Why Is the Real Estate Market So Busy?

Why is the real estate marketing so busy?

Think about it, if I locked you in a room with the same food for a month, what is the first thing you would do when you got out?
Eat the same thing? Of course not; you would want something totally different – or at least hot sauce? As I struggle through a bad metaphor, I think you get it. Through COVID-19, people were forced to isolate themselves as much as they could where they lived, and aside from anyone affected economically, people decided to make some changes!

I made a Facebook post awhile ago when I was isolating my own family, mentioning that if you hadn’t booked a pool company yet, you’d better, because people who had this goal and procrastinated would be doing it.

Guess what, I was bang on.
I have no crystal ball, but as any family would through COVID, we identified everything we would like to change about our home. We even crunched numbers on buying something else even though we love where we are. Maybe a farm to spread out more, or renovate a farmhouse with a cool addition, build new on a piece of land… give ourselves more room outside.

I have always loved the investment side of real estate and wrote more than enough articles about the value of your principal investment and the great tax advantage that comes by making money through it.

But this time of self-isolation was compounded. We were home everyday, all day. Don’t get me wrong, we also appreciated the things we had during our “lockdown”. We have great neighbours who we talked to from a distance (and spent a good deal of time getting the kids to buy into the distancing thing). We appreciated that we had a pool, and have used it more than ever before.


There is a shift going on, and as life gets to this new normal, real estate is a big part of it

Renters are becoming owners, condo owners may be looking for something with a backyard, and some people with backyards are putting pools in them or moving to houses with pools or with enough space to put a pool in. People without elbow room want more. I see it the other way, too.


As much as I thought I had it all right with people wanting to change aspects of their homes through this, I thought cottages and vacation properties would be tougher sells. I couldn’t have been more wrong!

Traveling abroad may not even be on a person’s radar right now, but driving to one of Ontario’s amazing beaches, campgrounds or even to Northern Ontario might now top the list. I am a sucker for the rock, tree, and water combo myself. Some people are starting to save for, or beginning to buy places they can drive to, and enjoying all the toys that go with it! 


My family and I were fortunate enough to purchas our own little cozy cottage paradise last year, and it sure has been a nice option and change of scenery for us, especially with the lack of kid’s activities going on right now. Driving up there recently, my wife Amy, caught me in a RARE moment of an impulse buy… sure, we’ve talked and dreamed of it before, but this stretch of gorgeous weather had us talking Jetski’s, and we pulled into the first marina we saw to tease ourselves a little. SOLD OUT! Everything was sold. They still had a few tubes left to pull behind the machines, but the machines to pull them were gone. And all the kijiji ads for used Jetski’s I had looked at in weeks prior had turned into wanted ads.

This type of denial and unavailability of items wasn’t new to us either, since during the early parts of COVID we saw all the things we wanted to entertain ourselves at home sell out first.

Workout equipment, dollar blades for kids, even kids golf memberships sold out as local courses opened up. And let’s not all forget the toilet paper shortage in March!


What am I rambling about?! Well, I guess I’m getting to this. I think Canada, Ontario, and Guelph (as I know it best), are doing great. I’m sensitive to anyone experiencing difficulty through this chapter, and wish everyone well, but I’m also proud how we Canadians have adapted, lived for the moments we’ve had, and as the gorgeous weather has arrived people are going for it. Whether it’s finally getting into home ownership or buying that cottage they’ve always dreamed of. Families are spending more time together and that is a great thing. Boy, I miss my kids sports, but being able to fish with them more has been a blessing.


Although things are different right now, it could also be great for our fine province too.

Sure, people will travel again, but I can guarantee more people are camping, cottaging, golfing, fishing and hosting bbq’s by their new pool in their bubble of 10 a lot more. 


I hope everyone is doing something they love this summer, and if you are going after your real estate goals, feel good about it. It’s never been more important. And if you do come across a used Jetski, how about a heads up?


Stay safe everyone, and never hesitate to reach out for a chat.

 


-Hudson Smith

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist You’ll Thank Yourself For in Winter

August 29, 2025
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.

10 Ways to Squeeze the Most Out of the Last Days of Summer

August 18, 2025
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.

Your Guide to Buying a Home with an Income Suite

August 5, 2025
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.
See More Posts