Monday, December 17, 2018

LSTAR's News Release for November 2018


Strong Home Sales Continue in November

London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR) announced 746 homes were sold in November, up 6.7% over November 2017. The number of home resales was the second highest total ever for November since LSTAR began tracking data in 1978. November 2016 holds the record with 749 home resales, only three more than November 2018.

"In November, we saw more positive signs with new listings in the marketplace, which contributed to the robust sales activity," said Jeff Nethercott, 2018 LSTAR President. "November had 898 new listings, an increase of 17.5% over the same month last year.

Average sales price also made steady gains in the major geographic areas in London. In London North, the average sales price was $482,202, up 24.4% from last November and up 62.4% compared to the same month five years ago. It’s an increase of 98.7% compared to the average sales price in 2008.
"Similar to October, we saw inventory (what is called active listings) making slight gains, despite the overall record low inventory that dominated our marketplace this year," Nethercott said. "Last month, LSTAR's jurisdiction had 1,391 active listings, up 7.6% from November 2017. The sales-to-new listings ratio was 83.1%, which the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) says represents conditions in the marketplace that favour sellers (a ratio between 40% and 60% is generally consistent with a balanced market).

Monday, December 3, 2018

December Newsletter - The PEDLAR Team Update


Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas


December is here and that means Christmas is right around the corner. With the holidays come lots of time with family and friends. We would like to give a big thank you to all those that made 2018 one of our best years yet! Please be safe on the roads over the holidays and please don't drink and drive. Merry Christmas from The PEDLAR Team.


Exciting News From Mark and Robyn


Mark and Robyn Pedlar are going to be busy with twins expected to come in March! They had there gender reveal party this past week and Mark is going to be enjoying a house full of girls! Chloe, now almost 2 years old, will have two new sisters in March!                                 

Concerns About Canadian Market That Experts Say Not To Worry About


Here we have a great article written by Sarah Nledoba that discusses concerns about the Canadian market that experts say not to worry about.

1) Household debt is high - but it's going down
2) Foreign buyers aren’t as big a factor as you might think
3) Dependence on alternative lenders is still under control

The article goes on to discuss how the Canadian market is in a secure position and “The Canadian system seems likely to be ready for prospective challenges, even if the economy softens here or abroad,” reads the report.

Read the full article by clicking the link: https://www.livabl.com/2018/11/3-concerns-canadian-housing-market-experts-say-arent-worth-worrying-yet.html?fbclid=IwAR2jUoQipIoEnBy8JLEEB6XEcxHmvd9n70Jij17DZPP2R5aCPi2hXO5s5Gk

Aunt Gussies - Muffins For Jessica's House
You buy a dozen muffins in 2018 from Aunt Gussies and they will donate a dozen in 2019 to Jessica's House in Huron County. Jessica's House is a hospice for families to be with their loved ones in a comfortable setting close to home.They are up to 10 dozen so far AND the patients can eat these too (made in commercial kitchen & healthy).

Contact Aunt Gussies and get your muffin orders in to support a great local cause.

Social Media
Have a great day everyone and don't forget to check out our social media sites like youtube, facebook, twitter and our website to stay up to date on all the latest listings. You can find the links to these various social media outlets above our information below. See the benefits of using a high quality drone and camera for videos and pictures to add content to each listing.
Pinedale Subdivision
Open Concept Bungalow
Lower Level Walkout
Large Wrap Around Deck
Detached Double Garage
$479,900
Southcott Pines
Executive Retreat
Oke Woodsmith Redesigned
Cobble Stone Design Landscaping
4+1 Beds 2 Bath
$769,000
Downtown
Grand Bend
Built In 2008
3 Beds 3 Bath
Backyard Oasis
Full Finished Basement
$519,000
If you or any of your friends and family are looking to buy or sell make sure to call us first!
Referrals are the greatest compliment

Check our website out by clicking the link below

 Doug Pedlar      Mark Pedlar     Garrett Pedlar 
    Broker of Record                         Broker                        Sales Representative
519-902-4099    519-670-0746     519-872-0910
 remaxdoug@hay.net           remaxmark@hay.net          remaxgarrett@hay.net
Copyright © 2017 RE/MAX Bluewater Realty Inc., All rights reserved.

RE/MAX Bluewater Realty Inc.
1-519-238-5700
46 Ontario Street South
Grand Bend, Ontario

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Friday, November 9, 2018

A Record Month for Home Sales in October

London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR) announced a record 906 homes were sold in October, up 11.9% over the same month last year. The number of home re-sales in October marks the best monthly total for October since LSTAR began tracking data in 1978.

"It was a very strong October, with home re-sales high above the 10-year-average," said Jeff Nethercott, 2018 LSTAR President. "One of the trends we saw in October was a healthy increase in the number of new listings to the marketplace. October had 1,171 new listings, up 38.1% compared to October 2017. Average sales price continues to make steady gains as well all across the region."

"Although inventory (what is called active listings) has seen a record low in 2018, October actually had a slight gain," Nethercott said. "Last month, there were 1,553 active listings in LSTAR’s jurisdiction, up 3.0% from October 2017. The sales-to-new listings ratio was 77.4%, which the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) says represents conditions in the marketplace that favour sellers (a ratio between 40% and 60% is generally consistent with a balanced market).
 
The market here in the Grand Bend area has been very active as well with homes/cottages selling well in the fall market and there are more listings on the market compared to the summer. Our average price this year has been steadily rising with some areas increasing over 20%.

Monday, September 10, 2018

5 Issues You Face When Inheriting A House


Estate Executors Have To Balance Family Needs And Best Options
At An Emotionally-Charged Time 

The recent death of legendary singer-songwriter Aretha Franklin initially posed a quandary for her four surviving sons. Because she didn’t leave a will, her $80 million fortune – including Franklin’s numerous real estate holdings – likely will take longer to divide, and the process could become complicated.

Although Franklin’s sons appointed her niece to execute the estate, the situation brings to mind how family feuds and other problems can potentially result when inheritance portions aren’t clearly defined, or when an executor may be in over their head. Many newfound executors can face uncertainty and feel stress when inheriting a property after the death of a loved one.

“Inheriting a property can come as a shock and may feel like an insurmountable obstacle,” says Alex Lehr (www.lehrrealestate.com), a real estate broker and author of The Unexpected Sale: Guidance For The Executor/Administrator Of An Estate. “Especially in the wake of a family tragedy or death, being the executor of an estate can be challenging. And usually the biggest asset in an estate – and the most difficult to resolve – is a house.”

Lehr provides a list of important decisions the executor might face when a house is part of an inheritance:

  • To keep, rent or sell. Competing interests among siblings can make the right decision difficult. “Caught in the middle, the executor has to ask the heirs to keep their emotions under control and put the rational facts on the table,” Lehr says. “Selling is often the best decision if medical bills, tax issues or other reasons require cashing out. And it produces a specific amount that can be divided equally.”
  • Can you manage a property investment? When considering keeping the property in the family, the executor needs to be objective about the beneficiaries’ dependability. “Would you choose the other beneficiaries to be your partners in any long-term investment?” asks Lehr. “Could they get divorced, go bankrupt or bring other entanglements?” And if you decide to rent the property, Lehr says there are issues to consider such as the local market for rentals and your ability to maintain the property.
  • Establishing value of the property. If one heir or beneficiary wants to buy the house, the estate must determine the market value and get a fair price for the heirs and beneficiaries. “One way is to get two appraisals, and to look at estimates from a real estate website such as Zillow,” Lehr says. “Alternatively, the executor can put the property on the market with the expressed provision that one of the heirs has the right of first refusal to match the highest offer.”
  • Repair and renovate? The executor must make sure the house is maintained in good condition, necessary repairs are carried out, and that it’s kept insured. “An executor can be personally liable for failure to maintain a property that results in losses for the heirs,” Lehr says. “But how much work is worthwhile before putting a home on the market? That’s a big question that depends on the property and circumstances.”
  • Furnished or unfurnished? It’s not unusual for an inherited home to be filled with a 30-year accumulation of stuff. “In most cases, when the property goes on the market, thinning out the furnishings will help it show better,” Lehr says. “Nine out of 10 buyers first see the home in online photographs.”

“Being an executor is a high-responsibility, time-consuming, and often thankless job that people often take on while grieving,” Lehr says. “It’s up to the executor to assess not only the physical assets of an estate, but also the people and emotions involved.”

Mark Pedlar Is Selected As '50 Young Guns Of Real Estate' in Canada

Mark Pedlar part of The PEDLAR Team was featured in the '50 Young Guns Of Real Estate' in Canada. This was published in this months article of REP (Real Estate Professionals) Magazine.

Congratulations Mark!!

Thursday, September 6, 2018

Wednesday, August 1, 2018

The PEDLAR Team Update ~ August Newsletter


Grand Bend Is Rated #1
Best Coastal & Lakeside Town in Canada


Very exciting news for our community with the latest rating by Expedia at #1. Grand Bend and our community is working around the clock to make Grand Bend a clean, fun space for all ages to enjoy. This is what Expedia had to say about Grand Bend: 
Grand Bend, Ontario, is an iconic summer destination. Located on the shoreline of Lake Huron, it’s full of places to stretch out your towel. There are also outdoor showers, volleyball nets, and a children’s splash pad. Need to dry off? There’s nearby Port Blake Beach & Day Park, which has picnic tables and BBQ pits. If you don’t want to do any cooking yourself, head to local favourite Smackwater Jacks Taphouse after your day by the water.
Fun fact: The Ford Motor Company held one of their first company events here in the 1910s.

Long Point and Wasaga Beach followed us at #1. Read the full rating of towns across Canada by clicking this link.

https://www.expedia.ca/travelblog/travelblog/best-coastal-and-lakeside-towns-in-canada/


CMHC Makes Announcement Regarding
Self-Employed Borrowers


Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. is making changes intended to make it easier for the self-employed to qualify for a mortgage.
The national housing agency says it's giving lenders more guidance and flexibility to help self-employed borrowers.
Self-employed Canadians may have a harder time qualifying for a mortgage as their incomes may vary or be less predictable.
CMHC is providing examples of factors that can be used to support the lender's decision to lend to borrowers who have been operating their business for less than 24 months, or in the same line of work for less than 24 months.
It is also providing a broader range of documentation options to increase flexibility for satisfying income and employment requirements.
The changes, which apply to both transactional and portfolio insurance, will take effect Oct. 1.


Beach Safety In Lambton Shores

 
Just another reason why Grand Bend was rated #1 by Expedia is our beach safety.

Grand Bend has lifeguards on patrol everyday of the summer keeping an eye on those enjoying the beach and water. On weekdays you will have lifeguards on duty from Noon - 6pm. On weekends you will see lifeguards on duty from 11am - 7pm.

A new program to Grand Bend is the life jacket lending program and it is free! Visit the Grand Bend Beach Concession Stand to borrow a life jacket. All you need to do is leave a piece of identification with the concession staff and return the life jacket by 6:00 pm the same day you borrow it.

Grand Bend beach uses the beach warning flag system. These flags are only out if lifeguards are on duty and they are a signal of what the water conditions are. Flags will be green (good conditions, no unusual hazards), yellow (moderate conditions, swim with caution),  or red (danger, swimming not advised). Along with the water condition flags you will find beach signage regarding if it is safe to swim or unsafe to swim due to e coli tests that are done weekly along on our coast line.

Stay safe this summer in the water and make sure to keep an eye on each other when out in the water.


Feature Business Of The Month
The Iron Barn


Looking for anything metal for your gardens, for exterior landscaping, inter decor and so much more. 'The Iron Barn' just opened their main street location this summer and has been a great addition to the main street. Stop by today and check them out. Our favourite item is the metal fireplace surrounds to keep your fire contained but also look very cool all at the same time. You can personalize these and make them more meaningful to your individual project.


Increase In Recreational Properties
As Retirement Homes


A recent survey of RE/MAX Brokers and agents found that 91% of popular Canadian recreational property markets examined, retirees were the key factor driving activity. This is in stark contrast to last year's findings, when retirees were a dominant driving force in only 55% of markets examined.

This has been a driving force in the Grand Bend and area market. As some people come to find that cottage they have always wanted, a great number of people moving this way are looking for a retirement spot to relax and live a much easier lifestyle. Or you see buyers purchasing a place to use as a cottage or income property and rent it out for a couple years before they retire. Moving to the place full time once they retire. Grand Bend in the past ten eyars has done a great job of making this area a pleasurable year round spot to live. With our medical centre in town, to the chiropractors, dentists, physiotherapy, and so much more for the aging community to use without having to drive outside of town.


Summer Sunset Sounds 2018


The Summer Sunset Sounds series is back in Grand Bend. Starting July 2nd and running every Sunday unless holiday weekend then goes to the Monday. These concerts are held at the Rotary Bandshell down at the beach at the end of the main strip in Grand Bend. It is a great way to wind down after a weekend of fun with family and friends. A lot of work and dedication goes into this musical series so come on out and show your support! You can find the list of musical guests and dates below. See you all there.

Social Media
 
Have a great day everyone and don't forget to check out our social media sites like youtube, facebook, twitter and our website to stay up to date on all the latest listings. You can find the links to these various social media outlets above our information below. See the benefits of using a high quality drone and camera for videos and pictures to add content to each listing.
 
Durand Subdivision
Gorgeous Lakefront
130 FT of Frontage
Between Grand Bend & Bayfield
$1,099,900
Huron Woods
ICF Construction
Built in 2012
2,700 Square Feet
Backing Onto Pinery Park

$1,150,000
Beach O'Pines
Vacant Lot
Over Half Acre
Short Walk To Beach

Utilities At Road Edge
$325,000
If you or any of your friends and family are looking to buy or sell make sure to call us first!
Referrals are the greatest compliment

Check our website out by clicking the link below
 Doug Pedlar      Mark Pedlar     Garrett Pedlar 
    Broker of Record                         Broker                        Sales Representative
 
519-902-4099    519-670-0746     519-872-0910
 remaxdoug@hay.net           remaxmark@hay.net          remaxgarrett@hay.net
Copyright © 2017 RE/MAX Bluewater Realty Inc., All rights reserved.

RE/MAX Bluewater Realty Inc.
1-519-238-5700
46 Ontario Street South
Grand Bend, Ontario

Friday, June 29, 2018

July Newsletter ~ The PEDLAR Team Update



Happy Canada Day Everyone
Canada Day Long Weekend Festivities


Looking for things to do with the family this long weekend? We got you covered!

Rocky's Annual Roadside Outdoor Dart Tournament - Corbett
This event is happening all week long at the Corbett Community Centre at 35914 Corbett Road in Corbett, Ontario. Event start July 29th at 3 p.m. and goes till July 1st. This is the largest dart tournament in Canada with over 200 players in the tournament.

Canada Day Family Picnic - Port Franks
This event is happening on July 1st from 11am - 2pm at the Port Franks Community Centre at 9997 Port Franks Road in Port Franks, Ontario. Free for the whole family. There will be bouncy castles, inflatable obstacle course, giant board games, family games, face painting, small ball pit and coaster for toddlers, live musical entertainment, free cake, refreshments and hotdogs available for purchase.

Canada Day Fireworks - Grand Bend
This event is happening on July 1st at sundown off the pier in Grand Bend. Live entertainment starts at 6pm followed by fireworks. This is the largest display of fireworks this side of Toronto.

Summer Sunset Sounds - Grand Bend
The first of many Summer Sunset Sounds Series starts this Monday July 2nd at the Rotary Club Bandshell on the main beach in Grand Bend. Live music starts at 7pm and goes till 10pm. A great way to wind down after a busy weekend.

It takes lots of volunteer hours to put these events on so show your community spirit and make sure to make an appearance. You won't regret it!


Renting Out Your Cottage This Summer?
Make It Pop With These Tips


- Increase the number of sleeping spaces with bunk beds
- Allow flexibility in check-in and check-out times if possible
- Furnish the outdoor areas of your property
- Provide guests a map of the area with local spots to go to


Home Sales Strong on London - St.Thomas Despite Low Inventory

 
Low inventory remains the biggest challenge for would-be homebuyers in the London-St Thomas housing market.
But despite that challenge, home sales in the Southwest Ontario market remain above the 10-year average for the month of May and posted their third highest sales for the month.
Sales were down by a quarter though as the lack of availability, combined with an all-time record in May 2017, meant there was only one way for sales to go.
The London and St Thomas Association of Realtors (LSTAR) announced 1,171 homes were sold in May, down 24.4% over the same time last year.
2018 LSTAR president Jeff Nethercott says that despite drop, Realtors are encouraged by the numbers.
"The homes sold are actually above the 10-year average, despite the ongoing challenge of low inventory in the marketplace. Similar to what’s happened each month this year, home prices continue to gradually increase across the region, as fewer homes are available for sale,” he says.
The average May sales price in London and St. Thomas was $366,096 up 6.4% over May 2017 and up 28.4% over May 2016.
There were 1,643 active listings, down 7.7% from this time last year and down 44.6% from May 2016.

Just Some Of Our Lake Huron Sunset Shots


Summer Sunset Sounds 2018


The Summer Sunset Sounds series is back in Grand Bend. Starting July 2nd and running every Sunday unless holiday weekend then goes to the Monday. These concerts are held at the Rotary Bandshell down at the beach at the end of the main strip in Grand Bend. It is a great way to wind down after a weekend of fun with family and friends. A lot of work and dedication goes into this musical series so come on out and show your support! You can find the list of musical guests and dates below. See you all there.

Social Media
 
Have a great day everyone and don't forget to check out our social media sites like youtube, facebook, twitter and our website to stay up to date on all the latest listings. You can find the links to these various social media outlets above our information below. See the benefits of using a high quality drone and camera for videos and pictures to add content to each listing.
 
Durand Subdivision
Gorgeous Lakefront
130 FT of Frontage
Between Grand Bend & Bayfield
$1,179,900
Huron Woods
ICF Construction
Built in 2012
2,700 Square Feet
Backing Onto Pinery Park

$1,150,000
Beach O'Pines
Vacant Lot
Over Half Acre
Short Walk To Beach

Utilities At Road Edge
$325,000
If you or any of your friends and family are looking to buy or sell make sure to call us first!
Referrals are the greatest compliment

Check our website out by clicking the link below
 Doug Pedlar      Mark Pedlar     Garrett Pedlar 
    Broker of Record                         Broker                        Sales Representative
 
519-902-4099    519-670-0746     519-872-0910
 remaxdoug@hay.net           remaxmark@hay.net          remaxgarrett@hay.net
Copyright © 2017 RE/MAX Bluewater Realty Inc., All rights reserved.

RE/MAX Bluewater Realty Inc.
1-519-238-5700
46 Ontario Street South
Grand Bend, Ontario