The term “air quality” is usually associated with outdoor air pollution created by bumper-to-bumper traffic or from factories that pump out clouds of smoke. The truth is, we should be equally concerned about the toxins and irritants in our homes such as pet dander, dust mites, formaldehyde and fungi. Fear not though as there are…
The number of homes sold last month through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System of the Waterloo Region Association of REALTORS® (WRAR) totalled 297 units, a decrease of 41.9 per cent compared to January 2022 and 31.0 per cent below the previous 5-year average for the month. “Waterloo Region’s home sales in January were at…
When selling your home, it’s important to get it right the first time as mistakes mean your home will sit on the market longer and eventually sell for less. You really only get one shot at creating that all-important initial buzz that occurs when a new home hits the market, so make a great first…
You often don’t realize you’re using them but whether you’re renting a car, asking for a raise or trying to get your kids to clean up their room, strong negotiating skills are an essential part of life. Thankfully, negotiating is a skill that can be easily learned and eventually perfected! Your success is partly based…
A house fire isn’t something anyone wants to think about but it’s important for you and your family to have a fire escape plan. One very affordable and easy-to-use item that’s often overlooked are fire escape ladders. This compact yet fully functional ladder will protect you and your family by providing a safe and reliable…
Did you know that dryers are responsible for over 15,000 fires in North America each year? Most people aren’t aware of the danger clothes dryers can pose which is why dryer maintenance is often overlooked. Fires can occur when lint (a highly combustible material) builds up in the dryer or more commonly, in the dryer’s…
If you’re a current homeowner who’s thinking about making a move, you’ll have to decide whether to sell your existing home first or risk carrying two homes at once. Selling first means you’ll know exactly how much you’ll be able to put towards your next home. It also allows you to present a much stronger…
When your kids eventually pack up and leave home, you’ll be presented with a newfound freedom along with a variety of unexpected emotional challenges. While some parents are glad to see their children spread their wings and fly the coop, other parents experience “empty nest syndrome” which refers to the sadness parents feel when their…
Bringing home a new bundle of fur is an exciting time but it’s also a lot of work. The first thing you’ll need to do is puppy-proof your home. Start by getting on your hands and knees so you can see things from their perspective and put everything away that a pup might chew on…
There were 7,770 homes sold through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) System of the Waterloo Region Association of REALTORS® (WRAR) in 2022, a decrease of 24.8 per cent compared to 2021. On a historical basis, 2022 performed lower than previous years, with annual sales down 12.4 per cent compared to the previous 5-year average, and…