It’s Tour Tuesday, and this week we’re officially professional. We have a new device holding the camera, which means no more shaky one-handed filming while we drive. Morgan sat this one out, she was busy actually working, so it’s Tom and Tara covering the market, a truly unusual new listing, and two weekend adventures that got a little out of hand.
July Market Update: Rates Held, Buyers Are Stirring
The Bank of Canada held its rate at 2.25% last week, and that’s good news. Rates aren’t climbing, and mortgage rates are sitting right around 4%, a little higher or lower depending on your situation. Those are genuinely good numbers to be borrowing at.
Buyers came out a little stronger this month, but with a caveat: the activity is concentrated in certain price ranges. Almost everything under $500,000 is selling, while things over $500,000 are quieter. We did see a few sales over a million dollars, but those remain few and far between.
Overall, our spring market has trickled into the summer market, and summer is up 8% over last year. Keep in mind this is still the second slowest time of the year, which is expected, everyone is out enjoying the sun. Buyers will come back stronger in the fall.
Thinking About Selling? Start Now
If you’re considering listing, now is the time to get ready so you’re set for the fall market. Not sure what your home needs? Have us come out. We’ll take a look, we’ll bring our stager, and we’ll tell you exactly what to do to get your home bright, shiny and ready to show.
A Thought for the Families Affected by the Forest Fires
We won’t get political, but we want to send our best wishes to all the families and firefighters dealing with the forest fires right now. We had some rain here this week and we hope it finds its way to where it’s needed most. Our first responders are incredible, and we appreciate every one of you.
New on the Market: A Floating House on the Bay of Quinte
Some interesting homes are coming on the market right now, and one is a genuine rarity. We just heard about a property along the Bay of Quinte that includes a dwelling currently being rented, plus an actual floating house down on the water. Yes, a floating house. We called it an oddity and we stand by that. If you want to see it, honestly, so do we. Reach out and we’ll get you the details.
Weekend Adventures: Whitewater and Wildlife
Tara took the kids whitewater rafting on Saturday at OWL Rafting, and it came with a dramatic finale. Just as they finished the run, the skies opened up for a solid 15 minutes of pouring rain, blowing in from every side, covered pontoon boat or not. Rafting means you’re wet anyway, but this was another level. Even so, we strongly recommend OWL Rafting. It’s really well run, there’s lots to do, and it’s a great spot for a family day.
Meanwhile, Joe took his kids to Parc Omega in Quebec, which is like African Lion Safari but closer to home and filled with North American animals. To say the animals are not timid is an understatement. You drive through the park feeding them carrots, and Joe had his kids prep their carrots on their laps, telling them the animals were shy. Then he rolled down the windows. Elk and red deer immediately shoved their faces into the car and started eating right off the kids’ laps. The kids screamed, Joe laughed until he cried, and the only casualty was the video he thought he was recording. What makes the place special is that it’s a real wildlife preserve, so you’re feeding animals that are protected, not just tame.
We Need Your Help: Two Questions for You
First, Tom’s son is a bit of an adrenaline junkie who loves jumping off high things into water. If you know a relatively safe spot, a bridge, a swimming quarry, anywhere in the region, drop a comment and let us know. We’ve heard about the bridge in Tweed, the swing bridge in Stirling, and spots near Madoc, Marmora and Milford, but the locals always know best, and we’re willing to travel.
Second, what are your summer hidden gems? We keep people posted on events through the I Love Belleville Facebook page, but if you know a great little event or a secret mom-and-pop restaurant that deserves more attention, tell us about it. We love to eat out and we love to support local. We might even come do a Tour Tuesday segment with you, though fair warning, you have to buy lunch.
Thinking About a Move?
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about what your home is worth in today’s market, we’d love to help. Reach out anytime.