The process of selling your home starts long before you select a realtor in Oakville and the ‘for sale’ sign goes up. If you’re thinking of selling your Oakville, Burlington or Mississauga home this year, there is no time like the present to start decluttering and make it more appealing for potential buyers. Sue Heddle Homes, offers free home staging to all of our clients, but when you work to clear out unused items and clutter ahead of time, it makes it even easier to showcase all the benefits your home has to offer.

When you're selling your house, know that potential buyers want to see everything. From storage closets to your garage, no space is safe from the eyes of a serious house hunter. Reducing the clutter in your home will enable you to maximize every square inch of your space and help potential buyers really see themselves in the house. 

Where To Focus Your Decluttering 

To help you get started, we're sharing a list of important places to declutter if you’re thinking of selling your home. It can certainly feel like a lot of work, but clearing out the clutter will make it easier to stage your home and to create a listing that will get your property sold quickly. 

The top areas to focus on are:

1. Front Yard.  

Surprised to see the outside of your house on the list? Prospective buyers love to drive by listings and check out the neighbourhood before attending an open house. It’s very important to keep your front lawn well maintained and your front door area clutter free to make the best first impression, even before anyone walks through the door.

2. Storage Rooms.

Storage rooms are not the spot to stuff your clutter! Buyers are absolutely going to want to see inside your garage, utility closets, and even backyard sheds to get a real sense of how much storage they might have. Clean out those items you never use and think about investing in quality shelving to make the area look spacious and organized.

3. Family Room.

You probably spend a great deal of time in the family room, but it shouldn’t look like a catch all for your family’s interests. Family rooms should be clear of stacks of magazines, and overflowing bookshelves, and don’t forget to pare down throw pillows, blankets and table accessories too.

4. Closets.

People are certainly interested in storage spaces, but they’ll also have a great interest in the everyday spaces that can add to their day to day life. Whether it's a front closet or a master suite walk-in, closets have a big impact on prospective buyers. Pack up off-season clothes and donate items that you haven’t worn in the last 12 months. Remove extra hangers or boxes that make the space look cramped.

5. Bathrooms.

People remember to clean out their closets or kitchen cupboards, but what about those bathroom drawers and counters? Go through all your products and get rid of anything that has expired or that you don’t use. Add some storage units or shelving if you find that you don’t have enough space to properly organize and store your bathroom items.

6. Laundry Room.

A good laundry room is a well sought-after space, so it’s worth it to help yours make a good impression. Organize your products and remove all those random socks that just don’t seem to have a match. If you’ve been using your laundry room as backup storage for clothes, now is the time to box them up and move them into a better space or decide if you really need them at all. 

Ready To Sell Your Oakville Home? 

Sue Heddle Homes understands how big of a decision it is to sell your home. From helping you make smart decisions when preparing your home for sale, to providing home staging services, Sue Heddle Homes will work with you so that you get the results you need. With more than a decade of experience, you can count on us to make your experience as seamless as possible. If you are thinking of selling your Oakville, Burlington, or Mississauga home this year, contact Sue Heddle.

The Canadian government has proposed new rules related to the mortgage stress test which would take effect on June 1, 2021. To review, the mortgage stress test was introduced by the government to help limit the number of Canadians who run into financial trouble by overextending themselves by assuming a mortgage they can’t comfortably pay for. 

As the real estate market has experienced continued growth and significant price increases during the global pandemic, many have been calling for regulatory changes in order reduce the risk of a market crash and to stop Canadians from assuming too much housing debt. 

Here’s How These Changes Will Affect You 

The proposed changes will increase the minimum qualifying rate for an uninsured mortgage from 4.79% to 5.25%. As a result, it will make qualifying for a mortgage more difficult for many Canadians. Simply put, on average, home buyers will be able to qualify for four to five percent less in funding because of this change. 

It’s important for home buyers to understand that these changes won’t increase their actual costs, but will impact the limits on what they’ll be able to borrow. For example, home buyers who are hoping to qualify for a $800,000 loan may only qualify for $750,000 after the changes take effect. These measures will impact all homebuyers, which actually may help cool the overheated market in some parts of Canada.

While the changes will provide some needed stability for Canadians, it will make buying a home out of reach for some, meaning they’ll miss out on the opportunity to invest in real estate as a tool in increase their wealth. 

Now’s the Time to Buy A Home with Sue Heddle Homes 

Today’s market can be overwhelming but the team at Sue Heddle Homes can help. With more than a decade of experience, we know we can help you meet your real estate goals and find you a home that works for your needs and your budget. To find out more about buying a home in Oakville or the Halton region, contact us or give us a call at 416-906-7998.

Ready to buy or sell a home in Oakville? While you may be tempted to try and tackle the process on your own, know that an experienced real estate agent can provide you with invaluable expertise and support. Below you’ll find five reasons why it’s essential to work with a professional real estate agent for any type of real estate transaction.

1.  A Good Realtor Will Educate You, Not Sell To You.

Obviously, a real estate agent wants to help clients buy and sell homes. However, a good agent is dedicated to much more than just selling. They will also help you understand the entire process so you know what to expect. A quality agent wants to make sure you make a smart and educated decision.

For example, if you want to list your home, an experienced Oakville realtor will help you navigate through the following areas:

• Determining if your property is ready for the market.
• Having professional home staging done.
• Deciding on a fair price.
• Providing you with helpful information on associated costs for selling a home.

If you are a buyer and are ready to find a new home, an experienced Oakville realtor will make sure you are ready by working with you to ensure the following questions have been answered.

• Have you been pre-approved by a lender? 
• Do you know what you can realistically afford? 
• Do you know what goes into a strong offer?

If you’re not prepared for your real estate transaction, then buying or selling a home can turn into a stressful and seemingly impossible situation. By working with the right agent, you’ll transform the way you think about real estate and feel less overwhelmed about the whole process.

2. Qualified Real Estate Agents Know How To Market Your Property.

When buyers walk into a poorly presented open house, it’s pretty impossible for them to imagine wanting to live there. You can also count on reduced open house traffic if the listing includes poor images and incomplete details. It really is essential to prepare a home for being sold the right way. Some of the most important aspects of a good real estate marketing plan include:

• Home Staging.
• Professional photography.
• Video footage.
• 3D house tour.
• Online marketing tools. 

Do all of those things really sound like something you can tackle on your own? You’ll certainly save time, money, and frustration by having a real estate agent help you present your property.

3. A Realtor Knows Local Market Conditions.

Real estate agents are in-tune with the conditions in your local market. As such, they will have insight into things like:

• Type of audience for your home.
• Where to advertise to buyers.
• Where most buyers are coming from to see your home.
• Average number of days it takes to sell a home.
• Average asking price versus sales price.
• Trends in real estate in your area.
• Whether or not sellers pay closing costs.
• Challenges you could face due to factors such as layout or location.

In-depth knowledge of your market and the real estate conditions in your area, means that your agent will have the ability to get you the best price for your home, even when taking into account every realistic challenge or obstacle that may impact your listing.

4. Real Estate Agents Are Skilled Negotiators.

Real estate negotiations are complex. From making counter offers to dealing with conditions and arranging an appropriate deposit – ask yourself, would you really know how to handle those situations with the right knowledge and protocols? By working with an agent you’ll be able to create a strategy, negotiate, and manage the situation as effectively as possible. 

In addition, your realtor can assist you with stressful events such as when a home inspection reveals a problem with the roof, electrical or finds mould. These discoveries can send people back to the negotiating table and your Oakville realtor will be ready to make sure you are properly represented, and with your best interest in mind.

5. An Agent Is More Than Just A One Time Resource.

Real estate agents are well connected in the community and can help you find the resources you might need once you’ve bought or sold a home. From a recommended moving company to a home renovator and even the best local restaurants – ask your realtor for their suggestions! A great realtor really does want to help you get settled into your new home and are happy to help.

And don’t forget to keep in touch! Your realtor can help you get a home evaluation a few years down the road, help keep you updated on real estate happenings in your neighbourhood, and of course, help you or any of your friends or family with any future real estate transactions.

Trust Sue Heddle Homes With Your Real Estate Needs 

Walking into the real estate process without the expertise of a qualified and experienced real estate agent will most likely not produce the outcome you want. With a top real estate agent, like Sue Heddle Homes, on your side, you can let go of common worries and relax knowing that you have an experienced professional, eager and ready to help you. By hiring a realtor, you’ll be able to look forward to the good things that are about to come and enjoy the process along the way. Ready to move forward? Contact Sue Heddle at (416) 906-7998.

Many people made the decision to focus on their space in 2020 as a result of spending so much time at home. Whether you worked with a top Oakville realtor like Sue Heddle Homes to find a new home or decided to undertake renovations, home owners were focused on finding an aesthetic and a layout that was as functional and as comfortable as possible. 

There was a bit of an anything goes approach to home design in 2020 as we faced so much uncertainty and change. As such, some of the trends that made their mark over the last few years are predicted to not make the transition into 2021.  

4 Trends That Won’t Make It Through 2021 

While you should always choose design elements that speak to you and that make you love your space, if you’re looking for inspiration for 2021 design projects, keep reading to learn more about what you may want to consider.

1 - Open Floor Plans.

The pandemic certainly changed the way people used their homes. As such, open concept spaces became less desirable as it was no longer a great fit to have your living room, playroom and kitchen all openly connected. The lack of function and privacy was challenging for many, open concept just isn’t as attractive as it used to be.

In 2021, there will be a larger demand for more distinct rooms with doors, windows, and more flexibility to be able to create private and quiet spaces.

2 - Minimalism

The focus and the increased time spent at home means that spaces need to be much more layered and people want to make use of every inch they have. Leaving spaces designed with a minimalistic feel just isn’t feasible anymore. It’s pretty impossible to have everything put away and leave nothing out when everyone is home more than ever before!

In 2021, watch for spaces that expertly combine old and new, with a focus on matte finishes that support more comfortable and flexible spaces that could be used for multiple purposes.

3 - Neutrals

Since design is about reflecting personalities and the way we want to feel, 2021 will bring out more colour, more visual interest, and more playful designs. People are looking for positive spaces, and to feel joy and happiness when at home, so watch for the addition of bold décor pieces and a renewed interest in colourful art. This upcoming year will see vibrant, expressive colours be the more popular choice and past popular grey tones will take a back seat.

4 - Dark Colours

Along with the exit of too many neutrals, it’s also time to say goodbye to dark colours. Dark colours close in a space too much, especially during this time when people are looking for more of a relaxed vibe. With many people continuing to work remotely in 2021, dark colours are too limiting unless you plan on investing in expert lighting to go along with it. 

Find Your 2021 Home with Sue Heddle Homes

The year 2020 really made everyone re-evaluate what they want in a home, whether that be layout or location. If you’re ready to make a move in 2021 and find a home that works better for your needs, contact Sue Heddle Homes. Sue has been helping people find the perfect home for their family for more than a decade and has extensive knowledge when it comes to real estate in Oakville and the surrounding areas, including rural farm properties.

When you work with Sue and her team, you’ll get the expertise, knowledge and a level of customer service that will make your experience as stress free as possible. If you have any questions or would like to talk about your real estate needs, give us a call today at (416) 906-7998.

We’ve talked before about the difference between a deposit and a down payment, but those who are in the market to buy a home in Oakville, Milton, Mississauga or Burlington also need to be prepared to handle the many other costs that can come with buying a home. Working with an experienced Oakville realtor can set you up for a smooth buying experience and help you understand what costs may pop up and when. Potential costs when buying a home should be carefully considered ahead of time in order to avoid financial difficulty in the future.

Since buying a home in Oakville or the GTA will have a large impact on your bank account, we’ve laid out potential costs that may also be associated with your purchase. Take the time to explore the costs and do your homework so that you’re well aware of how much funding you will need to add to the purchase price of your home, based on the market you’re in.

Have You Added These Home Buying Costs Into Your Budget? 

As mentioned above, you will need to be prepared to have both a deposit and a down payment. You will need to put down a deposit as a security measure to ensure you don’t lose the house to another interested buyer. The amount of your deposit will become part of your down payment once you have purchased the home. A down payment is required to be at least five percent of the sale price, however, a 20% down payment will help you avoid paying mortgage loan insurance. 

Other costs you need to be prepared for include:

• Land transfer tax. The cost will vary depending on your municipality, the size of the land and other factors. First time home buyers may be eligible for a rebate on land transfer tax up to $4,000. 

• Appraisal fee. An appraisal will typically cost between $200 and $350.  

• Home inspection. A home inspection should be considered a necessary step in your home buying process and will normally cost an average of $350 depending on the size, age, and condition of the home. 

• Property insurance. You may already have property insurance for the home you are currently living in, but it’s important to do your research and find a reasonable quote for your new property, as the cost may increase significantly depending on the difference in property type.

• Mortgage insurance. You can get mortgage life insurance, which would pay the mortgage in the event that anything was to happen to you or your partner. There is also mortgage loan insurance if your down payment is less than 20% of the total house cost. 

• Legal fees. Ensure your lawyer’s quote includes all related expenses related to closing. Legal costs can range depending on the complexity of the transaction.

• Moving costs. Whether you decide to move yourself or higher professional movers, be prepared to cover your moving costs. Even renting a truck for a few days and feeding friends and family is still an expense that shouldn’t take you by surprise.

• Miscellaneous costs. As with any major change, there will be additional costs that you didn’t plan on. When creating your moving budget, it’s a good idea to allocated $500 - $2,000 for miscellaneous costs.

Let Sue Heddle Homes Help You Buy Your Next Home  

Buying a home can be such an exciting time, especially when you have the right realtor on your side. Sue Heddle Homes has more than a decade of experience helping clients find their next home and making the process stress free and transparent. If you’re ready to move forward with your real estate needs, call Sue Heddle at (416)-906-7998. Recognized as a top realtor in Oakville, Halton and the surrounding regions, Sue Heddle Homes has what it takes to help you find the right house for your needs.

One of the best ways to update and refresh your home before putting in on the market is to add a fresh coat of paint. Between new paint and home staging, you’ll be more likely to sell your home quickly, and for the price you want. That being said, if you want to sell your home, the updates you are making should be neutral and appeal to most potential buyers. While there are literally hundreds of paint colours to choose from, there are certainly some tried and true colours that deliver beautiful results while still creating a neutral space.

From whites to greys to beige, check out our lists below of the best neutral paint colours.

Best White Paint Colours

Whites can be tricky. Most people want to use it to brighten up a space, but don’t want it to end up looking too sterile. In addition, whites can pick up on other colour tones and before you know it, you’ve chosen a pinky white that doesn’t quite look like what you were going for. Here are some trusted whites that are both warm and bright.

• Benjamin Moore – Simply White
• Benjamin Moore – White Diamond (a cool white)
• Behr – Snow Fall
• Benajmin Moore – White Dove (great for larger spaces)
• Farrow & Ball – Strong White
• Behr – Silky White
• Benjamin Moore – Chantilly Lace
• Sherwin Williams – Alabaster

Best Grey Paint Colours

It plain white doesn’t speak to you, try a neutral grey. Here are some favourites to consider. From this list, Repose Grey and Barren Plain are considered to be the truest light grey with no strong undertones.

• Sherwin Williams - Repose Grey (a nice subtle light grey)
• Sherwin Williams – Magnetic Grey (a silvery-blue grey)
• Farrow & Ball – Skimming Stone
• Behr – Irish Mist (a warm grey)
• Benjamin Moore - Collingwood (a warm grey)
• Benjamin Moore - Grey Owl (a bit of a green blue undertone)
• Benjamin Moore - Barren Plain (very neutral grey)
• Benjamin Moore - Wickham Grey (very airy with blueish green undertones)
• Benjamin Moore - Stonington Grey (cooler undertones)

Best Beige Paint Colours

A warm beige is always a safe choice and will function as a great neutral for any room in your home. Beige tones have changed over the years, leaning towards more greyish and softer tones, making them a popular choice for any style of home.

• Benjamin Moore – Stone Hearth (grey toned beige with no pink undertones)
• Benjamin Moore – Stone House (very slight yellow/orange undertones)
• Benjamin Moore – Natural Linen (light beige)
• Farrow & Ball – String No. 8 (green-grey undertones)
• Sherwin Williams – Accessible Beige (a great alternative for a warm white)
• Sherwin Williams – Barcelona Beige (very neutral shade)
• Behr – Aged Beige
• Behr – Navajo White

Thinking Of Selling Your Home? Contact Sue Heddle Homes

From his experience with 100’s of real estate investments over the past 20 years, TV star Scott McGillivray knows first-hand about the value a knowledgeable, connected, and dedicated Real Estate Agent brings to the buying and selling process.  

Sue Heddle is proud to announce her selection as a Scott McGillivray Trusted Agent for Oakville. Real Estate Agents in the Scott McGillivray Trusted Agent program are selected based on a combination of excellence in client satisfaction, depth of experience, marketing expertise, and proven ability to deliver outstanding results. “Selling a home can be a complex process so it’s important to use an experienced agent that knows your market,” advises Scott. 

Top Oakville Realtor Sue Heddle Delivers Excellence

When selling your home, the sole focus at Sue Heddle Homes is to get you RESULTS. We do this by attracting qualified buyers with our industry-leading marketing strategy and offering free home staging, both of which help create maximum exposure for both resale and new sale investments. Our team always offers superior service that gets to the heart of our client’s needs and wants, whether they’re selling or looking to buy a home.

Sue Heddle Homes has been selling real estate in Oakville and delivering exceptional results to clients for over 10 years. Having sold hundreds of properties, we’ve become a dominant name in the Halton area. Some of our awards and accomplishments include Top 25 Elite Women in Real Estate, Centurion award winner for top sales (most recently in 2020), as well as Masters sales achievements at all levels – Diamond, Emerald, Ruby and Silver.

In addition to professional achievements, we’ve also made a commitment to community and reconciliation through the Hockey Cares initiative, founded by Sue Heddle.

Experience and exceptional service define the Sue Heddle Homes difference. Call 416-906-7998 or visit online for your free home evaluation today and see why we’ve earned the McGillivray Trusted Agent endorsement!   

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About Scott McGillivray

Scott McGillivray is North America's go-to expert when it comes to all things real estate and renovation. He’s a contractor, real estate investor and star of the hit TV show, Income Property.  Passionate about helping people learn the ins-and-outs of how to succeed in renovation and real estate, Scott is now sharing his own hard-earned, insider secrets with novice flippers in his newest series Buyers Bootcamp.  McGillivray emphasizes the importance of using a qualified Realtor by recognizing a select few of the best real estate minds in the country through his McGillivray Mark Trusted Agent program.

Find out more at: 

www.ScottMcGillivray.com/Trusted-Realtor

facebook.com/EverythingScottMcGillivray

instagram.com/Scott_McGillivray

pinterest.com/ScottMcG

The Centurion Award is one of the most prestigious awards presented to a CENTURY 21 producer. Only a small number of sales professionals in the CENTURY 21 System ever reach this elevated status. Sue Heddle Homes is proud to be a Centurion recipient in 2020!

While we triumphed through a unique real estate market in 2020, we're now laser focused on providing high level service to clients in 2021 while continuing to utilize our proven digital marketing and negotiation skills. What helps us stand out from other Oakville realtors? Some of the benefits we offer our clients include:

• Free home staging to all listing clients.
• Professional HD listing photos.
• 3D virtual tours included in all listings.
• Unique listing website for each property.

Thinking of listing? Be sure to review our Seller's Guide. To find out more about working with Sue Heddle Homes this year, please call us at 416-906-7998. We'd love to hear from you!

As a successful Oakville realtor for more than a decade, Sue Heddle Homes has certainly seen changes in the market year over year. When COVID brought the world to a halt in March 2020, the real estate market certainly took a hit and it did leave some people questioning what the future may hold.

However, the 2020 real estate market finished very strong, and in fact, we had some of our busiest sales months ever! But, what does this mean for 2021? If you’re thinking of making a move this year, it’s time to talk to an Oakville realtor right away. An experienced realtor can help you navigate real estate transactions in a COVID environment while ensuring you get the best results possible.

Is 2021 A Good Time to Buy and Sell? 

Are you thinking of moving in 2021? Here are some things to think about:

• Experts forecast that buyers from other cities and provinces will continue to support a strong market in 2021, particularly in suburban and rural markets.
• People looking to 'move-up' are also forecasted to be a primary driver of the housing market demand in 2021, thanks to very low mortgage rates.
• Most Canadians feel confident that Canada’s housing markets will remain steady in the next 12 months and that real estate will remain one of the best investment options in 2021.
• The strength of demand for larger single-family properties, will drive the average price higher as potential buyers compete for desirable properties.

Sue Heddle Homes – An Oakville Realtor That Gets Results 

What does this all mean for those looking to buy or sell in 2021? It means that now is the time to get ready and be well prepared for when the market picks up, which will happen very soon. Sue Heddle Homes can help you get your home ready to sell, making sure your listing stays at the top and attracts lots of interest to help you get the best price. From free home staging to 3D virtual tours and professional listing photos, there is no better Oakville realtor to help you get the results you want.

For those looking to buy a home, our experience and area expertise means you can count on Sue Heddle to give you all the information needed to find your next dream home. Now's the time to get started so you're ready to actively be in the market when the time is right. Call Sue Heddle Homes today and let's chat about how we can help - (416) 906-7998.

Purchasing a condo in Oakville can be a great option for those looking to get into the real estate market or for those looking to downsize. Condo ownership means you don’t have to worry about the upkeep that comes with a traditional semi-detached or detached home. In addition, condos also typically have a selection of shared amenities that are paid for by condo fees and can be used by residents.

If you think a condo could be the right purchase for you, Sue Heddle Homes can help. With more than a decade of experience as an Oakville realtor, she knows how to help clients narrow down their search to ensure they find exactly what they’re looking for.

What to Consider Before Buying A Condo

Not all condos are the same, of course, so it’s best to figure out what your specific needs are before you dive head first into your search. While location and design matter, many people are unware of how much condo fees can vary, so be sure to factor those into your budget so you have a clear picture of what you can afford.

To help you determine if condo living is right for you, let’s take a look at the pros and cons.

Pros

• Lower maintenance. No grass to cut, snow to shovel or roof that needs repair. This is a huge plus for many people.
• More affordable with lower property taxes.
• Better sense of security. Even if the building doesn’t come with security staff, having many other people around can be comforting, especially to older adults. 
• Opportunities to be social. Some condo communities organize social events like pool parties, barbecues and even playdates for dogs or young children.
• Access to amenities. Depending on which building you select, there is the opportunity to have access to a variety of amenities such as a BBQ area, shared business centre, pool, gym, outdoor space and covered parking.
• Walkability. Condos are often located close to downtown areas or areas with lots of walkable amenities such as restaurants, grocery stores, hair salons, etc.

Cons

• Investment risk. Even though you own your own unit, you are relying on other condo owners to keep up with their dues and with their mortgage payments. Failure to do so can lower everyone else’s property value.
• Less privacy. Sharing walls, floors and ceilings with your neighbours means that noise can sometimes become an issue. It’s also worth noting that some buildings have many renters who may not be as considerate as a condo owner would be.
• Parking. If you don’t get an assigned spot, you may get stuck lugging groceries or other heavy bags a long way.
• Storage constraints. Condo storage is often limited to a small locker and there may be no outdoor storage space to use at all.
• Rules. As a condo owner, you’ll be expected to follow the condo association’s rules and some people can find them too restricting. 

Ready to Find a Condo in Oakville?

Your Oakville realtor will advise you that condo living is best suited for people who don’t want to have to handle a lot of maintenance and upkeep. It’s also best for those who think they’ll find great value in the amenities but wouldn’t want to spend money for them all on their own. Condo living in Oakville can be right for just about anyone including, individuals, families, empty nesters and seniors.

If you think the low stress condo lifestyle might be right for you, reach out to Sue Heddle Homes. With proven experience and local knowledge, Sue can help you navigate the process of buying a condo and ensure you get the best value based on your budget. To start your search, call Sue Heddle Homes at (416) 906-7998.

There are so many things to consider when searching for a new home, including finding the best Oakville realtor who will listen to your needs and help you make the right purchase for you and your family. However, how do you know what type of neighbourhood you’re looking for without doing a bit of research first?

When you're trying to find the best places to live, choosing a neighbourhood ranks right up there with making sure you get the number of bedrooms you need or whether or not you need to have an attached garage. The size and layout of the house will certainly add to your family’s enjoyment of living in a new space, but the specific neighbourhood will also directly impact a potential buyer’s decision to make an offer or not.

4 Tips to Help You Choose Your Ideal Neighbourhood

When you’re looking to make a home purchase, keep in mind that you're not just buying a house, you're investing in a neighborhood too. As such, be sure to take some time to learn more about specific areas you might be considering to help you learn more about the pros and cons of each one. To help you get started, keep reading for some helpful tips.

1. Narrow down your most important features.

What makes a neighbourhood ideal in your mind? Remember that you need to think about your own preferences but also about all the members of your family. Do you prefer a quiet street or a more active area? Does an older neighbourhood appeal to you or do you want a newer development?How important is it to have a park or green space nearby? Do you need easy access to public transportation? Do you want to be able to walk to a café or restaurant?

2. Spend time in the areas you’re considering.

It’s important to both drive and walk around the neighbourhoods you’re considering, ideally at different times of day. You can get a sense of the condition of the houses and the yards, how friendly people seem to be and what the typical traffic might be like during busy rush hours and on weekends.

3. Learn about local schools.

The sign of a good neighbourhood is a well-kept school. If you have children, looking at the neighbourhood school is probably one of the first considerations you’ll have when looking for the right home. Since most schools now have their own website, be sure to check them out and get a sense of what kind of school community there may be. Many schools are even on social media now which is also a great way to learn more about each school.

4. Ask about current value of housing.

Ask your Oakville realtor about what houses in each neighbourhood your considering are currently valued at, and how that compares to the average value both five and 10 years earlier. How much has the property increased? Are there any signs of future developments that may either increase or decrease the value of the area?

Find Your Ideal Home With Oakville Realtor Sue Heddle 

For more than ten years, Sue Heddle Homes has been helping people find the perfect home for their family. With an in depth knowledge of Oakville and surrounding communities, Sue can help answer your area specific questions and assist you in narrowing down the neighbourhoods that will work best for your family’s needs. 

It’s so important to choose an Oakville realtor that has local experience as well as a commitment to providing top level customer service to clients. When you work with Sue Heddle Homes you’ll get all of that and so much more. If you have any questions or would like to talk about your real estate needs, give us a call at (416) 906-7998.