We are officially in February, which is significant for a number of reasons. One, Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Two, Family Day means most of us get a day off. Three, it’s my birthday month which I, for one, am very excited about. The days are getting longer too, which is also a bonus!

Scroll down for a few noteworthy items...

To start, how many times have you tried to book a reservation at a favourite spot, only to find out the restaurant was closed? One local artist has found a way to keep the memory of some lost spots alive, by making miniatures!

Also below, there’s an article on some homeowner tax incentives and romantic restaurant options for Valentine’s Day.

Lastly, the Bank of Canada reduced the key interest rate again, which is great for anybody holding a variable rate mortgage, and also good news if you’re looking to make a move this spring!

As always, I thank you for your past and future business...and any referrals of friends or family you may have are greatly appreciated!

Check out www.be-at-home.com for exciting real estate opportunities!

Brian Elder

Sales Representative,

SAGE Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

416-483-8000

www.be-at-home.com

brian@be-at-home.com

If food is the way to a person’s heart, a delicious meal at one of the most romantic restaurants in Toronto is surely the swiftest way to shoot cupid’s arrow come date night. Luckily, some of Toronto’s best restaurants are havens for the heart, from dazzling downtown spots to cheap eats and vegan restaurants dotted across the city.

The cost of living is at the forefront of most Canadians’ minds right now. While interest rates are expected to continue to dip this year, there are still a lot of expenses homeowners are juggling. The Canada Revenue Agency has shared a list of tax credits and benefits Canadians should know about.

8 Wildly Stylish New Powder Rooms

Remodeling your home? Start with the powder room! It’s a room where you can do something bold that reflects your personality. And the sheer joy of watching that come together can set a positive tone for the rest of your remodeling project. For some inspirational jumping-off points, check out these fun and fashionable powder rooms.

After retiring from a career in television, scenic artist Andrew Smith started using his construction skills to craft elaborate miniatures. He is commemorating Toronto's bygone small businesses, one greasy spoon at a time. Have a look at these incredible miniatures of some of Toronto's most memorable spots!

This sun-soaked, south facing suite offers over 1,000 square feet (including balcony), expansive room sizes, peaceful neighbourhood city vistas from every room including the private balcony, and a wonderful opportunity to create your own downtown oasis. A blank slate, if you will, to allow the designer in you to make this home "your" home, in a building that offers a quiet retreat in the heart of the city. With sensational new updated amenities including a gym, outdoor pool with lovely landscaped grounds, party room, jaw-dropping views from the rooftop terrace and top-notch security bar-none, 86 Gloucester can't be beat!

Super-sized one bedroom plus open concept, extra large den. West facing, sun-soaked neighbourhood views from the private balcony. Renovated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, stone counter and party-perfect centre island. Closets galore means lots of ensuite storage! Steps to transit, shopping, Loblaws, Metro, Farm Boy, LCBO, Eaton Centre, restaurants, the Village, Yonge & Bloor, TMU, U of T, hospitals and more.

GTA REALTORS reported 3,847 home sales through TRREB’s MLS® System in January 2025 – down by 7.9 per cent compared to the same period last year. New listings in the MLS® System amounted to 12,392 – up by 48.6 per cent year-over-year. On a seasonally adjusted basis, January sales were up month-over-month compared to December 2024.