The Home Front - April 2026

April’s leading off with a bit of everything, including what felt like a third winter to start the month, but we’re finally turning the corner and leaning into warmer days ahead.

We kicked things off celebrating a big milestone at the end of March: Blake turned 40 this year! I planned a full surprise birthday party with a millennial era frat theme, and it honestly could not have come together better. Huge thank you to his parents for graciously opening up their home for the night. Everyone showed up in their best Y2K vintage looks, and we went all in on the details with CDs, band posters, and the best custom sugar cookies by Sweet Home Bakers. It was one of those nights that felt effortless, nostalgic, and just really fun.

To keep the celebrations going, I also took Blake to a pottery throwing experience at Play with Clay. We’ll see how our bowls turn out, but I can confidently say it is way harder than it looks. Centering the clay on the wheel is no joke, and definitely the most challenging part. A new appreciation for anyone who makes it look easy.

Easter weekend was all about family. We kept up the tradition with fish and chips at Blake’s parents, enjoyed an Easter egg hunt on what ended up being one of the warmest and nicest Fridays we’ve had in a while, and wrapped it all up with a relaxed Sunday brunch with my mom and Blake’s parents. Simple, full, and exactly what you want a long weekend to feel like.

Now we’re looking ahead. The yard is calling for a full cleanup after the winter, and Blake is gearing up to start building a shed in the backyard as soon as the weather decides to stay warm for good. It feels like the start of a really productive and fresh season, and I’m ready for it.

Feature Listing

255 NORMANDY AVE. WATERLOO | MLS# X12845890

| Colonial Acres Multigenerational Home with Legal Accessory Suite & Heated Saltwater Pool
3 +1 BED | 3 + 1 BATH

Located in Waterloo's highly sought-after Colonial Acres neighbourhood, this beautifully designed multigenerational home with legal accessory suite offers exceptional flexibility for extended family living or rental income.

Built in 2013 and offering nearly 3,000 sq ft above grade, the main home features an open-concept kitchen with breakfast bar, coffee station and pantry, a dining area with soaring ceilings, spacious living room with gas fireplace, family room or flex space, separate office, and convenient main floor laundry. Upstairs you'll find three spacious bedrooms including a primary retreat with walk-in closet and spa-like 5-piece ensuite.The fully finished legal accessory apartment offers its own kitchen, dining area, living room, bedroom, ensuite laundry, and separate entrance with walk-up; ideal for multigenerational living or income potential! Step outside to a private, landscaped backyard oasis featuring a heated in-ground saltwater pool, patio, gas bbq hookup, gazebo, and plenty of space to entertain.

Energy-conscious buyers will appreciate the 24 panel solar system generating approximately 8600kWh annually, significantly offsetting the home's energy consumption, two separate heat pumps (one per unit), and fire and sound separation insulation between units. Situated on a generous 66 x 171 ft lot with double garage, and parking for six vehicles, this is a rare opportunity to own a versatile family home in one of Waterloo's most established and desirable communities.

Market Updates

The Guelph market remained in buyer leaning territory through March, with sales down over 20% year over year and inventory continuing to build as new and expired listings rise. Prices have held relatively steady, with only minor movement, but with a sales to listings ratio around 35%, buyers currently have more negotiating power.

Looking at the bigger picture, a weakening Ontario economy and rising bond yields are impacting confidence and keeping some buyers on the sidelines. That said, a major shift has just been introduced, with both the federal and provincial governments temporarily removing the full 13% HST on qualifying new homes for a one year period, offering up to $130,000 in rebates depending on price point. This applies to homes under $1.5M at full value, with rebates phasing down to $24,000 up to $1.85M, and is available to all eligible buyers, not just first time purchasers.

With pent up demand building, especially among first time buyers, and new construction already slowing, this incentive is expected to create urgency and could accelerate activity heading into the second half of the year.

Please see the handy summary guide attached, explaining the new programming available:

ACCESS COMMUNITY MARKET REPORTS HERE:

Community Happenings

Guelph is buzzing this April as two of its most anticipated local traditions return to the downtown core. On Saturday, April 25, 2026, the I Heart Beer & Spirits Festival takes over the Sleeman Centre, offering a massive showcase of Ontario’s best craft brews, ciders, and spirits alongside classic arcade games and the fan-favorite "Beer Pong Arena."

Click the picture below to buy tickets:

Perfectly timed to create an epic weekend, the GAIN Music Festival also runs from April 24 to April 26, weaving through the city's iconic venues like Atmosphere Café, Brothers Brewing, and the Albion Hotel. While I Heart Beer provides the high-energy social hub, GAIN Music Fest supplies the heartbeat of the weekend, spotlighting diverse live performances and celebrating the rich, collaborative spirit of Guelph’s local arts scene. Whether you're there for the hops or the hooks, the combination makes for an unforgettable spring weekend in the Royal City.

Click the picture below to get your tickets:

My Culinary Chronicles

Culinary Chronicles is where I share simple, comforting recipes through a short monthly video These are dishes rooted in tradition and real life, easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for busy days.

There’s something about homemade pizza that just hits different 🍕✨ Crispy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside… and honestly way easier than you think.