The world has been cloaked in uncertainty due to COVID-19 and we know that this unprecedented scenario can make it hard to move forward and make decisions. We know many home owners that are thinking of selling their homes but just aren’t sure if now is the right time. Well, we can say with confidence that now is absolutely the right time.

3 Reasons Why Selling Now Is The Best Decision You Can Make

While there can be many different benefits that come from selling your home, getting the best price possible is always a top priority. Now is your best chance to get the best price!

Here’s why:

1. Currently, the federal government does not tax the sale of your primary residence. However, they will have to find ways to finance the significant federal debt that’s been run up over the past five months (and counting) to pay for all the support programs announced in response to the global pandemic.

There has been much speculation that a capital gains tax on the sale of primary residences is being considered and that Canadians may have to prepare for the implementation of this idea sooner rather than later.

2. We’re also experiencing ideal market conditions NOW and that will not last forever. While the spring market was very stagnant, this only served to create a very robust summer selling season. July 2020 saw price increases of 17% and a 24% decrease in the number of days on the market.

What does that mean for you? It means you can sell your home at a top price and quickly! It really is the ideal seller’s market. And with interest rates being so low, buyers are motivated and anxious to lock down a new home to secure those mortgage rates as soon as possible.

3. High interest in suburban and rural homes. If you’re thinking of downsizing and selling your Oakville, Milton, Burlington, Halton Hills or Guelph home, there are certainly interested buyers! COVID-19 has been the final push many people needed to move away from city life. People are looking for smaller communities, more square footage per dollar and more outdoor space for their families.

Sue Heddle Homes has been in the real estate industry for more than a decade and we can say with certainty that if you’re on the fence about selling your home, don’t delay things any further! Using our expertise in digital real estate tools, we’ve had the busiest July we’ve ever experienced and have helped so many clients make smart real estate decisions and get maximum value for their home. If you think waiting until next year might be the right move, keep reading to see why that’s not the right decision!

Work With Sue Heddle Homes To Sell Your Home Now!

It’s time for you to make the most of this real estate environment and sell your home! However, even though the opportunity for success is high, that doesn’t mean real estate overall hasn’t changed. In order to be successful, you need to choose a realtor that excels in online tools so that your listing attracts as many buyers as possible in our current climate.

Sue Heddle Homes has the skills and expertise you need. Not only do all of our listings include a true 3D virtual tour of your home, which has been proven to generate more interest, you’ll also receive free home staging, professional listing photographs and the use of additional online tools like Broker Bay and DocuSign to make the experience as seamless and successful as possible. Don’t wait another day to get started – we’re ready to help you sell your home and get the price you want! Call us and let’s talk – 416-906-7998!

Most of Ontario has now entered Stage 3 of the COVID-19 re-opening plan, with the final few regions likely following shortly. This next phase brings several changes, one of which is the ability to host gatherings of up to 50 people. As larger groups are now allowed, Oakville realtors prepare to host Open Houses once again.

It’s important to note that although Open Houses are now possible, they will still look different from Open House events we knew before the global pandemic. Signs displaying health precautions, hand sanitizer, and masks will be a part of any Open House for the foreseeable future and realtors will be required to manage capacity and enforce social distancing.

Safely Buy Or Sell A Home During COVID-19

As an experienced Oakville realtor, Sue Heddle knows how to navigate the current market and help her clients find success. From hosting safe Open Houses to supporting their wish for virtual tools to maximize their marketing potential, Sue Heddle Homes can help.

As we move into conducting real estate transactions in Stage 3, it’s important to still function as safely as possible. Whether you choose to have or attend an Open House or schedule individual showings, here are some ways that Sue Heddle Homes will prioritize the health and safety of everyone involved:

• All listings will include a 3D virtual tour so that potential buyers can get a true sense of the property for sale. Not only will this entice more buyers, but by getting an in depth view of the home, you’ll be able to feel confident that those that do come to view your home are vested and motivated to buy.
• As always, we’ll continue to use online tools like BrokerBay and DocuSign to make the process as easy as possible and to reduce the need for in person meetings and extra contact.
• We’ll continue to provide hand sanitizer and enforce that masks be worn whether at an individual showing or at an Open House.
• In addition, we’ll ensure lights are on and doors are open before potential buyers enter the home, reducing contact points.
• Buyers will be advised ahead of time about any questionnaires or waivers relating to symptoms and exposure to COVID-19.

Trust Top Oakville Realtor Sue Heddle Homes

Sue Heddle’s years of experience will help you get the results you want. In addition to her award winning service, her deep commitment to making the buying and selling process as comfortable as possible during COVID-19 will put clients at ease. We know the real estate market may not be what you’re used to, but not to worry. We’ll handle all the details and can answer any questions you have. To get started with a free home evaluation or to learn more about buying a home this year, we invite you to contact us.

Top Oakville realtor Sue Heddle has been experiencing the busiest summer market of her 12 year career! The housing market has definitively picked up speed after being slowed considerably due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

While some people are actively buying and selling homes in Oakville and throughout the Halton area, others are taking this time to upgrade their space since we’ll all be spending more time at home this summer.

The warm temperatures and the hot summer sun make it easy to wish for a pool in your backyard. Even if you have the space to accommodate a pool, is it really something you’re prepared to invest in? Adding a pool to your home will certainly add to your short-term enjoyment (as long as you’re prepared to handle the added yearly costs), but will it help you sell your home further down the road?

What Buyers May Think When They See A Pool

Swimming laps and watching your kids play water games in the comfort of your own backyard can be very appealing, but you can’t forget about the actual realities that come with owning a pool. And when it comes time to sell your home, prospective buyers may only be able to see increased liability and maintenance costs, especially if they haven’t owned a pool before.

Don’t be too concerned though, there will always be buyers who consider an in-ground pool a bonus, while for others it’s considered a deal breaker. If you’re wondering whether or not adding a pool will help increase your home value, here are some factors that need to be considered.

• Will adding a pool remove all green space from your yard?
• Do you have enough space to add a pool and still keep room for a sitting area?
• Do you have the funds to properly maintain the pool each month so that it remains in good condition?
• Are pools common in your neighbourhood and in your city or town?

It’s important to understand your monthly and yearly maintenance costs so that you can be sure you’ll be able to keep the pool in good condition. Even those home buyers who are interested in having a pool will be turned off by one that’s been poorly maintained and needs a lot of repair.

When it comes right down to it, understand that adding a pool may not provide a significant increase in the overall value of your home. However, it’s really only you that can truly decide how much a pool will add to your quality of life. 

Find The Right House For Your Needs With Sue Heddle Homes

Whether your family is looking for a home with a pool to help beat the heat this summer or you’re more interested in a home with an unfinished basement that you can transform into a home office, Sue Heddle Homes can help. Leave it to us to find your next ideal home or to help you list your home and sell it for top dollar. With an unparalleled commitment to our clients, you can count on us to expertly handle all your real estate needs. To learn more about the current market or to receive a free home evaluation, contact us.

The world has certainly changed a lot in the last few months. And while staying healthy is a top priority, there are many people that still need to either buy or sell a home. The current real estate market is unlike anything we’ve ever seen.

But while other Oakville realtors are struggling to catch up when it comes to using the technology now required to support clients, Sue Heddle Homes continues to be ahead of the curve.

Sue Heddle Homes has been doing 3D virtual tours for the past six years on all listings. It has always been a free option to sellers and part of our award winning marketing strategy. In addition, we’re very proficient at using online tools such as Docusign to make it easy for all of our local and international clients to buy and sell. Our expertise in this area means that we can still confidently work with you to safely conduct real estate transactions from your own home.

In these unprecedented times, we want to assure you that we remain accessible and continue to provide our clients with full support delivered at the high level of professionalism and customer service we are known for. We can still safely provide an environment that allows you to buy and sell, if you choose.

Get The Real Estate Service You Deserve From Sue Heddle Homes

We know that people are feeling anxious and uncertain during this pandemic. We will do everything we can to ease your stress by putting our expertise to work to make a real estate transaction possible while practicing necessary social distancing. Our years of experience and forward thinking approach means that our transition to functioning as needed during the pandemic has been seamless.

Please do not hesitate to reach out or call us at 416-906-7998 if you have any questions or require support - we're here to help you! Whether you’re a first time buyer or are looking to downsize, we’d be happy to connect with you.

It’s important to note that while the sales pace may slow slightly for the next month or so, once we come out on the other side we're going to have a very, very busy market! Rest assured that we are working hard now to serve all of our clients and will be absolutely prepared for a busy late spring and summer.

You know your yard needs some work this spring, but you’re not sure where to start. Well, now’s the time to tackle that chore and make sure your yard is well on its way to looking its best. Whether you know you want to sell your Oakville home this springor you want to be prepared just in case, your curb appeal can play a huge role in enticing prospective buyers.

As a top realtor in Oakville, Sue Heddle Homesoffers free home staging to all of our listing clients. This means the inside of your home would be taken care of, but we aren’t able to tackle your yard! However, to make things easier, take a look at this spring clean-up checklist that we’ve created to help.

The Only Spring Yard Clean Up Checklist You’ll Need

Did you know that if you don’t clean up dead plants, stems and leaves your garden will not only look unkempt but the potential disease and fungus can end up causing major problems later on? You’ll also be letting weeds thrive, which can take things over if you’re not careful!

Now, once the ground has thawed and things have dried out a bit, it’s time to get to work. There is no expectation that you would get your clean up all done in one day, try tackling a few things every week.

• Pick up branches.
• Clean up dead plants and debris in the garden.
• Prune shrubs and trees to trigger new growth.
• Remove winter mulch and any other plant protection you have such as burlap wraps or screens.
• Brush back leaves on top of plants, but you don’t need to remove all leaves. They’re actually great for a garden.
• Pull dead annuals, roots and all.
• Remove dead growth from perennials, such as hostas.
• Pull weeds so that they don’t have time to establish deep roots.
• Add new mulch over freshly weeded gardens.
• Edge garden beds.
• Wash patio furniture.
• Sweep deck, patios and porches.

This list may seem long, but if you take the time to do a thorough spring clean-up, it will make your yard much easier to handle over the summer months. As mentioned, if selling your homeis likely to happen soon, tackling this list will also help to ensure you get the best price for your listing.

Sue Heddle Homes Can Sell Your Home This Spring

If you want your home to be on the market this spring, now’s the time to act. From making sure your home is well prepared to having a professional listing that draws in the right buyer, Sue Heddle Homescan help. With over a decade of experience as an Oakville realtor, Sue Heddleknows how to sell homes in any kind of market. To find out what your home is worthor if you have any questions, please contact usor give us a call at (416) 906-7998.

We get it. January is not considered a favourite month among very many. In Oakville, it’s typically cold and snowy and people are caught up in making new year resolutions! However, if you’re thinking that 2020 may be the right time to find an experienced Oakville realtor and sell your home, you’re no doubt anxious to get started.

You may be thinking that January can’t possibly be a good time to get your home on the market. In fact, if you poll your friends and family, they’ll most likely suggest that the spring may be a better time. Don’t worry though, there really is no reason to wait!

You Can Have Success Listing Your Home In January

If you want to sell your home in the early part of 2020, take comfort in the fact that there are actually a lot of great reasons to start the process as soon as the calendar flips to a new year.

1. Historically, there are usually fewer homes on the market in the Oakville, Burlington and Milton areas in January. This means you’ll have less competition which can result in getting a good offer that much faster.

2. People who are house hunting in January are serious buyers. At this time of year, you’ll get less people attending open houses out of curiosity or people who are only looking with the hopes of buying a home in your area in the next few years.

3. Take advantage of business cycles. Did you know that January tends to be the busiest month for corporate transfers? This means that there could be plenty of employees being transferred to your area who are looking for a quick sale and are ready to make a firm offer.

How To Improve Your Chance For A Winter Sale

Here are a few tips that can help make your January sale as successful as possible. If you’re looking for an Oakville realtor with proven success, contact Sue Heddle Homes. We offer all of our clients free home staging - an excellent way to increase your selling price and reduce the number of days on the market.

• In addition to current photos, if you have professional summer photographs of the outside of your home, it’s a good idea to include these in the listing.
• Always ensure your driveway and walkways clear of snow and ice.
• Keep your home comfortably warm, and if you have one make use of the fireplace to create an inviting winter environment.
• Create a take-away sheet for prospective buyers that highlights winter activities in your area such as skating rinks, tobogganing hills or the best place to get a hot chocolate!

Sell Your Home This January With Sue Heddle Homes

As you can see, there really is no reason to wait to sell your home in 2020! Let’s get your home ready to list in January and take advantage of the opportunities the first month of the year can bring. Sue Heddle Homes offers more than a decade of experience and knows what it takes to facilitate a successful sale. We’d be happy to provide a free home evaluation and meet with you to discuss the best next steps. Ready to move forward? Call us at (416) 906-7998!

While our society continues to become increasingly visual, when it comes to selling your home the images used have always been important. The pictures included as part of your Oakville real estate listing are the main element used to advertise and market your home. So, what do you want your pictures to say?

When listing your property for sale, you want all images used to speak volumes and to grab the attention of every prospective buyer who may be looking for a new home.

3 Reasons Why You Need Professional Images To Sell Your Home

When you list with Sue Heddle Homes, not only will you get free home staging, but you’ll also get listing photos taken by a professional photographer. Your listing should be the best it can be, right from the start. Sue Heddle Homes will make sure the photos of your home make each room shine.

Here's why you want to make sure you work with an experienced Oakville realtor that understands why photos are a top priority.

1. Professional photographs show that you really care about your property. When prospective buyers see that, they will be more likely to want to see your home as they’ll have faith they’ll be buying a home in good condition.
2. Searching online is the most popular way for buyers to find prospective homes to view. As such, you want what they see to stand out and to encourage them or their realtor to reach out and find out more. Additionally, professional online images have the potential to reach not only local buyers, but buyers from elsewhere who may be looking in your area. Your online images may be the only thing they have to help them determine if your home may be the right one for them.
3. Pictures help people feel as though they get to be inside your home, without truly being in the home. Many people use pictures to know if it’s a good fit before wasting time by going out to the property. Poor pictures give too many people a reason to skip your listing and move on to the next. While great pictures don’t guarantee the home sale you want, they certainly are one of the best ways to get buyers in the door.

Let Sue Heddle Homes Showcase Your Oakville Home

Selling your home can feel like a lot of work! When you list with Sue Heddle Homes, not only will we stage your house for a faster sale at a higher price, but we’ll also ensure your listing is created using only high quality, professional images. With more than a decade of experience selling Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Mississauga homes, you can count on Sue Heddle to showcase your property in the best possible way. For a free home evaluation or to find out more about selling your home, please contact us!

Congratulations to all the outstanding women listed as Top 25 Elite Women in Real Estate. It is an honour to be  recognized alongside them in the most recent issue of Real Estate Professionals magazine. This accolade not only recognizes my successes in the real estate field, but also my commitment to giving back to the community through my Hockey Cares initiative.

In addition to being recognized by the real estate industry, our busy summer in both the Oakville real estate market and with clients living just outside of the GTA resulted in also being recognized as the top agent for Century 21 Miller Real Estate Ltd in August 2018. A sincere thank you to all of our clients for trusting Sue Heddle Homes with their real estate needs. It really is our pleasure to work with you!