The village of Shakespeare, Ontario was founded in 1832.  It is a small hamlet located 30 miles west of Kitchener-Waterloo and 7 miles east of Stratford.  There is one set of traffic lights.  It is one of those villages that people pass through quickly, on their way to Stratford to see the Shakespeare Festival. It really is worth taking the time to stop though, to browse the numerous antique stores and enjoy a tea or ice cream at the Harry Ten Shilling Tea Room.  If you have the time, venture onto the country side roads and you will find large farms, old churches and cemeteries and numerous other nearby villages and hamlets such as Tavistock and Harmony. Shakespeare, Ontario Antiques Harry Ten Shilling Tea Room - Shakespeare, Ontario The Quilt Place - Shakespeare, Ontario Antique Stores... 06/23/2009

FOR MORE INFORMATION INCLUDING PRICES, PICTURES, ADDRESSES & MORE PLEASE CALL BARRY QUINE TODAY at (905) 399-1069. There were 22 new listings that came on the market yesterday for oakville: 1) A 3 Bedroom 3-Story Semi FOR SALE on Georgian Drive (River Oaks)2) A 3 Bedroom Detached 2-Story FOR SALE on Creek Path Ave. (Bronte)3) A 3 Bedroom Detached 2-Story FOR SALE on Oak Bliss Crescent (Westoak Trails) 4) A 3 Bedroom Freehold Townhouse FOR SALE on Westview Terrace (Westoak Trails)5) A 4 Bedroom Detached 2-Story FOR SALE OR RENT on Kwinter Road (West Mount)6) A 3 Bedroom Condominium Townhouse FOR SALE on Westview Terrace (West Oak Trails)7) A 4 Bedroom Detached 2-Story FOR SALE on Briarwood Crescent (Morrison)8) A 2 Bedroom Condominium Apartment FOR RENT on Sixth Line (River Oaks)9) A 2 B... 06/18/2009

Some people are much more adventurous than others.  They like to go out on a limb and try something new.  If the end result is a flop, who cares.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained.  Others are more cautious.  They like to know what the end result is going to be when they begin something. They stay in their comfort zone.  They know that when they "deliver the goods" they are going to be GOOD. I'm talkig about baking, folks.  Yesterday I found an old file with lots of recipes that I used to make when my kids were little.  A big hit that you would see at every shower, anniversary, etc. was "Sex In A Pan". It was sooo yummy.  My cousin made some for Easter dinner this year and I had forgotten how good it tasted. Another favourite recipe that I would make for the kids was "Magic Cookie Bars"... 06/12/2009

St. Marys, Ontario is a small town located in southwestern Ontario.  It sits quietly on the Thames River about 12 miles southwest of Stratford, Ontario.  Although St. Marys is a small town with less than 7,000 residents, it can boast a number of claims to fame.  The Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame resides here. Also Canada's 9th Prime Minister, Arthur Meighen is buried here. Famous Canadian retailer Timothy Eaton opened up his first shop in St. Marys. St. Marys has earned the nickname of Stonetown, due to the abundance of limestone, which was used over the years to build the downtown area and homes.  St. Marys Cement Company became a major producer of cement in Ontario. I was born in St. Marys.  My mother grew up there. I love to go back and visit whenever I can.  I have a passion for st... 06/07/2009

Or have you already started to crawl?  I'm in the baby steps stage.  Many of you are  running full out with it.  Twitter means many things to many people.  A few days ago I penned a blog post and I mentioned that I would do a folow up post on how to play nice in the Twitter sand box. Getting in the sandbox is a personal, individual choice.  The following points are Twitter facts with my personal observations. 1. Twitter is a tool.  A micro-blogging tool where you can put out information immediately (to whoever may be listening) in 140 characters or less. Twitter is another social media outlet.  It is out there and you may or may not choose to use. 2. Should you choose to use, think about what purpose you want to use it for.  Personal or business.  Or both.  What messages do you want to ... 06/06/2009

I woke up this morning to a news story about a British twit twitterer who was jogging and tweeting at the same time and ran into a low lying tree branch. This is supposed to be newsworthy all the way across the pond?  Should I be questioning why this trivial accident became a major news story?  Or should I be questioning just how powerful Twitter really is?  Which part of this story is really newsworthy? The unfortunate black eye from making contact with an unbending stationary object or the capability of Twitter to spread the story like wildfire?  Yes, my bets are on Twitter.  I think this Twitter story is going to grab people who view Twitter with 2 different trains of thought. The Twitter haters/bashers will laugh and say it served him right.  (whether they understand the micro-blogg... 06/03/2009

There were two big news stories unveiling in Toronto yesterday.  The first will affect millions of Toronto area residents.  The second will benefit only 489 customers at a time. Each story had its' own headline in today's Toronto Star newspaper. "Remember to BYOB: Bring Your Own Bag" and "Colossal jet has star turn at Pearson" Starting June 1, in Toronto and the Greater Toronto area, retailers began (if they weren't already) to charge 5 cents for every plastic bag given out to a shopper.  It seems this new City of Toronto plastic bag bylaw was met with mixed reaction.  Many shoppers have already switched to cloth bags or plastic buckets in an effort to be more environmentally conscious.  I have an assortment of reusable bags that I have picked up over the years from real estate conferen... 06/02/2009

"I'm too busy".  We all say it because sometimes we genuinely are, but not all the time.  I'm sure you know people who say those three words "I'm too busy" constantly.  Why is this?  How can anyone be too busy to enjoy life? We all know that rushing causes stress.  I think some people have lots on their mind and actually think they are busier than they really are.  It's easy to "overbook" yourself.  If your schedule is too full, perhaps it's time to say NO to some of the things that are filling your day. You don't have to overcommit. Perhaps some say they are too busy because they can't be bothered or they are trying to avoid someone or something. Have you ever asked someone to join you for coffee or lunch but they are too busy and ask for a raincheck. Again, often there are legitimate ... 05/29/2009

What Do You See In This Photo? What Do You See In THIS Photo? 05/29/2009

As you begin the process of searching for a home in the Burlington, Oakville or Mississauga regions of Ontario , one of the most important steps to take is to find a real estate sales representative who you feel comfortable with and who has good past client references . Many people searching for a home do not realize that they have the opportunity to save thousands of dollars, time and avoid potential problems by choosing to work with a REALTOR® early in the home buying process. A REALTOR® will sit down with you and go over all of the things that should be taken into consideration when searching for a home. They will provide you with valuable information and tools that will help you to find the right home at a price that fits your lifestyle and needs. They will advise you on things to w... 05/26/2009

              With the number of decorating and home renovation programs on television these days, the words curb apeal have become  common and widespread.  For anyone considering putting their home on the market this spring, preparing the outside to sell is just as crucial as preparing the inside. HGTV.COM has some great before and after curb appeal slide presentations. Curb appeal in real estate terms refers to the exterior look of a property from the street curb. Curb appeal is a pleasing look upon drive-up. In order to sell your home you have to get buyers in the door.It's very important for a seller to see the front of their property with "buyer's eyes". What is the first thing you notice when you drive up? How does it compare to other homes in the neighbourhood? Are you attracted... 05/15/2009

Will the real Lola please stand up. Where I go to relax when I'm at home Where I go to relax when I'm on holidays. We all need a holiday sometime.  A holiday to me is getting in a car, jumping on a plane (definitely not jumping out of one ) taking the bus, train or cruise ship and heading out of town.  It means leaving work, kids, pets, chores, etc. in the rear view mirror for whatever length of time the particular holiday allows. Sometimes we just need a break.  If a holiday isn't in the plans there are lots of other ways to pretend you are on one.  Living on Lake Ontario makes it easy to "get away from it all".  You can walk on the pier, stroll the lakeside parks, feed the ducks, take advantage of  great photo opportunities, people and boat watch, and of course finish up by  eating i... 05/13/2009

  If the shoe fits - Wear it                  If the shoe doesn't fit - Let Lola wear it Fresh Cedar - Can You Smell It?  T-I-M-B-E-R Trillions of Trilliums The Town of Oakville has an abundance of ravines and trails to enjoy.  Whether you are walking the dog, biking with the family, jogging or out for a healthy hike, the beauty and calm of these forested areas will soothe the soul. 05/10/2009

On a late spring day, I happened to be in Bronte with my camera and I was able to capture a beautiful sunset above the pier.  It was still a very cool day so there wasn't much activity happening. The Bronte Pier was a very lonely place to be.  Warmer days will fill the benches.  The boats will take their places in their slips.  The marina will come alive. The reflection of the lighthouse on Lake Ontario.  A beautiful spot to be, any day of the year. 05/06/2009

Average Sale Price in Oakville - April 2009 - $507,463 Median Sale Price in Oakville - April 2009 - $435,000 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Average Sale Price in Oakville - April 2008 - $508,744 Median Sale Price in Oakville - April 2008 - $444,900 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Number of Sales in Oakville - April 2009 - 298 Number of Sales in Oakville - April 2008 - 359 Number of Sales in Oakville - March 2009 - 220 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- April 2009 Sales Under $300,000 - 34 $300,000 - $500,000 - 156 $500,000 - $80... 05/04/2009

Oakville, Ontario has been chosen as part of the route that the Olympic Flame will take on it's travels to Vancouver for the start of the Olympic Winter Games on February 12, 2010.  The Torch is scheduled to pass through Oakville on Saturday, December 19, 2009.  Oakville has been one of 1000 Canadian communities chosen for the Olympic Torch Relay.  How exciting this will be for Oakville and fellow residents.  The Torch Relay begins a 106 day Canadian journey on October 30, 2009. This Vancouver Olympics Torch Relay will be the longest one in Olympic history, as it will stretch 45,000 kilometers across Canada. Oakville residents are encouraged to submit their name for the opportunity to participate in the relay through town.  More information can be found on the Town of Oakville site What... 05/01/2009

Here is a dirty little secret about the real estate industry.  To be successful, agents have not 1 but 2 jobs.  One job is to HELP PEOPLE BUY/SELL REAL ESTATE.  This is the obvious one.  What most people don’t realize is that this is really an agent’s second job.  Our first and more difficult job is TO SELL OURSELVES.   Think about it this way - if I can’t sell myself than I will never have any clients and no clients = no pay check.  I love what I do but I can’t afford to work for free.  While I am happy to provide people with information, the expectation is that by doing so you may one day turn into a client.  My job is then and only then to provide you with services you require to buy or sell your home (job #2).  So why am I telling you all this?  I think if I’m being honest, I would ... 05/01/2009

If you have driven through Southeast Oakville at all in the past year, you have probably noticed the “SOS - Save our Schools” signs scattered across residents’ front lawns.  While the slogan has a clever ring to it, the issue of Southeast Oakville public schools is a serious one for the Halton School Board and local residents alike.  At the heart of the debate is the impact that proposed school closures and boundary changes will have on local students.  The Halton District School Board has been listening to residents’ concerns and recently released a multi-page letter to educate impacted homeowners, solicit feedback and ultimately bring progress to the school system.  Clearly this is an issue affecting all existing residents as well as home buyers thinking of moving to the area.  In an ... 05/01/2009

  Warning: Speed Hump Ahead             Double Humps               Speed Humps = Traffic Calmed Neighbourhoods ?               Spring has arrived in Oakville.  How can I tell?  The tulips are starting to open?  The trilliums are spreading throughout  the woods and ravines?  The cafes & restaurants are opening their patios?  All very good indications that spring has sprung.  But you know spring is finally here when the speed humps are relocated  around town in  areas that are now deemed to be "traffic calmed neighbourhoods."  Their arrival means that the snow plows have been retired until next winter.  Speed humps are not to be confused with speed bumps.  Humps are portable, bumps are permanent. I get that.  But "traffic calmed neighbourhood?"  I guess it's a sign of the times.   04/30/2009

In the early afternoon this past Sunday, I was busily working away at my computer when I received a call from my brother, Clayton. He was planning to take his children on a hike to Hilton Falls Conservation Area in Campbellville and wondered if we would like to come along. Hilton Falls Conservation Area is on the list of World Biosphere Reserves as part of the Niagara Escarpment. As I gazed out the window at the rather dreary day and wet windowpane, I wondered if it was such a great day for a hike, however after a short discussion with Louis, we decided to take Clayton up on his offer. Hilton Falls Conservation Area is a short drive from Oakville and Burlington. It took us about 20 minutes to get there and as we drove down beautiful country roads and up over the Niagara Escarpment, I co... 04/28/2009