November 2008



WATER FRONT HOMES AND COTTAGES

In the last few weeks I have had the pleasure of spending several days with different clients viewing waterfront properties and cottages only steps from the beach; as friends of mine advertise their cottage "No Shoes Required." In the Wasaga Beach, Tiny and Collingwood area there are a host of choices from family homes at $1 million plus with stunning views of the Georgian Bay and the Blue Mountains to cottages literally yards from the beach for under $200,000.

As the old saying goes "they aren't building anymore water" and these properties should I believe only increase in value at a faster rate than the local average. In the meantime you can have a fantastic home or holiday/investment property. There are even a very few lots of land left on the beach from $300,000 upwards.

Now is definitely the time to take advantage of the out of season prices for cottages up for sale. There is a marked difference in the listing price of a cottage in the spring and now with winter approaching. One cottage is available at $170,000 or so; 50 yards to a sandy beach and WINTERIZED.

After the record year in 2007 some sellers have become unrealistic( or you could say greedy) in their listing prices. This has been very noticeable recently with the price reductions on waterfront property. A $1 million home has been reduced by $60,000 and $40,000 to $50,000 price drops have also occurred.

Finally Collingwood is home to several condo developments. Without doubt a 4 season holiday destination with the beaches and Blue Mountains on your doorstep, these developments offer luxury living and amenities such as pools, club house, boats docks etc. If you want just lock the door when you leave after a vacation or to live full time in a community then this could be the answer. Prices start from the low $200,000's and provide excellent value for money.

andy@simplycondos.com