The K-W real estate market is constantly changing, so please reach out for stats that are specific to your neighbourhood – or even if you’re just curious about what the house down the street sold for.
Halloween Fun In K-W
Do you have what it takes to brave these spooktacular Halloween events?
Summer may be behind us, but the beauty of the fall colours and a variety of thrilling Halloween events in and around the K-W area should help lift your spirits!
For instance, Screampark returns to Bingemans with a variety of horrifying attractions, including the Crypt of Terror, The Twisted Woods, The Slaughter Shed, Gateway to Hell, No Man’s Land and more!
There’s also the legendary Fear Farm, which features a number of frightening haunted attractions to explore on their 100-acre farm, including Woodsboro Asylum, The Stalking Dead, Hiller House, Carnevil and its famous Haunted Hayride.
If you’re looking for some fall family fun that won’t scare you half to death, check out Snyder’s Farm during the day, as they offer acres of fun for the entire family!
Aside from picking pumpkins and enjoying fresh-baked goods at Snyder’s Farm, there are various attractions to keep the little ones busy, including an animal barnyard, corn maze, hayride, pedal carts, jumping pillows, and a farm playground.
There’s a lot going on in and around the Kitchener-Waterloo area this Halloween, but whatever you end up doing, here’s to you having a spooktacular time!
Preparing For An Empty Nest
When the kids move out, the house can suddenly feel very different.
For some parents, watching their children spread their wings and fly the coop brings a welcome sense of freedom. For others, a quieter house can take some getting used to.
It can also raise a practical question: does your current home still suit this stage of your life?
Many empty nesters start thinking about downsizing, but moving may not always be the right choice.
Before deciding whether to stay put or start fresh somewhere new, here are a few things worth considering:
Know Your Why
Think about what you’d actually like to gain from a move, whether it’s less upkeep, lower expenses, a different location or simply a fresh start.
Do the Math
Compare your potential sale proceeds with the cost of another home, moving expenses, transaction costs and any renovations or monthly fees.
Picture Daily Life
Think beyond square footage. Consider the layout, outdoor space, parking, storage and other features that will make everyday living comfortable for years to come.
Stay Connected
Think about how a move could affect your proximity to family, friends, shopping, medical care, recreation and other places that are part of your regular routine.
Condo Culture
If less exterior maintenance and a lock-and-leave lifestyle appeal to you, a condo may be worth considering, especially if you plan on travelling.
You Guest It
If you enjoy having family or friends stay over, make sure your next home still has enough space to host guests comfortably.
There’s no need to make a decision the moment the nest empties. Decluttering, exploring your options and giving yourself a little time can make the right choice much clearer.
You may decide that moving makes perfect sense, or you may realize that the home you already have still suits you just fine.
Either way, it’s a good opportunity to think about what kind of home and lifestyle make the most sense at this new stage of life.
Fall Pest Prevention Tips
A few simple steps can help keep the “fall crawl” outside where it belongs.
As the seasons change, insects and rodents start looking for food, warmth and a way inside. Here are a few simple ways to make your home less inviting:
Seal the Deal
Check around your foundation, pipes and other exterior openings, and seal any gaps that could give mice and other pests an easy way in.
Mind the Gap
Inspect weatherstripping, door sweeps and screens for damage, and repair any openings before pests find them first.
Cut It Out
Cut back vines, shrubs and overhanging branches that could provide rodents and insects with easier access to your home.
Clear the Way
Store firewood, yard materials and other clutter away from exterior walls, where they can provide convenient shelter.
Put a Lid On It
Keep pet food, birdseed and pantry staples in sealed containers, and make sure garbage and recycling bins close securely.
Pick Up the Pieces
Pick up fallen fruit, clean up food spills and remove other easy food sources that could attract rodents or insects.
Once pests make themselves at home, getting rid of them can be a lot more difficult. A little prevention now can save you plenty of hassle later.
