Why Homeowners Should Consider Moving To Guelph, Ontario
The city of Guelph, Ontario is often overlooked by those seeking a change in scenery, but it’s quickly becoming a desired place to live in the 2023 up-sizing market. Located just an hour’s drive from Toronto and even closer to Hamilton – Guelph is situated in the southwestern region of the province, and it’s a desirable location due to its convenient proximity to all things great.
Much like the nearby city of Kitchener, Guelph offers a small-town feel with larger city amenities– both of which have seen a significant increase in population growth over the past decade. Along with a cheaper cost of living and easy access to prestigious universities, Guelph is a great place to live for those seeking a change of pace.
The city is full of lush parks, beautiful trails and cycling paths, welcoming neighbours, and businesses that range from quaint cafés and restaurants, to larger retail stores and medical centres. Guelph also currently boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the province, and continues to be an economic powerhouse. With a median household income of over $100k annually, and the growing popularity of tech jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities, Guelph is indeed an attractive option for those moving to the city.
The Value of Hiring a Guelph Real Estate Agent
When it comes to selling or buying a home in Guelph, there’s no better ally to have than a real estate agent who’s experienced with the local market. Homeowners should take the time to connect with a reputable real estate agent before negotiating with any potential sellers. Tony Sousa, a real estate agent with SousaSells.ca, states that “real estate is a very local business and so having someone who understands the trends, prices and features that buyers in our market are looking for is key.”
For those selling their home in Guelph, getting the most from their sale means understanding the summer 2020 housing market and tailoring their home to the desires of potential buyers. By using a real estate agent, homeowners can take advantage of their knowledge and expertise to help stage a property to maximize their sale price.
Tips for Selling a Home in Guelph, Ontario
1. Insulate the Home to Boost Energy Efficiency – Homeowners should consider investing in insulation for their home to help attract potential buyers looking for a more energy-efficient property. Aside from being a great selling feature, insulation will also help lower energy bills throughout the year.
2. Reassess the Exterior of the Home – The first impression of any home is the exterior, and so their should be some investment into curating a visually appealing display. Homeowners should look into updating their exterior paint job, replacing any outdated window mouldings or siding, and ensuring that the front door is in good condition.
3. Style the Home with Neutral Colour Palettes – Buyers want to picture themselves and their families in the home moving forward, and so a home should be styled with a neutral colour palette. This will involve putting away any personal knick-knacks, removing any strongly-coloured accent pieces, or staging the living space with minimalistic pieces that involve earthy tones.
4. Maximize the Usability of Space – Selling a smaller home? Increase the usability of the property by utilizing any empty corners or spaces for storage. This will lead to potential buyers feeling like there’s still an abundance of space in the home, and also that every square foot of the home is being maximized.
5. Invest in Small Fixes and Renovations – There’s often no need for major renovations before selling a home, but any small fixes will certainly be appreciated. For example, patching up drywall, replacing damaged hinges or handles, updating kitchen sink fixtures, or retouching countertops.
What Homeowners Need To Know About Closing Costs in Guelph, ON
The closing costs involved with a sale related to real estate include legal fees, mortgage discharge fees, utility arrears, title insurance, and sales commissions. The Legal fees usually consist of lawyer or notary fees, land transfer taxes, title insurance, mortgage costs, sales commissions, and moving expenses.
In the province of Ontario, buyers and sellers are responsible for various costs related to the closing of the deal. Generally, the buyer is responsible for mortgage and loan application costs, the mortgage discharge fee, the land transfer tax, and the lawyer’s fees, title insurance premiums, and HST on special services. The seller is responsible for the real estate sales commissions and the cost of removing mortgage(s) from their title.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closing costs involved with a home sale in Guelph, ON?
The closing costs related to a home sale in Guelph, ON include legal fees, title insurance, mortgage discharge fees, utility arrears, and real estate sales commissions.
What should homeowners consider doing before selling their home?
Homeowners should consider investing in insulation, re-assessing the exterior of their home, styling the home with neutral colours, maximizing the usability of the space, and investing in small fixes and renovations.
What is the median household income in Guelph, ON?
The median household income in Guelph, ON is estimated at over $100k annually.
What are the benefits of hiring a real estate agent for selling a home in Guelph?
By hiring a real estate agent for their home sale, homeowners can take advantage of their expertise and knowledge of the local market to help maximize their sale price.
What are the best practices for selling a home in Guelph?
The best practices for selling a home in Guelph involve understanding the summer 2020 housing market, hiring a reputable real estate agent, staging the home to attract potential buyers, and utilizing any available stumping or online resources.
Conclusion
For homeowners seeking an up-sizing opportunity, Guelph, Ontario continues to be a great choice. With early access to large city-amenities, an affordable cost of living, and the availability of prestigious educational institutions, Guelph is undeniably an attractive option.
Before selling a home in Guelph, homeowners should familiarize themselves with the best practices and trends of the local housing market, invest in energy efficient improvements to the home, and hire a reputable real estate agent to help with their property sale. By doing so, homeowners can maximize their sale price and ensure that their next up-sizing opportunity is a success.
