Bright’s Gallery of Burlington Moves to Collingwood and Hilary Hooks Up with Real Estate Blogger Marg Scheben-Edey
March 23rd, 2008 Categories: Blogs, Blogging and the Blogosphere, Burlington Beat, Fifty-five plus, Food for Soul and Spirit, Lighten Up, Oakville Real Estate News
Our family spent a ski weekend up at Blue Mountain in Collingwood over March Break. (If you were noticing I didn’t post for a few days, that’s why.)
Having just received a note from Oakville resident and neighbour of mine, Peter Bright, that Bright’s Gallery of Burlington is relocating to Collingwood this spring, I decided to check out the new gallery site, right in the Village at Blue where we were staying.
Best of luck in your new venture Peter. I am sure visitors and locals will appreciate the fine collection of Canadian artists that you profile in your gallery.
This weekend was also an opportunity for me to meet Marg Scheben-Edey of ReMax in Collingwood who has been an inspiration to me as a Canadian blogger and REALTOR.
By the time we met in person on Monday in Collingwood, we were like old friends! That’s the kind of connection that real estate bloggers have with each other.
Marg has a zest for life, a razor-sharp mind and a warm and easy-going personality.
Marg and her husband John grew up in West Oakville. Marg recalls when the land behind their Pinegrove Road house (now Speers Road) was a strawberry field and they would ride horses across the QEW to their friend’s farm on Burnhamthorpe Road. The Edey’s have been living in the Collingwood area for the last 22 years where they raised their two kids.
Our family of four were treated to a tour of Collingwood in Marg’s van.
Development in the area since I was up here last, quite a few years back, is mind boggling! It is certainly the vacation and retirement destination for many in the Golden Horseshoe and GTA.
(I chatted with a lady in one of the Village stores who had just moved up here with her husband, having traded their fast paced life in Southern Ontario for the slower recreational lifestyle of the area. She sold me a very delicious piece of home-made praline fudge.)
“No bird soars too far on its own wings” is one of my mottoes. Staying connected to people like Marg helps me to keep growing and innovating in my business.
By the way, Marg and I are hoping to help get a “Canadian Real Estate Bloggers Conference” going so that real estate professionals on the vanguard of using the internet can exchange ideas and learn from each other.
Any Canadian REALTORS interested in this? Let us know.
Check out Marg’s blog. If you’re looking to buy property in the South Georgian Bay area, she’ll take good care of you.
DON’T MISS OUT ON THE SPRING MARKET! TO LIST YOUR HOME IN OAKVILLE OR BURLINGTON, PICK UP THE PHONE AND CALL HILARY (905) 599–3311 TODAY!
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Downsize your home, but upsize your amenities
March 8th, 2008 Categories: Fifty-five plus, Green Trends, Oakville Real Estate News
The kids have flown the coop, and now you’re looking to build a smaller nest. But downsizing doesn’t have to mean downgrading. Instead, add more comfort, convenience and luxury with less square footage. After all, life is too short to not love your surroundings.
The Great-er Outdoors
For mature adults who are tired of the rigors and high cost of constant lawn upkeep, no-mow lawns are a time-, water-, fuel- and money-saving alternative. These lawns are a mix of several slow-growing fescue grasses that form a dense, tough turf. They are extremely low maintenance, needing no fertilizer nor watering, and typically only require mowing once per year.
For colder climates where snow removal is important, driveway heating systems are an ideal amenity. Most feature automatic smart sensors that turn on when it begins to snow, providing snow removal, whether you’re home or not.
Ordinary Extraordinary
Mature adults are finding ways to turn ordinary rooms into extraordinarily indulgent experiences. Shower customization with rainshowers, sidesprays and handheld showers are today’s hottest bathroom trend – creating a private spa escape. But mature adults also need to keep it safe by adding shower seats and grab bars. Home Care by Moen offers safe and stylish options with their mesh shower chair and its SecureMount grab bar installation system. The beautifully designed grab bars are available in a variety of styles and finishes — looking like decorative pieces, rather than safety devices – while a unique anchor system makes them easy to install.
Interior Ingenuity
With many mature adults using their retirement as a time to jet set around the globe, get a second home, or visit children and grandchildren, a convenient, accessible space for luggage is a must. According to CNNMoney.com trend spotter Les Christie, luggage rooms, which store luggage and travel goods between trips, are one of the top home amenity trends. Luggage rooms save homeowners the hassles of cramming suitcases in closets or using inconvenient attic storage space.
Another popular amenity is the customized exercise room. Many older adults are using their spare time (and spare rooms) to get in top shape with customized weight training, cardio machines and even indoor lap pools, which provide a rigorous resistance workout without placing stress on joints and muscles.
Regardless of the size of your home, whether you build new or buy used, filling your empty nest with hot amenities will help to make your golden years as good as gold.
Source - News Canada
HILARY CAN HELP YOU FIGURE OUT THE RIGHT HOME FOR YOU IF YOUR KIDS HAVE LEFT HOME. CALL 905–599–3311 TODAY TO LEARN WHAT YOUR OPTIONS ARE.
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Canadian Recreational Property Buyers Skipping U.S. for Canadian Winter Properties
February 23rd, 2008 Categories: Fifty-five plus, Investing in Real Estate, Real Estate News
Trying to decide between buying a ski chalet or condo in Canada and property in Florida? Many Canadians are making the choice to buy closer to home.
“More Canadians are choosing to buy recreational homes in Canada” says a recent Report on Winter Recreational Property published by Royal LePage:
“While sunshine states such as Florida and Arizona have long enticed Canadians to purchase their winter retreats in warmer-weathered American cities, the uncertainty clouding the U.S. housing market has many Canadians favouring properties north of the border.
In fact, 36 per cent of Canadians who own a winter recreational property or who are considering purchasing one cite they are more inclined to buy a property in Canada than in the U.S. because of the economic uncertainty plaguing our southern neighbours.”
Here are some of the findings of the poll (conducted for RLP in January 2008 by Angus-Reid):
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Strong demand combined with limited mountain-based properties has prices ranging from $180,000 to $850,000 in Quebec, $400,000 to $1 million in Collingwood, and $450,000 to $2 million in British Columbia for a standard detached, mountainside, three-bedroom chalet.
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A shortage of listings in areas of high demand, such as Whistler and Fernie, has led to property prices appreciating by as much as 10 and six per cent, respectively, in the past year.
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More and more European buyers are being attracted to purchase property in prime ski areas such as Mont Tremblant, Canmore, Whistler and Fernie.
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Eight per cent of Canadians own a winter recreational property or are considering purchasing one in the next three to five years.
You can access the full report in pdf format.
While Canadian recreational properties are a good investment, there are still good buys to be had in Florida, Arizona and other U.S. states. Call Hilary for connections to good local referral partners in Canada and the U.S.
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THINKING OF DOWNSIZING? TAKE A LOOK AT TORONTO’S SMALLEST HOUSE!
February 19th, 2008 Categories: Fifty-five plus, Lighten Up, Real Estate News
My friend Ron Clarke, of RP Clarke Financial Services, sent me some photos of Toronto’s smallest house, reportedly for sale for $179,900.
In Canada we are not used to living in small spaces but in some parts of the world, like Europe or Japan, learning to live in very tiny spaces is commonplace.
Thought I’d share the photos, just for fun.
Here’s the front of the house.
The house is located near Dufferin and Rogers, in Toronto.
It was built in a laneway between two houses. House is just under 300 square feet.
Small covered patio in front.
This is the living room. Definitely cosy!
Here’s the kitchen and adjoining laundry room. How much counter space does one really need?
No mention of fridge. New washer/dryer and stove.
Bedroom comes with built-ins
and Murphy’s bed.
The back patio. Lemonade for two?
Looking to downsize? Give Hilary a call to chat about it.
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“Fabulous February in Downtown Oakville”, and “Brontelicious” - Fine Dining at Affordable Prices in Oakville this Month
February 15th, 2008 Categories: Fifty-five plus, Historical Oakville, Lighten Up, Oakville Events, Oakville Real Estate News, Things to Do in Oakville, Why Move to Oakville?
With our town buried in piles of snow, I think we’ll go out and sample some new restuaurants or return to some old favorites.
Our son Nathan was born on Valentine’s Day so we will be celebrating his birthday on Saturday. Which restaurant should we pick?
This is the time of year when many of our fine local restaurants offer prix fixe menus for both lunch and dinner. We have two festivals for foodies going on in town this month.
DOWNTOWN OAKVILLE
“Fabulous February Fall in Love in Downtown Oakville” is the theme of Downtown Oakville’s third annual Fabulous February dining and shopping extravaganza.
From February 15–29, 2008, over 15 first-rate restaurants will be offering prix-fixe signature lunch and dinner options. It’s a good opportunity to sample some of Oakville’s renowned gourmet cuisine. Many retailers will also be offering sales throughout the month.
Participating restaurants include Berlio Cafe, Big Papa’s | Cafe del Libros | Colossus of Oakville| Coriander Green | Jam Asian Kitchen and Wine Bar | The Griffin House | Oliver’s of Oakville | O’Finn’s Irish Temper | Paradiso | Ristorante Julia | The Painted Elephant, Thyme Restaurant and Wine Bar
Details of fixed price menus being offered and prices, which vary by restaurant, are available at www.oakvilledowntown.com
BRONTE VILLAGE
Historic Bronte Village is also hosting the first annual winter dining promotion “BRONTELICIOUS”.
This also marks the official opening of Thai Senses Restaurant in Bronte.
The promotion features Special Prix-Fixe menus for lunch and dinner (appetizer, entree, dessert), available January 28 - February 29 at
The Coach and Four, Cucci, The Firehall, Mixed Grill, Oregano Cafe, O Sushi, Thai Senses and the Twisted Fork.
You can visit www.brontevillage.net for more details.
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Hilary’s article on 50+ Real Estate, Published in the Oakville Beaver
September 17th, 2007 Categories: Fifty-five plus, Real Estate News
I wrote an article which appeared in The Oakville Beaver a couple of weeks ago. Here it is:
50+ Clients Have Unique Real Estate Needs – Realtors Specialize in Counseling Mature Property Owners
Today about 32% of Canada’s population are over 50 years. And this 50 plus group as a whole is the fastest growing demographic segment in society, with 44% owning at least one home.
Seniors today can expect to live 15-20 years longer than earlier generations. As life spans increase so also the options for how to spend the later years, and the challenge of planning retirement carefully so funds can last as long as they do.
What are some of the things Realtors with the SRES designation are learning about working with this segment?
1. Mature clients want to be counseled not sold. They value a “high-touch” approach.
2. Seniors need time to make decisions. Decisions to sell the family home and downsize or move to other forms of housing will be made more slowly.
3. Many family members may often be involved in the decision and all family members need to be comfortable that the Realtor is acting in the very best interest of their loved one. Family members may also be concerned about the inheritance.
4. One of the keys to assisting seniors is helping them to feel empowered in the decisions they are making. As people get older there is a sense of loss of control which can make it harder to make any decision. Realtors can help to “empower” their clients by carefully explaining and presenting all the options that are available or providing suggestions as to what to do with the items in the home that may not fit or be suitable for the new situation they are contemplating.
5. Of great benefit and reassurance to seniors is recommending other trustworthy professionals like a financial advisor, lawyer, accountant, and providing a “one-stop team service approach” for the family.
6. Boomers and their parents need to be encouraged to make investigations and decisions about their “next steps” prior to an urgent need arising to precipitate a change.
7. Many seniors are extremely tech-savvy and comfortable with using the Internet. Others are not.
8. There are many sub-markets in this segment of the population, each with differing needs and wants. Like all people, seniors should not be stereo-typed or pre-judged. The Brondesbury group, A Canadian research firm, has identified several lifestyle categories that retirees fall into: Happy homebodies, social butterflies, super shoppers, go-getters, community minded, travelers, worker bees (those returning to work after retirement).
9. Once mature clients find professionals they can trust, they are generally more loyal than Generation X and younger cohorts.
10. Mature clients enjoy long-term relationships, and are not fast-close one time customers, which is often the case with clients under forty.
This article was written by Hilary Shantz, MBA, SRES, Sales Representative, Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Oak Park office. For more information about real estate issues impacting seniors , see Hilary’s new blogsite www.the oakvillebuzz.com or contact her at 905-599-3311, hshantz@cogeco.ca
My broker also posted this announcement in the Oakville Beaver about my new SRES designation.
Click here for other articles on 50+ real estate.
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Hilary Helps Oakville Kitchen Design Company Move Into Custom Home Renovation
September 16th, 2007 Categories: Client Stories and Testimonials, Fifty-five plus, Oakville Events, Oakville Real Estate News, Real Estate News
Dave Blair and Bob Murphy own MDL Designs, a Custom Kitchen Redesign and Renovation business in Oakville. Last summer they asked for help in adding to their business model a new branch of home renovation for resale. I explained how the numbers would work in order to make a profit, the risks involved, and the streets and areas in Burlington and Oakville that might be suitable. We looked at quite a few “renovation candidates”.
I met them at Tim Hortons the first day “their” house came on the market, and said “I think this might be it!”. It was a bungalow in South Central Oakville on a deep private lot, which they could renovate for a downsizer.
I am excited to see them finish the renovation! The kitchen cabinets will be installed tomorrow.
A letter from Dave:
Dear Hilary,
For Bob and I, the decision to buy our first “fix and flip” investment property meant finding a realtor we could trust., who could provide guidance about the market, how to evaluate potential properties, the areas to look in, and all the financial considerations.
We are excited to have found our prize property!
We found you to be hard working, sincere and committed. You supplied us with potential listings daily and returned phone calls and e-mails promptly. At no time did we feel pressured to make a decision if we were not sure about a property, and all of your advice had our best interest in mind.
Bob and I are excited about our plans for renovation and the new direction we are taking in our business by combining renovation and investment.
We look forward to purchasing our next property through you before long! We will not hesitate to recommend you to friends and business colleagues.
Sincerely,
Dave Blair, Co-Owner, MDL Designs Ltd.
Congratulations Dave and Bob! you are fine craftsmen. Your growing success is well-deserved. I saw from the get-go your passion for excellence, reliability and integrity.
Here are some kitchens by MDL Designs, check out their website at www.mdldesigns.com.
“Making Dreams Come True is What I Do!” Why not give me a call to chat about your goals and dreams?
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Hilary Gets Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) Designation
September 13th, 2007 Categories: Fifty-five plus, Real Estate News, South East Oakville
I am now an SRES desginee, one of the first realtors in Canada to receive specialized training for helping mature clients -Boomers and Seniors – with their real estate needs.
This is a picture of my friends and neighbours Bill and Maggie Frazier, taken when they had us over for dinner a few weeks ago.
Bill retired this month, congratulations to you both on entering a new chapter of life!
Bill says “I was having fun working but my retired friends were having more fun, so it was time to join them!”
Royal LePage has partnered with CARP, the Canadian Association for the 50+, to offer specialized training to Realtors wishing to provide a higher level of professionalism in meeting the needs of mature clients.
This year the first class of Realtors to receive the SRES desgnation and training was offered in Toronto. Realtors from across Canada came to learn how to understand and counsel boomers and their parents. I was one of them.
SRES designees benefit from membership in SAREC, the Senior Advantage Real Estate Council. SAREC in turn provides Realtors with on-going research, support, and learning provided through workshops, special events, newsletters and their website www.seniorsrealestate.com.
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Oakville Development North of Dundas: What’s Happening?
September 8th, 2007 Categories: Client Stories and Testimonials, Fifty-five plus, Lighten Up, North Oakville Development, Oakville Real Estate News, Oakville Town Planning & Development, Real Estate News, South East Oakville
What is the Town planning for development north of Dundas?
Last week I was manning the Royal LePage Kiosk in Oakville Place. The mother of a girl on my daughter’s soccer team stopped by. She is an urban design planner so I ask “What’s new at Town Hall?”
“Council approved the North Oakville East Secondary Plan Minutes of Settlement last week”, she said.
I investigated further and found out a few things:
- How big? It will encompass 2,300 hectares of land
- Where will it be? The area to be developed is bordered by Dundas Street in the south, Sixteen Mile Creek in the west, Ninth Line in the east and Highway 407 in the north.
- How many people? When all is complete, it is expected to include about 50,000 new Oakville residents.
- What about the environment? Developers say the plan is innovative and breaks new ground in creating environmentally sustainable communities: walkable, compact and diverse (from a land use perspective) community. ”It will be one of the most environmentally sensitive community plans in North America” says David Stewart, President of Mattamy Development Corporation. “
- What about new jobs? About 25,000 new jobs are being created right in the area, which will reduce the need for commuting.
- What is the Mayor’s vision? “We have created a comprehensive, balanced and sustainable plan that will help create one of Canada’s most green and livable communities, says Oakville Mayor Rob Burton in a recent press release. (Mr. Burton believes North Oakville development will contribute greatly to our town’s stated vision of becoming the most livable in Canada.)
- What will it look like? Plans are for a public open space system that is twice the size of Central Park in New York City. Some 600 hectares of land will be set aside for open space linkages and wildlife corridors.
- When does development start? Word on the street is that ground will be broken before the end of the year.
The picture I am getting sounds appealing. Wayne and I could sell our house in South East Oakville and downsize into a bungaloft in this new community when our kids leave home in a few years.
We could trade down to one car. I will have to ask my clients to drive me around. (I will be the first realtor in Oakville without a car, let alone a BMW.)
I see Wayne jogging in the park, me walking to coffee shops, and to my office in Oak Park. The air will be fresh and clean (goodbye Ford Motor Company, Petro-Canada refinery and that other cement factory down by the lake). I envision neighbours walking their dogs in our very own Central Park…
I plan to check out the Ontario Municipal Board hearings, scheduled to start September 10, 2007. More on this subject in future posts. Please comment if you have any other questions, news or concerns.
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