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!

Preparing a thorough budget is one of the keys to a successful home purchase. Of course, it’s not just a property’s sticker price that buyers need to consider. If you’re getting ready to buy your dream home, there are several other costs you’ll have to cover before you can take ownership. 

By knowing what to expect financially, you can avoid being caught off guard on closing day. Here are the major costs you’ll be responsible for before you can call your new living space home…

Deposit 

A deposit is required when you make an offer on a home. This money will count towards your down payment, and you ultimately get to decide on the amount (though higher sums are more attractive to sellers). While it’s true that your deposit is due early on in the process, many buyers count it among their closing costs.

Home inspection

Most home hunters opt to have a property inspected before they make an offer on it. Like your deposit, your home inspection fee is a cost you’ll pay long before closing. That said, it will likely set you back between $300 and $500—making it an expense worth budgeting for.

Land transfer tax

Every home buyer in Ontario has to pay a provincial land transfer tax. The tax exists on a sliding scale, which means the amount you’re responsible for will depend on how much your property costs. The total could be anywhere between 0.5 and 2 per cent of your purchase price (though first-timers may be eligible for a rebate).

Legal fees

Sound legal advice can be incredibly helpful during the home purchase process, so it’s a good idea to find a professional who’s experienced in real estate law. At the very least, you’ll need either a lawyer or notary to prepare the necessary documentation—a service you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars for.

Title insurance

Your lawyer may recommend that you purchase title insurance, and most lenders will require you to obtain some form of it. This coverage will protect you and your lending institution against future challenges to ownership of the property you’re buying, along with other title-related issues.

Tax on CMHC insurance

If you’re making a down payment lower than 20 per cent, you’ll need mortgage default insurance through CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation). While this cost will be part of your mortgage, you’ll need to pay PST on it at the time of closing.

Seller reimbursement

You’ll need to reimburse the seller for any costs they’ve prepaid related to the home you’re buying. Most commonly, these include property taxes and utilities.

The bottom line

The closing costs listed here are some of the most common, but your purchase may include others. While it’s true that they won’t be as significant as your purchase price, these expenses tend to add up. To avoid any unpleasant financial surprises, find out exactly which expenses you’ll be responsible for—and work with an experienced agent who knows the home-buying process inside and out.

Preparing to buy a home? From the start of your search right up until closing, we can help you at every step. Get in touch to learn more about the process! Call or E-mail 416-571-2724 | info@arciteam.com If you want to learn more about first-time homebuying, visit our complete guide!

Are you gearing up to purchase a home? If you’re like most buyers, you’ll need to obtain a mortgage first. Unfortunately, this step can be stressful, time-confusing, and a little bit confusing. Many buyers find themselves wondering what lenders are looking for—and how they can secure a loan that will truly meet their needs.

The good news is, there are a few things you can do to help ensure that the path to homeownership is smooth. If you’re preparing to apply for a mortgage, here are five tips for increasing your chances of success…

1) Whip your credit into shape

Credit is one of the first things lenders look at, so it’s important to get yours looking as good as possible. Start by getting a copy of your credit report. If it contains any errors, dispute them. You should also make any outstanding payments you have as soon as possible. Next up, think about your utilization rate (which looks at the amount of credit available to you vs. that which you’re using). You may be able to bump this rate up by raising your credit limit or opening a new account—which could provide a quick boost to your overall score. A financial expert can help you determine whether these steps are worth taking in your situation. Based on their advice, you may want to wait a few months to establish a better pattern of debt repayment before applying for a mortgage.

2) Know your options

Working with your bank is probably the most obvious way to get a mortgage, and there are potential advantages to going this route. That said, you should know that you have other options. For example, many Canadian borrowers are turning to private lenders. Unlike banks, they don’t have to adhere to the stress test—a set of rules that have made qualifying for a mortgage in Canada more difficult over the past couple of years. On the flip side, private lenders tend to charge higher interest rates. If a great rate is one of your biggest priorities, you might want to consider using a mortgage broker. A broker will shop around to help you find the best possible deal (something banks can’t do). The point is, you have options—and being familiar with them can help you get a loan that truly suits your needs.

3) Get pre-approved

Before you start the home-hunting process, it’s a good idea to obtain mortgage pre-approval. While many buyers skip it, this step offers some major advantages. First off, pre-approval will tell you the maximum amount you can receive in mortgage financing—and help you estimate your monthly payments. Obtaining pre-approval will also make you look good in the eyes of sellers. It shows you’re serious about making a purchase, and that you have the income and good borrowing habits to complete one. Sellers can be skittish, so demonstrating you dependability can go a long way when they’re deciding whether to accept your offer.

4) Create your home-buying budget

Many buyers rely too heavily on the amount they’ve been pre-approved for. If you’ve gone through the pre-approval process, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind. First off, it isn’t an absolute guarantee of what you’ll get when (and if) you obtain a mortgage. Second, lenders often pre-approve buyers for more than they can comfortably afford. For this reason, it’s important to create your own home-hunting budget. You know your expenses better than anyone, and you should think carefully about them before setting a price range. While this may seem like an unnecessary step, it could help you avoid looking at properties you can’t afford—which will save you a lot of time in the long run.

5) Avoid major changes

If you’re well-positioned to obtain a mortgage, make sure you stay that way. Having a predictable income is one of the keys to getting approved, so this isn’t the time to go out and find a new job. You should also hold off on making any big purchases or applying for new credit after you’ve submitted your documentation. Any major changes to your financial situation that occur between the time you apply and the day you close could throw a wrench in your plans. Put simply, lenders like stability. Keep this in mind to avoid causing problems for yourself after you apply.

Preparing to buy a home? From starting your search to making a highly-appealing offer, we can help at every step. Get in touch to learn more about the process! Learn everything there is to know about buying a home in ontario by visiting our buyers guide!

Summer is well underway, but it’s also far from over. For those of us lucky enough to live in Vaughan, there’s no shortage of fun, family-friendly attractions and events to check out before fall begins. Explore the natural world, hop on an amusement-park ride, or enjoy some incredible cuisine—just don’t forget the sunscreen!

If you’re ready to help your kids make the most of summer in Vaughan, here are five things to do before the school year begins…

1) Visit Canada’s Wonderland

Canada’s Wonderland is one of the top destinations for families not only here in Vaughan, but across the country. The incredible rides and games at this massive theme park are a huge draw for fun-seekers of all ages. If you have little ones, you’ll want to visit Wonderland’s two kiddie-friendly areas. This summer is a great time to do just that. From July 22nd to August 1st, live family entertainment, foam pits, and your kids’ favourite Marvel superheroes will add even more excitement to the park!

2) Check out the scenery at Kortright Centre for Conservation

The Kortright Centre for Conservation sits on 325 gorgeous hectares. These sprawling Vaughan woodlands attract over 100,00 visitors annually, and it’s easy to see why. From its pristine marshes and wildlife to its wonderful educational programs, Kortright is a true gem. This summer, there are some great programs to check out with your kids. We recommend Little Saplings, where you can learn all about the environment alongside your tots. If you have older children, hit up one of the hiking trails to experience the natural world first hand.

3) Beat the heat at Legoland

If you and your family need to get out of the sun for a day, why not visit Legoland Discovery Centre? This indoor playground is a favourite with Vaughan kids, and for good reason. Featuring play zones, rides, and 4D cinema, Legoland is the perfect place for precocious little ones to get creative and have fun. There are millions of Lego blocks available, so your kids will have everything they need to build their masterpieces!

4) Pig out at Woodbridge Ribfest

From August 9th to 12th, round up the family and enjoy the best ribs in town. At Woodbridge Ribfest, you’ll find perfectly-prepared meat from Mississippi Smokehouse, Texas Rangers, Boss Hogs, and other vendors. In addition to great eats, there will be plenty of children’s entertainment to keep the kids busy. Last year, young visitors enjoyed face painting and storytime, among other activities. Be sure to head over to the festival and find out what this year has in store!

5) Find a local summer camp

While our last activity may not be suitable for parents, it’s bound to be a truly rewarding experience for your kids. Camp helps children become more independent and learn new skills. Luckily, there are tons of great options available in Vaughan this summer. Whatever you’re kids are most interested in—whether it’s nature, science, engineering, cooking, or some other hobby or educational pursuit—you’ll probably find a great camp in Vaughan that focuses on it.

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