Midwest Canada Minute - January 25, 2009 - 01/27/09 10:57 AM
Four Reasons to Buy Now
I admit it, I am somewhat of a newspaperaholic; during the course of any given week I will read all five issues of the local papers, six Saskatchewan dailies, and even pick up an Alberta Saturday and Sunday paper for good measure.  This is not counting the half dozen subscriptions to a variety of industry specific magazines in agriculture, oil, and real estate or the daily electronic newsletters that come across my computer screen.
I hate misleading headlines with a passion.  Last week 3 out of 4 newspapers chose to sensationalize a simple news release that … (0 comments)

Midwest Canada Minute - January 18, 2009 - 01/20/09 11:15 AM
Representation 
I firmly believe that there is really only one fundamental principle to successful relationships and that is trust.  You can't buy or demand trust, it must be earned.  When it is, everything else is negotiable.
I also think that some people, for whatever reason, seem to have a difficult time trusting anybody.  Purchasing or selling real estate is one of life's major decisions, it can create significant anxiety in a person, and Realtors can be handy targets.  It can be really annoying when having spent hours, maybe even days, showing a buyer property to have them say to me … (0 comments)

Midwest Canada Minute - January 11, 2009 - 01/12/09 10:45 AM
Let's Talk Leases 
I often get several calls every month about lease agreements and the rights of the parties involved.  Unfortunately, most people call after something has gone wrong in the landlord / tenant relationship and are casting about for someone to back them up.  Far better it would be for everybody if professional advice had been sought from either a Realtor or lawyer before entering into the commitment in the first place.
While there is legislation in both provinces that speaks specifically to leasing of property, the fundamentals generally fall back on to principles of common law.  I do … (0 comments)

Midwest Canada Minute - December 28, 2008 - 01/06/09 02:47 PM
Bits and Pieces - Observations about 2008 
I was on my way to a meeting and crested the hill overlooking the North Saskatchewan River.  The valley was completely filled with fog.  I hesitated; there were a lot of heavy trucks that needed to cross the bridge, some would be going faster than normal in order to have the speed to climb my side.  Should I take the chance of meeting one in the middle or wait till the fog cleared?  Then it struck me, this is life today!
It's hard to believe how the world can swing so quickly … (0 comments)

Midwest Canada Minute - December 21, 2008 - 01/06/09 02:44 PM
Live Life Abundantly
My wife and I were guests last week at a Christmas supper for area seniors. Being there with Dad, and seeing him surrounded by old friends and neighbours, reminded me of all things that our generation takes for granted - conveniences like television, computers, and cell phones, stores stocked with food, and warm cars. How easy it is for us to live comfortably today and yet how stressed our society appears to be. The elders in the room had not only survived the Great Depression and a World War, but raised their families by strength and determination, building … (0 comments)