Hm

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$100,000.00

$200,000.00

$300,000.00

$400,000.00

$500,000.00

$600,000.00

$700,000.00

Durham Region

Ajax Brock Clarington Oshawa Pickering Scugog Uxbridge Whitby

$489

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$560

,699

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$358

,363

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$430

,850

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$401

,339

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$549

,653

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$491

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$422

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$471

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$321

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$375

,646

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$335

,076

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$509

,067

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$481

,531

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$509

,784

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$470

,493

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Average Selling Price - March 2016 Average Selling Price - Previous Year to Date

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Which is Hotter, the Weather or the Market?If you live in the GTA, there are two topics of discussion that have been on everyone’s mind as of late: Number 1 -“When is spring going to finally arrive?” And number 2 - “Is this crazy real estate market the right time to be selling my home and pocketing some of the recent and substantial gains that have occurred?”

Since we have no control over the temperature OR the value of real estate, it’s probably best to be prepared for both. (Because this is an article on real estate, let’s focus on number 2)

Prices for just about every style of home are up significantly in the past three months. In some cases they have increased a whopping 14%. What does this mean to you? If you’re not contemplating a move, it may perhaps make your retirement dreams seem a little closer to becoming a reality.

If you’re contemplating a move up in size, you may find there are more homes from which to choose. Conversely, if you are contemplating a move down in size, the opposite may well be the case. Smaller homes, especially bungalows, are in high demand.

“Do I sell first or buy first?” Securing

a home first would be my best recommendation rather than selling your larger home first and being disappointed in the selection. If you’re determined to sell first, perhaps selling with a longer closing date is a wise idea, giving yourself more time to find your next home.

The best scenario in this environment would be if you’re leaving the market all together (renting or moving into a retirement community) or moving to a less expensive area – such as points

considerably east or west of the GTA and banking the difference.

Whether prices continue to rise significantly, or a correction occurs in the future, it’s always important

to remember that real estate values are simply “paper values” until you leave the market entirely.

As always, I am happy to meet with you in person to discuss

your current thoughts on the real estate market and how it might affect you.

Real Estate News

David J. RoneySales Representative

Warmest Regards, David Roney

DURHAM REGION, April 11, 2016 – Durham Region Association of REALTORS® (DRAR) President Sandra O’Donohue reported 1,166 residential transactions in March 2016. “Compared to March of 2015, we have seen a 7 per cent increase in the number of sales” reported O’Donohue.

“To contrast, we have seen a 3 per cent decrease in the number of new listings.” There were 1,474 residential homes listed in March 2016, compared to 1,527 in March 2015. The average selling price in March 2016 was $489,755, a 13.8 percent increase from March 2015. “A decrease in inventory coupled with high demand produces healthy price growth, continuing our seller’s market”, explained O’Donohue.

“This price growth is intensified by competition between buyers for the limited inventory”. “Similar interest rates and the economic environment are causing this trend to continue”, said O’Donohue. “There continues to be a strong demand for home ownership in Durham Region.”

Seller’s Market Continues into March

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818 Cartref AvenueWhitby • $445.000

Quality built Jeffrey home in preferred “West Winds” community. Welcoming front entry leading to the 1,390 square foot upper level. Bright eat-in greenhouse kitchen with walk-out to the deck that overlooks the beautifully landscaped backyard with mature, perennial garden beds. Formal dining room with French doors and a spacious living room with crown moulding. Three spacious bedrooms. The master features a walk-in closet and three piece ensuite bathroom. Finished lower level with large above grade windows for plenty of natural light. Huge rec room with wood-burning fireplace, a fourth bedroom and rough-in bathroom in the laundry room. Don’t miss this well maintained home in a fabulous neighbourhood!

David J. Roney, Sales RepresentativeDirect 905.261.0009 • Office 905.666.1333 • davidroney@royallepage.ca

Celebrating 33 years as a REALTOR® in 2016A Name Friends and Family Have Recommended Since 1983

Porches and Patios: Optimize No Matter What Size

Thinking about sellingyour home. Sooner may be better.• Less market

competition.• Serious buyers.• Steady mortgage rates.Give me a call today and let’s consider your options in the current market.

Your referral to family and friends is always

appreciated!

reserved

to showcase

your listing

!

Spring has sprung, and the time to prepare your outdoor space has come. Whether you own a small porch, balcony, or a full-size patio, now is the time to get it ready for warmer weather and welcoming guests.

Beautify a BalconyA balcony can be transformed into a cozy oasis with little work, and little expense. Get the ground in shape for bare feet by covering it with outdoor carpeting or rattan mats. For low-cost comfort, choose a chair or lounger with weather resistant cushions and add a small table for placing books or drinks. For year-round greenery, buy a large synthetic tropical plant and use planters to add seasonal colour. Top it all off with an interesting bird feeder, a small water fountain, or some wind chimes for interest and relaxation.

Personalize PorchesIf front porches could speak, they should say “welcome”. Choose simple furniture that is inviting and relaxing such as rocking chairs or compact swing gliders. Put one or two large planters or urns near the entrance to your porch or home to greet visitors and use them to make a statement with seasonal arrangements that reflect your personal style. Add colour with bright containers of flowers until spring colours emerge from the garden view. Complete your work of art with the one thing every porch needs … a welcome mat!

Perk Up PatiosPatios are a place to escape from the bustle and activity of the home. To help you get a little closer to nature, consider adding an arbor over your patio. Attach climbing plants or vines around your arbor and scatter container plants of seasonal colour to soften your hardscape. Stepping stones angled away from your patio adds dimension, even in the smallest of areas. Add a birdbath or water fountain for tranquillity and your

patio haven becomes the ideal spot for relaxing solo or a serene backdrop for entertaining.

To spring ahead, think ahead. Start sprucing up your outdoors now and you’ll extend your enjoyment right through to the warm, sunny days of summer