Doug Baird - Blog

COMPETITION BUREAU and THE OIL COMPANIES

doug.baird@century21.ca — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

I find it somewhat disturbing that Melanie Aitken of the Competition Bureau sees a great "demon" in the Real Estate industry regarding what she feels is a lack of competition (which those in the know are aware is completely without logic) and yet doesn't feel the need to use her considerable resources (taxpayer provided) to take on the BIG OIL COMPANIES whose co-incidental price increases are applied at the same time by all the companies. Oil prices affect every single consumer at the pumps and with every consumable product they purchase.

Perhaps it's time for our elected officials to review Ms. Aitkens' agenda and examine her motives and avoidance of a much bigger issue and concern that has far reaching impacts.

ONTARIO HST

doug.baird@century21.ca — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

While it was feared that the institution of the HST would negatively impact the resale housing market, there are no indications that this has occurred. Properly priced homes are moving in a reasonable amount of time and in most price ranges Buyers can expect a good selection of homes. Continuing low interest rates are having a positive impact.

DURHAM COLLEGE / UOIT STUDENT HOUSING

doug.baird@century21.ca — Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

There has been a huge amount of negative press about the housing areas surounding these institutions. ie students casusing problems. This is vastly unfair to the majority of homeowners. Most home sare single family occupied, well maintained and quiet. A lot of buyers are missing out on a great upscale area by dismissing central Oshawa. Check it out. You'll be surprised.

Oshawa Ontario - Home to General Motors Canada

doug.baird@century21.ca — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 11:22:12 GMT

Contrary to what people in other parts of Canada may think, the Real Estate market in Oshawa Ontario (and in fact throughout Durham Region which is part of the Greater Toronto Area) is alive and doing very well despite our economic times.

As of the end of May, year-to-date sales by unit are down only 2.3% from May 2008 and the average house price is down only 1.5% for the same year over year period.

Combined with low interest rates, this is definitely the time for first time buyers to get into the market.