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.

You’ve been house hunting for weeks when you come across a home that’s been listed for a couple of months. Figuring it might be overpriced, you decide to take a look regardless, and fall in love with it. You put in an offer, thinking you can get a great price for it as it’s been on the market for a while. But, just as you’re starting to think of the renovations you’ll do, or how you’ll decorate the master bedroom, your buyer’s agent calls and says there are now multiple offers on the table. You wonder where the buyers came from, as there’s been no activity for weeks.

“Having multiple offers come out of the woodwork on an older listing is a frequent occurrence,” says Jayne Woolcott, sales representative, Re/Max Escarpment Woolcott Realty Inc. “People often want what they can’t have, so as soon as they hear an offer is being placed on a home they saw a few weeks ago, they have to have it and put in a competing offer.” “The trick to succeeding in a multiple offer situation is to stay cool, calm and collected and stick to your parameters so you don’t have any regret with the situation, whether you win or lose.”

See below for Jayne’s top tips for succeeding in an offer competition:

Write Your Best Offer

In a multiple-offer situation, don’t hope for negotiation. This is the time to put your best foot forward, so offer your best price. This may include having your real estate agent conduct a Current Market Assessment, as some properties are intentionally priced lower to entice multiple offers. This means that even if you offer over list-price, it may not necessarily be over market price.

Write A Letter to the Sellers

While sellers are often dollar-oriented, a few can be swayed to look at a lower offer if there is a ‘Seller Love Letter’ included. This is a tool that buyers can use to show the sellers their affection for the property. Whether it’s sharing their dream of building a family in the home or how it’s the ideal place for the next phase in your life, it may be just the trick if the competing offers are similar.

Do a Pre-Offer Home Inspection

When buyers find themselves in competition, they often cut out conditions like home inspections to make a more attractive offer. However, without this condition, they can be opening themselves up to major issues in the future. “A pre-offer home inspection gives buyers a piece of mind as they can be made aware of any issues prior to making an offer, and don’t have to include this as a condition in their offer,” says Woolcott.

If you’re thinking of purchasing a property this summer, contact Woolcott Real Estate at 905-332-9223 for personalized advice on how to succeed in a multiple offer situation.

Working with a local real estate agent can offer many benefits. Some may be tempted to steer clear of working with a realtor to save money and handle the purchase and/or sale themselves. Although this may appear to be a great way to save some money while selling or buying a home, it can actually lead to some issues down the line and often end up costing more money and trouble than it is worth. Our experts at Woolcott Real Estate have taken some time to look closer at the benefits of working with a local realtor and the truth about not working with one.

Read on for more information. (more…)