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8 Friday, February 24, 2023 brooklintowncrier.com With the date circled on the calendar, my daughter and her friends started talking about grade 8 grad dresses. They were searching online and book-marking their favourites. Suddenly I was getting popup ads on my phone about sparkly, overpriced organza frocks. As the excitement started to build, I connected with the mother of my daughter's close friend and set up a shopping day, which began with a lovely breakfast at Cora's followed by a trip to the mall. Before heading out, I had tempered expectations and set a budget. "Remember," I said, "if you don't see the right dress today, we can go out another time. Let's just have fun regardless of the outcome." "I really want a red dress. Or maybe blue…not long because we're going bowling. I like this one… but it's crazy expensive," she explained, showing me a fancy $800 dress on her phone. At the mall, we visited several shops but quickly determined that most dresses were either too big or not her style. We found a store with frothy ones and were immediately pounced on by a pushy sales associate. Before she could say "no," my daughter was in a changeroom with an armful of tulle. She emerged in a dress she had to hold up because it was too long. At the same moment, another girl, a classmate, came out of the opposite changeroom in the same one. The girls exchanged a look and my daughter went to take off hers. Her classmate, however, was not quick enough to avoid the sales lady who fussed with a scarf. "You can make it into a big flower," the lady pointed out, practically choking the girl. "I've sold six of these today!" We left before she could approach us again. "OMG!" exclaimed my daughter. "Half my class is going to get that dress! Can you imagine?" Her friend giggled. "Oh God…you looked like a music box ballerina. That dress was ridiculous." The girls were hysterical as they mimicked the sales lady and her scarf tying efforts. In the end, neither of them got a dress that day, but they did have fun. The following week, the two of us went to a few other stores suggested by some hockey moms with older girls. We ended up at a boutique where a lovely sales associate listened, made suggestions and opened my daughter's eyes to many styles. She emerged in a pretty and simple dress, her face lighting up. "I love this dress," she whispered. I stood there trying to hold back tears. She was stunning and the dress was perfect. After constantly seeing her in sweats and hoodies, she looked so sophisticated. She fussed with the straps. It was a bit big and the smallest it came in. "We can always get it altered," I gently suggested as the sales associate pinned it at the back then gave us space to talk. "I think this is it. I really like it," she proclaimed, admiring herself in the mirror. Then came a hint of doubt. "But, can we look around more?" Which we did till, 45 minutes later, we returned and bought that dress. It now adorns her closet, awaiting grad day in June. As I anticipate when to get the alterations done - she's still growing - I'm excited to see her all dressed up and soon to be a high schooler. Grade 8 Grad Dress Drama Brooklin Family Matters: by Leanne Brown Direct: 905 655 7236 Office: 905 239 4800 Eleanor KingEleanor King B. N. B. N. RealtorRealtor Maurice KingMaurice King B.E.D.S., B.Arch.B.E.D.S., B.Arch. RealtorRealtor What others are saying... "Trusted advisor!" | "Customer Focused!" | "Local Expert!" | "Professional!" | "Knowledgeable!" "Hard Working!" | "Accessible!" | "Dependable!" | "Patient!" | "Reliable!" "Well Prepared!" | "Honest!" | "Strong Negotiator!" "Superb Service!" Want to know what's happening in the market? Want to Know the Value of your House? Call Us Now! 905.655.7236 There is no cost or obligation! Your Trusted Source to Buy, Sell or Invest! 905.655.7236 view 1000's of Homes for sale at KingHomeTeam.com or KingOfBrooklin.com MARKETING YOUR HOME FOR ALL IT IS WORTH! Why Didn't My House Sell?Go to KingHomeTeam.com/blog for answers.It's a great time to Buy!Homes are on Sale! Two Executive Offices Main Street Brooklin! Boardroom / Office Support / Parking available. Text 905.409.6730 for Details Net Zero Pre-construction Sale! SOLD OVER ASKING! **Photo similar to house being built Not intended to solicit those under contract. Mortgage Rates Expected to Trend Lower! As we settle into 2023, many prospective home buyers who sat on the sidelines last year are wondering how the real estate market will unfold. While there's no crystal ball, the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) predicts the pace of inflation will ease as we move through the year, which should translate into lower borrowing costs. Negotiated medium-term mortgage rates, like the five-year fixed rate, have already started to trend lower compared to the end of last year. Couple that with lower home prices and average monthly mortgage payments will decline, TRREB reports. That's encouraging news if you're thinking about entering the real estate market. As always, timing is important. "It will be a year of two halves in 2023," TRREB Chief Market Analyst Jason Mercer tells us. "The first half will feel similar to the fall of 2022 due to the lingering effects of higher borrowing costs and related economic uncertainty." As buying intentions edge up, competition between buyers is expected to increase, which will result in what TRREB is describing as "a renewed upward pressure" on home prices in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). In its 2023 Market Outlook; 2022 Year in Review report, TRREB predicts: There will be a total of 70,000 sales in 2023, which is below the 75,140 homes that exchanged hands in 2022. The average selling price will reach $1.14 million for all home types combined. That's up from current levels and is based on the tighter market conditions forecast for the second half of 2023. The calendar year average price for 2023 will be four per cent lower than the 2022 average price. Overall buying intentions are up slightly compared to last year. An Ipsos survey found 28 per cent of respondents will consider purchasing a home in 2023. Among those likely to buy, the percentage of first-time homebuyers has increased from 39 percent last year to 46 per cent. The percentage of respondents 'very likely' or 'somewhat likely' to list their home this year increased compared to 2022 for townhomes, condominium apartments and semi-detached homes. Listing intentions for detached homes appear to be trending lower. How does Durham Region stack up to other areas in the GTA? In January, the average sales price of all home types here was $886,849, representing a slight increase compared to the previous month. Compare that to the average sales price last month in the City of Toronto ($987,842), Halton Region ($1,122,501) and neighbouring York Region ($1,285,583). The King Home Team: Royal Heritage Realty understands that buying a home is a big decision and knowing when to enter the market can be fraught with uncertainty. TRREB's predictions of increased competition between buyers later this year may sound like déjà vu, but that competition isn't expected to be frenzied. If you're thinking about buying and/or selling this year, count on us to conduct the necessary market research and to put our experience to work for you so you're ready to make an offer and/or list your home to take advantage of market conditions best for you. Please visit our website at www.kinghometeam.com for additional information on this important topic. For an update on the market and how it affects the value of your home when you sell Call us at 905.409.6730 When we were looking to sell our home, we watched all the sales activity in the area. Consistently, Maurice King got higher prices for his sellers! We were impressed by his knowledge and experience, confident in his detailed marketing plan and amazed with his negotiating skills. When our home sold, we were thrilled at a price well above what we imagined. You need to talk to the King Home Team if you are thinking of moving. - Rebecca New 2 Bedroom for Lease SOLD! Bungaloft Coming Soon! Admin Position Base Salary + Bonus! Flexible hours! Full of Part Time. Work at home. Self Starter. Social Media /CRM maintenance. Lead management. Online training. Text 905.409.6730 for Details