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Our Favourite Roast Potato Recipe

Whether you’re enjoying a Turkey, a Ham or even a Meat Alternative this Christmas, I think we all agree that a staple of Christmas Dinner is roast potatoes! As simple as roast potatoes can be, there’s a handful or tiny, but important details that when combined give you this ultimate recipe… please enjoy these luxury “For Sale On Georgian Bay Roast Potatoes” – you can thank us later!

Ingredients:

  • 2.5kg of medium sized Maris Piper potatoes
  • 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • Olive Oil
  • 1 bulb of garlic
  • 1/2 a bunch of fresh sage

Prepare The Day Before

1. Peel the potatoes, keeping them whole, and ideally all about the same size (8cm). Parboil them in a pan of boiling salted water for 15 minutes – this will ensure that the insides become really fluffy.

2. Drain in a colander and leave to steam dry for 2 minutes – this will help the butter to stick to the potatoes. Give the colander a few light shakes to rough up the edges of the potatoes, giving you maximum surface area for a crispy exterior as they roast.

3. Place the butter and 1 tablespoon of oil in your largest roasting tray. Tip in the potatoes, add a good pinch of sea salt and black pepper, then toss to coat, and spread out in one fairly snug, even layer but with small gaps between them.

4. Cover and place in the fridge overnight.

On The Day

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F

2. Squash the garlic bulbs, then lightly crush each unpeeled clove and add to the tray – this gives you sweet, caramelised garlic and adds a gentle perfume to the potatoes.

3. Roast for 1 hour, or until the potatoes are crisp and golden all over.

4. Remove the tray from the oven. We’re nearly there, but we’ve got one last application of love and care, which is the game-changer. Gently half-squash each potato with a fish slice or masher so they kind of push into each other and fill the tray.

5. Pick the sage leaves and – importantly – toss with a little oil (this will transmit the flavour and make them deliciously crisp). Sprinkle the sage over the potatoes and roast for a further 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden and amazing.

6. Let us know just how good these potatoes are!

Share you thoughts with us on your favourite Christmas Day food traditions and recipes!

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Barrie Market Report For November 2024

The significant year-over-year growth in sales reflects the ongoing demand and resilience of the Simcoe County real estate market. Buyers are continuing to see opportunities in our region, and with more active listings available, the market is offering greater flexibility and options. As we head into the new year, Simcoe County remains a dynamic and evolving market for buyers and sellers alike.

Find out what your property is worth in today’s Market at https://forsaleinbarrie.ca/index.php/whats-my-property-worth/

Stats are correct as of December 18th. Based on November 2023 v November 2024

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November 2024 Market Report For Our Communities

Across the region, we saw gains in some important categories this month. Increases included; Sales Activity and Average Price. Active Listings were down across the communities as the market started to wind down in anticipation of the Holiday Season. However, buyers that are looking at this time of year are always motivated and we saw a nice 23% rise in sales across the region.

In our communities we saw large spikes in average prices. Each community other than Tay saw large increases including a 63% increase in Penetanguishene and a 66% increase in Tiny. With interest rates continuing to drop, we are expecting to continue to see a rise in prices across the region. It’s a great time to check in with your trusted For Sale On Georgian Bay agent to learn what your property is worth or even how much equity you’ve built. 

Trust your local experts to guide you through the process and take advantage of the current market. Ask us about our FREE Home Market Analysis to determine exactly how much your Home is worth in today’s Market.

All data correct as of December 18th, 2024, data gathered by the Ontario Collective based on November 2023 vs November 2024.

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Barrie Market Report For October 2024

October’s statistics reveal a market that is maintaining its upward momentum. The combination of rising prices, increased inventory, and consistent sales activity is creating a healthier market dynamic where both buyers and sellers can thrive. As we hurtle towards the Winter season, we anticipate this balanced trend to continue.

Find out what your property is worth in today’s Market at https://forsaleinbarrie.ca/index.php/whats-my-property-worth/

Stats are correct as of November 28th. Based on October 2023 v October 2024

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October 2024 Market Report For Our Community

Across the region, we saw gains in all the important categories this month. Increases included; Active Listings, Sales Activity and Average Price. This follows the trend that we saw during the pandemic that prices will rise as interest rates drop. With prices up, this is great news for sellers whilst this month brings great news for Buyers too with Active Listings seeing a bump.

In our communities we saw a mixed bag for Average Price with 3 decreases and 2 increases. However, Active Listings were up in Midland, Penetang, Tiny & Tay whilst we saw huge increases in sales across the board. A huge 133% increase in Springwater, 79% in Midland and 67% in Penetanguishene. October showed us a strong market for both Buyers and Sellers and we experienced a busy month in the market.

Trust your local experts to guide you through the process and take advantage of the current market. Ask us about our FREE Home Market Analysis to determine exactly how much your Home is worth in today’s Market.

All data correct as of November 26th, 2024, data gathered by the Ontario Collective based on October 2023 vs October 2024.

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Tips For Selling Your Home During The Holidays

The holiday season may be the most wonderful time of the year, but is it the right time to sell your home? Surprisingly, there are several advantages to listing your home during this festive period. Selling from November through December is a unique experience compared to the summer market. Here are some top tips for listing your home during the holidays.

1. Prioritize Curb Appeal

While the holidays can bring beautiful winter scenery, they can also mean darker skies and bare landscapes. Make sure your home’s exterior is clean, clutter-free, and welcoming. Keep walkways salted and clear of ice and snow to ensure safe visits for potential buyers.


2. Use Professional Photography and Videography

With colder weather, buyers tend to be more selective about which homes they’ll brave the elements to visit. High-quality professional photos and videos will make your home stand out online and help buyers see its best features before stepping out in the cold.


3. Decorate, but Keep It Simple

Some sellers hesitate to list in December because they feel they can’t fully enjoy holiday decor. While it’s still your home to celebrate in, remember it’s also a product for sale. Aim for festive yet neutral decor to help buyers imagine their own celebrations in the space.


4. Choose an Experienced Real Estate Team

If you’re selling during the holidays, there’s likely a strong reason, whether it’s for a job relocation, a growing family, or other personal needs. Working with your local real estate experts, ‘For Sale On Georgian Bay’ means that you aren’t just working with a Realtor who knows the market well, but also a Realtor that will be with you every step of the way. You don’t want someone who will disappear (like the Ghost of Christmas past!) when you need them most.


Why List Your Home During the Holidays?

  • Reduced Competition: Fewer homes are on the market in winter, so you’re likely to face less competition.
  • Motivated Buyers: Winter buyers tend to be serious, often coming out in challenging weather because they genuinely intend to purchase.
  • Year-End Timing: Many buyers seek a fresh start in the new year, creating a sense of urgency that could result in a quicker sale.

Thinking about listing your property in the coming weeks? Contact us to learn more about your property’s value and plan your holiday season sale.

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Barrie Market Report For September 2024

September’s statistics reveal a market that is maintaining its upward momentum. The combination of rising prices, increased inventory, and consistent sales activity is creating a healthier market dynamic where both buyers and sellers can thrive. As we head further into the fall season, we anticipate this balanced trend to continue.

Find out what your property is worth in today’s Market at https://forsaleinbarrie.ca/index.php/whats-my-property-worth/

Stats are correct as of October 23rd. Based on September 2023 v September 2024

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September 2024 Market Report For Our Communities

Across the region, major gains in all the important categories this month. Increases included; Active Listings, Sales Activity and Average Price. This follows the trend that we saw during the pandemic that prices will rise as interest rates drop. With prices up, this is great news for sellers whilst this month brings great news for Buyers too with Active Listings seeing a bump.

In our communities we saw large increases for Average Price and Active Listings in both Midland and Penetang whilst more modest increases appeared in Springwater. Penetanguishene saw a 112% increase in Active Listings. Midland showed a 17% increase and Penetanguishene a 21% in Average Prices. September showed us a strong market for both Buyers and Sellers and we experience a busy beginning to the Fall Market.

Trust your local experts to guide you through the process and take advantage of the current market. Ask us about our FREE Home Market Analysis to determine exactly how much your Home is worth in today’s Market.

All data correct as of October 22nd, 2024, data gathered by the Ontario Collective based on September 2023 vs September 2024.

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Selling This Fall Doesn’t Have To Be ‘Scary’

Halloween is just around a month away! However, that doesn’t mean you have to be ‘SCARED’ to sell your home this Fall. In fact, now is a great time to list your home for sale. We’ve compiled 4 ‘Tricks’ that will help you enjoy all the ‘Treats’ of a Fall Sale! 

THE MARKET IS STILL STRONG!
Sale prices are up across our community and properties are selling on average in 1 Month right now. Interest Rates continue to drop and now is the time to move to be home for the Holidays.

MOTIVATED BUYERS
We have motivated buyers that want to be in their new home for Winter and the Holidays. The Leaves are falling and these buyer’s dream homes are calling! Buyers are in decision making mode!

LESS COMPETITION
It’s not always the best decision to list your home during the most popular selling seasons. Right now, there are fewer new properties on the market meaning you’ll have less competition – which can pay off big time!

CURB APPEAL
Take advantage of the season by dressing up your home with warm, fall coloured plants, decorative door wreaths and seasonal items like Pumpkins.

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Barrie Market Report For August 2024

August statistics reflect a market that is balancing itself after a period of heightened activity. With active listings growing and inventory levels rising, buyers are benefiting from more choices, while sellers are still experiencing stable demand. This equilibrium is helping to create favourable conditions for both sides of the market.

Find out what your property is worth in today’s Market at https://forsaleinbarrie.ca/index.php/whats-my-property-worth/

Stats are correct as of September 25th. Based on August 2023 v August 2024