In 2010, my clients sold their house in Don Mills and bought a lovely mid-century modern house in Etobicoke. They are a lovely family, have 2 daughters ages 10 and 7, the wife has a successful home-based business. Her husband is in the IT world and works in the downtown core. They have lived very happily in the home for just over 7 years.
Over the past few months, the family has been discussing moving out of the house as they would prefer not to have all the upkeep that a detached home requires. They also own a cottage where they spend most of their summers and so the house stands “empty” during those months. After much discussion, they made a decision to “down-size” to a condominium and they thought they had found the perfect one.
This condo was over 3000 sq. ft. has 3 bedrooms plus a den, good size living/dining area, floor to ceiling windows that offer a 360 degree view of the city skyline, the Mississauga skyline, the moraine, Lake Ontario and so much more. And, the master suite is on the second floor. This condo had everything they were looking for including great amenities…plus the possession date was perfect for them as well. Now, they thought, we just have to get the house ready to sell by mid-March and we’re in!
Unfortunately, there was a hitch! The family has a dog — and at the time we visited the condo, we were not aware that there are absolutely no dogs permitted in the building. In fact the only pets a resident can own in this building are fish and birds.
My clients were no willing to give up the dog — he was a rescue dog and the kids had grown up with him. He is getting old and they don’t know how much longer he will live.
My clients decided they wanted to do everything they could to get this condo. So, we contacted the Condo Board and asked if they would bend the rules for them to allow them to keep the dog until he passes. They explained that the dog is deaf and mute plus they would carry the dog through the common areas. But, that was not to be — and we understand why — once they do it for one, they would have to do it for everyone.
But, at least they did everything they could to endeavour to get the place.
Now we are looking for a similar condo that will allow dogs.
If anyone knows of a condo of similar size in the GTA or Mississaug that will be coming on the market soon, please let me know…I can be reached at gilliantenneson@royallepage.ca or my cell phone: 647-449-6642.
