Tag: blue mountain

Preparing a Budget For a New Home in Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Real Estate

Man in Gray Suit Jacket Writing on a Paper

Before looking at prospective homes, one must have a clear idea of their financial limitations. This facilitates looking at houses relevant to the potential buyer and avoids wasting the time of both the shopper and their realtor. A seasoned realtor with insider knowledge can then use these factors to inform any guidance and suggestions they give their client, directing them towards homes and investments that make sense for their situation. The following are the crucial elements to consider when preparing a home budget to begin a home search.

Determine the Price Limit

First of all, one must begin their budget creation with a calculation of how much they can spend on a home. The recommended starting point is to multiply one’s income before taxes by 2.5. There are other factors to consider, too, though. One’s personal credit score can seriously impact receiving a home loan, with higher scores usually allowing for lower interest rates and better agreement terms. In fact, mortgage rates play a huge role in determining financial limits.

Prepare for the Down Payment

Someone in the market to buy must also look at saving for the initial down payment. Again, depending heavily on credit score and the type of mortgage chosen, this amount could be anywhere from 3% to 20% of the overall price. Those who have conventional loans and have paid less than 20% must consider that they will also have to pay private mortgage insurance until they have paid off 20% of the value. With this in mind, saving for a larger down payment can be highly beneficial and save a bit of money in the long run.

A Man Talking to the Agent

Consider Closing Costs

Besides the down payment, buying a home also incurs upfront closing costs. This includes expenditures like the appraisal fee, tax service fee, credit reporting fee, and the mortgage lender’s origination fee. This usually adds up to 2% to 5% of the home price, which can add up quickly when combined with all the other costs of purchasing a property.

Free stock photo of absorbed, analysis, black guy

Consider All Potential Expenses

When moving to a new property in Collingwood, there are also extra expenses that can be forgotten. Moving can be costly, as well as buying appropriate furniture and appliances one lacks. A home may also call for personalized renovation factors, like painting. The mortgage is an ongoing payment, including property taxes, interest,  homeowner’s insurance, and possibly other recurring expenditures. Maintenance is another crucial factor, which is essential in protecting and enjoying one’s property investment. This includes ensuring appliances are in the best shape possible, cleaning and checking gutters, and taking care of the exterior landscape. Additional funds and savings may also be needed for initial or future processes like roof upkeep or replacement or HVAC system replacement.

 

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Countering a Disappointing Offer

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Real Estate

 

In the process of selling one’s Collingwood home, there is always the possibility of receiving offers from potential buyers that do not live up to initial expectations. When this occurs, it is essential to consult with one’s real estate agent and put a lot of thought into how to approach countering the offer. In an effort to move closer to one’s desired closing price with a level of professionalism, it is important, as the seller, to remain calm while also acting with a sense of determination. There are a few critical methods of countering an offer that can be highly effective. Choosing which one is right for a given situation can make a difference in securing a beneficial deal for both buyer and seller.

 

Countering at Original Asking Price

 

While some sellers, for fear of losing a sale, may feel compelled to settle for a drastically lower price than originally desired, there is a way to maintain reasonable expectations and still procure a smooth sale. Insisting on the original listing price, or something only slightly lower, is not a turnoff to serious buyers and can prevent a homeowner from settling too early on an unfair price. Unless a homeowner has unique circumstances and must sell as fast as possible, even if it means a severe loss of compensation for the value, waiting out for a buyer willing to pay, at least somewhere near the asking price, is usually the best plan.

 

Offer Rejection

 

A more daring strategy, homeowners selling their properties can choose to simply reject an offer without offering an alternative price at all. This puts the next move in the hands of the offerer, requesting another, better offer. As mentioned above, serious buyers are highly motivated and may be prompted to turn in a more beneficial proposition. 

 

Creation of a Bidding War

 

Another way of responding to a home offer is a psychological tactic to increase pressure to agree to a higher closing price. When multiple offers are submitted, the seller can initiate a bidding competition between the interested parties. The seller uses other received offers as their countering response to those who bid lower to get genuinely interested individuals to reach a higher price.

 

Adding in an Expiration Date

 

In addition to the chosen method of countering, it can be helpful for sellers to express a clear expiration date for their counter price or terms. This is a preventative measure to move the process along and keep the negotiations from taking up too much time. The potential buyer can either accept or decline, allowing the seller to move on either way. It is useful for sellers to keep in mind that the state of being in negotiations essentially puts a hold on receiving outside offers, reinforcing that time is of the essence.

 

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The Importance of a Home Inspection

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Real Estate / Uncategorized

For anyone looking to buy a new property, investing in a home inspection is one of the most important things. We know what you’re thinking: the money aspect of things. Buying a property is overwhelmingly expensive on its own, but when you add a home inspection on top of it, you pay even more. But, when you look at things in the long run, a home inspection can end up saving you thousands of dollars. Want to find out how? Read on! 

As a buyer, you need to figure out if there are any significant issues with the property you intend on buying. And, this needs to happen before you close on it! How does a home inspection help you, though? What you can do is use it as a contingency in your purchasing agreement so that if and when the home inspection is conducted and reveals that there are significant defects involved, you can back out on your offer. That being said, all of this needs to happen within a set timeframe. A reliable realtor will go out of their way to put this clause in your contract. 

Coverage of a Home Inspection

It is important to note that you should visit the property in person to check out the defects yourself even after the inspection has taken place rather than rely on photos. Think you have a good home inspector? Here are a few things they should be doing for you:

They will figure out if a particular problem is a safety issue, is a significant defect, or a minor one. 

  • They will find which items must be replaced, repaired, or serviced. 
  • They will analyze factors that seem okay for now but may need monitoring down the line. 

What a Home Inspection Doesn’t Cover

Effective as they are, home inspections cannot figure out everything wrong with a particular property. An inspector searches for visual clues that might indicate a much bigger problem. It is also important to note the things that a home inspection does not cover. Here are some of them:

  • The space behind electrical panels
  • The insides of pipes or sewer lines
  • Inside chimneys
  • Inside walls

Are Home Inspections Worth It?

How much you’ll spend on a home inspection will vary depending on who you hire, the size of the property you are choosing, and the region it is in. While home inspections are not the only solution to steering clear of red flag homes, it pretty much gives the potential buyer an idea of what they will have to spend on when they buy the property, should that be their decision. That being said, they are worth the money that you spend on them. Without them, you would never know what structural damages are in a property. When you are in the league of a reliable realtor with an excellent track record to prove themselves, all of this will become much easier for you.

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4 Scenic Picnic Spots in the Blue Mountains

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do / Uncategorized

In Ontario, we have been fortunate enough to enjoy the many beautiful landscapes in the Blue Mountains. Perhaps you are looking to spend a day at the foot of the mountains and enjoy some of the fantastic scenery. Hiking, mountain biking, cycling, canoeing, kayaking, caving and horse riding are all great ways to sample the Blue Mountains, and there are so many beautiful places to choose from. Here are some of our favourite spots in the area to enjoy a picnic!

Petun Conservation Area

Petun is one of the most picturesque places in the Blue Mountains, with the highest elevations on the Niagara Escarpment. The name comes from the indigenous peoples who lived in the area in the early 1600s. The 100-acre area connects with the Bruce Trail, making this location perfect for a picnic pre-hike. There are plenty of picnic spots to choose from. If the family is up for it, there is also camping available.

Northwinds Beach

Georgian Bay is the perfect place to take your family for an amazing picnic. Here you’ll find the best beaches in the region, including beautiful, secluded, and serenaded Northwinds. With a range of nearby fresh food and mouth-watering desserts, this is the perfect place to culminate all your outdoor adventures. Take a picnic basket to the beach and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake.

Craigleith Provincial Park

Craigleith Provincial Park is one of the most popular spots for picnics in the Blue Mountains, and it is a wonderful place to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. There is something so satisfying in sitting down to a tasty picnic, surrounded by nature, on the grass. With a wide range of activities, from relaxing walks through the bush to white water rafting and camping, there is no better place to escape.

Scenic Caves Nature Adventures

The dense forest and cool winds that characterize the Escarpment extend uninterrupted to the edge of the Fern Cave, creating a landscape that is as diverse as it is beautiful. You can explore many trails and find jaw-dropping natural features like caves, trails, and gorges. If the family feels adventurous, they can try the zipline among the treetops before settling down for a picnic at one of the many breathtaking spots. 

What to Pack?

Do you need a list of what to pack for your summer picnic? There are just a few basic rules to always follow: don’t forget to bring your own dishes and cutlery, pack plenty of food and water, and bring something to sit on (just in case you can’t find an available picnic table!).

Whether you’re going to picnic on the beach, a park or even the city, it’s essential to have a well-stocked picnic bag with the essentials you need to make the journey enjoyable. We suggest hitting up the Collingwood Farmers’ Market to get all your fresh, local produce. 

The Blue Mountains is the place to be, summer and winter long. Check out these available properties in the area. 

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Visit the Best Beaches in the Collingwood Area

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Real Estate / Collingwood things to do

It’s spring, which means that summer is just around the corner. Early blossoms, green buds, and chirping birds all promise warmer days and nights are coming. To help you make the most of our short summer season, let’s explore the best sandy and rocky beaches in and around Collingwood. Hey, one of these beaches was voted as the best beach for swimming in all of Canada!

Sandy Beaches

There is plenty of gorgeous Georgian Bay sand and water for everyone, with three sandy public beaches and one private one for Blue Mountain Resort members.

Wasaga Beach

Located along the southern end of Georgian Bay in Nottawasaga Bay, Wasaga Beach is the longest freshwater beach in the world. With stunning daytime views of the rugged Niagara Escarpment, the sunsets are also breathtaking. Wasaga Beach’s warm, shallow water makes it a safe place for swimmers of all ages and abilities. With 14 km of sandy shore, this is a popular beach with plenty of room to remain safe.

Undoubtedly, when you visit, you aren’t going to want to leave. To explore some real estate options—to keep your options open—there are knowledgeable real estate agents in the area who would love to chat.

Allenwood Beach

Allenwood Beach is a sandy beach at the east end of Wasaga Beach. It has shallow waters, making it a safe and fun beach for the whole family. There are parking and picnic areas and stunning picture-perfect sunsets. For some exciting entertainment, watch the kiteboarders and windsurfers play in the wind and surf.

young girl in the surf at sunset

Blue Mountain Beach

Blue Mountain Beach is a lovely private beach for members of Blue Mountain Resort. As a member, you can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for a day trip on gorgeous Georgian Bay. With warm, shallow waters, come dip your toes or relax in the surf.

Rocky Beaches

The city of Collingwood has some gorgeous rocky shored beaches that also offer room for land-based fun in the sun. Check out these iconic beaches within a short walk, cycle, or drive.

Northwinds Beach

Northwinds Beach is both a rocky and a sandy beach, a short trip from Collingwood. Located just off Highway 26, this beach is very popular with kiteboarders, windsurfers, kayakers, and stand-up paddleboarders. In addition, this beach is a popular spot for beach-loving visitors and locals.

rocky shoreline and blue water and sky

Sunset Point

Sunset Point is a waterfront location in the town of Collingwood. With a beautiful rocky shoreline and waterfront trails, this area also offers broad green spaces with playgrounds, volleyball courts, and plenty of healthy fresh air. In addition, there are several flat areas for you and your family to sunbathe and swim in the fresh Georgian Bay waters along the beach.

When you visit one or all of these beaches, you will no doubt fall madly in love with Collingwood and the surrounding areas. However, if you’re interested in learning more about real estate in the area, contact a reputable real estate agent who will be happy to help.

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3 Outerwear Staples Necessary For A Collingwood Spring 

by Collingwood InfoUncategorized

Warmer weather, rainy days, and muddy trails are just some of the things you will encounter during spring in Collingwood. As the beautiful landscape begins to awaken and plants start to bud, the weather becomes somewhat unpredictable, making it challenging to prepare for outdoor occasions. 

Having proper clothing to wear in the Collingwood and Blue Mountains area is necessary when planning outdoor excursions. Whether it is hiking along the Bruce Trail or scanning the springtime beaches for washed-ashore treasures, having the right gear will make you feel more comfortable. 

Check out some of the outerwear staples that you should keep in your front closet this spring. While the pandemic restrictions have eased up a bit, it is still essential that you gather with friends and family outdoors. Thankfully, you live in one of the best places in Ontario, where you can enjoy modern city amenities and outdoor wildlife. 

Without further ado, these are the outwear staples you need!

A Microdown Puffer

Having something lightweight and warm is critical during the spring. While the forecast may highlight warmer weather and sunshine, you may leave for a hike only to realize that you didn’t prepare for the cool breeze sweeping in. A micro-down puffer will be your best friend for this season. You can stuff this into your trail pack or even a small shoulder bag. You can even buy some with stuffing sacs, making for a compact and portable cold weather shield. While summer is just around the corner, you don’t want to be too underprepared and ruin your outdoor excursion. 

Merino Wool Base Layer

Layering is essential in the spring. Your temperature can quickly fluctuate, especially if you tend to work up a sweat with a bit of exercise and cool down quickly. Having a reliable and temperature-consistent base layer is the key to success. Merino wool is the best option because it is very thin and stays warm even if it becomes damp from sweat. It will not feel bulky underneath your other layers, and it will prevent you from getting a chill. If you like to wear lighter layers but still want to feel warm, merino wool should be at the forefront of your closet this season. 

Trail Runners

Things can get slippery in the spring. Snow will start to melt, and rain will pour, making grass and dirt trails mudslides. On top of this, the temperature can sometimes drop without ample notice, causing the wet ground to freeze, making for an even more precarious footing. Walk on a solid foundation with trail runners. These are lightweight and will have excellent grip so that you can zip through the trails without feeling like you are about to lose your footing and fall. It will also be better for your body as it keeps you from danger and ensures you are running in the correct posture.

Take the spring by the reins by preparing yourself with these three staple outerwear items. Having a lightweight puffer, a reliable base layer, and grippy trail runners will ensure you are ready to hit every trail in the Collingwood area with confidence. 

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3 Tips For Preventing Spring Flooding

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do

One of the benefits of living in Canada, especially in Collingwood, Ontario, is that you get to experience every season to its fullest. From the hot days of summer spent swimming in Georgian Bay to skiing the powdery slopes of Blue Mountain in the winter, Collingwood has it all.

Living amongst the different seasons can be exciting and give you and your family much to look forward to all year round. However, when winter begins to thaw, and the March and April rains begin to pour, many people who live in older homes are at risk of spring flooding.

Spring flooding is a common occurrence throughout Canada as copious amounts of snow all melt while there is increased rainfall. If you are worried about spring flooding, check out some of the helpful tips below. These are a great way to prepare your home for the spring.

Shovel Snow Away From Your Home Before Warm Weather Hits

If you currently have snow piled up around your home, the first step you should take is removing it from your home’s perimeter. The perimeter is where the water is going to leak inside. Shoveling the snow away from your home is a task you should stay diligent with as you can prevent flooding even mid-winter when there can be frequent freeze and thaws.

Invest In Window Well Covers

A primary source of all basement flooding in the spring is basement window wells. Many homes throughout suburban Collingwood neighborhoods have window wells, but not many people think to keep them covered. If you have basement window wells, you can purchase plexiglass covers so that light can still be let in. During the winter, the snow and rain will be unable to enter, and they can also be easily cleared off.

Get A Home Inspection

A home inspection is an excellent way to get a professional opinion on your property and its risk of spring flooding. While many people get home inspections if they are going to be selling their home, it does not hurt to have someone come and check out your foundation so that you can be sure spring flooding will be prevented. They may suggest some simple maintenance tips, or they may discover something severe that needs to be addressed. With the help of a home inspector, you can keep your home dry this spring.

With the winter almost coming to an end, you may be wondering what you can do to improve your safety against spring flooding. Flooding can cause severe damage to your home, which can be costly to repair. A great way to minimize this risk is by shoveling the snow away from your home, investing in window well covers, and having a home inspection performed on your property.

All of these tactics will be instrumental near the end of winter as you don’t want to be left having to deal with the headache of resolving a basement flood.

 

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Increase Your Home’s Value With These Three Renovations

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Real Estate

Are you thinking about selling your home? One of the best ways to heighten your home’s value and get more money upon sale is by renovating. While you can paint and add in new curtains, other more extensive renovations will be more strategic and offer long-term benefits.

Now, these renovations don’t need to be ultra-expensive, but they do require an investment. If you have some areas of your home that may be lacking in modernity or visibly in disrepair, spending the money to renovate will not only increase the value, but it will get your home sold quicker.

Outlined below are three renovations that will almost always make your home more valuable. If you speak to a realtor, they can outline some other options for increasing your home value, but these three tend to stand out when it comes to renovations.

Update Your Roof

If your roof is clearly not in good shape with shingles buckling and missing, you need to replace it. When investing in a new roof, several materials tend to be more attractive than others. You may want to get steel or new, more defensive shingles. In some cases, you may also want to consider adding solar panels onto your roof, as this will increase the value and make your home very desirable to younger buyers. While this can be considered a more expensive investment, you’re sure to make this money back upon the sale of your home.

Fix Up Outdoor Spaces

You can add more liveable space onto your property by fixing up any outdoor areas. If you have a deck with some rotted wood or a poor layout, you may find it beneficial to replace it with something more structurally sound and spacious. By replacing decks in the back of your home or your front porch and adding in other outdoor landscaped areas, there will be more reasons for potential buyers to get excited. If you want to show off these newly redone areas, make sure you list your home during the summer so potential buyers can appreciate the quality of work.

Remodel Outdated Bathrooms

Everyone is looking for new and modern bathrooms. People want somewhere they will enjoy spending time each morning and before they go to sleep. The bathroom plays a vital role in personal routine and tends to be one of the first things people look for when buying a new home. The best way to approach bathroom renovations to start with the most outdated first. In some cases, you may want to add another bathroom in the basement, as this is a quality that potential buyers often seek.

While considerable time and financial investments, renovations will boost your home’s value and get it sold in a quicker timeframe. If you aren’t looking to sell just yet, it is still an excellent tactic for building equity. Not to mention, you will probably enjoy living in a renovated more so in the time leading up to your departure. 

Make sure you call a Collingwood realtor once you decide to list. They may also recommend some other renovations so you can list your home for more. 

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3 Delicious Meals To Enjoy During The Winter

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do

During winter, there comes a time when things become dark and dreary, especially as the temperatures get colder. For those days in Collingwood, Ontario, where the sun stays hidden behind the clouds, and there is no way you will be heading to a local toboggan hill with the kids, as you may be staying indoors. While staying indoors too often can become a bit boring, you may be exploring new hobbies. One hobby that tends to be more popular now, more than ever, is cooking. 

Suppose you have picked up a cooking habit during the pandemic, or are looking to dive deeper and explore your culinary talents. In that case, you may want to consider meals specifically designed to warm you up during these cold winter months. Outlined below are three recipes that will bring the heat and make you feel cozier than ever during this time. By purchasing locally grown food and using organic herbs and spices, you can ensure these meals are delicious and fuel for the body and mind. 

A Hearty Stew

When you think of a stew, you may think of a culinary explosion featuring all the bits of leftover veggies and meat you have in your fridge, or you may have a go-to family recipe. If you are looking for a way to try something new this winter and spice up your stew. Try a recipe that includes lemon, honey, and ginger. While you may think this sounds like a home remedy for the common cold, this recipe is going to have you feeling hot and healthy from the inside out. You will be surprised at how well sour citrus fruit and spicy ginger brings out the meat’s flavors.

Homemade Ramen

Instant bags of ramen are chock full of salt and synthetic ingredients. While it can be fun ordering in ramen, it is often not as delicious as homemade. When homemaking ramen, you can choose your ingredients, making it a customized experience. Check out this delicious vegan ramen recipe for those of you jumping on-board this plant-based trend. 

 

Italian Style Pasta

There are some things that you think you are doing right, but then you learn of the right way to do it, and the way you were doing it before seems crazy. One way that you can warm up during the winter is by eating Italian style pasta. Many people will add sauce to their noodles and forget the key ingredients, including salt, lemon zest, and olive oil. When boiling your noodles, you should heavily salt the water and add olive oil. After straining, add your sauce and continue cooking, including some of the salty water. You will find your pasta tastes like no other you have ever tried before. Make sure to load on the fresh parmesan and grated lemon zest before serving.

 

Determining ways to stay entertained and cheerful while also adopting some new hobbies is not always easy. By mixing up a sour and savory stew, trying to make your ramen, and elevating your pasta dishes, you are sure to bring smiles to everyone in your home.

 

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Great Rainy Winter Day Activities For The Whole Family  

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do

Do you know those days when it’s not cold enough to snow but not sunny enough to spend it outside? The days where the rain doesn’t stop pouring, but it’s not warm enough for you to splash around in the puddles? Well, in Canada these days happen more often than not, especially in the Collingwood Area. 

If you have recently moved into the neighborhood and looking for something to do, the list below has got you covered. When the days are lovely, you can get excited to indulge in some of the most fantastic outdoor scenery that Ontario has to offer. 

Indoor Treasure Hunt

If you have kids and live in the Collingwood area, an indoor treasure hunt is a perfect activity for a cold and rainy day. While you may want to get some fresh air still, you probably don’t want to spend too much time outside, so why not spend what little time you do outside on a cold rainy day, collecting natural treasures. 

Head outside with your outdoor gear and have your kids collect unique stones, driftwood, or other tiny treasures. You can then head inside, make some hot cocoa, and hide the objects around the house. Your kids will be excited to find their outdoor treasures inside. 

Living Room Camping

While Blue Mountain and Collingwood are prime areas for camping and enjoying the outdoors, you won’t be getting to do much outdoor adventuring when the winter is cold and rainy. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t bring that camp atmosphere indoors. 

Bust out your old tent, get some flashlights and sleeping bags, and set up a campsite in your living room. Your kids can camp out for a night or two, or the whole family can snuggle up for a movie marathon. Once you’re enclosed in the tent, the rain pattering away at the window, it will feel like you are deep in the woods. 

Make A Rain Gauge

If you have young kids, they may be studying science and learning about the weather and atmosphere. What better way to help progress their learning while having fun than by seeing if the weather channel predictions are accurate. You can create a rain measuring device by merely attaching a ruler to a bottle or can with a flat bottom. You can then measure the rainfall over a day and see if it matches up with weather reports. You can give away prizes to whoever has the closest guess.

While rainy days are not the most enjoyable, you may have more fun than you think if you try the above activities. Once the snow starts falling, you can grab your skis and head to one of Collingwood’s gorgeous resorts. While they may be closed for a short period, they will undoubtedly be back up and running in no time. 

If you are not a skier, no need to worry. The spring and summer present just as many opportunities for enjoying the fresh air in Collingwood. With a bit of time, you will soon come to realize you are living in the best place in Ontario. 

 

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