Real Estate MARKet Watch

AYR - STUNNING CUSTOM BUILT BUNGALOW ON HUGE LOT

2011-07-25T17:12:00.000-04:00

Can Being Fooled Be Fun?

2011-03-29T07:12:00.002-04:00

In honor of April Fool’s Day, here are three stories that show how we all get fooled now and then, from www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/aprilfool/index:

On April 1, 1957, the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) carried a story about the spaghetti crop in Switzerland. The program announcer reported on how the crop was larger than usual, due to a mild winter and the absence of the spaghetti weevil. Film footage of the spaghetti harvest was shown, with families picking strands of spaghetti off of trees and placing them into baskets. At the end, the workers were seen gathering around a table to enjoy their fresh-picked homegrown spaghetti. The BBC got hundreds of phone calls from people wanting to know more about spaghetti trees and how they might grow one. Operators advised them to “place a sprig of spaghetti in a can of tomato sauce and hope for the best.”

On April 1, 1996, readers of newspapers including the New York Times saw a full-page ad announcing that Taco Bell had purchased the Liberty Bell, which would henceforth be known as the Taco Liberty Bell. “While some may find this controversial,” the advertisement said, “we hope our move will prompt other corporations to take similar action to do their part to reduce the country’s debt.” The National Historic Park was flooded with angry phone calls, but even White House spokesperson Mike McCurry played along, saying that the government also planned to sell the Lincoln Memorial to a different corporation, which would rename it the Ford Lincoln-Mercury Memorial.

On April 1, 1998, Burger King placed a full-page ad in USA Today announcing a new product: Left-Handed Whoppers. These burgers, specially designed for left-handed people, were supposed to be the same as regular Whoppers, but with “all condiments rotated 180 degrees, thereby redistributing the weight of the sandwich so that the bulk of the condiments will skew to the left, thereby reducing the amount of lettuce and other toppings from spilling out the right side of the burger.” Thousands of customers requested the new product, while others asked if a “right-handed” version was available.

When done in the right spirit, being fooled can be fun!

Do you have a fun April Fool’s Day story? Please add a post, email me at mark@homezone.ca or call me at 519-654-6683.

What's Luck Got To Do With It?

2011-03-15T08:03:00.002-04:00

You’ve heard the expressions, “Come on, lucky seven!” or “Don’t press your luck.” Frank Sinatra sang a song, “Luck Be A Lady Tonight.” There are even lucky symbols such as a coin (if you find it heads-up on the ground), a four-leaf clover, or a rabbit’s foot. But what is luck? Is it something you can see, or is it more of a feeling? Is it good or is it bad?

According to dictionary.com, luck is “The chance happening of fortunate or adverse events; good fortune, prosperity or success; one’s personal fate or lot.”

There’s no doubt that luck has many different interpretations. It could suggest the perfect scapegoat: No matter what goes wrong in life, you can always blame it on bad luck. Conversely, if someone else succeeds, you may believe it must have involved their good luck, and completely ignore the hard work and dedication that might have contributed to that person’s success.

Luck may involve superstitions. It can be your nightly bedtime schedule or your typical morning routine. You might hold onto these quirky habits because of the belief that changing any little detail might bring bad luck. Therefore, these self-created superstitions become actual parts of everyday life.

But if there really is such a thing as luck, why does it seem certain people are luckier or unluckier than others? There just isn’t a clear-cut explanation. The simplest reason I can think of is this: Luck occurs when opportunity rings the doorbell and you happen to be there to answer.

This month, instead of waiting for opportunities to simply land on your doorstep, go outside and search. Opportunities are everywhere – you just have to look for them.

What do you consider to be lucky? I’d love to hear about it. Please Add a post, e-mail me at mark@homezone.ca or call me at 519-654-6683.

What's Your Perfect Valentine?

2011-02-07T07:21:00.002-05:00

Valentine’s Day is February 14, and here’s a great story to celebrate it:

There was once a young man who had the perfect girlfriend. They were similar in almost every way but, in one aspect of their lives, they were complete opposites: He was a hockey fanatic – his girlfriend wasn’t.

They’d been dating for a while and had exchanged Valentine’s Day presents on two occasions, but he’d yet to give her that one perfect gift. He’d misfired on two in a row and it looked like he would fall flat again since the holiday was rapidly approaching, and he still hadn’t decided on a gift.

A week before Valentine’s Day, his favorite hockey team traded for a player whose last name matched her first name. The young man thought, “That would make the perfect gift. A hockey jersey with her name on the back; then we’d have matching jerseys. She’ll absolutely love it.” He immediately ordered the jersey, had it packaged in a team-colored box, and rush delivered. He was certain that he’d finally gotten her that perfect gift.

When his girlfriend opened the box, however, a bewildered look appeared on her face as she held up the jersey. “Turn it around,” he said excitedly. Sure enough, it had her name on the back. She just smiled, said, “Thanks honey,” and put the hockey jersey away in her closet.

The young man eventually figured out that she wasn’t quite as thrilled as he was about the hockey jersey, but she lovingly reassured him that his gift meant everything to her. The young woman knew the “perfect” Valentine’s Day gifts aren’t necessarily the dozen red roses, the expensive dinners or the diamond jewelry. They’re the gifts that come from the heart.

As for the couple now: They’re married – and the jersey still hasn’t left their closet.

Have a happy Valentine’s Day, whether you receive the perfect gift or not!

Do you have any memorable Valentine’s Day stories? Please add a post, e-mail me at mark@homezone.ca or call me at 519-654-6683.

Thank You!

2011-01-10T08:00:00.002-05:00

Here’s a quick note to let you know how much I appreciate the people you refer to me.

In the last year, excellent clients like you were responsible for referring 85% of my business. When you refer people you care about to me, I can spend more of my time focusing on their needs while also working with clients like you. Now, that’s what I call a win-win situation!

My goal is to build strong, lifelong relationships, one person at a time. Your heartfelt endorsement to others is the lifeblood of my business.

Who’s the next person you know who wants to work with a consultant who’s focused on their needs? Be sure to give me a call to discuss how we can let them know about my services.

What Do You Think Of The New Year?

2010-12-27T11:32:00.000-05:00

The New Year is a great time to embrace the idea of a new beginning. Whether it’s to exercise regularly, quit smoking, or go on a low-fat diet, you and I get the chance to look ahead and anticipate that the upcoming year will be better than the last. Here are some humorous quotations to think about as you prepare to embark on your New Year’s journey:

“A New Year’s resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other.”
– Anonymous

“An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.” – Bill Vaughan

“Many people look forward to the New Year for a new start on old habits.” – Anonymous

“Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right.” – Oprah Winfrey

“My New Year’s resolution: to tolerate fools more gladly, provided this does not encourage them to take up more of my time.” – James Agate

“Now there are more overweight people in America than average-weight people. So overweight people are now the average, which means you’ve met your New Year’s resolution.” – Jay Leno

“The best thing to give up in a New Year’s resolution is to give up giving up.” – Anonymous

“Youth is when you’re allowed to stay up on New Year’s Eve. Middle age is when you’re forced to.” – Bill Vaughn

My best wishes to you and your family for a healthy and prosperous New Year.

Do you have a favorite New Year’s quotation? I’d love to hear it. Please add a post, e-mail me at mark@homezone.ca or call me at 519-654-6683.

What's In The "Empty" Gold Box?

2010-12-13T08:21:00.003-05:00

What’s In the “Empty” Gold Box?

The holidays are a time of giving, receiving – and remembering the priorities:

Once upon a time there was a man who punished his five-year-old daughter for using a roll of gold wrapping paper. Money was tight, and he became angry when he saw the child put the wrapped box under the holiday tree. “We barely have enough to get by,” he said harshly, “and you used up the only wrapping paper we had in the house. Go to your room and stop being so wasteful.”

Nevertheless, the little girl brought the gift to her father the next morning, and said, “This is for you, Daddy.” The father was embarrassed by his earlier overreaction, but his anger flared again when he found that the box was empty. “Don’t you know that when you give someone a present, there’s supposed to be something inside the package?”

The little girl looked up at him with tears in her eyes and said, “Oh, Daddy, it’s not empty. I blew kisses into the box until it was full. All for you, Daddy.”

The father was crushed. He put his arms around his little girl, and begged her for forgiveness. He kept that gold box by his bed for years. Whenever he faced difficult problems and felt discouraged, he’d take out an imaginary kiss and remember the love of the child who had put it there.

Sometimes the most unexpected gift is the best gift! My warmest wishes for a holiday season filled with the best of gifts.

What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? Please add a post, email me at mark@homezone.ca or call me at 519-654-6683.

Make Your Home Safer

2010-11-29T08:33:00.002-05:00

Our homes are supposed to be our safe havens – and most of the time they are. But every year, more than 33 million people are injured by consumer products in their “safe havens.” Here are the “Top Five Hidden Home Hazards.”

1. Magnets. As the number of children’s products containing magnets has increased, so have injuries. When these tiny magnets fall out of toys, children are tempted to swallow them. Though a single magnet may not cause a tragedy, two or more magnets (or a magnet and any other metal item) are cause for alarm. They can attract to one another through the intestinal wall and pinch or twist the intestines – causing holes, blockages, infections, even death.

2. Recalled products. The CPSC can get recalled items off retailers’ shelves, but once a product is inside your home, you have to be on the lookout. Pay attention to the recall announcements and check for those items in your home.

3. Tip-overs. It can be fatal for a child to pull over a large item like a television or a bookcase. Make sure such items are stable in their positions, and monitor children who go near them.

4. Windows and coverings. Curtain and blind cords are a choking hazard and should always be kept out of the reach of children. Don’t rely on window screens to prevent children from falling out. Screens are designed to keep bugs out, not kids in.

5. Pool and spa drains. Pool drain suction can be strong enough to hold an adult under water. However, most incidents involve children. Missing or broken drain covers are often the reason for these accidents. For pool owners: Install a safety vacuum release system that detects drain blockage and alters the pool pump or water circulation to prevent an accident.

Sell-It-Yourself Isn’t for Everyone

2010-11-22T07:34:00.001-05:00

Here’s a quick note to let you know how I can help you or anyone you might refer to me.

Jack and Jessie were recently retired and ready to downsize from their four-bedroom home to a condo in a retirement community. They decided to sell their home themselves, and got started by researching the many steps required by the process. They also invested in new carpeting, painted the house inside and out, and did other upgrades that put the house in ready-to-move-in condition. Then they began running newspaper ads, and held an open house almost every weekend...for eight months.

Toward the end of that time I helped Jack and Jessie’s next-door neighbors sell their home for full price in 38 days. After they watched their neighbors move out and a new family move in, they contacted me and we met for an Initial Consultation. I offered them a copy of the plan I’d used to market their neighbor’s home, but they said, “No, thanks! We tried doing this on our own. We want you to help us.” I used three different strategies to market their home, and two months later Jack and Jessie were unpacking in their new condo.

Who’s the next person you know who is selling their own home and might benefit from a free, no-obligation consultation? Be sure to give me a call to discuss how we can let them know about my services.

National resale housing activity improves in October

2010-11-15T13:17:00.000-05:00

OTTAWA – November 15th, 2010 – National resale housing activity rose for the third consecutive month in October 2010, according to statistics released by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).

Seasonally adjusted national home sales activity via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) Systems of Canadian real estate Boards climbed 4.6 per cent in October 2010. The monthly rise in activity builds on similar increases in August and September. As a result, activity now stands 13.3 per cent above July levels, when it reached this year’s low point. Three-quarters of local markets posted monthly increases in seasonally adjusted activity in October, led by Toronto and Vancouver.

As further evidence that the market is returning to normal, sales activity in October stood halfway between the recessionary low reached in December 2008, and the record level activity posted in December 2009.

Home sales improve considerably in October

2010-11-05T11:33:00.002-04:00

According to the Board’s statistics, home sales numbered 200 units in October 2010. While this is down nine per cent from a year earlier, it is a much smaller decline compared to the previous four months.

Seasonally adjusted sales jumped 24 per cent on a month-over-month basis in October, reaching the highest level since April. Year-to-date sales remain just above levels reported over the first ten months of 2009, and above 2008 levels as well.

The average price for homes sold in October 2010 was $278,626. While this is up 11 per cent from the same month last year, it is important to note that October 2009 saw a relatively low average price. The average price bounced back in November 2009, so year-over-year gains are likely to become noticeably smaller beginning in November 2010.

The dollar value of all homes sold in October 2010 amounted to $55.7 million, edging up one per cent from year-ago levels.

Total sales numbered 207 units in October, down eight per cent on a year-over-year basis. The dollar value of all sales in October 2010 totalled $59.2 million, four per cent above levels reported in October 2009.

New residential listings on the Board’s MLS® System numbered 350 units in October 2010, an increase of seven per cent from one year earlier. There were 850 active residential listings on the Board’s MLS® System at the end of October 2010, on par with levels at the same time last year.

There were 4.3 months of inventory at the end of October 2010. This is up from 3.8 months at the same time last year, and is characteristic of a more balanced market. The number of months of inventory is the number of months it would take to sell current inventories at the current rate of sales activity.

Founded in 1953, the Real Estate Board of Cambridge is an Association of well-trained and educated REALTORS® who provide real estate related services to Cambridge and surrounding communities.

Katie and Ryan Find the Right Consultant

2010-11-01T08:07:00.001-04:00

Here’s a quick note to let you know how I can help you or anyone you might refer to me.

Katie and Ryan couldn’t sell their home. A year had passed and the listing expired because their Realtor had listed their asking price too high. Katie and Ryan still wanted to sell their house, but with the assistance of another Realtor.

I’d helped Ryan’s uncle sell his house nine months ago and he introduced me to the couple. At our Initial Consultation, I started by demonstrating that I wasn’t just a salesperson for the transaction – I was a consultant for life. We then discussed the various ways I’d successfully market their home, and I told them that before I suggested an asking price, I’d research their area and find out what similar homes were selling for, based on the current market. Two days later I listed their house and within the month, we sold it for their new asking price.

Who’s the next person you know who’s ready to sell their house? Please give me a call to discuss how we can let them know about my services.

Chris and Holly Have Lots to Celebrate

2010-10-25T08:07:00.003-04:00

Here’s a quick note to let you know how I can help you or anyone you might refer to me.

When Chris and Holly married almost a year ago, they took public vows and made a private vow, as well: They would be out of their apartment and into their own home by their first anniversary.

Now, with their anniversary just two months away, Holly and Chris were ready to take the first step – but what was the first step?

Holly’s sister, a client of mine, suggested they meet with me, and at our Initial Consultation I learned that the couple knew a lot about what they wanted in a house, but not nearly as much about what they could afford or what homes were available in their price range. We spent a lot of time talking about their goals and dreams, then I referred them to my trusted Lender to get them pre-approved. Chris and Holly fell in love with the fourth home we looked at, I expedited the paperwork, and now they’re preparing to celebrate their first anniversary in their very own home.

Who’s the next couple you’d like to see in their own home? Be sure to give me a call to discuss how we can let them know about my services.

May I Ask You to Call Me?

2010-10-18T08:03:00.002-04:00

Here’s a quick note to let you know how I can best serve the people you refer to me.

Recently a client asked, “What is the best way to refer people I care about to you?” The reason he asked was that in the past few weeks, he had recommended a friend and two colleagues to me. I asked him the names of the people he referred. To our surprise, only one of the three had actually contacted me.

The advice I gave him was to call me directly whenever he knew someone who could benefit from my services, and we could discuss the best way for me to connect with his friends and family. The good news is, now my client is calling me directly whenever the people he cares about need my services, and his referrals are getting the advice they need to make the wisest real estate decisions.

When you want to refer a family member, friend or colleague, simply call me directly at
519-654-6683 so you and I can discuss the best way to approach them. Remember, a referral is sending someone you care about to someone you know and trust.

Who’s the next person you know who is thinking about buying or selling in three to six months? Be sure to give me a call to discuss how we can let them know about my services.

No “Relocation Blues” for Scott and Daisy!

2010-10-11T07:19:00.002-04:00

Here’s a quick note to let you know how I can help you or anyone you might refer to me.

Six years ago I had the pleasure of helping Scott and Daisy purchase their first condominium, and two years ago I helped them buy a three-bedroom house. When Daisy called two months ago to tell me they were relocating out of province due to Scott’s promotion, of course I had mixed feelings – delighted about their good news, but sorry to see such nice folks leave the area.

I belong to a national organization of real estate and lending professionals, so I offered to connect them with a Realtor and Lender in their new city. I called my contact at the organization, obtained several names, and passed them along. Daisy just sent me a photo of Scott and her in front of their new home, with a note thanking me for referring them to such competent professionals!

Who is the next person you know who is moving into or out of our area? Please give me a call to discuss how we can let them know about my services. Thank you!

Thomas and Christie Move On

2010-10-04T07:36:00.002-04:00

Here’s a quick note to let you know how I can help you or anyone you might refer to me.

Thomas and Christie had been married for several years, but now were in the process of getting divorced. They’d cleared all the hurdles in order to finalize their divorce, except the sale of their home. Since this was the last obstacle, both were anxious and wanted to sell the house in a timely fashion.

I’d helped Christie’s uncle sell his house three years ago and he recommended my services. At our Initial Consultation, Thomas and Christie spoke about the importance of a quick sale, as well as receiving fair market value for their home. They also stated it was imperative that they both received enough money for their respective down payments on future residences. Nineteen days after we listed the house, it sold for more than their asking price, and Thomas and Christie were finally able to move on with their lives.

Who’s the next person you know who is ready to move into a new stage in their life? Please give me a call to discuss how we can let them know about my services.

Jim Goes From Dreaming of Retirement - to Enjoying

2010-09-27T08:32:00.002-04:00

Here’s a quick note to let you know how I can help you or anyone you might refer to me.My neighbor

Jim’s retirement was approaching and he was filled with excitement – and concern. He was excited about all the things he’d postponed doing that he’d now have time to do: travel, spend time with friends, baby-sit his new granddaughter, read, go fishing, and volunteer at the local library. Jim’s concern? How to finance his retirement, continue saving and investing, and also set aside funds in case he someday needed long-term care.

Jim assumed he’d have to sell his home and he asked me to list it, but I suggested that before we list his home, he should meet with a financial advisor to get a good, clear picture of all his assets and options. I referred Jim to a great financial advisor, then researched sales of comparable homes in our and nearby neighborhoods. When I told him that, even in our current market, he could plan on selling for 20 times what he’d paid for the house almost 30 years ago, all the pieces of his financial future fell into place.

We sold his home in 36 days, Jim downsized to a small condo in a retirement community, and now he’s saving, investing, and enjoying the retirement of his dreams.

Who’s the next person you know who is thinking of retiring? Be sure to give me a call to discuss how we can let them know about my services.

Is How You Talk Really as Important as What You Say?

2010-09-20T09:03:00.002-04:00

No, actually, it’s more important.

In her article “Twenty-Five Top Tips for Tip-Top Communication,” personal coach Grace Judson (www.svahaconcepts.com) offers a variety of communication tips you can try out at home and at work:

· How you talk about yourself dictates how others will communicate with you. Do you put yourself down? Call yourself names? If you disrespect yourself, others will, too.

You don’t have to agree with someone to understand their viewpoint. Seeking to understand another demonstrates respect, and gives you insight into how to support and please them.

Your personal style choices send a message. This includes the color, fit, and cut of your clothing and shoes, your hairstyle and jewelry, your makeup, your perfume or aftershave, your teeth and fingernails.

Don’t assume that your audience hears and understands you. Confirm understanding by asking open-ended questions that require your listener to paraphrase your message.

Consider what your tone of voice, volume, pace, and inflection reveal. Ask a few trusted friends what they like most and least about your voice.

Courtesy keeps interpersonal relationships gliding along. Start unexpected conversations by asking, “Is this a good time to speak, or should I call/come back later?” Tell the person how much time you think you’ll need.

Be quick to pass on a genuine compliment, verbally or in a personal acknowledgement note.

Before you speak ask yourself, “Is what I’m about to say true? Is it stated kindly? Is it necessary to say?” If you answer “no” to any, reconsider.

If we all take some time to think about how we communicate, we’ll all be on our way to becoming tip-top communicators!

What’s your top communication tip? I’d love to hear it. Please add a post, email me at mark@homezone.ca or call me at 519-654-6683.

Existing home sales edge up in August

2010-09-17T17:13:00.006-04:00

OTTAWA – September 15th, 2010 – National resale housing activity improved in August 2010, according to statistics released by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).

Seasonally adjusted national home sales activity via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) Systems of Canadian real estate Boards in August rose 4.1 per cent from the previous month. This marks the first monthly increase since March 2010.

Activity was up most in Ontario and British Columbia, with monthly gains in these two provinces accounting for most of the improvement in national sales activity in August. Seasonally adjusted sales activity either increased or remained stable in over half of all local markets across Canada.

Year-to-date transactions are up 2.2 per cent compared to the first eight months of last year. Activity rose sharply over the second half of 2009 and reached levels that are unlikely to be matched in the final four months of 2010, so year-to-date comparisons are forecast to turn down in the coming months.

The number of new residential listings on Canadian MLS® Systems also edged up 1.9 per cent on a seasonally adjusted basis in August compared to the previous month. Despite having edged slightly higher in all provinces except Alberta, new listings remain 16 per cent below the peak reached last April on a national basis.

The average price of homes sold via Canadian MLS® Systems in August was $324,928, which is on par with the same month last year ($324,843). Average home prices eased slightly in Alberta and New Brunswick in August, but gains in every other province exceeded the national increase. Average price rose or was stable in nearly two-thirds of all local markets on a year-over-year basis, but increases are shrinking in Canada’s most active and priciest markets.

The national weighted average price compensates for changes in provincial sales activity by taking into account provincial proportions of privately owned housing stock. It climbed 3.3 per cent on a year-over-year basis in August 2010. Similarly, the residential average price in Canada’s major markets was up 2.2 per cent year-over-year in August, while the weighted major market average price rose 6.6 per cent.

The number of months of inventory represents the number of months it would take to sell current inventories at the current rate of sales activity, and measures the balance between housing supply and demand. It stood at 6.9 months at the end of August 2010 on a national basis, which is down slightly from the seven months of inventory at the end of July 2010.

The seasonally adjusted number of months of inventory also stood at 6.9 months at the end of August on a national basis. This is down from 7.3 months at the end of July, and marks the first month-over-month decline since last November.

“Rising interest rates and a projected slowdown in job growth mean that the Canadian housing market is expected to continue to cool,” said Georges Pahud, CREA’s President. “This is overlooked in recent commentary that suggests further changes to mortgage regulations may be needed. A further tightening of regulations could negatively impact Canada’s softening housing market and consumer confidence.”

Existing home sales edge up in August “High sales activity late last year and earlier this year borrowed from sales this summer and will continue do so over the coming months,” said Gregory Klump, CREA’s Chief Economist. “This makes the return to more normal levels of sales activity look like a steep downward trend.”

“The hangover from accelerated home purchases is likely to persist over the rest of the year. Although economic and job growth are expected to be tepid, they will continue to support housing markets,” he added.

PLEASE NOTE: The information contained in this news release combines both major market and national MLS® sales information from the previous month.

CREA cautions that average price information can be useful in establishing trends over time, but does not indicate actual prices in centres comprised of widely divergent neighborhoods or account for price differential between geographic areas. Statistical information contained in this report includes all housing types.

MLS® is a co-operative marketing system used only by Canada’s real estate Boards to ensure maximum exposure of properties listed for sale.
The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) is one of Canada’s largest single-industry trade associations, representing more than 100,000 REALTORS® working through more than 100 real estate Boards and Associations. Further information can be found at http://www.crea.ca/public/news_stats/media.htm

Gary and Ann Go from Skeptical - to Satisfied

2010-09-13T08:11:00.003-04:00

Gary and Ann Go from Skeptical – to Satisfied

Here’s a quick note to let you know how I can help you or anyone you might refer to me.

Gary and Ann needed a larger home with more bedrooms and a bigger backyard. They had three young children, two dogs, and not enough space for their family to grow. However, the bitter memories of their last home buying experience still remained, so Gary and Ann hesitated to work with another Realtor. They even discussed trying to sell their home and purchase another using an online service to avoid a repeat of their last situation.

I’d helped Ann’s aunt downsize from her house to a condo, and she suggested they talk to me. They were somewhat skeptical when we met for our Initial Consultation, until I explained that I was a consultant, not a salesperson, and more interested in building relationships than making a sale. As Ann and Gary grew more comfortable, they shared their thoughts about their goals and dreams. We started house hunting and three weeks later, Ann and Gary purchased a four-bedroom home with a huge backyard for $8,000 less than asking price. I’m honored to say they’ve since referred two friends to me!

Who’s the next person you know who wants to work with a consultant instead of a salesperson? Be sure to give me a call to discuss how we can let them know about my services.

What's Outside Your Window?

2010-09-06T07:58:00.012-04:00

Here’s a poignant reminder of what’s important in life:

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they’d been on vacation.

Every afternoon, the man who could sit up would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window next to his bed. The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where his world was broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake, said his roommate. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm-in-arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline framed the horizon. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.

Days and weeks passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She called the hospital attendants to take him away. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved to the other bed. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the world outside. He strained to turn and look out the window beside the bed. He faced a blank wall. When the nurse returned, the man asked her what could have compelled his deceased roommate to describe such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, “Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.”

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? I’d love to hear it. Please add a post, email me at mark@homezone.ca or call me at 519-654-6683.

Priced To Sit or Priced to Sell?

2010-08-30T08:27:00.003-04:00

Just a quick note to let you know how I can help you or anyone you might introduce to me.

Five years ago I helped Paul and Gloria purchase their first home. Now, with two children and a third on the way, they called and asked me to help them sell their home and find a larger house for their growing family.

Paul and Gloria’s home was in a nice neighborhood and had appreciated – but in this current market, not nearly as much as they’d thought. They were disappointed with my suggested listing price and said they’d think it over and get back to me. I didn’t hear from them for 10 days, then I discovered they’d listed their house with another agent – for $20,000 more than the price I’d suggested.

Four months later, when their listing expired, Paul and Gloria called, apologized, and asked me to list their home to sell. We sold the house in 31 days, and now they’re packing and preparing to move into their new four-bedroom home.

Who’s the next person you know whose listing has expired? Be sure to give me a call to discuss how we can let them know about my services.

BC and Ontario housing markets feel effects of HST in July

2010-08-23T10:27:00.000-04:00

Did You Label It Fragile?

2010-08-23T08:17:00.002-04:00

I heard this story from a colleague and I thought I’d share it:

It was the seventh time in seven years he was moving. He’d lifted that red-and-green checkered couch up and down just too many times. This time around, he wasn’t going to move a thing. A moving company would take care of the heavy lifting. Packing and unpacking were his only duties.

The Saturday before the big move, he asked two friends from work to help him pack while his wife was away for the weekend. The trio finished packing in record time. Amazingly, they had the dishes carefully wrapped and put away, books skillfully stacked and boxed, and clothes neatly folded in plastic containers. He thought they’d taken care of everything and that his packing expertise would pleasantly surprise his wife.

Later that evening, his wife called. Not being one to contain his excitement very long, he told her about his mighty accomplishment. After lots of embellishing about the difficult conquest of packing, he waited for the congratulatory reply. Instead of feeding his already inflated ego, his wife simply asked, “Did you make sure to label the boxes?” Shocked and exasperated, he replied, “Well, I labeled a lot of them ‘fragile.’”

Moving is the start of a new chapter in your life. But oftentimes, you don’t want to go through the process of moving. Instead, you’d rather snap your fingers and be done with it. However, without the process, what do you have? By wanting to get through a move as fast as possible, you can’t really enjoy the experience.

And it’s not just moving into a new house, but moving through the journey of life. You can’t wait until you finish that home improvement project or you can’t wait until the weekend at the in-laws is over. As a result, you might miss what’s right in front of you: The little things that can make life easier, the little things that can make life better, and the little things that can turn a great feat into a classic blunder.

Enjoy the journey!

Do you have any funny moving stories? Please e-mail me at mark@homezone.ca or add it to this blog.

What Is Uffi?

2010-08-16T08:20:00.012-04:00

Urea-Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI)

What Is UFFI?

Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) was developed in Europe in the 1950s as an improved means of insulating difficult-to-reach cavities in house walls. It is typically made at a construction site from a mixture of urea-formaldehyde resin, a foaming agent and compressed air. When the mixture is injected into the wall, urea and formaldehyde unite and "cure" into an insulating foam plastic.

During the 1970s, when concerns about energy efficiency led to efforts to improve home insulation in Canada, UFFI became an important insulation product for existing houses. Most installations occurred between 1977 and its ban in Canada in 1980.

Why Was UFFI Banned?

In the insulating process, a slight excess of formaldehyde was often added to ensure complete "curing" with the urea to produce the urea-formaldehyde foam. That excess was given off during the curing, almost entirely within a day or two of injection. Properly installed, UFFI might not have resulted in any problem. Unfortunately, however, UFFI was sometimes improperly installed or used in locations where it should not have been. Enough complaints were received, particularly from people living in small, well-sealed homes, that Canadian authorities became concerned about possible health implications. The further use of UFFI was banned in 1980.

What Is Formaldehyde?

Formaldehyde is a pungent, colourless gas commonly used in water solution as a preservative and disinfectant. It is also a basis for major plastics, including durable adhesives. It occurs naturally in the human body and in the outdoor environment. Formaldehyde is used to bond plywood, particleboard, carpets and fabrics, and it contributes to "that new house smell." Formaldehyde is also a by product of combustion; it is found in tobacco smoke, vehicle exhaust and the fumes from furnaces, fireplaces and wood stoves.

While small amounts of formaldehyde are harmless, it is an irritating and toxic gas in significant concentrations. Symptoms of overexposure to formaldehyde include irritation to eyes, nose and throat; persistent cough and respiratory distress; skin irritation; nausea; headache; and dizziness.

Health Canada has determined that 0.1 parts per million (ppm) is a safe level of formaldehyde in the home. Sensitivity to this level may vary based on individual age and health.

Should You Be Concerned About UFFI Today?

Tests show that UFFI is not a source of over-exposure to formaldehyde after the initial curing and release of excess gas. As it was last installed in 1980, it would certainly not be causing excess indoor formaldehyde today. Houses with UFFI show no higher formaldehyde levels than those without it. However, if UFFI comes in contact with water or moisture, it could begin to break down. Wet or deteriorating UFFI should be removed by a specialist and the source of the moisture problem should be repaired.

In new or other well-sealed houses, significant indoor formaldehyde levels may still occur when new carpets or wood composite materials, such as plywood, particleboard and waferboard, are used in home construction, cabinetry and furnishings. These are the most likely sources of high formaldehyde levels in the home today.

If you are asked for a UFFI declaration

Since 1993, a UFFI declaration has not been required for mortgage insurance under the National Housing Act. However, a UFFI declaration may still be requested as part of a real estate listing or an agreement of purchase and sale. Even though UFFI should not be a cause for concern, you may, depending on where you live in Canada, be asked to declare whether or not it is in your home.

Some home inspectors will have the training or experience to identify UFFI. You can make a physical check of the home yourself. Look for a series of small patched holes, 1.2 to 2 cm (1/2 to 3/4 in.) across, at regular intervals on exterior or interior walls. Foam may be obvious where floor joists meet the exterior walls of the basement or around electrical outlets or switch plates. These indicators do not necessarily mean that UFFI is present, but they may alert you to the possibility.