Nathan Skoufis is an accomplished athlete who has claimed world titles and represented Team Canada in martial arts.
But he is also a passionate community builder whose reach extends far beyond sports, inspiring his students to be their best both physically and mentally.
Nathan owns Guelph Family Martial Arts, where he connects with students of all ages and skills.
That is why he is such a passionate advocate for tearing down barriers and making sports accessible for everyone.
His program teaches important life skills, such as focus, respect, discipline, courage and perseverance, that are critical to building strong bodies and minds in and outside of the studio.
Beyond his impact on local sports development, Nathan regularly supports, volunteers and raises funds for community organizations that are integral to the overall health and wellness of our community.
The Sports and Recreation Award is presented to an individual who has contributed to the strength of a sport in the community, by way of inspiring people, establishing a program, mentoring a team or individual to extraordinary accomplishments, or setting an example for others to carry.
Congratulations, Nathan!
This award is proudly sponsored by Nick FitzGibbon Let’s Talk Real Estate
As we all know, the 2022 real estate market came out flying. We were seeing sale prices climb and climb month after month and inevitably that climb has stopped. These past 30 days we have seen a major cool-off in the market. There are a number of factors that have contributed to this, but mainly the increase in inventory as well as the interest rate increase have left a lot of potential buyers on the sidelines. Anyone who wants to move but has a house they need to sell is skeptical of what they will sell their home for, creating doubt in the market.
2017 had a very similar feel as the year went on. In June 2017 we saw a major “cool off” in the market that slowly picked itself back up throughout the Summer and into the Fall. I would imagine we will see a more balanced market over these next few months with things slowly, but surely picking up.
If you have any questions about the highs and lows of this real estate market, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Hume Sanctuary in Puslinch a rare opportunity to build your dream home.
The word sanctuary doesn’t get thrown around often, and for good reason.
It connotes a real sense of peace and calm, which this Puslinch property has in abundance.
69 Hume Road is a 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom, two-storey home with an incredible 6,085 sq ft of living space. It offers the latest in modern design, features and finishes, with light-hued hardwood floors and massive floor-to-ceiling windows throughout that maximize exposure to the outdoors and let the light shine in.
The views from every room are calming and serene, as you’re completely surrounded by nature here; these vistas are grounding and give the home a real feeling of retreat.
The main level features a stunning open concept kitchen with premium appliances, state-of-the-art fixtures and a large centre island with generous stone countertops. The living spaces include a great room and a dining room that feature hardwood flooring and a gas fireplace.
A beautiful deck helps to create a seamless indoor-to-outdoor experience.
The primary bedroom, on the second level, is a showstopper. It includes custom hand-crafted closets that lead to a private ensuite; here you’ll find a dual-sink vanity, rain shower and a gorgeous soaker tub.
This home also includes a fully finished walkout basement, as well as a spacious three-car garage.
The builder, RA Sanctuaries, is currently building a home on Wellington Rd 34.
“The design this builder has put together is very exciting. The features in this home and the location will truly be one of a kind,” says REALTOR® Nick FitzGibbon. “The great thing about this listing is the purchaser has the opportunity to work directly with the builder and their team to put their touch on this property.”
The home sits on a sprawling 11-acre lot, with privacy, abundant greenery and the flexibility to make any additions and enhancements you like. You could easily envision an elegant outdoor entertaining space, thoughtfully landscaped, that might include a pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen or gazebo. Gardeners will be excited by the opportunity to plant their dream garden beds here, filling them with flowers and plants, fruit trees, herbs and vegetables, or all of the above.
“Eleven acres give the homeowner the opportunity to build a private oasis. Choosing the placement of the home on the lot and designing the landscaping to suit their needs makes 69 Hume Road such a rare opportunity,” says the agent.
You have the best of both worlds, as the home is surrounded by nature, yet you’re still so close to city life, just minutes from Guelph’s south end and with easy access to the 401. The township of Puslinch in Wellington County is a great community that offers lots of fun activities, festivals and events for the family, including the Aberfoyle Farmers’ Market, flea market, an annual fall fair and more.
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.
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