News
2009 Holiday Celebration
December 18th, 2009On Sunday, December 6th, the Brazeau team hosted a holiday celebration for our clients at Glencairn Golf Course. It was great to see and reconnect with so many clients! There was a tasty spread of food that ranged from fancy cheeses and sandwiches to an assortment of desserts (my personal favourite was the caramel apple crumble pie…mmm!) The children who attended the event had a chance to enter a colouring contest in the “Santa’s Workshop” area, where they also enjoyed an endless loop of Christmas movies (Shrek the Halls was on the screen at least 3 times!). Jason and Rebecca from StreeterStevens Photography were on hand to capture the event, as well as to take family portraits. From the photos that I have seen, it appears that everyone had a good time!
The event also honoured Virginia Brazeau as she celebrates 20 years of service with Royal LePage. Her very first client Ruth Lawrence was at the event to personally congratulate her. Joseph teared up as he said some very kind words about his mother. Alex Ocsai and Gloria Riddall , the Royal LePage Meadowtowne Broker/Owners and Catherine Fox, the Broker/Manager of the Milton office, had thoughtful words of their own to add.
On a personal note, I have had the privilege of not only working with Virginia for the past five years, but also learning from her. I truly admire her “mothering” approach to real estate. She knows when to push you to make the right decision, yet she will be the first to comfort you when the going gets tough. Her hard work and dedication have made Virginia a highly respected figure in the real estate business. There have been a few negotiations that I have gone into where the other agent has said, “Oh, you work with Virginia? She is such a good woman.” And as a result, the negotiations seem to go very smoothly! Virginia, thank you for having faith in me and giving me the opportunity to join your real estate family. Congratulations on twenty years of service to your community with Royal LePage!
On behalf of the Brazeau Team, I would like to thank all of our clients for giving us the opportunity to serve you. I look forward to seeing you all at the holiday celebration next year!
Grant Thornton on HST
December 14th, 2009The 2009 Ontario Budget proposed a single, value-added sales tax, which is intended to come into effect on July 1, 2010. One industry that will be significantly impacted by this new measure is the housing industry. This release discusses additional details provided in the information notice published by the Ontario government on November 19, 2009 (“Bulletin”).
Ontario HST and the housing industry (187.9 KiB, 165 hits)
Don’t Wait To List!
December 9th, 2009Once your home is updated with the winter season’s latest design essentials, it is most visually appealing to prospective buyers. Serious homebuyers are indeed active through the holidays and into the early months of the New Year. This means minimal disruption for you and your family and viewings from truly qualified prospects.
Please contact the Brazeau Team for more information about listing during the winter season.
Seasonal Decor: Bringing the Outdoors In
December 3rd, 2009Cooler winter temperatures and shorter daylight hours naturally limit the time we spend outside. Current interior design trends use nature punctuated with colour as a theme to rescue us from cabin fever. Here are some of this season’s ‘outdoor-in’ design essentials:
Wreaths and Garlands
Made from traditional pine or more contemporary bay leaves, eucalyptus or holly. Live or faux, they are interwoven with brightly contrasting citrus fruits, pomegranates or berries for the most natural look. Glass-like beads and solid spherical ornaments in a shock of intense colour are also featured this season. Look for wreath stands to showcase your wreath at adjustable heights. Garlands look best along mantles, doorframes, windowsills and banisters, snaked among candles on tabletop centrepieces, and as trimming atop tall furniture like bookcases, wardrobes and entertainment credenzas.
Trees and Topiaries
Like wreaths and garlands, trees and topiaries combine the same natural elements interwoven with vivid colours whether live or faux. This season, you can also find them made entirely of a single material, such as glass-like beads, holly berries, tinsel, or round ornaments, in either a uniform tone or a bouquet of colours. Available in a variety of sizes, they can be brilliantly illuminated with lights and garland, or they can sparkle alone with a pre-treatment designed to imitate frost, ice or dew.
Faux Fire
Indoors or out, there’s nothing quite like sitting around a fire to add ambiance to quality time spent enjoying family and friends. It’s no surprise then, that sales of electric fireplaces are red-hot this season. They provide the romance and warmth of a traditional gas or wood burning fire without the requisite venting or gas lines, and at a fraction of the cost. Plug them into a standard 120-volt outlet to heat the room, or turn the heat off and appreciate the flame effect alone, complete with glowing embers! Electric fireplaces can be purchased as an insert for existing fireplaces or as a stand-alone piece with a mantle surround. Mantles are available in a variety of styles, colours and wood materials to suit a variety of personal tastes.
Finishing Touches
Just as the snow sparkles outside, so too do those finishing touches. From decorative ornaments, to picture frames, to napkin rings, to cardholders, to candles and candleholders…think jeweled. If those finishing touches aren’t bejeweled with faux gemstones, then they glitter with the imitation effect of frost or ice.
