Last Friday, we shared our Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup. This week, we figured we’d keep the potato theme going and make something with a little crunch. If you’re the one who reaches for the crispiest potatoes on the tray, we saved you a spot at the table.

These Crispy Parmesan Smashed Potatoes are fluffy in the middle, golden around the edges and brushed with garlic butter. They’re an easy side for roast chicken or burgers, but we’d happily put the whole tray on the table with a bowl of garlic aioli and let everyone dig in.

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs baby potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make Crispy Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

1. Boil the potatoes. Cook them in salted water for 15–20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain well and let them steam-dry for a few minutes.
2. Get the oven ready. Preheat to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Give them a gentle smash. Spread the potatoes out on the baking sheet. Use the bottom of a sturdy glass or measuring cup to flatten each one, pressing just enough to split the skin and rough up the edges.
4. Brush with garlic butter. Mix the olive oil, melted butter and minced garlic. Brush the mixture generously over each potato.
5. Season and add Parmesan. Sprinkle with the garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper and freshly grated Parmesan.
6. Bake until golden. Roast for 25–30 minutes, until the edges are deeply golden and crisp.
7. Finish and serve. Scatter the chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan over the hot potatoes. Serve right away with your favourite dipping sauce.

🔥 Food Friday Tip: Give the drained potatoes a few minutes to steam-dry before smashing them. Drier surfaces crisp up better in the oven. Leave a little room between potatoes on the tray, too, so those rough edges have space to brown.

If you made last week’s soup, we’d love to know which one you’d make again first. And if you’re trying these potatoes, tell us what you’re dipping them in!

…so here are a few of our favourites to try while they’re still warm!

• Lemon garlic aioli — Stir together ½ cup mayo, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 small grated garlic clove and a pinch of salt.
• Loaded baked potato dip — Mix sour cream, sliced green onions, shredded cheddar and crispy bacon. It’s a fun nod to last week’s soup.
• Dill and chive ranch — Mix Greek yogurt or sour cream with fresh dill, chives, a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of garlic powder.
• Spicy honey mustard — Stir together Dijon, honey and a splash of hot sauce for a sweet, tangy dip with a little heat.

Happy Food Friday from all of us at The Riz Team! ❤️

Don’t put it on HOLD…call The Riz Team to get it SOLD!!!™

Spring might feel a long way off when you’re getting ready for the holidays. But if a move is on your mind, November can be a comfortable time to start making a plan.

You don’t need to spend your weekends packing or have a listing date picked out. A few manageable steps now can give you more breathing room as your plans take shape.

At The Riz Team, we’re happy to talk things through while you’re still at the “maybe next spring” stage. Here are five places to begin.

1. Think About What You Want From Your Next Move

Before making a to-do list for your current home, take a moment to consider why you’re thinking about moving.

Would you like more space, less upkeep or a different commute? Are you hoping to be closer to family? Has the way you use your home changed?

Write down your must-haves, nice-to-haves and anything you’d prefer to leave behind. If you’re moving with someone else, compare your lists—you might discover different priorities worth discussing early.

Try this: Finish the sentence, “Our next home would make everyday life easier if…”

2. Sketch Out Your Preferred Timeline

Your next chapter starts with a conversation.

When you picture a spring move, do you mean putting your home on the market in March or settling into your next home by May?

Those are different starting points for a plan.

Consider work commitments, school schedules, holidays and how much preparation your home may need. Think about where you have flexibility, too.

You don’t need firm dates yet. Even a rough timeline gives us something useful to work through together.

3. Get to Know Your Next-Home Priorities

Before focusing on getting your current home ready, think about what you’d like your next home to offer.

Would a main-floor bedroom make life easier? Do you need room for a home office, more outdoor space or less property to maintain? Which neighbourhoods would fit your daily routine?

Create a short list of must-haves and features you could be flexible about. If you’re moving with a partner or family, compare your ideas so everyone has a chance to share what matters.

Try this: Choose your top three priorities for your next home. They’ll give your search a useful starting point.

4. Make a Preparation List Before Spending

You may already be wondering whether to paint, replace flooring or update a bathroom before selling.

Start by writing down what needs attention. Separate routine maintenance and repairs from cosmetic changes you’re considering, then discuss the list with your agent before committing to larger projects.

The right preparation depends on your home’s condition, your budget and the properties buyers will be comparing it with. A walkthrough can help you decide what deserves attention and what can wait.

For now, gather any renovation records, warranties and details about major updates. They’ll be helpful when it’s time to prepare your listing information.

5. Have an Early Conversation With Your Agent

You don’t need a perfectly tidy house or a finished plan before reaching out.

An early conversation gives us time to learn about your goals, discuss preparation and explore how selling your current home could fit with buying your next one.

If you’re planning a purchase, it’s also a good time to connect with your mortgage professional about your financing questions.

Our role is to help you understand the steps ahead so you can make decisions at a pace that feels manageable.

Your November Starting Checklist

Keep it simple this month:

• Write down your reasons for moving and your next-home priorities.
• Discuss your preferred listing and moving dates.
• Choose your top three next-home priorities.
• Gather records of home improvements and maintenance.
• Make a list of repairs and questions for your agent.
• Arrange an initial conversation with The Riz Team.

Coming in December: We’ll share a manageable approach to decluttering before a spring move—one small space at a time. For November, focus on your goals and getting a plan started.

Let’s Talk About Your Spring Plans

A move often begins with a few questions around the kitchen table. “Would we like more room?” “Is it time to downsize?” “Where would we go?”

You don’t have to answer them all on your own.

Whether you’re ready to make a plan or simply exploring the possibility, Riz and Nicole would be happy to hear what you’re thinking. Together, we can work out a practical starting point for your spring move.

Riz Jadavji | Team Leader & REALTOR®
📞 519-716-7253
✉️ riz@therizteam.com

Nicole Shantz | Sales Representative
📞 519-591-7413
✉️ nicole@therizteam.com

The Riz Team – Real Estate Professionals
Royal LePage Wolle Realty

Don’t put it on HOLD…call The Riz Team to get it SOLD!!!™

There’s something about a chilly November evening that makes a warm bowl of soup sound like the perfect dinner. Add some crusty bread and a generous sprinkle of cheese, and you’ve got a good reason to stay in! 🥣❤️

For this week’s Food Friday, we’re sharing Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Soup—a cozy recipe with tender potatoes, crispy bacon and plenty of cheddar.

We spend a lot of time helping people find a place to call home. Our Food Friday series is a chance to share some of the little things that make being home feel special, including something delicious simmering on the stove.

Pull up a chair, grab your favourite bowl and give this one a try!

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Green onions, sour cream and extra cheese for topping

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Carefully drain excess bacon fat, leaving a little for the onion.
2. Build the base. Add the onion and sauté until softened. Stir in the butter, then add the flour and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute.
3. Add the liquids and potatoes. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk until smooth. Add the diced potatoes and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Make it creamy. Lightly mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot, leaving plenty of pieces for texture.
5. Add the finishing touches. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese and most of the bacon. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the soup is warmed through. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Load it up! Ladle into bowls and top with the remaining bacon, extra cheddar, sliced green onions and a dollop of sour cream.

A Little Kitchen Tip

For a smooth finish, freshly grate your cheddar and add it over low heat. Avoid boiling the soup after adding the cream and cheese.

You can also set out the toppings in small bowls so everyone can finish their soup just the way they like it.

What’s your must-have baked potato topping? We’d love to hear!

If you make this recipe, tag @TheRizTeam so we can see your creation. From our team to your table, have a warm and wonderful weekend.

From our team to your table, enjoy a little comfort this Food Friday. ❤️

The Riz Team | Royal LePage Wolle Realty
Don’t put it on HOLD…call The Riz Team to get it SOLD!!!™

Home is where we build our lives, share everyday moments and look ahead to the future. Everyone deserves to experience that sense of belonging in a place where they feel safe.

At The Riz Team, this belief makes the work of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation especially meaningful to us.

The Foundation has announced that it has raised $60 million since its establishment in 1998, supporting women’s shelters and intimate partner violence prevention programs across Canada. It is a milestone worth recognizing—and an opportunity to bring greater awareness to the work that continues.

A Collective Effort Across Canada

Behind this achievement are Royal LePage professionals, donors and communities contributing through commission donations, fundraising events and awareness initiatives. These efforts help support local women’s shelters and national programs focused on preventing family violence and helping young people develop healthy relationships.

Every contribution is part of a broader commitment to helping people find safety and move forward with support.

Why This Matters to The Riz Team

As real estate professionals serving Waterloo Region, we spend our days talking about home: what people need, where they want to live and what their next chapter might look like.

This milestone invites us to reflect on something fundamental to those conversations. Feeling safe at home matters deeply.

As members of Royal LePage Wolle Realty, we are proud to recognize the Foundation’s achievement and help share its purpose with our clients, neighbours and community.

Learn More or Get Involved

You can read the original Royal LePage article or make a donation to support the Foundation’s work.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, ShelterSafe.ca provides emergency contact information for women’s shelters across Canada.

The Riz Team | Royal LePage Wolle Realty

“Buyers and sellers in Waterloo Region continued to take a cautious approach in September, with sales down 18.9% year-over-year and new listings falling 16.7% over the same period,” said Bill Duce, CEO of Cornerstone. “Even with less activity, Waterloo Region had the tightest supply at 3.8 months, suggesting the market remains relatively balanced, with modest price declines despite the slowdown. Buyers and sellers will benefit from a local REALTOR® on their side who can speak to activity and trends in their local neighbourhood.”

If you are considering to SELL your home or BUY a home in the next short while, 

it would be highly beneficial for you to connect with one of our Team Agents at

The Riz Team

Do you want to know what your home is worth today? Click Below for our Online No Obligation Market Evaluation:

Waterloo Region Area Highlights:

• Waterloo Region home sales decreased 14.2% month-over-month.
• The number of newly listed properties increased by 38.4% on a month-over-month basis.
• In Kitchener-Waterloo, the MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) was $630,200 in September 2026, up 0.3% month-over-month and down 5.6% year-over-year. In Cambridge, the HPI was $662,700, down 0.6% month-over-month and down 4.1% year-over-year.
• The supply of inventory across the market decreased by 12.8% on a year-over-year basis, and there was a 3.8-month supply of all property types by the end of September, which was 5.0% lower than in September 2025.

“Buyers and sellers in Waterloo Region continued to take a cautious approach in September, with sales down 18.9% year-over-year and new listings falling 16.7% over the same period,” said Bill Duce, CEO of Cornerstone. “Even with less activity, Waterloo Region had the tightest supply at 3.8 months, suggesting the market remains relatively balanced, with modest price declines despite the slowdown. Buyers and sellers will benefit from a local REALTOR® on their side who can speak to activity and trends in their local neighbourhood.”

If you are considering to SELL your home or BUY a home in the next short while, 

it would be highly beneficial for you to connect with one of our Team Agents at

The Riz Team

Do you want to know what your home is worth today? Click Below for our Online No Obligation Market Evaluation:

Waterloo Region Area Highlights:

• Waterloo Region home sales decreased 14.2% month-over-month.
• The number of newly listed properties increased by 38.4% on a month-over-month basis.
• In Kitchener-Waterloo, the MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) was $630,200 in September 2026, up 0.3% month-over-month and down 5.6% year-over-year. In Cambridge, the HPI was $662,700, down 0.6% month-over-month and down 4.1% year-over-year.
• The supply of inventory across the market decreased by 12.8% on a year-over-year basis, and there was a 3.8-month supply of all property types by the end of September, which was 5.0% lower than in September 2025.

“Waterloo Region’s market continued to reflect the broader trend of cautious buyer activity, with sales down 10.9% year-over-year and new listings falling 14.8% over the same period,” said Bill Duce, CEO of Cornerstone. “While the pullback in both sales and listings may seem concerning on the surface, Waterloo Region remains the tightest market across our coverage area, yet buyers still have more selection than in previous years. It’s also worth noting the differences between communities, with the Kitchener-Waterloo benchmark price down 6.0% year-over-year to $628,300, while Cambridge showed more resilience, with a modest 4.2% decline to $666,400 and a slight uptick month-over-month. These differences are a good reminder that Waterloo Region is not a single market, and connecting with a local REALTOR^® who knows your community and neighbourhood is the best way to navigate what this market means for you specifically.”

If you are considering to SELL your home or BUY a home in the next short while, 

it would be highly beneficial for you to connect with one of our Team Agents at

The Riz Team

Do you want to know what your home is worth today? Click Below for our Online No Obligation Market Evaluation:

Waterloo Region Area Highlights:

• Waterloo Region home sales decreased 18.9% month-over-month.
• The number of newly listed properties decreased by 24.5% on a month-over-month basis.
• In Kitchener-Waterloo, the MLS^® Home Price Index (HPI) was $628,300 in August 2026, a decrease of 0.8% month-over-month and a 6.0 % decline on a year-over-year basis. In Cambridge, the HPI was $666,400, a 0.7% increase month-over-month and a decline of 4.2% on a year-over-year basis.
• The supply of inventory across the market decreased by 10.3% on a year-over-year basis, and there was a 3.5-month supply of all property types by the end of August, which was 2.8% lower than in August 2025.

If you are considering to SELL your home or BUY a home in the next short while, 

it would be highly beneficial for you to connect with one of our Team Agents at

The Riz Team

Do you want to know what your home is worth today? Click Below for our Online No Obligation Market Evaluation:

Waterloo Region July 2026 Statistics

• The supply of inventory across the market decreased by 9.4% on a year-over-year basis, and there was a 3.9-month supply of all property types by the end of July, which was 4.9% lower than in July 2025.

Waterloo Region Housing Statistics

Analyze the thriving Waterloo Region real estate market, home to leading tech companies, prestigious universities, and diverse communities. Our comprehensive statistics track this dynamic market across cities, townships, and property types. click on the Cornerstone Image to access full report

“While sales activity in Waterloo Region picked up in June compared with the previous month, year-over-year figures show a 2.9 per cent dip, marking the slowest June on record, just nine sales short of June 2024. Both Kitchener and Waterloo posted double-digit declines; meanwhile, Cambridge boasted a 15.2 per cent increase in sales year-over-year,” said Bill Duce, CEO of Cornerstone. “The number of new listings added to the market remains lower than last year, reducing months of supply in all areas except Kitchener. Waterloo Region continues to have the tightest market conditions compared with our other regions, highlighting why using a local REALTOR® is beneficial for both buyers and sellers as they navigate the local market.”

If you are considering to SELL your home or BUY a home in the next short while, 

it would be highly beneficial for you to connect with one of our Team Agents at

The Riz Team

Do you want to know what your home is worth today? Click Below for our Online No Obligation Market Evaluation:

Waterloo Region June 2026 Statistics

“Waterloo Region is navigating one of its slowest Mays for sales in the past 15 years, yet the steady month-over-month progress since the start of the year is encouraging. A 9.8 per cent increase in sales from April, combined with a modest uptick in new listings, speaks to a market that is gradually finding its footing,” says Bill Duce, CEO of Cornerstone.

If you are considering to SELL your home or BUY a home in the next short while, 

it would be highly beneficial for you to connect with one of our Team Agents at

The Riz Team

Do you want to know what your home is worth today? Click Below for our Online No Obligation Market Evaluation:

Waterloo Region May Statistics

• The supply of inventory across the market decreased 5.0% on a year-over-year basis, resulting in a 3.6-month supply of all property types by the end of April, which was similar to levels reported in April 2025.

Waterloo Region Housing Statistics

Analyze the thriving Waterloo Region real estate market, home to leading tech companies, prestigious universities, and diverse communities. Our comprehensive statistics track this dynamic market across cities, townships, and property types. click on the Cornerstone Image to access full report