As the crisp autumn air settles in, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than by visiting a local apple orchard. Durham Region is home to some of the best apple-picking spots where you can enjoy a day of family fun, fresh air, and, of course, delicious apples. Whether you’re looking to bake a pie, make some homemade cider, or just enjoy a fresh apple straight from the tree, these orchards have you covered. Here are some of the top spots to go apple picking in Durham Region.

1. Watson Farms

Located in Bowmanville, Watson Farms is a family-owned and operated farm that offers a delightful apple-picking experience. They grow a variety of apples, including Honeycrisp, McIntosh, and Gala, ensuring there’s something for everyone’s taste. In…

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Welcome back to our monthly real estate market update, where we dive into the key developments across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Durham Region. July 2024 has seen some notable shifts, with increasing sales activity and continued growth in new listings, offering a clearer picture of the market dynamics at play.

GTA Market Insights:

Sales Activity:
In July 2024, the GTA real estate market experienced a 3.3% increase in home sales compared to the same month last year. TRREB's MLS® System reported 5,391 sales, up from 5,220 in July 2023. This uptick in sales is a positive sign, possibly reflecting the early impact of the Bank of Canada’s recent rate cuts in June and July. As borrowing costs continue to decline, we anticipate further acceleration…

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As the vibrant colors of summer fade into the warm hues of autumn, many homeowners find themselves considering whether to list their home for sale. While spring and summer are traditionally busy seasons in real estate, selling in the fall has its own set of advantages. However, preparing your home for the fall market requires special attention to detail to ensure it appeals to potential buyers. Here’s how to get your home ready to sell this autumn.

1. Embrace Curb Appeal with Seasonal Touches

First impressions matter, and fall provides a unique opportunity to enhance your home’s curb appeal with seasonal charm. Here’s how:

  • Landscaping: Keep your lawn tidy by regularly raking leaves, trimming bushes, and maintaining flower beds. Consider…

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As the leaves change color and the temperatures drop, many potential homebuyers may wonder if fall is the right time to make a purchase. While buying a home in the fall comes with several advantages—like less competition and motivated sellers—there are also specific challenges to keep in mind. Understanding what to look for and being aware of potential issues can help you make a confident decision and secure a great deal on your new home.

The Benefits of Buying in the Fall

Before diving into potential pitfalls, let’s first explore the benefits of purchasing a home during the fall season:

  • Less Competition: With the peak home-buying seasons of spring and summer behind us, there are typically fewer buyers in the market during fall. This…

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How to Make the Most of Your Summer in Durham Region

As summer peaks, there's still plenty of time to soak up the sun and enjoy all that Durham Region has to offer. From outdoor adventures to local events, there's something for everyone to make the most of these warm, sunny days. Here are some top ways to spend the rest of your summer in Durham Region.

1. Explore the Great Outdoors

Hiking and Biking Trails

Durham Region boasts an extensive network of trails perfect for hiking and biking. Some must-visit trails include the Waterfront Trail in Oshawa, which offers stunning views of Lake Ontario, and the Seaton Trail in Pickering, known for its lush greenery and serene river views. For a more challenging adventure, try the trails at Durham Forest…

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In recent years, the Canadian real estate market has witnessed a significant shift: the emergence of the solo homebuyer. This trend reflects broader social changes and evolving lifestyle preferences. Let's explore what this means for the market and why more individuals are choosing to buy homes on their own.

Changing Demographics and Preferences

One of the key drivers behind the rise of solo homebuyers is changing demographics. With increasing rates of single-person households and a growing number of people delaying marriage, more individuals are entering the housing market alone. This demographic shift is reshaping the real estate landscape, creating new opportunities and challenges for buyers and sellers alike. According to a recent survey,…

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Welcome back to our detailed real estate market update for June 2024 in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Durham Region. This month has seen some notable developments reflecting broader economic sentiments and potential shifts in the mortgage landscape.

GTA Market Insights:

Sales Activity: June 2024 saw a continued reduction in home sales across the GTA. According to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), 6,213 home sales were reported through the MLS® System, marking a 16.4% decline compared to the 7,429 sales in June 2023. Despite the Bank of Canada's rate cut at the beginning of the month, many buyers chose to hold off on their purchasing decisions.

Home Prices: The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite benchmark experienced a 4.6%…

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Ontario has set an ambitious goal to build at least 1.5 million homes by 2031, and Oshawa is playing a significant role in this initiative. With a 10-year housing target of 23,000 new homes, Oshawa has made steady progress since 2022. As of 2024, the city has added 3,408 new homes, including 1,135 in 2023, and 294 so far this year, reaching 15% of the 2024 target of 1,917. This blog explores the benefits and challenges of this growing housing inventory for buyers and sellers in Oshawa.

The Benefits of Increased Inventory

Greater Choice for Buyers

For homebuyers, the increase in new homes means more options. Whether you're looking for a cozy starter home, a spacious family residence, or a lucrative investment property, the expanding inventory…

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Welcome back to our detailed real estate market update for May 2024 in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Durham Region.

This month has brought some interesting shifts, reflecting broader economic sentiments and potential shifts in the mortgage landscape:

GTA Market Insights:

Sales Activity: May 2024 continued to showcase reduced home sales levels, especially in comparison to the brief surge experienced last spring. Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) reported a total of 7,013 sales through the MLS® System this May—a significant 21.7% decline from the 8,960 sales reported in May 2023. Despite the slowdown in sales, new listings rose sharply, up by 21.1% year-over-year to 18,612, giving buyers more options and leverage in price…

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Canada Day is just around the corner, and Durham Region is gearing up for a spectacular celebration! Whether you're a long-time resident or visiting the area, there are plenty of events to enjoy. From fireworks to family-friendly activities, here's your guide to the best Canada Day events in Durham Region.

Oshawa Fire reminding you to stay safe around fireworks during Diwali | Durham Radio News

1. Fireworks Extravaganza at Lakeview Park, Oshawa

Start your Canada Day celebration with a bang! Head to Lakeview Park in Oshawa for a stunning fireworks display that will light up the night sky. This free event provides a wide range of local entertainment, vendors, activities and displays for attendees to enjoy. This free event kicks off at 2pm. Bring a blanket and find a spot on the grass to enjoy the show, which starts at 10 PM sharp. More…

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