Helping you is what we do...
A lot of people look forward to the new year because it’s like starting a new chapter in a book. You’re about to finish one chapter and — on New Year’s Day — you’ll be eager to begin another. Looking at it another way, that new chapter is full of blank pages – ready for you to write your own story. In fact, you may have several hopes and dreams for 2022 and maybe some ambitious goals, too. Whatever your plans, I want you to know that you can reach out to me anytime you need real estate advice or...
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Eventually, just about all homeowners get to the point where they think about moving. Some want to upsize, some want to downsize, while others just want a change. No matter what the motivation, the decision isn’t always an easy one. There may be many reasons why it makes sense to stay with your current property. At the same time, there may be other compelling reasons to sell and find your next dream home. Fortunately, you don’t have to make that decision alone. As your real estate agent, I’m always available when you have questions or need advice regarding home ownership....
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How often has someone asked you about a particular professional or a service company? For example, they may have asked, “Do you know a good tree trimming service?” or “Can you recommend a great accountant?” Chances are you’ve been asked plenty of times over the years. The reason is obvious. Most people would prefer to work with a professional or company that a friend or neighbour has endorsed. That’s why they ask for recommendations! With that in mind, when you get asked, “Do you know a great real estate agent?” I hope you’ll offer my name. If you do, I...
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Have you ever had a question about real estate and struggled to find the answer? Perhaps you Googled the question and got inundated with hundreds of pages of content, much of it unhelpful. Or, maybe you asked friends and neighbours and received conflicting answers. It can be frustrating – especially when all you really want is an answer that’s accurate and relevant. For example, you might be wondering, “How much are homes going for in this area?” The good news is, there is a source of information available that you’re going to find very helpful. Me! I have the latest...
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You’ve probably heard the saying, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” It refers to problems or opportunities you simply aren’t aware of. For example, you might think your plumbing system is fine. You have no problems! However, a plumber may take a look and immediately notice a weak joint that’s sure to leak in the near future. Professionals in their fields know about things we simply don’t. The same situation can happen in real estate. There may be issues or opportunities concerning your home that you can’t see. For example, your property may have gone up in value more...
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In the days before the internet, when people were looking for a professional – a contractor, for example – they would often ask a friend or neighbour, “Do you know a good [insert profession]?” Well, guess what? The same thing still happens today! It’s just done a little differently. These days, people often ask for recommendations online, such as on their community’s Facebook page. However it’s done, the intention is obvious. People prefer to work with professionals who are recommended. That definitely includes real estate professionals. In my business, I work hard to be the kind of trusted real estate...
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Often, in old western movies, when the good guys were overwhelmed or in danger, the cavalry would come riding to the rescue. It made for an exciting scene! These days, you may never get into a situation where you need soldiers on horseback to help you. However, it can be all-too-easy to become overwhelmed with questions and concerns, particularly when it comes to real estate. When that happens, rather than waiting for the cavalry to come galloping over the hill, you can call or email me. I’m happy to “come to the rescue” and provide you with any answers or...
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I hope you’re enjoying the spring season so far!I have a quick question for you: What kind of professional do you like to work with?For me — whether it’s an accountant, lawyer or investment advisor — I prefer to work with someone who continually adds value. By that, I mean someone who provides excellent advice, is responsive when I have questions, puts my best interests first, and regularly sends helpful news and information.In other words, someone who focuses on being of service.Since that describes the kind of professional I would hire, I strive to be that same kind of professional...
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It’s not uncommon for people to think of a real estate agent as someone who only helps buy or sell properties. And, of course, that’s a big part of what I do for my clients. But you may not realize that I do a lot more. For example, if you have questions about the local market, you can contact me. I’m happy to answer your questions and, if needed, provide you with more in-depth information and advice. I’m also well-connected in the local real estate community. So, if you’re looking for a recommendation — for a contractor, painter, electrician, etc....
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A big benefit of having a professional you can trust is knowing that you never have to go it alone. For example, if you work with a good tax accountant, you never have to search the internet trying to find an answer to a pressing tax question. You just need to make a call. That saves you time, frustration and worry — especially if you would otherwise be relying on answers from the internet. (Those answers may not even be right for your situation.) Why am I bringing this up? I want you to feel comfortable reaching out to me...
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Did you know that there are many homeowners who are considering selling their homes over the next few months? In fact, you might even be considering making a move yourself.Why do I bring this up? Well, it’s conceivable that, while chatting with a neighbour or friend, you might be asked, “Do you know a good real estate agent?” If that happens, I hope you’ll feel confident in recommending me. I build my business through referrals. So, I work hard to earn those recommendations by providing excellent client service and doing everything else I can to be referral worthy.In fact, that’s...
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I hope 2021 has been off to a great start for you! If you have any big plans for the year, you might be interested in this famous quote by Benjamin Franklin, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”I would add, “Plan early.” We know that the sooner you get started, the more likely you are to ultimately succeed. Say, for example, you’re thinking of selling your home this year. Even if you don’t expect to list until the summer or fall, there are numerous advantages to starting to plan now. Wouldn’t it be helpful to know how...
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Welcome to December! If you’re like many people, you’ll be taking some time this month to reflect on those you’ve come to appreciate in 2020: friends, family, neighbours, even professional acquaintances. The list of people I’ll be thinking about this year includes my clients and real estate contacts — and that, of course, means you too. Let me take this opportunity to say how much I appreciate the opportunity to stay in touch with you. I’m in what is essentially a “people business”, so it’s the clients I get to help, and the people I hope to work with soon,...
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Happy autumn. Let’s hope the coming season treats us all well! Speaking of seasons, you may have noticed that the real estate market seems to have seasons. Traditionally, it’s slower in some months and busier in others. In fact, that might lead you to try to “time” the market and sell when it’s hot. But, be careful. Like the weather, the real estate market can be unpredictable. Yes, it may be active next spring – but, then again, it could be slow. There’s no way to know for sure. In fact, the best criteria for deciding whether or not to...
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I hope you’re enjoying the fall season! Have you ever noticed that, when it comes to real estate, there’s news, and then there’s news you can actually use? For example, most major newspapers, both print and online, publish updates on the real estate market — but only nationally and regionally. They don’t tell you what’s going on in your specific neighbourhood because, by necessity, they can only cover a broad area. But news that’s broad and general has limited value to you. The real estate information that’s most useful, especially if you’re thinking of selling, is local. It’s specific to...
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Have you seen one of those TV shows where someone brings in an item, usually an antique, and an expert appraises its value? It’s fun to watch the reaction when the expert reveals what the item is worth. While those shows are entertaining, they also teach us an important lesson. If you have an asset or investment, you should always know and keep track of its current market value. Your home is an investment, maybe your most important one. So, it’s a smart idea to periodically calculate what it would likely sell for on today’s market. I recommend you determine...
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The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by CREA and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademark DDF® is owned by CREA and identifies CREA’s Data Distribution Facility (DDF®).
