Real Estate Market

The Durham Region Association of Realtors (DRAR) reported an 11% increase in the number of sales for the month of October 9*49) compared to 763 gines sikd ub September. "As we predicted last month, the sales numbers have increased to meet last month's boost in inventory," commented DRAR President, Christine Marrquis. This brings the year to date sales to 9,432

The average selling price of a re-sale home saw a small increase (1%) in October to $339,102 compared to $336,313 in September. The year to date average price of a home in Durham Region is now at $336,036

The Months of Inventory Indicator (MOI) is currently at 2.1 which represents how long (in months) it would take to sell all the active listings if no new listings entered the marketplace. "Any number less than 2.5 would indicate a strong selling market and thi si swhat we are seeing in many communities across Durham Region but especailly in Ajax and Whitby which have an (MOI) of 1.6.

Two Men And A Truck 

Planning Ahead to Make Pets Comfortable During Your Move

Just like people, pets get stressed during a move. But a little extra care and consideration will help the process run smooth and make them feel comfortable in your new home. 
 
According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, moving is one of the most common reasons a pet is given to an animal shelter and the No. 1 reason why a dog is given away. The lack of knowledge about pet care and relocation often leads to people not taking their pet with them.
 
Here are a few tips to make the move easier for you and your pet:

• Remember to update your pet’s tags and information with your new address and contact information as soon as possible.
• Contain all pets when the movers are present and while traveling to prevent injuries or run-away pets.
• Visit your veterinarian before the move to get a physical and a copy of your pet’s medical history.

Cats:

• Before and after the move, surround your cat with familiar objects ― feeding and water bowls, toys, blanket or bed.
• Since cats are very sensitive to their environment, gradually introduce them to their surroundings by restricting them to one or two rooms at first.

Dogs:

• Like cats, dogs should be slowly introduced to their surroundings. Then dogs should be leashed outside until comfortable with the area.
• If you are unable to stay home the first few days consider arranging a friend or pet sitter to come over for a couple of hours a day to ease your dog’s anxiety.

Fish:

• Traveling is the most difficult part of the moving process for fish. Place fish in bags with a mix of new water and clean water from their aquarium, the less the fish are crowded the better. Put rubber bands around the tops of bags and place the bags inside a dark, insulated cooler.
• Let the filter run for a few hours before putting the fish back into their tank, try to limit their time away from their normal habitat to less than 48 hours.

Birds:

• Make sure you have appropriate size carriers for the birds and cover the bottom with a litter. Remember to secure the doors of the carriers with a clip from the outside. Keep the birds cool and protected from the sun.
• Bring a supply of old food and water, gradually switch from old to new supplies.

Rodents:

• Small pets such as gerbils, guinea pigs and hamsters are more sensitive to drastic temperature changes. Take care to keep them out of cold drafts or direct sunlight.
• These animals can travel in the cage they normally live in just make sure it is well sealed so they cannot escape.