All the Best of the Season and a Happy and Prosperous New Year......Larry

What party is the REMAX guy running for

Well Summer is all but over however the nice weather continues. More often than not September is one of the nicest months of the year even for being on the Beach.

Around here Fall is very busy with new listings and a heightened sales activity. Southbend Estates should see some heavy equipment in the next week or so. A lot of people travel this area in the Fall for the various fairs and events and fall colour changes. Ontario's West Coast ( the Lake Huron Shoreline ) will be getting it's own Radio Station this Fall. 104.9 The Beach has begun test programming and will launch in October. It's studios are located in Goderich. The Rotary Trail from Grand Bend to the Pinery is being paved this fall making of course for a much smoother ride. It's also election season with all the signs rapidly popping up everywhere.. we think that REMAX guy is going to win !

The Sunsets over Lake Huron have been declared among the Top Ten best in the world by National Geographic Magazine
The crowds for the last long weekend of the Summer have begun to swarm the Beach communities along Lake Huron .....and the parties begin.
By next Tuesday most local residents will be happy to have peace and tranquility return to the area. Many will miss the masses especially those retailers and restaurateurs who make most of their yearly sales in the short 10 to 12 week period of Summer.
South of Grand Bend the Grand Opening of Southbend Estates happened Aug 24. Southbend Estates is a huge development which when completed will have just over 400 fully serviced single family lots, a condominium development and a 200,000 sq ft commercial retail and hotel development. The feature of this new community is a 7200 yard golf course designed by Kevin Homes and being built by Gateman-Milloy who have built over 100 golf courses in Canada. Huron Links Golf Course will also have a driving and practise range along with a first class clubhouse. Reservations are being taken now and already more than 10% of the first phase have been selected. If you would like to get in on this exciting new development e-mail larryb@grandbend4sale.com

Labour Day Rental

Summer is rapidly flying by, and we've had outstanding beach weather albeit not so good for area Farmers.

FYI the picture above is from the North pier looking into the Harbour at Grand Bend

Upcoming events include the Zurich Bean Festival August 25. Legends a historical tribute to those incredible artistic musical pioneers from the mid 50's thru the 70's runs August 8 thru September 1 at the Huron Country Playhouse.

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY AUGUST 11 1 PM TO 3PM.
TAKE LAKE ROAD FROM Hwy 21 ( Ontario St ) towards the Lake to Harbour Park Court in Grand Bend

Perfect for 2 or 3 families to share..or start your own Bed & Breakfast in this gorgeous 5 bedroom,4.5 bath home. 2 Fabulous suites,each with their own private entrance on the Main level. Each suite has its own bedroom & bath, complete with whirlpool tub. Both suites have kitchen, livingroom with gas fireplace,hardwood & ceramic floors,9`coffered ceilings,halogen lighting & diningroom. West Suite has view of lake! Bright,spacious lower offers familyroom with gas fireplace,kitchenette + 3 more bedrooms plus 2 full baths. Many handicap accessible features throughout. This is a must see , available for less than replacement cost at $ 549,900.00

Looking for a last minute rental for the last week of August including the Labour Day weekend ........www.grandbend4sale.com/44walker.htm

Scenes like this on are few and far between this year. The Beach has been packed almost every day as the summer is approaching the mid way point.

Last weekend was particularily busy with the Not So Pro Volleyball Tournament with close to 100 teams on the Beach and the IHRA Nationals at the Grand Bend Motorplex. A large attendance ( 42,000 )put it in the top 5 in IHRA history. Upcoming events in the area include the 2007 Zurich Fair July 27,28 and 29. More than 1200 participants have already signed up for the RONA MS Bike Tour - Grand Bend to London July 28 and 29, up 15% over last year.

Cutting Edge Music Festival is at the Grand Bend motorplex during the August 3-6 Civic Holiday weekend Details of that are at www.cuttingedgemusicfestival.com.

The 11th Annual Exeter Rodeo is August 11 and 12 and Miss Saigon continues at the Huron Country Playhouse until August 4th.

All in all a lot of busy times coming up. If you're thinking about renting a cottage in Grand Bend the weeks of August 12 to 19 and August 26 thru Sept 3rd ( Labour Day ) are available ..details at www.grandbend4sale.com/44walker.htm

Busy weekend in the Bend

This weekend its a big time in the Bend . Miss Saigon is on at the The Main Stage at The Huron Country Playhouse thru August 4 as well Moms the Word continues at Playhouse 2.
At Grand Bend Motorplex its the 8th Annual Mopar Canadian Nationals
Friday: Gates open 8am Sportsman qualifying 9am - 6pm. PRO PIT PARTY - Meet the Stars 5:30-6:30pm PRO QUALIFYING 7:00pm (Pro Stock, Alcohol Funny Car, Pro Modified, Top Fuel Dragster & Nitro Funny Car)
Saturday: Gates open 8am Sportsman qualifying 9am -12:30pm, PRO QUALIFYING 1:00pm(Pro Stock, Alcohol Funny Car, Pro Modified, Nitro Funny Car, Top Fuel Dragster, Super Shockwave Jet Truck) Sportsman Eliminations to follow to 6pm. PRO PIT PARTY - Meet the Stars 5:30-6:30pm KNOLL GAS NITRO JAM 7:00pm (Pro Stock, Alcohol Funny Car, Pro Modified, Top Stock,Nitro Funny Car, Top Fuel Dragster, Super Shockwave Jet Truck followed by Fireworks)
Sunday: Gates open 8am Sportsman eliminations 9:00 am, PRO ELIMINATIONS Rd 1 10:30am Rd 2 Noon Semi Finals 2:00pm, Finals 4:00pm ( Sportsman eliminations continue between rounds)
If thats not enough there's the 5th Annual Not So Pro Volleyball Tournament on the Beach Fri Sat and Sun.

One sure way to beat the summer heat is Ice Cream and the picture beside shows the number and variety of places offering that treat. This is a picture from an article in this weeks Lakeshore Advance describing the various ice cream locations along the Lake Huron between Port Franks and Grand Bend. Read the complete story at http://www.lakeshoreadvance.com/


If you're still thinking of a Summer Vacation in the Bend and don't think you can find a palce to stay try this link www.grandbend4sale.com/44walker.htm.

There are still about 4 weeks available plus why not try a fall and winter vacation.
Something new ..Hay Communications , the local telephone company, has installed wireless internet access points throughout the Grand Bend Core and Marina areas. Access is free to the Chamber of Commerce website and e-mail and/or buy blocks of time to use while in the area.

Here are some pictures of Grand Bend's Harbour. The picture above is current and is looking inland from the Lake. Below is looking out to the Lake in the 1960's. The round signs in the pictures ie Texaco below and the one to the right and top in the top picture are the same, except the newer sign advertises Oakwood Inn.

Summer starts today ( officially ) even though its been quite busy already. Last weekend saw the return of Burgerfest on the Beach in Grand Bend with big crowds enjoying the entertainment.

Last week was another successful Scatcherd Invitational.

On July 6th and 7th there will be a Corvette Weekend in Bayfield. The RE/MAX Ballon will be there on Saturday the 7th. There are still some of you looking for a cottage to rent this year and this link will lead you to one with weeks still available .

www.grandbend4sale.com/44walker.htm

If you're looking to rent or buy or sell please call me and I can help. There are lots of available cottages, homes, Lakefronts and businesses in all price ranges along the coast. Interest rates are still good so don't delay.

Last but not least the Riverbend Bar and Grill in Grand Bend celebrates 10 years in business all day next Wednesday June 27th. Congrats to Doreen and Tracy Ulch. To contact larry call 519 238 5700 or e-mail larryb@grandbend4sale.com

Summertime and the livin' is easy

Summer is fast approaching and activity around here is getting exciting. July and August are definately family months. If you're still looking for a Summer rental, here's a new entry that still has weeks available in July and August. www.grandbend4sale.com/44walker.htm. Local guy Greg Gallello is a finalist in Canadian idol. He was at the Colonial last Friday so watch for him to play locally again. This weekend June 16 and 17 is the return of Burgerfest featuring entertainment on the Beach both days. Every Wednesday from 8 AM to 1 PM it's the Grand Bend Farmers market at the Gill St parking lot ( beside the school and library ). Local Zurich resident Helen MacLean was the grand prize winner in the Dream Lottery , congratulations even though it was supposed to have been me. Huron Country Playhouse is active again with a full schedule for the summer. One of Canada's few remaining Drive In theatres is now open for the summer as well. All in all a busy summer ahead and it's maybe it's time you purchased your piece of this action. Call me Larry Broadley and I can help you with your search for a new home, vacation or retirement home along the coast of Lake Huron. 519 238 5700 ask for Larry or e-mail larryb@grandbend4sale.com

A New Rental is Available

Well we survived another two - four week end and sanity returns. Almost everything is open again in Downtown Grand Bend and as I told you there are a number of new stores this year. If you are thinking of a summer holiday in Grand Bend I've just added a new rental to the market and because it's new all weeks are available so hurray and have a look if what you wanted has already been filled elsewhere.... www.grandbend4sale.com/44walker.htm . Canada Day week is also available at 11 Dietrich www.grandbend4sale.com/11Dietrich.htm . See the pictures at the top.

Now with the nice weather here to stay there is lots of activity: the beach has been full this week and there arelots of boats in the harbour. Don't forget Burgerfest on the Beach June 16 and 17. Saturday ( 17th ) entertainment is Brad Karel and the Thrillbillies 2 to 5 PM and Green River Revival 8 to 11 PM. Sunday is Denise Pelley and Cheryl Lescom 2 to 5 PM. Admission is $5 at the door and it is geared for the whole family ( Licensed by A.G.C.O ).

Here's a picture of the Beach in the 60's

Burgerfest is Back

Things are really coming alive now that the warm weather has finally come, hopefully to stay. Last weekend traffic downtown was heavy and the number of retailers that were open was exciting. Upcoming openings include a new Archies Junior , Bluenotes, Scoops and Sea Jewels 3 on Main Street. A new restaurant/diner on Ontario St (Hwy 21) in the former I'm Starvin, Grampa Jimmys Scottish Bakery in the former Grapevine Bar on Ontario (21). Recently Sportsmed and Garden Gate opened ; Cranbury Lane moved close to the Bridge and GB Posh opened in their former location ( all on Ontario St ). Future retail opportunities exist at Pineland Pro Hardware( see pic on the right above ). The building and land are for sale as is the business . These can be bought as a package or separately. The former Dollar store space beside the LCBO ( see pic on left ) is also available and if you have any interest in either of these properties or anything else in Grand Bend give me a call at 519 238 5700 or larryb@grandbend4sale.com.

Burgerfest is back in the Bend this year June 16 and 17 on the beach, watch for more info on upcoming events. If you have any comments please feel to e-mail me...Larry

Lovin' The Jungle

This is 44 Walker St Downtown Grand Bend to the right and 5 Queens Ave Downtown Grand Bend below

The Downtown area of Grand Bend is both fascinating and interesting. Known officially as Plan 24 and affectionately as " The Jungle " many people love it or hate it with more and more moving to the loving it side. The " Jungle" has been party city for decades. Most cottages were built in the 30's, 40's and 50's as unheated unwinterized cabins and of course used only in the summer. During the 60's and 70's it really became "party town" as the "boomers" discovered how easy it was to get here and how great it was to be here.

The lots are small, the downtown bars and the beach are all right at at hand making it cozy, friendly, fun and exciting.

Things are changing and the party image is fading as those same "boomers" are coming back, this time with money and kids and /or thinking of retirement. Renovations, tear downs and rebuilds are everywhere. The key ingredients that made it great still exist and that old real estate adage of " location, location, location" is entirely at play with the great beaches, restaurants, bars and shopping right at hand. Prices are reflecting the increased interest as well. Into the late 1990's and early 2000's almost everything was available under $ 100,000 with an average price around $ 50,000. Now a tear down is hard to find and would be around $ 150,000 with most prices now $ 200,000 and above and increasing. A new 30 house development scheduled to start this year on Queens Ave will have prices $ 300,000 and above as well as 3 new homes being built at Oak and Warwick also touching that price range. Now is the time to jump on the band wagon because there are no new lots being developed anywhere in Grand Bend on the lake side of Hwy 21. This is also a very popular area for people wanting to rent; this time with families in tow . So buying a cottage/home and renting it out a few weeks helps affordability by covering most of your carrying and operating costs. The Party image is all but faded with the exception of the May 24 weekend, but the fun and desirability is stronger than ever. The two cottages at the top of the page are year round homes and both for sale. If interested let me know by phone 519 238 5700 or e-mail larryb@grandbend4sale.com.

Return of the Fishing Boats

Last weeks picture of Grand Bend's Main St in the 50's created quite a few comments and e-mails so this week this picture is of the same Main Street in the 1930's, again looking toward the Lake. Also if you want to see more pictures of the Grand Bend area from the past use this link
http://www.grandbend4sale.com/OLdAreaPics.htm

Spring is here and some of the last couple of days have been fabulous. One sign of Spring is the fishing boats returning. Early last week they broke thru the ice at the Harbour and at least one is in and now working. Another sign of Spring is the number of workers showing up at various locations on Main St renovating and getting ready to open.Calls on Real Estate have increased markedly and now is the time to buy if you want to be here for the May 2-4. I also have several business opportunities available so if your thinking, act now and give me a call or e-mail 519 238 5700 or larryb@grandbend4sale.com

Looking Toward Knapps Arcade

This is picture of Main Street Grand Bend looking toward the Lake in the 1950's. To see more pics of Grand Bend from the past go to www.grandbend4sale.com/OLdAreaPics.htm

The official start of Spring is just a couple of hours away so I thought it might be nice to see a summer pic, so why not one from the past.

Cheaper Heating Next Year

Made it thru the Ides of March and now on to St Paddy's Day. This time change took a little getting used to; the warm weather the first of the week took no time getting used to. I haven't updated my house construction lately so I will. We've been taking a break since Christmas but now the warmer ( I hope ) weather is here and it's back to work. The main floor is virtually complete so now we have to finish the garage which will let us then insulate the roof of the garage and add more to the house.. good time you say, well it just got too cold too work in the garage. Think how much cheaper heating will be next year. Work begins on the Lower Level too and then the Yard.
Activity continues around town with the new Flower shop at the corner of River Road and Ontario St now open. The Census is out and Lambton Shores grew 5.5% as did Grand Bend which is within Lambton Shores.There is no doubt as more and more Baby Boomers prepare to retire and with modern technology, this is THE place to live.

Spring brings change

Well I don't know why but I haven't been able to access this blog to change it for almost a month and now for some reason it opened and became accessable.
"So what has happened over the past few weeks" you ask. Winter and its cold weather has stayed with us but it looks like it will warm up this weekend along with the switch to Daylight Savings Time. In the Real Estate world I've just listed the Pro Hardware property and the business separately offering many potential methods of purchasing ie the land and building; the business with or without a lease or both. This is probably the most prime location in town at the busy corner of Lake Road and Ontario St ( Hwy 21 ).
Work is underway at the former Grapevine Bar, Finnegans is remodelling,the Bookstore is closed and a new business is opening there as well as a new flower and gift shop beside New Orleans Pizza and the Grand Bend Speedway has new ownership and will be expanding. Spring brings lots of changes and it will be interesting to see the annual transformation of downtown as it once again gets ready for the Summer businesses.

Winter Carnival Wrap Up

Well Winter Carnival has come and gone and by all accounts it was one of the most successful ever. Last Saturdays parade had well over 50 entries. There were 20 or so snow sculptures and lots of activities both weekends, all well attended. This years organizers deserve a big round of applause.
This year Daylight Savings Time comes early March 11. Don't know for sure what that will mean but we'll find out, hopefully with Wiarton Willy having not seen his shadow it will bring warm weather with the extra daylight. Wouldn't be able to tell that by this weeks weather though.
Summer Rentals are busy with many reporting at least half the summer is booked already. Most of the good places are fully rented by mid March. If you are looking... this link will get you to a list of availabilities and other links to sites that have places for rent www.grandbend4sale.com/RentalPage.htm
Sevareal places have sold recently and now is a great time to buy..good selection and in many cases motivated sellers. For a complete list of what is for sale try this link and use the Search Engine www.grandbend4sale.com/listingdir.htm

Taxi Cop

The Grand Bend Winter Carnival starts this weekend and we have lots of snow. Snow carving has stated at 20 different locations and they are starting to look good. I don't know if this is silly season but recently in Sarnia a man tried to get into a police car and pay the driver to take him home. He did get a ride home but was also charged with being drunk in a public place. In Grand Bend a well marked cruiser was parked in a parking lot when a vehicle pulled in and started doing donuts. The officer approached the lone driver and found open beer and marijauna in plain view. He will appear in court at the end of February . In the more stable part of the world we're starting to get a fair amount of activity and interest in Real Estate and this Spring looks like it will be good one. Lots of new listings showing up too.
If you want a list of Winter Carnival events click on this link
www.grandbend4sale.com/WinterCarnivalSched.htm .

New TV stations

Who said they missed winter? Well it's here now with the coldest days yet. Can't complain too much after all it is mid January. This makes things look promising for the Snow Sculptures during theWinter Carnival starting Feb 2.
The Bank of Canada left the interest rate alone with some predicting a future decrease. Good news for anyone looking to buy property.
The Spring Real Estate activity is starting . I sold the Walker St property in downtown Grand Bend this week and getting lots of calls on others. This is the best time to buy , lots of selection and anxious Sellers.
For those following my reno project, not much has happened since Christmas ( nothing ) however the only thing left on the main floor is finishing off the trim. The basement is next and hopefully we'll get on that this month.
Southcott Pines a large and well established subdivision in Grand Bend is adding Bravo and Showcase to it's TV lineup this week keeping it's many seasonal and year round residents happy.
If you're interested in what's happening at the carnival there is a link to an activity list on my web site www.grandbend4sale.com .While you're on the site check out the many links and features as well.

Spring Art Tour

Into the New Year now and everything seems back to normal. Activity in the Real Estate world while still seasonally slow is showing signs of picking up. 2006 turned out to be a record year despite all the predictions of a slowdown. In this market we cater to both seasonal vacationers and those who are retiring or planning to retire. Lake Huron is certainly the place to be to enjoy the later years as well as those younger years. I always say as long as Lake huron is full ( of water ) there will be a market for buyers and sellers. Interest rates continue low with rumours of more decreases. The rental market is hot too and I'm already busy into booking this years renters. Last years renters get first shot until early February then its a free for all. Most responsible rentals give previous customers, assuming they were good , first shot.
With the warmer weather I predict things will heat up even quicker than previous years.
Watch for the Grand Bend Winter Carnival coming the first of February..."no snow...no problem". All activities with the exception of snow carving will go on regardless and the committee this year will react quicky on that front if any snow falls. Tickets for many events are available this week so book now. Here's a link to the activities. www.grandbend4sale.com/WinterCarnivalSched.htm
Watch for a Spring house tour featuring the work of our many talented local artists

Summer in January

Well its over ( the Holiday Season ) and life can return to normal, that is if normal is everyone trying to live up to New Years resolutions changing their life , at least for a couple of weeks or days, and if normal is several golf courses opening today. Interesting weather and everyone likes it , that is except skiers and snowmobilers. I spent yesterday piling firewood in the backyard, again an unusual thing to do Jan 2nd. Today it is bright and sunny and from inside it looks like Spring outside. With this weather many things can start happening , the heavy equipment showed up this morning to start the demolition of the forrmer Seven Dwarfs Motel ( see previous blog ) and I suspect the weather will spark some early real estate interest. I'll be contacting last years summer renters right away to give them first shot at the same dates this year before advertising to the general public. If you are thinking of renting in the Grand Bend area you should book soon, most of the best dates are gone by the end of March and usually everything is booked by May. This link will take you to a rental page that has links to various sites that you can find rentals as well as contacts to reach individuals who rent out their cottages. http://www.grandbend4sale.com/RentalPage.htm If you are someone who has a place to rent e-mail me the info and I will include it on this page..no charge.