KINNEAR'S KOMMENTS

Vol. 19, Issue 4,
  July 2011

"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love.  For me they are the role model for being alive." 

~Gilda Radner

A fitting quote as we dedicate this newsletter to Bella – One of Julie's greatest loves of her life. Bella – Beautiful friend, Beautiful soul, Beautiful life. Sadly missed…

Julie's Scoop

Photo by Ilker Ender

Summers here!  Enjoy every single moment! As my friend Ang always says - "make a memory".  I do feel blessed having a cottage to share with friends and family.  Our team weekend up in the Haliburton Highlands was certainly a grand time.  We do love to spend time together at work and play!  It is also a fantastic opportunity for me to get some good cycling hours in.  All those rolling hills and no traffic lights. The whole Tour de France is so inspiring every July to keep in shape!

Speaking of cycling Holly and I had a wonderful "Ride to Conquer Cancer fundraiser" - the rain held off and we rented an RV this year which was pretty luxurious!  We've already signed up again for next year!  My philosophy is that volunteering and giving back and raising funds and awareness for such a cause is worth every effort.  I received so many messages from friends and clients who saw the CTV news that weekend where they interviewed me before the start.  Check it out : yes I love video and the spotlight haha.
http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20110611/ride-to-conquer-cancer-110611/20110611/?site_codename=Toronto
In addition to riding with our own team it was fun to see so many friends & clients also cycling it this year, including Rol Miller, Rob Dunford KJ Duck, Tori Wright, Jane Prendergast, Craig Machel, Rob Nelson etc.

Wanted to send out a special congratulations to Claire's son Addison who graduated from Rolph Road Public School Grade 6!!  Big milestone!

Bella

One of the hardest things that I've had to experience happened in June this year, not long after we returned from our trip to Italy.  Our beloved most cherished darling dog Bella died from cancer.  It was a short illness and she was absolutely brave and pretty much her normal self up until the very end.  We were extremely fortunate to have had such an incredible family member.  You may remember that we've had her 10 annual hilarious dog birthday parties in High park, and she's been through so many milestones with both Mary and myself.  Bella was my special gift I had promised to myself for when I was better from my own cancer.  She sort of symbolized my healthy new life.  Pretty heavy burden to carry for a little cockapoo eh?  Well as you know dogs are mans best friend for a reason - they rise to the occasion.  She really was a very special little dog and is dearly missed.  So many of you can relate to that deep bond - thank you for so much for your support and understanding.

Julie

Sales and Average Price Up in June

MARKET WATCH excerpts from Toronto Real Estate Board

Photo by Clive Darr

July 6, 2011 - Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 21% increase in number of sales compared to June 2010. This was the third best June result on record behind 2007 and 2009 although the number of transactions during the first six months of 2011 is down by 4.5% compared to the first half of 2010.

"The strong June result capped off an interesting first half of 2011," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver. "The pace of sales was a bit sluggish at the beginning of the year, but rebounded in May and June. Because of the positive affordability picture, home buyers remained confident in their ability to purchase and pay for a home over the long term."

The average price for June transactions was $476,371 – a 9.5 per cent increase over June 2010. Through the first six months of the year, the average selling price was $467,169 – almost an eight per cent increase compared to the same period in 2010.

"While sales have been strong, we would be on track for a record number of transactions in 2011 if not for the decline in listings so far this year," said Jason Mercer, the Toronto Real Estate Board's Senior Manager of Market Analysis. "Tight supply meant more competition between home buyers and an accelerating annual rate of price growth in the second quarter."

"Home owners will likely react to the stronger price growth by listing their homes in greater numbers. A better supplied market would result in more moderate price increases," continued Mercer.

Median Price
In June, the median price was $405,000, from the $367,750 recorded during June of 2010.

Chit Chat

• Newly engaged Jessica Grant had WOW a romantic Tuscany vacation proposal from fiance Simon Chapman! Sounds like the perfect trip!

• We salute the very talented Rowan Morrissey as seen on Breakfast Television for entering the contest for someone to give 13 reasons why they should meet Taylor Swift.  Check her out on youtube she wrote a great song. Let's get her as many hits as we can and make her dreams come true. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxCabPKJjkM&feature=youtu.be

Are you feeling like Giving Back?

Camp ooch

Charity of the Month– Camp Oochigeas – www.ooch.org

Camp Oochigeas is a privately funded, volunteer based organization that provides kids with cancer and kids affected by childhood cancer with a unique opportunity for growth through challenging, fun, enriching and magical experiences.

Every child deserves to experience the wonder of camp. After all, enjoying the outdoors and having fun are two integral parts of being a child. 

Your generosity can help provide an unforgettable camping experience for a child with cancer. Camp Ooch relies on the kind support of organizations, corporations, foundations and generous individuals like you. 

Both Jen and Julie have volunteered there and can attest how incredibly brave these young souls are – and to be in an environment with kids going through the same thing is invaluable. They have programs all year – and the camp in the summer is the highlight.

Camp Oochigeas
464 Bathurst Street
Toronto, ON M5T 2S6
Phone: 416-961-6624
Fax: 416-961-2267
Email:
Toll Free: 1-888-GO-4-OOCH

Did You Know?

Many of our clients have had their personal experiences with The JKT caught on video instead of the regular written word – they're even posted on Youtube! We so appreciate your kind testimonials. Our Youtube channel is growing exponentially – and has had now over 41,600 hits!

Mortgage rates

Courtesy of Carrie Davidson AMP, Dominion Lending www.carriedavidson.com Phone: 416-693-6946
Fax: 416-693-4103

CURRENT VARIABLE MORTGAGE RATE 2.25%
CURRENT PRIME RATE IS 3.00%

Some conditions may apply. Rates subject to change without notice. *O.A.C. E.& O.E.

Our Purpose

Our purpose is for you to be so outrageously happy with the service we provide that you gladly refer us to your friends and family before you've even bought or sold with us!

July 2011 editorial by JKT member Claire Hartviksen

Photo by Michael Ruiz

Just in time for summer! Offer a warm welcome, provide safety and security and increase the value of your property with a custom outdoor lighting design. Homeowners spend tens of thousands of dollars on beautiful landscaping, yet only enjoy it during the day. Well planned landscape lighting can add depth and a sense of luxury to your home.

• First, view your home and outdoor areas from the edges of your property. Consult with a landscape lighting expert.

• Decide which features to highlight

• Soft, diffused lighting along driveways, walkways and stairs provides safety and security and welcomes guests.

• Strategically placed lighting in trees or under the eaves illuminates larger areas

• Properly positioned ground fixtures highlight natural elements, textured walls or favorite statues.

• Conceal light sources behind shrubs or flower beds, if possible so you see the effect, not the fixture

The Most dramatic time to showcase the beauty of your home and landscape is after dark.

What They Got!

A continuing column of the Julie Kinnear Team's sales…

32 Brumell Avenue

32 Brumell Avenue – Baby Point
Asking Price: Not Listed
Selling Price: $1,375,000

449 Clinton Street

449 Clinton Street – Annex/Seaton Village
Asking Price: $899,900
Selling Price: $925,000

42 Jerome Street

42 Jerome Street – The Junction/Roncy
Asking Price: $549,000
Selling Price: $583,000

247 Gowan Avenue

247 Gowan Avenue - Danforth
Asking Price: $449,000
Selling Price: $430,000

97 Armstrong Avenue

97 Armstrong Avenue – Wallace Emerson 
Asking Price: $399,900
Selling Price: $425,000

1005 King Street West

1005 King Street West #418 – King West Village 
Asking Price: $359,888
Selling Price: $360,000

See a For Sale Sign/Sold you were wondering about? We are happy to let you know about houses in your neighbourhood - feel free to contact Steph at:
 

The Julie Kinnear Team's GEMs (Genuine Evidence of Merit)

"Dear Jen & The Julie Kinnear Team, Thank you for all your work and dedication in finding us a home. We are very happy and have settled in nicely here at the Madison Lofts. The gifts we received were very useful and much appreciated. We'd be more than happy to refer your team in the future! All the best Daniel & Tiff".

The JKT – A few of our Favourite things:

Jen - 

Photo by Audrey

• Orange juice and soda - a refreshing, healthy option for quenching that summer thirst.

• Cherry Beach off-leash dog park - fantastic! They can go in the water, walk the paths, it's beautiful!

• Charades with Holly – We had so much fun watching our leading lady actress Holly acting out so many different roles around the campfire. She sure does get into character.

Holly -  

Photo by Andre Chinn

• Gardena water hoses and sprinklers.  I almost had an irrigation system installed but these high quality hoses and sprinklers make watering the garden a pleasure rather than a chore (well almost..)

• Anything by Kiehls. These hair and skin care products are the best!  Like us, they rely on word of mouth rather than print advertising.

• Open Roof Festival – A fantastic way to enjoy an urban summer evening.  Every Thursday night this summer at the Amsterdam Brewery you can check out a band followed by an independent film. It's like a cool drive-in without the cars. Even better, there is beer!  www.openrooffestival.com

Stephanie -  

Photo by Skanska Matupplevelser

• Barque - new restaurant on Roncesvalles, as much as I should be saying I loved it for the B-B-Q, I will be going back for the Smoked Asparagus!!

• Canada Day! More specifically the umbrella hat with a Canadian flag on it that my Mom wears every year, cracks me up every time!

• I have to give a shout out to my Girlz - Frenchie and Rizzo who turned 1 on July 1. You're the best pups ever!!!

Claire –  

Photo by Lululemon Athletica

• Prashanta Yoga Studio – a new yoga studio on Davisville around the corner from my house. I look forward to classes every Wednesday night. The instructor Ruth is great! Perfect for the beginner/advanced classes for all. Thinking of trying the swing yoga classes next time.

• My first JKT weekend at the cottage – Julie & Mary have a great newly renovated cottage on a breathtaking piece of property in the Haliburton Highlands. Lots of fun!

• Caipirinha's - Special thanks to my sister Jen for the recipe to those fantastic drinks we had. A refreshing lime/strawberry summer drink. P.S. Substitute the cachaça with Vodka so you don't grown hair on your chest.

Julie - 

Photo by Anthony Easton

• Canadian Tire Lawn Furniture – we're thrilled with our relatively affordable new stuff for home & in cottage country. Pretty awesome.

• Cycle Solutions in The Beach on Kingston Road– especially Simon who is the manager. Everyone in there is so attentive, and ready to help and listen patiently. They're not there to "upsell" you.

• Queensway Audi – & our sales rep Chris Lang. He helped both Holly and I with our new leases and not only is the product way too much fun to drive, he happily went the extra mile before and after the deal.