Santa Claus Parades in Durham Region

Santa Claus Parade Pickering

Annual Santa Claus Parade presented by the Kinsmen & Kinette Club of Pickering. Applications are available online (see links below), and will be available in City facilities after September 16, 2013.

Parade Route: Glenanna Road, between Dixie Road and Pickering Parkway

Application Forms:
Sponsor Application
Parade Application

Christmas in the Village - Brooklin

When: Friday, November 29, 2013 
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 pm
Where: Grass Park, Downtown Brooklin, 41 Baldwin Street

Experience the essence of an "Olde Time Christmas" at Downtown Brooklin's Christmas in the Village. The weekend of events begins on Friday evening at Grass Park at 6:00 p.m. Santa, his reindeer and friends help light the Christmas tree (around 6:30 pm).

You can join in candlelight caroling, take a horse drawn wagon ride, enjoy free hot chocolate and delicious treats, visit booths, and view the live nativity. Kids can participate in many seasonal crafts and activities. Begin your Christmas shopping at one of our unique shops in Downtown Brooklin, and visit the Christmas Craft and Gift Show at the United Church. The Salvation Army "Fill the Sleigh" annual Food and Toy Drive will once again be accepting donations.

Oshawa Santa Claus Parade Of Lights

When: Saturday, November 16, 2013

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Where: Location: Downtown Oshawa

A spectacular night time parade with colourful and brightly lit floats, dancers, and marching bands winding their way through the streets of Oshawa much to the delight of little boys, girls and the young at heart.

For more information, click HERE!

Bowmanville Santa Claus Parade 

    

“ROCK AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE” - **COSTUME HANDOUT**

When: Saturday, November 16th, 2013, 10:30 a.m.

Looking for friendly & energetic children over the age of 12 to enter the parade, Costume handout on November 3rd & 10th, 12pm – 2pm. Pick up your costume at the Parade barn at the corner of Liberty Street & Lake Road (south of 401) All children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact Robin at 905-697-1361 for more information

This entertaining event starts promptly at 10:30 am and winds its way through town starting at the Library and finishing at Memorial Clubhouse.

The Parade is organized by volunteers from our community whose goal is to provide enjoyment to both children and adults. The Bowmanville Santa Claus Parade attracts over 15,000 people to downtown Bowmanville each year.

Our mission: To provide an annual  Santa Claus Parade in the community of Bowmanville that celebrates the spirit of the holiday season.

Visit their website for more information.

Randy Miller

Sales Representative

Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage

905-668-1800 or 905-427-1400

randy@randymiller.ca

www.randymiller.ca

Ajax's Santa Claus Parade - Saturday, November 9th, 2013

“Santa’s Magical Parade of Lights” - 

47th Annual Santa Claus Parade 

Experience the magic of the season as Santa’s Magical parade of Lights makes its way through the downtown core.

Magical floats, marching bands, colourful characters and more will warm your heard as you wait for the guest of honour, Santa himself!

Join at Town Hall immediately following the parade for the official Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Free Admission.
November 9th, 6 pm.
For more information, please visit www.ajax.ca or read Santa's letter!

Randy Miller 
Sales Representative
Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage
905-668-1800 or 905-427-1400
randy@randymiller.ca
www.randymiller.ca

Housing Affordability in Durham Region

According to Desjardins Group Economic Studies, the Canadian housing market is now less affordable now than it has been on average for the last 25 years. The decline in affordability stems from average home prices rising faster than the average household income during the last three months. Most of the decline in affordability can be blamed on a rise in mortgage rates.

Despite affordability declining in the third quarter, it is only slightly below the average for the last 25 years. "A much steeper drop would be needed to rein in the Canadian housing market," according to Desjardins economists. Home sales, which plummeted after the new federal government rules came into effect in summer 2012, have started to trend upward in the last few months. Rising mortgage rates during the summer hurried buyers; many took action out of fear that mortgage rates would climb even higher. Even if the coming months bring more increases; they won't be enough to trigger a significant dip in affordability. However, housing market activity in Canada should stabilize soon. Rising prices, which are at historic highs in the country's main agglomerations, should eventually start cooling buyer enthusiasm.

Most markets are still affordable in Ontario, especially within the GTA, such as Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Brooklin, Oshawa, Courtice, Bowmanville and the municipality of Clarington.

Toronto offers reduced affordability where the average home price is now $527,821, well above average prices throughout the province. The key takeaway from the study is that many buyers from major metropolitan markets choose to buy in the suburbs or in smaller downtown condos in order to gain more affordable housing.

For many young families, the best opportunities can be found in desirable municipalities such as Whitby and Brooklin because it is affordable and it offers so many amenities. People with children quickly learn that Whitby, Brooklin, Ajax, Pickering offer fantastic recreation programs and facilities for hockey, soccer figure skating, tennis, baseball, lacrosse, skiing, swimming and just about every other sport imaginable. Whitby minor hockey teams and their programs are so well regarded that I have helped families move into the Whitby or Brooklin, so their children would be able to play for a Whitby hockey team. Additionally, Whitby’s indoor soccer dome has been a boon for young families. Offering programs for both boys and girls year-round, the dome is now the place to be for young families.

If you are looking for a house in Durham Region or are already a homeowner and wish to move to a new house in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Brooklin, Oshawa, Courtice or Bowmanville, please contact me or visit my website for more information.

I can answer all of your questions, help you find the right neighbourhood and the perfect house at a great price. Having sold real estate full time in Whitby and the surrounding areas for over 20 years, you can assured of exceptional local market knowledge and  skilled representation. Nothing beats experience.

As the top producing at for 2013 at Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd.(amongst our five offices), you can be assured of a worry- free move and service that will exceed your expectations.

Randy Miller

Sales Representative

Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage

905-668-1800 or 905-427-1400

randy@randymiller.ca
www.randymiller.ca

JCI Whitby Santa Claus Parade - December 7th, 2013

You better not cry,

Better not pout,

I’m telling you why,

'Cause Santa Claus is coming 

to Whitby!!!

Mark your calender! 

Saturday, December 7th, is the official date of the JCI Whitby Santa Claus Parade!!! 

Take the kiddies along and enjoy your family outing!

PARADE ROUTE:
Brock St. From Manning Rd to Trent St.

There will also be a colouring contest for kids (categories: ages 5-7 and 8-10)! For more information click HERE!

Venue: Downtown Whitby
Date: Saturday, December 7th, 2013 

Time: 10:00 am
Website: www.WhitbyParade.com

See you there...

Randy Miller

Sales Representative

Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage

905-668-1800 or 905-427-1400

randy@randymiller.ca

www.randymiller.ca

Will Housing Slow in 2014?

The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and the major banks predict that sales may slow because of the large number of transactions recorded during the past few months. They believe that people who wanted to move have already completed the process and that rising mortgage rates will eventually cool the marketplace.

RBC reports: “We believe that much of the strength in recent months reflected the unwinding of earlier restraint associated with the tightening of mortgage insurance rules last year and, in August, a likely rush to lock-in lower mortgage rates,” an RBC report stated. “We expect home re-sales to stabilize near the current levels, although some modest pullback may occur later this year or early next as payback for sales that may have been advanced during the rush to lock-in lower rates.”

The Canadian housing market recorded a hot summer, with many clients rushing the market to cash in on pre-approvals before rate hikes took effect.

“The recent increase in 5-year mortgage rates (of about 70 basis points) that began in June of this year will likely temper housing activity in the coming months,” a report issued by TD Bank stated. “In large part, some of the strength experienced over the summer months can likely be attributed to households jumping into the market to get ahead of interest rate increases and we anticipate some payback in the coming months.”

And the banks agree that homebuyers will still take advantage of low rates before the market cools once those pre-approvals dry up.

“Buyers continue to taking advantage of low borrowing costs, though recent increases in fixed mortgage rates are expected to slow the housing market’s momentum later this year and into 2014,” according to a report issued by ScotiaBank. “With posted rates having bottomed around late spring, the window of ultra-low preapproved mortgages is expiring.”

And while the days of historically low interest rates may be behind us, TD Bank believes rates will stay low enough to encourage slight growth through next year.

In the current environment of global uncertainty, real estate has become the place for Canadians to make long term financial commitments. Many people have been predicting a crash in Canadian real estate values for many years, but it has not materialized. The recent budget debates and fiscal cliff difficulties in the US has taken the froth off the US economy. Inflation is tame and there is now a belief that interest rates may soften a bit in Canada, as market forces adjust to the slowing US economy. No one has a crystal ball, but we do know that mortgage rates at all maturities remain historically low, which helps keep affordability in place. Low mortgage rates will support modest growth in both sales and prices. It may be the end of 2014 when the Bank of Canada begins to lift short term interest rates.

If a move is in your future, I can help. Whether you are buying or selling, or both, don’t take chances with an inexperienced agent. I’ve sold real estate full- time in Durham Region for over 20 years.

Contact me and discover why I am the top producing agent in my brokerage for 2013. Let me show you how my skills and experience can make your move rewarding and worry-free.

Over 20 years of full-time local service in Whitby, Brooklin, Ajax, Pickering, Oshawa, Courtice and Bowmanville. Check out my Website!

Randy Miller
Sales Representative
Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage
905-668-1800 or 905-427-1400
randy@randymiller.ca

www.randymiller.ca

Sales in the housing market continue to rise

BNN reports that the housing market’s strength continued in September, with sales of existing homes across Canada coming in 18.2 per cent higher than a year earlier.

The number of homes that sold last month was slightly above the 10-year average level of sales for the month of September, indicating that the market has fully recovered from the slump that followed in the summer of 2012 after Finance Minister Jim Flaherty tightened the mortgage insurance rules.

The article from the BNN says that last month’s sales were also up a touch (0.8 per cent) from August on a seasonally adjusted basis. The month-to-month numbers have been showing momentum since the spring.

Economists at Bank of Nova Scotia had correctly been forecasting a seventh consecutive monthly gain in seasonally adjusted sales for September. But they don’t think the pickup will last.

“Our view remains that sales are being brought forward at the expense of sales into next spring’s key market on mortgage interest rate concerns,” they wrote in a research note prior to the data being released. “As juicy mortgage rate commitments dating back to the early summer period face expiration, the options to purchase are being triggered before they expire and get reset higher.”

They also noted that, in addition to people who want to make use of their pre-approved mortgage rates, there is likely a general expectation among home buyers that interest rates are at a cyclical bottom.

While the market has been gaining steam the Canadian Real Estate Association pointed out Tuesday that about 340,980 homes have traded hands so far this year, a number that remains 1.8 per cent below sales in the same period last year.

The average price of homes that sold across the country last month was $385,906, up 8.8 per cent from a year earlier. But the association noted that at this time last year some of Canada’s more expensive markets, such as Toronto and Vancouver, were facing steeper sales declines than much of the country.

The MLS Home Price Index, which seeks to be an apples-to-apples comparison of prices, rose 3.13 per cent. That’s a faster pace of home price growth than the 2.8 per cent gain the index posted in August.

You can read the full report on the BNN website!

If you're not currently buying or selling property within Durham Region but though interested in understanding your options, feel free to contact me and I can walk you through it all. Having sold real estate in Whitby and the Durham Region for over 20 years, I can help you with both - the buying and selling process. 

For more insight and help for buyers and sellers in Whitby and Brooklin Click here!

Contact me at :
905-427-1400 
Randy Miller 
Sales Representative 
Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage 
www.randymiller.ca

randy@randymiller.ca

How homebuyers can reduce impact of rising rates

If you are a future homebuyer trying to decide on a new home or a resale, you should be concerned about rising interest rates.

Since new homes and condos offer longer closing dates, that period of time is adding a lot of risk to the buying process.

The current five-year fixed rate is about 3.49% at most lenders. Four months ago, the rate was 2.79%. To buy a resale home, you can obtain a mortgage commitment that will guarantee your interest rate for 60, 90 or even 120 days, depending on the lender. Unless the new home builder is offering a special financing program, it is impossible to forecast the interest rate that will be in effect in 6-12 months, when your new home is completed and ready to close.

For many buyers in Durham Region, or popular towns like Whitby, Brooklin, Ajax, north Oshawa and Clarington, the risk of buying new is too great.

Steve Garganis, a mortgage broker with Mortgage Intelligence, has some insight.

 

• As a first-time buyer with a minimal down payment, you should stay away from newly-built homes with a long closing date. Not only can rates go up, but your property value can go down.
• If your property value falls below your purchase price, the bank will base its loan on the appraised value. This can make it harder for you to get a mortgage.
• On new construction, you can face unexpected delays, ranging from a few weeks to a few months before closing. That’s great in a rising real estate market, but it’s awful and potentially disastrous in a declining market.
• Be realistic about estimating your mortgage payments. Instead of using 2.79 per cent, the historical low for five-year rates, use the posted rate of 3.79 per cent rate that banks currently offer. Make a more conservative purchase, to insulate you from the risk of higher payments.
• You can ask a lender to hold a mortgage rate, but the current rate is 3.95 per cent for five years for a six-month hold. What if rates flatten or fall by late January? You might do better to wait.
• If you want to get a fixed rate, choose a term shorter than five years. The current two-year rate is 2.99 cent and the three-year rate is 3.09 per cent.
• Consider getting a variable-rate mortgage at 2.6 per cent. Find one with a five-year term that lets you lock in a fixed rate at any time.
• Get a variable-rate mortgage that gives you the best discounted rate the lender has to offer at the time you lock in. Look for a lender that offers this feature in writing.

If you are unsure of the process, ask your mortgage specialist. Rates vary amongst banks and credit unions and some offer specials. A good lender or a local mortgage broker will help you to get the best mortgage rate and terms.

Buying a resale home that is just 1-5 years old may be a better solution. With this type of purchase, you get the best of both worlds. The house or condo will have modern décor with stylish cabinets and bathrooms. Newer construction will not require much maintenance or any repair and may have extras such as a fence, shutters, landscaping and grass (no dust for a year). Knowing exactly what you your current home is worth and what the payments will be on your next home with a guaranteed mortgage rate, means that you can make the move affordable and stress free.

Having sold real estate in Whitby and the Durham Region for over 20 years, I can help you with both the buying and selling process. Desirable communities within Whitby, Ajax, Oshawa and Bowmanville offer plenty of newer resale houses. My insights and local market knowledge will make your move worry-free. For more information please click here!

 

Randy Miller

Sales Representative
Re/Max Rouge River Realty Ltd., Brokerage
905-427-1400
www.randymiller.ca
randy@randymiller.ca