Tips for Securing Your Basement Windows

 

The ideal dining room design must be dynamic enough to satisfy the role of a functional feasting ground in addition to providing an intimate setting for a social gathering among friends and family.

 One of the great benefits a dining room offers is being able to implement themes into the dining room. Restaurants are great examples of this technique as most restaurants typically develop a design to match the foods that they prepare. A dining room design has no real limitations so long as its two functional roles remain intact.

The dining room should be a calm and peaceful place. If you don't have a formal dining room, do what you can to make the area where you have your meals as separate and quiet as possible.

Work with your space: one of the most important rules for designing a dining area is to work with the layout and architecture of your home. Don't try to cram an elegant and long rectangular area into a circular breakfast nook. This concept may sound obvious, but you'd be surprised how often people try to use furniture that just doesn't fit. They fall in love with a dining set, and they just have to have it without putting thought into how the set will fit into the space.

Make a wide access point directly into the dining room to build a more open look and feel. Use a lighter window finishing, and place mirrors to reflect light and achieve the impression of a larger space.

Dining room table and chairs: It is important to select a table that really fits inside the dining space. Ensure that the table you choose will provide plenty of room for family and friends to navigate all sides of the table while simultaneously offering adequate amounts of table space for each dining participant.

Simple square-shaped dining tables offer elegant dining arrangements and are the best fit for an intimate couple and small families, keeping the dining occasions personal and sometimes intimate. Lighting candles atop a square table reaches an intimacy level that is unmatched by any other shape.

Tables of rectangular design are generally larger than most square tables and provide six or more seats. Rectangles are not as elegant by nature as circles and oval shapes, and therefore, a rectangular table may not reach the same level of formalities as an elliptical table setting.
Rectangular tables are ideal in casual dining surroundings, such as combination kitchen and dining rooms.

Flooring and area rugs: When it comes to floorin,g consider a wood, ceramic or stone type of product. These materials look the nicest, and they are easier to keep clean in the event of food spills.

Use an area rug under the dining table to help define and soften the dining space and bring the colours of the dining room together.  Area rugs should be large enough so that the back legs of chairs do not drop off the rug when someone is dining.

Lighting: Lighting is an important element in creating a nice dining environment. The flow of energy through the dining room should be gentle but not stagnant. Use candles, lower wattage bulbs, or a dimmer switch to bring the energy level down a little, especially at the end of a hectic day. Soft candlelight provides the ultimate setting for a romantic experience.

Pictures and paintings: Wall colour should remain fairly neutral and fade into the background of the room. Save darker tones to complement brighter shades, and splash lighter colours onto the walls themselves.

Let the colours of tablecloths, picture frames, window sheers, furniture, and other decorations contrast with wall colours and implement your bolder tones through decor rather than wall paint or trim. A typical colour scheme might include two complementary colours for the dining room walls and trim, and then matching two to three more shades of decoration with the wall and trim colours.

Accessories: Built-in cabinetry with some open or glass fronts in the dining area can provide a dramatic place to display a collection of your china, serving dishes, etc.

Your beautiful table linens and good silverware should be used from time to time, so you can enjoy them in the present instead of waiting for some future date to use them. Plan a special
 sit-down-together dinner with your partner or family one night a month (or more often, if you can). Making this a regular event reinforces how special your loved ones are to you. Using a tablecloth, rather than individual placemats, encourages closeness among family members.

Dining Room Decorating Tips

 

The ideal dining room design must be dynamic enough to satisfy the role of a functional feasting ground in addition to providing an intimate setting for a social gathering among friends and family.

 One of the great benefits a dining room offers is being able to implement themes into the dining room. Restaurants are great examples of this technique as most restaurants typically develop a design to match the foods that they prepare. A dining room design has no real limitations so long as its two functional roles remain intact.

The dining room should be a calm and peaceful place. If you don't have a formal dining room, do what you can to make the area where you have your meals as separate and quiet as possible.

Work with your space: one of the most important rules for designing a dining area is to work with the layout and architecture of your home. Don't try to cram an elegant and long rectangular area into a circular breakfast nook. This concept may sound obvious, but you'd be surprised how often people try to use furniture that just doesn't fit. They fall in love with a dining set, and they just have to have it without putting thought into how the set will fit into the space.

Make a wide access point directly into the dining room to build a more open look and feel. Use a lighter window finishing, and place mirrors to reflect light and achieve the impression of a larger space.

Dining room table and chairs: It is important to select a table that really fits inside the dining space. Ensure that the table you choose will provide plenty of room for family and friends to navigate all sides of the table while simultaneously offering adequate amounts of table space for each dining participant.

Simple square-shaped dining tables offer elegant dining arrangements and are the best fit for an intimate couple and small families, keeping the dining occasions personal and sometimes intimate. Lighting candles atop a square table reaches an intimacy level that is unmatched by any other shape.

Tables of rectangular design are generally larger than most square tables and provide six or more seats. Rectangles are not as elegant by nature as circles and oval shapes, and therefore, a rectangular table may not reach the same level of formalities as an elliptical table setting.

Rectangular tables are ideal in casual dining surroundings, such as combination kitchen and dining rooms.

Flooring and area rugs: When it comes to floorin,g consider a wood, ceramic or stone type of product. These materials look the nicest, and they are easier to keep clean in the event of food spills.

Use an area rug under the dining table to help define and soften the dining space and bring the colours of the dining room together.  Area rugs should be large enough so that the back legs of chairs do not drop off the rug when someone is dining.

Lighting: Lighting is an important element in creating a nice dining environment. The flow of energy through the dining room should be gentle but not stagnant. Use candles, lower wattage bulbs, or a dimmer switch to bring the energy level down a little, especially at the end of a hectic day. Soft candlelight provides the ultimate setting for a romantic experience.

Pictures and paintings: Wall colour should remain fairly neutral and fade into the background of the room. Save darker tones to complement brighter shades, and splash lighter colours onto the walls themselves.

Let the colours of tablecloths, picture frames, window sheers, furniture, and other decorations contrast with wall colours and implement your bolder tones through decor rather than wall paint or trim. A typical colour scheme might include two complementary colours for the dining room walls and trim, and then matching two to three more shades of decoration with the wall and trim colours.

Accessories: Built-in cabinetry with some open or glass fronts in the dining area can provide a dramatic place to display a collection of your china, serving dishes, etc.

Your beautiful table linens and good silverware should be used from time to time, so you can enjoy them in the present instead of waiting for some future date to use them. Plan a special

 sit-down-together dinner with your partner or family one night a month (or more often, if you can). Making this a regular event reinforces how special your loved ones are to you. Using a tablecloth, rather than individual placemats, encourages closeness among family members.

Factors that Drive the Real Estate Market

Many people are realizing the possibilities of money that can be made by investing in Canadian real estate. Investing in real estate is one of the modern ways of making money, but you need to know what you are doing to avoid losing money. Some people make this their occupation, and others dabble in it from time to time.

To succeed as a real estate investor, you must understand the factors that drive the real estate market in your area. Here are a few points to consider:
 
 
1- Mortgage interest rates
Low interest rates allow a greater proportion of renters to become homeowners, which in turn can lead to an increase in home sales and therefore push prices higher.

2- Increase in disposable incomes
This is one of the most important indicators. If a town’s average disposable income is increasing faster than the national average, real estate prices are poised to do the same thing. Key indicators include: increased average income, decreasing income tax rates, and increasing retail sales. Be wary of towns where demand is driving values upward while the average income is remaining flat. Check out the housing affordability index for the area. As a rule of thumb, a well-balanced market for investors is a market that has a housing affordability index of about 33%.

3. Increased job growth and incoming migration
It pays to read the newspaper regularly in the towns you invest in. Be on the lookout for announcements of new jobs, major expansions, or new employers moving in. Find areas where the population is growing faster than the provincial average and gaining a good reputation. Also, look at immigration – people from other countries moving into the area, and intra-migration – people moving from other parts of Canada into the area.

4. The real estate Doppler effect
It is often much more profitable to invest in areas surrounding the boom area than to buy property in the heart of it. Use this factor to identify areas that are poised for a strong increase in demand. Smaller cities, outside of areas that get the effect, usually take 6 months to catch up. Look for towns where redevelopment is occurring. Older, untouched neighbourhoods in these areas can sometimes be hidden gems that aren’t immediately affected by a boom.

5. Regional political climate
Business-friendly politicians generally promote a real estate-friendly investment environment. Look for regions where development is encouraged, not shunned. Look for areas with forward-looking economic development offices where they sell the area to potential employers. Progressive towns attract business while other towns lose it.

6. The economy
Another key factor that affects the value of real estate is the overall health of the economy. This is generally measured by economic indicators such as the GDP, employment data, manufacturing activity, the price of goods, etc. Broadly speaking, when the economy is sluggish, so is real estate.  A positive economic condition can boost the confidence of buyers and investors. An inactive economy will result in the devaluation of the market prices of properties.

7. Critical infrastructure expansion
Here’s another reason why reading local newspapers in areas that you plan to invest in will pay off when considering buying property in certain areas.  Look for planes, trains, highways, sewers, land annexation or expansion plans.  But remember, never buy based on rumours alone.  Trains and rapid transport are huge (i.e., towers that spring up at subway stops).  A good investment would be to buy within 800 metres of the station, or exit/entrance, etc.

8. Change of zoning regulation
Sophisticated investors look first at a property’s physical attributes, and then they examine how they may be able to change the property to optimize profit way beyond just renovations.  For example, an old hotel that is converted into loft apartments, or taking a single-family home and converting it to a duplex.  You need to know zoning bylaws and tenant regulations to make the transition successful. A small percentage of properties will have this potential, but make sure you have the required finances and expertise before taking this on, or find a purchasing partner.

9. Seasonal factors
Real estate prices are either high or low in some particular months in the year. Different seasons mean changing real estate sales. Therefore, prices of particular types of recreational properties or residential homes change depending on the season.

How to Deal With Home Inspection Issues

Home inspection is a critical component of the home-buying process. It is also one of the most common conditions made when buying offers. It is not unusual for a home inspection to reveal one or more issues that the inspector identifies in their report.

The inspector might find a leak in the roof or a broken window that needs replacing. How do you deal with these issues? Should you pass on a property that you otherwise like?

First of all, you should be clear on the realities of selling or buying a home. No home is perfect, and an honest inspector is very likely to find some issues with the home. This is normal.

Just because the home inspector discovered a deficiency doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t purchase the home. Many issues that arise after a home inspection are not deal breakers. You should, however, bring the issue up with the seller.  Your REALTOR® will do that on your behalf and look after your interests.

In many circumstances, your agent will be able to negotiate an agreement that is satisfactory to everyone involved. This will usually be in the form of a reduction in the sale price to cover some or all of the costs of the repair, or a requirement to have the seller get the repairs done before you move in.

Otherwise, if major problems are discovered that should be fixed, then this is a different story and may be the reason why you decide not to purchase a home.

So, what are the deal breakers of a home inspection? That depends entirely on you. What is and is not a deal breaker depends on each person's preferences and needs. For example, an inspection that identifies damaged floor joists might be a deciding factor for one person who feels the problem is too expensive or time-consuming to fix.

However, the same trouble with joists might be absolutely acceptable for another client who has the resources to fix the issue. A home inspector does not tell a customer whether or not to buy a house. Rather, it's his or her job to provide all the available information so that home buyers (or sellers) can make the right decision for them.

How you handle the negotiations that follow can make a big difference in how much you give on your end and the level of stress you experience from the process. You may decide that the repairs are beyond your tolerance for renovations, and you may choose to walk away from the transaction.

While finding unexpected issues with your otherwise “dream home” may be upsetting, the home inspection information will go a long way in helping you make an informed buying decision. Chances are, you can still get the home and have any issues dealt with to your satisfaction.

July Sees Stable Sales and Market Balance in Waterloo Region Housing - condos show double digit price decrease year over year

 

WATERLOO REGION, ON (August 7, 2025) —In July, a total of 644 homes were sold in the Waterloo Region via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System of the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® (Cornerstone). This is on par with the same period last year and a decline of 14.3 per cent compared to the average number of homes sold in the previous ten years for the same month. 

“While sales volumes remained stable compared to last year, we’re seeing continued price adjustments across all property types,” says Christal Moura, spokesperson for the Waterloo Region market. “The Bank of Canada’s decision to hold rates steady in July, combined with increased inventory and price moderation, is creating more opportunities for buyers who have been waiting to enter the market, though broader economic uncertainties surrounding the Canada-US trade war continue to impact consumer confidence.” 

Total residential sales in July included 383 detached homes (up 0.5 per cent from July 2024), and 123 townhouses (down 5.4 per cent). Sales also included 80 condominium units (down 3.6 per cent) and 55 semi-detached homes (up 14.6 per cent).  

In July, the average sale price for all residential properties in Waterloo Region was $735,082. This represents a 6.0 per cent decrease compared to July 2024 and a 5.7 per cent decrease compared to June 2025.  

• The average sale price of a detached home was $857,579. This represents a 6.2 per cent decrease from July 2024 and a decrease of 4.5 per cent compared to June 2025.  

• The average sale price for a townhouse was $603,245. This represents a 2.8 percent decrease from July 2024 and a 3.5 percent decrease compared to June 2025.  

• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $415,559. This represents a 16.7 per cent decrease from July 2024 and a decrease of 4.4 per cent compared to June 2025.  

• The average sale price for a semi was $644,930. This represents a 3.3 per cent decrease from July 2024 and a 0.6 per cent decrease compared to June 2025. 

CORNERSTONE cautions that average sale price information can help establish long-term trends but does not indicate specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) provides the best way to gauge price trends because averages are strongly distorted by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next.   

How the New GST Rebate for First-Time Buyers Works - and why you might want to consider a New-Build Home!

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  Embarking on the journey of homeownership is an exciting milestone, and for first-time buyers in Canada, the new GST rebate for new homes offers a significant advantage. 
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• This valuable program provides substantial financial relief by allowing eligible individuals to recover a portion of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) paid on the purchase of a newly constructed home. This means more money stays in your pocket, directly reducing the upfront costs of buying, which can be a game-changer in today's housing market. 
• By offsetting a considerable amount of the sales tax, the GST rebate makes new homeownership more accessible and affordable, empowering you to step onto the property ladder with greater confidence.
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• Key Points
• Eligibility:

Must be a first-time home buyer (not owned a home in the current or previous four years).

Must be at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Applies to purchases of new homes from a builder, new homes built on owned/leased land, or shares in a co-op housing corporation.

The agreement of purchase and sale must be entered into after May 26, 2025, and before 2031.

Rebate Structure:

100% GST rebate for new homes priced up to $1 million (maximum rebate of $50,000).

Partial rebate for homes priced between $1 million and $1.5 million (rebate phases out linearly).

No rebate for homes priced at $1.5 million or more.

How It’s Applied:

The rebate can be claimed directly or assigned to the builder, who may reduce the purchase price by the rebate amount.

The home must be intended as your primary residence and you must be the first occupant.

Example 1:

You buy a new home for $800,000.

GST would normally be $40,000.

As a first-time buyer, you get a 100% rebate: you pay $0 GST.

Example 2:

You buy a new home for $1,250,000.

GST would normally be $62,500.

The rebate is 50% (midway between $1M and $1.5M): you get $31,250 back, so you pay $31,250 GST.

Example 3:

You buy a new home for $1,500,000.

GST would normally be $75,000.

No rebate applies: you pay the full $75,000 GST.

Additional Notes

The rebate is only for the federal GST portion, not for provincial sales tax.

The program is set to run for agreements entered into between May 27, 2025, and before 2031, with construction to begin before 2031.

The rebate is not available if you or your spouse/common-law partner owned and lived in a home in the last four calendar years.

If the thought of a substantial rebate helping affordability is making you consider a new build, reach out to me today!  I've spent years working in New Construction. 😄

Top 5 Home Improvement Projects for Your Money

Some home improvements cost more than they're worth. Before you get started on that home improvement project, take a moment to consider its potential return. To help you understand which projects offer the highest returns, we used the recent Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report to compile a list of the 5 top home improvement projects for your money.

Each year, Remodeling magazine's Cost vs. Value Report provides a fascinating look at the percentage of a home improvement project's costs that are likely to be recouped at resale. The report finds that not all home remodeling jobs are created equal—you'll probably get a better return on your investment back after building a wooden deck, for example, than adding a sunroom.

1. Entry door replacement. Homeowners who install a steel front door recoup nearly 129% of the project's cost when they sell their home, according to the report. The reason is that a steel door is less expensive than the alternatives. A fiberglass front door replacement project, for example, costs about three times more than a steel door replacement. But a steel door can still be attractive enough to boost your home's curb appeal and make a big first impression on somebody who is looking at the house.

2. Minor kitchen remodel.  Most people consider the kitchen to be the heart of the home, and because of this, updates in this room pay off. According to the report, you can expect to recoup between 60%-120% of your investment on a kitchen remodel, as long as you don’t go overboard. You should never make your kitchen fancier than the rest of the house or the neighbourhood.

3. Attic bedroom. Converting that dusty old attic into a functional bedroom recoups on average about 83% of the project's cost when you sell your home, according to the report. At around $49,000, the bedroom addition is certainly more expensive than replacing your front door. But when it comes to adding new livable space to your home, building an attic bedroom is often easier on your budget than a family room addition, for example, which can run around $85,000.
 
4. Wood deck addition. The addition of a wooden deck to your property accounts for nearly 81% of the project's cost when you sell your home. The wooden deck's appeal is linked to today's more thrift-conscious consumers, who are looking to save money by spending more time at home. Since they are staying home, they want to enjoy their exterior space, so adding a deck is one of those areas that can add value. Like a steel door, the popularity of wooden decks is also associated with costs. A similar project built from composite materials can run you about 50% more.

5. Old windows replacement recoup on average about 77% of the project's cost. This makes your home more attractive while increasing its energy efficiency. Also, certain window replacements can qualify for federal tax credits. Start by replacing windows that are beaten up or broken, and consider the project's energy efficiency benefits as the icing on the cake.

Why You Should Get a Mold Inspection Before Buying a House

Buying a home is likely to be one of the most important purchases you will make in your entire life, so it only makes sense to take every possible step to limit the amount of risk you are exposing yourself to. For an increasing number of home buyers, calling for a professional mold inspection is a prudent way to verify a prospective home's quality before making a buying commitment.

Why is mold a threat
A serious mold infestation in a house has a negative impact on the home's indoor air quality. Although there are mold spores present to some extent in almost all of the air humans breathe, even a relatively minor increase in the density of airborne mold can cause health issues. Mold can cause a host of different respiratory problems, particularly for very young and very old residents, and more serious and even fatal consequences are possible.

Mold has become increasingly important to Canadian homeowners in the last few decades because of the growing interest in energy efficiency in the home. More energy-efficient homes are generally more tightly sealed, leading to less air circulation. When combined with other factors that encourage residential mold growth, this low-circulation environment can become ideal for mold.

Beyond its health issues, mold is also a serious strike against a home's value. Buying a home with a pre-existing mold condition can lead you to significantly overpaying for the property. The remediation process required to get rid of the mold can be extremely expensive, and even after cleaning the home thoroughly, it may still be difficult to sell.

How professional mold testers work
It is important to understand that there is a distinct difference between a mold inspector and an ordinary home inspector. Although a good inspector who tries to deliver a comprehensive report on the condition of a home before you buy it can spot the most obvious signs of a major mold infestation, rooting out hidden problems and diagnosing the exact nature of your mold issues calls for specialized expertise.

Residential mold testing typically starts with airborne sampling throughout the home, concentrating especially on areas with high humidity like basements. Elevated mold levels in the air may indicate the presence of a hidden infestation that can't be seen. In cases like this, mold inspectors will perform an "invasive" inspection by opening wall cavities and other normally inaccessible spaces.

When mold testing is vital
Mold testing can be extensive, especially if it involves demolition work and repairs. Many home buyers are hesitant to invest in comprehensive testing, but going without it can be a serious risk. A serious mold infestatio,n as confirmed by a qualified inspector, can significantly impact the value of the home due to the health risks it poses. It can even be difficult to secure the financing you need to buy a home that has a confirmed mold problem.

It is always smart to invest in a professional mold inspection if you have any reason whatsoever to suspect a mold problem. Homes that have gone through significant water damage are prime candidates for inspection.

Fortunately, buyers and sellers can often work together to deal with mold issues in a manner that is safe and satisfactory for all concerned. Motivated sellers sometimes offer to cover the costs of testing and any required remediation work, while in other cases, the costs can be divided between sellers and buyers in an equitable fashion.

While threatening levels of mold are still relatively rare in Canadian homes, you don't want to invest in a piece of property and then discover that it poses a health risk to your family. A mold inspection can be vital in giving a home a clean bill of health before you buy. This issue is too important to leave up to guesswork. Entrust the matter to a professional mold testing firm and know for certain what is lurking in a house you are thinking of purchasing.

Condominium or House: Which is Right for You?

For some people, a condominium lifestyle is the only way to live—no lawn maintenance, access to a pool and tennis court, and extra security features you might not have in a single-family home. Other people simply can’t breathe in a condo because their neighbours are too close for comfort. Consider the pros and cons and your specific needs and desires before deciding on whether to buy a condo or a house.

Because of all of the advantages of home ownership in comparison to renting, many of you will soon be reaching a point where you want to buy a home. However, you may not be sure whether you should actually buy a house or if you should look into buying a condo instead. This is especially true for younger home buyers who might want the benefits of living in a more communal situation that a condo environment provides.

Should you join the condo club or go for a more traditional home ownership?

A condo is probably the right choice for you if:

• You don’t have a lot of money to spend, but still want to invest in home ownership.
• You are interested in being part of a small community living in the same complex.
• You are comfortable living close to your neighbours.
• You are a single individual or a couple that is looking for a small home rather than a large property.
• You don’t mind having certain aspects of your home ownership regulated by a committee (a homeowner’s association made up of some of the tenants who own in the condos).
• You live in an urban area where condos are common (such as Toronto or Vancouver).
• You run a busy lifestyle and prefer to enjoy amenities like a pool or a shaded grounds area, but aren’t able to maintain such amenities yourself either because of the time that it takes or the cost.

A house is more likely to be a better choice for you if:

• You have (or plan to have) a large family.
• You are a very private person who does not like living close to your neighbours or having your home choices regulated by an association.
• You are investing in home ownership primarily for the purpose of resale of the home in the future (since property values are usually higher than condo values).
• You are seeking to purchase a large home, and/or you need outdoor areas for things like large pets.
• You enjoy maintaining your own yard or garden.
• You live in a rural area or in a location where there are not many condos on the market.

Although there are always exceptions, condo purchases are usually best for single individuals who have neither the money to invest in a house nor the time to maintain the upkeep of a house. These tend to be young people who don’t mind apartment-style living in close quarters with their neighbours, who are comfortable having some regulation by the homeowner’s association and who enjoy sharing common areas with others. Often, condo buyers are first-time home buyers. If, in contrast, you are an older adult who has (or may soon have) a family and would like the freedom and privacy of a home with its own property, then a house is probably the right choice for you.

Regardless of whether you buy a house or a condo, it's important to do your homework and consider the future of the neighbourhood you're buying into. The old saying of "location, location, location" remains true for both. Each is a significant investment, and you need to find a safe and vibrant neighbourhood capable of nurturing your investment into the future.

June Housing Stats Point to More Balanced Market in Waterloo Region

WATERLOO REGION, ON (July 4, 2025) —In June, a total of 676 homes were sold in the Waterloo Region via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System of the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® (Cornerstone). This represents a 0.3 per cent increase compared to the same period last year and a decline of 21.7 per cent compared to the average number of homes sold in the previous ten years for the same month. 

“While home sales in June were relatively stable year-over-year, we’re seeing a more balanced market emerge in Waterloo Region. What’s particularly notable is the increase in condominium sales – up over 34% – suggesting a cohort of buyers looking for more affordable housing options,” says Christal Moura, spokesperson for the Waterloo Region market. “While more listings are coming to market, properties are taking a little longer to sell, giving buyers more time to make informed decisions during their home search. 

Total residential sales in June included 442 detached homes (up 5.6 per cent from June 2024), and 113 townhouses (down 17.4 per cent). Sales also included 86 condominium units (up 34.4 per cent) and 35 semi-detached homes (down 25.4 per cent).  

In June, the average sale price for all residential properties in Waterloo Region was $780,293. This represents a 1.1 per cent decrease compared to June 2024 and a 1.2 per cent decrease compared to May 2025.  

• The average price of a detached home was $896,770. This represents a 0.2 per cent decrease from June 2024 and a decrease of 1.4 per cent compared to May 2025.  

• The average sale price for a townhouse was $624,754. This represents a 6.0 percent decrease from June 2024 and a 1.6 percent decrease compared to May 2025.  

• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $435,435. This represents a 5.7 per cent decrease from June 2024 and an increase of 0.7 per cent compared to May 2025.  

• The average sale price for a semi was $649,039, on par with June 2024 and a 0.5 per cent decrease compared to May 2025. 

CORNERSTONE cautions that average sale price information can help establish long-term trends but does not indicate specific properties have increased or decreased in value. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) provides the best way to gauge price trends because averages are strongly distorted by changes in the mix of sales activity from one month to the next.

“Looking at the HPI benchmark prices, we’re seeing a market that’s adjusting to changing economic conditions. While we’re experiencing some year-over-year price decreases, Waterloo Region’s market fundamentals remain strong, supported by a diversified economy and the region’s appeal as a place of residence for both families and businesses,” says Moura.  “These market shifts underscore the importance of working with a professional REALTOR® who can provide crucial guidance on pricing strategies, market timing, and negotiation. Their expertise helps both buyers and sellers adjust their expectations and make informed decisions in this evolving market environment.”    

View our HPI tool here to learn more: https://www.cornerstone.inc/stats/

There were 1,514 new listings added to the MLS® System in Waterloo Region last month, an increase 5.3 per cent compared to June last year and a 15.1 per cent increase compared to the previous ten-year average for June.  

The average time to sell a home in June was 27 days, compared to 24 days in the previous month. In June 2024, it took 18 days for a home to sell, and the five-year average was 15 days.

6 Pricing Tricks to Help Sell Your Home Faster!

 

When you decide to sell your home, setting your asking price is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Depending on how a buyer is made aware of your home, price is often the first thing they will look at. Many homes are discarded by prospective buyers as not being in the appropriate price range before they even have a chance of a showing.

Your asking price is often your home's "first impression", and if you want to receive the most money you can for your home, it's imperative that you make a good first impression.

Setting the asking price of your property is as much about knowing how buyers think as it is about how much the property is worth.

1. Price it right
In order to set the right price, check out your competition first. A little real estate research can be handy. Take a look at homes sold in your neighbourhood. Ask yourself: what are they selling for? How long have they been on the market? Study the supply and demand within your neighbourhood to consider whether to price your home above or below the market value.

Pricing your home lower than your competitors can essentially generate more offers, thereby driving the price higher. On the other hand, price it too high and you risk buyers going into “sticker shock”.

2. The missing penny trick
To grab the attention of potential buyers, take a pricing tip from discount retailers like Walmart. Take, for example, $19.99 vs. $20.00. While it is only a penny difference between the two, the $19.99 price seems like a better deal! Why? Because when people see a price, they make judgments in a fraction of a second whether it is a good or bad deal. And, since we read from left to right, the first number receives the most focus. Therefore, a home listing for $199,999 will generate more attention than $200,000 because people will perceive $199,999 to be a better deal. Retailers have been using this proven strategy for a long time; make it work for you.

3. Raise the reference point
You can raise people’s reference point by asking for a higher price. People use that information in setting their reference price. In addition, you can affect the reference price of buyers by telling them the price of competing properties in the neighbourhood. However, pass along this information only if the comparisons are in your favour.

On the other hand, if you set a price that is implausibly higher, the impact will be less than if you set a price that's more reasonable.

4. Send the right message
People associate precise numbers with bargains. If a house should sell for around $300,000, then offering a round number like $295,000 will convey quality and willingness to negotiate, and choosing a higher but precise number like $295,485 would indicate a bargain.

A precise number may also signal that you have given careful consideration to the price, and you aren't inclined to negotiate; however, you may want to use this trick with caution.

5. Setting the asking price.
If your home is in a new development and you want to give the impression of prestige, go for a nicely rounded (up) price. But if you're going for a quick sale and you want to give the impression of a bargain, go for a precise number.

6. Make the price cuts easy to understand
We perceive easily computable discounts as better than larger discounts. A discount from $395,485 to $385,485 might seem better than from $395,485 to $378,495.

When a home has been on the market too long and very few offers have been made, the logical option is to reduce the asking price. But by how much? The trick here is to reduce the price by a nice, easy-to-calculate number so buyers can easily calculate their savings.

The longer your house sits on the market, the less cash it commands. Use these expert tricks to sell your house fast and maximize your profit.

Bying New Construction vs. Older Homes

When trying to decide whether to buy an older home or a newly constructed one, many questions come to mind. Start by educating yourself and knowing the pros and cons of each.

In most cases, existing homes have a touch of character with their own charm and details.  They are usually located in more established neighbourhoods with mature trees and desirable landscaping, and may be closer to city services such as schools, libraries, hospitals, shopping centres and public transportation.

Older homes may have better quality materials and workmanship that are too costly for newer homes, and may come with window coverings and appliances, which are often included with the home. If you are lucky, you may still get an updated kitchen and bathrooms if the home has been renovated.

However, existing homes are generally less energy efficient and are typically more costly to heat and cool. They may need updating and require expensive repairs, and sometimes it may be difficult to find or match older building materials.

Newer homes usually have bigger rooms, more built-in wardrobes and closets, and more bathrooms. If you are building a new home, you can also influence the layout and the finishes within the home as part of the negotiations with the builder or developer.

Whereas with an existing home, you will inherit what the previous owner built or remodelled over time. Very rarely will an existing home be built and finished exactly to your liking. Think about how much renovating you'll need to do to an existing home. If you can buy an existing home that's been totally renovated in a great neighbourhood within a good school district, this might be a better choice than moving into a newer neighbourhood with an unestablished school district.

On the other side, buying a newly-built home tends to cost more than an existing home, unless you buy outside of the city, where land is cheaper. Of course, you will have to consider the price of gas to get to your job.

And it isn't just about getting to your job. You'll also want to think about how long it will take to get to a grocery store, dry cleaners, your kids' school, your house of worship and other places you get to by car.

While new homes are more expensive, they might also increase in value faster than an existing home. That said, it may be challenging to buy a new home in your neighbourhood of choice, unless you buy a vacant lot, hire a developer and build your own home, which can get quite costly.

However, with new homes, you get warranties and guarantees on appliances that come with the new home. Dangerous building materials, such as lead and asbestos, will likely not be a problem. A new home will meet modern safety and building codes and usually use building materials that offer improved insulation, thereby reducing your heating bill.

You may be able to upgrade or customize such features as floor coverings or paint colours, and sometimes the floor plan. New homes often have more closets and storage space, and most importantly, don't require as much maintenance.

New homes, though, have their disadvantages. Higher taxes could be required to bring water, gas or electrical services to a still under-populated area. Resale could be difficult if the entire neighbourhood is not yet complete, and you may have to cope with construction noise, dust and mud. New neighbourhoods frequently lack the relaxing appearance of mature trees, and your new subdivision may require costly landscaping.

You can make the case for and against buying either a new home or a "used" home. It's great to live in a brand new home, but there's nothing like the feel of an established neighbourhood. The bottom line is: Don't buy someone else's problems unless you can tackle the solutions.

 Find a house you like, consider its pros and cons — objectively, as well as emotionally — and think about the compromises you're willing to make. The more logically you approach buying the house, the more you're going to love living in it.