The Riz Team Blog

Posts Tagged ‘kitchener’

Royal LePage Wolle Realty 19th Annual Christmas Classic Results

Friday, December 14th, 2012

 2400 lbs of Food & Over $12,000 in Cash Were Raised to Help The Food Bank of Waterloo Region With its “Christmas Drive”

The more than 60 Sales Representatives of Royal LePage Wolle Realty in Kitchener weighed in with contributions of over 2400 lbs of food and over $12,000 in cash to help the Food Bank with its “Christmas Drive”. More than 900 of the firm’s customers, families and friends filled six theatres at Empire Theatres on December 8th, 2012 for the family-friendly movie “Wreck It Ralph”. The price of admission was at least one non-perishable food item per family member and cash donations were made by appeal to local business. Congratulations to Erin Betts who won our draw for a $250 Gift Certificate for Saucony Shoes.

A special vote of thanks is being extended to the donating corporations, businesses and individuals and thank you to all our clients, families and friends that came out to support us!

Residential Sales up in November

Wednesday, December 5th, 2012

By Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) admin   •December 5th, 2012

KITCHENER-WATERLOO, ON (November 5, 2012) –– Residential real estate sales through the Multiple Listing System (MLS®) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) were up 7.3 percent last month compared to November of last year.

There were 486 residential properties sold in November, bringing the year-to-date total to 5,931, just nine more home sales than during the first 11 months of 2011. The total value of homes sold last month was $151 million, up 11.3 percent over last year.

“In terms of total unit sales, it was a better than average November” says Dietmar Sommerfeld, president of the KWAR. “Our figures show that residential transactions in November were 6.8 percent above the previous 5 year-average.”

November’s residential sales included 318 detached homes (up 8.9 percent), 33 semi-detached (down 17.5 percent), 26 townhouses (up 4 percent), and 103 condominium units (up 14.4 percent).

There was a jump in the number of home selling in the $500,000 to $750,000 price range — 41 homes compared to 23 in November of last year. This put some upward pressure on the average price range.

The average sale price of all homes sold in November was $311,604, compared with $300,447 a year ago, an increase of 3.7 percent. Single detached homes sold for an average price of $359,439, compared with 346,044 last year, up 3.9 percent.

The median price for all homes sold in November was $287,750 compared with $275,000, an increase of 4.6 percent. Single detached homes sold for a median price of $326,500 compared with $315,000 last year, up 3.7 percent.

Sommerfeld says that despite talk of cooling markets in some Canadian cities, continued low borrowing costs, confidence in the local real estate market, and a well-diversified local economy are keeping Kitchener-Waterloo’s housing market steady and stable.

{Source}

HOME for the Holidays

Monday, November 26th, 2012

Region will spend $19.5 million renovating old courthouse

Thursday, October 4th, 2012

WATERLOO REGION — The Region of Waterloo will spend $19.5 million on renovations and maintenance to the Waterloo County Courthouse.

The region will take over the old courthouse when the new one currently under construction is complete next year.

Regional councillors awarded a $786,434 consulting agreement this week to Robertson Simmons Architects Inc. for design and engineering services.

Coun. Jean Haalboom is planning a tour for local heritage advocates to review the building. She said she’d like to see heritage value incorporated into the renovation.

“I think it’s important for us to have, shall I say, a value walk,” she said. “Just to identify what would be of value. Before any work is done (we need) to have a walk there to see what we (might) consider important and how to adapt it from there.”

Gary Sosnoski, commissioner of corporate resources, said the firm working on the project is open to those considerations. “The firm itself has experience (with adaptive reuse) throughout southern Ontario,” he said.

The company worked previously on the Breithaupt Block in Kitchener, he said. “I’m sure we will do everything required to get the building up to our standard.”

Located at 20 Weber St. in Kitchener, the building was constructed in 1963 as the courthouse and county administration building. Its five floors boast about 60,000 square feet and is listed on the City of Kitchener’s municipal heritage register as a non-designated property of cultural heritage value or interest.

Heritage features are expected to be incorporated into the design.

pdesmond@therecord.com

Petition opposes changes to Waterloo sign bylaw

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2012

City of Waterloo is considering controls on mobile signs like these, pictured in 2009 along Hespeler Road in Cambridge.  At that time, Cambridge wrestled with new rules for mobile signs like Waterloo is now.

   Rick Koza

WATERLOO — Those portable, neon-letter signs may be criticized by some as roadside eyesores and have prompted proposed changes to Waterloo’s sign bylaw, but sign company operators told council Monday night that those signs can attract up to 30 per cent of the sales for the businesses that use them.

“Many business owners will tell you that portable sign advertising keeps them in business,” Mike Gaudreau told council.

Gaudreau, of React Mobile Signs, was one of several people who appeared before Waterloo city councillors Monday to weigh in a proposed new sign bylaw that would limit or eliminate their ability to use mobile signs. He brought to council a petition signed by 87 businesses that oppose some of the changes.

Several worried business owners also sent letters and emails to councillors. Those businesses range from tanning spas and restaurants to credit unions and flower shops. Many have been in the community for decades.

Under a Freedom of Information request, Gaudreau learned there were 18 complaints about mobile signs this year. Five came from the public, the rest were generated internally, likely from staff, according to the city’s director of bylaw.

He said his information request showed that mobile sign permits brought in about $84,000 in revenue for the city at the same time.

Dave Lamka of A to Z Signs, said Kitchener businesses can use mobile signs six months out of the year, giving them a competitive advantage.

“Business owners in Kitchener will use their six months of mobile sign time to take badly needed sales from Waterloo’s local business owners,” he said. “Many badly needed jobs will be lost in Waterloo.”

Portable or mobile signs — the ones with neon letters — wouldn’t be allowed anymore in commercial plazas under a proposed citywide sign bylaw. They could be used in other areas, including those zoned “corridor commercial.”

They would be allowed to use accessory signs such as A-frame, T-frame or sandwich board signs, instead.

No decision was made at the meeting.

“I’m a little concerned that depending on where you are, your sign options are a little limited,” Coun. Scott Witmer said.

A number of changes are proposed to Waterloo’s sign bylaw that will impact everyone from business owners and landlords to real estate agents and neighbourhood associations. The proposed changes include:

  Grandfathering existing roof and billboard signs, but not allowing new ones;

  Allowing the city’s sign variance committee to approve applications, instead of requiring council approval;

  Limiting neighbourhood association signs to 12 per year, with other rules;

  Allowing landlords to post temporary signs advertising vacancies but disallowing signs to advertise property management companies on the facade of any residential building; and

  Real estate signs can’t sit on lawns longer than the property is available for sale, rent or lease. Sold signs can be posted for a maximum of two weeks.

Mayor Brenda Halloran does not support handing sign approval authority to staff.

“I think all applications should still come to council because we’re the voice of the community,” she said. “That concerns me a lot.”

City staff have been working on the new policy for more than a year. According to a report, they consulted with stakeholders and held a public open house July 31.

Staff are making changes based on council and public input and will bring a revised bylaw to council for approval later this year.

How to keep your home safe when selling your home selling your home

Monday, June 11th, 2012

“I will make your house stand out,” your Realtor says as he/she sits with you at  your kitchen table going over the paperwork to put your house up for sale.

Your Realtor lets you know that she will use every possible means, both  modern and traditional, to put your home in front of as many potential buyers as  possible. The more potential buyers who see your home, the quicker it will  sell.

That is the good news. All these steps will help sell your home as quickly as  possible.

The bad news is that this aggressive marketing and advertising of your home  might bring your home and family to the attention of individuals who may wish to  do you harm. Now, don’t panic. We all know there are bad and just plain evil  people in our world who commit crimes against other members of our society.  While we all continue about our daily lives as usual, we take common sense steps  every day to keep our families and homes safe and secure.

Your Realtor will give you some common sense tips and instructions to help  ensure you and your family stay safe while your home is on the market. These  include:

Be sure you know who you let into your home: Your Realtor or her office will  contact you in advance to set up appointments for Realtors to show your home to  their clients. The Realtor showing your home will give you his business card  when you greet him at the door. This allows you to confirm that he is the  Realtor who scheduled the appointment.

If you have not received advance notice, or if a Realtor does not provide you  with identification, do not let him into your home. If anyone shows up at your  door wanting to see your home without a Realtor, do not let him enter. Simply  refer him to the phone number on your yard sign to get information and to set up  an appointment to see your house.

Your Realtor usually will suggest that you try not to be at home when your  house is shown. Generally, a potential buyer will be more comfortable and spend  more time looking at your home if you are not there. If anything seems wrong  when you return to your home, such as the door being unlocked, do not go into  your home. Contact your Realtor to see when the last showing occurred, or if he  has any answers. If you are still concerned, you will want to contact local  police and have them inspect your home for you.

In today’s world, many older children and teenagers are home alone during the  day, particularly this time of year. It is very important that you tell them to  take the same precautions if someone comes to look at your house while they are  home alone. All of us, and particularly young people, can be swayed by a good  story. Remember, con artists and others seeking to do harm or steal are often  very convincing. Be sure you and your children do not fall for their  deceptions.

Take care of your valuables and your identity: I have walked into homes I was  showing and found jewelry boxes open in the bedroom with expensive items in  plain sight. This is just asking for trouble. When your home is on the market,  be sure to, at the very least, put all your valuables away. If possible, it is a  good idea to put expensive jewelry that you don’t wear frequently, or other  valuables like coin collections, in a locked cabinet or even a safety deposit  box.

If you are like me, yesterday’s mail probably is sitting on the kitchen table  or the counter. You may have even left your bank statement or credit card bill  open on the kitchen counter after you opened it. With just a mobile phone,  someone could take a picture of your statement or bill that you left on the  counter and have your account numbers.

De-personalize your home: All of us have photos of family and loved ones in  our home. These pictures can provide too much information to someone viewing  your home, such as your child’s name, school, etc. Also, lots of photos of your  family make it harder for potential buyers to picture their family in your home.  While I am not suggesting you leave empty nails on your walls where pictures  used to be, it is a good idea to remove pictures from end tables, dressers,  etc.

If you are home when your home is shown, it is best to stay out of the way of  the Realtor and her client. If you are asked questions, keep your information to  facts about your home and the neighborhood. Information about your family and  your children is none of their business. A professional, business conversation  is always the best and safest course.

Your Realtor is your guide to a safe, trouble-free home-selling experience.  By following a few simple, common sense precautions, you can make sure your  family is safe and secure as you get ready to move to your next home.

 

Today is World Partnership Walk in Kitchener-Waterloo

Sunday, June 10th, 2012

Date: Sunday, June 10, 2012

Location: Waterloo Public Square

(75 King Street South, Waterloo, Ontario)


Every year thousands of Canadians across the country take part in a Walk. Get involved by creating or joining a team, registering as a participant, sponsoring a participant, or by joining us as a volunteer.

Walk with us in Kitchener-Waterloo and take a significant and positive step towards ending global poverty in the developing world.

Schedule

9:00AM

10:30AM

11:00AM

11:45AM

2:00PM

Registration

Opening Ceremonies

Walk to end Global Poverty (5km & 3km short route)

Lunch, Awards and Entertainment

Walk Day concludes

Other activities – Youth tent for children and the Global Village Tent where you can learn more about the difference that you are making by taking part in the World Partnership Walk.

Backyard Weddings

Monday, May 28th, 2012

More and more often, couples are turning to backyard weddings as a romantic and intimate way to tie the knot, but it’s the type of in-house celebration that takes some foresight. When it comes to budget, the cost of a backyard wedding can be a shocker. The total tally can be as much or more than the average wedding, which nowadays hovers around $25,000+. Whatever your budget, the idea is to host a soiree you and your guests will enjoy. So before you exchange those vows near your childhood swing set, read the following tips.

 

Home Improvement

The first thing to consider is whether your home is suited for the wedding, says wedding planner Donna Stasko of R.S.V.P. Party Planners, based in Mississauga, Ontario. That means you must determine early on how many people you’ll invite, as well as suss out the layout of your home and garden. Is your backyard level or is sloping? Is your backyard big enough to comfortably seat your guests for dinner, or will you have to adjust your plans to a cocktail affair? “You’ve got to know your numbers. That will dictate what we can and cannot do,” says Stasko.

 

Cost Conscious

It’s the golden rule: “Anything can be done if you want to pay the money,” says Stasko. Decide what fits best within your budget, and in your home. Will it be a full dinner or finger foods affair? A casual or a fancy barbeque? Luncheons or afternoon tea parties are popular too, and will certainly bring the price down. You’ll save on liquor and venue prices, but if you envision an elegant, fairy tale wedding it could be very pricey. “It can turn out to be just as much as a banquet facility,” says Stasko. Tents are a must for any outdoor affair, she adds. If you have to cut costs, keep the tent, and cut elsewhere.

 

Parking Problems

Don’t make your guests walk miles to get to the ceremony. Consider parking issues. Depending on the number of guests, scout your neighbourhood to determine whether there are enough parking spots outside, or near the house. “It depends on the area,” says Stasko. “If it’s normal residential then people can park on the street. We can set up a valet service.” If parking becomes an issue talk to your neighbours and find out if you can negotiate using their spots. The same applies for noise, says Stasko. Advise neighbours of your party plans.

 

Floral Fun

Depending on when you plan to have your backyard wedding, consider what flowers will be blooming in your garden at the time, if any. Flowers are always a beautiful way to embellish the day of, but with a garden at your disposal the possibilities are endless. “I’ve done it a lot of different ways,” Stasko says of co-ordinating floral arrangements. “A lot of people have baskets on each table with different and brilliant colours.” Not everyone wants the décor to be rustic, though. You might consider simple glass vases with classic flowers such as roses and lilacs. “We can colour scheme anything to the garden,” says Stasko.

 

Let Caterers Cater to You

Depending on the type of party you’re hosting, plan your menu well in advance. Not just what your guests will be eating, but exactly how the food will be cooked, delivered and stored. If you choose to have a caterer, make sure it’s a reputable one. “A good caterer should always do the rentals because they know what they need,” says Stasko. “And they have their own staff!”

 

Sinking Heels?

Backyard carpets are available but most couples don’t rent them, says Stasko. “They say guests know it’s an outside wedding, so they won’t wear stiletto heels,” she says. However, a lot of couples go for the dance floors, which are easily accessible. It might be a good idea to remind the style mavens on your wedding guest list that it’s a backyard party! But if it’s really swanky then seriously consider renting carpets.

Control4 Home Automation System Demo of Smart Home Technology

Sunday, May 27th, 2012

It’s technology that links and controls the electronics and systems in your home – through one easy-to-use interface. At Digital Smart Homes, we believe that life’s better when everything works together. Smart Homes start with a few basic categories: One Touch Home Theatre, Multi-room Music & Video, Smart Lighting & Shades, Advanced Temperature Control, Safety and Security.

 

Control4 offers a complete line of home-automation products that makes sophisticated home-control solutions practical and affordable for every home. With Control4, everything works better because it works together – home theater, multi-room music, lighting, temperature, safety and security systems – are all controlled by a single platform.

We can install full-featured, practical, and reliable home-automation systems that are easy to use and at a price that fits into your budget. Our scalable designs also mean that it’s not an all-or-nothing choice—you can start with a basic system and upgrade over time with solutions that fit your evolving lifestyle.

Imagine Having a Single Remote That Will:
  • Control your home theater
  • Dim the lights as the opening credits roll
  • Turn off all your TVs when your kids should be doing homework
  • Alert you that the garage door is open…and then close it
  • Manage your lights, window coverings, and thermostats
  • Monitor your locks, lighting, and security cameras
  • Allow you to play music in any room of the house
HOME THEATER
Control4 simplifies the control of audio, video, and home-theater components, eliminating the need for multiple remotes.
SMART LIGHTING
Control lighting using timers, motion sensors, and dimmers to create interior ambiance, enhance security, and reduce energy costs.
MULTI-ROOM MUSIC
Enjoy digital music collections – like XM or Sirius, Rhapsody or your personal iPod library – from anywhere in your home.
ADVANCED CLIMATE CONTROL
With Control4, help conserve energy and ensure comfort with pre-programmed temperature controls.
Do more with Control4…
Integrate a wide range of products including door locks, window shades, pool controllers, appliance monitors and much more. If you can imagine a way that home-control would make your life easier, we can probably make it happen!

Local Events Happening in the Area

Friday, May 25th, 2012

New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale

May 26, 2012– 12:00 AM
Fun for the whole family. Enjoy one of Canada’s largest handmade quilt auctions, scrumptious food of Mennonite traditions: fleisch piroschki, verenki, rollkuchen, teaballs, apple fritters, pupusas, spring rolls, pork-on-a-bun, homemade ice-cream, fruit pies. Enjoy our famous strawberry pie. Purchase heritage plants and shrubs. Build a Toonie Tower! Children enjoy the inflatable equipment, mini auction and entertainment. Wheelchair accessible.   All merchandise and services are donated. Over 2000 volunteers donate time, expertise and resources.  All proceeds go to Mennonite Central Committee for world relief. A dollar spent is a dollar sent! Nearly $15 million has been raised since 1967. Admission and parking free.  Buses welcome. www.nhmrs.com   519-745-8458

Event Details:

Location:
Fairgrounds, 251 Jacob Street, New Hamburg, ON

Telephone: (519) 745-8458
Website: www.nhmrs.com

Waterloo Air Show 2012

June 2, 2012      to June 3, 2012– 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Bring the family out to one of the Region’s best summer events where aviation is showcased both in the air and on the ground. Highlighting the weekend will be a spectacular air show featuring the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the Canadian Forces CF-18 Demonstration Team, the Canadian Forces SkyHawks Parachute Team (Sat only), aerobatics, historical aircraft and more. On the ground will be additional aircrafts to explore, displays, vendors, activities, performer autographs, food and much more. Bring your chairs and cameras out to the Region of Waterloo International Airport and let your wings soar!

Event Details:

Location:
Region of Waterloo International Airport

Telephone: (519)-465-0317
Website: www.waterlooairshow.com


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