May is always a month full of anticipation: as Canadians, we all look so forward to the warmer weather, the lighter clothing and the appearance of those first flowering blooms on our favorite plants. It is by far one of the most beautiful months of the year here in the Durham Region, where we are fortunate to have so many green spaces and environmentally protected woodlands to explore. May is also a time when people are just simply out more: yard sailing, visiting open houses, stopping by garden centers and farm markets and of course, touring around the countryside looking for that perfect country home!  

The May 2019 real estate market will require close monitoring as entry level homes continued to dominate sales for the first quarter. We anticipate the usual increase in interest for making a move as the spring season lengthens, and current activity seems to indicate that a healthy market should proceed into the warmer months. As inventory remains slightly tighter thus far in 2019 than in previous years, the volume of sales may be lower, but the sale to list ratio for properties should stay high as a result. The unnecessary mortgage restrictions of the OSFI stress test are still impacting our marketplace needlessly. The small concessions made in the recent federal budget – which are convoluted at best for the public to understand –will have little positive impact until drastic changes are made to the overall process of buying real estate. The Canadian real estate industry is petitioning the government to re-visit the parameters set out in the mandated stress test, and thereby curb the collateral damage it is wreaking on the overall economy. The underpinning of every economy from time in memoriam has been, and will always be, the vibrancy of the housing industry sustaining it.  

There has been much discussion about the “missing middle” in our housing inventory – and the fact that builders are not producing homes to fill this requirement. Long term, this gap will continue to widen into a polarized offering of real estate options of either small starter homes or executive/luxury properties with nothing in between unless the situation is addressed by developers and planning officials. This is a situation that we, as an industry, are well aware of and are making our concerns known to the various governing bodies, hoping to enact change.

Real estate is a career that has no time clock or punch card; it is a lifestyle that we live and breathe every day and are passionate about. True success in real estate can only be measured by the level of appreciation, trust and satisfaction that a client has for their agent. It is as simple as that. That’s why a personal recommendation from you means the world to us. It is the greatest compliment we can ever receive, and we thank you sincerely for it.

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 families aren’t planning Mother’s Day brunches, they are simply being there, doing what loving families do. 

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. 

We are on a mission to raise $25,000 for Make A Wish Canada.  Their work in helping kids fight thru and survive nasty debilitating diseases like cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia is second to none! Make A Wish Canada is not for profit and survives on sponsorship and donations. We are committed to donating a portion of our income from home sales to this very worthy cause.  

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, neighbours, 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 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.  

Northwood Business Park is an area of employment designated land currently being serviced and zoned for future development. Bordered by the 407 to the north and Taunton Road to the south, it encompasses both sides of Stevenson and Thornton Roads. A massive piece, Northwood already has the first of many planned developments completed, with a 28 unit industrial condominium site at 1427 Thornton Road north. A planned banquet hall facility encompassing some 5,000 square metres of space is in the works at 1827 Thornton Road north. The sheer volume of available lands and their proximity to the university and college main campuses make this area one to watch! Oshawa could well become the Mississauga of the east!

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

Durham Region: $604,796

Oshawa: $493,404

Clarington: $547,138

Whitby: $655,606

Scugog: $612,612

Ajax: $661,500

Pickering: $706,553

Uxbridge: $1,038,222

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.

The University of Ontario Institute of Technology, or UOIT, as it has been nicknamed for the past 16 years, has changed its name to Ontario Tech University for branding purposes. Although the university will retain its official name, the new brand will build on the vision of the school becoming the MIT of the north. UOIT opened its doors in 2003 and now has 10,000 students, with a future growth target for 16,000 students within the next decade. Known for its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs and faculties, UOIT will officially launch the new brand in August. 

The university has seen significant expansion and beautiful new buildings erected on the property during the course of the last 16 years. Consultations are even now under way on the design of a yet another brand new building that would replace portables and house student services, UOIT’s student association and additional study spaces by 2021. Go Ridgebacks!           

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.  

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.

in Durham!

Maplefest: Saturday, May 4, 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.

Science Rendezvous 2019: May 11, 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.

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.

Victoria Day Speedfest Weekend: May 17-19 Canadian Tire Motorsport Park 

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

Whitby Food Truck Frenzy Festival: May 25-26, 11am-8pm Iroquois Park Grounds

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

Bryson Blooms: May 25, 11am-1pm, Brooklin

Live music, snacks, animal sanctuary and fun for the whole family!

Pickering Rotary Ribfest: May 31 & June 1,2 Esplanade Park, Pickering

The Rotary Club of Pickering presents a foodie’s dream festival of ribs. Fun for all!

Courtice Farm Market
Every Sunday starting May 5,  9am-4:30pm, Courtice Flea Market

Clarington Farm Market
Every Sunday starting May 12, 10am-3pm, Newcastle Memorial Arena

Durham Region Farm Market
Every Saturday starting May 4, 8am-3pm, 64 Baldwin St, Brooklin

North Oshawa Farm Market
Every Saturday starting May 4, 8am-1pm, Delpark Homes Centre parking lot

Oshawa Centre Farm Market
Every Friday starting May 3, 7am-3pm

Victoria's wish helps her overcome her fears

"I'll always remember everything from the trip, because I loved it so much."

Victoria was born with a severe blood disorder that causes periodic episodes of pain in her bones, chest and abdomen. The pain varies in intensity and can last up to a few weeks. She lives in constant fear of being hospitalized when her medical condition worsens.

To take her mind off the pain, Victoria loves to watch Korean anime films. She is fascinated by Korean culture and wished to have a travel adventure in South Korea.

Victoria traveled to Seoul, South Korea with her family and learned so much about the country’s rich culture and unique traditions. She tried authentic South Korean food from the local markets and absolutely loved the local cuisine.

“At the beginning, my family was wondering why I wanted to go to South Korea. Once we arrived and they saw how it was there, they loved it as well. I’ll always remember everything from the trip, because I loved it so much,” says Victoria.

Instead of worrying about her critical illness on the trip, Victoria focused on having fun and creating meaningful memories with her family. The trip to Seoul helped her realize that by focusing on the positives and live life without fear.