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Our local real estate market continued to perform well last month in spite of the high temperatures!

There were 844 properties listed in July – a 12.8% increase vs July 2018. And there 586 residential properties sold – up 15.1%.  The Median sale price of properties sold has been on a tear for the last year, and we're now at $489,450 – an increase of 10.8%. Lower priced homes are hard to find these days, so if you are in the market for a home, it's crucial to have an experienced agent working for you.  

As always, if you have any questions about the market, or if you're looking to buy or sell, we're always here to help.

Market Report:

There's a lot to say about the current supply and demand for real estate locally.  Here's Drew's report on how the numbers looked last month: https://elitere.ca/kitchener-waterloo-real-estate-market-report-july-2019/

Featured Listings:

506 Hilltop Lane, St George - $3,750,000

Nestled on a private lake, this stunning lakefront estate boasts over 10,000 sq ft of living space, a walk-out lower level, 3 car garage, 2+2 bedrooms and 6 baths.  This exceptional home is situated on 8.26 acres and has access to the private "Blue Lake".  Offering wall-to-wall views that will take your breath away, a luxurious great room with soaring ceilings & bar, wood burning fireplaces, heated flooring, secluded terraces, games room with bar, squash court, spa room with plunge pool and sauna, and media room.  Separate buildings include an all-season lake house with loft, full bath and kitchen. This property is a rare find, perfect for the discriminating buyer who seeks a home of exceptional architecture and quality and a stunning departure from the ordinary.  

https://youriguide.com/506_hilltop_ln_saint_george_on

Final Phase in Carriage Crossing - Starting at $1,245,900

Our newest MODEL HOME at 272 Chestnut Ridge is open and available for sale!  Stop by and see for yourself the stunning finishes and floorplans available.  Only a few lots left for the final phase in Carriage Crossing! We are now closing homes in 2019. Make sure you reserve your lot today! Custom build your dream home with Deutschmann Homes in Waterloo's prestigious Carriage Crossing! Premium upgrades included! For more information and pricing: http://elitere.ca/team-listings/.  Want to see pictures of finished homes and previous model homes?  Check out our gallery: http://deutschmannhomes.ca/gallery.php

584 Manor Ridge Cres, Waterloo - $1,375,000

Gorgeous custom-built Milla home with elegant style in the highly coveted neighbourhood of Carriage Crossing!  Offering 3600+ SF of tastefully designed space and over $100k in recent upgrades, this home offers and open concept layout perfect for entertaining.  Featuring: well-appointed principal rooms including: formal dining room with crown moulding.  Gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, marble backsplash, upper/under cabinet lighting, premium KitchenAid appliances, built-in servery, walk-in pantry and spacious dinette with oversized French doors leading to the landscaped yard.  Great room with gas fireplace and built-ins.  Large office/living room with double glass doors, mud room with built-ins, laundry room and a 2-piece bath. Upstairs a luxurious master suite awaits with walk-in closet with built-ins, 2nd closet, and a spa-like 6-piece ensuite with heated floors, tiled glass shower with rain fixture, soaker tub, double vanity and make-up table.  3 additional bedrooms, 4-piece main bath, 4-piece "jack-and-jill" and a bonus media nook complete the upper level. High end finishes throughout such as 9' and 10' ceiling height on the main floor, crown moulding, pot lights and designer light fixtures, California Shutters, decorative transom windows, stone countertops and engineered hardwood and procaine tile (carpet-free).  The luxury continues outside with professional landscaping, sprinkler system, interlock patio and shed.  Premium location - close to area workplaces and universities, RIM Park and the Grey Silo Golf Course.  Minutes from the Farmers' Market and easy access to walking trails and pathways.  Quick highway access. https://youriguide.com/584_manor_ridge_cres_waterloo_on

320 Deerfoot Trail, Waterloo - $1,325,000

Magnificent former model home with stunning backyard oasis in the highly coveted neighbourhood of Carriage Crossing.  Offering approx. $400,000 of upgrades including an indoor synthetic hockey rink, this executive home is a wonderful blend of traditional family and sophisticated styling.  Finished with distinction and luxury quality in mind, this home is loaded with upgrades and features: gourmet eat-in kitchen with centre island, top of the line appliances, backsplash and butler's pantry with walk-in pantry. Glamorous dining room with tray ceiling and wainscoting.  Great room with coffered ceiling, gas fireplace with stone cast mantle and custom built-ins.  Engineered hardwood and porcelain tile throughout.  Office, powder room and laundry/mud room complete the main level.  Upstairs, a luxurious master suite awaits accented with crown moulding and engineered hardwood and features: walk-through dressing room with custom built-ins, a 5-piece ensuite with tiled glass shower, jacuzzi and double vanity.  3 additional bedrooms and a 5-piece cheater ensuite complete the upper level.  The lower level is perfect for the hockey/skating enthusiast with a synthetic hockey rink.  Step out in the the award-winning outdoor living space complete with a covered porch, inground tiled concrete pool with spa with water feature, natural gas fire pit, eramosa flag stone patio, lighting and irrigation system and 2 sheds.  Premium location - close to area workplaces and universities, RIM park and the Grey Silo Golf Club.  Mins to Farmers Market and connected to trails and pathways.  Quick highway access. https://tours.visualadvantage.ca/6fe4743f/

370 Golf Course Road, Conestogo - $1,195,000

Situated along the Conestoga Golf Course, this executive home offers million dollar views and lovely sunsets.  Boasting 5700+ SF of living space, 5+1 bedrooms/4 baths, finished basement with in-law suite with walk-up from basement to garage and features: formal living and dining rooms with vaulted ceilings, gas fireplace and wainscoting.  Large kitchen with centre island, separate dinette with oversized glass sliders offering spectacular views.  Great room with hardwood floors, crown moulding, and a wood burning fireplace with dramatic brick surround.  Main floor office/bedroom, 2-piece bath and laundry/mud room complete the main level.  Upstairs a luxurious master awaits with large walk-in closet and a recently updated spa-like ensuite with soaker tub, tiled glass shower and double vanity with granite.3 more bedrooms and a 4-piece bath complete this level.  The lower level offers potential for an in-law set up with kitchenette, family room with gas fireplace, bedroom, 4-piece bath and a separate rec room. Enjoy unobstructed views of the golf course and countryside from the large screened in sunroom and the deck with awning.  This private, oversized lot is surrounded by mature trees offering a true backyard oasis.  Enjoy many years to come with a newer room, furnace with air exchanger, interior painting, recently upgraded insulation, some new windows and doors and a new deck. Located in an exclusive and quiet community just minutes to Waterloo, universities, shopping, parks/walking trails/Grand River and easy access to Kitchener, Cambridge and Guelph.  https://youriguide.com/370_golf_course_rd_conestogo_on

58 River Run Place, Conestogo - $1,175,000

Located in the highly regarded River Run Estates only minutes to Waterloo, this newly renovated (approx $125,000), custom designed home is built for entertaining, loaded with upgrades and sure to impress the most discerning of buyers. With over 4,500 SF of elegantly finished living space, this 4+1 bed/4 bath executive home offers a finished walk-out lower level and is situated on an oversized lot at the end of a quiet court.  Featuring: a bright open-concept layout, well-appointed principal rooms including formal living/dining rooms with decorative tray ceilings, crown moulding and floor-to-ceiling windows. Grand 2 storey great room with gas fireplace and custom built-ins. Stunning modern kitchen with large centre island, quartz countertops, backsplash and premium stainless appliances.  A mud/laundry room and 2-piece bath complete the main level. Upstairs a luxurious master suite awaits with walk-in closet and tranquil 5-piece ensuite complete with tiled glass shower, soaker tub and double vanity with quartz counters.  3 additional spacious bedrooms, one with studio doors overlooking the great room and a 4-piece main bath complete this level.  The finished walk-out basement offers an in-law suite with large rec room with kitchenette, bedroom and a 3-piece bath.  Designer light fixture, pot lights, California Shutters and more.  Professionally landscaped/surrounded by mature trees.  Premium location- close to schools, Conestoga Golf Course, universities, shopping, parks/walking trails/Grand River and easy access to Waterloo, Kitchener, Cambridge and Guelph. https://youriguide.com/58_river_run_pl_conestogo_on

91 Arthur Street S, Elmira - $599,900

Beautifully updated century home offering the perfect blend of original character and modern touches situated in the heart of downtown Elmira.  This charming home boasts approx 3000 SF of finished living space, offers 4 bedrooms (including main floor bed/office), 2 full baths, partially finished basement and features: large updated kitchen with breakfast bar, premium appliances, under cabinet lighting and decorative stamped backsplash.  Spacious family room with gas fireplace and 2 glass slider access points that provide views of the tranquil yard.  Completing the main level is an all-season sunroom, formal dining room, main level bed/office, bonus second office, full 3-piece bath and laundry/mud room.  Upstairs is a lovely master suite with custom built-ins, 3-piece cheater ensuite with clawfoot tub, and walk-in dressing room.  2 additional bedrooms, walk-out balcony, and access to the bonus attic space complete this level.  The lower level provides additional living space with a rec room with gas fireplace, built-in wet bar and walk-up access from the basement to the double car garage. Additional features include California Shutters, decorative transom windows, exposed brick accent walls, hardwood/tile/laminate flooring, and so much more!  Step out to a backyard oasis with 650 SF deck, lush perennial gardens, mature trees, flagstone patio and shed.  Premium location - directly across from Gore Park, walking distance to restaurants, shopping, schools, rec centre, trails, parks and more! https://youriguide.com/91_arthur_st_s_elmira_on

201-100 Garment Street, Kitchener - $479,000

Centrally located on the corner of Victoria Street S and Garment Street in the heart of the Innovation District, this brand new 1 bed/1 bath + den condo offers the perfect blend of modern, upscale condo living with the maintenance-free urban lifestyle within walking distance to the very best Downtown Kitchener has to offer. This chic and contemporary condo features: a bright and spacious layout, soaring 14' ceilings, stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood floors, modern kitchen with sleek cabinetry, granite countertops, undermount sink, backsplash and stainless appliances, spacious living room with access to the large balcony, generously sized bedroom, den, a stylish 4-piece bath, in-suite laundry and ample storage.  This ultra modern development offers incredible amenities such as a basketball court, pool area, concierge services, exercise room, party lounge, theatre room, fitness facility and a landscaped BBQ terrace.  Only minutes to countless tech companies including Google, the new ION rail, restaurants, shopping, Victoria Park and so much more.  Owned underground parking spot included.  Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to own a gorgeous condo in one of Kitchener's hottest new developments. https://youriguide.com/100_garment_street_kitchener_on

509-10 Ellen Street, Kitchener - $365,000

Centrally located within walking distance to all that Downtown Kitchener has to offer, this 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom desirable corner unit is now available for sale! With over 1,100 SF of space, this carpet free condo offers: an updated kitchen backsplash, dining room and a large great room with an abundance of oversized windows and double glass French doors leading to the office/bedroom.  The mast suite features a walk-in closet and a 4-peice ensuite.  A 3-piece bath and the convenience of insuite laundry complete the living space.  A storage locker, one underground parking space and great building amenities such as a party room, games room, exercise room, sauna and outdoor space make this building very desirable.  Conveniently located in the Civic Centre area, near the Kitchener Library, KW Art Gallery, Market, School of Pharmacy, Centre in the Square and so much more! https://youriguide.com/509_10_ellen_st_e_kitchener_on

What's Happening in Our Region:

The Sunlife Financial Waterloo Busker Carnival promises to be an event you won't soon forget!  Mark your calendars for this 31st annual carnival running from August 22nd -25th.  More details can be found on their site: http://waterloobuskers.com

How can you tell if that’s happening with your property? Here are some sure-fire signs:

1. You need more space.
   This is the most common reason people upgrade to a new home. They need more room. For any number of reasons, you might want an extra bedroom, a larger living room, a bigger backyard, or a more spacious kitchen. Rather than put up with feeling cramped, consider exploring the extra space a new home can provide.
   
   
2. A renovation won’t fix it.
   Sometimes, when a property doesn’t fit its owners’ needs anymore, they consider a renovation. For example, if they need more space for a home office, they convert a spare room. However, a renovation doesn’t always fix the problem. For example, building a double, rather than single driveway and garage, may not be possible given the constraints of your property. Only a new home can solve that problem.
   
   
3. You’re interested in a new neighbourhood.
   The neighbourhood may have been perfect for you at one time. But needs evolve. You may now be looking for something the area doesn’t provide - like closer access to a recreational activity your family enjoys, or a more convenient commute to work. If that’s the case, it might be time to look at other neighbourhoods you’d like to consider, and see what types of homes are currently available there.
   
   
4. It’s time for a change.
   Sometimes you simply feel it’s time for a change. There’s nothing wrong with that. Don’t feel you need a practical reason to sell and find a new home. If this feels like the right time for you and your family to move, go for it.

What should you do at the first sign of water leakage?

First, stop the source. Turn off the nearest water valve. If you can’t find it, turn off the main water valve to your home.

Next, do everything you can to soak up as much water as possible. If necessary, lift carpeting. Pay particular attention to water settling next to walls or inside ductwork. Get these areas dry as quickly as possible.

Contain the water. This is important. Do your best to prevent water from infiltrating other rooms to prevent further damage.

Once the area is as dry as possible, run fans in the room along with a good dehumidifier - for at least a full day - to draw in the remaining moisture.

If, despite your best efforts, you suspect that moisture remains inside the walls, floors or ceilings, call in the professionals. There are many companies that specialize in emergency water damage control. The key is to prevent the possibility that remaining moisture will provide an environment for mould to grow.

Also, consider contacting your insurance company. They’re as motivated as you are to reduce the damage.

• Use a mixture of unsweetened lemon juice and water to deter spiders. Spray the solution near doorways and window sills where these arachnoids can enter.
• Combine an equal mixture of vinegar and water to create an effective deterrent for a variety of crawling insects, particularly ants. Spray the solution on floors and countertops that are close to these creatures’ food sources.
• Believe it or not, invest in a fake wasp nest (which you can purchase at your local home improvement store) to deter real wasps from building a nest on your property.
• Experts recommend that you test any surface spray you plan to use to make sure it doesn’t stain or otherwise harm the surface.