The Pedlar Team Update ~ August Newsletter

 

Make The Most Of Summer With Our Local Events Section Below! Enter to WIN A $65 Gift Card To Dairy Dip We hope you had an amazing July soaking up the sunshine with friends and family! Over here we are making the most of it with some golf, brewery tours, concerts on the beach, cottage weekends, dragstrip jet engines pictured above and real estate in between. We have been lucky to get some great weather so far this summer with lots of beach days bringing lots of tourists and seasonal owners into the area. Grand Bend and area has been booming at the brim with excitement for the weather. The real estate market historically in the summer months slows down in terms of actual sales. There are buyers still moving around viewing homes and homes selling but with everybody busy trying to enjoy the two months off of school with good weather there focus tends to be else where. This on top of the economic situation we find ourselves in has made for a slower then normal summer so navigating this market can be tricky but with over 65 years of experience in The Pedlar Team we got you covered. In celebration of an absolute must stop classic on the Grand Bend main strip celebrating 65 YEARS in business we are giving away a $65 gift card to Dairy Dip! The best and only place (in our opinion) to stop for ice cream in Grand Bend! The nostalgic pink neon lights that shine around it at night bring you back in time. Our favourite is the classic chocolate soft serve ice cream but we will let you order what ever your hearts desire. They are having the official anniversary celebration on August 23rd so make sure to go that day! To enter all you have to do is reply to this newsletter with an answer to this question: What is your favourite ice cream order? Keep scrolling down to find out more exciting news ... We are never to busy to talk real estate so give us a call today at 519-238-5700! Make The Most Of August With These Local Events!   - Summer Sunset Concert Series on Sundays in Grand Bend and other live music on the beach Wednesdays - Parkhill Fair August 8,9,10 - 37th Annual Steam Thresher Reunion in Forest Aug 8,9,10 - August 10 National Pickleball Day to learn how to play pickleball at the Klondyke Sports Park - Exeter Ram Rodeo behind the Exeter Arena August 8,9,10 - Windsor Weekend at the Grand Bend Motorplex August 8,9,10 - Great Waterfront Trail Adventure August 11-12 is a cycling event in the area - August 15th is the BIA Kid's Day in Downtown Forest - August 16th Port Franks Cornhole Tournament - Zurich Bean Festival August 22-23 - August 23rd Ausable Port Franks Optimist Club Cornfest - August 28th Annual Turtle Release in Morrison Dam in Exeter For events happening in Lambton Shores this link is to the municipalities website where you can easily find what's going on in Lambton Shores: https://calendar.lambtonshores.ca/default/Month There is a little bit of everything happening in the area over August so make sure to get out and enjoy these events as most are FREE to attend!   Meet Gerry Bezaire of G.B. Bikes ~ Your Local Bike Repair Man ~ Gerry Bezaire has been fixing bikes downtown Grand Bend for the last 8 years as the owner operator of G.B Bikes. Pedalling around town is a hobby for many tourists and locals so we are lucky to have a friendly service shop right in town for all your bike service and repair needs. He is located just off the main strip across from Huron Shores United Church at Unit 1 - 23 Main St off of Queen Street in Grand Bend. His shop is open Tuesday to Saturday 10AM - 4PM for walk-ins and by phone at 519-494-0304. 3 Summer Projects That Can Boost Your Home's Value   August isn't just for beach days! It's also a great time to tackle small high-impact projects that can add value to your home before fall. 1. Refresh Your Exterior: A fresh coat of paint on the front door, updated house numbers, or new light fixtures can make your home pop for future buyers. 2. Landscaping Touch-Ups: Trim overgrown bushes, add fresh mulch, and plant late-summer blooms to keep curb appeal strong into September. 3. Outdoor Living Upgrades: Even simple additions like a fire pit or updated patio furniture can make outdoor spaces more appealing to buyers—and enjoyable for you now. Small upgrades done now can make a big difference if you decide to sell in the fall or next spring, and they’re far more cost-effective than major renovations. If you’re wondering which projects offer the best return in our local market, I’m happy to share a tailored list based on your home and neighbourhood. COMING TO MLS NEXT WEEK Highlands 3 Lakefront Getting Listed at $1,777,000   Just North of Grand Bend on Lake Huron on a 60 foot wide lot with gorgeous sandy beach to enjoy. Year round home was fully updated and additions added in 2009. Offering a gorgeous lakeside sunroom, lakeside primary bedroom with ensuite, no grass to cut, four bedrooms, open concept design, huge vaulted ceilings and so much more! Call us today for further details at 519-238-5700!   Grand Bend Beachfront Condo #206 - 9 Pine Street, Grand Bend Listed at $679,000   Beachfront condo in the heart of Grand Bend with spectacular views of Lake Huron and just steps to the sandy beaches of Grand Bend. This 2 bedroom 2 bath unit on the second floor featuring 1166 sqft of open concept living space is the spot you have been looking for! The moment you walk into your home, the views are impressive from the lakeside wall of windows. Spacious entrance foyer welcomes you into home and leads you into the main living space featuring hardwood floors and a gas fireplace insert to an oak mantel. Walkout from the living room to your lake view covered balcony with natural gas BBQ line and sitting area for admiring the beauty of Lake Huron. Large U-shaped kitchen with stainless steel appliances, white cabinetry, eat up breakfast bar and tile flooring. Room to entertain family and friends around the dining table overlooking the living room. Primary bedroom suite with lake view sleeping area, walk in closet and full ensuite featuring in floor heat, jetted jacuzzi tub, stand up shower and vanity. The ensuite adds color to the start of your day with a custom painted waterfall in a meadow mural by Teresa Marie. The unit also includes a lakeview guest room, second full bath, in suite laundry and central air conditioning. Beach Place Condominiums features an updated entrance way with secured entry, elevator access to residence floors, landscaped grounds with lakeview seating area, reserved parking spots with gated entrance, residence storage lockers and lots of visitor parking. Come enjoy the lifestyle of Beach Place where a warm morning stroll looking for beach treasures awaits and a beautiful sunset amazes you night after night. A landmark building that only 30 residents get to call home or home away from home.         Click the link to watch the virtual tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXwtR95Nt64         In Gated Community ~ Oakwood 5 Phillip Street, Grand Bend Listed at $1,595,000   Private oasis in the gated community of Oakwood Park, Grand Bend. This property is the perfect blend of character featuring the original 2 bedroom cottage built in the 1920s with a spacious 3 level addition in 2002 to create a 3600 sqft living space featuring 7 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 4 fireplaces, 2 kitchens, spacious screened in patio with heated floors and space for the whole family to enjoy life by the beach on a double wide lot. The home offers great curb appeal with a mature tree setting, granite stone retaining walls leading to landscaped gardens, stamped concrete front patio, composite accent shakes with vinyl siding exterior and terraced stone leading to the lower level walkout patio. Inside, the original cottage brings back the charm with a galley style kitchen leading to a large eating area with a natural wood fireplace on a stone accent wall. Spacious living room rebuilt in the 90s offers wood cathedral ceilings, a wall of windows for natural light throughout and space to unwind. 2 bedrooms and a full bathroom so it has everything if you wanted to create a separate living area. The three level newer addition brings functional living space and modern amenities to the home. The main floor offers an open concept great room that includes pecan hardwood flooring, gas fireplace in the living room, granite countertops with sit up bar in the kitchen, stainless steel appliances and eating area. Upstairs you have your primary bedroom suite complete with exposed wood beams on a cathedral ceiling, gas fireplace, walk in closet, and full ensuite bath with heated floors and tile shower. 2 additional bedrooms, sitting area and full bath complete the second level with another 2 bedrooms and full bath finishing off the main floor. Walk out lower level with heated floors includes a family room with a gas fireplace on a stone accent wall, hot tub room with exterior vent, bathroom and laundry. Just steps to one of the best sandy beach on Lake Huron and Oakwood Golf Course.         Click the link to watch the virtual tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZlGYTvfFN0     Looking For An Agent Outside Of Our Coverage Area? Just Ask Us!   Looking to move outside of the area and not sure who to call? As always call The PEDLAR Team with any of your real estate needs! We are closely connected with a group of realtors that cover Southwestern Ontario. Along with our involvement in the RE/MAX community we are sure to line you up with a trusted knowledgeable real estate agent to make your plans a reality anywhere in Ontario, Canada, North America, or the world for that matter because RE/MAX is global! Reserve Your 2026 Grand Bend Locals Card!   Support Local With Your GRAND BEND Locals Card It is the hope that this card will encourage you to choose local businesses more often. They've been quietly adding new businesses, new offers and TWICE as many draws! As lovers of Grand Bend, we need to stick together and keep our businesses OPEN. These Local businesses who are unable to provide specific offers, have stepped up to help provide MORE CARDHOLDER Draws! More Draws = More Winning & More Local Spending. Let's support them for all they do to support our community.   Click the link to see more information: https://grandbendlocals.com/ Social Media   Have a great day everyone and don't forget to check out our social media sites like instagram, youtube, facebook 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. Give us a LIKE/FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK by clicking the link below: https://www.facebook.com/thepedlarteam Or Give us a FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM by clicking this link: https://www.instagram.com/thepedlarteam.remaxgrandbend/?hl=en We love to hear about your experience with The PEDLAR Team so please feel free to leave us a FIVE STAR GOOGLE REVIEW by clicking the link below: https://g.page/r/Cew24KUHRF64EAI/review

JULY SALES AND AVERAGE PRICE REMAIN STABLE

In July, 725 homes exchanged hands via the MLS® System of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR), up 28.1% compared to the same month a year ago. That’s the best month of sales for July since 2021.  

“Historically we see less activity during the summer season, so these numbers are very encouraging,” said Dale Marsh, 2025 LSTAR Chair. “The housing market continues the pattern reflected over the last few months, with more new listings and robust inventory. The overall sales-to-new listing ratio was 44.6%, which the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) would indicate as a balanced market.”

Average sales price was in line with June, coming in at $648,273, down just 0.6% compared to July 2024. Meanwhile, the Composite MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Benchmark Price was $578,900, down 0.3% from a month ago.

The PEDLAR Team Update ~ July Newsletter

 

SUMMER Is Officially Here ENTER TO WIN: 2 Tickets to the Opening Show of Beehive 60's Musical Playing At Huron County Playhouse We hope you enjoyed your month of June as much as we did!?!? It was an action packed month of warm weather finally arriving and the community events coming alive. Grand Bend Beachfest, where we were the Kids Zone Main Sponsor with TD Bank, was an incredible day of volleyball, warm weather, FREE games/blowups, live entertainment and so much more! Huge compliments to Paul Rivard and the rest of the group with the Grand Bend Optimist Club. Then the following weekend we had the first year of River Road Arts Fair where we saw a great display of artists coming together and taking over River Road. All wrapped up with an incredible Canada Day where we saw live music from 1pm till nearly 11pm and an absolute amazing fireworks display! Another round of compliments to the Canada Day Fireworks Committee that did another amazing job of planning and raising of funds to put on Southwestern Ontario's largest fireworks display on again. This month we want to spread the word about the small but mighty playhouse we are so lucky to have just 1KM outside of town at Huron County Playhouse part of the Drayton Entertainment Group. This facility brings actors and talent from across the world to our small town of Grand bend delivering five star shows that you could see in Chicago or New York! We are giving away TWO TICKETS to the Huron County to watch the opening show of Beehive 60's Musical in August. If you don't win these remember you can always use our BLUEWATER-TIX25 code to get 25% off your next order of tickets. To enter all you have to do is reply to this newsletter with an answer to this question: Would you rather visit Eastern Canada or Western Canada if you had the choice? Keep scrolling down to find out more exciting news ... We are never to busy to talk real estate so give us a call today at 519-238-5700! 2025 REMAX Canada Cabin & Cottage Trends Report   Buyers in Canada temporarily sidelined, amidst tariff concerns. Lower interest rates that motivated recreational property buyers in the latter part of 2024 and in early 2025 have been overshadowed by more-recent economic uncertainty, according to REMAX's 2025 Canadian Cabin & Cottage Trends Report. A Leger survey commissioned by REMAX reveals that approximately one in five Canadians who are considering purchasing a recreational property in 2025 say lower prices in 2024 stimulated their buying journey. With rising consumer confidence levels, lower interest rates and economic stability due to easing inflation prompting Canadians back into the broader real estate market, recreational activity was poised for an upswing. However, market conditions have since taken a hit, with 59 per cent of those whose housing options have been influenced by the recent tariffs saying they are less confident in the housing market than they were in 2024. With that said, the underlying desire is still there and may resurface, should a trade deal and/or tariff pullback materialize.  With that being said it is believed that recreational property prices expected to rise by 1.8% in 2025, according to REMAX brokers and agents. Read the full report by clicking this link: https://blog.remax.ca/cabin-and-cottage-trends-canada/ First-Time Home Buyers Receive New Relief On Brand New Homes   To lower the upfront cost of buying a new home for young Canadians and spur the construction of new homes across the country, the government is eliminating the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for first-time home buyers on new homes up to $1 million and reducing the GST for first-time home buyers on new homes between $1 million and $1.5 million.   On May 27, 2025, the Minister of Finance and National Revenue, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, tabled legislative proposals to amend the Excise Tax Act to introduce a new GST rebate for first-time home buyers (the “FTHB GST Rebate”). As a result of this rebate, first-time home buyers will be able to save up to $50,000 on a new home. This measure is expected to deliver $3.9 billion in tax savings to Canadians over five years, starting in 2025-26. This applies to homes up to 1.5 million. This new savings can make a new build home make much more sense financially to first time home buyers in comparison to resale residential homes. On top of this there was always an HST rebate for $22,000 on builder purchased homes that everyone could redeem but that has been raised to $24,000.  To learn more and dive into the reality of what this means for your house search give us a call today at 519-238-5700! Also to read more about the new programs click both these links below: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/publications/rc4028/gst-hst-new-housing-rebate.html#pnhrfhpfab https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2025/05/gst-relief-for-first-time-home-buyers-on-new-homes-valued-up-to-15-million.html Water Safety 101   We regretfully write this portion of our newsletter knowing that we had two people pass away on the water this past weekend in Lambton Shores. This past weekend I was told the lifeguards in Grand Bend had to go into action 11 separate times with four times actually having to get into the water and pull six people out of the water. It doesn't matter your level of comfort in the water you must always practice safety because water is not something to be taken lightly. Please share this news with your loved ones and lets get the word out as Summer is in full swing and everybody is dreaming of long days on the beach! Let's make sure they are long days on the beach that end with everyone around the dinner table. A great PDF document from the Canadian Red Cross can be found by clicking this link: http://chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://cdn.redcross.ca/prodmedia/crc/documents/Training-and-Certification/Swimming-and-Water-Safety-Tips-and-Resources/01-0219PS-SWS-Materials_SummerWS_FAnocrop.pdf Ipperwash Lakefront 78' Frontage 6388 West Parkway Dr, Lambton Shores NOW LISTED AT $1,150,000   LAKEFRONT PARADISE ALONG THE SHORES OF LAKE HURON WITH 78 FEET OF LAKE FRONTAGE! Don't miss the incredible opportunity to own this spacious 3/4 acre lakefront property in Ipperwash of Lambton Shores. You don't need to travel outside of Canada to enjoy some of the world's most beautiful beaches. This stretch of Lake Huron coastline in Ipperwash is well known for its long stretch of soft sand and shallow waters perfect for all ages including the little ones. With 78' of frontage at the lake side and a depth over 400' there is lots of space to create your own family memories on Lake Huron. There is a charming three season cottage that was nicely updated to enjoy and create those memories. The centre living room is the focal point that exudes character with exposed wood beam ceilings, wood fireplace and rustic wood floors. Updated sliding door to back deck lets lots of natural light in. Opens up to the lakeside den with a wall of windows and door to lakeside deck. Existing cottage offers three bedrooms that all offer updated pine shiplap walls of which two are lakeside with walls of windows. The kitchen offers updated cabinetry, countertops and backsplash. Services for future home include gas at the road, septic system for sewage, municipal water servicing current home, hydro servicing current home and internet/communications servicing current home. Most interior/exterior furnishings along with appliances are included. Move in today and quick possession available because cottage season is here!         Click the link to watch the virtual tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2VwvesRSWo Spectacular Home On 1 Acre Property 8437 Goosemarsh Line, Lambton Shores Listed at $1,279,900   Custom built modern bungalow on a one acre lot surrounded by nature near the Pinery Provincial Park. Drive through the tree lined driveway and your greeted with your new home built in 2021 by Nicholson Builders. Great curb appeal with the landscaped gardens and flagstone walkway leading to the covered front entrance and front porch seating area. Inside, you have a 1742 sqft open concept design with well appointed finishes and flowing with natural light featuring engineered hardwood floors throughout the main floor. Step inside the front foyer and you feel the warmth of the space that invites you in and makes you feel at home. As you enter the living room you will notice the coffered ceilings above and a stone feature wall around the gas fireplace. The kitchen features quartz countertops on two tone cabinetry, large island with waterfall countertop edges, herringbone patterned tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances. Spacious eating area off the kitchen and living room with large windows overlooking the back yard and access to the covered patio. Main floor primary bedroom suite with walk in closet and beautiful ensuite that includes a double vanity and tile shower. The main floor also includes his and her separate offices that border the front foyer overlooking the front entrance or easily include a guest room on the main floor as both offices have full closets. There's an additional full bathroom off the main living space and a mudroom with laundry as you enter from the 22'x24' double car garage. Full finished basement with large family room that features and electric fireplace, 3 bedrooms for kids and guests or crafts, full bathroom, workshop for the handy person and lots of storage in the utility room. Entertain friends in your private back yard as you enjoy the 18' x 14' covered back patio with vaulted ceilings and pot lighting overlooking the tree lined natural setting and flagstone walkway leading to your armour stone firepit. BONUS: GENERAC Generator!         Click the link to watch the virtual tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMkZz3hC-Sg   Luxury Amongst Private 1.3 Acre Setting 10441 Pinetree Drive, Grand Bend Listed at $1,450,000   Private setting on 1.3 acres in Huron Woods just steps to the sandy beaches of Lake Huron in Grand Bend. Drive up the winding gravel drive to this spectacular private setting with 3800 sqft of living space with 4 beds, 3 1/2 baths and fully finished basement with double car garage. Surrounded by mature trees the home is nicely landscaped with flag stone walkways, armor stoned lined driveway, stone front steps to a trellis covered front patio, perennial gardens, sprinkler system, wood siding with stone feature wall and outdoor shower. The back yard is the perfect spot for entertaining with 1000 sqft of patio space. Relax in the covered gazebo as you hear the waves of Lake Huron in the background. Inside the home you have a large open concept main floor with vaulted ceilings flowing with lots of natural light and engineered hardwood flooring throughout. Updated kitchen with granite countertops and diamond shaped tile backsplash with a large picture window overlooking nature from the sink. Eating area off the kitchen with patio doors to the back yard deck. The living room has a wall of windows overlooking the back yard, skylight and a two-story stone wood fireplace feature. The primary bedroom suite with shiplap feature wall includes a 11x7 walk in closet with built in closet system and gorgeous ensuite bathroom featuring a tile shower, soaker tub and double vanity. Main floor den with French doors overlooking the front yard is a great spot to work from home. Main floor includes a guest bedroom and full bathroom. Upstairs features two large bedrooms and a full bathroom for the kids. Fully finished lower level is a large family room with gas fireplace; lots of room for the pool table, media room, games room or craft area. A large laundry room with powder room and an unfinished storage area finish off the home. Huron Woods association has tennis courts, clubhouse, playground and canoe storage along the Old Ausable Channel. **EXTRAS** Private setting just steps to the beach       Click the link to watch the virtual tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVMgsM9bJw0 Looking For An Agent Outside Of Our Coverage Area? Just Ask Us!   Looking to move outside of the area and not sure who to call? As always call The PEDLAR Team with any of your real estate needs! We are closely connected with a group of realtors that cover Southwestern Ontario. Along with our involvement in the RE/MAX community we are sure to line you up with a trusted knowledgeable real estate agent to make your plans a reality anywhere in Ontario, Canada, North America, or the world for that matter because RE/MAX is global! Get Your 2025 Grand Bend Locals Card!   Support Local With Your GRAND BEND Locals Card It is the hope that this card will encourage you to choose local businesses, more often. They've been quietly adding new businesses, new offers and TWICE as many draws! As lovers of Grand Bend, we need to stick together and keep our businesses OPEN. These Local businesses who are unable to provide specific offers, have stepped up to help provide MORE CARDHOLDER Draws! More Draws = More Winning & More Local Spending. Let's support them, for all they do to support our community.   Click the link to see more information: https://grandbendlocals.com/ Social Media   Have a great day everyone and don't forget to check out our social media sites like instagram, youtube, facebook 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. Give us a LIKE/FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK by clicking the link below: https://www.facebook.com/thepedlarteam Or Give us a FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM by clicking this link: https://www.instagram.com/thepedlarteam.remaxgrandbend/?hl=en We love to hear about your experience with The PEDLAR Team so please feel free to leave us a FIVE STAR GOOGLE REVIEW by clicking the link below: https://g.page/r/Cew24KUHRF64EAI/review

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           garrett@grandbendrealestate.com

Community Profile ~ The Cottage Cafe With Hailey & Sharon Coleman

June Housing Market Shows Signs of Stability

 

Despite ongoing uncertainty with U.S. tariffs and the global geopolitical climate, the local housing market continued its steady streak in June, with 745 homes exchanging hands via the MLS® System of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR). Housing supply showed signs of stabilization, with almost four and a half months of inventory last month, unchanged from the inventory recorded in May.  

“We continue to see the trend of more new listings coming on the market, which helps explain the healthy level of housing stock across our region,” said Dale Marsh, 2025 LSTAR Chair. “In June, there were 1,814 new listings, up 10.5% compared to the same month a year ago, with an overall sales-to-new listing ratio of 41.1%. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), a ratio between 40% and 60% is generally consistent with a balanced market.”

Average sales price was $650,501, down 4.2% compared to June 2024. It is slightly down from the $656,432 average sales price recorded in May. Meanwhile, the Composite MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Benchmark Price was $580,700, down 2.2% from a month ago.