Toronto Real Estate Blog Downtown Condos » Video Blog

Canada’s Banking System – Are you smarter than a 12 year old?

Mark Savel — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:30:06 +0000

It’s funny how very little we know about the Canadian banking system! Be it for a mortgage, car loans or credit card purchases, the banks are literally the back bones to our economy yet on an individual level most of us hardly understand how they work!

Just the other day I was asking my friends a very basic question – “who owns a bank?” and sadly, none of us could answer with certainty. As serendipity would have it, the next day I came across a speech delivered by 12 year old Victoria. It’s a short video on how (inefficient) our system works and how we could improve it to give Canadians even more financial stability!

Check it out and be prepared to be blown away by what she has to say!

Click here to view the embedded video.

25 Hanson – From Bungalow to Dream Home

Mark Savel — Mon, 14 May 2012 20:40:12 +0000

What was once a tiny and dark one bedroom bungalow is now a two level, 3 bedrooms with 3.5 bath dream home. 25 Hanson has been transformed into the perfect family house. The stone veneer facade at the front of the home stands out from the others on the street. A granite driveway and cedar porch complete with security cameras are just a few of the executive upgrades waiting for you.

Inside is a completely open main level. Bamboo floors can be found in all other areas of the main level. In the living/dining room there’s an electric fire place, surrounded with a stone facade and two large columns. A Bay window lets the light shine in. Up top are pot lights with set regions set to dimmers for movie nights.

The kitchen has a unique two toned finish. The lower cabinets and drawers have a wood finish to compliment the floors. The above cabinets have a white finish. Both feature a quite close system meaning you’ll never hear a slammed door again! The Countertops are quartz, with a beautiful sparkle finish to them. A breakfast bar was added to maximize the space. Stainless appliances include a built in dishwasher, stove and microwave (with fan) and double door fridge. The sink is extra deep with an industrial faucet. A built in wine rack completes the kitchen!

A walk-out takes you to your private backyard complete with a newly built fence on each side. A large custom built patio allows for tons of entertaining room. Two flower beds were built using the same stone veneer as at the front of the house to tie the two themes together. The custom built shed with cedar doors and window provide ample storage for all your gardening needs.

In order to keep with the open concept theme, the powder room was placed a short flight down the stairs. The laundry room, electrical panel furnace, central vac equipment and water system are all conveniently placed in the lower level. A separate walk out can be found at the front of the house. Another electric fireplace adds to the warmth of the basement. At the rear a fourth bedroom or office with a private 3 piece bathroom is available.

Take a walk up the oak staircase and you’ll find three well appointed bedrooms. Two sky lights were installed to let the light in from the upper level to the lower. At the peak of the hallway, the ceiling height is approx 12 feet. The shared bathroom at the end of the hallway features a Jacuzzi tub and shower system with jets. Porcelain tiles cover the floors and wall. A mosaic tile accent wall carries from the floor to ceiling!

Each bedroom has wiring for phone, cable, and data and each has its own closet. The master has his and hers closets, a large picture window and a separate skylight. The ensuite bath comes complete with a large two person shower. River rocks accent the floors and ceilings and a therapeutic touch to the experience.

You can view all photos of the home in the gallery below:

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For a walkthough of 25 Hanson, check out this video:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Feel free to contact me for your own private tour of 25 Hanson by filling out the form below:

Savel Does Hotdocs 2012

Mark Savel — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 06:45:51 +0000

It’s that time of year again… The birds are chirping, the Leafs aren’t in the playoffs and HotDocs Film-Fest-Fever is taking over my life!

The Festival is in it’s 19th year and is looking like the biggest one yet… at least for me! In 2009 I some how found my way into the festival while searching for a track by Thelonious Monk. My Google search took me to a link promoting the screening of doc about him and his Jazz Baroness - Pannonica Rothschild. Being the self-proclaimed ”Doc freak” that I am, I naturally had to buy a ticket for the show. It was love at first sight… the nostalgia of watching films in some of Toronto’s oldest theatres, to the energy of others partaking in the low key film fest had me hooked!

Since that faithful night, I’ve been coming back year after year and for 2012 it’s no different! Except this time around I’m seeing even more films! The festival runs from April 26 – May 6, 2012 and features both Canadian and International content. Below is a summary of the 5 films I’m watching:

Theo Fleury: Playing With Fire

Click here to view the embedded video.

Theo Fleury achieved every boy’s fantasy of becoming a hockey superstar, raking in the millions, being cheered by countless fans and living the high life with a beautiful woman. Then he blew it all on booze, drugs, gambling and strippers, betraying his game, his colleagues and his family in a flame-out he couldn’t control. In 2009, he published a book that revealed his difficult childhood and years of sexual abuse by his coach, Graham James. Inspired by the book, the film takes the story further through hockey highlights and interviews with coaches, family, ex-friends, Olympic figure skater Jamie Salé and, most of all, with Theo as he hits the road to promote his book and faces the ghosts of his past. A compelling portrait of a great hockey player, a man who won it all, lost it all, faced his demons and is bringing his game up to a whole new level. Lynne Fernie

Fists Of Pride

Click here to view the embedded video.

“Thai children have more money. Burmese children have no money. They are rich. We are poor. That’s all.” This is how 13-year-old Pho Kyaw ‘Panda’ sees the world while training to challenge a Thai boxer at the annual Water Festival along the Burmese-Thai border. If he wins, his family receives prize money from bets placed by his coaches. Losing isn’t an option. For sons of migrant workers, the Thai boxing camp is their best hope to escape the dangerous and impoverished life that otherwise awaits them. The boys’ militaristic training regime and their daily routines reveal their courage and fear as they face the ring. The coaches provide another fascinating layer, as their gambling success determines the boys’ well-being. The film is a powerful allegory for a cultural and political battle that continues to be waged, through the eyes of children who inherited a bruised and battered history. Alex Rogalski

The Queen Of Versailles

Click here to view the embedded video.

Meet Jackie, former Mrs. Florida 1993 and current wife of David Siegel, the self-styled king of a vast timeshare empire. She loves her husband, eight children and shopping. A leggy blond teetering on high heels, Jackie is thrilled to show us her work in progress, the largest single-family home in America. Modeled on the palace of Versailles but arguably more lavish, it features 30 bathrooms and a skating rink. At the same time, David is building the largest timeshare property in Las Vegas, selling average citizens a small piece of the good life for just a little money down. Then the financial crisis of 2008 hits. As the threat of losing it all looms, David’s personality undergoes a marked shift from boastful billionaire to tired old man, but Jackie soldiers on with a bright smile. One wonders what it will take to wake this queen from her American dream.

We Are Legion: The Story Of The Hacktivists

Click here to view the embedded video.

We Are Legion is a guide into the world of Anonymous, the “hacktivist” collective with no defined leadership or structure that’s responsible for numerous acts of a new internet-based civil disobedience. Through interviews with current members and those awaiting trial, as well as with other major online figures, writers and academics, we gain an understanding of motives and what it means to be involved with a group redefining online activism. We hear from a group that began as a forum to share jokes, learning about the development of their ideology and their ability to mobilize thousands worldwide. A history of the internet’s evolution, the film traces the birth of a powerful democratic activism that’s making corporations and governments very nervous. Charlotte Cook

Charles Bradley: Soul Of America

Click here to view the embedded video.

For decades he’s been Black Velvet, a soul singer scraping by in Brooklyn’s projects with small club gigs in the evenings and odd jobs by day. But 62-year-old Charles Bradley has an impossible dream: he wants to make it in the music industry as…himself. As if that weren’t challenge enough, he’s also supporting the mother who abandoned him as a child, struggling to pay his own bills, and, in his spare time, learning to read. When Bradley’s noticed by the soul maestros at Daptone Records, it seems as though he just might have a chance. With lyrics that draw directly from the anguish and hardship of his life, his electrifying performances transform pain and sorrow into an experience of sublime transcendence. When he says to the audience, “I love you, each and every one of you,” he truly means it. It’s a visceral rush to your soul. Gisèle Gordon

For a full list of movies and to purchase tickets, check out http://www.hotdocs.ca/

Penthouse Available at 3939 Duke of York Blvd.

Mark Savel — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 17:53:15 +0000

Rising on Burnhamthorpe Road West at Duke of York Boulevard across from Mississauga City Hall, Citygate One is a magnificent 35-storey tower, with its striking symmetry to its Sister-Tower, Citygate Two, and articulated cascade design – virtually all glass – makes a distinctive addition to the city skyline.

I’ve just listed one of the largest penthouses at the Citygate community! Approximately 1800 sqft create the space for this 2 storey Penthouse that overlooks Mississaugas City Centre and Square One Shopping Mall. A natural stone foyer greets visitors when they enter the condo. A storage closet and powder room are conveniently positioned off to the side. The layout then opens up to a spacious array of living, dining and kitchen space. The main level feels even larger with its 10ft ceilings and crown moldings above and hardwood flooring in main areas. When the firework celebrations go off below, you get the best seat in the house in front of your private fire place that elegantly rises from the floor to ceiling and overlooks the public square. The balcony comes equipped with a natural gas hook up for bbq’s!

The kitchen is well appointed with a roomy layout and tons of space for cooking. Slabs of granite make up the counter tops and island with stainless steel appliances and a wine cooler accompanying it’s high end finishes.

On the second level is where you’ll find a second office, play area (which can be converted) and two bedrooms. The laundry area has it’s own room with storage. The master bedroom features his and hers closets, an ensuite bathroom with Jacuzzi tub and tons of natural light! There is a second 4 piece bathroom on the upper level as well.

Parking and locker are also included in the purchase price! Maintenance only $.56/sqft AND hydro is included, in many new buildings hydro is extra! Unique to Citygate, residents also have use of a shuttle service to the Cooksville GO station. Check out a video from inside the penthouse below:

Click here to view the embedded video.

This building is centrally located in Mississauga and is only a short walk to local strip plazas, schools, parks and other amenities. It’s located close to the city’s centre, where residents can enjoy visiting the Square One Shopping Centre, with over 350 specialty shops and services, the Mississauga Civic Centre and the Central Library and community centre, all within a single mile’s radius.

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Citygate One offers luxurious facilities such as gym, swimming pool, beautiful kept gardens, BBQ facilities billiards, party room Building features include:
- Daily shuttle bus service back and forth to GO train station. great for people who work downtown
- Gym
- Wellness Centre
- Swimming pool
- Two Guest Suites
- Party room
- Movie room
- Board/meeting room
- Pool table
- 5th floor BBQ and terrace area, including mini-putt golf and children`s play area
- 24×7 concierge security
- Convenient access to all amenities, mall, library, YMCA.
- Close to major highways, 401, 403

To book a private tour of the penthouse, please contact me below:

As more units sell, prices and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Encore at The Met – Unit for sale

Mark Savel — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 06:18:21 +0000

Encore at the Met is a 33 storey condominium complex at Carlton and Yonge. Completed in 2008, the building features a long list of amenities that include a concierge, fitness facilities, pool, hot tub and a guest suite to name a few!

I currently have a spacious 650 sq.ft suite available for sale. The condo is located on the 29^th floor and is a one bedroom plus a den. It faces south and is positioned to give the residents sweeping views of the downtown core, from the lake to the East to the City in the West!

Click here to view the embedded video.

The dark hardwood floors are the first thing to catch your eyes when entering the suite. Off to the left of the entrance is a home office and a open concept kitchen to the right. The kitchen is well equipped with tons of storage space as well as stainless steel appliances. The dining room and living room are combined. There is a walkout to the south facing balcony from the living room that makes for a perfect place to unwind at the end of the day!

The bathroom and master bedroom are separate so guests can use the washroom without entering the bedroom (a big plus). There is an ensuite washer and dryer located in it’s own separate room. A parking space and locker are also included in the $420,000 purchase price!

If you’d like to schedule a private appointment to view the place, please fill out the form below:

Loft for Rent at 2 Gladstone

Mark Savel — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:54:22 +0000

Live in the newest loft to come to Queen West! 2 Gladstone by Streetcar Developments is a boutique mid rise building with only 55 suites! I’ve just listed a 615 sq.ft. one bedroom unit on the top floor, that’s right – penthouse baby, or rather… “pentLoft”!

It’s a corner unit with expansive views of the downtown high-rises from one window and Liberty Village and lake views from the other! Nine foot concrete ceilings add to the open concept feel of the loft. From your first steps into the loft, you’ll notice the extra detail my client personally added to the space. Wood work frames the hallway into the living space. From there pot lights and restored barnwood accent the walls in the TV area and bedroom. Pot lights were also installed to top off the loft!

Click here to view the embedded video.

2 Gladstone is located right on the Queen West strip. The loft is located on the 8th floor, away from the traffic and noise of the street. The building is neighbours with The Gladstone Hotel along with several other bars, galleries, and boutique clothing stores. TTC is litterally steps from the front door. Parking and locker are also included. We’re asking $1,900 per month with a minimum of a years commitment!

If you’re interested to living at 2 Gladstone, please contact me below -

Condo For Sale at the Residences of College Park

Mark Savel — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:28:37 +0000

Looking for more space? How about a condo with a view? And how about subway access, shopping and grocery stores all at the base of the building? My latest listing at The Residences of College Park offers all that and more!

Located at 761 Bay Street just south of College, The Residences of College Park is comprised of two towers coming in at 51 and 45 storeys tall. This suite is in the south tower (45 storeys) and measures approximately 950 square feet. It fronts on the South and West sides of the building allowing for phenominal City and lake views and gets a ton of natural light!

The suite comes well appointed with two split bedrooms, two bathrooms (one shared and one private), a home office, large kitchen, separate dining and living rooms and a walk-out balcony for unwinding at the end of the day! In the kitchen you’ll find stainless steel appliances, a glass back-splash, a double sink, granite counter-tops and a newly installed floor!

Included in the purchase price is a parking spot and massive private locker. It’s located right next to the parking spot and is easily 5 times larger than your standard condo locker!

The building was completed in 2007 and was designed by Graziani + Corazza Architects and developed by Canderel Stoneridge Equity Group Inc. Residents of the two towers have access to a long list of amenities that includes Meeting Room, Business Centre, Business Centre, Concierge, Fitness Facilities, Fitness Facilities, Games Room, Games Room, Garden, Garden, Guest Suite, Guest Suite, Multimedia Room, Multimedia Room, Events Room, Events Room, Hot Tub, Hot Tub, Pool – Indoor, Pool – Indoor, Squash/Racketball Court, and Steam Room… The condo has been even known to be home to a few professional athletes over the years!

Check out a full set of photos from inside the condo:

Still looking to see more? Then check out this video from inside the suite:

Click here to view the embedded video.

The unit is available for purchase at $660,000. Contact me if you’d like to schedule a private showing of the space!