Special offer

Oakville, ON Real Estate News

By David Pylyp
(RE/MAX Realty Specialists Inc.,)
When your sale closes after your purchaseto get the best price for your home often you have to compromise and choose dates that may not matchthis means you need to leverage the equity in your home, for the required time between the purchase and sale to fund your down payment into your new home Example of Bridge Financing Sold $ 270,000 Purchase $ 450,000less deposit w/offer $ 15,000Real estate commission New Mortgage $ 335,00013% HST Real estate commissionMortgage balance legal fees on sale and purchase Equity $ 100,000 Funds to close $ 100,000 SALE closes May 31 PURCHASE closes April 28 BRIDGE FINANCE of $100,000 for 33 days for $750 estimated fee How can a secured credit line save me money? in our previous example some lenders will allow you to register up to 80% of the purchase price...
Comments 0
By Charlene Storozuk, Home Stager - Burlington Ontario
(Dezigner Digz)
Looking back on 2010, many exciting things happened for Dezigner Digz, but one of the highlights for me would definitely have to be this.  Debbie Travis, host of CBC Television's All For One, and her crew travelled to Oakville Ontario to film a surprise home makeover for a true local hero.  The premise of the show is to give back to those who give so much of their time to others in the community.   I had the privilege of putting in some time on the project.  It was a pleasure to work alongside some of my friends and peers from the Halton & Hamilton-Wentworth Real Estate Staging Association.  The worthy recipient of this makeover was Sera Mansueto, founder of Walls of Hope; a local charity that helps transform the homes of needy families in the community. Here are some photos that tell ...
Comments 111
By Janice Ankrett, Staging Professional
    Why would I, your Stager, want to remove a photograph of these cute little boys? They're your family and you are proud of them. The photo has special meaning to you. What's wrong with it? It fits in with all the other photos on the wall and on the tables and/shelves. You are right, they are cute. But they are also a distraction. The Buyer should be focused on the features of your home not the family photos. Your Buyer should remember the feature they loved the best about the house, not how cute your family was. When Staging a home we aim to de-personalize the home so that the Buyer can see their lifestyle fitting into your home. We want them focused on how they will use the space from the moment they arrive. Items like photos, trophies, religious icons and diplomas make the Buyer f...
Comments 8
By Jenny Kotulak, Broker - Oakville Ontario Real Estate
(RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage)
It's a new year and most of us are still wondering where last year went.  I hear so many people say that they are glad that last year is over and that 2011 will be a new beginning. Let's hope 2011 will be a great year for all of us and that we can accomplish all that we set out to do.  Add in  little luck for good measure and it will be the year to beat.
Comments 24
By Tara Sales
(Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp., Brokerage)
Interviewing Agents Checklist What to look for in an agent Someone who is:Dedicated to their profession Someone who takes the time to determine your needs Someone who listens - and responds to your requests Is familiar with the area in which you have an interest Is knowledgeable about the properties in your price range Is willing to work with you until your needs are fulfilled Strong references from previous buyers/sellers Questions to ask a prospective Realtor How long have you been in real estate? Are you a full time agent? Are you familiar with this area? How many homes did you sell last year? How many were in this area? What was the average price?How many buyers are you currently working with? How many sellers? Where do you feel your strengths lie? Will you handle all aspects of my ...
Comments 0
By Jenny Kotulak, Broker - Oakville Ontario Real Estate
(RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage)
It's that time of year again.  The windows of downtown Oakville's shops and boutiques are decorated in anticipation of shoppers on the hunt for that perfect holiday gift for their loved ones (or maybe even themselves). As my dog Lola gave me "the look" last night I decided that instead of just walking the neighbourhood we would head downtown and take photos of the decorated store windows.  Oakville has a very vibrant downtown core with lots of unique boutiques and great restaurants. Many of the stores have gone to great length to fill their windows with glitz and glam and others have taken a more low key  less is more approach.  Either way, I was in awe of some real showstopper storefronts.  Gazing into these shop windows, seeing happy people enjoying meals in downtown restaurants and e...
Comments 13
By Janice Ankrett, Staging Professional
There is more than one way to take that exclamation. When you are selling your home you want it to be expressed in a positive way. Kitchens can make or break a sale for some buyers. Kitchens are areas of hygiene and should sparkle that means the appliances too. Buyers like eat-in kitchens so if at all possible show them, even if it is at the counter or a small bistro set.  A buyer's list of 'I wants' will have something about a kitchen on it. Even if your kitchen needs updating show the buyer the potential. Staging the kitchen will help buyers see past what is to what could be. If possible update things like taps, sinks, flooring, counter tops or appliances. Painting tired cabinets is a cost effective way to breathe new life into a kitchen. Above all show the buyer a Clean kitchen that ...
Comments 14
By Jenny Kotulak, Broker - Oakville Ontario Real Estate
(RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage)
One of my colleagues sent me this photo today with the following message. "Damn!!! We look HOT!"  The photo was taken by our wonderful male server at our Board's President's Gala For Charity.  All proceeds from the event went to support well known Habitat For Humanity.  It was an amazing evening with a dinner dance, silent auction and casino tables.  Our president Jeff Mahannah looked quite dashing in his tux. This was a huge event for our Board with over 200 attendees.  I was lucky to work with a great team of helpers on the gala committee. We even had some winners at our table.  One of my colleagues won a $2300. diamond necklace from a $20. investment in a draw and another of my tablemates won a 3 night trip to Las Vegas with hotel and airfare for 2 from winning our heads and tails ga...
Comments 36
Today is Remembrance Day in Canada. It is a day set aside for all of us to remember and honour all of our soldiers who have risked, and often lost, their lives to protect not only us, but also the citizens of many countries around the world.Today in Oakville we will honour those brave men and women at 10:15 am, at the Cenotaph at George's Square, corner of Church and Navy Streets. The Oakville Legion Branch 114 will be hosting the ceremony.I wrote the following in honour of my Great-great Uncle, Tom Smith, who sacrificed his life in 1917 when he was only 27 years old so that we could all enjoy the freedoms we have today. In Memory of Tom Smith 1891-1917, Battle for Passchendaele, Belgium~Your Hope Is Strong In Us The thousands of miles that separated Thomas Smith from his family and hom...
Comments 22
By Janice Ankrett, Staging Professional
To answer this question let's split it up into two types of homes. Vacant: You have moved already or the it's an investment. Occupied: you are still living in the home while you sell.     Vacant homes should definitely be Staged. It helps the buyer size the rooms and imagine living their lifestyle in the home. There is Staging available for every budget level. You can start with something as simple as accessories in the bathrooms and kitchen. You can up it to Vignette Staging. This places small settings in each room that show the buyer the purpose of the room and gives them a feel for the room. You can set the rooms up completely with furniture and accessories. This will create a complete picture for your buyers. Another possibility for a vacant home is to Stage the more important rooms...
Comments 6
Autumn in....... Oakville! As I Drive along tree-lined streets in Oakville and area this time of year I find myself singing 'Autumn in New York'; especially on sunny days when the bright oranges and crimsons of the maple and oak leaves stand out even brighter against the vivid blue sky. The Oakville and Mississauga regions have been experiencing one of their most colourful fall seasons in a long time with the cold nights and warm sunny days resulting in very colourful trees. Here in the Oakville area of southern Ontario, many of the trees have yet to lose their leaves. I've hiked quite a bit over the past month at many of our local conservation areas and have seen some absolutely beautiful sights. Here are a few of them:                                 This was taken from the Niagara Es...
Comments 22
By Jenny Kotulak, Broker - Oakville Ontario Real Estate
(RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage)
1.  I don't get it - I was out for a walk in the neighbourhood  and came across the following sign on a typical area street.                             Heaven forbid a student driver taking a lesson decide to parallel park on this street or any street in the area with these unfriendly signs.  I remember the days of learning how to parallel park.  Here in Oakville we have a three hour street parking limit, I believe.  Perhaps the folks on these particular streets are finding that today's new drivers are taking an extemely LONG time to learn how to parallel park?? I mean don't driving lessons usually only take about an hour tops?  How long could they possibly be spending on these streets?? 2. Someone who gets it - I am fortunate to be attending a dinner this evening here in Oakville with...
Comments 20
By Jenny Kotulak, Broker - Oakville Ontario Real Estate
(RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage)
Dogs are great.  They don't care if it's raining or not.  All they want to do is go for walks.  Today was a pretty dismal day.  A constant drizzle throughout the day made it a good day to throw a Matchbox 20 CD on and do some house cleaning. By late afternoon my little Lola started looking at me the way she does when she is "ready".  All you have to do is say the words "are you ready" and she knows she's going for a walk. I had to run a couple of errands so decided on the way home to take her for a walk around one of our favourite spots, a pond off Bayshire Drive in Oakville where I'm often lucky enough to spot a blue heron.  No luck in that department today but some ducks and trees just starting to turn to their fall colours. Rainy days can provide great photo opportunites.  Don't let ...
Comments 31
By Jenny Kotulak, Broker - Oakville Ontario Real Estate
(RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage)
I had the opportunity to attend the VIP Grand Opening Celebration of Oakville's newest sports complex this past Friday evening.  The invitation was extended to me due to my involvement on Oakville's Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. The new 4 rink arena is a stunning, state of the art facility.  I'm just sorry it wasn't built when my kids were playing hockey in their younger days.  In the older Oakville arenas the fans in the stands had to fight for the right to sit under the heaters.  Even then you weren't guaranteed that the heater would actually turn on. If you wanted to stay warm, you stood in the lobby and fought for a spot to stand in front of the window.  If a goal was scored down at the other end of the rink the only way you would know was if the red light came on.  And w...
Comments 8
By Jenny Kotulak, Broker - Oakville Ontario Real Estate
(RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage)
I often take my camera with me when I walk my dog because you just never know when a photo opportunity will present itself. A walk through the neighbourhood last evening brought a totally unexpected sight.  As my daughter and I walked past a home in the subdivision she noticed a fox just sitting in a driveway.  He took a look at us but couldn't be bothered.  After sitting for a minute or two he made his way across the front lawn and peeked at us from behind the bushes. I don't recall ever seeing a fox in Oakville but with all the new home building going on I'm sure they are being displaced from their forest and ravine homes.   The rest of our walk,,,,,,,,well it was quite uneventful. Don't forget to get out there and go for a walk!  And take your camera.  
Comments 14
By Jenny Kotulak, Broker - Oakville Ontario Real Estate
(RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage)
Buying new or resale - Is it a coin toss? Not usually.  I find today's buyers have specific needs and wants and tend to lean one way or the other. Buyers looking at new or newer homes desire the bells and whistles that these homes provide. Hardwood and ceramic flooring, 3 or 4 bathrooms, great room with vaulted ceilings, large windows. They only have to do finishing touches such as adding fencing, landscaping, central air or maybe repainting or finishing the basement down the line.  Lot size and mature neighbourhood are not the highest priorities on their wish list. They may not have the time to tend a large yard or the knowledge or again, the time to maintain or upgrade an older home. On the other hand some buyers desire a larger, more mature lot that may be within walking distance to ...
Comments 8
By Barry Quine, The Wayne Munden Team - Condo Specialist
(Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp.)
Residential Real Estate Sales for July, 2010 - Bronte Creek Status Street List Price Style Beds Baths             SOLD Drumloch Ave. $276,900 Townhouse 2 1+1 SOLD Dewridge Ave. $299,900 Townhouse 3 1+1 SOLD Stalybridge Dr. $429,900 Townhouse 3 2+1 SOLD Valleyridge Dr. $444,900 Link 4 2+1 SOLD Stalybridge Dr. $459,900 Townhouse 3 2+1 SOLD Abernathy Way $499,900 Detached 4+1 2+1 SOLD Skipton Ln. $639,900 Detached 4 3+2 SOLD Stocksbridge Ave. $649,000 Detached 4 2+1 SOLD Skipton Ln. $649,900 Detached 4 2+1   Please feel free if you would like to receive our monthly email reports for free. Also feel free to email us for a daily list of homes for sale in Bronte Creek, North Oakville. List includes, address, price and photos. CALL BARRY QUINE TODAY FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTARY HOME EVALUATION.
Comments 0
By Barry Quine, The Wayne Munden Team - Condo Specialist
(Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp.)
Residential Sales for June, 2010 - Bronte Creek Status Street List Price Style Beds Baths             SOLD Springforest Dr. $349,900 Townhouse 3 2+1 SOLD Stalybridge Dr. $409,900 Townhouse 3 2+1 SOLD Rochester Cir. $424,900 Townhouse 3 3+1 SOLD Stalybridge Dr. $469,900 Townhouse 3 2+1 SOLD Epworth Cr. $489,900 Townhouse 3 3+1 SOLD Scotscraig Dr. $494,000 Detached 4+1 3+1 SOLD Emily Cir. $514,900 Townhouse 3+1 3+1 SOLD Ingleton Ln. $599,900 Detached 3 2+1 SOLD Lyness Ave. $619,900 Detached 4 2+1 SOLD Cardross Ct. $669,900 Detached 3 3+1 SOLD Emily Cir. $749,000 Townhouse 2 2+1 SOLD Stocksbridge Ave. $889,000 Detached 4 3+1 Oakville YTD 2009 YTD 2010 % Change         # of Residential Sales 1188 1586 33.5% Average Sale Price $495,007 $561,442 13% Median Sale Price $415,000 $485,000 17% Pl...
Comments 2
By Jenny Kotulak, Broker - Oakville Ontario Real Estate
(RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage)
 One of Oakville's main arteries was closed to traffic for hours today causing major congestion and headaches for Oakville drivers.  Trafalgar Road, a major thoroughfare for motorists travelling north and south over the Queen Elizabeth Highway was the scene of a collision between an Ontario Provincial Police cruiser and a Mercedes, just south of the QEW overpass.  The accident which occurred around 11:00 a.m. created havoc with all four lanes closed to motorists for more than 3 hours.  Both the O.P.P. officer and the driver of the other vehicle were taken to hospital. When accidents happen and road closures occur confusion reigns.  Many people don't know alternate routes to their destination and they panic.  People become late for their appointments.  Secondary roads become congested du...
Comments 5
By Janice Ankrett, Staging Professional
          Red means Stop, Danger, Go no further. Red flags when you are selling your house are negative signals that your home is sending out to potential buyers. As a Stager it is my job to recognize these red flags and point them out to the seller. You see, we all learn to live with small things that are not perfect. But we don't have time right now so we walk by. When it comes time to sell you can no longer ignore these issues. One area that sends up red flags is deferred maintenance issues.  Buyers will wonder why you have ignored an easy fix. If you haven't taken care of something simple what larger issues they cannot see have you ignored as well? You don't want a buyer's mind to follow that train of thought. Your home should look well maintained from the curb appeal to through to...
Comments 2