What to expect in 2017?

The real estate market has been soft over the past several years at the resort, (well actually recreational property in Southern Alberta period) so what do we think is going to happen this year? Well, there are going to be people who want to sell, and many of those people have been trying to sell for over 12 months now. There are also going to be people who will want to buy. Those potential buyers are going to be picky, and most likely, are not going to be in a hurry. They will be able to take their time to shop around. This is where sellers are really going to have to stand out from their competition (other sellers), in order to catch the buyer's attention. Sellers are going to have to have their property looking WAY above average, and they are going to have to be VERY competitive on their pricing. Any buyers now, who are looking for recreational property, have likely been saving their pennies, or I guess we should say nickels now (pennies are no more), and those people have been very cautious with their money. They did not ride out this downturn in the economy with some disposable income in their pockets by spending carelessly. They are smart and they do their homework. They will know a good deal when they see one, and they know when properties are priced too high, and when a property is ripe for the picking. Buyers, this is your chance to shine, with not much competition on the market...yet. Sellers, if you really want to sell, it can be done. Are you ready to work for it?

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