Friggin... eh! listen up Americans!!!... a Canadian wants to set the record straight. - 08/27/10 10:04 PM
In 2009, while phone interviewing Realtors for a buyer referral to Florida, I was confronted with a most upsetting agent, and was hurt by the conversation. Sara (not her real name) had the nerve to say that my buyers (and Canadians as a whole) were opportunists and poaching property due to the US economic situation. Actually, they owned manufacturing facilities in the United States, employed and supported the economy, and gave back generously to the local community. I wasn't about to enlighten her to this fact, I didn't think she deserved it.
I know in my heart that the majority of … (25 comments)

Baked 3,500 cookies with a message - 08/27/10 02:29 PM
This post is added for Blaine Callen in response to his Blog and thoughtful writing.
Its 2009 Christmas message that I inserted in every box of my homemade cookies to clients and friends.

His eyes were wide as he approached me for charity on an icy streetscape in old Montreal. He asked for a handout, some help, for some hope on this winter day. He was 30's or 40's, it was hard to tell by the weathered look on his face. He was certainly troubled and tortured by life and needing more than some small change. I reached in my pocket for a coin. … (3 comments)

Buyers Beware...4 Reasons why buyers should sign a Buyers Agency Agreement - 08/27/10 12:39 PM




Buyers owe themselves the best possible representation when dealing with a Realtor.... make their representative legally accountable.
Buyers and Agents have been walking a tightrope for years by not having an Agency relationship established before working with each other. I cannot fully comprehend why the practice still continues. For many years now our local Real Estate Board has made it mandatory to inform and establish a working relationship with all our clients before proceeding with them.
 I find that it's reasoning has been misunderstood by Agents and Buyers alike. It's very simple, and as this short video … (2 comments)

Selling Home? Prepare Your Kitchen! - 08/27/10 11:35 AM
Woodbridge, Ontario - Kitchens and Baths.
Here's more on the value of preparing your home for sale. It's always been acknowledged the Kitchens and Baths are important. Here's some food for thought on the topic.
If you need more insight... just let me help..
Sergio

Via Alec Kinnear (Canadian Real Estate Insights):
The value of your house can increase or reduce depending on what state it is in. Once you have decided to sell, you need to find out what you can do to improve the value and attract potential purchasers. Property agents, after all, have a plethora of examples of … (2 comments)

Woodbridge, Ontario - Russo Farms - 08/25/10 07:53 PM

What are we going to do now! If this market goes by the way of progress then it will be sorely missed. After 30 years in the same general vicinity (Weston Road and Major Mackenzie Drive) the owners and operators of this fine market are considering a change. "My mom will never sell but there will be a time when it will have to go... So claims Joanne Russo; daughter and co-operator of the market. "I'm getting tired of the demands..." she exclaims. Nevertheless, they're remaining for this summer. With an abundance of wonderful product all homegrown from their own … (0 comments)

Woodbridge, Ontario... Russo Farms... a local farmers market - 08/25/10 07:20 PM
 

What are we going to do now! If this market goes by the way of progress then it will be sorely missed. After 30 years in the same general vicinity (Weston Road and Major Mackenzie Drive) the owners and operators of this fine market are considering a change. "My mom will never sell but there will be a time when it will have to go... So claims Joanne Russo; daughter and co-operator of the market. "I'm getting tired of the demands..." she exclaims. Nevertheless, they're remaining for this summer. With an abundance of wonderful product all homegrown from their … (4 comments)

Thanks everyone!... but it's not my Birthday. - 08/25/10 05:01 PM
My dear lady felt it was time for me to finally have a surprise, to pull the wool over the eyes of the quintessential practical joker, surprise party planner extraordinaire whom she's about to marry; me.
Nella had been acting a bit secretive prior to the day. Since we work together it had become painfully obvious that her concentration level was slipping, and her competency was noticeably uncharacteristic. I was concerned; I thought the trials of the past few years had finally caught up to her. She would be out of breath, disoriented, and taking long sabbaticals in the washroom, in the … (5 comments)

Woodbridge Ontario -Sergio's No Limit 7K Walk/Run - I ran it and lived to tell the tale... - 08/24/10 07:28 AM
Alina joins the rain!!!
Awe! What a glorious way to start a new exercise plan. Heavy rains followed the group out of the park and onto the streets of Woodbridge, Ontario. Even though I selected a scenic route lined with mature trees adjacent to the famous Toronto Board of Trade Golf and Country Club on one side, and the Boyd Conservation Centre on the other, the weather made it a daunting challenge.
Alina Spektor, along with about 100 other brave souls, met us for the days' events in a relentless pursuit to raise awareness and funding for cancer research. Her attendance … (11 comments)

Don’t ever stop looking for the blessings - 08/19/10 01:07 AM
It's been an exciting few months. Six months to be exact. Planning and organizing my Walk n' Run event (Sergio's "No Speed Limit" 7K Walk n' Run), for the cancer research and care facility that's been helping me through this cancer thing. Finally, the shirts have been delivered and we're just days away from the fundraiser.  Last week it was TV news, tomorrow the local paper, and Sunday other media people will allow me and my participants to share the story.
It's really going to happen. From an idea that was conceived while still having a catheter in me, to booking … (16 comments)

Home Sick Home? Indoor Air Quality - 08/18/10 06:08 PM
Is your home making you sick?
The most common problem with unhealthy indoor air levels is the lack of ventilation. Regardless of the construction, the gases produced by flooring and furnishing, and radon concerns, good ventilation can help.
There are many proactive measures you can be take to prevent unhealthy air quality in your home. Eco friendly measures to lessen the toxic pollutants are now available. The topic and awareness is growing at an incredible rate, and there are solutions. Some very expensive, but others are very simple and cost friendly.
While sorting out what is best for you, try the … (2 comments)

I Won a Contest! Thank You Sergio and Active Rain! - 08/17/10 05:00 PM
Debra Walsh of Orange City, NY... Is the winner of my contest.
Thanks Debbie...

Via Debra Walsh Orange Cty NY Real Estate 845.928.8000 (Keller Williams Realty Goshen, NY - Realtor):
So today I stopped by the post office as I often do between appointments and had a nice surprise.  I had a package waiting from Canada!  So while I waited for them to scan it at the post office etc...I tried to figure out what it was.
    For a moment I was puzzled - who was sending me goodies from another country??  Al and Peg? Jenny?  Not that I … (4 comments)

4 Golden Rules nets a nomination for Ontario Home Builders SAM Award for best decorated model home - 08/14/10 10:13 AM
Woodbridge On-Award Winning Decorating              
Woodbridge, On. (Vaughan) This is the best example of creating a modern lifestyle through the use of materials and textures that I've seen in a long time. My friend Michelle has the creative edge to place everything important, in it's proper place, and create a masterpiece in living space. She has the passion to turn any canvas into a spectacle of eye candy that stimulates all the senses.
 
From past experiences with this Staging Professional (Artist), I know she was fruggle in her purchases, but never compromising on quality nor wasteful in her selections. More isn't always better... well enough … (0 comments)

Want To Test The Market? It Doesn't Work That Way - The Market Tests You! - 08/12/10 08:24 PM
So you think you can trick the market?
Chances are that the real estate industry is a little bit more organized and sophisticated than you think. All parties to the transaction have historical information, current comparables and a legally responsible agency in place to protect Buyer's interests. 
Banks and their appraisers say too high, they don't lend on the purchase price, only the appraisal. Therefore, more happens behind the scene to safeguard the fair sale price, not just a list price.
Exceptions to the rule do exist; a special property with incomparable features, or a superior location, holds a unique value … (2 comments)

CANADIAN BACON (an American love affair) - 08/11/10 09:45 PM
Everyone knows that Americans love Canadian bacon. That most famous breakfast sandwich that's driven people to early morning drive thru's, to amazing burgers topped with this pork delicacy.
So in keeping with this love for the Canadian topper, I've started this Active Rain Group. Being an American creation for the real estate industry, Active Rain and most of its membership is focused on the American culture and its own diversities.
AR is a superb forum for understanding the regional; state, city, and town specific nuances of the Real Estate business within its own borders. My thoughts are that both Canadians and … (9 comments)

How To Attract Buyers to Your Home Immediately! - 08/11/10 01:41 AM
So you're confident that your home is ready for marketing to the public? Sometimes we lose objectivity with the look of our own home when it comes to loose ends. Homeowners cannot have the range of comparisons that a savvy Realtor possesses in making a property attractive. This is why it's very important to choose a professional that can bring Buyers in immediately.
Personally, I use a home staging professional to consult with my Sellers (in most cases I pay for the initial consultation), in order for the Seller to experience this type of service. Home Staging is still a relatively … (14 comments)

Buttermilk Baked Chicken - 08/05/10 07:59 PM
My favourite breaded chicken dish.... when I'm trying to stay away from fried foods.
Served with slaw or potato salad, this chicken dinner will feel like an indoor picnic. Any leftover chicken will make a great school lunch. Dip the chicken pieces in the buttermilk batter, and then roll them in a mixture of breadcrumbs, thyme, and cheese; they'll be crunchy on the outside, moist and tender on the inside.

Directions
•1.   Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Generously rub a baking sheet with oil. In a food processor, pulse bread until it turns into coarse crumbs.
•2.   In a large … (20 comments)

How I learned to stop worrying... and love the kitchen! - 08/04/10 09:56 PM
Hello to all the Active Rain Groups that talk about food and cooking.... I love you guys....
I just wanted to introduce myself to these groups and personally thank you all for this wonderful forum to share the love of Cooking and all things food. I've seen many of you have the same food related addiction as I do. It's nice to know that a twelve step program isn't available yet for compulsive cooking.
I do a lot of cooking and love to share it with my friends and family, and clients.... For my birthday, people who know me well avoid getting me pens, … (12 comments)

That dog can hunt!!! (When instinct meets intuition) - 08/01/10 08:37 AM
As anyone who's owned or hunted with a dog knows... either the boy hunts, or he won't hunt. The dog either has it in him, or he's a lost cause.
What's the determining factor? Is it breeding or training? Breeding enhances the odds of producing a winner and training is meant to bring out the best of the hunter. There are so many reasons, all valid, but summed up it's a critical mix of instinct and intuition that makes a good hunting dog. 
My dog Remy can hunt. He took to training immediately and displayed the instinct and passion that made … (26 comments)

 
Applefest_sept_26-10_28_ Rainmaker_large

Sergio DePinto

Vaughan, ON

More about me…

Re/Max Premier Inc. - Greater Toronto Area

Address: 9000 Jane Street,Bldg L, Suite #77, Vaughan, On, L4K 0A4

Office Phone: (905) 605-2900

Email Me

My Insights on Real Estate in Vaughan, the Greater Toronto Area, the industry, and the Buying and Selling public. Discussing the responsibilities, duties of the Realtor to his clients, the community, and the world. This Blog takes a heartfelt look at Real Estate beyond the product and focuses on the people being served and those servicing them.


Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog

Find ON real estate agents and Vaughan real estate on ActiveRain.