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!

Selling vs. Renting – What Makes Cents?

From sudden moves to shifting markets, renting out your home can sometimes make sense.

Sometimes, unexpected opportunities arise, such as a temporary work relocation. Or perhaps you’d like to take advantage of a strong buyer’s market but don’t wish to sell your current home at a loss.

Renting out your home may be an option, but there are certain factors you’ll want to consider. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re thinking about renting out your home:

Rent Reserve Set aside some extra money in case the rental income doesn’t completely cover your mortgage payments, property taxes and home insurance. Taxing Situation There may be tax implications to consider, so reach out to an accountant or financial advisor as rules can vary depending on your situation.

Expect the Unexpected It’s important to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances such as unexpected repairs or if your tenant suddenly falls behind on their rent.

Love It or Lease It Being a landlord isn't always easy. To avoid any potential conflicts, it’s best to try and emotionally detach yourself from your former home.

Prepare to Repair Tenants may not treat your home with the same level of care that you once did, so when it comes time to sell, your home may need some work.

Market Matters If the market gains strength, you may be able to increase your equity. However, if the market drops, you could face a potential loss.

Renting out your home can be a great decision that pays off – if it’s done right. You'll need to treat it like a business though, so evaluate the demand for rentals in your area and look into landlord/tenant laws before moving forward.

If, on the other hand, you’re thinking about selling your home, we can provide you with a home evaluation to give you a better idea of what your home’s currently worth in today’s market.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever have any real estate related questions. It’d be great to hear from you!

The Kitchener-Waterloo Shoebox Project

The Shoebox Project is a great way to help women in our community who are affected by homelessness.

Special occasions, such as Christmas, can be a particularly challenging time of year for those who’ve been displaced from their homes and estranged from their families.

To help with this, The Shoebox Project collects and distributes shoeboxes filled with gifts for women in our area who are experiencing homelessness in order to help lift their spirits during the holiday season.

Since 2011, they've handed out over 358,000 shoeboxes and raised over $2 million in donations. They continue to grow each year and have chapters all across Canada, including right here in Kitchener-Waterloo.

It’s easy to participate! All you need to do is fill a standard-sized shoebox with $50 worth of items such as body wash, lip balm, socks, chocolate or a gift card. You can even add a personalized note for that extra special touch!

If you don’t have the time to put together a shoebox yourself, you can create a virtual shoebox or simply make an online donation. Volunteers will then use every dollar collected to provide gift cards and essential items for women experiencing homelessness in the K-W area.

This small gesture of kindness makes a huge difference! The Kitchener-Waterloo Shoebox Project offers a meaningful way to give back and to remind those who are facing challenges in our area that they haven’t been forgotten about.!

Words of Wisdom

You know what they say – home is where the ❤️ is!

If you’re looking for a new place for you and your family to call home, reach out so that we can discuss your next move :)