EastTO The Great Outdoors

EAST TO A quarterly publication brought to you by TheRichardsGroup.ca

The Great Outdoors Gather, entertain, enjoy!

Backyard Entertaining:

One Night Only’s secret to the perfect pizza

Bringing the Indoors Out:

The best accessories for outdoor spaces

Summer 2021 $7.95

18 EastTO Magazine The Great Outdoors Issue #2 Summer 2021 A publication by The Richards Group 1945 Queen St E Toronto, ON M4L 1H7 416.699.0303

Contents

Editor-In-Chief Selene Richards Advertising selene@therichardsgroup.ca

4 EastTO the Outdoors

28 Bringing the Indoors Out

Matt Olinski outlines his favourite trails in East Toronto.

6 Trust Me, Try This

Your East TO Summer to-do list.

10 When the moon hits

your eye

One Night Only’s secret to the perfect pizza.

15 My Neighbourhood

Lisa Clarke shares her dream day in Riverside.

16 Moving On

How one east side resident leveraged the sale of her home as a way to move forward.

18 An East Designed House

How Selene and Mark Richards designed their dream home.

24 The Dog Park

Our favourite places for caring for our four-legged friends.

Give your outdoor space a makeover for summer.

32 EastTO 28.5 Kippendavie

How designing a move-in ready home led to a market frenzy.

36 Special Feature

38 Heat Wave

Could a two-dose summer mean a red-hot housing market?

40 100 Guys Who Care

How Matt Foster and Rob Alarie are bringing people together to make a difference.

42 Special Feature

What’s available in Muskoka.

44 Market Review

A look at Q1 2021 and what’s to come this summer.

48 What’s For Sale,

Coming Soon and Sold

Properties to watch.

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Thank you to our contributors Matt Olinski Aleks Jassem One Night Only Eastside Social 100 Guys Who Care

Discover Northumberland this summer.

26 Special Feature Opportunities to invest in Prince Edward County.

Art direction and design Parcel Design

Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with a brokerage. Not intended to solicit properties currently for sale.

Editor’s Letter

I

don’t know about you, but I’m not ready to put heels back on or wear anything but joggers and leggings. So I’m grateful that we’re reopening during the summer – I can just glide into flip flops and put off having to think about proper shoes until fall!

We’ve all come to appreciate how important the outdoors is to our well-being through this pandemic. (I was like an ecstatic toddler the first few days the weather turned warm.) With things opening up, I’m excited for us to emerge from our caves – physical and mental – and reconnect with those we’ve missed so much.

Who knew how grateful we’d be to simply sit on a patio catching up with friends? Or to celebrate a milestone together with family in our own backyards?

Our resilience as Canadians has been astounding. Remember those sub-zero nights wrapped up in blankets under heat lamps and clutching our cocktails wearing thick mittens, just for the chance to have a meaningful conversation in person? I think I lasted two hours on our best night.

We’ve made our homes work harder for ourselves by converting spaces into offices, schools and gyms. Finally, the time has come to make use of our outside spaces to hang out with friends and family.

But along the way, has your entertaining muscle atrophied? Because mine has. In fact, thinking beyond separate bowls of potato chips seems like a struggle for me!

That’s why this edition of EastTO is dedicated to helping you raise your outdoor entertaining up a notch by getting your backyards and patios company-ready. We’ve got decor tips, cocktail mixes, and the best homemade pizza recipes.

(We were so inspired by this story we’ve included in this issue a giveaway for an epic pizza oven!)

We’re also covering the big topics we love to discuss with our friends – like advice on navigating big life decisions. (Many of us have had to make monumental changes this year, so I’m sure you can relate.)

And, as always, we’re helping you get your design and real estate fix. We’ve profiled the ways that East Design House helped us transform my own house into a dream home – and how one of our rock star agents has consistently managed to land the perfect property for clients in this insane market.

After this very long winter, the East TO team wants to help you make the most of your summer.

I can’t wait to see you again!

Selene Richards

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Well-being

EAST TO

Outdoors One of the great things about living in the Beaches is the access to so many wonderful hiking and biking trails right at your doorstep.

By Matt Olinski

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Well-being

Doris McCarthy Trail BEST FOR:

The urban hiker

As an avid cyclist and an enthusiastic hiker, I’m always looking for a great place to stretch my legs, and the trails of the East End never disappoint.

There are so many options to choose from, and it’s hard to pick favourites, but these are a few of mine.

Slightly further afield (but not too far east) is the Doris McCarthy Trail. This is a long pathway that leads from Ravine Drive, off Kingston Road, to Lake Ontario. Once you’re at the bottom (almost a kilometre from top to bottom), there is a seemingly endless trail right along the water’s edge that is perfect for the urban hiker and those who want to cycle with a hybrid or mountain bike. The trail is named after the well-known Calgary-born landscape artist Doris Jean McCarthy who lived in the Scarborough Bluffs area. A sculpture that pays homage is located at the base of the trail — the point where McCarthy trail meets the lakeshore. It’s a gorgeous, quiet, unspoiled part of the city, with Lake Ontario on one side and the Bluffs on the other. You won’t believe you are so close to home — it’s urban hiking at its best!

Lower Don River Trail

The Boardwalk and the Waterfront Trail

BEST FOR:

BEST FOR:

Biking, hiking and walking at all skill levels

This popular trail is popular with both locals and tourists. An early morning cycle on the Waterfront Trail with my road bike is one of the best ways I know to start my day. I usually start my ride near the eastern end of the boardwalk (at Silverbirch) and ride west right across the city to the Humber River Bridge. From the Beaches to the Humber and back is a good 40 kilometre ride, perfect for an early morning workout. And if I’m feeling energetic and want to extend it, the Leslie Street Spit (Tommy Thompson Park) makes a great way to add 10 kilometres to my ride.

Another favourite biking trail of mine is the Lower Don River Recreational Trail. I love this trail because of its beautiful views, art installations and access to parks and green spaces —it’s a great option for getting out of the city without ever having to leave East Toronto. This trail is part of the city’s ravine trails and connects to many other routes — it’s so much fun to discover the ravine network in our city. I like to hop on to the Lower Don at the base of the DVP and ride north towards Brickworks. North of Bloor Street, this trail connects to Taylor Creek Trail where I ride eastbound back into our neighbourhood.

Early morning workouts

These are a few of our must-have accessories:

FOR DOGS:

FOR HIKERS:

FOR RUNNERS:

FOR BIKERS:

Messy Mutts Silicone Collapsible Bowl

Asics Running Backpack

On Running Iconic Cloud

Giro Fixture MIPS Helmet

The Bone House 946 Queen St E

Culture Athletics 1175 Queen St E

Culture Athletics 1175 Queen St E

Gears Bike Shop 500 Front St E

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Well-being

Trust me, Try this Your East TO Summer To-Do List

By Aleks Jassem Photo: Scarlet O’Neill

Aleks Jassem is one half of The Rebel Mama, a multimedia platform that is rebranding motherhood for a new generation.

This includes a parenting blog, podcast, The Rebel Mama Hotline, two best-selling books, The Handbook for (Cool) Moms and Get Your $hit Together, and a community spanning Canada and the United States. Since we've been cooped up with our families for so long, we thought this savvy Leslievillian would be the perfect guide for where to go when you're at your wit's end with what to do with your kids.

(Or when you need to escape them.)

SOUK TABULE

For the perfect family-style lunch “Souk Tabule, little sister of Tabule, is a Middle Eastern cafeteria and one of my favourite places to eat with the kids.

Or better yet, take the food to go and have a picnic at Corktown Common.

I recommend the shakshuka and the Lebanese coffee.” → Souk Tabule, 494 Front St E

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Well-being

ED’S REAL SCOOP

MERCURY ESPRESSO

To keep you caffeinated enough to keep up “Mercury Espresso is still the coolest place to grab an iced Americano. You feel like a regular in no time — and you never know who you’ll see.

This is, after all, the spot where Drake filmed his Jungle video!” → Mercury Espresso, 915 Queen St E

THE BROADVIEW HOTEL

For a vacation vibe without leaving the city “Hands down, the Broadview Hotel rooftop offers, the most instagrammable westward view of the city and never fails to transport me back to weekend vacations in New York pre-kids. With its solid snack and cocktail list, it’s the perfect place to catch up with friends.” → The Broadview Hotel, 915 Queen St E

A treat for the whole family “Did you know that Mercury Espresso’s signature coffee is used to make Ed’s Real Scoop’s espresso gelato?

So if the kids — or I — have had a rough week, this is our go-to pick-me-up. I also make sure to have pints on hand, so we don’t get stuck in weekend line-ups!” → Ed’s Real Scoop, 920 Queen St E, 2224 Queen St E

SPACCIO

For an escape while grocery shopping “Spaccio in Corktown is Terroni’s East Side cousin and a great spot to shop for fresh pasta, prepared foods, and Italian delicacies.

Shopping the Spaccio kitchen is like stepping into the Italian countryside vacation of your dreams.” → Spaccio, 22 Sackville St

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Well-being

To refresh your home “Black Rooster’s Nina Ber-Donkor has kept Leslieville homes stylish AF since she first opened her doors in 2012. Through lockdown, I’ve learned that your space needs to be a sanctuary. Adding unique pieces, like intoxicating candles and unique hand-picked furniture and decor, help to elevate your space to the next level. Even if you don’t buy anything, browsing around Black Rooster is a treat in itself!” → Black Rooster, 1075 Queen St E

BLACK ROOSTER

LESLIEVILLE PUMPS

CORKTOWN COMMON

For a top-notch picnic basket

For a park day with (or without) the kids

“Leslieville Pumps gained notoriety for their breakfast and BBQ sandwiches (like their Brisket Sammy with fried pickles on the side) and the kinds of nostalgic convenience goods that will take you back to eating Pop Rocks behind the portables in 1992. The Pumps is our family's go-to to fill our picnic basket for the perfect park day.” → Leslieville Pumps, 913 Queen St E

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“Corktown Common is a newer park at the base of Lower River Street that pleases the whole family. Its contemporary play structures and splash pad sit on top of a hill for a great view of the city skyline while the kids play. Older kids are just a few steps away from the hoops and skateboard ramps at Underpass Park. And parents are mere minutes from the Distillery District, where you can head for a leisurely patio lunch and shopping.” → Corktown Common, 155 Bayview Ave

Well-being

For small (or large) indulgences “Stocked with cool west coast labels curated

by OG fashion retailer Aziz Alam, Good Neighbour has a real chic L.A. vibe. (For those of us old enough to remember, Aziz owned Jet Rag on Queen West back in the day.) Good Neighbour offers the best all-around shopping in Leslieville, by far – even if it’s just to pick up Compartes chocolates or rose gummies for a lucky friend.” → Good Neighbour, 935 Queen St E

GOOD NEIGHBOUR

For an intimate date night “With its dark and sexy atmosphere, you can see why Comrade is a neighbourhood fave for date night.

A word to the wise: avoid the weekends so you can find a quiet corner for the ultimate privacy. My husband and I love coming here to reconnect over a martini and talk about something other than online school.” → The Comrade, 758 Queen St E

For a kid-free dance party “Boasting delicious late-night eats, Poor Romeo is a tiny neighbourhood bar with the best and rarest tunes, thanks to music aficionado and main man behind the bar, Adam Graham.

This late-night escape is the ultimate spot for drinks and dancing with my friends. You say you won't dance, but I guarantee you always will!” → Poor Romeo, 1029 Gerrard St E

QUEEN BOOKS

For a quiet moment “Venturing into Queen Books is like being transported into a dream world curated carefully by owners, Alex Snider and Liz Burns. Wandering amongst the stacks of books and tables laden with exciting new reads is, for me, the definition of self-care time. (You can pick up one of our Rebel Mama handbooks here, too!).” → Queen Books, 914 Queen St E

Follow Aleks and Nikita at

therebelmama.com

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Fall in amore with summer via the perfect patio dinner, with help from some of our favourite local eats. →

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EastTO Magazine

When the moon hits your eye

B

ackyarding—the trend of using your outdoor space for both work and play— reached a whole new level in the past year when lockdowns forced Torontonians to get creative with their spaces. The hottest table in town is now the one on your patio, so why not celebrate summer with the ultimate outdoor dining experience, courtesy of a few of the East End’s favourite local businesses.

A Slice of Home One of the east end’s most sought-after pizzerias was launched from a back porch, when Luke Pollard and his wife Brianna Murray found their design business shuttered in the spring of 2020.

One Night Only was born as a limited run of 10 homemade pizzas, baked every Saturday night in Pollard’s home oven, and picked up by friends and family from the couple’s Riverdale backyard.

Word spread, and in-the-know locals couldn’t get enough of the thin-crust pizzas, bubbled to perfection, with artisanal toppings and a signature creamy garlic-dill dipping sauce on the side.

“Pretty soon, we were making 25 pizzas every Saturday night out of the house,” Pollard says.

This spring, One Night Only moved into a storefront at 581 Pape Ave. (the former home

of Casa Tamayo). He now cranks out 80 pizzas every Friday and Saturday night, available by pre-order for pickup only, timed so your 16" pie comes straight from the oven as you arrive.

Ordering opens Mondays and sells out promptly, with pepperoni (topped with fresh mozzarella and basil) as the best seller.

Pollard is modest about his pizza’s success.

“I’m just trying to make pizza the way I like it,” he says. “We keep the menu nice and simple, and do our best just to make a beautiful product.”

His not-so-secret secret is the crust—a recipe (see page 12) he’s happy to share—that he preps three days ahead for a long, slow rise in the fridge.

“The long fermentation time allows the flour to fully develop the flavours,” Pollard says. “Even if you just let your dough sit for one day, you’re ahead of the game.”

You don’t need a traditional pizza oven to get that golden, bubbly, perfectly crispy thin crust (but they certainly don’t hurt—see sidebar).

Pollard says he started out baking with his standard electric home oven, maxed to 550 degrees Fahrenheit, cooking each pie about 10 minutes.

“Even if your oven only goes to 500 degrees, crank it as hot as it goes and let it preheat at least half an hour to an hour,” Pollard says.

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Al fresco apps, made locally with love Nothing says summer like seafood fresh off the grill, so while your pizza bakes, throw Eastside Social’s octopus on the barbecue. It comes pre-poached sous-vide in a meal kit that you can pre-order for pickup from the restaurant’s Queen and Carlaw location, Wednesday to Saturday. “Our octopus is what we’re known for, and it comes with an amazing chili oil for serving,” says Cherie Stinson, who co-owns Eastside Social with partner Joey Skeir.

The couple, originally from Halifax, infuse the restaurant’s entire menu with coastal influences.

Several dinner kits are curated to include their best dishes, like fresh shucked oysters, clam chowder, PEI mussels in a white wine jus with housemade molasses bread for dipping, and the popular Fisherman’s Box, an easy-prep feast for seafood lovers.

Sipping season Summer evenings call for a signature cocktail, like Eastside Social’s Bourbon Sour, available pre-mixed a jar that serves four, made with Skeir’s own rhubarb-berry syrup. “If you don’t have a shaker, use a big mason jar, and a wooden spoon to muddle the mint,” says Stinson. “For a true sour, crack an egg and froth up the white nice and fluffy.”

Grilled octopus pairs well with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc, like the 2017 edition from Domaine des Pasquiers from Provence, France. “The fruit and

acidity of the wine really cuts through the chilies, garlic and olive oil base,” says Skeir. “It’s also a great crisp summer wine that pairs well with pizza.”

Local brew Goose Island IPA, an award-winning, hoppy beer with bright citrus and bold finish, is another of Skeir’s favourites. “The slightly bitter profile breaks through the velvety cream of the clam chowder,” he says. It’s also a great companion to spicy dishes, like One Night Only’s Spicy Potato Special, with a garlic and basil cream, pickled red onions, jalapeños and fresh basil.

Crust Me PREP TIME:

3 hours, plus 24-72 hours of fermentation

3 cups (700 ml) warm water 1 tbsp (15 ml) sugar 1 tsp (5 ml) active dry yeast 2 lb (1 kg) flour 1 tbsp (15 ml) salt 3 tbsp (45 ml) olive oil

DIY your own pizza with One Night Only’s dough recipe

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Add the warm water to the sugar and yeast and let sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast foams up. In a large bowl, weigh out 1 kg flour and add to water and yeast mixture.

Using your hands, gently mix until all flour is incorporated with water.

Cover the bowl and let sit on the counter for 30 minutes.

Add the salt and olive oil to the dough, and mix by hand until both are incorporated and the dough becomes a sticky ball. Cover again and let sit on the counter until the dough roughly doubles in size (about 1-3 hours, depending on room temperature).

Punch down the dough and place in the refrigerator, covered, for 24-72 hours.

When ready to make the pizza, take the dough out of the refrigerator and portion into thirds.

If you only want to use 1 portion, place others back in the fridge for 1-2 days or freeze.

Ball up the dough you’re using and place on an oiled bowl or plate, cover with plastic wrap and let the dough proof until it comes up to room temperature. The dough balls will now be ready to shape and be made into pizzas.

Makes enough for 3 large pizzas.

The Investment The Mangiafuoco Wood Oven This wood-fired pizza oven was designed from the ground up to cook perfect, Italian wood-fired pizza. The efficient oven uses 5x less wood than a traditional ceramic pizza oven and is portable. fontanaforniusa.com

Some like it hot At-home pizza ovens take your pies to the next level, mimicking the results of a commercial pizzeria without the woodfired brick oven.

The Budget BBQ Box

WIN

The Countertop Cutie Breville Stainless Steel 4-Piece Smart Oven Pizzaiolo Set One of the few countertop ovens that heat up to 750°F, this mini powerhouse cooks authentic wood fired-style pizza in under two minutes. thebay.com

The Showpiece

BakerStone Grill Top Pizza Oven Box

Ooni Koda 16" Gas Powered Outdoor Pizza Oven

This Oprah-endorsed grill insert transforms your BBQ into a pizza oven, with a stone baking chamber that cooks pro-quality pizza in under four minutes.

This top-reviewed stone-baker fires up with an instant gas ignition and heats to a blazing 900°F, cooking Neapolitan-style pizza in under a minute. Folding legs make it easy to store in the off season.

bakerstonebox.ca

nellaonline.com

Enter our contest to WIN an Ooni Koda Outdoor Pizza Oven! @RichardsGroupRemax on Instagram

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The East End is made up of countless micro-communities, each one with its own unique identity, local attractions, and hidden gems. We asked you to share your favourite East End spots on Instagram, and these were a few of your favourites.

Follow us @RichardsGroupRemax on Instagram for your daily dose of inspiration.

Neighbourhood Stories

My Neighbourhood:

Riverside FOR 13 YEARS, Lisa Clarke has called Riverside home. And like many newcomers to the east-end, she assumed Riverside and Leslieville were one in the same. But in recent years, the flourishing of independent shops, fitness spots, and restaurants has made the Riverside community one of the most distinct in the city.

Lisa shares with us her favourite Riverside highlights:

6:30am:

I typically start my day with a home workout. In the summer, I enjoy biking up to Riverdale Park to run on the amazing outdoor running track.

7:30am:

On our morning walk, Coco leads the way straight up Boulton Avenue to sit on the steps for a quick chat with our neighbour, Ron, a long-time resident of Riverside. We chat about the day, and often marvel at the Riverside real estate market. His family bought his house on Bolton for under $50,000 — granted that was many many, years ago!

8ish

After our stop at Ron’s, Coco and I stop at least one, often two, and sometimes three of the beautiful parks in Riverside.

We can usually hit up Jimmy Simpson, Saulter Street Parkette, and Joel Weeks Park and still be back home within the hour. That includes catching up with all of our doggie friends, and their owners!

9:00am:

Riverside is not only loved by its residents, but by many Toronto foodies.

It is one of those neighbourhoods that has something delicious to offer everyone. Breakfast institutions like Lady Marmalade or Bonjour Brioche have been here longer than me and if you go you will see why they’re such Toronto favorite.

11:00am:

In addition to being home to some of the city’s best restaurants, Riverside is home to many fabulous home cooks.

And the neighbourhood has the needs of the most discerning chefs covered, with shops like The Brick House Bakery, Butchers of Distinction and Rowe Farms.

6:00pm:

For lunch or dinner in Riverside, the options are both tasty and diverse.

Looking for something healthy? Try Tabule. If you’re looking for something a bit more casual, both The Comrade and the Café at the Broadview Hotel make an excellent burger.

7:30pm:

Although I try not to eat dessert, I see nothing wrong with finishing off the day with a cookie from Craig’s Cookies or an ice cream from Ed’s Real Scoop when I deserve a little indulgence!

4:00pm:

I recently discovered that Power Kitchen on Logan has excellent prepared meals for any dietary preference. And of course, everyone here knows that The Riverside Market at Queen and Broadview has everything and anything you could ever want if you’re looking to dine in with some Netflix.

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Insider Advice

Moving On Big moves often coincide with big life changes. Here’s how one East side resident leveraged the sale of her home as a way to move forward.

WHEN JULIE WATSON’S MARRIAGE ended after 16 years, she found herself faced with a whole slew of decisions. The most intimidating one was what to do about the couple’s largest asset —their detached home on a quiet cul-de-sac in the Beaches.

“We’d agreed to put the house on the market, but there was so much I wasn’t prepared for,” she says. “I was a stay-at-home mom for most of the marriage and my ex-husband had taken care of all the family finances. There I was on my own, trying to sort out the sale of the house and figure out where I could afford to live.”

Even though the house was in a desirable neighbourhood, Watson, who had just opened a yoga studio, Afterglow, felt like she was in a precarious position financially. “My income

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was uncertain at that time, and I didn’t know if I would even qualify for a mortgage on a new home,” she says.

While stressful, Watson’s situation isn’t unusual when almost 40 percent of Canadian marriages end in divorce (and that number is expected to climb in a post-Covid world). Agent Cera Dann of the Richards Group routinely counsels clients who are going through a similar process.

“Generally, there are two main options when it comes to the family home,” says Dann. “Either one partner stays in the house and buys out the other partner’s share, or they sell the property and split the proceeds, which they can then use to buy new homes.”

Insider Advice

Regardless of whose names are on the title or the mortgage, under Canadian law, both spouses are entitled to half the equity in the matrimonial home. When a couple divorces, what often makes the most sense financially—and in many cases, emotionally—is to put the house on the market and look for a new home where you can start fresh.

“Getting an opinion from a realtor on the value of your home can be useful in knowing what your largest asset is worth and what the landscape is like,” says Dann. “In East Toronto, house sales are generally pretty impressive, and great borrowing rates are available.”

For Watson, entrusting the sale of her home to Dann and The Richards Group team, was her best decision. “The team at The Richards Group were so understanding that I was totally green,” she says. “They were really in tune with my needs, and the whole process felt very seamless and smooth.”

The client care team took care of all the home staging, updating Watson’s sleek modern style with some cozy accents like comfy couches, blankets and pillows for a homier and more accessible feel. “I left things entirely in their hands, and that says a lot for me—I’m a pretty controlling person when it comes to my home decor,” says Watson.

When the house sold within a week, Watson focused on the next hurdle: finding a suitable new home within her budget by the June closing deadline, and in the same school catchment areas for her three children, who were 14, 12 and 8 at the time. “I really wanted the least amount of disruption for the kids, since their lives were already so disrupted,” she says. “I won’t sugarcoat—the divorce was devastating for them.”

Watson began house-hunting even though she and her ex-husband hadn’t solidified their separation agreement yet, which would formalize custody arrangements and the amounts she would be receiving for spousal and child support.

Fortunately, Watson’s lender was willing to accept preliminary income numbers to qualify her for a mortgage.

Building up your credit rating as an individual—especially if your spouse was the primary earner—can take some shuffling. “Once you separate, it’s recommended to remove all joint accounts and credit cards, and get one or two credit cards in your own name to build up a credit history,” says Angie Alvarez, mortgage broker with Capital Home Lending. “In some divorce cases where everything was in the other partner’s name, lenders will work with you on a case-bycase basis.”

“No matter what situation you’re in today, if you can provide approximate values for what

your support payments will be, you can go through the pre-approval process,” says Alvarez.

“Just know that it’s very important to have that signed separation agreement before the close.”

There’s also nothing wrong with renting for a year or two while the dust settles. “Sometimes you want to take a moment to catch your breath,” says Dann. “Speak with your bank on how to keep the money you earn from the sale of your home safe and invested.”

As luck would have it, Watson ended up buying a new house within a block of the old one. “It looked like it needed a lot of work, I didn’t know if I even wanted to live that close,” she says. “But I looked out the window and saw a whole group of kids, aged 2 to 15, all playing together and getting along, and it felt like a sign.”

The move was a bit of a scramble—because she couldn’t move into the new home until August, Watson had to stay with friends and family for two months after the sale closed on the marital home. Still, she’s happy with her new home and the decisions she made. Her younger kids, now 16 and 13, can still hang out with their friends from the neighbourhood, while her eldest, 19, is off to university this year.

“I’d absolutely recommend finding a real estate agent that you like 100 percent,” she says. “I really appreciated the compassionate, nurturing approach that I got from the Richards Group.”

With more than a dozen real estate agents on staff, the firm is big enough to represent both you and your ex, if you so choose.

Whatever your situation, professionals you trust are your best source of guidance. “When people go through a divorce, the stress and pressure can be intense,” says Dann. “A lot of our clients have come to appreciate that we can offer them two separate agents to represent and communicate with them throughout the process while we all work towards the ultimate goal of enabling everyone to move forward. Advice from friends and family can help, but you really need a panel of experts in your corner. Your lawyer, realtor, mortgage professional and therapist are there to give you the most accurate information.”

“In a situation that is often overwhelming, our goal is to help you feel empowered.”

Trusted Advice Cera Dann The Richards Group cera@therichardsgroup.ca Angie Alvarez Capital Home Lending angie@capitalhomelending.ca

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An East Designed House PHOTOG RAPHY BY JACKLYN BARBER

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EastTO Magazine

The Maison Corbeil sofa was cut down to fit with the living room space.

As founders of real estate firm, The Richards Group, Selene and Mark Richards are no strangers to home redesigns and renovations.

But when it came to the design of their latest house, they hit the proverbial and literal wall and needed some help.

S

SELENE AND MARK first saw the house on Munro Park in the Beaches back in 2018, and they instantly knew it had incredible potential. “We set high expectations for this house, “ laughs Selene. “It is a special house on a special street.”

Even real estate agents need agents, and Jenny Simon found exactly what Mark and Selene were looking for.

“It really was love at first sight,” recalls Selene. “The vibe of the house and view o f the lake from the porch put the property over the top. We made an offer even though Mark had only seen the property on FaceTime!”

However, while the home’s structure was exceptional, the layout was dysfunctional, the decor was dated, and the exterior didn’t reflect the couple’s taste.

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The dining room chandelier was purchased locally from Black Rooster and can be seen from the street.

We also knew we were too busy and too close to the project to manage it ourselves,” says Mark.

“Fortunately, we knew the perfect person who could help us realize our vision.”

Mark met Shannon years ago when she was renovating her own homes. He admired Shannon’s approach and encouraged her to pursue her passion for design professionally.

After several years helping clients of the Richards Group transform their homes to get maximum return, Mark convinced Shannon to join the team to manage the agency’s new Design Services division. The success of this collaboration inspired the launch of the interior design firm, East Design House.

“Experiencing the client-side of a renovation was new for us,” admits Selene. “But we quickly realized the value in having a professional challenge our thinking and keep us on track.”

“Even though we had renovated and designed our homes ourselves in the past, we quickly realized the difference a professional makes — she expanded our vision and elevated our home to new heights.”

For Selene and Mark, the collaboration with Shannon made the home something beyond anything they could have imagined on their own.

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“Our initial plan was a ‘lipstick’ update until we figured out the long term plan ,” says Selene.

“We were only going to focus on surface-level issues only.”

But as the planning progressed, everyone realized a full renovation just made more sense from the start. The result would be a house that felt entirely custom, with no room left behind.

An “Edgy Traditional” Design Shannon started the Munro Park house project by redesigning the main floor living space. “Mark and Selene didn’t want one enormous great room, preferring a more traditional separation of spaces instead,” explains Shannon. “Dividing the space would honour the classic feel of the home, but we brought in bigger doorways and exaggerated windows to make the rooms more modern and liveable.”

They came up with the term “Edgy Traditional” to describe the approach.

Maintaining the traditional bones of the house gave the team room to play with riskier, more playful choices when it came to decor.

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Made-to-measure personal spaces As the renovation on the main floor took shape, the ‘Edgy Traditional’ concept became the filter for design decisions for the entire house. “More traditional grasscloth wall coverings were paired with bolder, sculptural lighting in the master bedroom,” says Shannon. “The master bathroom was constructed in a classic marble material but applied unconventionally.”

Shifting a doorway opened up a walk-in closet for Mark while the home’s 4th bedroom was converted into a combo (closet/office), jokingly called the “Cloffice” for Selene, complete with a built-in desk and custom cabinetry.

“Both of the kids’ rooms were designed with their bathrooms and meticulously organized closets to maximize each child’s personal space.

“After nearly a year of school-from-home, desks in each room became essential,” says Selene.

Shannon also increased the size of the dormers to bring in more daylight and create bright, warm environments for the girls to study and hang out.

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Bold and sculptural CB2 pendants give the bedroom a focal point and are a personal favourite of Selene’s.

The design is in the details The “Edgy Traditional” design aesthetic made final details even more crucial. “Even though my family owned a blind and drapery business, I never invested in custom drapery in my own house before,” says Selene. “But as soon as we decided to invest in it, we knew it was worth it.”

Going through the process with Shannon solidified for Mark and Selene how valuable having a professional is for a renovation and the final outcome.

The project was a marathon, ebbing and flowing over two-and-a-half years. When design fatigue set in, Shannon’s advice kept everyone on course. “Sometimes you need to back off for a weekend to come back and realize how important a design element is,” says Mark.

“When you’re investing in a major renovation, it only makes sense to invest in someone whose profession is design. It makes all the difference.”

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B

Coco

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Wally

Over the course of the pandemic, The Richards Group has seen our own little puppy-boom.

Here are our favourite places for caring for (and spoiling) our four-legged friends.

H A NE

Dolly

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Lily

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Tyler

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The Dog Park A

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Grace & Riley

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Rosie

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Frankie Our favourite parks With endless trails to explore and a park seemingly around every corner, there’s no shortage of spots designed to get tails wagging.

Glen Stewart Ravine Brickworks Riverdale Park

Our favourite groomers

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Tito

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When our doggos need a pedi or a trim, we turn to these local groomers to keep our pups well-coiffed.

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Zoe

The Dog Market My Dog Spot Paws In the Bath Dog Grooming

Our favourite pet shops Our dogs are all happy to run errands when there’s a stop at one of these pet shops.

There’s no shortage of treats in the east end!

Timmie’s Doggie Outfitters The Bone House Small Wonders Pets

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PEC Considering Investing in Prince Edward County?

Considering Investing in Prince Edward County?

Considering ConsideringInvesting InvestingininPrince PrinceEdward EdwardCounty?

County?

AG AG Real Real Estate Estate Group Group -- Team Team Lead Lead Alexandra Alexandra Grant Grant AG Real Estate Group Team Lead Alexandra Grant Alexandra Grant started in the real estate industry in 2011 when times AG RealGrant Estate Group - Team Lead Alexandra Grant Alexandra started in the real estate industry in 2011 when times

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Average Residential Sale Price Average Residential ResidentialSale SalePrice Price Average for 2021-$748,488 Average Residential Sale Price for for 2021-$748,488 2021-$748,488 for 2021-$748,488

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EastTO Magazine

Average Residential Waterfront Average Residential Waterfront Average Residential Waterfront Sale Price $1,068,108 Average Residential Waterfront Sale Price - $1,068,108 Sale Price - $1,068,108 Sale Price - $1,068,108

AG Real Group Listings AGAG Real Estate GroupListings Listings RealEstate Estate Group Browse Listings: Browse Listings: Browse Listings: www.agrealestategroup.ca www.agrealestategroup.ca

www.agrealestategroup.ca

$1,999,900

$1,999,900 $1,999,900

2670 County Rd 8, Prince Edward County Uniquely designed & constructed modern home

situated on 5+ acres in the heart of Waupoos.

Uniquely designed modern the southern views & of constructed Lake Ontario. The hub of home 2670 County Rd 8, Prince Edward County Enjoy Uniquely designed & constructed home 2670 County Rd 8, Prince Edward County Waupoos situated acres in thecider heart ofmodern Waupoos. in on PEC5+ offers a marina, company’s

situated on 5+ acres in the heart of Waupoos.

NEW LISTING

WATER VIEW

the southern views of Lake Ontario.

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The Enjoy the views of Lake organic Ontario.

The hub of property was southern formally a fully operational Waupoos in PEC offers a marina, cider company’s Waupoos in PEC offers a marina, cider company’s farm, with green house still present.

Enjoy a custom & wineries, apple orchard, and fine dining. The layout with open concept kitchenand and dining room. The & wineries, apple orchard, fine dining. property formally a fully On the upperwas level, you will enjoy 14operational foot ceilings, organic property was formally a fully operational house stilllarge present.

Enjoyorganic a custom 3 farm, seasonwith porchgreen with wood stove, decking, farm, house present.

Enjoy a custom a layout grand with primary bedroom withstill a 4pc ensuite & dining withgreen open concept kitchen and room. layout with concept and dining room. walk-in closet, 2open bedrooms, 1 guest bathroom.

The On the upper level, you willkitchen enjoy 14 foot ceilings, On the upper level, you will enjoy 14 foot ceilings, lower level features a finished rec room with built-in 3 season porch with wood stove, large decking, projector, 4 guest suites all wood w/ 3pc bathrooms & decking, 3 porch with stove, a season grand primary bedroom with a large 4pc ensuite & patio door entrance. a grand primary bedroom with a 4pc ensuite & walk-in closet, 2 bedrooms, 1 guest bathroom. The walk-in closet, 2 bedrooms, 1 guest bathroom. The

lower level features a finished rec room with built-in Waterfront Development is 90% complete towards Benn’s Point, level4features a finished rec room with built-in NEW LISTING WATER VIEW $1,855,000lower projector, guestNapanee suites all w/ 3pc bathrooms & draft plan approval consisting of 12 waterfront NEW LISTING WATER VIEW projector, 4 guest suites all w/ 3pc bathrooms & estate lots. Private 47+ acres facing west with patio door entrance. patio door entrance. massive Southern & Northern exposures and over 5000 plus ft of waterfront on Hay Bay (An inlet of WaterfrontLake Development 90%offers complete towards Ontario). The is terrain a gentle slope, $1,855,000 Benn’s Point, Napanee Waterfront Development is 90% towards space,consisting mature wooded some draft plan open approval ofcomplete 12areas, waterfront $1,855,000 Benn’s Point, Napanee draft plan approval consisting of 12 waterfront marshland, & plenty of apple and pear trees. estate lots. Private 47+ acres facing west with Here you will find the most beautiful unobstructed estate Private&47+ acres facing westand withover massivelots.

Southern Northern exposures sunrises and sunsets in the area.” Theand Point” is massive & Northern exposures 5000 plusSouthern ftcompletely of waterfront on Hay Bay (An inletover of unique and offers unequaled privacy, 5000 plus ft of waterfront on Hay Bay (An inlet of Lake Ontario).

Thewaterfront terrain offers gentle slope, stunning vistas, a and is located a short Lake Theoff terrain offers a gentle slope, distance the main highway onsome a dead-end openOntario). space, mature wooded areas, NEW LISTING open space, wooded areas, some township road.

Hydro to the property. marshland, & mature plenty of appleruns and pear trees.

Complete privacy awaits you!pear trees. marshland, & plenty of apple and Here you will find the most beautiful unobstructed Here you willsunsets find theinmost beautiful sunrises and the area.”

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The Point” is Rd, Tamworth 225 Woodocks Mills $775,000 completely unique and offers unequaled privacy, completely unique and offers stunning waterfront vistas, andunequaled is located aprivacy, short stunning vistas, and ison located a short distance waterfront off the main highway a dead-end distance off the main highway on a dead-end township road. Hydro runs to the property. township Hydro runsyou! to the property.

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$775,000 $775,000

225 Woodocks Mills Rd, Tamworth 225 Woodocks Mills Rd, Tamworth NEW LISTING

NEW NEW

A one of kind architectural design constructed in 2014 with galvanized aluminum & wood construction.

This modern rustic space provides an open floor plan, natural wood details throughout, large windows filling LISTING the space withNEW natural light, and an easy sightline to NEW LISTING the outdoors. Surrounded by the sound of wildlife & peace and tranquility as you look over your mature treed terrain with a large marsh/pond & Canadian Shield.

Opportunity to work from home as the internet A one of kind architectural design constructed in 2014 is available amenities are close by. Theconstructed main floor A one ofand kind architectural design in 2014 with galvanized aluminum & wood construction. features a large studioaluminum space perfect for an office, with galvanized & wood construction.

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Exposure.

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Insider Advice

Bringing the

Indoors Out The Richards Group Property Stylist and Staging Manager, shares her tips for making the most of your outdoor space.

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EastTO Magazine

THE PANDEMIC HAS TAUGHT US the value of having a dedicated outdoor space. So it’s not surprising to see outdoor areas, large and small, being used for a host of activities that span far beyond basic gardening and play areas for the kids and pets. Backyards and balconies are now the spots for cooking, lounging, working, working out, teaching, and socializing. These tips show you how to create an outdoor oasis that makes the most of your space and lets your personality shine.

Give indoor furniture a breath of fresh air To bring that same sense of comfort and personality from inside your home to your outside space, consider incorporating furniture and accessories typically used inside. For example, bring out objects like an unused coffee table, decorative accent tables, rugs, pillows, and baskets with rolled blankets for chillier evenings.

(It doesn’t have to be a matching set.)

Find furnishings that withstand the elements and have a waterproof storage bin on-hand for pillows and throws to make disassembly a cinch when those storm clouds roll in.

Insider Advice

Pick a theme and colour scheme If your outdoor area can be seen from inside your home, a coordinated colour scheme will make both spaces feel larger. For instance, if your indoor space has a grey, white, and navy palette, use these colours as a guide for your outdoor space. Keeping your outdoor furniture tones neutral will also give you the versatility to be more playful with colour in your accessories — and in your garden, too.

From there, have fun incorporating vibrant accent colours.

Look to nature for inspiration.

If you are drawn to a yellow bloom, a decorative accent in yellow will help to pull everything together.

As with the inside of your home, your outdoor space can be ever-evolving to bring you joy all year long.

The Goods Tame the wild Whether you have a vast, open backyard or a compact back patio, define areas to create multi-purpose, cozy vignettes. For example, an outdoor area rug, curtains, string lights, pergola, trellis, or potted plants can help visually divide an outdoor space into separate “rooms” that best optimize every inch of your outdoor oasis.

Ambient lighting is also key. Highlight focal points and illuminate functional areas with overhead statement fixtures so you can continue to enjoy your space after the sun goes down. Up-light trees with floodlights, highlight garden areas with directional pathway lighting and draw people outside with warm light from a fire pit flame or ceiling of Edison-style string lights. Set your lights on a timer to automatically turn off at night so the wildlife, and your neighbours, are not disrupted.

Bianca Zorzi, Property Stylist and Staging Manager at The Richards Group, suggests the following local and favourite stores for outdoor goods you’ll love: Tonic Living tonicliving.ca Inside Out 1280 Castlefield Ave insideoutpatio.ca Jardin De Ville 1276 Caledonia Ave jardindeville.com Article article.com Moss 544 Danforth Ave mossgardenhome.com Fresh Home and Garden 16 Eastern Ave fresh.ca ARD outdoor 3019 Dufferin St ardoutdoor.com Southport Outdoor 1296 Castlefield Ave southportoutdoor.com West Elm 109 Atlantic Ave westelm.ca CB2 651 Queen St W cb2.ca Dekko dekko.ca Etsy etsy.com

TheRichardsGroup.ca

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Insider Advice

Let Mother Nature accessorize for you

Create a place to play!

Decorate tabletops with clippings direct from your backyard. Sprigs, branches of all sizes and botanicals in a decorative vessel can quickly and easily add a touch of colour and softness without heading to the florist.

Remember that one person’s weeds could be another’s centrepiece!

When it comes to arranging outdoor accessories, follow the same rule of thumb as you would indoors. Create focal points by following the rule of three and collecting pieces of varying heights to keep the eye moving.

Remember that your outside area is for your enjoyment, so carve out space for activities you enjoy most. I love seeing outdoor spaces with hobby stations. Create a food prep area beside the BBQ. Define a workout area with free weights and yoga mats. Use floor cushions to build a comfy spot for reading or meditation.

Have a table dedicated to potting plants if you have a green thumb. If you are still working from home, set up a workstation outside so you can get some Vitamin D while you’re on your Zoom calls.

When it comes to decorating your outdoor space, the sky is literally the limit! You only need to imagine the possibilities.

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EastTO Magazine

Bringing you music that makes it home.

July 2-24, 2021 beachesjazz.com TheRichardsGroup.ca

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EAST TO

28.5

Kippendavie Ave.

How designing a move-in ready home led to a market frenzy.

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EastTO Magazine

The Space Before listing, this three-bedroom, 2-½ storey home had been a rental for several years and had been well-worn throughout. The house itself was solid, so Samantha Davies, Design & Client Care Manager at The Richards Group, recommended minor renovations in critical areas to transform this home from a rental into a move-inready haven for families.

Agent

Cameron Levitt

$1,550,000

Address

Design Budget

Sale Price

Return

28.5 Kippendavie Ave. $1,680,000

Before

Approx value prior to design

$15k

$120,000

Davies refreshed the bedroom carpeting and changed the colour palette throughout the home to create a bright and inviting space. More pragmatic changes like a new high-efficiency furnace helped maximize the home’s selling potential and gave buyers peace-of-mind.

A gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances connects to a sun-soaked family room that accesses the deck.

The master bedroom features a large double closet and stairs to access the third floor loft positioned as a sunny oasis to work from home.

The second bedroom offers ample storage while the third bedroom features a balcony with unbeatable lake views.

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The Market The Beaches market has remained active during lockdown, with many houses sold well over asking after only a week or two after being listed.

The transformation from a rental to a familyfriendly space capitalized on the trend of families looking for space to grow both inside and outside their homes.

The biggest draw for this home was clearly its location: steps to the Beaches and an outstanding view of the lake from the second story. Kippendavie Avenue is minutes away from not one, but three parks. So the home’s size and extended outdoor opportunities made it desirable for families looking for a home that would allow them extra space during lockdown and beyond.

Before

The Return The location and size of the home drew many buyers initially, but the finishing details made the property even more attractive.

The work put into the home paid off. More than 20 showings were booked within the first 28 hours of listing. The result was four offers well over asking price and a final sale that exceeded expectations.

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C H A R I T Y F O U N D AT I O N

OUR VISION: Inspiring positive social change in our communities, both locally and globally.

OUR MISSION: To improve the lives of those who need it the most, by contributing time and resources towards charitable initiatives.

HALLMARKGIVING.CA Hallmark Giving is a registered non-pro it charity foundation of RE/MAX Hallmark Group of Companies.

Thanks to The Richard’s Group print partner, Proprint Services

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by Jacqueline Pennington

Discover

NORTHUMBERLAND IN SUMMER NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY is located on the shores of Lake Ontario just an hour East of Toronto. Often known for its beautiful beach, historic downtown shopping, and picturesque surrounding of rolling hills, Northumberland has always been a popular tourist destination.

In recent years the County has also attracted many retirees, and with the convenience of the VIA Rail commuter service, the area has become a place to call home for many Toronto commuters.

Northumberland is an incredible place to call home especially for those looking for waterfront or waterfront views as it boasts two major lakes within its borders.

Lake Ontario runs along the entire south side of the county and each of the waterfront communities offers a unique lifestyle all its own.

Rice Lake is located along the northern border of Northumberland. It is the perfect spot for those looking to be on the water, with a cottage or year-round home.

Named for the wild rice which grew in it, Rice Lake is now recognized for its recreational and sport fisheries.

The village of Bewdley sits on the west end of the lake and the town of Hastings sits on the east. Other communities around the lake include Roseneath, Gores Landing, Keene and Harwood.

Whether you are looking for a year-round waterfront home, access to the beach and views of the water, or you have your heart set on a cottage retreat within an hour to the GTA, Northumberland County has it all.

For more information about the unique features of each community visit www.JacquelinePennington.com and discover why life is better in Northumberland.

Port Hope has incredible walking trails along the water and pebble beach.

Cobourg offers a chance to be transported to sandy beaches perfect for the whole family and ideal for swimming. As well as the beach, Cobourg offers an expansive marina and boardwalk steps from downtown and Victoria Square Park.

Heading east along lake Ontario there are three other major waterfront communities each with its own unique typography and picturesque views.

Port Hope

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163 Sydenham Street, Cobourg

544 35 Highway, Pontypool

Welcome to what life in Cobourg is all about in a home that is bursting with character and lake views. Steps to Lake Ontario and at the heart of downtown. This lovingly restored Jackson-style home has unsurpassed curb appeal with lush front gardens and covered front verandah. Step out onto the upper-level deck and enjoy morning coffees listening to the birds sing or relaxing afternoons with unobstructed views of Lake Ontario.

Embrace life in the Kawartha Countryside in this custom Discovery Dream Hilltop Home. Situated on an expansive 18-acre property this log and timber frame home blends seamlessly into its breathtaking surrounds of mature trees and tranquil county views. Located a short drive to three major city centres and amenities and only 10 minutes to the 407 for those looking for easy access to the city.

Offered for $925,000 MLS: 40129988

Offered for $3,999,999 MLS: 40119468

18 Chapel Street Unit #1, Cobourg

208 Newton Road, Alnwick Twp

Located in Cobourg's original library this beautifully converted condo is a rarely seen gem located in the heart of downtown.

Preserving all of the character and charm of yesteryear, this loft blends the best of old-world charm and modern amenities.

Featuring the original curved staircase, wide planked hardwood floors, and loft area with a curved wrought-iron balcony. This local landmark is also moments from Cobourg Beach and access to 401.

Unlimited commercial opportunity in this meticulously kept 17 bedroom care home facility. Situated on over 16 acres, with a principal residence over 5,000 square feet, four additional outdoor portable spaces, and a recreational facility with an outdoor pool. Significant investments have been made over the years for fire protection and maintained to Ministry standards.

Rarely does a property with such possibilities become available!

Offered for $549,900 MLS: 40128764

Offered for $1,500,000 MLS: 40115917

JacquelinePennington.com CALL TODAY 905.375.0062

*Based on number of transactions for Northumberland County 2020. Source TREB/Quinte Real Estate boards.

TheRichardsGroup.ca

37

Insider Advice

Heat Wave Could a two-dose summer mean a red-hot housing market?

Your dream home is still within reach. Richards Group agent, Bram Goldman is known for making it happen for his buyers, so we turned to him for insider advice.

AS THE PANDEMIC TOOK HOLD in the spring of 2020, experts predicted housing prices would drop after the economy shut down. But instead, Toronto home prices soared 33 percent this April compared to a year before, according to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board. This summer and fall, increased vaccination rates could prompt another boom as borders reopen and Torontonians feel more comfortable leaving home to house-hunt.

“These days, our homes are more than just a place to eat and sleep,” says Goldman, “Your home is not just working double-duty as a workspace, and a safe haven. With the ability to entertain in sight, and many realizing that working from home is a long term situation, many people are finding that their home just isn’t meeting their needs anymore.”

Even as prices rise, it’s still possible to upgrade to the home you really want, says Goldman.

Interest rates remain low, and borrowing has never been more affordable. Meanwhile, you can maximize the selling price and profit from your current home through strategic design and staging. The leap to your next home may not be as big as you thought — consulting with experts can give you more insight into your options.

Perhaps the most important factor is who you work with, and in a market with limited inventory, you need someone with inside knowledge.

More than ever, properties are selling without ever making it to MLS — in the industry, they’re called pocket listings.

“When you’re the agency that sells the most homes in one market, you have access to the most homes off-market,” says Goldman. “Your agent’s deep knowledge of the area makes them privy

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Insider Advice

to information about which homes might be listed soon, if they list at all. A homeowner might decide to sell their home exclusively through one real estate firm to limit the number of showings, avoid staging, keep data private, and encourage a quick sale. Of course, clients get the advantage of knowing about those properties first .”

Understanding buyers’ needs, now and in the long term, means Goldman can match up clients with their perfect home.“I usually spend a lot of time with each client talking about their wants and needs, and we’ll drive around the neighbourhood looking at different homes,” he says.

“If we’re not finding what they want on the market, and they fall in love with a particular street or home, I’ll put together a letter to the owner, telling them about the buyer I have handpicked just for them,” he says. “People are curious what their house is worth and what their next move could look like, and it’s resulted in finding my clients their perfect home several times over the past year.”

To power-up your search, expand your neighbourhood horizons.“Some clients will say they only want to live in one specific neighbourhood,” says Goldman. “But when I ask them more about why, I’ll find out what they do in the community and what their weekends are like. They’re often surprised to find they can get the same lifestyle in more affordable areas they’ve never thought of .

Having realistic expectations on prices also helps. “I’ll put together a map of four or five areas with a list of solds in the last 60 days, to give clients an idea of what properties really go for,” he says. “When something is listed for $999,000, it often sells for a significant amount over asking.

Being prepared helps reduce sticker shock.”

Once you’re ready to make an offer, your agent should have the negotiation chops to take you to victory, and they should prepare you well in advance. “When we have sold a home in a multiple offer situation, it’s amazing how many people lose out because they are not prepared.”, says Goldman. A good agent has close relationships with other local agents, and a track record of winning multiple offer situations—all crucial skills in a competitive landscape.

Will the market mellow out anytime soon?

As inventory fluctuates, it’s hard to predict—but one thing Goldman is sure of is that more of us are realizing how important it is to live in a space you love. “People have really redefined what home is,” he says.

TheRichardsGroup.ca

39

Community

EAST TO

Community

100

GUYS WHO CARE 40

EastTO Magazine

Community

serving different communities. We thought we would create one for guys like us – casual, fun and without pressure or restrictions. We believe that if we make the experience valuable to our members, they’ll keep coming back and staying involved, and it’s grown from there.

E

ast Enders Matt Foster (who also happens to be a member of The Richards Group team) and Rob Alarie started the East Toronto 100 Guys Who Care giving circle to bring people together to forge friendships while making a difference.

Through word of mouth and website sign-ups (at www.et100guyswhocare.com), the 100 Guys Who Care has expanded to more than 120 dedicated members in only two years.

The group has raised tens of thousands of dollars for shelters, food banks and hospitals throughout the East End. We spoke with Foster and Alarie about what inspired them to start the organization, the charities they’re proud to support and the strength of the East End community.

What led you to start this organization?

RA: In late 2018, we were out to dinner together, and I brought up the concept of 100 Who Care giving circles. The next day, Matt called and said we should seriously think about starting our own chapter. So we committed to doing it that day, and it’s grown from there.

MF: We loved the idea of being able to get together with friends and meet new people while helping our community. It’s the best of both worlds getting to see friends and make a difference at the same time.

Why focus on men making a difference?

RA: We were inspired by other chapters we’d seen, like the 100 Women Who Care East Toronto (www.100womenwhocaretorontoeast.com).

There are different chapters all over the country,

MF: That said, we are inclusive beyond men.

We’ve had several women inquire about joining our chapter and we are open to anyone who wants to get involved!

How do you choose an organization to support?

MF: We invite members to nominate charities, which we (literally) put into a hat and randomly draw three. The members who nominated the selected charities each “pitch” their organization to the group, and we all vote. Usually, there’s a personal story attached to the charity that compels someone to nominate it. It’s very touching to have guys open up and share their stories.

RA: We prefer the charities to be based in the East End, and we tend to focus on smaller charities where our donations can have the most impact. In the past, we’ve given to Safe Transitions, an organization dedicated to finding homes for families living in shelters, and the Corvette Public School Food Bank, giving meals to students and families who struggle with food insecurity.

What are you most proud of in developing this organization?

MF: Watching our chapter grow has been so satisfying. We started with just the two of us, and by our first meeting, we had ten. Watching new members latch on to the concept and get involved has been rewarding.

RA: It’s one thing to have a great concept on paper, but when Matt and I get to drop off an envelope full of cheques for a charity that’s not expecting it, that is truly amazing. Meeting the organizers and learning how much impact our donations have is so powerful and rewarding.

TheRichardsGroup.ca

41

Muskoka Bound BEN AND DAN IMRIE were born and raised in Toronto, in the Yonge and Eglington area. They grew up cottaging on Acton Island (circa 1954), Lake Muskoka their entire lives until the family cottage was sold in 2006. They have spent every summer since, living on the Muskoka Lakes. Now each brother is raising a family of their own and enjoying the same values they grew up with while cottaging in Muskoka.

LITTLE LAKE JOSEPH $9,975,000 Once in a lifetime opportunity to own a unicorn property on coveted Little Lake Joseph complete with a private beach, dramatic cliffs, shallow and deep water, soul inspiring sunset views all with perfect privacy. Property has been used as a family compound with a 2 bed primary and 3 bed guest cottage including a 1 bed bunkie to house your family and guests, and is completed with a new contemporary 2 slip boathouse & 2 car garage (43' x 28'). The dwellings are updated aesthetically and ready turn key with granite counters, SS appliances, stylish fixtures and skylights to bring the light in, and a Muskoka room with weather wall to extend the season, yet are both approaching their expiry date.

42

EastTO Magazine

BUCK LAKE $850,000 - SOLD

Find peace, serenity and privacy at this beautiful family-cherished cottage on beautiful Buck Lake. Gorgeous NorthWest sunset views from the extremely private 2.2-acre property. Enjoy long, clear views of the lake from the large deck and screened-in porch off the front of the charming 3-bedroom cottage. A fully finished Bunkie with two single beds and a kitchen for extended family and friends.

The property is very level with a sandy beach entrance and plenty of tableland for all of the cottage games and activities. The cottage is winterized and located on a year-round road with a public boat launch located less than a km away.

LAKE JOSEPH $1,275,000 - SOLD

GLOUCESTER $1,695,000

Family cherished 3-bedroom cottage on 210 feet of the crystal clear waters of Lake Joseph and over 9 acres of beautiful rolling Muskoka terrain including stunning dramatic cliffs. The cottage is simple and well cared for with hardwood floors and windows over looking the lake and deck. There is also a single slip boathouse (400 square feet of living area) with 2 bed living, kitchen, bath and a pleasant porch.

A separate dock is ideal for swimming in the deep waters with a sandy shore. This is a well-treed natural paradise on Muskokas most sought after lake. Redevelop new or enjoy the charm of a real Muskoka cottage.

A private year-round cottage on Gloucester Pool with stunning sunset exposure, 230 feet of shoreline on a private 2+ acre lot. Large deck space from the open concept 3-bedroom cottage, and lots of dock space to enjoy lake side with a single slip boathouse. Property is natural and gently sloped with exposed granite and some level lawn for the kids to play. Vaulted ceilings in the main living spaces, open concept with marble counters. 1-bed bunkie accommodates over flow with AC, TV, heater and small fridge. Enjoy easy year round access and close to year round activities such as snowshoeing, boating the Trent Severn, snowmobiling and ATV’ing. Enjoy all the outdoor activities you could wish for! Quick closing available to enjoy this summer.

WILSON ISLAND $919,000

LARGE ACREAGE & WATERFRONT $650,000 - SOLD

A 3-bedroom, completely renovated cottage on level lot with sunset exposure. There’s also a large bunkie. Enjoy all Muskoka has to offer.

Are you looking for seclusion on the water but close to town? This is your opportunity to own a large frontage and acreage on Spiers Lake which is only minutes from Bala and Port Carling. Very easy access from paved road. There are many building sites and you may have the potential to severe the property. Come enjoy the 18+ acres and 1600 feet of waterfront.

View more more listings at imuskoka.com and get in touch today!

BEN IMRIE

DAN IMRIE

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

705-706-2099 ben@imuskoka.com

705-644-2475 dan@imuskoka.com

LAKE MUSKOKA BUILDING LOT $750,000 Gorgeous building lot on Lake Muskoka with 350 feet of water frontage and 10 acres of land. A short trip from landing to Bala Park Island. South exposure.

TheRichardsGroup.ca

43

Market Trends

Market Review The spring real estate market stayed hot after an extremely busy fall and winter. We expect the market to stay hot throughout the Fall as buyers flock back to the city, interest rates remain low, and inventory stays low.

Off-market listings are more popular than ever, with homes being sold before they make it to Realtor.ca.

So contact us with your dream home wishlist, and we’ll let you know about exclusive and upcoming listings!

44

EastTO Magazine

With so many properties being sold off-market or exclusively, these stats only reflect what has been listed on Realtor.ca. If you’re buying in this market, that means that the homes listed on MLS are just a part of the picture.

Check out the market stats to see what prices are doing in your neighbourhood.

Market Trends

Market analysis by neighbourhood The Beaches

Birchcliffe/Cliffside

Average Price

$1,664,503

Average Price

$1,122,388

Median Price

$1,570,000

Median Price

$1,050,000

10

Average days on market

14

Average days on market

Beach Hill

Leslieville Average Price

$1,124,147

Average Price

$1,335,030

Median Price

$1,143,060

Median Price

$1,306,500

11

Average days on market

13

Average days on market

Greenwood Coxwell

Upper Beaches Average Price

$1,098,418

Average Price

$1,281,173

Median Price

$1,117,500

Median Price

$1,250,000

12

Average days on market

9

Average days on market

Corktown Distillery

Riverdale/Riverside Average Price

$1,761,842

Average Price

$735,254

Median Price

$1,738,150

Median Price

$669,000

15

Average days on market

23

Average days on market

Danforth Average Price

$1,302,749

Median Price

$1,247,500

Average days on market

8

*Based on the TREB Q1 2021 report. Includes all property types.

TheRichardsGroup.ca

45

Market Trends

The Richards Group Effect Even in a hot market, The Richards Group earns 13% more for your home in half the time compared to the average TREB agent.

Given that the average price of a home in Toronto’s east end is $1,219,385, choosing The Richards Group could mean an additional $158,520* or more for your home. *Based on TREB 2020 stats E01/E02 combined

46

EastTO Magazine

Market Trends

The team that makes it all happen When you work with The Richards Group, you’re backed by an integrated team of realtors, market analysts, design managers, and project planners.

Jenny Simon

Sabrina Cameron

Matt Olinski

Cera Dann

Cameron Levitt

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Bram Goldman

Shane Little

Matt Foster

Lisa Clarke

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Sales Representative

Samantha Davies

Bianca Zorzi

Julia Costa

Leyli Goodale

Design and Client Care Manager

Staging and Styling Manager

Client Care Assistant

Client Care Assistant

Client Care and Design

Management and Marketing

Mark Richards

Selene Richards

Arthur Kershaw

Zoe Cook

Founder and Team Leader

Business Development and Marketing

Broker of Record

Administrator

TheRichardsGroup.ca

47

What’s For Sale, Coming Soon and Sold To see all the latest listings, visit TheRichardsGroup.ca and follow us on Instagram @RichardsGroupRemax!

See what’s recently sold, view past listings, and listing data.

EastTOsold.ca

48

EastTO Magazine

FOR SALE

630 Kingston 310

630Kingston310.com

Cameron Levitt

C 416.699.9988

$799,000

Sales Representative

cameron@therichardsgroup.ca

See more listings at TheRichardsGroup.ca and

@richardsgroupremax

FOR SALE

49

FOR SALE

42 Long Cres

50

FOR SALE

42Long.com

Mark Richards

C 416.699.0303

$2,979,000

Sales Representative

mark@therichardsgroup.ca

FOR SALE

1 Fallingbrook Road

1Fallingbrook.com

Mark Richards

C 416.699.0303

$7,295,000

Sales Representative

mark@therichardsgroup.ca

See more listings at TheRichardsGroup.ca and

@richardsgroupremax

FOR SALE

51

FOR SALE

21 Glen Manor Dr

52

FOR SALE

21GlenManor.com

Matt Olinski

C 416.937.6293

$1,999,000

Sales Representative

matt@therichardsgroup.ca

FOR SALE

58 Fallingbrook Road

58Fallingbrook.com

Cera Dann

C 416.569.2372

$3,179,000

Sales Representative

cera@therichardsgroup.ca

See more listings at TheRichardsGroup.ca and

@richardsgroupremax

FOR SALE

53

FOR SALE

261 Kingswood Road

00 54

COMING FOR SALESOON

261Kingswood.com

Shane Little

C 416.471.9824

EXCLUSIVE

Sales Representative

shane@therichardsgroup.ca

COMING SOON

15Baseball1604.com

Mark Richards

2061Bridletowne.com

Matt Olinski

C 416.728.2499

Sales Representative

C 416.937.6293

Sales Representative

68Millbrook.com

Bram Goldman

9ValhallaBlvd.com

Lisa Clarke

C 416.688.2468

Sales Representative

C 416.526.9772

Broker

10DorothyBullen.com

Bram Goldman

28Nursewood.com

Lisa Clarke

C 416.688.2468

Sales Representative

C 416.526.9772

Broker

See more listings at TheRichardsGroup.ca and

@richardsgroupremax

FOR SALE

55

COMING SOON

56

122Kenilworth.com

Matt Foster

25VictoriaPark.com

Jenny Simon

C 416.937.6293

Sales Representative

C 416.728.2495

Sales Representative

24DuartPark.com

Cameron Levitt

28WalterSt.com

Matt Olinski

C 416.699.9988

Sales Representative

C 416.937.6293

Sales Representative

10Beech.com

Mark Richards

164WaverleyRd.com

Mark Richards

C 416.728.2499

Sales Representative

C 416.728.2499

Sales Representative

COMING SOON

SOLD

112Balsam.com

44Balsam.com

$4,995,000

Mark Richards

C 416.699.0303

sold exclusively

Sales Representative

mark@therichardsgroup.ca

$4,760,000

Mark Richards

C 416.699.0303

Sales Representative

mark@therichardsgroup.ca

See more listings at TheRichardsGroup.ca and

@richardsgroupremax

SOLD

57

SOLD

69Boardwalk.com

179Kenilworth.com

58 SOLD

$2,279,000

Sabrina Cameron

C 416.879.3116

18% over asking

Sales Representative

sabrina@therichardsgroup.ca

Shane Little

C 416.471.9824

Sales Representative

shane@therichardsgroup.ca

$2,279,000

SOLD

303Lee.com

124Kenilworth.com

$2,179,000

Cera Dann

C 416,569.2372

17% over asking

Sales Representative

cera@therichardsgroup.ca

$1,890,000

Matt Foster

C 416.720.0024

30% over asking

Sales Representative

mattfoster@therichardsgroup.ca

See more listings at TheRichardsGroup.ca and

@richardsgroupremax

SOLD

59

SOLD

65SpruceHill.com

97Wineva.com

60 SOLD

$1,879,000

Shane Little

C 416.471.9824

24% over asking

Sales Representative

shane@therichardsgroup.ca

$1,829,000

Matt Foster

C 416.720.0024

26% over asking

Sales Representative

mattfoster@therichardsgroup.ca

SOLD

15Drummondville.com

64Drayton.com

$1,829,000

$1,739,000

See more listings at TheRichardsGroup.ca and

Shane Little

C 416.471.9824

Sales Representative

shane@therichardsgroup.ca

Lisa Clarke

C 416.526.9772

Broker

lisa@therichardsgroup.ca

@richardsgroupremax

SOLD

61

SOLD

137OakPark.com

27Brookmount.com

62 SOLD

$1,579,000

Sabrina Cameron

C 416.879.3116

22% over asking

Sales Representative

sabrina@therichardsgroup.ca

$1,399,000

Jenny Simon

C 416.728.2495

35% over asking

Sales Representative

jenny@therichardsgroup.ca

SOLD

1860Lakeshore.com

134Kenilworth.com

$1,379,000

Cera Dann

C 416.569.2372

18% over asking

Sales Representative

cera@therichardsgroup.ca

$1,379,000

Jenny Simon

C 416.728.2495

28% over asking

Sales Representative

jenny@therichardsgroup.ca

See more listings at TheRichardsGroup.ca and

@richardsgroupremax

SOLD

63

SOLD

147Duvernet.com

10Bullerth3.com

64 SOLD

$1,329,000

Cameron Levitt

C 416.699.9988

39% over asking

Sales Representative

cameron@therichardsgroup.ca

$999,000

Jenny Simon

C 416.728.2495

28% over asking

Sales Representative

jenny@therichardsgroup.ca

SOLD

42Gainsborough.com

99Blake.com

$999,000

Matt Foster

C 416.720.0024

43% over asking

Sales Representative

mattfoster@therichardsgroup.ca

$949,000

Matt Olinski

C 416.937.6293

8% over asking

Sales Representative

matt@therichardsgroup.ca

See more listings at TheRichardsGroup.ca and

@richardsgroupremax

SOLD

65

SOLD

100Dagmar.com

408Jones.com

66 SOLD

$899,000

Cera Dann

C 416.569.2372

28% over asking

Sales Representative

cera@therichardsgroup.ca

$899,000

Lisa Clarke

C 416.526.9772

19% over asking

Broker

lisa@therichardsgroup.ca

SOLD

34Darrell.com

390Cherry2410.com

$849,000

Matt Foster

C 416.720.0024

21% over asking

Sales Representative

mattfoster@therichardsgroup.ca

$799,000

Matt Foster

C 416.720.0024

26% over asking

Sales Representative

mattfoster@therichardsgroup.ca

See more listings at TheRichardsGroup.ca and

@richardsgroupremax

SOLD

67

SOLD

15Baseball1001.com

455FrontN506.com

68 SOLD

$699,000

Cera Dann

C 416.569.2372

13% over asking

Sales Representative

cera@therichardsgroup.ca

Bram Goldman

C 416.688.2468

Sales Representative

bram@therichardsgroup.ca

$599,900

SOLD

170Bayview908.com

245Davisville707.com

$849,000

Lisa Clarke

C 416.526.9772

Broker

lisa@therichardsgroup.ca

$679,000

Sabrina Cameron

C 416.879.3116

20% over asking

Sales Representative

sabrina@therichardsgroup.ca

See more listings at TheRichardsGroup.ca and

@richardsgroupremax

SOLD

69

SOLD

72Coalport.com

338Kenilworth.com

70 SOLD

$979,000

Matt Foster

C 416.720.0024

28% over asking

Sales Representative

mattfoster@therichardsgroup.ca

Cera Dann

C 416.569.2372

Sales Representative

cera@therichardsgroup.ca

$1,469,000

As lawyers, we like to think we’re essential...

But let’s be honest, the folks at Michael Garron Hospital are the real deal.

Thank you.

T 416.465.4232 info@kormancompany.com

KORMAN & COMPANY Real Estate Lawyers