Tag: collingwood

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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Collingwood Cares for its Community

by Collingwood InfoUncategorized

Collingwood, ON invests in its residents and offers many recreational opportunities. This includes activitihttps://www.pexels.com/photo/faceless-multiracial-sport-team-stacking-hands-on-court-5384623/es explicitly geared toward public health and wellness. As Collingwood wants to see its residents thrive and maintain a healthy and connected lifestyle, programs like communal, environmental events, and activities to engage kids are critical features of the city all year long.

Communal Activities and Physical Education

The city of Collingwood lays claim to an outdoor train trail, which is made further engaging to both residents and visitors with the StoryWalk. Originally developed as a concept by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, this helps to engage children, especially in the US. Along the trail, metal and plexiglass protected stands feature pages from a children’s storybook, making fresh air and exercise with the family that is much more inviting. Another great outdoor activity for children is the “Imagination Playground,” which allows kids of all ages to play classic games, like Jenga and Connect Four, but in giant sizes to harness whimsy. There are also opportunities to create new games among the children themselves, encouraging creativity for free and outdoors.

Furthermore, Collingwood’s activity kits geared toward the community’s children promote fun, exercise, and development. Each activity kit, which comes to 20 in total, comes in a bag filled with activity cards and equipment meant to encourage the use of specific skills at home or outdoors. The main goal is to promote “physical literacy,” or the development of essential physical movement skills to have a fulfilling and healthy childhood experience.

Geared toward both adults and kids is Geocaching, a great way to interact with the community out of doors. Essentially, a GPS facilitates a treasure hunt, which features caches or containers along with the city trail system. Each contains small tradable items and a logbook to sign, promoting community connectedness. Also, during the winter, the Central Park Arena is used to host Sunday skates for all ages and levels of ability. Furthermore, adults looking for more gentle exercise, especially the elderly, can benefit from virtual Chair Yoga, offered every Monday and Thursday morning for free. 

Preserving Community Health and Environment

Collingwood knows that disposable water bottles are a severe issue to the modern environment worldwide. The city does its part by encouraging the refilling of reusable water bottles all around its community. Water fountains providing fresh and clean drinking water for free are located all around the city and in schools. These refill stations encourage further engagement by displaying a digital counter at each fountain, showing how many bottles have been refilled since their installation in 2017. Collingwood also participates in the BlueW program, which guides residents and visitors to places that provide clean and free municipal drinking water rather than expensive and wasteful bottled water.

The community also promotes healthier eating habits by installing health-conscious vending machines around town. These feature alternatives to greasy and sugary foods, offering cheese, crackers, apple sauce, and fresh fruit cups instead.

Collingwood as a community also knows the value of spending time outdoors. Through their ” Walk or Wheel ” slogan, the city encourages more travel by foot or using physical modes like bikes and skates through their “Walk or Wheel” slogan. The city also provides planning materials through “Walk a Block” and “Map My Route” to encourage exercise while traveling safely to and from schools. Gardening is similarly important to residents, particularly as it relates to healthy eating.

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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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Back to School: Easy Lunch Ideas for the Kids

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do

For many of us, back to school means a new beginning. For the children, it means a new class, new friends, and new adventures. So what kind of adventures might those kids have?

Today’s healthy, on-the-go families are pressed for time. With school starting earlier, traffic jams getting worse, and more homework on their plates, many parents don’t have much time to pack even a quick lunch before they head off to work.

The answer to “What’s for lunch?”. For those of you who don’t like to plan ahead, we can recommend DIY Lunchables. Let’s take a look at how to put together a back-to-school lunch that is quick, delicious, and healthy.

How to Put Together the Perfect DIY Lunchable

Remember those yummy little Lunchables you used to love as a kid? They were so easy and convenient. Well, now you can make them yourself with your favorite ingredients! Start by choosing your bread or crackers. Traditional options include English muffins, bagels, pita bread, flatbreads, and others; but don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite breads.

Next, choose your meat or protein source. Packed lunches are a great way to sneak in some extra veggies, so feel free to add cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce leaves, avocado slices, bean sprouts—and if you’re really hungry—a few pieces of cooked chicken, turkey, ham, or beef.

If you’re looking for a protein boost, choose one of the following: cheese sticks, sliced string cheese, cubes of cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, cubes of cold cuts like salami or bologna—add a few olives if you like them! And to finish off your lunch, choose one or two of the following treats: fresh fruit, 100 percent fruit juice boxes—just be sure they are not carbonated—granola bars, dried cereal pieces.

Lastly, add a treat on the side , like a cookie, cupcake or muffin.

Now that you’re an expert at putting together a healthy lunch box for your kid, don’t forget to make one for yourself!

Remember to always eat a well-balanced, nutritious breakfast and lunch. And as for those afternoons when you feel like a snack attack—just remember that a good snack is made up of the following: one serving of fruit or vegetables, one serving from the grain group (bread, cereal, rice, pasta), and one serving from the dairy group.

Looking to relocate this fall? Here are listings available in the Collingwood area.

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Thanksgiving Dishes to Try This Year

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Events / Collingwood things to do

Thanksgiving brings with it the opportunity to get together with family and friends. From traditional turkey and stuffing to pumpkin pie and cranberry sauce, there are a plethora of dishes to choose from. But how do you know if a recipe is a good idea? Here are a few classic Thanksgiving dishes to try this year.

Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia Salad is a classic Thanksgiving dish that can be spruced up in different ways. Ambrosia salad is fruit-based and is topped with marshmallows, whipped cream, and coconut.

  • Butternut Squash and Leek Stuffing: A favorite alternative to traditional stuffing, this recipe is made with leeks and butternut squash.  If you like the taste of sage, this is the recipe for you.
  • Cornbread-Sage Dressing: A cornbread dressing uses ground pork sausage as a base. Diced vegetables and herbs are added to make it spicy.
  • Fennel, Apple, and Celery Root Slaw with Pecans: A fresh salad that incorporates the harvest flavors of fall. The slaw is made from the fennel bulb, celery root, apples, pecans, cider vinegar, olive oil, and cider.
  • Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions: This dish is made with green beans, breadcrumbs, onion soup mix, milk, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, crispy onions, butter crackers, and parsley flakes.
  • Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows: Sweet potatoes are mashed with heavy cream, brown sugar, milk, marshmallows, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
  • Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream: The classic Thanksgiving dessert . This pie is made from pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, salt, and vanilla extract.
  • Pecan Pie: Another classic Thanksgiving dessert, this pie is made from pecans, salt, light corn syrup, eggs, sugar, white Karo Syrup, vanilla extract, and butter. 
  • Sweet Potato Casserole: This dish is made from sweet potatoes, brown sugar, pecans, evaporated milk, eggs, butter, salt, and vanilla extract.
  • Corn Pudding: This side dish is usually prepared with corn kernels and cream mixed together and baked in a casserole dish.
  • Maple Glazed Acorn Squash: This dish is made from acorn squash, vegetable oil, salt, maple syrup, water, and brown sugar.  
  • Baked Pears with Cinnamon Yogurt Sauce: This dish is prepared from pears, sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, low-fat plain yogurt, and chopped walnuts. 

Apple Cranberry Crisp: This dish is made from apples, cranberries, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, allspice, and salt.

All of these dishes sound like something you would be interested in serving at your Thanksgiving dinner—which one sounds the most appetizing to you?

Are you looking for a new property in time to host a Thanksgiving dinner? Check out what listings are available in the Collingwood Area here.

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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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Perfect Flowers for Your Garden in Collingwood

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do

Collingwood may be in a cool zone, but the right outdoor plants can absolutely thrive here. Collingwood sits in plant hardiness zone 5, which means any number of plants and flowers can be planted right into your garden. As long as you take growing seasons into account, you’ll be absolutely spoiled for choices. Here are just a few of the plants that you can grow in Collingwood.

Lilies

Lillies are perfect for your garden in Collingwood

Lilies come in all shapes and sizes, from orange to yellow, to pink, to white. These flowers are an absolute magnet for butterflies and are a showy addition to your garden that will bloom year after year with minimal care. Blend together varieties that will bloom during different stages of the growing season, and you’ll have flowers from spring to the end of fall. 

Primroses

Growing up to 12 inches tall, primroses are a popular flower both for garden beds and for planters. They’re extremely versatile and can be found at the edge of borders, adorning window boxes, and as a way to add a bit of colour to rock gardens. They require very little attention, as long as they’re not blasted by the sun for longer periods of time. Some cultivars are scented and will attract a number of beneficial insects to your yard.

Tulips

Tulips are a classic, easy-to-care-for flower that can be found in plenty of gardens in Collingwood. They’re extremely easy to grow; bulbs that are planted in early fall will begin blooming as soon as the snow melts and it starts getting warmer. When choosing bulbs, make sure to pick ones that are firm; avoid soft or moldy bulbs.

Daffodils

Daffodils are the perfect edition to you garden in collingwood

These cheery, bright-yellow flowers are hard to miss in any garden. They bloom around mid-spring and look wonderful when planted in groups of ten or more. They return year after year and require very little care on your part. On top of that, daffodils contain a toxin that will deter rabbits and other rodents. 

Grape Hyacinths

These flowers get their names from the little clusters of purple “pearls” that grow all along the stem. They’re not too picky about where you plant them, as long as you don’t subject them to extremely dry or extremely wet conditions. As long as they get full or light sun, these tiny flowers will happily populate your garden. Just be aware that they spread very quickly, so you’ll need to plant them somewhere you don’t mind them spreading. 

Irises

These beautiful, dainty flowers thrive in Collingwood’s climate and require very little care after they are established. Named after the Greek goddess of rainbows, irises come in a fittingly wide range of colours, although it’s probably best known for its purple hues. They’re attractive to both butterflies and hummingbirds, bringing a number of beneficial pollinators to your garden. They’re an excellent companion for lilies. 

Plenty of flowers will happily grow in your Collingwood garden. Bring some colour and life to your yard with these beautiful, easy-to-care-for flowers. 

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How to Create a Family-Friendly Backyard

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do

In response to the COVID-19 virus, many safety measures have forced kids to spend much of their time at home away from friends. With most extracurricular activities cancelled or postponed, kids need to have outdoor spaces where they can burn off pent-up energy.

Fortunately, public parks are open, and Collingwood does have an abundance of outdoor spaces. But, to follow the restrictions of stay-at-home orders, many kids will need a family-friendly outdoor space right in their own yards. So, to ensure they won’t get bored and dive back into their video games, create a family-friendly outdoor space with these simple tips.

Hang a Swing

There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned swing for adding some simple charm to your backyard. Kids can spend hours on swings pretending to fly, and once they are old enough, they can even entertain themselves. In addition, swings are ideal for smaller yards that may not have space for a large play structure.

Set Up a Cozy Fire Pit

Fire pits are ideal backyard spots for spending some quality time with your family. Once you have a fire permit, cook up some s’mores or heat some weiners on roasting sticks. To make your space even more fun, pull out some soft outdoor cushions and blankets and get cozy on a cool spring evening.

Take advantage of the nice weather to stargaze with your kids and teach them some constellations. You’ll be amazed at how fulfilling and educational this is for everyone involved. You never know. You may even inspire a future astrophysicist!

Build a Dream Play Structure

A basic swing set is great, especially for a single child. But if you have more than one, a single swing could cause squabbles. If you have space, add some extra fun features like raised walkways and climbing nets. These additional activities will stimulate both physical and imaginative play and keep your kids busy for hours.

Plant an Edible Garden

Growing an edible garden with your kids’ participation is an excellent way to nurture a green thumb at an early age. Prepare the soil and plant seeds with your kids to encourage them to stay involved. Make a ritual of checking in on the plants for signs of growth.

When your fruit and vegetables are ready to pick, plan a menu with your kids that incorporate them into your dishes. If kids are allowed to pick some edibles and eat them on the spot, they will quickly gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the sources of their food.

 

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Help Your Home Shine for the Spring Real Estate Market

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood Real Estate

Spring is a great time to get your home ready to sell. Even if you’re not ready to list it, making some improvements now will allow you to enjoy them until you do. Creating the best first impression possible will help home hunters fall in love with your home as soon as they see it. First impressions are crucial for convincing potential buyers that your home has been waiting for them.

Spend some time this spring tidying up both the outside and inside and reap the benefits when it’s time to list your home for sale. Here are some top tips that will help your home shine in time for the spring real estate market.

Freshen Up Your Outdoor Spaces

Getting your home ready to sell can be a great motivator to clean up your outdoor spaces from the long winter behind us — as if you need an excuse to get outside these days! Once you’ve cleared away last year’s ground cover of dead leaves and plant stalks, take a good look at your outdoor space’s design.

Ask yourself these questions to see what work needs to be done. Are there spaces in your flower beds that need new life? Should you add a birdfeeder for a splash of colour and non-screen-based entertainment? You might consider adding some exterior solar-powered lights for a welcoming look and planting some flowering annuals to add instant colour to the front walkway.

Clear Out Your Indoor Clutter

Decluttering your home can be a big, but rewarding project that is an essential step to preparing your home to sell. You may end up hosting a yard sale of your purged belongings or donating items in good shape to a local shelter. Besides opening up your home to more light and less dust, decluttering now will make your eventual move that much easier.

Get That Deep Clean Shine

Once you’ve decluttered, your home’s pre-listing deep clean will be a cinch. If you’re not up to the task, consider hiring a professional local cleaning service to save you time and effort. The tell-tale shine of a deep clean is an extremely effective way to make buyers desire your home.

Paint With Neutral Colours

Once your decluttering and cleaning are complete, it’s likely your walls and trim will need refreshing with some neutral-coloured paint. This task will make your home appear bigger and brighter and more of a blank canvas for other’s art and other decorative items. 

As you get close to your listing date, continue to carry out these tasks, so there’s no last-minute scramble. Once you decide to list your home, get in touch with a reputable real estate agent for some additional advice on making a first impression that lasts.

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3 of the Best Ways To Enjoy Collingwood This Spring

by Collingwood InfoCollingwood things to do

While Collingwood has a great reputation as a top destination for those looking to enjoy quality winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding, it’s also a beautiful place to be outdoors in the spring. With an abundance of breathtaking scenery in and around Collingwood, there are several ways to enjoy the outdoors in Ontario’s spring weather.

For example, you can take a different scenic walk every day for weeks without visiting the same place twice. This includes walking through the lovely town to window-shop or visiting a local cafe to pick up some coffee and yummy sweet treats for a park picnic. You can even go foraging for some delicious and nutritious edible wild plants, like maple blossoms, dandelions, and mulberries.

Let’s explore three more fun activities you can enjoy in this lovely neck-of-the woods this spring.

Golf

While much of the rest of Ontario is locked down, golf courses have been allowed to remain open. Fortunately, Collingwood and the surrounding areas have some world-class golf courses in gorgeous locations. Overlooking Georgian Bay, there’s the top-ranked and aptly-named Georgian Bay Club and, besides the mountain, the Blue Mountain Golf & Country Club. Additionally, visitors can choose between Osler, Monterra, and Cranberry Gold Resorts for some of Ontario’s top golf courses.

golf ball on golf course

Hiking

One activity more and more people are enjoying is walking. With so many gyms and community centers closed, this healthy activity helps people expend pent-up energy and stay mentally and physically fit. Collingwood is home to over 60km of Georgian Bay hiking trails, including the Collingwood and Blue Mountain trails. Collingwood has even removed unused train tracks to create new hiking trails and welcomes walkers all year round.

hiking in the woods in the sun

Hit the Beach!

Although the spring may be a bit chilly for a dip, there are many other ways to enjoy a beach in and around the beautiful town of Collingwood. You could go for a walk along the rocky shoreline of Sunset Point, an iconic waterfront area in Collingwood. This beach offers lots of green space, playgrounds, and waterfront trails. Or, you could go for a paddle or try kiteboarding or windsurfing at Northwinds Beach, a very short cycle or drive from Collingwood.

If you’re interested in finding a home in this beautiful part of Ontario, there are online resources to help you save up for a Collingwood home. You could also contact a realtor familiar with the area — which also includes scenic Wasaga Beach — to learn more about what’s available for you.

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