Originally published by REP Magazine on Feb 18, 2019

Running a successful realty team requires time and dedication—expect a functional operation to take between three and five years—and Drew Woolcott of the REMAX Escarpment Woolcott Realty Inc. has some tips to share.

Woolcott Realty did 390 transactions in 2018, no small feat for 22-agent team, and Woolcott says the bedrock is hiring the right personnel.

“We do personality tests and we look for a mix of an A-type and a personality that’s highly socialized because you have to work together,” Woolcott told REP. “The main thing we look for is work ethic and personality tests don’t seem to test for that, unfortunately. A lot of it can be trial and error.”

Indeed, in any industry, choosing the right people is heuristic, but one facet firmly in the team lead’s control is system development. Woolcott Realty has strict protocols for its agents to adhere with audit trails, which measures progress in an effort to overcome shortcomings.

“There’s protocol in when one goes on a listing appointment, another one when an agent meets with a buyer, and a series of activities that have are done with lead that enters the building, and they’re audited by administration to make sure there’s compliance,” said Woolcott. “Let’s take a lead, for example, that comes in and is assigned to both listing and buying agents: It’s entered into a database and a plan is then formulated on that lead, which involves a series of follow-up calls, emails and mailings. The execution of that plan is audited periodically by an administration to ensure that those items are accomplished, and they aren’t then the lead is reassigned to an agent who will accomplish them.”

Agents’ progress is tracked through a goal-setting regimen. Whether it’s predicated on transaction number or financial target, the goal is broken down into individual steps that will help them accomplish what they have set out to.

“It could be number of calls, showings or listings, appointments, the number of offers or transactions one should be doing,” said Woolcott. “Then there are terms of accountability; there are forms each agent fills out every week that enumerates the steps they should be taking, and have taken, towards their goals and then we compare them to the steps they should have taken if there’s a gap between the two, so we can figure out where they’re going wrong and get them back on track.”

Woolcott Realty also generates leads for its team members, and it accomplishes that through various means. For starters, there’s time-tested advertising.

“We do a lot of billboard and print advertising, and we do a lot of online advertising too. The online advertising leads are incubated inside our sales department and when they get to the appointment stage, they’re handed over to an outside agent to develop them from there. Leads that call in go directly to our agents. We have a manager who works with them on a weekly basis, coaching them and keeping them on track, as well as working with them on scripts.”

Woolcott is emphatic about the importance of advertising and his firm isn’t afraid to spend.

“We do traditional newspaper advertising, and despite popular wisdom, we find that effective,” he said.  “We also do buses, bus stops, benches, and we public our own newspaper every month that’s delivered to in excess of 90,000 people by Canada Post.”

Canvassing neighbourhoods is also another time-tested method of cultivating clients, as is open houses reign supreme, but as every agent can attest, a solid database can yield bountiful fruits.

“The vast majority of our an agent’s time is spent in our database of leads and our existing clientele,” said Woolcott. “That work accounts for some 40-50% of our business. A lot of time is spent nursing and incubating those leads.”

Trying to decide between buying a spacious home and living in a great location? The good news is, you don’t have to choose.

If you’re a die-hard Torontonian, you may be hesitant to consider homes outside the limits of your beloved city. There’s a common misconception that home buyers have two options: purchase a small living space in a wonderful neighbourhood, or buy more square footage in a less desirable area. According to this line of thinking, living outside of Toronto is always a compromise. We couldn’t disagree more.

If you’re torn between a bigger house or better location, never fear. By choosing one of the vibrant communities outside of Ontario’s largest city, you can experience the best of both worlds. Here are a few reasons why you should consider expanding your search beyond Toronto’s borders.

You can maintain an exciting lifestyle

If you think life outside of Toronto is dull, think again. More and more, home buyers are viewing places like Hamilton and Burlington as viable alternatives—and for good reason. Whether you’re looking for buzzworthy restaurants, vibrant nightlife or unique shopping hotspots, these cities have you covered.

In Hamilton, grab a drink on Augusta Street, see some live music at a local venue or check out a world-class restaurant (our favourites include The French and Berkeley North). If you’re a shopper, CF Lime Ridge Mall offers 815,000 square feet of retail bliss, while the boutiques on Locke Street and James Street North are always unique. Burlington has just as much to offer—from the pitch-perfect dishes at Paradiso or Martini House to the over 150 retailers at Mapleview Centre.

It’s worth noting that communities like Dundas, Ancaster and Waterdown are just a few short minutes away from these lively city centres. They offer plenty of peace and quiet, yet they’re still incredibly close to the action.

The commute isn’t bad

When it comes to the bigger-house-or-better-location debate, commute times are one of the most important considerations. Luckily, there’s no shortage of fantastic local communities that are just a short drive from Toronto. Both Hamilton and Burlington are about an hour away (with the latter sitting just a little bit closer to the region’s megacity). Communities like Dundas and Ancaster offer similarly quick commutes. That’s pretty impressive, given that it can sometimes take just as long (if not longer) to get from one end of Toronto to the other.

To travel back and forth easily, simply take Highway 403 or Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW). You can even catch the Go Train, since there are stops in both Hamilton and Burlington.

You can get a great price

Let’s face it: for many home buyers, purchasing a house in central Toronto just isn’t an option. The GTA housing market is notoriously pricey—so much so that many home hunters can’t afford a condo, let alone a single-family home.

Burlington, Hamilton, Dundas, Ancaster and Waterdown are all very popular places to settle down. Your dollars will go further in these communities than they ever could in Toronto. That’s something to keep in mind if you’re looking for a sizeable backyard, spacious kitchen or extra guest bedroom.

So, do you need to compromise?

It’s true that some home buyers won’t ever see themselves living outside of Toronto. But as far as we’re concerned, choosing a beautiful, lively and affordable community that’s not far from the GTA is a win-win. Are you ready to explore your options?

Thinking of buying your next home in Hamilton, Burlington, or the surrounding area? We can help! Contact us to discuss your needs today.

Staging can be a major asset when selling a home.  An effective staging job will help potential buyers envision themselves living in a space.

Staging typically entails an initial consult with stagers. From this consult, they then declutter, rearrange and add or remove furniture to a space to cast a home in its best light.

As we move into more of a digital age of real estate, virtual staging is becoming an option many sales representatives offer to their clients. Although staging is definitely a must in 2019 for many homes, is virtual staging a better alternative?

Buyers Can Be Deceived

“We find that although virtual staging can be a cheaper option for sellers, it can ultimately lead to bad taste in some buyers’ mouths,” says Jayne Woolcott, sales representative with Re/Max Escarpment Woolcott Realty Inc.

“With a true stage, the pictures match what a buyer is going to see when they view the home in person,” says Woolcott. “However, when a home is virtually staged, everything from the paint colour to the flooring and light fixtures can be changed digitally, which can be a little deceptive for buyers.”

Woolcott says she also notices that rooms can look larger than they actually are, based on the scale of the ‘digital’ furniture being placed in the room.

Buyers don’t like a bait-and-switch, which virtual staging can sometimes appear as. It would be a similar situation to going to see a four-bedroom home, but upon entering, finding out that it is really a three bedroom with a small den being counted as a bedroom.

Exceed Buyer Expectations

Simply put, when something doesn’t live up to a buyer’s expectations, it disappoints. When selling a home, sellers want to ensure all potential buyers are excited upon arrival, not immediately discouraged.

That’s why Woolcott Real Estate believes in the power of staging, so much so that the team employs two-full time stagers and has a full inventory, from couches to beds, and artwork to décor, to make the best first impression to buyers both online and in-person.

Curious as to how staging can help your home when selling? Call Woolcott Real Estate at 905 689 9223 today!

If you’re thinking of moving to Burlington, you’re not alone. This welcoming city has become the perfect refuge for many former Torontonians. Home buyers are drawn to the area for its gorgeous lakefront views, close-knit sense of community and convenient location relative. In other words: there’s a good chance that deciding to move to Burlington will be easy. But locating your dream home may be a bit more complicated.

Moving to a new city always comes with challenges, and making the move to Burlington is no exception. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to find the perfect property here—and transition smoothly to life in the city.

Learn everything you need to know about moving to Burlington in our quick relocation guide…

Make a list of must-have features and amenities

It goes without saying that during the home hunt, you should focus on your basic requirements—like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you’ll need. That said, most buyers find it helpful to get a lot more specific. Is an open-concept kitchen non-negotiable? What about being close to great green space or a major supermarket? Could a small backyard make-or-break your decision to buy—and if so, what kind of square footage will you be comfortable with? Knowing exactly what your family needs will help you narrow down the number of homes you view in Burlington. Trust us, there’s no shortage of great options to choose from.

Research local neighbourhoods

Which Burlington community is perfect for you? The answer will depend on your needs, goals, and lifestyle. If you have little ones, you might want to try a neighbourhood like Mountainside, Palmer or Brant Hills. The schools, recreational opportunities and family-oriented housing in these areas make them perfect for kids. For buyers retiring in Burlington, we love Millcroft, Tansley Woods and Roseland (among others). These neighbourhoods are picturesque, and they offer an abundance of great activities for adults of all ages. Lastly, if you’re the type who likes to be at the centre of it all, you might want to consider the thriving downtown area—or a community like Corporate, which offers incredible condo-living opportunities.

Determine your budget

Your home-buying dollars will likely go a bit further in Burlington than they would in central Toronto. That said, it’s important to create a budget no matter where you’re home hunting. Knowing what you can afford means less time wasted on homes that fall outside of your price range. To start budgeting, begin with your after-tax household income. Next, subtract your ongoing monthly expenses. Consider the new costs you’ll take on in your new home, as well as any that will no longer be applicable. From there, you can figure out roughly how much you can comfortably put toward mortgage payments. Most of the major banks offer online mortgage calculators, which can be helpful.

Look into your commute

For many home buyers, Burlington’s proximity to Hamilton is a major selling point. If you work or play in this thriving port city, you’ll be thrilled to discover just how convenient it can be to get there from your new home. The drive is about ten minutes to the west. Likewise, getting to Milton or Oakville is a breeze (it takes just a few minutes to reach either destination). Depending on how much time you’re planning to spend in these areas, you might want to map out routes from the homes you’re considering in Burlington. Your real estate agent should also be able to give you an idea of how long it will take to various points in and around the city.

Find a local real estate expert

Speaking of agents, look for one who’s a Burlington expert. A professional who knows the city inside and out can help ensure that you find your perfect home in your ideal neighbourhood. They’ll have the local market expertise, community knowledge, and real estate connections to do the job right. Of course, the most important thing is that you find a professional who you’re comfortable with. When you’re interviewing agents, be sure to ask not only about their experience in Burlington but their approach to home-buying in general. The right professional will clearly lay out how the process works and answer any questions you might have.

While relocating to a new city is bound to come with challenges, being prepared can help you avoid major headaches. We hope you’ll consider taking the steps above to become a proud (and content) Burlington homeowner!

Are you ready to learn more about moving to Burlington? We have the local market knowledge and experience to help. Contact us to discuss your needs today.

One of the keys to investing in real estate is knowing where to start and where to look. If you start with the right areas, and partner with the local experts, you can build a portfolio that is better suited to your future.

The fact is that Ontario is growing, with people coming from across the globe to make their homes right here. That’s why, as an investor, you’ve likely considered some of the places where your dollar can really work for you.

Do you need to know where to invest in real estate in Ontario? Let’s give you a brief rundown of where you should be considering:

Burlington & Area

Whether it’s the crime rate, employment opportunities, home prices or public transportation, Burlington often finds itself at the top of many lists when compared to other markets in Ontario. The truth is that this area is incredibly convenient, especially for commuters heading into Toronto, and is the picture of growth as the “Golden Horseshoe” of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) grows.

Investing in Burlington is investing in a waterfront city that is putting serious work into making its mark as the destination. Close to nature, growing with numerous new businesses, and primed for development (in the form of new homes, communities, and condominiums). Burlington is here, and it’s making its mark.  

Just north of Burlington, the community of Waterdown is a great opportunity to invest in an on-the-rise location. Given its own proximity to the 403, it’s easy to see why this area is ready to break out, too. As more and more commuters seek out bedroom communities west of larger cities, newer subdivisions and developments will bolster communities like these.

The same applies for the larger community of Flamborough. While currently comprised mostly of large, and more rural, properties, this is another area that shines because of its potential and area highlights. Playing off the presence of Highway 6, with access to the cities of Guelph and the Kitchener-Waterloo corridor, the potential here is fantastic.

A lot can happen in the market over a few short months. Our recent posts will help bring you up to speed:

• Should You Wait Until the Timing is Better to Sell Your Home?
• Tips For Buying Your First Home During A Changing Market
• Should You Get A Fixed Mortgage Rate Or Variable?
• The Steepest Interest Rate Hike In Decades: Should You Be Worried?

Hamilton & Area

There’s no denying that Hamilton is growing, and the city’s hip culture and general affordability has made it ground zero for urban homebuyers. In recent years, the city’s has truly enjoyed a rare influx of buyers who are contributing their own sense of civic pride and entrepreneurial spirit to the area.

Whether it’s in the Downtown Core or on the mountain, Hamilton provides a wealth of affordable homes that are attracting buyers of all types. At the same time, the entire area is being reimagined with new buildings and pre-construction projects looking to rapidly redesign the face of the Hamilton (and the skyline, too).

If you’re thinking about where to invest in real estate in Ontario, Hamilton is a great place to start. Beyond that, though, it is also helpful to consider the other communities of Ancaster and Dundas. Whether you are looking for yourself or to make an investment, the variety of homes here (from historic homes to newer builds), make this area attractive for all sorts of reasons.

Looking for more ideas for where to invest? Check out some of our other posts:

• Hamilton vs Toronto: Which City Should You Choose?
• The Hidden Gems of Burlington You Need to Know About

Start Investing in Ontario Today 

The dedicated buyer agents at Woolcott Real Estate can help determine your goals, and the best place for you to invest. Equipped with decades in the industry, and Priority Access to numerous listings on the market (and ones about to hit the market), we can ensure that you next investment is a smart one.

Interested in learning more? Our neighbourhood price guides can give you a comprehensive view into each market, so that you can start making more informed real estate decisions today. Learn more about them by clicking here.

Is Burlington a good place to live? Burlington is our home, and as the premier team in the area, we know it best. That’s why we want to help you learn your way around, and to discover more about Burlington and what you can do to make it home.

Whether you are a first-time buyer, a young family, or even looking for something to downsize into, you’ll easily find something you can love here – and it all starts with the culture and lifestyle of this charming waterfront city.

Where do we recommend in Burlington? Here’s how you can play a day in the city to make it yours:  

Take A Stroll 

Burlington locals are super proud of the changes their waterfront has undergone over the years. Right on the shores of Lake Ontario, Spender Smith Park is a charming stretch of waterfront real estate.

Finishing off at the Brant Street Pier, tourists and locals alike both enjoy marvelling out across the water whenever they have the chance.

Stop and Smell the Roses 

On the border of Burlington and Hamilton, one of the best parts of living in Burlington is having the stunning Royal Botanical Gardens right in your own backyard.

Featuring a plethora of gardens, exhibits highlighting wildlife of all kinds, and a picturesque setting that is perfect for a picnic. The Laking Garden, especially, is a great place to catch your breath and take in nature’s bounty.

Try the Local Hotspots 

Heading back into Burlington’s charming downtown, it’s time to grab something to eat! Try some of the local fare, like the healthy food at Lettuce Love Cafe (and their renowned bowls), or the “wicked chicken” at the Coop.

Lastly, if you’re looking for lunch with a view, head to Emma’s Back Porch and Water Street Cooker for a cozy cottage-inspired interior and views stretching out across the water. Sound picturesque? That’s because it is!

Head North 

The further north you go in Burlington, you’re likely to uncover even more hidden gems that only real locals know about. There’s the king around Kerncliff Park, the family-friend City View Park, or the views way up at Mount Nemo Conservation Area.

The north end of Burlington is also peppered with unique country properties, and really gives a different perspective on real estate in this area. You might even find yourself falling in love with the winding roads and small-town feel.

Go On a Shopping Spree  

One of the best parts of living in Burlington is just how convenient everything is, which is why you need to round out your day by visiting the Burlington Power Centre.

This shopping centre is filled with all your favourites, and finds itself right at the intersection of the Highway 403 (to Toronto) and the QEW (which will take you to the United States). Grab dinner here, or whatever essentials you might need, and you’ll quickly find that Burlington truly has it all.

Trust the Local Experts

If you’re still left wondering, “is Burlington a good place to live?” We can help. Our team is specialized in the area, and is equipped with dedicated buyer agents who can help you learn more about the neighbourhoods, the homes, and what you need to know when it comes to living in this thriving city.

Reach out today for a FREE buyer’s consultation, to learn more about you want, what you need, and how we can provide the best experience to match up with both.