Edwards Team | Real Estate

Pod Storage Solutions

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 17:29:19 GMT

When it comes to moving or renovating,

finding the right storage solution can make all the difference.

Are you considering using a pod storage solution?

Before you make a decision, check out my Genuine Things to Consider: Storage Pods Edition

This handy guide covers everything you need to know to ensure your belongings are safe and secure -- from choosing the right container size to packing tips to things you should consider before deciding which is the right storage solution for you!

Here are some of the tips you can find in my Storage Container Guide - if you're

looking for ways to make your move easier & sell for more money,

these can be a great investment.

Size of the Container...

• Choose the right size for your needs. Most companies offer multiple sizes —too small and you’ll be cramming things in, too large and you might overpay for unused space.

• Measure larger furniture to determine what will fit best & refer back to your staging checklist for what items may need to stay behind.

Packing & Organization...

Proper Packing: Ensure heavy items are on the bottom and lighter items are on top. Use straps to secure large items like furniture.

Climate Sensitivity: If items are sensitive to temperature or humidity (like electronics, artwork, or wooden furniture), check if climate-controlled storage options are available.

Accessibility During Storage: Pack the container in a way that allows you to access items you might need during the storage period. Label boxes clearly & on multiple sides. (Check with the company to see if you can have access while it’s stored)

Moving Considerations

Relocation: If you’re planning to move to a new home, confirm if the pod company can deliver to your new location, particularly if it’s far from the original pick-up point.

Time Flexibility: Plan how long you'll need the container. Confirm if the company offers flexibility if your moving or renovation timelines change.

Cost Factors...

Total Costs: Understand all the potential costs—initial delivery, monthly storage, relocation (if applicable), and final retrieval. Hidden fees can add up, so confirm the pricing structure upfront.

Insurance Add-Ons: Depending on what you're storing, you may need to add extra insurance, which could be an additional cost.

Want to save some time?

You can also get our curated list of questions to ask when calling pod storage companies

which can help you get the answers you need to make an informed decision.

I'm also happy to share our list of local companies serving Oakville, Burlington,

Hamilton & Grimsby, Ontario to help make your decision even easier!

Be sure to do your due diligence when choosing which company will best serve your needs.

Don't forget to grab a copy of the questions you should be sure to ask!

Big Steel Box - 1-800-373-1187

https://lp.bigsteelbox.com/moving-storage/pods/

Mobile Fortress - 226-317-4603

https://mobilefortress.ca/

PODS - 1-855-706-4758

https://www.pods.ca/

CubeIt - 1-844-897-3811

https://cubeit.ca/

The Storage Box - 1-800-555-4510

https://www.thestoragebox.com/

U-Haul (U-Box)

https://www.uhaul.com/UBox/

Oakville - (905) 842-3871

Burlington - (289) 348-2323

Hamilton - (905) 560-3161

Go Mini’s - 647-735-6498

https://www.gominis.ca/

Mi-Box Moving & Mobile Storage - 905-537-2001

https://getmibox.com/

Remember, I’m here to make the process of moving as smooth and simple as possible.

Let’s get those items stored safely so you can focus on what really matters!

Let's Connect!

Rochelle Edwards | Broker

S. Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

Call/Text - 905-484-0747

Hello@GenuineRealtor.com

Supercharge Your Mortgage Renewal In Ontario

Sat, 06 Apr 2024 19:06:50 GMT

Let's talk about the $15 billion elephant in the room as CMHC estimates

more than 2.2 million mortgage borrowers in Canada

will be up for renewal in 2024 and 2025.

This has left hundreds of thousands of Canadians bracing for their mortgage renewal and

wondering if they'll be able to afford their home when their term is up.

See, most mortgages in Canada renew after a 5-year term.

If you're one of my American �� readers, this can be a shock if you're used to locking in until you sell.

But 5 years ago, rates were unprecedentedly low....

allowing Canadians to borrow more money to afford their home.

Now that they've spent the last few years acclimatizing to their monthly mortgage payments,

the two-thirds of Canadians who chose a fixed rate have this looming increase in their mortgage payments.

If you're one of those who chose a variable rate, you've been feeling that pressure the last 2 years

and have likely been adjusting your spending or using your savings to help cover

the fluctuating costs of your mortgage payment.

The interest rate shock for those in a fixed rate is looking to be an

estimated increase of around 35% monthly

depending on what rates were when you secured your mortgage.

So, if this sounds like your situation, hang tight because we'll be covering

what you can do right now to help mitigate the impact of your renewal.

But before we dive into those tips....

Let's chat a bit about interest rates,

how they are established,

& what the impact has been.

So to start, I want to introduce you to Eric Sabatini - a mortgage agent here in Ontario.

Helping to educate people about their mortgage options is a huge part of his day-to-day business!

He's going to be helping us truly understand the options people have,

but for specific advice, I encourage you to reach out and book a consultation with Eric.

Now, some background to help get you up to speed:

The Bank of Canada has been raising and occasionally holding rates since March 2022.

In fact, there have been 10 rate hikes since March 2022 , bringing us to

the 5% that the bank has held since July 12th, 2023.

So, why did the rates have to increase so quickly?

The Bank of Canada needed to break inflation down,

and the best tool they have is increasing interest rates to

reduce spending, which in turn brings inflation down.

Since it takes time for these measures to work, the Bank of Canada has been holding rates the

last five announcements so that the previous rate hikes have time to bring inflation down.

Now, if you're on a variable-rate mortgage and it's hard to cover your mortgage payments , you do have options.

Let's hear from Eric what your variable rate options are.

But keep in mind, the big six Bank CEOs in Canada are all predicting rate

declines by the end of this year , so if you can keep holding on, there should be relief in the near future.

ERIC - Those grappling with variable rate mortgages

and feeling the pinch of making ends meet do have options.

First off, I want you to think about your own situation for a second...

How dire are things for you?

Can you hold on to your variable rate a little longer

just to see if rates begin to decrease in the near future?

If not, here are a couple of tips for how you could deal with your variable rate struggles at the moment.

Option Number One: Lock It In

Variable rate clients always have the option to lock into a fixed rate.

As of today, the fixed rate offered to you will likely be lower than your

current variable rate, therefore payment relief is possible.

The risk you run is that by locking in now, you may lose out on the

opportunity to take advantage of potential rate drops expected in the near future.

Option Two: Payment Frequency

You can also look at your payment frequency and how you make payments.

So if you're paying monthly, consider switching to what they call a regular bi-weekly payment.

So with a bi-weekly mortgage payment,

you make 26 payments per year,

so it sometimes feels easier for people to budget each month.

Number Three: Break & Refinance

So if you're struggling and you want to look into breaking your mortgage to,

let's say, consolidate some debt, you will face a prepayment penalty.

So a prepayment penalty is a lender's return policy

when you break your mortgage before the term is up.

One of the benefits of taking a variable rate is its flexibility.

When you break a variable rate mortgage,

the penalty is always 3 months of interest added up.

This is a flexible penalty, and it's often a lot less than if you had a

fixed-rate and wanted to break it before your term was up.

Each situation is unique and therefore customizable.

These three options are not always possible for every borrower...

What's most important here is that you educate yourself

on the options so you can make a stronger, more informed,

knowledgeable decision about your greatest asset.

As for people on a FIXED MORTGAGE,

the rates are calculated a bit differently.

One component that often remains shrouded in mystery

is how fixed-rate mortgages are actually set in Canada.

Here's a little spoiler:

It all goes back to the 5-year Government of Canada Bond yield.

What is the 5-year bond yield, you ask?

I want you to imagine that you have money saved up,

and you want to invest it somewhere safe so that it can grow.

One option available to you is to lend your money

to the Government. This is the 5 Year Canada Bond Yield.

So, an investor lends money to the government &

the government offers a

guaranteed rate of return... after 5 years.

Since the Bond Yield is backed by the government of Canada

& considered supremely secure, Banks & Lenders use

the Bond Yield as a reference point for coming up with the fixed rates

you see advertised on mortgages.

So, an easy way to understand it is this:

When bond yields go up, banks typically raise fixed mortgage rates.

Conversely, when they go down, so too can the rates offered to you by these banks and lenders.

Now, I get this question a lot: Eric, is this just fixed rates, not variable?

So, while bond yields affect fixed rates, they don't directly impact variable rates.

Variable rates are influenced by the Bank of Canada's policy interest rate.

This is akin to the throttle of our country's economic engine.

So, when the economy needs a little bit of a jolt,

the rate drops, making borrowing cheaper.

Should the economy overheat and need cooling, as evidenced by the past two years,

the Bank of Canada raises rates with the intent to slow down demand for borrowing and spending.

So, taken as a whole, as a potential buyer or even an existing homeowner,

grasping this aspect of your mortgage is super crucial.

By embracing this knowledge, you actually empower yourself

with the foresight to navigate the path to homeownership properly.

- TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL RENEWAL -

ROCHELLE - Now, when it comes to your mortgage being up for renewal,

there are some things you should do now to set yourself up for success.

But first, I want you to know that historically,

Canadians will often do whatever it takes to keep their mortgage paid.

Many reduce spending in other areas...

forgo payments on credit cards,

avoid loan repayments,

& sometimes even quit paying their utilities...

Just to ensure the mortgage is paid.

So, if you're struggling, know that you are not alone,

but use these tips to help you get through the renewal in the best way possible!

ERIC - Here are my top three tips for anyone preparing for a renewal this year or into 2025.

Before delving into the world of mortgage renewals,

it's crucial to take stock of your current financial status.

Has your income changed at all?

Are you facing increased expenses,

or are you planning future investment opportunities?

Do you simply want to renew and keep your mortgage balance the exact same?

Do you want to extend your amortization to make your monthly payments more manageable,

or are you considering a refinance to pay some higher interest debts?

The point is, your current situation... your budget, your debts, your monthly cash flow, etc....

It all needs to be assessed precisely to ensure that the mortgage product,

the rate, the fine print, and the term length you choose fits your life appropriately.

Do not sign on the dotted line when a lender sends you a renewal letter in the mail.

It is often autogenerated by a computer and printed weeks before you even receive it.

The mortgage marketplace changes DAILY!

That renewal letter is not taking into consideration any of those changes since it was printed.

Signing that piece of paper blindly without speaking to somebody about the

details or the fine print can put you in a worse-off position overall.

I want you to start EARLY.

Mark your calendar for 4 months or 120 days before your mortgage maturity date.

This is when you can lock in a new fixed mortgage rate or a variable rate promotion.

As I said, the mortgage marketplace changes daily.

Get your renewal or refinance locked in early,

then ensure your mortgage pro is tracking things like the 5-year Canada bond yield,

the Bank of Canada decisions, and overall economic forecast because

he or she can work on getting that rate lower if possible over the next 120 days.

And what's more, if rates increase over that 4-month period,

at least you locked in a lower rate well in advance.

So, now that you know what you can do to put yourself in the best position for your upcoming mortgage renewal, we understand that for some of you, you may decide selling is your best option for the long term.

There are a lot of potential outcomes when you sell...

From finding something smaller or less costly to maintain,

to choosing to rent and focus on other investment strategies,

to bringing in a housemate to help make life more affordable.

If renewing isn't an option for you, I'm happy to connect

and help you process what the best strategy is for you.

Spencer Smith Park

Sat, 13 Jan 2024 13:58:44 GMT

~ Spencer Smith Park ~

Burlington continues to win awards among mid-sized cities across Canada

& our downtown community is a big reason why. The flagship of Burlington’s

park system creates the ideal backdrop for our downtown shops, restaurants

& cultural centres… of course, I’m talking about Spencer Smith Park.

Year-round, this park sees hundreds of thousands of visitors who come for a multitude of reasons.

From festivals to events to spending time with loved ones,

visiting Spencer Smith park is a part of the local lifestyle here.

Now, we will get into the present-day uses & what you can expect,

but the history of this park space is something special!

So, let’s start off by acknowledging the Treaty Lands and Territory of the

Mississaugaus of the Credit First Nation and recognize the land we stand on as being

home and traditional territory to Indigenous people since time immemorial.

Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea)

The park space land in particular was part of a large parcel given to

Joseph Brant for his service to the Crown during the American Revolution.

Joseph Brant is a name many will associate with our hospital

just beyond the west end of Spencer Smith Park...

But Joseph Brant was a Mohawk War Cheif who fought with the British & advocated for his people

when meeting with prominent figures like King George the Third & George Washington.

His given name was Thayendanegea & locally, the north Burlington neighbourhood of Tyandaga

is another ode to his incredible impact locally. If you’re curious about the neighbourhoods

in Burlington, I’ve covered them all which you can check out here...

Joseph Brant Museum

The Joseph Brant Museum, which opened it’s improved facility in 2019, is also located on the western edge of Spencer Smith Park & his replica home which was restored in 1938 continues to overlook the shores of Lake Ontario.

If you haven’t visited the museum yet, it’s worth adding to your list

& keep an eye on the different exhibits that are on display throughout the year!

If you’ve got kids in need of programs, their camps are incredible as well!

Now one of the reasons Spencer Smith Park is so iconic locally is because of the multitude of activities & events throughout the year!

From a beautiful place to stroll lakeside...

To free festivals where we come together to celebrate...

To stunning seasonal displays...

To enjoying a meal overlooking the shores of Lake Ontario...

There’s no other place in the city quite like Burlington’s flagship park space.

Join me for a stroll back through time...

To when Burlington was just a village & the

main road connecting Hamilton to Toronto was Lakeshore.

The stretch through the village was very close to the lake & if you’ve ever been downtown during

a winter storm, you know how quickly the water could overtake the steep limestone

cliffs causing mayhem for those travelling on the main road.

The erosion was a serious concern & in 1906, councillors sought

funding to protect the shoreline without success.

In 1909 the village’s Reeve Maxwell Charles Smith took up the fight to find funding for the project.

After many years & a stroke of luck, Charles Smith, now the first Mayor of Burlington, managed to secure funding after taking a trip to Ottawa.

I n the years after, the breakwall was finally in place protecting the shores

& creating a safe harbour for small boats.

That safe harbour is where much of the lawns are today!
It’s hard to imagine our downtown without the festivals & greenspace, the lawns provide...

That harbour also helped protect the main road which led to the iconic Brant Inn

being able to host so many gatherings & celebrities of the day!

Spencer Smith - The Visionary

Spencer Smith, a local grocery store owner born in England who had humble beginnings as a

teenage farmhand with a local family, was a charter member of Burlington’s Horticultural Society

& was passionate about the beautification of the town he loved.

In 1933, while president of the Burlington Horticultural Society,

he set his sights on the land at the base of Brant St

& embarked on creating a beautiful waterfront space

for locals known as Lakeside Park.

Many of the large mature trees throughout old Burlington are a result of his seedlings

& the impact can be felt rippling through time when in 2017 the willows he planted had

reached the end of their life & had to be removed to the dismay of many locals.

His efforts & leadership are why in 1942,

the park space was re-named Spencer Park.

Modern Day Spencer Smith Park

So when did the park begin to resemble more of what we know & love?

Well, in the 1950’s the town created the Department of Recreation who took over the

park maintenance & began to add some more fill to build up the land.

Then with the 100-year celebration of Canada’s Founding approaching,

the town was looking for unique Centennial projects.

The decision was made to fill in the water to the break wall from Spencer Park

west to the now-closed but still-standing at the time Brant Inn.

So, in 1965 Construction began on Confederation Terrace

& filling in the water in time for the 1967 Centennial Celebrations.

The Burlington Centennial Committee proposed a new name...

“Wellington Square Park”

to commemorate the hamlet that became a part of Burlington in 1873,

but locals passionately objected & the committee decided instead to

change the name to Spencer Smith Park.

So, before Burlington even became a city,

"Spencer Smith Park" stood proud on the shores of Lake Ontario.

Monuments & Memorials

With so much history long gone, it’s nice to know there are

monuments throughout the park to reflect on the past…

There’s the Navy Memorial in honour of the

Canadians who served in the Navy during WWII.

Located just west of the Brant St Pier , this 6’4 bronze statue of a

WWII Canadian sailor at attention saluting lost shipmates.

Installed in 1995, it is one of two main locations where

Remembrance Day services are held on November 11th each year.

As you head towards the west end of Spencer Smith Park,

Canadian hero Terry Fox also has a monument to

mark his 3,582km ran during the Marathon of Hope.

There are plenty of locals who still remember July 13, 1980,

when Terry ran along Lakeshore to raise money for cancer research.

If you stand at the most western lookout on the promenade,

there is the story of the Victory at Burlington Bay which had a direct impact

on the last invasion of Canada in 1814 at Lundy’s Lane in Niagara Falls.

Brant Inn - Nightclub

Another local landmark of years long gone is the Brant Inn

which I covered more in the history of Burlington’s Beach.

So, if you’re interested in the Big Bands that used to entertain into the early morning

& attract celebrities to the western shores of Lake Ontario, check it out here!

The Promenade

Now if we jump forward into the late 1990’s, the breakwall was improved to

become the 2-tierd 706m promenade.

It has become the popular path to enjoy the scenic views of Lake Ontario,

the Pier & the Skyway Bridge off in the distance.

The promenade & Pier are accessible year-round, however come winter,

the ice that forms with the winter storms can create very slippery conditions.

This time of year, note that the City posts signs that

they do not maintain & you us e them at your own risk.

Lady of the Lake

Another permanent feature is the Lady of The Lake who was

installed in 1973 after being gifted to the City by the Burlington Lions Club.

It sits beside the main parking lot which truthfully, is very small & is often full.

Do note, it’s a pay-to-park situation , so you

may want to park on one of the nearby streets & walk to Spencer Smith.

If you’re lucky enough to live in one of the south-end neighbourhoods

along the paved Centennial Trail, you can bike downtown in no time!

See the full pathway in this video where we ride from end to end

(don't worry, it's sped up)

There are also multiple municipal lots in the area where you can find additional parking.

• The parking lot on either side of Spencer's Landing

(the western lot is often reserved for the restaurant)

• The lot at the corner of Brock Ave & Lakeshore

• The lot between the Pearle & Waterfront Hotels

• The multi-story parking garage on Locust Street

(just north of Lakeshore Rd.)

The playground is one of my kids' favourites in the city!

With different climbers, swings & a zip line… there’s something for all ages.

There is also the Dofassco Waterjet Splashpad which opened in 2006

& gives kids a fun way to cool down over the summer months.

Beside the playground, you’ll find Rotary Centennial Pond which offers hobbyists

a calm space to captain their boats during the warmer months.

There are signs posted, but a reminder, this is

not a wading pool & it is not for people or pets to play in.

Come the winter months, the water freezes & converts to an awesome waterfront skating location!

With low edges to take a break, skate rentals & assists to help new skaters,

it’s a winter treat to come down for a lakeside skate.

Now if you are looking for more outdoor skating locations locally,

I did create a video covering 11 of our local spots which you can check out here!

Spencer’s at the Waterfront...

Is a dining experience in Downtown Burlington where the large windows offer

diners views of the lake as well as a lakeside patio during the warmer months.

There is also an observatory that is host to many events

& weddings due to the picturesque setting!

Below the restaurant, there is the Discovery Centre which offers public washrooms,

a warm place to put on skates, a water refilling station & a grab-to-go concession-style eatery.

December means the Festival of Lights is on display!

The more than 60 displays are scattered throughout the 6+ acres of park space

from the end of November until the first week of January.

Like most events downtown, it’s free to visit , just be sure you are

respectful of these displays that started brightening our holiday season since 1995.

I did also cover the Festival of Lights in another video so if you’d like to

learn more about what you can expect, be sure to check it out here!

One thing I love about this park is that... besides the stairs installed at the base of Brant St during the

1967 Centennial renewal & the set at the Lakeshore pedestrian crosswalk,

the rest of the pathways are completely accessible.

Now, there are the stairs at the Pearl but it’s considered just beyond the park despite

the pathway connecting & it also offers ramps down to the waterfront trail.

The Brant St ramp is steep, but the rest of the inclines are reasonable

& allow people of all ages/abilities to enjoy this flagship park.

With more than a kilometre of waterfront pathway

& around 2km of pathways meandering throughout the park,

there’s a lot of space to explore!

Brant St. Pier

Of course, we can’t miss talking about the iconic Brant St Pier that almost never was…

We’re so used to the 137-meter curved pier with its 12-meter tall beacon

that’s graced the shoreline since 2013, that it’s hard for many to

imagine a waterfront view without the colourful vantage point.

But before opening in 2013, there was a time when the build was at a standstill.

Running millions over budget, the cost to complete was weighing heavy on our elected officials.

Determining it would cost just as much to tear down as it would to complete,

the choice to persevere with the unique curvature

& create this downtown destination was made.

Now, it’s the backdrop we all instantly recognize during

the many festivals throughout the year!

The Festivals

The summer is filled with different festivals...

From Canada Day celebrations,

To food trucks,

To children's events

& Movies under the stars…

There’s a lot happening at Spencer Smith Park year-round!

Sound of Music Festival

The Sound of Music festival kicks off the summer with free concerts, vendors to explore & core streets downtown shut down to traffic so pedestrians can roam the local shops & restaurants.

Canada's Largest Ribfest

Come the end of summer, the park is host to Canada's Largest Ribfest

every Labour Day weekend offering more than just ribs for locals to enjoy.

Spencer Smith Park Beaches

Brant St Pier Beach

There's one in Spencer Smith Park at the western base of the Pier.

It's not very big & it gets deep fairly quickly.

The water quality can shift, especially when there are lots of people kicking around....

Be sure to look at the water quality before swimming at any of our beaches.

Burlington Beachway

At the very west end of Spencer Smith Park is a trail heading off towards a tree line.

That's the Burlington Beachway!

An area that once was a tourist destination with seasonal cottages,

a small theme park & our old transit line (where the trail now runs)

With more than 3km of trails along the sandbar towards Hamilton,

beautiful sandy beaches & shallow waters that gradually

get deeper, it's packed for most of the summer!

There are no lifeguards on duty at either beach so be sure to keep an eye on your kids.

Also, please DO NOT feed the birds...

It makes them sick (not enough nutrients they need) & is one of the leading

causes of water pollution meaning fewer days of being able to swim.

I have covered the beach extensively, from the history of Burlington Beach to sharing

17 local beaches worth checking out during the hot summer months!

Cultural Diversity

Culturally, Burlington takes an interest in supporting artists & sharing local talent.

With events like Art Walks where different pieces are showcased for some time, to events like Lakeside-A-La-Cart where local restaurants & beverage companies can showcase their creations.

Being across the street from the Art Gallery of Burlington & a short walk to the Burlington Performing Arts Centre , the city celebrates the arts every chance it has!

Hotels & Accommodations

Now a more recent addition to the park space is the completion of The Pearl,

creating a second hotel on the waterfront as well as a condo residence.

With an award-winning spa, lakeside restaurant with patio, coffee shop,

water feature & retail stores, it’s a beautiful addition to our waterfront space.

The other hotel is the Waterfront Hotel with a pool overlooking the pier & lake as well as

a restaurant with arguably the best view of the Pier for any of the downtown restaurants.

That said, there is a proposal to develop the space into a new building

as the progress around the park & Burlington’s downtown is never-ending.

Sakura Cherry Blossoms

Now we’ve covered Summer, Fall and winter at the park,

but Spencer Smith Park is truly all season…

and Spring brings with it a very special time of year.

In 1997 Burlington received a gift from our twin city, Itabashi Japan

of Sakura Trees which have been plated throughout the city.

With more than 25 planted in a row along Spencer Smith Park’s northeastern edge,

it’s no surprise that the Sakura Festival, or Cherry Blossom Festival , is celebrated every spring.

If you're considering a move in or around the Burlington area, please reach out -

I'm always happy to chat about your real estate goals!

Until Next time, Keep it genuine.

Rochelle Edwards | Broker

S. Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

Hello@GenuineRealtor.com

Office: 905-639-3300

The Shifting Real Estate Market - Fall 2023

Wed, 18 Oct 2023 22:34:35 GMT

�� With new builds catching fire ��

�� Homes sitting longer on the market ��

�� Interest rates + the stress test hurting not only

buying power or how much someone can afford ��

But also directly affecting homeowners with variable rate mortgage products who have seen their payments significantly increase ��

Hello, I’m Rochelle Edwards ��

A REALTOR who loves sharing about the

local (to me) real estate market!

(Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton + Surrounding Area)

Today we are taking a look some of the BIG changes coming to Ontario Real Estate & some key

pitfalls to be aware of when Buying or

Selling in a sliding market.

When chatting with clients lately, there’s a common thread of questions & uncertainty about what's happening in the real estate market.

There are definitely some important things to

know about a shifting market & I want to bring some clarity on a few notables for you.

First, Overpaying is a real risk for buyers.

It’s risky because if you make an offer & say “I’ll pay $1.2M” but then on closing day, the bank decides it’s only worth $1M... you’ll need to cover what is called the appraisal gap.

So in this case, you’d need to come up with $200,000 in addition to your down

payment & closing costs.

Can’t come up with that kind of money?

Don’t plan on it going well…

Once the Seller’s Lawyer is aware you intend to breech or did breech your offer contract, it will trigger a sequence of events.

First, you can try for an extension as the Buyer, but expect to have some penalties for the trust the Seller would put in you to actually close after the additional time.

If you still can’t close or don’t negotiate an extension, the Seller will relist the property & try to sell as soon as possible. If a new Buyer commits & offers less than your $1.2M offer, you’ll not only lose your deposit, you’ll also be sued for the difference in purchase price + additional expenses incurred in the process.

We are talking hundreds of

thousands of dollars in losses!

It can absolutely be devastating, so

please work with someone you trust

to know how to help protect you.

- RISK FOR SELLERS -

Sellers in this situation… it’s important to know that if you are buying a home with the money from your sale, you’d potentially experience the same crisis on your purchase by failing to close.

It’s important to remember:

The highest-priced offer

is not always the best offer!

- Selling During Market Correction -

Now Selling during a market correction

is not without its challenges…

Last year as the first interest rate hikes came into effect, I had some wonderful clients who were caught in that shift. They had finally found their perfect home to buy even in the busy market where dozens of offers on each home were the norm.

They were so on top of what needed to be done & my team was so efficient that they had their home on the market in a flash. Just before they went live, that first rate hike announcement was made.

What should have sold in the blink of an eye went 52 days on market before selling well below the initial market valuation. They were stuck between a rock & a hard place not wanting to breech their purchase contract, but needing to get a certain amount to afford their new home.

In this case, their saving grace was our marketing but also, their willingness to be pragmatic & price the home competitively.

Whenever the market depressed further with worried buyers, they were quick to reposition the home & work with us to market extensively.

In order to make sure the buyers of their home could close, we also marketed the buyer’s home, with permission, even though it was listed with another REALTOR®.

It’s the cooperation of people working together & REALTORS® who know what’s happening in real estate, that makes for happy endings with market shifts.

- SKEWED STATISTICS -

Next, I want to talk about statistics…

You’ll see lots of things quoted,

but the data can be easily skewed.

Case in point, there was a home with a list price of $235,000 & a sale price of $2,205,000 - that’s 938% over asking. It’s typos like this that can seriously skew statistics that are taken at face value.

Want to know what’s happening

in your local market?

Don’t turn to national or large-city news.

Turn to your local, boots-on-the-ground REALTOR® who works in your community.

They are your best resource for accurate informa tion about your home.

Of course, I’m here if you’re looking for

some information on the western

shores of Lake Ontario!

- CONSUMER PROTECTIONS -

Now let’s take a moment to talk

about Consumer protections…

There has been a lot in the news lately about REALOTRS® behaving badly.

They are the exception but with around 96,000 registrants in Ontario, the likelihood of coming across a bad actor has increased in recent years.

So consumers started complaining, as they should, and while there are quite a few great REALTORS® working to improve professionalism by bringing back the standards & ethics that

the public deserves, the push to improve

consumer experience has been an uphill climb

for the leaders in organized real estate.

There are a lot more reasons why this is the current state of affairs but I won’t deep dive here…

However, I will cover some of th e

changes coming your way.

First, the old legislation known as REBBA 2002 is being replaced with TRESA or Trust in Real Estate Act. It’s something leaders within organized real estate have been fighting for since 2009 & we are finally updating the act to better protect consumers/offer more transparency.

That more open approach

comes in a few forms…

First, A Consumer Information Guide created by the Real Estate Council of Ontario that will help clarify the different relationships you can have & how it affects your options when working with a REALTOR®

There will also be an increase in clarity for consumers on obligations & disclosure requirements.

There is also the opportunity for offer transparency where a Seller can choose to keep the terms of an offer open to the public while still protecting the identity of the Buyer.

There will also be reforms for the Code of Ethics to push for a principal-based approach & we are looking to broaden the powers of the discipline committee so those bad actors have impactful repercussions for breaching the Act or code of ethics.

If you’ve had a bad experience,

you can connect with the

Real Estate Council of Ontario to file a complaint

against a REALTOR® and/or their Brokerage.

I cannot express enough how important it is to choose a trustworthy REALTOR® to work with & if you need a recommendation for someone in your area, please reach out!

- HOME AFFORDABILITY -

So what about home affordability?

House prices have almost tripled in 10 years across Ontario while income has not even come close to that kind of growth!

This is the very reason Canadians are uniting behind a crisis need for more housing…

But what solutions are there??

Well, unfortunately, there is no silver bullet

answer, but rather we need a multitude

of solutions working together.

Also, keep in mind, the term “affordable” when

it comes to housing, means 30% or less

of your monthly income.

In Ontario, we are looking at ~$23/hr minimum for many areas & ~$25/hr in the Greater Toronto Area to meet the basic cost of living needs.

First, leaders in organized real estate advocated for your rights & were appointed a position on the Ontario Housing Affordability Task Force where they took an extensive look at the many facets impacting affordability & ways to combat it.

Some of the key items worth noting are:

That there is a lot of red tape in passing permits

& adjusting zoning bylaws.

If a community only allows single dwellings or duplexes but someone wants to take a large lot & build 5 townhomes, the zoning would likely need an amendment. This can take months or years.

There are also many communities where you can’t build an in-law suite due to zoning regulations. Same with permits… builders can wait years for community input, permit applications & amendments required.

With all of the permitting processes & taxes

on new builds, the cost of “doing business”

is passed along to the consumer.

And while it can be easy to call builders greedy,

their profit margins are not as lucrative

as you might imagine.

If we need to build 1.5M homes in the next 10 years, the red tape around getting shovels in the ground needs to be expedited… this is why there is a deep dive into the 2-tier government structure of Halton Region.

It’s an effort to streamline & stop duplicate processes.

But in Ontario, there is a shortage of 100,000 skilled trades workers to build those 1.5M homes.

A big driver of this need is that more than 80,000 tradespeople are slated to retire in the next decade alone.

There is also the Building Homes Faster Fund which was a recommendation by the Ontario Housing Affordability Task Force that has come into practice. The fund offers financial support to municipalities that meet the requirements for the increase in housing supply over the next 3 years.

This $1.2 Billion fund offers significant incentives for mu nicipalities to hit their housing targets.

There is also a focus on reducing

short-term rentals at a Provincial level -

these include AirBNB & Verbo rentals.

This method of investing pulls long-term housing options from the market in favour of multiple short-term stays each month, which generally brings in more profits for the owner without worrying about landlord restrictions.

The Federal Government is also looking at limiting Student Visas as there are a lot of schools that advertise to foreign students but do not offer student housing options which is impacting the local housing stock.

There was also a lack of information on the Rental market because no database existed to track what was happening in that sphere. With backlogs in hearings for bad actors in the rental market, lack of information on tenant experiences & costs associated, it’s been long overdue but the Ontario Rental Housing Study was completed in September 2023.

The report sheds light on some of the negative impacts that tenants face & with some landlords raising rents by incredibly large amounts, there is a call to review policies to better protect tenants from exorbitant increases.

Want to make an impact

& protect affordable rentals?

Add your information to

the Rental Registry!

Now I do want to mention that it’s unlikely we will see a 90’s style recession

drop in prices because the demand

for people who are trying to get

into the market is still so high.

So you can expect to see some softening in the prices, more options for Buyers in terms of inventory, thankfully, and more skill will be

required of REALTORS to bring deals together.

Using a knowledgeable agent you trust

will continue to be so important for

navigating the market.

There’s definitely more to this that we could cover today, but I’ll leave it here for now as it can be a lot to digest all at once.

If you have any questions about the

area or are thinking about a move,

I'd love to connect & hear more

about your goals.

It's a no-pressure chat to get to know where you are in the process & connect you to the right people if my skillset doesn't align with your plans ��

Until Next time, Keep it genuine!

Rochelle Edwards | Broker

S. Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

Hello@GenuineRealtor.com

Office: 905-639-3300

�� With new builds catching fire ��

�� Homes sitting longer on the market ��

�� Interest rates + the stress test hurting not only

buying power or how much someone can afford ��

But also directly affecting homeowners with variable rate

mortgage products who have seen their payments significantly increase ��

�� With new builds catching fire ��

�� Homes sitting longer on the market ��

�� Interest rates + the stress test hurting not only

buying power or how much someone can afford ��

But also directly affecting homeowners with variable rate

mortgage products who have seen their payments significantly increase ��

Hello, I’m Rochelle Edwards ��

A REALTOR who loves sharing about the local (to me) real estate market!

(Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton + Surrounding Area)

Today we are taking a look some of the BIG changes coming to Ontario Real Estate

& some key pitfalls to be aware of when Buying or Selling in a sliding market.

Hello, I’m Rochelle Edwards ��

A REALTOR who loves sharing about the local (to me) real estate market!

(Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton + Surrounding Area)

Today we are taking a look some of the BIG changes coming to Ontario Real Estate

& some key pitfalls to be aware of when Buying or Selling in a sliding market.

When chatting with clients lately, there’s a common thread of questions

& uncertainty about what's happening in the real estate market.

There are definitely some important th ings to know about a shifting market

& I want to bring some clarity on a few notables for you.

When chatting with clients lately, there’s a common thread of questions

& uncertainty about what's happening in the real estate market.

There are definitely some important th ings to know about a shifting market

& I want to bring some clarity on a few notables for you.

First, Overpaying is a real risk for buyers.

It’s risky because if you make an offer & say “I’ll pay $1.2M” but then on closing day, the bank decides it’s only worth $1M... you’ll need to cover what is called the appraisal gap.

So in this case, you’d need to come up with $200,000 in addition to your down payment & closing costs.

It’s risky because if you make an offer & say “I’ll pay $1.2M” but then on closing day, the bank decides it’s only worth $1M... you’ll need to cover what is called the appraisal gap.

So in this case, you’d need to come up with $200,000 in addition to your down payment & closing costs.

Can’t come up with that kind of money?

Don’t plan on it going well…

Once the Seller’s Lawyer is aware you intend to breech or did breech your offer contract, it will trigger a sequence of events.

First, you can try for an extension as the Buyer, but expect to have some penalties for the trust the Seller would put in you to actually close after the additional time.

Can’t come up with that kind of money?

Don’t plan on it going well…

Once the Seller’s Lawyer is aware you intend to breech or did breech your offer contract, it will trigger a sequence of events.

First, you can try for an extension as the Buyer, but expect to have some penalties for the trust the Seller would put in you to actually close after the additional time.

It can absolutely be devastating, so please work with someone you trust to know how to help protect you.

- RISK FOR SELLERS -

Sellers in this situation… it’s important to know that if you are buying a home with the money from your sale, you’d potentially experience the same crisis on your purchase by failing to close.

It’s important to remember: The highest-priced offer is not always the best offer!

Sellers in this situation… it’s important to know that if you are buying a home with the money from your sale, you’d potentially experience the same crisis on your purchase by failing to close.

It’s important to remember: The highest-priced offer is not always the best offer!

- Selling During Market Correction -

Now Selling during a market correction is not without its challenges…

They were so on top of what needed to be done & my team was so efficient that they had their home on the market in a flash. Just before they went live, that first rate hike announcement was made.

In this case, their saving grace was our marketing but also, their willingness to be pragmatic & price the home competitively. Whenever the market depressed further with worried buyers, they were quick to reposition the home & work with us to market extensively.

In order to make sure the buyers of their home could close, we also marketed the buyer’s home, with permission, even though it was listed with another REALTOR®. It’s the cooperation of people working together & REALTORS® who know what’s happening in real estate, that makes for happy endings with market shifts.

- SKEWED STATISTICS -

Next, I want to talk about statistics…

You’ll see lots of things quoted, but the data can be easily skewed.

Next, I want to talk about statistics…

You’ll see lots of things quoted, but the data can be easily skewed.

Want to know what’s happening in your local market?

Don’t turn to national or large-city news.

Turn to your local, boots-on-the-ground REALTOR® who works in your community.
They are your best resource for accurate informa tion about your home.

Of course, I’m here if you’re looking for some information on the western shores of Lake Ontario!

Want to know what’s happening in your local market?

Don’t turn to national or large-city news.

Turn to your local, boots-on-the-ground REALTOR® who works in your community.
They are your best resource for accurate informa tion about your home.

Of course, I’m here if you’re looking for some information on the western shores of Lake Ontario!

- CONSUMER PROTECTIONS -

Now let’s take a moment to talk about Consumer protections…

There has been a lot in the news lately about REALOTRS® behaving badly.

They are the exception but with around 96,000 registrants in Ontario,

the likelihood of coming across a bad actor has increased in recent years.

There has been a lot in the news lately about REALOTRS® behaving badly.

They are the exception but with around 96,000 registrants in Ontario,

the likelihood of coming across a bad actor has increased in recent years.

So consumers started complaining, as they should, and while there are quite a few great REALTORS® working to improve professionalism by bringing back the standards & ethics that the public deserves, the push to improve consumer experience has been an uphill climb for the leaders in organized real estate.

There are a lot more reasons why this is the current state of affairs but I won’t deep dive here…

However, I will cover some of the changes coming your way.

There are a lot more reasons why this is the current state of affairs but I won’t deep dive here…

However, I will cover some of the changes coming your way.

That more open approach comes in a few forms…

There will also be an increase in clarity for consumers on obligations & disclosure requirements.

There is also the opportunity for offer transparency where a Seller can choose to keep the terms of an offer open to the public while still protecting the identity of the Buyer.

If you’ve had a bad experience, you can connect with the

Real Estate Council of Ontario to file a complaint

against a REALTOR® and/or their Brokerage.

That more open approach comes in a few forms…

There will also be an increase in clarity for consumers on obligations & disclosure requirements.

There is also the opportunity for offer transparency where a Seller can choose to keep the terms of an offer open to the public while still protecting the identity of the Buyer.

If you’ve had a bad experience, you can connect with the

Real Estate Council of Ontario to file a complaint

against a REALTOR® and/or their Brokerage.

I cannot express enough how important it is to choose a

trustworthy REALTOR® to work with & if you need a

recommendation for someone in your area, please reach out!

I cannot express enough how important it is to choose a

trustworthy REALTOR® to work with & if you need a

recommendation for someone in your area, please reach out!

- HOME AFFORDABILITY -

So what about home affordability?

House prices have almost tripled in 10 years across Ontario while income has not even come close to that kind of growth!

This is the very reason Canadians are uniting behind a crisis need for more housing…

But what solutions are there??

Well, unfortunately, there is no silver bullet answer, but rather we need a multitude of solutions working together.

Also, keep in mind, the term “affordable” when it comes to housing, means 30% or less of your monthly income.

In Ontario, we are looking at ~$23/hr minimum for many areas

& ~$25/hr in the Greater Toronto Area to meet the basic cost of living needs.

So what about home affordability?

House prices have almost tripled in 10 years across Ontario while income has not even come close to that kind of growth!

This is the very reason Canadians are uniting behind a crisis need for more housing…

But what solutions are there??

Well, unfortunately, there is no silver bullet answer, but rather we need a multitude of solutions working together.

Also, keep in mind, the term “affordable” when it comes to housing, means 30% or less of your monthly income.

In Ontario, we are looking at ~$23/hr minimum for many areas

& ~$25/hr in the Greater Toronto Area to meet the basic cost of living needs.

Some of the key items worth noting are:

That there is a lot of red tape in passing permits & adjusting zoning bylaws.

If a community only allows single dwellings or duplexes but someone wants to take a large lot & build 5 townhomes, the zoning would likely need an amendment. This can take months or years.

With all of the permitting processes & taxes on new builds,

the cost of “doing business” is passed along to the consumer.

And while it can be easy to call builders greedy, their profit margins are not as lucrative as you might imagine.

Some of the key items worth noting are:

That there is a lot of red tape in passing permits & adjusting zoning bylaws.

If a community only allows single dwellings or duplexes but someone wants to take a large lot & build 5 townhomes, the zoning would likely need an amendment. This can take months or years.

With all of the permitting processes & taxes on new builds,

the cost of “doing business” is passed along to the consumer.

And while it can be easy to call builders greedy, their profit margins are not as lucrative as you might imagine.

It’s an effort to streamline & stop duplicate processes.

But in Ontario, there is a shortage of 100,000 skilled trades workers to build those 1.5M homes.

A big driver of this need is that more than 80,000 tradespeople are slated to retire in the next decade alone.

This $1.2 Billion fund offers significant incentives for municipalities to hit their housing targets.

It’s an effort to streamline & stop duplicate processes.

But in Ontario, there is a shortage of 100,000 skilled trades workers to build those 1.5M homes.

A big driver of this need is that more than 80,000 tradespeople are slated to retire in the next decade alone.

This $1.2 Billion fund offers significant incentives for municipalities to hit their housing targets.

There is also a focus on reducing short-term rentals at a Provincial level -

these include AirBNB & Verbo rentals.

Want to make an impact & protect affordable rentals?
Add your information to the Rental Registry!

There is also a focus on reducing short-term rentals at a Provincial level -

these include AirBNB & Verbo rentals.

Want to make an impact & protect affordable rentals?
Add your information to the Rental Registry!

Now I do want to mention that it’s unlikely we will see a 90’s style recession drop in prices because the demand for people who are

trying to get into the market is still so high.

So you can expect to see some softening in the prices, more options for Buyers in terms of inventory,

thankfully, and more skill will be required of REALTORS to bring deals together.

Using a knowledgeable agent you trust will continue to be so

important for navigating the market.

Now I do want to mention that it’s unlikely we will see a 90’s style recession drop in prices because the demand for people who are

trying to get into the market is still so high.

So you can expect to see some softening in the prices, more options for Buyers in terms of inventory,

thankfully, and more skill will be required of REALTORS to bring deals together.

Using a knowledgeable agent you trust will continue to be so

important for navigating the market.

There’s definitely more to this that we could cover today, but I’ll leave it here for now as it can be a lot to digest all at once.

If you have any questions about the area or are thinking about a move,

I'd love to connect & hear more about your goals.

It's a no-pressure chat to get to know where you are in the process

& connect you to the right people if my skillset doesn't align with your plans ��

Until Next time, Keep it genuine!

Rochelle Edwards | Broker

S. Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

Hello@GenuineRealtor.com

Office: 905-639-3300

There’s definitely more to this that we could cover today, but I’ll leave it here for now as it can be a lot to digest all at once.

If you have any questions about the area or are thinking about a move,

I'd love to connect & hear more about your goals.

It's a no-pressure chat to get to know where you are in the process

& connect you to the right people if my skillset doesn't align with your plans ��

Until Next time, Keep it genuine!

Rochelle Edwards | Broker

S. Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

Hello@GenuineRealtor.com

Office: 905-639-3300

Crawford Lake | A Halton Conservation Area

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 20:34:20 GMT

Hello, I’m Rochelle �� a Realtor who loves sharing what

living on the western shores of Lake Ontario is all about!

Today we are taking a look at one of my absolute

favourite conservation areas in the Halton region - Crawford Lake.

Hello, I’m Rochelle ��

A Realtor who loves sharing what

living on the western shores of

Lake Ontario is all about!

Today we are taking a look at one of my absolute favourite conservation areas in the Halton region - Crawford Lake.

This small but mighty lake is incredibly special for so many reasons,

but most notable is its newly declared global status as the Golden Spike.

We will chat about that a little bit more, but for most locals, that’s just a wonderful recognition

of this incredible place, we’ve gotten to enjoy as a conservation area since it was acquired in 1969.

This small but mighty lake is

incredibly special for so many reasons,

but most notable is its newly declared global status as the Golden Spike.

We will chat about that a little bit more,

but for most locals, that’s just a wonderful recognition of this incredible place,

we’ve gotten to enjoy as a conservation

area since it was acquired in 1969.

Crawford Lake Conservation Area is just over 570 acres of beautiful nature

set along the Niagara Escarpment on the outskirts of Milton, Ontario.

Of course, there is the Lake itself which has been instrumental in understanding the world around us,

including the 1971 discovery of corn pollen in the layers of sediment at the bottom of the Lake .

That discovery led to archaeologists uncovering the footprint of 11 Longhouses

& settlements on the grounds, along with an assortment of artifacts you can explore!

Crawford Lake Conservation Area is

just over 570 acres of beautiful nature

set along the Niagara Escarpment

on the outskirts of Milton, Ontario.

Of course, there is the Lake itself which has been instrumental in understanding the world around us, including the 1971 discovery of corn

pollen in the layers of sediment

at the bottom of the Lake .

That discovery led to archaeologists uncovering the footprint of

11 Longhouses & settlements on

the grounds, along with an assortment

of artifacts you can explore!

- Longhouse Museums & Iroquoian People -

- Longhouse Museums

& Iroquoian People -

While science hasn’t been able to identify who exactly called these longhouses home,

they determined the inhabitants were from the Iroquoian linguistic group

& it appears the area was occupied during 3 potential periods from the 13th - 17th century.

The 3 reconstructed Longhouses recre ate

the village as it might have looked during the 15th century…

With an estimated village population of 250 - 300 people,

there were more than 10,000 artifacts discovered on site,

many of which you can see on display inside the Longhouses.

While science hasn’t been able to identify who exactly called these longhouses home,

they determined the inhabitants were from the Iroquoian linguistic group & it appears the area was occupied during 3 potential

periods from the 13th - 17th century.

The 3 reconstructed Longhouses recre ate

the village as it might have

looked during the 15th century…

With an estimated village population of

250 - 300 people, there were

more than 10,000 artifacts discovered

on site, many of which you can see

on display inside the Longhouses.

You can explore the village & step back in time with the Longhouse museums which were

recreated with the help of many elders, archaeologists and scholars over the years.

Come for the day or just a couple of hours & explore the incredible culture of the people

who called the shores of Crawford Lake home.

Because the hours can change, be sure to check out the most current times on the

Conservation Halton website as they do fluctuate with the seasons.

While you're there - you can make a reservation for your visit online for easy access!

You can explore the village & step back in time with the Longhouse museums which were

recreated with the help of many elders, archaeologists and scholars over the years.

Come for the day or just a couple of hours & explore the incredible culture of the

people who called the shores of

Crawford Lake home.

Because the hours can change, be sure to check out the most current times on the Conservation Halton website as they do fluctuate with the seasons.

While you're there - you can
make a reservation for your visit online

for easy access!

Tucked in behind the Longhouse village, you’ll find The Gathering Place,

which has been host to popups like NishDish - a First Nations owned

& operated business serving some delicious local seasonal foods.

You’ll also find the Three Sisters Garden

where you can take a stroll in the medicine garden to

learn about indigenous agriculture & foodways.

Tucked in behind the Longhouse village, you’ll find The Gathering Place, which has been host to popups like NishDish - a First Nations owned

& operated business serving some

delicious local seasonal foods.

You’ll also find the Three Sisters Garden

where you can take a stroll in the medicine garden to learn about indigenous

agriculture & foodways.

- HIKING TRAILS -

Most people who visit Crawford Lake are coming for a hike

& luckily there are plenty to choose from!

(Scroll down to see the full trail map)

If you’re looking for an easier hike, there are two great options….

�� Woodland Trail which is a 1.5 km loop

�� Crawford Lake Trail which is a 1km loop around the lake.

Both of these are mostly level with very few tripping hazards & are stroller-friendly.

Neither are truly wheelchair accessible, but I have seen people with

walkers & a wheelchair on the boardwalk as there are no mandatory steps,

but the width of the path prevents it from being recommended as accessible.

Most people who visit Crawford Lake are

coming for a hike & luckily there are

plenty to choose from!

(Scroll down to see the full trail map)

If you’re looking for an easier hike,

there are two great options….

�� Woodland Trail which is a 1.5 km loop

�� Crawford Lake Trail which is a

1km loop around the lake.

Both of these are mostly level with very few tripping hazards & are stroller-friendly.

Neither are truly wheelchair accessible, but I have seen people with walkers & a wheelchair

on the boardwalk as there are

no mandatory steps, but the width of

the path prevents it from being recommended as accessible.

If you’re hiking with kids, be sure to take a stroll through the Species at Risk Trail ��

where you can look for 10 larger-than-life wood sculptures of at-risk animals here in Ontario.

From the stunning detail of the Monarch Butterfly to the proud howl of a wolf or the long & low Jefferson Salamander, there are a lot of incredible animals to discover in the forest!

If you’re hiking with kids, be sure to take a stroll through the Species at Risk Trail ��

where you can look for

10 larger-than-life wood sculptures of

at-risk animals here in Ontario.

From the stunning detail of the Monarch Butterfly to the proud howl of a wolf or the long & low Jefferson Salamander,

there are a lot of incredible

animals to discover in the forest!

There are also trails for those looking for a little more of a workout…

�� Pine Ridge Trail which is a 3.6km loop

�� Escarpment Trail which is a 2.4km loop

�� Snowshoe Trail which is a 3km loop

Perfect for, you guessed it…

Snowshoeing & cross-country skiing!

There are also trails for those looking for a little more of a workout…

�� Pine Ridge Trail which is a 3.6km loop

�� Escarpment Trail which is a 2.4km loop

�� Snowshoe Trail which is a 3km loop

Perfect for, you guessed it…

Snowshoeing & cross-country skiing!

For those ready for a workout…

�� Nassagaweya Canyon Trail is 4.7km & will take you from Crawford Lake

along the escarpment

& over to Rattlesnake Point!

Now just a heads up, this one is not a loop and takes about 4 - 5 hrs to walk there & back,

but the views are incredible!

For those ready for a workout…

�� Nassagaweya Canyon Trail is 4.7km & will take you from Crawford Lake

along the escarpment & over to Rattlesnake Point!

Now just a heads up, this one is not a loop and takes about

4 - 5 hrs to walk there & back, but the views are incredible!

There is also the Bruce Trail which runs through the conservation

area making a total of 7 trails plus one garden walk

to enjoy here at beautiful Crawford Lake.

There is also the Bruce Trail

which runs through the

Halton Conservation Area

making a total of 7 trails

plus one garden walk to enjoy

here at beautiful Crawford Lake.

- HISTORY OF THE CRAWFORDS -

Ready for a little backstory on how this amazing

conservation area came to be?

George Crawford bought the lake & 100 acres in 1883.

His son operated a lumber mill at the south end of the Lake & on the north shore,

you can still see the porch foundation of their family cottage.

Ready for a little backstory on how this amazing conservation area came to be?

George Crawford bought the lake

& 100 acres in 1883.

His son operated a lumber mill at

the south end of the Lake

& on the north shore, you can

still see the porch foundation

of their family cottage.

- RARE MEROMICTIC LAKE

& GOLDEN SPIKE -

- RARE MEROMICTIC LAKE & GOLDEN SPIKE -

What makes this lake so incredibly special is that it is

one of 5 Meromictic Lakes in Ontario & only one of 10 in all of Canada!

These unique bodies of water are deep lakes where there is a

clear separation between the upper & lower levels of water.

Unlike a typical lake, Meromictic Lakes never see those layers mix together.

Taking the rarity up even higher, Crawford Lake is an extra special Meromictic Lake because

both of those layers are oxygenated whereas most Meromictic lakes are

anoxic at the bottom - or without oxygen.

The lower level of this approximately 24m de ep lake, is fed by groundwater which

keeps the sediment of the lake at a steady cold temperature year-round.

Add in the no swimming, no boating as well as no fishing & you’ve got the

ideal conditions for investigating the layers of sediment each season.

What makes this lake so incredibly special is that it is one of 5 Meromictic Lakes in Ontario

& only one of 10 in all of Canada!

These unique bodies of water are deep lakes where there is a clear separation between the upper & lower levels of water.

Unlike a typical lake, Meromictic Lakes never see those layers mix together.

Taking the rarity up even higher, Crawford Lake is an extra special Meromictic Lake because

both of those layers are oxygenated

whereas most Meromictic lakes are

anoxic at the bottom - or without oxygen.

The lower level of this approximately

24m de ep lake, is fed by groundwater which

keeps the sediment of the lake at a steady cold temperature year-round.

Add in the no swimming, no boating as well as no fishing & you’ve got the ideal conditions

for investigating the layers of

sediment each season.

Crawford Lake’s sediment is so well preserved that the easily discernible 2 layers created each year have led to incredible insights into the atmospheric changes annually going back thousands of years.

This combination of events led the site to become the one chosen out of the 12 considered around the planet.

The Golden Spike title means that Crawford Lake was the most suitable site in the

world to help define a new epoch or more simply, help identify the start of a new era

which notes the vast impact humans have had on the planet.

Scientists are looking to make the beginning of this new epoch in the 1950s when the great acceleration

post-WWII led to mass population growth, an explosion of fossil fuel use

& immense changes to worldwide atmospheric chemistry.

This combination of events led the site to become the one chosen out of the 12 considered around the planet.

The Golden Spike title means that Crawford Lake was the most suitable site in the

world to help define a new epoch or more simply, help identify the start of a new era

which notes the vast impact humans have had on the planet.

Scientists are looking to make the beginning of this new epoch in the 1950s when the great acceleration post-WWII led to mass population growth, an explosion of fossil fuel use & immense changes to worldwide atmospheric chemistry.

If you’re looking to do more of a deep dive into this aspect of Crawford Lake’s incredible story,

Check out these articles that take a long look at the Golden Spike credentials & how it all came to be!

Hidden Beneath The Surface | The Washington Post

The Anthropocene is here — and tiny Crawford Lake

has been chosen as the global ground zero | Canadian Geographic

Crawford Lake: The Golden Spike of the Anthropocene | Beneath Your Feet GeoScience

The Secrets of Crawford Lake Hold The History of Humanity on Earth | Burlington Today - Village Media

If you’re looking to do more of a deep dive into this aspect of Crawford Lake’s incredible story, check out these articles that take a long look at the Golden Spike credentials & how it all came to be!

Hidden Beneath The Surface

| The Washington Post

The Anthropocene is here — and tiny Crawford Lake

has been chosen as the global ground zero

| Canadian Geographic

Crawford Lake: The Golden Spike

of the Anthropocene

| Beneath Your Feet GeoScience

The Secrets of Crawford Lake Hold The History of Humanity on Earth

| Burlington Today - Village Media

- THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW -

Final thoughts & notables before we close this one out…

(See FAQs at the bottom of the page for more)

There are washroom facilities in the visitors centre & around the parking lots.

You can & should pre-book your timeslot to save on gate fees as well as reserve your spot.

It also allows the gate to grant access via your license plate.

Dogs are welcome so long as they remain on leash.

Seriously... this is an important & ecologically sensitive lake, so keep your dog on a leash!

There is no swimming, fishing or boating of any kind.

Stay out of the water & do not throw anything in!

Of course, always be respectful, leave nothing behind

& do not pick or remove any of the plants or animals

that call this beautiful ecosystem home!

Final thoughts & notables

before we close this one out…

(See FAQs at the

bottom of the page for more)

There are washroom facilities in the visitors centre & around the parking lots.

You can & should pre-book your timeslot to save on gate fees as well as reserve

your spot. It also allows the gate to

grant access via your license plate.

Dogs are welcome so long

as they remain on leash.

Seriously... this is an important & ecologically sensitive lake, so keep your dog on a leash!

There is no swimming, fishing

or boating of any kind.

Stay out of the water

& do not throw anything in!

Of course, always be respectful,
leave nothing behind & do not pick

or remove any of the plants or animals

that call this beautiful ecosystem home!

There are so many amazing places to explore here on the Western Shores of Lake Ontario!

If you have any questions about the area or are thinking about a move,

I'd love to connect & hear more about your goals.

It's a no-pressure chat to get to know where you are in the process

& connect you to the right people if my skillset doesn't align with your plans ��

Thanks so much for touring Crawford Lake with me...

Until Next time, Keep it genuine!

Rochelle Edwards | Broker

S. Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

Hello@GenuineRealtor.com

Office: 905-639-3300

There are so many amazing places to explore here on the Western Shores of Lake Ontario!

If you have any questions about the area or are thinking about a move, I'd love to connect & hear more about your goals.

It's a no-pressure chat to get to know where you are in the process & connect you to the right people if my skillset doesn't align with your plans ��

Thanks so much for touring

Crawford Lake with me...

Until Next time, Keep it genuine!

Rochelle Edwards | Broker

S. Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

Hello@GenuineRealtor.com

Office: 905-639-3300

- FAQS -

The following was pulled directly from Conservation Halton Website

Do I need to make a reservation to visit?
No, reservations are not required to visit Conservation Halton Parks, however they are recommended. By booking in advance, you can guarantee your spot and save on gate fees . Reservations can be made at parkvisit.ca .

Is swimming allowed in the lake at Crawford Lake?
No, swimming is not allowed at Crawford Lake, because the lake is an ecologically sensitive area. For this reason, we ask that you keep your pets on a leash while at the park, to prevent them from entering the lake and disturbing the ecological balance. Kelso is the only park where swimming is allowed. Click here for more information about swimming at Conservation Halton Parks.

Is boating allowed in the lake at Crawford Lake?
No, boating is not allowed at Crawford Lake, because the lake is an ecologically sensitive area. Click here for more information about boating at Conservation Halton Parks.

Is fishing allowed in the lake at Crawford Lake?
No, fishing is not allowed at Crawford Lake, because the lake is an ecologically sensitive area. Click here for more information about fishing at Conservation Halton Parks.

When are the Longhouses open to the public?
The longhouses are open 10am-4pm on weekends and holidays (except December 25th) all year long. They are open 10am-4pm on weekdays June 1 until Labour Day . Please be aware that longhouses may be reserved for pre-booked groups.

The following was pulled directly from Conservation Halton Website

17 BEST Beaches in Oakville, Burlington + Hamilton

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 00:36:41 GMT

With Lake Ontario and lots of smaller bodies of water in the area,

finding a great beach near the city is as easy as watching the video below!

While I’ve decided to stay pretty local with this one,

there are even more within an hour or two drive so if you’re

looking for a day trip, the options are quite diverse!

Today we’re exploring a total of 17 local beaches,

some big, some small, some well known

& some lesser-known local gems…

- 1 -

Burlington Beach

This natural sandbar has an incredible history, with 2km of mostly paved waterfront trails, a pavilion with snack bar, playground & accessibility access to the water, has something for everyone! The City is continuing to develop the area with a vision for what will become the Burlington Beachway.

We love this one for young kids since the water is incredibly shallow for a long way out… giving younger kids some freedom to safely explore.

Since most of the beaches do not have a lifeguard on duty,

you’ll need to keep an eye on anyone in your group who isn’t a strong swimmer.

The beachside trail is perfect for walking, rolling or strolling along

with lots of trees for shade & many access points to the beach.

There are public washrooms at the main pavilion along with showers, a snack shack

& an accessible pathway for beach access. Be sure to use the access points & not walk

over the dunes to protect the vegetation & ecosystem that helps keep the beach beautiful & sandy.

Something worth noting is that non-locals will need to pay for parking on weekends,

while locals can pick up parking passes for free.

The parking is limited so arrive early. There is also a drop off area beside the pavilion

if you’re looking for a place to drop your older kids for a beach day.

While you may see a few dogs, bylaws in Burlington do not allow dogs to be on the beach.

If you’re looking for somewhere to take your furry friend, head just over the lift bridge to the Hamilton side of the same sandbar because Beach Boulevard is puppy friendly!

In fact, the paved path from Spencer Smith Park in Burlington extends

past 5 beaches all the way to Hamilton’s iconic Confederation Park!

• Spencer Smith Park Brant St Pier Beach

(also home to a Splash pad, hobby pond, snack bar & washrooms)

• Burlington Beachway

(washrooms, showers, accessible access & snack shack)

• Beach Blvd

(washrooms & dog-friendly)

• Van Wagner's Beach

(also home to a City run pool, washrooms & restaurants)

• Confederation Park Beach

(Wild Water Works & washrooms)

- 2-

Beach Boulevard

Continuing along the path & heading over the lift bridge, you first come to Beach Blvd...

This stretch of around 4km of sandy beaches & protected dunes are the beginning of the Hamilton Beach Trail.

There is a small building off the paved trail just after the lift bridge with a

water refilling station, an accessibility path to the beach & washrooms.

There are also some playgrounds along the trail, but there are large gaps between them.

This stretch is typically quieter than the beaches on either side of it since it has limited parking & is surrounded by many historic as well as newly renovated homes in the Hamilton Beach community.

- 3 -

Van Wagners Beach

If you were to drive along the street called Beach Blvd, you can take a left at the southern end (stop lights) which marks the beginning of Hamilton’s Van Wagners Beach.

It's 1.5km of waterfront with a mixture of sandy /rocky beaches.

Considered a part of Confederation Park, there are a lot of great amenities!

There's the Lakeview - which hosts lakeside events, has washrooms, a splash pad,

the City run pool, near by go-karts, not to mention volleyball & basketball courts.

Or stop by Hutches for your classic casual food options with a side of delicious ice cream ��

There's lots of parking & ways to spend the day, making this a busy place on those hot summer days!

- 4 -

Confederation Beach

Continuing along this stretch, when you come to the parking lot just beyond Barangas - which is one of

my favourite Greek restaurants in the city & only open through the warmer months

for a beachside patio - you’ve arrived at Confederation Beach.

The stretch of Van Wagners & Confederation Beach makes up the

Hamilton conservation area known as Confederation Park, which I did cover in another video.

But, Confederation Beach is generally a little quieter as much of it is blocked off by

the waterpark known as Wild Water Works, picnic spaces, mini putt, batting cages, etc.

This 2 km section is the southernmost tip of the sandy dune barrier

& tends to be a little shadier as the trail meanders through the more dense tree canopy

making for lovely strolls on those hot summer days.

With a lot of options to explore, many people who come to this section are not

coming specifically for the beach making it quieter to explore than

Van Wagners & with the rocky beach transitioning to a bit more sandy quality,

it’s generally more comfortable for laying out.

Unlike most conservation areas, there is no cost to access Confederation Park

& you can park in one of the many large parking lots.

Bonus for those with kids, this is one of my favourite playgrounds
with a washroom & easy beach access beside the pirate-themed playground.

- 5 -

Fifty Point Conservation Area

The next main beach is another conservation area in one of Hamilton’s most desirable

Stoney Creek waterfront communities - Fifty Point.

It’s known for the marina with amenities like Limani restaurant, fishing, pavilions,

RV lots, calm ponds for hobby boats & some lovely trails to walk.

The almost 1km of beach here is sandy & can get busy on those hot summer days

so be sure to arrive early to save yourself a long walk to the beach.

If you’ve got a boat, this beach is another popular one to hang out by on the lake.

- 6 -

Casablanca Beach

As you cross over into the Niagara Region, you’ll find a few more beaches along Grimsby’s shoreline.

Continuing south, we come to Casablanca Beach with a lakeside trail, a gravel as well as a more sandy beach on the almost 1-kilometer shoreline, & a small pavilion.

It’s not the biggest beach around but it is a lovely place to explore if you’re in the area.

- 7 -

Nelles Beach

Heading along, we pass some smaller waterfront parks better

suited for launching a SUP or kayak than to take a dip…

You can even explore Grimsby Beach with it’s

gravely beach but home to the painted ladies cottages!

But if you’re looking for a family-friendly

lakeside park, Nel les Beach has you covered.

With a playground, waterfront access to approx.

500ft of gravel beach, picnic tables, beach volleyball court

& on-site washrooms, there’s something for everyone.

- 8 -

Binbrook Conservation Area

Heading up the escarpment, let’s head back towards Hamilton to

one of the fastest-growing neighbourhoods in the city… Binbrook.

With a 391-hectare man-made lake, you can enjoy the

Binbrook Conservation’s beaches. This is a unique conservation

area because it offers so much variety!

There’s Treetop Trekking for all ages, with a kid-friendly area

as well as a challenging course for older kids & adults.

You can bring your own paddle boat or rent one on-site,

but it’s the beaches we are focusing on today, so with a splash pad,

washroom facilities, pavilions you can rent and picnic tables throughout,

this is a great place to have a beach day!

One of my kids' favourite things to do here is the water obstacles.

There is a fee to enter the conservation area &

a fee to use the obstacle courses - check their website for current costs.

- 9 -

Christie Lake Conservation Area

Heading along the escarpment, Hamilton’s Valley community of

Dundas is home to Christie Lake Conservation Area.

With 360 meters of sandy beaches, washrooms on site

& moving water to help keep the lake clean for swimmers...

This quiet escape in the City is one of my

kid’s absolute favourite places to explore!

The parking lot is a bit of a walk, so you may find it

easier to use the drop-off area for your beach things & then go park the car.

There are almost 10km of hiking trails that circle the lake which

are great for biking, as well as disc golf & paddle boat launches.

Being a conservation area, there are fees associated with

entering the park space - check current pricing.

- 10 -

Gullivers Lake

There’s a cute RV camp ground on the escarpment not

too far from Christie Lake known as Gulliver’s Lake.

Being a 14-acre lake with floating docks, sand pit, scuba diving,

& paddle boat or kayak rentals (check hours)

Gulliver’s Lake offers a wonderful opportunity to spend

some time outdoors on this calm spring-fed lake.

- 11 -

Valens Lake Conservation Area

Ready for another Hamilton Conservation Area that offers a variety of things to do…

Valens Lake is about 140 acres & was created in 1968 to help prevent

flooding in the surrounding watershed & has become a

local favourite for camping, fishing, swimming & more.

With cottages, campsites & RV spots, this beach has lots of

swimmers every summer & offers washrooms, volleyball courts & shade from the hot sun.

Find out more about their current pricing here...

- 12 -

Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is another RV and Camping location

that features a lot of options for water activities making it a local favourite!

There’s a 200 ft water slide, 3,400 ft2 splash pad for

the younger kids, boat rentals, washrooms & a snack bar.

Add in the 5-acre spring fed quarry which offers swimming,

diving area, water trampolines, rock-climbing wall

and a water obstacle course (with separate course for younger kids)!

With picnic areas, kiddie pool for littles, playground ,

beach volley & basketball courts, sandy beache, picnic tables

throughout as well as pavilions you can rent...

Emerald Lake is an amazing place to visit

for the day, or stay for some camping!

- 13 -

Kelso Conservation Area

We come east along the escarpment to Kelso Conservation Area in Milton.

Known for its mountain biking trails, skiing in the winter months &

summer camps for kids out of school, but it’s sandy beach with boardwalk,

washrooms & snack bar are what we are looking at today!

The beach is one of the few to have a lifeguard on duty

in the area & while the swimming area is a bit smaller than others,

the scenic views & paddle boat opportunities make this beach a little extra special.

Again, being a conservation area, there is a cost

to enter - Click here for current pricing.

- 14 -

Coronation Park

Let’s head back to Lake Ontario to start covering some beaches in Oakville !

Coronation Park is a very popular summer destination with one of

the best splash pads in town, public washrooms, snack bar, pavilions for rent,

beach volleyball courts as well as a playground designed with both big & little kids in mind.

The beaches here are rocky but people love to frequent

this beautiful 650m shoreline & enjoy a day lakeside.

Being a Town of Oakville park, there is no cost to visit

& there are two parking lots with lots of space for visitors.

- 15 -

Bronte Beach

The shops & lifestyle of Bronte is unique in Oakville offering one of the

only true waterfront communities despite much of Oakville’s south end being lakeside.

With 2 marinas, playgrounds, shops, delicious restaurants & so much more,

Bronte holds a special place in my summer stroll heart.

While some people assume the beach is a part of the Bronte Heritage

Waterfront Park system, it’s actually a little further west off of West River St.

Bronte Beach is unique as it is a shale beach with a sandy shoreline.

In the mid-1800s this was a bustling port,

but today the area offers a horseshoe beach with around

100m of sandy shoreline before turning into steep sand dunes you

can explore via the walking trails & stairs.

Oh, and there are public washrooms in the free parking lot - just

watch the signs & do not park in spaces reserved for marina members.

Of course, if you decide to explore, please stay on the marked trails

to protect these fragile eco systems & prevent erosion to the bluffs.

- 16 -

South Shell Park

As you approach the border of Burlington and Oakville,

you come across Oakville’s hidden gem - South Shell Beach.

During lockdowns, the secret started to come out, but even locals often don’t

realize there is a sandy cove here, perfect for a sheltered & shady beach day!

There is a small playground with a rocky beach, but if you take the trail heading west

towards Burlington, you come across the access stairs to this lovely Lake Ontario enclave.

You can also stay on the trail & come around the far side for the

accessibility ramp, but there have yet to be access paths added across the sand.

This location does offer a water refilling station, pavilion,

public washrooms & free parking i n the very small/often full lot.

If you're curious about Burlington or have any questions about living in the area,

feel free to reach out - I'm happy to chat ��

Your Genuine Realtor®,
Rochelle Edwards

Broker

5 (Not-So-Secret) Secrets About Burlington

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 20:31:28 GMT

There’s a sense of fun when discovering something new

in your city & this completely non-exhaustive list shares

places to visit & secrets to use to your advantage in Burlington, Ontario.

- 1 -

Labyrinths

Let’s start with some calming moments of reflection at one of our 2 labyrinths.

Our first one is located in Central Park; a stone's throw from the Guelph Line parking lot.

According to the City’s website, it was designed with 11 circuits

& influenced by the designs at Chartres Cathedral.

Built in 2005, it was also the first

wheelchair-accessible labyrinth in Canada.

The other one is located on the eastern tip of Joseph Brant Hospital

& while it was fairly unknown by most locals previously,

the testing clinic entrance is right there, so the secret might be out on this one!

Now, if you’re wondering how anyone could

find calm in a maze - the answer is, it’s not a maze!

It’s a path that methodically works its way into the centre & back out again.

One way in, one way out.

You just have to follow.

Labyrinths are designed to help you align, be present, and offer an opportunity to find inner calm.

If you’re local & need some space to reflect, this is one way in the city to do it!

- 2-

Mapleview Centre

Mapleview Centre is one of Burlington’s two shopping malls

& considering the draw during peak shopping seasons,

which leads to long cues trying to just get into or out of

the parking lot, this next tip is worth noting.

If you plan to arrive at the mall heading westbound along Fairview, most people turn left onto Maple.

Still, if you go against your instinct & sit in the far right lane,

there’s a ramp that takes you up, then over the busy road below allowing

you to sneak in the back way, or sideway depending on how you look at it.

- 3 -

Magnetic Hill

Burlington is home to a very special hill on an even more special hill.

The first special hill is the Magnetic Hill.

One of these little knolls here is so magic, you can put your vehicle in neutral

& the magnetic hill will pull you up, against gravity!

Or so it seems at least.

There are no actual magnets involved, but there are some pretty sweet optical illusions.

If you couldn’t get the magnetic hill to cooperate, there are some great hiking trails just up the

road to explore (so it’s not all for nothing) or bring your furry friend along

& visit the dog park after you’re illusioned out.

Now for the even more special hill… just past the magnetic hill, the road starts to climb up the side of the escarpment. This is a very special ecosystem & home to the endangered Jefferson Salamander.

Of course, these amazing creatures don’t understand the dangers of a road...

So, every year since 2012 the City of Burlington blocks access in March during their

mating season to help the species survive & hopefully one day thrive again.

- 4 -

Paletta Mansion

Beautiful Paletta Mansion - this isn’t so much of a secret & I’ve even covered it before in another video,

but it isn’t well known that as a city-run park space , you’re welcome to come to explore the grounds

& take in the splendour of the character features of this 1930s-built estate home.

With mulch trails, water access, gardens

& green space, it’s definitely worth a visit!

- 5 -

Artistic Installations

If you have an affinity for the arts, you’ll definitely love exploring Burlington’s more than 50 artistic installations throughout the city... the individual total is closer to 100, but I’m grouping the decorative but functional benches & bike racks together in my tally.

From murals to sculptures, interpretive benches to cultural influence,

there’s a lot to explore throughout Burlington.

Some of my favourites are...

Ecological Impact: A representation of what would happen if we drop the ball by losing the bees & pollinators.

The Bird Conversations: Which is immersive for kids being a sound & sight display tucked into the trees surrounding Fothergill Playground.

Crescendo (Rising Wave) which, in short, represents the movement & coming together of the community.

There is also the Terry Fox monument at Spencer Smith Park to commemorate Terry’s Marathon Of Hope & mark his 3,582nd KM on his run across Canada in July 1980 in an effort to raise money for cancer research.

If you're curious about Burlington or have any questions about living in the area,

feel free to reach out - I'm happy to chat ��

Your Genuine Realtor®,
Rochelle Edwards

Broker

36 - 7 Davidson Blvd, Dundas

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 18:24:40 GMT

Ready to call Dundas home?

When this unique corner lot floor plan hits the market,

you've got to take a moment to check it out!

Located in west Dundas (Hamilton's valley community), this 3 bed, 2.5 bath townhome with garage is now live - $690,000

Steps to 3 schools, playgrounds, plazas, 40+ km of hiking trails

& Dundas Conservation Area ��

• 3 Bedrooms

• 2.5 Bathrooms - full ensuite in primary

• TWO main-floor living rooms, one with wood burning fireplace

• One car garage + 1 car parking in driveway

• 1,522 ft2 + 441 ft2 finished basement

• Private stamped concrete backyard patio

Check out the full listing or reach out for more information!

https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/25408697/7-davidson-boulevard-unit-36-dundas

Hello@GenuineRealtor.com

Rochelle Edwards | Broker

Waterfront Parks in Burlington

Sun, 26 Mar 2023 14:48:36 GMT

Burlington, Ontario is an amazing place to call home

& taking advantage of the lake is a big perk of living here!

With 8 Waterfront Parks running along the shoreline of Lake Ontario,

there’s a wide range of things to do depending on where you go

& I'm excited to explore them with you ��

Keep reading to learn more or check out the video below if you'd rather take a tour ��

Let’s kick off with this 14(ish) acre park space that offers a

winding path to wander while taking in the panoramic views of Lake Ontario.

It's paved throughout & very level which is

wonderful for accessibility ��

With a few retirement homes nearby

& a protected nesting space for the at-risk Bank Swallows...

this park space was designed to be a little bit slower-paced,

where you can come to enjoy your time,

take a stroll to enjoy native plants & relax lakeside in the

beautiful neighbourhood of Elizabeth Gardens

Paletta Lakefront Park is often referred to as the

Jewel in the Crown of Burlington’s Waterfront Parks...

An absolute must-visit any time of year!

The Estate home is 11,000 sq. ft of restored grandeur set among

mature forests, expansive lawns & 14 Acres of waterfront green space in the Shoreacres Neighbourhood.

The Mansion & grounds are also

available to rent for events!

While there is no playground, there is still a lot to explore!

• A mix of stone (220m or 725ft) & dirt (1,070m or 3,500ft) walking trails known as "Discovery Walk". Meander the lawns, through the forested lot, along the shoreline & over pedestrian bridges.

• Plaques along the way describe the life of the McKay family who built the mansion in 1931 - depicting summers in the pool, riding horses that were kept in the stables on site, tennis games & social gatherings.

• There's a playhouse that was built in the early 1930s that featured running water & electricity!

• With a water refilling station & puppy bowl, you can keep hydrated while you explore (located at what once were the stables), but the bathrooms on site are not always open to the public.

• Purchased by the City of Burlington in 1990, the restoration took place with the help of a lot of locals & was renamed Paletta after the family contributed substantially to the fundraising efforts. It reopened in 2000 & is a designated historical site (protected by the Ontario Heritage Act)

• The straight path to the east of the mansion was created by the McKay family to allow locals access to the lake through their property... today the space is naturalized to allow rare species of plants & animals to enjoy their habitat in the middle of the city.

• With benches throughout & a rocky beach overlooking Lake Ontario, Paletta Mansion is worth a visit any time of the year! (Be sure to keep an eye out for the endangered Trumpeter Swans who call the beach & lawns home - but remember DO NOT FEED THE WILDLIFE )

Sioux Lookout is the 1st of 3 Window on the Lake Parkettes

we'll be covering here in Burlington.

Sioux Lookout is in the Roseland Neighbourhood & offers a walkway down to the stone/sand beach where Tuck Creek enters Lake Ontario.

These Parkettes are small park spaces with very limited access & amenities...

They are essentially a window for anyone meandering by & aren’t really intended as destinations; unless you’re looking for a quiet moment of reflection across the water or a short stroll along part of the Waterfront Trail.

There are NO Washrooms or Playgrounds, but the small beach, large rocks, picnic tables & water fountains offer a few different ways you could utilize the park.

Port Nelson Park, the 2nd of 3 Window on the Lake Parkettes we'll be exploring in Burlington...

While this one did have a playground at one time, it was taken out during the summer of 2020 in preparation for the overhaul that is currently underway!

Right now Port Nelson Park is under construction as the shoreline repairs will continue into the Summer of 2023 with the new playground planned to be installed in 2024.

Port Nelson Park is located at the end of Guelph Line on the border of Roseland & Central Neighbourhoods... historically this location was a key feature in the economy of one of Burlington's predecessor settlements - known in the early 1800s as Port Nelson home to one of the busiest ports on Lake Ontario!

These Parkettes are small park spaces with very limited access & amenities...

There are NO Washrooms or Playgrounds currently. no access down to the water & for the time being, the park is closed for renewal.

Downtown brings us the flagship of the

City of Burlington parks system... Spencer Smith Park!

Spencer Smith is the heart of Downtown Burlington's appeal - with multiple special events throughout the year, the iconic Brant Street Pier & so much more, I can't wait to share this versatile park space with you!

Let's start off with the iconic Brant Street Pier...

Extending 137 meters over Lake Ontario, the "S" shaped pier is topped with a circular lookout platform featuring the 12-meter tall beacon that changes colours to reflect local events, holidays or not-for-profit organizations.

Offering views of the shoreline, downtown & Lake Ontario...

The pier is a must-visit if you're taking a trip downtown!

One of the best parts about this location are all of the great restaurants nearby adding countless options for how you spend your time at Spencer Smith Park!

Grab some takeout for a lake-side picnic or head to one of the restaurants for those spectacular lake views...

On the west end of the park , you'll find the playground (with epic zip line), splash pad, Rotary Pond (for hobby boats/skating) & Discovery Landing.

No matter the time of year, there's something

to do at Spencer Smith Park!

From strolls along the promenade, taking in one of the many annual festivals & concerts, skating on Rotary Pond in the winter, to enjoying time together o n the expanse of lawns -- there is something for everyone!

Just around the corner from Spencer Smith Park's west end is Burlington Beachway - a natural wonder created by the sandbar that connects Burlington to Hamilton along the shores of Lake Ontario.

Now it is a pay-to-park affair & with the increased volume of visitors, parking is strictly enforced so don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Locals, you can park for free... Get your free parking pass here -- locals are entitled to 10 free visits through the summer so save yourself the cost & make the most of our amazing beach! ��

Beachweay Park Beach is about to undergo a revitalization... in fact, there's been a little bit of progress each year as the City invests in our unique sandy beach!

This is a natural treasure in the City of Burlington & is a part of the largest bay mouth bar in Ontario (being around 7km in length). Being the ONLY dune habitat in Halton, it supports a number of rare & endangered species, so please stay on the marked paths.

There were quite a few homes along here at one time (as well as an Amusement Park �� which you can learn more about in the video below ), but the high risk of flooding has brought about the revitalization with a focus on naturalizing the dunes to native species that can withstand the harsh conditions the sandbar presents.

Notable features of Burlington's Beachway Park...

• Beach Shack - with an assortment of food, treats & cold drinks, pop by the Beach Shack for a snack!

• Bathrooms, Showers & Water Refilling Station located at the Beachway Pavilion

• The Accessibility Access to the beach is also located at the Beachway Pavilion

• Beachside Playground with some of the coolest climbers in the city!

• The naturally sandy beach extends out into Lake Ontario & slowly gets deeper meaning it's great for young kids to splash around & build their confidence. ALWAYS CHECK WATER QUALITY BEFORE SWIMMING HERE

• The paved Waterfront Trail continues along connecting directly to Spencer Smith Park to the north & takes you all the way to Confederation Park in Hamilton to the south

• Beach Rentals - the historic pump house was built in 1909 & played an important role in Burlington's growth as it pulled water from the Lake for locals to use. Now, this building is home to a seasonal business which offers recreation rentals to beachgoers!

• Burlington Beach Catamaran Club is located further south towards the lift bridge - offering locals a great location to store & launch their catamarans

• Along the south end of the beach, is Burlington Canal which was created to provide access for ships to access Hamilton's protected shoreline.

A large pier extends along both sides of the canal & creates an interesting perspective to take in the beach, the large ships that pass by, the lift bridge in action & Burlington's iconic Skyway Bridge. (so long as public access remains)

Stay tuned for an update once the

rejuvenation of Beachway Park has been completed!

Bayshore Park is Burlington's 3rd and final Window on the Lake Parkette.

Located in Aldershot, Burlington's largest urban neighbourhood - this is a quaint stop on Burlington Bay's shores. Without many amenities & being one of the smallest of the waterfront parks, it's rarely busy here.

Do note, the view across the Bay is mainly the industrial sector of Hamilton, but you can still see the Skyway Bridge & the escarpment across the bay.

We are certainly saving the best for last here, at least in my opinion…

so without further adieu say hello to La Salle Park!

Set into the rolling hills of the northern shores of the bay, this is a multi-use park space with a little bit of something for everyone.

Forest trails in the city, waterfront views from the marina, wading pool + playground, & so much more... it's an all-in-one park space!

With the waterfront of the Bay, it's tempting for some to go into the water.

But please do not swim here & absolutely do not feed the ducks or swans.

You are truly hurting them with your kindness & they are endangered so please help them by NOT giving them any food.

Some features worth noting...

• Playground

• Walking trails with varying elevation

• Waterfront boardwalk

• Hills for tobogganing

• Baseball Diamonds

• City run Wading Pool with splash pad

• Marina with boat launch & sailing school

• La Salle Banquet Hall for stunning rentals with an open-air level & enclosed level

• Public Washrooms

• Two Bocce courts (located on the northeast side of the parking lot on top of the hills)

Being a very unique habitat, this part of the bay has always been important for the diverse wildlife here. As the waters are cleaned up with new efforts & legislation, there has been an added focus on helping to reestablish the ecosystem here...

• Nesting location for the Trumpeter Swans brought back from the brink of extinction

• Home to numerous animals, plants & rare species

• Submerged reefs & shoals to create protected areas for spawning habitats

Please keep the fragile ecosystem here in mind when you visit.

There has been a lot of effort put in to protect this space

& find a balance for locals to enjoy for many years to come!

There's a bonus park called the Laking Garden & being a part of the Royal Botanical Gardens, this is the only one on the list that you'd need to pay to enter.

It's a 4-acre plateau overlooking the Grindstone Marsh on the northwestern shore of the bay.

It’s a quiet space with an assortment of paths & gardens to explore with trails below that meander along the marsh making it the perfect place for bird watching or exploring in the sheltered valley during the winter.

Its main attractions are the variety of Iris displays, but there are also many other plants to take in... including a traditional medicine garden.

You'll often find train lovers gathering at the bridge over the tracks for the close encounter experience with a gorgeous backdrop!

Thanks for exploring & getting to know our wonderful waterfront parks here in Burlington, Ontario

If you're ever thinking about a move around the area, please reach out --

I love connecting & chatting about real estate!

Until next time, keep it Genuine ��

Rochelle Edwards, Broker

What To Expect When Meeting A Mortgage Specialist

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 21:20:07 GMT

Reaching out to a mortgage professional is one of the first steps on any real estate journey... Knowing what you can afford before you start house hunting is vital!

Everyone's situation is a little bit different -- especially if you're self employed -- so this is just the basic outline of the most common documents your Mortgage Professional may request from you.

If it's been a while since you've applied for a mortgage, know that the requirements in terms of what you need to provide have changed... it will feel like a lot of information being shared, but it is just between you & your mortgage broker.

It's important to note...

They WILL NOT share any of your confidential details about finances with me - just what you QUALIFY for (ie. what you can afford) & if you're also Selling, information about your Mortgage Balances.

Everyone's situation is a little bit different -- especially if you're self employed -- so this is just the basic outline of the most common documents your Mortgage Professional may request from you.

If it's been a while since you've applied for a mortgage, know that the requirements in terms of what you need to provide have changed... it will feel like a lot of information being shared but it is just between you & your mortgage broker.

It's important to note...

They WILL NOT share any of your confidential details with me -

just what you qualify for.

The basic documents you will need to provide are....

• 2 pieces of ID

• Your most recent paystubs

• A Letter of Employment - your Mortgage Broker will let you know what should be included in the letter & how recent the document needs to be.

• Usually your last 2 years of T4s

• Bank Account Statements where your downpayment funds are held - typically 3 months worth ��

Once you have an accepted offer, you will also need to provide....

• A copy of the fully executed Offer for your Buy (& Sell if applicable)*

• Deposit receipt*

• Realtor® MLS® listing*

• Gift Letter - if you're receiving gifted funds for your downpayment, the Lender will likely supply a "Gift Letter Form" to be completed.

• A Void Cheque from the bank account where your mortgage payments will be removed

* Your Realtor® should be providing these

documents to your Mortgage Professional

& providing you a copy as well

Once you have an accepted offer, you will also need to provide....

• A copy of the fully executed Offer for your Buy (& Sell if applicable)*

• Deposit receipt*

• Realtor® MLS® listing*

• Gift Letter - if you're receiving gifted funds for your downpayment, the Lender will likely supply a "Gift Letter Form" to be completed.

• A Void Cheque from the bank account where your mortgage payments will be removed

* Your Realtor® should be providing these documents to your

Mortgage Professional & providing you a copy as well

If you're thinking about a move in the Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton + Surrounding Areas,

please feel free to connect with us!

It's never too early & we'd love to chat with you about your real estate goals! ��

Once you have an accepted offer, you will also need to provide....

• A copy of the fully executed Offer for your Buy (& Sell if applicable)*

• Deposit receipt*

• Realtor® MLS® listing*

• Gift Letter - if you're receiving gifted funds for your downpayment, the Lender will likely supply a "Gift Letter Form" to be completed.

• A Void Cheque from the bank account where your mortgage payments will be removed

* Your Realtor® should be providing these

documents to your Mortgage Professional

& providing you a copy as well

Ready to find your next home?

Start your Buyer Consultation today!

Village Square - Downtown Burlington

Sat, 11 Feb 2023 15:50:33 GMT

With a Victorian feel full of charm in the heart of Burlington's Downtown Shopping district... Come explore Village Square!

A block north of Spencer Smith & the Brant Street Pier, many people aren’t aware it’s here, but if you haven’t visited in a while, you should definitely make time!

Built in the 1970’s, most of the buildings are actually fairly modern, but the facade is designed to capture old English architecture & create a bazaar like atmosphere as its developer Jack Friedman had envisioned.

Starting on the west side of Village Square with Stinson House (currently home to Buvette ), beside the gated entryway, a frame cottage was built in 1850 by Joseph Stinson, it had been upgraded with dormers & brick over the years & still stands as a beautiful historic building in our core.

This structure was the starting point for Friedman’s vision & could be considered the heart of Village Square.

Moving to the south side, The Hotel on Pine Street was built to reflect what establishments would have looked like at the turn of the century.

With a long second story boardwalk leading to businesses & a unique set of shops on the street level, this side is home to popular destinations like...

Tamp Coffee, Village Cigar Company & Son of a Peach.

On this side there is also the Firehall which was Burlington’s first fire station!

The first horse drawn fire fighting carriage was purchased in 1893.

The tower is a replica of the original bell tower above Burlington’s Town Hall in the 1880’s & would have been used to alert the volunteer firefighters of any emergencies.

The eastern side is home to what was the cottage of Peter Fisher & was built in 1826.

Walking along the northern edge you get a different feeling altogether with the Colonnade -- a portico that runs the entire length of the block with large columns & arches inspired by 18th century Georgian architecture.

As you head into the interior of Village Square you come across the gazebo & all of the businesses that call the courtyard home!

From shopping to workouts, to beautifying your body, mind & soul or enjoying delicious food & treats or a specialty drink, you could spend all day exploring this uniquely inspired shopping district!

Living in Burlington, Ontario offers a lot of advantages - it's no wonder it was named Canada's Best Midsized City & Best Place to raise a Family!

If you're thinking of a move in the Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton + surrounding area, feel free to reach out & we can chat about your real estate goals!

Rochelle Edwards, Broker

@TheGenuineRealtor

Outdoor Skating in Oakville, Burlington & Hamilton

Sat, 07 Jan 2023 00:43:25 GMT

Looking for some Winter fun?

We're showcasing some of Oakville, Burlington + Hamilton's best outdoor skating options!

Burlington, Oakville + Hamilton, Ontario are amazing places to call home

& taking advantage of these ✨ local skating gems ✨ is definitely a perk of living here!

We're taking a look at 11 Outdoor Skating Locations that are worth checking out this winter... from manicured ice surfaces to natural landscapes (some with added events - like local breweries, snacks & bonfires) -- you're sure to find somewhere that fits your needs!

⚠️ PLEASE ONLY SKATE IN DESIGNATED AREAS ⚠️

the small ponds & reservoirs can collect run off from the roads

which includes road salt which can create dangerous ice conditions.

- 11 -

Princess Point

Royal Botanical Garden | Hamilton Side

Welcome to Princess Point - a part of the Royal Botanical Gardens!

In the summer this is a shallow wetlands home to many amazing animals & flora, but come winter, the water freezes over creating an expanse of ice to explore!

The RBG takes it a step further creating an experience unlike any other… To keep the fun going longer, they’ve brought in lights, a fire pit & teamed up with a local brewery to create the ultimate winter wonderland experience!

To check the safety of the ice or for event details,

visit the Royal Botanical Gardens website .

Bonus, PARKING IS FREE for RBG members!

Fun Fact - Princess Point has some of the BEST sunset views in Hamilton!

We did cover the 5 Best Sunset Locations in Hamilton if you'd like to see some of the others ��

- 10 -

Carroll's Bay Marsh

Royal Botanical Gardens | Burlington Side

Now the other side of McQueston Bridge is home to Carroll’s Bay Marsh in Burlington,

just below the Royal Botanical’s Laking Garden .

This side is a bit more protected as the bay is surrounded on 3 sides by the high slopes. Adults & kids alike love this location for watching trains as the tracks run parallel.

Bring your net for an open ice game of hockey, or your own skating assist for novice skaters.

- 9 -

Pier 8

North End | Hamilton

Heading back into Hamilton, Pier 8 is an iconic location in the city!

Known for year round fun, in the Summer this rink is for skating on wheels , but come winter & the ice freezing, it becomes an amazing place to enjoy a waterfront skate.

With the facilities on the pier (like washrooms, coffee, some food, etc) & skate rentals on site , this is a great option if some people in your group aren’t overly interested in skating , but would rather hang out & watch.

- 8 -

Rotary Pond

Spencer Smith Park | Burlington

Downtown Burlington has something similar with the Rotary Pond in Spencer Smith Park .

In this case, it’s a hobby pool in the summer , but come winter, it’s another waterfront skating opportunity! With rentals, assists to help new skaters & a low edge all the way around to take a break whenever you need, this is a great spot to get skating!

Warm up inside or make it a date with a meal in picturesque downtown!

- 7 -
Waterdown Loop

Waterdown | Hamilton

In Waterdown (one of Hamilton's many communities) there is a different kind of skating experience - the Waterdown Loop at Memorial Park in the heart of the community is a winter gem.

Opening in 2016, this 230m or 755ft loop has a beautiful shape & is maintained ice, so again that smooth surface to skate across. There are also great hills here for some tobogganing fun as well!

- 6 -

Valens Lake

Flamborough | Hamilton

On top of the escarpment, Valens Conservation Area in Flamborough (a Hamilton community) is home to a lake perfect for another outdoor option!

Valens Lake is around 140 acres & was created in 1968 to help prevent flooding in the surrounding watershed & has become a local favourite for camping, fishing, swimming, hiking & more.

Today we’re not talking about winter camping though… we’re talking about skating on the beautiful frozen lake.

Bring your skates, a net & sticks if you'd like as well as any skating assists your novice skaters might need.

To find out if it’s safe to skate, check out the Hamilton Conservation Authority website .

- 5 -

Trafalgar Park Recreation Centre

Oakville

Oakville is home to a few neighbourhood rinks run by local volunteers (as are the other cities), but if you're on the hunt for an outdoor rink that is maintained, Trafalgar Park Recreation Centre has what you're looking for!

So grab your skates, any assists your novice skater needs & head to the community centre at the corner of Kerr & Rebecca to enjoy the manicured ice!

- 4 -

Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre

East Hamilton

Just over a quarter acre in size, the Bernie Morelli Recreation Center has all the fun of skating outdoors with the convenience of being easily accessible in Hamilton’s east end.

- 3 -

Fifty Point Conservation Area

Stoney Creek | Hamilton

Heading a bit further east into Stoney Creek - known for their marina, long beach & easy access to Lake Ontario, Fifty Point Conservation Area also offers outdoor skating when the ice freezes on the pond!

- 2 -

Binbrook Conservation Area

Binbrook | Hamilton

Binbrook Conservation Area just outside of Hamilton’s community of Binbrook is another reservoir built to help prevent flooding down at the base of the escarpment.

It makes for great swimming in the summer & of course, skating in the winter!

- 1 -

Dundas Driving Park

Dundas | Hamilton

Heading over to Dundas for our last spot of the day - Dundas Driving Park is rich with history since the town’s founding in 1847.

With fields, playground, lawn bowling, tennis & more, it’s a hub of summer fun.

But come the colder months, it’s the skating rink that brings people together!

There is also a city authorized tobogganing hill here, so you could make a full day of fun in one stop.

If you have any questions about the area or are thinking about a move - please don't hesitate to reach out!

Finding The Right Realtor

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 17:09:30 GMT

Listen, there are a lot of great REALTORS® out there! People who value you, your goals & offer exceptional services to help create the ultimate buying or selling experience - a REALTOR® you can trust ⭐️ (that's a gold star right there ��)

There are also those you see on the opposite end of the spectrum who are front & centre in the media - displayed on air as being unethical & betraying their client's trust in some way. Honestly, If you were to read up on some of the real estate litigation in Ontario, you would see just how many (unfortunately) fall into this category.

I hope you choose to use me for your real estate needs but if you don't, please be sure you use someone you can trust!

I completely understand that you & I may not be the right fit... it happens & it's 100% okay!

Compatibility is a big part of relationships of any kind -- including a REALTOR®/Client relationship. (There's a whole thing about this & in future we would need to explore this concept more).

But I do still want to leave you with some tips for finding someone who will be the best REALTOR® for you...

There are lots of different types of REALTORS® out there with a wide variety of business models to help you get to your end goal - but the journey you take to get there is what determines which model is best for you.

One thing to pay attention to is how busy they are.

Yes, you want someone who's out there in the market, actively working & watching for any shifts that may work in your favour. The balance though, is not to end up committed to someone who is so busy they can't service you in the way you are hoping for.

You can avoid running into this by asking questions like...

• How long does it usually take for me to hear back from you?

• How many active clients do you work with at a time? (If this number is too high, you run the risk of potentially being lost in the shuffle. If they are vague, they may be someone who doesn't do as many transactions in a year.)

• Do you have any admin or team members that work along with you?

(If they have a steady business, they will likely have support to ensure everything is taken care of)

• What can I expect in terms of communication throughout the process? Before we get going, during the active process, & after closing? Really consider what they are saying & if you feel like you will know exactly what to expect or if you will feel worried or stressed about being in the dark on things.

Communication is the only way to create a healthy relationship - one where you trust your REALTOR® & where they trust you as well.

(Yes, this is a 2 way relationship... in fact communicating is discussed in the contracts you'd sign to create a REALTOR®/Client relationship)

Now, this is certainly more than just whether you prefer text vs. email.

It's can you trust that you will know what you need to know, even if you don't know you should know it?

Essentially, you want a quarterback who's calling the plays & seeing everything as it unfolds, then telling you about it so you know what to expect & can score a touch down (or in this case a home �� )

Some examples of things you might want to know....

SELLING

• When is the stager coming? Who's paying??
• When are showings? How do they work?
• How you can maximize your chances of success!
• What do you do to prepare for a home inspection?
• When do I have to be out by?

BUYING

• How do you offer against other buyers? What should you expect?

• Who do you make the deposit out to?
• When do I have to remove the conditions by?
• What happens to the deposit? Is it the Sellers? Is it applied to closing costs?
• How do you protect yourself once you move in?

Finding someone who anticipates the things you need to know or should be aware of is paramount to a smooth transaction - in fact, I've been doing it already by dropping tidbits about what's to come... like introducing the concept of relationships (which is a legal concept we would need to review before you become a client).

This type of information truly helps you know & understand what you are agreeing to.
It will also help keep you out of litigation by not missing a deadline, or failing to close, or not hiding a defect ��

Buying & Selling is not something to be taken flippantly -- it's a contractual obligation & what is written into the accepted agreemen t is what matters.

So, how can you tell if the REALTOR® will be a good communicator throughout the process?

Connect with them & then see what information they share... how they prepare you & set expectations... are they trying to educate you or push you to commit? Emails, messages, chats... all of these tell a tale about what you might expect going forward.

Both "Units Sold" & "Years in Business" matter - though truth be told, there are lots of trustworthy REALTORS® who are low on both of these.

It's the combination of both that tells you what you need to know... if they've been in the business for 5 years but only sold 6 homes, they may not have been exposed to many of the nuanced details that each scenario can bring about.

You want someone who has the experience to guide you calmly & isn't afraid to say "I'm not sure, let me look into that" or "This is beyond my scope & I recommend you speak with _________ professional in that field for clarification".

Someone who is ready to jump with suggestions may be coming from a well-intended place, but the reality is that bad advice can cost you thousands... in fact I've seen litigation where more than $150,000 was awarded in damages. The wrong information can cost you everything you've worked so hard to build. Be wise & choose someone who's honest & seeks outside guidance when necessary!

Now, if the person you're drawn to is newer & doesn't have a lot of experience yet, that might still be ok! Just clarify who in their brokerage (office) is there to support them, & therefore you, by extension. We were all new once & there are a lot of great newer agents who are willing to seek outside help when necessary - so don't write them off without asking more questions ��

There is no right or wrong here - each just offer something a little different!

When you work with a Solo Agent it means you're going to get that person directly.
They may have an administrative team, but they handle their own showings, listings & appointment.

Occasionally they may need someone from their brokerage to help out, but most of the time the REALTOR® you hired will be the one helping you!

When you work with a team, it will depend greatly on how the team is set up & you can advocate for what you want upfront.

Be clear & set those expectations early so everyone can feel they are on the same page ��

It's absolutely okay for your REALTOR® to share their opinion of areas based on their personal lived experiences or that of their clients, but if they are predicting market trends based on opinion without referencing facts, it's a bit of a red flag.

Make sure any decisions weigh out both opinions & the facts.

Looking to the facts & allowing them to enlighten your decisions will absolutely help keep you ahead of the curve as well as ensure your choices align with your overall real estate goals.

Robert Edmondson Conservation Area

Sat, 02 Oct 2021 05:06:14 GMT

Come for the peaceful reservoir

& stay for a stroll , all at Robert Edmondson Conservation Area.

This is the self proclaimed hidden gem �� of the Halton Conservation Park system

& is an amazing place to visit year round!

With 70 acres of forest, wetlands & reservoir - there's a lot packed into this pint-sized natural playground & I'm excited to show you around ��

Looking for Directions?

The Reservoir

The body of water here is a reservoir & there are similar ones through our communities designed to help mitigate flooding. But it's certainly more than just a preventative tool -- it's also home to an assortment of wildlife.

From birds & water fowl, to snapping turtles & fish, the calm 7 acre reservoir is a focal point of the park.

With an accessible dock at the south shoreline, it's no wonder people enjoy casting from here. Anglers often catch

Thank you for joining me as we explored Robert Edmondson Conservation Area -- If you ever have any questions about hiking spots or real estate, leave a comment below or feel free to email me.

Cheers,

Rochelle Edwards

REALTOR®/Broker

@TheGenuineRealtor

Hello, Midtown Oakville

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 23:16:53 GMT

If you’re considering a move to Oakville, you’ll likely be trying to orient yourself

& get your bearings on what this amazing town has to offer.

Luckily you're in the right place,

because this page is all about

Oakville's Midtown neighbourhoods!

If you're curious about the other areas in town,

be sure to check out South Oakville & North Oakville.

Tucked into the shores of Lake Ontario just west of Toronto, it’s a nautical lovers playground

with some of the most livable neighbourhoods in the province.

In fact, it has won awards for the lifestyle it’s residents enjoy --

there’s seriously no other place quite like it in Ontario!

The video will beginning covering the entire town, but you can navigate to the "Midtown Oakville" chapter.

When I was growing up, everything north of the

QEW was understandably considered north Oakville.

But as things continue to be developed further out, the stretch between the highway & Upper Middle

has become the de facto Midtown corridor.

Midtown Oakville Neighbourhoods:

• Glen Abbey

• College Park

• Falgarwood

• Clearview

Midtown Oakville Notable Amenities:

• 4 Golf Courses - including prestigious Glen Abbey, frequent home of the Canadian Open

• Bronte Creek Provincial Park

• Oakville Place (Mall)

• Easy Highway Access

• Forested Trails Between Communities

• Newer Arenas, Libraries, etc

• Great community Park Spaces

If you’re looking for easy commutes, community spirit, gorgeous green spaces & quick access to golf, Midtown might just be for you!

Styles Of Homes:

• Large Homes

• Pockets of High Density

• Townhouses

• Low Rise & High Rise Buildings

• Homes Backing Onto Green-space/Ravines

• Mostly built out in the 80's but small pockets of 60's+

Current Prices of Condos in Midtown Oakville (as of September 2021)

Current Prices of Towns in Midtown Oakville (as of September 2021)

Current Prices of Homes in Midtown Oakville (as of September 2021)

Want to learn more about Oakville?

Check out South Oakville & North Oakville

Want to learn your options or talk about a potential move?

I'm always happy to chat about your real estate goals

& can be reached at Hello@GenuineRealtor.com

Rochelle Edwards - Broker @TheGenuineRealtor
S. Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

Hello, South Oakville

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 17:14:00 GMT

If you’re considering a move to Oakville, you’ll likely be trying to orient yourself & get your bearings on what this amazing town has to offer.

Luckily you're in the right place,

because this page is all about South Oakville!

If you're curious about the other areas in town,

be sure to check out North Oakville & Midtown Oakville .

Tucked into the shores of Lake Ontario just west of Toronto,

it’s a nautical lovers playground with some of the most livable neighbourhoods in the province.

In fact, it has won awards for the lifestyle it’s residents enjoy --

there’s seriously no other place quite like it in Ontario!

Comprised of the neighbourhoods sandwiched between Lake Ontario & the Queen Elizabeth Way , which is the main highway corridor running west into Burlington & east into Mississauga --

South Oakville is home to many of the local claims-to-fame in town!

South Oakville Neighbourhoods:

• Bronte

• West Oakville

• South West Oakville

• Central Oakville

• Old Oakville

• Morrison

• Ford

• Queen Elizabeth Industrial

South Oakville Notable Amenities:

• Lakeside Parks: Coronation Park, Bronte Bluffs, Gairloch Gardens, Harbours & Beaches

• 3 Shopping Districts: Downtown, Bronte Village & Kerr Village

• South Oakville Mall

• Historic Homes dating back to the 1800's

• GO Train Stations

If you’re looking for prestige & history,

you'll likely feel right at home here in south Oakville,

but of course, it comes with a premium price tag.

Styles Of Homes:

• Large Homes on Mature Lots

• Pockets of newer Infill

• Pockets of High Density

• Bungalows on Large Lots

• Townhouses

• Low Rise & High Rise Buildings

• Opulent Mansions

Current Prices of Condos in South Oakville (as of September 2021)

Current Prices of Towns in South Oakville (as of September 2021)

Current Prices of Homes in South Oakville (as of September 2021)

Want to learn more about Oakville?

Check out Midtown Oakville or North Oakville

Want to learn your options or talk about a potential move?

I'm always happy to chat about your real estate goals & can be reached at Hello@GenuineRealtor.com

Rochelle Edwards - Broker @TheGenuineRealtor
S. Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

Hello, North Oakville

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 22:53:27 GMT

If you’re considering a move to Oakville, you’ll likely be trying to orient yourself & get your bearings on what this amazing town has to offer.

Luckily you're in the right place,

because this page is all about North Oakville!

If you're curious about the other areas in town,

be sure to check out South Oakville & Midtown Oakville .

Tucked into the shores of Lake Ontario just west of Toronto, it’s a nautical lovers playground with some of the most livable neighbourhoods in the province. In fact, it has won awards for the lifestyle it’s residents enjoy -- there’s seriously no other place quite like it in Ontario!

The video will beginning covering the entire town, but you can navigate to the "North Oakville" chapter.

Stretching from Upper Middle north to the town of Milton boundaries,

this is the largest area in Oakville & has the biggest mix of urban design, zoning & uses!

North Oakville Neighbourhoods:

• Bronte Creek

• Westmount

• West Oak Trails

• River Oaks

• Wedgewood Creek

• Joshua Creek

• Joshua Meadows

• Glenorchy

• Sixteen Hollow

• Northwest Oakville

• Rural Oakville

This part of Oakville is also where the new developments are continuing to grow & sprawl with the intention of creating forward thinking localized communities where walkability is top of mind.

The urban design here is in full swing with micro-communities like the Uptown Core where they’ve developed mixed styles of homes along with shopping & lovely park spaces all within a short walk.

North Oakville Notable Amenities:

• Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital

• Park Space: Like Lions Valley Park & Trafalgar Memorial Park

• Forested Trails Connecting Neighbourhoods

• Modern Facilities like Arenas, Recreation Centres & Libraries

• Easy access to hills & Milton's Velodrome for road training

• 2 Golf Courses

• Fantastic Playgrounds

• Scenic Countryside Drives

Styles Of Homes:

• Large Homes on Compact Lots

• Abundance of High Density options

• Townhouses

• Low Rise & High Rise Buildings

• Homes Backing Onto Green-space/Ravines

• Built out through 80's, 90's & 2000's between Upper Middle & Dundas

• Handful of new builds in the Upper Middle & Dundas corridor

• 2000's - Present Day New Builds North of Dundas Street

• Rural Space & Farmland (premium price)

Current Prices of Condos in North Oakville (as of September 2021)

Current Prices of Towns in North Oakville (as of September 2021)

Current Prices of Homes in North Oakville (as of September 2021)

Want to learn more about Oakville?

Check out South Oakville & Midtown Oakville

Want to learn your options or talk about a potential move?

I'm always happy to chat about your real estate goals & can be reached at Hello@GenuineRealtor.com

Rochelle Edwards - Broker @TheGenuineRealtor
S. Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

Hamilton Sunsets

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 12:03:25 GMT

Being situated on the western shores of Lake Ontario, the sun sets into the escarpment & it can be tricky to find a place to watch the spectacular sunsets we get to enjoy here.

Now I am a realtor here in the Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville & surrounding areas so if you’re curious about the area or thinking about a move, I’m just an email away!

1 - Bayfront Park & Piers

First on the list is Bayfront Park & Piers in Hamilton’s North End. The trick is to get out into the water on one of the piers or peninsulas that dot this stretch of the bay & then look off towards cootes paradise just beyond the McQuesten Bridge. My favourite locations here are the Pier 4 peninsula, pier 7 or 8 and if you have a boat, then from the water is another amazing vantage point!

2 - McQuesten High Bridge

Now, since we mentioned the McQuesten Bridge, it offers one of the best views as you’re positioned higher up & get a clear view. It makes a fantastic backdrop for those romantic photo shoots or if you enjoy birdwatching, it’s a great vantage point!

3 - Desjardins Recreation Trail

Next up is just below the bridge along the Desjardins Recreation Trail which offers a stunning Cootes Paradise backdrop as you sit in the valley of the Niagara Escarpment & enjoy the setting sun.

4 - Princess Point (Coote's Paradise)

A bit further along is Princess Point, a pa rt of the Cootes Paradise nature sanctuary which is owned by the Royal Botanical Gardens. They’ve created multiple platforms & sitting areas that are ideal locations for a more private viewing of the sunset.

5 - Rural Hamilton

Another area that has some beautiful sunset views are on top of the escarpment in many of the fields in Flamborough, Glanbrook, Binbrook, Waterdown , etc. So in this case, hop in the car & enjoy the scenic setting sun across the fields by driving on any of the roads that run east/west.

6 - Devil's Punch Bowl Conservation Area

If you’re looking for an above the city view of the sunsets here in Hamilton, I encourage you to check out the Hamilton Conservation Authority’s Devils Punch Bowl park which offers a lookout to the west & is one of the best places to say farewell to the day.

Thank you for joining me as we explore the stunning sunsets in Hamilton, Ontario.
Again, if you have any questions leave a comment below or feel free to email me.

Until next week,

Keep it genuine!

Explore Christie Lake Conservation Area

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 18:33:24 GMT

Get away for the day to beautiful Christie Lake Conservation Area!

This is one of the Hamilton Conservation Authority areas &

is the perfect all-season get away just outside the city limits.

Located in Dundas, Ontario on top of the Niagara Escarpment, Christie Lake was created out of necessity when the flow of water down the escarpment needed to controlled to help mitigate flooding -- these nature spaces are more than just beautiful places to explore!

The dam (pictured below) was built in the 1970's & created the sprawling lake we now enjoy. One of my favourite things about this lake is that the water is not stagnant! Eventually, the water here makes its way through the dam & over the infamous Websters & Trews Falls as it travels along Spencer's Creek.

With all season fun to be had, Christie Lake offers over 10 km of trails to explore -- from hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing & even by horseback, you'll find lots of places to explore here!

There are some very unique spots to check out so keep reading for more...

When you first arrive at the gates, you can pay to enter in the left hand lane, or if you're an HCA Member & have your card, stick to the right hand lane -- then swipe to open the gate!

As you drive in, you will come to a stop sign - go right for parking near the head to the Mountain Biking Trails

Turn left & you head towards the beach access (centre of the park) & parking as well as the Marina & Disc Golf Course (far end of the park)

Ready For The Beach?

If you're planning on a beach day, be aware that there is wheelchair parking near the beach access , but the walk in for the rest of us is long (to say the least). If you can, plan to drop your beach gear & the kids who may not enjoy the walk in by the beach roundabout then head back out to the end for parking.

If this lot is full, there are also overflow parking lots with shuttles in when it's peak beach going season.

Be sure to check the water quality before you go here!

Let’s chat about the 360 meter long sandy beach perfect for sandcastles, swimming & relaxing.

The beach itself is sandy/pebbly & shallow enough for my 4 year old to walk out to the ropes with ease, but just the other side of the safety rope the water does get much deeper. With no lifeguards on duty, it's important to keep an eye on your group.

There is a grassy area with mature trees for shade beside the beach, pavilions for picnics, beach volleyball courts, a baseball diamond, change rooms with washrooms & a shop to pickup some basic essentials.

Looking For A Hike?

Not to worry - with over 10 KM of trails to explore, there's plenty of interesting hiking to be had!

Now I will say, I have yet to check out all of the trails & hope to do so one day, but for now I will share the highlight of the hiking experience for my kids here & that is on the eastern tip of the lake (by the disc golf course).

We parked by the marina to the far left when you come to the first stop sign in the park -- just take the left & follow the main road until it ends at the marina.

From here we walked towards the main dirt path that led us past the pavilion & to the back of the soccer field. There's a faint line from people walk across the grass & into the opening where the disc golf course is, but if you keep walking along here, you'll find yourself enjoying the 'Around The Lake Trail' which, as it's name implies, will take you all the way around Christie Lake!

So, why do I love this access the most?

Because they are the most direct route to the dam, Darnley Mill Ruins & the Darnley Cascade Waterfalls!

From the parking lot, it's about a 15 min walk along the path before you come to the dam crossing (where horses are not allowed), but first you'll pass one of my kids' favourite attractions -- the log lean-tos in the woods.

Considered one of the oldest remaining ruins in Canada, the Darnley Mill Ruins are one of the local places people swear are haunted ��

Built in 1813 , the Darnley Mill was an integral part of this bustling community in the 1800’s - in fact this was even expanded in 1826 to include the first Paper Mill in Upper Canada but in 1934 the mill suffered a fire & all that remains are these old stone walls.

Now, Hamilton is the city of waterfalls with more than 100 within our city limits & this one right here is the highest elevation above sea level! Spencer's Creek continues on downstream from the dam where the water pours over this 13 footer known as the Darnley Cascade Waterfall.

It was the focal point of the bustling Crooks Hollow back in the 1800's but now, it's a hidden gem to explore beside the Darnley Mill Ruins.

If you were to follow the water down stream further you'd end up at the infamous Webster's Falls & Tews Falls (which are located within another Hamilton Conservation Area but these require a reservation to visit to keep crowds down/people safe)

Want To Get Out On The Water?

When we went this year the boats were not ready to be rented out so it was a BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat) situation, but in more normal times you are able to enjoy a rental boat which can be purchased from the Marina.

If you have your own non-motorized boat, so Kayaks, Canoes, Paddle Boards, etc., you're able to launch & enjoy the views from the water.

Be aware that getting too close to the dam is a safety concern -- also t here is a catch & release program in effect when fishing.

Fancy A Round Of Disc Golf?

Christie Lake Conservation Area is home to an 18 Hole Championship Disc Golf Course & is a great way to get outside to enjoy the day. The course winds through the forests & fields creating a picturesque setting for your game.

Bring your own or rent a set from the shop, if you've never played before this is a great opportunity!

Lilacs at the Royal Botanical Gardens

Fri, 28 May 2021 19:07:12 GMT

If you're a lover of Spring,

you'll love the Lilac Dell at the

Royal Botanical Gardens Arboretum location!

FREE for RBG Members... $30/car for non-members

This is one of the largest & most diverse collections of Lilacs in the world.

The truly stunning displays arrive, weather dependent, around mid-May & grace us with their fragrant

blooms for a few weeks before the flowering stage of the season ends in June.

As a local REALTOR, I love sharing what living here is like,

but please respect any of the nature spaces you visit.

That means no picking the lilacs, keep your dogs on a leash as well as picking up after them

& please do not leave your litter behind.

This beautiful dell is known as the Katie Osborn Lilac Collection & fills more than 3 acres

with these glorious displays each spring.

The name “lilac” comes from the Persian word meaning bluish -- quite

the practical description of these flowering shrubs.

Alright, Fun fact time:

The Wister Code (created by American horticulturist John Wister)

is used to classify the colour of a lilac blossom.

The 7 classifications are...⁣

I. White⁣

II. Violet⁣

III. Blueish⁣

IV. Lilac⁣

V. Pinkish⁣

VI. Magenta⁣

VII. Purple⁣

The Katie Osborne Lilac Trust was created in 1964 to expand & maintain the Royal Botanical Garden’s lilacs for years to come -- today the count sits at just over 740 lilac shrubs! ⁣

⁣

In 1959 there were 230 plants relocated to accommodate the expansion of the 403 Highway, creating the start of what we see today & is now the stunning collection of over 600 varieties of Lilacs making this one of the most diverse dells in the world!

⁣

With kilometres of trails to explore, waterfront views & rolling landscapes,

there’s more than just blossoms to enjoy during the Spring months at the Arboretum.

⁣

Thank you for joining me on a tour of the Lilac Dell,

please feel free to reach out if you’re thinking of a move

or would like some recommendations on where to explore.

Until Next Week,

Keep It Genuine.

The Katie Osborne Lilac Trust was created in 1964 to expand & maintain the Royal Botanical Garden’s lilacs for years to come -- today the count sits at just over 740 lilac shrubs! ⁣

⁣

With kilometres of trails to explore, waterfront views & rolling landscapes,

there’s more than just blossoms to enjoy during the Spring months at the Arboretum.

⁣

Thank you for joining me on a tour of the Lilac Dell, please feel free to reach out if you’re thinking of a move or would like some recommendations on where to explore.

Until Next Week,

Keep It Genuine.

Waterfalls Of Ancaster

Sat, 15 May 2021 00:53:20 GMT

If you're looking for some easy-to-access waterfalls,

this episode of the Genuine REALTOR® Show is for you!

One of the many bonuses of living around the Niagara Escarpment are the many waterfalls as our watershed begins at the top & makes its way down the escarpment, then into Burlington Bay & Lake Ontario.

Because the falls are along the cliff face of the escarpment, all of todays locations are near each other , though it would take a full day to see them all in one go - so, you might want to pace yourself ��

Now I am a local REALTOR® who grew up enjoying these amazing places & I want to share what living here is like, but please, respect any of the places you visit. Do not litter, stay on the marked trails, keep your dogs on leash & pick up after them. These are fragile ecosystems & they deserve our respect.

So, the City of Hamilton amalgamated with 5 surrounding towns, including Ancaster, back in 2001 making it the waterfall capital of the world due to the over 100 waterfalls found within the city’s limits!

Many of those are found on private property or are difficult to get to, so today I’m sharing 4 of Ancaster’s beautiful waterfalls that you are able to visit without trespassing or requiring special gear or skills.

UPPER + LOWER MILL FALLS

Let’s kick off here at Upper Mill Falls - a 7 metre high classic waterfall which creates quite the atmosphere for dining or celebrating at the Old Mill restaurant. As the name suggests, the first mills were built in the area back in 1791 because of the hydro power made possible by the watershed which led to Ancaster becoming the second largest Upper Canada settlement.

Just downstream from the Upper Mill Falls are the aptly named Lower Mill Falls which are 6 metres in height & cascade down the incline as the water continues along the escarpment.

There are parking lots around the grounds to accommodate visitors to the Old Mill as well as access to the Heritage Hiking Trail that ventures down into Dundas Conservation Area.

MILL FALLS HIGHLIGHTS:

Parking - Easy

Difficulty - Easy

Hike Time - 5 min for Upper + 5 min for Lower

Kid Friendly - Yes

Stroller Friendly - Yes (to an extent)

CANTERBURY FALLS

If you were to follow the Heritage Trail it would bring you to our next destination -- Canterbury Falls!

We chose to park inside the Dundas Conservation which does require a membership or payment in order to access the interior Trail parking lot, but of course, supporting these local conservation areas whenever possible is a small way we can all help protect these nature spaces.

To get to Canterbury Falls, you’ll follow the Heritage Trail until you spot some of the markers with red dots painted onto them. We used google maps & it was great for keeping us on the correct path, but those trail markers are more than enough if you can manage to not get distracted by the natural beauty of the landscape.

After about 20 min of walking, you’ll likely hear Canterbury Falls before you see them as the trail is quite serene. You can enjoy watching the water drop 9 metres creating a ribbon waterfall from the nearby bench, perfect for a snack break, or head over to the bridge & take it all in from the crest.

CANTERBURY FALLS HIGHLIGHTS:

Parking - Easy

Difficulty - Easy but there are hills

Hike Time - 23 min to falls

Kid Friendly - Yes but be aware of the drop off at the falls

Stroller Friendly - Yes (to an extent)

TIFFANY FALLS

Now, let’s make our way over to Tiffany Falls, arguably one of the most popular in the area as it is a stand alone area in the Hamilton Conservation Park system.

With limited parking , which also requires a membership or payment, it’s a tight trail which is often quite busy. You’ll get to enjoy 2 bridge crossings as you make your way closer to the 21 metre high ribbon waterfall.

The falls & the creek are named after the first doctor in the area who began his practice back in the 1790’s.

The ecosystem here is extremely fragile, especially the moist talus slopes & off trail exploration has led to slope failures & severe damage to the valley. Please stay on the trails when visiting Tiffany Falls.

TIFFANY FALLS HIGHLIGHTS:

Parking - Easy but busy

Difficulty - Easy but uneven ground & some hills

Hike Time - 10 min to Falls

Kid Friendly - Yes

Stroller Friendly - Not Really

SHERMAN FALLS

Last one for today is my favourite!

Sherman Falls is a tiered ribbon waterfall that is 17 metres high fed by Anc aster Creek. Over the years it has changed names but its current name is an homage to the Sherman brothers who founded one of Canada’s largest steel producing companies in 1912 known back then as Dominion Steel Casting Company. Another current name is Farrah Falls after the Farrah Family who currently own the land & graciously allow us to enjoy the beautiful falls on their property.

This is a very easy walk in but there is no street parking allowed. The Dundas Valley Conservation Area has a parking lot a short distance away & after you take in the falls, you can enjoy the access to the Monarch Side Trail which heads into the Dundas Valley.

SHERMAN FALLS HIGHLIGHTS:

Parking - Easy but a 5 min walk

Difficulty - Easy

Hike Time - 5 min to Falls + 5 min walk from parking

Kid Friendly - Yes

Stroller Friendly - Yes (but not recommended)

If you get out and enjoy any of these, let me know what you thought in the comments!

Thank you so much for joining me as we explored Ancaster’s Waterfalls!

Until next week,

Keep it Genuine!

Spencer Smith Park

hello@genuinerealtor.com (Edwards) — Tue, 11 May 2021 19:02:28 GMT

Here in Burlington, Ontario we are so fortunate to have made the lakefront the focal point of our downtown & the business community there thrives from the tourism brought in by the many annual festivals hosted at Spencer Smith park.

From the Sound of Music Festival, to the Children’s Festival,

to Ribfest, to the Festival of Lights --

There’s a lot happening downtown throughout the year!

Spencer Smith is a 6+ acre park on the shores of Lake Ontario

BRANT STREET PIER:
Having opened in 2013 the pier is 137 meters long & features a 12 meter tall beacon that displays an assortment of colours. The pier itself offers a stunning view of the lake & shore line. This is considered a signature destination in Burlington’s downtown & you should definitely make a point to check it out!

Alton Village - Living In Burlington Ontario

Tue, 04 May 2021 22:43:44 GMT

Welcome to Burlington's newest (& possibly last) subdivision - Alton Village is a unique community in the north end with a mix of the contemporary, nature & amenities.

Families looking for a contemporary floor plan (read open concept) with smaller, but meticulously maintained lots & who want a newer build will be right at home here!

Alton Village is Burlington, Ontario's most north east neighbourhood & also happens to be close to nature!

This is a community still growing into its identity & even offers the opportunity to buy a new build before they break ground in west Alton - a true luxury in a city with very limited land left!

In fact, the original brick homestead farm house built by the Alton family still stands today on the aptly named Settlement Court as a reminder of those who came before us & first cultivated the land.

More recently, the development of the 407 ETR highway through this section of land in 1998 was the catalyst that allowed developers to break ground on the modern day community back in 2006.

Alton Village Snapshot

�� Benchmark Price*��

*Benchmark Price is an estimate of the value of a “typical” home in the neighbourhood, based on the most popular combination of features for the area.

Condo Apartment

$468,400*

Townhouse

$648,200*

Detached

$1,253,700*

Alton Village offers a lot of variety in lifestyle -- from newer detached builds, to modest town homes, to starter condos, there's a lot of options in such a compact community!

Living here you can expect an easy commute into Oakville, Milton & the 407 ETR.

You're close to the newest public high school, community centre with library & the escarpment biosphere reserve for some forests to explore as well as being close to some of the best box stores in the city!

A lot of cyclists, joggers & triathletes enjoy the easy access to rural Burlington or the velodrome in Milton for training while a people who are commuting to North Toronto area are loving the easy access to the 407 ETR.

For families there are lots of parks, play grounds, splash pad, skate park, schools, walking/hiking trails & newly built schools.

For people who love to eat out there are great restaurants to explore as well as some local independent shops to explore & enjoy.

If you're a dog family, Alton Village also offers a community dog park! Now other neighbourhood residents are also welcome, but how lovely would it be to walk the paved utility path to socialize with your k9 friends!

And of course, that easy access to the Niagara Escarpment offers you endless nature trails to adventure through as well! I've created a series about the local nature spaces, so be sure to check those out if you're curious ��

Pros:

• Homes built from 2006 to 2021 (Sundial is currently developing Alton West)

• Burlington's newest recreation facility - Haber Community Centre - home to gymnasiums, community rooms, Burlington's Alton Library branch & more!

• Paved Utility Path - biking, walking, blading

• Smaller lots for lower maintenance living

• Modern Floor Plans - Larger Closets, Typically High Ceilings

• Easy access to the Escarpment, Nature & Rural Hills

• Highway access to 407 ETR

• As far north east as you can live in the city... ideal for Milton/Brampton commuters

• Burlington's newest public High School - Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School

• Norton Community Park - with fields, courts, playground, splash pad, leash free dog park & Burlington's most advanced skate park!

• Close to major plazas with a sprinkling of small businesses mixed in

Cons:

• Furthest community from Downtown Burlington & around 8km to the shores of Lake Ontario

• Young landscaping & smaller lots means less privacy than other north end neighbourhoods

• Be prepared for congestion trying to get in & out of the neighbourhood during peak hours

• Can feel cookie-cutter to people who prefer the more diverse feel of older neighbourhoods (some people call it the 'Milton-of-Burlington')

• Close to rural Burlington which has caused some displaced small animals to be a nuisance (being proactive & mindful of any access points in your home is often enough to deter most potential issues)

• New development pockets can cause dust, noise & other construction site nuisances

• If your ideal home is within walking distance of school, you'll want to narrow your focus accordingly.

• A fair distance from the highway access to QEW, 403 & 401

• If you would like to use the GO Train to commute, Alton Village is one of the furthest from a station but there are carpool lots to take the GO Bus

A BREIF HISTORY

Hard to believe that not too long ago these were empty fields juxtaposed against the escarpment horizon.

Bound by Dundas Street (Hwy 5) to the south & the 407 ETR to the north/west - this community is essentially the last stop before the greenbelt which has major building restrictions.

Originally considered a part of Appleby Village, then Nelson Township, it was an incredibly rural location back when it was first recorded as settled by the Cleaver Family (indigenous tribes would have called the area home before then) in 1806.

Charlotte Cleaver - one of the children born on the farm there, ended up marrying Thomas Alton.

Now, it's not 100% clear if the community is named for Thomas Sr. or his son Thomas Jr. Alton, but this is the family whom the community is named after!

More recently, the development of the 407 ETR highway through this section of land in 1998 was the catalyst that allowed developers to break ground on the modern day community back in 2006.

PARKS & NATURE SPACES

Alton Village is home to 5 main park spaces including:

1. Norton Community Park

With a pavilion for entertaining, playground, skate park, splash pad, basketball court, soccer/football fields, leash free dog park, & public washrooms - this is a staple for the community!

It's also conveniently located beside the Haber Recreation Centre which includes the public library.

2. Palladium Park

A little

3. Doug Wright Park

Canada's

4. Rattlesnake Point Conservation

While this is a bit of a stretch, Alton Village is the closest neighbourhood to th is stunning escarpment conservation area. With hiking trails, rock climbing & more!

5. The Bruce Trail

Dotted along the country roads are enrtances into the Bruce Trail - a 750km trail that travels from Georgian Bay to Niagara Falls!

ALTON VILLAGE SCHOOLS

SCHOOLS IN ALDERSHOT

Elementary:

Alton Village Elementary

St. Anne Catholic Elementary

Secondary:

Dr Frank J Hayden Public High School

Corpus Christi Catholic Secondary School

Explore Mount Nemo

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 14:10:44 GMT

With ancient cedars, one of the best examples of a cliffs-edge ecosystem in Ontario & a quarry to explore - this is one you have to see to believe!

Oh, and did I mention the view?

Mount Nemo offers one of the best examples of a cliff edge ecosystem in Ontario & makes an amazing place to explore the limestone cliffs dotted with ancient cedars that appear to grow out of the rock face. It’s a pretty special area where you can enjoy this rare, old growth Carolinian forest in all of it’s spectacular glory!

Located on Guelph Line in Burlington just outside the urban sprawl, Mount Nemo is 363 acres of conservation lands with 5 km of scenic trails (scroll down for the map)

The trail head itself is right beside a large parking lot with an easy & fairly level walk in, but as you approach the outer edges of the escarpment, you’re greeted by crevice caves, mossy limestone inclines & some truly spectacular views!

Mount Nemo first opened up to the public in 1971, but the initial 88 acres of land were acquired back in 1959 in an effort to stop the Lowville Quarry from expanding their operations. Land continued to be added through the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s which eventually led to the approval of the Niagara Escarpment Plan in 1985.

The quarry operated for just 2 years - from 1958-1959 creating aggregate from the limestone & you can see the ruins throughout the landscape as you wander the trails.

You can even access the old quarry from one of the side loops via an access road down into the regrowing quarry pit full of the last of the exposed limestone that was never processed.

In 1990, the Niagara Escarpment became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in recognition of the balance created between nature & humans -- something we should be proud of & continue working hard to protect!

The best & safest views are at the Brock Harris Lookout which is conveniently at the end of the main trailhead path.

The lookout opened in 1993 & sits at 295m above sea level, or about half the height of the CN Tower -- which you can see out on the horizon if it’s a clear day.

There are multiple other places you can enjoy the views out towards Milton, Mississauga & Toronto, but the dilemma with these other outcroppings is that it’s very risky to get too close to the edge.

Every year people fall from the escarpment & those stunning views or amazing selfies are not worth your life.

Please, be safe & stay away from the cliff’s edge.

Now, if you’re looking for a challenge & want to up the difficulty of your hike, you can take the Bruce Trail entrance off of Walker’s Line.

The parking lot is much smaller, but instead of starting on top of the escarpment, you’ll get to hike in & climb up. This trail in will also give you an appreciation for the ancient cedars, the dwarfed cliff-growing trees, many of which are over a thousand years old!

FUN FACT:

Nemo is latin for “No One” as in, no one could agree on a name for the local community back in 1906 when a post office was established.

So, Mount Nemo is " Mount No One " based on the escarpment location & an homage to the community that is now a part of Burlington!

When it comes to Rock Climbing, you’ll be using the limestone anchors on the North Loop & I recommend you check the Conservation Halton website for any waivers or permits you may need before your climb. Also, be aware that there is a strict environmentally conscious climbing practices to protect the fragile escarpment ecosystems . So, no top ropes or wrapping trees!

If you hadn’t noticed, living in the Burlington, Hamilton & Surrounding areas is my passion so if you’re thinking about a move, feel free to reach out as I’m always happy to chat about your real estate goals!

Thank you so much for exploring Mount Nemo with me, be sure to subscribe on YouTube so you can be in the know when I share another local nature space!

�� Rochelle Edwards

The Genuine REALTOR®

Burlington's South End Paved Multi-Use Path

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 14:38:24 GMT

One of the most amazing features in Burlington are the green spaces!

With a vision for all of the communities to be united by green spaces, the neighbourhoods often blend together & create a wonderful way to access the amenities along the way!

Join me for a look at the southend multi-use paved path!

From the beginning of the path (Oakville/Burlington border) to the border of Hamilton, this muilti-use path is about 7 km in length (I continued along through downtown to the Beach) & it took me just over an hour to complete going at a steady pace.

There are very few hills & I would consider this an easy path suitable for all skill levels... in fact, this is where my kiddos learned to ride their bikes & where I would take them for a stroll as babies!

This entire path was covered on an episode of The Genuine REALTOR® Show & you can join me for a ride from the Burlington/Oakville border down to Burlington Beach (as well as the piers) ��

The paved path begins on the border of Oakville in a plaza just south of the Queen Elizabeth Way (highway) on Burloak Drive.

Newly installed pedestrian crosswalks have signs posted for vehicles to stop if a pedestrian is looking to cross.

Living just off of the path myself, it's a friendly courtesy that encourages people of all ages to enjoy the path safely.

When you come to Brant Street you'll find yourself in the open plaza with the "Portal" Landmark, an art installation that showcases the past, present & future in its reflections.

Spencer Smith Park is a major focal point of Burlington's Downtown community offering year round lake access & is the location for multiple festivals/concerts through out the year!

Once you've enjoyed the lake views along Spencer Smith Park you'll come to Spencer's Landing, a restauraunt elevated above Rottary Pond (a hobbiest pool/skating rink), snack bar, splash pad & playground.

The path continues along passing through 4 large park spaces before arriving at the sandbar which is home to Burlington Beach, the lift bridge & the twin canal piers.

Once you arrive downtown the path comes out of the shaded green space & runs along the many businesses who call the core home.

If you head south along Brant Street you will pass more shops, great restaurants & end up at Spencer Smith Park...

It's also home to Burlington's iconic curved pier which extends 137m out into Lake Ontario with a beacon (12m tall) that illuminates in various colours at night & offers a lookout to watch the skyline of the city or the horizon of the lake.

Having opened in the summer of 2013, it was a journey getting to completion but now that it's here, residents & visitors are making the most of this feature!

Continuing along... the path becomes half gravel/half paved as you enter the sand bar. There are multiple beach access points along the route as you travel along the shores of Lake Ontario.

There is also a fair amount of parking, so you may want to just come down for the day to enjoy the scenery!

The paved path begins on the border of Oakville in a plaza just south of the Queen Elizabeth Way (highway) on Burloak Drive.

The path continues along passing through 4 large park spaces before arriving at the sandbar which is home to Burlington Beach, the lift bridge & the twin canal piers.

Newly installed pedestrian crosswalks have signs posted for vehicles to stop if a pedestrian is looking to cross.

Living just off of the path myself, it's a friendly courtesy that encourages people of all ages to enjoy the path safely.

Once you arrive downtown, the path comes out of the shaded green space & runs along the many businesses who call the core home.

When you arrive at Brant Street you'll find yourself in the open plaza with the "Portal" Landmark, an art installation that showcases the past, present & future in its reflections.

If you head south along Brant Street you will pass more shops, great restaurants & end up at Spencer Smith Park...

Spencer Smith Park is a major focal point of Burlington's Downtown community offering year round lake access & is the location for multiple festivals/concerts through out the year!

Having opened in the summer of 2013, it was a journey getting to completion but now that it's here, residents & visitors are making the most of this feature!

Once you've enjoyed the lake views along Spencer Smith Park you'll come to Spencer's Landing, a restauraunt elevated above Rottary Pond (a hobbiest pool/skating rink) as well as a snack bar, splash pad & playground!

Continuing along... the path becomes half gravel/half paved as you enter the sand bar. There are multiple beach access points along the route as you travel along the shores of Lake Ontario.

There is also a fair amount of parking, so you may want to just come down for the day to enjoy the scenery!

I hope to see you out on the path or wandering around downtown!

If you're thinking about a move in the Burlington, Hamilton & surrounding areas, please reach out -- I'm always happy to help ��

Rochelle Edwards

REALTOR®

S. Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

Hello@GenuineRealtor.com

Considering Living Beside Train Tracks?

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 19:23:48 GMT

The Market Is On ��Fire --

You've lost out on 5 houses already.

You find another house that’s perfect, but it’s right beside train tracks...

With these bidding wars,

is that a compromise you're willing to make?

It’s easy to get caught up in having the "Winning Offer" -- to finally be the ones excited at the end of a stressful night of waiting in anticipation -- but sometimes we need to pause & make sure you’re really ready to live with said compromise!⁣

⁣

So in this case, the line is a stones throw to Gage Park ��

& it’s easy to want to look past the railway tracks -- but

what drawbacks should you consider before taking the leap?⁣

⁣

• Noise Pollution - Not just the chug-a-lug of a low speed train... it’s also the sound of breaks gripping, squeaky wheels in need of oil & the occasional train whistling off (blowing the horn) ⁣

⁣

• Air Pollution - Definitely a focal point when considering living long term beside these diesel powered trains... ⁣

⁣

Ask yourself -- Are you all about the open windows & fresh air? Or are you happier with the windows closed, AC cranked? Do you dream of hanging out in the yard, or are you more of an inside person? Your enjoyment of your home will depend on these answers -- and if anyone in your home suffers from asthma, be aware that studies show living beside the tracks increases the frequency of attacks. ⁣

⁣

• Vibrations - Now, it’s not as blatant a concern, but homes very close to the tracks may feel the effects of the vibrations -- especially older homes. It’s important to have the home inspected to make sure there are no foundation issues to keep an eye on. ⁣

⁣

If you can’t get it inspected before you offer (if you can, do!), be sure to have someone in to take a look once you move in.⁣

⁣

• Resale Value - You need to be fully aware going in that your home will sell for less than a home not backing onto the tracks… unless it’s walkable to the GO Station, it’s not considered a plus.

Ask your REALTOR® how much it will affect your value if you were to sell.⁣

⁣

• Access Point - backing onto any open space, be it a bike path or a train track, increases the allure of your home. There are ways to discourage any potential damage or theft by using flood lights, cameras & other security measures.

Remember, not all places are affected the same, but it is something to weigh out in your mind!

⁣

• Traffic/Congestion - Frequent trains can really slow you down when it comes to getting around as well. Pay attention to if you’ll be constantly stopped at the railway crossing or if you’ve got options⁣

⁣

The biggest tip is to find out how often a train goes by -- Ultimately, that plays the biggest role in how much a track could be a nuisance & who knows, you may luck out & be on an abandoned line ��⁣

Real estate is not easy to navigate, despite how easy it can look -- I'm here for you if you ever have any questions about the market or real estate in general!

If you're not looking in the Hamilton, Burlington & Surrounding Areas, still reach out & I can connect you with a great REALTOR® where ever you are �� Keep it Genuine ✌��

Aldershot Neighbourhood - Living In Burlington, Ontario

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 04:07:01 GMT

If you're all about nature, community, waterfronts & hillside homes... Aldershot might just be your dream neighbourhood!

Hard to believe that the picture above was taken during a visit to La Salle Park with the family & is just one example of how much the conservation efforts of the Royal Botanical Gardens (we will talk more about the RBG shortly) impacts the local wildlife ❤️

Aldershot is Burlington, Ontario's most south west neighbourhood & also happens to be the largest community as well!

Originally known as Port Flamborough & then the Village of Aldershot, it was amalgamated by the City of Burlington back in 1962, but it's taken on a recent transformation which has boosted it's already desirable vibes!

Aldershot Snapshot

�� Benchmark Price*��

*Benchmark Price is an estimate of the value of a “typical” home in the neighbourhood, based on the most popular combination of features for the area.

Condo Apartment

$523,333*

Townhouse

$510,000*

Detached

$1,013,100*

Aldershot offers a lot of variety in lifestyle -- from large sprawling estates, to modest family homes, to starter condos, to retirement living, there's likely something here that would be the perfect place for you to call home!

Living here you can expect an easy commute into Hamilton, Ontario or up into Waterdown or up Highway 6.

You're close to the largest botanical gardens & the escarpment biosphere for some forests to explore as well as being tucked into the northern shores of Burlington Bay - home to Burlington's only Marina (La Salle)

A lot of cyclists, joggers & triathletes enjoy the hills for training while a people who are commuting Toronto bound are loving the Aldershot GO Station & easy QEW/403 access.

For families there are lots of parks, play grounds, schools, hiking trails, the warmest pool in the city, the only wadding pool in the city & the Royal Botanical Gardens in your backyard.

For people who love to eat out there are a handful of great restaurants to explore, but you'll likely find yourself making your way downtown -- depending on where you live in Aldershot it may be walkable but more likely a short bike ride or Uber away.

Pros:

• Diverse mix of homes & price points occasionally in $400k range (condos)

• Waterfront properties can dock boats

• Mature trees & substantial park space

• Home to the LARGEST botanical garden in Canada - The Royal Botanical Gardens

• Bay front golfing at Burlington Golf & Country Club

• Abundance of homes backing onto ravine/green space

• GO Train Station

• Great hills for cycling training

• Endangered Trumpeter Swans call Aldershot's La Salle Marina home!

Cons:

• Shopping centre at one end with smaller shops/businesses dotted along the main roads

• One main through street with 40 km/hr zone

• Industry across the bay

• Many streets with no sidewalks (positive for some)

• Aging trees & green belt restrictions (benefit endangered species)

• Be aware of any historic designations on older homes

• Crematorium in the west end

• The Quarry is looking to expand & is causing some pushback from local residents & conservationists

• Some older homes may still have knob & tube wiring

DEMOGRAPHICS

The Modernization of Aldershot

Once upon a time, Aldershot only had 2 main ways in or out & it was a long drive out for anyone who lived in the middle of the neighbourhood.

Luckily we now have 403/QEW access from Waterdown Rd which also happens to be home of the much loved Aldershot GO TRAIN Station.

This has opened up the commuting corridor & created a renewed demand & younger demographic for the community ��

Local Parks & Green Spaces

Aldershot it home to 5 main park spaces including:

1. La Salle Park & Marina

With a pavilion for entertaining, playground, easy hiking trails, bay front board walk, lawn bowling, tobogganing hill, baseball diamond, wadding pool, splash pad & the marina which is home to boats as well as the endangered Trumpeter Swans ❤️

2. Hidden Valley

A little known gem by visitors to the city, Hidden Valley remains a local spot with an assortment of parking lots, trails to explore, creek side adventures, 2 full playgrounds, a splash pad, baseball diamonds, outdoor model train community & pavilions.

3. The Royal Botanical Gardens

Canada's largest botanical gardens is partially located in Aldershot -- including the main education centre & heart of the RBG Conservation efforts.

This is a pay to explore location but many locals enjoy the benefits of an annual membership to support the biodiversity initiatives & to take advantage of the seasonal events!

4. Kiwanis Park

Home to Aldershot Arena (formerly Kiwanis Arena), this is a smaller park for the area & offers some open field as well as a small playground.

5. Aldershot Park

This is a large green space behind Holy Rosary Catholic Elementary School.

With a playground, lots of room to roam & explore, Aldershot Park welcomes you!

SCHOOLS IN ALDERSHOT

Elementary:

Maplehurst Public School

Glenview Public School

Holy Rosary Catholic School

Aldershot Public School (Gr. 7-8)

Secondary:

Aldershot Public High School

Assumption Catholic Secondary School

REALTOR® Commissions Explained

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 18:42:00 GMT

There’s a lot of misconceptions about REALTOR® commissions… how it’s so easy to get rich selling real estate & how overpaid REALTORS® are. We’re here to share the facts so you can make informed opinions vs. ones based on hearsay.

WATCH THIS WEEK’S EPISODE OF

THE GENUINE REALTOR® SHOW

OR READ ON FOR THE BLOG

Let’s get real for a moment.

There is a VERY real reason the majority of people who get their license drop off in or before their second year… it’s not as easy as the rumours make it look!

The figure that’s often quoted is that 87% of agents change professions within the first 2 years. Of those REALTORS® who do stick it out, the majority do less than 2 deals a year.

So no. Being a REALTOR® is anything but easy money however, we’re not going to deep dive into what it takes to be successful in real estate here.

We are going to focus on where the commission you pay your REALTOR® goes.

Before I dive in, I do want to point out a few important things…

All of this to say, being a REALTOR® is no walk in the park & we work very hard for the commission we do get to take home.

And on that note… let’s cover the commission structure.

The majority of the time, all of the REALTORS® in a transaction are paid by the Seller’s.

It’s been this way for decades & in rare circumstances, the buyer may be responsible to pay, but if that were ever the case your REALTOR® would let you know.

So again, when you buy, you’re not responsible for the commission but when you sell, you are.

Next, let’s cover the blanket legalities…

There is no such thing as a set commission in Ontario, or Canada for that matter.

The Competition Act has outlined that REALTORS® are not allowed to collude on commissions. This means we cannot price fix or cooperate with each other to only charge a “set rate”.

What does this mean for you?

It means that commissions are negotiable & that you can almost always find a company who structure their remuneration in a way that works for you.

Years ago, 6% or 7% was common.

Then 5% became the recurring percentage… now we have commission models that go as low as .5% or even a one-time payment.

Just as the commission costs fluctuate, so do the services provided.

Someone who is charging you a one time fee of a few thousand dollars can’t offer the same services as someone who markets your home with a few thousand of their own money upfront in pre-list preparations.

The point is, a REALTOR® may have an office policy on what commission they charge but ultimately you need to focus on the services provided & how it will fit into your goals as well as impact your day to day life.

So now, let’s look at a 5% commission breakdown on a $500,000 sale.

The total commission payable would be $25,000 + HST.

Yes, real estate services are all HST applicable so definitely account for that when budgeting your sale!

Right off the top, 50% is going to the co-operating brokerage… that is, the REALTOR® representing the Buyer in the transaction.

From the remaining 50%, or $12,500 that the Listing REALTOR® is working with… they will have a commission split set up with their Brokerage. This can range anywhere from a specific transaction fee all the way up to 50% of their commission.

Since this is my video, I’ll go with my commission split which is 25% to my Brokerage.

Next up is the income tax. For the REALTORS® who are masters of their business, they could be paying as much as 50% of their income to the Canadian Revenue Agency since their income bracket dictates the percentage paid to CRA. For this breakdown, let’s go with 30% to cover us mere mortal REALTORS®.

Of the remaining $6,575, we have our standard pre-list & marketing expenses. These are things like staging consultations, photography, drone footage, videography, staging expenses, on-going advertisements, etc). Typically we spend $1,000 – $2,500 depending on the size of the home & what it needs to be market-ready.

Next, we take operating expenses into account of $1,500 – $2,000 . These are things like administration costs, pulling title inquires, MPAC reports, Real Estate Licensing fees, liability insurance, vehicle & gas expenses, auto insurance, communication expenses, just to name a few.

So what are we left with?

The net income for a $500,000 sale price with a 5% commission structure would be around $3,075.

Yes, selling is expensive. But assuming your REALTOR® is raking in the big bucks is a stretch at best.

Now, when it comes to commission-based sales, obviously the more expensive your home is, the more a REALTOR® makes but the costs associated with marketing & selling your home likely don’t increase at the same rate. So it is absolutely fair to work together to find a commission structure that works for everyone or you may not be the right fit for each other & that’s totally fine!

If you’re still here with me, thank you!

This was definitely a lot to cover & I appreciate you taking the time.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling, reach out!
We’d love to help you or connect you with a trusted REALTOR® from our network if you’re not in our area.

Until next time,

Keep it Genuine!

Rekindle Your Love Of Home — 3 Tips To Reducing Your Clutter!

Sat, 15 Feb 2020 17:24:00 GMT

Clutter in the home reduces our enjoyment of our space and is proven to increase stress as well as anxiety.

Whether you’re planning on selling or planning on staying, decluttering makes a world of difference.

3 Tips For Decluttering Your Home & Rekindling The Love

1

First, organize your paperwork . Create a system to handle the paper that comes in, files away paperwork that matters so you can find it when you need it, and get rid of redundant or unnecessary paper.

It’s inevitable that we will accumulate paper but having a system in place keeps it in check & If you are planning on selling, this is the perfect time to pull out your tax bill, utilities & surveys of the home.

2

Next up, get two big boxes and label maybe on one and donate on the other.

Everyday or every other day spend half an hour in a space using these boxes to help remove unnecessary items.

When your donate box is full, drop it off.

When you’re maybe box is full, spend some time to evaluate each item and really be honest with yourself asking — Is this worth keeping?

Rinse & repeat this room after room when you have time or carve out a weekend to expedite the process.

3

The last tip for today is to include your family.

Learning to live without clutter and finding value in memories more than objects is a life skill everyone can benefit from.

So if you’ve got kids or a spouse, encourage them to conquer their clutter.

Personally, we’ve taught our kids about recycling and the value of passing along toys they no longer enjoy but that have life left for someone else. Trust me, it was difficult the first few times, but now they come to us when they’ve moved on from a toy. If your kids enjoy saving money, take their collection to a kids consignment store. They’ll get that instant gratification for their effort and anything left over can be donated.

Above all else, remember to be gentle with yourself.

It’s easy to get attached to things and often difficult to let them go. The good news is it gets easier as you go, and a feeling of lightness comes as you reduce your physical clutter.

The Mighty Mullion!

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 15:18:00 GMT

See this piece right here?

It’s a MULLION.

It also happens to be one of the key factors that affected the evolution of our lifestyle as a species…

(Seriously)

Read on for a brief look at how mullions have changed the way we live, work & play!

Is natural light important to you in your home?

I know for the vast majority of my buyers, it’s something they’re on the lookout for!

An Evolution Of Light

For many, it’s hard to imagine a time before electricity, but for previous generations, life was dictated by the sun.

Daylight allowed people to complete tasks while darkness led us to a life of dimly lit evenings where everything was done by the flickering of fire.

Even during the day, most dwellings were dark.

You’d leave your home to complete the vast majority of tasks simply because the sunshine allowed you to work more efficiently.

Windows weren’t a “thing” yet because there was no glass & any large holes in the wall would allow animals, or the elements, to enter.

The precursor of our traditional window was known as “ flat glass”. Created in the 1st century & found in Rome, Britain & Pompeii, the surface was rather small & quite opaque… it allowed a glow more than true light to enter a space.

In the early 17th century broadsheet glass was invented in Britain & shortly after, the technique was brought to the colonies via Jamestown, Virginia.

Still not able to be produced in large scale, mullions were invented as a way to connect the smaller panes together to form a much larger window with life-altering effects!

Allowing windows into homes created a safe haven from the outside without inhibiting our day-to-day productivity — Mullions are the tiny link to creating homes that light up our souls.

Are you a fan of big windows?

Did you learn something new today?

Tell me about it… I love hearing from you!

A Jewel In Hamilton Beach - 2 Granville Ave, Hamilton

Sun, 09 Feb 2020 14:06:00 GMT

It’s not often we come to find a home that is that perfect mix of old & new — Where 30’s charm meets modern designs & innovation.

2 Granville Ave, Hamilton

$750,000

MLS# H4072102

5 Bed

2 Bath

Lot – 40′ x 100′

Steps to the Lake, this is turn-key beach vibes living at it’s finest!

With over $100,000 in upgrades, these owners have created a home with as much maintenance-free living as possible – Cellulose Siding (which adds insulation as well), Smart Board Shed (with working hydro), Composite Deck & Porch, Brown Pressure Treated No Fade Fencing, Aggregate Driveway & Stamped Concrete Walkways… just to name a few!

Want the full list of upgrades?
Let me know!

The upgrades continue, so please feel free to reach out for the full list!

Call/Text – 905-484-0747 or Hello@GenuineRealtor.com

How To Find Your Ideal Real Estate Agent in 2020

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 18:13:00 GMT

What’s your new year’s resolution for 2020?

Eat healthier? Run more? Learn a new skill? Perhaps, this year your goal may be different than in previous years. Perhaps you’re hoping to sell your home. If this is the case, finding the most qualified team of real estate agents is a must. If you’re interested in learning how to go about finding the best person or team for the job, continue reading.

Do your research on the top realtors in your area

The internet is a remarkable thing. Not only can we leave movie reviews and find out about new restaurants, but we can also use it to find the best real estate agent in the area. When searching for your potential realtor, make sure to read reviews and discover whether or not the real estate agent has an established web presence. This makes it easier to gather reviews from previous clients and establish whether or not the realtor is the one for you.

Interview: Three is the magic number

Once you have a list of candidates, make sure to meet with each individual one by one. Conducting in-person interviews allows you to ask as many questions as you need to in order to feel completely comfortable with your new agent. Three is typically the magic number, as it gives you a large enough pool to draw from.

How will I know they are the real estate agent for me?

If you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place, ask yourself a few of these questions. This will help you narrow down whether or not your candidate is a good fit. This is a huge decision, after all.

Ask yourself:

A final word on real estate agents

Finding the best team of real estate agents doesn’t have to be difficult. However, it is the first step when it comes to selling your home. Make your 2020 goals a reality with the right real estate agent.

You’ll sell your home in no time and pave the way for a new and wonderful life this new year. Just remember, that anything is possible with the right team on your side. And while other new years resolutions may seem out of reach, this one is just a phone call away.

2020 Predictions & Trends for Hamilton/Burlington Real Estate

Sat, 04 Jan 2020 19:58:00 GMT

Anyone else shocked that 2020 is already here?
A new year & the start of a monumental decade!

If you’re anything like me, you’ll have some ideas of what the year ahead holds & if that includes real estate in Hamilton or Burlington, Ontario we’ve got some insights for you.

We’ll be covering things like…

▷Home Affordability

▷Economy Influences

▷2020 Predictions

▷Best & Worst Neighbourhoods in terms of Growth

Ok, ok, the thought of running through real estate stats has probably sent a few of you swiping away but I promise, in true genuine fashion, we’re keeping this as worthwhile as possible.

For a more entertaining way to consume… check out this week’s episode of the Genuine REALTOR® Show which covers everything you’ll read here with some flare!

Every year we attend the Canadian Mortgage & Housing Corporation’s annual 2020 Market Forecast hosted by the REALTROS® Association of Hamilton/Burlington . It gives a unique look at the year in review & forecasts trends for the year ahead… basically, it’s an amazing resource to help our clients navigate the market when buying or selling!

So, let’s jump in with the most problematic factor on the minds of many of our clients… affordability.

Here’s the good news, CMHC reports that 2019 saw very low unemployment rates in Hamilton which encouraged strong wage growth in the local economy — particularly in the manufacturing & some professional services sectors. This increase in the average wage was more than the increase in qualifying payments for mortgages — essentially how much more it costs each month for a mortgage on an average priced property.

The average individual’s wage has increased $165/month while the cost for an average detached home went up $135 per month in mortgage costs. For an average town, the cost went up $122/month & for an average apartment, the price to own went up $111/month in mortgage costs.

A driving factor in the increase in affordability was when the mortgage qualifying rate dropped last July which impacted the number of sales in the second half of 2019.

So, what exactly does home affordability look like for the average person?

Well, CMHC broke down the average income & the median sales price for cities in the immediate area to give us some perspective & their findings corroborate why we’ve seen people migrating west.

In Mississauga, for a family of 2 average earners, it would take 50% of their combined income to afford a detached home.

In Milton, you’d be looking at 45% of two average incomes to qualify.

Oakville is one of the highest at 65% of two average incomes to afford a detached home.

Hamilton & Burlington come in at a relatively affordable 30%.

For some perspective, qualifying for a mortgage falls around 30-35% of your monthly income. If the mortgage costs more than that, you’re not eligible for that price point. You can, however, compensate with a larger down payment, reducing any debt or getting more income on paper.

If you’re thinking about real estate in 2020, please reach out.
We’ve got a lot of pearls to share & would love to chat.

Now let’s take a look at which locations stood out in terms of growth…

For single detached homes, the top 3 for growth based on median sale prices were Hamilton Centre areas 21 & 20 as well as Hamilton East. These make sense as this is where the “affordable” homes are. These homes sell as there is a demand for the price point, I mean really, where else can you find a detached home for less than $400k… & the prices trend upwards because of it.

The Bottom 3 performers were Burlington 35 – which is Millcroft, Headon Forest, the Orchard, Corporate & Palmer…phew. It’s a big area! Followed by Dundas & Ancaster. The reason they didn’t see much growth in detached homes is because of the affordability limitations & low inventory, especially in Ancaster’s case.

Moving onto townhomes…

The Top 3 were Grimsby, Burlington 35 again & Hamilton Mountain. 50% of all townhomes sold last year were in the $350 – $500k range which is that hot pocket for affordability.

Because towns are such a sought after commodity, the top & bottom are a reflection of inventory rather than any one area outperforming another.

Grimsby’s geographical boundaries, being a relatively narrow strip of land between the shores of Lake Ontario & the escarpment, developers have focused on building high-density townhomes which helped boost affordability & number of sales.

The Bottom 3 were Ancaster, Glanbrook & Stoney Creek. Again, let’s note that all areas saw growth & the variance is mainly caused by the difference in inventory.

Last on the growth comparisons are apartment-style condos… 90% of those sold were less than $500k which makes this the most sought after style, again due to affordability.

The Bottom 3 were Burlington 31, which is the downtown core, so Maple & Plains areas… Followed by Burlington 35 again & Stoney Creek.

For Burlington’s downtown, inventory & price point play a big role in the lackluster growth. The area itself is highly sought after but not accessible to everyone who wants to own a condo due to affordability.

So what’s on the horizon as we jump into a new decade?

CMHC has looked at the numbers & is predicting that the number of sales will be stable or higher than 2019 where we saw around 12,900 sales in Hamilton/Burlington.

There is nothing to suggest a slowdown in economic growth so we can expect stable employment & wages.

There are also no indicators of mortgage rates going up which is great for buying power but it’s looking like wages will keep pace with the cost of mortgages, so it’s unlikely we will see any further narrowing of the affordability gap in 2020.

We can expect to see an overall growth in Hamilton/Burlington of somewhere between 5 – 7% & after attending their market forecasts for a few years, CMHC regularly hit their predictions.

So the big takeaway from all of this is, if you’re a first time Buyer, the market is not going to become any more affordable. If you’ve been saving for a home but can only afford a condo, you’d likely be better off getting onto the property ladder now & leveraging that first purchase to get into the home you’re dreaming of.

If you’re looking to sell & your property is in the $400 – $700k range, you’re in the high demand price point & should be able to maximize your return with the right marketing plan.

Whatever your situation, we would love to sit down with you & discuss your options!

Keeping it Genuine,

Rochelle Edwards
The Genuine REALTOR®

* All statistics, figures & predictions are those of CMHC Statistical Analysis

Genuine Seller Experience

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 22:39:00 GMT

Like you, your home is unique.

Our approach blends the best in marketing with an epic client experience creating a different way to experience selling your home.

From marketing your home in it’s own unique light, to ensuring you’re in the know each step of the way, the Genuine Seller Experience is something special.

“We offer marketing strategies unique to your home – because standing out is how we get buyers in.”

What’s Your Home Worth?

Get Started

Knowledge. From the feedback buyers share, to sharing market insights & ensuring you know what you’re agreeing to,
we strongly believe your experience hinges on having the knowledge at hand to make informed decisions.

Experience. If you haven’t sold a home recently you may not recall all of the steps involved. We share timelines,
detailed lists to assist you before, during & after the sale, as well as communicate regularly to ensure you’re “in the know” every step of the way!

SELLING 101

1. The Meet & Greet
This is where we come for a visit. Get to know you & ask a lot of questions about your home. These answers will help us determine the market value of your home, but more importantly play a big role in determining how we market your house to buyers! After we’ve completed our questionnaire we take a tour & get to know your home.

2. Pre-List Preparation & Planning
We’ll bring in a pro to help configure layouts, select colours for a fresh paint-lift & suggest some final touches that will set the tone for your home hitting the open market.

This is where we set a price point, finalize your personalized marketing plan & bring in the pros to capture your home in its best light. We also begin “coming soon” marketing during this prep phase.

3. Hit The Open Market Running & Attract An Offer
With all of the preparations, marketing commences & buyers begin coming through your home.
Once we attract an offer(s) we shift into the negotiations phase & work hard to get you the best price/terms — this is where all of your hard work pays off!

4. Conditions Period & Gap To Closing
If your offer has conditions, we will work alongside you & the Buyer’s representation to get those conditions fulfilled, which in turn means your home would be officially sold.

Then you enter the gap in time before closing day & we are right here with you the entire time.

5. Prepare For Closing
We will be there with you while you take the final steps ensuring a smooth closing & with our checklists, we’ll take the stress down as much as possible so you can focus on the move!

But the best part? Just because there are new people calling your former house “home” doesn’t mean our relationship ends. We are always happy to connect our past clients with trusted partners who can help with settling into your new home & we love helping you explore new neighbourhoods.

Ready to take the next step? Find out what your home is worth!

GREAT VIDEO = MORE ATTENTION

Video is paramount to getting Buyer’s eyes on your home. It is proven that algorithms — those fun lines of code that determine who sees what online — favour video but there is a catch. It has to be enticing enough for someone to want to keep watching, which is easier said than done.

This is where we are different.

We tell a story to keep viewers engaged & to showcase your home in a way that draws Buyers in.

If you’re looking for hum-drum side pans with some elevator music… we are not the team for you.

If you’re looking for innovative, outside-the-box, attention holding, powerful video marketing… you’re in the right place!

Just your home with it’s best features in the spotlight attracting the right buyers.

Our Social Strategies For Selling

When you list with us, you know your home will be extensively marketed on social platforms. From organic reach to paid ads, we even present your home in networking groups to make sure your home is seen by REALTORS®.

Anyone can post an ad, but only those that are done well will get you results. You can count on our extensive background in social marketing & thousands in ad spend to ensure you’re home gets the online exposure it deserves.

Genuine Buyer Experience

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 00:07:00 GMT

Genuine Buyer Experience

Buying a home is similar to a roller coaster… some people love the ups & downs… the excitement & energy… others, not so much.

We’re here to help — whether you’re an excited buyer, an apprehensive one, or someone who falls somewhere in the middle, the Genuine Buyer Experience delivers.

Read on to check out our breakdown of what the buying process looks like & what you can expect when you hire us!

When you’re thinking about buying, we take the time to find out what you are looking for in your next move. Every buyer has different needs & we’re here to listen to what your goals are, then find ways to make them a reality!If what you want to achieve doesn’t align with the market or where you are at the moment, we’ll give suggestions to help you reach your goals. This genuine interest in our clients success is one of the things that sets us apart.You’re not just another sale to us… you’re a person with ambitions, dreams & your hard work deserves a relationship built on trust.This first step should happen very early on. Even if you’re just tossing the idea of buying around, we want to hear from you. The sooner we meet, the sooner we can work together to ensure you’re on the right track!Ready to get started?
Book your Buyer Consultation here…

2. Get Your Qualification On

Now the adventure of finding your next home begins!We’ll guide you in what to look for, things to consider & share our knowledge so that you can feel confident moving forward.Something to remember… what you see on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS®) is not always what you will get! Some should come with disclosures “objects may appear smaller in real life”, but this is precisely why we need to get out & see homes in person.You’ll receive alerts when homes that match your criteria hit the market & if you’re looking for something specific, we’re the people you want in your corner.From door-knocking to paid buyer ads, we’ll work hard to help find your next home! (I have some video clips from buyer ads that I’d love to have play beside or under this line)(would like to have a banner or box here enticing people to sign up for the buyer course ** will need to add one to the seller page too)Want to go more in depth & learn all about what to expect?
Be sure to check out our free course for buyers.

Once we find the house you want to make your home, we will sit down with you to explain the contracts, your options & what we recommend. We will share insights into the market, recent sales & draft an offer that outlines all of the terms you’re comfortable with.Negotiations are where we shine for you — working hard on your behalf & walking you through each step of the process.

There are a few moving parts that need to fall into place once your offer is accepted.We’re talking deposits, conditions, inspections, lawyer’s, mortgage brokers & more.Knowing the process inside out & backwards means you don’t have to worry about something falling off. We’ve got your back & you can enjoy the process without the stress.Once all of the conditions are removed, you’ve now officially purchased a home!

Ok, it’s not really a musical number while you wait to close, but it is similar to a feeling of limbo.There’s lots to do in this time frame but it can feel surreal so we’re here to help you keep on track.With an occasional moving supply delivery & some helpful checklists, we’ll help keep your move as low-stress as possible!

Closing date is here & it’s been a busy last few days.From finalizing with the mortgage broker, the lawyers & movers to booking installations or changing addresses pretty much everywhere, busy is likely an understatement.Luckily you’ve hired us & we’re still here with you ensuring your ready to go.The final walkthrough is a high priority in the days leading up to the closing & we make sure things are ready to go on the home or we work with your lawyers to make sure you’re compensated.Whether it’s your first move of fifth, you can expect to enjoy the Genuine Buyer Experience & once you’re a client the fun really begins! Are you ready to get started?
Let’s connect!

5 Reasons to Choose Burlington Ontario as Your New Hometown

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 18:10:00 GMT

Burlington, Ontario is a beautiful place to live, and it’s no wonder why so many people are itching to move there. Balancing both urban and rural living, Burlington offers a little something for everyone. If you’re considering moving to this city, here are five reasons why now’s the time to speak with a real estate agent .

1. Welcoming Neighborhoods

Burlington offers something most cities cannot, an incredible balance between urban living and rural relaxation. While downtown Burlington hosts numerous dining, shopping, and nightlife activities, quiet neighborhoods are laced throughout that allow for peaceful and comfortable family-friendly living. These neighborhoods are perfect for both families with children and retirees who are looking to settle in a safe and beautiful location. A real estate agent will be able to take you through the numerous neighborhoods so that you can find the one that suits your family the best.

2. Incredible Waterfront Views and Parks

Burlington is fortunate enough to border Lake Ontario, and this incredible waterfront stretches along the southern side of the city. For those looking to take advantage of these views, Spencer Smith Park hosts numerous entertainment, dining, and recreational opportunities making it one of the most popular spots for folks of all ages. In addition to this and numerous other parks, the Royal Botanical Gardens are situated on the border of Burlington and Hamilton, and it offers world-class gardens, activities, and wildlife viewing. If you want to invest in a home near one of these locations, speak with your realtor to ensure you can find a home near the parks and recreation opportunities you want.

3. Shopping and Essential Amenities

In Burlington you’re never far from what you need. Boasting two major malls: The Burlington Mall and the Mapleview Mall, these shopping centers host all of the designer stores you’ve come to love. Additionally, the city itself isn’t lacking in amenities. From libraries and coffee shops to wellness centers and swimming pools, everything that you expect to find in a major city can be found nestled around Burlington. A local real estate company will be able to point out homes and neighborhoods near the places you’ll love.

4. Unforgettable Festivals

Spencer Smith Park also plays host to many incredible festivals, the Sound of Music festival being one of it’s most famous. Starting in the early summer, this festival allows locals and visitors to experience the culture, music, and art from both local artists and businesses. Throughout the year, dozens of festivals exist in and around this incredible town. You will never be without something to do when you decide to move to Burlington.

5. Travel Opportunities

With many major highways easily accessible from Burlington, travel is easier than you might think. There are also three major transit stations, where you can catch trains and buses to numerous locations. Burlington is also within an hour’s drive from both John C. Munro Hamilton Internation Airport and the Toronto Pearson International Airport. Whether you are traveling for pleasure or for business, you won’t have to worry about unnecessary hassles when living in Burlington. If you do frequently travel, you can also ask your real estate agents about neighborhoods closer to transit stations to help cut back the travel times even further.

Burlington, Ontario is popular with homeowners of all ages, and with all the opportunities it offers it isn’t hard to see why. If you’re new to the area, ask your real estate agent about amenities you’d like to have nearby, and don’t hesitate to ask for more information. 78% of home buyers have found that real estate agents are often the most useful information sources when it comes to moving to a new location. A top realtor in Burlington Ontario will be more than happy to answer any questions and show you hidden gems that you wouldn’t have known about otherwise.

10 Tips To Love Your Home

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 21:45:00 GMT

10 Ways To Fall In Love

with your home again

HOME ENVY…

You’ve just visited a friends new home, were browsing an amazing listing on Realtor.ca, looked at a model home or perhaps you attended an open house in a posh neighbourhood…

… and now you are sitting in your home, looking around & feeling a bit, well, blah.

Those quartz counters were gleaming & yours feel lack lustre…

The wide plank hand scrapped hardwood floors were spectacular & your worn out broadloom feels limp…

Those marble tiled rain showers were the picture of relaxation & your beige ceramics with bath fitter surround feel dated…

These feelings are natural — it’s literally human nature to want the safest & comfiest living quarters so first, know you are not alone!

Secondly, there are lots of things you can do to combat these feelings of inferiority & we’ve got 10 right here for you!

– 3 –

There’s nothing like a fresh coat of paint to help you feel the love! Don’t forget your baseboards & ceiling could probably use a fresh coat & they make a huge difference when done.

– 4 –

Rearranging your furniture or refinishing pieces can be a quick way to stir up new feelings about your space.

– 5 –

Adding art or finally printing & hanging your pictures is an easy way to boost the happy vibes!

– 6 –

All of our sense play a role in the enjoyment of our homes — pay attention to the smells & find ways to add a pleasant, ideally chemical free, scent. My personal favourites are lemongrass, grapefruit or an immune boosting blend of essential oils in a diffuser.

– 7 –

Donate 20 things & lighten your household Marie Kondo style. If you haven’t caught any of her Netflix series yet, you might find it helpful!

It’s easy to fall into the trap of home envy & forget why you loved your home when you bought it.

In some instances you may have outgrown your space or find yourself with too much home as the seasons of life transition, but for the majority of people, rekindling that love is all that’s needed!

– 1 –

First, let’s get some gratitude in our hearts. Take a moment to Love your home for the fact that you have one… weather you are renting or own, have custom finishes or builder basic — you have a safe place to lay your head at night & that is so wonderful!

– 2 –

Take a good look at your rooms & make sure you are maximizing their use. If you work from home but have yourself crammed into a dark corner or have a massive pool table yet never play, it might be time to weigh out the best use of your space.

– 8 –

What rooms are causing you the most stress? Could it be fixed with some organization?? Continue that donation trend & consider spending some time organizing the space.

– 9 –

Change up your drapes for a dramatic change without a ton of work! Remember that floor to ceiling drapes make your windows feel larger & sheer light coloured drapes will make your space feel more open.

– 10 –

Clean homes are easy to love homes — so spend some time every day picking up & get on a schedule for cleaning or outsource the job so you can truly enjoy your space! Right now we have very young littles & find that keeping the amount of toys in the home to a manageable number makes all the difference for our clean up time.

Thank you for stopping by, we truly appreciate it!

Find us on our socials (linked below)

If you have any questions, please reach out — we serve Hamilton, Halton & surrounding areas but also network with REALTORS® across North America.

Keeping It Genuine,
Your REALTORS®,

The Edwards Team of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

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Leave your name and email below along with what you are looking for in the message box. Or you can call us at 123.456.789.

Thinking About A Roommate?

Thu, 07 Feb 2019 19:38:00 GMT

Thinking About A Roommate?

Why A Roommate?

We totally get it & we want to share our tips for protecting your investment!

So this week’s #ThursdayThoughts are all about what homeowners need to know when renting out a room in their home…

– 2 –

Protect Yourself With A Lease — draft a lease & have them sign. It’s ESSENTIAL that you document the living arrangement to protect your investment!

Seriously.
I’m not kidding.

Reach out if you need help with this — it’s vital to your financial future to protect yourself when sharing your home.

ONTARIO ROOMMATE BASICS

– 1 –

Trust Your Gut — not only will you be living with this person… you’re going to be LIVING with this person.

Ask about employment, how long they’ve been there, ideally ask for a credit check.

Find out their typical work schedule & make sure they won’t be on an opposite shift than you.

Ask about their hygiene & cleaning habits — I’d discuss a cleaning schedule while you’re interviewing.

Are they seeing someone?

Will they be entertaining friends often?

The biggest thing is to listen to & trust your gut — if you’re getting a weird vibe, listen to your intuition & move on.

– 3 –

Keep A Papertrail – do not accept rent in cash.

E-Transfers & cheques are an easy way to be able to prove they paid you monthly.

Paper Trails will be your best friend if you ever need to go to court.

Be proactive & make that trail!

Another note here is you should also create receipts for your roommate & keep a copy for yourself.

– 4 –

If you are sharing a bathroom & kitchen be aware that the Residential Tenancy Act does not apply.

This means your roommate will not have tenant rights or access to the Landlord Tenant Board’s resources, but neither will you.

This is why having that lease is so important!

– 5 –

Avoid Getting Romantically Involved – if you do decide to start a more personal relationship, even if it is “just casual”, you’ll be putting yourself into a vulnerable position legally speaking.

If you don’t have that lease & amazing papertrail, this roommate could end up requesting a Cohabitation Agreement which would entitle to them to a portion of your hard-earned home!

So Make Sure You Are Protecting Your Assets!

Thank you for stopping by, we truly appreciate it!

Find us on our socials (linked below)

If you have any questions, please reach out — we serve Hamilton, Halton & surrounding areas but also network with REALTORS® across North America.

Keeping It Genuine,
Your REALTORS®,

The Edwards Team of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

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Leave your name and email below along with what you are looking for in the message box. Or you can call us at 123.456.789.

Winter’s For The Birds

Thu, 31 Jan 2019 18:07:00 GMT

Winter’s For The Birds

5 Tips to help survive winter

Why Winter?

Winter.

Love it or hate it, we live in a 4 season climate & a lot of us love to encourage the birds to hang out in our yards with bird feeders.

The thing is, we can unknowingly do more harm than good with these feeders so we reached out to aviary expert, Adam Timpf.

He’s a local Biologist & Ecological Consultant who’s been kind enough to answer all of my bird questions for years… thanks for identifying those bird calls Adam!

There is some science that backyard feeders are inadvertently exposing our feathery friends to disease, window strikes & cat attacks.

5 Ways You Can Help!

1- Adam’s first tip? Keep your furry felines indoors. Not only is it safer for ensuring your abiding by your city’s bylaws, domestic Cats are responsible for 38-133 million bird deaths annually in Canada. Yea, you heard me.

2- Change the seed frequently, especially after rainy or mild winter days. This is a sure way to help prevent the spread of diseases among birds.

3- Use high quality & high fat seed… Black sunflower seeds are a great all around feed, but the more variety you offer, the more diversity in birds who visit.

4- Offer water. This time of year, finding water can be a struggle for the birds! There are some cool high tech options, like a heated bird bath, but you can always just keep refilling a water source as it freezes over.

5- Plant native species in your garden… these are what our feathery friends need most. The land can provide all of the nourishment they need if we just let it.

Leave your ornamental grass standing through the winter & plants like sunflowers, cosmos, zinnias & asters should be left intact as they provide a great food source!

Trees like the Mountain Ash (not the Leonard Springer variety) & White Birch are wonderful winter sources of nutrients.

THE APP WE LOVE!

We promised to share our favourite Birding App — it’s FREE & it’s fun!

If you’re looking to have your own Adam Timpf in your pocket, check out Merlin Bird ID (available on iOS & Android).

It’s super simple to use & you can download the species in any area you are visiting so you’re ready no matter where the birds take you!

Thank you for stopping by, we truly appreciate it!

Find us on our socials (linked below)

If you have any questions, please reach out — we serve Hamilton, Halton & surrounding areas but also network with REALTORS® across North America.

Keeping It Genuine,
Your REALTORS®,

The Edwards Team of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

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Get in touch

Leave your name and email below along with what you are looking for in the message box. Or you can call us at 123.456.789.

– QUIZ: Should You Buy or Sell First? –

Sat, 26 Jan 2019 20:49:00 GMT

QUIZ:

Should You Buy or Sell First?

When thinking about selling, a lot of focus is put on how to get your home ready to sell but we don’t see as much discussion about the decision to list & then buy, or buy your next home & then sell.

�� Keep going, the quiz is near the bottom ��

THE GOOD & THE BAD

If you sell first you know how much you financially have to work with

& can focus on the buying process without the stress of getting your home market ready.

The stress of selling first can build up if you can’t find a suitable home to buy

& that closing date inches closer.

If you buy first you know your bottom line of what you NEED to sell your home for

(make sure you are being reasonable with your expectations).

You also have the ability to find a home you love or that truly suits your needs

rather than potentially having to settle for something that just works.

The stress here comes from not having a home ready to hit the market

& trying to sell with the closing date of your new home looming over you.

Can you carry the financial burden of 2 mortgages for a few months?

Could you obtain financing without selling

& rent one home out if you can’t find the right buyer?

Take the quiz & find out what might be the best path for you!

The general rule is:

If it’s a Seller’s Market — buy first

If it’s a Buyer’s Market — sell first.

That said, there are a lot of factors that will determine which option is best for you,

reach out anytime to connect for a chat ��

Until next time,

Keep it Genuine!

Rochelle Edwards

@TheGenuineRealtor

Contest Terms & Conditions

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 16:58:00 GMT

#GHAKindness Terms & Conditions

Terms And Conditions

#GHAKindness Giveaway (“CONTEST”) SPONSORED BY Edwards Team Realtors of S. Todd Real Estate Ltd, Brokerage (“SPONSORS”) AND ADMINISTERED BY Rochelle Edwards. (“ADMINISTRATOR”). CONTEST BEGINS ON January 10th, 2019 AT 9:00am EST AND ENDS ON January 31st 2019 AT 11:59pm EST. (“CONTEST PERIOD”).

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Following Edwards Team Realtors on Instagram or Facebook is required. By participating, entrants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor and Administrator. Void where prohibited by law.

Contest is open to legal residents of Ontario, who have reached the age of majority in their respective province or territory of residence at the time of entry. Employees or contractors of the Sponsor(s) and immediate family members of, and any persons domiciled with any such employees or contractors, are not eligible to enter.

(1) winner will be chosen at random. The odds of winning will depend on the number of entries received. The winner will be sent an Instagram or Facebook message and will have 24 hours to respond. If no response is received within twenty four hours, another winner will be chosen. Administrators are not responsible for prize fulfillment nor for any technical failures. Winning entry will be verified.

Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and/or Google+ are in no way associated with this giveaway. If applicable, social media posts (such as but not limited to tweets and Instagram posts) must be PUBLIC to be eligible. The winner’s entries will be verified.

Residents of Canada will be required to enter a skill-testing question to claim their prize. Administrators and sponsors reserve the right to publish entrant’s & winner’s first name and last initial, and tag them on Instagram & Facebook.

Winner must be able to travel to Burlington, Ontario to claim their prize. All sponsors are responsible only for their own service.

Contact information for sponsor(s), if applicable, can be found in the contest text via website links. Retail value of prizes range from $50 – $100.

Images included in the giveaway post may not depict the exact prize, and are for illustrative purposes only.

Please contact Rochelle Edwards hello@edwardsteam.com for any questions.

“Kindess, sprinkle it everywhere!”

Unkown

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– Eco-Style Holiday Gifts –

Fri, 07 Dec 2018 04:11:00 GMT

ECO-STYLING HOLIDAY GIFTS

Keeping Your Holidays Green

ECO-STYLE WRAPPING

This week we are taking your Holiday Gift Giving skills up a notch!

It’s so simple yet looks like you put so much effort into each gift — the perfect way to show your friends & family some love this holiday season!

– THE PROCESS –

From start to finish, this honestly takes an extra 30 – 60 seconds longer per gift & if you’re like our family who try to shop mindfully, you’ll barely notice that extra time.

Eco-styling your gifts enhances the experience for you with indulgences for the senses, your spirit & your mind. Let loose & allow your creativity to inspire your trimmings!

– WHAT YOU’LL NEED –

Grab your bevy of choice, throw on some holiday music & get ready to beautify your world, a little at a time with these gorgeous eco-styled gifts!

– STEP 1 –

Collect paper scraps, news paper, paper bags or you can always buy a roll of brown paper.

– STEP 2 –

Gather some foliage.

We personally have an abundance of greenery in our yard & in south Burlington, but if foraging for greens isn’t a viable option you can easily pick up more than enough foliage from your grocery or garden store for less than $10.

A little goes a very long way so don’t feel the need to bring any heavy duty tools — Kitchen scissors are more than sufficient for this job!

These ever-greens will keep healthy for a few weeks after cutting so feel free to forage in advance of your wrapping time.

– STEP 3 –

Dehydrating your fruit is not a slow process, but it adds that wonderful pop of colour! The natural shapes of an apple or the stained glass-esq appearance of a dried citrus… the beauty nature provides never ceases to amaze me!

Choose citrus fruit, apples, pears or experiment with other options!

– STEP 4 –

Plan ahead on this one the next time you go to the grocery store — add an assortment of cinnamon sticks, anise, whole cloves, cranberries, baby’s breath & lavender to your list.

Again a little goes a long way & if you want to diversify the looks, buy a little of each so you can pick & choose your trimmings.

– STEP 5 –

Set up your wrapping station & Lay out all of your supplies…

https://youtu.be/DLF4l-HsXFw

– STEP 6 –

(CHECK OUT THE VIDEO ABOVE FOR EXPLANATION OF THESE DIRECTIONS)

• Wrap your gift with the paper or bag of your choice.

• Measure out twine (by doing a test run of the length you’ll need with the full ball)

• Cut to size

• Lay twine on table & set gift face down on top

• Bring twine together & knot (no need to lift your gift off the table)

• Flip gift over

• Change directions of the twine (if you wrapped top & bottom first, now do left & right — vice versa is you started left & right)

• Knot in the front

• Gather a small bunch of trimmings together & style

• Place on gift & secure with twine — I use scissors or hole punch to create an opening in fruit to feed twine through.

• Add your name tag & viola!

We’d love to see some of your eco-styled gifts so PLEASE tag us so we don’t miss them – @BohoRealtor & @EdwardsTeamRealtors

Thanks for doing you part to keep Burlington, Hamilton or wherever it is you call home a little bit greener this holiday season!

Thank you for stopping by, we truly appreciate it!

Find us on our socials (linked below)

If you have any questions, please reach out — we serve Hamilton, Halton & surrounding areas but also network with REALTORS® across North America.

Keeping It Genuine,
Your REALTORS®,

The Edwards Team of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

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Leave your name and email below along with what you are looking for in the message box. Or you can call us at 123.456.789.

– HOLIDAY HOUSE HUNTING –

Fri, 30 Nov 2018 02:04:00 GMT

HOLIDAY HOUSE HUNTING

– 5 REASONS TO BUY IN WINTER –

This winter has been extra busy for our Buyer clients in Hamilton / Burlington & we want to share the reasons so many are taking advantage of house hunting this Winter!

– 1 –

LESS COMPETITION

Most Buyers are busy with holiday plans, traveling, work demands & the urge to hibernate this time of year. This means there are fewer Buyers out there competing for the homes on the market — putting you at an advantage!

– 2 –

MOTIVATED SELLERS

Similar to the reasons that Buyers are less likely to be out house hunting, Sellers are listing because they need to sell.

If you’re planning on Selling, you’ll wait for that peak Spring market — unless there’s a need to move sooner than later.

This motivation is another advantage for Buying in the winter months!

– 3 –

REALTOR® ATTENTION

When the Winter lull hits, your REALTOR® will have fewer clients meaning they’ll have that much more time to devote to finding you your next home!

– 4 –

HOME SYSTEMS ON HIGH

The cold days allow you to see how a home will cope with the cooler months — are there drafts from the windows or doors, is the furnace working well enough to meet the demands of the home, is there a proper level of humidity, etc.

Systems are under high stress this time of year & you’ll have a better look at what you are buying.

– 5 –

AVOID THE SPRING RUSH

Come February, the Spring market begins to take off and with it, the competition amps up. If you have a home to sell & buy in January with a long closing, you can often maximize your selling price ( by leveraging the Spring Market) while buying a winter deal!

Thank you for stopping by, we truly appreciate it!

Find us on our socials (linked below)

If you have any questions, please reach out — we serve Hamilton, Halton & surrounding areas but also network with REALTORS® across North America.

Keeping It Genuine,
Your REALTORS®,

The Edwards Team of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

Follow us on social

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Get in touch

Leave your name and email below along with what you are looking for in the message box. Or you can call us at 123.456.789.

Waterdown & Flamborough Holiday Parade

Thu, 22 Nov 2018 18:05:00 GMT

annual parade for
flamborough & waterdown

THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE!

Kick off the Holiday Season with the Flamborough Santa Parade which happens this Saturday, November 24th starting at 6:30pm!

EMBRACE THE MAGIC

Because of the lights! The people! All of the effort put into the floats! We could go on, but instead, let’s cover the essentials you need to know to make the most of the night!

EVENT ESSENTIALS

Make the most of your night by follow some suggestions ( Rochelle & her family attend every year — so these are tried & true! )

• ARRIVE EARLY — Take a drive through the heart of Waterdown this weekend & you may notice chairs lining the road. (Parade planners are asking that you NOT leave a chair out until Saturday morning) You’ll want to make sure you’ve got a game plan before you head out.

• BRING NEW SOCKS TO DONATE — there will be people collecting donations of new socks.

• LETTERS TO S ANTA — don’t forget to have your kids write to Santa. There will be people by to pick up their letters — don’t forget to use Santa’s full mailing address (& be sure your return address is legible!):

Santa Claus
North Pole
H0H 0H0
CANADA

• BRING CHAIRS & BLANKETS — you’ll want to bring chairs, blankets or a wagon for seating.

Ready, Set – Ho! Ho! Ho!

This is an annual tradition for us & we look forward to seeing some of you there!

Check out the FLAMBOROUGH SANTA CLAUSE PARADE website to donate or learn more.

Please reach out if you have any questions, we love hearing from you.

Thank you for stopping by, we truly appreciate it!

Find us on our socials (linked below)

If you have any questions, please reach out — we serve Hamilton, Halton & surrounding areas but also network with REALTORS® across North America.

Keeping It Genuine,
Your REALTORS®,

The Edwards Team of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

Follow us on social

Facebook

Instagram

Pinterest

Whatsapp

Youtube

Get in touch

Leave your name and email below along with what you are looking for in the message box. Or you can call us at 123.456.789.

– BURLINGTON MADE –

Thu, 15 Nov 2018 19:03:00 GMT

BURLINGTON MADE

Guide to shopping local with Stephanie Finn

Holidays Gone Local

This week’s #ThursdayThoughts is all about shopping local, shopping quality & supporting the people directly in our neighbourhoods!

The trend where sustainability meets craftsmanship has been gaining momentum & Stephanie Finn of Burlington Made has the profound ability to bring these creators & shoppers together.

Who is Stephanie Finn?

Stephanie Finn is the creator of Stephanie Street Events & the woman behind Burlington Made.

She is responsible for successful events like Burlington Made at Sound of Music & The Foodie Show.

She took the time to chat with us — sharing her insights into supporting local businesses & some tips to support the makers in your life.

The community that is formed in her wake is built on an appreciation for the craft of the artisans & gifts that emanate the love put into creating them!

With an eye on the details, Stephanie is always evolving her events & finding ways to make the next one THAT-MUCH-BETTER (is that even possible?!)

Why should people be supporting local artisans?

Quality first of all — our artisans are really at the top of their game.

They are some of the best makers in our area & they really put a lot of research, effort & time into their products.

You get to support people in your local economy and at the same time surround yourself with objects and things that support your lifestyle & matter.

Where can people watching find your artisans next?

So we have two markets coming up for the holidays.

Our flagship Handmade Craft Market or Holiday Craft Market, on Saturday November 24 at the Ron Joy ce Centre .

And we are also doing a really fun, stocking-stuffer themed Night Pop-Up Market at St. Georges Church (Alton Village) on Friday December 14th.

It will be an evening sip-and-shop kind of event. About 50% of the items will be $25 and under to get all of those last-minute teacher gifts, stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, coworkers & just get them all covered.

For someone who is new to the market what are some of the questions vendors enjoy answering?

Our vendors love talking about their crafts so come & ask them how they got started making or why they make their products.

A lot of them are trying to solve real-world problems they’ve had them selves.

When I’m walking by a table, & if it’s something I wouldn’t necessarily buy, I still love to stop and complement them on all the work that went into it.

Many of us know makers in our day-to-day circles, how can we support them if we can’t necessarily support them financially?

First, come to the shows & meet them!

See what they are doing & talk to them about their craft.

If you can’t buy it yourself think of somebody who would love to know more about this and help us get the word out.

Share on social media, tag your friends, offer a recommendation on their Facebook or Google or directly to a friend who might be interested.

So many vendors apply to the shows — what are you looking for from the vendors who do apply?

We’re making sure that they would appeal to our shoppers in our demographic — so we need to have a nice balance.

We also want to make sure that they have strong modern aesthetic voice & that there’s a depth of craft.

For example, we get a lot of jewellery applications & we like to favour makers who are making their own beads. Who have not bought them ready-made from the store & they put so much work and effort into it.

They’re simply unique.

Thank you for stopping by, we truly appreciate it!

Find us on our socials (linked below)

If you have any questions, please reach out — we serve Hamilton, Halton & surrounding areas but also network with REALTORS® across North America.

Keeping It Genuine,
Your REALTORS®,

The Edwards Team of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

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Leave your name and email below along with what you are looking for in the message box. Or you can call us at 123.456.789.

– Remembrance Day 2018 –

Thu, 08 Nov 2018 11:51:00 GMT

– REMEMBERING & HONOURING –

100 Years since WWI

Why We Remember…

Remembrance Day as we know it began in 1919 to commemorate the armistice agreement that ended the first World War on Monday Nov. 11, 1918 at 11am.

– Armistice Agreement –
a temporary suspension of hostilities by agreement of the warring parties; truce

Canadians across the country will observe a moment of silence to honour the men & women who have served & who continue to serve our wonderful country. In times of war, conflict & peace, we remember.

Who We Remember…

We remember the 2,300,000 and counting Canadians who have served & the more than 118,000 brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice.

– BURLINGTON –

To mark 100 years
since WWI began,
Burlington will be
hosting a Naval
Ceremony at 9:30am
in Spencer Smith Park
& the Parade with full
service at City Hall
beginning at 10:30am.

To find out more,
please click to visit
The City Of Burlington’s Website.

– HAMILTON –

Hamilton is host
to 9 events across
it’s communities
with the main parade
starting 10:45 at
Veteran’s Place
in Gore Park.

To find out more,
please click to visit
The City Of Hamilton’s Website.

– OAKVILLE –

Oakville will be hosting a few services across the town such as George’s Square for 11am.

To find out more,
please click to visit
The Town of Oakville’s Website.

What Do The Poppies Do?

Every poppy you buy is helping the veterans & we encourage you to participate in one of the many ceremonies happening in the area.

This year, consider adding a virtual poppy to your tribute — it’s a wonderful addition to the traditional homage.

Visit www.MyPoppy.ca to find out more!

Thank you for stopping by, we truly appreciate it!

Find us on our socials (linked below)

If you have any questions, please reach out — we serve Hamilton, Halton & surrounding areas but also network with REALTORS® across North America.

Keeping It Genuine,
Your REALTORS®,

The Edwards Team of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

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Youtube

Get in touch

Leave your name and email below along with what you are looking for in the message box. Or you can call us at 123.456.789.

– Repurpose Your Pumpkin –

Thu, 01 Nov 2018 18:10:00 GMT

HOW TO REPURPOSE YOUR JACK-O-LANTERN

AFTER HALLOWEEN

WHY REPURPOSE?

We have an abundance of junk in our landfills so finding ways to repurpose our pumpkins helps to reduce the impact of our holidays & therefore making it more fun in the long run!

Read on for 3 Ways To Repurpose Your Jack-O-Lantern for some ideas!

While we count candy…

Now that we are figuring out what to do with all of that candy, a lot of us opt for method #1 when it comes to our pumpkins.

We are fortunate to have a compost program in our cities & this is a great way to repurpose your jack-o-lantern. It’s easy, it’s quick & it’s helping gardeners in the local area!

But, if you’re an animal lover like me there’s always option #2…

Leave It In The Woods

Donate it to the animals…

Fall is a time of year when the food supply for our forest friends becomes scarce. If you live near a wooded area (or if you plan on a hike this week) you can leave your pumpkin in the woods. The squirrels, chipmunks, birds & mice will certainly appreciate it!

Now, if you aren’t quite ready for the Halloween fun to end you can opt for #3…

Keep Halloween Alive!

Many neighbourhoods have a “day after” get together where people bring their jack-o-lanterns for an enchanted night of neighbourly fun!

Check your local Facebook group or, come check out the one downtown Burlington in Lion’s Park!

Thank you for stopping by, we truly appreciate it!

Find us on our socials (linked below)

If you have any questions, please reach out — we serve Hamilton, Halton & surrounding areas but also network with REALTORS® across North America.

Keeping It Genuine,
Your REALTORS®,

The Edwards Team of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

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Facebook

Instagram

Pinterest

Whatsapp

Youtube

Get in touch

Leave your name and email below along with what you are looking for in the message box. Or you can call us at 123.456.789.

– 3 Changes Affecting Consumers – (REBBA Reform)

Thu, 25 Oct 2018 19:02:00 GMT

3 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

About the new Rebba reform

WHAT IS REBBA

REBBA is the acronym for Real Estate Business Brokers Act & it is the framework for which every registered REALTOR® needs to work within/abide by when trading in real estate in Ontario.

WHY DOES IT NEED TO CHANGE?

The current REBBA Act has not changed since 2002 when it was created — that’s over 15 years ago!

Back then, deals were done primarily with fax machines & dial tones. The average price of a home in Burlington was in the $200,000 price range & things were vastly different.

NO DOUBLE ENDING

The thing is, this has happened. I am not going to deny it. But what the media hasn’t shown are all of the ethical REALTORS® who are trying to make the changes necessary to protect consumers.

The solution should be removing unethical REALTORS® from the industry, not removing consumer choice.

If you want to use your REALTOR® who you trust & have built a relationship with that should also be your choice.

REDEFINE “TRADE”

Address & redefine the term “trade” in REBBA. This one word has loopholes in the current Act that has allowed some unregistered individuals to operate outside of the law.

These people are representing themselves as professionals in the industry & target new Canadian communities.

The definition of “trade” should be clarified & elaborated on to eliminate any grey areas.

MULTIPLE OFFER TRANSPARENCY

Currently REALTORS® are entitled to know the number of offers, which REALTOR® is bringing the offer & if there are any adjustments to the commission which improves the terms for a Seller.

What we can’t find out is the one thing everyone wants to know… How much were the other offers for? How much did the winning offer pay to buy the home?

We are requesting that consumers be able to consent to transparency in the offer process. If everyone agrees, a transparent process could allow buyers to make their true best offer with confidence.

Whether consumers decide to consent or not, they should at least have the choice & that’s what we are advocating for.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Thank you for stopping by, we truly appreciate it!

Find us on our socials (linked below)

If you have any questions, please reach out — we serve Hamilton, Halton & surrounding areas but also network with REALTORS® across North America.

Keeping It Genuine,
Your REALTORS®,

The Edwards Team of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

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Facebook

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Get in touch

Leave your name and email below along with what you are looking for in the message box. Or you can call/txt 905-484-0747

#GHAKindness Monthly Giveaway

Sun, 21 Oct 2018 21:21:00 GMT

#GHAKindness Monthly Giveaway

CONTEST TERMS & CONDITIONS

Ready to spread kindness, support a local business & build our community?

You’re in the right place!

| SUPPORT LOCAL |

– JANUARY BUSINESS –

This month we are featuring Naturally A Goddess a natural, essential oil based line out of Burlington, Ontario!

Christina, the momprenure behind this line, was fed up with the harmful & toxic ingredients in commercial cosmetic products, her skin was constantly reacting & without safe options for her family, she decided to create her own!

With her Doterra oils in hand, she educated herself & created this line which sells out often as more of the local community discover how amazing it is!

This month, your #GHAKindess entry could help you win over $75 of her products, including her best selling body balm!

Check her out on Facebook, Instagram or Visit her Website!

– HOW TO ENTER –

1 – Be kind to someone & share it on your Socials with #GHAKindness.

2 – Tag @EdwardsTeamRealtors & @BohoRealtor if sharing on IG
(Just tag @EdwardsTeamRealtors on FB)

3 – Follow @EdwardsTeamRealtors, @BohoRealtor & this month’s Business ( @NaturallyAGoddess)

4 – Bonus Entry: Like @EdwardsTeamRealtors FB page or tag a friend!

Winner will be announced the first week of February with a Live Video!

Spread the word

Facebook

Twitter

Google-plus

Linkedin

Snapchat

– Legalizing Cannabis – A Homeowner’s Guide –

Thu, 18 Oct 2018 18:11:00 GMT

LEGALIZING CANNABIS

A HOMEOWNER’s Guide

THE LOW DOWN

After years of moving in the direction of legalizing marijuana in Canada, we have finally arrived!

October 17, 2018 marks the day when Provincial Bill C-34, Federal Bill 174 (& a last minute amendment to the provincial bill) came into effect.

There’s a lot of information floating around out there — partially exasperated by the fact that each province & municipality will have their own specific laws.

We’ve compiled the must knows for Ontario residents & is the subject of this week’s #ThursdayThoughts!

ONTARIO CANNABIS BASICS

WILD WILD WEST

Right now is very much the “Wild Wild West” in terms of how industries are reacting — here’s what you need to know as a homeowner or someone looking to buy one day.

GROW OP’S

Grow ops are not the same as 4 plants grown indoors,
but the stigma for grow ops is very real.

When someone is growing a commercial operation in a home they don’t live in they aren’t concerning themselves with proper ventilation or preventative measures for major damage to a home that occurs with high humidity & improper electrical.

When growing 4 plants, in proper conditions,
the home should not experience any air quality issues.

If you want to super go high-tech, you can pick up a self containing hydroponic grow box
that alleviates all of these concerns with indoor growing.

HEALTH INSURANCE

As for health insurance, we spoke with Amber Morrison – Financial Security Advisor & she shared that right now, smoking less than 4 times per week is considered a non-smoker.

With all policies though, each provider will have their own policies so be open with your insurance broker — the more they know, the better they can work in your best interests!

HOME INSURANCE

Home Insurance policies may require you to disclose if you are growing in your home but no official stance has been made.

At this point we aren’t sure if your insurance premiums will increase or if you will be covered should any damages be incurred… there are so many unknowns & no one is taking a clear stance until more data becomes available.

If you are planning on growing inside your home, it is at your discretion if you call to let them know, but should they ask you directly, it is in your best interest to declare.

WEED & CONDOS

If you live in a condo, there is a good chance you’ve already had meetings to discuss the ramifications of these new laws & voted on any changes to your condo’s specific by-laws.

Some condos are choosing to go 100% smoke free while some are opting to allow smoking inside the units or at least on the balcony.

If your neighbour is affecting your unit with their hot boxing efforts but your condo has allowed smoking within the units, you can still contact your property manager & file a complaint.

FINANCING HOMES WHERE CANNABIS IS GROWN

Financing an ex-grow op is traditionally difficult with many major lending institutions, but we don’t have any solid word from the mortgage industry (yet) if there will be any issues with financing a home where up to 4 plants were grown.

Each lender will have different risk assessments & this will impact their particular stance on financing these homes.

Thank you for stopping by, we truly appreciate it!

Find us on our socials (linked below)

If you have any questions, please reach out — we serve Hamilton, Halton & surrounding areas but also network with REALTORS® across North America.

Keeping It Genuine,
Your REALTORS®,

The Edwards Team of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

Follow us on social

Facebook

Instagram

Pinterest

Whatsapp

Youtube

Get in touch

Leave your name and email below along with what you are looking for in the message box. Or you can call us at 123.456.789.

– Access Thousands Of Paid Resources For FREE –

Thu, 11 Oct 2018 15:46:00 GMT

All you need is your library card & your pin to access these courses & resources — your pin can be found using the automated retrieval on the library’s website or by calling/visiting your local branch.

Check out the video or scroll down to keep reading about this fantastic resource!

While this particular video is based on the Burlington Public Library system, Hamilton’s Public Library also offers many of the same programs through their website.

_________________________________________________________________________

For our Burlington Community – visit www.bpl.ca

For our Hamilton Community – visit www.hpl.ca

_________________________________________________________________________

(Things like 3D printers, sewing machines, laser cutters & more!)

Have a great week & we will see you next Thursday!

– Keeping it Genuine –

Your Realtors,

The Edwards Team Of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

– One Tip So You Don’t Break The Law –

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 18:20:00 GMT

This week we are swamped so this is a short one… but the impact this tip can have on your life is mind-blowing & has a simple solution!

Don’t forget to grab this week’s free download — it will cover 5 tips every Buyer or Seller need to be aware of!

What happens when you buy a home with someone & they pass away before you can close?

I know, it’s something none of us want to think about, but if it were to happen, would you be able to afford the home on your own?

The process of buying a home is very specific & the contracts are binding — Just because your circumstances change does not mean you can walk away.

Once you have removed all conditions in an offer to purchase, we consider the deal “firm” aka… you need to have funds on closing day & title needs to transfer into the new buyers’ names or, be subject to legal action from the Seller.

So in this terrible scenario, one of the Buyer’s has passed away between the offer firming up & the closing day.

You are legally bound to purchase but the cost of carrying the home is too much on your income alone… don’t worry we’ve got you covered.

The good news is that the solution is so simple & any of us can protect ourselves.

It’s all about the insurance! Update your life insurance policy by the cost of your new home from the day your offer becomes firm.

– Keeping it Genuine –

Your Realtors,

The Edwards Team Of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

– 10 Tips – How To Buy A Fixer-Upper (Part 2)

Thu, 27 Sep 2018 18:13:00 GMT

Buying real estate is an age old way to build your wealth
but not all homes appreciate value at the same rate.

If you want to maximize your return on investment when you sell, you’ll want to look for homes where you can increase the equity beyond market appreciation. Fixer-uppers are perfect for this, but are not for the faint of heart!

They are a challenge in both budgeting, vision, creativity & ultimately your tenacity! If you can make it through, the feeling of accomplishment when you’re relaxing in your dream space is beyond compare!

It’s packed full of so much knowledge we’ve had to break it up into 2 parts,
so be sure to check out PART 1 here…

Check out the video or scroll down to keep reading our first 5 Tips for Investing In A Fixer-Upper…

____________________________________________________________

– 6 –

Get A Home Inspection — knowing the bones are solid is vital to a smooth reno project. A great inspector will also help you determine if the main systems of the home need some attention & help you determine a timeline for when big ticket items will need to be addressed.

____________________________________________________________

– 7 –

Get Estimates Before You Firm Up – firming up happens when you remove all conditions. Having a contractor through before you firm up allows you to assess an estimate of what the repairs will cost you.

Be realistic in both budget & how much time you can devote to an ongoing project.

____________________________________________________________

– 8 –

Leave room for unknowns — with fixer-uppers it’s inevitable that you will run into some uh-ohs… finding out some plumbing needs to be replaced, that there’s a crack in the foundation that needs addressing, or perhaps there are some structural concerns that you don’t find out until you’ve take down the drywall.

Keep some “slush” room in your budget so when these pop up, it doesn’t derail the whole project!

____________________________________________________________

– 9 –

Set A Schedule – knowing the timeline of your renos allows you to preplan… based on when you close on a home, you’ll know what you can tackle now & what might need to wait for warmer weather or more savings in your budget.

A successful reno is all about planning & foresight!

____________________________________________________________

– 10 –

Think of the future — with all of your design decisions, think ahead to what your resale value will be like.

Buying Millennial Pink cupboards might be on trend today, but when you go to sell, that once beautiful kitchen may end up hurting your value.

Likewise, removing ALL of the tubs in a home reduces the value for families. Same goes for turning that 3rd bedroom into a walk-in closet.

You want to love & enjoy your time in the home but we also want all of this hardworking to pay off when you decide to move.

____________________________________________________________

– Keeping it Genuine –

Your Realtors,

The Edwards Team Of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

HELPING BURLINGTON, HAMILTON, OAKVILLE, GRIMSBY, WATERDOWN & SURROUNDING AREAS OF ONTARIO –

– 10 Tips – How To Buy A Fixer-Upper (Part 1)

Thu, 20 Sep 2018 19:58:00 GMT

Buying real estate is an age old way to build your wealth
but not all homes appreciate value at the same rate.

It’s packed full of so much knowledge we’ve had to break it up into 2 parts, so be sure to take a look at PART 2 here…

Check out the video or scroll down to keep reading our first 5 Tips for Investing In A Fixer-Upper…

____________________________________________________________

– 1 –

Location is everything — you can change a lot about a home, but moving locations isn’t one of them. Be sure to find a fixer-upper in a neighbourhood you love or that has a lot of local amenities!

____________________________________________________________

– 2 –

Layout is important — taking a wall out is often easy enough, but if you have dreams of transforming a war-time home into an open concept modern gem, you’ll want to have an architect or structural engineer come in to assess what’s possible & if it’s within a reasonable budget.

____________________________________________________________

– 3 –

Determine if it’s too much to take on — It’s all fine & well to sit back to imagine all of the possibilities, but full guts & renos can quickly take a toll on your budget.

Most first time buyers will ideally find a home they can reno while they live.

This means taking on a project at a time so, over a few years, they create their dream space.

If you have a home to sell, you may be in a position where you can buy a home that needs a bit more & do the extensive renos before you move in…

Either way, you’ll have a budget & will need to determine if you can afford to complete the transformation in one go, or if you can complete the necessary rooms while you save for the next renovation.

____________________________________________________________

– 4 –

Save With DIYs – some renos you can easily do yourself (think demolition, painting, some flooring, etc), while some you should enlist the help of a pro.

Doing as much as you can yourself will save you money, but not time. These are the things you will need to consider before diving in — “Can I afford the time to do these tasks or will I need to spend more of my budget on labour?”

____________________________________________________________

– 5 –

Permits Are Important — some people cut corners by not applying for permits… the cost savings, the time savings (no waiting for inspections) & sometimes people just don’t know they should have them!

This is a short term win for a long term loss… when you go to sell, having these permits means Buyers will feel secure in your renos & not having them can cost you in remediation expenses.

Do it right the first time & feel secure in your investment.

____________________________________________________________

– Keeping it Genuine –

Your Realtors,

The Edwards Team Of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

– 5 Real Estate Myths –

Thu, 13 Sep 2018 03:27:00 GMT

This week we’re shedding light on 5 of the most frequently asked Real Estate Myths.

It’s time to separate fact from fiction & learn a couple of fun facts along the way…

Check out the video or scroll down to keep reading…

–

Folk lore & half truths perpetuate our lives — don’t believe me?

Well… Peanuts aren’t nuts, they’re legumes… Fortune Cookies were invented in the United States, not China & Coffee does not dehydrate you, the diuretic effects are counteracted by the amount of water in the drink — yes my fellow coffee lovers, drink on!

Life is full of these misconceptions & Real Estate is no exception — Here’s our top 5 myths & what you really need to know…

– 1 –
Spring is the best time to Buy or Sell…

Oh if only I had a dollar…. This half-truth is toted around like real estate gospel & it’s time you learn the truth. Spring is the peak of the real estate market here, that’s true… and this myth is based on the influx of homes listed for sale & the prospect of a Summer move, but that doesn’t necessarily make it the BEST time for you.

For Buyers, other seasons offer less competition & a better likelihood that you won’t over pay for your home.

For Sellers, listing off peak means that Buyers are truly interested, generally there is less inventory for you to compete with & bonus, you’ll have less gardening to maintain!

– 2 –
I can save money if I don’t use a REALTOR®…

While many people see the cost of the commission & immediately assume they could pocket that if they go it alone, there are a lot of variables between the start & end of a real estate transaction.

From pricing knowledge, handling showings, navigating comparables, ensuring you understand the contracts, handling paperwork & ensuring your protected when it comes to a major investment, you might be surprised at how quickly that “savings” could cost you.

Furthermore, the vast majority of people don’t realize how hard a great REALTOR® will work behind the scenes… this is not your typical 9-5.

– 3 –
When Buying, act uninterested in the home if you really like it…

While on the surface this may sound like sage advice, there is a difference between playing poker & purchasing a home.

Insulting the Seller or their home with criticism of paint colours, low ball offers & disparaging comments are more likely to antagonize the Seller than landing you a sweet deal.

Point out legitimate concerns… things like the age of the roof, furnace, repairs necessary, etc, but hold off on sharing any negative comments about decor or easily changed features.

– 4 –
You can make a fortune predicting the market…

Honestly, no one truly knows when a market will fizzle or sizzle… there are absolute predictors & indicators we can watch for — like interest rates, cyclical statistics or industry interventions (think foreign buyer’s tax), but there is no crystal ball.

The truth is, the best time to Buy is when you are financially able & when the right home comes along. Trying to speculate on the market has worked for some, but has also backfired for many families, especially those who bought at the peak of the market last year.

If you are someone who’s value today is less than when you purchased, there are things you can do to help but we will cover that in a future episode.

– 5 –
Getting a quick offer after listing your home means we priced too low…

At first glance, this way of thinking makes sense, but the truth is, if your home is being marketed by a great REALTOR® Buyers who have been looking at homes will see your listing & recognize that it’s worth offering on.

These Buyers will have already seen everything currently available & are watching the new listings that come onto the market each day.

We have seen Sellers turn down these offers thinking there will be a better one soon, and sometimes there is, but more often than not, that first offer was the best & those Buyers are long gone.

This week we have included a free download for the

| Top 5 Things A Buyer & Seller Need To Know |

Be sure to grab yours!

If you have any questions about Real Estate,
please feel free to reach out — We love hearing from you!

– Keeping it Genuine –

Your Realtors,

The Edwards Team Of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

– DIY Blanket Ladder –

Thu, 06 Sep 2018 17:55:00 GMT

This series is all about loving life in your home… whether you’ve been there for a month or years, creating a home that is warm & inviting will help you continue to build up your equity! A home you love to be in is one you’ll stay in & that’s what we are all about!

Read on to find out how to create your very own blanket ladder!

I’ve always wanted a blanket ladder to store our throws & when Allie of Nature’s Tools told me we could do the project in under 2 hours, I was sold! Stay tuned to find out exactly how we made this eye-catching organizer — this is definitely something anyone can do!

– WHAT YOU’LL NEED –

• Drill or Hammer

• Pencil

• Sandpaper

• 20-24 screws or spiral nails

• 3 2 x 3’s ( two cut to 6ft, 5 or 6 rungs cut from the third)

• Tape Measure

• Wood Glue

• 2 half inch spacers

– STEPS –

1. Cut your 2 x 3’s — two 6 ft , 5 or 6 rungs (sand any rough cuts)

2. Find 2 half inch spacers to use to centre the rungs while you screw or nail rungs in

3. Measure the location of rungs on both 6ft 2×3’s

4. Set up one board, skinny side (2″ side) down

5. Layout the rungs aligning with the pre-measured markings.

6. Apply glue to one side of rung, put 2nd 6ft 2×3 in place then secure with 2 screws or nails.

7. Repeat for remaining rungs.

8. Flip & repeat for second side.

9. Sand any rough spots.

10. Paint or Stain

We told you this was a simple DIY… a great starter project if you are just breaking into the home decor DIY world!

Stay tuned for more from our – GENUINE LIFESTYLE PROJECTS – and please let us know if there is anything specific you would like to see us create — we love getting suggestions & feedback!

– Keeping it Genuine –

Your Realtors,

The Edwards Team Of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

– Conditional On Sale Explained –

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 15:58:00 GMT

Conditional on Sale — what does it mean & what do you need to know?

As a Buyer this gives you the opportunity to lock in a price & agreeable terms for the purchase of your next home, while still allowing you time to sell your house.

As a Seller this means that you are conditionally sold & that the Buyer has not removed all conditions (aka firmed up). A well written Condition Of Sale will allow you to continue to market your home to other Buyers, meaning, you could draw in another offer!

Check out the video or scroll down to keep reading about
Conditional On Sale & everything you should know!

Imagine you’ve decided you want to sell your house & you’re deciding which road you should take

Do you wait to list until you’ve found your next home, or should you list now & then look?

The answer?

Well, it’s highly dependent on what your specific circumstances are…

for instance, if you’re home needs a lot of work, you’d wait to list while you do the work… or if you’ve got a very specific home in mind, you should probably look first…

The beautiful thing about the market we’re in now is that Sellers are often willing to consider selling their home Conditional on Sale.

What this means is that you could buy a home contingent on your current house selling.

This opens up the possibilities & options you have at your disposal!

Let’s say you’ve found your next home & you want to put an offer on it, but you’re worried about how quickly your home will sell.

You’ve got 2 options — you can either take a chance & ask for a long closing, ie. 90 days. (This gives you a chance to sell your home but, as closing approaches, you may feel pressure if it hasn’t already sold)

Alternatively, you can offer to buy the home based on your house selling.

The condition that does the later, gives you a predetermined amount of time to try to sell your house. (You can feel that same pressure here, but you aren’t locked into buying the home so you have the ability to walk away & get your deposit back in full). Now there is one catch… the Seller is allowed to continue to actively sell their home to other possible buyers.

If another offer comes in & essentially tries to “bump” your original offer, you’ll have some additional time to consider if you should waive your condition on the sale of your house. If you remove the condition, its official & you’re the proud new owners! If you decide it’s not going to work, as much as you wish it would, you can walk away from the deal & get your deposit back in full.

This is referred to as the escape clause & it’s an important part of a balanced & fair condition.

So, now that you know all about Condition of Sales in Ontario, you can find out about the other most common conditions… like Financing, Home Inspect, Status Certificate, & more!

Get your COMMON CONDITIONS 101 GUIDE here!

– Keeping it Genuine –

Your Realtors,

The Edwards Team Of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

Genuinely Serving: Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville, Milton, Stoney Creek, Waterdown, Flamborough, Grimsby, Brantford Real Estate Needs

– Tenant Frequently Asked Questions –

Thu, 23 Aug 2018 19:30:00 GMT

Last week our inboxes were flooded with questions from tenants across the GHA which got us thinking — if this many people wrote in… how many others are looking to clarify some of their rights?

Grab this week’s free download — it will give some insight as it covers the essential basics of tenant rights!

Check out the video or scroll down to keep reading our FAQs for Ontario Renters…

– TOP 6 QUESTIONS YOU ASKED –

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: I’m applying to rent & the Landlord is asking very personal questions! Can they do that?

A: Yes, they can ask all about your current home, rental history, employment history, credit, references but there are some restrictions about income based on the Human Rights Code.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Q: Do I need to have content insurance?

A: There is no law saying you have to have it, but honestly, you should. If there is ever a flood or fire, the landlords insurance will not necessarily cover your losses. Having tenant insurance will! It’s important to mention, while it’s not mandatory, if you did agree to obtain insurance in the terms of your lease & you don’t get it, your landlord can apply to have you evicted.

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Q: Can my landlord just raise my rent each year?

A: Once a year your Landlord may raise your rent by no more than the maximum rental increase with 90 days written notice. This increase amount is determined by the Ministry of Housing & Even if your Landlord has not increased your rent in years, they cannot exceed the rental increase (unless you agree to substantial renovations known as a Capital expenditure or the property tax has a sizeable increase.

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Q: What happens if I’m late with paying my rent?

A: The day after your rent is due, your Landlord can serve you with a Notice To End A Tenancy Early For Non-Payment Of Rent. If you’re on a monthly rental, you’ll have 14 days to pay the late rent or move out. If you don’t move out or pay, the Landlord can apply to the Landlord-Tenant Board for further actions.

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Q: My Landlord won’t fix something… can I withhold rent until he makes the necessary repairs?

A: Unfortunately you can’t just withhold your rent! You can however give a written synopsis of the problem to your landlord or property manager, if they refuse or if repairs aren’t moving along, you can file a Tenant Application About Maintenance & potentially pay your rent directly to the Landlord Tenant Board until repairs are completed.

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Q: My Landlord doesn’t always give me a receipt but I want a copy… do they have to provide one?

A: They absolutely need to if you ask for one — in fact, anytime you ask for a receipt even up to a year post renting from them, they will need to provide one. A full receipt includes…Address of the rental unit, Name of the Tenants, Amount & Date for each payment as well as what it was for, Name of the Landlord & Signature from Landlord

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Well we hope these help the people who wrote in & those silent observers — thanks for watching, as always please share some love with a like, comment, follow or tag a tenant who might have some questions!

– Keeping it Genuine –

Your Realtors,

The Edwards Team Of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

– 5 Tips To Be A Landlord –

Thu, 16 Aug 2018 17:29:00 GMT

Being A Landlord Is No Easy Feat – from buying or building a rental unit to managing the ongoing issues, knowing what you’re getting into before you take the plunge is essential!

We want your investment & experience as a Landlord to be a positive one. This was created with you in mind — a basic rundown to help you decide if being a Landlord is a good fit for you!

Thank you for stoping by — we are always available to help with your real estate questions, so please don’t hesitate to ask!

– Keeping it Genuine –

Your Realtors,

The Edwards Team Of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

– What You Should Know About Title Insurance –

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 19:20:00 GMT

Title Insurance, for many, is one of those things where you’ve heard of it but aren’t really sure what it does cover or if it’s worth investing in.

Well we are here to fill in all of those blanks for you!

– WHAT IS TITLE INSURANCE? –

Title insurance is a policy that protects property owners & their lenders ( also known as the mortgage provider) against losses related to title or ownership.

– DO YOU REALLY NEED TITLE INSURANCE? –

While it is not a requirement to have title insurance in Ontario, deciding if & what type of insurance you could obtain should be discussed with your lawyer, mortgage broker & insurance provider.

– WHAT DOES TITLE INSURANCE COVER? –

For the one-time premium (read fee), you may be covered for:

– WHAT DOESN’T TITLE INSURANCE COVER? –

(Pay close attention to your specific policy for clarification)

Of course there is a free download (CLICK HERE) to find out more about:
• Extended title insurance,
• Owner’s vs. Lender’s Policy,
• Types of coverage,
• how to make a claim, etc.

We want to leave you with some final tips:

Thank you for stoping by — we are always available to help with your real estate questions, so please don’t hesitate to ask!

– Keeping it Genuine –

Your Realtors,

The Edwards Team Of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

– Buyer’s Guide To Closing Costs – The FULL Picture

Fri, 03 Aug 2018 04:41:00 GMT

Thank you for stoping by — we are always available to help with your real estate questions, so please don’t hesitate to ask!

– Keeping it Genuine –

Your Realtors,

The Edwards Team Of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

– Hiring A Home Inspector –

Wed, 01 Aug 2018 17:24:00 GMT

Buying a home comes with some risk… are you paying for a home that will retain it’s value or is it a pit of future expenses that can continue to cost you time, money & aggravation?

Hiring a Home Inspector to look the home over prior to you purchasing can help to seriously mitigate the risk of you buying a lemon…

We’ve interviewed Inspect905 who are one of our #GenuineProfessionals & are influential in the industry — fighting for regulations, consumer protection & with years of invaluable experience, we are so honoured to bring you the Top 3 Tips for choosing your next inspector.

Check out the video below for more information…

Thank you for stoping by — we are always available to help with your real estate questions, so please don’t hesitate to ask!

– Keeping it Genuine –

Your Realtors,

The Edwards Team Of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

Thank you for stoping by — we are always available to help with your real estate questions, so please don’t hesitate to ask!

– Keeping it Genuine –

Your Realtors,

The Edwards Team Of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

– Know Your Consumer Rights With Door-To-Door Salespeople –

Thu, 26 Jul 2018 18:37:00 GMT

Having someone knock on your door to sell you something can be a nuisance… having them pressure you into a contract, fraudulent scam or worse has put a bad taste in many people’s mouths.

This week’s #ThursdayThoughts is all about knowing your rights & what the Ontario Government allows companies to do, say or sell on your front step.

Be sure to grab our – FREE DOWNLOAD – that includes the questions to ask, how to file a complaint, a list of what you cannot sell to someone door-to-door & the your rights as a consumer!

Thank you for stoping by — we are always available to help with your real estate questions, so please don’t hesitate to ask!

– Keeping it Genuine –

Your Realtors,

The Edwards Team Of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

– Top Tips For Hiring A GREAT Contractor –

Thu, 19 Jul 2018 19:49:00 GMT

Renovations can be such an exciting time — letting your creativity inspire ideas, envisioning the room when it’s completed… seeing yourself & those you love enjoying the space.

We want your renovation to be a positive experience & have created a handy print off you can use in your search for a great contractor.

These tips came from an interview with our #GenuineProfessional carpenter, Allie Simpson of Natures Tools. She shared some quick tips & you can check out the video right here…

Thank you for stoping by — we are always available to help with your real estate questions, so please don’t hesitate to ask!

– Keeping it Genuine –

Your Realtors,

The Edwards Team Of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

– Chickie-Dough –

Tue, 15 May 2018 10:34:00 GMT

Living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be super complicated…

In fact, having kids has forced our resident healthy lifestyle advocate to streamline & find ways to provide options that don’t eat up your time!
(See what we did there? Pun totally intended!)

Hello!

Rochelle here & let me start by saying healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated!

I get it — life is beyond busy & those grab to go, single use items look amazingly convenient! But the reality most are as bad for your body as they are for the planet…

For years I’ve been sharing my recipes with friends, families & fellow parents & decided to start this series for easy reference.

These cookie dough balls are vegan, low sugar & are eaten raw…

Give it a go & watch your cravings for processed sugar dwindle away!

– WHAT YOU’LL NEED –

1 1/2 cup chickpeas (peeled is best)
2 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup nut butter of choice (sub nut free or coconut oil for school friendly)
1/2 cup maple syrup or melted honey
1/4 cup flax seed
1/4 tsp salt (do not over salt)
1/8 tsp baking soda
1/3 cup chocolate chips

– STEPS –

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Because we are all about keeping things simple, we didn’t do a big write up about the why’s or how’s of this recipe. We are all about making life easier & boosting your enjoyment without making you work for it.

All we ask in return is that you give us a share if you like this recipe!

That’s it! And we really appreciate it when you do share our content, it means the world to us!

– Keeping it Genuine –

Your Realtors,

The Edwards Team Of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

– OATS & VEGGIE PANCAKES –

Sat, 17 Feb 2018 15:52:00 GMT

Living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be super complicated…

In fact, having kids has forced our resident healthy lifestyle advocate to streamline & find ways to provide options that don’t eat up your time!
(See what we did there? Pun totally intended!)

Hey, Rochelle here & let me start by saying healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated!

I get it — life is beyond busy & those grab to go, single use items look amazingly convenient! But the reality most are as bad for your body as they are for the planet…

So I’ve been sharing my recipes with friends, families & fellow parents for a long time & decided to start this series for easy reference.

Give it a go & watch your cravings for processed sugar dwindle away!

– WHAT YOU’LL NEED –

– DRY –

1 cup whole wheat flour (or dietary substitute)
1/2 cup oats
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup ground flax seed

– WET –

1 ripe banana mashed
1 cup grated veggie (carrot, zucchini)
1 lrg egg
1 cup milk (rice, almond, etc)
2 tbl Genuine maple syrup
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 tsp vanilla
2 tbl oil (we use coconut oil)

– STEPS –

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All we ask in return is that you give us a share if you like this recipe!

That’s it! And we really appreciate it when you do share our content, it means the world to us!

– Keeping it Genuine –

Your Realtors,

The Edwards Team Of Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

• Fall Bulbs for Spring Curb Appeal •

Sat, 16 Sep 2017 00:24:00 GMT

Fall has arrived – Can you feel it in the air?

This is the season of boots & scarves, of warm drinks & warm fires, of getting outside to explore — the season of gratitude.

This is also the season where green thumbs start to plan out their Spring & Summer gardens. Not only is it a great way to get outside before fall passes by but the joy you get when they finally arrive it is so worth the effort!

There is something so beautiful about those first few tulips pushing through the still soggy & often frosty soil… they are the true sign that Spring is on our doorsteps.

The beauty of bulbs is that they work well in the garden in a variety of settings but can also be planted in pots & strategically placed anywhere in your outdoor space (perfect for capitalizing on curb appeal for the Spring market).

So now that you are sold on bulbs as a great way to get more enjoyment out of your garden, we wanted to share our bulb basics to help get you started.

1- First you will want to consider your garden’s conditions… full sun, partial sun, does your soil tend to be soggy & wet or does it dry out quickly. Once you figure out the conditions, take a look at the chart below to see which bulbs would be a good match.

2- Once you have an idea of which bulbs would work in your garden you should cross reference them with the blooming chart below so you can enjoy blossoms throughout Spring and long into Summer.

3- Next you will need to measure the area in your garden where your bulbs will go then look at the chart below to see approximately how many bulbs you will need.

4- Now that you know which bulbs & how many you’ll need, head over to your local garden centre to buy your selection. If you are planning on planting a lot of them you may want to invest in a bulb shovel that helps speed up the planting process.

6- Once you have buried them according to their proper depth you may want to consider a layer of mulch to help insulate against temperature fluctuation & to help keep the soil moist in the Spring. If you are in a squirrel friendly neighbourhood like us, you may also want to consider putting a layer of chicken wire on top to prevent those squirrels from snacking on your hard labour!

• Find more like these over at www.Longfield-Gardens.com •

Now that the hard part is over, you can relax & enjoy your autumn knowing that, come Spring, you’ll have a glorious garden full of colour!

As always we would love to have a chat
about your real estate needs — the coffee’s on us!

• WE’RE SOCIAL •

• Scroll down for links to our social media profiles •

Real Estate is very localized & each market is unique. If we aren’t your local REALTORS® we are connected to a vast network of real estate agents across the country & are always glad to help you connect with someone in your market.

Keeping it Genuine,

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Simplifying Land Transfer Tax in Ontario

Wed, 13 Sep 2017 22:17:00 GMT

There is a lot to consider when buying a home but one thing that comes up again & again when talking with our clients is the confusion surrounding the Land Transfer Tax in Ontario.

This week’s post is all about simplifying the process so you understand exactly what it is & how it affects you!

Below is the table of how the tax is calculated based on the purchase price (price you agree to pay the seller for their home)

0.5% – $1 – $55,000

1% – $55,001 – $250,000

1.5% – $250,001 – $400,000

2% – $400,001+

When you purchase land (which can be a home, condo, co-op, duplex, etc.) in Ontario you will need to pay a tax based on the value of the property on the day title transfers into your name.

To simplify this a bit more… you (the buyer) pay a tax on the price you pay for a home in Ontario on the closing day.

Whoever is buying the property is responsible for paying the provincial tax.

This is a tax unique to the city of Toronto… buyers who are purchasing a home within Toronto’s boundaries are required to pay an additional Land Transfer Tax to the city. This essentially doubles the taxes you would pay when buying.

If you are buying a property for the first time you might be eligible for the First Time Home Buyers Exemption program.

This exemption was put in place by the provincial government to assist first time buyers to get into home ownership by rebating the tax up to $5,000.

•must be at least 18 years old

•must occupy the home as your principal place
of residence within 9 months of the closing date

•you (or your spouse) cannot have previously owned
or had an interest in a home anywhere in the world

You will have 18 months from closing to process your rebate but most buyers claim their refund on their closing date through their lawyer who will complete the statements required.

As always we would love to have a chat
about your real estate needs — the coffee’s on us!

• WE’RE SOCIAL •

• Scroll to the bottom for links to our social media profiles •

Real Estate is very localized & while your process will be similar to this, we cannot guarantee that transactions progress exactly as written here. Feel free to reach out & ask us any questions you may have. If we aren’t your local REALTORS® we are connected to a vast network of real estate agents across the country & are always glad to help you connect with someone in your market.

Keeping it Genuine,

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Going to the Chapel? • Know Your Real Estate Options •

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 13:29:00 GMT

Planning a wedding?

You should probably read this.

Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials! This is such an exciting time & a whirlwind of planning, celebrating & lots of advice from those we love.

Between fittings & tastings we fit in invitations & decor planning — but have you been considering your Real Estate plans?

Many couples hurry to the altar as they see it as the first step in a life style sequence that has been the norm for centuries. But as we all know, the 21st century is vastly different from the world our parents & grand parents grew up in.

We have options beyond the “set in stone” story line of our lives — it’s a good idea to open the dialogue about home ownership & figure out what option is best for your lives specifically.

Last weekend I was enjoying a wonderful housewarming for a client when a mutual acquaintance shared their recent experience buying a home. After listening to his story unfold I felt compelled to share their experience with all of you because they just didn’t know their options!

This lesson is one that I wish their REALTOR® had thought to mention as the cost of the wedding coupled with the cost of buying a home was a lot & any savings would have been wonderful!

Finding out after that they could have saved thousands was really difficult to swallow.

This story begins many years ago when these love birds were still dating and the Mr. wisely decided to invest in his first home. As time passed the two grew closer & the Mrs. said yes to the Mr.

A beautiful wedding was celebrated & memories made followed by a compromise on where they would start their newest chapter together. But at closing they find out that getting married forfeited the Mrs’ First Time Home Buyer exemption .

This essentially cost them $4,000 as that is the amount they would have been reimbursed had they bought the house before getting married.

Now take a moment to really think about how far that $4,000 could have gone —
A bathroom reno?
New appliances?
An amazing honeymoon?

Getting your life started as a couple has never been as expensive as it is today… every dollar counts & I really wish I had been representing them so I could have educated them on their options. They may have still chosen the same path but at least it would have been a choice they made with all options presented & considered.

Every time you transfer the title of land into your name within Ontario you will need to pay a Land Transfer Tax .

This tax scales depending on the cost of your purchase & if you are purchasing in the City of Toronto you will have a second municipal land transfer tax (essentially doubling the cost). People who have not purchased a home or had an interest in a property are eligible for a rebate of up to $4,000.

(On January 1st of 2017 the exemption was increased from a maximum of $2,000 to a $4,000 maximum rebate on land transfer tax.)

If you choose to live together for more than 3 years prior to buying a home or if you get married & then purchase a home, you forfeit your right to that refund. That’s $4,000 that, depending on your circumstances, could stay in your pocket.

Check out this simplified blog all about Land Transfer Taxes & what you can expect.

Want to figure out what your best course of action is? Give us a call or text…
we would love to help you figure out your best next move!

We serve Hamilton-Wentworth, Halton & have a wonderful network of
talented REALTORS® if you are looking outside of our areas of expertise.

Keeping it Genuine,

The Edwards Team
of S. Todd Real Estate
Ltd., Brokerage

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Buyer Tips – Become A Savvy Home Buyer

Fri, 25 Aug 2017 13:06:00 GMT

This particular post is an on-going collection of tips to help you on your home search.

Take a look & give us a call when you are ready to start looking at properties!

• Helpful Tips for Buying a Home •

• Mortgage Pre-Approval – before you step foot in a home you should know if you can afford it! Finding out what your limits are before you start allows you to focus on the best homes for you & saves you (as well as the seller) the effort/stress of a home ‘selling’ then going back on the market.

• Talk to a REALTOR® who you trust – having their guidance, information & services can help you get from searching to owning that much sooner!

• Get organized – ensure that your income tax is paid, your paperwork for income (pay stubs) & taxes (t4’s) are on hand, have a deposit/downpayment saved up & accessible, keep all revolving credit below 75% of your maximum credit (on each individual account). Being ready to jump when the right house comes along saves you the stress of compiling it all on short notice or having the Seller pass you over because you aren’t pre-approved.

•Be aware of the closing costs which often catch Buyers by surprise – you’ll need more than that down payment to get the keys to your next home! Find out all about Closing Costs here.

• Neighbourhood – location is constant… you can change colours, designs, layouts, even add an entire story to a home but you can’t change the area you are living in. Be realistic in where you can afford but keep in mind that the neighbourhood you choose will play a large roll in your overall happiness in year to come.

• Team of Experts – using trusted professionals can help ensure the process is smooth every step of the way. Start thinking about Lawyers, Mortgage Brokers, Home Inspectors, Trades/Contractors & of course your REALTOR®. Ask your circle or feel free to contact us for our list of trusted professionals to help you build your home buying dream team.

• Structural Issues – A home may look ascetically pleasing but pay attention to the ‘bones’ of the house… the structural integrity. Paint, cupboards, counter tops, etc. are negligible in cost compared to foundation or joist issues. If you absolutely love a home that is showing signs of structural issues it is imperative that you have a professional advise you before you commit to buying the home. (This doesn’t mean you can’t buy it, just that you need to be aware & budget for those expenses)

• Check out the neighbours – Assess not only the home you are viewing but also take in the neighbours (on the street behind as well). These people may not be permanent but they could be there for many many years to come. Observe how they take care of their property… is it overgrown or rundown? Are they meticulous? Surveying the surrounding area can help you gage if you will enjoy your neighbours or if they may become a headache over time.

• Walk around – take a few minutes to walk around the home & look for any obvious problems… cracks in the foundation, rotting decks, cracking mortar in brickwork, downspouts too close to house, ground angled towards the house, etc. Your REALTOR® will help you spot some of these issues.

• Bones vs. ascetics – a move-in condition home has its perks but don’t just focus on the interior design features. Pay attention to the structure (cracks in drywall, sloping floors, cracked tiles, etc.) as well as the quality of the finishes.

• Age of Critical Fixtures – knowing the age of the main components of your home will allow you to better estimate expenses. Does the roof need replacing as soon as you move in, a year or two later or in 15-20 years? (Be sure to check out the worksheet below)

• Layout – put thought into your lifestyle now & consider future changes as well. An open concept bungalow may be great for entertaining but not as appealing for a young family with sound carrying into the bedrooms. Just as a centre stair 2 story layout is probably too much house for single owner & a townhouse or condo is probably a better fit.

• Deficiencies – Pay attention to any damage you see… peeling laminate is relatively minor but seeing water damage may be an indication of a larger problem. These items will be uncovered in more detail during a home inspection but noticing them prior to making an offer means offering a lower price to start vs. requesting a reduction after inspection. Pay particular attention to areas below washrooms & the basement.

• Cost Conscious – Take into account the age & functionality of the kitchen as well as bathrooms. These are the two areas that cost the most to renovate so always take their condition into account. Things like flooring are a relatively cheap renovation in comparison.

Every home is unique so enjoy the hunt for your next home & keep these tips in mind to help ensure you find the best fit for you!

As always we would love to have a chat
about your real estate needs — the coffee’s on us!

• We’re Social •

• Scroll to the bottom for links to our social media profiles •

Keeping it Genuine,

The Edwards Team
of S. Todd Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

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Break Down: Home Buying Process

Fri, 02 Jun 2017 19:47:00 GMT

Let’s be honest — buying a house can feel overwhelming & daunting… even if you’ve done it before!

Here’s a simplified breakdown of the steps involved from start to finish.

Should You Own A Home?

Home ownership is no joke & is definitely not for everyone (and that’s totally O.K.!). There is a lot more to owning your own home beyond saving a downpayment & getting a mortgage . There are monthly expenses, maintenance, saving for future repairs, etc. Here is a readiness checklist we provide our buyers to see if they are ready to take the leap!

Establish What You Can Afford/Mortgage Approval

Once you are serious about buying a home & know that it is the right fit for you, you’ll need to speak with a Mortgage Broker or Specialist to determine what you can afford. Once you know the maximum you can spend, we suggest trying to stay well below that mark — living house poor can take much of the joy out of owning a home & won’t leave you much in the budget to set aside for renovations or an emergency fund.

Why is this step so vital this early in the process?

Decide What You Can’t Live Without

A list of “must-haves” is a great starting place when you are searching for a home, but being flexible is essential. Unless you have unlimited funds, odds are you’re going to need to compromise & be realistic on what you can afford. Talk to your REALTOR® about what you can expect in your budget & let them help educate you on your specific market.

Start The Search

Using a REALTOR® to help you in these initial searches can help keep the process from being overwhelming — use their expertise to keep you on track & isolated to what you are truly looking for.

Choose A REALTOR(r)

It is generally in your best interest to choose a real estate agent to represent your best interests — this means signing a Buyer Representation Agreement & establishes a formal relationship.

There are many models in real estate & we often hear of the strategy where buyers want to work with the listing agent to save money. I’m not going to take a side & say it’s either a good idea or a bad idea… but it is essential you educate yourself on the pros & cons of this approach — Find out more about Dual Agency.

Get Out & Look At Homes

Whether you see something with your REALTOR® or go through open houses that interest you, this is the part where you physically step foot into homes & get to envision yourself living there. Keep a mental note of your wants vs. needs (this is where those REALTORS® come in handy!) & really get a feeling for the home while you are there.

Making The Offer

Once you have found “the one” your REALTOR® will go over comparable homes with you to help determine fair market value. After you have agreed to the many different terms within the offer, your agent will draft the paperwork & you will need to sign. Your agent then “registers” the offer so it is formally submitted & you wait for the offer presentation.

Negotiations

The offer presentation is where REALTORS® work hard for you… getting you the home you love for the terms you are comfortable with. Communication is key here & your agent will either have you be present or require you to be available during the negotiations.

Your Offer Is Accepted

If negotiations are successful, you will most likely have conditions to fulfill to “Firm Up” your offer. Things like Financing Approval or Home Inspection are usually conditions of the offer, meaning you have a certain number of days to finalize financing or to have a home inspection done before you are fully committed to buying the home.

These would be found on the Schedule A,B,C,etc. attached to the offer & will usually begin with “This offer is conditional upon …”.

You will also be required to provide a Deposit to the Listing Brokerage as soon as there is an accepted offer. This deposit is held “In Trust” (cannot be accessed without consent from all parties involved) & is a good faith measure from you to the Seller saying “See, I really do want to buy your house!”

Once you are satisfied with the results of your conditions (if there are any), your REALTOR® will have you sign another document & assuming you aren’t looking to make any additional changes (say a stipulation that the Seller repair something found on the home inspection), you will have a firm offer & have officially purchased that home!

If for whatever reason you decide not the remove the conditions or you can’t come to an agreement with the Seller on the inspection results, you (and all other parties) will sign a mutual release & your deposit will be returned in full.

Choose A Lawyer

Finding a lawyer to handle the registration of title & transfer funds on closing (among other things) is paramount… we strongly suggest you enlist the service of a Real Estate Lawyer, someone who has experience with these exact scenarios.

If you don’t have someone you would like to use, your REALTOR® should provide you with a list of reputable & trusted Real Estate Lawyers in the area or feel free to ask friends & family for recommendations.

Once you have chosen someone, your REALTOR® will get them all of the necessary documentation from the deal & you will meet with them close to closing to sign paperwork. Your keys to the new house will also be picked up from the lawyer on the day of closing.

Finalize Mortgage

At some point after the offer is accepted, whether it’s before you remove a financing condition or after there is a firm deal, you will have to meet with your mortgage broker or specialist to finalize the paperwork for your mortgage loan.

There may be stipulations in place from your lender requiring a survey, ESA Certificate or appraisal before they will finalize the loan. Your REALTOR® should take care of sending them all of the paperwork required from the deal & will help facilitate any of these additional requests from the lender.

Final Walkthrough

A day or two before closing it is essential that you make time to revisit the property & make sure everything is how it should be… The sellers are packing up (or packed up), the appliances look like they are in the same condition as when you made the offer, there are no damages or substantial changes to the home & contents that will be remaining with the home.

Should you or your REALTOR® notice anything that could result in an issue with the home closing, your lawyer will be notified & they will try to remedy the situation so it will close on time. Sometimes lawyers are unable to reach an agreement & a closing is delayed. Just in case there are any issues, doing this final walkthrough with enough time for lawyers to work their magic is imperative.

Closing Day!

The day has finally come & you’ve got the keys to your new home! This is the day you take ownership of the home & are free to move in. Even if you are delaying when you bring your personal belongings in, we suggest you do another walkthrough & some basic checks to ensure everything is as it should be.

Hopefully this guide will give you a better understanding of the buying process & what to expect along the way. Having a team of trusted professionals around you will certainly help make the buying process more enjoyable & smooth.

As always, Real Estate is very localized & while your process will be similar to this, we cannot guarantee that transactions progress exactly as written here. Feel free to reach out & ask us any questions you may have. If we aren’t your local REALTORS(r) we are connected to a vast network of real estate agents across the country & are always glad to help you connect with someone in your market.

Keeping it Genuine,

The Edwards Team

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– Mortgage Basics –

Tue, 02 May 2017 10:54:00 GMT

This week we are going to take a simplified look at mortgages so you can meet with your mortgage provider with some basic knowledge of your options…

Mortgage is the name given to loans used to purchase a home. These get broken down into high-ratio vs. conventional mortgages .

Conventional Mortgages are used when someone has more than 20% of the purchase price saved.

High-Ratio Mortgages are for people who want to buy a home but do not have at least 20% saved for a down payment.

With a high-ratio mortgage you can borrow up to 95% of the purchase price up to $500,000 & you will need 90% of anything above $500k … however there will be a CMHC (Canadian Mortgage & Housing Corporation) insurance applied. This insurance is mandatory for any federally regulated lender & protects the lender should you ever default on your mortgage while allowing qualified buyers to get into home ownership without the 20% downpayment.

To determine the amount you would owe on a high-ratio mortgage, check out the CMHC Premiums table . For most lenders, this total would be dispersed into your mortgage & your monthly payments would cover the total cost over time.

For many, saving enough for a conventional mortgage is a hard decision… check out this post to help you decide if you should take the leap or keep saving.

Once you determine if you are a high-ratio borrower or a conventional borrower, the next break down is a fix mortgage vs. a variable mortgage .

Fixed rate mortgages allow you to lock in at a specific interest rate for 5 years. That interest rate will be determined by your credit history & where the prime interest rate is. Your mortgage payments would be the same over the 5 year period after which you need to go in & renew your mortgage (possibly at a higher rate).

Variable rate mortgages (sometimes called adjustable rate mortgages) typically have lower interest rates. However, as the name suggests, these interest rates can rise or fall depending on the market. It’s a bit of a gamble so talking with your mortgage broker to ensure you understand the risk before you decide is imperative.

The next step in the equation is all about amortization & we will cover that here….

Remember that financial advice on mortgages can be complex & speaking with a trusted mortgage broker is always a good idea when you start thinking about buying a home.

If you are local to the Halton, Hamilton-Wentworth or Brant areas it would be out pleasure to help you connect with some great professionals in the area.

Keeping is Genuine,

The Edwards Team

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What’s The Deal With Aluminum?

Tue, 18 Apr 2017 17:22:00 GMT

In Ontario there are two types of wiring found in homes… Copper or Aluminum

Neither is right or wrong, but there is a stigma that is attached to Aluminum wiring. Keep reading for some tidbits that will help you better understand Aluminum wiring & what all the fuss is about.

Does this home have Aluminum wiring?

I get asked this all the time… It’s a very valid question but having aluminum wiring can be perfectly safe.

If the home you are looking at or are living in was built between 1964 – 1979 there is a very real chance that your home does in fact have aluminum wiring. It was primarily introduced into new builds as the cost of copper wiring was very high at the time.

But is aluminum wiring safe?

Yes. When installed correctly & when any changes to lights or outlets are installed correctly, aluminum wiring is perfectly safe.

So why is there concern when it comes to aluminum wiring?

When a home has aluminum wiring many insurance companies require an ESA inspection (Electrical Safety Authority) & any repairs or replacements to be completed before they will insure the property.

This is because homes with aluminium wiring are more likely to have electrical issues that will result in a claim to the insurance company. When installed incorrectly , aluminum wiring can cause issues dues to their inherent qualities — they tend to expand & contract more than copper and will often oxidize which can cause overheating.

Having switches & outlets that are approved for use with aluminum wiring or having proper “pigtailing” (method of attaching some copper wire to the aluminum wire to allow the use of decorra style switches) is essential. The ESA certified inspector will be required to open up every light fixture, outlet, light switch & appliance outlet to ensure they are approved & properly installed.

How do you know if a home has aluminum wiring?

Sometimes you will luck out & the basement has some wires running through an open space where it is clearly labeled by the manufacturer. If you didn’t luck out, you can look at the electrical panel & see what type of wiring was used. Most of the time you will have to remove the outer cover of the panel which can be a safety issue but any qualified home inspector will include an in-depth look at the electrical panel.

Is there a way to tell without paying for the inspection that there may be an issue?

There are some tell-tale signs that you are having issues with aluminum wiring….

How much does it cost to have an ESA certified inspection?

It will depend on the size of the home but they average $200 – $600.

Final Thoughts…

If you are selling a home with aluminum we strongly suggest you apply to get the ESA Certificate to put potential buyers minds at ease & also avoid any potential hold ups with closing — if a buyer cannot obtain insurance without the ESA Certificate they will not be able to receive their mortgage funds resulting in a delay of closing.

If you are a buyer looking at a home with aluminum wiring, do not get scared off by the stigma… you have a good understanding of aluminum wiring & your REALTOR(r) can include clauses into the offer to purchase should the seller not have a ESA Certificate ready to go.

Keeping it Genuine,

The Edwards Team

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Market Absorption – What does that even mean?

Tue, 11 Apr 2017 17:35:00 GMT

There are a lot of words REALTORS® & analysts throw around…
Market Absorption
is one of the most often heard & least understood.

Let’s jump right in to gain an understanding of the absorption rate & what it means to you.

What does that even mean!?

The time (in months) it would take to sell the homes currently listed for sale if no other homes came on the market in the meantime.

If someone tells you the absorption rate is 2.75 then they are saying that it would take 2 months & 3 weeks to sell all of the homes currently for sale (assuming no other homes come onto the market).

Why does it matter to me?

Buyers and Sellers alike benefit from knowing (or having a REALTOR® who knows) where the absorption rate is sitting because it is an indicator for what type of market you are dealing with.
Each market has different approaches for Buyers and Sellers — knowing what market you’re in is one of the most important factors in determining a successful strategy for your real estate transaction.

How do you know what the absorption rate is?

The best & fastest way to find out is to ask a local REALTOR®. If they can’t answer that for you then their finger isn’t on the pulse of the market & you should find a REALTOR® who does know.

You need two key pieces of data:

# of Homes Sold
&
# of Homes Actively For Sale

Once you have the data, the formula for basic absorption is simple:

# For Sale ÷ # Sold = Absorption Rate

Most people do not have access to accurate or up-to-date information on sold homes or the number of active homes which is why contacting a professional is the best way to find out the current rate.

How Does this affect Buyers & Sellers?

The affects depend on the type of market you are in – Buyer, Seller or Balanced . We go into detail on the different types of markets in this post here & it’s worthwhile to brush up on.

You now have a pretty solid understanding of market absorption & how it affects you.

As always, real estate is very localized… there are differences from city to city & even neighbourhood to neighbourhood! Asking a local REALTOR® is the best way to find out what’s going on in your area.
If you are in the Halton or Hamilton-Wentworth & surrounding areas we are always glad to help so please reach out!

Keeping it genuine,

The Edwards Team

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Working with a REALTOR® – The Agency Relationship {Part 2}

Tue, 07 Mar 2017 20:53:00 GMT

There are a lot of documents that will require your signature when you are buying or selling a home. Having a trusting relationship with your REALTOR® is an invaluable asset, but you still need to know & understand what it is you are signing!

This is Part 2 for learning about the different relationships (a.k.a. Agency Relationship) you can have with a REALTOR® & what they mean for you.

Part 1 took a look at the difference between a Client & a Customer.

Missed part 1? Find it here!

BUYER AGENCY:

Is a relationship where the Brokerage (company) & it’s REALTORS® exclusively represent the interests of the Buyer. A formal Buyer Agency relationship is established when a Buyer Agency Agreement is signed.

This contract outlines:

What you can expect from your REALTOR® in a Buyer Agency relationship:

Seller AGENCY:

Is a relationship where the Brokerage (company) & it’s REALTORS® exclusively represent the interests of the Seller. A formal Seller Agency relationship is established when a Listing Agreement is signed.

This contract outlines:

What you can expect from your REALTOR® in a Seller Agency relationship: (for many, these services will be negotiable based on the commission a Seller agrees to – Full Service vs. Discount)

Dual AGENCY:

Is a relationship where the Brokerage (company) & it’s REALTORS® represent the interests of the Seller & the Buyer in a transaction. A formal Dual Agency relationship is established when a Confirmation of Cooperation (where dual agency is selected) has been signed.

This contract outlines:

Sub-AGENCY:

Is a relationship where the Brokerage (company) & it’s REALTORS® may act on behalf of another REALTOR’s® client. Sub-agency relationships usually occur when a REALTOR® is showing a client houses prior to establishing a Buyer Agency relationship — in this case they would be working on behalf of the Seller & providing the Buyer a Customer Service relationship.

If you’ve made it this far, way to go! You now have a solid understanding of the different relationships you can have with your REALTOR® & are now in a position to make decisions that are best for you.

Wait! Before you sign that contract:

There are several key terms to note when committing to an Agency Relationship & you will want to ensure they are clearly outlined within the contracts.

Here is brochure created by the Ontario Real Estate Association which outlines the relationships in detail & is often one of the documents that you will be required to sign if you decide to use a REALTOR®.

Keeping it Genuine,

The Edwards Team

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Clutter vs. Your Health

Mon, 27 Feb 2017 03:05:00 GMT

Clutter: the ultimate dirty word in real estate.

The thought of a room overflowing with knickknacks & furniture or every inch of a wall covered in pictures in enough to send shivers down my spine.

Trying to sell a house that is overflowing is a feat in itself — usually resulting in a loss of thousands of dollars compared to similar non-cluttered homes.

But even when we aren’t selling, clutter has a tangible negative impact on our mental, spiritual & financial health.

How can all of these wonderful items cause such havoc in our lives?

And if they are such a leech on life, why are we keeping them around?

Our possessions are accumulated slowly over time & often we do not use them regularly yet the thought of letting them go pains us!

A book you’ve been meaning to get to — an outfit that will be perfect for an event one day — gifts from family or friends — each item may only take up a small physical space but the accumulated mass is enough to send us for an internal tailspin!

Because it happens gradually, piece by piece , we are often unaware of the impact until we start to lighten the load. As famous organization author Marie Kondo says in her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up …

Hold an object and if it does not fill you with joy, get rid of it.

If something does not serve an active purpose (cutlery, toilet paper, pens — even these can become clutter if you have too many of each!) or bring happiness to your soul, it’s time to sell or donate.

For many, the thought of getting rid of objects they have paid good money for is the equivalent of taking a twenty out of their wallet & burning it. Consumerism has been ingrained into our psyches – those born in the mid 70’s & all of those after have felt it since birth… Buy this and you will be happy, beautiful, loved, & desired . The catch is that you work to buy these non-essential items & are happy for a fleeting moment. Once that moment passes you now need to buy something else to get the same feeling.

It’s hard for most of us to initially embrace this negative spiral of consumerism but once you remove the veil it is almost impossible to unlearn. Those small choices today will add up to large savings in future purchases left on the shelf & the experience of lifting that weigh can be immensely cathartic.

Learning to find the happiness & joy in what we have allows us to embrace a life of true value…

Yes, set goals for where you want to be in the future but do not let a world of materialism determine what is truly valuable to you.

Some really worth while ideas…

TedTalk – The Case for Collaborative Consumption
Documentary (Netflix) – The True Cost

“Rise of collaborative consumption – this isn’t a short term trend but a powerful cultural and economic force reinventing not what we consume but how we consume.”
-Rachel Botsman

Keeping it genuine,

The Edwards Team

Hamilton – The Hot Commodity

Sun, 19 Feb 2017 13:12:00 GMT

It’s all over the media… Hamilton, Ontario is the new it city & homes are selling for many thousands over asking with multiple offers.

We’re going to take a look at why Hamilton’s Spring market took off with such ferocity & if this is a sustainable reality or a real estate bubble.

Many factors have aligned to create this explosive market & it is a wonderful awakening for Hamiltonians! This is a city with so much to offer but has had a difficult time reinventing itself from the “ steel town ” image that has been the focal point for decades.

What makes Hamilton, Ontario great?

With so much to offer, the new GO Train stations are drawing in a new crowd of people looking for affordable home ownership while offering ease of access to commuters. Hamilton is the answer for people who want a lifestyle of diversity without leaving them house poor.

What are the contributing factors?

When a 350 sq.ft. condominium in Toronto is selling for $400,000+ and a detached 3 bedroom home with a yard is selling for $300,000 in Hamilton, it’s no wonder people are being drawn west. Couple that with favourable financing options & you have a recipe for a strong market. Now factor in the low inventory of homes for sale & you end up with buyers competing for the same home which drives up the price.

Is this a real estate bubble?

The short answer is no. This is a result of many factors working together to drive the value up. As our neighbouring markets continue to climb in cost, so will Hamilton. If you are in a position to enter the market as a first time buyer or investor, the future is looking very favourable & it would be worthwhile to investigate your options.

If you are looking at your next purchase as a 5 year plan we suggest you wait for the market to stabilize a bit before you buy. Competing & paying top dollar for a home today is mitigated if you plan on holding the investment for 10 or more years. Anything less & you risk limiting the equity built before you take the next step in your real estate adventure.

Are there any disadvantages to buying in Hamilton?

Even with all of the wonderful reasons to buy in Hamilton, you should always weigh them against any negatives.

Hamilton is a city of growth right now — it’s identity shift has been years in the making & is coming to fruition. People are taking notice & the city is truly entering a coming of age.

If you would like more information about Hamilton or to talk more about your options, reach out to us… we love to help!

Keeping it genuine,

The Edwards Team

Recognize The Signs & Know Your Market!

Mon, 13 Feb 2017 03:20:00 GMT

So, what’s the market like?

If there is one line that you will get asked over again as a REALTOR®, that’s it!

You might have heard that Springtime is likely to be a Seller’s market & the best time of year to sell (a myth by the way… find out why here) or maybe that nothing ever happens in December.

But what does that mean for you & how do you know which market you are in?

There are 3 Different Real Estate Markets

{SELLER – BUYER – BALANCED}

SELLER’s Market

Cause:
A lot of Buyers looking & only a few homes on the market
{Low Inventory}

Sellers – Excited | Buyers – Frustrated

Market Absorption:
0 – 5 Months

You know you’re in a Seller’s Market when you hear about Buyers competing with each other (Multiple Offers) & Sellers are excited about how much they can get for their homes (often more than asking price).

Buyer’s Market

Cause:
More homes for sale than there are people buying.
{High Inventory}

Sellers – Frustrated | Buyers – Excited

Market Absorption:
6+ Months

You know you’re in a Buyer’s Market when homes stay on the market for a few weeks or more & Seller’s usually have one offer on their home at a time.

Balanced Market

Cause:
Similar number of homes for sale as there are buyers for them.
{Level Inventory}

Sellers – Excited or Frustrated | Buyers – Excited or Frustrated

Market Absorption:
5 – 6 Months

You know you’re in a Balanced Market when Buyer’s have a chance to look a lot of homes to find one that fits their needs & Seller’s will often wait a bit before an offer comes in (some homes will always get a quick offer).

Knowing which market you are in allows you to approach home buying & selling with a wisdom that a lot of people acquire on the fly through trial-and-error.

Heading out into the market with a solid game plan that you & your REALTOR® set out will give you an advantage out of the gate.

You keep hearing about Market Absorption , but what does that mean? Learn the in’s & out’s here.

If you need any information on your market, please reach out — We’re here to help!

Keeping it genuine,

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Market Update: March 2016

Sat, 05 Mar 2016 03:07:00 GMT

March 2016 – Market Snapshots

Knowing your market takes time & having reliable resources to look to for the statistics you need. We provide these simple snapshots to give you an overview but real estate is very localized.

For information specific to your area , please reach out — we genuinely love to help!

Find out more about the different types of markets here.

BURLINGTON | March 2016

– Sellers Market

– Low inventory

– Expected to continue into April

Hamilton | March 2016

– Sellers Market

– Low inventory

– Expected to continue into April

Oakville | March 2016

– Sellers Market

– Low inventory – Expected to continue into April

Milton | March 2016

– Sellers Market

– Low inventory

– Expected to continue into April

Brantford | March 2016

– Sellers Market – Low inventory – Market Moving towards Balance {end of April/beginning of May}

What to note…

NEED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MARKETS? LEARN MORE HERE…

As we mentioned earlier, every area will have it’s own localized market so please reach out if you are looking for more information — We’d love to help!

Keeping it genuine,

Working with a REALTOR® – The Agency Relationship {Part 1}

Fri, 29 Jan 2016 13:10:00 GMT

This post is going to delve into the different relationships (a.k.a. Agency Relationship) you can have with a REALTOR® & what they mean for you.

“When working with a REALTOR®, it is important to understand who the REALTOR® works for. To whom is the REALTOR® legally obligated?”
-OREA Working with a REALTOR®

We are governed by a legal concept referred to as agency – this is a legal obligation to look after the best interests & be loyal to the people we represent.
It is important to note that any agency agreements you sign are with the Brokerage (company) that the REALTOR® works for & not the person themselves.

What are the possible relationships you can have with a realtor®?

You have the choice of becoming a

CLIENT or CUSTOMER.

In a BUYER AGENCY, SELLER AGENCY, DUAL AGENCY, SUB-AGENCY or CUSTOMER SERVICE relationship .

Client Relationship:

When you enter into a Client relationship with a REALTOR® {through a Buyer Representation Agreement or Listing Agreement for Sellers} your interests are protected & the REALTOR® owes you fiduciary (legal) duties:

Although a REALTOR® may have entered into a Client relationship with you, they must still treat all parties in the transaction with fairness, honesty, and integrity.

CUSTOMER Service relationship:

If a Buyer or Seller does not wish to be under contract as a client they can create a customer service relationship. The obligations of a REALTOR® to a customer are very different than a client:

It is vitally important to understand that should the Brokerage (company) a REALTOR® works for have a Client relationship with the other party in a transaction, their fiduciary duty is to the Client & protecting their best interests.

This can be a lot to take in, however it is important you understand what your option are & what you are agreeing to. Contracts are binding & it is our responsibility to ensure you understand what you are signing.

READY TO TAKE ON PART 2? Learn More about the specific relationships here…

Keeping it Genuine,

The Edwards Team

Here is brochure created by the Ontario Real Estate Association which outlines the relationships in detail & is often one of the documents that you will be required to sign if you decide to use a REALTOR®.

Keeping it Genuine,

The Edwards Team

Hiring The Right Home Inspector

Mon, 18 Jan 2016 13:10:00 GMT

You have fallen in love with that beautiful home & your REALTOR(r) has included a condition in the offer to have a home inspection…

Or perhaps you are getting ready to sell your home & your REALTOR(r) has suggested you have a pre-list home inspection done…

How do you know you are choosing a reputable & knowledgeable inspector to protect your investment?

Below is a list of questions you should ask potential inspectors so you can choose someone who will be an asset for you in the buying/selling process —

1. How many years have you been an inspector?

2. Do you specialize in residential or commercial inspections?

3. Do you provide high resolution pictures in a detailed inspection report?

4. How long will it take you to provide the report?
Real Estate is a time sensitive business & most home inspections are performed based on a condition in the offer. Conditions will always have a deadline within which you will need to be satisfied with the results of the home inspection

5. How long will the inspection take? {The average inspection will range from 1.5 hours (condo apartment) to 4 hours depending on the size of the home… You want a thorough evaluation of any issues with the home}

6. Will they be performing thermal imaging scans, testing all accessible outlets, testing for gas, etc?

7. What areas of the home will you be inspecting? {Inspectors should be able & willing to look at all areas of a home, from the roof to the kitchen to the crawl space to the attic, finding an inspector who will take the time to look at every corner of the home is imperative. Looking at the furnace, AC, Water Heater & Electrical Panel is very important.}

8. Will you be allowed to accompany the inspector while they evaluate the home? {If the inspector is not willing to let you walk the home with them while they complete the inspection, find someone who will. Seeing things first hand, asking questions & being informed is essential to making the decision to buy a home.}

9. How much will the inspection cost? {Just like the time required, most inspectors have a range of $250 (small condo) – $600 (2,500+ sqft) for a home inspection. A higher cost does not necessarily mean a better inspector.}

10. Are you a member of the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors? What kind of training do you have? {Choosing someone with experience & who is a professional in their field means that they have qualified experience to be able to isolate any issues with the home. Should you have any major defects once you move in that an inspector should have caught, you will have the option of taking legal recourse.}

Download our convenient PDF Guide to Choosing your next Home Inspector!

In our area there are thousands of inspectors. If you would like help narrowing down your decision, the Edwards Team has a list of qualified inspectors who you can interview.

Keeping it genuine,

The Edwards Team

What to Expect: When Selling Your Home

Mon, 11 Jan 2016 13:09:00 GMT

Welcome to the first installment of our What to Expect series — all about what happens when you list your home for sale.

Most of us are aware of the effort it takes to get a home ready for market but the lifestyle changes most Sellers experience when they list their home is often a source of stress. So let’s take a moment to lighten the mood & help reestablish your expectations of normal while your home is listed.

Some of the strange phenomenon you can expect…

1. Living in a perpetual state of cleaning– if moving out isn’t an option, there is always a chance Mary Poppins is looking for work.

2. Last minute requests to show your home — most likely while you are having dinner…

3. They requested an hour long showing & you have been sitting in the car. They arrived 5 minutes before their showing time ended and are still in your house — Take a deep breath & remember, any Buyer could be THE Buyer.

4. Yes, they did use the toilet… apparently they don’t know how to flush.

5. Anything left on the counter is considered fair game…

6. Someone will go through your cupboards, closets & drawers — It’s best to be prepared for it.

7. Yes, Buyers will notice the pictures of your adorable dog/cat/kids but we need them to notice the house. Taking down your personal pictures will help keep Buyers focused & help your home sell faster.

8. They will needlessly touch your stuff — at some point you will have someone come through your home who can’t help themselves, so take anything you don’t want touched and put it away.

9. No, you don’t have a stalker… you have drive-by viewings! Often the same car will drive by before they book a showing, arrive for the showing & drive-by repeatedly after. They are considering your home & calling the police will probably not lead to happy negotiations.

10. Don’t hate your neighbour — yes they appear to be nosy but they could have a friend who wants to move to the area or more likely they want to educate themselves on the value of their home. We are curious creatures by design so try to keep calm & accept that it’s par for the course.

Selling is stressful but having realistic expectations & an understanding of what is likely to happen can help keep the surprises to a minimum.

Keeping it Genuine,

The Edwards Team

All GIFs via GIPHY

Edwards Team | Real Estate

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The Anthropocene is here — and tiny Crawford Lake

has been chosen as the global ground zero | Canadian Geographic

The Anthropocene is here — and tiny Crawford Lake

has been chosen as the global ground zero

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17 BEST Beaches in Oakville, Burlington + Hamilton

- 1 -

Burlington Beach

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Beach Boulevard

- 3 -

Van Wagners Beach

- 4 -

Confederation Beach

- 5 -

Fifty Point Conservation Area

- 6 -

Casablanca Beach

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Nelles Beach

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Binbrook Conservation Area

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Christie Lake Conservation Area

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Gullivers Lake

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Valens Lake Conservation Area

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Emerald Lake

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Kelso Conservation Area

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Coronation Park

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Bronte Beach

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in your city & this completely non-exhaustive list shares

places to visit & secrets to use to your advantage in Burlington, Ontario.

- 1 -

Labyrinths

- 2-

Mapleview Centre

- 3 -

Magnetic Hill

- 4 -

Paletta Mansion

- 5 -

Artistic Installations

36 - 7 Davidson Blvd, Dundas

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Robert Edmondson Conservation Area

Come for the peaceful reservoir

& stay for a stroll , all at Robert Edmondson Conservation Area.

This is the self proclaimed hidden gem �� of the Halton Conservation Park system

& is an amazing place to visit year round!

With 70 acres of forest, wetlands & reservoir - there's a lot packed into this pint-sized natural playground & I'm excited to show you around ��

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The Reservoir

Hello, Midtown Oakville

If you’re considering a move to Oakville, you’ll likely be trying to orient yourself

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& get your bearings on what this amazing town has to offer.

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