Waterdown resident Manny Maciel is celebrating his 65th birthday in a big way by raising money for the SickKids Foundation.

In a normal year, Maciel would have likely would have celebrated with friends and family. As the pandemic dragged on, he dug deep to derive meaning from his birthday in a different way.

“I reflected on turning 65 as a milestone birthday,” says Maciel. “I wanted to celebrate by giving back to a meaningful cause by walking 1 kilometer for every year I’ve been on the planet to raise $25,000 for SickKids.”

His fundraising efforts began in January, and donations trickled in right away. In the last couple of weeks with the effort of his entire community, donations have been flooding in.

“The original goal was 25,000 and we are at $30,200 with 18 days left,” says Maciel. “We are now looking to raise $35,000 with a stretch goal of $40,000.”

To prepare for his walk, Maciel has been clocking kilometres in any way he can while training. He has spent many weekends exploring the Bruce Trail and trekking between the villages of Waterdown of Carlisle as he prepares for the big day.

The walk will take place on May 15, 2021, beginning at 4:00 a.m.

To learn more about Maciel’s journey and where to donate, find him on Instagram @inspiru.

Are you getting ready to sell your home? There’s a lot to know during the process—and if you work with an agent who’s a true expert, they’ll be with you at every step. When you’re in the online research phase, real estate terminology can be more than a little confusing. With that in mind, we wanted to demystify some of the jargon around selling a home.

Here are seven real estate terms that every home seller should know…

1) Seller’s Market

A seller’s market works in your favour. It happens when demand for local homes outstrips supply. The result is higher prices and (in many cases) all-out bidding wars. When you’re selling, you can make the most of these conditions with the right pricing, marketing and negotiation strategy. It all starts when you partner with the right agent!

2) Agreement of Purchase and Sale

Your Agreement of Purchase and Sale is a legal contract between you (the seller) and your buyer. When you’ve accepted an offer (and completed negotiations, if you go that route)—this document will solidify the terms of your transaction. After both parties have signed the agreement, it’s legally binding—so make sure your lawyer reviews it carefully.

3) Comparative Market Analysis

A comparative market analysis (CMA) is a tool agents offer sellers to help them make informed pricing decisions. This document assesses recent prices for nearby homes that are very similar to yours. There are a number of factors to consider—from age, condition, and square footage—when choosing comparable properties. It will also outline current inventory on the market so that you know what competitive properties there are for potential buyers. Fortunately, an experienced agent will have it down to an art.

4) Listing Agreement

If you don’t know what a listing agreement is, you’re not alone. It’s a contract between you (the seller) and a brokerage—one that gives them permission to list and market your home. This useful document ensures that your real estate representative is obligated to act in your best interests. For your part, signing a listing agreement says that you’ll work exclusively with the brokerage in question.

5) MLS (Multiple Listing Service)

The MLS is a massive database that REALTORS® use to share listings. It allows them to connect buyers and sellers to pave the way for successful transactions. It’s also known as the most comprehensive source of market data—and an incredible marketing tool. If you want to maximize your home’s exposure, listing it on the MLS is the very first step towards achieving that goal.

6) Selling As-Is

Most sellers embrace strategic home preparations, as they can lead to a faster sale and a higher price. Having said that, there are those who would prefer to forgo this step for a no-fuss, no-muss sale. That’s where selling “as-is” comes in. If you list with this stipulation, potential buyers must be willing to accept your home in its current condition—flaws and all. The major downside is, you almost certainly won’t get as much money for it as you otherwise would (and your buyer pool may be smaller).

7) Seller Disclosure

As a seller, you have an obligation to disclose latent defects (those that aren’t visible to buyers and may not be apparent to an inspector). Mould is a great example. If you know of any major issues with your home, you’re duty-bound to speak up. Fail to do so, and you could face legal repercussions if they’re discovered later on. Your agent can help you figure out the best way to disclose any potential defects.

Interested in learning more about our selling process? Get in touch—we’re happy to answer all of your questions—and help you put your property on the market if the time is right!

Are you ready to list your home? Doing so in a seller’s market can lead to multiple offers—not to mention more money in your pocket. The mistake some sellers make is assuming that when conditions are in their favour, they can handle their sale alone.

The truth is, some people do sell their homes without assistance from an agent. That said, many underestimate the time, energy, and expertise it takes—even when the market is hot. While the decision is ultimately yours to make, there are some distinct benefits of selling with an agent.

Here are six reasons to consider listing your home with an agent in a seller’s market…

1) Neighbourhood Knowledge

When a buyer looks at a home, they want to know what life in the community is really like. If you’ve been a local for a while, you’ll likely be able to answer some of their questions—but not all of them.

Whether they’re a growing family or a young professional, the ‘buyer profile’ should should determine which neighbourhood features you highlight. A skilled local agent will know who your probable purchaser is, what they’re looking for in a community and all the questions they typically ask. They can also use recent local sales data to justify the price you set, which is a major advantage during negotiations.

2) Pricing Expertise

Speaking of price, settling on the right asking price can lead to a far better result. Pricing too low means undervaluing your home, while opting for an amount that’s too high can turn buyers off—even when demand is high.

An experienced agent will help you strike just the right balance. By looking at recent sold prices for comparable homes and factoring in current market conditions, they’ll help ensure that you attract buyers while maximizing your potential return.

3) Marketing Know-How

While you may have no trouble generating buyer interest in a seller’s market, attracting the right home hunters is crucial. The last thing you want is to spend time showing your property to people who are very unlikely to commit.

An agent with a strong selling track record can help you target the right buyers with a mix of polished marketing materials. No matter the market, your home needs to make a great impression on those who are well-positioned to purchase it.

4) Help Assessing Offers to Purchase

If you’re lucky enough to have several offers roll in, you may be tempted to take the highest one right off the bat. Just remember: there’s more to a bid than dollars and cents.

When you’re deciding whether to accept, reject, or counter an offer, you should know all the potential implications of the choice you make. An agent can help you see hidden pitfalls and opportunities to achieve a better outcome.

5) Negotiation Expertise

A seller’s market puts you in the driver’s seat. Your home is a hot commodity, and you can leverage your position. Of course, few people are natural negotiators, and even fewer have the hard-won real estate expertise required to deal with a buyer represented by an agent.

Luckily, a professional who knows the local market and has advanced negotiation skills can help you secure the results you deserve.

6) One Word: Experience!

The selling process can be complicated, and there’s no shortage of obstacles that may arise along the way. It’s nearly impossible to plan for them all if you don’t know the process inside and out.

From putting your property on the market to wrapping up the closing details, a true real estate professional can help ensure a smooth and successful transaction. Are you ready to take the first step?

Interested in learning more about our selling process? Get in touch. We’re happy to answer all of your questions—and help you put your property on the market if the time is right!

Have you been thinking about selling your home? If so, you may be wondering if now is the ideal time to do it. We’re living in uncertain times, which makes timing the market especially tricky. That said, selling now could (potentially) lead to a great price and terms you’ll be happy with.

Here’s why you might want to consider planting that “For Sale” sign sooner rather than later…

The Best Time to Sell a House

Conventional wisdom says that spring is the best time to sell a house. Some buyers are less likely to move—or attend viewings—in the winter. This means that, given the average time between purchasing a home and moving, many home hunters prefer to purchase in the spring or fall.

Homes also tend to show very well in March, April, and May—another advantage of selling at this time of year. Studies even show that doing so in May often leads to higher-than-average prices.

All of that said, this is far from a typical year. The hot market we’re used to seeing in spring came late, and it came with a vengeance! Here’s what to know now that 2021 is in full swing.

Current Conditions

Without a doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on local real estate. In the beginning, market activity slowed to a crawl. Of course, it wasn’t long before buyers started craving more square footage and outdoor space. Suddenly, the detached market was on fire.

In particular, Hamilton and Burlington have seen a wave of recent buyers from Toronto. In fact, in 2020, average sale prices rose by 14 per cent. While there’s no indication that we’ll see a buyer’s market in the near future, one thing is abundantly clear: taking advantage of current conditions is a very smart move.

Of course, we would never advise sellers to take a step they’re not ready for. That said, if you’re looking to sell sometime soon, taking this step asap could help you achieve a highly successful outcome.

Making the Most of the Market

If you decide that selling soon is right for you, there are a few steps you can take to help secure a fantastic result. It may be a seller’s market, but the basics still apply! That means careful home preparations, eye-catching marketing, and negotiation expertise.

Fortunately, an experienced local agent can help you leverage current conditions to meet your selling goals. The key is finding a professional who has a fantastic track record—and someone you feel comfortable working with. Through a thorough interview process, you can find the right person to help you make one of life’s biggest decisions with confidence!

Interested in learning more about home preparations and our selling process? Get in touch—we’re happy to answer all of your questions—and help you put your property on the market if the time is right!

Think renting is as easy as seeing a place and signing a lease? This is the case most of the time, but it is a space that is quickly becoming overrun with scammers because of websites like Kijiji and Craigslist. To avoid a rental scam, we at Woolcott Real Estate have put together our essential list of things to watch for when searching for your perfect rental! Familiarize yourself with these so you won’t be the next victim.

Price Compare

If the price seems “too good to be true”, chances are it is. The rental market is a competitive market so make sure you do your research. If you find a nice property significantly below market rate, it could be a scam. Never deal in cash or wire transfer as these forms of payment are impossible to track.

Check Photos

If there are not very many photos or they are just of the exterior of the unit, there is a higher chance that it is a rental scam. Another thing to look for is a ‘For Sale’ sign, as scammers will often use photos of properties that are currently listed for sale to draw attention and be convincing. It’s also a great idea to google search the address to see if there are multiple postings for it or if it is listed for sale.

See the Space in Person

Never rent sight-unseen. Make sure that you visit the rental to ensure that it actually exists and is an accurate depiction to its online ad before signing anything or making a payment. If you are unable to see it in person, have a trusted friend or family member view it for you.

Always, Always Sign A Lease

Demand a written lease agreement. The province of Ontario has made this super easy by crafting a standard residential tenancy agreement that must be signed by all parties (or the landlord will face major repercussions). This document outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties. Ensure that you receive a copy of the signed agreement before you move in or pay first and last month’s rent.

You can access the standard lease here

Meet the Landlord Face-To-Face

Meet the landlord in person as a lot of scammers will say that they are “out of the country” or “out of town”, which can usually be a dead giveaway for fraud. It’s highly unlikely that a landlord would list a rental and then leave town. Meeting your landlord lessens the risk of a scam and usually leads to a better relationship. An exception to this is if the home is listed by a property management company and not the landlord directly. In this case, Google the property management company to check their reputation.

Only Provide Essential Information

When you are renting, be careful in what information you provide to a potential landlord. If someone is asking for your SIN number or banking information, seriously question why they would need this. A landlord is able to check your credit history with just your full name, current address and birth date. It is always smart to do your credit check yourself ahead of time and to have it ready for when you begin your search. This will not only give you control over who sees it but also shows that you are responsible and are able to move quickly should an opportunity arise.

Know Your Tenant Rights

There are multiple resources available online that outline the legal rights of a tenant. The government of Ontario has set strict guidelines and provides plenty of information about the rental process as well. By becoming informed, you are protecting yourself from potential wrongdoings throughout the process and for future.

Use a Real Estate Agent

First off… it’s FREE! Realtors have front of the line access to any new available rentals that come on to the market and they’ll send them to you right away (yes, that means an end to hours searching Kijiji!) An agent will provide you with all of the knowledge necessary – what documents you’ll need to qualify, what to expect throughout the process, what your rights are as a tenant, etc. Finally, you have an almost 100% chance of avoiding a rental scam. Landlords that choose to post their rental on a real estate board have gone through a process of filling out accurate paperwork, having photos taken and are also being represented on their end by another agent.

Have more questions about renting that we didn’t answer? Have no fear! At Woolcott Real Estate, we have a full-time leasing specialist on-hand to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process. Just fill in the form below and we’ll be in touch.

Though we may have lucked out with an unseasonably warm fall, winter is slowly setting in. That means not just colder temperatures, but (eventually) beautiful blankets of snow. At a time when we’re all spending more of our hours indoors, finding ways to enjoy it has never been more important. Luckily, Hamilton residents are blessed with plenty of pristine natural space—and there’s no shortage of ways to use it.

Here are five fun things to do outdoors in Hamilton this winter…

1) Go skiing at Hilton Falls

There’s no better way to get your heart rate up—and enjoy the beauty of winter—than strapping on some skis. Hilton Falls is the perfect place to do that. Just a little over half an hour from the city, these 15 kilometres of trail provide some truly incredible views. Once the snow falls, you can head out for some cross-country skiing on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays.

2) Snowboard at Glen Eden

Just a little further out than Hilton Falls, you’ll find Kelso Conservation Area. Not far from Milton, this gorgeous outdoor attraction offers stunning views of the Niagara Escarpment. It’s also the site of Glen Eden, a ski and snowboarding resort. Known for its six lifts, twelve slopes, and three terrain parks, it’s the ideal place to enjoy the brisk winter air—and an adrenaline rush.

3) Skate at Mohawk 4 Ice Centre

Are you the type who would rather glide on ice than navigate the hills? While you may have fewer options than usual right now due to social distancing, you can still enjoy a relaxing skate. Mohawk 4 Ice Centre is hosting pre-booked sessions for those who can’t resist a spin around the rink. It may not (technically) be outdoor skating, but it’s bound to get you in the winter spirit! When you’re finished, consider rounding off the perfect winter day with a flavourful cup of joe or hot chocolate.

4) See the frozen waterfalls

There are few sights as spectacular as a frozen waterfall, and we have several of them here in Hamilton. Stunning Tiffany Falls features a 21-metre cascade of water in the warmer months—but come winter, it’s transformed into a magical ice sculpture. The same is true of the Devil’s Punchbowl and Webster’s Falls, both of which form equally awe-inspiring winter scenes.

5) Snowshoe at Crawford Lake Conservation Area

Do you like hiking? What about twinkling winter scapes? If the answer to both questions is “yes,” you might want to try snowshoeing. It’s a great way to explore the outdoors on foot, and Crawford Lake Conservation Area is the perfect place to try it out. This 232-hectare park looks incredible when it’s all blanketed in snow, and there’s more than enough space to spend a day exploring. You can even rent the equipment on-site for maximum convenience.

While it’s easy to start feeling cooped up during a pandemic, there’s no need to lean into cabin fever. All it takes to start enjoying the great nature this winter is an adventurous spirit—and a little knowledge of Hamilton’s outdoor attractions!

Thinking about making Hamilton home? Get in touch to learn more about the city, its neighbourhood, and how to buy the perfect property here!

Stay up to date on the real estate market with a few of our recent posts:

• What’s Your House Really Worth?
• Housing Market Predictions for 2023
• Should You Wait Until the Timing is Better to Sell Your Home?