Holiday Season - Baby It's Cold Outside

The winter weather finally showed up this week, and it is COLD! Windchills around minus degrees Celsius. Up until this week, though, we have actually had it pretty good with above average temperatures this fall. Some of the "snow birds" have already headed south, with more planning on leaving after Christmas. Meanwhile, other residents will be staying home, enjoying the winter wonderland. The weatherman says, even though it is going to stay cold for a couple of weeks, we are going to be getting more snow. Snow + hills = fun times on crazy carpets, sleds, or whatever the kids are using these days to slide down the slopes! I hope that everyone has a safe and happy Christmas holiday season! See you in 2017!

Sales so far in 2016

So far in 2016, sales at Lake McGregor Country Estates have been very slow, according to the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB) statistics. There have been three sales so far this year at the resort. This compares to two sales at Little Bow Resort, just south of McGregor Lake. Lake McGregor Country Estates has nine active listings at the moment. This does not include for sale by owner properties. Little Bow Resort has fifteen active listings currently on the market, not including for sale by owner properties. The weak economy is taking its toll on the recreational property market. It has been like this for a few years now. There are buyers out there, but, as I have said over and over before, they are sitting back and waiting for a really good bargain before they make any moves.

Hats off to the Community Association Board!

Last weekend, the owners at Lake McGregor Country Estates had their fall general meeting. I know that meetings are really not all that exciting, but this weekend I am sure that I am not the only one coming from there feeling pretty good. First of all, on the Saturday morning, there must have been over 120 people attend a free pancake breakfast at the resort. I was unable to attend, but my parents were there. They were impressed with the crowd, and apparently the food was really good too! It was a very well organized event. There was a potluck dinner on the Sunday, and there was another good turnout for that. And then there was the fall meeting for the community association. Out of all of the association meetings that I have been to over the years, this had to have been one of, if not the best one. There was a large number of people who showed up. They actually had to go to other parts of the clubhouse to gather more chairs. The meeting was not at "bitch" session either. Once again, well organized, good agenda package, and it was quite clear that this board has been busy over the past year, and have accomplished a lot. Of course, I cannot get into great detail on here about the meeting, but you will just have to take my word for it that the overall feeling from people leaving this meeting was MUCH better than meetings in the past. People are happy with the ways things are going. Not content, because there is work to be done, but they see progress. And I think that owners feel that the boards is listening to them, and that they feel like they matter. This is going to do wonders for the resort here - both for the overall feel, and also for the sale and resale market too. When there are positive vibes around, it is a very good thing!

Update on sales in 2016

The market has seen more challenges in 2016 so far. According to the Calgary Real Estate Board statistics, there has been one cottage that has sold so far this year at Lake McGregor Country Estates. One park model on its own lot has sold, and two cottage lots have sold. One cottage lot sold for $22,000 and the other for $18,000. That makes it tough for sellers, but good news for those looking to purchase. On a separate note, it is nice to see that the foundation is being put in for a new cottage going up at the resort.

Summer Update

As we near the end of July, it is noted that the recreational property market is still quite soft. With the weak economy, 2nd homes/cottages take a back seat to many people, as far as priorities go. This is proving true again this year. Those looking for recreational property are fewer, and there is not much competition amongst the buyers. If you are not looking at selling, or at least right away, things are looking pretty good. For example, the resort itself is looking very good, as it is being very well maintained. The outdoor pool is up and running. The beach is busy (yes, there has been some goofy weather this year, but hey, it's southern Alberta!) It is sunny now and the beach is a great place to be! If not on the beach, on the boat can be even better. I must admit that I have not been fishing yet this year, so I cannot comment on how well the fish are biting. Back at the clubhouse, the auditorium seems to be busy with all sorts of different events going on. The teenager (games) room is very popular. There are movies and video games, and all sorts of other stuff that come in handy, especially for those rainy days. The indoor pool and hot tub are still not operational. It sounds like the plan is to move forward in planning for a new indoor pool, as the equipment is in need of some major upgrades. Hopefully, we will have an update on this later on in the summer. Oh...one last thing, it is Halloween in July this weekend at Lake McGregor Country Estates! Another cool event put on by the folks at the resort.

Halloween in July

Spring meeting this coming long weekend

The Community Association for Lake McGregor Country Estate is having their spring meeting this coming weekend. There will be an update on the Community Rules and Regulations, giving clarity to the rules and other documents that have been sent out in the past. There is an outline of some new implementations, and provide a central location for processes and procedures for the community. One of the rules is something that has been adopted by other communities - no For Sale signs. I like this idea, as we have heard over the years when people come out to the lake and see a bunch of For Sale signs, they wonder what is wrong with the place. Tunnel vision gives people the impression that something is wrong with the resort, because it looks like more everyone is selling. That is not necessarily the case. Over the last few years, the market has been soft, especially the recreational property market. The disposable income has not been as high compared to years past. It is not isolated to Lake McGregor Country Estates. Just take a look at the Recreational Properties section of the Calgary Real Estate News. This used to be a full section with many pages of properties being advertised for sale. The last two years, there have hardly been any. Not because there is next to nothing for sale, but because the market has been so bad for sellers. Shoppers would know that other resorts have a higher than average number of properties for sale during these tougher times. Anyhow, the removal of For Sale signs, and just having an online catalogue, or a binder in the clubhouse will make things look much better for the community. Hats off for the members of the Community Association!

Here is the market today - the bargains are the properties that are getting the attention. When preparing to sell your property, it is important to take into account the CURRENT local market conditions.

Warmer weather bringing some interested buyers

With no snow left on the ground, and it only being March, there are already some people out shopping for lots at the lake. One lot has already sold, at a bargain price. I think that, much like last year, in order for properties to attract attention and offers, they are going to have to be bargains. There are buyers out there, but many of them have done their homework, and they are searching for the best bang for their buck. I feel that Lake McGregor Country Estates offers more than many other resorts with our services lots, paved roads, and fully functional clubhouse and recreational facilities. And, with new management, a breath of fresh optimism is filling the air. Let's see what happens!

Start to 2016

Strangely enough, I was showing properties at the resort yesterday. Yes, it can happen in the middle of winter. People are starting to make plans for the spring, scouting out what is available, and what each resort has to offer. One comment that stuck with me from yesterday is that these people had already been shopping around at resorts. They are looking for a place to satisfy their RV lifestyle, and what attracted them to Lake McGregor Country Estates, is that the resort is accessible all year long. This is a 4-season resort, so even though they may not come out in the winter, they have the opportunity to do so. Yes it has been cold lately, but if a chinook comes along, here is a spot for them to get out of the city and bring the family out to enjoy the countryside, and take a dip in the indoor pool. And on a side note, I see that there is a spot just off the beach that has been cleared of snow so that people can go skating. Great idea!