SPOTLIGHT
There Is Hope.
   

We are starting to see the other side of the world slowly turning the page.

In a world, where most business activities and travel have been, to a great extent, restricted, the downtime has allowed many of us to utilize technology to stay connected with family, friends and clients. And, it has also created the environment for people to look at real estate properties online now more than ever.

On our end, we have engaged in LIVE Virtual Open Houses to allow people to view and experience the look and -virtual- feel of a property from the safety and comfort of their own home. And while we don't expect Hollywood to be calling us any time soon, it has been an incredible feeling to have the tools and technology needed to be able to adapt, and still be there for our clients, from safety showings to electronic signing and everything else in between.

Last but not least this is the time to come together as a community and show our support and gratitude to everyone that is doing their part, especially the frontline workers.
Over the last 5 years we have been fortunate to offer help and donations to Special Olympics Ontario and Georgian Triangle Humane Society, and while they will continue to receive our support, I will pledge a portion of my referral commission income to help the following organizations: Collingwood General and Marine Hospital and Meaford General Hospital.

Please reach out to anyone you know that is facing a “move challenge” now or in the coming weeks and months and put us in touch with one another. 

With all my appreciation.

 
Max    

Please make sure to check our GG Magazine section, as well as a list of local businesses offering pick-up and take-out options, by clicking on the "View entire message" at the bottom of the page.
THIS IS US
From the lakes of Muskoka to South Georgian Bay to Grey Bruce and beyond, our Advisors are here for you. We provide expertise to keep you in the know. We support our amazing communities and charities of choice. We continue to learn, adapt, listen, embrace, assist and improve so that we can represent you better, now and in the future.

We are proudly Engel & Völkers.
A REAL ESTATE COMPANY THAT GIVES BACK
There are two organizations near and dear to our hearts, Special Olympics and the Georgian Triangle Humane Society (GTHS).
We proudly donate a portion of our income from real estate sales to both organizations.

As you probably know, Special Olympics has impacted the lives of its athletes in profound ways, most notably in building self confidence, friendships and self-esteem.

The GTHS is a non-profit charity that operates an animal center serving the south Georgian Bay region by providing shelter for homeless animals and adopting them to caring families.
And remember… Your Referrals Help Continue the Life Changing Work by Special Olympics and The GTHS! We are on a quest to raise $25,000 for these organizations!

This is where you come in… If you or anyone you know is considering making a move, we would like to offer them a FREE No Obligation to Sell Consultation to discuss just how they can make their move, get what they want and do it with the least hassle.

Simply call me direct at 705-441-5800 or forward my number on.  
MARKET DATA
No Time to Panic. 

The numbers reported yesterday for the month of April fell off the cliff. Not surprised given the mandatory lockdown around the world to halt the spread of the virus. It hurt and continues to hurt but it is absolutely necessary if we are to get a handle on the person to person spread. 

Keep in mind this is a man made interruption in normal market conditions and not a natural shift in the market. The number of Real Estate enquiries has not slowed and in-fact has increased in a number of property types and locations in our area. Since Easter the physical showings have also increased(with declarations, identifications and PPE in place). 

We have had lively discussions with our team and other advisors and experts around the region, around the country and around the world. Opinions of what’s next vary widely. 

Here’s my take… I’ve never been busier on the phone and email and with carefully staged physical showings. I believe we are unique in our region due to the fact that people are looking for; 
A) early retirement ( plans have accelerated) 
B) second home to enjoy now and escape to, if and when necessary
C) permanent move out of the city ( but still working ) with the ability to work from home 
D) selling recreational property here to enable the purchase of a bigger home in the suburbs of GTA with large yard and pool.

People are re-evaluating everything right now. How and where they want to live are on every family and in every person's mind. 

As I said in March while contemplating life aboard the only houseboat on Lake Powell, “ Space Is The New Luxury

I’m predicting a hard bounce. We may have hit the bottom in our area already. We are seeing a resurgence of activity with new listings and sales on the increase, on a daily basis for the last 20 days. 
CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing) says that 10’s of thousands of Canadians are having trouble meeting mortgage 
commitments. Further that prices will sag and  "prices won't return to pre-recession levels until late 2022 at the earliest”.

We used to say that when Toronto sneezes, we catch a cold here in Southern Georgian Bay. The Toronto market will be hit hard for sure as will the rest of Canada. We will feel a ripple effect as always. 

The only saving grace is that we are going to get more buyer activity in my opinion, as we become the area of choice more that ever for Torontonians. The increase in activity and tight supply should keep our prices relatively stable. 

No one has a crystal ball but for what it’s worth, this is my humble opinion. Now on to the stats...
For the Western District of South Georgian Bay which covers Wasaga Beach to Meaford sales are down -64.9% for the month of April 2020 over the same month last year.
Average price is down -5.8% to $510,367 for the month of April. New Listings are down -54.5%

Here's a breakdown by neighbourhood.
Blue Mountain 
April 2020 sales are down -82.9% against the same month last year.
Average price is down -7.5% to $683,167 for the month. 
New listings are down -30%

Clearview 
April 2020 sales are down -73.7% for the month over same month last year
Average price up +53.2% to $813,000 for the month.
New Listings are down -73.1% for the month.

Collingwood
April 2020 sales are down -71.9% for the month over same month last year.
Price is down -14.2% to $433,167 for the month.
New Listings are down -59.6%
Meaford
April 2020 sales are down -85.7% for the month over same month last year.
Average price down -42.8% to $339,000 for the month.
New Listings are down -41.7%

Wasaga Beach
April 2020 sales are down -35.6% for the month over same month last year.
Average price is up +7.5% to $496,507 for the month.
New Listings are down -6.3%







If you would like to know what does all of this mean to you as you are considering selling or buying, simply give me a call or send me an email and I'll be happy to help.
There is no cost or obligation on your part to have an initial meeting and go over what is important to you, what are your needs and wants. As everyone's situation is different, it will be my pleasure to offer you my expertise and advice.
NEWEST LISTINGS
Prestigious golf community of Lora Bay
The Blue Mountains

4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 4,355 SF

View full details HERE
Immaculate Bungalow in Blue Shores
Collingwood

3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2,848 SF

View full details HERE
Stylish Homestead & Exceptional Equestrian Facility
The Blue Mountains

4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 3,250 SF | 21 Acres

View full details HERE
Quintessential Home for an Active Family
Collingwood

5 Bedrooms | 6 Bathrooms | 4,279 SF

View full details HERE
INTERVIEWS
I had the privilege of being interviewed last week regarding the market in our area, take a look at the articles below, click on the image or title to read each full article.
NOTEWORTHY READS
Virtual Open House Helps Million-Dollar Beaches Home Sell in 12 Days

Livabl
The virtual open house might not have been the edited, ultra-polished versions of marketing videos we’ve seen before, but people like this candid approach.

Narcity
Dream home in Whistler B.C., where you'll feel like you're hovering in the air between the trees and the mountains.
GTHS
2021 Calendar Photo Contest
During the #stayhome movement, the GTHS wants to see what you and your pet are up to!
Show them how your pet is passing the time and making the most of physical distancing.
Capture an image that best represents your pet during this time and tell them why your pet means so much to you and your family!

 MORE INFO
GG MAGAZINE
Italy, we love you - Siamo con Voi!
Although business has shifted, our brand continues to stand by one another, locally and globally. In lieu of the next print version of GG Magazine, Engel & Völkers has created, for the first time, a new online series of GG Magazines dedicated to the regions most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic .

The first edition “Italy, we love you – Siamo con Voi!”  i s an homage to Italy, one of the most charismatic, romantic and beautiful European countries, and it highlights more than 65 of the most wonderful properties available.

Let yourself be inspired by the fine selection of properties.

REAL ESTATE BOOKS
I have also been busy using my 35+ years of real estate experience to write a few books that you may enjoy. Click on the images below to get your FREE copy.
Selling Secrets You Can't Afford to Miss
Find the Home of Your Dreams Without Overpaying
Home Improvements that Improve Values
SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY
There are different ways to help the local shops in our communities. And many of them have adapted to the situation and are offering delivery services, curbside pickup or take out options.
Scroll to the bottom for a complete list, but here are some examples.

The Smoke

Collingwood
Takeout available! Hours have been adjusted to close at 7:00 PM .

More Info 

Espresso Post
Collingwood
Delicious take-out sandwiches for lunch or dinner. Open 8 am – 4 pm. To place your order ahead, please call 705-446-1740.


Bent Taco
Collingwood
‘TAKE-OUT FROM A DISTANCE’ in Collingwood. Lines open at 3pm. Give them a call at 705-445-0202.

Chez Michael
Creemore
Takeout open for lunch & dinner Wednesday to Sunday.


The Mill Cafe
Thornbury
Opening their kitchen to serve you with take-out options.
Please check their website weekly for updated menu options. To order, call 519-599-7866


Joe Tomato's Restaurant
Owen Sound
Offering daily specials and delivery option.


Portside Fusion
Port Carling
Take out available Wednesday through Sunday.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

We are so grateful for having the opportunity over the decades to help families sell or buy the place they call home and in the process we have met some of the most wonderful, loving, caring people sharing the same values we do!

"We link together the aspirations of discerning individuals around the world, be it in a private or a business context. With total passion."

Thank you very much for your continued support over the years.
Max Hahne
License Partner and Broker of Record
Engel & Völkers Collingwood Muskoka
15A Hurontario St. Collingwood, ON L9Y 2L7
Direct: 705-441-5800
CIPS - Certified International Property Specialist
RSPS - Resort & Second Home Property Specialist
SRES - Seniors Real Estate Specialist
Master ASA - Accredited Seniors Advisor
SRS - Seller Representative Specialist
C.E.A. Certified Executor Advisor

Follow Your Dream, Home.