Ben Schmidt of www.benschmidt.tv a Fredericton NB and Oromocto NB Real Estate Agent video blogs about being your Back UP Realtor

There are a number of Real Estate agents in Fredericton and Oromocto to choose from. Just a little less than 300 was the number a month ago. That's a fair bit for our small city. It's pretty much a common saying that "everyone knows a Realtor". In California, the joke is a Police Office pulls over someone for speeding and when he asks for the license she gives him her Realtor License.

So, I understand that you already know a Realtor; your uncle, your best friend, your daughter's friend's father. I get it, there are these social contracts that we feel like we must fulfill. I encourage you to do so. There are MANY great Realtors in our city working for all different agencies.

This is just my way of telling you that I'd love to be your back up plan. If things don't work out, give me an email and I will be glad to come over and discuss your home that needs selling, or get your house purchasing game plan back on track.

If you have any questions for a Realtor give me an email at ben.schmidt@me.com

Ben Schmidt of www.benschmidt.tv a Fredericton Nb and Oromocto NB Real Estate Agent presents a Beautiful Camp on the Water.

So' here we are on Nashwaak West Road. We're looking at this gorgeously built hemlock, steel roof, 3 year old, 24x16 camp. So structurally sound it will last you a lifetime. We've got beautiful views of the Nashwaak River and School House brook. Land sits on School House Brook right as in enters into the Nashwaak River. So for any of you fishermen out there, jump on this before it gets jigged up on someone else's line.

Click here for more details on the listing. 

If you'd like to view the camp, give me an email at ben.schmidt@me.com

Ben Schmidt of www.benschmidt.tv a Fredericton NB and Oromocto NB Real Estate Agent video blogs about why he thinks a person should choose a Realtor who works with a team

So, it was just the other week that I was gone away for some weddings. I needed my business to run smoothly while I was away. I have clients who still have needs to be serviced if I'm there or not. Working with the Office of Darcy Simon provides me the opportunity to still maintain a life, while working in Real Estate.

While I was away Bryan Burgess of our office was able to step in and make sure all of my clients needs were taken care of. My new buyers were informed of all the properties they'd be interested and, and were shown a few homes. My pending sales were serviced, by setting appointments with inspectors and getting paper work signed between the buyers and sellers. My current listing were taken care of, by given their updates on the market and recent homes that sold/came online, so that they're aware of the competition.

I absolutely love working with the Office of Darcy Simon. Working with Darcy, Bryan, Larry and Lori is a pleasure, that not only I benefit from, but my clients as well.

If you're thinking of buying or selling a home, I think you should consider working with an individual that works with a team.

If you have any questions for a Realtor give me an email at ben.schmidt@me.com

So I've had to deal with this a few times before and it's fairly annoying to me and my buyers. Recently a triplex investment came on the market and I called immediately to get my buyer into the home. The Realtor tells me that two units aren't ready to show, but I can look at one and if I like that, I can come back. Two units are in shambles because of the past tenants.

I've got a buyer who is thinking of offering on an investment property, but this new one came online. My guy wont make a decision until he sees this new property, and it looks like it's going to be a week or two before we get in. In the meantime the first property could sell, and it might be the one that my buyer should have bought.

Realtors, if you're going to sell a property, before you put it on the market, make sure other Realtors can get in! Seems simple.

If you have any questions for a Realtor give me an email ben.schmidt@me.com

Gorgeous 2 storey log cabin home nestled on a private lot and surrounded by trees. This beautifully landscaped yard overlooks Harvey Lake and has full deeded access. Enter the home through the covered front porch, perfect for enjoying a quiet evening outside, and be welcomed by the large eat in kitchen. The living room is very warm, and features a woodstove for you and your loved ones to cozy up to. A laundry room with a half bath complete this floor. A pine staircase leads you upstairs to the 3 large bedrooms and a family sized bathroom. Bathroom is a dream and is sure to win you over. Imagine having your family and friends over to your private, scenic, two storey home, with deeded access to Harvey Lake, all for a 1st time buyers price. This home can`t be beat.

In a time where buyers can research throughly any of any product or service, I hear often from young buyers "yea, I just look myself, and when I find the home I want, I'll just contact a realtor to transact the deal." I originally was upset and hurt when I heard these comments, then I use to think "well that's what some people will think and you can't change that", but know I want to voice my opinion.

This is just one example, how working with a Realtor will make sure you get the home you wanted. I'll paint the scenario. I've worked with a buyer for 3 weeks and we've seen 15 homes. I know exactly the locations, price, and style of home my buyer wants. I see a home come onto my system, www.filogixdms.com, and I see it fits this criteria, I'm going to call my buyer immediately. Well as a Realtor, I'm privy to this house for an entire day before the general public and www.realtor.ca

So you can see how the "I can do it myself" attitude can lose you a house. Back in March the marketplace was HOT, and homes were selling the day they became available. (CLICK HERE) You can see that if you didn't have a quality Realtor working for you, you could miss out on the opportunity to buy your dream home.

If you want to be made aware of homes the moment they become available, give me an email at ben.schmidt@me.com

So, life sometimes catches up with you. This video series hasn't quite turned out to be what I was hoping for. A lesson for me in time management I believe. I bit off a little more than I could chew this summer with about 5 or 6 fairly large projects on their own. Building Entlebucher was the one that probably suffered the most, due to lack of timing.

The once name "how to build a house Fredericton" turned "Building Entlebucher" is more of a video overview of building a home, more than a step by step guide which was the original intention. One day in the near future I hope to provide my fellow city goers and future new construction builders a more in depth look at what goes into building a home. But for now, lets just get caught back up with this project.

We've installed siding, poured the concrete front step, the concrete garage floor and concrete basement floor. The natural gas heat pump is in, and we're crack-filled and freshly painted. We've just recently laid the hardwood flooring upstairs and on the staircase and we have trimmed off the windows and doors.

If you've got any questions about new construction or a question for a Realtor in general give me an email at ben.schmidt@me.com

So I've not been around for two weeks. Life kind of caught up with me a little bit. Big brother's wedding in Montreal, a best friend's wedding in Doaktown, switching over tenants and trying to do the best I can for my clients, had me a very busy boy lately.

The video blogs aren't going anywhere. Pssst, in fact, I'm thinking of putting even more of my time and energy into them. hehe

If you've got any questions about the Fredericton or Oromocto real estate marketplace give me an email at ben.schmidt@me.com

I just sold this Single Family at 2032 Route 3, Harvey, NB .

View this recently sold Single Family or see all my home sales

So, taking advantage of the slow month of August to start getting all the videos done for The Office of Darcy Simon. This is a service that will now be provided not just for my clients but for anyone selling a home with Darcy Simon, Larry Robinson or Brian Burgess.

If you are interested in getting a Video Walk-Thru done for your home to sell give me an email at ben.schmidt@me.com

Ben Schmidt of www.benschmidt.tv a Fredericton NB and Oromocto NB Real Estate Agent video blogs about the July 2010 Market Stats

So July has come and past and what did we see? Well the July 2010 had another significant drop compared to this time last year. Last July Fredericton had 137 homes sell, this year 86. That's 37% drop in sales, BUT the normal amount of homes that sell in July is about 112, so a 22% drop from the normal amount. Last years July was the best July Fredericton ever had.

If you're a buyer, now would be a great time to start looking. August is historically a slow month due to vacations, and as I said, sales have been down the last three months. This means there is a good supply of homes on the market, and plenty of good buys. You might have less competition to deal with, in the month of August.

If you're a seller then, just hold tight, August may not be your month either. Chances are the buyers will come back after the last Summer month. Typically we see a spike in activity in the September and October months.

If you have any questions for a Realtor give me an email ben.schmidt@me.com

Nestled on an acre plus, tree-lined lot, this very well cared for home is in immaculate condition and is centrally located half way between Fredericton and Oromocto. Beautiful setting, private and peaceful this property is enhanced by the tranquil Rusagonis Stream which is just a minute walk from your backyard. Inside the main level features an open kitchen/dining and living area, main floor bedroom, laundry room and bath. Upstairs offers two large bedrooms, one being the master bedroom which has its own private upper deck. Outside the home has a large inviting covered front porch to sit and relax after a hard days work. The property also features a detached double car garage that was just built in 2007 and 12 X 12 storage shed. A truly lovely home at a very affordable price makes this a great package!

Custom designed 4 bedroom mini home on its own private acre lot. Home is conveniently located between Fredericton and base Gagetown with only a 15 minute drive to either destination. Home features a good sized eat-in kitchen with lots of Oak cabinets, spacious living room with wood laminate floors, master bedroom off the living room with double closet and 3 more bedrooms at the opposite end of the home. If you have a growing family and you are tired of paying rent this is a great home for first time buyers.

Stunning 2 storey home with water frontage located on the head pond just 15 from the city. Home features a large kitchen/dining room, and great room, 3 bedrms, 2 baths, and a double car garage. All cosmetic choices are yours to make. Call early and choose your flooring, paint & kitchen cabinets.

So, I've got to turn over another property to new tenants at the end of the month. I've started to assess the home for damage to prepare myself and my workers for what work needs to be done. On inspection of the home I found something I've never seen before. I actually almost missed it as it looked like it was supposed to be there.

Looking at a window, there was a screw at the bottom of the window. It looked normal at first, and not out of place. But then I tried locking the window and realized it wouldn't. I noticed the problem was the window would not close all the way. So lifting up the window to inspect I realize this screw was put in, to jam the window sill and prevent the window from closing all the way. Thus allowing a perpetrator to always be able to enter into the home.

You always learning something new when renting to tenants.

If you have any questions about property management or a any questions for a Realtor give me an email at ben.schmidt@me.com

Situated on an extra large city lot with-in close proximity to all amenities this extra large bungalow offers large spacious rooms, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, cathedral ceilings, 2 paved driveways , carport and a detached double car garage. The main level offers a large eat-in kitchen with lots of wood cabinets and pantry, formal dining room, large living room with cathedral ceiling and fireplace, 3 bedrooms and the main bath. The lower level features a large office, family room, laundry room, 2nd bath and 2 storage rooms. A great home for a growing family.

Spectacular, immaculate 4 season home nestled on a large lot with water frontage on the Washademoak Lake. Home is strategically located on a small hill providing a remarkable view of the lake from either inside the home or outside on the beautiful wrap around porch. The main level features a beautiful kitchen with heated ceramic floors, tons of cabinets and pantry w/pull out shelves and a breakfast island. The kitchen is open to the dining/living room with gleaming hardwood floors and oil stove. French pocket doors off the kitchen lead to the large sunroom with 2 sky lights , an inviting hot tub and pellet stove. An office area, laundry room and bath complete this level. Upstairs features a sitting area with a fantastic view of the lake, master bedroom with ensuite bath and walk-in closet, and 2 other bedrooms with built in drawers and storage cupboards. Home also includes a storage barn, and rain water collecting system.

This beautiful cottage with a fantastic view of the lake is nestled amongst a family of upscale cottages on Grand Lake. No worries of flooding here as the cottage is well above the high water mark and there is proper stairway access to the private beach. The cottage offers a large open concept kitchen/dining/living room wrapped in cedar with cathedral ceilings, 3 bedrooms plus 2 bedroom lofts, suitable for children and a very spacious sunroom. The spacious sunroom has 4 walls of windows allowing you to capture a fantastic view of the lake. Patio doors in the main cottage and the sunroom connect to the large front and side decks. There is also a full basement which is insulated with Styrofoam and perfect for storage. The cottage also includes a woodstove, all appliances and some furnishings .Located in close proximity to popular Douglas Harbour and convenience store with gas bar.