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Q+A WITH TONYA MCINTYRE
Q+Awith Tonya McIntyre
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DURHAM REAL ESTATE
STORY BY: Lois Tuffin | PHOTO COURTESY OF: The Tonya McIntyre Team
When Tonya McIntyre bought her first home in 1997, she had big dreams but a limited income. Those dreams fueled her to earn the distinction as the eighth top-notch realtor in Ontario, 17th in Canada, and number 31 in the world for RE/MAX’s small teams.
Working in real estate since 2013, she generously shares her expertise with her clients, drawing on her rich experience and an in-depth understanding of the luxury home market in Durham in particular. She works within RE/MAX Hallmark, the world’s largest RE/MAX Brokerage.
Why is Pickering such a good place to buy?
Tonya and her husband purchased their first home in Glendale, then raised three children in a community they love. They have since purchased countless homes in the city.
She finds it easy to invite home buyers to live in this strong and diverse city.
“We have great leadership and such a sense of pride,” she points out. “I still believe Pickering is the best-kept secret in the GTA. Here, we are less than 30 minutes from downtown, yet close to major arteries like Highways 401 and 407 that connect us to neighbouring cities. We are also halfway to cottage county as the demand for the cottage lifestyle grows.”
Within the next five years, she expects more growth in job opportunities and amenities, including new restaurants and facilities for families.
“I see nothing but fabulous growth on the horizon in terms of property values and opportunities galore,” Tonya adds. “We are extremely grateful that Durham residents have welcomed us into their homes,” Tonya says. “Our clients have become like family.”
“Durham has definitely been a hot spot for the past 18 to 20 months because we are still undervalued with respect to the rest of the GTA. With GO train access almost to Bowmanville and the 407 open to Highway 115, commuters have a multitude of options.”
Durham has more land and space that is still affordable to most families.
“Durham has had substantial growth in 2020/21,” she notes. “Home equity has increased 30 or 40 percent in many cases, allowing homeowners to make the most of that equity by remodeling or buying an investment property.”
What are the best options to make the most of the hot market?
Since that level of equity wasn’t there two or three years ago, she encourages homeowners to talk to their mortgage brokers about their options from renovating to relocating to a new property. Her team can also connect you with mortgage experts who know this market well.
For those looking to renovate, she suggests basing your plans on whether you plan to sell or stay.
“If you’re choosing to upgrade your home for future investment then focus on the areas we tend to use the most – kitchens and bathrooms,” Tonya says.
“If you’re looking for the long term, I always recommend changing the things you enjoy the most with your family, such as family rooms, the basement, and your bedrooms. Why wait till you’re moving to renovate for someone else? Enjoy your investment. This is where memories are made.”
“If there is anything we have learned in recent years, home is our safe haven and our place of comfort. Enjoy it.”
905-999-7682 etmcintyre@rogers.com tonyamcintyre.com
2018
Imagine the appeal of a premium retirement residence with Lake Ontario views, where you can head out for a walk with a neighbour or stay in and catch a lecture with friends, then enjoy dinner prepared by a chef. Discerning seniors will have all this and more in early 2022 at Amica Pickering.
“No one in Pickering offers as much choice and flexibility, and we’re one of the only residences with Memory Care,” says General Manager Adam Wiener. “The location is so convenient and walkable that you don’t need a car: we’re across from Pickering Town Centre. Many seniors have already reserved their spots. As Founders Club members, they’re now receiving exclusive access to our programs, activities and social events. It’s like they’re living at Amica before they’re living at Amica.”
PREMIUM AMENITIES AND LOCATION You can exercise, have your hair done or host a family party at Amica Pickering. Its amenities include a fitness centre, hair salon and spa, private dining room, craft kitchen, theatre, indoor pool, workshop, greenhouse and landscaped patios. The interiors feature Amica’s elegant accessible design, with a warm palette of creamy neutrals, sea glass and rich accents. Our prime location puts you near local arts centres, boutiques, walking paths and Frenchman’s Bay.
EXCEPTIONAL DINING Sit down to mouth-watering nutritious meals prepared by our culinary team using fresh local ingredients. You decide what, when and where to eat: in the dining room, bistro, your suite or on the patio. “With all-day dining, you can order bacon and eggs at 3 p.m.,” says Wiener, who joined Amica seven years ago and rose to become an award-winning Assistant General Manager and Manager. As an award-winning former chef, he’s proud of the residence’s diverse food program.
ACTIVITIES TO KEEP YOU CONNECTED With our team cooking, cleaning and handling maintenance, you’ll have more time to do what you love best. “You’ll find so many interesting ways to stay engaged and entertained through your choice of daily programs such as fitness classes, cooking demonstrations, art workshops and cultural outings,” says Community Relations Director Stephanie Winters, who started her career coordinating life-enrichment programs for seniors.
EXCEPTIONAL SAFETY Vaccinations are just the latest step in our comprehensive COVID-19 protocols — including masking, sanitization, physical distancing and more as required — to help residents enjoy life together in a safe space.
BEST-IN-CLASS CARE Amica’s personalized professional care offers peace of mind with nurses on-site 24/7. You’ll have a choice of Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care at Amica Pickering. “That continuum and level of care is unique at Amica Pickering, and it means you don’t have to move if your needs change,” says Community Relations Director Renee Mathieu, an experienced senior living professional who grew up in Pickering. “Even with different care needs, couples can continue to live together.”
LIVING WITH OPTIMISM It’s easy to look ahead with possibility when you’re safely enjoying each day with excellent hospitality and care in a city you love.
To book your catered lunch and see our model suite, please call Renee Mathieu or Stephanie Winters at 905-839-2323.
