Things to do with the Family on Labour Day Weekend!

Aug 30
$2.50 Cineplex Family Movies - The Croods
11am
http://www.cineplex.com/events/familyfavourites

Critter Show

Laurel Creek Conservation Area, 625 Westmount Rd., Waterloo
Visit with our Nature Centre celebrity snakes, frogs and turtles as they embark on their 2 hour tour to the Conservation Area. Learn their personal stories as they strut their stuff in front of their adoring audience! Paparazzi and their cameras welcome. Children 16 years or younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Meet at: Baseball shelter
Price: Free with park admission

Meet the Animals

Guelph Lake Conservation Area, 7743 Conservation Dr., Guelph
Hold a snake, touch a toad, and meet other “creature-teachers” from the Guelph Lake Nature Centre. Kids will love these safe, close-up animal encounters! Children 16 years or younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Meet at: Camper beach
Price: Free with park admission

Outdoor Movie - FROZEN
Parkvale Park 6:00pm
https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/2369595749/permalink/10152630295190750/



 Aug 31
Kitchener Rangers Fan Appreciation BBQ
11am-2pm (followed by the Charity Game)  http://www.kitchenerrangers.com/page/fan-appreciation-bbq

Power Farms Ayr Tour
11am, 1pm and 3pm
https://www.facebook.com/powerfarms#!/events/1520875661458998/

Underwater World

Laurel Creek Conservation Area, 625 Westmount Rd., Waterloo
Come explore the reservoir to see what strange and wondrous creatures are here, and learn how they live, eat and hide under the surface. Children 16 years or younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Meet at: Boat launch
Price: Free with park admission

 

Labour Day September 1 2014

Annual Labour Day Picnic in Waterloo Park
Noon to 4pm
http://www.wrlc.ca/labour_day_2014


Guelph Labour Day Picnic at Riverside Park
Noon to 3pm
http://www.guelphlabourcouncil.ca/events.html

Also open on the Holiday Monday

Herrles Market There you will find a great marketplace with a local food flare. There is an outdoor play area for the kids! For more info visit the Herrles Market website

St. Jacobs The Village of St. Jacobs shops will be open. Take a look at the St Jacobs website for more info

St Jacobs Outlet Mall The St Jacobs Outlet mall is open from 10am-5pm. You can see all their Holiday Hours listed on their information page

Shoppers Drug Mart Most Shoppers Drug Mart locations are open for Labour Day. The ones that offer grocery items can be very helpful in a pinch

Also most Movie Theatres, variety stores, coffee shops, restaurants, GRCA parks, public splash pads and public OUTDOOR pools are open Labour Day. Same with most amusement centres like Bingemans, Bowling Alleys, LaserQuest Chicopee Tube Park and THEMUSEUM.Check their websites for hours and pricing.

Have a wonderful Labour Day Weekend, Everyone!

7 Things Every Home Buyer Should Know Before Buying a Home

 

Buying a home is a huge investment for your future and perhaps, one of the biggest decisions that you would make in your life. To ensure that your dream home does not give you nightmares, here are a few things that every home buyer should know before finalizing a deal.

1.       What are your needs?
Have a clear idea of what you are looking for. Do you need a home in the suburbs with lots of open space where kids could run around? Or would you prefer living in the heart of the city where you have easy access to malls and restaurants? If you have children, you’ll have to take into consideration the distance they have to travel daily to reach school. And don’t forget to ask yourself whether you are okay with spending three hours on the road every day traveling to and from work.

Whatever your needs are, every home buyer should know that finding a perfect house which meets all your requirements and falls within your budget is going to take time and effort. But the results are going to be well worth the effort.

Do not comprise on things that matter or get coaxed by an agent into buying a house that is not suitable for you. For many, buying a house is a lifetime investment. A well-appointed house in an unsafe neighborhood is always a bad idea, even if you are getting a very good deal. Never rush into a deal only to regret it later.

2.       Do you have a pre-approved loan?
Pre-approvals help to determine your maximum purchase price. Be ready to provide detailed financial documents to a lender who can tell you how much house you qualify for. You can narrow down your search based on this estimate and save time which would have been otherwise wasted looking at houses outside your price range.

A pre-approved loan lets the seller know that you are serious about buying a house, especially if he is considering multiple bids. It can also speed up the process once you’ve found your perfect house. Again, some banks are ready only to pre-qualify a buyer and do not offer pre-approvals.

At this stage, also calculate how much money you can put down as a down payment on the property.

3.       Are you in a position to meet the miscellaneous expenses?
Owning a house comes with a lot of miscellaneous expenses, such as property taxes, maintenance, utilities, insurance, home owners’ association fees and so on, in addition to your mortgage payments.
Don’t jump into buying a new home just because your friends are doing so or the real estate market is booming or your cards tell you to. Only you can decide whether it is the right time for you to buy a house.

Does your budget allow for a new property at this point in your life? If it means that you have to make tough choices such as moving your kids to a slightly cheaper and less reputed school or your spouse has to slog at office every day without time for personal life, stop and rethink. It may be better to wait for a few more years when you’ll have enough funds set aside to ensure that your lifestyle does not take a beating as a result of moving into your own home.

4.       Should you have a professional inspection done?
It is always a wise decision to have the house inspected by a professional before you reach the closing stage. Some lenders require a professional inspection.

Though hiring a professional will cost you a few hundred dollars, it is going to save you a lot of money and heartache in the long run. Though it may be tempting to do the inspection yourself, do not attempt it. A professional will be able to tell you if the house has any structural damages or issues that are not evident to your untrained eye.  Though he will give you a written report after the inspection, it would be better if you are able to accompany him during the inspection. He will be able to guide you in person on what repairs or renovations have to be done once you buy the house.
If the professional evaluation unveils any flaws, it can also help you in further price negotiations before you close the deal.

5.       What is your back-out plan?
If the inspection has thrown up huge problems in the property that is going to cost you thousands of dollars to repair or the appraisal value is far less than the purchase price you agreed to, you may want to reconsider your decision and hence the importance of a solid back-out plan.

Make sure that your purchase agreement includes conditions that allow you to back out of the deal and void the contract if the home inspection throws up any major problems.

6.       What comprises a competitive offer?
Though you may be dependent on your real estate agent to get you a competitive deal that is fair to both parties, it is always better to conduct a market analysis which can help you understand the value of the property and tell you what buyers are ready to pay for similar homes in the same area. This can help you come up with a unique bid strategy that will keep you ahead of the competition.
If you are frequently losing out on bids or being rejected, it may be time to reevaluate your approach. In real-estate, low-balling does not always get you the best deal and in today’s competitive housing market, low-balling probably won’t get you the house you want

7.       Will you have enough money to spend on refurbishing and decorating later?
If you invest all your loose cash in down payment and closing costs on your new home, you may find yourself short of money to do the necessary upgrades and decorations before you move in. Save enough money beforehand so that you can adapt your new home to suit you and your family, buy new furniture, convert the third bedroom into a home office and so on.  Also, speak to your lender about a "mortgage plus" which can allow additional funds for approved home upgrades.

As you can see, there are many things to consider when embarking on your journey to buy a home.  If you are a first time home buyer, the best advice is to work with a reputable Realtor and do your homework.  Many home buyers have rushed in to buying a home only to find themselves living in a beautiful home with no money left over each month to leave it and enjoy life. But home buyers that pay attention to the details, especially the financials of owning a home, end up be very happy home owners.  Here’s hoping that will be you!

5 Tips for Selling a Home in Autumn

 

 

People need homes for different reasons: They may want to buy their first home, feel the need to upgrade to a new space or have to relocate for a job.

Buying or selling a home has to do with lifestyle changes, not which season it is.

Homes are moving all the time. Folks have come back from summer vacations. Kids are back at school and their parents are adjusting to finally having a schedule again. The wetness of the winter and the hustle of the holidays are still a ways off for the most part.

Now is a superb time to buy or sell a home.

Here are five tips for home sellers to help your home put its best face forward for the fall.

1. Clean Up the Yard. Red, orange and yellow leaves are beautiful on the tress, but make the yard look unkempt when they’re on the ground. You’ll have to rake pretty regularly if you have your home up for sale during autumn. After the leaves are all gone is a good time to cut down creeping vines and trim branches, which will better reveal the siding of your home and allow more sunlight in the windows. Hose down the siding if it has collected dirt over the summer. Clean the gutters and make sure they are draining properly. If its rainy where you live  in the fall, be sure to have floor mats spots places for wet shoes and umbrellas. If snow is already on the ground, keep the front walkway to the door clear and de-ice any exterior stairs.

2. Add Fall Curb Appeal. Now that your exterior is clean, it’s time to make it sparkle by adding some curb appeal. Buy potted flowers for the front of the home – chrysanthemums and marigolds are popular this time of year. Put the pots at the edge of the stairs, porch and along the sidewalk. Feel free to sparsely decorate with pumpkins, gourds and Indian corn or mount a festive autumn wreath on the front door. If Halloween is getting close, it’s okay to have a jack-o’-lantern or other modest holiday display. Keep in mind that if you go overboard with holiday decorating when you’re in the process of selling a home, it could distract potential buyers.

3. Clear the Cobwebs. If you’re like most people, you probably did some spring cleaning this year. That’s not enough if you’re putting your home up on the real estate market in the fall. The house has had a whole season of kids on summer vacation, open windows letting in pollens and accumulations of dust bunnies in hidden places. Rain from over the summer will have smudged your windows. Scour your kitchen and bathrooms from top to bottom. Vacuum or sweep under the furniture, inside closets and in all of the corners of the living room and bedrooms. Sweep out the fireplace – even if you don’t use it, it can accumulate dust and dirt. Get the furnace in good working condition and replace the filters to prevent dusty and musty smells from filling the house when someone is taking a tour. A home buyer will likely ask a home inspector to look at the furnace anyway, so it is a good idea to discover issues now, before you try selling your home.

4. Create Autumn Atmosphere. You’ve already taken advantage of fall appeal outside with the pumpkins and flowers, now it’s time to splash some autumn cheer on the inside of your house with some home staging. You don’t have to get new furniture in fall colors or anything, but you could accessorize with a bright red blankets and golden-hued pillows. Make or buy an fall centerpiece for the dining room table. Don’t forget the other senses besides sight and touch. Fill the air with the scents of fall by simmering hot apple cider and cinnamon on the stove and offer it to potential home buyers at the end of their tour. If you’ve got the talent or inclination, baking an apple pie, banana bread or pumpkin cupcakes could help ingratiate you with the buyers.

5. Let in the Light. As the days get shorter, the sun sits lower on the horizon and casts longer shadows, making it dimmer inside your home earlier and earlier in the day. Push open the blinds, pull back the curtains and open the shutters of every window. Turn on the lights in the house – you may even consider turning on appliance lights and closet lights. Lighten up particularly darks rooms by adding standing lights behind furniture or in the corners. Just as it should be well-lit, it should be kept cozy. When the temperature drops outside, home buyers expect to enter a home that is warm. If it’s too chilly, they might leave with an negative impression of your home.

Take the time to tidy  up your house so it looks its best for fall the season and home buyers are sure to take notice.

Contact me today for a free Market Value Report of your home or to discuss market conditions in your area!

What to Expect at a Home Inspection When Buying a Property.

 A qualified home inspector can identify underlying issues with the major systems in a home, including roofing, foundation, electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems. Most buyers should make an offer to buy a home conditional on a satisfactory home inspection so they have a better understanding of the property.

With that in mind, let’s go into more detail about your home inspection.

It’s important to remember that a home inspection is primarily a visual examination of home’s systems. A home inspector can’t knock out the walls to see what’s behind them or do other destructive testing. Typically they will not move furniture or storage boxes in order to view or access part of the home. Inspections also don’t address cosmetic or aesthetic features of the property. So the home inspection might identify cracked foundations, drainage issues or a leaky roof, but it’s up to you and your real estate representative to spot chipped countertops, peeling paint and other superficial issues.

Systems such as phone, cable TV, alarm and the lawn sprinkler typically aren’t included in an inspection either. If you want an inspector to look at a swimming pool, fireplace or outbuildings, it’s often available as an add-on service.

I often get asked by home buyers whether or not they should be present during the home inspection.  Attending the inspection certainly isn’t mandatory, but if you want to get the most out of your inspection, I strongly recommend it. A typical inspection takes two to three hours and it’s time well spent. Otherwise, you won't be able to put the report in context as there are numerous things pointed out and ongoing maintenance recommendations made which you will miss.

If you attend the inspection, the inspector will be able to point out details as the two of you move around the property and examine its various parts. You’ll also be able to ask follow-up questions about how serious an issue is or what kind of repairs might be needed. While the inspector’s report will contain similar information, there’s definitely value in experiencing the inspection process yourself and interacting with the inspector while they work. During my home inspection, the inspector had lots of tips and suggestions that did not make it into the report, because they were not critical issues. I was glad that I took the time to participate.

After the inspection, you will receive a report that evaluates the condition of the home, including existing defects and potential problems that could crop up later on. Too often buyers don’t take the time to read the home inspection report in full. Buying a house is a major commitment and reading the report will increase your understanding of the property. Be sure to hang onto it too, because it can serve as a useful reference after you’ve moved in.

If you’ve made your offer conditional on a satisfactory home inspection, it’s now time to make a decision about whether to proceed. This is where the expertise of a registered real estate professional is key.

Your representative can negotiate with the sellers to resolve issues uncovered in the inspection. For minor issues, the sellers may simply promise to fix the issue before you move in. For more serious issues, they may agree to reduce the selling price by a certain amount to compensate for the cost of repairs. You would then be responsible for handling the repairs once the deal closes.

Remember, the inspection is to uncover unknown issues.  It is not a to-do list for the sellers for things you saw prior to making your offer.  The ripped screen, missing fence board or broken window that were visible during the initial showing and second showing before the offer was submitted are considered material defects and would have been accounted for in the offer price or conditions.

The inspection is a tool used to put the buyer at ease with their purchase to make sure there are no major issues that the buyers were unaware of prior to firming up their offer to purchase, or that any major issues are resolved by way of a price reduction or repair.

A home inspection can take a lot of uncertainty out of the home buying process. Making the most of your home inspection can prevent unwanted surprises after you move in.

Contact me today for a complimentary Home Value Report or to discuss the current market conditions in your area!

Easy Mistakes for First Time Home Buyers to Make

 

 

The details involved when buying a home can be astounding –  first time home buyers can inadvertently make mistakes that affect their ability to purchase, close, or enjoy their home.

 

Here are some situations that you can avoid:

• You haven’t checked your credit score: Saving up for a down payment is important, but have you also checked your credit score? It provides financial information that are of interest to lenders, such as your ability to pay your bills on time every month, your employment history, and your debt-to-income ratio. These details can dictate how much money you can borrow, the interest you will get, and other terms of your loan. Even if you think your credit score is good if not better, keep in mind that some details may be incorrect, and that could be to your disadvantage. You can obtain a copy of your report – for free and review it for inaccuracies before starting the house buying process.

• You do not have a home budget: Do you know how much your monthly mortgage payments will be? Your property taxes? Maintenance and renovation expenses? General living expenses? Can you afford these payments combined? If you don’t know the answer, then you need to create a household budget. List all of the items that you currently pay for, then search online or ask your real estate agent for additional costs associated specifically with home ownership. But your budget doesn’t stop there. You also need to account for the home purchase itself – that includes your down payment, appraisal fees, legal fees, inspection fees, possible credit report fees, loan application fees, moving costs, to name a few. Can you afford these expenses to make your purchase? Note that some credits are available that will cover some of these fees, and not all of these fees will apply in your situation. Talk to your real estate agent and mortgage lender about what fees you may need to cover for and budget accordingly.

• You did not get pre-approved before starting the home buying process: Getting pre-approved beforehand lets you know how much you are allowed to borrow, and therefore, how much home you can afford and which financing options are available to you. One of the first things you need to do is talk with a qualified lender and get pre-approved. Many sellers will only consider your offer if you have a letter of pre-approval. Start applying for a home loan before you even start looking for a house to set your financial expectations properly.

• You assume that your first offer will be accepted: Buying your first home is exciting, but with the housing market as it is, it is likely that yours won’t be the only offer that the sellers will receive. Try not to get too discouraged if you lose out on the first, or even second, home; eventually the right house and the right sellers will come along.

 

• You decline the home inspection: Before you sign on the dotted line, get a home inspection by a licensed, experienced professional. Can you tell if there is mold in the basement, the walls have insufficient insulation, or if there are outdoor drainage issues? You may not know, but a professional will. An inspection may seem like yet another expense, but they can tell you if the house of dreams is fraught with issues. Find an inspector who is familiar with the type, age, and features of the home as well as the region’s geographical conditions.

• You did not work with a buyer’s real estate agent: You may think you are working with a buyer’s agent when, in reality, you’re actually dealing with a seller’s agent. If you contact the agent listed with the property or walk into an open house, it’s easy to think that the agent is working in your favor.  However, you should have the option to find an agent not tied to the property. A buyer’s agent will be one of your advisers during the entire process and educate you on current market conditions, negotiate the offer and/or counteroffer, counsel on necessary inspections and property repairs and make sure your interests are protected. Ask questions, get referrals, and use someone you are comfortable with.

Before buying a home, understand what you want from your potential home purchase. Get involved right from the beginning and be your own best advocate. Be fully informed about every aspect of the process, and if you do not know the answer, then ask questions. This will save yourself undue stress and financial and emotional hardship in what can be a truly exciting

Contact me today for a Free Home-Buyer's Toolkit!

10 Things to Look Out for When Buying an Older Home

 

 

Older homes possess an allure that cannot be found in a new home. The mesmerizing architecture of an older home and its distinctive character may appeal to you at first sight, but do not forget that not only are older homes reminiscent of the years gone by, but they also bear the brunt of time. Older homes need careful inspection and maintenance – a task which may not suit all buyers.

The first step to successfully buying an older home is to weigh your options and decide what features could potentially turn out to be deal-breakers. What do you look for in a house? What purpose would your house serve and what kind of furnishings do you intend to use? Answering questions like these will help clear up any confusion and give you strong points for or against buying any home.  Deal-breakers could vary from excess expenditure in repairs to the location of the house. Bear in mind that the level of commitment required to own an older home can be greater than owning a newer home and being a “renaissance man” may come in handy.

1.       Careful inspection of the disclosure
Buying a home involves a lot of communication between the buyer and the realtor or seller. If you have a realtor to represent your interests, it does not mean that you have no part in the dealings or communication. A realtor would help narrow down prospects that best suit your requirement. However, careful research on your part is a must and could save you a lot of money and time.
To start off, you should be a well-informed buyer so be sure to ask lots of questions regarding the condition and history of the property. Understanding and inspecting previous repairs and replacements could help you come to a decision on whether the major concerns are manageable or feasible. Disclosure statements from sellers are an obligation and should be carefully inspected to make sure that you are completely aware of the issues and problems which could affect your purchase.

2.       Cost of homeowners insurance
Insurance is essential to safeguard your home against damages that result from accidents. Additional policies could be added to insure the house against damages resulting from natural calamities. There are several forms of insurance which covers various levels of protection to suit the interests of the owner. Insurance agencies may be skeptical when it comes to insuring an old house and you may end up paying more than you expect. Have a candid conversation with your insurance agent about the home so you can be certain of the cost of insurance before buying the house and avoid any surprises down the road.

3.       Foundation
Older homes are more likely to have problems when it comes to the foundation. A clear inspection of the basement will reveal possible cracks and shifts in the frame. Cracks are a bad sign and may indicate permanent, serious damage to the structural integrity of the home. Old houses are known for their strong foundation, but with time they may have suffered serious wear and tear. A thorough inspection should reveal serious troubles with the foundation.

4.       Electrical wiring
Older homes may need updated wiring, especially considering the high demands of our electronics hungry society, and rewiring an entire house may turn out to be painfully expensive no matter how much you love the beautiful wood work and ornamental designs. The cost and effort of rewiring the house should be considered before you finalize the deal. If a house has three-pronged plugs, it hints at a modern grounding. Presence of other modern safety upgrades such as GFIs on outlets could also mean upgraded wiring. However there are many problems that may go unseen and hence, do not forget to have a professional inspection done.

5.       Plumbing
If the house has original plumbing, then depending on how old it is, there is a good chance that it’s outdated and will require work down the road. In case of previous repairs or replacement, the installations should be inspected. Leaks and clogging are a common problem with old houses. Just because the plumbing has been upgraded, it does not guarantee that it is functional or won’t pose future problems.

6.       Heating and cooling systems
If you are accustomed to central air and an even temperature throughout your home, you may be in for a surprise. Replacing the HVAC in an older home can not only be expensive but it may also not deliver the immediate changes to heating and cooling that you are familiar with in newer homes. Older fixtures may also cost you a lot in terms of utility bills. Older homes can come with radiators which require fuel oil and may not be practical in the long run. It’s also a good idea to see a years’ worth of utility bills

Older homes may very well have a properly working furnace but make sure the person you choose to inspect your home before the sale has experience with older homes and heating and cooling systems.

7.       Roof
If the roof has been previously worked upon, then it is a must to check for signs of leakage and make sure that any changes to the roof line have the proper structure under the roof. Moldy wood, drips and water stains are a clear indication of trouble. If the original roof is still in place, then there is a good chance that some work will be required before long – which translates to more time and expenses.

8.       Windows.
Old homes come with old windows which may offer poor insulation. If a previous reconstruction has widened window frames, then the quality of the work must be assessed. Improper extensions and tampering might cause problems such as rigid windows and collapsing of the frame under severe circumstances. Also look for any leaks around the windows, both original and/or replacement windows.

Keep in mind that replacing all the windows in a 3,000 square foot home will cost at least $10,000, most likely more.

9.       Extensive repair work
If the house requires extensive repair work, it is going to drain a lot of your money and time. The return on investment may or may not be worth the money. Is it really practical to take on such a huge responsibility? If you’re handy with tools and love working on projects, this may be a great opportunity for you but if you’re more like me, not the handiest guy in the world, this home that you love my be the end of you or at least your marriage. You may feel an emotional connection to the house, but is it going to be worth the effort?

10.   Compatibility between the house and your existing fixtures and appliances
Household items were different back in the day and definitely less demanding of the house. To ensure that you do not have to invest in a brand new set of furniture and appliances, make sure that your existing sets are compatible with the house in terms of size, proposed utility of appliances etc.
In spite of the hurdles and anomalies, older homes are often worth the effort. They are unique and elegant with a personality of their own that will add a lot to your pride of ownership!

Contact me today for a complimentary Home Value Report or to discuss current market conditions!

Hurry and Create Your New Firepit Before Summer is Over - Here are Some Awesome Firepit Ideas!

 
             
It’s s’mores season! That yummy, sweet, crunchy, ooey-gooey treat that has made many a childhood memory. Summer evenings are made for s’mores. When the temperatures begin to dip, it’s time for melting marshmallows over an open flame…getting them ready to smoosh up next to a chocolate bar in-between graham crackers. OH THE YUM. Don’t have a fireplace or regular access to a bonfire? How about a fire pit? There are many commercially available at hardware stores, but why not consider building your own? We’ve got seven great DIY projects, from simple to complex; all would be awesome s’more-makers.

 

             

In-ground fire pit with a gorgeous organic perimeter. Tutorial by Laura Catherine. 

 

             

Concrete fire pit bowl tutorial by eHow. Would be great in a modern or rustic setting.

 

             

Lovely tabletop fire pit by the Art of Doing Stuff.  Made with a metal planter and other inexpensive items, this entire thing only cost $25 to make. Sign me up!

DIY eco-friendly fire pit by Fine Craft Guild. No smoke means no guilt.
   

 

             

Ready to build something more permanent and solid?  This cast stone with natural stone cap fire pit by This Old House is a serious project that will bring years of enjoyment.

 

             

Maybe want something a little less labor-intensive and pricy but just as permanent? This gorgeous permanent fire pit by Bridgeman will fit the bill.

 

             

Looking for something more modern? This metal square fire pit by The Brick House is unique and dramatic. Fire up the welder!

Strong Home Sales in K - W in July and Continued Increases in Home Prices

 There were a total of 662 residential properties sold through the Multiple Listing System (MLS®) of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS® (KWAR) in July, an increase of 5.9 percent compared with 625 in July 2013.

Home sales in the month of July were also 16.6 per cent above the five-year average for the month.

Strong activity in July helped to bring the total number of residential sales on a year-to-date basis closer to historical levels. The 4,069 residential transactions to the end of July are 1.6 per cent below the 4,135 transactions during the same period in 2013, and l.5 percent above the previous five-year average of 4,005 units.

Buyers are continuing to express their confidence in housing in the Region.  This July set a record for both dollar volume of sales and units sold compared to the last 10 years."

Residential sales in July included 450 single detached homes (up 8.4% from last year), 47 semi-detached (up 34.3%), 40 townhomes (up 2.6%) and 115 condominium units (down 7.3%).
The average sale price of all residential sales through the KWAR’s MLS® System increased 5.0 per cent last month to $335,858 compared to July 2013. Single detached homes sold for an average price of $378,459 an increase of 4.7 per cent compared to last year. The average sale price for a condominium was $223,302, an increase of 3.9 percent compared to July.

Contact me today to find out the value of your home or for any of your real estate questions.

Water Wise - Save Money and Water with These Ideas

Changing Daily Routines to Reduce Water Consumption Around Your Home

                      

Checking leaks: Watch your water meter this week after work (and before daily tasks like dinner preparation or a load of laundry get going) for an hour. If during that hour you notice the meter changing while no water consumption is taking place then you should contact a plumber to identify a leak.

Piping insulation: If it takes the hot water forever to flow into your bathroom,  pipes need some insulating. All that water going down the drain each morning while you wait and wait and wait for the water to be reasonably warm is wasteful.

Washing the veggies: I’m guilty of letting the water run while I wash our fruits and vegetables in the kitchen sink. I’m vowing now to end this nasty habit and will partially fill the sink with some water and white vinegar to further help reduce our home’s water consumption.

Running a bath:  Make sure to stop up the bathtub right away and adjust the hot/cold as the bath fill so that water isn't just running down the drain until it gets warm enough.

Ideas for the shower: There are several ways to reduce this activity’s water consumption. One, set your phone timer for five minutes so you know for each minute over you’re wasting anywhere between seven to 10 gallons of water per minute. If you’ve gone over the five-minute mark and still haven’t washed your hair or lathered up, turn off the water and resume for rinsing.

Reusing pet’s water: Although I do use our cat’s discarded water to feed outside potted plants, I never thought to also use Salvador’s (our fish) tank water as a means to water my outdoor or indoor plants. This too is going on my list.

Things your mom always told you:  “Turn the water off while you brush your teeth or wash your hands.”  and “Fill up the sink up when shaving or doing dishes.”

There will be lots to do on Civic Holiday weekend in Kitchener - Waterloo

As another long weekend approaches, we activities because most businesses are staying open.

                            

Environment Canada is expecting a high of 34 C on Saturday, rain and a high of 26 C on Sunday and the return of sunshine with a high of 26 C for Monday.

                            

While most government offices and facilities will be closed on Monday, Civic Holiday is not a statutory holiday, so it will be business as usual for many places in the region.

                           

Here’s what’s open and closed for Civic Holiday:

                            

 •  Grand River Transit buses will run on a Sunday schedule for Monday.

                            

 •  Public libraries in Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo will be closed Sunday and Monday.

                           

 •  Canada Post will not be delivering or collecting mail on Monday.

                           

 •  The Kitchener Market will be closed Monday along with most recreation centres in Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo.

                           

 •  Outdoor swimming pools and splash pads are open all weekend and holiday Monday. The Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex and its swimplex will also be open.

                            

 •  LCBO and Beer Store locations will be open Monday: the LCBO noon to 5 p.m. (check lcbo.com for individual store hours), but the Beer Store will have shortened hours of 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

                           

Fairview Park Mall and Conestoga Mall are open Monday but close at 5 p.m. Cambridge Centre Mall will be open until 6 p.m. Most grocery stores will also be open.

                           

Local attractions such as Bingemans Big Splash will be open Monday. The Waterloo Region Museum and Doon Heritage Village will be open as well and offering free admission for children for the day.

 

Have a great weekend, everyone!