Open House. Open House on Saturday, June 21, 2025 2:00PM - 4:00PM

Posted on June 17, 2025 by Charlotte Ferguson

Posted in 120 - Lexington/Lincoln Village, 1 - Waterloo East Real Estate

Please visit our Open House at 416 Forestlawn Road in Waterloo. See details here

Open House on Saturday, June 21, 2025 2:00PM - 4:00PM

Welcome to 416 Forestlawn Road in Waterloo! This charming 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom detached home with over 2300 sqft of finished living space is the perfect blend of modern updates and classic comfort. Nestled in a family-friendly neighbourhood just minutes from schools, shopping, and transit, this home offers convenience and community. Step inside to discover a bright, open-concept main floor with updated flooring, large windows, and a fresh, functional kitchen featuring easy to work at countertops and ample cabinetry. The spacious living and dining areas make entertaining a breeze, while still offering cozy spaces for day-to-day living. Upstairs, you’ll find three generously sized bedrooms (primary on the main level) and a 4-piece bath—perfect for families or those needing extra room to work from home. The unspoiled basement provides additional living space you can customize with a cold cellar, 3-piece bathroom roughed-in and ample room for storage. Outside, enjoy a large, fully fenced backyard complete with gazebo—ideal for kids, pets, or summer BBQs. With a private driveway, mature trees, and excellent curb appeal, this home is move-in ready and waiting for you. With an underground sprinkler system you will be sure to have lush green grass year round! Don't miss your chance to get into a fantastic Waterloo neighbourhood—book your showing today!

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Open House. Open House on Sunday, June 22, 2025 2:00PM - 4:00PM

Posted on June 17, 2025 by Charlotte Ferguson

Posted in 120 - Lexington/Lincoln Village, 1 - Waterloo East Real Estate

Please visit our Open House at 416 Forestlawn Road in Waterloo. See details here

Open House on Sunday, June 22, 2025 2:00PM - 4:00PM

Welcome to 416 Forestlawn Road in Waterloo! This charming 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom detached home with over 2300 sqft of finished living space is the perfect blend of modern updates and classic comfort. Nestled in a family-friendly neighbourhood just minutes from schools, shopping, and transit, this home offers convenience and community. Step inside to discover a bright, open-concept main floor with updated flooring, large windows, and a fresh, functional kitchen featuring easy to work at countertops and ample cabinetry. The spacious living and dining areas make entertaining a breeze, while still offering cozy spaces for day-to-day living. Upstairs, you’ll find three generously sized bedrooms (primary on the main level) and a 4-piece bath—perfect for families or those needing extra room to work from home. The unspoiled basement provides additional living space you can customize with a cold cellar, 3-piece bathroom roughed-in and ample room for storage. Outside, enjoy a large, fully fenced backyard complete with gazebo—ideal for kids, pets, or summer BBQs. With a private driveway, mature trees, and excellent curb appeal, this home is move-in ready and waiting for you. With an underground sprinkler system you will be sure to have lush green grass year round! Don't miss your chance to get into a fantastic Waterloo neighbourhood—book your showing today!

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New property listed in 114 - Uptown Waterloo/North Ward, 1 - Waterloo East

Posted on June 14, 2025 by Charlotte Ferguson

Posted in 114 - Uptown Waterloo/North Ward, 1 - Waterloo East Real Estate

New property listed in 114 - Uptown Waterloo/North Ward, 1 - Waterloo East

I have listed a new property at 48 Ellis Avenue in Kitchener. See details here

Welcome to 48 Ellis Avenue, Kitchener Zoned RES-4 | Room to Grow | Live, Rent, or Build Looking for a move-in ready home with major upside? A charming 1.5-storey home on a generous lot in a central Kitchener neighbourhood. Whether you're an investor, multi-gen family, or savvy buyer with big dreams, this property checks a lot of boxes. 2+1 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | Detached Garage | Large Yard Here’s what you’ll love: Two bright bedrooms upstairs and a third bedroom in the finished basement—perfect for guests, teens, or tenants Separate side entrance leads directly to the basement—ideal setup for a future in-law suite or mortgage helper 3 bathrooms total: a 3-piece upstairs, a 2-piece on the main, and another 3-piece in the basement Lower-level kitchenette with bonus fridge—great for extended family or future in-law suite potential Detached garage and ample driveway parking Fresh and clean throughout, with neutral finishes and ready-for-you vibes Large backyard—ideal for entertaining, gardening, or future development Zoning: RES-4 – This is where it gets exciting! This property is zoned to allow up to 4 Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs). That means real potential to add value, create passive income, or build a flexible multi-unit living solution. 48 Ellis Avenue isn't just a home—it's a launching pad. Whether you're buying your first property, house-hacking, or setting up your investment future, this home offers location, layout, and long-term value potential. Curious about the possibilities? Call or text your REALTORS®

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Open House. Open House on Saturday, June 14, 2025 1:00PM - 4:00PM

Posted on June 11, 2025 by Charlotte Ferguson

Posted in 120 - Lexington/Lincoln Village, 1 - Waterloo East Real Estate

Please visit our Open House at 416 Forestlawn Road in Waterloo. See details here

Open House on Saturday, June 14, 2025 1:00PM - 4:00PM

Welcome to 416 Forestlawn Road in Waterloo! This charming 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom detached home with over 2300 sqft of finished living space is the perfect blend of modern updates and classic comfort. Nestled in a family-friendly neighbourhood just minutes from schools, shopping, and transit, this home offers convenience and community. Step inside to discover a bright, open-concept main floor with updated flooring, large windows, and a fresh, functional kitchen featuring easy to work at countertops and ample cabinetry. The spacious living and dining areas make entertaining a breeze, while still offering cozy spaces for day-to-day living. Upstairs, you’ll find three generously sized bedrooms (primary on the main level) and a 4-piece bath—perfect for families or those needing extra room to work from home. The unspoiled basement provides additional living space you can customize with a cold cellar, 3-piece bathroom roughed-in and ample room for storage. Outside, enjoy a large, fully fenced backyard complete with gazebo—ideal for kids, pets, or summer BBQs. With a private driveway, mature trees, and excellent curb appeal, this home is move-in ready and waiting for you. With an underground sprinkler system you will be sure to have lush green grass year round! Don't miss your chance to get into a fantastic Waterloo neighbourhood—book your showing today!

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Open House. Open House on Sunday, June 15, 2025 1:00PM - 4:00PM

Posted on June 11, 2025 by Charlotte Ferguson

Posted in 120 - Lexington/Lincoln Village, 1 - Waterloo East Real Estate

Please visit our Open House at 416 Forestlawn Road in Waterloo. See details here

Open House on Sunday, June 15, 2025 1:00PM - 4:00PM

Welcome to 416 Forestlawn Road in Waterloo! This charming 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom detached home with over 2300 sqft of finished living space is the perfect blend of modern updates and classic comfort. Nestled in a family-friendly neighbourhood just minutes from schools, shopping, and transit, this home offers convenience and community. Step inside to discover a bright, open-concept main floor with updated flooring, large windows, and a fresh, functional kitchen featuring easy to work at countertops and ample cabinetry. The spacious living and dining areas make entertaining a breeze, while still offering cozy spaces for day-to-day living. Upstairs, you’ll find three generously sized bedrooms (primary on the main level) and a 4-piece bath—perfect for families or those needing extra room to work from home. The unspoiled basement provides additional living space you can customize with a cold cellar, 3-piece bathroom roughed-in and ample room for storage. Outside, enjoy a large, fully fenced backyard complete with gazebo—ideal for kids, pets, or summer BBQs. With a private driveway, mature trees, and excellent curb appeal, this home is move-in ready and waiting for you. With an underground sprinkler system you will be sure to have lush green grass year round! Don't miss your chance to get into a fantastic Waterloo neighbourhood—book your showing today!

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New property listed in 120 - Lexington/Lincoln Village, 1 - Waterloo East

Posted on June 7, 2025 by Charlotte Ferguson

Posted in 120 - Lexington/Lincoln Village, 1 - Waterloo East Real Estate

New property listed in 120 - Lexington/Lincoln Village, 1 - Waterloo East

I have listed a new property at 416 Forestlawn Road in Waterloo. See details here

Welcome to 416 Forestlawn Road in Waterloo! This charming 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom detached home is the perfect blend of modern updates and classic comfort. Nestled in a family-friendly neighbourhood just minutes from schools, shopping, and transit, this home offers convenience and community. Step inside to discover a bright, open-concept main floor with updated flooring, large windows, and a fresh, functiional kitchen featuring easy to work at countertops and ample cabinetry. The spacious living and dining areas make entertaining a breeze, while still offering cozy spaces for day-to-day living. Upstairs, you’ll find three generously sized bedrooms (primary on the main level) and a 4-piece bath—perfect for families or those needing extra room to work from home. The unspoiled basement provides additional living space you can cutomize with a cold cellar, 3-piece bathroom roughed-in and ample room for storage. Outside, enjoy a large, fully fenced backyard complete with gazebo—ideal for kids, pets, or summer BBQs. With a private driveway, mature trees, and excellent curb appeal, this home is move-in ready and waiting for you. With an underground sprinkler system you will be sure to have lush green grass year round! Don't miss your chance to get into a fantastic Waterloo neighbourhood—book your showing today!

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Bank of Canada Holds Rates Steady for the Second Consecutive Meeting--But Two More Rate Cuts Are Likely This Year

Posted on June 5, 2025 by Charlotte Ferguson

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Bank of Canada Holds Rates Steady for the Second Consecutive Meeting--But Two More Rate Cuts Are Likely This Year

As expected, the Bank of Canada held its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.75% at today's meeting, the second consecutive rate hold since the Bank cut overnight rates seven times in the past year. The governing council noted that the unpredictability of the magnitude and duration of tariffs posed downside risks to growth and lifted inflation expectations, warranting caution regarding the continuation of monetary easing.

The gap between the 2.75% overnight policy rate in Canada and the 4.25-4.50% policy rate in the US is historically wide. Another cause of uncertainty is the fiscal response to today's economic challenges. If the Big Beautiful Bill, now under consideration in the Senate, survives, the US is slated to run unprecedented budget deficits. The Congressional Budget Office estimates it would add roughly US$4 trillion to the already burgeoning federal government's red ink. This has caused a year-to-date rise in longer-term bond yields, steepening the yield curve.

Uncertainty remains high, and the US President just doubled the tariff on steel and aluminum to 50%, which could halt Canadian metals exports to the US. Last week's release of the first quarter GDP report at 2.2% annualized growth was stronger than expected as exports and inventories surged before the tariffs. Final domestic demand in Canada was flat. More recent data showed considerable weakness, especially in labour and housing markets. Consumer spending has also slowed sharply.

In today's press conference opening comments, Governor Macklem said, "The extreme financial turmoil we saw in April has moderated, and stock markets have recovered their losses. However, the outcomes of the trade negotiations are highly uncertain. Tariffs are well above their levels at the beginning of 2025, and new trade actions are still being threatened. The recent further increases in US tariffs on steel and aluminum underline the unpredictability of US trade policy."

"So far, the US economy has proven resilient. Imports were strong as businesses tried to get ahead of tariffs, and that pulled down first-quarter US GDP. But domestic demand remained relatively strong. Early indicators for the second quarter suggest a rebound in growth as imports fall back and domestic demand continues to expand.

The flip side of the strength in US imports was a surge in Canadian exports. This boosted first-quarter GDP growth in Canada, which came in at 2.2%, slightly stronger than the Bank had forecast.

The labour market has weakened, with job losses concentrated in trade-intensive sectors. The unemployment rate rose to 6.9% in April. So far, employment has held up across sectors less exposed to trade. However, businesses generally tell the central bank they plan to scale back hiring.

The pull forward in exports and inventory accumulation in the first quarter borrows economic strength from the future, so the second quarter is expected to be much weaker. Canadian families and businesses' spending has shown some resilience in the face of US tariffs and heightened uncertainty. But they will likely remain cautious, suggesting domestic spending will remain subdued.

Inflation excluding taxes was 2.3% in April, slightly more substantial than the Bank had expected and up from 2.1% in March. The Bank’s preferred measures of core inflation and other measures of underlying inflation moved up in April. There is some unusual volatility in inflation, but these measures suggest underlying inflation could be firmer than we thought. Higher core inflation can be partly attributed to higher goods prices, including food, and may reflect the effects of trade disruption. Many businesses report higher costs for finding alternative suppliers and developing new markets. The Bank will be closely watching measures of underlying inflation to gauge how inflationary pressures are evolving.

The Bank is also monitoring inflation expectations closely. In April, we reported that consumers and businesses expected prices to rise due to tariffs, while longer-term inflation expectations remained well anchored. Recent surveys continue to show consumers bracing for higher prices, and many businesses say they intend to pass on tariff costs.

Governing Council will continue to assess the timing and strength of the downward pressure on inflation from a weaker economy and the upward pressure on inflation from higher costs.

At this decision, there was a consensus to hold the policy unchanged as we gain more information. The BoC also discussed the path ahead for the policy interest rate. Here, there was more diversity of views. On balance, members thought there could be a need for a reduction in the policy rate if the economy weakens in the face of continued US tariffs and uncertainty, and cost pressures on inflation are contained

Bottom Line

We expect the Canadian economy to post a small negative reading (-0.5%) in both Q2 and Q3, bringing growth for the year to 1.2%, just one tick above the recently released OECD forecast for Canada. The next Governing Council decision date is July 30, which will give the Bank time to assess the underlying momentum in inflation and the dampening effect of tariffs on economic activity.

If inflation slows over the next couple of months—we get two CPI releases and two jobs reports before the next meeting—and the economy slows in Q2 and Q3 as widely expected, the Bank will likely cut rates two more times this year, bringing the overnight rate down to 2.25%.

Dr. Sherry Cooper
Chief Economist, Dominion Lending Centres
drsherrycooper@dominionlending.ca

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Economic Insights from Dr. Sherry Cooper

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Charlotte Ferguson

Economic Insights from Dr. Sherry Cooper

The Trump tariff mayhem has significantly impacted the Canadian economy and financial markets. Since the February tariff threats and the on-again, off-again nature of the policy changes, consumer and business confidence have tumbled while inflation expectations have surged.

Short- and long-term interest rates have increased considerably as bond vigilantes have sold US Treasury bonds for fear of mounting inflation. Another big boost to interest rates is the vast and rapidly growing surge in the US government's net federal debt to GDP ratio, which will only rise sharply further with the current tax bill under debate in the US House of Representatives.

China has been a primary net seller of US Government bonds, increasing interest rates. No wonder the Fed is reluctant to ease monetary policy, and US rates are at record spreads vis-à-vis Canada.

Canadian labour markets have weakened considerably, and the US-tariff-related layoffs have already begun. The jobless rate rose to 6.9% in April, portending a coming recession in this year's second and third quarters.

Economic and financial uncertainty has slowed Canadian housing activity, particularly in the GTA and GVA. However, the increased inventory of unsold homes in much of the country has driven down prices. This creates a buying opportunity for many would-be purchasers.

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Housse Hunting Done Right: 5 Steps to Find Your Dream Home

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Charlotte Ferguson

House Hunting Done Right:
5 Steps to Find Your Dream Home

Finding your dream home can seem like a daunting task.

But don’t despair!

Here are five actionable steps to set you up for success.

Start with the Practicalities: First, figure out your finances. How much have you got saved for a downpayment, how much can you afford on a monthly basis, and what will you be able to qualify for? Download my mortgage app and start running your numbers quickly and easily on your own time.
Set Yourself up for Success: If you want to find your dream home, you’ve got to figure out what that is. Make a list of needs and wants in your home, considering things like number of bedrooms, parking, your renovation skills and budget, etc. Also consider anything that would be a deal breaker. Share your requirements with your real estate agent before you start looking at properties. Keep in mind the more requirements you have, the longer your search might take, so be patient.
Visit the Area: The neighbourhood might be the most important factor in your home purchase, so be sure to go to the ones you’re considering living in. Check out what’s happening in the area like construction, gentrification, who’s there, amenities, etc. Try to meet some of your potential neighbours and get a feel of what they like and don’t like about what’s happening in the area. You may learn some info that won’t be available in a property listing which could sway your purchase decision, or even find out about properties that could be available to purchase but aren’t currently listed for sale.
Gather Information: Ask whatever questions you can about the house, like the history of repairs and upgrades, any outstanding leases or tenants, concerns with neighbours or the neighbourhood, traffic on the street, etc. Be sure to see the property in person at least twice and go at different times of the day so you get as complete a picture as you can of the home and its surroundings.
Sell Yourself: Consider that no one has to sell you their home. Writing a letter introducing yourself and explaining your intentions can set you apart from other offers and endear you to the seller. You might end up with more favourable purchase circumstances thanks to your effort. Also be sure to have your financing in order (I can get you a preapproval valid for 120 days) so you have fewer conditions on any offer you make.

When you’re ready to make a move, I’m here for you. Give me a call to help you with the practicalities of financing so you have a successful hunt for that dream home!

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Cool and Cost-Effective Summer Energy Saving Tips

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Charlotte Ferguson

Cool and Cost-Effective:
Summer Energy Saving Tips

We all love a nice, air-conditioned home on the hottest days of summer, but no one looks forward to the bill for it.

Here are a few ways to stay cool without shelling out the big bucks!

Tactic 1: Minimize Heat Sources

Close your blinds and eliminate direct sunlight coming in and heating up a room.
Avoid placing lamps or TV sets near your room air-conditioning thermostat. The thermostat will sense heat from these appliances and run more than necessary.
Avoid using the oven on hot days, as your air conditioning will have to go into overdrive to counteract all the heat produced. Cook on the stove or grill outside.
Skip the dryer and all the heat it produces by hanging clothes to dry

Tactic 2: Lower Your Energy Usage

Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you first turn it on. It will not cool your home any faster, but it will work harder than necessary.
Choose fans over air conditioning as they use significantly less energy. However, turn off fans when you leave the room. Fans cool people by creating a wind chill effect on the skin but have no effect on the temperature of a room.
The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be. Having the temperature set 5 degrees higher for 8 hours a day can reduce your energy bill by 10%
Unplug electrical items you aren’t using constantly – like game consoles or anything with an LED indicator light or digital clock – as they use power and often generate heat

Tactic 3: Switch to an Evaporative Air Cooler

Evaporative air coolers (or swamp coolers as they are sometimes called) lower the temperature by moving hot air across water. As a fan blows the air across a water reservoir, the air picks up small water particles which evaporate as they are blown away. The evaporating water cools the air nearby the same way drying sweat cools people down.

Here’s what else you need to know:

Units are portable and can be placed anywhere in your home or moved from room to room as needed
They are great for dry climates, but not useful in particularly humid environments
Air temperature can be successfully lowered by 5-15 degrees
Air conditioners use 90% more energy than an evaporative air cooler so making this switch can drastically lower your energy bill

If you’re interested in more info about an evaporative cooler, click here.

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Bank of Canada reveals latest rate decision amid tariff turmoil

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Charlotte Ferguson

Central bank makes crucial call amid inflation fears and gathering storm clouds over Canada's economy

By Fergal McAlinden

04 Jun. 2025

The Bank of Canada has opted against cutting interest rates in June, holding its benchmark rate steady amid concern over a potential inflation uptick in the months ahead.

The central bank said on Wednesday morning it was leaving the overnight rate, which leads variable mortgage rates in Canada, unchanged at 2.75% – the second time in a row it’s kept rates at their current level after also holding in April.

The decision had been viewed as a close call by observers, although expectations ticked in the direction of a hold after last week’s gross domestic product (GDP) reading showed the economy had performed better than expected in the first quarter.

Statistics Canada said on Friday (May 30) that the economy expanded by 2.2% in the opening three months of the year, higher than the 1.7% growth expected by economists, even though that was spurred in large part by US buyers rushing to bring in exports ahead of the Trump administration’s tariff wave.

Meanwhile, core inflation measures remained sticky in April despite a drop in the headline consumer price index (CPI) to 1.7%. Core prices, which exclude volatile food and energy costs, were up by 0.4% compared with March, an unwelcome sign for the central bank as it looks to avoid a repeat of the sharp 2022 uptick in inflation triggered in part by rate cuts.

While the Bank’s benchmark rate has fallen seven times since this time last year, it’s clearly moved into a wait-and-see mode as it weighs up how the trade war sparked by those Trump tariffs impacts the Canadian economy in the months ahead.

US trade policy has been marked by unpredictability and shifting language since Trump first pushed ahead with huge levies on Canadian imports in the first quarter, but analysts have highlighted the potentially huge threat they could pose to Canadian jobs this year.

This week, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said it was expecting Canada’s growth forecast to slide to 1% this year and 1.1% in 2026, and economists still anticipate Bank of Canada cuts before the end of the year despite today’s hold.

The OECD expects the Bank’s policy rate to hit the 2.25% mark in 2025 through cuts totalling 50 basis points, while other observers including Bank of Montreal (BMO) economists believe it will fall to 2%.

The central bank will be keeping a keen eye on economic data including the inflation and growth outlooks between now and its next decision, scheduled for July 30 – when it’ll also release its Monetary Policy Report, signalling how it’s assessing on the economic landscape looking ahead.

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Open House. Open House on Saturday, June 7, 2025 1:00PM - 4:00PM

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Charlotte Ferguson

Posted in Bright, Blandford Blenheim Real Estate

Please visit our Open House at 35 George Street in Bright. See details here

Open House on Saturday, June 7, 2025 1:00PM - 4:00PM

Welcome to 35 George Street in the heart of charming Bright, Ontario — a stunning, family-sized home that blends spacious living with thoughtful design and hidden surprises. This beautifully maintained 5-bedroom, 3+1 bathroom home is packed with features your whole family will love. The open-concept kitchen is the true heart of the home, boasting gorgeous quartz countertops and an oversized island with seating for six — perfect for casual meals or entertaining a crowd. The adjacent dining area and expansive family room create a seamless flow for both everyday living and special gatherings. Upstairs, generous bedrooms provide comfort and privacy for everyone, while the primary suite offers a private retreat with a spa-inspired ensuite. The fully finished basement is an entertainer’s dream with a stylish wet bar, rec room, and even a whimsical kids’ hideaway space and secret reading nook cleverly tucked behind a bookshelf — a truly magical feature! Outside, enjoy the benefits of an oversized double car garage, ample driveway space, and a large lot ideal for outdoor fun or peaceful evenings under the stars. Located on a quiet street in the welcoming community of Bright, this home combines small-town charm with all the space and functionality today’s families need. Highlights: 5 Bedrooms, 3+1 Bathrooms Quartz Kitchen Island Seating 6 Spacious Family & Dining Areas Finished Basement with Wet Bar Secret Nook & Kids’ Hideaway Oversized Double Car Garage Generous Lot in a Family-Friendly Neighbourhood Don’t miss your chance to own this one-of-a-kind home. Book your private showing today!

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