Christina, Author at Lets Talk Real Estate Team - Page 5 of 22

Working with a good mortgage broker is crucial when navigating the home-buying process, as they can help you understand the financial commitment involved. A knowledgeable broker will guide you through various loan options, ensuring you find a mortgage that suits your financial situation. Understanding your potential mortgage payments before submitting an offer on a house helps you avoid surprises and makes sure you’re not stretching your budget too thin. By working with a broker, you can also get access to competitive interest rates and tailored advice, giving you confidence in your home purchase. Use the mortgage calculator below to get a clearer picture of what your payments might look like.

 

MORTGAGE CALCULATOR 

School Rankings in Wellington County

Apr 2,2025 | Guelph Living

Compare School Rankings is a comprehensive online tool designed to help families make informed decisions about education by providing detailed rankings and performance metrics for schools across Ontario. The website allows users to compare schools based on various factors such as academic achievement, student-teacher ratios, and overall school performance. Whether you’re considering a local school for your child or exploring options in different areas, Compare School Rankings offers valuable insights to guide your choices.

Learn more and search your Guelph School here:

COMPARE SCHOOL RANKINGS HERE

Good Games Golf Tournament

Apr 2,2025 | Guelph Living

Our first annual GOOD Games Golf Tournament supports the festival to keep sports free and accessible for all. Every swing, every hole, every moment on the green helps us continue to provide a free family festival where kids and the community can discover new sports, play, and experience the joy of movement.

Grab your foursome and join us!

Register now by emailing golf@thegood.games and asking for the registration form

 

 

Read more here: https://www.guelphtoday.com/spotlight/see-you-on-the-links-dont-miss-the-1st-annual-good-games-golf-tournament-on-friday-may-30th-10595492

Puslinch Property- A Business Owners Dream

Mar 28,2025 | Buying

We are looking to expand our team

Mar 24,2025 | Guelph Living

We are taking a leap and looking to hire someone for our small but mighty team. As we grow and continue to service our amazing clients, it is now time for us to have a little added support. We are seeking a energetic individual looking to work in both sales and marketing to support our teams efforts and goals.

Below are more details of the position:

Job Description

Please email christina@cbn.on.ca if you are interested in the position

 

What is your home worth? East End Towns

Mar 3,2025 | Buying

Thinking about selling your townhome in the East End of Guelph or just curious about its value? Understanding what your home is worth is a crucial step in making informed decisions about buying, selling, or refinancing. The East End, with its blend of established neighbourhoods and growing amenities, has seen a lot of market activity recently. In this analysis, we’ll explore how what homes have been selling for in the last few months. Whether you’re looking for a general estimate or diving deeper into market trends, we’ve got you covered!

Please reach out if you have interest in selling we have a qualified buyer activity seeking a home in this area- AND NO THIS IS NOT A SALES TACTIC, just trying to help a client.

Puslinch Property is a Business Owners Dream

Feb 12,2025 | Buying

Benefits of buying a home in the winter

Feb 4,2025 | Buying

You never know when your dream home may hit the market, or life dictates that you have to move cities or homes. Ideally you see your home on a beautiful Summer day with lots of daylight and enjoy the entire experience, but that isn’t always the case. Buying a home in the heart of winter certainly has its pros and cons. Kicking off snowy slushy boots, getting all bundled up and not wanting to spend more time in the -10 degree weather can put a damper on your home shopping experience. That being said, there are some serious benefits to buying a home in the winter. I recently sat in a home inspection and the colder weather was able to show some possible deficiencies in the home that we wouldn’t have been able to notice with warmer weather.
1. Melted or melting snow on the roof. This can show patches with the insulation in the attic  and heat loss in certain areas. This is very important for keeping utilities costs down and the overall efficiency of the home.
2. Drafts or cold spots on the walls and windows. On a windy, cold day, it is a lot easier to feel the contrast of the cold outside air leaking into the nice warm home. Again, those types of deficiencies in a home are very important to remedy and harder to find when the temperatures are the same inside and out.
3. Ice builds up on eavestroughs. When you see ice building up on certain parts of the roof and eaves through, it shows you the problem areas that may need extra attention or heater to ensure they don’t get damaged and are working properly.
4. Snow builds up streets and the frequency of city plowing. The city has a great system for plowing the roads in the most efficient way possible to maximize the number of residents they can service. After a big snowfall, you can notice if your street is one of the first to plow, or if you are buying a home on a quieter street, it may not get much attention from the snow plows in the winter.
5. Shoveling the driveway. For many homes, having a larger or longer driveway is great for extra parking when guests come over, or for kids with their own cars, but it does come with some extra responsibility that can be overlooked in the summer. If you are not looking to shovel more snow than you need to, buying a home in the winter can show you how much snow has to get moved from your laneway, as well as clearing off the sidewalk in front of the property. This is rarely a “deal breaker” but when you are viewing a home in the winter, you can see exactly how much shoveling is needed for the property.
These are just a few benefits to looking, and buying a home in the Winter, but every season comes with its own “pros and cons” when purchasing a home, and no two properties are alike. Reach out with any questions regarding purchasing or selling in any season.

2024 Guelph Real Estate Market Recap

Looking back at 2024, the Guelph residential real estate market initially faced challenges as it struggled to find momentum under the weight of high interest rates. These elevated rates created significant affordability issues for homebuyers, resulting in sales volumes well below normal levels for much of the year. It wasn’t until June that we saw the first interest rate reduction, and with the Canadian economy edging closer to a recession, the Bank of Canada responded quickly. Over the next several months, rates were reduced from their peak of 5% to 3.25%, through five quick cuts—including two of 50 basis points.

By October, we began to see the market react positively, with transaction volumes increasing by 44%, followed by a 40% jump in November. With further rate cuts expected in 2025 and home prices still below historic highs, we anticipate an improved market outlook for the coming year. By year-end, Guelph saw an increase in sales volume, while home prices were down overall by 1.3% compared to 2023.

2024 Home Sales in Guelph

In total, there were 67,610 home sales across the province, and Guelph saw a more balanced market with increased inventory levels throughout the year. By the end of 2024, Guelph’s market could be considered a buyer’s market, with 2.4 months of available home supply. This continued supply kept upward pressure on home prices in check. The average selling price for detached homes in Guelph was $918,358, a slight decrease of 3.2 from the 2023 average.

The semi-detached, and townhouse segments performed better in terms of price stability, but where still down. Many potential first-time buyers began entering the market as rate cuts started directly impacting the condo/apartment market in Guelph which was up 2% in 2024.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we move into 2025, we expect renewed optimism in Guelph’s real estate market. Further interest rate cuts should help stimulate greater sales volume and price growth, particularly in single-family homes. However, the condo/towns market may continue to face headwinds, with a large number of newly completed condo/towns units come to market, many of which will be listed for sale or lease. Despite this, there will be certain condo types and locations that remain strong.

As always, we’re here to assist you with any real estate questions or plans in 2025. If you’re considering buying, selling, or investing in real estate this year, we’re just a call or text away. We’d love to help you navigate the market and find the best strategies to suit your needs.

Best wishes for a successful and prosperous 2025!

 

          

Deck the Halls: Family-Friendly Christmas Decorating Tips

Nov 28,2024 | Guelph Living

The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better time to transform your home into a festive wonderland! As a real estate enthusiast, I’ve seen how a little holiday spirit can create warmth and joy. Here are some friendly tips to help your family make the most of this magical season – without breaking the bank.

  1. Start with What You Have

Before hitting the stores, take stock of what you already own. You might be surprised by the holiday decor tucked away in your attic or basement. Use items you already have like last year’s ornaments, ribbons, or even seasonal dishware. A little creativity can breathe new life into old decorations!

  1. Go Natural

Incorporating natural elements into your decor can be both beautiful and budget-friendly. Think evergreen branches, pinecones, or even holly from your yard. A simple bowl of ornaments or a vase filled with seasonal greenery can bring that cozy holiday feel into any room.

  1. Family Craft Time

Get the kids involved! Set aside a day for family craft time to make your own ornaments or garlands. This not only fills your home with unique decorations but also creates lasting memories. Plus, homemade items add a personal touch that store-bought decorations just can’t replicate.

  1. Focus on Key Areas

Instead of overwhelming your entire home, concentrate on key areas. Decorate your living room, entryway, and dining area to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. A beautifully adorned mantel, a cheerful table setting, or a cozy corner with a festive throw can make a significant impact without the need for an all-out decorating spree.

  1. Embrace a Theme

Choose a theme that reflects your family’s personality. Whether it’s classic red and green, a whimsical winter wonderland, or a modern metallic look, having a cohesive theme can help guide your decorating decisions and create a harmonious space.

  1. Lighting Matters

Don’t underestimate the power of lights! String lights can instantly elevate your home’s ambiance. Drape them over your mantel, wrap them around banisters, or hang them in windows for a warm, inviting glow that signals the holiday season.

With these simple tips, you can transform your home into a festive retreat for your family and friends. Enjoy the decorating process, and remember, it’s all about creating a joyful atmosphere where memories are made. Happy holidays!