The Real Estate Book of Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Brantford & Region, ON - Vol 29#7 by The Real Estate Book

KITCHENER, WATERLOO, CAMBRIDGE, BRANTFORD & REGION, ON.

Volume 29, Issue 7

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Gaye Males, Broker REALTOR® 519.742.5809 #2287 gama@coldwellbankerpbr.com www.coldwellbankerpbr.com

ON THE COVER

For advertising information:

519.574.6536 ads@goldentriangle.online Printed in Canada

Grand River South! Fenced, pie-shaped lot Mature trees and lush landscaping Two storey with upper finished loft Open concept Kitchen to Family room Carpet free main floor Numerous updates inside & out Early August closing Schools, walking trails nearby Commuters will love this area MLS® $969,900 Text RBGVNJB to 844-928-0132

Gaye Males Broker REALTOR®

519.742.5809 ext 2287 gama@coldwellbankerpbr.com www.coldwellbankerpbr.com

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Ask your Agent how Your Home can be Featured on the Cover Showcase your home in the next issue of The Real Estate Book. The Real Estate Book has taken all reasonable care to ensure that the information contained in this magazine is accurate on the date of publication. It is possible that the information may be out of date when reading. The Real Estate Book accepts no responsibility for the consequences of error.

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8 Ways to Make Your Backyard a Summer Paradise By Sage Singleton

ummer is the season to be outdoors. It's the perfect time for backyard barbecues, neighborhood socials, and late-night evenings on the patio. You don't need to travel to a luxurious and exotic location to enjoy spending time outdoors. Make your own backyard a summer paradise with these eight simple suggestions.

Inspect & Update Wooden Decks To make your backyard a summer haven, take some time to inspect and update your deck. Wooden patios and decks can be warped by cold weather, so you'll want to replace loose or missing slats as needed. Sand, stain, and seal your deck once you've made sure it's structurally sound. If you have a stone patio, check for missing pieces and update as needed. Once this is complete, you'll have a shiny and appealing deck you can decorate with patio furniture—creating a relaxing sitting area for summertime. Editor's Note: This was originally published on RISMedia's blog, Housecall. See what else is cookin' now at blog.rismedia.com

Purchase Patio Furniture & Essentials Once you have a designated patio or deck space, you'll want to add some patio furniture so you can sit down, mingle with friends and family, and relax. Consider purchasing weatherproof patio furniture that is both comfortable and durable. Patio furniture can be exposed to harsh, seasonal weather, so you'll want to make sure it lasts for years. Get the basics, including some lounge chairs, an umbrella, a hammock, and an outdoor table so you can enjoy meals or games outside. In addition to patio furniture, you may want to buy or build an outdoor fire pit. It's a simple feature that adds so much to your backyard. Sit around the fire and socialize, roast marshmallows or even cook dinner on your own backyard fireplace.

Add Colorful Cushions and Pillows You'll want to add a splash of color to your patio so it's eye-catching and sings of summertime. Buy some bright-colored, comfortable throw pillows and cushions to spice up the furniture. The bright colors and fun patterns will entice people to sit down, relax, and enjoy your backyard paradise.

Get a Rug for the Patio Consider adding a rug to the patio or deck area to make the space feel cozier. Outdoor rugs vary in material, size, and shape and are generally made to last in all types of weather. They make a great addition to your space, and can also protect your deck.

Install Outdoor Lighting Nothing is more magical than twinkling

lights against a royal-blue evening sky. Add strands of tea lights or other innovative lights to create a fairytale effect in your backyard. In addition to the decorative lighting, you'll want to consider adding sensor or smart lights to your backyard for added security. Smart lights are a great way to ensure the backyard is lit—you can even control smart lights with your smart phone.

your landscaping to create an outdoor paradise. You don't need extravagant plants or trees to make your backyard grand. Take some time to cut back unruly trees and bushes, pull the weeds, water and trim the lawn, and plant flowers around the yard. These simple updates will make a world of difference. You'll have your own secret garden in no time!

Make the Backyard Private

Secure Outdoor Belongings

You may love your neighbors, but that doesn't mean you want them always peeking into your backyard. Be creative when thinking of ways to ensure better backyard privacy. One easy way to create a private, secluded backyard paradise is to install a fence. Not only does it ensure privacy, but it is an essential safety measure. Install a strong, secure fence to create a private and safe backyard.

Update Your Landscaping

Landscaping can make or break your backyard. It's essential to take time to update

Once you've created a magical backyard space, you'll want to take the necessary precautions to safeguard your belongings. Make sure your garden tools and supplies are in a locked shed—away from kids, pets, and burglars. Take time to assess the backyard for any security breaches. This will keep your family safe and protect your backyard, patio, and deck from major damage. Summer is a wonderful time to relax and enjoy being outdoors. Update your own backyard and you'll have access to a private paradise any time you want.

at its finest

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Greenbelt Privacy!

Village on Clair Creek. All brick BUNGALOW with DOUBLE GARAGE. Newer stone patio with pergola. Perfect for downsizers, couples & singles. West Waterloo shopping, Library, YMCA pool. 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms Spacious 1,400 sq. ft. plan plus partially finished basement. Quick closing possible, very well maintained! Low common element fee for land maintenance & snow removal. $785,000 MLS® Text RBGSWM to 844-928-0132

Gaye Males Broker REALTOR®

519.742.5809 ext 2287 gama@coldwellbankerpbr.com • www.coldwellbankerpbr.com

Selling? 1. G OOD PHOTO G R A P H Y In most instances, buyers see photos of your home before they see your home in person. Take well-lit, HD photos to spark the most interest in your home.

2. D ON’ T RE LY S O L ELY O N T H E WEB T O SE L L Y O UR H O ME Lots of people shop on the web for homes, and there are lots of homes on the web. Stats say that 65 million shop for homes in the U.S. every month. However, only 5 million homes are sold in the U.S. every year. It’s a very crowded space, and your home should be on as many sites as possible. Make sure your agent also takes advantage of targeted print when advertising your home. More on this later...

5 TOP MARKETING TIPS FROM TOP AGENTS

3. MA K E SU R E Y O U R A G E NT INC LU DE S MO B ILE T E C H NO LO G Y IN Y O U R MA R K E TING PLA N Today, we rely on our phones to look up everything, including real estate. Your home should have a marketing plan that includes mobile tools as a significant element. For example, your home should have a yard sign with a text code on it so that potential buyers driving by can look it up on their phone right away.

4. MA R K E T Y O U R H O ME O FFLINE —LO C A LLY Good agents know where potential buyers of your home live, work, shop and play. They use local real estate publications, targeted direct mail, brochures, and other tools to ensure your home gets in front of local home buyers.

5. KEEP YOUR HOME LOOKIN G GOOD Part of the marketing plan for your home is in your court. This includes how potential buyers perceive it when they walk through the door. Living in a home and keeping it ready to show is a challenge, but it will pay off when buyers find your home more attractive than others they may be considering. Put simply, don’t wait around

for homebuyers to find you. Get

out there and find them through

advertising—both online and offline.

Real Estate Deal-Breakers & How to Fix Them Efficiently BY B RO O K E C H A P L A N

The real estate sales process can be stressful and seemingly complicated. Even a relatively smooth process can take ample negotiations and may require weeks to pass before you can close on the transaction. Some deals are increasingly complicated, and major roadblocks may develop that threaten the entire project. These are a few of the more significant factors that buyers and sellers may run into during the real estate sales process that could potentially prevent the deal from going through as planned.

Unpleasant Decor Unpleasant decor is something that buyers notice immediately, and some will only make an offer on the home contingent to some decorative updates being completed before closing. For example, some buyers may detest bold paint colors on the walls or may feel that the decor in the kitchens and bathrooms is too outdated; however, sellers may believe that the home is priced appropriately for the as-is condition and that they should not make concessions because of decor. Both real estate agents need to review sales comps in the area to determine if other homes selling in this price range have similar decor or if they have recently been upgraded. The agents should make the buyer and seller aware of realistic expectations based on market conditions, and one or both parties may need to make concessions based on a sales price and property condition that is justified by the market.

Major Repair Issues Home repair issues may be known by both parties before a property inspection is complete, but the inspection report can potentially reveal more issues that have not been discussed. Many buyers may try to negotiate to have repair work completed before closing. You may consider taking a course on renovations (like Rules of Renovation) and other significant home improvement projects be-

fore you agree to take on any huge projects as a buyer or a seller. These courses can help you to better estimate the cost and time it will take to complete the work that is needed.

A Low Appraised Value Many buyers will apply for a home loan to pay for their purchase. Mortgage lenders typically offer a loan amount that is a percentage of the sales price or appraised value, and they will take the lesser of these two figures into consideration. This means that an appraised value that comes in lower than the sales price could reduce the loan amount to an uncomfortable amount for the buyer. More than that, the buyer may not want to pay more money for a house than it is worth. The feasible options are for the seller to lower the sales price or to work with the appraiser to increase the appraised value.

Title Issues It is customary to review the title history on a property before finalizing a purchase, and this is a required step for anyone who is applying for a mortgage loan. This process essentially determines if the seller clearly holds title to the property or what obstacles need to be cleared before the seller can convey title to the buyer at closing. Some issues are minor and can easily be dealt with prior to closing by the title company and the seller. In some cases, however, a real estate lawyer needs to be contacted to resolve the matter. Many real estate deals will close without a hitch, but many others will develop one or several of these issues. Many issues can be overcome when the buyer and seller work together and when enough time and patience is given to resolve the issues. You may also have to use third-party services, such as a title company or real estate lawyer, to address the issue properly.

DESIGNER TIPS

for Making Your Summer Party Pop By John Voket Summer is in full swing, and many of us are currently planning our summer parties. However, there is quite a distance between wanting to throw a great summer party and actually pulling it off. So we'll look at some of the big challenges summer party hosts may face. When it comes to planning a summer party, lifestyle expert Ceci Carmichael recently told blogger Candace Rose Anderson that people avoid entertaining because they just think it’ll be so full of stress and they’re not going to have a good time anyway. Carmichael's best advice—plan ahead. That means two weeks out get your list all set, get your menu all set and then along the way take bite size chunks out of it so that the day before you aren't walking a tightrope between vacuuming

and cooking at the same time. Party planner to the stars Mindy Weiss (stylemepretty.com) advises aspiring party hosts to mind these tips: Freshen up with Color: Don’t be afraid to add pop to your party with bright colors. Purchase a fun, colored table runner for outdoor tables and a set of patterned napkins for a fresh look. Include a few brightly colored dinner plates alongside basic white dishes. That simple pop of color adds excitement to the table. Plan a Picnic in Your Own Backyard: Surprise your guests by setting up an outdoor picnic area. Spread multi-colored throws, blankets even large quilts on your grass and add bright colored pillows. The “eclectic look” is in! Place fun trays on the blankets

filled with guacamole and chips or bottles of water and glassed bottled soda pop. Light up the Garden: Lanterns placed throughout your outdoor area are always noticed! They can hang from gazebos or line the walkway into the party. These lanterns use battery-powered candles as an alternative to regular candles… they’re gorgeous and are safe too! Invest in a Bar Cart: Freshen up your bar by adding a bar cart to the area where your guests are gathering. The bar cart can be filled with alcoholic drinks for the party goers, or for an outdoor family event try beautiful pitchers of lemonade or iced lavender hibiscus tea. Recently, I took my bar cart and filled it will fun desserts that the guests could try at their leisure.

519 742 5800 coldwellbankerpbr.com

508 Riverbend Drive, Kitchener

SALES REPRESENTATIVE* BROKER**

Coldwell Banker Peter Benninger 2021 Monthly Achievers

Kelly Ruston*

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bev hepburn**

chad Ritzer*

Nathan Steffler*

Erin Bowie*

ANUP KAUR*

ERIC FREY*

Dean Widdifield*

Gaye Males**

Rebecca Mcintosh*

sonja miner*

donna bowie*

greg Scheel* .07

2021 MONTHLY ACHIEVERS

DAVE Tidd*

Recessed lighting is visually appealing and perfect for small spaces. You can also affect a room’s lighting with low-cost or no-cost solutions that make the most of the space’s built-in features. For example, highlight windows instead of covering them, or make the fireplace a focal point. Bay windows also really help to open up a living room or kitchen dining area to make it appear larger.

Add charming details

Tr ansform

Small Spaces into Charming Places In home listings across the country, the word small is often replaced with a far more marketable and appealing word: “charming.” But what makes a home charming compared to small? How does a homeowner transition a cramped room into a space with unique and appealing character?

Create special spaces & storage Carefully consider the functions of any space, such as TV viewing, reading or computer use, so that only the items needed for those specific functions are stored there. Understanding how this space is utilized will make it easier to establish dedicated zones and supplies for each activity. For example, a small living room area intended for TV should have a couch and chair, coffee table, end table, and TV stand and TV – not much more. Be sure to also create proper storage to manage and maintain a clutter-free home. A great way to do this is add some built-in storage like bookcases and cabinets. Chests or coffee tables that can open up to store things will allow you to use the flat surface above while taking advantage of the space underneath.

Make it larger with lighting Clearing a small home of its clutter will automatically make it seem larger. However, the illusion of more space can also be enhanced with proper lighting. The right lighting will also play a big role in helping create a more charming feel.

Woodwork is another simple embellishment that adds instant character and charm without affecting usable space. A chair rail, stair case newel post, crown molding, and even baseboards can help take a standard space and outline it with interesting architectural elements. A mirror, such as a pier mirror, can also help brighten the room and make it seem larger than it is. By managing clutter, using lighting to create bright and airy spaces and incorporating simple architectural elements, you can easily transform a cramped area into a charming and inviting room that you – or a potential buyer – can enjoy.

KAYLEY SPALDING SALES

R E P R E S E N TAT I V E

SETTLER’S RIDGE $899,900 This 2,384 sq ft home boasts 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms plus a full unfinished basement. The main level offers soaring cathedral ceiling, open concept gourmet kitchen, spacious dining room, formal living room with tons of natural light & gas fireplace.

MULTI-FAMILY HOME $1,395,000 This truly exceptional 7-bedroom, 7-bathroom multi-family home is resting on a tranquil 2-acre estate style property just a 5-minute drive to Highway 11 and easy access to all Downtown Huntsville amenities!

BAY LAKE $999,900 Incredible offering of this year-round home or cottage on beautiful Bay Lake in Emsdale, showcasing gorgeous landscape package with granite steps down to the shallow, sandy shoreline with sunny Southern exposure for all day sunshine!

CUSTOM BUILD $1,295,000 Gorgeous custom built 2,000 sq ft craftsman style bungalow resting on a magical 7.95-acre forested property. This impressive executive home offers an open concept living area with cathedral ceilings, large windows, spacious kitchen with large island.

LAKE JOSEPH $7,995,000 Breathtaking private lake house resting on the Western shores of prestigious Lake Joseph with 200ft of frontage and 2.8 acres. This 8,000 sq ft post & beam cottage offers 4 floors & stands 60ft tall with panoramic island dotted lake views.

FAIRY LAKE $3,895,000 Stunning custom-built craftsman style home or cottage on beautiful Fairy Lake. Desirable bungalow layout featuring open concept principal rooms with cathedral ceiling, gas fireplace and large windows looking out to the lake.

I N-T O W N LI V I NG $789,900 This stunning 1,312 sq ft bungalow boasts an incredible main floor layout including bright and welcoming front entrance off the covered front porch, 2 great kids’ room and full 4-piece bathroom, main floor laundry, open concept principal rooms.

LAKE CECEBE $1,295,000 Stunning home/cottage offering Western exposure, resting on a 0.7acre landscaped property. The main level offers a large open kitchen/dining room with tons of natural light and cozy gas fireplace, grand living room with fireplace.

AHMIC LAKE $1,295,000 Incredible year-round home or cottage resting on a lovely, wooded 1+ acre property. The main cottage offers 1,747 square feet of living space boasting 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, open concept principal rooms with tons of natural light.

L U X U R Y

MUSKOKA

T HOM PS ON R EA L ES TAT E B R OK ER A GE

L I V I N G

KAYLEYSPALDING.COM

705.788.2959

INFO@KAYLEYSPALDING.COM

7D-115 S CREEK DR $769,999

3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, 1,525 Sq Ft A stunning 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath double car garage with beautiful views. EXCL

Trussler West by ACTIVA Stage 1 now Phase 3 coming this fall

Register for Phase 3 Stage 1 at www.activa.ca Trussler West is surrounded by rolling topography at the western edge of Kitchener. Here is where the feeling of ‘home’ will extend beyond your front door with intimate streetscapes, neighbourhood parks, picturesque walking trails and easy highway access. Trussler West will keep you connected to what matters most!

NEW single detached homes starting from the low $700’s!

Eva (Ewa) Munch S A L E S R E P R E S E N TAT I V E

Website: www.evamunch.com E-Mail: eva@evamunch.com Phone: (519) 885-0200

Text the code to 844-928-0132 for more photos & information

$3,400,000.00

RBGTDPT STRATFORD

AUTO RECYCLE since 1956. Located on very busy Ontario Street East, main entrance to Stratford. Could be bought as Auto Recycler or can be changed to many uses within zoning. PLEASE DO NOT GO DIRECT. MLS® John Hoffman* Ext. 3040

$2,750,000

RBGWNLY POST AND BEAM

FUNKY RENOVATED 3 LEVEL COMMERCIAL BUILDING Flexible C1 zoning and 189 ft frontage onto Church Street gives ample opportunities + amazing viability. This is a perfect property for a user/ investor.MLS® Chad Ritzer* Ext. 3033

$2,500,000

RBGWNKV FULLY LEASED

$710,000.00

RBGTDRC COMMERCIAL

$150,000

RBFMHDV WELL

$10.95/SF

RBGWNLF INDUSTRIAL

$9.95/SF

RBDHTNZ OFFICE FOR

$8.95/SF

RBGLFMN MANUFACTURING/

RETAIL Investment Plaza. 4,100 SF on 0.524 acres. Located on busy traffic node with high exposure. Ample on-site driveup parking. Full basement. Long term leases in place. MLS® Lester Tobin* Ext. 3023

ESTABLISHED BUSINESS FOR SALE. Existing contracts and customer list in place. All equipment included in the sale price. Owner will train. Please contact the agent for detailed financials. MLS® James Boudreau** Ext. 3020

LEASE or potential Office/Industrial flex space with high exposure. Located right on LRT route. Easy access to Expressway and HWY #401. Drive up parking.. MLS® Lester Tobin* Ext. 3023

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CONDO Located in the heart of the city, steps from LRT, walking distance to Uptown Waterloo and all amenities. Kitchen with walk in cooler. Handicap washroom, 4 owned parking spaces. MLS® Lester Tobin* Ext. 3023

UNIT FOR LEASE Excellent, clean smaller sized unit available. Easy access to Conestoga Parkway and King Street North. Immediate possession, one drivein loading door, ideal for many uses. MLS® Chad Ritzer* Ext. 3033

WAREHOUSE SPACE Very clean, well maintained unit located in the Huron Business Park. 1 drive-in door, many large windows fill the space w/lots of natural light. Zoning allows many uses. Easy access to Hwys 401 & 7/8. MLS® Chad Ritzer* Ext. 3033

Text the code to 844-928-0132 *Sales Representative

**Broker

Text the code to 844-928-0132 for more photos & information

$5,500/mo

$2,500/mo

RBGWNMT UPTOWN

WATERLOO Corner property with high exposure in Uptown Waterloo. Turn-key barbershop/salon. Rent includes all barbershop/ salon equipment. Main level unit with dual entrances. Zoning permits many uses. MLS® Lester Tobin* Ext. 3023

RBGKVNL NEW MIXED USE

From $12.00 PSF RBGKVST OFFICE SPACE

WITH INCREDIBLE VISIBILITY from King Street near Downtown Kitchener. Zoning allows many uses. The building has easy access to the on/off ramp to Hwy 7/8. Well maintained property by a reputable Landlord. MLS® Chad Ritzer* Ext. 3033

$28.00/SF

RBGKVTV FREESTANDING

$850.00/Month Gross RBGCVLY 2ND FLOOR

From $8.00 PSF

RBGHXVP LANDMARK

$925.00/Month Gross RBDLVLC FINISHED PRIVATE

$21.00/SF

DEVELOPMENT at the Gateway to Downtown Kitchener with 2 storefront retail units. Suitable for a variety of retail and office uses. Great visibility on King St. E. with more residential density on the way! MLS® James Boudreau** Ext. 3020

OFFICE SPACE available immediately. Located directly behind Grand River Hospital. Reception/waiting area, bathroom, and 2 private offices. Rent includes utilities. MLS® James Boudreau** Ext. 3020

OFFICE FOR LEASEORTUNITY at well known, award winning building. Located just seconds from Hwy 85, the high traffic intersection of University & Bridge sees over 40,000 vehicles daily (2015 AADT). Ideal for professional office or personal services. 24/7 electronic reader board on University Ave. MLS® Colin Vogel* Ext. 3110

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RETAIL/ RESTAURANT/ OFFICE signature building available at the corner of Northfield Dr. and Wissler Rd. in North Waterloo. New build to suit to Tenant ready in 2022. Many uses permitted in zoning. Basement space available.MLS® Lester Tobin* Ext. 3023

LOCATION For Lease. Space ranging from 600 to 28,000 sq. ft. in a variety of configurations. Lease rates vary depending on space. Available immediately! MLS® James Boudreau** Ext. 3020

RBGWNMM RETAIL SPACE for lease in St Jacobs. Includes 1 parking space. Excellent central location. Utilities included in rent. MLS® James Boudreau** Ext. 3020

Text the code to 844-928-0132 *Sales Representative

**Broker