Winter 2025 Bulletin
Hello Friends!
Thank you for taking the time to read the Winter 2025 Townsend Real Estate bulletin. I hope you and your family had a chance to enjoy some quality time together over the holidays and have settled nicely into the routines of the new year.
For my family, 2024 was filled with wonderful experiences and memories. Professionally, it was a breakout year for my business and my partnership with Tanya Tagwerker. We successfully closed over 30 transactions and took an exciting step forward by investing in our own staging inventory. With this investment, we now have the capability to stage up to four full houses at a time. However, we always strive to incorporate some of the existing furniture to maintain the comfort and warmth of home for our sellers.
Tanya and I continued to build on our senior real estate focus in 2024 by hosting monthly information sessions, running targeted advertising campaigns, completing numerous downsizing and estate sale transactions, and networking with industry professionals who serve the 50+ demographic and their families. To end the year on a high note, we hosted a delicious client appreciation brunch to celebrate all the families we worked with throughout the year.
Our growing client base and business expansion meant a lot of time on the road, including trips for a cottage listing near Kingston, an estate sale in Tillsonburg, and many stops in between. It was truly an honor to work with so many families, whether it meant making life easier for some or helping others achieve new dreams. I’m deeply grateful for the support of my family, friends, business partner, and clients. Carrying this momentum into new experiences and goals for 2025 is my top priority!
On a personal note, 2024 was a busy year for our family. Charlotte made the big leap from baby to toddler, and we also tackled puppy training with Molly. With Jill working full-time, my sister’s wedding, and a rapidly growing business, there wasn’t much time for relaxation. Despite the whirlwind, we still enjoyed memorable family trips to Punta Cana, Prince Edward Island, and cottage time in McKellar.
Charlotte continues to grow and learn every day. She loves her time at daycare, is thriving in weekly swimming lessons, and has just started skating lessons. I have a strong feeling that dance classes might be added to the mix later this year. Charlotte loves music and is always eager to join in on any fun activity. Of course, Dad has big plans to introduce her to golf this spring!
Thank you again for your continued support and for following along on this journey with me. Here’s to an exciting and successful 2025!
Market Update:
2024: A Roller Coaster Year in Real Estate
The real estate market in 2024 had its ups and downs, with interest rates dominating conversations throughout the year. We started the year with an overnight lending rate of 5% and closed December at 3.25%. This aligned with predictions from top economists, who anticipated rates to settle in the 3%–3.5% range.
Looking ahead, the first interest rate announcement of 2025 is scheduled for January 29. Economists are currently divided on whether the Bank of Canada will hold the rate steady or implement a 0.25% decrease. Personally, I believe they will hold the current rate due to ongoing uncertainty in Canadian and U.S. politics, as well as potential trade tariffs that may prompt stronger action from the Bank of Canada in the coming months.
Locally, the Guelph and surrounding market ended 2024 on a high note, with home sales in December up more than 70% compared to December 2023. As we move through January, there’s renewed activity in the market, with new listings selling quickly. At the same time, we’re seeing a number of 2024 listings still sitting on the market or returning after a “Christmas break.” For buyers, these older listings may present opportunities to negotiate. For sellers, this is a great time to get ahead of the influx of properties expected in the Spring Market.
What Am I Seeing as an Active Realtor?
1. Buyers and Sellers Trying to Time the Market:
Trying to perfectly time the market often doesn’t work as intended. Selling when prices are high is usually driven by low inventory, which makes purchasing a new home more challenging due to higher prices, competition, offer dates, and limited ability to include conditions. On the other hand, buying during a “low” market typically comes with higher inventory or higher interest rates, which may require compromises on size, style, location, or finishes. Additionally, higher interest rates can lead to financial strain or lifestyle changes to accommodate increased monthly payments.
2. Move-In Ready Homes Are a Must:
More and more buyers are passing on great homes simply because they’re “not updated,” “don’t look like something on HGTV,” or require renovations. Time is increasingly scarce for families, making updated, freshly painted, and carpet-free homes a top priority in 2025.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With spring just around the corner, now is the time to plan for the year ahead. Whether you’re considering upgrading your home, helping family members downsize or right-size, purchasing an investment property, or generating additional income by leasing part of your property, I’d love to help. Feel free to reach out for more information or guidance!
