Selling a home can be emotionally difficult. There is so much background work to do and moving parts to deal with that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed right from the beginning. When the home isn’t your own, these challenges rise to a whole new level.

When an older parent or relative becomes ill or suddenly passes, you want to take time to heal and be with your family. Attending to the details of a real estate transaction is likely the last thing you want to deal with. As difficult as the process can be, selling the home is often the best step to help your family move forward. In this post, we’ll provide you with some valuable guidance to help you through the process as seamlessly as possible.

Plan for the Long Term

Drew Woolcottt, our broker of record at Re/Max Escarpment Woolcott Realty Inc, reports that “Selling a home suddenly for an elderly parent can be very tough on clients. When you’re not prepared in advance, it can be tough for all involved.”

There are a number of important and crucial items to keep in mind to ensure the property’s best interests are kept intact during the sale and that emotions don’t override these decisions. Planning as many details in advance will not just make the process easier, but also faster, less painful, and even more profitable.

Will you need to be a Power of Attorney or Executor before selling your parent’s home? Learn more in Selling a Home for Someone Else? Here’s What You Need to Know.

Ensure Wills Are in Place

The loss of a family member is hard enough. With no Will in place to provide clear instructions, it can be even worse. It’s not just family conflict, but probate will also take longer. In the end, more of your loved one’s financial resources could end up with the courts instead of their beneficiaries.

The best way to protect your loved ones is for everyone in the family who has assets or owns property to have an updated and clear Will. Woolcott Real Estate recommends speaking to a lawyer who specializes in estate planning to help guide you through the process.

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If you or your parents have been out of the real estate market for a long time, the posts below will help you be a more educated seller:

• What’s in Your Listing Agreement?
• What Real Estate Lawyers Do
• How To Negotiate A Real Estate Contract

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Contact the Bank or Mortgage Holder

Since many people don’t intend to suddenly sell the home, mortgage penalties may be the last thing on your mind. An unexpected sale can change all of that. Often, there may be extra costs when breaking a mortgage early.

Sit down with your parent’s mortgage broker or bank to determine how much they still owe, and what, if any, penalties you may face. This might also be something to negotiate next time the mortgage comes up for renewal!

Keep Account Numbers in One Place

One of the most difficult challenges when someone suddenly gets too ill to manage their affairs or passes away is to find all of the account numbers associated with everything. When selling the home for someone else, you’ll need access to financial documents and all utilities to be able to close the transaction.

Your loved one can help right now by making a list of everything and keeping it all in one place. This will also help to manage any unexpected costs and ensure a smooth closing.

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Are you ready to list your parents’ home? The posts below will help you to prepare to dazzle potential buyers:

• A Back to Basics Guide to Maximizing Your Sale
• Worth It or Not? What Renovations Really Help When Selling Your Home
• Our Full-Service Real Estate Team’s Guide to Marketing Your Home

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Declutter the Home

Cleaning out your loved one’s belongings is another emotional challenge. It’s hard if they are still living and moving to an assisted living facility. If they have passed away, the emotions are even more raw.

That said, you’ll need the home to be clean and show-worthy if you want a successful sale. Fortunately, help is available. Your friends and family members may be able to chip in. If the task really gets to be too much, a professional cleaner can take over and have the house looking beautiful before you know it.

Do you need extra care and guidance when selling a family member’s home? Our top Hamilton and Burlington real estate agents have worked with countless families who have had to sell unexpectedly. Reach out to us here or call 905-332-9223 for more information.

Are your parents having trouble getting around their house? Do you worry that one of them might fall or have an accident? Perhaps they’re finding it more difficult to perform day-to-day chores. Though this is something many of us hope to never face, the time may come when it’s our turn to help our parents make a positive change.

Your mom and dad may benefit from downsizing from their large family home. Moving into a smaller space can provide them with a safer, lower-maintenance lifestyle—and help ensure that their retirement dollars go further. That said, having “the talk” will likely be nerve-racking. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to make it easier.

Here are five tips for having a successful downsizing talk with your parents.

Ease Into It

Nobody wants to be told what to do, even when in their heart of hearts, they know it’s the right step. This is especially when it comes to a life-changing decision. Fortunately, you can bring up the idea of downsizing without coming across as forceful. The key is to introduce the idea slowly.

If you’ve noticed that your parents aren’t taking care of their home like they used to, you can mention it—gently. There’s nothing wrong with noting how big the house is, and how much time it must take to maintain it. If there are entire rooms that they haven’t used for anything but storage, that’s also worth mention. When you’re ready to address the need to downsize directly, your past talks will likely make mom and dad more receptive to the idea.

Offer to Help

If your parents have been in their house for many years, it may be especially difficult for them to think about moving. They have many years and memories invested here, and it’s hard to imagine anywhere else feeling like “home.” That’s why it’s so important to honour the time they’ve spent there. Start by looking at old photographs and talking about shared experiences.

From there, you can start to tackle the decluttering process. Even if your parents are in no rush to put their home on the market, you can help them take the first steps by decluttering as a family. You may be surprised by how much fun it is to spend a weekend finding hidden treasures in closets and drawers. And a house that is clean, organized, and clutter free can feel completely new!

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Selling a house for someone else can be the most challenging of all real estate transactions. The valuable resources below can help:

• How Do You Sell the House of Your Loved One?
• What Resources Are Available When Selling a Family Member’s House?
• Do I Really Have to Update My Home Before Selling It?

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Present Multiple Options

Before you sit down to have the talk, do your research. Look for appropriate townhomes, condos, or assisted living communities in the area. You’ll want to keep an eye out for places that offer advantages their house doesn’t—like a location they might like better. A local real estate agent can help you do some comparison shopping.

When it’s time to discuss available options, don’t bombard your parents with information. Tell them you wanted to get a sense of what’s out there, and let them know that you’d love to share what you’ve discovered.

Downsizing can be a positive experience when your parents have something to look forward to. To learn more, read Should You Sell Your Home and Become a Snowbird?

Highlight the Positive

While downsizing can be painful, it usually comes with some pretty significant benefits. If your parents move to a condo, there will be no more shovelling snow or raking leaves. If the place they choose is affordable, it will mean more money to spend on travel and other experiences they might enjoy. Be sure to highlight these advantages when you talk.

The truth is, routine can make it difficult to imagine living differently. When you’re talking to your parents about downsizing, get them to think about a new (and exciting) lifestyle. It could go a long way towards getting them on board.

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Achieving the best results when selling the family home can help your parents live comfortably in retirement. The posts below can help:

• 8 Important Things to Remember When Selling Your Home
• Worth It or Not? What Renovations Really Help When Selling Your Home
• The Power of Staging When Selling Your Home

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Make a Plan

The more prepared you are, the more likely it is that your discussion will go well. If you have siblings, you may want to gather them together to make sure you’re all on the same page. Whether you want to approach your parents as a group or you’re simply looking to coordinate logistics, this is the time to do it.

One of the most important steps you’ll want to take is thinking through the objections your parents might raise, and getting ready to respond. While having the downsizing talk probably won’t be easy, ensuring you’re prepared will set you up for success. All it takes is some research, forethought, and careful planning!

Ready to start exploring your parents’ downsizing options? Get in touch—we’d love to help them find the perfect smaller space! Reach out today or call 905-332-9223 to connect with our office.

The real estate market has changed drastically over the last few years. It’s hard to believe there was ever a time when people bought and sold houses without using the Internet! Now, more than 90 per cent of home searches begin online.

High quality photos are no longer “nice to have;” they are an absolute must. Another result of the end user having direct access to online listings is how much faster everything moves. It means these spectacular, eye-catching images need to be ready before your house is even listed. In this post, we’ll dive into how you can make your listing stand out in a crowded market and make the most of your sale.

An accurate price point is essential when selling your home, and a free home evaluation is a great way to start. Book yours today right here.

The Value of First Impressions

Unfortunately, quality photos are often the first thing on the chopping block by sellers who are hoping to save money. It’s easy to understand the temptation. Why pay for a photographer when you can just take pictures with your smartphone? You would also save a lot of time since you wouldn’t have to book and prepare for an appointment.

But remember that online images are an integral piece of the home buying process, and this is one place you don’t want to skimp out. Photos create a large part of the first impression a buyer has when viewing homes online. They are the difference between whether a buyer decides to take the next step and visit your home in person or just click “next.”

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Are you facing a particularly unique challenge when selling your home? The resources below can help:

• Can You Successfully Sell a House With a Stigma?
• How to Sell Your Home After a Divorce
• Why Sellers Hesitate to List Their Homes for Sale

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DIY or Professional Photos?

The problem with using cell phone pictures is they often turn out grainy, which no longer makes the cut during a competitive market. But what if you or a friend are talented in photography and well known for your spectacular images? The pictures from your last vacation might make anyone viewing them feel as though they are right there in person. And the scenery in your images might be absolutely breathtaking.

However, there’s a difference between fantastic pictures and real estate photography. Your images don’t need to just look sharp; they need to showcase the house in the most ideal lighting from the perfect vantage points. This is a fine art that many real estate photographers have specifically trained for.

Woolcott Real Estate believes that magazine-quality photos are so important that we have an in-house photographer and videographer to help our sellers put their foot forward. Superb photos combined with beautiful staging helps to generate excitement about your home the minute your listing becomes active.

How Listing Photos Maximize Exposure

When a buyer starts searching for a new home, they usually turn to the MLS® and Realtor.ca. When a new listing goes up, it is emailed to buyers who have set criteria up that match that listing. Depending on the market and the amount of available inventory, countless listings can pop up.

At this point, photos are just a given. Being the one listing without images can really hurt your chances as a seller. Remember that text is also limited, so you typically can’t describe your property and all of its benefits in full detail. Some property websites won’t even allow a listing without photos, which can be a missed opportunity to reach potential buyers.

The old adage about a picture being worth a thousand words is true when it comes to the MLS®! In addition, listings without photos aren’t shared nearly as often, which can drastically reduce your exposure. With buyers savvier than ever, making a fantastic first impression is no longer a luxury.

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Before taking photos, first make sure your house looks show worthy! The posts below will help you make that all important first impression:

• The Power of Staging When Selling Your Home
• Does Curb Appeal Still Matter When Selling A House Today?
• Minor Upgrades, Maximum Results

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An Essential Part of Your Home Selling Strategy

As critical as images are, they are just one part of a well-thought-out strategy. These photos should capture the best highlights of your home and inspire potential buyers to imagine themselves living there.

This begins with presenting your home in its best possible light to begin with. Quality photos don’t help if they showcase a messy front foyer, dying flowers in the garden, or old, peeling paint. The trick is to turn your house into an eye-catching showstopper, then arrange for the photography.

From there, magazine-quality photos are part of your marketing plan. They’re what get the attention of potential buyers in the first place when they start browsing online. And beautiful feature sheets can keep buyers interested after an in person visit. As part of your strategy, professional photos and videos can help sell your home faster while maximizing your profits!

To learn more about how to make the most of your sale, get in touch with our top Hamilton and Burlington agents today. Connect with us here or call our offices at 905-332-9223 to get started.

 

The current value of your home is nearly always at the top of your mind when you begin to think about selling. It doesn’t matter if your big move is imminent or a few years down the line. Knowing what your property is worth informs your entire selling strategy, from setting a competitive price to knowing what upgrades to make and how to reach your most likely buyer..

Unfortunately, it can also be pretty challenging to get a handle of the monetary value of your home in today’s topsy-turvy market. One minute everything is up and prices are rising by the minute; the next, we are at a stand still. In addition, it can be disheartening if you had a home evaluation months ago during a hot market and values have since dropped.

All the same, a clear and accurate picture is essential if you want to achieve the best possible results from your sale. In this post, we’ll give you a few insider tips and resources so you can enter the market at a premium price point that generates maximum interest and exposure.

Timing Is Everything

Though we never suggest trying to time the market when buying or selling a home, it’s essential to understand the current scenario. As we mentioned earlier, you should never enter today’s market with yesterday’s information.

If you had a home evaluation six months ago, your best course of action is to disregard it completely. Conditions change rapidly in the current landscape. A new and updated evaluation taking the most recent updates into account will give you the best foundation to build your strategy upon.

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Looking for even more ideas to come out ahead when selling your house? Here is some related reading that can help:

• Selling Your House in Hamilton? Here’s How to Make the Most of It
• 8 Important Things to Remember When Selling Your Home
• Why Home Sellers Need to Think More Like Buyers

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What Is a Pre-Home Evaluation?

So far, we’ve talked about home evaluations – not pre-home evaluations. What’s the difference? If you Google “pre-home evaluation”, you won’t find many websites pop up with a clear answer. That’s because it’s a specialized service that Woolcott Real Estate provides to go a step above and beyond for our clients. Here’s the difference.

A home evaluation is a standard service where a real estate agent comes out and assesses your house, taking into account its age, condition, size and location, among other factors. They will also consider recent statistics about how your home compares to others that have recently sold in your neighbourhood. When your plan is solid and imminent, a home evaluation makes perfect sense. However, few life-changing decisions (like selling your house) are set in stone.

If you’re curious about home evaluations and what they mean, check out What’s Your House Really Worth?

Keeping the Long Term in Mind

That’s where our pre-home evaluation service comes in. Market conditions can change as quickly as the weather. A pre-home evaluation provides an assessment of the long-term value of your home independent of minor fluctuations. It’s an ideal step if selling is on your mind but you’re not 100% certain whether you will move at all.

Though the market fluctuates, most attributes of your home will not. You can make improvements over time. However, the square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms and location of your house will not change overnight. These long-term factors are what we use during the pre-home evaluation process.

A pre-home evaluation isn’t the only service we provide to our clients. Woolcott Real Estate also offers complimentary staging. Learn more in The Power of Staging When Selling Your Home.

Value Beyond Selling

Many people will opt to get a home evaluation just before they sell to get an idea of what they’d be able to purchase next. However, what they don’t realize is how the information from a pre-home evaluation can help you make sound financial decisions.

Remember that your home is much more than the roof over your head and where you create precious, lifelong memories. It’s a significant financial asset. Even if you don’t plan to sell immediately, you can still consider the value of your home as part of your net worth and purchasing power. Whether you plan to borrow money to remodel your kitchen or take out a home equity loan, the value of your property is a determining factor in your budgeting.

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Looking for advice for an exceptionally challenging selling situation? The posts below might cover it:

• Can You Successfully Sell a House With a Stigma?
• How to Sell Your Home After a Divorce
• Can You Sell a House When You Have Tenants?

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Your Next Steps

As Drew Woolcott, broker of record, Re/Max Escarpment Woolcott Realty Inc puts it:

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“A pre-home evaluation is a service Woolcott Real Estate provides for those that aren’t looking to sell right now, but perhaps down the road. Whether you’re thinking a cottage purchase is on the horizon or simply know that in a few years you’ll want to move somewhere with more space, knowing what your home is worth right now will help you determine how much to save and what’s financially viable.”

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The Woolcott Real Estate Team also consults on which improvements or renovations can net more dollars, and can even have their in-house stagers come in for a pre-staging consultation to share ideas on how to get ready when the time comes to actually sell. Whatever the market is doing, we will spare no effort to ensure you earn the maximum return by making your home stand head and shoulders above competing listings.

A pre-home evaluation is a free, no-obligation service that Woolcott Real Estate provides! Reach out to us right here or call 905-332-9223 to learn more.

Attention coffee lovers!! We have sourced 3 of the best places in Burlington to get your morning cup.

Whether your favourite thing about coffee shops is the kick of caffeine, the sweet treat for an accompaniment, or a gorgeous environment to start your morning, one of these places is sure to be perfect for you!

Peach Coffee Co.

Peach Coffee Co. has 4 locations, so you will always have easy access to their delicious menu items! You can find them in Aldershot, Roseland, Bronte and Waterdown.

The company was founded on the principles of delivering specialty coffee + delicious baked goods to their community. They also wanted to try to create a positive, welcoming environment for the community to reconnect after the COVID-19 pandemic. The warm atmosphere has been carefully designed to create an environment that is perfect for relaxing or catching up with friends

Peach Coffee Co. truly goes above and beyond, not only for their customers but for their community as well. They support local businesses and artisans, host community events and try to participate in initiatives as much as they can.

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Curious about what to do in Burlington? Read these posts next:

• 5 Things You Need to Know if You’re Moving to Burlington
• The Hidden Gems of Burlington You Need to Know About
• Burlington Community Guide

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Tamp Coffee Co.

With two locations in the Burlington area, you have no excuse not to try Tamp Coffee Co!

Their coffee is roasted locally in the Greater Toronto Area. Their strategic partnerships not only ensure the best quality of coffee in the shop, but also allow their customers to enjoy the same coffee from the comfort of their own homes! The food menu at Tamp Coffee Co. has been carefully selected to compliment their signature drinks to make sure that your experience is perfect.

Don’t forget to check out their gorgeous patios this summer. They make for the perfect place to sit down and do some work or meet up with your friends and soak up the sun!

Spiritual Espresso

Spiritual Espresso is committed to serving quality coffee and making sure their customers have an amazing experience in their shop. Their social media page on Instagram educates the public about different types of coffee and drinks. They also post videos on how to make some of their most popular drinks so you can try them from the comfort of your own home!

Some of the management at Spiritual Espresso are also chefs, so they make all their syrups, concentrates, and compotes in house, ensuring they are always fresh and always delicious! The staff are constantly coming up with new menu items, meaning there will always be something on the menu for all different types of tastes.

Are you planning to buy or sell in Burlington this year? We can help! Give us a call directly at 905-332-9223 or get in touch here.

Looking for the perfect date night restaurant? Hamilton’s dining scene has got you covered!

Hamilton is a city that knows how to blend charm with flavour, making it the perfect setting for a memorable date night. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just enjoying a night out, we have curated a list of our tried and true top 5 restaurants that offer the perfect blend of ambiance, flavour and romance.

Keep reading to find your forever date spot…

Rapscallion & Co.

 Located on James St. North, Rapscallion & Co. has a terrific, unique atmosphere that anyone dining in Hamilton must experience! The meals are the perfect balance of creativity and perfection… not to mention the gorgeous presentation.

The service experience at Rapscallion is unmatchable, the servers are very friendly and professional. One of the most underrated things in a restaurant is timing, which Rapscallion has down to a tee! Whether you want to hang out and have a slow meal, or you have plans after your date, Rapscallion will make it the perfect experience for you!

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Learn more about living in Hamilton with these posts next:

• Hamilton Community Guide
• Your Complete Guide to Central Hamilton

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The French

This charming restaurant effortlessly blends elegant French cuisine with a warm, intimate ambiance, making it an ideal setting for a romantic evening. The spacious dining area and the beautifully designed, comfortable bar seating create a cozy yet sophisticated environment perfect for enjoying a special night out.

The menu is thoughtfully curated to accommodate a variety of dietary preferences, ensuring that whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, you’ll find delicious options tailored to your needs. This welcoming approach, combined with their refined dishes and attentive service, guarantees a dining experience that is both delightful and inclusive.

Noir Kitchen & Lounge

Noir Hamilton stands out with its exceptional wine selection and masterfully crafted cocktails, making it a standout choice for an unforgettable night out. As one of the latest additions to the dining scene, this stylish venue on Locke Street is a must-visit for a memorable experience with your loved one.

Whether you’re a fan of impeccably fresh seafood or perfectly prepared meat dishes, Noir Hamilton has something to satisfy your taste buds. The elevated dining experience, combined with a chic atmosphere and top-notch service, ensures a night you won’t soon forget. Don’t miss out—make sure to book your reservation right away to enjoy all that this exciting new spot has to offer!

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Curious about the Hamilton real estate market? Read these next:

• Why Now is a Great Time to Sell Your Home in Hamilton
• 5 Things to Know About Hamilton Real Estate

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Le Tambour Tavern

This Parisian-inspired gem in Hamilton is sure to create an unforgettable date night experience! The restaurant boasts an elegant ambiance with its soaring ceilings, exquisite woodwork, and charming exposed brick walls, all combining to set a truly romantic scene.

What could be more enchanting than sharing a delectable meal with your special someone? Le Tambour Tavern has thoughtfully curated a menu with delightful options designed for two, ensuring that your dining experience is as intimate and enjoyable as it is memorable. Whether you’re toasting over a beautifully crafted dish or simply soaking in the ambiance, this spot is perfect for a night filled with romance and culinary delight.

The Standard

The Standard is the perfect staple date night spot! The menu is always changing, meaning you can go back again and again for perfect meals. The restaurant strives for excellence, from their food & drink to their quality of service.

Each dish is a masterpiece, skillfully blending creative flavours, stunning presentation, and mouthwatering tastes that are sure to leave you in awe. Whether you’re savouring a delicately plated appetizer or indulging in a main course, The Standard consistently delivers an unforgettable culinary experience that perfectly complements any special evening.

Looking for real estate recos too? Get in touch with us today. Call us directly at 905-332-9223 or get in touch here.