Bill Jones a Realtor®'s Blog

Calgary Condominium SOLD to my Buyers in Saddleridge

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 09:38:48 -0700

Calgary Condominium SOLD to my Buyers in SaddleRidge

Congratulations to my Buyers

on the purchase of this Stacked Townhouse

247 Saddlebrook Point

This Beautiful Stacked Townhouse Condo nestled in the highly coveted community of Saddleridge, just minutes away from Saddletown Shopping Center, Light Rail Transit Station and the recreational facility Genesis Center. This well maintained condominium has a bright living room that opens to a South facing balcony. The well appointed kitchen has maple cabinets, black appliances and a huge center island. With 2 Spacious bedrooms have plenty of closet space, The Buyers will enjoy this property for years to come.

Bill

If you're looking for a home in the Airdrie or Calgary area, you can visit my primary

Airdrie & Calgary Real Estate website at www.HomesbyJones.ca Thanks!

Welcome to Sagewood Airdrie's Family Community

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 15:13:37 -0700

Welcome to Sagewood Airdrie's family community, when you enter Sagewood, Airdrie you just know you've come home. The Canal Water Feature with meandering path ways and parks for family enjoyment gives Sagewood that Down home feel. The wonderful walking paths are surrounded by some truly fantastic family homes and some elegant but affordable homes.

Homes in Sagewood, Airdrie Alberta, range in price from the $300,000 to the high $400,000 there is a home for every taste and lifestyle in Sagewood.

One of the benefits to Sagewood, Airdrie, Alberta is it's close proximity to amenities, within a 5 minutedrive you will find Schools, Shopping, Golf and Airdrie's fabulous Recreation Center , Genesis Place (Swimming, indoor Soccer, Gymnastics, Weight and Exercise areas, Indoor Track etc)

Sagewood, Airdrie, Alberta, has a home with a lifestyle for your family. If you would like to see all the Great Family Homes available for sale in Sagewood, Airdrie, Alberta. CLICK HERE

I know Airdrie Alberta very well, I have lived in Airdrie for 31 years. I can help you get your home Sold and help you Buy your next Airdrie Dream Home.

Call me today at 403-701-1739 or contact me by Email by clicking on Email Me on the right side of this page under my picture.

Bill

If you're looking for a home in the Airdrie or Calgary area, you can visit my primary

Airdrie & Calgary Real Estate website at www.HomesbyJones.ca Thanks!

Great Family Home in The Canals of Airdrie

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 12:40:58 -0700

Date Listed	05-Sep-12
Price	$419,000.00
Address	222 Canals Cir SW, Airdrie, AB T4B 2Z5, Canada
Bedrooms (#)	3 bedrooms
Bathrooms (#)	2.5 bathrooms
Size (sqft)	2249
For Sale By	Real Estate Agent

222 CANALS CIRCLE - Airdrie

Great family home in the Canals of Airdrie. 2 storey with 3 bedrooms, bonus room and 2249 sq ft of living space. Main floor is an open concept design with living room with dramatic 2 storey ceiling & adjoining dining room. Cosy family room with fireplace is open to spacious nook & good sized kitchen with ceramic tile flooring,maple cabinetry, island with breakfast bar & walk-in pantry. Main floor den is conveniently placed for home based business. The master includes a luxurious ensuite with jetted tub & separate shower plus walk-in closet.Quiet location with west facing back yard and deck. Side door access to Badement level with many large windows and Roughed-In plumbing ready and waiting for your specific requirements. Close to Shopping, Schools and Walking paths

Brochure Available at: http://bit.ly/222Canals_Brochure

Bill

If you're looking for a home in the Airdrie or Calgary area, you can visit my primary

Airdrie & Calgary Real Estate website at www.HomesbyJones.ca Thanks!

Rare Opportunity! to own this beautiful Custom walkout home

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 13:08:02 -0700

Rare opportunity! to own this beautiful Custom walkout home backing onto the canal in Bayside.Bright+Sunny

south fills the home with natural light Grand circular staircase in maple+wrought iron. 3 sided fireplace make the

cozy family + dining room a space to gather in. A kitchen for entertaining fitted with high end black appliances,

granite eating bar able to support 6-8 stools, large double doored pantry, raised maple cabinetry, upgraded

faucet+ granite composite double sink. 2 skylights provide light in the upper hallways. Double doors open to a

massive master suite. en suite with jetted soaker tub, tile glass shower, and a closet sure to make you smile. 2nd

bedroom large enough to function as a 2nd master complete with 4 pce en suite. Upgrades include keystone headers, knock down ceiling,pot lights, floor coverings,furnace. A large deck covered with dura decking makes entertaining outdoors a must. Oversize garage accommodates larger vehicles and toys.

951 Bayside Drive S.W. , Airdrie, Alberta

Exterior Back and Dock View from Master Suite

HIGHLIGHTS

Open concept Executive 2 StoreySPA like Ensuite Bathroom
Carpet and Ceramic Tile flooringKeystone Headers
Bright Open Kitchen with Granite Counter Tops
Knock Down Ceiling
Living Roo has 3 Sided FireplacePot Lights
Large Master SuiteLow Maintenance Deck
Backs onto CanalPrivate Boat Dock

Interior Features Heating Exterior Finish

Carpeted Floors Forced Air Stone & Vinyl

Sewer/Water Roof Lot Features

Public Asphalt Shingles Boat Facilities Deck Fenced

Landscaped Lawn

View Appliances

Canal Dishwasher Refrigerator Stove

Additional Features;

Cable, Boat Dock, Double Garage Attached, Remote Garage Door Opener

SEE MY POST ON BAYSIDE COMMUNITY:

http://activerain.com/blogsview/3231688/bayside-airdrie-s-water-theme-community

Bill

If you're looking for a home in the Airdrie or Calgary area, you can visit my primary

Airdrie & Calgary Real Estate website at www.HomesbyJones.ca Thanks!

Two Storey in Morningside Airdrie, Alberta

Thu, 31 May 2012 09:21:58 -0700

Great Home in a Family Community

88 Morningside Manor, Airdrie, Alberta

List Price $325,000 CAD

Details

Address: 88 Morningside Manor Type: Residential Style: Bedrooms: 4 "3 bedrooms above grade" Bathrooms: 3 Garage: Double, Detached Basement: Yes, Full "Developed" Size: 1,143 sq. ft. Lot Type: Rectangular Lot Size: 342sq. m. Year Built: 2008 Taxes: $1,871.00 CAD (2011)

Description

PERFECT FAMILY HOME, IN THE PERFECT FAMILY NEIGHBOURHOOD. Double garage, This Open concept two storey home is has a great floor plan and the Basement development has a family room, bedroom and full 4 piece bath. Everything you need in the desirable community of Morningside. This house is absolutley spotless, AS NEW condition. Easy to show even on short notice.

Highlights

▪ Open Concept	▪ Total of 4 Bedrooms and 2.5 Bathrooms
▪ Deck off back door	▪ Very well maintained in Like New Condition
▪ Close to Shopping and Walking Paths	▪ Double Garage
▪ Lane Way

Features

Exterior Finish

▪ Vinyl

Heating

▪ Forced Air

Roof

▪ Asphalt Shingles

Sewer/Water Systems

▪ Public

Appliances

▪ Dishwasher	▪ Dryer	▪ Hood Fan
▪ Refrigerator	▪ Stove	▪ Washer

Bill

If you're looking for a home in the Airdrie or Calgary area, you can visit my primary

Airdrie & Calgary Real Estate website at www.HomesbyJones.ca Thanks!

City of Airdrie Real Estate Boom

Thu, 17 May 2012 13:42:21 -0700

The city of Airdrie is located just 20 kilometres north of Calgary on the Queen Elizabeth II Highway, which runs North and South between Calgary and Edmonton.

Approximately two-thirds of Airdrie is built on the west side of highway #2 . There are currently 11 new residential communities in Airdrie, with a variety of home styles and prices, which range from starter ($300,000) to estate homes ($750,000 plus). With a population of just over 42,000, Airdrie boasts a wealth of shopping, dining and recreational facilities, along with close proximity to the CrossIron Mills Giant shopping mall.

According to Airdrie Builder Vesta Properties in an article published in the Calgary Herald and the Calgary Real Estate News, Airdrie is experiencing a housing boom. Vesta Properties is the developer of the Williamstown comunity in Airdre and boasts a whopping 60 home sales already, in 2012, most of these home are modest starter homes priced in the range of $310,000.

Speaking for the resale market which is good and is experiencing a growth in sales over 2011, Airdrie resale Single Family homes have averaged a price of $367,352 this year and have seen a turn over of a total of 384 homes based on MLS reported sales for 2012.

Listings continue to rise with a total of 275 Single Family Homes currentlyListed in Airdrie, as of the writing of this post.

So, if you are looking for a vibrant small city to relocate to, Airdrie, Alberta would be a perfect choice for you and your family and NOW would be a great time to consider a purchase in Airdrie Real Estate.

Bill

If you're looking for a home in the Airdrie or Calgary area, you can visit my primary

Airdrie & Calgary Real Estate website at www.HomesbyJones.ca Thanks!

Bayside, Airdrie's Water Theme Community

Sat, 05 May 2012 08:53:33 -0700

Airdrie is one of Alberta prairie gems, boasting a number of premiere communities such as Bayside, Coopers Crossing, Prairie Springs and many others. In this post I'm going to talk briefly about the water way community of Bayside.

Bayside's water-theme and emphasis on environmental development is appealing to a wide range of buyers, from young families to retirees. People have to option of canoeing in the summer or skating in the winter on the canals. The area's natural beauty is a strong pull towards the outdoors, while also allowing a soothing lifestyle that can be enjoyed in an array of housing styles. Bayside flows alongside six kilometers of canals and a five-acre lake creating a peaceful, almost cottage-like open and clean atmosphere.

Here is a small list of the great amenities available at The community of Bayside:

*15 minutes from Calgary city limits

*10 minutes from Cross Iron Mills Mall, Costco, Lowes and Airport

*6 kilometres of canals with waterfalls with numerous foot bridges

*2 beautifully sculptured lakes with view points

*Inter connecting pathway systems for cycling or walking

*Minutes from local 18 hole golf course

*Playground, innovative skate board park, outdoor ice rink, basketball courts, baseball diamonds

I can show you a number of available homes in the beautiful neighborhood of Bayside check out this link:

http://bit.ly/BaysideListings

Bill

If you're looking for a home in the Airdrie or Calgary area, you can visit my primary

Airdrie & Calgary Real Estate website at www.HomesbyJones.ca Thanks!

Airdrie - Real Estate Market Report

Thu, 03 May 2012 10:22:04 -0700

Airdrie was a hot bed of Real Estate activity during the month of April 2012, with 81 Homes reported as SOLD and the average days on market for those homes only being 51 days.. During the month 129 new listing were taken which means we still have ample supply of inventory for buyers to select from.

On average homes were being SOLD at 3% below list price, so Buyers no sense in Low Balling an offer in this market, expect to pay apporximately 97% of list price. This also indixates that Airdrie Sellers are educated in selecting an appropriate market price.

Here are the Stats and Graphs:

Bill

If you're looking for a home in the Airdrie or Calgary area, you can visit my primary

Airdrie & Calgary Real Estate website at www.HomesbyJones.ca Thanks!

A New Home, A New Garden

Thu, 03 May 2012 08:47:53 -0700

Creating your own garden from the very beginning can be an exciting project. However, if you think that you will have the last say as to what happens nature may disagree with you. To maintain your sanity you will need to work in harmony with nature. Planning and preparation will make all the difference in the success of your garden. It’s easy to dig up some soil and throw some plants in the ground. It is another thing altogether to create a healthy, vibrant garden.

What to Grow?

First you need to consider the location of your garden and the kinds of plants that can grow under the existing conditions. There are three main factors that influence what can grow in a given location; sunlight, soil composition and soil moisture. While you can somewhat manipulate soil composition and moisture, you certainly can not influence the sunlight. You will need to have a good idea of the amount of sunlight that will reach the garden. Don’t forget to take into account those areas of the garden that are partially or fully shaded, such as spots on the north side of a building or under a large tree. You will need the appropriate plants in the appropriate areas.

Soil

You will need to determine the composition of the soil in your garden. An ideal garden soil is made up of 40% sand, 40% silt and 20% clay. There are several easy ways to determine the make up of your soil. One to try is to put a couple cups of your soil in a large jar that is half filled with water. Stir up the solution until all of the soil is in suspension. Let it settle over night and the next day you should see three layers of soil; sand, then silt then clay at the top. You can then tell the rough percentage of each type.

Improving soil conditions

Adding organic matter is the best way to improve the composition of your soil. If the soil is sandy or silty add a combination of topsoil and peat moss (always moisten peat moss before adding it to your soil.) If there is too much clay, add the peat moss with some sand. You can also try using compost in replacement of peat moss, and be sure to never add sand directly to your soil. Sand should only be added in combination with organic matter.

Moisture

Of course soil moisture is dependent on the climate of your area, but there can still be variations in your yard. If you are at the bottom of a hill, for example, your garden may stay wet for long periods. It’s best (and easiest) to use plants that like a lot of water. On the other hand, if the area is very dry, it may be tougher than you think to compensate by frequent watering. Choosing plants that are happy in dry climates will make your life much simpler.

The bottom line is that although you can compensate somewhat for your existing garden conditions, it can be a lot more rewarding to work with the natural conditions. Planting the appropriate plants for the given environment will save you time, money and pain.

Bill

If you're looking for a home in the Airdrie or Calgary area, you can visit my primary

Airdrie & Calgary Real Estate website at www.HomesbyJones.ca Thanks!

Why Do Realtors Make Such High Commission?

Wed, 02 May 2012 08:38:48 -0700

In CATHY BUREAU 's post below she really mailed it on th head. I have never heard or seen this explained better. Thanks again Cathy for your post.

Please direct your Coments to Cathy's original Blog Post.

Bill

Via Cathy Bureau, MBA, (210) 560-1891 San Antonio, TX - Real Estate Broker (www.GreenHomeRealtySA.com):

I was interviewed yesterday for a unique investor project by Mr. Builder. We talked about the viewpoint each of us have toward the other in terms of typical Realtor or Builder behavior. It was fun and funny. One of the things that came out of the conversation for me was an aha moment about why Realtors are commissioned based and why we get paid as much as we do per transaction.

There are 2 kinds of people in this world. Those that hunt and kill, and those that prepare the table. It's hard for the food preparers to understand why a hunter gets paid $5,000, $10,000, or more for a single transaction. Mr. Builder told me, "Cathy, when I had a team of marketing people I heard them complain that Realtors make too much money and that they missed something on a contract. They would get pretty darn upset over a small oversight. One day I told my marketing staff, no more complaining. You wouldn't have a job if those Realtors didn't bring you any contracts to review. Any of you are welcome to cross over into the sales side, but you need to understand my expectations."

Work 6 days a week, and be on call for the 7th.

If you are off, dress nice anyway because you may get called into work.

No salary. Straight commission. Eat what you kill.

If you go on vacation, check in once a day on pending contracts.

You may work 50 hours this week and not make a penny.

We're only closed on Christmas Day. If you get a call during your Thanksgiving meal to see a house, even if you are the host, drop what you're doing to show the house.

If you don't make any sales in 60 days go look for another job.

Are there any takers?

What many consumers don't understand about Realtors is that we take on a huge risk of not getting paid, even if the buyer buys a house. We can list a house and then something terrible happens at the end that is out of our control, so we don't get paid. Sometimes it looks easy, but most times isn't. There is the law of averages that makes the difficult easier to absorb; so we appreciate the easy. We aren't employees - we are at the whim of the consumer for the most part. Sometimes we make tough choices that we don't tell our clients about - giving up our kids' baseball games, missing out on family parties and celebrations. Its part of the job as a fiduciary to our clients. It's not just about putting a sign in the yard or entering data into MLS. It's about risk and reward. Thanks Mr. Builder for understanding the difficult nature of our job. It's not all fun and games.

Risk = Reward

DON'T BE A DINOSAUR! LOVE THE EARTH!

Cathy Bureau, NAR GREEN, EcoBroker, recently obtained the SunAgent certification being test marketed out of New Jersey for real estate solar education. As the founder of Green Home Realty, Cathy Bureau is an entrepreneur recognized in the industry by builders and colleagues for her expertise in green real estate. She is a member of Build San Antonio Green and the Texas Green Network-SA. You can find her via website: GreenHomeRealtySA.com, blogs: SanAntonioHomesBlog.info, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Natural Awakenings SA Magazine Please contact her directly to schedule her as a guest speaker or for media interviews for your company events.

CATHY BUREAU - YOUR MOST VALUABLE REAL ESTATE ASSET

CATHY BUREAU Broker/Owner

MBA, REALTOR, GREEN, SFR, ECOBROKER, SUNAGENT

(210) 560-1891 Direct

www.GreenHomeRealtySA.com

I would LOVE to HELP YOU buy or sell in the San Antonio-Austin area. Please call me, CATHY BUREAU GREEN Home Realty (210) 560-1891.

Did you enjoy reading my blog? Then follow me here:

OTHER GREAT BLOGS THAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED:

Not ALL Realtors are the Same

The San Antonio River Walk - Everything You Ever Wanted to Know

New Homes in San Antonio, Texas - How to Choose a Builder

San Antonio Home Buying Made Easy

Rent Versus Buy - The Real Cost of Renting!

This is to advise you that you are using copyrighted and protected material on your website/blog. Your illegal use of any articles derived by Cathy Bureau or Green Home Realty. This is original content and I am the author and copyright holder. Use of copyright protected material without permission is illegal under copyright laws. You may print one copy for your own records not to be distributed without specific written permission. You may re-write the post to include excerpts with a link to the original content. You must credit the material specifically to me, as author, and my website.

Bill

If you're looking for a home in the Airdrie or Calgary area, you can visit my primary

Airdrie & Calgary Real Estate website at www.HomesbyJones.ca Thanks!

Two Storey Home in Ravenswood Airdrie

Wed, 02 May 2012 08:17:50 -0700

Get a new Broadview home with a fence built for you and front landscaping done. No waiting months and months for your home. Move in quickly. With 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a double attached garage this home is everything you want. Over 1800 sq ft of living space with a clean slate of a basement to turn into anything you want. 9 foot ceilings make this home seem even bigger then it already is. With an open concept, fireplace, large en suite, maple cabinets, maple railings and roughed in 3 piece basement bath. This home has just about everything. Why wait months or years to build and then have to put in more time and money into front landscaping and fences.

ONLY $395,000.00 CAD

Details

Address: 151 Ravencroft Grn Type: Residential Style: Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3Garage: Double, Attached Basement: Yes, Full "Undeveloped" Size: 1,839 sq. ft.Lot Type: Rectangular Lot Size: 386sq. m. 11.1m x 35m Year Built: 2009 Taxes: $2,275.00 CAD (2011)

Highlights

▪ Great Curb Appeal, Front Landscaping done	▪ Quick Possession
▪ 9 foot ceilings	▪ Ensuite off Master Bedroo
▪ Bonus Room above Garage	▪ Hardwood Flooring
▪ Large Bright Kitchen	▪ FirePlace in Living Room
▪ Main Floor Laundry Room	▪ Attached Double Garage

Features

Interior Features

▪ Carpeted Floors

▪ Hardwood Floors

Appliances

▪ Dishwasher	▪ Dryer	▪ Hood Fan
▪ Refrigerator	▪ Stove	▪ Washer

Exterior Finish

▪ Vinyl

Heating

▪ Forced Air

Roof

▪ Asphalt Shingles

Sewer/Water Systems

▪ Public

Bill

If you're looking for a home in the Airdrie or Calgary area, you can visit my primary

Airdrie & Calgary Real Estate website at www.HomesbyJones.ca Thanks!

Ready for a home mortgage?

Tue, 01 May 2012 14:22:33 -0700

Susan Hilton of Bryan College Station Texas, wrote the post below , which is a good reminder to everyone considering a first time mortgage or visiting your Mortgage broker one more time, that times have changed and additional information will be required.

Bill

Via Susan Hilton Texas Aggie Real Estate College Station Bryan Texas Real Estate (CENTURY 21 Beal, Inc.):

Acquiring a mortgage loan today is more difficult than it has been in past years. The mortgage crisis that caused the recession has forced all loan and mortgage originators to create rigorous underwriting guidelines and procedures. These procedures generally require every piece of financial documentation available, and if you don’t have exactly everything that they ask for, your financial profile just might not fit the specific mold they need to align your status with before a loan can be secured. So by being prepared, and willing to offer up every ounce of paperwork necessary, regardless of the mundane, excessive nature of the process, you can avoid unnecessary complications and frustrations which only hinder the process and do little to help you obtain your loan. Yet, mortgage loans are not impossible to obtain, and if you have the credentials required, the only requirement left to meet is documentation.

So when you are ready to purchase in Bryan College Station, Texas remember YOU CAN DO IT even if it takes a little extra work. It is worth it!

PS - Susan Hilton is Bryan College Station, Texas’ real estate specialist in foreclosure sales and real estate agent career building so if you need help – CALL! 979-219-3970

Bill

If you're looking for a home in the Airdrie or Calgary area, you can visit my primary

Airdrie & Calgary Real Estate website at www.HomesbyJones.ca Thanks!

Hire Someone, or Do It Yourself?

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:22:50 -0700

When it comes to somethings around the home, we often end up doing a lot of the work ourselves. But should we do-it-yourselfers really do all the work.

There are some jobs where a professional may be required. These would include any job that might be dangerous or where a mistake would be very costly. Some jobs are simply not worth the risk. Some tasks to reconsider before doing:

• Major electrical work
• Any plumbing that involves work under the house
• Siding work that requires scaffolding higher than two stories
• Labor intensive work that may be overly difficult, such as chopping out and pouring in new concrete
• Working on excessively steep or high roofs
• Jobs where there may be hidden mysteries
• Representing yourself in court
• Attempting to be your own Real Estate Agent (Without the proper training and experience)
Also, take into account the time you have, your skills and the tools required.

Time
Be sure to factor in the value of your spare time. Will you want to spend your free time doing this work, and how long will it actually take.

Skills
Be sensible about your skills. Don’t attempt tasks that you won’t be able to finish, or that may end up looking shoddy and unprofessional. Unless you know you have the necessary skills, do not take on intricate work or work that requires a high level of craftsmanship.

Tools
Always take into account that you will need certain tools for many jobs. You can rent or buy the tools but be realistic in that you probably don’t already have the skills necessary to use the tools. It may make more sense to hire a professional if the required tools are not familiar to you.

So although you may want to do all home improvements yourself, just keep in mind that sometimes hiring a professional is definitely worth the cost and may actually save you money in the long run.

Bill

If you're looking for a home in the Airdrie or Calgary area, you can visit my primary

Airdrie & Calgary Real Estate website at www.HomesbyJones.ca Thanks!

Four Level Split - Airdrie Jensen

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 19:13:14 -0700

Fully Developed 4-LEVEL SPLIT in a beautiful mature neighbourhood close to schools and shopping. Large Kitchen overlooks a cozy Familyroom. CHERRY-STAINED LAMINATE FLOORS throughout the main floor, Main floor bathroom and 3 piece Ensuite have been renovated including New Toilets in upper bathrooms., There is a New Hot Water Tank and New Motor in The Furnace. with 3 Bedrooms upstairs, and 1 Bedroom on the 3rd level there is plenty of room for a growing family. Wood Burning Fireplace, Single Detached Garage exits to the laneway

ONLY $299,900.00 CAD

Details

Address: 420 FLETT DR NE Type: Residential Style: 4 Level Split Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3Garage: Single, Detached Basement: Yes, Full "Partialy Developed" Size: 1,108 sq. ft.Lot Type: Rectangular Lot Size: 511sq. m. 16.7m x 30.5m Year Built: 1979 Taxes: $1,963.00 CAD (2011)

Highlights

▪ Mature Community	▪ 4 Level Split
▪ 4 Bedrooms	▪ 4 Bathrooms
▪ Wood Burning FirePlace	▪ Renovated Bathrooms
▪ New Motor in Furnace	▪ New Hotwater Tank
▪ Close to Schools and Shopping	▪ Five Minutes to Golf Course

Bill

If you're looking for a home in the Airdrie or Calgary area, you can visit my primary

Airdrie & Calgary Real Estate website at www.HomesbyJones.ca Thanks!

SMILE FOR THE DAY

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:06:37 -0700

A young broker had just started his own real estate office. He rented a beautiful office and had it furnished with antiques.

Sitting there, he saw a man come into the outer office. Wishing to appear the hot shot, the broker picked up the phone and started to pretend he had a big deal working. He threw huge figures around and made giant commitments. Finally he hung up and asked the visitor, "Can I help you?"

The man said, "yeah, I've come to activate your phone lines."

Bill

If you're looking for a home in the Airdrie or Calgary area, you can visit my primary

Airdrie & Calgary Real Estate website at www.HomesbyJones.ca Thanks!

Selling your Home in 2012

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 23:14:51 -0700

With the 2012 Spring Real Estate season upon is, it’s time to start thinking about what is the best way for me to maximize my selling price without spending a bunch of money. It is a well known fact that spring is a great time to buy and sell houses. But what most people don’t know is that winter is the perfect time to get things done around your home to prepare it for selling.

Here are some low-cost ideas:

If you’re like most people, you’ve accumulated a lot of stuff over the years. Moving provides a great incentive to finally get rid of the junk you’ve been hoarding. Starting now will give you ample time to take that trip down memory lane as you go through old papers, letters, photographs and other mementos. If you set aside a couple hours to do this each weekend, you will have weeded out a lot and moving will be much less stressful.

2. Paint the interior: Nothing will give you more bang for the home improvement buck than a fresh coat of paint. Keep your potential buyer in mind and go for a neutral palette. Using the same color family in adjoining

rooms will improve the flow of the house and tie everything together. And remember, neutral does not necessarily mean white or beige. In fact, white can be quite stark and cold, while beige can be boring and blah. Go for warmer

tones in the main living areas to make the rooms more inviting.

3. Donate to a good cause: This is the time to edit your wardrobe. Take everything out of the closet and force yourself to let go of those 90’s outfits and anything else you haven’t worn in a year. Be ruthless about what you get rid of. You will thank yourself when it comes time to move. This is also a great time to collect all the clothes your family has outgrown or grown tired of and donate them to the needy. Several organizations do clothing drives for the homeless this time of year and would be thrilled to have your cast-offs.

4. Make a list of needed repairs: Go through your house, inside and out, and look at it objectively, as a buyer would. Write down everything that needs fixing. These are things you simply must take care of before listing your house. Otherwise, buyers will see small problems and wonder what bigger problems await them. Call a handyman and get those repairs done soon if you are not able to do them yourself.

5. Call your, Local Real Estate Expert, for a Free No Obligation Market Analysis of your home. That way you can start doing the numbers for your next purchase early. He/She will also give you a good idea of anything you may have overlooked.

Being prepared for the spring market means you can list your house ahead of those people that weren’t as prepared. Sell early and enjoy your summer in a new home!

Bill

If you're looking for a home in the Airdrie or Calgary area, you can visit my primary

Airdrie & Calgary Real Estate website at www.HomesbyJones.ca Thanks!

Amazing Apartment Style Condo in Erlton Calgary

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:20:19 -0700

Check this beautiful Main Floor 2 Bedroom Apt. Style Condominium in the desireable close-in community of Erlton. The masterbedroom has a 4 piece ensuite and there is another 3 piece bathroom off the hallway. The kitchen is nicely layed out with plenty of counter and cupboard space and comes with all appliances. The Living room is spacious and features a 3 sided Gas Fireplace and a door to the patio. This property is close to shops, River pathway, c-train and the Talisman Centre. Includes Titled Underground Parking!

Address: 2416 Erlton Street, Suite 101 Type: Residential Style: Main Floor Appartment CondoBedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Garage: "1 Titled Heated Stall" Size: 1,017 sq. ft. "Registered Size"Lot Size: n/a "Conventional Condominium" Year Built: 2001 Taxes: $1,859.00 CAD (2011)Condo Fees: $387.00 CAD

Highlights

▪ Located in the Desirable Close-in community of Erlton, Close to Shops, River Pathway, C-Train and Talisman Centre.	▪ Titled Underground Heated Parking Stall, with storage cage
▪ Secure Building - Large Atrium at entrance	▪ Well planned Kitchen, and Dining Area
▪ 3 sided Gas Fireplace	▪ Large Master bedroom with 4 Piece Ensuite bathroom
▪ Suite and Building are well maintained	▪ Club house Gasebo free for parties and functions, $100 deposit required refundable.
▪ Reasonable Condo Fees	Ground Floor Unit

Bill

If you're looking for a home in the Airdrie or Calgary area, you can visit my primary

Airdrie & Calgary Real Estate website at www.HomesbyJones.ca Thanks!

Do You Procrastinate

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:47:57 -0700

Do You Procrastinate

People procrastinate for a number of reasons, but we all do it to one degree or another.
Here is a short, quiz to see what kind of procrastinator you might be.

When confronted with a large, complex task you:
A. Get on it immediately - too much on your plate makes you anxious.
B. Start thinking about ways to tackle the project by making lists.
C. Put it out of your head completely - due date is a month away.

At work, colleagues describe your work style as:
A. Diligent but uptight.
B. Conscientious and fair.
C. Reasonable but a little flaky and unreliable.
People procrastinate for a swarm of reasons. Some say it’s simply habit, a product of how we were brought up, while others think it’s a clear sign of mental health issues.
Here is a short, fun quiz to see what kind of procrastinator you might be.

When confronted with a large, complex task you:
A. Get on it immediately - too much on your plate makes you anxious.
B. Start thinking about ways to tackle the project by making lists.
C. Put it out of your head completely - due date is a month away.

Your in-laws are coming to dinner. You want to impress them so you:
A. Paint the living room two weeks before the big day.
B. The day before, you clean house, buy fresh flowers and a prime roast.
C. Order in.
At work, colleagues describe your work style as:
A. Diligent but uptight.
B. Conscientious and fair.
C. Reasonable but a little flaky and unreliable.

Here’s the interpretation of your answers:
If you pick A’s: You need to procrastinate more or at least relax a bit.
If you pick B’s: You’re well balanced in the procrastination department.
If you pick C’s: It’s time to curb your procrastinating because it’s annoying others.

Bill

If you're looking for a home in the Airdrie or Calgary area, you can visit my primary

Airdrie & Calgary Real Estate website at www.HomesbyJones.ca Thanks!

Thar’s Gold in Them Thar Hill’s

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:08:25 -0700

Thar’s Gold in Them Thar Hill’s

The title should be read in your best Yosemite Sam voice :)

It’s true Real Estate and making a living from looking for gold have a lot in common. Let’s take a look at some of the similarities.

GOLD REAL ESTATE

Prospecting: Persistently looking for Gold Bearing Creeks and Rivers	Prospecting: Persistently looking for Qualified Leads - Buyers and or motivated Sellers
Classifying: Reducing the unwanted stones and sand to producing black sands.	Classifying: Interviewing leads, looking for qualified Leads. Buyers that can Buy, and sellers that truly want to sell
Panning: Looking for colors that tell you Gold is present and worth working the area	Panning? Working with those Buyer and Seller Leads, Showings and Doing CMA’s , Building Rapport. Determining who will move forward to complete a transaction.
Working: Working those productive areas, and collecting as Much Pay Dirt as possible to refine.	Working: Work with those Buyers and Sellers ensuring their needs are met and you will receive a paycheck at the end of the month
Mining: Digging deep to find more Honey Holes or producing Veins.	Mining: Working those Clients for referrals as referrals are the best type of business
Staking the Claim: So that only you get the Cash from future finds	Staking the Claim: So that only you get the Cash from future Sales and Purchases by keeping in touch on a regular basis even after the sale.
Drinking: Having a cold Beer to celebrate a job well done	Drinking: Having a cold Beer to celebrate a job well done

Let’s not forget the sluice that helps Miners keep their pans full of producing material. We can use the Funnel approach keep the top of the funnel full and the gold will drip out of the bottom. Keep Prospecting.

Bill

If you're looking for a home in the Airdrie or Calgary area, you can visit my primary

Airdrie & Calgary Real Estate website at www.HomesbyJones.ca Thanks!

Tips from my Dentist

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:36:46 -0700

In all the years of selling real estate, I have found that one of my favorite things is helping people buy their first home. It’s such an exciting time for my first-time clients, and I take great satisfaction in making the process as easy as possible for them.

One of the most important things I learned early in my career, I took from my Dentist. I asked my Dentist why are you continually telling me what you are doing while you are working on my teeth. He answered, “ Informed patients are the most relaxed and stress free, making the procedure easy for them.”

I realize that in order to make the buying process easy for my First Time buyers who knew very little or nothing about the buying procedure, I needed to educate them and make sure they were informed as each step in the process occurred.

Over the years, I have adopted this as my modus operandi for all of my clients and it has resulted in happy , fulfilled Buyers and Sellers. Take a tip from my Dentist and not only will your clients be happier and more relaxed so will you.

Bill

If you're looking for a home in the Airdrie or Calgary area, you can visit my primary

Airdrie & Calgary Real Estate website at www.HomesbyJones.ca Thanks!

What’s The Difference Between A Buyer’s Market And A Seller’s Market

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:49:48 -0700

Lynn has made some very good points here and described the market types well. I would encourage you to leave your coments on her original post to let her know that you have appreciated her post.

Bill

Via Lynn Donn | Homes for Sale in Nanaimo BC (Remax of Nanaimo):

What’s The Difference Between A Buyer’s Market And A Seller’s Market

One of the keys to selling Nanaimo real estate is to understand the difference between a buyer’s market and a seller’s market.

On a very basic level a buyer’s market means that a buyer holds the cards, and a seller’s market means that the seller has most of the control when selling a home in Nanaimo.

But to be successful in selling Nanaimo real estate, it’s important to understand how a buyer’s market is created and what conditions make a seller’s market.

Buyer’s Market

Here are some of the factors that can create a buyer’s market in Nanaimo real estate:

1. Too many homes for sale in Nanaimo means a buyer feels they can take their time deciding which home to buy.

2. Lower offers will be made if there is a lot of inventory on the market because a buyer will feel that there is less competition for your house.

3. Motivated sellers. In a buyer’s market, the word ‘motivated’ can often be substituted for ‘desperate’. If a buyer feels that ‘motivated sellers’ are becoming the norm, she’ll be less inclined to make a fast, full price offer, and instead may take the wait and see approach.

Seller’s Market

You’ve seen how a buyer’s market can be created for Nanaimo real estate. Now let’s take a look at what causes a seller’s market:

1. Demand outweighs supply. There are more buyers than there are homes. Maybe a new employer is moving into town, maybe lending standards have been relaxed, or maybe more and more people begin looking at Nanaimo real estate as an alternative investment to stocks or bonds.

2. Unique property. In Nanaimo real estate it’s all about location. It’s possible to be in a buyer’s market, yet have some property within the market that are their own seller’s market.

For example, your house may be in a high demand location or have unique features that will make sellers stand up and take notice, even when there are a lot of homes on the market.

To get the best value for your money in the Nanaimo real estate market it’s important to understand what causes a buyer’s market and a seller’s market, because knowing this will help you to negotiate the best possible deal for your Nanaimo home.

lynn@nanaimohomes4sale.com www.nanaimohomes4sale.com 250-751-1223

Bill

If you're looking for a home in the Airdrie or Calgary area, you can visit my primary

Airdrie & Calgary Real Estate website at www.HomesbyJones.ca Thanks!

A little something to brighten your day

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:37:36 -0700

A little something to brighten your day!

A prisoner in jail received a letter from his wife:

"I have decided to plant some lettuce in the back garden. When is the best time to plant it?"

The prisoner, knowing that the prison guards read all the mail, replied in a letter:

"Dear Wife, whatever you do, DO NOT touch the back garden! That is where I hid all the gold."

A week or so later, he received another letter from his wife:

"You wouldn't believe what happened. Some men came with shovels to the house, and dug up the whole back garden."

The prisoner wrote another letter:

"Dear Wife, NOW is the best time to plant the lettuce!"

Bill

If you're looking for a home in the Airdrie or Calgary area, you can visit my primary

Airdrie & Calgary Real Estate website at www.HomesbyJones.ca Thanks!

Spring has Arrived in Airdrie (Market Report)

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:25:11 -0700

Spring has arrived, but just as it was arriving March sales stats showed an increase in the price of homes that were selling. in Airdrie. The seasonal sales curve indicates that we should see a continuing number of home sales through April, May and June.
You may notice from the numbers below, Airdrie homes sellers are still receiving an average of 97% of lists price ( realtors are still seeing offers coming in well below 7% of list). This just shows that Airdrie Realtors are doing a great job for their sellers.

If you are interested on how to maximise the selling price of your Home in this market contact me for my Free Report called "Getting your House ready to Sell" Just send me an Email with Getting you House ready to Sell in the Subject line.

Bill

If you're looking for a home in the Airdrie or Calgary area, you can visit my primary

Airdrie & Calgary Real Estate website at www.HomesbyJones.ca Thanks!

Do you Need Help?

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:12:28 -0700

I have subscribed to Amy's Blog because sheis always a great source of Tech information, I have attended some of her speaking engagements and would highly recommend that if you get the opportunity to see her speak make sure you go. Below is ome of Amy's Blog posts with links to the Social Media help for some of the major SM services.

Bill

Via Amy Chorew (TheTechByte):

It is so simple yet so few people utilize the help sections of each social media platform. I get questions on a daily basis from fans and clients which I often direct to the specific help page for the answer. They are the best place to start learning about a new social media site you might be interested in or even to enhance your experience with that platform.

You’ll find FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions), video demonstrations and documents with step-by-step instructions.You can even find troubleshooting and known issues. Below is a quick list of the help sections for some of the more popular social media sites:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com /help/
Linkedin: http://learn.linkedin.com/
Twitter: http://support.twitter.com/
Foursquare: http://support.foursquare.com/home
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/about/
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/t/about

Of course keep those questions coming, we at The TechByte are happy to share our knowledge and expertise!

Bill

If you're looking for a home in the Airdrie or Calgary area, you can visit my primary

Airdrie & Calgary Real Estate website at www.HomesbyJones.ca Thanks!

Common Buyer Errors

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 08:29:22 -0700

Avoid The Most Common Buyer Errors

Shopping for a new home is an emotional experience. It’s also time consuming and comes with a myriad of details. Some buyers, however, caught up in the excitement of buying a new home tend to overlook some items. Their home purchase turns into an expensive process. These errors generally fall into three areas:

Paying too much
Losing a dream home to another buyer
Buying the wrong home

When you have a systematic plan before you shop, you’ll be sure to avoid these costly errors. Here are some tips on making the most of your home purchase:

Bidding without sufficient information
What price do you offer a seller? Is the seller’s asking price too high? Is it a deal? Without research on the market and comparable homes, you could lose thousands of dollars. Before you make that offer, be sure you have researched the market. A professional realtor, can offer an unbiased opinion on the value of a home, based on market conditions, condition of the home and neighborhood. Without knowledge of the market, your offer could be too much. Or worse, you could miss out on a great buying opportunity.

Buying a mis-matched home
What do you need and want in a home? Sounds simple. Yet, clearly identifying your needs and bringing an objective view to home shopping, leaves you in a better position. Sometimes, home buyers buy a home that is too large or too small. Perhaps they didn’t consider the drive to work, the distance to school, or the many repair jobs waiting for completion. Plan ahead. Use your needs list as a guideline for every home you view.

Unclear title
Before you sign any document, be sure the property you are considering is free of all encumbrances. As part of their services, a realtor can supply you with a copy of the title to ensure there are no liens, debts, undisclosed owners, leases or easements.

Outdated survey
Before the purchase is completed, an updated survey is essential. This report will indicate boundaries and structural changes (additions to the house, a new swimming pool, neighbor’s new fence which is extending a boundary line, etc.).

Unexpected repairs
For $300 - $500 a professional inspector will conduct a thorough inspection of the home. This way, you’ll have an idea of the cost of future repairs. Make the final contract subject to a favourable report.

Shopping without pre-approval
It only takes a few days to get financing pre-approval. When you are shopping for a home, this gives you more power. A seller is more likely to consider an offer from a serious buyer.

Bill

If you're looking for a home in the Airdrie or Calgary area, you can visit my primary

Airdrie & Calgary Real Estate website at www.HomesbyJones.ca Thanks!


lynn@nanaimohomes4sale.com www.nanaimohomes4sale.com 250-751-1223