remax aboutowne: Girls Just Want To Have Fun - And All For A Good Cause - 11/23/10 03:47 PM
One of my colleagues sent me this photo today with the following message. "Damn!!! We look HOT!" 
The photo was taken by our wonderful male server at our Board's President's Gala For Charity.  All proceeds from the event went to support well known Habitat For Humanity.  It was an amazing evening with a dinner dance, silent auction and casino tables.  Our president Jeff Mahannah looked quite dashing in his tux.
This was a huge event for our Board with over 200 attendees.  I was lucky to work with a great team of helpers on the gala committee.
We even had … (36 comments)

remax aboutowne: A Message To The Parasites - Go Back Into Your Worm Holes Because I'm Not Biting - 06/25/10 04:38 AM
They're everywhere.  They're everywhere.  In my e-mail, on my website, on Twitter,  even on my blogging site.  I've had to disallow public comments on my blog posts due to them.
Who am I talking about, you ask?
Parasites - "An organism that grows, feeds, and is sheltered on or in a different organism while contributing nothing to the survival of its host."  
I am a host organism.  I am an independent contractor working in sales so I understand prospecting. What I do have a problem with is these parasitic spammers who are intruding on my business platforms, hoping that I will … (20 comments)

remax aboutowne: Social Media 101 - My Turn To Go To The Front Of The Class - 06/09/10 05:18 PM
I had the opportunity today to sit on a panel to discuss Social Media as it relates to real estate, with a group of 40 REALTORS® from my real estate board.  The other panelists were a younger colleague with 3 years experience in the business and the Director of Communications and Membership from our board.
Because this session was an overview of basic Social Media 101, we discussed the various platforms available for social media/networking but did not delve heavily into each. 
Between the three of us these are what we felt were the most important methods of communication for REALTORS® in the … (8 comments)

remax aboutowne: Oakville, Ontario - On The Hunt For Nature Trails - 06/02/10 04:15 PM
Oakville, Ontario - On The Hunt For Nature Trails
Living in Oakville, Ontario affords the opportunity to be "one with nature" within minutes.  Halton Region and neighbouring Peel Region offer plenty of parks, Conservation areas, hiking trails, ravines and forests, all of which are full of interesting types of wildlife, birds and waterfowl.
Rattray Marsh in Mississauga, Ontario, just east of Oakville provides a great boardwalk that passes by the marshy area and weaves in and out of the forest.  You also have access to Jack Darling Memorial Park where you can enjoy a picnic along the shores of Lake Ontario … (22 comments)

remax aboutowne: Is Real Estate Sales A Stressful Profession? - The Surveys Say Yes - 05/31/10 04:53 PM
I just read an interesting article online at MSN Money by Jason Buckland titled  The most stressful jobs in Canada. Lo and behold, there was my profession on the list, ranked #8.
Here's what the article had to say about the REALTOR® or  Real Estate Agent as noted in the article. 
"Hours worked per week: 47.5"
"By almost any measure, real estate is the career that never sleeps. "The profession gives you absolutely no time off," says Luft. "You always have to be near your phone, constantly making connections, constantly being 'on.' Everyone's your client or potential client." Realtors are also forced to cope with … (22 comments)

remax aboutowne: Speechless Sunday - Windows To The Past - 05/30/10 08:58 AM
Historic homes and buildings hold many stories and secrets from the past.  It's important that we embrace history and capture it to share with  future generations. 
As time marches on, and land to build on becomes scarce in many areas, it is important to preserve our community's historic sites.  A big thank you goes out to those who work on our behalf to save these buildings for all to enjoy.
Yes, we are losing many due to decay and no funds for restoration.  And yes we are losing far too many to the wrecking ball for new home development.
I find nothing … (20 comments)

remax aboutowne: Oakville Real Estate - Which Are The Best Neighbourhoods In Oakville? - 04/06/10 04:53 PM
I often get asked by people thinking of moving to Oakville, which neighbourhoods are the best to live in.  That is a very difficult question to answer.  I am very proud, however to be able to say that there are NO bad neighbourhoods in Oakville.
There are many unique areas in Oakville, each with different amenities, price ranges, and  home styles.  I ask potential purchasers what they are looking for in a neighbourhood and what their family makeup is and the type of lifestyle they live.
If living near Lake Ontario is a priority, neighbourhoods of interest would be Old Oakville, … (0 comments)

remax aboutowne: Oakville Condos - The Oaks - 1359 White Oaks Blvd. - 04/05/10 05:22 PM
The Oaks is a popular high rise  condominium in north Oakville.  This 21 storey building was built in 1973 and consists of 205 - 2 and 3 bedroom units.
  Monthly condo fees are in the $500. range and include exterior maintnance and insurance, parking and water.  Annual taxes for the units are approximately $2000.  Some of the amenities include an indoor pool, exercise room and billiard room.
Being an older building, individual suites are much more spacious than newly built condos and the square footage is in the 1100 to 1300 range.  Each unit boasts an outdoor balcony with some … (10 comments)

remax aboutowne: Thinking Of Selling Your Oakville Home? Spring Into Action - 04/03/10 12:47 PM

Thinking of selling your Oakville home?  Don't miss the spring market.  Buyers who were locked into interest rates before they rose last week only have 90 to 120 days to purchase a property in order to have that great rate held.  Others are buying now to avoid the new HST tax taking effect on July 1.  This new tax will be added to the fees charged by lawyers, building inspectors, appraisers, and real estate Brokerages.
I would be happy to discuss the Oakville market and how to sell your home for the most amount of money in the shortest period … (12 comments)

remax aboutowne: Inclusions & Exclusions - Should It Stay Or Should It Go - 03/29/10 02:55 PM
The time has come to list your home for sale and it is decision making time with regards to the inclusions and exclusions in your listing contract.  What are you willing to leave for the buyer?  What must you take with you due to sentimental value? 
Should you exclude those items you want to take with you or should you remove them before the potential buyers see them and want them included? 
Well, that depends.  Sometimes those sentimental items such as chandeliers, mirrors, sconces, gazebos, patio furniture, etc. make your house show better while on the market.  But you can be … (11 comments)

remax aboutowne: Neighbourhood Watch - Old Oakville Real Estate - 03/28/10 05:04 PM
Neighbourhood Watch - Oakville Ontario - Old Oakville
When you mention the words Old Oakville, it conjures up thoughts of heritage homes,  a vibrant downtown core, rich history, Lake Ontario and the 16 Mile Creek and harbour.  This area closest to the downtown boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops is one of the most sought after for high end real estate. 
Stately homes on large lots are mixed with small quaint cottage style homes.  Luxury townhomes are popping up as infill projects.  You pay the price to walk to town and the lake.  This is not a haven for starter homes, … (10 comments)

remax aboutowne: Glen Abbey - Oakville Ontario Real Estate - New Listing - 03/20/10 05:14 AM
Glen Abbey Real Estate - New Listing 1469 Mayors Manor - $584,900
Glen Abbey is one of Oakville's most sought after neighbourhoods.  Famous for the Glen Abbey Golf Club, home to the Canadian Open numerous times, this family friendly community has much to offer.  Parks, ravines, trails, schools, Churches, community centre, arenas, library, indoor pool, access to transportation are just a few reasons why people love to call Glen Abbey home.
Inventory is extremely low in Glen Abbey.  Currently there is only one detached home listed between $500,000. & $600,000.  And that is my new listing at 1469 Mayors Manor.
List … (9 comments)

remax aboutowne: Oakville Home Sales Statistics - February 2010 - 03/10/10 12:14 PM

The Oakville real estate market continues to impress with both the number of sales and the sale prices exceeding those of February a year ago.  The total number of sales in Oakville for the first two months of 2010 are up 101% over the same time period in 2009.
The average sale price year to date is $572,812,  up 27% over the first two months of 2009 while the median price for the same two months is up 31% to $498,800.  Here is a breakdown of the types of home sales in Feb. 2010.

 
Sales Statistics - Oakville, … (9 comments)

remax aboutowne: It's Almost March But Winter Has Arrived - Oakville Is Now SN'Oakville - 02/26/10 02:52 PM
It was bound to happen sooner or later.  Winter that is.  I mean the calendar said it officially began on December 21st.   In three weeks spring will have sprung. This afternoon's rain turned to snow as soon as the temperature dipped below the freezing mark.  Tonight the trees are sagging under the weight of the white stuff and there is some serious driveway shovelling going on. 
I had to show a house this afternoon so my son chauferred me due to my broken ankle and afterwards I asked him to take me to the harbour so I could take a few … (17 comments)

remax aboutowne: Rattray Marsh - Where Boardwalks And Birdwalks Go Hand In Hand - 02/10/10 03:27 PM
We finally got a little snow last night.  Not much but enough to cover the grass and send the salters out onto the roads.  Not enough to make drivers slow down and drive a little more carefully in winter conditions
Here are how things looked this morning out my dining room window.

Cold weather is not enough to keep anyone inside if you are dressed properly and that includes long underwear, but I talked about that in a previous post.  I thought today would be a great day to take a walk along the boardwalk at Rattray Marsh in Mississauga.
… (22 comments)

remax aboutowne: For A Good Time Call 905 - XXX - 0000 - 01/21/10 03:36 PM
Should/Would a REALTOR use a line like that to attract business?  Probably not but isn't that the type of experience we would like  to offer our clients and have them achieve while involved in a real estate transactioin?
Shouldn't buyers have a good time looking for their dream home?  By dream home I mean starter home, move up home or downsize home.  Every buyer has a vision of their ideal home.  They hire us to help them achieve that goal.  In some markets the purchase process can be stressful but this process should also be exciting.
Buyers are making one of the largest decisions … (18 comments)

remax aboutowne: New Home Sales In Ontario - 2009 Statistics - 01/12/10 04:21 AM
As predicted and well publicized by the media, new home construction slowed down in 2009 in Ontario.  The following article was just published in the Ontario Real Estate Association's Edge Newsletter.  Information in the article was provided by the CMHC ( Canadian Housing and Mortgage Association).
Ontario home construction slowed in 2009
"Ontario home starts moderated in 2009, although they began to recover during the second half of the year, CMHC reported in January. Ontario all area home starts declined to an estimated 50,500 units in 2009, down from 75,076 unit starts in 2008. Residential construction for the year was down … (8 comments)

remax aboutowne: Winter In Oakville - Or Is That Sn'Oakville ? - 01/06/10 04:22 PM
Winter - You either love it or you hate it.  Or you have never experienced it.  The dictionary describes winter as: Usually the coldest season of the year in which the sun shines most obliquely upon any region.
The calendar tells us we are only into our third week of winter.  Spring won't show it's face until March 21.  Living in Oakville, Ontario you get to experience four distinct seasons.  Oakville is in an enviable location for winter sports.
For skiers, there are many modest ski hills in the area.  Glen Eden provides fun for the whole family and is located in Milton, Ontario, … (16 comments)

remax aboutowne: Oakville Ontario Sales Statistics - December 2009 - 01/05/10 01:30 PM

The number of home sales in Oakville, Ontario in December 2009 increased by 106 % over last December.  The year end numbers show that the Oakville real estate market is alive and well.  Not only were the number of sales up, but both the average and median sale prices rose from the previous December.
All indications point to a healthy balanced market for the New Year.  Interest rates remain at an all time low and first time buyers are driving the market.  Inventory is low in Oakville resulting in many listings selling with multiple offers, often over list price.
Sales Statistics … (6 comments)

remax aboutowne: A Bird In The Hand Is Worth - A Hike In The Bush ? - 12/22/09 03:35 PM
This is a great time of the year  to seek  out the birds that don't fly south but stay put in  the Oakville area for the winter.  Hendrie Valley trail in Burlington, Ontario is a great place to see the non-migratory birds first "hand". 
Getting up close and personal along the boardwalk is very easy.  Lots of strollers and hikers bring along  bird seed and the more tame, non skittish species such as Nuthatches and Chickadees will come and eat right out of your hand.
The Cardinals are a little more aloof but they will enjoy any seed left along the the ledges … (36 comments)