Oakville, ON

I often take my camera with me when I walk my dog because you just never know when a photo opportunity will present itself.

A walk through the neighbourhood last evening brought a totally unexpected sight. As my daughter and I walked past a home in the subdivision she noticed a fox just sitting in a driveway. He took a look at us but couldn't be bothered. After sitting for a minute or two he made his way across the front lawn and peeked at us from behind the bushes.

I don't recall ever seeing a fox in Oakville but with all the new home building going on I'm sure they are being displaced from their forest and ravine homes.

The rest of our walk,,,,,,,,well it was quite uneventful.

Don't forget to get out there and go for a walk! And take your camera.

Buying new or resale - Is it a coin toss?

Not usually. I find today's buyers have specific needs and wants and tend to lean one way or the other.

Buyers looking at new or newer homes desire the bells and whistles that these homes provide. Hardwood and ceramic flooring, 3 or 4 bathrooms, great room with vaulted ceilings, large windows. They only have to do finishing touches such as adding fencing, landscaping, central air or maybe repainting or finishing the basement down the line.

Lot size and mature neighbourhood are not the highest priorities on their wish list. They may not have the time to tend a large yard or the knowledge or again, the time to maintain or upgrade an older home.

On the other hand some buyers desire a larger, more mature lot that may be within walking distance to schools, shopping, transportation, etc. These people will forego an ensuite bath, closet space, double car garage, large kitchen, etc. in exchange for mature trees, and a home or neighbourhood with more character. Many of these types of buyers feel that newer subdivisions offer cookie cutter homes, smaller driveways, narrower streets and lack of privacy.

Many of these buyers are handy and are looking forward to updating their home over time.

Luckily I work in an area where there is a great selection of both older and newer homes and neighbourhoods. Are there buyers who change their mind after looking at homes and end up choosing a totally different type of home than they originally desired?

Sure, it happens. Contrary to the fact that many people buy with their pocketbook and not their hearts today, I find that there still is an emotional attachment when a buyer decides to make an offer on a property. Yes, most times today buyers do have a backup property in mind if there is no agreement on price but there is usually something about their first choice that pulls on their heartstrings.

Luckily not everyone likes the same style or age of house or it could make for a very lopsided market. Whether buying new or resale it's important to go in with eyes wide open.

Hiring a great team of professionals to help with the sale will make for a much smoother transaction. Working with a good REALTOR, building inspector, mortgage lender and lawyer will take away a lot of the stress of buying either new or resale and can help to make the purchase a fun experience like it should be.

Please feel free if you would like to receive our monthly email reports for free.

Also feel free to email us for a daily list of homes for sale in Bronte Creek, North Oakville. List includes, address, price and photos.

CALL BARRY QUINE TODAY FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTARY HOME EVALUATION.

Please feel free if you would like to receive our monthly email reports for free.

Also feel free to email us for a daily list of homes for sale in Bronte Creek, North Oakville. List includes, address, price and photos.

CALL BARRY QUINE TODAY FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTARY HOME EVALUATION.

Barry Quine
direct: 905.399.1069
email: Barry.Quine@century21.ca
web: www.HighTechRealEstate.ca
blog: www.HighTechRealEstate.ca/Blog

One of Oakville's main arteries was closed to traffic for hours today causing major congestion and headaches for Oakville drivers. Trafalgar Road, a major thoroughfare for motorists travelling north and south over the Queen Elizabeth Highway was the scene of a collision between an Ontario Provincial Police cruiser and a Mercedes, just south of the QEW overpass.

The accident which occurred around 11:00 a.m. created havoc with all four lanes closed to motorists for more than 3 hours. Both the O.P.P. officer and the driver of the other vehicle were taken to hospital.

When accidents happen and road closures occur confusion reigns. Many people don't know alternate routes to their destination and they panic. People become late for their appointments. Secondary roads become congested due to traffic overload.

What would happen if a major catastrophe happened in Oakville? How many people ever think of evacuation routes? In Oakville we have Lake Ontario to the south so we can't go that way unless we have a boat. Driving to the east takes us into Metropolitan Toronto, to the west is the City of Hamilton.

So does that mean everyone would head north? Hopefully anyone in an emergency situation needing to get over the Trafalgar Road bridge to the hospital in downtown Oakville today would have been waved through by Police blocking the road.

With the amount of cars on the roads today, accidents and road closures are a common occurance. Be prepared. Know your alternate routes. Keep a local map in your car or a GPS. Give yourself plenty of time to get to appointments.

And above all. Drive Carefully and keep your eyes on the road. Drivers talking on hand held phones or texting are now against the law here in Ontario.