f you have been dreaming of living in the country and envisioned having a generous amount of land, this red brick home with a charming covered front porch in Puslinch is worth a visit.
4674 Watson Road South is a 5-bedroom, 2-bathroom home that is over 2,500 sq. ft. in size. Built in the early 1900s, the main floor has a nice open flow. The kitchen is bright and sunny, with large windows and an eat-in nook. A spacious mudroom will keep all of your belongings organized and even offers views of the property. On this level there is also a large bedroom with an enormous walk-in closet.
Upstairs you’ll find four more good-sized bedrooms. The top floor is a newly renovated loft, which adds even more family living space.
Many recent improvements have been made, including new windows and doors throughout the house, a new roof for both the home and the barn, a new wood stove, new wiring and a new well on the property.
The home has a lot to offer, including the impressive lot size of just over two acres. There is a small barn that is equipped with hydro and water, and a detached garage that can accommodate four cars.
The surrounding area is peaceful, with beautiful views. With this home you get all of the comfort and ease of country living—not to mention the utmost in privacy—yet you are just minutes from the south end of Guelph where you’ll find every shop, service and amenity. You can relax and enjoy the scenic landscapes at home, while also having easy access to the 401, Cambridge, Guelph, Milton and beyond.
Puslinch Township is located in south-central Ontario in Wellington County; it surrounds the south end of Guelph. The main industries here are agriculture, spring water bottling and aggregate mining. According to Statistics Canada’s latest census, the population is just shy of 8,000.
“This is a peaceful, beautiful property,” says REALTOR® Nick FitzGibbon. “It’s a spacious home with a warm and cozy feeling. You have country views and get to enjoy the sounds of nature.”
A home like this would be really well suited for a big family that has children and pets. Says the agent, “With such private country living, it’s a wonderful place to raise a family.” It could work equally well for a contractor who is looking to run his own small business.
Increasing inventory causing days on market to creep up and seeing a decrease in the multi-offer and large bidding war frenzy. Lots of buyers and sellers still out there but buyers are definitely getting a chance to breathe while shopping as we head into the summer
Do you have a clear vision of what your dream home will look like?
Would you want to be involved in the process, working alongside the builder to tailor the plans and building your custom home from the ground up? Or would you prefer to leave all of those decisions to the pros and be able to walk through a fully finished space that is move-in ready?
Your answer may determine the way forward when it comes to your search for the perfect home.
Spec builds vs. builder plans
It might help if we start with a couple of basic definitions.
First, a “spec build”, or speculative build, is a home where a builder has selected the finishes and design with the intention of selling the home once it is completed.
“Builder plans” or custom homes, by contrast, are when a builder owns a piece of land and a purchaser can design a home of their liking with the builder. It is more of a partnership, where the end user works with the builder to create the home they want.
“The main pro to a spec build is that you can see the finished product. Being able to see, feel and touch the home that you will be living in can give a lot of purchasers peace of mind,” says REALTOR® Nick FitzGibbon.
Another pro is that the buyer can move in right away. There is no lag time with construction and no delays with the supply chain. And if the buyer has a home to sell, they have a better idea of what their current home will sell for.
Obviously the pro with building a custom home is that it is 100% your vision (of course with some professional guidance), which can be a dream come true for some or overwhelming for others.
What to look for
As a purchaser, there are definitely certain things you should look for.
With most brand-new construction there will be a Tarion Warranty on the home; this means that certain elements of the home remain the builder’s responsibility even after you have moved in. “There is some peace of mind in purchasing a home with a Tarion warranty, so be sure to ask if your builder has their Tarion warranty when you are interviewing them for your dream home or spec build,” says FitzGibbon.
Either you are building a custom home or purchasing a spec build from a builder you should also be sure to ask about past work. “Past projects and references are a great indicator of the work that any builder has done,” says the agent. “Being able to see work that has been completed can help give you an idea of the builder’s capabilities.”
Costs
“It’s important to realize that building your own custom home comes at a price, especially now with the cost of construction increasing over the past couple of years. Combine that with the increase in the value of land and it can be an expensive endeavour to build these homes,” says FitzGibbon.
That said, working with local builders when building a custom home can be a great asset, as they can have access to more opportunities in highly sought-after locations.
Says the agent, “These builders work night and day to create a great product and they can be a great ally to help you fulfil your real estate goals.”
Some spaces just naturally appeal to a wide range of demographics. This sky-high luxury condo in Guelph’s South End is one you can imagine just about anyone being drawn to.
Unit 1302 at 1878 Gordon Street is a stunning new-build penthouse. At 1,781 sq. ft. with 3 bedrooms and a den, it is a spacious, elegant residence with a beautiful layout that offers an additional 509 sq. ft. with its wraparound balcony.
The foyer opens up to a large open-concept kitchen, dining and living room with an upgraded fireplace. The primary bedroom is off to one side, and the second and third bedrooms are on the other. There is also a den just off the entrance, which is the ideal space for a quiet and private work-from-home office.
The unit is light and bright, with a huge wall of windows throughout. Sliding doors lead out to the balcony, which offers expansive views. The balcony is made of tempered glass with aluminum railings, maximizing the scenic views and your enjoyment of this incredible outdoor living space.
The kitchen features gorgeous custom cabinetry with under-cabinet valance lighting, a large island with an undermount stainless-steel sink and chic faucet, as well as a massive walk-in pantry. The stainless-steel appliances include a self-cleaning ceramic top range, an over-the-range microwave, a full-size refrigerator, dishwasher and upgraded cabinetry including built-in wood drawer organizers.
Both bathrooms are outfitted with custom-designed vanities with soft-close drawers, quartz countertops, designer faucets and frameless mirrors. The three-piece ensuite in the primary bedroom includes double sinks and a stand-up shower. The second bathroom boasts a luxurious soaker tub.
There are countless generous touches throughout. The walk-in closet in the primary bedroom is nearly the size of a small bedroom in itself. The in-suite laundry includes a full-size front-loading washer and dryer and is located just outside the primary suite.
The unit offers over $13,000 in upgrades, says REALTOR® Nick FitzGibbon. High-end finishes include quartz countertops, hardwood floors, upgraded millwork in the laundry room, and additional pot lights; there’s also a locker and two parking spots.
“Given the size and luxurious feel of this unit, it could suit the needs of many different people: downsizers, commuters, a young family—even a single person who is looking for some more space and a great view overlooking the city of Guelph,” says FitzGibbon. “One of only five other residential units on this floor, living in the Sky Series is truly a step above!”
Gordon Square
Unit 1302 is in phase one of Gordon Square, built by Tricar Developments; there will be three phases in total once the project has been completed.
Gordon Square is a pedestrian-friendly development located south of Clair Road, on the east side of Gordon Street. Ideally situated, this residential community occupies nearly 9 acres.
The goal for this greenfield development on the southern edge of Guelph was to increase density and provide significant outdoor space within the community. Pedestrian access to nearby commercial developments was designed to reduce vehicle traffic in and out of the community. Gordon Square will become a thoughtful, pedestrian-friendly development that promotes a balanced and healthier style of living.
A central plaza and park are core to the design of this condo community, with over 50% of the property designated as parkland—complete with a fountain, walking trail and expansive open space. 95% of the parking is underground, which reduces surface parking, while maximizing parkland and building size.
Residents have exclusive use of the finest amenities, including the large and inviting lobby, a fully furnished guest suite, a golf simulator, a modern health and fitness centre that is over 2,000 sq. ft. in size and a residents’ sky lounge on the 13th floor that offers panoramic views.
Current homeowners are already enjoying the community, greenspace and everything that this location has to offer. Many have remarked on how welcome they feel and say they were made to feel part of the community immediately.
A diverse mix of retail, shopping, recreation and leisure are all located nearby in the amenity-rich South End neighbourhood. You’re close to Springfield Golf & Country Club and within walking distance of many shops and restaurants, a movie theatre and grocery stores.
Tricar has an impressive portfolio of over 7,000 quality homes across Southwestern Ontario. Their innovative and quality craftsmanship has earned them numerous awards for architecture and design excellence. It is their high standard of customer service, however, that truly defines the Tricar experience for homeowners. Their commitment to providing superior customer care has been consistently recognized in the industry.
Following the successful launch of Gordon Square Towers 1 and 2, Tricar is now collecting registrations for the highly anticipated third phase of Gordon Square. Tower 3 will continue to bring premier condo living to Guelph’s popular South End.
As for most 2021 was a busy year and stressful with so much unknown. For us, it was no different and I think it is more than an understatement when I say I am thankful we are moving forward (knock on wood) in 2022.
With things starting to ease I feel it is a nice time to reflect back on what we have overcome. We want to give a very sincere thank you to all our clients and friends for trusting us with your moves despite this trying time. Having amazing clients really makes our job fun and more enjoyable and looking back at 2021 we can’t imagine working with better people. Moving is not an easy thing, it can open the pandora’s box of all the emotions, especially in the last two years. Thank you to everyone for trusting, laughing, crying, and even having a drink or two with us!
63 Durham Street is a design-lover’s dream. The old home, located in downtown Guelph, was rebuilt by local builder Mezcon Construction.
It’s exciting to see the result.
Take a look at any of Mezcon’s recent work and try not to be impressed. The thoughtfully planned spaces, attention to detail, high-quality finishes—their whole esthetic—seems especially well suited for modern tastes and those who love a little luxury.
This home, which had been vacant and was definitely in need of some work, was completely renovated, head to toe, with a second floor added. The builder kept the main floor structure intact, preserving some of the property’s original charm.
“It’s a beautiful brick bungalow and although we added a second floor, we stayed true to the heritage by maintaining the arched windows and original roof lines. The house has a lot of character, it’s a very special property,” says Karla Fischer, project manager.
63 Durham Street was rebuilt with modern interiors and wood and black accents throughout. The main floor boasts 9’ ceilings, with plenty of natural light streaming in and a beautiful view of the backyard. The main floor is equipped with an office, a mudroom and an open concept living space, as well as a walk-in pantry and a powder room.
Throughout the 3-bed, 3-bath, 2372 sq. ft. home, the homeowner can enjoy hardwood flooring, quartz countertops, LED lighting and top-of-the-line finishes. High-end appliances in the kitchen, a stone accent fireplace in the living room and stunning black windows round out this beautifully redesigned home.
The second level floorplan is thoughtfully laid out with two bedrooms with a shared bathroom, a primary bedroom with an elegant full bath, a walk-in closet and a laundry room. The primary ensuite is a true gem, equipped with a soaker tub, double sinks and a curb-less shower.
The exterior maintains traditional elements, such as the arched windows to stay true to the home’s original spirit and character. Of course, a few modern details have been added, such as built-in audio which can be enjoyed on both the front and back porches.
The home is situated on a pool-sized lot and surrounded by mature trees, creating a generous outdoor living area.
The neighbourhood is both beautiful and central. You’re within walking distance to shops and downtown and close to Guelph’s beloved Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate. It’s quite a peaceful area, notes Fischer, surrounded by lots of huge trees.
Mezcon recently completed a house reno just down the street. Check out their social media for photos.
Because of the pandemic, there has been a dramatic cost increase that has affected all building materials. It couldn’t be a more perfect time to buy a home of this quality, essentially a brand-new build with all a design enthusiast could ever want.
For more information, to book a private showing and to see the virtual tour, please visit this listing.
After months of living through lockdowns due to COVID, more people than ever are looking for larger spaces to live in. Not only do they want bigger homes, their wish lists include larger properties too.
Many have their hearts set on country living in particular; they dream of buying a rural lot and moving into a custom home.
If you happen to own any rural land, that means now is a great time to sell. The value of that land has never been higher, and the demand is definitely there.
“COVID has pushed people to want more space. Because of the amount of time they’ve had to spend at home, the desire to move out of that traditional subdivision may be heightened,” says REALTOR® Nick FitzGibbon.
Until now it has, admittedly, been a little bit more expensive to buy a rural lot and live there, because maintenance costs were higher.
“With the real estate market being so strong these past couple of years, many people have
grown a lot of equity in their homes in these subdivisions, so it has actually made it much more feasible to sell your house in the suburbs and to try to build and buy that custom home just outside of town,” he says.
FitzGibbon’s mother owns a farm just outside of Guelph. Years ago, she severed lots off her property and sold them for $300,000; now, 2-acre parcels are selling for well over a million.
If anyone is currently holding onto land and has ever considered severing a lot, with price points this high, it’s much more appealing. “Obviously, with the market doing what it’s doing, it seems like a no-brainer,” says the REALTOR®. “If you have the land and the ability to go through that process, go to the township to sever that lot. There’s such a large carrot at the end of it.”
He does, of course, see both the good and the bad. On the buyer’s side it’s tough, because if you want to build a custom home, the house is going to cost a certain amount and you will only have so much left for the land. With land being so scarce and such a hot commodity these days, it makes building a custom home on a rural lot very expensive.
You might think building your own home is a daunting process, but it all depends on your situation, says FitzGibbon. “A lot of people will work with a builder to actually build the home but securing the lot can be the hardest part. There are a number of builders around that do purchase the lots themselves and then they can build the house, which does make it a lot easier. If you were to try to buy and build it yourself, I would imagine that would be pretty daunting, but there are some great builders out there that would be well-equipped to take on building a custom home,” he says.
Right now he is seeing a very large drive in the Puslinch area, south of Guelph between the 401 and all the way through towards Milton. There are a number of great custom homes there and people like it for a commute because it’s so accessible to the 401. Land that is anywhere close to the city but just outside it is very desirable.
FitzGibbon grew up in the country back when the only internet connection was dial-up. Now there’s high-speed fibre-optic internet. Another improvement? Natural gas. Both networks are constantly growing and extending too. Better rural internet is key, of course, especially with so many people working from home. “If you are out in the country and the internet connection isn’t great, then it’s not an option, right?” he says.
With the growth the city of Guelph has experienced—particularly its sprawl to the south—you can feel as though you’re in the country in a lot of spots, Puslinch included. But you’re actually only five minutes away from all the amenities you need in the south end. It’s the best of both worlds and certainly makes country living a lot easier.
“Urban sprawl has certainly had a huge impact. These lots and these building opportunities are getting fewer and fewer,” he says. Elsewhere there is increased density, with more houses being built on the same amount of land. That’s why these more rural lots are all the more coveted and why they’re being snatched up so quickly.
The need is so great that some builders have even been hunting down lots that aren’t for sale; they are approaching the owners and offering to buy them.
Says FitzGibbon, “If you do have land, now could be the time to go through the process to sever these lots and take something like this on. Before, when they weren’t selling for a ton, it was a bit of a hassle; you never knew if it was going to sell or what it might sell for. But there certainly is high demand now so it’s a good time to take on such a project.”
Happy New Year! Welcome to the 2022 real estate market which has started off with a bang. With inventory still very low, we are seeing sellers capitalizing on holding off on reviewing offers and more often than not, having multiple offers come in. I would anticipate seeing more properties come on the market over the next few weeks as the market will begin to pick up. With Government going back into Stage 2 we can anticipate more out-of-town buyers driving prices up.
With all the new inventory coming up, don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about buying or selling in the new year.
CORRECTION: Below is a great example of some of the craziness we have seen already in 2022. This modular home sold yesterday in Mini Lakes in Puslinch for $397,100 over asking. THIS WAS POSTED INCORRECTLY BY THE LISTING AGENT IT SOLD FOR $2000 UNDER ASKING!!!
We asked for some holiday cheer, and you delivered!
Despite COVID-19, Guelphites found a way to shine and share some holiday smiles during what’s been a challenging year for many.
Reader-submitted photos in the gallery above show the holiday spirit is alive and well in our community in a time where social distancing from our family, friends and neighbours is keeping us all safe. Check them out!
And the contest?
The lucky winner of the Share Your Holiday Moment and Spread a Smile contest presented by Nick FitzGibbon Let’s Talk Real Estate is Justine Tishinsky. Justine will enjoy a $200 gift card just in time for the holidays.
No more wasted time searching and scrolling for the latest market updates or newest listings — get it all sent directly to your inbox! No fluff. No spam. No missing out.
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