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Coppers Corner
Willie Was Right for 2012 or was he?
Well , not that I believe in weather prognostication, but I must say Wiarton Willie was pretty bang on this year! Or was he? Although I think anyone could have predicted the early spring with the wonderful winter we had this year in Bruce County. For the 22 years that I have lived in the area, I dont ever remember a time when Highway 21 wasnt closed for less than 1 full day! And with the wonderful weather comes an active market. This early start to the season has prompted home buyers to get moving. Right from the get-go in January the market in the area has been heating up once again. Amid rumours fueled by seasonal and wind-up lay-offs at Bruce Power, the market is currently active and both buyers and sellers are finding some common ground. Although prices had been notoriously high throughout last year, some sellers have realized that the market isnt what is was a couple of years ago, and to be motivated, one must accept that prices are reflective of the market. Lots of new activity on the main street in Port

The Property Shoppe Brokerage

Independently owned and operated.

By Jason Steele - Broker 519-377-2147 cell tml@bmts.com

Spring 2012 Volume 10

Ive built my business based on the positive comments and referrals from people like you. I am THANKFUL for you being a special part of my business. I couldnt do it without YOUR help!

Elgin, so if you are a tourist, be ready. The old Jangles building has undergone a major facelift, and transformation into a wonderful commercial condominium project. The owners of each unit will be showcasing their business in the next 3-4 weeks. One of which will be a cup-cake/wedding boutique with tasty treats and wedding ideas. Open now! K&S Custom Cakes and Invitations...be sure to visit them! Another of the businesses will be clothing unique to the area. As for the other two units, you will have to wait to see! There are plenty of hot topics still on the agenda with town groups and local politicians. The CAW wind turbine and the Deep Geological Dig in which the waste from Canadian Nuclear Power sites could be buried in Saugeen Shores or local surrounding communities. Please, please, please educate yourselves on both of these topics before forming an opinion. I have received emails from two potential clients now that have called off their house hunt because of latter issue...something to pass on to council! Its too bad that the media fuels so much negativity in the marketplace.

Inside this issue:

Willie What are you buying? FUN FACTS TECH TALK SMOKE DETECTORS 1 1 1 2 2

FEATURED LISTING

SPRINGTIME MAINTENANCE OPEN HOUSES LISTINGS STATS

3 4 5

Fun Facts: - 4 out of 5 Macintosh inventors were left handed...kudos to my southpaw friends! - it is said that left handed people are more creative - how do you like my newsletter! - Halifax has the most bars per capita than anywhere else - wait don't go! - Albert Einstein never wore socks! - in 1932 it was so cold that Niagara Falls froze solid

What are you buying exactly?

About 1 month ago, I was sitting in a law class and one of the questions asked by the instructor was how many people list the serial numbers of appliances on their offers? I was shocked! I was the only person to put their hand up! The instructor looked at me and said you really lie on your belly and look for serial numbers. I said, you dont have to do that, they are easy to spot. On the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, there is a section to list the Chattels included and the Fixtures excluded. A chattel is basically anything that is not nailed down per say. A fixture would be something that is fastened to the property. If you are unsure, be sure it is listed as either included or excluded. So getting back to the serial numbers, for example, on the agreement is says the Stove is included. What Stove? Was there a new one in the home the day you viewed the property? What will be there when you move in? Did you know that it doesn't have to be the one that was there unless it was written that way. What if the stove breaks the day before closing? What can it be replaced with? If using a serial number, there are no questions as to what you are buying...for example it would read Kenmore Stove SER 4567899. The serial numbers are easy to find. On a stove they are just inside the pan drawer, a fridge is usually on the inside left sidewall etc etc. If you cant locate the serial numbers, then describe it as best as you can. White Kenmore Flattop Stove with digital timer, and after the list of chattels, always put as seen on Jan x, xxxx during the showing. There should never be questions about chattels/fixtures on closing if this information is taken into consideration.

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Tech Talk
Cell Phones - pro\s and cons GSM, HSPA, LTE, 3G, 4G, iPhone, Android, Windows, Flip, Touch, Tablet, Phablet! So many phones on the market, what is the best choice? Its a very daunting task to get a cell phone these days and even more of a task to get one at a cell phone store. The line ups are fierce especially at an Apple store! So which one is best for you? Well it all depends on what you are using it for. Most communication towers are represented by the network strength for the area. Years ago during the bag phone era, the mobile communication was done over what is called an Analog system. This is why the phones were so big. They needed the power to find the signal. Now, with GSM, global system for Mobile Communications, most areas in Southern Ontario are either 3G or 4G service, with big urban sprawls like Toronto using the new LTE (lightning SCAN this CODE fast) communications. There is a ton of info I can pack on the type of servers but I wont bore you! So now with that out of the way, deciding on a phone. For light use, calling home, or for emergency the best phone is a basic non-data flip style phone that is small and requires very little charging. Usually a pay-as-you-go service is the best. You pay about $30.00 every couple of months and as the minutes you purchased are used up, you buy more credit. If you are using the phone quite a bit, shop around for the best bundle rate. Find out who has the best service in the area, and call the providers tech department to find out if there are any planned cell towers for the area. For example, Telus which piggy backs on Bell towers in this area, is putting up new towers over the next couple months. That is going to make this area very strong for Telus. I deal with them and they are by far the best company I have dealt with for a cell phone. If you are a heavy user for the cell phone then you need a full out system. The Android market phones are great. They offer far more Apps than iPhone or Windows based phones and have a variety of phones that you can choose from. I recently migrated from Blackberry and got the Samsung Galaxy Notereferred to as a Phablet because its a hybrid between a tablet and phone. I can do offers, show you listings on the go, copy/paste and the list goes on. With the Apple system, you are basically stuck with one type of phone, the iPhone. It too does great things, but is limited in size. For more info, visit the manufacturers sites.HTC, Samsung, Apple, Nokia, Motorola etc...talk to friends and see how they like their phone and provider. The best resource and marketing tool you have is on your smart phone from the curb, the new realtor.ca app for iPhone , Android and Blackberry. This is MLS right at your fingertips! Download the app today and you can view any property information directly from curbside with the address, by mapping or by type of property, then call OR TEXT JASON STEELE - 519-377-2147 for more information.

Smoke Detectors
A general rule of thumb is to have at least one smoke, heat & gas detector per level (and preferably per bedroom too). Electric powered detectors are good, as there is no requirement to change batteries. On the other hand, battery powered work when the power is interrupted for whatever reason. A combination of both is best. There are two main types of smoke alarms: ionization detectors which respond more quickly to flaming fires with smaller combustion particles and photoelectric detectors which respond more quickly to smouldering fires. Having both types may increase your chances of early detection of a fire. Pregnant women, infants, children, senior citizens, smokers, persons with heart or respiratory problems may experience symptoms from carbon monoxide at lower levels of exposure than can be detected by their sensor. These individuals may require audible and visual signals for carbon monoxide concentrations at lower levels. Interconnected detectors (electric and security system versions typically) will all sound if just one rings. Please note that manufacturers may recommend the replacement of their detectors on a regular basis, such as every 5 years. Test your detectors at least monthly (preferably weekly) and change batteries at least twice a year.

FEATURED LISTING - immediate occupancy!

READY FOR IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCYMOVE IN NEXT WEEK! MLS 411046000441562
This charming 3+1 bedroom home is attractive in so many ways. Location, space, dcor and finishes all make this home very appealing. As soon as you step in you will feel at home. The large kitchen with centre island is the chefs home and entertaining your guests is quite easy from either the walk-out dining room with open concept area, or the walk-out lower level. The master has a full Ensuite with shower and the home has a total of three bathrooms. Storage will not be an issue either as there is room for all your toys, books, gadgets and more. Even the over sized two car garage has room to set up your work bench and tools. The main floor is hardwood with carpeted bedrooms and the bathrooms and foyer are ceramic. Call today to view this home before it is gone.
For video, scan here with your smart phone.

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Coppers Corner

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SPRING maintenance tips around the home.tips to save you time and money.
Check and clean or replace furnace air filters each month during the cooling season Check for loose or leaky gutters, and move downspouts out from the foundations Check for low areas in the yard, especially around foundation and fill with soil Probe around window and door frames looking for wood rot and repair as needed Examine roof shingles (from the ground!) look for any that are lifting or faded especially around stacks, chimneys etc Look at stone chimneys for brick or flashing damage Inspect any concrete or stone slabs around the house looking for cracking Inspect brick work around the home and check for cracking...parge where needed. Put the firewood away, especially dont store it close to the house, bugs and mildew Check all outside faucets for damage Check all of your lawn care equipment, you are going to need it soon!
Tips for working with a REALTOR No matter who you choose to represent you when looking for a property try to be as honest with them, as they are with you. Many REALTORS like myself work very hard day and night to help their clients. I am very honest and use my due diligence to protect you in a real estate transaction. At the very least, all I ask is that you are honest in return. If you are listing your home, let your agent know of every defect that you are aware of. If you are buying a home, then stick with your agent, and dont let other agents talk you into writing an offer with them. The same goes with listing your home. The higher price from another agent, isn't always the best price! Especially when your home might sit on the market!

Do you know what the logos pictures here represent? All are registered logos used by the Canadian Real Estate Association and its members. To be able to use these logos and marks and the MLS service, you must be a registered real estate representative with membership in a local board. For example, here in Grey/Bruce, members are part of the REALTORS Association of Grey Bruce Owen Sound. In turn, they are members of the Ontario Real Estate Association and CREA. Why use a REALTOR like Jason Steele? We have the knowledge and expertise to trade in real estate.

OPEN HOUSES! Productive or not?

While some may say yes, others in the business say that they dont produce and action on the house. In my opinion, what an open house does is provides me a list of ideal candidates for a home sale. In other words, I many not find the right buyer for your home, doing an open house at your home, but I may find the right buyer while doing an open house at another home. So they really do play out in the long run, in that open houses work in creating potential buyer lists. I have sold a couple due to the open house, but it is rare. Now someone that comes through my go back to their agent and bring an offer a couple of weeks later as well. If you do agree to do and open house here are some tips for you:
Make sure proper home staging is done in advance; do not stay in the house during the open house, you will likely volunteer too much information; make sure your agent is on site the entire time; it is not against the law to ask for i.d., so if you feel you want to know who was there, you can, if they dont want to show it, you can refuse entry; remove all valuables from sight (dont leave anything out in the open) as sometimes people in pairs split up to view the home; take before and after pictures of each room if you are nervous about things going missing.
Volume 10

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Listings...Want your home featured here? Call Jason Steele today

238 Barneys Blvd in Miller Lake is where you will find this wonderful 4 level, 4 bedroom, 2 bath year round home or cottage. Miller Lake is a popular cottage destination on the Northern Bruce Peninsula and is situated about 15 minutes from Tobermory. There are plenty of things to do in this area, such as hiking, boating, fishing, mountain biking, road biking and more. This is a lakefront home, with clean swimming and great fishing. Recent updates include flooring throughout. Make this your family memory destination today! 5022 Highway 21 is located 2 minutes south of Port Elgin. This 2.58ac property boasts commercial and residential buildings. Move your business into the over 4000 sq feet of retail/warehousing, a separate shop/garage, and two houses. The main house has 3 bedrooms and a very large living room, eat-in kitchen and heated with propane. The second house/chalet is a 2 bedroom home with attached very deep garage, kitchen, second floor loft and bedroom...would make an excellent artist studio. The current business brings lots of traffic to the complex. MLS 411044000119001A also available is the retail section

6628 Highway 21 is located 2 minutes NORTH OF SOUTHAMPTON. This .96 ACRE property is currently used as a duplex with two apartments. The location is awesome as it is just past a bend where the speed limit reduces with major traffic flow from the Owen Sound area. Would make an ideal farmers market, bakery, or how about an RV dealership!! Call today! MLS 410254000511200

494 Buckby Lane shows like new, because it is almost new! MLS 411046000441562 on realtor.ca This beautiful split entry bungalow was first occupied in 2011 and located very close to public schools and a day care facility. The master bedroom holds a 3 pc ensuite and there are a total of 3 bathrooms. The basement level is finished and has tons of entertaining room.scan the QR code or video! Or visit my video page at www.youtube.com/trumpyourfired

Want to be part of the summer revolution in Port Elgin, but you dont want the high price of a freehold cottage? How about a lovely mobile home located in a quiet park central to everything Port Elgin has to offer. This 2 bedroom mobile with updates including forced air furnace, windows and doors can be yours for $50,000.00 MLS 2009112758

302 Ray Street holds this former model home called the Southampton It is loaded with features. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 5 appliances, main floor laundry, attached garage, in-ground sprinkler and more. A spacious layout with 1295sq feet of living space. Finish the very large basement for further room! Call for a viewing today! MLS 411046000440540

293 Maple Drive is where you will find this charming back split that backs onto a horse pasture. It has three bedrooms, 1.5 baths and a carport. The decorating is very recent, and many updates have been done over the years. 2.5 car concrete drive. Very nice storage shed in the back yard. Call for details...extra lot available. MLS411046000120113

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2011 Stats for real estate in Grey Bruce...

March a record month for home sales in Grey Bruce Owen Sound Region Residential sales activity recorded through the MLS System of the REALTORS Association of Grey Bruce Owen Sound came in well above year-ago levels for the third consecutive month in March 2012. Home sales numbered 206 units in March 2012, up 31 per cent from the same month last year. This represents the best March sales figure ever reported. Sales of all property types numbered 261 units in March 2012, up 27 per cent on a year-over-year basis. On a year-to-date basis, sales activity was running 25 per cent ahead of the first three months of 2011. The average price of homes sold in March 2012 was $225,087, rising 11 per cent from a year earlier. New residential listings on the Associations MLS System numbered 640 units in March 2012, an increase of 44 per cent compared to March 2011. The large increases in new listings have been holding steady with increases in demand, which is keeping the market in balance. The overall supply of homes for sale on the market also remains elevated. Active residential listings totalled 1,794 units at the end of March, rising 22 per cent from the same month in 2011. The number of months of inventory stood at 8.8 at the end of March 2012 on a seasonally adjusted basis, down from 9.8 months at the end of February. The number of months of inventory is the number of months it would take to sell current inventories at the current rate of sales activity. The dollar value of all home sales in March 2012 was $46.4 million, up 46 per cent on a year-over-year basis. The total value of all properties sold in March 2012 was $59.8 million, a 45 per cent gain from a year earlier.

Disclaimer: readers are cautioned to check the validity of the content of this newsletter. Though the information in this newsletter is deemed to be correct, some information is from sources not verifiable. This newsletter is not intended to solicit property or persons already under contract

with another brokerage for property in my selling areas of Grey and Bruce County.

REALTOR and MLS and the associated logos are trademarks owned or controlled by the Canadian Real Estate Association, used under license.