tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44780911853957842302024-03-12T15:44:52.677-07:00Highlands Real EstateAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840283491836826174noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478091185395784230.post-75187008874725675652016-12-01T09:07:00.000-08:002016-12-01T09:07:17.937-08:00The Market gets Tough!Time to breathe.....December has arrived and Buyers and Sellers start thinking of Christmas, <br />
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shopping and family. They have no time for real estate. This is the perfect opportunity for me to step back, review the events of the past season, and plan for a new season.<br />
Haliburton, Minden and The Haliburton Highlands in general, saw brisk markets this year, as did most of Ontario. Our prices did not soar, but it was definitely a Seller's market. Buyers were ready to buy and the number of listings available for them to choose was down.<br />
A fabulous meeting yesterday, sponsored by TD Canada Trust, declared that next year will be close to this year, but a bit calmer due to some of the new lending regulations that came into effect near the end of October.<br />
What does this mean to the Seller? to the Buyer? I wish to take a moment to talk to the Seller. More than ever it is important to pick the right Agent (not the agent that gives you the highest quote for your property).<br />
<b>Here is my checklist</b> (contact me by email or phone if you wish an actual form to use during your interviews):<br />
1) Contact 2 or 3 sales representatives to meet with you;<br />
2) Ask your neighbours if they have heard anything about their reputation;<br />
3) Check each website - look for quality and resources. Not necessarily number of listings - some agents with fewer listings can give excellent service because they have more time for you, and they give more value to getting your listing;<br />
4) During your meeting with each representative: a) did they come prepared (done any homework on your property ahead of time?) b) did they bring samples of their work and a presentation package that you can keep? c) do they know the neighbourhood, are they familiar with other sales in your area/on your lake? d) are they relatable? Do you feel comfortable with them, does their approach make you feel like they care about your listing? If they are rattling on about how busy they are - maybe they are too busy for you! e) Ask them about their ongoing education - what courses have they taken lately to keep at the top of their game;<br />
5) Does the agent offer you a price right then and there, or do they get back to you with a price. Beware of off-the-cuff responses to value. Again, it comes down to value, your property is worth more research and preparation than a quick verbal value. A good sales representative will not bow to pressure to give a "general idea" during the meeting.<br />
6) Last but not least - and this is important.....do NOT simply choose the agent that quotes you the highest value on your property! Especially in a market such as this, where competition between agents for listings is brutal, it is so important to work with the agent that gives you the most comfort level. Most agents, if you disagree on price, will list your property at the price you request - for a time. They will "try" your price first as long as you are willing to re-evaluate if the results are not as expected. Therefore, choose the right agent - not the right quote.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840283491836826174noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478091185395784230.post-48492938485942138722016-08-01T11:26:00.000-07:002016-08-01T11:26:03.519-07:00Agent or Brand?As I was reviewing the local real estate advertisements this week, I started thinking about different agents in the area and the challenges or benefits they have behind their brand. I picked RE/MAX for a very specific reason, but not everyone believes that brand helps - only the agent's skills matter in getting the job done. Is this true?<br />
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I watch new agents on the scene closely....they are up on technology, they are go-getters, and I am often impressed with their efforts and creativity. Is this all that is needed?<br />
In my experience, the complete package is what counts. The sales representative needs to be top of their game, willing to try the latest tricks, have excellent personal exposure. Without brand - no matter how top notch your skills are, for most there is a limit. I am constantly changing, tweeking, refreshing my look, my reach, my internet grasp, but I admit that the brand behind the name gives me a huge boost.<br />
Every company, no matter how good, has it's so-so representatives, just as so-so companies have some excellent representatives. So the search for an excellent agent should include excellent backup by their company. What power does that company offer to backup that ace sales rep? Where does that company stand in social media, internet exposure, training, and all-round reputation? RE/MAX is a leader globally, internationally, and within The Highlands - a triple threat! I am incredibly proud to be a part of this amazing organization.<br />
Next time you think of listing a property - do your homework - is the agent you are considering bringing a complete package? In this ever-changing world of marketing....they had better be! Happy Summer folks - it's half over already!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840283491836826174noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478091185395784230.post-21441630929086024122016-05-19T13:10:00.002-07:002016-06-11T07:05:51.813-07:00Did Someone Say CRAZY Spring??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is now obvious that Real Estate South of The Highlands does eventually affect The Highlands. As I reflect over the last two months, it is apparent that things are changing. Our real estate board statistics show that listings are down 22% this May compared to last May, and real estate professionals are seeing the difference. Buyers are ready to buy....and we need more Sellers.<br />
One of the trends happening right now is the ability for people who were thinking about early retirement to move forward. The market in Southern Ontario is allowing people to take that next step....make a strong return on their city home and have money left over when they buy their retirement property.<br />
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Some Buyers are looking to the future, buying their property now and using it as a cottage until they are ready to retire, and others are leaving their jobs and making the move that they have been thinking about. It is a very exciting time. Although prices have increased slightly in The Highlands, property here (and taxes) are still in a very affordable price range and Buyers have money left over to use throughout retirement.<br />
What about properties that are not year-round? Increased equity available to Buyers due to the strong market is also putting a strong demand on these properties also. They are moving fast - it is becoming difficult to find listings to advertise!<br />
Due to the lack of listings, this Spring has seen a marked increase in multiple offers and quick sales. If your property is priced correctly - it will sell.<br />
Bring on the busy season - I am ready, are you?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840283491836826174noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478091185395784230.post-47861853394547046712016-04-11T09:06:00.001-07:002016-04-11T09:11:12.343-07:002015's Market Report...It is done! After printing, collecting, entering, and studying, I have created my very first annual 2015 Real Estate Market Report. The hard copies will arrive this Thursday, and anyone who wishes to receive one, no charge, is encouraged to give me a call or an email and I can mail one out or organize pickup/delivery. I won't keep your contact info in a database or contact you in the future - truly a no strings attached offer.<br />
I am truly happy with the outcome. Being the inaugral edition, I do not have historical data for the report, but that will simply make next year's even better! If you wish to see the report on-line, here is a link, but a hard-copy will be a much better read! <a href="http://bit.ly/2015MktReport">http://bit.ly/2015MktReport</a><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;">Please let me know what you think of the report....feedback is imperative to making sure next year's is even better. Good or bad...please share your thoughts with me.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840283491836826174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478091185395784230.post-14709395274725569672016-02-11T07:31:00.001-08:002016-02-11T07:31:56.664-08:00Some Exciting News!I am so excited! Well, it has happened. I am so proud to now be a Member in Good Standing of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. What does this mean? I don't know where to start. In order to become a Member, I had to attend a specialized training course which covered such topics as demographics of the affluent, lifestyle segmentation, trends and amenities in today's luxury home product, and creating a marketing plan for the multimillion dollar property. A programme developed by Laurie Moore-Moore, President of the Dallas-based Institute for Luxury Home Marketing and Author of the book, <i>Rich Buyer, Rich Seller</i>! <i>The Real Estate Agent`s Guide to Marketing Luxury Homes.</i><br />
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Most people do not have a million-dollar home, so why do my clients care. Every client is a million dollar client, no matter the price point! Skills learned in this course help me to keep my level of service at it`s very highest. The Luxury Market in The Highlands is still relatively small, growing each day, but I want every client to feel and be treated like a million bucks!<br />
Being a Member gives me some additional perks. Along with the additional training, I have access to tools and resources that other agents do not have for marketing purposes, and super-important -- an amazing network of other highly skilled, trained and respected real estate agents across Canada and the United States for my clients moving from one area to another.<br />
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All this, along with the Power of ReMax and the branding of The REMAX Collection (a marketing programme designed specifically for luxury properties), I am ready for this year`s market! If you have questions about either of these programmes, wish insights into the current state of the market in Haliburton Highlands, or my unique marketing plan designed specifically for you, give me a call anytime! My cell phone is always on...705-935-1011.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840283491836826174noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478091185395784230.post-82188982807368453902016-01-25T10:14:00.000-08:002016-01-25T11:08:14.658-08:002015's Luxury Market ReviewLast year I did a little summary of the Luxury Market in The Highlands and it seemed well received. Time flies, so it is time to review last year's market.<br />
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The Highlands is a technicolour tourist area! Big, small and everything inbetween. Our 600 lakes provide everything from the quiet, private retreat to big boating. And the area is growing! Minden and Haliburton, the two main towns, have both seen growth this past year but the best part is that even though the area is growing, we will never get too big. This keeps our market stable during tough times, and growing the rest of the time. People who discover the Highlands never want to leave!<br />
In my previous blog I noted that the Luxury Market, although still young to the area, has been growing in leaps and bounds. Between 2013 and 2014 the market grew 38% in number of sales from 5 sales in the whole tourist area that were over $1,000,000 to 8 sales. In 2015 we had 11 sales over $1,000,000.<br />
The lakes that these sales occurred were all over the map! A small, private lake with pure privacy, mid-size lakes such as Mountain and Kushog, chain lakes such as Twelve Mile, Soyers, and Kashagawagimog, and of course the two larger lakes - Kennisis and Redstone. The smallest waterfront was 95 feet, ranging up to 1,273 feet (excluding the private lake which really skews the numbers). Again, the number of sales in a whole year is small, but looking at the big picture of area and market growth - the luxury market is continuing to climb as more luxury cottages are built. The increase from 8 sales to 11 sales in one year is a 28% increase.<br />
At the beginning of February I am travelling to Mississauga to upgrade my training on latest marketing trends and learning from industry leaders in the Luxury Marketing industry. I am so excited...keeping on top and up to date so that I can offer the best possible service for my clients. I will let everyone know how the training went....stay tuned!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840283491836826174noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478091185395784230.post-2005115012685612022016-01-20T11:58:00.002-08:002016-01-20T11:58:39.813-08:002016 - Are You Ready?As we leave a banner year and start anew, it is "cleanup" time for real estate agents. Review our marketing strategies, reconnect with clients, price properties that may be listed in the coming year, take some courses.....Winter is a time of renewal and I love it!<br />
I attended a seminar with TD Canada Trust last week, and our local Mobile Specialist, Dale Bull presented some excellent material. One tidbit of information is that there is an unusual amount of mortgages coming due for renewal in 2016. Up to 25% of all mortgages are coming due this year.<br />
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What does this mean as it relates to real estate? One factor many Sellers do not take into account when they decide to sell is the inevitable "early repayment" fees when they pay off their mortgage. For many, this can be a very significant expense, and depending on your lender. Many Sellers assume there will be no fee because their next purchase will be through the same lender. It does not work that way and even though you have been with your lender for several years, you must re-qualify for the next mortgage and there are fees. Assume nothing - be ready.<br />
Have a chat with your financial advisor when you think you may want to sell. The best real estate transaction is a "no surprise" one, and doing your homework with your lender is a great way to start.<br />
There may be more listings this year with mortgages coming due - it eliminates the early repayment fees. Do you know when your mortgage is due?<br />
More listings due to mortgage renewals and more Buyers due to the continued lower interest rate - another balanced market in The Highlands.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840283491836826174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478091185395784230.post-21243164866713885742015-11-12T08:58:00.004-08:002015-11-12T09:21:58.796-08:00The Perfect Agent<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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Every month I receive excellent newsletters and publications on real estate, put together by some of Canada's and North America's top agents - chock full of great advice. As I read each word and absorb it's meaning, I often wonder how many agents in the business actually take the time to continually learn and push their limits. Free advice is there<br />
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for the taking.<br />
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It is one of my mantras - to get better at what I do with every single transaction. I hope I am - I think I am - succeeding.</div>
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So how does this affect you? How do you know if you are choosing a real estate representative that will work with your own personal goals, your personality, your expectations? Here are some questions I have never been asked in a listing presentation, but really think that I should be:</div>
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1. How do you keep up with current sales trends and techniques?</div>
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2. What is your social media presence?</div>
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3. What is your core ideology?<br />
4. Is this your full-time career?</div>
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5. How do you ensure your knowledge and skills base is fresh and up-to-date?</div>
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6. How will you work with me to assist me with my goals;</div>
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7. What are some local market trend statistics? (not nation-wide and easily quotable)</div>
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8. Depending on the type of property you are selling (land, starter/retirement home, luxury property, cottage), ask what the Agent's experience is in that particular market.</div>
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If you are armed with these questions, you should be able to identify if this agent is the right agent for you, or if you need to move on. This is a partnership - your agent is offering a service - not just selling a property, and it best be an all-encompassing service ready to take on any hurdle in the process that may present itself.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840283491836826174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478091185395784230.post-84019175471797787732015-03-13T10:25:00.000-07:002015-03-13T10:25:31.187-07:00Our Luxury Market UpdateIt is (almost) Spring again! Each year I review the luxury market in our area. Luxury properties have always been available in The Highlands (Minden and Haliburton), but it is still a fairly new and fresh section of our market. For many years Purchaser with $1,000,000 or more went straight to Muskoka, and The Highlands was not really on their radar. Each year more and more high-end Purchasers are discovering what The Highlands has to offer - beautiful lakes, exquisite scenery, loads of activities/events and attractions, and more bang for your buck!<br />
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When I started in real estate there were never more than 1 or 2 million-dollar listings on the market at a time, and they could take quite some time to sell. That has certainly changed. The area boasts over 600 lakes and the luxury market offers everything from quiet, remote private lakes to big boating, and everything inbetween!<br />
I quick look back into recent history reveals that in 2012 there were 6 properties that sold for price tags over $1,000,000. They were located on Drag Lake, Kennisis (2), Kashagawigamog, Boshkung and Redstone Lakes. In 2013 there were 5 sales, located on Drag Lake, Redstone, Kashagawigamog, and 2 on Kennisis. In 2014 we jumped to 8 sales. These may be small numbers - but that is an increase of 60%. 2014's sales were on Growler Lake, Soyers, Canning, Kashagawigamog (2), Spruce, Redstone and Kennisis.<br />
You will notice some repeats in lake names, and yes, these are the more common lakes for the luxury market....but you can definitely find your next gem just about anywhere in the County, on any size of lake.<br />
What will 2015 bring? As of today, March 13, there are 12 properties listed at over $1,000,000. Keep in mind these are their list prices, not sale - but it is only March! This tourist region has so much to offer! Privacy, beautiful boating, stunning views, skiing, outdoor adventures, festivals.....and lower property taxes than our neighbours : )<br />
Do I love the Highlands? I could write a book!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840283491836826174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478091185395784230.post-73284919153337662962015-01-12T08:18:00.000-08:002015-01-12T08:18:30.567-08:00The Digital Divide??I was sitting watching a show on Biztv the other day. The Guest Speaker was Vanessa Judelman, President of Mosaic People Development, and her topic was The Digital Divide. Interesting! The general concept, sorry for simplifyng Vanessa, is the differences between people born in the 1980's with screens in front of them and instant information, and those that had this technology come to them at a more mature age.<br />
Vanessa Judelman has studied and done a short documentary on the subject. It sounded really interesting, and got me thinking about how this technological gap or difference affects my business, real estate.<br />
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As with any real estate company, our office has all age groups. Those born with technology and can't live without it, those embracing it and learning as they go along, and those nervous of what they are unused to, and not quite sure how to tackle it.<br />
Does this affect their selling skills? Are they less or more productive at selling real estate because of the category they fit in? It is not that simple. I attended a seminar two years ago about technology, where the speaker said he would not list with an agent who was not on twitter.......harsh!!<br />
Here is the nitty gritty.....I know agents who won't touch technology, and are at the top of their game. Years of experience has provided for them an amazing repeat and referral business. They are good at what they do, and technology has not affected them one bit. I also know agents with all the technical know-how in the world, but lack business/sales skills.<br />
This is not a simple subject....there are way more variables than just technical know-how. An excellent agent needs to have some experience behind them (or access to great guidance), they need to have enough technical skill to know how to take advantage of today's media - or recognize the need and have someone in their team to look after it, they also need to know their market...trends, competition, what is happening in your neighbourhood. And they need to see the value in your property. I don't mean give you the list price you want (they need to be honest - even if they know you won't like it) - but believe and understand your property so that they can present it in the best possible way. It is all about RESULTS!<br />
I do believe that the technical divide is making things more difficult for some agents. This is a reality, but not true to everyone. For me, the ride is quite enjoyable. I think I am "in the middle", learning as I go along. Using different social media accounts, ipads, smartphones, paperless offices (ha ha), youtube, blogs.....and I find it all quite fun. Technology has opened up a whole new world for me.....I am less anonymous, less of a small dot amongst a cluster. My voice matters.....so does yours. Let's embrace this change together, smartly, cautiously, taking advantage of the best that social media and the internet have to offer!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840283491836826174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478091185395784230.post-63065246872988049782014-12-15T13:38:00.003-08:002014-12-15T13:38:29.023-08:00T'is The Season!As I sit over the past 3 weeks, writing my Christmas cards to clients, colleagues, family and friends, I reminisce as I see each person's name....I wonder how they like the cottage? Are they enjoying their new home? What do they think of the town? I really enjoy this time and it always gives me a comforting feeling, a feeling of thankfulness, because I get to meet the greatest people! As much as I assist my clients, they always teach me a thing or two! Learning about their jobs, their lives, their cultures....this is why I love real estate!<div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hAG1J11c35s/VI9UmcCW7WI/AAAAAAAAAxU/BHctxuzBWnA/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hAG1J11c35s/VI9UmcCW7WI/AAAAAAAAAxU/BHctxuzBWnA/s1600/024.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>It never gets tiring. My grandfather used to tell me, what seemed like daily, "if you are not learning something new every day, you have wasted it". He was right, and I have kept this philosophy with me throughout my career. I hope I am doing him proud.</div>
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This annual time of reflection is very healthy and helps me to realize what a great career I have. Thank you everyone who I have had the honour to cross paths with, and who have had a hand at enriching my life.</div>
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So we start another year - more new clients, new friends, new adventures, new happy endings. Being proud and excited about the area that you represent doesn't hurt either!<br />To everyone I wish you a wonderful holiday season and a fabulous 2015!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840283491836826174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478091185395784230.post-67532645600265489652014-10-22T12:52:00.001-07:002014-10-22T12:59:11.506-07:002014 - Steady and Healthy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Another real estate year is almost complete. The market is settling down with distractions such as Hunting Season arriving, and people needing to close up, clean up and secure homes and cottages for winter. For me personally, this was a banner year in real estate in the Highlands as I continue to grow my business, but let's talk about what YOU are interested in! How was the market in general, in the Highlands?<br />
Firstly, PLEASE be careful about what media says about the real estate market. Fear-mongering is big business, people actually benefit from providing scary reports. It is important to speak to someone in the vicinity of where you are selling or planning to purchase. Every region, community, lake, price range, has it's own market. What is happening in Toronto or Vancouver has no bearing on what is happening in a small town, or Central or Northern Ontario.<br />
Even each Cottage Country has a different market (such as The Kawarthas, The Highlands, or Muskoka). Your price range also has a huge impact on market trends. Where is the bulk of buyers for a cottage - $250,000 to $300,000? $400,000 to $500,000?<br />
So down to business - The Highlands! 2011 and 2012 were not the best. Media was reporting tough times, and Buyers came looking for deals. Sellers were not willing to drop their prices, therefore many deals were written, but not that many came together. Last year our market settled down. Prices were not gaining, they were staying steady. This is good news for both the Buyer and the Seller - a balanced market. This year it looks like there will be some small gains in values, but nothing to make Buyers nervous. This again results in lots of sales.<br />
In May 2014 our board saw 1,423 listings on the market, the highest number in the past 3 years, with the most sales happening in August - 511. This is a slight increase from 2013 with 505 sales in August, and a bigger increase from August 2012 of 426. Since May of 2014, each month's statistics show increased sales and listings from the previous year. It is a healthy market!<br />
If a property is priced correctly - it will sell. That's the bottom line!<br />
The Highlands offers a variety of recreational options, from the first-time cottager looking for something on a back road, or close to lake, under $100,000, to direct waterfront at every price range. Our luxury market continues to grow each year, with cottages on the market at $800,000 to $2-3 million.<br />
Thinking of moving to the Highlands? The Residential market, too, is on the rise. Minden and Haliburton are both seeing growth. Minden just received a Dairy Queen, last year received a Canadian Tire, and there are rumours of more. Haliburton just got a Tim Horton's (yes - I said it -- and you thought everyone already had one!). The social groups, activities and culture of the area is very strong. Buyers are looking for that combination of wanting to simplify their life, reduce their expenses, and still have convenience. Of course, growth in residential properties means growth in business....everyone wins!<br />
Can't wait to see what 2015 brings!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840283491836826174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478091185395784230.post-21719206515279338302014-07-09T12:25:00.000-07:002014-07-09T12:25:26.793-07:00Fractional Ownership Cottages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqBSF6sIsCg/U72Su7HFhCI/AAAAAAAAAo8/nBzGdq0hXRE/s1600/Williams+Landing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LqBSF6sIsCg/U72Su7HFhCI/AAAAAAAAAo8/nBzGdq0hXRE/s1600/Williams+Landing.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
I currently have two fractional ownership cottages for sale, and Buyers often ask why someone would purchase one......so here it is. Firstly, Fractional Ownership is partial ownership in a cottage, usually through a company, whereby you have true ownership in a fraction of the cottage. The two that I have for sale are 1/10th ownership. Similar to timeshares, a term most people are familiar with.<br />
This ownership is true ownership in every sense of the word - you may leave it in your will to someone else, you may sell it, you may rent out your time, or swap with other members of the same group for other properties in different areas. It is incredibly flexible. Each owner gets 5 weeks per year of use. One week never changes - a set week each summer that you can count on for your holidays. You then get one week for each season - Fall, Winter, Spring, and an additional "floating" week. Each of the 10 owners rotate in who choses first their weeks of choice. Buy two shares in the same cottage and have 10 weeks per year!<br />
The best part of fractional ownership is that many Sellers today tell me they aren't using their cottage as much as they would like to. They feel that for the investment, they should be using the cottage more, but they have busy lives ....kids in sports, or with summer jobs, other obligations. Fractional ownership takes that guilt away. You don't have to come every weekend, and then cut the grass, tend to the gardens, and do repairs. All maintenance is looked after in a fractional ownership situation. There is an annual maintenance fee, but there is no cleaning, no road/driveway maintenance and clearing, no property taxes. Arrive, enjoy, leave! Fun at the lake without all the obligations : )Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840283491836826174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478091185395784230.post-51735293257588623612014-04-23T08:06:00.000-07:002014-04-23T08:06:53.242-07:00Myths Busted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OGlgqEwAc8k/U1fWBzFfwmI/AAAAAAAAAms/63B3Hof1JWU/s1600/75+Lakeside+Deck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OGlgqEwAc8k/U1fWBzFfwmI/AAAAAAAAAms/63B3Hof1JWU/s1600/75+Lakeside+Deck.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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There is a disturbing trend in real estate these days. The ability of people to google, check mls, zoom on Google Earth has empowered Buyers ....mostly in a good way! Buyers are educated, they know what they can get for their money, they can check the neighbourhood and search out statistics. All good.<br />
What it has caused though is a sense of "I know the market", "I watch mls", "I will just work with the listing agent". Here are some points to keep in mind:<br />
1. Knowing what is for sale does not tell you what a property ultimate sold for - there is often a big gap! Therefore a Buyer can easily overpay;<br />
2. What you see on the internet is often deceiving. Good photos can make a property look incredible, and not show the drawbacks. Equally so, and more importantly.....bad photos can have you overlook the perfect property, extending your search time;<br />
3. MLS does not provide a good feel for different areas. A property in the Haliburton Highlands compared to a property in Muskoka or The Kawarthas are not all equal. Your Realtor can explain why there are differences and what your money truly should get you in each individual market;<br />
4. Calling the Listing Agent each time you see a property causes extra work for you, the prospective Buyer. The Listing Agent, until a Buyer Representation Agreement is signed, is working for the Seller. They do not know your likes, dislikes, price point, area of interest. Therefore you continue to call agents, only to find out that the property is not for you, and you start again.<br />
4. Working with the Listing Agent does not give you a better purchase price. At the end of the day, the Brokerage gets paid, and the Seller wants the price that the Seller wants. The listing agent will sell the property - if not to you, then to someone else, all they have to do is wait. Remember, the listing agent's job is to get the Seller the best possible price for their property, not create a fire sale so they can get paid quicker.<br />
One of the scenarios that we are seeing today is a couple drive to the area on Saturday to look at cottages. They have 4 appointments with 4 different listing agents (tough to coordinate to start with!). The couple sees each individual property - none are what they are looking for, they have lost a full day with no results, and each of those 4 agents knows nothing about the Buyers or their goals. The day is a loss, and the next weekend the couple start the dance all over again!<br />
Here is what should happen: the couple talks to 3 or 4 different agents to get a feel for each of the agents. Are they a good fit? Are they truly interested in my goals? In my wishlist? Do I get a sense that this agent will spend time on my behalf? Do they seem to have a knowledge of the listings currently on the market and the area/town/lakes? Once the "right fit" is found, the legwork is in the hands of the Buyers' agent. That agent will look at what is on the market, with their knowledge of each lake (big, small, weedy, good boating, good swimming, quiet), they will weed out the listings on lakes that don't fit the Buyer's wishlist. Then they will look at factors such as seasonal, access, water frontage, # of bedrooms, move-in ready or needing tlc.....THEN, and only then, will they forward possible properties to the Buyers. The Buyers only look at properties that are true candidates. A date is set, the Buyers come up, and the agent takes them to each of the potential properties. The Buyer may not like what they see...that's o.k. It's a process. But that initial meeting is also crucial, because the agent is going to learn even more about you by your reactions to the properties that he/she has shown you that day.<br />
Buying a property should be fun and exciting....not a huge amount of work. Let someone be on your side, work for you, and care for your happy ending. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840283491836826174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478091185395784230.post-58850516158900318942014-02-07T07:03:00.001-08:002014-02-07T07:03:46.769-08:00Going the Distance....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This charming fellow hangs on my wall in the office. Every morning I walk in, and there he is to greet me! I smile every time! A simple gesture from a client that means the world to me! We get caught up some times in the bigger things in life.....large gifts, things we own, things we accomplish, but it is truly the small things that give us all the pleasure in the world!<!--[endif]--></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The people who gave me the bear emailed me one day. We had never met or spoken before. They said they saw a piece of property - an acreage, and wondered if I was willing to represent them in the purchase process. First I said I wanted to go see the property so I knew what I was negotiating over. So out I went - tried to find lot lines, looked at the terrain and the neighborhood. I then called them and told them what I had done. In return, they wanted to come see the property again, with me. So out we went and walked, climbed, hiked and stepped in moose leavings...did I mention the property was 28 acres??</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">The end result is that they are very happy with their purchase, they couldn't believe I was willing to go out in the bush with them, and I got this token to remember them by. The backpack is perfect! And the bear represents a carved bear that was on the property. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Now it is confession time....walking through the bush is not a hardship for me. Just give me an excuse! Every time I see this guy on my wall I wish I was back out there! Never been to the Highlands?? Oh my goodness you have to come! Haliburton Highlands is stunning and loaded with fun! See you out there one day!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840283491836826174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478091185395784230.post-26242668235558832622014-01-25T09:36:00.003-08:002014-01-25T09:36:25.036-08:00Home Inspections and their REAL Purpose!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday, along with 6 other realtors from our office, I attended a mock inspection with a local Home Inspector. Even though I attend every home inspection with or on behalf of my clients, I always seem to learn something!<br />
Yesterday was no different. Realtors cannot misrepresent or act as professionals in other areas - we are not inspectors, builders, lawyers, accountants, mold remediators...... we are real estate agents. We have studied contract law, real estate law, and introductory courses on some of the above items - but only someone who does it for a living is completely "in-the-know".<br />
One key take-away from yesterday is what the inspector is really doing there. They are looking for safety issues. If your inspector is constantly saying "this is not to code" - they are doing you a dis-service. Most homes have things that are not to code, because the codes change regularly. They were probably to code at the time of being built or installed, but they aren't now. Is this a problem? Not usually. Unless it presents an unsafe situation for you and your family. Of course, we all know of the "homeowner fix-its", but again - if it is poorly done it does not matter unless it is unsafe.<br />
I love home inspections - it helps the Buyer learn about their future home or cottage. Where are the shut-off valves, how the systems work, and more importantly, they offer a blueprint for the Buyer of future maintenance. The home inspector will point out what may need repair/maintenance or replacement within the next year, 5 years, 10 years - it gives the new home owner a guide, a plan to help with reducing surprises.<br />
There was also discussion around mold - every home has mold - did you know that? There are also often very easy fixes for this very common occurrence. Many Buyers will eliminate a property that has signs of mold - but this can be a big mistake - that could be the perfect home or cottage and it is passed over. Don't get me wrong - mold can also be a very serious issue! I am just saying not to dismiss a property without getting more information.<br />
Currently there is no mandatory regulations in place for home inspectors, but over the next few months there are big changes coming. Ask some very important questions before hiring a home inspector - what designations does he/she have, what association do they belong to? Did you know that OAHI members (Ontario Association of Home Inspectors) voluntarily follow a set of regulations? Good to know!<br />
We are lucky in our County that we have some excellent home inspectors. They are extremely knowledgeable, ethical, and thorough. Please -- never buy a home or cottage without an inspection!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840283491836826174noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478091185395784230.post-74192689917449801672014-01-09T09:22:00.002-08:002014-01-09T09:22:47.010-08:00Reflection and Cottage Life ShowWell, another year has passed. I know it is a cliche to make resolutions in January, but in real estate it actually makes sense. It is part of my business plan - reviewing the past year, successes and challenges and coming up with plans to maintain, increase, or improve where necessary.<br />
I really enjoy this time of year. Reviewing reminds me that I am on track and doing a good job. We get lost in the day-to-day so easily. This past week has been my review period, and I must say, I am very happy. The market in 2012 in the Haliburton Highlands was static. There were 237 sales in 2013, and there were 237 sales in 2012. Weird but true! The average sale price in 2013 was $239,686, and the average sale price in 2012 was $248,000 - so prices went down slightly, but basically maintained value, and # of sales.<br />
Looking at the statistics, my personal business grew 363%! Wow!<br />
One of my biggest challenges over the past year is "fitting in" technology. Sitting down to my blogs, facebook and twitter are big challenges after a very busy day - so here is where I get back to my resolution (goal is a better word!). More blogging! Continued education is always there, and this year I am taking courses for ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative). I am excited about this one.....more education on how best to represent and protect my buyers - always a good thing!<br />
The Cottage Life Show is coming the last weekend in March, so now is the time to start preparing. I know that for Sellers it is difficult to think about getting your cottage listed in the middle of January, but it needs to be done. RE/MAX has a huge presence at the Toronto Cottage Life Show, and it is where we start to get the Buyers warmed up, by showing off the new listings that will be available - so call me for your quotes! Trudging through deep snow is what I do! Cross country skies and snow shoes are in my trunk and ready for use.<br />
Bring on Spring - it will be here faster than you think! Have a wonderful 2014 everyone!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840283491836826174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478091185395784230.post-39373101153800591002013-09-18T10:50:00.000-07:002013-09-18T10:50:08.791-07:00Paperless Real EstateI attended a Seminar yesterday in Orillia that covered lots of topics related to real estate, but one stood out for me....paperless office. Right now the files for each real estate transaction are staggering. Can anyone say "killing trees"? Most of the paperwork isn't even seen by the buyer or seller. The invention of the ipad and tablets have launched real estate into a whole new world now. Touchscreens allow clients to sign documents online - no printing, just sign and return. Now we can't do this yet on an Agreement of Purchase and Sale (legislation is coming) but we can with listing agreements and other documents, as long as both sides have the technology.<br />
One of the best things about this is the flexibility for both sides. Many times I hear "my printer is out of ink" or "I'll have to run to a Staples store and have them fax it back to you". Now the buyer or seller can sit in their livingroom, ipad in hand, and sign on the screen ... done!<br />
For the realtor it means we don't physically have to be in the office to use the scanner or the fax (less and less). Documents can be filled out, forwarded, corrected....all on the fly.<br />
We have come a long way from the days of arguing about whether a faxed document was legal! One of the topics yesterday was even called "Laptops? How Vintage!!".<br />
The question now is, what realtors will be able to keep up with the constant change in technology, regulations, and access to information...only time will tell!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840283491836826174noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478091185395784230.post-76424283625344111502013-09-09T08:39:00.000-07:002013-09-09T08:39:46.656-07:00Green Living in Haliburton HighlandsOne of the best things about my job are the people that I get to meet. People who appreciate The Highlands for it's natural beauty, it's trails, and it's eco-friendly nature. Last week I had the honour of meeting a couple with great plans for the future with an eco-friendly lifestyle and future business.<br />
Meeting them reminded me of some of the great resources to assist people in a healthy, green lifestyle in our area.<br />
<a href="http://www.abbeygardens.ca/">www.abbeygardens.ca</a> - check this one out! This beautiful eco-friendly building was built to offer space for people to sell their wares, where courses are offered in gardening and farming, and people can share resources and homegrown goods.<br />
<a href="http://www.harvesthaliburton.com/">www.harvesthaliburton.com</a> - another great one!<br />
<a href="http://www.greenlivingtour.blogspot.ca/">www.greenlivingtour.blogspot.ca</a> - this tour was held in July, but it is still worth checkout the site. It shows some of Haliburton County's great buildings and resources.<br />
<a href="http://www.haliburtonfresh.com/">www.haliburtonfresh.com</a> - want to purchase locally grown meats and veggies? Here is a list of all the farms, locations to buy exactly what you are looking for!<br />
I am sure there are many more sites and the list becomes endless when you start to include healthy lifestyle activities such as cycling, outdoor adventures, The Hike Haliburton Festival (an absolute must to participate in each Fall!), and so on....<br />
The Highlands is full of amazing people who have taken the challenge to not only live eco-friendly lifestyles, but to teach and share with others. We have people who head up community gardens, grow organic produce, put on workshops - even our local College offers a course in straw bale construction.<br />
Do I sound proud of the community I live in? Well, if it is not coming across as such, then let me say it out loud - I AM PROUD! Proud of the community, proud of the people who live and work here, and proud of the wonderful people I get to meet, day after day!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840283491836826174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478091185395784230.post-58068494155887914982013-04-01T11:45:00.000-07:002013-04-01T11:45:33.433-07:00This Weeks's Lake - Redstone LakeSo many lakes, so little time.....last time I talked about Kennisis Lake - today it is Redstone Lake, just down the road! In one word....stunning! <u>Slightly</u> smaller than Kennisis Lake, Redstone too is located in our northern region of the County and has been a cottage destination since the early '60's. The lake covers 118 ha (294 acres), is deep, clean and offers everything from big granite outcroppings to sand beaches. The lake has an average depth of 71.9 ft (21.5 m) and is 270 ft (81m) at it's deepest point.<br />
A cool thing about Redstone Lake is that it holds a unique fish - the Haliburton Gold Lake Trout. This fish is a glacial relic lake trout strain, only found in Redstone and 3 other lakes in our area. It is genetically different from other lake trout and even has a completely different look!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dogHJ3rm8Ig/UVnUr6TllmI/AAAAAAAAAio/V3cPMmSklYM/s1600/Misty+Day.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dogHJ3rm8Ig/UVnUr6TllmI/AAAAAAAAAio/V3cPMmSklYM/s200/Misty+Day.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An Early-Morning Misty View from a Granite Bluff</td></tr>
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Redstone connects with Little Redstone Lake and Pelaw Lake for tonnes of boating, waterskiing, windsurfing - you name it! 3 boat launches, a beautiful sand beach, scenic islands, granite cliffs.....this lake is dramatic and tranquil all at the same time.<br />
Cottages on this lake range from older, quaint original cabins to properties the average person can only dream of owning - something for everyone.<br />
Both Redstone and Kennisis Lakes flank the Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve, famous for it's many lakes to camp and fish on, and it's Wolf Centre and Canopy Walk. The area is definitely an area unto it's own...a real cottage destination.<br />
Deep, clean, clear and dramatic - that's my short version! One more reason to visit and vacation in Haliburton Highlands!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840283491836826174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478091185395784230.post-55666930487906009082013-03-27T09:41:00.000-07:002013-03-27T09:47:58.967-07:00Lake Water Quality<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5hFxdMRwPyY/UVMgGMfqbZI/AAAAAAAAAiY/wXD-XjqmnRs/s1600/Kushog+Lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5hFxdMRwPyY/UVMgGMfqbZI/AAAAAAAAAiY/wXD-XjqmnRs/s320/Kushog+Lake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I was rifling through some old files yesterday and came across a couple of newspaper articles from 1993 about clear lakes in Ontario. Definitely not a recent account, but interesting all the same. I have always maintained that Haliburton Highlands has amazing, clean, clear lakes. We are located above the Trent Severn Waterway system so we aren't as subject to invasive species and pollutants, and we have lots of natural rock - one of nature's built-in filter systems<br />
. The article supported my theory.<br />
Written by Peter Janas, B.Sc.F., the article references results of a study that Mr. Janas completed. The article explains what is meant by "clear" and how it correlates to lake depth, amount of algae, etc. I won't go into detail of his study, as I am not a researcher and do not want to get any of the accounts incorrect, but what I did like was the number of Haliburton Highlands lakes that were on his "Clearest Lakes" in Cottage Country.<br />
What lakes were they? Hall's Lake, Big Hawk Lake, Boshkung Lake, Mountain, and Twelve Mile Lakes (all along Highway 35's corridor), Billings Lake and Allen Lake (on the Eastern side of the County), Kennisis and Haliburton Lakes (north of Haliburton Village), and Miskwabi Lake, about 15 minutes East of Haliburton Village.<br />
One point that Peter Janas makes is that "clear" often correlates to depth - and each of these lakes are deep lakes that provide excellent lake trout fishing, but we are so blessed in the Highlands with 600 lakes of every size and depth - something for everyone. What a great place to live and play!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840283491836826174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478091185395784230.post-31457122443981299362013-03-11T13:17:00.000-07:002013-03-11T13:17:48.608-07:00Lake of the Week - KennisisEach Monday I will be showcasing a different lake in the Highlands - this is the first! Kennisis Lake is part of a 2-lake chain that joins with Little Kennisis Lake.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yjAhlAb2X6I/UT4455_wsyI/AAAAAAAAAiI/LY2nZ4fvsfA/s1600/Docks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yjAhlAb2X6I/UT4455_wsyI/AAAAAAAAAiI/LY2nZ4fvsfA/s320/Docks.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
If you enjoy that "Muskoka feel" then Kennisis Lake is for you. A large, deep, clean lake that is full of bays and islands to explore.<br />
Located about 20 minutes North of Haliburton Village, the lake is part of an area called the Kennisis Lake Tourist Area. It has an average depth of 77.1 ft (23.1 m) and is 223 ft (66.9m) at it's deepest point, and has a surface area of 346 acres or 140 ha. This lake has been developed for many years and offers a mix of rustic, smaller cottages and million $plus homes and cottages. The West Shore area commands a higher price point, but there are lots of options on such a large lake. Go under the bridge into Little Kennisis Lake and find even more boating possibilities. <br />
At the West end of the lake is a dam that leads into the Kennisis River - a boat launch and large parking lot can be found there as it is the only way to get to Red Pine Lake, a boat-access only lake. There are 3 boat launches and a Marina, and is near the famous Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve, including the Wolf Center - a great place to visit! Check out the Cookhouse Restaurant at the Haliburton Forest for a great meal, and meander through the Logging Museum. One of the islands - Nora's Island, was donated to the Haliburton Land Trust for public use and offers 22 acres for a great picnic destination.<br />
Kennisis is one of Haliburton Highland's largest, most scenic lakes (arguably). A fabulous destination - even if just for the day!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840283491836826174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478091185395784230.post-5478191287090024022013-03-11T09:19:00.001-07:002013-03-11T09:20:46.226-07:00Ready to Buy that Cottage?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning Kennisis Lake</td></tr>
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So you are looking for a cottage. You may have vacationed in the Highlands before, have friends here, perhaps rented a cottage in the area....and now you want your own! Spring is arriving and showings have already begun - people are snowshoeing into the seasonal cottages - they can't wait to get their cottage for the summer!<br />
Are you ready? Have you got your finances in order? Do you have a deposit? Here are some things your agent will need to know to have successful outings: <br />
1. What are you going to do at your cottage: boat, waterski, sea doo, swim, canoe/kayak? Your activities help define what type of lake you need to purchase on, and what type of shoreline you'd require;<br />
2. Are you social people? Do you like to know your neighbours, visit at the dock, or do you prefer a "getaway" with privacy and quiet? Again - this influences the lake, the area, and the property type.<br />
3. Will you use the cottage in winter? If your budget does not allow for a 4-season cottage, are you willing to look at a 3-season cottage that could be easily converted?<br />
4. Are you entertainers? Will you have children and their friends; brothers and sisters and their families; friends of your own? If so, you will need parking space and possibly a spot for a bunkie. Some cottages are very restrictive with space for one, maybe two vehicles and little turnaround space. Will this work for you?<br />
5. Travel Time - our County is huge and we have lakes in every corner. Some people only want a 2 1/2 hr. drive from their home which limits the lakes that you can view cottages on, but note that some of our best lakes are worth driving to!<br />
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My last tip today - BE HONEST with your Realtor. We are here to help, and what you tell us about your personal life, habits, finances....is all held in the strictest confidence. But we need that information to provide you with the best possible service, and the perfect outcome for you and your family.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840283491836826174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478091185395784230.post-12517624164237882652013-02-22T09:39:00.002-08:002013-02-22T09:39:49.460-08:00Passing Down the Family CottageYesterday I had the opportunity to attend a seminar by Geoffrey Parker of the Stonehaven Financial Group Inc in Unionville. As a real estate agent in beautiful Haliburton County, I am not directly involved in family matters as people decide the best route for dealing with the family cottage, but I do get to hear lots of stories.<br />
The seminar touched topics such as dissention in the family (when one child of the owner wants to keep the cottage, but other members want to sell and get their shaire), the cottage as part of a will, capital gains, probate taxes and some options for passing the cottage forward to family.<br />
Did you know that a family can hire a facilitator to help come to an agreement? Holding a "family council" is a great idea! Remember that game as kids where everyone sits in a circle and a sentence is whispered, and a completely different sentence comes out the other end? Making sure that everyone in your family understands your intentions with the family cottage is crucial. Word of mouth does not work. Hold a meeting, share your plan, and have everyone hear the same thing. Facilitators are a great tool if there are differing opinions (although, please remember - it's YOUR cottage, not theirs). Facilitators are trained to offer a "safe" environment for people to share their views and concerns. They are not decision-makers and they have no vested interest in the outcome, they simply follow an agenda and ask key questions to get to the route of the situation.<br />
On the topics of capital gains, "gifting", selling for $1.00, leaving a cottage in a will - these were complex with no clear cut answers, and for that reason, I will not go into details here. It is best to consult your lawyer and accountant for advice - but there was one other really neat topic - electing to change your primary residence.<br />
Since you do not pay capital gains on your primary residence, it may be beneficial to elect to switch your designated primary residence in certain years where the cottage has a large increase in value. For example, you purchased your cottage for $200,000 and then either by some crazy market event or by massive improvements, your cottage increased in value to $500,000 in one particular year. For the year that you sell your cottage or you pass away and it becomes part of the estate, it may be beneficial to designate the year of marked value increase as a primary residence year. Sound confusing? It is....and it does not apply to every situation, but it is certainly something to consider!<br />
The best advice I can give at this point? Have a written plan .... make sure your family knows your plan ... and leave it flexible enough that at the time of your passing, it can be altered to ensure the best tax savings to your estate. Above all...preserve the family. These things can be messy and can create bad feelings....clarifying everything now will help preserve the family unit that is your #1 asset!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840283491836826174noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4478091185395784230.post-27105286346266533262013-01-31T07:46:00.000-08:002013-01-31T07:46:01.805-08:00The New Age of Selling...Every agent has been asked "Why are other agents showing my property but you aren't?" Seems like a practical question! Here is the cold, hard truth. Real Estate has changed massively since the internet. Buyers spend on average 2 1/2 to 3 months on the internet checking out properties and getting informed before they ever pick up a phone to an agent. At this point the agent they call will put them on an automated system to send listings as they become available - this is the agent they will probably ultimately deal with when they are ready to start seeing properties.<br />
In our area (the magnificent Haliburton Highlands!), there are almost 100 registered agents. This means that the agent who promises to sell your property needs to take a different approach. My job as a listing agent is to get your property exposure - exposure to other agents so they will want to bring their buyers, exposure on the internet (multiple websites, social media, other venues), and exposure to the neighbourhood. When that prospective buyer sees your listing - they will probably pick up the phone and call the agent they have already connected with - not me. The agent who promises to "bring the buyer" is naive and limited in their thinking. Agents can no longer coddle and be possessive of their listings - it is all about getting the word out and reaching prospective buyers from as many different angles as possible.<br />
Real estate keeps changing - which means we, as realtors, need to keep changing. What ever happened to print advertising? Buyers do not come from ads in the local paper - even though it looks like the agent is advertising his listings, he is actually advertising himself - hoping that potential sellers will be impressed with his newspaper presence and give him a call. Now that's a twist!! And it works - but no sale for the poor listing that was put in the paper!<br />
The lesson? Ask your realtor how they plan to spread the word and exposure your property - not if they have a buyer for you. Choose your realtor wisely based on today's market needs!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06840283491836826174noreply@blogger.com0