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HomeHunt with Bruce Johnson
! July/August 2011 ! TheHomeHunt.com ! Vol. XV, Issue IV
Bruce Johnson Photo Š
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HomeHunt with Bruce Johnson
July/August 2011
Table of Contents: Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page Page
3/4/5: Featured Properties 6/7: Recreational Report 8/9: Mary’s Staging Report 10/11: Mortgage News 112/13: Area Happenings 14: Joke & Trivia Contest 15: The Big Picture 16: Hot Links 17: Assorted Information
: Cover Photo
er Siege” “Wasaga Und re-enact the participants the 1814 Battle of iver and the R a g a s a w a t t No MS Nancy H e h t f o g in sink
BRUCE
SALES
RE/MA
JOHNS
REPRE
SENTA
ON
TIVE X of W asaga B each I n c ., B rokera PHON g e E
(705)
429-45
TOLL FREE 00 (8 88) 74 1- 8 8 8 8
FEATURED PROPERTY
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$388,900
12084 10 County Road in Clearview Beautiful century home on 9.39 lush private acres centrally located to Wasaga Beach, Blue Mountain and Barrie with approx. 2,100 sq.ft. of charm. 3 bdrms, 2 baths, antique wood flooring, 9” baseboards, heritage interior doors and trim and a large country kitchen with a breakfast bar and dining nook overlooking the private rear deck and your own large pond. Many recent upgrades: kitchen counters, bathrooms, eaves, windows, exterior brick re-pointed, drilled well, furnace, water purifier. Isnʼt it time you brought your horses home to your own property? Sellers will leave you plenty of fence posts and thereʼs lots of room to build a large paddock. MLS 20113664
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FEATURED PROPERTIES
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Wasa
!
h e Beac h T r a e Lot N
MLS 20111619
ga Sa nds
$98,880
MLS 20113723
$349,900
Two superb building lots very close to the sandy beaches of Wasaga. You will have the enviable position of being able to select which mature trees to leave on the property as you sculpt the property to suit your needs.
Wasaga Sands paradise...found! This 3 bedroom, 2 bath all-brick custom bungalow sits majestically on an estate-sized lot in one of Wasaga Beach`s premier golf course subdivisions. Click below for more info:
Lot 23 Deerbrook Drive
12 Rigby Drive
ho Town
Golf
use
Cour se
! D L SO MLS 20113460
$199,900
MLS 20110653
$140,000
This very well-kept 1,550 sq.ft townhouse comes with central air, natural gas f/a heating, central vac, ceramic flooring and a welcoming open concept kitchen with breakfast bar. Click here for full details:
Build your dream home on this beautiful one acre golf course community lot backing onto forested land overlooking McIntyre Creek in Wasaga Sands Estates. Click here for full details:
46 Admiral Road
16 Walnut Drive
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FEATURED PROPERTIES
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Coun
tryLif
e r Hom Zanco
MLS 20112611
$324,900
e Res ort
MLS 20112529
$134,900
This beautiful 5-bedroom, 3-bath home in a quiet, west-end Wasaga neighbourhood is close to schools, shopping and trails. This large bungalow has a 2,034 sq.ft. on main level and a fully finished basement as well. Click the link:
Sophisticated one bedroom modular home in a gated community with an incredible rear yard backing onto a serene pond with a sunny exposure surrounded by elite gardens. Click on the link below to see more:
26 Briarwood Place
12 Topaz Street New
cres 9.3 A
MLS # 20113664
$388,900
MLS # 20112956
Subd
ivisio
n
$299,000
Beautiful century home on 9.39 lush private acres with a pond centrally located to Wasaga Beach, Blue Mountain and Barrie with approx. 2,100 sq.ft. of charm. Click the link below for full details:
Great value here in this lovely 2,330 sq.ft. bungalow in peaceful Marl Lake Village in Wasaga Beach. 3 large bedrooms on the main level, including the master with a 5-pc ensuite with corner soaker tub. Click for full details:
12084 10 County Road
14 Meadowood Drive
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2011 RE/MAX RECREATIONAL PROPERTY REPORT
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STAGE IS SET FOR ONE OF THE BEST RECREATIONAL PROPERTY MARKETS IN YEARS Mississauga, ONTARIO:
Canada’s recrea+onal property market is gaining serious trac+on as savvy purchasers take advantage of ideal condi+ons, se:ng the stage for what is expected to be the best market in recent years, according to a report released today by RE/MAX. The 2011 RE/MAX Recrea+onal Property Report, examining sales and trends in 46 markets across the country, found that substan+al equity gains and recovering stock porMolios in major centres have contributed to an upswing in demand from coast to coast. Demand rose in 78 per cent of markets, while sales were up or on par in 41 per cent of recrea+onal centres. Inclement weather, including a late thaw and an abundance of precipita+on, resulted in a slow start in many
“Demand rose in 78 per cent of markets, while sales were up or on par in 41 per cent of recreational centres.”
areas, but should be offset by stronger peak season ac+vity. While star+ng prices have remained rela+vely stable across the board, there are deals to be had in virtually every region – especially at the top end. Luxury sales, as a result, have climbed in almost half of the markets examined. Inventory levels are
healthy throughout the country, although there has been some +ghtening reported at entry-‐level price points in about one-‐third of markets. Some of the best selec+on of product in recent years is now available. Buyers who held off during the recession are back in recrea+onal property markets from coast-‐to-‐coast. Their pa+ence has been rewarded with more affordable recrea+onal values and greater inventory levels. It’s the perfect storm, as ideal market condi+ons dovetail with wealth recovery.
“Americans are cashing out— especially in Ontario and Atlantic Canada. For many, the timing has never been better.” The report also found that Americans are cashing out—especially in Ontario and Atlan+c Canada. For
The Home Hunt: 1263 Mosley Street, Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 1A5 | 705-429-4500 x226 “A Moving Experience”
2011 RE/MAX RECREATIONAL PROPERTY REPORT many, the +ming has never been be]er. The vast majority purchased in Canadian markets when the dollar fell to 65 cents. These sellers are now taking advantage of price apprecia+on and the currency
“Fewer traditional cottages are available for sale than in years past.” exchange. In Bri+sh Columbia, the recrea+onal property report iden+fied prices at or near bo]om. Astute purchasers—many of whom were scooping up product south of the border—are star+ng to cherry pick in markets where oceanfront prices are down from peak, pre-‐recession levels. So`er values have driven up sales in Western Canada, with transac+ons up or on par in 58 per cent of markets, well ahead of the na+onal average. Opportuni+es that haven’t been seen in years are now presen+ng themselves, especially on the West Coast. Prices are down as much as 20 per cent from peak levels reported in 2006-‐2007, bringing ownership within reach to many poten+al purchasers. The strengthening oil sector has also brought Albertans back into mix, driving demand for both local and coastal B.C. proper+es. 2011 could be the turning point. In markets in Ontario, Quebec, and Atlan+c Canada, the supply of recrea+onal property has +ghtened considerably at the lower end, with poten+al price increases in store by year-‐end if momentum con+nues at the current pace. At present, 50 per cent of markets offer recrea+onal product at $350,000 or less, including most Ontario markets, Atlan+c Canada, the Lauren+ans and three
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markets in the West—Lake Winnipeg, Canmore and Harrison Lake. Yet, even greater value exists for those willing to compromise on lot, loca+on or type of access, such as riverfront, view proper+es, condominiums, frac+onal ownership or boat access op+ons. With overall economic performance improving daily and consumer confidence rising, the resurgence of Canadian recrea+onal property markets is a natural progression. An upswing in discre+onary spending is once again drawing purchasers to what is, without ques+on, an innate Canadian pas+me. The report noted that the composi+on of the country’s recrea+onal des+na+ons con+nues to evolve. Fewer tradi+onal co]ages are available for sale than in years past. As the desire for the year-‐round lifestyle con+nues to drive renova+on and new construc+on ac+vity, these waterfront proper+es are disappearing from the landscape. Meanwhile, today’s average recrea+onal getaways are truly earning the dis+nc+on as the “home away from home,” with many of the bells, whistles and comforts of their residen+al counterparts. The movement is challenging local municipali+es to manage the delicate balance between regional growth and natural preserva+on—in some instances, changing recrea+onal migra+on pa]erns in the process.
Click here for the full report:
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Symbolism in Décor The Ul'mate A1ractor Factor Studies have shown that when it comes to the interior of the home, there is only 28% a seller cannot control; the number of rooms and floor plan. Of the 72% of the impulse to buy in the seller’s control, 35% is based on perception of cleanliness/odour/clutter, 21% is based on the appeal of décor and 16% is based on condition and lighting.
Signs, Signs, Everywhere...
When I make a home staging checklist for Bruce’s clients, I not only address the straightforward stuff like lighting, clutter, excess furniture, and of course cleanliness but also to edit for that important aspect called “appeal of décor” because, it is a fact, your stuff can actually attract or repel buyers. I’m not just talking dead deer heads, nudity and crucifixes but also just missed 16% opportunities to add symbolism that could remind buyers of the joys of home ownership such as nesting, resting and 21% creativity. The decision to buy one home over another one is not black and white but rather internal and associative. In choosing which pieces should remain, be added or be removed from each room, it’s important to focus on the idea that the message the buyer is receiving in the seller’s stuff is not about the seller, but about the house itself.
Buyers associate what they are seeing to a positive or negative program or memory, which then relates to whether the property is perceived as attractive, repulsive or “just not for me”. Since you aren’t there when your house is being toured, let your stuff do the talkin’!
For example, when a buyer sees healthy plants and fresh flowers, their subconscious registers “this house supports healthy growth. Plants thrive. People probably do, too. There is enough natural light here for all my favourite plants.”
28%
35% Seller Can’t Control Perception of Cleanliness Appeal of Decor Condition and Lighting
If buyers see a new mat outside the front door with “WELCOME” clearly seen, and in the hall there’s an old-fashioned plaque, ornately titled “WELCOME HOME” they internalize the message: “this house is happy we’re here, it wants us to like it, I already feel at home.” A ragged, industrial entry mat is not a deal-breaker but it is definitely a missed opportunity when it comes to marketing the new commodity that was your house.
Home staging is not only about decluttering, deodorizing and making space. Consider a family room with a bookshelf full of a variety of fun, unstuffy paperbacks. Beside it sits a big weathered chair with a fuzzy throw blanket. As a
The Home Hunt: 1263 Mosley Street, Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 1A5 | 705-429-4500 x226 “A Moving Experience”
MARY’S STAGING REPORT stager I know that the buyer’s inner voice will not say “wow, these people don’t have nice new furniture” but rather “this house would support my quiet side that just needs to unwind.” In home staging training this is called “lifestyle selling” and something like a coffee cup on the porch is a “prop” used to stimulate the impulse to buy. In feng shui we say “your space reflects your life” and vice versa, with the emphasis on creating a harmonious home that continually affirms your best self. Whatever you call it, don’t miss the opportunity to cue buyers to imagine their very best life. Showing off a balanced, clean, stress-free home, is definitely an art. Speaking of art, sellers must also pay attention to what their pictures are saying, not about them personally, but about what their house supports and encourages. Think of potential buyer’s children entering a bedroom and looking around at the walls. Make sure there is nothing that would stop them from running to announce to their parents: “I already picked my room!” Likewise, don’t hesitate to remove art depicting nudity, religion or any theme that could potentially offend or stir up any kind of memories for buyers. You want your house to say “pick me, and you will feel safe and at home” instead of saying “ugh, that makes you think of (insert memory here).” Later, back at the Realtor’s office, the buyers will sometimes have
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to think back on more than 5 houses and will have them distilled into impressions. Bruce hears buyers give houses names based on unique identifiers all the time, such as “the dog poo house,” “the creepy basement house,” “the angel (or whatever prominent collection) house” and so on. For whatever reason, it seems to be a negative aspect that they remember, so that’s what home staging seeks to erase. Conversely, if the buyer sees items not fitting, such as small kitchen appliances littering the countertops, or not fitting the room’s function, such as a printer/scanner sitting on the bedroom dresser, the buyer receives the message: “there is not enough cabinet space” or “there is not enough room for my home office setup.” Other examples of poor messages sellers unwittingly send, even though none of the assumptions conveyed are true: Rat poison on the laundry room shelf = buyer
morse code for “Pest problem! Probably fleas in the carpets too.” A parade of water jugs leading to a water
cooler in the kitchen = buyers believe the tap water tastes like septic sludge. Security company/alarm force stickers in every
room = red light to the buyer’s subconscious: “Unsafe neighbourhood!” Kayak and pile of tires in the rec room = oh
forget it, “no garage or storage space here.” For extreme decor faux pas, check out LovelyListing.com for a steady stream of hilarity. Bottom line: in selling, your “stuff” matters!
~ Mary
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MORTGAGE NEWS
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What do New Mortgage Rules Mean for You? Mortgage rules changed this year, causing some confusion in the market for homebuyers and homeowners alike. However, navigating these changes is relatively simple. With smart financial planning and saving practices you should still be able to finance your dream home while building your savings. For prospective homebuyers, the biggest change is a reduction in the amortization period - the amount of time after which, if all monthly payments are made on time and in full, the mortgage loan will be repaid. Under the changes the maximum amortization period was decreased to 30 years from 35 years for all new government-backed insured
mortgages. For some homebuyers, particularly those looking for their first home, this change may make it harder to qualify for a mortgage. A shorter period for repayment will mean that your mortgage payments will be greater. However, this shorter period means your mortgage will be paid off faster and you will save on interest. Although the shorter amortization period may make it more difficult to qualify for a mortgage, it may be a blessing over time as paying down your mortgage faster will give you more security and more cash to put toward other purposes — like retirement or your child's education. Generally, if you are just setting up your mortgage, it's a good rule to go for a short
The Home Hunt: 1263 Mosley Street, Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 1A5 | 705-429-4500 x226 “A Moving Experience”
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...WITH MICHAEL MCCARTHY
amortization and not be tempted by the longest amortization possible. A longerterm obligation may seem appealing, as it will leave you with more cash in hand each month. For existing homeowners, the recent regulations do not cause any change in your existing mortgage. However, the biggest change is in the amount you can borrow against your home for refinancing. The maximum amount Canadians can borrow in refinancing their mortgages has been reduced to 85 per cent of the value of their homes, down from 90 per cent. This is the second time in two years that the refinance limit has been tightened. In April 2010, it was reduced from 95 per cent of the value of your
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home to 90 per cent, and, with the latest reduction, this means a ten-percentage-point reduction in the amount you can borrow against your home. This will mean you can borrow less against your home for things such as investing for retirement or for renovations. It may also mean that you will have to revisit your long-term financial plan — or explore other financing routes. A qualified financial adviser may be able to help. While the recent rules will make home financing more difficult in some circumstances, in theory these changes should make for lower debt levels over time and could provide consumers with an incentive for more prudent financial management.
Click here to contact Michael McCarthy Michael McCarthy is a mortgage advisor with Scotiabank... Call him at 705-441-2416
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WASAGA BEACH HAPPENINGS
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Map of Wasaga Beach 1. Click here for Things To Do in Wasaga Beach!
2. Click here for Things To Do in Clearview!
nty u o C e Simco o rk W d a Ro
3. Click here for Things To Do in Balm Beach! le! Ar rive alive, peop
cal o L y a d 4 1 e nd Weather Tr
Cur rent Weath er
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COLLINGWOOD & BLUE MOUNTAIN HAPPENINGS
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Map of Co llingwo od 1. Click here for Things To Do in Collingwoo d! 2. Click here for Things To Do in Blue Mountain!
Grey Co unty Road W o rk
3. Click here for Things To Do in Thornbur y!
,I
ere h T “
t!”
dI e x i F
s! o t o h e P s u o H Odd
Blue Mountain Stuff
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JOKES & CONTEST
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THE GENEROUS LAWYER A local United Way office realized that the organization had never received a donation from the town's most successful lawyer. The person in charge of contributions called him to persuade him to contribute. "Our research shows that out of a yearly income of at least $500,000, you give not a penny to charity. Wouldn't you like to give back to the community in some way?" The lawyer mulled this over for a moment and replied, "First, did your research also show that my mother is dying after a long illness and has medical bills that are several times her annual income?" Embarrassed, the United Way rep mumbled, "Um ... no."
the
t n u H e m Ho
The lawyer interrupts: "Or that my brother, a disabled veteran, is blind and confined to a wheelchair?" The stricken United Way rep began to stammer out an apology, but was interrupted again. "Or that my sister's husband died in a traffic accident," the lawyer's voice rising in indignation, "leaving her penniless with three children?" The humiliated United Way rep, completely beaten, said simply, "I had no idea..." On a roll, the lawyer cut him off once again, "So if I don't give any money to them, why should I give any to you?"
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Who
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Lives
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Congratulations to last edition’s speedy winner: Aaron Eves
! Big Hint
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THE BIG PICTURE
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“The summer night is like a perfection of thought.” ~Wallace Stevens ch
Bea a e nl Dea
et
ns Su
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HomeHunt with Bruce Johnson
RE/MAX OF WA SA GA BE AC H INC . BR OK E R A GE
x226 0 0 5 4 9 2 4 705 hnson Mar y Jo ional g Profess in g ta S d Certifie
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