https://linktr.ee/vilijatruelove

Vilija Truelove Real Estate, 242 King Street E Suite 1, Oshawa, ON (2026)

03/05/2026

One of the biggest fears I hear from homeowners who want to move up in Durham Region is this:

“What if we sell our house… and then can’t find something we love?”

It’s a completely valid concern. No one wants to sell their home and feel pressured to rush into the next one.

Because of that fear, a lot of people stay in homes that don’t really fit their life anymore- they’ve outgrown the space, the layout doesn’t work, or they simply want something different.

What many homeowners don’t realize is there are ways to reduce that risk when planning a move.

Depending on the situation, it might look like:
• negotiating a longer closing date
• adding conditions that give you time to secure your next home
• or sometimes even buying first and selling after

Every situation is different, but there are often more options than people think.

I’ve had quite a few conversations lately with homeowners who assumed moving wasn’t possible… until we actually talked through a strategy.

Out of curiosity, what’s the biggest thing holding you back from moving right now?

02/25/2026

Buying and selling at the same time is a bit of a juggling act 🤹‍♀️
�There are a lot of big decisions: do you buy first? sell first? how much risk can you carry? And it naturally feels more stressful because so much is riding on it.

This wasn’t a “5-year plan” move… this was the “forever home”.

From day one this family trusted me, trusted the strategy, and trusted the process, even when we hit a few bumps (because real estate is never perfectly straight-line smooth). Watching it all come together at the end is honestly one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

If you’ve been wondering whether this market could actually be a good opportunity to move up, I’m always happy to talk it through and help you make a plan. No pressure, just clarity. Message me to start the conversation.

02/23/2026

The Durham real estate market looks slow on paper right now.

Prices are down year over year. Inventory is higher. Some homes are sitting.

But that’s not the full story.

In the past week alone, 86 homes sold across Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa and Clarington. 29 of those sold over asking.

Right now we don’t have one market.
We have two.

Overpriced homes are sitting.
Well-priced homes are selling fast.

It’s not a crazy market.
It’s not a dead market.
It’s a selective market.

What are you seeing in your neighbourhood lately? More sold signs , or more listings sitting?

08/26/2025

I can’t believe the kids are heading back to school next week already. Summer honestly flew by this year! ☀️📚

What I’ve noticed is that a lot of people pressed pause on their real estate plans over the summer, but now that routines are starting back up, I’ve had more and more people reaching out this week ready to get things moving again.

If buying or selling has been on your mind, fall is always a busy (and exciting!) season in real estate. Here are 3 simple steps you can take right now to get yourself prepared:

1️⃣ Grab my First-Time Buyer or Move-Up Guide → This guide walks you through everything you need to know to get started, whether you’re buying your very first home or making a move into something new. Just comment below or send me a message and I’ll send you the PDF.

2️⃣ Binge my YouTube channel 🎥 → I’ve put together videos on buying, selling, neighbourhood tours, market updates and everything in between. It’s a great way to learn and get a feel for the market before you even start.
👉 Check it out here: https://youtube.com/

3️⃣ Book a consultation with me → No pressure, no obligation. We’ll sit down, go over your situation, and figure out the best plan to move forward when the time is right for you.

🍂 September always feels like a fresh start, and it could be the perfect time for you to take the next step too. If you’ve been thinking about making a move, let’s chat!

07/25/2025

🏡 Thinking about buying your first or next home? You’re not alone — and you’ve probably noticed that the market is finally giving buyers a bit more breathing room. 🙌

But before you jump in… let’s talk strategy. Whether you’re buying your very first home or upgrading to your dream property, there are some common (and costly!) mistakes you’ll want to avoid.

Here are 6 buyer mistakes I see far too often — and how to avoid them:

❌ Mistake #1: Not knowing how much you can really afford.
💡 Pro tip: Think in terms of monthly payments, not just the purchase price. And get pre-approved before you start looking!

❌ Mistake #2: Not shopping around for the right mortgage.
💡 The wrong mortgage can cost you thousands in interest. A great mortgage broker (I know some amazing ones!) can help find the best rate and product for your needs.

❌ Mistake #3: Overlooking hidden issues in a home.
💡 Don’t just admire the furniture — check the roof, furnace, windows, and ask questions. And yes, a home inspection is 100% worth it.

❌ Mistake #4: Jumping in without knowing the process.
💡 A quick home-buying consultation can make all the difference. I offer these to all of my clients — and my YouTube channel is a great place to start, too!
🎥 Watch: 6 Red Flags When Buying a Home in Durham Region

❌ Mistake #5: Missing out on first-time buyer programs.
💡 You could qualify for tax breaks, land transfer tax refunds, and even pull from your RRSP tax-free!

❌ Mistake #6: Being afraid to ask questions.
💡 There are no dumb questions when you’re making one of the biggest purchases of your life. I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

✨ The bottom line? When you’ve got a strategy, a plan, and the right support, buying a home can actually be exciting and enjoyable.

If buying a home is on your radar this year — even if it’s months away — let’s talk. The best buyers are the best-prepared buyers. I’d love to help you create a game plan that works for your life and your goals.

📩 DM me or drop a comment and we’ll take it from there!

05/09/2025

🏠April 2025 Durham Region Real Estate Market Update

Inventory keeps climbing across the Durham Region—but prices are still holding steady… at least for now!

Here’s what happened in April:

• 769 sales (up from 671 in March, but down from 948 this time last year)
• 2,125 new listings – that’s higher than both last month and last April
• 2,445 active listings – inventory is growing fast
• 848 terminated listings – that’s more homes pulled from the market than sold
• Average sale price: $913,500 – slightly up from March, but down $30,000 year-over-year
• Sale-to-list ratio: 101% – homes are still selling over asking in many cases
• Average days on market: 19 (up from 17 in March)

Some local price changes:
Pickering $51,880 | Ajax $30,566 | Oshawa $26,826
Whitby -$67,344 | Clarington -$37,873

So what does all this mean?

Buyers: You’ve got more choice than we’ve seen in a while. Prices are stable, and while bidding wars are still happening in some cases, there’s room to negotiate—especially if you’re looking for the right deal and prepared with recent comps.

Sellers: Pricing your home right is crucial. Buyers are comparing your home to many others, and presentation matters more than ever—think staging, professional photos, and strong marketing.

Move-up buyers: Yes, you might get slightly less for your current home than you hoped—but the home you’re buying may also be more affordable. It often balances out—and can even put you ahead in the long run.

With growing economic uncertainty and rising inventory, we could start to see downward pressure on prices… but for now, things remain fairly balanced. This market takes strategy—and that’s what I’m here for.

If you’re thinking of buying or selling and want a clear game plan for your next move, feel free to send me a message to get the conversation started!

04/08/2025

🏠 March 2025 Durham Region Real Estate Market Update 🏠

If you’re wondering what’s really happening in the market right now—here’s the breakdown:

• We had 671 sales in March, up from February, but still down from this time last year.
• 1,937 new listings hit the market (a big jump!)
• 2,017 active listings at month-end—more than double what we had in March 2024.
• We also saw 606 terminated listings, which tells us that many sellers just aren’t getting the prices they want. But at this time, they’re taking the home off the market rather than lowering their price.
• The average price across all home types was $911,396, up slightly from February but down compared to last year.
• We’re officially in buyers market territory, with a sales-to-new listings ratio of 34.6%.
• Average days on market: 17 (down from 22 in Feb), which means homes that are selling are moving quickly.

So what does this all mean?

Buyers have more choice and a little more negotiating power—but they’re still willing to pay fair prices, especially for homes that are move-in ready and well-presented.

Sellers need to price strategically and present their home in its best light to stand out from the competition. We’re seeing success with strong pricing strategies (including offer nights in some cases), especially for desirable homes in sought-after neighbourhoods.

There’s a lot of opportunity right now—but strategy matters more than ever.

If you’re thinking about making a move or just want to talk through your options, feel free to reach out. You can send me a message—I’m always happy to chat!

03/07/2025

Wait… No Tariffs?! Why the Best Time to Buy a Home Has Nothing to Do with the Market

Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could time the market perfectly? Buy at rock bottom, sell at the peak? I wish I had a crystal ball to tell my clients exactly when to make a move—but the truth is, no one does.

If this past week has shown us anything, it’s how unpredictable the economy can be. The tariffs that were supposed to take effect? Delayed again. A wave of uncertainty, stress, and speculation… over something that might happen in April—or might not.

That’s why I always tell people: The best time to buy is when YOU are ready.

Yes, prices could go down. But they might hold steady. Or even go up. Anyone claiming to know for sure? They don’t.

So what should you do to make sure you’re in the best position to buy?

1️⃣ Get Financially Ready

✅ Can you comfortably afford homeownership? Have you budgeted for all the costs?
✅ Is your employment stable?
✅ Do you have a down payment?
✅ Is your credit in good shape?

2️⃣ Think Long-Term

Owning a home isn’t a short-term play for most people. Flipping still exists, but it’s not the right strategy for the majority. If you’re not planning to stay for at least 3–5 years, renting might be the better option.

(Ask anyone who bought a home 10 years ago if they regret it—I bet they don’t.)

3️⃣ Know Your Why

Why do you want to buy? Be honest with yourself.

🏡 To give your family a better life?
💰 To build wealth over time?
🌳 To have a backyard where your kids can play?
🚿 To end the constant fights over the single bathroom every morning?
🏠 Simply for the pride of owning something that’s yours?

If you finally had the home you’ve been dreaming of and the market shifted slightly, would that really change how you feel about it?

I’m not here to “sell” you on anything. If you talk to any of my past or current clients (and if you want to, just reach out!), you’ll know I never push someone to buy or sell if they’re not truly ready.

But I also know that sometimes we are ready—yet let fear hold us back.

Real estate markets shift. They always have. But over time, the Durham and Toronto markets have proven to be strong, consistent investments.

If you have questions, let’s talk. No pressure—just real advice to help you make the best decision for you.

📩 Send me a DM to start the conversation. I’m here to help.

02/06/2025

🏠 Durham Region Market Update – January 2025🏠

Looking at the numbers for Durham Region in January, things are already shaping up to be an interesting year in real estate. Here’s a breakdown of what happened in the market last month.

📊 January 2025 Stats:
• Sales: 489 (down from 539 in January 2024)
• New Listings: 1,213 (up from 828 in January 2024)
• Active Listings: 1,419 (up from 751 in January 2024)
• Average Sale Price: $896,611 (down from $930,207 in December 2024, but nearly the same as last January)
• Months of Inventory: 2.9 (heading toward a balanced market)
• Sale-to-New-Listing Ratio: 40.3% (down from 83.1% in December, suggesting a shift toward a balanced market)
• Days on Market: 30 (unchanged from December, but slightly better than 33 in January 2024)
• Property Days on Market: 45 (down from 46 in December)

🏡 Price Breakdown by Area:
• Pickering: $950,327 (down by almost $35,000)
• Ajax: $915,035 (down by $674)
• Whitby: $1,025,963 (down by nearly $82,000)
• Oshawa: $779,868 (up by almost $11,000)
• Clarington: $852,765 (down by nearly $37,000)

Key Takeaways:
• Prices remain stable year-over-year, with an average sale price in January similar to last year.
• New listings increased in January, giving buyers more choices than last year.

What does this mean for you as a Buyer or Seller?
• For Buyers: While prices are staying steady, we’re seeing more homes going into multiple offers, especially in competitive areas. It’s still possible to find deals and negotiate, but be prepared for competition.
• For Sellers: With more inventory hitting the market, it’s important to price your home strategically and make it stand out—whether that’s through staging, professional photography, or smart marketing.

If you’re thinking about making a move in 2025, whether you’re buying or selling, it’s a good time to review your financial situation and determine what works best for you. Reach out to me for a consultation, and let’s discuss your next steps.

Feel free to comment, or send me a message if you have any questions or if you’d like to schedule time to talk!

01/28/2025

🏡 Found the Home You Want? Here’s How to Make an Offer that gets results 🏡

You’ve found the perfect home! Now it’s time to take the next steps and get ready to make an offer. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate the process with confidence:

Step 1: Evaluate the Home and Set Your Offer Price

🔑 Work with your agent to agree on a competitive price by considering:
• Comparable Sales (Comps): Homes in the same neighbourhood or building are your best comparison. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples!
• Market Conditions: Is it a buyer’s or seller’s market? That will affect your offer strategy.
• Value-Added Features: Does this home have special features that justify a higher price, or is something missing that could lower it?
• Walk-Away Price: Know your maximum offer and stick to it. Don’t let emotions drive you beyond your budget!

Step 2: Make Your Offer and Be Ready to Negotiate

💡 Tips for a solid offer:
• Offer Under Asking? Make sure you back it up with comparable sales or market data to avoid looking like a “lowball” offer.
• Keep It Simple: A clean, straightforward offer is more likely to be accepted quickly.
• Be Flexible: For example, If the seller has a specific closing date, try to accommodate it if you can. It can help you stand out.
• Personal Touch: Sometimes sellers are swayed by more than just price. Consider writing a letter expressing why you and your family would be the perfect fit for the home.

Step 3: Show You’re a Serious Buyer

💰 A strong offer includes:
• Pre-Approval: Show the sellers you’re financially ready by being pre-approved for a mortgage.
• Deposit: A reasonable deposit shows your seriousness.
• Best Offer: If the house has multiple offers, be prepared to go higher and reduce conditions. If it’s been on the market for a while, you might have more flexibility to negotiate down.

Pro Tip:

Negotiating may feel overwhelming, but I’m here to guide you through each step. With the right strategies, you can confidently get the home you want without stress!

Have questions or ready to get started? DM me anytime! 🏡✨

12/18/2024

Is your gut telling you that something isn’t quite “right” with your home anymore? Or, maybe it’s something obvious that can no longer be avoided or ignored.

Maybe you don’t have enough bathrooms for your not so little anymore kids. Your yard isn’t feeling big enough for your covid pup. Or your neighborhood just doesn’t fit your lifestyle anymore — you realize your home isn’t working for you like it first did.

You’ve changed, your life has changed, and your expectations have changed since you bought your home. Moving can be a hard decision to make for many homeowners: emotionally, financially, and logistically. But if you daydream about what life could be like in a different home or you constantly feel burdened by your current home, listen to those clues. In fact, the same reasons that are holding you back can be the very reasons you should move.

Looking for some Signs that It’s the Right Time for a move? Here’s some things to consider:

🔹Your life has changed or will change.
You want a home that reflects your new or evolving needs, whether you have a growing family that needs more space, are a single mom on a tighter budget, or will be retiring soon wanting less home demands.
🔹Can’t or won’t remodel.
You love HGTV and can imagine your home remodeled and updated with larger rooms and a gleaming kitchen. But you realize it’s only a fixer-upper’s dream. Your yard is too small for an addition, or you just can’t live through the mess or cost.
🔹Location, location, location.
When you bought your current home, it probably felt like the perfect location for you, but maybe not anymore. Perhaps you want a better school district, a less noisy neighborhood, more yard space to entertain in, or a shorter commute.
🔹Square footage is NOT working
You want to say good-bye to rooms cluttered with toys, or you have unused bedrooms sitting empty that you have to clean, heat and cool. You want to move from that starter home to a “forever” home; or you want to move from your “forever home” to that condo that allows you to save time and money on maintenance costs.

If it’s the right time to make a move, reach out- I can walk you through all the steps to make it happen!

Vilija Truelove Real Estate

03/05/2026

02/25/2026

02/23/2026

08/26/2025

07/25/2025

05/09/2025

04/08/2025

03/07/2025

02/06/2025

01/28/2025

12/18/2024

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