Marina Bolletta FRI CRES REI ASP Broker of Record
Mark Tavares Sales Representative

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February 2009
Welcome to our February 2009 eNewsletter!

Sometimes, the only good thing about February is the discounted chocolate on the 15th. In lieu of that, we have an article on beating the winter blues as well as ten ways to beat procrastination, something we all deal with at some point or another. 

As well, Toronto Real Estate Board President Maureen O'Neill has written two very interesting articles this month - I have links to them!

Marina, Mark and Associates.
Beat the Winter Blues

Sleep

By Samra Habib

It's cold and dreadful outside but don't let the bitter cold put a damper on things. We bring you winter-proof decor tips that are sure to cheer you up.

Bright Things
When the streets are a depressing shade of grey, spring's pastel shades just won't do. Adding vibrant colours to your environment can energize your surroundings and remind you of warmer months. It could be as simple as placing red hardcover books on your coffee table to add shots of colour or buying a cable-knit throw in vibrant orange for the couch. If you're really serious about brightening things up, invest in persimmon curtains or a burnt orange braided rug to layer over your current one.

Click here for the full article
Ten ways to end procrastination

Procrastination

About 20 to 25 percent of us are chronic procrastinators, says Joseph Ferrari, a psychologist at DePaul University in Chicago. Some people procrastinate because they believe they need a rush, some feel paralyzed by perfectionism, and others simply don't want to do the task.

Chronic procrastinators may need behavioral therapy, but for the other 80 percent: Don't put off reading these tips from experts like Ferrari and Timothy Pychyl, a psychologist at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, and a blogger for Psychology Today.

Here's one way you can make it more attractive to complete a project before deadline. Celebrate! Normally, people are punished for turning in projects late. And, of course, no one is rewarded for finishing early. "We don't give the early bird the worm any more," says Ferrari. So, next time you finish your taxes before April 15, plan a party with friends.
 
Don't underestimate how much you can get done in 15 minutes.

Click here for the full article
The Environment: Are You Using Too Much Product?

Too Much Product

Sometimes we're hurting the environment, and ourselves, simply by using too much product.

By Elizabeth Seward

I want you to ask yourself a question and answer it silently (so you don't feel the need to lie)...

Do you use too much product?

By too much, I don't mean too often. I'm talking about the amount of product you use. It could be shampoo, conditioner, lotion, mousse, makeup, eye cream, etc. Most people use far more than they need to when it comes to these sorts of products. By using more than you need, you're causing some green damage.

First of all, you're buying products more often than necessary and that contributes to pollution when you think about the production and transportation of the plastics, etc.

Click here for the full article
Federal Budget Helps Home Buyers and Owners
   
By Toronto Real Estate Board President, Maureen O'Neill

It is always rewarding when hard work produces results. That's why REALTORS® are proud of the work they did to make sure that the recently announced Federal Budget recognized the importance of the housing sector to the economy. I'm happy to say that these efforts helped to produce a Budget that puts more money in the pockets of home buyers and owners.

One of the most important announcements in the Budget was a change to the Home Buyers' Plan that REALTORS® have long been calling for. Specifically, the Budget proposes to increase the maximum amount that individuals can withdraw, tax-free, from their RRSP to put towards the down payment on a home, from $20,000 to $25,000. REALTORS® worked hard to ensure that the government understood that, while this program has been extremely successful since it was first implemented in 1992, its usefulness to home buyers was deteriorating because the withdrawal limit had not kept pace with inflation. The increase in the limit announced with the Budget addresses this concern.

Click here for more
Make Home Owners Priority of City Budgets
   
By Toronto Real Estate Board President, Maureen O'Neill

In recent weeks, I have focused this column on the need for governments at all levels to take action on the economy by recognizing the important role of the housing industry. As I reported last week, the federal government's budget took important steps in this direction. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the City of Toronto's recommended 2009 Budget.

I've said this before, but it warrants saying again: the housing industry is critical to the economy. Simply put, when people buy and sell homes, they are helping to create thousands of jobs by spending money on things like renovations, furniture, and appliances. In fact, a study conducted for the Canadian Real Estate Association found that the average resale housing transaction in Ontario generates over $33,000 in this type of spending. For Toronto, in an average year, this means that re-sale housing sales pump over $2 billion into the economy.

Click here for more
Authentic Art Deco Loft

80 Sherbourne St. #101

King/Shaw

Authentic 1426 Sq.Ft.Art Deco Loft Converted To Modern Recording Studio. Live/Work Zoning, Over 11'Ceilings, $125,000 Spent In Upgrades And Conversion To Studio, Fully Equipped Kitchen Has Center Island And Unique Terrazo Flooring, Renovated Bathroom, Fully Soundproofed. Private Entrance Leads Directly To Street. Live & Work In One Of Toronto's Most Vibrant Communities. Walk To St. Lawrence Market & The Distillery District. Ttc At Door. Purchase Price Does Not Include Studio Equipment. Most Equipment For Sale At Added Cost To The Buyer. Studio Includes Console/Control Room, Live Floor Area And Recording Booth. View Virtual Tour here.

Click here for the full listing
Two Level Open Concept Loft

18 Merton St. #506
The 'Radius' Uptown 2 Level Open Concept Loft With Floor To Ceiling Windows, 2 Bedrooms, Den, 3 Full Washrooms, 2 Balconies, 2 Walk-In Closets, Laminate And Ceramic Flooring Throughout. 16 Foot Ceilings In Living Area, Bright South Views. Parking And Locker Are Included. Gym, Common Terrace With Bbq's, Recreation Room, Visitor Parking. Walls Removed In Main Floor Den To Create Separate Dining Area. Walk To Subway, All Amenities Within Minutes. Approximately 1050 Sq.Ft. EXCELLENT PRICE FOR THIS UNIT.

Click here for the full listing
Sold! Great Condo at DNA Two

1005 King Street West #203
Popular DNA TWO, spacious one bedroom plus den, south facing, parking and locker included. Laminate flooring throughout, great kitchen has stainless steel appliances, granite countertop and breakfast bar. Quiet courtyard setting. Spacious Balcony. Amenities include gym, recreation room, rooftop patio, visitor parking and security guard. Walk to King and Queen West attractions. TTC, Starbucks, Royal Bank and other services at your doorstep.

Click here for the full listing
Sold: Great Condo at DNA One

1 Shaw St. #211


Wonderful DNA Phase One. Features 9 Foot Ceilings, Spacious Balcony With Gas Outlet For BBQ. This Unit Has One Of The Largest Dens In The Building, Suitable For Formal Dining Room Set. Laminate Flooring Throughout, Modern Open Concept Kitchen Has Stainless Steel Appliances , Granite Counters. Unit Is Almost 21 Feet Wide, South Facing, Very Bright And Spacious. 685 Sq.Ft. As Per Builders Plans. Parking & Locker Are Included. Walk To King/Queen West Attractions

Click here for the full listing
Sold: Fab 2 Storey Loft

255 Richmond Street East #618


S.P.A.C.E. 2 storey loft with 16'8" ceiling height in Loft Atrium. Built-in Maple Veneer Shelving Entertainment Centre located under stairway, exposed concrete ceilings, laminate flooring in living and dining area, ceramic floors in kitchen and bathroom. Glass and Metal Balustrade on balcony and Master Bedroom. Extra large private locker room (high ceiling) right next to oversized private parking space. Unit is approximately 680 sq.ft. as per builders original floor plans. Walk to St. Lawrence Market and popular Distillery District.

Click here for the full listing
The Rental Corner

King/Shaw

1005 King Street West
Leased for $1675 per month.

Dna Boutique Building In King West, This Beautifully Appointed Spacious 1 Bedroom Plus Den Light Filled Corner Suite Features Dark Wood Floors, Granite Countertops, Stainless Steel Appliances, Track Lighting, Exposed Concrete Ceilings And More. Parking Included. Streetcar, Starbucks, Bank, Located Right Outside The Door. All Electric Light Fixtures, Window Coverings, Stainless Steel; Stove, Fridge, B/I Dishwasher, Microwave, Combined Washer And Dryer. Parking.