New World 2000 Realty Inc., Brokerage

Monday, October 28, 2013

Getting Your House Ready for Halloween

USA, Illinois, Metamora, Jack o' lanterns on porch

Halloween is a fun holiday, especially if you have children.  Here are a few things you can do to make your house fun and spooky:

  • Decorate the outside and in the inside of your house with Halloween things, such as spider webs, witches and skeletons.
  • Purchase a couple of pumpkins and create jack-o-lanterns to put outside in front of your house.
  • On Halloween night put on some spooky Halloween music or sounds.
  • Make sure your porch light is on so the children know you're giving out candy.

Happy Halloween!

 

 


Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Getting Your Home Ready for the Fall

Autumn trees surrounding driveway

The leaves are changing colour and beginning to fall and the temperature is getting cooler.  It's a good time to do some seasonal maintenance on your home.  Here are some helpful tips:

  • Check the roof for damaged shingles and remove any leaves and debris.
  • Hire a professional to clear your gutters or do it yourself if you're comfortable.
  • Make sure rainwater downspouts are not obstructed.
  • Turn off exterior faucets and store hoses in a dry place to prevent any water from freezing.
  • Rake the leaves from the yard as needed.
  • Make sure all the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
  • Check around the edges of windows and doors for air leaks.  Repair caulking and replace seals if necessary.
  • Hire a professional to have your furnace inspected to make sure it's in good working condition.

Monday, April 29, 2013

New Home vs. Resale Home

A model of a traditional house, with terrace or framework of an extension. 

If you're in the market to buy a house you might be wondering whether to purchase a brand new home or a resale home.  Which is better?  It really depends on your preference but each comes with advantages and disadvantages.

If you purchase a new home you will have the opportunity to personalize your choices.  You might be able to upgrade or choose the paint and the floor you want.  New homes are usually more energy efficient than older homes.  Building codes are up-to-date with new construction and everything is new so there's little maintenance.  In Ontario, new homes are covered by Tarion Warranty Corporation, which means you will be protected if the builder violates the Ontario Building Code or if there's any flaws in the builder's work and materials.  Be sure to confirm that your builder is registered with Tarion.  However, neighbourhood amenities such as shopping malls or schools might not be completed yet.  Also, there are more expenses associated with buying a new home as you need things such appliances and drapes and you might have to spend money on landscaping.  In addition, you might notice cracks in the basement walls as the newly constructed house starts to settle.

If you decide to purchase a resale home you are moving into an established neighbourhood with schools and shopping malls.  The landscaping is done and tress are mature.  Older homes tend to have more character and are generally less expensive than new homes.  On the other hand, it might not be in move-in condition so you might need to renovate or replace the roof and windows. 

The best thing to do is to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages and make a decision best suited for your needs.


Monday, April 22, 2013

Should You Buy First or Sell First?

Young woman with finger in mouth, close-up, studio shot 

You live in a house and you own it, but you're thinking of moving into a bigger one because you need more space.  Should you sell your current house first and then look for a new one, or should you buy a new one first then sell your current one?  This is a question a lot of homeowners ask themselves. 

It makes sense to sell your existing home first and then buy a new one because you'll know how much you can afford to spend.  Also, you won't have to make your offer conditional on selling your current house because you have already sold it.  However, what happens if you can't find a new house before your existing one closes?  You might end up settling for a house that doesn't satisfy you.  If you don't find anything in time you might be forced to rent until you find the house you want.

If you decide to buy a new house first you'll have the opportunity to look for the house of your dreams, but then the clock will be ticking for you to sell your existing one.  If the market is slow and houses are taking longer to sell, you might be forced to sell for less or you'll end up having to pay two mortgages.

In the end it's a personal decision and it depends on what you feel more comfortable with.    

Monday, April 15, 2013

March Sales Statistics for Burlington

Paper cut out of home made of financial reports 

Year
Sales
Average Price
2013
265
502,733
2012
344
436,624
 
As per the table above there was a 22.97 percent decrease in sales in March compared to March 2012.  The average price increased by 13.15 percent compared to March 2012.
















































   


















 

Monday, April 8, 2013

Recent Home Sales in Burlington-Headon Forest

Real estate sign indicating sold house 
 
  • Apartment, 1 Storey, 1 Bedroom-$185,000-$207,500

  • Apartment, 1 Storey, 2 Bedroom-$188,900-$352,000

  • Detached, 2 Storey, 3 Bedroom-$325,000-$550,000

  • Detached, 2 Storey, 4 Bedroom-$461,000-$665,000

  • Townhouse, 2 Storey, 2 Bedroom-$262,000-$417,000

  • Townhouse, 2 Storey, 3 Bedroom-$265,000-$415,000