It’s been common past practice to add a synthetic air freshener to your Oakville home when you’re trying to make it smell pleasant for a showing. However, if you’re doing so in the hopes of improving the chances of selling your home, you might want to think twice. 

Smell is one of our most important senses and is closely linked with memory. Good smells can evoke happy memories and experiences while bad smells can do the opposite. Smell is also highly emotive, meaning different fragrances can convey a vast array of emotions and feelings. So, it should be no surprise that smell can come into play when you’re trying to sell your home.

Increasingly, more and more people find it difficult to tolerate synthetic perfumes, which can come across as overpowering and uninviting. If you use one in your home, there’s a good chance that a potential buyer may be sensitive to these types of scents, making it hard for them to make it past the front entrance, let alone be able to really get a sense of whether or not your home is right for them.

Three Simple Ways To Add Pleasant Scents To Your Home 

Give your prospective buyers extra incentive to purchase your house by making it smell like a home they can see themselves in. Your goal is to make every guest feel like they belong. By using scents that evoke only the best memories and feelings, you may end up adding the factor you need to make the sale.  Keep reading for some suggestions from Sue Heddle Homes on how to use scent to help sell your home without relying on synthetic products.

Now, before you make the effort to include some pleasant scents as part of your selling strategy, it’s best to make sure you don’t have any negative scents working against you! Empty every garbage, make sure the laundry hampers are emptied too, make sure appliances are clean inside and out (especially front-loading washers which can develop a mildew smell), and use natural/unscented cleaning products. 

1 - Essential Oils.

In addition to offering a lovely smell, essential oils have many health benefits as well. For example, peppermint oil has been known to reduce stress, tension and headaches. While lavender oil is thought to be a great way to relieve anxiety. All of these are exactly the emotions you want potential buyers to feel when they are in your home. Avoid using strong scents that can have a polarizing effect such as patchouli, sandalwood, or ylang-ylang. Other great options include grapefruit, rose, or bergamot. These smells can evoke the atmosphere of a luxury spa.

2 - Fresh Flowers.

This may be the simplest option, as it’s easy to run out to a florist and pick up a beautiful bouquet. Not only will flowers add to the visual appeal of your home, but the scent of fresh roses, for example, can often encourage people feel happy and relaxed.

3 - Open The Windows.

If you have time before a showing, open all the windows for 15 minutes or so. Yes, even in winter! Outside air can do wonders when it comes to removing unwanted odours from a home and leave the space feeling fresh. If it is cool outside, you can close the windows back up after a few minutes, which will still give the home time to warm up before prospective buyers arrive. 

Sell Your Home With Sue Heddle Homes

For more tips on selling your home, contact Sue Heddle Homes. Sue Heddle is an experienced Oakville realtor that always goes the extra mile to ensure her client’s get the results they want from the sale of their home. From free home staging, to understanding that the little things really do matter, working with Sue Heddle Homes will reduce the stress that often comes with real estate transactions. Call Sue today at (416) 906-7998 – we’re ready to help you sell your home!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.