5 Things You Didn’t Know About Living in a Gated Community

Aug 10, 2023 / Luxury

Gated communities symbolize a life of luxury and exclusivity – offering a unique lifestyle that stretches far beyond just an increase in privacy. If the idea of a gated community appeals to you, there are a few things you’ll want to know before calling your real estate agent. 

In this blog, we shed light on the lesser-known aspects of these unique types of neighbourhoods to help you get a better idea of how life in one could suit you. 

1. The Exclusive Amenities

Gated communities offer their residents far more than simply an elevated degree of security. In the Great Toronto Area, many private neighbourhoods offer a wide range of exclusive amenities that cater to various interests and hobbies. From golf courses, private parks, swimming pools, and reserved fitness centres to trails for biking or jogging, gated communities provide residents with the opportunity to lead an active and fulfilling lifestyle without venturing far from home. 

If there are specific amenities that interest you, be sure to mention them to your real estate agent. An established agent who is experienced with the unique ins and outs of luxury real estate can help you find the perfect community for your needs and desires. 


Ready to buy property in Vaughan or the GTA? Explore these helpful articles from our blog. 


2. Maintenance Requirements 

The notion of maintenance-free living often comes to mind when thinking about gated communities. In reality, residents still need to take care of their properties, pay homeowners association (HOA) fees, and adhere to community guidelines.

In some cases, certain home-care services may be covered as part of the HOA fees, such as landscaping or snow removal. However, it’s important to be aware that not all gated communities will offer a completely hands-off lifestyle. 

Looking for the best gated communities in the Greater Toronto Area? We ranked our favourites here.

3. Home & Property Restrictions

Another factor to consider when pondering the prospect of buying a home in a gated community is your desire to upgrade or modify your property down the line. Although regulations will vary by neighbourhood, some gated communities or more specifically – their HOA, may impose some restrictions on how you can renovate or make changes to your home. 

HOAs regulate various aspects of property ownership, including architectural designs, exterior colour choices, landscaping, and even the addition of certain structures like fences or sheds. While these rules contribute to the overall visual appeal and cohesiveness of the community, they can limit the degree of autonomy that you have as a homeowner. 

If you have specific ambitions to customize your future home, be sure to speak with your real estate agent. They can help you understand how a community’s bylaws may impact or hinder your vision. 


Searching for a great home? The resources below will help get your home search off to a great start:


4. Ease of Access

One of the best parts about living in a gated community is the heightened sense of security and privacy. While this is generally an advantage, living in a neighbourhood with restricted access can add a few layers of complexity in certain situations. 

For instance, if someone else needs to access your home, such as a family member, friend, contractor, courier, or driver, you may need to be available in order to let them in. While this is generally not an issue if you’re at home, it can introduce challenges if another person needs to access the property while you are travelling or away. 

Wondering if life in a gated community is right for you? Click here to read our blog about everything you need to know about living in a gated community

5. There Are More Options Than You May Realize

While gated communities are less common in Canada compared to the United States, there is still a great selection of options for buyers seeking this type of neighbourhood. There is a wide range of gated and private communities located all across the Greater Toronto Area. 

Gated communities aren’t just diverse in their location either. Each neighbourhood has its own housing stock, local amenities, community atmosphere, and overall energy. As a buyer, you’ll be able to find a community that speaks to your specific needs and tastes. 

Want to find the perfect home? Work with the #1 real estate team in Vaughan! Call 416-571-2724 or send an email to info@arciteam.com today!

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What to Look For in a New Home if You’re Retired

Jul 7, 2023 / Buying

Finding the perfect home is an important decision for everyone, but it holds particular significance for seniors and retirees. After a lifetime of hard work, it’s essential to choose a home that not only meets your current needs but also supports your lifestyle and well-being in the years to come. 

In this blog post, we’ll touch on a few important details to look out for as you search for your new home. 


Looking for more real estate tips about retirement? Check out these blog posts!


A Neighbourhood With All the Essentials

Just like any home purchase, one of the most important aspects to consider when selecting a home as a retiree is the location. In other words, you’ll want to choose a home in a neighbourhood that suits your needs and preferred lifestyle.  

During your golden years, convenience will be a key part of what makes your home a great place to live. On top of being close to family and friends, recreational activities, and other things that pique your interest, you’ll want to consider everyday essentials. This means proximity to healthcare facilities, grocery stores, public transportation, and other important services. 

You’ll also want to consider who your neighbours will be. Buying in a vibrant community with fellow retirees can enhance your social life and provide opportunities for new friendships – they may also provide unique amenities and activities tailored specifically for seniors. If this interests you, ask your real estate agent about neighbourhoods with active retiree communities. 

Ready to find your next home? Click here to browse our local listings

Turn Key Condition 

At the end of the day, retirement is a time to enjoy hobbies, spend time with family, and take part in activities that bring you joy. With that in mind, you won’t want to spend all your time working on or fixing up your home. As you look for the right place to spend your golden years, consider choosing a home that won’t require major renovations, repairs, or improvements. 

On top of not needing major upgrades or renovations, a home that makes a good fit for retirees often doesn’t require an excessive amount of routine maintenance or upkeep. This could mean a home with smaller square footage, less required yard work, or even newer appliances. 

Condos are a great option for retirees looking to minimize their responsibilities as much as possible. With most maintenance tasks taken care of, condo living can help you maximize your free time. 


Downsizing to a smaller home for your golden years? Explore these posts about condo living from our blog! 


Accessibility Considerations

As we age, mobility and safety become increasingly important. When evaluating potential homes for your next chapter, don’t forget to assess their accessibility features. Mindful features include wide doorways, step-free entrances, and well-lit spaces. While you may be able to make some modifications to your home after moving in, it’s helpful to find these features up front. 

For some retirees, a single-level home such as a bungalow is often more practical as it eliminates the need to navigate stairs regularly. Alternatively, a unit in a condo building with elevators is also a good option as it can make daily tasks more manageable and reduce the risk of falls. 

An Open Floor Plan

As part of accessibility, a home with an open and spacious floor plan can make life easier for retirees. When you begin looking for a new home and find one that catches your eye, take a moment to consider the layout. Pay attention to the width of doorways and hallways, to ensure easy accessibility for mobility aids like wheelchairs or walkers. While this may not be a part of your needs today, it’s important to think ahead – especially when purchasing a home. 

Buying With the Lino Arci Team

Finding the perfect home as a retiree is no easy task – that’s where we come in. As Vaughan’s #1 real estate group, the Lino Arci Team provides a simple, stress-free buying experience that can help you land a home you love at the right price. 

With close to four decades of experience, we’ve built out a specialized approach to helping seniors transition to a new home. We understand the unique challenges you may face as you enter the next phase of your life. That’s why it’s our priority to make your purchase as smooth, successful, and risk-free as possible. 

Ready to find the perfect home for your next chapter in life? Work with the #1 real estate team in Vaughan! Call 416-571-2724 or send an email to info@arciteam.com today. 

Interested in Learning More?

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How Long Will It Take to Save For a Condo?

Jun 9, 2023 / Buying

As the cost of housing increases both locally and across the country, it’s no secret that saving up for a home looks a little different for today’s generation of buyers compared to years past. 

Despite these new challenges, condos remain a great way to break into the housing market. As they come at a lower price point, purchasing a condo is a great way to begin building personal wealth through owning real estate. 

That being said, just like a house, saving up to buy a condo will require planning and discipline. As you begin saving, you’ll want to be prepared for the various costs involved – not just the cost of the unit. 

In this post, we’ll look at the complete cost of condo ownership and share some helpful tips for reaching your goals sooner rather than later. 

Looking for advice on how to budget for a larger detached family home? We have tips on that too! Click here

Down Payment Basics

When you purchase a condo, the down payment is hands down your largest cost. In the past, buyers typically needed a minimum down payment of 20% to purchase a home. However, today’s buyers are facing wildly different conditions compared to years past, and rules around home financing have changed to reflect this.

Depending on your financial strength, you may be able to purchase a home with a down payment of as little as 5%. However, in these cases, you will be required to obtain mortgage insurance – which comes at an extra cost. 


Need more information about buying a condo in the Greater Toronto Area? Check out these blog posts for helpful tips and insights.


Budgeting For Condo Fees

In addition to the down payment, buying a condo also involves a few specialized expenses. Arguably the most significant of these is your condo fees. 

The fees are separate from your monthly mortgage payments and they cover a number of essential expenses related to the maintenance of the building itself and other similar costs.

As a recurring expense, condo fees can add up in a hurry so it’s important to be adequately prepared for them. Once you have an idea of what you’re looking for in a condo, begin browsing local listings. In most cases, a unit’s condo fees will be outlined in the actual listing itself.

The average price of units you’re interested in, along with their respective condo fees, can help you estimate how much you’ll need to save in order to be ready for the market.

Condo Closing Costs

Like other types of real estate, condos are subject to Land Transfer Tax when purchased. In Ontario, this cost is applied to properties using a sliding scale (between 0.5 and 2.5 percent). However, some municipalities may apply additional taxation depending on the jurisdiction. If you’re uncertain about how Land Transfer Taxes may impact your budget, ask a real estate agent

If you’re serious about buying a particular condo, you’ll also need to obtain and review a copy of the status certificate. This comes at a fee too, however, it’s usually quite minimal (less than $100). 

Keep in mind, these costs apply to resale condos. Pre-construction condos, which similarly make for a great pathway to homeownership can come with their own unique closing costs and fees.  


Buying a piece of real estate for the very first time? Check out these other blog posts to get a sense of what you can expect from the process. 


Saving & Building Your Budget

With a complete idea of how much you will need to buy a condo, it’s time to start saving up! You may have already started to set some money aside, however, it can be helpful to create a more regimented savings plan to ensure you reach your goals in a timely manner.  

There are even government programs and initiatives that can help you save for a condo faster. The recently launched First Home Savings Account allows you to have a dedicated space to build up your savings tax-free.

First-time buyers should also take advantage of the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, which is designed to reduce monthly mortgage costs and help alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with today’s housing costs. 

Want to make the most of your first home? Work with the #1 real estate team in Vaughan! Call 416-571-2724 or send an email to info@arciteam.com today.

Interested in Learning More?

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Is Vaughan a Good Place to Raise Kids?

Jun 1, 2023 / Lifestyle

Is Vaughan, Ontario a good place to raise kids? Absolutely! 

There are countless reasons why Vaughan is the perfect place to raise your family, and we’ll touch on a few of them in this post! Want to know more? Keep reading. 

Thinking about moving to Vaughan, Ontario? Click here to explore available homes in the area

Vaughan at a Glance

Home to a little more than 300,000 residents, Vaughan is a charming community located at the northern edge of the Greater Toronto Area. In addition to being one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Canada, it’s also a fantastic place to raise kids. 

With its high-ranking schools, welcoming neighbourhoods, great access to amenities, and a strong focus on family, it has everything you need to ensure your children have a wonderful upbringing. 


Looking to buy a home that’s perfect for your growing family? Check out these other blog posts for helpful tips. 


Vaughan’s Great Schools 

It’s not unusual for buyers to hit the market with a long list of “must haves” in their new home, and for many of these buyers (especially parents), being close to a great school is somewhere near the top of that list. Luckily, Vaughan has some of the best schools in not just the GTA, but all of Ontario. 

There are tons of top-notch schools in Vaughan that offer an incredible education. Including both public and private options, these schools offer state-of-the-art facilities and well-regarded teachers who use creative teaching methods to keep learning exciting. Plus, there are so many extracurricular activities available, like art, science, and sports programs – giving your kids the chance to discover and pursue their passions.

When they grow up, Vaughan is also close to a number of top-ranking universities and other post-secondary institutions where your kids can continue their studies. 

Want to know more about the amazing educational opportunities in town? Click here to read our list of the Top 5 Schools in Vaughan

Family-Friendly Fun All Year Long

In addition to having many great schools, Vaughan is practically overflowing with fun activities. With its plentiful parks, playgrounds, sports facilities, and more, there’s always a somewhere to play, have a blast, and stay healthy.  

There are also endless opportunities to spend quality family time outdoors, whether it’s a family picnic, a bike ride, or just exploring nature. Not to mention, the world-renowned and always popular with kids Canada’s Wonderland amusement park is located right in Vaughan!

As a bonus, the city’s prime location within the Greater Toronto Area means that there’s easy access to a whole bunch of exciting opportunities. Take a quick trip to downtown Toronto to explore incredible museums, art galleries, and theatres. 

Whether it’s a day at the Royal Ontario Museum, a visit to the Ontario Science Centre, or checking out the cute animals at the Toronto Zoo, Vaughan’s proximity to these attractions means your kids will always have something fun to do.


Looking to brush up on your real estate knowledge? Explore these other posts from our blog. 


Homes That Meet Your Needs

Along with the lifestyle elements, Vaughan’s huge selection of family-friendly homes also makes it a great place to lay down roots and raise kids.

As an extension of this, one of the distinct advantages of living in Vaughan is the sheer abundance of neighbourhoods that are specifically designed with families in mind. 

These thoughtfully-planned communities feature great parks, playgrounds, and access to essential amenities. Of course, there are plenty of amazing homes too – catering to a wide selection of needs and budgets. Plus, thanks to Vaughan’s suburban-style development, many houses come with spacious front and backyards. This is a huge bonus that not every community in the GTA can provide. 

If you’re looking for the right home for you and your family, you’ll want to work with a local real estate agent who knows Vaughan inside and out – like the Lino Arci Team! For decades we’ve helped countless buyers build a solid foundation for their children’s future, and we can do the same for you!

Ready to find the perfect home for you and your family? Work with the #1 real estate team in Vaughan. Call us at 416-571-2724 or send an email to info@arciteam.com to be in touch. 

Interested in Learning More?

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How to Help Your Parents Declutter

May 19, 2023 / Selling

If your parents are looking to downsize their home, you may have wondered how you can help. Assisting them through the decluttering process is a great way to start.

Decluttering is one of the biggest steps involved in downsizing and if you’re not sure how to tackle it, it can get overwhelming in a hurry. Luckily, we’ve got advice for you. 

Helping your parents downsize? We’ve got more tips for you. Click here to read our list of 3 things seniors should know before selling. 

Get Started Early

Downsizing from a larger family home to something smaller is a big transition. Even if your parent’s next home isn’t super tiny, they will still need to slim down their belongings. Therefore, decluttering will be an important part of their downsize. 

To avoid being overwhelmed by a task of this size, encourage your parents to start this process early on. Begin by discussing their goals and creating a realistic timeline for their journey. 


Decluttering is an essential step in selling your home quickly and for top dollar. For other home-selling strategies, check out these blog posts. 


Stay Organized

Organization is key when tackling clutter. Help your parents develop a system to sort their belongings efficiently. 

Targeting one area at a time, break down various tasks into manageable sections to reduce the chances for them to become overwhelmed. Encourage them to establish specific objectives for each area or room, tackling the most cluttered spaces first. 

Next, help them sort items into three main groups: keep, donate/sell, and discard. Suggest using boxes or bins for each category and placing labels on larger items like furniture.  

Be Patient 

Downsizing is an emotional process – especially when your parents are moving out of a home they’ve lived in for many years. It’s not uncommon to feel attached or sentimental about moving on from the home itself, and the same goes for their belongings. 

There’s a good chance that your family will feel sentimental about certain belongings, which can make it difficult to decide what they’d like to do with them. This is another reason why it’s good to start the decluttering process early. 

Decluttering is the first step in what will be a fairly big life change. As you help them through the process, be patient with their feelings and emotions. While sorting through their belongings, take moments to reflect on and celebrate the memories made in the home. 


Looking for even more tips on selling your home? We’ve got you covered! Check out these related posts from our blog.


Know When to Ask For Help

Decluttering an entire home is a significant undertaking, and it’s essential to let your parents know that they don’t have to face it alone. Offer your support and encourage them to ask for help from other family members and friends. You can also ask for help from a dedicated real estate team – like the Lino Arci Team!

We understand the unique needs of downsizers and even have a specialized selling process for clients in their golden years. Our approach is supportive, empathetic, and all-encompassing. 

Whether you and your parents need help decluttering their current home or moving everything into their next place, we’re happy to go the extra mile so you don’t need to lift a finger. Of course, we also have top home-selling strategies to ensure your sale goes as smoothly as possible. 

Your Home Sold Guaranteed

There are enough stresses in the downsizing process without even considering the real estate side of things. Far too often downsizers list their homes and have to deal with the anxieties that come with an uncertain market. That’s why we came up with our Your Home Sold Guarantee

Put simply, we guarantee to sell your home. If for any reason that doesn’t happen, we’ll buy it from you with a cash offer. This promise takes the uncertainty out of the equation, allowing you and your family are able to relax and focus on what’s most important to you. 

Looking for a senior-specialized home sale? Our team is proud to offer industry-leading support for our clients. Get in touch to learn how we can offer you a low-stress selling journey with great results. 

Interested in Learning More?

Reach out by using the form below, call us here, or email us here today.

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3 Things Seniors Should Know Before They Sell Their Home

Apr 4, 2023 / Selling

Selling a home is an emotional experience for anyone, but it can be especially challenging for seniors. If you’ve spent several decades in your home, moving on can be a difficult process in more ways than one.  

Despite these stresses, downsizing to a smaller, easier-to-manage home is well worth the effort involved. Plus, with the right support by your side and some careful planning, you can be well set for a smooth and stress-free selling experience. 

If you’re a retiree who is thinking about selling their home but is feeling unsure or nervous about the process, here are three things you’ll want to know. 

Stressed out about selling? Click here to learn how our Your Home Sold Guarantee takes the risk out of your home sale. 

1. There Are Real Estate Agents Who Specialize in Supporting Seniors

One of the most important decisions seniors will make when selling their home is choosing a real estate agent to work with. In order to make your home sale as smooth as possible, it is essential to find an agent who understands the unique needs and challenges that seniors face – like the Lino Arci Team. 

In addition to a strong track record of success, our empathetic team has direct experience working with sellers who are in their golden years. As a result, we’re deeply familiar with the special logistical, financial, and emotional considerations that come with selling a home as a senior. 

Regardless of which chapter of life you’re in, selling a home is no small task. For seniors, the process of preparing your home for sale, listing it, and finally getting ready to move can be overwhelming, and in some cases, it may tempt you to delay selling altogether. That’s where working with our team can make all the difference. 

As a full-service team, we’re able to take on all the heavy lifting for you. From start to finish, whatever you need from our team to make the experience easier, we’d be happy to help. 


Getting ready to sell your home? You might find these blog posts helpful. 


2. Decluttering is Easier than You Think

One of the biggest challenges seniors face when selling their homes is decluttering. Over the years, there’s a good chance you’ve built up a large collection of belongings. When the time comes to downsize to a smaller space, sorting through everything and deciding what to keep can feel like a monumental undertaking. However, decluttering is easier than you might think, and it can actually be a fun and rewarding process too.

As part of our specialized approach to working with sellers who are in their golden years, we’re able to provide hands-on guidance and help in navigating the decluttering process. 

That said, if you’re comfortable with taking on the process yourself, here are some tips for making things easier. 

Start early: It’s never too soon to begin decluttering. Give yourself plenty of time to sort through your belongings and make decisions about what you want to keep. 

Sort wisely: Use a sorting system to help you make decisions about what to keep and what to get rid of. Start with one room or area of your home and work your way through systematically. Create piles or designated places for particular items that you wish to keep, sell, donate, or throw away.

Be aware of your attachment: It can be difficult to part with sentimental items, but it’s important to be realistic about what you can keep. Consider taking photos or creating a memory book to preserve the memories associated with these items.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help: If you need it, enlist the support of friends or family members. You can also ask our team and we can set you up with dedicated help for this stage. 

3. There Are Plenty of Great Housing Options for Downsizers

As a senior, a big part of your home sale is deciding where you want to live next. In Vaughan and other communities within the Greater Toronto Area, one of the top benefits of downsizing is the fantastic variety of housing options available. 

If you’re seeking care-oriented or retirement-centred living, you’ll find a wide range of great properties that provide ideal social atmospheres, on-site amenities, and other advantages. On the other hand, seniors who are looking for traditional properties can explore the area’s numerous condos, townhomes, and even smaller detached houses. 

Looking for a senior-specialized home sale? Our team is proud to offer industry-leading support for our clients. Get in touch to learn how we can offer you a low-stress selling journey with great results. 

 

 

Interested in Learning More?

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What to Look For in a Listing Agreement

Mar 23, 2023 / Selling

When you sell your home, you will be asked to enter into a formal contract with your real estate agent. 

Known as a listing agreement, this document outlines important information about the working relationship between you, your agent, and their brokerage. These agreements are also legally binding, so before you sign on the dotted line, you’ll want to make sure you have a clear understanding of everything on it. 

First & Foremost

Be wary of handshake agreements. Regardless of how trustworthy your agent may be, a formal written agreement is the best way to ensure your interests are protected during the sale of your home. In Ontario, real estate agents will use a standardized form called the OREA 200, which is essentially a template where you and your agent will agree on the major terms and conditions of your sale. 


Want to make the most of your home sale? Check out these helpful resources on our blog. 


The Important Details

Now that we’ve covered the importance of having a contract in place, let’s break down some of the clauses included in your listing agreement. While not a complete list, these are a few of the details with the largest implications on the outcome of your sale.  

Main Responsibilities 

The listing agreement will specify the responsibilities of both you and your agent. For example, you’ll be responsible for maintaining your home in good condition and allowing showings, while your agent will be responsible for marketing your home, negotiating offers, and handling paperwork.

Listing Price

In any market, selling your home quickly and for the highest return is all about setting the right asking price. After an evaluation of your home, your agent will work with you to determine the appropriate price. This agreed-upon price will be specified in the listing agreement. Your agreement should also clarify that you’ll need to sign off on any changes to this price.

Timeline

All listing agreements come with an expiry date. If your home hasn’t sold by the end of the listing period, you’ll have the option to extend the agreement or work with a different agent. Once again, this detail is typically negotiable. 

Holdover Clause

One important detail to be aware of regarding the timeline of your listing agreement is the holdover clause. This clause stipulates that if a buyer discovers your home while the listing agreement is active, but doesn’t actually purchase the home until after it has expired, you would still owe the brokerage a commission if the sale occurred during the established holdover period. The length of a holdover period is negotiable so you and your agent will need to come to an agreement on how long it will be. 

Commission

The term ‘commission’ refers to the fee that your real estate agent will receive for selling your home. This is one of the biggest costs you’ll incur as a seller. Commission rates are negotiable, however, in Ontario, they typically range between 3% and 7% (of the home’s final sale price). 

Disclosure

Your listing agreement will also include a section on disclosure, which outlines your responsibilities to disclose any known defects or issues with your home to potential buyers.

Termination Clause

It’s important to remember that your listing agreement is a binding contract. From a legal perspective, walking away from your agreement isn’t as easy as simply finding another agent to work with. 

That said, to protect the interests of you and your agent, your listing agreement will likely outline a few circumstances in which either party can terminate it. However, these clauses may require you to provide tangible evidence or make a formal case to the brokerage before you’re officially able to move on. There could also be a termination fee or similar one-time cost associated with cancellation. 


Selling a rental property? Check out these investor-focused articles from our website. 


Unique Agreements – Your Hold Sold Guaranteed

In addition to a standard listing agreement, your real estate agent may provide exclusive, add-on offers or services as part of your sale. 

Vaughan’s top-performing real estate group, the Lino Arci Team offers our sellers a ‘Your Home Sold Guarantee’. This is a one-of-a-kind promise that helps eliminate the stress and potential pitfalls of home selling. Put simply, if you choose to work with us, and your home doesn’t sell (for any reason) we will buy it from you! 

Are you ready to sell your home? Our team is proud to offer industry-leading support for our clients. Get in touch with our team today to learn how we can offer you a risk-free real estate journey.

Interested in Learning More?

Reach out by using the form below, call us here, or email us here today.

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