Here's the link to the media release of the November 2011 Statistics for Kitchener-Waterloo.
http://www.kwar.ca/stats/November_2011_Media_Release.pdf
Housing in KW continues to be a relatively good investment considering the world economy.
Funny story of the month was 3 yr old A, who apparently thinks the spare bedroom in her new home is for Grandma and myself! I told her I would visit but not sure how my own family would feel about me moving in! Sorry, I wasn't a chattel that was included on that purchase of agreement and sale! :)
The fall market is winding down for the holidays. If you're in my customer care search system don't be surprised if you see a decreased number of new listings coming up over the next month or so. Not a lot of new listings, but plenty of reduced listings and deals to be had for those who don't mind a little work. Email me if you're interested in seeing what might suit you!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Wonderful Clients!
My theory is that noone should ever hire a Realtor without references, so I ask my clients if they have a few moments to write a few words about their experience with me. Some write a sentence or two and some send me a totally awesome letter of reference I can use with new clients. Thank you so much, Jeff and Tracy! Working with great people like you is why I LOVE my job!
"Letter of Reference
Re: Krista Jonker
To whom it may concern,
When Tracy and I decided to get serious about selling our house, we initially set ourselves to finding a real estate agent that we felt was a good negotiator, knowledgeable and above all – was someone we could really trust.
After we met and spoke with Krista Jonker, we felt we had found a representative with the personal qualities and professional qualifications we were looking for in an agent. Indeed, we were not disappointed, but rather our expectations were far exceeded.
Krista did an excellent job listening and discerning our ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ regarding a new house. We truly felt she gave us sound advice and steered us away from several pitfalls or potential mistakes along the way. She was very thorough with her research, giving us solid market evaluations both for our purchase and sale. Also, we found that she paid great attention to detail with all the paperwork and did a great job negotiating on our behalf.
We really can’t say enough when it comes to how happy we were with the service that we received from Krista. If you are looking for help with real estate matters and want someone who is trustworthy with a true heart to serve others, then we would highly recommend Krista Jonker.
Jeff & Tracy D"
"Letter of Reference
Re: Krista Jonker
To whom it may concern,
When Tracy and I decided to get serious about selling our house, we initially set ourselves to finding a real estate agent that we felt was a good negotiator, knowledgeable and above all – was someone we could really trust.
After we met and spoke with Krista Jonker, we felt we had found a representative with the personal qualities and professional qualifications we were looking for in an agent. Indeed, we were not disappointed, but rather our expectations were far exceeded.
Krista did an excellent job listening and discerning our ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ regarding a new house. We truly felt she gave us sound advice and steered us away from several pitfalls or potential mistakes along the way. She was very thorough with her research, giving us solid market evaluations both for our purchase and sale. Also, we found that she paid great attention to detail with all the paperwork and did a great job negotiating on our behalf.
We really can’t say enough when it comes to how happy we were with the service that we received from Krista. If you are looking for help with real estate matters and want someone who is trustworthy with a true heart to serve others, then we would highly recommend Krista Jonker.
Jeff & Tracy D"
Monday, November 14, 2011
October Stats
http://www.kwar.ca/october-residential-sales-up/
Good news in October. KW continues to have a stable real estate market. Prices up marginally. With low interest rates, it's a good time to buy!
Recently my family and I were able to visit Disney World. What fun! The care that they take in making the entire experience a joy for families, is what makes it completely worth the money. The rides aren't any bigger or more thrilling than anywhere else, but the experience along the way just makes the entire trip more fun.
In real estate, the titles we are allowed to call ourselves are limited. "Sales representative" is one of the terms most of us use. I have a beef with this term though. Much like Disney I think of myself more as a customer service specialist than a sales representative. My job is not just to sell you a house. Anyone can do that! My job is to work with you to make sure your needs are met all along the way. It's those details that make the experience enjoyable and a whole lot less scary than it needs to be. I've been known to arrange babysitting for out of town buyers with kids so that they can view the homes while their little ones are taken care of. I've been known to develop my own clauses in offers to best protect my clients. I've been known to pull out the cleaning supplies and clean a bathroom before an open house to make sure the property is showing it's best. Last sunday, my hubby and I raked a lawn full of leaves at a vacant property so the elderly couple doesn't have to worry about it. I work hard for my clients in doing what I can to help them get to their goal. So, "sales representative", although the term we're supposed to use, just doesn't do justice to the job I actually do. I promise to strive to give you the "Disney experience" during your real estate buying/selling experience. I won't promise it will be quite as much fun as Disney.....but I'll try! :)
That's my blog rant for the day.
If you are thinking of buying or selling a property in the next year please contact me now! It's never too early to start working together to get you set up for the right time. Pop me an email!
Good news in October. KW continues to have a stable real estate market. Prices up marginally. With low interest rates, it's a good time to buy!
Recently my family and I were able to visit Disney World. What fun! The care that they take in making the entire experience a joy for families, is what makes it completely worth the money. The rides aren't any bigger or more thrilling than anywhere else, but the experience along the way just makes the entire trip more fun.
In real estate, the titles we are allowed to call ourselves are limited. "Sales representative" is one of the terms most of us use. I have a beef with this term though. Much like Disney I think of myself more as a customer service specialist than a sales representative. My job is not just to sell you a house. Anyone can do that! My job is to work with you to make sure your needs are met all along the way. It's those details that make the experience enjoyable and a whole lot less scary than it needs to be. I've been known to arrange babysitting for out of town buyers with kids so that they can view the homes while their little ones are taken care of. I've been known to develop my own clauses in offers to best protect my clients. I've been known to pull out the cleaning supplies and clean a bathroom before an open house to make sure the property is showing it's best. Last sunday, my hubby and I raked a lawn full of leaves at a vacant property so the elderly couple doesn't have to worry about it. I work hard for my clients in doing what I can to help them get to their goal. So, "sales representative", although the term we're supposed to use, just doesn't do justice to the job I actually do. I promise to strive to give you the "Disney experience" during your real estate buying/selling experience. I won't promise it will be quite as much fun as Disney.....but I'll try! :)
That's my blog rant for the day.
If you are thinking of buying or selling a property in the next year please contact me now! It's never too early to start working together to get you set up for the right time. Pop me an email!
Saturday, October 29, 2011
September Stats
http://www.kwar.ca/condominium-sales-remain-strong-in-k-w/
The news from Septembers statistics for Kitchener-Waterloo was that property prices continue to increase, in particular in the Condo market. The Canadian Real Estate Association reported that intereste rates continue to remain low. http://creanews.ca/ . Great news for those looking to increase the amount they're borrowing to purchase properties.
This month was a busy month. J&T were able to find their next dream house, an immaculate newer home with gorgeous hardwood floors. We were able to sell their present home in less than a week thus ensuring they didn't lose out on their new home. So, happy for them. C&H got possession of their new digs this month and although a smaller home will be an adjustment they're looking forward to cross-country skiing steps away from their new home. K's property sold just days after staging it and relisting. Amazing what a little paint and new flooring can do! S&B's home sold in less than a week to a buyer eager to move close to Uptown Waterloo which continues to be a desirable neighbourhood.
I've also been working with a great Mortgage Specialist Claire Cochrane from RBC on getting some materials together for my clients. She worked out a great spread sheet for my clients to easily reference how the cost of homes translates into monthly payments. Interested? Ask me for one!
Upcoming, I'm working with a few families getting their properties ready to list and looking for a great 4 bedroom home in Beechwood, Northlake, or Colonial Acres. Another buyer looking for a bungalow in uptown Waterloo and also looking for a semi in the Northlake area.
Lots in the works. I also received this great reference from another happy client: "It was truly a wonderful experience. Krista combines the correct amount of knowledge of the market and vision of your home to attract the correct purchaser in the quickest amount of time. Krista brings with her both the intelligence and diplomacy needed to get a deal closed."
Any questions? or ideas for topics for this blog? Drop me a line! Krista@kristajonker.com
The news from Septembers statistics for Kitchener-Waterloo was that property prices continue to increase, in particular in the Condo market. The Canadian Real Estate Association reported that intereste rates continue to remain low. http://creanews.ca/ . Great news for those looking to increase the amount they're borrowing to purchase properties.
This month was a busy month. J&T were able to find their next dream house, an immaculate newer home with gorgeous hardwood floors. We were able to sell their present home in less than a week thus ensuring they didn't lose out on their new home. So, happy for them. C&H got possession of their new digs this month and although a smaller home will be an adjustment they're looking forward to cross-country skiing steps away from their new home. K's property sold just days after staging it and relisting. Amazing what a little paint and new flooring can do! S&B's home sold in less than a week to a buyer eager to move close to Uptown Waterloo which continues to be a desirable neighbourhood.
I've also been working with a great Mortgage Specialist Claire Cochrane from RBC on getting some materials together for my clients. She worked out a great spread sheet for my clients to easily reference how the cost of homes translates into monthly payments. Interested? Ask me for one!
Upcoming, I'm working with a few families getting their properties ready to list and looking for a great 4 bedroom home in Beechwood, Northlake, or Colonial Acres. Another buyer looking for a bungalow in uptown Waterloo and also looking for a semi in the Northlake area.
Lots in the works. I also received this great reference from another happy client: "It was truly a wonderful experience. Krista combines the correct amount of knowledge of the market and vision of your home to attract the correct purchaser in the quickest amount of time. Krista brings with her both the intelligence and diplomacy needed to get a deal closed."
Any questions? or ideas for topics for this blog? Drop me a line! Krista@kristajonker.com
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
August Stats and Fall Outlook
Here is the link for the August stats:
http://www.kwar.ca/august-home-sales-up-from-last-year/
Fall is here. The kiddies are back to school and the world is regimented back in routine. Blech! At least the sun is shining, at least for today!
The summer concluded with house prices up a little bit even though the overall number of transactions was down a little bit. Pretty steady.
The fall outlook continues to be good. I got word this morning that ScotiaBank lowered their interest rates yesterday. There appears to be a slight advantage to the buyers right now with a few more listings on the market than buyers. It's a great time to get into the market for those reasons.
Certainly, the uncertainty of companies like RIM in Waterloo and the overall world economy (in the US and Europe) should be in the back of everyone's mind when making buying or selling decisions for your own family. But generally, the economy in Canada continues to hold it's own and certainly presently Kitchener-Waterloo is still a great place to invest in real estate.
I spent the last two days updating my data base and was overwhelmed with thankfulness. It was a great reminder of some of the great people I have had the pleasure of working with in the past and also the number of those people who trusted me enough to refer their friends and family to me. So blessed.
I take this trust seriously and work hard to be sure I exceed the expectations of my clients.
Thanks!
http://www.kwar.ca/august-home-sales-up-from-last-year/
Fall is here. The kiddies are back to school and the world is regimented back in routine. Blech! At least the sun is shining, at least for today!
The summer concluded with house prices up a little bit even though the overall number of transactions was down a little bit. Pretty steady.
The fall outlook continues to be good. I got word this morning that ScotiaBank lowered their interest rates yesterday. There appears to be a slight advantage to the buyers right now with a few more listings on the market than buyers. It's a great time to get into the market for those reasons.
Certainly, the uncertainty of companies like RIM in Waterloo and the overall world economy (in the US and Europe) should be in the back of everyone's mind when making buying or selling decisions for your own family. But generally, the economy in Canada continues to hold it's own and certainly presently Kitchener-Waterloo is still a great place to invest in real estate.
I spent the last two days updating my data base and was overwhelmed with thankfulness. It was a great reminder of some of the great people I have had the pleasure of working with in the past and also the number of those people who trusted me enough to refer their friends and family to me. So blessed.
I take this trust seriously and work hard to be sure I exceed the expectations of my clients.
Thanks!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
July Stats and Fall Ramp up
After such an enjoyable summer of great weather it's hard to wrap my mind around fall being just around the corner! Almost time for routine to return and the kiddies to head back to school.
The fall also brings the second busiest time of year in the real estate market. Sept/Oct bring an influx of new listings and buyers wanting to move before the snow flies. (ugh. Snow.).
The summer has been a great one for referrals for me with great clients and friends passing my name along to their friends and family who are thinking of moving. Thanks to KF, R&TS, L&SS, A&LC, and...ahem...my folks... for trusting me enough to pass my name along recently.
If you're looking for something to buy this fall I've got a great bungalow in a family neighbourhood but close to amenities listed for $299,900. Ideal for investors, parents of students heading off to university, families, or empty nesters.
In the future I have clients who may be selling a great raised bungalow in Cambridge backing onto a park, a newer semi-detached home in Waterloo in a great family neighbourhood or a move-in ready bungalow perfect for a family or empty nesters.
If you're looking to sell this fall I have buyers looking for a bungalow in Uptown Waterloo with a good setup for entertaining, a family home in Kitchener with good access to the 401 and a great yard, and a bungalow condo at a reasonable price and a 4 bedroom home in Waterloo in a mature neighbourhood with a good setup for entertaining. Anything sound like it might be a match for you or someone you know? Let me know!
Cute story from one of my clients. P&P's 3 yr old daughter has been a little confused. Everytime they come to see a house they tell her "let's go see Krista!". Poor little one has no clue anymore where I live! lol. She thinks each house she "visits" me at is my house! Love it! What a doll.
In conclusion, here's the link to the July stats for KW. Despite some hiccups in the economy recently (internationally as well as locally-RIM) the housing market continues to be strong and housing starts seem to indicate we'll have a steady housing market into the fall.
http://www.kwar.ca/steady-sailing-for-kw-home-sales/
Any questions or comments? Feel free to email me or leave me a message here! Thanks!
Krista
The fall also brings the second busiest time of year in the real estate market. Sept/Oct bring an influx of new listings and buyers wanting to move before the snow flies. (ugh. Snow.).
The summer has been a great one for referrals for me with great clients and friends passing my name along to their friends and family who are thinking of moving. Thanks to KF, R&TS, L&SS, A&LC, and...ahem...my folks... for trusting me enough to pass my name along recently.
If you're looking for something to buy this fall I've got a great bungalow in a family neighbourhood but close to amenities listed for $299,900. Ideal for investors, parents of students heading off to university, families, or empty nesters.
In the future I have clients who may be selling a great raised bungalow in Cambridge backing onto a park, a newer semi-detached home in Waterloo in a great family neighbourhood or a move-in ready bungalow perfect for a family or empty nesters.
If you're looking to sell this fall I have buyers looking for a bungalow in Uptown Waterloo with a good setup for entertaining, a family home in Kitchener with good access to the 401 and a great yard, and a bungalow condo at a reasonable price and a 4 bedroom home in Waterloo in a mature neighbourhood with a good setup for entertaining. Anything sound like it might be a match for you or someone you know? Let me know!
Cute story from one of my clients. P&P's 3 yr old daughter has been a little confused. Everytime they come to see a house they tell her "let's go see Krista!". Poor little one has no clue anymore where I live! lol. She thinks each house she "visits" me at is my house! Love it! What a doll.
In conclusion, here's the link to the July stats for KW. Despite some hiccups in the economy recently (internationally as well as locally-RIM) the housing market continues to be strong and housing starts seem to indicate we'll have a steady housing market into the fall.
http://www.kwar.ca/steady-sailing-for-kw-home-sales/
Any questions or comments? Feel free to email me or leave me a message here! Thanks!
Krista
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
June Stats and 189 Carter Av. Waterloo
Summer is finally here and in full swing. The June statistics for the Kitchener Waterloo area are out and our market continues to be strong, despite the odd blip in RIM stocks! :)
Here's the link: http://www.kwar.ca/k-w-home-sales-up-for-second-month-in-a-row/
I listed 189 Carter last week. It's a well-built brick bungalow just steps away from Moses Springer Park. It's listed at $299,900. Here is the MLS Link http://www.realtor.ca/propertyDetails.aspx?propertyId=10863240&PidKey=1214428625 To view or for more information please contact me.
Last week I was able to go to a breakfast seminar put on by Manulife One. Great product for sure with a lot of potential for clients. Essentially it's a way of consolidating all of your debt into one account, including your mortgage. As your paychecks go in they directly lower the amount of your principal thus working off your debt faster.
http://www2.manulifeone.ca/ Let me know if you're interested in finding out more and I can put you in touch with a rep from Manulife.
This is often the time of year people think about getting ready for buying or selling in the fall. If that's you, please pop me an email!
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