Helpful Tips too Pack Your Vehicle Safely! - 06/30/10 06:21 PM
Thanks to Lorraine and Loretta for these great safety tips.
Via Lorraine or Loretta Kratz-Certified Negotiation Experts, (Crescent Moon Realty, Inc. & Land N Sea Auctions.):
Heather Storey of British Columbia, was in the wrong place @ the right time, her vehicle was hit by a tow truck and her unsecured laptop turned into a projectile striking her in the head & neck, which was what most likely killed her. Per the National Roads & Motorist's Assn if a driver brakes suddenly from about 30 MPH, items in the backseat could hit with the force they have when falling from a two-story building. … (0 comments)

Knobs with style - 06/30/10 04:26 PM
Thanks to Cathy Lee for these great pics... and idea,  on how to change the whole look of your kitchen at minimum expense.
Via Cathy Lee ASP, IAHSP, RESA Danville, CA (CL Design Services Home Staging):
With a twist of a screw, a whole new look can be given to stock cabinets!
What a difference a knob can make!!
The personality of a room can change instantly.
 

 
                                                 
 
                                                        
 
 
Glass, chrome, traditional, rustic-each style and design gives the room impact … (1 comments)

INEXPENSIVE WAYS TO IMPROVE THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME - 06/30/10 04:17 PM
Catherine, thanks or sharing.. great tips and advice.  at minimum cost
Via Catherine Bennison (Keller Williams L.A. Harbor Realty):
Improving the Value of Your Home Doesn't Have to Cost a Small Fortune 

… (0 comments)

Buying A Home With A Pool? - What You Need To Know About Swimming Pool Safety - 06/30/10 03:48 PM
Phyllis, some great safety tips... and very timely too!  Thanks for sharing..
Via Phyllis Lerner (Legends Realty Group LLC):
Pools and spas can be lots of fun, but they can also be very dangerous-especially to children. The Home Safety Council encourages families to follow the safety steps below to avoid injuries in and around pools and spas.
-When children are in or near the water, a grownup should watch them very carefully. Do not take your eyes off them. Older children should not be left in charge of younger children in the pool area.
-If you have a pool or spa, install a … (0 comments)

100 Ways to Create Real Estate Leads - 06/30/10 03:46 PM
Thank you Karen for this terrfic post!  An incredible list of leads at our fingertips!
Via Karen Rittenhouse (Triad Residential Solutions):
100 Ways to Create Real Estate Leads.
How effective is your marketing? Until you start this important element of your business, your business will not really get started...
The key fundamental element in the first level of your real estate investing business is creating systematic and consistent lead generation. Have you focused on that area yet? If not, you do NOT have a business, you have a hobby and a dream. Your commitment to this area of your investing career is critical … (1 comments)

MOVING DAY ... ORGANIZATION AND PREPARATION IS THE KEY - 06/30/10 09:07 AM
Coutndown to Moving Day ! A Useful Guide to Planning Your Move  
Moving Day
Moving day can become a very hectic and stressful time.  Here is a guideline that could help make moving day a lot less stressful
Counting Down to Moving Day By Douglas Gray
Whether you're selling your home or buying a new home, you need to budget for moving costs. Make sure you get three to five written estimates from moving companies, as well as complete information packages. Consider the middle estimate-selecting a low-ball price is not necessarily the best decision.  Since professional movers can be expensive, … (6 comments)

Canada Day - Celebrate Our Great Country - 06/29/10 02:14 PM
Canada Day (formerly known as Dominion day) is Canada's national holiday. and a Federal Statutory Holiday celebrating the anniversary of the July 1, 1867, enactment of the British North America Act (today called the Constitution Act, 1867) which united two British colonies and a province of the British Empire into a single country... called Canada.
Canada Day observances take place throughout Canada as well as internationally.
Take the time to celebrate this great country of ours with your family...Enjoy the freedoms we have, all the great natural resources and benefits our great country has to offer! 
 
There are lots of places … (0 comments)

Ontario Canada Agents- HST Information you Need to Know - 06/29/10 01:34 PM
Harmonized Sales Tax: 
Implications for Owning Real Estate in Ontario
Resource: Ontario Real Estate Association Political Affairs Conference
 
What Is Happening:
HST will replace the 5% GST and the 8% Retail Sales Tax
HST will apply at a 13% rate effective July 1, 2010.
 
Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) - A Bit of History ...
 
January 1991 -Federal Government introduces GST at 7% replacing the Federal Manufacturer's SalesTax
April, 1997 -Three Atlantic Provinces eliminate sales taxes and replaces GST with 15% HST
 
Then .. Some Good News
July 1, 2006 GST rates was reduced from 7% to 6%.  … (0 comments)

Male Agents are From Mars: Advice for Wives of Agents - 06/29/10 01:11 PM
via Philip Faranda.  well done!!
Via J. Philip Faranda (J. Philip LLC) Westchester County NY:
I suppose I could title this "for spouses," but having never been a wife I felt it best to come from my perspective as a husband. 
It is not easy being married to a real estate licensee. We aren't just on straight commission; what we go through for that commission typically takes months and often comes with with risk, rejection, crisis, and drama. Our profession epitomizes the high risk/high reward lifestyle. Ann and I are coming up on our 9th anniversary this September 29th, and the past 5 … (0 comments)

Vacation Agreement for Agents - 06/29/10 09:45 AM
I had so many favourable responses from this previous blog, I thought I would send it out again for those of you who may have missed it. 
AGENT VACATION AGREEMENT
We all need a break from time to time, and one important decision facing you before you take that well deserved break... is "who is going to take care of my clients in my absence?"
First and foremost, you need someone who is trustowrthy and honest, and has the same ethic you do in the way you conduct your busiiness, someone you can rely on without hesitation and know … (5 comments)

The Secret To Having Today's Homebuyers and Sellers Find YOU - 06/29/10 09:36 AM
Great post Gary! Thanks for sharing your insight and information!
Via Gary Woltal - Associate Broker REALTOR® Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty):
No one would doubt that today's homebuyers and sellers are much more savvy with their knowledge about the whole real estate market. Pricing from Zillow, searches for homes on Realtor.com. How valid all that information is and how they process it is another discussion but there is definitely an abundance of information out there.
So it begs the question, What is the secret to having homebuyers and sellers find you, the superstar or budding superstar agent?
First some guesses that … (0 comments)

Finally!!! I Found A Door Drop Flier That Worked! - 06/27/10 01:24 PM
Karen, a great blog and worth redistributing.  Thanks for Sharing.
Via Karen Fiddler Broker/Realtor (Great Western Realty Group/eVantage Real Estate):
I don't know about you, but I don't read the door drop fliers that land on my front door step. Not unless I need a gardener or a new service of some kind. But would I use it to find a Realtor? No! So I've always seen them as a necessary evil for the neighborhood farm, and rarely done them. I'm sure I've missed opportunities by this, but not completely sure.
I've been revamping my business this month. Everything from a new website … (6 comments)

STAGING... HOW TO CREATE THAT `WOW`FACTOR - 06/27/10 12:31 PM
PRESENTATION IS EVERYTHING !
Does your home have that WOW factor??
Are you maximizing your options to improve the saleability of your home?
Home Staging
Staging your home is one of the smartest decisions a seller can make.  Home Staging can turn a cold and lifeless looking property into a warm, inviting home in a potential buyer's mind. First impressions are everything and if your property is presented in the right way, it will enchant your visitors and make it irresistible.
Home staging is the process of de-personalizing a home and making it "buyer ready" so it appearls to the largest potential … (2 comments)

To Sell the Positive Aspects in a Home, Address the Negative - 06/27/10 10:21 AM
Great post via Elizabeth Weintraub from Sacramento... Thanks for sharing Elizabeth
Via Elizabeth Weintraub, Short Sale Agent, Land Park, East Sacramento 916-233-6759 (Lyon Real Estate):
Some real estate agents don't want to say anything to a home seller that sounds negative about a home. I suspect they are afraid of offending the seller. Besides, lots of sellers don't notice the negative aspects of their home, especially after a number of years go by. They get used to it, whatever the problems are -- deferred maintenance, dated condition, undesirable location or bad layout, to name a few.
I'll tell you who will immediately spot … (1 comments)

When is it time to Paint? How much value does it add? - 06/26/10 10:52 AM
Fabulous post by Paul Deck... thanks for sharing... and worth re-blogging.
Via Paul Peck (Peck Drywall and Painting serving Brevard County, Florida):
Exterior painting can really help sell a house quicker and for more money!
How much more value do you Real Estate Professionals think this paint job adds to the home below?
What a difference a little paint can make. Check out these Before and After photos of a Melbourne, Florida exterior repaint. After we pressure washed this Melbourne home we repaired all of the staircase stucco cracks, applied a clear sealer (due to chalkyness), and applied two coats of Sherwin Williams A100 satin exterior … (2 comments)

MYTHS ... AND TRUTHS ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA - 06/26/10 10:36 AM
I recently read a few chapters of Soci@l and one chapter in particular caught my eye.... the myths and truths about social media. Many people think this is just a fad and a way to chat and be social with friends, when in fact, its a great way to interact with people, and when you use it effectively can generate leads... It has fundamentally chanaged the way we communicate...
The truth is... myths are excuses we use to limit our own success!  From Flight of the Buffalo, by James Belasco and Rlph Sayear:   "Change is hard becuase people overestimate the value of … (3 comments)

Buying a Condominium Requires Doing Your Homework - 06/24/10 08:53 AM
Claudette, this is worth re-posting... Thanks for sharing
Via Claudette Millette - Metrowest Mass Buyer Broker (The Buyers' Counsel):
Buying a Condominium Requires Doing Your Homework
 
Helping a client with the purchase of a townhouse recently has reminded me that a condominium purchase can actually be more involved than buying a single family home.  This is partially due to the fact that you need to be concerned, not only about the unit you are buying, but also with the strength and stability of the entire condominium complex. 
 
Before entering into the purchase of a condominium there are some important questions that need … (2 comments)

REAL ESTATE TERMS... EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW... - 06/23/10 08:51 AM
Glossary Of Key Real Estate Terms
There are a great deal of phrases and terminologies unique to real estate.  Listed below are just a sample of the common terms you will encounter in the process of buying or selling a home.  Take a moment to familiarize yourself with them so you will know where to look if you need a definition.
Amortization Period       The actual number of years it will take to pay back your mortgage loan.
Appraised Value            An estimate of the value of the property. Conducted for the purpose of  mortgage lending by a certified appraiser. This appraisal is not to be … (0 comments)

Ten Ways to Have and Keep a Postive Attitude - 06/23/10 08:48 AM
Michael, thank you for sharing this important information... All excellent ways to maintain a positive attitude....
Enjoy your Day!
Via Michael Johnson, REALTOR, ABR - Goose Creek SC (Carolina One Real Estate):
There is no such thing as a genetic poor attitude, but many of us have practiced it enough throughout our lives that it has become a part of us.  What I have found is that maintaining a positive attitude is a daily decision.  Those that have been doing it longer may not find it as difficult and tedious but it is a daily decision none the less for all of us.  … (2 comments)

Choosing Between Downsizing into a Condo or Independent Living - 06/22/10 12:58 PM
Thanks, Maria a timely post for me as I just started working with clients who are in that position.. an elderly couple who are trying to decided to give up their large 3,200 sq. ft. home and downsize to something more manageable.
 

Via Lifestyle Realty Group:

 
The time is coming when many want to downsize from a large home to either a smaller home or condo, here are some things to consider.   The first step is to decide if you are moving to reduce costs or to have less property to maintain.  If the reason you are … (2 comments)

MOVING DAY ... A GUIDE TO AN ORGANIZED MOVE! - 06/22/10 12:54 PM
Coutndown to Moving Day ! A Useful Guide to Planning Your Move  
Moving Day
Moving day can become a very hectic and stressful time.  Here is a guideline that could help make moving day a lot less stressful
Counting Down to Moving Day By Douglas Gray
Whether you're selling your home or buying a new home, you need to budget for moving costs. Make sure you get three to five written estimates from moving companies, as well as complete information packages. Consider the middle estimate-selecting a low-ball price is not necessarily the best decision.  Since professional movers can be expensive, … (2 comments)

Knowing when to STOP negotiating is 90% (or more) of the game! #in - 06/22/10 12:18 PM
Great post Barry... thanks for sharing that... and you're right... know when to "fold em" is a good motto.... or you could "negotiate" yourself right out of a deal!
Via Barry Owen (Keller Williams Realty):
When it's over, It's over!
Most business people take some level of pride in their negotiating prowess.
After all, the "worth" of many folks in their professions relies heavily on their ability to coax and persuade in order to get whatever it is that they or their client wants . . . resulting in a satiated raving fan who returns to do more business and refers all of … (2 comments)

Would You Put Your Pet in an Oven? - 06/21/10 08:17 PM
Pam, thank you for posting this very important topic...
Via Pam McInnes (Team Realty K.W. Inc., Brokerage - Kitchener, ON Canada):
Then why would you even think about leaving him/her in a car during the hot weather - even for a second!?
Did you know that on a hot day, say 85 degrees (29 celcius) the inside of a car can reach 102 degrees (39 celcius) in just 10 minutes?
Did you know that a dog's normal temperature ranges between 101 to 102.5 degrees, but he/she can only sustain a body temperature 107-108 (41-42 celcius) for a very short time before suffering brain damage or death?
Have … (1 comments)

Technology and Smart phone - where is it going? - 06/21/10 09:34 AM
Here is some great information on the technical side of our business... Thanks Terkel for sharing your insight!
Via Terkel Sorensen (Century 21 Award - Redhawk):
Hi Guys,
Ok, so you know I am a geek... Some of you also know that I take the time to teach tech information to my peers. So this time, I figured I will write a blog for all of you, about some of the things I get questions about...
First of all, everybody here seems ready to move to the smart phone, or have, but are not utilizing it quite as much as they could. So … (4 comments)

You're Available 24/7! Really? - 06/20/10 12:45 PM
A great post via Pam McInnes, Kitchener, Waterloo, Ontario.
Thanks for the terrific post... it reminds us all that we need to take personal time to enjoy family and friends.
Via Pam McInnes (Team Realty K.W. Inc., Brokerage - Kitchener, ON Canada):
ActiveRain's Facebook page recently posted the question:
"Since the weekend is upon us......do you keep business hours as a real estate agent? Or are you available all the time any time?"
And I was astounded by the answers. Most said they were available 24/7! A few said they were available all the time except...(which I found hilarious) and then there were the ones … (0 comments)

Treat My Yard Sign Like Your Own - 06/20/10 10:13 AM

Via J. Philip Faranda (J. Philip LLC) Westchester County NY:
The majority of my listings are expired property previously listed by other brokers. On occasion, they have not collected their lockbox or sign when it is time for my own, and while I can't typically remove their lockbox, I can put their sign on the side of the garage or in an innocuous place. There have been rare times when I have delivered the sign back to their office, but I seldom do that. I haven't found it to be helpful in my market. 
I would NEVER take another broker's sign and leave it face down, … (7 comments)

ETHINIC COOKING ODOURS.... AND OTHER FRAGRANT DELIGHTS - 06/20/10 10:01 AM
I live in a very multicultured city which is terrific.  I enjoy foods from many different countries, as probably a lot of people do. However, taking a client through a home where strong lingering odours remain, is not going to ingratiate a potential buyer. 
I recall, several years ago looking for a very high end home for one of my clients.  I arranged several viewings, and we are talking homes ranging from $850,000 up to $1,000,000. This was a large, executive and stately home, about 5,000 square feet. It was situated on a very large lot, backing onto a ravine.. and had great … (2 comments)

THIS IS NOT MY JOB - 06/19/10 04:57 PM
Love this blog posted by Liz Kendall, in New York...
We are all responsibe for our own happiness!!  Thank you Liz

Via Liz Wallace (Century 21 Sherlock Homes):
I use to send out Monday morning blogs to my agents, really just rambling thoughts and ideas.  One blog I sent was that as of today, a proclamation has been sent out and everyone is responsible for their own happiness.  If you are not happy, do something about it.  I am not in charge of your happiness and do not wish for the job and there really is not enough money for me … (2 comments)

Happy Father's Day!! - 06/19/10 01:45 PM
What a terrific movie for all parents to watch... especially Dads in lieu of Father's Day tomorrow!  We just don't realize what an impact our actions have on our children... they learn from us... and how we behave now, impacts on who they become....

Via Luis Miranda (International Real Estate Marketing (IMRES) ):
If you are a Dad, this great video is for You.
Have a great weekend. Enjoy your family.
 
 
… (0 comments)

CURB APPEAL.. Is it a Factor in the Sale? - 06/19/10 12:55 PM
Curb Appeal.... How Important Is It?
A vast majority of home buyers decide whether or not to look inside a home, based on their first impressions of the outside... does it have "curb appeal?" ..the view they see when they drive by or arrive for a showing.  You can ensure people want to come inside your home by spending some time working on its exterior appearance, making it inviting for buyers to want to see more.
Most potential buyers find it difficult to visualize changes, and often won't take a second look at a home if the first impression does not … (5 comments)

MORTGAGE VERIFICATION... IS IT REALLY NECESSARY? - 06/18/10 09:44 AM
A few years ago, I had clients looking for large home, in a nice neighbourhood... after several viewings on various properties, we selected one that seemed perfect for them.  It was about 2,700 square feet, and listed aat $599,000.  We negotiated an offer, and ultimately it was accepted... My clients were ecstatic!
We had a house inspection performed by a registered/certifed home inspector, and all was well with the exception of a few minor things that are common.
My clients removed all the conditions and we had a firm sale! 
As we approacehd the closing date, my clients received a phone … (2 comments)

UPDATE - VACATION AGREEMENT - BLANK DOCUMENT TO PERSONALIZE - 06/15/10 10:57 AM
Hello everyone, thanks for the great response to my post yesterday.   Thought some of you might like to have a standard starter agreement you can personalize for your individual scenarios you may encounter.  I'm sure I missed some, so you can add your own.
Sorry I couldn't save in a Jpg or Tif format so I could attach it... but if you copy and paste this text into a "word" document and adjust the margins... it will be fine.
COMMISSION AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT between
Jane Doe, Vacationing Sales Representative
AND
John Doe, Working Sales Representative                                                                                                   
This agreement covers the period from ____________________ … (0 comments)

AGENT VACATION AGREEMENT - 06/14/10 01:23 PM
We all need a break from time to time, and one important decision facing you before you take that well deserved break... is "who is going to take care of my clients in my absence?"
First and foremost, you need someone who is trustowrthy and honest, and has the same ethic you do in the way you conduct your busiiness, someone you can rely on without hesitation and know that your clients are in good hands.
The one thing you need without question, is a Vacation Agreement, or Commission Agreement between you and the covering agent, so there is no misunderstanding … (82 comments)

A Reminder of Real Estate Sign Infractions.... Mississauga, Ontario - 06/11/10 08:51 AM
 
 Recently, a colleague of mine did an open house on a typical Sunday afternon, but she was perplexed at the poor turnout.  When she was collecting her signs at 4:00 p.m., she then found out why.  A number of them were missing, and had been confiscated by the City of Brampton.  Other open house signs of other agents were still there, but hers were gone.  At first she thought it might have been a terrirorial agent who had removed them, or teenagers with time on their hands....
She called the city the next day and was told they had been … (3 comments)

Custom Bungalow on Ravine Lot, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario - 06/10/10 09:05 AM
      CUSTOM BUNGALOW ON RAVINE LOT
IN BEAUTIFUL, HISTORIC NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ONTARIO
                              
Historic Old Niagara-on-The-Lake
Exquisite custom BUNGALOW in the quaint old town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. This stunning 8 year old custom home is situated on a 64' x 170' lot on a quiet cul-de-sac, within walking distance to town square and the Lake. The open concept floor plan makes it perfect for entertaining or family gatherings. It features a multitude of quality upgrades including cathedral ceilings, gourmet kitchen with granite counters, built-in appliances, counter top range, hardwood, marble and ceramic flooring, and crown mouldings. Professionally finished basement has family room with fireplace and bar, 2 bedrooms, and bath. The beautifully designed and landscaped … (1 comments)

May Real Estate Statistics - Greater Toronto Area - 06/09/10 08:41 AM
June 3, 2010 --
Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 9,470 sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in May, representing a one per cent dip from May 2009. In comparison to previous years, this was the third highest May sales result on record."The pace of transactions slowed in May following record-setting sales in February, March and April," said Toronto Real Estate Board President Tom Lebour." Buyers who otherwise would have been purchasing a home in May moved more quickly this year, likely to get ahead of mortgage rate hikes."New listings were up 38 per cent annually to 18,940. The average price for … (1 comments)

Follow Up ... Move In Condition ... My Foot - 06/08/10 09:20 AM
Last week I wrote about the home that was advertised by the agent as "move in" condition, where the trees and bushes were all overgrown... there wasn't a blade of grass anywhere in sight, only weeds, and the back yard was a forest!
Inside, there were in the process of stripping wallpaper and painting, so needless to say, it was not "move-in" condition as the agent had advertised.
However, the house itself was perfect for my clienets, in terms of location and square footage.  There were many upgrades completed on the main floot and it had a beautiful entry and foyer … (7 comments)

A Glossary of Real Estate Terms for Clients - 06/06/10 09:36 AM
Glossary Of Key Real Estate Terms
There are a great deal of phrases and terminologies unique to real estate.  Listed below are just a sample of the common terms you will encounter in the process of buying or selling a home.  Take a moment to familiarize yourself with them so you will know where to look if you need a definition.
Amortization Period       The actual number of years it will take to pay back your mortgage loan.
Appraised Value            An estimate of the value of the property. Conducted for the purpose of  mortgage lending by a certified appraiser. This appraisal is not to be … (1 comments)

Your First Task.... Choose the Right Realtor For You ! - 06/05/10 09:35 AM
Your First Task ....  Choosing The Right Realtor For You
After you have made that all important decision to sell your home,  the next most important thing is finding the right person to represent you in the marketing and sale, to find a committed and knowledgeable professional real estate representative who will listen to your needs, and work with you every step of the way. 
Selling a home should be like any other business transaction, but all too often sellers make emotional or impulsive decisions that cost them money and time.  Choosing the right Realtor to market a property and negotiate … (4 comments)

RATE YOUR CHILD'S SCHOOL ... BEFORE YOU BUY !! - 06/04/10 08:46 AM
Here is a great resource to use so you can rate the school in the neighbourhood you are thinking of living in.  There is a lot of useful information on how the school is performing in terms of English, Reading, Writing, Math, etc. and also shows the trends as to whether the rating in each particular subject is on the rise, or decline.
All in all a very useful tool for paretnts who want to ensure they want their children to attend a school with a good report card.
 http://ontario.compareschoolrankings.org
… (0 comments)

 
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Gloria Valvasori, ASA, Streetsville Real Estate - 100% Client Service Rating

Streetsville, ON

More about me…

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Signature Service

Address: 5636 Glen Erin Drive, Unit 10, Streetsville, ON, L5M 6B1

Office Phone: (905) 363-4622

Cell Phone: (416) 717-6331

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