|
Real Estate in Collingwood & the Town of the Blue Mountains Spring 2010
To See All Our Current Listings Go To – www.collingwoodhomes.ca On January 27, 2010 John Band lost his long struggle with cancer. The number of stories I have heard over the last couple of years from people who John had helped out in his lifetime are great indicator of a man who lived life large. I know he will be greatly missed by his loving wife of 25 years Teri (known as Trix) and his two daughters Courtney and Ashlyn and her husband Dave and their daughter Madyn, his large extended family, and friends everywhere. Bando’s friends have purchased a flower in his honour which will be placed in the park on Memory Lane at Blue Mountain. I was fortunate to have John as a business partner and friend for the past ten years!!
Construction in Blue
Mountains was down by 16% in 2009 versus 2008 when building permits were
issued for $62,100,038. Some of the big renovations in the planning stage
are Toronto Ski club for 2.5 million and Craigleith Private Ski Club’s
plans for a pool and amenity building. Collingwood issued permits for
64.27 million in 2009 versus $70.47 for 2008.
NOTABLE SALES
A new high in sale price
for walk to skiing from Campbell Crescent at Blue $795,000 for a mostly
furnished 5,200 square foot ski chalet. There were two sales over
$700,000 at Snowbridge which continues to be a popular location. One of
the homes had been listed for sale for 1,079 days at the price of $779,000
and sold for $775,000. The ability to jump on the shuttle bus and use the
facilities at the village and know that any “adult” children can have a
good time and get safely home without having to worry about a designated
driver has been a popular feature, as has the local swimming pool.
Proximity to the village without being right in the middle of all the
action, and entertainment has proven to be a very popular feature as well.
MLS
STATISTICS I always shy away from average (one foot in boiling water and one in ice water means on average I should be comfortable but I am not!!!) but lets do the math 2009 was $267,247 and 2010 is $300,518 according to our Residential (single family) Activity report. It is a great time to be a well priced property in our market but only about 30% of the listings have found a buyer. We have seen some growth in values but if you push the price too hard you will be one of the many sitting waiting. The recreational market means the seller does not NEED to sell and the buyer of course does not NEED to buy. Getting good advice on the right price to list ensures you are the property that gets the buyer’s attention.
YTD there have
been 16 sales over $600,000 while last year we had only 7 sales in this
price category.
COCKTAIL TRIVIA
In the Fall 2009
Newsletter I discussed the Legacy Condos in the Village. We want to
clarify the maintenance fees. These condos are Chateau Ridge, Cachet
Crossing, Mountain Walk and Sierra Lane. All of these units provide
larger floor space at a lower cost per square foot then many of the units
in the Village. They also provide the ability to walk to the Village.
Sierra Lane for instance has three models which are 2 bedroom 1,318 square
feet; two 3 bedroom models 1,660 and 1,672; with condo fees ranging from
$295.65 to $375.06 monthly (stats provided by Richard Nun, Treasurer GCC
36). The board at this condo corporation is taking a forward thinking
approach and replacing and updating roofing, balconies, and windows. It
is a fine line between having a good reserve fund, keeping the mechanicals
in good working order and improving the appearance of the complex to
maximize the return on your investment. A well managed board of directors
is a very good thing!!
PERCEPTIONS AND OBSERVATIONS
The town of Collingwood
looks like it is under siege. Hurontario is being dug up (I was there
three times to day and was able to find parking and have lunch, get to the
bank and shops) you may have to walk a bit further but we all look forward
to the construction ending and our beautiful main street being turned back
to us!! Try to support our local businesses as the town works away to
improve the main street.
WHAT’S NEW Congratulations to Richard Lex who is bringing the old Tremont back to “NEW”. The reconstruction is well underway and it is looking good. This is a fine example of our heritage and I admire Richard for spending the money and taking the time to bring it back to life. The Shipyards are moving right along!! Many of the higher end suites are gone!! I have listed a fabulous 1,800 square foot four bedroom unit at the Side Launch which has four parking spaces including the double car garage within easy walking distance of all the shops and waterfront views. Hard to believe it was four years ago when the first contracts were signed. Wildwood at Cranberry Trail East has had great success with their initial launch of well priced week end homes in Collingwood. Cranberry Mews has sprung to life with Collingwood Sports Medicine (Dr Bowman) being the first tenant. Several of the units have been leased. Ladies Designer is moving into the facility in July of 2010. The construction at the old movie Theatre (slightly east of Hurontario on the Pretty River Parkway/ Highway 26 is going to provide fabulous first class office space, some of which has water views. The parking to lease space ratio is unheard of and the entire building will be ready for occupancy this fall.
Karen Poshtar Sales Representative Royal LePage All Real Estate Services Ltd. Toll Free 877-445-5520 Web Site: www.CollingwoodHomes.ca
|
