2014 - Steady and Healthy

Another real estate year is almost complete. The market is settling down with distractions such as Hunting Season arriving, and people needing to close up, clean up and secure homes and cottages for winter. For me personally, this was a banner year in real estate in the Highlands as I continue to grow my business, but let's talk about what YOU are interested in! How was the market in general, in the Highlands?
Firstly, PLEASE be careful about what media says about the real estate market. Fear-mongering is big business, people actually benefit from providing scary reports. It is important to speak to someone in the vicinity of where you are selling or planning to purchase. Every region, community, lake, price range, has it's own market. What is happening in Toronto or Vancouver has no bearing on what is happening in a small town, or Central or Northern Ontario.
Even each Cottage Country has a different market (such as The Kawarthas, The Highlands, or Muskoka). Your price range also has a huge impact on market trends. Where is the bulk of buyers for a cottage - $250,000 to $300,000? $400,000 to $500,000?
So down to business - The Highlands! 2011 and 2012 were not the best. Media was reporting tough times, and Buyers came looking for deals. Sellers were not willing to drop their prices, therefore many deals were written, but not that many came together. Last year our market settled down. Prices were not gaining, they were staying steady. This is good news for both the Buyer and the Seller - a balanced market. This year it looks like there will be some small gains in values, but nothing to make Buyers nervous. This again results in lots of sales.
In May 2014 our board saw 1,423 listings on the market, the highest number in the past 3 years, with the most sales happening in August - 511. This is a slight increase from 2013 with 505 sales in August, and a bigger increase from August 2012 of 426. Since May of 2014, each month's statistics show increased sales and listings from the previous year. It is a healthy market!
If a property is priced correctly - it will sell. That's the bottom line!
The Highlands offers a variety of recreational options, from the first-time cottager looking for something on a back road, or close to lake, under $100,000, to direct waterfront at every price range. Our luxury market continues to grow each year, with cottages on the market at $800,000 to $2-3 million.
Thinking of moving to the Highlands? The Residential market, too, is on the rise. Minden and Haliburton are both seeing growth. Minden just received a Dairy Queen, last year received a Canadian Tire, and there are rumours of more. Haliburton just got a Tim Horton's (yes - I said it -- and you thought everyone already had one!). The social groups, activities and culture of the area is very strong. Buyers are looking for that combination of wanting to simplify their life, reduce their expenses, and still have convenience. Of course, growth in residential properties means growth in business....everyone wins!
Can't wait to see what 2015 brings!

This Weeks's Lake - Redstone Lake

So many lakes, so little time.....last time I talked about Kennisis Lake - today it is Redstone Lake, just down the road! In one word....stunning! Slightly smaller than Kennisis Lake, Redstone too is located in our northern region of the County and has been a cottage destination since the early '60's. The lake covers 118 ha (294 acres), is deep, clean and offers everything from big granite outcroppings to sand beaches. The lake has an average depth of 71.9 ft (21.5 m) and is 270 ft (81m) at it's deepest point.
A cool thing about Redstone Lake is that it holds a unique fish - the Haliburton Gold Lake Trout. This fish is a glacial relic lake trout strain, only found in Redstone and 3 other lakes in our area. It is genetically different from other lake trout and even has a completely different look!

An Early-Morning Misty View from a Granite Bluff

Redstone connects with Little Redstone Lake and Pelaw Lake for tonnes of boating, waterskiing, windsurfing - you name it! 3 boat launches, a beautiful sand beach, scenic islands, granite cliffs.....this lake is dramatic and tranquil all at the same time.
Cottages on this lake range from older, quaint original cabins to properties the average person can only dream of owning - something for everyone.
Both Redstone and Kennisis Lakes flank the Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve, famous for it's many lakes to camp and fish on, and it's Wolf Centre and Canopy Walk. The area is definitely an area unto it's own...a real cottage destination.
Deep, clean, clear and dramatic - that's my short version! One more reason to visit and vacation in Haliburton Highlands!

Lake of the Week - Kennisis

Each Monday I will be showcasing a different lake in the Highlands - this is the first! Kennisis Lake is part of a 2-lake chain that joins with Little Kennisis Lake.

 If you enjoy that "Muskoka feel" then Kennisis Lake is for you. A large, deep, clean lake that is full of bays and islands to explore.
Located about 20 minutes North of Haliburton Village, the lake is part of an area called the Kennisis Lake Tourist Area. It has an average depth of 77.1 ft (23.1 m) and is 223 ft (66.9m) at it's deepest point, and has a surface area of 346 acres or 140 ha. This lake has been developed for many years and offers a mix of rustic, smaller cottages and million $plus homes and cottages. The West Shore area commands a higher price point, but there are lots of options on such a large lake. Go under the bridge into Little Kennisis Lake and find even more boating possibilities.
At the West end of the lake is a dam that leads into the Kennisis River - a boat launch and large parking lot can be found there as it is the only way to get to Red Pine Lake, a boat-access only lake. There are 3 boat launches and a Marina, and is near the famous Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve, including the Wolf Center - a great place to visit! Check out the Cookhouse Restaurant at the Haliburton Forest for a great meal, and meander through the Logging Museum. One of the islands - Nora's Island, was donated to the Haliburton Land Trust for public use and offers 22 acres for a great picnic destination.
Kennisis is one of Haliburton Highland's largest, most scenic lakes (arguably). A fabulous destination - even if just for the day!