Good Morning,

 

We hope this message finds you well and enjoying the start of May. As always, we're here to keep you informed on what's happening in the local real estate market.

Whether you're actively planning a move or just keeping an eye on real estate trends, we've got you covered with this month's update. Let's take a look at how things shaped up in April.

 

 

In April, 595 homes sold through the MLS System of the Cornerstone Association of REALTORS, down 14.1% from April 2023 and 26.7% below the 10-year average for the month. While sales showed a typical seasonal increase from March, they remain below historical norms.

 

What we're seeing now is a market that's rebalancing. Inventory is up 75% over the 10-year average, with 3.8 months of supply currently available across all property types. This shift is giving buyers more time to make informed decisions and putting added pressure on sellers to price strategically and prepare thoroughly.

 

Despite the cooling, Waterloo Region's economic fundamentals remain strong. Our local market continues to be supported by thriving sectors like tech, advanced manufacturing, education, and healthcare. We're home to world-renowned institutions like the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, as well as successful entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, and top-tier researchers. This diversity brings constant movement—people coming and going, growing families, promotions, retirements, separations, and relocations. These life events continue to drive buying and selling decisions every day.

 

 

 

 

In April, the Bank of Canada held the overnight rate at 2.75%, with the next announcement set for June 4. And with the 2025 federal election behind us, some of the dust is beginning to settle. That said, new challenges like Trump-era tariffs on Canadian imports have added pressure to Canada-U.S. trade relations, which may impact buyer sentiment in some sectors.

 

Still, real estate is personal. It moves with life—not headlines. While some Canadians may be more cautious due to rising costs or global uncertainty, others are thriving—upgrading, investing, and making bold moves. And yes, even in today¡¯s market, some homes are still seeing multiple offers, particularly in higher price points where presentation and pricing are dialed in.

 

Remember: timing your move is always relative. Waiting for prices to rise may help on the selling side, but you'll also be buying in a more expensive market. Focus instead on what aligns with your life stage and financial goals.

 

Pricing is not a guessing game. The homes that are selling today are the ones that are priced right, presented well, and marketed by professionals who understand this shifting landscape.

 

Thinking about making a move? Let's talk about what makes sense for you—and how to position your home for success in today's market. 

 

 

VIEW ALL OF OUR

This lakefront estate in River Oak Estates spans over 9,100 SF of living space with 5 beds, 6 baths, a grand foyer, great room, chef’s kitchen, and a luxurious primary suite. The lower level features a home theatre and nanny/in-law suite. Outdoors, enjoy a pool, patios, an outdoor kitchen, and a lakefront gazebo. Prime location near Kiwanis Park, the Grand River, and top schools.

Stunning 4,700+ SF custom Ross Miner home in one of Waterloo’s top neighbourhoods. Features 4+1 beds, 4 baths, a chef’s kitchen, 2-storey great room, office (or 6th bed), and finished basement with wet bar and guest suite. High-end finishes throughout. South-facing yard with composite deck and professional landscaping. Close to top schools, RIM Park, Grey Silo Golf, trails, and more!

Charming 3-bed, 2-bath furnished bungalow on a private half-acre lot in The Blue Mountains. Just a 2-minute walk to a quiet sandy beach on Georgian Bay, this home offers year-round adventure—skiing at Craigleith, Alpine and Georgian Peaks, enjoy Blue Mountain Resort and explore scenic trails. Only 10 minutes to Blue Mountain and Collingwood, 15 minutes to Thornbury. 178 Brophy’s Lane is your four-season escape.

Just 30 mins from Waterloo, this 3-bed, 1-bath cottage on Conestogo Lake offers 900 SF of seasonal living on a premium lot with stunning lake views. Features include an open-concept layout, vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, wrap-around deck, new dock, private boat launch, and extra storage. Located on GRCA-leased land with full access to boating, and swimming, making for the perfect summer retreat!

Tap each image below to see more 

property information.

Mark Carney’s recent election as Prime Minister marks a major shift in how Canada plans to tackle its housing crisis. Known for his background as the former Bank of Canada and Bank of England Governor, Carney is stepping into politics with a bold housing strategy aimed at boosting affordability and housing supply nationwide.

 

His flagship proposal is the launch of Build Canada Homes (BCH), a new federal agency dedicated to building homes at scale—targeting over 500,000 new units per year. The focus? Fast-tracking the development of affordable, energy-efficient homes, particularly in high-demand urban centres.

 

Carney’s plan also includes a significant financial incentive: eliminating the GST on newly built homes priced under $1 million for first-time buyers. This could save buyers up to $50,000, making homeownership more attainable for young Canadians trying to break into the market.

 

He’s also pushing for more non-profit and co-op housing, aiming to restore long-term affordability in communities across the country.

 

While the plan has earned praise for its ambition and scale, some developers are voicing concerns about increased government involvement in homebuilding—raising questions about how efficiently this strategy can be executed.

 

 

For buyers and sellers in Waterloo Region, Carney’s plan could mean:

 

 

Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or invest, keeping an eye on how these policies unfold will be key in the months ahead.

Even in the most thoughtfully designed homes, small styling missteps can make a space feel more cramped than cozy. Whether you’re getting ready to sell and are looking to stage your home or just refreshing your own place, here are 5 mistakes to avoid if you want your space to feel open and airy.

 

1. Oversized Furniture That Overpowers the Room: 
Bulky sofas, oversized coffee tables, or too many pieces at once can visually crowd the space. Instead, opt for furniture with clean lines and raised legs to create flow and openness.

 

2. Pushing Everything Against the Wall:
It might seem like a good way to “open things up,” but placing all furniture against the walls can actually make the room feel awkward and disconnected. Floating key pieces, even just a few inches can create better movement and balance.

 

3. Using Dark, Heavy Colours Everywhere:
Dark walls and furniture absorb light, making the space feel tighter. Stick to light neutrals, soft whites, or warm tones, and bring in contrast through accents or texture rather than colour saturation.

 

4. Skipping Proper Lighting:
Relying only on overhead lighting leaves corners dim and can flatten the entire room. Layer in multiple sources like floor lamps, sconces, or under-cabinet lighting to make the space feel brighter and more expansive.

 

5. Ignoring Scale with Decor:
Tiny art, rugs that don’t anchor furniture, or accessories that feel too small can actually make a space feel disjointed. Don’t be afraid to go larger with statement pieces, it creates cohesion and helps the room feel intentional.

 

Smart styling can make a small space feel elevated, not limited. Whether you’re selling or settling in, it’s all about working with the space, not against it.

 

Many sellers feel hesitant to accept the first offer, especially if it comes in quickly. It can feel “too soon,” or like there’s a better deal just around the corner. But in real estate, waiting doesn’t always work in your favour. Here’s why the first offer is often the one worth taking seriously:

 

The first offer usually comes from buyers who’ve been actively searching. They’re watching listings daily, have their financing in place, and are ready to make a move. When your home hits their criteria, they act fast - and that’s a good sign.

These buyers aren’t just testing the waters. They know the market, they’ve likely seen what else is out there, and they’re offering because your home stands out. That kind of motivation is valuable, and not always easy to find later.

 

When a property first hits the market, it gets the most attention. It’s new, it’s exciting, and it’s on the radar of both agents and buyers. Showings are typically busiest in the first week or two, and that’s when you're most likely to receive competitive offers.

After that window closes, buyer urgency often fades. If a home lingers on the market, it can raise questions: Why hasn’t it sold? Is there something wrong with it? That shift in perception can weaken your negotiating power, even if nothing’s changed.

 

It’s easy to think, “Let’s wait for something higher.” But in many cases, the longer you wait, the less momentum you have. Some sellers turn down solid early offers, only to accept lower ones weeks later after a price reduction or a quiet spell in showings.

A strong early offer usually reflects the peak of market demand. And while it might feel like you’re leaving something on the table by accepting it, the reality is that dragging out the process can cost you more in time, carrying costs, and missed opportunities.

 

Quick offers shouldn’t feel suspicious - they should feel like a sign that you’ve priced and prepared your home well. A strong first offer is often a serious one, and the best decision you make might just be the fastest.