Imagine waking up to the tranquil beauty of Lake Ontario, enjoying a vibrant downtown filled with culture, and being surrounded by nature at every turn. Burlington, Ontario, offers a lifestyle that’s hard to match, blending the best of urban amenities with natural charm. From breathtaking hiking trails to some of Canada’s most iconic festivals, Burlington is a city where life thrives. Let me walk you through why Burlington might just be the perfect place for your next move—and why working with an experienced local broker like me can make all the difference. The City of Burlington: A Top Destination It’s no coincidence that Burlington consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Canada. In 2019, Maclean’s Magazine named it the Best Community in Canada, and more recently, it was recognized as the Top Livable City in Ontario by The Globe & Mail in 2023. Burlington was also ranked the Fifth Best Place to Live in Canada for 2024 by the Moving Waldo Study. With a growing population of over 200,000 and a land area of 187 km², Burlington combines a small-town feel with big-city benefits. Located between Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment, this city offers unmatched geographic diversity, making it an ideal destination for families, professionals, and retirees alike. A Rich History and Thriving Community Burlington’s history dates back centuries, with Indigenous communities thriving here long before European settlers arrived. The city celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2023, showcasing its deep-rooted heritage. Beyond its history, Burlington embraces its future with progressive urban planning and sustainable development. The city also has a global connection, with a twinning agreement with Itabashi, Japan. Each spring, Spencer Smith Park hosts the Cherry Blossom (Sakura) Festival—a reflection of Burlington’s cultural richness and international ties. Waterfront Living: Where Life Meets the Lake Burlington’s waterfront is truly one of its crown jewels. With stunning views of Lake Ontario, sandy beaches, and marinas, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and relaxation seekers alike. Spencer Smith Park: Perfect for a walk along the water, morning yoga, or enjoying community events. Lasalle Marina: A hub for the boating community with easy access to Lake Ontario. Burlington Beach Rentals: Offering paddleboards, volleyball, and family-friendly activities. For those who dream of lakeside living, Burlington’s waterfront neighbourhoods boast multi-million-dollar homes with private boat slips, giving you the luxury of Muskoka right in your backyard. A Commuter’s Paradise Burlington offers seamless connectivity, making it a top choice for professionals working in Toronto or Niagara. With three GO Train stations, the QEW/403, and the 407 for northern commuters, getting around is convenient and stress-free. Unlike other GTA cities, Burlington boasts relatively light traffic, allowing you to spend more time enjoying life and less time stuck in your car. Burlington’s Unique Culture and Entertainment Burlington thrives on its vibrant cultural scene. The Sound of Music Festival, held every June at Spencer Smith Park, is Canada’s largest free outdoor music festival, attracting local talent and international acts. For over 75 years, the Burlington Teen Tour Band has represented the city across the globe, showcasing Burlington’s musical heritage. Other annual festivals like Ribfest, the Children’s Festival, and Taste of Burlington add to the city’s dynamic community life. Housing in Burlington: Affordability Meets Variety In a competitive GTA housing market, Burlington remains a beacon of affordability. With over 200 detached homes sold under $1M in 2024, you can still find a dream home that fits your budget. Whether it’s a cozy bungalow, a modern condo, or a home with a pool, Burlington offers diverse options. Looking for the perfect neighbourhood? My website features detailed maps and information on all 20 urban neighbourhoods in Burlington, helping you make an informed decision. I also provide insights on zoning, flood-prone areas, and future developments to ensure you invest wisely. A Foodie’s Paradise From cozy cafés to global cuisine, Burlington’s food scene is second to none. Local favorites like Saving Thyme and Rayhoon offer unique dining experiences, while authentic international restaurants, including Oh Bombay and Pep & Lela’s Mexican Cuisine, add flavor to the mix. For coffee lovers, spots like Tamp Coffee and Tribeca Coffee Co. are perfect for a relaxing break or a productive work session. Green Spaces and Outdoor Adventures With an abundance of parks, conservation areas, and trails, Burlington is a paradise for nature lovers. Highlights include: Royal Botanical Gardens: 2,700 acres of breathtaking gardens. Bruce Trail: Perfect for hiking along the Niagara Escarpment. Bronte Creek Provincial Park: A family-friendly spot for camping and picnics. For golfers, Burlington offers world-class courses, including Millcroft Golf Club and the prestigious Burlington Golf and Country Club. Family-Friendly Living With top-rated schools and safe neighborhoods, Burlington is a dream destination for families. My website features a dedicated section on schools, including Fraser Ratings, catchment areas, and links to property searches by school zones. The arrival of Brock University in Burlington further enhances the city’s educational appeal, offering new opportunities for higher learning. Why Work with Me? As an experienced real estate broker specializing in Burlington, I don’t just sell homes—I help people find their place in this incredible city. With deep knowledge of Burlington’s neighbourhoods, schools, and market trends, I provide unparalleled guidance to help you make the best decisions. From navigating zoning regulations to finding the perfect home in flood-safe areas, I’m here to ensure your move is smooth and stress-free. Final Thoughts Burlington is more than just a city—it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn to its natural beauty, vibrant culture, or family-friendly neighbourhoods, Burlington has something for everyone. If you’re considering moving to Burlington or want to learn more about this amazing city, don’t hesitate to contact me at 647.818.7373 or visit RealtorRoshan.ca. Let’s make your move to Burlington the best decision you’ve ever made!

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Buying your first home in Canada is one of the most exciting milestones of your life, I bought my first home in 2003 but it can also feel overwhelming if you're not prepared.  I'm Roshan Basnet, a real estate broker specializing in Burlington and Oakville, and today, I’m here to share the 12 most common mistakes first-time homebuyers make—and how you can avoid them. 1. Not Accounting for Closing Costs Many first-time buyers focus solely on the purchase price and forget about the closing costs, which can add up to 1.5% to 4% of the home’s value. Think land transfer tax, legal fees, title insurance, and even moving costs. Make sure you budget for these expenses upfront to avoid surprises.   2. Not Checking Your Credit History Before Applying for a Mortgage A strong credit history is critical for getting approved for a mortgage with the best possible rate. Check your credit score early, correct any errors, and avoid major purchases before your mortgage application. No new car loans. No installment TV or Furniture purchases.  3. Falling in Love with the House Instead of the Area  It’s easy to fall in love with a beautiful kitchen or a renovated bathroom, but remember—you’re not just buying the house; you’re buying into the neighborhood.  Research local amenities, commute times, schools, and the overall vibe of the area before making an offer. If you buy the worst house in the best street, you are all set. If you buy over improved house in the worst area, your home value will stagnant.  4. Not Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Shopping without pre-approval is like walking into a store without knowing your budget. It is really pretty much window shopping. Pre-approval helps you understand what you can afford and makes you a more serious buyer in the eyes of sellers.  In a competition, you can submit your offer with a copy of pre-approval and Seller will strongly consider your offer. 5. Buying More Than You Should Just because the bank pre-approves you for a certain amount doesn’t mean you should max out your budget.  Keep some breathing room for unexpected expenses like rising interest rates, property taxes, or repairs.  Don’t jepordize your lifestyle and become house rich and cash poor. 6. Buying the Wrong House Don’t let cosmetic upgrades or trendy designs distract you from what truly matters—space, functionality, and long-term needs.  Think about your lifestyle five or ten years down the line before committing. W You can always change the Kitchen appliances or renovate the bathroom, try adding square footage and that’s a costly gig. 7. Skipping the Home Inspection In competitive markets, some buyers skip the home inspection to close the deal faster. But this can be a costly mistake if hidden issues like mold, foundation problems, or outdated wiring come up later.  The cost of home inspection can range $350-$500 This is a fraction of money when you compare it to the price of home.  If you skip a home inspection and you go to the court, the obvious question a judge is going to ask you is “Did you do an inspection?” If not, then you took all the risk. If there is an offer date, ask your agent if you can do an inspection before putting an offer. If you find issues, that $500 saved you from paying a lot to beat out the competition. 8. Ignoring Government Programs for First-Time Buyers Canada offers great incentives for first-time buyers, like the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan, and Land Transfer Tax Rebates.  Not exploring these options could mean missing out on significant savings. You mortgage broker, lawyer and Real Estate professional all can help you navigate this. 9. Focusing Solely on the Purchase Price Your monthly budget isn’t just about the mortgage.  Property taxes, utilities, maintenance, and insurance all add up. Be realistic about what you can afford in the long run. And then you have your lifestyle costs to account for.  10. Being Unprepared for Bidding Wars In hot markets, it’s easy to let emotions take over during a bidding war.  Have a maximum budget in mind and stick to it, or you could overpay and regret it later. Do not get emotional and get carried away. Stick to your maximum budget. Walk away when you feel like bidding is getting out of control.    11. Not Understanding the Importance of Resale Value Even if this is your forever home, life happens. Choose a property with good resale value—look at location, layout, and market trends to ensure it holds its value. If the house is overimproved for your area, do not put huge premium for it. The location value dictates home values. For Resale, if you have the best house on the street does not mean all buyers see it that way to pay you huge premium for it.  12. Underestimating the Costs of Homeownership Owning a home is more than just paying the mortgage.  Repairs, upgrades, and landscaping can quickly add up. Set aside an emergency fund to cover these unexpected costs.  Final Thoughts  Buying your first home doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you know what to look out for. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth and successful purchase.  If you’re thinking of buying in Burlington, Oakville, or the surrounding areas, let’s chat—I’d love to guide you through the process.    Roshan Basnet is a seasoned real estate broker with extensive experience in the Oakville and Burlington markets. Known for his personalized approach and deep market knowledge, Roshan is dedicated to helping clients make informed decisions and achieve their real estate goals. Whether buying or selling, working with Roshan means partnering with a trusted expert who ensures a smooth and successful real estate journey.  

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Oakville Real Estate Market Report – November 2024 Key Takeaways Sales Boom: Oakville saw 220 total sales, a remarkable 62% increase compared to November 2023. New Listings Surge: November brought 522 new listings, up from 377 in the same period last year. Slight Dip in Prices: The average sale price is $1,556,124, down 1% year-over-year, reflecting a stabilizing market. Detached Home Strength: Detached sales climbed 52% year-over-year, with an average price of $2,111,751, a 11.5% rise compared to October 2024. Condo Market Adjustments: Average condo prices dropped significantly to $749,103, down from $1,335,092 last year, offering more opportunities for buyers. Inventory Growth: Active listings at month-end reached 1,044, a 62% increase from last year’s 645.  What Happened in Oakville’s Real Estate Market in November 2024?   The Oakville market continues its dynamic trajectory with substantial sales growth, particularly in the detached and townhome segments. The 1% dip in average prices reflects a market stabilizing after rapid price escalations in prior years. Buyers have more choices as new listings and inventory surge, while sellers must navigate longer days on the market and a more price-conscious buyer pool.                      Oakville Detached Homes: Luxury Market on the Rise   Detached homes dominate Oakville’s market, with 116 sales, up 52% year-over-year, but slightly lower than 124 sales in October 2024. The average price of $2,111,751 reflects an 11.5% increase month-over-month, showing strong demand in the luxury segment. Despite higher prices, detached homes are selling in an average of 30 days, slightly longer than 28 days last year, indicating a balanced market. For buyers, this means opportunities to negotiate in a market where inventory reached 504 active listings, a significant increase from 334 last year. For sellers, it’s a great time to showcase the value of their homes as the luxury market stays robust. What Happened in Oakville’s Real Estate Market in November 2024?   The Oakville market continues its dynamic trajectory with substantial sales growth, particularly in the detached and townhome segments. The 1% dip in average prices reflects a market stabilizing after rapid price escalations in prior years. Buyers have more choices as new listings and inventory surge, while sellers must navigate longer days on the market and a more price-conscious buyer pool. Oakville Detached Homes: Luxury Market on the Rise Detached homes dominate Oakville’s market, with 116 sales, up 52% year-over-year, but slightly lower than 124 sales in October 2024. The average price of $2,111,751 reflects an 11.5% increase month-over-month, showing strong demand in the luxury segment. Despite higher prices, detached homes are selling in an average of 30 days, slightly longer than 28 days last year, indicating a balanced market. For buyers, this means opportunities to negotiate in a market where inventory reached 504 active listings, a significant increase from 334 last year. For sellers, it’s a great time to showcase the value of their homes as the luxury market stays robust. Oakville Freehold Townhomes: A High-Demand Segment Townhomes in Oakville continue to see strong demand, with 40 sales in November, more than double the 18 sales last year. However, the average price of $1,130,963 is down compared to last year’s $1,261,517, reflecting buyer caution around higher borrowing costs. With 147 active listings, this segment remains competitive, offering buyers more choices while motivating sellers to price strategically to attract attention. Oakville Condo Market: A Shift in Opportunity Condo prices in Oakville took a significant hit, with the average price at $749,103, down from $1,335,092 last year, highlighting a correction in this segment. Sales climbed to 35 units, up from 25 last year, and inventory grew to 289 active listings from 171 last year. For buyers, condos present a significant opportunity for affordability in Oakville’s premium market. Sellers, meanwhile, should expect competitive conditions and ensure their properties are priced right and presented well. What Should Buyers and Sellers Read from Oakville Market Trends? For Buyers: Detached Homes: If you’re in the market for luxury properties, now is a good time to explore your options with more inventory and relatively longer market times. Townhomes and Condos: Both segments offer excellent opportunities, with condos showing the most dramatic price adjustments. For Sellers: Be Competitive: With growing inventory and a slight softening in average prices, pricing your home effectively is critical. Highlight Value: Staging and emphasizing your home’s unique selling points will help attract buyers in a market with more options. Oakville A Market Poised for Opportunity Oakville’s November 2024 market reflects both growth and stabilization, offering opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Whether you’re seeking a luxury home or considering a move-up in the market, understanding these trends is key to achieving your goals. As a seasoned Real Estate Broker serving Oakville and Burlington, I can help you navigate these changes and make the most of the current market conditions. Let’s connect to discuss your next move!

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