Durham Region Real Estate Blog

I know. This is supposed to be a real estate blog so why am I talking about politics? Well, your mayor and city councillors have plenty to say about the city or town you live and work in. They daily deal with issues that affect traffic and businesses which directly affects you. Every decision they make can be positive or negative on your pocketbook. If an incinerator comes to town, like they are discussing in Clarington, more people may move into your neighbourhood and the more buyers there are, the better it is for those who are selling. If the incinerator can be seen from your house, will your house value go down? Or will it increase because an employee of the incinerator will want to live close to work?

Oshawa is revitalizing their downtown core. Buildings are being renovated and students attending Trent University will flood the streets. There is so much money going into Oshawa and we are really seeing a positive change there. Houses are being renovated to accomodate the students and staff of the University.

All this is affected by your local politicians. So get out there, learn the issues, question those running so you can really understand their motives and their abilities to make your city the best it can be! Durham Region is a great place to live. Claim your little area as your own, hold your elected officials accountable on the issues they have promised you. Our neighbourhoods and our pocketbooks will be better for it!

September and the little (or not so little) ones are off to school. The temperature is cooling and the leaves are changing colours. Maybe this is happening too fast or too slow for you, but the weather has its own schedule and there is nothing we can do to change it (except if you talk to climate change enthusiast, but that’s a whole other topic!).  This time of year often gets people thinking about selling their home. I know that there are plenty of people who are staying put so that their children won’t have their school year upended, but what about those families with no children or those with children who are out of the house now. I’ve recently met several families with two or three children all going off to work or school and they are now empty nesters. Then there are people who have family circumstances that are driving the need to move.

So is now the time for you to list your home for sale? Only you can make this decision by looking at the circumstanses driving your move. Is your home too big or too small? Is your yard the right size for your lifestyle? Does the location of your home still work for you and your family? Should you think about moving now when you still have options, rather than waiting for circumstances to force you into a move that you are unprepared for?

Buyers are out in the market. Interest rates are still at surprisingly low levels and their are mortgage options to suit just about any budget. The resale market is holding its own. Media is reporting great downfalls, but call or email me and I can let you know about the conditions in your own neighbourhood. Year over year we are seeing great results in numbers. Number of sales are up and prices are up. Check this blog again in a few days because I’ll post all the up-to-date statistics.

If you find yourself in a situation that just doesn’t work for you anymore, then definitely consider a move. Ask me in to give you a free market evaluation, then think about it and list your home if the time is right.