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!

SUMMER FUN IN VICTORIA PARK!

Two of K-W’s favourite events are back to help kick off the summer!

The Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Festival is back for its 56th year in beautiful Victoria Park on Saturday, June 24th and Sunday, June 25th!

At this family-friendly event, you’ll be able to sample an array of delicious cuisine from all over the world while enjoying a variety of entertainers that represent over 30 countries.

There will also be an assortment of unique vendors along with various community organizations in the International Marketplace.

Another local event to mark your calendar for this summer is the Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show! Also held in Victoria Park, this fun-filled event takes place between Friday, July 14th and Sunday, July 16th.

Ribfest is now in its 20th year and if you haven’t yet been, now’s your chance to come out and enjoy the delicious barbecued chicken & ribs, corn on the cob, funnel cakes and freshly squeezed lemonade!

While you’re treating yourself to the endless variety of fabulous food and delicious beverages, you can sit back and enjoy a fantastic lineup of live entertainment.

There’s no charge for admission but donations to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region will be accepted at the gate. Hope to see you there!

GETTING YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR

Rental properties can be a great way to get your foot in the door, so to speak.

If you already own a home, purchasing a rental property in the K-W area may be easier than you think, depending on the equity you’ve accumulated over the years.

However, if you’re new to the real estate world, purchasing a home with a separate rental unit is a great way to get your foot in the door, pardon the pun.

It's much easier to afford a property if you have someone else paying the mortgage and the best part is, you don't have to put up with an annoying roommate who leaves the kitchen in a mess as you’ll have your own separate unit.

Maintaining a rental property is also much easier if you live on-site as you’ll be able to cut the grass and keep an eye on things.

Finally, owning a rental property means you can deduct a portion of your mortgage, property taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance costs when tax time rolls around.

It’s important to treat your rental property like a business though to ensure its success. For instance, having an emergency fund is essential as you’ll be responsible for issues that require immediate attention such as a broken furnace or a burst pipe.

Being a landlord isn’t for everyone, especially if you’re not living at the property, but it shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your real estate investment dreams as you can always hire a property manager to take care of things for you.

As with any property purchase, it's important to seek professional advice to help ensure you buy the right property, in the right location, for the right price.

If you're a business-oriented person who’s able to think long-term and plan for the unexpected, managing your own rental property might be the perfect fit. Just reach out so that we can discuss your next move!

WATER DOWN YOUR RELAXATION

Rental properties can be a great way to get your foot in the door, so to speak.

After a long day, picture yourself unwinding in your backyard, reclining on a lounger, and being serenaded by the soothing sound of flowing water.

Adding a water feature to your garden not only transforms your backyard into an oasis of tranquillity, but it may also increase the value of your home!

Depending on the design, water features can also create an environmentally-friendly haven for wildlife such as frogs, birds and butterflies.

It’s important to first plan out your vision to ensure your water feature will seamlessly integrate with your landscape and environment.

Water features can be as simple or elaborate as your budget allows, ranging from a simple tabletop fountain to a full-scale babbling brook.

Solar-powered fountains are an excellent choice for those seeking an environmentally-friendly option. By harnessing the sun's rays, you'll lower your electricity bills and you also won't get tangled up in electrical cords.

If you have small children, safety should be a priority. Also, if you plan on digging, make sure to click before you dig so that you don’t cut through any pipes or cables that are hidden beneath the surface.

There’s something about the flow of water that naturally soothes the soul. Once you’ve put the finishing touches on your new water feature, find a comfortable seat, close your eyes and enjoy your very own piece of paradise!

THE POWER OF LEMON AID

The lowly lemon can make quite an impact around the house!

Load up on lemons if you're looking for a powerful, environmentally-friendly cleaner that can tackle virtually any household chore! Here are a few ways they can make your home naturally sparkle:

use lemon juice to remove stains on countertops
mix lemon juice with baking soda to create a scouring paste
soak carpet stains with lemon juice for 20 minutes, then rinse and blot
heat a bowl of water with sliced lemons in the microwave before wiping it down

A great tip for squeezing as much juice as possible from your lemons is to microwave them for 30 seconds, wait a minute, then cut and squeeze.

Lemons are an excellent alternative to traditional toxic cleaning solutions and they’ll fill your home with a refreshing citrus scent that won’t leave a sour taste behind!