Decrease in Waterloo Region Home Sales for October 2025

WATERLOO REGION, ON (November 5, 2025) —In October, a total of 569 homes were sold in the Waterloo Region via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System of the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS® (Cornerstone). This represents a 6.7 per cent decrease compared to the same period last year and a decline of 18.4 per cent compared to the average number of homes sold in the previous ten years for the same month.

“While October home sales in Waterloo Region lag behind historical averages, activity did pick up compared to September,” says Christal Moura, spokesperson for the Waterloo Region market. “With more listings available than we typically see this time of year and borrowing costs beginning to ease, buyers have the opportunity to explore a wider range of options.”

Total residential sales in October included 371 detached homes (down 3.4 per cent from October 2024), and 89 townhouses (down 16.8 per cent). Sales also included 56 condominium units (down 16.4 per cent) and 49 semi-detached homes (down 2.0 per cent).

In October, the average sale price for all residential properties in Waterloo Region was $734,928. This represents a 5.6 per cent decrease compared to October 2024 and a 2.4 per cent decrease compared to September 2025.

• The average sale price of a detached home was $842,907. This represents a 4.8 per cent decrease from October 2024 and a decrease of 1.6 per cent compared to September 2025.
• The average sale price for a townhouse was $593,652. This represents an 8.2 per cent decrease from October 2024 and a decrease of 2.2 per cent compared to September 2025.
• The average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $433,746. This represents a 10.2 per cent decrease from October 2024 and a decrease of 1.9 per cent compared to September 2025.
• The average sale price for a semi was $573,332. This represents a decrease of 11.9 per cent compared to October 2024 and a decrease of 7.7 per cent compared to September 2025.

“The Bank of Canada’s recent 0.25% rate cut and its hint that rates may hold steady could give home buyers the confidence to get preapproved for a mortgage. With a good number of homes for sale in Waterloo Region, now is a good time to talk to your Realtor® about finding a home that is right for you,” says Moura.

There were 1,236 new listings added to the MLS® System in Waterloo Region last month, an increase 7.2 per cent compared to October last year and a 28.7 per cent increase compared to the previous ten-year average for October.

The total number of homes available for sale in active status at the end of October was 2,056, an increase of 23.6 per cent compared to October of last year and 90.2 per cent above the previous ten-year average of 1,081 listings for October.

The total inventory across the market increased by 30.0 percent, resulting in a 3.9-month supply of all property types by the end of October. Condominium apartments had the highest inventory, with 7.6 months’ supply, followed by townhouses with 4.7 months’ supply and detached homes with 3.1 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 October was 31 days, one day less than the previous month. In October 2024, it took 27 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/

Decorating with Books

Books are entertaining and enlightening, and can be a beautiful decorative element in a room if you learn how to display them in an effective way.
 
Here are a few tips for incorporating books as part of your décor!
 
Sort your books following any criteria you want. If decorating is your main concern, focus on sorting by age, binding, or colour, or you can sort based on the content of your books.
 
Decide on the best place in your home to decorate with books. Look for spaces that aren't cluttered and can use some visual interest. Also, look for wall space where you can place a bookcase.
 
Use bookcases as decorating tools by focusing on the theme of your books. If you have a large number of beautifully bound older books, place these books together to create dramatic interest. Shelving books according to their height can add a pleasing order to the bookshelves and complement your décor. Create interest with the bookcases themselves by using a floor-to-ceiling bookcase or shelf to add drama to any room, regardless of the books it houses.
 
Display individual books on tables and other surfaces. You can use the classic coffee table display as you decorate and set one or more especially attractive books on the table. However, if you think more broadly, you can find more surfaces to decorate. A small shelf may be a perfect display for a book with an unusual cover or you might find that a small book fits perfectly in your pantry, bringing you a smile each time you see it.
 
Hardcover books look much better and more decorative without the dust jacket. The bindings are usually printed with nice script, and the colours give the book more of a classical look.

Books are great for elevating lamps that aren't quite tall enough or for bases used for staggering pictures or candlesticks on a dresser or table. Varying heights create more visual interest, and the combination of books and pictures and candles or a lamp is always a great vignette!
 
Need an end table? Stack sturdy books to the height you need. You can even place a tray or basket on top to hold a snack, phone, or remote!
 
Place a square woven bamboo basket with books on a hearth, or to break up a bookshelf. Use cookbooks on a kitchen counter or in a corner display paired with platters, pitchers or a serving bowl. Using an easel, rotate cookbooks and show off the covers if they are pretty and work with seasons—Christmas baking, soups, etc.
 
Place books around your home to draw attention to the function of a room or a corner. If you have a large book collection and want to make a statement in a room, build or purchase enough narrow bookshelves to fill one wall of a room, or one side of a wide hallway. You'll get lots of storage in only 12” to 15" of floor space.
 
Remember that you'll want to read the books from time to time, so make sure they are easily accessible.

Winter Home Maintenance Checklist

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

Outdoor Preparation

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

Lawn and Garden

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

Indoor Preparation

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

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

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

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

Paid in Full! 7 Ways to Pay off Your Mortgage Faster

Paying down your mortgage as early as possible is one of the best suggestions that financial advisers make to their clients.  After all, throwing extra money at the biggest debt you may have can result in big interest savings and being mortgage-free years sooner.

Since mortgage payments are made with after-tax dollars, putting extra money down on a debt with an interest rate of 3.49% is equivalent to getting a guaranteed, risk-free return of over 5.0% for most taxpayers. If your mortgage rate is higher, your return would be higher too.

1. Shop around for the best mortgage possible with your credit score. 
When a mortgage company has a small overhead cost to stay in business, it typically means that they will not charge you unreasonable ongoing service fees. Make sure you know the fees charged by your mortgage company before you sign the loan.

2. Select weekly or bi-weekly mortgage payments. 
A bi-weekly mortgage payment means you make 26 half-monthly payments instead of 12 monthly payments. But keep in mind that unless your initial mortgage is set up as bi-weekly, some lenders charge an upfront fee of $300-$400 to make bi-weekly payments, and even though you're making a payment every two weeks, the lender only applies it once a month.

If you make bi-weekly payments of $415 instead of monthly payments of $830, you could save almost $27,000 in interest over the entire amortization period of your mortgage, and you could own your home about 4-1/2 years sooner.

3. Prepay a little extra every month, or any time during the term of your mortgage. Increasing your payment by even a few dollars each month will pay down your principal amount faster. It is a good idea to pay 10-15% more each month. This amount shouldn’t put too much extra burden on you, and it will help to pay off your mortgage much faster. For example, if you increased your mortgage payments by just $170 from $830 to $1,000, you could save almost $48,000 in interest over the entire amortization period of your mortgage, and you could own your home about 8 years sooner. 

4. Make an annual lump sum payment. Use your tax refund, work bonus, or any extra money you can save and apply it directly to your principal amount. Check your mortgage documents to find out how often you can prepay and in what amount. Many loans don't prohibit you from doing this; however, the lender may have parameters on how many extra payments you can make. Ask this question when shopping for a mortgage loan. 
 
5. Pay as much as you can at renewal time. 
Most mortgages become open at renewal. This means you can pay as much as you want on your mortgage. If you chose a 5-year, fixed-rate term, and made a $10,000 lump-sum payment every time your mortgage came up for renewal, you would save about $37,481 in interest over the entire amortization period of your mortgage.

6. Red flag your extra payments. Always check your mortgage statement to make sure that any extra payments you made are being counted against the principal and that your bank has accurately documented your payments. Make the extra principal payments on a separate cheque and make a note on the memo line stating that the payment should be applied to principal reduction only. At tax time, tally up those payments and make sure they've been applied correctly. 

7. Stay informed. Once you have a mortgage, aside from making the payments, it's easy to forget about it altogether. Keeping up-to-date on interest rates and new products could save you money. You may want to shop for another product that better suits your needs. For example, to qualify for a mortgage, you may have started out with a lower-rate adjustable-rate mortgage, but you want to switch to a more long-term, affordable fixed-rate mortgage later. 
Fortunately, it's easy to virtually play around with various payment scenarios. Most financial institutions, banks, and mortgage brokers have online mortgage calculators that can easily calculate the savings for you. Combining two or more of these above tips would result in even bigger savings.

Bank of Canada Cuts Rate - What it Means for You

The Bank of Canada today reduced its target for the overnight rate by 25 basis points to 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. This is the second consecutive cut from the central bank as it cut its rate by 25 basis points in September. 

This move reflects ongoing softening in the Canadian economy, including slower business activity and easing inflation. It is intended to help support households during this transition. According to TD Deputy Chief Economist Derek Burleton, this lower rate environment is likely to persist for quite some time as the economy adjusts to its new trade normal

Canada’s economy contracted by 1.6% in the second quarter, reflecting a drop in exports and weak business investment amid heightened uncertainty. Meanwhile, household spending grew at a healthy pace. US trade actions and related uncertainty are having severe effects on targeted sectors including autos, steel, aluminum, and lumber. As a result, GDP growth is expected to be weak in the second half of the year. Growth will get some support from rising consumer and government spending and residential investment, and then pick up gradually as exports and business investment begin to recover.

Canada’s labour market remains soft. Employment gains in September followed two months of sizeable losses. Job losses continue to build in trade-sensitive sectors, and hiring has been weak across the economy. The unemployment rate remained at 7.1% in September, and wage growth has slowed. Slower population growth means fewer new jobs are needed to keep the employment rate steady.

For Canadians with variable-rate mortgages, rate cuts can mean more of their mortgage payments go towards the principal and less towards interest. Homeowners with a variable-rate mortgage and variable payments could see their total payment shrink.

For Canadians with fixed-rate mortgages, a central bank rate cut does not immediately affect them since fixed-rate mortgages are commonly based on five-year bond yields.

While market dynamics are evolving, this rate drop could create meaningful opportunities for homeowners depending on your current mortgage situation.

If you’re renewing soon…

A lower rate environment could improve your affordability and cash flow. It’s a great time to explore lenders and terms to avoid overpaying at renewal.

 

If you’re considering refinancing…

You may be able to:

• Lower your monthly payments
• Consolidate high-interest debt
• Access home equity for renovations or other financial goals

This change could make a refinance more cost-effective and worth reviewing sooner.

If you’re planning a purchase…

More favourable borrowing conditions may help expand affordability and boost confidence as you search for the right home.

The economic conditions are shifting, and even small rate changes can have a big impact on the life of a mortgage. Combined with softening prices and increased supply, this will give buyers more leverage, allowing for conditional offers and more time to make decisions. 

Westmount vs Doon South vs Laurelwood - which Kitchener-Waterloo Neighbourhood is best for your family?

Choosing the right neighborhood for your family is one of the most important decisions you'll make when buying a home in Waterloo. As a local real estate broker, I've helped countless families navigate this choice, and three neighborhoods consistently rise to the top of the conversation: Westmount, Doon South, and Laurelwood.

Each of these communities offers distinct advantages for families, but they cater to different lifestyles and priorities. Whether you're drawn to urban walkability, peaceful natural settings, or top-rated schools, understanding what each neighborhood brings to the table will help you make the best decision for your family's future.

Westmount: Urban Charm Meets Family Living

Westmount stands out as Waterloo's premier established neighborhood, offering families the perfect blend of urban convenience and residential tranquility. This distinctive community captures attention with its tree-lined streets adorned with unique early-century street lamps, creating an atmosphere that's both historic and welcoming.

Housing and Architecture

Westmount's real estate landscape tells the story of Waterloo's evolution. The neighborhood features a compelling mix of wartime homes that have been lovingly maintained and updated alongside newer luxury residences. This diversity means families can find everything from charming starter homes with character to spacious modern properties, all within the same walkable community.

Transportation and Accessibility

For families who value convenience and sustainable transportation, Westmount excels. The neighborhood boasts exceptional LRT and walking scores, making it ideal for parents who want to reduce their reliance on cars. The proximity to Uptown Waterloo means your family can walk to restaurants, shops, and cultural events, while still enjoying a peaceful residential setting.

Schools and Community

Empire Public School serves the Westmount area and provides quality education for local families. The neighborhood's established nature means mature trees, developed parks, and a strong sense of community among long-term residents. The location between Kitchener and Waterloo gives families easy access to amenities in both cities.

Recreation and Lifestyle

The nearby Westmount Golf & Country Club adds an element of recreation and social opportunities for families who enjoy golf or club activities. The urban setting means excellent access to libraries, community centers, and cultural activities that enrich family life.

Doon South: Where Nature Meets Family Life

Doon South has earned its reputation as one of the most sought-after neighborhoods for families who prioritize natural surroundings and outdoor recreation. This community offers a peaceful environment that feels worlds away from urban hustle while maintaining convenient access to essential services.

Natural Environment

The defining characteristic of Doon South is its proximity to nature. Families living here are just minutes away from the Huron Natural Area, offering endless opportunities for hiking, nature walks, and outdoor education for children. This access to green space isn't just about recreation: it's about providing children with a connection to the natural world that's increasingly rare in urban settings.

Schools and Education

Groh Public School serves the Doon South community and maintains a strong reputation among local families. The school's location within this nature-focused neighborhood allows for unique outdoor learning opportunities that complement traditional classroom education.

Commuter Convenience

Despite its peaceful, natural setting, Doon South offers excellent highway access, particularly to Highway 401. This makes it an ideal choice for families where one or both parents need to commute to Toronto, London, or other cities for work. The combination of tranquil home life and convenient commuting creates the best of both worlds.

Community Character

Doon South attracts families who value quiet streets, neighborly connections, and a slower pace of life. The community tends to draw parents who want their children to grow up with easy access to outdoor activities and a strong connection to nature.

Laurelwood: The Gold Standard for Family Living

Laurelwood consistently ranks as the top neighborhood choice for families in the Waterloo region, and for good reason. This relatively newer community has been designed with families in mind, offering modern amenities, excellent schools, and thoughtful community planning.

Educational Excellence

Laurelwood's crown jewel is its exceptional school system. Laurelwood Public School consistently ranks among the top elementary schools in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, while Sir John A. Macdonald Secondary School provides excellent high school education. For families where education is the primary concern, Laurelwood's track record speaks for itself.

Modern Living

As a newer development, Laurelwood offers families access to modern single-family detached homes and townhomes built with contemporary families in mind. The streets are quieter, the infrastructure is newer, and the community planning incorporates lessons learned from decades of suburban development.

Green Space Access

The Laurel Creek Conservation Area provides families with excellent access to natural areas for recreation and education. While not as extensive as Doon South's natural offerings, Laurelwood strikes a balance between suburban convenience and natural access.

Essential Amenities

Laurelwood's planning includes convenient access to essential services like grocery stores, banks, coffee shops, and other daily necessities. This means families can handle most of their routine needs without lengthy drives across the city.

Neighborhood Comparison: Key Factors for Families

When comparing these three exceptional neighborhoods, several key factors emerge that can help guide your decision:

Educational Quality: Laurelwood leads with top-rated schools, while both Westmount and Doon South offer good educational options with their respective character strengths.

Lifestyle Preferences: Westmount caters to families who enjoy urban walkability and diverse amenities. Doon South appeals to nature-loving families who prioritize outdoor access. Laurelwood provides modern suburban living with educational excellence.

Transportation Needs: Westmount excels for transit users and those who prefer walking. Doon South offers excellent highway access for commuters. Laurelwood provides good access to both local amenities and major routes.

Housing Options: Westmount offers character homes with varied architectural styles. Doon South provides established family homes in peaceful settings. Laurelwood features modern construction with contemporary family-friendly designs.

Community Atmosphere: Each neighborhood has developed its own distinct personality, from Westmount's urban sophistication to Doon South's nature-focused tranquility to Laurelwood's family-centered modern community.

Making Your Decision: Which Neighborhood Fits Your Family?

Choose Westmount if your family values urban lifestyle, walkable neighborhoods, and diverse cultural amenities. This neighborhood works best for families who want to minimize car dependency and maximize access to restaurants, shops, and urban activities.

Choose Doon South if your family prioritizes outdoor activities, natural settings, and peaceful living while maintaining convenient commuting access. This is ideal for families who want their children to grow up with easy access to nature and outdoor recreation.

Choose Laurelwood if educational excellence is your top priority and you prefer modern amenities in a thoughtfully planned community. This neighborhood suits families who want the best schools combined with contemporary suburban living.

Your Next Steps

Choosing the right neighborhood requires more than reading about amenities and schools: it requires experiencing these communities firsthand. I encourage you to visit each neighborhood at different times of day, talk to current residents, and envision your family's daily life in each setting.

As your local real estate broker, I'm here to help you navigate this important decision. I can provide detailed market analysis for each neighborhood, arrange private showings of available properties, and connect you with current residents who can share their firsthand experiences.

Ready to explore these neighborhoods in person? Contact me today to schedule personalized tours of Westmount, Doon South, and Laurelwood. Together, we'll find the perfect community where your family can thrive for years to come.

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.