Few things in life offer more excitement than the word “upgrade.” Getting a few extra perks when renting a car or taking a flight can make you feel like you’re living your best life. But the thought of upgrading your home takes it to a whole new level. Soon, you’ll have more space around you that you can mould into the ultimate oasis. 

Perhaps there’s a bigger backyard that you can turn into an outdoor paradise. And if you have children, they may be ecstatic at having their own bedroom or, even better, a whole room dedicated to playing!

When upgrading your home, it’s hard to beat a town like Oakville, where you have all the conveniences of big cities like Toronto and Mississauga with a friendly, small-town feel. The residential streets are quiet, the downtown core is bustling, and the waterfront view is nothing less than spectacular. 

The dream of upgrading to a beautiful, spacious home in Oakville is enough to make anyone wake up with a heart bursting with joy. The next step is to turn it into reality. In this post, I’ll answer your most pressing questions about upsizing in Oakville.

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Is now a good time to upgrade?

As excited as you may be about your move, it’s also normal to feel a little hesitation. Moving is a big decision, and selling and buying a home can be a complicated process. And what about the current real estate market? Should you wait for prices to drop before making your move?

Timing the market is nearly an impossible feat. However, as an existing homeowner, you are less at the mercy of current conditions than you may think. If you move when prices are on the rise, keep in mind that you will also earn a higher amount when selling your home. What if prices fall? Your home may sell for less, but you’ll also pay less for your upgrade.

Since timing the market is neither feasible nor necessary, how should you decide when to make your move? It all comes down to what seems right to you, logically, financially, and emotionally. If you have the resources and the desire, now could be your time!

Accurate information is always the key to a successful move whenever you decide to act. The articles below will bring you up to speed:

Why should I pick Oakville as my new forever home?

Safety is one of the biggest draws to Oakville, especially for families. As an affluent city, the crime rate is far lower than elsewhere in the province. The residential streets also tend to be on the quieter side, which allows for greater peace of mind when children are playing outdoors. 

Safety aside, Oakville offers a high standard of living to people from all walks of life. A walk through the downtown core leads to all kinds of unique shops, trendy restaurants, and cozy cafes. 

A network of trails and parks provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities, whether you’re cycling to work or taking a leisurely stroll through nature. And then there’s the waterfront, an incredible place to explore every day of the year, and even more so during exciting events like Canada Day fireworks or the art festivals.

Lastly, Oakville is highly convenient. It offers easy access to the QEW and has several Go Train stops, making it ideal for commuters going to and from Toronto.

What Oakville neighbourhoods are the most family-friendly?

The whole city is family-friendly, so it’s hard to go wrong here! Finding the right neighbourhood for you is simply a matter of choosing the best out of an already excellent selection. Answering a few questions about the lifestyle you want to enjoy will help you narrow down your options.

  • Do you prefer a public or private education for your child?
  • What type of house do you want? A detached, semi-detached or townhouse?
  • What amenities do you want near your new home? 
  • Do you want to be downtown, close to Brontë, or in one of the newer subdivisions?

Your real estate agent can guide you through the advantages of Oakville’s top neighbourhoods and help you find the perfect new place for your family.

How big is too big?

Dreaming big may be the first step to upgrading your home. However, being realistic about your wants and needs is also essential. Remember that a bigger house doesn’t just provide more living space. It also requires more upkeep, which demands both time and money. 

Moving into a large mansion doesn’t always offer the lifestyle you want, even if money is no object. Sometimes, an extra bedroom and one more bathroom can be all the upgrade you need.

When deciding on an appropriate size, keep the following in mind:

  • How long do you plan to live in the home? 
  • Do you plan to grow your family even more?
  • Would you be willing to settle for a smaller home on a larger lot that allows for future additions?
  • How much time are you willing to dedicate to maintaining your home?

Finding the right house in a desirable location is critical if you plan to put down roots and stay in one place for a long time. 

What should I do with my existing house?

While most people decide to sell their house when moving, other options may be viable. For example, you could hold onto your house and rent it out after you move. This allows your equity to grow as your properties rise in value over the long term. Plus, the rental income you generate will help cover your monthly carrying costs. Before deciding to keep your existing home, you should consider whether you’re up for the task of being a landlord. 

In many cases, selling your existing home offers the most straightforward path to upgrading. It’s the easiest way to finance your next purchase. Plus, you don’t have a second property to manage and maintain. 

Buying a home can be challenging in the current market, but the following resources will help you make well-informed decisions:

Is buying real estate still a good investment?

Real estate will always be a solid investment as long as people need a roof over their heads. Home buyers often feel nervous about the idea of fluctuating prices. However, real estate values will nearly always increase over time as housing becomes more in demand.

And even if prices fall in the short term, there is more to your investment than money. Some things are far too valuable to measure purely in dollars and cents, and your home is one of them. This is your sanctuary away from it all, where you find comfort and laughter and create many memories for years to come. Financially, the value of your home will grow. Emotionally, it is already priceless from the day you turn the key.

Are you ready to upgrade your home and your lifestyle? I’m happy to tell you everything you need to know about buying or selling in Oakville in today’s market. Reach out today right here or call 416.884.7925 for more information.