For most Canadians, May signals the return of outdoor barbecues, backyard pool parties and cottage living. It’s the month where we all heave a sigh of relief that the warm weather has finally arrived for good. No wonder so many of us choose May to spring clean, hold a yard sale and lighten up our décor. It doesn’t take much to add summer living to our indoor spaces:  a few colourful new toss cushions, cheery table linens and brightly hued acrylic drink ware and ta-da! The summer season is officially ushered into our homes. 

As Canadians we relish the longer daylight hours and the chance to do some outdoor living, entertaining and partake of some nature inspired activities. Where we live in  particular, there are tons of municipal, regional, and provincial parks to discover and explore, local farm markets to enjoy and community events and festivals to participate in. You’ll see a lineup of family fun in this month’s post.

The month of May holds many significant international holidays, birthdays and dates, not the least of which is International Jazz Day on May 26! May’s birthstone is the emerald, symbolizing success and love, and its flower is the Lily. In our country, the official fruit and vegetable of the month is the humble asparagus. 

The May 2018 real estate market will be best summed up in one term: fickle. As the market continues to struggle to find a balanced inventory, we are seeing some micro markets resembling spring 2017: buyer demand and multiple offer situations are occurring in entry level homes across the Durham Region. However, other micro markets are dramatically opposite, with conditions resembling  2008: a saturated market and pricing taking deep dives as a result. The only intelligent way through all of this turmoil for clients? One word: EXPERIENCE. Trust us to navigate the best course of action for those who you know that are planning a move. It is the greatest compliment we receive when you personally recommend us, and we thank you sincerely for it.

One of Durham’s key business sectors is agri-business. Here’s a snapshot on this growing, highly diversified and important employment centre: Durham Region’s agricultural sector is one of the largest primary goods producing sectors in the area. Production includes beef and cattle, dairy cattle, hog and pig, poultry and egg, sheep and goat, oilseed and grain, vegetable and fruit, greenhouse, nursery and floriculture, to name a few. Our livestock breeders are world renowned for their quality genetics!

Production has advanced from traditional methods of farming to include new biomass crops for next generation biofuels, chemicals and energy. Brand new crops are diversifying to meet the broader cultural needs of our community and producers are expanding into related processing, retail and agri-tourism fields. Food processing also continues to expand in the region due to its proximity to market, the safe, high quality food inputs found here and complementary industry clusters. Food producers also benefit from the many manufacturing benefits and government incentives available to them for doing business here in our region.

Next time you eat, thank a Durham Region farmer! 

May 1: May Day

May 8: World Red Cross Day

May 12: International Nurses Day

May 13: Mother’s Day

May 15: National Denim Day

May 21: Victoria Day

May 26: International Jazz Day

May 31: World No Tobacco Day

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.

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.

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.  

Last summer, Canada officially christened the Great Trail, a network of interconnected hiking, biking and boating paths that criss-cross the country. Together they are billed as the longest recreational trial in the world! And it’s not just for walking! You can horseback ride, cycle, paddle, cross-country ski or snowmobile it. While the trail is not actually one continuous recreational path, it’s pretty cool to think it connects 3 oceans, crosses all 13 provinces and territories and is 24,000kms long. In fact it would take 26 months to trek it from east to west. There are over 15,000 communities to explore and 80% of Canadians live within 30 minutes of the trail. It took 25 years to connect the Great Trail and I say…WORTH IT! 

The Durham Region Association of REALTORS reported 846 residential sales in March 2018, a drop of 30% compared to the record breaking 1,349 of March 2017, but a healthy 28% increase over February 2018!

The average selling price in Durham for the month of March was $598,412. This represents just over a 1% increase ($7,008 to be exact) over February 2018. While March 2017 boasted an average selling price of $697,896, we are seeing a three month trend of increased values so far in 2018. While gains have been marginal, they are still gains.

New listing inventory in the Durham Region increased significantly in March over the previous month — by a whopping 46% — finishing at 1,755 units. This massive influx in inventory will have ramifications to average selling times long term. For now though, March saw a solid reduction in the average days on market, reducing to 18 days from a previous 24 in February. Last year at this time, homes were selling in a week. 

The average detached dwelling sold for $660,216 and sold for 98% of list price in 19 days. 558 units were sold.

The average semi detached dwelling sold for $502,821 and sold for 100% of list price in 11 days. 62 units were sold.

The average link dwelling sold for $509,719 and sold for 100% of list price in 14 days. 29 units were sold.

The average freehold townhouse sold for $520,017 and sold for 100% of list price in 14 days. 102 units were sold.

The average condominium apartment sold for $407,871 and sold for 99% of list price in 22 days. 54 units were sold.

The average condominium townhouse sold for $408,435 and sold for 100% of list price in 16 days. 40 units were sold.

for March 2018:

Durham Region: $598,412

Oshawa: $515,884

Clarington: $523,527

Whitby: $633,763

Scugog: $686,172

Ajax: $644,968

Pickering: $711,575

Not paying yourself first. As soon as you get your pay check, the first thing to do with your money is to put some away into savings. Too often people pay their bills and spend the rest, neglecting to pay themselves. Turn that around.

Living above your means. Constantly upgrading our lives as our pay checks get bigger is a common mistake. Instead, take advantage of the opportunity and bump up your savings instead of your wardrobe or vehicle when you get that bump up in pay.

Constantly consolidating. Consolidating high interest debt into lower interest loans is savvy but it’s a trap if you don’t focus on paying off that new consolidation before going out and charging up the credit cards again. Multiple refinances just delay the inevitable. The debt is still there. Pay it off first.

Owning too many cars and not taking public transit. Most cars cost about $10,000 a year to own and operate, and the vast majority of the population underestimate this number. Opt to take the bus or train and save yourself thousands.

Weekly trips to the mall. Research shows that every single time you step into a mall, you spend more than $100. It’s called the “Mall Phenomenon”. The average is actually $105 according to studies. Mall shoppers are far more likely to make impulse purchases, so limit your time there and go with a plan that you can’t be distracted from.

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.  

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

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 below may cause you to look at your loved ones differently.  It did me. Check it out.

Maplefest: Saturday May 5, 9am-5pm, Downtown Bowmanville

This annual event features maple products in every delicious description and includes a hot pancake breakfast, live music, craft and food vendors, and many kid friendly activities.

#Bryson Blooms: May 6, 11am-2pm, Brooklin

A community celebration in the heart of Brooklin, come visit the animal sanctuary, plant and take home a giant sunflower, meet Spider-Man and Rapunzel, listen to live music, and enjoy the best popcorn on earth!

Reuse Day: May 12, 9am-1pm, Waste Management Centre, Whitby

Drop off reusable items for free. Everything goes to Habitat for Humanity’s Restores, Diabetes Canada and the Salvation Army.

Science Rendezvous 2018: May 12, 10am-3pm, UOIT and Durham College

A hands on opportunity to explore and create with experiments and workshops showcasing the innovation of leading scientists at both institutions. Take an INVENTour, visit the Science Cavalcade and stay for the grand finale celebration.

Honey Bee Orchard Blossom Walk: May 19, 10am-4pm, Archibald Orchards & Estate Winery

Join Farmer Fred and “Billy Bee” on a walk through the Orchard. Find out why it’s so important to have bees during apple blossom time.

Presented by Castrol, this 2 day, high octane event features a variety of racing series and finishes with a fireworks display.

Whitby Food Truck Festival: May 26-27, 11am-11pm, Iroquois Park Grounds

The Rotary Club of Whitby presents a festival of food, fun and family. A one-of-a-kind event!

Free Public Swim: May 26, 2pm-4:30pm Civic Recreation Complex, Oshawa

Join Healthy Kids Community Challenge for a “Power off and Play” free swim! 

Rees is 17 and in grade 11. He’s on the honour roll and he won rookie of the year for both the football and baseball teams. He also recently got his driver’s license, and bought his first car with his own money. It all sounds almost typical, but this well-rounded, high-achieving teen was once sidelined from the life he loved. Rees was 10 in 2011 when he was healing from a neurological condition and was told he wouldn’t be able to play in the upcoming hockey season. He was heartbroken.

Things started to look up though when Rees was given the opportunity to have his wish granted. “Another patient’s mom in the hospital told my mom about it,” says Rees. He wanted just one thing: to meet Alex Burrows from the Vancouver Canucks. “It gave me the opportunity to go somewhere and forget about all the painful procedures and the frustration I had when watching my siblings play hockey from the sidelines."

The wish trip to Vancouver and the experience of meeting the NHL star was hugely memorable for Rees. The best part? “The combination of the Canucks winning that night and actually meeting Alex Burrows in person. He signed and gave me his game stick and the game puck.”

Burrows also gave the young hockey fan some advice. “Alex Burrows told me his story of how he made it to the NHL, and how it was not the way a person would expect. It encouraged me to not give up on my dreams, even though hockey was on hold for the time being.”

Now healthy, Rees has high hopes for his future. “I hope to pursue a science degree and go into medicine in the future. I returned to playing in fall 2012 and went back with a lot more passion. I just finished up my second year of midget. I really enjoy a lot of different sports, but hockey is my favourite.”

“The wish I received gave me and my family a happy time after a very stressful time for all of us. It allowed us to embrace life through the changes we all experienced, and find some normalcy again.”