Special offer

Halton Hills, ON Real Estate News

By Ness Lindsay
(CreativNess (Formally Ness Lindsay))
Nowadays it seems like everywhere you turn someone is going through some kind of rough time. Whether it is divorce, foreclosure, financial devastation or losing their job. Some are even dealing with many of these at once. Here are a few pointers on how to get through such difficult times. Focus on the solutions (not the problems). You need to feel more in control of the situation, so write down possible solutions to your problem, and then take action. Remember, this too shall pass. No matter how bad things look right now, better times are around the corner. You just have to hang in there. Shift your thinking. Sometimes things seem worse than they really are. If you are not feeling good, recognize that the reason for this is the situation you're in, if you can shift your thoughts to some...
Comments 3
By Ness Lindsay
(CreativNess (Formally Ness Lindsay))
See what tax benefits apply to you. BUSINESSES: http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/taxchange/business.html COSUMERS: http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/taxchange/consumers.html FAMILIES: http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/taxchange/families.html FARMERS: http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/taxchange/farmers.html HOME BUYERS: http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/taxchange/homebuyers.html PUBLIC SERVICE BODIES: http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/taxchange/publicservicebodies.html SENIORS: http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/taxchange/seniors.html STUDENTS: http://www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/taxchange/students.html
Comments 3
By Ness Lindsay
(CreativNess (Formally Ness Lindsay))
Here are six costly mistakes made by homebuyers that can easily be avoided.   Mistake #1: Not Reviewing Your Credit History Home buyers often wait until they apply for a mortgage to have their credit reports in hand. Getting a copy of your credit scores early is an absolute must.   Mistake #2: Not Getting Pre-Approved For a Mortgage You need to know how much of a mortgage you can afford, and compare that to homes available in that price range to see if you are comfortable with what you get for your money. There's no point in considering property or going through paperwork for something you won't qualify for.  Mistake #3: Not Having a Clear Idea of what's Suitable A buyer needs to have a clear understanding of what they really are looking for. Too many home buyers just dive in and look a...
Comments 0
By Ness Lindsay
(CreativNess (Formally Ness Lindsay))
Here's how to master virtual collaboration.  Have you ever been awakened from a deep sleep by a badly timed telephone query? Or maybe you couldn't find a critical file owned by a colleague a half a world away; Do you constantly run into problems because of co-workers that are always on the move? Problems like these plague many teams who work in other parts of the city, country and even the world. Frequent travel can be exhausting and become expensive. Here are just a few suggestions you might try to help get everyone on the same playing field.  1. Use Instant Messaging for quick impromptu meetings 2. Use a virtual conference room for more formal meetings 3. Keep your meetings organized 4. Set up a virtual water cooler 5. Review edits of co-workers, no matter where they are 6. Stay in to...
Comments 0
By Ness Lindsay
(CreativNess (Formally Ness Lindsay))
If you're anything like me, you spend less than 15 seconds scanning your e-mail. Unless your e-mail is marked urgent or you can immediately see that it's something you wish to read, it just gets filed away for future reading, or deleted altogether. Now just imagine that others are treating your e-mail the same way. Here are 6 tips to help ensure that your e-mail messages get the attention they deserve.   1. Make the purpose of the message clear Create an effective subject line, something that will differentiate important mail from junk mail.   2. Tell recipients what action you want them to take Make the action you want the receiver to take completely clear. The four actions are: •·       Action •·       Respond •·       Read only •·       FYI only  3. Provide the proper data and docume...
Comments 3
By Ness Lindsay
(CreativNess (Formally Ness Lindsay))
With the HST getting ready to rear its ugly head, businesses in British Columbia and Ontario have very little time to get a handle on just exactly what this will mean for them.  While doing some research on the HST I came across a very helpful article that explains the effects this tax may have on you. Hopefully it will answer all your queries. HST Primer: What Businesses Need to Know  In this article you will find in detail: HST basics: five things you must know Which businesses will need to charge HST? Why harmonize? Claiming input tax credits Ontario's $400 million transition program Lessons learned from other provinces HST implementation checklist Sample HST remittance calculation Special rules for transactions that straddle the implementation date How goods & services will be taxed...
Comments 0
By Ness Lindsay
(CreativNess (Formally Ness Lindsay))
Even experienced Realtors® find it difficult asking for business from friends and relatives. Here's how you can comfortably start conversations that can result in new business.  Tip #1: Casually introduce the real estate market into your conversation. People are always interested in how the market is doing, and what the value of their own home is. Occasionally call them and keep them up to date on market trends and recent listings.   Tip #2: With no strings attached, offer them updates on the market in their area and then put together follow reports, so when they or someone they know considers buying or selling, you'll be uppermost in their mind.  Tip #3: Become aware of any life changes, such as marriage, pregnancy, promotions or new jobs. These could indicate a possible move. Offer yo...
Comments 4
By Ness Lindsay
(CreativNess (Formally Ness Lindsay))
Most small business owners must face challenges alone or with very little support. We all know stress is a part of everyday life, and the small business owner must learn and become aware of their level of stress. The reduction of stress in the small business workplace is very important. Here are some tips on how to deal with stress in a proactive way, 1. Commit to improved time management. 2. Maintain an organized office with the required equipment and materials to do the job. 3. Make sure all goals and objectives are clearly understood and employees know exactly what is expected of them. 4. Set aside a small amount of time each day to get away from your desk, personal time outside of the work environment. 5. Create a TO DO list. Categorize it in order of the most urgent and important t...
Comments 5
By Ness Lindsay
(CreativNess (Formally Ness Lindsay))
When deciding on creating your website did you consider those who cannot see?The community is filled with impaired individuals. Just like everybody else, they will need some service at some point in their lives. So why should we assume that due to their impairment they should be excluded from the use of these services? Sometimes we forget to consider them as potential clients. Catering to the visually impaired can lead to lifetime client's verses intermediate ones.  Whether it is in your HTML/CSS code or in the content text, make sure you are using descriptions when working on your site. Ask yourself this, when you carry on conversations with others via the internet, how many times have you actually considered that the recipient of your conversation could be handicapped in some way. Per...
Comments 4
By Ness Lindsay
(CreativNess (Formally Ness Lindsay))
I was checking out Ideas for impact the other day and found an interesting article entitled: "If you pay Peanuts, you get monkey's" The article explains how one manager lost valuable time and money by hiring the wrong consultant for a very critical project. He further explains that while one consultant may be cheaper than another, it doesn't mean they are better. Cutting corners to save a few bucks isn't always the best decision to make. Here are some things to think about when choosing your virtual assistant You'll need to check out the VA's website to see if they pay attention to details, if it shows they take pride in their work. Is there site easy to navigate? Can you get an impression on how they work and think? Even though working with a VA is "virtual", how they respond and how q...
Comments 0
By Ness Lindsay
(CreativNess (Formally Ness Lindsay))
1. Clear navigationNavigation is what directs your customer to prevalent parts of your website. It tells them how to find the information they need and should be clear and easy to follow. 2. Create a visually appealing and simple home pageKeep your home page simple and easy to read. Don't overwhelm your clients by putting everything about your business on the first page. 3. Contact InformationSometimes customers will want to get in contact with a real person, so make your contact information easy to find - and if possible - include a phone number as well as an email address.4. FAQ'sIf your site relates to products that you are selling, it is smart to include a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section to help customers easily find answers to questions about your products and services. 5....
Comments 5
By Ness Lindsay
(CreativNess (Formally Ness Lindsay))
Facebook has become the leader in social networking. It is easy to alienate your friends and associates by its misuse. Being a good Facebook friend is no different from being a good real-life friend. "Be considerate, courteous, kind and think about how your actions affect the other person," says Toronto-based etiquette expert Louise Fox.  Here are the top 10 ways to ensure those relationships stay in good standing. •1.     Update your status regularly, but not constantly •2.     Post funny, clever or interesting status update. •3.      Comment on, or "like" your Facebook friends' status. •4.     Respond to messages that your Facebook friends send you. •5.     Post interesting photos, videos and articles •6.     Comment on your Facebook friends' photos •7.     Don't post unflattering pho...
Comments 4
By Ness Lindsay
(CreativNess (Formally Ness Lindsay))
I came across some helpful information for prospective buyers. •1.    Make a list of must haves, such as school location, commuting distance etc. Compare each home you view against your checklist. This will narrow down your search. •2.    Visit your favourite homes a second time. Once the initial excitement wears off, you can be more objective. •3.    Thoroughly investigate before you make an offer, though you may fall in love with the cosmetics, there may be surprises lurking below. •4.    Don't show the seller your enthusiasm. Once they know how badly you want the property, the chances of a fair negotiation may fly right out the window. •5.    Will power is important. Set yourself a budget and stick to it. Don't get drawn into the excitement of a bidding war. Letting your pride win ov...
Comments 6
By Ness Lindsay
(CreativNess (Formally Ness Lindsay))
1. Understand what you are paying for. Once you determine what you pay for raw materials, and all your overhead - i.e., insurance, rent etc., you can calculate whether you will be able to cover your costs and produce a profit by charging certain prices.   2. Check out the competition   Collect information on the product or services that are comparable to yours. Use this as your baseline. Compare what kind of value you'll add and the level of quality you'll offer. Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/the-keys-to-pricing-your-product-right-2010-4#investigate-the-competition-2  3. Know and understand who your customer is  You need to do a thorough search that means doing surveys, on your own or by hiring someone. Find out detailed information about your customers and just how much the...
Comments 0
By Ness Lindsay
(CreativNess (Formally Ness Lindsay))
Here is a helpful checklist for them to use. Moving Tips: Have a garage sale before you move. Getting rid of unnecessary items means less to move and extra money in your pocket. Get insurance on your moving vehicle. Redirect your mail, and cancel your newspaper.  Put lighter items in bigger boxes so they are not too heavy.  Movers can save you time and energy.  They can do your packing and unpacking too.  Check their insurance coverage. Pack a separate box or bag with your everyday necessities, sheets, toiletries, etc. Anything you may need quick access to.  Video tape valuable household/personal items in case they are damaged or lost in the move and you need to show your insurance company. Remember to have your utilities disconnected and arrangements made to have them transferred to yo...
Comments 0
By Ness Lindsay
(CreativNess (Formally Ness Lindsay))
Do your clients have neighbours that aren't quite so neighbourly? Will they have a hard time selling their property because of the three rusty junkers in the front yard next door, or the jungle of weeds and vines that are threatening to take over their home? Well I came across a great article on just how to handle a situation such as this on HGTV.ca that you can pass along, Check it out!  http://www.hgtv.ca/articles/articledetails.aspx?ContentId=2120&cat=3&by=2  
Comments 0
By Ness Lindsay
(CreativNess (Formally Ness Lindsay))
While doing some research, I came across an article on creating a great slogan. It's what makes your business memorable to your customer, a sort of catch phrase that stands out in their minds. Here are some ideas to making such a slogan. Start with a list of what your company is basically about. Such as; what services do you provide; what do you do differently from your competition that would make you the better choice; what do you want to leave with your customers that would bring them to you. Sit down and have a brainstorming session using the list you just created. Take notes and write down every idea that comes to your mind. Use all the common ideas and begin compiling possible slogans. Once you developed a few, and don't go with your very first one, say them out loud, try them on f...
Comments 6
By Ness Lindsay
(CreativNess (Formally Ness Lindsay))
Becoming a landlord can be very profitable, so if you're clients are looking to buy a second home here are some great tips you can share with your them: YOU'LL HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS Repairs, remodelling and other basic home costs will be you responsibility, not the renters. One wrong renter could cost you a bundle in damage repairs. It's important to thoroughly check out prospective renters.  YOU'LL HAVE TO BE AVAILABLE You will have to be readily available 24/7 to handle problems and property issues. If you plan on being a "hands on" landlord, you will probably want to live close to your rental property.  YOU'LL HAVE TO BE FINANCIALLY WISE There's more to being a landlord than collecting the rent. There are tax issues, there will be financial issues, and if you run a credit check on ...
Comments 5
By Ness Lindsay
(CreativNess (Formally Ness Lindsay))
Find out what interests your prospects, what your customers really want, and get the information you need to run your business smarter and more successfully. Asking for feedback about your client's wants and needs, can save you time and money and help you to determine just what type of services you need to provide. Using online surveys2 to gather information lets you learn what they want, quickly, and react accordingly.  
Comments 0
By Ness Lindsay
(CreativNess (Formally Ness Lindsay))
I have been a huge fan of Nadia Desroches a Sr. Sales Director at Mary Kay Cosmetics. She is a phenomenal business woman who taught me a lot about Sales and believing in myself. In a recent newsletter I received from her, I read an article on "Booking Anatomy of a Script". While this script was made specific for selling Mary Kay Products, I wanted to share the 6 steps with you and further relate it to the real estate industry. This could be the leverage you need when booking that next appointment with prospects. Check out the example: 1. ENTHUSIASM - When calling new prospects speak with a tone as if your favourite sports team is winning. If you're enthusiastic, they will feed off your vibes. 2. PURPOSE - Ensure you know the purpose of your call be direct so the prospect knows exactly w...
Comments 0
Explore Halton Hills, ON
Halton Hills, ON Real Estate Professionals