I got a notice the other day from the Environment Network in Collingwood that I think will be of interest to all rural property owners.  They are promoting the Well Aware Program  which is a project of Green Communities Canada that receives funding support from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.

Well Aware home visits, conducted by trained Water Guides, help rural well owners identify priorities for action to protect their drinking water source. The visits, which are VOLUNTARY, CONFIDENTIAL, and NON-REGULATORY, guide well owners through a self-assessment to help identify and address potential risks to their well water.

This Includes:
• Well owners are guided through a self-assessment to help identify and address
potential risks to their well water
• Recommendations on well maintenance and upgrading
• Water Conservation Tips
• Information on sealing unused wells
• How to correctly take water samples
• Septic Safety Information
• A full written report for the well owner

To arrange well aware home visit for rural well and septic owners in Simcoe and Grey Counties, contact the Environment Network located at 44 St. Marie St. In Collingwood, 705.446.0551 or Toll Free: 866.377.0551 Email: info@environmentnetwork.org

We get several enquiries a week about a particular condominium development near the slopes.  Understandably, it’s the pricing of the units that attract people as they generally run between $100-$150,000.  That particular development however has unique issues that, when discovered, often send people in search of other options.  (Yes, I’m being careful here on purpose as I don’t want to offend or mislead anyone.)

It’s good to know that there are other options for people who want to enjoy the resort lifestyle without the cost associated with many properties in Blue Mountain where average prices are well over $400,000 for residential properties.  One such option is in a unique development known as Craigleith Shores.

The property was originally built and run as a successful hotel and popular restaurant/night club.  At some point in the 1980’s, it was converted into a residential condominium complex and I must say, it’s one of the areas best kept secrets.

Craigleith Shores is located in the heart of Blue Mountain directly opposite Georgian Bay just east of the Provincial Campground on Highway 26.  The building sits on estate-like grounds used exclusively at the pleasure of the residents which are a mix of full-time and part-time owners and tenants in all age groups.  The Georgian Trail is right behind the property and it’s a quick walk or cycle to grab the morning paper at the Craigleith Mac’s store not far away.  People can hop across the road to boat, fish, sailboard or swim in Georgian Bay or, they can enjoy the private outdoor pool right on the grounds.  There are sitting areas amid the trees, a basketball net, a secure bike storage shed, on-site laundry facilities and a sauna for winter use.  The property is also just minutes away from the slopes at Blue Mountain, from area ski clubs, golf clubs or from the towns of Collingwood and Thornbury.

Uniquely, the building has a security-controlled entrance and on-site superintendants who maintain the development to near perfection.  Owners can rent their units out in compliance with the Town of Blue Mountains by-laws (no rentals less than 30 days) or can enjoy worry-free living either full-time or part-time as they wish.

I’ve just listed what is perhaps the finest unit in the building as it has been completely renovated and is simply gorgeous.  It’s very affordably priced at $129,900 with taxes of only $883.00 this year and condo fees of $182.00 per month.  I can’t think of anything else in the area with comparable operating costs.  This really is a great alternative and one you shouldn’t miss.

Happy Canada Day!
Are you looking for something to do around the area today?

I just happened upon a website that I never knew existed but thought it worthwhile to share with you.
 
The site bills itself as the official travel and tourism website for Georgian Bay.  It’s a well put together representation of the Georgian Bay coastal communities and, I especially like the “Top 10 Things To See and Do” section.

As a resident of the area, I still find information on sites like these that I never knew about before.  Our area is blessed with such a bounty of great things to see and do that the appreciation I have for living here never wanes.

On a recent art studio tour, my hubby John and I wandered up to the beautiful Pretty River Valley about 10 minutes south of Collingwood.  The Valley is tucked into the Niagara Escarpment amid thousands of acres of parkland, streams, hills and breathtaking views.  Lo and behold, what did we see?  Reindeer!

It would seem that Santa is taking a summer vacation at the eco-friendly Pretty River Valley Country Inn and who could blame him?  It’s a wonderful place to escape from the city or the North Pole.

RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada, Generation X purchasers are poised to replace aging baby boomers as the major force in recreational property markets across the country, according to a report released today by RE/MAX.

The report found demand for recreational properties from Gen Xer’s (those born between 1965 and 1980) has nearly doubled over one year ago.  “Much of the activity in the marketplace today has to do with the mindset of this particular generation,” says Elton Ash, Regional Executive Vice President, RE/MAX of Western Canada.  “More important than the investment aspect is the commitment to lifestyle.  The purchase of a waterfront home or a condominium is more than a simple transaction to Gen X purchasers – owning a recreational property underscores their dedication to family and balance.”

Click here to read the full report.

A few weeks ago, I learned a lesson in the obvious.  About how easily we take things forgranted.

While showing Blue Mountain properties to some buyers who were here from Asia, one of them asked me what the difference was between a cottage and a chalet.  It seems that in our discussions and in her research about Ontario real estate, the two terms came up at different times and she was curious.

It got me thinking about how I intrinsically just know the difference but it was challenging to explain in a way that made sense when I said it out loud.  So, since then I did a little homework on Google and interestingly, the terms have different usages in different parts of the world.

Generally speaking, Webster’s Dictionary defines a chalet as “A wooden dwelling with a sloping roof and widely overhanging eaves, common in Switzerland and other Alpine regions.”  In our part of Ontario, we typically refer to any mountain-oriented, recreational homes as chalets.  For example, a stucco dwelling used for vacations and week-ends would typically be called a chalet around here.  I’ve even heard many people refer to their condominium as their chalet.

In Canada, the term “cottage” usually refers to a vacation or summer home, often located near a body of water. However, according to a reference on Wiki, this type of property is more commonly called a “cabin” in Western Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador, a “chalet” in Quebec, and a camp in Northern Ontario, New Brunswick and in some northern US states.  Here in the Collingwood area, people tend to call a waterfront, vacation home a cottage.  A small and humble rural property might be referred to as a cabin.

“I’m going to the chalet this week-end to do some skiing” or, “We’re going to the cottage this summer” are phrases you’ll hear often.  Very generally, the location and seasonal use will dictate the default term used.

When you think about it, it’s not a wonder that someone who grew up outside of Ontario may become confused about these terms.  Either way, they are very nice to have!

When it’s time to buy or sell real estate in the Collingwood, Blue Mountain or Georgian Triangle area, contact Marg, an experienced and competent Broker who’s ready whenever you are!

Last month, I sold a condo up at Blue Mountain that was in the rental program and generated a very decent rental income.  When I say decent, there was almost enough revenue to offset all of the carrying costs excluding any mortgaging.  Last month, I also had some determined condo buyers decide, after learning all the ins and outs, that a condo was not for them after all.

For people thinking of buying a condominium unit near Blue Mountain, there is a great deal of variation between developments and, it’s critical for buyers to assess the differences to be sure they get what really meets their needs.

There are very inexpensive units for sale at Mountain Springs Lodge that generate a large number of enquiries, that’s for sure.  There are the original Blue Mountain condo’s in places like Chateau Ridge, Mountainwalk, Cachet Crossing and Wintergreen that are now called ‘legacy’ units and, there are units in the Village itself.  There are timeshare units, Snowbridge units and fractional ownership units.  In other words, a whole lot of variety and with that, a whole lot of stuff potential buyers NEED to know.

Some units are part of the Village Association which attracts fees.  Some units are in a rental program and some are not.  Those that are, have strict rules and many of these have changed substantially in recent months. Some units are taxed on a commercial basis and others are not depending on a number of factors.  Some units are subject to impending special assessments (potentially over $30,000 in some cases) and others are not.  Some units are in a rental pool and require that even owners pay a fee to use their own units when not rented.  Some programs require you to furnish, maintain or upgrade as determined by the program managers if you wish to stay in the rental program.  Some units have their own meters for utilities and some don’t. Some units have rules about when you can opt in or opt out of a rental program.

As you can see, it takes a great deal of knowledge to ensure that you as a buyer know exactly what it is that you are buying into. When I’m dealing with a potential buyer, I start by determining what their needs are.  Are they looking for a return on investment or, to offset some costs?  Do they want a straightforward situation where their condo is for their own personal use only?  Then, we can narrow down the options and examine in detail the pros and cons of each opportunity available.

With the right research and a full knowledge of what’s involved, buyers can make a decision with no surprises.

Related Posts:

Many Short Term Condo or Chalet Rentals Are Prohibited
Collingwood Condominiums:  Rupert’s Landing

Do you like what you’re reading?  Click here to subscribe and we’ll send new blog posts directly to your email inbox.  P.S.  Bloggers like comments!

With over two million visitors a year coming to stay in our region, there are plenty of opportunities for property owners to realize some rental income if they wish.  For years, it has been common for condo and chalet owners in particular to rent out their vacation properties on a seasonal basis if they are not using it themselves.

In recent years though, more and more people have been renting out their properties for short term accommodation.  One week at Christmas can yield a rent that is equivalent to a month or more!  Residents have been complaining though about the increase in “party palaces” and the associated noise, garbage, traffic and various other concerns that short term rental accommodation sometimes spawns.

In February, the Town of the Blue Mountains passed an Interim Control By-law prohibiting short term rental accommodations in all residential areas as the matter is studied further.  Short term is defined as 30 days or less and, the by-law exempts properties such as hotels, motels and bed and breakfasts.

I’ve heard several people say that they think that this is as a result of certain commercial entities protecting their turf while others, such as the local ratepayers group, are expressing the views of residents especially those living in the area closest to the mountain.

If you are thinking of purchasing a property anywhere in the area, don’t assume you can rent it out on your own terms.  In addition to local by-laws, almost every condominium corporation also regulates rental rules.  There are properties zoned to permit short term rentals in the area and it’s critical for buyers to know which properties meet their goals and which ones don’t.

Do you like what you’re reading?  Click here to subscribe and we’ll send new blog posts directly to your email inbox.  P.S.  Bloggers like comments.

When it’s time to buy or sell real estate in the Collingwood, Blue Mountain or Georgian Triangle area, contact Marg, an experienced and competent Broker who’s ready whenever you are!

There’s a headline in today’s Toronto Star newspaper entitled “Hunting U.S. House Bargains” and the timing is rather ironic.  Just two days ago, I had an interesting email from Jim Gruler, an agent in Scottsdale, Arizona.  Jim recognizes the opportunity Canadians have right now in buying U.S. property and he was asking for suggestions on how he might best to reach our “snowbirds” who winter in Arizona.  He also knew that many “snowbirds” in Arizona spend their summers in the Collingwood - Blue Mountain area.

Canadians really do have a window of opportunity at the moment to buy into the U.S. housing market.  Real estate prices in the U.S. have plummeted in many areas due to the subprime mortgage fall-out.  This combined with our strong Canadian dollar equals one of the best opportunities Canadians have had in probably over 30 years to buy property down south.  In a post on his own blog, Florida REALTOR® Neal Bloom also points out that inventory levels are high meaning potential buyers have a wide choice of properties available for consideration.

Maybe the headline should have said, “Hunting Canadian Home Buyers” because that’s what is also happening.  If you are considering a purchase in the U.S., let me know and I”d be happy to search out a top notch REALTOR® in your area of choice to refer you to.

I often hear people say that they’d like to have a second home in the Collingwood area as they enjoy escaping from everyday life to play here in the Georgian Triangle. A barrier can be the carrying costs of a second home with things like taxes, utilities and condo fees adding up quickly. There is an alternative and that is to find a home that generates rental income when you are not using it.

I love this spacious three bedroom condo I just listed for sale right across the road from the Village at Blue and nestled on the first fairway of the Monterra Golf Course. The revenue can cover most, if not all, of the carrying costs and, it’s located right where the action is. At $284,900, it’s the best value in the Wintergreen development and comes completely furnished down to the last knife and fork.