A community centre is soon to rise in south-central Oakville as a vote was passed early December 2017 by the town’s planning and development council approving the Official Plan and zoning amendments needed to start building a park, seniors-oriented housing, residential housing, and a community centre that includes a civic space at the Macdonald Road and Reynolds Street location.Exciting AnnouncementOakville’s Mayor Rob Burton happily shared that they now can move with confidence regarding the Brantwood school project and the former hospital site project. He added that control of said projects will give the town a better vantage point to optimize green space and protect the character of the neighbourhood while giving residents a truly needed community centre.Details to Look Forward To!Th... 01/12/2018

Welcome back to part IV of increasing the value of your home! This blog talks about updating closets and optimizing your home office and mudroom. Organizing your closets and mudroom definitely helps in keeping up the value of your home. My idea is to organize the closets not just before selling your home, but doing it early enough so you can take advantage of a pleasing view every day you wake up and start your day, plus you can find everything much easier :-) We don’t all live in mansions with huge closets. Sure this walk-in closet I designed (below) doesn’t have the space for an island or big comfy chair, but good organization and pretty decor makes it a crowd pleaser... It has been saved nearly 300 times on Houzz in a very short time. Master Bedroom Walk-in Closet If you have a room ... 01/02/2018

Buying a home in GTA is near impossible these days if you’re not a millionaire. Fortunately for you, there are still small pockets where buying a home that won’t take a million is still possible. A recent Toronto Life article named the neighbourhood of Oakville as one of those last affordable areas.Now, it isn’t a secret that Oakville is not considered as one of the Canadian cities with affordable housing by most people. After all, the aggregate price of Oakville homes (considering condos, two story homes, bungalows, and other home types), is at $1,145,644. There are some pockets of Oakville though where homes can be bought for less than a million.Where?Enter the neighbourhood of West Oak Trails.West Oak TrailsToronto Life’s Steve Kupferman describes West Oak Trails as one of those area... 12/20/2017

Remember the last time you were in a furniture store or other major home retailer? Remember the fully decorated displays of furniture, appliances and other products? Some of those may have even been organized as model rooms.What did most of those displays have in common?Chances are, they were well lit.In fact, in the retail industry, there are professionals who specialize exclusively in display lighting. It plays such an important role in showcasing and selling home products successfully that the stores are willing to absorb the expense.And the same holds true for your house.If you want to show your house well, and sell it quickly and for the best price, make sure every room is well lit.There are probably some rooms in your house where the lighting is adequate, such as the kitchen and b... 03/13/2016

If you were going to sell your car, what would you do? Well, you would probably check to find out how similar vehicles to yours are priced. Then you would set your advertised price within that range.What you would be doing, perhaps without knowing it, is determining the “market value” of your car.Market value is simply what buyers today are willing to pay for a particular product.When you decide to put your house up for sale, one of the first things you and your REALTOR® will do is determine the market value of your property. That’s important to know because if you price your home too much above its market value, you probably won’t get any offers. Alternatively, if you price your property too low, it might get snapped up quickly but you’ll have left a lot of money on the table.How does ... 03/03/2016

You’ve spent a lot of time shopping for the perfect property. You made an offer, held your breath and – hurray! – you got the home! But now you’ve realized that you have to move in four weeks – and you’re far from prepared.Don’t add stress to what was otherwise a smooth process. Make sure you have these things in place well in advance:A good real estate lawyer. Selecting the right lawyer can take time, so you don’t want to leave this task to the last minute.A reputable moving company. Start looking into moving firms right away to ensure you pick one that’s reputable, timely and will do a good job.A contractor. Your new home may require some repairs and renovations that you want to get done right away.Insurance. This is an easy detail to overlook. Don’t. Insurance costs can vary widely, ... 01/19/2016

FREE Power Of Sale Real Estate Seminar!Seminar Location: Markham, Ontario Date: Saturday September 19, 2015Time: @ 10:00 amTo Register Today, Visit: www.BankForeclosureHousePrices.com Our FREE Bank Foreclosure/Power Of Sale Real Estate Seminar Will Teach You How To:Purchase a house or condo with *zero down payment.How to move from renting to first time home owner to Real Estate Investor in as little as 3-5 years.Learn how to save up to *$10,000 on your next move.The top 5 mistakes that could hurt any bank foreclosure / power of sale or distress sale home buyer.How to purchase condos and homes for 10 – 30% below market value.How to reduce fear and increase confidence thru successful strategies!How to take advantage of special incentives available to first time home buyers.How to avoid bu... 08/16/2015

Ever wanted to achieve a breezy and beachy kitchen look but wondering how to pull it off without hiring an interior decorator? We’ve got the goods for you! Try one or try all and let the sun, sea, and sand vibe be in your home!Go For Aqua AppliancesHey, who says your appliances have to be boring? Go for an aqua-hued retro-inspired toaster or refrigerator, more so if you’ve got a white kitchen. It’s a perfect match!How About Painted Floors?Got wooden flooring which has seen better days? You can revive it with a simple coat of paint and perhaps a stenciled design. Marine paint works wonders and is resistant to the daily traffic and grind which is normal to an area as busy as your kitchen.Install Iridescent TilesAn iridescent backsplash mimics the sun’s glint on crystal clear waters and he... 06/19/2015

Oakville Jazz Festival this Weekend - August 8-9, 2014   For over 20 years, the Jazz Festival provides an amazing weekend for the entire family. Enjoy outdoor patios, great shopping fine dining and excellent entertainment!     This FREE event in downtown Oakville showcases over a dozen bands on several stages throughout the downtown, including the annual Youth in the Spotlight series.  It’s a great way to enjoy music together as a family.       ================================================   6 Stages --- International Award Winning Artists --- Shopping, Dining, and more!!        08/09/2014

Remax 2013 Luxury Home Sales Report for Oakville Ontario   Oakville is one of 905’s most desired communities with a long-standing tradition of high-end sales.   RE/MAX has just released the following 2013 statistics for the prestigious Oakville market:     Oakville set new record for home sales over the $1.5 million price point in 2013 156 luxury properties changed hands last year, up 19 per cent from the 131 sales reported in 2012 350 million dollars in luxury real estate was sold in Oakville last year, with the most expensive property -- a fully renovated circa-1930 home situated on eight acres, including close to 800 ft. of waterfront -- sold for just under $10 million The town’s priciest condominium, a luxury unit in the heart of Downtown Oakville, sold for $2 million At present, th... 01/29/2014

113th Annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count Begins Tomorrow!Friday, December 14th, 2012 is a Very Special Day.  Rising before the crack of dawn, folks throughout North and South America, and in the Carribean, will be packing their lunches, binoculars, field guides and cameras and heading out to local woods and parks to count birds.The Audubon Christmas Bird Count is the longest running citizen science survey in the entire world!With encroaching civilization, habitat loss is at an all-time high. When I was young, the birds singing outside in the trees were so loud, I would often wake at the crack of dawn. Now, even in northern Ontario at the cottage, in the middle of the forest, mornings are often silent.                                      Where have the birds gone? The Audubon Christmas... 12/13/2012

What To Do With Kids at Christmas in Oakville - Bronte Creek Park Bring them to Bronte Creek Provincial Park! Spruce Lane Farm at Bronte Creek Park is all decked out for the Christmas season. Spruce boughs tied with big Red Bows are hanging from farm buildings one and all. Santa's Cabin is ready and waiting for you and your children. Bring your wishes, big and small, to share with the jolly guy himself.Even the outhouse is decked out and ready for Santa; just in case.The Reindeer Barn is nice and warm and Santa's Reindeer have paid a visit too. Your kids will have a wonderful time in the fresh air. Take a walk on the trails after you visit the farm animals. The cows and pigs of Spruce Lane Farm are always happy to see smiling children.Once you're here, you'll no longer be wondering what... 12/06/2012

My friend, Liz Manore, at The Company of Organizers and I were talking about the lack of space and organization in our busy lives.   Family and friends will be dropping by shortly for Christmas Cheer and we really want the place to Sparkle.   Liz shared her best.   Liz's Top Ten Christmas Organizing Tips... 1) Make a list & check it twice. Actually the more lists you write, the more organized you'll be. Make a list for all the people you are gifting & write the amount beside their name that you plan to spend. This will help you stick to your budget. Next, book a time when you will do your shopping. This will help you feel in control of your time & help avoid those costly last minute expenditures. Keep the list with you in your wallet or in your phone, so that it will always be with you... 12/05/2012

Bronte Creek Provincial Park Christmas Fun -A  Homestead Christmas !Crisp Winter Air!           Evergreens!          Santa!            Reindeer!Christmas at Bronte Creek is here again! Bundle up the family and head on over to Bronte Creek Provincial Park this weekend for the fun and festivities of an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas. No reservations are required this year! Just pick a day or evening from the schedule below and mark your calendar. Just one thing required (besides the $16 per vehicle fee) - lots and lots of Christmas Spirit.This year at the Bronte Creek Homestead Christmas you'll find: Spruce Lane Farm House all decked out for a Victorian Christmas just as it was in the 1900s Reindeer Barn where the Reindeer go to get ready to pull Santa's sleigh Victorian costumes for t... 11/28/2012

Oakville Public Library Geneology/Genealogy Research.With Christmas on it's way, thoughts have turned to what to buy for loved ones that is 'different' or keeps on giving. I remember one year my Dad gave my brothers and I the perfect gift- an album filled with photos of our ancestors along with a story about each of them and where they fit in to the family tree. It was one of the very best gifts I have ever been given.This year I decided to make one for each of my sons. Searching for your roots can be both exhilarating and frustrating, all at the same time. It can lead you to far-off places, both in your mind and physically and once you are bitten by the genealogy bug, it can become an all-consuming passion.   For those who would like to do research into their family history, did you kn... 11/25/2012

A Hilton Falls Christmas – Horses, Hot Cocoa and Holiday Fun!What do nature trails, Christmas and falls all have  in common? Hilton Falls!Bundle up and get ready for some old-fashioned Christmas fun at Hilton Falls Conservation Area. The bells will be ringing on Santa and horses as children young and old, big and small, trek the trails at Hilton to the wagon stop for a beautiful winter ride over the hills and through the woods.Perhaps it will be snowing!No mind if it is or not, get your reservation today before there’s no more room on the haystack.After you’ve caroled and cuddled through the woods, warm up by the fireside with roasted  marshmallows and a cup of hot cocoa. The fireside is an enchanting little spot, right next to the falls with friendly Chickadees all about. Take a moment... 11/21/2012

Old Oakville Real Estate Market Report, Oakville Ontario October 2012Oakville's oldest community, Old Oakville was the first area to be settled due to it's natural harbour at the mouth of Sixteen Mile Creek. With the proximity to the harbour, early settlement flourished.Today, Old Oakville encompasses the Old Oakville Heritage Conservation District, consisting of 162 residences that were built in the 19th century. Using river and lake stone for the foundations, many of these homes have since been recognized with plaques near their entrances. The plaques indicate the original owner (and often the original owner's occupation) and the year in which the house was built. Residents and tourists alike enjoy taking a stroll through the streets of Old Oakville to view these unique and beautiful ... 11/20/2012

Heritage Homes for Sale in Old Oakville, OntarioHeritage homes are amongst the most desirable real estate within the Greater Toronto Area and within Oakville, they rank near the top.Varying in style and price, Old Oakville heritage homes are an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of a busy professional life. With walkways along the Lake Ontario shoreline, Old Oakville heritage homes exist in an oasis of peace and serenity. These beautiful heritage homes are just a short walk to historical, trendy downtown Oakville.With a wide variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, fitness facilities, supermarkets, medical buildings, boutiques, pharmacies, and spas, the Downtown Oakville offers residents everything they might need and more.The natural environment of Old Oakville is second to none with... 11/15/2012

Moose and Wolves Spotted in Oakville? The Old Oakville waterfront is filled with history and things seen long before Oakville ever became the thriving town it is today. These historical sights are not limited to buildings and artifacts.Standing at the ready on the Erchless Estate grounds are four of Canada's iconic wildlife figures, creatures who testify to the wilderness that once was found here in the Oakville area.The Moose and three Wolf cement statues were created by local artist Bert Jackson and a fellow artist, Steve Hudak. They are life sized replicas of two of Canada's most majestic creatures. The Moose statue, weighing in at 1000 lbs, stands observing the three Wolves who are stalking it and ready to attack. The statues were originally unveiled at the Oakville Humane Society's... 11/13/2012

Oakville Santa Claus Parade - Saturday, November 17, 2012.Only 44 days left! That's right, the countdown is on and Christmas Day is almost here.Santa Claus has been making the rounds going to as many parades as he possibly can and this coming Saturday is Oakville's turn! The Oakville Santa Claus Parade will begin at 9am on Saturday, November 17th on the corner of Lakeshore and Reynolds, RAIN OR SHINE! Dress warmly and come prepared for any kind of weather. The theme this year is 'Once Upon A Christmas'. Volunteers are still needed to assist with traffic so if you have some spare time this Saturday and would like to get into the festive spirit, make sure and contact the parade organizers.Worried about parking? No need to! The FREE Santa Shuttle will be running every 10 minutes from the O... 11/10/2012