Susan's House

Great Pumpkins!!

2011-11-22T13:34:00.001-05:00

Thank you to Lori, Allyson, Hannah, Amelia and Holly for your pumpkin entry. Are there any male carvers out there?

Which pumpkin is your favourite?

Last call for carved pumpkins

2011-11-14T09:50:00.001-05:00

In a couple of days I'm going to post my pumpkin entries. Tomorrow is the last day to enter, so please send in your photos.

The prizes are going to be:
1st place winner will receive a $100 gift certificate at Knock on Wood
2nd place winner will receive a $50 gift certificate at Titles Book
3rd place winner will receive a $25 gift certificate at Natas

Good Luck!!

Pumpkin Prizes

2011-11-11T13:44:00.000-05:00

It's about time that I post the prizes for the pumpkin carving contest:
1st prizes wins a $100 gift certificate to Knock on Wood
2nd Prize wins a $50 gift certificate to Titles Books Store
3rd Prize wins a $25 gift certificate to Dreams of Beans

There is only four days left to enter your pumpkin for a chance to win!!

PUMPKINS!!

2011-10-27T09:54:00.002-04:00

This October marks my ninth year in Real Estate, fourth year for delivering pumpkins, and my second pumpkin carving contest. Yes that’s right, another contest! Over this coming weekend, do your best carving and enter it into my contest. I will have three prizes this year for first place, second and third place. Enter your pumpkin by November 15th for your chance to win. I will post updates about the prizes on my blog as well as some of the entries. I would love to see your picture with the pumpkin entry, but let me know if it’s okay for me to put your picture on my blog. Please check out the entries and comment on your favorite. I will contact the winner shortly after a decision is made.

I want to thank everyone for another successful year. It’s been an interesting market to work in, and I’m always glad to hear from you and to help your friends and family. Keep them coming!

Please feel free to call me anytime if you need any real estate advice. I’m only a phone call away!

Best Wishes, Susan

By the way, I’m never too busy for your referrals!

The Homeowner - Fall 2011

2011-10-07T12:16:00.004-04:00

You will find these articles in my current newsletter:
-Real Estate Investing
-High Second Quarter House Prices Conceal Early Signs Of A Moderating Market
-Survey of Canadian Average House Prices in the Second Quarter 2011
-Carpet or Hardwood – which flooring is the right “fit” for you
-Let Mirrors Reflect Your Style, Sensibility, and More!
-Get Your Garden Cleanup Into Gear
-National Garage Sale for Shelter Raises More Than $420,000 in Support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation
To view newsletter, click here

Real Estate Investing

2011-10-03T13:08:00.001-04:00

Over the years I have helped many clients through the process of purchasing a property for investment purposes. I’m very interested in this side of real estate, and I pay attention to what works, and what doesn’t. I also find that buyers have particular ideas as to the type of investment property they would like to invest in. Whether it’s a single family home in a regular neighbourhood, a fixer upper to rent out, a duplex, triplex or a student rental, no one method is wrong. There some things that should be thought out when considering an investment property. First, what are your investment goals? Many people make the mistake of looking at the investment over a short period of time. I think you have to consider owning this investment for a minimum of 10 years for the best gain. Not only will you benefit with the rent coming in and paying down your mortgage, your property will also be increasing in value as the market changes and values increase. On average properties go up in value 5% per year (2% right now). In five years at 5% increase every year your $200,000 property is now worth $255,256.31 and ten years $325,777.77. While you are watching your property increase in value your renters are paying down your mortgage. It’s not a bad nest egg or retirement savings plan that cost you a start-up investment of $10,000.

Secondly, it’s also good to pay attention to the area. Which neighbourhoods are in an area of decline? Are there any developments, or road projects that would directly effect the value of the property? Is there an area of improvement that might be worth getting into? I also think that it is important to plan to spend 1% of the value of the property for maintenance and upgrades. We want your investment always looking good. It is a terrible thing when you let your rental go, which affects your neighbourhood and it starts declining, which in turn effects the overall value of your investment.

Finally, what’s stopping you? If you wait a year, you’ve already missed the 5% increase you would have gained. Have your knowledgeable real estate expert get you started.

Check out The Real Estate Renegades for more insight into investing.

Shelter Foundation Donation

2011-09-21T14:13:00.000-04:00

The 5K and 10K walk and run for shelter committee are proud to have been able to drop a cheque for $1,247.56 off to Cameron House.

"Yes, Cameron House is still going! If you have gone near the site, however, you may be wondering…
After several years of wondering if Brock Mission could keep Cameron House shelter for Homeless women open, we are actually expanding!
While fighting to keep the house open, we completed a comprehensive review of the profiles of the women who used Cameron House services, since its opening on October 31, 1996.
A clear picture developed that many of the women who came through our doors had difficulty retaining stable housing. While they appeared to do well while staying at Cameron House, they struggled one on their own.
This lead to the concept of a “semi- independent living” program which was pitched to both the city and the province.
Through the efforts of the Housing and Social Services divisions of the city of Peterborough, The Peterborough Housing Corporation, and Brock Mission, capital funding was secured to construct 8 bachelor units onto Cameron House.
In addition, we have received some operating dollars to hire a program lead to assist with operating a Life skills program for women with a high risk of Housing insecurity.
While the construction is not likely to be completed until February, 2010, we are excited to report that we have already been running the new program for almost a year!
We are fortunate to have Beth Armstrong, one of the first staff members for Cameron house back in 1996, return to use as the Program Manager for Cameron House. She brings a wealth of experience, dedication and compassion." (copied from the brock mission website: http://brockmission.ca/wp/2011/03/23/cameron-house/)

Preparing your Home for Sale

2011-09-09T14:48:00.003-04:00

Paint is the cheapest way to add money to your investment!

In the past I've been cautious on how to instruct my seller's on preparing their home for sale. I don't want to hurt client's feelings on such a personal thing as their home. Telling them that their home has an odor, or asking them to remove much loved items and to declutter, and to tell them that their style in decor is dated and must be changed before they list, is a hard thing to do. However, lately I have seen too many properties that could fetch a much higher price if the agent was just honest with their sellers and suggest items to be changed before listing. So, my approach is going to be pure honesty...(in a nice way). The goal always is to market and sell my clients homes at the best price, in a short amount of time, and with the best terms. If I know how to do this, but too afraid to tell the sellers my opinion, then I'm doing them a huge injustice. I will be using my design background, my love of art and decorating, and some extra time, to achieve the goals of my clients. Please call or email me for more details.

Shelter Run

2011-07-29T13:19:00.003-04:00

We had a great time at the shelter run. Over 100 runners came out to enjoy the great weather and picturesque run. I had tons of fun organizing it and we had such a great team.

Thank you to our fantastic group of volunteers, we couldn't have done it without you!!

We don't know how much we have raised yet...but should know soon.

Keep on Running!

Shelter Run Facebook Page

Run for Shelter

2011-06-07T14:45:00.000-04:00

The Royal LePage Frank 5K/10K walk and run for shelter is coming up soon on July 16th. I hope to see some of you there!!

The Homeowner - Spring 2011

2011-03-15T13:59:00.002-04:00

You will find these articles in my current newsletter:
-Stage is set for a stronger than expected housing market
-Survey of Canadian Average House Prices in the Fourth Quarter 2010
-Porches and Patios: Optimize No Matter the Size
-Searching for a New Style? Look Back to the Future
-Do it with Doors!
-Let's Put Abuse out of Commission - The National Garage Sale for Shelter
To view newsletter, click here

Royal LePage Frank Run/Walk for Shelter

2011-03-09T10:06:00.005-05:00

There was a great turn out for the run/walk for the Shelter Foundation in Whitby last weekend. It was a great race and I felt really great being a part of it. Kathy Beattie from Royal LePage organized the race and is planning on helping my office organize a run here in Peterborough in July. Look for details on my blog as we come nearer to the date. Also, there is a facebook page attached that has more details of the run, and some great pics. Read below for more information on the Shelter Foundation.

Check us out on Facebook!!

Shelter Foundation

We help more than 30,000 women and children each year.

Let’s put abuse out of commission!

The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation is Canada’s largest public foundation dedicated exclusively to funding women’s shelters and violence prevention and education programs.

Because we believe in the importance of giving back to the community, Royal LePage is the only Canadian real estate company to have our own charitable foundation. All of the administrative costs of the Shelter Foundation are underwritten so that 100% of every dollar donated goes directly to helping our cause.

Royal LePage real estate agents and their clients are working to create safer homes and safer communities by contributing more than $10 million since 1999 to help women and children across Canada. Through donating a portion of their commission on the purchase or sale of your property, our agents are helping bring hope and provide shelter for those who need it most.

Our brokers, agents and staff also provide volunteer time and in-kind goods, and hold special community events to help raise funds and awareness to end family violence for more than 30,000 women and children who take refuge in a shelter each year.

To read brave stories of hope from families whose lives have been touched by abuse or to learn more about domestic violence, please visit us at http://www.shelterfoundation.ca/.

Peterborough Homes for Sale

2011-03-07T10:24:00.002-05:00

Are you thinking of Buying a new home and do not know where to start? Here are some tips that will get you started in the right direction.

Start by visiting The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Coorporation website. This site has the answers to most of your questions, from the buyer process, to the importance of a home inspection

Other sites to check out is the City of Peterborough site and the Chamber of Commerce, especially if you are thinking of moving into the Peterborough real estate market. It's always good to google for the latest government grants. There aren't many at the time of posting this blog, but it's constantly changing.

Next you will want to find a good realtor. Check into their history on RECO (Real Estate Coucil of Ontario) site. Check their testimonials, years in business, have they changed companies often, etc. Maybe friends or family have suggested someone, or maybe you have found a great blog and website and you want to work with me. Whoever you pick, your realtor is a very important part of your buying process!!

Download a free copy of my Buyer Package from my website.

Now start looking. If you haven't already been on http://www.realtor.ca/, than you must have a look. Your realtor will have the best resourse for looking, but this site will keep them on their toes.

Happy House Shopping!!

Lighten Up Your Home: Tips for Great Lighting Design

2011-02-28T10:12:00.002-05:00

Good lighting makes your home feel warm, comfortable and welcoming. A variety of lighting options are available to suit your needs and your personality.

Many different types of lighting are used in kitchens!

Consider function. Do you need light to work or read, watch TV or use a computer, highlight a specific area, or provide general illumination? What mood – warmth, airiness, drama, romance – do you want to create for your room?

Add ambient lighting. Ceiling fixtures, table and floor lamps provide general illumination. Add dimmers to control the intensity of light while reducing your energy consumption and promoting longer bulb life.

Add task lighting. Directional fluorescents, table and floor lamps provide concentrated light onto work surfaces such as kitchen countertops, desktops and reading spaces.

Add accent lighting. Adjustable spotlights or pendant lights can be used to enhance a specific decorative or architectural feature such as a sculpture, a prized collection, or a fireplace.

Try variety. Combine ambient, task and accent lighting to create texture. Perfectly even light is cold, so experiment with different heights and intensities to see how they work together.

To reduce eye strain, softly illuminate the wall behind your television set or computer monitor to transition the contrast between the bright screen and a darker room.
Avoid lighting from ceiling fixtures located directly above the bathroom vanity as they cast shadows. Opt first for a lighting source flanking both sides of the vanity mirror length, or a light source directly above the mirror.
Accent lighting on a wall hanging can soften a room particularly when the fixture is positioned at the bottom of the picture and illumination is directed upward.
If you have a long dining table, hang several fixtures in a row above it instead of just one. It’s striking and contemporary – and everyone at the table will be able to see each other.

Check out my website for helpful information on Buying and Selling. Click Here!

Land Planning Seminar 2011 - (summary of meeting)

2011-02-23T14:31:00.000-05:00

The Land Planning Seminar was good this year. It was packed with interesting information of some of the changes happening to our city and county. Below is a quick summary of the city's update.

Ken Hetherington

Manager, Planning Division

-Celebrate the gateways to Downtown and acknowledge arrival

-Prepare neighbourhood plans for distinct residential areas in the Transitional Uses Sub-area.

-Long-term these neighbourhoods will change. Until then they must work. eg: Former St. Peter's School

-Give priority to the completion of the Otonabee River Trail connections to Charlotte Entry Downtown.

-Create a Civic Square, a multi-purpose outdoor venue for gatherings and community celebrations.

-Where can the City hold a party? or A seasonal Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. or A New Year’s countdown. Maybe the Louis Street parking lot

Canoe Museum

-Prioritize the renewal of the Charlotte Street right-of-way from Water Street to Park Street.

-Refresh the “Downtown” brand.

-Develop a Downtown specific Tourism Development Strategy.

-Adopting a “Downtown First” philosophy would give priority consideration to the opportunities for a more central Downtown location for: The Canadian Canoe Museum. A Larger Art Gallery.

-Adopt a Community Improvement Plan for the Central Area. eg: Municipal Incentive Program, Tax Increment Grant Program, Façade Restoration Grant or Loan Program, DC relief is already provided

Part of Millenium Trail

-The Otonabee River Trail was an integral component of the City’s Millennium Project implemented in the years of 2000 and 2001. The project was conceived in order to reclaim the urban waterfront for public use.

REALTORS® help with new Financial Tools

2011-01-20T14:28:00.000-05:00

Whether you are a first time buyer or looking to re-financing your home, this new website can help. Developed by the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, specifically for OREA (Ontario Real Estate Association) members so that we can access information to help our first time homebuyers. This site is jam packed with valuable information on mortgage qualifiers, mortgage calculators, how to manage your mortgage, how to save for a mortgage, as well as online kits and worksheets. I had a peek at this new site and there is help and tips on anything finance related, beyond just the mortgage. Check it out, and you may find that you are buying your first home sooner than later.

http://www.moneytools.ca/

http://www.fcac.gc.ca/

Relocating to Peterborough

2011-01-13T17:34:00.000-05:00

Downtown Peterborough

I fell in love with Peterborough and area in 1992 when I did a bicycle tour for Multiple Sclerosis. I couldn't believe how close nature, lakes and the best scenery I had every seen was to the city. It was located right in the middle of all family, while being only 90 min to Toronto. Ten years later we decided to move here. Before we moved here we looked into the area to double check that this is where we wanted to land. We visited Peterborough a few times to check out the downtown, access to facilities and amenities, and we viewed a copy of a relocation package from the chamber of commerce. 8 1/2 years later there is easy access of tons of information online to decide whether you want to move here or not. Here are a couple of websites to get you started. http://www.peterborough.ca/ and http://www.peterboroughchamber.ca/

Now of course if you are coming to Peterborough, the first call you need to make is to your friendly realtor. I would be happy to help with any questions you have on Peterborough and the real estate market. http://www.susanathome.ca/

Pagoda Bridge in Jackson Creek Park, Peterborough, ON

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-13T16:27:00.000-05:00

May you always have warmth, laughter, love and good food!

Halloween Contest!

2010-12-01T14:48:00.000-05:00

First I want to thank those of you who took the time to send in your pumpkin entries. I also want to thank my co-workers at Royal LePage and my friends and family who voted on the pumpkins.
We have two winnners. The adult prize winner goes to Allyson and the child prize winner goes to Amaelia. ( I apologize for not having Amaelia's pumpkin up...the snow took out the power at the office, and I don't have the picture here at home.)

Congratulations to the winners!

Allyson's Pumpkin

Amaelia's Pumpkin

Pumpkins

2010-11-08T11:21:00.000-05:00

Jennifer's pumpkin reflecting in her window. Great shot!!

Every year I deliver pumpkins to clients that have bought or sold a home through me. This year I thought I would add a carving contest for clients with prizes for the best adult carving and child carving (with parental supervision of course).
What can I say, I love pumpkins!

There is one more week for entries to come in and the winner will be posted on my blog.

So for now, here are some inspiring pumpkins.

Me and my family having fun with the pumpkins.

Peterborough Green-Up Store

2010-11-04T11:40:00.000-04:00

Here is a great find for our up-coming shopping season. Peterborough Green-Up Store is now open and is filled with great products for your home, garden and gift shopping.

The store is open Monday through Saturday, and is stocked with sustainable and locally sourced items - from candles to beauty products, lunch bags to greeting cards, coffee to cleaning products to felted alpaca insoles! They have a little of everything, and it will be a GREAT spot to do some ethical shopping for the holiday season.

Please pass the word and check out the link to see all that Green-Up has to offer!

Peterborough Green-Up Store

Green-Up is also on Facebook and Twitter:
www.facebook.com/ptbogreenup
www.twitter.com/ptbogreenstore

My Moments of Green

2010-10-20T12:31:00.000-04:00

Tomatoes from my garden.

I just recently enjoyed a seminar on Social Media for real estate agents in Peterborough, ON. It was a facinating seminar and I was amazed at how much social media is growing. For example, if facebook was a country it would be the largest populated country in the world. We might as well accept this change as it will affect our lives more and more every year.
Anyway, one of the gentleman who spoke at this seminar was George O'Neill, a master at social media. He was suggesting that if we need information on anything we go to google, blogs, youtube, twitter, or ask the advice of our facebook friends. Why use a dictionary when you can wikipedia it? And it's true! I do it, I'm always researching.
Now, how does this relate to tomatoes and composters? Well when I decided to build my garden this year, I referred to the advice on the web. When I decided to build a composter, I reviewed some youtube instructions, and there were many. For most of what I do in real estate or at home, social media is at the forfront of my actions. We are getting used to it without knowing it!

Our new composter we made from used wood.

Up Down...Stairs

2010-09-20T11:01:00.000-04:00

Stairs get you places. They can bring you up, or they can bring you down. It's a journey to a new level. The stairway is hardly thought of, and usually a dark and uninviting pathway. Sounds very serious...!
We can do more with the stair.
I have been spending a lot of time looking at stairs. The features on first glance seem to be the same, a riser, a tread and a handrail. However, the stylings of stairs can be so different. There are so many materials and possibilities. I tend to lean toward the white riser with the woodtread. But, I do like the all wood with a splash of modern in the glass.
One thing to think about is the lighting around the stairs. Stairs can be dark and scary, but with proper lighting it can really become a feature in your home.
Also, art and family photos can help create or keep your style flowing from one level to another.
No matter your style, there are so many possibilities.

My Listings

My Website

Thinking Big!!

2010-07-21T13:28:00.000-04:00

It seems to be a little past the season to be still think about gardening, but that's what I'm doing...and I'm thinking big. When I started gardening years ago, I got excited about the impatients and geraniums and other annuals that really brighten up the garden. Then I was turned on to perennials and got excited watching them expand and grow year after year and how you can change their positioning with other perennials to create many different looks. Now, The bushes and trees are a thrill for me. They create structure, weight, longevity of season and years, and are the back drop for the showy perennials. My favorites are ninebarks, spirea (in the photo), any evergreen for its structure and how it look
s in the winter, grasses, barberry, serviceberry, redbud, japanese maple, azalea, birch trees, and I love, love many varieties of dog woods.

Commission…what to expect

2010-06-30T10:51:00.000-04:00

My goal is to be first of all competitive in my pricing while still providing great service. I recognize that there are many different types and styles of homes, as well as there are different circumstances for selling and abilities to prepare for sale. This is why I have decided to have adjustable commission rates depending on the circumstances. Questions? Ask me.

Land Planning Seminar 2010 - (summary of meeting)

2010-03-01T08:40:00.000-05:00

Bryan Weir, Peterborough County
-County has grown more than initially predicted
-Serviced areas (Lakefield, Norwood, etc.) to accommodate more growth
-Province to review growth numbers for our area
-County is looking into more job density within the area
-New County Web Site with mapping and location of important items such as roads, parks, county offices, etc. (http://maps.county.peterborough.on.ca/Cntygis/Public/Front.htm)

Abdellah Massaoudi, Peterborough Market Analyst, CMHC
Peterborough: Housing Market Overview
www.cmhc.ca/housingmarketinformation
-# of home sales slightly down for 2009, however average home price is slightly up
-new builds are down
-mortgage rates remain low historically
-employment is down slightly but average weekly pay is up
-affordability still remains solid as cost to own is down due to low rates
-More first time buyers on the market than 2nd or 3rd time buyers
-population of Peterborough is older than average
-credit & financial markets suggest worst of economic down turn is behind us.
-no inflation threat presently but long term rates will creep up as recovery gains traction
-cottage prices down 3% from 2008, however recreational properties up 9% over all of county -prices fluctuate in different area
-Peterborough City has average density compared to other cities in our area. This could increase
-buyers sticking with resale homes, on average
-pent up demand and improved affordability boasted the housing activity in the 4th quarter
-new home construction will strengthen in the coming quarters led by singles
-balanced market suggests a balanced power between the buyers and sellers
-cost gap between renting and owning narrows
-vacancy rates are high (higher than average)
-rental costs are average
-improved homeownership affordability
-record high vacancy rates
-decline in the youth employment means fewer are moving out of the parents’ homes

Ken Hetherington, Manager, Planning Division, City of Peterborough
-focus on the improvement of the density of Peterborough
-growth planned in Chemong area near Portage Place
-more apartment/condo structures are examples of achieving higher density in area of Chemong, Clonsilla, and Wentworth
-identify and protect current and future use of employment area
-protection of our cultural and natural heritage

Housing Production:
-conversion of the former Woolen Factory to 50 affordable housing units
-conversion of the former school to 48 affordable housing units
-conversion of the former nursing home to 60 affordable housing units
-conversion of the former convent to 23 affordable housing units.

Community Improvement:Incentive Programs
-affordable/rental housing
-property redevelopment
-building rehabilitation
-façade & sign improvement
-stimulate local economic growth
River Trail:
-the project was conceived in order to reclaim the urban waterfront for public use
-continue path from Millenium Park to Del Crary Park
-continue path around Little Lake to cemetery
-improvement of CPR Bridge linkage to Maria Street & Rotary Trail-Willowcreek Trail crossing near PUC Office and Ecology Park

Malcolm Hunt, Director, Planning & Development Services, City of Peterborough
-city is growing with continued development
-looking at retail in the downtown core
-we have lost retail space in the downtown core
-signage at the gateways to downtown
-priority to completion of Otonabee River Trail
Create Civic Square:
-a multi-purpose outdoor venue for gatherings, and community celebrations
-preferred location is Louis Street parking lot
-a second stage for the festival
-overflow parking in December
-outdoor skating rink in January/February
-a rib fest in July
-an arts & craft festival in August
-a venue for democracy
-a shady spot to eat a workday lunch

-Looking at flow of people to downtown
-Charlotte Street Rejuvenation and right of way from Water to Park
-develop an enhancement strategy for the Aylmer/Bethune corridor to promote a positive environment for investment and a safe interface between the downtown commercial core & the transitional users sub area
-establish a future for Bethune and develop it
-investigate the opportunity to establish additional off-street parking supply in the new Café District (Hunter Street)
-Bethune links corridors north-south, connecting trans Canada trail to the extension of the Crawford Trail
-maintenance & safety of downtown
-refresh downtown brand
-collaboration or unification of the downtown Business Improvement Area & the Village Business Improvement Area to create a single Downtown brand through Marketing and promotions
-expand the municipal off-street parking supply
-position the Industrial Conversion Area for long-range and intensive redevelopment purposes
-find a downtown location alternative for the Peterborough Museum and Archives, Canadian Canow Museum, and a larger Art Gallery
-create master plan for all elements
-implement the conclusions of the Jackson Creek Flood Reduction Environmental Assessment
-adopt a community improvement plan for the central area
-recognize the untapped potential of the upper storeys of downtown commercial area
Airport Future:
-plans have been implemented and more changes to come
-proposed program-airport development program, 100’ wide – 2000’ runway & taxiway expansion, road redignment, runway reinforced apron expansion

Land Planning

2010-02-04T11:36:00.000-05:00

The annual Land Planning seminar for realtor's is tomorrow. I go to this seminar every year and find it very helpful to know how this city is and will change. I will have a post soon after the seminar of the highlights.

My First Blog Post

2010-01-14T12:59:00.000-05:00

This is my first post on a blog, a big step for me. I'm excited to share stories and information on home and garden. I have a love for design and gardening and I think it's going to be really great to send out my thoughts on both topics...not to mention real estate. I'm sure this combination isn't rare, as a lot of agents will be interested in home and garden...but maybe not quite as passionately as I. Anyway, I look forward to your thoughts and questions as we trek through this technology and discover the blogger universe.