Well, it's been a busy first couple weeks of September. My kids are back in school and I'm still singing that Staples commercial..."it's the most wonderful time of the year...." (there, now you have it in your head too!).
D&A found a lovely home in Kitchener and we spent a few days trying to work out that deal. Amazingly we were able to get the sellers from a 5month close to 2 months (better for my clients) and down $8000 after only being on the market for a few days (better for my clients) and got all the appliances included yet too! Tomorrow we do the home inspection and if all goes well they'll be in their new home before December. Great news.
This morning I spent a bit of time getting some exercise and dropped about 70 flyers into the mailboxes of specific homes in R&S's preferred neighbourhood. I'm hoping to get a few calls from people thinking of selling so we can try and find a great home for R&S.
Last week I was able to attend the Re/Max Twin City Fall kickoff event. Sat thru an inspiring talk from a successful Realtor from Quebec who then encouraged us to attend his next event and sign up for coaching. Once again a reminder for me, that the whole over the top "I'm great" style of being a Realtor is just not me. I don't need to make millions to be successful. If I've chosen happiness, my family is happy, and my clients are happy than that's all the success I need. There's my 2 cents! Venting my little beef with so many of the programs out there that help Realtors.
Still getting L's place ready to list. I think there was more work to be done than time so after she called out for some help I've enlisted a few helpers to go in and get the painting done, trim up, doors rehung and hopefully ready to go for the weekend. Staging really is important. So, the more we can get done the better the place will look and hopefully the faster I can sell it for her!
This afternoon I'm off to a listing presentation. A few weeks back I took some clients thru a home in kitchener that was listed on a private sale site. There are a number of agents in town which target these private sales in hopes of getting the listing. I laughed when I saw the 1/2 a dozen or so magnets she had on the fridge from some of the 30-40 agents that had contacted her about listing! I am not one of those agents, and I think that's why she has called me to do a listing presentation for her. She's thinking of putting it on MLS since she has not been able to sell it privately. So, off to her place this afternoon to explain how I'm different.
A quick thanks to a few of you who have recently told me that you've passed my name along to someone you know who's thinking of buying or selling! Thanks so much for getting the word out there for me! Referrals really are the best compliment!
Off to do some stats for the presentation. And get cleaned up after this mornings' wet walk with flyers! Fun stuff! :)
Thx for reading!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
August Stats
August Stats are in and show that consumer confidence in Kitchener Waterloo continues to gain momentum. Although average house sales are still down my a minimal 1.7% in comparison to last year, the volume sold in Aug 2009 was a 26% increase from Aug 2008. Check out the full media release below.
http://www.kwreb.on.ca/Stats/August%202009%20Media%20Release.pdf
This week continued to be a busy week. Ongoing search for D&A resulted in a number of showings this week. One of the ones they thought they might consider sold over the weekend and another that we went for a second visit at got an offer that night. Things are moving folks especially in the $250,000-$350,000 price range.
R&S were able to view a lovely backsplit in their dream neighbourhood, but were concerned about the number of updates the home needed in order to make it suit.
W&K decided to rent their condo and have decided to put off finding a new home for their family for a few more months.
R&C are out of province and trying to decide whether to come back and purchase a condo here in town.
L is getting her 4 bedroom house ready for the market. Cleaning, painting, redoing the driveway, new flooring. It's going to look great. And I've been checking out the competition in the price range and nothing has come up for weeks. Between the staging results and the lack of competition, the money she's pouring into her home in order to sell is going to pay off. I'm even thinking I'd like to list is a few grand more than we originally thought.
And things are moving along at the Grand River Lofts. Construction has started with the replacement of all the windows. Plans are being prepped for approval and we're happy to be starting off the fall with an Agent Open House event at the Lofts Wed. Sept 9, 11-1pm. Join us if you can, refreshments will be served!
September is here. I've always found that once the kids are back to school I often get a few phonecalls out of the blue from buyers or sellers wanting to work with me. Judging from the strong August numbers, I expect this September will bring some more lovely people out of the woodwork for me to work with. Can't wait! Know someone? Pass along my name! I work solely on referrals and word of mouth.
http://www.kwreb.on.ca/Stats/August%202009%20Media%20Release.pdf
This week continued to be a busy week. Ongoing search for D&A resulted in a number of showings this week. One of the ones they thought they might consider sold over the weekend and another that we went for a second visit at got an offer that night. Things are moving folks especially in the $250,000-$350,000 price range.
R&S were able to view a lovely backsplit in their dream neighbourhood, but were concerned about the number of updates the home needed in order to make it suit.
W&K decided to rent their condo and have decided to put off finding a new home for their family for a few more months.
R&C are out of province and trying to decide whether to come back and purchase a condo here in town.
L is getting her 4 bedroom house ready for the market. Cleaning, painting, redoing the driveway, new flooring. It's going to look great. And I've been checking out the competition in the price range and nothing has come up for weeks. Between the staging results and the lack of competition, the money she's pouring into her home in order to sell is going to pay off. I'm even thinking I'd like to list is a few grand more than we originally thought.
And things are moving along at the Grand River Lofts. Construction has started with the replacement of all the windows. Plans are being prepped for approval and we're happy to be starting off the fall with an Agent Open House event at the Lofts Wed. Sept 9, 11-1pm. Join us if you can, refreshments will be served!
September is here. I've always found that once the kids are back to school I often get a few phonecalls out of the blue from buyers or sellers wanting to work with me. Judging from the strong August numbers, I expect this September will bring some more lovely people out of the woodwork for me to work with. Can't wait! Know someone? Pass along my name! I work solely on referrals and word of mouth.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
buyers, buyers, buyers....
Back from a week of vacation and it's been full speed ahead....
Spent Monday meeting with A&D to find out what kind of home will best suit them, then booked some showings for them for tues.
Tues I spent doing showings and taking a course at the Real Estate Board....not the most informative course I've ever been in, but oh well.
Last night I was able to show R&S a backsplit in Waterloo.....and if only we could pick it up and move it and get new windows into it it would be perfect! :) lol. Sometimes I wish house hunting was more like puzzling or better yet, Lego!....just pick the pieces you want and stick them together!
Today I spent with A&D again showing them a few more possibilities. We're getting closer, but not quite there yet. They're heading out of town for the weekend so we'll pick up where we left off on monday.
Busy week so far. I'm heading to my open house at the Grand Lofts this afternoon and then looking forward to an evening in. Still trying to fold 500 loads of laundry from vacation!!
Spent Monday meeting with A&D to find out what kind of home will best suit them, then booked some showings for them for tues.
Tues I spent doing showings and taking a course at the Real Estate Board....not the most informative course I've ever been in, but oh well.
Last night I was able to show R&S a backsplit in Waterloo.....and if only we could pick it up and move it and get new windows into it it would be perfect! :) lol. Sometimes I wish house hunting was more like puzzling or better yet, Lego!....just pick the pieces you want and stick them together!
Today I spent with A&D again showing them a few more possibilities. We're getting closer, but not quite there yet. They're heading out of town for the weekend so we'll pick up where we left off on monday.
Busy week so far. I'm heading to my open house at the Grand Lofts this afternoon and then looking forward to an evening in. Still trying to fold 500 loads of laundry from vacation!!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Updates...
Well, as you can tell from the slowdown in my blog posts....it's summer! :) whether the weather has cooperated or not!
Things have slowed down some, but the KW real estate continues to be strong with the average single detached sale price in June almost exactly the same as the average last June. July numbers are expected to continue in the right direction.
Summer is always a little bit more a juggle with my kids home, but the joy of my job is the flexibility it provides, so it continues to be busy.
I've been busy with a number of closings this month on spring deals. I'm continuing to actively search for a backsplit in the Northlake area for S&R. Working with W&K on finding the perfect solution for giving all members of their family the right space. Still searching for the right condo townhouse for C&R in Waterloo as well as one for A&M. A&C are trying to find their perfect next home with a large lot and hopefully a pool.
The end of August will continue to get a little busier as the fall market begins and things pick up again. I have buyers D&A coming from Europe to purchase a home here closer to family. And I'll be listing L's home in a fabulous neighbourhood where homes sell quickly and for higher than many other neighbourhoods in KW....my neighbourhood! :) As well as a few closings in August as well.
And of course always looking forward to some referrals from friends and previous clients. The fall usually brings a few of those as well! :)
July numbers should be out soon.....I'll be sure to update!
Things have slowed down some, but the KW real estate continues to be strong with the average single detached sale price in June almost exactly the same as the average last June. July numbers are expected to continue in the right direction.
Summer is always a little bit more a juggle with my kids home, but the joy of my job is the flexibility it provides, so it continues to be busy.
I've been busy with a number of closings this month on spring deals. I'm continuing to actively search for a backsplit in the Northlake area for S&R. Working with W&K on finding the perfect solution for giving all members of their family the right space. Still searching for the right condo townhouse for C&R in Waterloo as well as one for A&M. A&C are trying to find their perfect next home with a large lot and hopefully a pool.
The end of August will continue to get a little busier as the fall market begins and things pick up again. I have buyers D&A coming from Europe to purchase a home here closer to family. And I'll be listing L's home in a fabulous neighbourhood where homes sell quickly and for higher than many other neighbourhoods in KW....my neighbourhood! :) As well as a few closings in August as well.
And of course always looking forward to some referrals from friends and previous clients. The fall usually brings a few of those as well! :)
July numbers should be out soon.....I'll be sure to update!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Reference
Here's a sweet reference I received from a happy client today.....
"Considering we met you by chance, we have been very happy with how everything turned out. Overall, the process of buying and selling went very smoothly due in part to your hardwork, dedication, work ethic and knowledge. You always had an answer to all our questions, were friendly and fun too! We have nothing but good things to say about you and how you conducted yourself. I'd like to say we'd use you again but I'm hoping to never have to move...way too much work!:) With that being said, we would definitely recommend you to our friends and family and of course, if for some reason we decide to move again you'll be the person we call. We love the new house and really feel like it's home..."
.....makes me so happy when my clients are happy! :)
"Considering we met you by chance, we have been very happy with how everything turned out. Overall, the process of buying and selling went very smoothly due in part to your hardwork, dedication, work ethic and knowledge. You always had an answer to all our questions, were friendly and fun too! We have nothing but good things to say about you and how you conducted yourself. I'd like to say we'd use you again but I'm hoping to never have to move...way too much work!:) With that being said, we would definitely recommend you to our friends and family and of course, if for some reason we decide to move again you'll be the person we call. We love the new house and really feel like it's home..."
.....makes me so happy when my clients are happy! :)
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Private Buyers/Sellers
I don't like to harp on the dangers of buying and selling privately, but we hear these horror stories all the time. So, I thought I'd pass one along. Here's a true experience that was brought to our attention recently....
"Mrs. B decided to become an “instant” realtor by selling her home privately and save all that commission. A Buyer was found and the Agreement of Purchase and Sale drafted up by the (“instant" realtor) her lawyer. The offer was conditional upon financing.
Mrs. B decides to purchase a Power of Sale, and asks her lawyer how things are with the financing on her home. Her lawyer advices her that all seems in order and to make an offer on the P.O.S. which needs a “clean” offer to make it go as she is competing against another offer.
Mrs. B now has an agent to put in the offer. Agent asks Mrs. B to make sure she has her house sold. Agent is told that all is OK and to go ahead. (can you see it coming?) Mrs. B’s offer is accepted.
Mrs. B buyer however backs out of the deal on her home, due to (you guessed it) non qualifying for mortgage. Apparently her (“instant” lawyer mortgage advisor) guessed wrong.
Mrs. B still has her house for sale (privately) and owns 2 homes (soon) or will get sued."
"Mrs. B decided to become an “instant” realtor by selling her home privately and save all that commission. A Buyer was found and the Agreement of Purchase and Sale drafted up by the (“instant" realtor) her lawyer. The offer was conditional upon financing.
Mrs. B decides to purchase a Power of Sale, and asks her lawyer how things are with the financing on her home. Her lawyer advices her that all seems in order and to make an offer on the P.O.S. which needs a “clean” offer to make it go as she is competing against another offer.
Mrs. B now has an agent to put in the offer. Agent asks Mrs. B to make sure she has her house sold. Agent is told that all is OK and to go ahead. (can you see it coming?) Mrs. B’s offer is accepted.
Mrs. B buyer however backs out of the deal on her home, due to (you guessed it) non qualifying for mortgage. Apparently her (“instant” lawyer mortgage advisor) guessed wrong.
Mrs. B still has her house for sale (privately) and owns 2 homes (soon) or will get sued."
Friday, July 3, 2009
SMART RENOS
So, perhaps you've been thinking about renos.... I often get asked which renos give back the most return...which ones are "worth" doing. It's a great question, and whether you're thinking about staying put or moving it's an important aspect to keep in mind when making those reno decisions.
Here are some Re/Max stats on Smart Renos....
Bathrooms - keep it neutral and spa-like. Bathroom renos on average get you 56% better return on your money.
Landscaping - aim for low maintenance and great curb appeal. Landscaping renos on average get you 7% better return on your money.
Kitchens - plenty of cupboard space, keeping in mind entertaining and work flow. Kitchen renos on average get you 44% better return on your money.
Flooring - neutral, neutral, neutral. Flooring renos on average get you 22% better return on your money.
Painting - again, keep it neutral, use your splashes of color in your accessories. Painting renos get you 29% better return on your money.
So, there you have it. Kitchens and baths have the most value to a buyer and doing those renos can get you the best return on your money, especially if you're willing to roll up those sleeves and become a little handy yourself! :)
Want more indepth info on this topic?
http://www.remax.ca/Reno/
Here are some Re/Max stats on Smart Renos....
Bathrooms - keep it neutral and spa-like. Bathroom renos on average get you 56% better return on your money.
Landscaping - aim for low maintenance and great curb appeal. Landscaping renos on average get you 7% better return on your money.
Kitchens - plenty of cupboard space, keeping in mind entertaining and work flow. Kitchen renos on average get you 44% better return on your money.
Flooring - neutral, neutral, neutral. Flooring renos on average get you 22% better return on your money.
Painting - again, keep it neutral, use your splashes of color in your accessories. Painting renos get you 29% better return on your money.
So, there you have it. Kitchens and baths have the most value to a buyer and doing those renos can get you the best return on your money, especially if you're willing to roll up those sleeves and become a little handy yourself! :)
Want more indepth info on this topic?
http://www.remax.ca/Reno/
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