DiCarlo Homes News & Local Events

If you are looking for fun this summer, look no farther than your own backyard.

Posted on July 30, 2019July 30, 2019 by dicarlohomes

Burlington has many events that will keep your calendar full this August.

Burlington is a multi-cultural community and is very proud to spread the sense of belonging to all of its residents. One Burlington: Celebrating Faith and Culture is taking place on the Civic Holiday, Monday, August 5^th, from 12:00-4:00pm at the Central Park Bandshell. Join your fellow Burlingtonians for an afternoon of celebrating including an indigenous drum circle, Acapella singers, and family-friendly games.

This celebration is completely free. There will be many cultures represented through music, activities, and food. This will be the 3^rd Annual One Burlington event, and a fantastic opportunity to get to know your neighbours! Visit the One Burlington website for more details.

Is that old house at Spruce Lake Farm really haunted? On Sunday, August 11^th, join your fellow lovers of all thing supernatural at Bronte Creek Provincial Park to find out! Paranormal experts have explored the grounds and the staff are excited to share details of the investigation, permeated with stories of their own! Participants will also learn a little bit about how the residents of Spruce Lake Farm would have dealt with the alleged paranormal visits.

This Ghost Walk is suitable for school-aged children accompanied by an adult. The spooky event takes place from 7:00-9:00pm and you can visit the Bronte Creek Provincial Park website for more details.

What’s summer without a few rounds of golf? 42 years ago, Fred Sgambati created a golf tournament to benefit the development of cancer related projects as well as Rotary charities. Golf lovers are invited to participate in the Rotary’s 42^nd Annual Sgambati Golf Tournament, held each year to honour Mr. Sgambati’s contributions to Canadian culture as a television sportscaster as well as Chairman of the Canadian Cancer Society. This yearly Burlington tournament has raised over $1.5 million dollars during its lifetime.

This prestigious golf tournament will be held on Monday, August 19^th. Your registration fee will give you 18 holes at Burlington Golf & Country Club with golf cart included, a buffet lunch, 19^th hole reception, golf skill contests, and an unforgettable experience. Visit the tournament’s website for more details.

To see even more offerings in the city of Burlington, check the city’s website for a full listing of festivals and events.

Should you buy mortgage insurance?

Posted on June 16, 2019June 18, 2019 by dicarlohomes

Most people are aware of CMHC mortgage loan insurance.

CMHC, or the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, will allow you to take out a loan on up to 95% of your home’s purchase price. This means that instead of a 20% down payment, Canadians can buy a home with a minimum 5% down payment. If this is the route you choose to take, the CMHC will have you apply for a mortgage loan insurance with the premiums added to your regular mortgage payments.

When you sit down with your mortgage agent, you will go through the insurance application process. Based on your mortgage loan amount, your age, and your general health, you will sign up for an insurance policy to cover the balance of your loan should you die or become disabled while paying if off. This provides protection to lenders, as their mortgage loan is guaranteed by the CMHC to be paid, and allows buyers access to a greater loan at lower financing rates.

Plan your July staycation in Burlington

Posted on June 11, 2019June 11, 2019 by dicarlohomes

Spencer Smith - Dofasco Water Jet Park — Spencer Smith – Dofasco Water Jet Park

When you live in Burlington, there is no need to travel for an unforgettable summer vacation: everything you could want is right at your fingertips.

Grab a pair of roller-skates and hit the popular Burlington boardwalk. After that, you can stroll through the picturesque downtown checking out the many unique, local shops lining the streets. Burlington in July is the perfect time to take a break from the rush of your day-to-day and enjoy all that this city has to offer.

Burlington’s age-friendly community is fast becoming a haven for retirees

Posted on June 5, 2019June 5, 2019 by dicarlohomes

In recent years, Burlington has seen an increasing number of retirees settling in the lakeside city. With affordable housing, amazing views, and a thriving seniors’ community, it only makes sense that Burlington has become one of the favourite spots in Ontario for retirees.

Bloom into June in Burlington

Posted on May 27, 2019May 28, 2019 by dicarlohomes

Flowers are in full bloom, snow shovels are safely packed away, and summer is so close you can taste it. June is finally here! And with the warm weather comes a spectacular variety of festivals and events in Burlington, Ontario.

Moving west of Toronto offers more bang for your buck

Posted on May 25, 2019May 26, 2019 by dicarlohomes

The last five years have seen an incredible shift in real estate sales. Affordable housing has pushed many buyers outside of Toronto, and the real estate market in communities such as Halton Hills and West Toronto has boomed.

Due to such high demand for housing in these areas, there are a record number of new communities rising up in and around cities such as Burlington, Oakville, Halton Hills, and Milton. As a result of this shift, sales are declining in many areas of GTA: namely the regions of York, Peel, and Durham.

The nest is empty – now what?

Posted on May 19, 2019May 26, 2019 by dicarlohomes

It’s happened: you’ve packed up your youngest child, loaded your car with laundry baskets filled with clothes, and moved them into their first “adult” home.

You’re officially an empty nester – all of your children have grown up, moved out, started new jobs, new relationships, maybe even new families. The sudden silence in your home may leave you feeling nostalgic for the days of loud family dinners and chaotic evenings spent chauffeuring children to different events.

Using real estate as an investment in your future

Posted on May 12, 2019May 12, 2019 by dicarlohomes

Amanda, 37, never dreamed of being a landlord.

Years of student housing taught Amanda the horrors of renting; under-maintained houses owned by disinterested landlords had left her with negative feelings regarding rental properties. Yet when Amanda moved in with her boyfriend, Sandeep, the two decided to keep Amanda’s one-bedroom condo and rent it out for additional income.

Buying your first home? Ask yourself these questions.

Posted on May 2, 2019May 4, 2019 by dicarlohomes

Buying your first home is an exciting and scary experience. Knowing that you will have a place to call your own is enthralling, but the process can be terrifying. There are a lot of questions you need to ask yourself as a first-time homebuyer, and some of the more important ones may surprise you. Before you start your search, sit down and ask yourself the hard questions. Continue reading

Burlington continues to top lists of best cities to live in Canada.

Posted on April 24, 2019April 24, 2019 by dicarlohomes

It’s no secret that Burlington has always been a great place to live. Burlington has continuously taken the top spot in MoneySense’s annual rankings of the best mid-sized cities in Canada, and it doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone who lives here. From its magnificent weather and unique, vibrant culture to its sense of security and comfort for people of all ages, Burlington is the perfect place to call home.