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August Newsletter
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On a personal note, by Melissa Willems

And just like that, it's August!

I'm not even sure how that happened, because I was so intent on slowing down and ENJOYING July. Whether July is a month for you to slow down and unwind, or the busiest month of your year, I truly hope it was everything you wanted and needed.

As for Real estate, we have seen our first two interest rate decreases in four years! I think this is going to add a lot of optimism back into the market, especially for the buyers.

There are three more rate announcements in 2024, and like many, I am eager to see what they bring. While everything has gotten so expensive over the last few years, houses have actually decreased in price on average by 9-10% (Based on the average sale price of homes in the city of Peterborough).

When comparing April 2022 to July 2024, the average purchase price has decreased by $69,000.00, and down payment amount by $7,000.00. That's a lot less money needed up front, and a much lower mortgage amount.

The other beautiful piece of being a buyer right now, you have lots of inventory to choose from, and time to think. Time to include conditions in your offer to protect yourself right out of the gate.

With about 50% of homes listed on MLS making it to “sold” in June and July, you might wonder as a seller how this can work for you? The Reynolds Real Estate team knows how to stand out and attract buyers in this beauty pageant called “a slow market”, trust me.

There are a few main pieces to the puzzle that we would be happy to discuss with you when you feel the time is right. The best time to buy or sell real estate is when you're ready.

As for August, I am hoping for a few more heat waves, my vegetable garden to continue bursting at the seams, and to enjoy some extra time with my family and friends. After all, summer is ALWAYS over before we know it, so the best thing we can do is be present.

Everything you need to know about prepping your home for a fall season sale!

Preparing your home to sell in the fall season in Canada involves several strategic steps to ensure it appeals to potential buyers and stands out in the market. Here's a comprehensive guide:
1. Enhance Curb Appeal

Clean Up the Yard: Rake leaves, trim bushes, and clean gutters to present a tidy exterior.

Seasonal Decorations: Add tasteful fall decorations like pumpkins, wreaths, and potted mums.

Exterior Maintenance: Ensure walkways are clear and repair any cracks or damages in the driveway or sidewalks.

2. Interior Staging

Deep Cleaning: Thoroughly clean the entire house, including carpets, windows, and appliances.

Declutter: Remove personal items and excess furniture to make rooms appear more spacious.

Warm Ambiance: Use warm colors and cozy textiles like throws and cushions to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Lighting: Make sure all rooms are well-lit; replace any burnt-out bulbs and consider adding lamps to darker areas.

3. Seasonal Maintenance

HVAC Check: Ensure your heating system is in good working order. Consider having it serviced before listing.

Fireplace: Clean the fireplace and consider staging it with neatly stacked wood or a decorative screen.

Windows and Doors: Check for drafts and seal any gaps to ensure energy efficiency.

4. Highlight Fall Features

Scenic Views: If your home has scenic views, make sure windows are clean and unobstructed.

Outdoor Spaces: Highlight any outdoor living spaces by staging patios or decks with fall-themed decor.

5. Marketing Strategies

Professional Photos: Capture your home in the best light, with both interior and exterior shots showcasing fall colors.

Virtual Tours: Offer virtual tours to attract remote buyers.

Social Media and Online Listings: Utilize social media and real estate websites to reach a broader audience.

6. Pricing and Timing

Competitive Pricing: Work with your real estate agent to set a competitive price based on recent sales and market trends.

Timing: List your home early in the fall to attract buyers before the holiday season begins.

7. Open Houses and Showings

Flexible Scheduling: Be flexible with showing times to accommodate potential buyers.

Fall Scents: Use subtle fall scents like cinnamon or apple to create a pleasant atmosphere.

By focusing on these aspects, you can make your home more appealing to buyers during the fall season and increase your chances of a successful sale.





Professional Photos: Capture your home in the best light, with both interior and exterior shots showcasing fall colors.
Virtual Tours: Offer virtual tours to attract remote buyers.Social Media and Online Listings: Utilize social media and real estate websites to reach a broader audience.
6. Pricing and Timing
Competitive Pricing: Work with your real estate agent to set a competitive price based on recent sales and market trends.
Timing: List your home early in the fall to attract buyers before the holiday season begins.
7. Open Houses and Showings
Flexible Scheduling: Be flexible with showing times to accommodate potential buyers.
Fall Scents: Use subtle fall scents like cinnamon or apple to create a pleasant atmosphere.
By focusing on these aspects, you can make your home more appealing to buyers during the fall season and increase your chances of a successful sale.

Let's talk affordability!

Home prices are down, but interest rates are up, it's a tale as old as time.

If you can afford the interest right now, then you can get on board with the opportunity!

A lower purchase price and down payment for a great home, in comparison to when interest rates were lower!
When interest rates come down, your affordability will also improve. Can you see the opportunity?

When is the Right Time to Buy?

Certainly there are market conditions in which it is more lucrative to invest in real estate than others - and generally, that would be when interest rates and home prices are low or when housing supply is greater than buyers searching for properties.

Unfortunately, not everyone is able to wait for the perfect market conditions to come around before they buy. There are many reasons that people NEED to move or purchase property.

And as you can see by our buying then vs. now chart, if you are in a financial position to buy right now - waiting for further decreases in the interest rates may not be worth losing out on your dream home.

Sure interest rates are higher than they were a few years ago - but home prices are lower. Once interest rates fall and more buyers qualify for mortgages and enter the market, the competition for properties will increase and so will the prices.

So, when is it a good time to buy?

The answer, is always, when you can afford it.

July Market Stats

Durham Region recorded 779 sales in July 2024, with an average price of $915,636. This represented a 1.8% increase in the number of sales compared to July 2023 (753 sales with an average price of $961,666), but a decline in the average price.

Hastings Region experienced a more significant rise in sales, up 21% from 146 in July 2023 to 177 in July 2024. The average price was $552,543. Active listings also rose by 21%, increasing from 652 to 788.

Kawartha Lakes saw its average price climb by a modest but notable 3.2%, from $794,214 in July 2023 to $819,884 in July 2024. Sales decreased slightly over the same period from from 99 to 93 units sold.
Sales in Northumberland County saw a 46% boost, with 111 transactions in July 2024 compared to 76 in July 2023. The average price fell by 2.7%, from $754,547 to $734,111.

Peterborough Region observed a sales increase of 54%, from 114 to 173 in the same period, with an average price of $711,293. Active listings increased by 66% from 409 to 678 over that time frame.

Prince Edward County experienced an average price hike of just over ten percent, rising from $759,570 in July of last year to $838,686 this year. Number of sales dipped slightly from 33 to 29 over the same time frame.

SEE. DO. EXPERIENCE. Peterborough & The Kawarthas

We’re home to a variety of beautiful provincial parks that offer a range of recreational activities & natural attractions. These parks collectively provide a diverse range of activities & natural settings, making the Peterborough & Kawarthas region a fantastic destination for nature lovers & outdoor adventurers.
Emily Provincial Park
797 County Road 10 Rr #4, Kawartha Lakes

Offering a great beach and memorable family camping experience! Located in the heart of the Kawarthas, there are great fishing and boating opportunities and plenty of nature walking trails.

There are paddle boats and canoes for hire, giving you a peaceful glide across the water and a superb chance for wildlife viewing.

Mark S. Burnham Provincial Park
Highway 7 And Burnham Line, Douro-Dummer

Conveniently right off the highway, the park is ideal if you want to go for a nature walk but don't have a lot of time. You can easily go for a moderate hike & be home in an hour or so.

The park features an old forest with trees over 200 years old!

SEE. DO. EXPERIENCE. Peterborough & The Kawarthas

Petroglyphs Provincial Park
2249 Northey's Bay Rd Woodview, North Kawartha
This park is home to nearly 1000 rock carvings - the largest known concentration of Indigenous rock carvings in Canada - that scientists estimate were drawn between 500 and 1000 years ago. The park also has great hiking trails leading to a beautiful turquoise lake (no swimming/canoeing permitted).

Grilled Chicken Salad with Seasonal Fruit

Make your taste buds happy all year round with this grilled chicken salad, made extra delightful in summer with fresh berries or in winter with orange segments.

Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
6

Ingredients

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

½ cup pecans

⅓ cup red wine vinegar

½ cup white sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

½ onion, minced

1 teaspoon ground mustard

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon ground white pepper

2 heads Bibb lettuce - rinsed, dried and torn

1 cup sliced fresh strawberries


Directions

Preheat the grill to high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate.

Grill chicken until juices run clear, about 8 minutes per side. Remove from heat, cool, and slice. Set aside.

Meanwhile, place pecans in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pecans, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

To make the dressing: Combine red wine vinegar, sugar, vegetable oil, onion, mustard, salt, and pepper in a blender. Process until smooth.

Arrange lettuce on serving plates. Top with grilled chicken slices, strawberries, and pecans. Drizzle with dressing to serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories 567
Fat 46g
Carbs 23g
Protein18g
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Each office is independently owned and operated. Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Not intended to solicit sellers or buyers under written contract with another REALTOR®.
Jason Reynolds
REALTOR ®
Peterborough & Kawarthas Real Estate Agents
Independently owned and operated.
285 Taunton Road East, Unit 1, Oshawa, ON L1G 3V2