Just Around the Corner in Toronto

Pricing your home right the first time is vital, says agent Yvonne O'Hara

2012-12-10T20:49:21Z

Yvonne O'Hara
Sales Representative

So you’re selling your home. There are many decisions to be made, but the most important decision is how to price your house correctly.

The first two to three weeks of the listing are vital. Price your home too low—you may cheat yourself out of money. Some buyers might not even view your home because the price is below their parameters or they may feel there is something wrong with it. Often homes are priced low to create competition and then a specific offer date is scheduled. That’s another story.

Set your price too high and potential buyers could turn to more reasonably-priced homes. Others may feel you wouldn’t entertain a large decrease in price, so they won’t even make an offer. Too high a price could leave your home on the market too long, and this is never good. Potential buyers will feel they can lowball you because of possible time pressures or feel that there is something wrong with the house.

Speaking of Dogs is ready for a cheerful canine Christmas

2012-12-10T20:44:58Z

Just in time for Christmas, Speaking of Dogs offers a one-stop online shopping site for every dog lover on your list. From a choice of holiday cards, unique and novel dog-themed gifts, festive baskets for both humans and dogs to their annual ‘Give a Shelter Dog a Christmas’ promotion, look no further than www.speakingofdogs.com—just click the online store logo.

Give a Shelter Dog a Christmas

As the holidays approach many abandoned dogs will spend the Christmas season in a shelter. To help provide them bit of cheer, Speaking of Dogs has designed gift bags filled with toys, treats and cookies which will be hand-delivered directly to the shelter.
A Give a Shelter Dog a Christmas bag can be purchased in your own name, or can be given as a gift or in honour of someone else. Delivery is free within the City of Toronto. What better way to show you care than to help a homeless dog during the holidays?

"Cheese Platters are Art"—The Artisan Cheese and Food Gallery

2012-12-10T20:39:06Z

Planning holiday entertaining, you’ll probably be putting together a cheese platter—why not make it a work of art? There’s no one better to call on in the neighbourhood than the experts at The Artisan Cheese and Food Gallery.

“A cheese platter should cover a variety of flavours and textures,” says Artisan Cheese owner Larry McKee, “for an experience of salty, creamy, sweet, crunchy, fruity, simple and complex. There’s a definite art involved.”

The Artisan Cheese can assist you by offering suggestions, with tastings, to help you find what works for you, and what will “wow” your guests. Tell them what wines and beers you will be serving, and they’ll guide you with the perfect pairings.

Saxon for Men—a top fashion experience in the Kingsway

2012-12-10T20:37:42Z

These pants make your life easier. Alberto Original Ceramica are the ideal everyday or travel pant: they keep their shape at all times; are warm in winter, cool in summer; UV resistant and washable. The most comfort-able pants you will ever wear are available as dress or casual styles in 10 colours. Get them at Saxon For Men, conveniently located in the Humbertown Mall.

Saxon For Men has been serving Toronto’s west end for more than 40 years. Owners Steven and Randy Goodman have taken Saxon For Men into this season with a fresh outlook and a forward-thinking attitude

Both are devoted to keeping their clients on top of the lastest fashion experience.

Jacqueline Thompson, Financial Advisor with heart

2012-12-10T20:34:48Z

Financial Advisor Jacqueline Thompson offers “advice from the heart” to her clients with the use of her skills and life experience.

Her advisory service benefits families and individuals in the community who know they need a financial strategy to reach their life purpose, and who value a professional that listens to them, takes the time to understand their situation, then pulls out all the stops so they can reach their dreams and goals.

No two situations are alike. This means Jacqueline equips every client with a customized written plan with recommendations on how they can still save for retirement, maximize tax efficiency, leave a legacy for their family/favourite charity or make socially-responsible investments.

Sassafraz—simple elegance in Yorkville

2012-12-10T20:31:10Z

Set in an array of Victorian rowhouses, Sassafraz has evolved through the decades to become a magical space in the heart of historic Yorkville.

Located at the corner of Bellair and Cumberland, the little yellow house has “seen it all” from the early hippie movement of the 60’s to the lack of movement that comes from too much Bordeaux.

Sassafraz offers an exceptional menu serving market-driven, French-inspired Canadian cuisine.

Tumi has beautiful and practical gifts—find them at Taschen

2012-12-10T20:25:08Z

Tumi has you covered for the holidays, with a variety of beautiful and practical gifts for your loved ones.

Pictured from left clockwise are: Macon Tablet Carrier, shown in Poppy and Honey patent ($449). Part of the best-selling Voyageur collection, bring a pop of stylish color and shine to your everyday wardrobe with this slim patent leather tablet carrier; Leather Snap Case ($165) for the new iPad and iPad 2, shown in Poppy patent—it functions as a portfolio-style case cover, and also folds into an easel. It is available in a variety of materials, including leather or ballistic nylon with faux suede interiors; Capra Continental Passport Cover ($85) shown in Honey patent, crafted from beautiful patent leather this cover features leather interior and passport insert sleeves. Comes in elegant gift box; Capra Continental Wallet ($225), crafted from natural shrunken Italian leather (solid colours) or embossed leather (exotic textures), this wallet features three full-length compartments, 12 card slots, zip coin pocket and snap closure. Gift box included; Leather Cover ($75) for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S, shown in Poppy patent, it snaps on the phone easily and securely, and has rubberized bumpers for added protection. Available in different finishes, including an embossed python pattern and smooth leather. Comes with gift box.

Brad Cox details what's up with the real estate market

2012-12-10T20:19:48Z

Brad Cox
Sales Representative

It’s been a long fall and an unusually quiet one. As Jim Flaherty’s mortgage crackdown takes effect we have seen downward pressure on the number of first-time buyers entering the market.

Most affected is the condo market where a first-time buyer could earlier this year purchase a one bedroom for as little as $260k and 10% down. With the new regulations this is no longer possible which puts pressure on all other segments. Buyers who want to move up in price cannot because they can’t sell their properties. This effect trickles through the entire market. For a more detailed explanation of how this affects you and your property you can call, email or contact me on Facebook or Twitter.

Yonge Vision offers a new view on multifocal contact lenses

2012-12-10T20:14:11Z

Having problems reading fine print? Whether you are just starting to need multifocals or have been wearing them for years...multifocal contact lenses are now available in the form of daily disposables. Each day is a brand new pair. Wear them one day, enjoy them all day.

Proclear 1 day multifocal contacts are ideal for those with busy lifestyles, frequent travellers, allergy sufferers, and those who like to take a break from wearing glasses.

Benjamin Moore brings colour trends home

2012-12-10T20:06:38Z

Benjamin Moore launches a fashion-forward Colour Forecast for Canadian DIY designers with an easy-to-use palette of 20 colours, starring Lemon Sorbet. The collection is showcased in the 2013 Colour Trends guide and available now at Benjamin Moore Retailers. It shows how to make the latest trends work with existing décor and home furnishings.

“When it comes to home projects, people want to do it right the first time,” says Sharon Grech, a Benjamin Moore Colour Expert. “So, by creating the Colour Trends card for the home, we’re helping consumers confidently choose the latest colour schemes by showing them in various, workable combinations.”

“The only way to achieve Benjamin Moore signature colours is with Benjamin Moore paint formulas because they are designed to work with the proprietary colourants,” says Grech. “The great news is that Benjamin Moore offers a variety of high-performance paint products priced to suit every lifestyle. Local Benjamin Moore retailers across Canada are experts in their own right and a great resource for consumers who want to get it done properly the first time.”