Transitions-Oakville, Burlington and Mississauga Real Estate Blog

Getting the Exterior of a House Ready to Sell-Belleville, Quinte, Prince Edward County Real Estate

Sun, 09 Mar 2008 16:47:32 -0700

You've made the decision to sell your house or perhaps you are in charge of selling a house for an estate or via power of attorney. A successful sale in a short time period, with a maximum sale price, is an achievable goal if you take the time to properly prepare the property in advance.

There are various things you can do to prepare a property for sale and I'll take you through each step as though we were looking at things through a prospective buyer's eyes. With this in mind, I ask you to grab a clipboard with paper and pen now and let's take a walk around the property.

Starting just beyond the property line at the front of the house, face the property and determine what catches your eye first.

Are there unkempt garden areas and overgrown shrubs and weeds?

Is the front entrance area/landing cluttered with items that perhaps could be stored away in the basement or a garden shed?

Is the siding clean and bright and is the wood trim tidy and not peeling or damaged?
Is the garage door clean and in good condition without any peeling paint or scuffs, dents and scrapes?

How's about the drive and walkways? Are they weed-free and have any glaring cracks or heaved areas been repaired?

Are the driveway and walkway's clean and clutter free?

Remember as we walk around, observing things from a buyer's eyes, that first impressions are extremely important and can set the tone for the rest of the viewing and the subsequent decision on whether or not to make an offer on the property and how much that offer will be.

As a buyer observes your property, they notice all things that need repair or replacement and they keep a running mental list of the costs that may be involved.
The amount of money that they determine the house is going to need will impact greatly on what amount they decide to offer you for the property and most will make deductions from the list price according to how much the house needs to bring it up to par.

With these things in mind, make a copy of the following checklist and lets take a walk around your property to see what passes and where a bit of time invested now will bring the greatest price and quickest sale for your property.

1.Lawn area:

Weed-free__
Bare patches reseeded__
Litter free__
Mown__
Well watered and healthy in appearance__
Not encroaching onto walkways and garden areas__
Holes/depressions filled in and seeded__

2.Driveway:

Crack-free__
Relatively Spot-free__
Clutter and weed-free__
Crisp borders with lawn and garden areas__

3.Walkways:

Weed free__
Clean and freshly delineated from garden and lawn areas__
Attractive__
Safe__
Clutter and litter-free__
If winter, are walkways and front stoop neatly shoveled, salted and all ice removed?__

4.Landscaping:

Are trees and shrubs neatly trimmed and attractive?__
Does the choice of shrubs/plants suit the architecture of the house?__
Are there colourful points of interest such as brightly coloured flowers and planters?__
Is any of the landscaping causing damage to the foundation or siding of the house?__
Is there proper grading that leads water down and away from the foundation of the house?__
Excessive vines trimmed away or removed, particularly from sides of house__
Clutter and litter free back and side yards?__
All garden tools, toys, etc neatly stored in shed or other storage area?__
Gardens neatly weeded and attractive?__
All pet areas clean and scent free?__
Dead trees/branches removed?_
Outdoor ornaments/furniture attactive, clean and in good repair?__

5.Outside appearance of house structure:

Eavestroughs firmly attached, clean, in good condition and freshly painted__
Soffits and fascia clean and in good repair__
Proper downspouts that lead away from the foundation of the house__
Clean exterior siding/brick__
Exterior siding/brick is in good repair__
Windows clean and sparkling__
All ripped/broken window/door screens and glass repaired/replaced__
Window trim in good condition and freshly painted__
Window sills in good condition, clean and/or freshly painted__
Doors in good state of repair, clean and/or freshly painted/stained with all hardware functioning properly__
Foundation clean and in good repair with no cracks__
Roof clean and in good repair with no damage or clear signs of wear__
Tree branches not rubbing on roof shingles/roof__
Chimneys clean and in good repair with no signs of damage__
Central air conditioning unit easily accessible, clean and in good repair__
All hornet/bee/bird nests removed from house structure and any entrances into attic from outside patched and repaired__
Deck clean, in good state of repair and freshly stained__
Stairs clean, in good repair and freshly stained__
Proper railings on all stair/deck areas__
Fences in good state of repair, attractive, clean and/or freshly painted stained__
Remove any unseasonal decor such as Christmas lights, wreaths, etc.__
Attractive window treatments/blinds can help a house to look more attractive from the outside. Consider white or neutral tone lace curtains or drapes__
Door mats are in good repair and are clean and attractive__
Mailbox is attractive and in good state of repair__
Exterior lighting all works (replace any burnt out bulbs or non-functioning fixtures) and is clean__

Remember~

A gallon of paint will pay for itself many times over.
You only have one chance to make a positive first impression.
Buyers do not want to buy a property that is dirty, unkempt, unsightly or in need of many repairs.
If you do not have a green thumb and do not want to hire a landscaping company/gardener, consider planting some geraniums in flower beds or planters. Red flowers attract the eye and make a property appear more cheerful and inviting.
The time and effort you expend on the exterior of your property prior to listing it, will lead to many buyers coming in to take a look with a quick sale netting you a maximum sale price.
Renting or borrowing a pressure washer to use on the exterior of your house, driveway, walkway and deck, will greatly enhance the appearance of your property and help buyers to feel a sense of confidence that the property has been taken care of and is a wise purchase choice.

If you are considering selling your property and would like a professional opinion of the most important things that you should do to prepare your property for sale, I would be happy to come over and give you my advice.

There is no cost or obligation for this service and having an outside party who will look at your property through the eyes of a buyer, will help you to focus your time and efforts on the areas where it will be the most beneficial to a successful and smooth sale of your property.

Jo-Anne Smith, the author of this article, is a REALTOR® with Your Choice Realty , Mississauga, Ontario and welcomes your real estate inquiries. To contact her, visit www.oakville-burlingtonhomes.com

Getting Your House Ready for Sale in Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton or Mississauga

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 12:14:45 -0800

Getting Your House Ready for Sale in Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton or Mississauga.

A successful sale in a short time period, with a maximum sale price, is an achievable goal if you take the time to prepare your property before you put it up for sale.

Determining your home's 'curb appeal' is one of the most important things you can do.

Starting just beyond the property line at the front of the house, face the property and determine what catches your eye first.

Are there unkempt garden areas and overgrown shrubs and weeds?

Is the front entrance area/landing cluttered with items that perhaps could be stored away in the basement or a garden shed?

Is the siding clean and bright and is the wood trim tidy and not peeling or damaged?
Is the garage door clean and in good condition without any peeling paint or scuffs, dents and scrapes?

How's about the drive and walkways? Are they weed-free and have any glaring cracks or heaved areas been repaired?

Are the driveway and walkway's clean and clutter free?

Remember as we walk around, observing things from a buyer's eyes, that first impressions are extremely important and can set the tone for the rest of the viewing and the subsequent decision on whether or not to make an offer on the property and how much that offer will be.

As a buyer observes your property, they notice all things that need repair or replacement and they keep a running mental list of the costs that may be involved.

The amount of money that they determine the house is going to need will impact greatly on what amount they decide to offer you and oftentimes will make deductions from the list price according to how much the house needs to bring it up to par.

Weed-free__
Bare patches reseeded__
Litter free__
Mown__
Well watered and healthy in appearance__
Not encroaching onto walkways and garden areas__
Holes/depressions filled in and seeded__

2.Driveway:

Crack-free__
Relatively Spot-free__
Clutter and weed-free__
Crisp borders with lawn and garden areas__

3.Walkways:

Weed free__
Clean and freshly delineated from garden and lawn areas__
Attractive__
Safe__
Clutter and litter-free__
If winter, are walkways and front stoop neatly shoveled, salted and all ice removed?__

4.Landscaping:

Are trees and shrubs neatly trimmed and attractive?__
Does the choice of shrubs/plants suit the architecture of the house?__
Are there colourful points of interest such as brightly coloured flowers and planters?__
Is any of the landscaping causing damage to the foundation or siding of the house?__
Is there proper grading that leads water down and away from the foundation of the house?__
Excessive vines trimmed away or removed, particularly from sides of house__
Clutter and litter free back and side yards?__
All garden tools, toys, etc neatly stored in shed or other storage area?__
Gardens neatly weeded and attractive?__
All pet areas clean and scent free?__
Dead trees/branches removed?_
Outdoor ornaments/furniture attactive, clean and in good repair?__

5.Outside appearance of house structure:

Eavestroughs firmly attached, clean, in good condition and freshly painted__
Soffits and fascia clean and in good repair__
Proper downspouts that lead away from the foundation of the house__
Clean exterior siding/brick__
Exterior siding/brick is in good repair__
Windows clean and sparkling__
All ripped/broken window/door screens and glass repaired/replaced__
Window trim in good condition and freshly painted__
Window sills in good condition, clean and/or freshly painted__
Doors in good state of repair, clean and/or freshly painted/stained with all hardware functioning properly__
Foundation clean and in good repair with no cracks__
Roof clean and in good repair with no damage or clear signs of wear__
Tree branches not rubbing on roof shingles/roof__
Chimneys clean and in good repair with no signs of damage__
Central air conditioning unit easily accessible, clean and in good repair__
All hornet/bee/bird nests removed from house structure and any entrances into attic from outside patched and repaired__
Deck clean, in good state of repair and freshly stained__
Stairs clean, in good repair and freshly stained__
Proper railings on all stair/deck areas__
Fences in good state of repair, attractive, clean and/or freshly painted stained__
Remove any unseasonal decor such as Christmas lights, wreaths, etc.__
Attractive window treatments/blinds can help a house to look more attractive from the outside. Consider white or neutral tone lace curtains or drapes__
Door mats are in good repair and are clean and attractive__
Mailbox is attractive and in good state of repair__
Exterior lighting all works (replace any burnt out bulbs or non-functioning fixtures) and is clean__

Remember~

A gallon of paint will pay for itself many times over.
You only have one chance to make a positive first impression.
Buyers do not want to buy a property that is dirty, unkempt, unsightly or in need of many repairs.
If you do not have a green thumb and do not want to hire a landscaping company/gardener, consider planting some geraniums in flower beds or planters. Red flowers attract the eye and make a property appear more cheerful and inviting.
The time and effort you expend on the exterior of your property prior to listing it, will lead to many buyers coming in to take a look with a quick sale netting you a maximum sale price.
Renting or borrowing a pressure washer to use on the exterior of your house, driveway, walkway and deck, will greatly enhance the appearance of your property and help buyers to feel a sense of confidence that the property has been taken care of and is a wise purchase choice.

If you are considering selling your property and would like a professional opinion of the most important things that you should do to prepare your property for sale, I would be happy to give you my advice.

Having an outside party who will look at your property through the eyes of a buyer, will help you to focus your time, money and effort on those areas where you will receive the greatest payback.

If you are considering selling your property in Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton or Mississauga and would like a professional opinion of the most important things that you should do to prepare your property for sale, I would be happy to provide you with this service, free of cost or obligation.

With spring on it's way, now's the time to set down a plan for those things your Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton or Mississauga property needs in order to net you the top selling price you're hoping for.

Bronte Waterfront Condos For Sale

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:00:09 -0700

Bronte Waterfront Condos For Sale

The Village of Bronte, a beautiful waterfront community in the southwest corner of Oakville, is home to a wonderful variety of waterfront condos.
Overlooking Lake Ontario, Bronte waterfront condos provide breathtaking views and are a just a short walk to the sandy beach, peaceful waterfront parks and the eclectic mix of shops and restaurants in downtown Bronte.

Bronte waterfront condos, currently for sale, range in price from $345,000 to $690,000.
In 2009, waterfront or waterview condos sold in Bronte in the range of $184,000 - $950,000.

The beautiful townhouse condos overlooking Bronte Waterfront Heritage Park with their multi-levels and open concept, offer the spacious rooms and amenities couples or small families desire in a home.

Highrise condos in Bronte offer a secure lifestyle within walking distance to supermarkets, pharmacies, shops, restaurants and health care facilities.

If you would like to receive a list of all waterfront condominiums currently for sale in the Bronte area of Oakville emailed to you, contact Jo-Anne Smith at 289-837-2132 or at OakvilleAndBeyond@gmail.com

The Oakville Horticultural Society - For Gardeners and Those Who Appreciate Nature's Beauty

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 13:14:06 -0700

The Oakville Horticutural Society has been helping to beautify Oakville's private and public gardens since 1957.

Open to all of those who have an appreciation for gardens and gardening, membership in the Oakville Horticultural Society provides the following benefits:

Monthly speakers and presentations
Flower arranging workshops
Monthly newsletter (except July and August)
Flower shows where members share their garden produce and flowers
Purchase unusual plants and bulbs at some meetings at wholesale cost or lower
Annual plant sale
Annual garden tour
Hands-on workshops
Discounts at nurseries and garden shows
Monthly draws
Gardeners library
Junior Garden Club (for children ages 6-9)
Potluck dinners and other social events
Take part in community gardening projects
Meet many fellow gardeners and make new friends who share your interest in gardening!

Membership Fees are very reasonable!

Single Annual Membership - $15.00

Family Annual Membership - $20.00

If you'd like to attend an evening meeting and are not a member, guests can attend for a fee of $5.00

For more information check out the Oakville Horticultural Society Website or email membership@oakvillehort.org

Spring Sights Around Bronte Waterfront Heritage Park, Oakville

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 20:40:39 -0700

Spring Sights Around Bronte Waterfront Heritage Park, Oakville

Spring is in the air in Oakville and residents are coming down to Bronte's waterfront to enjoy the warm
weather.

Waterfowl are stopping over on their migration north to their breeding grounds and the Canada Geese have arrived back in droves.

Fishermen can be seen on Fisherman's Wharf again and in small rowboats near shore.

Soon the park will be filled with children running and families having picnics on sultry spring evenings.

Boaters will be cleaning their newly launched boats and greeting one another again after many months of not seeing one another.

Bronte Waterfront Heritage Park is a peaceful place to relax and take in the sights and sounds of spring returning to the beautiful city of Oakville.

Homes For Sale in the Community of Bronte, Oakville, Ontario, Canada

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 21:54:45 -0700

Homes For Sale in the Community of Bronte, Oakville, Ontario, Canada

The Community of Bronte, in the southwest corner of Oakville, Ontario, began as a small fishing village in 1834 at the junction of 12 Mile Creek and Lake Ontario.

The first non-aboriginal setters of Bronte were the United Empire Loyalists who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolution.

The first harbour in Bronte was completed by 1856. Beginning as a small harbour town and fishing village, the Community of Bronte in Oakville, Ontario now has approximately 10,000 residents.

The majority of Bronte was originally farmland and forest before major housing development began to take place in the 60s and 70s. Housing developments continued to be built up until this year.

The homes for sale in Bronte range all the way from apartment style condos starting in the low to mid $200,000s to multi-million dollar detached homes on the lake.
Presently the lowest price home is an apartment style condo on Marine Drive listed at $249,000 and the highest price home is a detached waterfront home listed at $2,195,000.

The community of Lakeshore Woods, a planned residential neighbourhood in the southwest area of Bronte, is a beautiful newer area of Bronte.
Homes of distinct quality are priced in the $500,000 and upwards range.
Just a short walk from Lake Ontario and not far to downtown Bronte, Lakeshore Woods is one of Oakville's most desirable and in-demand communities.
Beautiful parks are within walking distance including a 'leash-free' dog park.

Overlooking Lake Ontario, Bronte waterfront condos provide breathtaking views and are a just a short walk to the sandy beach, peaceful waterfront parks and the eclectic mix of shops and restaurants in downtown Bronte.

Bronte waterfront condos, currently for sale, range in price from $345,000 to $690,000.
In 2009, waterfront or waterview condos sold in Bronte in the range of $184,000 - $950,000.

The beautiful townhouse condos overlooking Bronte Waterfront Heritage Park with their multi-levels and open concept, offer the spacious rooms and amenities couples or small families desire in a home.

Highrise condos in Bronte offer a secure lifestyle within walking distance to supermarkets, pharmacies, shops, restaurants and health care facilities.

If you would like to receive a list of homes, that meet your criteria, for sale in the Bronte area of Oakville emailed to you, contact Jo-Anne Smith at 289-837-2132 or at OakvilleAndBeyond@gmail.com

Bronte Homes For Sale and Real Estate Market Report For March 2010 - Oakville, Ontario

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 12:17:45 -0700

Bronte Homes For Sale, Real Estate Market Report For March 2010 - Oakville, Ontario

The historical Village of Bronte, located in Oakville's southwest corner, is one of Oakville's most desirable communities.

As one of Oakville's oldest inhabited regions, homes for sale in Bronte are in high demand and this is reflected in the short number of days the average home for sale in Bronte stayed on the market for the month of March 2010.

Beginning as a village on the mouth of 12 Mile Creek in 1834, Bronte has grown to become
a thriving lakeside community boasting beautiful lakefront estates, residential neighbourhoods, high-rise condos, marinas, schools and thriving businesses.

Although the Village of Bronte has amalgamated to become a part of the City of Oakville, it's small village atmosphere and charm remain.

The summer months bring thousands of tourists from all over the world to walk along it's historical streets and stroll through it's beautiful lakeside parks.

Bronte Outer Harbour Marina, one of the finest in the City of Oakville, is a destination for many traveling boaters and tourists in the summer months.

Award winning dining establisments, old fashioned ice cream parlours, unique shops, plazas and a mall, all make Bronte a shopper's paradise.

Bronte is the preferred community for many Oakville residents. Newcomers to the region quickly experience it's charms and often choose to relocate to this trendy and historical, lakeside community after a few years of living elsewhere in the area.

Bronte is in high demand for those looking to buy a home. It's not often that homes in Bronte come up for sale and when they do, they sell fairly quickly.

Property sales were very active for the month of March, this year, with 23 sales at an average sales price of $526,000 . This is quite a jump over the average sale price in March 2009 which was $460,000 .

With a relative shortage of homes for sale in the Bronte area, now is an excellent time to sell.

Buyers who wish to live in the Bronte Area would be making an excellent investment when buying a home here.

View Bronte Village in City of Oakville in a large map

To have a list of all townhouses, condominiums and detached homes currently available in the Bronte area of Oakville emailed to you
or
to find out the market value of your Bronte home,
contact Jo-Anne Smith at 289-837-2132 or by email at OakvilleAndBeyond@gmail.com

For regular updates on how the real estate market in Bronte, Oakville is doing and to know more about Bronte homes for sale, become a subscriber to this blog or to www.OakvilleAndBeyond.com .

©2010JoSmith

Volunteers Needed for the Halton Region Museum

Sun, 04 Apr 2010 19:16:34 -0700

Volunteers Needed for the Halton Region Museum

The Halton Region Museum, located in Kelso Conservation Area, Milton, Ontario, is open year-round.

In encouraging a greater understanding of Halton's natural and cultural heritage, Halton Region Museum undertakes many activities and requires the help of many volunteers.

The Halton Region Museum performs many services such as:

special events
research services
artifacts collection management
facility rentals
assisting with exhibitions
educational programs

Volunteers are specifically needed to help with running events, education programs, and work in the gift shop.

The Halton Museum Foundation, a registered charitable orgnization formed in 1998 to help provide an active volunteer base for the museum, assists the museum with:

special eventsfundraising activities
promoting awareness of the museum
increasing support within the community

Volunteers are needed to serve on the Halton Museum Foundation as Directors and will be required to attend monthly evening meetings.

To apply visit www.halton.ca/museum or pick up an application at Halton Region, 1151 Bronte Rd, Oakville or Halton Region Museum at the Kelso Conservation Area in Milton.

Call 905-875-2200, ext 22 for more information.

Living in Port Credit, a Lakeside Community in Mississauga

Sun, 04 Apr 2010 19:53:00 -0700

Living in Port Credit, a Lakeside Community in Mississauga

Port Credit began as a trading post in the 1700s. Situated at the mouth of the Credit River on Lake Ontario's northwests shore, it was originally a fishing port and a prominent trading centre where settlers and natives brought their grain and other agricultural products to trade with others.

A lighthouse was built on the banks of the Port Credit Harbour in 1882 to help boaters who came in by Lake Ontario. The lighthouse perished in a fire in 1936.

An Inn was built in the late 1700s to serve the travelers who came from a long distance to trade their goods.

A village plan was put forth in 1834 and from there Port Credit grew to officially become a town in 1961.

In 1974 Port Credit became a part of the City of Mississauga.

The west bank of the harbour now houses the Port Credit Harbour Marina, one of the largest marinas in the area.

With the proximity of the Credit River and the beautiful Lake Ontario waterfront, Port Credit is a tourist's paradise with thousands visiting every summer.

Kayakers and canoers are a regular sight along the Credit River and with the many paths and parks, pedestrians are numerous throughout the warmer seasons.

With one of the largest marinas in the area, Port Credit is a destination for boaters from far and wide. Boaters are able to stay for a night or two and take a short walk to Port Credit's downtown core with it's trendy restaurants and shops.

Charter fishing is very popular in Port Credit and many fishermen come to try their hand at landing a salmon or lake trout while taking a fishing excursion on Lake Ontario.

Residents of the greater Toronto area and from around the world are often charmed after just one visit to Port Credit. As a place to buy a home, Port Credit is one of the most desirable and highly sought after communities in the Toronto/ Mississauga/Oakville area.

Living in Port Credit, the beautiful lakeside community of Mississauga, has been a home buyer's dream for many years and the demand for real estate in Port Credit will only increase in the years to come.

To have a list of all townhouses, condominiums and detached homes currently available in the Port Credit area of Mississauga emailed to you
or
to find out the market value of your Port Credit home,
contact Jo-Anne Smith at 289-837-2132 or by email at OakvilleAndBeyond@gmail.com

Benefits of Buying a Condominium in the Community of Port Credit, Mississauga, Ontario

Sun, 04 Apr 2010 20:27:08 -0700

Benefits of Buying a Condominium in the Community of Port Credit, Mississauga, Ontario

More and more homebuyers are turning to the condominium lifestyle in Ontario today.

In the Greater Toronto Area, the Community of Port Credit in the City of Mississauga, is a highly desirable location for buyers wishing to live the condominium lifestyle.
Port Credit condominiums offer:

Close proximity to the City of Toronto
Close proximity to the airport
Culture, recreation and natural beauty abound
Trendy downtown core offering the best in restaurants, shops and professional businesses
Excellent heath care facilities
Waterfront activities such as fishing, boating and sightseeing

Condominium ownership can appeal to both those leading a fast-paced lifestyle, as well as those who are retired and enjoying a slower pace.
Condominium ownership comes with numerous benefits that help the homebuyer achieve a more comfortable and stress-free life.

Affordability-Condominiums can often be purchased for a fraction of the cost of a standard residential home. This is an important factor that attracts both the single lifestyle, first-time buyers and those who are retired.
Security and Personal Safety-Condominium complexes offer a closer knit community than a single family dwelling. For those who frequently travel or live alone, this can be an important factor when choosing a home.
Organized Recreational and Social Activities- Many condominium complexes have recreational facilities for the condominium owners to use, as well as organized activities on a monthly basis. Having a pool or recreational centre with regular events serves to bring the community together and creates a comfortable and healthy lifestyle for those who live in the complex.
Less Maintenance Required-Many condominiums offer outside maintenance and repairs as a part of the ownership package. For those who are gone over the winter months or unable to perform their own outside maintenance, knowing that the snow removal, grass cutting, roof repairs, etc is taken care of, can bring great peace of mind and a greater ability to enjoy life, as well as not having to worry over the expense of a costly outside repair like a new roof.
Lower Insurance Costs-As a condominium owner (freehold condominium exception) you will be responsible for insuring your personal belongings, the interior of your unit and personal liability. The condominium corporation is responsible for the common ownership areas and exterior of the units.
Investment Value-With the increase in the average age of the population and more and more retirees entering the buying market, the demand for condominiums continues to rise.
Most areas in Ontario currently face a shortage of affordable and desirable condominiums and the value of the average condominium continues to steadily increase. Investors who saw the coming demand years ago, and purchased one or more condominiums, have realized a healthy return on their investments in recent years.
Decreased Energy Costs-The majority of condominiums share outside walls in common with their neighbouring units and this serves to greatly decrease the amount of energy required to heat and cool each unit. In addition, many condominium complexes supply hot water to the individual units from a common source. This can greatly reduce your monthly electricity costs.
Smaller Footprint upon the Earth-With condominium owners sharing the common areas, a greater number of homes can be placed on a lot in a condominium complex than in a corresponding number of single family dwellings in a typical subdivision.
Lower Property Taxes-Municipal taxes for a condominium unit are comparably lower than taxes for a detached single family home.

Buying a condominium is a wise decision and having a real estate sales representative who understands and is knowledgeable about the condominium buying process and what to watch out for, can bring a smooth and enjoyable buying experience that you will remember with pleasure.

As a Licensed Real Estate Sales Representative for Brekland Realty Group with offices in Mississauga and Oakville, Ontario, I have extensive education and experience in the condomium buying process and can guide you through the viewing and buying process.

To have a list of all townhouses and condominiums currently available in the Port Credit area of Mississauga emailed to you
or
to find out the market value of your Port Credit home,
contact Jo-Anne Smith at 289-837-2132 or by email at OakvilleAndBeyond@gmail.com

Buying a condominium in the Community of Port Credit, Mississauga is a wise decision that will bring years of enjoyment and is an excellent investment for the years to come.

Bronte Outer Harbour Marina - Boat Launch Day for Ronin

Sat, 24 Apr 2010 16:48:01 -0700

Bronte Outer Harbour Marina - Boat Launch Day for Ronin

The most commonly heard expression amongst boaters this time of year is ' Have you got your launch day yet?'

Today was launch day for Ronin at Bronte Outer Harbour Marina. After a long winter sitting on dry land, she's afloat on her water home once more.

Ronin on dry land at Bronte Outer Harbour Marina

Here comes the Travelift at Bronte Outer Harbour Marina. The Travelift will pick Ronin up and transport her to the water.

The Travelift carefully backs up while Ronin waits patiently.

Strapping Ronin in to the Travelift at Bronte Outer Harbour Marina.

Ronin gets lifted off her cradle at Bronte Outer Harbour.

The Travelift carries Ronin to the water on launch day.

Almost home again at Bronte Outer Harbour.

Travelift has lowered Ronin back into the water. Another successful launch day.

Ronin, home on the water again at Bronte Outer Harbour Marina in Bronte, Oakville, Ontario

Natural Oakville - What Homeowners Can Do to Help Slow Bee Decline

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 19:38:52 -0700

What You Can Do to Help Slow Bee Decline - Natural Oakville

Around the globe a crisis of monumental proportions is taking place.
Bees are disappearing at an unprecedented rate and with them go up to one third of the world's food supply.

There are many factors that scientists say are contributing to the alarming disappearance of the bees. Amongst those being studied are:

1. Radio waves

2. Pesticide and Herbicide usage

3. Parasites and Disease that seem to be more successful now due to bee's weakening immune systems

4. Mono-culture of plant species over thousands of acres

5. Air pollution

6. Global warming

All of these factors combined are escalating and compounding the rate of demise that all species of bees are experiencing.

Bees are the most valuable pollinator for plant species on our planet.

Here in Ontario, scientists are not only studying the disappearance of commerical honeybees; native species of wild bees are also showing drastic decline and many species are near extinction.

Peter Kevan, a professor and Entomologist at the University of Guelph, is raising the alarm on the plight of our native bee popluations.
Peter states that two of most common bumblebee species in Ontario are experiencing a "massive decline" and in select areas of the province may already be extinct.

Bee decline is particularly evident in the Niagara region and in southern Ontario. The Niagara region, with it's great abundance of fruit farms, has already experienced a 90 % drop in bee populations.

Scientists are attributing this to pesticide and herbicide use which weakens the bees immune systems to the point where they become extremely susceptible to diseases which cause death.

Another factor in highly populated areas such as the GTA and QEW corridor, is the extremely poor air quality.

Oakville is known as having the poorest air quality in Ontario. A high particulate matter in the air reduces the scent of flowers by up to 90% leaving bees with one of their greatest navigational tools, their sense of smell, in a useless state.
Without being able to find flowers, the bees are unable to gather nectar, the food source for the colonies.

There are a number of things homeowners can do to help the plight of our bee populations:

1. Use a wide array of flowers in your garden, paying particular attention to indigenous species such as Black-eyed Susans, Purple Coneflowers, Bergamot, Dogwood, Serviceberry, Violets, Sunflowers and Wild Strawberries.

2. When planning your garden beds, use a diverse array of flowers so as to have blooms from early spring until late fall.

3. Do what you can to help alleviate global warming and air pollution. Even the smallest actions can make a difference.

4. Avoid the use of pesticides and herbicides in your garden and yard.

The plight of humanity will hang in a precarious balance if bees disappear from the planet and many scientists believe mankind will not survive without these small, hardworking insects we share the planet with.

The Naked Sprout - New Raw and Organic Food Cafe in Burlington!

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 23:13:45 -0700

Just north of Dundas on Walker's Line in Burlington, a new raw and organic food cafe has opened.
The Naked Sprout is Burlington's newest healthy eatery and as part of Chrysalis Yoga Studio, it promises to nourish the body with nutritious, scrumptious, soul-satisfying organic and raw food delicacies.

Tonight was the first evening a group of people gathered in the warm atmosphere of the cosy cafe. Owned by Clayton, Shanine and Pete, the cafe opened it's doors for 'staff appreciation night' as they showed their appreciation for the staff of Chrysalis Yoga Studio.

Pete, as head chef and manager of the cafe, served up a wonderful menu consisting of healthy raw food meals, delectable desserts and tasty appetizers and salads.

I chose the vegan pizza made with a sweet potato crust and covered in sun-dried tomatoes with various vegee toppings. Healthy and delicious, I'm lookingforward to enjoying it again.

The gluten-free, dairy-free, raspberry cheesecake leaves you wanting to eat more and more. It's that good.

Drop in to The Naked Sprout for a meal or an organic coffee or tea the next time you're in the area and perhaps take in a yoga class at Chrysalis Yoga Studio while you're there. Your body, mind and soul will thank you.

Students 19 and Under, 'Celebrate Biodiversity' in Oakville and Beyond With a Contest

Wed, 05 May 2010 17:25:36 -0700

Canadian students 19 and Under are invited to celebrate biodiversity in Oakville and across the globe by entering a contest!

Canadian artist Robert Bateman started a program called 'Get to Know' to help promote environmental awareness amongst young people.

The theme for this year's 'Get to Know' program is 'Celebrate Biodiversity' and at no time more than the present is this theme more important with thousands of plant and animal species becoming endangered or extinct on a daily basis.

If you know a student who is 19 years or under, encourage them to enter this year's 'Get to Know' contest.

Not only will they have the opportunity to learn more about the beautiful planet we live on and display their creative talents, they will also have the opportunity to win some great prizes and perhaps have their work published in the 2011 Get to Know contest calendar or be used for the 2011 Youth Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp!

To enter the contest, students are invited to get outside and get creative. Paint, draw or photograph nature in it's glory and submit your work of art.
Students who prefer to write are encouraged to submit a work of art using the written word that talks about wildlife or biodiversity.

Prizes*
Entrants have the opportunity to win one of the following prizes:

the winning art or writing entry will be published in the 2011 Robert Bateman Get to Know Contest Calendar
One winning entry will be featured as Wildlife Habitat Canada's 2011 Youth Wildlife Habitat
Conservation Stamp
A week-long art and nature camp in one of Canada's stunning national parks, joined by outstanding mentors and the American contest winners (sponsored by Parks Canada; for age 12 and up only)
Cash prizes
The winning entry published on www.gettoknow.ca
VIP invitations to special events, held across the country
Personal written congratulations from Robert Bateman
Digital cameras from Panasonic (for photography winners)
Additional prize packages from Opus Framing and Art Supplies and Scholastic (for art and writing winners respectively)

General Rules

This contest is open to ALL Canadian students 19 and under and no purchase or payment is necessary in order to win.

Entrants may submit more than one entry, however all entries must be received in the mail or online by Get to Know no later than 4:00 PM Eastern (1:00 PM Pacific) on May 28, 2010.

For more information, click on the banner below.

*Prize list taken from Get to Know Contest website

I May Not Have Any Grandchildren Yet, But.......

Wed, 12 May 2010 20:56:50 -0700

I have a lovely Grand-cat named Nanuk and beautiful Grand-dog named Pika. They are David's (my oldest son) and Angie's family and are the best of friends.
They live in Kelowna, BC so I don't get to see them much. When we were there this past September, Nanuk and Pika were always getting into some kind of mischief together, especially when they were home alone.

Left to their own devices, Nanuk, with the dexterity her paws offer, would open doors and cupboards and get out paper towels or toilet paper for Pika to unravel and shred all through the house.
This was a habit of theirs. Every time we would come home, it would be to a floating sea of white tissue everywhere. ((-;
Other than that, they are very well behaved.