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.

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.

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.

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.