Please don't hesitate to reach out for detailed stats that are specific to your neighbourhood, or even if you're just curious about what the house down the street sold for – it'd be great to hear from you!

RIDING THE REAL ESTATE ROLLER COASTER

Never wear your emotions on your sleeve during the real estate ride.

Selling your home is a huge financial transaction that can trigger a roller coaster of emotions. When you're being tossed around at every turn, you need to hang on tight and stay on track.

Whether it’s been bidding wars, sky-high prices or a cooling-off period, the last couple of years have added to the ups and downs of the real estate roller coaster ride.

The Kitchener-Waterloo real estate market continues to twist and turn so here are a few points to keep in mind if you’re thinking about selling your home:

The Price Is Right
Setting the right price is key so it’s important to have a home evaluation to determine what similar homes in your area are selling for. That way, you’ll be able to listen to the market instead of your emotions.

No Offence
Despite the strong connection you have to your home, try not to get offended if you hear that a potential buyer wants to rip up your kitchen or paint over the wood trim that you so lovingly restored.

Nothing Personal
It’s important to never take feedback personally. While criticisms may seem negative on the surface, they’re more likely a sign that the buyer’s interested; otherwise, they wouldn’t say anything at all.

Starting Point
Your home is your kingdom so your expectations will be high but if you receive a lowball offer, don’t get discouraged as it’s often just a starting point. The important thing is to keep the lines of communication open in order to progress as you never really know what the other side is thinking.

Unconditional Love
If you’re able to generate multiple offers, make sure you consider more than just the price. There’s nothing worse than accepting a conditional offer with a great price only to have it fall apart when you could have accepted a firm offer that was almost as good.

Chances are, you’ll have many fond memories of the time spent in your home over the years so it can sometimes be hard to move on, pardon the pun.

It’s completely natural for both buyers and sellers to experience a wide range of intense emotions as they navigate their way through the complex real estate process.

However, if you hop on the real estate roller coaster with a competent agent by your side, you’ll not only enjoy the ride but you'll look forward to doing it again next time!

A BARREL OF FUN IN K-W!

Earth Day is the perfect time to hook up a rain barrel, or two!

On Saturday, April 22nd, Earth Day will be celebrated around the world, including right here in Kitchener-Waterloo!

Earth Day is the perfect time to pick up a rain barrel in K-W so that you can start collecting naturally pure rainwater. Here are some of the many advantages of having a rain barrel:

Watered Down
Rainwater can be used for watering plants which will reduce your water bills.

Right As Rain
Your houseplants will thrive as rainwater is naturally soft and chemical-free.

Breathe Easy
Rainwater contains more oxygen than tap water which promotes plant growth.

Don’t Run Off
Rain barrels reduce stormwater runoff which helps prevent erosion and pollution.

Rain Or Shine
Rain barrels provide a sustainable water source during droughts or water restrictions.

If you already have a rain barrel, make sure it’s clear of debris, connected to your downspouts and that the overflow drain points away from your foundation.

If not, now’s the perfect time to pick up a rain barrel in K-W. Whatever you end up doing this Earth Day, here’s hoping you have a world of fun and a barrel of laughs!

DON'T FORGET THE 4 R’S!

Your referrals mean the world to me so if you know of someone in the Kitchener-Waterloo area who’s thinking of making a move, please don’t forget to mention my name!