The Bower Blog

Passion Burning

Last week I did my taxes.  I know, for most of you that sounds way too organized, however I carefully chronical all expenses through out the year and consequently am ready to go by around the middle of February.  This year on the 16th when originally slated to do my taxes, Skyler had eye surgery so I was The Good Mom and took care of him.  So, did the taxes on the 23rd.  This year, I get a nice little piece of change back, although our government is not happy to write the cheque quickly.  Usually I see it around the end of May or beginning of June.  So, when a real estate agent gets unexpected moola back, what do they do?  Well, in my case, I went to dream at the Home Show.  Let me be clear.  I am not in true need of anything.  My fridge and dishwasher went kaputs last week at the precise same time, so we had to replace those.  Beyond that, anything is just a wish list after reading way too many house and home magazines and viewing tons of homes.

So?  My first stop was at the entry.  Very pretty barbeques.  I am the barbequer in my family, taking special care to time everything.  This item had all the bells and whistles. It had a rotisserie plus a place where you could use your propane gas while utilizing charcoal (if you are a meat eater, always tastes better with charcoal!) It was stainless steel and very pretty; much nicer than the grungy thing that is sitting in my backyard.  The other neat thing is it had an infared side burner; these boil water in 90 seconds and are wonderful for searing meat and locking in the juices.  Cost?  Approximately $1,100.00 including set up. Wish list #1.

The next stop was in the garden area; I am an avid gardener.  Have decided that this year, my circular garden in the middle of my yard will not be flowers, but fresh herbs and veggies, carefully cultivated.  The back is north facing so have to be careful on the plantings but hopefully it will work out.  We are in the city all summer, so the garden this year shall be well taken care of.  We are off to Europe in late August with my mom. 

So,on to the next.  In my estimation, everyone needs a hideaway space.  Whether it be hiding in a garage and turning it into a "man or woman cave" or what I've always wanted to do, which is to have a little house/shed in the backyard so I can do my mosaic art.  It could be insulated, electricity installed and heated so winter work could be done.  I had electricity and lights installed in the garage last year; this year, maybe the little house.  There was a special at the home show for $1,800.00 installed, however realistically, this item finished would likely run around $3,200.00.  Sigh.  Wish List #2.

Finally, just as I was leaving, I saw a fellow with a gorgeous mosaic of Marilyn Munroe.  For someone who is deeply involved in the art scene in Toronto, particularly mosaics, I did not know this place existed.  I got speaking with him and became more and more excited.  He runs classes and teaches the true way to do mosaics, with small tesserae tiles.  His class starts this week and I can't wait!  www.GlassMosaicCanada.com at 686 the Queensway in Etobicoke, if anyone else is interested.  As I was walking out the door, I saw a guy with this tool that was cutting glass and tile in a milli-second-just like butter.  Had to stop.  This was the glass cutter of all glass cutters.  Had to have it. 

Even though I have wish lists, my total expenditure at the Home Show was $40.00.  Not too bad.  By the way, I have another blog of art stuff:  www.CherylBower.blogspot.com

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com

The Goodness of Humans

On Thursday, my younger sister Lynne and some other moms held a fundraiser for a breakfast program at the high school my neice is going to. Let me back up a second.  I have been involved with fundraising for various causes for over 10 years...Breast Cancer awareness, children's breakfast programs, The Hospital for Sick Children to name a few.  The tragically unfortunate thing is that if there are "too many" fundraisers or causes requiring money (walks, runs, etc) then the public in general, gets something called "Charity Fatigue".  It makes sense since we are bombarded on a daily basis with requests such as these and if you have any empathy whatsoever, your heart will bleed; if in a position (or not) you will open up your purses and wallets. The tragic thing is there are those unscrupulous souls out there in the world that know this and will take advantage.  Take for instance the syndicate contacting seniors representing themselves as one of the grandkids in trouble and "could they wire money to them?"  This of course is not a charity, but you can see where people can become jaded and wary.

So, back to my sister's fundraiser.  It was SO grassroots, and so lovely, I can't begin to tell you.  Lynne indicated there were some background politics of which you will always get when there are either egos or money involved, but for your $10 admission, you got a spaghetti dinner, salad, desert and beverages, you got a terrific, award winning school jazz band, auctions for hockey tickets, etc. plus silent auctions and some very creative games that worked very well for the fundraiser.  Because I had secured some donations for Lynne, she had placed a ticket for me at the front door.  Lovely.  The evening looked like it went off without a hitch.  I hope they did well.

On another note, my friend from NYC Jeffrey was part of a fundraiser for a friend of his in Buffalo, NY.  She had 4th stage breast cancer and was a single mom of two young girls.  Their fundraiser was to offset the very expensive chemotherapy (as we know, in the U.S. most health care is not yet covered)  It was very successful however he let me know this morning that Karma had passed away.  Even though I had not met her and only met Jeffrey last year, we are deeply connected as human beings and anything we can do to help others is why we are put on this earth.  If we are not in a position to part with our money, then part with our time donation, or our unused clothes and furnishings....anything.

The only thing enduring we really have in this world is Love.

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com

 

Sentimental Journeys

I met with the family of a dear senior friend yesterday.  My friend had passed away and I was informed of it while on holidays last year.  As I go for my walks every morning, I often think of senior clients and friends I have and how much I value them.  This particular woman was always smiling and never had a bad thing to say about anything or anyone.  I had tea with her at least twice a year.  She watched my son and stepson Beau grow up; loved Skyler-I think he is/was like her...always smiling.  I will miss her and of course life will change on the street she lived on.  There was not one neighbour who didn't look out for her or cherish her aura.  One lovely gal played cribbage with her every week up until she got ill.  What is it about some people that just makes you want to give them flowers, be in their presence or just have a tea?  I think it's their positive energy.  I aspire to that.

Coincidentally, I heard by snail mail, from an old, dear friend from high school.  Susan was also light; she was the youngest of five and we were filled with mischief in junior high school and high school.  I hadn't heard from her in ten years so to get a card "I was thinking of you. Now you're thinking of me" was so touching that I began to tear up.  Today I will go to buy some nice paper and fill her in on my life for the last ten years or so. 

Life is too short to not stop for one moment, one breath and absorb the love and people around you.  Take a moment to acknowledge them.  We never know when that moment will come again, if ever.

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com

The Social Network

No, not the movie-although it was great! Yesterday I had a birthday.  Not a milestone, just kind of half-way to another milestone, so really inconsequential.  I woke up and did my usual routine, walk Elmo Bower, coffee, clementine, vitamins...then logged on to Facebook.  I haven't quite mastered the Facebook genre, so when I originally registered with it, I put almost all of my information in my profile.  I've since toned that back a bit, but left my birthday in.  When I looked, my friend Cathy had started the "Happy Birthdays" and she was quite pleased she was the first one to do so.  I must say that for an insignificant birthday, I felt...loved. 

Let me explain my take on Facebook.  At first, I thought it was silly that people would post somewhat mundane things about their lives on a daily basis.  There are some that do.  But as I logged on more, at least once a day, sometimes a few, I realized that our lives are so busy, whether it be work, family or travel, that keeping in touch, in person, is difficult.  I had a dinner party with close girlfriends in late January.  I thought back afterward and realized it had been at least two years that I had been in a social setting with these wonderful pals.  Two years.  Facebook has provided insight into some of these girls' lives.  It's given me a place to go if I've felt blue; you know, the happiest people in the world are those that are dedicated to a cause outside of themselves.  Facebook has on occasion, given me a glimpse into someone elses' life, good and bad, so that I can reach out or empathize with their plight.

The other thing about Facebook is that there are people on my site that I have known since I was 5 years old.  Cathy (above) is one of them; Billy another and all those Dicksons.  I have been contacted by people I went to public school with, junior high school and high school.  No old boyfriends yet, but maybe one day!

I had a deep conversation with a young friend last Friday; she was entering into a new job on Monday with Porter Airlines.  What we discussed was that sometime when we are self-employed, it is lonely.  This resonated with me.  Having some contact through Facebook, regardless of how fleeting, can provide a respite from this.

All in all, Facebook is nice to me.  Yesterday, I felt acknowledged and loved by people I know, all over the world. For an insignificant birthday, I felt significant and that I mattered.

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com

Dare I Say....Spring?

When I looked out my dining room window this morning, I saw what I wait for all year.  The Cardinal dad had some straw in his mouth; I assume he is preparing the nest for the baby cardinals.  We have a 50 foot evergreen tree in our backyard that hosts a variety of birds.  There are robin nests, cardinals, blue jays and sparrows.  So pretty to watch how busy they are.  It's ridiculous to say spring is just around the corner, since it is always just around the corner, however with the downright balmy weather we have had the last two days, it's hard not to get a spring in your step and start preparing for garden season, golf or motorycling, whatever your fancy is.  Me?  I can't wait to get my hands in the mud and start planting.  It is my intention (I say this every year) to plant a variety of weird tomatoes and exotic herbs.  Speaking of which, I explored the Evergreen Brickworks last Saturday and I'm hooked.  The Saturday morning marketplace is an experience not to be missed.  It is an indoor market, interconnecting all of the old, historic buildings down in the brickyards.  Something like the Distillery District, however a different feeling.  The criteria for being a vendor here is that your product, if food, has to be organic and hand made.  If you are selling jewellery, it has to be vintage and hand made.  My friend Dianne (DIBA jewlry) was there on Saturday selling her fabulous jewellery.  Of course I had to load up.  I could in actuality sell my mosaics there since everything is recycled.  I haven't bought glass in years and the bases for my artwork are almost always found objects.  I'm inserting a picture of my latest project for this years' Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.  Last year I was disappointed that my MOO COW was right at the back of the installation.  In the true spirit of my competitive nature, this year's project is bigger and bolder.  It is titled Coq Royale (Royal Rooster).  Remember, it's in the infant stages so far.  Can't wait to see the finished product. 

Today is the start of the National Home Show; I've sent out tickets to most of my clients.  If by chance I overlooked you, give me a call.  I still have a bunch.  As a RE/MAX VIP ticket holder, you are entitled to lots of fun perks, like free wine testing, front of the line for exhibitions and free coat check.  Check it out!

On the Real Estate front, things are still clicking along.  Meeting with lots of people over the next few weeks.  It should continue to be an active year.  Meeting with old clients and new is my favourite part of my job!  I will be at an open house at 53 Chilton Road (Pape and O'Connor area) on both Saturday and Sunday from 2-4.  Drop in; I'll have warm cider for you.

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com

 

Buyers Flock to Buy Homes prior to March 18 Mortgage Changes

Canadian home sales picked up in January from the month before and should accelerate further before tighter mortgage rules come into effect on March 18, says the Canadian Real Estate Association.  CREA suggested the figures indicate that buyers were willing to pay premium prices to snap up a house before the deadline that will put an end to the longest 35-year amortization mortgage periods, in an effort to curb consumer debt.  The changes limit amortization periods to a maximum of 30 years, making mortgage payments more expensive each month.   

Sales activity kicked off the year on stronger footing, led by Toronto and Vancouver.  On a seasonally adjusted basis, home sales reached the highest level since April 2010, CREA said in its monthly report Tuesday. 

This is very positive news for any homesellers this (early) spring.  Click on the link below to view my new listing at 53 Chilton Road.  It will officially be on the market Wednesday morning listed at $574,900.00.  It is in a beautiful pocket of East York, close to transit, downtown, parkland and highways.  There is lots of good shopping nearby, being close to both Bayview and The Danforth.  I will be there promoting this home both Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 so drop by for some cider!

http://www.realtorsmarketing.ca/new%20slideshows/53%20Chilton.swf

 

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com

Anyone want to BUY a home?

 
This is one pretty place!  Detached, 3 bedroom, plus solarium-type sunroom off the kitchen, facing the backyard.  Features include renovated kitchen with granite countertops, gleaming hardwood floors, leaded, stained and etched glass windows and doors, renovated upstairs bath, renovated downstairs bath, piped in central air from the ceiling.  Too many features to mention! 

Address:  53 Chilton Road (Pape and O'Connor area)  On the market Wednesday February 16, 2011.  Open House:  Agents:  11:30-1:00 (maybe I'll feed you!) February 17, 2011

 Public Open House:  Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 p.m.

Come one, come all!

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com

 

New Circles

I am meeting with a client to list her home tomorrow; for weeks, she has been sorting and cleaning and decluttering.  She's lived in this home for about 13 years.  It's astonishing how much we can accumulate in that time period!  My client has dedicated her life to the service of others.  I've written often about what makes the happiest people and they are those that commit to a cause outside of themselves.  This woman is a registered nurse and has devoted most of her life to the care of others, working both in her community and with her church.  She is moving back to the community she came from outside of Toronto...her Toronto community will surely miss her involvement, love and input.

So all this being said, if a woman like this sings the praises of a community organization, I listen.  New Circles has been featured in the series Susan Hay of Global TV calls "Making a Difference".  The founders saw a need in our community to provide new or gently used clothing to low income Canadians or new refugees to our country.  Of course, Goodwill does something similar, however they sell the clothing.  Social service agencies refer clients to New Circles and four times a year, these clients are allowed to go "shopping" at the New Circles store free of charge.  The people are allowed to shop with dignity and care.  Volunteers are there to support their shopping; quite often the "customers" have small children in tow.  I love this concept.  So much so that I needed to blog about it. 

Yesterday I went through my closet and grabbed what looks to be an entire wardrobe of items I haven't worn in years.  Why hold on to them?  There is a family out there who can use new or gently used items.  Rummage through your closet; I'll even pick them up and drop them off for you!  For further information, contact:  www.NewCircles.ca 

Drop off is at:  10 Gateway Blvd. Suite 100 (Flemingdon Park/Overlea area)

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com

 

              

New Year, New Attitude

I read some statistics yesterday pertaining to the Real Estate Market and how the analysts did not expect the surge in condominium sales in the last quarter of 2010.  The most active price point was between $250K-$350K, predominantly fueled by the first-time buyers.  I was actively looking for condos for a client in the ever-hot Liberty Village area (love that location, btw-think son should live there) so I know how hot it really was.  For the small townhomes, anything between 310K and 350K was flying off the shelf. 

The market so far in 2011 has been extraordinarily brisk, largely due to the fact there is still limited product.  Lack of supply translates to high demand.  If you have a good home or condo in a good area, you will have no trouble selling right now provided it is priced correctly.  Remember, there are still terrific incentives to buy too.

1.  low interest rates

2.  35 year amortizations until March 18, 2011 (you do not have to close by this date!)

3.  RRSP initiatives

4.  first time buyer rebates on land transfer tax

 

All in all, the time is ripe for real estate!

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com

SNOWMAGEDDON in CANADA

Well folks, fasten your seat belts, it's going to be a bumpy night! For two days now we've heard of a weather system heading up from Texas.  It's already nailed parts of the mid-east U.S. with airline cancellations and poor travel conditions.  We are fortunate to be well-equipped in our city/country to handle bad weather.  When we were children, I remember 8-12 foot snow drifts on the front lawn for crying out loud.  So why all the hype about tomorrow?  I think it's because our weather systems in Toronto area have been so uneventful for years.  As a matter of fact, the last "really bad snow storm" according to Global TV last night, was February of 2008. 

I must say, they make a compelling argument to batten down the hatches and stay in.  Walmart must be having a field day with battery, water and candle sales.  Maybe it's really about consumerism.  Any bad weather at any time, rain, snow, sleet, wind-you really should slow down in your car and be very careful while driving.  You should also be clothing prepared.  Are people slightly exagerating when it comes to the weather system?  They say 25- 30 centimetres as if it's insurmountable.  It translates to just over a foot of snow. If you lived on the east coast this year, you would say "cake walk", 30 cm.  They can get 30 cm a day for repeated days at a time.

Anyway, I will go shopping for food, simply because there is none in my home, but you won't find me stockpiling!

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com