Merry Christmas

Hope everyone is having a Merry Christmas, from all of us at RE/MAX Bluewater and the Pedlar Family!

REALTORS Assist Local Charities

Two local agencies were the big winners today when London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® President Richard Thyssen announced the successful applicants for the 2010 round of grants from the REALTORS Care Foundation (RCF). London’s Unity Project for the Relief of Homelessness received a cheque for $6,620 towards the restoration of the shelter’s heritage porch and Ontario Block Parent® Program Inc. will receive one for $3,000 for an educational safety resource for young children called “WHO r u REALLY TALKING 2,” as well as child safety overall. On hand to receive the Unity Project’s cheque were Silvia Langer, Development Manager, and Chuck Lazenby, General Manager, of the Unity Project.
“The RCF acts on behalf of Ontario REALTORS® in funding shelter-related charities across the province,” explains Betty Doré, LSTAR’s Executive Vice-President and this year’s Foundation Board Chair. “Since 1999, we have given more than $2-million in grants to eligible organizations.”
“We’re very proud of the great work our Foundation does,” says Thyssen. “It’s one of the ways we can give back to our community . . . that we can improve our area’s quality of life. Occasions like this, when we can help committed agencies and organizations like Block Parents and the Unity Project reach their goals, are very gratifying, particularly in this holiday season.”
The Unity Project was in for one more surprise – a second cheque for $ 13,479.16 raised by LSTAR’s annual Christmas Party. “We continue to be impressed at what a positive impact the Unity Project has both at street level and in the broader community,” says Thyssen. “ It is deserving of support.”

RE/MAX Housing Market Outlook Report

Residential values expected to climb further in 2011 as housing sales stabilize in most major centres, says RE/MAX. Although improved economic fundamentals will have a positive impact on Canadian housing markets moving forward, the forecast for residential real estate sales remains static in most major centres in 2011, according to the RE/MAX Housing Market Outlook Report released today by RE/MAX.

"In terms of resale housing activity, what many are talking about as the new normal is actually a return to the traditional real estate cycle ," says Michael Polzler, Executive Vice President, Regional Director, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. "The past decade was truly unprecedented-never before have we experienced a run up that was as strong or lasted as long. As we have digressed from the typical pattern, people have forgotten what the usual healthy cycle looks like, but all the hallmarks are there. Ample inventory levels, steady demand, and moderate growth, both in terms of sales and prices, will characterize the market in 2011. While the pace may appear lackluster in comparison to what we've grown accustomed to, it underscores the principles of real estate 101: The market is cyclical. All boats rise and fall with the tide."

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Resale housing market on solid ground in November

National resale housing activity continues its return to normal levels, having risen in November 2010 for the fourth consecutive month, according to statistics released today by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). Seasonally adjusted national home sales activity via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) Systems of Canadian real estate Boards climbed 4.8 per cent in November 2010. Although this is well short of record level activity for the month of November posted a year ago, seasonally adjusted sales now stand 19.5 per cent above levels recorded in July,2010, when it reached this year’s low point.

The Winter is finally here in Lambton County

We have been socked in here for the past two days, with over 15 inches of the white stuff and strong winds blowing the snow every where. Lots of people are stranded in the area and in fact our administrator Shelley, has not made it home from work on Monday. Hope it will clear up soon.

Mark Pedlar has his real estate licence

My son Mark has joined me at RE/MAX Bluewater Realty, having just completed his real estate courses and is looking forward to the business. It should be fun having Mark working with me and he seems quite excited.

NOVEMBER SALES UP!

Last month a total of 620 homes exchanged hands, up 6.2% from the previous year, making November the first month to post a gain since June 2010. "Of course we’re pleased," says Richard Thyssen, President of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS®. "November's sales speak to a stabilization of the market, probably at 2002-2003 levels, as both the Canadian Real Estate Association and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation forecast." Year to date sales outpace those of 2009 by 1.5%

Ontario Energy Rebates are ending in March, 2011

Ontario homeowners can get up to $5,000 in home improvement grants through the Ontario government’s Ontario’s Home Energy Savings program, which is in effect until March 31, 2011. To qualify for Ontario government rebates, Ontario homeowners must get a home energy audit before and after their home improvement work. Get up to $150 cash back on the cost of your first energy audit with a rebate from Ontario’s Home Energy Audit program. If you are not certain about the eligibility of your Ontario house, or any specific renovations you are planning, you should request clarification from the Ontario government. Homeowners are responsible for clarifying that their house and planned improvements are eligible for Ontario Home Energy grants before undertaking any upgrade work and related expenses.
If you are still interested in taking advantage of these grants you had better hurry before they end. Here is a link to the information.
www.homeperformance.com/ontario-rebate-grants-ontario-government-energy-rebates

Townsend Meadows Construction progress

The floors are almost ready for the concrete, which should be poured this week, in Forest. The in floor heating tubing has been laid and the steel reinforcing is down waiting for the covering of concrete. These 3 units should be ready for spring 2011 completion.