Blog Category Archives: Real Estate Market

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: 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. 

Living in The Millcroft Community

There are so many reasons why someone would choose to live in Millcroft, a neighbourhood located in Burlington, Ontario. This is one of the most sought after areas to live in and it’s no surprise. 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the top seven reasons why you might want to consider living in Millcroft. From the peaceful surroundings, excellent schools, amenities and more, we’ll have you convinced that you need to move here. 

At the end of this blog, we’ll explain how the VanDinther Team can help you make the right moves. This is an extremely experienced team of real estate professionals that continue to help their clients make the right moves and find the home of their dreams. 

Reasons to Choose Millcroft 

When you’re trying to make the decision to list your home and move somewhere new, it can be a bit overwhelming. Especially if you’re considering moving to a new city or neighbourhood. Burlington, Ontario has quite a few areas to choose from and all of them offer those living there something unique. Millcroft offers residents and visitors a wonderful blend of suburban comfort, natural beauty, and convenient amenities. 

The reason why someone would choose to move to Millcroft can be many different reasons. It’s always a very personal decision when it comes to where you want to live. That’s why we put together a list to help you make this important decision. Listed below are some of those reasons why and for you to consider when deciding on whether Millcroft might be the right place for you.

1. Tranquil Surroundings: Millcroft is known for its peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal place for individuals and families seeking a quiet and serene neighbourhood. The area features well-maintained streets, beautifully landscaped yards. It also provides an overall sense of tranquility welcoming an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
2. Excellent Schools: Millcroft is home to top-notch schools, making it an excellent choice for families. The community boasts a range of highly regarded public and private educational institutions, ensuring that children receive a quality education close to home.
3. Abundant Outdoor Spaces: Nature lovers will appreciate the abundance of outdoor spaces in Millcroft. The community is surrounded by lush greenery, parks, and trails, providing numerous opportunities for walks, jogging, cycling and more. The Millcroft Golf & Country Club offers a wonderful golfing experience for enthusiasts of the sport.
4. Amenities: Millcroft residents have easy access to a wide range of amenities. Within the community, there are local shops, restaurants, and services, providing convenience for daily needs. Nearby shopping centres, including Millcroft Shopping Centre and Appleby Village. These offer a great selection of stores, boutiques and dining options. The Tansley Woods Community Centre provides recreational facilities, fitness classes and programs for all ages.
5. Major Highways and Transportation: Millcroft's location offers excellent connectivity to major highways, including the 407, QEW, and 403. Therefore making commuting or traveling to neighbouring cities and towns convenient. Public transportation options, such as nearby bus routes and the Appleby GO station, provide easy access to Toronto and other parts of the Greater Toronto Area.
6. Strong Community Spirit: Millcroft is known for its tight-knit community and friendly atmosphere. Residents often come together for neighborhood events, charity initiatives. The community also offers recreational activities, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among neighbours.
7. Family-Friendly: With its safe streets, excellent schools, and lots of recreational opportunities, Millcroft is a very family-friendly community. Children have access to quality education, numerous parks and playgrounds, plus a supportive environment that encourages active and healthy lifestyles.

Finding Your Dream Home in Millcroft

If this list didn’t convince you that Millcorft isn’t the ideal place to live then you need to read it again! This neighbourhood is one of the most sought after in the city of Burlington and it’s very clear why that is. 

The Van Dinther Team has been working and living in this community for many years and can attest to why this is such a fantastic place to live. This team of highly experienced realtors are ready to help you make the next move and find your dream home in the Millcroft neighbourhood. 

To take this next step please feel free to reach out to the Van Dinther Team either by phone or email. To reach them by phone please call 905-330-2002 or email at info@wesellmillcroft.com. Let’s get started and find your dream home now! 

Canadian Real Estate Market Statistics for December 2022

The REALTORS® Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) and the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), each released their statistics for December 2022. It was reported that in the Burlington real estate market area that there were a total of 98 sales of residential properties. This was a decrease of 23.3 per cent compared to the same time last year. It was also reported that there were a total of 2,522 sales in total in 2022, this was a decline of 27 per cent compared to 2021. 

“Burlington did see some gains in sales throughout the pandemic, but levels never achieved the same highs as activity reported in 2015. While new listings have also been lower since 2015, 2022 did see a pickup in new listings and a return to more balanced conditions.”

According to RAHB, there were a total of 117 new listings in Burlington in December 2022. This was an increase of 7.3 per cent year-over-year. The average price of a residential property within the Burlington real estate market was $1,039,940, a decrease of 14 per cent compared to the same time last year. 

Residential property sales in the entire Canadian real estate market saw a slight increase in both November and December 2022. This isn’t very common to see at the end of the year. CREA states that the real estate market slows down in response to uncertainty. It was also reported that there were some decreases in sales volume in both 2009 and 2020. These were both years where there were some periods of economic skepticism. With that being said, CREA doesn't expect to see the volume improve in 2024. 

The Canadian Housing Market Sales Volume 

According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), the sales volume saw a decrease of almost 40 per cent in December 2022 compared to the same time last year. There was also an increase of 1.3 per cent when it came to the sales volume in November. This remained fairly consistent after there was a significant drop in 2022, it’s common to see this sort of drop at the end of the year.

It was reported that there was a break from the more common annual trend, the market is indicating that there’s a lot to look forward to this year. Most likely this is due to the fact that a lot of buyers were pushed out of the market because of increased property prices, and now these potential buyers have the opportunity to enter the market.

There's another important factor that will help these buyers re-enter the real estate market. This factor is that the real estate market doesn’t have the same sense of urgency it once had. The real estate market is slower and more stable now so there’s more focus on being affordable. These are all factors that make it easier for potential buyers to take advantage. 

Affordability Within The Canadian Housing Market 

During the height of the pandemic the average residential property prices increased. This created a situation where potential buyers were simply priced out and left to wait in hopes that it would eventually come back down. Causing a lot of stress and uncertainty, this didn’t slow down for a while. There are three factors that contributed to the affordability issue. 

Affordability can be measured by three factors, house prices, interest rates and income. It was reported by the National Bank’s Q3 Housing Affordability Monitor that affordability had reached levels that had not been seen since 1981 and 1989. Both of those years, the highs were then followed by a more balanced market. It's also been reported that the Bank of Canada created more vacancies in the job market in order to reduce inflation. This meant there needed to be a decrease in the interest rate, so that the market can be more affordable.

It should also be mentioned that the residential property prices had the largest decline year-over-year since 2009. Since the average price of a residential property in the entire Canadian real estate market had a 12 per cent decrease in December 2022. There are many real estate market areas across the country had an increase in the average price during the height of the pandemic and have now seen that price decrease. 

Burlington’s Real Estate Market for December 2022

As we continue to focus on the housing prices and property sales, we should note that it was reported by RAHB that sales eased in the Burlington real estate market area in December 2022. It was also reported that new listings improved, while the inventory remained low. 

The Burlington real estate market is broken down into different areas and each one assigned a number. The most sought after area is Millcroft, located in area 35. This area had the greatest number of residential property sales with a total of 25 in December 2022. This was a decrease of 16.7 per cent compared to the same time last year. There were 30 new listings, which was a slight decrease of 7.1 per cent. The average price of a residential property was $970,986, this was a 13.2 per cent decrease compared to December 2021. 

Another area of significance is area 31, this area had the second greatest number of sales in December 2022. With a total of 20 sales and 20 new listings, sales had a 33.3 per cent decrease while new listings only had a 16.7 per cent decrease. The average price of a residential property in this area was $834,245, this was a decline of 19.8 per cent compared to the same time last year. 

“The pandemic, combined with historically low interest rates, created an exponential surge in housing demand. Supply could not keep pace, resulting in price growth that far exceeded expectations over a two-year period, 2022 saw conditions start to shift back to a more balanced market. Improved supply is an important component to stabilizing both sales and home prices. If higher lending rates continue, they will weigh on home sales in 2023, however; the dip in prices coupled with better supply choice could start to support a more stable market for the foreseeable future.” — Lou Piriano, RAHB President.

Contact The VanDinther Team 

If you’re looking for a more in-depth and detailed matrix of these statistics, please refer to the Burlington Real Estate Statistics for December 2022. You can also get in contact with the VanDinther Team and someone will be more than happy to discuss them with you. 

Have you been thinking about listing your home and not sure where to start? The VanDinther Team is ready and excited to get you started on this journey. Lori VanDinther has 30 years of experience working with clients in the Burlington and surrounding areas. Please also give our “What’s My Home Worth” calculator a try, it’s a great place to start. 

Getting in contact with the VanDinther team is simple and can be done directly by phone at 905-632-2199 or by email at info@wesellmillcroft.com. The VanDinther Team is looking forward to working with you soon so they can help you make the right moves!