Top-Selling Real Estate Team Invests in Future & Historic James St N

HAMILTON, ON (March 1, 2021) – Woolcott Real Estate, one of Hamilton’s largest real estate teams, today announces it is opening a second office location on Hamilton’s James Street North. The new office space, slated to open on Monday, March 1, 2021, is taking over a sprawling former bank at 303 James Street North.

“Hamilton has long been underestimated by people and businesses outside of the city,” says Drew Woolcott, broker of record, Woolcott Real Estate / Re/Max Escarpment Woolcott Realty Inc.

“When we came across the building at 303 James Street North, we jumped on it immediately as it was the perfect space for our team to expand into,” Woolcott continues. “We are strong believers in Hamilton and all it has to offer, and this building was the ideal project for us to invest in and grow with the city.”

The building at 303 James Street North has had a long, rich history. Though its earliest use has yet to be uncovered, it is known to have served as a branch for the Bank of Hamilton as early as 1894. In 1969, it underwent an extensive renovation under the helm of famed Hamilton architect Trevor Garwood-Jones and went on to house a Bank of Montreal branch. Its final iteration, prior to Woolcott Real Estate’s takeover, was as an illegal cannabis dispensary in early 2020.

“The space was a real diamond in the rough, and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to restore it to its former glory and help it shine along with its peers on the strip,” says Woolcott. “It has been a true labour of love keeping the old character while modernizing the space.”

Woolcott Real Estate itself has long-seeded roots in Hamilton. Drew Woolcott was born and raised in the city, and it was in the early 1990s when he was living in the downtown core that he began building his real estate busines.

“Hamilton is really home to me,” says Woolcott. “It’s where I spent my formative years, where I met my wife and had my oldest kids. I am always drawn to the grit of the city and find myself coming back to the excitement of Hamilton time and again.”

The idea behind the design of the space was to create an experience-focused office that was comfortable for agents, clients and the general public.

“Our goal, post-COVID, is to have this office space become a destination for Hamiltonians to drop in and learn about real estate in an unintimidating, casual environment,” says Woolcott.

The design features soft meeting spaces, a coffee bar and drop-in desk spaces for real estate agents to use.

Woolcott Real Estate’s new office space will be staffed from Monday to Friday, with a licensed real estate agent on duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ABOUT THE WOOLCOTT TEAM

Woolcott Real Estate is one the top-selling real estate teams in the Hamilton-Burlington area. With a roster of 25+ experienced, dedicated real estate agents and a full-service support team consisting of marketing, staging and administration, Woolcott Real Estate creates a seamless, stress-free real estate experience for its clients. The team services buyers and sellers across Waterdown, Burlington, Hamilton, Flamborough, Dundas, Carlisle and beyond. In 2020, Woolcott Real Estate helped clients in over 500 real estate transactions. To learn more about Woolcott Real Estate, visit www.woolcott.ca.

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For more information, visit www.woolcott.ca or contact:

Justine Woolcott

General Manager – Woolcott Real Estate

647-862-5565

justinewoolcott@woolcott.ca

No doubt about it: selling a home is hard work. Buyers have options, which means sellers who want to get top dollar need to ensure that their property stands out. No matter the market, it starts with a tailored, data-backed marketing campaign. Luckily, with help from a true real estate professional, you can ensure that all eyes are on your home.

If you’re ramping up to sell, check out our five modern real estate marketing tips…

Make it stand out

In a digital world, capturing attention can be a monumental task. It’s all too easy for buyers to scroll and click past properties with potential, which is why making a stellar first impression is crucial.

From detail-oriented staging to stunning professional photography and videography, taking steps to create compelling visuals is key. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and that’s definitely true when it comes to real estate marketing. Pro tip: drone photography can further bolster your home’s appeal by providing a bird’s eye view!

Create beautiful print pieces

While buyers are increasingly going online to find the right home, polished print materials can still go a long way when they’re considering which properties to tour.

To start, a magazine-quality marketing book that tells the story of your property (and showcases it in photographs) can be very powerful. Of course, promotion in the right places is another surefire way to attract attention. For some homes, that could mean household-name newspapers (like the Globe and Mail).

It could also mean options offered exclusively by a team that has a strong local presence. For example, we market our listings in our own full-colour publication (sent to over 140,000 recipients via Canada Post) and in weekly print ads across our communities.

Leverage digital and social

The best modern real estate marketing strategies combine print and digital. While there’s no harm in talking about your listing on your social media feeds, you can generate way more interest if you have help from a local agent with a large online presence (think thousands of engaged followers on their accounts).

We can’t forget about advertising! From Facebook to Instagram, eye-catching ads can help ensure that your home gets abundant clicks, impressions, and unique views. If you’re not social media savvy, that’s okay—your agent can help you understand the bigger picture.

Don’t forget the basics

Of course, many buyers prefer a direct approach. These home hunters tend to go straight to the source—which usually means websites like realtor.ca. That said, while it’s important to distribute your listing amongst the heavy hitters, syndicating it far and wide will only help more buyers find it!

Crucially, your property needs to be on the MLS—the database that brokers use to share listings. To maximize its exposure, your agent should put it in every relevant database. For many local properties, that includes those for the Hamilton-Burlington, Toronto, and Ontario inter-regional real estate boards.

Work with a well-connected agent

To extend your marketing reach as far as possible, your agent should use a tailored combination of the modern real estate marketing strategies above. They should also have strong industry connections, which will allow them to start reaching out to buyers who could be a good match for your home—even before it’s listed.

When you’re considering a potential agent, try to get a sense of whether they’re part of a network that could benefit your sale. Do they have a strong presence in your area? Are they part of a team that includes buyer’s agents? Is there a talented sales manager at the helm? These are questions you should feel free to ask during the interview process.

Marketing a home takes experience, finesse, and extensive local reach. From our 20,000 email subscribers and nearly 50,000 monthly website views to our proven ability to create marketing strategies, our team has what it takes. Are you ready to get started?

Interested in learning more about our selling process? Get in touch. We’re happy to answer all of your questions—and help you put your property on the market if the time is right!

One of the biggest decisions every new agent needs to make is whether they want to join a tight-knit team. Part of the draw of a career in real estate is the independence it can offer, which is why some budding professionals are reluctant to work closely with others in the industry. That said, there are some major benefits to joining a team—so long as you go into it with all the information you need!

If you’re thinking of joining a real estate team, here’s what you need to know…

What are the benefits of joining a real estate team?

One of the biggest advantages of working with a well-established team is the leads you can get right out of the gate. They could mean the difference between making money at the beginning of your career, and…not.

In a highly-competitive industry, it’s also important to gain traction early on. The right team will have the reputation and name recognition to provide you with a certain level of credibility. They should also be capable of helping you develop professional marketing materials to promote yourself effectively.

Along with access to proven systems, processes, and general knowledge, joining a successful team will offer plenty of hands-on learning experience. That means opportunities to brainstorm with other successful agents and obtain guidance from experienced real estate leaders.

How does a real estate team work?

When a team works well, it works really well. Everyone fulfills their role to a tee—and is supportive of one another. Agents are in a much better position to achieve their goals, and the potential for growth is high.

It all starts with structure. The roles included may vary from one team to the next, but they typically look a little like this:

Broker of Record

Along with other responsibilities, this professional is responsible for ensuring that their brokerage (and all of its employees) are in full compliance with industry rules and regulations.

Sales Representatives

You know what this role entails. Along with agents who handle ongoing listing and selling activities, some teams also have dedicated buyer’s and leasing agents.

Management

Management may include anyone from a general manager (who oversees operations at a high level) to a sales manager (who trains, motivates, and helps agents meet objectives) to a marketing manager (who oversees promotional activities).

Administration

Administrative staff takes care of paperwork and ensures everything runs smoothly. Roles may include professionals who work the front desk, along sales, listing, marketing, and transaction coordinators (among others).

Staging or Design Experts

Many teams have their own staging and home design experts on staff. They help provide a higher level of service for sellers.

How do real estate teams split commissions?

When you’re choosing a team, the financials matter. While many new agents are focused on receiving the highest possible commission, there are pros and cons associated with various splits.

The most common is probably 50/50. This means the brokerage gets half of your commission from a transaction, and you get the other half. This structure typically includes desk fees, support from administrative staff, and plenty of assistance with marketing.

Keep in mind that higher commission often means less support overall from the brokerage. It’s all about finding the balance that meets your specific needs.

Questions to ask before joining a team

There’s no doubt that choosing the right real estate team could be crucial to your success. That’s why it’s so important to ask the right questions before making a commitment.

When you’re considering working with a team, you’ll definitely want to enquire about their structure, their management’s experience, and the commission splits they offer. Beyond that, you’ll need to understand potential expectations and talk about your own professional goals. Through this conversation, you’ll quickly discover whether the team represents the right opportunity for you to grow.

Don’t forget to ask about culture. From work-life balance to a team’s mission and major priorities, it all plays a role in whether you’ll be a good fit—and whether you’ll flourish in a career that you love!

Exploring your options? Learn more about us—or get in touch to learn what life is like as part of Woolcott Real Estate!

Are you thinking of buying a pre-construction condo? You may like the idea of owning a brand new unit, but it’s important to understand the purchase process before you dive in. The steps involved differ from those you’d expect if you were buying a resale condo. Fortunately, learning about these differences can help you make the right decision—and secure a place that’s perfectly suited to your needs!

Here are some of the most commonly-asked questions about buying a pre-construction condo…

What are the benefits of pre-construction?

There are several major benefits of buying brand new. For one, you can forgo the stressful bidding wars that often occur in hot markets. You can also lock in a favourable interest rate at the beginning of the process—and then watch as the value of your unit grows. We’re talking about a very low-maintenance investment—and the protection of a Tarion warranty is nice, too!

Perhaps best of all, developers often offer customization options. If the idea of choosing your own colours and finishes appeals to you, pre-construction may be the right choice!

How does the deposit structure work?

While you can get away with putting down as little as 5 per cent on a resale condo, your pre-construction down payment will be 20 per cent. The good news? You’ll pay it in installments. That means more time to save up—another benefit of being a pre-construction buyer.

You’ll generally pay your remaining deposit amount in 5 per cent increments—at 30 days, 60-90 days, and 120-270 days. The exact timing will vary from one project to the next.

✤ For more general information on deposits and down payments read:

• Deposit & Down Payment: What’s the Difference?
• 8 Tips On Saving For A Down Payment

What will the timeline be like?

First comes the launch, then construction. Next up, occupancy—this is when you’ll get the keys to your unit (but you won’t own it in full quite yet). Finally, the building will be registered, and you’ll get the deed to your new condo.

The whole process is typically around three years, though it can take less time (or more). In other words, pre-construction is best for those who don’t foresee any unexpected life changes in the years ahead.

What is “phantom rent?”

There will be a period between the day you can move into your unit and the day when you officially take ownership. It’s what’s known as interim occupancy, and it can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. During this time, you won’t be paying your mortgage. Instead, you’ll owe occupancy fees (also known as “phantom rent”).

The good news is, you’ll have access to your unit during this time (though your amenities and common areas may not be completed yet). You can also begin leasing out your space.

✤ For more information on buying real estate check out:

• Pre-Qualification Vs Pre-Approval – Which Is Better?
• 7 Amazing Benefits of Working with a Real Estate Agent
• How To Negotiate A Real Estate Contract

Will my unit be ready on time?

To be honest, delays happen—and they aren’t uncommon. Developers are allowed two extensions lasting up to 120 days each. After that, they must set a new date, and buyers are eligible for delayed closing compensation. If another year passes, you are entitled to cancel your agreement (within a 30-day period).

There’s no doubt that delays can be annoying, so try to factor them in if possible. You can also increase the likelihood that a building will be completed on time by working with an agent who knows which developers are most reputable!

Can I sell a pre-construction condo before it’s complete?

Life happens. If you realize that owning your pre-con condo no longer makes sense, you can make what is known as an assignment sale. Through this process, you can sell the purchase agreement to your unit. A word of warning: you’ll want to ensure that your contract allows for assignments—and that your developer signs off on it.

If you’re an investor, be aware of your tax obligations. Failing to pay what you owe on an assignment sale could land you in hot water, so make sure you speak to a financial professional with the right expertise.

✤ Click here for more information on assignment sales!

Can I get an inspection?

Resale condo buyers often opt for a status certificate review instead of a full inspection. In contrast, when you’re buying a brand new unit, having it professionally inspected is part of the process! For more information about how it works, check out the Tarion website.

Pre-construction condos can be great investments, and buying one might turn out to be one of the best decisions you ever make. The keys to a successful purchase is knowing how the process works—and whether it suits your goals, preferences, and timelines!

Thinking about buying a pre-construction home? We have the expertise to guide you through the process—get in touch to learn how we can help!

No doubt about it: COVID-19 has made this a summer unlike any other. While it’s important to continue exercising caution, we could all use some fun out of the house right about now. Luckily, there’s no shortage of things to do outdoors in Burlington. To make life easier, we’ve compiled some of the best local warm-weather activities—which you can enjoy on your own, or with the family!

Here are five fun things to do in Burlington before the summer ends…

1) Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens

Take a moment to smell the roses, wild bergamot, echinacea….you get the idea. The largest botanical gardens in Canada are right here in Burlington, and now is the time to take advantage of them. We’re talking about near 2,500 acres of nature sanctuaries, 2,300 plant species, and 27 beautiful kilometers of trail. Stroll the gorgeously-cultivated grounds of Hendrie Park in the summer sun. Check out the indigenous plants in the arboretum, or take in the sights on Cootes Paradise Trails.

2) Visit Kencliff Park

Burlington is home to many natural gems, and Kencliff Park is another must-visit. This 40-acre green space used to be a limestone quarry, but it’s now in the process of being rehabilitated. The results are stunning. Rocky vistas, marshes, wetlands—it’s all part of the unique landscape that makes up Kencliff Park! As a bonus, the area also connects directly to the Bruce Trail, making continued exploration simple.

3) Cycle the Waterfront Trail

Burlington residents have easy access to the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, a 3600-kilometre route that runs along several breathtaking lakes and rivers. The section that goes through the city splits in two at Maple Avenue and Lakeshore Road. Go south along the Beachway, and you’ll follow the lift bridge to the Hamilton Beach Recreational Trail. Choose north, and you’ll see the charming residential sights along North Shore Boulevard. Be aware that both options include some off-road sections!

4) Plan a picnic

Enjoying a picnic has to be one of our all-time favourite summertime activities. Pack up a lunch, grab the family, and head to a scenic spot to soak up some sun. If peanut butter and jam sandwiches aren’t your thing, try something a little different. At Marilu’s Market, you’ll find fresh produce, specialty deli items, baked goods, and more. Once you have your snacks, consider heading to Lasalle or Lowville Park, both of which offer designated picnic spots.

5) Check out the art

If you’re an art fan, you’re in luck. There’s a self-guided Burlington tour designed just for you! This is the perfect opportunity to learn about the city’s public art—and explore downtown at the same time. The tour, known as Art and the City, is accessible via any mobile device. Simply download the free app to get started. You can also find printed guidebooks at facilities such as the Art Gallery of Burlington, Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Burlington Public Library, and the Museums of Burlington.

In these uncertain times, we all have to get a little bit creative to enjoy the areas we call home. The good news is, Burlington is chock full of outdoor attractions that you and your family can enjoy safely. So slap on some sunscreen, throw on a hat, and start making the most of summer in the city!

Interested in making Burlington home? Get in touch—we know the city inside out, and we’d love to help you find the perfect place!

Have you long dreamed of owning a house with a pool? Summer is upon us, and the warmer weather makes now the perfect time to take a dip. The desire to go swimming on a hot day has influenced many home buyers, but should it play a role in your purchase?

While there’s a lot to love about owning a pool, it’s not right for everyone. Knowing the pros and cons will help you make a more informed decision—and a purchase that will work for you in the years ahead.

If you’re thinking of buying a house with a pool, here’s what you should know…

The pros

If you’re even remotely interested in owning a pool, you probably already know the potential benefits of having one. But if you’re looking for a reason to take the plunge, here are a few of them.

First off, jumping into a pool when it’s hot out can be a whole lot of fun. Sure, you could go to the beach—but there are days when you probably won’t feel like packing up, finding a parking spot, and sharing a strip of sand with strangers. If you have little ones, these trips can be an even bigger ordeal!

Then there’s the exercise you’ll get. If you’re the type who’d prefer a few laps in the backyard to spending time at the gym, having a pool could be your key to staying in shape. Even splashing around with the kids will help keep you active.

Lastly, there’s the social aspect. If you have fond memories of attending pool parties, you’re not alone. When you have a refreshing oasis in your yard, the summer is one big excuse to catch up with friends and family!

The cons

Now for the not so fun part. There are some potential drawbacks to owning a pool, and you should know about them in order to make an informed decision.

Let’s start with the upkeep. While many homeowners don’t mind putting in the time required for pool cleaning and maintenance, some consider it less than ideal. If you take on this responsibility, administering chemicals, testing PH levels, cleaning filters, and getting handy with a skimmer will all become part of your life. There’s also a chance that at some point, you’ll have to deal with an unwanted pest or two.

The costs involved are another potential downside. In addition to cleaning agents and testing equipment, you may have other costs to cover. Repairing a pool lining can cost a couple hundred dollars, while fully replacing one may be upwards of $1000. You should also know that your insurance premiums will almost certainly be higher, since there are some risks associated with ownership.

Due to the time, effort, and costs associated with a pool, some home buyers prefer to avoid them. That’s worth keeping in mind for when you decide to sell your home down the line. While it’s entirely possible to get a great price for a property with a pool, you should be aware that you may have fewer interested buyers.

Making a decision

If the idea of buying a home with a pool appeals to you, doing so may seem like a no-brainer. That said, it’s important to take all relevant factors into account before making a decision.

Think about your lifestyle and financial situation. Do you have the time and room in your budget for maintenance? Are you okay with the possibility that fewer buyers will be interested in your home when it goes on the market?

Last but not least, you should carefully consider your homeownership priorities. If you’ve always dreamed of having a pool in the backyard, buying one may be well worth any extra effort that comes along with it. Keep in mind that a skilled agent can help you market your property to the right home hunters, no matter what features it has.

Are you ready to seriously consider buying a house with a pool? If so, a local real estate professional can help you weigh the pros and cons—and give you a sense of what’s on the market!

Ready to decide whether a home with a pool is right for you—and see what’s available on the market? We’d love to help—reach out to get started!