Kitchener-Waterloo Real Estate Market Report December 2022

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!

K-W IS LIGHTING THINGS UP!

The joy of the holiday season is upon us which means it’s time to light things up!

It’s that magical time of year again which means that one of K-W’s favourite traditions is back to help us get into the holiday spirit!

Gift of Lights is the largest drive-thru holiday light display in Southwestern Ontario and you have until Saturday, December 31st to check it out!

Enjoy two illuminated tunnels and over 300 colourful light displays as you wind through the 2.5 km sparkling path from the warmth and comfort of your car. 

You can also check out Jingle Bell Rock which offers a variety of dazzling light features, sequenced to contemporary holiday music, that surround a 40-foot dancing tree illumination. This brand-new event runs until Saturday, January 7th.

Also back this year is another of K-W’s favourite traditions, the Wonders of Winter in Waterloo Park where you can enjoy over 120 colourful light displays as you stroll through the park.

Whatever you end up doing this year, here’s wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a happy and healthy 2023!

SELLER MISTAKES THAT COST THOUSANDS

You only get one shot at creating that all-important initial buzz so it’s important to get things right the first time.

When selling your home, it’s important to get it right the first time as mistakes mean your home will sit on the market longer and eventually sell for less.

You really only get one shot at creating that all-important initial buzz that occurs when a new home hits the market, so make a great first impression by avoiding the following seller mistakes:

The Price Is Wrong
Sellers are often tempted to price their home way above market value but this tactic usually backfires. The longer a home sits on the market, the more of a stigma it’ll develop, forcing you to repeatedly drop the price.

Restricted Access
Buyers may skip your home if it’s not easily accessible. The goal is to get as many qualified buyers through your home as possible so using a lockbox is key, pardon the pun 🙂

Hanging Around
Homeowners should always leave before showings so that buyers can look around without any distractions. If a buyer feels comfortable, they’ll be able to relax and make themselves literally feel at home.

Stage Fright
Staging starts with an ultra-clean, de-cluttered and de-personalized home. Buyers should be able to envision themselves living in your home which is why photographs, trophies and kids’ artwork have to go.

Rough Repairs
It’s important to tackle any necessary repairs before your home hits the market as buyers will be turned off if your home appears to have been neglected and they’ll wonder what other hidden issues may arise.

Going It Alone
A real estate agent’s job is not only to market your home to the masses but also to act as a 3rd party negotiator to keep emotions in check and help you get the highest price in the shortest amount of time.

Selling your home can be an overwhelming experience and your home is most likely your biggest asset, so when you decide to sell, it’s important to get everything right the first time.

Setting your emotions aside and viewing the sale of your home as a business transaction are critical elements to ensuring your home sells quickly, easily and for the most amount of money possible!

HELP SUPPORT OUR K-W BUSINESSES

No one wants to think about the possibility of a house fire but it’s important to be prepared.

Competition from big box stores and online retailers continues to grow each year so it’s important to support our local, hard-working businesses as they’re the backbone of our community.

The holiday season is usually the busiest time of the year for our small businesses as they rely heavily on the Christmas rush.

If you’re having trouble figuring out what type of gift to get for that special someone, you may need to think outside of the box, the gift box that is!

For instance, a cooking class or a pottery workshop that’s hosted by a local business are a few unique ideas that are sure to please!

A gift certificate to a “best-kept secret” type of restaurant or perhaps a spa treatment is another great way to help support our hardworking local businesses.

If you’re a last-minute shopper, there’s still plenty of time to buy from the wide variety of small businesses in K-W as orders can often be prepared and picked up right away.

In addition to shopping at local businesses, it’s important to subscribe to their newsletter, tag and follow them on social media, like and share their posts and spread the word to family and friends.

Our small businesses are integral to the character of our community. Buying local improves our community’s economy and helps connect us with our neighbours so this year, make it a point to support our amazing local businesses.

BAKED BRIE & ROASTED GARLIC

Simple yet tasty appetizers are the way to go during the busy holiday season.

It’s not always easy to impress holiday guests but the delicate, mellow taste of roasted garlic paired with creamy baked Brie is sure to be a huge hit. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 wheel of Brie cheese
• 2 whole garlic bulbs
• 2 tsp olive oil
• red pepper jelly
• crackers

Start off by slicing the tops off the garlic bulbs and drizzle them with olive oil.

Next, wrap the bulbs in foil, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.

While the garlic bulbs are baking, slice the thin rind off the top of the Brie and place the rest of the cheese in the oven for the last 15 minutes.

When it’s done, transfer the Brie and garlic bulbs to a platter and serve with crackers and red pepper jelly. Enjoy!