The Journal.
Real estate is about more than buying and selling houses.
It's about the places we live, the decisions we make and the communities we call home.
Here, we share practical advice, local insights and personal perspectives on Guelph real estate, homeownership, buying and selling, and the changing ways we use our homes. Sometimes informative, sometimes opinionated, always thoughtful.
Could ADUs Help With Ontario's Housing Crisis?
Ontario needs more housing, but not every new home has to be part of a major development. Could backyard suites, basement apartments and other ADUs help make better use of the neighbourhoods we already have?
Could Corner Lots Have an ADU Advantage?
Corner lots come with trade-offs, but could that second street frontage be an advantage if you're considering an additional dwelling unit? Here's why some Guelph properties deserve a second look.
Could You Build an ADU on Your Guelph Property?
Could you build an Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) in your Guelph backyard? Before you start planning, there are a few important things to consider. From zoning and setbacks to servicing and site constraints, here's what Guelph homeowners need to know about their property's ADU potential.
Gardening for Resale
A beautiful garden can make a great first impression, but not every landscaping investment pays off when it's time to sell. Here's how to make thoughtful gardening choices that improve curb appeal, appeal to buyers and help your property put its best foot forward.
Do Houses Hold Energy
Have you ever walked into a house and immediately felt that something was off? Or stepped inside a home that just felt right? After years of showing properties, I've come to believe that houses hold something beyond their walls, finishes and floor plans. And I'm not the only one who feels it.
Buying a Home Near a School
Living near a school sounds convenient, especially if you have kids. But what about the traffic, parking headaches and twice-daily chaos? As a Guelph Realtor who lives across from an elementary school, I've experienced the good, the bad and the occasional drop-off drama. Here's what buyers should know before making the move.
Buying a Home? Your Online Bank Could Complicate the Deposit
Online banking makes everyday finances easy, but buying a home can be another story. When your offer is accepted, you may have just 24 hours to deliver your deposit. Jeremiah shares a real-life experience with an online banking client and explains why a little planning can prevent a lot of last-minute stress.
Sometimes Our Job is Talking Someone Out of Buying
Sometimes the best thing a Realtor can do is talk a buyer out of purchasing a home. It might check every box on paper, but that doesn't mean it's the right fit. Jeremiah shares why understanding a buyer's life, priorities and long-term goals matters more than simply getting the sale.
The Give and Take of a Conditional Offer
Conditions are an important part of protecting yourself when buying a home. But what buyers see as protection, sellers often see as uncertainty. Jeremiah explains the give and take of conditional offers in Ontario real estate, and why understanding both sides can help you negotiate more effectively.
What the Numbers Don’t Tell You About a House
Square footage, property taxes, comparable sales and days on market can tell you plenty about a house. But they can't tell you everything. Jeremiah explores the difference between market value and personal value, and why understanding what really matters to you is just as important as understanding the numbers.