Durham Region Real Estate Blog - Advice for Home Buyers

What Homeowners Can Do To Save On Energy Costs

Have you ever wondered what makes that pesky energy bill get so high every month? Appliances and electronics alone account for about 20% of energy consumption in the home!

Let’s be honest - it’s rare that anyone is unplugging their appliances the second they’re done using them, but it helps more than you think. 

Who Are The Main Energy Bill Culprits?

Ow, it may be difficult to identify right off the bat who are the main targets that are making our energy bills make us never want to turn on another light switch again. 

If you really think about it, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll be able to name a few of the culprits behind those stronger hits targeted at your bank account. 

To start, we can name just a few a few to get the ball…

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How Buying A New Construction Home Could Save You Money

If you’re considering buying a home in the Durham Region, the thought of a new construction home may have crossed your mind. There are many advantages to buying a brand new home, the main one being that you could save tons of money in the long run. 

A new construction home could be a brand new home that has already been completed and is ready for you to move in or a pre-construction condo, townhouse or single-family home that hasn’t been built yet. It could also be a home you design and build on land you have purchased.

When you purchase a new construction home, you may have to pay more up front, but your overall costs may be lower than those you would incur buying a pre-existing home. These are a few ways your new construction home can save you…

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7 Questions to Ask When Buying a Condo in the Durham Region

One of the great things about Durham Region real estate is that you have so many types of properties to choose from. Condos are particularly popular in this area because they can be very affordable compared to single-family homes and similar properties in Toronto.

With so many condominiums to choose from in Pickering, Oshawa, and other Durham Region communities, it can be difficult to know which one is the best investment for you. Before jumping into a sale, these are some questions to ask when buying a condo.

What is the Condition of the Condo?

First and foremost you want to make sure that the condo you potentially purchase is in good condition and worth the asking price. Is the unit brand new or older? If it’s older, has the current owner…

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How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent for You

Buying or selling a home is a big decision, so it helps to have a real estate agent who can guide you through the process. But with so many agents and brokerages to choose from, how do you choose the one who will get you the best deal?

These are some tips for finding a Durham Region real estate agent who will have your best interests at heart and ensure that your home buying or selling process goes as smoothly as possible.

Personality is Key

Your real estate agent is someone you will be working closely with, so you want to make sure you choose someone who you trust and relate to. The more your agent gets you, the better they will be able to understand exactly what it is you need. Look for someone who communicates well and gives you a good…

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Why the Durham Region is Ideal for Remote Workers

One of the upsides of the pandemic was it challenged the way we think about how we work and live. When millions of Canadians began working remotely, many realized that they were no longer restricted to living close to the office. Instead, they could choose homes that better fit their lifestyle.

The Durham Region has become a hotspot for remote workers. In fact, even before the pandemic, many people were choosing to buy real estate in the Durham Region over Toronto and other cities in Ontario. These are just a few reasons why the area is so appealing to remote workers.

Affordable Housing

It’s no secret that housing prices in Toronto have skyrocketed over the past decade. Why pay more if you don't actually have to live right in the city? The…

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Everything You Need to Know About Home Inspections

A home inspection is an essential part of the home buying process. As a buyer, you want to make sure that your new Durham Region home is safe, structurally sound, and has properly functioning systems. A home inspection can identify any major problems.

The home inspection process involves having a third-party professional come in and thoroughly inspect a home for any major issues that may not be visible or obvious to a layperson. This can help you determine whether you want to go through with the sale.

As a seller, you may also want to do a home inspection to help determine the value of your home and whether there are any issues that may affect the asking price and closing sale. It will also help you provide full disclosure at the time of the…

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A First-time Home Buyer's Guide to Buying Property in the Durham Region

Buying a home for the first time can be both exciting and overwhelming. It’s a huge milestone, but also a big investment. The good news is it doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. 

Many first-time home buyers in Southern Ontario gravitate towards the Durham Region. Not only is the real estate here more affordable than Toronto, but the area boasts friendly communities and plenty of green spaces.

If you’re considering buying real estate in the Durham Region, these are some steps you can take to find the ideal home that fits your budget and needs.

Work With a Local Durham Region Real Estate Agent

Navigating the real estate market can be a difficult task, especially if you’ve never bought property before. A Durham Region real estate agent…

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Benefits Of Condo Living In The Durham Region

Because the 2500 square kilometre area of the Durham Region has such a rich and diverse landscape, there are many different property types for sale available here.

In communities like Brooklin and Courtice, there are many country homes for sale, and residential homes with plenty of space. Most of the cities, like Oshawa, Pickering, and Clarington, are situated beautifully along the shore of Lake Ontario. Waterfront homes for sale here offer the unique opportunity to live a beach lifestyle.

Many people choose to live in the Durham Region as a more affordable alternative than living in Toronto. There’s more space in these communities, it’s easily commutable, and home prices are typically lower here. This has made it a popular choice for all types…

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