Summer is just around the corner, and it’s time to throw open the windows and breathe in that fresh air. Summer is the season for pool parties, midnight dinner parties, and catching up on your booklist. Now, with barbecue season taunting us all, have you considered expanding your living space to include a relaxing, backyard oasis? Perhaps, an outdoor kitchen, bar, dining space, pool, or a shady spot for lounging.

Summer in Ontario can be hot and humid. Staying cool and comfortable can be a struggle while you’re out and about taking advantage of everything that summer has to offer. So, why not enjoy it from the comfort of your own home? Get your fill of the sun, and then when you’re ready, retreat inside to your cool as a cucumber home. Pools, outdoor kitchens, bars, lounge chairs, and more will make you feel like you’re at the beach but without all the sand and packed parking lots.

Outdoor Bars, Kitchens, and Eating Areas

An outdoor kitchen makes summer entertaining a breeze. Instead of leaving your friends to fend for themselves while you’re stuck in the kitchen prepping, move it all outside! Mingle, and catch up all while getting dinner ready. A basic outdoor kitchen needs a prep station, a fridge, a barbeque, and a seating area. For those looking to go the gourmet route, a smoker and a wood fireplace are excellent additions. Outdoor kitchens are designed with socializing in mind. They’re laid out to facilitate conversation while allowing you to be the height of culinary efficiency. If you have the space for it, consider including both a lounge seating area and a dining area complete with a table and enough chairs for all of your guests.

Pools, Ponds, and Water Features

The sound and sight of running water is without a doubt one of the most calming sounds there is. Combine that with some lounge furniture, beautiful stonework, and a captivating water feature and you have your own private oasis. The perfect backyard pool is the pool that actually gets used, and not just looked at. So, decide what you would like to use your pool for. If you want to do swim laps every day, then make sure your pool is long enough. If you want to spend your evenings soaking in the hot tub with a glass of wine while twinkling fairy lights hang overhead, then make it happen. Consider incorporating water features into your pool for an even more dramatic effect.

The Gardens

It is a scientifically proven fact that spending time in nature, around plants, breathing in fresh air, is good for you – emotionally and physically. Dedicate a space on your property for you to spend some quality time in. Relax, read a book, or even return phone calls and emails! If you work from home there are plenty of ways to get outside while you’re still on the clock. Use a wide offset outdoor umbrella over top of your patio set to keep the sun off your laptop, and make sure that the wireless connection reaches your deck.

Are you searching for something to do with your family right at home or in your own neighbourhood? It’s no secret that travel is expensive and time-consuming. Fortunately, there are a ton of fun activities for your whole family to enjoy.

Whether you plan for days or act on the spur of the moment, here are a few ways you can enjoy time with your family and create new memories.

1) Learn interactively

Education doesn’t have to be boring. With the right tools and resources, your kids can enjoy a learning adventure right from the comfort of their own room! Must-visits include the National Geographic for Kids website and the virtual storytimes offered on Facebook and Instagram by PenguinKids.

In addition, there are countless interactive learning apps that turn down time into learning time. You can pick up a new language, enhance your drawing skills, and sharpen your memory right from your device.

Thinking of upgrading to a new family home? The posts below will help you make the most of your sale:

• What’s Your House Really Worth?
• A Home Seller’s Guide to Closing Costs
• Should I Buy or Sell First?

2) Try global cuisines

One of the best things about travelling is the chance to try new cuisines. If you don’t have the funds or time to book a trip, you can still push your culinary boundaries right at home. Why not tackle some dishes from around the world—and involve your little ones in the process?

If you’ve been dying to try fish tacos, now is the time to find a Mexican recipe the whole family will enjoy. If your kids are pizza fanatics, there’s a good chance they’ll love an authentic Sicilian pie, straight-from-the-oven. Food blogs are a treasure trove of ideas for new (and worldly recipes), so get online and start exploring!

3) Try yoga for kids

We all may live for weekends and summer vacation, but too much time off can mean kids get restless. Of course, making sure they get their sixty minutes of recommended daily activity may be tricky anytime, but it’s never impossible.

There are ways to get the exercise you need as a family while having fun in the process. Yoga is a great example. Youtube channels like Moovlee (perfect for toddlers) and Alo Yoga (which offers options for both adults and kids) make developing a practice together a whole lot of fun. They can also help reduce stress during exam times.

4) Have a game night

It’s a classic for a reason. Grabbing a board game off the shelf is a great way to forget your worries for a night. Whether you settle on the family version of Cranium or an all-time classic like Operation or Monopoly, you’re sure to enjoy the quality time with your kids.

To get the most out of your evening, agree to turn your phones on silent for some uninterrupted play. Don’t forget about snacks! Pizza and popcorn are a great classic combo, while hummus and vegetables are ideal if you decide to go the healthy route.

If you’re really ambitious, updating your home can be a worthy goal, especially if you plan to sell. You’ll get some great ideas in the posts below:

• Minor Upgrades, Maximum Results
• Worth It or Not? What Renovations Really Help When Selling Your Home
• Are DIY Upgrades Ever a Good Idea When Selling Your Home?

5) Get creative

If you have young kids, there are probably art supplies all over your home. Now is the perfect time to pull out those odds and ends and make use of them. An egg carton, pipe cleaners and set of watercolours can make for a fun caterpillar, while a tin can and ribbons can be turned into a beautiful windsock.

If your kids are older, consider asking them to help you assemble some of those old family photos into a scrapbook. It’s a great way to reminisce while making new family memories.

Have questions about real estate in Burlington or Hamilton? Get in touch right here or call 905-332-9223. Our team can help you understand the market, and what it means for your purchase or sale.

It’s one of the best times of the year!

We know that spring is well on its way when snow begins to melt, and green grass starts to grace us with its presence. Late spring and early summer are arguably some of the busiest times in real estate, so if you’re planning on putting your house on the market this spring or summer season, we’ve compiled a list of things you need to do to help your home look its best for the spring market.

Repair Winter Damage

Let’s start with the exterior of your home. Often, once the snow has melted away, we can see the toll the winter had on the exterior of our homes. Perhaps a rain gutter has come loose, your front porch has an uneven step, or your landscape just needs some TLC.

Whatever the case, you should always start by repairing any damage from the winter weather.

Yard Work, Gardening, and Landscaping

Never underestimate the power of curb appeal when it comes to selling your home.

And, if one thing is for certain, it’s that the snow and cold conditions can wreak havoc on landscaping. To get things back up to par to take advantage of the spring season, follow these must-do steps:

• Cut the grass
• Plant grass seed to cover sparse areas
• Fertilize the lawn
• Trim hedges and trees
• Replace walkway stones
• Plant flowers, bushes, and/or trees

If you don’t have spare time for these tasks, consider hiring a professional. If you’re unfamiliar with local businesses, contact your Burlington realtor. We’ve established a great repertoire of the local landscape and gardening companies.

Spring Cleaning

Now that you’ve finished the outside, it’s time to tackle the inside.

Buyers will want to explore all aspects and parts of your house, and for good reason. They’ll likely try to get an idea of the storage space by investigating hidden areas like cupboards, drawers and closets, too.

If you want to make a good impression on potential buyers and sell your home, you should consider undertaking a deep NLZ clean from places like Cleaning Service Sydney who have an impeccable reputation for being thorough. This includes scrubbing the floors, washing the carpets, de-cluttering and more.

Here’s a basic checklist to help you get started:

• Empty all closets, drawers, and cupboards and wipe down surfaces
• Toss, sell or donate the items you don’t want to take with you once you move
• De-clutter and organize the basement
• Pack away all unessential items and store neatly
• Clean all rooms from top to bottom
• Scrub all surfaces, including countertops, sinks, bathtubs/showers, faucets, ledges, appliances, and furniture
• Wash windows inside and out
• Clean curtains and blinds
• Shampoo and deodorize carpets
• Clean and wax floors

For best results, complete this checklist in order. By de-cluttering first, you can make room for all the deep cleaning that has to take place. Cleaning surfaces first can knock dirt, dust, and debris onto the floor, so you should always save the floors for last.

Don’t Forget the Basement!

Just because your basement is tucked away doesn’t mean it isn’t an asset to your home. In fact, it’s one of the most overlooked parts of the house for spring cleaning, when it should be one of your top priorities. It’s where families gather to create valuable memories, while doubling as a great place for storage.

This is your chance to show how useful this additional living space is. Clean and organize your laundry area to show potential buyers how effective this space can be to clean clothes. Add additional light sources to brighten it up and let fresh air in through the windows to make it feel like a main floor room.

Even if your basement isn’t finished, you can still spruce it up and have it looking as good as new. Organize all storage in a neat and tidy way, so that buyers can envision themselves living there or make plans to renovate. Run a dehumidifier, open windows and light a candle to get rid of any musty odours.

Spring Your Home to Life

Now that all the hard work is complete, it’s time for the finishing touches. This includes adding a splash of paint where necessary, setting a welcome mat out front, adding bright throw pillows, freshening up spring décor, letting in natural light and updating outdated accessories.

If you’re having trouble perfecting the final look, you may want to consider professional home staging. An experienced home stager, such as the ones at Woolcott Real Estate, will be able to help you organize furniture in a way that truly brings a room together and inspires a welcoming atmosphere. From furniture to accessories and beyond, sometimes you just need the magic touch of an expert to really complete a room.

To learn more about our home staging solutions and professional photography, get in touch with our local real estate agents today.

Looking for Burlington’s most family-friendly neighbourhood? Chances are, you’re picturing playgrounds, parks, and quiet residential streets. While there’s no doubt that the general character of an area is important, there’s one factor that many parents don’t think of right away—schools. Your kids deserve an incredible education, and that’s just what they’ll get in this city!

If you’re choosing a place to settle down with your family, here are some of the top schools in Burlington for your consideration…

1) John T. Tuck

For almost 60 years, John T. Tuck has been providing Roseland children with a fantastic education. One of the biggest draws for parents is the school’s highly-impressive Fraser Institute score of 9 out of 10. Keep in mind, this Canadian ranking system is well-known for its accuracy in the world of education. As for the students, they’re big fans of the wide variety of clubs and teams available—along with the opportunity to dress up for John T. Tuck’s “Spirit Days.”

2) St. Raphael

If you’re hoping to give your kids a Catholic education, there’s no better place to do it than St. Raphael’s. Located in family-friendly Shoreacres, this school receives an incredible ranking of 9.3 from the Fraser Institute. Its EQAO scores are also impressive, which isn’t surprising given the personalized attention kids receive. From its reading programs (which provides students who are struggling with extra attention) to its focus on computer literacy and technology, St. Rapael’s goes far beyond delivering a stellar faith-based education.

3) Orchard Park

Whether you’re thinking of moving to The Orchard or you already call this charming neighbourood home, you’re in luck if you have little ones. There are five great schools in the community, including one with a 8.2 Fraser Institute ranking. We’re talking about Orchard Park. This smaller school offers fantastic academic support for its students, as well as a long list of sports teams and extracurriculars. From athletics to the arts and beyond, there’s something for every child!

4) St. Anne

St. Anne is the second Catholic institution to make our list. Located in Alton Village, this Burlington School gets a ranking of 8.7 from the Fraser Institute. Its EQAO numbers for reading, writing, and math are equally impressive. Of course, there’s more to a great school than academics. When it comes to extracurricular activities, St. Anne also has a lot of heart. From “the Kindness Club,” to “Battle of the Books” to the “ECO Team,” there’s no shortage of ways for children to grow their social and emotional intelligence here.

5) Maplehurst

At over 100 years old, Maplehurst Public School has a long history—but that’s not why its reputation is strong. The staff here is committed, and it shows in the students’ academic performances (as reflected in its Fraser Institute ranking of 8). Other great Maplehurst qualities include the fun activities it offers (from move nights to pancake days), its involvement with the community (parents and Aldershot residents are encouraged to volunteer for events), and its vigilance when it comes to creating a safe environment.

Interested in learning more about life in Burlington? Curious about some of the beautiful homes on the market here? Get in touch—we’d love to show you what makes life in this community so great!

There’s no denying it: home hunters are falling in love with Hamilton. It’s no longer just in-the-know buyers who are scouring the local real estate market. Now more than ever, we’re seeing a ton of young families who are looking for the perfect place to put down roots. One of the most exciting things about this change is the way it’s rejuvenating some of our established communities.

If you’re looking for a hidden gem in Hamilton’s increasingly popular housing market, try one of these five neighbourhoods…

1) Strathcona

Did somebody say “revival?” Just west of downtown Hamilton, a charming historic neighbourhood is coming into its own. We’re talking about Strathcona, a community full of beautiful older houses—which, believe it or not, tend to be quite affordable! A recent influx of modern condos is also breathing new life into the area, and creating a more diverse housing mix. Prospective residents are attracted to Strathcona’s quiet and relaxed vibe, convenient location (close to Highway 403), and gorgeous green spaces (which include Victoria Park). As a bonus for history lovers, majestic Dundurn Castle is also in the neighbourhood. Put simply, this area has a lot to offer—and it’s a great place for families to invest.

✦ Thinking about making the move? Read: 5 Things You Should Know Before Moving to Strathcona

2) Kirkendall North & South

Nestled between Aberdeen and Main Streets, you’ll find upscale Kirkendall North & South. These twin communities are a major draw for home buyers, and it’s easy to see why. First, there are the picturesque streets and turn-of-the-century houses. Then there’s the proximity to vibrant Locke Street. This trendy strip is the perfect place to sip an espresso, enjoy a bite, or find a gift for that special someone in the local shops. More of a nature lover? You’ll adore lounging in beautiful Highland Gardens Park, which is built atop the city’s reservoir. A section of the Bruce Trail also runs through the neighbourhood—a must-visit for walkers, joggers, and cyclists!

3) Central Hamilton

This city is having a moment—one that’s well-deserved, if you ask us! For locals and visitors alike, thoughts of our urban revitalization are linked to Central Hamilton. James Street North is bustling with trendy boutiques, coffee shops, and art galleries. The food scene is just as exciting, as new hotspots (like Uncle Rays and Meanwhile Winebar) join well-established favourites (such as The French). The area also plays host to events like Supercrawl and Art Crawl (which draw attendees from well outside the city’s borders). It could be your home too—especially now that new developments like Acclamation Condos are moving in.

✦ For more on this neighbourhood read: Our Complete Guide to Central Hamilton

4) Crown Point

After one visit, you’ll understand the recent hype surrounding Crown Point. We’re big fans of pretty much everything about this pocket of the city, starting with sweeping Gage Park. At this 71-acre space, you’ll find green houses, gardens, sports facilities, a children’s museum, and more—all in the heart of downtown. Another Crown Point jewel is Ottawa Street, which is the site of both the city’s textile district and an incredibly popular farmer’s market. Living in the area also means being close to the beautiful Niagara Escarpment, and having easy access to the QEW (perfect for those weekend trips to the GTA and beyond).

5) Waterdown West

There was a time when Waterdown was thought of as little more than a sleepy commuter town. Fortunately, that’s no longer the case. For our part, we’re pretty excited about up-and-coming Waterdown West, which has seen an upswing in new condo development of late. Along with the nearby amenities of the city, the area offers all the charm of a village—and a few natural wonders. We suggest hiking the pristine Bruce Trail, taking in the stunning Smokey Hollow Waterfall, and hitting up the top-notch Kamoosh Bistro for dinner. If you fall in love with the area, you’ll be happy to learn that Waterdown West is accessible to buyers in all price ranges!

✦ Click here to read our Waterdown neighbourhood guide.

Interested in learning more about life in Burlington? Curious about some of the beautiful homes on the market here? Get in touch—we’d love to show you what makes life in this community so great!

There’s no shortage of reasons to love living in Burlington, and one of the biggest is the sheer number of things to do. When the weekend rolls around, residents of this vibrant city have their pick of fun activities—and making a choice isn’t always easy. To simplify things, we thought we’d put together a list describing our perfect day here. 

If you’re feeling ambitious this weekend, here’s how you should consider spending a day in Burlington…

Start off right 

There’s no better way to start the day than with a relaxing (and very satisfying) breakfast! One of our favourite places to do that is at the Coop. This Brant Street hotspot serves up decadent dishes, such as french toast bites and huevos rancheros. Whether you like to start your day with something sweet or savoury, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.

Get moving 

After breakfast, it’s time to get the blood flowing—and enjoy some beautiful scenery at the same time! We suggest heading to Spencer Smith Park. This downtown greenspace is known for its waterfront views, which are simply spectacular from the promenade. In the warmer months, you’ll also want to check out the peaceful Itabashi Garden. If you’re exploring in the winter, don’t forget to visit Rotary Centennial Pond. If skating is your thing, this is one of the best rinks in the city!

Enjoy some culture 

Ready to get cultured? If you have an appreciation for the finer things, you’re in the right city. The Burlington Art Gallery is home to an impressive collection of works—plus it hosts up to twelve exhibitions a year. If you’re more of a reader, head to one of the city’s seven public libraries. Fans of modern architecture will be especially fond of the branch on New Street. This stylish glass building is home to a number of special collections, a computer lab, and even an aquaponic garden.

Fuel up 

If you’re like us, you’ll probably be looking for a midday pick-me-up at this point. Luckily, Burlington has more than its fair share of must-visit cafes. Without a doubt, Tamp Coffee is near the top of the list. The baristas here are at the top their game, pulling perfect espresso shots every time. Whether you check out the Brant or Pine Street location, you’ll enjoy an uncommonly flavourful caffeine boost—and an ultra-cozy atmosphere!

Do some shopping 

Interested in some retail therapy? Perhaps there’s something you need for your kitchen, bedroom, backyard, or closet—and you’ve been wanting to cross it off your list. Either way, your next stop should be Mapleview Shopping Centre. You’re pretty much guaranteed to find what you need at this shopper’s paradise. Mapleview is home to over 150 stores, including a mix of Canada’s most popular retailers along with a selection of high-end shops (like Michael Kors and Coach).  

Grab dinner 

Feeling hungry? Luckily, Burlington’s food scene is known for more than its brunch offerings. When dinner rolls around, you’ll find plenty of great options—from fine dining to creative casual fare. Recently, we’ve been loving Son of a Peach. This downtown eatery is the perfect go-to if you appreciate flavourful, carefully-crafted pizzas. If you’re more in the mood for tacos, head to Burro. From white fish to beef cheek to spicy brussels sprouts, the fillings here simply have to be tasted to be believed. 

Consider a nightcap 

If you don’t want to cut the night short, why not end things off with a nightcap? If you’re a beer lover, head to Beertown Public House. This is the perfect summertime hotspot, thanks to its spacious patio—which is one of the biggest in Burlington! No matter the time of year, you’ll love exploring the rotating bottle selection here. If you’re more of a cocktail person, try the bar at the Martini House on Elizabeth Street. Trust us, the selection is incredible!

Interested in learning more about life in Hamilton, and maybe even seeing some of the beautiful homes on the market here? Get in touch—we’d love to show you what makes life in this city so great!