Top Real Estate Articles

Scenic Places In The Blue Mountain / Collingwood Area

Jun 23, 2009 Real Estate Condos

Only about a two hour drive from Toronto, Ontario, the Blue Mountain/ Collingwood area is an all-season scenic delight. This picturesque area is one of Ontarios top ranked tourist destinations with incredible Blue Mountain cottages. From hiking beautiful forested hiking trails, to spending a fun day at the gorgeous beach, there are beautiful and scenic sites that will delight every visitor.

The following is a list of the must-see scenic places in the Blue Mountain/Collingwood area:

Collingwood Walking Tour

Every visitor taking the Collingwood Walking Tour will enjoy viewing the many captivating historic homes and buildings that are peppered throughout the charming and quaint town.

Georgian Triangle

The Georgian Triangle is a unique collection of small communities that feature a striking blend of rural farm fields and apple orchards that dot the shore of Georgian Bay which are enclosed by a the spectacular cliffs that shape part of the Niagara Escarpment.

Scenic Caves

Located in the Town of The Blue Mountains, just 20 minutes from Wasaga Beach, and less than two hours north of Toronto, the Scenic Caves is a must-see scenic attraction. Explore a maze of caves and crevices. Travel down into the ice cave where it so cold and deep that snow and ice frequently stays until early summer. The scenic caves offer stunning scenery and breathtaking views.

Suspension Bridge

The Suspension Bridge is at the highest point on the Niagara Escarpment, suspended high above the ground. Visitors have the most spectacular view of Georgian Bay and the surrounding countryside that is 10 000 square-km of awe-inspiring view. At 126 meters long, 25 meters above the valley and stream, and more than 300 meters above Georgian Bay, it is the longest suspension footbridge in Ontario.

The Niagara Escarpment has been designated a biosphere reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Beneath a blanket of red oak and sugar maples, visitors will discover such vegetative life as forest berries, wildflowers, white birch, trilliums, and much more.

A three hour guided tour includes a 410 foot suspension bridge walk, tree-top walk, cave tour, and the new 1000 ft long Zip line. You will see 200 year-old oak trees, up to 60 feet in height, amazing wildlife, picturesque woodland, and your tour guide will provide you with fascinating information about the unique ecology of the Niagara Escarpment.

Blue Mountain Summer Gondola

Located at the opening to the Village Events Plaza, take a scenic ride to the top of the Niagara Escarpment. The gondola can be used by pedestrians, cyclists, and is appropriate for all ages.

Wasaga Beach

As one of the longest freshwater beaches, with 14 kilometers of white sand and clear waters, Wasaga Beach is one of Ontarios most popular destinations, and one of Canadas few Blue Flag Beaches. With numerous restaurants, accommodations, and shopping, Wasaga Beach hosts almost two million visitors every summer.

Because The Blue Mountain / Collingwood Area is an area containing the most beautiful natural scenery, historical sites, and a wide variety of entertainment activities, it is one of the most popular vacation spots in Ontario.

Tags: accommodation, b, blue mountain, c, condo, cottage, e, l, lodges, outdoor, r, Real Estate Condos, rental, t, travel, travel & leisure

Tips For Finding Cheap Hotel Rates

Mar 5, 2009 Real Estate Condos

Imagine heading off on your dream trip but then not being able to spend money on anything else because the Hotel room is SO expensive! It’s something we’ve all had to face, do I spend more on the hotel room and have less to spend on activities or do I spend less on the hotel room and stay somewhere undesirable? What if there was a way to spend less and still stay well? If you read on you’ll see some great tips that can save you money on your next trip!

Know What You Want

Before you can save money, you need to know what you want from a hotel room. Do you want to have a luxurious place to stretch out and relax, or a cheap, modest room to quickly change clothes before you head out to see the sights? You can also narrow down your search by knowing what amenities you must have, such as a pool, or internet hookup, or a restaurant on site. Knowing what you want will help you narrow down the search so you can find cheap hotel rates.

Beware of Packages

Sometimes you can find cheap hotels by looking for packages that combine two services, such as hotel and your flight, or hotel and care hire. Sometimes you can find yourself actually paying quite a bit more by booking your airfare and hotel rooms at the same time.

At one package booking agent, you might be persuaded to book a flight from Sydney to the Big Apple (New York City, USA), and a seven night hotel stay at the Pennsylvania (near the Empire State Building), priced at $5,480. However, if you went to Qantas Airlines (Quantas.au.com) and the Hotel Pennsylvania (hotelpenn.com) and booked your flight and room separately, you’d pay $4,770. This isn’t always the case, of course, but sometimes packages aren’t all they’re cracked up to be.

Make sure you check the rates, or you’ll think you’re getting a good deal while the booking site laughs all the way to the bank. The very same hotel stay can be the same price or even more expensive through a “discount” agency than if you booked through the hotel directly.

The moral of the story? Do your research! Make sure you know how much a night at a hotel is alone and then compare with your package rate to ensure you’re getting the savings you deserve.

Good Package Deals

Not all package deals are bad, as long as you know what you’re looking for. For example, your car rental agency may offer a free night at a participating hotel. The deal may be a third night free after a two-night stay, but if you’re planning on staying several days anyway, it’s a good deal.

Online Bookings to the Rescue

Some sites are just worth their weight in gold when trying to book cheap hotel rooms, and here are two that are priceless.

Wotif: (Wotif.com) This is a great online site to visit to get cheap hotel rates in Australia and abroad. You can book your cheap hotel room last minute or up to twenty-eight days in advance. Whether your holiday is in Australia, Scotland or Fiji, Wotif can help you book discount hotel rooms, bed and breakfasts, or apartments in thirty-five countries.

One great feature is that you can enter your travel information and compare hotels, apartments, and bed and breakfasts side by side. If you don’t have set travel plans, you can see which dates are cheaper and book accordingly. You can also advance your search by entering in different amenities you’d like, such as pool or a kitchenette.

A sampling of hotels around the world showed that indeed, Wotif provides cheap rates. Want to visit Walt Disney World? The Raddison Resort Orlando, FLA USA is a stone’s throw from this world-renowned family destination. For $100 a night ($185 a night full rate) you get a gorgeous room with two double beds, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, exercise facility and a restaurant on site. The best part-kids stay and eat for free as long as they are accompanied by one paying parent.

Want to stay in a Scottish castle for your holiday? The four-star Dalhousie House Castle and Spa in Edinburgh, Scotland offers a luxurious holiday experience that will make you feel like royalty. Standard castle room: $302 ($500 full price) and includes a double occupancy room in this 13th century fortress. For a little more ($350) you could stay in a themed castle room. Both have their own bath and other comforts.

Or perhaps you’d rather experience a decadent South Pacific holiday on Fiji. For $300 ($350 full rate) a night you can stay in the four-star Sonaisali Island Resort. Enjoy a restful holiday on a small island across the lagoon from mainland Fiji, with a health spa, tennis courts and a child minding program that includes sandcastle building. Children stay free of charge.

Smarter Travel: (Smartertravel.com) This is an awesome site to review if you want hotel, flight and car hire information. They have a page with links to assorted deals, such as booking a night at the Hilton in NYC and receiving free breakfast or free parking. If you’ve ever tried to park in Manhattan, you’ll realize what a bargain this is!

Plus you can’t beat the advice. In the Hotel section, the editor posts his/her favorite deal links which takes you to a detailed page that outlines the fine print (like having to stay for three nights, one being a weekend night). There are also sponsor deals to choose from.

The great thing about this site is that they aren’t doing the booking-they link you to the hotel or sponsor in charge of the deal they advertise.

Check with Your Credit Card

This may sound silly, but checking with your credit card could result in cheap hotel rates. Sometimes the major credit card companies will link up with a hotel chain to promote travel and business in a specific area, giving discounts if the consumer uses their credit card.

For example, the Hilton Latin America and Visa have teamed up to give travelers a discounted rate on a stay at the Hilton hotels across Latin America if using a Visa card to pay. You’ll also get a continental breakfast and a generous credit toward food and beverage. Of course, there are conditions and limitations, such as a three-night stay, but if you’re traveling to somewhere as gorgeous as Buenos Aries, you’re going to want to stay for a long holiday.

Check Directly with the Hotel or Hotel Chain

Sometimes you can get a great deal by calling the hotel directly and asking about cheap hotel rooms. If you’re calling a chain, such as the Hilton, call the hotel in the town you’re staying in, as calling the main line will often get you an operator that’s located somewhere else. He/she may not know of the deals that particular hotel branch has to offer.

You can also check online for deals. You’ll find that a lot of different hotel chains will actually be able to beat the discount travel websites on a nightly price if you book direct with them.

In Conclusion

A holiday doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg in hotel fares alone. By doing some research, comparing rates and contacting companies you wouldn’t typically think of, you can definitely find a cheap hotel room. Then you can sit back and relax on that well-deserved holiday trip, knowing you didn’t have to pay top dollar.

Tags: california, casino, Condos, disney, hotels, Las Vegas, maimi, myrtle beach, New York, Orlando, Real Estate Condos, Spring Break, summer, travel, vacation, Vacation Rentals

Dubai: A Real Success Story

Mar 4, 2009 Real Estate Condos

I love the story behind Dubai becoming a tourist destination. Oil was discovered there in 1966. Not huge amount by Arab standards. The ruler, Sheik Saeed Al Maktoum saw that the oil would run out and decided to invest it in creating long-term wealth for his country.

To that end, he began building the greatest sports, tourist, vacation home and emerging business centers in the world. He had everything he needed to succeed: Located at the cross-roads of Asia, Europe and Africa, Dubai is well positioned to attract tourists looking for somewhere new and different, a destination combining the traditions of the east with the comforts of the west. Sunshine, shopping, seaside, sports and safety - five of the key ingredients that have earned Dubai a growing reputation as one of the world’s most attractive and rapidly developing leisure destinations.

Sheik al Maktoum has passed away, but his successors have continued his mission. Dubai has developed into an intriguing destination. Famous for its experimental architecture, modern hotels sit against rolling sand dunes and green golf courses. Souks compete for business with shopping malls complete with indoor alpine ski runs. There are Bedouin villages and five-star hotels. Camels walk the beach next to bikini-clad women.Dubai defies easy description..

The city is a world class dining destination as well. And the night life is surprisingly lively. The dining choices tend to center around the hotels, because they can sell alcohol in this Muslim city.

Dubai’s climate and first-class sporting facilities make it an ideal place to lead an action-packed life or enjoy an energetic holiday. The variety of sports on offer ranges from deep-sea fishing to ice-skating, and from golf on the Middle East’s international standard grass courses to sand skiing in the desert.

However, Dubai is not just for the active sportsman. The emirate is also a great place for the sports fan to see top-class spectator events and admire the skills of some of the leading stars and personalities in a wide range of different sports.

In the space of just three decades, Dubai has emerged as the undisputed sports capital of the Middle East. Among the numerous top class events held in the emirate are the Desert Classic PGA Golf Tournament, UIM Class One Powerboat World Championships, ATP Dubai Tennis Open, Dubai Sevens Rugby Tournament and the Dubai World Cup horse race to name a few.

Dubai also offers events for polo, volleyball, ice-skating, bowling, darts, chess, show jumping, dressage, snooker and power boat racing. It seems that the diversity of its citizens is reflected in its activities.

But the traditional sports of Dubai are not overlooked. Camel racing takes place during the winter and draws large crowds of enthusiastic fans. The annual sailing dhow race pits smaller versions of the traditional dhow against each other and crowds gather in the thousands to step back in time for a moment. And that may be the real heart of Dubai: A perfect blend of the old and the new.

Tags: destination, hotel, Leisure, Motel, Real Estate Condos, travel, Travel Agencies, Travel Agency, Travel Agent, trip, vacation, vacation rental

How to Find Good Budget Discount Deals at Cheap Manila Hotels

Mar 3, 2009 Real Estate Condos

So, you are going to the Philippines. You might even be in the country already. Yet, you find yourself with nowhere to stay, and you are daunted by the steep price tag of luxury hotel rooms or you are ticked off by dirt-cheap establishments that offer very little in terms of comfort. Have no fear - there are always Cheap Manila Hotels where travelers can stay at convenient and comfortable lodgings without paying an arm and a leg for their rooms.

There are ways through which one can avail of cheap hotel accommodations. It is in the traveler’s best interests to do the necessary steps in order to find the best possible deal. In the long run, he or she will benefit from having a much more flexible financial plan and having a comfortable, yet affordable place to stay.

Research, research, research - one cannot stress this enough. If one is looking for the best hotel that offers the services and amenities he or she requires while having affordable rates that fit within one’s budget, then the traveler should be willing to research on important factors such as room rates, availability, amenities, and hotel services. Knowing what each hotel offers and how this relates to the price tag is of immense importance.

The research, of course, will depend largely upon one’s purpose of visit. Is one traveling to relax, unwind, and head off to a vacation in one of the Philippines’ exotic islands? Is one traveling to visit friends and family? Is one in the country for a no-nonsense business trip? The purpose is important to identify the key services and primary locations that one looks for in a hotel.

Researching on Budget Manila Hotels also involves finding out about peak periods and, in converse, off-peak periods during the year. Booking at off-peak situations can drastically affect the value of hotel bookings. Off-peak periods offer additional discounts and way cheaper rates than booking at congested travel times such as during the holidays.

One can also look for prime deals and added discounts online. The Internet is burgeoning with booking sites that can offer discounts as well as the convenience of getting a hotel room in advance - all within a few clicks of your mouse. You can also view hotels’ sites and see what they offer in terms of amenities, pricing, and services.

When all else fails, one can just look for hotels’ phone numbers and call up the hotels themselves. Asking up-front about discounts and cheap rates is not something to be embarrassed about; rather, it is a sign of being a shrewd and discerning traveler who won’t take anything less than the best back for his or her buck. Besides, hotels love it when tourists and travelers show enthusiasm for their establishment. It lets them know that they are being considered, and that their promotions are getting interest.

When it comes to booking your Last Minute Manila Hotels, just remember one thing: information is ammunition. It is always a good thing for travelers to be well-informed about the places they are going to and the establishments they will end up staying at. Travelers, whether they are on business or on vacation, need to turn a critical eye to what is being offered by the respective hotels, not just in Manila. With the proper research and information, you’ll find out where to book the best cheap hotels in Manila.

Tags: california, casino, Condos, disney, hotels, Las Vegas, maimi, myrtle beach, New York, Orlando, Real Estate Condos, Spring Break, summer, travel, vacation, Vacation Rentals

Quebec City: C’est Charmant!

Feb 21, 2009 Real Estate Condos

Visiting Quebec City feels like visiting a city in Europe. It’s perched on a cliff high above the St. Lawrence River, and still retains its original city walls, giving it an ancient aura. It has been the capitol of the region, first as the capitol of New France in the 16th century, and now as the capitol of the Quebec province, for 400 years.

Quebec is a French town. It was founded by the French in 1608, and held by them until 1759, when it lost the city to the British. It was a fortress city of voyagers and trappers, lumbermen and royalty, and even after the British took over the city, it remained French in language, culture, religion and attitude. The city did see a large influx of Irish Immigrants during the Potato Famine. The city remained in British hands until the Dominion of Canada was formed in 1867.

English is widely spoken in Quebec, although French is the official language, and some attempt to use the language is appreciated. Most road signs are printed in both English and French, and things like menus tend to be bi-lingual as well.

Getting around Quebec is very easy. Pretty much everything a visitor is interested in is in the Old Town (Vieux-Quebec). The Old Town is divided into two parts, the Haute- Ville (Upper Town) which is the walled part of the city at the top of the cliff, and the Basse-Ville (The Lower Town) which is the part under the Haute-Ville to the river. (I told you it was easy). You can get from one part to the other by a very steep set of stairs, or by the funicular.

The most recognizable landmark in Quebec City is the Chateau Frontenac, the huge historic hotel that overlooks the city. The Chateau dominates the skyline with its castle like architecture, and is the scene for many events. Legend has it that it is the most photographed hotel in North America.

To explore Old Town, you will want to put on a good pair of shoes and walk. Everything is fairly close, and you don’t want to miss a thing. You will see lovely old buildings, quaint shops, flower-bedecked buildings, and a still-life around every corner. Take your time, take your camera, and revel in the unique charm of Quebec City.

Tags: condo, destination, hotel, Leisure, Motel, Real Estate Condos, travel, Travel Agencies, Travel Agency, Travel Agent, vacation, vacation rental

The Ten Best Hotel Deals for Spring Break in Myrtle Beach

Feb 11, 2009 Real Estate Condos

Nearly 2,000,000 students will be out on spring break March nine through thirteen. I have researched the top deals on these dates since most students will be out then. If you want to see other dates, I am sure the prices are similar, you will just have to go to a booking firm and check to be sure, or convince your school to change their spring break dates, whichever you choose.

You do have to understand that the rates mentioned here are estimates of what will actually be paid, and after reading this you may not be able to find them. That is because I published this today, and I have no way to update the rates. You can use this a guidance for your trip though.

The Polynesian Beach & Golf Resort is an ocean front condo property. Their average nightly rate is $31.00. 50% of guests who stay here recommend it.

Grand Strand Days Inn is right off the beach. A quick walk across the street and you are there. The rooms here start at about thirty-four bucks and over sixty percent of prior guests would recommend the property.

The Oceanfront Viking Motel is an ocean and beachfront property. They have rooms starting at about $37.00 per night. 62% of guests who stay here recommend it.

Ocean Plaza Motel is ocean front at the south end of the city. They average about 38.00 per night at this point. 70% of guests who have stayed recommend it.

The Super 8 on Ocean Boulevard is another good place to stay. You can save money here by booking rooms as low as $41 per night and it has a 70% recommend rating.

Atlantic Palms Resort is a beach side property. The rooms there start at just 42.00 per night. 72% of our customers who have stayed there recommend it to their friends.

Days Inn Myrtle Beach is about forty-three dollars per night. Sixty two percent of guests who have stayed at this hotel give it the thumbs up.

Sandcastle Oceanfront Resort at the Pavilion runs about 43.00 average per night. 66% of people that have stayed there would recommend staying again.

Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort this is another condo type property that we sell like a hotel room. It runs about 45.00 at the time of this writing per night. 82% of previous guests recommend this property.

Rodeway Inn Surfside Beach is $45 a night, but has a horrible rating. Only twenty percent of our guests recommend it, and that is low. So we skip that hotel and recommend the Red Roof Inn Myrtle Beach Hotel - Market Commons which is 2 blocks from the beach. Seventy six percent of guests recommend it and it is the same price as the Rodeway.

If you are looking to go to Myrtle Beach for your spring break now is the time to book. Hotel rates are expected to drop, but demand will also tighten when an equilibrium is hit, that was for all you economics students! As demand rises and supply shrinks you know what happens to price!

Tags: beach, condo, destination, hotel, myrtle beach, ocean, places to stay, Real Estate Condos, Spring Break, travel, trip, vacation, vacation rental

Don’t raise condo fees lower spending first.

Jan 23, 2009 Real Estate Condos

Amenities - Many amenities are only used during part of the year such as the pool and tennis court. Also evaluate the hours of operation. If people are not using the service they will understand pairing it back.

Quest Fees - If you complex is attractive you may be able to sell memberships to the gym, swimming pool and and tennis courts. You can also charge a small fee for quests.

Advertising - Sell advertising to local business. They may be willing to pay for advertising in the newsletter or common areas. You can also allow Google to place ads on your website through adsense. You can find out more about adsense by going to Google and clicking on advertising programs.

Landscaping - Look into lower maintenance landscaping. Many time the developer is only interested in making the property look good until it sells. Once the condo association takes over the landscaping is their worry. When replacing it look for low maintenance solutions.

Collect Monies Owed. Past Due fees can hamper a condo association. You can often hire an attorney to handle collections for a percentage of what is collected. Attorneys may even be able to recover attorney fees.

Insurance Claims - If in the last 5 years your association had to get a loan (like those from SBA or FEMA) for repairs (Storm, Hurricane, Natural Disaster, Tornado or any accident) your regular attorney many not be enough. Contact an attorney who focuses on insurance claims. Many insurance companies deny underpay insurance claims. Many times the law states that the insurance company has to pay the legal fees. Moreover, many Lawyers will handle insurance claims in a way that no funds will be out of pocket.

Rehabilitate instead of Replace. instead of copper pipe repair restored to better than new condition with epoxy pipe lining from CuraFlo. It is generally 30% cheaper than re piping and is much less obtrusive. RLS Solutions can offers sewer pipe lining and manholes to increase their life and save on costs.

Property Manager - employ a property manager who is experienced in cutting costs. A PM with experience will also know which contractors come in on budget and which ones have a history of completing jobs late.

Tags: advice, association, business, condo, condominium, home, law, lawyer, managment, money, people, property, Real Estate Condos