How to Add Style to a Small Living Space

Decorating a small space can be challenging, especially if you are moving from a home to a small apartment. Fortunately, there are many easy and affordable ways to convert your small apartment into a stylish sanctuary that is cool, comfortable, and never feels cramped.

1. Select small furniture. 
A small apartment living room can easily be overwhelmed by excessively large furniture. Many home decor stores like Ikea understand this and offer a large selection of apartment-friendly furniture. If you have a large piece of furniture, make sure it does not dominate the room by adding colorful smaller accent pieces.

2. Create an attractive focal point with your piece of furniture.
Creating a focal point in each room helps the room feel more cohesive and less cluttered. Whether it is your sofa, a window, or a favourite piece of art, a focal point helps draw attention to one area of the room, providing a distraction from any less attractive areas.

3. Use tall items to draw the eye upwards.
Use stacks and tall items to draw the eye upwards to create the illusion of higher ceilings. If your windows are small try purchasing long curtains and hang them as close to the ceiling as possible. Not only will this create a beautiful focal point, but also gives the appearance of a larger window.

4. Choose a cohesive color scheme.  
Use paint colours and fabric swatches to create an attractive colour scheme and use it throughout the apartment. Having a unified colour scheme creates a designer feel and makes your space feel pulled together.

5. Keep clutter to a minimum. 
Create areas for your art collections where they can be displayed together. If you have a problem finding storage in your apartment be creative and make your own. Many stores like Lowes carry affordable storage systems that you can install yourself.

6. Use mirrors to your advantage. 
Placing mirrors and other reflective surfaces opposite of windows and other light sources creates the illusion of more light and makes space appear larger than it really is.

7. Add your own artwork. 
Creating your own art is a fantastic way to personalize your space. Choose what interests and appeals to you and run with it. Let your imagination go wild and create a painting or project tailored to your home.

8. Accessorize
Once you have established and arranged your furniture, it’s time to accessorize. Use items that you already own; small coffee tables, books, and other accessories can complement your furniture and make your space look more stylish. Small or unusual games like Japanese puzzle boxes also make interactive and attractive accessories. Remember, your living room is for living in, not staring at—make it fun, functional, and fabulously decorated.

Choosing Outdoor Lighting for Curb Appeal and Safety

Well-executed exterior lighting can enhance the architectural detail of your property and makes your home look beautiful in the evening adding an abundance of curb appeal.   Aside from aesthetics, good exterior lighting can give you and your guest’s added security and peace of mind when entering and leaving your home.

Much of the success of exterior lighting depends mainly on its design. Professional lighting designers often talk about the “moonlight effect.” That’s a naturalistic look that features light no more intense than that of a full moon, but still strong enough to make beautiful shadows and intense highlights.

A well-lit front entrance enables you to greet guests and identify visitors. Wall lanterns on each side of the door will give your home a warm, welcoming look while assuring the safety of those who enter.

Install a single fixture above the garage door to provide lighting for safety and security. Consider installing a motion sensor on these fixtures or a photocell that turns the lights on at dusk and off at dawn to save energy.

Another important factor is making your home secure and safe from intruders and animals. Good lighting around the entire perimeter of your home can be a deterrent in itself. Illuminate any side of the house that would otherwise be in shadows. Spotlights installed on your eaves will accomplish this, or, for a more dramatic look, consider ground lights pointed up to graze your walls.

Steps, paths, and driveways should be illuminated to make sure family members and guests are able to move about easily and safely after dark. You can install path lights or post lanterns or attach lights to the side of the house.  Low-level path lights, which spread circular patterns of light, will brighten your walkway while highlighting nearby flower beds, shrubs, and ground cover. Low-level path lights can also be used to define the boundaries of long driveways.

If you have added exterior features like a swimming pool, an exterior porch, or an entertaining space, ensure these areas are well-lit as well.

Choose lighting fixtures that look beautiful, but also throw light a good distance away from your home. This will help illuminate dark areas and aid your vision to see outside from inside your home. If you have a large property, flood lights installed on the corners of your home will help throw light further than average wall sconces on the exterior of your home.

Another consideration to keep in mind is to select outdoor light fixtures that are energy efficient and made of durable material to suit the harsh outside temperatures during the hot summer days and cold winter nights.  In most cases, fixtures made of cast aluminum are a very durable option.

Engage the Buyers' Senses When Selling Your Home

Every seller wants his or her home to sell fast and bring top dollar. It's not luck that makes that happen. It's careful planning and knowing how to professionally spruce up your home that will send home buyers scurrying for their checkbooks.

Your home will be judged not only on its outward appearance but also on the feelings it evokes in those who view your property. Follow these simple tips to prepare your house and turn it into an irresistible home.

Sight
Use light to showcase your home. Open draperies in the daytime and turn on lights (day and night) to accentuate a cheerful atmosphere. If you have a fireplace, burn a Duraflame log. De-clutter and remove any personal photographs and any potentially offensive posters or religious signs.

Sound
Consider playing soft background music while people tour your home. If there is exterior noise, such as traffic or nearby construction, work with your sales agent to schedule showings around noisy times of the day.

Smell
Make sure your home is sparkling clean. Grind a fresh lemon in a garbage disposal or boil cinnamon sticks to add a clean, fresh scent. Candles and flowers look nice and smell pleasant as well. Lingering scents of strong-smelling foods, smoke, or pets should be aired out before showing your home.

Taste
Realtors and home stagers say that one of the most appealing smells to people is freshly baked cookies. Bake a small batch of cookies before every show (or at least on the weekends when there will be multiple showings). This not only adds a pleasant scent to the home but also adds to the hospitable home atmosphere. Potential homebuyers may also appreciate a cookie or lemonade.

Add a human touch
Your home should appear livable. Update the look by making simple changes like rearranging furniture and accessories, painting, and adding stylish and practical pieces.

Buyers who come with agents are more at ease when the owner's not around, so it is best if you take your children and pets on a short walk during the showing. To ensure your safety, remember to remove keys, jewelry, and other valuables from your home during showings.

The key to getting your house sold is to make it stand out from the comparable real estate properties around you. This process is best done by making an emotional lure with a lot of bait. That bait comes in the form of unique characteristics of livability. Use plenty of hooks, and people looking to purchase a home will swarm to your bait and take it.

Winter Home Maintenance Checklist - maintain your home AND your home's value!

With the winter just around the corner, it’s time to get your house in shape for the cooler months ahead. Although autumn can be one of the busiest seasons for homeowners preparing for winter, it’s also the best time to take advantage of the moderate weather to repair any damages before the first frost sets in. Here are some home maintenance tips to keep your home running in peak condition all winter long.

Outdoor Preparation

• Check the roof for cracked or missing shingles, bald spots on shingles, missing or damaged flashing, and other conditions that might allow leaks. Replace any roof shingles that are missing or damaged. Seal minor cracks or tears with roofing cement.
• Check the gutters. If they are clogged with leaves and debris, clean them. Gutters prevent basement and foundation flooding and water damage to siding, windows, and doors.
• Check the siding for cracks or damage and seal any leaky spots with a clear caulking compound.
• Windows and doors. Ensure they are properly sealed with weather stripping and replace damaged parts. Weather stripping prevents drafts and winter heat loss.
• Trim trees and bushes away from the house.
• Cover air conditioner and barbecue to prevent winter damage.
• Store lawn and patio furniture in a shed or basement. If space is limited, use weather-resistant covers that can protect outdoor furniture.
• Close your pool before leaves start to fall and night-time temperatures begin to drop, otherwise you may risk an algae bloom.
• Drain and shut off outdoor water faucets and remove and store garden hoses.
• Store kid's toys indoors or in an outdoor shed to prevent rusting and fading.
• Check and repair exterior lighting before daylight fades.
• Scrape peeling paint and apply touch-up paint to your siding, trim, and fences, and apply waterproofing sealer to your deck if necessary.
• Examine driveways and walkways for cracks. Larger cracks should be sealed to keep out water.

Lawn and Garden

• Prepare planting beds when the soil is relatively dry. By adding soil and mulch to your beds, you'll be a step ahead for spring planting.
• Plant spring-blooming bulbs and perennials.
• Protect roses, saplings, and small trees by sheltering them with a burlap screen.
• Pull weeds to reduce the number of seedlings next spring.
• Mow grass short for the final cut of the year by reducing the cutting height gradually to 3.5 cm (from 7.4 cm) until the grass stops growing.
• Check ground grading around the house. All surfaces next to walls should be sloped to shed water away from the house. This is most important on warm winter days, as melting snow runs quickly across the surface of the frozen ground. If the grading is incorrect, water will potentially flow into the house, causing basement leakage. Now is the time to use a shovel to re-slope the grass, or call a paving contractor to correct a negatively sloped walkway or driveway.

Indoor Preparation

• Bring container plants inside and make sure they are free of pests. Doing so may enable plants to survive the season and bloom again in spring.
• Caulk around window and door casings to keep out air and water. If your house has wood siding with window frames that stand out from the siding, caulk the top and sides of the frame. Don't caulk under the sill as this space should be left open to allow moisture inside the wall to escape. If your house is brick or stone, with window frames that are set into the finish material, caulk all four edges of each frame where the brick mould meets the masonry.
• Clean or replace furnace filters as needed. Check and clean the dryer vent, air conditioner, stove hood, and room fans. Keep heating and cooling vents clean and away from furniture and draperies.
• Ensure that all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are in good working order. Replace batteries as needed, or at least twice each year.
• Have your heating system checked by a licensed heating/air-conditioning professional. Most furnace manufacturers recommend annual inspections.
• Have your chimney(s) inspected by a chimney service and, if necessary, cleaned. Cleaning is generally recommended at least once a year for an active fireplace.
• Store plenty of salt or rock salt, snow shovels, and any other items you will need during the winter.
• Examine the basement floor and walls for cracks or leaks; seal as needed.

If you plan to reside elsewhere during the winter months, you may want to partially shut down your home. In addition to the tips above, consider the following:

• Leave the temperature at its lowest setting, usually between 5 to 7 degrees Celsius, or install a low-heat thermostat to maintain the air temperature at approximately 5 degrees Celsius
• Turn off and drain the water heater; leave a reminder to refill before restarting.
• Keep the electricity on so lights will continue to function (put lights on timers).
• Unplug the microwave, clothes dryer, televisions, and other appliances not in use.
• To avoid large repair bills and the hassle associated with breakdowns, take the time now to develop an action plan for the coming months. You'll feel secure in your warm home or while you're away from home.

Winter can be hard on a house, but following these steps will help preserve your investment and prevent any unnecessary chores or repairs that might be difficult to do during winter.

Home Sales in the Waterloo Region Increased in October

WATERLOO REGION, ON (November 4, 2024) —In October, a total of 604 homes were sold in the Waterloo Region via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System of the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® (Cornerstone). This represents a 7.1 per cent increase compared to the same period last year and a decline of 14.2 per cent compared to the average number of homes sold in the previous ten years for the same month.

“For the first time since May, we witnessed an encouraging rise in home sales throughout Waterloo Region last month,” stated Christal Moura, spokesperson for the Waterloo Region market area. “This positive trend reflects a shift toward more balanced conditions within our housing market and a renewed confidence among buyers.”

Total residential sales in October included 383 detached homes (up 15.4 per cent from October 2023), and 104 townhouses (down 20.0 per cent). Sales also included 66 condominium units (up 1.5 per cent) and 49 semi-detached homes (up 53.1 per cent).

In October, the average sale price for all residential properties in Waterloo Region was $779,008. This represents a 1.4 per cent increase compared to October 2023 and a 1.4 per cent decrease compared to September 2024.

• The average price of a detached home was $885,587. This represents a 0.6 per cent decrease from October 2023 and a decrease of 2.9 per cent compared to September 2024.
• The average sale price for a townhouse was $643,382. This represents a 0.2 per cent decrease from October 2023 and an increase of 7.8 per cent compared to September 2024.
• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $484,429. This represents a 1.8 per cent increase from October 2023 and a decrease of 0.2 per cent compared to September 2024.
• The average sale price for a semi was $650,098. This represents a decrease of 1.2 per cent compared to October 2023 and a decrease of 0.7 per cent compared to September 2024.

On Wednesday, October 23, Cornerstone welcomed the news that the Bank of Canada cut its policy rate by 50 basis points to 3.75 per cent. This marks the fourth consecutive rate cut since June and is the most substantial decrease since March 2020.  Moura commented, “The interest rate cuts are certainly beneficial for those with variable mortgages and encouraging news for homeowners facing mortgage renewals. However, I believe many prospective home buyers may continue to wait for more significant reductions before making a move, especially with the anticipated mortgage reforms that come into effect on December 15, 2024.”

There were 1,144 new listings added to the MLS® System in Waterloo Region last month, an increase of 0.3 per cent compared to October last year and a 19.9 per cent increase compared to the previous ten-year average for October.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of October was 1,711 an increase of 21.0 per cent compared to October of last year and 48.5 per cent above the previous ten-year average of 1,153 listings for October.

The total inventory across the market increased by 19.2 percent, resulting in a 3.1-month supply of all property types by the end of October. Condominium apartments had the highest inventory, with 5.5 months’ supply, followed by townhouses with 3.8 months’ supply and detached homes with 2.5 months’ supply. The number of months of inventory represents the time it would take to sell off current inventories at the current sales rate.

The average time to sell a home in October was 27 days, one day shorter than the previous month. In October 2023, it took 21 days for a home to sell, and the five-year average is 18 days.

Cornerstone emphasizes the importance of consulting a local REALTOR® when considering buying or selling property in the Waterloo Region. Their expertise can provide valuable insights into the current market conditions, enabling individuals to make well-informed decisions aligned with their goals and preferences.

Waterloo Region Sees Decrease in Home Sales for September

WATERLOO REGION, ON (October 3, 2024) —In September, a total of 521 homes were sold in the Waterloo Region via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System of the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® (Cornerstone). This represents a decrease of 2.1 per cent compared to the same period last year and a decline of 23.5 per cent compared to the average number of homes sold in the previous ten years for the same month.

“In September, there was an overall slowdown in home sales, but we continued to see strong demand for detached homes, resulting in an increase in sales for that specific type of property,” said Christal Moura, spokesperson for the Waterloo Region market area. “Meanwhile, buyers have a bit more selection than a year ago as inventory is up, and homes take a little longer to sell. This can mean a less stressful homebuying experience, but for sellers, the current market may require more patience or even adjustment in price expectation.”

Total residential sales in September included 336 detached homes (up 9.4 per cent from September 2023), and 95 townhouses (down 22.1 per cent). Sales also included 57 condominium units (down 16.2 per cent) and 32 semi-detached homes (down 3.0 per cent).

In September, the average sale price for all residential properties in Waterloo Region was $788,944. This represents a 2.9 per cent increase compared to September 2023 and a 2.3 per cent increase compared to August 2024.

• The average price of a detached home was $910,286. This represents a 2.3 per cent increase from September 2023 and an increase of 2.2 per cent compared to August 2024.
• The average sale price for a townhouse was $595,435. This represents a 6.9 per cent decrease from September 2023 and a decrease of 2.7 per cent compared to August 2024.
• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $483,331. This represents a decrease of 3.4 per cent from September 2023 and an increase of 4.9 per cent compared to August 2024.
• The average sale price for a semi was $654,613. This represents a decrease of 2.9 per cent compared to September 2023 and an increase of 0.1 per cent compared to August 2024.

Retirement Living

Retirement isn’t what it used to be. These days, rather than sitting back and watching the roses grow, more of us want to use the extra time, energy, and any cash released from the sale of a property to travel the world or fulfill some other lifelong ambition.

Today’s retirees want somewhere they can perhaps travel from and entertain. Health issues are still there but more people now stay fit for longer, have the spending power, and have the force of numbers to drive change. A whole new home market is growing to meet their varied demands.

Ideally, the perfect "retirement" home provides for the inevitabilities of aging and accommodates changing needs. The closer the home matches your needs, the fewer chances are of a subsequent move.

Whether you decide to downsize to a smaller home or move to a retirement community, the advantages are obvious—smaller homes translate into lower costs and less maintenance. Retirement communities also ensure like-minded neighbours. The lifestyle decision is yours.

Moving can be an overwhelming experience both physically and emotionally, however, preparing yourself for your move can make all the difference in the world. Once you've determined that you're ready to take the plunge, there are many options available to you.

Before you make a decision about where to live in retirement you need to consider many factors: the daily lifestyle you want; the proximity of children, or other relatives and friends; the type of climate you enjoy; and your health or medical needs. Ideally, you should consider these personal and lifestyle factors first. Then you need to face reality. What can you afford? Your choices may be limited to cost, however, if you have planned your retirement carefully, you should have enough funds to cover the monthly expenses for whatever retirement home you choose.

Should I continue to live in my current home after retirement?
Staying in your current home will probably be much more economical if the mortgage is already paid off. If you don’t own the house free and clear, you’ll need to figure out if your retirement income will be high enough for you to continue the payments.

If you want to continue living in your home—as most people do—you should evaluate whether it meets your current and future physical needs. If it requires repairs or remodelling, do you want to undertake these projects, and can you afford the cost? For example, if you or your spouse has a medical problem, you may need to consider constructing entrance or exit ramps, modifying stairways, installing railings, support bars, or other modifications to bathrooms, and grading the ground to provide access to the house.

If you decide that you should move, there are many options available:

Condos and apartments
A condominium lifestyle has been a favourite of empty nesters and retirees since its inception. Condominium apartments and townhomes are available in virtually every price range and neighbourhood. Some of the more upmarket developments have their own swimming pools, gymnasiums, tennis courts, and bowling greens. Others are set in the countryside, by lakes, or are even child-free for those who want peace and quiet.

Condo life has many advantages. In addition to being short on maintenance and long on amenities, condos offer more opportunities to socialize. You will meet neighbours in the halls, the lobby, and the laundry room. Condo living is a good choice for low-key, sociable types who enjoy getting to know other residents.

On average, condos are much more affordable than houses, making them an excellent fit for individuals who want to lower or limit their housing costs. Clearly, condos are the economical choice for retirees hoping to downsize.

Bungalow living
Bungalows provide empty nesters and retirees with the best of both worlds: the opportunity to own a house and a yard with minimal maintenance.

The "bungalow living" concept has surged in popularity in recent years, especially in smaller communities outside major centres. Many empty nesters and retirees are considering the sale of their larger, more expensive homes in the city to purchase less expensive bungalows in more rural areas.

Retirement communities
Retirement communities offer retirees the amenities often associated with condominium living, smaller homes and the opportunity to live with like-minded individuals.

Current-day retirement communities are resort-like in nature. The focal point of these communities is the clubhouse, where a variety of amenities including fitness facilities, tennis courts, game rooms, swimming pools, and in some areas, golf courses are available. For the most part, they're built in rural areas that are close to large urban centres, but far enough away from the hustle and bustle of city living.

These communities are designed to help you with the assistance you need. For example, when you first move in, you may not need a large degree of care and supervision, but as time passes, your needs might increase. This is how retirement homes and communities operate today. They attempt to steer completely clear of the stereotypical convalescent or old folks home. Yet as you progress, should you get sick or need surgery, be assured that all necessary care will be there to assist you.

Giving up the home where you have lived for many years may seem frightening. Mentally, emotionally, and physically it is better to start to think and plan for such an eventuality before you are forced into somewhere you really don't want to be.

If you're uncertain about the alternatives available to you, you may want to speak to your Real Estate Agent. He or she can provide you with a free estimate of the value of your home and help you determine what type of property will best suit your retirement lifestyle.

Tips for preparing your home for Winter

As the winter season approaches and the air grows crisp, it's time to start thinking about preparing your house for the season. Once winter blows in, homeowners have to get serious. It is important to consider the fact that the winter season means spending a lot more time indoors. Roofs must shed rain and snow, windows and doors must reject the cold, and the heating system must keep rooms comfortable. If any of these components don't hold up, you might be faced with scrambling around in the wet, cold, and dark to fix them.

By handling these important yet reasonably easy tasks, you can avoid considerable grief later.

1)  Inspect the roof
If possible, go up onto the roof to check its condition. Look for cracked or missing shingles, bald spots on shingles, missing or damaged flashing, and other conditions that might allow leaks. Replace any roof shingles that are missing or damaged. You can also seal minor cracks or tears with roofing cement or do the minor repairs yourself. 

2) Check the gutters
While you're on the ladder, look into the gutters. If they are clogged with leaves and debris, clean them. Gutters prevent basement and foundation flooding and water damage to siding, windows, and doors. When clogged with leaves and debris, they will fill with rainwater and overflow. 

3) Look at the siding
Check the siding for cracks or damage. You can seal up any leaky spots with a clear caulking compound. But, if close inspection of the paint reveals problems such as blistering, peeling, wrinkling, or chalking, either touch them up or call a painting contractor.

4) Investigate weather stripping
Also, look to see if windows and doors are effectively sealed with weather stripping. Weather stripping will prevent drafts and winter heat loss. If the weather stripping is damaged, it's usually easiest and most effective to entirely replace it rather than to repair it.

5) Check your heating system
Have your heating system checked by a licensed heating/air-conditioning professional. Most furnace manufacturers recommend at least annual inspections. 

6) Sweep the chimney
Have your chimneys inspected by a chimney service and, if necessary, cleaned. Cleaning is generally recommended at least once a year for an active fireplace. 

7) Trim the trees
Trim trees away from the house. Have dead trees and branches removed by professional tree trimmers, or do it yourself.                                    

8) Check the smoke and Carbon Monoxide detector
Buy extra smoke detector batteries and change them when daylight savings ends. Also, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they work, and buy a fire extinguisher or replace an extinguisher older than 10 years.

9) Store plenty of salt
Make sure you are stocked with rock salt, snow shovels, and any other items you will need during the winter. 

10) Drain and shut off outdoor water faucets remove and store garden hoses,

11) Examine the basement floor and walls for cracks or leaks; seal as needed.
 

If you plan to reside elsewhere during the winter months, you may want to partially shut down your home. In addition to the tips above, consider the following:

• Leave the temperature at its lowest setting, usually between 5 to 7 degrees Celsius, or install a low-heat thermostat to maintain the air temperature at approximately 5 degrees Celsius
• Turn off and drain the water heater; leave a reminder to refill before restarting.
• Keep the electricity on so lights will continue to function (put them on timers).
• Unplug the microwave, clothes dryer, televisions (not on timers), and other appliances not in use.
• To avoid large repair bills and the hassle associated with breakdowns, take the time now to develop an action plan for the coming months. You'll feel secure in your warm home or while you're away from home.

The fall season is a good time for you to start thinking about preparing your home for winter. As temperatures begin to drop, your home will require maintenance to keep it in tip-top shape through the winter. By following the easy steps above, you will ensure to have a warm and comfortable winter at the peace of your home!

Tips for Surviving a Home Renovation

Home renovation can be exciting, but they are often stressful especially if you have to stay at home while the work is being done. With careful planning, it is possible to survive major renovations. Even though your daily routines may be derailed, you can minimize the inconvenience and give yourself room to collect your thoughts even amid a storm of drywall dust, flying wood chips, and noxious odors. The tips offered below can help you anticipate the problems that can arise with almost any remodeling project. Use this knowledge to short-circuit the stresses that are a natural part of changes to your home.

Prepare the house. Move anything you don’t want damaged (art, furniture, and electronics) into a part of the house not being worked on—or move it into temporary storage. Store your clothing in plastic garment bags, and protect floors with heavy-duty cardboard or construction paper taped at the edges. Most important, make sure you completely seal off work areas with industrial plastic sheeting.

Plan for everyday life. Your house may be in disorder, but you'll still want hot meals, a snug bed, a refreshing shower, and clean clothes. Seek a safe harbor away from the confusion by staying at a motel, taking refuge with a kind relative, or even moving into a travel trailer or recreational vehicle. But don't go so far away from home that you lose touch with the project.

If you must live at home during remodeling, rearrange rooms before work begins. To prepare for a kitchen makeover, move your microwave and refrigerator to a place where they can still be used. If the water will be turned off for long periods of time, order bottled water and scout out a place for showers. A bedroom may even become a combination living room/kitchen for a while.

Plan for waste removal. There's no way to avoid a mess when remodeling. But the tide of rubble, trash, and dust can be contained. Before the swing of the first hammer, work out waste logistics with your contractor. Hang tarps in doorways to seal off rooms where remodeling is underway. Establish a plan for handling waste materials so they will be routed away from sensitive areas, such as gardens or porches, and hauled away on a regular basis.

Prepare for the unexpected. Keep the lines of communication open and stick to your plans as much as possible. Small project changes often lead to unexpected service charges. Have a contingency budget of 10 to 20 percent of the total project budget. Any contractor will confirm that you never really know what you are dealing with until you cut into the walls. This is when you may find rusted pipes that need to be replaced, horrific electrical systems, insulation issues or mold. A contingency for these types of things makes such discoveries a bit more bearable.

Keep your sense of humour. Surprises will happen during renovation. Things will get dirty, and noisy and it may take longer to complete than you anticipated. Communicate with your contractor and try resolving these challenges calmly and with an open mind.

Basement Waterproofing Technologies

Basement leakage is the most common problem found in houses, and over 90% of all basements will leak and suffer damage at one time or another. Some evidence of moisture penetration can be found in almost every house. A house with water problems does not necessarily mean it was poorly constructed. Water can appear in even the best-built home.

Moisture problems can be intermittent. In some houses, water penetration will occur after virtually every rainfall. In other houses, it will occur only after periods of prolonged rain. In most cases, however, the resultant damage does not indicate frequency.

Not all basement leakage problems are solvable, but the majority of leakage problems can be solved by directing surface water away from the building around the foundation or/and using a downspout extension to force rainwater to flow away from the house.

Warning signs of water leakage:

• Mold and mildew: Fungus that grows in damp and dark areas, and causes discoloration, or musty odors.
• Musty odors: This could result from the decay process of mold and dry rot.
• Peeling paint
• Damp spots on walls: Water has absorbed through your walls.
• White substance on basement walls: This is a chemical breakdown of the bonding agent that holds your walls together. The white substance is a sign of possible structural deterioration.
• Cracked walls: Should be inspected to determine the exact cause.
• Rust on appliances, furniture, or furnaces.
• Dry rot: Black fungus grows mostly on walls or wooden surfaces, causing wood to decay.

Why is waterproofing important?
A wet basement can dramatically reduce the value of your home. Studies show that most people won't even consider buying a home with water leakage. Selling a home with water leaks can easily result in as much as a 25% reduction in the sale price.

Even if you rarely have problems with dampness or flooding, it's best to solve the problem completely before doing any remodeling work. Permanent solutions can take time to implement. A good place to start is to talk to an independent home inspector who specializes in waterproofing problems.

Damp proofing or waterproofing on walls?
There is a big difference between damp proofing and waterproofing. By definition, dampproofing can retard moisture but, unlike waterproofing, it does not stop hydrostatic water pressure.

To damp-proof, you apply a coat of tar-based material to the outside walls. Tar damp proofing is inexpensive and meets the lowest minimum standard.

Damp proofing may be acceptable if there is a sandy soil and great drainage. But often, there is a high water table or poor soil. Clay holds rainwater, which builds up hydrostatic pressure against the foundation. Moreover, water cannot drain through the undisturbed soil under the footings and groundwater level rises.

Complete waterproofing is ideal
Good waterproofing is a wise investment. It is not just a coating but a whole system that includes:

1- Redirect water away from the foundation
The various exterior waterproofing barriers have varying levels of effectiveness in protecting the outside wall areas. But wall anti-leaking barriers do not affect water penetration due to water accumulation at the footer or floor level. The ideal solution to this problem lies in directing the accumulation of water away from the foundation or into drainage or pumping systems.

2- Install an interior drainage system
To control leakage in the basement, you may want to install a drainage system on the inner side of the foundation. The floor is broken up along the perimeter of the basement wall and drain tile is placed in a trench that carries the water to a discharge point, or sump pump, which takes the water away from the house.

3- Apply waterproofing compounds to the walls
With mild or occasional capillary seepage, capillary waterproofing materials can be applied to either exterior or interior wall and floor surfaces. If properly applied, they will penetrate several inches into concrete and close off minor cracks by forming crystals in the presence of water. You should carefully read the product label to determine if the product waterproofing limitations is sufficient to fix the problem. Waterproofing paint is most effective if applied directly over cement and not to existing painted walls.

Waterloo Region Sees Strong Demand for Detached Homes Amid Cooler Residential Sales in August

WATERLOO REGION, ON (September 5, 2024) —In August, a total of 539 homes were sold in the Waterloo Region via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System of the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® (Cornerstone). This represents a decrease of 5.3 per cent compared to the same period last year and a decline of 24.1 per cent compared to the average number of homes sold in the previous ten years for the same month.

“Despite a cooling market, detached homes continue to see strong demand, reflected in a 6.0 percent increase in sales year-over-year,” says Christal Moura, spokesperson for the Waterloo Region market area. “With home prices showing stability in recent months and interest rates decreasing, we saw some home buyers finally come out from the wings to take advantage of the summer slowdown to seek out specific property types, like single-family homes.”

Total residential sales in August included 335 detached homes (up 6.0 per cent from August 2023), and 103 townhouses (down 22.6 per cent). Sales also included 60 condominium units (down 18.9 per cent) and 40 semi-detached homes (down 11.1 per cent).

In August, the average sale price for all residential properties in Waterloo Region was $769,203. This represents a 1.1 per cent increase compared to August 2023 and a 1.7 per cent decrease compared to July 2024.

• The average price of a detached home was $889,085. This represents a 0.8 per cent increase from August 2023 and a decrease of 2.7 per cent compared to July 2024.
• The average sale price for a townhouse was $611,164. This represents a 7.5 per cent decrease from August 2023 and a decrease of 1.5 per cent compared to July 2024.
• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $457,075. This represents a decrease of 5.8 per cent from August 2023 and a decrease of 7.7 per cent compared to July 2024.
• The average sale price for a semi was $654,070. This represents a decrease of 2.8 per cent compared to August 2023 and a decrease of 1.9 per cent compared to July 2024.

“While we’re seeing increased inventory and longer days on the market, this trend might not last if the Bank of Canada continues to lower interest rates. Buyers will need to weigh the benefits of potentially lower rates against the possibility of rising prices as demand picks up. I encourage potential home buyers to discuss their plans with a Realtor who can provide them with tailored advice,” says Moura.

There were 988 new listings added to the MLS® System in Waterloo Region last month, a decrease of 4.2 per cent compared to August last year and a 7.3 per cent increase compared to the previous ten-year average for August.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of August was 1,640 an increase of 49.2 per cent compared to August of last year and 40.1 per cent above the previous ten-year average of 1,308 listings for August.

The total inventory across the market increased by 50.0 percent, resulting in a 3.0-month supply of all property types by the end of August. Condominium apartments had the highest inventory, with 5.3 months’ supply, followed by townhouses with 3.5 months’ supply and detached homes with 2.5 months’ supply. The number of months of inventory represents the time it would take to sell off current inventories at the current sales rate.

The average time it took to sell a home in August was 25 days, which is three days longer than the previous month. In August 2023, it took 19 days for a home to sell, and the five-year average is 19 days.

Cornerstone emphasizes the importance of consulting a local REALTOR® when considering buying or selling property in the Waterloo Region. Their expertise can provide valuable insights into the current market conditions, enabling individuals to make well-informed decisions aligned with their goals and preferences.

View our HPI tool here to learn more: https://wrar.ca/hpi/  

9 Easy Ways to Create Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is a term used to describe how your home looks from the exterior and how appealing it looks when viewed from the curb. This includes areas such as the lawn, patio, front door, exterior paint, trees, shrubs, and more. In a simpler sense, curb appeal is what the buyers initially see the moment they step out of their car.

 Curb appeal contributes greatly to the desirability of a home. Most real estate agents confirm that curb appeal can affect a buyer’s decision to purchase a home more than the square footage or the price of the home. It often means the difference between a house sitting for months or selling in a few weeks.

If your home is not particularly attractive from the outside, there are many ways to improve the curb appeal of your home without shelling out thousands of dollars in renovations. There are dozens of small, inexpensive home improvements that you can do to your house to add instant curb appeal. Adding curb appeal to your house not only makes it easier to sell but also gives your house that nice and finished look in which you can take pride in.

The following steps will help to quickly create curb appeal for your home.

1. Tidy up. Make sure you don't have old rusty junk lying around the yard unless it is being used stylistically in a garden. Get rid of things that are just lying around. This would probably be the first step in improving the look of your lawn. Remove items such as old rope, boots, cracked pots, worn hoses, wrecked flower boxes, and other things.

 2. Trim up. Cut the grass and edge the borders with a weed trimmer. Take care to get rid of all weeds, including ones by the walls and around the mailbox post. Add a layer of mulch to cover up dull areas in the landscaping or flower beds.

 3. Build a healthy and green lawn. Adding some starter sod can make a big difference very quickly. Sod can be bought at lawn and garden stores and comes in rolls or squares. After you lay it across your yard, water it well and you'll immediately have a lawn, with roots taking hold within two weeks.

4. Add some colour to your yard. Planting flowers will enhance the curb appeal of your home. Buying colourful plants that have already started blooming will immediately make a difference. They can either be planted in pots or in the ground. Use your imagination and choose flowers that bloom in colours that look good with your home.

5. Paint. Giving your home (trim and shutters too) a new coat of paint easily breathes new life into its appearance. However, make sure you select a colour palette that matches the architectural style of your home. For example, if you live in a historic home, you’ll want to stick to an authentic palette.

6. Update your front door. Greet guests in style with an eye-catching front door that makes a statement. You can find exterior doors in a variety of materials from traditional wood to sturdy steel. The key is to select a door that suits your home’s architectural style. If your current door is in good condition, you can make it stand out by painting it a bold colour or adding windows, sidelights, mouldings, and more.

7. Illuminate paths and walkways with outdoor lighting. Install lighting fixtures that will complement the style of your home as well as help to create dramatic effects. Use fixtures with built-in motion detectors to enhance safety.

8. Add decorative accents. Top your exterior off with finishing flourishes such as trendy new house numbers that are clearly visible from the street. And while you’re at it, why not add a new mailbox? Or frame windows with new shutters?

9. Dress up your front porch or entry. Make sure you have an inviting place for potential buyers to sit and admire the landscaping. Even a small space has room for a chair or bench and a round table, or a stool to place a drink on. An outdoor accessory or two is fine, but keep it simple and uncluttered.

Keep in mind that simplicity is the key to creating curb appeal. A few flower beds that border and define walkways, curbs, and lawn areas, and a few flower pots next to the home is often enough.

Remember: Breaking projects up into small, manageable chunks —as your time and budget allow—is the best way to go, because even just a few design tweaks can make a big impact on your home’s curb appeal.

Condo Living - The Advantages of Downsizing

Many homeowners are realizing that “living large” doesn’t always mean bigger is better. In fact there are many benefits to downsizing to a smaller home. Whether the decision is voluntary or you are forced to move because of a job relocation or other life event, rest assured there are many benefits to decreasing your home size.

Here are a few benefits of living a “cozy life”.

1. A clutter-free lifestyle
Let’s face it, the more space you have, the more space you will fill with furniture, novelties, and clutter. Downsizing is a great opportunity to review your lifestyle and prioritize your needs. Then, you can choose to bring only what is essential and most valuable to you into your new home.

2. Smaller living means less stress
Many homeowners agree that living in a larger home can lead to greater stress and upkeep. Taking into account cleaning, home repair, furnishing, taxes, gardening and the cost to run all of these can lead to financial and emotional stress. Downsizing can reduce the burden of daily chores and free up more time and money for leisure activities and your friends and family.

3. Saving energy is the future
One of the main disadvantages of owning a large home is the ever-increasing energy costs. Smaller homes, especially those with energy-efficient appliances and windows, give you the added benefit of reducing your carbon footprint while being budget-friendly.

4. Easier home upkeep
Who needs house help when you’ve only got 40 sqm to clean? Anyone who has lived in bigger houses like traditional bungalows knows that maintaining a fairly big home is not easy. You need more time, energy, effort, and patience. In a smaller home, you can live on a little less. Plus, you also get to save the environment by using less cleaning products.

5. Minimalist living
Knowing that you have limited space for non-essentials, you will think harder before making that next purchase. As a result, you save money on furniture, appliances, and decorations that you don’t actually need. Aside from this, you are also less likely to turn your lovely home into a warehouse.

6. More time for fun and travel
You will be surprised at the amount of time you will save for living in a condo. The time you save on maintenance, chores, and decorating can be converted to leisure and relaxation. The same goes for the time you save on traffic. Most condos are in the heart of the metropolis and business districts so driving and commuting from work is much faster.

7. Stronger family bond
Among the many benefits of moving to a condo, especially for families are the many opportunities to bond and have fun. Picnics in the park, swimming weekends, strolling down the gardens, and walking the dog along safe community patios are priceless advantages of living in a condo. At home, you are also more likely to talk to each other more and watch movies together because the small space inevitably brings you closer.

Living within your means and living simply are at the heart of condo living. Many people think space will be an issue but it is an opportunity to change the way we live and ultimately make our lives better by living in a small space.