Vancouver, BC now boasts an average house price of one million dollars and waterfront property in the millions. Prince Edward Island is one alternative offering affordable real estate and the dream of oceanfront ownership.

(I-Newswire) May 3, 2010 - A new trend is afoot thanks to an average housing price in Vancouver, BC of one millions dollars, which makes multi-million dollar waterfront and water view properties only possible for the ultra elite. It seems this new reality is fueling a growing exodus of honest hard working BC residents who now realize that home ownership, a comfortable retirement, shore front/view land, and a safe environment for family are likely far more possible on ‘Canada’s Island Paradise -a.k.a. Prince Edward Island.

PEI offers affordable land, homes, water front or water view possibilities, like a recently listed sea view home and cottage business with repeat clientele for under five hundred thousand in French River. A similar BC property with this type of home and renovated cottages would be worth well into the millions. A retiree can also expect to find a quaint three bedroom home in a fishing village with water views for under one-hundred thousand. In BC, you would pay at least several hundred thousand for such a home with water views.

Hamish Redpath of www.LivethePEIdream.com , a resource for anyone who loves PEI, offers his perspective, "PEI is a natural alternative for people seeking a safe haven to raise kids or retire. The island is amazing, affordable, fun, has great theatre and golf, and the winters are a lot shorter than rumoured- It’s paradise!"

For Immediate Release:

(I-Newswire) April 25, 2010 - Prince Edward Island invites baby boomers to discover a fun and affordable lifestyle in Canada’s Island Paradise.

The issue of Baby Boomer retirement and elder care is one that desperately needs attention, as this demographic begins to burgeon and society remains ill prepared. Our government has no plan of action to assist a rapidly growing elderly population cope with the rising cost of living. The added fact that the poor economy has diminished the retirement savings of large numbers of older citizens who once counted on these nest eggs for their worry free golden years.

Prince Edward Island is one province determined to showcase its affordable, healthy, and safe lifestyle to Baby Boomers looking for a realistic solution to an enjoyable retirement. PEI’s affordable housing, safe and healthy environment, rich theatre and cultural scene make it a no-brainer. Canada’s Island Paradise is a magical place and the welcome mat is out for retirees on PEI.

Hamish Redpath of http://www.LivethePEIdream.com, a resource for anyone who loves PEI, says, "Retirement on PEI just makes sense". "Unlike the west coast, The real estate is so affordable. Plus, the winters are so much shorter than rumoured’ and the lobsters are bigger and better than anywhere’.

Coming Soon.

PEI Makes Sense for Retirees

Prince Edward Island real estate and the whole ‘Retire to PEI‘ topic was discussed on early CBC morning radio on Monday when I was interviewed about this website. It’s all about celebrating Canada’s most affordable and beautiful province- PEI. Nancy Russell, a CBC journalist and producer, is exploring the topic of ‘Selling PEI’ and how we can attract more people to live on what is known as ‘Canada’s Island Paradise’!

Take a moment to listen to the podcast at the website below. I am featured in part one along with Kerry and Murray Howarth of Priest’s Pond, PEI and part 2 examines recruitment of international students. It looks like Tourism PEI will be discussing its perspective on Thursday morning when they share more insight into their marketing strategy for PEI.

www.CBC.ca/islandmorning

Title of ‘Canada’s Island Paradise’ Goes to Island Province of PEI!

The remarkable Title of Canada’s Island Paradise has been awarded to Prince Edward Island for a second straight year. The competition is as tough as ever with beautiful islands from coast to coast to coast all vying for the trophy, but somehow PEI continues to beat out popular west coast Islands, including Vancouver Island and Salt Spring Island, which have threatened to take the lead. Prince Edward Island seems to capture the title when all of its merits are weighed, including beyond par golf courses, warm waters thanks to the shallow Northumberland Strait, larger than average lobsters, world class theatre, and the most affordable seaside real estate in Canada or the U.S. It truly is a magical environment, and despite a strong effort from Baffin Island in the North, PEI came up aces again in 2010.

Congratulations to Prince Edward Island on its second win and good luck in 2011. The award is granted annually in a secret ceremony in early April at an undisclosed location somewhere on the winning Island. Premier Robert Ghiz was not available for comment, but a close associate was quoted as saying, "I’m honoured to hear about the award and believe we have a good shot to capture the title again in 2011", which will be an election year for the young PEI premier.

PEI is rich in great musicians and a thriving music scene. There must be something in the well water. Sarah Sandford is one of the young ones who will definitely see a growing fan base as the years progress. The petite songstress has a big heart with lots of passion for her music and what she does best. Sarah writes most of her own music, which ranges from melodies about life’s tribulations, to belt it out rocker chick mayhem!  A brilliant talent on five instruments, a jaw dropping voice, and she’s just getting started. Look out for this wild lass down the road. This much talent in one petite package comes with just enough attitude and is destined for great things. Check out the song above and feel free to contact this website to learn more about this PEI Talent.

PEI Web Virtual Tours-  An Essential Marketing Tool

No one would ever consider having a website without at least one photograph. It would seem odd and be a waste of a visual medium that is meant to showcase your product and develop business leads and sales. In fact, most web sites are strategically designed for best effect and include a large number of appropriate photos and art work. Well, the time is now upon us that is seeing the wide use of video in on-line marketing to better illustrate our services and capture the imagination of the intended audience. After all, this is a highly visual medium and video is the next logical step.

Web Virtual tours have been used in real estate for quite some time, but mainly in major markets and with higher end listings due to the initial high cost. Prince Edward Island is only now seeing a move in this direction and PEI Realty TV & www.LivethePEIdream.com offer short, affordable videos in high quality digital format for home owners who wish to sell their properties privately. PEI Real Estate agents are also able to market their listings on the website. The only thing worse than having no video option is to have a video that is poorly shot and edited. A quality digital camera should be used and it should appear to be professionally filmed (no shaky bits), and include captions, narration, and/or music to enhance the mini-production. People judge a video instantly and a certain level of professionalism should be achieved. After all, image is everything.   

A video on PEI Realty TV is affordable, custom designed and edited according to specs, and will achieve results in this highly competitive PEI real estate market.

Call Hamish at 902.659.2778 to learn more about showcasing your PEI property in high quality digital video on www.LivethePEIdream.com. The video can also be integrated into other websites and placed in a PEI MLS listing (if applicable). Prices start at only $250. Get the edge on the other listing in this competitive marketplace and sell your property this year.

Tragic Consequences for PEI Beaches

Prince Edward Island is known for its warm waters, big lobsters, friendly people, amazing golf, and great theatre, but there are some issues that need serious attention before more damage is done to PEI coastal environments.  There are provincial signs on north shore beaches warning residents and visitors that driving any motorized vehicle on PEI Beaches is against the law and strictly forbidden.  South shore beaches, where people enjoy swimming due to the warmer waters of the Northumberland Strait and walking on sand bars that stretch for miles at low tide, unfortunately do not receive the same protection from the provincial government.

Professional clam diggers are entitled to drive their trucks on sensitive beaches, through natural mussel beds (as seen in the photo below), and across marram grass colonies, which are supposedly protected under the law? There is quiet outrage by cottage and home owners in various south shore coastal communities where the clam digging at their doorsteps is quite exceptional. Waking up in the morning to take in the beautiful view from their decks, these homeowners are regularly greeted by noisy trucks parked on beaches at low tide. There have also been incidents of Clammer’s trucks leaking oil on beaches, garbage thrown about, and other unmentionable acts of litter on public property.

South Shore property owners understand and support the rights of professional clam harvesters to make a living. The problem is the damage being done to sensitive beach areas, as well as the effects of unsightly vehicles on beaches near local tourism rentals. No tourist renting a cottage on these lovely beaches was expecting to be greeted by trucks in front of their rental cottage.

The simple solution should be a fair compromise between the islanders who make a living harvesting clams and the people who live in the area and have invested in their lands in order to enjoy the peace and scenic views. We ask that clam harvesters not drive on any south shore beaches, but instead, park at the end of roads that provide beach access in order to launch small boats. The day’s catch can be transported to the parking area. It may not be an ideal situation for the fisher, but the current situation is not ideal for the local residents of  south shore beaches or the sensitive beach ecosystems.

Please support this cause by emailing or phoning PEI’s Environment Minister, Richard Brown at rebrown@gov.pe.ca or 902.368.6410.

Thanks for your support!

PEI Condo Living

Condos have come to PEI, Canada, but only in the last few years. The whole condo concept is new on Canada’s Island Paradise and it has taken Islanders a bit of time to figure out that ‘home’ ownership without the worries of snow clearing and maintenance is actually a fairly attractive idea, especially for the retirement
set.

The Y Loft condos on Prince St. in Charlottetown are unique units for the PEI scene. Ole Hammelund, the Danish born architecht and long time PEI resident, lovingly and ambitiously redeveloped the former Charlottetown YMCA
into the most unique and spacious loft condos to be found anywhere east of Toronto or North of Manhatten. They have introduced authentic NYC chic into Canada’s smallest and most picturesque province and at a PEI Price!. Perfect for the youthul, young at heart retiree, or the hip tech savvy 20 30,40 something in need of massive room for entertaining. Spacious elegance and green living concepts abound, including waste generated hot water heat an windmill power.

Experience the energy and simplify your life.

www.Ylofts.ca