Real Talk!

I confess, I am a rockhound... it's really no secret, I've talked about it in past blogs. Rockhounding is recreational... sort of amateur geology, involving the study and hobby of collecting rocks and mineral specimens from their natural environment

Armed with a geologist's hammer (which has pick-like point on one end, and a flat hammer on the other),a chisel, goggles, bug spray, tissue paper and other assorted tools in my special rock collecting satchel, I love to spend time picking away in the field.

Truthfully, I find myself rockhounding, everywhere I go. I can't help it- rocks appeal to me. Some days, a gal just has to plan a drive &/or a hike and go hunting for a specific specimen- and yet, most days spent outside are opportunities to come upon something unique- especially in and around Bancroft.

Some sources identify the Bancroft area (roughly a 60 mile radius around the town) as being one of only two locations (the other is in Siberia) around which one can find as high as 94 per cent of the those minerals known to exist on the planet. Other sources speak of over 1600 different species of minerals having been identified in the area.

No doubt about it, this is an area of vast geological diversity that has been created by numerous geological processes; like: plutonic intrusions, long periods of erosion, sedimentation, volcanic and metamorphic activity, venting and fissure filling- the result is a complex variety of rocks and minerals and specimens of excellent quality.

The Princess Sodalite Mine is one of the most interesting sites, it is known for Sodalite, a mineral that is a rich colour of blue. A quantity of sodalite was sent to Denmark from Greenland during the Napoleonic Wars. It was captured by the British, however, and examined by a Glasgow chemist, Professor Thomas Thomson, who named it after its sodium content. The Bancroft area sodalite is known as "Princess Blue" and there are various version of the story- the most popular being that when the Prince and Princess of Wales (Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and later King George V and Queen Mary)visited the area in 1901, they were presented with a piece of Sodalite- smitten, the Princess later arranged to have a large quanity shipped to England for the decoration of Marlborough House.

Alomite, Canadian Lapis, Canadian Bluestone and Princess Blue are names sometimes applied to sodalite from Bancroft, Ontario, Canada. Bancroft is the only area known to have specimens of purple sodalite.

Sodalite is thought to have some very special healing properties- it is said to soothe and calm, to clear the mind and enhance logic, wisdom and creativity. It is connected to the the throat and third eye chakras and is said to relate to the moon and Saggitarius in the zodiac.

Sodalite is believed to combat radiation damage by soaking up electromagnetic smog. This mineral is also said to cure insomnia, reduce fever, calm panic attacks and lower blood pressure. It may also be used to boost the immune system, balance metabolism and treat calcium deficiencies.

Those interested in learning more about rockhounding or about rocks, minerals, gemstones and fossils should plan to visit Bancroft from July 28 to 31- for the 48th annual Rockhound Gemboree where there will be over a hundred dealers of specimens/jewelery/tools/supplies, educational talks, demonstrations from experts and other related activities. This event draws aficionados from around the globe!

This morning, I read a June 13th report in which one of the industry giants exclaims: Greater affordability, increased selection, and pent-up demand also key factors in 2011 season.

"Buyers who held off during the recession are back in recreational property markets from coast-to-coast," says Pamela Alexander, CEO, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. "Their patience has been rewarded with more affordable recreational values and greater inventory levels. It's the perfect storm, as ideal market conditions dovetail with wealth recovery."

I guess you could say, it's a Buyers' Market...

but then,

the article goes on to say: "In markets in Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Canada, the supply of recreational property has tightened considerably at the lower end, with potential price increases in store by year-end if momentum continues at the current pace."

ah, conjecture....

and the culprit?

"Inclement weather, including a late thaw and an abundance of precipitation, resulted in a slow start in many areas—Quebec was no exception—but should be offset by stronger peak season activity." The weather, claims the article.... and we need to note the use of the word "should".

This same article quotes the report with findings that "While starting prices have remained relatively stable across the board, there are deals to be had in virtually every region - especially at the top end. Luxury sales, as a result, have climbed in almost half of the markets examined. This trend was consistent in both the Eastern Townships and the Laurentians."

It is interesting to note the following information which appeared in the article as a table from the report:

I did a search, this morning, on 3 bedroom waterfront cottages on the Bancroft District Real Estate Board and I got 44 matches. The lowest priced listing was $79,900, but it's "fire damaged"- the second floor being totally destroyed, log constructed home on a river. The next, least expensive listing is on a small lake and it's a mobile on piers (doubtfully winterized)... for $142,500. There's one for $159,900 on a smaller lake but it is on a chain of lakes and this one doesn't have hydro or sewage. Another one at $159,900 is a tidy A frame on the river, close to the mouth of a nice lake. There's a 3 bedroom on a nice big lake, with gazebo and lots of decking for $199,0000- also on piers. All of these use the lake/river as their water source.

For $189,900 there's a riverside cabin with hydro, septic and a sand point well... the listing suggests that you can make this your home or cottage. Another listing for $199,900 is on a small lake, with a very small lot... but it does have a well and is winterized, although the road is a little dubious, seasonally. For $219,900 there's one on a nice big lake, in a row of cottages, that has a smallish waterfront and uses lake water. Another listed at $219,900 is on a big lake, has a septic system, uses lake water and needs finishing touches.

At $229,900 there is a year round on a big lake that would seem to be the ideal entry priced, nice package, with a drilled well, septic system, workshop, hot tub, good swimming etc.

All in all, there was 1 listing under $100,000... 1 in the $100-$150,000 range, 5 from $150-$200,000, 11 in the $250-$300,0000 range, 15 in the $300-$400,000 range, 3 listed in the $400-$500,000 range and 2 listed over $500,000.

When I took out lot size and number of bedrooms, the Bancroft Board search for waterfront cottages came up to 58 in number. A similar search on the Haliburton Board brought up 189 matches. There were 7 listings in the under $200,000 category (all of them over the $150K mark. There were 11 priced between $200 & $250,000. There were 40 listings in the $250-$300,000 price range and also 40 in the $300-$400,000 range. 25 cottages were listed for sale in the $400-$500,000 range, 43 in the $500-$1,000,000 range and the remainder were over the $1,000,000 mark.

A search of the Barry's Bay/Combermere area brought up 34 matches. 4 were in the $150-$200,000 range. 2 in the $200-$250,000 range. 7 in the $250-$300,000 range. 16 listed in the $300-$400,000 range. 4 in the $400-$500,000 price range and 1 in the $500-$1,000,000 price range.

The thing about number is, they can be manipulated to say whatever you really want them to say... the bottom line is that there are still some reasonably priced properties for sale and if you are interested in purchasing one and the seller is interested in selling it, you can make a good deal.

Remember: Choosing the right representative is key to making the most of your real estate transaction... a Realtor(c) will guide you and negotiate.

Many mover & shakers in the industry believe that prices may begin to climb as things heat up, this summer. This may be true.

Under the current dreary economic conditions, it has never been more important to create visual attractiveness in our surroundings. Designers suggest we think "cool and refreshing" as we transition our living spaces for the summer of 2011.

We've all heard about curb appeal (the view people have when they drive by or arrive at your place) and the same improvements apply to the inside; as they do the outside. There are times that adding elements can improve appeal, but there are other times when removing something is even more effective.

Take down those tired Christmas lights, seasonal wreaths and other leftovers. Get a nice, new, fresh welcome mat for your door.

Most buyers cannot visualize changes, and often won't view a place if the first look isn't appealing. Home buyers who can visualize changes, and are prepared to make them, expect you to reduce the price of the house to compensate for the work they plan to do.

While "sprucing up" is a very important task for those considering a sale of their property, it should be something that we do for our selves, too. It's important to remember that buyers are inspired by what they see in home magazines- so it's best that our places are current and fresh, without being trendy to the point where the average person can't relate to the decorating.

While it's pleasing to express ourselves in our surroundings, there's no doubt that the general perception of "what’s hot and what’s not can" change daily, you want the place to be attractive to a wide demographic– not just those who share the same tastes you do. This doesn't mean that you should only make “safe” choices without personality but rather, it is wise to incorporate trends in things that can be more easily moved or replaced.

After decluttering (which is the number one item on the list of things to do that will improve the look of your environs), consider the versatility of paint colour – walls can always be repainted, and really should be repainted every 5-10 years, as a matter of maintenance. Colour is a brilliant and inexpensive way to brightent the drab. The key is to use colour in small but effective ways. By layering the room with the color in a few small ways you can acheive a change in the look without any major changes.

This summer, decorating musts include decluttering and visually sweeping spaces clean. Much like we rake lawns and flowerbeds to get rid of the debris that gathered over the winter and spring, less is more when it comes to decorating. Find new ways to arrange your furniture- we all must stop jamming it against the wall.

When selecting a colour pallette, it's a good idea to have an idea of current colour trends- the stuff in home and decorating magazines. The "Tuscan" that featured golds, greens and rusts is out, although those colours- used in different ways- can still be used effectively. Today's golds are more the "honey" tones, reminiscent of warm, worn leather. These are frequently teamed with saturated and wholesome colors including nature-inspired, rich greens and splashes of strong tones of orange, citrus lime and red may be used sparingly as accents.

Contemporary design is in- this is not to be confused with modern (lots of metallic and glass surfaces), contemporary is simple and plain. You might say that it is a cleaner approach. In contemporary decor, one wall might be painted in a dramatic colour – say a red or blue – to create high-contrast and that colour would be repeated strategically in the room but not throughout and using colour to focus on where the attention will be drawn, for instance: on an original art piece, a large statue or a unique flower arrangement. The absence of art just screams fear or laziness.

Another attribute of contemporary design is the uniqueness of the decor such as odd shaped vases, unconventional lamps and avant-garde chairs or tables. Bigger, bulkier pieces like a sofa should be in solid colors, and then add patterns around it with chairs or accessories. It’s nice to have a balance of warm and cool colors, for example: it's nice to integrate orange and blue in the same room.

A more urban contemporary look mixes cement tones: grays, deep and deep purples with black-gray undertones. Here, white might be the accent colour. Texture is key to another trend. The color selections are soft and faded. Windswept and washed effects and monochromatic layering also set the palette. Accent colors include light pink, slate blue and grayish brown. Gray is the new beige.

Deep Fuschia and honeysuckle pink are the hot colour pick of designers this year but blue remains the consumer leader. (Pink is one of the most difficult colours to accept in decorating although if used properly, it becomes unnoticeable.) Brighter colors lighten the mood and, with flat weaves, give the feeling of a summerhouse. Removing heavy throws, pillows and rugs can make a room feel lighter and creates a more airy feeling that opens up the space.

Bring the outdoors in with outdoor furnishings and pots. Taking cues from nature and flowers, current popular colour themes are drawn from owls, butterflies, leaves, birds and dragonflies- to create a sense of nature and nurture.

If a room is bland and box-like, incorporate an interesting focal point featuring colour- perhaps a display of colourful china or a huge piece of art, or a large piece of free-standing,vibrantly-painted furniture. Purples, pinks, reds and yellows are summer colours and add a cheery vibe to a room. A simple vase of fresh flowers or branches are a nice celebration of the summer season. A glass bowl of lemons, limes or oranges treats you and your eyes to a picnic of color.

Some very effective decorating utilizes a neutral pallette with a punch of colour thrown onto a feature wall. The feature colour can then be used for a few, simple accessories. When decorating with neutrals you must think of it as an intentional design. Develop the scheme with a variety of textures and materials that combine smooth and rough or shiny and dull for depth and interest. Whites, creams, beiges, and taupes may have undertones of blue, green, yellow, or pink- be sure the undertones of your selections work together

For a bedroom, it's still wise to use the lightest of colour. Light creamy green or blue is relaxing. Pop colour through accessories. In living rooms, the trend has moved away from traditional whites, light blues and browns, toward dramatic feature walls and touches of bold pattern. In a large room, where you want create a cosy a sense of seclusion and relaxation, opposing walls can be painted the same colour. Bright, sunlit rooms can accomodate big, bold shades of fuchsia or topaz.

Warm reds, yellows, pinks, turquoise, greens and oranges are all the rage, for the kitchen. Warm gray neutrals, natural limestone colours and textures, paired with sleek white cabinets or dark woods. Again, dynamic pops of bold colour and bright prints paired with classic earthy neutrals create a feast for the eyes and resonate exotic destinations. Retro looks from the 50s and 60s are still in vogue.

It's best to avoid using greens and yellows in a bathroom, these colours reflect into the mirror and change the perception of your complexion. Instead, look toward beiges, peaches and softer shades of pink that complement the skin tone. Corals and reds are envigorating.

When doing colour in the home, the general rule is to select three main colours. You many use other colours, here and there. Many decorators opt for the 60-30-10 principle: 60% being the wall colour, furniture and fabric 30% and 10% for accessories. Three is a magic number- it's always recommended that you use an odd number of items when accessorizing. A coffee tables should only have one or two things on it, otherwise it looks like a clutter collector in the middle of the room. It's good to use repetition- such as three artistic vases in a row on a dining room table, or groupings of similar, small objects on end tables or walls.

When it comes to window coverings... don't go too short. Place the curtain rod as close to the ceiling or molding as possible. Look for curtains that are lined with cream or white cotton and the material should "break (like a gentleman's trousers) one-half inch from the finished floor. Patterned or sheer panels work great in bedrooms or informally decorated rooms. The safest way to take a risk with bold colours is through throw cushions.

If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, in the non-heating season you should clean the space and set up a nice collection of candles.

I am writing this blog in response to the recent number of people who have asked me “Is the market up or down?”

The latest release from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business claims that confidence among Ontario’s small and medium business owners declined in May. My personal interaction with small and medium business owners would concur. The Federation reports that its Business Barometer Index fell to the lowest point since November 2010. The Federation interprets their results as an indication that Ontario’s economy is growing at a rate that is below normal. Their report cites major cost concerns for these business owners are fuel, energy, tax and regulatory expense.

Commercial real estate market conditions vary throughout the province. The Toronto area commercial market indicates the best market conditions, overall. Industrial real estate sectors report weak conditions that are not expected to improve this year.

Luxury home representatives report a booming market, especially in Vancouver- where foreign investment has been an important influence. Other regions point to the recovery of the stock market and improved economic performance as having boosted the finances of those who are “well-off”.

This is something I have recently discussed with my “Seller” clients. High end properties are selling well, particularly if they have acreage or water frontage. It would appear that the wealthy have not been significantly impacted by recent economic stress factors.

Bank of Montreal has recently reported that, nationwide, housing prices have “more than doubled in the past ten years”. http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/tale-three-cities-bmo-report-shows-wide-disparity-housing-market-valuations-vancouver-tsx-bmo-1523747.htm This Article says, “The report flags the possibility of lower prices in Vancouver, steadier to softer prices in Toronto and firmer prices in Calgary in the near future. In addition, Canada's real estate market is vulnerable to a correction if there is a rapid rise in interest rates due to higher inflation, an increase in unemployment because of a weak U.S. economy, or a slowing in foreign investment.” and quotes BMO’s Head of Mortgage Products as saying, “Canadians need to examine ways to reduce overall housing costs.”

Again, this is, more or less, what I’ve been telling my clients since my recent number crunching exercise and subsequent travel through the many of the United States. Through simple observations and conversations with residents, it was obvious that our neighbours to the south are experiencing financial stress.

An all too familiar sight on the Interstate highways during my May 2011 trip into the United States

Online, an article dated May 24, 2011 by Christine Dobby (http://business.financialpost.com/2011/05/24/riocan-and-calloway-race-to-open-outlet-malls/)
states that an “...April 2011 survey from the Boston Consulting Group recently found while Canadians are still optimistic about the economy in general, 90% of consumers plan to spend the same or less this year compared to last. The survey found Canadians, who did not modify their spending as dramatically as Americans during the economic downturn, are now being forced to cut back out of necessity as debt stretches households’ finances further and further.” This same article quotes a shopper who no longer makes trips to the United States, “due to time constraints and cost.” Our dollar has been near parity for some time.

A public opinion poll, conducted online by Ipsos-Reid from February 23 to March 2 of this year, for the Ontario Real Estate Association, revealed that home ownership remains the goal of 70% of renters. The results also suggest that ninety four per cent of Ontarians believe that home ownership provides a healthy and stable environment for raising a family; however, affordability for the purchase and maintenance of a home is a significant hurdle for most.

In the Greater Bancroft Area, the average sale price for a single family detached home has dropped to about $110,000. (Based on my January 1st to mid-April research) & our Board statistics indicate a drop in the number of sales, as well.

On May 20th, Ontario Real Estate statistics were reported that sales volumes and sales-to-new listings ratios were hovering around the norm in 20 of the province’s 43 real estate board areas. The other 23 board areas posted weak results indicating over-supply. These markets had unusually low sales-to-new listings ratios or unusually sharp declines in dollar sales volume.

According to the “Spring Housing Market Outlook” report from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation “After an active 2010, existing MLS® home sales are slowing and will fall five per cent this year and will recover only modestly next year.” Ted Tsiakopoulos, CMHC’s Ontario Regional Economist was recently quoted as saying “Consumer buying patterns, particularly in more expensive southern Ontario markets, will increasingly shift to less expensive housing over the next few years thanks to tighter mortgage market conditions. This bodes well for the apartment ownership and rental sector.”

This isn’t always the best news for those who wish to sell at this time.

Some people will tell you that there are two seasons in cottage country, winter and bugs. Other people don’t notice the bugs, at all. There are some common bugs that are seen at most cottages from time to time and once you understand their habits, they’re easier to deal with.

Black flies are attracted to perfume, cologne, aftershave and the residue of scented shampoo in your hair. Black flies will try to get under your clothes, so try tucking your pants into your socks and putting elastic bands around your wrists. Black flies can’t bite you through your clothes. Black flies are particularly fierce at sunset and they seem to love perspiration. When the black flies legs start turning white, the season is almost at an end.

Blue Damselfly

Damselflies shouldn’t be confused with Dragonflies, they are very similar. Damselflies are smaller, weaker and their eyes are separated (a dragonfly has large multi-faceted eyes). Damselflies eat midges and mosquitoes and other annoying bugs. Dragonfly nymphs live in the water. As a dragonfly grows, it sheds its skin. You often see the shed shape of dragonflies on the tips of weeds or reeds because the dragonfly larva climbs them, at night and once the sun rises they are ready to fly. An adult dragonfly lives about 2 weeks. When a damselfly is at rest, their wings are held away from them. Damselflies hold their wings at rest together above the torso or held slightly open above.
Butterflies and moths do not bite.

A Shad Fly

Shad Flies (also known as Mayflies) live for a couple of weeks. They emerge from fresh water lakes when the summer heats up. A car, splattered with dead shad flies smells something like dead fish.
Wasps (also known as yellow jackets) are famous for getting into soft drink cans, undetected. It’s best to keep them covered. Bees and wasps are attracted to sweet scents.

Mosquitoes are drawn to dark colours. They are out, full force, at sunrise and sunset.
Biting midges are active at dusk and dawn. The female requires a blood meal, after mating, in order to obtain the protein required for her eggs. Some folks refer to these as no seeums, sand fleas or sand flies. They are very tiny but their bites can cause a severe rash and are much itchier than mosquito bites.

Deer flies and horse flies prefer animals to humans. They are prolific on hot, sunny days. When they bite, they take large chunks. They seem to be drawn to wet bodies, so they may attack your head while you are swimming or getting out of the lake. Deer flies are yellow and black; horse flies are bigger and all black.

Stable flies look like house flies. Both genders bite. They develop in piles of decaying straw, manure, grass clippings or other piles of rotting vegetation.

Cluster flies come in a variety of sizes. Most are a little bigger than houseflies and a dark grey colour. Cluster flies hang around in the fall and spring, mostly. They often buzz up and down at windows and often fall on their backs and spin around, dying. This fly develops as a parasite of a species of earthworms. They do not pose any health threat and more of annoyance than anything, because they manifest in the hundreds and thousands.

Lady bugs or Lady Beetles are generally a friendly little creature. They feed insects such as aphids which may be harmful to vegetation. The standard lady bug does not bite, however, the Asian lady bug (also known as the Japanese lady bug or beetle) are known to “pinch”. Asian lady bugs travel in massive groups and congregate on walls or other surfaces. They can be differentiated from the everyday lady bug by way of size- the Asian variety being larger, about 1/3-inch long, whereas general lady bugs are only ¼ of an inch. The Asian lady bugs may have more than one colour and they usually have 19 spots- common lady bugs have far fewer. A lady bug’s spots fade as they age and a lady bug may play dead, if threatened.

Pine Bugs or Beetles are also known as Pine Seed Beetles. About an inch in length, with even longer antennae, these reddish-brown bugs spend the summer in the pine trees but prefer to come inside for the other seasons. They like to hang out in piled wood or lumber. Pine Seed Bugs do not bite or sting; however, they can leave behind an unpleasant odour and sometimes stain furniture or draperies.
White garden slugs are the larvae of June Bugs. Adult June Bugs are less than an inch in length, shiny, brown and have long slender legs. Geraniums have been known to repel the larvae and prevent them from being destructive to lawns and gardens. June Bugs don’t bite but they do have spurs on their legs that may prickle a little.

A Firefly

Fireflies (also known as lightening bugs or glow worms) produce a form of light that has no ultraviolet or infrared frequencies. The light emanates from their abdomens and may appear to be pale-red, yellow or green.

A Cicada

The Cicada is more often heard than seen. They are known for that droning or buzzing, high-pitched sound that is made by the males, especially late in the summer, on hot humid days. There are nine or ten species of cicada in Ontario and they are not prevalent enough to create any damage to our forests.

There are any species of ants in Ontario. The most destructive variety of ant is the carpenter ant. The carpenter ant is the largest species in the area. They live in wood and have a preference for wet, fungus damaged wood. They are a wonderful part of the forest ecosystem, chewing up fallen trees and creating compost that assists in new forest growth. They commonly nest in standing trees or stumps but as the colony grows, they may enter cottages and homes and do considerable damage to the structure. Often, the damage done by carpenter ants is not visible without opening walls and ceilings. The carpenter ant should not be confused with the smaller black ant that tends to make extensive tunnels and chambers in the ground.

Fire Ants

Fire ants are red. They live in mounds, often in moist areas. Their nests are not usually visible; they may be hidden around cottage piers, under logs or rocks. Fire ants may attack small animals. Extremely territorial, their sting well up into a blister sometimes a day or two after contact. The bite causes a burning pain and some individuals may severely react and will require medical attention.

Deer Tick

Deer ticks are actually arachnids or arthropods, like spiders, and if you happen to have contact with one, they’re nasty. They hide out in low bush and once they attack, they burrow into the skin. They can carry Lyme disease and other diseases. Ticks are sneaky; they release a nerve numbing substance, preventing their host from sensing their presence.

Box Elder Bug

Box elder Bugs are about one half inch long. They are dark brown or black and have red markings on their wings and abdomens. They love to munch on ash and maple trees. They are not harmful, although they are usually numerous and their droppings can be quite substantial.

Bugs are the reason that screened tents and porches are popular in cottage country. Another coping strategy is to place a fan near where you are sitting. Most insects cannot fly in the wind. Bugs are an important part of the ecosystem. You can make a natural insect repellent by mixing a carrier oil (sunflower oil, almond oil, olive oil, witch hazel) with cinnamon oil, castor oil or citronella oil (for mosquitoes and biting flies). Use eucalyptus or rose geranium oil for mosquitoes, ticks and lice. Orange oil repels fleas. You can mix this with a little aloe vera gel, for consistency. Store your homemade insect repellent in a brown bottle.