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.