Sunshine, Summer Adventures & July Home Tips
Hello July! Summer is officially in full swing, and Guelph is alive with that perfect, laid-back July energy. From the anticipation of the Hillside Festival out at Guelph Lake to afternoons spent cooling off with an ice cream along the Speed River, this is the time of year when we truly get to enjoy everything our community has to offer.
In the real estate market, things take on a slightly different rhythm in July. While the frantic spring rush has paced itself out, we see a lot of motivated buyers who want to secure a home and get settled before the new school year starts in September. If you've been thinking about listing, your yard and curb appeal are looking their absolute best right now so early pictures may be ideal for you!
Before you head out to the patio or fire up the BBQ, here is your quick checklist to keep your home running smoothly through the summer heat, plus a sneak peek at this month’s giveaway.
Your Timely July Home Hacks
The July heat and humidity can put some unique stresses on a house. Here are three quick things to check this month to protect your investment and save some cash:
The Basement "Sniff Test": July humidity loves to settle in cooler basements, which can quickly lead to that telltale musty smell. If you run a dehumidifier, now is the time to make sure the filter is clean and it’s running efficiently. Ideally, you want to keep your basement humidity below 50% to prevent mold from throwing a summer party of its own.
Smart Smart-Watering: With the city's seasonal watering restrictions often in place, timing is everything for your lawn and gardens. Water deeply and early in the morning (before 8:00 AM) rather than giving it a quick daily sprinkle. Early watering ensures the roots actually drink the water before the hot July sun evaporates it all away.
Inspect Your Foundation (While It's Dry): Summer is the ideal time to take a quick walk around the perimeter of your house. Look for any new cracks in the foundation or spots where the soil has settled and is sloping toward your home instead of away from it. Fixing grading issues now when the ground is dry is much easier than dealing with a leaky basement during a late-summer thunderstorm.
Prize Draw: Win a Grand River Parks Pass!
To help you maximize your summer adventures, this month we are giving away the ultimate local golden ticket: a Grand River Parks Pass!
What it gets you: This incredible membership provides day-use entry for up to six people in one vehicle to 10 beautiful conservation areas all season long.
Right in our backyard, you can use it to spend your weekends cooling off at Guelph Lake, exploring the breathtaking limestone cliffs and caves at Rockwood, or taking in the spectacular views at Elora Gorge. Whether you love hiking, paddling, or just finding the perfect shaded picnic spot, this pass is your passport to the best outdoor experiences our region has to offer. Details on how to enter are inside!
Wishing you a fantastic, sun-soaked July filled with good food, great company, and plenty of time to relax. Here’s to making the most of these long summer days!
Market Update: What We’re Seeing Right Now
I've included a short video walking through the June 2026 market statistics and what they mean for buyers and sellers.
Overall, the market remains slower than we've seen over the past five and ten years. Sales activity declined in June and homes are taking longer to sell, even though new listings remain above historical averages. Average sale prices have stayed relatively stable month-over-month, but the detached market continues to be the strongest segment. Semi-detached homes have softened slightly, while the condo market experienced the largest decline in both prices and sales volume.
If you have any questions about how these trends may affect your home's value or your buying plans, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always happy to help.
What’s Happening Around Town
Summer is in full swing, and our community is buzzing with activity! From live music and outdoor festivals to farmers' markets, family-friendly events, and local experiences, there's no shortage of ways to make the most of the season. Whether you're looking to explore somewhere new, support local businesses, or simply enjoy time with family and friends, here are some of the exciting events happening in and around Guelph from July 17 to August 13:
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📍 Guelph Lake Conservation Area, Guelph
One of Ontario's most popular summer music festivals featuring live music, local food vendors, artisans, workshops, and family-friendly activities. Hillside Festival
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📍 Downtown Guelph
Browse over 100 local vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, handmade gifts, and more. A great Saturday morning outing. Guelph Farmers’ Market
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📍 Various Guelph Parks
A free family event hosted by the City of Guelph with games, activities, emergency vehicles, and community fun in neighbourhood parks.
Hot Summer Nights -
📍 Guelph Civic Museum
Enjoy an evening of New Orleans-style jazz on the museum patio with food, drinks, and a relaxed summer atmosphere.
Fourth Friday -
📍 McCrae House, Guelph
Spend an afternoon enjoying tea, fresh scones, and treats in the beautiful historic gardens of McCrae House. Advance registration is recommended.
Tea in the Garden -
📍 Bissell Park, Elora
A charming outdoor market featuring local farmers, food vendors, flowers, crafts, and live music just minutes from Guelph. The Elora Farmers' Market
Elora Farmers’ Market -
📍 Victoria Park, Kitchener
Experience food, music, dance, and cultural performances representing communities from around the world. Admission is free.
Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Festival -
📍 Victoria Park, Kitchener
Enjoy award-winning BBQ, local craft breweries, live entertainment, and family activities during one of the region's favourite summer festivals.
Downtown Kitchener Ribfest & Craft Beer Show
Don’t Miss This Giveaway
Win a Grand River Parks Pass!
Summer is the perfect time to get outside and explore everything our beautiful region has to offer! This month, we're giving away a Grand River Parks Pass, giving you access to some of the area's most scenic conservation areas. Whether you're planning a day at the beach, a family picnic, a peaceful hike, or a relaxing paddle on the water, this pass is your ticket to making the most of the season.
Entering is simple! Just enter the contest by clicking the button below and sign up for your chance to win. Know someone who would love this prize? Share the excitement and have them subscribe to our newsletter at https://jessandscott.com/newsletter.
Homes in the Spotlight
Dreaming about your next home? Browse our featured listings and see if the one you’ve been waiting for is here.