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.”
As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, fall is more than pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters—it’s also the ideal time to prep your home for the colder months ahead. A little effort now can save you money, stress, and even unexpected repair bills once winter rolls in. Here’s your go-to fall checklist to make sure your home is ready for whatever the season brings. 1. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts Falling leaves and debris can quickly clog gutters, leading to ice dams and water damage once temperatures drop. Clear them out, run some water through the downspouts, and make sure everything drains away from your foundation. 2. Check Your Roof Before the snow piles up, take a look (from the ground or with binoculars) for missing shingles, loose flashing, or signs of wear. Catching small issues now can prevent costly leaks later. 3. Seal Windows and Doors Drafts are sneaky energy thieves. Walk through your home with your hand near the frames of windows and doors—if you feel cold air, it’s time for caulking, weatherstripping, or even replacing old seals. 4. Service Your Furnace (and Change the Filter!) Book a fall furnace tune-up to keep it running efficiently all winter long. While you’re at it, swap out the air filter to keep your system (and indoor air) clean. 5. Winterize Outdoor Water Lines Drain and shut off outdoor taps, hoses, and sprinkler systems to avoid frozen pipes. If you’ve got a pool, now’s the time for proper closing too. 6. Inspect Your Fireplace & Chimney If you’re lucky enough to enjoy a cozy fire, have your chimney inspected and cleaned. It prevents fire hazards and keeps your home smelling like cedarwood instead of smoke. 7. Protect Outdoor Furniture & BBQs Cover or store patio sets and BBQs to extend their lifespan. Bonus: less snow shoveling around clutter in the yard. 8. Stock Up on Winter Essentials Don’t wait until the first storm to find out your snow shovel is broken or your ice melt is sold out. A little prep now goes a long way. 📝 Final Tip Think of fall maintenance as your home’s annual check-up. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the best way to ensure your home stays warm, safe, and efficient all winter long—leaving you more time to enjoy the cozy parts of the season.
As the warm days get shorter and the nights start to cool, it’s easy to feel like summer is slipping away. But there’s still time to make the most of the season before we trade patio drinks for pumpkin spice. Here are 10 fun and simple ways to soak up every last bit of sunshine and summer spirit. 1. Catch a Sunset Picnic Grab a blanket, pack some snacks, and head to your favourite local park or lookout spot. End-of-summer sunsets tend to be some of the most vibrant. 2. Visit a Farmer’s Market Many markets are overflowing with fresh produce right now—think peaches, tomatoes, and sweet corn. Stock up while you can and enjoy the flavours of summer at home. 3. Host a Backyard BBQ (One More Time) Fire up the grill and invite a few friends over. Keep it casual with burgers and cold drinks, or try something new like grilled veggies and skewers. 4. Go for an Evening Walk or Bike Ride The cooler evenings are perfect for enjoying your neighbourhood trails or bike paths. It’s also a great way to reset after a busy day. 5. Plan a Day Trip Explore a nearby town, beach, or hiking spot you’ve been meaning to check out. Sometimes the best adventures are just a short drive away. 6. Have a Patio Night Out Support local restaurants by hitting a patio before the season ends. Bonus points if you find live music. 7. Try an Outdoor Workout Take your yoga mat to the park, join an outdoor fitness class, or simply do a bodyweight routine on your deck. Moving outdoors makes it feel less like a chore. 8. Catch an Outdoor Movie or Concert Many communities host late-summer outdoor events. Bring lawn chairs, snacks, and enjoy entertainment under the stars. (or hit up the mustang drive-in!!) 9. Make a Summer Memory Book Scroll through the photos you’ve snapped this season and print your favourites. A little DIY photo album is a great way to capture the highlights. 10. Slow Down and Soak It In Sometimes the best way to end summer is to simply be present. Grab your favourite iced drink, find a sunny spot, and enjoy doing absolutely nothing for a while. Summer may be winding down, but there are still plenty of opportunities to create lasting memories. Whether it’s a simple evening walk or a weekend road trip, these little moments are what make the season so special. So before fall rolls in—get outside, gather your people, and enjoy every last drop of sunshine.
Buying a home with an income suite is one of the smartest ways to break into real estate—or level up your investment game. Whether you're a first-time buyer looking to offset your mortgage, or a seasoned investor seeking steady cash flow, these types of properties offer real potential. But like any real estate move, it’s important to go in informed. Here's what you need to know before buying a home with an income suite in Guelph or the surrounding area. What Is an Income Suite, Exactly? An income suite (also called a secondary suite or in-law suite) is a self-contained unit within a home that can legally be rented out. Think basement apartments with their own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and living space. Why Buy One? Offset your mortgage: Rental income can significantly reduce your monthly costs. Build equity faster: That extra income can help you pay down your loan sooner. Future flexibility: Use it later for multigenerational living, downsizing, or guest space. Attract future buyers: Many homebuyers see income potential as a major bonus. What to Look for in a Property When searching for a home with a suite (or one that can be converted) look for: Separate entrance Proper ceiling height and windows (especially in basements) Second kitchen and full bathroom Dedicated parking Soundproofing and privacy Zoning compliance Already legal is ideal—but don’t worry, we can help you assess the potential for legalization if needed. Legal Considerations Not every secondary unit is legal, and the rules vary by municipality. It’s essential to verify permits, inspections, and approvals before you buy—or plan to renovate accordingly. How to Analyze the Numbers Not sure if the numbers make sense? Here’s what to factor in: Current market rents (we can provide comparables!) Cost of potential renovations or upgrades Additional utility costs or separate meters Landlord insurance Property taxes and maintenance How We Can Help At the Hudson Smith Group, we’ve helped dozens of clients successfully buy and sell properties with income suites. From analyzing the investment potential to connecting you with local contractors and city resources, we’re here every step of the way. Ready to Start Your Search? Buying a home with an income suite isn't just about real estate—it's about setting yourself up for financial flexibility, stability, and long-term growth. If you’re curious about what’s on the market or want to learn more, reach out to us anytime. Let’s find you a home that works for you.
