Caledon in the fall: So many changes, so much to be thankful for

Can you believe that we're almost halfway through October? Where has the year gone? The days are getting shorter and pretty soon the harsher temperatures will be setting in.

Heading into the holiday long weekend and the start of the busiest time of year for just about everyone, we hope that you get a chance to relax and take in some of the beautiful fall colours.

So far it has been an active season for The Stuart Sinclair Team. In addition to several great sales we've also got a few new properties that have hit the market, many of which are set amidst the beautiful autumn backdrop of rural Caledon.

This particular property at 17810 Centreville Creek Road is one such example. Sitting on 10 sprawling acres of land amidst mature trees, rock gardens, nature trails and even a pond, this lovely 3-bedroom home is the ideal country home for any family. With many interior features that are unique and timeless, this home is truly a picture of fall perfection. To learn more about this home on Centreville Creek Road, click here.

Fall is traditionally a season of changes. For a number of reasons, many people make changes in the autumn months that result in properties being bought and sold. We don't know what changes, if any, are in store for you and your family, but if they include anything related to homeownership, we hope you'll give us a call. We're always happy to answer any questions you may have about the market or discuss your current possibilities.

We want to send a sincere and resounding THANK YOU to all of our clients, colleagues, family and friends who continue to support us at the Stuart Sinclair Team. We hope that your Thanksgiving is filled with happiness, relaxation, gratitude and generous giving to those who need it most.

All the best for a blessed holiday!

The Stuart Sinclair Team
www.TheStuartSinclairTeam.com
info@TheStuartSinclairTeam.com

Timeless design amidst a picturesque backdrop!

What does it mean to be timeless? When it comes to a home, timeless design means that it is durable. It lasts through decades, sometimes hundreds of years even, easily being brought up to date with simple changes in accessories or accents.

A home that features visually intriguing finishes that create movement such as stone and marble can add a timeless element to the design. Hardwood floors, crown mouldings and quality baseboard and window trim can also help, as they tend to withstand the test of time, adding character and charm to a property regardless of other updates or renovations that may take place over the years.

This property we are featuring at 3234 Old School Road in Caledon is the perfect example of a home that is timeless for many reasons. It is currently in move-in condition, yet could still easily be restored to include a more modern touch, while maintaining all unique charm and function for any family.

Featuring hardwood floors, crown mouldings, a stone fireplace, a spacious eat-in kitchen, plus a cozy great room with a walk-out to a large patio, this home has many inspiring qualities. Further, there is a finished lower level with separate entrance that could be used for an in-law or nanny suite, as well as a built-in two car garage, plus a partially heated workshop perfect for any handyman, tradesperson, or artist. To learn more about 3234 Old School Road, click here.

At the Stuart Sinclair Team, we are always happy to share these amazing properties with you. If you have questions about this home, would like to arrange a personal viewing or just want to discuss timeless design options or the real estate market in your neighbourhood, we'd love to hear from you.

Don't hesitate to contact us!

The Stuart Sinclair Team
RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage
Independently owned and operated
O: (905) 857-7653
T: (866) 219-7770
E: info@thestuartsinclairteam.com

www.TheStuartSinclairTeam.com

Horsing around in Caledon - Countdown to Pan Am games is on!

This past weekend was an exciting one for horse enthusiasts in Ontario, as the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament took place at the Caledon Equestrian Park in Palgrave. The event was a huge success, with over 800 horses competing, $200,000 in prizes awarded, and some competitors qualifying for the upcoming finals at the prestigious Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. It was also a great taste of what’s to come in the fast approaching 2015 Pan Am Games, another exciting competition that the venue is hosting. 

Caledon Equestrian Park is a world-class facility with a well-earned reputation in the international equestrian community. The hub for all horse-lovers in Ontario, the park has hosted countless World Cup qualifiers, Pan Am and Olympic selection trials, and more than 150 National Grand Prix events. The facility will host dressage and show jumping competitions during the upcoming games of 2015 and is currently undergoing a major renovation that will upon completion include a new stadium, temporary and permanent seating, a new grand prix arena, and new training facilities.

Being referred to as the ‘People’s Games’, the 2015 Pan Am event is expected to benefit the town of Caledon for many years to come, as it will help to create jobs, support the community and keep the local economy on track for generations to come. 

One of the reasons we love living in Caledon is that we too are equine enthusiasts. For that reason, we’re always thrilled to see our community thriving as a direct result of the passion so many of us share for horses.

If you’ve never been horseback riding before, it’s never too late to learn. There are dozens of places in the Caledon area where you can enjoy lessons and trail rides no matter what your level of experience is.

If you’re interested in knowing more about the upcoming 2015 Pan Am Games, would like more information about where in the area you can learn to ride, or if you’d like to share details about an upcoming event that our readers would enjoy, we welcome you to comment below, or give us a call. Your feedback and contributions are always appreciated!


- The Stuart Sinclair Team
info@TheStuartSinclairTeam.com
www.TheStuartSinclairTeam.com


PS- Looking to take your love of horses to the next level? Check out this beautiful Erin property that we’re marketing. Amazing entrepreneurial investment opportunity! For details click here.

Goodbye wood panelling and low ceilings... the evolution of the finished basement

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to optimize a home’s “footprint” is to extend its living space to the lower level. Finished basements may be nothing new, but they sure have come a long way. There was a time (not THAT long ago) that having comfortable living space on the lower level of a home was uncommon. And even when the trend started growing, it was often something that families saved up for over a few years and gave a lot of thought to before actually completing. Most of us remember the “finished” basements of our youth – wood (or fake wood) panelled walls, low ceilings, not-so-great lighting, and so on. They may have served their purpose for our pool tables or messy teenage bedrooms, but we never forgot that we were in the basement.

Today's finished lower levels have come a long way, to the point where they don't even feel like 'basements' at all. They’re simply extensions of the main living areas above, with higher ceilings, plenty of natural light and the same level of comfort as the rest of the home. When done right, basement renovations can add value to a home, freshen up the whole feel of the property, yield extra space for living and storage, or can even add opportunity for rental income into the mix.

As our readers know, we always love sharing details about new properties that hit the market in Caledon. This latest one we're marketing at the Stuart Sinclair Team is a real gem... excellent part of town, huge lot, great curb appeal, modern design, and YES!!!....a beautifully renovated basement!

86 Ellwood Drive West in Bolton is an absolutely lovely 3-bedroom home makes a lasting impression from the moment you lay eyes on it. It features plenty of natural light, hardwood flooring, beautifully updated bathrooms, plus a spacious kitchen with breakfast area for mornings on the run. The backyard is large and offers incredible privacy; an excellent space for relaxing or entertaining.

The lower level of the property, however, is the real showstopper! It has been immaculately finished with a bedroom, bathroom, gas fireplace, and lots of pot lights, meaning it doesn’t feel at all like you are in a basement. Complete with separate entrance, this space could make a perfect nanny or in-law suite, or would be great for family movie nights, kids sleepovers, or just as extra space when accommodating out-of-town guests. High ceilings, pot lights galore, and a streamlined modern design that helps it to blend beautifully as an extension to the rest of the home. To find out more about 86 Ellwood Drive West, click here.

If you or someone you know might be interested in this Bolton home and would like to arrange a showing, please don't hesitate to contact us. Even if you aren't thinking of selling or buying in the immediate future, we're always here to help when it comes to your homeownership needs. Do you have a finished basement that needs some work? Thinking of taking the plunge with an overhaul of an unfinished lower level? Need information on retrofitting a finished basement into a legal rental unit? Don't hesitate to contact us. We've got plenty of advice on all these topics and more, and we're happy to answer any questions you have.

All the best!

The Stuart Sinclair Team
www.TheStuartSinclairTeam.com
info@TheStuartSinclairTeam.com

Caledon says goodbye to smoking in public spaces

Peel residents, Caledon included, can now breathe a deep breath of fresh air in light of a new by-law that came into effect just yesterday. The new Peel Outdoor Smoking By-law now makes it illegal to smoke within nine metres of any municipally-owned building or public area.

We all know that smoking is bad for our health, but the effects of second-hand smoke from tobacco products can be equally detrimental, especially for children whose lungs are immature, often leading to asthma, ear infections and bronchitis.

Now residents will be able to enjoy outdoor activities, community centres, libraries and playgrounds without having to worry about the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.

This is one positive step towards a healthier and environmentally friendly Caledon, and something that residents (smokers and non-smokers alike) should be proud of.

In the past 10 years, the rate of smoking has declined with advanced awareness of the negative health impact as well as several other by-laws that have eliminated smoking in restaurants, covered patios, and other public places, and the hope is that this new legislation will also help Peel residents finally butt-out! It is estimated that approximately 15% of Peel residents are smokers.

The strain smoking puts on the healthcare system in our communities is also significant, with nearly 700 deaths and over 3000 smoking-related hospitalizations annually.

In addition to the bylaw’s aim of limiting residents’ exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke and relieving some of that strain, it also hopes to reduce litter and encourage smokers to kick the habit.

The by-law is being enforced in full effect with the potential for fines of up to $5000 for those who choose not to comply.

This is a fantastic step towards a healthier and more environmentally conscious Caledon. Here at the StuartSinclair Team, we are proud to be residents of this closely-knit, socially responsible and now smoke-free community!

All the best for a healthy week!

The Stuart Sinclair Team

http://www.TheStuartSinclairTeam.com

info@TheStuartSinclairTeam.com

The appeal of country living...it's easy to get used to!

It's no secret that here at the Stuart Sinclair Team, we're big advocates of country living. Not only do we enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, but we also appreciate the quiet peaceful atmosphere that exists in the more rural locations. That's why we love Caledon. Made up of many smaller villages and hamlets, Caledon is a beautiful mosaic of communities that all have their unique appeal.

Country living might not be for everyone, but it's certainly easy to get used to. Being able to let the kids run wild without worry, breathtaking wildlife at your doorstep, clean air, and added privacy are just some of the simple luxuries that come with country life. It's easy to see why so many new families are making the decision to get away from city life to settle down a little closer to Mother Nature.

Rural Caledon offers all of these things and more. Located just a stone's throw from Bolton, yet far enough away to enjoy the space and peacefulness of the countryside, this warm and welcoming community is an enviable place to call home. Properties like this one offer the best of both suburban and rural living all at a fantastic price.

Welcome to a little known road in Caledon! This rarely offered 4 bedroom home at 10728 Halls Lake Side Road is larger than it may appear. With a private wooded lot, this residence provides a serene environment to enjoy your family life. The 4 level side split  comes with a neutral décor and many quality finishes. Boasting 4 bright bedrooms, 3 modern washrooms, and a large eat-in renovated kitchen perfect for grand breakfasts or dinner parites, this home offers plenty of living space. Enjoy beautiful natural light from the large windows yielding a fresh and airy feel plus early morning cup of teas while taking in the nature surrounding this peaceful residence. With a recent newer roof with ice and water shield, added insulation, two attached garages, a private backyard, and a finished basement, this lovely property makes a lasting impression. To learn more about this truly beautiful country home, click here.

If you're thinking of making a move, maybe it's time to consider getting away from the hustle and bustle of big city life. This may be the perfect home for you. If you'd like to arrange for a personal viewing, or just want more information about making the move to the wide open country, let us know. There are tons of reasons why rural living might be the right choice for you, and we'd be happy to share any insight you need on adjusting and enjoying every minute of it.

The Stuart Sinclair Team
http://www.TheStuartSinclairTeam.com 
info@TheStuartSinclairTeam.com

Back to school the perfect time for fall home maintenance

As the Staples commercial suggests, for many households this is the most wonderful time of the year… back to school! With the summer months winding down and the smell of cool fresh September air mixed with pencils and papers lingering in the not-so-distant future, comes a renewed sense of responsibility for many Caledon and GTA families.

And it’s not just your kids you should be concerned with preparing for the upcoming season change. With fall setting in, now is a great time to make your to-do-list for items that you should be taking care of before the cold weather arrives.

Some things you may want to include are geared towards home maintenance and the changing temperatures? Hope to save some money on energy costs this fall and winter? Now is a great time to add weather stripping to doors and windows, caulk any cracks or holes to the exterior of your home, and inspect chimneys and your roof for any damage. It’s also a good idea to inspect gutters and eavestroughs to ensure they are in good condition. After all, pretty soon they will be doing double duty collecting rainwater and leaves. Also be aware that at this time of year all the little critters will try to find any possible entrance into your house. Keep mice and rats at bay by ensuring all vent openings are screened, no gaps exist between garage doors, and try to be conscious of keeping doors ajar for any length of time.

Now is also a great time to do a security check of your home, given that pretty soon there will be decreased traffic once the kids are back at school. Adjust any home alarm systems, replace burnt out lights on the exterior of your property, and replace smoke alarm batteries.

If you own a home with a pool, you’ll be thinking of closing that up in the next few weeks too, but not before enjoying at least a few more swims and afternoons in the sun.

Looking for more information on preparing your home (and family) for the back-to-school season? Feel free to contact us. We’re happy to provide advice on all things homeownership whenever you need us.


The Stuart Sinclair Team
www.TheStuartSinclairTeam.com