by Bruce | Aug 2, 2023 | Client Reviews
Pictured above are Bruce and treasured loyal client Gayle Peacock at her Wasaga Beach home in the spring of 2023
“In 2010, I was fortunate to meet Bruce Johnson of RE/MAX By the Bay. I owned my own home in Calgary, AB at that time but I was planning a move to Wasaga Beach, Ontario. Bruce not only found the ‘right’ home for me but he also did all the necessary legal paperwork for me as I could not take possession for several days after the closing date. My move was very uncomplicated because of Bruce’s expertise in real estate and his ongoing willingness to assist me in any way I required.
And then in 2023, after over 12 years of living in that home and enjoying it, I realized the need to move to a retirement home. There was never any doubt in my mind that I would contact Bruce Johnson once again. To my surprise I discovered that I got ‘two for one’ service when selling my home. Bruce’s wife Mary does the staging of the homes that he lists and I could not have done the downsizing without her. With Mary’s advice and assistance and Bruce’s knowledge of the real estate trends and markets, I listed my home at a price that we both agreed on and it sold within a perfect timeframe, allowing for a smooth transition to my next home, closer to family.
I like the fact that they donate a portion of every listing or sale that Bruce makes to SickKid’s Hospital in Toronto as it is such a worthy cause.”
Gayle Peacock, August 2023
Gayle’s previous review, 13 years earlier as a homebuyer:
“Life, being life, sometimes it gives us lemons and sometimes it gives us chocolate… As much as I enjoy lemonade, I love chocolate. Life gave me the gift of chocolate when I walked into the RE/MAX office in Wasaga Beach and met Bruce Johnson. I had just listed my home of 20 years in Calgary with the intentions of moving to Wasaga Beach to be closer to my family. Bruce took me to several places that were for rent and when I realized that I preferred to purchase, he began to show me various areas of the town. I quickly decided that I liked the Wasaga Meadows area and we went to see three listings in that complex. I liked them all but I still had my home for sale in Calgary. After I returned home, Bruce kept in touch with me and advised me when the homes I had viewed were sold and also what homes had just been listed. Just as my home sold, he sent word that one in Meadow Lane was available and it was in the area that I liked. Since I was unable to come to see it, Bruce took the time to go to this home and video it for me. It was like being here and viewing it myself. I put an offer in on it and it was accepted. As I was not arriving in Wasaga until after the closing date, Bruce arranged to have the inspection, walk through and all utilities changed to my name for me. Bruce made my move at this end so easy for me (if only he had come out and helped me pack up in Calgary!). Since moving here, I have found the neighbours and everyone I have met to be friendly and welcoming and I know that I am going to enjoy living in Wasaga Beach. Thank you Bruce and Mary for bringing your girls to visit and for your assistance and advice. And thanks too for literally bringing the gift of “chocolate” that evening…!”
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by Bruce | Jun 14, 2014 | BRUCE'S BLOG, Featured Properties
Please CLICK HERE for a full photo slideshow
This 4-bedroom home or cottage was lovingly renovated by a cabinet-maker owner. The hand-crafted trim and custom kitchen boast the kind of quality rarely seen even in today’s high-end homes. With more than enough space (958 sq.ft) PLUS a detached double garage you’ll have plenty of room for family, friends and toys.
Absolutely gorgeous finish carpentry throughout
The list of recent renovations is very long, including an engineered steel roof, fully insulated crawl space, newer siding, window, doors and decking (with the signature solid craftmanship displayed once again,) updated kitchen… all on a massive 81′ x 186′ treed and private lot which has been faithfully maintained.
Click here to see the complete list of improvements of 122 39th Street North in Wasaga Beach.
You feel like you’re at a picnic-worthy park without leaving the driveway, a constant reminder of how lucky you are to live where others vacation!
To view the photos just click HERE.
Zoom in on the map below, get directions, see what’s close: the YMCA and Wasaga Beach RecPlex, Superstore, Worsley Elementary School, Tim Horton’s, Shopper’s and IDA Drug Stores, LCBO and Youth Centre, plus the Carly Patterson and other walking and cycling routes, are all steps from your door.
View Larger Map
Ready for New Owners! Click Here to See Why
P.S. MLS Number…20140615
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by Bruce | Dec 31, 2013 | Client Reviews
“I first met Bruce six years ago when I needed a real estate agent to purchase my first home in Wasaga Beach. Bruce proved to be an agent who took the time to get to know his clients and choose houses that would suit their needs to view. Every house that Bruce showed me, it was if he was looking at the house for him and his family as he pointed out the pros and cons of the houses. He wasn’t there just for the sale. Since my first purchase I have made a few more with Bruce always by my side. A trait of Bruce’s that I admire and deeply respect is his sincerity which created a trust factor critical for each and every step made purchasing a home. I could not imagine working with a better agent then Bruce, and recommend him to everyone who needs a real estate agent. I know myself and probably everyone who has ever dealt with Bruce would definitely put him at the top of the “Most Preferred Agent” list. In closing, I can say I truly found my Real Estate Agent for Life!!!”
by Bruce | Dec 31, 2013 | Client Reviews
“We want to thank you both for working with us to help get our house sold so quickly and for a fair price. We had done our best to de-clutter and now know the difference between de-cluttering and staging. Mary, your sense of colour and flow is exceptional and it was a joy working with you. I have to admit that the initial checklist was a bit overwhelming, but you had warned us of that and you really worked with our comfort level to help us choose what we could handle without feeling that we needed to do “everything” that was on the list. I am sure that your staging played a major part in getting our home sold so quickly. Bruce, we have worked with a few Realtors in the past, and none of them came close to offering all the services that you provided. Your pictures of Mary’s work with our home were breathtaking and we will always remember our house as seen through your lens. Your negotiation strategies were bang on and it was such a pleasure to work with someone whom we could feel had his finger on the real estate pulse of the community. Both of you have such palpable integrity and compassion that it was invigorating for us to get this house ready for you to sell. You never pushed or demanded anything and yet we felt highly motivated to follow any suggestions you offered. Thank you both for such an enjoyable experience. We have been telling all our friends about your great service and we feel very fortunate to have had you on our team. You two are incomparable.”
by Bruce | Dec 31, 2013 | Client Reviews
“We have been extremely pleased that we chose you Bruce as our Realtor, after being referred by our friends. Your professionalism, enthusiasm and congenial personality certainly helped make the listing and selling of our home a comfortable and less stressful experience. You always made yourself available and kept us informed along the way. Mary, your expertise and pleasant nature made the staging process “fun.” You worked very hard and the end results showed. It was a learning experience for me as you de-cluttered, rearranged furniture, changed pictures, etc. Together you make a GREAT team and at any opportunity we will refer your services to friends and relatives. We wish you much success in the future.”
by Bruce | Dec 31, 2013 | Client Reviews
“When we were discussing the idea of purchasing a cottage for our family, my husband happened to stumble upon Bruce by chance. My husband had numerous questions for Bruce regarding cottages, the area and so on. I was wondering if perhaps all our questions were being a bother, but Bruce was always very happy to answer them and provided us with a lot of information so that we could make the best choice. Bruce helped us find the perfect cottage, that our family has enjoyed for the last few years. We have since purchased our second investment property with Bruce, so not only do we consider Bruce our go-to agent who we don’t hesitate to recommend to family and friends, we also consider him a friend.”
by Bruce | Dec 31, 2013 | Client Reviews
“The easiest place to start is always the beginning and I will begin by asking that you forgive the length of this review. We first met Bruce last year when we interviewed 6 real estate agents to list our house for sale. Bruce definitely matched us the best but unfortunately a friendship had to be honoured so we went with another agent. No need to get into that suffice to say the listing expired. When it did I called Bruce and told him our plans of what we wanted to do to get the house ready to re-list and that we would be calling him shortly. Three weeks later we called and asked that he bring all pertinent paper work to sign us up.
Once all was said and done we met Mary. We have all used the expression “There’s something about Mary” but never has it been more apt than when speaking about Mary Johnson – there is definitely something about this Mary. She projects such a quiet, calming aura that you have no choice but to just relax and feel good in her presence. Do not mistake this and think she is an easy sway to your ideas. Behind that quiet is a will of steel and such strength and belief in her vision for how your home should be “staged” but projected in such a way that you bend to her will without feeling like you have capitulated in any way. I have put “staged” in quotations because in no way when Mary is finished does your home look or feel like it is staged – it will feel very warm, welcoming and inviting while everything is in its place and looking like it has been there forever because that is where it belonged – even if it isn’t yours but a piece from the Johnson’s home. That feeling that Mary can create is true magick.
I have said that Bruce was a great match for us and I would like to clarify why. He has such an outgoing and positive personality, he is fun, likes to laugh and truly makes you feel welcome in all aspects. He matched us to a “T”. When you look past all the exterior qualities that is when you really notice that being a real estate agent is not only his job but his passion and you can tell easily that he truly enjoys what he does. Bruce also has a very creative side to him that is very evident in the pictures that he takes of your home before it is listed. I am not talking about a couple pictures but a complete photo shoot and over 50 photos. As a seller you really don’t appreciate that but as a buyer you do but I will get into that more in the next chapter. Thanks to Bruce’s photos, Mary’s creativity and yes our sweat, our home sold conditionally in 10 hours and was sold firm in just 4 days. If that is not a testament I don’t know what would be.
As a buyer things are a little different and you notice a lot of little things that are really very important. We spent a lot of time on Realtor.ca looking for our next home. Most listings had maybe 5 or 6 pictures if we were lucky and not very good ones at that. I found that to be very frustrating and “Where are the pictures of the kitchen and bathrooms?” became a mantra over the next few weeks. Bruce’s patience during our “let’s go see this one” stage was unlimited. His composure as well as his (no polite way to say this) cajones when dealing with a potential private sale were worthy of the standing “O”. Yes we did finally find our next home and are looking forward to moving in July. This is not the end as we know we will be selling and buying a few more houses but I do know that when all is said and done it will end with us living “happily ever after” and yes Bruce and Mary will be with us for every one of them. True magick is found in ones enjoyment of their life in all aspects and Bruce and Mary are truly a magickal team.”
by Bruce | Dec 31, 2013 | Client Reviews
“We feel so lucky to have had the pleasure of working with Bruce to buy our forever home and to sell our starter home of fourteen plus years. The great part about working with Bruce to sell your house is that you get an added bonus; Mary. What a phenomenal team they are. Mary’s vision of how to paint, arrange your furniture and stage your home to attract a wide variety of potential buyers and Bruce’s expert knowledge of the real estate market and fantastic photography skills create “the whole package.” We listened to their recommendations (well, most of them,) made the changes to our house and it sold in less than a week.
Our new home purchase with Bruce was equally enjoyable. He knew when to tell us that the house we saw on MLS was not the right one. He entertained our numerous visits to other houses; never pressuring us to place an offer. In fact, Bruce would often tell us to keep looking and the right house would come along. Well, it did and we love it! Bruce’s knowledge of Wasaga Beach stems from his lengthy residency here which allows him to help clients make informed decisions on the largest purchase of their lives; their home. If you’re buying a house make sure you use Bruce Johnson to ensure you buy a home, not just a house.
Bruce and Mary we would just like to thank you for all of your patience with us during this massive transition in our lives. Your knowledge and understanding will be cherished and remembered forever. Together you really are the whole package.
by Bruce | Dec 31, 2013 | Client Reviews
“To begin, my Mother’s condo at Sunset Point in Collingwood was up for sale with another agency, for over a year….I decided to search for another agent. So when I put in my order of the kind of person I was looking for, the answer was “I know just the person, Mr. Bruce Johnson,” and the journey began.
Within 1 week the condo was staged by Mary and sold by Bruce. The best husband-wife team I ever met. They complement one another beautifully.
At this point the search was on for a home. We needed 2 homes in 1. I wanted to stay in the area both my mother and I had come to enjoy, on a bus route, near a hospital, and so on…. Well there’s a saying that goes ‘What’s for you, won’t go by you’ and as fate should have it we found the perfect home through Bruce. There were a few hair-raising moments during the closing, and once again Bruce handle things like a pro.
Bruce and Mary were so easy to like and admire. They are truly beautiful people and I would recommend them to everyone. This was my first experience with buying and selling of homes, and it was the last for my mother, who has had many experiences buying and selling.
Well, I’ll conclude with, if your lucky enough to have Mary and Bruce Johnson working for you…you’re in great hands.”
by Bruce | Dec 31, 2013 | Client Reviews
Bruce Johnson is an excellent realtor. He puts a great deal of time and attention into every aspect of real estate. He listened to our wants and our needs and made them a reality with the sale and purchase of our homes. With Bruce we didn’t just feel like clients we felt like family. Bruce Johnson truly cares. We would not use anyone else!
by Bruce | Dec 31, 2013 | Client Reviews
“Mary, We wanted to send a note to thank you for your help in staging our house for sale. We were amazed at the amount of time that you spent with us, making sure everything was just right. Once you were finished, our house looked so beautiful that we almost didn’t want to move! Our house had a bit of an odd layout and you were able to make it work through staging. Also, we do not have high-end furnishings or beautiful objects d’art, but somehow you managed to make our own stuff work and our house showed elegantly and stylishly. Throughout all of this, we felt that you were truly there to help and guide us and never once to judge or command. Your staging checklist was well laid out and easy to follow. It really took the guesswork out of what to do to get our home ready for sale. We truly feel that your insight and staging talents contributed greatly to our receiving a full asking price offer within the first week that our house was listed for sale! I attribute much of our success to following the checklist. Bruce’s negotiating skills may have also played a small part – haha 🙂 We were thrilled with the way the house turned out and of course that it sold so quickly for full price – what a great feeling. The staging made a huge difference both in the photos and the way the house looked for showings. We have been telling everyone we know about you and Bruce and what you have done for us. We really enjoyed working with you Mary, and were very impressed by your vision and ability to pull everything together. The only question that remains is: will you help us make our new house look as beautiful?”
by Bruce | Dec 30, 2013 | Client Reviews
“Mary is a true professional in the art of staging. She has a great deal of passion for staging and it clearly shows in her work. We lived in a fairly modern and updated home and already did a lot of de-cluttering before Mary showed up. We did not think much more could be done but WOW were we wrong. Mary provided us with a very detailed checklist outlining everything that needed to be done on a room-by-room basis. Every room required changes and most of these changes were small things that made an enormous improvement to the overall look and feel of the house. We can say with a great deal of confidence that our property sold faster and for more money because of Mary’s work. I would recommend Mary to anyone and everyone trying to sell their home.”