Census Results Show Waterloo is "losing" Children - and the experts point to building trends

Here is a very interesting and informative article for the Record...great reporting!

Waterloo is losing children as it stops building single homes and adds high-rises and apartments.

New results from the 2011 census show the city has lost 1,035 children aged 14 and younger since 2006. That’s a decline of six per cent.

It’s the largest drop in children across the region and it comes as Waterloo’s population growth almost grinds to a halt, up just 1.3 per cent to 98,780. (This number excludes many university students.)

Census-watchers say families are avoiding high-priced Waterloo because they can’t find affordable suburban homes they covet.

“You’ve got a thousand fewer children,” said Cameron Rapp, Waterloo’s general manager of development services. “A big part of it I would suggest is because of the reduction in the available singles.”

Construction of detached homes is down more than half in Waterloo since 2006. Fewer than 200 were built over 2010 and 2011. Meanwhile apartment and condominium construction has soared more than 80 per cent.

This has made Waterloo a showcase for so-called smart growth. Urban planners promote it as a way to restrain suburban sprawl, build denser neighbourhoods and get more people out of cars and onto transit.

“I think this really does show that the trend for intensifying cores is not appealing to people with young families,” Mayor Brenda Halloran said. “They still want to be able to have a backyard and the streetscape for their children to grow up on.”

Census results suggest a city that stops building suburbs sends families outside its borders to hunt for backyards. In finding outlying homes they may drive even farther to work.

“The unintended consequence of this push toward what the consumer doesn’t want is that we’re now commuting more instead of less, and that goes against the principles of smart growth,” said suburban developer Peter Armbruster, a vice-president with Activa Group.

The 2011 census found more children in every community surrounding Waterloo. Woolwich added 785 children, Kitchener added 730, Wilmot added 300 and Wellesley added 195. Many reside in fast-growing subdivisions in Breslau, Baden, Elmira and Kitchener.

Statistics Canada released new census findings Tuesday on age and gender. Waterloo Region added 605 children younger than 14, against the provincial trend. Since 2006 Ontario has lost 30,025 children.

Halloran says children add vitality to a community. But she’s not alarmed that Waterloo has 1,000 fewer. She and others point to new Waterloo suburbs that are just being developed and are expected to draw families ahead of the 2016 census. “I think in the next five years we’ll see a substantial change.”

These may be Waterloo’s final subdivisions as the city runs out of vacant land. After that, apartments and condominiums will help Waterloo grow, Rapp and Halloran argue. They contend aging residents will downsize from suburban homes and move into condos, freeing up homes for new families.

“I just see it then as a constant revitalization of neighbourhoods,” Halloran said.

Armbruster suspects aging residents may be put off by high condominium prices and may choose to stay where they are, renovating suburban homes to meet their new needs.

“The big question mark is what will happen to the empty-nesters,” he said. “I still see aging-in-place as being very significant and it’s going to keep people in their single detached homes.”

Where the children are

Residents 14 and younger in 2011 (compared to 2006):
Kitchener: 38,645 (up 730)
Cambridge: 24,365 (down 220)
Waterloo: 16,775 (down 1,035)
Woolwich: 4,795 (up 785)
Wilmot: 3,690 (up 300)
Wellesley: 2,940 (up 195)
North Dumfries: 1,760 (down 160)

Source: Statistics Canada 2011 census
jouthit@therecord.com

What is the Best Flooring for a Home?

One of the most difficult questions home owners have when it comes to updating a home is "what type of flooring should we use?"

Here are a series of 8 short articles discussing the pros and cons of each type of flooring....great informaiton!

click this link to the articles http://homerenovations.about.com/od/floors/ss/BestFlooring.htm

If you would like some feedback on what return on investment some proposed renovations may bring or what buyers are currently looking for, please feel free to contact me.

Deck Season is Here! How to Maintain Your Deck and Keep it Looking Great....

Here is a great 4 minute video on how to provide regular maintenance so that your deck looks great for years....have a wonderful summer!

Click on this link http://videos.doityourself.com/video/How-to-Refinish-a-Wooden-Deck-517347512

New Kitchener Waterloo Real Estate Listings from Coldwell Banker - Home Buyer's Guide

Please click this link for the newest batch of Coldwell Banker Peter Benninger listings, hot off the press! http://issuu.com/kwtreb/docs/87731.20.6.cbpr

Victoria Day May 24th Fireworks for Kitchener-Waterloo

Unfortunately, the Victoria Day weekend fireworks in Kitchener Waterloo have become smaller, private celebrations.

However, if you are willing to drive to New Dundee, there is an all-day celebration taking place on Monday, May 21st, including a BBQ, Parade and antique car show - and of course fireworks!

Click this link for more info http://www.newdundee.ca/event/victoria-day-events/

Happy May 2-4 Everyone!

5 Tips for Sellers BEFORE They List their Home for Sale

Deciding to list your home for sale is a momentous time. It means you will be moving on to a new stage of life, no matter if you’re moving up or sizing down. Take a moment to look over these tips for what every seller should do before they put their home on the market.

Organize Your Paperwork: Every homeowner should have a detailed list of all past repairs, updates, and upgrades they’ve made. This will help your agent know what should be mentioned on the MLS. Did you put on a new roof in 2010 or a install a new water heater in 2009? These are great selling features because they mean less work in the future for the prospective buyer. Also included in this list should be any home warranty information. These warranties will most likely transfer with title of the home.

Get Ready to Declutter: Even before you’ve officially listed your home for sale, you should start getting rid of things you don’t need. Starting now will mean a more thorough and less rushed job of clearing things out. Start with one closet and work your way through the entire home. Sort items to toss, keep, sell, and donate.
Having a yard sale is a wonderful way of making a little extra pocket change while reducing the amount of things you’ll have in your home during showings and that you’ll need to pack up and move. It’s a win-win!

Clean, Clean, and Clean Some More: Dirty homes are a real buyer turnoff. Now is a great time wash down walls, spruce up paint, and give your entire home a thorough cleaning. Do your carpets need refreshing? Consider renting a carpet shampoo machine or hiring a professional carpet cleaning company to come in and revamp your carpets. Chances are buyers will ask for this anyway come closing time. You’ll beat them to the punch and have a shiny, sparkling home to show for it.

Get an Inspection: Did you think inspections were only for buyers? Having a pre-sale inspection can mean identifying problem areas. Perhaps you’re unaware that your foundation needs repaired. This will severely affect your listing price. It’s best to be prepared and realistic in today’s market.

Make Repairs or Get Estimates: Your inspection will likely leave you with a list of repairs, large and small, that need made. Keep in mind that prospective buyers will also get an inspection of your home and will find these same issues. Head them off at the pass and do some fixing up. You may wish to go ahead with large repairs. If not, be sure to at least get estimates so you are fully prepared for negotiations (you’ll know what the real cost should be) or so you can provide the estimates for buyers.

Start Staging: Staging is like prepping your home for its first date. You want to have it clean and well-dressed. This means amping up curb appeal with neat landscaping, fresh paint, and flowers. It means rearranging furniture and removing clutter.

Please contact me today if you would like a home market evaluation or just to discuss current market conditions in your neighbourhood!

Great Home at a Great Price

This is a great home at the top of a court in a family-friendly neighbourhood....a total of 5 bedrooms and 4 baths with a unique floor plan on a large pie-shaped lot make this a perfect home for a growing family.

Now that Summer is Almost Here, Watch for Mold and Mildew in Your Basement...

If you’ve noticed a basement mildew smell in your home it means you have at least mildew, and possibly mold, growing in your basement. Mold and mildew won’t go away on its own, but will only get worse and could spread to other areas of your home. The spores produced by mold and mildew can also contain toxins that can be dangerous to the health of your family. The only way to alleviate the smell is to completely get rid of the mold and mildew.

Step 1 – Find the Source

Do a thorough inspection of your basement to find out where the mildew or mold is growing. Look for areas where the odor is the strongest, as well as dampness and black or green spots or patches. You’ll need to check everything, including walls, carpets, furniture and stored items. If you have a lot of things in your basement, you may want to take everything out to do a more thorough inspection and cleaning.

Step 2 – Clean It up

You will need to do a thorough cleaning of everything that has mildew or mold, as well as everything that has absorbed the smell. This may mean throwing out some items that have been taken over by mildew. If the mildew or mold has got into porous materials such as fabrics, carpets and wood furniture, it may be impossible to completely get rid of it.

To clean the items you are keeping, as well as the walls and floors, you can either use a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water, vinegar and water, bleach, or detergent. Rona or other home stores may also carry mold removal products.  Give everything a good scrub and make sure to dry everything completely. You can put furniture out in the sun to dry or use a fan.

Step 3 – Fix the Problem

Once you've thoroughly cleaned your basement, it's time to take care of the problem that caused the mildew in the first place. You need to determine what is causing the excess moisture in your basement. It may be a water leak from a leaky pipe, a crack in the wall, or lack of proper air circulation.

Regardless of the source of the excess moisture, it’s a good idea to provide better ventilation in your basement to prevent future mold and mildew problems. If your basement doesn’t have good air flow, you could install cross ventilation that connects your basement with the ventilation system in the rest of your house. You should also install a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.

Step 4 – Freshen up

Now that the source of the bad odor is finally gone, it's time to bring in some good odors. Give your basement a generous spray of your favorite air freshener and put in some long term air fresheners, such as plug-ins, potpourri or scented candles. The Air Sponge or other similar product also works well.

Serious issues may require professional remediation as it can effect health and resale value of your home.  Please contact me if you have any questions.

What Should a Home Inspection Cover?

Home inspections will vary depending on the type of property you are purchasing. A large historic home, for example, will require a more specialized inspection than a small condominium. However, the following are the basic elements that a home inspector should check. You can also use this list to help you evaluate properties you might purchase.

Structure: A home’s skeleton impacts how the property stands up to weather, gravity, and the earth. Structural components, including the foundation and the framing, should be inspected.

Exterior: The inspector should look at sidewalks, driveways, steps, windows, and doors. A home’s siding, trim, and surface drainage also are part of an exterior inspection.

·        Doors and windows

·        Siding (brick, stone, stucco, vinyl, wood, etc.)

·        Driveways/sidewalks

·        Attached porches, decks, and balconies

Roofing: A well-maintained roof protects you from rain, snow, and other forces of nature. Take note of the roof’s age, conditions of flashing, roof draining systems (pooling water), buckled shingles, loose gutters and downspouts, skylight, and chimneys.

Plumbing: Thoroughly examine the water supply and drainage systems, water heating equipment, and fuel storage systems. Drainage pumps and sump pumps also fall under this category. Poor water pressure, banging pipes, rust spots, or corrosion can indicate problems.

Electrical: Safe electrical wiring is essential. Look for the condition of service entrance wires, service panels, breakers and fuses, and disconnects. Also take note of the number of outlets in each room and check for GFCI outlets. 

Heating: The home’s heating system, vent system, flues, and chimneys should be inspected. Look for age of water heater, whether the size is adequate for the house, speed of recovery, and energy rating.

Air Conditioning: Your inspector should describe your home cooling system, its energy source, and inspect the central and through-wall cooling equipment. Consider the age and energy rating of the system.

Interiors: An inspection of the inside of the home can reveal plumbing leaks, insect damage, rot, construction defects, and other issues. An inspector should take a close look at:

·        Walls, ceilings and floors

·        Steps, stairways, and railings

·        Countertops and cabinets

·        Garage doors and garage door systems

 

Ventilation/insulation: To prevent energy loss, check for adequate insulation and ventilation in the attic and in unfinished areas such as crawlspaces. Also look for proper, secured insulation in walls. Insulation should be appropriate for the climate. Excess moisture in the home can lead to mold and water damage.  

Fireplaces: They’re charming, but they could be dangerous if not properly installed. Inspectors should examine the system, including the vent and flue, and describe solid fuel burning appliances.

A good home inspector will also offer suggestions on maintenance items and provide reference material for future use.

Average Home Values Up in in K-W

Average home prices and number of sales continued their upward trend in April.  Find out what the average home price is here... http://www.kwar.ca/stats/April_2012_Media_Release.pdf

For more detailed information on home prices in your area, contact me today!

10 Ways of Making Your Home Purchase Fun, NOT Stressful...

Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

1. Find a real estate agent who you connect with. Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the REALTOR® you chose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality.

2. Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy, just as there’s no perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don’t try to second-guess interest rates or the housing market by waiting longer — you risk losing out on the home of your dreams. The housing market usually doesn’t change fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home won’t stay on the market long.

3. Don’t ask for too many opinions. It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas from too many people will make it much harder to make a decision. Focus on the wants and needs of your immediate family — the people who will be living in the home.

4. Accept that no house is ever perfect. If it’s in the right location, the yard may be a bit smaller than you had hoped. The kitchen may be perfect, but the roof needs repair. Make a list of your top priorities and focus in on things that are most important to you. Let the minor ones go.

5. Don’t try to be a killer negotiator. Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to “win” by getting an extra-low price or by refusing to budge on your offer may cost you the home you love. Negotiation is give and take.

6. Remember your home doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Don’t get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself — room size, kitchen, etc. — that you forget about important issues as noise level, location to amenities, and other aspects that also have a big impact on your quality of life.

7. Plan ahead. Don’t wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage, investigate home insurance, and consider a schedule for moving. Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers.

8. Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home buying budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be costs. Don’t leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate.

9. Accept that a little buyer’s remorse is inevitable and will probably pass. Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a big financial commitment. But it also yields big benefits. Don’t lose sight of why you wanted to buy a home and what made you fall in love with the property you purchased.

10. Choose a home first because you love it; then think about appreciation. While homes in K-W have appreciated an average of about 3.5% per year in the last decade, a home’s most important role is to serve as a comfortable, safe place to live.

5 Feng Shui Concepts to Help a Home Sell

Feng Shui isn't just a concept, a lot of it is common sense when it comes to making your home as appealing as possible to buyer.  Keep these tips in mind when you are preparing your home for sale.

1. Pay special attention to the front door, which is considered the “mouth of chi” (chi is the “life force” of all things) and one of the most powerful aspects of the entire property. Abundance, blessings, opportunities, and good fortune enter through the front door. It’s also the first impression buyers have of how well the sellers have taken care of the rest of the property. Make sure the area around the front door is swept clean, free of cobwebs and clutter. Make sure all lighting is straight and properly hung. Better yet, light the path leading up to the front door to create an inviting atmosphere.

2. Chi energy can be flushed away wherever there are drains in the home. To keep the good forces of a home in, always keep the toilet seats down.

3. The master bed should be in a place of honor, power, and protection, which is farthest from and facing toward the entryway of the room. It’s even better if you can place the bed diagonally in the farthest corner. Paint the room in colors that promote serenity, relaxation, and romance, such as soft tones of green, blue, and lavender.

4. The dining room symbolizes the energy and power of family togetherness. Make sure the table is clear and uncluttered during showings. Use an attractive tablecloth to enhance the look of the table while also softening sharp corners.

5. The windows are considered to be the eyes of the home. Getting the windows professionally cleaned will make the home sparkle and ensure that the view will be optimally displayed.

For more staging tips or to find out the market value of your home, contact me today!

Kitchener's Light Rail Transit Plan Awards its First Contract for Work

Regional council can start spending big on rail transit, after getting the green light from senior governments.

After completing reviews of the project, the federal and provincial governments have agreed in principle to share costs incurred after April 1.

Senior governments have pledged up to $565 million toward the $818-million project, the largest public work ever undertaken in the region.

Council has responded by hiring an international engineering firm. The consulting contract to Parsons Brinckerhoff Halsall Inc. is worth $17 million by 2015 and up to $31 million if extended to 2018.

“This is a very important milestone,” Kitchener Coun. Jim Wideman said.
The New York-based engineering firm will help regional government prepare design criteria for a different private partner who will be chosen by council in 2014 to design, build and operate trains for up to 30 years. As well, the firm will help guide public consultation, utility relocations and bus design in Cambridge.

Council had been awaiting the go-ahead on cost-sharing before approving the large consulting contract. Provincial Transportation Minister Bob Chiarelli gave his green light in a March 21 letter. He wrote: “The approval in principle follows the successful completion of the provincial review of the project.” View Provincial Letter (.pdf file)

Federal Transportation Minister Denis Lebel gave his green light in an April 17 letter. He wrote: “This approval is given following a successful review of your project …” View Federal Letter (.pdf file)

“That’s absolutely key,” Wideman said. “We were sure we were going to get it. But until you have it, you don’t have it.”

Regional council is installing street-level electric trains (LRT) in Kitchener and Waterloo, to draw buildings to central neighbourhoods and persuade people to get out of their cars. Cambridge gets enhanced buses in 2014. Trains launch in 2017.

Parsons Brinckerhoff Halsall declined comment Monday from its Toronto office, saying its contract is not signed. A council report calls it “the premier LRT engineering firm in the world.”
The firm with more than 15,000 global employees beat out four competitors for the regional job. World headquarters is in New York City. The corporate website says the firm has been involved in 22 rail transit projects, largely in the U.S. but also in Asia, Egypt and the U.K.

“They just rose to the top in terms of their experience,” said Wideman, who helped select the engineering consultant.

Ontario approved rail transit after its planners struggled to understand the high cost and low benefits of trains, according to documents obtained by The Record in a freedom-of-information request. The federal government has demanded more time to respond after The Record sought access to its project review.

By 2018, it’s estimated an average house valued at $254,000 will have paid $821 in regional taxes to launch rail transit.

What’s next?

This month: Launch design of enhanced Cambridge buses.
October: Request qualified partners to design, build and operate trains.
February 2013: Shortlist potential private partners and finalize funding agreements with senior governments.
March 2013: Invite private partners to bid on rail transit.
June 2013: Start building Cambridge bus system.
January to May 2014: Select private partner to design, build and operate trains for up to 30 years, and approve final contract.
2014: Launch Cambridge buses, launch rail transit construction.
2017: Trains start rolling in Kitchener and Waterloo, between the Fairview Park mall and the Conestoga Mall.

This article appeared in the record.com on May 1, 2012