The Riz Team Blog

DIY Pumpkin Spice Latte

November 21st, 2019 by Riz Jadavji

Enjoy this coffeehouse-style Pick-Me-Up Pumpkin Spice Latte drink anytime. Pumpkin melts right into the coffee and adds body and natural flavor. This is a great satisfying specialty beverage for all year round.

INGREDIENTS

1 cup strong coffee

2/3 cup Evaporated Milk

1/3 cup 100% Pure Pumpkin

2 teaspoons granulated sugar or more to taste

1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Whipped cream (optional)

READ INSTRUCTIONS HERE

D.I.Y. LIGHT BULB DECOR

November 15th, 2019 by Riz Jadavji

D.I.Y. Beaded Showpiece! Wait before you throw out your old bulbs. Reuse the bulbs to make your room extraordinary! Here are ways to make your home look beautiful and brighter with these d.i.y. bulbs!
READ MORE: http://bit.ly/2Oeek7f

OCTOBER MARKET SNAPSHOT

November 5th, 2019 by Riz Jadavji

STRONG HOME SALES CONTINUE IN OCTOBER IN FACE OF LOW INVENTORY

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (November 5, 2019) ––538 residential properties sold through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) in October, an increase of 4.1 per cent compared to the same month last year.

Home sales in October included 334 detached (up 11.3 per cent), and 65 condominium apartments (up 1.6 per cent). Sales also included 108 townhouses (down 6.1 per cent) and 31 semi-detached homes (down 18.4 per cent).

“Home sales were up again last month led by strong sales of detached single family properties,” says Brian Santos, KWAR President.

The average sale price of all residential properties sold in October increased by 9.1 per cent to $533,288 compared to October 2018. Detached homes sold for an average price of $610,840 (an increase of 6.2 per cent compared to October of last year. During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $333,895 for an increase of 6.7 per cent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $434,035 (up 11.2 per cent) and $461,590 (up 14.3 per cent) respectively.

The median price of all residential properties sold last month increased 12.4 per cent to $500,000 and the median price of a detached home during the same period increased by 8.3 per cent to $568,950.

The average days it took to sell a home in October was 22 days, which is three days fewer than it took in October 2018.

REALTORS® listed 670 residential properties in K-W and area last month, a decrease of 12.4 per cent compared to October of 2018, and a decrease of 3.3 per cent in comparison to the previous ten-year average for the month of October. The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of October totalled 691, a decrease of 26.5 per cent compared to October of last year, and well below the previous ten-year average of 1,412 listings for October. Months Supply of Homes for sale stood at 1.4 months in October, which is 26.3 percent lower than the same period last year. The previous ten-year average months supply of homes for October was 3.03.

“Seasonal strength in October is common as people to look to make moves before Winter. With a scarcity of listings, buyers continue to snap up properties in the Kitchener-Waterloo area at a robust rate,” says Santos.

In this highly competitive real estate market, Santos emphasizes the importance of working with a local REALTOR® who has a complete understanding of our unique region and its market dynamics.

5 CRITERIA FOR PRICING A HOME

October 21st, 2019 by Riz Jadavji

When you put your home up for sale, one of the best ways to determine the asking price is to look at comparable sales. There’s rarely a perfect apples-to-apples comparison, so a pricing decision often relies on comparisons to several recent sales in the area. Here are five criteria to look for in a sales comparison.

  1. Location: Homes in the same neighborhood typically follow the same market trends. Comparing your home to another in the same neighborhood is a good start, but comparing it to homes on the same street or block is even better.
  2. Date of sale: It varies by location, but housing markets can see a ton of fluctuation in a short time period. It‘s best to use the most recent sales data available.
  3. Home build: Look for homes with similar architectural styles, numbers of bathrooms and bedrooms, square footage, and other basics.
  4. Features and upgrades: Remodeled bathrooms and kitchens can raise a home’s price, and so can less flashy upgrades like a new roof or HVAC system. Be sure to look for similar bells and whistles.
  5. Sale types: Homes that are sold as short sales or foreclosures are often in distress or sold at a lower price than they’d receive from a more typical sale. These homes are not as useful for comparisons.

SEPTEMBER MARKET SNAPSHOT

October 7th, 2019 by Riz Jadavji

SECOND STRONGEST SEPTEMBER FOR HOME SALES

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (October 3, 2019) ––526 residential properties sold through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) in September, an increase of 17.7 per cent compared to the same month last year.

Home sales in September included 330 detached (up 20.4 per cent), and 38 condominium apartments (down 24 per cent). Sales also included 125 townhouses (up 34.4 per cent) and 33 semi-detached homes (up 10 per cent).

“This was the second strongest September for home sales we’ve had on record, and only the second time transactions exceeded 500 units in the month of September,” says Brian Santos, KWAR President.

Alongside the strong sales in September, average and median prices of all residential properties hit all-time highs.

The average sale price of all residential properties sold in September increased by 10.2 per cent to $541,850 compared to September 2018. Detached homes sold for an average price of $612,643 (an increase of 7.1 per cent compared to September of last year. During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $335,110 for an increase of 3 per cent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $439,522 (up 16.3 per cent) and $459,588 (up 18.9 per cent) respectively.

The median price of all residential properties sold last month increased 12.6 per cent to $510,000 and the median price of a detached home during the same period increased by 10.9 per cent to $576,500.

The average days it took to sell a home in September was 22 days, which is three days fewer than it took in September 2018.

REALTORS® listed 811 residential properties in K-W and area last month, a decrease of 2.1 per cent compared to September of 2018, but an increase of 5.2 per cent in comparison to the previous ten-year average for the month of September. The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of September totalled 775, a decrease of 21.7 per cent compared to September of last year, and well below the previous ten-year average of 1,458 listings for September. Months Supply of Homes for sale stood at 1.6 months in September, which is 23.8 percent lower than the same period last year. The previous ten-year average months supply of homes for September was 3.16.

“Tight supply is the new normal,” says Santos. “We’ve been tracking under two months of supply for over three years now, and this has put steady upward pressure on prices.”

Santos says market conditions have made it especially challenging for first time home buyers, noting that all the major political parties have made policy commitments related to home buying going into the upcoming federal election.

Santos advises buyers work with a local REALTOR® who has a complete understanding of our region to give them an advantage in the highly competitive KW housing market.

CNIB Event Information

September 11th, 2019 by Riz Jadavji

Date: October 4, 2019

Venue: Steckle Farm, 811 Bleams Road Kitchener Ontario N2E3X4

City: Kitchener-Waterloo, ON

Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
*A MESSAGE FROM NICOLE SHANTZ FROM THE RIZ TEAM*

CNIB provides support and services for those who are blind or partially sighted right here in our community. They have supported our family superhero, Porter, in many different ways, and this is our opportunity to give back.

We have committed to walking and raising money for their vital programs and services. Please help support us in this important project by joining our team and walking at the event or by contributing to our fundraising efforts generously.

For information about CNIB and its programs, you can visit www.cnib.ca. To learn more about this event you can visit www.cnibnightsteps.ca.

All funds raised during Night Steps Waterloo Region help fund our community’s Children & Youth programs.

Unfortunately because this years event is held at a farm, only service dogs are allowed.

Thank you for your support.

The Shantz Family

Click here to view the team page for Team Porter Shantz
If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
http://cannib.convio.net/site/TR?team_id=2286&pg=team&fr_id=1498&s_locale=en_CA&et=y6lJ57kdRyr4_1T484LmLw&s_tafId=3103

AUGUST MARKET SNAPSHOT

September 5th, 2019 by Riz Jadavji

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (September 5, 2019) ––459 residential properties sold through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) in August, a decrease of 9.1 per cent compared to the same month last year.

Home sales in August included 267 detached (down 11.9 per cent), and 56 condominium apartments (down 13.8 per cent). Sales also included 97 townhouses (down 4.9 per cent) and 39 semi-detached homes (up 11.4 per cent).

“The number of homes sold last month was below the average for August; however, we continue to see strong price gains across all property types,” says Brian Santos, KWAR President.

The average sale price of all residential properties sold in August increased by 6.4 per cent to $524,482 compared to August 2018. Detached homes sold for an average price of $615,568 (an increase of 5.4 per cent compared to August of last year. During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $324,778 for a decrease of 3.1 per cent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $420,239 (up 18.3 per cent) and $441,802 (up 10.2 per cent) respectively.

The median price of all residential properties sold last month increased 8.1 per cent to $495,000 and the median price of a detached home during the same period increased by 2.8 per cent to $560,000.

REALTORS® listed 574 residential properties in K-W and area last month, a decrease of 14.5 per cent compared to August of 2018, and a decrease of 13 per cent in comparison to the previous ten-year average for the month of August. The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of August totalled 734, a decrease of 17.3 per cent compared to August of last year, and well below the previous ten-year average of 1,426 listings for August. Months Supply of Homes for sale stood at 1.5 months in August, which is 16.7 percent lower than the same period last year.

The average days it took to sell a home in August was 26 days, which is two days fewer than it took in August 2018.

“We’re noting differences in market balance depending on the price range,” says Santos. “For homes priced under $600 thousand, it is still a strong seller’s market, whereas above $600 thousand, it is a more balanced situation.”

As an indicator, Santos points to the month’s supply of homes, also known as the absorption rate. For homes priced at more than $600,000, the months of supply stood at 3.4 in August, compared to 0.9 months for homes prices under that amount. Months supply is the inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, divided by the average monthly closed sales from the last 12 months. The previous ten-year average months supply across all price ranges has been just over 3 months.

“It all comes down to what the buyers can find in their price range,” says Santos. “Homes in Kitchener-Waterloo are definitely in high demand, and there is strong competition among buyers trying to find one that will suit them.”

Santos advises buyers to work with a local REALTOR® who has a complete understanding of our region to give them an advantage in this crowded KW housing market.

EASY LANDSCAPING D.I.Y PROJECTS

August 12th, 2019 by Riz Jadavji

Ever get the itch to do a DIY project? Whenever we do, our favorites involve getting outdoors and mixing up our landscaping features.

*READ MORE BELOW

Whether it’s as simple as installing some lighting or a little more time-consuming like re-plotting plants, a fresh look for the lawn always gives your home a fresh look as well. Here are our top five easy landscaping projects!

Create a pathway.

To guide you and visitors throughout your yard and link different areas together, install a pathway. You can use materials from a variety of materials, including reclaimed pallet wood, flagstones, gravel, and more to add texture and color.

Add a wall or border.

Installing a flagstone, rock, or brick wall around flower beds or trees adds a sleek, clean look to your landscaping and helps separate different sections of your yard.

Install a water feature.

Nothing says zen quite like the sound of trickling water as you relax in your backyard. You can start simple with by purchasing and installing a small feature powered by a solar panel or create a larger focal point in your yard by installing a waterfall wall or small pond.

Light your way.

An easy way to transform your yard is to strategically use lighting. Place cool-colored lights high in trees to recreate a moonlight feel, use pathway lights to naturally guide the eye, or highlight objects or plants.

Plant upwards.

Expand your yard space by drawing the eye to the sky with a trellis fence or screen made of wood or metal. Once you install your trellis, select your climbing plants and vines and get to planting!

☎️ Don’t put it on HOLD…Call The Riz Team to get it SOLD!!!™
519.RIZ.SOLD | riz@therizteam.com | www.therizteam.com

STRONG HOME SALES IN JULY

August 12th, 2019 by Riz Jadavji

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (August 6, 2019) ––586 residential properties sold through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) in July, representing an increase of 15.1 per cent compared to the same month last year.

Home sales in July included 322 detached (up 16.4 per cent), and 62 condominium apartments (down 6.1 per cent). Sales also included 148 townhouses (up 45.1 per cent) and 42 semi-detached homes (down 22.2 per cent).

“Home sales continued their strong momentum from last month,” says Brian Santos, KWAR President. “On a year-to-date basis we’re seeing sales have increased slightly over last year.”

The average sale price of all residential properties sold in July increased by 9.3 per cent to $521,101 compared to July 2018. Detached homes sold for an average price of $613,244 (an increase of 5.4 per cent compared to July of last year. During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $339,137 for an increase of 15.9 per cent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $414,062 (up 17 per cent) and $434,136 (up 11.9 per cent) respectively.

The median price of all residential properties sold last month increased 10.8 per cent to $489,450 and the median price of a detached home during the same period increased by 8.8 per cent to $575,750

REALTORS® listed 844  residential properties in K-W and area last month, an increase of 12.8 per cent compared to July of 2018, and an increase of 10.4 per cent in comparison to the previous ten-year average for the month of July The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of July totalled 863, a decrease of 8.7 per cent compared to July of last year, and well below the previous ten-year average of 1,467 listings for July. Months Supply of Homes for sale stood at 1.7 months in July, which is 15 percent lower than the same period last year.

“The temperature is matching the market,” says Santos. “we’re continuing to see strong consumer demand that is making for a busier than normal market for the middle of summer.”

The average days it took to sell a home in June was 22 days, which is the same number of days it took in July 2018.

HOME SALES SHOW MOMENTUM IN MAY

June 5th, 2019 by Riz Jadavji

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (June 5, 2019) –– The number of home sales through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) in May were on par with the same month last year. There were 694 residential sales last month, an increase of 11 per cent compared to April, and an increase of 7.2 per cent compared to the previous ten-year average for May.

Total residential sales in May included 429 detached (up 2.6 per cent), and 68 condominium apartments (down 23.6 per cent). Sales also included 137 townhouses (down 4.2 per cent) and 60 semi-detached homes (up 36.4 per cent).

“Home sales were strong last month,” says Brian Santos, KWAR President. “May is often the most active month in a given year, but the way sales picked up in momentum after the Victoria Day holiday makes me think we could see sales activity in June surpass May.

The average sale price of all residential properties sold in May increased by 10.6 per cent to $534,348 compared to May 2018. Detached homes sold for an average price of $623,289 an increase of 9.1 per cent compared to May of last year. During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment style condominium was $332,309 for an increase of 11.3 per cent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $402,426 (up 9.8 per cent) and $432,207 (up 9.3 per cent) respectively.

The median price of all residential properties sold last month increased 11.2 per cent to $495,000, and the median price of a detached home during the same period increased by 10.4 per cent to $575,000

REALTORS® listed 1,123 residential properties in K-W and area last month, an increase of 5 per cent compared to May of 2018, and an increase of 12 per cent in comparison to the previous ten-year average for the month of May. The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of May totalled 1,012, a decrease of 0.8 per cent compared to May of last year, and well below the previous ten-year average of 1,607 listings for May. Months Supply of Homes for sale stood at 2.1 months in May, which is on par with the same period last year.

“It was good to see more listings coming onto the market in May, but home buying demand continues to outpace the number of homes available,” says Santos. “I hope to see more listing activity in June and into the summer months. With mortgage rates as low as they are—demand from buyers is bound to stay strong, making it a good time to sell your home.”

The average days it took to sell a home in May was 12 days, compared to 13 days in May 2018.

While the majority of residential MLS® System activity is properties for sale, REALTORS® are increasingly asked to represent landlords and tenants. Last month 65 residential leases occurred through KWAR’s MLS® System, an increase of 8.3 per cent compared to May of last year and a 164.2 increase compared to the previous ten-year average.


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