Relocating can quite often be overwhelming for your clients. Here are some friendly reminders to help make their move a smooth one. Before your clients make that move, suggest they check out the neighbourhood. They wouldn't buy a car without driving it first. Have them go shopping at the local grocery store, check out the community center and library. If daycare is in the plan, find out if the location is convenient. Suggest they take the kids and check out the schools; let them play at the local parks. A walk around the block just isn't enough. They need to spend some time "pretending they're residents" to get a better idea of what it will be like to live there on a day to day basis. 04/28/2010

Here are some tips on how to make your home more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Energy efficient homes are on the rise, here are some great tips for your clients to help them make their homes more energy efficient.  •1.       Start with an Energy Star programmable thermostat that will save on heating and cooling costs when you're not home. Invest in a new high efficiency furnace or air conditioner. Add insulation to the attic. •2.       A tank-less water heater will save on energy costs by providing only the amount of heated water that you need rather than maintaining it in a cylinder. •3.       Choose energy efficient light bulbs. •4.       If you're planning on remodeling your home, by choosing wood flooring, and even carpet, made with recycled content, will help envir... 04/26/2010

Here are some tips you can pass along to your clients on how to prepare their homes for potential buyers that can help sell their home quickly.   Buyer's Eyes, What they see is what they get: You only get one chance to make a first Impression. When people see a well groomed, well looked after exterior, they can only assume the inside is as well cared for. Curb appeal matters.   Home Inspection: Having your home inspected by a professional first will help in knowing what needs to be done before showing your home. This ensures there won't be any surprises.  Make repairs: Make any repairs or necessary facelifts that will be beneficial and aid in the sale of your home.  Clean: Be sure to clean and organize. Remove any clutter. Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms.  Depersonalize... 04/23/2010

Today, we celebrate our 40th anniversary of Earth Day. This is an occasion for people around the world to pull together and show there support for the preservation of our planet. One idea is to have your community come together to clean-up your neighbourhood parks. Hold a pot luck picnic or bbq afterwards. Support your local produce growers. Use reusable cutlery and dishes, and be sure to dispose of recyclable waste properly. There is still a lot to be done in raising awareness, but as easily as a smile is contagious, so to can banding together with your community be, to build a cleaner and safer world to live in. And remember, it doesn't have to stop with earth day. This is an ongoing problem that needs an ongoing solution. Let's make everyday Earth Day! WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?   04/22/2010

   Have you ever wanted to be part of a trade show and just didn't know what to bring? Well here are some suggestions: Start out with a foam display board that you would see at a school science fair, you can purchase them at any arts and crafts store. Display your materials, (photo with bio of you, samples of some of your work, brochures). Also include pens, pencils, key fobs, magnets or anything you can have your business advertised on, for people to take.  Make up a binder containing copies of articles and letters you have written, also include sample documents or any other information you want your prospective customer to know. Use plastic page protectors since the pages may get handled frequently.  You may also purchase a plastic business card holder and display frame to hold your p... 04/21/2010

Did you know... That last year alone, there was a reported loss of more than $10.8 Million to over 11,000 victims of identity theft in Canada? You could be exposing your clients and/or employees to identity theft by not properly disposing of important and personal information. By not doing this, you are leaving your organization vulnerable to a security breach.  The law requires that you have a document destruction policy. It's good practice to occasionally review privacy laws that affect your business. As well as paper documents, privacy legislation includes electronic data. Most people don't realize that their computers and other electronic storage devices still hold information, and by donating, selling or throwing away these devices, does not secure or erase your personal informatio... 04/20/2010

Real estate Quizzes. Are you ready? While doing some internet research, we came across these great quizzes that can be offered to your home buyers to help them better equip themselves for the sometimes all consuming home buying process. As a real estate sales representative, you are probably always trying to find ways to have their home buying process simplified. Perhaps you could include these quizzes in your next e-newsletter or hand them out with your pre-listing package. Do you mind your manners when visiting the homes of others? Take this 10-question quiz to find out if you have good house-hunting etiquette. Do You Have Good House-Hunting Etiquette? You are considering purchasing a home, but are you really ready? Take our quiz to find out if you need more time. House-Hunting: Are Y... 04/19/2010

Is Canadian real estate too pricey? Rates heading up A number of Canadian banks began hiking their fixed-rate mortgages. With a cooler market just around the corner, rising interest rates expected, and the introduction of the harmonized sales tax in Ontario and B.C., taking caution may be a good choice for many new buyers. New lending rules in effect Apr. 19 BMO's survey shows that many Canadian homeowners and buyers believe house prices are too high. As a result, more first time borrowers are turning to mortgage brokers rather than banks. This survey was based on 1,000 Canadians between the ages of 25 and 45 who are currently homeowners or are planning on becoming homeowners in the next 12 months. For more information go to: http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2010/04/02/home-prices-high.htm... 04/16/2010

While I was doing some research, I came across these 3 helpful hints for staying connected with your present and future clients: 1. Be Visible All The Time: Choose a platform that works for you and stick with it, whether it's Tweetdeck, Foursquare, Twitter, Batchbook or good ‘ole Facebook. The key is repetition and mastery of the medium, especially considering the average attention span for an individual believe it or not is just 20 seconds; 2. Engage the Client On His/Her Terms: Instead of leading them to unfamiliar territory, find out where they roam, and go hang out there. Identify your target. If it's first-time home buyers, odds are the concept of social media will be unfamiliar. It is only as effective as you make it; 3. Learn to love Text Messaging: This powerful tool has long tr... 04/14/2010

Check out these scenarios... REALTOR® #1: "Hi, my name is Bob. I've been a real estate sales rep. for the past 10 years.  I have a team of professionals and sell well over 100 homes per year. Last year I was recognized as the #1 Sales Representative with my brokerage - we know how to sell homes! I've prepared a CMA for you. Now, let's get your home sold fast and for the most money." REALTOR® #2: "Hi Lisa, My name is Bob and I'm calling from Some Name Brokerage. Selling your home is a pretty exciting, yet daunting task.  How are you feeling? I understand you concerns and I'd like to be able to assist you with them.  My motivation is to ensure your confident in your decisions every step of this process.  I'll offer suggestions, resources and tools you help you make sound choices. Do you h... 03/04/2010

On March 1, 2010, we posted a blog entitled: "Are You Making an Impact with Your Pre-Listing Package?"  The lovely Tracie Burlage was kind enough to not only read our post but give us some valuable feedback. As such, we've put together some questions you as a real estate sales representative can ask prospects in your pre-listing package.  These questions are an attempt to create a dialogue with them and begin building a solid rapport and lasting relationship. We recommend keeping the questions to a minimum (5 max.) to ensure your adding value and not overwhelming prospects with information or "homework". 5 Questions You Can Ask Prospects in Your Pre-Listing Package: 1. Why are you selling your home? 2. What concerns you the most about the home selling process (if any)? 3. Are there any ... 03/03/2010

Your competition is undoubtedly solid.  Prospective clients are continually receiving new mail solicitations daily - especially with the spring market upon us. Either through the mailbox or email, real estate agents must build a connection with prospective clients' right from the start in order to build a long and rewarding relationship. We composed these 6 steps to help you improve your pre-listing package and ultimately improve preservation. 1. TIMING IS EVERYTHING To ensure prospective clients know you care is to thank them right away.  A simple, quick, cost effective email to thank them should be almost instantaneous.  If you're sending them something in the mail, it should take them no more than 2 weeks to receive. If you're personally delivering your package it shouldn't be longer... 03/01/2010

The Harmonized sales tax will come into effect in Ontario in July, 2010, combing the 5 % GST and 8 % PST into one 13 % tax.  The HST will apply to new homes and to all home closing costs, creating thousands of dollars more in taxes. In addition to affecting the real estate market, the HST will affect our general purchasing of goods and services as consumers. "Only 7 % of home buyers will be affect by the next tax", said Alicia Johnston, spokesperson for the Ontario Ministry of Finance. "The HST may only apply to new homes, but closing costs on all homes will be hit with the 15% tax. This will add approximately $2,000 extra in taxes per sale for costs like home inspectors, lawyers and real estate commissions", said Toronto Real Estate Board chief government and media relations officer Vo... 01/27/2010

I was reading an article today published in RECO's latest newsletter.  I thought it was worth sharing some points as it described how you can add leverage to your business by partnering with a virtual assistant. Furthermore, it describes what a licensed and unlicensed assistant can do for you as a real estate agent. After reading the points below, should you have any further questions, don't hesitate to give my office a call 289 891 8446, we'd be happy to assist you. "A registered assistant is just that - registered under REBBA 2002 and can trade in real estate just as any registrant would." "An unregistered assistant cannot participate in any activity that is considered "trading".  REBBA 2002 states that no one may trade in real estate unless registered." Under the direction of a sales... 01/21/2010

December 2008, I wrote a blog post entitled: "Jump on my Bandwagon...Think like a Millionaire".  This post was basically a reflection piece for myself and my company as a whole. I took a moment to reflect upon my accomplishments of the year past, my goals for 2009 and my firm belief of positive thinking. This year, there is no difference.  I am taking the time to reflect upon the past year of 2009.  I'd like to share my story with you to prove that positive thinking does work, consistency does pay off and these two traits coupled with determination and goal setting will make or break you as a business professional. HERE IS AN OVERVIEW OF MY LIFE IN 2009: January 2009 - My husband looses his job due to company bankruptcy. April 2009 - My Mother falls at work and suffers a separated shoul... 01/05/2010

Every morning I receive an email from the awesome people over at www.Motivationinaminute.com. I recently received an email that was entitled: The 7 Keys to Effective Leadership. Everyone wants to be a leader. Everyone wants to make a difference in one area or another. I enjoyed the simplicity of these 7 steps and thought I would share them with you.  This is what I received in the email: WHAT GIVES A MAN OR WOMAN THE RIGHT TO LEAD? It certainly isn't gained by election or appointment. Having position, title, rank, or degrees doesn't qualify anyone to lead other people. And the ability doesn't come automatically from age or experience, either. No, it would be accurate to say that no one can be given the right to lead. The right to lead can only be earned. And that takes time. The Kind of... 11/11/2009

I have been a Real Estate Virtual Assistant since January 2007.  I have had the pleasure of meeting an abundance of Real Estate Agents, both online and in-person. It never ceases to amaze me how many agents still give me that look of a deer caught in the highlights when I say: "I'm a Virtual Assistant". The look remains and they respond with: "Ok. But, what DO you do exactly?" REAL ESTATE VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS (REVA) HAVE BEEN AROUND SINCE THE 80's The term Virtual Assistant isn't new, yet too many agents still don't grasp what a Virtual Assistant can do for them. In an attempt to bridge the waters, I wanted to write this blog post in hopes that I could further explain what exactly a Real Estate Virtual Assistant can do for real estate agents worldwide. THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE Unlike an in-h... 10/24/2009

In my personal life I believe that it is important to remember special occasions for my family and friends.  I have carried that belief over to my business life as well.  I make a point of sending personal hand written cards to my clients for special occasion that I am aware of but most importantly hand written thank you notes. I always send the cards with the hope that it puts a smile on the face of the person reading it.  Last month the tables were turned. A TASTE OF MY OWN MEDICINE: Recently, l received a hand written birthday card from one of my clients with a gift certificate for dinner at a local restaurant.  I was surprised as usually I am the one making note of special occasions.  I usually communicate with this particular client via text so I quickly sent a text that said  "Tha... 09/30/2009

All agents want to be successful; all agents want to be recognized within their target area as "the" go-to agent when buying or selling real estate. HOW CAN YOU STAND OUT? In addition to marketing your business on a daily basis, we have composed 5 insider tips that will help add leverage to your business and gain a higher level of success. These tips have been gathered by our company as we have observed top producing real estate agents run their business. 1. Branded identity: Top producing real estate agents have a branded identity. This consists of creating a banner or logo as well as the design material provided by their real estate brokerage.  Being an agent of a recognized brokerage will certainly help with your visibility among prospects. However, successful agents create their ow... 07/04/2009

  Just wanted to say Happy Canada Day to all my Canadian AR Friends. May you enjoy this holiday and be safe.  Vanessa Lindsay www.NessLindsay.com 07/01/2009