1. How do I know you will sell my home quickly?

Your Realtor should be able to show you statistics, past performance, testimonials and a strong track record of selling homes fast, for more money and with the least amount of hassle.

2. Can you guarantee me weekly print advertising?

Although the MLS is a great way to promote your home to prospective buyers, it should NOT be the only source of advertising. Local print media has proven time and time again to capture the attention of buyers and          differentiate your home from the competition. Less than 4% of homes on the market are actually advertised in local print media.

3. What 3 elements contribute to a successful sale?

Your realtor should know that a home sells when Condition, Price and Exposure are in line with what the market will bear.  Your realtor is responsible for the exposure. You should be in control of the price and condition of your home.  Pricing too high or too low can have a negative impact on your final sale price. A poor price can sabotage any marketing plan.

4. How can you prove to me that you will sell my home for the most amount of money?

Your Realtor should be able to prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the marketing and exposure your home will receive, will net you the most amount of money.  Without a guarantee of exposure you will likely have to sacrifice on your selling price to attract reasonable interest in your home.

5. Do you know what my house is going to sell for?

Beware of any Realtor telling you that they know the value of your home and what it will sell for. The fact is that Realtors are in charge of marketing your home and attracting buyers. They are not in charge of predicting the future of what a buyer will pay.  Your Realtor should be able to help you arrive at a price you are comfortable with. They should also be able to present you with ALL the facts and not a version of what they want you to see. Price should not be an arm-wrestle between you and your Realtor, unless they are buying the house of course.  Price, like any strategy, should consider your comfort and the competition, past sales and current listings.

6. Do you work with a team or do you work alone?

A team of Realtors can offer many more resources to help get your home sold faster and for more money. Many solo Realtors will tell you that you have their undivided attention, yet they are pulled in many different directions with the many tasks required to run a business.  With a team you get a group of realtors working for you and access to all of their buyers. Teams leverage your Realtors time so that he or she can actually focus on the activity of matching buyers to your home.

You Pick the Commission Option & Price you want to list at, Guaranteed!

List YOUR home with our S.M.A.R.T Listings System on MLS!

For more FREE recorded information about our listing system call 1-888-599-0098 (direct) Use ID #9991

Written by Michael Plowman of the Dan Plowman Team

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If you are planning a move in or around the Durham Region, a new company is now offering a “green” alternative to the cardboard box. Nigel Foy, the proud owner of Frogbox Durham, offers environmentally friendly, reusable plastic boxes for your next household move. Frogbox was first discovered on an episode of Dragon’s Den, and Mr. Foy of Whitby was inspired to “jump” at the chance to own a franchise. While the average cardboard box is used only twice before winding up in landfills, or, for those that are recycled, using up energy and water resources in the process, the Frogbox can be used upwards of 400 times, and can save 75 metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over their lifetime. Frogboxes are all one size, 24 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 12 inches deep, making them easy to stack and move. They are also waterproof, complete with locks and handles. These unique boxes rent for $3.50 each per week, or are available in a package deal of 50 boxes for $149 a week. Additional weeks are available for $30, and the boxes are delivered and picked up directly from your home. In keeping with the spirit of being an environmentally friendly company offering a green alternative, Mr. Foy donates one percent of his gross revenue to protecting frogs. Before your next move in Durham Region, find more information on this environmentally friendly alternative to the cardboard box, visit their website at www.frogbox.com.

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*The Brooklin Agricultural Society is a Not for Profit volunteer organization which operates and organizes the annual Brooklin Spring Fair. The Brooklin Spring Fair celebrates its 100th Anniversary in June 2011.

The Fair has a Volunteer Board of 28 Directors that plan upcoming Fairs along with hundreds of community volunteers who donate their time in May and June. The Brooklin Spring Fair continues from one year to the next, because of the success of the previous years Fair.

The Fair supports many organizations in the community such as; the Order of Oddfellows Lodge in Brooklin, Ontario Volunteer Emergency Rescue Team (O.V.E.R.T), Brooklin Community Centre & Library, Kedron Boy Scouts and Brooklin Boy Scouts and Brooklin Redmen. We also present an annual achievement award to a graduating student at each of the elementary schools in Brooklin.

The Brooklin Agricultural Society is a proud member of the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS). The OAAS (www.ontariofairs.com) is a unifying body for 230 Agricultural Societies in Ontario and is our liaison to the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFA).

If you are interested in getting more involved personally with the Brooklin Spring Fair please plan to attend our Annual General Meeting at the beginning of October or send an email to secretary@brooklinspringfair.com

*As seen on the Brooklin Spring Fair website.  For more information, dates, events, attractions and prices, please visit their website, and don’t miss out on celebrating 100 years of the Brooklin Spring Fair!

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Spring has finally sprung in Durham Region, and with it, the impending arrival of the Easter Bunny.  Falling late in April, this year holds the promise of warmer weather and opportunities abound for family fun.  From Easter Egg hunts to meeting the Easter Bunny himself, there are events and activities stretching from Pickering to Bowmanville.  ParentSource.ca keeps an ongoing event list of these activities with all the information you need to enjoy the season.  Another great resource for monthly events throughout Durham Region is durhamtourism.ca, providing a month by month calendar of events taking place throughout our communities.

The Town of Whitby is home to it’s very own chocolate factory, creating thousands of chocolates each Easter, ranging from the smallest of eggs to the biggest of Bunnies.  Williams Chocolate, located on Hopkins Street, is a family run business, with it’s showroom open to the public, providing freshly made milk, white, & dark chocolate treats that are impossible to resist!

Image via Wikipedia

Durham Region is known for it’s numerous local farms, many open to the public, with activities and special events for the whole family.  Durham Farm Fresh provides detailed listings for all the local farms, including an interactive map, and information on what they have to offer the community.

Though Cullen Gardens in Whitby no longer offers organized events, it’s still a fantastic place to spend an afternoon with the kids.  Take advantage of the space to organize your own Easter Egg Hunt or spring picnic.  There are numerous green spaces throughout Durham Region that can be enjoyed, and you may even spot that Easter Bunny hopping through the woods!

The Dan Plowman Team is your community specialist.  If you have questions about buying or selling a home in Durham Region, our dedicated team of professionals are here to help you through the process!

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March Break is fast approaching and parents throughout Durham Region are looking for ways to occupy the kids.  Day camps are plentiful, ranging from athletics, to art and music.  These helpful links can help you find the right camps for your kids!

YMCA Durham Region

The City Of Pickering

The Town Of Ajax

The Town Of Whitby

The City Of Oshawa

Whitby Station Gallery

Oshawa Community Museum

Clarington

Remember, many of your local gyms and clubs also offer March Break activities, such as gymnastics, hockey and skating, or various creative play activities. A great resource for up to date listings is ParentSource.ca, providing links and information to help you plan your week. Other events and activities include March Break at the Toronto Zoo, with their Playtime Forest education program, or Canada’s largest indoor carnival, Spring Fling, held at the Rogers Centre each year. Purple Woods offers their annual Maple Syrup Festival, while your local community centres and arenas have skating and swimming available throughout the week. Ontario Power Generation runs fantastic community programs with their March Break Madness in both the Darlington and Pickering area. The Ontario Science Centre is another popular choice, with new exhibits, special programs, and daily demonstrations.

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Weather permitting, there are many parks and trails throughout Durham Region to enjoy a spring day out with the kids, and if the snow hangs on, don’t forget to check out our guide to the best tobogganing hills in the region! Local libraries offer activities such as story time and movies that make it the perfect place to spend a rainy day, and tend to have events that are perfect for the younger set. Of course, you can never go wrong planning a pajama day spent hanging out at home, relaxing with the kids, and pulling out your favourite movies or board games!

If you have any suggestions for how to spend March Break with the kids, share them with us in our comment section below or on our Facebook page! We live where you live, and our dedicated team of professionals care about our community!

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…with the sounds of children! After another blast of winter blowing through Durham Region, we wanted to know what the best hills were for tobogganing with the kids! Despite Wiarton Willie predicting an early spring today, there’s a lot of snow out there, and any Canadian worth their salt knows how to make the best of it! So after an informal survey of family and friends, we came up with a short list of some of the favourite hills from Pickering to Oshawa:

Pickering-

-Along the Scarborough/Pickering border is one of the best known hills, and one many of us enjoyed growing up. Adams Park can be found just off of Port Union Road and offers thrills for the biggest of kids!

Image via Wikipedia

- Hy Hope farm in Ashburn, also near the Pickering border, offers a variety of hills for all ages.

Ajax-

- Greenwood Conservation Area also has something for everyone, with a selection of hill sizes to choose from.

- Take Harwood Ave. to Lake Drive, turn left and you will find a small hill perfect for the little ones in the family.

Whitby-

- There are many small hills in Whitby suitable for the younger set. These include Country Lane Park, behind VandenBos Public School, the back field of Henry Street High School, and the very end of Annes Street south, where it dead ends.

- Otter Creek Park offers a medium-large hill that kids of all ages can enjoy.

Oshawa-

- The hill at the Knights of Columbus park on Farewell Street is apparently  a favourite for the area, with a large hill for older kids.

Bowmanville-

- Darlington Provincial Park has numerous hills of varying sizes for family fun in the snow!

Uxbridge-

- Uxbridge Arena Hill on Brock Street West was mentioned, and Ski Lakeridge offers snow tubing on a pay-per-ride basis for kids over the age of 4.

We also heard of a few hills throughout Brooklin, with many new neighbourhoods and parks popping up, that were ideal for families of all ages. If you have names or locations of these tobogganing spots, or any others we may have missed, we’d love to hear from you in the comment section below! Remember, stay safe on the slopes, choose hills and equipment that are age appropriate, and bear in mind that Health Canada now recommends helmets be worn for these types of activities, especially for children! Have fun, and happy sledding!

Durham Region: The Hills Are Alive… is a post from: Durham Real Estate And Homes For Sale

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When the federal government extended the maximum allowable amortization for a mortgage from 25 to 40 years in 2006, it dramatically changed what Canadians could afford on their home purchases.  The typical couple went from a maximum budget of $450,000 on a 25 year mortgage to over $575,000 with a 40 year mortgage.  This resulted in a mini boom for the Greater Toronto Area with a record 97,000 home sales for 2007.

Today, the federal government is now concerned that household debt levels have been on the rise ever since those 2006 changes. In an attempt to counter these rising debt levels, in 2008, the federal government scaled back the maximum amortization for insured mortgages from 40 years to 35 years and have now decided to reduce the limit even further to 30 years. These new amortization limits will take effect on March 18th 2011.  However, according to the Department of Finance website, home buyers entering into a binding purchase and sale agreement before March 18th will still be allowed to take on a 35 year mortgage even if the possession date falls after March 18th.

These changes will likely result in an immediate rise in demand from buyers, as many try to buy ahead of the March 18th deadline. The market saw a similar rise in demand last year with tightened mortgage lending requirements. Prices and sales both peaked in April and May 2010, as buyers rushed to beat these new rules coming in to effect. As a result of that, demand then declined significantly between June and September of 2010, since many buyers had gotten in early as a result of the mortgage rules changing.

The amortization limit being lowered will have a significant impact on what home buyers can afford to spend on a home. A couple that qualified to purchase a $550,000 home with the current system, will now only qualify to spend up to $500,000 once the new mortgage rules are in place. This is a major factor towards driving the market in to a mini boom over the next 8 weeks as those buyers that were on the fence are now going to be anxious to make their purchase before the deadline.

If you have any questions about the new changes and how they may affect you, please don’t hesitate to contact our dedicated professional on the Dan Plowman Team. If you are looking to buy or sell your home to take advantage of the current market conditions, we are your experts in Durham real estate, from Pickering to Oshawa, and the surrounding areas!

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Professional Home Staging can give you, the seller, a clear advantage over other listings in your neighbourhood. Home staging is the art of turning chaos & clutter in to calm & clean. Prospective buyers are seeking to visualize their own furniture in the space. Ensuring them a walk through that will allow them to do so can add huge value to your home. Minimizing clutter by packing up & storing things like books, toys, & knick knacks is a necessary first step to creating bright, open spaces. Better yet, you have a head start on moving! Remember, less is more. Selling your home is about making the space appealing to the next owner, not showing off your own prized possessions. Accentuate the best areas of the home without going overboard on heavy decor that can detract from the space. The simplest things can make that first walk through one they will remember after seeing numerous properties in a day. Clean carpets, polished floors, sparkling fixtures, even throwing cookies in the oven for that fresh baked smell of home can have your house standing out above the rest. Ensure that pets are out from under foot & that any lingering pet smells are taken care of. Set out fresh flowers, or bowls of fruit for a quick & inexpensive visual appeal that will welcome prospective buyers. An unused corner can become a cozy reading space, or a family game area. Keep the flow of the home open, even if it means moving or removing certain pieces of furniture that may impede the flow from one room to another. Deluxe professional home staging is an integral part of the service the Dan Plowman Team offers our clients when listing with us…one more way our experienced professionals help you to stand out above the crowd & give you a competitive edge in the Durham real estate market!

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As dedicated professionals specializing in Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, & Pickering real estate, we are often asked specific questions regarding the buying or selling of homes. The most frequently asked question is…

How does the HST work?

Here is what the Ontario Ministry of Revenue has posted on their website:

The HST does not apply to resale homes.

In fact, 93 per cent of all homes sold in Ontario, on average, are not subject to an additional tax amount under the HST.

Enhanced New Housing Rebate

Buyers of new homes receive a rebate of up to $24,000 regardless of the price of the new home.

This rebate ensures that buyers of homes priced up to $400,000 (about three-quarters of new homes built in Ontario), on average, pay no more – or possibly even less – tax than under the old PST system.

New Rental Housing Rebate

New rental housing, including residential investment properties, receive a similar rebate. This rebate also supports affordable rental housing in Ontario.

Read the full posting here.

Additionally, no HST will be charged on

• residential rents
• condo fees
• purchase of resale homes

Though HST will be applied on the purchase of new homes, homebuyers will be able to claim a rebate of some of the provincial portion of the tax for new homes priced up to $500,000. This rebate for new primary residences under $400,000 will be six percent of the purchase price, or 75 percent of the provincial portion of the tax, with the rebate amount being reduced for homes priced between $400,000 and $500,000. As stated above, buyers of new residential rental properties will receive a similar rebate. Most Ontarians are still unaware of these facts, & real estate professionals in B.C. & Ontario cite this as a cause for market slow downs. However, as the housing market stabilizes, & begins to return to normal levels across Canada, those who have hesitated to enter the market can be assured that the HST will not have the impact they initially feared on their home purchase. If you have any further questions or concerns regarding the HST or you are looking to buy or sell your home in the Durham Region or surrounding area, please don’t hesitate to contact our team of dedicated real estate professionals.

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The town of Whitby has a population of approximately 123,000, including the Village of Brooklin & the hamlets of Ashburn & Myrtle. Whitby real estate is booming, with modern new developments spreading throughout, from the Whitby Shores on the southern edge, to Brooklin on the northern edge. There are also many beautifully established neighbourhoods to be found, as well as communities with large country lots in the outlying areas of town. Regardless of your wants or needs, Whitby has something for everyone looking for somewhere to call home.

In keeping with the population growth, Whitby offers any & all amenities, from shopping, a thriving downtown, as well as restaurants, theaters, clubs & pubs for those looking for entertainment. Recreational facilities include Iroquois Sports Complex, McKinney Arena, the Whitby Civic Rec Complex, & the Brooklin Arena with year round skating, swimming, & fitness classes to suit your needs. For outdoor fun & fitness, Durham Region is home to many fine Ontario farms, while Heber Down, Lynde Shores, & the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation areas offer beautiful nature trails. Whitby is also home to many parks, including beachfront across from the Port Whitby Harbour. For winter sport, Lakeridge & Dagmar ski resorts are only a short drive away.

Celebration Square, located in front of Whitby’s new 54,000 square foot, 2 story Central Library, brings the community together throughout the year for various events, most notably, the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Other events enjoyed by the residents include the Farmer’s Market, Music In The Park, Heritage Day, & the Brooklin Fair. To take in a unique shopping experience, stroll along the verandas of Pearson Lanes, historical homes linked together housing individual boutiques ideal for the sophisticated shopper.

A short GO train ride away from downtown Toronto, the town of Whitby is the perfect mix of city & suburban living. As the Whitby real estate market continues to grow & prosper, it has become the choice for families looking for the small town feel with the big city convenience & amenities. Contact the dedicated professionals on the Dan Plowman Team to discuss your real estate needs & find out more about the town of Whitby!

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The City of Pickering, with a population of close to 93,000, runs along the eastern border of Toronto within the region of Durham. Pickering is home to scenic waterfront trails, a thriving downtown, & picturesque rural villages. Shopping & dining, nature, arts & culture, & a proud heritage all come together to make this the perfect place to call home.

Pickering real estate varies from the clean, modern look of it’s newest neighbourhoods, to the quaint charm & country feel of it’s more established areas, spread out around the bustling business & shopping districts. Residents can enjoy the more than 200 shops, restaurants, & services offered by The Pickering Town Center, as well as the First Pro Shopping Center, the Pickering Annex, & the Pickering Markets. If you’re looking for the night life, there are many clubs, pubs, & restaurants to choose from, as well as the theatres at the Town Centre. For quieter pursuits, the Pickering Central Library, or an afternoon spent exploring the history of the Pickering Museum Village are the ideal choices to meet your needs.

For outdoor leisure & activities, the scenic Waterfront Trail is popular for cycling, roller blading, & strolls along the lake front, while boating & fishing can be enjoyed on Frenchman’s Bay. Petticoat Creek, Seaton Hiking Trail and Greenwood and Claremont Conservation Areas have extensive walking & hiking trails available to explore the great outdoors. For year round fitness activities, the Pickering Rec Complex has programs & facilities for the whole family.

A city rich with culture, Pickering offers events such as Artfest on the Esplanade, Theatre in the Park, & a Waterfront Concert series. With easy access to the big city, this thriving community offers the perfect compromise for suburban living with all the amenities. Be sure to contact the professionals at The Dan Plowman Team for all of your Pickering real estate needs!

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The town of Ajax, with a population of approximately 91,000, can be found within the fastest growing area of Ontario, Durham Region. Ajax offers the small town feel while providing any & all amenities for you & your family. From big box retail, such as Costco, Future Shop, & Zellers, to the more historic ambiance of the boutiques & specialty shops of Pickering Village, along with close to 100 restaurants & eateries, you can easily find what you’re looking for! For outdoor fun & activities, Ajax is home to 6 kilometers of undeveloped waterfront along the shores of Lake Ontario, providing parks, walking/biking paths, & beautiful scenery.

Five golf courses are scattered throughout the town, including the well known Annandale Golf and Curling Club, & the Greenwood Conservation Area is the perfect place to explore nature & while away the day. Skating, swimming, & fitness classes are available at the Ajax Rec Center, & a new facility, a multi-use community center and outdoor park, is currently under way.

Beautiful waterfront neighbourhoods are well established in Ajax, while along the northern border, new housing developments are booming, along with the addition of new retail outlets to service this area. For a night on the town with Lady Luck, The Slots At Ajax Downs, Ontario’s newest gaming facility, can be found here, & Ajax Downs is the Province’s only quarter horse race track. Regular community events offer the chance to mix & mingle with the diverse population of Ajax, including the Santa Claus Parade, Home Week, Ajax Family Festival and the Pickering Village Fall Festival, among others. With easy access to Toronto via Go Train or the 401, as well as the attractions, shopping, & services available throughout Durham, Ajax is the perfect town to call home! Check out their website at The Town Of Ajax to discover more, & contact the dedicated professional of the Dan Plowman Team to help you with your Ajax real estate needs!

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Oshawa is a thriving town just east of Toronto, with much to offer it’s citizens. Having made Canada’s Top 100 Entrepreneurial Cities list, Oshawa is clearly rebounding from the GM downsizing in recent years. The Oshawa Center in the heart of the city provides shopping for even the most sophisticated tastes, with stores such as LuluLemon, American Eagle, Guess, & even Aeropostle coming soon, as well as providing for your family needs, with Zellers, Dollarama, & the world famous Build-A-Bear Workshop! Eatery choices also range from McDonalds, Tim Hortons, the food court, & sit down venues such as East Side Mario’s or The Keg. Across town, on the northern edge of Oshawa, development is booming with new housing, big box retail stores, & the addition of a Cineplex Odeon.

The city of Oshawa is home to many popular attractions. The Robert McLaughlin Gallery houses more than 3,000 Canadian art masterpieces, while the home of Col. R. S. (Sam) McLaughlin, Parkwood Estate, now a National Historic Site, offers tours, tea time, & magnificent gardens. Enjoy the scenic Lakeview Park, & take in a tour of the Oshawa Community Museum’s three restored nineteenth century homes. Oshawa is also home to The Canadian Automotive Museum,  the Oshawa Aeronautical, Military & Industrial Museum, & the Robert Stuart Aeronautical Collection. Check out the Oshawa Museum Guide for more information on these venues. Every June, celebrate with Fiesta Week & enjoy cultural entertainment & ethnic cuisine at pavilions throughout the city. The month of March brings the Maple Syrup Festival in the beautiful Purple Woods Conservation Area, & of course, the holiday season is celebrated to it’s fullest!

Educational campuses are thriving in Oshawa, offering the UOIT, Trent University in Oshawa, & Durham College, as well as career schools such as Trillium College & the Canadian Flight Academy Ltd. Oshawa is the largest municipality in the Durham Region, with a population of approximately 145,000. A mere Go Train ride from the heart of downtown Toronto, Oshawa offers the best of both city & suburban living. For more information on what the city of Oshawa can offer you, visit their website at www.oshawa.ca, & to find out how you can buy or sell your Oshawa home, contact The Dan Plowman Team, your Oshawa real estate experts!

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The RE/MAX Market Trends Report Fall 2010 shows that markets across Canada are returning to normal levels. The Durham Region real estate market falls within the GTA, including Oshawa, Ajax, Whitby & Pickering. The Greater Toronto Area was one of 5 major cities that had double-digit gains over the last year, with 11%. Of further interest was the realization that the introduction of the HST here in Ontario actually had minimal impact on the market, despite concerns to the contrary. With so many recent changes affecting the industry, including today’s announcement of a deal between the federal Competition Bureau & Canada’s real estate industry that will allow consumers to chose which services they want from their agent, many have wondered how the housing market will react. Yet the numbers clearly show a market returning to normal levels, after concerns of a recession & a soft summer for housing. This is good news for those in Durham Region looking to buy or sell their home. As the market rebounds, consumers can be confident that they are entering in to a more balanced situation. A further indication of a stronger market has been the surge in sales of luxury properties, typically the first to show signs of pressure. For those who have put off making any decisions regarding their home sale or purchase, they can now move forward knowing that the current numbers show a return to stability.

The Dan Plowman Team serves Durham real estate needs throughout the region, & has continued to satisfy our clients regardless of market conditions. We’re excited about what the coming months will bring to the region, & our dedicated professionals are always available to answer your questions. For the full article detailing the The RE/MAX Market Trends Report Fall 2010, click the link below. If you are interested in finding your new home in Durham Region, visit our website to browse thousands of listings instantly.

The RE/MAX Market Trends Report Fall 2010

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The Dan Plowman Team serves the Durham Region real estate needs of those from Pickering to Oshawa, & all of the surrounding areas in between. We are often asked why we do not hold Open Houses on our listings. Our real estate professionals can attest to the reasons why we find this to be an ineffective sales method, but first & foremost is the privacy & safety of our clients. This recent incident in Oshawa speaks to the inherent dangers involved in leaving your home vulnerable to strangers. We first brought this story to your attention a few weeks ago through our Facebook page, however Durham Region police have uncovered some startling developments in the case, as discussed in this article on DurhamRegion.com. With approximately 20 incidents of open house thefts reported thus far, & $500,000.00 in stolen property being recovered, one can only imagine the devastating losses felt by these victims, & the personal items that may never be found. Durham Region police fully anticipate more reports will be forthcoming, as they discover this pair of thieves have been operating throughout the GTA for as much as five years now.

Local realtors are claiming open house thefts are on the rise, yet many continue to engage in this sales technique. Rather than putting you & your belongings at risk, we offer a 24 hour open house on your listing, through the use of room-by-room virtual tours. The virtual tour allows home buyers to research a little further in the comfort of their home or from out of town, & offers the seller the comfort of knowing their home can be viewed by potential buyers without risking their security. It’s almost like walking through the home without having to take a step inside. The Dan Plowman Team doesn’t compromise on client satisfaction or safety.

Have you had a negative experience with Open Houses? Share your story in our comment section below.

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Many of us on The Dan Plowman Team have families of our own, & enjoy exploring the community we live in to discover the many sights available to us. With the incredible October weather we have had, it’s the perfect time to get out with the kids & enjoy all that Durham Region has to offer! Some of our team members have been spotted at our local farms, picking pumpkins with their children to celebrate Halloween, while others have enjoyed the spookier activities around the region with their older kids! DurhamRegion.com offers a great article outlining some of the favourite local activities being offered this month. Take some to get out & enjoy the spectacular October sunshine & autumn leaves with family & friends, & please be sure to leave your own suggestions for Fall outings in our community in the comment section below!

Wishing you all a blessed & Happy Thanksgiving. Please remember to bring in any non-perishable food items to our Whitby office for our Christmas Turkey Drive & help us to bring a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings to those in need within our community. Join our Facebook page for more information & to stay informed on this, & other, events!

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With the arrival of autumn, our thoughts turn to the holidays soon upon us. As we begin to plan and prepare for the Christmas season with family and friends, the Durham Region real estate agents from the Dan Plowman Team will once again be looking to spread some cheer and help families in need. Not only do we work in our community, we live here as well. We are strongly committed to giving back, and we know how difficult it can be for those less fortunate to enjoy a Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.

Last year, we delivered a record number of 211 Christmas baskets with turkey dinners to local schools and churches from Whitby to Clarington. We hope to surpass that this year, with a new goal of 300 turkey dinners for those in need. You can help us meet that goal, with donations of boxed potatoes and stuffing, canned cranberries, gravy and corn, and disposable turkey pans brought in to our Whitby office at 3000 Garden St. N. Suite 101.

Thank you again to all who made this possible last year!

Two Men & A Truck – Moving Company, Jonathan Griffiths – Law Firm, Mark Woitzik – Law Firm, Paula Freeman – Crescent Mortgage Corp., Amanda Earl – National Bank – Financial Group, Margaret Long – Simple & Sophisticated, Debra Coombs – Creative Details, Loblaws – Bowmanville, Guy Polley – Mack & Kisbee Law Firm, Miriam Gobran – TD Canada Trust, Laura Carey – State Farm Insurance, Agostino & Nancy’s No Frills, Daniel Silcox – Amerispec Home Inspections, Oshawa / Whitby / Clarington This Week, Van Belle’s – Bowmanville, Skin & Body Rejuvenation Clinic

*First 3 photos courtesy of Snap Oshawa

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The Dan Plowman Team celebrated their 5th Annual Client Appreciation Party last weekend. Held at Nebs Fun World in Oshawa, the event was another huge success for the team of Remax agents and the Durham real estate clients they serve.

Fun filled, family activities included Go Karts, rock climbing, bowling, and Air Tag. Jungle Cat World paid a visit with an interactive wild life show, along with popular characters such as Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Batman mingling with the crowd of around 700. A food fare galore kept the hungry masses at bay, as pizza, hot dogs, and the ever popular Corn Guy made the rounds. Of course, no community event would be complete without face painting, tattoos, and jumping castles! The evening wrapped up with a showing of “How To Train Your Dragon“.

Young and old alike were treated to a great evening of fun and entertainment. The Dan Plowman Team thanks all who attended for another successful event, and hopes to see you out next year for our 6th Annual Client Appreciation Party! Be sure to “Like” our Facebook Page for access to all of our event photos!  We are pleased to be your choice for serving your Durham real estate needs!

5th Annual Client Appreciation Party! is a post from: Durham Real Estate And Homes For Sale

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Some times we just have to laugh at ourselves… is a post from: Durham Real Estate And Homes For Sale

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It was two years ago that life in Oshawa seemed to be grim. With the closing of General Motors truck plants, the main industry of the city was in jeopardy of failing dramatically and sending residents running for other opportunities.

What could have been devastation for the Oshawa Real Estate industry has thankfully turned itself around and this beautiful city is once again on the rise.

Despite the drama at General Motors over the years the plant in Oshawa is welcoming back  previously laid-off employees (all laid-off employees are said to return by the end of year) and gearing up for some busy times. This renewed spark is partly due to the unexpected popularity of the new Camaro which helped in the 11% rise in sales last month. General Motors has also said that they will be investing $224,000,000.00 in the Oshawa plant which means a bright future for the city.

With the return to work for the automotive giant comes the return of residents and the attraction of many more new residents to Oshawa real estate. This means a long overdue clean up of the city.

The Oshawa waterfront will be getting some love from the federal government in the amount of $10.2 million. This money will be used to clean up and green up the weathered shoreline making it the lazy day option of choice once again. In addition to the money also comes 50 new acres of port land for boaters and everyone to enjoy.

Homes and buildings are also getting a face lift with the new growth in Oshawa. After being put up for sale last year, Legion members decided to keep their building and put an investment of $500,000.00 in to it to make the building more appealing to the younger crowds. The expected renovations will make the Legion a more attractive building for people to consider as a rental option for parties and weddings and will get the Legion back on the list of cool places to be.

It’s great to see that Oshawa is rising to the challenge of a growing community and making the City of Oshawa a great place to live.

Rising Up and Growing Strong is a post from: Durham Real Estate And Homes For Sale

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