Kelly Bayne at REMAX, 21 Drew Street, Oshawa, ON (2026)

08/21/2026

🎉 WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?
Whether you're in the mood for live music, a festival, some family fun or just an excuse to get outside and enjoy what's left of summer, there's lots happening close to home this weekend!

📍DURHAM REGION

🎡 Durham Summerfest 2026 – Ajax (Saturday)
Head to Ajax Downs for a huge free-admission summer festival featuring food trucks, local vendors and more than 20 Canadian performers, including a Qawali performance by Sur Sagar.

🌻 Sunflower & Connect Grounding Session – Whitby (Sunday)
Looking for a quieter way to start your Sunday? Take a guided walk through the B'More Farm Sunflower Maze with meditation, journaling and light refreshments along the way. Tickets required.

🐰 Barnyard Buddies Weekend – Uxbridge (Saturday & Sunday)
A fun one for the kids! Visit Forsythe Family Farms to cuddle bunnies, meet goats, pet chickens and spend some time on the farm.

😂 Stand-Up Comedy Night – Whitby (Saturday)
Grab a craft beer and enjoy an evening of live stand-up comedy featuring touring comedians at Little Beasts Brewing Company.

📍 KAWARTHA LAKES & NEARBY

🎺 Concerts in the Park – Lindsay (Sunday)
Bring a lawn chair and settle in at Victoria Park for a free afternoon performance by the Electric City Swing Band from 2–4 PM.

🍖 Kawartha Ribfest – Peterborough (All Weekend)
If you don't mind a short drive outside Kawartha Lakes, head to Del Crary Park for award-winning ribs, craft drinks, live entertainment and a Saturday night Hootenanny.

🎸 Live Music at Dusk to Dawn Brewing Co. (Saturday)
Wind down Saturday night with a local craft beer and live acoustic music from Errol Boucher from 7–10 PM.

📍 NORTHUMBERLAND

🎷 Port Hope Jazz Festival – Port Hope (All Weekend)
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the festival takes over downtown Port Hope with indoor and outdoor performances throughout the weekend. There's also a Saturday morning talk with renowned saxophonist Pat LaBarbera and a Sunday Jazz Brunch at Hotel Carlyle.

🛍️ Downtown Sale-a-bration – Port Hope (All Weekend)
While you're enjoying the jazz, browse sidewalk sales, special vendors and local shops throughout downtown Port Hope.

🐐 Goatchella – Haute Goat Farm (Saturday)
This might win for best event name of the weekend! Head to Haute Goat Farm for live music, food and artisan vendors—and, of course, plenty of opportunities to hang out with the goats.

🎶 The Tragically Hip 10th Anniversary Rebroadcast – Cobourg (Saturday Evening)
Gather at Cobourg Marina for a free outdoor community screening marking 10 years since The Tragically Hip's historic final concert broadcast. Bring a chair and settle in by the waterfront.

📍 Did I miss a great event? Drop it in the comments so everyone can check it out.

Have a fantastic weekend!

08/19/2026

📌REAL ESTATE IN THE NEWS 👇🏻
The federal and provincial governments just announced another $1 billion to help municipalities build the infrastructure needed to support new housing - things like roads, bridges and water systems.

But there's an important detail in this latest announcement.

The new "Non-Development Charge Municipalities Stream" is specifically for eligible municipalities that don't collect development charges.

Which got me thinking about the other side of that equation here in Durham...because we very much do.

As of May, the combined development charges on a new detached home in Ajax totalled approximately $126,900.

So...what exactly are development charges?

They're fees collected on new development to help pay for the infrastructure and services that come with growth - roads, water and wastewater systems, transit, community services, etc.

The idea has traditionally been that "growth should help pay for growth", rather than putting all of those costs onto existing taxpayers.

The problem, of course, is that those charges also become part of the cost of building a new home.

And that's where the governments are now trying two different approaches.

The newly announced "Non-Development Charge Municipalities Stream" (Non-DC Stream) provides infrastructure funding to eligible municipalities that DON"T collect development charges in the first place.

For municipalities that DO collect them, there's the "Development Charge Reduction Program" (DCRP). It offers funding for housing-related infrastructure in exchange for substantially reducing residential development charges for at least three years.

And this isn't just theoretical for Durham.

Ajax has already applied for $122 million through the DCRP to help fund five major infrastructure projects, including work on Rossland Road, Harwood Avenue North and Hunt Street. If an agreement is reached, it could involve reducing the Town's development charges by as much as 50%.

So the bigger conversation isn't simply about whether development charges are too high.

It's about how we pay for the infrastructure that comes with growth without making new housing even more expensive to build.

And there's another question I'm sure we're all wondering...

If development charges are reduced, does that actually translate into a lower purchase price for the buyer? Or does it primarily make projects that aren't financially viable today viable enough to actually get built?

Because those aren't necessarily the same thing.

It will be interesting to see what happens with Ajax's application - and whether any other Durham municipalities follow.

See the full Gov't press release here 👉 https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1007890/ontario-and-canada-investing-1-billion-to-build-more-homes

08/17/2026

🔥QUESTION OF THE WEEK🔥

I came across an interesting question in a REALTOR® group recently...

🤔 Why are POTL fees often so much lower than condo townhouse fees?

You'll sometimes see a newer freehold townhouse with a POTL fee of $150–$200/month, while the maintenance fee on a condo townhouse might be $500, $700 or even more.

So...how can they possibly maintain everything for so much less?

The simple answer is: they're usually not maintaining the same things.

With a POTL (Parcel of Tied Land), you own your home and property as freehold, but it's "tied" to a Common Elements Condominium Corporation. In many POTL developments, the common elements are fairly limited - maybe a private road, visitor parking and some common landscaping.

The homeowner may still be responsible for their own lawn and driveway, roof, windows and exterior maintenance.

Compare that with a condo townhouse where the fee "may" cover the roof, windows, exterior maintenance, landscaping, snow removal, roads and parking areas, water, insurance or even amenities.

Of course, every complex is different - which is really the point.

You can't compare maintenance fees based on the number alone. You have to know what you're actually getting for the money.

And there's one more thing I'd be looking at: the "reserve fund".

Low fees sound great...until a private road or other major common element needs replacing and there isn't enough money set aside to pay for it.

That's why, whether you're buying a POTL or a traditional condo, understanding exactly what the corporation is responsible for - and having the Status Certificate reviewed - is so important.

📌 A $150 fee isn't necessarily a bargain and a $600 fee isn't necessarily expensive. It all depends on what's behind the number.

08/14/2026

🎉 WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?
We're getting into the second half of August already (how did that happen?!), but there's still lots of summer left to enjoy! If you're looking for something to do this weekend, look no further! 👇🏻

📍 DURHAM REGION

🌍 Taste & Trade Festival – Whitby (Saturday)
Head to Celebration Square for a free celebration of African and Caribbean culture featuring great food, live music, entertainment and local businesses.

🌻 Cruisin' Classic Car & Truck Show – Beaverton (Saturday)
Classic cars AND sunflower fields? The Sunflower Farm is bringing the two together, along with live music from Crooked Country, food trucks and craft beer.

🎨 Uxbridge Lions Art in the Park (Saturday)
Spend the day at Elgin Park browsing the work of local artists, watching live demonstrations and enjoying food vendors, a silent auction and activities for the kids.

🐊 Reptile Days at Pingle's Farm – Hampton (Saturday)
Pingle's and Reptilia are teaming up for interactive live reptile shows featuring pythons, alligators, tortoises and more. While you're there, you can also check out the pick-your-own flowers.

🏃 OTF Whitby 5K Run/Walk (Saturday)
Get moving—or come out to cheer everyone on! The 5K starts Saturday morning at Kiwanis Heydenshore Park.

🌿 Plant Match Bingo – Bowmanville (Saturday Evening)
This is a fun one! Head to Tilted Glass Brewing Co. for a twist on traditional bingo where you'll match plant names and features for a chance to win houseplants and garden décor. No green thumb required!

📍KAWARTHA LAKES

🤼 GCW Live Professional Wrestling – Fenelon Falls (Sunday)
Catch an evening of high-energy live professional wrestling at the Fenelon Falls Community Centre.

👢 Boots N' Hooves Dancing for T.H.R.I.L. – Lindsay (Saturday)
Learn some line dancing while supporting a great local cause! This beginner-friendly evening raises funds for therapeutic horseback riding programs.

🏇 Live Harness Racing & King's Plate Party – Kawartha Downs (Saturday)
Wear pink and enjoy a free evening of live harness racing, family fun and King's Plate celebrations during "Pink at the Track."

🎤 Humane Society Karaoke Fundraiser – Fenelon Falls (Friday)
Start the weekend with karaoke at The Cow & Sow Eatery. Admission is by donation, with proceeds supporting the Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes.

🎶 Peterborough Folk Festival (All Weekend)
If you don't mind a short drive outside Kawartha Lakes, this popular festival takes over Nicholls Oval Park with multiple stages of live music, food trucks and artisan vendors.

🎨 Buckhorn Festival of the Arts (Saturday & Sunday)
Another nearby option! Browse the work of dozens of Canadian artists at the Buckhorn Community Centre.

📍 NORTHUMBERLAND

🍖 Northumberland Ribfest & Music Festival – Cobourg (All Weekend)
Victoria Park will be filled with BBQ, food vendors and live entertainment all weekend. Saturday night's lineup includes Hotel California LIVE, an Eagles tribute show.

🌴 Irie Vibes Festival – Port Hope (Saturday)
Head to Memorial Park for an evening celebrating Caribbean culture and reggae music.

🛍️ August Artisan Market – Cobourg (Saturday)
Browse handmade goods, regional foods and local vendors at the Cobourg Farmers' Market in Rotary Harbourfront Park.

🎭 Farley Mowat's And No Birds Sang – Port Hope (Saturday & Sunday)
Catch this stage adaptation of the Canadian literary classic at the historic Capitol Theatre.

📚 84 Charing Cross Road – Cobourg (Friday & Saturday)
The Northumberland Players bring this much-loved story to the stage at the Firehall Theatre.

🏐 Beach Volleyball Provincial Championships – Cobourg (Sunday)
Head down to Cobourg Beach to watch some of Ontario's top co-ed beach volleyball teams compete right on the sand.

☀️ Whether you're staying close to home or heading out for a little road trip, there are lots of ways to make the most of another summer weekend!

📍 Did I miss a great event? Drop it in the comments so everyone can check it out.

Have a fantastic weekend!

08/12/2026

📌REAL ESTATE IN THE NEWS 👇🏻

Back in January, CMHC released its forecast for the Oshawa housing market. Just five months later, they revised it.

Why?

Because markets change.

Forecasts aren't crystal balls. They're educated estimates based on the information available at the time. As interest rates, inflation, employment, trade policies and buyer confidence change, so do the forecasts.

What's worth noting is that when I compare CMHC's updated outlook with what's actually happened in Durham so far this year, the biggest surprise isn't dramatic price swings...

It's how little prices have moved.

For months now, average prices have been hovering around the $840,000 mark, while sales remain well below historical norms. Instead of a market that's rising or falling sharply, we've been seeing something much less exciting - but much more stable.

That's one of the reasons I always encourage my clients to take forecasts with a grain of salt.

Forecasts are useful. They help us understand where the market may be headed.

But they're just one piece of the puzzle.

Real estate happens one sale at a time, and that's why I'm always paying closer attention to what's actually happening in our local market than what anyone predicted six months ago.

💬 What do you think? Do you pay attention to forecasts?

08/10/2026

🔥QUESTION OF THE WEEK🔥
Planning on Renting?
Start pulling together the documents you’ll need for the application & offer process:

📍 For Salaried Employees:
- Recent Equifax credit report that includes score, current obligations & historical data
- 2-3 most recent pay stubs
- Proof of any other forms of income that you may want to include such as side hustle/alimony/child support/gov't programs
- Banking information
- Employment letter
- References
- A copy of your photo ID

📍 For the Self-Employed:
- Recent Equifax credit report that includes score, current obligations & historical data
- 2yrs of NOAs
- Proof of any other forms of income that you may want to include such as side hustle/alimony/child support/gov't programs
- Banking information
- 3mos of bank statements
- References
- A copy of your photo ID

📍 For Students:
- Proof of School Enrollment
- A Copy of your photo ID
- A Guarantor – who provides, based on their employment status, the same information listed above

👉 An in-person meeting or video call with the landlord, their real estate agent or property manager may be required before accepting your offer.

👉 If you’re working with a real estate agent to find your rental, first & last month’s rent will be due within 24hrs of the landlord accepting your offer.

👉 Proof of insurance & utility accounts set up in your name may be necessary before you receive your keys.

📍If you’re looking for a rental, I may be able to help…feel free to reach out!

08/07/2026

🎉 WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?

Summer is flying by! If you're looking to make the most of the weekend, here are a few events worth checking out 👇🏻

📍 Durham Region

🦎 Reptiles at Risk Show – Bowmanville (Saturday)
Meet some of Ontario's fascinating native reptiles during this free, family-friendly presentation at Darlington Provincial Park.

🥾 Guided Park Hike – Bowmanville (Saturday)
Join the Discovery Team for an interpretive hike through Darlington Provincial Park and learn more about the area's wildlife and natural habitats.

🧺 Greenwood Community Picnic – Ajax (Sunday)
Pack a lawn chair and enjoy an afternoon of food, live music, games and community fun at Greenwood Conservation Area.

⛳ Glow Mini-Putt Party – Port Perry (Saturday Evening)
Mini golf gets a glow-up! Enjoy a fun night of glow-in-the-dark mini putt at Sandbaggerz, with glow gear provided.

🏛️ Parkwood Estate – Oshawa
If you're looking for a more relaxed outing, tour the beautiful historic mansion, wander through the formal gardens or enjoy a bite at the seasonal Tea House.

📍 Kawartha Lakes

🚗 Cruise & Movie Night – Lindsay (Saturday)
Classic cars, live rock music, local vendors and a movie under the stars make for a perfect summer evening at the Lindsay Twin Drive-In.

🚤 Boatapalooza – Bobcaygeon (Saturday)
Celebrate life on the water with live music, boating activities and plenty of lakeside fun at Kawartha Lakes Marina.

🎣 CSFL Western/Opens Tour – Balsam Lake (Sunday)
Watch the final day of competitive bass fishing, including the exciting live weigh-in at Pride of Balsam Lake Marina.

🏇 Live Harness Racing – Kawartha Downs (Saturday Evening)
Wear your favourite team jersey for Sports Team Night and enjoy free family entertainment, live racing and special track experiences.

📍 Northumberland

🏖️ Cobourg Sandcastle Festival (Saturday)
Head to Victoria Beach and watch incredible sand sculptures take shape as artists compete in one of the area's signature summer events.

🌸 Flower Fest at the Cobourg Farmers' Market (Saturday Morning)
Browse beautiful floral displays, shop local vendors, enjoy live music and even join a community yoga class by the waterfront.

🎶 Under the Marquee – Port Hope (Saturday Evening)
Nicholas Campbell & The Metre Cheaters take the outdoor stage beside the Cameco Capitol Arts Centre for a great summer concert.

🎭 Come From Away – Port Hope (Sunday)
If you haven't seen it yet, this is your last chance to catch the final performance of the award-winning Canadian musical at the Capitol Theatre.

🌅 4th Line Theatre – Millbrook (Saturday)
Experience the magic of outdoor theatre with "Wild Irish Geese", an original Canadian production performed under the open sky.

☀️ Whether you're staying close to home or exploring somewhere new, there's no shortage of great ways to enjoy another summer weekend!

📍 Did I miss an event? Drop it in the comments so everyone can check it out.

Have a fantastic weekend!

08/05/2026

📌REAL ESTATE IN THE NEWS 👇🏻
This is NOT a NEW public access initiative, most LTB decisions have been public record for years...the Province is just making it easier to search & access them!

At first glance, that might sound like a big change - but it's important to understand what it actually means.

These are final decisions made by the LTB. This doesn't mean every landlord or tenant's information is suddenly public, and it doesn't mean simply having an LTB application filed against you will appear in the database. The catalogue contains final orders, not every application, and confidential orders are excluded.

Why this matters:

Whether you're a landlord or a tenant, an LTB order is part of the legal record. Making those orders easier to access increases transparency and may help people better understand how the LTB applies Ontario's tenancy laws in real-world situations.

As with many housing headlines, the details matter just as much as the headline itself.

💬 What are your thoughts? Do you think this is a good step toward transparency, or do you have concerns about privacy?

Read Front Lobby's full article here 👉 https://frontlobby.com/2026/07/ontario-launches-public-access-to-ltb-orders-through-the-open-data-catalogue/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTfYQ1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFtT0FyVnYxME5ZODgybHJzc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkNNTFr-OTLMd4DA1SE0Ssp3YhKYYXGgNekjIX0Gwz8vunDWk6_bhd4LOBmM_aem_ML6_fb3pRjnYxpp3baxflQ

08/03/2026

🔥QUESTION OF THE WEEK🔥
A homeowner asked me a great question a few weeks ago while we were discussing the value of their home.

Why didn't you include that house over there? It sold for so much more.

It's a fair question.

But first, let's start with this...

REALTORS® don't determine a home's value. We interpret the market by analyzing what buyers have already proven they're willing to pay for comparable properties.

My answer was simple: different neighbourhoods have different home values and often the buyer pool for them is completely different as well.

When I'm preparing a market evaluation, I always start by looking for comparable sales within the same neighbourhood whenever possible.

Why?

Because buyers don't just buy a house - they buy the neighbourhood too.

Things like schools, lot sizes, traffic, amenities, age of the homes and even the overall feel of a neighbourhood can all influence what buyers are willing to pay.

That's why REALTORS®, appraisers and lenders all prefer to use comparable sales from within the same neighbourhood whenever possible.

Only when there aren't enough recent sales do we begin expanding our search to nearby areas with similar housing, demographics and buyer appeal.

That's why you'll sometimes hear someone say...

"But that house over there sold for $100,000 more than mine!"

Maybe it did.

But if it wasn't competing for the same buyers, it probably wasn't the best comparison.

Comparable sales aren't just chosen because the homes look alike or have the same specs. They're chosen because they competed for the same buyers.

There's a lot more that goes into choosing the right comparable properties, but location is one of the biggest factors.

An accurate home valuation isn't about finding the highest sale you can...it's about finding the right sales to compare against - the ones buyers have already proven they're willing to pay for.

07/31/2026

🎉 WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND?
Cheers to the Long Weekend! Whether you're looking for festivals, live music, beautiful summer blooms or a family day out, here are a few ideas to check out!

📍 Durham Region

🎭 Caribbean Celebrations & Emancipation Day
Celebrate Caribbean culture with Caribana-themed events happening throughout the weekend in Pickering, or take part in Emancipation Day celebrations, including community events and cultural activities departing from Ajax.

🌻 Sunflower & Lavender Season
Summer is in full bloom! Visit Pingle's Farm Market in Hampton or wander through local sunflower and lavender fields for some beautiful photo opportunities.

🌳 Darlington Provincial Park
Pack a picnic, enjoy the trails or spend the day relaxing by the lake.

🏛️ Parkwood Estate – Oshawa
Tour one of Durham's most beautiful historic homes, explore the gardens or stop by the seasonal Tea House.

🪖 Ontario Regiment Museum – Oshawa
History buffs won't want to miss North America's largest collection of operational military vehicles.

🌾 Farmers' Markets
It's also a great weekend to support local growers at one of Durham's many farmers' markets.

📍 Kawartha Lakes

🎭 Leave It To Cleavage! – Bobcaygeon
Enjoy an evening of laughs at Globus Theatre with this interactive comedy.

💃 Legion Dance – Omemee
Dance the night away with live music from the Stockdale Central Band.

🎶 Live Music at Belly's Lakeside
Relax on the waterfront with great food, live music and beautiful views.

🚤 Explore the Lakes
Spend the day boating, paddling, shopping or discovering one of Kawartha Lakes' charming waterfront communities.

📍 Northumberland County

🎷 Westben Concerts – Campbellford
It's a fantastic weekend for music lovers! Catch three-time JUNO Award winner Caity Gyorgy on Saturday afternoon, Alison Young Saturday evening, or enjoy the spectacular Hilario Durán Latin Jazz Big Band performing Sunday afternoon.

🎭 Come From Away – Port Hope
Don't miss the award-winning Canadian musical at the Capitol Theatre as it wraps up its extended run.

🍺 Live Music at Church-Key Brewing
Spend Saturday afternoon enjoying live music by Matt Marcuz in the beer garden at one of Northumberland's favourite craft breweries.

🥕 Codrington Farmers' Market
Browse fresh local produce, baked goods and artisan vendors Sunday morning while supporting local businesses.

☀️ Whether you're staying close to home or taking a short road trip, there are plenty of great ways to make the most of the long weekend!

📍 Did I miss an event? Drop it in the comments so everyone can check it out.

Kelly Bayne at REMAX

08/21/2026

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08/17/2026

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