Dellbrook Avenue in Pickering will be closed today

Public Service Announcement

Road closure on Dellbrook Avenue in Pickering

WHITBY, ON November 8, 2012 – The Regional Municipality of Durham, Works Department would like to advise residents and businesses that a section of Dellbrook Avenue in Pickering will be closed for approximately two days, starting Nov. 12.

WHEN:
The road closure will be in effect, starting Monday, Nov. 12, during construction hours (between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.) and is expected to last until Tuesday, Nov.13.

WHERE:
Dellbrook Avenue will be closed between Brock Road and north entrance to Brock North shopping plaza, to accommodate the paving operations at the intersection of Brock Road and Dellbrook Avenue. Access will be still be available into the shopping plaza, located at the southwest corner of Brock Road and Dellbrook Avenue.

WHY:
The road closure is for the safety of motorists and construction workers during the road reconstruction work.

NOTE:
Please note that unfavourable weather conditions may influence the work schedule.

When it the BEST time to sell our home?

Very few Listing Presentations I go to,  that I am not asked, "When is the best time to sell our home?".

My thoughts and the reasoning behind them are an assessment that deals with Selling in Durham Region and the GTA, remembering that Real Estate is a truly local business and is completely different as you travel the world....

Durham is a very diverse community with many service-based businesses abound and there are two major vacation times in this Region's calendar. Very little happens here in the two weeks before or after Xmas and during the humid Summer months of July and August, Suburbanites head to the Lake regions surrounding the City. All one has to do is monitor the traffic in the Downtown during these times and you know that a large number of people have escaped.

These are the holidays that affect the Real Estate Market in a really good way. A lot of families are so busy during their regular weeks that they have no time to talk about plans and goals for the future. The Holidays allow goals to be set, a lot of them include moving up, down or sideways. My phone really starts to ring in the second week of January and the second week of September. That is when Clients are ramping up to get their homes ready for the market to come.

Smart Sellers will bring their houses to the market in September, October, November and January, February, March, April. Beware that you don't wait till May or June when you think that the gardens will show the best and sell the house. The market gets flooded with other Sellers jumping on that bandwagon, and the competition stiffens.
It may be hard to consider bucking what you think should be the trend for Toronto Real Estate, but historical sales figures show graphs bumping up in the schedule that I am proposing. Not that houses do not sell at other times, but if you want to take advantage of the Prime selling months, get ready for September and January starts to the Market.

For your free market evaluation, please don't hesitate to contact me at michelle.makos@rogers.com or call my cell at 416-300-3004. Looking forward to working with you.

Lest We Forget !



Lest We Forget

 Today, around the World,  we bow our heads to remember those who fought for us.  The red rememberance poppy signifies the poppies from the poem "In Flanders Fields where poppies grow..."

These poppies bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War I, their brilliant red colour an appropriate symbol for the blood spilled in the war.

So today, please take a moment to remember the brave men and women who fought in World War I, II and any war ... they deserve a moment of silence.  


A sunrise ceremony started at 8 a.m. at Prospect Cemetery near St. Clair Avenue West and Lansdowne Avenue.


CityNews Channel will have live coverage of Toronto’s Remembrance Day ceremonies starting at 10:30 a.m. Watch it if you can't be there.  I will be !  xoxo
God Bless and Stay Safe Everyone

Why you should list now and not wait for Spring !

12 Reasons to List now during the Holidays!



Selling Your House in the Winter



I know alot of people that think the best time to sell their home is in the peak Spring Market.  Just remember, that if you wait until Spring, you are up against a LOT of homes, and I mean a LOT of homes.  The earlier you list, the better.   Even January is better than waiting until March or April.  Here are my reasons why !

1. There is less competition for buyers

2. Winter prospects are more serious buyers

3. Your home looks better during the holidays

4. One of the highest percentages of “listings sold” to “listings taken” occur during this time of year

5. You may receive more money for your home now, because you have less competition

6. Throughout the holiday season, you may restrict showings during your personal family events

7. Buyers have more time to look at homes during the holidays, especially during vacations

8. January is traditionally the biggest transfer month – and you must be on the market to capture that market

9. By selling now, you can have a delayed closing or extended occupancy until the beginning of the following year if you want to

10. When you sell during the winter you have an opportunity to buy during the spring, when many homes are on the market

11. You may have fewer actual showings, but more qualified and motivated prospects

12. Corporate transferees, who need to buy a home now, can’t wait till spring

"Buy and Sell with Michelle!”

For a free no obligation home evaluation, simply email me at michelle.makos@rogers.com  or visit my website at www.MichelleMakos.com  today !

The House Hunt is On ! Now What?

 The House Hunt: How Many Homes Should I See?

So, you are beginning the hunt for a new home, and you ask yourself the question that most buyers ask, "How many homes should I see?"

There are different theories on this. They range from the golden rule claim that you MUST see many properties to a mild suggestion of staying within a 5-20 house range. The truth is, there is no set-in-stone answer to this question. The good news is, there is much you can do to narrow down your search and help you find the home looking for, hopefully sooner rather than later.

Here is an estimated break-down on what happens for most buyers:

43% will look at 2-10 homes before purchasing, 27% will check-out more than 20 properties, 22% will see 11-20 homes, while 8% may fall in love and purchase the first home they see.

But, these are statistics, and at the end of the day who knows where you will fit into these. The key is to find a Realtor whom you trust and who knows the market you are bidding in. Next you should clearly share with them what you are looking for.

And, no, there is nothing wrong with purchasing one of the first homes you see- so long as you know it is what you want.

Some questions to clarify with yourself and your Realtor before starting your house hunt:

 

• What are your central objectives for purchasing? Is this going to be your dream home, or somewhere you envision staying for only a few years? Is this a family home or an investment property?

• What are the most important elements you are looking for in your new home? Is it the neighborhood or perhaps the size of the house? Is it important that there are good schools near-by? Prioritize these and other features in order of importance.

•  If you are buying as a couple, do you both have the same vision of what you are looking for? Deciding up front what you want, collectively, can greatly help simplify and clarify your search down the line.

Have you finalized your financing? Do you have pre-approval for your mortgage and do you know what price you are comfortable with within your pre-approved range?

Another question to ask yourself is, "Am I being realistic with my parameters?"

Buyers can spend forever trying to find a "great deal" on a house. They tend to think that the only way they'll get what they want is at the expense of someone else- in this case the seller.

But, in real estate, a win/win situation is what makes for a great deal. When good negotiations are made, both buyer and seller are pleased with the final deal. 

Remember this, as you define your search parameters.

Finding a home that is 20% below market value may take you forever- if never. But, knowing what you are looking for will lead you towards a quicker and easier search for your home.

If you are thinking of buying a home and need assistance, give me a call. I would be happy to help or visit my website www.Homes4Sale-Durham.com for loads of insight and current listings. I am only a call away !

Santa Claus Parade is today in Pickering

Parade starts at 10 am...  Don't miss it ! 

Young or old... it is always a way to get you in the Christmas spirit !!  Parade go to the Pickering Town Centre where Santa will begin the holiday season with pictures with the little ones.

Hope to see you there !  :)

DurhamRegion Article: Home sales up in Durham in October

DURHAM REGION ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS REPORTS HOME SALE UP

DurhamRegion Article: Home sales up in Durham in October

Despite the Toronto Real Estate Board stating sales declined in October 2012, Durham Real Estate Board is showing an increase in sales, primarily in Whitby and Ajax.  

Durham Region is still one of the most affordable regions to purchase a home.  As most would say, "more bang for your buck!"   If you are considering a move, make sure you look at the many advantages Durham Region housing offers, not just price.   Waterfront, GO Train, Public Transit, Rec Centres, Parks and much more.

To start searching Durham Region current house listings, go to www.Homes4Sale-Durham.com today and then find your neighbourhood of perference and search away !

Have a great evening everyone !  Cheers !

Moving to Courtice, Ontario?



Courtice, Ontario - A Place to Call Home



Thinking of Moving to Courtice?

Courtice, Ontario is about sixty kilometers east of Toronto, north of Oshawa and west of Bowmanville in the Municipality of Clarington. Courtice Road - also known as Durham Road 34 which connects with Highway 401. Courtice Ontario is a growing family community with homes that are affordable for first time home buyers or young families.  It is close to shopping, schools and some very nice parks.


Public education is controlled by the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board through five elementary and one secondary school, while the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board controls catholic education through three elementary and one secondary school. The schools include:

Elementary schools:
•Dr.Emily Stowe Public School
•S.T. Worden Public School
•Courtice North Public School
•Lydia Trull Public School
•Dr. G.J. MacGillivray Public School
•Good Shepherd Catholic School
•Mother Teresa Separate School
•Monsignor Leo Cleary Separate School

Secondary schools:
•Courtice Secondary School
•Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School

Public transit bus service is provided by Durham Region Transit and GO Transit. GO Transit has begun work to extend the Lakeshore East commuter train line to Bowmanville which includes a train station in Courtice. So there is lots of means other than car to get around the Town of Courtice.

If you are considering moving to Courtice, I would be happy to assist you. Below is an easy way to view current mls listings that are available in Courtice. Should you have any questions or wish to view any of these properties, please feel free to contact me and I would be happy to assist you in your home search. If you are considering selling your home in Courtice, give me a call for a FREE Home Evaluation.

Search Courtice Homes Now

Thinking of Moving to Whitby, Ontario???



Whitby, Ontario

 Whitby is one of the fastest growing areas of Durham Region. The population of Whitby is close to 120,000, with hundreds of new homes being built every year. As a rapidly-growing community, Whitby includes a vibrant mix of established and new neighbourhoods making finding great Whitby homes easier than a few years ago.

Using my Preferred Buyer MLS® Email Notification Program, you can search a huge inventory of MLS® property listings and view information about homes that are currently available not only in the Whitby area, but in all areas that you choose. Based on your needs, you can quickly locate homes complete with pictures and descriptions. You'll be notified as new homes come on the market daily by email, allowing you to see the hottest new Whitby real estate listings first, before they're sold!

It takes a skilled real estate professional to help both buyers and sellers to make the right decision. Michelle Makos is a Re/Max real estate professional with years of experience and knowledge to help you in the find you next home. If you have any questions about any of the Whitby homes you find here please feel free to contact Michelle Makos.

If you cannot find what you are looking for from the available properties please visit the Find Your Dream Home section. By filling-out the form,  homes that match your specified criteria will be sent to you promptly.

To start viewing Whitby homes right now, go to www.MichelleMakos.com/Whitby_Homes.html.   You won't be disappointed with the homes.  Search by neighbourhoods, price, type, bedrooms and more.  Looking forward to making your home ownership dreams come true. 

Thinking of Buying A Home? Think About This !

Thinking of Buying a Home?

When buying the most important purchase in your life, why leave it to chance.  Find a professional Realtor who will put your needs first.  

New or Resale … you NEED a Buyer’s Agent

Buyers should be aware of their options so they are better able to protect their positions in a transaction. The role of the Realtor has been undergoing tremendous change over the past several years. Prior to 1991, all Realtors worked for the Seller in a Real Estate transaction. A buyer can now choose to retain representation with a Licensed Realtor and receive the same legal relationship that Sellers have received for nearly 100 years.

A buyer who understands their options will typically want to sell their Real Estate representative EARLY in the transaction in order to avoid potential conflicts of interest should they be making many calls to various Realtors (typically listing agents representing the Seller) or if shopping New Home sites (representatives are not necessarily Realtors – thereby having no accountability to the Buyer through RECO* or REBBA**).

With the advent of the Internet, many Buyers are conducting tremendous research on their own before looking at homes or contacting a Realtor. It cannot be understated that part of the research conducted from a buyer’s perspective, is the careful selection of the Realtor to represent their interests in the acquisition of property. A skilled Buyers agent will add tremendous value to the buyer during the drafting of the contract, during negotiations, and overseeing the contract to completion. If you’re going to spend the next 25 years paying for your new home… shouldn’t you spend a few minutes finding the right person to help make it all happen?

We know your rights … do you?

You have the right to remain silent anything you say while un-represented could be used against you during negotiations;

You have the right to be REPRESENTED

If you choose NOT to be represented;

Then all Realtors will work on behalf of the Seller during negotiations.

To find out more, please feel free to contact me, or book a complimentary private consultation to discuss your Real Estate Goals. My services are guaranteed to ensure your complete satisfaction!

Here is a little video from the Toronto Real Estate Board about the important of signing a Buyer Representation Agreement and let them look after your best interests !