The Durham Region is known for its stunning greenspace, vibrant community living, as well as homes, schools and amenities that make it a most desired place to live. It is also known for the full range of medical and health care services it provides to is residents. I recently sat down with Marlene McCall, co-owner…
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As you watch those last bits of snow melt from your lawn, and the tiniest pops of green begin to emerge from the soil, you know that spring has arrived. Spring and summer are precious months in Canada as these warmer seasons seem to fly by so quickly. To maximize your enjoyment of this time…
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The Durham Region is quickly becoming one of our nation’s most sought-after areas to raise a family. With a very high quality of life that includes an extensive network of elementary, middle, high school and colleges/universities, the Durham Region is home to many unique and vibrant learning environments. Knox Christian School located in Bowmanville, Ontario,…
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With nicer weather right around the corner, kids and parents alike are thinking of warmer days, spring and summer activities and camps. Parents who are looking for quality, year-round sport-themed camp experiences for their children in the Durham Region need to look no further. True North Sports Camps, Toronto’s “go-to” sporting camps, featuring a variety…
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Aside from choosing the right home for your family, the most important decision you’ll make when buying a house is choosing the neighbourhood you will live in. Choosing the right community for yourself and your family is an important task, and will require you do to some detective work. Rest assured, however, that the work…
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Flooring options today are numerous with colours, styles and textures to suit every taste and budget. But which option is best for your home? And how do you know which materials will stand up to the wear and tear of your busy family? If you’re planning a flooring renovation, read our tips for selecting the flooring that will meet the needs of your…
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A new year is the perfect inspiration for a fresh start. Although personal health goals often come to mind when we think of new years resolutions, this year, perhaps think about setting some “home improvement” resolutions, which will help ensure your home is as safe and healthy as it can be. Healthy Air During the…
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Christmas traditions fill the home with sights, sounds and smells that make the surroundings feel warm and welcoming. Brightly –lit Christmas trees decorated with special ornaments provide a lovely gathering spot for family and visiting friends, as well as a decorative focal point in the home. A real tree in the home brings a fresh,…
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Home buying is a multi-faceted venture. In addition to finding the right real estate professional to partner with, there are finances, lawyers and mortgages to consider, neighbourhood and school preferences to decide on. The list doesn’t end there. Throughout the home-buying journey, you’ll find yourself partnering with key professionals who are there to assist you…
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Homeowners who’ve made the decision to relocate to a new home are faced with many important decisions. In addition to finding the right real estate professional to partner with, there are down payments and mortgage changes to consider, neighbourhood and school preferences to decide on and the list goes on. Those who are ready for…
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The Bank of Canada has done it again. September 6, 2017 saw its second key overnight rate hike in two months, the most recent being a quarter of a percent point, up to 1 per cent from 0.75 per cent. The decision follows a hike in July from 0.5 per cent. Some economists are predicting…
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Fall fun is aplenty in the Durham Region. The colourful sights of the season turn our thinking to fun fairs, fall festivals and the rich harvest that this community is known for. There is much to do in Durham at this time of the year, and activities that will appeal to the whole family. From…
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We all knew the low interest rates Canadians have been enjoying would not last forever; and for the first time in 7 years, the Bank of Canada raised its key overnight rate from 0.5 per cent to 0.75 per cent last week. So what does this mean for Canadians who have a mortgage or will…
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In real estate, stigmatized property is property which buyers or tenants may shun for reasons that are unrelated to its features or physical condition. These reasons can include: death of an occupant, murder, suicide, serious illness, illegal activity or the belief that a house is haunted. Stigmatized properties can present challenges in real estate, and…
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Canadians love their outdoor time. With long, harsh winters keeping us cooped up indoors, the longer, warmer summer days make outdoor living a welcome treat. With summer just around the corner, you may be looking at ways to refresh your outdoor living space. Not only does this increase the value of your home, but allows…
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In an effort to manage the skyrocketing prices facing home buyers in the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH), the Provincial Government of Ontario recently introduced “The Fair Housing Plan”, which includes several measures that have been taken to encourage affordable housing for Ontario residents. While the plan includes strategies aimed at helping home owners, controls have…
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In an effort to manage the out-of-control prices facing home buyers in the Greater Golden Horseshoe (GGH), the Provincial Government of Ontario recently introduced “The Fair Housing Plan”, which includes several measures that will be taken to encourage affordable housing for Ontario residents. One of these measures is the Non-Resident Speculation Tax (NRST). The NRST…
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There’s nothing quite like a case of mold inside the home to send a homeowner into panic mode. Mold is smelly, dirty and has the potential to become a dangerous problem affecting the indoor air quality of your home. Mold also indicates a larger issue – moisture problems. Most experts believe that except for those…
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To ensure our communities are built safely, Municipalities in the Province of Ontario have building standards that must be followed – these standards are set out in zoning by-laws. These by-laws manage the types of use permitted on a property, including the minimum development requirements for those uses. Whenever changes are made to a particular…
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Looking for a new home is exciting, and with today’s resources, buyers have home-searching tools at their fingertips. With the click of a mouse, accurate and up-to-the-minute listings can be seen from the comfort of one’s home. The Multiple Listings Service (MLS), via Realtor.Ca, is a popular and effective tool for people selling and buying homes. It offers the general public an opportunity to view…
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The home-buying journey is exciting and gives curious-minded buyers the opportunity to personally view countless properties. More often than not, however, the seller is still living in the home and deserves that their privacy be respected. With so many unwritten rules, how does a buyer know what is acceptable during a private viewing or an…
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There is good news for first-time home buyers in Ontario. As of January, 2017, buyers will receive a land transfer rebate of up to $4,000, up from a previous $2,000, on the purchase of their first home. Eligible homebuyers will now pay no Land Transfer Tax (LTT) on the first $368,000 of their home’s purchase…
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What was once a major tourist attraction for the Durham Region, The Bowmanville Zoo closed its doors for good on October 10, 2016, three years before it’s 100-year anniversary. The Durham Region’s much-loved attraction was founded in 1919, and was the oldest privately-owned zoo in North America. For many decades, the zoo brought in about…
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Commuting to and from Toronto became easier last spring when the 407 ETR extension opened up a 22-km stretch through the Durham Region; and as of February 1, 2017, users will benefit from seamless tolling when using 407, 412 and 407 ETR. Three Highways, One Toll Highway 407 has been extended to run eastward from…
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Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is a term that refers to the air quality within and around buildings, most specifically how it relates to the health and comfort of occupants. Now more than ever before, homeowners have access to resources that can assist in identifying indoor air quality problems, as well as finding solutions that will…
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Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, working with a real estate agent can make your life a lot easier with less risk. You may be unsure whether you really need to hire a real estate agent, as there are plenty of resources that merely post your home on MLS. If you’re wondering how you…
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Several factors work together to determine how much a house is worth, but they may not be exactly what you expect. Depending on the type of buyer, you might not need to worry as much about your house’s out-dated siding or overgrown garden. The old adage that “location is everything” will always be relevant, but…
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One of the easiest ways to increase the value of your home is to create a fully featured and intimate outdoor oasis. Homebuyers are always looking for fully utilized space, and making use of every square foot of the property is a great way to show off the potential of your home. Bring the…
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An open house is a tried and true marketing tool used when selling a home. It not only gives potential buyers the opportunity to learn more about the house, the sellers, and the neighbourhood, but it also gives them the opportunity to picture themselves in the home. For the seller, however, it means opening one’s…
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Saving money by making your property more energy efficient is not a new idea, but it is one that has been gaining widespread credibility in recent years. As budgets get tighter, people are trying new ways to stretch their dollar, and since homes are usually such a large investment, making them work better is a…
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When buying a house, getting a home inspection is highly recommended. Things may look fine at first glance, but a wide variety of problems can go undetected if a professional does not look at the home carefully. It is important to know what to look for as well as who is on the hook for…
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During the hot summer months, outdoor entertaining is effortless. The warm air and extra daylight inspire us to celebrate with backyard barbeques and pool parties. For many homeowners, however, the arrival of fall means the end of outdoor entertaining and all the benefits it offers. We are here to tell you that it doesn’t have…
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Home ownership is a big step in life and being ready to tackle the challenge requires preparation and research. For the process to go smoothly, potential buyers need to educate themselves on what is involved in becoming a homeowner. As a first-time home buyer, you will need to carefully consider what you need in a…
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If you’re like me, you go to great lengths to make your home as clean, safe and comfortable as possible. It’s your oasis and you make constant improvements to better your surroundings. After a long day of work, the peace and tranquility of home calls to us. It is for that reason that a constant…
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Whitby, Ontario is a town located in the Durham Region and has a population of 130,000 residents. It is located just east of Ajax and is situated on the north shore of Lake Ontario. It is approximately a 30-minute drive to the GTA and a 40-minute GO Train ride from Whitby Station to Toronto Union…
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There is a great deal involved in planning a home renovation. Whether you’re looking to improve the look of your home or improve its functionality, there are important things to consider before the hammer comes out. Renovations add great value to a home and any realtor will tell you that an updated home is always…
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Bowmanville (Clarington) is just 75 kilometres east of Toronto, a stone’s throw on the newly extended highway 407. Although there was a lengthy commute in the past, the recently completed project has cut the time in half. Two interchanges running north/south have been added, one just west of Bowmanville. The GO Train, currently servicing Oshawa,…
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The Village of Newcastle is a community in the Municipality of Clarington in Durham Region. This vibrant and thriving village is located about 60 km east of Toronto. With its small town charm and unique shops and services, Newcastle is an up-and-coming hot spot for families looking to get more home for their dollar East of the GTA. Concerts in…
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With the lack of listings and the number of house hunters booming in Toronto and the surrounding area, many prospective buyers are starting to wonder just how much house they can get for their money in the Durham Region. The first step is to set a budget and decide what area suits your needs. Toronto,…
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Courtice, Ontario, has a population of 35,000 and is located in the Durham Region. It is situated 50 km east of Toronto, on the north shore of Lake Ontario, between Oshawa to the west and Bowmanville to the east. Courtice conveniently combines smaller-town living with excellent access to a host of amenities. Due to the…
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Named after the town of Enniskillen in Northern Ireland, Enniskillen, Ontario is located in the Durham Region, approximately one hour east of Toronto. This quaint and history-filled community located in the municipality of Clarington, Ontario, was established in the early 1800s. With beautiful conservation areas and family offerings steeped in tradition, this lovely community has…
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Wish that someone could condense all the various factors that go in to buying a house into a single handy checklist? We’ve read your mind. We’ve stripped down the process and compiled a checklist of essentials to ensure that you know what to prioritize when buying a house. Step 1 – Hire a Real…
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Looking for ways to clean smarter? Read our home cleaning hacks below then take a look around your house for these simple products you already have on-hand that make cleaning a breeze. Vinegar – Inexpensive and Effective Vinegar doesn’t just taste great on french fries. It’s extremely useful around the home and is…
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You know how important first impressions can be. When you’re looking to sell your home, even the tiniest details can affect the way it’s perceived by potential homebuyers. It’s a competitive market and you want to give yourself an edge. Good news! It’s possible and it’s cost-effective. Follow these home staging tips to wow potential…
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Getting ready to buy a house can be a tense time, but there are simple steps you can take to make sure you aren’t getting in over your head. Figuring out if you are financially ready is a simple matter of calculating how much you currently spend in a month and comparing it with what…
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Oshawa, Ontario is one of the fastest growing cities in Ontario and is home to approximately 162,000 people. It is the largest municipality in the Durham Region. Located 40 km east of Metro Toronto on the shores of Lake Ontario, Oshawa is best known as the automotive capital of Canada as General Motors of Canada…
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Situated in the municipality of Clarington, Bowmanville has a population of 40,000 people. Located about 75 km east of Toronto and 15 km east of Oshawa along Highway 2, Bowmanville’s history dates back 200 years with the arrival of the first European settlers. Remnants of the town’s early prosperous years are found throughout town, not only in the streetscape of the downtown area,…
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The much sought-after village of Brooklin lies within the northern portion of the Whitby, at the intersections of Highway 7 (Winchester Road) and Highway 12. Brooklin is located approximately 60 km northeast of Toronto. The population of Brooklin is approximately 25,000 and growing quickly as GTA families seek larger homes and properties in areas like the…
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Beautiful Ajax, Ontario is 25 km east of Toronto and nestled between the city of Pickering to the west and the town of Whitby to the east. The town of Ajax has a population of 120,000, representing a percentage change of 34% from a decade earlier. Ajax is serviced by the GO Train via the…
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Congratulations—you’re thinking of buying a house. Whether you’ve been dreaming of buying your first house for years, or you’re already familiar with process, there’s no denying that buying a house is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. That’s why there are several important factors to consider before you dive in. Read on…
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The housing market is competitive, and improving the value of your home is a great idea if you’re looking to sell. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be complicated. There are several ways to spruce up your space that don’t require you to break your back—or the bank. The following tips and…
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Durham is a flourishing region that offers families a vibrant infrastructure of services, programs and amenities. Durham has something to offer families at every stage, whether you’ve got a young family with small children, are looking to retire, or anything in between – everything a family needs can be found in Durham Region. From rural…
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There is a lot to learn when buying a house. The world of real estate comes with an entirely new vocabulary of words and sometimes terms can get confusing. Two key terms in real estate that often get confused and misunderstood are “deposit” and “down payment.” Read below to better understand what these important terms…
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A home will likely be your largest and most significant investment. When you find the home you love, you will need to secure the sale with a deposit. Read below to find the answers to some of the most common questions buyers have about making a real estate deposit on the home they plan to…
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Durham Region is growing quickly, and many young families are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the budding real estate market to snap up a great deal on a new home. New families looking for their first house can rest easy knowing that Durham has something to offer families at every stage. Whether you are…
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When it comes to home improvement, taking matters into your own hands can feel intimidating. There are many simple and affordable home improvement projects that you can complete on your own, with minimal investment of time and money. Whether you’re a novice tinkerer or a seasoned handyman, you want to get the most bang for…
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There are a thousand things to know about buying your first house, but keeping these five tips in mind will make the process easier. While there is a lot to cover, being sure about what you want, realistic about what you can get, and working with a realtor are the three main things you need…
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In hot real estate markets across Canada there are usually more active buyers than available homes. In many cases, a home may only be listed for a matter of days or even hours. While this situation is ideal for the seller, buyers are often left to deal with a frustrating situation involving multiple competing offers…
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Just because you don’t consider yourself a handyman or handywoman, doesn’t mean that you can’t take your home renovation ideas into your own hands. A couple of simple, manageable changes not only make a huge difference in your day-to-day living, but can also sweeten the deal for potential homebuyers. You’re more capable than you think!…
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Home inspections can be nerve-wracking for any homeowner or potential homebuyer, but at least once you’re through the process, you’ll know what’s what. Staging and beautifying your house can help highlight the full value of the property, but a thorough inspection goes a long way to ensuring that a home is, above all, safe. You…
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It’s easy to see why spring is the optimal time of year to sell a home. There are the obvious advantages that springtime offers—homes show well in the spring when trees and flowers are blooming and there is an influx of daylight and warm weather. Yet springtime also offers eager homebuyers a wider variety of…
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Award-winning realtor and accredited staging professional Lenka Eberhardt knows a thing or two about staging a home. In fact, she’s consistently been in the top 2% of sales within the North Bay Real Estate Board! Those results are hard to ignore, and home staging has played a vital role in her success. Ms. Eberhardt generously…
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Spring is a revitalizing time of year and with it comes new beginnings, fresh ideas and spring cleaning. If you are looking for ways to bring new life into your home, check out the following tips that will update your home for spring. These ideas pack a punch without draining your bank account. Clear…
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On the Oak Ridge blog I’ve already made a case for why you should partner with a real estate agent when buying or selling your home. But do you know why and when you need to engage a real estate lawyer? According to Sharie-Ann Campbell, the founding lawyer of SAC Law, not contacting a lawyer…
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Durham Region is a regional municipality located in Southern Ontario east of Toronto, Ontario. It has an area of approximately 2,500 square kilometres. With the extension of GO train/bus service in the south, and Highway 407 in the north, Durham has become the destination for GTA families looking for larger properties, homes and green space. Here are 10…
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Moving can be stressful, but downsizing to a smaller home adds a particular flavour of tension to the decision. Despite this, there are several ways to go about making the change easier, and once you’ve made the transition, you’ll feel more at peace with your new living arrangements. Currently, the real estate market is roaring…
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Selling your home requires a long checklist of things to consider, but one of the main priorities you should have as a homeowner isimproving the value of your home. After years of living in a house there is a lot that needs to be refreshed and upgraded in order to get top dollar on the…
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A Sellers Property Information Statement, or SPIS, is a standard format real estate document that contains information about renovations, features, or defects of a home and property. The purpose of this document is to protect buyers and sellers from any surprises that home inspections may have missed, but there are some things to watch out…
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Buying a home can be stressful, but the same things nearly always apply to judging how suitable a neighbourhood is for your family. Here are the most common considerations that will have the greatest impact on living in your new home. 1. Noise Levels No one likes excessive noise, whether it is from…
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Durham Region is rapidly becoming the new desirable destination for young families. There is a strong commitment to vibrant neighbourhoods, youth and young adult programs, and extensive elementary school and childcare programs in place. Durham Region (Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Clarington, Oshawa, Port Perry, Brooklin+) offers everything a new family could need at a fraction of…
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If you are thinking of selling your home, no doubt there are a thousand questions running through your head. Finding a new house, getting your current property set to sell, and deciding what your asking price should be are all daunting tasks. This is where a real estate agent comes in. They are licenced professionals…
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Construction work to extend Highway 407 further in Durham Region is is nearing completion. Before the extension, the highway ended just north of Pickering at Brock Road; now it will run east all the way to Harmony Road in Oshawa (spring 2016) and to Highway 35/115 (2020). Over 30 kilometres of new highway has been…
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Selling your home can be a long process, but there are things you can do that will help sell the home quicker and increase its value. If you are looking to sell (or just want to update your living space) here are some tips to get you moving in the right direction. 1. Fresh Paint Goes…
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1. Moving Up Durham Region is quickly becoming the new go-to real estate market in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). The combination of rolling hills of rural housing and busy lakeshore urban areas make the area very attractive to newcomers. This is driving growth in commercial and residential sectors, creating demand in real estate…
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Buying or selling a house can be very stressful. Some people try to cut costs by representing themselves, and find themselves overwhelmed by the mass amount there is to know about buying and selling real estate. This is where a real estate agent comes in. A real estate agent is someone who works between you…
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In the eastern area of Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe, 90,000 people call Clarington home. The Township of Clarington is actually comprised of some 30 smaller communities spread over 610 km2 from Lake Ontario
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In the eastern area of Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe, 90,000 people call Clarington home. The Township of Clarington is actually comprised of some 30 smaller communities spread over 610 km2 from Lake Ontario
READ MORE
In the eastern area of Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe, 90,000 people call Clarington home. The Township of Clarington is actually comprised of some 30 smaller communities spread over 610 km2 from Lake Ontario
READ MORE
In the eastern area of Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe, 90,000 people call Clarington home. The Township of Clarington is actually comprised of some 30 smaller communities spread over 610 km2 from Lake Ontario
READ MORE
In the eastern area of Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe, 90,000 people call Clarington home. The Township of Clarington is actually comprised of some 30 smaller communities spread over 610 km2 from Lake Ontario
READ MORE
In the eastern area of Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe, 90,000 people call Clarington home. The Township of Clarington is actually comprised of some 30 smaller communities spread over 610 km2 from Lake Ontario
READ MORE
In the eastern area of Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe, 90,000 people call Clarington home. The Township of Clarington is actually comprised of some 30 smaller communities spread over 610 km2 from Lake Ontario
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