Greg Bodnar, Broker, Remax Jazz Inc., Brokerage

Greg Bodnar, Broker, Remax Jazz Inc., Brokerage Striving daily to provide the best in service and advice to his clients and customers and conducting his business with integrity and professionalism.

04/27/2026

“I believe in living today. Not in yesterday, nor in tomorrow.” Loretta Young

04/23/2026

Update an Aging Home

Tired of your home looking off-trend and out of touch? Investing in an older home and want to bring it up to speed? Whether your space feels dated or you simply want to refresh its style, you don’t need deep pockets to do either. Make a big impact without spending a lot of money with these updates.

• Repaint. Paint trends come and go, so consider giving the walls a facelift with a more modern tone.
• Change light fixtures. It’s time to retire out-of-style light fixtures and replace them with pendant lighting or another popular look.
• Update your hardware. You’d be surprised at how easily doorknobs, handles and drawer pulls can start to look aged.
• Reface your appliances. Have an old appliance but don’t want to replace what’s not broken? Use peel-and-stick contact paper to give it a refreshed look.
• Install a kickplate. If you want to boost your curb appeal but can’t afford a new door, consider installing a kickplate for an instant, affordable way to add visual interest.

These upgrades may seem minor, but when done properly, they can have a serious impact on your home’s aesthetic.

04/20/2026

“Most of us have far more courage than we ever dreamed we possessed.” Dale Carnegie

04/16/2026

Reduce Home Buying Stress

Buying a home can be stressful, especially in a hot market, and it’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed. From finding the right property to handling paperwork, there’s a lot to manage—but there are ways to ease your worries and make the process more enjoyable.

1. Prep your finances early. Having your finances in order can help make the process significantly smoother. You should have plenty saved up for your down payment and closing costs, and be sure to gather all the documentation you’ll need to apply for a mortgage.

2. Communicate openly about what you want. Knowing your needs and deal breakers — and communicating them early on — is critical to a hassle-free process. We’ll go over your budget, home purchase goals, and any questions and concerns you might have along the way.

3. Delegate where possible. You don’t have to do everything on your own. Instead, rely on the experts — your loan officer, home inspector, and other pros involved in the process. Lean on us for help and support, and don’t feel like it all rests on your shoulders.

4. Keep the big picture in mind. There may be hiccups along the way, but never lose sight of the big picture: your dream home and all that comes with it. Keeping things in perspective can help you weather anything that might come your way.

04/13/2026

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” Theodore Roosevelt

04/09/2026

Find the Right Neighbourhood

If the area doesn’t meet your needs, even the perfect home may fall short. Your neighbourhood affects daily routines and long-term plans, so consider a few key factors to make sure it’s the right fit for your lifestyle and household.

Cost of Living

Are the property taxes and HOA fees trending upward? Are there mostly trendy boutiques and high-end businesses in the area, or does it have a good mix of local and national retailers? Planned commercial development could affect the long-term affordability of the area. However, having more access to retailers and entertainment could enhance your lifestyle.

Commutes and Social Life

How close do you want to be to the friends and family you visit the most? How far are you willing to drive to get to the restaurants, parks, or stores that you frequent? It’s understandable to put your work commute first, but don’t forget the other places you visit regularly.

Long-Term Goals

How does the community fit into your future goals? Are there good schools, parks or sports leagues for your family? A thriving community adds to your quality of life, and it’s a good sign for future home values.
Want to try before you buy? Where possible, consider renting a unit in the area for a few days through a short-term rental site. Experiencing the neighbourhood like a resident can help you to decide if it fits your current and future needs.

The Central Lakes Association of REALTORS® has released its March 2026 housing market statistics, reflecting continued p...
04/08/2026

The Central Lakes Association of REALTORS® has released its March 2026 housing market statistics, reflecting continued price adjustments across most Regions, alongside stronger sales and new listing activity compared to the previous month.

“This month’s data reflects a housing market that continues to create opportunities across our Region,” said CLAR. “With increased sales activity and growing inventory, buyers and sellers have more room to breathe as we move into the spring market. Staying prepared and keeping an eye on market conditions will be key, allowing people to make a move when the timing feels right for them.”

Durham Region recorded 596 home sales in March, up 63.3% from 365 in February. The average selling price in Durham came in at $838,190, down 2.5% month-over-month from $859,846. New listings increased 57% month-over-month, with homes spending an average of 25 days on the market.

Hastings County saw 119 sales in the month of March, up 45.1% from 82 in February. The average selling price declined 3.2% from $555,798 in February to $538,254 in March. New listings increased 59.1% in March, while homes spent an average of 55 days on the market.

Kawartha Lakes reported 76 sales in March, up 65.2% from 46 in February. The average price increased 10.9% month-over-month, from $614,435 in February to $681,209 in March. New listings rose 73.6% month-over-month, with homes spending an average of 53 days on the market.

Northumberland County recorded 102 sales in March, up 43.7% from 71 in February. The average price decreased slightly month-over-month, from $693,431 in February to $670,503 in March. New listings rose 79.2% to 328, with homes spending an average of 47 days on the market.

Peterborough County saw 119 sales in March, up 50.6% from 79 in February. The average home price increased slightly, from $596,478 in February to $597,912 in March. New listings rose significantly, showing an 82.8% increase, with homes spending an average of 49 days on the market.

Prince Edward County recorded 16 sales in March, up 45.5% from 11 in February. The average home price declined 17.8% month-over-month, from $662,409 in February to $544,250 in March. New listings increased 102% month-over-month, with homes spending an average of 16 days on the market.

“The decision to remove the 13% HST on new homes for a wider range of buyers is a smart and responsible step by the government that reflects the realities of today’s housing market,” said CLAR CEO Wendy Giroux. “We applaud this move—lowering upfront costs will make homeownership more attainable, while the Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build further strengthens this momentum through significant investments in housing-enabling infrastructure, reductions in development charges, expanded transit commitments, and meaningful tax relief for new homebuyers. Together, these measures will help support much-needed housing supply and improve affordability across Ontario.”

03/11/2026

Welcome to this weeks Mortgage Rate Update!

Fixed mortgage rates and the bond yields that they tend to follow have been increasing dramatically over the past week and a half, and don't show any signs of slowing down any time soon. Just this morning, a major lender announced increases of .15% to many of their rates. For the time being we are still seeing some rates in the high 3s; however, it is likely only a matter of time before these lenders announce increases as well.

Variable rates relative to Prime have also started to increase with some lenders. These increases have been a bit smaller than their fixed counterparts and some lenders haven't adjusted yet; so, the spread is still attractive; however, the current market and uncertainty is making the variable product a bit less attractive overall.

With economic uncertainty lingering, borrowers should stay informed and prepared for possible rate shifts. Whether considering a new mortgage or refinancing, understanding these trends can help make the best financial decisions.

The Central Lakes Association of REALTORS® has released its February 2026 Housing Market Statistics, reflecting price ad...
03/06/2026

The Central Lakes Association of REALTORS® has released its February 2026 Housing Market Statistics, reflecting price adjustments across several Regions, while sales activity eased in a number of areas compared to both the previous month and last year. New listing activity varied across markets, with some Regions seeing increases while others experienced declines. Meanwhile, inventory levels rose across most areas.

“With last year being a period of adjustment, we’re continuing to see a market that is working through evolving conditions,” said CLAR. “While sales volumes have eased in some areas, pricing trends are varying by Region, and the long-term economic drivers across our communities – including major infrastructure and energy investments – position us well for sustained demand. Buyers and sellers who are well prepared and working with a REALTOR® are finding meaningful opportunities.”

Durham Region recorded 365 sales in February, down 4.5% month-over-month from January’s 382 sales. Meanwhile, the average home price in Durham was $859,846, up 4.7% compared to January’s $821,410, but remained 4.2% below February 2025's average price of $897,759. New listings totalled 1,002, a 7.6% decline from January, with homes spending an average of 28 days on the market.

Hastings County reported 82 home sales in February, down 4.7% month-over-month. The average selling price was $555,798, up 11.4% from January’s $499,005, and 7.3% higher than last year’s $517,873. New listings reached 247, down 4.6% from January, but up 8.3% year-over-year. In February, homes spent an average of 51 days on the market.

Kawartha Lakes saw 46 home sales, down 14.8% from January’s 54. The average selling price declined 1% month-over-month, going from $620,498 in January to $614,435 in February. New listings totalled 144, up 2.9% month-over-month and 26.3% year-over-year, with homes spending an average of 64 days on the market.

Northumberland County recorded 71 sales in the month of February, a 47.9% increase from January’s 48. The average selling price decreased 8.5% month-over-month, reaching $693,431 in February, but remaining 2.5% higher year-over-year. New listings declined 10.7% month-over-month, coming in at 183, with homes spending an average of 59 days on the market.

Peterborough reported 79 sales in the month of February, down 1.3% month-over-month. The average selling price declined 3.2% from January, coming in at $596,478. New listings totalled 186, down from 206 in January, but slightly up from 185 year-over-year, with homes spending an average of 38 days on the market.

Prince Edward County saw 11 home sales in February, down 8.3% month-over-month from 12 in January. The average sale price was $662,409, up 1.8% from last month’s $650,694, but still down 16.5% year-over-year. New listings totalled 50, up 4.2% from January, with homes spending an average of 140 days on the market.

“The housing crisis cannot be solved in isolation by any one level of government. February’s data reinforces the need for coordinated, cross-jurisdictional action that prioritizes speed, supply, and affordability”, said CLAR CEO Wendy Giroux. “With over 100 advocacy touchpoints across federal, provincial, and municipal levels last year, CLAR will continue ensuring that housing policy decisions reflect market conditions and support sustainable growth across our Region.”

The Central Lakes Association of REALTORS® has released its December 2025 Housing Market Statistics, showing a seasonal ...
01/08/2026

The Central Lakes Association of REALTORS® has released its December 2025 Housing Market Statistics, showing a seasonal slowdown in sales activity as the year came to a close. While activity eased across most Regions, pricing remained relatively stable, supported by healthy inventory levels that continue to provide buyers with a range of options entering into the new year.

“As we move through the winter market, we’re seeing the expected seasonal slowdown in activity. However, we are also seeing how consumer confidence is continuing to shape the housing market with cost-of-living pressures alongside ongoing interest rate uncertainty,” said CLAR. “While many households are taking a cautious approach, healthy inventory levels remain across our Regions, continuing to provide buyers with expanded choice.”

Durham Region recorded 455 home sales in December, down from 622 in November, reflecting typical year-end seasonality. The average selling price increased modestly by 0.4% month-over-month to $844,473, demonstrating continued price stability. Compared to December 2024’s average of $930,207, pricing reflects a more balanced market environment. New listings totalled at 529, an increase of 8.9% from last year's 486, with homes spending an average of 38 days on the market.

Hastings County recorded 91 home sales in December, a 20.9% decrease from November, while remaining 42.2% higher than the 64 sales recorded in December 2024. The average selling price was $466,716, adjusting from November’s $529,139 as year-end conditions took hold. New listings increased 16% year-over-year to 123, while inventory levels remained supportive of market balance. Homes spent an average of 52 days on the market, consistent with longer selling timelines typical at this time of year.

Kawartha Lakes saw 52 home sales in December, easing from 85 in November as the winter market conditions set in. The average selling price reflected seasonal adjustment, declining 7.4% month-over-month to $604,056 from $652,436. New listings reached 75, up from 36.4% from last year's 55, helping maintain choice for buyers. Overall, pricing remains within a healthy long-term range, supported by steady demand.

Northumberland County recorded 70 home sales in December, a 14.6% decline compared to November’s 82. The average selling price edged up slightly to $671,750, remaining stable relative to November’s $671,436, highlighting consistent pricing conditions. New listings totalled 87, while homes spent an average of 54 days on the market, remaining largely in line with last year’s 57.

Peterborough area reported 87 home sales in December, down from 136 in November as activity slowed seasonally. The average selling price declined 3.3% month-over-month to $617,177, adjusting from November’s $638,555. New listings reached 78, helping maintain balanced conditions, with average days on market, compared to last year’s 49, holding steady at 48.

Prince Edward County recorded 22 home sales in December, marking a 37.5% increase from November’s 16 and demonstrating continued interest in the Region heading into year-end. The average selling price was $615,276, reflecting seasonal adjustment from November’s $719,595. New listings totalled 23, while active listings remained elevated, offering buyers a strong range of options as the market transitions into 2026.

Reflecting on the past year, CLAR Chief Executive Officer Wendy Giroux shared her thoughts on the Association’s progress and the opportunities ahead. “This past year has been a learning process for our Association, marked by meaningful growth, strong collaboration, and continued advocacy on behalf of our Members, buyers, and sellers across our vast Region. As we enter 2026, we remain committed to fostering excellence in real estate and driving positive change in the industry. Wishing everyone a successful year ahead!”

12/29/2025

“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.” Zig Ziglar

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Oshawa, ON
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