Is your home still ‘the one’? How to decide between renovating and relocating

Are you having a hard time trying to decide if t's time to move or if you should renovate your existing home? Then you may want to look at this guide from Royal LePage to help you make the decision.

As always if you have any questions about this article or anything related to real estate, call Jessica, Matthew, Lisa or Scott at 519-621-2000. We're always here to help!

Top paint colours of 2025

Want to refresh your home but don't want to spend a lot of money? It's amazing what a fresh coat of paint will do! Why not consider one of the new top paint colours for 2025? They definitely aren't white! Have a look at this blog from Royal LePage Canada and let us know what you think of new colours.
If you have any questions about this article or anything related to real estate, call Jessica, Matthew, Lisa or Scott at 519-621-2000. We're always here to help.

Royal LePage's Q4 2024 Home Price Update and Market Forecast

Please see the news release that was distributed to the media on January 14, 2025. The release, distributed each quarter, includes price data and insights from experts in 64 real estate markets across the country, as well as national and regional forecasts. 

While activity began to flourish again in the final months of 2024, following sluggish demand in most major markets over the summer, home price appreciation remained in check last quarter.

These quarterly updates are always a good read and help to keep you up-to-date on the current Canadian real estate market. If you have any questions about this or anything else related to real estate, please don't hesitate to contact Jessica, Lisa or Scott at 519-621-2000. We're always here to help.

2024 Holiday Décor Trends

Looking for some holiday decorating ideas? Wondering what the trends are for 2024? You'll want to checkout this blog from Royal LePage Canada for the the top four 2024 holiday décor trends to spark inspiration for your celebrations. Hope these ideas help to reflect some of your personal style!
Wishing you and your loved ones an extra special holiday season. As always if you have any questions about real estate, please don't hesitate to contact Jessica, Lisa or Scott at 519-621-2000. We're always here to help!
 

5 interior design hacks for small spaces

Do you have a small living space? Are you looking for ways to make it functional and comfortable and reflect both your lifestyle and personality? Then you'll want to see this Royal LePage Canada blog with great tips and tricks to help maximize your space.
If you have any questions about this article or real estate in general, don't hesitate to contact Jessica, Lisa or Scott at 519-621-2000. We're always here to help!

Royal LePage's® Q3 2024 Home Price Update and Market Forecast

Please see the attached news release that was distributed to the media on October 10, 2024. The release is distributed each quarter and includes price data and insights from experts in 64 real estate markets across the country, as well as national and regional forecasts. 

It's always a good read to keep you up-to-date on the current Canadian real estate market. If you have any questions about this or anything else related to real estate, please don't hesitate to contact Jessica, Lisa or Scott at 519-621-2000. We're always here to help.

 

Fixed or Variable Rate Mortgage?

Is your mortgage coming up for renewal shortly? Are you having a hard time deciding whether to go with a fixed or variable rate? This can be a very stressful time for home owners. The attached blog from Royal LePage Canada may help you understand the options available and anticipate the changes to successfully navigate today’s evolving mortgage landscape.

As always, if you have any questions about this article or anything related to real estate, call Jessica, Lisa or Scott at 519-621-2000. We'd love to help!
 

Are Canadian Renters Still Planning on Getting Into the Housing Market?

Canadians still want to purchase homes but feel that interest rates and house prices must still come down more before they will be ready to purchase. They are also struggling with coming up with their down payment because monthly rental costs continue to rise.
Taking all of this into consideration approximately 27% of renters say they are planning on buying a property in the next two years. Read more in this blog from Royal LePage Canada.
If you have any questions about this or real estate in general, please call Jessica, Lisa or Scott at 519-621-2000. We're always here to help. 
 

Bank of Canada drops overnight lending rate by 25 basis points to 4.75%

Did you hear that the Bank of Canada has dropped its key interest rate for the first time since March, 2020? What does this mean for you and Canada's housing market? Check out this blog from Royal LePage Canada for more information.

As always, if you have any questions about this blog or real estate in general, please call Jessica, Lisa or Scott at 519-621-2000. We're always here to help.

 

Eco-friendly updates for your home

Are you looking for simple eco-friendly updates to implement in your home? We know most of us are conscious of the environment and trying to do our part to help. Here's an interesting blog from Royal LePage® Canada with some simple ideas.

If you have any questions about this blog or real estate, please call Jessica, Lisa or Scott at 519-621-2000. We're here to help!
 
 

Natural Cleaning Solutions

Are you thinking you need to do more to help the environment? Have you thought about your cleaning supplies and the products your bring into your home? Then check out this blog from Royal LePage Canada with some great information and DIY ideas.

As always, if you have any questions about this blog or real estate in general, please call Jessica, Lisa or Scott at 519-621-2000. We're always here to help.

2024 Interior Design Trends

What are the trends for 2024? Do you like the bold colours? Will you be making any changes to your home this year? Let us know what you think. Read the blog form Royal LePage Canada to get all the ideas.

If you have any questions about this article or anything related to real estate, call Jessica, Lisa or Scott at 519-621-2000. We're always here to help.

Canadians are worried about their mortgage renewal

Are you worried about your mortgage coming up for renewal and what it might do to your financial stability? You're not alone! 74% of Canadians with a residential mortgage set to renew within the next 18 months say they are concerned about this. For more information and insight, take a look at this article and national data chart from Royal LePage Canada. 

If you have any questions about the article or anything related to real estate, call Jessica, Lisa or Scott at 519-621-2000. We're always here to help!

How to winterize your lawn and garden

It's that time of year and we should be thinking about preparing our lawn and gardens for winter. What you do now will help prepare it for spring. Royal Lepage Canada has prepared a great article with some winterization tips to follow. Hope this helps to make the process a little easier!

As always, if you have any questions about this article or anything related to real estate, we'd be happy to help. Call Jessica, Lisa or Scott at 519-621-2000.

Four home decor trends for fall that are more than just pumpkins

Looking for some ways to make your home feel more "homey" for fall? Check out these great ideas from the Royal LePage blog. They're sure to get you the mood!
If you have any questions about this article or anything related to real estate, call Jessica, Lisa or Scott today at 519-621-2000. We'd love to help!

Sold your home? Don’t forget these 4 important steps before you leave

Have you recently sold your home and wondered what you need to do before the move? Take a lot at this Blog from Royal LePage with 4 important steps before you leave. 
If you have any questions about this article or anything related to real estate, call Jessica, Lisa or Scott today at 519-621-2000. We're always here to help!

Buyers spring back: Sidelined Canadians plan return to market

Are you thinking about purchasing a home and have been wondering if now is the right time to get into the market? According to a recent Royal LePage survey, more than a quarter of Canadians who put their home purchase plans on hold over the last year say they will resume their search this spring. Check out this interesting blog post and video from Phil Soper, CEO Royal LePage with more information.

As Always, if you have any questions about this post or real estate in general, call Jessica, Lisa or Scott at 519-621-2000. We're always here to help!

Waterloo Region Association of Realtors October Stats 2022

Fewer homes sold in Waterloo Region last month. Please see the attached article with more information from our real estate board. As always, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Scott, Lisa or Jessica. We're always here to help!

Royal LePage 2021 Forecast

2020 was a crazy year for real estate and it doesn't look like things are going to slow down any time soon!

Housing demand exceeded expectations in the second half of 2020. The supply of homes available for sale failed to keep pace, driving home prices higher and pushing unmet buyer demand into the new year.
 

Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist

Check out the following checklist from Royal LePage Canada. It's got some great quarterly home maintenance ideas to help keep your home looking its best. As always, if you have any questions, give Scott, Lisa or Jessica a call at 519-624-2000. We're always here to help! http://www.homesincambridge.com/

Kitec Lawsuit

Thanks to our friends at ACISS Home & Commercial Inspection Consultants for this helpful information on the Kitec Lawsuit. If you have any questions, please call Scott, Lisa or Jessica at 519-624-2000. We're always here to help!
 

Kitec Lawsuit Ends January 2020     - The claim filing deadline is January 9, 2020   - Piping with the names Kitec, PlumbBetter, IPEX AQUA, WarmRite, Kitec XPA, AmbioComfort, XPA, KERR Controls, Plomberie Améliorée are included in this settlement   - At this stage, only people who have experienced a failure in a Kitec plumbing system are eligible to receive settlement payments   - If you have not experienced a leak, you should still file a Claim Form If there are sufficient funds remaining at the end of the claims filing period, you might be eligible for some compensation   - Per the plan of allocation, a payment will occur per each qualified leak experienced. The payment is approximately one half of the estimated costs to repair or replace the affected fitting or pipe   - If you had to replace your pluming to sell your house, you should file a Claim Form and include documentation showing that you were required to replace your Kitec System and the costs. Depending on fund sufficiency you might be eligible for compensation at the end of the claims period   - The laws regarding the disclosure of information to potential buyers vary depending on the state or province. If you are planning on selling your home and have a Kitec System you should disclose this information.   * For full details of the lawsuit go to http://www.kitecsettlement.com/   * If you are not sure a house has piping related to the Kitec Lawsuit contact ACISS for a pipe inspection. 905-464-6967 or email aciss@sympatico.ca

8 Simple Steps to Selling Your Home

Are you thinking of selling your home in the near future? Check out this link on the Royal LePage website to help guide you through every step of the process.

Once you're ready to list or have any questions, give Scott, Lisa or Jessica a call at 519-624-2000. We'd love to help!

Step by Step Guide for First Time Buyers

Check out this great First Home Guide for first time buyers. It has a quiz to see if you're ready to buy, tips for saving for a down payment, mortgage information and more.

30 Year Mortgages for First Time Buyers?

Ottawa is considering a move that would allow first-time home buyers to obtain 30-year insured mortgages, up from the current 25-year limit. What do you think about this? Is it a good move or just making the problem bigger? Check out this Globe and Mail article to see how a 30-year amortization would affect mortgage payments.

Will Cambridge ever get the new mulitplex sports facility?

And so the search continues and the price keeps going up. Will Cambridge ever get a new multiplex sports facility? See this Cambridge Times article about Cambridge council cancelling negotiations with the owners of the Cambridge Centre mall as the new location for the city’s new multiplex sports facility.

5 thrifty DIY fix-ups to help sell your home

The spring market will soon be here, so now is the time to start thinking about getting your home ready for sale.

When preparing your home for the market, it’s great to know there are some relatively inexpensive improvements that can make a big impact with buyers.

A few well-placed pieces of décor and a clutter-free home are simple things you can do on a budget to bump up interest in your home. Once the fundamentals of a well-maintained home are taken care of, these easy initiatives can seal the deal.

1. Clear the decks. Counter space is extremely important for buyers. Be sure to store kitchen and bathroom items off the counters. Purchase storage baskets in several different sizes to help you clear the decks in a hurry and minimize clutter.
2. Brighten up storage spaces. Closets and cupboard space are important selling features. You can make the most of what you have by purging unused items and painting a light colour inside cupboards and closets. Adding battery-operated lighting is also an inexpensive way to brighten a dark closet.
3. Replace interior room doors. Quickly and inexpensively brighten hallways and rooms by replacing interior doors and hardware. New white panelled doors and hardware can quickly freshen the home. Look for sales at your local building centre.
4. Tear up dingy broadloom. You may be pleasantly surprised by what’s underneath. Even if you don’t like what you see, replacing broadloom is one of the most economical improvements you can make when you consider overall return on your dollar.
5. Paint. Even high-end interior paints are a bargain when you look at what can be achieved with a fresh new finish. Opt for neutral colours in matte or eggshell finishes to camouflage flaws in walls. Trim is best handled with a white shade of satin, semi-gloss or high-gloss finish.