Across Ontario, the housing market is hot and seems to be showing no sign of cooling down. The market is so hot in places like the Golden Horseshoe and other Ontario regions that the provincial government has even recently announced that it is considering implementing a foreign buyers’ tax. As a prospective buyer or seller in the area, you may be wondering just what to make of recent housing price changes across the Golden Horseshoe. Is it a bubble, or are these prices part of a long-term trend?

Recent changes in the housing market

Housing prices across Canada have been steadily on the rise for the last several years. While this has been most notable in Toronto and Vancouver, cities within the Golden Horseshoe have seen their own spike as well. The Niagara area, for example, has seen a 17% increase over the past two years.

It is no wonder that the Golden Horseshoe is attractive to many buyers. Cities like Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara Falls and others are close enough to larger density areas like Toronto and the United States to be convenient while their prices, despite the fact that they are climbing, are considerably lower.

Add to that, the fact that the Golden Horseshoe region truly is a great place to live, and it would seem you can’t lose.

Toronto prices affecting the Horseshoe

While housing prices in the Golden Horseshoe will never rival those of Toronto, it is easy to see how Toronto prices affect prices in the Burlington and Waterdown area. This happens in two primary ways. The first is that as Toronto becomes increasingly unaffordable to many buyers, it increases demand in neighbouring communities.

The second comes from the fact that many homeowners in Toronto view the current market as an excellent selling opportunity. They are able to sell their Toronto homes for a tidy profit and move into something nicer in the Golden Horseshoe – often mortgage free.

Time to buy or sell?

No doubt about it. This is a good market for sellers. There seems to be an abundance of interested buyers out there while the number of homes going on the market remains relatively small. This helps to ensure the seller receives a good price for their home.

Buyers, on the other hand, may be wondering whether this is really a good time to get into the housing market. While some economists have used the word “bubble” to describe the current situation, the housing market doesn’t seem to be behaving that way. Rather, it has been showing steady growth indicating that despite rising prices, it is still a reasonable time to buy.

Of course just because it is a good time generally to buy or sell, it does not necessarily mean that it is a good time for you or your family. That is something that you will need to determine for yourself.

Consulting with a member of the Woolcott Team is a good first step to give you an indication of how much you might expect to get if you were to sell your current home or how much you might expect to pay if you are buying.

To find out how you might take advantage of the current market, we invite you to call Woolcott today.

A home is often the biggest asset a person can have and if you are thinking of selling, you definitely want to capitalize on all of the opportunities to net the most possible on your sale. One of the most common questions is “What home improvements can you make to your home to increase its value?”

Kitchen and bathroom remodels continue to be two of the best investments you can make in your house. New home builders are continuing to splurge on these rooms making them sexier than ever. When buyers are shopping around that’s what they want in a resale home too. Both kitchen and bathroom renovations can net an average return rate of 75% to 100%.

Still, new kitchens and baths lose some of their glamour if there is water in the basement when a potential buyer comes to look at your house. Every homeowner’s first priority should be keeping the existing structure sound.  Spending money on maintenance aspects of the home is certainly not sexy but, most buyers have a limit on what they can spend on a house. Items such as replacing roof shingles, new windows and doors, and new heating and air conditioning systems have shown to provide a rate of return of over 50% and up to 80%. Buyers would prefer to resolve those items first, and get the luxuries later.

Even in this hot housing market the old adage remains true – if the buyer drives by your home and is not impressed, they won’t bother to come inside. If you are spending money on your property, it very important to make sure curb appeal is strong. While some of the rates of returns on outdoor improvements are not as high as some of those you can do inside they should strongly be considered. Landscaping, driveways and fencing can offer up to a 50% average rate of return. Remember, some of the improvements you can do to add to your home’s curb appeal don’t have to be all that expensive – it just requires some good old grunt work. Removing unsightly weeds, raking leaves, pruning existing shrubs and painting a front door can make a huge step to improving the buyer’s first impression.

If you would like to learn more about the average rate of return on home investments please contact Drew and Jayne Woolcott at 905-689-9223 or download their free home improvement guide.

By: Tina Roberts

People that know me, say that I am in the Business of Moving-literally! I have moved 17 times in my life, and I have all the tips to save you time and money on closing day. The most important tip was given to me by the Johnnie T Melia Moving Company and it is to call your Mortgage Broker to qualify for Bridge Financing. You can stagger the closing dates so that you are not moving on the same day that the other homeowners are moving out. This will ensure a more relaxed move. Here are some additional tips!

1. Buy and Sell with Woolcott Real Estate and use our Moving Truck (Terms & Conditions Apply). You will have to hire 3 movers separately but the major cost is usually the truck.
2. Start packing as soon as you know you’re moving. With Woolcott, we supply you with some moving boxes, at no charge, as well as a Moving Checklist. Start with going room to room and packing the items you will not need until after you move.
3. Purge, purge, purge! If you have not used the item in the past year, you may not really need it. Don’t pay to move what you don’t need. There are tons of buy & sell groups online that will pick up your items for sale or you can give them away for free. Garage Sales, Value Village, Shelters or Donation Centres appreciate anything they get. It feels great too!
4. Shop around! If you plan on hiring a moving company, get 3 quotes and ask for references of some clients who have recently moved. Make sure you interview in the very early stages of your move because you will have the greater chance of them being available on moving day. Friday’s and end of the month are the busiest and most common day for moving. Some companies have cheaper rates for Monday-Thursday moves.
5. If you are moving from an Apartment or moving to one, book the service elevator in advance. There is nothing worse than not having an elevator on moving day. Some buildings will not allow you to use the stairs or the regular elevator due to fire hazards. It almost happened to me…Don’t get stuck in this situation. Trust me!
6. When packing the boxes, try labelling the box by the room it goes in. Then have it numbered. Have a journal handy that states all the contents of “Box 1”. This tip has saved me so many times when I need to find something after it has been packed.
7. A few years ago, I came across a service that had 2 people come to your home and pack for you. I used them in 2 of my moves and they were very organized and fast! They are paid by the hour. I would highly recommend this for seniors!
8. On the day of the move, start early. Late starts can affect the movers and they will charge overtime.
9. Be ready when the movers arrive. Ensure that all small items are packed up and everything is unplugged. Use bins so that you can add or take out items as needed. Pick up bins whenever they are on sale before the move!
10. Have the cars packed up with small items (especially plants) or items you will need right away so they won’t be in the way of the movers. Ensure the cars are not in the driveway on moving day. The movers will need to park there and if they have to wait, you are already starting your day late. If you know they will need room on the road, make sure it’s available for them.
11. If you’re moving in winter, ensure walkways and driveways are clear of ice and sufficiently salted to avoid any accidents.
12. Disconnect all appliances and ensure hoses have been emptied to avoid leaks and soiling.
13. Save some time by having all yard equipment closer to the front. Either in the garage or on the sides of the home.
14. To save more time, place all bins/boxes from the basement up to the garage or main floor of the home.
15. Disassemble large items and place all little pieces in ziplock bags/containers taped to the item. This includes all the beds in the home.
16. Take the legs off large tables and strap together.
17. Try to have the main door for moving taken off its hinges.
18. Take a few minutes to go through the house with the movers to discuss what is being moved and any furniture of concern.
19. Be available to answer all questions for the movers for the whole day. Otherwise, good luck finding everything and risk of re-moving items throughout the house is your next challenge.
20. If you have young children, this is when you need a babysitter or to call on family for help. This is a very stressful day all around and I am sure they would rather have a day of fun!
21. Check the house thoroughly before leaving. Once the movers close up the truck, they move on.
22. Ensure someone is at the new house to greet and direct the movers. Nothing worse for movers, than waiting to do the work or not know where to put your items. If they have to rush to make up time, things can go wrong.
23. Use wardrobe cartons and luggage to pack up your clothes.

In short, don’t wait until the last minute-be organized. Ask family and friends for help with packing/unpacking. Hire a professional to clean the home & shampoo the carpets in both the home you’re leaving and the one you are moving to. Lastly, if you list with Woolcott Real Estate, you will want to “Pack Before You Call”!

Tina Roberts is a Sales Representative with RE/MAX Escarpment Woolcott Realty Imc., Brokerage.  She has been selling real estate in this area since 1997, and is an accomplished Member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame. Tina is very experienced in Residential Sales and offers specialized knowledge from Starter Home to the Forever Home. 

By: Paul Roussel

With the internet at our fingertips, we have the luxury to educate ourselves on almost anything we want. “How do I make Beef Wellington?” “How do I change the oil in my car?” “What’s this weird bump on my arm?”

Many homeowners are turning to the internet for advice and direction on selling their home privately. Rightfully so! There are many great websites & blogs filled with content on how to sell your home without a licensed Realtor. If you’re up to the challenge of selling your home privately, give it a shot but here’s the caveat:

“You Get What You Pay For”……or what you save on commission.

Here’s my guide to Selling Your Home Privately.

1. Prepare Your Home For Sale. Staged homes are proven to sell quicker and for more money than homes with no staging. Hire a staging professional to transform your house into a showroom beauty. Be aware that staging costs can add up quickly as furniture is rented by the piece on a monthly basis.
2.  Photograph Your Home. Pictures tell a thousand words and if your listing pictures stink, your home will not catch a buyer’s attention. Hire an experienced photographer.
3. Study Your Neighbourhood. Decide on a listing price based on similar properties that have sold in your area. The general public does not have access to this information so you will have to contact a member of the local real estate board.
4. Choose a Listing Service. Listing your home on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) will vary from a few hundred bucks, to a few thousand. This fee is paid upfront regardless if your home sells. Be careful which company you choose -some listing companies only list your property on the Toronto Real Estate Board, therefore your listing will not be exposed to local agents and their buyers.
5. Coordinate Buyer Showings. All sorts of buyers will be contacting you -from the tire kickers to the savvy Toronto investors. You will have to set up showing times around your schedule or you can install a lockbox and let strangers into your home while you’re at work.
6. Co-operate With Realtors. Since buyers do not pay any commission, it’s rare to deal with a buyer who is not represented by a Realtor. Buyers will hire a professional to protect their interests and you can expect to pay them up to 2.5% commission or else they will not show your home. Sounds unfair? Not really. Realtors have been working with their buyers for weeks or months or maybe years before they decide to purchase a house. 2.5% commission in the grand scheme is not excessive.
7. Full Disclosure. What you say and often what you don’t say can lead to lawsuits. As a homeowner, you are obligated to disclose any material latent defects in your home prior to negotiating an offer. Hire a lawyer and discuss any known issues with your home to determine if disclosure must be made to a potential buyer.
8. Negotiate Your Sale. This is it. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. A buyer has a signed offer for you. If the buyer is not represented by an agent, you can go at it head-to-head for an all out blood bath. If the person sitting across from you at the kitchen table is a Realtor, hold onto your hat and keep your cards close to your chest.
9. Complete The Paperwork. Usually a buyer or their representative will bring you a written offer on an “Agreement of Purchase & Sale”. Ensure the offer is fully completed and outlines such things as: inclusions, exclusions, rental items, conditions & clauses. If the buyer does not submit an offer, have your lawyer draw one up (at a cost to you).
10. Don’t Forget. There’s a reason why huge corporations spend millions on advertising -it works. Exposing your listing on the MLS helps but it’s certainly not the be-all end-all. Spend some money to get the most exposure you can afford. Oh, and don’t forget to install the “For Sale” sign into the frozen ground when it’s -8˚ outside.

Selling your home privately can be a rewarding experience. You can potentially save yourself a few thousand dollars but on the other hand, it could be a stress-filled nightmare due to the lack of your experience. “I tried to fix my car once by watching a youtube video….now I know the value of an experienced mechanic.”

Paul Roussel is an experienced listing representative with Re/Max Escarpment Woolcott Realty. He has been successfully selling homes in the Hamilton/Burlington area since 2011. Paul lives with his wife and two kids in Burlington and enjoys long walks on the beach.

Let’s consider that you have sold your home, and your move is going to take place right in the middle of winter in Southern Ontario. While winter means freezing temperatures and plenty of snow to make the process challenging, we offer several tips we’ve learned from experienced movers to help your winter move go smoothly:

1. Confirm details with your movers.

Moving in winter can be smart because it is considered the off time for moving companies. You should have a wider range of dates available to choose among, but be sure to check with your movers at least one week before the move because winter weather can be unpredictable. If you’re concerned that nasty incoming weather is going to hinder your move, call the moving company and discuss a delay if possible.

2. Cover your floors.

With all the slush and dirt that winter brings, make sure your house stays clean by protecting your carpet and hardwood floors while people are tromping in and out. If your movers do not supply floor coverings, purchase a couple of tarps from the nearest hardware store and lay floor mats down at every outside door.

3. Turn the heat off.

Remember to turn the heat down while the move is taking place because with people going in and out of the house all day as your furnace will be working hard to try to heat the house. All of that warm air will go straight out the door, causing your heating bill to rise.

4. Heat your bathroom.

If you do decide to turn the heat off in the house, run a space heater in the main floor bathroom and keep that door closed. This location will provide you with some much needed warmth when you need to freshen up.

5. Board your pets.

Now is not the time to have your dogs underfoot while the movers are trying to get your belongings out of the house. Check with your local boarders and make arrangements for your four footed friends to have a warm, cozy place to stay a day before and while the move is taking place.

6. Clear the sidewalks and driveways.

Be sure to shovel and salt the walkways and/or driveway so the movers will be safe. You don’t want anyone slipping and falling, or pulling a muscle, especially when it’s preventable.

7. Check the utilities at the new house.

There is nothing worse than moving into your new home with no heat and lights during a winter move. Contact the utilities well in advance to make sure that everything is turned on and working before you start moving.

8. Keep winter clothing with you.

Make sure that you keep some extra clothing layers, like coats, snow boots, hats, gloves, scarves, and blankets in the car. You never know when the extra layers will come in handy.

Finally:

Moving in the winter months doesn’t have to be as hard if you have a little forethought and consideration for all the people involved. You can still make it the best day despite the winter weather.

When you work with Woolcott, we’ll make certain that you are prepared for your move no matter what season you buy or sell your home. With locations in Burlington, Waterdown and Dundas Ontario, our team of professionals are ready to serve you.

If you are buying or selling your home, you may be tempted to forego paying a commission to a real estate agent and instead, opt to complete your real estate transaction on your own. However, this may not be the best route to take.

Especially in today’s highly competitive market, you need a specialist who is well versed with the real estate industry. You trust so many other specialists to do a job well – like the mechanic who oils your car, or the dentist who cleans your teeth – why entrust anyone other than a good Realtor to be involved in the major financial and emotional undertaking of buying/selling your home?

Specialists in Real Estate Transactions

When selling or buying a home, you need a Realtor – someone who is a specialist in completing real estate transactions. Like any other specialist in your life, they are educated and certified in their industry. In Canada, the agent must be a member of The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), which ensures the individual meets certain expectations and remains committed to a standard of conduct. This standard of conduct ensures that you will be provided with quality service, including ethical treatment and honesty regarding all transaction-related matters.

Insider Knowledge about the Industry

Realtors are professionals who are committed to remaining knowledgeable on current market trends. They are an invaluable information resource, which can enable you to make educated decisions. As a member of CREA, Realtors must complete regular professional development so that they always have a high level of current market knowledge. Real estate laws and regulations change, and as a buyer/seller, you want someone who has up-to-date experience.

Realtors have an expanded search power including industry contacts, which enables them to find properties that may not be advertised. They can also help you avoid wasting time on outdated listings.

Experts at What They Do

Not everyone is a good negotiator, and sometimes it’s difficult to keep financial transactions from getting personal. However, choosing to work with a Realtor to buy or sell your home will ensure that the real estate transaction remains professional.

Realtors Can Help Eliminate Stress

Having a Realtor take care of all the contract details for you will eliminate stress from filling out countless forms, reports, disclosures and other technical paperwork. Realtors will ensure that a purchase agreement is created that allows enough time for inspections before the sale is completed. As experts in their field, Realtors are well-versed in technical jargon that may be unfamiliar to you.

Keep these tips in mind to help you select the right real estate professional:

• Ensure the person you select is someone you trust, who listens and respects your views and is someone you feel comfortable working with.
• Make sure they are knowledgeable and know the current real estate market conditions.
• Don’t be afraid to ask them about their experience and past results.
• Choose someone with a good reputation. Talk to friends, family and colleagues.

Partner with the Woolcott Group to Buy/Sell Your Home!

The Realtors at the Woolcott Group will expertly handle your real estate transaction. Contact us today to find out more about our services.