Currently on our local Kingston and Area Real Estate MLS we have 1211 single family homes for sale ranging in price from $34,000. up to $18 Million . . . something for everyone wouldn't you say?Fifty-one homes are priced at $1 Million and above and yet we have twenty priced at $100,000 and below.As at the end of August 2015 we saw 464 New Listings and 203 Sold during the month.So far in 2015 in the price point of $500K and above, we've seen 229 Units Sold as compared to 2014, 164 Units Sold in the same price point for the total year.  Hopefully we'll see the continued increase in Sales through to year end. I currently have 41 listings and of those, 29 are priced above $500K and 12 listings are priced below $500KAs I said, something for everyone!49 Bethune St in Brockville is available b... 09/12/2015

UPDATE from Emo's Eating Emporium . . . Susan's Stewed Tomatoes My little "container garden" is providing us with loads of tomatoes and yesterday, I picked another 50 small yellow ones.   I decided that they needed to get STEWED! They were all cut in half and then they marinated all afternoon at room temperature, in 1/2 cup of Vodka with some celery salt and black pepper.When it was time to eat, I poured a few ounces of Clamato in the bottom of the serving dishes and added a lemon wedge and a basil leaf.Then the Stewed Tomatoes were placed on top.  (the only thing I'd do differently the next time (and there will be a next time!) would be to rim the edge of the dish with lemon and celery salt.)  After we devoured the Stewed Tomatoes, we poured the left over vodka and tomato liquor into t... 09/07/2015

I have a problem with the use (or misuse) of capitals  -  letters that is, capital letters.(Not Kingston Ontario which used to be the Capital of Upper Canada where I list and sell a lot of real estate!)They're either being used to excess as in STOP TYPING IN ALL CAPS BECAUSE IT MEANS YOU'RE YELLING AT ME!orThey're not being used enough as with this tv commercial that drives me crazy every time I see it.  (note: I know nothing about this company other than their commercial and I am not endorsing them nor malining them.  They are just an example!) customink.com   Every time I see this ad I'm thinking of a furry little animal.  Am I alone in this?  Why would they not refer to their website as CustomInk.com  ??? Does it cost more to use a capital letter?I could use susanemosellshomes.com bu... 09/06/2015

Today I read a story about a Buyer trying to buy a home but not wanting the assistance of a Realtor.  She instead, decided to post paper flyers (250 of them) all around a certain neighbourhood, stating her desire to purchase a home there.It was a tactic that investors once used in the past and were viewed as  "marketing campaigns used as manipulative attempts to win unfair price reductions by tugging at the heart strings".It did not bring success to this hopeful Buyer even though her budget was $1.1 million!It is thought now that home owners are far more savvy and understand the value of their homes especially in sought-after areas.                                                                             "Homeowners have simply become more sophisticated about real estate" is an under... 09/04/2015

Like most people, I have good days and not so good days.  Most things are out of my control but I know how to manage my expectations.  What I focus on mainly, is attempting to conquer my impatience!   I've learned that some things will happen only in their own time. When I lie my head down at night, I give thanks for all that occurred during my day, with an attitude of gratitude for what can only be described as "First World Problems".  In the huge scope of things, my problems are trivial!  I am privileged to have the career that I have.  I try not to forget that.This is something I gave thanks for yesterday:346 1000 Island Parkway SOLD!To have all the pieces fall into place and to have Beaming Buyers and Smiling Sellers - that's what keeps me going in this business.  We also had anothe... 08/22/2015

I love to embrace technology and find myself excited everyday discovering new and creative inventions that can make life simpler or different.However, I also have that recessive gene that doesn't allow me to replace something that is not broken so I see things that I force myself to wait for years sometimes, before I buy them.   Yesterday was one of those days that I was allowed to cross another "want" off my list!VertuoLine "Experience freshly-brewed Coffee and authentic Espresso like never before"     I am in love with this machine!  (and suffering from a caffeine high!!!)My coffee machine that sadly died a death this week, was a fabulous machine too: Grind & Brew™ Coffeemaker from CuisinartMade a fabulous fresh 12 cups each morning after grinding our choice of bean -  sadly, after a ... 08/16/2015

We had the most amazing salad for dinner this evening and, with the addition of fresh peaches, it was perfection!!!   I added some left over pork strips to my husband's and it became more than a salad, it was a meal!!  (would also be good with quinoa)If you're looking for something a wee bit different, I hope you'll enjoy this!  What you'll need is: 1 cup of dry couscous ½ cup dried currents 1 1/4 cups chicken stock 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice ½ teaspoon ground cumin 1 finely chopped garlic clove 1 teaspoon kosher salt ½ teaspoon black pepper 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1  can drained chickpeas 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved ¼ pound crumbled feta cheese 3 tablespoons torn fresh mint 3 green onions , finely chopped 2 diced fresh peaches as garnish  What yo... 08/15/2015

My name is Susan Emo and I am a Shrimp-aholic!!  I would eat shrimp twice a day every day and continue to be happy.   I don't, but I could !It is another glorious sunny but breezy day so we'll be dining alfresco again and what we're having tonight is what I like to call a Canadian Shrimp Gazpacho Cocktail. Here at Emo's Eating Emporium, I like to serve it in extra large martini glasses or sometimes in my clear Irish Coffee cups.  Lets get started . . .                      2 pounds of cooked and shelled, tails off Shrimp  (cook them yourself if you prefer to buy raw)1 LimeCelery Salt and Black Pepper for rim1 cup of diced red onion (maybe 1 green onion cut on the diagonal for garnish)1 stalk of celery, diced1 English cucumber, diced1/2 cup of corn, fresh, frozen or canned -whatever is o... 08/07/2015

When I initially meet with my Buyers, one of the first things they share is that they DO NOT WANT A COOKIE CUTTER HOME!  (Which isn't so surprising as I do tend to list the more unique properties in the area)This is defined as what was once called Tract Housing and has now expanded into the typical suburban developments that we see sprawling outside of most city centres.  You would be hard pressed to find a major difference between your home and your neighbours other than the colour of your front door!From Wikipedia, a photo of the typical cookie cutter development in Markham, Ontario:What I've found is that regardless of when the home was built, it would have been 'cookie cutter' in its own day.Look at these two photos and tell me if you think they're similar?and this is a home coming ... 07/25/2015

From Emo's Eating Emporium,  a great way to serve salad for everyone.  You can put anything and everything on a stick and then serve dressing on the side.  It's like Cobb Salad on a stick!Enjoy the fresh produce that is available at your local markets or farmers' markets.We have a fantastic market in Kingston, ON.  You can find Canada's oldest market at Springer Square in downtown Kingston.   (Open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, April through to November)Check out their website here for Cooking Demonstrations, Entertainment . . .And, check out this wonderful Salad Dressing we've become addicted to!A fresh & creamy Buttermilk Dressing goes beautifully with this (as does your favourite) 3/4 cup buttermilk 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup minced shallots (from 2 shallots) 3 tablespoons ch... 07/15/2015

These are my favourite type of photos - SOLD by Susan Emo!!I am pleased to annouce another set of Happy Sellers in the Kingston, ON area who get to move on to their next adventure.  I am honoured to have represented them in their sale of 1150 Deer Park Lane in South Frontenac.This is a beautiful home on 14 Island Lake that will have new owners in 2 weeks time!Who wants to be next? Visit SusanEmoSellsHomes.com  07/09/2015

I love this vintage pie and have been making it for years and years.  What's special about it is that the berries are not cooked but instead, kept fresh ! You can make your own pie crust or buy a ready made one; your choiceIngredients 1 baked pie crust (9 to 12-inch) 1 1/2 cups water 1 1/2 cups sugar 4 Tablespoons corn starch 1 3-oz box strawberry-flavored jello 6 cups fresh strawberries Instructions Whisk sugar, water and corn starch over medium heat until mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in package of strawberry gelatin until mixed. Chill mixture in refrigerator just until cooled, but not hard-set While mixture is chilling, clean and hull strawberries. If they are quite large, halve them. Fold into sweetened gel. Mound into baked crust. Refrigerate until set, about 1 hour Top w... 07/07/2015

  Well appointed open concept living with southern exposure capturing seasonal views of the St. Lawrence River provides exquisite comfort for the discerning buyer.   This home captivates all of your senses from the moment you enter.  A fabulous floor plan with entertainment size living space including a superb Chef’s kitchen with premium appliances and large centre island.   Main floor Master retreat is a sumptuous get-a-away with a bank of windows to your private sanctum with running waterfall and nature on demand plus a spa style ensuite and dressing area. Two other bedrooms offer the same level of serenity.   On the lower level a media room, wet bar, family room, the 3rd full bath, 2 offices and a cedar lined storage room.  This could easily suit a nanny/au pair situation or a guest... 07/03/2015

246 Island View Drive in the 1000 Islands area is available to purchase.   Offers invited at $1,600,000 Canadian (which at today's exchange rate is only $1,289,386. US) This offering isn't just a house, it's a lifestyle, envied by many!Executive waterfront home on a large treed lot nestled in a private enclave in the 1000 Islands area.  This home offers spectacular views and suburban serenity. It's minutes from downtown shops, restaurants, schools and has its own private marina, groomed trails complete with exercise stations.   A grand living room with a wall of South facing windows embracing the park-like grounds, elegant separate dining room plus a dream eat-in kitchen with granite island and fine cabinetry, all overlooking a private garden with mature trees, not to mention million do... 06/29/2015

Happy is the word of the day!   1601 Shales RoadSouth FrontenacListed for $999,000.SOLD Who wants to be next?   Get in touch if you, or someone you know, wants to have a SOLD sign decorating their front yard!SusanEmoSellsHomes.com  06/29/2015

I love fresh trout and today, we finally have some sunshine and warmth so I've decided to make a nice Poached Trout, Pear & Orzo Salad.First, the fillets need to be poached in a nice white wine.  I like to set my filletson a layer of sliced lemon and sliced apple or pear and then add the wine but you can simply use the wine on its own if you like. Dry vermouth or white wine (enough to touch the bottom of the fish) 4 fresh trout fillets 2 cups cooked orzo, cooled 1 diced scallion 1/2 cup finely diced celery 1 finely diced pear or green apple ½ cup sour cream 1 to 2 tablespoons drained white horseradish 1 tablespoon minced dillweed 2 small cucumbers sliced as garnish, if desired Preparation Bring enough vermouth or wine to rolling boil to cover trout halfway. Add trout and return to rolli... 06/17/2015

Tis Tick Season and they're everywhere!I returned home yesterday after being provided a wonderful tour of some beautiful property made up of mature forest and beautiful meadows, waterfront galore . . .   and it seems I brought some new 'friends' home with me.Ticks cannot jump and do not drop onto their hosts.   What they do is called questing.   A questing tick climbs up a tall blade of grass or other vegetation and grasps the plant with its hind legs.   It then stretches its clawed front legs outward and waits for a host animal to walk by close enough that it can grasp onto it. Even though I was wearing long pants and a long sleeved shirt, they were still able to grab onto me.  I brushed away about a dozen off my pants before I got in my car.  When I got home was able to examine myself... 06/14/2015

2902 Holleford Road in the Greater Kingston Ontario area   Offers invited at $835,000 Canadian (only $669,231. USD today June 5, 2015) 17+ acre nature retreat with over 600 feet waterfront on a small pristine wetland lake near Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Neighbours can't be seen and there is privacy galore. Only a 40 minute drive to historic down-town Kingston and Lake Ontario. Close to Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, 1,000 Islands and the US border.  Uniquely designed, beautiful, 8 years old custom stone home, an exterior wood fired sauna building with lake view, perennial rock gardens and natural landscaping designs, an outdoor fire-pit at lakeside. The 17+ acres feature nature trails through a quiet mixed forest. Deer, otter, wild turkeys, foxes, loons - an amazing array of wildlife and a... 06/05/2015

983 Bluffwood Ave, Kingston has a SOLD sign in the front yard today!   Another happy military family is moving on and I'll miss them, but at the same time, I'm excited for their next adventure!If you've received your posting orders and are ready to move on, give me a call and we'll see about getting that beautiful SOLD sign on your front yard too! I'm also happy to work with anyone moving to CFB Kingston - all buyers welcome!Call Susan Emo before you head out on your house hunting trip.  06/03/2015

  What do you say to a $65,000 price adjustment? If you're smart you'll say   "Where do I sign?"   ******************************** Wave cabin fever goodbye when you step into this lovely lake house. Beneath its pyramidal roof, the atrium-like central gathering space blurs the boundary between indoors and out mainly because of the mind-stretching window wall that reaches from floor to ceiling.   Inspired by Homes & Gardens Home of the Year, this 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath waterfront home merges the finest of modern architectural details with time-honoured tradition and romance. Master Cabinet Maker accents thru out including the custom railing and stairway to the upper mezzanine.   Open concept granite and stainless kitchen with maple cabinetry, built-in appliances and custom seating in break... 05/29/2015