It may be no surprise to hear that March 2021 was yet another record-breaking month in real estate. Home sales are reportedly largely driven by low interest rates and consumer confidence remains high, even though we’re stepping into more COVID related restrictions right now. While inventory and sales are way up again in March they have yet to catch up to the backlog of buyers so we’re still in a seller’s market.

March 2021 – GTA Housing Market News

Milton Real Estate Market

The average price in Milton is $1,037,207.

Burlington Real Estate Market

The average price in Burlington is $1,099,362.

Oakville Real Estate Market

The average price in Oakville is $1,526,414.

Previous Reports on GTA Housing Market News – February, January, December,

A pavlova is a delicious, light dessert that has the perfect amount of sweetness. The giant meringue is almost too pretty to eat, and is crispy on the outside with a chewy, marshmallow-y center. Fresh whipped cream sinks into all the cracks of the pavlova before it’s decorated with fresh, juicy berries.

Berry Pavlova – Ingredients:

For the pavlova:

• ⅔ cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 large egg whites, at room temperature
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar
• 1 pinch of salt

For the cream and topping:

• 2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries sliced, if using)
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 1 cup heavy cream

Directions:

1. Set a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 300°F. Trace a 6-inch circle on a sheet of parchment paper and invert the paper onto a baking sheet so the drawn side is face down (you should still be able to see the circle).
2. Whisk the sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Combine the egg whites and a pinch of salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or use a bowl and an electric hand mixer). Beat on medium speed until the whites hold soft peaks, 1–1 ½ minutes. Raise the speed to medium-high and add the sugar-cornstarch mixture 1 tablespoon at a time, then beat 1 additional minute, Add the vinegar, raise the speed to high, and beat until the mixture is shiny and holds stiff peaks, 4–5 minutes.
3. Carefully pour the meringue onto the circle on the sheet pan, using a silicone spatula to gently spread it inside the borders. Bake until the meringue is lightly golden and develops a soft shell, 40–45 minutes. Do not remove from the oven!
4. Turn off the oven and wedge a wooden spoon or other narrow stick in the door to keep the oven open; let sit in the oven until the meringue hardens, 1 hour.
5. Toss the berries with 1 tablespoon of sugar and the lemon zest in a medium bowl. Let them sit while you whip the cream.
6. Using the stand mixer (or hand mixer again), beat the cream and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar until the cream holds soft peaks, 2–3 minutes.
7. Remove the pavlova from the parchment and place on a serving plate or platter. Dollop the cream onto the pavlova, leaving a 2-inch border around the edges. Top with the berries and slice into wedges.

Are you looking for the perfect place to settle down? If you’re seeking small-town charm not far from the big city, Milton may be your best bet. From its incredible mix of homes to its overall high quality of life, this quaint community is one of the best places to live in Ontario.

If you’re considering moving to Milton, here’s what you should know…

General Milton FAQs

Not very familiar with Milton yet? Start getting to know the town by delving into the basics.

Where is Milton?

Milton is located in Ontario’s golden horseshoe, and it’s part of the GTA. The town sits about 56 kilometres from Toronto, making it a 40-minute drive via Highway 401. Needless to say, it’s highly convenient for those who want (or need) to be in Canada’s largest city on a semi-regular basis.

What region is Milton a part of?

Milton belongs to the Regional Municipality of Halton, along with the City of Burlington and the Towns of Oakville and Halton Hills. The area is nestled in between Toronto, Hamilton, and Lake Ontario—though it has a charm all its own.

What is the population of Milton?

Currently, there are over 110,000 people who call Milton home. The town is one of Canada’s fastest-growing communities, and there are plenty of new and exciting developments popping up to meet the needs of aspiring home buyers.

Who lives in Milton?

While Milton is home to residents from all walks of life, it’s especially popular with growing families. According to the most recent census, the average age here is 33.5—making for a relatively young population.

Milton Lifestyle Basics

Wondering what living in Milton is like? Here’s what to know about the quality of life available in town.

Schools in Milton

Part of Milton’s family-friendly appeal lies in its reputable local schools. Popular options include E.W. Foster School (which boasts top-notch EQAO scores) and Chris Hadfield Public School (which receives an impressive 7.3 from the Fraser Institute). Put simply, if ensuring that your kids get a great education is a major priority, living in Milton is worth considering.

What to do in Milton, Ontario

One of the best things about living in Milton is the access it provides to pretty parks and picturesque green spaces. Highlights include 323-acre Crawford Conservation Area (where you’ll find pristine forests and Niagara Escarpment views) and Kelso Conservation Area (with its gorgeous hiking and cycling trails). The town also contains a local section of the stunning Bruce Trail!

Where to eat in Milton

Few things bring people together like incredible food. Fortunately, Milton residents aren’t wanting for impressive dining options. Try La Toscana for pitch-perfect Italian, Marquee Steak House for hearty and flavourful fare, and Goodfellas for wood-fired pizzas that are a cut above your favourite chain.

Looking for the best of Milton? Read some of these articles to see what we’re currently loving:

• 5 Fun Fall Activities in Milton and Burlington
• Everything You Need to Know About Buying a House in Milton
• Our Complete Milton Patio Guide

Where to Live in Milton

If you decide to put down roots in Milton, choosing the right neighbourhood is going to be key. Home types, local schools, and the overall feel of a community—it’s important to think through it all when you’re finding the area that’s perfect for you.

Neighbourhoods to call home

From family-friendly Beaty to historical Old Milton to perfectly-planned Willmott, there’s something in Milton for everyone. You can learn all about the communities, homes, and price points that make this place so special right here in our real estate guide!

When you’re ready to learn more about living in one of Canada’s most sought-after towns, we’d love to be your local guides. Talking to local experts is the first step!

Ready to buy your ideal home in Milton? Get in touch to start taking advantage of our local expertise today!

Are you preparing to sell your home? If so, you probably have your eye on the prize—as you should. By preparing and marketing your property with care, you can help ensure the highest possible return. That said, you’re going to have some costs to contend with, too. Fortunately, by knowing what they are, you can avoid unpleasant surprises down the line!

Here are the costs of selling a home that you can easily anticipate and budget for…

Real estate commission

In a way, sellers are lucky when it comes to the financial side of the real estate transaction. You don’t have to pay a deposit, or cover major closing costs like land transfer taxes. That said, you are responsible for the commission of both agents involved.

As a general rule, the amount you’ll owe will sit at around 5 per cent of the purchase price. This sum will be split between your real estate representative and the buyer’s. It’s important to remember that when you work with an agent, you only pay for a successful result (which is to say, if you sell your home).

Legal fees

In any real estate transaction, you should have legal expertise in your corner. This professional will review your paperwork, make sure you understand the legalities of your contract, and generally ensure that your due diligence is done. Your fees will vary depending on the lawyer, but they’re typically somewhere around the $1,500 mark.

Home preparations

From repairs to decluttering to expert staging, there are a few steps that most sellers should take before putting a home on the market. In most cases (especially when it comes to staging), it’s best to have a professional handle them. Costs for these services vary widely, but you could be looking at many thousands of dollars.

Fortunately, if you work with a full-service agent, you’ll likely face fewer fees to get your property in s show-ready shape. A professional who goes above and beyond will include staging—and help out with other preparations, too. When they don’t have the skills to do a thorough job, they should have connections to local pros who do!

Even if you work with someone who provides the highest level of service, you may choose to have some minor repairs done out of pocket. Your agent can advise you as to which improvements have the potential to boost your return.

Mortgage discharge fees or prepayment penalty

Before you can sell, you’ll need to go through the mortgage discharge process to finalize the completion of your loan. You’ll sign some paperwork, and pay a fee that may tally up to a few hundred dollars.

If you’ll be paying your mortgage off early, you can also expect a prepayment penalty. The amount is typically the higher of:

• A sum totalling 3 months’ interest on what you still owe

• The interest rate differential (IRD)

Pre-list inspection

This cost doesn’t apply to every seller, but some opt to have a pre-listing inspection done. By having your home professionally assessed before it goes on the market, you can make pre-emptive repairs, price your property accurately, and prepare for future negotiations. If you decide to go this route, you’ll likely pay around $400 or $500.

Selling a home is exciting for many reasons, not the least of which is the return you’ll receive. Having said that, make sure you also factor in the costs associated with your sale. With a little bit of forethought, you can budget more accurately for the future!

To learn more about how we help sellers click here.

In February inventory finally picked up, with almost double the supply compared to January. This is great news for buyers who are currently looking to purchase a home, as there are more options available.

February 2021 – GTA Housing Market News

Milton Real Estate Market

The average price in Milton is $1,023,472.

Oakville Real Estate Market

The average price in Oakville is $1,456,537.

Burlington Real Estate Market

The average price in Burlington is $1,058,560.

We continue to be in a seller’s market with a lot of competition. We have been saying this for months now, but it continues to be a great time to sell. 

Previous Reports on GTA Housing Market News –  January, December, November

It’s finally time. You’re ready to put your investment property on the market—and enjoy the resulting return. There’s just one problem. You have a tenant.

Owning an investment property comes with many benefits, including steady, passive income and long-term price appreciation. One of the potential downsides is that when you have a tenant, things can get a little complicated when it’s time to sell. Fortunately, knowing the facts can make it easier to take this step.

If you’re selling a tenanted property, here’s what you should know to make the process as smooth as possible…

The rights of your tenants

It goes without saying that your existing renters have rights, and you must respect them throughout this process (because it’s the law—and the right thing to do).

First off, if your tenants are still in the first year of their lease, you must abide by its terms. It’s only after this initial period is over that you can terminate their tenancy. Of course, there are rules around doing so. You must provide them with two months’ notice, starting from the first of the month. For example, if you were to inform your renters that you’ve sold your property on March 15th, that period would begin on April 1st.

When it comes to showings, you’ll need to provide your tenants with at least 24 hours’ notice. Be aware that they aren’t obligated to leave your property when you bring prospective buyers in (though many renters prefer to do so).

Are you interested in growing your wealth through real estate? Read some of our investor-focused blogs right here:

• 4 Ways to Earn Money Through Real Estate
• Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Home with a Basement Apartment
• Is Now a Good Time to Sell Your Investment Property?

Necessary steps

If your tenant’s lease is up, there’s a right way to let them know that you’re planning to end their tenancy. You’re required to give them their 60 days’ notice after the property has sold. That said, it’s nice to give them as much advanced warning as possible. If you know you’re planning to sell, try to tell them sooner rather than later.

When it’s time to give them their official notice, you’ll serve your renter with a Notice to End Tenancy (aka an N12) form. The exception is if your buyer is planning to use your space as an investment property. If that’s the case, they’ll need to take on your tenant—and their current lease terms.

Getting the best price

Selling a tenanted property can be somewhat complicated, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a great result. To maximize buyer interest and get the best price possible, you’ll want to ensure your property looks its best. That can be a challenge when it’s tenanted. Unfortunately, you won’t have control over how the space you’re showing looks.

One option is to offer your tenant a months’ rent to move early (and assistance finding a place if it helps). Having a vacant property will put you in the driver’s seat—so you can clean it, perform any necessary repairs, and have it staged. These steps consistently help sellers get top dollar.

If this isn’t an option, your tenant may be willing to work with you to help ensure that your space makes a great impression. It’s just one more reason to maintain a good impression with those who rent from you!

If you’re unsure about how the process works, a skilled local real estate agent can help. It’s also a good idea to review the Residential Tenancies Act—and ask a lawyer if you have any questions about it.

To learn more about our approach to selling, see our latest Selling Guide.

 

Valentine’s Day Dessert Board

Tis the season of love and we’re celebrating with a Valentine’s day dessert board. This dessert board is full of fruit, candy, cookies, and salty snacks, and finished off with some pink roses. There’s a little something for everybody. It’s kid-friendly, customizable for food restrictions, and easy to throw together last minute. Wow your guests and delight your little ones with this Valentine’s day dessert board full of heart-shaped sweet treats.

What you’ll need to make a Valentine’s day dessert board

It’s nice to have a mixture of healthy sweets to balance out the processed sweets. Also add something crunchy to round out the textures of the soft fruit.

• Fresh Fruit: fresh fruit adds pretty, natural colours to a dessert board. Blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries all work well for Valentine’s day.
• Chocolate covered pretzels: create your own chocolate covered pretzels by dipping into melted white or dark chocolate. Or, pick up a bag at the grocery store.
• Popcorn: Kettle corn to stay in the theme of sweets, but there are all sorts of flavored popcorn you can use depending on your creative direction. The popcorn adds a nice, crunchy texture to balance out the soft fruit.
• Cookies: search your local grocery store’s bakery section for holiday-themed cookies.
• Candy: Check Bulk Barn, grocery stores, or the Dollar Store for Valentine’s day themed twists on classic candy staples.
• Fresh flowers: while not edible, arranging fresh flowers to complete the look of a charcuterie board. Make sure to trimmed off the stems, and arranged on the outer edges of the board.

Whether you’re going for sweet, savory, or a mixture of both, remember to keep it colorful and full of different flavors and textures.

It’s been a busy month in the market. We are still in a very hot sellers market. Over the past few weeks we have seen an increase in supply, although it continues to remain much lower than demand. ⁠

⁠Market values have dramatically changed over the last few months. With the average sale price across the GTA at a high of $968,000.  These are huge price increases, with the Milton real estate market in particular seeing massive year over year growth.

January 2021 GTA Real Estate Market Report

Milton Real Estate Market

The average sale price in Milton is $1,000,351 it is up 26.4% year over year.

Burlington Real Estate Market

The average sale price in Burlington is $973,793.

Oakville Real Estate Market

The average sale price in Oakville is $1,397,462.

With supply so low, it is a great time to sell. ⁠

Previous market updates: December, November, October

Every year, home buyers who swore they’d never leave Toronto are moving to greener pastures. Without a doubt, Burlington is one of their top choices. From its beautiful lakefront views to the all-around high quality of life it provides, this thriving city has never been more popular. That said, many enthusiastic buyers aren’t quite sure where to begin. Sound familiar?

If this city is relatively new territory for you, start by getting the lowdown on local neighbourhoods, homes, and prices. You can find out more here in our Burlington real estate guide…

Your Price Range

Home buyers have been flocking to Burlington in recent years, and for good reason. The fantastic quality of life in this little corner of Ontario is no longer a secret. In fact, the city has earned the impressive titles of “Best Community in Canada” and “Best Place to Raise a Family” by Maclean’s Magazine.

Home prices have grown with Burlington’s popularity, but there’s still a fairly wide range available. You can find starter condos for as little as $500k, or spacious waterfront houses that sit near the $6 million mark. It all depends on what you’re looking for—and whatever it is, you’ll probably find it here.

Neighbourhoods To Meet Your Needs

In Burlington, you’ll find a wide variety of homes to meet nearly every set of buying needs and preferences. Here are just a few fantastic local options.

Ideal For Families

The Orchard

Situated in Northeast Burlington, the Orchard is a relatively new neighbourhood (think 1990s). The area is known for its beautiful suburban houses and reputable local schools. Proximity to the majestic Bronte Creek Provincial Park—along with plenty of outdoor trails and playgrounds—make the area ideal for parents with little ones. with Appleby Plaza nearby, you’ll also find no shortage of retail and dining options.

Tyandaga

With its attractive trails and scenic waterfront views, Tyandaga is a favourite among families. This community to the northwest features public tennis and golf clubs, which means there’s never any shortage of fun things to do. You’ll also find some beautiful homes, including many in the Georgian, Colonial, and Tudor styles. Some of these houses are on the slightly more affordable side—at least by Burlington standards.

Plains

If you’re looking for a well-established neighbourhood near the city’s core, consider Plains. The area is more affordable than many, with a mix of well-maintained older and newer homes. Thanks to nearby GO transit and the Fairview Mall, it provides a low-hassle lifestyle for families. Plains is also close to the Royal Botanical Gardens—a lovely spot for weekend picnics with the kids!

Historical Gems

Downtown

If you’re looking for a bonafide heritage home (we’re talking about century-old houses with pretty period details), look no further than the downtown core. Along with these historic jewels, the area contains charming townhouses, luxury condos, and everything in between. Of course, the local homes aren’t the only thing to love about living in the city centre. From beautiful Spencer Smith Park and the urban waterfront to a plethora of retail and dining hotspots, Downtown Burlington has it all.

Roseland

Whether Roseland residences count as “historic” depends on your definition. Sure, the older homes here fall shy of the 100-year mark—and there are plenty of newer, custom-built affairs. That said, you’ll find an abundance of half-century-old houses here that are nothing short of stunning. Mature trees and lakefront views only add to the splendour—while proximity to the QEW and Burlington Mall make day-to-day life ultra convenient. Needless to say, home prices tend to be on the steep side.

Shoreacres

In the south end, you’ll find a prestigious neighbourhood with an abundance of charm. Like Roseland, Shoreacres is made up of majestic streets lined with beautiful homes that are around 50 years old. There are also plenty of green spaces (including Paletta Lakefront, Henderson, and Strathcona Parks). Nearby Appleby Mall puts all the conveniences residents need at their fingertips, while the presence of John T. Tuck Public School (which gets top-notch marks from the Fraser Institute) makes the area an ideal one for families.

Newer Homes

Alton Village

If only a brand new home will do, you may want to consider Alton Village. Situated in North Burlington, this lovely suburban community is home to some truly beautiful houses (including many from heavy-hitter developers like Mattamy and Fernbrook Homes). It’s also the site of Norton Community Park (with its play structure, fields, and off-leash park, among other features). Lastly, the area is a commuter’s paradise, providing easy access to the 407, QEW, and the nearby Appleby GO Station.

What to Know About Burlington Real Estate…

Trying to decide whether Burlington is right for you? There are a few major benefits that may tip the scales in the city’s favour. For one, your home-buying dollars will go further here than they would in a place like Toronto. While it’s true that prices have risen in recent years, the value for money in Burlington is well worth considering. In other words: if you’re looking for more space to spread out, this a great place to find it.

In particular, many of the city’s neighbourhoods feature an abundance of bungalows. These layouts have been making a major comeback, thanks to their practicality—and how flexible they are. Whether you’re looking for a place that could accommodate a home office, an extra bedroom, or whatever future renovations you desire, a bungalow with good bones could be ideal.

The truth is, Burlington has a lot more to offer—in terms of communities and housing stock. By speaking with an agent who knows the city intimately, you can find a place that fits your budget and checks off all your boxes!

Are you starting the search for your perfect home and have questions about the Burlington real estate market? Reach out today!