Located just west of Hamilton’s bubbly downtown core, the exciting Hamilton neighbourhood of Strathcona contains a great mix of residential, commercial, and recreational areas. Strathcona is a Hamilton neighbourhood that has everything a buyer would be looking for in a new community.

If you’re considering relocating to this fantastic up-and-coming neighbourhood, here are five things you should know before moving to Strathcona.

1) It’s Full Of History

The history of this little Hamilton neighbourhood actually dates back about as far as the city itself! When the City of Hamilton was first founded by George Hamilton around 1815, he was standing not far from what would become the neighbourhood of Strathcona.

Since then, many historical events and monuments have been established here, perhaps most notably the Dundurn Castle. This iconic Strathcona landmark was originally built between 1832 and 1835 for Canadian political leader Sir Allan Napier MacNab.

Additionally, there are many more historical landmarks such as the magnificent Tuckett Mansion (also known as the Scottish Rite Masonic Temple) and the Cathedral Basilica of Christ the King.

2) The Homes Are Beautiful (And Affordable)

When it comes to Strathcona’s local architecture, the rich history is reflected in more than just the castles and cathedrals. The homes within Strathcona are also quite spectacular—and one of the best parts is their price.

Buying an original detached Victorian or Edwardian century home in any other part of the GTA–or even other parts of Hamilton–would cost quite a steep price. However, heritage homes within Strathcona are still comparatively affordable (i.e., within the sub $700,000 range on the higher end).

If you’re looking for a great home at a fantastic value, Strathcona is a Hamilton neighbourhood very worthy of investigating.

3) The Neighbours Are Great

Although the homes are stunning, you might worry about dealing with the neighbours. This is not an issue in Strathcona.

At the moment, Strathcona is actually going through somewhat of a transition. For the most part, most of the homeowners in Strathcona are elderly empty-nesters who have lived in the area for most of their lives. However, as they’ve recently begun to downsize and move out of the area, their homes have been primarily bought up by young couples and families.

In terms of community development and growth, there’s almost nothing better for a neighbourhood from a long-term real estate value perspective than to have young families start to move in.

4) The Amenities Are Amazing

Between the eye-catching views of the Hamilton Harbour to the charming shops and boutiques along King Street, there’s a lot Strathcona already has to offer in terms of local amenities.

One of the best parts about living in Strathcona is the number of public parks and green spaces within such close proximity. There’s the neighbourhood-favourite Victoria Park, which is currently undergoing improvements by the City of Hamilton, along with the massive Dundurn Park and Kay Drage Park.

Additionally, the Hamilton Cemetery is also a lovely large green space that makes for great walks in the warmer months.

5) Getting Around Is A Breeze

One of the most appealing features of this Hamilton neighbourhood is how easy it is for transportation. On foot, Strathcona is very easily walkable, especially considering it’s right beside the city’s downtown core.

If you need to get somewhere a little quicker, the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) transit system has bus routes that regularly service the Strathcona area.

Or, if you’re more of a motorist, many major Hamilton roads and highways (including Highway 403) pass right through Strathcona. Whether you need to get to another end of Hamilton or the GTA, commuting by car from Strathcona is effortless.

Are you ready to take the next step towards your move to Strathcona? Start your new home search with a local real estate team that knows the neighbourhood like the backs of our hands. To let us know what your dream Hamilton home looks like, contact us here.

As the economy slowly reopens, COVID-19 continues to affect our lives. Its impacts are largely felt among society’s most vulnerable, including seniors, families grappling with poverty, and those at risk of domestic violence. We need to find ways of helping these residents in every community, and Burlington is no exception.

Fortunately, there are steps we can all take to provide support. Donating to the right charitable organizations is one of them. With this small act of kindness, you can make a real difference in the lives of your community members!

Here are a few places to make donations in Burlington during the pandemic…

Household Goods

Many charities that typically accept gently-used clothing, furniture, and other household items stopped doing so when the coronavirus became a concern. Fortunately, that’s starting to change.

Habitat for Humanity’s Burlington ReStore location is taking donations, including (but not limited to) apparel and accessories, toys, and electronics. The drop-off location at 1800 Appleby Line is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Not only that, but the pick-up program has also resumed. You can set up an appointment here.

Food Donations

At a time when many Ontarians are dealing with income loss, food shortages are a concern. Since we’re all being asked to stay home more often, those who are most isolated (including many seniors and people with disabilities) also have less access to groceries.

Local charities that collect and distribute food offer relief for those most in need. The Burlington Food Bank is a great example. You can drop off items at 1254 Plains Rd E, or use the donation bins found in grocery stores and fire stations around the city.

The Aldershot Food Collection Committee also makes donating easy. Every Monday to Wednesday, drive-through and drop-off donations are accepted at St. Matthew’s Church. Head over from noon to 3 p.m. to contribute, and your items will be distributed to the Burlington Food Bank and the Compassion Society.

Last but not least, the Salvation Army is taking food donations at 5040 Mainway. You can bring your non-perishable items to the back door from Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Monetary Contributions

One of the best ways to give back during the pandemic is by making monetary donations to places that offer support. By providing grants to front-line charities, the Burlington Community Foundation fits the bill. You can learn more about what the organization is doing—and how to donate—here.

Food4Kids and Bag Half Full are both tackling hunger in the community, and every dollar they receive online can help. While the former is currently committed to ensuring that kids are well fed while schools are closed, the latter is dedicated to providing grocery delivery for those who need it.

Halton Women’s Place is a non-profit that assists women who have experienced domestic abuse and their dependent children. From shelter to phone support and outreach, the services this organization provides are critical. With the right precautions, Halton Women’s Place is still operating—and you can help by making a donation.

Last but certainly not least, Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation is helping front-line healthcare workers during the pandemic. If you make an online contribution, you’ll be providing support for hospital staff who are caring for those affected by the virus in your community.

Making a Difference

It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of a global challenge like the coronavirus. The good news is, there are ways to support those who need it most right in your own backyard.

From gently-used clothing to canned goods to even a modest monetary contribution, you can feel good about providing a donation in Burlington. The difference you make may be bigger than you know!

Have questions about real estate in the era of social distancing? Get in touch—we can help you understand the market, and what it means for your purchase or sale.

Making the big decision to sell your home can be one of the most exciting parts of your life. After all, it’s a huge transaction that will usher in a major change for you and your family. It’s easy to look at the selling process at a high level and think you have it all figured out. What could be so difficult about selling a home?

As it turns out, selling a home can be complicated, and trial and error is not a great strategy. It’s one of those things you want to get right the first time. As experienced real estate professionals, we’ve seen it all before and know firsthand how to guide clients towards making the best, most beneficial decisions.

If you’ve recently decided to sell your home, here are a few of the most common mistakes you might run into–and how to avoid them.

1. Not Undergoing A Home Evaluation

Receiving a professional home evaluation should be the very first step in every home seller’s journey.

When a real estate agent provides you with a professional home evaluation, they combine their years of real estate knowledge and experience along with an in-depth Comparative Market Analysis to determine an accurate estimate of a home’s current worth.

These estimates aren’t just pulled out of thin air—they are the result of diligent research and hard work, and are among the best methods for determining an accurate pricing strategy.

Although you might have a price in your head that you’d like to get for your home, it might not be realistic. Incorrect pricing strategies often result in lacklustre listing performance and eventually disappointing final sales. It’s better to start on the right foot with a professional home evaluation.

2. Skipping Staging

When it comes time to showcase your property—whether it’s through high-quality photo and video or in-person open houses—ensuring your home looks great is essential to its selling success. A key step in achieving that is through professional home staging.

While you might have a keen eye for design, the talents of professional stagers go beyond the superficial. Professional stagers work to create open, fluid spaces that strategically allow guests to navigate a home freely and without restriction.

Stagers also know how to stage homes as neutral spaces, allowing the most potential buyers to be able to picture themselves living in a home versus picturing themselves living in your home.

A good understanding of the real estate market is essential to a successful sale. Here are some informative posts that will help:

• How to Negotiate a Real Estate Contract
• Pre-Qualification vs Pre-Approval: What’s Better?
• 7 Amazing Benefits of Working With a Real Estate Agent

3. Ignoring Curb Appeal

Making sure the exterior of your home looks its best is just as important as staging the interior.

First impressions count for a lot more than sellers may realize. No matter how appealing a home might look inside, every buyer’s initial opinion is based on the exterior.

We always recommend sellers put a little time and effort into boosting their home’s curb appeal ahead of home showings. Simple tasks like weeding, minor landscaping, painting touch-ups—even laying down a new welcome mat—all go a long way in enhancing buyers’ first impressions.

4. Pricing Too High

Perhaps the most important part of a successful home sale is getting your pricing strategy correct—the first time. While some sellers have their hearts set on receiving a certain price for their home if they enter the market too high initially, they could risk their listing attracting little to no market interest right off the bat.

We can help you determine opening list prices based on several factors depending on recent market activity, local competition, and our professional home evaluations. While we may advise our clients to either list below, at, or above their home’s current market value, our pricing strategies are always intended to result in the highest possible sales price.

5. Using A Non-Local Agent

Hiring a local agent with lots of selling experience within your neighbourhood is essential.

When you hire an agent with a track record of successful sales in your community, you can feel confident you’ll be working with someone who truly understands how to sell a home in your local market.

From understanding buyer profiles to creating effective local marketing campaigns, even networking with residents and other agents in the area, hiring an agent with local insight and expertise almost always results in a much smoother, more lucrative home sale.

Are you thinking about selling your home? Our team of experienced real estate professionals can help you achieve the best results. Contact us here to start a conversation about your upcoming sale today!

It’s happening again. The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OFSI) is planning to modify the mortgage stress test. Proposed on April 8th, the new rules are set to take effect on June 1st. While many Canadians know that changes of this kind have an impact on home affordability, some are unsure about how they work.

Here, we’ll delve into upcoming modifications to the stress test—and what they mean for buyers…

What is the mortgage stress test?

The federal mortgage stress test, set by Canada’s top banking regulator, is a way of determining how much home you can truly afford. It’s about accounting for worst-case scenarios. What happens if you’re let go from your job—or interest rates rise suddenly and steeply? Considering these “what ifs” can help prevent buyers from defaulting on mortgages they can’t afford.

The test is essentially a qualifying rate, and it applies to every buyer (with the exception of those who go to certain alternative lenders, a move that can come with some drawbacks). It means that many would-buyers may find themselves unable to purchase that home they’ve had their eyes on. Currently, the average qualifying rate among the country’s top banks is 4.79 per cent. That’s almost certainly about to change.

What are the changes being proposed?

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. The OSFI has proposed raising the qualification rate to either 5.25 per cent (the five-year benchmark), or the borrower’s qualified rate plus two percentage points—whichever is higher.

These changes are intended to add some balance to Canadian real estate markets. They’re meant to reduce upward pressure on prices, help tackle household debt, and prevent buyers from getting into some sticky financial situations. Of course, they can also greatly reduce your purchasing power—an added frustration in an already heated market.

Looking at the big picture

Home buyers who enter the market after the changes are passed will need to prove that they can handle the “stress” of the new, higher rate. Unfortunately, many will not make the cut. As a result, we may well see a flood of purchasers pushing to close before June 1st.

We feel that the best time to purchase is when you’re really and truly ready. If that’s now, that’s great! If it’s not, your best best bet is to work with a talented team of professionals who can help you out down the line.

The right mortgage broker can help you get a firmer understanding of the factors that impact your qualification. They may suggest steps like reducing your debt to improve your purchasing power.

On the real estate side, a skilled local real estate agent will know your area—and the local market—inside and out. Whenever possible, they’ll help you find homes within a realistic price range that check off your must-have boxes. Are you ready to take the first step?

Ready to buy your next home? We’ll help you tackle every detail—and ensure you know what to expect. Get in touch to get started!

No doubt about it: when the market heats up, home sellers are in an ideal position. These circumstances typically result in multiple offers and even bidding wars. If you’re fortunate enough to sell under these conditions, you can almost certainly expect a good result. That said, there are steps you can take to help ensure even further success!

If you’re preparing to sell your home in a seller’s market, here are some tips for doing it right…

Price for the market

Even when the scales are tipped in your favour, it’s still important to list for the right amount. It could make the difference between a good sale price and a great one.

From demand and competition levels to regulatory shifts, there are many factors to consider. For example, the OFSI recently proposed changes to the mortgage stress test. A knowledgeable real estate professional will know how this type of change could impact your target demographic (if at all).

Your agent will also look closely at recent sold prices for similar properties—and consider your goals. If receiving multiple offers is one of them, they may suggest setting a price slightly below market value.

Don’t skimp on preparations

It’s much easier to sell in a seller’s market, but that doesn’t mean you should forgo home preparations. Sure, some buyers may be willing to overlook flaws when they don’t have a wealth of options. But as a rule, it’s still going to be the stand-out properties that receive the best offers.

From performing a thorough cleaning and decluttering to staging with the right furniture and decor, taking steps to make your property shine is crucial. A full-service agent can help you prep your home—and tailor its look and feel to maximize buyer interest.

Be careful when considering an offer date

Some sellers choose a specific date and time—and make it known to potential buyers that they won’t review any offers until then. This move can, in some cases, result in more bids. While that’s a definite pro, there’s also a potential downside to consider.

Some buyers are extremely wary of bidding wars, and they do what they can to avoid them. That may include opting out of making a bid on a property when there’s an offer date in place. Your real estate representative can help you weigh the pros and cons—and decide what makes the most sense for you and your sale.

Review your offers carefully

In a seller’s market, you have the opportunity to look beyond offer prices. You can afford to be a little picky, especially when there are two or more bids that are close in terms of dollars and cents.

A high deposit amount, favourable terms and conditions, and move-in timeline flexibility are some of the most common bonuses that buyers will provide. If there isn’t one offer that stands out, you may want to make a list of the pluses and minuses associated with those you’re seriously considering.

Know your next steps

When there are multiple offers on the table, there are several paths you can take. First, you can accept one bid straight out of the gate. You can also enter into negotiations with one buyer and set the other offers aside, or bargain with one and reject the other bids. Lastly, you can ask alll potential purchasers to submit their best offers.

In a hot market, you should be prepared to deal with competing buyers. That means understanding the negotiation strategies available to you. Luckily, your agent can discuss your options to help you make a truly informed decision!

Ready to make the most of a seller’s market? If you’re preparing to sell, we can help you secure a result you’ll be happy about—get in touch to learn how!

Do you have a parent or older loved one who could benefit from downsizing? Perhaps they’re having trouble maintaining their vast square footage, or they could benefit financially from moving to a smaller space. Either way, selling a home that’s full of memories is never easy. Fortunately, approaching the issue in the right way can make it less overwhelming.

Learn some tips for helping your loved one make their move with ease here in our guide to downsizing.

When helping someone else with real estate, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Here’s What Resources Are Available When Selling a Family Member’s House.

Preparing for the talk

It’s always challenging to delve into the downsizing process, but it can be especially difficult if your loved one is resistant to the idea. When that’s the case, it’s crucial to approach that initial conversation with great care.

Be upfront about your concerns while highlighting the positive aspects of a potential move (like a lower-maintenance lifestyle and the opportunity to put money towards living life to the fullest). You can find more tips for broaching the subject here.

Above all, remember that you’re not meddling. You’re helping someone you care about take a critical next step.

Bringing options to the table

Making a major life change can feel daunting in the beginning. Fortunately, you can make things easier for your loved one by helping them imagine the possibilities that go along with downsizing.

What kind of beautiful smaller living spaces are available? How much money could your family member save for their dream vacation if they weren’t pouring it into their house? Look into the potential savings, along with the costs associated with condos or assisted living residences you think they’ll love—and be ready to discuss.

If and when your relative is ready to sell, a qualified local agent can help them understand how much their living space would likely sell for in the current market.

Start decluttering well in advance

When selling a home—especially one that’s been in the family for years or decades—a very thorough decluttering is crucial. Sorting through memories can take time, so be sure to get started as early as possible.

Here are a few tips for helping your parent, grandparent, or older relative pare down their possessions.

Go room by room

Chances are, there’s going to be a lot of ground to cover. Your best bet is to start early (several months before your loved one will likely move) and begin with the most cluttered room in their home. Beware the trap of simply shifting belongings from one area of a property to another.

Donate, donate, donate

From duplicate appliances to sweaters that haven’t been worn in years, many of the items that should be donated are obvious. Look into local charities that could take them early on. If there’s one that your family member has a connection to, even better!

Honour the memories

If your relative has been in the same house for a long time, they’ve created a lot of memories there. During the decluttering process, take it slow—and be open to talking about the experiences attached to various items.

There are also some great ways to display much-cherished belongings in a new, smaller space. From framing old photographs to purchasing stylish shelves, consider turning decluttering into a fun family project.

Getting a property in show-ready shape is one of the most important steps toward securing a great price. From decluttering to working with professional cleaners, every part of the process counts.

Why does the right real estate agent matter when buying or selling a home? Find out in the posts below:

• 7 Amazing Benefits of Working with a Real Estate Agent
• Fact Vs Fiction About Working With A Real Estate Agent

Work with a local expert

You want to work with an agent who has a proven track record of securing successful results. Your loved one’s home is likely their largest investment, so getting the highest possible return (through top-notch staging, polished marketing, and negotiation know-how) is key.

If a home purchase will be part of the downsizing process, it’s best to work with an agent who also knows what to look for in a smaller property in your relative’s price range.

The truth is, your family member should feel free to ask questions when you’re zeroing in on the right agent. That’s what the interview process is all about! Speaking to a professional’s past clients can also help you understand what working with them will really be like.

Preparing your home for a sale can be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. When downsizing, clients often want to simplify the process. The posts below can help:

• The Power of Staging When Selling Your Home
• Minor Upgrades, Maximum Results
• Do I Really Have to Update My Home Before Selling It?

Thinking about estate planning

Talking about wills can be pretty uncomfortable—which is why many people put it off. Of course, just because your older loved one isn’t bringing it up doesn’t mean it hasn’t been on their mind. Once you start downsizing, it’s the perfect opportunity to start a conversation about their financial wishes, whatever they may be.

Make sure your family member knows that your goal is ensuring their peace of mind. One of the most helpful things you can do may be introducing them to a qualified financial planner with the right expertise.

If someone in your family is ready to downsize, there are steps you can take to reduce the headaches that often come with the process. We’re here to help.

Ready to learn how we can simplify the downsizing process? Get in touch here or call 905-332-9223 to take advantage of our expertise!