Real Talk!

A recent Washington Post article declares that prices have dropped to a point where the emotional benefits of homeownership outweigh potential losses from further price declines.

And a recent Toronto Globe and Mail article said this:

Ontario is in the midst of an "impressive" economic recovery driven by government stimulus, a pickup in auto manufacturing and a hot real estate market, BMO Nesbitt Burns says. "In fact, the recovery has been so potent that the province, which had been Canada's economic whipping boy throughout the recession, has now moved to the top of the pack on a number of indicators," economist Robert Kavcic said in a research note today.

Country real estate is seen as a world away from the noise and congestion of urban life and recent Royal LePage and ReMax surveys contend that the Canadian rural/recreational market is seen as being reasonably priced compared to other countries.

We all know that it really feels great to just sit by the water in a special place. People still want a property in cottage country. Recently, unprecedented market conditions included a severe shortage of listing inventory and in the past few years, Seller’s prices that had climbed have simply returned to calm. Yes, some prices may have dipped, but they’ve settled now, so don’t look for them to crash. Inventory is better and luxury properties, in particular, are selling well.

Now, it’s as easy as ever, to enjoy some of the finer things in life... like sunsets, the way the sunlight plays in the ripples on a lake, the sound of loons. People are pulling their heads out of the sand and ignoring negative press... as one Realtor put it, “Lots of expensive homes have been bought and sold, and those people don't buy if the economy is in trouble.”

Purchasing a cottage is like buying the complete lifestyle vacation package, every bit as much as it is a sound real estate investment. The most important ingredient seems to be a place to have a peaceful place for family time and truly break all connections with the city, while being only a few hours from home. Psychologists will tell you, that parenting is easier in this kind of setting, too!

Canadians' dream of owning a cottage or other piece of recreational property just won't die, regardless of the state of the economy, rising taxes and interest rates, and more stringent mortgage requirements.

&, as tragic as the April 20 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico might be, it is causing a slight increase in the number of tourists who are coming to cottage country, as they decide to bask in the sun in this area rather than the south. After all, we do have 4 season activities... in winter, you can luge, ski, skate, snowmobile, dog sled, ice fish, build snowmen or cuddle by the fire!

There’s nothing sweeter than a dark sky and quiet. Just the sound of a frog or two. Yup, they aren’t kidding when they say it’s an emotional thing.... which is one of the most difficult hurdles during the property search. I find that most people have a difficult time articulating what “their” rural home or cottage is like... I mean, the one they dream about... the one that they imagine is their place.

I find that once I spend a little time with folks, it’s easier to narrow down their choices and I love finding them the right spot, at the right place, with the right terms! It’s so very satisfying.