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!

Finding the perfect home can be stressful, especially if you have kids. It’s not just the house, condo, or townhome you choose that matters, but the neighbourhood as well. From parks and playgrounds to nearby grocery stores to an overall family-friendly vibe, there’s no shortage of factors to consider. But for most parents, local schools are near the top of the list. The good news is, here in Hamilton, there are plenty of places for your children to get a fantastic education—from kindergarten through grade 12.

If you’re looking for the right school for your kids, here are five of Hamilton’s very best options for your consideration…

1) Mountain View Junior Public School

Searching for a highly supportive educational environment for your child? Consider Mountain View Junior Public School. This Stoney Creek learning institution offers a variety of literacy and math programs, which contribute to its students’ solid academic performances. Attendees score above average on tests administered by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO), and a good deal of that success comes from the school’s balanced approach to learning. Kids get daily nutrition and exercise breaks—and when it comes to extracurriculars, they have their fair share of options!

2) Orchard Park School

If you have older kids, you might want to consider sending them to another Stoney Creek mainstay—Orchard Park School. First off, the staff here is seriously devoted to preparing students for college, university, and adult life. They offer a variety of post-secondary prep courses, along with programs to get kids ready for career paths as diverse as hospitality, robotics, and fashion. For students who need a bit of academic assistance (or just some peace and quiet), the school’s Homework Club offers a friendly workspace and free tutoring services. Given the supportiveness offered by Orchard Park teachers, we think there must be something in the water in Stoney Creek! (Forgive us, we couldn’t resist).

3) Islamic School of Hamilton

Fraser Institute school rankings are considered the most comprehensive in Canada. Last year, the organization gave the Islamic School of Hamilton an extremely impressive score of 9.9. These hallowed halls fared even better the year before, receiving a perfect 10—effectively making it the best elementary school in Ontario. In addition English language instruction, students here take Arabic and French studies. Put simply, if your child is the right fit for the Islamic School of Hamilton, they’ll receive the finest private education available.

4) Norwood Park Elementary School

With a high percentage of students who are at or above the provincial standard for reading, writing, and math, Norwood Park Elementary School is one of the best places for your children to learn the fundamentals. If you value advanced French skills, there’s yet another reason to consider this Hamilton institution. The Immersion program here is truly impressive—and the school even offers a fun annual event known as French Cafe. In one of the highlights of the year, 8th grade students serve pastries and refreshments—all the while practicing their second language!

5) Corpus Christi Catholic Elementary School

If you’re hoping to give your kids a high-quality, faith-based education, look no further than Corpus Christi Catholic Elementary School. Students here excel when it comes to the basics, such as reading and writing. Their performances are equally impressive when it comes to recreation (in particular, the volleyball and hockey teams are top-notch). But it’s the school’s family life courses that really set it apart. Rooted in Christian values, they’re part of what makes Corpus Christi so special in the eyes of Catholic parents!

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!

It’s happening. Summer is coming to an end. While it’s always a little sad to pack away the bathing suits and pull out the sweaters, let’s not forget that there’s plenty to love about fall—especially if you live in Burlington. We’re not just talking about the beautiful leaves you can see in the city, nor the warming lattes that are perfectly-crafted at Tamp Coffee. We also mean the fun-filled autumn events that make us want to get outside and explore!

If you’re looking to shake off those end-of-summer blues, check out our top five fall events in Burlington…

1) Burlington Ribfest

If you’re a fan of ribs (and really, who isn’t), Burlington Ribfest is the perfect place to start off the season right. This Labour Day weekend, strap on your bib and dig into some of the tastiest, tenderest meat you’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill festival. Not only is this Burlington gathering the largest Ribfest in Canada, it’s also one of the top 100 must-attend celebrations for 2019, according to Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO).

2) Applefest Fall Fair

The school year is starting, so why not take the kids out for an experience that will be both fun and educational. On September 22nd, Ireland House Museum will bring the past to life with captivating historical demonstrations. If history’s not your thing, you’re in luck. You’ll also find live entertainment, food trucks, an antique car show, a Kids Farm Zone, and more. It’s all part of the Applefest Fall Fair! If you attend, we can promise you one thing: you won’t run out of things to do.

3) Doors Open Burlington

On Saturday, September 28th, take a peek inside some of our city’s most interesting and culturally-significant spaces as part of Open Doors Burlington. We’re talking local heritage sites, beautiful buildings, and a ton of other places you’ve always been curious about. This year, you can check out the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Joseph Brant Museum, and the Nickel Brook Brewing Company (among other fascinating locations) for free.

4) Appleby Line Street Festival

If you’re looking for a true community celebration, check out the Appleby Line Festival. Put simply, this is the perfect place to spend a fun fall day with your neighbours. On September 29th, a section of Appleby Line will be shut down to make way for local vendors, family-friendly entertainment, and can’t-miss attractions. Grab a tasty treat from a food truck, see some antique cars on display, check out the bed race (yes, you read that right), and watch the kids play at one of the on-site bouncy castles.

5) Raise the Woof

Are you a dog lover? A comedy fanatic? We can relate. That’s why we’re so excited about Raise the Woof. Presented by the Burlington Humane Society, this gut-busting event exists for a good cause—to help local animal shelters and rescue groups. When October 19th rolls around, get a sitter for the kids and head down to the Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Centre. This is a night to grab a drink (or two), get comfortable, and enjoy a few laughs.

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!

One of our favourite things about living in Hamilton is the incredible food scene. While we’ve written about some of the city’s top eateries before, there’s a whole lot of ground we haven’t covered. Culinary hotspots are springing up all over our little corner of the world, so we thought we’d narrow our focus to one of Hamilton’s most vibrant (and foodie-friendly) communities: Waterdown. As the popularity of this scenic village has exploded, so too have the number of places to enjoy a mouth-watering meal in the area.

From old favourites to new gems, here are five Waterdown eateries to put on your “must-visit” list…

1) Kamoosh Bistro

Are you a lover of fine Italian food? Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch or a candlelit dinner, Kamoosh Bistro has you covered. Established by executive chef Koosh Kahnamoui in 2009, this Main Street North eatery has received a whole lot of fanfare. It’s not hard to see why. With its farm-fresh ingredients and from-scratch approach, Kamoosh serves up dishes that are practically bursting with flavour. Beef carpaccio, lobster ravioli, mushroom risotto—no matter what you order, one thing is certain: you won’t be disappointed.

2) Marciano’s Pasta Cafe

Next on our list, another spot devoted to perfectly-prepared Italian fare. Marciano’s Pasta Cafe is the ideal place to grab a thin-crust pizza, rich plate of pasta carbonara, or some tender veal parmigiana. The food here is flavourful and well-balanced, while the presentation is attractive without being fussy or pretentious. In other words: every fan of Italian food will feel comfortable at Marciano’s, whether it’s your pickiest relative or the date you’re hoping to impress. So the next time you’re looking for something substantial to nosh on, pop into this cozy space on Mill Street South!

3) Lord Byron Steak & Seafood House

If you enjoy good surf n’ turf—and a high-quality bottle of wine—then Lord Byron Steak & Seafood House just might become your fine dining go-to. Equipped with a fireplace and ultra-cozy wood paneling, the restaurant’s interior is as elegant as it is inviting. The service is fantastic, and having your food flambéd right in front of you is just…well, fun. If you arrive hungry, we suggest starting with the buttery escargot before moving on to something more some filling, like the prime rib, filet mignon, or king crab legs.

4) Real Burger

There’s nothing quite like a hamburger when it’s done right. We’re talking high-quality beef, grilled (and smashed) to perfection, with all your favourite toppings. That’s exactly what Real Burger delivers—and a whole lot more. This popular Waterdown eatery has something for everyone, from its tender chicken sandwich to its decadent philly cheese steak. In addition to the fantastic grub, food lovers enjoy Real Burger for its atmosphere. If you decide to dine in, you’ll enjoy stylish, modern surroundings—and some truly stunning photography, which adorns the walls.

5) Waterdown Tea House

Is afternoon tea a family tradition, or something fun you’d like to try? Either way, we know the perfect spot to have it. The recently restored Waterdown Tea House serves a wide selection of teas, along with all the staples necessary to make the occasion special. Your sandwiches, scones, and clotted cream will be presented with a level of care and attention that’s usually reserved for royalty. If you’re anything like us, you’ll also be completely charmed by your surroundings. The house where you’ll be sipping your tea dates back to the 1800s, but recent touches like polka dot wallpaper give it an air of fun.

Interested in learning more about life in Waterdown? 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!