By Connie Adair
Trinity Bellwoods
143 Massey Street (Queen Street West & Massey Street)
Asking price: $1,399,900
Sold for: $1,575,000
Taxes: $6,661 (2019)
Bedrooms: 3+1
Bathrooms: 3
Square footage: Over 2,200
Garage: 1
Days on the market: 4
A wide range of people — from young professionals looking to buy their first home to those upgrading from a condo and young families wanting direct access to a park — were drawn by the attractive price point and Trinity Bellwoods location, says listing agent Daniel Bloch.
“There was a lot of interest,” Bloch adds. “Open houses were busy and there was a steady number of showings.”
It sold in four days, he says, which is excellent. “It sold with a pre-emptive bully offer. Despite the interest, we had one buyer who wanted it very badly.”
The freehold townhouse was built in 1999 on “a grand scale, with multiple private outdoor retreats and an attached one-car garage.”
The home offers just over 2,200 square feet of living space, which Bloch says is rare for the area.
“I like the two rooftop terraces, which are huge, and the walkout terrace off the kitchen,” he says. “That’s right – there are three outdoor spaces, including one that overlooks the CN Tower.”
The living room has a cathedral ceiling and a large window. The eat- in kitchen has a pantry. The third-floor master suite has a walk- in closet, its own laundry area and a five- piece renovated ensuite bathroom.
Another bonus is the lower level, which has a separate entrance, a shower, a laundry room and a recreation room with a walkout to the patio. This level can be used as commercial space — another rarity for this part of the city, Bloch says: “It can be rented out to artists and small start-up businesses.”
The 14- by- 66- foot property has a patch of grass and wrought iron fencing at the front, and lane access to the rear garage. A $ 58 monthly fee includes snow removal, driveway maintenance and a contingency fund.
Listing Broker: Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd. (Liora Tal and Daniel Bloch)
By Connie Adair
Cabbagetown
358 Berkeley St. (Parliament & Carlton streets)
Asking price: $1,998,000
Sold for: $2,025,000
Taxes: $7,238 (2018)
Square footage: almost 3000
Garage: 1 (Carport)
Bedrooms: 4+1
Bathrooms: 4
Square footage: approx. 3,000
Days on the market: 13
In the 19th century, John Smith built several homes in Cabbagetown. But in 1883, he constructed 358 Berkeley Street for his own family. And while it has been renovated over the years, the Bay-and-gable-style home retains the kind of original charm buyers come to this area to find.
Original features include a gingerbread peak outside and stained glass, crown mouldings and archways indoors. The living/dining room has a fireplace.
High ceilings and large windows ensure the space is bright. White walls and hardwood floors offer neutral backdrops for furnishings and artwork.
Also appealing, says listing agent Daniel Bloch, is the “balcony on every floor” and walkouts from the main living/dining room and the kitchen. There are thoughtful updates, too, like a heated floor and stainless steel appliances in the kitchen.
In all, there is almost 3,000 square feet above ground, plus a lower level with a separate entrance.
Not surprisingly, there was a fair amount of interest in the listing and two offers to purchase. Buyers were drawn by the neighbourhood, Bloch says — and the views. In summer, the 23×123-foot lot has a canopy of mature trees
Listing Broker: Harvey Kalles Real Estate (Daniel Bloch and Liora Tal)
By Connie Adair
Downtown Toronto
35 Balmuto St. #2304 (Yonge and Bloor streets)
Asking price: $1.089 million
Sold for: $1.08 million
Taxes: $5,278 (2019)
Monthly fee: $1,097
Garage: 1
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Square footage: 1,057
Days on the market: 18
This corner suite offers, quite literally, a million-dollar view. Every room has access to an outdoor space — which includes both a 300-square-foot terrace and a 25-square-foot balcony. The interiors are also primed for views of the city thanks to an abundance of large windows.
Beyond the view, the unit offers a good compromise to a house, says listing agent Daniel Bloch. It’s more than 1,000 square feet, and includes both a spacious open-concept living room/kitchen (complete with the requisite granite countertops and stainless steel appliances) as well as a king-sized master bedroom with a walk-in closet and a walkout to the terrace.
The 48-storey highrise has about 600 suites and comes with amenities such as a concierge, a games room and a gym. Standard fare, perhaps, but Bloch points out that “it is one of the few buildings in this area that has visitor parking.” (This is Yonge and Bloor, remember.)
It’s also a good investment at $1,021 per square foot, he says. “It is great value compared to other buildings in the area, which are selling north of $1,200 per square foot.”
Bloch says the unit received a “significant amount of interest” and three offers.
Listing Broker: Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd. (Liora Tal and Daniel Bloch)
By Connie Adair
St. Andrew-Windfields
73 Upper Canada Dr. #3 (Yonge Street and Highway 401)
Asking price: $759,900
Sold for: $752,500
Taxes: $3,537 (2018)
Monthly fee: $654
Garage: 1
Bedrooms: 2+1
Bathrooms: 3
Square footage: approx. 1,400
Days on the market: 19
This two-bedroom home in North york attracted several interested buyers.
“We easily had over 60 sets of people come through in 19 days,” says listing agent Daniel Bloch. “We had multiple open houses and an incredible amount of interest. This price range can be competitive.”
The many first-time buyers who toured the home loved that it’s fully renovated and liked its size.
“Typically in this range you would get a townhouse maybe 400 square feet smaller,” he says. “It has a good location and price point. It offers excellent value for its location, being so close to parks, good schools, public transit and a major highway.”
Potential buyers also liked the open living space and the fact that there’s plenty of room for a proper-sized dining table, Bloch says. The gas fireplace was also an appreciated feature.
The townhouse, built in the 1970s, originally had three bedrooms but was converted into two. It has three bathrooms and a generous amount of living space, Bloch says. Renovations include new bathrooms and floors.
The kitchen has stainless steel appliances. The foyer has a closet and the sunny living room has a large window dressed with California shutters.
The master suite has a walk-in closet, hardwood floors and an ensuite bathroom.
The second floor has two four-piece bathrooms.
Lower-level features include a recreation room, a powder room and a separate laundry room.
The townhouse is in a “great little community,” Bloch says. “Some residents have been here for a very long time, while many young families are moving in.”
The two-storey townhouse appeals to people who are downsizing because it doesn’t have too many stairs. It’s one of the few units to have an underground parking space.
By Connie Adair
Waterfront
11 Brunel Court #3115 (Spadina Avenue & Lakeshore Boulevard West)
Asking price: $899,900
Sold for: $910,000
Taxes: $3,092 (2018)
Monthly Fee: $622
Bedrooms: 2+1
Bathrooms: 2
Parking: 1 Underground
Days on the market: 7
When a tenant who had lived in the condo for 11 years decided to move out, “our clients saw an opportunity to sell,” listing agent Daniel Bloch says.
And people were ready to buy.
“The building did not allow for open houses, but buyers came through showings in droves,” Bloch says. “We listed at $899,900 and received three offers in the first week to market and sold for $910,000.”
First-time buyers, downsizers, investors or people seeking a pied-à-terre in the city all want properties in this range, Bloch says.
Suite 3115 is “one of the nicest condos available in the area,” with an enchanting view and a great layout, he says. “It’s well designed, with two large bedrooms and a split plan that’s ideal for roommates or a couple with a baby.
“We went to market in January, ahead of the spring market, to capture the interest of buyers. It sold much more quickly than the average sale in the area. At the time we listed, there were several other similar condos, but they were priced too high or didn’t present well in photographs.”
The suite has a balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows oering lake and sunset views. The 31st-floor corner unit, which has 938 square feet of living space, has new, wideplank laminate flooring, an open-concept den and is freshly painted. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances and granite countertops.
Canine family members will enjoy its proximity to a dog park, the Harbourfront and waterfront trails for long walks. Union station and the Financial and Entertainment districts are also nearby.
Listing Broker: Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd. (Liora Tal and Daniel Bloch)
Our entire sales staff at Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage contributes to our success with almost $2.54 Billion in Sales for 2018 (Source: Lonewolf).
Congratulations to our Award Winners, Honoured For Their Outstanding Achievement in 2018.
By Connie Adair
Church-Yonge Corridor
12 Monteith St. (Church and Wellesley streets)
“The sellers opted to price the home for a fair market price rather than employing the controversial under-pricing strategy used to cause a bidding war, which can sometimes backfire and cause a lot of stress for all parties involved,” says listing agent Liora Tal-Bloch.
“We followed the market closely to see how similar homes were performing in nearby neighbourhoods, many of which had offer dates that had come and gone. We saw an opportunity in the market and feel we were positioned perfectly when we listed on MLS, being one of the most unique properties available.”
Homes rarely come up for sale on Monteith and this one is spectacular, she says. “The buyer realized that in order to secure the home, they would have to act fast.” It was on the market for two days.
Over the last two years, the 1883 home has been renovated to create a stylish, magazine-worthy living space. “They wanted to honour the historical character on the main floor, so they opted for high-end finishes and details typical of the late 1800s, such as wainscoting and chandeliers,” she says. “The good bones of the house and its integrity have been exquisitely preserved.”
Monteith is comprised of a row of Mansard roof brownstone townhouses with nearly identical facades, but the interiors vary from years of different owner styles. “I would say that #12 is classic, while also offering contemporary features such as all new bathrooms,” says co-listing agent Daniel Bloch. The main floor was taken back to the studs and the kitchen was opened up and reconfigured. It has a view of a park. “One can’t help but feel they are on the Upper West Side,” Tal-Bloch says.
Listing Broker: Harvey Kalles Real Estate (Liora Tal-Bloch and Daniel Bloch
By Connie Adair
Waterfront Communities
208 Queens Quay West #2010 (Queens Quay West & York Street)
Asking price: $789,900
Taxes: $3,257 (2018)
Monthly Fee: $602
Bedrooms: 1+1
Bathrooms: 2
Square footage: 822
Garage: 1
The condos in this waterfront area offer a bit more space than some of those in the city’s core, and many offer great views of the lake, city or both, says listing agent Daniel Bloch. “This unit has views of the lake, the Rogers Centre and the CN Tower.”
He says it is a good size compared with other units in the building and has “one of the better layouts offering a larger living space that is functional.”
Features include ninefoot ceilings and hardwood floors. It has an open-concept solarium, a breakfast bar and a separate den.
When the suite was listed for sale previously in 2016, it sold for $505,000. This year it sold for $770,000.
“It appeals to couples and small families as it has excellent amenities,” he says. There is a concierge, an exercise room, indoor and outdoor pools and suites for guests.
When it comes to school, children are treated to something different. They are ferried over to the island school every morning, Bloch says.
Based on dollar per square foot for this area, “these units offer more space and reasonable maintenance.”
When looking for a condo, it’s important to look for space, ceiling height, view and how you can lay out your furniture, Bloch says.
Listing Broker: Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd. (Liora Tal and Daniel Bloch)
By Connie Adair
Rosedale – Moore Park
300 Bloor Street East #2302 (Bloor Street East & Mount Pleasant Road)
Asking price: $1.375 million
Sold for: $1.465 million
Taxes: $5,814 (2017)
Monthly Fee: $1,147
Bedrooms: 2+1
Bathrooms: 2
Days on the market: 8
Units in the Bellagio “typically sell very quickly as they are close to transit, major highways and Yorkville,” says listing agent Daniel Bloch.
After being on the market for eight days, Suite 2302 sold for 107 per cent of the asking price. It offers two bedrooms plus a den and two bathrooms.
“The building is becoming popular with growing families because the suites offer excellent space,” Bloch says.
Suite 2302 offers nine-foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. A large balcony, accessible from the living room and kitchen, is perched above the valley, he says.
“Not many buildings in the city offer an unobstructed view of the Rosedale Valley, which offers a four-season perspective of the great green space we have in Toronto,” Bloch says. “Many homeowners love the large birds that they can see from their windows.”
The living room has been renovated to the nines, with high-end finishes and custom built-ins throughout. The den has a built-in desk and the renovated kitchen has a breakfast bar.
A generous walk-in closet and a five-piece ensuite bathroom with a tub and a walk-in shower are master suite features.
“In the last year, this building and the area are slowly catching up to the values of many other buildings in the core,” Bloch says.
Listing Broker: Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd. (Liora Tal and Daniel Bloch)
By Liora Tal-Bloch
Cabbagetown
Missed the Spring Market and wondering if you should sell your home during the summer months? It’s a legitimate and common question we hear often, but choosing to put your home on the market during the summer has some advantages. Here is some advice to help you make the best decision when the time comes to sell.
Your home and garden show their best.
When trying to attract a buyer, their first impression is a lasting one. Your home’s curb appeal is crucial. When trees are without leaves or snow is covering your walkway, even the most beautiful home can lose its appeal. If you are selling in the summer, use attractive landscaping, a fresh coat of paint on the front door and an inviting patio. Summer’s great natural lighting also means beautiful photographs for your listing and fresh flowers provide a natural air freshener.
You’ll have more time to dedicate to the sale.
During any time of year, homeowners spend an average of 30 hours in the process of selling a home (pricing, visits, and sales contracts). By choosing the summer to list your home, you may have some holiday time to use towards preparations including small fixes and do-it-yourself projects. You may also choose to leave out summer snacks and refreshing drinks for your visitors!
You’ll have less competition.
The number of property sales tend to decrease between July-August because there are fewer homes available on the market while sellers go on vacation. Get out ahead of your competition so more buyers are drawn to your home. Demand is still quite strong in our marketplace with buyers who are ready, willing and able to offer on your home.
You can benefit from better visibility in the neighbourhood.
“For Sale” signs are much more visible in the summer than in the winter. In some tourist areas or during local events, foot traffic is also more abundant, allowing for people to stop and look or call the listing realtor with enquiries. Word-of-mouth networking can assist to bring in more buyers.
You will be in a good position to sell in the fall.
If you do not sell your home in the summer, at least you will have had the opportunity to “test” the reaction of buyers and then make some adjustments in anticipation of a fall selling period. Once buyers have seen your home, you can cater the product or price to meet their expectations. If there’s something that is unattractive to potential purchasers, you have time to fix it before the autumn market comes (typically the second week of September).
Thinking of selling your home? We are local realtors with many years of experience selling in all seasons and markets!
BLOCH Real Estate Team
Daniel Bloch & Liora Tal-Bloch
416.666.0311
info@teambloch.com
By Connie Adair
When people come through this home, they’re impressed that it has “everything”. They also comment about how spacious it is, and about the custom work and materials that have been used throughout, says listing agent Daniel Bloch of Harvey Kalles Real Estate.
The stone-and-stucco home, built in 2013, has “everything on one’s wish list,” says co-listing agent Liora Tal-Bloch. “It’s designed for a lifetime of enjoyment and entertaining”. It has about 4,600 square feet of living space including formal living and dining rooms with molded ceilings and hardwood floors. The diningroom also has an impressive side table/wet bar topped with striped marble. “The dining room is built for large family gatherings,” Bloch says. Marble also tops the centre island in the kitchen, which has quartz countertops on the perimeter walls, high-end appliances and a custom canopy-style range hood. “The kitchen is timeless,” Tal-Bloch says.
“I love that there is a fireplace on every level with areas where you cansit and enjoy the warmth,” Bloch says. “I also love the high waffled ceilings”. Coffered ceilings and glass doors are features of the main-floor office. The master suite has a walk-in closet, a gas fireplace and spa-like ensuite bath with freestanding soaker tub underneath a chandelier. A gas fireplace warms the lower-level recreation room/kitchen. The entertainment room has a large projection screen, theatre seating and built-in speakers.The house will appeal to a large family that’s looking for a forever home. “It’s an entertainer’s dream,” with a backyard that includes a pool, hot tub and covered outdoor fireside living room and built-in outdoor kitchen. The 51×176-foot, irregular lot, is “perfectly laid out,” Bloch says. Along with the pool, it has a waterfall feature, cabana, an outdoor bathroom and shower.
“Mill Pond/Heritage Estates is located between Yonge and Bathurst. Thearea dates back as far as 1935, with an assortment of homes,” he says. “This home is in a newer subdivision for the area, with offers a variety of walking/nature trails and parks throughout. People want to live here for the proximity to great amenities, restaurants and schools”.