JULY 2010

While listings were up 13% YTD last month new listings were down 10%. It appears that those interested in selling wanted to put their homes on the market before HSt came into effect July 1st or interest rates rose.

Expired listings are down 8% as more sales take place. Sales are up 28% over last year and the average residential house price has risen to $317,847 from $275,132.

The market was more balanced in June across price ranges. Higher end homes were seeing more activity with 18 homes over $500,000 sold. Most of the activity continues in the $150,000 to $250,000 price bracket although this past month 45 homes were sold between $250,000 - $349,000.

Trends to watch for:  Interest rates rose 1/4% in June and sales were down 4% while dollar volume was up. For more information check out the Statistics section of this website.

True to its promise Collingwood was ready to show all its improvement July 1st. The brick sidewalks, new plantings, paving and light standards are most attractive and no doubt the merchants are thrilled to see all the equipment and workers leave the downtown core. It all looks fabulous and worth the wait.

On July 1st The Shipyard development invited the general public to walk the trail along the waterfront. Unfortunately that opportunity only presented itself for the one day while construction on the site continues.

The heat wave of the first week of July brought everyone down to the beaches.

Chili Cookoff at The Village had its most successfull event in 26 years thanks to great organization by the Rotary team and the nice weather. All ages, all languages and every ethnic group imaginable converged to try the chili prepared by 23 chili teams. Stalls were decorated, music provided and the vavasula could be heard periodically! The Village was at its best!

A major youth dance competition is being held at the Blue Mountain Conference centre and children from across the province and beyond are competing.

Blue Mountain has commenced building it newest attraction that they hope to have ready the end of August in time for the Labor Day weekend. It is a downhill slide which will take people straight up the mountain and then meander down through the trees at speeds up to 42 K. I know I'll be holding the brake for a slower ride!!!

Check out my links in this website to follow the activities you are interested in. Golf for Wayne Gretzky followers and the Elvis Festival to name but two take place in July.

Work continues on The Tremont Hotel which is being transformed into an artist enclave. More to follow on that next month.

Bikers can be seen everywhere...mountain bikers up at the Village or Three Stages, others on the Georgian Trail and for those real super bikers peddling up Scenic Caves Road! Something for everyone!

I hope you can come up and enjoy part of your summer here in The Georgian Triangle.

Cheers!

Emily

P.S. Please call me with any questions you might have. As a local real estate professional in The Georgian Triangle (Collingwood, Blue Mountain, Thornbury, Meaford and Wasaga Beach),  I am dedicated to providing the highest quality service possible to my clients and keeping them informed about all the changes that are occurring in the area.