Plummeting Ontario home prices, in the wake of two Bank of Canada rate hikes in June and July 2023, have caused the average Ontario home price to fall to a new low for the year. 

The GTA is slightly outperforming other areas of the province, even as climbing mortgage rates continue to spook already weary homebuyers in one of the most expensive markets to buy a home in Canada. For those looking to buy a house in Toronto, you'll need a minimum income of more than $213,000 to afford an average home, based on the City of Toronto’s average home price of $1,066,184 for July 2023. You’ll also need to cough up at least $213,000 as a down payment.

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) housing market, which accounted for 13% of all home sales in Canada for the month of July 2023, saw prices fall 5% compared to last month, slightly less than the 6% fall in the provincial average price. Similarly, the GTA’s annual price gain stood at 4%, beating out the provincial average’s annual price gain of 3%. The GTA’s average home price for July 2023 was $1,118,374.

Sales activity in many of Ontario’s major housing markets remains stronger than the poor showing seen last July. Provincially, Ontario home sales are up 9% year-over-year. Home sales in Toronto are up by 7% year-over-year and down 30% from last month, while Ottawa’s housing market is seeing a 14% increase in sales year-over-year, down 24% from last month. Hamilton and Mississauga sales activity is also seeing similar patterns: a minor year-over-year increase in sales and a large decrease in sales month-over-month. An exception to this is Brampton, which has seen both an annual and a monthly decline in home sales.

Looking at Ontario’s major urban housing markets in terms of annual price change for July 2023, Mississauga is the worst performing with a 1% year-over-year decrease in average sold prices. It’s the only major housing market in Ontario to see a decrease in prices compared to the same period last year.

London-St. Thomas managed to scrape out a tiny 0.2% year-over-year price increase, to $668,821. Brampton home prices are up 2%, Ottawa home prices are up 6%, Hamilton home prices are up 7%, and Oshawa home prices are up 8.5% year-over-year. Comparatively, City of Toronto home prices are up 5% year-over-year.

Looking at home prices, the average home price in Toronto’s housing market for July 2023 was $1,066,184 for the City of Toronto and $1,118,374 for the GTA. Brampton had an average selling price of $1,052,059. Meanwhile, Mississauga home prices increased to $1,057,640.

Burlington, a picturesque city nestled along the shores of Lake Ontario, has become a beloved destination for families seeking a peaceful and family-oriented community. Average home prices are less than in Oakville and Toronto. This is one of the reasons why Burlington has captured the hearts of so many families, highlighting its vibrant community, exceptional education opportunities, natural beauty, family-centric amenities, and convenient location. Here are some reasons why we love Burlington.

1. Welcoming Community and Vibrant Atmosphere:

Burlington boasts a warm and welcoming community spirit that resonates with families. The city hosts numerous festivals, events, and neighborhood gatherings, providing opportunities for families to connect and create lasting memories. From community-wide celebrations to local communities, Burlington offers a vibrant atmosphere that fosters a sense of belonging.

2. Excellent Education Opportunities:

Education is a top priority for families, and Burlington excels in this regard. The city is home to a range of public and private excellent schools that prioritize delivering a well-rounded learning experience. With dedicated educators, comprehensive curricula, and enriching extracurricular activities, Burlington's schools empower children to thrive academically and personally.

3. Natural Beauty and Outdoor Recreation:

Burlington's natural beauty and abundant green spaces are a haven for families seeking outdoor adventures. The city boasts numerous parks, trails, and captivating waterfront areas. Families can enjoy picnics in lush green spaces, embark on invigorating hikes, cycle along scenic paths, or simply savor leisurely strolls along the picturesque lakeside promenade. Burlington's natural landscapes offer endless opportunities for families to connect with nature and engage in outdoor activities.

4. Family-Centric Amenities and Services:

Burlington goes above and beyond to cater to the needs of families, ensuring a fulfilling and enjoyable lifestyle. The city offers a range of family-centric amenities, such as well-maintained playgrounds, community centers, and libraries. Families can partake in recreational activities, join sports leagues, and participate in community programs that foster connections and create a sense of community.

5. Convenient Proximity to Urban Opportunities:

While Burlington provides a serene suburban setting, it also benefits from its proximity to major urban centers such as Toronto and Hamilton. Families can enjoy the tranquillity of Burlington while still having easy access to the amenities, employment opportunities, cultural events, and entertainment options offered by nearby urban hubs.

Burlington is an ideal destination for families, with its welcoming community, exceptional education opportunities, natural beauty, family-centric amenities, and convenient location. The city's commitment to nurturing a family-friendly environment is evident in its vibrant atmosphere, excellent schools, abundant recreational spaces, and range of services tailored to families. For those seeking a fulfilling and serene lifestyle, Burlington offers the perfect blend of community, education, nature, and urban accessibility. 

It has been a tremendous 15 years at Century 21 Miller Real Estate!

Thank you for recognizing my continued success and dedication to my clients for the past 15 years of service at Century 21 Miller Real Estate.

Being awarded as a 2022 Centurion Winner is such an accomplishment. Thank you valued clients for continuing to choose Sue Heddle Homes as your trusted agent!

Working With a Trusted Real Estate Agent

Thinking of buying a home? With 15 years of experience, Sue Heddle Homes has what it takes to help you find your ideal home and location. From sharing key information about specific areas to knowing how to negotiate the best price, Sue is the only experienced realtor you need. If you’re thinking of starting your home search, give us a call at 416-906-7998 and let’s talk.

According to the latest Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) annual forecast the Ontario housing market is making a comeback! 

A rebound is expected by the latter half of 2023, with an increase in home prices and sales after months of declines. 

What does this mean for potential buyers and sellers?

The following are the key takeaways of what to expect going forward:

1. The average home price for the year is expected to reach $1,140,000, which is higher than January's average price of $1,038,668 ( albeit still 4% lower than last year's average).

2. The board forecasts 70,000 sales this year. Still 7% fewer than last year, however, all indicators are predicting it will stabilize and will continue to increase into next year.

3. TRREB cites an Ipsos poll showing that more would-be buyers are considering buying a property this year than last year, and a slightly higher percentage of homeowners planning to put their homes up for sale.

4. Even though TRREB expects activity to remain slow in the first half of the year owing to relatively high mortgage rates, it predicts that rates of fixed-mortgage products will start falling this year, which will increase demand for housing. 

Lastly, the Canadian labour market has remained relatively healthy, adding 150,000 jobs in January, and given that Canada plans to take in another record number of immigrants, will definitely put pressure for more housing, translating into higher prices and sales.

Therefore, before the market gets too hot, would-be-buyers should act now to realize a dream home reality, before it becomes too late.

Working With a Trusted Real Estate Agent

Thinking of buying a home? With 15 years of experience, Sue Heddle Homes has what it takes to help you find your ideal home and location. From sharing key information about specific areas to knowing how to negotiate the best price, Sue is the only experienced realtor you need. If you’re thinking of starting your home search, give us a call at 416-906-7998 and let’s talk.

Hoarding is a very serious disorder and can have long-term ramifications to the hoarder and to those wanting to help declutter the home for resale. Approximately 2% to 6 % percent of the population have a hoarding-type disorder according to the International Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Foundation. People with a hoarding disorder will hold on to objects and animals regardless of their sentimental or financial value. 

Selling a hoarder's home can be extremely challenging for the hoarder and their loved ones.  

Sue Heddle homes can help. We have the experience and can create a plan of action, taking into consideration feelings, preferences for decluttering, cleaning, and staging.

The following Sue Heddle Homes steps can help with the process:

1. Have different storage areas/ bins prepared in advance for Items to:  "keep," "dispose of”, "recycle," or "charity." This will save a lot of stress!

2. Clear hallways and walkways first: before tackling each room, clear hallways, stairways, and other common areas first to make it easy for you to move around the house.

3. Work room by room: Start with the rooms that are more accessible, and designate items as to the "keep," "dispose of," "recycle," or "charity” areas and bins. Set strict limitations on the number of items that can be kept in each room. 

4. Clean the room: Once a room is empty, give it a thorough deep clean and disinfect all surfaces. Remember to wear protective equipment and a mask to protect yourself from contaminants, plus any harsh cleaning agents or chemicals.

5. Staging: Sue Heddle Homes offer all her clients FREE home staging services with modern and on-trend furnishings. Sue will showcase the home to its best advantage to sell quickly and profitably.

Working With a Trusted Real Estate Agent

With almost 15 years of experience, Sue Heddle Homes has what it takes to sell your home. With proven marketing strategies, free home staging for all listing clients, and in-depth local market knowledge, we are committed to making the real estate process as smooth as possible. To learn more about working together, please call 416-906-7998.

You may have noticed more frequent sightings of wildlife in Oakville over the past few years, in particular coyotes. 

According to the Oakville -Milton Humane Society (OMHS), more frequent reports of coyotes during this time is in part due to more people staying at home over the pandemic, which allowed people more opportunity and time to explore their residential neigbourhoods and to encounter various wild neighbourhood inhabitants like coyotes.

During approximately mid-February coyotes are mating, with puppies due in April. Therefore, there will be more frequent sightings, as well as fall when coyotes prepare for winter.

As humans continue to encroach on coyote territory through housing and infrastructure development, there will be more human/coyote interaction. 

Therefore, the OMHS recommends 5 main rules to allow for a more peaceful co-existence:

1. DO NOT leave out bird seed in the backyard as this will encourage or lure coyotes into your backyard to hunt birds and other small animals.

2. DO NOT Intentionally feed coyotes as this will make them become dependent on people to feed them and they will become potentially more aggressive due to losing their natural fear of humans.

3. DO secure all garbage and compost containers outside to deter ALL wildlife.

4. DO NOT allow the family cat to roam the neigbourhood. An easy target for coyotes.

5. DO wave, make loud movements, throw small objects close to the coyote (not at), yell, or use a noise maker when approached or confronted by a coyote to instill a natural fear of humans - called Aversion Conditioning.

For more useful information on maintaining harmony in your neighbourhood with coyotes and other creatures visit the OMHS website and Coyote Watch Canada.

Are you looking for your ideal neigbourhood in Oakville? Sue Heddle Homes can help. 

With 15 years of experience, Sue Heddle Homes has what it takes to help you find your ideal home and location. From sharing key information about specific areas to knowing how to negotiate the best price, Sue is the only experienced realtor you need. If you’re thinking of starting your home search, give us a call at 416-906-7998, and let’s talk.

The Government of Canada ban on foreign home investors from buying property in Canada took effect on January 1st, 2023.

What you need to know.

The two-year ban, targeting prospective foreign home buyers will no longer be able to purchase real estate that includes condos, apartments, and single residential units – as well as higher taxes for investors who let their homes sit vacant.

The main focus of the ban is to restrict foreign home investors from purchasing real estate where there is no intention of living in them. Thus causing a shortage of available inventory and driving up real estate prices for Canadians. Toronto alone has approximately 5% of homes sitting vacant, Therefore, this could be significant for buyers waiting to get into the real estate market.

These measures could provide some temporary relief in a very tight market – particularly combined with measures presented by the Ontario government to dampen the market, like making blind bidding optional. 

With this in mind, more Canadians looking for homes potentially have a better opportunity to become homeowners. Sue Heddle Homes is here to help buyers get into this market and leave with their dream home. Contact me and see how Sue Heddle Homes can turn a house dream into a homeownership reality.

What is the interior design crystal ball foretelling for 2023? The following vintage home design trends of not being on trend is sure to inspire a fresh new outlook for 2023!

The saying “What is old, is new again” has never been more true in making your home as unique as you are.

1. Organic Design Chic

The previous minimalist trend of completely white walls with black trimmed window frames is losing its appeal according to recent consensus from style experts. Try keeping the focus on the design style and era of your home by using trim, moldings, or details that connect to the home's architectural character. Using a bold colour accent choice and/or using a unique wallpaper as art will separate your style from every other house on your block.

2. Resplash The Backsplash

Updating a backsplash can be both a practical and economical method of updating any kitchen. Instead of the classic subway horizontal design, consider geometric and herringbone styles. This will create an instant refresh with more artistic flair, but still versatile, impressive, and easy to maintain as a traditional staggered stacked tile.

3. Personalization vs. Minimalization

The Marie Kondo rules of minimalism and decluttering is in for a transformation. While keeping spaces clean and decluttered is sticking, the focus has changed from “removing” to  “adding'' personalized elements that give you joy. Functional and purposeful items such as decorative rugs, grammas throw pillows and a family/friend picture wall of life experiences will add personality and showcase your unique home versus minimizing it. 

4. What is Old is New Again

New does not always mean better. In the current era of supply chain lags creating low supply, the push for repurposing furniture and home items is and will continue to be popular. In addition to reducing consumption and recycling, vintage items bring character and uniqueness to your personal space. Online sites like Facebook Market Place, local neighbourhood website pages, Etsy, and the local thrift store have made finding precious vintage and preloved pieces so much easier to find.

5. Warm Colours Are The New Neutrals

Goodbye to the many layers of grey and hello to rich and warm browns, blues, and greens to the expanding neutral colour palate. There is more and more of this expanded palate being applied to kitchen cabinets and walls. The emphasis is on adding warmth and colour to your home to add dimension and the aforementioned personality to your living space. 

Of course, you are in charge of what makes your space special. There is a multitude of approaches.  Include one, a few, or even all of these design elements without a complete re-do of your living space(s). 

The key, as Marie Kondo would say, is to incorporate “what brings you joy” into your design process and you will not go wrong.

Do You Want To Find A Home That Matches Your Style?

With almost 15 years of experience, Sue Heddle Homes has what it takes to help you navigate the real estate landscape. With proven marketing strategies,  free home staging for all listing clients, and in-depth local market knowledge, we are committed to making the real estate process as smooth as possible. To learn more about working together, please call 416-906-7998.