bouma.ca » 2009 » January

Durham Market Update

admin — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 20:31:21 +0000

If you have read a newspaper, listened to the radio or watched the news recently you already know that the real estate market in the Greater Toronto Area, and in many other parts of Canada slowed during the latter part of 2008. We have noticed higher listing inventories, a reduced number of sales, and a small downward adjustment in values.

Is this all bad news? We don’t think so. Our phone has been busy with first time buyers who are recognizing the current market as the best opportunity in years to become a homeowner. These market conditions also favour those who wish to “move up”. If you are willing to price your home in line with market conditions, you should expect to make up the difference and more in the home you buy. In other words the dollar differance or the amount you have to increase your mortage by to make the “move up” is smaller today than it has been in some time.

Ken Goodfellow Interviews Roger Bouma

admin — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:51:06 +0000

Ken Goodfellow known to Realtors across North America as “Coach Ken” will interview Roger, at RE/MAX’s ‘Kick Start” Sales Rally, as part of his presentation ”What great agents are doing to stay that way”. Roger has been invited to join a panel that will include Leslie Benczik, the number 1 Agent at RE/MAX All-Stars Realty Inc., servicing Markham, Unionville and Stouffville, Steve Peroff, the top agent at RE/MAX Landmark Real Inc. in Keswick and Karen King a RE/MAX Agent and recent recipient of “Agent of the Year” award from the Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley in Massachusetts.

This annual event is being held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on January 19th and 20th.

Mike Bouma Climbs Kilimanjaro

admin — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 19:13:16 +0000

What an adventure! Mike Bouma arrived back from Tanzania just before Christmas with lots of pictures and stories.

Mike was climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise money for The Refuge, a drop in centre for homeless youth in the Oshawa area. He spent five days on the mountain and made it about 500 meters from the top when he had to turn around due to altitude sickness. Though disappointed, he’s thrilled to have raised over $8000 for a very worthy cause.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Refuge Youth Outreach Centre and encouraged Mike on his adventure. Visit www.bouma.ca/refugeclimb.html to view Mike’s pictures.