LEEP into TAP for new home builders
The home building associations of both London and St Thomas have announced how they are dealing with legislation dealing with building codes and home efficiencies.
The program is the next step in the Local Energy Efficiency Partnership (LEEP), a federal program launched in London in 2006 to encourage home builders and buyers to adopt the latest in energy-saving technology.
There are -- in essence -- 10 model homes under construction which fill a number of requirements in what they are calling a TAP (Technology Adaption Pilot) program.
If you're thinking about building brand new, read this story from The London Free Press.
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New London homes have a green look
ENERGY CONSERVATION: London and St. Thomas builders constructing 10 homes with the latest innovations
By HANK DANISZEWSKI, The London Free Press
Last Updated: January 18, 2012 11:37pm
London home builders are ready to build the homes of tomorrow today.
A new home near Sunningdale Golf and Country Club was the setting Wednesday for home builders to showcase the latest innovations in energy conservation.
The Rembrandt Homes model includes features such as automated lighting and wiring systems suited for solar panels and plugging in electric vehicles.
The home is one of 10 Discovery model homes being built by London and St. Thomas builders as part of the Technology Adoption Pilot (TAP) Program.
The program is the next step in the Local Energy Efficiency Partnership (LEEP), a federal program launched in London in 2006 to encourage home builders and buyers to adopt the latest in energy-saving technology.
St. Thomas home builder Doug Tarry said the TAP program involved sorting through hundreds of new home energy conservation products to come up with 10 that were the most practical and cost-efficient for the current housing market.
"We want to get the existing technologies and get them introduced to a much broader market and raise the acceptance level with consumers so they become the norm," said Tarry, whose company is building three Discovery homes.
The St. Thomas Elgin Home Builders Association also made an announcement to showcase the Discovery homes in the community.
Tarry, also president of the Ontario Home Builders Association, said the energy-saving features not only save money, they create more usable living space.
"These homes are also quieter and more comfortable."
Toby Stolee, president-elect of the London Home Builders Association, said the 10 energy features selected for the TAP program were based on practicality and return on the upfront investment.
"People are always interested in green building technology, but it's the return on the dollar that wins in the end," said Stolee, director of the new homes division is of Sifton Homes.
About 40 Discovery homes are being built across Ontario.
"We have some of the most progressive builders in Canada. They are always leading edge," Stolee said.
--- --- ---
Ten TAP innovations
Advanced Framing
Advanced Windows
Automated lighting
Combined space and water waters
Heat Recovery Ventilators
Insulated concrete forms
Passive solar design
Plug-in ready garage
Solar Ready
Zoned Forced Air: system can split: homes with wiring conduits and trusses geared to solar panel installation: has wiring suitable for plugging in electric vehicles: uses optimally positioned windows and awnings to naturally heat or cool a home: used to pour concrete walls but remain in place to provide insulation: provide continuous fresh air into the home and recover heat from outgoing air to heat incoming air: save space by using a single heat source to heat the home and provide hot water: automated switches that can be turned on and off by timer motion or sound.: windows with glazing, frames and inert gas that reduce energy consumption: reduces the amount of lumber and increases the surface area of insulation
Thursday 19 January 2012
2.99 But There's Some Caveats
The best interest rate on a mortgage should go to the client with the best credit record and with the highest downpayment, the best debt-service ratio, who is able to pay off the loan quicker than most.
My only problem with the Bank Of Montreal 2.99 fixed-rate mortgage for five years is that it truly is available only for a short period, so if you're the unlucky one with a mortgage not due until much later this year, for example, you can't take advantage of this offer.
The ability to pre-pay large sums off the principal is also not offered in the current incentive deal, but in my estimation that's fine as consumers have many places to spend their dollars, including their kids' university enrollments, home renovation projects, vehicles and vacations.
The Bank Of Montreal may extend the 2.99 package into February (currently the offer expires Jan 25) but will certainly place an expiry date on any new offer.
()()()()()()()
Mortgage rates dropping due to cheap bonds
BMO, TD lower some fixed rate offerings to 2.99%
By Pete Evans, CBC News
Posted: Jan 13, 2012 7:49 AM ET
A strong international demand for bonds from Canada's biggest banks is trickling through the system and pushing mortgage rates to record lows at the consumer level.
The Bank of Montreal moved its five-year fixed mortgage rate to 2.99 per cent late Thursday — the lowest posted rate from a major bank in Canadian history.
BMO announced the rate cut late on Thursday and TD followed suit by lowering their four-year fixed rate to 2.99 per cent on Friday afternoon.
BMO's offer, which ends Jan. 25, states that lump sum payments are limited to 10 per cent of the principal each year. The mortgage is also based on a 25-year amortization period. TD's offer is open until Feb. 29, 2012. It's also for a four-year term, much less common than the standard five-year.
Other banks are expected to follow suit. On Wednesday, Toronto-Dominion Bank reduced its posted six-year rate 132 basis points to 3.79 per cent and lowered the posted seven-year fixed rate 91 basis points to 3.99 per cent.
Access To Capital
Borrowers can often negotiate a better rate from a bank based on their credit history, but the posted rate at a bank is seen as the benchmark for its mortgage offerings. The five-year rate is by far the most common term for a first-time home buyer.
Lower mortgage rates are the results of a broader trend in which international bond investors are gobbling up Canadian offerings at record levels because they're generally perceived as being safer than bonds from other countries.
"It's not surprising given that mortgage rate declines have actually been lagging behind falling bond yields," Queens University real estate expert John Andrew said. "[It's] driven by global economic uncertainty."
Earlier this month, BMO was able to sell $1.5 billion worth of five-year bonds at a rate of 2.544 per cent. Contrast that with the government of Italy, for example, which sold an offering of bonds with a 4.83 per cent yield on Friday.
Essentially, the bond market considers BMO a better bet than Italy. A lower yield is a sign investors have more confidence in that lender's ability to live up to the terms of the loan.
"Right now Canada is a function of what's happening in the global environment," Mark Kerzner of The Mortgage Group said. "And mortgage consumers are able to benefit from the noise in the rest of the world."
As Europe's debt crisis unfolds, investors are fleeing for safety. Canada is seen as a beacon in the financial world, so bond offerings from Canada's biggest lenders are in strong demand. Cheaper borrowing for the banks has in turn allowed them to seek new customers by cutting their consumer rates.
'Mortgage consumers are able to benefit from the noise in the rest of the world'—Mark Kerzner of The Mortgage Group
"There's a risk premium," said Nick Mitskopoulos, president of mortgage broker Verico Mortgage For Less in Toronto. "The three-to-five year money is cheaper [but] their short term costs have gone up."
"Their cost of capital is going up for the short term, but not for the long term."
Mitskopoulos said other lenders will be hard-pressed to match BMO's rate, although most will likely lower their rates a bit to compete. At that level, he suggests, BMO might be at a break-even level and is hoping to make gains from new customers through lines of credit.
Fixed-rate mortgages are closely tied to what's happening in the bond market, as that's how the banks finance their lending. Variable rate mortgages are more closely linked to the Bank of Canada's rate.
Fixed Versus Variable
Fixed Rate
· A fixed-rate mortgage features an interest rate that is fixed for a specific period of time, such as five years.
· During this period, also known as the term, the mortgage interest rate will not change even if prevailing interest rates do.
· The penalty for breaking a fixed-rate mortgage before the end of the term can be substantial – especially if the difference between your mortgage’s interest rate and current rates is large and there are several years remaining in the mortgage term.
Variable Rate
· A variable-rate mortgage features an interest rate that floats with any change in the prime interest rate.
· Depending on the lender, the mortgage payment may stay the same even if the prime rate changes, but the actual interest charged will change. So if the prime rate rises, less of the payment will go to the principal and more to interest.
· Most variable-rate mortgages allow borrowers to switch to a fixed-rate mortgage at any time. The penalty to break a variable-rate mortgage is usually three months interest.
Monday 16 January 2012
It's A Race To Grace Street
589 Grace Street Is Your Destination
A newer starter home on a quiet street sometimes sums up the quest of a first-time buying couple.
A young family is busy raising kids -- running around to rinks and dance rehearsals, so there isn't a lot of time or dollars to renovate an older home.
Your family seeks 3 bedrooms and a reasonable-sized fenced yard.
Your family requires a move-in condition home with a basement recroom.
Your home has been found.
589 Grace Street
It's a sparkling family 2-storey with 3 bedrooms, spacious eat-in kitchen with oak cabinets, newer countertops, and patio door to a raised 12’ x 12’ wood deck. The owners are also making the fridge, stove and dishwasher as items to be included. It's a true convenience of having your back deck off the kitchen dinette, especially for entertaining and grilling on the barbecue.
The main floor is an open theme with its adjoining living room. The berber carpeting was recently replaced -- quality and a neutral colour.
The professionally built lower recroom not only has pot lights, but a drop ceiling. The basement's landing area is ideal for computer space. The utility room includes storage and a work-bench area.
The home features mostly newer carpeting, including 2 of the 3 bedrooms. The 4pc bathroom's main upgrade is the full enclosure tub.
The EnerZone gas furnace is unique in that its efficiencies include both direct venting to outside and a system that augments use of the gas hot water heater. Another selling feature is that the central air unit is newer than the house.
A fenced yard (132-ft deep lot) is essential for any family. This yard features a newer Benshed and enough space for a trampoline.
The upgraded (30-year) shingles are just 3 years old.
Since most families have 2 cars, there's a double-wide paved private drive.
Simply move in and enjoy.
This section of Grace Street is in the Northdale (K-9) school zone. Grace is a quiet established street, and the house is near shopping, the curling club and Sutherland Park.
Call me today for your viewing.Mark Schadenberg
Royal LePage Triland Realty
757 Dundas Street, Woodstock, Ont
(519) 539-2070, office
537-1553, direct line / text
539-4319, home office
www.marksells.ca
www.markroyallepage.blogspot.com
Twitter: markroyallepage, Sales Representative
A newer starter home on a quiet street sometimes sums up the quest of a first-time buying couple.
A young family is busy raising kids -- running around to rinks and dance rehearsals, so there isn't a lot of time or dollars to renovate an older home.
Your family seeks 3 bedrooms and a reasonable-sized fenced yard.
Your family requires a move-in condition home with a basement recroom.
Your home has been found.
589 Grace Street
It's a sparkling family 2-storey with 3 bedrooms, spacious eat-in kitchen with oak cabinets, newer countertops, and patio door to a raised 12’ x 12’ wood deck. The owners are also making the fridge, stove and dishwasher as items to be included. It's a true convenience of having your back deck off the kitchen dinette, especially for entertaining and grilling on the barbecue.
The main floor is an open theme with its adjoining living room. The berber carpeting was recently replaced -- quality and a neutral colour.
The professionally built lower recroom not only has pot lights, but a drop ceiling. The basement's landing area is ideal for computer space. The utility room includes storage and a work-bench area.
The home features mostly newer carpeting, including 2 of the 3 bedrooms. The 4pc bathroom's main upgrade is the full enclosure tub.
The EnerZone gas furnace is unique in that its efficiencies include both direct venting to outside and a system that augments use of the gas hot water heater. Another selling feature is that the central air unit is newer than the house.
A fenced yard (132-ft deep lot) is essential for any family. This yard features a newer Benshed and enough space for a trampoline.
The upgraded (30-year) shingles are just 3 years old.
Since most families have 2 cars, there's a double-wide paved private drive.
Simply move in and enjoy.
This section of Grace Street is in the Northdale (K-9) school zone. Grace is a quiet established street, and the house is near shopping, the curling club and Sutherland Park.
Call me today for your viewing.Mark Schadenberg
Royal LePage Triland Realty
757 Dundas Street, Woodstock, Ont
(519) 539-2070, office
537-1553, direct line / text
539-4319, home office
www.marksells.ca
www.markroyallepage.blogspot.com
Twitter: markroyallepage, Sales Representative
Thursday 12 January 2012
My Thoughts On Ball Diamond Complex
Times Have Changed In Slo-Pitch
As time evolves, something that was fine 25 years ago no longer receives a passing grade.
The website www.woodstocksentinelreview.com is currently conducting a non-scientific survey online asking whether Woodstock should develop a new 'community' recreation complex in the northeast corner of the city. The 'park' would begin with a ball complex (4 or more diamonds) and could expand with many many different amenities in the future.
As chair of the Woodstock Recreation Advisory committee I would suggest someone could look into all the homework which has already been done on this issue and then vote on the newspaper's survey.
My vote would be 'yes' -- in favour of this 'park'. In other words, it's time some ball diamonds get phased out (Victoria Park, for example) and others re-focused (Southside Park east and west by the stone gate). A 'tournament' complex would be a win-win-win for everyone (economy, minor ball and adult leagues). Quite simply, the technology of today's aluminium bats has made some diamonds obsolete -- a launching pad. One playing field in Southside Park has a netting above the homerun fence, and the ball is travelling over it.
My personal idea and feeling, is that one diamond could stay in Victoria Park, but it's dangerous to play two games simultaneously there as a centrefielder from one game is almost standing back-to-back with a centrefielder from another game. Victoria Park is where the cenotapf is located and should be more of a non-activity park.
The two diamonds in Southside Park could be used by women's slo-pitch and then also be re-focused also for use by minor ball -- perhaps girls' fastball (softball).
Other diamonds in Woodstock have already been decommissioned (or should be) whether it by the City itself or the board of education, including WestEnd Park, Richardson Park on James Street, and Winchester (DM Sutherland) School.
This is my blog, so it's my thoughts, but I was one of the authors of the report to City Council on Dec. 15. At that time, Council approved -- in principle -- that Woodall Farm Park would be the ideal location in the City's northeast for a 'park', which could include ball diamonds plus some or all of the following: pool and splash pad, satellite library, outdoor basketball court, youth centre . . .
None of this may happen, some could become reality, or nothing. The City -- remember -- is currently conducting a large-scale strategic planning session to put on paper a vision of the future.
As time evolves, something that was fine 25 years ago no longer receives a passing grade.
The website www.woodstocksentinelreview.com is currently conducting a non-scientific survey online asking whether Woodstock should develop a new 'community' recreation complex in the northeast corner of the city. The 'park' would begin with a ball complex (4 or more diamonds) and could expand with many many different amenities in the future.
As chair of the Woodstock Recreation Advisory committee I would suggest someone could look into all the homework which has already been done on this issue and then vote on the newspaper's survey.
My vote would be 'yes' -- in favour of this 'park'. In other words, it's time some ball diamonds get phased out (Victoria Park, for example) and others re-focused (Southside Park east and west by the stone gate). A 'tournament' complex would be a win-win-win for everyone (economy, minor ball and adult leagues). Quite simply, the technology of today's aluminium bats has made some diamonds obsolete -- a launching pad. One playing field in Southside Park has a netting above the homerun fence, and the ball is travelling over it.
My personal idea and feeling, is that one diamond could stay in Victoria Park, but it's dangerous to play two games simultaneously there as a centrefielder from one game is almost standing back-to-back with a centrefielder from another game. Victoria Park is where the cenotapf is located and should be more of a non-activity park.
The two diamonds in Southside Park could be used by women's slo-pitch and then also be re-focused also for use by minor ball -- perhaps girls' fastball (softball).
Other diamonds in Woodstock have already been decommissioned (or should be) whether it by the City itself or the board of education, including WestEnd Park, Richardson Park on James Street, and Winchester (DM Sutherland) School.
This is my blog, so it's my thoughts, but I was one of the authors of the report to City Council on Dec. 15. At that time, Council approved -- in principle -- that Woodall Farm Park would be the ideal location in the City's northeast for a 'park', which could include ball diamonds plus some or all of the following: pool and splash pad, satellite library, outdoor basketball court, youth centre . . .
None of this may happen, some could become reality, or nothing. The City -- remember -- is currently conducting a large-scale strategic planning session to put on paper a vision of the future.
Saturday 7 January 2012
January Newsletter Part One
Since 2011 is in the books, lets look back at the sales stats.
Keep in mind, these are MLS sales numbers as reported by the members of each board, so sometimes a sale occurs with Realtors that is not reported, and not all new construction contracts get posted at our local board office. Obviously, a private sale is also not part of the calculations.
However, this same 'correction' in the numbers could be mentioned every year.
Fewer Than 60 Sales Locally In Sept
Sales numbers for December of 2011 show a decrease over the past 3 years: just 53 in 2011, 62 in 2010, 70 in 2009, 58 in 2008, and only 44 in 2007 in the Woodstock-Ingersoll District real estate board area (WIDREB includes Norwich, Innerkip, Sweaburg, Beachville, Embro, Mt Elgin, and points in-between).
Numbers for the entire 2011 are 1159 sales, versus 1216 in 2010 and only 1080 in 2009. Needless to say, a graph of these stats would show that the first half of 2010 was terrific, but numbers are somewhat lagging since. It is commonly blamed on the introduction of the HST into real estate fees (lawyers fees, inspections, etc) that drove the market activity up in early 2010 as consumers wanted to buy before this implementation.
Weather is certainly a factor, as December sales over the past 9 years don't appear to follow the trend for that year in total -- it's been a show of inconsistency: (continued from above) 60 in '06, only 47 in '05, 78 in '04, and 66 in '03. With Christmas and arrival of winter dominating the mindset it's easy to see why numbers are lower than other months.
If you're curious why the 2005 total of 47 seems modest as it was the year the Toyota plant was announced, it can be noted that sales in April of 2005 were 175, then way up to 195 in May, and 182 in June of that year.
To summarize, year-end sales totals for the past 9 years are as follows:
2011: 1159
2010: 1216 2009: 1080
2008: 1176 2007: 1359
2006: 1278 2005: 1473 (correct)
2004: 1366 2003: 1153
dispell rumours that Woodstock and Oxford in general has been thriving since the Toyota announcement to build here in May of 2005. On the flip side, attractive interest rates will keep consumers moving up in the residential world even though the federal government did tighten up rules for mortgages -- including amortization periods and the necessity for a down payment.
As for neighbouring markets, here's a story from the London Free Press this week, which indicates the market trends to our immediate west.
Real Estate Sales Stats From London Area
Area home sales market enjoys reboundREAL ESTATE: Despite a slow start in the spring, sales for 2011 nearly matched the previous year
By HANK DANISZEWSKI, The London Free Press
Last Updated: January 3, 2012
LONDON -- After a slow start in the spring, home sales in the London-St. Thomas market rebounded in 2011 and nearly matched the previous year.
The London-St. Thomas Association of Realtors (LSTAR) reported Tuesday that 8,048 homes were sold in 2011, about 1% fewer than 2010.
The year got off to a slow start when sales in the spring were lagging 15 to 20% behind 2010.
But association president Jack Lane said he was confident the market would pick up in the summer and fall.
"It was a little slow coming out of the gate, but in the end we finished strong, despite concern over the extent to which global economic worries would impact us locally."
The results for St. Thomas were especially impressive, given the layoffs that have hit the city, Lane said. The number of homes sold in St. Thomas was up 3% for the year and the average sale price rose 3.7% to $189,313.
LSTAR said 384 homes sold in December, just below the total for the same month in 2010.
The average price for a detached home across LSTAR's jurisdiction stands at $244,430, up 5.3% from January 2011.
The average price for a condo stands at $179,560 year end, down 3.4% from January 2011.
Lane predicted that 2012 will see a modest increase in sales over 2011.
London-St. Thomas should benefit from slow improvement in the U.S. economy, boosting the confidence of home buyers, he said.
Barb Whitney, a Century 21 agent, takes over as association president for 2012.
Tri-Cities Sales Tally For 2011
Real estate holds its own in K-W region By Rose Simone, Record staff -- Jan 5 storyWATERLOO REGION — Despite the economic turmoil in much of the world, the housing market in Waterloo Region stayed solid in 2011, according to statistics from the region’s two real estate associations.
Although the number of sales in the Kitchener and Waterloo area was down 2.1 per cent, with 6,252 houses sold in 2011 compared to 6,389 in 2010, a more active market in Cambridge made up for the loss. In Cambridge, 2,890 houses changed hands in 2011, up from 2,683 the year before.
Meanwhile, house prices went up across the region. The average price for all the homes that sold in Kitchener, Waterloo and the surrounding townships increased about four per cent last year to $300,949; in Cambridge, the average price rose 2.2 per cent to $285,418.
On the whole, 2011 was a good year for people buying and selling homes in Waterloo Region, said Sara Hill, president of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of Realtors.
"Some numbers were down, but when you look at the bigger picture, it still says that things are going extremely well and this is a solid market," she said.
Sales in December also were strong, with 329 sales in the Kitchener and Waterloo area, about the same as a year earlier. In Cambridge, 159 houses were sold last month, up 2.1 per cent from December 2010.
Hill said low interest rates made moving attractive for first-time buyers as well as for people who were moving up from mid-sized homes into bigger homes. "People who are moving up will refinance and blend mortgage rates when the interest rates are low like this. They can do that when rates are so attractive."
Hill said many of the technology companies in Waterloo Region are still hiring, and that generates confidence in the economy.
"This is an attractive hub for technology. People are still coming in and as long as we have population coming in, we know the housing market will be solid," she said. "Those people might rent for six months, but then they buy, so they are feeling very good about the security of these jobs."
The Cambridge Association of Realtors said 2011 was the third best year on record for sales. The all-high was 2005 when 3,023 homes were sold.
The average price in Waterloo Region got a boost from sales of newer, higher-priced houses. In Cambridge, for example, 21 properties sold in the $350,000 to $500,000 range in December; six sold for more than $500,000.
Hill said she is optimistic about 2012 and foresees a strong spring market. "Last year, we didn’t have that wonderful spring market and it seemed to take longer, but I think we will see a really good spring market come back," she said.
Keep in mind, these are MLS sales numbers as reported by the members of each board, so sometimes a sale occurs with Realtors that is not reported, and not all new construction contracts get posted at our local board office. Obviously, a private sale is also not part of the calculations.
However, this same 'correction' in the numbers could be mentioned every year.
Fewer Than 60 Sales Locally In Sept
Sales numbers for December of 2011 show a decrease over the past 3 years: just 53 in 2011, 62 in 2010, 70 in 2009, 58 in 2008, and only 44 in 2007 in the Woodstock-Ingersoll District real estate board area (WIDREB includes Norwich, Innerkip, Sweaburg, Beachville, Embro, Mt Elgin, and points in-between).
Numbers for the entire 2011 are 1159 sales, versus 1216 in 2010 and only 1080 in 2009. Needless to say, a graph of these stats would show that the first half of 2010 was terrific, but numbers are somewhat lagging since. It is commonly blamed on the introduction of the HST into real estate fees (lawyers fees, inspections, etc) that drove the market activity up in early 2010 as consumers wanted to buy before this implementation.
Weather is certainly a factor, as December sales over the past 9 years don't appear to follow the trend for that year in total -- it's been a show of inconsistency: (continued from above) 60 in '06, only 47 in '05, 78 in '04, and 66 in '03. With Christmas and arrival of winter dominating the mindset it's easy to see why numbers are lower than other months.
If you're curious why the 2005 total of 47 seems modest as it was the year the Toyota plant was announced, it can be noted that sales in April of 2005 were 175, then way up to 195 in May, and 182 in June of that year.
To summarize, year-end sales totals for the past 9 years are as follows:
2011: 1159
2010: 1216 2009: 1080
2008: 1176 2007: 1359
2006: 1278 2005: 1473 (correct)
2004: 1366 2003: 1153
dispell rumours that Woodstock and Oxford in general has been thriving since the Toyota announcement to build here in May of 2005. On the flip side, attractive interest rates will keep consumers moving up in the residential world even though the federal government did tighten up rules for mortgages -- including amortization periods and the necessity for a down payment.
As for neighbouring markets, here's a story from the London Free Press this week, which indicates the market trends to our immediate west.
Real Estate Sales Stats From London Area
Area home sales market enjoys reboundREAL ESTATE: Despite a slow start in the spring, sales for 2011 nearly matched the previous year
By HANK DANISZEWSKI, The London Free Press
Last Updated: January 3, 2012
LONDON -- After a slow start in the spring, home sales in the London-St. Thomas market rebounded in 2011 and nearly matched the previous year.
The London-St. Thomas Association of Realtors (LSTAR) reported Tuesday that 8,048 homes were sold in 2011, about 1% fewer than 2010.
The year got off to a slow start when sales in the spring were lagging 15 to 20% behind 2010.
But association president Jack Lane said he was confident the market would pick up in the summer and fall.
"It was a little slow coming out of the gate, but in the end we finished strong, despite concern over the extent to which global economic worries would impact us locally."
The results for St. Thomas were especially impressive, given the layoffs that have hit the city, Lane said. The number of homes sold in St. Thomas was up 3% for the year and the average sale price rose 3.7% to $189,313.
LSTAR said 384 homes sold in December, just below the total for the same month in 2010.
The average price for a detached home across LSTAR's jurisdiction stands at $244,430, up 5.3% from January 2011.
The average price for a condo stands at $179,560 year end, down 3.4% from January 2011.
Lane predicted that 2012 will see a modest increase in sales over 2011.
London-St. Thomas should benefit from slow improvement in the U.S. economy, boosting the confidence of home buyers, he said.
Barb Whitney, a Century 21 agent, takes over as association president for 2012.
Tri-Cities Sales Tally For 2011
Real estate holds its own in K-W region By Rose Simone, Record staff -- Jan 5 storyWATERLOO REGION — Despite the economic turmoil in much of the world, the housing market in Waterloo Region stayed solid in 2011, according to statistics from the region’s two real estate associations.
Although the number of sales in the Kitchener and Waterloo area was down 2.1 per cent, with 6,252 houses sold in 2011 compared to 6,389 in 2010, a more active market in Cambridge made up for the loss. In Cambridge, 2,890 houses changed hands in 2011, up from 2,683 the year before.
Meanwhile, house prices went up across the region. The average price for all the homes that sold in Kitchener, Waterloo and the surrounding townships increased about four per cent last year to $300,949; in Cambridge, the average price rose 2.2 per cent to $285,418.
On the whole, 2011 was a good year for people buying and selling homes in Waterloo Region, said Sara Hill, president of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of Realtors.
"Some numbers were down, but when you look at the bigger picture, it still says that things are going extremely well and this is a solid market," she said.
Sales in December also were strong, with 329 sales in the Kitchener and Waterloo area, about the same as a year earlier. In Cambridge, 159 houses were sold last month, up 2.1 per cent from December 2010.
Hill said low interest rates made moving attractive for first-time buyers as well as for people who were moving up from mid-sized homes into bigger homes. "People who are moving up will refinance and blend mortgage rates when the interest rates are low like this. They can do that when rates are so attractive."
Hill said many of the technology companies in Waterloo Region are still hiring, and that generates confidence in the economy.
"This is an attractive hub for technology. People are still coming in and as long as we have population coming in, we know the housing market will be solid," she said. "Those people might rent for six months, but then they buy, so they are feeling very good about the security of these jobs."
The Cambridge Association of Realtors said 2011 was the third best year on record for sales. The all-high was 2005 when 3,023 homes were sold.
The average price in Waterloo Region got a boost from sales of newer, higher-priced houses. In Cambridge, for example, 21 properties sold in the $350,000 to $500,000 range in December; six sold for more than $500,000.
Hill said she is optimistic about 2012 and foresees a strong spring market. "Last year, we didn’t have that wonderful spring market and it seemed to take longer, but I think we will see a really good spring market come back," she said.
January Newsletter Part Two
Since my January newsletter is divided into about seven sections, the lead part about sales stats in the Woodstock area, along with London and K-W numbers reported in their media, will be part one.
Here's part two:
WOODSTOCK -- When driving on Devonshire Avenue locally there are two significant changes in the past two years.
This is the first school year for the all-French K-12 school on Devonshire, which is part of the The Conseil Scolaire de District des Écoles Catholiques du Sud-Ouest.
If you want to live in a brand new home close by this brand new school, you should consult with Claysam Homes, which has been building locally for about eight years in the Sally Creek area (west side of Hwy 59 in the former ORC property) -- both in the family section and adult-only neighbourhood. Claysam has also created a subdivision in Tavistock in recent years.
Any quick look on the south side of Devonshire -- also east of Lansdowne -- you will have seen dump trucks and bulldozers as another new residential neighbourhood is being prepared, including a few roads already, for Claysam (www.claysamhomes.com) and another builder to develop.
The reason I'm concentrating this newsletter feature on Claysam is that they work with two Realtors from Royal LePage Triland: William Cattle (williamcattle.com; 868-6447) & Cynthia Patching.
The claysamhomes.com website has many maps, information on the Tarion new home warranty program, a list of amenities for their many home plans, a description of two promotions they are currently offering buyers, and an area to register for more information on the project.
Since this 'Neighbourhoods Of Devonshire' subdivision is listed by our office, you may contact William, Cynthia or myself for more background and history about Claysam. The nice thing about this area is that many of the planned new homes are in the more modest price range of approximately $250,000 (or less). Contact us for more specific details.
The Claysam website says ". . . we believe that our service to our home buyers can only be as good as the skills, interest and attitudes of our team. Our mandate is single-minded dedication to excellence in service to you, our home buyers. The spirit of mutual trust and good will established with home buyers results from Claysam's knowledge that the organization cares about and recognizes each client as an individual by offering professional service."
Literacy Day Locally Is Jan 21
The annual Family Literacy Day event locally is Saturday, Jan 21, 10 a.m. - noon at St. Mary's High School.
Take it from someone who has attended the last two years with my young family, it's a great opportunity to assist parents in the connection of reading and children. I still have a cell-phone video of Clifford The Big Red Dog entertaining an enthusiastic crowd of children.
This year, Werner Zimmerman is a guest. He has written and illustrated 16 children's books, including the series Farmer Joe and his own version of Henny Penny. He's an Ontario author with extensive experience working in the Arctic. Following FLD, he will sign books Downtown at Merrifield's.
More than 700 attended last year, according to Janet Stephens, Early Literacy Specialist.
"Literacy based activities draw families closer together in a fun way to prepare children for success in school and later life," said Stephens in an article in What's On Woodstock magazine.
SunLife Financial and Dubois Honda are among the local sponsors -- as admission is free.
The schedule of the morning includes storytellers, featuring Darlene Pretty from the Woodstock Public Library, Heart FM personalities, and other area volunteers.
Plan to attend. If you're a grandparent, borrow your children's children for the morning.
By the way, if you see Tracey Thompson there, tell her I sent you.
For more information you can call 539-9800.
Target On Zellers Locations
Target Confirms Locations, Opening Dates for London Stores
LONDON -- (AM980 News) Target has confirmed two Zellers stores in London will be among the company's first stores in Canada. According to a news release Jan. 5, Zellers locations at Westmount Shopping Centre and Masonville Place will be Target stores by early April 2013. Some of the other Zellers stores across Ontario being converted at that time include: Cambridge, Cambridge Centre Guelph, Stone Road Mall Burlington, Millcroft Centre
Waterdown, Flamboro Power Centre Toronto, Centrepoint Mall Mississauga, Square One Shopping Centre
Brampton, Shoppers World Brampton, Trinity Common Windsor, Devonshire Mall
Toronto, Cloverdale Mall Toronto, World Danforth Burlington, Burlington Mall
Toronto, East York Town Fergus, Gates of Fergus Hamilton, Centre Mall It wasn't immediately clear what would become of other Zellers locations not being converted into Target during this first wave. Representatives from the American chain were not immediately available for comment, although the company says it "intends to announce additional store locations in the coming months."
Target (NYSE:TGT) announced in January 2011 it had purchased the leasehold interests of 220 Zellers stores from Hudson's Bay Company as part of its first expansion outside of the United States. At the time, a company official said Target still planned on operating a chain of Zellers stores. According to a news release, each Target store in Canada will employ approximately 150 to 200 team members. Store team hiring will begin in 2012 and Target will engage with Zellers associates to make it easy for them to apply for jobs.
Woodstock Not On Target (Yet ?)
By TARA BOWIE, The Sentinel-Review; Posted Jan 5.WOODSTOCK— The future is unclear, but one thing is certain – a Woodstock store will not become a Target soon. An announcement made Thursday by Target outlined the first 24 stores to be converted. Not included in that list were Oxford County's Zellers stores in Woodstock and Tillsonburg. QMI Agency previously reported the downtown Zellers in Tillsonburg was acquired by Target in its agreement with Hudson's Bay (HBC), Zellers' parent company. The store was then sold to Wal-Mart to be converted in the coming months.
But the future of the Woodstock Zellers is still up in the air, said Tiffany Bourré a spokesperson for HBC.
"All options are still on the table. We're reviewing every strategic option that we have. It was not on the list (to become a Target)," she said during a telephone interview Thursday.
Last January, negotiations started between the two companies. The agreement included the leases of 220 Zellers stores nationwide. In two phases, Target chose 189 stores the company would open under its own banner. Thirty-nine additional leases were acquired and then sold to Wal-Mart. Eighty-four Zellers stores across the country, including the store in Woodstock, were not included in the deal and its unknown what will happen to the store or its employees in the coming months. About 100 employees work at the Woodstock location including full-time and part-time.
"Certainly it's business as usual and we're happy to serve the community," Bourré said.
Lions Club Is Busy Locally
If a resolution for 2012 for you is to become more involved in the community, here's my plug for you to consider the Lions Club of Woodstock.
Firstly, the club, which I've been a member of for about four years, has been serving and volunteering in this community for more than 80 years. The Lions Club, for example, built the Lions Pool for the City in the 1940s and when the City wanted to take over operating it, the Lions sold it to the municipality for $1.
We have countless fundraisers, including operating a large food tent at Canada's Outdoor Farm Show in September to raise dollars to assist many community needs and projects. The Lions Club runs the beverage garden for both Cowapolooza and Canada Day in Southside Park, we are the organizing committee for the annual Terry Fox Run with member Bill Gillespie chairing the activity, and Jennifer Harrington is the main workforce behind the guide dog walk.
Did you know, the Lions Club operates the weekly bingo at the Legion on Thursdays.
Also, A Ladies Night Out fundraiser makes money in two ways -- selling tickets for a dinner and selling vendor tables to businesses such as Pampered Chef and Osbourne Books. Everyone wins!
As a volunteer work force the Lions Club assists with The Christmas Place, the Santa Claus and Victoria Day parades, the annual soapbox go-kart rally, community barbecues, and the important early-morning get-up-before-dawn cleanup crew for the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay For Life. Speaking about getting our hands dirty, the Lions do highway garbage pickup twice a year on both Highway 2 on the west end of Woodstock and the nearby Lions Club / Standard Tube walking trails / park.
The Lions also own a historic fire truck which makes many public appearances throughout the county (and beyond) at events. When you attend the Woodstock Santa parade you always know the jolly olde fellow in red is next when you our jolly olde fellow -- Lion Ed -- is seen waving and driving the red fire truck.
Cheques are written annually for high school bursaries, support for seeing-eye dogs, local Christmas charities, and for many one-time-only requests for items including prescription glasses and household assistive devices for people in need who make a formal request to our 'charitable response' committee.
Last month, the Lions Club paid for a Christmas dinner and distributed presents to children in a local organization. The gentleman in the red suit and beard was also a Lions Club member.
I tell friends always, that the Lions Club of Woodstock is a great group of people doing great work. Call me if you're interested in joining in on the fun.
Busy Full-Time Ready Realtor
Thanks for spending a few minutes reading my newsletter.
All Realtors rely on friends, acquaintances and past clients for leads. I’m certainly no different. If you’re talking real estate with someone, please keep me in mind. I am a full-time real estate professional with 13+ years experience. I have my own web site (marksells.ca) and firmly believe if there are 15 ways to sell a house, you should hire a Realtor willing to do all 15. For example, virtual reality tours are popular, and you will also find me on social media including Twitter (MarkRoyalLePage), Facebook and blogging. It may seem like yesteryear, but printing personal 'Just Listed' flyers to a neighbourhood lets area residents know a home is available nearby if they know someone seeking that particular street.
If you plan on purchasing a house, you should hire a Realtor who watches the market trends closely and fully comprehends all facets of the buying process.
As for possible listings, my market report for a home not only describes where your house fits in the marketplace, but is also backed up by up-to-date stats (specific to the price range), and places consideration on depreciation of elements (actual age vs effective age).
If you know someone who may be interested in receiving this email newsletter, feel free to forward it.
Mark Schadenberg: (519) 537-1553 Royal LePage: 'Helpingdo'By the way, if you want to be removed from my circulation list, email me. Discussion . . . Direction . . . Determination . . . Destination
Claysam Building Two Neighbourhoods Locally
Here's part two:
WOODSTOCK -- When driving on Devonshire Avenue locally there are two significant changes in the past two years.
This is the first school year for the all-French K-12 school on Devonshire, which is part of the The Conseil Scolaire de District des Écoles Catholiques du Sud-Ouest.
If you want to live in a brand new home close by this brand new school, you should consult with Claysam Homes, which has been building locally for about eight years in the Sally Creek area (west side of Hwy 59 in the former ORC property) -- both in the family section and adult-only neighbourhood. Claysam has also created a subdivision in Tavistock in recent years.
Any quick look on the south side of Devonshire -- also east of Lansdowne -- you will have seen dump trucks and bulldozers as another new residential neighbourhood is being prepared, including a few roads already, for Claysam (www.claysamhomes.com) and another builder to develop.
The reason I'm concentrating this newsletter feature on Claysam is that they work with two Realtors from Royal LePage Triland: William Cattle (williamcattle.com; 868-6447) & Cynthia Patching.
The claysamhomes.com website has many maps, information on the Tarion new home warranty program, a list of amenities for their many home plans, a description of two promotions they are currently offering buyers, and an area to register for more information on the project.
Since this 'Neighbourhoods Of Devonshire' subdivision is listed by our office, you may contact William, Cynthia or myself for more background and history about Claysam. The nice thing about this area is that many of the planned new homes are in the more modest price range of approximately $250,000 (or less). Contact us for more specific details.
The Claysam website says ". . . we believe that our service to our home buyers can only be as good as the skills, interest and attitudes of our team. Our mandate is single-minded dedication to excellence in service to you, our home buyers. The spirit of mutual trust and good will established with home buyers results from Claysam's knowledge that the organization cares about and recognizes each client as an individual by offering professional service."
Literacy Day Locally Is Jan 21
The annual Family Literacy Day event locally is Saturday, Jan 21, 10 a.m. - noon at St. Mary's High School.
Take it from someone who has attended the last two years with my young family, it's a great opportunity to assist parents in the connection of reading and children. I still have a cell-phone video of Clifford The Big Red Dog entertaining an enthusiastic crowd of children.
This year, Werner Zimmerman is a guest. He has written and illustrated 16 children's books, including the series Farmer Joe and his own version of Henny Penny. He's an Ontario author with extensive experience working in the Arctic. Following FLD, he will sign books Downtown at Merrifield's.
More than 700 attended last year, according to Janet Stephens, Early Literacy Specialist.
"Literacy based activities draw families closer together in a fun way to prepare children for success in school and later life," said Stephens in an article in What's On Woodstock magazine.
SunLife Financial and Dubois Honda are among the local sponsors -- as admission is free.
The schedule of the morning includes storytellers, featuring Darlene Pretty from the Woodstock Public Library, Heart FM personalities, and other area volunteers.
Plan to attend. If you're a grandparent, borrow your children's children for the morning.
By the way, if you see Tracey Thompson there, tell her I sent you.
For more information you can call 539-9800.
Target On Zellers Locations
Target Confirms Locations, Opening Dates for London Stores
LONDON -- (AM980 News) Target has confirmed two Zellers stores in London will be among the company's first stores in Canada. According to a news release Jan. 5, Zellers locations at Westmount Shopping Centre and Masonville Place will be Target stores by early April 2013. Some of the other Zellers stores across Ontario being converted at that time include: Cambridge, Cambridge Centre Guelph, Stone Road Mall Burlington, Millcroft Centre
Waterdown, Flamboro Power Centre Toronto, Centrepoint Mall Mississauga, Square One Shopping Centre
Brampton, Shoppers World Brampton, Trinity Common Windsor, Devonshire Mall
Toronto, Cloverdale Mall Toronto, World Danforth Burlington, Burlington Mall
Toronto, East York Town Fergus, Gates of Fergus Hamilton, Centre Mall It wasn't immediately clear what would become of other Zellers locations not being converted into Target during this first wave. Representatives from the American chain were not immediately available for comment, although the company says it "intends to announce additional store locations in the coming months."
Target (NYSE:TGT) announced in January 2011 it had purchased the leasehold interests of 220 Zellers stores from Hudson's Bay Company as part of its first expansion outside of the United States. At the time, a company official said Target still planned on operating a chain of Zellers stores. According to a news release, each Target store in Canada will employ approximately 150 to 200 team members. Store team hiring will begin in 2012 and Target will engage with Zellers associates to make it easy for them to apply for jobs.
Woodstock Not On Target (Yet ?)
By TARA BOWIE, The Sentinel-Review; Posted Jan 5.WOODSTOCK— The future is unclear, but one thing is certain – a Woodstock store will not become a Target soon. An announcement made Thursday by Target outlined the first 24 stores to be converted. Not included in that list were Oxford County's Zellers stores in Woodstock and Tillsonburg. QMI Agency previously reported the downtown Zellers in Tillsonburg was acquired by Target in its agreement with Hudson's Bay (HBC), Zellers' parent company. The store was then sold to Wal-Mart to be converted in the coming months.
But the future of the Woodstock Zellers is still up in the air, said Tiffany Bourré a spokesperson for HBC.
"All options are still on the table. We're reviewing every strategic option that we have. It was not on the list (to become a Target)," she said during a telephone interview Thursday.
Last January, negotiations started between the two companies. The agreement included the leases of 220 Zellers stores nationwide. In two phases, Target chose 189 stores the company would open under its own banner. Thirty-nine additional leases were acquired and then sold to Wal-Mart. Eighty-four Zellers stores across the country, including the store in Woodstock, were not included in the deal and its unknown what will happen to the store or its employees in the coming months. About 100 employees work at the Woodstock location including full-time and part-time.
"Certainly it's business as usual and we're happy to serve the community," Bourré said.
Lions Club Is Busy Locally
If a resolution for 2012 for you is to become more involved in the community, here's my plug for you to consider the Lions Club of Woodstock.
Firstly, the club, which I've been a member of for about four years, has been serving and volunteering in this community for more than 80 years. The Lions Club, for example, built the Lions Pool for the City in the 1940s and when the City wanted to take over operating it, the Lions sold it to the municipality for $1.
We have countless fundraisers, including operating a large food tent at Canada's Outdoor Farm Show in September to raise dollars to assist many community needs and projects. The Lions Club runs the beverage garden for both Cowapolooza and Canada Day in Southside Park, we are the organizing committee for the annual Terry Fox Run with member Bill Gillespie chairing the activity, and Jennifer Harrington is the main workforce behind the guide dog walk.
Did you know, the Lions Club operates the weekly bingo at the Legion on Thursdays.
Also, A Ladies Night Out fundraiser makes money in two ways -- selling tickets for a dinner and selling vendor tables to businesses such as Pampered Chef and Osbourne Books. Everyone wins!
As a volunteer work force the Lions Club assists with The Christmas Place, the Santa Claus and Victoria Day parades, the annual soapbox go-kart rally, community barbecues, and the important early-morning get-up-before-dawn cleanup crew for the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay For Life. Speaking about getting our hands dirty, the Lions do highway garbage pickup twice a year on both Highway 2 on the west end of Woodstock and the nearby Lions Club / Standard Tube walking trails / park.
The Lions also own a historic fire truck which makes many public appearances throughout the county (and beyond) at events. When you attend the Woodstock Santa parade you always know the jolly olde fellow in red is next when you our jolly olde fellow -- Lion Ed -- is seen waving and driving the red fire truck.
Cheques are written annually for high school bursaries, support for seeing-eye dogs, local Christmas charities, and for many one-time-only requests for items including prescription glasses and household assistive devices for people in need who make a formal request to our 'charitable response' committee.
Last month, the Lions Club paid for a Christmas dinner and distributed presents to children in a local organization. The gentleman in the red suit and beard was also a Lions Club member.
I tell friends always, that the Lions Club of Woodstock is a great group of people doing great work. Call me if you're interested in joining in on the fun.
Busy Full-Time Ready Realtor
Thanks for spending a few minutes reading my newsletter.
All Realtors rely on friends, acquaintances and past clients for leads. I’m certainly no different. If you’re talking real estate with someone, please keep me in mind. I am a full-time real estate professional with 13+ years experience. I have my own web site (marksells.ca) and firmly believe if there are 15 ways to sell a house, you should hire a Realtor willing to do all 15. For example, virtual reality tours are popular, and you will also find me on social media including Twitter (MarkRoyalLePage), Facebook and blogging. It may seem like yesteryear, but printing personal 'Just Listed' flyers to a neighbourhood lets area residents know a home is available nearby if they know someone seeking that particular street.
If you plan on purchasing a house, you should hire a Realtor who watches the market trends closely and fully comprehends all facets of the buying process.
As for possible listings, my market report for a home not only describes where your house fits in the marketplace, but is also backed up by up-to-date stats (specific to the price range), and places consideration on depreciation of elements (actual age vs effective age).
If you know someone who may be interested in receiving this email newsletter, feel free to forward it.
Mark Schadenberg: (519) 537-1553 Royal LePage: 'Helpingdo'By the way, if you want to be removed from my circulation list, email me. Discussion . . . Direction . . . Determination . . . Destination
Claysam Building Two Neighbourhoods Locally
Tuesday 3 January 2012
You Should Look At Ferguson Drive
A House For Your Shopping List
A new year sometimes results in a new outlook and therefore a new residence.
If this is the year you may be considering a shift to a one-floor-plan ranch (more than 1200 sq ft) or large bungalow, your destination could be 251 Ferguson Drive in Woodstock. There's many reasons to consider.
Is this the time for you to delve -- 2012 -- into a new place to call 'home'.
Often families believe they need to reside in a 2-storey home, but smaller families should/could consider a large ranch.
Consider this -- on the market (MLS: 68-080) in the south neighbourhood of Woodstock and close to the city's brand new hospital, is 251 Ferguson.
With about 1400 sq ft on its main level and a full 2-car garage, this is not a small bungalow.
The list of ingredients automatically creates a large home -- 3 bedrooms, including ensuite (5pc with two sinks) and walk-in closet to master bedroom, living-dining room combination, an eat-in kitchen with dinette area providing view of valley and golf course, and a main-floor family room.
Two Patio Doors
The family room has hardwood flooring and a gas fireplace with stunning stone mantel. There are two patio doors to raised wood deck.
Even at the front door, you are greeted with brightness as a skylight assists the bright decor. This house was also built with wider hallways and other assistive features for someone with specific mobility concerns.
The living-dining room is 24' feet long -- lots of area for that formal setting and entertaining.
The kitchen includes oak cabinetry aplenty and a peninsula work space terrific for someone who is a baker or simply a convenient place to place food for that special family buffet dinner.
The raised deck here also provides for a panoramic view of southeast Woodstock. Ferguson Drive is set above the city with Hodgins Crescent below it in topography, then Lindsay Road, and finally the Cedar Creek golf course. Therefore, the home has a view of a golf course and beyond.
The lower level includes a large L-shaped recroom with another gas fireplace. There is also a walkout to the backyard. The 4th bedroom, which is quite large, is found in the basement and provides ample space for an at-home office if that is what it is utilized as.
Basement also includes a workshop, which could be renovated for at-home work as there is a door to the outside (another walkout), which could be client/customer access.
The closing day can be flexible. Be sure to visit this ranch soon, if you're shopping list suggests a one-floor plan main living space. The layout is ideal because the bedrooms (for privacy) are down a hallway.
Everyone has seen those new-style bungalow that have a bedroom at the front door. Many people do not like that plan.
Location Location . . .
The location of 251 Ferguson is particularly important as south Woodstock has many new and newer homes, but very rarely a ranch of this size. This area includes the new state-of-the-art hospital (opened its doors in November), but also is highlighted by Southside Park and pool, community complex with 2 arenas and a gymnastics centre, box mall shopping (Wal-Mart, Staples, Canadian Tire, Reitmans, Winners, Home Depot, No Frills, etc) and countless restaurants (McDonald's, Boston Pizza, Montana's, Kelsey's, East Side Mario's, Burger King, A&W, Wendy's, Harvey's, Swiss Chalet, etc), 2 high schools, 2 elementary schools, 3 hotels, the Cedar Creek 9-hole -- but challenging -- golf course, and maybe most importantly is the quick 401/403 access for commuters.
Call me today for your private viewing.
Mark Schadenberg
Royal LePage Triland Realty
757 Dundas Street, Woodstock, Ont
(519) 539-2070, office
537-1553, direct line / text
539-4319, home office
Twitter: markroyallepagewww.markroyallepage.blogspot.comSales Representativewww.marksells.ca,
A new year sometimes results in a new outlook and therefore a new residence.
If this is the year you may be considering a shift to a one-floor-plan ranch (more than 1200 sq ft) or large bungalow, your destination could be 251 Ferguson Drive in Woodstock. There's many reasons to consider.
Is this the time for you to delve -- 2012 -- into a new place to call 'home'.
Often families believe they need to reside in a 2-storey home, but smaller families should/could consider a large ranch.
Consider this -- on the market (MLS: 68-080) in the south neighbourhood of Woodstock and close to the city's brand new hospital, is 251 Ferguson.
With about 1400 sq ft on its main level and a full 2-car garage, this is not a small bungalow.
The list of ingredients automatically creates a large home -- 3 bedrooms, including ensuite (5pc with two sinks) and walk-in closet to master bedroom, living-dining room combination, an eat-in kitchen with dinette area providing view of valley and golf course, and a main-floor family room.
Two Patio Doors
The family room has hardwood flooring and a gas fireplace with stunning stone mantel. There are two patio doors to raised wood deck.
Even at the front door, you are greeted with brightness as a skylight assists the bright decor. This house was also built with wider hallways and other assistive features for someone with specific mobility concerns.
The living-dining room is 24' feet long -- lots of area for that formal setting and entertaining.
The kitchen includes oak cabinetry aplenty and a peninsula work space terrific for someone who is a baker or simply a convenient place to place food for that special family buffet dinner.
The raised deck here also provides for a panoramic view of southeast Woodstock. Ferguson Drive is set above the city with Hodgins Crescent below it in topography, then Lindsay Road, and finally the Cedar Creek golf course. Therefore, the home has a view of a golf course and beyond.
The lower level includes a large L-shaped recroom with another gas fireplace. There is also a walkout to the backyard. The 4th bedroom, which is quite large, is found in the basement and provides ample space for an at-home office if that is what it is utilized as.
Basement also includes a workshop, which could be renovated for at-home work as there is a door to the outside (another walkout), which could be client/customer access.
The closing day can be flexible. Be sure to visit this ranch soon, if you're shopping list suggests a one-floor plan main living space. The layout is ideal because the bedrooms (for privacy) are down a hallway.
Everyone has seen those new-style bungalow that have a bedroom at the front door. Many people do not like that plan.
Location Location . . .
The location of 251 Ferguson is particularly important as south Woodstock has many new and newer homes, but very rarely a ranch of this size. This area includes the new state-of-the-art hospital (opened its doors in November), but also is highlighted by Southside Park and pool, community complex with 2 arenas and a gymnastics centre, box mall shopping (Wal-Mart, Staples, Canadian Tire, Reitmans, Winners, Home Depot, No Frills, etc) and countless restaurants (McDonald's, Boston Pizza, Montana's, Kelsey's, East Side Mario's, Burger King, A&W, Wendy's, Harvey's, Swiss Chalet, etc), 2 high schools, 2 elementary schools, 3 hotels, the Cedar Creek 9-hole -- but challenging -- golf course, and maybe most importantly is the quick 401/403 access for commuters.
Call me today for your private viewing.
Mark Schadenberg
Royal LePage Triland Realty
757 Dundas Street, Woodstock, Ont
(519) 539-2070, office
537-1553, direct line / text
539-4319, home office
Twitter: markroyallepagewww.markroyallepage.blogspot.comSales Representativewww.marksells.ca,
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