When you’re searching for a home, making appointments to view listings can feel really exciting. You start to imagine yourself in these new spaces and it’s hard not to personalize things as soon as you set foot in a home that caught your eye.

As a top Oakville realtor for over a decade, I’ve certainly seen potential buyer’s excitement turn to disappointment when they finally get the chance to tour a listing that they were interested in. When you’re touring homes for sale, it really is important to keep an open mind, which can sometimes be easier said than done.

What’s Okay to Ignore When Looking for A Home?

Not to worry, as a trusted and experienced Oakville realtor, I’ll always make sure that important concerns are never overlooked. Things like electrical or structural issues, disrepair, or evidence of leaks certainly require attention and may be a reason to forgo putting in an offer on a home. 

However, there are three things that shouldn’t dissuade you moving forward in the home buying process.

1. The seller’s style.

As hard as it may be to think about, someone else does currently live in your dream home. As such, never let a terrible paint colour put you off of a home you like. You can always repaint, which is actually something most people do within a year or so of moving anyway. Same thing goes with any other décor that doesn’t suit your style. Decor can be easily changed and you’ll have plenty of time to tailor things to your own tastes.

2. Mess and clutter.

Sometimes a seller doesn’t do a great job of cleaning up before a showing. Try to overlook the mess and clutter. If their house has been on the market for a while, it really is a lot of work to always make sure it’s buyer ready. Try your best to focus on the overall condition of the house and not the mess. 

3. Unsolicited opinions.

If you’re bring family or friends to showings, know that everyone will have their own opinion. From the location to the exterior brick or the layout of the kitchen, not everyone will see eye to eye. Remember that you’ll be the one living in the home so ignore any advice that feels unhelpful. The only people that need to love the home are the people that are going to live in it!

Sue Heddle Homes Brings Helpful Insight to Home Buying

There are so many things to consider when buying a home. That’s why it’s so important to work with an Oakville realtor that has experience and that you can trust. At Sue Heddle Homes, our commitment to our clients is unparallel. We are dedicated to helping you find the best home for your needs, for the best price. Ready to get started? Give us a call at 416-906-7998.

Making the decision to complete home renovations comes with lots of things to consider. As a top Oakville realtor, I’ve seen plenty of beautiful home renovations and some that look like things just didn’t go as planned. Whether you’re thinking of selling your Oakville area home soon or simply want to upgrade the space you have, there are a few things you can do to make sure the renovation process goes as smoothly as possible.

Depending on the type of renovation you’re considering, time of year may play a factor. While most contractors work all year round, it may be easier to do an addition on your home or renovate your kitchen when not dealing with winter weather and freezing temperatures. 

Simplify Home Renovations with These 3 Tips 

There are a lot of things to consider before you begin any home renovation project. It’s important to be prepared, do your research and have realistic expectations on potential costs. 

Renovation does, however, allows you to add value and functionality to your home, so here are three tips you can follow to make sure that your project goes as smoothly as possible:

1. Get a written and signed contract.

Even if you’ve vetted a contractor and have heard positive testimonials from friends or family, it is critically important that you get a signed written contract before any payment is made and any work commences. Any reputable contractor will also see the value in a written contract and it should be a standard part of their process. If it’s not, move on and find another contractor. A written contract helps keep everyone on the same page and avoids disputes about payment, budget, work to be completed and timelines.

2. Keep your expectations reasonable.

Budget and timelines are almost always different than originally estimated. This can be as a result of things discovered once the work begins, supply issues, or the simple fact that you decide to add or change your plans. A common suggestion is to add about 20% leeway to your initial budget so cover unexpected things that may come up.

3. Understand that you’ll be living in a construction work site.

You have to be ready for dirt and debris when you’re planning a renovation project. Although your contractor will do their best to keep the mess contained, understand that there will be way more dust than you’re used to. Consider installing another air filter, cover up as much as you can, and even remove items, if possible, to avoid having to clean them once the project is complete. 

Is it Time to Buy or Sell?

Not everyone wants to undergo a home renovation. If it’s not something you want to do but you need to change your space and make it work better for your needs, perhaps it’s time to buy or sell.  Sue Heddle Homes is your best option when it comes to finding a home or selling your current home at top dollar. With more than a decade of experience and a proven track record, you can trust that I’ll help you find what you’re looking for. If you have real estate needs in Oakville or anywhere in the Halton area, get in touch today and let’s get started!

As a busy Oakville realtor, I hear from people all the time that they’re worried their children will never be able to afford to buy a home. It seems to be a common topic of discussion with home prices continually rising while requirements for down payments remain out of reach for many.

Whether you think your children will be interested in living in Oakville or another part of the GTA or would prefer to settle down in a smaller town like Guelph, the thought of buying a home as a young person just starting out can certainly seem overwhelming.

How Parents & Grandparents Can Help the Next Generation

Having the means to help your grown children or grandchildren buy real estate is a blessing and a luxury. However, before you hand over cash or sign on the dotted line, it’s important to take time to explore the best options for everyone involved. 

Based on current home prices it shouldn’t be surprising to hear that most young people receive some kind of homebuying assistance from their families.

More specifically:

• Receiving a cash gift. Families are providing first time home buyers with a cash gift substantial enough to serve as a down payment.
• Receiving a gifted down payment. This can help home buyers secure the financing they need in order to make an offer on a home. Parents or grandparents sign a gift letter for the financial lender that says the funds are gifted and repayment is not required.
• Getting a co-signer. This means that parents or grandparents assume a shared legal responsibility and would be held accountable for the mortgage if their child/grandchild is unable to uphold payments.

What To Consider Before Offering Financial Assistance

As with any real estate or financial transaction, do your due diligence. Being able to help your adult child can be a positive experience, but that doesn’t mean practicality and a risk analysis shouldn’t be part of the equation. 

Here are some things you’ll need to consider:

• What will this do to your own financial security? 
• Are you setting a precedent? Depending on how many children or grandchildren you have, can you help each of them equally? 
• Even if you can help with a down payment, will your child or grandchild reasonably be able to handle everything else that comes with homeownership? 
• Is anyone else involved? If your child is going to be living with a partner, be aware that this person will have rights to the property in the event that the relationship ends. Additionally, if you provide a down payment, are your child’s in-laws co-signing the mortgage? While it may feel impersonal, getting the support of a real estate lawyer can help avoid future complications.

First Time Home Buyers Need Sue Heddle Homes

There is so much that goes into finding your first home. From getting your finances in order to knowing what type of space you’re after, it can feel overwhelming at best. Sue Heddle Homes has over 10 years of experience helping first time home buyers navigate the real estate market and find a home that works for them. With expert market knowledge, top notch negotiating skills and a dedication to each and every client, you can count on Sue Heddle and her team to make the experience as positive as possible. Ready to start house hunting? Call Sue at 416-906-7998 and let’s get started!

After the decision is made to buy a house, many people debate about whether they should buy new or purchase an older home. If you are looking to buy a house in Oakville, you will certainly have options when it comes to the type of home you might be looking for. Interestingly, real estate stats report that the percentage of those who strongly or somewhat prefer buying a newly built home weighs in at 41%. So, for the most part, prospective home buyers still favour existing homes.

What To Consider Before Buying An Older Home

Here are some of the more popular reasons to buy an older home.

• Old world construction. Older homes have stood for decades and tend to have genuine craftsmanship with meticulous attention to detail. You will often hear people say “they don't make them like they used to”!
• Larger yard. Years ago, when land was cheaper, builders built on larger lot sizes.
• More character. Interesting architectural features are more common in older homes such as arches or stained-glass windows.
• Longer-term neighbours. Some older homes are passed down through generations. Many neighbors know each other. 
• Established neighbourhood. Zoning changes are unlikely to occur in older areas. 
• Mature trees. It's not uncommon to see 50 to 100 year old trees providing canopies in yards and boulevards. 
• Closer to the core. Older areas tend to be located closer to downtown areas.

Of course, along with examining the pros of buying an older home, we also have to look at the drawbacks. Some of the reasons why people don’t want to buy an older home include:

• More maintenance
• Expensive to replace wiring and plumbing. Tree roots break up sewer pipes. Galvanized pipes are rust-prone. Knob and tube and aluminum wiring needs to be upgraded or replaced.
• Smaller closets, storage spaces, and garages.
• Might require updates to kitchen and bathrooms.
• Can be more expensive. Homes that are closer to the core of the city tend to sell for a higher price. 

What To Consider Before Buying a Newer Home

Even if you are drawn to the charm of an older home, many people still opt for a newer home as they prefer the following benefits:

• Little maintenance. Buying a newer home means you will not likely have to replace the roof or the water heater any time soon.
• Modern conveniences. Newer homes have been designed with features like primary suite baths, mudrooms, home gyms and media rooms. 
• Energy efficiency. New appliances use less energy. Walls, ceilings,​and floors are insulated. Dual pane windows retain more heat in winter and keep the home cooler in summer.
• Built to current code.
• Less expensive. If the new home is not custom, it's likely to cost less per square foot than an older home in the city. People looking for their first home are flocking to suburban areas for precisely this reason.

On the other side of the coin, drawbacks to buying a newer home are:

• Similar floor plans. Newer homes have less individuality. 
• Immature vegetation. It can take years for trees to grow. 
• Longer commuting distances. Newer homes are pretty unlikely to be located at the core of a downtown area. So if you need to get to work in rush-hour traffic, the distance from downtown might make a difference to you.
• Lack of amenities. If you buy a home in a newer neighbourhood, you may have to wait for retail and other amenities to catch up! This means you may be without amenities for a while, including parks and schools.

Find The Home That’s Right For You

The first step to finding your next home is to find an Oakville real estate agent. There are some fantastic new and existing homes are out there in Oakville and the surrounding areas, and Sue Heddle Homes can help you find the one that works for you. With more than 10 years’ experience working with clients all across the GTA, our commitment to our clients is unparalleled. Give us a call at (416) 906-7998 when you’re ready to take a look!

September 30th, 2021, is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. 

It is a day to reflect and recognize the tragic history and ongoing impact of residential schools on Canada's Indigenous people and to make sure it is never forgotten.

Hockey Cares would like to acknowledge the Elders who share their experiences while continuing to educate our nation towards Truth and Reconciliation.

Please donate to Hockey Cares, a reconciliation project under True North Aid.

By playing together we learn from each other. Thank you for your support.

When it comes down to it, you should decorate your home in a way that makes you feel comfortable, calm and happy. However, if you’re looking for some inspiration, natural wood tones are popping up more and more as people work hard to create a home environment that helps block out modern day stresses.

As a trusted Oakville realtor for more than a decade, Sue Heddle Homes has seen many home design trends come and go.  While natural wood is certainly not new, the next few years may welcome back this neutral option with open arms and see it make a serious comeback in both traditional and modern Oakville area residences. 

Adding Natural Wood Tones to Your Space

Natural wood is classified as a classic design trend, which means it’s very versatile and can be brought into almost any space or paired with any taste. In addition, it’s also easy to mix and match natural wood furniture, although it’s best to stay with three or four wood finishes to avoid looking to muddled. 

Neutral Tones and Colour Palette

Whether you choose to add natural wood with flooring or with furniture, the final result will bring in soft neutral tones that bring any space together and make it feel connected to nature. 

Even those who typically opt for a minimalist décor will appreciate what even a small amount of natural wood can do when it comes to adding dimension without overpowering a streamlined space. For those looking to make small changes, natural wood is ideal for adding more depth to what you already have in your home by adding some subtle sophistication.

Creating Comfort

Another wonderful benefit of adding natural wood to a space is its ability to increase comfort. Natural wood shines when it comes to creating a warm and cozy atmosphere that feels personal but also stylish enough to impress your guests. 

It can offer a bit of a rustic feel if that’s the style you’re after, but it can also add warmth and brightness to minimalistic rooms looking for something to elevate the final look. It really does have the power to create a sophisticated, yet vintage feel all at the same time. No matter your taste, natural wood can do a lot for your home. 

Find the Right Home for Your Family with Sue Heddle Homes

An experienced realtor will help you find a home that meets your needs. Oakville realtor Sue Heddle has the local knowledge and expertise to help you make the most of the current market and navigate the real estate process by making it as stress free as possible. Whether you’re looking for your forever home or want to downsize, you can trust our team to support all of your needs. Contact us or give us a call at 416-906-7998 to learn more about our award winning process.

Every potential home buyer has a wish list when it comes to what they want in their ideal home. As a seasoned Oakville realtor, Sue Heddle Homes has helped hundreds of clients find homes that meets their needs. While tastes and preferences do differ, there are often similarities when it comes to groups of home buyers.

For example, empty nesters are often looking for a smaller home that has a layout that supports ageing in place. For larger families, storage and multiple bathrooms may top the list. When it comes to first time home buyers, this group also tends to have a common wish list in mind when they begin the search for their first property purchase.

6 Features That Appeal to First Time Buyers

Before you begin any home search, make sure you have a trusted and experienced Oakville realtor that can guide you through the process. You want a realtor that is familiar with the area, knows how to negotiate on your behalf and has the knowledge to make your real estate transaction as stress free as possible. 

Here are some of the most common things first time home buyers are looking for in a home:

1. The kitchen and the family room to be completely or partially open concept.
2. Laundry room on the main floor.
3. Stainless steel kitchen appliances.
4. Hardwood flooring on the main floor.
5. New windows.
6. Outdoor patio or deck.

Are you looking for your first home in the Oakville area? What other features would you add to the list above?  

First Time Home Buyers Need Sue Heddle Homes

With more than a decade of experience in the Oakville area, Sue Heddle Homes has what it takes to help you find your first home. 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.

With almost 15 years experience in real estate in Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga and all across the GTA, Sue Heddle has seen her fair share of ups and downs. In addition to buying and selling homes, Sue has assisted many clients lease out their properties as well. And while bidding wars have been typically reserved for those purchasing property, the recent spike in the demand for rental homes has resulted in the leasing market mirroring the frantic pace of GTA housing sales.

Sue Heddle was recently asked to contribute to a CBC News article that addresses the bidding wars happening for those looking to rent a house. 

Read the full article here.

Listen to the discussion on AM 640.

Watch her Global News interview.

Get The Most Out of Real Estate Transactions With Sue Heddle Homes

The changes in the state of the rental market are just another reason why you need a professional, experienced realtor on your side. Renting, purchasing or selling a home can be stressful, but with Sue's help you'll receive guidance and support every step of the way. 

If you have a rental property and are looking for tenants, contact us. Not only can we help you get the best price, but we'll also:

• take professional photos for your rental listing.
• take care of scheduling and managing all showings.
• market your property to our wide network, increasing the chances of finding a great tenant.
• handle paperwork and negotiations that can be time consuming and overwhelming.

Thinking this might be the year to move or make a housing change? Contact Sue Heddle Homes. With many years of proven success and an unparalleled commitment to our clients, we're ready to help you and your family find the right home for your needs.

Whether you chose a newer home or a home in a more matureneighbourhood, when you bought your current home, you did so based on it having features you love and enough space inside and out to accommodate your family and your lifestyle. However, over time, things change.

Undoubtedly, there will most likely come a time when you start to feel like moving to a bigger home in Oakville or Halton is the next logical step. If you’re still not sure and want more information before you take the leap, Sue Heddle Homes is sharing five signs that it’s time to buy a bigger house.

1. A Growing Family.

New baby on the way? Whether it’s the need for a nursery or you have aging parents or other family members moving into your home, adding more people generally means you’ll need more space. When there are more people in a home, you’ll need space for more stuff and you’ll certainly notice a bigger demand on bathroom space. Expanding families are one of the most popular reasons to move to a bigger home.

2. Desire To Change Neighbourhoods Or Schools.

If you bought your first home in Oakville, Milton or Burlington you may not have been familiar with all the neighbourhoods, but wanted to get into the market so you bought a home that worked with your budget. Now that you know more about your community, it’s time to upgrade your living by choosing a neighbourhood or community that better suits your lifestyle, preferences, and needs. If you have kids about to start school, now can be a great time to upgrade and get into the school zone you want. 

3. Increased Income.

More money in the bank is another great reason to invest in a bigger house. Whether you’re after a larger yard with a pool or more living space for your family, increased income will allow you to be a little more selective about the home you buy. Take the time to consider what you wish were different about your existing home, and make a list of priorities. Working with a professional Oakville real estate agent can really help you create a wish list that will ensure you find a larger home that meets all your needs.

4. Your Current Home No Longer Supports Your Lifestyle.

From hobbies that need more space, to starting a business to welcoming visiting friends and family on a regular basis, if your happiness at home is limited due to your house being too small, it might be time to do something about it. 

5. Is Renovating Really The Best Option?

If you’ve already been thinking about renovation, you really have become aware that your current house may no longer be working for you. Depending on the condition and layout of your current home, undertaking a renovation to create more space can actually be more costly than selling and moving to a larger existing house. In addition, when it comes to a renovation, you also have to think about either living in a construction zone or finding temporary accommodation while the work in being done. Doesn’t sound like something you want to deal with? You efforts may be better used going real estate shopping instead.

Buy A Home In Oakville With Sue Heddle Homes

Sue Heddle Homes knows how important the purchase of a new home is. With more than a decade of experience as a top Oakville realtor, working with Sue means that you’ll get expert advice and knowledge that can make all the difference when it comes to finding your next dream home. And when you find your next home? Sue Heddle Homes can also help you sell your current property quickly as all listings get free home staging and are marketed using effective online tools. Ready to start touring new homes and attending open houses? Create your new home wish list and then contact Sue Heddle Homes at 416-906-7998 to get started.

House hunting can be a very exciting time, but it can also be a stressful time – especially if you're completely unprepared!  When you decide you are ready to start touring homes, make sure you start the process with a plan in hand.  By taking the time to get organized before you start, you will save yourself time and money and make the process much more enjoyable.

So, let’s take a look at what NOT to do!

1.     Not having your financing in order.

How can you really know what price you can afford without being pre-approved for a mortgage?  Sellers may actually be scared away by your offer without pre-approval as they will assume you aren’t really a serious contender. There were some big changes to mortgages recently, so be sure you know where you stand before you start shopping for your next home.

2.     House hunting on your own.

If you are serious about buying a house, you should be working with a professional real estate agent. An Oakville realtor like Sue Heddle will be able to monitor new listings, price changes and other market information that can help you find the house you want. We'll also decipher any listing nuances, help you prepare an offer and negotiate the best price.

3.     Be short sighted.

While it does happen, the chance of you finding the perfect house that has everything on your wish list is not likely.  Focus on your top priorities and be willing to look at the bigger picture. If the house fills most of your criteria, it is worth taking a long and hard look at the property and determining if it will work for your needs.

4.     Ignore the home.

Love the neighbourhood and the décor inside? Don’t let that fool you!  Remember that you are buying the structure on the property and unless you take the time to really inspect it, you might miss some obvious signs that things aren’t what they seem. Take your time and look at the windows, how the flooring is installed, if closet doors open properly and the paint job. 

House Hunting Can Be Enjoyable With Sue Heddle Homes 

With just a few simple steps, house hunting can become an enjoyable experience.  The right realtor can take a lot of the stress and confusion out of the process, so don’t be afraid to reach out to a local real estate agent in your area.  Sue Heddle Homes, an experienced Oakville realtor, has been supporting clients in the Oakville, Mississauga and Burlington area for more than 10 years and would be pleased to help you find your next home.  Contact us to find out how we can help.

Announced in late May, the government of Canada has launched a new program that offers Canadians grants of up to $5,000 for completing energy-saving home upgrades. From upgrading heaters, to installing solar panels or replacing drafty windows and doors, the program aims to help keep our air clean and our environment healthy. 

Worth about $2.6 billion over seven years, the grants will help approximately 700,000 homeowners lower their bills and keep houses warmer during our cold winter months. If you’re interested in accessing these funds and improving the efficiency of your Oakville area home, keep reading for more information on how the program works. 

How Do I Access the Canada Greener Homes Grant? 

For those home owners who are keen to get started right away, here are some details on how to participate in the Greener Homes Grant initiative.

• Visit the program website to learn more.
• Register and book your pre-retrofit evaluation with a certified adviser.
• An adviser will visit your home and determine which energy-saving measures would qualify for reimbursement.
• If you choose to proceed, you can then hire a licensed contractor to complete the retrofits. 
• After the completed work passes an inspection, homeowners will be reimbursed.

If you want to register for the grant by phone or if you need any assistance or advice, you can call 1-833-674-8282. 

Helping You Make the Most of Your Oakville Home 

With more than a decade of experience, top Oakville realtor Sue Heddle knows how to help you make the most of your home! Whether you’re looking to find a larger home for your family or want to downsize, our team is ready to help. In addition to your real estate needs, be sure to check our blog regularly for helpful tips on home maintenance and renovation, real estate and community news. If you’re thinking of buying or selling this year, contact us at 416-906-7998 and let us help you find success.