Case Study

Finding Home in Summerhill: Noah & Michael’s First-Time Buyer Journey

When Noah Vardon and Michael Pelz decided it was time to put some roots down and purchase their first home, I was so honoured to be part of their journey!

The couple recently got married at the gorgeous Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland, and after renting for a number of years, decided they wanted to invest in a space of their own. Hoping to stay in their favourite neighbourhood, Summerhill, location and additional space were two top priorities when beginning their search.

“Working with Rachel, we put together some essential must-haves. When you are buying your first home, this list presents an exciting opportunity.”

— Michael and Noah

I couldn’t have said it better myself – while the process of buying a new home can be full of unknowns, it is also a wonderful opportunity to begin a new chapter and focus on building a lifestyle and living space that truly reflects who you are.

The savvy pair did their research ahead of time, looking at other metropolitan markets to get an understanding of what property-types and neighbourhoods they’d like to invest in.

“We looked at markets like NYC where older apartments in West Village are now in high demand. Some of these older buildings are undervalued in Toronto. They have amazing bones and can be become stunning with a small investment into design. Location is so important for long term property value appreciation but also day to day lifestyle. We love that Summerhill has old homes with character, yet is so close to the subway and downtown. We can walk to cool areas like Dupont to go out for dinner and have all the amenities of Bloor Street in close proximity.”

Michael and Noah found exactly what they were looking for in a large two-bedroom apartment at The Dorchester in Summerhill! Built in 1940, the building still retains many classic period features that add character and timeless elegance to the space. The couple have impeccable taste and are currently re-designing their bright apartment to showcase their personal style.

“We are huge fans of mid-century modern, but also Scandinavian and Japanese design aesthetic – these mix quite well.”

The functional layout of their apartment, with large windows and beautiful oak floors throughout, is perfect for entertaining. With a beautiful corner dining room overlooking their favourite tree-lined neighbourhood, the couple has been enjoying cooking and entertaining in their new home.

“Rachel was able to close on our apartment before the first open house. She is one of the best realtors in Toronto and has impressive expertise in Mid-Town neighbourhoods. She is committed to getting you everything you need while providing strong council throughout the process.”

— Noah and Michael

I couldn’t be happier for these two and cannot wait to see the stunning re-design – enjoy!

– Rachel