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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10 Ways to Refresh Your Patio on a Budget

Are you looking to transform your patio into a cozy, inviting outdoor space without spending a fortune? With summer just around the corner, it's the perfect time to give your patio a fresh look. Here are ten budget-friendly ways to refresh your patio and create a charming oasis right at home.

Add Some Greenery

Nothing breathes life into a patio like a touch of greenery. Whether you have a spacious yard or a compact balcony, incorporating plants can make a big difference. Opt for a mix of potted plants, hanging baskets, and window boxes filled with flowers, herbs, and succulents. Not only do they add color and texture, but they also help purify the air and create a relaxing atmosphere.

DIY Planters

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Welcome back to our in-depth real estate market update for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Durham Region. The dynamics of April 2024 have presented some unique changes and trends worth noting:

GTA Market Insights:

  • Sales Activity: April 2024 home sales were down in comparison to April 2023, which saw a temporary resurgence in market activity. GTA REALTORS® reported 7,114 sales through the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) MLS® System in April 2024 – a 5% decrease compared to April 2023. Despite this, new listings surged by 47.2% year-over-year, providing increased choice for home buyers.

  • Home Prices: The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite benchmark was down by less than 1% year-over-year. However, the average selling…

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The Durham Region, located just east of Toronto, is rapidly becoming one of Ontario’s most desirable places to live. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a growing family, or someone looking for a change of pace, Durham has something to offer everyone.

Here are the top five reasons to consider buying a home in this vibrant and growing community:

1. Affordability

Compared to the skyrocketing prices in Toronto, the Durham Region offers more affordable housing options without compromising on quality. Whether you’re looking for a spacious suburban home, a trendy townhouse, or a cozy condo, you'll find more bang for your buck here. This affordability extends to lower property taxes and a lower cost of living, making it an excellent choice for…

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Welcome back to our in-depth real estate market update for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Durham Region. The dynamics of March 2024 have presented some unique changes and trends worth noting:

GTA Market Insights:

Sales Activity: March 2024 witnessed a shift in the GTA real estate market. Despite a 4.5% decrease in home sales compared to March 2023, there was still enough competition among buyers to push up the average price. REALTORS® reported 6,560 sales through TRREB’s MLS® System. Interestingly, this decrease could be partially attributed to the Good Friday holiday occurring in March this year, unlike last year when it fell in April.

Home Prices: The average selling price in the GTA rose moderately by 1.3% from last year to $1,121,615.…

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Gardening is not just about beautifying your space; it's about creating a sustainable environment that supports local ecosystems. For those of us in Durham Region, this means embracing native plants in our gardening projects. Planting with native species not only enhances the natural beauty of our gardens but also provides essential habitats for wildlife and reduces the maintenance and resources typically required. Here’s how you can get started on planting a native garden at your home in Durham Region.

Why Choose Native Plants?

1. Environmental Benefits: Native plants are adapted to our local climate and soil conditions, which means they require less water and are more resistant to pests and diseases prevalent in our area. This reduces the need…

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In the ever-evolving world of architecture and home design, a unique style has emerged, captivating the hearts of homeowners and design enthusiasts alike: the bungaloft. This architectural gem blends the cozy allure of a bungalow with the spacious and airy feel of a loft, creating a living space that's both practical and enchanting. But what exactly is a bungaloft, and why is it becoming a coveted choice for many? Let's dive into the world of bungalofts and discover the charm that makes them so irresistible.

What Is a Bungaloft?

A bungaloft, as the name suggests, is a fusion between a bungalow and a loft. It retains the single-story layout typical of bungalows but incorporates a loft space, usually above the garage or kitchen, adding a second…

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Embarking on the journey to buy a home is a monumental step in anyone’s life, filled with excitement, anticipation, and, understandably, a bit of anxiety. With the right plan and mindset, however, the path to homeownership can be less daunting and more achievable. If you're looking to buy a home in the next five years, here’s a strategic guide to prepare you for one of your biggest life decisions.

Year 1: Assess and Set Your Goals

Reflect on Your Why: Start by asking yourself why you want to buy a home. Is it for financial security, family stability, or perhaps an investment? Understanding your motivation will help guide your decisions throughout this journey.

Financial Health Check: Evaluate your financial health. This means checking your credit…

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JANUARY 2024 UPDATE: NAVIGATING THE GTA & DURHAM REGION REAL ESTATE MARKET

Welcome back to our comprehensive real estate market update for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Durham Region. As we kick off 2024, let's delve into the latest developments:

GTA Market Insights:

  • Sales Activity: In January 2024, GTA home sales surged, indicating a promising start to the year compared to the same period in 2023. Buyers benefited from lower borrowing costs associated with fixed-rate mortgage products, driving increased activity.

  • New Listings: Although new listings also saw a year-over-year increase, the rate was slightly lower compared to sales growth. This resulted in tighter market conditions, potentially signaling renewed price growth…

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