Guelph real Estate: Why Working With the Right Realtor is More Important Than Ever
Please find Hudson's article below as featured on Guelph Today!
Local realtor, Hudson Smith explains why representation matters, especially in a hot seller’s market
You’re about to list your house for sale in Guelph’s hot real estate market. The question you’re pondering is, “Why do I need to use a realtor in Guelph when I know my house is going to sell?’
You wouldn’t be the first person who felt they didn’t have to use the services of a professional realtor to list their home in a seller’s market. However, if your goal is to maximize the sale price of your property, working with the right realtor is still your best strategy.
“Working with the right realtor could be more important than ever because the needle can be moved that much more,” said Hudson Smith of the Hudson Smith Real Estate Group. “Think about a tough market. You need the right realtor because the goal is just to sell. That’s going to happen anyway. In a strong market, the question is who can create the best selling atmosphere so the price gets pushed to its highest point. That way, a seller has no doubt they’ve reached their highest point of value in a way that brings the least amount of stress to their life.”
Despite the uncertainty that COVID-19 has brought to almost every industry, the real estate market in Guelph has remained hot. There are multiple reasons for that according to Smith.
“I think we’ve always had a great location, but for years it seemed like we flew under the radar,” he said. “Then in 2016 and 2017, it seemed like the secret was out. Not only were we an affordable option for buyers looking west of Milton, but people started to realize it’s also a wonderful place to live. It’s a university town, it’s a great distance to cottage country, to the U.S., and to the GTA. Guelph has the right feel and the right location. Once the secret was out it had a compounding effect.”
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One of the primary effects has been an influx of buyers from the GTA, which has helped to drive the market and escalate sale prices. Smith says those conditions make it critical for sellers to work with the right realtor.
So how do you determine who the right realtor is given the highly competitive nature of the real estate sales industry?
“It’s a delicate balance,” said Smith. “You want someone that’s busy but not spread thin. You want someone that has name recognition, you see them around, but it’s not just based on perception. Referrals are an excellent place to start. Who can you talk to that can give you honest feedback about their working experience with that realtor? Not just, ‘hey it went well, we think we got good results.’ If you’re hearing glowing reviews of a realtor and the value they brought to the process, you’ll be able to identify that when you’re talking to people who have used them.”
Given the new realities of life in a pandemic, using a professional realtor is also a way to ensure the necessary precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of buyers and sellers according to Smith.
“An extra requirement to expect from your realtor is to make sure they’re making a conscious effort to stay safe. That means making sure sellers have a safe atmosphere when they come home, and that buyers have a safe atmosphere when they come in. Whether the market’s good or bad, the person that you choose to represent you in the sale of what might be the most expensive thing you own, has to bring value.”
Halloween in Guelph is more than just costumes and candy — it’s that magical mix of community, creativity, and crisp autumn air that makes this city feel like home. Whether you’re searching for the perfect pumpkin, planning a cozy movie night, or looking for a fun local event, Guelph has something for every kind of ghoul and goblin. Pick the Perfect Pumpkin at Strom’s Farm A Guelph fall tradition! Strom’s Farm & Bakery offers everything from corn mazes and wagon rides to caramel apples and cider doughnuts (trust us — you’ll want seconds). Wander through rows of pumpkins to find your favourite and snap a few festive photos along the way. 📍 5089 Wellington Rd 32, Guelph, ON N1H 6J4 Fall Markets & Family Fun October weekends are filled with local markets and events, from the Aberfoyle Antique Market to smaller pop-ups throughout the city. Browse for vintage décor, locally made candles, and cozy knits — or enjoy a warm drink while supporting local makers. Nothing says “autumn” like spending a Saturday outdoors with something pumpkin-spiced in hand. Get Spooked (in a Fun Way!) at Bingemans Screampark Looking for thrills beyond the city limits? Just a short drive away, Bingemans Screampark in Kitchener delivers haunted houses, eerie mazes, and live actors ready to give you a fright you won’t forget. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves a good scare — best enjoyed with friends and plenty of bravery. 📍425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener, ON N2B 3X7 Trick-or-Treat Hotspots Around Town From the charming porches of Exhibition Park to the family-friendly streets of Westminster Woods, Guelph’s neighbourhoods truly shine on Halloween night. Expect glowing jack-o’-lanterns, creative costumes, and friendly neighbours handing out treats. Cozy Up at Home If your perfect Halloween involves staying in, make your home the main attraction. Light a candle, pour a cup of cider, and stream a classic like Hocus Pocus or The Addams Family. Add a touch of “moody modern” décor — think black taper candles, amber glassware, and autumn florals — for a look that’s more sophisticated than spooky. Happy Halloween from the Hudson Smith Real Estate Group! Whether you’re out exploring pumpkin patches, trick-or-treating with the kids, or cozying up at home, we hope your Halloween is filled with laughter, community, and a little bit of magic. If you’re thinking about making a move before the year wraps up, our team is here to help you find a home that’s scary good. hudsonsmith.ca | 519-821-3600 | hudson@hudsonsmith.ca
When it comes to selling your home, first impressions aren’t just important — they’re everything. In today’s market, buyers form opinions within seconds of walking through the door (or scrolling through photos online). That’s where home staging comes in — the subtle art of helping buyers see themselves living in your home. What Is Home Staging, Really? Home staging goes far beyond decorating. It’s about creating an emotional connection. A professional stager uses layout, lighting, colour, and accessories to highlight your home’s best features while minimizing distractions. Every detail — from the placement of a chair to the tone of a wall — is chosen with intention. At Hudson Smith Real Estate Group, we’ve seen time and time again how the right staging transforms a space. A well-staged home doesn’t just look beautiful; it photographs beautifully, feels inviting, and draws in buyers who are ready to act. The Impact on Buyer Perception Staging helps buyers picture themselves in the home — not your home, but their potential one. Neutral palettes, uncluttered surfaces, and strategic furniture placement make rooms feel larger, brighter, and more functional. According to industry studies, over 80% of buyers say that professionally staged homes make it easier to visualize the property as their future home. That emotional pull is what often leads to quicker offers and stronger sale prices. The Financial Payoff It’s natural to wonder if staging is worth the investment. The numbers say yes: Staged homes typically sell up to 73% faster than unstaged ones. They can sell for 6–10% more on average, easily covering the cost of staging. Even partial staging — such as main living areas and primary bedrooms — can dramatically improve online engagement and showings .Think of it like preparing your home for its debut performance: the better the presentation, the bigger the audience response. Online Appeal in a Digital World Most buyers start their search online, meaning your listing photos are the first showing. A staged home captures attention instantly — bright, balanced, and visually appealing. Combined with professional photography and video, staging ensures your home makes a lasting first impression — one that stops buyers mid-scroll and makes them want to see more. Our Approach at HSG We work closely with trusted stagers and stylists who understand how to enhance a home’s personality while keeping it universally appealing. Whether it’s a minimalist downtown condo or a sprawling family home, our goal is to highlight what makes each property shine. Of course, we’ll have our stager come to your home and make sure it’s picture-perfect — a complimentary service included when you list with our team. Every listing tells a story — staging helps make sure it’s the story buyers want to hear.
Guelph has long been known as one of Ontario’s most welcoming and community-driven cities, and it’s no surprise that families continue to choose it as home. With excellent schools, plenty of green space, safe streets, and a strong sense of community, Guelph offers a wide variety of neighbourhoods suited to families at every stage of life. If you’re thinking of making a move in 2025, here are some of the best family-friendly neighbourhoods in Guelph to explore. 1. Westminster Woods & Clairfields South Guelph’s Westminster Woods and Clairfields areas are consistently top picks for families. With extensive trails, nearby parks, and highly regarded schools like Westminster Woods Public School, it’s a safe, vibrant community where kids can walk or bike to friends’ houses. Plus, you’re close to shopping at Clairfields Commons and have quick access to Highway 401 for commuters. 2. Kortright Hills Nestled in Guelph’s south end, Kortright Hills is loved for its quiet, winding streets, mature trees, and larger lot sizes that give families room to spread out. The neighbourhood backs onto plenty of green space and trails, making it easy to enjoy nature right outside your door. With Kortright Hills Public School at its heart, it’s a true family-oriented community where kids can walk to school and neighbours know each other by name. 3. Exhibition Park For those who love character homes and community charm, Exhibition Park is a gem. Centered around its namesake park — complete with tennis courts, splash pad, playgrounds, and green space — this neighbourhood combines history with walkable access to downtown. Families love the sense of community and the chance to be steps away from Guelph’s best festivals, markets, and schools. 4. Kortright East & Kortright West South of the city’s core, Kortright East and West are two of Guelph’s most popular family neighbourhoods. Kortright East is known for its larger executive homes on mature lots, while Kortright West offers a wider mix of housing styles, from established properties to newer builds. Both neighbourhoods give families easy access to schools, shopping at Stone Road Mall, the University of Guelph, and plenty of trails and green space. 5. East End One of Guelph’s fastest-growing areas, the East End is an excellent option for families seeking more affordable housing without sacrificing amenities. With schools, parks, and community centers built into the neighbourhood design, it’s a hub for young families. Ongoing development also means new amenities are constantly being added, making it a great place to plant roots for the future. Why Families Love Guelph No matter where you choose, Guelph offers families: Top-rated Public and Catholic schools An active sports and recreation culture Abundant parks, trails, and green spaces Safe neighbourhoods with strong community pride Quick connections to the 401, Kitchener-Waterloo, and the GTA Thinking About a Move in 2025? At the Hudson Smith Group, we know that the right neighbourhood is just as important as the right home. Whether you’re looking for quiet streets, walkability, or the best schools, our team can help you find a community that fits your family’s lifestyle. 📩 Reach out today to start your search in Guelph’s most family-friendly neighbourhoods.
