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 They can also help you avoid wasting time on outdated listings.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.

If buying a home isn’t confusing enough, along comes a bully offer. Until 2016, a bully offer was a rare occurrence mind you, prior to this year as many as 10 offers or more on one home was also rare. More and more we are seeing a pre-determined offer date advertised in an MLS listing. This date is usually set out 5-7 days from the list date of the property. The idea behind this being the property can be marketed to as many potential buyers as possible in the hopes at least one but, ideally several offers will be available for presentation on the offer date.

In this competitive market with historically low inventory levels, a bully offer is becoming a preferred method of securing a home for some buyers. Simply put, a bully offer is an offer to purchase a property in advance of the pre-determined offer date.

For the bully offer to work there are 3 key factors:

• A bully offer is almost always full asking price or well above asking price.
• The seller has to agree to look at the offer and the set offer date is no longer applicable.
• The bully offer is almost always free of conditions (inspection/finance/insurance, etc) and is submitted with  a bank draft deposit “herewith”.

A listing agent is legally obligated to present all written offers to their client even if it is before the pre-determined presentation date and it is up to the seller whether or not they will consider it. In some cases, multiple offers may still arise as the Listing agent must make all agents who have shown the property aware of this bully offer. By setting a short window of time for the offer to be valid can sometimes force the seller to act quickly in hopes that no other buyer has an opportunity to re-act.

As a buyer, if you find the perfect home that you have been searching for and it works within your budget, there really is no downside to trying a bully offer. If the seller decides not to deal with your offer, you will only be out your time. As a seller, there are also several factors to consider. The bully offer may be the best offer you’ll get. If it is a firm offer and as much or more money than you were expecting then you are free to accept the offer. Conversely, you may still have lots of potential buyers viewing your home and lots of interest in your home. You may benefit financially by waiting until the pre-determined offer date.

Whether you’re purchasing a family home or looking to buy an income property, you’re probably looking at your next real estate purchase as an “investment”. The question is – how good an investment is it. While it’s true that real estate values tend to go up over time, some areas fair considerably better than others. Fortunately, there are identifiable factors that can help you predict whether investment in a given area is primed for growth.

Realtors on Hilton Head Island shared these 12 factors to consider when making your next real estate purchase:

1. Income growth – is the area’s income rising faster than the provincial average? That’s a good indication that people will be making upgrades to their properties and that homes will demand a higher price in the future.
2. Population growth – again, compare this to the provincial average. A rapidly growing population often means that within a few years, people will be on a quest for space, driving up property prices.
3. Job growth – More jobs means higher incomes and people moving into an area from other regions, both of which are directly related to real estate inflation.
4. More than one major employer – When an area relies on a single major employer, it is putting all of its proverbial eggs in the same basket. Should the company fail or relocate, the result is usually a depression in the real estate market as families relocate to find work.
5. Nearby real estate boom – Is there an economic boom happening in a nearby community? The benefits of that boom can often spread to surrounding areas, making real estate investment a smart choice.
6. Nearby new development – New commercial developments can attract jobs as well as visitors to the area, which can mean an economic boost for the region. The construction of a new factory, college campus, performing arts centre or sports complex might be a signal that it is time to invest in real estate.
7. An atmosphere of growth – Look at the political situation of an area. Are its municipal and provincial leaders committed to facilitating growth?
8. Strong economic development – If you want to know whether a city or region is working hard to attract investment and promote growth, give a call to their economic development office and ask a few questions about how the area is growing economically. Pay attention to how helpful and proactive they are, while keeping in mind that there is a lot of confidential information that they will not be able to share.
9. An area of renewal – Evaluate some of the older portions of an area. Are they being kept in good repair and are new companies moving in? Look to invest in areas that are being renewed rather than in places with empty storefronts and office buildings (even though sites like office space in Austin Tx getting more and more popular among tenants).
10. Transportation improvement is underway – a city that is investing in its transportation system is preparing for growth and has an eye to the future – a good sign for real estate investors!
11. Attractive to baby boomers – the baby boomers are starting to retire and looking for places to spend their money! Regions that can attract these people have a good outlook for home values.
12. Short term challenges with silver linings – Challenges such as plant closures can cause a temporary drop in real estate prices – but if you see a turnaround on the horizon, then lower prices could mean a good buying opportunity.

While no one factor can definitively predict home values in the future, a combination of factors can be a good indication of how good a given real estate investment might be. If you’d like help in analysing any of these factors for yourself, then contact Woolcott Real Estate today.

In 2014 Burlington Ontario was ranked the 5^th best city to live in the entire country, measured by MoneySense. This top-ranked city is classified as medium-sized with a population of approximately 165,000 people. Burlington real estate is very much in demand as a result.

Burlington Geography

Living in Burlington gives community members a chance to enjoy the outdoors as it is located in an ideal area near the shores of Lake Ontario and one of North America’s largest botanical gardens. The city has beautiful trails for hiking or walking along the waterfront as well as the convenience of Bronte Creek Provincial Park. The proximity of Lake Ontario also helps to reduce temperature extremes throughout warm, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Burlington’s community is made up of a variety of age groups, with 50 percent of the population falling between 20 and 54 years of age.

Your Burlington Home

Burlington offers a variety of housing options, from apartments and condominiums, to townhouses, semi-attached homes and detached homes (some right on the water).  Although Burlington is recognized as a more expensive city to live in, it offers a variety of neighbourhoods that meet the needs of many different types of people.  Some examples of Burlington neighbourhoods are Millcroft; a golf course community, Aldershot; an older community with plenty of green space, Corporate; a small community with newer homes, Mountainside; a mix of old and new homes perfect for families with children and Brant Hills; a mature neighbourhood that is also family-oriented with lots of parks and schools.

Convenient Transportation to Toronto and America

One of Burlington’s best features is their superior transportation options. Not only is Burlington located in close proximity to Highways 403, 407 and the QEW, the province’s GO train service runs through all of the major city streets for adequate transportation out of the city if one prefers not to drive. This provides excellent access to Toronto and further north, and just recently expanded westward connection to the Hamilton GO station.

Life Style in Burlington

This mid-sized city offers a variety of attractions and things to do for its citizens. Along with the Royal Botanical Gardens, there is The Burlington Art Centre and the Joseph Brant Museum. If physical activity is important to you, Burlington’s impressive facilities will cover all of your sporting needs. There are 6 pools, 12 ice pads, 6 different community centres and 9 golf courses. Burlington also hosts many community events such as the Sound of Music Festival and other festivals such as Ribfest and Lobsterfest.

The month of November has arrived and everyone knows that winter is sneaking up on us daily. This past weekend in Burlington and Oakville, we had more than just a light dusting of snow. With winter comes icy winds, heavy snowfalls, freezing temperatures and of course, rocketing energy heating bills that can make your blood run cold. However, there are a lot of techniques that homeowners can use to ensure that heating costs are managed more efficiently for keeping the house warm. By taking a few precautions before the big freeze hits, you can create a more energy-efficient home and increase its value at the same time.

Insulate Your Home:

To keep your home warmer, it’s essential that you seal up those hidden leaks. By installing proper weather-stripping and caulking, you can retain heat better and help to reduce your energy costs. Since Canadian winters can be brutally cold, Hydro One has stated that up to 40 percent of home heating loss is due to air leakage from a home. That’s a huge percentage of heat loss that can be avoided by simply sealing up all of the cracks and leaks. Make sure all of the doors and windows are properly sealed and then plug up the less obvious leaks like baseboards, light fixtures and electrical outlets. Take a peek in your attic and check for any bare spots that are not covered by insulation. Add more protection as required in order to keep you house air-sealed and warm.

Install a Programmable Thermostat:

By installing a programmable thermostat in your home, you can preset temperatures at different times of the day to avoid energy wastefulness. According to the David Suzuki Foundation, with proper use you can automatically lower your household temperature while you’re at work or sleeping and end up saving more than 10 to 20 percent on your home heating costs. You won’t notice any difference in temperature, but your bank account will certainly see the benefits when you install easy-to-use Energy Star certified products. Many models can store up to four temperatures settings in a day that allows you to choose different settings, such as a low end when sleeping or away and a higher setting when you’re at home.

Furnace Inspection & Water Heater Insulation:

With winter nipping at your heels, now is the time to have your furnace and water heater inspected to make sure they are working at peak efficiency. By getting a professional cleaning done each fall, your furnace will operate cleaner, last longer, run more economically and save you money. If you already have a water heater but your having problems with it contact repair service in McKinney, Texas. If you have a forced-air system in your house, you should change the filters at least twice each winter to improve both energy-efficiency and air quality in your home, using the EnviroKlenz UV air purifier for mold removal if required. Changing filters can save a homeowner up to 5 percent and reduce the dust in the house when it is locked up for the winter months.

Now is the perfect opportunity for you to prepare your water heater for the upcoming winter by wrapping it an insulation blanket. Most homeowners are surprised to learn that the energy it takes to heat your water on a 24/7 basis can consume up to 20 percent of your utility bill. By providing the water heater with added protection and reducing the heating element only a few degrees (140 to 120 degrees), you can save a significant amount of money on your electrical bills.

Hearth & Home:

Fireplaces are favorite amenities for homeowners because these creatures of comfort add an extra touch of architectural vitality to a house, both inside and out. Even when the fireplace is not in use, it makes a visually elegant statement in a room and adds to the value of your residence. Adding a fireplace to your home can increase your home’s value from 6 and 12 percent, which makes it a beautiful and beneficial addition as well as a financially sound investment.

Fireplaces are the best type of heating appliance and offer cozy warmth that can only be obtained by an open hearth. Fireplaces provide a cheerful place to gather with family and friends while the crackling flames dance. It’s a comfy place to relax, read a book in a favorite chair or enjoy countless other favorite indoor activities.

When harsh winter storms hit and electricity is knocked out you can still remain warm and have plenty of light. For homeowners who have a wood burning stove, there is the added benefit of being able to cook on it regardless of the outside conditions. Not only will it save you money on your utility bill by heating food on the stove, the fire will warm your home. Even if you have an open hearth fireplace, you can roast marshmallows and hot dogs on sticks.

An energy-efficient zero-clearance unit is a very effective zone heater. It uses outdoor air for combustion, has gasket doors and puts more than 70% of the heat into your living space, instead of burning it up the chimney!

Gas Fireplace Blowers:

For a gas fireplace with a fireplace blower, the majority of manufacturers claim that it will produce both radiant heat and convection heat for added comfort and warmth. They are another type of zone heating for people concerned with heating efficiency. The blower helps to reduce utility costs because comfort levels are reached quickly.

For optimum efficiency, you should plan to install a fireplace model with a blower that has a built in thermostat to regulate your fireplace and reduce energy costs. Your thermostat should be set so that you are comfortable when wearing a light sweater. Anything past that will only increase your heating bill and use more gas. Make sure you have managed the oven repair in advance, as an alternative.

Whichever style of fireplace you decide to install, a fireplace helps to make a house feel more like a home with its ambient beauty, style and warmth.

Burlington is a wonderful city to retire to.  It’s got amazing restaurants, a beautiful lake view, fantastic parks, and it’s close to several great golf courses.  As a lot of people never seem to fully retire, Burlington is also close to Toronto, making it an easy drive if you have to do the odd consulting gig, or morning office work.  However, not every neighbourhood in Burlington was created equal, which is why we’ve written a blog for the best areas in Burlington for Seniors.

Millcroft

Millcroft is a golf course community started in the 1980’s. If you are a golfer, the Millcroft Golf Course runs right through this mature neighbourhood. It’s the perfect place to retire to if you are a snowbird. The streets are well landscaped, and home prices are well above average. Most of the lots are large and rather spacious, so if you are looking for a smaller home, Millcroft might not be ideal for you.

Brant Hills

If you are a hiker, Brant Hills is the place for you as it’s just a stone’s throw away from the Bruce Trail. Brant Hills is also close to Parks, Hiking Trails, Golf Courses, Libraries, and of course lots of shopping is nearby. A wide variety of housing is available, meaning you’re bound to find the perfect house for you. There are several great parks in Brant Hills for your enjoyment like Cavendish Park, Sinclair Park, Duncaster Park and Brant Hills Park.

Maple Neighbourhood

The Maple Neighbourhood is close to the lake, making it perfect if you are a sailor. You’ll find a lot of great eateries and pubs in the Maple Neighbourhood, such as The Alex, the Dickens, and Spencer’s at the Waterfront. There is also the Mapleview Mall which makes for a great place for a weekly outing.

Tansley Woods

Tansley Woods is located in North East Burlington and has a wide variety of housing options, including condominiums and townhouses, which makes it a great community to settle down in if you are thinking of a smaller home. There are lots of great restaurants in the area, as well as the Tansley Woods community center and the Tansley Woods Park.

Roseland

Roseland is an older styled community based neighbourhood in Burlington. If you plan on spending a lot of time babysitting your grandchildren, Roseland is ideal as it is close to the Burlington Mall, as well as the Paletta Lakefront Park. With it’s tree lined streets, Roseland is a scenic neighbourhood to host your family holiday or celebratory dinners.

Finding your Perfect House in Burlington

Finding your perfect home in Burlington is easy with Woolcott’s House Listings.

When you click on the home you are interested in, we have plenty of details about the listing. If there is more information you are looking for, we are just a phone call away. If you’re not sure what neighbourhood in Burlington is best for you, feel free to call one of our Woolcott Real Estate Agents. We are experts within the Burlington Real Estate region, and it is our goal to find you the best house for you.