Thank You Pickering and Community Votes

 

738 Krosno Blvd., Pickering - SNEAK PEEK

Calling all First Time Home Buyers !! This lovely Freehold Townhouse (No Maintenance Fees) is hitting the market tomorrow. 3 Bdrms. Updated Kitchen. Walk Out to a Lovely Deck and Backyard. Walking Distance to Lake, Restaurants, Schools, Park and Transit. Take a look. For a Private Showing, call Michelle Makos at 416-300-3004 and I will be happy to show it.

Welcome to 493 Broadgreen St. in South Pickering

WOW!  Calling all Nature Lovers and Entertainers !  This One Of A Kind 3+1 Bdrm. Home backs onto Petticoat Creek w/ Lake Ontario just beyond.  Tons of Upgrades.  Stamped Concrete Driveway, Walkways & Skirting around the house.  Oak Stained California Blinds, Skylights, Two Sunrooms, Solid Wood Trim, All Windows Replaced Triple Pane, including 5 Sliding Doors ('18).  Tigerwood Deck & Structures on 2 Level Deck.  Breathtaking Views.  A MUST SEE !!

For Private Showing, contact Michelle Makos, Royal Heritage Realty

Direct - 416-300-3004

September 2020 Market Report - Home Sales up 42.3% from same time last year !!!

 

September 2020 - Market Report - Toronto & GTA Housing Sales from Michelle Makos

Check out the current average sales prices for #Toronto, #Durham, #York Region and more.  These reports are insightful and interesting whether you are #selling or #buying a home.  

If you have any questions, contact me directly at 416-300-3004 .. Let's chat 

593 Marksbury Rd., Pickering - SOLD OVER ASKING

SOLD OVER ASKING - Steps to the Shores of Lake Ontario ... Fabulous Opportunity for a Renovator, Contractor or someone looking to put in some TLC !!! This ideal home is surrounded by million dollar custom homes. It's being sold in "AS IS" condition. $699,900.... Excellent Opportunity for the right Buyer !!! 

1000 The Esplanade - Suite #413 - Pickering Condo For Sale

Pickering Real Estate & Covid-19

Pickering Real Estate and Covid-19 - What you need to know

Curious about what is happening in the real estate in #Pickering?  Check out my blog.  Link above.

https://www.househunting-durham.com/b/blog/mid-april---re--covid-19.html

DURHAM REGION HOMES STILL HOLDING THEIR OWN

I am happy to say Durham Region prices are holding their own.  Even doing better than some Toronto areas.  Our prices are still up 4% from the same time last year.... and a lot of other regions can't say that.   We have a lot of listings and our sales are down but not our prices year over year.   Yes we are not seeing the prices of Feb and March 2017 but those days are gone now.   Interest rates are start to increase slowly so anyone in variable rate mortgages might want to speak to the Broker about locking in.  I have a feeling we may see another one or two before the year is out.   I will keep you posted when the new rules come out this month and when they will take effect.  Until then, enjoy this wonderful October weather and call me if you have any real estate needs.  Cheers !

TIMES ARE A CHANGING !!!

And just like that ~ we have a Buyers Market !!!

As you can see, the prices have fallen from April to June considerably.  Anyone waiting to buy a home, your wait time is over.  I would recommend locking in the interest rates now as next week we will see BoC increase Prime which will effect the mortgage rates.

If you have been waiting to get into the market, NOW is the time.  With the market being saturated with listings, you can negotiate the price like you have not seen for a few years.

If you are interested in being sent new listings, simply email/text or call and I would be happy to set that up for you !!!

Take advantage of this market change ... these don't happen often but when they do it is opportunity knocking !!  Investment property, first home... Let's go shopping !!

Buying in 2017

Happy 2017 everyone... just a quick message as the website has had many visitors over the past two weeks and I don't want anyone to get discouraged.  The listings have been few and far between over the holidays as most sellers are waiting for "normal" to return to the workplace and kids to be back at school etc.   Today, TREB released the market stats for December 2016 and it showed continued rise in prices and the second consecutive "record breaking" year in real estate.

So here is my advice, if you are looking to buy, stay on top of the listings you receive or if you see one and I didn't send it and want info, just ask me and I will find out what I can.   I think we are going to have another crazy year as far as prices.   I do not think the foreign market is going to affect Toronto or Durham like it did Vancouver, as a matter of fact, Toronto Real Estate Board took a poll with agents and only 5% felt the buyers were international.  This is strictly lack of inventory.

Prices rose over 20% last year which is a phenomenal return on your investment... and for many it was beyond 20%, especially in Durham Region where our prices were the most affordable.  So don't get discouraged, keep checking back and you will see more and more listings coming out over the next few weeks and by end of February, we will be in a FULL SWING OF THE BEGINNING of SPRING market.   Most people buy to close end of June when kids finish school.. so keep that in mind.  If you are more flexible in your closing, the better your odds of winning.  We need good strong offers, with as little conditions (actually NO CONDITIONS) as possible so have your pre-approvals done in advance and I can give you a couple mortgage brokers to contact if you want that done... I find mortgage brokers USUALLY give you better rates than your bank 90% of the time.

As far as home inspections go, most offers will need to be firm but now that most sellers are holding offers, I do have inspectors that will do a quick walk through with you prior to putting in your offer,  if you have concerns about anything and want to go in firm during the offer process, so that you can put your mind at ease.   Just remember, buying is usually BEST OFFER wins and it can save you a lot of headaches if you have an experienced agent who is protecting YOUR best interests and not the sellers.... it's a lot of money - make sure you are represented at the table !

As always, I look forward to hearing from you and I will be at the Market Outlook on January 31st,  with Chief Economists and CEO's from BILD and other real estate associations and will send you an update on what they predict.  So for now, hang on and get ready for another crazy year.... You are in good hands and Happy House Hunting !

Your Friend in Real Estate.

December 2015 - Best Year EVER in Real Estate

December 2015 TREB Market Watch from Michelle Makos

392 Rosebank Rd. S. - Just Listed - South Pickering Bungalow for Sale

** JUST LISTED **

Prime South Pickering Location.  Ranch Bungalow on Corner Lot w/Fenced Yard and Pond.  3+1 Bdrm Family Home.  Finished Basement, Hardwood, Gas Fireplace and more.  Updated Kitchen and Bathroom.

VIRTUAL TOUR

Pre-inspection Report Available Upon Request.

Minutes to GO Station and LAKE !

50 x 151 Ft Lot.

$499,900

1975 Guild Road, Pickering - JUST LISTED !

Are you looking for Top of the Line finishes with State of the Art design.  This 4 Bdrm Beauty is ready to move right in.  Built in Hot Tub, Custom Deck, Chef's Gourmet Kitchen, Stainless Steel Upgraded Appliances including Gas Stove, Under cabinet lighting, Granite, Gleaming Hardwood, Breakfast Bar and Walk out to a spectacular Backyard and Privacy.... Thousands spent on landscaping.  Designer Decor.  8 ft. doors, 10' and 11' vaulted ceilings, potlights galore, California Style Design, this one has it all ... WOW FACTOR ... for private showing, contact Michelle Makos at Royal Heritage Realty.  You won't want to miss this one...

TO VIEW VIRTUAL TOUR CLICK HERE

Holding Offers - Who is REALLY Benefiting??

Ok here goes !!!  Being a full-time professional Realtor, I can honestly say that I have an equal amount of Buyers and Sellers this year, so this is being written with no pull one way or the other,  BUT in my experience, it has become apparent that holding offers is very prevalent.   My concern is this ... as a Buyer Agent - Is it not hard to keep your client motivated to participate in what I call a "goat rodeo"?????....They see the house, they love it and then you tell them, "Great, we have to wait until Monday night:"   Do they lose interest?  Do they talk themselves out of it?   Are they eager to participate in Multiple Offer situations?   I would have to say NO.

So now you have Buyers who are disengaged with the process.  They think we are holding them hostage and agents are over selling the properties and then saying, you need to go firm to win.   Is this really representing their best interest?

Then you have the flip side.  The Seller who thinks this is the way to do it.  List a bit lower than last sale and let people pay higher than asking and sell it in a weekend.   Sounds like the Listing Agent wins in that case and really would have to wonder if the Seller would not have gotten that price regardless if it was just priced at "market value" and let the offers come in as they are viewed and if a multiple offer situation occurs, so be it but don't force it.

I guess it depends on what side of the fence you are on.  I am not saying I don't hold offers ~ because now, most Sellers want that ... BUT ... even as a Listing Agent, if you get an offer priced way over asking and is firm, are you not a little worried at if it will appraise?   Just me speaking out loud here.  

I have walked away from offers when the prices seemed so inflated ~ I advise my Buyer "let's wait"... because honestly, "this house isn't worth it".... and I guess maybe that comes from having experience and knowing the homes in the Durham Region.   These crazy bidding wars usually are from out of the area agents coming into Durham Region and truly I have to wonder if they even know where the Durham/York Pipeline is or if they know about the Whites Road extension and so on.

So the bottom line, no matter whether you are a Seller or a Buyer, choose an agent you feel comfortable with, who KNOWS your neighbourhood and will REPRESENT YOUR BEST INTERESTS.

Happy House Hunting to  All and to all a Good Night !  :)

Why sell with Michelle !

What SELL WITH Michelle Makos from Michelle Makos

COMING SOON - 1675 Goldenridge Court, Pickering

SNEAK PREVIEW - MONDAY APRIL 1st, 2013

Superb Marshall Built Executive Home in High Demand Prestigious Enclave.  Many luxury upgrades, fabulous kitchen with quartz countertop, Chefs Desk, Upgraded floors and trim, Soaring Ceiling in Family Room w. Gas Fireplace, 50 Ounce Carpet, 5" Baseboards,  9' Ceilings on main level.  This home truly has the "WOW" factor. Inspection Report by Global Home Inspections.  Shows to perfection !!!

Recognizing Potential Major Expenses

Let me help you !

Recognizing potential major expenses in a new home When you see a new home you like on the market, it's easy to get distracted by all the features you love – the wrap-around backyard deck or the spacious rec room with plenty of space for entertaining. You just need to make sure that in all that excitement you don’t overlook any expensive maintenance issues that could be just around the corner. Nothing lasts forever. The major components of every home – from the furnace to the roof shingles – need to be replaced eventually. 

Knowing when such maintenance issues are likely to arise can help you make a smarter decision about the home you're considering.  How do you do that?


When viewing a property, ask for the age of the major components of the home, such as the roof shingles, furnace, air conditioner, water heater, and appliances. Roof shingles may look merely weathered in spots – and you might think they have years of service left – when, in fact, they're due to be
replaced in a year.

Also pay close attention to the backyard deck, fencing, flooring, and windows. Do any of those components look aged, worn, and in need of repair or replacement sometime soon?

Finally, don't forget to check the kitchen and bathrooms. Sinks, faucets, bathtubs, showers, and cabinetry have a life-span of about 10-15 years.  Of course, there are things you can't see, such as wiring, plumbing, venting, and other components of a property that may require maintenance soon.

That's why it's so important to make any offer to purchase a home conditional on passing an inspection by a qualified home inspector.  Want more ideas on buying the right home for you? Call today

Thinking on moving to Pickering, Ontario?

Pickering Homes For Sale, Pickering Real Estate, Pickering MLS, North Pickering, South Pickering, Buying or Selling,

Decisions, Decisions

Make sure if you are looking for a home in Pickering, Ontario - check out this page.  It is specific to Pickering, Ontario homes for sale - you can search by neighbourhood, area (east, west, north, south) and also by home type, detached, semi, condo, townhouse.

I have lived in Pickering for 23 years and know what is going on and where !  I was an active member on the Stop The Stink campaign as well as the Pickering Municipal Election.  If you need to know something about Pickering, I'm your girl !  

Looking forward to your comments about the page and please like it if you found the information valuable to you.

To your success !  Cheers !

Pickering - A Place to call Home

Pickering Real Estate



Buy & Sell with Michelle !

 Located just 40 kilometres east of downtown Toronto, Pickering is a growing community that offers a unique blend of the urban and rural. The Pickering real estate market has been booming over the last decade, experiencing the fastest growth in the Durham Region. The Pickering real estate market is made of mostly single family detached homes, making it a great choice for families.

If you are looking to buy or sell Pickering real estate, you should give me a call.  New listings are added daily and the variety of choice offers something for everyone.  I will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have about any property you find of interest.   If you cannot find what you are looking for please visit the Find Your Dream Home section and tell us exactly what type of real estate you are looking for.    Homes that match your criteria will be sent to you promptly.   If you are looking to sell your home, please contact me for a free home evaluation.   Looking forward to being of assistance and showing you what a great city Pickering is !

I have lived here for 24 years and raised my family here. It is my home too !  Let me help you make it yours !  

Pickering - Perfect Area to Invest in Real Estate

Search North Pickering and South Pickering Homes

Searching for the home of your dreams in Pickering, Ontario? Whether it is south Pickering, near the lake or north Pickering near the 407, the opportunities are endless. North Pickering, South Pickering, East Pickering or West Pickering... I can help you decide which neighbourhood best suits your needs. Pickering is divided into many different neighbourhoods. Amberlea, Brockridge, Duffin Heights, Dunbarton, Highbush, Rosebank, Rougemount, Village East, West Shore and so on. Having lived in Pickering for 20 plus years, I can tell you about the schools, shopping, transit and more.

Here is a little video from the City of Pickering highlighting our beautiful downtown. Live, Work, Play and Invest in Pickering.

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 Pickering area, but in any region of Durham. Based on your criteria, I 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 Pickering real estate listings first, before they're sold or appear on MLS!