Do you have questions about the GTA real estate market? Reach out to learn more about your local market—and how we can help!

In recent years, there’s been a very public conversation about the buying and selling of real estate. The subject is open bidding, an offer process that proponents say leads to greater transparency and fairness. Some even believe it’s good for the market (since it can, in theory, prevent excessive price escalation). Having said that, there are also skeptics—on both the buyer’s and seller’s side. Do you know where you stand on this important real estate issue?

When it comes to open bidding in home transactions, here’s what you should know…

What is open bidding

Let’s start by delving into how things work now. As it stands, any buyer who makes an offer on a home is notified when a competing bid is made. However, they aren’t made privy to the details. From the dollar amount to the closing date, elements of the new offer are kept under wraps. This puts buyers who wish to stay in the running in an uncertain position. When they think about how to amend their bid, they’re essentially in the dark.

In October of 2018, the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) made some recommendations to the province. The organization suggested that all elements of offers made on a home be disclosed, so long as everyone involved in the transaction agrees. If this process became commonplace, here’s what the implications might be.

What it would mean for buyers

For buyers, an open-bidding process can lead to more informed decisions. With all the details on the table, purchasers can choose to up their bids or bow out—and do so based on more than speculation. Since they’ll know which number they have to beat, they can also avoid vastly overpaying when they’re eager to win their dream home.

A more transparent process could also be more pleasant for buyers. As anyone who’s been in a bidding war will tell you, it can be stressful at times. When you’re not approaching the situation blind, you’ll have fewer headaches to contend with (and a less time-consuming back and forth).

While the benefits of open bidding are clear to most buyers, there are those who have raised privacy concerns. Fortunately, since all parties would have to agree, these potential issues could be avoided.

What it would mean for sellers

On the other side of the transaction, some sellers feel that agreeing to an open-bidding process means giving up leverage. They reason that when buyers don’t know the contents of other offers, they’re more likely to put forth their highest bids. That may be true in some cases, but it’s not always.

An auction-style offer process, whereby buyers bid against one another openly, has the potential to lead to intense competition. That could work out in a seller’s favour. It could also attract buyers who tend to shy away from traditional bidding wars, which often leave them wondering if they ever stood a chance. The result? More offers on the table for sellers—a clear advantage.

The bottom line

The conversation surrounding open bidding has yet to be resolved. It’s true that it may not be the ideal solution for every buyer and seller, but it’s another potential option—one that’s attractive to many. Chances are that this issue will pick up steam in the years ahead, so make sure you stay in the know!

Are ready to start the search for your first home? Reach out today to get started!

Halloween is sure to look different due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re participating in the spookiest holiday this year, a few adjustments can make for a safer Halloween.

Picturesque parks are a big part of what makes Burlington so special. While local green spaces are perfect for whiling away the summer, they’re just as beautiful when the leaves turn to yellow, red, and gold. Simply put, when it’s autumn hues you’re seeking, there’s no shortage of places to find them.

Here are five parks in Burlington that are ideal for watching the leaves change this fall…

1) Bronte Creek Provincial Park

Bronte Creek Park is a wonderful place for a hike, stroll, or bike ride. Within this 6.4-kilometre space, you’ll find five forested nature paths that take on fiery colours when the temperature drops. The most popular options are Maiden’s Blush and Trillium Trails, both of which are surrounded by mature woodlands. There’s also a campground on-site, which is perfect for those planning a weekend in the great outdoors.

2) Kencliff Park

Kerncliff Park is a former quarry, which helps explain its unique appearance. Its stony topography and pristine wetlands are worth the trip—and so is its foliage. Every fall, the back walnut trees turn a vibrant yellow tinged with rust—a must-see. This natural rehab area spans a spacious 40 acres, and you could easily spend a whole day exploring. Don’t forget to check out the wooden bridge to enjoy the perfect view!

3) Lowville Park

This peaceful park sits just north of Burlington, in the tiny town of Lowville. Like the other outdoor spaces on our list, it features stunning trails that are one of its biggest highlights. You’ll also find scenic views of the Bronte Creek—and the leafy trees that hang over it. These 28 hectares are dazzling in autumn, so be sure to visit them this season. Don’t forget to check out the suspension bridge (and playground, if you have little ones) while you’re there!

4) Spencer Smith Park

It’s Burlington’s best-known green space. This urban park, situated right downtown along the water, is a favourite among locals and tourists alike. It’s known for its Japanese gardens, the Brant Street Pier, Rotary Cenntenial Pond (great for skating in the winter), and its beautiful landscape. Several mature weeping willows had to be removed from the park in 2016, but there are still plenty of leafy trees to admire in every season. When fall rolls around, the new hues come out—and they’re truly a sight to behold!

5) Hidden Valley Park

With its playground, picnic areas, baseball diamonds, and well-treed paths, this Aldershot gem is ideal for active families—and nature lovers. Its trails, which run alongside the creek, are impossibly green in the summer. Come September, all that vegetation makes for a lively mix of colours! This little oasis is a prime example of the natural beauty that can be found in Burlington. If you’re ready to explore the great outdoors this autumn, there are plenty of places to do so right in your own backyard!

Is it time to find your ideal home in Burlington? Reach out to learn more about the local market—and how we can help!

Take the Tour

The latest numbers for the GTA real estate market focusing on Milton, Burlington, Oakville and Toronto.

Do you have questions about the GTA real estate market? Reach out to learn more about your local market—and how we can help!

Are you looking for the ideal place to settle down? If so, you might want to consider living in Burlington. Just 40 minutes from Toronto, this charming city on the lake is much more than a bedroom community. In fact, it’s been called the best place to live in the country by Maclean’s magazine.

Find out what makes living in Burlington so special here in our guide to the city…

Burlington at a Glance

With its quiet residential neighbourhoods and pretty parks, Burlington is the epitome of family-friendly. Here you’ll also find a wide variety of places to give your kids a high-quality education. John T. Tuck and Charles R. Beaudoin Public Schools are just two local institutions that receive impressive rankings from the Fraser Institute.

Burlington also hosts a wide variety of annual events that add to its sense of fun and community. Canada’s Largest Ribfest, the Christmas Festival of Lights, and the Children’s Festival are just a few examples.

City Amenities

It’s true that Burlington isn’t one of Canada’s biggest cities. But if you choose to live here, you’ll enjoy plenty of unique dining and shopping options in your own backyard.

To start with, the city’s food scene is very much alive and well. Among the local favourites is the Martini House. This fine-dining hotspot serves up inventive, European and Asian-inspired fare. Think pitch-perfect clam fettuccini and fresh sesame-crusted tuna. Paradiso, which is known for its incredible seafood dishes, is another must-visit.

Local shoppers favour Mapleview Centre and Burlington Mall, both of which are home to some of the most popular retailers out there. To soak up the local charm while you shop, head downtown. Here you’ll find a mix of fashionable boutiques, antique stores, giftware shops, and more.

Outdoor Spaces

One of the best things about living in Burlington is the city’s gorgeous outdoor spaces. Take Canada’s largest botanical gardens. Spread out over 1,100 hectares, the RBG contains 300 acres of cultivated gardens and 27 kilometres of nature trails.

Spencer Smith Park is another one of Burlington’s biggest draws. Situated on the waterfront in the city’s downtown, it boasts a kids’ playground, a Japanese garden, the scenic Brant Street Pier, Rotary Centennial Pond (which becomes a popular skating rink in the winter), and much more.

There’s a wide variety of other green spaces throughout the city, including Leighland, Lowville, and LaSalle Parks.

Getting Around

Commuting out of Burlington is easy, thanks to local access to highways 403, 407, and the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW). For those who don’t drive, the city’s bus service is a convenient way to get around. Don’t forget about commuter trains! The Appleby, Burlington, and Aldershot GO Stations make areas like Halton Region, Hamilton, and the GTA easy to get to.

Burlington Real Estate

Burlington has an ideal neighbourhood—and a perfect home—for every buyer. From brand-new builds to mid-century bungalows to beautiful historic houses, the city’s options are seemingly endless.

One of the main reasons families make the move to this little corner of the world is for more square footage. Of course, all that space can come at a cost. It’s not unusual to see single-family properties listed at around $1 million. While home prices in the city are catching up to those in Toronto, it’s important to remember that you’ll get more for your money in Burlington!

Explore Burlington Neighbourhoods

Decluttering When Selling Your Home

Selling your home is all about taking a step forward in your life’s journey. While you may be eager to make your next move—and get the highest possible return on your investment—there are a few major tasks you’ll have to tackle first. Without a doubt, one of the most challenging is decluttering your property to stage, show, and sell it.

If you’re preparing to sell your home, here are five tips to paring down your possessions first…

1) Start Early

Even the most organized family can start to feel like time is the enemy once they start decluttering. From junk mail to winter wear, you’ll probably find that there’s a lot more to go through than you thought. That’s why it’s important to get started before you start to feel the crunch.

The first step is creating a sorting system (many sellers find that categories like “keep,” “toss,” and “donate” are helpful). Next up, figure out where you want to make donations—and call ahead to avoid any unforeseen hassles.

2) Let Go

If you have a tendency to hold onto things past their expiration date, you’re not alone. Most homeowners keep duplicate kitchenware, worn-out furniture, and clothing that’s two sizes too small—all with the misguided notion that it will come in handy someday. Usually, it won’t.

Don’t make the mistake of carting possessions you’ll never use to your next home. As a general rule, if it’s been out of commission for at least a year, you’ll never miss it.

While it’s always okay to hold onto items with sentimental value, try to imagine where they’ll live in your next home. Whether it’s on a photo wall or atop the coffee table, you should have a designated place in mind for everything.

3) Focus on Selling

One of the trickiest things about decluttering before you sell is knowing not only what you want to keep, but what buyers will want to see when they tour your home. This is where an agent with selling expertise and an eye for detail can be helpful.

An experienced professional will know which items enhance your property as part of a cohesive aesthetic. On the flip side, they’ll also be able to tell you which ones should go (even if it’s just into storage for a short time).

If your agent suggests packing away an old armchair or piece of artwork, try not to take it personally. They’re simply ensuring that your property will appeal to as many buyers as possible!

4) Make Time

Decluttering can take weeks of sustained effort, so make sure you schedule it into your family calendar. An hour or two every couple of days can help you tackle the job piece-by-piece—without being overly disruptive to your lives.

Choose times when everyone will be home, whether that’s before dinner or on Sunday afternoon. While longer time blocks may be daunting for your kids (and you), breaking it down into fifteen-minute intervals followed by short breaks can help everyone feel good about what they accomplished.

5) Create a Routine

There’s a reason why homes need to be cleaned often. Unfortunately, clutter has a way of sneaking back into our lives—even after we’ve put in the effort to get rid of it. From old magazines and overfilled coin trays to loose toys and craft supplies, things will pile up quickly if you don’t have a plan to stay on top of them.

To keep your home in show-ready shape, mentally commit yourself to putting items back where they belong when you’re done with them. This can be especially challenging if you have kids, but there are steps you can take to help them stay motivated (like offering small rewards if they keep their rooms clean).

Decluttering a home before a big move is a challenge, and it can even feel downright impossible. The key is to take it one step at a time, celebrate your progress, and listen to your agent’s advice when it comes to home preparations!

Are you ready to start the process of selling your home? Reach out today to get started!

Milton has long been known as one of the fastest-growing communities in the country. Why are so many home buyers flocking here? It could have something to do with the picture-perfect mix of homes, or the area’s natural beauty. It could also be Milton’s ultra-convenient amenities, or its friendly sense of community. The truth is, there are so many reasons to move to this corner of the world—and every new resident has their own!

Learn why living in Milton just might be the perfect option for and your family in our guide to the town…

Milton at a glance

If you’re looking to put down roots in a quiet, family-friendly community, Milton might be the ideal fit. First off, there’s the quality of local education. There are some top-notch learning environments in this town, including Anne J MacArthur Public School and Guardian Angels Catholic School (both of which receive high rankings from the reputable Fraser Institute).

Along with fantastic local schools, Milton is home to impressive library branches, a fascinating museum, a well-attended farmers market, and a handful of must-attend events (like the Downtown Milton Street Festival).

Town amenities

One of the best things about living in Milton is the convenient lifestyle it offers. Whether you’re looking to furnish a home office, buy some fashionable new duds, or simply stock up on supplies, the conveniences you need are just a short drive away.

In the downtown business district, you’ll find everything from ice cream shops to hair salons to jewellery stores. The Milton Mall, which boasts a variety of well-known retailers, is another popular option. At some point, you should also visit the outlets, which offer everything from high-end luxury to day-to-day essentials (you’ll find many of them along Steeles Avenue).

When it comes to dining out, you won’t be disappointed. Milton’s restaurants offer consistently tasty fare—and plenty of atmosphere. Standouts include Pasqualino’s (for from-scratch Italian dishes made with seasonal ingredients),, the Green Eatery (for flavourful vegan), and Luigi’s Lasagna and Pizzeria (when only comfort food will do!)

Outdoor spaces

Milton residents are blessed with easy access to some pretty incredible outdoor spaces. A fifteen-minute drive away, you’ll find Crawford Lake Conservation Area, home to 232 hectares of pristine forests and waterfront. Hilton Falls Conservation Area is about the same distance from town. This stunning jewel in Halton Region boasts attractive trails and magical waterfalls.

Other places to get up close and personal with nature include Kelso Conservation Area and Rattlesnake Point. If you’re looking to get outdoors but want to stay closer to home, visit one of the many green spaces here in Milton (such as McDougall, Livingston, or Coxe Boulevard Parks, among others).

Getting around

Quick access to the 401 and 407 allows Milton residents to travel with ease. Between the two of these highways, you can connect to the GTA, Mississauga, Burlington, Oakville, London, Kitchener, and many other communities in this part of Ontario.

If you’re not a motorist, you’re still in luck. Whether you need to get around Halton Region or go further (to Toronto, Hamilton, or elsewhere), Go Transit can get you there. Head to the local station on Main Street East to catch a ride, and check out the map to see the many places served by this convenient commuter train line.

Milton real estate

If you decide to buy a home here, you’ll find plenty of options. From the historic houses of Old Milton to the shiny new-builds in Harrison, there are many well-appointed living spaces to choose from. If you’re looking for something at a lower price point (or you simply don’t need all the space that a single-family home has to offer), consider a local condo or townhouse.

Typically, single-family homes in Milton are above $700,000. It’s true that the average price is rising, and many beautiful local properties now hover around the $1 million mark. That said, your money will still go much further in Milton than it does in markets like Toronto or Vancouver—which is worth keeping in mind if your family could use some extra space to spread out. When you’re ready to find the right home, neighbourhood, and price, a knowledgeable local agent can help at every step.

Do you have questions about the GTA real estate market? Reach out to learn more about your local market—and how we can help!

Common Mistakes Made By First-Time Buyers

There’s nothing quite like buying a home for the first time. It’s an almost indescribable excitement, joy, and pride that you’ll feel when you set foot in a place that’s truly your own. Of course, there are a few steps you’ll have to take before you can get there—and on the journey, there are plenty of opportunities to make mistakes. Fortunately, knowing what not to do can help ensure that the process is smooth and successful.

If you’re purchasing a home for the first time, here are five mistakes you should avoid…

1) Forgoing pre-approval

One of the biggest missteps many home buyers make is forgoing pre-approval. Taking this first step towards securing a mortgage is simple—and the benefits it can provide are well worth the effort.

During the process, a lender will look closely at your finances to determine how much they’ll likely offer you. While pre-approval isn’t an absolute guarantee that you’ll be fully approved, it is enough to show most sellers you’re a credible buyer who’s ready to make a home purchase!

2) Being unrealistic

You deserve to find your dream home. We’re talking about a place where you can imagine spending some of the happiest moments of your life. A living space like that should just feel right—but it won’t be absolutely perfect.

The truth is, flawless homes don’t exist. Unfortunately, some buyers don’t know that until it’s too late. They pass over beautiful properties capable of meeting their needs because they’re waiting for absolute perfection. Your best bet is to look for a place that checks all of your most important boxes, while giving you that “at home” feeling.

3) Overlooking serious flaws

Some features are easy to fall in love with, like an incredible layout or beautiful architectural details. While it makes sense to factor these “pros” into your purchase decision, it’s not a good idea to ignore any major issues a home might have because of them.

From mould growth to a shoddy foundation, some potential problems deserve your attention. No matter how much you adore a home, make sure you investigate any suspected red flags.

4) Not protecting yourself

Purchasing a home isn’t something you do every day, which is why most buyers don’t know what their due diligence should entail. In most circumstances, it will include a thorough inspection—and possibly the right set of conditions added to your purchase agreement.

In the simplest terms, a home-buying condition is a requirement that must be fulfilled for your purchase to be finalized. For example, a financing condition states that you don’t have to complete your transaction if your mortgage falls through. Your agent can help you take steps like this to reduce the potential risk associated with your purchase.

5) Underestimating costs

A home is the biggest investment most buyers will ever make. Given the price tag involved, it’s not surprising that many forget to factor in (comparatively) smaller expenses. The problem is, they have a way of adding up.

To pave the way for a smooth purchase, leave plenty of room in your budget for ongoing homeownership expenses. You should also make sure you understand the closing costs involved—such as legal fees and land transfer tax.

Buying a home for the first time may seem daunting, and it’s natural to worry about making mistakes. The good news is, an experienced agent can provide the guidance you need to make a smooth, low-stress, and all-around successful purchase.

Are ready to start the search for your first home? Reach out today to get started!