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Archive for the ‘Oakville’ Category

House prices continue to skyrocket in the local market

Friday, May 11th, 2012 by Dan Cooper

The Dan Cooper Team - Rising Sales

The local housing market has kept its steady pace as house prices continue to rocket skyward in Oakville and Burlington. Last week, I wrote that while there was a slow start to the first quarter of this year, we saw the average house price in Oakville increase by more than 14 percent in March over the same month last year. In dollars, the average price in March was $642,432 compared with $555,000 in March of 2011.

April sees that hot trend continue with the average price in Oakville rocketing to $698,835. That’s an increase of around 21 percent over the average price of $575,000 in April 2011 and 9 percent higher than last month’s average price.

In Burlington, the increase was similarly dramatic – rising 16.5 percent or $460,586 compared to $395,266 in April 2011. This was for all properties. Interestingly, it was the condo sector that had the largest jump, increasing a whopping 32.2 percent last month over April 2011.

Again, the warmer weather brought buyers into the market early and the low interest rates have continued to encourage consumers to get into the market – and pay a higher price for a home. Stable interest rates and a quiet confidence in the economy are fuelling this rebound in the housing market following a couple of sluggish years.

Even in a hot market, sellers are still advised to list with an experienced agent. Properly marketing your property and negotiating the best price requires the skill of a professional. The Dan Cooper Team employs leading-edge marketing strategies – we hand pick the real estate publications to market our homes, ensuring we are achieving the best results, and we use our online marketing tools effectively. The result is that we have a stellar track record for selling homes quickly and negotiating the best price. The evidence of this has been our ability to be the number one team in Canada for Royal LePage in seven of the past 13 years.

The prices in this area simply reflect the fact that Oakville and Burlington are among Canada’s best communities in which to live. A good deal of that demand is due to the quality and style of the homes here, the neighbourhoods in which they are located and the quality of the people who live here. We live in safe and picturesque communities – ideal places in which to raise a family.

We also have some of the most generous and giving citizens anywhere in Canada, and I’ve witnessed some of that generosity first hand.

I’m heavily involved in the community and sponsor or support numerous causes that help make our community stronger and a better place in which to live. A recent example is Comic Vision Oakville on April 25 at Le Dome on North Service Road. I was proud to be the venue sponsor for this hilarious evening of comedy with some of the best comics in Canada. Comic Vision is held in five cities across Canada and raises more than $700,000 annually for the Foundation Fighting Blindness, which funds vision research. This year’s show was another roaring success and I thank everyone who came out and supported this tremendous cause.

Coming up is the 12th Annual Dan Cooper Swing for Kids Sake golf tournament in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton. This year’s tournament is being held at Piper’s Heath Golf Club in Milton on May 28.

“Give where you live” is a slogan adopted by many charitable organizations across North America, but it really does sum up my own personal philanthropic objectives and is the approach of the entire Dan Cooper Team. I encourage all of you to give back to the community in any way you can; whether it is with money, time or both. Your efforts and contributions help make our community a stronger and safer place in which to raise our families.

Dan Cooper is an award-winning broker with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage – the Number 1 Royal LePage Team for Canada in 2009, 2007, 2005, 2002, 2001, 2000 and 1999. He can be reached at 905.338.3737, direct line at 905.849.3303 or through his innovative and interactive website at DanCooper.com. Be sure to catch the Dan Cooper Real Estate Series on DailyWebTV.com. For his free booklet How To Sell Your House For Top Dollar – Fast! or his Guide to Oakville Real Estate, please call The Dan Cooper Team.

Posted in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton, Burlington, Charity, Comic Vision Oakville, House Pricing, Oakville, Piper’s Heath Golf Club, Real Estate Market, Swing for Kids Sake | No Comments »

Early spring helps to drive up house prices

Wednesday, May 9th, 2012 by andrews

Warm weather, tight housing inventory and low mortgage rates all contributed to driving up house prices. The average price of a home in Oakville, for example, was up by 14 percent in March over the same month last year. The average price in March was $640,000 compared to just over $560,000 in March 2011.

Oakville has been the hottest local market. Burlington, in comparison, saw its average price increase by 5.6 percent for the same period – $436,568 compared to $413,336 in March last year.

In the Hamilton area as a whole, first quarter sales of all property types were 2.4 percent higher than the first quarter of 2011 and average sale price was 7.1 percent higher than the same period last year.

The average selling price in the GTA was $501,614 in March – up by 10 percent in comparison to March 2011. “The GTA resale market has not suffered from a lack of willing buyers this year. Buyers have been spurred on by the positive affordability picture brought about by low mortgage rates,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Richard Silver. “The challenge has been a lack of inventory. Many listings have attracted multiple interested buyers. Strong competition has led to annual rates of price growth well above the long-term average.”

A recent Royal LePage House Price Survey showed the average price of a home in Canada increased between 2.2 and 5.0 percent in the first quarter of 2012, compared to the previous year. According to that survey, market activity in the first quarter of 2012 was unusually high resulting in tight inventories and strong price appreciation in most major cities including Oakville. Buyers were attracted into the market by historically low mortgage rates and sellers brought listing inventory to market earlier than normal, encouraged by unseasonably warm weather.

“Our housing market is being pulled in opposite directions by opposing economic forces,” said Phil Soper, President and Chief Executive of Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd. “On one hand, there is the rapidly strengthening U.S. economy, increasing Canadian consumer confidence and what can only be called a national mortgage sale encouraging activity and bidding up home prices. On the other, we have signs of over-shooting values and strained affordability in our largest cities. We are likely to see much more modest price appreciation as the year unfolds.”

Price appreciation and strong unit sales reflect Canadians taking advantage of borrowing rates that for the first time fell below 3.0 percent for a five year fixed mortgage and a banking environment that the Royal Bank of Canada has referred to as “hyper-competitive.”

Across the country, consumers sought to buy into what they believe is a good investment market. The Conference Board of Canada’s consumer confidence index continued to rise in March, gaining 4.3 points to stand at 79.5, its third consecutive month of gains, and attitudes towards major purchases, such as real estate, were particularly strong.

Whether you are looking to invest, buy or sell, The Dan Cooper Team has the experience and expertise to handle all your real estate needs and the stellar track record to back up their claims of being able to sell your home for top dollar – fast.

Dan Cooper is an award-winning Broker with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage – the Number 1 Royal LePage Team for Canada in 2009, 2007, 2005, 2002, 2001, 2000 and 1999. He can be reached at 905.338.3737, direct line at 905.849.3303 or through his innovative and interactive website at DanCooper.com. Be sure to catch the Dan Cooper Real Estate Series on DailyWebTV.com. For his free booklet How To Sell Your House For Top Dollar – Fast! or his Guide to Oakville Real Estate, please call The Dan Cooper Team.

Posted in Burlington, Hamilton, House Prices, Mortgage Rates, Oakville, Spring | Comments Off

Appleby College celebrates 100 years of excellence with Centennial Gala

Tuesday, April 24th, 2012 by Dan Cooper

Appleby College Centennial Gala Auction

On Saturday May 12, Appleby College will welcome more than 600 of Oakville, Burlington and Mississauga’s most influential business and community leaders to its 12th biennial gala auction.

I’m pleased to be an auction sponsor for this special fundraising event in celebration of the College’s 100-year history, supporting the ongoing enhancement of Appleby College student life.

Fascinating minds since 1911, Oakville’s Appleby College has established a global reputation as an innovative leader in the development of teaching and learning methodologies.

Founded by John S. H. Guest, Appleby opened its doors on September 14, 1911. That day, the school welcomed its first students, 29 boys who arrived from as far away as Chicago and Winnipeg.

“What started as an all-boys’ school in one building on 32 acres of land is today a 725-student strong community on a 60-acre campus, welcoming young men and women from more than 30 countries around the world,” said Guy McLean, Appleby College’s Principal.

Rich in history with an impressive legacy, Appleby has achieved a number of significant milestones and developments which have propelled the day and boarding school continuously forward in the area of academics, arts, athletics and service.

Appleby College’s curriculum offers an exceptionally diverse education that combines rigorous academics with dynamic arts, athletics and community service. As a not-for-profit, 100% of tuition fees paid to Appleby College are directed towards its educational program. Capital building projects that improve student and community life are funded by donations from the Appleby and greater Oakville communities. For more information, visit www.appleby.on.ca.

“Give where you live” is a slogan adopted by many charitable organizations across North America, but it really does sum up my own personal philanthropic objectives and the approach of The Dan Cooper Team when it comes to donations and giving back to the community.

Spring signals a fresh start for many of us, but none more so than the many worthy charitable organizations around us. My team and I support a number of youth organizations, everything from minor sports teams to major campaigns that will have a significant impact on the quality of life we enjoy here in the Oakville and Burlington areas.

I have chosen a number of outstanding organizations in which to make significant contributions, most of which will have visible campaigns beginning very soon – Appleby College is just one of the many organizations we support.

Dan Cooper is an award-winning broker with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage – the Number 1 Royal LePage Team for Canada in 2009, 2007, 2005, 2002, 2001, 2000 and 1999. He can be reached at 905.338.3737, direct line at 905.849.3303 or through his innovative and interactive website at DanCooper.com. Be sure to catch the Dan Cooper Real Estate Series on DailyWebTV.com. For his free booklet How To Sell Your House For Top Dollar – Fast! or his Guide to Oakville Real Estate, please call The Dan Cooper Team.

Posted in Appleby College, Appleby College Centennial Gala, Auction, Oakville | No Comments »

Giving where you live begins with local organizations

Wednesday, October 26th, 2011 by Dan Cooper

Margaret Anderson Paula Gardin Chris John Dan Cooper

Featured in the photo: Margaret Anderson, Paula Gardin, Chris John, Dan Cooper

My team and I support a number of organizations, everything from minor sports teams to major campaigns that will have a significant impact on the quality of life we enjoy here in the Oakville and Burlington areas.

A giving and caring spirit makes our community stronger – a place in which we can all be proud to live and raise a family. How we treat those in need, how we support charities and organizations that are making a difference, shape our community’s character and reputation. Today we enjoy one of the most desirable locations in Canada in which to live – because we have built a safe and caring community.

One of the most rewarding organizations I have had the pleasure to be connected with is the Ian Anderson House. The cancer hospice is playing a critical role in our society by offering a quality of life and dignity for those who are terminally ill. It is Ontario’s first in-resident cancer hospice and offers without charge, quality end-of-life palliative care by trained medical professionals.

Last month I sponsored the Fill The House benefit concert at Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts which featured vocal impressionist Chris John and jazz vocalist and Oakville native Paula Gardin. The fundraiser provided a fantastic evening and I thank the generosity of those who attended for supporting this very worthwhile cause.

Located on the Oakville and Mississauga border, the hospice has six large private bedrooms with ensuite washrooms and large windows, each with an attached bird feeder and overlooking the garden and grounds.

Residents have access to the entire house, which includes a large country kitchen, living room, sun room and covered patio. In addition, the House was carefully designed to ensure that beds and wheelchairs can be taken out on the patio and to the garden.

The Sanctuary Garden, at the back of the property, has greatly enhanced the grounds of the hospice and is much enjoyed by residents, families and visitors alike. The garden features paths for wheelchair and bed access, seating areas, a gazebo, a pond and a Memory Wall. Joshua’s Creek runs through a ravine along the back of the Garden.

Residents at Ian Anderson House receive round-the-clock individualized programs of care in partnership with the Community Care Access Centre which augment the hours of nursing and support provided by the hospice’s trained professional staff.

True to the philosophy of hospice, Ian Anderson House offers care to its residents without charge. Their operating cost, which allows them to provide the high quality 24-hour care that is necessary at the end-of-life, is currently $1,800 per day. In order to offer the medical care and the number of staff that is expected and necessary in a hospice environment, they must currently raise an additional $600,000 a year for annual operating costs.

In order to continue to offer their exemplary care and support, without charge, they rely on the generosity of individuals, service clubs, foundations, local businesses and on fundraising events such as the Fill The House benefit concert.

Building a stronger community means supporting great causes such as the Ian Anderson House. I encourage all of you to give back to the community in any way you can; whether it is with money or time or both. Your efforts and contributions help make our community stronger and a better place in which to live.

For more information about Ian Anderson House, visit their website www.ianandersonhouse.com.

Dan Cooper is an award-winning broker with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage – the Number 1 Royal LePage Team for Canada in 2009, 2007, 2005, 2002, 2001, 2000 and 1999. He can be reached at 905.338.3737, direct line at 905.849.3303 or through his innovative and interactive website at DanCooper.com. Be sure to catch the Dan Cooper Real Estate Series on DailyWebTV.com. For his free booklet How To Sell Your House For Top Dollar – Fast! or his Guide to Oakville Real Estate, please call The Dan Cooper Team.

Posted in Burlington, Ian Anderson House, Oakville, Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts | No Comments »

Public service is a commitment to giving back to the community

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011 by Dan Cooper

Kevin Flynn and Dan Cooper    Tim Hudak & Dan Cooper

Featured in the photo to the left: Kevin Flynn & Dan Cooper. Featured in the photo to the right: Tim Hudak & Dan Cooper.

Congratulations to Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn on his re-election in the provincial election last week, as well as the first-time election of Progressive Conservative Jane McKenna in Burlington. I don’t know Jane, but I’m confident she will do well for her riding. I know Kevin and he is a strong representative for Oakville. I also know members of the other parties, including PC Leader Tim Hudak, and they are good people.

What these people have, regardless of their party affiliations, is a strong conviction to serve; to embrace the responsibility of being a citizen. It can be a thankless job at times, it can be challenging and long hours, and I’m certain there are many rewarding moments. But above all, it is a commitment to fulfill a civic duty that goes beyond what many of us are prepared to give.

Their service is admirable, and yet, we need to remind ourselves that we can all contribute to make our community a better one. That involves taking the time to vote, which we did last week, to ensure we have an MPP who will represent us best. But, our obligation to our community goes far beyond simply casting a vote of course. It also means supporting local causes, giving back to the community and taking a stand on political and environmental issues that impact our way of life.

We have a very vibrant community and there are so many opportunities for everyone to get involved in some fashion and at any level. Whether it’s giving your time, donations or both, we need to follow the lead of our elected officials and give something of yourselves to help make ours a better society. My team and I have chosen a number of wonderful local causes to support; everything from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton, the Oakville Hospital Foundation, the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts and, more recently, Ian Anderson House to name a few. It’s all about “giving where you live” and I encourage everyone to get involved – maybe not at the level of our elected officials, but certainly enough to help improve your community.

There is much work to be done in the Oakville and Burlington areas. On the provincial level, we have two strong members who belong to the governing party and that means our voices will be heard at Queen’s Park. Again, congratulations to the successful candidates, and for the rest of us – let’s keep working to make ours a better community.

Dan Cooper is an award-winning broker with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage – the Number 1 Royal LePage Team for Canada in 2009, 2007, 2005, 2002, 2001, 2000 and 1999. He can be reached at 905.338.3737, direct line at 905.849.3303 or through his innovative and interactive website at DanCooper.com. Be sure to catch the Dan Cooper Real Estate Series on DailyWebTV.com. For his free booklet How To Sell Your House For Top Dollar – Fast! or his Guide to Oakville Real Estate, please call The Dan Cooper Team.

Posted in Big Brothers Big Sisters, Burlington, Community, Ian Anderson House, Jane McKenna, Kevin Flynn, Oakville, Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, Oakville Hospital Foundation, Tim Hudak | No Comments »