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Allergy Proofing your Home – Building for Healthy Living

Allergy Proofing your Home – Building for Healthy Living

We are seeing more new homes designed with healthier living in mind.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, these tips below will help you reduce allergens around your home.

Allergy-Image

1/ What is the number one item for allergy proofing your home?

  • Select a hard flooring surface. Use wood, vinyl or tile products.
    Carpets are one of your number one enemies.
    Regularly clean and wash.

2/ Heating and air conditioning source 

  • Opt for a ductless system.
    Prevents build up and the spread of allergens, plus in traditional ducted systems dander, pollen, etc. tend to linger.

3/ Install an air exchanger/air cleaner

  • Life Breathe air circulation/cleaner system with HEPA filters is a great example.
    Removes pollen, dander and other air born allergens.
    Try to adjust the system so that clean air is directed at your head when you sleep.

4/ Is ventilation a big consideration?

  • Key for kitchens and bathrooms.
    Install and use an exhaust fan to reduce moisture while taking baths or showers.
    Install and use vented exhaust fan to remove cooking fumes and reduce moisture in the kitchen. Most stove-top hoods simply filter cooking particulates without venting outside.

5/ What about the use of fireplaces?

  • According to some reports, you should avoid use of wood-burning fireplaces or stoves because smoke and gases can worsen respiratory allergies.
    Most natural gas fireplaces won’t cause this problem.

Other tips that are important to note

  • Even things like curtains and horizontal blinds are prone to dust build up.
    Better option is to install roller blinds in an easy clean material.

Visit our Featured Listings page to see properties for sale that have been designed with healthy living in mind.

Or contact us to help you find a property that meets your needs.

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Christine Brennan Awarded Engel & Völkers Private Office Designation for Exemplary Real Estate Service & Production

Christine Brennan Awarded Engel & Völkers Private Office Designation for Exemplary Real Estate Service & Production

Brennan joins exclusive group of real estate professionals worldwide

 

Collingwood, ON, March 21, 2018 – Engel & Völkers today announced that Christine Brennan has been officially inducted into the luxury real estate company’s Private Office network, successfully passing the company’s ultra-competitive vetting and nomination process for inclusion.

Brennan is among an elite group of Engel & Völkers advisors worldwide to be awarded with this distinction, which recognizes extraordinary business results supported by competency and providing the highest level of client service. Out of more than 10,000 advisors who represent the Engel & Völkers brand in over 30 countries worldwide, Brennan is among 84 selected to carry the title Private Office advisor in the Americas.

“Engel & Völkers attracts the best agents in each market we serve, so as a member of Private Office, Christine represents true exceptionality,” said Anthony Hitt, president & CEO, Engel & Völkers Americas. “Our Private Office advisors are not just top producers—they unfailingly offer an incomparable experience for their clients.”

Photos from March 2018 Exchange Awards Ceremony
Left Photo: Constantin von Dalwigk – Head of Private Office, Christine Brennan, Sven Odia – CEO
Right Photo: Max Hahne, Christine Brennan

To qualify for Private Office, advisors within the Engel & Völkers network must be nominated by their broker, meet baseline criteria for transaction volume and show consistency in their high year-over-year production numbers. To assess their market expertise and notable service quality as real estate professionals, clients are also asked to comment on their service experience. Lastly, nominees are submitted to a selection committee in the Americas that decides which candidates meet all requirements for final submission to the head of Private Office in Hamburg, Germany.

Held at Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle, Brennan was formally inducted at the invitation-only Private Office event on March 4, 2018 prior to the start of Exchange the next day, Engel & Völkers’ largest North American event.

As a Private Office Advisor, Brennan gains access to Private Office-specific marketing assets, choice opportunities catering to the brand’s global ultra-high net worth clients and is the preferred contact in her market for international referrals.

“It is an honor to have been selected to be a Private Office Advisor,” said Brennan. “The Engel & Völkers name and reputation carries a high level of prestige around the world as a promise of outstanding real estate service and expertise, and I look forward to representing all of my clients at this level.”

Real Estate Professional Article: Engel & Völkers recognizes 2017 Top Award Winners in Americas

 

About Engel & Völkers

Since its beginning in 1977 as a specialty boutique providing exclusive, high-end real estate services in Hamburg, Germany, Engel & Völkers has become one of the world’s leading companies specializing in the sale and lease of premium residential and commercial property, yachts and private aviation. Engel & Völkers currently operates a global network of over 10,000 real estate advisors in more than 30 countries, offering both private and institutional clients a professionally tailored range of luxury services. Committed to exceptional service, Engel & Völkers supports its advisors with an array of premium quality business services; marketing programs and tools; multiple platforms for mobile, social and web; as well as access to its global network of real estate professionals, property listings and market data. Each brokerage is independently owned and operated.

For further information please contact:

Max Hahne
License Partner, Broker of Record
ENGEL & VÖLKERS COLLINGWOOD MUSKOKA
705-999-8213
max.hahne@evcanada.com

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Market Update Year End 2017

Market Update:  Southern Georgian Bay Association of Realtors

Sales through MLS® 

2017 was another record year for real estate in Southern Georgian Bay. January to the end of June continued to set new monthly sales records, while the second half of the year started to slow down average levels of dollar volume and number of units sold.

The average price of all homes sold in December was $424,685, up 6.9% from December 2016 while the average annual price for all of 2017 was $444,756, up 23.9% from the same time last year.

The Southern Georgian Bay 2017 residential home sales were down 16.2% from 2016, making 2017 the 2nd highest annual level on record.

Nationally: CREA – National home sales surged in December

•  National home sales rose 4.5% from Nov to Dec (5th consecutive monthly increase).
•  Actual (not seasonally adjusted) activity was up 4.1% year-over-year (y-o-y).
•  The number of newly listed homes climbed 3.3% from November to December.
•  The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) in December was up 9.1% y-o-y.
•  The national average sale price advanced by 5.7% y-o-y. ($496,500 vs $381,000)

Regionally:  Clearview, Collingwood, Grey Highlands, Meaford, The Blue Mountains, Wasaga

•  Annual residential sales numbered 2081 units, down 13.6% from 2016.
•  Average annual sale price is up 22.2% to over $482,000 for all residential product.
•  (Seasonally adjusted sales up 1.2%; actual sales down 8.8% y-o-y, new listings 15%).
•  At year end supply remains historically low with only 2.7 months of inventory.
•  Sales to listing ratio of 93.8 %.
•  Total active listings in the Western District sit at only 322 units, down 15% from a year ago, and down 44% compared with 2015.

Sub-Market Pricing

•  Meaford and Wasaga Beach remain our two most affordable sub-districts with average purchase prices of $404,845 and $405,503
•  Collingwood, YTD sales are down 6.9% from 680 to 633 with prices up 21% to $456,411
o Single Family – $513,480 vs Condo – $389,341 (46% of res sales)
•  Clearview – annual sales down 23.5%, prices up 11.47% to $541,992
•  Grey Highlands – We don’t often focus on Grey Highlands, but sellers in that area will be pleased to know it has experienced a 12 month price gain of 35.9% to a new average of $648,787
•  The Blue Mountains remains our most expensive sub-district: $613,884 (up 21.8%)
o Single family – $827,632 vs Condo – $325,070 (43% of sales)
Overall supply remains at near record levels.

Toronto Real Estate

•  TREB: average sale price 2017 – $823,000 up 12.7%  (slow price growth in last 3Q’s)
o Single family – $1,098,951 vs Condo – $512,478

For more information contact Christine Brennan

Additional Resources from CREA

Western Region Fourth Quarter by Sub-District

Western Region includes Wasaga Beach, Clearview Township, Collingwood, The Blue Mountains, and portions of the Municipality of Meaford and Grey Highlands.

Ten Year Trend MLS® Residential Unit Sales Western District 

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5 Tips for Selling Your Home in Winter

The winter season is upon us and Jack Frost is knocking at your door. You may be thinking that you should crawl under the covers and wait for the thaw to list your home in the spring, but if your home is in the Collingwood/Blue Mountain region, you should actually think about listing it now.

It may be true that in urban centres the winter can generally be slow for sales, but in our region we see a massive influx of people who are here to enjoy the snow season. It’s a great idea to use the gorgeous, desirable winter scenery to your advantage.

In the below video, I reveal my 5 key tips to increase showings, improve the buyer experience, and maximize your sale price in the winter! These tips include:

  1. Creating a sense of arrival
  2. Providing easy accessibility to your home
  3. Delighting the senses from the moment a buyer opens the door
  4. Making use of seasonal décor
  5. Highlighting the season and all its lifestyle aspects

 

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Boutique Local Brokerage Teams Up with International Brand

Collingwood – Christine Brennan, owner and President of Windstone Real Estate, Brokerage and Max Hahne, Broker of Record of Engel & Völkers Collingwood Muskoka Real Estate, Brokerage (E&V) are pleased to announce that they have joined forces under the E&V banner. Windstone’s substantial residential, development land and new home listings are being transitioned to E&V Collingwood Muskoka.

Engel & Völkers is the fastest growing luxury real estate brand in North America and one of the world’s leading service companies, specializing in the brokerage of premium residential property, commercial real estate, yachts and aircraft.With a broad-based international network that spans over 32 countries with 760 shops

and over 9000 employees, Engel & Völkers has successfully gained market share in Collingwood, Bracebridge- Muskoka and the GTA. This highly successful brand has provided both its private and institutional clients with a professionally-tailored range of services for the last 40 years.

“We are delighted to have Christine Brennan’s group aboard. This union provides us with specialized sales processes and marketing techniques unique to the industry that will broaden the careers of our existing and future agents/advisors while enhancing the buy and sell experience for our consumers. Adding access to development expertise positions Engel & Völkers Collingwood Muskoka as the market leader in the 705 region,” says License Partner and Broker of Record Max Hahne. “It truly gives us an edge over other brokerages in Central Ontario to provide a higher level of service to our clients and customers,” he adds.

“With the massive boom across Southern Georgian Bay and Muskoka, my services have been expanding rapidly to include more residential resales and land transactions to complement our new-home-community sales. This necessitated additional infrastructure and E&V was a natural t to provide enhanced services and exposure for my clients. Engel & Völkers’ exceptional reputation, unparalleled tools and international network offers the perfect platform for continued success,” says Brennan.

Christine Brennan, is an industry leader in real estate sales across Southern Georgian Bay and known for her work in complex land transactions, luxury properties, resorts and new home communities. Over the past 15 years she has been involved in strategically shaping the launch or inventory sales components for over 7,000 residential units in numerous landmark residential projects across Southern Ontario worth over $2 billion. Prior to opening Windstone, she held senior executive roles with brokerages and developers, including VP Eastern Canada, Residential Marketing & Sales Services for Colliers International, and VP, High Rise for Empire Communities. Brennan is currently the “real estate expert” on 95.1 The Peak FM and sits on the Board of Directors for the Georgian Triangle Development Institute.

www.engelvoelkers.com

www.collingwoodmuskoka.evcanada.com

For more information, please contact:

Christine Brennan​​​​​Max Hahne

SVP, Advisor, Salesperson​​​​License Partner, Broker of Record

416-569-3568​​​​​​705-441-5800

christine.brennan@evcanada.com​​​
max.hahne@evcanada.com

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Collingwood – Blue Mountain Seasonal Rental Market Q & A

Presented by Christine Brennan on Peak Radio “Talk of the Town.”

Are you considering renting your home or condo for ski season or summer or are you looking for a seasonal rental? Then this Q & A is for you. Christine Brennan of Engel & Völkers Collingwood-Muskoka goes in depth on the Collingwood – Blue Mountain seasonal rental market.

Seasonal Rental Market – The search starts now! Q & A

Are there things to consider if I want to list my home for rent seasonally?

  • If you head south for the winter, renting to a ski family can be a great way to cover a portion of your home’s carrying costs.
  • Specialized insurance coverage is available.

A seasonal lease must be different than an annual lease. Where should someone start?

  • As a brokerage, we take care of everything that goes into the lease agreement and clearly spell out what the tenant is responsible for vs. the landlord.

What do I do with all of my personal belongings?

  • Create a secured owners area for valuables and personal belongings such as clothes.
  • Be sure to leave closet, drawers and cupboards open for renters and enough room to store their gear.

When is the best time to look for a seasonal rental?

  • For winter season start the search in August through September.
  • For summer season start the search in March through April.

What do you need to consider when selecting a rental?

  • Consider lifestyle and the amount of space you need.
  • Do you want to be in a condo community with amenities such as a recreation centre with pool, hot tub and gym?
  • Would prefer a single family home or chalet at the base of the slopes and access to snowshoe and walking trails for a winter rental?
  • Would prefer a single family home or cottage on the water with beach access for a summer rental?

Is it more difficult to find a rental if you have a dog?

  • Yes, it can be.  Be prepared for an extra damage deposit and deep clean or carpet cleaning at the end of the term.
  • As a landlord, being pet friendly can be an advantage.

How much are seasonal rentals?

  • Seasonal rates vary depending on location, number of bedrooms and age of the community.
  •  Average cost for a 3 bedroom unit is $9000-$15,000 plus utilities for a full season and a 4-5 bedroom around the base of the private clubs can be more expensive – average $15,000 to $25,000

Are seasonal rentals paid on monthly basis?

  • The big difference between and annual rental and a seasonal rental is that you should expect to pre-pay up front for the full rental term.
  • Terms are normally a deposit on signing the lease up to as much as 50% accompanied by post-dated cheques for the balance of the rent and a damage deposit.

What’s the benefit of renting vs buying?

  • Great opportunity to come up and experience the area.
  • Allows you to determine which area you want to be in long term before you make a purchase.
  • It can also help you determine what size you really need and how much you want to spend.

Don’t miss out on this season’s rental opportunities!  If you have a home to rent or are looking for a place this season call Christine Brennan today at 444-9527!

Rentals in Southern Georgian Bay – Collingwood & The Blue Mountains Area

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Christine Brennan
SVP, Advisor, Salesperson
Engel & Völkers
15A Hurontario Street

Collingwood, ON  | L9Y 2L7

Office: 705-999-8213

Direct: 416-569-3568

Email Christine

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Media Blog Post Seasons on Little Lake

From the Kelsey Diane Blog – “I had the opportunity to visit Midland, ON last week to preview Seasons on Little Lake – a new housing development an hour and a half north of Toronto.”

“This amazing community has gorgeous homes starting at the low 200s for a 1 bedroom up to the mid 400s for your full upgraded 3 bedroom model. It is situated on 247 acres of land featuring forests, trails and ponds.  There will be a members club that offers a gym, party room, hot tub, pool, putting green and more! But my favourite part is the there is 2300 square feet of shoreline that you will be able to access from a boardwalk within the community.”

“Although my husband and I were lucky enough to buy a brand new build for the low 200s, we still had to put money in after we moved in, which won’t be the case if you purchase a home in Seasons on Little Lake.
The home comes standard features and finishes that you would usually have to add as upgrades with most other builders.
The kitchen comes with Quartz countertop (we had to pay 1500 extra in our last home for this finish), backsplash and a polished chrome faucet!”

Read more about Seasons on Little Lake and view photos on Kelsey Diane Blog

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2016 Year in Review – Southern Georgian Bay Real Estate Market

This report summarizes the statistics for the Western Region of the Southern Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS® (SGBAR). The Western Region includes Clearview Township, Collingwood, The Blue Mountains, Municipality of Meaford, Wasaga Beach, Springwater & Grey Highlands.

The Southern Georgian Bay Western region 2016 real estate market ended another record setting year. Listing inventory remained low throughout 2016 and sales dollar increased month over month throughout the year to set an all-time record year for sales in the Western Region. The number of unit sales were up 15.3% over 2015 and the dollar volume broke the BILLION dollar barrier – up by 29% closing out at $1,037,827,103 (compared to 2015 at $804,882,436).  The number of new listings were down by -9.5% from 4339 (December 2015) to 3928. The monthly sales to listing ratio for 2016 was 70.01% compared to 54.99% over 2015.

The number of sales by price range saw the largest increase in the price range of $900,000 to $999,999, up 93.3%  from 15 units in 2015 to 29 unit sales in 2016. The $1 million to 2 million and $500,000 to $599,999 ranges both followed with 75.% over 2015 unit sales.

Number of Units Sold by Price 2016 2015 % Change
Year Year
Under $200,000 541 566 -4.42%
200,000 – $299,00 700 735 -4.76%
300,000 – $399,000 633 524 20.8%
$400,00 – $499,000 362 234 54.7%
$500,000 – $599,999 188 107 75.7%
$600,000 – $699,000 119  80 48.75%
$700,000 – $799,999  52  45 15.5%
$800,000 – $899,999  44  32 37.5%
 $900,000 – 999,999  29  15 93.3%
1,000,000 – 1,999,999 68 39 74.35%
2,000,000 – 2,999,999 12 9 33.33%
3,000,000+ 2 0

Residential (Single Family) 2016 Totals

Clearview

  • # Listings 300 – up 6.76% (2015 – 281)
  • # of Sales – 209 Units, up 32.3% (2015 – 158)
  • 12 Month Average Price $486,144 up 34.1%(2015 – $362,513)
  • Monthly Sales to Listing Ratio 70% (2015 56%)

Collingwood

  • # Listings 459 – down -8.2% (2015 – 500)
  • 381 Units, up 5.8% (2015 – 360)
  • 12 Month Average Price $440,176 up 19% (2015 – $339,818)
  • Monthly Sales to Listing Ratio 83% (2015 -72%)

Grey Highlands

  • # Listings 116 – down -9.37% (2015 – 128)
  • 71 Units, up 18.3% (2015 – 60)
  • 12 Month Average Price $480,736 up 20.1%  (2015 – $400,128)
  • Monthly Sales to Listing Ratio 61% (2015 – 47%)

Municipality of Meaford

  • # Listings 215 – down -19.17% (2015 – 266)
  • 166 Units, up 19.4% (2015 – 139)
  • 12 Month Average Price $351,115 up 13.1% (2015 – $310,564)
  • Monthly Sales to Listing Ratio 77% (2015 – 52%)

The Blue Mountains

  • # Listings 337 – down -50% (2015 – 407)
  • 213 Units, up 3.4% (2015 – 206)
  • 12 Month Average Price $666,609 up 7.5% (2015 – $620,085)
  • Monthly Sales to Listing Ratio 63% (2015 – 51%)

Wasaga Beach

  • # Listings 746 – down -16.92% (2015 – 898)
  • 643 Units, up 13.2% (Dec. YTD 2015 – 568)
  • 12 Month Average Price $355,595 up 13.9% (2015 – $312,207)
  • Monthly Sales to Listing Ratio 86% (2015 63%)
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Ontario Buyers Actively Looking for Cottages in Fall

Toronto, ON, October 5, 2016– The fall may not be as busy as spring for cottage buying, but it still brings out the buyers, shows new research from the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA). In a survey conducted with its recreational property experts, OREA found that nearly 7 out of 10 Ontario Realtors (67%) say cottage buyers are more likely to be actively looking to buy cottages in the fall, versus 32 per cent who say buyers are shopping around but not necessarily in the market to buy yet.

Based on their experience in cottage/recreational real estate, nearly 8 in 10 Ontario Realtors said that the market trend for buying 4-season cottages is increasing. Only two in ten (19%) say the market is staying the same. A majority of Ontario Realtors say that the fall is a popular time of year for buying a 4-season cottage (59%).

“Fall is typically associated with closing up the cottage for the colder months, however more and more cottage owners want to extend their cottaging season by getting into all season homes,” said Ray Ferris, president, OREA. “For those actively looking to buy a cottage, the fall is a wonderful time to view properties. It’s still warm enough to see the exterior, the boat may still be in the lake, and the colours create an absolutely spectacular backdrop.”

‘Cottage’ is simply defined as a recreational house, typically in a rural or semi-rural location, near a lake or beach. A 4-season cottage on the other hand, is a winterized cottage that is accessible year-round.

“If you live in Ontario, no matter the type, a cottage is best known for what it offers: rest, relaxation and quality family time,” said Ferris. “The benefit of owning a 4-season cottage is that you can enjoy these benefits all year long, because you still have running water, your roads are cleared in the winter and your cottage is insulated.”

The reasons for purchasing a 4-season cottage vary according to Ontario Realtors. Nearly all Ontario Realtors (96%) say that buyers of 4-season cottages are looking for a vacation home to enjoy with family and friends. Three quarters (74%) say buyers are purchasing 4-season cottages to serve as their retirement home. Other reasons include, ‘to get away from it all’ (56%), ‘for rental purposes’ (45%), ‘for the outdoor lifestyle’ (42%) and ‘for investment purposes’ (37%).

According to Ontario Realtors, the trend toward 4-season cottages is most visible in Muskoka (27%), Georgian Bay (23%) and the Kawarthas (23%), followed by Haliburton Highlands/Algonquin (17%), Northern Ontario (13%) and Lake Huron shores (11%) and areas within driving distance of the GTA.

All of this cottage buying activity means a number of Ontario Realtors will be working this Thanksgiving weekend, shows the research. Three quarters (74%) of Ontario Realtors say they have worked at least one Thanksgiving weekend in the past 5 years, and a quarter (27%) have worked the holiday weekend all five years, either showing a cottage property or working with a buyer to purchase a cottage.

Methodology

An online survey was conducted among members of OREA Research’s online panel from August 22 – September 7, 2016.  A total of 178 surveys were completed, for a 4% response rate. The margin of error is +/- 7.2 percentage points at the 95% confidence level – this is shown for directional guidance only and cannot be strictly applied as this was not a randomly-selected sample.

Survey participants were screened based on:

•        Must practice cottage/recreational real estate

•        Were involved in the sale of a recreational property/cottage within the past five years

•        Sold five or more cottages in the past five years

About the Ontario Real Estate Association                                                                                    

The Ontario Real Estate Association represents over 66,000 brokers and salespeople who are members of the 40 real estate boards throughout the province. OREA serves its REALTOR® members through a wide variety of professional publications, educational programs, advocacy, and other services. www.OREA.com