Brand New
• 1,340 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm single story - 
MLS® $259,990 - Inventory Blowoout!
Marl Lake, Wasaga Beach - BRAND NEW 2 BR 1340 SQFT `LYNWOOD` MODEL IN MARL LAKE VILLAGE. 50` LOT. READY TO MOVE INTO WITH OVER $20,000 IN UPGRADES - HARDWOOD, OAK STAIRCASE & RAILINGS, MAPLE CABINETS IN UPGRADED GORMET KITCHEN. GAS FIREPLACE W/ MARBLE SURROUND, ROUGH IN FOR BATH IN BASEMENT. OPEN CONCEPT KITCHEN & LIVING AREAS, BREAKFAST NOOK & SEPARATE DINING AREA. LARGE MASTER W/ ENSUITE & WALK-IN CLOSET. QUIET AREA CLOSE TO EXTENSIVE TRAIL SYSTEM, YET A QUICK DRIVE TO SHOPPING & ENTERTAINMENT. THESE ARE THE FINAL HOMES IN THIS PHASE, DON`T MISS OUT!
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The fourth quarter of 2009 (Q4 2009) exhibited strong sales activity throughout most segments of the region, with Q4 2009 sales revenue more than double that of Q3 2008 sales totaling $127,503,080.
Historically low mortgage rates, strong consumer confidence and a good selection of properties available during the fourth quarter resulted in many buyers realizing it was the time to buy, assisted by their local REALTOR®.
As reflected in the chart above, the number of new MLS® listings in the fourth quarter for the Georgian Triangle Real Estate Board (which includes the municipalities of Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Clearview, Blue Mountains, Grey Highlands and Meaford) totaled 1,091 units, down from 1,232 units (or 11%) Q4 2009 versus Q4 2008. Unit sales activity in the fourth quarter rose sharply from the 4th quarter of last year with 469 properties changing hands this year versus 258 in the fourth quarter of 2008, an increase of 82%. During the fourth quarter, sales increased in virtually every price range. Property sales under $250,000 increased 56% over Q4 2008. Fourth quarter sales in 2009 between $250,000-500,000 increased 132%; sales from $500,000-$1 million increased 119% while sales over $1 million totaled 3 properties versus none in the fourth quarter of 2008.
Year-to-date 2009 sales revenue of $484,646,974 represents a 10% increase over 2008 and was merely 15% below 2007’s record sales of $571,338,700. 2009 YTD unit sales totaled 1,857 properties up 8% from the 1,720 properties sold in 2008. The total number of new listings in 2009 totaled 5,875, down 2% from the 6,000 new listings that came to market in 2008. Conversely, the number of expired listings in 2009 increased by 6% to 3,112 units, reflecting the strong competition amongst sellers that exists in the marketplace combined with buyer’s unwillingness to overpay. While market conditions are expected to continue to improve in 2010, those sellers contemplating listing their property in the months ahead are encouraged to consult a local REALTOR® to obtain a qualified evaluation of their home. Doing so will ensure your property is in the market, not just on the market.
For more in depth analysis of a specific municipality, contact me, your Local REALTOR® of the Georgian Triangle Real Estate Board.
Information provided by the Georgian Triangle Real Estate Board, copyright 2009. E&OE.
November 3 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Royal Canadian Legion, CollingwoodNovember 4 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Wasaga Stars Arena
November 5 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Wasaga Beach RecPlex
November 7 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Collingwood Collegiate Institute
November 10 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Royal Canadian Legion, Collingwood
November 12 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Wasaga Beach RecPlex
November 14 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Collingwood Collegiate Institute -
November 17 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Wasaga Beach RecPlex
November 18, 19 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Wasaga Stars Arena
November 21 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Collingwood Collegiate Institute
November 24, 25 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Royal Canadian
November 26 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Wasaga Beach RecPlex
November 28 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Collingwood Collegiate Institute
The entire third quarter of 2009 (Q3 2009) exhibited continued strong showing and sales activity throughout most of the region, making up for the market’s lack luster performance in the first quarter of the year. As a result, Q3 2009 sales were 122% of Q3 2008 sales, versus what we saw in Q1 2009, which was 62% of Q1 2008 sales and Q2 2009 which was 99% of Q2 2008 sales. As indicated in the monthly sales volume graph, July 2009 was a record-breaking month, showing for the fourth consecutive month an increase in both sales volume and units over 2008.
Historically low mortgage interest rates continued throughout Q3 2009, with the Bank of Canada maintaining its overnight rate at 0.25% and the bank rate unchanged at 0.5%. The next Bank of Canada rate announcement will be October 20th but the Bank of Canada has committed to hold current rates until Q2 2010. Continued low interest rates combined with resurgent consumer confidence, a good selection of properties available from which to choose and stable pricing have many buyers realizing now is the time to buy, with the help of their local REALTOR®.
The number of new real estate listings for the Georgian Triangle Real Estate Board (which includes the municipalities of Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Clearview, Blue Mountains, Grey Highlands and Meaford) are on par for Q3 2009 at 1537 listings, compared with 1542 listings for the same period in 2008.
June’s upward trend continued into Q3 which saw sales totaling 624 properties change hands, a 22% increase of Q3 in 2008. Q3 sales revenue rose sharply with sales up 28% over the same period last year totaling $167,356,079, driven by increased activity of higher end property sales. As previously forecast at the end of Q2, the combination of the 22% increase in Q3 sales, and Q3 listing activity rivalin g listing activity for the same period last year, has lead us to a more balanced market at quarter end .
YTD sales of $357,793,894 now closely resemble YTD of the first 9 month sales of 2008. We fully anticipate the YTD revenue shortfall of 5.3% will be made up with continued strong sales in Q4 wherein full year results in 2009 should exceed 2008.
For more in depth analysis of a specific municipality, contact me!
Information provided by the Georgian Triangle Real Estate Board, copyright 2009. E&OE.
Fall is a feast for the eyes with red, gold and bronze hues. While enjoying the trees in their tawny splendour, consider these simple tips to prepare your garden for the upcoming winter. 
Grass
Although a carpet of leaves is part of autumn's glory, don't let them sit too long. Rake them frequently as grass needs oxygen and sunlight for proper growth. This is also the time to seed your grass for a thick lush lawn in the spring, and to keep pesky weeds out.
Leaves
Put leaves to work! Small leaves from birch, beech and silver maple trees (or shredded larger leaves) spread under shrubs and over soil will degrade into mineral nutrients and worms will turn them into fertilizer.
Pruning/Re-arranging Plants
Pruning in the fall is important. With leaves cleared you have a better view of your plants. Cut off dead and diseased branches. Remove diseased leaves from under roses (blackspot) and dispose of in the garbage (not your compost heap) or they'll re-infect plants the following spring. If you decide to re-arrange plants or shrubs, move them while the earth is still warm so that the roots can take hold. Protect delicate shrubs with burlap.
Bulbs
If you want to see crocus, tulips and daffodils peeping through the soil in spring, now is the time to start planting. Buy the very best quality bulbs and you will be rewarded with showy blooms in the spring. Check with a local horticulturalist for native bulb options and ideal planting conditions.
Container Gardening
Fill your balcony or patio containers with fall flowers. Picture a pot filled with Vanilla Butterfly (marguerite daisy), with a background of Orange Sedge - this olive green grass turns orange in cool weather, finally fading to bronze. Want an instant conversation piece? Plant ornamental Kale (winter cabbage) in your container: its quirky look is an attention-getter.
Every season has its beauty, but a Wasaga Beach fall is spectacular - enjoy!
Yes, Wasaga Beach is best known for its beach, but did you know that people started visiting in the early 1900's? The Wasaga Beach Archives was established in 1997 and along with Archivist Mary Watson and a dedicated group of volunteers, has been collecting and cataloguing images and stories about our town's history. The Archives have an extensive collection of pictures, postcards, memorabilia and artifacts which have been donated by residents and past visitors to Wasaga Beach. You can visit the Archives located in the Wasaga Beach Library on Tuesdays, Fridays & Saturdays from 11:00am to 1:00pm.
To help support the Archives, which is completely volunteer based, Archivist Mary Watson has produced a 16 month calendar beginning at the start of the school year, September 2009 full of great photos of times past. Mary says it was difficult to limit the choice of images to the few selected for this edition of the calendar. Every picture has a great story behind it and I think she did a great job! Hopefully this calendar will be an annual edition. Calendars are $10 each, drop by my office, Royal LePage In Touch Realty at the corner of 45th & Mosley streets to pick yours up and support this great effort.
My favourite picture is from January 2010 and depicts an Ice truck on Marl Lake loading up blocks of ice in the 
30's. Like the Milk Man, the Ice Man was a fixture as many cottages only had the old fashioned ice boxes and relied on the arrival of the ice man to keep their food cool. Ice boxes were cabinets usually made of wood with a tin or metal lined compartment at the top for the ice block that provided refridgeration. The drip pan had to be emptied regularly or your floors would be full of puddles. There was certainly no leaning on the open door, letting all of the cold air escape while contemplating what you were going to eat! My father delivered ice for one of the companies operating in the area as a teenager and likes to tell stories of heaving large blocks of ice onto his shoulder with big iron tongs and hauling them into people's iceboxes. Some of my childhood memories involve going on the road with him delivering ice in the 70's, only now the ice was cubed and in bags and went into freezers to keep frozen, not to provide cooling. He still has a set of tongs and an old refinished icebox in his home.
For more great stories and pictures, take the time to visit the Archives and let one of the knowledgable volunteers walk you through Wasaga Beach's distant and not so distant past!
Note that this information is outdated.
On July 24, 25 and 26 come to Nancy Island and relive an exciting historical reenactment; The War of 1812.
The story of the Nancy, a Schooner which sailed the Upper Great Lakes as a private cargo vessel is important to Wasaga Beach. During the war of 1812, the Nancy was pressed into service as a British supply ship. While performing this duty in August 1814, the schooner was sailed up the Nottawasaga River to hide from three American ships patrolling the area. The American ships, the Niagara, Tigress and Scorpion had a large force of men and firepower that proved to be too much for the vulnerable Nancy and her crew. The American ships were anchored in the Bay and proceeded to pound the Nancy across the strip of land, which separated the river from the bay. The Captain of the Nancy, Lieutenant Worsley, decided that the situation was hopeless and decided to scuttle the ship rather than let her and her valuable supplies fall into enemy hands. Before Lt. Worsley and his men could blow up the Nancy, there was a direct hit and she caught on fire and sank.
Worsley and his crew escaped into the woods and at night managed to slip around the guarding ships moored in the bay and rowed over 350 miles to warn the British at Fort Michilimackinac. Those guarding ships, the Tigress & the Scorpion were later captured by the British and renamed.
The sunken hull of the Nancy formed an obstruction in the river and eventually an island was established by the accumulation of silt. The remains of the hull now rest in a museum on the island to mark the site of the Nancys final resting place. For more information on the Park, please go to http://www.wasagabeachpark.com/.
The Grand Encampment at Nancy Island Historic Site features over 400 re-enactors opening their living history encampments to the public along with 19th century merchants, musket and cannon demonstrations, period artisans & demonstrators, roaming entertainers, live musical entertainment all day and much more. Come out and view the activiities and battles all weekend. For a full list of activities and events, please go to www.wasagaundersiege1812.com | | |
Recreational properties still considered a safe long-term investment and provide the ultimate Canadian family ‘staycation’ poll shows
TORONTO, June 18, 2009 – Despite the economic downturn, many Canadians are still dreaming of owning a recreational property, both as a long-term investment and to enjoy with family and friends. Canadians are willing to make sacrifices to own a cottage, and more want to use their cottage, cabin or chalet year-round as a recreational property and, for some, as their primary residence, according to the 2009 Royal LePage Recreational Property Report released today .
The 2009 Royal LePage Recreational Property Report comprises a nationwide survey of Canadian attitudes towards recreational property* ownership, coupled with a market analysis of recreational property prices, trends and activity in selected leisure markets across the country.
“The survey showed the dream of owning a get-away property on the water to escape the pressures of city life and to relax with family and friends, is still alive and well across the country,” said Phil Soper, President and Chief Executive of Royal LePage Real Estate Services. “Beyond the obvious lifestyle benefits however, our research demonstrates Canadians see recreational property as a smart and safe long term investment.”
The survey found that 64 per cent of Canadians view cottage ownership as a sound investment. To pursue their dream of buying a recreational property, 55 per cent of Canadians would be willing to make compromises with regards to their financial or lifestyle choices, such as purchasing a property with family and friends, renting out their cottage, making a cottage their primary residence, buying a fixer-upper, or moving into a smaller principal home in the city.
Added Soper, "An interesting trend is emerging that we believe is a direct response to the increasing size and congestion of our cities, accelerated by the recession. More and more Canadians have a desire to escape the urban jungle and use their recreational properties year-round. To save money, a majority told us that if they owned a cottage, they would be happy to call it their new vacation destination. It appears that many view owning a recreational property as the ultimate, no-hassle ‘staycation’ and one that presents an opportunity to invest while they enjoy.”
“While Canadians build their own personal equity through cottage ownership, they also contribute to the economy of the small leisure communities they vacation in by shopping at the local stores and through activities such as boating and golfing,” continued Soper.
Following a reduction in sales in the latter half of 2008 and over the winter, the recreational market is now showing signs of renewed interest and increased activity. Consumer concern about the recession and increasing inventories have eased demand and helped alleviate the chronic supply shortage that has characterized the recreational real estate market in recent years. Improved affordability is keeping many markets busy. So far this year the busiest areas have been those offering more modestly priced or entry-level properties, such as the Kawarthas in Ontario.
2009 Recreational Property Price Summary
Average Price Range by Province** |
Standard Waterfront, Land Access Cottage
1,000 sq feet, 3 bedrooms, 100 foot lot |
PROVINCE | AVERAGE PRICE RANGE 2009 |
Prince Edward Island | $100,000 - $500,000 |
Nova Scotia | $60,000 - $470,000 |
Newfoundland | $80,000 |
New Brunswick | $90,000 - $110,000 |
Quebec | $400,000 - $500,000 |
Ontario | $430,000 - $750,000 |
Manitoba | $250,000 - $360,000 |
Saskatchewan | $300,000 |
Alberta | $400,000 - $460,000 |
British Columbia | $530,000 - $880,000 |
NATIONAL AVERAGE | $370,000 - $600,000 |
Given their choice, 68 per cent of Canadians would purchase a recreational property on a lake, far and away the most popular choice. According to the 2009 survey, 89 per cent of Canadians think a cottage or cabin is a great place for family to gather, and 86 per cent think it is a great way to get out of the city for recreation and relaxation.
Canadians believe that the three most important features of a recreational property are peace and quiet (58 per cent), access to utilities*** (50 per cent) and four-season use (39 per cent). These factors are consistently rated among the top three across all regions. Other highly rated features include access to boating and fishing (23 per cent), proximity to amenities (18 per cent), ecologically friendly or “green” sites (17 per cent) and year-round activities (16 per cent). Rounding out the top 10 features Canadians desire were sunset vistas, docks, and deep water, at 16 per cent, 15 per cent and 9 per cent respectively.
Wasaga Meadows, Wasaga Beach - Announcing a price reduction on 117 Meadow Lane, a 1,200 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm single story. Now 
MLS® $199,900 - Just Reduced!. Enjoy Retirement Living at it's best!
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The entire second quarter of 2009 (Q2 2009) exhibited continued strong showing and sales activity 
throughout the region, making up for the market’s lack luster performance in the first two months of the year. As a result, Q2 2009 sales were 99% of Q2 2008 sales, versus what we saw in Q1 2009 which was 62% of Q1 2008 sales. As indicated in the monthly sales volume graph, June 2009 was a stellar month, showing for the first time an increase in both sales volume and units over 2008. Historically low mortgage interest rates continued throughout Q2 2009, despite a small increase in longer term mortgage rates. The next Bank of Canada rate announcement will be July 21st . Continued low interest rates, a good selection of properties available from which to choose and stable pricing have many buyers realizing now is the time to buy, with the help of their local REALTOR®.
The number of new real estate listings for the Georgian Triangle Real Estate Board (which includes the municipalities of Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Clearview, Blue Mountains, Grey Highlands and Meaford) are down significantly for Q2 2009 at 1590 listings, compared with 1773 listings for the same period in 2008. While it’s still a buyers market, this is good news for sellers in the Georgian Triangle as these figures indicate we may be moving towards a more balanced market with less housing inventory, reducing the competition.
Comparing quarterly sales, unit sales were 535 for Q2 2009 versus 540 for Q2 2008, with corresponding dollar volumes of $135,956,847 and $138,090,638 respectively. As we see in the chart, the quarterly figures were only slightly lower than the same period last year (which was a banner year). The exception was the $1+ million sales range, where Q2 2009 figures reflect sales of 6 homes versus only 2 in the same period last year.
As reported earlier, June 2009 sales pulled ahead of June 2008 with unit sales of 206 versus 177 and with corresponding dollar volumes of $50,660,918 and $43,715,345 respectively. New listings for June 2009 were 519 compared to 586 for June last year. As a result, the real estate market in the Georgian Triangle area is active and stable (with 4 months of consistency), is still a buyer’s market but is showing indications of moving towards a more balanced market, with interest rates still at historic lows.
For more in depth analysis of a specific municipality, contact your me and I will be glad to help!
Information provided by the Georgian Triangle Real Estate Board, copyright 2009. E&OE.
Wow, people sure love garage sales! It was the first garage sale our office participated in for Royal LePage's National Garage Sale for Shelter and it was definately worthwhile. Donations came streaming in over the past couple of weeks to both branches of our office. It was daunting to say the least at 7:00am on Saturday morning when we started to unload the trailers and unpack the boxes in the Rec Plex parking lot. Thanks to many of helping hands, things were organised quickly and thanks to high quality donations, many great "finds" were had!
After an official ribbon cutting to start things off, the Mayor loaded up his vehicle with some great deals, and then the "garage salers" took over! We had Clowns, Face Painting, Balloons, a Charity Barbeque, a Fire Truck for the kids to check out and much more. Thanks must be made to all of our incredible volunteers, McDonalds, M&M Meat Shops, the Wasaga Beach Fire Department, 97.7 The Beach and our Mayor Cal Patterson & council members.
Thanks to the efforts of many, $1010 was raised on Saturday. Proceeds will be split evenly between My Friend's House (our local women's shelter) and the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. It is wonderful to have a useful community fundraiser such as this be such a great success. Just one way we as REALTORS® give back to our community.
Start anywhere you like! Come to view one or view them all.
Featured Property is:
86 Wesley Ave, Wasaga Beach - Great 3 bedroom Family Home. Fantastic decor, shows like a model home. Basement is almost complete, just needs flooring. Come to view it on May 31 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
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May 26. 2009 Toronto: ROYAL LEPAGE FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER'S REPORT 2009. 
Canadians who are considering purchasing their first home are primarily motivated by lower home prices and very low interest rates, but some require confidence in the economy and their employment prospects before they will enter the market, according to a report released today by Royal LePage Real Estate Services. Eighty-six per cent of potential first-time buyers say low interest rates make them more likely to purchase a home; 81 per cent cite lower housing prices as a motivating factor; while 76 per cent cite job security and 64 per cent say a stable economy is an important factor in their decision to buy.
Potential buyers were asked to rank their top incentives for purchasing a first property. While home prices and interest rates took the number one and two rankings, respectively, the third most popular incentive was the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit. The recently introduced Home Renovation Tax Credit for 2009 was cited by 42 per cent of potential first-time buyers as either ‘very likely’ or ‘somewhat likely’ to impact their purchasing decision.
“When first time buyers stepped out of the market in the fourth quarter of 2008, at the height of the global recession, their absence was profoundly felt. Without significant volumes of entry-level homes trading hands, the entire market limped through the winter months. First time buyers are back in force this spring, and with them the beginnings of a market recovery. While these consumers appreciate government incentives such as tax credits, greater RSP deduction limits and rebates on home renovations, it is markedly improved affordability that is proving to be the powerful drawing card," said Phil Soper, president and chief executive of Royal LePage Real Estate Services. “Our survey demonstrates how important affordability factors such as interest rates and house prices are in stimulating demand."
Across the country, potential first-time homebuyers agreed that affordability was their top consideration, however the survey also revealed differences amongst buyers in various regions of Canada. In provinces such as British Columbia where high housing prices have kept some buyers out of the market in recent years, 92 per cent of potential first-time buyers are now motivated by low interest rates and 96 per cent say lower home prices are likely to prompt them to buy.
In Atlantic Canada, where local economies have been resilient in the face of a worldwide recession and housing markets remain stable, 43 per cent of first-time buyers say they that job security is a factor in their decision to buy, while 84 per cent of buyers in British Columbia and Alberta said job security will influence them.
Atlantic Canadians were less motivated than other Canadians by declining interest rates, with only 72 per cent saying it will likely prompt a buying decision, compared to 86 per cent of Canadians overall. Buyers in Ontario and Quebec rated the Home Renovation Tax Credit as a bigger factor in their buying decision, compared to the Canadian average.
Mr Soper continued, "The significant response differences from region to region show how closely the residential real estate market is tied to broader economic trends and consumer confidence. Buying your first home is a major life decision, and people are more likely to purchase a home if they feel comfortable about the state of the economy and confident that they will have a job to support their new mortgage obligation.”
For the entire report please go to First Time Home Buyers Report.
May is Shelter month at Royal LePage. It’s the time of year we celebrate our tradition of giving back to create safer homes and safer communities by raising funds and awareness to end abuse.
May is also Canada’s unofficial spring-cleaning month. What better time for Royal LePage offices across the country to hold a special Shelter month fundraiser by decluttering for a cause?
On May 23rd 2009, Royal LePage will hold its first annual “National Garage Sale for Shelter” in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. Balloons and bargains will decorate office parking lots, parks and other locations in every province. You can shop for a great deal at our charity garage sale and feel good knowing that it will make a difference in the lives of so many.
Royal LePage In Touch Realty Inc will be hosting a sale at The Rec Plex from 8am to 4pm on Saturday.
Proceeds from the “National Garage Sale for Shelter” will help restore hope for more than 30,000 women and children in 150 women’s shelters across Canada. We will also be raising funds to support grassroots violence prevention and education programs in communities all over the country thanks to our partnership with the Canadian Women’s Foundation.
If you have gently used items to donate or would like to volunteer to help out at the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s “National Garage Sale for Shelter”, contact us at either Royal LePage In Touch office or call 705-429-8600 or mail us at branch@royalbeach.net
For more information visit www.royallepage.ca/shelter
Creating safer homes and safer communities. www.royallepage.ca/shelter
If you would like to join our campaign to end violence, donations can be made online at www.royallepage.ca/donations.
148 Brophy's Lane Craigleith, Blue Mountains - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 148 Brophy's Lane on April 26 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Check out this Private & Quiet 4 bedroom chalet close to skiing with deeded beach access. Relax in your own private retreat, yet be only 5 mins away from Skiing, Golf, Beach, Shopping & Restaurants. Spacious Open Concept w/ many updates. Modern Kitchen & Baths. Gas Fireplace & Hardwood In Liv.Rm & Dining Room. Spacious Foyer, Laundry Room, 6 appliances included. Landscaped 80’ x 165’ lot bordered by shrubbery & trees for the ultimate in privacy!
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