Dear readers, welcome back to Lease Biters! The New Year is here, 2013 has quickly kicked us back into reality, and for me and my fellow colleagues, it’s also back to realty. During this first (and bloody cold!) week of January, I have been bombarded by many of you seeking rentals. I applaud you for not waiting until June 15th to begin your search for a flat with a desired move-in date on July 1st, Québec’s official moving day. The July 1 date of moving day is not only a day when Molson and Domino’s most likely meet their yearly quotas (no time to cook = pizza; the need to alleviate the pain of unpacking in the summer heat = beer), but also a day on which commercial moving companies charge double if not triple for their services. This year, spare yourself the headache of this traditional frenzy, avoid the inflated costs of a moving company and go out there and enjoy Canada Day! All you need to do is find an apartment you can call home a few weeks or months prior to “La Fête du Déménagement.”
Contrary to popular belief, our famous friend Craig isn’t the only guy in town with a list of available apartments! Real estate brokers such as myself dispose of a whole inventory of MLS listings for YPs (young professionals) like you, and sometimes we have great deals to offer. Did you know that using a realtor is FREE?! That is correct: our commission is paid by the owner/lessor.
That being said, check out the notable rental deals below. They are worth gossiping about; this week’s price: $2,000, more or less!
1. 630 William – $1,400/month
If this 700-square foot loft had to have a name, I’d call it “The New Yorker.” Why? When you look outside the window, you see all that is typical of a view in the Big Apple: a brick building with an iron staircase. And this apartment is artistically furnished with a twist of retro – so New York! This is an amazing price, trust me. Plus, you can cancel your gym membership; the building provides a fitness room that has all you need to stay lean.
What’s notable? You don’t like to cook? Well, no need to feel bad about that or to alleviate your hunger with take-out… L’Apartement, Grange, Graziella, Le Local, Le Cartet, L’Asiatique, just to name a few, are literally right under your building. Listing Broker: Vanessa Jasmin.
2. 460 St-Jean – $1,850/month
With 800 square feet of living space on two storeys, this multi-level loft is quite unique thanks to its layout. The bedroom and office are located on the mezzanine for ultimate privacy. It has high ceilings, which give it a sense of grandeur, two skylights, which make it bright and sunny, and a real wood-burning fireplace to warm it up. Furthermore, there is a common rooftop terrace from which you can watch the fireworks in the summer.
What’s notable? Two things. One: in the basement of the building, use of the laundry machines is 100% free! Secondly, and more importantly, if you’re an oyster lover, Le Garde Manger and L’Orignal happen to be your neighbours… and on Labour Day weekend, crustaceans take over Pigeonhole Park (seconds away from your front door) with the annual Montreal Oysterfest, an event your tummy won’t want to miss. Listing Broker: Vanessa Jasmin.
3. 157 St- Paul O. – $1,900/month
Attention, attention! This listing just came up yesterday. Given its competitive price and its availability for possession as of February 1st, I predict it will fly off the market shelves. This flat is nothing short of perfect for anyone seeking the Old Montreal lifestyle. First of all, let’s discuss its address: smack in the center of St-Paul Street, between Dolcetto and Santos, across from the Méchant Boeuf and on top of Lola, a women`s clothing boutique offering Italian fashion. Ladies if you`ve got nothing to wear for that last minute date, go see Vincenzo… he will hook you up glamorously!
Wood beams, brick walls and a fireplace give this condo the authentic old city feel. Also, it has an open concept design and large windows allowing the luminosity to shine through no matter what the unpredictable Montreal weather brings.
What`s notable? When the spring finally comes knocking at your front door, walk out of the back door of your apartment and into the nature. This property offers you the unequivocal privilege of finding serenity in the city thanks to a private courtyard which is surrounded by nothing but greenery. Listing broker: Genevieve Pelletier.
4. 404 Rue St-Henri – $2,190/month
If you value peace and intimacy at home, such is translated in this unit. Not only is it located west of McGill on the more quiet side of the OP, it is one of only six units in its entire building. Furthermore, the building was converted into residential condos in 2010 and thus was designed with the urban YP in mind. It offers impeccable attention to detail such as brick and stone walls, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances and granite counters. Everything is brand new, from the Brazilian wood floors to the bathroom design, and from the soundproofed walls to the gas fireplace. This 1,200-square foot condo also happens to be a corner unit with seven large windows! With that much space, can you imagine the lavish dinner parties you will be able to host?
What’s notable? Free parking! This is the only block in all of Old Montreal where free parking spots can be found. No parking meters and no required vignette. Your friends won’t have the valid “no parking” excuse to miss your dinner party! Listing broker: Genevieve Pelletier.
5. 231 St-Paul O. – $2,700/month
If you are looking for a luxurious and hip all-inclusive urban loft to spend some time in Montreal, 231 St-Paul O. has a super cool space available for short-term rent. Why stay at a hotel when this condo offers everything a hotel does minus the exorbitant nightly rate? It has two bedrooms, is fully furnished and equipped, so all you will need is your luggage and some milk & coffee (assuming you’ll be dining out every night)! If you really wish to make your stay hassle-free and bring it up to typical hotel standards, a cleaning service can be arranged.
What’s notable? Two words: private & terrace. Put them together and you have your very own private terrace in Old Montreal. Ladies and gentlemen, I rest my case. Oh, did I forget to mention the home theatre system with 110” full HD projector plus full surround sound in the living room? Enjoy! Listing broker: Karine Doche.
For more information, contact Karine Doche at kdoche@sothebysrealty.ca.