Sleigh rides with Santa.

Stocrest Percherons is located on a beautiful 100 acre farm in Moffat located in the Niagara Escarpment. At Stocrest Percherons you will admire 15 Percheron mares, beautiful trees and plenty of natural beauty.

During the 2010 Winter Season we will be doing sleigh rides with Santa. 


For details visit their website, StocrestPercherons.ca


Seasons Greetings from Joanne. 
To visit my website for more Oakville information click here.

Oakville Ontario Christmas

Check out this great Christmas song about Oakville, Ontario.

Thinking of a new kitchen? Read this first...

The kitchen has become the heart of every home. Many of my clients in Oakville and the GTA have expressed a desire to turn their kitchen into someplace where they can eat, entertain and live. While it's exciting to begin picking out cabinets, countertops and appliances, a kitchen remodel is a major project that shouldn't be attempted without some initial planning.

One of the things people tend to overlook when starting their kitchen remodel is the placement of lights. Be sure you provide adequate and appropriate lighting for food preparation, cooking and around the eating area. Another factor to consider is how easy or difficult your new kitchen surfaces will be to clean. Will the material you've chosen stain or scratch easily? Newer countertops now have rounded corners, which are safer and easier to clean.

If you are thinking of tackling a kitchen remodel project, contact me. I can give you some tips on how your new kitchen can maximize the value of your home.

For more information and to sign up to my newsletter click here.

"Not your average JO"

Christmas with Oakville Moms

Celebrate Christmas in Oakville with Oakville Moms on Wednesday December 8th, 2010, from 10 am to 2 pm at Busy Bodies Indoor Playground (245 Wyecroft Rd. Unit 3)
Santa Claus will be making a special appearance at the event so be sure not to mis it.

Happy Holidays from Joanne Hardy.
"Not your average Jo"

First Impressions Count... For Buyers and Your Neighbours

The summer months are the perfect time to freshen up the exterior of your home. Whether it's for your pleasure or to impress potential buyers, you'll boost your home's curb appeal with these good old-fashioned cleaning tips:

- Edge the gardens, clean out debris

- Pull the weeds and rake the leaves

- Prune the plants and wooly shrubs

- Plant some urns by the entrance and flowers to the beds

- Tidy the garage of winter trappings

- Dispose of rusty broken garden décor

- Put out a fresh welcome mat and oil the front door

- Paint the windowsills, mailbox, and anything else that is looking tired

- Place clear light bulbs in exterior fixtures, and ensure burned out bulbs are replaced

- Reseal the driveway

- Hide the garbage cans

- Sweep the step

- Fix the saggy gutters


Who says cleaning has to hurt? Get the kids involved! Borrow or buy a power washer and have fun cleaning siding, windows, sills, railings, decking and patio furniture.

"Not Your Average JO"

Tips on How to Use Your Home as an Income Property

An income property is a home that is bought or developed in order to generate income, typically by renting it out in part or in its entirety. Using your home as an income property can be a financially rewarding experience, either to provide extra income, or to help you pay off your mortgage.

Before taking action it is important to understand some of the key points involved in using your home as an income property.

Some things to consider before you start

1.Check the Municipal regulations – are you legally permitted to turn your home into an income property? Would the unit adhere to all existing building and fire codes?

2.Financial considerations - does your home require renovations to make it tenant ready? If yes, do you require financing? Has your bank pre- approved you for a loan?

3.Legal Considerations - make sure you understand the landlord – tenant relationship regulations in your province. This will have a great impact on what you can and cannot do as a landlord.

After your initial research, there are a few things you can do to make your property more attractive to potential tenants.

1.Your home should look clean and tidy inside and out. This will bring more renters through your property and you will have a more receptive audience

2.Update your home if necessary. From simple changes such as fresh paint in a neutral color to major renovations, try and make your home look and feel as spacious, bright and comfortable as possible.

When you’re ready to rent, price and market your unit competitively. Scan the classifieds and visit rental websites to find out how much similar units are being listed for. You can also ask your Royal LePage agent for pricing advice or to help you find the right tenants through a listing

"Not Your Average JO"

Screen Door Décor

Screen doors let the breeze in and keep the bugs out. They open your home to the sounds and scents of summer, and help cool your house without wasting energy on air conditioning. Want to let in a little more summer this year? Here’s what you need to know about picking the perfect door.
Screen doors have come a long way from the hard-to-open metal models and flapping wood doors of your childhood. Available in metal, vinyl or wood, many feature smooth hydraulic or pneumatic closers and springs or chain stops that keep them from slamming shut or swinging open. Designed for both practicality and curb appeal, doors are available in a wide variety of colours, styles and finishes. Your choices include:

1. Basic vinyl or aluminum. Durable and affordable, these doors come in a surprising variety of attractive styles; you’ll find everything from traditional designs to art deco-inspired geometrics.
2. Storm/screen door combo. Traditionally, people replace the screen door with a storm door in the winter. A combination door makes the “swap” easier; simply remove or slide the glass down in summer and replace it with a screen.
3. Wood. From rustic doors featuring carved animals to pretty “granny doors,” wood can really add to the look of your home. However, winter cold and damp can be hard on them, so manufacturers suggest that you take them down when it gets cold to prevent warping.
4. Sliding. Inexpensive and easy to maintain, sliding screen doors that go with patio doors make it easy to open up your home to a fresh breeze.
5. Retractable screens. If you don’t like the look of a screen door, these are a great option, and are available at your local home improvement store. Screens pull out from the sides and lock shut with a magnetic catch. Handy homeowners will be able to install them with little effort.

With the right screen door for your home, comfort and curb appeal are a breeze!

Tips for installation
Thinking about installing your screen door yourself? Manufacturers include installation instructions that only require hand tools, but most DIY resources suggest an intermediate level of “handiness.” If that doesn’t sound like you, consider using an experienced carpenter or the store’s installation service.
Condo Cool
You don’t have to live in a house to kick back and enjoy the breeze. Welcome summer into your space by installing a screen door to your balcony. It’s a great way to make your indoor and outdoor spaces feel unified and to make your condo feel more spacious.

"Not Your Average JO"

Bring the Country Home

Perhaps you’ve chosen to delay a cottage purchase or postpone your vacation plans this summer. Not to worry. You can still enjoy the pleasures and surroundings of cottage or country living. No matter where you live or what kind of home you own, all it takes is a few simple decorating ideas to help create a country cottage look that is fresh and airy with a lived-in feel. Here are some design tips to help get you started.

Furniture

Sofas should be plump, casual and comfortable to set a relaxed tone for the rest of your home. Chipped wooden arms and legs on some of your favourite furniture? Not a problem, because with a country look, “aged is in”. Even old wrought iron or wicker chairs, settees, rockers or tables can be used inside your home to help bring out that natural rural charm. Don’t forget about things like footstools and ottomans for putting your feet up.

Fabrics

Think cotton, linen, and wool, as these are natural fabrics that feel good to the touch, require less maintenance, and won’t look out of place in a cottage-like setting. Choose white and neutral-toned colours for larger fabric surfaces such as tablecloths and bedspreads. Keep the patterns and floral designs for smaller accessories: curtains, pillows, dishtowels, or napkins.

Floors and Ceilings

Hardwood, faux-finished, or even painted wood floors are a great way to achieve a natural, country look. Accent floors with durable area rugs in high traffic areas; consider a sisal or sea grass rug in lower traffic areas for that lighter, summer look. Using beadboard on the ceiling of a kitchen or sunroom is an easy way to achieve that quaint, cozy feel.

Walls

White or light coloured walls mixed with a little floral wallpaper will bring balance to any country-style room. You can tone down wallpaper that’s too bright, and give it an “antique” feel, with a diluted smoke-tone glaze. If you prefer leaving walls painted, consider hanging floral prints, old quilts, or collectible plates to complement the space.

Accessories

Display fresh or dried flowers in pitchers or enamel jugs along with an assortment of glazed pottery, copper, and painted tins known as toleware. Set out traditional lamps with a wicker, terra-cotta or vintage-looking ceramic base.

So whether you want to transform your entire home into a pastoral paradise, or just add some small, simple touches to a modern room, the key to a country cottage feel is to keep things simple and comfortable.

"Not Your Average JO"

Decks & Patios

Summertime is here and now is the time you may be wishing you had a patio or deck to enjoy the summer weather on!  Below is some information that you could use if you decide to take on the job this summer!


Home improvements increase your home enjoyment, but they also affect your home’s value – adding or upgrading a deck or patio can yield a 50 to 75% return on investment at resale*. These tips will help you plan for your deck and patio improvement needs with a focus on resale value:

Assess – Decide what the main purpose of your deck or patio will be: for entertaining, relaxing, or simply to improve the look and landscape of your yard. This will help determine the size, layout, and need for things like eating areas and built-in seating.

Research – Understand whether you require a building permit to meet fire and structural safety standards, even if you’re just upgrading an existing deck or patio. Contact the zoning department to help locate any underground utilities if you plan on doing any digging.

Materials – Determine the right kind of deck or patio to fit your needs. Wood is ideal for design flexibility, vinyl is durable and low maintenance, and composites look great and are eco-friendly. For patios, brick, flags, cobbles, and concrete all offer durable and cost-effective solutions.

Shape – Create a deck or patio that looks like an extension of your home. Right angles convey a strong, sturdy look while soft or round angles help create a casual, relaxed atmosphere. For patios, allocate space in your design for gardens or flowerbeds.

Location – Situate your deck or patio adjacent to an entry door of your home as this will make traffic flow easier when serving a meal or entertaining outdoors. Decrease the elevation of the deck or patio from the door threshold approximately 10cm to allow for snowfall.

Enclosure – Consider building an enclosure for your deck or patio. Enclosures made of mesh, glass, or aluminum can help provide shade, protect against insects, and allow you to enjoy your space in the rain and in colder temperatures.

Accessorize – Complement your deck or patio with stylish accessories like wicker chairs, cedar benches, hammocks, wind chimes, and lounge chairs. Install outdoor electrical outlets so you can enhance the mood with lighting and music, or utilize other electrical devices as desired.

Maintain – Replace rotting boards and rusty nails, and treat wood decks with a water seal each year. Use a polyurethane compound to minimize the appearance of cracks in your patio and apply a concrete sealant to protect against moisture and UV rays.

A deck or patio is like adding another room to your home. They’re a great way to expand your living space, get a little closer to nature, and entertain outdoors. Depending on the quality of installation, materials and maintenance, your new deck or patio carries a minimum life expectancy of 15 years.

*Appraisal Institute of Canada

"Not Your Average JO"

Inside-Out: Creating a Great Outdoor Room with an Interior Sensibility

I’s that time of year when Canadians retreat to the great outdoors to enjoy everyday activities like cooking, eating, and entertaining. Nowadays many homeowners are demanding more comfort and convenience when connecting with nature, and that’s why “outdoor rooms” are growing in popularity. An outdoor room makes use of an exterior space such as a yard, deck, patio or balcony to extend the living area outside the home. Its purpose is to mix the luxury of indoor living with the fresh air, ambiance, and natural setting of the outdoors.

Whether you’re creating a new outdoor room or simply updating an existing space, you may want to try and mirror your home’s interior design, extending its comfort and aesthetic appeal to the outside. Think of the project as being two sides of the same door. A consistent design theme allows for a harmonious transition between the interior and exterior of your home and can even make your living space appear bigger. Achieve this flow by using similar colour schemes, flooring types, area rugs, and mats.

Heat, cooking facilities, seating, and lighting are just some of the indoor comforts you might consider bringing to your outdoor room. Start with a hearth product such as a fireplace, firepit or chimney as your focal point, and position your seating and cooking areas accordingly. For those who love to cook there are a variety of options available ranging from all season stainless steel BBQs to complete outdoor kitchens with dual burner cook top grills, refrigerator, and expansive counter space for food preparation. Check with your local municipality to determine what products are safe and allowable for your specific set-up.

When it comes to furniture and accessories, think outside the box. Instead of the standard table, umbrella, and patio chairs, consider things like coffee tables, settees, and sofas with stylish, stain and mildew-resistant fabrics. Many manufacturers build furniture and recreational products specifically designed to be used both inside and out, such as outdoor speakers, game tables, and cocktail bars. For added privacy and sound absorption use large potted plants, such as pyramidal cedars, to act as natural walls.

At the end of the day, your outdoor room will be more than a deck or patio; it will be a cozy, comfortable place to retreat, relax, and have fun. You’ll never want to go inside again!

"Not Your Average JO"

First of June, BBQ season is officially here!

The weather is certainly begging us to have a backyard BBQ, spend some time by the pool and just pretty much soak up the summer beginnings.  Here are some tips on entertaining on a budget so we can do it even more often!

Backyard Entertaining on a Budget


Nothing says “bring on summer” quite like a backyard BBQ. It’s the perfect mix of friends, the fresh outdoors, and fantastic food! But just because you want to throw a social, doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Here are a few ideas of how to entertain outdoors on a budget:

Food

Send an electronic invitation to your friends to let them know you’re throwing a pot-luck BBQ. Create a food list and give guests an idea of what to bring, usually a side dish or dessert. Remember to prepare as much as possible in advance so that you can spend most of your time outside with your guests and not in the kitchen.

Seating & Décor

Arrange several seating areas if space allows. If you’re short of chairs, ask friends and family to bring their fold-ups that transport easily. Swing by local garage sales or thrift stores if you need extra tables. Pick up colourful vinyl tablecloths, napkins and decorations at your local dollar store.

Kids & Fun Stuff

Kids love the beach, so buy an inexpensive wading pool and fill it with clean sand. Add plastic buckets, spades, blow-up beach balls, and a croquet set from the local dollar store and they’ll be all set. Lay bright beach towels on the grass, or under a tree and the little ones will have their own picnic area too.

Lights & Pesky Bugs

String some white or blue lights around the backyard for nighttime. Place a few tea lights in glass containers and display them around the garden on things like bird baths and paving stones for a magical effect. To stop bugs from crashing your party, stake some tiki torches in the ground or put citronella candles on tables to keep them away.

Favour Ideas

Want to send your friends off with a little gift at the end of the party? If your homemade BBQ sauce is a party favourite, make a big batch, put in sterilized bottles and give to guests. If there is plenty of leftover food, be generous and let everyone take something home for dinner the next day. Don’t forget to save some for yourself!

"Not Your Average JO"

Making the first impression.

When a prospective buyer walks into the house for the first time they usually form a first impression very quickly. Make sure that you make it a good first impression. Here in these photos you can see that we mad a huge difference in what people see when they first walk into the house. Believe me this can set the tone for the rest of the showing of your home and you want that tone to be a good one.

For more information or if you have any question feel free to contact me at any time.

For more information and to sign up to my newsletter click here.

"Not your average JO"

Oakville staging in the family room.

Again too much furniture can close a room in but the other thing with this room is the area rug. As you can see the area rug in the before picture made this room look busy and by simple changing to an area rug that is a little more plain and uniform in color really made this room pop and seem more open. There are a lot of things that can be done to make your home look and feel more open and organized. for more information please fell free to contact me with any questions.

For more information and to sign up to my newsletter click here.

"Not your average JO"

Staging your Oakville home to sell.

As I have said in the past, one of the easier rooms to stage is the kitchen. There’s no furniture to re-arrange, except the eat it table and chairs. Counter tops should be clear of appliances, spice jars, utensils, and knickknacks. Here I did a total swipe of the counter tops leaving it all clean and de-clutterd, Make sure appliances sparkle. All of this done = MORE VISIBLE SPACE!
There are 2 thoughts on refrigerators one of them is keeping the front free of all refrigerator magnets, children’s artwork, photos,etc. The inside of your refrigerator should never be considered part of the staging project, but don't forget to keep it clean clean and pleasant smelling. Some will open the door especially if the appliances come with the house. The old open box of baking soda tucked in the back works well.

For more information and to sign up to my newsletter click here.

"Not your average JO"

Too much furniture can close a room in.

Sometimes just remove some furniture can make the room appear much more welcoming. Don't be afraid of open space, let the home buyer use their imagination on what they would do if it was their dining room. Again we keep talking about clutter and by removing a few things or moving them around can make a huge difference. Here this room only needed a few tweaks and we achieved the results we wanted.

For more information and to sign up to my newsletter click here.

"Not your average JO"

Don't Block the room off with furniture.

You want the room to flow and not have obstacles in the way of movement or the line of sight. Here you can see that the chairs were in the way of the fireplace's line of sight. Not only does the room flow better but it also gives the illusion that it is bigger. Again it is very important to clear surfaces from any items you have on display to give the room a clean look and let the potential buyer imagine their personal items in the room.

For more information and to sign up to my newsletter click here.

"Not your average JO"

This weekend...

There is something to be said about living in Oakville and looking at Oakville Housing as a property investment that is sound. Oakville boast some of the prettiest park lands in all of the Greater Toronto Area and has miles and miles of pristine trails and paths, which are used daily by residents from one to one-hundred and one. These natural oases are the backdrop for meeting and enjoying company, wearing off everyday stresses, and obtaining regular exercise in a setting that is filled with birds singing, trees blowing, and animals scurrying in and out. It is a wonderful place to share old times or to create new ones.

For more beauty offered by Oakville, check out the Love of the Arts Festival this weekend.

6th Annual: For the Love of the Arts Festival


Arts, Cultural, and Community

Start time: Sunday, May 16, 2010 - 11:00AM

End time: Sunday, May 16, 2010 - 4:00PM

Oakville Town Hall

1225 Trafalgar Road
Oakville, ON


A free event featuring visual arts exhibitions, live performances, and activities. Learn about the many arts, cultural, and community groups operating in Oakville. Discover how you can; enjoy a show, become an engaged citizen, or pursue your interest in dance, music, painting, sculpting, weaving, photography, or poetry. The possibilities are endless!

"Not Your Average JO"

Staging your Oakville home to sell.

The first thing people see when they walk into a home is the foyer or hallway. Making sure this area is free of clutter and is as open as possible to allow for free movement give the people an easy feeling when they come into your home is very important. As you can see in these before and after we accomplished just that. Removing the large area rug and replacing it with a smaller one at the door entrance. Removing clutter on the floor and at the front door including shoes and coats and keep surfaces clear of any unnecessary items. As you can see here we reomoved a couple plants that were on the hutch at the front door making the area much more tidy.

For more information and to sign up to my newsletter click here.

"Not your average JO"

Staging another Beautiful Home for sale in Oakville

Location of the property, sale price of comparable homes in your neighborhood and today’s market conditions are factors that are out of your control. But you do have control of the desirability of your property. Remember home staging can fill the imagination of a prospective buyer. Stay tuned for details on how I staged this home and tips for you to get your house ready to sell.

For more information and to sign up to my newsletter click here.

"Not your average JO"

HST Info for you

Have questions about the toll HST will have on your pocketbooks?

Check out the link below:

http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/taxchange/pdf/taxable.pdf

For more information on HST in Canada, http://www.hstincanada.com/2010/04/ontario-hst-transition-rules/

Check out what Oakville businesses are doing for YOU!

Businesses in Oakville understand the value of the tourist dollar and enjoy the fact that more than 1.4 million tourists flock to their fine city yearly investing more than 88 million dollars in local restaurants, theatres, performing centers, shopping, shows, and buying up Oakville housing deals and properties. It is a great place to do business for everyone.
Whole Foods is an example of a business in Oakville that is doing something fun for us to enjoy.

Check out the Town of Oakville Make Your Move Recipe Contest Cook Off.

The details are below:


2:00 PM, Sunday, May 02, 2010

Plan to attend as Whole Foods Market hosts the finalists in the Town of Oakville Recipe Contest Cook Off. The top three "Chefs" in each category will prepare their recipes to be judged by Chefs from participating local restaurants. Contestants will be judged on the following:

* Nutritional content/analysis

* creativity

* ingredients selected

* taste and appearance

* knowledge

The overall grand prize winner will have their dish sold in the Prepared Foods Department at Whole Foods Market with profits being donated to the local food bank.

http://wholefoodsmarket.com/storesbeta/oakville/

Check it out!

"Not Your Average JO"

What about Oakville realtors?

Oakville Realtors also have the luxury of knowing that in this fine city, the people enjoy a rich cultural heritage and a long and upstanding history for acceptance and change, without fearing that they will change the atmosphere or attitude of its residents. Here home is definitely, where the heart is. And, there are definitely many hearts that call Oakville home, especially Oakville Realtors! I know that so many people and places have made Oakville a spectacular place for me to spend my time.

"Not Your Average JO"

A Tip for Buyers...

It pays to make Bi-weekly or weekly payments.


Most mortgages have the option to allow payments to be made on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. This option may be desirable for two reasons. The first is it can save you money as you can expect to pay off your mortgage about 4 years sooner. This can save you dramatically over the life of your mortgage. The other reason why these options are so popular is that if your employer pays you on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, you can simplify your budgeting by making the payment line up with the way you paid.

Check out more tips for buyers on my website.  http://www.johardy.com/.

"Not Your Average JO"

Eco-Smart Gardening

Even if you don't have a particularly green thumb, you can make a difference.  Check out these tips on being Eco-smart!


Eco-smart gardening makes a lot of sense. It can help reduce carbon dioxide levels, promote environmental sustainability, and even save you a little money. Here are a few quick tips to get you started:

De-fuel. According to Statistics Canada, using a standard gas mower for one hour causes the same amount of pollution as driving a new car 550 kms. For a greener alternative, try using push reel or electric mowers and cordless trimmers. These non-gasoline powered solutions help eliminate harmful emissions, are quieter, and can save you anywhere between $55-550 in annual fuel costs.*

Cut high. Set your lawn mower so it cuts high (approximately 7-8 cm from the ground) to encourage the growth of deep roots. Taller blades and deeper roots make grass more naturally resistant to insects, help control crabgrass, and conserve moisture better by shading the soil.

Grow up, not out. For condo dwellers and those who lack landscape space, growing vertical plants or herbs on the side of your building is a great alternative to a traditional garden. Vertical plants require minimal care, help cut down on noise, and will improve air quality around your living space.

Waste not, want not. 50 per cent of water used for gardening in Canada is wasted as a result of overwatering.** To prevent water waste, use the soaker instead of the mist setting on your hose. This delivers water directly to the base of the plant and reduces water loss due to evaporation. If using a sprinkler, keep the water low to the grass and make sure it doesn’t fall on nearby sidewalks or driveways.

Let it rain. Rainwater, not chemically-treated tap water, is the best source of nutrients for growing your plants and collecting it is always a good idea. Creating your own rainwater collection system can be as easy as setting up jars, bowls, or barrels to collect and store water for drier periods. You can also take advantage of rainwater by positioning downspouts so that water flows directly onto planted beds, lawn areas, or directly into your rainwater collection system. Either way, you can watch your plants grow up, and your water and utility bills go down.

"Not Your Average JO"

* Analysis based on data from Environment Canada.

** Natural Resources Canada.

Thinking about buying a home? Tips on organizing your finances

First time home buyer?  Here are some answers to questions you might have.

Down Payment


How much will I initially need to purchase my new home?

You will need enough funds to cover your down payment and closing costs, as well as the remaining balance on the cost of the home. This can be sourced through financing or other means.

A larger down payment means greater savings.

The money you pay up-front for a house is the down payment. Down payments are typically a percentage of the purchase price of the home. The source of money for your down payment is often either your savings or the net proceeds from the sale of a home you already own.

The larger your down payment, the more you save in the long run. A larger down payment:

Reduces the amount of your monthly principal and interest payment

Reduces the total amount of interest you pay over the life of your mortgage

Your Mortgage Specialist can help you compare mortgages, determine which mortgage is right for you, and show you money-saving strategies.

Closing costs
Closing costs are the legal and administrative fees and disbursements associated with buying your home. These costs are in addition to the purchase price of the home. They can vary widely depending on:

The property being purchased

Services required

Taxes

Applicable insurances

Closing dates affecting interest adjustments

The balances of any prepaid expenses

Ask about the Home Buyers' Plan

The Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) lets a first-time buyer withdraw up to $20,000 from RRSPs for a home purchase, subject to certain repayment conditions. For more information, check the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency website.

Serena Ryder calls Oakville home for a couple nights.

OAKVILLE BEAVER - Two-time Juno Award winning singer/songwriter Serena Ryder will perform a pair of intimate solo concerts. The 26-year-old pop-rocker will be at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts Thursday and Friday (March 25 and 26). “I find performing (solo) is really intimate and especially in a theatre environment, you are really able to connect with the audience.”
The singer will be joined on stage by the Madison Square Gardeners guitarist and vocalist Johnny Kengla who will play the electric guitar and do back-up vocals.....read more
Article by Dominik Kurek OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Mar 24, 2010 - 3:52 PM

For more information and to sign up to my newsletter click here.

"Not your average JO"

Great Oakville Restaurants

La Parisienne Creperie...
You adore attention to food presentation and wish to acquaint yourself with a little taste of France, without traveling outside of Oakville? This quaint restaurant with a flare for crepe creation is where you will find it. If you’re a French Onion soup lover, you will not be disappointed – it was absolutely the best I’ve tasted. The atmosphere, along with the spectacular food is a perfect pairing! The 15% tip is automatically added to the bill, which is beneficial if you’re not a fan of calculating the perfect tip for your server. The service was friendly and the wait staff took their time when explaining about the food and its fresh preparation. This is a place you want to choose for a special occasion.

4.5 JO’s out of 5!

Housing starts, home buying intentions rise

(By Ka Yan Ng Reuters)
TORONTO (Reuters) - Canadian housing starts rose a better than expected 6.1 percent in February, reinforcing views that the residential housing sector is a major force pulling the economy out of recession.
Starts on new homes rose to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 196,700 units in February from a downwardly revised 185,400 units in January, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp said on Monday.
The number of starts in February surpassed the average forecast of analysts for 190,000. The January figure was a slight downward revision from the previously reported 186,300 units.
"Overall, with the better than expected gain in residential construction activity in Canada, it appears that the new homes market is slowly coming back to life and may finally be benefiting from the resurgence in overall housing market activity," said Ian Pollick, economics strategist at TD Securities.
The Canadian dollar rose to a six-week high of C$1.0257 to the U.S. dollar, or 97.49 U.S. cents, following the housing data.
It currency pared gains as details showed most of the strength was due to a 19.1 percent surge in the volatile multi-dwelling group.
That group, which includes high-rise condos, soared to 89,900 units in the month. The closely watched single-family home component showed starts increased by a muted 0.5 percent to 89,200 units. Still, single-family housing starts have advanced for 10 straight months.
The mounting activity was in line with a strong rebound in sales and prices in the broader housing market, spurred by consumer confidence and low interest rates, after the market hit bottom during the global financial crisis.
Analysts expect the market has the legs to advance further this spring before the arrival of new mortgage rules in April and changes to provincial sales tax regimes in British Columbia and Ontario in July cool things down a bit.
"Housing starts continue to chase surging home sales, which appear to have a green light through the spring," said Robert Kavcic, an economist at BMO Capital Markets. Along with the tax and mortgage rule changes to come, he said he expected interest rate hikes should temper demand.
Meantime, Canadian home-buying intentions for the next two years has risen to 10 percent from 7 percent two years ago, according to a home ownership survey by Royal Bank of Canada (RY.TO: Quote).
Six in 10 Canadians also believe home prices will increase this year, up from 25 percent in 2009, the survey found. Similarly, 64 percent think mortgage rates will be higher over the next year, up from 33 per cent a year ago.
The RBC study also found that 91 percent of homeowners believe a home is a good investment, the highest level in 12 years, while 26 percent expect their home to be their primary source of income when they retire.
Regionally, CMHC said Ontario led February's gain in housing starts, jumping 28.6 percent from January, followed by a 14.3 percent advance in the Atlantic provinces. The Prairies rose 10.8 percent, while British Columbia was up 8 percent. Only Quebec saw a decline, with a 14.1 percent fall.
Rural starts were estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 17,600 units in February.
(Reporting by Ka Yan Ng; editing by Rob Wilson)

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"Not your average JO"

Canada strikes Gold

Well we did it again. Not only did Canada win the gold in men's hockey we broke the record for the most gold medals won by any country at a winter games. I have to tell you that I am one proud Canadian. The streets of Oakville were lined with true Canadian fans, the horns were honking and the Canadian pride was everywhere. Congrats to all the athletes for an outstanding Olympics and to Vancouver and us fans for hosting the best winter Olympics ever.


Not your average JO.

Home sales in Oakville for January 2010 increased.

Oakville homes for sale have increase in Jan 2010 by 133% over Jan 2009. There have been signs that the Oakville Real Estate Market is starting to recover. See the stats below. 

The source for these stats is OMDREB

For the full document follow this link, January 2010 OMDREB Market Report

Oakville Experiences “WAY TOO MUCH ENTERTAINMENT

The Grand Opening Of Entertainment Central Brings Wendel Clark’s Classic Grill And Sports Lounge, Yuk Yuk’s, Berlin Nightclub And Duelling Pianos - All Under One Roof
OAKVILLE, ON – Wendel Clark, former Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, makes his mark in the history books again. From scoring goals to writing a book on his hockey life to building “The Wendel Burger” – the town of Oakville welcomes Wendel Clark’s Classic Grill and Sports Lounge.
Now an even larger location with over 15,000 sq. ft., housing four distinct venues Entertainment Central has something for everyone at the Grand Opening on February 1, 2010.
Located at 370 Dundas Street East (Dundas St. and Trafalgar), Entertainment Central is Oakville’s newest hotspot for fine dining, comedy, dancing, meeting and mingling all under one roof and parking is ALWAYS FREE.
To reda more visit http://www.oakville.com/news/business/2010-02-02-oakville-experiences-way-too-much-entertainment-

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"Not your average JO"

Haiti donations still coming in across Oakville

While the earthquake in Haiti was weeks ago, local residents haven’t forgotten about those in need. The Milton Salvation Army and Red Cross both report that donations for victims in the impoverished country continue to be made to their offices.
Collectively the two charities have received almost $30,000 of in-office donations — $4,500 at the Salvation Army and $22,790 at the Red Cross — that will be used to assist the thousands of Haitians in need.
Donations can still be made at the Red Cross and Salvation Army, which are both located at 100 Nipissing Rd.

To read more visit Inside Halton at "http://www.insidehalton.com/news/article/603304--haiti-donations-still-coming-in

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"Not your average JO"

Oakville Homes for Sale at Affordable Prices

This community attracts more than 1.4 million tourists each year planning to enjoy the splendor and activities enjoyed in this community of less than 165,000 people. These tourists annual boost Oakville’s tourist industry by investing more than 88 million bucks every year enjoying golf courses, theater, dining, and nightclubs. These tourists are repeat visitors, as they know what all Oakville residents’ know as well. Oakville homes for sale are at an affordable price, featuring quiet residential neighborhoods filled with friendly neighbors, vast parkland, and individual neighborhood businesses there to meet their families growing needs.

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"Not your average JO"

Oakville Homes for Sale

It seems there is no time like the present to look for a home to raise your family in and finding Oakville homes for sale will turn into the biggest bonus for your family, as you can enjoy all the amenities of big city life in a small town neighborhood, without driving away from home.  Located within an easy thirty minute drive of one of Canada’s largest cities, Toronto, this small community in the GTA features direct access to the 407, 403, and the QEW.  It also has one of the quickest and best go train systems in all of Ontario, making driving into the city not necessary at all.  Jump on the go train and way you go!

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"Not your average JO"

Buying a House in Oakville

Besides being one of the nicest communities along the lake, buying a house for sale Oakville would mean enjoying the luxury of having a top-notch full-service, quality acute care hospital located right in your own home town, where loved ones will be treated with respect and receive the best of everything.  This thriving community is home to more than 165,000 residents, yet it has the feel of a small town with each subdivision being like a neighborhood of one’s own.  These neighborhoods celebrate life together while offering house for sale Oakville residents a place to enjoy many recreational facilities within a short drive of their homes.

As well as being a superb place to raise a family, and enjoy recreational activities, the business community here enjoys the luxury of having easy and accessible access to all the major highways including the 403, 407, and QEW.   Oakville also has a great Go transit system and wonderful, quaint and charming shopping districts offering anything your family requires.  This wonderful community is well maintained, which makes buying a house for sale Oakville a smart and economical choice, as you have access to the greater Toronto area, without the steep prices that living inside Toronto costs.  Oakville is located one hour from the American border, which makes importing and shipping costs quite reasonable and timely.

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"Not your average JO"

Happy New Year!

Wishing Everyone a Happy New Year and best wishes for a prosperous 2010 from Joanne and her team.

"Not Your Average JO"