E-squared Homes

Home Sellers: Itemize What You're Taking With You!

Esquared Homes — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:32:00 GMT

Believe it or not, after months of searching countless homes, finding the perfect one, negotiating price and finally agreeing to a deal, a sale can fall apart over a disagreement about curtains.

When striking a deal to sell a home, it’s important that you are perfectly clear about what you are taking with you and what you are leaving behind. The general rule is that if something is attached to the structure or the ground, it is real property and stays with the house. If removing the item would ruin or disfigure the walls, the item generally stays. If you need a tool to remove it, it stays.

Legally, these are called fixtures, which include everything permanently attached to the property such as a fence, built-in appliances, ceiling fans, flowerbeds and shrubs.

Conversely, if you can disconnect, unhook or detach an item from the home with bare hands, it’s free to leave when you do. This is known as personal property and should never be assumed to be part of the sale. Items that fall into this category are furniture, potted plants, free-standing appliances and an outdoor grill.

A good rule of thumb is to not show your home with any fixtures you are planning to take. Replacing them is the better option.

Every real estate agent has a story about a deal falling through because of an argument about what a buyer thought was staying. For this reason, you should walk in each room with your agent and make a list of things that you will be taking with you so that it is clear on the MLS listing for buyers to see.

If you decide to leave the curtains, chandeliers or are open to giving up some of the outdoor furniture, it may just help with a sale. People appreciate the notion of getting something for free, and a savvy agent will hint to a prospective buyer that fixtures and furnishing may be negotiable. Unless the items are really important to you, let them go with the home. Use them to get the price you want and then replace the items in your new home.

By itemizing and discussing all the things that stay and go at the outset, there will be no miscommunication on closing day.

Team E-Squared!

Contact us any time at info@esquaredhomes.com or 905-338-6550. Visit our website www.esquaredhomes.com Connect with us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/esquaredrealtors or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/esquaredhomes

Semi-detached For Sale in Churchill Meadows, Mississauga

Esquared Homes — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:42:00 GMT

Perfect for First Time Buyers!

• 3.5 bath, 3 bdrm, 2 storey - MLS® $489,000

Churchill Meadows, Mississauga - Fabulous 3 bedroom Semi-Detached 2-Storey home in Churchill Meadows offered for sale by E-Squared Homes Team at Prudential Town Centre Realty. Hardwood floors & staircase on the main level. Spacious Living Room with corner gas fireplace, seperate Dining Room. Lovely Master Suite with full ensuite, "His & Hers" Closets, vaulted ceilings and walk-out to a balcony, perfect for sitting out and enjoying summer evenings. Finished basement offers a generous Recreation Room, playroom area, 3 piece bathroom and laundry. Deep lot. Great location close to highways & shopping. Call to book your personal tour!

Property information

3+2 Bedroom Bungalow for Sale! Burlington

Esquared Homes — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 18:58:00 GMT

Unbelievable Value!

• 3 bdrm bungalow - MLS® $399,900

Mountainside, Burlington - Fabulous 3+2 bedrm bungalow in family friendly neighbourhood. Recent updates throughout include Kitchen with granite counters, hardwood floors, bathrooms, furnace/AC, roof & gas fireplace, the list goes on. Fully finished basement, with seperate entrance, offers Recreation Room with fireplace, 2 Bedrooms, 3 piece Bath & Workshop. Close to schools & shops. Room sizes approximate.

Property information

WANTED: Homes in the Orchard, Burlington!

Esquared Homes — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 18:07:00 GMT

We recently sold a home in the Orchard area of Burlington on Rome Crescent. This property SOLD in 4 DAYS for over asking price! As a result of this quick sale we have SEVERAL buyers who are now trying to find a home specifically in the Orchard. Unfortunately for us there is almost nothing for sale at the moment, or nothing that suits our buyers needs. (Detached, 2-storey with double car garage are just some of the criteria required!)

When this happens we typically get on the phones and call around the neighbourhood trying to find someone who may be interested in selling, so that we can connect them with our buyers. Unfortunately, we are limited in the people that we can call due to the national DO NOT CALL list (I'm willing to bet there are some potential sellers sitting on this list who do not realize they are missing out on firm buyers!!). If someone is on this list we DO NOT, and are not ALLOWED to, call. Of those we have spoken with, a couple are somewhat interested in potentially selling, however most have said they love their home and neighbourhood and therefore plan on staying put!

So, since we can't call everyone, we decided to knock on some doors (yes in the THICK OF WINTER, now THAT'S dedictation!!) and ask people face to face. This works well too...IF people are home. We found most people were not home, and so we left behind a flyer telling people about our buyers. So now what??

I know people often think of this as a PLOY to get listings, and perhaps it is for some, but not for us - we are merely trying to help people fulfill their dream of finding their ideal home in the Orchard, Burlington...and hopefully soon!

If you live in the Orchard neighbourhood, or know someone who does, who may be thinking of selling in the near future please let them know of our plight and pass along our information. We would REALLY appreciate it and would LOVE to help them connect with our buyers!

The E-Squared Team!

Should You Buy or Sell Your Home First?

Esquared Homes — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 18:36:00 GMT

The age old question!! When it comes to home buying, the ideal situation would be to find a new home, just as you receive an offer on your existing home. You would then be able to close concurrently and move into your new home a few days prior to closing on your previous home. This does happen more often than not, but anyone looking to buy a new home needs to consider all the possible scenarios.

Should you buy or sell first? There are many schools of thought on this subject. Ultimately, it depends on you and your situation. For instance, can you afford to pay two mortgages in the event your previous home does not sell by the time you move? Would you consider a bridge loan (a short-term, high interest loan that let you borrow against the value of your old home to covers the bills until you secure the new, larger loan)? Are you willing to move twice to find the home of your dreams if you sell first and can't find the dream home fast enough?

This is where the advice of a real estate sales professional is invaluable. Real estate sales professionals know the current market conditions. They are trained and experienced in working with home buyers and sellers to determine an ideal time to buy and sell.

It is generally less stressful to sell your home first, because you won't have to worry about owning two homes at one time. The market will dictate how long it will take your home to sell, as will your location and the time of year. As a rule of thumb, it is a good idea to put your home of the market as far in advance as possible when purchasing a new one. But, since interest rates are low and confidence is returning to the market, there’s a good change your home will sell faster if priced properly. (Again, your real estate professional’s advice is critically important here.) In that case, you may want to purchase a new home first.

What if your present home sells before you find a new one, putting pressure on you to find the right house for you more quickly? You may then decide to make an interim move or request to rent back your home for a specified amount of time as you continue to look for your new home. Those may be worthwhile options if you have your heart set on a specific location or type of home or if you are purchasing a home that is under construction.

If you buy a home before selling your present home, you may end up with two mortgages. Under those circumstances, you may be able to apply for a bridge loan to assist you in making two mortgage payments until you sell your first home. Your real estate sales professional can assist you in finding a lender.

So should you buy or sell first? This is a challenging question regardless of real estate cycles, yet your own circumstances and a knowledgeable real estate professional will help you make the right decision.

We can help you make the right decision, at any time!!

The E-Squared Team

4 BR Family Home For Sale in The Orchard, Burlington!! $638,500

Esquared Homes — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:39:00 GMT

Amazing Value!

• 2,637 sq. ft., 3.5 baths, 4+1 bdrms, 2 story - MLS® $638,500

FABULOUS RAVINE LOT!! Great 4+1 bedroom, approximately 2637 square ft., 2-storey home on a very quiet kid-friendly street in the Orchard, one of Burlington's premier family neighbourhoods. Spacious principle rooms on the main level which includes separate formal Living Room with hardwood floors, separate Dining room & Family room with gas fireplace. Large Bedrooms on the upper level and Master Bedroom with 5 piece ensuite. The fully finished basement features Recreation Room with fireplace, built-in shelving, pot lights, 5th Bedroom with walk-in closet & 4-piece bathroom. Close to schools, shopping & highways. It's the perfect home for your growing family! Call to book your personal tour. Room sizes as per builders plan.

Property information

Team E-Squared

Contact us any time at info@esquaredhomes.com or 905-338-6550. Visit our website www.esquaredhomes.com Connect with us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/esquaredrealtors or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/esquaredhomes

Just sold! 2225 Sheffield Drive, Burlington

Esquared Homes — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 17:53:00 GMT

Brant Hills, Burlington - The 2 story at 2225 Sheffield Drive has been sold.

Property information

Happy New Year!!

Esquared Homes — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 22:17:00 GMT

Happy New Year to all of our friends, family, clients, colleagues and everyone in their world too. We hope you have had the most amazing holiday season with your loved ones, much like we have!

This was a spectacular year on both a professional and a personal level. Of all years to look back on fondly, 2012 is definitely one of them.

We were so lucky to work with some of the most amazing clients, some new, some existing, but all great people. We worked hard, we travelled, we made changes to our lives. We attended conventions/seminars that reunited us with colleagues and friends across North America, which also allowed us to make new contacts along the way. We learned new things. But most of all we really enjoyed everything we did and did it with all of our hearts!

We have planned our goals for 2013 in every aspect of our lives and cannot wait to get this year started! Hopefully you have some great goals of your own for the year ahead.

New Year brings joy, hope, and wisdom. With every passing year, we develop a keener understanding of life. Life continues to be a learning process and we gain valuable tidbits of wisdom along the way. Let us learn to live life without regrets and embrace each New Year with renewed energy.

We would like to wish you all happiness, prosperity, love, success, wealth and above all HEALTH, without which we cannot enjoy all the rest!

Make 2013 an amazing year for you!!

All the very best,

Team E-Squared

This Christmas & New Year Promise Yourself...

Esquared Homes — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 02:14:00 GMT

Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything, and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best and expect only the best.

To be enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

Team E-Squared

Reach out & bring your dreams closer...

Esquared Homes — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:37:00 GMT

You're good, but you're going to be great.

You're the best, but you're going to get better.

Sometimes the paths we take are long and hard, but remember: those are always the ones that lead to the most beautiful views.

Challenges come along inevitably: how you respond to them determines who you are - deep down inside - and everything you're going to be.

Increase the chances of reaching your goals by working at them gradually. The very best you can do is all that is asked of you.

Realize that you are capable of working miracles of your own making. Remember that opportunities have a reason for knocking on your door, and the right ones are there for the taking.

You don't always have to win, but you do need to know what it takes to be a winner.

It's up to you to find the key that unlocks the door to a more fulfilling life.

Understand that increased difficulty brings you nearer to the truth of how to survive it - and get beyond it.

Cross your bridges.

Meet your challenges.

Reach out for your dreams, and bring them closer and closer to your heart.

Get rid of the "if only's" and get on with whatever you need to do to get things right.

Go after what you want in life, with all the blessings of all the people who care about you. And find out what making your wishes come true really feels like.

We LOVE this post and wanted to share it....we hope you do too...(It just can't ALWAYS be about real estate ya know!)

Team E-Squared

For Sale in Brant Hills, Burlington!

Esquared Homes — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 18:14:00 GMT

POOL-SIZED LOT!

• 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story - $429,900

Brant Hills, Burlington - HUGE POOL-SIZED LOT! Fabulous 4+1 bedroom, 2-storey home in Brant Hills. Large eat-in oak kitchen, seperate dining room and generous living room. In-law set-up in the basement. Furnace & A/C replaced in 2006, roof shingles 2010. Attached single garage. Great family neighbourhood close to schools, parks, shopping and highways. The sprawling backyard is PERFECT for entertaining and comes complete with it's own Tiki hut! Call for your personal tour.

Property information

Remember, remember this is MOVEMBER!!

Esquared Homes — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 18:57:00 GMT

We have to say, we're typically not huge fans of facial hair! Modern day looks like the "soul patch" the half "goatie" are acceptable on those trendy enough to succesfully sport it, but the moustache (sadly) is just no longer en vogue...that is EXCEPT for during the month of November, or as it is now more commonly known "Movember." This is thee month for all who like the moustache, men and women alike...And no, I don't mean women growing them you jokers, rather us women find them strangely attractive during this particular time, and this time only! Hence...

What is MOVEMBER? It is a portmaneau of the slang word "mo" for moustache and "November." It is an annual, month-long event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of both prostate cancer and mental health issues. The Movember Foundation runs the Movember charity event, housed at www.movember.com. The goal of Movember is to "change the face of men's health."

In support of men and this wonderful charity we decided to be a "Mo Sista" and start our own team, duly called Stash4Cash (I know eh? Ingenious!). We tried diligently to find willing participants, which proved more difficult than initially anticipated, and presently have 4 committed team members who will be growing a moustache for the month in return for kind donations. Sexy huh?? We think so!

On that note, we know, having read all this, you are eager to participate, ergo our team site for you to check out, donate or join us is as follows: http://mosista.co/esquaredhomes.

Any donation, no matter how small (because we all know size doesn't matter!!), is thoroughly appreciated. Help us be the number one Mo Sista Team in Canada...or at least the Oakville and Burlington area. Also, if you are a guy who wants to grow a moustache and have the overwhelming desire to join a great team with the coolest Team Captain EVER...contact us or click the "Join Team" button through our link, however you must send us a picture of your freshly shaven face to start with so we can add you to our team gallery!!

Thank you in advance to anyone who helps us!

The E-Squared Mo Sista's

Ghosts, Goblins & Hallowe'en!!

Esquared Homes — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:46:00 GMT

Wishing you all a very safe and happy Hallowe'en!!

Here's a little bit about the history...

Halloween's origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in).

The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. In addition to causing trouble and damaging crops, Celts thought that the presence of the otherworldly spirits made it easier for the Druids, or Celtic priests, to make predictions about the future. For a people entirely dependent on the volatile natural world, these prophecies were an important source of comfort and direction during the long, dark winter.

To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where the people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities.

During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other's fortunes. When the celebration was over, they re-lit their hearth fires, which they had extinguished earlier that evening, from the sacred bonfire to help protect them during the coming winter.

By A.D. 43, Romans had conquered the majority of Celtic territory. In the course of the four hundred years that they ruled the Celtic lands, two festivals of Roman origin were combined with the traditional Celtic celebration of Samhain.

The first was Feralia, a day in late October when the Romans traditionally commemorated the passing of the dead. The second was a day to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple and the incorporation of this celebration into Samhain probably explains the tradition of "bobbing" for apples that is practiced today on Halloween.

By the 800s, the influence of Christianity had spread into Celtic lands. In the seventh century, Pope Boniface IV designated November 1 All Saints' Day, a time to honor saints and martyrs. It is widely believed today that the pope was attempting to replace the Celtic festival of the dead with a related, but church-sanctioned holiday. The celebration was also called All-hallows or All-hallowmas (from Middle English Alholowmesse meaning All Saints' Day) and the night before it, the night of Samhain, began to be called All-hallows Eve and, eventually, Halloween. Even later, in A.D. 1000, the church would make November 2 All Souls' Day, a day to honor the dead. It was celebrated similarly to Samhain, with big bonfires, parades, and dressing up in costumes as saints, angels, and devils. Together, the three celebrations, the eve of All Saints', All Saints', and All Souls', were called Hallowmas.

The Scary E-Squared Team!!

Sellers: Leave your Home to The Agents & Potential Buyers!

Esquared Homes — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 15:47:00 GMT

Should I stay or should I go when my home is showing? Gently put, most agents say that when potential homebuyers come to see your home, it's best that you leave the premises.

Prospective buyers don't want to see owners hovering or milling about. When they do, they get uncomfortable and feel as if they are intruding. This often causes buyers to look quickly without gaining a proper feel for the home.

The reason sellers give for sticking around is that they believe home shoppers won't be able to find everything, and the sellers want to point out the important features. Another is that owners feel they can help "sell" the property by talking about the positives.

Rest assured real estate agents are well trained in showcasing your home, and in reading buyers and knowing when it's time to relay information to them. If you bombard a buyer with too much information all at once, you are going to leave a less-favourable impression. You might even hurt your cause by calling attention to something that buyers aren't interested in.

Let buyers discover your home's features themselves at their own pace.

Some sellers choose to wait outisde in their car or on the patio, which is better, but still not ideal. Again, if prospective buyers feel like they are being rushed they are going to move on to the next property on their list quickly.

Face it, there are some parts of selling a home that can be challenging and vacating the home is at the top of that list - especially when there are kids to care for, dinners to cook and work to be done.

However, you want buyers to spend as much time as they want in your home, envisioning the possibility of living there someday. So go to a neighbour's or a friend's home, to the park or go shopping. The inconvenience will be worth it in the long run!

E-Squared Team!

3088 Fontana Court, Burlington sold in 1 DAY!

Esquared Homes — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 15:39:00 GMT

We knew it wouldn't last!!

JUST SOLD! 3088 Fontana Court, Burlington - This beautifully renovated property in Headon Forest sold in ONE day and for over the asking price. Click on the "Property Information" link to view.

Property information

For more information on this sale or others in Burlington, Oakville (or surrounding areas in the west GTA) or for a Comparative Market Evaluation of your home please contact us, we would be happy to give you information and answer your questions to help you make an informed choice for all of your real estate decisions!

E-Squared Team

Prudential Town Centre Realty Inc., Brokerage

Contact us any time at info@esquaredhomes.com or 905-338-6550. Connect with us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/esquaredrealtors or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/esquaredhomes