I'm up early this morning and couldn't get back to sleep....a rare phenomena for me! I like to sleep in! So, figured I'd spend some time updating things here.
Alison, Kathi and I are in full swing at the Grand Lofts at 25 Concession St. now. We've got the pictures and virtual tour done. We had a professional come in and do them (jury may still be out, but I think I still like my own better! :).
So, take a peek http://www.venturehomes.ca/VirtualTour.asp?TourID=16428
The model at 25 Concession St. is open Sat, Sun, Mon 2-4, and Wed 5-7. Come and check it out! (I'm there tomorrow!)
This morning I'm heading to meet S&T at a model home as they prepare to put a deposit down on a new home. Often buyers go into model homes and feel that the expected process is that you just deal with the agent at the model. One thing to remember is that the agent there is working for the seller/developer not you. There is the odd builder that will give you a better deal if you don't bring your own agent in, but nowadays those builders are rare in KW. The benefit of bringing your own agent in is that although there is very little room to negotiate with new home prices, sometimes there is with upgrades. And having your own agent gives you an objective opinion on the builder you're contemplating, the pros/cons of the floor plan or upgrades you may be choosing. Also, which updates are better done with the builder and which are better done on your own after possession. And generally, having someone with your best interests in mind as you walk thru the process is a real asset. Certainly, if you're considering purchasing new it's still wise to call your own agent (well, me, of course! :).
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Great People I refer to....
As you know, I receive most of my business through referrals. Clients, friends, acquaintances, letting others know that I am a real estate agent and that I'm good! :)
I, in turn, find this practice to be very important in how I deal with others as well. Nothing makes me happier than to pass on the name of a professional whom I have had a good experience with for someone else to experience.
And in my line of work I'm often asked for the name of a good professional or trades person that you can rely on. Some of these are real estate related...and some not! Generally, I feel that if someone gives me outstanding customer service and does their job well, then they deserve to be referred!
Just be sure to let them know that I referred you to them! :) Here are just a few to get you started.....I'll add more to this as time goes on....
FLOORING:
Fred Ayoubi - Factory Flooring 519-571-0550
- Dave and I (that's hubby) have used Fred a number of times of the years. We were pleasantly surprised that the carpet installers 6 yrs after the first time we used them were still the same guys! Quality work for sure! Factory Flooring has competitive prices (and they'll match other companies if you find a sale) and I've had great experiences with their installers.
Just tell Fred you want the best Krista rate he can give you!....he'll laugh, but he will be kind!
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Click Photography - Christine Kufske http://www.clickphotography.ca/
- I have hired Christine to do my business pics, and family pics.....a few times! LOVE HER! Great to work with, great sense of humour and she has a real talent for photography.
She'll go to where ever you want her to as well! She did my biz pics in my living room.....just cuz she liked it!
HOME INSPECTIONS:
Denise Larocque - Amerispec http://www.amerispecnet.ca/lma/story.cfm?story=news&headline=Meet_the_office
I've had the opportunity to follow many home inspectors in the past few years. Some of them great and some of them....not so great.... Usually I recommend a few to my clients so they can choose for themselves. Denise's name is always passed along. She has a real knack for explaining things really well, especially to first time buyers. She's also very good about being quite realistic about issues that pop up. Not afraid to point out the "scarier" ones, but definitely in such a way that is objective and informational.
JEWELLERY:
Jennifer http://www.justperfectdesigns.com/
I've got a new addiction to Jennifer's jewellery! Yep, all the teachers this year are getting 'em! (ok, except for the male teacher....his wife might appreciate it, but he's getting movie tickets instead!)
Jennifer designs the jewellery, makes it, and it's all out of sterling silver and great prices. You might have caught her at the Waterloo Arts Festival last weekend or seen her Jewellery in and around KW and St. Jacob's. Check out her website and see what she's got! And if you have something specific in mind, don't be afraid to ask her to design something. She's working on a piece for our Breastperate Housewives Team (we walk for the Run for the Cure for Breast Cancer in the fall) to sell and raise money for research (stay tuned...once it's available I'll be sure to mention it again!)
Looking for someone for a specific job? Don't hesitate to pop me an email and I'd be happy to pass along the name of someone I know who does a great job! And if you know someone looking at buying or selling a property, please pass along my name! :) Thx!
I, in turn, find this practice to be very important in how I deal with others as well. Nothing makes me happier than to pass on the name of a professional whom I have had a good experience with for someone else to experience.
And in my line of work I'm often asked for the name of a good professional or trades person that you can rely on. Some of these are real estate related...and some not! Generally, I feel that if someone gives me outstanding customer service and does their job well, then they deserve to be referred!
Just be sure to let them know that I referred you to them! :) Here are just a few to get you started.....I'll add more to this as time goes on....
FLOORING:
Fred Ayoubi - Factory Flooring 519-571-0550
- Dave and I (that's hubby) have used Fred a number of times of the years. We were pleasantly surprised that the carpet installers 6 yrs after the first time we used them were still the same guys! Quality work for sure! Factory Flooring has competitive prices (and they'll match other companies if you find a sale) and I've had great experiences with their installers.
Just tell Fred you want the best Krista rate he can give you!....he'll laugh, but he will be kind!
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Click Photography - Christine Kufske http://www.clickphotography.ca/- I have hired Christine to do my business pics, and family pics.....a few times! LOVE HER! Great to work with, great sense of humour and she has a real talent for photography.
She'll go to where ever you want her to as well! She did my biz pics in my living room.....just cuz she liked it!
HOME INSPECTIONS:
Denise Larocque - Amerispec http://www.amerispecnet.ca/lma/story.cfm?story=news&headline=Meet_the_office
I've had the opportunity to follow many home inspectors in the past few years. Some of them great and some of them....not so great.... Usually I recommend a few to my clients so they can choose for themselves. Denise's name is always passed along. She has a real knack for explaining things really well, especially to first time buyers. She's also very good about being quite realistic about issues that pop up. Not afraid to point out the "scarier" ones, but definitely in such a way that is objective and informational.
JEWELLERY:
Jennifer http://www.justperfectdesigns.com/
I've got a new addiction to Jennifer's jewellery! Yep, all the teachers this year are getting 'em! (ok, except for the male teacher....his wife might appreciate it, but he's getting movie tickets instead!)
Jennifer designs the jewellery, makes it, and it's all out of sterling silver and great prices. You might have caught her at the Waterloo Arts Festival last weekend or seen her Jewellery in and around KW and St. Jacob's. Check out her website and see what she's got! And if you have something specific in mind, don't be afraid to ask her to design something. She's working on a piece for our Breastperate Housewives Team (we walk for the Run for the Cure for Breast Cancer in the fall) to sell and raise money for research (stay tuned...once it's available I'll be sure to mention it again!)
Looking for someone for a specific job? Don't hesitate to pop me an email and I'd be happy to pass along the name of someone I know who does a great job! And if you know someone looking at buying or selling a property, please pass along my name! :) Thx!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Eco-Energy Audits
Eco-Energy Audits:
Do you own a house that's 15, 20, 25+ yrs old? Then listen up! There's free money to be had!
Did you know that you can collect money from government grants just for doing upgrades to your house that you'd likely be doing anyway! If you're thinking about replacing a furnace, air conditioner, windows don't do it before looking into getting an Eco-Energy audit. Basically how it works is that you hire a qualified inspector (ie. Amerispec is a great company!). They come in and assess your home and give you recommendations as to how to make your home more eco-energy friendly. You then have an 18 month period to do some or all of these recommendations. Call the inspector back and they apply for the appropriate grants on your behalf. The cool thing is that the provincial government will match what the federal government s offering. And in March of this yr they upped their grants by 25%!
Does it work? Well, that's just say that if you're planning on doing the reno's anyway, you can use the grants to put in more eco-energy friendly products (ie. higher efficiency furnaces, energy star windows) without the extra cost. I've had some clients who ended up getting more money back than the reno's cost because they did it themselves (ie. in the case of adding extra insulation).
Check it out for yourself and certainly if you have questions or would like me to recommend a qualified inspector just let me know!
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/home-improvement.cfm?attr=0
http://www.en.amerispec.ca/specialty-services/new-ecoenergy-retrofit-initiative
Do you own a house that's 15, 20, 25+ yrs old? Then listen up! There's free money to be had!
Did you know that you can collect money from government grants just for doing upgrades to your house that you'd likely be doing anyway! If you're thinking about replacing a furnace, air conditioner, windows don't do it before looking into getting an Eco-Energy audit. Basically how it works is that you hire a qualified inspector (ie. Amerispec is a great company!). They come in and assess your home and give you recommendations as to how to make your home more eco-energy friendly. You then have an 18 month period to do some or all of these recommendations. Call the inspector back and they apply for the appropriate grants on your behalf. The cool thing is that the provincial government will match what the federal government s offering. And in March of this yr they upped their grants by 25%!
Does it work? Well, that's just say that if you're planning on doing the reno's anyway, you can use the grants to put in more eco-energy friendly products (ie. higher efficiency furnaces, energy star windows) without the extra cost. I've had some clients who ended up getting more money back than the reno's cost because they did it themselves (ie. in the case of adding extra insulation).
Check it out for yourself and certainly if you have questions or would like me to recommend a qualified inspector just let me know!
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/home-improvement.cfm?attr=0
http://www.en.amerispec.ca/specialty-services/new-ecoenergy-retrofit-initiative
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Reference Letters
Ok, so a few people have told me I need to post some of my reference letters here. I often get letters or notes from clients who have been happy with my services (sometimes they even send them to my boss!). Here are a few of my most recent. I guess I'll let my clients toot my horn for me! :) Thx for reading!
"Dear Adrian, (my boss)
We first met Krista at an Open House over a year ago while looking for a condo. Although she offered to work with us, we were reluctant based on previous experiences with several other agents. After a short discussion during which she explained how she works, we agreed. In her quiet self-confident manner she assured us she could and would meet our needs. It was one of the best decisions we've ever made.
During or search for the "perfect" condo, Krista always answered emails promptly and always made sure we were informed of new listings in a timely manner. She showed us each and every condo we requested to view, always greeting us with a warm smile and a cheerful hello. She was so gracious that we were never made to feel that we were inconveniencing her in any way. She told us it was a pleasure to show us anything we wanted to see.
When viewing listings her keen eye would often spot details that we hadn't noticed. She would draw these to our attention sow we could consider future implications. She always had all the angles covered.
We quickly became accustomed to her professionalism, and although we decided not to purchase a property at this point, we knew that she was the one we wanted to list my parents' house. Both (my husband) and I had complete confidence that if she couldn't get the job done, nobody could. How right we were!
When faced with the task of pricing this house, Krista was in a difficult position because of the lack of real comparables. We sincerely appreciated the fact that she sought your opinion and invited you to view the house. Yet another example of how she goes the extra mile to do the best job possible for her clients.
Throughout the whole process she has kept us well informed and has consistently looked out for our best interests. Her kind, patient, and calm manner helped keep us focused through what could have been a very stressful process. I should also mention how much we both appreciated her gentle sense of humour. What an asset!
We had high expectations of Krista when we began working with her. I can't begin to tell you how much she exceeded them. It was certainly a great pleasure getting to know her. Your company is indeed extremely fortunate to have her. " - C&R
"Dear Krista,
We can't tell you how HAPPY we are about the results of our buying and selling adventures with you! Thank you for making it so easy and for your honesty and integrity throughout the whole process. We are SO IMPRESSED! We'll be sure to recommend you every chance we get! " M&S
"Dear Adrian, (my boss)
We first met Krista at an Open House over a year ago while looking for a condo. Although she offered to work with us, we were reluctant based on previous experiences with several other agents. After a short discussion during which she explained how she works, we agreed. In her quiet self-confident manner she assured us she could and would meet our needs. It was one of the best decisions we've ever made.
During or search for the "perfect" condo, Krista always answered emails promptly and always made sure we were informed of new listings in a timely manner. She showed us each and every condo we requested to view, always greeting us with a warm smile and a cheerful hello. She was so gracious that we were never made to feel that we were inconveniencing her in any way. She told us it was a pleasure to show us anything we wanted to see.
When viewing listings her keen eye would often spot details that we hadn't noticed. She would draw these to our attention sow we could consider future implications. She always had all the angles covered.
We quickly became accustomed to her professionalism, and although we decided not to purchase a property at this point, we knew that she was the one we wanted to list my parents' house. Both (my husband) and I had complete confidence that if she couldn't get the job done, nobody could. How right we were!
When faced with the task of pricing this house, Krista was in a difficult position because of the lack of real comparables. We sincerely appreciated the fact that she sought your opinion and invited you to view the house. Yet another example of how she goes the extra mile to do the best job possible for her clients.
Throughout the whole process she has kept us well informed and has consistently looked out for our best interests. Her kind, patient, and calm manner helped keep us focused through what could have been a very stressful process. I should also mention how much we both appreciated her gentle sense of humour. What an asset!
We had high expectations of Krista when we began working with her. I can't begin to tell you how much she exceeded them. It was certainly a great pleasure getting to know her. Your company is indeed extremely fortunate to have her. " - C&R
Monday, June 8, 2009
Investment Opportunity
Well, I think I've happened upon the one of the best investment opportunities available! :)
About 2 yrs ago a number of members of our neighbourhood started talking about renovating our local playground. It was 16 yrs old, had a metal slide, and the only ways to get up involved big rubber tires and chain link ladders! Not sure they even had kids in mind when they put this one in!
About a yr ago we started meeting with reps from the city to see what we could do about it. $40,000 (see sponsor sign to the left)and about a yr later our dreams have come to fruition.
Saturday our community got together and put in a brand new playground! Working hard together alongside city workers (including our Regional Councillor, Mark Whaley), members of the Kiwanis club, Conestoga fire fighter students, and large numbers of the immediate neighbourhood, we got the job done!
The new engineered mulch will be way better to fall on than sand....you know.....if you're going to fall, you may as well have a soft landing!
Group shot of just some of the volunteers out for the build.
Later we celebrated with our 2nd annual "Party in the Park" with games and crafts for the kids, silent auction, book exchange, bouncy castle, magician, and of course food.
Great times!
This build will no doubt impact property values, but more importantly has helped develop our sense of community. Fantastic investment!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
A Day in the Life.....and May Stats
The past few days have been a whirlwind of busyness!
Yesterday I spent the morning at a Seminar put on by some of the top producers in KW/Cambridge from Re/Max Twin City. 4 panelists sharing their secrets as to how they make their millions..... you know....hire an assistant, plaster your face on buses, drop flyers in 20,000 homes every month....wow! I learned a few things.....A. you need money to make money! lol. Marketing oneself to death is expensive! And B. it's just not me. Only one of the 4 panelists works with the style that I do. Most of his business comes from referrals and repeat business...he doesn't advertise himself at all.... That's more my style. Sorry folks...you won't be seeing my face plastered on highway billboards, but you will get great customer service and you will want to tell your friends about me. Promise! :)
Last night I received an offer on my newest listing. Thought we were pretty far apart to start with but we were able to bring them up and in the end I think got a pretty good price in a very short amount of time (1 week!).
Today we had a breakfast meeting for our office. Our broker at Re/Max Twin City treats us to breakfast months that we break last years record for the same month. With the economy the way it has been let's just say there haven't been too many breakfasts as of late! But last month in KW sales were up almost 10% from last May and the average price of a home in KW was up .3% from last May. KW is definitely holding it's own in this economy! And Re/Max Twin City was leading the way, breaking our record last year as well.
I also had the privilege of checking out the Agent Open house at the new condo units at 144 Park Street. A beautiful project of high end condos close to the border of Kitchener/Waterloo (near the hospital).
This afternoon I spent at a meeting with the University Downs Neighbourhood Association Park Renovation committee (boy that's a mouthful!) and reps from the city of Waterloo. Just wrapping up loose ends before Saturday when we do our big park build! Can't wait! It's been our dream to get a new playground in on Auburn Drive. We've raised the money and together with the city organized our big build for this Saturday along with our 2nd Annual Party in the Park. Should be a good time....realizing our dream!
Then it was off to the school to be a good mom and check out my kidlets at Track and Field day! They were good and tired tonight!! :)
Then back to the office, off to get signatures on an offer, dropping off the offer, back to the office to finish up the last of the condo listings, then off to Cambridge to meet my partners and the developer of the Grand Condominiums (http://www.thegrandlofts.ca/about.html) to have him sign the listings, ready for MLS tomorrow. Still some prep work to do on marketing, pics, and virtual tour before the Agent open house, but things are coming along nicely and I'm looking forward to selling some of these great lofts!
Back home in time to put my munchkins to bed. Phew. Thankfully not every day is quite so jam packed! :) Now I'm definitely off to relax and hit the hay! Night all!
Yesterday I spent the morning at a Seminar put on by some of the top producers in KW/Cambridge from Re/Max Twin City. 4 panelists sharing their secrets as to how they make their millions..... you know....hire an assistant, plaster your face on buses, drop flyers in 20,000 homes every month....wow! I learned a few things.....A. you need money to make money! lol. Marketing oneself to death is expensive! And B. it's just not me. Only one of the 4 panelists works with the style that I do. Most of his business comes from referrals and repeat business...he doesn't advertise himself at all.... That's more my style. Sorry folks...you won't be seeing my face plastered on highway billboards, but you will get great customer service and you will want to tell your friends about me. Promise! :)
Last night I received an offer on my newest listing. Thought we were pretty far apart to start with but we were able to bring them up and in the end I think got a pretty good price in a very short amount of time (1 week!).
Today we had a breakfast meeting for our office. Our broker at Re/Max Twin City treats us to breakfast months that we break last years record for the same month. With the economy the way it has been let's just say there haven't been too many breakfasts as of late! But last month in KW sales were up almost 10% from last May and the average price of a home in KW was up .3% from last May. KW is definitely holding it's own in this economy! And Re/Max Twin City was leading the way, breaking our record last year as well.
I also had the privilege of checking out the Agent Open house at the new condo units at 144 Park Street. A beautiful project of high end condos close to the border of Kitchener/Waterloo (near the hospital).
This afternoon I spent at a meeting with the University Downs Neighbourhood Association Park Renovation committee (boy that's a mouthful!) and reps from the city of Waterloo. Just wrapping up loose ends before Saturday when we do our big park build! Can't wait! It's been our dream to get a new playground in on Auburn Drive. We've raised the money and together with the city organized our big build for this Saturday along with our 2nd Annual Party in the Park. Should be a good time....realizing our dream!
Then it was off to the school to be a good mom and check out my kidlets at Track and Field day! They were good and tired tonight!! :)
Then back to the office, off to get signatures on an offer, dropping off the offer, back to the office to finish up the last of the condo listings, then off to Cambridge to meet my partners and the developer of the Grand Condominiums (http://www.thegrandlofts.ca/about.html) to have him sign the listings, ready for MLS tomorrow. Still some prep work to do on marketing, pics, and virtual tour before the Agent open house, but things are coming along nicely and I'm looking forward to selling some of these great lofts!
Back home in time to put my munchkins to bed. Phew. Thankfully not every day is quite so jam packed! :) Now I'm definitely off to relax and hit the hay! Night all!
Monday, June 1, 2009
407-225 Harvard Place and Grand Lofts
NEW LISTING:
Last week I listed a cute 2 bedroom condo in Waterloo (close to Glenridge plaza). 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, updated carpet, neutral decor, and a great buy at $134,900 mls 0925140. The condo fees are $450/month, but this amazingly includes all your heating, water, maintenance costs. Basically, you pay your phone, internet, and cable. Not a bad deal.
Check out the virtual tour: http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-165821.html
Saturday I joined about 20 agents from KW in doing some road clean up. We met for breakfast at Angie's Kitchen out in St. Agatha and then proceeded with gloves and garbage bags to clean up a few stretches of road out that way. Looks nice and clean now!! :) Thx to Karen for organizing and to Nitin for being my partner!
This week should prove to be a busy week.... setting up some appointments with some buyers looking for a bungalow condo in a reasonable price range....not the easiest to come by! I've often said to my hubby, if I were a builder I'd be building bungalow condos in the $250-300000 price range wherever I could get my hands on land! Huge demand, especially in Waterloo.
I have a referral to pass off to an agent out of town. This person doesn't know an agent where they're wanting to move to. So, I'll be doing some digging, making some phone calls to my contacts, and try to set them up with an agent that has high standards and great work ethic for them.
This afternoon I'm off to my open house at the model lofts in Cambridge.
This loft project is located at 25 Concession Rd. We're open Sat, Sun, Mon 2-4, and Wed, 5-7. It's an old machinery building located within steps from the river, Uof W School of Architecture, and Southworks Outlets. The developer will be transforming two historical buildings into fantastic condo units. Some with lofts, 1-3 bedroom, and listed from $189,900 right up to $500,000.
We're working on getting the listings on MLS this week (man, that's a lot of work!!!!) and getting the virtual tour done soon as well. In the meantime, come join Kathi Dick, Alison Livingstone, or myself (all reps from Re/Max Twin City) at the model and check it out. It's beautiful!!
Thanks for reading everyone!
Last week I listed a cute 2 bedroom condo in Waterloo (close to Glenridge plaza). 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, updated carpet, neutral decor, and a great buy at $134,900 mls 0925140. The condo fees are $450/month, but this amazingly includes all your heating, water, maintenance costs. Basically, you pay your phone, internet, and cable. Not a bad deal.
Check out the virtual tour: http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-165821.html
Saturday I joined about 20 agents from KW in doing some road clean up. We met for breakfast at Angie's Kitchen out in St. Agatha and then proceeded with gloves and garbage bags to clean up a few stretches of road out that way. Looks nice and clean now!! :) Thx to Karen for organizing and to Nitin for being my partner!
This week should prove to be a busy week.... setting up some appointments with some buyers looking for a bungalow condo in a reasonable price range....not the easiest to come by! I've often said to my hubby, if I were a builder I'd be building bungalow condos in the $250-300000 price range wherever I could get my hands on land! Huge demand, especially in Waterloo.
I have a referral to pass off to an agent out of town. This person doesn't know an agent where they're wanting to move to. So, I'll be doing some digging, making some phone calls to my contacts, and try to set them up with an agent that has high standards and great work ethic for them.
This afternoon I'm off to my open house at the model lofts in Cambridge.
This loft project is located at 25 Concession Rd. We're open Sat, Sun, Mon 2-4, and Wed, 5-7. It's an old machinery building located within steps from the river, Uof W School of Architecture, and Southworks Outlets. The developer will be transforming two historical buildings into fantastic condo units. Some with lofts, 1-3 bedroom, and listed from $189,900 right up to $500,000.
We're working on getting the listings on MLS this week (man, that's a lot of work!!!!) and getting the virtual tour done soon as well. In the meantime, come join Kathi Dick, Alison Livingstone, or myself (all reps from Re/Max Twin City) at the model and check it out. It's beautiful!!
Thanks for reading everyone!
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