Custom Homes in Lucan

by | Oct 2, 2024 | Uncategorized

Real Estate London

If you’re considering a move to a charming small town, look no further than Lucan, Ontario. With its picturesque landscapes and strong sense of community, Lucan is expanding rapidly, making now the perfect time to invest in your future. Vander Wielen Custom Homes is at the forefront of this development, offering beautifully crafted residences in the desirable Olde Clover Village.

 

A Legacy of Quality Custom Homes

For over 30 years, Vander Wielen Custom Homes has built a stellar reputation as a premier residential builder in London and its surrounding areas. Known for their commitment to exceptional construction practices, Vander Wielen homes beautifully blend form and function. Each home is designed with the homeowner in mind, allowing for personalized touches that reflect individual tastes.

With a focus on superior products and workmanship, Vander Wielen stands apart from competitors. The company maintains rigorous attention to detail, ensuring that each home meets high standards of quality and durability.

Homes to fit your lifestyle

At Olde Clover Village in Lucan, you’ll find a range of options to fit your lifestyle. With 13 unique layouts available, there’s something for everyone, whether you need a cozy 1250 sq ft home or a spacious 2800 sq ft residence. Starting at $800,000, these homes feature 4 bedrooms and unfinished basements, offering plenty of room for future upgrades. With numerous upgrade options available, you can truly make your new house feel like home.

Life in Lucan

Lucan is a hidden gem just 15 minutes outside of London.  This small town is perfect for young families, offering a safe environment, excellent schools, and local family-owned amenities. Enjoy the beauty of nature with access to parks and trails, and take part in community events that bring everyone together.

One of the most appealing aspects of living in Lucan is the opportunity to own larger homes and lots at a fraction of the cost compared to city living. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy more space without sacrificing proximity to urban conveniences.

Why Now is the Time to Move

As Lucan continues to grow, now is the ideal time to make your move. Whether you’re looking for a serene place to raise your family or a vibrant community to call home, I’m here to help you make that next move. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to invest in your dream home today!

If you’re thinking about making a change give me a call!

519-639-6221

 

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Waterfront Properties

by | Jul 27, 2023 | Uncategorized

Real Estate London

Thinking about getting out of the city and purchasing a waterfront property? There are a number of great communities surrounding London that have some beautiful properties. These can be either seasonal destinations, or permanent residence. There are a few things you should remember when looking at these properties.

Know your rights

Riparian Rights are the rights of landowners with waterfront properties. These are specific to the area you are purchasing and will tell you your legal rights as property owners of the water.

 

Property Lines

It’s important to confirm how much property into the water you actually own. If you want to install a dock or any other in water elements, this will come into play. Generally properties on the Great Lakes stop at the waterline.

Lifespan of your location

Erosion and how close the house is to the water is something to consider when purchasing either a seasonal property or your forever home. If you’d like the property to last generations, making sure it’s far enough away from the waterline is important. Also consider if breaker walls have been installed as this will help slow erosion and prevent damage in the case of a storm.
In the next few months we will be featuring a number of cities surrounding London with waterfront properties. Below is our feature on Port Stanley.
If you’re thinking about making a change give me a call!

519-639-6221

 

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Mortgage Specialist

by | Jun 27, 2023 | Uncategorized

Real Estate London

A number of my clients have been asking questions about mortgages and what all of these announcements mean when buying property in Canada. We sat down with Mortgage Specialist Carina DeMedeiros to ask all your questions about interest increases, variable vs fixed, and more!

 

Interest Rate Increase

On June 7th the Bank of Canada announced an increase. Here were the key takeaways:

✨ Prime was increased by 25 basis points or 0.25%

✨ Variable mortgages will automatically increase

✨ Fixed Mortgages are not directly affected (but have seen an overall increase)

Amortization

As variable rates increase, banks have been adjusting amortization so their clients can afford the payments. If you’re on a fixed mortgage and your term is coming up, you may be able to adjust amortization to see a more manageable payment.

✨ Amortization- number of years it will take you to pay off your mortgage at the current rate

✨ Term- length of time for your current mortgage contract

Fixed or Variable

The most asked and debated question in the mortgage community- fixed or variable? The answer for this depends on your situation so its important to speak with a mortgage broker.

First time buyer perks

Yes! There are some perks for first time home buyers.

✨ First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

✨ Take up to $35,000 from your RRSP tax free

✨ Land Transfer deductions

 

Downpayment help from parents

A number of my first time home buyers are receiving gifts or loans from their parents in order to obtain a down payment for their house. Is this a good idea?

 

It can be hard to navigate this market, especially as a first time home buyer. I am always happy to find answers for my clients and chat about the details of the market. Contact me today!

519-639-6221

 

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Real Estate Questions

by | May 17, 2023 | Uncategorized

Real Estate London

The last few years in the real estate market have been unpredictable. Here are some of the most common real estate questions I’ve been asked over the past few months. 

How Much Can I Afford?

Knowing how much you can afford is a vital first step in looking for a home. Before you begin your search, meet with a mortgage broker and receive a pre-approval. If you’re in the early stages, keep in mind the 28% mortgage rule. This states you should spend 28% or less of your monthly gross income on your mortgage payment. To determine how much you can afford using this rule, simply multiply your monthly gross income by 28%.

Why is London Booming?

As I’m sure you’ve noticed, London and its surrounding areas have experienced a major population boom over the last few years. This is due to immigration, increase in international students, and families moving in from other parts of Canada.

This ultimately means the housing market has become unpredictable at best. If you’re looking to retire and downsize, now might be the best time while your property is in high demand! 

What is a property title search?

A Title Search will tell you everything about the property. If you’re looking at an investment home or have some questions that seem unanswered about the property, it may be a good idea to order a title search. You can have your lawyer or financial institution order a title search in Ontario.

What is a Guarantor?

Sometimes if you don’t qualify for a mortgage on your own, first time home buyers will have a guarantor to qualify. The guarantor’s role is solely to guarantee that the mortgage payments will be made. They become liable only after the lender has exhausted all other means of collection against the primary borrower.

 

Don ‘t see your real estate questions on this list? Give me a call! I’m happy to help. If you’re looking for other real estate tips make sure to follow my socials for all the updates.

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Neighbourhoods in London, Ontario

by | Mar 16, 2023 | Uncategorized

Real Estate London

Moving to London Ontario? Maybe you’ve grown up in London but your looking to make a change. It can be hard to narrow down neighbourhoods when moving, especially if your family situation has changed. We’ve put together a list of neighbourhoods catered for specific ‘must haves’ people are looking for.

 

New Build Property

London is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada. There are a number of neighbourhoods with new build properties coming up all over town. Hyde Park is expanding into Ilderton, Byron is expanding towards Kilworth and Pond Mills is expanding out towards the highway. Not to mention the smaller cities surrounding London (Dorchester, Komoka, Lucan) are exploding with new neighbourhoods. There is no shortage of new build property option sin London, Ontario.

 

Neighbourhoods for First Time Home Buyers

There are a number of more mature neighbourhoods that have great opportunities for first time home buyers. Old East Village, Arva, White Oaks and While Hills are all areas that have more affordable homes. The properties are a bit older and often come with a decent sized lot. Many of these neighbourhoods are on major bus routes and have a lot of parks and ammenities near by; making it perfect for growing families.

Low Maintenance Properties

If you’re a young couple, single or in the retirement phase of life, you may be thinking about a townhouse or apartment. There are many pockets throughout the city that have a number of low maintenance properties. Downtown might be the best best if you’re looking for newer buildings, minimal outdoor space and would like to live within walking distance of amenities. If greenery is more what you’re looking for there lots of new condos being built in the Sunningdale, Masonville and Byron neighbourhoods. Want to save some money? There are older condos available in the North/ West London, Pond Mills and White oaks area. Many of these are on bus routes, but a vehicle is ideal.

Investment Properties

Due to the post-secondary institutions in London, it is a great city for investment properties. Looking in areas around Western University and Fanshawe College are the ideal neighbourhoods for this. Rental properties also work in other areas of the city, but your target renters might be different. Read my Investment Properties Blog for more on this.

Neighbourhoods with ‘Fixer Uppers’

Looking to make an older property your own? Old East Village, White Hills, and Wortley Village all have great opportunities. Though there are gems throughout the city to flip, these neighbourhoods with older homes have a lot of potential as many haven’t been updated in years. Remember to factor in the costs (and then multiply x2 for delays) when thinking about your budget for these projects.

Neighbourhoods for Families

There are a number of wonderful neighbourhoods in London for young and mature families. Masonville has some of the best schools in the city, along with Oakridge, Lambeth and Wortley Village. Being the ‘Forst City’ there are lots of great parks and trails throughout that families can enjoy. Depending on which stage your family is in I can help direct you to the right area of town.

It can be hard to navigate this market, especially if your family situation is changing. With my years of expereience in the city, I can help guide you to the right areas. Contact me today and I’d be happy to have a chat about what you’re looking for!

519-639-6221

 

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