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In many parts of Canada it feels like we wait forever for Summer to finally arrive. Well now that it's here I hope you get the chance to relax and read the journal entry for this quarter.
The Kitchener-Waterloo community has a variety of fantastic home run businesses and I recently caught up with Margaret & Derek
Bermingham, of Claddagh House Bed and Breakfast in the Heritage District of Kitchener, Ontario:
Q1: Margaret what is a Bed and Breakfast (B&B) for those who have not heard of the concept? A1: A Bed & Breakfast is usually a home where the owners live and offer guest accommodations with the added bonus of being served a great breakfast every morning. The home owners know the area well and can offer advice about places to visit and restaurants to check out.
Q2: How long have you folks been in operation? A2: For the past 12 years.
Q3: How does a B&B compare to a hotel? A3: Every Bed & Breakfast is unique, but they all tend to offer a greater level of hospitality as you are staying in someones home as opposed to staying in a franchise. There is a very personal touch to a Bed & Breakfast, great breakfasts, cozy & clean bedrooms and the home owners tend to have a very good knowledge of the area.
Q4: What sets your B&B apart from others in the area? A4: Being Irish, we offer down home hospitality, have a lovely clientele and a lot of repeat guests. People may come to our Bed & Breakfast as strangers but they leave as friends.
Q5. Is being a locally owned and operated B&B business a lot of work? What is the day in the life of a B&B owner like? A5. After planning the breakfast the night before, I usually rise at 6:30 am, prepare breakfast and serve at the required time. After the guests leave I redo the bedrooms and bathrooms for the next guests who usually arrive after 3 pm. Upon arrival I welcome new guests with tea and small snacks. The rest of the evening is personal time.
Q6. How do you advertise? A6. We find that BBCanada is the best website to advertise on once your name is out there. When people search via www.Bing.com for "Accommodations Kitchener" our Bed & Breakfast is also listed highly on a mapped list of places to stay. Also being a Member of the Waterloo Bed & Breakfast Association helps as well.
Q7. Do people usually stay for business or pleasure or a variety of both? A7. People stay for all kinds of reasons (business and pleasure), that's why we're open all year round. It helps when a guest mentions why they're staying so we can help point out some things that will be of interest during their stay. We have a lot of people who stay because of work (Research in Motion (RIM); Manulife Financial; Sunlife Financial) courses being held in the area (courses being held at the Delta Hotel, Walper Hotel, Bingeman Park) and a variety of shows in the area (Wood, Quilt, Physics, Scrapbooking, Knitters, Home Hardware shows).
Q8. What types of accommodations are available? A8. We have three bedrooms in total. One bedroom with a Queen Bed plus En-suite Bathroom and Two bedrooms (one with a Queen Bed; and one with two single beds) that have a shared bathroom.
Q9. Are there a minimum number of nights guests have to stay? A9. Guests can stay as long as they like and there is a 10% discount for guests who stay for 5 nights or longer during one stay.
Q10. What type of breakfast is served? A10. I have at least 10 different breakfasts that I have to choose from each morning. The key is just to have fun with it.
Q11. Do you find you have to accommodate a lot of special needs (Dietary concerns, children, and pets)? A11. We do cater to dietary needs, so that's not a problem at all. I keep gluten free bread on hand; people will let you know beforehand, so that helps in preparation. I ask when guests arrive if they have any food allergies.
Q12. Is there a common room where other guests can meet and chat? A12. The Breakfast room is also where my guests sit and have a glass of wine or in our back garden. Our beautiful back garden is quite large and has two lovely sitting areas and a fish pond. So it's quite a relaxing spot to enjoy on a nice day.
Q13. Do other guests get to interact at breakfast? A13. Some guests love to chat while others like to work or just talk to each other (if it's a couple / family). I have plenty of guests from other countries so sometimes English may not be the first language, but Kitchener-Waterloo has people from such diverse backgrounds that it doesn't take people very long to feel at home regardless what language you speak.
Q14. What questions should a customer ask if they are considering a B&B? A14. Some good questions to ask are: Check-In Time / Check-Out Time; Whether you can drop your bags off early; Whether guests can enjoy an early or late breakfast; Are there Cancellation Charges; Are Pets allowed; and are there different rates for Children.
Thanks so much to Margaret & Derek for letting me get a glimpse at one of Kitchener-Waterloos favourite home grown & operated businesses!
Stage is set for one of the Best Recreational Property Markets in Years
Canada's recreational property market is gaining serious traction as savvy purchasers take advantage of ideal conditions, setting the stage for what is expected to be the best market in recent years, according to a report released today by RE/MAX.
The 2011 RE/MAX Recreational Property Report, examining sales and trends in 46 markets across the country, found that substantial equity gains and recovering stock portfolios in major centres have contributed to an upswing in demand from coast to coast.
Demand rose in 78 per cent of markets, while sales were up or on par in 35 per cent of recreational centres. Inclement weather, including a late thaw and an abundance of precipitation, resulted in a slow start in many areas, but should be offset by stronger peak season activity. While starting prices have remained relatively stable across the board, there are deals to be had in virtually every region - especially at the top end. Luxury sales, as a result, have climbed in at least half the markets examined. Inventory levels are healthy throughout the country, although there has been some tightening reported at entry-level price points in about one-third of markets. Some of the best selection of product in recent years is now available.
Opportunities that haven't been seen in years are now presenting themselves, especially on the West Coast. Prices are down as much as 20 per cent from peak levels reported in 2006-2007, bringing ownership within reach to many potential purchasers. The strengthening oil sector has also brought Albertans back into mix, driving demand for both local and coastal B.C. properties. 2011 could be the turning point.
Buyers who held off during the recession are back in recreational property markets from coast-to-coast. Their patience has been rewarded with more affordable recreational values and greater inventory levels. It's the perfect storm, as ideal market conditions dovetail with wealth recovery.
In markets in Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada, the supply of recreational property has tightened considerably at the lower end, with potential price increases in store by year-end if momentum continues at the current pace.
At present, 50 per cent of markets offer recreational product at $350,000 or less, including most Ontario markets, Atlantic Canada, the Laurentians and three markets in the West-Lake Winnipeg, Canmore and Harrison Lake. Yet, even greater value exists for those willing to compromise on lot, location or type of access, such as riverfront, view properties, condominiums, fractional ownership or boat access options.
With overall economic performance improving daily and consumer confidence rising, the resurgence of Canadian recreational property markets is a natural progression. An upswing in discretionary spending is once again drawing purchasers to what is, without question, an innate Canadian pastime.
The report also found that Americans are cashing out-especially in Ontario and Atlantic Canada. For many, the timing has never been better. The vast majority purchased in Canadian markets when the dollar fell to 65 cents. These sellers are now taking advantage of price appreciation and the currency exchange.
The report noted that the composition of the country's recreational destinations continues to evolve. Fewer traditional cottages are available for sale than in years past. As the desire for the year-round lifestyle continues to drive renovation and new construction activity, these waterfront properties are disappearing from the landscape. Meanwhile, today's average recreational getaways are truly earning the distinction as the "home away from home," with many of the bells, whistles and comforts of their residential counterparts. The movement is challenging local municipalities to manage the delicate balance between regional growth and natural preservation-in some instances, changing recreational migration patterns in the process.
Some people dream of starting their home/building project from scratch or perhaps living in more rural areas as a way to get away from the big city life.
If this sounds like you, then use the following links to search results for Vacant Land and Rural Setting properties in Ontario:
If you're searching for property outside of Ontario and need help please let me know as I can use my resources to find you a great agent who can help find you the type of property that suits your needs. No matter what province, territory, state or nation you are thinking about I'll help find an agent who can help you.
Just fill out what you're looking for in the contact request form and let me know. I'll get you in touch with one of my associates in the appropriate province, state or country where you need to find a property!
Residential Housing prices climbed in May to a national average of $376,817, a rise of 8.6 per cent from a year earlier, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association. As the colour coded map below shows, gains were in various parts of Canada.
Click on the appropriate marker to find the statistics on gains or losses in each market area. Keep in mind that the information shown is based on averages for the shown market area.
Keeping your cool in the Summer certainly is made easier with a refreshing Lavender Margarita. And here's how to do it:
Lavender Margarita Recipe
2 oz. silver tequila
1/2 oz. Cointreau
1 oz. lavender simple syrup
1/2 lime
Sugar
Dried lavender
In a shaker, combine 2 oz. silver tequila, 1/2 oz. Cointreau, 1 oz. lavender simple syrup and the juice of half a lime and let sit. On a plate, mix the sugar and dried lavender and use it to rim the outside of a rocks glass. Fill the glass with ice. Shake and strain the contents of the strainer into the glass.
Enjoy, and remember: don't drink & drive this summer!
Bonus Round: How to make Lavender Simple Syrup If your garden contains Lavender, then you might enjoy making Lavender Simple Syrup. Here's how to do it:
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup lavender flower buds
Heat 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar until sugar is dissolved. Add 1/4 cup of lavender flowers and allow to simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. If desired, add a few blueberries for color or use food coloring. Drain syrup into a sealable glass jar - through a filter in order to remove the flowers. Let it cool, and then put in the fridge.
Interested in find out what your property would be worth in the current market conditions. Contact me for a free market evaluation.
I'm never too busy for your referrals so please remember to introduce your friend or associate to me if they need help in finding or selling their next home! Thanks :)
In many parts of Canada it feels like we wait forever for Summer to finally arrive. Well now that it's here I hope you get the chance to relax and read the journal entry for this quarter.
Bermingham, of 
A7. People stay for all kinds of reasons (business and pleasure), that's why we're open all year round. It helps when a guest mentions why they're staying so we can help point out some things that will be of interest during their stay. We have a lot of people who stay because of work (Research in Motion (RIM); Manulife Financial; Sunlife Financial) courses being held in the area (courses being held at the Delta Hotel, Walper Hotel, Bingeman Park) and a variety of shows in the area (Wood, Quilt, Physics, Scrapbooking, Knitters, Home Hardware shows).
A12. The Breakfast room is also where my guests sit and have a glass of wine or in our back garden. Our beautiful back garden is quite large and has two lovely sitting areas and a fish pond. So it's quite a relaxing spot to enjoy on a nice day.
Keeping your cool in the Summer certainly is made easier with a refreshing Lavender Margarita. And here's how to do it: