Oakville Real Estate | Glen Abbey

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Detached Homes, Glen Abbey, Linda Duggan, Oakville Condos, Oakville Real Estate, Oakville Real Estate Blog, Oakville Realtor

As part of an ongoing blog series, I am going to take an indepth, insiders view of the many neighbourhoods in Oakville and Burlington.  Here is the first in a series of posts.  

Glen Abbey in Oakville is a planned community with large lots and mature landscaping and is one of the most sought after locations because of its central location and easy access to the QEW and 403.  Ravine and walking trails meander throughout the tree lined streets.  The boundaries for Glen Abbey are QEW to the South, Upper Middle Road to the North, Dorval Drive to the East and Bronte Road to the West.

Of course the most famous landmark is the Glen Abbey Golf Club located at 1333 Dorval Drive, which has been a grand stage for golf history since opening more than 30 years ago. The first-ever solo design of the legendary Jack Nicklaus, presided over by a superb clubhouse facility, the property is also home to the ClubLink Academy, the Canadian Golf Museum and Hall of Fame, and the headquarters of the Royal Canadian Golf Association.

Oakville Real Estate in Glen Abbey offers predominantly Detached Homes with 4-5 bedrooms with a price range of $450,00 – $1,900,000+, with many streets and enclaves backing onto ravine or golf course settings.

Condominium Townhouses with 2-3 bedrooms have a price range of $400,000 – $950,000.
Apartment Condominiums with a variety of amenities have a price range of $350,000 – 900,000.

Fairway Hills is an exclusive subdivision in Glen Abbey with the interior streets backing onto the front nine of the Glen Abbey Golf Course and is definitely a very appealing setting.  Large detached homes have a sales range of the mid $800,000 – $1,900,000.

Glen Abbey offers many fine schools;  Abbey Lane Public School, St. Matthew’s Elementary, St. Bernadette Elementary, Abbey Park High School and St. Ignatius of Loyola High School.  For more information on these and other locations please click here for public school information Halton District School Board or here for Catholic School information Halton Catholic School Board.

In addition Oakville offers the very finest in Private Education options, for more information on Oakville Private Schools click here.

Glen Abbey Community Centre is located at 1415 Third Line and is a very active facility for all members of the family and offers a variety of activites, programs, fitness classes and sports.  For soccer facilities please visit the  Oakville Soccer Club.  With 2400 acres of park space, Oakville is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, and offers over 140 kilometers of trails that meander across all communites and connect all sections of the Town.

The Dorval Crossing Shopping Centre is located at North Service Road and Dorval Drive and has over 50 merchants, services and restaurants and Oakville Place is located at QEW and Trafalgar, and best of all we are only 20 minutes to Sherway Gardens.

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Providing sound professional advice and unsurpassed service where the client’s needs are the primary focus ensuring permanent, trusting relationships.
Knowledge * Integrity * Experience

Linda Duggan, ASA
Sales Representative and Accredited Senior Agent
Prudential Town Centre Realty Inc., Brokerage
Direct: 905-464-5900  Office:  905-338-6550
www.lindaduggan.ca

Condominiums 101

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Buying a Condominium, Condominiums, Oakville Real Estate, Oakville Real Estate Agent, Oakville Real Estate Blog

Is a Condominium Lifestyle for you?  This is very different from owning a freehold home and if you are wondering if this type of home ownership might suit you here is a primer on all the basics you might need to know.

What is a Condominium? 

The word ‘condominium’ does not apply to the type of unit itself, but rather it is the legal ownership arrangement. A condominium can be a luxury high-rise residential apartment, a townhouse complexes, low-rise residential apartments or even a group of detached homes.

Condominiums consist of two parts. The first part is a collection of private dwellings called “units.” Each unit is owned and registered in the name of the purchaser of the unit.  When you purchase a suite in an apartment or a unit in a townhouse complex which is condominium ownership,  you own everything from the walls inward. The second part consists of the common elements of the building or townhouses that may include walkways, gardening and landscaping, lobbies, hallways, elevators, and recreational facilities.  The ownership of these common elements is shared among the individual unit owners, as is the cost for their operation, maintenance and ongoing replacement which is administered through monthly condominium fees.

Once a Condominium Corporation has been established,  a board of directors, elected by and generally made up of, the individual condominium owners, takes responsibility for the management of the corporation’s business affairs. There is usually an Annual General Meeting where each unit owner has voting rights.

Are Condominium Regulations the Same Across Canada?

No.  Each province has it’s own regulation and legislation.

What are Rules and Regulations?

Every condominium is governed by its own unique rules, regulations and bylaws.  These are necessary to ensure that condominiums are properly operated and maintained and to define the rights and obligations of the individual owners.  With respect to rules regarding the individual owners, condominiums may have restrictions regarding the number of occupants per unit, pets, noise, parking, exterior decor and when certain amenities may be used.

What Insurance Will I Need?

Both the unit owner and the condominium corporation must have insurance.

What Is a Status Certificate?

When making an offer on a re-sale unit, ensure it is conditional upon obtaining and reviewing the corporation documents available to the purchaser under provincial legislation, including an Estoppel or “Status Certificate”. There may be a fee for this certificate, but it will give you the opportunity to review information, including the condominium’s governing documents, financial statements and insurance coverage.  It is important that both you asnd your lawyer thoroughly review these documents, as once you sign the offer to purchase you are contractually bound and cannot change your mind if, for example, you later find out the condominium does not allow pets or requires major repairs.

Advantages:

• Lifestyle:  Definitely a lifestyle choice, maintenance and worry free.
• Price Ranges: There are Condominiums for every price range; Condominium Apartments both hi rise and low rise or Executive Townhouses.
• Amenities: Many Condo apartment properties offer use of a wide range of amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centres, tennis courts, saunas, and party rooms.
• Security: One of the most populars aspects of  ’condo living’ is being able to just lock your door and leave for your holiday worry free.  Condominium buildings usually have security features like gatehouse security and most units would include individual alarm systems.
• Low Maintenance: All outside maintenance and landscaping is managed and maintained.
• Location: As in any Real Estate Investment, location is a key consideration.
• Condominium Corporation: The elected Board of Directors of the Corporation, unit owners themselves,  enforce bylaws, handle maintenance and repair issues, and manage the finances of the Corporation.

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Providing sound professional advice and unsurpassed service where the client’s needs are the primary focus ensuring permanent, trusting relationships.
Knowledge * Integrity * Experience

Linda Duggan, ASA
Sales Representative and Accredited Senior Agent
Prudential Town Centre Realty Inc., Brokerage
Direct: 905-464-5900  Office:  905-338-6550
www.lindaduggan.ca

 

Online Security 101

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Oakville Real Estate Blog, Security, Technology

Online Security 101

I recently attended a seminar on Online Security and needless to say I was amazed at the information relayed by the knowledgeable “geek” instructor.  Here are a few of the key points I thought might be worth relating in the interest of “Knowledge is Power”.

Passwords 

This is a biggy!  Passwords should be changed every 6 months and I know I am guilty of not doing this but I am going to start setting aside a Sunday morning twice a year to do just that.  Tip:  Do not use your mother’s maiden name or your children’s name.  And surprisingly there are still people who use “password” as their password, or even 123456.

Back-up

Do you have your computer files backed up ?  This is obviously important, whether you use an online service such as dropbox.com or CD’s stored in a separate location, this is a must do.

Online Commerce and Payments

I’m sure everyone is aware that your browser window should display https: when you are dealing with banking and purchases.

New Real Estate Clause

The delivery of documents and notices related to a Real Estate transaction have traditionally been accomplished via facsimile.  OREA has now developed a new clause to do the same thing by email.

Firewalls and Spyware

There are many Firewall and Security systems to choose from, Norton, McAfee or Kaspersky to name a few.  Spyware is another issue, this malicious software collects information about users without their knowledge and there are many removal programmes including spybot.com.

Update Your Operating Systems and Firewall

It’s always recommended to have good antivirus and antispyware programs.

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Providing sound professional advice and unsurpassed service where the client’s needs are the primary focus ensuring permanent, trusting relationships.
Knowledge * Integrity * Experience

Linda Duggan, ASA
Sales Representative
Prudential Town Centre Realty Inc., Brokerage
Direct: 905-464-5900  Office:  905-338-6550
www.lindaduggan.ca

Oakville Real Estate Blog | Title Insurance

Tags

Buying & Selling, Home Selling, Oakville Real Estate, Oakville Real Estate Agent, Title Insurance

What is Title Insurance?

Title Insurance protects the insured against matters that happened in the past as opposed to things that might happen in the future.  Title Insurance protects the owner against loss of the property.  Title insurance policies can be issued in favour of a purchaser on new or resale residential Real Estate, or to a lender, or both the purchaser and lender.

How Long Will The Policy Remain In Force?

When purchased, the policy stays in effect for as long as the owner retains an interest in the property and is generally transferable in case of death and is available for both residential and commercial properties.  Protection is also available to existing homeowners to protect you against any challenges to your title.

What Are Some Of The Benefits:

According to First Canadaian Title, top benefits of Title Insurance are;

• Fast and efficient closing process
• Survey coverage, protects against survey irregularities or lack of an up-to-date survey
• Fraud and forgery protection
• Coverage of legal fees associated with resolving title issues
• Coverage for renovations done without a building permit
• Protection if a property does not meet zoning requirements
• Protection if someone is claiming interest in your land
• Coverage for known defects

A big benefit of Title Insurance is the fact that in most cases, it eliminates the requirement for a survey and is generally more cost effective than having a new survey completed.

The Premium is paid once, usually at the time of your home purchase.

Protection

Title insurance can help ensure that your closing is not delayed and, if an issue arises with respect to a risk covered under the policy, the title insurance covers the legal fees and expenses associated with the defence.

For a more detailed explanation please consult your Lawyer.

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Providing sound professional advice and unsurpassed service where my client’s needs are the primary focus ensuring permanent, trusting relationships.
Knowledge * Integrity * Experience

Linda Duggan, ASA
Sales Representative & Accredited Senior Agent
Prudential Town Centre Realty Inc., Brokerage
www.lindaduggan.ca

How To Win In Multiple Offers

Tags

Buying & Selling, Oakville Real Estate, Oakville Real Estate Agent

Are you considering buying a house in the middle of our current Seller’s Market.  As you probably know, a Seller’s Market means there are more purchasers than there are homes listed for sales.  It means there will be more than one purchaser interested in buying the same property, and it means unless you are very lucky, you will be in multiple offers on the purchase of your desired property.  Oh my!  What to do?  Do you go forward, give it a try, or do you sit back and wait for a more balanced market.

Well, if you want to get into home ownership there is no way to know how long it will take for more listings to come on the market, and with the attractive low interest rates it is a very good time to buy.

So, luck favours the prepared mind!  Together with your Real Estate Agent, you will need to be ready to go.

First and foremost; have your finances pre-approved and locked in so that if you need to waive the financing condition you know you can.

Investigate the area you are interested in buying in, take a look at the surrounding homes, access to all the things that are important to you.  Make sure this would be a place you would like to call home.

Understand that you will probably need to increase your offer above listing price if you are in competing offers.  But be cautious.  Your Real Estate Agent will advise you what would be the most you should consider.  This can be an emotional experience but you need to have a maximum purchase price pre-established so you do not buy on emotion but rather practicality.

Some Listing Agents like to have a ‘clean offer’ when there are competing bids, this means no conditions.  However, you should be very wary of buying any house without a Home Inspection.

Happy House Hunting!

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Providing sound professional advice and unsurpassed service where my client’s needs are the primary focus ensuring permanent, trusting relationships.
Knowledge * Integrity * Experience

Linda Duggan, ASA
Sales Representative & Accredited Senior Agent
Prudential Town Centre Realty Inc., Brokerage
www.lindaduggan.ca

Find Your Architectural Style

Tags

Architecture, Oakville Condos, Oakville Real Estate, Oakville Real Estate Agent, Oakville Real Estate Blog

Do you currently own a home and wonder if it is really you !  Or are you out looking to buy a home and you aren’t sure just what would suit your personality and tastes.  Well, here are some styles that might give you some inspiration and perhaps an ah ha moment.  Have fun !

Bungalow

Cape Cod

Mid Century Modern

Manhattan Brownstone

English Country

Suburban Splendour

Condo Life

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Providing sound professional advice and unsurpassed service where my client’s needs are the primary focus ensuring permanent, trusting relationships.
Knowledge * Integrity * Experience

Linda Duggan, ASA
Sales Representative & Accredited Senior Agent
Prudential Town Centre Realty Inc., Brokerage
www.lindaduggan.ca

Have You Discovered Pinterest

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Oakville Real Estate Blog, Pinterest, Social Media

Have you discovered Pinterest ?  This is the latest in our world of Social Media and it is really creating a cult following.  I am definitely hooked on Pinterest !  The site launched in 2010 and is operated “by invitation only”.  Simply request an invite and they get back to you in a few days.

On August 16, 2011, Time magazine listed Pinterest in its “50 Best Websites of 2011″ article.

In January 2012 it was reported that the site had 11.7 million unique users, making it the fastest site in history to break through the 10 million unique visitor mark. Pinterest’s wide reach helped it achieve an average of 11 million visits each week in December 2011.

This is a virtual photo sharing website where you create your own scrapbook or “Boards” on any number of subjects that interest you.  You then “Pin” photos according to their category.  It lets you organize and share all the things you find beautiful or interesting.

Pinterest’s Mission Statement is to “connect everyone in the world through the ‘things’ they find interesting.”

Give it a try.
http://pinterest.com/

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Providing sound professional advice and unsurpassed service where my client’s needs are the primary focus ensuring permanent, trusting relationships.
Knowledge * Integrity * Experience

Linda Duggan, ASA
Sales Representative & Accredited Senior Agent
Prudential Town Centre Realty Inc., Brokerage
www.lindaduggan.ca

Curb Appeal For Your Home

Tags

Buying & Selling, Curb Appeal, Detached Homes, Oakville Real Estate, Oakville Real Estate Agent

Of course during a busy week seeing new listings that come on the market, I see a lot of homes that exude a warm and welcoming curb appeal and just beckon you to come in the front door.  Here are a few of my favourite looks that you might want to take away some ideas for your own home, whether you are selling or just wanting to make a statement.  Have fun !

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This gives a balanced and symmetrical look.

This solid oak door makes a bold statement !

This interlocking design allows for a multitude of gardening ideas to further enhance a generous sized pathway to your front door.  Lots of options here.

Great landscaping and handsome front door that makes for a warm welcome to all visitors.

This one has it all, well cared for lawn, welcoming walkway, perennial shrubs, and a structured door with adorning light fixtures !

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Providing sound professional advice and unsurpassed service where my client’s needs are the primary focus ensuring permanent, trusting relationships.
Knowledge * Integrity * Experience

Linda Duggan, ASA
Sales Representative & Accredited Senior Agent
Prudential Town Centre Realty Inc., Brokerage
www.lindaduggan.ca

Julianne Moore’s Garden

Tags

Home Improvement, Oakville Real Estate, Real Estate News

I recently ran across this article in The Architectural Digest and decided that it was worthwhile reproducing for a blog article.

Julianne Moore’s garden in The West Village in New York City.  The actress enlisted Brian Sawyer of the architecture and landscape firm Sawyer/Berson to transform the backyard.

Reclaimed bluestone pavers anchor the terrace.

Two antique English stone troughs from Laurin Copen Antiques are filled with succulents and moss.

For the complete story click here

Image credits:

Christopher Baker for Architectural Digest.

 

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Providing sound professional advice and unsurpassed service where my client’s needs are the primary focus ensuring permanent, trusting relationships.
Knowledge * Integrity * Experience

Linda Duggan, ASA
Sales Representative & Accredited Senior Agent
Prudential Town Centre Realty Inc., Brokerage
www.lindaduggan.ca

 

Mortgage News Update

Tags

Buying & Selling, Home Selling, Mortgage Updates, Oakville Real Estate, Oakville Real Estate Agent

It’s a good time to be shopping for mortgage rates!  Toronto Dominion Canada Trust along with BMO have jumped into the fray offering 2.99% for a 4 year fixed term.

BMO said its low rate is in place until March 28. TD has set a March 30 deadline.

Are you thinking about a new mortgage or perhaps you might be wanting to re-finance.  Many of my clients have told me they are unsure of mortgage terminology so here’s a short list with some of the most common terms.

Amortization Period:  The amount of time which all regular payments would pay off the mortgage. This is usually 25 years for a new mortgage, up to a maximum of 30 years.

Blended Payments:  Payments consisting of both principal and interest, paid on a regular basis (e.g. weekly, biweekly, monthly) during the term of the mortgage. The principal portion of payment increases, while the interest portion decreases over the term of the mortgage, but the total regular payment usually does not change.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC):  A Mortgage Insurance Fund which protects Lenders from losses resulting from high risk borrower default.

Closed Mortgage:  A mortgage agreement that cannot be prepaid before maturity.

Conventional Mortgage:  A mortgage that does not exceed 80% of the purchase price of the home. Mortgages that exceed this limit must be insured against default, and are referred to as high-ratio mortgages.

Debt-Service Ratio:  The percentage of the borrower’s gross income that will be used for monthly payments of principal, interest, taxes, heating costs and condominium fees.

Fixed-Rate Mortgage:  A mortgage with a fixed rate of interest for a specific period of time (the term).

Foreclosure:  A legal procedure where the lender obtains ownership of the property after the borrower has defaulted on payments.

Gross Debt Service (GDS) Ratio:  The percentage of gross income required to cover monthly payments associated with housing costs. Most lenders recommend that the GDS ratio be no more than 32% of your gross (before tax) monthly income.

High Ratio Mortgage:  If you don’t have a 20% down payment, your mortgage must be insured against payment default by a Mortgage Insurer, such as CMHC.

Mortgagee and Mortgagor:  The lender is the mortgagee and the borrower is the mortgagor.

Open Mortgage:  A mortgage which can be prepaid at any time, without requiring the payment of additional fees.

Prepayment Charge:  A fee charged by the lender when the borrower prepays all or part of a closed mortgage before the time set out in the mortgage agreement.

Prepayment Option:  The option to prepay all or a portion of the principal balance.

Principal:  The amount of money borrowed for a new mortgage.

Renewal:  At the end of a mortgage term, the mortgage may renew on new terms and conditions acceptable to both the lender and the borrower.

Total Debt Service (TDS) Ratio:  The percentage of gross income needed to cover monthly payments for housing and all other debts and financing obligations. The total should generally not exceed 37% of gross monthly income.

Variable Rate Mortgage:  A mortgage where the rate of interest may change if other market conditions change.

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Providing sound professional advice and unsurpassed service where the client’s needs are the primary focus ensuring permanent, trusting relationships.
Knowledge * Integrity * Experience

Linda Duggan, Sales Representative
Prudential Town Centre Realty Inc., Brokerage 

www.lindaduggan.ca