The Weekly December 2 2022

Market wrap

Not everyone is looking to score a doer upper-er. As a matter of fact, buyers are now hunting for renovated homes – a stark contrast from the originals they were eager to get their hands on earlier in the year. But it’s not surprising, given the rising cost of building materials and trades that has seen building go gangbusters in 2022. While a turn-key home is of course going to be more out of pocket, buyers are willing to pay a premium for a sense of certainty (instead of a list of things to fix) in this rollercoaster economy.

Our community

And while we are on the subject of fixing up, let’s chat about the roadworks in Avalon. It’s the talk of the town. And if you are not hearing the talk, you’re hearing the construction, the traffic, the beeps and the sighs. Not the Avalon summer we signed up for sadly.

Last night a number of concerned citizens and local retailers came together at the scene of the crime, to share thoughts to pass on to the Northern Beaches Council. Thanks to the dedication of the local Chamber of Commerce, recently reconstituted just in time, to intervene. We all know that “the Avalon Intersection” has long been a problem, but we don’t want to solve one problem, only to create another. Earlier this week, the Council promised to triple the work crew and up the tempo on the schedule — the end, we’re assured, is within site (next Tuesday!).  Fingers crossed we can get back to regular summer programming and a new pedestrian-friendly village, asap.

What’s on

It’s back! Carols At The Beach has been sorely missed from the festive calendar for what seems like ions but it’s time to roll out your rugs and clear your throats for those yuletide favourites once again. The way to do it? Pick up some picnic goodies from Leonardo’s (LP’s Quality Meats! Le Marquis chèvre!), add a bottle of crisp semillon from Le Pont and head on down… early. And we mean early! No one wants to sit out in Siberia.

Hi, hello, there’s a new boutique in town and it’s all kinds of curated cool. Opening tomorrow Sat 3rd, Peggy Concept Store rolls fashion, music, art, lifestyle and culture into one glorious little store in the old Freckles building. Carrying coveted labels hard-to-find on the NB – like Byron’s cult yoga gear Nagnata, print-fabulous resort from Oas Company and Matteau’s sleek swimwear – we couldn’t be more excited to meet the new neighbours. Our bank balance on the other hand…

Speaking of shopping, fill your Market Day void (gosh those were the days) and head down to Market on the Green this Sunday Dec 4th at Avalon Bowlo. With 50 local artisan market stalls, delicious bites to eat, local musicians, entertainment for the little ones (or should we say a moment of peace for the parents) and a guest appearance from Saint Nick, it’s going to be a day for it. Tis the season to market, friends.

Whale Beachers, rejoice. You can soon ditch the car for your morning coffee commute and mosey on down the road instead. Sardean Cafe and Store is opening up in the old Whale Beach Deli hotspot and it’s looking full of personality, fresh food, local produce and most importantly, good quality cuppas. While an opening date is not yet confirmed, the wheels are definitely in motion. The best bit? They’ll be open 6.30-6pm Mon-Sun.

Looking to sell?

Now is also a great time to start planning if you aim to sell in early 2023. It generally takes a few weeks for a property to be listed, sold, and settlement is usually a couple of months after that. So, if you’re looking to buy or sell when the market kicks back off in late Jan…call us! We would love to help. Request a market appraisal here!