Royal LePage Celebrates 95th Anniversary

This year marks the 95th anniversary of Royal LePage. Albert E. LePage became the first full-time Canadian real estate sales representative when he founded the company in 1913. He revolutionized the practice of selling real estate by using his car for property showings, offering detailed property listings in newspapers and he made films which he used to market upper-end homes. Today, the Internet has become the medium of choice for MLS® property listings and films have been replaced by Vitural Tours and Podcasts.

Albert LePage's first sale was a single family home on Thorold Avenue in Toronto which sold for $6,500, a lot of money back then. A subsequent venture in real estate involved him selling lots in the west end of Toronto at the south end of Keele Street next to High Park. When encountering difficulties in trying to find buyers for the lots he decided to rename that portion of Keele Street to Parkside Drive.

In the 1970's, LePage introduced the Carriage Trade Luxury Properties program and the quarterly Survey of Canadian House Prices, two initiatives that are still in place today. In 1984, LePage merged with the real estate arm of Royal Trust forming Royal LePage, the largest real estate brokerage in the country at that time. Today, there are several major real estate franchise companies in Canada most of which are transplants from the United States, making Royal LePage uniquely Canadian.

Today there are over 13,000 Royal LePage agents with offices all across Canada. Royal LePage has over 65% of corporate Canada under contract for their employee relocation services and the company continues to expand its services in keeping with the slogan "Helping YOU Is What We Do.

Spectacular Sunsets and Star Studded Skies

Unique, elite and romantic are but a few of the adjectives that apply to this meticulously maintained two owner waterfront home! Nestled amongst the trees on the rugged limestone shores of Lake Huron just north of Wiarton, this executive retreat or full time lakefront residence offers unparalled views of Lake Huron and sunsets to die for. Totalling over 3,500 square feet with six bedrooms, 2 full and 2 half baths, this property offers unlimited potential to entertain family, friends or business associates in a one-of-a-kind location that will leave a lasting impression and an unforgetable experience for everyone that visits. Enjoy the warmth and rustic elegnace of the BC redwood lined interior with soaring cathedral ceilings and a massive floor to ceiling natural stone fireplace. Natural stone walkways meander through a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees which are comlimented by lush perennial gardens. Sweeping panoramic views of the emerald green and blue waters of Lake Huron and adjacent conservation lands can be enjoyed inside and out. This 1.95 acre island property is accessible year-round via a private causeway with gated entrance ensuring a private setting yet is less than 20 minutes from shopping and a federal airport with customs clearance. For additional information and photos on this truly unique waterfront property that can not be duplicated at ANY price click on the link below or contact the writer. Offered to discerning buyers at $1,099,000.

http://www.mls.ca/PropertyDetails.aspx?PropertyID=6514562

Royal LePage Awards

This coming week marks the Annual Royal LePage Awards night in Toronto. Based on another strong year for real estate sales throuought our area and the hard work of my REALTOR® peers at Royal LePage All Real Estate Services in Collingwood, a number of us will be heading to Toronto later this week to accept our awards. While many may view these awards as somewhat self serving to the REALTORS®, their attainment acknowledges the knowledge, work ethic and dedication it takes to be successful in what is a very difficult and ever-changing business.

I wish to thank all of my clients and supporters for helping me attain the Royal LePage "President's Gold" award for 2007. Without the patronage and confidence of my past clients, their ongoing referrals and the added service and value I strive to provide to my clients both old and new, recognition such as this would not be possible. I extend to all of you my heartfelt thanks and I remained committed to providing all of my buyer and seller clients with nothing less than a gold standard of real estate service and expertise in the future.