Planning a move can be a stressful time. Questions like, ‘how much can I afford?’ And, ‘where do I want to live?’ can overwhelm you. Weighing your options is a tough one. You can save money by selecting a neighbourhood that is less in demand, but what are you sacrificing? Let’s face it. There’s usually a reason one neighbourhood fetches a better price than another.

Often, it has to do with a certain ‘cachet’ or implied status. But, what comes first, the status, or the resources that drive people to those great neighbourhoods? Consider what you find appealing in neighbourhoods. Walk the neighbourhoods you love – why do you love them? Art, ‘the scene’, fabulous shopping, family community centres?

Second, consider what your goals are. Is there a family in your future, or are you thinking about getting a pet? Factor in your long term goals and your short term needs. Today, you need to live close to where you work. And that’s not likely to change with the price of gas steadily increasing. Unfortunately, there are just no easy answers.

But there is something that can help. Take the time up front to fully understand the different communities that interest you. Learn the culture of the neighbourhood, the issues, the demographic makeup, and the resources. Compare each neighbourhood side by side in a chart.

Give the neighbourhood a ‘+’ symbol if it has a quality you like and a ‘-’ symbol if it does not. When you are done, your answer should be more obvious.

Perhaps you have tried searching for information regarding a particular area of interest on line. Often, what you get is a glut of information that is confusing, get discouraged, and then you give up.

I’ve done some research for you to help make life a little easier. Here’s a short list of things one would find important in a community:

 

Business Resources

Where will you shop and can you get what you want and need in the neighbourhood of your choosing? For most, a grocery store on every major corner is the norm in Toronto. But, perhaps you truly need an organic coffee shop, or art supplies store. Most communities have a Business Improvement Area or BIA website.

Here, you’ll find business listings, community events and, often, a series of links to other community websites. If you are a Toronto area resident, try www.toronto-bia.com. Look under the tab Toronto BIAs and you’ll find a clickable map.

If you are interested in areas outside Toronto, try searching for ‘your community name’ and the letters BIA. Most communities have one.

 

Neighbourhood Demographics

We all want to be surrounded by people who share the same values. I have a young family, and want my children to be surrounded by other children of a similar age.

You can research your neighbourhood demographics by visiting www.Wikipedia.com.

As well, you can find out about the communities’ history, governance, famous residents, and places of interest. Take the time to visit the links on the page, particularly noting the community leaders if they are listed. Learn about them, what they stand for, and how they are helping the community. A community is enriched by an active government.

 

Community News

Often a search such as – ‘place name’ + info will yield thousands of results, many are sponsored by or paid for by people who want you to have certain information. On the web, it’s hard to get unbiased community news.

However, it is still helpful to visit the website of a community newspaper.

Fortunately, Southern Ontario has a multitude of local newspapers to choose from – www.millionsofreaders.com is a website for Metroland Newspapers. Find the area of interest to get connected to that newspapers’ info. Read about the issues affecting residents and browse the classifieds. Look into volunteer opportunities, careers, community groups and more.

 

Municipal Websites

Municipalities all have their own websites. Here are some major GTA websites:

www.toronto.ca

www.mississauga.ca

www.brampton.ca

www.city.vaughan.on.ca

www.town.richmond-hill.on.ca

www.markham.ca www.cityofpickering.com

You’ll find out about garbage collection, parks and recreation, economic development and more. Make note of those websites. When you move, you’ll be referring to them often.

The all-important School District

Last, but not at all the least, is the school district. If you have children (or plan to have them) you should find out BEFORE you buy a home – where are the schools, and how are they assessed. Many people don’t stop to consider this all-important thing – but it can – literally – make or break your happiness in your new home (or community). Research where it is, and how your child will get to it daily. A busy street crossing for a small child may be more harrowing than you can bear. It might be worthwhile to visit the school, see the principal and learn about the schools core values. It will give you and your children greater comfort.

It is easy to find schools that service the street you are considering moving to. If you are moving into a new home in a new home community, ask the builder to supply you with information they have about school arrangements.

If you are moving into a home in a more established neighbourhood, try visiting these websites.

Toronto District School Board http://www.tdsb.on.ca/about_us/street_guide/street.asp

Toronto Catholic District School Board http://www.tcdsb.org/schools/default.htm

Peel District School Board http://www.peel.edu.on.ca/schools/index.htm

Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board http://www.dpcdsb.org/CEC/Schools/

York Region District School Board www.yrdsb.edu.on.ca

York Region Catholic District School Board http://www.ycdsb.ca/html/ni_schoolList.html

Durham District School Board www.ddsb.durham.edu.on.ca

Durham Catholic School Board www.ddcsb.ca

There are many opinions that one might have about schools testing, but I offer up this info for you as well. The Fraser Institute is one that provides Report Cards on schools, so that you may research further into how well a school performs. http://www.fraserinstitute.org/reportcards/

A sense of place can really enrich your life. I believe it’s absolutely essential to consider all the options when buying a home. A big part of your enjoyment of that home is where it is located. A final thought – in a world of excess, bigger is ALWAYS better. Or is it?

Perhaps you will find yourself happier in a smaller home that is in a community that you can become part of.

We are all trying to do our part in the on-going battle with our conscience. I don’t know about you, but every purchase I make, no matter how big or small, I agonize over packaging, fuel-waste and that whatever I am replacing is landfill-bound.

Certainly takes the enjoyment out of shopping, doesn’t it?

As a lover of all things new (new to me, that is) I am plagued by all the things that I have carelessly thrown away. However, I am redeeming myself through Freecycling.

Freecycling is simply giving away the things you don’t need or want to someone who does, and it is obtaining goods you need that someone else doesn’t. It’s a brilliant concept, really. Have an old FIDO cell phone charger, but a Bell Mobility phone? Freecycle it. Have the 1960’s wood panelling from your basement in good condition? Freecycle it. Or, if you are a collector of vintage goods, place an ad – surely there’s someone looking to get rid of what you want.

It’s local, it’s responsible, and best of all, it’s free.

The currency is goodwill and there’s plenty of it. I recently placed an ad for some children’s toys. The woman who picked them up – right off my porch was so grateful, she even left me a handwritten note to thank me. And it took so little effort.

What you do

Visit www.Freecycle.org and enter in your city to find a group near you. (You may have to enter in the largest city you live near if you are outside Toronto). Once your city is found, visit the page and the posts. To post and to receive posts, you’ll have to sign up for a Yahoo account and apply for membership to the Freecycle group (follow the prompts). From that point on, you’re connected! You can post, answer posts and make arrangements to have your goods picked up at your door.

Things to consider

• The group is moderated, meaning that posts are free, legal and appropriate for all ages.

• On your posts, you must include in the subject line whether the item is an offer, wanted, taken or received. This is so posts can be easily viewed.

• No politics, no spam, no money, no personal attacks / rudeness, no proselytizing / religion. • No trading – all Freecycle items are ‘no strings attached’.

• Responses only go to offeror to cut down on the volume of emails

• No offering yourself or your children – use a dating site instead!

• Be nice! Be polite and pick up your items within 3 days.

Before your next move, consider becoming a member of your local Freecycle group. What a great way to foster goodwill in your community, to pass along things you don’t want to someone who genuinely needs them, and do some good for the planet.

Not only will the earth thank you for it, but you might just find a new home for your bust of Elvis.

Sarah Allworth is a marketing consultant for homebuilders and a real estate representative with Martin & Meredith Ltd. For more information or to contact her, visit www.sarahallworth.com or email sarah@sarahallworth.com

Thinking about buying a home from a builder? Upgrade to create your Dream Space.

 

Take a walk through a builders’ model home. This is a great place to get ideas for your own home. After you sign your deal, but before you finalize the finishes and upgrades, consider these low-cost designer touches that will make your home exceptional. There’s something for each type of person in your family:

 

The Homebody: Look at your floor plan and envision how you live. Do you like to read or knit? Plan a comfortable space in your living area and have it wired for special pendant or wall lighting. Or, do you like to languish over your morning coffee and the news? Consider pendant lighting over a breakfast nook and wiring to accommodate a wall-mount TV.

 

The high-tech Maven: You like your high-tech gadgets. They are everywhere. There are six of you in your family and you all have your cell phones, computers, digital cameras, TV’s. Power cords and chargers are everywhere. Instead, in a convenient and unobtrusive location, create a gadget nook. Ensure there are enough power outlets and build a shelf for storage. A great place to have additional power is by the front door, a handy place for your cell phone.

 

The Shoe Fetishist: You have 40 pairs of black shoes in varying styles. They are everywhere and nowhere, and finding what you need is a real problem. Don’t give up your collection, manage it, with great closet organization in your room, and by the front door. Have shelving installed and keep those shoe boxes for easy storage. Label each box and you’ll never have to search for – or trip on – a shoe again.

 

The Putterer: Every family has got one – one who is always working away at some hobby or other. You need to plan to give them a space of their own. Create a crafts room with built in shelving, counter space and task lighting. Furnish it with minimum of furniture: some padded stools, a desk and chair and plenty of nooks and crannies. Or, create a work room in the basement or in the garage. Take the time to consider the lighting and electrical needs of the person. Do they need task lighting or additional outlets? Use the walls for handy storage by purchasing racks or slatwall with lots of hooks for hanging tools.

 

The Gourmand: Working in the kitchen is much more fun when you have the tools you need at hand. Have your builder install under valance task lighting and additional electrical outlets to accommodate additional appliances. Spend some time planning and organizing where things go, keeping the pots and pans close to the stove and utilize the backsplash to hang utensils. Take the time and effort to purchase kitchen cupboard organizers and trays to create individual sections (IKEA makes them) for dishes and accoutrements. Additional countertop and pantry space is a must.

 

The Cave Man or Woman: You’ve spent years taking care of the family. Now, you crave a little space of your own. A place to create, read, exercise, meditate, whatever. Then put it under lock and key. Rejuvenation rooms are the next thing in luxury. The luxury of time and space all your own. Furnish the room sparsely, with some exercise equipment, a yoga mat, and artwork that inspires you. Consider a sauna or spa-bathroom with sunken tub and ambient lighting. Now, don’t laugh! This is the ultimate in couples-indulgence – a Snoring Room. Many happy couples are loathe to sleep separately, but for those truly sleepless nights, ask the offender to sleep in a well-appointed ‘Snoring Room’ located just next to the master bedroom. And, get your rest!

 

When you’re ready to move, it’s a great time to think about the way you live. We all appreciate the beauty of a luxurious upgrade such as granite or hardwood, but consider what would make you truly happy. Perhaps it’s not out of the budget to create your own ‘dream’ space.

And baby makes three…

 

You’ve received the happy news - you’re expecting.  And that’s when you realize you need bigger, better digs for junior.  You need a second bedroom, to lose that dangerous balcony, and a backyard to play in.

 

Here are some tips to help you select not only the home that makes you happy, but a home that will be functional through the various stages of pregnancy, infancy, toddlerhood and beyond.

 

Carefully research your ‘hoods. 

 

With a very young child, you’ll want to make sure that there are plenty of destinations that you can walk to, and a walking-friendly park nearby.  Is there a neighbourhood park that is safe and clean nearby?  If there isn’t, take a pass.

 

Look for neighbourhoods with Ontario Early Years Centres nearby.  Finding a place to go each day will help set a routine that helps you keep busy and engaged in the world around you.

 

Consider the street.

 

Is it fast-moving or busy? It may not be a problem for a babe in arms, but when you’ve got a busy toddler, an extremely busy street means you’ll have to be extra vigilant. 

 

Consider the outdoors.

 

Ideally, you will want a parking space, a home slightly back from the road, and an outdoor space for you and baby to enjoy.  Think about all the equipment children come with – strollers, wagons, car seats, kites, umbrellas, etc.  Where would all this stuff go? If the home doesn’t have a porch or vestibule, and a yard space, take a pass on it.

 

 

Feeling at Home.

 

Now that you’ve decided that you can live in the neighbourhood, manage the street, and that the homes’ exterior meets your needs, it’s time to consider what’s inside.

 

Babies need:

• A home that has updated windows and insulation to prevent drafts. 
• Easily cleaned floors
• Stairs that can be gated safely (railings with stringers close together)
• A kitchen space that can be gated, but that will allow you to supervise other parts of the home
• A main floor bathroom for potty training
• Main floor laundry
• A warm, comforting sleeping environment that windows can be easily opened and shut
• A bathroom that has cabinets which can be locked (you can buy locks at any baby store)
• A Master bedroom that is close to the baby’s room

 

Finally, ask your friends who have children. What do they wish they had, what could they have done differently?  Capitalize on all their experiences to make your life a little easier.  It’s tough to make the adjustment from two to three.

 

After all is said and done, consider that you might decide to have more children.  If you buy a two-bedroom home, you may very well wind up moving with a toddler. 

 

And that’s well… a topic for another story!

 

SIDE BAR

DON’TS

• Buy a fixer-upper. You’ll be too busy to consider any reno’s for a long time!
• Buy all new furniture or invest in new carpeting.
• Buy more than you can afford – consider that at the very least you’ll be missing part of your income for at least a year, possibly more.