BUYERS BEWARE Have you wondered about signing a "Buyers Agent Agreement" Why should you and what are the benefits of entering into an agreement with an agent? There are credible reasons for hiring a knowlegible Real Estate Agent Professional. 1) He or she will know the area and be able to assist you in comparing other home prices in the neighborhood you are considering.2) He or she will be able to advise you on the type of neighborhood you are considering. Is it close to schools and family activities? Is it a family friendly neighborhood.3) He or she will be able to advise you on other professionals in the area such as a Mortgage Specialist, a Home Inspector, an Insurance Agent and possibly even an Interior Decorating Specialist who can advise you on changes you may want to make to the ... 09/06/2016

ANNUAL HOMECOMING WEEKEND IN NORTH BUXTONVisitors come from far and wide to experience the Black History in Chatham-Kent and visit some of the original sites and destinations of the slaves who arrived via the Underground Railway and settled in this area of Chatham-Kent in the mid 1800's.The original Elgin Settlement site, North Buxton was one of the last stops on the Underground Railway and the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum are located on that original location. Chatham-Kent became home to some of the most successful Black settlements and boasted the greatest populace of former slaves in those days. North Buxton holds it's Annual Homecoming Celebration each year on Labour Day Weekend.This annual homecoming weekend transforms the Historic Village of North Buxton. It swell from... 08/31/2016

Generation X Changes Housing Market for Millenials     You may have heard rumbling that there is a shortage of homes in the market for sale and wondered why. To fully understand todays market requires some knowledge of the generation numbers and their effects on homes for sale, buyers and the renters market. Generation X, born between the years of 1965-1984, numbers 83 million. According to some experts, they came into the housing market at the wrong time. In 2004, Generation X homeowners reached an all time historical high of 49.5%. Today 10+ years later those historical averages are 7.0-7.9% below average for that generation. What happened? Many entered the market purchasing overvalued properties with high-risk loans that left them overextended and vulnerable. Some, as a result went ... 07/05/2016

Affordable Resort Locations In and Around Chatham-KentHave you ever dreamed about living on or near the water? When you have been on vacation have you asked your what it would be like to wake up everyday and be able to look out over the lake or the scenic river view from your window. Jump into your boat  that is tied up at the dock outside your back door and go for a slow cruise or sit with your after dinner drink and watch the sunset over the water any night you want?Many of us dream just those dreams but we talk ourselves out of it. It is just too expensive! Where would I go? How could I afford It? Great News! Chatham-Kent, that Hidden Gem in Southwestern Ontario is just such a place. It is located between Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie and has several  Resort locations in and around th... 06/28/2016

    Feature Home of the Week 6419 Riverview Line 3 Bedroom Waterfront Rancher $539,900.00 Description: This home is a show stopper, quality throughout! Rear of home is glass overlooking the river and the spectacular sunsets. Home is situated on a picturesque bend in the river giving unobstructed views both ways. Covered back porch with colored stamped concrete is the ideal location to watch the sun rise and set.Perfectly manicured lawns and gardens with large stamped cement patio in rear, walkways and oversized driveway in front. 2 car heated attached garage. Home has been completely remodelled with newer roof, furnace, air conditioner, windows and 4 sets of patio doors leading to rear decks. Beautiful hardwood floors throughout. Bathrooms are ceramic, front and back entrances are natu... 06/01/2016

Chatham Retrofest 2016 This Weekend May 27/28   Chatham's 16th Annual Retrofest This Weekend May 27/28 This weekend in Chatham-Kent will be jam packed with family fun. It is our annual Retrofest Weekend starting with the famous Classic Car OLG Parade on Friday Evening at 6 P.M. The Vintage Cars, Trucks and even some Motorcycles will meet on Friday night at 4 P.M. at the Bradley Convention Centre on Richmond St.. They will leave the parking lot at 6 P.M. where they will proceed down Richmond St. to the Bloomfield, down the Bloomfield to Riverview Line, out along the Thames River to the Prairie Siding Bridge, over the bridge and back to Historic Downtown Chatham via the River Road on the Dover side. Spectators line the parade route to enjoy the show of approximately 700 vehicles. You can... 05/25/2016

CHATHAM-KENT AREA GOLF COURSES You are an avid golfer but unfortunately you are not yet in a position to go south for 6 months. You love the seasons but the area you live in just is not condusive to enjoy golfing as much as you would like. We in Chatham-Kent have the answer!Chatham-Kent is located in the middle of the Great Lakes and because of it's unique geography, experiences very mild temperatures. Here is Southwestern Ontario we are often referred to as the Banana Belt of Ontario. This allows for longer golfing seasons, usually 10 months of the year, a welcome addition to many areas whose seasons are short lived.There are 9 Chatham-Kent area Golf Courses ranging from Public to Semi- Private and each individual course is uniquely designed with water traps beautifully groomed fairway... 05/16/2016

April 2016, 10:35:00 AM                          Curb Appeal  for Your Home in Spring   I know our weather often goes from winter to summer with very little Spring but don’t forget those Spring cleanup chores for your home and gardens. Curb appeal is vital if you are thinking of listing your home for sale but  it is also very important even if you are not moving or contemplating a move. Pride in ownership requires a constant basic improvement plan for your home. You want to greet guests and family with the best curb appeal possible for those summer months ahead.  Here are just a few tasks that will give your home a summer WOW factor! Rake up dead leaves and winter debris from under and around the shrubs and gardens. Weed beds and get ground ready for planting flowers Trim shrubs Put a f... 04/27/2016

 Tips for Home Security 1) Invest in a Homes Security System that is monitored by a security company. Don't rely on your pet to alert neighbors. 2) Install cameras at front and rear of home. Robbers want to get in and out in a hurry and do not want to be caught in the act on camera. If they see the cameras, chances are they will move on to an easier target. 3) Install laminate windows. Robbers are looking for easy prey and do not want problems before they enter your home. A regular basement or patio door are easily broken for access especially if you do not have motion sensors on doors and windows.4) Make sure your locks and doors are sturdy and not easly picked or forced. We have all seen TV shows where a handy pin or a good push will yield quick entry. Dont' let that be your entry doo... 04/05/2016

 Spring Cleaning Tips For Home Owners1)Clean Eve Troughs2)Pick up winter debris on lawns and gardens and rake if necessary.3)Trim shrubs, bushes and trees. Spring is a good time if you did not do it in the Fall. Check with nursery since there are a few varieties that are not  recommended for Spring pruning.4) Refresh mulch in gardens and around trees if applicable.5) Roll the lawn7) Aerate the lawn and give it a good start for the season.8) Apply Spring Fertilizer. Check with Nursery or Lawn Maintenance Company to purchase the proper mix.8) Wash windows inside and out. Don't forget the tracks which may be clogged with winter dirt and grime.9) Power wash the decks and sidewalks. If wooden decks, use caution with power washer. If too powerful, you may damage the wood. Stain if desired.9) ... 03/29/2016

Chatham`s Historic Downtown King St. Retro Suites to Finish Latest Expansion June1/ 2016   The Chatham Retro Suites opened approximately a decade ago and has continued to expand and built their reputation for being one of the finest hotels of its kind. They were awarded the TripAdvisors Travelers`Choice Award 2015 and awarded Top Honors in the Best Hotels Section for all of Canada. This elite honor is awarded to the top 1% of all hotels on Trip Advisor, based on reviews and opinions from millions of travelers.The Retro Suites Hotel has preserved the Historical elements of the King St. William Block while providing the best modern amenities an upscale hotel can offer. The block now completely housing the Retro Suites through many renovations has retained its original architecture and cha... 03/02/2016

Safety Precautions for Homeowners While on Vacation       February is here and I hear lots of people talking about leaving on vacation to warm weather climates or planning to leave in the near future. March Break for the children is a popular time for families to take a holiday. Sounds good to me, although the temperature last weekend was almost balmy compared to what we have been experiencing. We are not, however, done with old man winter by any stretch of the imagination. There are some safety measures that homeowners often neglect when vacation preparations take the forefront in their minds. This could mean the difference between ending your wonderful vacation on a good note or on a gloomy one. We all like social media and it is a great way to advertise your business and keep in tou... 02/23/2016

  4 Bedroom Waterfront Rancher $559,900Rue Des Erables PaincourtChatham-Kent Ontario    This executive 4 bedroom/ 3 bath rancher is located on the banks of the Thames River in Chatham-Kent Ontario. The home is immaculate. Large professionally landscaped property with brick paver circular drive on service road off the highway. In- ground kidney shaped pool with large brick paver patio at rear of home. Rear yard is fenced with wrought Iron and brick pillars to the river. Stairway at River's edge leading to private dock. Large livingroom/ diningroom combination. Open concept family room with cathedral ceilings and gas fireplace. Family room open to solid oak kitchen with large centre island complete with surface element, prep sink and lots of cuboards. Brick wall with built-in Genn- Aire b... 01/24/2016

January is Alzheimer Awareness Month   If you or a loved one are experiencing signs of dementia or other symptoms be sure to consult  a professional. Alzheimer``s is the leading cause of dementia and is not a disease of only elderly patients. It worsens with age. The Alzheimer Society has developed 10 warning signs. Be aware and do not fight Alzheimers alone. Help is available. The Chatham-Kent Chapter has professionals who can assess, educate and counsel you and your family. Warning Signs: 1) Memory Loss that affects day to day function 2) Difficulty performing familiar tasks 3) Problems with Language 4) Disorientation of time and place 5) Poor or decreased judgement 6) Problems with abstract thinking 7) Misplacing things 8) Changes in mood and behaviour 9) Changes is personality 10) ... 01/18/2016

Snow Angel Program In Chatham-Kent We haven't needed the Snow Angel Program as yet this winter but do not count your blessings too soon. Winter is not done with us yet. There are many senior citizens in our community who don't have the financial resources to hire someone to shovel their walks or a friend or relative who is able and willing to assist. This can be a very big problem for some senior citizens, shut-ins or disabled individuals who live alone and need help, especially after a major snow fall. It can be the major reason that relatives resist the idea of independence for their loved ones.The occupant of the home cannot shovel themselves and some are very afraid of falling if the snow is not cleared. Tom Curtin, co-ordinator for the program said that those benefiting from the pr... 01/05/2016

'Christmas In Muskoka' Annual Event in Chatham-Kent Chatham-Kent's 'Christmas In Muskoka' is in its 5th year. Nearly 40 designer decorated Christmas trees were donated last year to be raffled off. The event was a huge success, raising approximately $80,000.00. As a result over 300 grade 7 students in the St. Clair Catholic District School Board and over 120 student leaders from Ursuline College attended the Muskoka Woods leadership Camp in May 2015. The event is sponsored by the St. Clair Catholic School Board and the proceeds go to support students who attend the Muskoka Wood Leadership Camp, held in May each year. 1300 kids, including Grade 7 students and High School leaders from Ursuline College Chatham have been able to take part in this Premier Outdoor Adventure Camp, thanks to  '... 11/30/2015

 OPEN HOUSE SUNDAYNovember 22/2015 1-3 p.m. Feature Home of the Week6419 Riverview Line 3 Bedroom Waterfront Rancher$549,900.00Description: This home is a show stopper, quality throughout! Rear of home is glass overlooking the river and the spectacular sunsets. Home is situated on a picturesque bend in the river giving unobstructed views both ways. Covered back porch with colored stamped concrete is the ideal location to watch the sun rise and set. Perfectly manicured lawns and gardens with large stamped cement patio in rear, walkways and oversized driveway in front. 2 car heated attached garage. Home has been completely remodelled with newer roof, furnace, air conditioner, windows and 4 sets of patio doors leading to rear decks. Beautiful hardwood floors throughout. Bathrooms are ceram... 11/19/2015

Rememberance Day Nov 11 'Lest We Forget' Freedom is not Free! Many veterans have given their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy. Wednesday Nov 11 at 11 A.M. many stop and have a moment of silence to commemorate the signing of the Amistice that put an end to World War 1. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the war ended after 4 terrible years of warfare between the Germans and the Allied Troops. Called Armistice Day, it was later renamed Rememberance Day after World War 11 to commemorate soldiers from both wars. Today, it is a day to remember all fallen soldiers. The Legion members sell Poppies each year as a way for the public to visibly show  respect  and honor for those heroic men and women who gave up so much and died so other could be free.The  Red Poppy is tradi... 11/09/2015

Fall Colors Ablaze in Chatham-Kent Area  I have heard people talk about taking a driving vacation through the East Coast States and the beautiful colors of the trees in Vermont and Maine in the Fall. If you are like my wife and myself, it is on our Bucket List but as of yet we have not had the time or more truthfully, made the time, to enjoy the trip. Life is a choice, I always say!Anyway, whatever the case with you, if you have not been there, you are in luck. We were driving to London last week, and I was amazed at the beautiful trees and the impressive array of colors we encoutered right here in our own area. Kent Country in particular has many wooded areas that can give us a showcase of fall colors if we just stop to enjoy the views. Rondeau Provincial Park is an area that my wife u... 10/27/2015

Buying Or Selling Real Estate? Fall is Prime for Both! According to Patricia Verge, President of the Ontario Real Estate Association, there are severalreasons that Fall is the second busiest season for buying or selling your home. As most of us know, the summer is prime but do not discount the fall or autumn season if you were not ready a couple of months ago. There is a segment of the population that wants to move in the summer for obvious reasons such as getting settled before the children go back to school. There is also the curb appeals that a home has when the yard is at it's best, the flowers and shrubs are blooming and simply packing can be easier in the warm weather. Fall however, has its appeal as well. Remember some of us are too busy in the summer. There are cottage owners, s... 09/23/2015