Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Portrait Condos Meet and Greet

Were you at the Portrait Condos event this Sunday?  A Meet and Greet was held for existing buyers - a great turnout throughout the afternoon, refreshments and delightful hors d'oeuvres were served, along with giveaways which included a coffeemaker, iPad, and a TV.  Buyers also had the chance to meet the Developer Team themselves.

Interested in this project?  Construction has already begun, and anticipated occupancy begins early 2012.  Plus for a limited time only, purchasers can now take advantage of free parking and up to $15,000 in free upgrades.  For existing buyers, refer a friend and receive a $4,000 bonus if a unit is purchased.

For more details and renderings for this project, visit this page.

Follow the jump for the pictures from the event:

Friday, November 26, 2010

VIP Invite to The Station this Saturday - Priced from $189,900!

Interested in The Station condos in North York, located near Wilson Station?


There's a VIP Event this Saturday, November 27 from Noon to 4 pm.  Special pricing will be offered, starting at an unbelievable $189,900!  Refreshments will be served, along with an opportunity to win tickets to see Billy Elliot at the Canon Theatre.

No RSVP is required, so head on over for your opportunity to purchase before the doors open to the general public!

Happy Friday!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

To Dim or Not To Dim … That is the Question!

There’s nothing quite like good mood lighting to set the perfect backdrop to a holiday party - or any occasion for that matter!  Even a slight change in lighting can have a dramatic effect, particularly in a small condo space.

Dimmer switches are an ideal way to do just that.  Not only are they an economical way to add value to your home, they will also enrich the way you live in it.  Plus, the effective use of dimmers can help to offset continuously rising hydro costs.

Thanks to Sarah (a.k.a. Thrifty Decor Chick) we've discovered just how easy it is to install dimmer switches, sans costly labour.  She's graciously given us the green light to share with you with her simple step-by-step instructions (with photos!) for this quick little project.

Why not try this DIY and give yourself the gift of beautiful lighting this holiday season?  It’s much easier than you think! 

Follow the jump for detailed instructions.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Condo Sales: The Past 30 Days at VU

This week, we're heading downtown for a closer look at Aspen Ridge Homes' award-winning VU.


Completed earlier this year in March, VU is located in Toronto's desirable St Lawrence neighbourhood, at the north-east corner of Jarvis and Adelaide.  Situated within walking distance to everything that the urban lifestyle has to offer, VU's residents enjoy not only neighbourhood amenities such as the St Lawrence Market, but also the luxury of having not one but two in-house party rooms and fitness centres, as well as a rooftop lounge.

In the past 30 days, a total of six units have sold at VU, with prices ranging from $325,000 for a 1-BR suite, to $610,000 for a 2+Den unit of 1,250 sq ft.  A total of three units were also leased, from $1,500 for a 1-BR to $2,700 for a 2+Den.

These properties were sold after an average of 50 days on the market, while those for lease spent an average of 6.

For more information on VU, please click here.

If you’re a Realtor and would like to share similar stories, please contact us at info@livehigh.com to participate or be featured in a post.

Please note that units can vary greatly in features and finishes which would normally be considered in any purchase or sale. Any transactions outlined above are for general information purposes only and may not reflect those of typical suites. LiveHigh.com is not responsible for the accuracy of information provided or for any damages or loss resulting from the use of such information. For further information on these or other sales, please consult a real estate specialist.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Greeting Card Displays Made Easy

What might one do with all the fabulous greeting cards they receive over the holidays?  Share and display them of course!  They are little pieces of artwork, after all!

We’ve pulled together some of our favourite ideas for creating simple, decorative displays using everyday household items.


Christmas cards hung from branches can add a whimsical touch to any room.  Consider displaying cards on many branches in a vase to create an entire Christmas card 'tree'!

An easy centerpiece for your dining table can be created using forks as cardholders. This would be a lovely way to share cards with friends, family and acquaintances at your next holiday party!


This decorative frame from by WhipperBerry is both fashionable and functional. The little wooden clothespins will hold your greeting cards securely in place, and will continue to display your seasonal cards, photos and notes throughout the year.
 
 
The simplicity of tossing cards onto a plate or shallow bowl is not only pretty but practical – if you’re looking for an inspirational boost, simply pull out a card and read it!

Remember, these ideas are great for the holidays but would also be perfect to use year-round!


Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Condo Sales: The Past 30 Days at Skymark West

This week, we're heading to Mississauga North for a closer look at Tridel's Skymark West.


Completed in December 2000, Skymark West is located at Hurontario St and Eglinton Ave W.  The building's incredible amenities, which include an indoor pool, squash / tennis courts, virtual golf and bowling, provide residents on-site access to activity and entertainment.  Skymark West is also just a quick drive away from the popular Square One Shopping Centre, restaurants, entertainment venues and Hwy 403, offering convenience for all.
In the past 30 days, a total of ten units have sold at Skymark West, with prices ranging from $226,500 for a 1-BR suite of 732 sq ft, to $460,000 for a 2-BR unit of over 1,300 sq ft.

These properties spent an average of 29 days on the market.

For more information on Skymark West, please click here.

If you’re a Realtor and would like to share similar stories, please contact us at info@livehigh.com to participate or be featured in a post.

Please note that units can vary greatly in features and finishes which would normally be considered in any purchase or sale. Any transactions outlined above are for general information purposes only and may not reflect those of typical suites. LiveHigh.com is not responsible for the accuracy of information provided or for any damages or loss resulting from the use of such information. For further information on these or other sales, please consult a real estate specialist.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Christmas Ornaments: 5 Ways

Ornaments aren’t just for trees! Here are some quick, easy and alternative ways to create festive displays using items you probably already have around your home.

Happy decorating!

You can make an ornamental display by placing a bunch of ornaments in a serving bowl.  The antiqued silver tray here looks great with its sparkly metallic ornaments, but we think that a wooden tray displaying ornaments in more muted tones would be great for a more rustic look.


As you're decorating for Christmas, think about filling several martini glasses with ornaments in varying sizes for a sophisticated centrepiece.  Sticking with ornaments of the same colour will maintain a sense of unity, while glasses of different shapes and sizes will keep the design interesting.  This idea would also work well on a mantle or shelf!


Placing Christmas decorations of the same colour family into baskets would be a great way to incorporate a some festive decor into a more casual room design.
  

Why not opt for a touch of elegance by placing ornaments and lights in a clear glass vase?  This can make for an elegant centrepiece at your holiday party.  The ones shown here are displayed in a rectangular vase, but glass vases of all shapes and sizes would work just as well.  We love the substance attained with a grouping of vases.


Last but not least, a simple serving platter would be a beautiful and interesting way to display some decorative ornaments.  We love the idea of this on a side table or buffet. 

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Condo Sales: The Past 30 Days at The Bloor Street Neighbourhood (BSN)

This week, we're heading downtown to the Bay Street Corridor for a closer look at Cresford's The Bloor Street Neighbourhood (BSN).



Completed earlier this year, the new BSN is located southeast of Yonge and Bloor streets, conveniently surrounded by everything that's quintessential downtown.  Steps to the Yonge/Bloor subway station, Starbucks, The Second Cup, The Bay, Varsity Theatre and of course world-renowned shopping on Bloor Street makes BSN ideal for those who want it all.  

In the past 30 days, a total of eleven units have sold at BSN, with prices ranging from $299,900 for a 1-BR suite to $578,000 for a 2-BR unit. Seven units were also leased over the past month, from $1,375 for a 1-BR unit to $3,500 for a 2+Den.

Of these units, those for sale spent an average of 23 days on the market, while those for lease spent an average of 25 days on the market.

For more information on The Bloor Street Neighbourhood, please click here.

If you’re a Realtor and would like to share similar stories, please contact us at info@livehigh.com to participate or be featured in a post.

Please note that units can vary greatly in features and finishes which would normally be considered in any purchase or sale. Any transactions outlined above are for general information purposes only and may not reflect those of typical suites. LiveHigh.com is not responsible for the accuracy of information provided or for any damages or loss resulting from the use of such information. For further information on these or other sales, please consult a real estate specialist.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Treviso Condos - Neighbours Sneak Peek

Treviso condominiums, a project by Lanterra Developments, held a special Sneak Peek for their neighbours and pre-registrants yesterday. The fun event was family-oriented and looked more like a county fair: there were balloon twisters and temporary tattoo artists on-site, and of course plenty of pizza, hot dogs and popcorn to go around. There were even cooking demonstrations by professional chefs! Needless to say, there were line-ups everywhere we turned. 
Photos courtesy of Jack Kazmierski

In the Sales Centre, groups hovered around the scaled model and floorplans. With this being only the first of three phases in the development, the Dufferin and Lawrence corner will soon be transformed! And the local amenities are sure to be a hit: Lawrence subway station is right around the corner, while Yorkdale Shopping Centre is only a short distance away. Residents will also have quick access to Highway 401 and Allen Road.

Available suite styles range from Bachelor to 3-Bedrooms (up to 1,232 sq ft), with prices starting from the low $200,000s.

For those interested, there will be preview sales for pre-registrants, with the Grand Opening slated for the end of November. Click here for more information and look out for more details to come!

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Christmas Tree Alternatives for Condo Dwellers

Hello, November!  Well it’s hard to believe, but once again it seems that the holidays will soon be upon us. That being said, today’s post marks the first of a weekly holiday series that we hope will inspire you to celebrate the season in style.

So, you live in a condo. You’d like to get into the festive spirit, but your building has rules against the use of live Christmas trees. While today’s artificial variety looks pretty good, even the best “faux firs” lack that certain luster for you. If this sounds about right, stay posted because we’ve come up with some simple and modern natural alternatives to the traditional Christmas tree that should help to spark some holiday cheer!



How about these visually stunning art pieces by possibiliTree®? They offer a 3-ft tabletop option or an incredible 6-ft option that’s designed to be suspended in an ethereal fashion. Available in a variety of natural woods, we love the idea of these strewn with sparkly monochromatic ornaments or simple white lights. When the holidays are over, you can pack and store these trees with ease, or continue to enjoy their artful simplicity throughout the year, unadorned.



This charming pinecone tree as seen at Country Living is a simple DIY that can be decorated, though we adore the natural ruggedness of it bare. Directions for this project can be found after the jump.



As a tabletop alternative, we like the look of these decorative Evergreen sprigs in pretty vases or pots. While it’s an easy DIY, they can also be found at various retailers online. You can embellish the sprigs with Christmas decorations to create an ornamental focal point, or leave them natural for a clean, simple accent in your holiday room design.



Last but definitely not least, we're head over heels for the simple elegance of natural bare branches displayed in vases. As featured on Plush Palate, consider adorning these using ornaments, lights or even crystals for a sophisticated touch.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

A Closer Look: Portrait Condos


We’re always interested in hearing the story that lies behind a new condo project, and Norstar Group’s Portrait Condos is no exception. We sat down with the developers to learn a little more about this new condo and what it offers to potential buyers.


For those who like the idea of luxury living in the city, Portrait may offer exactly what you’re looking for. Quietly nestled at Bathurst and Sheppard amidst parks, trails and lush greenery, this dramatic eight-storey mid-rise is just minutes from a wide array of family amenities including schools, community centres and synagogues. For shoppers, local plazas offer daily amenities such as banking and groceries, while Yorkdale Mall provides the style-conscious with access to over 240 stores and services. Downsview Station is right around the corner for easy access to public transportation, while the highway is a quick drive away.


If you’re downsizing or looking for that perfect pied-a-terre, Portrait’s impressive list of features and finishes will certainly help to ease the transition, making you feel right at home. Some of these include:

     •   Large terraces with exterior gas & water lines;
     •   Granite countertops throughout, including bathrooms;
     •   8’4”, 8’6” and 9’ ceiling heights;
     •   2nd parking spot available for purchase;
     •   Unique, one-of-a-kind layouts (there are about 50 floor plans in the building, no
         floor the same as the next).


 Nature will be brought to life at Portrait with its warm façade, manicured gardens and expansive courtyards – all inspired by the Mediterranean classical style.


True to its name, we think that Portrait Condos is a picture of elegance in an upscale neighbourhood, and at just over $400 per sq ft, its value proposition can’t be denied. Suites start at $271,900 and include a parking spot.  Plus for a limited time only, purchasers can now take advantage of up to $15,000 in free upgrades.


For more information on Portrait Condos, click here. Anticipated occupancy begins early 2012, and construction has already begun – watch these homes grow via Portrait’s new live construction link!


Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Condo Sales: The Past 30 Days at Majestic Court


This week, we're heading up to Markham for a closer look at Times Group's Majestic Court.


Completed in Fall 2008, Majestic Court is located at the corner of Warden and Hwy 7, on the outskirts of the new Downtown Markham.  With plenty of big box plazas, malls, grocery stores and banks nearby, residents can complete daily errands in a breeze, while nearby golf courses, theatres and restaurants provide a convenient source of entertainment.  A quick drive to both highways 404 and 407 provides ease of access to all corners of the GTA.

In the past 30 days, a total of seven units have sold at Majestic Court, with prices ranging from $253,000 for a 1+Den of 632 sq ft, to $396,000 for a 2-BR unit of 1,025 sq ft.  Fourt units were also leased over the past month, from $1,250 for a 1-BR unit to $1,650 for a 2-BR suite.


Of these units, those for sale spent an average of 38 days on the market, while those for lease spent an average of 26 days on the market. 

For more information on Majestic Court, please click here.

If you’re a Realtor and would like to share similar stories, please contact us at info@livehigh.com to participate or be featured in a post.

Please note that units can vary greatly in features and finishes which would normally be considered in any purchase or sale. Any transactions outlined above are for general information purposes only and may not reflect those of typical suites. LiveHigh.com is not responsible for the accuracy of information provided or for any damages or loss resulting from the use of such information. For further information on these or other sales, please consult a real estate specialist.