This month we open with a wonderful quote from William Shakespeare to honour his tremendous legacy, as April 23 is widely held to be the date of both his birth and death. Any month that could gift us with such profound creativity should be celebrated, and surely this April has lots of celebrations to enjoy, from Easter through to the Full Pink Moon on April 29. 


April is definitely a month of hope and optimism. There’s a spring in our steps and joy in our hearts as we breathe in each fresh, new day. Despite often being labelled a rainy month, April is a time when many homeowners decide to list their properties for sale. It’s a time of great selection and the beginning of the season for rural, country and cottage offering as well. Inventory historically swells this month, peaking in May. We’ll see if that holds true for 2018.

A slow start to the real estate market in Durham Region has solidified what many of us were speculating about since the government enacted changes in legislation regarding mortgages and the foreign buyer’s tax. In essence, the government has stalled growth which, as we are seeing, has massive economic implications. Over the course of our careers, we have always been amazed that our provincial and federal governments have not always given enough weight to how the real estate industry supports the entire economic well-being of society. From employment in hundreds of associated arenas – manufacturing, production, sales of goods and services, business, commerce, labour and technology – housing starts and home sales shore up almost every other sector of the economy. Let’s hope the coming months see new Legislation to fuel the buying power of Canadians, and limit further damage to our overall economic health.


As always, we thank you for the trust you place in our abilities to serve your family, friends and colleagues in all of their real estate needs.


Situated on 484 acres of land, our executive level, regional airport features a modern terminal building capable of facilitating corporate business, travel and general aviation. Conveniently located within a short distance to other major transportation modes, the dual runway airport boasts modern navigational aids, on site Canada Border Service Agency, a NAV Canada control tower, and offers a variety of aviation services such as fuel, maintenance and logistical support. With over 300,000 square feet of hangar space, the Oshawa Executive Airport is able to accommodate a broad range of aircraft and aviation services, including flight training, air ambulance, passenger charter services, freight services, aerial police operations, aircraft maintenance and aircraft restoration services. In 2017, a runway rehabilitation project saw the creation of an all-new main runway to better serve the growing demand in our local aviation sector.




The province had proposed to implement a mandatory home Energy Rating and Disclosure (HER&D) program that would have required home sellers to conduct energy audits before listing their homes for sale. It also would have required the listing brokerages to post the resulting energy scores on the MLS system. Thanks to  the concerted efforts of Ontario REALTORS, who vehemently opposed this new legislation on behalf of Ontario homeowners, the province has decided not to proceed with the program. That’s our mission  — to advocate for you!                  
Source DRAR




 Not only will they benefit from our award-winning service, you can rest assured a very worthy cause benefits as well! 

I want to make it easy to refer your friends, neighbors, associates or family members considering making a move, so here are your options:

1. You can go to www.ReferAFriend.info and enter their contact info on line or forward the link to who you know considering a move. 
2. Of course you can always call me direct as well at 905-728-1600.


Life moves fast for some and we are eager to make the Home Selling and Buying experience a smooth rewarding one.  Over the years of helping families sell their home and/or buy another, we have met some wonderful, loving, caring people.  People like you!  So your referrals, those you know considering a move, that we help – you can rest assured that not only will they get the award winning service we are known for, but that a portion of the income we receive will go toward a very worthy cause.  




The average selling price in Durham for the month of February was $591,404. This represents an increase of just over 2% ($12,759 to be exact) over January 2018. While this is a marked decrease from February 2017 when the average sale price for Durham Region was $665,005, it does represent the first time in 8 months that the average sale price in Durham Region has neared the $600,000 mark.
The amount of new listing inventory coming onto the market in February 2018 was 1202 units in Durham Region, a 26% increase over the 954 new units reported for January 2018. 

The average days on the market for February 2018 saw a reduction from the 30 days posted in January to 24 days. Compare that to February 2017, when houses were selling in an average time of 10 days! However, a healthy Sales to New Listing Ration (SNLR) of 50.2% and a 98% average Sale Price to List Price Ratio (SP/LP) strongly indicate a continued strong, balanced market.

Just 3 short years ago, the average selling price in Durham Region was just $442,082, so overall, real estate continues to perform extremely well and is the only investment vehicle you can live in!

Here’s the average price breakdowns for February:

The average detached dwelling sold for $656,970 and sold for 98% of list price in 25 days. A total of 395 units were sold.
The average semi-detached dwelling sold for $500,081 and sold for 100% of list price in 21 days. A total of 43 units were sold.
The average link dwelling sold for $549,783 and sold for 100% of list price in 18 days. A total of 15 units were sold.
The average freehold townhouse sold for $519,068 and sold for 99% of list price in 23 days. A total of 79units were sold.
The average condominium apartment sold for $362,903 and sold for 99% of list price in 26 days. A total of 35 units were sold.
The average condominium townhouse sold for $385,047 and sold for 100% of list price in 24 days. A total of 37 units were sold. 

















Life moves fast for some and we are eager to make the Home Selling and Buying experience a smooth and rewarding one.  Over the years of helping families to sell their homes and/or buy another, we have met some wonderful, loving, caring people.  People like you! 


So your referrals, those you know considering a move, that we help – you can rest assured that not only will they get the award winning service we are known for, but that a portion of the income we receive will go towards a very worthy cause.  





If you’ve ever seen a homeowner vacuuming their lawn, don’t worry – there’s a good reason. They’ve likely opted to install artificial grass, the equivalent of Astroturf. Only today’s artificial lawn bears little resemblance to the plastic lawns of yesteryear.  Today’s products look and feel like the real thing, as great strides have been made over the last five years in the technology and design of the product. 

Homeowners are increasingly opting for fake grass not just because of its great looks though; with lifestyles busier than ever, the low maintenance alternative is very attractive on many levels. Water prices are on the rise and a growing number of communities have taken on pesticide bans. Real grass doesn’t always seem worth the money or effort to a growing number of consumers.

Installation of artificial turf is best left to the pros, as the entire area gets excavated then installed with a weed barrier (a porous plastic fabric that prevents weeds from growing). Next comes a drainage layer, usually made of crushed, rinsed limestone. Then the turf goes in, nailed or stapled in place with seams glued down. Once installed, maintenance is literally a breeze. No more watering or mowing! The average lifespan of your new faux lawn is 8 to 15 years.

• If you have pets, there are specific products that offer a denser, heavier duty turf just for them.
• Some municipalities do not allow artificial turf in front yards.
• While eco-friendly, it is still a plastic product, so it’s not totally green. Some, but not all, artificial turf is recyclable.
• Expect to pay about $12 per square foot including installation.
• Leaves and animal droppings still need to be removed!

I grew up right here in Oshawa.  Born in Oshawa General Hospital.  I remember when I first heard about a young person close to our family suffering from a nasty disease that was granted A Wish from Children's Wish Foundation .  This was the turning point in this persons recovery. It was then that I   began to pay closer attention to the work they do.  Since then, I have learned that it is a collection of hard working professionals all coming together for a common cause.  That cause is to help young people over come unfortunate health issues that life sometimes throws our way.  I take pride in supporting in a way that I can, the good work these people do at Make A Wish .  My team rally’s around our annual goal of raising money and donating portions of our income to help Make A Wish in their quest to heal young people when they need healing.  My team and I are committed to providing outstanding results for buyers and sellers referred to us by our past clients.   I have discovered that Make A Wish shares similar commitments to their patients.  And since their services survive on sponsorships and donations we are happy to contribute and proud to support them.


Sincerely,



Geoff Appleton










Not only will they benefit from our award winning service, you can rest assured we are also donating to a very  worthy cause.   

Again, it’s easy to refer your friends, neighbours, associates or family members considering making a move:
1. You can go to www.ReferAFriend.info and enter their contact info on line or forward the link to who you know considering a move. 
2. Of course you can always call me direct as well at 905-728-1600.  


I hope you and your loved ones have an extra special Holiday Season filled with much joy and happiness. 


With all my appreciation.


Geoff Appleton sales representative Remax Jazz Inc Brokerage 


P.S. The story of this young person enclosed may cause you to look at your loved ones differently.  It did me. Check it out.

Marshall's Playground Wish Comes True

 

Meet Marshall, a bubbly eight-year-old boy, with a big heart and a bright disposition. Marshall lives with an immune disorder, which often makes him sick due to a lack of immunity to viruses and infections. He wanted, more than anything, to have a space in his home where he could play with his friends and brothers, without any concerns. So when Make-A-Wish® asked this brave young boy what his one true wish was, he said, "I wish to have a backyard playground!"

Marshall and his family got a huge surprise one morning when he woke up and found out his wish had come true. "This experience has truly been magical for all of us," Marshall's mother said. "He wants to get as much play time as possible!"

Marshall's mother was very thankful to Make-A-Wish for helping make her son's dream of a backyard playground come true. "I just want to thank you for all that you have done for us," she said. "It was the best day of his life."

 

When a wish is granted, it does much more than bring joy to a child’s heart. For kids like Marshall, who are faced with life-threatening medical conditions, a wish-come-true provides them with strength to battle through darkness and gives them hope for healthier, happier days ahead.