8 Friday, December 8, 2023 brooklintowncrier.com Direct: 905 655 7236 Office: 905 239 4800 Eleanor KingEleanor King B. N. B. N. RealtorRealtor Maurice KingMaurice King B.E.D.S., B.Arch.B.E.D.S., B.Arch. RealtorRealtor What others are saying... "Trusted advisor!" | "Customer Focused!" | "Local Expert!" | "Professional!" | "Knowledgeable!" "Hard Working!" | "Accessible!" | "Dependable!" | "Patient!" | "Reliable!" "Well Prepared!" | "Honest!" | "Strong Negotiator!" "Superb Service!" Want to know what's happening in the market? Want to Know the Value of your House? Call Us Now! 905.655.7236 There is no cost or obligation! Your Trusted Source to Buy, Sell or Invest! 905.655.7236 view 1000's of Homes for sale at KingHomeTeam.com or KingOfBrooklin.com MARKETING YOUR HOME FOR ALL IT IS WORTH! Why Didn't My House Sell?Go to KingHomeTeam.com/blog for answers.It's a great time to Buy!Homes are on Sale! For Sale! Now Under Construction! **Photo similar to house being built Not intended to solicit those under contract. CANADIANS STILL POSITIVE ABOUT HOMEOWNERSHIP The increase in the cost of living is impacting many of us and despite a persistent housing shortage and high interest rates, consumer confidence in homeowner- ship as an investment remains steady year-over-year. And if you're thinking of investing your hard-earned dollars in a house, Durham Region could be the place to buy, several real estate reports suggest. According to one report, 73 per cent of Canadians believe homeownership is the best long-term investment - a percentage that remains unchanged from 2022. The national average residential price is expected to rise 0.5 per cent in 2024, while the average residential sale price in 61 percent of regions is expected to increase between two and 7.5 per cent, that report finds. Eighteen per cent of markets analyzed anticipate a decrease between two to five percent, while 18 percent will remain flat in 2024. The report forecasts prices in Durham will drop by five percent next year. The average residential sale price from January 1, 2022 to October 31, 2022 was $1.039 million. The average price dropped to $945,000 in the same period this year. Another report, meanwhile, reveals Durham is home to six of the 10 most affordable cities and towns for houses this year, including the top two spots: Brock Township, where the average home netted $735,000, and Oshawa, where the average house cost $791,000. Also included in the top 10 with average house prices are Clarington at $860,500, Scugog at $920,000, Ajax at $990,000 and Whitby at $1.01 million. Durham is also where homes are selling the fastest in the GTA, with average days on market (DOM) of 15, four days below the GTA-wide average. Specifically, Durham has the four fastestselling cities in the GTA: Ajax (12 DOM), Whitby (13 DOM), Pickering (15 DOM), and Oshawa (15 DOM). Durham has seen the smallest annual decline in the median home price this year. The median price between January 1 and November 15 is $970,000, down just 1.4 percent compared to the same period last year. Compare that to York Region ($1.25 million, down 12.3 percent), Halton Region ($1.12 million, down 6.6 percent) and Peel Region ($980,000, down 7.1 percent). The King Home Team: Royal Heritage Realty understands that it's been a challenging year for homebuyers and sellers, not just here in Durham Region but across the country. We're pleased that a report confirms that Canadians see homeownership as a solid long-term financial investment and are proud to help our clients find properties that meet their family's needs while offering excellent returns and financial security. We know that changing market conditions can be confusing and are here to help you understand what they mean to you, whether you're planning to sell and/or buy. We also appreciate the pressure interest rates have placed on homeowners. If you find yourself in a financial bind when it comes time to renew your mortgage and are considering downsizing, please contact The King Home Team. We're here to offer valuable advice and will work with your budget to meet your needs. Please visit our website at www.kinghometeam.com for a longer version of this article. As 2023 draws to a close, please accept our very best wishes for a joyous holiday season and Happy New Year! Search 1000's of Homes. Find SOLD details in your neighbourhood at search.Look4DurhamHomes.com Now Under Construction! Thinking of Making a Move? Call us for similar results! 905.409.6730 Now Under Construction! Townhouse Pre-Construction Sale! The Regional Municipality of Durham and the Town of Whitby have reached an agreement related to 1635 Dundas Street. This decision will help to ensure collaboration that will allow the project to move forward. The Region purchased 1635 Dundas to help address the urgent need for housing and services. This will become part of the system of services across Durham to support those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It will help to provide immediate solutions to help individuals and families who need it most. Meeting needs This building will provide 45 shelter beds to help meet our community's need. The site will remain open during the day, allowing people to stay inside and work toward their goals, instead of having to go outside during the day. The shelter will follow established shelter intake processes and best practices, with wraparound supports, and an indoor environment that allows for a full range of programming. Future phases of 1635 Dundas will be informed by community engagement and the Community Liaison Committee. "We are pleased with the agreement made with the Town of Whitby and look forward to continued collaboration as we move forward with 1635 Dundas Street East," said John Henry, Chair and Chief Executive Officer for The Regional Municipality of Durham. "This shelter will help address an urgent need to support vulnerable residents in Durham Region and we are pleased to be able to proceed with this project." Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy added, "Thank you to the Region of Durham for working collaboratively with the Town of Whitby on this agreement, and to our community for sharing concerns and questions that helped shape how the shelter at 1635 Dundas will operate. This agreement puts the Region in a strong position to open a shelter that meets the needs of our most vulnerable residents while prioritizing safety and security for the surrounding neighbourhoods. "As winter approaches, I'm relieved that Whitby residents currently living outside in ravines and green spaces, or living in their vehicle, will have the opportunity to come inside to a safe, warm place offering wrap around services." Quick Facts The Region of Durham is responsible for the planning and co-ordination of the Homelessness Support System across local municipalities, which includes providing shelter and support. As part of the Region's housing-first approach, supports, services and strategies lead to housing to help people end their homelessness while meeting their basic needs. The ultimate goal is to end chronic homelessness. The Region currently has projects underway to support vulnerable residents. These projects include: Beaverton Transitional Supportive Housing: a modular housing development in Beaverton that will provide accommodation and access to wraparound services. Ritson School Project: a renovation of the former elementary school building in Oshawa for community programs. This project will also explore opportunities for mixed-use, sustainably built housing. Community Housing Redevelopment Project: Durham Regional Local Housing Corporation properties are being redeveloped to provide more, higher quality affordable housing and to create mixed income communities. 1635 Dundas: this Whitby site will serve as a low-barrier shelter in the first phase of the project. Engagement is occurring to help develop the longer-term vision for housing options and support services for the site. Visit yourvoice.durham.ca/helpaddresshomelessness for more information about 1635 Dundas and subscribe for updates. Durham, Whitby Reach Agreement For Dundas Street Project From Google street view