Considerations When Buying Your First Home - 07/29/09 02:49 PM
CONSIDERATIONS FOR BUYING A HOME
Before you begin viewing properties make a list of "must haves".
Consider location, style and amenities. 
Don't view too many properties in one day.
When you find a property you like, visit it at different times during the day.
Walk or drive past the property before going inside.
Don't be put of by interior decoration --- it can be changed.
Establish what is included in the sale - land, furniture, appliances etc.
Determine the annual property taxes.
Ask how much utility bills cost each month.
And don't … (1 comments)

It's Open House Day! - 07/26/09 08:22 AM
Here we are again. Sunday afternoon and it's beautiful and sunny. Let's hope today is the day the perfect buyer for this property arrives to make a deal.
I have heard in the past from others in the business that open houses aren't the way to sell a home. But from my experience open houses are never a bad idea.
Common complaints I have heard about open houses and why they don't work are:
1. "They only attract nosy neighbors"  Personally... I think  nosy neighbors are our greatest asset. First off, they live in the neighborhood. They may have a family member … (0 comments)

REAL ESTATE HORROR STORIES - 07/24/09 10:19 AM
Like all first-time homebuyers, Sarmishta Subramanian was giddy with excitement when she arrived to officially take possession of her house. But her giddiness turned to irritation when she discovered that the previous owner had left bags of garbage strewn across the front porch. She became even angrier when she saw that he'd taped a "Please don't let the cats out" sign on the front door. But when she peered beyond the sign into the house, the Toronto resident was outraged: the seller's furniture, boxes and more garbage were still inside- not to mention his cats! He hadn't even begun to move … (2 comments)

I Will Sell This House Today! - 07/24/09 09:15 AM
I WILL SELL THIS HOUSE TODAY!!
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This is something I say to myself on my way into every open house (although maybe I am not as manic as Carolyn Burnham...lol) I do keep this belief in the back of my mind.
Positive thinking is very powerful. For some reason it works for many people. Maybe it has something to do with how your state of mind effects how hard you work. Or maybe it's the air around you that just makes things go your way. I don't know.. but I am very sure that it works.
Sometimes in this business it's … (2 comments)

Understanding the Time Limits of a Real Estate Transaction - 07/22/09 08:14 PM
Buying or selling your home is a very stressful thing. Probably one of the most stressful yet exhilirating things you will ever experience.
And as many other intense things in your life, adding a deadline into the mix really turns up the heat.
In every real estate transaction there are time limits. For the sanity (and protection) of all concerned, they really need to be adheared to. Throughout my career in real estate (not all that long.. but full of transactions) I have come across quite a few people who don't understand these time limits and it has become an issue … (1 comments)

How To Distinguish Yourself From The Competition - 07/22/09 07:05 AM
A Must Read...
Via Larry Easto (Real Estate Marketing Link):
Your personal brand is your unique combination of attributes that distinguishes you from the competition.
It also helps attract prospects.
You Really Are Distinctive
As a real estate agent you are distinctive...no other agent has the same combination of skills and resources that you offer to clients.
Many factors contribute to your uniqueness.
These factors include:
your combination of personal traits and characteristics your interests and values how you serve clients differently than anyone else the value that you deliver to clients the benefits that you deliver to clients what you … (0 comments)

Summer In The City Of London - 07/17/09 09:49 PM
The nice weather is HERE!! (most of the time) So the first thing you want to do is GET THE HECK OUTTA THE HOUSE AND ENJOY IT!! But what should you do??
Living in such a great city as us Londoner's do, this is never a very difficult task!
The Londonlicious Festival                 
Londonlicious kicks off its premiere Friday, July 10th to Thursday, July 23rd 2009, showcasing many of the city's great restaurants. It's a great chance to allow London's residents to try a diversity of delicious culinary experiences in the downtown area. The festival is geared toward promoting the smaller independent … (0 comments)

Recession Over For Canada? - 07/14/09 09:45 AM
Canada's painful recession appears close to an end after the economy received two key votes of confidence Monday suggesting the turnaround - albeit modest - is just around the corner.
The Bank of Canada's summer survey of businesses revealed a surprisingly upbeat mood among Canada's leading executives, with 61 per cent expecting improved conditions and 39 per cent planning to start hiring in the upcoming 12 months.
And the Conference Board of Canada's newest quarterly forecast calls for the recession to finally end this summer, setting the stage for a better-than expected 2.7-per-cent output rebound next year.
Both reports confirm the … (0 comments)

Home Renovation Tax Credit 101 - 07/13/09 09:49 PM
Home improvements during an economic recession? And an ever-softening real estate market? Are you kidding? The Canadian government's 2009 Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) may just be the stimulus homeowners need to get back into the home improvement game. With tax credits of up to $1,350, beleaguered homeowners can get some relief when they take on eligible fixer-upper projects totaling $1,000 to $10,000 between now and the taxation year ending February 1, 2010. As with anything in life, however, there’s some fine print. styleathome.com waded through it so you won’t have to. Here’s what you need to know to cash in … (0 comments)

Get Rid of Solicitation Phone Calls - FOREVER! - 07/13/09 07:58 PM
This is FANTASTIC!! As usual! I suggest you subscribe to his blog!
Via Greg Nino Houston Texas (RE/MAX West Houston Professionals):
Are you tired of fast talking salesmen from companies like Leap Fish and Get My Homes Value.com calling you over & over again? Are you irrated with their same old pitch promising top Google placement? Sure you are! How would you like to NEVER, EVER hear from them or anyone else that was bothering you again?
Now you can....
The solution is sooo much fun. Simply visit? www.youmail.com
The website is FREE.
1. You can set up different voicemails for different incoming callers. The website … (0 comments)

First Time Buyer's Rule The Current Housing Market - 07/13/09 07:53 PM
If you've been thinking about buying your first home or condo, but have been hesitating because of fears about falling prices and the shrinking economy, the time to act may well be now. According to a recent panel of financial and real estate experts convened by the Bank of Montreal (BMO) as part of its launch of a new information kit for first-time homebuyers, the recent market offers some genuine opportunities for first-timers. The panel did not mince words when it came to the near-collapse of the residential market over the last year or so. BMO senior economist Sal Guatierri pointed … (0 comments)

Tips On Buying A Condo - 07/13/09 12:09 PM
Condo's have more benefits then you may realize. Especially when starting out as a first time buyer. Think of it this way, you have no roof to worry about, no new windows! You don't have to cut grass or shovel the snow!! You will also save on having to purchase outdoor yard materials such as a lawn mower or heavy duty shovel for those Canadian winters!!
They are also quite affordable. So if you are considering purchasing a condo..read this!!

Before you start1 Hire a professional realtor to help with the buying process. It costs you nothing, since the seller … (0 comments)

Top 10 Home Buyer Turn Offs - 07/13/09 11:58 AM
Learn how to avoid making your home a turn-off when you're looking to sell.In many cities across Canada, the real estate market has cooled noticeably from the heady days of a year ago. There is a growing inventory of houses on the market, and buyers are much choosier than ever before. If you're planning to sell, it's important that you put your very best foot forward, if you want to sell quickly and at a decent price.Toronto real estate agent Matt Dawson of Chestnut Park Real Estate has seen some amazing blunders by sellers. Here's his take on some of the … (1 comments)

Affordable Family Home In Trafalgar Heights London ON $184,900 - 07/13/09 11:56 AM

 
125 Burnside Dr London $184,900
Just what you have been waiting for! This modern family home offers everything you need at an affordable price. Nestled on a treed lot this 3 bedroom 2 bath brick ranch has an update main floor with freshly painted walls in neutral tones. New trim and an updated bath. High end laminate floors and a cozy kitchen. Step out onto a raised wooden deck over looking a deep yard with patio and inground pool. Enjoy the privately fenced yard and bbq's with a natural gas hook up. Walking distance to schools. This is the … (0 comments)

Create Your Own Experiences - 07/09/09 10:02 PM
Stephen Covey.. Always Inspiring.
Via Lou Ludwig CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC, e-PRO, (Ludwig & Associates):
  
Motivational Power Quote
 
Create Your Own Experiences
 
"If you're proactive,
you don't have to wait for circumstances
or other people to create
perspective expanding experiences.
You can consciously create your own."
Stephen Covey
  
As I see it. . . . . . . .
Create your own experiences.
Don't wait for circumstances to happen; create them.  
Opportunities don't happen by waiting for them, be proactive and make your own opportunities.
Be proactive and create your circumstances and your opportunities. 
Take the … (0 comments)

Your Opinion Of Realtor.ca (formerly mls.ca) - 07/09/09 09:56 PM
We live in the information age. People know what they want and they know how to get it. With internet virtually at everyone's finger tips, consumers are able to sit at home and search available real estate in the privacy of their own homes. Without those "pesky" realtors breathing down their necks!
In some instances I really like the public site. It allows the client to weed through everything and send me their "fine tuned" wish list.
But on the other hand it drives me banana's! An example, (at least where we are from) the public site doesn't run in real … (1 comments)

Tips for optimizing your Facebook fan pages - 07/09/09 09:39 PM

Via Rich Rogala - Real Estate Marketing Coach (Consistent Clients):
Facebook Fan Pages are a great tool for real estate agents to use for marketing themselves online. They allow you to make personal connections, on a very extended basis. You can create one on one conversations with many people at a time. Hopefully you’ve already set one up for yourself (if not, here’s a post on the basics of a Facebook fan page).
Here are some more tips for optimizing your Facebook fan page so it works even harder for you!
1. The more active your Facebook fan page is (through comments, … (0 comments)

Need Help Handling the Pressures Of Buying? - 07/08/09 12:08 PM
The best thing about morning could be the first cup of coffee. Or a nice, hot shower. I love it because it's the only time of day when my life comes close to resembling a TV commercial. you know the ones I'm talking about, where the annoyingly beautiful/handsome model (who's suppose to look like an ordinary person) trudges into the shower, smells the soap, dances around for a while and leaves all ready to take on the entire free world?
Just once, wouldn't you like to see the model experience really poor water pressure? That would put a damper on things, … (0 comments)

Cheesy Realtor Ads - 07/08/09 11:49 AM
I read this blog and the ad and it made me smile! So much so, I had to reblog it!
Via Erica Ramus, Broker / Realty Executives / 570-622-6006:
I stumbled across this site today that had me laughing ... because this is SO TRUE.
There is actually a blog out there dedicated to really bad realtor ads.
Check it out!
The site is called The Official Real”ad”tor Awards and its webpage states:
"Here at the Real”ad”tor Awards headquarters we are working around the clock to showcase the most superb talent from the men and women in the Real Estate advertising world. Together … (0 comments)

STILL AVAILABLE!! North London Family Home NOW $269,900 - 07/08/09 11:44 AM
 
987 Crosscreek Ct London NOW $269,900
Absolutely stunning 2.5 storey, 3 + 1 bedroom with spacious loft on quiet cul de sac in Killaly Glen. Situated on a premium lot with $40k in upgrades. Elegant master suite located on second floor with vaulted ceilings and private washroom. Composite wood patio overlooking professionally landscaped yard. Pride of ownership shows!
OPEN SUNDAY JULY 19th 2009 2-4pm SEE YOU THERE!
As always, please visit our website for more details on this or other properties available.
 
www.two-realtors.com
… (0 comments)

Learn From The Best! - 07/08/09 11:38 AM
Learning something new everyday is our number one priority. We make it a point to find new opportunities and avenues to learn from.
The best way to do this is to learn from the best! If we want to be the best, we have to do what the best does!
Being a part of such a dynamic and knowledgable team like Realty Executives Elite Ltd in London ON makes this easy!
Everyday in our office we are surrounded by what we perceive as "the best in the business!" ( and I am sure we are not alone in this perception.) So … (0 comments)

First Time Home Buyer's - 07/08/09 11:33 AM
Purchasing a home can be a very overwhelming experience for anyone... especially for a first timer.. there are so many things you don't think of.. that wouldn't dream of thinking of. You have never been involved in this type of transaction before and in most cases, you have no idea how real estate/home buying even works.
I have compiled a check list of important things to be aware of and things you should do while preparing for you first home purchase. These things are merely suggestions based on experiences I have had with First Time Buyer's in the past.
"Am I … (1 comments)

Helping Buyers And Sellers Get Together - 07/08/09 11:18 AM
Dear Friend:
Adding the right ingredients in just the right order is the way a great cook prepares a signature dish for an important event. We work hard as a REALTORS to add all the right ingredients professionalism, preparation and persistence - to help buyers get ready for their most important event ever: moving into their new home.
My goal is to help buyers and the sellers get together. Our  signature is our  commitment to do the very best that we can.
Please let me know if you or a neighbour would consider selling your home in the near future.
 
… (0 comments)

TOP TEAM FOR 2008 - THANKS TO ALL OF YOU! - 07/07/09 03:32 PM
Thanks to all of the support of our clients we have won the award of TOP TEAM for 2008.Without your support we would have no team!So thanks to all of you and here's to TOP TEAM 2009!

Dan and Rachael Polakovic
Sales Representatives Realty Executives Elite Ltd Brokerage

… (0 comments)

Think Big And Kick A** In Business And In Life!! - 07/07/09 03:19 PM
                    
       The Following is an excerpt from the most inspiring book I have ever read. And I
am a "self help" book JUNKIE! Especially when it comes to entrepenuers and ways to improve in my business and in real estate in general. The book is titled THINK BIG AND KICK ASS IN BUSINESS AND IN LIFE!" By Donald Trump.
The entire book is chalk full of great tips and and power boosting, make you wanna run out and be the next Donald Trump stories and scenarios. But this specific paragraph hit a nerve. Maybe because I was struggling with a … (0 comments)

London Sales Jump Nearly Five Percent June 2009 - 07/07/09 02:55 PM
 
LONDON - July 2, 2009
June sales jump nearly five per cent

Last month, 946 homes exchanged hands in the jurisdiction of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR), a 4.5-per-cent increase over June 2008. This includes 767 detached homes (up 6.5 per cent from June 2008) and 179 condos (down 3.2 per cent from June 2008). Year to date, 3,296 detached homes and 756 condos have been sold - down 11 per cent and 20 per cent respectively compared to the same period in 2008.
Sales in St. Thomas are stabilizing - 90 homes exchanged hands … (0 comments)

North London Investment Property $89,900 - 07/07/09 12:09 PM

1445 Huron St London Ontario $89,900
Excellent investment opportunity. Fully rented 2 bedroom condo in the perfect location. Close to bus, shopping and walk to Fanshawe. Unit currently rented at $735 plus utilities. Unit completely updated with new flooring and windows. In unit laundry.
As always you can visit our website for more information on this or other properties available in London and surrounding areas.
www.two-realtors.com
 
Dan and Rachael Polakovic
Sales Representatives
Realty Executives Elite Ltd Brokerage
DIRECT: 519-854-7626
rachaelpolakovic@rogers.com
… (0 comments)

East London Investment Opportunity $194,900 - 07/07/09 12:05 PM

 
387 Edmonton St London Ontario  $194,900
Biggest Bang for your investment BUCK! Completely renovated in 2009. Owner occupied duplex. Lower unit rented at $900.00 plus utilities. Live cheaper then rent. Great neighborhood. Close to all amenities. See it to believe it.
This opportunity won't last long.
MLS # 442686
As always you can visit our website for more information on this and other properties available.
www.two-realtors.com
 
… (0 comments)

Client Comments and Suggestions - 07/06/09 10:06 AM
 
Dear Clients Past and Present:
 
My company and I strive to provide the best service possible but, as former Mother of the Year, Louise Heath Leber, once said, "There's always room for improvement, you know, it's the biggest room in the house!"
If you see any specific areas in which you think we could improve our service, I'd really appreciate hearing from you.
Feel free to call anytime, or just jot a comment or two right on the bottom of this letter. Your opinion matters to me and your input will make a difference. I guarantee it!
Thanks for … (0 comments)

HAPPY CANADA DAY! - 07/01/09 01:00 PM
 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CANADA!!
Canada Day is an opportunity to gather in our communities, from coast to coast to coast, and to proudly celebrate all we have in common. It is an opportunity to celebrate our achievements, which were born in the audacious vision and shared values of our ancestors, and which are voiced in nearly all of the languages of the world through the contribution of new Canadians.
Canada Day is a time to celebrate the heritage passed down to us through the works of our authors, poets, artists and performers. It is a time to rejoice in the discoveries … (0 comments)

 
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Dan and Rachael Polakovic London Ontario Real Estate Professional

London, ON

More about me…

Realty Executives Elite Ltd Brokerage

Address: 7-515 Wellington Rd S, London, ON, n6c4r3

Office Phone: (519) 649-6900

Cell Phone: (519) 854-7626

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