Another reference from some great buyers:
"We just purchased our first home and working with Krista was such a pleasure. We decided to purchase our house with Krista based on a co-worker's glowing referral and we were not disappointed. As first time homebuyers we were a bit nervous and it was so important to us that we felt comfortable with our agent. Krista was able to put us at ease. She walked us through each of the steps, explained everything along the way, and cheerfully answered all of our questions (and we had a lot!). Her professionalism was greatly appreciated and one of the things we appreciated most about her was her commitment to always being honest and open with her comments and whenever she was answering our questions. We saw a number of houses and we never felt pressured to buy a house that wouldn't feel like our home. Krista is great at answering e-mails promptly and has been excellent at providing us with sources and advice for any questions we have (whether it's lawyers, flooring, or furniture she takes the time to research our questions and does her best to find us an answer). Thanks for all your help Krista!!" - T&H, Waterloo
Monday, March 29, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
MLS and the News
I'm sure you've heard plenty of interesting views and opinions in the media in recent days regarding the amendments that the Canadian Real Estate Association made on Monday. It's all very confusing and complicated. And unfortunately, the media has reported a number things that just aren't accurate. Basically the controversy has arisen through the perception that consumers don't have choices. An interesting perception, but is it really accurate?
To be clear, you have always had the opportunity to sell your own home. That has not changed. That is your legal right and there are certainly plenty of advertising sites and companies out there who are more than willing to assist you in that. The government has stipulated that in order to participate in brokeraging buying and selling property you must either own the property or be a licenced Realtor.
You also, have always had the opportunity to seek out different services from different Realtors at different prices. The Canadian Real Estate Association, The Ontario Real Estate Association, Re/Max Twin City, my boss, other Realtors, not even my husband ;) has ever stipulated how I, as a Realtor run my business. I set my own fees and offer my own services. For as many agents that are out there, that's about how many different business models you'll find.
The MLS system is a system that has been built up and developed over the years by REALTORS, through their fees to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). It's not a public system. It's a regulated system which presently can be viewed by the public and used by anybody for a fee by using a Realtor who is obligated to be a member of a local real estate board, a member of the Ontario Real Estate Association, and a member of the Canadian Real Estate Association. And as you can imagine, none of those mandatory memberships come free or cheap!
One of the benefits of the MLS system is that there is a high degree of integrity in the accuracy of the information on it. An accuracy which is highly regulated and for which Realtors, who are governed by a Code of Ethics, are held accountable for. Again, the integrity of the information which makes the MLS systm so reliable is something that comes at a cost.
Property owners have the choice to sell a property themselves, using their choice of methods, they have the choice to use a plethora of different Realtors with a huge variety of different business models. The reality is that things don't come for free. One cannot expect to receive all of the benefits of working with a Realtor without some compensation.
In my opinion, the world of real estate is constantly changing. That's nothing new. And it will continue to change. Therein lies the reason that Realtors are constantly taking courses, researching, and educating themselves in their areas of expertise. There will always be those who choose not to use these expertise, but for those who do, there will always be a cost. That's just as much a reality as change is. And there's my rant for the day! :)
If you have any questions at all I'd love to hear them and I'm always more than happy to research the answers to them! Thanks!
krista@jonkerteam.com
To be clear, you have always had the opportunity to sell your own home. That has not changed. That is your legal right and there are certainly plenty of advertising sites and companies out there who are more than willing to assist you in that. The government has stipulated that in order to participate in brokeraging buying and selling property you must either own the property or be a licenced Realtor.
You also, have always had the opportunity to seek out different services from different Realtors at different prices. The Canadian Real Estate Association, The Ontario Real Estate Association, Re/Max Twin City, my boss, other Realtors, not even my husband ;) has ever stipulated how I, as a Realtor run my business. I set my own fees and offer my own services. For as many agents that are out there, that's about how many different business models you'll find.
The MLS system is a system that has been built up and developed over the years by REALTORS, through their fees to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). It's not a public system. It's a regulated system which presently can be viewed by the public and used by anybody for a fee by using a Realtor who is obligated to be a member of a local real estate board, a member of the Ontario Real Estate Association, and a member of the Canadian Real Estate Association. And as you can imagine, none of those mandatory memberships come free or cheap!
One of the benefits of the MLS system is that there is a high degree of integrity in the accuracy of the information on it. An accuracy which is highly regulated and for which Realtors, who are governed by a Code of Ethics, are held accountable for. Again, the integrity of the information which makes the MLS systm so reliable is something that comes at a cost.
Property owners have the choice to sell a property themselves, using their choice of methods, they have the choice to use a plethora of different Realtors with a huge variety of different business models. The reality is that things don't come for free. One cannot expect to receive all of the benefits of working with a Realtor without some compensation.
In my opinion, the world of real estate is constantly changing. That's nothing new. And it will continue to change. Therein lies the reason that Realtors are constantly taking courses, researching, and educating themselves in their areas of expertise. There will always be those who choose not to use these expertise, but for those who do, there will always be a cost. That's just as much a reality as change is. And there's my rant for the day! :)
If you have any questions at all I'd love to hear them and I'm always more than happy to research the answers to them! Thanks!
krista@jonkerteam.com
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
MOULD
Today I had the pleasure of taking a great course on Mould put on by Chad from Pillar to Post Home Inspections.
Here are some highlights I wanted to pass along:
*Mould is everywhere and pretty much every house has it somewhere. The problem is when there are large quantities of the more dangerous spores.
*Mould can grow on wood products, drywall, wallpaper, insulation, carpets, dust (dirt), but can't grow on things like glass or vinyl.
*Mould needs the following 4 things to grow: spores, nutrients, the right temperature (18-24C or 65-80F), and moisture.
*Don't finish a basement in the first year, rather run a dehumidifier to dry it out.
*Contrary to popular belief mould is actually more common in newer homes than in older homes, because they're often too airtight.
*Main ways to avoid it:
- Keep a healthy air flow in your home. It's actually cheaper to heat cold dry air from outside, than it is to heat moist warm air in your home. Keep your furnace fan on at least an hour each day. Keep a window open, just a crack, even in the winter and don't keep your blinds closed up. HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation) systems on your furnace are great for good air flow because they bring in outside air and pump out stale inside air.
- Keep water and moisture out of your home by keeping a proper grade around the exterior of the house, by maintaining caulking around windows, and keep your roof and flashing in good repair.
* Key point: Don't just clean mould. Find the source of the moisture and fix it or you will just have the problem again.
Any questions just let me know! krista@jonkerteam.com
Here are some highlights I wanted to pass along:
*Mould is everywhere and pretty much every house has it somewhere. The problem is when there are large quantities of the more dangerous spores.
*Mould can grow on wood products, drywall, wallpaper, insulation, carpets, dust (dirt), but can't grow on things like glass or vinyl.
*Mould needs the following 4 things to grow: spores, nutrients, the right temperature (18-24C or 65-80F), and moisture.
*Don't finish a basement in the first year, rather run a dehumidifier to dry it out.
*Contrary to popular belief mould is actually more common in newer homes than in older homes, because they're often too airtight.
*Main ways to avoid it:
- Keep a healthy air flow in your home. It's actually cheaper to heat cold dry air from outside, than it is to heat moist warm air in your home. Keep your furnace fan on at least an hour each day. Keep a window open, just a crack, even in the winter and don't keep your blinds closed up. HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation) systems on your furnace are great for good air flow because they bring in outside air and pump out stale inside air.
- Keep water and moisture out of your home by keeping a proper grade around the exterior of the house, by maintaining caulking around windows, and keep your roof and flashing in good repair.
* Key point: Don't just clean mould. Find the source of the moisture and fix it or you will just have the problem again.
Any questions just let me know! krista@jonkerteam.com
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Happy Buyers
So, over the past few years I've taken pics a few times of clients putting their sold stickers up.....or more precisely, my clients' KIDS! Tiffany and Herb are so excited about their new home they asked if they could have the honour of putting up the stickers. How cute are they? ;)
This may just start a new trend guys!
Congratulations!
Too cute!
Awesome moves!
Monday, March 15, 2010
March Update
You don't have to look far this spring to realized the KW real estate market is already picking up. Between the promise of rising interest rates in the fall, the new mortgage rules in the fall, and the lovely HST hitting us all in July, the rush is on. Many buyers and sellers are trying to get their moves out of the way before all of the changes. Certainly the February stat numbers I posted indicate an increase in the market!
2010 so far has been moving at a steady pace. The year began with a great referral from an agent in London to a couple moving to KW from Brampton. H&N were able to find a great backsplit with little to do and a cute little backyard to relax in. Funny how a house can fit a couple like a glove as soon as you walk in.
I've been doing a number of compartive market analysis's for clients who have been debating whether to move now or not. And working with a number of buyers who are looking for that perfect home. T&H were a great referral from good friends who have used me a few times before. T&H found their first home last week and we'll be busy doing the home inspection this week. There were also a few of my previous clients who referred me to E&N who are now looking for a great place to move to as their second home and hopefully a home they can stay in for years to come.
I've been involved in a number of multiple offers this year already. Homes that were priced right in many senses, but because of the sheer lack of inventory, sold for more with multiple buyers interested.
Later this month I'll be meeting with S&R to list their home, J&H to find a new home in a "new-to-them" community here in KW, and A, who is hoping to find another home and sell the one she's got.
Well, the kids are home for march break so this week is a bit of a juggle. Time to keep them occupied for the afternoon!
Thx for reading! If you have any questions or know someone who might need my services, please let mw know!
2010 so far has been moving at a steady pace. The year began with a great referral from an agent in London to a couple moving to KW from Brampton. H&N were able to find a great backsplit with little to do and a cute little backyard to relax in. Funny how a house can fit a couple like a glove as soon as you walk in.
I've been doing a number of compartive market analysis's for clients who have been debating whether to move now or not. And working with a number of buyers who are looking for that perfect home. T&H were a great referral from good friends who have used me a few times before. T&H found their first home last week and we'll be busy doing the home inspection this week. There were also a few of my previous clients who referred me to E&N who are now looking for a great place to move to as their second home and hopefully a home they can stay in for years to come.
I've been involved in a number of multiple offers this year already. Homes that were priced right in many senses, but because of the sheer lack of inventory, sold for more with multiple buyers interested.
Later this month I'll be meeting with S&R to list their home, J&H to find a new home in a "new-to-them" community here in KW, and A, who is hoping to find another home and sell the one she's got.
Well, the kids are home for march break so this week is a bit of a juggle. Time to keep them occupied for the afternoon!
Thx for reading! If you have any questions or know someone who might need my services, please let mw know!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
February Stats
I think I finally learned how to properly link these stats! :) The hot spring market in KW has begun!
KW Real Estate Board Stats for Feb. 2010
KW Real Estate Board Stats for Feb. 2010
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