Oshawa - In last month's blog, we previewed our newest monthly feature, the Durham Business of the Month (D-BOM).  At the beginning of each month we will feature one of the community's greatest businesses and/or entrepreneurs from Oshawa, Whitby, Clarington, Ajax, Pickering and across all of Durham Region.

For our inaugural feature, we wanted to spotlight a business with longevity that was privately owned and a staple of our community for many years.  Not an easy task.  In this day and age, corporations with global reach are the mainstay, and the "mom and pop shop" is holding an ever decreasing role. This month's enterprise has been conducting its business consistently and in the same location since 1922.  We are proud to announce as our first Durham Business of the Month, Wilson & Lee.

Wilson & Lee Ltd. - Music Store

Wilson & Lee, Ltd. is a music store located at 87 Simcoe St. N in Oshawa at the southeast corner of Simcoe St. and William St.  The storefront is an eye-catcher with a vast array of guitars shining in the main window which draws you inside.  Just two steps in, you are overwhelmed with a feeling of retro-comfort.  The store itself is welcoming and intentionally mirrored by the sales staff as you wander from department to department.

Wilson & Lee, along with their selection of musical instruments, also sells sheet music, music books (both instructional and pleasure), compact discs, and a huge collection of vinyl LPs.  Wilson & Lee also caters to its clients with a huge special-order business for the items it does not carry in-store.

As mentioned earlier, Wilson & Lee began in 1922.  The enterprise started when William George Wilson and his sister-in-law, Mary Lee decided a business venture together.  The business today is co-owned by brothers Bill and David Wilson, grandsons to William George.

While perusing the storefront, I had the privilege of speaking to current owner Bill Wilson.  He began working in the store in 1953 by sweeping floors and doing all the jobs no one else wanted to.  In 1989, Bill and David bought into the business and have been operating the business ever since.  Their success, he believes, is the genuine and sincere connection the staff has with each of their clients.  In fact, they have been successful in this modern, "online" world without a website, Facebook, Twitter, or even a computer!  Although Bill did mention that a computer was on the horizon for the near future.

Bill Wilson - co/owner, Wilson & Lee

Although primarily a music store, Mina Gibson, an employee for over 25 years, introduced the idea of diversifying the business into selling VHS movies, including difficult-to-find limited releases of films not often found.  That idea was adopted and been modernized for today's technologies including a collection of DVDs and Blu-ray Discs.

Wilson & Lee - since 1922

Wilson & Lee is a business that deserves special recognition for its longevity and they manner they connect with their customer base.  We get the impression that each customer is on a first-name basis with the staff and makes for a pleasant experience over and over again.  We are proud to name Wilson & Lee as our first Durham Business of the Month.

• Business:  Wilson & Lee Ltd.
• Address:  87 Simcoe N., Oshawa, ON L1G4S3
• Phone:  905-725-4706
• Owners:  Bill and David Wilson

• Year Opened:  1922
• Business Type:  Musical Instruments, Sheet Music, Music Books, Compact Discs, DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, Vinyl LPs
• Number of Employees:  6

• Website:  N/A
• Facebook:  N/A
• Twitter:  N/A
• Google+:  N/A
• Pinterest:  N/A
• Linked In:  N/A

Durham Region - In 2012, real estate in Durham Region proved to be a good investment with an average price increase of 7.37% across the region.  Whitby (including Brooklin) enjoyed the largest growth with an 8.50% increase in home price from 2011.

In total, 10,521 homes were sold in all of Durham region which includes:  Ajax, Brock, Clarington, Oshawa, Pickering, Scugog, Uxbridge, and Whitby.  In 2011 there were 9,799 homes sold; an increase of 7.37% in volume.
The average price in Durham region now stands at $336,968.11, up from the average price of $317,272.73 in 2011.
Another record was set in Durham region in 2012; the value of all real estate transactions.  Over $3.5 billion in real estate value was traded in 2012, surpassing the previous record of $3.1 billion the year previous.
Low interest rates and a strong economy are accredited for much of the success the real estate industry has enjoyed in recent history.

---

Durham Region Average Real Estate Prices

Statistics provided by:  Toronto Real Estate Board
Statistics interpreted by:  Stephen Young, Realtor, Keller Williams Energy, Brokerage

---

Kijiji Ad Maker - Listing

**********INSERT LISTING INFORMATION HERE**********

For information regarding this property and THOUSANDS more visit...
www.DurhamHomeSavvy.com
(copy/paste into web browser)

 • Top-Rated Property Search!
 • Access to thousands of home listings!
 • Email alerts for homes in your area!
 • Personalized home searches!
 • Faster searching with saved searches!
 • Ability to save homes you like!
 • BIG pictures!
 • Google Maps!
 • Google Streetview!
 • Text a real estate agent directly from the listing!
 • FREE to use!

www.DurhamHomeSavvy.com
(copy/paste into web browser)

OR

Scan the QR code with your smartphone

Serving:  Ajax, Bowmanville, Brock, Clarington, Courtice, Newcastle, Oshawa, Pickering, Port Perry, Scugog, Toronto, Uxbridge, Whitby

Brought to you by: DURHAM HOME SAVVY TEAM, Stephen Young & Julita Jaworski, Keller Williams Energy, 360 King St. W., Oshawa, ON 905-723-5944

Free Mortgage Calculators for Durham Region Home Buyers

As a professional real estate agent, one of the most popular questions I am often asked is, "What is the best tip I can offer a potential home buyer?", and without a doubt the answer is:  Get pre-approved as soon as you make the decision to purchase a home.
There are so many reasons to get pre-approved and I would like to illustrate the benefits of each one.

1.  Defining Price Parameters - Obtaining a pre-approval with a bank, lending institution or mortgage broker will set the proper boundaries to what price range you should be looking.  Too often a potential home buyer "feels" the price they can afford justifying it by their income, potential raises in their employment, etc.  When one is borrowing money, lenders are only interested in the facts of the present day, and the recent past.

2.  Saves Time - A pre-approval eliminates homes that don't fit the financial criteria.  There is nothing more disheartening than losing a great real estate opportunity because the Buyer was not qualified initially.  Getting pre-approved takes very little time with your mortgage specialist.  With today's advances in technology, much of the process can be achieved through your computer and internet connection.

3.   Advantage at the Bargaining Table - When your "Home Savvy" Realtor is negotiating on your behalf, a valuable weapon is the pre-approval.  Shortening the financing condition, or removing the condition entirely, is often a benefit to the Seller.  It shows prudence, confidence and strength and could be the factor that gets not only the deal accepted, but perhaps at a better price.  This past season, dozens of our Buyers found themselves in multiple-offer situations.  Having that pre-approval gave them the upper-hand that many others did not.

Our personal finances are a very secure and tender issue with most people.  You might be unwilling to share this sensitive information initially.  Mortgage calculators can give you a good idea of where you stand financially before speaking to your representative.  Here are some mortgage calculators, brought to you by our good friends at The Mortgage Centre:

• Rent vs Buy Calculator - this calculator will tell you whether you're better off renting or buying
• Maximum Mortgage Calculator - this calculator will tell you the maximum mortgage amount and monthly payment you can qualify for based on your income and existing expenses
• Mortgage Qualifier - with this calculator, you can put in the house price you have in mind, along with your expenses, and the calculator will show you how much income you'll need to qualify
• Mortgage Payment Calculator - this calculator will show you how much your payments will be and the total amount of interest you'll pay over the life of the mortgage
• Mortgage Isolator Calculator - with this calculator,  you can isolate and change your payment frequency, amortization, mortgage amount, interest rate or payment size to see what effect it will have on the other variables

Most likely, your greatest financial assets are your holdings in real estate.  Many of my clients, customers, and blog readers are considering their first home.  Being proactive on the pre-approval, gives you the greatest advantage on obtaining the home of your family's dreams.  As always, contact a professional mortgage specialist for more details.  We at the Home Savvy team have many reputable, knowledgeable representatives eager to assist you.  Contact us today.

Boston Red Sox acquire Toronto Blue Jays Mascot "Ace"

Following the hiring of former Toronto Blue Jays' manager John Farrell, 1st-base coach Torey Lovullo, and 3rd-base coach Brian Butterfield, the Boston Red Sox today acquired Blue Jays' mascot "Ace".

Ace, who had also been scouted by the St. Louis Cardinals, is said to be looking forward to the responsibility as he has actually never portrayed anything other than a bird and is up for the challenge.

Rumor also has it that the Red Sox are interested in former Rogers Center concession salesperson Wayne McMahon (ICE....COOOOOOLD.......BEEEEEEEEEEEER), who is currently a free agent.

GetStephen: For Sale 182 Glovers Rd., Oshawa, ON

On the market!

313 Pine Avenue, Oshawa

Overview Maps Photos Features Description Neighborhood Open House

$204,900 Single Family Home Main Features 3 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms Lot: 6,567 sqft Location 313 Pine Ave. Oshawa, ON L1J 2H4 Canada To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

---

Stephen Young Keller Williams Energy Real Estate Brokerage 905-723-5594 GetStephen@live.ca http://www.GetStephen.com Listed by: Keller Williams Energy

Our recent listings 313 Pine Avenue, Oshawa Award Winning Home! Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

Canadian Homeowners: 1 simple tip to save THOUSANDS!

I had an fascinating conversation with a mortgage broker the other day about renewing current homeowners renewing their mortgages, and what he had to say, SHOCKED me!  He gave me some statistics that the Canadian Mortgage and Housing conducted and I couldn't believe it.

FACT #1:  89% of homeowners remain with the same lender.

FACT #2:  68% of homeowners just accept the renewal from their current lender.

So what is the problem?  The original lender must be offering the best rates, right?  Sadly, the answer is likely "no".

Often, the original lender will offer you a "much better rate" as a "preferred customer" for your loyalty to the company and will be able to save you tremendous savings from the posted rates.  This is all true, but they can do better.

This can be best illustrated with an example:

example:  $250,000 mortgage, 5 year fixed term, 25 year ammortization, paid monthly

The lenders "posted" rate may be 5.29%, which is quite common in January 2012.  As a cherished and preferred customer, they might offer you a rate of 3.79%.  WOW!  Where do I sign!?  Right?

Hold on!  The problem is that an even better rate can be easily obtained, and it only takes a phone call to a mortgage broker.

In January 2012, rates of 3.29% can easily be found, through more than one lender.  Yes, HALF a percent difference than your "preferred customer" rate.  So you might be thinking, does it really make a difference?  Here's the math:

Rate                                           3.79%                          3.29%

Monthly mortgage                  $1286.75                     $1220.63

           Monthly savings:           $66.12

           Five year savings:      $3967.20

Using the figures in the example above, a homeowner can save just shy of $4,000.00 in five years by simply making a phone call and merely shop around.  Most brokers do not charge a fee for inquiries or advice and there are no legal costs when transferring a mortgage at the end of a term. 


If you agree with me, you can contact me at GetStephen@live.com or at my office at 905-723-5944.  I urge you to make a phone call to a local mortgage broker right away, especially if you are up for renewal soon.

The agent that inspired me to write this blog is John Greenlee at The Mortgage Centre.  He can be contacted at jgreenlee@durhammortgage.com or at 905-436-8010.

Happy savings!

Stephen Young
www.GetStephen.com

Hot new listing in Oshawa!

Incredible Semi-Detached in Oshawa

Overview Maps Photos Description Neighborhood Open House

$209,900 Single Family Home Main Features 3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms Lot: 3,000 sqft Location 992 Florell Drive Oshawa, ON L1H6W5 Canada To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

---

Stephen Young Keller Williams Energy Real Estate Brokerage 905-723-5594 GetStephen@live.ca http://www.GetStephen.com Listed by: Keller Williams Energy

Nearby properties for sale

Tips on How to Cope with the Heat

Stop Lebron!

First of all, I apologize to all NBA fans.  This is not an article regarding the defensive strategies of how to keep Lebron James and Dwayne Wade off the scoreboard.  The 2011 heatwave is upon us, and here are a few tips to keep yourself and your families cool.

It may not seem like much in some parts of the world, but 36 degrees Celsius is pretty darned hot to Canadians, and that is what weathermen are forecasting for Thursday.

For those without the luxury of air conditioning, or spend much of the time outdoors I have come up with a few ways to keep comfortable despite the humidity.

Mmmmmm, now I'm thirsty!

1.  Drink water and keep some nearby.  It may be tempting to grab a soft drink or a beer, but caffeine and alcohol actually promote dehydration.  Stay away!

2.  Exercise in the early morning or at night.  Just the thought of a mid-afternoon workout makes me feel exhausted.

3.  Don't use the stove/oven.  Why add extra heat to your home?  Salads and sandwiches will do just fine, thank you.

4.  Wear light coloured clothing.  Light colours reflect light and heat while darker colours attract it.

5.  Wear cotton and linen clothing.  Synthetic blends trap the heat inside and don't allow your clothing to breathe properly.

6.  Wear sunblock.  A sunburn heats up your body, so let's avoid it by wearing a sunscreen of at least SPF 30.

Thanks, Emma for the tip!

7.  Don't wear a hat!  Huh?  You might think this one is a strange entry on this list, however we lose most of our heat through the tops of our heads and by wearing a hat we trap the heat in.  That's why we wear toques in the wintertime.  Need to protect your eyes you say?  The best compromise:  the visor.

8.  Avoid mid-day showers.  The humidity from the shower will make your home feel even hotter than it is.

9.  Stay downstairs.  Heat rises.  Spending your time in the lower levels of your home or the basement can keep things naturally cool.

10.  Avoid big meals.  Eating large meals makes your body work super hard to break it down causing you to feel sluggish and uncomfortable.  More frequent, smaller meals is the answer.

11.  Eat spicy!  Yes, really!  Some of the hottest places on Earth (India, Central America) have some of the spiciest foods on the planet.  Spicy foods (which contain capsaicin) will cause you to sweat without raising your body temerature.  The sweat that it created will cool off your body.

12.  Find some AC.  Take the opportunity to shop in a mall, see a museum, or take in a movie.  There will be plenty of time to enjoy the sunshine when the heatwave subsides.