GRATITUDE

At the time of writing this post, the province has had a week of daily reported COVID-19 cases over 700, and has been maxing out testing at over 48,000 per day.  It seems we are solidly into the predicted Second Wave of this virus.  Our province and public health experts are strongly warning people not to congregate for Thanksgiving dinner this year, and rightly so.  If we want to enjoy a “normal” Christmas, it looks like we need to sacrifice Thanksgiving in order to get the infection rates back under control.

Which brings me to the subject of gratitude.

Usually at Thanksgiving, it’s pretty easy to talk about gratitude for family, friends and all the comforts and success that Canada and Guelph offer. 

COVID-19 and 2020 has made it challenging for many of us to see – let alone experience – the normal things we’d be grateful for and celebrating at Thanksgiving. 

So, in no particular order, I thought I’d share a few things that I’m grateful for, and that the pandemic has brought into focus for me:

FAMILY

An easy one to be complacent about, but many people around the world – over a million – have lost family members to COVID-19 this year. That number will be considerably higher by the time we’re through this.  Being physically distant from our children, parents and relatives over the past 8 months, and in turn having to be creative in staying in touch with them, has made me feel closer and more engaged with family. 

COMMUNITY

We’ve been lucky enough in Guelph to not become a hotspot like other parts of Ontario.  Our public health and municipal leaders have led in a calm manner, and for the benefit of all.  I’m grateful to be part of a community that rallies around each other with support.  Huge shout outs to great locally-focused services including Guelph Box, Hope House, Rotary, Community of Hearts and many more. These services and programs are the backbone of our community.

CANADA

Our country has fared reasonably well throughout this pandemic, and regardless of your political stripe, you have to agree that we’ve handled things better than most (especially as the situation continues to develop south of our border). Were there mistakes made and balls dropped? Sure.  Yet, we as a country were able to rally together and support each other.

REAL ESTATE

April and May were the two scariest  months in my 35 year real estate career. No doubt scarier yet for those caught mid-transaction during the shutdown.  I’m grateful that as an industry we were able to get the critical deals done.  The market has since taken flight, and has been incredibly strong as people realize just how important their home is to them. We’ve got sustainability and affordability issues to face in the coming months, and I’m sure we’ll figure those out eventually as well.

CIRCUMSTANCES

I’m actually grateful for the lessons and opportunities that COVID-19 and the pandemic have unveiled.  Adversity brings out the best in most people, and presents opportunities to improve and rise to the occasion.  We’ve gone through our business with a fine tooth comb to ensure the services we provide to our clients will allow them to have the best possible experience in buying or selling their home. It’s also allowed me to reflect on my day-to-day and to become more present to everything I do.  

This Thanksgiving will be memorable not only for the pandemic, but for how it has become a focal point of what is important to all of us.  

I hope you and your family are well and safe and indeed have found gratitude in your lives. 

THE PAST WEEK IN THE GUELPH REAL ESTATE MARKET

Another incredible week in the Guelph real estate market as October continues to follow the trend from the past quarter. 

We are reporting 69 homes sold in Guelph this past week.  A 46.8% increase in sales over the same period last year.  72.46% of the homes selling this past week sold at or above list price!  Incredible results that show just how intense and strong the market is right now. 

The median home sold in Guelph looked like the following: 

3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 1,520 square feet. This home sold for $620,000 (that’s $407.89/sqft) and took 10 days to sell.  Homeowners were able to negotiate 101% of their list price this week.

If you have any questions about specific neighbourhoods or addresses, please reach out directly to me and our team will be happy answer any questions. Our goal as  a brokerage is to provide the best possible real estate experience for our clients and that starts with keeping you educated on our market. 

Enjoy the long weekend. 

Thankful For Good Things.png

FEATURED PROPERTY:

16 Oakridge Crescent

GUELPH, ON

3 BED / 2.5 BATH / 2,264 SQ FT

Wow! This beautiful 2 storey home is tucked away on a quiet street in Guelph’s south end – ultra convenient and yet just steps to nature. This home checks all the boxes for a busy family: massive kitchen, cozy family room, formal dining & living rooms, 3 bedrooms (including a luxurious master suite), office, loft area, unfinished walkout basement and 2.5 car garage. On a 60’ lot with a private yard, this home is serenity in the South end.

 
 

Learn more about the Home Group Realty Journey

 
 

STAY CONNECTED

Not a subscriber? Sign up for our weekly real estate blog and receive up-to-date information on local market conditions, plus exclusive home sales reports for all of Guelph’s neighbourhoods and nearby cities

 

KEEP READING