Easy Tips to Prepare 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 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 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 detectors
Buy extra smoke detector batteries and change them when daylight saving time 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!

Things to Consider When Updating Your Bathrooom

Bathrooms are one of the most used and abused rooms in your home, yet they are also a serene and relaxing retreat to escape for a few moments each day. With that in mind, your bathroom needs to be both functional and beautiful, making it an enjoyable space.

Studies have shown that renovating the main bathroom in a home has an estimated payback of 60% to 65% when the home is resold. But it can cost well over $5,000 to complete, not to mention the significant inconvenience.

Fortunately, there are many quick and inexpensive solutions to make updating your bathroom a simple day or weekend project.

Determine your design style
To make your bathroom your own, first determine how you want your bathroom to work and how you want to feel while you are in your space. Secondly, decide if you are someone who likes to change your decorations to follow seasons or trends frequently, or if you prefer a classic style that involves little or no updating.

Personalize with paint
Painting is an easy and inexpensive way to make a dramatic and instant impact on a room. When choosing a paint colour, find one that is going to inspire you, make you happy, and create a desired mood.

Dark, dramatic colours are great for those who are not up for frequent changes. However, neutrals, available in light, medium, and dark tones, are the most accepting of colours, which is ideal for those who want to continually add the latest colour trends or seasonal decorations.

Freshen up
Replace your grey and mouldy old shower curtain with a nice new one. Plastic or fabric shower curtains are inexpensive to buy, incredibly easy to change, and provide a great way of adding a splash of colour to dull décor. Something as simple as hanging a clean new shower curtain can have a big impact on your bathroom’s appearance.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more, replacing your shower curtain with a glass shower door or screen is a great way to add the wow factor. Frameless shower doors made from tempered glass are ideal for a sleek, modern look, whereas those with a chrome, brass, or gold-plated frame can look stunning in a more traditional-themed bathroom. Be practical when choosing a shower door and think about how it will open. A folding door that opens outward looks grand and elegant, but is likely to bang into your sink or toilet if you have a small bathroom. If your shower is above your bathtub, a space-saving sliding door is a good choice.

Install a new vanity cabinet
Bathroom vanities come in all sorts of different styles to suit bathrooms of all themes, from decorative furniture styles to minimalist contemporary designs. Bath vanities usually consist of a base storage cabinet with an inlaid sink on top. They are great for making the most of a small room and provide useful storage space. An attractive bathroom vanity will be a focal point of your bathroom and can work wonders at giving the whole room a stylish new look.

Replace your existing bathroom cabinets or simply paint the doors for a quick and simple makeover. Wall-mounted bathroom cabinets tend to attract our attention as they are at eye level, and a tatty or old-fashioned cabinet can really tarnish a bathroom’s appearance. Wall cabinets come in a huge range of sizes and styles, from wooden ones made from cherry, walnut or oak to those with hand-painted, distressed or laminated finishes. In a small room, having a mirror on a cabinet door is not only useful, but can help create an illusion of space.

Add a classy mirror
Be particular and stylish here. If storage is not a concern, forgo the medicine cabinet. Don't limit yourself to traditional bathroom mirrors that are found everywhere. There are endless possibilities for creating an interesting new look with an elegant mirror.

Finish your look with coordinating finishes
One of the easiest ways to create a professionally designed look in your bathroom is to coordinate the metal finishes. Get rid of ugly or worn-out taps on your sink and bath. Often, there is no need to go to the hassle and expense of fitting a new bathroom suite. Simply installing stylish new bathroom faucets can give a tired bathroom an instant lift. Bath and sink faucets come in a surprisingly large variety of styles and finishes, from brass-plated Victorian styles for period homes to sleek-looking chrome for the contemporary bathroom.

Coordinating the finish throughout a room is a great way to pull it together. Be sure not to stop with the faucet -- change your drawer pulls, knobs, towel bars, faucets, showerheads, accessories, and even your framed artwork. Not everything needs to be exactly the same finish, but be sure the tonal colours are relatively the same hue.

Add accessories and personality
Accessories are a great way to pull together a bathroom design as well as showcase your personality and individuality. Adding complementary or contrasting colour towels, bathmats, and shower curtains can brighten up your bathroom and create a finished and cohesive look. In addition, accessories such as toothbrush and cup holders, towel bars, and soap dishes are available in coordinating finishes to match your faucets can add not only style, but also additional storage solutions to avoid clutter.

Lighten up
Light is an important element in the bathroom, yet it is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make. Most bathrooms are equipped with fluorescent lighting fixtures, which give off an unattractive blue tint to people and their surroundings. Change out the fluorescent lighting and swap it with halogen, which is the closest to natural sunlight. An additional way to add light is to add a mirror, since it’s like adding a window to a room. Even if you do have a window, position a mirror opposite the window. The natural light will reflect off the mirror and flood the room with bright white light in addition to expanding the visual plane to give the illusion of expanded space.

Whether you are decorating your house to sell, or planning on staying where you are, it's time to freshen up that bathroom you've always hated with a whole new look.

Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

The pride of home ownership is the number one reason why Canadians desire their own home. No landlord is looking over your shoulder. And you can make home improvements knowing that any appreciation that results will be to your benefit. Home ownership gives you and your family a sense of stability and security. It's making an investment in your future.

Home ownership is the cornerstone of financial independence and security. It may seem a daunting prospect to younger people or first-time buyers, but it is achievable.

Like many would-be homeowners, you may be wondering how you can possibly afford to buy your first home. Even if you think you can’t afford a home, these saving tips and financing strategies can take you there sooner than you think and turn you from a renter into an owner.

Develop a culture of saving

The first priority for you should be to develop a culture of saving. This not only helps you in budgeting and planning for the future, but also satisfies banks and other lending institutions that you have a clear commitment to save.

Start an automatic savings plan

Saving for a down payment can be a financial challenge, but it’s a step forward to owning your dream home. Make saving automatic by setting up an automatic savings plan at your bank to regularly move a specific amount of money directly from your chequing account to a savings account. You’ll be surprised at how much you can save and how quickly the “pay yourself first” approach adds up.

Borrow from yourself

The federal government’s Home Buyer’s Plan (HBP) lets you borrow from your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to help purchase your first home. You and your partner can each withdraw up to $20,000, provided it’s not locked-in and the money has been in the RRSP for at least 90 days.  You have to repay the loan in installments over the next 15 years to avoid a tax hit. 

 Take a holiday from tax

If you open a new Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), you won’t pay any tax on earnings, which will help you compound your savings. You can contribute up to $5,000 a year to a TFSA, and save for anything you like, tax-free.

 Review your mortgage options

Once you make the decision to purchase a property, the next choice is the type of loan to suit your budget. The two most common types of loans are the variable interest rate loan and the fixed interest rate loan.  

You can now choose to pay back your mortgage over 25 or 30 years, instead of the traditional 20-year amortization period. This means you will pay more interest over the long term, but you can reduce monthly payments to get into your starter home. You can always change this later, once your income rises and you can pay your mortgage down faster.

 Get into a starter house

Try to be as flexible as possible when choosing your first home. Unless you are status-conscious, your first home doesn’t necessarily have to be your dream home. You could settle for a starter home, which you can afford with a small down payment and easy mortgage instalments. There are plenty of lower-priced houses out there in need of repair, with some "Do-It-Yourself" projects where you can add more value to the house. Just be careful not to buy a property where the cost of repairs will eat up any profits you might make when you sell.

In just a few years, you will build enough equity in your starter home to make it easier for you to sell and move into your dream home. Buying your first home is an exciting process. After all, your home could be the largest asset you’ll ever own. Being able to finance most of its cost will take a load off your back in the future.

Remember to look at the big picture. While buying a house is a great way to build wealth, maintaining your investment can be labour-intensive and expensive. When unexpected costs for new appliances, roof repairs, and plumbing problems crop up, there's no landlord to turn to, and these costs can drain your bank account. So consider whether you're ready for the expense and effort of homeownership before making the commitment..

Tips for Surviving 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 importantly, 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 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, noisy, and it may take longer to complete than you anticipated. Communicate with your contractor and try to resolve these challenges calmly and with an open mind.

Waterloo Region Home Sales Moderate in September as Market Continues to Balance

WATERLOO REGION, ON (October 3, 2025) —In September, a total of 502 homes were sold in the Waterloo Region via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System of the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® (Cornerstone).

 This represents a 4.7 per cent decrease compared to the same period last year and a decline of 25.0 per cent compared to the average number of homes sold in the previous ten years for the same month. 

“The September housing market continues to reflect broader economic conditions, with sales remaining below both last year’s levels and the ten-year average,” says Christal Moura, spokesperson for the Waterloo Region market. “While sales volumes have moderated from last year, this shift has created a more balanced market where buyers can take time with their decisions.  Well-priced properties continue to attract attention, and experienced REALTORS® are helping both buyers and sellers navigate these changing conditions successfully.”  

Total residential sales in September included 325 detached homes (down 4.1 per cent from September 2024), and 91 townhouses (down 5.2 per cent). Sales also included 51 condominium units (down 13.6 per cent) and 34 semi-detached homes (up 6.3 per cent).  

In September, the average sale price for all residential properties in Waterloo Region was $753,162. This represents a 4.7 per cent decrease compared to September 2024 and a 3.2 per cent increase compared to August 2025.  

• The average sale price of a detached home was $858,872. This represents a 5.9 per cent decrease from September 2024 and an increase of 1.4 per cent compared to August 2025.  

• The average sale price for a townhouse was $606,871. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase from September 2024 and an increase of 1.8 per cent compared to August 2025.  

• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $442,086. This represents a 8.9 per cent decrease from September 2024 and an increase of 2.0 per cent compared to August 2025.  

• The average sale price for a semi was $621,026.  This represents a decrease of 5.1 per cent compared to September 2024 and an increase of 0.5 per cent compared to August 2025. 

While prices have softened compared to last year, the market is finding its balance. Buyers now have more choice due to inventory levels well above the ten-year average. Moura believes that the fundamentals of our region—its diverse economy, dynamic technology ecosystem, and strong talent base—remain solid foundations of our housing market. 

There were 1,469 new listings added to the MLS® System in Waterloo Region last month, an increase 11.0 per cent compared to September last year and a 32.9 per cent increase compared to the previous ten-year average for September.  

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of September was 2,094, an increase of 22.2 per cent compared to September of last year and 79.5 per cent above the previous ten-year average of 1,167 listings for September. 

The total inventory across the market increased by 29.0 percent, resulting in a 4.0-month supply of all property types by the end of September. Condominium apartments had the highest inventory, with 7.3 months’ supply, followed by townhouses with 4.8 months’ supply and detached homes with 3.3 months’ supply. The number of months of inventory represents the time it would take to sell all current inventories at the current sales rate. 

The average time to sell a home in September was 32 days, which was the same in the previous month. In September 2024, it took 28 days for a home to sell, and the five-year average was 19 days. 

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

What is Rent to Own?

Rent-to-Own is becoming a popular way for selling a property, especially in areas where the market is slow. We are seeing more and more companies advertising that they have a house or condo for sale, and offering to do Rent-to-Own. But not a lot is known about exactly how it works, and to whose benefit.

Rent-To-Own is very similar to a car lease.
With a car lease, you put down a deposit and make payments for a specified period of time. At the end of the lease, you have the option (not the obligation) to purchase the car for a predetermined price.

Rent-to-own works in much the same way. A buyer puts down a “purchase option” deposit, usually less than the traditional 5% required by the bank, and makes a monthly payment. And a portion of the rent is credited towards the future down payment.  The end purchase price is predetermined at the time of signing.

The Rent-To-Own agreement involves two contracts; one contract will be a regular lease contract, and the other will deal with the purchasing part of the agreement. This contract will be for a period of time that is agreeable to both the seller and the buyer, usually anywhere from one year to three years. The buyer will have to pay the regular amount of rent, and in addition, they will have to pay a monthly installment that will be credited towards the down payment.

There are usually clauses in the contract that state if the buyer is late or misses any payment, the contract is null and void. As well, the buyer may be responsible for repairs and maintenance; however, sometimes the seller will accept responsibility for major maintenance issues.

What are the benefits of Rent-to-Own?
A Rent-to-Own agreement can be an excellent option for people who want–but are not financially ready–to become homeowners. A Rent-to-Own agreement gives them the chance to get their finances in order (by improving their credit score and saving money for a down payment, for example) while “locking in” the house they’d like to own. If the option money or a percentage of the rent goes toward the purchase price, they also get to start building some equity.

One thing to keep in mind is that house prices are always changing. The calculations are based on today’s prices, and it can be next to impossible to calculate what the house may be worth in the future. Sometimes this is addressed by agreeing to a certain percentage increase for each year of the term, and sometimes sellers will ask you to agree to pay the appraised value of the house at the end of the term. In this case, you may have to pay a little extra at the end of your term to meet the 5% down payment.)

A Rent-to-Own agreement allows potential buyers to move into a house while getting their finances in order to purchase the home in the future. It’s not without risks, since they could end up losing money if they don’t (or cannot) buy the property when the lease expires. You must be confident that this particular real estate deal is of benefit to you, and that you can afford to take the risk of not being able to follow through with the contract. If there’s a good chance you won’t be able to qualify for a mortgage or secure other financing by the time the lease expires, you should instead continue renting (with a “normal” lease), building credit and saving for a down payment. Then, when you’re ready, you can choose from any home on the market in your price range.

Not every seller will structure the Rent-to-Own in the same way, but as in any real estate deal, you can always try to negotiate the terms that are not satisfactory to you. It is very important that you get independent legal advice for any contract that you sign.

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 it 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, moulding,s 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 are 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.

Is it a good time to refinance your mortgage?

There are times when it makes sense to refinance your mortgage. It is, however, important to have a clear financial objective in mind to be able to choose the most appropriate loan.
Since interest rates are declining, switching to a lower rate may save you a lot of money – possibly thousands of dollars per year. There are penalties for paying your mortgage loan before renewal; however, these could be offset by the extra money you save through a refinance.

What's your goal?
Before deciding whether or not to refinance, you need to determine what you want to accomplish. Remember, a refinance doesn't pay off the debt; it just restructures it, often at a lower interest rate and a different loan term than the current mortgage.

1. Reducing the interest expense is the most common goal of a refinance. But some homeowners also appreciate the ability to extend the loan back out to 30 years, reducing the monthly payment.
2. Debt consolidation is another goal of refinancing. If you have both a first mortgage and a home equity mortgage, combining the two mortgages into one fixed-rate mortgage levels out the payment over the loan term.
3. Getting cash from your home. The equity you have in your home can act like a savings account that you could access through a home equity loan or a cash-out refinance. This is usually done when you want to finance an important home improvement, pay for college, or pay off high-interest credit card debt. Whatever your reason, this may be the right option for you.

When to refinance?
After determining your reasons for refinancing, you need to consider whether the timing and circumstances make this the right time to get a new mortgage.

You may be better off staying with your current mortgage. For example, if your current mortgage has a high prepayment penalty, or if you plan to move from your home in the next few years or when the monthly savings gained from lower monthly payments may not exceed the costs of refinancing.

As a rule of thumb, it pays to refinance if you can get an interest rate at least two percentage points lower than what you are currently paying. Asking yourself a few questions may help you determine if you can save money:

• How much can I lower my current monthly payment?
• How long do I plan to stay in the house after I refinance?
• How much will I pay in refinancing costs?

How to refinance?
Refinancing is similar to the process you encountered when you closed on your first mortgage. It requires an application, credit check, new survey and title search, as well as an appraisal and inspection fees. As you know, this process can be quite lengthy and expensive.

Keep in mind, however, that by refinancing, you may extend the time it will take to pay off your mortgage. That said, there are many ways to pay down your mortgage sooner to save you thousands of dollars. Most mortgage products, for instance, include prepayment privileges that enable you to pay up to 20% of the principal per calendar year. This will also help reduce your amortization period (the length of your mortgage), which in turn saves you money.

Common Home Buying Mistakes

For most people, a home is the largest purchase they’ll ever make, so choosing the wrong property can have disastrous implications on your wallet and well-being. Buying a home is not an impulse buy. In most cases, you will have a few months’ notice before you actually go through with the sale. Planning ahead is critical, particularly if you don't have extensive financial resources. Whether you’re a seasoned or first-time buyer, here are a few home-buying mistakes to avoid.

1. Altering your financial pictures before closing
Do not make any major purchases or move money around until you're settled in your new home. When you make a major purchase, you limit the amount of money available for your down payment and decrease the amount of liquid capital in your name. Also, moving your money around could make it more difficult for the lender to properly document and measure your finances. So leave your money where it is until after closing.

2. Getting too attached to one property
In competitive markets, you may have to put in offers on several properties before one is accepted. Some buyers get so infatuated with one property that a rejected offer hits them hard. It’s okay to feel anxious, but you need to be able to fall in and out of love during a home search. If you find a home that you think is perfect for you and you don’t get it, you can’t stay down too long. You have to recognize that wasn’t the house for you.

3. Skipping the home inspection
Home inspections are not required when buying a house, and some sellers can rush the process and discourage an inspection. But buying a house without an inspection is extraordinarily risky because serious problems can exist with the electrical wiring, the plumbing, the roof, or the foundation. An inspector can identify problems before the closing, and you can then ask the seller to fix these problems. If you buy a house and skip the home inspection, you’re financially responsible for any problems that arise after closing.

4. Buying the wrong house
As a home buyer, the very first thing you should do is make a list of priorities and define home purchasing objectives. Figure out what features and benefits are most important and which you can live without. Before you sign on the dotted line, review this list and make sure the house you are about to purchase meets your requirements. It's easy to overlook a major factor that could come back to haunt you later.

5. Maxing out your spending power
Qualifying for a half-million-dollar mortgage does not mean you should buy a mansion; it is therefore wise to be a little more conservative. Homeowners have additional expenses such as property taxes, condo fees, and maintenance that renters do not. However, some first-time buyers fail to budget for these extra costs and assume they can afford a monthly mortgage equivalent to the rent they paid.

One buyer purchased a home that cost him about $100,000 more than he was comfortable spending. But he fell in love with the Victorian character: the high ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, and wide open space layout. A year later, he could no longer afford to make his mortgage payments. The house was too expensive for him to maintain. He would have been better off buying a smaller home in a more modest neighborhood. But he let his soaring emotions cloud his good judgment.  Make sure you do not go beyond the budget you assigned for the home purchase.

Home sale prices continue to decline and inventory rise, creating opportunities for home buyers

WATERLOO REGION, ON (September 5, 2025) —In August, a total of 536 homes were sold in the Waterloo Region via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System of the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® (Cornerstone). This is a decrease of 1.3 per cent compared with the same period last year and a decline of 23.1 per cent compared to the average number of homes sold in the previous ten years for the same month. 

“The market is showing signs of stabilization, though we’re seeing a continued cooling trend compared to last year. While sales volumes have only slightly decreased year-over-year, the more notable change is in pricing, with most property types experiencing moderate downward pressure,” says Christal Moura, spokesperson for the Waterloo Region market.  

Total residential sales in August included 320 detached homes (down 5.6 per cent from August 2024), and 101 townhouses (down 1.0 per cent). Sales also included 62 condominium units (up 1.6 per cent) and 50 semi-detached homes (up 25.0 per cent).  

In August, the average sale price for all residential properties in Waterloo Region was $728,465. This represents a 5.5 per cent decrease compared to August 2024 and a 1.0 per cent decrease compared to July 2025.  

• The average sale price of a detached home was $846,405. This represents a 4.6 per cent decrease from August 2024 and a decrease of 1.3 per cent compared to July 2025.  

• The average sale price for a townhouse was $594,200. This represents a 3.2 percent decrease from August 2024 and a 1.7 percent decrease compared to July 2025.  

• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $433,113. This represents a 6.0 per cent decrease from August 2024 and an increase of 4.2 per cent compared to July 2025.  

• The average sale price for a semi was $618,206. This represents a 5.5 per cent decrease from August 2024 and a 4.1 per cent decrease compared to July 2025. 

There were 1,028 new listings added to the MLS® System in Waterloo Region last month, an increase of 3. per cent compared to August last year and a 11.0 per cent increase compared to the previous ten-year average for August.  

The average time to sell a home in August was 32 days, which is the same as the previous month. In August 2024, it took 25 days for a home to sell, and the five-year average was 19 days. 

“Despite the softer market conditions, we are encouraged by the healthy increase in new listings, which gives buyers more options,” says Moura. “While our local market statistics indicate signs of stabilization, we are operating in a complex economic environment. The Bank of Canada’s decision to maintain interest rates at 2.75% for the third consecutive time provides some predictability for both buyers and sellers. However, economic uncertainty and the Bank’s focus on inflation, especially regarding shelter costs, remind us that we are in a period where both buyers and sellers need to stay informed and collaborate closely with their REALTOR® to navigate current market conditions.” 

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

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. 

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.