Posts Tagged ‘house’
Thursday, December 4th, 2025
Sales down nearly 15 percent year-over-year and prices adjusting accordingly…
“We saw a continued cooling of the housing market in November with sales down nearly 15 percent year-over-year and prices adjusting accordingly,” says Christal Moura, spokesperson for the Waterloo Region market. “While seasonal slowdowns are expected at this time of year, softer demand has contributed to higher inventory levels than we’ve seen in some time. These conditions offer a real opportunity for first-time buyers. Increased inventory and longer days on the market allow buyers to explore options thoroughly and, with their REALTOR®’s expertise, negotiate from a stronger position. The combination of Waterloo region being a highly desirable place to live and the lower interest rates makes me hopeful that buyers will be coming off the sidelines in the year ahead.”
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WATERLOO REGION, ON (December 4, 2025) —In November, a total of 465 homes were sold in the Waterloo Region via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System of the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® (Cornerstone). This represents a 14.8 per cent decrease compared to the same period last year and a decline of nearly 25 per cent compared to the average number of homes sold in the previous ten years for the same month.
“We saw a continued cooling of the housing market in November with sales down nearly 15 percent year-over-year and prices adjusting accordingly,” says Christal Moura, spokesperson for the Waterloo Region market. “While seasonal slowdowns are expected at this time of year, softer demand has contributed to higher inventory levels than we’ve seen in some time. These conditions offer a real opportunity for first-time buyers. Increased inventory and longer days on the market allow buyers to explore options thoroughly and, with their REALTOR®’s expertise, negotiate from a stronger position. The combination of Waterloo region being a highly desirable place to live and the lower interest rates makes me hopeful that buyers will be coming off the sidelines in the year ahead.”
Total residential sales in November included 274 detached homes (down 18.0 per cent from November 2024), and 91 townhouses (down 20.9 per cent). Sales also included 59 condominium units (up 11.3 per cent) and 41 semi-detached homes (down 6.8 per cent).
In November, the average sale price for all residential properties in Waterloo Region was $713,751. This represents a 5.4 per cent decrease compared to November 2024 and a 2.7 per cent decrease compared to October 2025.
- The average sale price of a detached home was $827,617. This represents a 4.3 per cent decrease from November 2024 and a decrease of 1.8 per cent compared to October 2025.
- The average sale price for a townhouse was $595,337. This represents an 3.1 per cent decrease from November 2024 and an increase of 0.5 per cent compared to October 2025.
- The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $422,056. This represents a 6.3 per cent decrease from November 2024 and a decrease of 2.2 per cent compared to October 2025.
- The average sale price for a semi was $635,375. This represents a decrease of 1.4 per cent compared to November 2024 and an increase of 10.8 per cent compared to October 2025.

CORNERSTONE cautions that average sale price information can help establish long-term trends but does not indicate specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) provides the best way to gauge price trends because averages are strongly distorted by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next.
MLS® Home Price Index Benchmark Price (HPI)
|
|
Kitchener-Waterloo |
Cambridge |
| Benchmark Type: |
November 2025 |
Monthly % Change |
Yr./Yr. % Change |
November 2025 |
Monthly % Change |
Yr./Yr. % Change |
| Composite |
$642,600 |
-1.9 |
-8.7 |
$685,400 |
-0.3 |
-6.2 |
| Single Family |
$754,000 |
-2.5 |
-8.7 |
$728,900 |
-0.2 |
-6.0 |
| Townhouse |
$530,900 |
-0.7 |
-7.2 |
$595,000 |
-1.1 |
-4.4 |
| Apartment |
$395,700 |
0.1 |
-10.5 |
$436,200 |
0.4 |
-7.1 |

There were 764 new listings added to the MLS® System in Waterloo Region last month, a decrease of 14.4 per cent compared to November last year, however, this figure remains consistent with the previous ten-year average for November.
At the end of November, there were 1,757 homes available for sale in active status, representing a 15.6% increase from November of last year. This marks the highest number of homes for sale in November in over a decade.
The total inventory across the market increased by 25.9 percent, resulting in a 3.4-month supply of all property types by the end of November. Condominium apartments had the highest inventory, with 6.4 months’ supply, followed by townhouses with 4.1 months’ supply and detached homes with 2.8 months’ supply. The number of months of inventory represents the time it would take to sell all current inventories at the current sales rate.
The average time to sell a home in November was 39 days, which is 8 days longer than the previous month. In November 2024, it took 27 days for a home to sell, and the five-year average was 19 days.
View our HPI tool here to learn more: https://www.cornerstone.inc/stats/
Click on any of the graphs below for an interactive view.






Download PDF Version
Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® cautions that average sale price information can help identify long-term trends but should not indicate that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. 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. Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a Waterloo Region REALTOR®. REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe and what to look for to get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.
Tags: buyers, for sale, Homes For Sale, house, kitchener, kitchener real estate, kitchener-waterloo, kitchener-waterloo association of realtors, KW Market Update, realtor, riz jadavji, the riz team, Waterloo Buyers, Waterloo Homes, Waterloo Sellers
Posted in Enhance Your Home, Kitchener Buyers, Kitchener Sellers, Market Stats, Market Update, Real Estate News, Realtor Tips, Uncategorized, Waterloo Buyers, Waterloo Sellers | Comments Off on Kitchener Waterloo Market Snapshot November 2025
Friday, December 3rd, 2021

A NEW RECORD HIGH FOR NUMBER OF HOME SALES IN NOVEMBER AND AN ALL-TIME RECORD LOW SUPPLY READING
KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (December 3, 2021) –– There were 597 residential homes sold last month through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) setting a new record high for November. Compared to the same month last year, November sales were up 4.4% and on par with last month. The previous ten-year average number of residential sales for November is 446.
“The elevated pace of home sales we’ve seen for the past year and a half showed no sign of slowing down in November,” says KWAR’s president, Megan Bell. “Despite some speculation of there being a housing market correction in store for Waterloo Region, sustained homebuying demand combined with a record low level of inventory in November produced continued price growth in the MLS® HPI benchmark price.”
Total residential sales in November included 324 detached (down 3.9 per cent from November 2020), and 106 condominium units (up 27.7 per cent). Sales also included 30 semi-detached homes (down 25 per cent) and 136 townhouses (up 21.4 per cent).
In November, the average sale price for all residential properties in the Kitchener-Waterloo area was $821,969. This represents a 28.9 per cent increase over November 2020 and a 2 per cent decrease compared to October 2021.
- The average price of a detached home was $990,447. This represents a 31 per cent increase from November 2020 and a decrease of 0.6 per cent compared to October 2021.
- The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $494,548. This represents an increase of 23.5 per cent from November 2020 and an increase of 7.1 per cent compared to October 2021.
- The average sale price for a townhouse was $700,476. This represents a 44.8 per cent increase from November 2020 and an increase of 0.9 per cent compared to October 2021.
- The average sale price for a semi was $717,143. This represents an increase of 27.3 per cent compared to November 2020 and a decrease of 1.3 per cent compared to October 2021.

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long-term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) provides the best way to gauge price trends because averages are strongly distorted by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next.
The MLS® HPI composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Kitchener-Waterloo was $825,000 in November. This represents a 34.1 per cent increase over November 2020 and a 2.6 per cent increase compared to October 2021.
- The benchmark price for a detached home was $915,800. This represents a 35.8 per cent increase from November 2020 and 3.2 per cent increase compared to October 2021.
- The benchmark price for an apartment-style condominium was $398,000. This represents a 16.7 per cent increase from November 2020 and a 2.1 per cent decrease compared to October 2021.
- The benchmark price for a townhouse is $627,900. This represents a 45.5 per cent increase from November 2020 and a 4.0 per cent increase compared to October 2021.

“Lack of supply continues to be the refrain in November,” says Bell. “With inventory hitting an all time low it is a tough time to be house hunting right now.”
There were 605 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, an increase of 3.2 per cent compared to November of last year, and a 14.6 per cent decrease compared to the previous ten-year average for November.
The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of November was 207, a decrease of 40.2 per cent compared to November of last year, and 80.7 per cent below the previous ten-year average of 1,071 listings for November.
The number of months of inventory reached an all time low of 0.3 in November. Inventory has settled at under 1 month for thirteen consecutive months. The number of months of inventory represents how long it would take to sell off current inventories at the current rate of sales.
The average number of days to sell in November stayed at 10 days, compared to 14 days in November 2020 and a previous 5-year average of 24 days.
Bell notes that while the housing market typically slows down around the holiday season, she still expects to see a busier than normal December. “There is growing anxiety out there among buyers caused by the fear of missing out against rumblings of interest rates eventually going up in the year ahead.”
Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®. Working with a Realtor is the best way to get a complete picture of the property and community you are considering.
View our HPI tool here to learn more: https://kwar.ca/hpi-dashboard
Historical Sales by Property Type

Months Supply of Homes for Sale

Historical Median Sales Price – By Property Type

Historical Average Sales Price – By Property Type

Average Days on Market

KWAR cautions that average sale price information can be useful in establishing long term trends but should not be used as an indicator that specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The average sale price is calculated based on the total dollar volume of all properties sold. 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 Those requiring specific information on property values should contact a local REALTOR®. REALTORS® have their fingers on the pulse of the market. They know the questions to ask, the areas to probe and what to look for so that you get a complete picture of the property and community you’re considering.
Tags: buyers, for sale, Homes For Sale, house, housing, Kitchener Buyers, Kitchener Sellers, kitchener-waterloo, kitchener-waterloo association of realtors, KW Market Update, real estate market, the riz team, waterloo, Waterloo Homes, waterloo real estate, Waterloo Sellers
Posted in Kitchener Buyers, Kitchener Sellers, Market Stats, Market Update, Real Estate News, Realtor Tips, Waterloo Buyers, Waterloo Sellers | Comments Off on Kitchener-Waterloo Market Snapshot November 2021
Friday, April 3rd, 2020

Home Sales in March Came in Like a Lion Went out Like a Lamb
KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (April 3, 2020) ––There were 577 residential homes sold through the Multiple Listing System (MLS® System) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® in March, an increase of 13.1 per cent compared to the same month last year, and 0.2 per cent below the previous 5-year average.
“We had a very strong start to the month which carried through right up until the province declared its COVID-19 related state of emergency on March 17th,” says Colleen Koehler, President of KWAR. “Before the pandemic hit our region, I believe we were on pace to set a record number of sales for March with the continuance of high demand, low inventory, and a strong seller’s market.
During the first quarter of 2020, there were 1,327 home sales, 14.6 per cent above last year’s result for the same period and 4 per cent above the previous 5-year average.
Total residential sales in March included 348 detached homes (up 7.1 per cent), and 68 condominium apartments (up 5.1 per cent). Sales also included 136 townhouses (up 17.2 per cent) and 25 semi-detached homes (up 4.2 per cent).
The average sale price of all residential properties sold in March increased 15.3 per cent to $583,752 compared to the same month last year, while detached homes sold for an average price of $679,728 an increase of 15.9 per cent. During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $378,443 for an increase of 17.9 per cent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $457,547 (up 23 per cent) and $492,752 (up 17.4 per cent) respectively.
The median price of all residential properties sold in March increased 14.6 per cent to $544,500 and the median price of a detached home during the same period increased 16.2 per cent to $628,500.
“Of course, what is on everyone’s mind is the Coronavirus, and how this global pandemic is impacting every facet of our lives. The Ontario government included real estate services, legal and land registry as an essential service, but by no means is this business as usual for Realtors or their clients,” says Koehler. “As people everywhere follow instructions to only leave their homes for essential reasons, this is impacting the number of showings, and how properties are shown. Not everyone is in the position to postpone the purchase or sale of their home, and Realtors are adapting the technology we already use to serve our clients in this new environment and rigidly following Health Canada’s guidelines.”
REALTORS® listed a higher than average number of homes during the Month of March. There were 864 new listings added to the MLS® System in KW and area last month, an increase of 7.6 per cent compared to March of 2019, and the greatest number since 2015. The number of new residential listings was also 3.7 per cent higher than the previous ten-year average for March.
The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of March was 535, a decrease of 35.9 per cent compared to March of last year.
Despite the much-needed addition of new inventory coming to the market, the number of Months Supply (also known as absorption rate) continues to be very low at just 1.1 months for the month of March, 35.3 per cent below the same period last year. The previous ten-year average supply of homes for March was 2.73 months, and in the past 5 years, the average supply for March was 1.94 months.
KWAR’s president wishes to emphasize that while real estate continues to be an essential service in Ontario, consumers can expect that a REALTOR® will be taking all the necessary protections to ensure we’re doing our part to flatten the curve.
Koehler notes last month 51 listings were suspended on KWAR’s MLS® System, which means the listing is temporarily “off-market,” and there can be no marketing showings or offers during this period. KWAR’s president encourages buyers and sellers to discuss the current situation with their REALTOR®, to find out what they are doing to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the transaction and to make the best and safest decision on how to move forward or hold your real estate decisions during this unprecedented time.
Trying to sell your home while in quarantine, self-isolating or worse yet, while someone in the house is sick, is not going to be in anyone’s best interest. We know many people are postponing their plans to list their home for the time being.
The average days to sell in March was 15 days, compared to 21 days in March 2019.
Media Contact: Tania Benninger, Stakeholder Relations, 519-584-1141
Read Online: https://kwar.ca/home-sales-march-2020
Historical Sales By Property Type

Months Supply of Homes for Sale

Tags: buyers, for sale, home sales, Homes For Sale, house, housing, Kitchener Buyers, kitchener for sale, kitchener realtor, kitchener-waterloo, kitchener-waterloo association of realtors, KW Market Update, KW Real Estate, real estate, realtor, riz jadavji, Royal Lepage Wolle Realty, sales representative, the riz team, waterloo, Waterloo Buyers, Waterloo Homes, waterloo realtor
Posted in Market Stats, Market Update | Comments Off on Kitchener Market Snapshot for March 2020
Tuesday, July 7th, 2015
What goes under foot is seldom an easy decision. Colour, surface texture, room usage and price all come into play. Today, greener options abound, adding to the myriad of choices already available.
Increasing interest in incorporating renewable resources into the home has resulted in many beautiful eco-friendly flooring options.
For homeowners looking on the greener side, it’s worth a look at the many sustainable products available today:
• Give a tree another lease on life with salvaged wood flooring. A rustic look can be created with reclaimed wood. Buying reclaimed lumber continues to get easier, and in some instances, less expensive relative to the cost of new hardwoods.
• Bamboo is a good option for rooms with low humidity. High abundance and a natural look make sustainable bamboo an attractive flooring option. Bamboo grows to maturity in three to five years, about a quarter of the time it takes to grow trees used for hardwood.
• Linoleum flooring has retained its popularity over decades. Unlike vinyl flooring, which is a synthetic product made of chlorinated petrochemicals, linoleum is manufactured from natural compounds including linseed oil, cork dust, tree resins and ground limestone. With natural, renewable elements used in its manufacturing, this eco-friendly flooring option continues to remain a popular option.
• Cork flooring has many eco-friendly attributes. Like bamboo, cork is quickly renewable. It is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree and grows back every three years. Cork has anti-microbial properties to reduce allergens, is fire retardant and provides a comfortable feel under foot. Cork flooring can be finished in a variety of paints and stains to complement any room setting.
• Polyester (P.E.T.) Berber carpet is a sustainable option made of recycled plastic bottles. Anytime we can reuse these materials, we reduce the amount of new materials being manufactured and we reduce non-biodegradable materials in our landfills. Polyester Berber is spill resistant and comes in a variety of aesthetically – pleasing colours and patterns.
Whatever your home’s style or design, an eco-friendly flooring option exists to complement the desired look and existing patterns.
Tags: buyers, easy home improvement tips, for sale, home, home sales, home staging, Homes For Sale, house, housing, kitchener, Kitchener Buyers, kitchener for sale, Kitchener Homes, kitchener real estate, kitchener realtor, Kitchener Sellers, kitchener-waterloo, kitchener-waterloo association of realtors, kw, MLS, preparing to sell, real estate, real estate market, realtor, riz jadavji, Riz Sells KW, rizsellskw.com, royal lepage, Royal Lepage Wolle Realty, seller's tips, waterloo, waterloo real estate, waterloo realtor, Waterloo Sellers, www.rizsellskw.com
Posted in Enhance Your Home, For Sale, From The Riz Team, Kitchener Buyers, Kitchener Sellers, Real Estate Listings, Real Estate News, Realtor Tips, Uncategorized, Waterloo Buyers, Waterloo Sellers | Comments Off on Flooring choices on the greener side!
Monday, June 22nd, 2015
Helpful hints in making a small room appear bigger!
Small rooms are the bane of the home decorator. How do you achieve a pleasing look that doesn’t feel cramped and claustrophobic? Short of building an addition or knocking down walls, you are limited to a few, but effective, decorating tricks that create the illusion of space.
The strategic use of colour and light is the best way to achieve this. Choose light shades of paint or wallpaper for the walls. Lighter colours reflect light making for a brighter room. Use an even lighter shade of the same colour or white for ceilings and floors. A darker colour on the ceiling will make the ceiling look lower and tends to make the walls look as though they are closing in.
Avoid harshly contrasting colours. In fact, a monochromatic colour scheme that carries throughout the room into fabrics and accessories is very effective. Steer away from too many patterned items. The goal here is to blur perspective.
Anything you can do to bring light into the room will also give the effect of increased space. A corner wall sconce that casts light up onto the wall works well. Try to vary lighting effects for interest. A skylight is a great way to add light to a room, but isn’t always practical or affordable. Mirrors are a great solution for small rooms. Place mirrors directly across from another for maximum impact. A mirror placed across from a window is also effective. Place a lamp in front of a mirror to add more light to your room.
If you have wood or patterned flooring, have it installed so that the lines run diagonally across the room. This makes for longer lines, which give the appearance of a larger space. When furnishing the room, pick objects that are proportioned to the size of the room. For example, opt for a loveseat over a full-sized sofa. Lastly, keep the clutter to a minimum. Avoid using a lot of knick-knacks and keep the room tidy and well organized.
Tags: buyers, easy home improvement tips, for sale, home, home sales, home staging, Homes For Sale, house, housing, Kitchener Buyers, kitchener for sale, kitchener real estate, kitchener realtor, kitchener-waterloo association of realtors, preparing to sell, real estate market, riz jadavji, Riz Sells KW, rizsellskw, rizsellskw.com, royal lepage, Royal Lepage Wolle Realty, sales, sales representative, seller's tips, waterloo, waterloo for sale, Waterloo Homes, waterloo real estate, waterloo realtor, Waterloo Sellers, www.rizsellskw.com
Posted in Enhance Your Home, From The Riz Team, Kitchener Buyers, Kitchener Sellers, Real Estate Listings, Real Estate News, Realtor Tips, Uncategorized, Waterloo Buyers, Waterloo Sellers | Comments Off on Looking to Make a Small Room Appear Bigger??
Wednesday, June 17th, 2015

Remaining objective can be a difficult task when viewing an open house. It is easy to fall in love with a home’s appearance, blind to problems that may make it unsuitable. While aesthetics can be an important consideration, it is necessary to look beyond window-dressing.
Aqualified home inspector should be hired before purchasing a home, but there are areas that consumers can examine on their own. This will shorten your list of potential homes and reduce the likelihood that a home inspector will reject it as unsafe or unsuitable. Here are some considerations and common problem areas to look for when touring an open house:
General Upkeep
Much can be surmised from the general state of the home. Is the home clean? Are lawns left uncut? Are the walls chipped and in need of paint? If smaller chores have been ignored it may be an indication of a broader disregard for home maintenance.
Water Leaks
Check ceilings and drywall for stains, bulges and other signs of water damage. Water that works its way inside via a leaky roof or a cracked foundation can rot wood, create mildew and mold, destroy possessions and can be expensive to repair.
Does it Work?
Test lights, faucets, the heater, air conditioning, major appliances (that are to be included with the home) – even flush the toilets to ensure everything is working as it should.
Floors
As you walk across the floors be aware of spongy (soft or springy) sections. Excessive squeaking and uneven, bumpy floors may also be indicative of expensive forthcoming repairs.
Doors & Windows
Check that doors and windows fit snugly in their jambs and operate smoothly. Look for flaked paint and loose caulking. If the wood around windows and doors is not protected from moisture, it can rot away. Feel for drafts in these areas too.
Poor Drainage
On a wet day walk around the yard and look for areas where water collects. This can be an especially bad sign if there are soggy areas near the home’s foundation.
Grout & Caulking
If the grout and caulking around bathroom and kitchen tiles is loose and crumbly, there is a good chance that water is finding its way into the wall or under the floor.
Structural
Although this is definitely an area where you want the services of a qualified home inspector, you can get an idea about possible structural problems if you see deep cracks in the foundations or loose mortar and bricks.
Miscellaneous Concerns
Naturally, one the most important factors will be determining if the house suits your family’s needs. If you do not want to replace all of your furniture, make sure it will fit into the rooms of the new house. This is difficult to do by eye, so be sure to bring a measuring tape. Also, take note of storage space. If you are moving from a home with large closets and a shed, make sure your new house is able to store an equivalent amount of belongings.
Tags: buyers, easy home improvement tips, for sale, home, home sales, home staging, Homes For Sale, house, housing, kitchener, Kitchener Buyers, kitchener realtor, Kitchener Sellers, kitchener-waterloo, kitchener-waterloo association of realtors, preparing to sell, real estate, real estate market, realtor, riz jadavji, rizsellskw, rizsellskw.com, Royal Lepage Wolle Realty, sales representative, waterloo, Waterloo Buyers, Waterloo Homes, waterloo realtor, Waterloo Sellers, www.rizsellskw.com
Posted in Enhance Your Home, For Sale, From The Riz Team, Kitchener Buyers, Kitchener Sellers, Real Estate Listings, Realtor Tips, Uncategorized, Waterloo Buyers, Waterloo Sellers | Comments Off on Viewing an Open House with Open Eyes
Thursday, June 11th, 2015
Are you ready?
When you have decided that the time is right to sell, the first step in preparing for the sale of a home is finding out its worth. Contact me for a comparative market analysis, an informal estimate of value based on the recent selling price of similar neighborhood properties.
Working to ensure your home is in the best condition possible for showing to prospective buyers will position you to receive top dollar. This includes repairing or improving any trouble spots that could deter a buyer, such as squeaky doors, a leaky roof, dirty carpet and walls, and broken windows.
The first impression that potential buyers form of your property as they drive or walk up should not be underestimated. The “curb appeal” of your home is extremely important. You can create a positive first impression by making sure the lawn is pristine – the grass cut, debris removed, garden beds free of weeds, and hedges trimmed.
However, the trick is not to overspend on pre-sale repairs and fix-ups. This is especially important if there are few homes on the market but many buyers competing for them. On the other hand, making such repairs may be the key to selling your home in a down market.
Don’t Put it on HOLD…..Call RIZ to get it SOLD!!!
Tags: buyers, for sale, home, home sales, Homes For Sale, house, housing, kitchener, Kitchener Buyers, kitchener for sale, Kitchener Homes, kitchener real estate, Kitchener Sellers, kitchener-waterloo, kitchener-waterloo association of realtors, kw, preparing to sell, real estate, real estate market, realtor, riz jadavji, rizsellskw, rizsellskw.com, Royal Lepage Wolle Realty, sales representative, waterloo, www.rizsellskw.com
Posted in From The Riz Team, Kitchener Buyers, Kitchener Sellers, Real Estate Listings, Real Estate News, Realtor Tips, Uncategorized, Waterloo Buyers, Waterloo Sellers | Comments Off on Preparing your home for a sale!
Thursday, June 4th, 2015

… For Buyers and Your Neighbours
The summer months are the perfect time to freshen up the exterior of your home. Whether it’s for your pleasure or to impress potential buyers, you’ll boost your home’s curb appeal with these good old-fashioned cleaning tips:
– Edge the gardens, clean out debris
– Pull the weeds and rake the leaves
– Prune the plants and wooly shrubs
– Plant some urns by the entrance and flowers to the beds
– Tidy the garage of winter trappings
– Dispose of rusty broken garden décor
– Put out a fresh welcome mat and oil the front door
– Paint the windowsills, mailbox, and anything else that is looking tired
– Place clear light bulbs in exterior fixtures, and ensure burned out bulbs are replaced
– Reseal the driveway
– Hide the garbage cans
– Sweep the step
– Fix the saggy gutters
Who says cleaning has to hurt? Get the kids involved! Borrow or buy a power washer and have fun cleaning siding, windows, sills, railings, decking and patio furniture.

Tags: boost home curb appeal, buyers, de-clutter, easy home improvement tips, exterior homes, for sale, freshen up, home, home sales, home staging, house, housing, impress potential buyers, kitchener, Kitchener Buyers, kitchener for sale, Kitchener Sellers, kitchener-waterloo, kitchener-waterloo association of realtors, realtor, riz jadavji, rizsellskw, rizsellskw.com, Royal Lepage Wolle Realty, Waterloo Buyers, waterloo real estate, Waterloo Sellers, www.rizsellskw.com
Posted in For Sale, From The Riz Team, Kitchener Buyers, Kitchener Sellers, Real Estate Listings, Real Estate News, Realtor Tips, Waterloo Buyers, Waterloo Sellers | Comments Off on First Impression Counts!
Friday, January 25th, 2013
The “as is” condition might mean the homeowner does not have the time or money to make repairs, or in the case of a foreclosure or estate sale, the seller may not be familiar with the condition of the house.
By Joe Richer | Fri Jan 25 2013 | moneyville.ca
Q: What do I need to know about buying a home listed in “as is” condition?
A: When a home is listed for sale “as is,” it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is in a poor state of repair. The term simply means the property is being sold in its current condition and the seller will not be making any repairs to complete the sale.
The “as is” condition might mean the homeowner does not have the time or money to make repairs, or in the case of a foreclosure or estate sale, the seller may not be familiar with the condition of the house.
Whatever the reason, if you’re interested in the property, the only way to know the true condition is to have a home inspection carried out. Consider including a contingency clause in your offer based on your satisfaction with the inspection. If a deficiency with a budget-busting repair cost is uncovered during the inspection, you’ll want the option to walk away without penalty.
The advantage of an as is sale is the purchase price may be comparatively lower than similar properties in the neighbourhood. But be sure to factor in the cost of repairs and renovations when accounting for the total cost of the purchase.
Buying as is isn’t for everyone. If you’re planning to ask the owner to address a defect or are unwilling to follow-through on the purchase if the inspector finds anything wrong, you’re probably best to avoid making an offer on an as is property.
If you have a question for Joe, email askjoe@reco.on.ca. Joseph Richer is RECO’s registrar and is in charge of the administration and enforcement of all rules under the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act. You can find more tips at reco.on.ca, follow on Twitter @RECOhelps or on YouTube at youtube.com/recohelps.
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Tags: as is, buyer, Buyer beware, clause, condition, home inspection, homeowner, house, lower price, purchasing, real estate, renovations, repairs, sale, seller
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Friday, January 11th, 2013
With an uncertain housing market, more homeowners are opting to put their houses on the market in January. Here are some tips for buyers and sellers to negotiate a safe and successful winter home sale!
By Mark Weisleder | Fri Jan 11 2013| moneyville.ca
January is a slow month for real estate as most sellers choose to wait until the middle of February in the hopes of capitalizing on the early spring market. However, given the uncertainty in the housing market right now, more sellers are opting to put their house on the market in January.
This presents an opportunity for buyers. Most people are reluctant to uproot their families during the school year, so that means less competition — and fewer bidding wars. Lenders will not be as busy, so buyers can expect a more efficient process to get approved for a mortgage to ensure they have financing in place before making an offer.
But there are things you simply won’t be able to inspect during the winter. Here are some tips for protecting yourself when making a deal during the winter months:
Sellers
Spruce up the outside: Use urns with light wood branches to brighten up the exterior of your home, to compensate for any overcast day or snow on the ground.
Get rid of the Christmas lights: homes that look dated on the outside give the impression that they are probably dated on the inside.
Make sure your fireplace is working during any showing, that the temperature is comfortable in the home and that any interior lighting compensates for what is usually grey lighting from outside.
Have pictures of your landscaping available from the summer and autumn, showing how beautiful your home looks year round.
Have available any inspections that you may have done on your air-conditioning unit or swimming pool before they were closed for the winter, as buyers will likely not be able to conduct inspections on these items and will have questions.
Consider inviting a company to do an environmental audit on your home in advance, confirming that there is no moisture behind the walls that could lead to mould and that you have sufficient insulation behind the walls.
Buyers
If there is anything that cannot be inspected because of the winter, such as the air-conditioning system or any swimming pool, then negotiate an extended warranty in the agreement, to give you until at least May 1, to inspect and have the seller be responsible for any damages. In addition, also negotiate a holdback of, say, $2,000 so that if a problem arises, the money comes out of that fund to fix it and you don’t have to chase the seller in court later.
Be careful about snow accumulating around the base of the home. It will be difficult for a home inspector to figure out whether the grading is likely to cause water problems in the basement later. Consider doing your own environmental audit to check for moisture behind any walls.
If the snow on the roof looks like it is evaporating faster than the snow around the house, it is likely a sign that there is not enough insulation in the home.
Check with your insurance company early as to whether you will have any difficulty obtaining insurance on the home; for example, by finding out whether there have been claims made in the neighbourhood about water damages or sewage backups.
Check whether snow accumulation makes it more difficult for street parking, as this may be the only parking available on certain streets. Also see how bad weather may affect your morning commute.
Check the last electric/gas bills, to determine how energy efficient the home is in winter.
People tend to hibernate and stay at home in the winter, so take the opportunity to get to know the neighbours before you finalize your purchase.
By being properly prepared in advance, buyers and sellers can negotiate a safe and successful winter home sale.
Read more stories from Mark Weisleder: click here.
Mark Weisleder is a Toronto real estate lawyer. Contact him at mark@markweisleder.com
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Tags: buyers, home, homeowners, house, january, listing, real estate, sale, sellers, tips, winter
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