Christina, Author at Lets Talk Real Estate Team

Christina, Author at Lets Talk Real Estate Team - Page 17 of 19

Here is a quick snapshot of how the Guelph market is sitting as of the end of October 2019. We have had a busy fall with properties moving quickly. I expect things to slow down for the holiday month and then we will see the typical boom from investors come January. Some interesting stats to pull out of the report this month: – 16.8% more units sold – The average sale price for South Guelph up 25.5% – 46% more units sold in the East End – Still seeing a steady decline in the homes for sale for $350,000 and under – Homes in the North End moved on average 10 days faster than this time last year

FULL REPORT HERE:

http://cbn.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/11/Market-Report-October-2019.pdf

Nestled in the heart of Wellington County, just 20 minutes north of Guelph, lies the picturesque village of Rockwood. This hidden gem offers a unique blend of small-town charm, rich history, and breathtaking natural beauty, making it an ideal place to live or visit.

Rockwood is best known for its stunning conservation area, Rockwood Conservation Area, which boasts a massive limestone gorge, towering cliffs, and numerous trails for hiking and exploring. Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundance of wildlife, lush forests, and sparkling lakes that can be found throughout the conservation area.

In addition to its natural beauty, Rockwood is steeped in history. The village was first settled in the early 19th century and quickly became a thriving industrial community, thanks to its proximity to the Eramosa River and abundant natural resources. Many of the historic buildings and landmarks from this era have been preserved, adding to the village’s charm and character.

Rockwood offers a range of amenities and attractions for residents and visitors alike. The village is home to charming shops, quaint cafes, and delicious restaurants, where you can indulge in local cuisine and find unique treasures. The community also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including the popular Rockwood Farmers’ Market and the Rockwood Christmas Market.

For those seeking a close-knit community and a peaceful lifestyle, Rockwood is the perfect place to call home. The village offers a range of housing options, from historic homes with character to modern developments with all the amenities. Whether you’re looking for a cozy family home or a spacious estate, you’ll find something to suit your needs in Rockwood.

Overall, Rockwood is a place where history, natural beauty, and community spirit converge. Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, immerse yourself in history, or simply enjoy a slower pace of life, Rockwood has something to offer everyone. So, come and discover the magic of Rockwood, Ontario – you won’t be disappointed!

Community Guide guelph real estate Rockwood rockwood homes rockwood ontario rockwood real estate

September in Review:

Here is a quick snapshot of how the Guelph market is sitting as of the end of September 2019. Really starting to see things pick up as we get into fall- but fully expecting the typical slow down as we get closer to Christmas (Yes I said Christmas- it is coming!). A number I always like to see … the price of homes across the city is up 4% from this time last year- proving our strong market in Guelph.

Some interesting stats to pull out of the report this month: – # of properties sold Downtown Guelph jumped by 61% – Properties were on the market an extra 4 days in the South End – The average sale price for North Guelph was up 6% – The south end continues to have the most expensive detached homes on average in Guelph and Downtown has the most expensive apartments on average.

READ THE FULL MARKET REPORT HERE:

http://cbn.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/10/Market-Report-September-2019.pdf

guelph guelph homes market report real estate realtor

AUGUST IN REVIEW

Here is a quick snap shot of how the Guelph market is sitting as of the end of August 2019. Although it felt as August was a slow month for real estate this year we did see a 12% increase from last year in the homes sold for the month. A number I always like to see is the price of homes across the city is up 7% from this time last year- proving our strong market in Guelph.

Some interesting stats to pull out of the report this month: -28% more homes sold in the South End alone -39% more homes sold in the East End -Average sale price in the West End was up 24% -Average sale price in Puslinch up 45%! -24% decrease in the units sold in the Downtown Area – Could be contributed to the reno bug?

Typically in September/October we see a shift in the market with more units for sale and also more units purchased. This is simply is contributed to people done summer vacation and ready to get the home sold before Christmas.

READ FULL REPORT HERE:

http://cbn.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/09/Market-Report-August-2019.pdf

guelph guelph homes guelph real estate market report realtor

Here is a quick listing of some selling turn-offs that I have noticed throughout the years. If you are prepping to sell your home try and update/fix these problem areas as much as possible, I promise the monetary return will be worth it!

1. Update kitchen and bathrooms: This can be as easy as a fresh coat of paint, or new shower curtain! Depending on the age and wear of the room more may be required.

2. Dull lighting: Your home will feel brighter and bigger with ample lighting. Remove heavy curtains and draperies, allow for clear passage way to windows, ensure all your lights have no burnt out bulbs, and clean lighting fixtures.

3. Odours: Sometimes we do not notice the odours in our own homes. When prepping to sell odours like pets, cigarettes and strong smelling foods can be troublesome to new owners when they walk through the door. Air out your home, clean the litter more often, empty kitchen trash more frequently, try not to cook smelly foods in the home, smoke outdoors, are all great examples of ways to keep the home smelly fresh. Spot clean any urine residue with a vinegar solution to help remove any lingering smells.

4. Damp patches, stained walls and ceilings: This can cause a red flag to potential buyers. Providing the issue is fixed (I am not suggesting covering up problems in your home) cleaning up stains will help give a fresh look to the home.

5. Cluttered rooms: This seems like an obvious one but is a very important one. You want people to be able to picture themselves in the home and not distract them with YOUR things. I always tell my clients to pack away everything they are not using regularly. You have to pack it to move anyway so may as well start now. Donate, have a garage sale, and take a trip to the dump to purge things you no longer needs or love… “if it doesn’t spark joy!” Also try and keep passageways to windows, closets and doors clear so potential buyers can get a feel for the space without stepping over or on your things.

6. Over the top decor: Just like clutter you do not want to distract potential buyers from the beauty of your home with your personal items. Try and make the home as attractive as possible to any and all tastes.

Fun colours are for living (red, yellow, greens), neutral colours (beige, cream, warm white, light grey) are for selling!

guelph guelph homes guelph real estate listing your home selling Selling your home

http://cbn.on.ca/market-data-report/

Buying in Guelph guelph homes Guelph Realtor market report Real Estate Guelph Selling in Guelph

http://cbn.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2019/06/Market-Report-May-2019.pdf

guelph guelph homes guelph real estate Guelph Realtor Homes for sale in Guelph market report

Around the GTA we are seeing so many new home building opportunities. Typical this is a great opportunity for both investment and principle residences, but it is important to consider the following:

1- Incomplete Phases: Inquire on what will be built around you (if not already complete). Buying in an incomplete area leaves a lot of unknowns.. Will a high rise be built behind me? Will church be built around the corner causing a lot of street traffic? etc. Depending on what all the phases of the neighbourhood are, it can be a huge financial win for the purchasers. Getting in early on new building sites in the Guelph area has proven to be a great investment – you just have to live with some mud.

2- Construction: With most new builds you can be surrounded with dirt, mud, machines and noise. Ask your realtor how long expected construction will be and when it is projected to have sidewalks and landscaping especially if you have children and animals.

3- Model Home Tricks: The model home that convinced you to purchase typically is full of upgraded features, professional interior design and of course upgraded appliances. Do not walk through the model and expect your new home to look the same on day one. Ensure you have a understanding of all upgrade costs prior to placing a deposit.

4- Know what is included: Just because the model home has a dishwasher, it does not mean it is included. REVIEW your agreement and ensure you have a clear understanding of what is coming with your new home. REMEMBER everything is negotiable – this is a big purchase and you have the right to make some requests and amendments.

5- Completion dates: Gets the builders expected completion date in writing. Many tend to be rolling targets which can impact you especially if you have a property to sell. A lot of the time new builds are ready for occupancy later than expected- so mange your expectations.

**TIPS**

Book an inspection: Even though this is a new home, be sure to have an inspection at your final walk through to ensure everything is in working order.

Watch construction: This is YOUR home- be involved. Get a friend or family member who knows quality construction to walk through with you during the building process to look for any red flags.

Happy Building

-Nick

guelph guelph real estate Moving to Guelph New builds

(My Wife, Daughter and I in our updated kitchen)

#1- HIGHTEST RETURN:

Kitchen & Bathroom Renos: You can expect to see 75%-100% ROI when completed. Kitchens and bathrooms are both high traffic areas, so having a fresh and updated look goes a long way! On a budget? Add some elbow grease to freshen up your tiles and try painting your cupboards.

Interior & Exterior Painting: Painting indoors or outdoors you can expect a 50% -100% ROI. As mentioned above, paint can really brighten a space and instantly give it an updated look. If you are considering painting before listing, try to stick to a NEUTRAL colour pallet in order to help attract the most amount of people. Whites and greys are pleasing to the eye and give an updated feel to the home.

#2- AVERAGE RETURN:

Roof/Furnace/AC: Although a necessary evil when owning a home, we generally see a 50%-80% ROI. Most people are visual and if they can’t picture themselves in the home they are purchasing that becomes more of an issue than a roof/furnace/AC that isn’t visible. As long as these three things are in working order you are set!

*TIP*- don’t forget to change your furnace filter with each season!

Basement Reno, Fireplace Install, New Garage, Windows, Deck: Your return on investment here is 50% & 75%. These are all items that will only appeal to a certain demographic. Important to when/if you decide to do these updates that you will get the use out of it, so the investment makes sense for you.

#3- LOWEST RETURN:

Skylight: 0%-25% ROI. In all the homes I have had inspected there is usually an issue with the skylight. Essentially you a cutting a hole in your roof… so think about it? Water always seems to be an issue and again not always a great feature that appeals to the masses.

Pool: 10% – 40% ROI. You either like pools or you don’t. You either want the added work in your backyard or you don’t. IF you are going to use a pool AND love it while your live there- GO FOR IT. But if you don’t think you will be living in your home longterm it is a poor investment.

Hope this helped check some things off your list of home improvements! Keep in mind a lot of the above improvements are dependant on the house itself. If you have any questions about what improvements you should spend your money on, let me know!

Buying in Guelph guelph homes guelph real estate Move to Guelph ROI

As a new parent I definitely look at homes differently. Things you wouldn’t have considered before become top of mind. Here are a few tips to help navigate buying a home for a family with children.

#1- Bedroom location: Are you comfortable having you kids on a separate floor than the master for extra peace and quiet? Or are you looking for all rooms on the same floor? Bedroom placement can really help with daily life and flow of the home so it is important to consider

#2- Layout: You can always add storage solutions but you can’t (completely) change the layout of the home. Open concept or a line of sight from kitchen to family room is a huge bonus with kids. Inevitably you end up in the kitchen either cleaning up from the last disaster or prepping for the next meal, so if you are able to do that while watch the kids it can really be a life saver.

#3- Play space: Whether it is a backyard green space you can see from indoors, or a indoor space to hold those big bulky toys- having a play space is definitely a nice to have for both children and parents. Lets face it, we all need our OWN spaces in the home.

#4- Hot & Cold Spots: How your home is heated & cooled is important. Wood burning stoves and base board heaters can be hazards for little ones, so it is important to look into heating when purchasing. Also in older homes you want to look at how the home is insulated so you can ensure rooms are not getting too hot or too cold especially for infants.

#5- Proximity to amenities: Distance to amenities and ability to walk places with your children may be on your wish list. Not having to pack up a stroller every time you go to the park can really be an asset. As always with real estate LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION

#6- Safety: This seems like a no brainer but it is important to do your homework on a property you are interested in purchasing. Different areas in cities can be more family oriented than others and you want to know that before you purchase. Traffic around your home is also something to consider- living on a main or busy road may not be ideal for road hockey and games 🙂

buying Great Neighbours Move to Guelph Parents Tips

Author: Christina

November Market Report

Rockwood Community Guide

October Market Report

September Market Report

Home turn-offs when selling

July Market Report

May Market Report

Things to consider when purchasing a new build

Home Upgrades: The Best ROI

BUYING TIPS: 6 things parents shouldn’t forget when purchasing a home

Related Posts

September 2025 Housing Market Statistics

August 2025 Housing Market Statistics

Related Posts

Giving Back: Holiday Charity Events & Drives Around Guelph

Why Gordon Square III Is the Smartest Buy in Guelph

Related Posts

August 2025 Housing Market Statistics

September 2025 Housing Market Statistics

Related Posts

Wellington County Fall Rural Romp: September 27th

August 2025 Housing Market Statistics

Related Posts

August 2025 Housing Market Statistics

September 2025 Housing Market Statistics

Related Posts

August 2025 Housing Market Statistics

September 2025 Housing Market Statistics

Related Posts

August 2025 Housing Market Statistics

September 2025 Housing Market Statistics

Related Posts

Wellington County Fall Rural Romp: September 27th

What makes freehold townhomes a great investment—especially for first-time home buyers

Related Posts

Wellington County Fall Rural Romp: September 27th

Why Gordon Square III Is the Smartest Buy in Guelph

Related Posts

August 2025 Housing Market Statistics

Why Gordon Square III Is the Smartest Buy in Guelph