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HomeHunt with Bruce Johnson
Winter 2011/2012 ! TheHomeHunt.com ! Vol. XVI, Issue I
Bruce Johnson Photo Š
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HomeHunt with Bruce Johnson
Winter 2011/2012
Table of Contents: Page 3:
Johnson Family Tree
Page 4/5:
Featured Properties
Page 6/7:
2012 Housing Report
Page 8/9:
Mary’s Staging Report
Page 10/11:
Winter Maintenance
Page 112/13: Area Happenings
: Cover Photo s. Claus Santa and Mr arance at make an appe each the Wasaga B Parade. Santa Claus r photos. Click here fo
Page 14:
Joke & Trivia Contest
Page 15:
The Big Picture
Page 16:
Hot Links
Page 17:
Assorted Information
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
THE JOHNSON FAMILY TREE 2
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L O O K I N G B A C K , L O O K I N G F O RWA R D. . . Y E T L I V I N G F O R T O DAY !
Holiday Wishes FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS
Living on the Edge
Wasaga Beach and Collingwood are definitely for people who love all the seasons but let’s face it - Georgian Bay fun is guaranteed when you mix sun, water and time with friends and family. We’re in the school-age years with Holly and Jossy so summers are extra precious for us. nnn
Recipe for Happiness
A Johnson Family Recipe for Happiness is in a sort of “test kitchen.” Side effects include decreased winter doldrums, increased learning & FUN!
Part of the magic of the holiday season lies in taking a moment to express gratitude and affection for all the people in our lives who mean so much. One of the best benefits to working and living in a community as small as ours is that real estate clients and friends are not often in separate categories in our database.
4 Family members 4 Hungry minds 2 Supportive elementary schools 1 House in Southern Costa Rica Smidgeon of time (carve it out) Equal amounts curiosity + patience Limitless sense of humour
Thank you so very much for your continued presence in our lives. Our focus on building relationships earned us the 2011 Favourite Real Estate Team award for our area and we are very proud of that! Warmest wishes for great health and happiness over the holidays and may 2012 be especially peaceful and fulfilling. Above all, please stay in touch! Mix above ingredients (add coffee and chocolate to taste) and let it simmer. Especially good served with Abandon over the Holidays!
FEATURED PROPERTY
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! D L O S 11 Red Pine in Wasaga Beach $358,800
Surround yourself with beauty in this 2,900 sq. ft. (1,555 sq. ft. on the main level) 4 bedroom, 3 bath home on Red Pine Crescent.
open-concept dining nook, kitchen with breakfast bar and tiled backsplash and a living area with a beautiful oak mantel surrounding the gas fireplace.
Situated on an oversized and professionally landscaped lot backing onto Crown land, this pristine home has three covered decks and is close to shopping, doctors, schools and recreational centres in west-end Wasaga Beach.
The home also features generous storage space, a laundry room leading to an attached two-car garage, a jetted corner bath in the master ensuite and a fully finished basement with a “special something” to fall in love with at every turn including a rare basement walkout: perfect for an in-law suite.
While the skylight, windows and custom lighting bring life to the gorgeous maple flooring, gleaming stainless steel appliances and custom cabinetry, the curved railing leads your eye to the
There’s also parking for four cars in the large paved driveway and two more in the garage. MLS 20115759
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FEATURED PROPERTIES
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Wasa ga Sa nds
e r Hom Zanco
MLS 20112611
! D L O S
$308,800
MLS 20113723
$349,900
! D L SO
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:
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:
26 Briarwood Place
12 Rigby Drive
se
Park
hou n w o T
MLS 20113460
5
! D L SO
$199,900
MLS 20114828
Place !
$189,900
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:
Beautiful 2 bedroom 2 bathroom home in Park Place gated adult community featuring over 1,000 sq.ft. of living space with a welcoming front entrance with a covered porch to keep you dry or shaded. Click here for full details:
46 Admiral Road
47 St. James Place
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OUTLOOK FOR 2012 BALANCED HOUSING MARKET SET TO RETURN
Canadian residen*al real estate defied conven*onal logic and outperformed expecta*ons in 2011, pos*ng another solid year of housing ac*vity virtually across the board. The trend is expected to carry forward into 2012 as Canadians con*nue to demonstrate their faith in homeownership, despite concerns over the European debt crisis and its impact on the global economy, according to a report released by RE/MAX.
By year-‐end 2011, an es*mated 460,000 homes are expected to change hands, up three per cent from the 447,010 units reported in 2010. Sales are expected to climb one per cent to 464,500 units in 2012. The value of a Canadian home is set to climb to $363,000 this year—an increase of seven per cent over the $339,030 posted one year ago. By year-‐end 2012, the average price in Canada is forecast to appreciate two per cent to $371,000.
The RE/MAX Housing Market Outlook 2012 examined trends and developments in 26 major markets across the country. Eighty-‐eight per cent (23/26) an*cipated average price increases by year-‐ end 2011—with percentage hikes ranging from one to 16 per cent. The forecast for 2012 shows the upward trend modera*ng, but s*ll ahead of 2011 figures.
The Canadian housing market has demonstrated tremendous resilience in recent years, but 2011 stands out. Instead of responding to economic concerns both here and abroad with a retreat in sales and prices, residen*al real estate markets actually experienced an upswing in the vola*le third and final quarters.
Overall home sales are expected to remain on par or ahead of last year’s levels in 85 per cent (22/26) of markets in 2011— including Saskatoon with a year-‐over-‐year percentage increase of 13 per cent and an eight per cent up*ck in Calgary, Winnipeg, Hamilton-‐ Burlington and Sudbury. Almost half of Canadian markets will match the 2011 performance, while the remainder should post increases ranging from one to five per cent next year.
While clearly not impervious to the impact, Canadian consumers are intent on making their moves now, in advance of higher housing values and rising interest rates down the road. Improvement in both provincial and local economies, especially during the second half of 2012, should serve to further s*mulate home-‐ buying ac*vity. Calgary, Saskatoon, and Halifax-‐Dartmouth will likely lead the country in unit sales in 2012, each with a projected increase of five per cent. Regina, Greater Toronto, Saint John, Moncton, and St. John’s an*cipate a three per cent increase in home sales next year. The economic underpinnings support ongoing demand, par*cularly as job crea*on efforts con*nue and unemployment rates edge down further. Na*onally, we remain on an upward track, and the confidence consumers have demonstrated
The Home Hunt: 1263 Mosley Street, Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 1A5 | 705-429-4500 x226 “A Moving Experience”
2012 CANADIAN HOUSING REPORT
in housing over the past decade will prove well founded once again next year. The rising belief in homeownership is key, especially among Genera*on X and Y—some of whom are making their moves sooner. Boomers and re*rees are changing, too. They’re healthier and more ac*ve, with longer life expectancy. Overall, we’re seeing an extension of the homeownership cycle, and it’s great news for housing. While *ghter supply levels contributed to steady price apprecia*on in most major markets across Canada this year, an increase in inventory more in line with years previous should ease upward pressure on average price in the year ahead. The highest apprecia*on is expected in Regina, where values are forecast to increase eight per cent, followed by Greater Toronto, Halifax-‐Dartmouth, and St, John’s —each pos*ng a five per cent gain. Overall, 81 per cent of the markets examined are forecast to set new records for average price next year. Noteworthy milestones include Greater Vancouver, which will break the $800,000 threshold, as well as Regina and Kitchener-‐ Waterloo, which will reach the $300,000 mark. While prices will remain on the upswing, buyers will benefit from greater selec*on moving forward. Stability or modest growth will characterize sales ac*vity while GDP moves forward at a more muted pace in 2012. Whether markets will meet or poten*ally exceed projec*ons will hinge largely on consumer confidence. An unexpected call for interest rate hikes could also serve to bolster sales.
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Other highlights include: ★ Popula*on growth and immigra*on are major factors expected to prop-‐up housing demand and household forma*on in the coming years. Since 2000, Canada’s popula*on has experienced double-‐digit growth of 11 per cent. By 2031, over 42 million people are expected to call Canada home. ★Investment will also
con*nue in Canada’s major centres, with income-‐producing proper*es at the top of the most wanted list. Low vacancy rates and stock market vola*lity reinvigorated this segment of the market in 2011 and the very same factors are forecast to influence sales moving forward. ★ Condominiums are expected to gain an
increasing share of the marketplace, par*cularly in Western Canada and Ontario. A focus on higher density urban growth is impac*ng purchasing paierns and introducing new, affordable op*ons— cri*cal to the aiainability of homeownership as prices con*nue to move upward.
★ Housing stock in major Canadian centres
will improve as municipali*es focus on redevelopment and revitaliza*on.
Please click here to view the full report: Bruce
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Kitchen Renovations: Upgrades That Make Sense Now Ever wonder why "kitchen parties" occur every time you have guests? Sure, that`s where the food is, but it is also because the kitchen is naturally the hub of every home. It's typically a well-lit, energized zone where we get refresh and regroup after a busy day. It is a room with real value for every family, large or small. Highest ROI RE/MAX commissioned a study and learned that kitchen upgrades can deliver a 44% higher return on investment over the other popular renos you might consider. HomeGain also recently studied DIY project returns and came up with a telling graph. Another cool chart (click ! here) breaks down average ROI by the home’s price range. The Appraisal Institute of Canada posts this warning on its website: “If the value of your house exceeds the average market value in your neighbourhood, your renovations will not yield much return. But if your house value is below the average, you can recover a larger part of the renovation costs.” If you’re not sure of your home’s current market value, contact Bruce. Yes I’m biased but I haven’t seen a more detailed yet easy-to-digest assessment of a home’s current market value than this one that Bruce does free of charge for his clients.
From the studies I’ve read, there are a few no-no’s when it comes to renovating your kitchen with an eye to selling soon. The reason you won’t see a return on something like, say, high-end designer stainless steel appliances, is that the average buyer will not pay more for your house because of them, and in fact may choose a less expensive house because you are trying to get a return on a feature they wouldn’t deem necessary. It’s like trying to ask more for a convertible car from a buyer who is just not a “drive-with-thetop-down” kind of person. Top Three Ways to Waste Your Kitchen Reno Dollars 1. Install a sky light 2. Rip out and replace cabinets 3. Knock out walls and/or add square footage
OR...you could put those hard-earned bucks to work and consider the following....! No-Fail Kitchen Renovations ✴ Whether you're working with a contemporary kitchen or more of a country feel, stainless steel
The Home Hunt: 1263 Mosley Street, Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 1A5 | 705-429-4500 x226 “A Moving Experience”
MARY’S STAGING REPORT appliances continue to hold a lot of interest. Still, buyers are first and foremost on the lookout for quiet, energy-efficient appliances, so if you opt for stainless steel, make sure they have a high Energy Star rating and remember you are getting them for your own enjoyment as much as for resale value.
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Ideally right away for good feng shui, but definitely before you put your house on the market, maximize the return of upgrades to your kitchen by making sure you put the following on your must-do staging checklist: Þ
✴ In cabinetry, look at fine-grained maple, stained or natural, over the traditional heavy, golden oak look of the past. That doesn’t mean replace oak cabinets, it just means that to appear to be more on-trend, ask your home stager for ways of updating the old 80s cabinets without the use of a sledge hammer!
Þ
Þ Þ
✴ Laminates and marble are great choices for countertops, but granite continues to be the most popular surface of all. This is one area where it really does depend on the price range your property falls under. Ecocountertops, a local company that sprays over old countertops and cabinets, is a great solution for sellers of lower or mid-range homes. ✴ For faucets, check out the latest models in today's new, brushed nickel finishes. Repeat the finishes in cabinet pulls and knobs and even in pendant light fixtures over the kitchen island or breakfast bar. These are my go-to pick–me-ups for tired kitchens as they are a relatively inexpensive way to nudge buyers to view your house as up-to-date instead of old news.
Þ Þ Þ Þ Þ Þ Þ
Repair or replace broken or warped shelving; Tighten or replace loose doorknobs or cabinet pulls; ÞRepair any water damaged surfaces or areas; retouching with paint if needed; ÞReplace any missing or damaged tiles; ÞRe-touch or repaint kitchen if the color is dated or the paint quality is poor; Make sure sinks are clean and stain-free; Repair, resurface or replace damaged countertops; Fix any leaky faucets; Re-caulk damaged caulk on sinks; Clean tile grout until it is stain-free, or regrout; Paint, touch-up or refinish kitchen cabinetry; Fix sticking doors and drawers and tighten or replace wobbly hinges Replace dated or non-functioning appliances Touch up any scratches and polish hardwood flooring
Read this article for Mike Holmes’ no-nonsense approach to renovations. ✴
~ Mary
The Home Hunt: 1263 Mosley Street, Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 1A5 | 705-429-4500 x226 “A Moving Experience”
WINTER MAINTENANCE
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Keep The Home Fires Burning
H
A Yearly Check-‐up Keeps You Safe
ave you seen the Farmer’s Almanac prediction for the bitterly cold winter we’re in for in 2012? No doubt we’ll be relying on at least one source of heat to get us through to the spring thaw. Sipping hot chocolate by the woodstove or reading a novel with the Aireplace Alickering in the background, the last thing you’d expect is a nasty chimney Aire or a life-‐threatening buildup of carbon monoxide in your home. Faithfully maintaining your Aireplace and chimney assures that the Aire is burning as innocently as it appears. With today's new technology, Aireplaces come in many varieties. Consumers can purchase for their homes an electric, stand-‐alone model, a traditional wood-‐burning Aireplace or a gas Aireplace. All types require the appropriate maintenance in order for them to be enjoyed safely for years to come and to prevent accidents and Aire. Each type should be treated with care and regularly inspected to ensure that all parts are in good working order. It is best to have a professional inspect your gas or wood-‐ burning Aireplace.
Wood-‐burning Fireplaces
Wood-‐burning Aireplaces require special maintenance in order to ensure safety. A hearty open Aire can draw three to four hundred cubic feet of air right up the chimney every minute. That’s air you have paid to heat. Also it’s air your furnace needs for proper combustion: if you have the Aireplace going in the dead of winter and the furnace is also operating, you could be creating a dangerous level of carbon monoxide gas in your furnace or Aireplace. According to the Hearth Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA), preventative maintenance is essential when using a wood-‐burning Aireplace. The HPBA advises that the chimney be inspected each year and cleaned by a professional to check for obstructions or a buildup of creosote. The chimney should be capped to keep animals from getting inside. The Aireplace should be kept clean, and any ashes removed should be put in a Aire-‐resistant container. If the walls of
The Home Hunt: 1263 Mosley Street, Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 1A5 | 705-429-4500 x226 “A Moving Experience”
WINTER MAINTENANCE
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the chimney appear not to be clean, it’s time to call the chimney sweep. Creosote buildup (see photo at right) over time, or from burning green or softwood such as pine can cause a chimney Aire.
Gas Fireplaces
A gas unit inserted into an existing wood-‐ burning Aireplace is more efAicient, eliminates overheating of the room and is cost-‐effective. There are natural gas and propane models that don’t require a stainless steel Alue liner or even a chimney. Fresh air for combustion and exhaust gases comes through a small pipe from the outside. Gas Aireplaces must be installed by a professional and should receive routine maintenance to keep them in good working condition. If a Aireplace of this type malfunctions, then it can be a dangerous situation. Gas Aireplaces should have their fan and air passages cleaned and vents checked to ensure that they are clear and working properly, their output adjusted and their logs cleaned. Batteries should be checked in the carbon monoxide detector.
interfere with the heater. This measure can prevent a Aire. The unit should be inspected regularly to make sure that the thermostat is working properly and that the inside of the unit is clean. Make sure to unplug it before cleaning or maintaining the unit. So keep those home Aires burning bright and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with doing annual Aireplace maintenance. The Farmer’s Almanac predictions may or may not come to pass, but when it comes to your family’s safety, leave nothing up to chance.
~ Bruce
Electric Fireplaces
Electric Aireplaces are among the safest varieties to have in your home, but they also require care and maintenance for proper functioning. When you set up your Aireplace, make sure you do not place it on thick carpeting, as it can block the air inlets that can
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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!
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dI e x i F
s! o t o h e P s u o H Odd
Ontario Ski Report
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JOKES & CONTEST
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David received a parrot for his birthday. This parrot was fully grown with a bad attitude and worse vocabulary. Every other word was an expletive. Those that weren't expletives were, to say the least, rude. David tried hard to change the bird's attitude and was constantly saying polite words, playing soft music, and anything else that came to mind. Nothing worked. He yelled at the bird and the bird got worse. He shook the bird and the bird got madder and ruder. Finally, in a moment of desperation, David put the parrot in the freezer. For
the
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a few moments he heard the bird squawking, kicking and screaming and then, suddenly, all was quiet. David, frightened that he might have actually hurt the bird, quickly opened the freezer door. The parrot calmly stepped out onto David's extended arm and said, "I'm sorry that I offended you with my language and actions. I ask for your forgiveness." David was astounded at the bird's change in attitude and was about to ask what changed him when the parrot continued, "May I ask what the chicken did?"
Contes t! To Win:
Who
The first person to email Bruce wins
Lives
everlasting glory... and a Cineplex Night Out! Good luck, Home Hunters! You must be
Here?
a member of our Facebook Business Page so click here to visit the page and hit the “Like” button: “Who Lives Here?” Contest
Click Here!
Congratulations to our last speedy winner: Michelle Millson
! Big Hint
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THE BIG PICTURE
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Nothing you do for a child is ever wasted. ~ Garrison Keillor e
Joh
’s n o ns
s u o eh e r T
Bruce Johnson Photo © The Home Hunt: 1263 Mosley Street, Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 1A5 | 705-429-4500 x226 “A Moving Experience”
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