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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.