Christina, Author at Lets Talk Real Estate Team

Christina, Author at Lets Talk Real Estate Team - Page 6 of 25

Tis the season to be busy, as families across Guelph rush to get ready for the holidays. There’s never a shortage of things to cross off your list this time of year, and one local business is uniquely positioned to help.

Market Fresh is an independent, family-run grocer where the focus is on food and community. They take pride in bringing customers wholesome fresh and local gourmet food—the best of the region for the season. They’ve been providing catering services for over 25 years.

John Clark recently sat down with Dylan Toscan, Managing Director. The pair discussed the benefits of using a catering service when hosting, how to find the highest quality local products, and a few easy ways to spruce up your home with fresh greenery and a bit of festive decor.

John Clark: What is Market Fresh’s philosophy towards food?

Dylan Toscan: Fresh, local, and high-quality first. Market Fresh prioritizes local producers, small farms, and artisan suppliers. Our whole identity is built around offering food that’s fresher, carefully sourced, and higher quality. This ranges from fresh produce, quality meats (including our in-house butchery), in-house scratch bakery, prepared foods made in-house, and so much more.

JC: What would you say are some of the biggest benefits of catering a holiday meal?

DT: One of the biggest benefits of catering a holiday meal with Market Fresh is that it lets people truly enjoy the day. The holidays should be about spending time with family and friends — not being stuck in the kitchen for hours. When we handle the cooking, our customers get to relax, be present, and focus on the moments that matter.

Another big advantage is the quality and consistency. Everything we prepare is made in-house using fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. You’re not just getting convenience, you’re getting a holiday meal that tastes homemade, crafted by our culinary team with the same care you’d put into your own table.

It also removes the stress that can take the fun out of hosting. No last-minute grocery runs and no timing the execution of multiple dishes. We handle all of that. Customers can customize their order, choose exactly what suits their gathering, and trust that it will be done right.

So really, the benefit is peace of mind — knowing the meal is taken care of, so you can celebrate the way you want to.

JC: What are some of your most popular dishes for the season?

DT: Our most popular dishes/items for the holiday season include our hearty holiday Turkey Dinner, gourmet sandwich platters, charcuterie / antipasto / meat and cheese boards, fresh salads, vegetable and fruit trays, and our dessert/sweet trays.

JC: Are there any new items or treats available this year?

DT: Our new and improved, holiday favourite, Festive Turkey & Brie sandwich! Available at our Gourmet to Go counter, this sandwich has become a staple at Market Fresh over the years. We take locally sourced turkey, roast it to perfection, then stack it between two slices of in-house baked stuffing-seasoned bro ok ead, and then top it with sage aioli, brie cheese, house-made stuffing, and cranberry sauce. If you haven’t had one before, it’s an absolute must-try!

What we are really excited about is that we completely revamped our entire catering menu back in September. It was a full refresh, with updated recipes and a lot of fun new options that customers have really embraced. One of the standouts has been our continental breakfast package — it has been incredibly popular for morning meetings and early-day gatherings.

And while it’s not technically new, our Holiday Turkey Meals are definitely something special. They’re only available three times a year, which makes them one of our most sought-after offerings.

JC: Do you or your family have any favourites that must appear on your holiday table every year?

DT: We absolutely love putting together a really good spread of our meats and cheeses. Gunns Hill Reserve is a MUST on any charcuterie board! It has become a bit of a tradition in our house to start the festivities off with a board full of local cheeses, charcuterie, and some of our store-made dips and appetizers. Highly recommend our house made Artichoke Caponata! And of course, it wouldn’t be the holidays without something from our bakery. Our family tends to always gravitate towards our Holiday Yule Log, it’s delicious! Whether it’s one of our cakes or a festive dessert tray, having something sweet from our team is always part of our celebration.

JC: How else can Market Fresh help out over the holidays?

DT: Beyond catering, there are so many ways Market Fresh can help make the holidays easier, more delicious, and more joyful. Our bakery is always a huge hit this time of year — from store-made cakes to festive baked goods, pastries, and holiday treats. We also have an amazing selection of meats, cheeses, dips and appetizers that make entertaining effortless, whether you’re hosting a big party or just putting together a cozy evening spread.

Our Garden Centre is another favourite during the season. We bring in beautiful winter wreaths, planters, greenery, and décor that help customers create that perfect festive atmosphere at home. Inside the store, our giftware department is stocked with some of the best curated ornaments, holiday décor, holiday cards, and thoughtful seasonal items — it’s a great spot for finding something unique.

And of course, gift giving is a major part of how we help over the holidays. We offer a wide variety of holiday gift baskets, available both in-store and for pre-order, which makes them perfect for businesses, families, or anyone needing multiple gifts. There truly is a basket for everyone, and we can customize them as well to make them even more personal.

So whether you’re hosting, decorating, gifting, or just looking to bring a little extra joy to your holiday season, Market Fresh has something to help!

JC: Are there any deadlines or cut-offs for ordering that customers should be aware of?

DT: Our deadline to pre-order your family Holiday Turkey meal is December 18th or while quantities last! Pick up on December 23rd and 24th. Packed “Family Style” for easy reheating and service. Minimum of 6 people per order.

For all other catering inquiries, we ask for 72 hours notice.

Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, picking up dinner for the family, or treating yourself to something comforting, we’re grateful to be part of your season. Thank you for supporting local and choosing Market Fresh!

Property Details

Welcome to 27 Miller Street, a beautifully maintained bungalow in Guelph’s desirable South End. This 2+2 bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers over 2,000 sq ft of finished living space and is fully wheelchair accessible. It has been thoughtfully updated throughout to provide comfort, functionality, and long-term ease of living. The main floor features open-concept living with 34-inch doorways, pull-out drawers in all lower kitchen cabinets, and under-sink access to accommodate mobility needs. Recent upgrades include full interior painting (all rooms, front and back doors, and garage door), a new natural gas BBQ, updated kitchen faucet, replaced countertop in the primary ensuite, and refreshed landscaping with new mulch and a full fall cleanup.

Additional features include a fully finished basement complete with a full wet bar offering ample storage, built-in wine racks, and a full-size fridge, making it ideal for entertaining or extended family living. Other updates include a new air conditioner (2025), new water softener (2025), and an upgraded 60-gallon hot water tank. Accessibility is built into every detail with zero-clearance roll-in showers, grab bars in the primary bathroom, a working stair lift, automated man door, and ramps at both the front entrance and garage. The garage door opener has also been serviced and is in excellent condition.

Situated in a quiet and well-established neighbourhood close to schools, parks, shopping, and transit. The property is part of a small homeowners association with a low annual fee (approximately $90 to $110), which covers seasonal boulevard maintenance, festive Christmas lighting, and a popular summer fireworks event. This is a rare opportunity to own a fully accessible bungalow with modern updates in one of Guelph’s most sought-after communities.

Why CO deserves your attention

Carbon monoxide is invisible and odourless. It comes from fuel-burning appliances (furnaces, fireplaces, gas stoves, water heaters, vehicles in attached garages, portable generators, etc.).
Early detection saves lives. CO alarms alert you long before symptoms become severe (headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion).
It’s a whole-home issue. Even newer or well-maintained homes can have CO exposure from venting problems, back-drafting, or running engines in garages.

10-minute Safety Checklist

Test every alarm.
- Press and hold the test button until you hear the full alarm sequence.
- If it doesn’t sound, replace the batteries immediately—or the entire unit if it’s hardwired with a dead backup.
Check expiry dates.
- Smoke alarms: typically replace every 10 years (check the manufacture date on the back).
- CO alarms: replace every 5–10 years depending on the model. If the label is faded or missing, replace now.
Confirm correct placement.
- Smoke alarms: on every level, inside each bedroom (or at least outside sleeping areas), and near stairwells.
- CO alarms: outside sleeping areas and on every level with a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage. Avoid bathrooms or very humid areas.
Swap batteries.
- Change batteries annually (or when you hear a single “chirp” every 30–60 seconds). Consider sealed 10-year alarms to reduce maintenance.
Clean and clear.
- Gently vacuum alarm vents to remove dust.
- Keep alarms at least 10 feet from kitchen appliances and away from ceiling corners where dead air collects.
Review your escape plan.
- Two ways out of every room, a meeting spot outside, and practice—especially with kids.
- Make sure windows and doors open easily in all seasons.

If an alarm sounds—what to do

Smoke alarm: Get everyone out, stay out, and call 9-1-1 from outside.
CO alarm: Move outdoors or to fresh air immediately. Call 9-1-1. Do not re-enter until emergency services say it’s safe. Have a licensed technician inspect all fuel-burning appliances and vents.

Smart upgrades worth considering

Interconnected alarms: When one sounds, they all sound—critical in larger or multi-level homes.
Combination Smoke/CO units: Fewer devices to maintain.
Hardwired with battery backup: Best reliability during power outages.
Monitored systems: Great for travellers or seniors; alerts can be sent to your phone or a monitoring centre.

Seasonal homeowner tips

Book an annual service for your furnace, fireplace, and water heater.
Keep outside vents clear of leaves, lint, and snow.
Never run vehicles or fuel-burning tools in an attached garage—even with the door open.
Place portable generators outside, far from windows and doors.

For landlords & tenants

Landlords are generally responsible for installing and maintaining compliant smoke and CO alarms; tenants must not disable them and should report issues promptly. Requirements vary by municipality and building type, so check your local bylaws and fire code.

Quick myth-busting

“I have electric heat, so I don’t need a CO alarm.”
You might still have sources like an attached garage, gas stove, or fireplace.
“My alarm chirps sometimes—must be a glitch.”
Chirps usually mean low battery or end-of-life. Don’t ignore it.
“New homes don’t need checks.”
New construction still requires testing and maintenance—safety gear ages.

The Current Context: Rental Pressure + Changing Student Trends

Rental costs in Guelph remain high, and finding quality housing is more competitive than ever. At the same time, there’s been a slight dip in first-year student enrolment at the University of Guelph this fall. While that may sound like a cooling signal, it actually creates a short-term window of opportunity for buyers.

With fewer bidding wars and slightly more inventory, parent investors have a chance to make a strategic purchase before the market tightens again. Despite the small shift in student numbers, overall rental demand in Guelph remains strong, driven by upper-year students, young professionals, and families choosing to stay in the city long term.

The Market Has Shifted in Your Favour

After years of rapid price growth, Guelph’s housing market has cooled. The average sale price in September was $826,150, a 9.9 percent drop from August and 9.05 percent lower than last year. Detached homes saw the biggest decline, down 10.7 percent month-over-month and 7.7 percent year-over-year.

This means more negotiating power, less competition, and the opportunity to secure a great property before prices rise again.

Why Parents Are Stepping Into the Market

Here’s why more parents are becoming parent investors in Guelph:

Rental costs aren’t easing: Buying now offers your child housing stability and helps your family avoid the high costs and uncertainty of the rental market.

Better entry points for buyers: With prices down nearly 10 percent from last year, it’s a rare chance to buy below past highs.

Security and stability for your child: Owning a home ensures they’re not vulnerable to rising rents or unpredictable landlords, especially during key years of study or early career growth.

Long-term potential: Guelph continues to attract new residents thanks to its strong economy, sense of community, and proximity to major employment hubs. Over time, that supports steady property value growth.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy in Guelph, this is it. Prices are down nearly 10 percent, rental demand remains strong, and conditions are ideal for parents who want to support their children while building equity and long-term wealth.

To learn more about current opportunities or discuss your goals as a parent investor, contact Nick FitzGibbon and the Let’s Talk Real Estate Team today for expert guidance and local market insight.

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Full Story on GuelphToday

Tricar’s new condominium homes at Gordon Square III are now available and buyers couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to live in this newly completed community.

The 8-storey midrise residence features 181 spacious suites with an extensive selection of 1- and 2-bedroom layouts. These are premier condominium homes—significantly larger than what you usually find offered on the market and constructed with the highest quality.

“Tricar builds homes to live in,” says Adam Carapella, Tricar’s president. “Many new mid- and high-rise condos continue to get smaller and smaller, and we are doing the opposite. We design and build our condominium homes to be comfortable and tailored to your needs, whether you are a young professional moving up in size or empty nesters moving down in size.”

In addition to suites being spacious, the amenities are plentiful. Residents are sure to enjoy the fitness room, golf simulator, guest suite, library, and sprawling luxe lounge.

These are just a few of the features that make this development stand out. Here are five more reasons why Gordon Square III is a smart buy:

1. Location

The lifestyle in South Guelph appeals to all ages. From restaurants and cafés to bakeries and bars, getting out and exploring the area is easy, as you can walk to do errands and meet up with friends and neighbours.

There’s also lots of green space to enjoy, on your own, with pets, kids, or grandchildren. South End Community Park is home to a playground, splash pad, and tennis courts, while nearby trails, parks, and conservation areas abound. Golf is just around the corner at Springfield Golf Course.

Connecting to local transit and commuting is a breeze, with the Aberfoyle GO and Greyhound bus station just six minutes away.

Guelph offers residents a healthy, happy lifestyle with the comfort and convenience of excellent urban amenities as well as easy access to transit and the 401, all while being surrounded by nature.

2. Price

The opening price for a condominium at Gordon Square III is approximately $518 per square foot. The sales price for a 1-bedroom suite begins in the $400’s (based on a 760 sq ft model) with a 2-bedroom beginning in the $500’s (based on a 1,145 sq ft model).

These prices offer excellent value and are about 50% less than the cost of the average price for a similar condominium in some of the surrounding regions. “At Tricar, we design and build our own buildings and control every step of the construction process,” notes Craig Taylor, Tricar’s Vice President of Design and Marketing. “This allows us to focus on quality and be able to offer our purchasers a better product at a more affordable price compared to the competition.”

3. Deposit

The deposit structure at Gordon Square III is very attractive and unlike anything on the market. Tricar offers a $20K deposit upon signing for first-time buyers and a $40K deposit for all other buyers. This is in stark contrast to much of the industry where charging 20% is routine. On a $700K condominium, for example, a deposit of $140K would be required.

In addition to the attractive deposit structure, Tricar wants to help purchasers be able to make the move to Gordon Square III. Case in point, Tricar allows a buyer to purchase a new home with them subject to the sale of their own existing property first. This can be very helpful for downsizing or right-sizing buyers who need to sell their existing home before moving into one of the developer’s condominium homes. It’s just one of many ways Tricar is trying to come up with solutions to make buying easier for purchasers.

4. Reputation

The Tricar Group is a leading condominium developer in southwestern Ontario. They are known for building “condominium homes”, built for living in, with larger sized units, high quality construction, and stylish finishes.

The company prides itself on providing excellent customer service. Tricar is a 9-time Tarion Top Performer and a multiple award winner of Tarion’s High Rise Builder of the Year. The company is now entering their 40th year as a home builder and is based in both London and Guelph. “At Tricar, we work in Guelph, we build in Guelph, we live in Guelph, and we believe in Guelph,” says Carapella. “It is a privilege to be a home builder in this city, and we are thrilled with the reception that Gordon Square has had from the local community.”

5. Move in now!

Gordon Square III offers you the rare opportunity to walk through six fully furnished model suites and move in quickly, avoiding the uncertainty that can come with having to wait years for a home. It’s a smarter way to buy, and one that puts the needs of homeowners first. Local Guelph REALTORⓇ and Gordon Square sales representative Nick FitzGibbon points out that this is unheard of in the real estate market.

“Usually when purchasing a new condominium home, you wait years for the construction to finish and only then move in. Here at Gordon Square III, Tricar has removed that process completely and undertook building and finishing it before even opening for sales. Gordon Square III isn’t just a smart buy; it is an easy buy.”

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This community is one of southwestern Ontario’s most popular and best-selling. This is the final phase, so don’t miss out!

Visit Gordon Square III at 1882 Gordon Street in Guelph or go to tricar.com.

The sales team will be happy to give you a tour of the building and model suites and is there Wednesday-Thursday from 3pm-6pm and Saturday from 12pm-4pm. You can also schedule a private appointment at your convenience.

Contact Nick FitzGibbon at 519-830-4823 or at gordon3sales@tricar.com.

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Author: Christina

Take one thing off your holiday to-do list with catering from Market Fresh

27 Miller St Guelph

Property Details

Read more here

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