The last full month of summer, August boasts 31 long, glorious days, with some of our warmest weather on record. Named to honour the Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar, August also finds its roots in the word “auger”, a hole digging tool that farmers use annually at this time of the season to prepare for the next crop. August’s birthstone is the Peridot, symbolizing strength, and its flower is the Gladiolus or the Poppy. August is also known as the month with the highest birth rate in North America!

August is traditionally a slower month for sales, as it is sandwiched between summer holiday fun and preparation for the new school year. As we have said before, nothing impacts the real estate industry more than the cycle of society and rhythm of family life! So August is a great time to take stock of your family’s real estate goals, organize your home for an upcoming sale by getting it in a show ready state, or to take advantage of your purchasing power in more favourable market circumstances.

Our local market continues to be in surplus, with a wide variety of homes and price ranges to choose from. As a result, we are seeing fewer and fewer homes selling in multiple offer situations. Pricing a home appropriately is a key factor now in the success of a sale, as bank appraisals are leaning towards much more conservative numbers than in the spring. The return to a more normal market is also evident in the rise of conditional offers being accepted on properties; home inspection and financing clauses, as well as offers conditional on the sale of a buyer’s property, have all resurfaced. We have definitely experienced a dramatic turnabout in the market, perhaps the most pronounced in the last 25 years.  But like all markets – whether financial or real estate – we are always in a state of flux, open to a myriad of economic factors that can affect and shift value within the macro market at large just as easily as the micro market of your neighbourhood. As conditions continue to evolve, we are committed to providing you with the most current information available and proving our worth to you as your real estate advisers for life. Thank you for continuing to recommend us to your friends and family, co-workers and neighbours. Our business is your business, and we truly appreciate it!


HEAT SAFETY

Heat Exhaustion: This can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures.  Symptoms include skin that feels cool and moist; fast and weak pulse rate: shallow, fast breathing; weakness, tiredness; dizziness; paleness; heavy sweating; nausea; fainting; headache and muscle cramps. REMEDY: getting out of the sun, hydrating and taking a cool bath or shower may help to stop heat exhaustion from progressing to heat stroke.

Sun Poisoning:  A severe case of sunburn caused by UV exposure that inflames the skin. Symptoms include red and blistering skin, pain and tingling, swelling, headache, fever and chills, nausea, dizziness and dehydration. REMEDY: Get out of the sun immediately, take a cool shower or bath or apply cool compresses to affected areas, take pain relievers, drink extra fluids, and use aloe gel or moisturizer.

Heat Stroke: can cause brain damage, organ failure and death. There are 2 types: Classic and Exertional. Symptoms include high body temperature (40 degrees or higher); lack of sweating or profuse; red, hot and dry skin; nausea and vomiting; rapid heartbeat; rapid, shallow breathing; confusion, disorientation, staggering; seizures; dizziness; throbbing headache; muscle weakness or cramps; hallucinations; unconsciousness. REMEDY: Call 911 immediately. Remove immediately to a shaded area. Cool classic heat stroke gradually in cool bath or shower, and hydrate while waiting for paramedics. Cool exertional heat stroke quickly with cold water hosing or shower/bath, apply cold packs to armpits, groin, neck and back and hydrate while waiting for paramedics.

Sunscreen: Most dermatologists recommend using a product with an SPF of 30 or higher, and one that is water and sweat resistant. Use the type you are most comfortable applying, but if using a spray remember to apply it to your face by spraying it into your hands and then rubbing it on; never spray directly onto your face. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure, and re-apply every 2 hours or directly after swimming. Make sure to cover all areas exposed to the sun, including scalp, ears and lips.

Hydration: A common mistake people make when out in the heat is that they wait too long to drink. Remember that if you are thirsty, then you are already dehydrated! Caffeine, alcohol and certain medications can all contribute to even more rapid dehydration.

 FAMILY FUN AROUND DURHAM

 
To All the Families out there…

Right now, there are kids who are trying to beat the Cancer Monster and other debilitating diseases.  The Parents with kids fighting for their life are most likely NOT thinking about their Canada Day plans.  They are simply just being  there, doing what a real loving families do. 

This is where you can help…

As you probably know Make A Wish Canada does great work in helping Kids fight through and survive nasty diseases and cancers.  And as you know Make A Wish®  depends on sponsorships and donations to provide top care while keeping family costs to a minimum.

So, YOUR REFERRALS REALLY DO HELP THE KIDS…

Who do you know considering buying or selling a home you could refer to my real estate sales team?
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 pass along our business card to them, I have enclosed a couple here for that  purpose.
2. 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.
3. Of course you can always call me direct as well at 905-728-1600.

Remember our promises to buyers and sellers!

Home Sellers Receive this guarantee:  Your Home Sold at Your Price or We’ll Buy It!*
Home Buyers Receive this guarantee:  Guaranteed 100% Satisfaction With Your Home Purchase or We’ll Buy It Back!*
Life moves fast for some and we are eager to make the Home Selling and Buying experience a smooth rewarding one.  Over the last two decades 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. 

Economic Momentum: Oshawa

Over 50 projects are under way in Oshawa, representing over $4 Billion dollars of investment. That translates to 43,513 new associated jobs, 33,924 potential new residents and 12,418 new residential units! 
Oshawa’s economy is represented by 9500+ companies, with 66,000+ jobs -- 10% of which come from manufacturing. Public Administration accounts for 28%, while Health Services and  Education account for 26% combined!  
Oshawa is projected to be in the Top 5 performing urban economies for Canada! With 13.1% year-over-year job growth, Oshawa is ranked #1 in Canada! 
Oshawa boasts the highest percentage of full time employment in Durham with rising education levels and income averages above both Ontario and Canada stats!
Building permit activity soared over $1.5 Billion for the last 2 years combined, creating the potential for 40,000 new residents over the next 5 years!

AUGUST DATES TO REMEMBER 

August 3:  National Watermelon Day

August 7:  Civic Holiday  

August 12: International Youth Day

August 13: International Left Hander’s Day

August 19: World Humanitarian Day

August 27: Global Forgiveness Day



INDUSTRY STATS

Average selling price in the Durham Region for June 2017: $615,064.

Average selling price in Oshawa for June 2017: $486,555.

Average selling price in Clarington for June 2017: $533,820.

Average selling price in Whitby for June 2017: $713,047.

Average selling price in Scugog for June 2017: $666,709.   




THE HIGHS, LOWS AND OOHHHS OF THE MARKET

In June, the Durham Region Association of REALTORS reported 997 residential sales in the Durham Region, a 32% drop from June 2016.
The amount of new listing inventory between May 2017 and June 2017 dropped by 632 units in the Durham Region, finishing at 2,639 new listings compared to 3,271 the previous month. 
In June 2016, the new listing inventory was only 1,755 units.
The average selling price in Durham for the month of June was $615,064, representing a drop by 6% from May. However, it still represented a 13% increase over June 2016, when the average selling price in Durham Region was $542,314.  
Here’s how that average price breaks down for last month:

· The average detached dwelling sold for $689,044 and sold for 100% of list price!

· The average semi-detached dwelling sold for $491,356 and sold for 103% of list price!

· The average link dwelling sold for $490,968 and sold for 102% of list price!

· The average freehold townhouse sold for $525,436 and sold for 102% of list price!

· The average condominium apartment sold for $392,284 and sold for 103% of list price!

· The average condominium townhouse sold for $406,730 and sold for 102% of list price!

Homes continue to sell well, with an average market time of 14 days, the longest average so far for 2017. 
Just 4 short years ago, in 2013, the average residential sale for Durham Region was $357,529, representing an average equity growth of $257,535!

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 toward a very worthy cause. 

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

 

SPOTLIGHT ON DURHAM

Parkwood: An Auto Baron’s Legacy

Parkwood is one of Canada’s finest and last remaining grand estates, featuring architectural, landscape and interior designs of the 1920’s and 1930’s. Once home to auto baron R. Samuel McLaughlin, (founder of General Motors of Canada, and patriarch of Oshawa’s “First Family”), Parkwood is now a national historic site and a testament to the best artists, architects and landscape designers of its time. Inspired by early 20^th century Beaux-Arts design, the mansion was built between 1915-1917, with additions in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Comprising 55 rooms, 30 of which are open to public viewing, the 15,000 square foot Parkwood mansion affords a rare glimpse into the life of one of Canada’s premier entrepreneurs and philanthropists. With intact condition, furnishings and artwork, a true sense of life at Parkwood is established for visitors. The expansive and breathtaking 12 acres of grounds are formal and reminiscent of their 1930’s presentation, allowing visitors to experience the ambience of the time. From June 1 to September 4, 2017, Parkwood is open 7 days a week 10:30am - 5:00pm, with lunch available in the Tea Room. This year marks the 100^th anniversary of Parkwood, with special events happening throughout the season, including special tours, social teas and garden parties. Visit www.parkwoodestate.com for more information. 

Your Referrals Help the Kids

 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 and the guarantee to back it up, but that a solid portion of the income we receive from the transaction will go toward a very worthy cause.

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 pass along our business card to them, I have enclosed a couple here for that purpose.

2. 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.

3. Of course you can always call me direct as well at 905-728-1600. 

 

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.

 

Jessika Gets a Secret Garden

Six-year-old Jessika lives with spinal muscular atrophy, type 1; a condition that affects all of her muscles — not just the ones used for walking and moving, but also the muscles used for swallowing and breathing.

Jessika is confined to her wheelchair or bed because of her medical condition, and she’s not able to get outside a lot. So, when Make-A-Wish^® Quebec approached her about her one true wish, she knew what she wanted: a secret garden in her very own backyard. She wanted a space that would allow her to look outside her window and see nature and attract wildlife!

In the spring of 2016, a group of volunteers and contractors came together to make Jessika’s wish come true. While a contractor worked on a deck, another worked on a ramp — both of which would allow Jessika access to her garden any time she wanted.

A dozen volunteers helped create Jessika’s magical garden and planted flowers, grasses and various trees. They also put in bird houses, bird feeders, solar lights and beautiful decorations, all of which added unique touches to Jessika’s special space.

One of Jessika’s favorite things in the secret garden is a dog house for her imaginary dog, Slinky!

Once the garden was revealed to Jessika and her family, her mother shared that “everyone does a lot of stuff for Jessika, but it’s rare that she gets to have a say in what she gets. To see this come to life around her, means it’s about Jessika. And to see her have something like this, it’s a wish come true even for me.”