Author name: Davelle & Co

After more than 30 years in Midtown, I can honestly say there’s a lot to love. This neighbourhood has shaped my lifestyle, my career, and even my daily routines — so narrowing it down is no easy feat. But here are a few of my favourite things. The Beltline Trail My first true Midtown love is the Kay Gardiner Beltline Trail — hands down one of the best treasures our neighbourhood has to offer. It’s where I first pushed myself to run farther and farther, training for half- and full-marathons with the Running Room. What I love most is the quiet camaraderie between runners. There’s something special about the nod, wave, or “good morning” you get as you pass someone else on the trail. (Funny enough, it’s almost always the runners who acknowledge each other, not the walkers.) The Beltline also connects to so many other green spaces — Moore Park Ravine, Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Don River Trail, Sunnybrook, and Wilket Creek. It’s a reminder that even in the middle of the city, nature is never far away. Neshama Playground On my way to the trail, I’d often pass through Neshama Playground, tucked between Chaplin Crescent and Frobisher Avenue. It’s a popular spot for local families, and if you look closely, you’ll even find my name on a donor plaque from when I contributed to the park’s revitalization. It’s nice to know I’ve left a small mark on a place that brings joy to so many kids. Neighbourhood Markets On Tuesdays, you’ll find me at the Davisville Farmers’ Market in June Rowlands Park. It’s the perfect place to pick up fresh produce or grab something for dinner that night — and a great excuse to run into neighbours. Entertainment & Shopping One of the things I love most about Midtown is convenience. Having a movie theatre within walking distance means spontaneous movie nights with friends and family are always possible. And of course, a walk north on Yonge up to Sporting Life is my idea of retail therapy. Along the way, there are plenty of shops worth popping into, plus Indigo for my book and magazine fix. For laughs, nothing beats a night out at Absolute Comedy. Restaurants & Coffee Shops We are spoiled for choice when it comes to food. Some of my favourites within walking distance include The Keg (where my husband and I had our first date!), Oretta, Stock, Tabule, and Domaine MaMo. For coffee, I rotate between Rachel’s Coffee House, Aroma, and At Origin Coffee. And of course, Midtown is full of temptations: Midnight Cookie (those ice cream sandwiches are dangerous) and Padaria (their brigadeiros are little explosions of joy). Luckily, Fresh and Impact Kitchen are nearby to balance things out with healthier options. Fitness & Lifestyle Health and fitness are a big part of Midtown living. You’ll find me at F45, Club Pilates, and Centre Ring, where ex-boxer Wayne Bourque makes sure you leave every class feeling like you’ve gone ten rounds. Getting Around One of Midtown’s biggest perks is transit. Being close to the subway makes getting downtown quick and easy — at least when the TTC is cooperating. (As for the Eglinton LRT delays… I’ll save that rant for another time!) The Midtown Vibe There’s still so much more I could add — but that’s the thing about Midtown: it’s impossible to capture it all in one blog. This neighbourhood is constantly evolving, yet it’s always had the same spirit of community, convenience, and connection. And yes, I purposely left out all the construction. But that’s definitely a story for another day. Thinking of buying or selling in Midtown? Let’s talk. We’ll negotiate the best possible outcome for you, one smart move at a time.

This week, I want to dive into the power of negotiation. Whether it’s about who’s doing the dishes or choosing a restaurant with friends, negotiation is part of daily life. But in real estate? It’s an art form, with a few more players than you’d expect. The 4-Way Tug-of-War Real estate negotiations aren’t just between a buyer and a seller. There are actually four players at the table: Each of them may have different priorities, motivations, and negotiation styles. Sometimes, buyers don’t tell their agents their true top dollar. Sellers might not share how low they’re really willing to go. And agents are often negotiating without full clarity on their client’s limits. That’s why putting offers on paper and signing back counteroffers is so powerful. It keeps the momentum going and brings people closer together, even when they start far apart. Why Paper Beats Talking Too often, agents try to shortcut the process by asking for everyone’s “bottom line” up front. But that misses a key human element: the more back-and-forth there is, the more emotionally invested the parties become. The negotiation itself builds commitment. We recently had a perfect example of this. We represented a seller and received an offer from a buyer claiming it was their final number. Instead of walking away, we encouraged our seller to sign it back—at $50,000 more. To our surprise (and delight), they accepted! What was “final” changed once the dance of negotiation continued. In a slower market like this one, patience and persistence pay off. Deals may take longer, but they’re happening—especially when agents know how to keep the conversation alive. Thinking of buying or selling this Fall? Let’s talk strategy. We’ll negotiate the best possible outcome for you, one smart move at a time.