How can you tell if a neighbourhood is improving?

When you’re looking for a new home, you want to find one in a great

neighbourhood – or, at least, in a neighbourhood that is on the upswing.

How can you tell if a particular area is improving? Here are some common

indicators:

• Pride of ownership. Take a walk around the neighbourhood. Do you get a

sense that people take good care of their homes? Are the lawns mowed?

Is the landscaping trimmed? Are flowers planted? Homeowners are more

likely to look after their properties when they like where they are living.

• Home improvements. Are people investing in their homes? Are they

getting their driveways re-done? Their windows replaced? Are there signs

of home improvement projects? If so, this is a clear indication that

homeowners like the area enough to invest in their properties.

• Real estate sales activity. Do homes tend to sell quickly in the area? Do

they sell for a good price? If so, the neighbourhood is probably in demand.

If people want to live there, it's a desirable area.

• Business investment. Are businesses investing in the surrounding area?

Is there an increase in the number of upscale shops, health clubs,

restaurants, and other commercial enterprises that often locate near

desirable neighbourhoods?

• Community involvement. Are there signs that the community plays an

active role in the look and lifestyle of the neighbourhood? Are there

neighbourhood picnics, yard sales and other get-togethers? Check

Facebook.com to see if the neighbourhood has a community page.

• City plans. Find out what plans the city has for the area. Will there be road

improvements done in the near future? Are there any major construction

projects on the schedule, such as a new school or community centre.

Although such projects can be disruptive in the short term, they may

improve the neighbourhood – and, as a result, boost the value of any home

you buy – in the long-term.

Of course, the best way to find out the desirability of a neighbourhood is to

talk to a good REALTOR® who knows the area. Call today

Flashback 1991: Zebra Mussels

Published on 30 Aug 2012

It was about 20 years ago now that Zebra Mussels first appeared in the great lakes, brought here in the bilge tanks of ocean going vessels. By the early 90's it had become a serious problem prompting this CHEX report out of Durham Region by Dale Jackson.

Some two decades since it's introduction, the zebra mussel continues to make itself felt throughout Ontario, scientists saying it's presence is likely contributing to beach closings, the widespread deaths of migratory birds, and the slow starvation familiar fish. A very recent study estimates that invasive species including Zebra Mussels extract an economic toll of hundreds of millions of dollars in areas surrounding the great lakes. While the Ministry of Natural Resources admits that eradication of the species is not an option it has allocated fifteen million dollars for the establishment of an "Invasive Species Management Centre" in Sault Ste. Marie in an effort to contain the situation and mitigate damage to the provinces waters and fishery.

Source Chex Newswatch

Virtual tour 665 Garden Road In Ennismore

LOVINGLY CARED FOR RAISED BUNGALOW WITH FINISHED BASEMENT AND GARAGE ON GORGEOUS LANDSCAPED CORNER LOT ON A VERY DESIRABLE QUIET STREET IN BEAUTIFUL ENNISMORE! NOTHING TO DO BUT MOVE IN! THIS HOME FEATURES 3+1 BEDROOMS, EAT IN KITCHEN, LARGE DINING AREA THAT ALSO LEADS TO REAR DECK, LARGE WINDOWS TO LET IN THE LIGHT AND WONDERFUL MAIN FLOOR FAMILY ROOM! FEATURE LIST OF THIS HOME GOES ON AND ON. MANY RECENT UPDATES INCLUDING NAPOLEON ULTRA HIGH EFFICENT GAS FURNACE, UPGRADED WELL, NEW WINDOWS, SHINGLES ON HOUSE AND GARAGE DOOR RECENTLY REPLACED. YOU WILL ENJOY THE HUGE PAVED DRIVEWAY WITH PARKING FOR SEVERAL VEHICLES. DETACHED GARAGE WITH POWER OPENER, 200 AMP HYDRO. THE BASEMENT HAS 4TH BEDROOM, REC ROOM & A LARGE WORKSHOP (SEE DOCUMENTS FOR COMPLETE LIST OF UPGRADES SINCE 2003 OR ASK YOUR REALTOR.)