sergio depinto: Don’t ever stop looking for the blessings
- 08/18/10 06:07 PM
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)
sergio depinto: Home Sick Home? Indoor Air Quality
- 08/18/10 11:08 AM
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)
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 knew of. See what happens when you have too much stuff on your mind. I … (4 comments)
sergio depinto: 4 Golden Rules nets a nomination for Ontario Home Builders SAM Award for best decorated model home
- 08/14/10 03:13 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)
sergio depinto: Want To Test The Market? It Doesn't Work That Way - The Market Tests You!
- 08/12/10 01:24 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)
sergio depinto: How To Attract Buyers to Your Home Immediately!
- 08/10/10 06:41 PM
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)
sergio depinto: Buttermilk Baked Chicken
- 08/05/10 12:59 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)
sergio depinto: How I learned to stop worrying... and love the kitchen!
- 08/04/10 02:56 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)
sergio depinto: That dog can hunt!!! (When instinct meets intuition)
- 08/01/10 01:37 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)
Remaining informed in order to share the market conditions with my clients. Today is filled with optimism for the future of our economy and the real estate market. Reading between the lines of the commentary, and interpreting the indicators that some analyst supply is daunting. This little announcement supplied by one of my partners, is straight to the point. We're all having to settle down and be patient with the recovery. We will see swells and dips for the next little while but the bottom line is a healthy future. Be prudent with your buying and selling decisions and rely … (5 comments)
sergio depinto: Mortgage Insurance in Canada: Questions
- 07/27/10 09:32 PM
I'm asked all the time. The question of mortgage insurance is discussed with every real estate transaction that involves financing. I embrace the topic because of the multitude of options available to the homeowner; the products are many and a good Realtor should be informed when discussing the topic. I'm very well informed of the pros and cons with purchasing this insurance through your Lender and very proactive in helping my client's choose the right product. Each situation and every client's circumstances are unique and I hesitate to offer a coverall opinion of mortgage insurance. The post below is a good discussion on … (0 comments)
sergio depinto: Undeveloped Areas Offer Opportunities For Those Investing In Vaughan Real Estate
- 07/27/10 01:37 PM
Very Interesting look at what is happening in Vaughan. Most importantare the developing real estate housing trends that has seen numerous townhome and low raise condominium apartment starts. Watch for more of the same in the next few years as empty Nester's choose upscale smaller accommodations. Stay tuned for more details on the upcoming trends north of Toronto. Sergio DePinto
Even though the housing market has been hurt by a drop in buyer confidence resulting in housing sales to decrease around the world, places such as Vaughan, Ontario the City Above Toronto," are witnessing a healthy recovery, which is resulting … (0 comments)
sergio depinto: Why bake cookies? This one's on me......
- 07/26/10 05:06 AM
I've baked thousands of cookies for my Real Estate clients, friends, and family over the years. It seems they never get tired of seeing me arrive at the door with my yearly Christmas tin of sweet treats. I usually start baking in November to prepare for Decembers pop-by's. It's a labour of Love that is so well received that I cannot imagine switching to another type of gift giving. I'm going to give something back to the ActiveRain community in appreciation for all the nice comments, phone calls and emails regarding my cookie baking adventures, and my message inserts. It seems … (23 comments)
sergio depinto: Canada lending rate up, but some mortgage rates lowered
- 07/23/10 08:36 AM
A good Realtor should keep Banks on their toes... Sergio De Pinto What the Bank of Canada does and what the Lenders (Banks, and others) are 2 very different things. The game plans for mortgage ratesare based on many factors having to do with money availability, timing, news, and customer perception. Trying to sort it out is difficult because the rules keep changing. Please contact me if you need help to figure out the current reality... and I'll give you the straight goods on what is available, and what the short term and long term projections really mean to you. Sergio … (0 comments)
Making a Real Estate Transition As a Senior (55 Plus Years)Making a decision to move into a 55 Plus community or to downsize is not an easy decision for many people. Often this transition occurs because something happens in a person's life that makes them seriously reconsider their present living situation, and often in a rushed fashion. The better scenario would be to make the change when you are not pressured and you are excited about a change in where you will be living next.Recognition and acceptance of the aging process is the key here. Caring for the same … (1 comments)
sergio depinto: Remember wood... it's made from trees... no really!
- 07/21/10 06:21 AM
Plastics has its place, it's a desirable alternative to many traditional materials used in recent home construction. The evolution of composite materials used for flooring, joists, roofing, wall studs, windows and doors, it's no wonder we see wood products slowly disappearing from residential construction. What really surprises me is how quickly home-buyers embrace and value the newer products. Look at them shiny laminate floors you can skate on... brilliant marketing to get this stuff into homes. I think it's because the majority of consumers are part of the second and third generation of living with the non-wood items. Think about it … (10 comments)
sergio depinto: Bank of Canada ~ Quarter Point Increase
- 07/20/10 01:00 PM
Another central bank move to steady the economic recovery... Not to worry! Chances are that it might not effect your buyer power in the Greater Toronto Area. Please contact me if you have any questions... Sergio DePinto
Bank of Canada Increases Bank Rate By Brian Madigan LL.B.(Ontario Real Estate Source)The Bank of Canada hiked its key interest rate by a quarter point, 20 July 2010. A similar increase took place in June. The Bank noted that it "expects the economic recovery in Canada to be more gradual than it had projected in...April, with growth of 3.5 per cent in … (1 comments)
sergio depinto: I must be dreaming… we’re so lucky!
- 07/15/10 12:42 AM
I had a dream that I was working for a small company in some capacity...no idea what they or I did, or in what industry I was involved. The dream was about me being been fired from my position; unfairly, I might add. In the dream, I was confused and momentarily concerned about my future and how I was going to make a living. I've been self employed since the age 25, I don't have a resume, or CV (still don't get that), and have no desire to become an employee. This is so weird.... Once awakened enough to contemplate a second … (20 comments)
sergio depinto: Doorknocking 101 (as taught to me by my Insurance agent)
- 07/14/10 11:46 AM
Who the heck are you? In 1997, I received a letter informing me that my family Insurance agent had retired, and my account was given to a stranger. I was turned off by the fact his office didn't know my family name when I called. I had to spell my name a few times before they found me on the system. ‘The system? ' I was now on a system! Remember it was 1997, and this statement was as impersonal a comment that anyone could utter, still is. Since my family had been dealing with the same agent since 1965, … (8 comments)
sergio depinto: The power of cookies... a follow up post.
- 07/13/10 09:28 AM
Want to make it big? One article in a National publication got me some notoriety and dozens of inquires on my cookie recipes. So it's time for me to share them with you. Stan Albert liked them so much that I had to provide seconds and third helpings. Christmas is only 5 months away- what are you waiting for? Write to me and I will happily pass on my special treat instruction manual. Or better yet! Send me your favorite cookie recipe in your comment for this post, and I'll comment back a mine.... Happy Baking!
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.
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.
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