Burlington was recently listed by Money Sense Magazine as one of the best cities to live in, in Canada. Not only that, Money Sense ranked Burlington as the third best city to raise a family in. It’s with good reason, as Burlington has a lot to offer, from fantastic schools, close proximity to Toronto, community spirit, and of course dozens of great neighbourhoods. Not every neighbourhood is built the same. Some neighbourhoods cater towards the single commuter, while others are more for senior, or retirement life. In this blog article we’ll examine what the best neighbourhoods in Burlington to raise a family are.

Headon Forest

Headon Forest is centrally located in Burlington. This community was started in the 1980’s when houses were built on lots with large backyards. Backyards and kids go hand in hand as it gives them lots of opportunities to be active in a safe location. Backyards are also perfect for birthday parties, and family events. What we love most about this neighbourhood is that it has mature and tall trees, as well as larger wide roads, making your new home a beautiful place to reside. Notre Dame Roman Catholic High School, as well as a few Elementary Schools are all within walking distance. Ireland Park is also located in Headon Forest, and it’s a great spot for children to play soccer, football, or ride their bikes about in a safe area.

Tansley Woods

Tansley Woods is located centrally in Burlington, so it’s close to everything Burlington has to offer.  If your job is in Toronto, the Go Station is near, or if your work is just down the road in Oakville, you don’t have far to drive on the 403.  This neighbourhood has great family amenities, such as the Tansley Woods Library and the Tansley Woods Park. We’re a little biased too, as our Woolcott office is located in the Tansley Woods neighbourhood.

Palmer

Palmer is an excellent place to raise a family, as again, it’s a mature neighbourhood with a strong foundation and lots to offer. Dr. Charles Best Public School, and Sir Earnest MacMillaian Public School are located here, and within walking distance. Furthermore, there are several parks, and many family oriented businesses, such as dental offices, animal hospitals and family doctors.

Mountainside

The Mountainside Neighbourhood in Burlington is a mix of old and new housing. Here you’ll find Mountainside Park, which offers a lot of activities for kids. Homes in this area reasonably priced, and you’re bound to find something to suit your family size. Schools and churches round out this neighbourhood, adding to a positive community life. Mountainside is also close to the Go Station, making this great if you or your spouse need to commute to Oakville, Mississauga or Toronto.

Brant Hills

Brant Hills is a family oriented area filled with parks, trails and schools. This is a great spot for kids, as it has the Brant Hills Park. Brant Hills is also a hop, skip and a jump away from the Bruce Trail. The Brant Hills Library and Park is also a great selling feature of this Burlington region, as it’s the perfect Saturday or after school destination. If you love golf, you’ll love Brant Hills. It is close to two golf courses, making it ideal for those of us who appreciate getting lost in a round of 18 holes.

Conclusions

With 29 Public elementary schools, 14 Catholic Schools, and 11 high schools, Burlington is a fantastic city to raise children. The city has 115 parks, 3 malls, as well as many local sports teams. For grownups, there are plenty of amazing restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities. Furthermore, the 407, 403 and Go Transit provide quick access to Mississauga, Oakville and Toronto for employment opportunities.

Winter is coming! (ok, I know all you non-Game of Thrones fans must be getting sick of hearing that).  After the epic winter, Burlington realized how cold and expensive winter can be.  However, there are lots of improvements you can make to save a bit of coin by reducing energy costs and maybe put forward towards a nice warm vacation (rather than dealing with the snow and such in Burlington).

Give your Home an Energy Audit

Before trying to reduce your home’s energy costs, give your home a home energy assessment to see the big picture.  If you really want to make a splash in savings, hire a professional energy auditor.  An energy auditor has special thermal technology that can spot where air might be leaking out.  A professional auditor can also review your recent utility bills to recommend ways on how you can save money.

Reduce your Lighting

During the winter, people use more artificial lighting, because it’s pretty much dark out by 6pm.  While energy saving light bulbs are initially expensive, they can save you up to $50 a month in energy costs.  Another way to save money is to use timers, especially for festive light bulbs.  Sometimes it’s too cold out, to go out and unplug those lights, however, turning them off with a timer, can save you more than a few bucks over the holiday season.

Save on Water Heating

Lowering the thermostat on your tankless water heater by a couple degrees can help save between 3 and 5 percent in energy costs. Keeping your water heater at a more mild temperature will slow down corrosion in your water heater and pipes as well. Which will make them operate more efficiently.  Another trick is to insulate your water heater tank and any hot water pipes.  You can buy special foam at the hardware store to do this.  This insulation can also prevent your pipes from freezing in the winter.  Finally, by showering with not as hot water, you save yourself from having dry itchy skin.  The winter in Burlington is rather arid, and hot water strips away natural oils in your skin.  While you’ll miss the extra hot water at first, after a couple of weeks you won’t even notice.

Indoor Heating Savings

It’s really tempting to turn the heat up when the weather cools, however if you keep your house a little cool, and toss on a sweater, you can save big bucks on energy costs.  Or, invest in a smart thermostat, which you can adjust so it turns the heat down when you sleep, or are at work.  A word of note, we never recommend turning off heat completely in a room.  This is because a warm wall next to that cold room might cause the wall to get moist, which creates mold.

Insulation

Adding more insulation to your home can help you save energy.  Attics and crawl spaces are a good place to start.  Meanwhile insulating pipes can go a long way as well.  A home auditor will crawl into a variety of spots and tell you where it is best to insulate.

So there are several tips on reducing energy costs. Spray foam insulating, keeping down the heat, and changing your lighting can all go a long way to ensuring you get through the next winter without breaking the bank.

What to expect when you’re expecting… house guests! The key to a great guest room is to provide all the comforts that they would expect to find at home, but with a personal touch. As a host, it’s your responsibility to fill your guest room with both soul, love and comfort. Here are a few great tips to make the perfect guest room or in-law room.

Functional Closet

A closet isn’t of much use without any hangers, so don’t forget to supply a dozen or so hangers for your guests. Another great idea is put simple hooks on the wall or behind a closet door for coats, scarves or bags. Stock the closet full of useful items as well, like clean towels, fresh bedding and a robe.

Provide Privacy

Part of making your guests feel at home is providing adequate privacy. Make sure the windows have curtains or blinds, so the neighbourhood can’t see everything that is going on in the room. Also, make sure the door can close tightly, dampening any sound that might interfere with a good night’s sleep. You might even want to consider adding a TV with cable or a DVD player. That way, if your guests would like to spend some time by themselves, there is a source of entertainment. Don’t forget to leave a working remote with fresh batteries!

Mirrors

Mirrors are an important necessity for any bedroom or bathroom. Men need a few seconds to check their hair to ensure their bed head is under control. Women, on the other hand, need to do their hair, makeup, as well as make sure their outfit works well with their shoes. We all take mirrors for granted until they are gone, then we’re just never sure if we have anything stuck in our teeth.

Small Gestures

A little gesture can go a long way. Consider leaving a welcome note on the nightstand, or putting a flower arrangement on an end table. Give your guest room an intimate look with some decorations such as a small shelf full of vintage books, or a few paintings to hang on the wall. A non-overwhelming air freshener is another idea for making your guests feel welcome.

Well-Stocked Bathrooms

If the guest room has a separate bathroom, be certain to keep it stocked with lots of extra toilet paper and tissues.  Sometimes little emergencies happen, you know.  Also provide a few simple things like toothbrushes, floss, hand moisturizer, soap, female hygienic products, and hand towels.

Creating the perfect guest room will make your guests feel right at home when they come to visit you. Keeping your guest room clean will also give you lots of practice for when you have to stage your home for sale.

Woolcott Real Estate

For more information, tips and tricks, visit our blog! Our experts at Woolcott Real Estate have virtually endless amounts of information about real estate in Burlington, Hamilton and Waterdown, selling your home, buying a new house, and loving the home you are in! For more information or to get started with our services, get in touch with us today. Some of the best real estate agents are only a phone call away!

When buying a home, if it’s a seller’s market (meaning more buyers than sellers) it’s entirely possible to get into a bidding war. These wars can get out of hand, especially if both parties are competitive. However, getting into a bidding war can mean you end up paying thousands extra for a house that just might not be worth it. Woolcott Real Estate understands this all too well. Our team of local real estate agents have compiled a few tips to help you survive a bidding war when buying a home.

Understand the Neighbourhood Market Value

Here’s a secret: no matter what the list price, a home will generally sell for what it’s worth. To find the true value of a home, talk to a local real estate agent. They know each neighbourhood like the back of their hand, and that includes the prices of houses that have sold in that area previously. Talking to an expert will give you a good idea of the house’s worth, and this will help you approach the bidding war with a fair offer.

Put in Your Best Offer for the Property

When you’re up against two or three other bids, give your best offer right away. This offer should be the most you’re willing to pay for this home comfortably that doesn’t reach outside of your budget. If you don’t get the house, at least you don’t have to wonder about what would have happened if you put in a better bid. Your local real estate agent will be more than willing to help you through any negotiations and build a strategy for submitting an offer.

Nix Your Conditions

If you have a long list of conditions on your bid, maybe remove a few to make your bid more appealing. For example, if you want certain items in the house, like their stove, or washer/dryer. Another condition might be for them to paint the trim before they move. If your bid is more trouble than it’s worth, they might accept another offer.

Be Prepared to Walk Away

Again, the best way to avoid a bidding war is to not let the war get personal. You should never be too desperate for a house, or else the seller might toy with you to squeeze more money out of you.  Learn to walk away if the war erupts and find a new property within your budget.

Working with Woolcott Real Estate

Are you thinking of selling your home and/or buying a new house? The experienced team of local real estate agents at Woolcott Real Estate are here to help. To gain the expertise and assistance of some of the best local real estate agents on the market, get in touch with us today! We can help you sell your house or find houses for sale in Hamilton, Flamborough, Waterdown, Burlington, Oakville, and surrounding areas.

As far as we’re concerned, one of the best things about fall is the changing scenery. As temperatures begin to drop, the rich colours of autumn come out in full force. We can’t wait to pull on our coziest sweaters and check them out! As Hamiltonians, we have access to some pretty incredible places where we can do just that. This city has more than its fair share of parks, green spaces, and nature sanctuaries—making it an ideal for nature lovers at this time of year.

If you’re searching for the perfect place to see nature’s splendor this fall, here are five spots in Hamilton that should be at the top of your list…

1) Gage Park

One of our all-time favourite green spaces in Hamilton is also one of the best places in the city to see fall colours. Gage Park is home to over 100 species of trees—which is pretty incredible when you think about it. At this time of year, all that foliage takes on warm autumn hues that you simply have to see to believe. The best part is, the incredible facilities at Gage Park mean you can enjoy the beauty of the season while doing some of your favourite things. Take a stroll through the gardens, play a softball game, or watch the kids have fun on one of the playgrounds.

2) Bayfront Park

It’s one of the most picturesque spots in the city. At an impressive 16 hectares, Bayfront Park is known for its scenic water views and thriving natural landscape—which includes gorgeous shrubs, wildflowers, and (you guessed it) trees. If you’re in the mood to see some colours this fall, we suggest making your way along the Waterfront Trail. Whether you explore on foot or on your bike, you’ll enjoy deep reds, fiery oranges, and vibrant yellows. Put simply, Bayfront Park is the perfect place to enjoy all that autumn has to offer!

3) Dundas Peak

It doesn’t get more breathtaking than Dundas Peak. Nature lovers come from all over the province to see fall from this vantage point, and it’s easy to see why. Looking down into the Dundas Valley, a sea of colourful treetops glisten and sway below. “Awe-inspiring” is the only way to describe it. FYI, there are plenty of great hiking trails in the area, so you might want to bring your most adventurous friends if you’re planning a visit! Whatever you do, don’t forget to stop, take a deep breath, and enjoy the view from the top.

4) Albion Falls

If there’s anything as majestic as leaves changing in autumn, it’s a spectacular waterfall. Combine the two, and you’re in for one of the most incredible views you’ve ever seen. At any time, watching the sparkling water cascade down the Niagara Escarpment at Albion Falls is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. But in the fall, when everything takes on a golden hue, the experience is truly magical. If you’re looking for the perfect viewpoint, head to the platforms on the north side of the falls.

5) Royal Botanical Gardens Arboretum

If you’re a tree lover, you need to check out the arboretum at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Here you’ll find over 10 kilometres of trails, which are ideal for immersing yourself in nature. Our favourite route—especially in autumn—is the Native Tree Walk. It’s the perfect way to see gorgeous local foliage as it changes. To get the most from your walk, look closely at the labeled collection of native trees along the way. If you’re feeling peckish afterward, you’ll also be happy to learn that the Royal Botanical Gardens is the site of two charming restaurants and a teahouse.

Interested in learning more about life in Hamilton? 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!

Are you ready to become a landlord? Renting out a home is a great way to bring in some income—one that can provide a more flexible lifestyle than most forms of employment. It’s no wonder so many investors are looking to get into the market. Having said that, if you’re thinking of taking on a tenant, understanding your responsibilities is crucial. Doing so will allow you to make a more fully-informed decision—and maximize your potential success!

If you’re thinking of becoming a landlord, here’s what you need to consider…

Picking the right home to buy

While it may be tempting to purchase something in a hot local neighbourhood, the home prices in these areas can leave buyers with a negative monthly cash flow. In many cases, you’ll be better off opting for an attractive property outside the core. Of course, it may take a little bit longer to rent out a place in a community that’s not considered prime. That said, doing so often results in additional cash flow. House prices in these communities tend to be significantly lower, while average rents are often similar to those you’ll find in more popular neighbourhoods. Not only that, but you’ll see value appreciation as the area develops over time!

A lot can happen in the market over a few short months. Our recent posts will help you make more informed investments:

• How to Sell an Investment Property
• Tips For Buying Your First Home During A Changing Market
• How To Negotiate A Real Estate Contract
• Fact Vs Fiction About Working With A Real Estate Agent

It’s not a 9 to 5 job

Landlords don’t punch time clocks, and they don’t work regular hours. Some days, the job is straightforward. Others, it’s bound to be labour intensive and exhausting. It’s just the nature of the work—your responsibilities can change in a flash. For example, you might plan to swing by your property for a short visit when (unexpectedly) you encounter a tenant with a small plumbing leak. From there, you’ll need to decide whether to handle the issue personally, or call a plumber to assess the situation. Either way, addressing the problem immediately could turn your ten-minute visit into a three-hour ordeal!

Meeting your potential tenants

We’ve all heard stories about nightmare tenants. The ones who damage property, generate endless noise complaints, and (in extreme cases) stop paying rent altogether. What can you do to avoid them? Fortunately, there are a few steps landlords can take to protect themselves. Our in-house leasing expert (Justin) can review potential tenant credit reports (available through agencies like Equifax and TransUnion) along with references from employers and past landlords. Using this information, he’ll assess whether there’s any undue risk associated with renting to a particular tenant. In addition, he can set up a one-on-one meeting between the two of you to see whether you think you’ll be a good fit.

While being a landlord may be stressful at times, it will also allow you to act as your own boss—and enjoy all the personal freedom that goes along with it. Another possible reward? The relationships you may develop with your tenants. Put simply, providing a home for another human being is a true accomplishment—one you can be truly proud of!