Traveling north up Guelph Line in
Burlington , you eventually come
to the beautiful historic village
of 'Lowville '.
It is aptly named as it sits in an emerald-green, lush valley where  sparkling Bronte Creek  flows prettily through.

I was in Lowville last week and it was the most pleasant short excursion experience I've had in awhile.








                                                





The road that leads to the stream and past the old stone schoolhouse is lined with tall lilacs which are presently in bloom. The beautiful scent carried throughout the village and brought to mind what all of our pioneer villages must have been like 150 years ago.

Lowville is having it's 'Largest Street Sale ' this Thursday, Friday and Saturday (May 28, 29 and 30th) from 8am-3pm.



This treasure-hunter's dream sale is being held at the Lowville United Church , 5800 Guelph Line, North Burlington.
All residents in the region are invited to participate by hosting their own yard sales and for those who live in other areas. the church will be renting space in their parking lot.
An outdoor barbecue will be held on all three days with regular barbecue fare being offered for sale.

I hope you'll attend. You just might find an antique treasure or something you've been wanting for a long time.

You can reserve a spot or find out more information by calling 905-681-0864 or by  contacting  Owen Calhoun / Marilyn Fox

©2009JoSmith

As you begin the process of searching for a home in the Burlington, Oakville or Mississauga regions of Ontario , one of the most important steps to take is to find a real estate sales representative who you feel comfortable with and who has good past client references .

Many people searching for a home do not realize that they have the opportunity to save thousands of dollars, time and avoid potential problems by choosing to work with a REALTOR® early in the home buying process.

A REALTOR® will sit down with you and go over all of the things that should be taken into consideration when searching for a home.
They will provide you with valuable information and tools that will help you to find the right home at a price that fits your lifestyle and needs.
They will advise you on things to watch out for and will be there for you from the beginning until the day you move into your new home and will stay in touch with you once you've moved in should any problems arise.

As you begin to work with a REALTOR®, he/she will discuss with you the advantages of signing a 'Buyer's Representation Agreement '

A Buyer's Agency/Representation Agreement provides you with the top level of services a REALTOR® can provide and these services are most often provided to you free of charge.

Your Buyer's agent is paid for the work they have done for you through the Seller's agent whose property you have purchased. The Seller's agent is paid a commission by the Seller when their house is sold. From this commission, a certain percentage is paid to the Buyer's agent's office who then pays the Buyer's sales representative.

When acting on behalf of my buyer clients, I offer the highest levels of service, free of charge to my buyers.
In giving the best service possible to my buyers, I provide the following list of services to ensure that they have an enjoyable, smooth, care-free and happy home buying experience:

• To assist my buyers in understanding what will take place, I outline the entire homebuying process from beginning to end.
  To facilitate this, I provide my buyers with a Homebuying Book and pamphlets on various things to do with the homebuying process.
  
  
  
• In order that my Buyer clients feel comfortable with signing the Buyer's Representation Agreement, I explain it in detail and ensure them that if they are not happy with my services and are able to provide me with an explanation, they are able to cancel the agreement at any time.
  
  
  
• As part of the Homebuying process, I discuss with my clients financing alternatives and determine their needs with regards to financing the purchase of a home.
  If they will be requiring a mortgage, I provide them with a Sutton Member Program VIP card which enables them to apply for a mortgage with the lowest interest rates in Canada.
  Only those Buyers who buy through a Sutton sales representative who is a member of the Sutton Member Program are eligible to apply for a mortgage at this lowest rate.
  The 5 year term, fixed rate mortgage is currently at 3.24 %.
  
  
  
• I endeavour to find the best possible home for my clients and in order to do so, I meet with them and ask them to answer a fairly in-depth questionnaire that deals with their specific needs and desires in a home.
  
  
  
• My Buyers have the right to always be kept up to date with the new listings that have come on the market.
  Immediately after determining my Buyer's needs/desires in a home, I register my Buyers on a Listing Update Program through our local real estate board that provides them with all of the new listings that meet their criteria by email on a daily basis.
  They are then free to peruse the information at their leisure and, since the best listings sell very quickly, are certain not to miss out on any new listings that come on the market within their guidelines and price range.
  
  
  
• When my Buyers come across a property they would like to see, or if I recommend we go and see specific properties, I coordinate the showings and accompany my Buyers through all of the listings they wish to see.
  When looking through homes, I point out potential problems and concerns in relation to each particular property. This gives my Buyers the peace of mind in knowing that a trained eye who is working on their behalf is observing each property along with them.
  
  
  
• When my Buyers find a home they would like to put an offer in on, I provide them with a Comparative Market Analysis on the property so that they know the value of the property.
  This enables them to make an informed decision when deciding how high they would like to go when negotiating on the home price.
  
  
  
• I provide my Buyers with all of the information that is available on all properties that they wish to view.
  On any property that they have further questions about, if I don't know the answer I find out and let them know as quick as possible. This way they won't miss out on a home due to not knowing the answers to any pertinent questions they may be considering. 
  Time is always of the essence when searching for the right home.
  
  
  
• If my Buyers are short on time or are from out of the region, I preview properties for them in order to weed out those that are of poor quality, require a great amount of work or are not suitable.
  This way my Buyers only need  view those properties that are of good quality, priced right and fall within their search criteria.
  
  
  
• If one of my Buyers finds a For Sale By Owner, or if I find one for them that falls within their search criteria, I will set up an appointment to view with the Sellers and should my Buyers decide to put in an offer on the property, I will prepare the Agreement of Purchase and Sale and do all of the negotiating with the Sellers.
  I will also ensure that the Sellers pay my commission for the services I've provided to my Buyers and in payment for bringing them an offer on their property. This way my Buyers are still ensured of having my services provided free of charge, no matter if a property is listed on the MLS system or not.
  
  
  
• When my Buyers find a home that they would like to put an offer on, I discuss with them the terms and conditions of the offer, advising them as to what clauses and terms I feel should be included for their own protection and in their best interests.
  I then prepare the Agreement of Purchase of Sale and present it to the Sellers and their Agent on my clients behalf.
  
  
  
• I negotiate with the Sellers and their Agent to get the best possible price and terms for my Buyers.
  
  
  
• As part of the Agreement of Purchase and Sale conditions that I recommend to my Buyers, I ensure that all offers are conditional upon my Buyer receiving a satisfactory Home Inspection Report on the property prepared by a highly qualified professional Home Inspector.
  
  I give a list of recommended Home Inspectors to my Buyers and ask them to choose one for the inspection. I also ask that my Buyers be present during the Home Inspection process and I ensure them that I will also be in attendance at the Home Inspection.
  
  Once the Home Inspection is completed, I discuss any issues with the Home Inspector and make recommendations to my Buyers as to how to proceed from this point forward.
  Most often, if a house requires certain upgrades or repairs, these can be negotiated on with the Seller during the negotiation and offer process.
  I endeavour to do this to the satisfaction of all parties involved so that my Buyers feel comfortable moving forward with a purchase of the home of their choice.
  
  
  
• Any and all personal information that my Buyers disclose to me is kept in strictest confidence. I provide them with a privacy agreement that outlines this and my Buyers feel comfortable knowing that they can trust me to always keep their best interests in mind throughout the home buying process.
  
  
  
• On any property my Buyers decide to offer on, I do my best to find out the Seller's motivation and reasons for selling as this information will play a vital role during our offer preparation and negotiations.
  
  
  
• Once the offer to purchase has been accepted, I ensure that any and all conditions are satisfied in a smooth and timely manner. I provide my Buyers with a list of recommended lawyers and outline to my Buyer's their lawyer's role and what they can expect to pay.
  I also provide my Buyers with a list of Homebuying incentives and rebates that government bodies may be providing so that all of my Buyers receive the highest value possible in their home purchase.
  
  
  
• My Buyers receive a list of home services that will be provided to them at a discount rate for having bought through me. These services may include, although are not limited to, moving and cleaning services.
  
  
  
• On closing day, I ensure that the events of the day flow as smoothly as possible for my Buyers and am there to assist should keys need to be picked up or documents delivered.
  
  
  
• To ensure that my Buyers are happy with their home purchase and to make sure they know I am always only a phone call or email away, I contact or visit my Buyers on closing day and discuss with them their new home and any concerns they may have.
  
  
  This is the day of celebration and I'm justly proud of my Buyers and their new home and all they have come through to reach this point.
  I ensure that my Buyers know that I will be staying in touch with them and that they may call or email me anytime should any issues arise with their new home or just to say hello!

©2009JoSmith

In the early afternoon this past Sunday, I was busily working away at my computer when I received a call from my brother, Clayton. He was planning to take his children on a hike to Hilton Falls Conservation Area in Campbellville and wondered if we would like to come along.

As I gazed out the window at the rather dreary day and wet windowpane, I wondered if it was such a great day for a hike, however after a short discussion with Louis, we decided to take Clayton up on his offer.

Hilton Falls Conservation Area is a short drive from Oakville and Burlington. It took us about 20 minutes to get there and as we drove down beautiful country roads and up over the Niagara Escarpment, I couldn't help but marvel at what an intriguing area the Golden Horseshoe is.

The Niagara Escarpment lends so much diversity and natural beauty to the region that one never has to go far to view stunning vistas or gaze in awe at the magnificent rock formations.

Hilton Falls Conservation Area is a 645 hectare park that runs along the Niagara Escarpment.
As a Provincial Area of Natural and Scientific Interest and also a World Biosphere Reserve, it is a place of refuge for a diverse array of plant and animal life.

The trails are extremely well groomed and easy to walk.
Hilton Falls welcomes hikers, mountain bikers and cross-country skiers and the 33 km of trails are sure to leave the visitor looking forward to coming again.

We enjoyed a refreshing hike to the falls and the historic mill site and I took particular delight in observing the forest floor where a variety of spring wildflowers were putting on a show.

It seems that not everyone gets as excited as I do over a pair of Wakerobins in bloom, however I don't mind that at all.

I believe I must have been an herbalist or medicine woman in a past life and those who hike along with me seem to enjoy my chatter about the native uses of our indigenous plants. At least they appear to be interested!

As we hiked along, the sun broke through and the wind died down. My nephews and niece ran ahead in excitement as they made discoveries of giant fallen branches with the rushing sounds of the falls in the distance calling to them.

Near the falls there is firepit stocked with firewood where a weary traveller or group could rest while dinner cooked or get warm on a wintry day.

Dogs are allowed, as long as they are kept on a leash no longer than 2 metres.

Here are more pictures from this rejuvenating piece of paradise:

Bloodroot in bloom. The natives used the orange sap from Bloodroot as an antiseptic and dye.









































Wild Columbines just about to bloom.






































Three little hikers, my nephews and niece, lead the way down the well groomed trails at Hilton Falls Conservation Area.































A sinkhole at Hilton Falls. Sinkholes were formed when the pressure exerted by glaciers on rocks swirling in water, wore deep round impressions in the limestone.



















The pioneers made use of the water pressure formed by falling water and built mills. Here are the remnants of an old mill at the Hilton Falls site.






















Trout Lily leaves carpet the forest floor. Trout Lillies are so named because of the mottled appearance of their leaves. Soon dainty yellow flowers will bloom above the beautifully patterned leaves.























Strange and mysterious, the Mayapples draw the eye with their striking appearance as they near their blooming period.

The plants grow in groups and the flower must be searched for under the leaf canopy.

The Mayapple fruit is edible when completely ripe, however all other parts of the plant are extremely toxic.

Indigenous people used a tincture of the plant as an insecticide.


































Rivulets of fresh, clean water, from Sixteen Mile Creek, cascade downwards as they make their way to the rushing stream below.



































My nephews lay claim to the title 'Kings of the Forest'.

This astounding area is unique in all of North America as four species of salamanders can be found in it's wet pools and under damp rocks.
Nature lovers will enjoy viewing over 100 varieties of plants and numerous unusual mammals such as the Northern Flying Squirrel and the American Water Shrew.




If you live in Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, Guelph or Hamilton, Hilton Falls is just a short drive away.

Enjoy a peaceful day hiking and wrap up your visit with a barbecue (barbecues and picnic tables are provided) as you relish in the natural beauty that surrounds you.

Visitors to our region should make sure to take time out for a daytrip to this UNESCO site where wilderness that once could be found throughout the Golden Horseshoe area, may still be found.

©2009JoSmith

On an early, autumn day last year, Louis and I
were driving along Lakeshore Road as it meandered through the cities of Burlington and Oakville, admiring the many grand waterfront homes and the majestic trees that towered overhead.




















Exploring the many side streets that lead to the water's edge, we happened to turn down a small road that led to a quiet, lakeside neighbourhood where a peaceful cemetary lay in the middle.



















Gazing at the old gravestones that lay scattered under 200 year old oaks and pines, I felt myself entranced at how such a halcyon place had survived all of these years while the city had grown up around it.
































The blueness of Lake Ontario caught my eye, where the road ended, and I noticed the cemetary lay along the shore with some headstones very close to the eroded embankment.

Being a history buff, the site remained in my mind and I vowed to one day find the cemetary again. The next time I would take pictures and learn of it's history, I quietly thought to myself.





On an early spring day, not too long ago, I set out once more to find the old cemetary that held secrets of the area's early beginnings; tales of schooners sinking in gales and small children dying of the numerous diseases of the day.

Traveling up and down various roads that led to the water's edge, I came home unsuccessful and even more determined to locate this beautiful, heritage area.
Googling Oakville pioneer cemetary, I at last found what I hoped was my cemetary. Once again I set out with my Garmin close by in search of West Street along the shores of Oakville.

Traveling down the tree-lined street, I sighed with satisfaction as I spotted that , yes indeed, I had found the pioneer cemetary that had so marked my soul last autumn.

Parking my car and gathering my camera, I began to meander amongst the almost 200 year old gravestones and marvel at their beautiful carvings and simple inscriptions.

My heart felt a deep sense of sadness as I noticed that many of the graves were those of children and very young men and women. I could only imagine how hard times must have been back then.
















Bronte Pioneer Cemetary came to be in 1830 when Phillip Sovereign, a farmer in the area, designated the peaceful eastern corner of his property as a cemetary. Many local people had already been laid to rest there.


He wished for it to be a burial ground for people of all 'orders, sects, nations and parties' and officially deeded it as such. Many of the earliest people's who had escaped slavery via the Underground Railway came to be buried here.

Childhood mortality was very high in the 1800s and the cemetary has an even more sadder feel with 1/3 of the graves being those of children.

Schooner and shipwrecks were common on the Great Lakes in the early days of settlement and many mariners who's boats were lost in storms off the cemetary's coast, were laid to rest here.
One of them, Jimmy Baker, a young man who was the 1st mate of the schooner Magellan, was the only body found when the Magellan collided with the U.L. Hurd in 1877.

Two brothers, the Dorlands, were young fishermen whose boat capsized in a great storm in December 1886. Both perished and were laid to rest in Bronte Pioneer Cemetary, leaving behind two young families.









The fierce storms of Lake Ontario have wreaked their havoc on the cemetary over the years and 70 feet of cemetary have been swallowed by the crashing waves, taking along some graves of the early pioneers.


























Today it is a peaceful place with towering old Oak trees where Gray Squirrels scamper about looking for acorns and building nests.














































It seems very fitting that Mourning Doves are commonly seen now, walking serenely amongst the old stones.


















Some of the stones have suffered vandalism through the years, and the sands of time have eroded many inscriptions away, however the feeling of reverance and sorrow for those whose lives were lost, still remains.





















In 2003, the Bronte Pioneer Cemetary was registered under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act as a Heritage Site.

The cemetary is a peaceful place to visit for those who are interested in historical sites and in the early history of the Village of Bronte and the City of Oakville. There are benches where a traveler can sit and gaze in awe at the beauty of Lake Ontario while the silence of the heritage site washes
over a harried soul.

©2009JoSmith

Enchanting Lakeside Cottage Offered at $349,000 in Land O'Lakes Region, Central Frontenac, Ontario- Black Lake

For Your Private Viewing Contact:

Jo-Anne Smith, BSc
Sales Representative
Sutton Group - Quantum Realty Inc., Brokerage
(see end of article for contact information)

Down a quiet Ontario back road that winds it's way through an emerald forest, sits an enchanting lakeside cottage.

As you approach the lake, the dappled sunlight breaking through the leafy canopy overhead, sets the stage for what you are about to experience.

Coming to the crest of a small hill, your eyes rest upon one of the most beautiful lakeside homes you've ever seen and as you take in the exceptional landscaping, perennials and the beauty of the native trees, you begin to feel your soul breathe a gentle sigh.

Stepping out of your car, all of your senses begin to awaken and a restful calm envelops your being.

The scent of pine fills the air as your city-weary feet feel the gentle cushioning of the moss and pine needles beneath them.

A loon calls in the distance and you find yourself gazing out on the glassy lake hoping to catch a view before she quickly dives below the surface.

Welcome to this beautiful, 4-season, Black Lake cottage resting serenely on it's own private 43 acres of wooded paradise!

Pristine Black Lake is excellent for swimming, boating and fishing.

Situated in the Land 'O Lakes tourist region of Ontario, Canada, this exceptional summer cottage is less than a 10 minute canoe ride across the lake to beautiful Sharbot Lake Provincial Park with it's inviting, clean white sand beaches and boat launch.








The two beautiful beaches of Sharbot Lake Provincial Park are just a pleasant paddle away from your own private, sandy bottom shoreline.

One of them can even be seen from the deck of this exceptional property!

Venture over to the 100' portage that connects Black Lake to Sharbot Lake for an afternoon adventure.



Features:









Gentle slope to the 150' of level shoreline. Hard sand bottom waterfront is perfect for small children and pets to swim or play in.

Children love to fish off the sturdy dock and it's the perfect place to dream away the afternoon reading or catching some sunrays.











Year-round access on a peaceful gravel road that is maintained by the municipality of Central Frontenac.
Includes 43 acres of forest perfect for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Extensive road frontage with potential for lot severances.

Beautiful wrap-around deck overlooking the lake on the west and south sides of the cottage. West side deck~ 38'6" x 9'7" .  South side deck ~ 20' x 9'7" . Additional small deck fronting on walk-out of lower level ~ 14'3" x 4'8" .










Excellently maintained, pine, board and batten siding has been freshly stained to bring out the warm wood hues.

An abundance of large windows in all rooms with beautiful views and plentiful light.

1403 sqft cottage boasts warm, oak hardwood floors throughout (with the exception of the bathroom). Beautifully decorated with many unique features.










3 Spacious bedrooms with built-in Captain's beds included (king-sized in the master, double-sized in the 2nd and 3rd).

Master bedroom ~ 15'4" x 11' 4"






























2nd bedroom ~ 14'6" x 7'7" with private 11' x 6' balcony facing the water

3rd bedroom ~ 8'8" x 8'6"

















Open concept dining room and kitchen is perfect for entertaining large gatherings.

Kitchen has an abundance of oak cabinetry and includes a refrigerator and stove.

Kitchen ~ 13'4" x 8'6" .

Kitchen has crown moulding.

Dining room ~ 11' x 9'

















Spacious 23'3" x 10'7" living room facing west with large windows overlooking the lake. Includes a comfy sofa and chair.
Patio doors open onto the west deck.

WETT certified wood stove for those cool fall evenings or a winter get-away.

Cottage comes equipped with a TV antenna and all window coverings and rods (including outdoor blinds).














Living room opens into the warm 19'3" x 7'6" sunroom which overlooks the water.

The sunroom is the perfect place to set up extra sleeping quarters when guests arrive or share a peaceful evening dinner.



















Separate 9' x 7' library/den with built-in bookshelves and cabinetry. Includes a pull-out chesterfield for extra guests.










Excellent 21'5" x 19'5" attached Double Garage with entrance to the cottage. Insulated and wired for workshop use.

Partial Basement with plentiful storage (30' x 20') and a walkout.

Abundant, clean fresh water from the drilled artesian well.

200 Amp Electrical service.

Washer and Dryer hook-ups.









Attractive woodshed for storing firewood and garden tools.

Beautifully landscaped with an abundance of stone steps,  perennials and formal gardens.

Additonal photos:















The village of Sharbot Lake with the convenience of any amenities you might need, is just a 5 minute drive east. Central to Kingston, Ottawa and Belleville, your friends and family will take great delight in visiting for a respite from the hectic pace of city life. Toronto is approximately 3 hours away from this pristine Land O'Lakes Region and you can reach the United States border in less than an hour.

For your private viewing appointment and more information:

Jo-Anne Smith, B.Sc., Sales Representative
Sutton Group - Quantum Realty Inc., Brokerage
613-922-5978 Direct/Cell
905-469-8888 Office/Pager
smithj@sutton.com

One of the most picturesque and relaxing
places to visit in Oakville is Bronte Outer Harbour Marina.

Resting serenely on the shores of Lake Ontario, Bronte Outer Harbour Marina has a myriad of services to offer local boaters and visitors as well as beautiful areas to walk or spend some time contemplating the sounds and sights of nature.

Bronte is now re-awakening from a long winter's nap and anxious boaters are counting down the days to when their boats will leave dry land and once again float gently in their water homes.




















Canada Geese have returned and the gulls are once more gliding gracefully on the upland drafts and breezes coming off the lake.

The boat slips are thawing and a myriad of migrating waterfowl stop over daily to rest in the sheltered waters of the marina.

Local residents once
again can be seen walking along the peer and fishermen can again be seen casting their lines in hopes of landing a prize catch.

A lonely  harbour lays in wait.
























Bronte Outer Harbour re-awakening after a long winter.


































Patient slips await their boats.

Overlooking Bronte Outer Harbour ~ A beautiful place to call home.

©2009JoSmith

Stories. We all have one.
Some of us have many.
They hook together like an unending game of Barrel of Monkeys never letting us pause long enough to reflect on the pattern, or whether or not there even is a one.

Some of us live in constant chaos.
Such is the nature of life. It's messy. This is the way life unfolds. Our lives unfold in a deep mystery that is often only seen by someone looking on.

The one in the midst of the chaos is too tangled amidst searching branches and stubborn roots to be able to see clearly the way out.
Here steps in the vessel for our stories.

The keeper of the stories of our lives is most often someone close to us. Someone we trust enough to reveal our stories to.
These vessels are extremely important in our lives and should be listened to and loved deeply. They hold up the reflection of our life so that we may view it and see it in it's naked, chaotic glory.

Once we see what the vessel wants us to see, we begin to have choices. Until then we are stuck. We struggle and struggle not knowing which way to turn, making many wrong choices which only increase the chaos and tangle us more deeply.

Each of us longs to be known deeply.
To have someone really 'know' us and understand us and see in us the things we cannot see for ourselves.

With this person or persons, we feel safe and 'right'. All anxiety dissipates when we are around the keepers of our stories and we know we are in the presence of someone uniquely rare and hard to find.
Someone who knows us often better than we know ourselves.

The keepers of our stories know our tender places. They've been there with us down difficult roads on which we've stumbled many times. Each time they were there to extend a strong hand and pull us back up again.
They know our strengths and they see the gifts we were meant to bring to the world.

They know us through and through and love us, unconditionally.


Listen to the keepers of your stories.

They have only your best, unbridled interest at the centre of their warm and loving hearts.

They care about you and want you to see what they see. Gaze deep into the mirror they hold up for you and take in carefully what they show you.

The key to your existence is often held safely by those who know you, listen to your stories and from there light the path you should be following.

Who are the keepers of your stories?


When you find one, hold fast to that person and treasure them for the rest of your days.

©2009JoSmith

Sometimes in life you come across something that stays with you and changes who you are. It doesn't just change you momentarily, it changes you permanently, and through some hidden alchemical reaction taking place in the invisible places between your neurons, you are never the same again.

For me it was a quote I heard once, possibly about 7 years ago, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle".
No one seems to know who was the original sayer of that quote. Some say it was Plato and some say it was someone else. It matters not, for it's an eternal piece of wisdom that holds true no matter what era the human race finds itself in.

Kindness softens a heart and gives hope where perhaps before there was none.
On a daily basis, as you go about your business, you are interacting with many people. Some you barely speak to, some you have a longer conversation with and some you don't speak to at all.

Make no mistake though, you have touched each of their lives, whether you spoke or not. Oftentimes even a glance will affect someone who is at their wits end and drenched in desperation.

You never know when your kind smile and eyes will make all the difference in someone's life right when they needed it most.

Think of a child. It breaks my heart to see a child with a worried or sad face. Childhood should be a time of happiness and ease, however for millions of children the world over it is anything but.
Do you remember when you were a child someone who was kind to you and what it meant to you? I sure do.

There was Mr and Mr's Barazynski who lived next door to us in Batawa, Ontario.
They were an elderly and lovely couple who's children had grown.

They seemed to dote on me and one day, when Christmas was approaching, they brought over some tiny figurines wrapped gently in cloth.
They were 'from the old country', they said and they thought that I might enjoy having them.

I gazed in wonder at the clay figurines which were painted in muted tones, now dull with age and the oils of the many hands who had held them.
They seemed heavy in my tiny hands and my Mother thanked Mr and Mrs Barazynski while I stared in wonder at these small treasures, the remnants of an old nativity scene.

I felt so loved and so special at that moment.
To think they had thought of me and had brought these treasures to my house to give them to me. I will never forget their kindness nor their soft smiles and gentle eyes.

Think of the difference you alone can make in one tiny life or in the lives of all of those you meet daily. Just a kind word of encouragement or admiration recognizing something special about the person goes a long way and will never be forgotten.

©2009JoSmith

Perhaps you're not.

It's a deep question that we all must do a self examination on if we find ourselves not wholly dedicated to doing our job with un-tethered passion and bristling enthusiasm.

How do we know whether we're suited to the particular career or job we find ourselves in?
Perhaps there are signs all around us and we fail to recognize or to acknowledge them.

Maybe we find others often telling us we should be a '(you fill in the blank)'. If we hear that often enough, we may begin to finally recognize our true life calling and, sadly enough, it's often ourselves who are the last ones to fully accept the true gift we have been put here to bring to the world.

How do we recognize if we belong in Real Estate or not?
Asking ourselves the following questions and answering with all sincerity will bring us closer to the truth:

• Do we enjoy and look forward to the opportunity to meet new clients through open houses and office duty and being involved in our communities?
  
  
• Do we accept each new listing challenge with gusto and give it everything we've got to make sure a client's home is properly marketed and exposed to it's fullest extent?
  
  
• Are we open and receptive to the interest that other agents show in our listings?
  
  
• Do we set up appointments-to-show quickly and efficiently and do we deal honestly and ethically with our fellow agents and the offers they bring to the table? Do we provide them with all of the information they ask for and if there is something we're not sure of, do we attain the info for them in a timely and cheerful manner?
  
  
• Do we interact with our clients on an empathic level, carefully listening to and acknowledging their concerns and questions?
  
  
• Do we make ourselves available easily by phone and email and return all calls and emails quickly?
  
  
• Do we go out of our way to help other agents and share our knowledge so that they might also service their clients to the best of their ability?
  
  
• Are we considerate of our buyers and take the time to educate them as to the real estate process?
  
  
• Do we stay abreast of all new listings daily so that our buyers won't miss an opportunity to purchase a property that is perfect for them?
  
  
• Do we provide constant updates for our seller clients and provide them, gladly, with all of the feedback from agents and buyers?
  
  
• Do we take time to make recommendations to our sellers by providing them with a list of tips that will assist them in making their property more presentable and help it to sell quicker and for more money?
  
  
• Do we feel a joy in our heart when our clients sign an agreement for their dream home, even if it is not the most expensive one they can afford or offers the most commission to us as selling agent?
  
  
• Do we always put our clients needs/desires first and always remember that the most honourable and worthy goal to strive for is a happy client?

No matter what business you're in, if you're dealing with the public in any way, these are just a few of the questions you should be asking yourself in order to determine whether or not this business is right for you.

©2009JoSmith

When I think of people who carry around small notebooks and are constantly scribbling things, I think of someone who means business. Columbo comes to mind...Columbo always got his man/woman and a big part of his success was the notes he was constantly taking.

What makes you stand out in a potential client's mind?
Is it the way you dress?
Perhaps it's the way you carry yourself or the colourful brochure you hand out.
Perhaps, it's all of these things and a little more. That little more could be the deciding factor in whether a potential client decides to go with you as their choice or not....and that little more could be, surprisingly, nothing more than a small coiled notebook and old-fashioned pen that you take out and make notes in whenever you're getting to know someone new who is in the market for a business person in your field.

Taking notes signifies that you care.
You care enough to 'take note' of what the person is telling you.
You care enough to want to make sure and get the details straight and make sure all bases are covered should you be fortunate enough to have them choose you to meet their needs and desires.

Never underestimate the power of your notes. Later you will refer to them when preparing feature sheets, client forms and marketing items.

When going on a listing appointment, I've always carried a clipboard and on it I take extensive notes while listening to everything that is being said by the seller.
These notes are like gold to me and, although I take intensive interest in what the seller is conveying to me, I never leave all the details totally up to my memory, for memories have been known to not always be as thorough as we would like them to be.

By taking notes, you are showing your potential customer/client that you take what they are saying seriously and you mean business. You show that detail and thoroughness are important to you and the customer will more likely see you as someone who is conscientious and attentive.

When following up with a potential client, a summary of your conversation goes a long way towards how impressed they will be with you and shows you are competent and are concerned with taking outstanding care of their needs.
The notes you've taken will be like gold in your hands as you prepare a follow-up letter or call to the potential client.

Never underestimate the little things in business. It's the little things that count and are remembered most. They make all the difference when it comes to who someone chooses to represent them in their business needs. 

~Jo

©2009JoSmith