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!

A Brief Review for 2015

Lake McGregor Country Estates has seen some positive moves in 2015. While the real estate market has still been fairly soft, the community association has gained some traction, and this sees the resort moving into a more positive direction coming into 2016. The community association has elected a new board of directors, and they are working more directly with the developer, and taking what seems to be a more hands on approach. Owners at the resort seem to be more positive in their thinking about how the resort is moving forward now, compared to just one year ago. There is new management, and a whole new attitude shedding some sunshine on what seemed to be a dreary outlook not so long ago. We have all heard the statement that "Attitude is everything", and I think that this situation is a prime example. A more positive outlook, shining a more pride of ownership at the resort, is going to trickle down through to each of the lot owners, and I feel that this is going to help the marketability of the resort. Looking forward to 2016!

Boil water advisory lifted

There was a boil water advisory at the resort for a while. This was due to an extended power outage, which effected the water treatment plant. However, an email was received this morning and everything should be fine now. It is suggested that everyone should run their taps for about 5 minutes or so to make sure that all the water coming through now is the good stuff!