The Journal

Oakville Santa Claus Parade 2026: Time, Shuttle & Family Guide

HOLIDAYS & LOCAL EVENTS · OAKVILLE An early start, a downtown parade and an easy transit option make Oakville a practical choice for families planning the first holiday weekend. Here is what to know before heading out on Saturday morning. Saturday, November 14, 2026 · 9:00 a.m. · Downtown Oakville a

Where Christmas Comes to Town: Your 2026 Santa Claus Parade Guide

Local Parade & Santa Photo Guides Start with Oakville, Hamilton, Niagara Falls and Milton this weekend, then explore the later celebrations. Each local guide includes parade details, Santa visit or photo information, official links and community planning tips. Oakville parade and Santa photo guide H

Lots of Showings but No Offers? What Ontario Home Sellers Should Know

Lots of Showings but No Offers? Here's What Buyers May Be Telling You Getting buyers through the door is encouraging. But if nobody is writing an offer, we need to understand why. By Ana Bastas, ABR®, SRS®, SRES®, RENE® Founder & Team Lead, Ana Bastas Real Estate Team Real Broker Ontario Ltd., Broke

Top Questions for Listing Agents Before You Hire

A listing appointment should not feel like a sales pitch you have to sit through. It should give you a clear picture of how your home will be positioned, what your move may require, and how decisions will be made when an offer arrives. The top questions for listing agents help Halton Hills homeowner

A Letter of Remembrance | Remembrance Day 2026

A LETTER OF REMEMBRANCE On November 11, we pause. We remember. And we say thank you. By Ana Bastas Founder & Team Lead, Ana Bastas Real Estate Team Dear Friends, Clients, Neighbours and Community, Every year, as November 11 approaches, we see the poppies begin to appear on coats and jackets across o

The First 14 Days: Why Your Home's Launch Matters When Selling

The First 14 Days: Why Your Home's Launch Matters You don't get a second chance to be the newest listing on the market. By Ana Bastas, ABR®, SRS®, SRES®, RENE® Founder & Team Lead, Ana Bastas Real Estate Team Real Broker Ontario Ltd., Brokerage Serving Halton, GTA, Hamilton & Niagara Region Real Est

Buyer Walks Away From a House in Ontario: Who Keeps the Deposit?

Can a Seller Keep the Deposit if a Buyer Walks Away in Ontario? Yes. In Ontario, a seller may be entitled to keep a buyer's deposit if the buyer defaults on a firm Agreement of Purchase and Sale without a valid legal justification. The seller may also have a claim for additional damages. However, a

Is Your Home Overpriced? 7 Signs Buyers Are Telling You Yes

Is Your Home Overpriced? 7 Signs Buyers Are Telling You Yes Your buyers may never tell you directly that your price is too high. Their behaviour often does. By Ana Bastas, ABR®, SRS®, SRES®, RENE® Founder & Team Lead, Ana Bastas Real Estate Team Real Broker Ontario Ltd., Brokerage Serving Halton, GT

Real Estate Deal Falls Through in Ontario? What Happens to Your Deposit?

What Happens to Your Deposit When a Real Estate Deal Falls Through in Ontario? When a real estate transaction falls through in Ontario, the buyer's deposit is not automatically returned or forfeited. The outcome depends on the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, the reason the transaction failed, and th

Why Does One Home Sell While Another Sits? | Ontario Real Estate

Why Does One Home Sell While Another Sits? The difference isn't always the house. Often, it's the strategy. By Ana Bastas, ABR®, SRS®, SRES®, RENE® Founder & Team Lead, Ana Bastas Real Estate Team Real Broker Ontario Ltd., Brokerage Serving Halton, GTA, Hamilton & Niagara Region Real Estate Professi

Can I Change Realtors in Ontario? What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know

Thinking About Changing Realtors in Ontario? Read This First Maybe your Realtor isn't communicating. Maybe your home isn't selling and you've lost confidence in the strategy. Maybe you're buying and don't feel like you're receiving the guidance you expected. Or perhaps nothing dramatic happened. You

How Can You Tell If a Realtor Is Bad? 10 Signs to Watch For

How Can You Tell If a Realtor Is Bad? 10 Signs to Watch For Choosing a Realtor can be difficult. Almost every Realtor's website tells you they're experienced. Everyone promises great service. Everyone has testimonials. Everyone says they'll negotiate aggressively, market your home effectively or hel

Renovating an Older Home in Ontario: Hidden Costs to Budget For

Renovating an Older Home in Ontario: Hidden Costs Buyers Should Budget For “The Renovation Should Cost About $100,000.” Maybe. But my next question is: WHAT DOES THE $100,000 INCLUDE? Does it include: Demolition? Electrical? Plumbing? Structural work? Engineering? Permits? Environmental testing? Asb

Is My Realtor Scamming Me? Red Flags Ontario Consumers Should Know

Is My Realtor Scamming Me? How to Tell What's Normal—and What's a Red Flag Something about your real estate transaction doesn't feel right. Maybe you've been asked to sign a document you don't understand. Maybe the commission isn't what you expected. Maybe money is being requested. Maybe your Realto

Buying a Fixer-Upper in Ontario: Do the Renovation Numbers Make Sense?

Buying a Fixer-Upper in Ontario: How to Know If the Numbers Make Sense “This House Is $200,000 Cheaper. We Can Just Renovate It.” Maybe. But the word I pay attention to is: “JUST.” We'll just replace the kitchen. We'll just open this wall. We'll just finish the basement. We'll just redo the bathroom

My Realtor Is Pressuring Me: What Ontario Buyers & Sellers Should Know

My Realtor Is Pressuring Me — What Should I Do? Your Realtor says you need to increase your offer. Or lower your listing price. Or accept an offer. Or remove a condition. Or make a decision quickly. And you're starting to feel uncomfortable. You may be wondering: Is my Realtor advising me—or pressur

Buyer Agent Communication That Keeps Moves on Track

A move can become complicated long before an offer is written. A buyer may be waiting for financing confirmation while a seller is deciding whether to accept a conditional offer. A family in Georgetown may need to sell before committing to a larger home, while a downsizer in Glen Williams may need m

Buying a Century Home in Ontario: What Buyers Need to Know

Buying a Century Home in Ontario: What Buyers Need to Know Before Purchasing Should You Buy a 100-Year-Old House? Absolutely—if it's the right house for you and you understand what you're buying. Century homes can offer things that are increasingly difficult to recreate: Established neighbourhoods.

My Realtor Isn’t Responding: How Long Is Too Long?

My Realtor Isn’t Responding — What Should I Do? You sent a text. No response. Then an email. Still nothing. Maybe you followed up again the next day. Now you're starting to wonder: How long should it actually take my Realtor to respond? Whether you're trying to book a showing, waiting for feedback o

Basement Moisture in Older Ontario Homes: What Buyers Should Know

Water & Basement Moisture in Older Ontario Homes: What Buyers Should Investigate “There’s Water in the Basement. Is This a Foundation Problem?” Maybe. But: WATER IN THE BASEMENT DOESN'T AUTOMATICALLY MEAN THE FOUNDATION IS FAILING. Basement moisture can potentially originate from different sources.