Not In Real Estate Any Longer's Blog

Willy Needs a Home

Not In Real Estate Any Longer — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 09:24:27 -0800

Malcolm is a great guy and a professional all the way. He really cares for his clients...all of his clients.

If you know of someone who can give this loving little guy (the puppy below, not Malcolm) a great home, please let Malcolm know.

I've disabled the comments here, so please go to his blog to comment.

Thanks :)

Via Malcolm Johnston (Remax Trent Valley, Trenton, Ontario):

I'm taking a page out of my friend Pam McInnes' book today. It's her blog that gave me this idea, she's devoted to finding good homes for animals in her corner of Ontario.

I have clients who will be moving out of their home due to health reasons. They will be moving into an apartment in Belleville where they will be closer to their doctors and public transport. Unfortunately they will not be allowed to bring Willy with them.

Willy is a friendly soul, only 4 years old, and we're trying to get him into a good home before this time comes. Because I'm a big softie, I have agreed to take him home with me should no other solution be found, but I'm not likely to be the ideal owner for this gentle little fellow. He's very quiet and loves to sit with his owners and watch television in the evenings.

He's a great dog, his mother was a pure bred Scottish Terrier, and his father was also a super dog, able to overcome all the obstacles that were put in place to keep him and his mother apart. Willy seems to have inhereted his father's tenacity because he's a quick learner and is a very sociable little guy.

If you know anyone in the Quinte area who's looking for a companion like this, just give me a shout. Willy and I would appreciate that.

Trenton Ontario Real Estate Trenton homes for sale Trenton home values

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As Valuable As Any Other Gucci :)

Not In Real Estate Any Longer — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:48:33 -0800

Hello, my name is Gucci. I’m up for adoption at the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society! I am a 2-year- old domestic female cat. I’m a quiet cat that will enjoy keeping you company as you watch TV. I’m already spayed. If you are interested in learning more about me, I am waiting for you here at the Centre!

Note: Posted with general permission from the K-W Humane Society to assist them with finding forever homes for their animals.

For more information about the K-W Humane Society visit: http://www.kwhumane.com/

To become a friend, visit: http://www.facebook.com/KitchenerWaterlooHumaneSociety

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Or Join in the Fun on the Pets, Pets, Pets Contest Page:

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This is Dexter

Not In Real Estate Any Longer — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 14:57:08 -0700

Hello! My name is Dexter. I’m a 2.5 years old Chihuahua cross and I’m available for adoption at the K-W Humane Society. I’m a ball of energy, but I don’t take up at lot of space. Playing tug of war is my favourite game. I have been neutered and I’m ready to go home with you and be your very best friend! If you are interested in meeting me – I’m waiting

Note: Posted with general permission from the K-W Humane Society to assist them with finding forever homes for their animals.

For more information about the K-W Humane Society visit: http://www.kwhumane.com/

To become a friend, visit: http://www.facebook.com/KitchenerWaterlooHumaneSociety

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Or Join in the Fun on the Pets, Pets, Pets Contest Page:

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I'll do my best to respond in turn in a timely manner. Have a great day!

It Was a Spooktacular Halloween at 35 Green Valley Drive, Kitchener

Not In Real Estate Any Longer — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 12:24:50 -0700

This Halloween I felt very lucky to live at 35 Green Valley Drive in Kitchener.

Our Building Manager, her other half, and the staff at Green Valley Drive put a lot of time and energy into our Halloween decorations to help the community get into the “spirit”.

On the outside of the building, as you approached the door was a spooky graveyard filled with tombstones and spirits who popped up at those passing by, with eyes flashing to scare people away. Black owls and crows in the trees watched the events from above.

And let us not forget the graveyard’s keeper who worked well at keeping everyone in line.

At the door was a tormented spirit in agony as he was eaten by spiders.

On the other side of the door was a room filled with terrors clowning around...

...and those trying to get away from them.

Inside the lobby door, visitors were greeted by the butler who wanted to serve up some other guest’s head.

And in the lobby were the Zombie babies – the results of experiments gone wrong.

By the elevator, Pinhead from the Hellraiser Series spoke to those who dared to pass by him. While candles lit the way to a spell book that talked too much and a groovy witch who liked to do nothing more than wiggle while stirring the brew in her pot.

The night was topped off by a Costume Contest. The first prize winner was also a witch – she could have been the groovy witch’s sister.

Children and adults of all ages from the within the building and around the street enjoyed this ghoulish display.

I can’t wait to see what happens next year….BWWWWAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

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Or Join in the Fun on the Pets, Pets, Pets Contest Page:

Pets, Pets, Pets Contest

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How Old Is Your Cat...Really.

Not In Real Estate Any Longer — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 09:55:12 -0700

Trying to figure out how old your cat is in human years, is a little more complicated than just multiplying by seven years.

According to Monsieur LeBeau: seven cat years is equal to one human year; after one year your cat will be 15 in human years; at two years, she will be 24; for the years between two and fourteen, she will age at a rate of 4 human years and after 14, at a rate of 2 human years.

According to the calculator below, when my cat Worry passed away at the tender age of 18, she was 80 when she left us. Although she is still missed, it is comforting to know she had a long and I hope, happy life.

But, of course, age is all relative, isn't it?

Feed your pets good quality food (pure protein is the first ingredient; no grains is best), make sure they get plenty of exercise, give them a warm, dry place to sleep and lots of love, and the proper health care when they need it and they'll have plenty of reasons to stick around :)

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Or Join in the Fun on the Pets, Pets, Pets Contest Page:

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I'll do my best to respond in turn in a timely manner. Have a great day!

How Old Is Your Dog...Really.

Not In Real Estate Any Longer — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 09:45:44 -0700

Trying to figure out how old your dog is in human years, is a little more complicated than just multiplying by seven years.

According to Monsieur LeBeau: After one year your dog will be the equal to a 15 year old person; two years, he'll be 24; between 2 and 14 years, he'll age at a rate of four human years; and after fourteen years he'll age at a rate of two and a half human years.

According to the calculator below, my dog Joker, who is now 8, is now 48 years old in human years. That's better than the 56 years he would be if I simply multiplied 7 x 8.

By AJ Design Software

But, of course, age is all relative, isn't it?

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Or Join in the Fun on the Pets, Pets, Pets Contest Page:

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Rusty Would Rather Be With YOU - YAAAAY - SHE'S BEEN ADOPTED :)

Not In Real Estate Any Longer — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 10:46:19 -0700

Hi my name is Rusty and I’m up for adoption at the K-W Humane Society! I am a 4-year old male neutered orange tabby with white who is looking for a forever home with you. I'm a big guy who's adventurous, playful and affectionate. If you are looking for a wonderful new friend, come meet me, Rusty!

As a footnote: I was at the K-W Humane not too long ago and they have a lot of cats and kittens who need a new home and lots of love. Why not pay them a visit?

And if you can't get a cat for whatever reason, drop off a monetary donation or supplies. It takes a lot of support to feed and house those animals :)

Note: Posted with general permission from the K-W Humane Society to assist them with finding forever homes for their animals.

For more information about the K-W Humane Society visit: http://www.kwhumane.com/

To become a friend, visit: http://www.facebook.com/KitchenerWaterlooHumaneSociety

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Visit my Pets, Pets, Pets Facebook Group: Pets, Pets, Pets

Or Join in the Fun on the Pets, Pets, Pets Contest Page:

Pets, Pets, Pets Contest

Don't hesitate to ask questions or post your comments.

I'll do my best to respond in turn in a timely manner. Have a great day!

Potsie is at the K-W Humane Society and Would Love to See You

Not In Real Estate Any Longer — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 09:07:09 -0700

Hello – My names is Potsie! I am a 5-year old male Border collie cross! I like to have fun. I like keeping busy by going to the park, playing catch and just chewing my favourite toys. Afterwards I’ll be happy to stay at your feet as you read and relax. I’m available for adoption at the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society! I have been neutered.

Note: Posted with general permission from the K-W Humane Society to assist them with finding forever homes for their animals.

For more information about the K-W Humane Society visit: http://www.kwhumane.com/

To become a friend, visit: http://www.facebook.com/KitchenerWaterlooHumaneSociety

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Visit my Pets, Pets, Pets Facebook Group: Pets, Pets, Pets

Or Join in the Fun on the Pets, Pets, Pets Contest Page:

Pets, Pets, Pets Contest

Don't hesitate to ask questions or post your comments.

I'll do my best to respond in turn in a timely manner. Have a great day!

What If We Were One

Not In Real Estate Any Longer — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 09:24:05 -0700

Yesterday, I was sitting behind a truck that had a line drawing of North America on its back door. On that drawing North America was split between the US and Canada very effectively by using our two flags.

It was very attention-getting and started me to wonder:

What if we got rid of that border?

What if those two flags merged into one? One very different one. One that had a strong message that meant we had finally decided to work together.

What if all that space was ruled under one government, one currency, one people?

And not Canada's government, Canada's currency, Canada's Canucks.

And not the United States' government, the United States' currency, the United States' Yanks.

But one totally different government, currency and nickname. One that would represent all of us, as a single, united country.

And then the light turned green and moments later the truck turned left and was out of sight.

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Or Join in the Fun on the Pets, Pets, Pets Contest Page:

Pets, Pets, Pets Contest

Don't hesitate to ask questions or post your comments.

I'll do my best to respond in turn in a timely manner. Have a great day!

He's A Pretty Silly Guy

Not In Real Estate Any Longer — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 09:43:18 -0700

My name is Jester and as you can guess from my name, I am a pretty silly guy! I am 1.5 years old and my dream would be to play in a leash free park with my new owner everyday! I know that can't always happen, but I nice long walk would work too! While staying here at the Humane Society they sent me to be neutered, so you don't have to worry about that additional cost! If you are looking for a fun-loving Collie Mix, come meet me, Jester!

Note: Posted with general permission from the K-W Humane Society to assist them with finding forever homes for their animals.

For more information about the K-W Humane Society visit: http://www.kwhumane.com/

To become a friend, visit: http://www.facebook.com/KitchenerWaterlooHumaneSociety

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Visit my Pets, Pets, Pets Facebook Group: Pets, Pets, Pets

Or Join in the Fun on the Pets, Pets, Pets Contest Page:

Pets, Pets, Pets Contest

Don't hesitate to ask questions or post your comments.

I'll do my best to respond in turn in a timely manner. Have a great day!

My name is Chi Chi the Chinchilla!

Not In Real Estate Any Longer — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 11:48:55 -0700

My name is Chi Chi the Chinchilla!

I am 3 years old and up for adoption at the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society.

I am looking for an owner who is able to keep me for the rest of my life; 18-22 years old for me is not uncommon. I am very active and playful! I would love to come out of my cage to play with you for a while everyday! At first I might be a little nervous, but the more we play, the more I will get used to you and I will really start to look forward to play time!

If you would like a new small friend, come meet me, Chi Chi!

Note: Posted with general permission from the K-W Humane Society to assist them with finding forever homes for their animals.

For more information about the K-W Humane Society visit: http://www.kwhumane.com/

To become a friend, visit: http://www.facebook.com/KitchenerWaterlooHumaneSociety

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Visit my Pets, Pets, Pets Facebook Group: Pets, Pets, Pets

Or Join in the Fun on the Pets, Pets, Pets Contest Page:

Pets, Pets, Pets Contest

Don't hesitate to ask questions or post your comments.

I'll do my best to respond in turn in a timely manner. Have a great day!

Buyers Need to Consider the "What Ifs"

Not In Real Estate Any Longer — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 09:23:55 -0700

When we decided to move from Fergus to Kitchener we saw a Mortgage Broker first, as every smart buyer should.

This broker told us that if we got so much for our house and based on our yearly income and our very small existing debt load, we could go searching for an $800,000.00 house.

WHAT?

Not believing him we spoke with another Mortgage Broker. One we had used before. He verified the first analysis.

So, hubby and I sat down and did the math ourselves. These are our bills; this is our income. We were doing alright. Able to put a few bucks in the bank and into our investments every now and again. And things would only get better once my career in real estate started picking up and our oldest was finished college.

And then we started playing the what if game:

What if one of us couldn't work.
What if one of us got sick and had extra health-care expenses.
What if one of the cars needed replacing sooner than expected.
What if the cost of living keeps going up and our income doesn't.

There are a million unseen "what ifs" in life and we were both old enough and wise enough to know that. And did we really want to be house poor? A vacation in our future would be nice...

Sure, it was exciting thinking that we were actually in good enough shape financially to buy an $800,000.00 house, but doing so would just be silly.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not putting down Mortgage Brokers and the job they do. I'm just saying that you need to take responsibility for your own well-being and before purchasing one of the biggest investments of your life take a good look at your current situation and then consider all the "what ifs".

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Or Join in the Fun on the Pets, Pets, Pets Contest Page:

Pets, Pets, Pets Contest

Don't hesitate to ask questions or post your comments.

I'll do my best to respond in turn in a timely manner. Have a great day!

Okay Buyers - Here's the Thing...

Not In Real Estate Any Longer — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 11:56:41 -0700

Yesterday at an open house I gave a gentlemen a tour and we got to talking. He said he had just sold his house and was looking for another. I asked him if he was getting help and he said, "Yes. I'm working with an agent."

"Where's your rep now?" I asked.

"I don't know. I just decided to do a little homework on my own."

"Why would you do that?" I asked. He hesitated. "Did you sign a buyer's agency agreement?"

"Yes. I signed one of those."

"Was the contract explained to you?"

"She told me what the clauses meant."

"Did you understand them?"

"Yeah."

"Okay, good. So, if you've hired someone to work for you, why are you doing the work by yourself?" He looked at me thoughtfully. I continued. "Right now, I'm working for the seller and you are a potential buyer who has a rep working for you, right?" He nodded. "Well, doesn't it make sense to have your rep with you while you're looking around? Isn't that what you're paying her for?"

Then he smiled as if he had me. "Ah, but I don't pay her."

"Ah, but you do. She gets paid by you, when you buy a house." He looked confused. "When a house is listed by a brokerage the cost of commission is included in the value of that house." Still no flicker of understanding. "Okay. Say you bought this house. At closing you'll pay for it in full and then the agents' commissions will be distributed - part of the commission paid goes to the seller's agent for his services rendered and part of it goes to your agent for her services to you."

A light went on. "I see," he said.

"So, doesn't it make sense to have your rep with you when you look at house - even if it's an open house?"

He thanked me, shook my hand, and left.

So many buyers don't understand that they may not see the money change hands, but they are paying for their agents' services. It is in their best interest to sign a buyer agency agreement and then have the REALTOR® they've hired with them, working for them, when looking at houses - even if it's at an open house.

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Or Join in the Fun on the Pets, Pets, Pets Contest Page:

Pets, Pets, Pets Contest

Don't hesitate to ask questions or post your comments.

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It doesn't matter what we think.

Not In Real Estate Any Longer — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 10:18:33 -0700

It doesn't matter what we think.

As REALTORS®, it doesn't matter if we think we are the most professional professionals on the face of the earth.

It doesn't matter if we think we are worth every penny of our commissions.

It doesn't matter if we think our services have value, if sellers and buyers put themselves in harm's way by conducting private sales, if it's better to provide bundled services or charge clients for just the service we provide.

What matters is what the public thinks.

It matters what the public thinks because they are our clients.

It matters what the public thinks because without them we have no business.

It matters what the public thinks because consumers make our countries strong (since REALTORS® are also consumers, we already know this).

I've spent a lot time listening to the general public, locally through various conversations, and abroad through Internet blogs and comments after articles, and it seems like consumers are screaming for our industry to change.

They are screaming for it to make changes to our current commission structure.

They are screaming for it to show them the value of our services.

They are screaming for it to allow them to choose the services that they want to pay for.

They've screamed for years about how they perceive the professionals in our industry to be either below, even or on a good day just slightly better than used car salesmen.

And I spend time working with consumers/clients.

And they are showing how they feel by constantly challenging and negotiating commissions.

And they are showing how they feel by refusing to sign contracts and disrespectfully using multiple agents to find the houses they want.

And they are showing how they feel by choosing to use FSBO marketing companies over the professionals in our industry.

So my question is, when is the industry going to stop thinking that what it thinks is all important and start listening to what the public is saying?

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Or Join in the Fun on the Pets, Pets, Pets Contest Page:

Pets, Pets, Pets Contest

Don't hesitate to ask questions or post your comments.

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The Second Prize Winner!

Not In Real Estate Any Longer — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 09:39:08 -0700

Yesterday, I presented the second prize winner her 18 x 24 mounted poster of the winning picture of her dog Sugar in the Pets, Pets, Pets Contest I held for those living within 70km of the Kitchener-Waterloo area.

It did my heart good to see how much she appreciated the picture of her beloved pet.

Below is the winner with her two dogs Sugar and Spice - Sugar's picture won the contest.

It makes my job as a REALTOR® that much more fulfilling when I can combine it with my love for animals and it gives my heart that extra boost when I see someone who loves and cares for their pets as well as Sarah does.

I have another contest running right now at www.facebook.com/petspetspetscontest. There are three categories and each winner gets a choice of the poster or a $50.00 Global Pet Foods Gift Certificate. At the end of the contest, I will also be donating $25.00 per category to the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society.

Even if you don't live in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, come on over to the contest page and chat. I've encouraged all entries to tell us a little something about their pets and there are some pretty funny stories :)

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Or Join in the Fun on the Pets, Pets, Pets Contest Page:

Pets, Pets, Pets Contest

Don't hesitate to ask questions or post your comments.

I'll do my best to respond in turn in a timely manner. Have a great day!

It's Nail Clippin' Time!

Not In Real Estate Any Longer — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 15:27:09 -0700

Today was nail clipping day in my house. Not the most popular day among my pets and every one of them prefers a different way of getting it done.

First, it was Joker. Now, Joker's an eight-year-old Australian/German Shepherd X and hasn't needed his nails done before. Because he gets so many walks, his nails just naturally file down. But this summer was so humid, quite often we traded walks on a sidewalk for an extra one in the woods or we'd not walk at all. We'd sit under a shady tree instead.

So, with clipper in one hand and a treat in the other, we began. I tried to make him sit and give me his paw. Normally, this is a trick he does readily, but he didn't like the looks of the clippers so he refused. Okay, I can compromise. Stand then. I lifted his paw, put his head behind mine so he couldn't see what I was doing and clipped his nail. With every clip, he got a piece of his treat. He caught on quickly. In no time at all he was done.

Secondly, was Motley's turn. Motley is a female Velveteen Rabbit. She's not the easiest to get along with, but you know she likes you if she allows you the privilege of picking her up. Which is good cuz that's the first step in clipping her nails (ever try to cut a hopping rabbit's toenails?)

Now, even though she likes me, if she were awake when I clipped her nails I'm sure she'd have something to say about it, so I put her into a bunny sleep. Her sleep position is sitting upright against me facing forward. This works. All her little feet are readily accessible. Motley's toenails are white so seeing her quick (the soft part inside the nail that contains blood vessels and nerve endings) is easy. So, snip, snip, snip then it's wakey wakey, we're done.

Lastly, is Christian. Christian is a male Holland Lop Ear. He's very easy to get along with. As long as you pick him up by the bum first (which is how all rabbits should be picked up), he'll cuddle and I'm pretty sure I could cut his nails if he were awake. But it's just easier to put him on his back in my lap. He falls asleep instantly. Christian's nails are dark so a flashlight is needed to find his quick. Again, snip, snip, snip then it's wakey wakey and we're done.

When both rabbits are back in their pen they get a piece of apple. Just an extra incentive, because we know we'll have to do it again in a few weeks.

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Visit my Pets, Pets, Pets Facebook Group: Pets, Pets, Pets

Or Join in the Fun on the Pets, Pets, Pets Contest Page:

Pets, Pets, Pets Contest

Don't hesitate to ask questions or post your comments.

I'll do my best to respond in turn in a timely manner. Have a great day!

Just Look Into Those Eyes! - YAAAAAY - ADOPTED!!

Not In Real Estate Any Longer — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 10:15:02 -0700

My name is Emma and I am the “Life of the Party”! I think everything is fun and exciting and meant for playtime! I will want to do everything with you, from doing yard work, going for walks or just watching TV – sounds like fun to me! I am a 2 year old Rottweiler who is already spayed. I have the gorgeous colours of typical Rottweiler’s: black and tan. If you are looking for a fun dog – come meet me, Emma!

Note: Posted with general permission from the K-W Humane Society to assist them with finding forever homes for their animals.

For more information about the K-W Humane Society visit: http://www.kwhumane.com/

To become a friend, visit: http://www.facebook.com/KitchenerWaterlooHumaneSociety

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Visit my Pets, Pets, Pets Facebook Group: Pets, Pets, Pets

Or Join in the Fun on the Pets, Pets, Pets Contest Page:

Pets, Pets, Pets Contest

Don't hesitate to ask questions or post your comments.

I'll do my best to respond in turn in a timely manner. Have a great day!

Royal Medieval Faire in Waterloo, Ontario

Not In Real Estate Any Longer — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 09:42:22 -0700

Do you like the idea of being thrown back into Medieval times? Do you like games, celtic music, magic, swordplay, ceili (old-fashion Irish dance), and authentic costumes & decorations?

Then this Saturday, September 18, 2010, you and your family are in for a treat!

From 11am - 6pm in Waterloo Park West come join the crowds at the 13th Royal Medieval Faire. Last year there were over 5,500 patrons who joined the 150 actors, performers and volunteers who made this event a success, so what are you waiting for?

For more information visit: http://www.royalmedievalfaire.org/

For a map and directions: http://www.royalmedievalfaire.org/directions.html

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Visit my Pets, Pets, Pets Facebook Group: Pets, Pets, Pets

Or Join in the Fun on the Pets, Pets, Pets Contest Page:

Pets, Pets, Pets Contest

Don't hesitate to ask questions or post your comments.

I'll do my best to respond in turn in a timely manner. Have a great day!

The Very First Winner!

Not In Real Estate Any Longer — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 12:36:00 -0700

As a REALTOR® who specializes in helping people with pets I thought it fitting to have a photo contest. I hosted that contest on Facebook - www.facebook.com/petspetspetscontest and it was a huge success.

So many pet lovers entered their pets and it was wonderful communicating with like-minded individuals.

The contest ended on Midnight, September 6th and the winner (determined by how many "likes" he received) was a puppy named Dale.

Dale and his pets Jill and Brock were very happy to receive their $100.00 Global Pet Food Gift Certificate, as you can see by their picture below:

The second prize for this contest was an 18 x 24 mounted poster of the winning pet, which I will post about later.

----------------------

The first contest was so much fun I decided to have another.

There are a few changes from the first, such as three different categories - Cats, Dogs, Other Animals - and I have a panel of judges to determine the winning picture. Contest is still for those residing within 70km of the Kitchener-Waterloo area, but if you don't qualify to enter, don't let that stop you from coming by to take a look at the animals and chatting with other pet lovers.

*****************************************************************

Visit my Pets, Pets, Pets Facebook Group: Pets, Pets, Pets

Or Join in the Fun on the Pets, Pets, Pets Contest Page:

Pets, Pets, Pets Contest

Don't hesitate to ask questions or post your comments.

I'll do my best to respond in turn in a timely manner. Have a great day!

Buddy Up!

Not In Real Estate Any Longer — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 11:54:54 -0700

Open houses can be scary - for your sellers and for you. Safety and security should be your primary concern when hosting an open house.

To ease sellers' minds about having strangers wander through their homes, I've used a registry, but have met some hostile people who see my request for them to sign in as an infringement of their rights to privacy. One such gentlemen stormed out - later I found my open house signs destroyed.

Other agents have suggested when they are conducting tours they lock the door and put a sign on it to inform others that he/she will be right with them. I'm personally not fond of that idea. First I don't want to be locked in with strangers and secondly, I'm not sure the others would wait; thereby, defeating the purpose of an open house.

So last week I suggested to my broker that agents team up at open houses. I've always been a huge fan of the buddy system for safety. He was leery of the idea, thinking that people coming through would be intimidated. I stated that I had heard from others that surprisingly enough people seem more at ease. So he suggested I join him for his open house that weekend to see how it goes.

Three things of note happened using the buddy system at the open house:

The seller really got the sense that as a brokerage we were working hard for her and she felt secure knowing that if it got busy there would be enough eyes on her belongings.
Those touring the house were able to receive one-on-one attention and get their questions answered as soon as they asked them.
Because I was with the listing agent I learned more about the house by listening to him talk to others than I ever could by doing the open house on my own and then next day when I did the open house with a different agent, he was able to learn about the house from me.

The buddy system in an open house is a win-win for everyone.

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REALTOR® Commercial Wins Award

Not In Real Estate Any Longer — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 09:30:24 -0700

One of the most beneficial services that a REALTOR® has to offer is their negotiation skills and their ability to keep emotions out of the picture, so both buyer and seller walk away from the table satisfied.

To communicate this message, the Canadian Real Estate Association aired a TV commercial called the "Never-ending negotiations", which started on September 2009.

For those who haven't seen it, it was two couples sitting at the table trying to negotiate price. They passed a contract back and forth, and each time they did they aged from being in their 20's to their 40s then 60s, and then they were so old one of the husbands had passed out.

I thought this commercial was humorous and very effective in its message. And on June 9, 2010 so did Marketing Magazine's Marketing Awards, who awarded the commercial with a bronze in the single service category.

To view the commercial visit:

http://adsoftheworld.com/media/tv/canadian_real_estate_association_neverending_negotiation

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Her Name is Jasmine - YAAAAY - ADOPTED!!!!

Not In Real Estate Any Longer — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:54:25 -0700

My name is Jasmine! And I am a beautiful Calico Tabby cat. I have such unique colours, everyone stops at my adoption pod and says so. But then they keep going to look at the silly kittens in the next pod.

I keep my self clean, I try to show off my best angles, but still people want a kitten. I am 3 years old and already spayed. I would love to be the only pet in your home – with all this time spent here at the Centre, I am ready for some one-on-one attention with my new owner.

If you have time to share with me, Jasmine, come down and meet me!

Note: Posted with general permission from the K-W Humane Society to assist them with finding forever homes for their animals.

For more information about the K-W Humane Society visit: http://www.kwhumane.com/

To become a friend, visit: http://www.facebook.com/KitchenerWaterlooHumaneSociety

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Pets, Pets, Pets Contest

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The Ears Have It

Not In Real Estate Any Longer — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:35:41 -0700

Sunday was a great day to visit the Toronto Zoo. It was overcast and cool and the animals were lively. We got some great pictures!

Below is a partial picture of one of the zoo's residents. Can you guess which animal these ears belong to?

No clues for now. Let's see what you come up with on your own....

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Rabbits Are Many Things

Not In Real Estate Any Longer — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 16:42:40 -0700

I have been told before that rabbits are stupid; they don't do anything; they don't say anything. Well I'm here to say that that's not true.

Rabbits, can be trained like cats to use a litter box.
Rabbits know their names, but will either come when they're called or not - it depends if they see a purpose in doing so (like cats).
If you have two rabbits that get along one is usually the leader and one is the follower (like an alpha dog and his pack).
Rabbits lick (kiss) to show affection.
Rabbits "purr" when they're happy by clicking their teeth.
Rabbits run, jump and flip when they're really happy.
Rabbits have their absolute favourite foods - mine go nuts for dried apples.
Rabbits say "hi" by poking you with their noses.
Rabbits will also use their noses to move you if they feel you are invading their space.

And rabbits can solve problems. For example: Motley isn't fond of being picked up, but it was time to clean Motley and Christian's pen, which is a weekly thing. To do this I need to take their pen apart. Because of Joker's desire to make them squeak like one of his toys, I have to put them into their smaller red cage (the bottom of it used as Motley and Christian's "hole", as shown in the picture). Now usually, I remove their "hole" from their pen, put the top on that cage and then put them inside. But for the last three weeks, when Motley's seen me carry in the top of the cage, she's hopped into her hole, knowing that I will just put the top of the cage on and drag it out of the pen instead of lifting her into it.

Now, rabbits may be quiet, but they are definitely not stupid.

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Can Kelly Be Your New Pet?

Not In Real Estate Any Longer — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 10:25:41 -0700

Kelly is a 4-year old spayed female Doberman who is looking for a special home and a special owner. Kelly will do best in a home where she can be the pet getting all the attention! This means she wants to be the only pet in the house – no other cats or dogs - that also includes children.

The Doberman Pinscher is an energetic, elegant, fearless, loyal, and obedient dog who will make a devoted companion. Contrary to popular stereotypes, this breed is both gentle and protective. Dobermans make great service dog, and have been used to help disabled and elderly patients all over the world. They will also be very protective and defend their master at all costs. These dogs are like big, protective babies.

Kelly will be able to live up to the Doberman standards once she has time with her devoted owner and trainer. She will need help learning manners, but it isn’t her fault, her past owners didn’t care enough to train her properly.

This lovable girl is ready for a new home. Will it be with you?

Note: Posted with general permission from the K-W Humane Society to assist them with finding forever homes for their animals.

For more information about the K-W Humane Society visit: http://www.kwhumane.com/

To become a friend, visit: http://www.facebook.com/KitchenerWaterlooHumaneSociety

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Or Join in the Fun on the Pets, Pets, Pets Contest Page:

Pets, Pets, Pets Contest

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I'll do my best to respond in turn in a timely manner. Have a great day!