, here’s what you should know…

Who Lives Here

With its schools, picture-perfect houses, and idyllic residential streets, it’s no wonder Islington Village attracts so many families. Due to its accessible transit and the quick commutes it offers to the downtown core, the area is also home to many young professionals.

Neighbourhood Amenities

One of Islington Village’s claims to fame is its 28 murals, which cover thousands of square feet along Dundas Street. Located in the area’s historic business district, these artistic creations attract visitors from across the GTA.

This lively stretch is also home to a selection of shopping boutiques and personal services. Whether you’re looking for a high-end espresso machine, stylish haircut, or top-notch yoga class, you’ll find it here.

When you’re feeling peckish, the local eateries are definitely worth a visit. To name just a few local favourites, there’s the Village Trattoria (try the Caprese salad and mushroom risotto) and Mai Bistro (for Asian fusion with some Latin flair). Brunch lovers will adore the hearty breakfasts (think fluffy pancakes and perfectly-prepared eggs) at Dundas Street Grille, along with the savoury Turkish crepes at Galata Cafe.

Local Favourites

Whether you’re looking for some fun outdoors or a little bit of culture, you’ll find it in Islington Village. One of the biggest local attractions is Montgomery’s Inn. Constructed in the 1830s, this charming building allows visitors to step back in time. From its historic interior to its Sunday teas to its weekly farmers markets, come see what Montgomery’s Inn has to offer!

Looking to explore your inner artist? Luckily, Islington Village is also home to Arts Etobicoke, a non-profit and hub for creativity. This is the place to enjoy local exhibitions, workshops, events, classes, and more.

Last but not least, locals enjoy close proximity to the Islington Golf Club. The club’s challenging course features rolling hills, mature trees, and the peaceful Mimico Creek. It’s even played host to RBC Canadian Open events!

Islington Village Real Estate

The housing stock in Islington Village has a lot to offer, especially for families. If you’re searching for a majestic older home, you’ll find plenty of beautifully-preserved Colonial, Tudor, Georgian, and Colonial houses. There are also plenty of slightly newer bungalows and split-levels, along with a growing number of new builds.

While there’s no shortage of wonderful neighbourhoods in Etobicoke, Islington Village is one of the best. Are you ready to learn what it takes to live here?

For more local area information check out our West Toronto Living page and our blog posts on Edenbridge-Humber Valley & The Kingsway.

If there’s one thing that 2020 has proven, it’s the importance of finding ways to deal with stress. Fortunately, home is the perfect place to relax and recharge—and with the right interior design, you can optimize it to do just that. It’s worth keeping in mind if you’re planning to revamp your home in 2021!

Here are five calming interior design trends to try out this year…

1) Soothing Colours

While home-design trends come and go, calming hues are always in style. Pantone’s recently-announced contenders for colour of the year prove that. The first is “Ultimate Grey,” which is soft and neutral. The second is a shade of yellow known as “Illuminating,” which is energizing as well as soothing (making it perfect for home offices). Whether you opt to try one of these shades or not, consider looking at palettes that can boost your mood!

2) Zen Gardens

Heading into the great outdoors can make us feel less anxious and more connected to nature. So it’s no surprise that at a time when most of us are at least a little uneasy, we’re seeing a trend towards bringing the natural world home. In the yard, that could mean a peace-inducing water feature. Inside, a miniature rock garden, bonsai tree, or just a bit of greenery can help you create an oasis of calm.

3) Serene Work Spaces

If you’re one of the many Torontonians who started working from home during the pandemic, why not make the experience as pleasant as possible? The first step is creating a space that will keep you stay productive—and reduce your stress. Along with choosing the right colours (and maybe a plant or two), think about creating an uncluttered aesthetic with streamlined, space-saving furniture. Don’t forget to keep things tidy!

4) Window treatments that draw the eye outside

When you’re spending a lot of time at home, natural light is crucial—as is seeing the world around you. In other words, if you’re windows are adorned with heavy drapes or blinds, now is the time to swap them out. Soft textiles let more sunlight in while drawing your eye outside. Sheer, minimalist options in paler colours are especially popular right now.

5) Gallery Wall

Photographs can remind us of some of the best times of our lives. So putting them on display is bound to make you feel more at home—and at peace. To make the most of your photos, consider creating a gallery wall. Choosing the right location and the ideal frames (think complementary shapes and sizes) is key. Simple sophistication is best, which almost always means elegant, matching finishes.

As 2021 kicks off, why not resolve to make your living space as cozy and stylish as possible? By opting for the right design trends, you can start the year with the perfect home base.

It may be the perfect family-friendly neighbourhood. I’m talking about Edenbridge-Humber Valley, an affluent pocket of Etobicoke that features convenient amenities, vibrant green spaces, and a wonderful mix of homes. There’s a reason so many buyers aspire to live here—and why it’s one of my all-time favourite Toronto communities.

If you’re thinking of moving to Edenbridge-Humber Valley, you can learn what to expect in my guide to the area…

Who Lives Here

Edenbridge-Humber Valley is primarily home to upper-middle-class families. Their children attend highly-reputable schools such as Lambton-Kingsway, Humber Valley Village, and Our Lady of Sorrows. New residents are drawn to the community for its gorgeous homes—and the exclusive lifestyle it offers.

Neighbourhood Amenities

Part of the appeal of Edenbridge-Humber Valley is the convenience it offers. Here, you can enjoy all the benefits of suburban living (from privacy to fresh air) and have everything you need within arm’s reach.

Whether you’re looking for day-to-day staples or much-needed personal services, Humbertown Shopping Centre is the local go-to. You’ll find grocery stores, a pharmacy, and an LCBO in this easily-accessible complex. Likewise, if you need a hair cut or orthodontic visit, this is the place to go. There are more options available at the nearby Kingsway Mills Shopping Centre.

Green Spaces

If you enjoy a stroll outside as much as I do, you’ll love the beautiful outdoor spaces in Edenbridge-Humber Valley. James Gardens is a must-visit. The abundance of flowers, mature trees, and peaceful pathways make this the ideal place to immerse yourself in nature. Be sure to stop at the lookout, which provides a beautiful view of the Humber Valley and downtown core.

Buttonwood Park is another gorgeous green space that prospective residents should get to know. These 97 acres contain a playground, pond, baseball and basketball facilities, an arboretum, and even a zoo. Nearby Lambton Woods provides 53 acres of pristine forest and nature trails, while Humber Valley Park is a pleasant place to play with the kids—or enjoy a game of tennis!

Local Favourites

The local golf and country clubs play a major role in the social lives of many Edenbridge-Humber Valley residents. It’s no wonder, given their world-class recreational facilities and dining options.

St. George’s Golf and Country Club is home to a beautifully-designed course that’s often recognized as one of the top 100 on the planet. It also serves up incredible seasonal cuisine—and offers an award-winning wine list. Lambton—with its fantastic 27-hole golf course, top-notch tennis courts, and comfortable clubhouse—is just as impressive.

Your Next Home

When it comes to real estate, Edenbridge-Humber Valley has a whole lot to offer. I’m a big fan of the neighbourhood’s eclectic mix of homes, the majority of which were built prior to 1980. Architectural styles range from Georgia, Tudor, and Colonial to bungalows and split-levels. You’ll also find a selection of modern low to mid-rise condo buildings.

For single-family homes, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1.5 million to significantly more. Condos typically range from around $600,000 to somewhere closer to $950,000. If you find the ideal home in this beautiful Etobicoke enclave, the price will be worth the privilege of living here. Just ask a local!

Thinking of calling Edenbridge-Humber Valley home? When you’re ready, I’m here to help you start your search. Reach out to connect with me today!

The ongoing pandemic has greatly impacted us—including our preferred living arrangements. For many downtown condo owners, it’s meant rethinking the day-to-day. Suddenly, the idea of having more room to breathe, a bit of outdoor space, and greater privacy is extremely appealing. Sound familiar?

If you’re ready to buy a house, it may be one of the best decisions you ever make. That said, there are a few things you should be aware of as you make this major change.

If you’re upsizing from a condo to a house, here are five things you should know…

1) Your costs will grow

Moving into a house means no more condo fees! The downside? Some of your other expenses will almost certainly increase. For one thing, you’ll be covering your own maintenance costs from here on out. If you’re buying an older home, you’ll likely also have more than a couple of major repairs to tackle in the first year. Lastly, you should be aware that more square footage means heftier utility bills—and you’ll want to factor that into your budget.

2) You should think about your specific needs

Many home buyers purchase more space simply because they want it. There’s nothing wrong with that, but understanding your needs will allow you to upsize with purpose—and avoid future regret. Is your family growing? Are you looking to accommodate your four-legged friend? Is it simply time for something a little bigger? From your layout to the number of bedrooms you need to whether you’re searching for a yard, your upsizing needs should guide your search.

3) It’s going to be more work than you think

One of the things many condo lovers most enjoy about living in a unit is the fact that it’s low-maintenance. There’s no raking the lawn or shovelling snow. You don’t have to worry about finding a repair person if your dishwasher breaks down. Of course, that’s all going to change when you purchase a house. Tackling ongoing maintenance issues can take some time, but setting aside an hour here and there should be sufficient.

4) It pays to think long term

There’s no rule that you have to stay in your house for a certain number of years. That said, buying, selling, and moving in or out of a single-family home often requires more effort than you’d expect. For this reason, it’s usually a good idea to consider your house a long-term commitment. Think carefully about your plans for the next few years—and once you do find the right place, invest in high-quality furniture!

5) The move is so worth it

Some buyers never want to leave condo living behind. It works for them, which is a beautiful thing! But if you’ve always seen yourself in a house (or you’re starting to feel the pull), then taking the next step is worth your while. It’s going to mean having more space to spread out, greater privacy than ever before, and a place that you can truly call your own!

When you’re ready to purchase your first single-family home, finding an experienced local agent is key. With expert guidance, some due diligence, and a little patience, you can make your dream of owning the perfect house come true.

Ready to start your upsizing journey from condo to house? If so, I’m here to help. Reach out to connect with me today!