Woodstock's Sierra construction buys closed London factory

McCormick's made candy, biscuits and other products
No official news on how building will be transformed

By Mark Schadenberg

Sierra Construction is well known in Woodstock, and maybe now they will gradually become one of the big building contracting names in London.

As reported by the London Free Press, Sierra has purchased the old McCormick bakery and candy factory on the east end of Dundas Street in the Forest City.

Sierra (www.sierraconstruction.ca) is a company which is a partial owner of Oxford Gardens retirement home, so they were responsible for the terrific addition on that building and its previous renovation. Sierra was one of the developers for the geared-to-adults Sally Creek neighbourhood as well. Sierra, therefore, is an all-encompassing developer – roads and sidewalks, houses, multi-residential, recreational and industrial.

The long list of Sierra accomplishments includes: New outdoor pool building in Paris, Sally Creek recreational complex renovation in Woodstock, both the Woodstock Chrysler and Woodstock Toyota dealerships, Trans Drive offices in Woodstock, a brand new community centre (Stage theatre included) in Mississauga, Good Life Fitness complex in Kitchener, a library in Scotland, a fire hall in Norwich, and for students in London a Catholic elementary school.

McCormicks is a gigantic 4-storey structure, which has been closed for about 6 years. Parts of the factory are more than 100 years old, but apparently structurally sound. The company dates back to the 1850's when a Thomas McCormick, who had immigrated from Northern Ireland, opened up his first candy / biscuit / confectionery business.

The reported purchase price is interesting – $1. The site, which once had as many as 1,300 employees apparently, is about 100 acres. Previous owners, according to info online, were Weston foods and Beta Brands.

Buildings which require any type of retro-fit to the 2014 building code and accessibility requirements are considered a shell structure as restoration is almost a complete interior re-build. Also, there was a fire at the site in 2012, which obviously was never fully remediated.

Everyone in Woodstock and London will be anticipating a later announcement about Sierra's plans. Good news in the construction sector also for Middlesex and Oxford counties.

FREE PRESS Links:

http://www.lfpress.com/2014/06/24/former-mccormicks-site-sold

http://www.lfpress.com/2012/09/20/mccormick-factory-glory-days-are-well-recorded

OTHER Links:

http://www.lib.uwo.ca/programs/companyinformationcanada/ccc-mccormicks.htm

http://neighbourgoodguide.ca/little-gem/mccormick-manufacturing-co-history

Reporting on good news for employment 

in the area's construction sector and beyond !

Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative

Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES designation)

Royal LePage Triland Realty

757 Dundas St, Woodstock

www.wesellwoodstock.com

(519) 537-1553, cell or text

Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com

Twitter: markroyallepage

Facebook: Mark Schadenberg, Royal LePage Triland

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Compromise: detached condominium planned for west lot at old hospital site

Rembrandt has plan for 11 detached homes approved

By Mark Schadenberg

In the world of art, or I guess you could say the art world, Rembrandt is a first name and not a surname, as in Rembrandt vanRijn.

In Woodstock, Rembrandt's designs and architecture can be seen in ranch condos on Lakeview Drive and 2-storey condos on Ferguson (Beacon's Way are still being sold brand new).

Rembrandt's next work of art will be 11 detached homes ()bungalows or 2-store plans are certainly possible), which will be billed as a condo community on the west side of Riddell Street where the former Woodstock hospital staff parking lot existed.

Woodstock city council approved a motion to the fact this past Thursday.

It had been announced back in December (See story below) that Rembrandt had purchased that particular approximate 2 acres of vacant land for $500,000.

It would be my hope that construction would begin soon as this is valuable land and should not be an 'inventory project' for this London-based residential developer.

I love the idea that it's detached homes because it represents neighbourhood consistency for the adjoining streets of Brant, Graham and Vincent.

As for the 6.4 acres where the hospital stood, there is no buyer yet, but it too will be low or medium density, and its plan of subdivision (once drawn up) must also be approved by city council.

If you have any interesting in buying a lot (reserving it with a significant down payment) call me today !!

For more info on the builder see: www.rembrandt-homes.ca or dial (519) 657-1200

NEW LINK: http://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/2014/06/20/condo-development-gets-nod-to-build-on-hospital-site

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Rembrandt buys portion of old hospital grounds

Update on old Woodstock General includes purchaser of west parking lot

By Mark Schadenberg

It’s been quite some time since I devoted space here to the space of land devoted to the former Woodstock General Hospital (1902 picture above) on Riddell Street.

It would appear a familiar name to developments in Woodstock has purchased the land on the west side of Riddell, which previously was staff parking. 

As this parcel will have residences (to be determined in style) backing on to Brant, Graham and Riddell streets, I would think the City will pay close attention to the wishes of the neighbourhood residents when Rembrandt unveils its plan (of subdivision) – likely some time in the spring of 2014.

Locally, the London based Rembrandt is building the new 2-storey 3-bedroom townhouse condominiums at 176 Ferguson Road (Beacon’s Way, MLS: 70584, 70942, & 72116) and behind the Peace Lighthouse and current Ferguson homes. Rembrandt also built the ranch (1-floor and a basement) condos at both 450 and 500 Lakeview Drive in AlderGrange on the north side of Pittock pond.

Take it from someone who attended the public meetings, including a packed house for a geared-to neighbourly gathering at the Legion, either type of format is possible for this low residential zoning section.

The west portion of the hospital property is 1.97 acres and once included a house, but it was purchased by the hospital board many years ago so it could be converted into a controlled parking lot.

According to the Woodstock Sentinel-Review story (links below), the hospital board of trust fund will receive $500,000 for this land. Those dollars will go toward off-setting the costs of demolishing the entire hospital grounds.

The listing office was the commercial Realtors CBRE.

I’m not sure if there were any delays in this purchase process as no conditional sales were ever announced publicly and the deadline to submit a site proposal and accompanying bid was Aug. 15 (2013).

Across The Street

The block (Riddell frontage to Vincent and around Wellington and Brant) where the actual hospital stood, is about 6.4 acres, and there’s been no updates released to the public on any sales.

The original hospital had bricks and mortar dating back to 1895, but moving day was Nov. 20, 2011 (https://www.wgh.on.ca/wgh/images/stories/pdf/newsletters/comeda.pdf), so the olde medical facility ceased operations more the two years ago, and the site demolition work (Priestly Inc. from Aurora;  www.priestly.ca) has included tons of recycling of materials (dollars recouped) and tons of non-useable and sometimes hazardous waste. (https://www.wgh.on.ca/wgh/images/stories/media/media%20release%20%20-%20demolition%20riddell%20property.pdf)

I for one look forward to the future of this quadrant of Woodstock as there is also a game plan to develop the nearby Beckett Farm Market lot as well.

LINK:

http://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/2013/12/12/the-smaller-parcel-of-land-at-the-former-woodstock-general-hospital-has-sold

Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative

Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES designation)

Royal LePage Triland Realty

757 Dundas St, Woodstock

www.wesellwoodstock.com

(519) 537-1553, cell or text

Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com

Twitter: markroyallepage

Facebook: Mark Schadenberg, Royal LePage Triland

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Unique Embro office building available for sale

With its 1996 addition, Huron Street office is modern & ready for next owner 

By Mark Schadenberg

EMBRO – It could be your home, or your office, which is often referred to as a 'home away from home.'

Just listed in Embro by myself (and Peter Vandersar) is a fully-modern 2,400 square feet office building with an accessible ramp entrance, and so many possibilities.

123 Huron St, Embro

Asking: $295,000

MLS: 73684

For the right buyer, a wonderful Embro commercial opportunity exists in purchasing a one-level (there is also almost a full unfinished basement) office building at the important hub corner of Huron (County Rd 6) and Commissioners streets. I think it's a significant location for this village for prominence and visibility because Commissioners street is the road west to the community centre and arena, including the home of the Highland Games on July 1.

Available mid-August, this long-time home for the Embro Veterinary Services, is most certainly a fully modern building, which includes an addition in 1996 (with full basement). There are essentially nine rooms, but two showroom / office / laboratory areas (each over 400 sq ft) could be opened up to be even larger.

The versatile village commercial zoning could permit a work-at-home office-type setting or purchase for your own professional use and maybe lease out a portion to another business. The current owner would obviously prefer a vet clinic not be operated from the location as Embro vet services is amalgamating its Embro-area clients to nearby locations in Hickson, Tavistock and Dorchester. Other uses include a dance studio, art studio (maybe artist lives on site), accountant or insurance office, physio-therapist or a satellite office for a lawyer. The possibilities abound.

The vinyl-sided building (several pictures posted here too) with a newer roof and modern mechanicals, includes a forced air gas furnace and security system.

There's lots of parking with 12 spots on site.

Interested buyers can ask about on-going debenture payment to Zorra township for the previous sewer installation, along with a thorough list of possible inclusions and exclusions.

You can schedule your showings only when the vet clinic is closed, therefore anytime Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday; and on Tuesday and Friday at nights.

Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative

Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES designation)

Royal LePage Triland Realty

757 Dundas St, Woodstock

www.wesellwoodstock.com

(519) 537-1553, cell or text

Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com

Twitter: markroyallepage

Facebook: Mark Schadenberg, Royal LePage Triland

Discussion . . . Direction . . . Determination . . . Destination

Percentages, down payments, home buying and insurance

Is CMHC still assisting all Canadian home buyers? 

By Mark Schadenberg

My career is to sell houses – a full-time Realtor for more than 15 years.

The Canadian Mortgage & Housing Corporation has again managed to figure out how to assist home buyers, but assist the banks more at the same time.

CMHC was created as an insurance fall-back, so that Canadians with only 5 per cent as a down payment can still purchase a home, that's the good news. However, now their strict rules are becoming more strict as the government mandated body seemingly wants to dictate how expensive a home you can buy. In other words, they appear ready to help the first-time buyer into a $250,000 entry-level house, but are ready to throw out a caution flag to a family hoping to buy in the upper-middle class range, even if that family has an impeccable credit record and impressive employment earnings numbers.

Let's understand this first – Canadian banks do not lose money on anyone's mortgage ever, and actually make a boatload of money if the home buyer defaults after more than 2 years of ownership. It's simple math actually as the lending institution receives any shortfall from (from CMHC) the sale of the home through a 'power of sale' transaction process.

If anyone buying a home qualifies for the monthly mortgage payment amount based on their supplied down payment, employment level and beacon credit score, but have less than 20 percent down, a percentage of insurance costs are added to the mortgage – i.e. CMHC fee

Using equal money amounts therefore, CMHC would rather insure you on a $250,000 mortgage with perhaps $45,000 down payment (15 % down), then a $300,000 mortgage with the same down payment. Less risk for the insurance company and you own more instant equity as a percentage. It would almost seem as though they only want to insure people that don't need insurance, so they can pocket the profit.

All this seems odd because they just recently increased the insurance percentage to 3.15% from 2.75% on a client with only 5% down, which means the premium for a $200,000 mortgage leaped earlier this year from $5,500 to $6,300.

I'm in the wrong line of work. CMHC and Realtors are supposed to promote home ownership in Canada, but CMHC seems to be looking only for the absolute 'safe bet'. My opinion.

LINK:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/housing/cmhc-to-return-to-lower-risk-roots/article19192231/

Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative

Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES designation)

Royal LePage Triland Realty

757 Dundas St, Woodstock

www.wesellwoodstock.com

(519) 537-1553, cell or text

Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com

Twitter: markroyallepage

Facebook: Mark Schadenberg, Royal LePage Triland

Discussion . . . Direction . . . Determination . . . Destination

2017 just around the corner; 150 years for Canada !

Trudeau and Fox top list of Canadian inspirational heroes

By Mark Schadenberg

I grew up with Pierre Trudeau as Prime Minister and vividly remember the Terry Fox run across Canada to raise dollars for Cancer research.

Fox didn't complete his Marathon Of Hope, needing to stop in Thunder Bay and return to B.C. for more cancer treatments before dying. Terry Fox is one of my true outstanding heroes.

150 YEARS

Canada has had many heroes before and after these two, and with Canada's 150^th birthday bash approaching in 2017 pollsters are compiling lists of top Canadians to recognize, regale and remember.

Also making the grade in a collection of votes put forward by the Canadian Heritage Department as Canadian 'inspirational' heroes were Chris Hadfield, Lester B Pearson, Tommy Douglas, John A Macdonald, Jack Layton, David Suzuki, Wayne Gretzky and Romeo Dallaire.

Check out the link below posted on The Toronto Star site. The story notes that about 1,100 names were compiled in total.

Trudeau was tops on the list and Fox was No. 2.

I'm surprised that there were no women in the top 10 whatsoever.

The list also includes Canada accomplishments such as Medicare programs and the Charter of Rights & Freedoms.

I enjoy the idea of lists, but if we truly want to recognize the top Canadians in various categories, the poll should have included a wider array of topics: top athletes (male and female), top musical performers (male and female), scientists, politicians, historical figures, and significant accomplishments.

LINKS:

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2014/06/15/canadians_create_top_10_list_of_countrys_greatest_heroes.html

http://ccco-occ.ca/ieadmin/files/Canada_150_connecting_Canadians_and_celebrating_Canada_in_2017.pdf

Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative

Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES designation)

Royal LePage Triland Realty

757 Dundas St, Woodstock

www.wesellwoodstock.com

(519) 537-1553, cell or text

Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com

Twitter: markroyallepage

Facebook: Mark Schadenberg, Royal LePage Triland

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Timiskaming to Timmins and Temagami total May sales

Timmins, Cochrane area also rebounds from long cold winter
When looking at real estate sales around Ontario, everything is relative.
In southern Ontario it was a difficult winter, but in areas even further north it was even more wintery -- colder and snow accumulation.
Our real estate board (WIDREB; see story below), had to recover from a slow start to 2014, and so did other areas such as Timmins, Cochrane, New Liskeard, Kirkland Lake, etc.
Keeping everything in context about improved sales with improved weather, here is their market's press release.
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  Residential sales activity in the area served by the Timmins, Cochrane & Timiskaming District Association of REALTORS® was unchanged from year-ago levels in May 2014, although this marked a sizeable rebound from the first four months of the year.
  Home sales numbered 111 units in May. This was right on par with both the five and 10-year average for this month.
  The average price of homes sold in May 2014 was a near-record $170,673, edging down just $212 from the record set last May.
  The total value of home sales in May 2014 amounted to $18.9 million, edging down less than half of one per cent from May 2013.
  New residential listings rose nine per cent from year-ago levels to 174 units in May 2014. This was tied for the highest level of new supply on record.
Overall supply has been on the rise in recent months. Active listings on the Association’s MLS® System numbered 709 units at the end of May, up 13 per cent from a year earlier.
  There were 6.4 months of inventory at the end of May 2014, up from 5.7 months at the end of May 2013 and above the long-run average for this time of the year. The number of months of inventory is the number of months it would take to sell current inventories at the current rate of sales activity.
Sales of all types of properties numbered 133 units in May 2014. This was unchanged from the same month a year earlier. The total value of all property sales was $23.3 million, rising six per cent from levels in May 2013.

Important information

The Timmins, Cochrane & Timiskaming District Association of REALTORS® is an Association of 113 REALTORS® that provides services to and sets standards for members and offers professional support and a local Multiple Listing Service®. The Board's region covers the most northerly Ontario border to the north boundary of Temagami in the south. West to east the Board's boundary goes from the Pagwa River to the Quebec border. The Board area includes such towns and cities as Hearst, Kapuskasing, Smooth Rock Falls, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, Matheson, Timmins, Kirkland Lake, Englehart, Earlton, New Liskeard, Haileybury and Cobalt.

WIDREB numbers rebound in warmer May

May the sales in June be as good as May

Do statistics predict the future?

By Mark Schadenberg

In our Woodstock-Ingersoll District real estate board area I would say: NO.

WIDREB had its best May sales totals since 2010.

Sales numbers do indicate what has happened and in 2014 it began slow due to the horrendous winter we encountered.

The 2013 calendar was a good year, but actually average when you look back at the past dozen or so years.

Many of these numbers I have reported before. If a Realtor you are talking to doesn't show you real numbers, call another Realtor.

Year-By-Year Totals

2013: 1196 2012: 1065 2011: 1159

2010: 1216 2009: 1080 2008: 1176

2007: 1359 2006: 1278 2005: 1473 (correct)

2004: 1366 2003: 1153 Average: 1229

Keep in mind, these stats are solely for reported MLS activity, and do not include private sales or custom-built contracts not ever advertised (listed) MLS.

The 2014 calendar has started somewhat slowly, mostly due to the early-year winter, with only 204 sales in the first quarter (three months) versus 272 last year, 253 in 2012, 288 in 2011 and . . . . 313 in 2007.

The month of April this year included 121 sales, versus 127 in 2013, just 93 in 2012, 102 in 2011, 162 in 2010, and 101 in 2009.

It's more interesting to look back at the month of May in recent years.

2014: 141 2013: 127 2012: 100 2011: 111

2010: 145 2009: 98 2008: 122 2007: 132

2006: 143 2005: 195

In 2005, there were 647 sales in the first five months, versus 466 this year. The land assembly for Toyota was the obvious difference as there was significant hype in Oxford County.

Also affecting sales is fact the federal government tightened up rules for mortgages -- including shorter amortization periods and necessity for a 'real' down payment. Then, effective May 1, 2014, CMHC increased the percentage of insurance premium on 5% down to 3.15% from 2.75.

If I was to do an evaluation on your home, it would be based on many factors: age, size, neighbourhood, garage or not, any and all updates, number of bedrooms above grade, and a comparison of other homes on the market and those recently sold.

In the appraiser world of effective age versus actual age, an appraiser would closely consider depreciation and wear-and-tear of elements (shingles, bathrooms and kitchens, flooring, mechanicals, etc), and make a mathematical calculation versus square footage, size of lot, and condition of the overall neighbourhood.

An insurance company would want to determine cost-to-replace brand new, which for your house would be quite high based on its age.

A Realtor's task is to tell you what your home will sell for in a now market.

LSTAR is London – St Thomas area

The Spring Market might have been slow out of the gate in the London – St. Thomas area, but it more than made up for any lost time in May. A total of 988 homes exchanged hands last month, the highest record for a month in six years.

Condo sales took it over the top as 793 detached homes sold in May, up 0.5%, but it was the 195 condo sales - up 28.3% - that made the difference.

"Condo sales have been lagging over the past several years," says Jim Holody, president of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS, "So we knew there was pent-up demand. What we're seeing here . . . and last month when they were up as well, is a market correction – a very positive one in light of the important role condos play in the housing mix."

Listings for detached homes were up 1.5% in LSTAR in May. Not surprisingly, given the number of condo sales in May, listings for condos were down 2.2%. Nevertheless, the market continues to be a balanced one, with advantages for both buyers and sellers.

"We're starting to see the market heat up," says Holody. "Now that one of the longest and coldest winters in living memory is finally over, people are going to be out and about, looking at real estate. We anticipate a brisk summer market going forward.

"St. Thomas sales are a little soft," says Holody, "but the prices are holding and that’s important."

The City of St. Thomas saw 73 homes change hands in May, 13 short of the previous May but not far off the 10-year average for May of 79 sales. Listings were down by 17 units and the average price for a home in St. Thomas (Year To Date), stands at $202,155, up 0.3% compared to December 31, 2013.

"London's average price continues to rise in small increments, just as CMHC predicted," says Holody.

The average price of a detached home in LSTAR's jurisdiction in May 2014 stood at $275,779, up 2.3% from April 2014, while the price of a condo rose 15.1% to $193,990. The average price for all homes sold in LSTAR's jurisdiction in May 2014 was $259,636, up 4.3% from April 2014.

LINKS:
http://www.tmmc.ca/en/west-plant-woodstock.html

http://www.publicsectordigest.com/articles/view/192

Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative

Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES designation)

Royal LePage Triland Realty

757 Dundas St, Woodstock

www.wesellwoodstock.com

(519) 537-1553, cell or text

Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com

Twitter: markroyallepage

Facebook: Mark Schadenberg, Royal LePage Triland

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Brick bungalow on popular crescent near two schools

Garage, location and property size will lure you to St Albans

By Mark Schadenberg

759 St Albans Cr, Woodstock

MLS: 73639

Asking: $209,900

For viewing call: (519) 537-1553

The highlights of a house are always important, especially when considering size of lot, having a 2-car garage, and situated a quiet street.

My newest listing is a 3-bedroom red brick bungalow on a large inviting (irregular dimensions) lot on an almost-hidden crescent as St. Albans is a crescent off Cambridge -- another crescent.

You will see a picture of the lot size as borrowed from www.oxfordcounty.ca (Glimmer maps) as the pie-shaped property has 60-feet frontage and is 127' along the north perimeter and 122' on the south lot line. Since the property widens also, it's uniquely-shaped.

The listing also features a large 23’ x 22’ detached 2-car vinyl-sided garage. It's large enough for two vehicles and all your tools and toys.

Situated near both Winchester public and Roch Carrier French immersion elementary schools, this home is ideal for either a young family or empty-nesters.

Inside, it boasts modern oak cabinets in the eat-in kitchen. The house includes many built-ins and extra closets, including a china cabinet in the dinette area. All the appliances could be included too!

Hardwood flooring is in the bedrooms and under the carpeting in the formal living room. Another important trademark of the home is its gigantic recroom - 42' long, so it's large enough for a pool table and home theatre entertaining.

Based on its location, lot size and its super garage, this St Albans bungalow should be on your shopping list.

Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative

Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES designation)

Royal LePage Triland Realty

757 Dundas St, Woodstock

www.wesellwoodstock.com

(519) 537-1553, cell or text

Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com

Twitter: markroyallepage

Facebook: Mark Schadenberg, Royal LePage Triland

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Maddie McIntyre survives Osteosarcoma, will graduate high school

'Metal alloy rods' inserted in right leg as cancer was removed
Relay For Life is Friday in Woodstock 

By Mark Schadenberg

I've had the opportunity to meet champions from sports, but on Monday I met a true champion – a young lady who battled cancer and won.

Maddie McIntyre (right in photo) will graduate this month from St. Mary's High School in Woodstock, but the 18-year-old from Ingersoll will tell you quickly that a diploma is not her most significant accomplishment.

McIntyre is a cancer survivor – now cancer free after an extended battle with Osteosarcoma.

“I am truly blessed to have made it through my cancer (diagnosis and treatment) alive – with support from my friends and family. So many people have been such a huge support.”

McIntyre's prom is Friday – the same day on the calendar for Relay For Life in Woodstock. McIntyre will attend both with as many as 80 schoolmates and family joining her at the Canadian Cancer Society fundraiser at the CASS track around 10 p.m.

“I'm more excited about Relay then my prom,” said McIntyre.

Just one week before her 16^th birthday, McIntyre was diagnosed with cancer and after 18 months of chemotherapy and one pain-staking surgery, she is soon to be a high school graduate.

McIntyre's recovery included an operation that included not only the removal of her entire right knee, but also a portion of her tibia and femur. McIntyre describes her leg now with the knee joint being “metal alloy rods.” She was unable to walk for about six months as her operation at Sick Kid's in Toronto was April 11, 2012 and she didn't walk again until October of that year after physiotherapy and cancer treatments.

The Relay For Life organizing committee will recognize McIntyre after the 10 p.m. Luminary lighting ceremony, and introduce Maddie, and her friends and family, to enjoy a survivor lap.

“I often think of those who did not make it, who I had met in the hospital and who had the same cancer as me,” says McIntyre, who adds that Terry Fox also had the same cancer, and the Woodstock Relay is at the Terry Fox Memorial track at CASS.

The St. Mary's graduating class is planning to present a cheque at Relay as well.

Among McIntyre's fan club is best friend Kelsey Malott (also pictured), who will also graduate from St. Mary's along with her personal hero.

McIntyre adds: “At prom and at Relay, our graduating class will be together one last time, and I'm looking forward to walking the track at Relay – proud of my huge accomplishment.”

Pull the weeds, paint the living room and take awesome pictures

Counting the helpful hints to assist in selling your home

By Mark Schadenberg

Could you imagine creating a list of 100 helpful hints in assisting you to sell your home.

The accompanying story is not written by myself and is not 100 percent endorsed by yours truly either, but it does indicate a long thorough checklist of items to possibly help sell your home.

First and foremost – an accurate asking price, in my opinion.

First impressions are important, so weed, edge, water and cut your lawn.

Modest improvements to a kitchen like installing a ceramic backsplash or new hardware on the cabinets can be inexpensive.

Internet marketing and maximum exposure on www.realtor.ca is paramount, and that ad better best reflect your home with several top-notch photos. I consider myself a reasonable photographer (I was sports editor at The Sentinel-Review from 92-99) and I own 2 digital cameras, but I often bring in Sue Hannah of Creative Virtual Tours to capture photos.

Speaking of pictures . . . take lots of pictures. Be sure to remove lots of pictures from the walls if you have too many diplomas, family portraits and still have the '67 Leafs on your recroom wall.  If this creates a large number of nail holes in your hallway, then likely it's time to plug a few holes and paint.

I don't like to see too many candles or plug-in air fresheners as home viewers start to think that we are trying to disguise the real or actual aroma of a home. A clean house will smell like a clean house, but that also means you can not smoke indoors or cook foods that have a lingering odour. Let the fan on your furnace run for most of the day as it keeps the air flowing, resulting in no staleness.

Don't display an over-abundance of breakable family heirlooms.

The list in the story below is quite long and at times repetitive, but there's a ton of good advice.

This might sound like an obvious statement, but the prospects viewing your home do not know what it looked like two months before the 'for sale' sign was hammered into the ground, so a spotless well-organized house is the way to go.

LINK:

http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/09/19/how-to-sell-your-house/

Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative

Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES designation)

Royal LePage Triland Realty

757 Dundas St, Woodstock

(519) 537-1553, cell or text

Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com

Twitter: markroyallepage

Facebook: Mark Schadenberg, Royal LePage Triland

Rogers Centre marks 25 years of Jays, Argos, Raptors and Wrestlemania

Blue Jays celebrate 25 years at 'SkyDome'

By Mark Schadenberg

I still have a VHS copy of the last Blue Jays game played at Exhibition Stadium and the first game played at SkyDome.

As the years go by, I become less of a Blue Jays fanatic, but watching two World Series championships leaves an indelible mark.

Interesting is that when both baseball titles were won, I was with people celebrating for two reasons and only one reason would be the Jays. Offering some personal insight into me, I used to be a part-time disc jockey for weddings and similar events, and during both deciding World Series games I was at a wedding reception. I'm sure the mother of the bride wasn't pleased that everyone was huddled around a TV set, but baseball was obviously mega-popular in the early 1990's with world titles to celebrate in both 1992 and 1993

Devon White, Joe Carter, Robbie Alomar and John Olerud were all superstars. Olerud won the batting title in '93 at .363 and the Jays were dominate that summer offensively as Paul Molitor was second in batting average. Pat Borders was a playoff MVP one season, plus Kelly Gruber was a top third baseman, and veteran Dave Winfield provided leadership and a power bat. The Jays solidified their championship run by acquiring David Cone from the Mets, but had to give up future star Jeff Kent in the swap.

You win with starting pitching and those two seasons also included Dave Stieb, Todd Stottlemyre, Pat Hentgen, Jimmy Key, Al Leiter and Juan Guzman, plus a bullpen of Duane Ward and Tom Henke.

Baseball is synonymous with Rogers Centre, but don't forget the Raptors played their inaugural four seasons there, and the CFL's Argos have also resided at Rogers Centre for 25 years.

The retractable roofed stadium has also hosted huge concerts and Wrestlemania.

Below is a link to a time lapse video of the construction of Rogers Centre.

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A swing, and a belt! Left field! Way back! Blue Jays win it! The Blue Jays are World Series champions as Joe Carter hits a three-run home run in the ninth inning and the Blue Jays have repeated as World Series champions! Touch 'em all, Joe, you'll never hit a bigger home run in your life!

–  Tom Cheek, late Blue Jays radio play-by-play announcer

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LINKS:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5j6aBIQRQk#t=144

http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/skydome-celebrating-its-25th-anniversary/

Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative

Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES designation)

Royal LePage Triland Realty

757 Dundas St, Woodstock

www.wesellwoodstock.com

(519) 537-1553, cell or text

Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com

Twitter: markroyallepage

Facebook: Mark Schadenberg, Royal LePage Triland

Discussion . . . Direction . . . Determination . . . Destination

Looking back 100 years at Perry Street Arena

PerryDome opened in 1914 and was then 'state-of-the-art'

By Mark Schadenberg

Woodstock has many significant historic buildings that still stand today, but in the arena of sports it's the Perry Street Arena that brings back the memories.

The Woodstock District Community Complex twin-pad facility also known as Southwood Arena opened its doors in August of 1996, which also marked that same summer as the closing and demolition of the Perry Street Arena.

Recognition of the Perry Street Arena is significant in 2014 as it opened in 1914 (grand opening was Jan. 6) and at the time was considered a top-notch ice facility, and was promoted as being the first arena in Ontario with no obstructed seats due to its construction style of steel girders in both the walls and ceiling. It was reportedly just the second arena in the province with a scoreboard featuring an automatic stop-time clock, and the only one outside of Toronto.

The 178' x 80' ice surface was too small by today's standard of minimum 200' x 80', but in 1914 a description in The Sentinel-Review by Frank Hyde (A former president of the Woodstock Amateur Athletic Association) made the ice palace seem as if it was pro level. Keep in mind, that Maple Leaf Gardens wouldn't open for another 17 years, in 1931.

“In general the building is high and substantial . . . an architectural plan that would conduce to safety, comfort and beauty of appearance.”

“The feature most interesting to the skaters and hockey players is the great ice surface provided . . . ample room for a great crowd of skaters who appreciate the comforts this affords.”

“The big clock will be controlled by an electric button operated in the timer's box. Each time the game stops for an off side or other cause, the clock also ceases to run but starts again as soon as the game is resumed.”

“For many years past the growing interest and developing in local skating and particularly the game of hockey has shown the urgent need of a rink with adequate accommodation and up-to-date facilities, fully in keeping with the advancement of the season's pastimes and the future maintenance of this city's prominence in the realm of winter sports.”

Those who recall the Perry Street igloo will remember that by 1996, the facility was well below standards for accessibility. The north hallway to (former) dressing rooms was utilized simply as storage, while the south hallway with its angled ceilings was also a crowded claustrophobic corridor.

Woodstock's original indoor arena was on Canterbury Street – just east of Riddell.

The Perry Street Arena was privately built and not purchased by the City of Woodstock until 1948 when the ice plant was converted into producing artificial ice. Naturally, before this time, the natural ice relied considerably on how cold it was outside.

By the time the arena finally closed after the 1995-96 season, the concrete floor under the ice had heaved so significantly that ice depths apparently varied from 2 – 8 inches, and the ice had not been removed for 7 years as there was a fear that cracks in the floor would prevent re-freezing. It was then in 1996 the oldest arena in Ontario. Today, the Galt Arena now owns the banner as the oldest operating arena in the world, by the way, as it opened in 1922.

A large committee was formed to give the old PerryDome a proper sendoff – the Perry Street Arena Farewell Reunion was April 20, 1996 – I should remember as former city council member Dave Nadalin and myself were co-chairs. The day was billed as nostalgia in the afternoon with many displays of mostly figure skating and hockey memorabilia and artifacts (photos, trophies, jerseys, vintage equipment), followed by a dance/pub at night. As soon as the 'party' ended, the ancient compressor was turned off.

Many top-level amateur figure skaters learned their craft at the PerryDome – Eddie Collins (pictured), Jack Lawson, Julie Kivinen, Lana Sherman, Martin Smith and Scott Grover, plus renowned coach Kerrie Leitch. It is recognized as well that the Woodstock Skating Club (formed in 1934) is the third oldest in Ontario, surpassed only by London and the Minto Club it Ottawa. The club's inaugural carnival show was Jan 22, 1935.

Many hockey players and noteworthy teams excelled through the decades including the 1969 OHA Jr C champion Woodstock Navy Vets, the 1964 Allan Cup Sr A national runner-ups in the Woodstock Athletics, the 1977 Sr A Royals, the Jr B Clippers of the 1940s, 1933 intermediate RedShirts, plus many more great minor hockey, juvenile, junior and senior teams. 

Future NHLers would play a season or two in Woodstock on their way up the ladder, including Bobby Hull (1955 Woodstock Warriors Jr B), Bernie Nicholls (Jr B in 1978) and Mike Craig (Jr C in 1987).

Hockey was so popular, CKOX 1340 AM would broadcast games home and away with Bill Tonner as play-by-play voice.

Before Jake Muzzin found success with the Los Angeles Kings, it was widely considered that Woodstock's only NHL player was Doug Shelton with the Chicago Blackhawks, but many excellent players came from Woodstock including Jerry Laflamme, Gerry Stringle, Ed MacQueen, Al Cullen, Scott Seagrist, Ted Long, Dave McLaren, Brian Paton and John Gofton.

The original arena owners appear to be a committee led by president Captain F Millman, vice president Allan Muir, secretary Henry Sneath, and 4 directors.

The skating club's history annals note that the arena's owner by 1948 was Harry McIntosh, who was in the coal and heating business.

With the City gaining ownership and a grand re-opening on Dec 1, 1948, then mayor Donald Thomson said:

“This arena is owned by you, the people and is to be used by you in the pursuit of healthful recreation.”

“A new duty falling upon this council will be the administration of the arena . . . but municipal arena administration has been carried out with marked success in other centres and this council will be in a position to profit from the lessons to be found in the experience of the centres.”

Naturally, the Perry Street Arena hosted other activities – such as the circus, roller skating, pro wrestling, gymnastics, broomball, and many concerts.

Today, the site of the Perry Street Arena is the Gallery Cinemas 7-plex movie theatre.

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Several Links:

Doug Symons column in S-R: http://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/2010/01/18/remembering-the-perry-street-igloo

Looking back to 1969: http://www.woodstocksentinelreview.com/2009/08/27/turning-back-the-clock

Mark Schadenberg, Sales Representative

Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES designation)

Royal LePage Triland Realty

757 Dundas St, Woodstock

www.wesellwoodstock.com

(519) 537-1553, cell or text

Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com

Twitter: markroyallepage

Facebook: Mark Schadenberg, Royal LePage Triland

Discussion . . . Direction . . . Determination . . . Destination