It’s no secret that Vaughan is a wonderful place to live, and the city’s neighbourhoods are part of what make it so special. Woodbridge is the perfect example. In this thriving community, you’ll find an abundance of beautiful homes, tons of family-friendly amenities, and an ultra-convenient lifestyle. With so much to offer, this part of Vaughan is one of the hottest areas for home buyers in the York Region.

If you’re thinking of making the move to Woodbridge, here’s what you should know…

Top-Notch Amenities

In Woodbridge, residents have all the amenities they could ask for—from grocery stores to pharmacies to big-box retailers. When it comes to shopping centres, locals are especially fond of Market Lane. This popular mall features a mix of fashion boutiques and personal services (including spas, a photo studio, a tax consultants’ office, and more). It’s also home to Cataldi, an independent grocery store known for its fresh foods.  

Speaking of eating, Woodbridge is the perfect place for a mouth-watering meal. Those craving something hearty will want to check out Memphis BBQ and Wicked Wings. Whether you order the tender pork ribs or the savoury chicken, you can’t go wrong! Of course, Woodbridge also serves up some pretty incredible Italian food. Try Anna Maria Trattoria for handmade gnocchi, Porcella Cantini for authentic sandwiches, or Vivo Pizza and Pasta for quick and satisfying staples!

Local Attractions 

There’s never any shortage of fun things to do in Woodbridge. For starters, it’s the site of Canada’s Wonderland. This massive amusement park is considered the best in the country. Featuring thrilling rides and family events for every season, it’s fair to say that Wonderland is on many bucket lists. 

Nature lovers, take note. Woodbridge is home to Boyd Conservation Area, a beautiful land preserve featuring over 7 kilometres of trail. And that’s not all. Nearby, you’ll also find Kortright Conservation Centre, one of the most incredible natural areas in our corner of the world. Families enjoy exploring the 325 hectares of gorgeous woodlands here—and learning about the green technology that’s on display.

Of course, there’s more than one way to get active. If your family prefers sports to long wilderness walks, check out the Vaughan Sportsplex. Whether your kids are into soccer, basketball, or floor hockey, they’re bound to have a great time here.

Your Commute 

Many Torontonians think Vaughan is a world away from their city, but that simply isn’t true. In fact, the Woodbridge area is less than 40 minutes away via Highway 427. A recent extension to the TTC subway line means residents can also get to Toronto relatively quickly on public transit. That’s because bus routes from Woodbridge connect to the new Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Station. In general, the entire area is well served by York Region Transit.

 The Homes 

Part of what makes the quality of life in Woodbridge so high is the homes. There are many safe, friendly, and idyllic suburban communities in the area, and they’re filled with the kind of real estate that home buyers dream of. 

From spacious houses to cozy townhomes, you’re bound to find a place that perfectly suits your family in Woodbridge. Many residents enjoy modern living spaces, accommodating garages, and well-landscaped lots—all for much less than they would pay for similar properties in Toronto.

Looking for the perfect family home in Woodbridge—or one of Vaughan’s many other wonderful communities? Get in touch—we know the local market, inside and out!

Between the freezing temperatures and heavy snowfalls, winter may not seem like the best season to sell a home. Fortunately, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The market is less competitive now than it is in spring or summer, which means sellers have an opportunity to make their homes truly stand out—and attract more interest from buyers in the process.

If you’re planning to sell your home during the winter, try these five tips for making a great first impression…

 1) Winterize your property 

 Buyers who visit your home want to know that it’s going to stay comfortable and run efficiently no matter the season. One of the easiest ways to assure them that your living space is winter-ready is by sealing any drafty windows and doors. There are a few different ways to do this, but adding weatherstripping or fresh caulking will usually do the trick. You may also want to get your furnace looked at, since buyers will usually ask when it was last serviced.

 2) Pull out the shovel 

 In winter, it’s always a good idea to clear a path to your home. It’s a safety and liability issue—one that becomes even more important when you have a lot of visitors. To ensure the safety of the home hunters who stop by for viewings, pull out the shovel. You may also want to borrow a snowblower for your driveway—and whatever you do, make sure your front steps aren’t slippery! You can de-ice them with the right combination of salt and sand. Ask an associate at your local home improvement store if you need advice.

 3) Optimize your lighting 

 It’s well known that most home buyers love natural light. Unfortunately, getting enough of it can be a challenge in the winter. To make your living space more inviting, supplement the light streaming in from your windows with warm LED bulbs. Of course, you should still leave your curtains open during both daytime and evening showings! The result will be more daylight overall, and an inviting glow for buyers who show up in the evening. For later showings, make sure your entranceway is also well lit. 

 4) Make it cozy 

 When it’s cold outside, make your home feel as cozy as possible for potential buyers. To highlight the contrast between your living space and the outdoors, use decor that evokes feelings of warmth and comfort. From plush pillows to soft throw blankets to richly-coloured rugs, add small touches that will warm your space up. If you have a fireplace, you may also want to have it lit when home hunters come calling.

 5) Heat things up 

 Last but certainly not least, keep your home warm during showing periods. Buyers who are coming in from the cold will appreciate it—and that could help strengthen the positive associations they have with your property. As a general rule, set your thermostat for about 21 degrees celsius. Even if you prefer to have your rooms a little bit cooler, it’s worthwhile to keep them warm when home hunters visit.

Thinking of selling your home? Get in touch and call us 416-571-2724 or E-mail info@arciteam.com to learn more about the process—and how we can help!

Let’s face it: buying a home can be complicated. Challenges are bound to arise during the process, and how you deal with them could mean the difference between a highly-successful purchase and one that leads to regret. Luckily, there are steps you can take to pave the way towards a great outcome. Some of the most crucial involve knowing what not to do.

If you’re ready to buy a home, here are five major missteps you should avoid…

1) Forgoing pre-approval

In an attractive housing market like Vaughan, sellers often receive multiple offers. To make an impression, you need to ensure your bid stand out. While offering a sizeable chunk of change is usually the key to success, steps that highlight your dependability can also work in your favour. That’s where mortgage pre-approval comes in. During this crucial step, a lender will go through your information (from your credit score to your income taxes) and let you know how much financing you’re likely to receive. While many buyers skip this step, they could be putting themselves at a disadvantage. Sellers feel more comfortable dealing with someone who’s committed to buying—and financially prepared to do so!

2) Being overly picky

Every home has flaws. For buyers, the challenge is figuring out which ones constitute dealbreakers. If you’ll need to replace a home’s roof and electrical system, it may make sense to walk away. But all too often, buyers are turned off by small issues that can be easily remedied. Let’s say the property you’re looking at is basically your dream home—apart from the squeaky bedroom door and a few outdated appliances. In that case, you might seriously regret not making an offer. Remember that many repairs cost pennies in comparison to the price of a home—and you might even be able to negotiate with the seller to get the work done.

3) Not looking around

Just as some buyers focus on faults, others overlook them. If you fall into this category, you may find yourself wanting to buy the first home you tour. Just remember that a bit of comparison shopping can help confirm that you’ve found your ideal living space. The exception, of course, is if you find a home that really is too good to pass up—at a fantastic price. If that happens, you should still talk to your agent about how to protect yourself if you’re planning to make a rushed purchase. And if you really like a home, but you’re not 100 per cent sold? You can always keep it in mind while you continue to do a bit of looking around.

4) Falling for staging

Staging is meant to make buyers see the very best in a home. A beautifully-staged living space will feel stylish, sophisticated, and inviting. It should be a place you can easily imagine as your own—just don’t forget that it’s been set up by a professional. The furniture and decor you see almost certainly won’t be included when you buy the home. To make the smartest purchase possible, focus on the aspects that can’t be changed easily. That means things like square footage, layout, age, and condition.

5) Failing to find the right agent

One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is assuming that all real estate agents are the same. That couldn’t be further from the truth. To set yourself up for success, look for a professional with in-depth knowledge of your neighbourhoods of interest in Vaughan. They should also have local market expertise, strong negotiation skills, and the personality to work well with other sellers and agents. Last but certainly not least, your agent should be someone you feel comfortable with. Your best bet is to use the interview process to find someone who’s a great fit for you!

Ready to find your ideal home? Reach out to learn more about the process—and discover some of the wonderful properties on the market in Vaughan! If you want to learn more about buying a home in Ontario, visit our complete buyers guide today!

October is here, and we all know what that means—Halloween is right around the corner! This is the time of year for spooky costumes, special treats, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Of course, every kid loves carving pumpkins and collecting candy. But along with these annual favourites, why not mix things up by taking part in some of the festivities planned across the city? 

If you’re looking to celebrate Halloween with your little ones, here are five Vaughan events you simply have to check out…

1) Kreepy Kortright 

On October 18th, head down to Kortright Conservation Centre for an evening of outdoor Halloween fun! These gorgeous woodlands are the place to be on one of the spookiest nights of the year. Check out the haunted house, or warm up by the bonfire and listen to some chilling ghost stories. As a special treat, your kids can even get up close and personal with an owl! Kreepy Kortright was created for the whole family, so feel free to bring even your youngest children out for this event. Admission is $7.50 for kids and $14.50 for adults. 

2) Camp Spooky 

Some of the best festivities in Vaughan can be found at Canada’s Wonderland—and Halloween is no exception. Until October 27th, this local attraction will host a fun-filled family event known as Camp Spooky. From corn mazes to on-site trick-or-treating to live entertainment and seasonal crafts, you’ll find no shortage of activities to get you and your loved ones in the Halloween spirit. Admission is included in the cost to get into the theme park—which is a real bargain, given how much there is to do on any given day at Wonderland.

 3) Halloween Spooktacular 

What’s better than spending time at the library? How about adding ghost stories and Halloween-themed activities to the mix? From October 24th to 31st, grab the kids and head over to your local bibliotheque for some seasonal fun. Whether you live in Maple, Woodbridge, Kleinburg, or beyond, you’ll find a Halloween Spooktacular event at a book lover’s haven near you! Just be sure to check the schedule on the Vaughan Public Library website before heading over.

 4) Brick-or-Treat 

Legoland is one of the top kid-friendly destinations in Vaughan, and it only becomes more fun as Halloween approaches. Until October 31st, your little ones can enjoy Brick-or-Treat, an event that features tons of spooky (and creative) activities. They’ll find hidden ghosts in the Lego build stations, take part in a scavenger hunt, and even build their own creepy creations to take home! Online tickets for Brick-or-Treat start at $17.95. 

5) Spooktacular Halloween Toddler Time 

On October 31st, your little ones can enjoy a Halloween adventure unlike any other. Dress them up in their finest costumes and head over to Sky Zone Trampoline Park—because it’s time to get active! Bounce time is set for 9:30 to 11 in the morning, providing the perfect opportunity for kids to burn off some excess energy. Next, it’s time to fuel up with a few seasonal snacks—and enjoy some Halloween crafts! This event is suitable for kids of all ages.

There’s something about late October that brings out the kid in all of us. Luckily, Vaughan is the perfect place for you and your family to get into the spooky spirit. So get those costumes together and prepare for some serious Halloween fun! 

Looking for the perfect family home in Vaughan? Get in touch—we know the local market, inside and out!

If you’re ready to sell your home, you may be excited to move on to the next chapter in your life. But before you do, you’ll need to navigate the selling process. Unfortunately, doing so can be tricky. The steps involved are complicated, and sellers frequently make blunders that wind up costing them big. The good news? By knowing what not to do, you can set the stage for a smooth and successful sale!

If you’re putting your home on the market, here are five common mistakes to avoid…

1) Pricing incorrectly

When it comes to selling your home quickly and profitably, setting the right price is key. List too high, and you may find yourself in a no-offer situation. Too low, and you’ll get less than your property is worth. But who decides what the “right” price is? An experienced agent will look closely at how much homes like yours have recently sold for in your neighbourhood. Factoring in current market conditions, they’ll help you settle on a price that’s attractive to buyers—and beneficial to you!

2) Marketing ineffectively

One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is marketing their homes halfheartedly. If you want buyers to take notice of your property—and call to set up a viewing—you need to give them a reason to do so. Your marketing materials (especially your listing) should be clear and informative. Since images tend to catch people’s attention first, you should use eye-catching photos taken by a pro. Remember to ask every agent you’re thinking of working with if you can see some of the materials they’ve created in the past.

3) Forgoing staging

You’d probably never dream of putting your home on the market without doing a deep clean first. But what about staging? Unfortunately, some sellers assume it isn’t worth the time. The truth is, the right paint, furnishings, and decor can make all the difference. A home that’s stylish and inviting is far more likely to attract buyer interest than one that isn’t—and there’s a good chance it will sell quicker and for more money, too. Working with an agent who has staging expertise can help ensure that your home shines in the eyes of buyers.

4) Letting your ego enter the process

Some sellers can become defensive during negotiations. It’s only natural. Debating the value of your property—the place you’ve cared for and called your home—is bound to get emotional. That said, arguing with a buyer will rarely get you anywhere. That’s why it’s best to let your agent take the lead. They know the local market, the strategies that sellers’ agent use, and how buyers think. Armed with that information, they’ll do everything in their power to get you the best price possible—and they’ll never make a move without consulting you.

5) Not working with an agent

Some sellers wonder whether they should bother working with an agent. The truth is, selling a home isn’t nearly as simple as people think. Going it alone could mean getting far less money than you deserve—or failing to generate enough buyer interest to make a sale. A true professional will know the in’s and out’s of the process. From setting the ideal price to staging for maximum appeal to negotiating to get you a great deal, they’ll put that knowledge to work for you!

When it comes to selling a home, some mistakes can be costly. That’s why it pays to be prepared. Luckily, working with a knowledgeable real estate agent will help you avoid the missteps—and pave the way for a successful sale. Preparing to sell your home?

Call 416-571-2724 or E-mail info@arciteam.com today to learn how we can help you prepare your property for the market—and get the best return possible!

Family Day-Trips & Activities In The Greater Toronto Area

Summer may be behind us, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to hibernate, because fall is a wonderful time to explore Vaughan.

From our gorgeous parks and trails to our lively seasonal celebrations, Vaughan is brimming with things to do during the fall months.

Many of these activities are great for families spending the day together, and attract visitors from the Greater Toronto Area and the whole of Ontario as well.

So grab a friend or family member and pull those wooly sweaters out of storage, because it’s time to get out and enjoy the season!

Here are our top five family-friendly activities to enjoy this fall in and around Vaughan…

1) Watch the leaves change at Kortright Centre

What better activity to kick off the fall season than with a stroll through the great outdoors?

Ontario is famous for its spectacular fall colours, courtesy of the abundant maple, oak, beech, poplar, white birch, and tamarack (eastern larch) trees. 

One of the best places to see fall foliage in Vaughan—and get plenty of fresh air in the process—is at Kortright Centre for Conservation in Woodbridge. Here you’ll find 325 hectares of gorgeous woodlands, including nature trails that are bursting with beautiful autumn colours. 

The Kortright Centre for Conservation is a great place to visit at any time, and this won’t be the first time it features on this list. 

To make the most of your visit, consider planning it during one of Kortright’s many seasonal events. Check out their events calendar and look for upcoming Fall Colour Celebration or Family Adventure Walks. 

2) Check out the Woodbridge Fall Fair

Usually held over the second weekend of October, the Woodbridge Fall Fair is some serious fun. This annual event is an autumn tradition in the Vaughan area, having run for more than 170 years!

Head to the car show, check out live music on the main stage or sample some delicious grub. For an unforgettable experience, you might also want to consider taking a ride on a monster truck! If you have kids to entertain, take them to the petting zoo, dog show, or pumpkin contest.

For a touch of history, visit the pioneer building, farm, or blacksmithing displays. 

And if you’re looking for something more exciting, the southern portion of the grounds is usually reserved for a series of exhilarating rides. 

For all there is to see and do at the Woodbridge Fall Fair, the entry costs remain relatively low each year, and parking is free! A lot of this is thanks to the tireless army of volunteers that facilitate the event. 

The fairgrounds are located off Kipling Avenue, near the old Woodbridge town centre. 

3) Visit Honey Harvest Festival

We said Kortright Centre was a great place to visit in the fall, and we meant it!

Near the end of September, the Kortright Centre in Vaughan hosts a bee-centric celebration. The Honey Harvest Festival is a fun—and educational—way to experience nature before winter weather descends on Vaughan, and the natural location is perfect.

We recommend that you check out the Kortright Centre’s event calendar for confirmation, and for information on other educational events about bees. 

Tour the bee spaces, talk to a keeper, taste some honey, and even build a habitat for these unique pollinators. Admission is between $6.50 and $13 depending on age, and kids under 4 will get in free of charge.

According to the event’s Facebook page, festival activities include:

• Educational tours to learn about and see bees at work

• Honey tasting

• Music and entertainment

• Local vendors selling honey products and more

• A BBQ

• Bee-related craft activities

4) Go to the Woodbridge Village Farmers Market

Fall is the perfect time to get cozy at home with some comfort food. If you’re in the mood for roasted root vegetables or a savoury squash soup, why not opt for locally-grown ingredients?

The Woodbridge Village Farmers Market usually runs every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until mid-October. The market is located at the Woodbridge Memorial Arena. 

Each market usually has a different theme, so make sure to check out their calendar to find out what’s in store.

The Woodbridge Village Farmers’ Market is non-profit and volunteer-run, aiming to keep an authentic farmers’ market feel. Vendors are carefully selected and the event is making efforts to be plastic-free in the coming years. As they state in their own mission statement:

We believe in the importance of local agriculture, healthy food, the value of community and our impact on the environment. Our mission is to provide our community access to quality, locally produced products, as well as offer education and community support.

Past features for Saturday markets include cheese, music, corn roasting, and soup! This is a great option for ongoing fall activities in Vaughan, and something to do every Saturday morning. 

5) Pick your own pumpkins

Whether you’re carving up jack-o-lanterns or whipping up a perfectly-spiced pie, fall just isn’t fall without pumpkins.

Picking your own pumpkins is a great way to spend an afternoon with the family—and there are plenty of places to do that around Vaughan.

One of our favourite pumpkin-picking farms is Reesor’s Farm in Markham. Just a short drive away (less than 30 minutes), this is the ideal place to hit up and pumpkin patch and corn maze this October!

Reesor’s has multiple markets and events, so check those out too!

Summary: Best Fall Activities Near Vaughan Ontario

• Watch the fall colours at Kortright Centre for Conservation in Woodbridge

• Visit the Woodbridge Fall Fair

• Attend the Honey Harvest Festival at Kortright Centre

• Go to one of the Woodridge Village Farmers Markets

• Pick your own pumpkin at Reesor’s Farm in Markham

Enjoy!

Looking for the perfect family home in Vaughan? Get in touch with us—we know the local market, inside and out!

It happens every year. The weather warms up, vacations begin, and it starts to seem like summer will last forever. When fall rolls around, it’s easy to feel like your family isn’t ready. Did the kids get outside to play often enough? Have you spent plenty of quality time together? And when will you find the time to buy all of those back-to-school items?

While September can be a stressful time for families, there are a few steps you can take to get back into the swing of things. Here are five things you should to do to mark the end of summer and prepare the kids (and yourself) for fall….

1) Go school supply shopping (again)

It’s a moment most parents have to deal with at some point. The first day of school is fast approaching—or maybe it’s already come and gone. Suddenly, you realize you’ve forgotten the graph paper, erasers, or pencil crayons. You’re going to need to head back to the store for supplies, but don’t feel bad about it. You may even want to factor the extra trip into your schedule. If you do, consider heading to the Staples in Woodbridge or the Walmart in Maple. Both stores provide a great selection and fantastic prices!

2) Soak up the sun 

It won’t be long before the cooler weather sets in, but there’s still some time left before it does. Why not make the most of the sun while it’s still here? Grab the kids, slap on some sunscreen, and visit one of Vaughan’s gorgeous parks! While there are plenty of great options in and around the city, Boyd Conservation Park might just be the ultimate green space. With its many nature trails and picnic sites, it’s the perfect place to spend a day with the family—and relax before things start to get hectic.

3) Take one last swim 

Some kids (and adults, for that matter) are happiest when they’re in the water. Sound familiar? If so, now is the ideal time to squeeze in a family swim. Fortunately, Vaughan is home to a fantastic selection of public pools. The one at Al Palladini Community Centre is a local favourite—and for good reason. The facilities include a large pool, whirlpool, tarzan rope, and more. The little ones will have a ball here, and you will too! 

4) Have a nice family dinner—and treats! 

Dining out is nice at any time of year, but it can be especially fun during the carefree days of summer. What better way to mark the end of the season than by heading out to a family-friendly restaurant for a satisfying meal? There’s no shortage of options here in Vaughan, where you’ll find everything from French cuisine to Thai fare. That said, Ice Cream Patio should definitely be near the top of your list. This Italian hotspot serves up some of the best pizza in the city—and it’s spacious tables are perfect for families!

5) Read a book 

Children who enjoy reading tend to excel at it. That’s why picking up a book is one of the best things you can do with your child! To kick off the school year right, consider helping your little ones develop a love of literature. The best place to do that is at your local library. From Woodbridge to Kleinburg to Maple, you’ll find a branch that offers a great selection of kid-friendly titles. You can find the location nearest you by visiting the Vaughan Public Library website.

Looking for the perfect family home in Vaughan? Get in touch—we know the local market, inside and out!