Contemplating a 'For Sale' sign among your December decorations?

Here are a few thoughts to help you minimize stress, stay in the festive spirit, and secure a quick sale: 

The Do’s

1) Embrace the season: Decorate tastefully to showcase your home's holiday charm and help buyers envision their own future celebrations in your space.

2) Cozy up: Create a warm, inviting atmosphere with soft lighting, comfy throws, and delightful scents (try Stovetop Christmas Potpourri — it’s a game-changer).

3) Stay flex: December is a hectic time for everyone. Be accommodating with showing schedules to make the process smoother for all parties involved.

The Don'ts

1) Overdo decor: Less is more when it comes to holiday decorations. Avoid overwhelm and let your home's layout, lighting, and features shine.

2) Forget basic upkeep: Amidst the holiday hustle, remember essential home upkeep. A well-maintained home makes a first — and lasting — impression on buyers.

3) Over-personalize: Clear out personal items and excess clutter to help buyers visualize living within your four walls.

Remember, December buyers are serious buyers, so if you’re ready to make the most of this month’s real estate market, message me, and let's chat about your listing today.

Burlington Real Estate: Unpacking the Latest Trends

The monthly stats are in, and if you're a homeowner or potential seller in Burlington, Ontario, you'll want to pay attention. The local real estate scene is buzzing with intriguing developments that could impact your property journey.

Sales to New Listings Ratio: Holding Steady Below 35%

One of the key metrics to watch in the Burlington real estate market is the sales to new listings ratio. For the second consecutive month, it has remained below the 35% mark. But what does this mean?

This ratio indicates that the number of new property listings is outpacing actual sales, and this trend is not unique to Burlington. We're seeing a surge in new listings, but sales aren't quite keeping pace. If you're considering putting your home on the market, understanding this dynamic is crucial.

Inventory Levels: A Shifting Landscape

Intriguingly, we're witnessing adjustments in inventory levels, particularly in the higher price ranges. This shift can be attributed to a stronger pullback in sales in those segments of the market. What this means for you as a seller is that understanding the specific market segment your property falls into is crucial for setting the right price and marketing strategy.

Months of Supply: An Indicator to Watch

October has brought some notable changes to Burlington's real estate landscape. The "months of supply" metric has stretched to nearly four months, marking the second consecutive month with levels exceeding three months. This statistic is important because it reflects the balance between supply (listings) and demand (buyers) in the market.

The Impact on Home Prices

While Burlington's real estate market is generally considered tighter compared to neighboring areas, the recent influx of supply has put some pressure on home prices. In October, the unadjusted benchmark price landed at $1,028,300, a figure nearly two percent lower than September. However, when we compare these numbers to last October, there's a silver lining – prices are still two percent higher.

Burlington's Resilience in Price Declines

When it comes to price declines, Burlington has fared better than other regions in the area. Despite the fluctuations in the market, Burlington's real estate values have held relatively strong, making it an attractive option for potential sellers.

In conclusion, the Burlington real estate market is an intriguing landscape with its own set of dynamics and trends. If you're thinking of selling your property, understanding these market indicators and enlisting the help of a local real estate expert can make a significant difference in your success. Stay tuned for more updates on Burlington's evolving real estate scene.

In the midst of life's whirlwind, many find themselves torn between the pull of expanding their family and the allure of a larger, more spacious home. And then, there are those fortunate souls who experience a blend of both cravings!

If you're juggling the demands of raising a family and nurturing aspirations of upsizing your living space, this blog has you covered. Discover a detailed strategy that takes you from envisioning your dream to making it a reality.

Before we delve into this exciting journey, hit "SAVE" to revisit these valuable insights.

1. Financial Self-Assessment for Upsizing

Kick off your journey with a profound financial self-assessment. It's essential to lay a strong foundation by addressing questions such as:

• Do you and your spouse have stable, long-term employment and consistent income?
• Are you financially positioned to facilitate a down payment, whether through your hard-earned savings or by leveraging the equity in your current home?

This critical step provides you with the financial clarity needed for your next moves.

2. Expert Real Estate Guidance: Navigating Current Market Trends

Navigating the dynamic real estate market can be challenging, especially in the current climate. To conquer this challenge, connect with a seasoned real estate agent who is well-versed in your local market. They will help you ascertain the equity you'll gain from selling your current home - essential for your future property purchase.

For more personalized guidance, simply DM us or comment below. We're ready to set up a quick clarity call to explore your options.

3. Calculate Future Monthly Mortgage Commitments

Your financial commitment deserves a deep dive. Reach out to your real estate agent for a referral to a local lender who can meticulously calculate your future monthly mortgage payment. This illuminates the path forward and ensures your financial goals align with your property dreams.

4. Exploring Opportunities and Property Window Shopping

Engage in property exploration to get a sense of the market. Your agent can set up a tailored property search for you. Here's a bonus tip: visit open houses to immerse yourself in the experience of stepping into your potential future.

5. Making the Leap with Confidence

After your diligent preparations, it's time to take that leap. It may feel like a monumental step, but these strategic measures empower you to make your decision with unwavering confidence.

The journey continues as you refine your needs, desires, and preferences, ultimately culminating in the discovery of "the one" and securing your offer acceptance.

Embrace the coexistence of "baby fever" and "house fever." Chart your course wisely and transform your dreams into reality.

If you've found this blog helpful and insightful, remember that I'm Lindsay Gordon, your trusted Burlington + Waterdown real estate agent, here to guide you in making decisions tailored to your unique circumstances.

For ongoing insights and updates, follow @lindsaygorrealtor. ‍‍‍

Burlington, is a city that is known for its love of winter sports, especially ice skating. There are several ice rinks in Burlington that are popular among both locals and visitors.

One of the most popular ice rinks in Burlington is the Appleby Ice Centre. It features two NHL-sized ice rinks and is home to several local ice hockey teams. The facility also offers public skating sessions, figure skating lessons, and ice skating programs for children and adults.

Another popular ice rink in Burlington is the Central Arena. This facility has been a community landmark for over 50 years and offers public skating sessions, ice hockey leagues, and figure skating lessons. The Central Arena is also the home rink for the Burlington Jr. A Cougars hockey team.

For those looking for a more unique ice skating experience, the Rotary Centennial Pond in downtown Burlington is a must-visit. This outdoor ice rink is located in the heart of the city and offers a picturesque setting for ice skating. The pond is surrounded by trees and is often decorated with holiday lights during the winter season.

In addition to these ice rinks, Burlington is also home to several other facilities that offer ice skating opportunities, such as the Mountainside Arena and the Aldershot Arena.

Overall, ice skating is a beloved pastime in Burlington, and the city's many ice rinks offer a variety of opportunities for individuals and families to enjoy this winter sport. Whether you're a seasoned ice hockey player or a beginner looking to try out a new activity, there is an ice rink in Burlington that is sure to meet your needs.

What is your favourite rink in Burlington?

Hey there, first-time homebuyer, can we have a heart-to-heart? 

You see, you’re buying your first home, and I couldn’t be more excited. I’m showing up as your biggest fan. 

But my guess is you’re hearing lots of chatter about this not being the ideal time to buy. Maybe even from people you love. 

Here’s the thing: Maybe conditions aren’t ideal, but if you know in your heart you’re ready to buy, then NOW is THE time. 

So long as you can take that spirit into this process, you’re going to be just fine. And I’ll be with you every step of the way. To leave nothing unsaid, here are a few other mind shifts I hope you, and all first-time buyers, will embrace:

1. This is your first home. Not your forever home. It’s okay if it doesn’t have everything on your wish list. That will come with time. 
2. You can’t control the market or interest rates. You know the home you could have afforded two years ago isn’t the home you can afford today. But that’s okay. You will find the home that’s right for you right now.
3. Staying within your budget is important. Don’t get caught up in the emotional side of buying or begin to equate your value as a person with the home you purchase. 

Now that your mind and heart are ready, it’s time to get moving. Send me a DM, and let’s take the next step. 

Buying and selling at the same time. It’s not for the faint of heart, but my clients do it all the time. And in the end, they’re all smiles! So today, I’m sharing my top tips for maintaining your sanity if you’re staring down both sides of a real estate transaction.  

1. Involve an agent in the early stages of buying and selling.

2. Consider options for temporary housing. While the stars may align and you may not need them, a plan for where you’ll go in between selling and buying will smooth the rough edges of the process. 

3. Get “paperwork ready” to buy and “house ready” to sell. Before you’re up to your eyeballs in showings on either side, get pre-approved and make any necessary repairs to your home. You don’t want to be scrambling on either.

4. Say yes to seeing “just listed” homes. If your search has stalled, be willing to drop everything when your agent calls with a new listing. The sooner you can put eyes on a home, the sooner you’ll be out of limbo.

5. Trade dollars for a quick closing. It may be worth it so you can step into your forever home as soon as your home closes.   

Selling and buying is a big deal, but that’s why I’m here.