225 Southside Road

MLS # 151605

$69,900

• 3 and 1/2 floors.
• 2000 Sq. Ft.
• Lot Size: 21 X 85

Great investment opportunity in historic part of old St. John’s. House needs a great deal of renovation but  would make lovely apartments with the right care. Being sold “as is, where is”.

Purchaser will be responsible for any inspections, measurements & confirm any details of the property required by them to their own satisfaction for closing. Any items left in the home on closing will not be removed.

Call for further details.

Gary Johnston

(709) 691-9853

Hanlon Realty

gary@hanlonrealty.ca

Hanlon Realty

The New Colour in Real Estate

$300,000

MLS # 151071

Lot size: 57′ X 94′

Outstanding 2 apartment bungalow with a view in beautiful Cherry Hill subdivision in Conception Bay South (CBS). Just 4 years old.

• Sq. Ft. on main 1218, basement 1198
• Corner lot
• Electric heat, separate meters
• Three bedrooms on main, two in apt.
• Apt. is above ground and has own driveway
• Main floor is vacant and apt. is rented at $700/mth POU
• Buyer may live-in or use as investment

Call Today!!

Gary Johnston

(709) 691-9853

gary@hanlonrealty.ca

Hanlon Realty

The New Colour of Real Estate

55 Iceland Place

$459,000

MLS #150141

Features:

• 3317 sq. ft.
• 4 large bedrooms
• 2/1 baths
• Family room off kitchen with eating nook
• Formal dining room and living room
• Main floor laundry
• Master has walk-in closet and ensuite with whirlpool tub
• Patio deck included and front and back yards sodded.

Call Today!!

Gary Johnston

Real Estate Consultant

(709) 691-9853

gary@hanlonrealty.ca

Hanlon Realty

The New Colour of Real Estate

The Cellar Restaurant

189 Water St.

St. John’s NL

Phone: (709) 579-8900

My wife and I discovered the Cellar Restaurant back in the 1990’s shortly after it opened. Back in those days we scrimped and saved so that we could celebrate special occasions there. The food there was always exciting and the wine list diverse. The actual restaurant has undergone some changes over the years and has moved address a couple of times settling into it’s current venue on Water Street.

The decor is warm and inviting. Interesting artwork on the walls (I’d like to see a little more, actually), great background music and a spectacular chandelier casting a warm glow. The table settings are simple yet elegant and there’s always a new and delightful centerpiece each time we visit.

Maitre d’, Chris Brown, is warm, personable and quite a funny guy once you get to know him. Engage him in banter, you’ll soon see what I mean. The wait staff is charming, knowledgable and efficient. The care and attention to detail is second to none.

Chef Harold Brown is simply a genius. He and his kitchen brigade, never cease to excite and amaze with innovative daily specials and the set menu has raised the bar  for great food everywhere. Chicken, beef or seafood all enhanced with sensitivity to seasoning and exquisite sauces.

Nothing I say here can adequately describe the sensual experience of a great meal and I suggest you visit www.thecellarrestaurant.ca for a preview of the menu.

I can tell you that I have never been dissapointed in a meal there and every item on the menu that I have tried has been a delight. My current favourite begins with the “Broiled Scallops Wrapped in Bacon in a lemon butter glaze” followed by an entrée of “Baked Seafood in Puff Pastry”. It’s all seafood, I know, but that’s a weakness of mine. The Seafood in Puff Pastry is rich with a creamy cheese sauce of Swiss, Parmesan and old cheddar.  The seafood is a mélange of shrimp, scallops, salmon and cod done to perfection.

OK. By now I’m full but when I can be convinced, I will go for the “Warm Apple Strudel with Vanilla Ice Cream” and some of the house’s rich, smooth coffee.

The Cellar Restaurant – defining fine dining in St. John’s.

Price $429,900

MLS #150139

Executive 2 storey multi level with attached garage situated on a 3/4 acre lot in sought after Forest Landing.

Features:

• open concept living room
• dining room & kitchen plus generous fireplace allowance
• 3 bedrooms
• 2/1 baths
• master bedroom features a walk-in closet & a full ensuite with stand up shower & corner whirlpool tub

Call Today to View!

Gary Johnston

Real Estate Consultant

(709) 691-9853

gary@hanlonrealty

Hanlon Realty

The New Colour of Real Estate

No doubt that it’s more difficult to create curb appeal in winter. Especially a Canadian winter.

While there are lots of data  buyers consider when looking for a new home like price, nearby amenities, schools etc. buying a home is still largely an emotional experience. So if  buyers can see themselves living in your home you are more likely to expect an offer…soon.

The first step to dealing with your yard in the winter months is to make sure it is clean. Buyers in the area understand that plants, grass and trees die during the winter. So, you have to be creative and do what you can do to make the best of the situation. First and foremost make sure the yard and area around the property is clean and tidy. Sweep up all leaves, trash and so on. Make sure paths are cleaned and edged. Put all tools, trash cans etc. in a shed. You want people to be able to envision how it might look in the summer months without all the snow.

Clear the walk and drive of any snow and ice. Clear the gate to the yard. Clear snow off the deck and patio and clear a way to the garage and shed so that they can be opened and displayed. If possible have the front entrance freshly painted (there are some low-temp paints out there). Have the mailbox and house numbers freshly painted too.

 Display a planter of winter greenery such as holly, ornamental spruce, pine and juniper and even some herbs such as rosemary. Ornamental squash also looks great on the front step or veranda.

Secondly, find pictures of your home from the summer months. The pictures should include views of the home with the landscaping in full bloom and healthy. These pictures should be added to your marketing material. You should also put them on prominent display during an open house or when you show the home to a prospective buyer. I use digital pictures loaded into a digital picture frame or displayed on a lap-top computer. The goal is to let the buyer see the yard in all it’s verdant glory. Yes, it will grow back!

The goal is to have your house stand out from the neighbour’s and the competition. Attention to detail will ensure not only that but it will go a long way to making a quick sale.

Shopping Tips for the New Home Buyer

So you’ve decided to take the plunge and enter the real estate market in search of that dream home. Sounds simple enough and in fact with the right approach and degree of care it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Some tips:

1. Decide what type of home fits your lifestyle. What’s important to you in a home? Make a checklist and rate the items 1 – 10
2. Choose your neighbourhood. When you find a neighbourhood you like check out the amenities, schools, hospitals, shopping etc.
3. Use all available sources of information. For example, CMHC not only provides mortgage loan insurance but it is also a wealth of information for research into housing. Also check your local builder’s association.
4. Know your credit history. Your credit history will be the key to how much money you can get and how good your mortgage terms may be.
5. Know how much you can afford. How much down payment do you have and what type of mortgage payment can you carry? Household expenses, including mortgage payments should not exceed 32% of your gross income. See Acme Financial  for some basic calculations.
6. Get pre-approved. Being pre-approved means you have actually been approved for the purchase. This gives you and your Realtor confidence when it comes to viewing homes and making an offer.
7. Assemble your team.  With items 1 – 6 covered you’ll need some knowledgeable professionals in your corner. Look for a realtor, mortgage broker or banker, and a lawyer. Each of these will provide indispensable advice uniquely tailored to your situation.
8. Home Inspection. See my blog of January 25th. A home inspector will provide a comprehensive inspection of the house and provide a written report on his findings.
9. Know your closing costs.  On top of the cost of the home there are other fees, charges, taxes such as legal fees, land survey, title insurance etc. Your Realtor can provide you with a comprehensive list.
10. Relax and enjoy the process.  Be prepared, take your time, do your research and make the best possible informed decision. Use all your resources and let your realtor guide you along the way. Try not to get overwhelmed.

Sources: CMHC; Canadian Real Estate Magazine, REM

Happy hunting!

Gary Johnston

Real Estate Consultant

Hanlon Realty

(709) 691-9853

gary@hanlonrealty.ca

30 Poppy’s Lane

Foxtrap, CBS, NL

MLS# 150445

Hanlon Realty

Price: $394,000

• Sq. Ft. 2,740′
• 3 Bedrooms
• 2/2 Bathrooms
• Bi-Level Sundeck
• Wired and heated, detached 2 car garage

This executive 2 storey home is only 2 years old & is on a 7/8 acre landscaped lot backing onto a greenbelt.Home has a fully developed basement & is located on a cul de sac in beautiful Foxtrap with full municipal services & a 24×32 wired detached double garage.Features include hardwood & ceramic flooring, crown mouldings,pot lights,large kitchen with center island & beautiful cabinets with auto closing drawers,propane fireplace in living room,heavy duty air exchanger,ensuite with jetted tub off master bedroom,double sinks & vanity in 2 of the 4 bathrooms,3 bedrooms plus a den.Bright & spacious home with Low `E` windows & so much more….located near schools & other amenities, 15 minutes from downtown St. John’s.

Kitchen

Dining Room

Living Room

Master Bedroom

Garage

Call today for details and to arrange a viewing.

Gary Johnston

Hanlon Realty

(709) 691-9853

gary@hanlonrealty.ca

23 Cornwall Avenue

St. John’s NL

MLS# 149949

Price: $289,900

• Square Footage : 2200sf
• 3 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• New electrical
• New plumbing
• New windows
• New Siding
• New Shingles
• Off-street parking
• Large fenced yard

Located in the heart of St. John’s this beautiful home has been renovated to meet your modern needs.

Call for a viewing today!!

Gary Johnston

Real Estate Consultant

Hanlon Realty

(709) 691-9853

Hey folks! Good Monday morning to you!

A few words on home inspection.

Note: My intention is not to give a thorough overview of home inspections but to provide some basic information and advice. Here we go.

A home inspection is a third-party, objective visual examination of a house and property including all of the major systems in a home such as the plumbing. electrical, heating and air conditioning and is usually performed within 10 days of an offer to purchase. Unlike the homebuyers themselves whose observations are partial, a home inspector performs his role with an unbiased attitude and with the best interest of the the customer in mind.

A home inspector will do a visual inspection of the foundation, doors, ceiling, roof, walls, windows, plumbing, ventilation, insulation, sewage system, lot and garage including as many as 400 items or more. Upon completion the homebuyer will be presented with a printed report covering all findings and identifying potential concerns.

The process usually take about three hours and the homebuyer is encouraged to accompany the inspector so that he may explain the process and clarify any concerns that may emerge upon inspection. This is an excellent time to have all your questions and concerns addressed immediately as they arise. You get to see first-hand the condition of each of the key-components of the house  and property and learn about the operation of your new home’s systems and locations of major valves and shut-offs. Before the inspection prepare a list of questions and bring it along to aid your memory.

An inspection costs between $350 and $450 (plus GST) depending on your area and the size of the job to be done.

It’s important to find a qualified and experienced inspector. There are no set regulations for inspectors but you can go to the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors website for a list of inspectors in your area that meet the association’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. There is also some invaluable information pertaining to all aspects of home inspection on this site. Check it out.

Once presented with the home inspection report you can see what items of concern need to be addressed by the vendor before the sale is complete or renovations that might be made by you after the purchase.

This is the most important purchase of your life. Protect yourself and your peace of mind.

Sources: CMHC, Amerispec, Cdn Real Estate Magazine, CAHPI

Gary Johnston

Real Estate Consultant

Hanlon Realty

(709) 691-9853