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For many first-time buyers, winter feels like a challenging season to shop for a home. Snow, cold weather, and shorter days can make the process seem overwhelming. The truth is that winter can be a great time to buy, depending on your goals and what kind of experience you want.

In our latest video, I share a simple yes-or-no guide to help you decide whether winter is the right moment to begin your search. Here are a few highlights from the video:

When Winter Works in Your Favour

  • Less competition means you may have more breathing room during negotiations.
  • Cold weather reveals how well a home performs. Drafts, insulation issues, and heating quality are easier to notice.
  • Some sellers are motivated heading into the new year, which can create opportunities for buyers.

When Waiting for Spring Might Make Sense

  • Winter inventory is often lighter, which can limit your ability to compare different neighbourhoods and home styles.
  • Snow can hide important exterior features like roofs, decks, grading, and yard layouts.
  • Neighbourhoods feel very different in spring and summer. Some buyers prefer to experience the area without snow or ice.

Every buyerโ€™s situation is unique, and winter buying can work very well when you know what to look for. If you are considering a move this season, Melanie and I would be happy to walk you through your options and help you feel confident and prepared.

Watch the full video above, and reach out any time if you would like support with your first home purchase in Waterloo Region.

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๐Ÿ“Š Waterloo Region Real Estate Update โ€“ November 2025

November brought another month of cooling in the Waterloo Region real estate market, creating more space for buyers who have been waiting for better conditions. Hereโ€™s a quick look at what shifted last month:

  • ๐Ÿ  465 homes sold โ€” down 14.8% from last year
  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Inventory up 15.6% and 3.4 months of supply
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Average price: $713,751 (down 5.4% YOY)
  • โฑ๏ธ Average days on market: 39

More inventory and longer selling times are giving buyers time to breathe, compare options, and negotiate with confidence. Detached, condo, townhouse, and semi prices all adjusted in different ways, but the overall trend shows a market that is still finding its balance.

If youโ€™re considering a move, Melanie and I are always here to walk through the numbers with you and help you understand what this market means for your next step.

Waterloo Region
Melanie & Warren McNeil, REALTORSยฎ
Peak Realty Ltd., Brokerage
hello@teammcneil.com
519-590-3767 ~ 519-498-8118

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Winterizing your house

When the temperature starts to dip, itโ€™s a good reminder to get your home ready for the colder months ahead. A few simple steps can make a big difference in how your home performs through the winter, especially here in Waterloo Region where the weather can shift quickly.

Checking for drafts around windows and doors is a great place to start. If you feel cold air slipping through, adding fresh weather stripping or a small bead of caulking can help keep the warm air in and the cold air out.

Itโ€™s also a good time to swap out your furnace filter. Clean filters help your system run more efficiently, and a quick service appointment helps make sure youโ€™re not dealing with surprises on the first really cold day.

Outside the home, disconnect and store your hoses. Make sure your exterior water lines are shut off so they donโ€™t freeze. Clearing your gutters is another simple step that helps melting snow drain properly as winter sets in.

And if you have a pressure washer or other equipment that shouldnโ€™t sit in a shed or cold detached garage, move it into a warmer storage spot to avoid damage.

Taking care of these small tasks helps protect your home and keeps things running smoothly all season long.

If a winter move is on your mind, reach out anytime. Iโ€™m Warren McNeil with Peak Realty Ltd., and together with Melanie, we help buyers and sellers navigate each step with ease across Waterloo Region.

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