KITCHENER, WATERLOO, CAMBRIDGE, BRANTFORD & REGION, ON.
Volume 29, Issue 8
Country
Living
Chris Gehl, Realtor® Direct: 226-338-6840 www.lovethathouse.com
RealEstateBook.com Request FREE MAGAZINES online
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Mary Anne Gehl, Realtor® Direct: 519-572-9901 mgehl@lovethathouse.com
7/29/2021 10:54:59 AM
ON THE COVER
For advertising information:
519.574.6536 ads@goldentriangle.online Printed in Canada
•Standard Text Messaging Fees apply
$1,999,900 COUNTRY LIVING on the edge of Conestoga and minutes to K-W, Guelph and expressway. Over 4,000 finished sq ft of pampered living space on nearly 4 acres with large pond and amazing views from every window. Come home to the country! MLS® Text RBGYNGH to 844-928-0132 Chris Gehl, Realtor® Coldwell Banker Peter Benninger Realty, Brokerage Direct: 226-338-6840 www.lovethathouse.com Mary Anne Gehl, Realtor® Coldwell Banker Peter Benninger Realty, Brokerage e Direct: 519-572-9901 mgehl@lovethathouse.com
Text any text code you find in the book to 844-928-0132 for more pictures and information on that listing. request a FREE MAGAZINE from any of our markets across north america at
RealEstateBook.com
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 It is possible that the information may be out of date when reading.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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151 Steeplechase Way, Waterloo
• Built in 2017 • Backs on Greenspace • Modern interior • Tall ceilings, gas fireplace • Fabulous Kitchen, coffee bar • Upper Media/Family Room • Basement has above grade windows • Numerous upgrades • 3 bedrooms • 2.5 bathrooms • MLS®
Gaye Males Broker REALTOR®
519.742.5800 ext 2287 gama@coldwellbankerpbr.com www.coldwellbankerpbr.com 87731.29.08.indd 4
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519 742 5800 coldwellbankerpbr.com
508 Riverbend Drive, Kitchener
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GARDENING for
SMALL SPACES By Julie Achtermeier Gardening can take place no matter what the size of your home. It’s just a matter of prioritizing your needs and wants, heeding your location and growing seasons, and being creative with the space you have.
If an edible garden is your thing, almost all fruits and vegetables can be grown in a pot or small plot in the garden. Your initial investment should be in good soil, ideally designed for producing food. Ensure you have easy access to a watering source (if outdoors) and that the garden is located where there is plenty of sunlight. If you are planting in a yard outdoors, be aware certain visitors – rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels, and raccoons might feast on your plants, so take the time to build a fence or cover the area with chicken wire. If that’s too daunting, keeping your plants in containers on a window ledge or balcony may be a better option.
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Here are five things to consider before planting a vegetable or fruit garden:
Know your limitations. If you’re new to gardening and want to start with low maintenance plants, try an ornamental garden of annuals, or grow herbs and greens the first year. Herbs are hearty and can bounce back if the soil dries out for a few days. Greens, like lettuce, grow quickly and are not as fussy about the sun. They also produce a quick yield so you can enjoy the bounty throughout the summer. Avoid touchy plants such as tomatoes and peppers – tomatoes require strict regular watering or the fruit will not ripen in time or can go mouldy before turning red. Peppers, especially spicy varieties, need a great deal of sunshine and heat as well as regular watering. Find the sun. Most vegetable and fruit plants require six or more hours of sun each day. Without enough sun, the fruits will not ripen. If a sunny spot is hard to come by, there are a few veggies that can survive in moderate shade, such as lettuce, greens, and broccoli. Black pots retain more heat which may be ideal for locations with less sun and more shade, or when growing plants that require more heat. Be prepared for regular watering. Check your soil daily and ensure it stays moist and never dries to the point of cracking. It’s important to water the
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soil without leaving the leaves wet so consider using a soaker hose instead of a sprinkler in the garden, and use a watering can for potted plants. Wet leaves can leave plants vulnerable to mould and blights. Also, consider the type of pot and how quickly it dries out. Moisture evaporates through clay pots, so they will dry out faster than plastic ones. The larger the container, the more soil you’ll have to work with and the less often you have to water. Use good soil. It’s critical to invest in a soil that’s rich in organic matter, and one designed specifically for vegetables and fruits. Garden stores and nurseries carry different types of soils. If you’re sticking to an ornamental garden this year, be sure to select a soil for container gardening, which is more nutrient-dense than the soil for a garden. Remember, planters are not utilizing natural fertilizers from Mother Nature, so the dirt needs a boost right out of the gate. Bring them indoors after the season. Some vegetables and herbs can grow all year round. If you take to container gardening, bring your plants indoors when the season is over and enjoy fresh produce throughout the winter. The easiest plants to keep going are herbs.
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How Much Staging is Necessary When it’s Time to Sell? BY JULIE ACHTERMEIER
Home staging is the process of professionally decorating a home to make it look more appealing to buyers. It’s intended to accentuate the positive features of your residence and help buyers imagine themselves in your home. The Real Estate Staging Association states that homes across North America spend 90 percent less time on the market if they are staged – 23 days compared to 184 days, respectively. But how much is enough? According to the National Association of Realtors, for every $100 invested in staging your home, the potential return is about $400. That’s four times the return for doing a few simple things. Before you start, consider the costs and what you’re willing to spend. You can go as far as paying a professional stager to come in, or you can follow a few simple steps and do it yourself. If you choose the latter, start with these critical items first:
Paint – and don’t forget the trim!
Painting walls, especially if they are old colours or have marks, scrapes or nail pops, is an absolute must. Choose light, trendy colours that make the walls the backdrop to the room. The last thing you want is someone walking in and being hit in the face with a bold colour they may hate. Many Realtors recommend Benjamin Moore colours such as Elmira White (a soft beige), Revere Pewter (for a warmer, darker hue) and Cloud White as a faint tint to trim paint if you are repainting the trim.
Remove Clutter
This is not rocket science. No one wants to look at your baby photos or see your collection of vases so pack away personal items and collections and leave furniture empty. Once everything is put away, take a look at each tabletop and choose groups of three items to decorate. The eye likes odd numbers of groupings so pick three books, three candles at different heights or three different pieces that accent the room and blend into the décor.
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Don’t Forget the Yard
A great trick to make your lawn look lush and green is to over-seed it. This chokes out weeds and will give it a luxurious appearance. Or, if you have enough lead time, hire a lawn company to get your grass in its best shape before you list. If you have gardens, be sure to remove debris, add fresh soil for a clean look and plant a few eye-catching annuals that will do well in your climate and orientation to the sun - think shade or sun plants. If you’re listing in winter, keep walkways clear and put away the Christmas lights... unless it’s the Christmas season.
Rent Furniture
The old red corduroy couch your Aunt Lila gave you isn’t going to win you any decorating awards. If you have old or damaged furniture, get rid of it and rent sleek, neutral pieces. Or make an investment in new furniture you can take with you.
Less is More
Once you’ve decluttered, slim it down even further. This gives the room more space and keeps the buyer focused on what they can do with the home. In effect, a staged home should look as if no one lives there. That may sound counter-intuitive, but most people love to imagine themselves in a crisp, clean, minimalist living space. Can’t you imagine yourself in a home without all the mess? If someone is about to make the most significant investment of their lives, they’re going to want to make sure it’s something they love and can picture themselves in. Showcasing how a home could be lived in depicts the real potential of the space.
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THINGS NO ONE TELLS YOU ABOUT WORKING WITH A
REAL ESTATE AGENT
If you’ve never bought or sold a home before, chances are you have a preconceived notion of what real estate agents are all about. Unfortunately, you may also have the wrong idea or be misinformed about just what these professionals can do for you. Here are three things you probably never knew about working with a real estate agent:
1
Your relationship with your real estate agent goes way beyond buying or selling a home. A professional real estate agent will be your connection to a myriad of resources you will need before, during and after the transaction, such as mortgage, title and insurance professionals, home improvement and repair services, home stagers, interior designers, painters and landscapers, cleaning services, etc. Many real estate agents are part of a brokerage that offers some of these services within the firm, or that has partner relationships with such firms. They are also well entrenched within the community and can offer great referrals on a whole host of sources that you might need.
2
Good real estate agents are not just after a deal at all costs. They’re looking after your best interests because their ultimate goal is to make you happy and create a client for life. Therefore, you can expect your agent to advise you on making the best possible decision, not selling you a bill of goods just to earn a quick commission. For example, if you’re looking at homes in a neighborhood that’s going to put you in a financial bind, a good agent will steer you toward an area that suits your preferences, but also your budget. A good agent is not a money-hungry shark, but a trusted guide.
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Remember this: The lifeblood of a real estate agent’s business is referrals, so most are committed to serving you and earning your trust.
3
A professional real estate agent is a financial analyst of the local market and will know how to price your home correctly for sale, or will help you make the best offer when bidding on a home to buy. These pricing decisions are based on an in-depth knowledge of knowing what has sold for what price in which neighborhood over the course of the last month, quarter, year, etc. They are also based on granular details of the home, such as a recent remodel that warrants a higher price or a needed repair that requires a price drop. So expect your agent to have a strong opinion when it comes to advising you on how to price your home for sale or put in a bid on the home you want to buy. Know that there’s a lot of research and knowledge that goes into arriving at those numbers.
Remember, there’s more to a good real estate agent than meets the eye! Finding the right professional to work with will make your real estate experience positive and successful. Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. All rights reserved.
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S H OULD OU LD YOU FIX IT & FLIP IT?
BEST ADVICE FOR FLIPPING HOUSES IN TODAY’S ECONOMIC CLIMATE By Julie Achtermeier
Buying and flipping a home can be a profitable venture, but can also be fraught with pitfalls if not properly researched and planned out. During the real estate boom in 2015-2017, flipping a home was quite lucrative as the market surged forward each quarter. In today’s market, the decision to fix and flip a home isn’t just about gauging the viability of the real estate market. These days, it’s about navigating taxes and capital gains and ensuring the purchase is actually going to net you a profit. By following some seasoned advice, a fix and flip project can still bring in a pretty penny.
DO YOUR MATH. Choosing a home to flip isn’t just about whether or not you can afford that particular property. First, determine the fair market value and how much your renovations are likely to cost. Add in your estimated carrying costs, tax implications (we’ll get to that in a minute) and closing costs. Without a proper estimate upfront, you could be walking into a disastrous situation.
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UNDERSTAND THE TAXES. Since 2016, your annual income tax statement requires that you list the sale of any property. If the property is your primary residence, you are exempt from paying taxes. However, if you have bought a house as an investment that you plan to fix up and flip, you will likely end up paying either capital gains or business taxes. What’s the difference? Typically, capital gains tax is charged unless the Canada Revenue
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Agency determines that the profits from the sale are a business income. To calculate what you will owe on capital gains, estimate what the taxes will be on approximately half of the profit of the sale. If the CRA considers the earnings to be business income, you will be required to pay taxes on the full amount. The difference can be significant, so do your homework and understand the tax implications before you start. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. The old adage still applies – it’s all about location. You must find a desirable home in a neighbourhood with high demand from buyers and one that is affordable. In today’s real estate climate, that can be tricky, but there are still many desirable areas where a house flip is ideal. Look for a home in need of a little TLC on a popular street or in an up-and-coming neighbourhood. Choose areas close to public transportation or shopping malls. FACTOR IN TIMING. While undergoing your project, keep in mind the length of time the renovations will take and what your carrying costs will be during that time.
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If everything drags on too long, your costs will go up and ultimately come out of your profit margin once the home is sold. It may also be necessary to factor in the time of year depending on the location and when you ideally want to relist the home. CHOOSE THE RIGHT RENOVATIONS. Focus the upgrades on the items a buyer doesn’t want to worry about – like the roof, furnace and electrical. Then tackle the upgrades like kitchen, bathroom(s) and floors. Be sure to align yourself with a reputable contractor who can manage costs and timelines effectively. HAVE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT. It’s easy to get carried away once you start renovations. Remember this is not an emotional attachment, it’s a business project. Make a plan and follow it. Don’t let yourself, or your contractor, start getting creative halfway through the project.
Flipping a home can be a great adventure and bring in some sizable cash if done right.
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KAYLEY SPALDING SALES
R E P R E S E N TAT I V E
MUSKOKA RIVER $2,295,000 One of a kind offering of this 2-acre Muskoka River front property showcasing a gorgeous custom built craftsman style family home, 34'x32' 2 bay detached garage with storage loft, plus 40'x32' detached 2 bay radiant in-floor heated workshop!
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.
LANCELOT CREEK $1,849,900 Gorgeous custom designed craftsman style bungalow, resting on a beautifully landscaped 4.46-acre wooded property on peaceful Lancelot Creek that is within eyesight of Mary Lake offering over 40 miles of boating on 4 lake chain!
CRAFTSMAN STYLE $1,595,000 This immaculate bungalow boasts 2,695 sq ft of living space with high end features and finishes throughout. Open concept kitchen and dining area, impressive great room with warm wood accented cathedral ceiling and ambient gas fireplace.
FAIRY LAKE $3,295,000 Lovely craftsman style home or cottage built in 2013 offering 101 feet of frontage on beautiful Fairy Lake in Huntsville with sunny Southern exposure, resting on a beautifully landscaped 0.68-acre property with paved driveway.
FAIRY LAKE $3,695,000 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.
LOG HOME $2,295,000 This is what dreams are made of.. True North Log Home resting on a private 25-acre property offering complete solitude with the perfect balance of manicured landscaped grounds surrounding the home as well as forest with trails throughout.
EXECUTIVE HOME $1,395,000 Incredible offering of this stunning executive bungalow with finished walkout basement and 45' inground pool in the backyard, situated on a beautiful 2.35-acre property on desirable Skyhills Road in Huntsville
CRAFTSMAN STYLE $1,495,000 Beautifully appointed craftsman bungalow on a stunning landscaped property welcomes you into the open concept living room with vaulted ceiling, wood burning fireplace and out to the screened Muskoka room overlooking the backyard.
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
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705.788.2959
INFO@KAYLEYSPALDING.COM
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W E P
7D-115 S CREEK DR $769,999
SOLD 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
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Text the code to 844-928-0132 for more photos & information
$4,999,000
RBGYWNR ATTENTION
$3,400,000.00
RBGTDPT STRATFORD
$2,750,000
RBGWNLY POST AND BEAM
$710,000.00
RBGTDRC COMMERCIAL
$2,500/mo
RBGKVNL NEW MIXED USE
$8.95/SF
RBGLFMN MANUFACTURING/
DEVELOPERS. Zoned PD - Planned Development, which shall have a minimum density of no less than 15 'dwelling units' per 'gross developable' hectare. Comparable homes sales in the area are north of $550K with a shortage of supply. MLS® Eric Frey* Ext. 3118
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
$150,000
$4,900/mo
RBFMHDV WELL
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
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
Standard Text Messaging Fees Apply
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
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
DEVELOPMENT at the Gateway to Downtown Kitchener with a 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
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
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**Broker
7/29/2021 10:55:07 AM
S
Text the code to 844-928-0132 for more photos & information
n
2
From $11.00 PSF RBGHXVP LANDMARK
$13.50/SF/YR
RBFMHCB HIGH VISIBILITY
$15.00/SF
$6.50/SF
RBGYWLT SECOND FLOOR
LOCATION For Lease. Part of "Ballroom" at former Schwaben Club. Space can be combined to total 7,107 sq ft. Lease rate includes utilities. Access from King Street entrance. Ample parking onsite. Available immediately!! MLS® James Boudreau** Ext. 3020
RBGYWNS PROFESSIONAL
OFFICE SPACE 2nd floor space in well known award winning building. Seconds from expressway, central to KW & Guelph. High traffic intersection of University & Bridge. MLS® Colin Vogel* Ext. 3110
RETAIL/OFFICE UNIT for lease in centrally located plaza. Surrounded by residential and in close proximity to the Downtown area benefiting from increasing population density.MLS® James Boudreau** Ext. 3020
OFFICE/ RECREATION space for lease with high visibility on King Street E. near Ottawa. Was previously used as a fitness centre. Ample parking in rear of property. Lease terms of up to 3 years only. MLS® James Boudreau** Ext. 3020
$925.00/Month Gross RBDLVLC FINISHED PRIVATE
From $12.00 PSF RBGKVST OFFICE SPACE
$28.00/SF
$21.00/SF
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
RBGKVTV FREESTANDING
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
Standard Text Messaging Fees Apply
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
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
87731.29.08.indd 15
**Broker
7/29/2021 10:55:07 AM
40 Haley Crt., West Montrose, Ontario Price: $1,599,999 MLS® 40142123
Escape the turmoil of city life & live in the highly-desired community of West Montrose! Enjoy country living within minutes of KW, Elmira & Guelph, & just an hour from Pearson International. • Professionally-designed kitchen • The family room is just around the corner & features a fireplace & walk out to the deck • Upstairs there’s a dreamy primary bedroom with a fireplace and 3 more bedrooms plus a family bath • The lower level is completely finished with 3 separate rooms to use as you wish, plus a lovely 3 pc. bath
This beautiful unique home is a dream come true! Deb Wallis
Sales Representative
Direct: 519-590-5207 Office: 519-742-5800 dwallis@coldwellbankerpbr.com
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