Susan Glenn Homes

admin January 24th, 2012

Back in the early 1970′s I was completing my degree in Consumer Studies, Design and Marketing. The topic I chose for my thesis was one that was not at the top of too many people’s minds at that time. The topic was excess packaging used by manufacturers. Since that time we have come a long way in environmental consciousness and trying to remedy our polluted world with reduce, reuse and recycle, but we still have a long way to go.

Certainly there has not been much change in the amount of packaging used by manufacturers to bring products to consumers. What we have done is found more resourceful ways to get rid of the packaging by recycling which has spawned several companies such as Tetrapak who use plastics to create new products. We have a campaign to encourage consumers to use the same bag over and over again by charging the consumer for every new bag. Perhaps the focus should encouraging manufacturers to reduce the packaging used in the first place. But I’ll be covering that in another blog.

In the housing industry, a great deal of focus has been placed recently on building homes with environmental products as well as an emphasis on conservation. Over the course of the last couple of years, I have incorporated an Environmental section in my newsletters and written several articles that pertained to new environmental products available for our homes. In addition recipes for simple everyday cleaning solutions were included. I will continue to keep you informed of new and current environmental suggestions for your home.

Incidences such as the toxic drywall from China, have made it necessary for us to be more diligent and aware of about what we are using in our every day lives and where it is coming from. When you consider the numerous glues, dyes, varnishes, finishes, etc. in household products, not to mention the cleaners we use, you can imagine the chemicals floating around in each of our homes.

As we start 2012, let us resolve to make it a safer, healthier and chemical free environment for ourselves and our children.

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admin November 30th, 2011

There are very few homes remaining in Rosedale that have the history and charm still evident in this grand, traditional mansion. Built at the turn of the century for the Applegate family of millinery fame, 114 Glen Road was inspired by the work of Italian architect Andrea Palladio and is a masterpiece.

Situated on an expansive 100 foot by 123 foot private, estate-type lot, it is 5 minutes from the hub of Toronto’s business and shopping districts and convenient to some of the most prestigious schools in Toronto.

From the traditional portico and grand rotunda that welcomes visitors upon entering, to the splendid gardens at the back, one is taken back to a more tranquil, gentler era.

Exquisite and unique handcarved millwork throughout includes unique coffered ceilings, ionic columns, beautiful wood wainscotting and crown mouldings , solid oak floors, 5 fireplaces and much more. An incredible stained glass window, featuring the lady of the house, graces the landing of the splendid staircase which leads to the second floor and a formal landing and recessed office area.

Here one finds the same sumptuous details found throughout. These include a grand master suite with a renovated ensuite bath and fireplace and 3 additional large bedrooms, one with a fireplace and 2 more renovated bathrooms. Two of the bedrooms can serve as a separate suite of rooms if desired.

The third floor has been totally renovated to be used as a separate, bright and airy apartment or incorporated as part of the family home. It comes complete with 3 bedrooms, 2 renovated baths, a kitchen and laundry facilities.

Basement is fully finished with an office, exercise room, bathroom, laundry room and storage facilities. It can also be accessed from the backyard through a separate walk-up entrance.

To complete the package, there is a rare private drive for 2 to 3 cars and a detached garage. This incredible home with over 7,000 square feet of living space is offered at $4,749,000 and awaits it’s new master and mistress.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS UNIQUE PROPERTY PLEASE CALL 416-925-9191

http://chestnutpark.com/properties/listing/exglen

admin October 19th, 2011

Just a reminder that the Federal government is still offering the eco ENERGY Retrofit program. Home owners can receive up to $5,000 in federal grant money when they complete upgrades to their homes. Before starting renovations you must complete a pre-retrofit audit. An evaluator must measure your house, count the doors and windows, record the type of furnace, air conditioner, water and fireplaces if present as well as check the insulation in the attic and basement. They will also do a “Blower Door Test” to see how airtight your house is. This visit usually takes about 2 hours and costs about $325+HST. The Ontario government will rebate about $150 towards this audit.
A report is then sent to you indicating where you can save on utility bills and reduce greenhouse gases.
Grants are given for upgrades such as heating, air conditioning, tankless hot water systems, insulation, toilet upgrades and more. Check the website: http://ecoaction.gc.ca/homes.
After work is completed a follow up visit occurs which takes about 45 minutes to one hour. This must be completed by March 31, 2012. The upgrades and the grant application are verified at this meeting by the evaluator. The “Blower Door Test” is completed again. This visit costs about $175+HST. You will receive the Federal grant in about 3 months. Be sure to take advantage of this program while it is in effect. If you need a company name for evaluation, please give me a call at 416-925-9191.

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admin April 17th, 2011

CHIC MEETS TRADITIONAL in this Exquisitely Executed 2 ½ storey renovation in Moore Park. Set on a tranquil, South-facing 33 ft. x 143 ft. lot, this 4 bedroom family home is surrounded by beautiful ravines and walking trails. Kitchen and baths have been renovated to perfection with honed marble, Caesar stone & heated floors. All electrical, plumbing and mechanicals have been updated in the last 3 years. Close to Moore Park Tennis Club and in the Whitney School District, this home has fabulous capacity for a future addition on its gorgeous over-sized lot. Garage and 2 car parking too. Just move in and enjoy! $1,299.000.

CALL ME TO VIEW THIS OUTSTANDING PROPERTY BEFORE IT’S SOLD! 416-925-9191

RIGHT CLICK AND SAVE TO DOWNLOAD FULL FEATURE SHEET HERE

CLICK HERE FOR MLS LISTING

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admin April 8th, 2011

Despite the fact that the European Central Bank has decided to raise the prime interest rates in Europe, Canada will not be doing anything to change the prime rate here for now. For one thing, the bank does not want to be seen as having any kind of impact on the outcome of the upcoming Federal election. Secondly, they feel that we are still coming out of the recession and things are still a little fragile; therefore, they don’t want to jeopardize that in any way either.

If you are in need of financial information or want to do some creative financing for renovations, additions or changing residence, please call me and I will provide the resources so you can make an informed decision.

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admin March 24th, 2011

All across the city we are seeing many new condo developments. Renovations and in fill development is still strong in the home sector but we are seeing an incredible number of condo projects under construction, nearing completion or in the selling phases of development.

Yorkville has a number of new projects such as The Four Seasons Hotel and Residences, Milan and 36 Hazelton. There are 2 developments on Balmutto Street, across from the Manulife Centre, several new condo developments on Charles Street both east and west of Bay Street and on St. Thomas Street. Both King St. W. and King St. E. are becoming elegant and trendy areas, with the completion of the Thompson Hotel and The Ritz Carlton Hotel, and Trump Tower which all have private residences attached to them. Many other condo projects have sprung up in King West such as 66 & 75 Portland and The Fashion House at 560 King W. Further west we have Liberty Village and all of the development in Trinity Bellwoods near the Drake Hotel and the Gladstone on Queen Street. South, there is all the development along the waterfront near Bathurst and Spadina such as City Place, DNA, Water Park City and near the Rogers Centre there is Maple Leaf Square.

To the east, The Distillery District is still under construction with new phases on Mill St. and with the West Donlands and East Bayfront areas encompassing a vision of parks, biking and walking trails and recreational facilities in the works, there are many new projects being developed there such as River City, Bayside and Parkside along with the village for the Pan Am Games coming to Toronto in 2015. Toronto is growing up in front of our eyes. To grow with it, contact me for information on any of these condos.

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admin March 15th, 2011

We are well into the spring market now. As always, we had a little stall during March break, but now that everyone is back to school and work, focus is back on selling or finding the right home for many people. We are still experiencing tremendous demand for homes and condos in all areas of Toronto. What we are finding, at the moment, is that there are not enough homes on the market to fill the demand for properties, so this is again, creating an environment for setting specific dates for bids to come in.

Considering all the financial events around the world, we certainly are in an enviable position here in Toronto. All areas of the city have seen increases in values as buyers keep looking for new areas where it is still affordable to buy into the housing market. This is encouraging more renovation in these parts of the city and in turn beautifying all of these areas and increasing the values in the area. If you are interested in getting a list of up and coming areas and properties in those areas, please contact me either by email or by phone and I will be happy to send you a list of possible properties. We have lists of distress sales and good investment properties.

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admin March 1st, 2011

The Bank of Canada was expected to raise interest rates this morning as the price of oil and the Canadian dollar have been climbing and fears of inflation are the new conversation. The Bank of Canada, however, decided to keep the status quo and not to raise the interest rate this time.

Most financial analysts feel that rate hikes are inevitable at some time as the Canadian dollar is now above parity with the U.S. dollar and our GDP was higher; however, there is still cautiousness from the Fed to keep a balance between encouraging growth in the economy and keeping inflation at bay. The risk that an increase in interest rates would kill the economic recovery is a concern, especially in the light of higher oil prices. Higher prices for oil have the ripple effect of higher production and transportation costs which ultimately get passed on to the consumer as higher prices for goods and services.

So at the moment interest rates are still at an amazing level and the variable rate is still an attractive option. Spring Housing Market is here and new properties are coming to market daily. For a market evaluation of your home and a list of available properties in your area, please contact me at 416-925-9191 or sglenn@trebnet.com.

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admin February 24th, 2011

It’s still cold (and often grey) outside and likely will be for a little longer, so in keeping with loving your home, we’ve provided some of the most hearty houseplants to keep your home’s insides good and green until the spring comes into full bloom. The following eight seem to be the best candidates, all requiring low-to-moderate levels of light and water.

1. Jade plant (Money Tree) a beautiful succulent that requires very little water (it can go all together without agua for up to a month). It is tolerant of a little shade, but will do better if placed next to a window. If grown under particular conditions, Jade plant may produce small white or pink leaves.

2. Peace Lily winning the award for the most elegant, the Peace lily has white flowers with long, dark leaves, and does not require too much sun; yellowish leaves may indicate that the plant is receiving more sunlight than it needs. The plant may do best if placed within 6 to 8 feet of a window. If the leaves begin to droop, it may need more water; make sure the soil dries out between waterings. Caution! Lilies are considered highly toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure if ingested. They have not shown the same poisonous effects to dogs.

3. African Violet this striking plant is a popular houseplant, and is one of the easiest flowering-plants to maintain. When watering African Violet, Plant-care.com suggests using a long-spouted watering can to get to the soil and avoid getting cold water on the flower petals. They also suggest using room-temperature or warmer water.

4. Philodendron have heart-shaped leaves and are hearty plants. They will do well next to a window, but they can withstand neglect and low levels of sunlight.

5. Zebra Plant is a beautiful plant if you have a good window to supply it with bright, indirect light. Mist the plant once or twice a week, and if the leaves start to droop, add a little more water.

6. Lucky Bamboo: according to Feng Shui, Lucky Bamboo brings peace, strength, and luck to the homes it inhabits. Additionally, it is one of the easiest plants to maintain! Change the water once every two weeks and leave in a place with medium exposure to indirect sunlight. If the leaves turn yellow or brown, it may be getting too much sun.

7. Cast Iron Plant can thrive in deep to moderate shade, and (hence the name) can last forever in seemingly adverse conditions. With its hearty reputation, this is the plant I will adopt in my bedroom.

8. Mother-in-law’s Tongue converts CO2 at night (so it is suggested that it be placed in a bedroom), and removes toxins in the home. It prefers sun, but it is a very forgiving plant and will tolerate shade. Let the soil dry between waterings, and err on the side of underwatering

Original article written by Megan Zehnder, taken from planetgreen.discovery.com

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admin February 14th, 2011

As February is the month we associate with love and caring we thought it appropriate to talk about love and care of our home. As with everything, the more love and care you put into it, the more enjoyment and longevity you will receive in return.

Here are a few ways to Love and Care for you Home…

1. Moisturizing It’s important to keep a balance as too much promotes mold and fungus and not enough can cause wooden surfaces to shrink and crack. Lack of moisture can cause sore throats, dry skin and static electricity, while proper moisture control will keep the environment comfortable, especially with the forced air systems many homes use.

2. Cleansing Doing a thorough cleaning of your home and keeping it that way will add to the enjoyment of your home both from a visual sense and from a health perspective. Cleaning out your refrigerator, cleaning your oven and other surfaces will make you feel that you have a fresh start and can now replenish with fresh items.

3. De-Toxifying: decluttering and organizing We’ve heard it a lot, throw out and declutter. This will make you feel great! It will save you time and maybe money when you are looking for a specific item in your home. Having systems in place to file and store

articles is a good start to organizing. Throwing out frees the space in your home and in your mind. Gives you breathing room, so to speak. It also enables you to see what you already have and what you need to replace. It feels good to give things away that others can use. Throwing out old paints and outdated toxic cleaners and replacing with environmental cleaners or using more vinegar and baking soda will make your home safer and more enjoyable.

4. Spa Treatment Why not treat your home to a new look of “Exfoliating” the old paint and applying a new one to give a whole new, bright look to your home.

5. Plant Seeds Whether you are “greening up” your space with potted plants or fresh cut flowers, it is always wonderful to see living plants in a home. Potted plants not only add beauty to our homes, they also add moisture and oxygen which are both beneficial. Of course who doesn’t love a spray of fresh flowers to brighten and cheer up any room. It’s like adding a work of art to the space.

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