King Living Home & Lifestyle Magazine - MAY 2015

MAY 2015

HH OO MM E E& & L LI F E M M AAGGAAZZI INNEE I FEESSTT YY L E

SPRING HASSPRUNG Pg. 8

TheRainMakerTeam

GRAND OPENING

Thursday May 21st from 4-7pm

MEET OUR

TEAM

www.KingLiving.ca

Your New Neighbourhood Realtors

contents MAY 2015

05

CREATE A SHADED OASIS

11

MARKET WATCH

08

TIME TO GIVE YOUR HOME A CHECKUP Published by Rainmaker Realty Inc.

09

PLAN A STAYCATION IN YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE

UNIT Y CO MvM ents e

King Living Home & Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly and delivered to all homes and businesses in King Township by Canada Post. Agreement # 41362062.

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to publish this magazine as accurately as possible; however errors and omissions can occur. King Living Home & Lifestyle Magazine’s employees, agents, representatives and vendors are not liable for any damages relating to errors or omissions in the editorials or advertising which may appear herein except where a specific charge has been made.

Victoria Day Fair

Monday May 18th at The Nobleton Arena Grounds For more details visit

www.nobletonvillage.com 2

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Arm your cottage against summer safety threats (NC) If you didn’t realize that cottages, mobile homes, boats and even pop-up trailers require smoke alarms, you’re not alone. Many people think smoke alarm laws are only applicable to permanent homes.

In fact, exactly the opposite is true. Across Canada, building codes, provincial laws or municipal bylaws have distinct specifications for these types of spaces. Virtually every type of camper, trailer, RV, cottage and boat with living, cooking or sleeping quarters require a working smoke alarm on every storey and outside all sleeping areas.

Many dwellings can also be at risk of exposure to carbon monoxide (CO), known as the ‘Silent Killer.’ This lethal gas is colourless, odorless and tasteless and is emitted from any fuel-burning device such as wood stoves, wood, oil, propane or gas fireplaces,

appliances, stoves, heaters, coolers and generators. It is also given off from boat and vehicle exhaust.

When first opening for cottage season, fire safety officials advise to take stock of your smoke and CO alarms before you kick back with a cold one. Fresh batteries should be installed, and cobwebs and dust lightly vacuumed off.

age, manufacturing dates can be found on stickers or under the alarm cover.

When selecting safety devices, invest in models with the latest technology. Kidde, this country’s leading manufacturer of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, recently introduced its newest “Worry-Free” model lineup with advanced sensors that reduce false alarms. Alarms also feature a 10-year sealed lithium battery – meaning it doesn’t need to be replaced for the alarm’s entire lifespan.

This summer, whether your vacation takes you to a cottage, an RV or a sleek watercraft, think fire and carbon monoxide safety first.

Visit www.safeathome.ca for more summer safety tips. www.newscanada.com

It is essential to check if your smoke alarms are due for a replacement. Over time sensors can weaken and become obstructed with airborne pollutants. Even if they sound when you push the test button, outdated alarms must be replaced. If your smoke alarm is hardwired, battery powered or plug-in it should be replaced every 10 years, and CO alarms every 7-10 years, depending on the brand. If you are not sure of their

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By Fiori Bevilacqua

Florals Beyond Your Expecations

12994 KEELE ST. #3 T: 905.833.3148 C: 416.300.9761 KING CITY

GARAGE SALE SIGNS AVAILABLE

Contact The Rain Maker Team at 905.833.1030

Available on a first come basis

4

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CREATE A SHADED OASIS (NC) A shady space in your yard, especially one that provides an escape from late-afternoon sun, can be the perfect cooling and calming getaway spot. Combining shade-loving perennials and annuals in a subtly contrasting mix of shape, texture and colour assures beauty and restfulness in this peaceful retreat.

“Take a look at the PC hosta called Cool as a Cucumber for example,” says Peter Cantley, gardening expert for President’s Choice brand.

“This plant features long, tapered leaves with bright green margins and white centres. The name itself invokes calm, cool feelings – and this hosta is ideal for areas with minimal sun exposure.”

Keep the final height and width of your chosen plants in mind when placing them in the garden. Taller plants should be placed near the back of border gardens or at the center of island-style gardens. Make sure to arrange your selections in clusters of three to five plants of each variety for the most eye-appealing end result.

The size of your garden area and the individual space requirements of each type of plant you choose will determine how many plants are needed. Check individual plant tags for the correct spacing and the size of maturity to help you decide.

To really accentuate the calming atmosphere, think about adding a small water feature. Pair the soothing sounds of a fountain with a hammock plus your favourite book and your shaded area will be a perfect little summer oasis. www.newscanada.com

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OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE & SKILL KING LIVING

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MAY 2015

5

TheRainMakerTeam.com

we make “sold” happen

102KL19

114KL18

104KL19

$458,900 Approximately 1.5 Acres in the heart of King City.

Live and work in this 4 bedroom raised bungalow with a fully finished walk-out basement that has been used a professional office for many years.

115KL18

Stunning 3 bedroom home. Loaded with upgrades throughout. Main floor features open concept great room. Large master bedroom with 4 piece bath.

113KL19

$519,000 Raised bungalow! Great Bolton North Hill location, close to schools & parks. 50x140 ft. lot. Many upgrades.

117KL18

$582,990 Great family home. Approx 2,235 sq. ft., 4 bedroom home with many upgrades. Hardwood flooring thru-out.

$621,900 Move-in & enjoy. This pristine & elegant 4 bedroom beauty on a private, premium mature lot, close to 2 acres.

This 4 bedroom home boasts 9 ft ceilings, grand front entrance with 18 ft ceiling & double sided entrance.

111KL19

103KL15

Great future potential. Fully fenced, ideal set up for entrepreneur, contractor, landscaper or in home business. Plenty of space for the active family.

In-ground salt water pool.

110KL19

Luxurious sun filled one of a kind home situated in new upper scale Nobleton community. Premium west facing pool sized lot.

Brokerage in Canada*

Very unique layout. Ideal for a large family with separate kitchens for extended family or in- laws.

10’ ceilings on main floor. Walkout to backyard from breakfast area.

Call

905.833.1030

*For Royal LePage based on real estate sales of independently owned franchises in 2014

TheRainMakerTeam.com

we make “sold” happen

HELP OUR CLIENTS

move to king

1

we are the

#

BROKERAGE IN KING

TOWNSHIP*

Young Family looking for: • Half Acre or Bigger • 3 to 4 Bedroom • In a Mature Neighbourhood • Up to $1.325 Million

Just Married Couple looking for: • Staying Close to Parents • Newer Home, up to 5 Years Old • 3 Bedroom • Minimum 1 Car Garage • Qualified to Purchase up to $875,000

Professional Couple looking for: • Luxury Home • Minimum 3500 sq. ft.

• Town or Country Property Welcomed

Growing Family looking to build their Dream Home in an established Neighbourhood: • Minimum 60 Foot Frontage • At least 125 Foot Depth • Mature Trees would be a Bonus

Growing Family wanting to Move to King Township: • Preferred Newer Home • Smaller Lot • 2 Car Garage • 4 Bedroom, Minimum 3 Bathrooms

Brokerage in King Township*

Call:

905.833.1030

*For Royal LePage based on real estate sales of independently owned franchises from January 1 to March 31, 2015

SPRING

HAS SPRUNG! TIME TO GIVE YOUR HOME A

Checkup Courtesy of Anna Raeli, State Farm Agent 2201 King Road Suite 2, King City 905-833-ANNA(2662)

O

nce spring has sprung, take some time to give your home a checkup along with its annual spring-cleaning. Adding these home maintenance tips to your routine can help your house operate more efficiently.

OUTSIDE THE HOUSE Check the Air Conditioner Have a qualified HVAC contractor come out to give your air-conditioning system a tune-up. To help lower your energy bills, do this every year to ensure the system is running at its manufacturer-rated efficiency. Also make sure to inspect your system’s condensate drain hose, especially if you live in a humid climate. This hose could become clogged with algae and sediment, and your contractor may charge you more to clean it out. Avoid this extra cost by checking the hose periodically yourself. Use a wet-vac to suction any blockage out from it.

Roofs And Gutters The hot summer sun can quickly damage a roof’s shingles, so you may want to call a contractor if you haven’t inspected your roof in several years. Clean out the leaves and other debris that have collected in them. Then check to see if the gutters are safely attached and haven’t sprung any leaks. Also, make sure that downspouts direct water away from the house’s foundation, to prevent a potential basement flood.

Right the Foundation For further basement flood protection, inspect the foundation around your

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house before the spring rains. Look for cracks or imperfections, and seal them or call a contractor if necessary.

Also look for low areas in the yard near the foundation that might pool water during a heavy rain. Level these yard depressions by filling them with compacted soil. Tend to any other “ponding” areas around the yard, too, because after a hard rain, standing water can develop.

These puddles can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Seal the Deck If you have a patio deck, inspect the wood for stains, discolorations, or warping.

If you find any, consider resealing the deck. To verify that your old application still works, pour some water onto the dry deck and check to see that it beads up. Most deck-sealer manufacturers recommend resealing annually, but if there are no immediate problems worth addressing, you can likely wait until the following spring to reseal. Check for any sharp edges, splintered wood, or rotting wood. Also look for rusting nails or any nails that are coming out or weakening their connections. And be sure to check the railings and stairs to make sure they are secure and not wobbly.

Ready the Soil Spring is the season to prepare for new growth in your garden. Rake beds of leaves and other leftover winter debris.

Use a hoe to churn and loosen the soil, and mix in compost for nutrients. If you’ll be planting new seeds, follow the instructions provided on the seed packet for the best results.

INSIDE THE HOUSE The Water Heater Look around the base of your water heater for evidence of leaks. The average lifespan of a water heater is 8-12 years.

If your water heater is over 5 years old, it should be checked monthly for any leakage or rusting at the bottom. If water leakage or rust is found, the water heater should be replaced. If you live in an area with particularly hard water, you may need to drain your water heater because of the sediment buildup in the tank.

The Basement and Attic Does your attic or basement smell musty? If you have an attic, check it for leaks from the roof. Inspect the underside of the roof and the insulation closely for any discoloration, deterioration, or dirt stains, as the leaking water might have dried up.

Check the basement walls, floor, and trim for water stains or any signs of seepage through the foundation. There are a number of flooding causes. While you’re down there, keep a close eye on your sump pump, making sure it is still in good working order, and has a battery backup in place if necessary.

Grow your own summer salad (NC) The only thing better than a homemade meal is a homegrown meal – and creating fresh and delicious salads using vegetables, fruits, and herbs grown in your own backyard is about as fresh as it gets when it comes to summer dining.

“Self-contained salad bowls are a great way to start growing your own produce,” says Peter Cantley, gardening expert for the President’s Choice brand. “They’re very low maintenance because they grow right in the container so there’s no need to replant them or worry about them having enough room to grow.”

If you’ve never tasted kale raw in a salad, try this recipe, says Cantley, using the PC Kale Bowl. The fruit-and-nut combo is perfect for summer while the balsamic condiment, pine nuts and pecorino give it a wonderful Italian flavour. The recipe

easily doubles for a crowd, perfect for your next backyard barbecue.

Fresh and Crispy Kale Salad

DIRECTIONS:

INGREDIENTS:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together oil, condiment, syrup, salt and pepper.

• 1/4 cup (50 ml) extra virgin olive oil • 1/4 cup (50 ml) PC Splendido White Con- 2. Slice kale into ½-inch (1 cm) wide strips; diment with Balsamic Vinegar of Modena place in medium bowl. Add dressing; mas• 1 tsp (5 ml) 100% pure medium maple syrup sage into kale leaves until well coated. Let • Pinch of salt stand for 10 minutes.

• Pinch of freshly ground black pepper 3. Add pine nuts and currants, tossing • 1 bunch kale, coarse stems removed to coat. Garnish with grated lemon rind • 1/4 cup (50 ml) pine nuts, toasted and Pecorino shavings.

• 1/4 cup (50 ml) dried currants • 1 tbsp (15 ml) grated lemon rind More delicious recipe ideas are available • 1/4 cup (50 ml) shaved Pecorino cheese online at pc.ca. www.newscanada.com

DEPENDABLE and KNOWLEDGEABLE agents seek customers looking for real PROTECTION and long term RELATIONSHIPS. SINGLE, ARTSY LADY SEEKS SINGLE ARTSY GUY. If you love painting, decorating, baking and knitting, we are a match. Please be over 30 and willing to take art classes.

Anna Raeli, Agent 2201 King Road, Suite 2 King City, ON L7B 1G2 Bus: 905-833-2662 Bus: 905-833-ANNA www.annaraeli.com

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PLAN A STAYCATION IN YOUR

Outdoor Space CREATE THE PERFECT VACATION AT HOME

W

10

ith warmer weather around the corner, many of us have our sights set on a summer vacation. But in 2015, the weak dollar has forced many globetrotting plans to be placed on hold in favour of the vacation at home, a staycation.

Here are Jardim’s tips for achieving your outdoor oasis: Set the mood: Comfortable outdoor furniture – daybeds, sectionals and even recliners – are key to creating a great space. “From relaxing after a long day, to lingering with family

We asked home décor and furnishings expert Cindy Jardim of Lowe’s Canada what at-home vacationers can do to create a relaxing oasis on their balcony or in their yard. Jardim is at the epicentre of seasonal fashions in home décor and it’s her job to anticipate what’s coming next.

“This year’s biggest shift in outdoor spaces is towards creating an all-inclusive atmosphere so that the backyard is a seamless getaway,” says Jardim. “Why not redirect some of your hard-earned travel dollars to create a retreat you can enjoy for years?”

and friends long after a meal is over, comfort should be a top priority,” explains Jardim. “Start with neutral pieces that will act as the base and add pops of colour and pattern with décor accessories. Accent pieces can show off your style and make it easy to keep up with trends.”

To really capture that vacation feeling you can set the mood with lighting.

For example, Lowe’s has LED lights and solar powered chandeliers, says Jardim, that are easy to install and can help keep a garden party going late

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MAY 2015

into the night. Flameless candles can also set the perfect ambience for any soiree, without worrying about wind blowing them out.

Extend your stay: Don’t let the elements stop you from enjoying your outdoor space. With the right shelter – a gazebo, pergola, or heavy-duty umbrella – you can add ambience and architectural interest while increasing your time outdoors, rain or shine.

“Fire pits are also great for adding that cozy feeling to your backyard,” Jardim points out. “Just be sure to check your bylaws. A fire pit can extend that precious patio time and keep you warm in your outdoor space early in the spring and late into the fall.”

With a few simple additions to your outdoor space, your very own private oasis becomes attainable. www.newscanada.com

Market Watch King Township

The first quarter of 2015 has proven to be a benefit for home sellers in King Township with the average sale price of a detached home coming in at $972,966.00. March in particular was a busy month, with detached homes taking an average of only 38 days to find a buyer vs 52 days in March of 2014. Having said that, the biggest increase was seen in the attached home market which includes Semi Detached and Townhomes . There is clearly a strong demand from buyers in this sector pushing the average sale price to $727,333.00 compared to $561,711.00 in the first quarter of 2014.

What do these numbers say about King?

As homebuyers move north to find a sense of community, more open spaces and more affordable housing, they are looking to King Township to fill their needs. It is this influx of buyers that is pushing up home prices, where supply is clearly not keeping up with demand.

Sales

Average Days on Market 50

30

40 30

20

20 10

10

0

0

MARCH

2014 March 20142015

March

2015

MARCH

2014

2015 2014

2015

Average Price $1,200,000 $1,000,000 $800,000 $600,000 $400,000 $200,000 $-­‐

Detached DETACHED

A3ached ATTACHED

MARCH2014 2014 2015

2015

By Jamie Goldenberg, Sales Representative

of TheRainMakerTeam

*Source Toronto Real Estate Board

Making your

vacation dreams a Expert in the Caribbean and Tropical Weddings.

TICO# 50013103

Luana Recchia

647-214-1107 luana@1-2-1travel.net

Call anytime between 8:00 am and 10:00 pm

KING LIVING

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TheRainMakerTeam.com

we make “sold” happen

JOIN US FOR

Our Grand Opening!

THURSDAY MAY 21, FROM 4-7PM 12994 Keele Street # 2, King City (Just South of King Road)

Meet Our Team YOUR NEW

Neighbourhood Realtors

Joseph Cartaginese Broker

Paula Perri Broker

Stephen Ferritto Sales Representative

Domenic Spina

Sales Representative

Jamie Goldenberg Sales Representative

Kelly Berry

Sales Representative

Amanda

Administrative Assistant