What's the local real estate market doing? In Whitby the average days to sell sits at 28 days with owners achieving 98% of their asking price. The market is doing just fine. Sales are off the pace of 2007 but that was a record setting year to begin with. Sales in the 905 Region were down 5% from last year but average re-sale price still was in the positive by 5% over 2007.

Yes, there is definitely more re-sale inventory on the market and certain pockets like northeast Oshawa are very competitive. This simply means that Sellers need to price it right, and if a buyer doesn't like the price of a particular home and is un-able to negotiate with the Seller, he can move on to another house because there will be one just around the corner, in most cases. This nice, balanced market also means that if a home isn't up to snuff, top dollar won't be achievable unless there is some other, compelling feature to justify the price.

I think Durham Region is well positioned over the next couple of decades. Look at all the positive aspects of our Region:

1. Most affordable in the entire GTA

2. Major new highway (407) coming which will up property values and make commuting easier

3. Possible new nuclear plant and/or incinerator in Clarington, new developments for Whitby, Oshawa Courthouse and downtown revitalization, growth of UOIT/Durham College, new commuter rail line for norther tier, possible extension of GO train.

4. Oshawa GM shift saved for now and new product coming into the plant

5. Large migration of first time home buyers from metro Toronto.

We've been very fortunate so far, in light of all the economic turmoil in the U.S. and in the Canadian manufacturing sector. We have allot of activity in our business with home buyers but I can tell you that buyers are more educated than ever. After years of having a Seller's market, home-buyers can now be a little picky and in many cases can negotiate a better deal.

Onward Durham Region...a great place to live, work and play!