Heat Glorious Heat!

My good and dear friends, Colin Fell and his sister Susan Walkinshaw's mother had recently passed; her home had been sold, and the new owner plans to demolish the small home. Two years ago, they had replaced the furnace. They were kind enough to offer it to us and that same day our old furnace stopped working.

Until I watched one layer after another be uncovered under the skin of the old furnace I wasn't aware of what a big job it actually was. Taking out the old furnace which ran originally on coal, was converted to oil, and finally to natural gas, took 3 strong young men over 3 hours to dismantle. The furnace remains filled the back of the company's cube van, not including the dried remains of three small birds.

So now we saved this perfectly good furnace from being recycled, as well as added a much more efficient heating system to our little home. This adventure took two days. Out with the original heater, which the poor guys at Abbey Air had to uninstall and in with the new. Our carbon foot print just got a whole lot smaller, and the air is just that much fresher.

Jewel of Westmount - Open House 2-4PM

Every once in a while you come across a jewel of a home: great upgrades, but more important then that great style in a smaller size. This is what 2251 Briarwood is with beautiful rich hardwoods, porcelain tiles, and were there is carpeting it has been upgraded  to give it that luxurious feel. The colour palette is neutral where it needs to be, and charmingly cheerful in a few select locations with periwinkle blue or ruby red. From top to bottom this house is complete, and move in ready. The back and front gardens are fully landscaped with beautiful perennials adding colour throughout the seasons. There is a substantial front porch to sit and relax while talking in the neighborhood activities, or the more private back brick patio with ample room to spare. There are 4 Bedrooms, and 2 full bathrooms, and one half bath. The master-bedroom does have an ensuite with soaking tub as well as a separate walk-in shower. The kitchen of warm maple cabinets has a built-in desk, substantial pantry, and large eating area looking over the family room with gas fireplace. 

I hope to see you at this jewel of a home!

Another Stunning Day in Downtown Oakville

Hi,
I'm doing office duty today from 1 to 3 PM at the Royal LePage office at Lakeshore and Reynolds. Coming in to see a realtor with what ever real estate question you might have will provide you with a better insight to what is happening in the market in Real Time. Currently, the market is bouncing lightly along the bottom. Prices are at there lowest point in years, and the cost of borrowing money is so cheap it is hard to believe. The Fed has indicated that the Bank Rate is going to stay at this level until the second quarter of 2010. So you are safe. My mortgage rate which variable sits at 1.6%. Now I'm not going to get this rate for ever, but it sure feels good.

So if you're waiting for the perfect time to buy, and you are moving up, this is your opportunity to buy at the best prices. I'm seeing properties listed for $2.2 Million selling for $1.8 million. Not everyone is in this snack bracket, but you likely get the point. The more expensive the house, the larger the savings you're going to see.

In Oakville properties are now selling comfortably in the $500K to $1 Million range. There is limited activity above this price point. I'm thinking that prices between $1 million to $2 million will start to move this fall, and then in spring '10 the next level of homes will start moving. However, I just heard an interesting story about the butterfly effect, which is an analogy for lack of predictability for long term weather forecasting. In a nut shell, a butterfly might flap its wings in a particular direction in Africa causing the start of a Hurricane in Caribbean. It is an interesting concept, especially when you consider how many highly intelligent investors were caught flat footed during this stock market reversal.

So if you are interested in the current market, I'm happy to help you out, but long term forecasting in real estate is anyone's best guess. All we can do is use our knowledge, and provide an educated as well as thoughtful perspective.

Have a great day,
Nolan

Halton Green Screens - Your Thoughts

Well, we are almost through the first season of Halton Green Screens, and attendance is climbing each month. We've had several very interesting speakers, which is bolstering attendance. Our main aim is to educate as well as entertain our audience through film. I personally know that I've learned a great deal about sustainable living simply, sharks, and what large AGRI-Grow businesses are doing to our food supply.

So this is where I ask you if you've been able to attend. Are you enjoying the film series? Are there certain topics that you would like us to find films about? If you haven't attended, what might interest you in coming? Also any additional comments you might have about the series would be really helpful.

Thanks and have a great day!
Nolan

Come one Come all for a night of Eco-Friendly Fun

Today is the beginning of Green Screens in Halton happening at the Encore Theatre in Oakville at Kerr and Speers. Today's presentation is the 11th Hour promising to provide the audience with a Hollywood perspective on the effects of Global Warming.

I'll be there selling two books which you can pick up for less then retail: Green Building & Remodeling for Dummies by Eric Corey Greed who is a LEED accredited architect, and  Green Cleaning for Dummies. So if you are looking for simple ways to green your home either title will provide you with a few insights.

Also CJ's Cafe in Bronte will be providing attendees with a gift as well. Blake Poland a professor of health promotion at the University of Toronto will be providing further insights to the topics being brought forward in the film.  

Come out for an enjoyable evening with like minded people for the value price of $5.00 per person. This event is also in honor of our dear friend who suddenly passed away Ron Toufar. 

A special thank you to Jeff Knowles, the owner of Encore Theatre who has graciously donated the movie theatre at no cost.

Contemporary Tree-Top Residence - Green Reno

During the past week, I've listed a new property which has gone through a substantial renovation in one of my favorite condos in Oakville, Oakridge Heights on Old Mill Road. There are three buildings which range in age from 8 to 4 years, but as buildings their are a number of special features which I like about these buildings that make them green.

The location  is literally just steps from the GO Train; you can walk to Wholefoods, Starbucks or No Frills and Tim Hortons. It is a 15 minute walk to downtown Oakville, which has all the shopping and restaurants most people would need, and about the same distance to the local Encore Theatre (new movie releases at budget prices). 

The build itself is rather eco-smart as well. It has incredible windows, which shut out most noise and temperature, and open properly to allow fresh air to flow. The hallways are pumped with fresh air which is neither cooled nor heated saving energy. The positive flow of air into the hallways also ensures that smells from each suite do not travel into the halls. There is also a recycling program.

The suite I've just listed has an unobstructed view on the 4th floor, and has been renovated from ceiling to floors. The owner took out the wall to wall carpet (a terrible dust and dirt collector) and replaced it with wide plank floors. All the appliances are energy star rated where applicable including: the the front loading  Maytag washer and dryer. The kitchen has been replaced with granite surfaces, something that will not be replaced. The ceilings have been scraped clean of the popcorn plaster creating not only a more contemporary look but also a healthier environment. All the toilets have been replaced with low flow technology.

If you want to know more about this renovation please feel free to call me at: (905) 845-4267. 

Torrential Rains, Coffee and Jazz

Was at CJ’s again for a quick lunch with Laura before heading off to do my usual Sunday Open House. As per usual CJ was in fine form and the cafe was filled to capacity with an incredible duo playing the strings. CJ explained that the duo wasn’t even supposed to play, but filled in at the last minute since the previous act had cancelled. Only CJ could orchestrate a couple of talented musicians on a few minutes notice. For more information on CJ's cafe in Bronte: www.cjscafeinbronte.com

 

The teaming rain and thunderstorms of Saturday caused the canceling Saturday’s Jazz Festival in Downtown Oakville.  I’m not sure if this has ever happened before, but my heart goes out to the organizers who worked so tirelessly.  Friday night was incredible with a cool crisp breeze, blue sky, great food and jamming musicians. I noted today's festivities went forward, and the crowds were armed with Umbrellas. For more information on the Downtown Oakville Jazz Festival: www.oakvillejazz.com.

Now as I finished up this entry the sun has come out, and I can hear the great tunes drifting up from the Jazz Festival.

Ecohouse Hamilton

One of the frequently asked questions I get asked is can a historical or older home be environmentally friendly. "Yes!" I can think of nothing more environmentally friendly then an older home which has been retrofitted with eco-smart technology, and it doesn't have to change anything about visual impact of the home. 

A friend and I went to Ecohouse in Hamilton yesterday, to see what a non-profit group of young people can do with a limited amount of resources and a tremendous amount of heart and dedication. The group is Green Venture headed up by Pete Wobschall, who is a fountain of very useful information. My feeling is that he's going to be a wonderful resource for years to come. 

Ecohouse is located on the Veever Estate comprised of a couple of acres and a stone home dating back 150 years. It isn't unlike many of the magnificent homes on Hamilton mountain, or hugging Lake Ontario in Oakville, with its large principle rooms on a majestic setting. You enter the property through large wrought iron gates by the garage and head up the stone stairs to the side entrance of the house, where the tour guides are found. We had an Engineering student from UofT be our very knowledgeable guide. 

First we were led through the house with its various features and demonstrations from the extremely low voltage use of LED spot lighting to EnergyStar rated appliances, and low-flow water demonstrations. This is not a designer home, but a work at its infancy of restoration and rejuvenation.  Then we were taken on the garden tour where first we were shown the photovoltaic solar system and wind turbine. It supplies the majority of their electricity and should there be excess it is sold back to the grid. There are rain barrels (which they sell) to collect as much of the roof run off as possible that supplies most of the ample garden with water.  At the lowest point in the garden, there is a garden reservoir which filters any excess surface water before it leaves the property. 

At the back of the property their is a little green roofed gazebo, and from their we were taken to the community garden, which supplies most of the vegetables for the volunteers and staff. There are no pesticides used, but rather they have companion planting where one plants fights off pests they may attack another. This where our tour ended, and left me invigorated.  I would like to congratulate all staff and volunteers at Ecohouse for the great work they are doing.

If you would like to find out more about Ecohouse the website is:

http://www.greenventure.ca

or call: (905) 540-8787

Muskoka?

During the last couple of weeks, I've been restoring a window in my 1920's bungalow. It has taken me a little longer then I had hoped, but now that the first window is stripped and ready to be painted. There had to be at least 20 layers of paint. I'll post a picture when I'm done. If you're considering doing this, I would suggest that you set aside some serious time, but at least I'm recycling them. If I had to pay someone to actually build them, it would cost a couple of thousand no doubt. 

On Sunday, Laura and I went paddling on the 16 Mile Creek. It was my first time paddling on the creek, and once we left the power boats behind, it was like being in up north. We saw turtles sunning themselves, ducklings, and a great blue heron catching fish. Such a beautiful spot right in town. The posted pic is the from a home on Trafalgar Road. You really don't need to leave home to enjoy great outdoor spaces. 

I also want to thank "Oakville Today" for their kind article about my EcoBroker certification.

Happy Canada Day 2008!

What a great day, though I have to say I was just a little nervous starting out. I was interviewed for a feature article about my EcoBroker certification for the Oakville Beaver. I've set up interviews for authors several times, and thought nothing of it; however, when it was me being the subject of the interview it was just a little different. The interviewer was kind and intelligent, so it made the experience fun to do. Hopefully, the article will be just as pleasant for me to read. 

The rest of the day was spent by the pool relaxing with Jacob and Laura, and enjoying warm temperatures with virtually no humidity and unusual experience for a summer day in Oakville. As per usual when I'm by the pool, I seem to know several people. Occassionally Jacob, my son asks if I just know everyone in town. Sometimes, it feels that way, but that is one of the reasons I like Oakville so much. It is a town where people actually get to know each other. 

Today we chatted with Andrea and her husband Mark. Andrea is a great interior designer, who was mentioning that in her field , green options are being expected by her clients. It was interesting to learn from her about some of the green options dealing with paint to fabrics and furniture that people are wanting green to be part of their day to day environment. 

If you are interest speaking to Andrea you can reach her at: Andrea Gardner Designs and Interiors, Oakville, ON.

HAPPY CANADA DAY!