Real Estate Blog

Winter in Burlington, Ontario 

It’s true that moving in the winter comes with its own set of challenges, but with proper planning and organization, you can make the process smoother. The goal of this blog is to help you get ready for your winter move with some helpful tips and suggestions. 

Millcroft is a neighbourhood located in the city of Burlington, Ontario and it’s one of the most sought after places to live. Burlington experiences a typical Canadian winter, with cold temperatures, snowfall, and occasional freezing rain. Since the city is located on the shores of Lake Ontario, the temperature can range from mildly cold to very cold. This means it’s important to keep your eye on the weather so that you can be well prepared for your winter move. 

It’s important to note that Burlington can on occasion experience "lake effect" snow, where cold air passing over the warmer lake water picks up moisture. This then results in increased snowfall in the downwind areas.

When it comes to the real estate market in Burlington, it typically experiences some slow down during the winter months. However, it's essential to consider that the real estate market is influenced by various factors and conditions can vary from year to year. With all of these factors and winter weather conditions, it’s a good idea to plan ahead! In the next section of this blog we’ll give some tips for packing for your winter move. 

Packing Tips for a Winter Move

Remember to plan ahead, stay flexible with your schedule in case of weather-related delays, and prioritize safety for both yourself and your belongings. Everyone wants their move to go smoothly and with this guide we hope to help you plan for a great winter move.

• Check the Weather: Make sure that you keep a close eye on the weather forecast leading up to your moving day. This will help to anticipate any snowstorms, icy conditions, or extremely cold temperatures.
• Protect Fragile Items: Colder temperatures can cause certain materials to become more brittle. In order to ensure that these fragile items are well-protected we recommend that you use bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or other cushioning materials. You might even consider using extra layers for some more added insulation.
• Using Plastic Bins: It's a good idea during the winter to use plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes during your move. The cardboard boxes can weaken and get soggy in wet conditions, using plastic bins with tight-fitting lids helps avoid this outcome. Plastic is also more resistant to moisture and will provide better protection for your belongings.
• Wrap Furniture: In the colder weather, furniture can be susceptible to damage. That’s why we like to recommend that you wrap your furniture in blankets or furniture pads to provide insulation and prevent scratches – this is particularly important for wooden furniture.
• Keep Your Essentials Separate: Make sure that you pack a separate box with essential items such as warm clothing, toiletries, medications, and other important documents. This will prevent you from having to search through multiple boxes in the cold to find what you need.
• Protect Electronics: It should be noted that electronics can be very sensitive to extreme temperatures. Wrapping them in bubble wrap is a great way to prevent them from being damaged, you might also want to consider using insulated padding. If it’s possible, you should transport them in your own vehicle to maintain a more controlled environment. 
• Seal Boxes Properly: When packing for a winter move you should ensure that all boxes are properly sealed, this will help to prevent moisture from getting in. We recommend using heavy-duty packing tape to seal the seams securely. Consider also using plastic wrap or garbage bags for an extra layer of protection. 
• Labeling Boxes Clearly: It’s always important to clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. By labeling your boxes clearly, it’ll help make unpacking much more efficient, especially if you need to locate specific items quickly in the cold.
• Keep Shovels and Salt Handy: We all know that in the winter you always need a supply of salt and shovels nearby. If there's snow or ice on the ground you need to be prepared to clear a path from your home to the moving truck. Keeping shovels and salt on hand to prevent accidents and also help the move to move smoothly. 
• Hire Professional Movers: If it’s possible, we recommend that you consider hiring professional movers who are experienced with moving in winter conditions. They'll have the necessary equipment and expertise to handle the challenges that come with moving in cold weather.

It’s important to remember that Burlington is located in Southern Ontario and can have some weeks and months of snow. There can also be the occasional snow storm, so being prepared for your winter move is so important. 

We should also note that it’s important to know that specific weather conditions can vary from year to year. This is why it’s advisable to check the local weather forecasts for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Additionally, we believe that being prepared for winter conditions is important not only for your winter move but also for daily life in this part of the country. 

Contact The VanDinther Team at We Sell Millcroft

The real estate market in the Burlington area can vary when it comes to the winter months. While there can be fewer transactions, people who are actively participating in the market during the winter are often much more serious about buying or selling. It’s a smart idea to keep an eye on the market as it’s changing from year to year during different seasons. 

To learn a bit more about this great community and its location – Millcroft is situated in the northern part of the city and bordered by Upper Middle Road to the north, Appleby Line to the east, Walkers Line to the west, and the Hydro Corridor to the south. Making it an ideal location for those who are commuting into Toronto for work but want to live outside the city. The easy access to the highway makes this area a commuter's dream neighbourhood. Millcroft also features many beautiful green spaces and trails, contributing to its appeal as a comfortable and attractive community within Burlington.

At We Sell Millcroft, we specialize in this particular neighbourhood because it’s the most sought after in the city. Have you ever wondered what your home might be worth? Knowing this information can sometimes help you in your search, try out our "What's My Home Worth" calculator. You can reach The VanDinther Team by either phone or email at any time. In order to contact the team by phone, please call 905-330-2002 and email directly to info@wesellmillcroft.com. 

Why You Should Move to Millcroft 

There are many reasons why someone would choose to live in Burlington’s most sought after neighbourhood, Millcroft. There are excellent schools, beautiful surroundings, friendly people and many amenities. 

Millcroft is known for its stunning golf club, which is the hub of the community, and for its lovely homes. This is a beautiful place to raise a family since there are excellent schools and it's also located near all the major highways – making it a great place to live and commute into Toronto. 

The neighbourhood itself is located at the intersection of Appleby Line and Upper Middle Road, in the northern part of Burlington. Once again making it in the ideal location to access the highway and the surrounding area. 

Top 20 Reasons Why Millcroft is the Most Sought After Neighbourhood

We mentioned above that there are some more obvious reasons why Millcroft might be the ideal neighbourhood to move to. Listed below are the top 20 reasons why people choose to move here everyday. At the end of this blog, we’ll explain how you can contact the VanDinther Team at We Sell Millcroft and how they can help you make the right moves. These reasons listed are in no particular order. 

1. Safe Environment 
• Millcroft has always been considered a safe area, making it an ideal place to raise a family.
2. Great Schools 
• The neighbourhood offers excellent schools, both public and private, providing a quality education for everyone.
3. Scenic Beauty 
• Millcroft boasts beautiful landscapes including parks, and golf courses such as the Millcroft Golf Club.
4. Nature 
• Located near Bronte Creek Provincial Park which offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities such as, hiking, biking, ice skating, and other outdoor recreational opportunities.
5. Lake Ontario 
• Easy access Lake Ontario for boating, swimming, and water-related activities. Spencer Smith Park is also a popular designation for visitors and locals as it offers different festivals throughout the year and it’s a beautiful park to walk, ride bikes and more. 
6. Close Knit Community 
• Millcroft is a tight-knit community and often hosts events and activities that foster a sense of belonging for residents.
7. Shopping & Dining 
• The Millcroft Shopping Centre is a great location that offers a variety of shops and restaurants.
8. Healthcare Facilities
• Millcroft and the city of Burlington offer excellent access to quality healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics. 
9. Transportation 
• The neighbourhood is in close proximity to major highways like the QEW and 407, helping make commuting to neighbouring cities easy.
10. Recreation 
• There are various sports and recreational facilities located in the area, including tennis courts, community centres, and swimming pools.
11. Golf 
• The Millcroft Golf Club is one of the area's premier golf courses, offering a community hub and a great place to play a few rounds of golf. 
12. Public Transportation
• The area has easy access to Burlington Transit, providing convenient options for those who prefer not to drive.
13. Employment Opportunities
• Burlington hosts a diverse range of industries and is able to provide job opportunities. Plus, due to its proximity to Toronto, the commute for many residents is reasonable.
14. Family – Friendly 
• Millcroft offers plenty of family-oriented activities, from parks to indoor activities at the various recreation centres.
15. Located close to Toronto 
• Since the neighbourhood and the city of Burlington are relatively close to Toronto, it allows the residents to enjoy all the big-city amenities and job opportunities while still living in a suburban setting.
16. Low levels of pollution 
• The area is known to offer better air quality and lower pollution levels compared to larger urban centres.
17. Sports & Recreation
• Millcroft residents are able to partake in the various sports leagues, clubs, and activities – encouraging an active community. 
18. Quality of Life
• The combination of all these factors listed here help to contribute to a high quality of life in Millcroft.
19. Real Estate Options  
• There’s a wide range of housing options, from single-family homes to townhouses, catering to various preferences and budgets.
20. Cultural Attractions 
• The city of Burlington has always had a rich cultural scene that includes museums, galleries, and theaters for residents to enjoy.

There are so many reasons to choose this dynamic and beautiful community to call home. Whatever the reasons you choose to live here, we want to help make the process fun and as easy as possible for you. That’s what our highly experienced and knowledgeable team of real estate professionals are trained to do. 

Contact The VanDinther Team 

Getting in contact with the VanDinther Team at We Sell Millcroft is simple and can be any time. This is a team of trained professionals that are able to help you with everything from your wish list to the buying and selling process. There are many benefits of choosing a Burlington real estate agent, one of them being that you don’t have to stress about the entire process. A lot goes into the selling and buying process and our years of experience make this easy for our team. 

The VanDinther Team can be reached by either phone or email at any time. To contact the team by phone, please call 905-330-2002 and email directly to info@wesellmillcroft.com. When it comes to helping you find the right property, you can count on the VanDinther Team to deliver. 

How Do Realtor Fees Work? 

When it comes to purchasing a home there are a lot of things to consider and there's a lot to learn about, such as realtor fees. Have you ever wondered what these fees are and how they’re calculated? This might be something that you haven’t given much thought about, or maybe you have questions – now is the time to learn. 

It can be a complex process when it comes to buying and selling a property, there are all sorts of things to consider. The realtor fees are an important part of that process and it’s how your realtor is compensated. Some might wonder if they have to pay the realtor out of their own pocket, but that’s not exactly how this all works. 

“In Canada, most homebuyers employ a real estate agent to help them find their next home. A realtor can help purchasers find the right home for the right price and guide homebuyers through the process. However, buyers never pay realtors directly. Instead, real estate agents are compensated by a commission on the property’s final sale price.” – RE/MAX Canada

Commission and Real Estate 

The commission that a realtor receives at the end of a sale is how they are paid. But how do we determine what the commission will be? Well, the seller, buyer and the brokerage real estate agents' fees come off of the final sale price of the property in the form of commissions. 

“Commissions for both the buyer’s and the seller’s real estate agents are taken off the proceeds of the sale. The commission is pre-determined by the seller, the seller’s agent, and their brokerage. This means that the buyer can not negotiate real estate commissions. However, the seller can sometimes negotiate real estate commissions with their own agent.” – RE/MAX Canada

So once the sale is closed, the buyer's “statement of adjustments” won’t show the commissions. The gross commission is always shown in the sellers’ statement and deducted from the sale price. 

Percentage of Commissions in Canada 

So how are these commissions determined? In Canada we use the percentage of the commission, now you might have some questions about how that works. How much and how is it all calculated? In Canada it’s usually between three and seven percent of the purchase price – this is also determined by the region and the real estate agent, this is done by using a contract.

“When a house is listed for sale, the listing agent and the seller agree to a gross commission split between the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent. The agreement is outlined in the listing contract, signed by the seller, the seller’s agent, and the seller’s brokerage, if applicable. The buyer has no signing authority or disclosure on the listing contract or gross commission.” – RE/MAX Canada

It was explained by RE/MAX Canada, that commissions are determined by the sellers’ statement of adjustments. The lawyer or notary will then send those commissions to the agent or to the brokerage. 

Contact the VanDinther Team at We Sell Millcroft 

We hope that this made some sense and that will help you better understand when it comes time to sell or purchase a residential property. The VanDinther Team is a group of highly knowledgeable real estate professionals that work specifically in the Millcroft area. This is Burlington’s most sought after area and if you’re considering selling or buying in this area please contact the team today. 

The VanDinther Team can be reached by either phone or email at any time. To contact the team by phone, please call 905-330-2002 and email directly to info@wesellmillcroft.com. When it comes to helping you find the right property, you can count on the VanDinther Team to deliver. 

MillCroft Golf and Country Club 

Situated in the heart of the community with breathtaking views and fairways, is the Millcroft Golf and Country Club. There are so many reasons why someone would choose to live in Millcroft and one of those has to be the stunning Millcroft Golf and Country Club. 

The course was awarded Burlington’s “Best Golf Course” for the last 10 years and this comes at no surprise. The club also offers affordable memberships and no entry fee. The course is also open to the public, making it a hub of the neighbourhood. Golfers also have the option to join one of the leagues and there are options for many tee times. 

Millcroft is one of the most sought after neighbourhoods in Burlington and having this incredible country club really just adds to the magic. Many come here to enjoy the club's Sunday brunch and various holiday celebrations. 

“Golfers love our course for its no parallel fairways with marshals seven days a week, perfect for maintaining an enjoyable pace of play for your round of golf. All in all, our goal is to provide you with a quality experience that includes exceptional service & a comfortable atmosphere.”

Golf Course, Rates and More

Since this is a semi-private golf course the rates are reasonable and affordable. The prices range from $60 to $92 depending on the day of the week and whether you’re walking or taking a cart. 

The golf course itself is made up of fairways that are not parallel to each other, creating this sort of whimsical atmosphere. You’ll be winding through the course with views of some of the homes in the area. This is actually the view that many of the homeowners want to have. Because who doesn’t want to have a view of stunning fairways that are well maintained? 

Millcroft Golf and Country Club is also a popular location for many events. Many people choose to have their wedding here and that comes as no surprise once you’ve visited. The staff are incredibly friendly and are able to help you achieve the wedding of your dreams. This is also a fantastic location for other life events and business events. 

Finally, there are many that just choose to spend a lazy Sunday morning and enjoy some brunch. There’s also a wonderful Mother’s Day Brunch every year as well, this truly is the hub of the Millcroft neighbourhood. If this isn’t a good reason to choose Millcroft as your neighbourhood, the VanDinther Team can help you make that decision. With incredible knowledge and experience, you can count on this real estate team to help make your dreams of homeownership come true. 

Contact The VanDinther Team 

Have you been considering moving to the Millcroft neighbourhood? The VanDinther Team has a unique perspective when it comes to this very sought after area of Burlington. Lori VanDinther has been a resident of the area for decades, this means you’re in good hands. 

Do you have any questions or want to learn more about the Millcroft neighbourhood? Please feel free to contact the VanDinther Team anytime, either by phone or email. The team can be reached directly at 905-330-2002 or by email at info@wesellmillcroft.com. 

Millcroft: The Most Sought After Community 

Millcroft is known for being one of the most sought after communities in Burlington. This comes as no surprise since this community offers a wide variety of homes, restaurants, recreational facilities, parks, schools and more. 

“Millcroft offers residents a wonderful mix of large upscale family homes on spacious landscaped lots. Residents have the choice of owning either a freehold or condominium townhomes, or bungalow style condos. With the amount of lots, and the fact that a lot of these homes are backing onto the Millcroft Golf and Country Club, you can expect lots of privacy.” – VanDinther Team 

The community was developed in the 1980’s and has since become one of the most premier locations in the Halton Region to call home. There are approximately 3,943 homes currently in Millcroft with excellent schools, shops, restaurants and more. Millcroft is a well maintained area of Burlington and in this blog we'll review why that is and how you can call this beautiful neighbourhood home. We'll also discuss two of the recreational facilities you can take advantage of if you choose to move to Millcroft, since they are a major part of this community and many of the residents that live here use them. 

Recreational Facilities & More 

What makes a community special? It’s not just the people who call it home but also the places that bring people together. In Millcroft there are two major recreational facilities that are used all year round for various recreational purposes. There's also a beautiful golf course and country club that also brings the community together. 

Tansley Woods Community Centre has space for both learning and leisure making it a go to place for many living here. Visitors can enjoy the pools, warming pool, meeting rooms and a full branch library. Guests are also able to enjoy the beautiful outdoor patio and take in the views. 

Haber Recreation Centre is a multi-sports complex complete with a library and full recreation centre. This facility offers a wide variety of activities and recreational activities. Located by Norton Community Park that features two artificial turf fields, splash pad, and an outdoor multi-use sports court. 

The Millcroft Golf and Country Club is located in the north end of the city and offers a par 70 course. The golf course has been awarded the Readers Choice Best Golf Course for the last 10 years and is a semi-private golf club that also offers affordable annual memberships and no entry fee. 

“The golf club provides golfers with the opportunity to play within member leagues. Their playing privileges extend to Indian Wells Golf Club. Public golfers are always welcome and they offer a variety of tee times and pricing to suit everyone. The club also has their fabulous weekly Sunday brunch and has event rental options.” 

When you choose to live in a community such as Millcroft you get to enjoy the very best that Burlington has to offer. There are also lots of restaurants, shops and so much more. The VanDinther Team has been specializing in this area for decades and they have great knowledge of community. Getting in touch with the team is very easy and you can do so any time. 

Contact The VanDinther Team 

Getting in touch with the VanDinther Team is so easy and can be done at any time. Those interested in living in this very sought after area can reach the VanDinther Team by phone at 905-330-2002 or by email at info@wesellmillcroft.com. 

Have you been wondering what your home might be worth? We offer a tool that can help you determine the value of your property with our “What’s My Home Worth” calculator. The entire VanDinther Team are looking forward to helping make the right moves.