Lakelands waterfront sales quiet to end 2018

The Lakelands Association of REALTORS^®

Sales of waterfront properties recorded through the MLS® System for the Lakelands region numbered just 18 units in December 2018. This was a large decline of 64.7% from December 2017. While December is always a quiet month for waterfront sales, this was a particularly low sales figure.

On an annual basis, waterfront sales totalled 1,682 units in 2018, down 22.7% from the same period in 2017.

“Non-waterfront sales continued to outperform the more expensive waterfront segment in December, which was a main theme of 2018 under the new mortgage stress test,” said Wendy Webb, President of The Lakelands Association of REALTORS®. “Despite fewer sales across the region in 2018 compared to recent years, the market is still tight by historical standards, which is why prices continue to push higher.”

The median price for waterfront property sales in December 2018 was a record $625,000, jumping 38.9% from December 2017.

The total dollar value of all waterfront sales in December 2018 was $13.4 million, declining 70.6% from the record for December from 2017.

BOARD & ASSOCIATION INFORMATION

The area served by 800 REALTORS^® who belong to The Lakelands Association of REALTORS^® serving Parry Sound, Muskoka, Haliburton and Orillia, is located less than a two-hour drive north of Toronto, in the heart of Canada’s Cottage Country. There are several major geographical areas within the Association’s boundaries, including the City of Orillia, the Parry Sound area, Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Muskoka Lakes, Huntsville, Lake of Bays and Haliburton. Each of these areas has a unique blend of properties ranging from residential homes in the City of Orillia and smaller towns to the rural areas in-between, as well as a mix of waterfront homes/cottages on the many rivers and lakes throughout our regions that range from the smaller entry-level properties to the prestigious.

This entry was posted on January 22, 2019 by Jim and Iris

Words of Appreciation

“Thank you for the memorable sales and closing experience of finding the cottage of our dreams. A perfect fit for our needs.”

I & E – Lake Muskoka cottage buyers

“Jim and Iris Gardiner were both amazing to deal with. A truly professional team. They shared a great deal of knowledge with us and really shed important light regarding potential Island Cottage ownership – all the pros and cons. Not only did they sell our existing cottage in 24 hours for much higher than our asking price they helped us find our new slice of paradise on Lake Muskoka in a very tight market. We are thrilled with our new cottage and love being on Eilean Gowan Island! We would highly recommend either Jim or Iris for any of your Real Estate needs!”

J & D – Sold on Echo Lake and bought on Lake Muskoka

Jim did me a favor 20 years ago and I wanted to return the favor – I approached him and Iris at the cottage show and, even though I already had a real estate agent, he recommended a cottage property that I purchased and enjoyed for those 20 years. I therefore, tracked him down and had him be our agent in selling that property. Our priority was to find new owners that would be friendly and fit in well with the neighbors and Jim and Iris found the perfect couple Jim and Iris made the entire sale most enjoyable. The experience was so smooth and enjoyable that the sellers, the buyers and the real estate agents all got together for supper the following summer at our old cottage!

K & L – Lake Muskoka

It is with great pleasure and appreciation for me to recommend the services of Jim Gardiner and the entire Gardiner Team. Jim’s awareness of community by-laws and market related activities extracted incremental value for us when we were finalizing the purchasing agreement.

JB – Mirror Lake

Just want to tell you that you did a fine job for me on the cottage sale on Lake Muskoka. The sale has removed a huge load from my shoulders. Iris, just a note to thank you again. Money is in the bank!!!!!!

BJ – Lake Muskoka