From My Home to Yours

Family ties in Real Estate! Great for referrals!

Kathy Morgan (ReMax Lakeshore Realty Inc, Brokerage) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 13:00:59 -0700

My sister got her real estate license back in January of this year working for Royal Lepage in the Niagara Region, specifically in St. Catharines. She was a bit discouraged in the summer because she was not as busy as she thought she would be. I told her that I have had very consistant fall business and to keep plugging away. So she did and she seems to be busier than me this fall!! So... maybe everyone has a certain time of the year that they are busier than others? During my first spring as an agent I was amazed to see how busy the office was. Talk about coming out of the woodwork!!

Since getting my license, I have found 4 other family members that are licensed as well, 3 cousins and of course my sister, great for referrals! These areas of referral include the Niagara Region, Newmarket, Barrie and Dundas (Hamilton area). All places that we are seeing people move to our area from. Referrals are great as they seem to come in at all different times of the year, so never a problem to spend the time needed to look after them. I am looking forward to working with the family!

Taking time to spend with family and friends, while raising money for charity! Priceless!

Kathy Morgan (ReMax Lakeshore Realty Inc, Brokerage) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:15:15 -0700

It is not often when you are working in real estate that you get a chance to spend a whole day with family and friends. Our annual "Play the Mo-Gi" golf tournament for Juvenile Diabetes allows me this opportunity. It is alot of work, but also alot of fun and well worth it. Every so often we do get blessed with good weather, but not as fantastic as this past weekend! Many of our golfers were in shorts and t-shirts. Our first year we golfed in snow and last year thunder and lightening in the midst of a downpour!! Always on the Thanksgiving weekend (appropriate) we have grown leaps and bounds.

Our 8th annual this year was a Crazy 8s theme and although golf was the order of the day, our 4somes had to play cards throughout the course and play with their 8 iron on the 8th hole. CRAZY!! We raised a total of $3330.00 and will donate it to the Charles H. Best Diabetes Center www.charleshbest.com in Whitby. We have raised over $25,000. to date for the centre. My son has been a diabetic for 10 years and has been looked after by the BEST as they are the only centre that specializes in Type 1 Diabetes for miles around. The 6 year old daughter of a very close friend of ours has just been diagnosed, so it makes us proud that we have been able to do this event and donate to the centre, as she will be going there also for the Best treatment around. Also priceless!!

John B. John M, Jim M, John M. (FAmily)

Christine D, Jen T, Jackie I, Kelly B. (Friends)

Our helpers, My sister Mary, (no more room to golf) niece Kasey and my sister Liz (FAmily)

Thanks to all for a great weekend and for helping us with a fabulous event.

2238 County Rd #23 Grafton, Ontario

Kathy Morgan (ReMax Lakeshore Realty Inc, Brokerage) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:41:16 -0700

This custom built home is only 5 years old. Inviting wrap around porches with a screened in sitting area in the back. 3 bedroom, 3 bath bungalow on 1 acre, close to the 401 for easy commute to the city. Under 15 minutes to Cobourg and less than 1 hour to Whitby. This home is fully finished with a walk out basement to large patio and hot tub. An added bonus is a detached 20 x 20 workshop/ garage. Columned entry, built in book cases, huge master with ensuite. Bay windows in the octagonal dining/sitting room has southern exposure and brings in loads of sunshine. You can't go wrong with all that this home has to offer. Only $349,000. MLS #82149

Fabulous country property....Private!

Kathy Morgan (ReMax Lakeshore Realty Inc, Brokerage) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:15:57 -0700

Over 1/2 an acre in most sought after Hope Township! Under 20 minutes to Whitby and less than an hour to Toronto! This 3 bedroom, 3 bath home is perfect for the growing family. Large master with ensuite, large principle rooms, walk out from kitchen to large 800sq ft of EON deck and hot tub. Fabulous views, farm land on 3 sides and on a dead end road. Paved drive.

ONLY $274,900.00 MLS #81580

In Ontario , Shelter Valley Rd, Grafton.

Kathy Morgan (ReMax Lakeshore Realty Inc, Brokerage) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:59:14 -0700

WOW!! Calling all nature lovers!! Here is a gorgeous 4 acre piece of vacant land in Grafton, Ontario. Nicely treed with a small cabin and out house. Hydro, newly drilled artesian well and over 800 ft of creek, perfect for fishing, swimming etc....And did I say private?? It is private, sheltered from the road and a fabulous spot for anything recreational!! Slight chance of building as property is zoned Rural with Environmental control. Deeded right of way to property. Buyer to do his due diligence in regards to all aspects of this property. MLS 82091 Only $99,900.

Fabulous energy efficient home on 22 acres!

Kathy Morgan (ReMax Lakeshore Realty Inc, Brokerage) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:30:28 -0700

2514 County Rd #22, Castleton, Ontario. This home has been built with LOGIX ICF block, (insulated concrete forms) and has geothermal heating and cooling. A 3 bedroom, 3 bath bungalow in the heart of Northumberland Hills in Castleton, Ontario. Only $539,900. MLS #82321

Features include, Vaulted ceilings trimmed in cedar wood, pine doors and trim throughout , hardwood floors in cherry, red alder and maple. Custom kitchen with quartz counter tops, stainless steel appliances and ceramic floor. Walk out from basement to patio and hot tub. Balcony overlooks property, stunning views!. Gabled dormers open up the home and bring in light, bay windows in master, 2nd bedroom and dining area. Circular drive, mature trees and gardens, interlock entranceway. Partially finished basement with 5" high windows. Perfect for an in law suite!

"ONLY THOSE WHO RISK GOING TOO FAR...

Kathy Morgan (ReMax Lakeshore Realty Inc, Brokerage) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:51:58 -0700

CAN POSSIBLY FIND OUT HOW FAR THEY CAN GO". This was one of those magnetic messages that jumped out at me from a store wall recently. I was shopping for an inspiring housewarming gift for a client, but everything I saw that day said something to me. My business was in transition then, so it was funny that these messages on the wall seemed to be highlighting the way I have always thought of myself. I have always felt that I 'push the envelope' somewhat, think outside the box, and I always think 'why not" when others say no way. Never one to accept no for an answer, I am always looking for new and different ways to do something. It does get me in trouble at times, (mostly with my husband!)but why do people settle for No?? Why do people give up so easily when something gets in their way??

In real estate you run into a lot of negativity and difficult situations. Let's face it, real estate is a risky endeavor. However, it can be the most exhilarating experience of ones life. The feeling of owning your own home, your own business or your own investment property is not one you come across many times in your life. It can be settling, peaceful, a feeling of accomplishment and downright joy! These are the things that I like to focus on.

However...there are a lot of people that don't want to risk home ownership, too many people saying no, even in their own mind, they think they can't do it. My advice? ....don't listen to others or yourself, unless they are professionals and you have put yourself out there and down on paper. There are a lot of different ways to own a home, to run a business, and to keep yourself motivated. You will never know until you try, because....

ONLY THOSE WHO RISK GOING TOO FAR CAN POSSIBLY FIND OUT HOW FAR THEY CAN GO!

Two Heads Are Better than One, but only if they are going in the same direction!

Kathy Morgan (ReMax Lakeshore Realty Inc, Brokerage) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:10:15 -0700

There are partnerships that work, not many, but they do work. Had great expectations, and great ideas, just not wanting the same things out of this business. From everything I have read and heard from other agents, take time off, make sure you keep your priorities straight, don't ignore your family, I wanted to find that balance. I had worked 20 years in retail management for a large corporation and was ready to continue to work, but not at that pace. But in a partnership , one must work the same as the other or you get into certain issues such as fairness, time issues, etc....you are still obligated to work at a certain pace whether you like it or not. Not for me.

My motto has always been "slow and steady wins the race" and I fully believe that will help me to succeed in real estate. You can't always be running after things without a plan or that is what you will keep doing, running. No direction, no plan, no luck.

It was only an 8 month foray into the partnership but i learned soooo much about myself.....I would rather work for myself, be responsible for myself, enjoy the income made by myself, set my own direction and stay the course...and there is no one to answer to but myself. Sounds like a plan!

What a difference a day makes!

Kathy Morgan (ReMax Lakeshore Realty Inc, Brokerage) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 20:58:33 -0700

24 little hours! That is what this business is all about, so much changes in such a short period of time. Nothing happens for months on a listing than all of a sudden a showing, then an offer, then a sale. They say patience is a virtue and whoever can handle the wait is definitely ahead of the game! Our market has slowed a bit this year but I still find there is a lot of calls, inquiries, and interest in real estate in general. There are still investors, builders, first time buyers, and people that have budgeted well that are still in the market for a home. The wait might be longer in between sales, but there will still be sales! Remember.....what a difference a day makes!

Seniors Real Estate Specialist with Royal Lepage

Kathy Morgan (ReMax Lakeshore Realty Inc, Brokerage) — Sat, 31 May 2008 20:19:44 -0700

I am now officially a "seniors real estate specialist" having taken a two day course in Toronto this past March with Royal Lepage. I was quite looking forward to having this designation, given our highly touted market as the place to retire. Yes, our area has seen a lot of growth with this very large baby boomer demographic. The baby boomers are the largest generation and they are now of retirement age. Woo Hooo!! We have heard alot about this group being the ones that are driving our economy, the travel industry, the housing market etc.... The boomers have money and they are going to spend it.

I am also a baby boomer, on the tail end of course, but a boomer none the less. I am married to a Gen xer and my kids are the Y generation! (Why can't I have more stuff??) Follow?? This course was very informative as to what each generation has gone through and what is to come. For instance, a baby boomer is working full time, looking after their aged parents ( the lost generation) and still have kids at home. Talk about a full plate. It is all about decision making with this group> how to keep all the balls in the air and still have time for themselves. Relaxation is the key here. Golfing, going to the spa, vacations, dinners out etc...

The major decision though is whether to downsize, or "rightsize" as I like to say. When to do it and where? That is why our area has become so popular, the new hospital, the lake, the beach, huge condo developments and also some pretty great retirement living places. Talk about planning ahead! We are in steady demand to listen to the questions that our supposed seniors have gone over in their own minds time and again. But, they are not as aged as the word senior would have you believe. They still want it all. And they are younger than our own parents were at the same age! Very active and the want to stay that way. This course was all about understanding what the needs are of each generation and being able to specialize in the areas that will be more in demand in the very near future. Being in the Cobourg area makes this an easy task. Cobourg has become one of the most written about areas in major magazines and newspapers of late as the place to visit, the place with one of the smallest amounts of precipitation, and one of the best places to retire. I know there are other areas, Brighton, Picton, Barrie, to name a few, but we have great access to Toronto, we are still a small town and we still have a lot of great surrounding countyside. Come for a visit, I'll answer your questions about our town!

Two Heads Are Better Than One!

Kathy Morgan (ReMax Lakeshore Realty Inc, Brokerage) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:51:23 -0700

So, we are off and running. We formed our partnership in early January and if we had to do it all over again, we would have started talking about it in the fall. There was so much planning to do that we are just getting our info out to our database and our area now. We were aiming for late February, early March, you know the start of the spring market. Oh well, we are ready to go now. There are still a few things to iron out, but as we have been told, we should be prepared for anything.

We had a graphic designer put together our logo/banner for our new and improved website. www.athomewithme.com and we had to reorder signs, cards etc.. It feels like we are starting all over again, and the spending has not stopped, but you know that saying in the movie Field of Dreams....If you build it, they will come! We know we will be constantly building if we plan on staying busy. We have really seen the power of having a website as we have had pretty consistent referrals lately. Keep them coming!! We love referrals!

We are still meeting and talking to alot of people who are moving in from out of our area. We are definitely the place to come home to! We are working with quite a few retirees who like to be close to the downtown and the newer hospital. I will be taking the new Seniors Real Estate Specialist course next week to improve my knowledge of that demographic, and also because I do like working with Seniors.

Please feel free to check out my website and if I can assist you in any way, please let me know. Thanks.

Kathy

HURRY UP AND WAIT!

Kathy Morgan (ReMax Lakeshore Realty Inc, Brokerage) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 22:12:49 -0800

Real Estate is full of hurry up and wait! You really have to have the right amount of patience to do well in this business. When following a lead, you call and or e-mail right away and then you wait for a response. When listing, you gather all the information, ensure the home gets into the system, advertise, then wait for a response. When putting in offers, you put it all together, present, then wait for a response. There are so many different tasks involved in selling real estate but it is all a waiting game, and whether you are the seller, the buyer, or the agent, the more patience you have, the more successful you will be.

I have found that planning and focus helps with this perpetual waiting game. Having a plan and sticking to it allows me to focus on what needs to be done on a daily basis, so I am always thrilled when the calls come in for showings and offers and the opportunity comes for new listings and working with new buyers. The waiting can be trying at times if you let it be, but when you keep your clients informed of what is happening with the market, how many calls, feedback from showings, possibly another CMA when the house has been on the market for awhile, you will manage well. You will be able to help your clients stay focused on the end result as well. Buying or selling! Wait...... patience.....another phone call!!

Two heads are better than one!

Kathy Morgan (ReMax Lakeshore Realty Inc, Brokerage) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 21:18:24 -0800

While I have enjoyed the autonomy of working on my own, there is alot to be said for team work! I do understand why there are so many singular agents, as there is so much freedom to come and go as you please. You do not get that flexibility in many other careers. I have enjoyed the freedom and the flexibility, but what I don't enjoy is not having the time to work with every client to the best of my ability. I have found that during the busy times that I have not been able to spend much time with my clients, and from everything I have read and heard, the client wants the follow up and for us to keep in touch.

What to do? Find a partner that is similar in style, work ethic, humour, and has the same goals as yourself. We did! We are now a team and have been working on our plans for the coming year. We have found the past month to be a good indication of the upcoming year with a few buyers in the fold and a couple of new listings, with the promise of a few more fairly soon. We have already had to reschedule a client or two but the client doesn't even know it. If my partner is busy, I will take the call and vice versa. It is better for all concerned. When listing a property, the client has two agents trying to sell their home. Who wouldn't want two for the price of one, so to speak. We have been able to bounce ideas off each other, vent to each other rather than our families, and there is always that element of trust that you just don't get when you work on your own.

So, as "our team" integrates our businesses, plans for some new and innovative ways to sell real estate, we just might have the time that is required to do the best job that we can and keep in touch! More to follow!

Plenty of buyers still looking!

Kathy Morgan (ReMax Lakeshore Realty Inc, Brokerage) — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 20:22:46 -0800

I have done a ton of open houses these past few months and find that there are still quite a few people out looking for homes. It might not be right away, maybe they'll be ready in a few months, but for the most part I feel like they are legitimate buyers that are just waiting for the right house to come along. This time of year is always a slow time for most but I find that staying out there is a great way to meet people and find out just how busy the spring might be. At this rate, I think 2008 will be another banner year. There is talk of another interest rate cut on Dec. 4th which is always good news for anyone contemplating a move.

Cobourg is one of the destinations for retirees. We have plenty of condos available and more being built everyday that are close to the downtown core and only a short walk to the beach. Also plenty of single family homes available if that is what you would prefer. Port Hope has been in the news as of late, but no fear, the residents are quick to point out all of the great features the town has to offer. And it does have quite a bit to offer, from the great restaurants, the comfy B&B's, the fantastic shopping and of course all the beautiful people. There are plenty of great homes to choose from in Port Hope with a huge new development right around the golf course. There is also plenty of information about the area if you need clarification on what is happening in our neck of the woods.

It is a good time to go out looking as there are plenty of open houses going on in the hopes of an offer before the snow flies. Oh well it is snowing today, but I am still hoping for a busy weekend. See you there!

Everybody's walking for the Weekend (to end Breast Cancer)

Kathy Morgan (ReMax Lakeshore Realty Inc, Brokerage) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 21:00:10 -0700

Yes another song title! I am full of them! Real estate must do that to me! We did it! 7 of us set out to walk in the weekend to end breast cancer earlier this month and we made it. I thought I had trained well enough and prepared for a very emotional weekend, but nothing can prepare you for the multitude of t-shirts with "In Memory of" ,"Walking for Mom" " Walking for Nancy" etc....Powerful! After raising $14K for our registration through dances, garage sales, trivia nights, and personal donations, we managed to walk 60K! It was harder than I thought it would be but it was worth every blister, I mean minute! This picture is us after the first day. Only Michelle looks like she is in pain although all of us were. We were all first timers except for Sherri and Tracy.

When I registered to walk last year, I had no idea how inspirational it would be. After walking 33K the first day, I could hardly move. A hot tub and an epsom salts bath, some advil and a good nights sleep did not help. All I could think was " I can't do this" I did not want to get up again on Sunday morning and walk the last 27K. When we arrived at the campsite in the morning where most camped out in tents overnight, in the rain, they were handing out rain covers to anyone that did not have rain gear, and serving a hot breakfast. Everyone seemed totally oblivious to the pain and stiffness of the day before. Armed with our backpacks, waterbottles, extra shoes, dry socks and covered in plastic, we all started walking again. I was in awe and had to laugh at the craziness of it all. Here we were, tired, sore, blistered and soaking wet and walking and chatting like we did this everyday. The enormity of it all and the fact that no one gave up (despite the pain) was huge for me!

The Weekend to End Breast Cancer raised $17.3 million dollars for cancer research.. I am so glad that I was able to experience all of the emotion that was so " out there" over the weekend. From the determination of the walkers, the courage of the survivors who walked, the strength of the volunteers who worked non-stop and who thanked us for walking ( that was awesome) the generosity of the neighbourhoods that we walked through, the clapping from the families who stood at every corner it seemed, the support of the guy with the pink hair who moved to different spots along the route and just sat there smiling, to the wonder and elation of crossing the finish line to thousands of people cheering, high fiving, hugging and crying. Wow, I'll never forget it! Next year anyone?

SHOPPING FOR AN AGENT?

Kathy Morgan (ReMax Lakeshore Realty Inc, Brokerage) — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 10:30:24 -0700

In the past few months I have met many people who do not have an agent that they regularly work with. One couple even went to the trouble to set up 3 different appointments with 3 different agents in the same evening, not so much to see the houses, but to meet the agents and see who they wanted to work with. I found that out by being the agent that they chose to work with!. They said that I was much more prepared with information about the house and about the area than the others they had met. I was very flattered, but also very happy to see that all of my advance preparation and the package I made up for them was worth the effort.

I find that most people that call our company to ask questions about a house will work with whoever answers the call, the 'agent on duty' . If you are unsure about who you are talking to, set up an appointment to meet and see if you would feel comfortable working with them. A real estate transaction is such an emotional event that it really helps to have someone that can relate to where you are in your life, someone who will really listen to why you are buying or selling, where you want to be for the future, and who you are going to share your house and future with. Some houses take months to sell, can you see yourself with the agent you choose 3 months from now? Ask your friends who they know and who they have worked with. What have they heard? If you don't find you are getting anywhere, call the office. I try to take as much duty time as possible, as it has lead to many transactions for me. I have met some great people and am happy to help as much as possible. I've been told I'm a good listener too!

THE HOME DEPOT IS OPEN!

Kathy Morgan (ReMax Lakeshore Realty Inc, Brokerage) — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 08:26:58 -0700

We have seen a lot of growth in the last two years here in Cobourg, Ontario. You know that when the big box retailers come to town you are thought of as a better place to live. More convenient. My son broke his ankle last week while skateboarding and had to go to the Peterborough Hospital for surgery, a larger centre about 45 minutes north. Once he was settled, we went out to The Home Depot to get some bathroom and light fixtures and we ran into people we knew from Cobourg and Port Hope 3 different times. I found that to be fairly normal as it seems that this retailer is one that attracts from all over, and the things we were all buying seemed to be things that we could get at Canadian Tire, or Home Hardware. Why travel the extra 45 minutes to shop at a store, unless you were in the area to begin with? Hmmm.......the draw of the large retailer.

My son is home now, splint and all, and The Home Depot is open for business. We got a chance to see how our fairly new hospital functions, ( very pleased!) what people actually think about skateboarders (booo!), and where the next big box retailer is going to go. Some people in Port Hope, and some of the council are trying to stop a large Shopppers Drug Mart from ruining the heritage features of our small historic town. It will be built right by the river in the downtown core. I am pretty sure it will be a go as there are just as many people that find these retailers a positive addition to our towns. What next? Oh yes, a big huge parking lot for the skateboarders to work on their tricks! I think I will oppose!!

FOLLOW DA LEADA, LEADA, LEADA!

Kathy Morgan (ReMax Lakeshore Realty Inc, Brokerage) — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 17:57:13 -0700

When I sat down to write this blog about a recent client, this Follow da Leada title came to me. Call me crazy, but I seem to do a lot of my advertising and such with the first line of a song. For example, "Should I Stay or Should I Go", brought me a few listing appointments. There were a few people on the fence about selling and this got them to call. Since that ad I have been trying to think of other song titles that people would relate to, like, " Who let the dogs out? " Good for a laugh and a quick sing song while you are looking through the real estate section!. Maybe it could be for my "Looking for New Listings" ad or my "I Have Buyers" Ad!.

So, to continue my blog about a recent client, I had asked him why he picked Cobourg, Ontario, as a moving destination from Toronto, and he told me that his friend moved here and they really like it as it is a really great place to live. They are close to the lake and within walking distance to the downtown and the mall. The new Hospital is what really sold him on coming to Cobourg. We are touted as a great place to retire to. And so it goes......they told one friend, and so on and so on.....Hopefully he has more friends to tell after he moves here. I could be busy for awhile!

I think this song title "Follow Da Leada" will be in my next ad and I'll target it at the market that seems to be moving out to our neck of the woods. I have a couple of great listings that would be of interest to those who want to get out of the rat race.....even if it is only for the weekend. Hmmm. " Everybody's working for the Weekend"! I am on a roll! It is a great feeling to enjoy your career and to have fun at it!

MORTGAGE RATES GOING UP....NOPE, GOING DOWN!

Kathy Morgan (ReMax Lakeshore Realty Inc, Brokerage) — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 14:33:44 -0700

I have been working with some first time buyers in Cobourg, Ont. that were pretty confident that they did not have to be preapproved for a mortgage. So....we did not discuss anything else about it and I went on to do what I do best.....looking for a house for them. I received an e-mail from a mortgage officer and his headline was Mortgage rates going up and he preceeded to send us the new rates. I forwarded his e-mail to my clients and they took the initiative to go and lock in a rate. The next week, he sent me a new e-mail saying that the rates had gone down again.........oops......."lucy....you got some splainin to do" ! I am glad that my situation was not critical and that we were not ready to buy something because I am sure that my clients would have felt pressured into getting a mortgage at the current rate which was higher last week.

Sheesh.....it is no wonder that no one knows how the market is going to go, what with the U.S market always in the news and the interest rates fluctuating, and the house prices going higher. I went to my own bank manager and asked her what we should personally do with our mortgage as it has a variable rate and would be affected if the rates do go up. She explained to me that the Prime Rate has not changed and that if it does it should only be 1/2 per cent then it is expected to go down again next year, so we are still good with the variable rate mortgage. I feel better now as I had been wondering just that for the past month. I have always been pretty good about watching what is happening with the rates and such, but have been reading too much of the doom and gloom lately.

If possible, you should get your questions answered as soon as possible, so you don't miss out on the lower rates or locking in a rate. I am sure that my first time buyers are feeling much more secure now that they have taken that extra step towards buying a home. I know I am!

Open house, Open mind!

Kathy Morgan (ReMax Lakeshore Realty Inc, Brokerage) — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 17:14:38 -0700

I have been helping an associate/developer friend by doing some open houses at the townhouse condos they have built in Cobourg. I don't mind being there as I have met a few clients and have sold them other homes in the area. I am coming up to my first year anniversary, so I have met quite a few people coming to the townhomes to look around. It continues to amaze me when people come into the open house and they don't want to talk to me. Very short answers when I ask them questions. They come in with this apprehensive look, like I am going to corner them and make them sign up for a new home or something. I am certain that they feel that if they give me too much information, I will hound them forever!

I wish that I had some magic formula for setting them at ease and letting them know off the bat that I am around to help if they need it, not to make them buy anything. I have not felt the need to be pushy, or to hound people when they are only just looking and I am sure that with my relaxed approach, I have let a few good ones go. I would say about 50% of the people coming in to the open houses are interested in finding something, but it is the house that is usually not suitable for them, or the price, and they are not ready yet to work with an agent. I will wait for the people that are ready to work with an agent, because the ones that aren't will take up a lot of valuable time that you need to manage the rest of your business. A lot of people do not have an open mind when it comes to meeting new agents. So my advice to house hunters going through open houses is to keep an open mind and have fun. You never know who you might just hit it off with by being yourself.

Staying connected. Cobourg, Ontario

Kathy Morgan (ReMax Lakeshore Realty Inc, Brokerage) — Thu, 24 May 2007 07:22:18 -0700

HI Lsa, thanks for the invite! I am fairly new to AR and went looking for a Royal Lepage Group last week. I saw there was a C21 group, so I just figured I'd find something. It is so important to stay connected and meet new agents in this business. This will be great!

Let the Growth Begin!

Kathy Morgan (ReMax Lakeshore Realty Inc, Brokerage) — Tue, 22 May 2007 12:30:30 -0700

First it was the new Hospital, then came a new Walmart, now the Home Depot is coming to Cobourg!. The New Homes being built and the new industry building that is going on in this area is not new to me. I grew up in Scarborough, moved to Whitby when I was 9, then moved east when I was 30, so for the past 17 years, (okay do the math!)...I have watched all the areas east of Toronto grow and thrive. I still have friends and family in the Whitby area and I can't believe that they found it so easy to get used to the hustle and bustle that comes with a high growth area. Maybe because I moved to Grafton so long ago and enjoy more of a country, small town environment that I am not in any hurry to give it up.

I will get used to the growth though, and like it!, partly because my business will grow, which is a good thing, and my kids having grown up here will have jobs in their future. My enthusiam for this area has really shown itself since working with so many people from out of town. I love being able to tell new clients about the area and give them the information they need to make the right choice about where to live. The Northumberland Mall is finally looking like a mall, with more retailers making their homes here. We are expecting Sport Chek, Stitches, and a larger Sav-a-Centre grocery store at the far end fairly soon. There has been rumours to include a new Loblaws and Rona Building Centre on the other side of Elgin St. as well. Canadian Tire has grown twice in the past few years and will be expanding the Marks Work Wearhouse to a stand alone, in the corner of their parking lot.

So.....if you are looking to move east, as I did, then you will find everything you need right here in Northumberland County. If you are looking for a website to check for resale homes, please go to www.royallepage.ca,. If you would prefer a new home development in the Cobourg area, go to www.castleheadhomes.com,. Or give me a call and I can direct you to depending on your needs. So let the growth begin, or continue east, as I've seen it. I am ready for it!

A lot to Learn!

Kathy Morgan (ReMax Lakeshore Realty Inc, Brokerage) — Wed, 16 May 2007 10:13:35 -0700

Hello, I was invited to join Active Rain by a friend I met in Phase 3. I have to be careful not to become addicted! There is so much to learn and so much experience to learn from. I have spent hours reading, now would like to know how to maximize my exposure! Kathy

Port Hope, Ontario has all the bells and whistles!

Kathy Morgan (ReMax Lakeshore Realty Inc, Brokerage) — Wed, 09 May 2007 08:58:02 -0700

This town is situated along the north shore of Lake Ontario, and extends beyond both sides of the 401. Only an hour away from Toronto, Port Hope is preparing for growth in residential development with a new state-of-the-art water treatment plant, which is now up and running. A new sewage plant is underway and many other projects are planned for the area. Port Hope, Ontario has many antique shops, the Capitol Theatre, Trinity College and some great golf courses. The Ganaraska River runs through the town which offers some of the best trout and salmon fishing in the area. The Ganaraska River is also the site for an annual "Float your Fanny down the Ganny" Race every April where crazy people make crazy crafts and float down the river (in the freezing cold water) to the downtown core. Port Hope is surrounded by farm land, and the Ganaraska Forest. The town has so much to offer, with unique shops, pubs and restaurants. You will have a great time perusing the great downtown stores.

NOrthumberland County in Ontario has some wonderful small towns

Kathy Morgan (ReMax Lakeshore Realty Inc, Brokerage) — Tue, 08 May 2007 03:15:54 -0700

I have lived in Northumberland County for over 16 years now and love the area for it's small town feel. There are many things to see and do if you are planning a visit. The Capitol Theatre in Port Hope, Ontario has a full line up of shows and events throughout the year. Victoria Park in Cobourg is the highlight of this town, within walking distance to some great shops, restaurants, and bed and breakfasts. Grafton is home to Ste. Anne's Inn and Spa, which has been rated very highly in Ontario. A great place to relax! Colborne is the home of the Big Apple which you can see along the 401. Stop in to stretch your legs and try some of their apple pie!. Warkworth is another small town for a wonderful shopping experience. They have some unique stores that you will find yourself picking up things that you don't find anywhere else. Northumberland County is home to some fantastic artists, and is host to an annual art festival where you can drive around the area and visit the artists in their own homes and studios(usually in the fall). If you are looking for a great place to settle down, or need a vacation destination, you will find everything here in Northumberland. Did I mention the golf courses?