11 minute read
Finding Your Neighbourhood
What makes a neighbourhood great? While the answer may vary from person to person, there are a few key elements that distinguish a good neighbourhood from a GREAT one. It’s hard to think of everything when purchasing a home, and that’s why realtors are here to help.
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There are, of course, the obvious important qualities when search ing for a home; such as nearby amenities, parks, and businesses; but what about the less apparent factors, like fast Internet, existing community groups, and nearby walking trails? “Diversity in the type of homes, and dynamics of the people” are what makes a neighbourhood a great one, says Leigh Jenkins of Century 21.
Robin Gamble of Royal LePage knows all about what makes a neighbourhood desirable. “There is huge value in a sense of community,” she says. “Whether it’s a group of ladies meeting once a week for a book club, gatherings to learn a new craft or hobby, or a group of friends and neighbors rallying together to support a local cause: anything in a neighbourhood that brings people together is important.”
Charlottetown
Odyssey Virtual
Charlottetown
Charlottetown has much to offer, with a range of diverse neighbourhoods all within its city limits. Comprised of seven smaller communities, with a total population of 36,000 residents, the city offers the most dining, entertainment, and nightlife options per square kilometre on the Island. Charlottetown also boasts some incredible green spaces such as Victoria Park and Upton Park. These places give the city a boost of colour, and allow residents a piece of country living right in their own backyard. With essential amenities only a short distance away in most neighbourhoods, “walkability” is high for Charlottetown: Add in the T3 public transit bus system, and living a car-free lifestyle is quite easy. Whether you’re looking for a community with large family-sized lots, or a downtown condo space, Charlottetown can offer it all. Kris Fournier of RE/MAX has a passion for the Island’s capital. “Charlottetown has a real sense of community. If you want to be involved, there are so many things to do, and people to associate with,” says Fournier. Brighton in particular, a long-established community within downtown Charlottetown, is one of Nick Tweel of Coldwell Banker’s favourite neighbourhoods. “It has history; it’s not brand new,” says Tweel. “Everything’s close and walkable, and it’s got great schools.” The character of this area and close vicinity to the waterfront makes it a desirable community for both young and old.
Summerside
The second largest city in the province, Summerside, is the vibrant bustling centre of the Island’s west end. With the downtown core placed directly along their beautiful historic waterfront, it is able to offer an urban, city experience, while including several experiential tourist attractions. Featuring a large retail area with several shops and malls, Summerside offers all of the necessary amenities in one place. First established in 1877, it’s home to many beautiful heritage buildings and a close-knit community of residents. The downtown core hosts both old and new establishments; including several fine dining establishments, a local farmers’ market, and many unique, locally owned shops. The large residential areas and great property sizes make it an ideal place for families looking to settle down in an urban area, while still being a part of a tight-knit community.
Souris
This small seaside town is not only scenic, but also full of amenities, as well as several prized Island attractions. With it’s own system of schools from kindergarten to grade twelve, several grocery stores, and many shops, cafes and restaurants in it’s quaint downtown area, it’s easy to build a life by the shore here. It’s rare to find a rural town with a substantially sized downtown core, but Souris fits the bill, and does so with charm. Close to both Basin Head and Red Point beaches, in addition to its own Souris Beach Gateway Park right downtown, this well-kept neighbourhood is a beach-lovers paradise.
Kensington
Bordered by friendly communities, rural farm estates, ocean front cottages, and tourist attractions, Kensington is a wonderful place to call home. It’s nearby proximity to Charlottetown, Summerside, and Cavendish offers homebuyers an affordable option while allowing easy travel to all of the Islands’ urban centres. With a population of just under 1500 people, and a school system from kindergarten to grade twelve, this community prides itself at being “the small town with a lot to offer”.
Thankfully for us, Islanders have a wide array of options when deciding on the neighbourhood for their new home. Whether they choose waterfront, cityscape, or rural living, we thankfully have it all here on the Island – and all within a short drive of each other.
In the following pages we introduce the real estate professionals who help you find your perfect neighbourhood and bring you home.
Island countryside
Charlottetown
Nick Tweel
Evan Ceritti
Nick Tweel
“At the beginning, I like to sit down with people, and ask them a list of questions to get a sense of their needs,” says Nick Tweel, realtor at Coldwell Banker. “I want to make sure that my clients are paying the right price, that they’re in the right area. I just love helping people achieve something they didn’t think they could achieve!”
With over sixteen years of experience in real estate, and a lifetime of managing properties, Tweel knows a lot about property care, maintenance, and good customer service. “My family own multiple properties, and I started out by working for them,” says Tweel. “Real estate felt like the perfect choice for me. I’m approachable. I love meeting new people.”
Tweel particularly appreciates neighbourhoods with character and a great sense of community. Being a new father has given him a fresh perspective on families’ needs.
He notes that it’s now common for people to move every five to seven years, and that markets can change rapidly. Tweel has the experience to tell whether a place is good or bad just by looking at it, and can ensure that people pick homes to fit their budget and lifestyle, while still getting a good return on their investment.
“What makes me a great real estate agent is my personality,” he adds. “I can get tough when I need to get tough, when we’re doing negotiations. I know how to deal with pressure. People want to know there’s a good captain at the helm, and I can weather any storm and get them where they need to go.”
535 North River Rd., Charlottetown Direct: 902-629-5312 | nick@nicktweel.com www.nicktweel.com
Robin Gamble
Evan Ceritti
Robin Gamble
Organized, thorough, and savvy, Robin Gamble is ready to take the stress out of buying and selling homes.
“It’s a transaction that shouldn’t be taken lightly,” says Gamble, an experienced realtor with Royal LePage. “Often, I’m helping people through the biggest purchase of their life. Budget, location, and the functionality of the house are key. The more I get to know my client, the easier it is to find them that perfect property.”
Gamble took the real estate course while working at a local community college, and immediately fell in love with property law, contract law, and the process of buying and selling.
In particular, Gamble has been praised for the professional photography services she offers, including aerial drone photos and videos that capture a home in its most flattering light, making its listing stand out. “I have impeccable attention to detail,” says Gamble. “Errors in listings can be huge liabilities for sellers, and I’m here to make sure none of that happens.”
Gamble recommends that clients know their limitations and stick to their budget. “Ask your realtor what ‘other’ costs are involved in buying or selling a property,” she adds. “Also, for a nonresident looking to buy property in PEI, there are limitations on how much acreage and how much space on the waterfront they can acquire.”
When it’s time to negotiate that big purchase, it helps to have the right agent in your corner. “All I want my clients to worry about is packing… I’ll take care of the rest!” says Gamble.
Royal LePage Prince Edward Realty 177 St. Peters Rd., Charlottetown, PE Office 902.628.6500 C: 902.969.5201 robingamble@royallepage.ca
Christine McLeer
Evan Ceritti
Christine McAleer
With her main real estate office located in Hunter River, many call Christine McAleer the “country realtor.” She prides herself in her superb customer relations, with a proven track record ranking number one in units sold for 2017 and 2018, number two in gross dollars (both with Coldwell Banker Parker Realty), and having received the Coldwell Banker International President’s Elite Award.
McAleer’s career in real estate stemmed from her passion to help others- a natural progression. She has always loved homes, gardens, farmland, small towns, and breathtaking water views, and gained experience with the house building process after constructing her own family home in St. Patrick’s, Hunter River. Built using lumber milled from trees on their acreage, a personal touch she cherishes, McAleer relished being on-site every day, observing the whole process from infancy to completion. She applies this same attention to detail every day when working with her clients.
Brought up on her family’s dairy farm, McAleer is extremely resilient and self motivated, with a strong awareness of property, land, and house values. As a youth on the farm, there was no shortage of hard work to keep things running smoothly. She has a love for problem solving and working with people of all ages, and strives to find solutions in difficult situations.
McAleer understands that the buying and selling process can be challenging, especially in today’s booming market, and she’s eager to help.
Showing homes to clients is her favourite part of the job, and she loves keeping on top of home trends and the most current styles in design. One key element she is always sure to mention to potential homebuyers is the importance of location: Is it where you want to be? Does the outside provide entertaining space and a spot for relaxation? These components are very important and shouldn’t be overlooked in any home, whether it’s in the country or city.
Christine McAleer Coldwell Banker Parker Realty Hunter River / Charlottetown Offices 902-394-2072 www.peihomesforsale.com beautifulbeginnings@pei.sympatico.ca
Kris Fouriner
Evan Ceritti
Kris Fournier
According to Kris Fournier, the secret to being the top RE/MAX real estate agent in the Maritimes is honesty.
Although Fournier earned his real estate license at the age of 18, he began by pursuing a career in the construction industry. For 30 years, his hard work and integrity left a string of satisfied customers. Familiarity with PEI neighbourhoods, appreciation for quality property, and plenty of industry contacts all turned into valuable resources when Fournier decided it was time to ease out of construction and pursue his lifelong dream of being a realtor.
Despite being number one in units sold, number one in sales in Atlantic Canada, and a member of the RE/MAX hall of fame, Fournier is humble, laid-back, and friendly. “It’s all about the clients’ needs,” he says. “Buying a house is such a big decision, especially the first time. It’s an honour to be part of the process, to see the excitement on the faces of a young couple, and to help them make the right choice.”
Fournier does a lot of relocation work. Often, he’ll pick clients up at their hotels, and give them a crash course on the Island and its neighbourhoods.
In addition to his passion for real estate, Fournier is a retired driver who loves stock cars and racing. Between a workday on the road, meeting clients face-to-face, and visiting properties, he’s a man who doesn’t sit still.
RE/MAX Charlottetown Realty 268 Grafton St., Charlottetown 902.629.4889 kris@krisfournier.com www.weknowpei.com
Leigh Jenkins
Evan Ceritti
Leigh Jenkins - The Jenkins Group
When shopping for your dream home, Leigh Jenkins knows that planning is key. As an award-winning real estate agent at Century 21, Jenkins is ready to provide clients with comprehensive market knowledge and help them transition from one stage of their life to the next.
Jenkins believes in investing time into clients in order to fully understand how best to balance their wish list, whether that wish list includes the presence of a good school, proximity to work, building style, or the quality of nearby amenities. He’s part of a three-person team that includes his wife Tanya and his friend and colleague, Ellen MacQuarrie. By working together, the team is able to help each others’ clients and ensure that everyone’s needs are met and surpassed. “We’ve gotten fantastic feedback on our service,” says Jenkins.
All three grew up in real estate families. Through the years, they’ve cultivated a wealth of industry relationships and marketing experience that’s invaluable when buying or selling property.
Jenkins has been praised as a patient, thorough, and knowledgeable realtor who leaves a string of satisfied property owners behind him.
