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Oakville, ON Real Estate News

By Jenny Kotulak, Broker - Oakville Ontario Real Estate
(RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage)
Potential buyers will often ask me which parts of Oakville they should not move to.  I can honestly tell them that there are no undesireable residential areas in Oakville. We are very fortunate that Oakville is a very safe and vibrant community. Oakville has a couple of areas that are deemed up and coming or in transition.  The Kerr Street area has seen huge changes over the last few years.  There has been a huge revitalization which can be seen in both residences and businesses. This neighbourhood is now known as Kerr Village. The sidewalks have been improved with planters and benches and many of the apartment facades above the storefronts have had recent facelifts. Kerr St. is Oakville's second downtown area.   Because the cost per square foot to lease is less expensive than Lakeshore...
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By Jenny Kotulak, Broker - Oakville Ontario Real Estate
(RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage)
The Town of Oakville has three heritage districts as designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.  Old Oakville Heritage Conservation District Trafalgar Road Heritage Conservation District First and Second Street Heritage Conservation District  heritage conservation districts map (pdf, 60 kB) These three districts are all located in the real estate area called Old Oakville.  Each individual neighbourhood is situated within walking distance of Oakville's vibrant downtown core, Lake Ontario and the Oakville Harbour. Many homes on Trafalgar Road back onto the 16 Mile Creek. All three very desireable neighbourhoods are located on leafy tree lined streets.  Stately century old homes sit amongst new custom built homes and upscale townhomes and condos.  Some of the newer townhomes even offer el...
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By Jenny Kotulak, Broker - Oakville Ontario Real Estate
(RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage)
Bronte Village is one of Oakville's most charming neighbourhoods.  Located on the shores of Lake Ontario and at the mouth of the 12 Mile Creek, Bronte Village offers a mix of old and new when it comes to real estate. An evening stroll down Fisherman's Wharf and to the Bronte Outer Harbour Marina are reason enough to want to call Bronte Village home. Bronte has seen many changes over the years, with older cottages being replaced with modern executive style town homes and detached homes.  The downtown shopping area has been reviatalized and now many boutiques, cafes and restaurants service the area residents plus the many visitors to the area. Bronte is the type of neighbourhood where people do not move away from very easily.  If they outgrow their home or need to downsize, they search th...
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By Jenny Kotulak, Broker - Oakville Ontario Real Estate
(RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage)
The neighbourhood of Glen Abbey in Oakville is well know for many reasons.  First because it was a planned community that first began developing in the early 1980's.  The second reason is for the world famous Glen Abbey Golf Club, the semi-permanent and unofficial home of the Canadian Open Golf Tournament. The Glen Abbey Golf Club was built in 1976 on the site of a former monestery.  In 1977 it hosted the Canadian Open for the first time and this week it is home to the Open for the 25th time.  This year's tournament is the 100th anniversary of Canada's national open golf championship. When the "Open" comes to town, Oakville becomes a hub of activity. This week many celebrities showed up to play in the inaugural Mike Weir Charity Classic.  Not only did Kevin Costner play a round but his ...
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When considering buying a waterfront condominium, Oakville, a beautiful city on the north-west shores of Lake Ontario, Canada, has a wide selection of attractive condominiums to suit every taste and price range. Along the lakeshore in Oakville, elegant, highrise condominiums sit serenely overlooking the soft blues of majestic Lake Ontario. New condominium projects are currently being built in prime locations on Oakville's lakefront which offer a myriad of services such as on-site yoga studios, meditation suites, restaurants and more.These highrise condominium developments in Oakville offer a healthy lifestyle for today's active professionals and retirees where everything can be found without venturing too far from home.There are also townhouse condominiums overlooking Oakville's waterfr...
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By Tara Sales
(Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp., Brokerage)
This is a major bone of contention in Oakville at the moment and I wanted to make sure I shared with you the next date for a rally to oppose this Power Plant coming into Oakville! If this is an issue close to your heart please try to make it and show your support. Dear Citizen Colleagues:  Several Oakville Residents' Associations have announced they will be holding an outdoor Neighbourhood Rally regarding the proposed 850 MW gas-fired power plant to be located in the Clarkson Airshed Study area, which includes South Mississauga and East Oakville.  The Ministry of Environment has already declared this a stressed airshed, with higher than average cumulative air pollution from existing industry and local highways.   Outdoor Neighbourhood Rally in Oakville Tues. July 28 @ 7:00 p.m.CHISHOLM ...
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By Tara Sales
(Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp., Brokerage)
I wanted to share something exciting with the Active Rain community that I have been working on since the begining of this year. SmartGirlsOwn.ca is a site and idea I put together to help women learn about the process of Real Estate from start to finsh and beyond. The website will host different stats on women and Real Estate as well as let women know when and where our next event will be located.  The events are set up to offer a variety of experts a platform to speak about things such as real estate law, home inspection, mortgage financing, selecting a realtor & of course there is always a fun element like a fashion show, make up expert or health & fitness consultant. Everyone who comes has a great time and has an opportunity to meet some new friends and get some great FREE advice. My...
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By Barry Quine, The Wayne Munden Team - Condo Specialist
(Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp.)
BEST JUNE ON RECORD! We had the best June on Record in terms of number of units sold this year as opposed to ast year! EXCELLENT STUFF! Percent change June 2009 versus June 2008                    Units  Average Sale Price TREB          +27%      +2%  (TORONTO) RAHB          +19%      +1.9%    (HAMILTON/BURLINGTON) OMDREB      +21%      -4%       (OAKVILLE/MILTON)   Burlington Residential  +19%  +6% Oakville Residential  +20%  -2%   Call Barry Quine Today to discuss your Oakville/Burlington Real Estate Needs! Barry Quinedirect line:  (905) 399-1069web:    www.Century21.ca/Barry.Quine   or   www.BarryQuine.comemail:  Barry.Quine@century21.ca
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By Tara Sales
(Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp., Brokerage)
Good news for Oakville and literacy! The Ontario government has invested an additional $165,266 in funding to two organizations providing literacy training in Oakville. Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning and the Halton Catholic District School Board are both receiving additional funding to expand literacy and essential skills training so more Ontarians can train for high-skill jobs. "People remain our number one asset in Oakville," said Kevin Flynn, MPP for Oakville. "Investing in literacy skills means providing more opportunities for people to be their best, strengthening our local economy and helping our neighbourhoods grow." The funding is part of an investment of $25 million in colleges, school boards and community literacy organizations in the Employment...
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By Tara Sales
(Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp., Brokerage)
Did you select the right person to work with? Lately I have been really trying to put myself into the shoes of a buyer or seller, what qualities would I look for in my Realtor? What would I want them to be like? Have similar interests, live in the area I'm looking in, listen to my needs. There are so many qualities to consider.  Would I look for someone who seems to have all the listings and is dominating the area, best marketing message, does loads of advertising.  How would that help me? Does a realtor that has a large profile do a better job then one who doesn't? These are questions that I would have.  After all these thought provoking questions I was driving myself crazy. My belief on this subject is that you should interview realtors and ask some very serious questions. Ultimately,...
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By Tara Sales
(Re/Max Aboutowne Realty Corp., Brokerage)
Halton's municipalities have done quite well in the current round of federal and provincial infrastructure funding, with $320 million approved so far for projects in the four communities. The most recent announcement was the allocation of $10 million to Halton Region to repair and retrofit social housing. Regional staff are now developing applications to request available government funding to construct new assisted housing units for low income seniors and disabled people, according to a report presented at council's health and social services committee last week. Along with the money for social housing, the most recent federal budget included a new Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, an allotment for the repair of recreational facilities, and a commitment to speed up the allocation of money ...
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By Jenny Kotulak, Broker - Oakville Ontario Real Estate
(RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage)
Oakville Ontario - June 2009 -  Home Sales # of Sales - 401 Average Sale Price - $515,807 Median Sale Price - $439,000 Average Days on Market - 41 The number of sales year to date - 1587 The average sale price year to date - $500,066 The median sale price year to date - $418,000 The number of home sales in Oakville, Ontario was up 18% over June 2008.  The average sale price was down by 1% from June 2008.  The median price was up 4%. Year to date in 2009 sales are down 12% over the same period last year.  The average price is down by 5% and the median price is down only 2%.   The increase in the number of sales may be the beginning of a trend which began last month with the number of sales in May topping May 2008. Inventory is low in a number of price ranges in Oakville and as a result s...
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By Lindsay Walls, Oakville Ontario Realtor
(RE/MAX Aboutowne Realty Corp., Brokerage)
A couple of months ago, Oakville town council reviewed the results of a report measuring the satisfaction and priorities of Oakville residents.  Craig Worden, the Vice-President of Public Affairs at Pollara (the market research firm conducting the poll) had this to say about the 2009 Oakville Citizen survey results - "Based on experience this is among the most positive results I've every seen.  It's really quite uncanny that we had to point to areas of improvement but those areas you actually had positive scores on". This is an excellent survey to flip through, especially if you're curious about what people have to say about Oakville.  To view a copy of the report, please click on this link 2009 Oakville Citizen Survey. To learn more about issues affecting Oakville, please contact me a...
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By Jenny Kotulak, Broker - Oakville Ontario Real Estate
(RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage)
Friday evening and I was off to show condos in beautiful Bronte Village.  The Four "Ennisclare" condominium buildings on Marine Drive in Oakville appeal to those who desire lakeside living with luxurious amenities.  Some of the units I showed had stunning views from the balconies of the Toronto skyline at sunset.  Others overlooked Bronte harbour and outer marina.  I can only imagine waking up every morning and seeing Lake Ontario from my bedroom.  After the showings, I decided to take a walk down the Bronte Pier.  Dusk was setting in and the area was quiet, peaceful and serene.  A few anglers were grouped together on the end of the pier and a smattering of strollers were watching the last sailboats returning to their berths.  Although the calendar says it's July, there was a slight chi...
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By Jenny Kotulak, Broker - Oakville Ontario Real Estate
(RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage)
Did you ever have one of those days when your head felt like it just wasn't on straight? Do you remember your Mother telling you she had eyes in the back of her head? Have you heard that hindsight is 20 - 20? Do you remember those driving lessons and being told "eyes straight ahead?" Has anyone ever told you that you have a good head on your shoulders? Have you ever uttered the words "that's just ducky?"
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By Lindsay Walls, Oakville Ontario Realtor
(RE/MAX Aboutowne Realty Corp., Brokerage)
In mid-June, Halton District School Board trustees confirmed the final ruling on the Southeast Oakville (Ward 3) public school closures. After months of debate and community input, the trustees voted in favour of an option put forth known as Hybrid 3B. If you’re like me, Hybrid 3B means nothing to you so I’ve summarized what this means below. The following 3 schools will be closed as of September 2010: Brantwood, Chisholm and Linbrook. A new elementary school will be built in Clearview and the remaining schools of Maple Grove, EJ James and New Central will remain open. Facts: Maple Grove, EJ James and Clearview all qualify for a full-time Principal, Vice Principle and SERT (Special Education Resource Teacher). New Central will not qualify for a Vice Principal School closure project is ...
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By Lindsay Walls, Oakville Ontario Realtor
(RE/MAX Aboutowne Realty Corp., Brokerage)
Peter Gilgan, the owner of Mattamy Homes here in Oakville recently sent out an email regarding his company’s North Oakville development plans. For those of you who don’t know, Mattamy is the largest land owner in the yet to be developed area of North Oakville (North of Dundas Street). At the heart of the email is Mattamy’s concern over a proposed increase in new development taxes. When a new home is built, the developer has to pay a development charge to both the region and local government in exchange for certain developmental services such as roads and utilities, park development, fire and rescue services, additional library and recreational services, etc. Ultimately, these development charges are passed down to new home buyers as reflected in the purchase price of their home. Oakvil...
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By Jenny Kotulak, Broker - Oakville Ontario Real Estate
(RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage)
Canada turns 142 years old tomorrow.  Every village, town and city will celebrate in its own special way.  Oakville will be holding plenty of  festivities in the Bronte Village harbour district.  A full day of events is planned and hopefully the weather will cooperate.  The evening will end with fireworks over Lake Ontario. Here is the lineup of events planned for July 1. BRONTE RD. *  THE BOARDWALK *  HERITAGE WATERFRONT PARK Time: 8 am. - 5pm. 11am - 4pm KID'S ACTIVITIES Face Painters & Balloon Clown - Bronte Rd. & Heritage Waterfront Park Children's Entertainers 12:00 - 12:30 pm  Cinderella ‘Meet and Greet' 2:30 - 3:30 pm NAUTICAL ACTIVITIES Bronte Harbour Yacht Club Yacht Flotilla Dingy Races-Bronte Harbour. Yacht Club Sailing School Town of Oakville Big Fire-truck & Crew 11am - 9pm...
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By Jenny Kotulak, Broker - Oakville Ontario Real Estate
(RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage)
  No roads lead to Elsas, Ontario.  Located 459 miles north of Toronto, the only ways in are by train or plane.  Why would anyone want to visit Elsas?  For the fishing, the beauty and the peace and quiet. For a half dozen years or so, a group of assorted friends, and friends of friends have made the trek to spend a week  in May fishing.  This year two of the "regular's" sons were invited to go along.  My nephew Justin was one of them. These photos were taken by Justin and his father.  As you can see by his catch, I would think that Justin has earned his stripes and will be invited back next year. All Aboard Justin And His Catch Open Wide Snow In May In Elsas Pink Sky At Night Sunset In Elsas, Ontario Photo Source: Justin Kotulak
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By Lindsay Walls, Oakville Ontario Realtor
(RE/MAX Aboutowne Realty Corp., Brokerage)
I had an epiphany a few days ago – in a car dealership of all places.  My sister was looking for a new car and had asked me to come along with her to negotiate with the sale rep she met a few days earlier.  To protect the guilty, I will not mention the name of the dealership we went to however we were greeted with a warm welcome and immediately ushered into the salesperson’s office where things quickly fell apart.  While the salesperson was very much interested in getting to figures, my sister was still trying to figure out if she liked the dealer’s cars and if so, which model to choose.  I started asking some questions thinking that this would help her reach a decision.  Questions along the lines of fuel efficiency, safety features, maintaining warranty protection, pricing structures ...
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