London Area REALTORS® Start the New Year with a Bang

LSTAR REALTORS® started the year with a bang, as the house sales in the London - St Thomas area saw their second best January since 1978, when LSTAR started tracking its markets' performance.

568 homes exchanged hands last month in our jurisdiction - only two shy from the same period in 2017, which still holds the absolute record for January residential real estate transactions.

The average home price for the region was 437,197, 13.9% higher than a year ago and 48.2% over January 2017. "When compared to January 2010, the percentage of price growth is a whopping 95.2%, which means that the value of homes in our area has almost doubled in the last ten years," said 2020 LSTAR President Blair Campbell.

"Despite the high number of home sales and the sky-rocketing house prices, the number of new listings that hit the local market in January 2020 saw a 9.4% increase over last year, which brought last month's sales-to-new-listings ratio to 60.5%. This increase in listings for the month is fantastic as the lack of inventory has been a significant concern over the past two years," he added.

Inventory is another important measure of the balance between sales and the supply of listings. This shows how long it would take to liquidate existing inventories at the current rate of sales activity. At the end of January 2020, there were 2.2 months of inventory across the entire LSTAR district - the lowest level in the last ten years.

SOLD Bungalow In Port Franks ~ Lambton Shores

February Newsletter ~ The PEDLAR Team Update

February Has Arrived Good day everyone and hope your 2020 new years resolutions are still being implemented! Thankfully the snow has stayed away for the most part and looking forward to see what February will bring for weather. We had a special couple birthdays this past month with Doug & Jeannette Pedlar. (pictured below) January market has started to pick back up with sales starting to pick back up and buyers/sellers getting over the craziness that the holidays always bring. A message to all vacant land owners in the area! There are a lot of people out there looking for vacant lots in and around Grand Bend. Call the PEDLAR Team today if you would like to know what your vacant lot is worth today. We listed two vacant lots in January with both already selling. The one receiving multiple offers and selling over asking price! January Bank Of Canada Decision As was widely expected, the Bank of Canada has announced that it will maintain its overnight interest rate target at 1.75 per cent, marking its tenth straight hold since it last raised its interest rate. The Bank cites positive activity including a stabilizing global economy and recent trade developments. However, uncertainty looms and geopolitical tensions have re-emerged. The Bank revised its outlook for the Canadian economy since the October Monetary Policy Report (MPR). Canada’s short-term growth will be weaker and the output gap wider than was originally expected. The Bank now estimates growth of 0.3 per cent for Q4 of 2019 and 1.3 per cent in Q1 of 2020. The next interest rate announcement is scheduled on March 4, 2020. Read the full article by clicking the link: https://blog.remax.ca/bank-of-canada-makes-latest-interest-rate-announcement/?fbclid=IwAR0o-aF5PdFw6H318L0Ld-q1cp_GDHRqvTFIO-nHoilb_8ubnAKKcBEmYZI Studies Suggest The Beach Is Very Good For Our Mental Health   This won't be a surprise to anybody that lives near the beach, everybody knows life is better by the beach! Now we have scientific research to back up the claim. Studies found out that the feeling of peace and calmness brought about by the ocean/lake/sea is referred to as “blue space”. The said effect is due to the combination of soothing sights, smell, and sounds of the water. Read the full article by clicking the link: https://mypositiveoutlooks.com/going-to-the-beach-is-good/?fbclid=IwAR0GPRLj7PH1H8-PfGrGWkts4ndfKT-DuCxg8EH6dxvEPahBjUXPfqSxO18 RE/MAX National Outlook For 2020   RE/MAX is calling for a leveling out of the highs and lows that characterized the Canadian housing market in 2019, particularly in Vancouver and Toronto, as we move into 2020. Healthy price increases are expected next year, with an estimated 3.7 per-cent increase in the average residential sale price. Most individual markets surveyed across Canada experienced moderate price increases year-over-year from 2018 to 2019. However, some regions in Ontario continue to experience higher-than-normal gains, including London (+10.7 per cent), Windsor (+11 per cent), Ottawa (+11.7 per cent) and Niagara (+12.9 per cent). As more Canadians have adjusted to the mortgage stress test and older Millennials move into their peak earning years, it is anticipated that they will drive the market in 2020, particularly single Millennials and young couples. A recent Leger survey conducted by RE/MAX found that more than half (51 per cent) of Canadians are considering buying a property in the next five years, especially those under the age of 45. To get more information click the link: https://blog.remax.ca/canadian-housing-market-outlook/?fbclid=IwAR1nWdFocyIuwsdMB5T3ytkDNV3udOHeyOqeJ89RciuV54bXXAPbTrexK98 Townsend Meadows Development In Forest - PHASE 2 Has Started & 6 Units Are Already SOLD With 5 Units Remaining For Sale Welcome to Forest’s newest adult lifestyle development. Townsend Meadows is the ideal destination for seniors who are looking for an exclusive retirement development in a caring community of like-minded neighbours. Enjoy all the conveniences of your family home without any of the maintenance and security concerns. Townsend Meadows has come about through the initiative of a number of community members who wanted to create an accessible seniors development and provide a housing alternative that would help keep retirees in Forest. Townsend Meadows offers an opportunity for private independent living in the social and supportive atmosphere of small town living. There is are three floor plan sizes to choose from. You can enjoy a lifestyle free from the day-to-day worries of maintenance and security. We cut the grass and shovel the snow and you have the freedom to lock the door and go and spend time on things that are important to you. Click the link: https://www.townsendmeadows.com/ Or find us on facebook by clicking this link: https://www.facebook.com/Townsend-Meadows-Seniors-Housing-296597098583/ Townsend Meadows PHASE 2 Huron Model - 1,411 Sq Ft - $367,120 Bosanquet Model - 1,175 Sq Ft - $305,500 Thedford Model - 1,295 Sq Ft - $336,700 Call Doug PEDLAR today for more information at 1519-238-5700 New To Lambton Shores? The municipality of Lambton Shores is starting a new initiative of making municipality information easier to find out. Check the link out and see what things you didn't know about this awesome municipality. Click the link: https://www.lambtonshores.ca/en/living-here/new-to-lambton-shores.aspx?platform=hootsuite   Happening In The Community It's always good to know what is going on in our exciting community. Cabin Fever Coffee Club - Feb 6, 13, 20, 17 Thursdays from 2pm-3pm - 25 Main Street, Grand Bend - Huron Shores United Church Bundle up and get out of the house this winter, Thursday afternoons, for a hot cup of something, a simple treat, and some shared conversation with others. Beginning at 2-3 pm and every Thursday until March 26 at Huron Shores United Church. All are welcome - lug your own mug, more importantly, invite a snowbound friend! Ausable-Port Franks Optimist Club Meat Draw February 15 - 2-3:30pm - Grog's Pub & Grill The Optimist Club of Ausable Port Franks holds a meat draw on the third Saturday of each month from September to May.  This event is at Grog's Restaurant from 2:00-4:00 pm and helps us raise money for our Youth events and programs.  The date in May is changed due to the long weekend.  Come out and have some fun and win some prizes. Soup-er Sundays February 23 - Noon - 3pm - 9997 Port Franks Road - Port Franks Community Centre Fun with Giant Games!!  Come out to the West Wing of the Port Franks Community Centre with your family or on your own to spend time with others on a Sunday afternoon.  There is a light soup lunch and dessert for $5 that is available if you wish. Lambton Shores Community Challenge Bonspiel February 29 - 9am - 6pm - 6276 Townsend Line, Forest - Forest Curling Rink Come out and experience Canada's other winter sport on ice, curling! Join the Forest Curling Club for a day of fun on the ice. The day will include two six end games, a hot lunch, games of hcance and prizes. Spectators are welcome and can join in on lunch for $14.00. The cost is $120 per team of four. Equipment and training provided at no extra cost. All you need to provide is a pair of clean runing shoes and warm layered clothing. New and experienced curlers welcome! No experience necesary just a sense of humor and a plan for a good time! Call Ward Burr at 1519-786-5012 for more information or to sign up today. These aren't all the events happening in Lambton Shores so check out the community calendar link on Lambton Shores website. Here is the link to community calendar page: https://calendar.lambtonshores.ca/default/Month?StartDate=06/01/2019 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.

Grand Bend Lakefront Southcott Pines 70 Feet Frontage Totally Updated 4 Beds 2 Baths $2,000,000 Port Franks Built in 2005 Custom Brick Bungalow Full Finished Basement Attached Double Garage 3 Beds 2 Bath SOLD Sunset Avenue Bluewater Municipality One Acre Building Lot 100 Ft Frontage Listed at $129,900 SOLD For $141,500

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 http://www.grandbendrealestate.com  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

2019 - The Third Best Year in the History of LSTAR

2019 proved to be not only a solid year for real estate in the London-St. Thomas area, but also the third best year for sales activity since the Association began tracking its performance back in 1978.

469 homes traded hands in LSTAR's jurisdiction in December, which brings the total number of 2019 residential transactions recorded via MLS® to 10,125 - up 3.4% over 2018. This is only the third time that sales surpassed 10,000 units. It happened for the first time in 2016 and then again in 2017, a record year with more than 11,000 home resales.

"For the local REALTORS®, 2019 started strong and continued on the same note, with three monthly records in July, October and November," said 2019 LSTAR President Earl Taylor. "For the most part of the year, LSTAR's overall sales-to-new-listings ratio hovered around the 70% mark. However, toward the end of the year its value jumped significantly, to reach 110.1%. This means that Sellers have the upper hand in home sales negotiations here. It also speaks to the high buyer demand and the lack of local housing supply," Taylor explained.

Overall, the December average home price was $426,539, up 15.1% compared to December 2018. The year-to-date average home price in LSTAR's jurisdiction sits at $409,858.

The PEDLAR Team Update ~ January Newsletter

Happy New Year & Welcome to 2020 Hope the holidays treated everyone well and were able to spend some time with family and friends. We still got a couple days before its truly back to reality when the kids go back to school and parents get back to the routine. Good luck to those with keeping your new years resolutions! Fourth Quarter Market Report 2019 Fourth Quarter 2019 Market Report Is In! The Fall Market was very comparable in listings and sales compared to 2018 Fourth Quarter. This is a great sign for homeowners around Grand Bend. The biggest difference is the increase of the average home sale price in the different areas. Grand Bend Non Lakefront rising from an average sale price of $464,835 in 2018 to $519,479 in 2019. Making for an over 10% rise in average sale price in Grand Bend! North of Grand Bend Lakefronts average sale price showing almost 40% increase year over year. Keep in mind this is in a big part due to the low end cottages just not existing anymore & everything is getting renovated or demolished. Also these figures are created by using the sale figures that occurred in a certain time period which means more high end cottages sold this year than previous. RE/MAX National Outlook For 2020   RE/MAX is calling for a leveling out of the highs and lows that characterized the Canadian housing market in 2019, particularly in Vancouver and Toronto, as we move into 2020. Healthy price increases are expected next year, with an estimated 3.7 per-cent increase in the average residential sale price. Most individual markets surveyed across Canada experienced moderate price increases year-over-year from 2018 to 2019. However, some regions in Ontario continue to experience higher-than-normal gains, including London (+10.7 per cent), Windsor (+11 per cent), Ottawa (+11.7 per cent) and Niagara (+12.9 per cent). As more Canadians have adjusted to the mortgage stress test and older Millennials move into their peak earning years, it is anticipated that they will drive the market in 2020, particularly single Millennials and young couples. A recent Leger survey conducted by RE/MAX found that more than half (51 per cent) of Canadians are considering buying a property in the next five years, especially those under the age of 45. To get more information click the link: https://blog.remax.ca/canadian-housing-market-outlook/?fbclid=IwAR1nWdFocyIuwsdMB5T3ytkDNV3udOHeyOqeJ89RciuV54bXXAPbTrexK98 Children's Miracle Network Donation With every transaction we donate a proportion to the Children's Miracle Network. These donations we make go directly to the Children's Health Foundation at London Hospital where 90% of the machines are purchased through donations! We want to say a huge thank you to our clients for another great year! Townsend Meadows Development In Forest - PHASE 2 Has Started & 6 Units Are Already SOLD With 5 Units Remaining For Sale Welcome to Forest’s newest adult lifestyle development. Townsend Meadows is the ideal destination for seniors who are looking for an exclusive retirement development in a caring community of like-minded neighbours. Enjoy all the conveniences of your family home without any of the maintenance and security concerns. Townsend Meadows has come about through the initiative of a number of community members who wanted to create an accessible seniors development and provide a housing alternative that would help keep retirees in Forest. Townsend Meadows offers an opportunity for private independent living in the social and supportive atmosphere of small town living. There is are three floor plan sizes to choose from. You can enjoy a lifestyle free from the day-to-day worries of maintenance and security. We cut the grass and shovel the snow and you have the freedom to lock the door and go and spend time on things that are important to you. Click the link: https://www.townsendmeadows.com/ Or find us on facebook by clicking this link: https://www.facebook.com/Townsend-Meadows-Seniors-Housing-296597098583/ Townsend Meadows PHASE 2 Huron Model - 1,411 Sq Ft - $367,120 Bosanquet Model - 1,175 Sq Ft - $305,500 Thedford Model - 1,295 Sq Ft - $336,700 Call Doug PEDLAR today for more information at 1519-238-5700 New To Lambton Shores? The municipality of Lambton Shores is starting a new initiative of making municipality information easier to find out. Check the link out and see what things you didn't know about this awesome municipality. Click the link: https://www.lambtonshores.ca/en/living-here/new-to-lambton-shores.aspx?platform=hootsuite   Happening In The Community It's always good to know what is going on in our exciting community. Cabin Fever Coffee Club Thursdays Starting January 9 from 2pm-3pm - 25 Main Street, Grand Bend - Huron Shores United Church Bundle up and get out of the house this winter, Thursday afternoons, for a hot cup of something, a simple treat, and some shared conversation with others. Beginning January 9, 2-3 pm and every Thursday until March 26 at Huron Shores United Church. All are welcome - lug your own mug, more importantly, invite a snowbound friend! International Silver Stick - North American Finals January 10 - 12 & January 24 - 26 - Games Played In Thedford, Forest & Watford Arenas Go out and check out the action happening over two weekends this month in our community. January 10-12 is peewee and midget divisions. January 24-26 is atom and bantam divisions. Soup-er Sundays January 26 - Noon - 3pm - 9997 Port Franks Road - Port Franks Community Centre Fun with Giant Games!!  Come out to the West Wing of the Port Franks Community Centre with your family or on your own to spend time with others on a Sunday afternoon.  There is a light soup lunch and dessert for $5 that is available if you wish. These aren't all the events happening in Lambton Shores so check out the community calendar link on Lambton Shores website. Here is the link to community calendar page: https://calendar.lambtonshores.ca/default/Month?StartDate=06/01/2019 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.

Grand Bend Lakefront Southcott Pines 70 Feet Frontage Totally Updated 4 Beds 2 Baths $2,000,000 Port Franks Built in 2005 Custom Brick Bungalow Full Finished Basement Attached Double Garage 3 Beds 2 Bath $450,000 Huron Woods Steeper Const. Built In 1990 Spacious Main Floor Finished LL With Walkout 5 Beds 3 Bath $599,900

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 http://www.grandbendrealestate.com  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

The PEDLAR Team Update ~ December Newsletter

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year December can be a very busy month so make sure to take a deep breath and enjoy the friends and family around you. We hope everybody has a great time between get togethers and holiday functions. Don't forget to consider those less fortunate and give back to your local food bank. Many organizations also collect wrapped gifts for those kids less fortunate as well. Be an active part of your community and give back. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the Pedlar family! Children's Miracle Network Donation With every transaction we donate a proportion to the Children's Miracle Network. These donations we make go directly to the Children's Health Foundation at London Hospital where 90% of the machines are purchased through donations! We want to say a huge thank you to our clients for another great year! RE/MAX National Outlook For 2020   RE/MAX is calling for a leveling out of the highs and lows that characterized the Canadian housing market in 2019, particularly in Vancouver and Toronto, as we move into 2020. Healthy price increases are expected next year, with an estimated 3.7 per-cent increase in the average residential sale price. Most individual markets surveyed across Canada experienced moderate price increases year-over-year from 2018 to 2019. However, some regions in Ontario continue to experience higher-than-normal gains, including London (+10.7 per cent), Windsor (+11 per cent), Ottawa (+11.7 per cent) and Niagara (+12.9 per cent). As more Canadians have adjusted to the mortgage stress test and older Millennials move into their peak earning years, it is anticipated that they will drive the market in 2020, particularly single Millennials and young couples. A recent Leger survey conducted by RE/MAX found that more than half (51 per cent) of Canadians are considering buying a property in the next five years, especially those under the age of 45. To get more information click the link: https://blog.remax.ca/canadian-housing-market-outlook/?fbclid=IwAR1nWdFocyIuwsdMB5T3ytkDNV3udOHeyOqeJ89RciuV54bXXAPbTrexK98 Subdivision Planned For Just North Of Grand Bend South Huron Council learned recently of a major subdivision consisting of more than 300 homes planned for the east side of Highway 21 which is currently home to nine holes of the Oakwood golf course just north of Grand Bend Dubbed the Oakwood Meadows Subdivision, the proposed residential project is expected to move forward starting in 2021 over several years of phasing. Don de Jong of developers Tridon Group appeared at South Huron council’s Nov. 4 meeting to inform council of preliminary plans for the 130 acre property. Things are still in the early stages and official plan and zoning bylaw amendment applications will still have to come to council for approval. To get more information click the link: https://www.lakeshoreadvance.com/news/local-news/subdivision-planned-for-east-side-of-highway-21-north-of-grand-bend?fbclid=IwAR0XUKjJNh3f6CYa8qQffVFRm3_US0YGBoxpaVddgmnTSzGMcdABHZef42o Support Our Military During The Holiday Season The Canadian military men and women always deserve our utmost support but they are asking for extra support during the holiday season. It doesn't take long to write a quick letter for our men and women on active duty away from their families during the holidays. Please click this link to find out how to participate: https://globalnews.ca/news/6186831/canadian-armed-forces-holiday-letters-cards/?fbclid=IwAR0IkugHPuKYFrCCUzdZS2M2ptf9Lemx7P-V8q-j7Vv3715fxEj73ZuK3Uw Townsend Meadows Development In Forest - PHASE 2 Has Started & 6 Units Are Already SOLD With 5 Units Remaining For Sale Welcome to Forest’s newest adult lifestyle development. Townsend Meadows is the ideal destination for seniors who are looking for an exclusive retirement development in a caring community of like-minded neighbours. Enjoy all the conveniences of your family home without any of the maintenance and security concerns. Townsend Meadows has come about through the initiative of a number of community members who wanted to create an accessible seniors development and provide a housing alternative that would help keep retirees in Forest. Townsend Meadows offers an opportunity for private independent living in the social and supportive atmosphere of small town living. There is are three floor plan sizes to choose from. You can enjoy a lifestyle free from the day-to-day worries of maintenance and security. We cut the grass and shovel the snow and you have the freedom to lock the door and go and spend time on things that are important to you. Click the link: https://www.townsendmeadows.com/ Or find us on facebook by clicking this link: https://www.facebook.com/Townsend-Meadows-Seniors-Housing-296597098583/ Townsend Meadows PHASE 2 Huron Model - 1,411 Sq Ft - $367,120 Bosanquet Model - 1,175 Sq Ft - $305,500 Thedford Model - 1,295 Sq Ft - $336,700 Call Doug PEDLAR today for more information at 1519-238-5700 New To Lambton Shores? The municipality of Lambton Shores is starting a new initiative of making municipality information easier to find out. Check the link out and see what things you didn't know about this awesome municipality. Click the link: https://www.lambtonshores.ca/en/living-here/new-to-lambton-shores.aspx?platform=hootsuite   Happening In The Community It's always good to know what is going on in our exciting community. Thedford Santa Claus Parade December 7 - 6:30pm - Main Street, Thedford The Thedford Fire Club will host their annual Santa Claus parade on Saturday, December 7, 2019 starting at 6:30pm. This year's theme is 80's Christmas. After the parade, head to the Thedford Legacy Centre for a free skate, sponsored by the Municipality of Lambton Shores. Santa will be there to greet the children. Hot dogs willbe available for everyone. Breakfast With Santa December 8 - 10am - Noon - 9997 Port Franks Road, Port Franks - Port Franks Community Centre The Ausable Port Franks Optimist Club invite you to come out with the family and have a delicious breakfast, see Santa and have your picture taken with him.  There is cupcake decorating and other fun activities for the kids. The event will take place at the Port Franks Community Centre. FREE fun for the whole family. Soup-er Sundays December 29 - Noon - 3pm - 9997 Port Franks Road - Port Franks Community Centre Fun with Giant Games!!  Come out to the West Wing of the Port Franks Community Centre with your family or on your own to spend time with others on a Sunday afternoon.  There is a light soup lunch and dessert for $5 that is available if you wish. These aren't all the events happening in Lambton Shores so check out the community calendar link on Lambton Shores website. Here is the link to community calendar page: https://calendar.lambtonshores.ca/default/Month?StartDate=06/01/2019 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.

Grand Bend Lakefront Southcott Pines 70 Feet Frontage Totally Updated 4 Beds 2 Baths $2,000,000 Port Franks Built in 2005 Custom Brick Bungalow Full Finished Basement Attached Double Garage 3 Beds 2 Bath $450,000 Huron Woods Steeper Const. Built In 1990 Spacious Main Floor Finished LL With Walkout 5 Beds 3 Bath $599,900

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 http://www.grandbendrealestate.com  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