October 2009

Investing in New Construction Real Estate in Waterloo Region

Over at our real estate investment site, we’ve posted a video q & a about investing in new construction condominiums and condo townhouses.  The questions I’ve been asked by Investors about these are pretty similar in most cases, so I thought I’d let you in on the chat.  Click play:

What questions do you have about new construction, or about investing in real estate in general?  Leave them in the comments, let me know on twitter @benjaminbach, add me on facebook and send me a msg, or email me at Benjamin@BenjaminBach.com (you can also call me directly at 519 772 4376).

Kitchener Waterloo Real Estate Market Update – October 2009

September 2009 was a very busy month for real estate in Kitchener Waterloo, Ontario, with an increase in both the number of sales and the dollar value of those sales.  Real Estate Investors and first time homebuyers are taking advantage of historically low mortgage interest rates.

Click play to watch this month’s instalment of the Kitchener Waterloo Real Estate market update

Read more

New View of Kitchener Waterloo Real Estate

Want to walk around the neighbourhood without leaving your home ?  Well, thanks to the genius minds at Google, we can now do that for almost the entire city of Kitchener Waterloo (so far I’ve found at least 1 street that’s not indexed).  Google Maps introduces Street View for Kitchener Waterloo.  More at The Record:

Thousands of residents in Kitchener and Waterloo likely shared his wonder at the otherwise mundane as word of the new service spread Wednesday.

Nine other cities across Canada also came on board, allowing users to navigate their way through 360-degree views seamlessly stitched together to simulate walking tours.

Cars equipped with special cameras took the images of Kitchener and Waterloo while being driven up and down local streets this spring — creating a huge snapshot, rather than a changing, live look at the cities.

Google blurred licence plates and the faces of people captured in the photos to address privacy concerns.

It will also consider requests to remove images where there are specific concerns.

An enhancement of the existing Google Maps feature, it is billed as a tool to help travellers get around, arrange meeting spots or explore new areas.

View Larger Map

I’m going to be taking a virtual tour around an area before I invest in it, or before we drive out to a site with real estate investors.  How will you use this new tool ?

Kitchener Waterloo Real Estate ranked #1 again

A client sent me a link this morning to the following CBC story

Waterloo area best for real estate: report

Toronto ranks 8th on list

Friday, October 2, 2009 | 8:43 PM

CBC News

The Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge area is the best place in Ontario to buy a house or invest in a business property with hopes of making money, according to a report released Friday.

The report was issued by the Real Estate Investment Network, a consulting organization that provides investors with property information. It assessed the potential for real estate properties to appreciate in value in communities across Ontario.

The reputation of the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge area’s reputation as a technology hub is responsible in large part for its desirability, said Don Campbell, head of the Real Estate Investment Network (REIN).

"You’re seeing [BlackBerry maker] RIM and seeing the high-tech industries still continue to grow and hire," he said. "And at the same time, they’re revitalizing the downtown of the old cities of Cambridge and Kitchener and now they’re talking about [light rapid transit]," he said.

No longer a surprise to anyone reading this blog, but still a nice reminder

Kitchener Waterloo Open Houses – Real Estate tour

It’s time for another Keller Williams Open House Extravaganza! This weekend our Real Estate partners are painting Kitchener Waterloo & Cambridge RED with Keller Williams open house signs. Visit these fine homes this weekend, and let the REALTOR on site know that I sent you!

$299,900 ~ 207 Lourdes Street, Waterloo ~ Sun October 4th 2-4pm
Beautiful Westmount Bungalow on a tree-lined street, walking distance to most amenities, great for a new family or empty nesters, 3+ bedrooms, 2 baths, original home has an enlarged master bedroom with a walkout to a cozy four seasons room. MLS

$349,900 ~ 484 Dansbury Drive, Waterloo ~ Sat Oct 3rd 2-4 and Sun Oct 4th 2-4pm
Desirable home for sale located close to expressway and RIM park newly build home boasting ceramic tile and hard wood on 9′ main floor ,mid level family room ensuite w/ his/her sinks and stunning tile shower. MLS 0934362

$370,000 ~ 6 Croyden Place, Waterloo ~ Sun October 4th 2-4pm
Highly sought after exclusive Lincoln Village court. Extensive updates up to $30,000. Enjoy large family get togethers. MLS

$440,000 ~ 305 Edgewater Cres, Kitchener ~ Sat Oct 3rd 2-4 and Sun Oct 4th 2-4pm
Relaxing strolls along the Grand River, fun filled afternoons at the nearby playground & basketball courts. Exercise & entertain at Chicopee Ski Hill, tube park & recreational facility. MLS

$650,000 ~ 301 Deer Ridge Drive, Kitchener ~ Sun October 4th 2-4pm
Deer Ridge Estates! Right by Pioneer Tower by Grand River and Deer Ridge Golf Course. $120,000 in basement and yard. Muskoka yard with spectacular outdoor fireplace.MLS

$270,000 ~ 94 Mountain Laurel Cres, Kitchener ~ Sat Oct 3rd 2-4 and Sun Oct 4th 2-4pm Luxury ensuite with jacuzzi bath & separate shower. Oversized 1 1/2 garage! You will be impressed. Sunken living room, on open concept main floor. MLS

$379,900 ~ 83 Old Park Lane, Kitchener ~ Sat October 3rd 1-3pm
Excellent 4+1 bedroom home with 4 baths. MLS

$194,000 ~ 36 Pepperwood Cres, Kitchener ~ Sat Oct 3rd 2-4pm
This is a great starter home for a young family or a great investment home for the investor. Close to schools, shopping and expressway. Carpet free main and upper floors with gleaming hardwood. Walkout from living room to large deck. Fenced yard that backs onto greenbelt. Roof replaced 2009. MLS

$280,000 ~ 63 Dreger Ave, Kitchener ~ Sun October 4th 2-4pm
Great Stanley Park home located on quiet street backing onto greenbelt with large fenced yard. Home has been repainted, newer roof(06), newer furnace and A/C(05) completely finished rec room(09). Move in and enjoy! MLS

$319,900 ~ 520 Robert Ferrie Drive, Kitchener ~ Sun October 4th 2-4pm
Best value in desirable Doon South area! 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, the large master bedroom has a walk-in closet and an ensuite. Open concept main floor with walkout to nice deck and deep lot. Ready for your offer. MLS

$269,900 ~ 119 Stiefelmeyer, Baden ~ Sun October 4th 2-4pm
Amazing Bungalow built in 2003. MLS

$399,000 ~ 34 Coral Gables Cres, Elmira ~ Sat Oct 3rd 1-4 and Sun Oct 4th 1-4pm
4 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom Model Home. 9′ Main floor, Master bedroom has a luxurious 5pc ensuite. Maple (gourmet kitchen, 2 sink bathroom vanities, and stairs). Family room with gas fireplace, extensive use of travertine natural stone & maple floors. Double car garage, asphalt driveway, Lot frontage 50′. MLS

$80,000 ~ 204-234 Willow Rd, Guelph ~ Sun October 4th 2-4pm
Why pay rent when you can own! Single bedroom condo apartment, in excellent condition, appliances included. The best value for the money. Ready to move in. This is a rare opportunity not to be missed! MLS

Take a look at these beautiful homes this weekend, and let the real estate agent at the home know I sent you