Multiple offers aren’t going anywhere, and if you’re a buyer right now it is adamant you put your best foot forward if you are looking to get into the housing market this year.

Forget The Asking Price

The MLS price can be arbitrary as sellers tend to list way below their goal price to generate multiple bids. Have your agent pull recent sales to get an accurate idea of true market value.

Make It Clean

Sellers want to reduce their risk when picking an offer. This means if they are choosing between identical offers but one has conditions, they’ll often go with the clean one. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t protect yourself – do a pre-home inspection and get the bank’s approval before inking a deal.

You May Only Get One Chance

Three years ago, you would have been negotiating with the seller. Nowadays, your first offer is often your last, so make sure it is your strongest offer.

Get Personal

The listing agent often receives offers without ever talking to the agent that submits it. Making sure your agent is asking important questions, like preferred deposit, closing date, and learning about the seller, can help you have an upper hand when it comes to offer night.

Celebrate Family Day with one of the many events and activities happening this weekend in Burlington and Hamilton! Check out our list below:

Enjoy Outdoor Ice Skating

There are many local options to enjoy an outdoor skate in the area. Waterdown Memorial Park has an awesome skating loop – the ice is perfectly manicured and they even have a full zamboni. If you want a more outdoor feel, the ice at Princess Point/Cootes Paradise will be more your style. If it recently snowed, definitely don’t forget to bring a shovel. Plus, there is no need to worry about space as there is an abundance of room for your and your family to enjoy a leisure skate or a game of hockey. Keep an eye on the RBC website here, as they check the thickness of the ice to ensure it is safe. Another great option is the ice rink at Pier 8 in Hamilton! Located right next door to Williams Coffee makes Pier 8 a lovely afternoon outing.

Birds of Prey Event at RBG

Did you know that peregrine falcons are the fastest birds in the world? Or that red tailed hawks’ grip strength is 100 times stronger than ours? Learn these facts and more when you go to the Birds of Prey event at the Royal Botanical Gardens Arboretum. The staff will take the group on a nature walk to learn about and search for birds of prey. Taking place Saturday, February 19th between 2-4 p.m. Click here to purchase your tickets.

Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

Want to immerse yourself in the world of Vincent Van Gogh like you’ve never experienced before? This is a must! Beyond Van Gogh is a unique multimedia experience that takes you through over 300 iconic artworks freed from their frames at the Hamilton Convention Centre. Plus, there are many restaurants in the area of the convention centre to make a morning or night out of it (our favourites are The French, Uncle Ray’s or Synonym!). You can purchase your tickets here.

Hamilton Winterfest

Hamilton Winterfest is a co-production between The City of Hamilton, local arts non-profit Cobalt Connects and a long list of community partners who bring specialized programming to life from February 17th to March 6th. Winterfest is the perfect excuse to get out of the house or hop online to connect with your community. The festival site will include live theatre, dance and over 30 musical acts, massive inflatable sculptures and so much more.  Click here for the list of events.

We hope you have a fantastic Family Day!

Want to know a little secret? One of our favourite articles to put together is a list of trend predictions! Scrutinizing the latest in home, colour and textures has been especially satisfying as we launch into 2022.

Why? Because 2021 was, by all accounts, a weird year. Some people tested out going back into the office, while others came to terms with their remote work situation becoming a little more permanent. For those that moved to the country after a pandemic-driven purchase, the need to settle in and decorate more space became a priority. As opening hours at our favourite restaurants opened and closed (and opened and closed again!), we learned how to be experts at entertaining in our own kitchens again. In short, 2021 was the year of reimagining the spaces in home.

So, what about 2022? This year is all about fresh starts and big shifts in trends as many look to make a major home refresh.

Here are 5 home trends we are excited to see (and do in our own homes!) in 2022…

Goodbye all white everything, hello warmth!

White has been a very dominant force in our kitchens, bathrooms and everywhere for the last several years. It works because it’s a classic. Some say white has been overdone, and we agree. So, what’s next? You heard it here first – warmth and boldness. It’s time to swap white exteriors for a bold moment with dark siding or black framed windows. If you love clean, white spaces – don’t let this scare you. You can still add warmth with light neutrals too. Rather than sticking with the ever popular Benjamin Moore Simply White, try swapping it for a beige such as Collector’s Item or Natural Linen. If you aren’t looking to re-paint, add some warmth with decor pieces. Think additional lighting, layered rugs and different textiles.

Are you thinking of selling a home in the next few months? Here’s what you need to know about the current market:

• How To Stand Out In A Changing Market
• My Home Has Gone Up In Value. Now What?
• How Long Does It Take To Sell A House?

Green is here to stay

Whether you like to incorporate some green in your home with a trailing Pothos, Olive Tree or Fiddle Leaf Fig (real or faux – we don’t judge), green is here to stay. Craving a little more green throughout your home? We love the look of sage green cabinets, especially when paired with brass hardware. If a major change isn’t in your future, it is as easy as clipping a few branches from your backyard and creating a nature-inspired centre piece for your dining room table – cost effective too!

Something new and something old

Start shopping at your local flea markets, antique stores and second hand shops for decor items. These places have amazing pieces that really add warmth (hello, point 1) and shopping like this is much more sustainable too. Doing this can really define the style of your home by incorporating both vintage finds and new items. We started to see this trend in 2021 and think it is here to stay.

Amp up your home office

When our first lockdown went into effect in 2020, many homeowners converted their closets, guest bedrooms or empty corners of their home into their new office space. With remote work still very much a part of our reality, it’s time to upgrade the home office and make it a permanent fixture. This is a great opportunity to experiment with wallpaper and bolder colours. It’s time to really assess your home and how it functions. This way you can carve out a dedicated workspace for yourself – no more sitting at the kitchen table for 40+ hours a week.

Warm wood tones

Our paint colours aren’t the only thing getting warmer this year – the wood in our house is too! The grey tones we saw in the past are out and many are making a commitment to warm toned floors, cabinets and furniture. This trend definitely adds an element of comfort and coziness.

If these 2022 home decor trends aren’t up your alley, that’s okay! It’s important to establish your personal likes and dislikes before making any major changes. Be authentic to yourself, your family and your design preferences.

Do you have questions about real estate? Our dedicated agents know the Hamilton, Burlington, Waterdown, Flamborough and Dundas areas like the back of their hands! Reach out today.

We all have little traditions that take place as seasons change. Swapping out sandals for boots, t-shirts for sweaters and raking leafs before the first snowfall are but a few. With the holiday season just around the corner, we’ve put together our must-do home tasks to ensure a (hopefully!) stress-free December.

Here are 5 things you should do to your home before December 1st.

Wipe Down Your Windows

Yes, this means interior and exterior. And, don’t forget between the windows sills where pesky dirt likes to stick. Before the outdoor hose is turned off for the winter, take an hour to give the windows a spray. We love this spray – it makes it super easy to attach to a hose and switch between water and the cleaning solution. Sparkly clean windows add to the curb appeal of a home when it may feel a little dreary in the cooler, darker months.

Test Out Your Furnace

If you haven’t had to turn on the heat yet, lucky you! Before the cold settles in, it is important to check how your furnace runs before the temperature really drops to make sure there are no surprises. If the unit seems finicky, definitely get it checked out as soon as possible. December is already busy enough and having no heat could add major stressors to the month.  And, repair companies get super busy at the first freeze, so best to beat the rush. Homeowners should also change the furnace filter. Have a fireplace? Check the flue and have it cleaned if it is wood-burning.

Unwelcome Winter Guests

As the temperatures get chillier, it’s not just humans that hibernate. Bugs and mice are looking for warmth in the winter too! Best to seal up any spots these critters can get in as mice can fit in through a hole as small as 6 mm – crazy!

Backyard Cleanup

Canadian winters really take a toll on all outdoor items. Before snowfall, take time to do a backyard sweep. Cover up the grill, stash cushions in the garage or basement, cover any items that may be prone to rust or rot. And, don’t forget about the plants! Bring in any potted plants that aren’t cold-friendly.

Don’t Forget The Gutters

This can be an easy one to forget… out of sight, out of mind (kind of) right? Ensuring that leaves and other debris haven’t built up will allow the water from the melting snow to travel down the proper path in your eavestrough. Plus, this keeps water away from your foundation.

Check this list off and feel totally productive come winter and this holiday season.

For more on winter real estate check out:

• Is it Ok to Sell Your Home During the Winter?
• Tips for Moving in Winter
• Real Estate Experts’ Tips for Winter Showings

Are you looking for the right place to grow your career? Finding a team that will meet your needs and help ensure that you’re happy in your career takes a bit of forethought. Whether you’re new to the industry or you’re simply ready for a change, there are some things to keep in mind. 

Here are a few factors you should consider when you’re searching for a real estate team to join… 

Team Structure

Do you like the idea of working with a boutique firm, or do you see yourself at a larger agency? There are benefits to both options.

If you opt for a smaller team, potential advantages include plenty of personal attention, closer work relationships, and the potential to solve problems creatively. There are often fewer strict policies in place, which means agents may enjoy a greater sense of flexibility and freedom.

In many cases, larger real estate teams can provide better brand recognition and access to more technology and human resources. Their processes are typically also well-established and time tested, which could contribute to your success.

Of course, it’s not just a team’s size that matters—it’s also the structure. What’s the balance of professionals like, and will it create a competitive environment? Who will you report to? How are leads distributed? These are all critical questions.

Interested in learning the ins and outs of joining a real estate team? We can help! Check out our latest post on the subject right here.

Commission Splits 

Many agents decide which team to join based solely on their potential pay. The truth is, the commission split that a team offers isn’t necessarily reflective of how much money you’ll take home. That’s because they often charge desk fees and other costs—so it’s important to weigh all relevant financial factors. 

Very few brokerages allow you to take one hundred per cent of your commission (and if you find one that does, you may want to look at whether the services they’ll offer you are sufficient). Some will do a 50/50 split, though many will offer you a higher percentage than they’ll take. 

The bottom line? Ask any team you’re thinking of joining about commissions, fees, and the types of services they offer in exchange.

Work Culture 

One of the things that attracts many new real estate agents to the field is the independence it affords. That said, joining a team isn’t the same as working alone. It means becoming part of a larger, pre-existing culture. 

If you’re hoping for support and learning opportunities, you’ll want to find a place that provides them. To do that, you’ll need to ask yourself the right questions. Are you looking for a mentor? Do you want to collaborate with your fellow agents? Does access to an impressive leadership team matter to you?

From the office setup to the frequency of meetings and social events, be sure to get a sense of the culture at any team you’re considering—and whether it aligns with your preferences.

Interested in learning more about Woolcott Real Estate—and what we have to offer our agents? Check out some of our team resources below:

• Meet Woolcott Real Estate
• The Woolcott Advantage

Marketing Support

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the industry for a while, maximum exposure among potential clients is key. The right team can help you get the word out. Some may have a dedicated marketing professional on staff and provide access to the latest technologies and tools. 

On the flip side, you may want to look into which aesthetic decisions you can make regarding your marketing. Some teams may have rigid rules about how you can present your services, which could be an issue if you have strong opinions on the subject. 

Brand Recognition

Speaking of exposure, brand recognition can be a big part of it. Put simply, we’re talking about whether the brokerage you’re associated with inspires trust in buyers and sellers. Are they known in the local community? Do they have a strong international reputation? These factors may be worth considering. 

Of course, it doesn’t make sense to make your decision based on brand recognition alone. Many smaller teams have a lot to offer—just make sure that if you choose one, they have the proven marketing support to give you the exposure you deserve. 

Making a Decision 

Just because a real estate team is successful doesn’t mean it’s right for you. That’s why it’s so important to explore your options and ask well-thought-out questions. Thinking carefully about what you want and your future goals is the first step towards finding the perfect place to grow your career! 

Think Woolcott Real Estate might be a good fit for you? Get in touch to learn more about joining us here.

Have you recently decided to start searching for a home? If so, you may have come across the term buyer representation agreement. Or, are you currently in the research phase of selling your property? You’ve likely heard something about listing agreements. If this is your first real estate purchase or sale, you may be slightly wary of signing a contract with a single agent. Knowing the specifics of each agreement can help you take this step with confidence.

If you’re buying or selling a home, here’s what you should know about buyer representation and listing agreements…

Buyer Representation Agreements

In the simplest terms, a buyer representation agreement is a document that establishes a professional relationship between a home buyer and an agent. It lays out the services that your real estate representative will provide, along with any specific expectations they may have of you.

Having everything in writing is in everyone’s best interest, but it’s important to make sure you understand what you’re reading. These agreements are often written in a formal manner (since they’re legally-binding contracts), and there’s no shame in asking for clarification. In fact, it could save you a lot of grief! You may also choose to consult a lawyer, which you can do at any time.

Signing a buyer’s representation agreement isn’t mandatory when buying a home. Some agents may be comfortable working without one, though their responsibilities to you will differ if they do. You’ll want to ask about this to make sure you understand the difference.

There are a couple of things to consider. The first is who your brokerage is serving. If they’re representing both you and the seller, you should ensure that you understand what that means. Ask questions, and make certain that you’re comfortable with the situation. If not, don’t enter into an agreement.

You should also understand holdover clauses. Every buyer representation agreement is active for a specific period. A holdover clause states that if your purchase occurs within a certain number of days after the agreement expires, your agent is still entitled to commission for the work they’ve put in. If you have more specific questions about these clauses, your lawyer is the best person to ask.

Listing Agreements

A listing agreement works much like a buyer representation agreement. It’s a document that outlines your relationship with the seller’s agent you choose. It allows them to market and sell your home and describes the services they’ll provide for you. Having it in writing is best for all parties.

As is the case with a buyer representation agreement, it’s important to clarify anything you may not understand in your listing agreement. Make sure you know which services you’ll be receiving as well as the fees involved. Your agent can explain the different clauses and what they mean. That said, consulting your lawyer if you have any legal questions will prove helpful.

Lastly, be sure you know how the holdover clause works. If your listing agreement expires, you’re no longer bound to its terms. Having said that, if you sell your home to a buyer that was introduced to you by your agent, they may still be entitled to commission. This is only the case for a specific number of days after your agreement expires, a number that will be set out in your contract.

Things to Consider

Buyers and sellers should be aware that, when it comes to working with a real estate agent, few things are set in stone. From the date that your agreement starts and expires to the commission your agent walks away with, there’s no outside body governing the specifics of your transaction.

Of course, once you find an agent who seems like a good fit, your best bet is to find terms that work on both sides. Most real estate professionals approach clients with their own ideas of what’s fair, and they’re usually based on extensive experience. The key is to be flexible—and if you really can’t come to an agreement with one agent, there are others out there!

Ready to start your buying or selling journey with a local agent? Get in touch to find out if we’ll be a good match!