Just in case you needed one more reason to buy a home in Kingston Ontario . . .
Kingston came in first place in Amazon's 2012 contest
The Most Romantic City in Canada !!
I was born and raised in Kingston so this comes as no surprise to me. I now live just a few minutes outside the City, in the Town of Gananoque which is equally (or greater) romantic but this contest was limited to Cities in excess of 80,000 people. (we have 5200 if we're lucky)
The fun part is both places are equally gorgeous, both situated on water, Lake Ontario and the St Lawrence River respectively. Both are filled with fantastic architecture and amazing history (think War of 1812) (think home of Canada's first Prime Minister). You can easily be within 20 minutes of hospitals, university, college, theatre, world class boating, (Kingston being the fresh water sailing capital of the world - 1976 Summer Olympics) the military base CFB Kingston, and wonderful employment opportunities abound; pretty much a self-sustaining community.
We still have a healthy and thriving housing market that has something for everyone; first time buyers, investors, families, downsizers, vacation property and of course, the multi-million $ luxury market.
I suggest you make a visit to our fantastic ROMANTIC community and see for yourself. Until you can physically get here, take a look at this wonderful website for more information and gorgeous photos
And when you do get here, get in contact with me and allow me the honour of introducing you to your next home!
Congratulations Kingston on being named Canada's Most Romantic City!
Don't forget to stop in and ask for Susan when you're visiting the 1000 Islands region. **
Serving the Gananoque, Kingston, 1000 Islands Region - come for a visit and stay for a lifetime!
*Each office independently owned and operated ** There is nothing on this blog that is intended to solicit business from anyone already under contract with another Realtor
The opinions expressed on this blog are the personal opinions of Susan Emo and in no way represent the opinion of RE/MAX Riverview Realty Ltd. or any of the Realtors associated with same.
If you are a non-member and would like to comment, please feel free to contact me.
The Chew(a tv cooking show) spoke of the 60's being a time when people realized they could afford to entertain at home by way of dinner and cocktail parties. It became a time when food was more than just sustenance. It was a time of the ever popular Avocado Green appliances too.
Then we went thru the seasons of almond, black, white and stainless . . .
Guess what?
Nowadays, many people can't afford to go out to eat so they've come back to home entertainment. Dinner parties are huge again!
Also, the ever popular coloured kitchen appliances are making a comeback.
Not only have high end Italian kitchens brought back colour such as the vibrant red cabinets (and also avocado green!), Viking Appliances, for example, now come in such a variety of colours - take a look:
And, if you're not wowed by coloured stoves and ranges, and you're in the market for a new refrigerator, what about these fantastically cool refrigerators by Coolors . . .
"With Coolors’ silk screening process, the fridge becomes a unique work of art, featuring images and colors to suit your individual sense of style. Converting your favorite vacation photo into a work of art by one of their masters, you now can ornament your appliances and take them from drab to fab. And you’re bound only by your imagination – choose a coordinating color for the range hood, or a complementary pattern to finish your panels, resulting in a unified and original look. For more kitchen decorating ideas and to check out these cool, colored kitchen appliances, visit Coolors."
These aren't your Grandma's Avocado frigs!!!
Even though we seem to be traveling back in time with our choices, we're doing it in a fresh new way. So invite your friends round for game nite with fondue and shrimp cocktails - enjoy!
And, if you're looking for a fresh place to call home, give me (Susan Emo - Your Gananoque Realtor) a call and let me help you find the perfect place to have friends over!
photos from Viking and Coolors.
Don't forget to stop in and ask for Susan when you're visiting the 1000 Islands region. **
Serving the Gananoque, Kingston, 1000 Islands Region - come for a visit and stay for a lifetime!
*Each office independently owned and operated ** There is nothing on this blog that is intended to solicit business from anyone already under contract with another Realtor
The opinions expressed on this blog are the personal opinions of Susan Emo and in no way represent the opinion of RE/MAX Riverview Realty Ltd. or any of the Realtors associated with same.
If you are a non-member and would like to comment, please feel free to contact me.
Each month I like to take a look back at my most viewed posts and see what is getting read the most. Often what is getting the most views doesn't match up with the most comments left. This is encouraging to me because I block any comments from non-members to avoid the dreaded spam. So if I'm seeing alot of Views, it tells me that perhaps it is the public finding, and reading my posts.
But then again, I KNOW it is the Public finding me because month after month it is my Localism posts that get the highest count.
I love it when I get an email from a customer commenting on something they've read online. Or simply thanking me for pointing them in the right direction. Not every message is going to lead to a listing or a sale but they don't need to. I want to be a known name in my community. I love being the Go-To-Gal for information. I really enjoy the relationships that form from being an on-line personality!
I'm not afraid to let my personality show in what I write and I hope those that read me, enjoy it too. Thanks for reading!!
Susan Emo's Top Five for the month of January 2012 are:
Serving the Gananoque, Kingston, 1000 Islands Region - come for a visit and stay for a lifetime!
*Each office independently owned and operated ** There is nothing on this blog that is intended to solicit business from anyone already under contract with another Realtor
The opinions expressed on this blog are the personal opinions of Susan Emo and in no way represent the opinion of RE/MAX Riverview Realty Ltd. or any of the Realtors associated with same.
If you are a non-member and would like to comment, please feel free to contact me.
Like Jackie, I too live only 5 minutes from my office. Some days I thank God for not having been killed along the way. Why is it we have these imbeciles who not only think they can drive and text at the same time but also when they're still drunk from the night before?! I would LOVE to see more police check points in the morning, nailing these arrogant drivers and immediately removing their license on the spot. Thanks Jackie!
My office to home is literally a five minute drive.What could possibly happen during that time? You would think not much but I beg to differ......
Lovely Lexus Lady blew a stop sign that was clear as day and missed hitting me by a few seconds.
Mercedes Woman almost rammed me from behind.
Mercury Man also almost rammed me from behind.Side Note: If you are going to be that close to me, put a ring on my finger.
What do you think these three lovelies have in common?.................
You guess it.They were driving while on their cell phones.
This is a problem. A BIG problem.I can imagine it being very difficult for the Suffolk County Police to catch more drivers on their cell phones unless they are behind them watching.
I don't get it.What part of NO DRIVING WHILE ON YOUR CELL PHONE do you not understand?
Is it defiance?"No one tells me what to do". And that is why your kids are the same way towards you.
Just wait.This problem is only going to get worse before it gets better.
FYI:The fine is up to $150 and 3 penalty points on your driver's license. But then again. Why do you care? You know you won't get caught right?
Serving the Gananoque, Kingston, 1000 Islands Region - come for a visit and stay for a lifetime!
*Each office independently owned and operated ** There is nothing on this blog that is intended to solicit business from anyone already under contract with another Realtor
The opinions expressed on this blog are the personal opinions of Susan Emo and in no way represent the opinion of RE/MAX Riverview Realty Ltd. or any of the Realtors associated with same.
If you are a non-member and would like to comment, please feel free to contact me.
If you are considering buying or selling, this is a great article to read. Sometimes you need to take a leap of faith (on both sides) and ask yourself if it is really price or ego getting in the way. I will never advise a Buyer to pay over their max budget if it will put them in jeopardy but sometimes a few extra thousand won't break the bank! Thanks Chris Ann!!
Why Are Buyers and Sellers Willing to Shoot Themselves in the Foot Over Relatively Small Dollar Amounts?
This was a question I was asked by a close friend of mine the other night. I was recounting the tale of another negotiation between buyer and seller gone wrong. On a home in the $400,000 price range, they were stuck over $5,000. This is something I am used to seeing, so I guess I consider it normal. Not being in real estate, she just laughed and went on that if you are spending that much money, what's another $5,000?
If you were negotiating to buy a home, at the market interest rates we are seeing in early 2012, you are essentially arguing over adding another $30 a month to your mortgage payment. A mortgage payment in the $400,000 price range with a 5% or less down payment would almost certainly have you well into the mid-$2,000's for a payment. So what's another $30? Is it worth losing the home over?
Sometimes you have to stop the back and forth that gets you in the mindset of "winning" and look at the big picture. And the big picture will often include looking at the monthly picture. Are you really winning if you lose your dream home over $30/month extra in your mortgage payment?
Make logical decisions based on facts when you are negotiating for your home purchase. Don't get caught up in feeling like you have to win. That's a dangerous mindset from which to make decisions when it comes to buying a home.
Chris Ann Cleland, Associate Broker- Licensed in Virginia, GRI, SFR, Northern Virginia Short Sale Specialist. Affiliated with Long & Foster, 7526 Limestone Drive, Gainesville, VA 20155. To contact Chris Ann, call 703-402-0037 or email chrisann@LNF.com. Or you can visit her website: www.nvarealestate.net.
Header is a photo of Braemar in Bristow, VA during one of the blizzards of the 2009-2010 winter season.
Don't forget to stop in and ask for Susan when you're visiting the 1000 Islands region. **
Serving the Gananoque, Kingston, 1000 Islands Region - come for a visit and stay for a lifetime!
*Each office independently owned and operated ** There is nothing on this blog that is intended to solicit business from anyone already under contract with another Realtor
The opinions expressed on this blog are the personal opinions of Susan Emo and in no way represent the opinion of RE/MAX Riverview Realty Ltd. or any of the Realtors associated with same.
If you are a non-member and would like to comment, please feel free to contact me.
FARM LISTED FOR SALE for the first time in more than 30 years . . .
1803 Blue Mountain Road, Mallorytown, Ontario
Asking Price: $598,000
Circa 1850 limestone home nestled amidst 100 acres of forest and fields in a private and peaceful setting being an easy commute to Kingston or Brockville, or even Ottawa!
No detail was overlooked in the restoration of this 4000 sq ft charmer including the stunning master bath with soaker tub and glassed in shower.
The limestone portion of the home is 160 years old with the original beams - look at the depth of the windows which reflects the thickness of the walls! The addition is a mere 100 years young!
A gas fireplace in the formal living room, plus another in the family room. A huge pellet stove keeps the kitchen cozy.
The Master Bedroom is spacious and has triple closets!
And beautiful views from the windows too!
Sitting on 100 acres, this farm includes 2 acres of planted grapes , 5000 planted Poplars and a 2200 black walnut tree orchard, you can be master of your own, very private, estate. Full size barn and plenty of outbuildings including a former "piggery" building which would make a great workshop or studio..
This is a once in a lifetime find. Photos cannot capture the charm and character that this farm evokes. Get in contact with me today to arrange your own personal showing! Don't wait for the rush that spring will bring - act now!
SusanEmoSellsHomes.com
Don't forget to stop in and ask for Susan when you're visiting the 1000 Islands region. **
Serving the Gananoque, Kingston, 1000 Islands Region - come for a visit and stay for a lifetime!
*Each office independently owned and operated ** There is nothing on this blog that is intended to solicit business from anyone already under contract with another Realtor
The opinions expressed on this blog are the personal opinions of Susan Emo and in no way represent the opinion of RE/MAX Riverview Realty Ltd. or any of the Realtors associated with same.
If you are a non-member and would like to comment, please feel free to contact me.
It doesn't matter where your home is, this Top Ten applies! We never ever live in our homes in the same way as when we're selling our homes - we need to realize this and detach ourselves from it as early as possible. If you're thinking of selling your home in the Gananoque or Kingston area, take note of the following and then give me a call!
Everyone has heard rumors of de-cluttering when it's time to sell your home. But, what does that really mean? Before going hog wild and moving out... here's a few of the most important things to consider removing before you list your home for sale.
10. Personal photos. I don't always recommend removing photos of the 'family' but if you have hallways filled with photos or photos on every end table it is probably necessary. Buyers really DO get distracted by them. They will take them all in as they walk down the hall. Not only do they take away from the home, but it's really disturbing when a buyer is excited to 'know' the sellers. And, the buyers do look at them.
9. Bills and personal papers. I understand that you cannot remove these document from the home all together, but please take the time to organize them, box them up and put them out of sight. If you have bills laying out on the counter or kitchen table it's like an invitation for the buyers to 'peek' at them. Believe me - I discourage it - but it still happens. And as a seller you just don't want to leave the temptation behind.
8. Money. I would love to say that every buyer (and Realtor) going through every home is honest, but I really don't want to test those waters. If you have cash, cash boxes or coin jars sitting out in the open... put them away. It's just better for everyone if it's out of sight. As Realtors we do what we can to protect your home, but your help makes a difference!
7. Valuables. Jewelry, watches, valuable antiques.... anything that might be worth a bit of money that you wouldn't want to lose. Out of sight, out of mind. If buyers don't know they are there they won't think about it. I can't tell you how many homes I've been in where the jewelry is left on the dresser.... somehow it's uncomfortable. At least put it away.
6. Guns and ammo. I don't care if they are in a case or out laying around or under a bed. It's better if you just plain old remove them from the home prior to listing. For some reason they make buyers (in my experience) feel really insecure.
5. Shoes! If you have a pile of shoes at the door... ask yourself why. A pile of shoes gives a buyer two impressions. The first? That there isn't enough storage in your home. 2. That there are too many people living in the home. So, in order to avoid wondering on the part of the buyer... just put them away.
4. Medicine. Take it out. Don't store it on the counter. Don't store it in the cabinet. Don't store it in the bathroom. Remove it. There have been many complaints over the years of potential buyers 'stealing' the medicine out of the cabinets. I have never had it happen on my time clock, but to avoid any trouble it's best to simply remove it.
3. All things on your kitchen counter. Everything? Really? Yup. The cleaner you can leave the counter, the more buyers dream of being in there. Have you ever been in a cluttered kitchen? Does it feel inviting? How about a cleaned up kitchen? Does it make you wanna spend time there? Also, if you store things on the counter it gives the appearance that you do not have enough storage space.
2. No more junk drawers. Seriously. Clean 'em out. There is nothing more tacky than a potential buyer opening the cupboards and drawers and having things sticking out everywhere. Box up all the notes, pens, tacks, and odds and ends and put them away. Chances are you don't dig in the drawer often anyways.
1. Nothing but magnets.... and maybe not even that. Take a photo of your fridge, take everything off, wash the front (and side), and take another photo. It is really refreshing to walk into a home that has a clean fridge. The kids pictures are beautiful (believe me... my fridge is covered in them) but buyer's can't imagine their own children's drawing on there if it is covered with yours. And, the magnets... If they aren't decorative (and even then) they are generally more of a distraction to the room than a help. Consider it.
There are many more ways to declutter a home for sale... but these are some important things to consider. For more information on selling your home in Minnesota... give me a call.
In the meantime... if you are looking to move into the area... I'll wait for you to call!
Selling Real Estate in Minnesota!
If you are looking for professional real estate services I am only a ring away! I am looking forward to working with you. And, please feel free to share my name with anyone that you know who needs assistance buying or selling a home ~ I love referrals! Lindsey Hasford, REALTOR Coldwell Banker Vision 231 Main Street - Elk River - MN 55330 763-241-5488 (office) 763-218-1347 (cell) lindseyhasford@coldwellbankervision.com http://www.hasfordhomes.com
Don't forget to stop in and ask for Susan when you're visiting the 1000 Islands region. **
Serving the Gananoque, Kingston, 1000 Islands Region - come for a visit and stay for a lifetime!
*Each office independently owned and operated ** There is nothing on this blog that is intended to solicit business from anyone already under contract with another Realtor
The opinions expressed on this blog are the personal opinions of Susan Emo and in no way represent the opinion of RE/MAX Riverview Realty Ltd. or any of the Realtors associated with same.
If you are a non-member and would like to comment, please feel free to contact me.
Of course you want to display your good taste to the world . . .
You want to be known as the trend setter . . .
Of course you can afford it . . . Money is no object!
Unless you are planning on flipping your new investment property.
Thennone of the aboveapplies!!
Yesterday. I was approached by an out of area Buyer wanting to invest in a property local to me. There is some TLC required but structurely, the house is solid.
The Buyer starts listing all the things she wants to do with this property and, because her list is so lengthy , she expected the Seller to come WAY down in price.
Did I mention the home is already listed below market value?
So I ask to look at the list of improvements the Buyer thinks is necessary to flip this house and I see items such as:
Exotic hardwood flooring throughout
Granite counters
Glass enclosed steam shower
Custom cabinetry
Everything to make the home look shiny and pretty and new! (This was on top of a new roof, new windows and doors.)
Now improvements such as this would all be fine and well in the city or even in some of our high end rural areas but where this property is situated, there wouldn't be any possibility of this reselling for a profit (it wouldn't even break even)
I took the Buyer on a little tour, compliments of my ipad2, and showed her properties that had sold in the past year as well as any comperition currently on the market in this area . . .
Boy was she shocked!
Her argument was:
"if we make it really really nice buyers will be fighting over it . . . everyone wants a soaker tub in these stressful times"!
My response was "no, if they could afford the price tag you're considering with all the upgrades, they would not be looking in this area - they would want to live over in ABC development. This is where first time buyers and new families are looking and they can't afford your taste!"
This house was already listed below market value considering the condition and the location. It needed basic upgrades but nothing fancy smancy!
Save all the latest trends for the home you're going to live in.
I am happy to say my buyers listened to me are purchasing this property to flip with a specific buyer pool in mind. AND, they are also going to buy another in an area where they can incorporate some of their own tastes and ideas a little bit more.
The rule of thumb is always upgrade to the condition and price the average buyer can afford for that specific area and save your best ideas for your own home!
If you are looking for an investment property or perhaps a home, I can help you buy or sell in various markets; give me, Susan Emo, a call.
Don't forget to stop in and ask for Susan when you're visiting the 1000 Islands region. **
Serving the Gananoque, Kingston, 1000 Islands Region - come for a visit and stay for a lifetime!
*Each office independently owned and operated ** There is nothing on this blog that is intended to solicit business from anyone already under contract with another Realtor
The opinions expressed on this blog are the personal opinions of Susan Emo and in no way represent the opinion of RE/MAX Riverview Realty Ltd. or any of the Realtors associated with same.
If you are a non-member and would like to comment, please feel free to contact me.
Did you know there are still 6500 people in the United States with Leprosy (also known as Hanson's Disease) and each year there are more than 200 new cases. The majority of leprosy cases in the US are located in
California Texas Hawaii Louisiana Florida New York Puerto Rico.
(Canada reported 184 imported cases in Toronto)
This ancient disease is still a major world health problem; every two minutes someone is diagnosed with leprosy.
Today is World Leprosy Day: This day was chosen in commemoration of the death of Gandhi, the leader of India who understood the importance of leprosy.
Leprosy Statistics
• 141 countries reported leprosy in 2009. • Nearly 250,000 new cases are diagnosed every year, and many more go undetected. Approximately 10% of these new cases are in children. • 3 to 4 million people have disabilities as a result of leprosy. • 16 countries in Africa, Asia and South America accounted for 93% of all new cases detected in 2009.
World Leprosy Day – Easing Pain and Giving Hope
'The biggest disease today is not leprosy or tuberculosis, but rather the feeling of being unwanted.' - Mother Teresa
Just $350 will forever change the life of a man, woman or child affected by leprosy. Your gift provides the cure for leprosy and additional medical care necessary for a new life. Give a gift
Don't forget to stop in and ask for Susan when you're visiting the 1000 Islands region. **
Serving the Gananoque, Kingston, 1000 Islands Region - come for a visit and stay for a lifetime!
*Each office independently owned and operated ** There is nothing on this blog that is intended to solicit business from anyone already under contract with another Realtor
The opinions expressed on this blog are the personal opinions of Susan Emo and in no way represent the opinion of RE/MAX Riverview Realty Ltd. or any of the Realtors associated with same.
If you are a non-member and would like to comment, please feel free to contact me.
Serving the Gananoque, Kingston, 1000 Islands Region - come for a visit and stay for a lifetime!
*Each office independently owned and operated ** There is nothing on this blog that is intended to solicit business from anyone already under contract with another Realtor
The opinions expressed on this blog are the personal opinions of Susan Emo and in no way represent the opinion of RE/MAX Riverview Realty Ltd. or any of the Realtors associated with same.
If you are a non-member and would like to comment, please feel free to contact me.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
$5,000. This is something I am used to seeing, so I guess I consider it normal. Not being in real estate, she just laughed and went on that if you are spending that much money, what's another $5,000? 
Everything to make the home look shiny and pretty and new! (This was on top of a new roof, new windows and doors.)
;)
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