Heather Harris
Chestnut Park Real Estate, Brokerage, 1300 Yonge St, Suite 100 M4T 1X3 Toronto, ON, Canada

Work mantra. #winwin #negotiations #collaboration #harrisandwalker #chestnutpark #torontorealtor #torontorealestate #workingtogether #investinstyle

This long weekend, I had a few minutes to reflect on my WHY. Why am I a professional realtor? I wanted to share with you my insights. I love people and I strive to be a positive force in their lives. I love property, design and the vast diversity of place that exists in Toronto.... I Toronto. This last point really hit home. We have been in lockdown since November. No breaks. But still our eyes smile at each other over our masks as we pass six feet apart on the street. Still we all do our part to support our local small businesses with Takeout Wednesdays and curbside pickup. Still we do our best every day to protect each other and to lift each other up. It is not said enough. Perhaps it's not even said it all. But the people that live in Toronto are truly all my heroes. #ilovetoronto #lockdown #pandemiclife #longweekendvibes #reflections #harrisandwalker #chestnutpark #investinstyle #torontorealtor #torontorealestate #shoplocaltoronto

The upcoming Easter long weekend always brings me back to Rome, the Eternal City. Almost twenty years ago, my husband and I were traipsing through St. Peter's Square with our teeny children, and were approached by a nun with a wide smile and sparkling eyes. She invited us to an audience with the Pope, and gave us a little square invitation to allow us admission just a day or two hence. We attended, infants in tow, and sat through a steamy service in Latin delivered by Pope J...ohn Paul II, of which we understood not one word. But regardless, it was a magical scene, something that has likely replayed for centuries in that very spot. So today, we travel virtually to Rome to a splendid luxury home sandwiched between the Piazza della Rotonda which features the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona, a fabulous public square festooned with ornate fountains on the site of a 1st century AD stadium. This residence has grand proportions and exquisite design details. Just look up. The coffered ceilings offer a glimpse into this 17th century building's esteemed history. With almost 4000 square feet of living space, this property, listed by Giulio Ronci for $4,221,361 (CDN). Seems like a deal to me. #roma #PopeJohnPaulII #audiencewiththepope #rome #eternalcity #harrisandwalker #piazzadellarotonda #piazzanavona #christiesinternationalrealestate #chestnutpark #wanderlustwednesday #armchairtravel #romerealestate #torontorealtor #luxuryrealestate #luxuryrealestateagent

When you turn off your lights tonight for one hour, 8:30-9:30pm your local time, you are sending a message that you love and care for our beautiful planet. This massive movement, initiated by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), takes place across 180 countries and territories around the world, engaging millions of people, and drives environmental awareness and legislative change in a collective action to protect our earth. #earthhour #earthhour2021 #loveourplanet #protectourplanet #wwfcanada #climateaction #harrisandwalker #chestnutpark #torontorealestate #investinstyle #torontorealtor #torontolife

I'm not a particularly romantic person, but I do have a small anthology of the great poet Pablo Neruda's love poems on my bookshelf. Pablo Neruda, a Chilean poet and diplomat, led a life that reads like a action adventure. Narrow escapes, passionate love affairs, and a genius for the written word. His turn of phrase can evoke the delicacy and fragility of a blossoming liaison, the stormy, wild twists and turns of a torrid tryst, and too the gentle, enduring peace of a long... love lived. "Everything carries me to you, as if everything that exists, aromas, light, metals, were little boats that sail toward those isles of yours that wait for me." Pablo Neruda Recognized as a talented poet in 1917 at the young age of 13, he went on to win the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971. Just two years later, he died during the coup d'etat led by Pinochet. Some still think he did not die of the cancer he was battling, but was pushed to a premature end by Pinochet's henchmen. His life was lived so fully and completely, and this translated into his timeless and remarkable work. Happy Valentine's Day! #valentinesday #love #pabloneruda #lovepoems #harrisandwalker #chestnutpark #investinstyle #greatreads #bookrecommendations #booknerd #sundayvibes #bookrecommendations #books #sundayreads #lifelonglearning #expandyourmind #torontorealtor #torontorealestate

Gong Hei Fat Choy! In the spirit of the Chinese Lunar New Year, Spotlight on the Six is celebrating Toronto's own Chinatown! Located in the downtown neighbourhood of Grange Park, Toronto's Chinatown moved west to its current location along Spadina Avenue when the new City Hall was erected in the 1960s. This neighbourhood is a feast for senses, with fresh food markets lining the streets, and scrumptious restaurants offering authentic Chinese cuisine. On this day in a non-p...andemic year, people from across the city would come to see the Dragon Dance at the Dragon City Mall, ushering in luck and abundance in the new year. Grange Park is also home to the esteemed Art Gallery of Ontario, as well as a plethora of smaller galleries, that serve as inspiration to the students of the Ontario College of Art and Design next door. Even along busy Dundas St W., the Victorian row houses still stand, remnants of a time when the city was still so young in the late 19th century. What will really catch your eye however are a few of the grand dames of that time, sprawling mansions that now house consulates and churches, instead of wealthy families. Insider Tip: Several Chinatown restaurants have teamed up to provide a New Year's banquet to celebrate the Year of the Ox. The eight course meal for six also includes a cookbook as well as a six pack of beer! Available at Hong Shing until Feb 19th at cny.hongshing.com. Average Freehold Sale Price 2020: $1,656,933 (Toronto MLS) Photo credits: Toronto Public Library, toronto.com, and Wikipedia. #spotlightonthesix #happylunarnewyear2021 #happynewyear #grangepark #dragoncitymall #chinatown #torontochinatown #grangepark #harrisandwalker #chestnutpark #investinstyle #artgalleryofontario #ocad #knowyourneighbourhood #downtownliving #torontorealtor #torontorealestate #luxuryrealestate

Wishing all of my family, friends and colleagues a very happy New Year! May this year bring you abundance, health and joy! #lunarnewyear2021 #happychinesenewyear #harrisandwalker #gongheifatchoi #chestnutpark #investinstyle #christiesinternationalrealestate #torontorealtor #torontorealestate #luxuryrealestate

When buying a new home in Ontario, you need to consider the extra cost of land transfer tax. Many home buyers are not aware that if you own or have owned a property anywhere in the world, you will be responsible for paying land transfer tax on closing day. Futhermore, if you live in Toronto, you must pay both municipal and provincial land transfer tax. This tax is calculated on a sliding scale, and is based on the purchase price of your new property and can be significan...t. It is definitely a cost that you will want to factor into your home buying budget. More questions? DM me! #landtransfertax #luxuryrealestate #harrisandwalker #chestnutpark #christiesinternationalrealestate #torontorealestate #tuesdaytrivia #getthefacts

Traditionally I write a Wanderlust Wednesday post which celebrates the stunning international properties around the world listed by my Christie's International Real Estate colleagues, but the events yesterday in the United States hijacked my attention. So instead, today shall be Travel Thursday, and we will feature a stunning property in that nation's most beautiful capital, listed by my colleague Margaret Heimbold with Long & Foster Real Estate. This stately townhouse, stat...esque at the end of the row, offers elegance, historical charm balanced with all the modern amenities and conveniences of our time. Built in 1817, this 200 year old red brick grande dame offers five bedrooms, six full baths, three half baths and for those who love to be cozy, six fireplaces. Should you not wish to travel upstairs by way of one of the sumptuous formal staircases, you may opt for the elevator which will transport you to the stunning master suite complete with his and her baths, walk-in closes and and an outdoor deck. The formal garden is a treat for the eye, and features an ornamental fish pond. Four garages and two extra parking spaces should appeal to the car enthusiast. Priced at $6,100,000 US. Washington D.C. is a treasure trove for the amateur scientist, student of human behaviour or political science. Home to the Smithsonian and the renowned National Museum of African American History and Culture, DC also offers memorials and landmarks that one might just happen upon when roaming around. The most striking of these include the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, by virtue of their size and position on the Mall, and so too is the Vietnam War Memorial nearby which is very moving. Beyond the White House and Capitol Hill, Washington DC offers exceptional opportunity for outdoor activities, fine dining and more. Little known fact: My family and I were lucky enough to see President Barack Obama board Marine Force One during a visit some time ago. Sending love and healing to my friends, family and colleagues in the United States of America. New beginnings are just around the corner. #washingtondc #harrisandwalker #luxuryrealestate #chestnutpark #christiesinternationalrealestate #investinstyle #usa #BarackObama #newbeginnings #historicalarchitecture

A big welcome to our colleagues and clients in our new Kingston office! Did you know that Chestnut Park Real Estate has offices not only in the Greater Toronto Area, but in the following southern Ontario areas? Muskoka / Lake of Bays... Haliburton / Kawarthas Prince Edward County South Georgian Bay Grey Bruce Stratford / Huron Perth We would be happy to put you in touch with one of our professional, reliable and trustworthy colleagues, should you be making a move outside of the city. #chestnutpark #kingstonrealestate #muskokarealestate #haliburtonrealestate #southgeorgianbay #greybruce #collingwoodrealestate #pecrealestate #harrisandwalker #luxuryrealestate #ontariorealestate #torontorealestate #movingtothecountry

Inspired by my own personal dream itinerary when this pandemic lifts and we can safely travel again, this week's Wanderlust Wednesday post features a stunning mansion suite in Taiwan. Living in Taiwan, even in luxury, often means living in a multi-residential environment. This property is no exception, however it's environment features front and centre, even in it's name, Urban Mountain III. The Urban Mountain is a ecologically sensitive highrise building that is so green,... it's actually green! Trees are planted on every balcony to form a green, almost vertical forest, which naturally helps to moderate the internal temperature of the suites. This urban forest also allows for a safe and natural wildlife corridor for animals to traverse the urban landscape. This complex even promotes sustainable living by virtue of the availability in edible plants, fruit trees and even a shared solar canteen in which to prepare your harvest. Inspired by and emulating the Li-Tou Mountain, this residential development is cutting edge in eco-sensitive and green building technology. And did I mention that it is absolutely stunning? Build community in the stunning tea room, or improve your own self care in the gym or just bathe in the forest. I can't put it better than this quote from the listing itself. "The Urban Mountain is dedicated to offer the best hideouts that indulge people in staying true to their voice by using sunlight, breeze, and greens to help people restore their health and humanity gradually." Sold? Listed by my colleague An Liu. Taiwan has been forced to think creatively about its development as it is a densely populated island nation. Though it may not be at the top of everyone's list to visit, perhaps it should be. Just a hop skip from Singapore or Hong Kong, it is easy to reach, and offers such a wide variety of landscapes and activities. Stunning beaches, expansive national parks, scrumptious food, soaring moutains, glittering temples, bustling night markets, Taiwan has it all. No wonder it was named as East Asia's happiest place in 2019! Travel tip: Best time of year to go is between September and November when it is cool and dry. #taiwan #litou #christiesinternationalrealesate #wanderlustwednesday #armchairtravel #ecoliving #sustainabledevelopment #urbanforest #livingyourbestlife #torontorealtor #torontorealestate #harrisandwalker #chestnutpark #investinstyle

Leslieville's origins as a mid-19th century village are still evident in the tree-lined streets of this very popular neighbourhood today. Near the Beach and just a streetcar trip away from the heart of Canada's largest city, Leslieville's main street, historic Queen Street East, offers independent and trendy cafes, restaurants and retail shops. There is a slightly alternative vibe to Leslieville, home to all manner of people. There are the active folks, jogging, doing yog...a or just enjoying the expansive neighbourhood parks. There are the young families strolling the streets, pushing fashionable buggies accompanied by the family pooch. There are the young folk, lounging on outdoor cafe and brunch patios in the Sunday sun. There are the farmer's market folk with their straw or rope bags, bursting with local produce. There are really just every kind of folk, which makes it such a desirable and in demand place to live. One of the neighbourhood's most notable landmarks is the Ashbridge Estate, built in 1854. Originally 600 acres, it is now a lovely little historic estate of 2 acres right on Queen Street East, whose heritage tells the tale of the city and its progress from settler pioneers to farmers to industrialists. The family name of the estate has been adopted by many features of the neighbourhood, most notably Ashbridge's Bay Park on the waterfront. Insider Tip: When the pandemic lifts, make sure you attend the Leslieville Beer Festival. It makes for the perfect summer day, sampling local brews and browsing the wares of local artisans. Also deserving a mention is the Blue Crow Gallery which features incredible emerging local artists. Average Freehold Sale Price December 2020: $1,190,307 (Toronto MLS) Photo credit: BlogTO, Toronto Star #spotlightonthesix #harrisandwalker #chestnutpark #torontorealestate #knowyourneighborhood #investinstyle #torontoluxuryrealestate #bluecrowgallery #ashbridgesbay #leslieville #leslievillebeerfest

It was domestic buyers who encouraged this leap, looking perhaps for additional interior and exterior space in a time when we are so tied to our homes. #harrisandwalker #torontorealestate #torontoluxuryrealestate #investinstyle #christiesinternationalrealestate

So much gratitude is owed to my wonderful business partner @laurenwalkerrealestate, to our fabulous clients and to the many colleagues and service professionals who helped us adapt, grow and succeed in 2020. #harrisandwalker #chestnutpark #torontorealestate #torontorealtor #luxuryrealestate #christiesinternationalrealestate #gratitude

Doing what we love to do. When our clients are happy, we are happy. #happyclientshappylife #livingourbestlife #harrisandwalker #chestnutpark #investinstyle #torontorealestate #torontoluxuryrealestate #coownership #christiesinternationalrealestate #torontocondo

Checking off all the boxes on our clients’ wishlists is what we aim to deliver on each and every time. (We will do our best to help you with that last item. ) #mondaymood #mondaysinrealestate #harrisandwalker #investinstyle #chestnutpark #christiesinternationalrealestate #newhome #torontorealestate #luxuryrealestate #pandemicliving #pandemiclife

One of the first questions first time home buyers often ask is how much they have to pay me for my services. Rarely a dime! My buyer clients are often relieved to hear that in most cases, real estate commission is paid by the Seller to the Buyer's representative brokerage when the property transaction closes. There are some exceptions, but these are uncommon. Commission is a hot topic!... Other common questions include: Do you have to pay HST on real estate commission when selling real estate in Ontario? Yes. HST does apply to real estate commissions, and this cost should be factored into your overall financial plan. Is there a standard commission rate in Ontario? No. There is not a mandated rate, and can vary from region to region in the province. Is real estate commission negotiable? Yes. Commission can vary depending on the circumstances of your home sale, where you are located in the province and what level of service your realtor is able and willing to provide. Good rule of thumb When interviewing realtors, ask yourself this: do you pay more or less for top quality service and representation, peace of mind, positive process and the best possible sale price? Any questions? Please DM me! #harrisandwalker #torontorealestate #torontorealtor #luxuryrealestate #chestnutpark #torontorealtor #investinstyle #tuesdaytips #realestatecommission ##tuesdaytrivia #whopayswho

The December stats are in! #torontorealestate #torontoluxuryrealestate #harrisandwalker #chestnutpark #investinstyle #decemberstatsyyz

Turret? Coach house? Veranda? I think I may be in love. #lumberbaron #hamiltonrealestate #luxuryrealestate #harrisandwalker

We have a winner! Thank you to all of you who participated in our holiday giveaway in support of small businesses! A special shout out to @needleandpunchdesign @sageandthistlehandmadegoods @janetkarp4 @besnowhappy and of course the delcious La Salumeria at 2021 Yonge St for contributing to this beautiful gift basket! I hope you will follow all of the incredible small businesses! So many amazing shops, restaurants, and more. Let’s share the love with them this holiday seas...on! #holidaygiveaway #santaiscoming #supportsmallbusiness #shoplocalcanada #madeincanada #harrisandwalker #chestnutpark #investinstyle

Our governing principles. #harrisandwalker #chestnutpark #christiesinternationalrealestate #investinstyle #torontorealestate #torontoluxuryrealestate #luxuryrealestate

One more day to play! This holiday giveaway encourages all to give back to our local businesses who have donated to our school fundraisers, charity auctions and have been the backbone of our neighbourhoods. Let’s give back to them! One lucky winner will receive the new cottage design book Escapology by local designers Colin and Justin, as well as gorgeous handmade goods from local Toronto artisans including artisanal soaps from Sage & Thistle Handmade Goods, handcrafted hol...iday gift cards by local designer Janet Karp, and a handstamped 100% cotton towel for the home from needleandpunch design. This giveaway also includes a gorgeous selection of holiday goodies from a local midtown Toronto delicatessen., La Salumeria. All you have to do is like this post and tell us what local business you support in your neighbourhood, town or city! Share the love and share your support of your local small business! The contest winner will be announced tomorrowTuesday, December 8th at 12pm EST. No purchase necessary. This contest is not sponsored or endorsed by Instagram. This contest is open to Canadian residents only. My apologies, my American and international friends.

This high density demand neighbourhood in downtown Toronto has a long and varied history. Once the site of one of the city's most notorious prisons and a reformatory for women, Liberty Village was named in homage to the people who gained their freedom from these horrific institutions of the 19th century. Also once a major manufacturing nexus, the condominiums of Liberty Village transformed this industrial site into the lively community it is today. Insider tip: The prison's... historic chapel built in the 1870s still survives, though its future is in limbo. There have been many moves to redevelop this building over the past decade. It is thought it will house a new dining destination. Average sale price of condominium properties in October 2020: $688,091 (Toronto MLS) #spotlightonthesix #harrisandwalker #libertyvillage #torontorealestate #torontocondos #torontohistory #knowyourneighbourhood #chestnutpark

Loved the feature on Colin and Justin’s new book, Escapology: Modern Cabins, Cottages and Retreats. #investinstyle

This article is a good overview of some of the common legal issues that buyers and sellers can encounter, particularly in regard to tenanted properties. Also of note, what might you lose if you walk away from a firm agreement of purchase and sale? Likely not just your deposit! #harrisandwalker #torontorealestate #chestnutpark #investinstyle #torontorealestatelaw

Happy hour with Antoine Maurice Hodge of the Baccarat Hotel in NYC. If only we were live and in person! Fun nonetheless. Looking forward to our conference next year already! #cire20lux #baccarathotelnyc #chestnutpark #christiesinternationalrealestate #harrisandwalker #investinstyle #goodtimeswithgoodpeople

There are no shortcuts to success. #cire20lux #quoteoftheday #christiesinternationalrealestate #chestnutpark #harrisandwalker #luxuryrealestate #luxuryrealestatenyc

A strong but uneven market in November. #harrisandwalker #chestnutpark #investinstyle #luxuryrealestate #torontorealestate #novemberrealestate

To highlight the exceptional properties represented by Christie's International Real Estate, and in homage to our current Luxury Specialist Conference, this #wanderlustwednesday, we will travel to New York City, home of our flagship brokerage. Today's property is a palatial duplex penthouse located at One Beacon Court. Perched high in the landmark Bloomberg Tower, this luxurious property offers exquisite views of the Manhattan skyline, Central Park, the East and Hudson River...s. This expansive home features a stunning 24-foot double-height ceiling in the living room, a gourmet eat-in-kitchen and a nearly 2,000-square-foot master suite. Working from home will not be an issue with two home offices. This 9000 s.f. property also features a media room, two living rooms, as well as separate staff quarters. Located in midtown Manhattan, this penthouse is perfectly situated to enjoy all that New York City has to offer. Steps from Central Park, the shopping of 5th Avenue and Madison Avenue, and some of the finest and contemporary restaurants in the city. Listed by my colleagues, Erin Boisson Aries and Dustin Crouse. #onebeaconcourt #manhattanrealestate #luxuryrealestate #christiesinternationalrealestate #chestnutpark #harrisandwalker #cire20lux #centralparknyc #penthouseliving #wanderlustwednesday #armchairtravel

Truth. #harrisandwalker #cire20lux #chestnutpark #torontorealestate #luxuryrealestate

I look forward to this annual opportunity to network with my colleagues trading in the luxury real estate markets of the world. The fun begins today! #cirelux20 #harrisandwalker #chestnutpark #luxuryrealestate #christiesinternationalrealestate