Happy Canada Day!
I’m wishing everyone a Happy Canada Day and a great long weekend. Remember, if you’re looking for some fun events in and around St. John’s, I’ve compiled a list here. I know quite a few clients who will be enjoying their first summer in their new homes. I’m sure for them, this long weekend will be a great start, with some friends over for a barbecue, some gardening, or maybe time for some home renovations. There’s nothing like your first long weekend in your new home!
Why I’m a Construction Buyers Agent
In my continual effort to provide superior service to my clients, I am a Construction Buyers Agent, a Canadian Trademark. The 14-week course required to gain this designation was well worth the effort, as I am now fully able and qualified to help clients navigate the often complicated process of building a new home. Some people are not aware that this service exists, so I’d like to take a minute to explain why I’m a Construction Buyers Agent.
First, it is helpful to have a Construction Buyers Agent when building a new home for the same reason you’d want a realtor when buying one – we’re an impartial third-party solely focused on your needs. Building or buying a new home is a very emotional life event. Having an experienced agent at your side balances your excitement with an objective eye. Homes are big purchases and investments that most people only make at most a few times in their lives. On the contrary, I deal with real estate and home construction on a daily basis, so I can ensure you get exactly the house you want in exactly the shape you want it.
Building a home offers many complications and intricacies that most people just aren’t aware of. But as a Construction Buyers Agent, I’m specially trained to navigate those intricacies. Your builder can help, but their loyalty is ultimately to their company, not to you. Rely on your builder alone and your needs will be underrepresented.
As a Construction Buyers Agent, I’ll work with you for the entire process of building your new home. I can help you determine which add-ons will add value to your home, and help keep overruns in check. I know which rebates you’ll qualify for and help you get them. And I know which pitfalls to avoid and how. I’ll also do a walk-through with you, so you’ll know the end product matches your expectations. Ultimately, my goal is to make the building process stress-free and timely, and to make the result – your new home – better.
I’d love to know if you’ve had your own home built and how you felt about the experience, so please leave me a comment below (and as always, I’m available to my clients 24-7 at 709-682-0744). In my experience, clients have always benefited for the extra leg-up, and that’s why I’m proud to be a Construction Buyers Agent.
Happy Father’s Day
“My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.” -Clarence Buddington Kelland
I’m sending big and happy Father’s Day wishes to all my great friends and clients who are also great dads. May this be a day filled with family and all the things you love best. And anyone who is lucky enough to have a father like mine surely has something to celebrate today.
“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person – he believed in me.” -Jim Valvano
Please Help Us Help Easter Seals
I’m sure most of us are familiar with Easter Seals and all the great work they do. This organization has made a big difference in so many lives, through maximizing the abilities and enhancing the lives of children and youth with disabilities through recreational, social and other therapeutic programs, direct assistance, education and advocacy.
That’s why I’m thrilled to be participating in their latest fundraiser – the Easter Seals Drop Zone. On July 27th, Team Hanlon will be repelling down Atlantic Place in downtown St. John’s. Yes – you heard that right. We’re suiting up and repelling down the side of a big building, to raise money for this excellent cause.
And to that end, I’m looking for sponsors to help us raise pledge money. It’s easy to sponsor me – simply head to this site and fill out your info. You’ll also get an electronic tax receipt.
Any brave souls looking to start their own team, do so here – the more the merrier! And please stay tuned to my blog, so you can see the action on July 27th. Thanks to Easter Seals for this great opportunity.
45 Huntingdale Drive
I’m excited to be showing this stunning, custom raised bungalow on 45 Huntingdale Drive in St. John’s. With a heated double car driveway, BC cedar exterior, deck overlooking the city’s west end, and privacy and landscaping in the rear faced yard, the exterior of this house wows. Inside has 3 bedrooms plus an in-law suite on the first floor, and three bathrooms.
Enter the home into a large foyer to see a beautiful hardwood staircase leading to the 2nd floor open concept living/dining and kitchen area. This amazing space has vaulted ceilings, and expansive windows offering the perfect view to watch the sunset. This house has plenty of storage, air conditioning, low heat bills due to a 4 tonne heat pump, and is custom designed. With an asking price of $400,000, what more could you want? I hope to see you Sunday! Please call 709-682-0744 or email mark@markglynnhomes.com if you have any questions.
Upcoming Newfoundland Summer Events & Festivals
The weather is almost cooperating, and we’re all starting to think about summer. We don’t get the warmest weather in Newfoundland, but we have strong communities and we always make the most of it. So I’ve compiled a list of upcoming events and festivals in and around the St. John’s area, which I hope will be helpful for my clients and readers alike.
June 1 – Annual East Coast Trail Tely Hike Fundraiser
Held in Bay Bulls at the Mickeleens and Spout Paths, this event features hikes for all levels, with prizes, food and entertainment. Register yourself or your team here.
June 1 – 3 Hour Challenge
Residents of Conception Bay South come together to clean up their community, then enjoy an afternoon rally complete with refreshments, prizes and Sky High Amusements.
June 22-23 – St. John’s Day Celebrations
Celebrations include outdoor concerts, historical characters and art and cultural events.
July 1 – Canada Day
Lots of ways to celebrate! Enjoy Canada’s Big Bash (tickets required) with The Navigators and Our Lady Peace on George Street. In CBS, head to the CBS Recreation Complex. Paradise has a full day planned. Mount Pearlites, head to St. David’s Park from 12-3pm, and bring a perishable food item to gain your admission.
July 3 – July 10 – Festival 500
Hear voices from all over the world in this international festival of choral music. Held at the Arts and Culture Centre and Mile One Stadium, you won’t believe your ears. Tickets are available now. The Grand Finale Concert should be particularly great.
July 3 – July 7 – Kelligrews Soiree
Events for all ages, including seniors.
July 10 – July 13 – Wreckhouse Jazz and Blues Festival
150 local, national and international artists converge on St. John’s for an unforgettable experience.
July 19-21 – Mount Pearl City Days
25th annual weekend celebration, including an outdoor concert. Stay tuned for details.
July 27 – Victoria Park Lantern Festival
Months of public lantern-building workshops culminate in this beautiful event in Victoria Park in St. John’s. Expect things to get especially beautiful after dusk.
July 28 – 86th Annual Tely 10
Popular 10 Mile Road Race through Paradise, Mount Pearl and St. John’s, starting on McNamara Drive in Paradise at 7:55am.
August 1 – August 6 – George Street Festival
Join 40,000 other revelers and bands like Blue Rode, Great Big Sea, Hey Rosetta! and Trooper in the big party.
August 7 – Royal St. John’s Regatta
Dating back to 1816, this race and family event needs little explanation! Stay tuned to updates as inclement weather can postpone the date.
August 7 – Family Fun Day at The Still
Held concurrently with the Regatta, from 2-4pm families can participate in entertainment, face painting, hot dogs and refreshments at The Still, on Angler Place in Seal Cove.
August 8 – August 11 – Blueberry Festival
Not too far a drive from St. John’s, Brigus hosts the very popular Blueberry Festival each August. Featuring Screech-Ins, theatre and local talent, dances, fireworks, raffles, good food and of course all the blueberries you could possibly want, this is a great event for the whole family.
August 9 – August 11 – 37th Annual NL Folk Festival
Enjoy the second oldest continuously running folk festival in Canada, held in Bowring Park. This exceptional cultural event is always a big hit.
Aug 9 – Aug 11 – Downtown St. John’s Busker’s Festival
Bring the family downtown to see clowns, musicians and magicians performing in the street.
Aug 10 – Aug 17 – Sunsplash – Paddle in Paradise
Week long community activities culminating in all-day Paddle in Paradise, which includes dragon boat racing, carnival rides and a dunk tank.
August 11 – August 15 – Killick Coast Games
The 2013 Killick Coast Regional Games are a friendly sports competition for local youth, featuring softball, soccer, basketball, ball hockey and cross country running. They’re being co-hosted in Flatrock and Pouch Cove.
August 18 – Pirate Day at Topsail Beach
Arrrrrr! Great fun between 2-4, with shuttle buses running from Topsail Elementary to the beach from 1:30-4:30pm.
August 21 – Family Outdoor Movie
Free outdoor movie at 8:30pm at Upper Three Corner Park, Bauline Line. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs; concessions sold on site.
I’d love to know what events you’re most looking forward to, and what you and your family make sure never to miss. And if I’ve left out any events in your community, please let me know in the comments, so I can add it to the list!
Have a Safe and Happy Long Weekend!
I’d like to take a minute to wish you all a safe and happy long weekend. The forecast isn’t looking the greatest, but we’re tough in Newfoundland and used to worse. I hope you all manage to get in some barbecues, camping and downtime – whichever your favourite is!
If you’re taking to the highway, please be extra careful – we’ve been hearing about lots of moose sightings lately.
Be vigilant and watch for moose!
I know for a lot of my clients, long weekends offer a great opportunity for DIY home renovations. Please stay tuned to the blog as I’ll be offering tips for home improvements to increase your home’s value and more.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Big ‘Happy Mother’s Day’ wishes to all the great moms out there – and mine’s at the top of that list! Being a realtor, I get to be a part of one of a family’s biggest decisions, and I’m with them as they journey through some difficult moments and decisions, until the happy moment when they get their keys. I’ve been blessed to get to know these families, and I’ve been a first-hand witness to some amazing moms. I’m wishing them all – and you – the happiest Mother’s Day possible.
Here’s a little story I found that I think you’ll love ….
“When the Good Lord was creating mothers, He was into His sixth day of “overtime” when the angel appeared and said. “You’re doing a lot of fiddling around on this one.”
And God said, “Have you read the specs on this order? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic. Have 180 moveable parts…all replaceable. Run on black coffee and leftovers. Have a lap that disappears when she stands up. A kiss that can cure anything from a broken leg to a disappointed love affair. And six pairs of hands.”
The angel shook her head slowly and said. “Six pairs of hands…. no way.”
“It’s not the hands that are causing me problems,” God remarked, “it’s the three pairs of eyes that mothers have to have.”
“That’s on the standard model?” asked the angel. God nodded.
“One pair that sees through closed doors when she asks, ‘What are you kids doing in there?’ when she already knows. Another here in the back of her head that sees what she shouldn’t but what she has to know, and of course the ones here in front that can look at a child when he goofs up and say. ‘I understand and I love you’ without so much as uttering a word.”
“God,” said the angel touching his sleeve gently, “Get some rest ….”
“I can’t,” said God, “I’m so close to creating something so close to myself. Already I have one who heals herself when she is sick…can feed a family of six on one pound of hamburger…and can get a nine year old to stand under a shower.”
The angel circled the model of a mother very slowly. “It’s too soft,” she sighed.
“But tough!” said God excitedly. “You can imagine what this mother can do or endure.”
“Can it think?”
“Not only can it think, but it can reason and compromise,” said the Creator.
Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek.
“There’s a leak,” she pronounced. “I told You that You were trying to put too much into this model.”
“It’s not a leak,” said the Lord, “It’s a tear.”
“What’s it for?”
“It’s for joy, sadness, disappointment, pain, loneliness, and pride.”
“You are a genius, ” said the angel.
Somberly, God said, “I didn’t put it there.”
― Erma Bombeck, When God Created Mothers
Sunday Open House on Old Petty Harbour Road
This coming Sunday, May 12, from 2-4PM, I’ll be showing this fully developed, 3 bedroom backsplit home on 155 Old Petty Harbour Road in St. John’s. Located on a quiet street and backing onto a greenbelt with walking trail, this home is perfect for young families, first time buyers and retirees alike.
Despite its country feel this home is just minutes to downtown St. John’s and has a metro bus stop out front. Most of the interior is freshly painted, and the excellent layout includes a large living room, separate eating area and cozy kitchen. The downstairs is also fully developed with a rec room, laundry room and 1/2 bath. Outside is a fenced backyard, paved driveway and shed. I’m excited to offer this open home, because with an asking price of $265,000, this well maintained home won’t last long. I hope to see you Sunday between 2-4PM!
Thanks and Congrats!
I just wanted to take a minute to thank everyone who entered Hanlon’s draw to win $1000 – and a big congratulations to Tony Daly, the big winner!
Thanks also to all our clients and friends who came out for our Customer Appreciation party last Friday at Martini Bar. It was a great night and nice to see some familiar faces. To stay in the loop and make sure you don’t miss out on any more contests or events, please sign up for my newsletter. I hope to see you at the next one!