1. Realtors don’t sell houses. We market them. And if when we do a good job, people will buy them. We don’t often get a chance to meet a buyer if we are working for the seller. When we do represent both, we need to be very careful not to be biased. When we are [...]
If your uncle, your brother, or your buddy is a Realtor, should you use them? It's a tougher question for some people than others, depending on how close you are. It can also be a tough one for Realtors. I sometimes come across agents that are just livid with a friend who didn't use them. [...]
When I discuss with other Realtors that I don't work Sundays, I love to watch their reaction. I'm often met with blank stares and confused looks. Sometimes a little frustration or even anger. In fact, what surprises most agents, is that I have never lost a client or a transaction for doing it! Which to [...]
How does a "Dutch" Realtor never forget? My parents are both Dutch. So are my wife's. We've both heard many stories of the atrocities in the second world war. We've also both been told the many stories of human kindness and heroism. Though the atrocities were numerous and their effects long-lasting, we also learned that [...]
Around this time of year, I often get asked about whether or not to list (or leave listed) a house over the Christmas Holidays. Here is what I usually recommend: There are a number of reasons to take the house off of the market during the holidays. The market does slow right down during [...]
Calgary, Nov. 1, 2013 – Residential sales activity totaled 1,953 units in October, an 18 per cent rise over 2012 and pushing yearto- date volume increases to just over 10 per cent. However, on a year-to-date basis, city wide sales remain far below transactions levels recorded throughout 2005 – 2007. “Some people have noticed that [...]
"Location, location, location. It's everything in Real Estate." Everyone says it. But is it true? Not too long ago, one of my favourite past clients sent me a note on Facebook. She had apparently come across a home that looked perfect for her and her family from every perspective. ...except one. It was next to [...]