Laurence's Real Estate Blog

The City of Burlington is consistently ranked as one of the top cities to live in Canada, according to Moneysense. The following are a few hip neighbourhoods for young families and new homebuyers.

Brant Hills

This hip community is situated in the north-west corner of Burlington, seconds from Highway 407. Brant Hills is an established community that features lots of properties including entry level, freehold town homes, semi-detached and linked properties. A great place for growing families, the Hills has seven different schools and is home to many parks and trails. Another fantastic draw of Brant Hills is Amherst Community Garden. This large community garden is a perfect place to escape hectic work life.

Headon Forest

This neighbourhood is roughly 30 years old and is also home to seven different schools. Established forest and tree lined streets of double car garages are the norm in Headon. The community is also home to the heritage site, Ireland House. Established in 1837, the Ireland House hosts many community events through out the year to help families celebrate. Foodies love Headon Forest, with plenty of diners and cafes as well as 5 West Brewpub and Kitchen. This British pub has plenty of craft beers, trivia and live acts throughout the calendar year.

Corporate

Families of all shapes and sizes, as well as all age groups will love the community of Corporate in Burlington. Loaded with condominium buildings as well as a long-term care facility and daycares, Corporate is aimed at facilitating families old and young. This uptown community is within walking distance of many amenities as well as the massive Des Jardines Park. Find all sorts of fun and entertainment through recreation and community events in Corporate, Burlington!

If you’re planning a move this coming spring, the time is now to start looking around Burlington. Visit www.burlingtonneighbourhoods.com for all sorts of listings.

Your furnace works hard over the winter, here are some tips to make sure it stays in working order so you don’t run into any problems and have to pay more money to repair it down the line.

Make sure your furnace filter is clean. The filter is meant to help keep the air circulating through the furnace. Over time, dust can accumulate and cause the filter to get blocked. Make sure to keep an eye on your furnace’s filter and if you notice it collecting a lot of dust, it’s time to replace the filter.

Keeping the area around the furnace clear is very important. Having the area clear will help the air circulate more freely and help your furnace last longer. Most furnaces are in the basement, where most people tend to store their extra belongings so remember, you should have 3 to 5 feet of space cleared around your furnace.

Taking small steps to keep your house warm can also help your furnace. If you’re looking to redecorate this season, getting curtains, rugs, and carpets are all ways to prevent drafts from going through your house and will make the space feel (and look!) warmer. However, make sure that if you are redecorating your house, the registers for your furnace aren’t covered by any furniture or decorations because that will halt the air circulation process and will damage your furnace over time.

Consider having your furnace checked once a year, as there are many benefits to keeping on top of your furnace. You’ll be able to catch small issues before they turn into large issues. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that it’s been checked and any issues have been prevented. And lastly, you’ll save money on repairs - especially in winter when your furnace is working hard and you need it the most!

Real estate agents are a wealth of information, and you know having one by your side is the best thing you can do for a less stressful move. Here are the best questions to ask when looking for a Realtor to represent you and see if they are the right fit for you.

1) Can I see your references?
Prior to choosing a real estate agent, ask to see their references. They should easily be able to connect you with past clients who have worked with them. Also, visit their social media pages and website for testimonials and client comments.

2) What experience do you have?
Ask them what experience they have. Find out what areas they are familiar with, what types of real estate they know the most about and the demographics of clients they usually deal with. Each agent has their niche and it’s important to make sure it matches with yours.

3) How will you market my home?
If you are selling a home you will want to know how the agent is marketing the home and how they are making sure buyers are seeing it.

5) How will you keep me informed?
Throughout the whole process, it’s a good idea to know the way that your agent will keep you informed on potential or interested prospects for your home, and how they will inform you of new houses on the market that fit what you are looking for.

The best advice of all is to remember that you can never ask too many questions. Real estate professionals are here to help and represent you throughout your real estate journey. The more you know and understand, the better!

Day trips and shopping tips

December is made for shopping and relaxation – you can’t have one without the other. Or, at least you will need one AFTER the other! Here are a few ways to get both in Burlington:

Conservation Areas

Burlington is home to several conservation areas that are open year-round for the outdoor enthusiast. Relax your mind and build your spirit at LaSalle Park, Spencer Smith Park, Paletta Lakefront Park and Mansion, Bronte Creek Provincial Park, Kelso, Glen Eden, Mountsberg, Crawford Lake, Hilton Falls, Rattlesnake Point, Robert Edmondson and Mount Nemo Conservation Areas. As you can see, there are many to visit! Visit www.conservationhalton.ca/parks for more information.

Downtown Burlington

Your one location to fulfil all your Christmas shopping! Shop for the entire family this holiday season in downtown Burlington and make sure to stop along the pier to admire the view! Holiday shoppers can find exclusive spas, gift shops, galleries and eateries down by the pier as well. Explore the downtown core, then head uptown to both malls – Burlington Centre or Mapleview Shopping Centre.

Waterfront Trail

Perhaps after shopping, you’ll want to stroll the 23 kilometres of Waterfront Trail that branches out from downtown. Start at Burlington City Hall and make your way past historic homes and churches on a self-guided walking tour. Walk out to the Joseph Brant Pier on a calm and crisp winter morning to refresh your soul.

Central Park Labyrinth

As long as the weather cooperates and there is no snow and ice, walking the Central Park Labyrinth is a great way to calm the mind. This city of Burlington recent addition is modelled after the labyrinth at the Chartres Cathedral in France that dates back to the year 1200! The Central Park Labyrinth is one of the first in Canada and is located at 2299 New St.

Visit www.tourismburlington.com for more day trip destinations around Burlington, including scenic routes and trails accessible throughout the year!

The holidays are an exciting time for many and as a home seller you have the double duty of celebrating the season and selling your home at the same time. Check out these great tips and learn how to properly stage your home for showings throughout the holiday season.

Clean it first
Before you bring out the holiday decor be sure to clean your house from top to bottom. Vacuum, dust and reorganize the furniture to maximize the space in each room. After you clean, put away personal items such as family photos, personal trinkets, and other items that will make it hard for the buyer to picture themselves in your home. Once you’re done, you can begin adding some seasonal decor to your space.

Less is more
Always remember that less is more when staging your home. The more that the buyer is able to visualize their belongings and style in the home, the better. Avoid displaying all of your holiday decorations over every surface and in every corner as it can be extremely overwhelming and take away from the home’s features. Consider picking a seasonal colour palette and using that as your inspiration. Use pillows, vases, blankets and other household items in these colours as your decor. Bring in some winter touches by displaying greenery and pinecones in vases and table tops. This decor won’t overwhelm buyers but still shows off your holiday spirit.

Make your traditions your decorations
Even if you aren’t displaying all of your favourite holiday decor, there are still so many ways to make your home reflect the holiday season while entertaining guests. Play classical or Christmas music throughout the house while guests are over, bake holiday treats for your family and friends to enjoy and keep the house warm by turning up the heat a little higher. These decor-less tips will make your home feel festive and fun.

Think of your curb appeal
Stay away from the over sized lawn ornaments and instead put lights around bushes or on the roof. During day, when potential buyers are coming through the house, the lights won’t be as noticeable but they will still make your home look like a winter wonderland when turned on in the evening. Remember to also have a salted walkway and a driveway clear of snow for safety during showings and open houses.

With these great staging tips your home will look great to potential buyers and still show off your holiday spirit when entertaining guests!