As we look at the first stats coming in for 2024 we see a mixed bag across the region. A low sales total in general for the region seems to have skewed stats.
The mixed bags of stats continued into our featured communities with Midland seeing a huge 38% increase in sales prices (12 Sales) whilst Tiny saw a 34% decrease in sales prices (6 Sales). Across our communities and the region at large, we did see a big rise of 27% in active listings compared to 2023 whilst it’s actually a rise of 430% compared to 2022. This signals that the much anticipated Spring Market is on the horizon and perhaps is a reflection of the unseasonably warm weather we have not scaring off winter sellers.
Entering the Spring Market, we are seeing lots of optimism with plenty of active listings available to buyers whilst interest rates being held signals good news for sellers hoping to maintain healthy sale prices.
Barrie area saw a large boost in new listings hitting the market in December, with 485 new homes hitting the market, a 31% increase from December 2022. Sales were up in December, with 314 homes sold last month. The year-over-year stats for Active Listings are showing a spike of 15%. Prices in the Barrie area have remained steady compared to last year. The average sale price in Barrie was $777,328, where sellers saw a small dip of 4%.
As we look forward into 2024, we look back into December to see how the Market ended the year in our communities. Across the region average prices were marginally down however in our local communities we saw large increases.
There was a large 23% decrease in Sales Prices throughout Tiny Township, however with only 9 Sales recorded, it’s easy for the numbers to get skewed. However, throughout Midland, Penetang and Tay Township we saw increases, most notably in Midland with a 22.5% increase. There are lots of opportunities for buyers heading into the new year with an 23% increase in active listings across the region. Sellers are still in a strong position to seeing price increases along with motivated winter buyers.
Every year we are humbled to be nominated by our Community for award consideration. Your belief in us to guide you through some of the biggest transactions of your lives is our fuel.
We are so excited to once again see our very own Michael Seguin become a finalist for “Best Real Estate Broker” joined by last year’s Winner, Victoria Badger as a finalist again in the “Best Real Estate Agent” Category.
Our Team’s hard work and dedication is once again reflected in being finalists for “Best Real Estate Office” and “Best Real Estate Marketing” – categories we were victorious in last year. It’s also with pride that we announce that our Brokerage, Keller Williams Experience Realty is nominated for “Best Real Estate Brokerage”.
Vote For Us Here
We would be honoured once again to receive your votes
As we usher in the new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the past and set goals for the future. While personal resolutions often take centre stage, why not extend the spirit of renewal to your living space?
Your home is a reflection of your lifestyle, and making resolutions for it can enhance your overall well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore some thoughtful New Year’s resolutions to transform your home into a haven of comfort, style, and functionality.
Declutter and Organize:
Start the year with a clean slate by decluttering and organizing your living spaces. Consider adopting the KonMari method or simply dedicate a weekend to sorting through your belongings. Donate or discard items you no longer need and find stylish storage solutions to keep your home clutter-free.
Create a Relaxation Zone:
Designate a specific area in your home as a relaxation zone. Whether it’s a cozy reading nook, a meditation corner, or a comfortable spot for your morning coffee, having a dedicated space for relaxation can positively impact your mental well-being.
Embrace Greenery:
Introduce more plants into your home to bring a touch of nature indoors. Not only do plants improve air quality, but they also add a vibrant and fresh ambiance to any room. Consider low-maintenance options if you’re not a natural green thumb.
Upgrade Home Security:
Prioritize the safety of your household by upgrading your home security system. Invest in smart locks, cameras, and alarms to enhance your peace of mind. It’s a resolution that ensures both safety and comfort for your loved ones.
Energy-Efficient Upgrades:
Contribute to a more sustainable future by making energy-efficient upgrades to your home. Switch to LED bulbs, install a programmable thermostat, and consider upgrading to energy-efficient appliances. These changes not only benefit the environment but also reduce your utility bills in the long run.
Establish Cleaning Routines:
Maintain a clean and organized home by establishing regular cleaning routines. Break down tasks into manageable chunks, and involve family members in keeping shared spaces tidy. A consistently clean home contributes to a healthier and more enjoyable living environment.
Tech Detox Zone:
Create a designated tech-free zone in your home where family members can unwind and connect without digital distractions. This could be the dining room, a cozy corner, or even the backyard. Encouraging face-to-face interactions fosters stronger relationships and a more mindful lifestyle.
As we step into the new year, these home resolutions are a roadmap to transforming your living space into a sanctuary of comfort, style, and positivity. By investing time and effort into these resolutions, you’ll not only enhance the aesthetics of your home but also create an environment that nurtures your well-being and supports your goals for the year ahead. Cheers to a refreshed and revitalized home in the coming year!
The new year is here, and we want you to be prepared with the knowledge of every single colour of the Year for 2024! Every year, paint, and colour brands alike do heavy research—looking at colour trends, sending out surveys, and tapping their own tastemakers—to forecast a colour that’ll embody the upcoming year’s essence. These picks will influence everything from home design to fashion. Not to mention, they’re an excuse to give your life a little colour-themed refresh.
Last year, the colours leaned toward warm hues that promoted creativity. This year, they’re all about comfort, versatility, and a continued connection to nature—from a grounding soft black, to an uplifting sky blue, to a muted olive green. Since there are so many options to choose from, making it hard to keep track, we’ve laid out our favourite 5 picks of the Year for 2024 so far. Whether you’ve embraced these colours already, or are still determining which ones you want to try out on your walls or in your wardrobe, this handy cheat sheet means you can evaluate the hues for the upcoming year all in one place. Happy New Year, indeed!
Benjamin Moore colour of the Year: Blue Nova
Inspired by exploration, Benjamin Moore named Blue Nova (825) as its colour of the Year for 2024. The cosmic, blue-violet blend encourages adventure, beckoning everyone to indulge in new experiences. The paint brand teamed up with aerospace company Blue Origin to announce the colour and work to inspire future generations to pursue STEM education and careers in the space industry.
When deciding how to use Blue Nova in your home, the options are endless. The paint brand recommends juxtaposing the grounding blue with dynamic, contrasting colours like orange to create an ethereal atmosphere. You can also use it to create a statement-making painted ceiling or cover every wall of a powder room.
Behr colour of the Year: Cracked Pepper
Behr’s colour of the Year for 2024 is Cracked Pepper (PPU18-01), a soft black that can ground any space while remaining timeless. The colour is an approachable segue into the paint dark side as it melds into practically any design style.
Just like the seasoning it’s named after, Cracked Pepper is a staple. Cracked Pepper makes an excellent paint choice for interiors and exteriors.
Glidden colour of the Year: Limitless
Glidden paint by PPG named Limitless (PPG1091-3) as its 2024 colour of the Year. The honey beige hue is “anything but yellow,” according to the brand, because it has the stamina of a primary colour but the versatility of a neutral.
Glidden colour experts recommend using Limitless “anywhere and everywhere.” Whether you cover your kitchen cabinets or paint your ceiling with the warm neutral, you can’t go wrong.
C2 Paint colour of the Year: Thermal
A refreshing blue called Thermal (#752) encourages an uplifting and energizing year ahead as C2 Paint’s 2024 colour of the Year. Reminiscent of the sky on a clear day, the colour can bring a calming feel to any space. “This bespoke pale yet punchy blue is poised for adventure and brimming with hope, evoking feelings of loyalty, trust, and confidence,” Philippa Radon, interior designer and C2 Paint colour specialist, said in a press release.
Radon added the colour is a “call to action, energizing us to live boldly, to express our unique styles freely, and to acknowledge our responsibilities as stewards of our planet.”
HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams colour of the Year: Persimmon
Anyone who gravitates toward warm, lively hues will adore HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams’ 2024 colour of the Year: Persimmon (HGSW6339). “Persimmon balances the energy of tangerine with grounded neutral undertones, making it perfect for spaces like living rooms and kitchens as it promotes positive relationships and conversation,” Ashley Banbury, HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams colour marketing manager, said in a press release.
The earthy terracotta shade is grounding and comforting yet uplifting and refreshing. Exclusively available at Lowe’s, the colour is part of the brand’s Collection of the Year called Renewed Comfort. It’s comprised of 10 shades—a mix of neutrals and bright colours—in addition to Persimmon.
Whether you’re thinking about refreshing your home before listing, making your new property your own or just updating a tired space, let us know what colours you’re using – is it one of the colours of the year? Remember to ask your For Sale On Georgian Bay Agent for tips on how to get your property ready for sale, they’ll be with you every step of the way.
Whether you’re redecorating to help get maximum value for your home or just to refresh a tired space, as we step into the new year, it’s time to bid farewell to the design trends of the past and welcome the fresh and exciting styles that 2024 has in store. The world of interior design is ever-evolving, and this year promises a delightful mix of classic elegance, sustainable choices, and bold statements. Join us on a journey through the decorating trends that are set to define homes in 2024.
Sustainable Chic:
In 2024, sustainability takes centre stage in home decor. Eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient designs, and a commitment to reduce environmental impact are becoming increasingly popular. From reclaimed wood furniture to upcycled decor pieces, homeowners are incorporating sustainable choices that not only look good but also contribute to a greener planet.
Maximalism Renaissance:
Say goodbye to minimalism – 2024 is all about embracing the beauty of maximalism. Bold patterns, vibrant colours, and an eclectic mix of textures are making a comeback. The mantra is more is more, as homeowners express their personalities through an abundance of decor elements. Don’t be afraid to mix and match, experiment with patterns, and showcase your unique style.
Vintage Vibes:
Nostalgia takes centre stage as vintage aesthetics make a comeback. From retro furniture to antique-inspired accessories, homeowners are incorporating elements from the past to add character and charm to their spaces. Mixing vintage pieces with contemporary design creates a timeless and eclectic look that resonates with both the old and the new.
Tech-Integrated Living:
As technology continues to advance, so does its integration into our homes. Smart home devices, from thermostats to lighting and security systems, are seamlessly blending into the decor. Designing with technology in mind allows homeowners to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and efficient.
Artistic Expression:
In 2024, art takes on a more prominent role in interior design. From large-scale murals to unique handmade pieces, homeowners are using art to express their individuality and tell a story within their spaces. The focus is on supporting local artists and creating a personalised gallery that reflects the tastes and passions of the residents.
As we step into the world of decorating in 2024, it’s clear that this year is all about embracing individuality, sustainability, and a harmonious connection with nature. Whether you lean towards the bold and vibrant or prefer a more subtle and timeless approach, the trends of 2024 offer a diverse palette for creating spaces that feel both personal and on-trend. So, let your creativity run wild and transform your home into a reflection of the exciting design landscape of the year ahead. Tell us, what are some trends you want to introduce into your home in 2024?
What’s the only thing better than Christmas Dinner?… Christmas Dinner Leftovers of course! We asked the team for their favourite leftover recipes and this was the winner. Featuring Turkey, stuffing and homemade bubble squeak, we are ready for leftovers. Try it for yourself and learn our secret toastie hack too.
40 Mins / Serves 2
How to make the perfect toastie
Putting mayonnaise, instead of butter, on the outside of the bread is the greatest toastie hack you’ll ever learn. It gets infinitely more crisp than butter
Ingredients
white bloomer bread 4 slices
mayonnaise 4 tbsp
cranberry sauce 6 tbsp
cooked turkey a few slices
cooked stuffing a few slices
brie 8 slices
coleslaw 4 tbsp
Bubble & Squeak
roast potatoes 6, finely chopped
cooked brussels sprouts 25g, finely chopped
roast parsnips 50g, finely chopped
roast carrots 50g, finely chopped
pigs in blankets 2, finely chopped
vegetable oil 2 tsp
Cooking Steps
STEP 1 Start by making the bubble and squeak. Put the roast potatoes, sprouts, parsnips, carrots and pigs in blankets in a bowl with the pickle and lots of seasoning. Mash with a potato masher until it starts to combine and the mixture holds together when squeezed. Form into two 10cm x 7cm patties. Heat ½ the vegetable oil in a frying pan and fry the patties for 2 minutes on each side until golden and crisp.
STEP 2 Put the bloomer slices onto a large chopping board and spread the outsides with mayonnaise. Spread 1 tbsp of cranberry sauce on the inside of each slice and divide the turkey and stuffing between 2 of the slices. Spoon the remaining cranberry sauce over the top of the bubble and squeak patties, followed by the brie slices. Put onto the sandwiches, followed by the beetroot and coleslaw, and top with the remaining 2 bloomer slices.
STEP 3 Wipe the frying pan clean with kitchen paper and heat the remaining tsp of oil, then wipe with kitchen paper. Fry the sandwiches, weighing them down with a clean pan, for 2-3 minutes on each side or until really golden and crisp. Cut in half and serve.
Let us know your favourite Christmas Dinner leftover recipe!
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to embrace the Christmas spirit than by finding your dream home during the Holidays? As the snow falls and the twinkling lights adorn our communities, the real estate market is bustling with opportunities for those looking to make a festive move. In this blog post, we’ll explore the magic of Christmas real estate and provide valuable tips for turning your home search into a joyful journey. Ho Ho Ho… Home!
The Gift of Location:
The first step in your Christmas real estate adventure is to explore the gift of location. Whether you’re dreaming of a white Christmas in a snowy waterfront cottage or a cozy intown home, understanding your preferred location is crucial. Consider factors like proximity to family, community amenities, and the overall atmosphere you desire.
Deck the Halls (and Walls):
When searching for a home during the holidays, pay attention to the festive decor. A well-decorated home can give you a glimpse into the community spirit and the pride residents take in their properties. Look for neighbourhoods that go above and beyond in spreading holiday cheer.
Winter Wonderland Inspections:
Winter brings its own set of challenges, and it’s essential to ensure that your potential new home is well-prepared. Check for efficient heating systems, proper insulation, and well-maintained roofs to keep your winter wonderland warm and cozy.
Santa’s Workshop or Home Office?
With the rise of remote work, consider the home’s potential for a home office. Is there a quiet space for virtual meetings and productive work hours? Assess the layout and functionality of the spaces, envisioning how they could accommodate both work and play.
Sleigh Ride Through the Neighborhood:
Take a festive sleigh ride through the neighbourhood to get a feel for the community. Are there holiday events, or neighbourhood traditions that make the area special? Connecting with the local atmosphere will help you decide if it’s the right fit for your holiday home.
Stocking Stuffers or Deal Breakers?
Make a list of your must-haves and deal-breakers. Whether it’s a fireplace for roasting chestnuts or a spacious kitchen for holiday baking, identifying your priorities will guide your search and ensure your new home checks all the boxes on your wishlist.
Jingle All the Way to Closing:
Once you’ve found the perfect Christmas home, the journey isn’t complete until you’ve jingled all the way to closing. Working with your For Sale On Georgian Bay agent to navigate the process smoothly and make your holiday home ownership dreams a reality.
Embracing the magic of the season, finding your home for the holidays can be a joyous adventure. With a sprinkle of festive spirit and a dash of strategic planning, we can turn your Christmas real estate journey into a memorable experience. May your new home be filled with love, laughter, and the warmth of holiday traditions for years to come. Happy house hunting and Merry Christmas!
Overall home sales continue to decline as we head into the end of the year, as buyers have moved to the sidelines and appear to be bunkering down for the winter. Our market is very well supplied at the moment, with inventories trending about on par with their long-term averages, so there are some attractive deals out there waiting for buyers who decide to step back in.
In our local communities these trends were also reflected. There were decreases in Sales Prices across Midland, Penetang and Tiny whilst Tay saw a 14% increase. We also saw large increases across all of our communities in Active listings including a huge 47% increase in Tiny. There are lots of opportunities for buyers heading into the holiday market. Sellers are still in a strong position to seeing price increases along with motivated winter buyers.
