Monday, February 26, 2018 / by Alayne Keates Administration To Geoff Appleton & Associates
Home'Ward Bound March 2018
March — Let Spring Begin!
It’s no surprise this year that International Day of Happiness coincides with the first day of spring! After a long and grueling battle with winter, we Canadians are more than ready for a little sunshine and warm weather and a whole lot less snow. March 2018 boasts a packed calendar, with Easter arriving early this year, in a month that already hosts many special events. March birthstones include the Aquamarine, Jade and Bloodstone and the flower is the Daffodil or the Jonquil. In Canada, the fruit and/or vegetable of the month is the humble potato – no surprise for a country that loves to celebrate its Irish heritage this month!
In real estate, the start of 2018 has certainly seen a dramatic shift from the market conditions experienced last year during the same period. A pattern has definitely emerged, one that shows a steady, balanced market with more normal market times and a near static overall average sale price. However, like always, within the macro market of Durham Region’s massive geographic reach and widely varying housing styles, there are uniquely active micro markets at work, changing up the dynamics and creating an entirely different climate for particular segments of the housing industry. Navigating buyers and sellers through all of that noise and confusion is what we do best.
Never has there been a time when wise counsel, sage advice and experienced leadership been so critical when making a purchase or sale. Don’t let your loved ones make real estate decisions without consulting our services first. It could mean the world of difference to their move!
Thank you once again for recommending us to your family, friends and neighbours!
Ajax, Pickering Sites Remain in Running for Amazon HQ
Two sites in Durham Region, in Ajax and Pickering, remain in the running to be the home for Amazon’s second headquarters. Amazon announced the 20 finalists for the headquarters, dubbed HQ2, whittling down more than 200 submissions. One location is Toronto, but that includes the proposal by Toronto Global. The Ajax and Pickering sites were part of the Toronto Global proposal. The Ajax site is on Salem Road, north of Kingston Road, while the Pickering site is along Highway 407.
"I am proud that of 238 bids, we are the only site in Canada to have made the Top 20 short list," said Mayor Dave Ryan."This reaffirms our exceptional value proposition as a vibrant, engaged, and livable community where businesses want to relocate to and grow." A statement from Toronto Global noted, “On behalf of all the mayors and chairs of the Toronto Region, and our partners in Waterloo Region and Guelph, we are thrilled that our bid to attract Amazon’s HQ2 will be moving to the next stage in the selection process. We were proud to submit our proposal alongside some of the most competitive and dynamic Canadian communities, who helped to highlight the great range of advantages we offer as a country. We are even more honoured to be selected as the only Canadian location to move forward in this competition.” Toronto is the only Canadian city named among the finalists.
Amazon said the second headquarters would cost $5 billion and create 50,000 high-paying jobs. The 20 finalists are: Atlanta; Austin, Texas; Boston; Chicago; Dallas; Denver; Indianapolis; Los Angeles; Miami; New York City; Philadelphia; Toronto; Washington; Pittsburgh; Raleigh, N.C.; Nashville, Tenn.; Newark, N.J.; Columbus, Ohio. Also listed are Northern Virginia and Montgomery County in Maryland. The company said it will announce the site later this year.
source: www.durhamregion.com
To All the Families out there…
Right now, there are moms and dads out there struggling for their kids, wondering how to bring joy back into their lives as they fight debilitating illnesses. These Parents with kids fighting for their life are most likely NOT thinking about March Break 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 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.
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 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.
INDUSTRY STATS
Average Selling Prices
for December 2017:
Durham Region: $578,645
Oshawa: $493,888
Clarington: $536,838
Whitby: $657,528
Scugog: $611,077
Ajax: $616,285
Pickering: $627,222
Source: DRAR
The Highs, Lows and Oohhs of the Market
In January, the Durham Region Association of REALTORS reported 470 residential sales in the Durham Region, a 16% drop from the 545 reported in December 2017.
The average selling price in Durham for the month of January was $578,645, increasing by less than 1% ($3,581 to be exact) over December 2017. This represents a marked decrease from January 2017 when the average sale price for Durham Region was $608,417. However, it represents a five month pattern of average sale prices in the Durham Region hovering within a less than 1% change in value, month over month. Sure indication of a
balanced market.
The amount of new listing inventory coming onto the market in January 2018 was 954 units in Durham Region, a 34% increase over December 2017 and a 30% increase over January 2017.
The average days on market for January 2018 have been stretched to 30 days, double that of January 2017. However, a healthy Sales to New Listing Ratio (SNLR) of 49.3% and a 98% average Sale Price to List Price Ratio (SP/LP) strongly indicate a fair, win-win marketplace for both Buyers and Sellers
Here’s the average price breakdowns for January:
The average detached dwelling sold for $634,788 and sold for 97% of list price in 33 days. A total of 323 units were sold.
The average semi-detached dwelling sold for $484,881 and sold for 99% of list price in 21 days. A total of 31 units were sold.
The average link dwelling sold for $504,000 and sold for 99% of list price in 19 days. A total of 8 units were sold.
The average freehold townhouse sold for $519,942 and sold for 98% of list price in 26 days. A total of 48 units were sold.
The average condominium apartment sold for $357,821 and sold for 97% of list price in 30 days. A total of 27 units were sold.
The average condominium townhouse sold for $401,361 and sold for 99% of list price in 28 days. A total of 33 units were sold. A total of 41 units were sold.
March Dates to Remember
March 2
Employee Appreciation Day
March 8
International Women’s Day
March 9-16
March Break
March 11
Daylight Saving Time Begins
March 17
St. Patrick’s Day
March 20
Spring Equinox
March 30
Good Friday
- START FRESH AND DECLUTTER YOUR HOME. Before the great outdoor weather arrives, take the time to get rid of all the “clap trap” you and your family have been accumulating in closets, drawers, toy rooms, under the bed and anywhere else you lovingly “stick” things.
- CREATE AN INDOOR DRIVE-IN MOVIE. Sit down with your family and make a list of 3-5 movies you have been wanting to see or watch again. Create a fun menu of movie treats and have a summery picnic in your family room as you sit, munch and take in the double feature.
- REDECORATE/REFURBISH. Maybe a bureau could use a fresh coat of paint and some funky new handles or the seat covers on your chairs some new fabric. DIY projects that are fast, fabulous and frugal really give the dreary winter a lift. Especially if you add colour!
- VISIT THE LIBRARY. We often forget what an amazing resource our local libraries are because we get so caught up with our daily routines. There’s nothing like turning the pages of a book to take you away to another place and time. When you visit a library you can become instantly refreshed, for free.
- PRACTICE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS. Most people tend to feel a little blah during the winter months so find a way to brighten someone’s day and make them smile. Think outside the box. It needn’t be much — just enough to perk them up, which in turn will have you smiling all day long too.
- TAKE SOMEONE OTHER THAN YOUR SWEETHEART ON A DATE. Winter is the perfect time to take a child, co-worker, neighbour or parent out on a date. Taking the time to show the people in your life that you care enough to spend quality 1:1 time with them will make them feel warm inside even if it’s still cold outside.
- FINISH ONE THING YOU’VE BEEN PUTTING OFF. We all have a list of “could’ves” and “should'ves” so why not take a drab winter day and finish something you’ve been wanting to do? Whatever it might be, the late days of winter are a great time to complete some unfinished business.
- LEARN A NEW SKILL. Since you’re stuck indoors, why not expand your horizons and learn something new? From a new language to baking bread from scratch, learning a new skill can feel victorious. Don’t leave the kids or your spouse out either! Try a new hobby or family activity that will allow all of you to explore your creative side.
- CREATE YOUR VISION BOARD. A vision board is a large presentation board where you can pin images of things that make you smile, feel great, laugh or inspire you. Pinterest is a virtual vision board and it’s a great place to get started because it lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web.
- MAKE CHANGES IN YOUR LIFE. Take a good look at your life and make at least one change. It doesn’t matter how big or how small, as long as the change deviates from your standard routine. Believe in yourself and come up with one simple or elaborate change that will make you and your loved ones take notice.
Source: quickanddirtytips.com
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 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.
Why I Support, Make A Wish ®
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
- Bowmanville Butter Tart Festival — March 3, 9am - 4pm, Garnet B. Rickard Centre
- Clarington Sport & Leisure Fair — March 4, 1pm, Garnet B. Rickard Centre. Free public skate
- Oxford Learning Free Public Skate — March 4, 1pm-2:30pm Legends Centre, Oshawa
- Hedley—March 9, 7:00pm, Tribute Centre Oshawa
- Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival — runs March 9-11, March 14-18 and March 24-25
- and offers family activities, horse drawn wagon rides and pancakes galore. $5/person
- Oshawa@Play Kick Off Event — March 10, 1pm-4pm, South Oshawa Community Centre
- WWE Live: Road to Wrestlemania—March 10, 7:30pm, Tribute Centre Oshawa
- Tackle Swap & Fishing Show — March 11, 10am-4pm, Clarington Central Secondary School
- $5/family or $2 with a non-perishable food donation.
- Our Lady Peace & Matthew Good—March 13, 7:30pm, Tribute Centre Oshawa
- Letterkenny Live! - March 15, 8pm, Tribute Centre Oshawa
- Ganaraska Conservation Authority’s Maple Syrup Day — March 17, 10am-1pm. Demonstrations, tours, live music and a pancake feast. $15/Adult, $10/Children
- Sustainable Pickering Day — March 24, 9:30am-6pm, Pickering Town Centre. Indoor farmers’ market, gardening demonstrations, free family activities. Non-perishable foods donations appreciated.
- Night at the Museum: Earth Hour—March 24, 7:30-9:30, Oshawa Museum 1450 Simcoe St S Oshawa
- Bowmanville Antiques & Folk Art Show — March 31, 10am-4pm, Garnet B. Rickard Centre. $15 for both, $10 Saturday only.
- Pickering Easter Parade — March 31, 10am-noon, Liverpool Rd. to Bayly Rd. route.
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 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.
Maya Pirouettes Into The Spotlight
Maya has not had an easy life. She was diagnosed at the very young age of 2 and has been undergoing years of treatment ever since. But nothing has stopped this little showgirl from doing what she loves best – dancing. Which is why seeing a professional ballet production seemed fitting as the perfect wish.
On her big day, Maya traveled to Toronto where she was transformed into a beautiful ballerina – complete with a new pink tutu and tiara. At the National Ballet of Canada, she received private dance lessons from professional dancers and was able to attend opening night of The Nutcracker. She was so excited that she danced in every hallway the entire day.
Since her wish was fulfilled, Maya has been cleared from cancer. The treatments, the pain and the worry are now a distant memory only to be replaced by happy ones from that day she got to be a real ballerina. Now Maya can dance her way into new possibilities and a bright future.
