As realtors we’re in people’s homes all day long so think about the possibilities that presents.

Being that close to the public, their loved ones and their most prized possessions all at once opens the door for exchanges that are often frank, personal and illuminating.

And just as I learn and grow from my clients, I know how privileged we are as real estate professionals to have that platform to spread the word, whatever that word might be.

In my case, the word is all about environmental issues affecting homes, especially older homes. And that’s why in 2006 I thought it was high time that realtors act as a conduit to educate their clients on energy conservation and sustainability. Up until then, so much of our efforts had been placed on greening new homes, when most of our housing stock is actually older, energy-inefficient homes.

That when I got the idea for NAGAB, which stands for the National Association of Green Agents and Brokers. As Canada’s largest non-profit group of realtors dedicated to environmental awareness, NAGAB offers green programs that lead to designations for agents and brokers. These designations give realtors the real-world green expertise that they can then pass on to their clients.

My idea for a green association geared to realtors earned support from industry notables such as Royal LePage CEO Phil Soper, whom I had never met, and Mike Kalles of Harvey Kalles Real Estate. They jumped on board early on and together we began to conceptualize what our green association would look like.

With this novel and much needed idea in hand, we approached the federal ? government for seed money and in the intervening seven years have managed to build a large non-profit that has not only educated the public about eco issues, but also helped reduce carbon emissions and lessened our dependence on foreign energy.

Environmental issues have always been near and dear to me. I graduated from York University in 1987 with a master’s degree in environmental studies. Two years after graduation, I joined the family business started by my father 41 years ago. I practice what I preach. I use solar panels in my home, grow native and vegetable gardens and drive a car that’s considered energy efficient.

Most importantly, our Freeman agents, all of whom have received accreditation from NAGAB, are spreading the word to their clients. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that what goes around comes around.

The sad but inevitable news of Honest Ed’s pending sale and ultimate closure is a big example of how a neighborhood evolves over time.

The shiny, bright bargain emporium at Bathurst and Bloor, which is now on the market for $100 million, has been a bargain hunter’s retail paradise for 65 years.

Beginning in the days of the five and dime, Honest Ed Mirvish wanted to deliver discounts to customers. He trail blazed the way for in-store markdowns and a following of price-conscious shoppers, many of whom were newcomers to Canada.

I have visions of the store as a child. It was a great space to run around and get lost in. Later, when I began my real estate career in the late ‘80s, I recall seeing long lines streaming around the block from those willing to wait in line to get the store’s special offering that day.

The lines of customers comprised mostly new immigrants and as the composition of the Annex changed over the years, the lines seemed to get shorter and shorter. The changing demographics of the area, and the evolution of the retail landscape with stores such as Walmart, Costco and even the dollar stores, created stiffer competition, eventually weakening the giant pull this discount retailer once had.

Like all good things that must end, I’m saddened by the imminent loss of Honest Ed’s. I still love wandering through the aisles of that great store. For me, many of my memories are marked by special holidays. At Passover time, you could be guaranteed a great assortment of affordable kosher food. I remember those great parties Ed would throw every July to celebrate his birthday and him handing out turkeys just before Christmas. With 160,000 square feet of retail space, it was easy to find neat things to buy and naturally you always came home with way more than you planned.

I remember one Saturday after synagogue driving the retail mogul home in my parent’s car. We all squished in and dropped Ed and his wife off at home. That’s when I learned he lived only a few blocks south of us on the same street.

New development on the site of Honest Ed’s will likely make the neighbourhood even more desirable. Already, we’ve noticed an increase in investor interest looking for deals to take advantage of the neighbourhood’s changing face.

The passage of time always brings with it change. Thanks for the memories, Honest Ed’s. It was good knowing you.

Come November the city begins to burst with seasonal events that showcase the talents of everything from musicians and craftspeople to foodies, artisans and performers.

Feast your eyes on this stellar albeit incomplete offering of festive activities:

November 16:

Baby It’s Cold Outside – At Jane and Annette Streets, this free open house brought to you by the Baby Point Gates Business Improvement Area is cuckoo for Santa.

Holly Berry Fair – This fundraiser at Rosedale United Church features baked goods, knitted items for sale and a silent auction.

Illuminite – This evening event features light installations and entertainment that mixes technology with art. Presented by the Downtown Yonge Business Improvement Area, it takes place at Yonge-Dundas Square.

Bloor-Yorkville Holiday Magic – The Bloor-Yorkville BIA kicks off the festive season with an early evening performance by Sarah Slean.

St. Olave’s Christmas Craft Show and Coffee House – On Windermere just south of Bloor, go for the books and stay for the cheer.

St. Pius X Christmas Bazaar and Craft Sale – At 2305 Bloor West, this event features handmade items, gift baskets and tombola.

November 17:

Toronto Santa Clause Parade – Parade begins at 12:30 p.m. from Christie Pits and ends at the St. Lawrence Market.

November 22:

Christmas Tree Lighting – Sponsored by the Entertainment District BIA, this event at David Pecaut Square showcases the music of St Michaels Choir School and music students from U. of T. as well as hot chocolate and cookies.

November 23:

Christmas in the Park with Colborne Lodge – Discover Victorian festive traditions and a tour of Colborne Lodge in High Park beginning today till January 5.

Annual Christmas Bazaar — Presented by the ladies auxiliary of Mount Dennis Legion at 1050 Weston Road, the event features a tea room and over 30 vendors.

Nutcracker Fair – Presented by St. Martin-in-the-Fields Anglican Church, this annual bazaar at 151 Glenlake Avenue includes a peameal bacon brunch, crafts and vintage fashions.

19^th Annual Swansea Craft Sale – 207 Windermere Avenue is home to over 70 vendors selling everything from children’s hats and candles to gourmet edibles and greeting cards.

Westside Christmas Bazaar – At the Westside Long Term Care Centre on Albion Road, pose for Santa photos and much more.

Annual Junction Triangle Home Style Craft Show and Sale – At Perth Ave. Public School at 14 Ruskin Ave., check out the crafts and gifts made by local artisans.

November 28:

One of a Kind Christmas Show & Sale – Begins today and runs till December 8.

November 29:

St Demetrius Annual Christmas Bazaar — Running November 29 and 30, this bazaar showcases traditional Ukrainian cuisine and other festive goodies.

Toronto Christmas Market – Beginning today in the historic Distillery District, this street market invites participants to eat, drink and be merry until December 15.

November 30:

Old Town Toronto Cavalcade of Lights – At Nathan Phillips Square this features fireworks, skating, music and more.

Agricola Christmas Bazaar – See this Finnish style Christmas bazaar at 25 Old York Mills Road.

Holly Tea – This afternoon event at St. John’s Anglican Church on Humberside offers hand-made crafts, preserves and one-of-a-kind items.

The Artisan’s Gift Fair – Begins today and goes to December 22, this weekend show at the Tranzac Club on Brunswick offer high-quality gifts and free live music.

December 1:

Pet Photos with Santa – At PawsWay, 245 Queen’s Quay West, get into the festive mood with a photo of you and your dog or cat. A portion of the cost is donated to guides dogs. Other weekend dates available for photos.  See website for details.

December 4:

Chanukah Concert with Mickey Lewin – This toe-tapper takes place in the Bathurst Clark Resource Library.

22^nd Annual Christmas Tuba Festival and Sing-a-long – You’re invited to play and sing at this Nathan Phillips Square event that runs from noon to 12:45 p.m.

Journey into a Medieval Christmas – Treat yourself to the harmonious sounds of medieval Europe at The Church of St. Mary Magdalene on Manning Avenue.

December 7:

Candy Cane Tea and Bazaar – If you’re into fancy sandwiches, baked good and Christmas crafts, Presteign-Woodbine United Church is for you.

Christmas by Lamplight — December 7, 14 and 21. Enjoy the charms of Victorian Christmas at Black Creek Pioneer Village.

Gift of my Hands Holiday Craft Market – At Sorauren Park on Wabash, purchase locally made crafts from local artisans.

Jane Austen Christmas Ball – This dance at St. Barnabas Anglican Church Hall on the Danforth doesn’t require a partner or experience. What more can you ask for?

December 8 & 9:

Fort York Frost Fair – Experience the wonder of an Upper Canadian Christmas some 200 years ago.

December 14:

The Nutcracker – Beginning today the National Ballet of Canada puts on the classic Christmas tale.

Yes Virginia, there is value in selling over the festive season!

You’ve thought long and hard about selling your house. You’ve had those long, late-night chats with your spouse; perhaps you’ve discussed the prospect of a new school and new friends with the kids. Maybe you’ve scoped out neighbourhoods you’d like to move into. But now it’s November and with the holidays approaching, you’ve decided it’s best to wait till spring to list your home.

Not necessarily.

In today’s energetic real estate market selling your house over the holidays can actually net you a better price for your home than during traditionally strong spring and fall markets. Let me explain. With a housing market that’s as large and as vigorous as Toronto’s, seasonal markets don’t really exist anymore. That said, there are peaks in sales, usually in May and September thanks to the number of listings that come available then. The holiday period – aka the ‘slow months’ of November, December and January – is when the number of listings drops as people turn their attention to gift buying, decorating and entertaining. But this is a great time to sell your property because demand for housing is still very high. Combine strong demand with less supply and what have you got? Higher prices. It’s simple economics.

My view may seem contrarian in that it goes against commonly held beliefs about selling over the holidays: the main one being that buyers will think the seller is desperate, which will reflect in the offers that come in. But in Toronto’s current market that notion doesn’t really fly anymore. I’ve helped clients sell during these ‘slow months’ and netted them better results than if they’d waited till spring or fall.

Here are a few tips for selling at this time of year:

Rein in the décor – Don’t overdo it. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah or another faith-based holiday, prominently displayed menorahs, angels and other religious symbols can be a distraction for potential buyers. Garish displays could be considered offensive not just to aesthetic sensibilities but also to different religions and cultures.

Don’t be a Scrooge – While it may not be a good idea to play up the holidays when it comes to decorations, giving your home that cozy Christmas feeling doesn’t hurt. Play soft music, display homemade treats on a decorative tray, and keep the thermostat at a comfortable temperature. Baking muffins or a pie just before a showing isn’t a bad idea because it fills the air with a homey, comforting scent.

Proud homeowner — Try to provide spring and summer photos of your home and property so buyers can get a sense of how it looks when trees are in full bloom or when the pool is sparkling in the summer sunlight.

Let it snow – But make sure you clear it from all paths, steps, walkways and driveways.