Over $600 million in insurance claims after Toronto flash floods

For many people across the GTA the past week has indeed been a trying one. After an incredible storm lashed the city with flash rains on Monday, July 8th , a large portion of Toronto and surrounding communities was left submerged completely under water. Hundreds of thousands of homes were left without power, some for nearly 48 hours, with many other properties across the city seeing extensive damage.

In situations like these, its always important to try to see the positive: No deaths were reported in last week’s storm, and overall the city handled the tragedy very well with most of our infrastructure back up and running within 24- 48 hours. However, it cannot be understated the severe degree of loss that many families have experienced over the past week, many of whom are still trying to pick-up the pieces from properties that have been completely destroyed.

                               

A recent article in the Globe and Mail suggested that insurance claims following the disaster could be in excess of $600 million dollars! Talk about collateral damage! I thought it would be a good idea to share a few tips about home insurance in Ontario with respect to flooding, as well as some advice on how you can minimize risk of damage to your home in the event of future catastrophes.

First of all, and maybe to your surprise, water damage and flooding caused by acts of God such as torrential downpours and hurricanes are typically not covered under the average policy; however, sewer backups in urban areas are. Many of the homes affected by last week’s flood are still completely uninhabitable as a result of raw sewage mixed with rainwater literally up to residents’ knees.

And while there is often no way of knowing when disaster like this is going to strike, there are safeguards that the average homeowner can take to protect their property and belongings:

- An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure- Did you clean your eave troughs and downspouts this spring? Are they directed away from your home to appropriately sloped areas? Have you experienced flooding before? If so, maybe it’s time to consider building a retaining wall or installing a sump pump. Ensuring that windows can be properly sealed can also prevent severe damage.

- Install check valves on interior plumbing and sewer traps to prevent floodwater from backing up into your home. As a last resort, corks and other makeshift plugs placed in drains of tubs, basins and sinks have also been known to work for preventing backups.

- Always ensure that basement drains are free from debris, and are not covered by area rugs, furniture or other items that could prevent them from working properly.

- Keep valuable items OFF the floor. A lot of us keep old mementos and personal items in our basements as ‘storage’. Consider using sealed plastic bins as opposed to cardboard boxes, and if possible, keep them elevated on plastic shelving as well. The less items being stored on the floor mean the less items lost during a flood.

On top of all this, always remember that personal safety always comes before objects and possessions. Never risk your own well-being at the sake of saving old photos, clothing or keepsakes, and be sure to take the time to have a disaster kit ready and easily accessible for when emergencies do strike.

If you were personally affected by the recent floods here in the GTA, we’re sending heartfelt sympathies and wishes your way for a fast recovery. We also welcome you to share your feedback about the storm, any damage that was caused to your property, and how you are picking up the pieces. Your contributions are always valued and appreciated!

All the best,

The Stuart Sinclair Team

www.TheStuartSinclairTeam.com

Canada day celebrations and more! July fun in Caledon

Holy Hot! Soaring temperatures are a reminder that summer has arrived. Everywhere you look there is activity, energy, and celebrations.

The month of July is less than a week away, and there are plenty of activities going on in and around Caledon during the upcoming weeks to satisfy even the pickiest of crowds.

Kicking off the fun are numerous Canada Day celebrations taking place on Monday, July 1^st in our community.  If you’re looking for good wholesome fun that will appeal to the whole family, then the 25th Annual Canada DayStrawberry Festival is the place for you. Gates open at 9am at the Caledon Fairgrounds and the excitement doesn’t stop until after dark when a beautiful fireworks display will light the sky. Admission is free meaning there is no excuse not to don your most festive Canadian attire and get out to enjoy classic cars, live entertainment, a kids zone, dog shows, treasure trove shopping, amazing food, and so much more.

Also taking place on Canada Day this year is a celebration at Albion Hills Conservation Area. The festivities here start at 4pm and run until 11pm, and again, admission and parking are free. This year’s celebrations include fun activities for children such as a meet and greet with Strawberry Shortcake, magic shows, live music, guided nature hikes, pedal boat and canoe rentals, and then some.  A spectacular fireworks display is also scheduled to end the day, which begins at dusk.

The fun doesn’t stop there. On the weekend of July 12^th, stop by the Bolton Rotary Ribfest at the Albion Bolton Fairgrounds. 3 days of family entertainment, yummy food, live bands, a midway, a farmer’s market and a car show are just some of the attractions that are taking place at this years’ festival, meaning there truly is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Celebrating and spending time with family and friends is what the summer months are all about. If you’re looking for more information about the events taking place in our communities this July, or would like to share information about an upcoming event, please let us know. We look forward to connecting with you soon and even seeing you out at some of this month’s festivities in Caledon so we can catch up.

All the best!

The Stuart Sinclair Team

Keep your eye on the South Hill market! Just blink and you might miss your dream home!

If you live in the Caledon area, or follow our team on Twitter, you've probably seen a lot of activity in and around the 'South Hill' neighbourhood of Bolton. The real estate market in the area has been very active so far this spring, and with summer now only one day away, we don't anticipate signs of it slowing down any time soon. 

Just this past week our team has 2 new properties in the South Hill area, that interest has been very high on. As with any of our listings, we set out to market these properties with no stone left unturned, but in this case, our phones were ringing off the hook with inquiries before the homes even hit the MLS system. 

The two properties, both located on family-friendly streets just a few minutes from each other, are affordably priced and in move-in condition. Here's a quick look at each:

13 Frustac Trail- Sitting perfectly on a large 40 by 110-foot lot, this south facing detached brick home has excellent curb appeal and makes a fantastic first impression. The main floor features 9-foot ceilings with principle rooms that are both large and bright. The combined living and dining rooms are perfect for entertaining with the dining room making a formal statement, courtesy of its beautiful coffered ceilings. The large eat-in kitchen offers a charming breakfast bar for mornings on the go, as well as a walk-out to a beautiful patio that is an excellent space for hosting barbecues and supervising children at play in the private backyard. Large picture windows in the kitchen and living room contribute to this home’s airy feel. On the second level are 3 spacious bedrooms, as well as a den which could easily be converted into a fourth bedroom or used as an office. The master bedroom is the perfect retreat after a long day with a fantastic 4-piece en-suite washroom. The other 2 washrooms in the home are each spotless and bright. To find out more about 13 Frustac Trail, click here.

103 Fountainbridge Drive- This lovely two-storey detached home sits on a large 39 X 115 foot lot within walking distance to excellent schools, shops and parks. Step through the front door of this gorgeous home and you will immediately take note of the breathtaking natural light flooding into each room. The open concept principle rooms offer hardwood flooring, crown mouldings, and pot lights. The spacious eat-in kitchen boasts a charming breakfast area along with a walk-out to a large private deck that is the perfect setting for barbecues, entertaining or just watching the kids kick around the soccer ball on a hot summer afternoon. Settle after a long day with a good book in the home’s family room, which includes a cozy fireplace. On the second level you will find 3 large bedrooms finished with well-maintained parquet flooring; one bedroom even features a stunning cathedral ceiling… perfect for a growing family! To find out more about 103 Fountainbridge Drive, click here.

With the amount of attention these properties are receiving, it's clear that they will not last on the market long. In fact, with some excellent offers already coming in, they'll probably be gone before you know it! 

The benefit of partnering with a team like ours when you're thinking of selling your home,  is that we always work tirelessly to put our clients needs first and to get their properties maximum exposure. Preparing your home for showings, getting it on the market, and effective advertising along with an extensive marketing plan are all things that need to be done quickly and efficiently for you to sell your home for the best price in the least amount of time. With a team like ours representing you, you can be sure that our focus will be just that. Let us take care of the details for you so that the process of selling your home can be a painless, quick, and even enjoyable process!

Thinking of buying or selling this summer? We're here to help! If you'd like more information on these two featured South Hill properties, are thinking of putting your home on the market and need advice, or if you just need questions answered about the market in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact us. We love what we do, and this is what we do best!

The Stuart Sinclair Team

RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage

Phone: (905) 857-7653

Toll Free: (866) 219-7770

Email: Info@TheStuartSinclairTeam.com

Website: www.TheStuartSinclairTeam.com

Protect your greatest assets! A reminder about fire safety

Earlier this week tragedy struck in Caledon when fire broke out around 6pm at a King Street bungalow, quickly engulfing the home in flames and causing an estimated $400,000 dollars worth of damage. Nobody was home at the time, and nobody was injured (thank God), but under different circumstances, this scenario could have been one hundred times worse. I love my job helping others to make some of the most emotionally valuable purchases they will ever make in their lives, so when I see headlines like these, it kills me to imagine my clients, friends or family ever losing all that’s been invested, because of something that could have easily been avoided.

National Fire Prevention Week may not take place until October, but I thought it would be a good idea to brush up on my knowledge of fire prevention and share with all of you some important tips that we should ALL take note of:

1) Don’t underestimate the importance of a smoke detector: By law, a working smoke detector should be installed on every level of a home, especially in areas where people sleep. Make a point of replacing the batteries in your smoke detector once per year and avoid forgetting by putting it in a calendar on the same day every year such as your birthday, or the date your insurance policy is up, as a reminder to take care of it ritually.

2) The majority of house fires start in the kitchen: Never leave an oven or stove on unattended. Always unplug small appliances that are not in use, and be mindful of older appliances with frayed cords. Keep your oven and stove clean. Built up grease and dirt can be highly flammable…speaking of grease fires, never throw water or flour on a grease fire, but rather smother the flames with a pot lid. Kitchen fires can spread quickly. If you are unsuccessful at putting out the fire, leave your home immediately and call 911.

3) Never overload electrical outlets: Don’t piggyback extension cords, and only buy electronics or appliances that are 100% approved for safety and sale in your region. There’s a handy tool on the Electrical Safety Authority’s website that provides information on product recalls as they pertain to fire safety. Check this list often to be sure that none of the electronics in your home are on this list.

4) If you are a smoker, avoid doing so in your home: If the effects of second-hand smoke aren’t enough of an incentive to not smoke in your home, consider this: Countless deadly house fires are started each year by lit cigarettes, people smoking in bed or while tired and dropping the ember on bedding, carpeting or other flammable fabrics and surfaces.

5) Fire drills aren’t just for school children: Plan two separate escape routes from your home in case of fire, be sure that every member of the family is aware of them, and review/ practice your plan regularly. If tragedy were to strike, the most important thing is getting everybody out safely and quickly.

The majority of fires are preventable. Be responsible when it comes to fire safety in your home and teach your children its importance from an early age. One of the founding fathers of electricity, Benjamin Franklin, put it best when he said “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Make fire prevention a priority, don’t be a victim.

Stuart Sinclair
Sales Representative
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage
Independently owned and operated
Office: (905) 857-7653
Toll Free: (866) 219-7770
Email: info@thestuartsinclairteam.com

A quick update on our latest achievements

This past weekend was the Victoria Day long weekend, and for many people this means that summer has kicked off. While the calendar may not mark the start of summer for another few weeks, there's something celebratory about this time of year. Students are entering their last month of school, family vacations have been booked, and for many people it's finally the time of year to just kick back and relax in the sunshine.

With spring just about behind us, The Stuart Sinclair Team is looking back on what is typically the busiest time for the real estate market and we've even surprised ourselves with just how active the season has been.

Not only have we represented some fantastic listings in the past few months through exceptional marketing, but we've also connected some of our valued buyer clients with their next family homes.

While we're talking about our lastest achievements, it would also be an opportune time to send a sincere thank you to all of our valued sellers, buyers, colleagues, family and friends. Whether you've purchased or sold a home in the past few months, or have just needed information about the latest property to hit the market in your neighbourhood, we're grateful that you've chosen us to represent you.

If you're planning on making a move this summer and need advice on where to start, we'd be happy to provide any assistance that you may need. With a personal team backing us up, plus specialized and unique buyer and seller services, we've got the tools and experience to ensure your real estate goals are successfully reached.

Feel free to contact us at any time, and be sure to check back on our blog for regular updates on new hot properties, news and trends in residential real estate, and exciting events happening in and around our communities.

Have a fantastic summer!

The Stuart Sinclair Team

Caledon East appeals to growing families

Caledon East is a highly sought after area to live, with increasing appeal for families who are outgrowing their current homes, or are tired of renting. Located close to fantastic parks, amenities, green space and lakes, this community is blossoming. Another factor contributing to what makes this superb pocket a fantastic place to live, is it’s proximity to services like the Caledon East Community Complex, Soccer Complex, and Community Park, all of which are excellent places for young families who like to get involved and stay active.

With the spring/ summer real estate market well under way, the activity in Caledon, especially Caledon East, has been remarkable. This particular home at 11 Borland Crescent has received enormous attention…

This 4 year old, 4 bedroom detached home is situated on a premium ravine lot and offers excellent curb appeal courtesy of its brick exterior and stone walkway.

The home is tastefully decorated and comprises over 3000 square feet of well laid out living space. Boasting an open concept family room, main floor office, 9 foot ceilings and dark hardwood floors, this home is classic, yet modern. It is truly an entertainer’s delight with a spacious kitchen complete with butler’s pantry plus a bright breakfast area that opens up onto the large 16 x 16 foot deck and private fully fenced backyard. Adding to this home’s function is a mudroom for storing all your seasonal clothing, which also provides access to the property’s attached 2-car garage.

On the home’s second floor you will find 4 spacious bedrooms, each with it’s own bathroom and large closet. Laundry is also on this level, adding convenience to the home’s existing appeal. The home’s basement is partially framed and fully insulated… a blank canvas that can be completed to suit the new owner’s tastes. To learn more about this fantastic family investment, click here.

If you or someone you know is looking for more space in a family friendly neighbourhood to raise your children outside of the city, then this home may be the perfect fit. Let me know if you have any questions or would like to arrange a personal tour. I’d be happy to help in any way I can.


Cheers!


Stuart Sinclair
Sales Representative
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage
Independently Owned and Operated
Tel: 905-857-7653
Email: info@TheStuartSinclairTeam.com





MARKET WATCH:

May 3, 2013- The average selling price for April 2013 transactions was $526,335 – up by two per cent in comparison to April 2012. The MLS® HPI Composite Benchmark Price was up by 2.9 per cent.

“The condominium apartment segment in the City of Toronto was a key driver of price growth in April, with both the average selling price and the MLS HPI apartment index up on a year-over-year basis. The improved condo sales picture, with Toronto sales down by only one per cent compared to last year, suggests that interest in condo ownership may be improving," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Senior Manager of Market Analysis. To Read More, Click Here.

The month of May brings plenty of opportunity to get involved!

It’s hard to believe that May is already here. It seems like just yesterday we were talking about the spring real estate market coming early to the GTA, and now here we are with the summer heat just around the corner.

Staying involved in our community is really important to us, so we thought we’d share information about some exciting events that are going on this May in support of a few really great causes.

This Saturday Tim Hortons is again sponsoring Bolton’s annual community cleanup. Registration for the event starts at 9:30am on May 4th at the Caledon Community Centre for Recreation and Wellness. It’s a great event to be involved with and gives an opportunity to meet new people and have fun all while supporting your community. A festive spring BBQ will be held afterwards for all participants. For more information about this and other Caledon events, click here.

Also taking place later this month is an event that is being held at our Bolton office in support of The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Yard Sale for the Cure will take place at our office on Saturday May 25th and we’d love if you’d join us. If you have gently used items around your home that you’d like to donate, please contact us and we’d be happy to pick them up. Yard Sale for the Cure is now in it’s fifth year and has already raised over 1.5 million dollars… this year is sure to be the best yet. Most of us know or will know at least one woman who has been affected by breast cancer in our lives, so come on out and join us in support of this fantastic cause!

Speaking of women, another important day is fast approaching…

I’d like to sign off by sending a heartfelt ‘HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY” to all the lovely ladies out there! Enjoy the day and the rest of this gorgeous month with the people who mean the most to you!

Cheers!

Stuart Sinclair
Sales Representative
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage
Independently Owned and Operated
Phone: 906-857-7653
Email: info@TheStuartSinclairTeam.com