Cambridge Community Spotlight: Cambridge Self Help Food Bank

Happy to report that we have had some great traffic from our Cambridge Community Spotlight in our last two posts. This time I sat down with Pat Singleton of the Cambridge Self Help Food Bank. I have been working with Pat for the last 7-8 years helping when they need assistance with food sorting or their annual toy sort to make sure kids get something under the tree, no matter their circumstance.

Mike: Let's start with the basics, what is it the food bank does?
Pat: At the Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank we provide 3 main food programs.

1. Emergency Food Assistance:  Like most Food Banks, we offer a 3 – 5 day allocation of food.  There is a form that is filled out the first time you are here, after that the information is on our computer program and participants check in their name and address are checked.
2. Food Co-operative:  This specific food distribution program is quite unlike others offered at Food Banks. There are currently 600 families that are part of the Food Co-operative.  Those accessing this program receive two food pickups per month and contribute $9 per month and a minimum of 4 hours of work per month. A number of those who access the Food Co-operative Program contribute well in excess of 12 – 15 hours per week.
3. Organizations we give food to:  We currently provide food to approximately 26 organizations in the Cambridge & North Dumfries community. This includes organizations such as the Trinity Community Table (Soup Kitchen), Shelters, Neighbourhood Centres and Food Bank off sites.

Mike: How is the Self Help Food Bank different than other food banks?
Pat: We are very proud of the uniqueness of our Food Bank.  First of all we are more than a food bank. Our name says it with the "Self Help" part. By asking people to make a minimum financial contribution and volunteer 4 hours each month we are encouraging them to be a member of a co-op with the ability to govern and make decisions based on the needs of the whole community.  Participants are also given the opportunity to choose their food based on their family size.  The norm for most Food Banks is that you are given a box of pre-selected food.  Again by choosing their own food we are giving them the satisfaction of selection plus the hours of volunteering lead them to develop new skills. We also offer a number of programs that lead to self-reliance.  For example we partner with the YWCA program, Small Steps to Success a pre-employment program for women. Other unique programs at our Food Bank are the Grandparents support group, Back-pack program where over 1,000 pack backs are distributed in Sept. and the Spiritual Care Program.    The Spiritual Care Program is in the business of helping participants find hope in a sometimes hopeless situation.
 

Mike: I have been through your location a few times, there are lots of doors with program names. Tell me what else you do for the community?
Pat: Programs provided by outside agencies at our Food Bank include Wholistic Child & Youth Services, Small Steps to Success (a Program of the YWCA), Family Counselling Centre of Cambridge & North Dumfries, Waterloo Region Community Legal Services, ACCKWA & Sanguen Health Centre.  All of these partnerships help our participants to readily access community supports.
The Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank is identified as a safe, compassionate and responsive community.   It is the hub of their place of learning, receiving and sharing both the highs and lows of their lives.  

Mike: How can I support the Food Bank?
Pat: You can support the Food Bank in a number of ways:

• By becoming a donor either in food donations or a financial donation.  A financial donation allows us to purchase much needed food staples

• You could organize a food drive at your place of employment, school, church, and neighbourhood.  Bins, posters etc. are all available to help you in your food drive. 

• Volunteer to assist with a special event.  Whether it be for “Stuff a Bus” at Christmas or a Bar-B-Q we always need an extra pair of hands. 

• Volunteer for sorting food after a food drive.  

• Become an ambassador for the Food Bank.  We need positive people to promote the work we are doing.   

• Check out our Web site for items on our Wish List.  Sometimes people find they just might have access to something we dearly need.  

• Talk to your children about why we need food banks

Mike: What is on the radar for 2015?
Pat: This year the Food Bank is commemorating 30 years of service to the residents of Cambridge and North Dumfries.  It is an opportunity for the Food Bank to thank our many donors and to inform the community how we have grown over those 30 years.  Our three events for this anniversary will be an opportunity to share about our work with the community.  These events are:  Pat in the Hat, a thirty hour fun event hosted to talk about the Food Bank and act as a fund raiser. This was held at Cambridge City Hall on March 6-7th. (Dr. Seuss would have been proud) 

The second event for our anniversary is an Art Auction on May 21st.  Entitled, Behind Open Doors it is once again a fund raiser but also an opportunity to reflect on the fact that we do not know what is behind closed doors for them.  Poverty is very pervasive.  This evening is a free event with light refreshments please join us the 21st of May at 5:30 at the Honda Dealership on Hespeler Road. 

The third event is a dinner at the Holiday Inn, Cambridge on October 2nd.  This is an opportunity for the Food Bank to thank donors by profiling the three decades.
There is a spring Food Drive on currently and there will be a Thanksgiving Food Drive this fall.  Certainly Christmas is a very busy time for the Food Bank.  We assist well over 1,000 families with Christmas, coordinating our efforts with Salvation Army and the Firefighters.  

Hear what it is the CSHFB does direct from a few people that use it.


Please check out their web site at www.cambridgefoodbank.on.ca or call the office at 519-622-6550 for further information or to donate/volunteer.

Cambridge Community Spotlight: United Way of Cambridge and North Dumfries

Continuing with our Cambridge Community Spotlight today we shine the light on United Way of Cambridge and North Dumfries. United Way is a long standing community organization with roots going back as far as 1917. I had the pleasure of meeting up with Amanda Melnick, Director of Resource Development, to dig deeper into what United Way is and just how it impacts the community of Cambridge and North Dumfries.

Me: I think it's safe to say everyone has heard of the United Way. I would also wager many couldn't easily say what it is you do. So what is it you do? 

Amanda: To put it simply, we are a community organization. There are a couple of sides to our work and to be honest we've changed what we do over the past 10 years and I think that’s where a bit of the confusion comes in. We are a lot more than just fundraising these days.  A big part of what we do is being a vehicle for people to make a difference in ways that work for them, whether that be through giving money, time or other resources. We work with hundreds of volunteers to raise over $2 million every year to put back into programs and services that directly impact over 51,000 people of all ages right here in our community. 

Me: WOW, that is a lot of people you directly impact. Does United Way do this all on their own?

Amanda: We work with both agencies and local businesses of all sizes to make a difference in our community. We recognize that this work can’t be done alone and so we work as sort of a hub to make change possible. What I mean by ‘hub’ is that we work with a variety of different groups, our partner agencies, local businesses of all sizes, volunteers, our volunteer centre members, community members, etc. and help to connect one another to make an impact. We also focus on 4 key areas: Kids, Poverty, Community and Volunteerism. By focusing our efforts this way we get a holistic approach to community building. This is an important approach since often when you find yourself in a tough situation more than one service is needed to help you and your family get to where you need to be. 

Me: With that kind or reach you must touch people that may not even know it. How does the United Way impact me and my family? 

Amanda: With 1 in 3 residents of Cambridge & North Dumfries being impacted by a United Way supported service you can bet that you know someone who has been given an opportunity made possible by United Way. We also operate the community’s volunteer centre and are making volunteer matches for people every day.We all want to live in a healthy and vibrant community and United Way’s approach to community building is designed to accomplish just that with our focus areas and strong relationships across the community. 

Me: I believe in volunteering. It is something important to me and my family. Not everyone has the time to do it. How can people support the United Way? 

Amanda: There are a number of ways that you can support United Way:

• If your workplace runs a United Way campaign you can get involved in organizing that or just take part in the activities your co-workers have planned.

• If your organization doesn't run a campaign you could always look at starting one. Running a campaign is a great way to bring a workplace closer together as you work to give back to the community.

• You can contribute a financial donation online, over the phone or in person at our office.

• You can volunteer in our community. United Way runs the Cambridge & North Dumfries volunteer centre and we have a wide variety of positions just waiting to be filled. If your team at work is looking for a new team building activity we also plan group volunteering.

• One of the most helpful things that someone can do to support United Way is to share the stories that are happening in the community because of the work of United Way and our partner agencies. Education and awareness are key to creating a strong community.

Me: We are just heading into the spring, a time when people are getting more active in the community. What does United Way have on the radar for 2015 that we can watch out for? 

Amanda: 2015 is shaping up to be a very exciting year for us. We are going to be focusing on getting more stories out to the community about the great things that are happening right under our noses. We are carrying our Community Superhero theme through to this year and plan on having some more fun with that.We are already setting up our next round of Days of Caring where a company sends out a team for a group volunteering opportunity. That’s one trend we’re seeing with employee engagement here locally, an expanded interest in these sorts of opportunities, which we are more than happy to help set up. It’s always fantastic to get an opportunity to share the good work of our partners.

I really enjoyed getting to know more about UW and seeing Amanda's passion for the community. If you are looking for inspiration to do something, find a volunteer or someone dedicated to working in the community and ask them why they do it. You will be inspired for sure. Have a watch of the video and then give something. Time. Money. Hope.

United Way of Cambridge and North Dumfries Facebook Page

M

Cambridge Community Spotlight: Cambridge and North Dumfries Community Foundation

At PropertyGuys.com we relive in connecting within our community. We believe in doing good things, and helping those that are doing good things. Sometimes just simply shinning a light onto an orginization from our community can open a whole new world. Today we are shining a light on the Cambridge and North Dumfries Community Foundation. There are community foundations in many communities around the country and many people don't really understand what it is they do. I took some time and sat down with Lisa Short, Executive Director of the foundation, and asked some questions to help others better understand what it is the community foundation does.

Me: Lisa, thank you so much for taking a few minutes to sit down with me. I have known about the foundation for around 7 years through my previous work with the Cambridge Kiwanis Club. Before that I didn't really know what the foundation was, or for that matter that it even existed. Can you tell me, what exactly is the Cambridge and North Dumfries Community Foundation? 

Lisa: Our Community Foundation was built by the people, for the people of Cambridge & North Dumfries. A group of community minded individuals, concerned that government funding sources would slowly dwindle, came together to establish CNDCF. Their goal was to provide the Cambridge & North Dumfries communities with a permanent funding source. Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Foundation (CNDCF) exists to ensure the needs of our community are met today and tomorrow. We identify needs, fund a wide range of programs and help donors make lasting contributions. CNDCF is your partner in philanthropy. We share our in depth knowledge of our community to build and manage endowment funds for today and tomorrow. Through our granting program, we work with local organizations and caring citizens to support a wide range of initiatives to sustain and improve the quality of life here in Cambridge & North Dumfries.

• We grant locally to support local people, forever

• Your investment helps build a stronger Cambridge & North Dumfries.

•  We strive to understand and learn about our community and share what we know

• We pool your investment with that of others for maximum impact

Me: So the CNDCF receives donations from individuals and pools them together to support the local community. How is a community foundation different than other local community charitable organizations? 

Lisa: Grants are made possible through the investments of many community builders – our donors. Most gifts made to the community foundation are endowed; meaning the original gift is never spent. It’s the income earned on each gift that is used to make grants
to the community.  

By pooling the gifts of many, the funds grow and thrive. An endowed fund allows us to make a gift to the community each year, forever. That’s the Community Foundation difference. 

Me: I love that my money isn't just spent, that it is used as a resource to continue giving. As a family man I have to ask, how does the CNDCF affect me and my family? 

Lisa: Since 1998, CDNCF has provided more than $1.7 million in grants to more than 1000 local programs and projects. Supporting the both vital and creative programs and ideas that help a community thrive.  

Our community foundation plays a crucial role in how people give back to their communities. We strive to understand local needs and opportunities and champion the issues that matter to you.  

We work with a dedicated group of community minded individuals to provide grants to local organizations; directing grants to everything from children & youth at risk to shelter, from education and care for those who need it most, to the environment, and the arts and recreation. We believe that this helps to build a stronger community for everyone. 

Me: The CNDCF touches so many core areas of the community. How can someone like me support the foundation? 

Lisa: Get involved in your community! Be it through time, talent or treasure, help us build a stronger Cambridge & North Dumfries. Work with us at the Community Foundation to establish your lasting legacy fund, join a Foundation Committee or give us a call to discuss how you would like to make a difference. We would be happy to help you reach your philanthropic goals.

Me: So it doesn't have to monetary?

Lisa: Absolutely not. Monetary donations are key for the organization, but without people to volunteer their time to make a difference the money can't help anyone. 

Me: So how does someone get a hold of you to make a donation or volunteer their time?

Lisa: People can visit our website at www.cndfoundation.org to find out more about the foundation, sign up for our newsletter, apply for a grant, or make a donation of time or money.

Here is a video done by the Allison Neighbourhood Association showing what some of the CNDCF support is going towards:

I would like to thank Lisa for her time , not only for this interview, but for the time she dedicates to making our community stronger. If you know of another local organization that could use some light shined in their direction, let me know.

M

What A Home Buyer Needs To Know About Using A Real Estate Agent

I have had the two opposite ends of the spectrum come across my desk in the last 10 hours.

Last night while at a St Paddy's Day party I had a great chat with a local Cambridge real estate agent. One that I had yet to really meet, but was bound to eventually as our kids go to the same school. We had a great chat over the food table (where else would I be) about how she approaches sellers and how she coaches her buyers that are looking to purchase a home that is listed with PropertyGuys.com. It was refreshing to hear a proactive approach where she explains to her clients that she is getting paid by them, whether it is included in the asking price or not, and she advises them to pay her directly through the lawyer so they can better negotiate the purchase with the seller.  She doesn't call the seller to ask "Will you compensate me?" She calls and asks if she can show it to her buyers. She brings up commission if and only when they are discussing an offer. Usually she is able to say her buyers are paying the commission so they don't have to worry about negotiating the rate. An agent that is progressive and doesn't hide behind the numbers.

Today I hear from one of the clients I listed last week that were happy to report they had an offer. It turns out in their negotiations with the buyer's agent the agent wanted 3% instead of the traditional 2.5% a buyer's agent typically starts at.  Our sellers were very clear that if the real estate agent wanted 3% that his buyers would have to pay more for the house. The agent proceeded to advise his clients to put in a higher offer to maintain his high commissions. So I ask you this, who's best interest is this agent looking out for? Last time I checked taking money from unsuspecting people was thievery.

IF you are going to use an agent to buy a home I will give you a few suggestions.

• First, don't sign a Buyer's Representation Agreement unless it is specific to A house and for a short period of time (7 days). 
• Second, discuss commissions up front with your agent.
•  How are they getting paid? 
• Will the agent drop their commission if they can't negotiate a price that is acceptable to buyer and seller? 
• How much commission are you willing to pay?
• If you end up buying an agent listed house will they pay you back a portion of the commissions? 
• Third, know that if you are using an agent to buy a house, it is not free. You are paying more for the house because your agent gets paid through the purchase.

At the end of the day, you the home buyer decide if you want to use an agent. We coach PropertyGuys.com clients on how to interact with your agent and show them that if they maintain their bottom line (or more) and you are satisfied paying more because you brought an extra mouth to feed, why not entertain the offer?

M

PropertyGuys.com - More Than Just a Website

Some website just don't translate into real life.

At PropertyGuys.com, we know that selling your home is not something that should be taken lightly and just left to some online platform or website. Over the last 15 years we have worked with tens of thousands of home sellers. Experience like that has helped us figure a thing or two out. We know people want more than a website to sell their house, why else would they consider spending $20,000+ to sell a cookie cutter home?

Being locally owned and operated, having the business owner sitting at your kitchen table to walk you through the entire process is one of our market advantages. We also rely on industry professionals like local appraisers as well as lawyers to offer you what you need when you need it. In addition we have a call answer service that books appointments for you allowing you to never miss a buyer.

When it comes to marketing we look at traditional options like the local newspaper and Just Listed postcards mailed out in your neighbourhood as well as some non traditional marketing like sponsored Facebook posts targeting buyers in your wanted demographic. For those that want to reach the MLS audience we even have real estate brokers that will get you on Realtor.ca for some added exposure.

We are more than just PropertyGuys.com. We are more than a website. We are part of your community, living and working along with you, effecting our local economy by keeping your money in your pocket, where it belongs.

M

How Do You Minimize Economic Impact When Selling Your House

I assume we have all heard the news from Blackberry by now. More job cuts, pending sale to a private equity firm, another failed software launch. Man that was a week!

I am sure there are plenty of people wondering what will happen, how will this impact the local economy, the local housing market. If even 1/2 of the job losses are here in Waterloo Region it will have to effect things, right?

It is no secret that I am not a fan of the traditional real estate agent model. Taking 5% of someone's equity for the work that needs to be done is darn near criminal in my opinion. It is sometimes justified by "market increases" and excuses like "well you are still ahead by $20,000". What happens when you loose your job, or worse yet you AND your spouse loose your jobs? That $15,000-$20,000 in real estate commissions could be the difference between pulling through and bankruptcy.

Selling the PropertyGuys.com way allows you options, at a time when you may not have too many. You have the option of selling at market value and pocketing the commission for yourself. The other option is if you are in a pinch and need to change things fast you have the ability to lower your price by that commission amount and have a competitive advantage over your agent selling neighbours. Most of our sellers land somewhere in the middle between these two options, with a win for both buyer and seller.

It would be a shame to see any negative impact from Blackberry bolster an already over inflated industry.  Look around at all the square signs in your community and know that $20,000 is more than just hot air, but then again, those balloons don't stay afloat by themselves.

What Does It Mean For a Home Seller If House Prices Fall?

How do you handle a drop in the market as a seller?

If we know anything about the stock market it is there is one key fundamental and two key ways to achieve it.

Fundamental - Buy low. Sell high. 

Achievement method one - Look for quick short term gains.  Under valued stock and/or companies that are on the verge of something new, big or wonderful. (Usually individual stocks) 

Achievement method two - Buy something stable and dependable now and put it away and know that in 25 years it will be worth more than it is today. (Usually mutual funds or bonds)

The housing market really isn't that different.  If you buy in a hot market you are poised to get quick returns. For the most part the big gain in housing happens over time.  If you purchased just before the market crashed in the early 90's and tried to sell after the crash, you would have lost thousands. That same house would show a total value increase today worth much more than any loss you would have felt.  Long term smooths out the ups and downs of the market with a general overall increase.

With fear starting to penetrate into the media about the "cooling of the market" people are starting to wonder what will happen. How will people deal with the news that their house they just purchased 2 years ago is worth 10 or 15 percent less then what they bought it for?  Is that even going to happen?

The good news for us here in the Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph is that predictions for 2013 are to be steady through the year.  The bad news is if there is a correction in the major markets it could send a spiral through the media that will affect the market here.

As someone looking to sell a home in a market that is flat at best with potential for decline the most important factor in selling is price.  Anyone looking to buy will also be aware of the market conditions and they will be looking for homes that are more aggressively priced.  If you purchased a few years ago for $300,000 and your home has only seen a moderate increase and market value is $310,000 a $15,000+ real estate commission puts you at a loss. A $1,500 marketing package puts you at a gain plus gives you the advantage of being better priced then your competition using a real estate agent because in order to break even they end up over pricing at $320,000.

Typically in a volatile market it is best to hold on for the long term increase, specially with the low interest rates.  If you have to sell though, you really need to look at the dollars and sense (yes I meant sense and not cents).

M

What does "Discount Realtor" really mean?

Just who is getting the service?

Let's first understand what the traditional "high fee agent" (5%) break down looks like. Typically a 5% commission is split 50/50. Meaning 2.5% goes to the buyer's brokerage and 2.5% goes to the listing brokerage. This means in a $300,000 home there is $15,000 in commissions paid. Man, that's a lot of skin!

In a typical discount brokerage 3% Program the listing brokerage typically discounts their fees down to 0.5% and offer 2.5% to the buyer's brokerage or on occaision they do 1% and offer 2% to the buyer's brokerage. In one way the listing agents are not getting "their share" and may skimp on the service. The other, buyer's agents will prefer to show other listings where they get 2.5%. Same house as above and your still spending $9,000. Still more then a skinned knee!

A typical 1% Program the agent is not offering any commissions to buyer's brokerages and are expecting to work on behalf of both buyers and sellers. The real danger is that for buyer's to get the info they have to call your agent. Your agent now has a buyer looking to buy a home. Your home pays them 1%. Every other home listed with agents (High Fee or Discounts presented above) get your agent more money. Why would they push your home when they can sell the one up the street and make more money! It may only be $3,000 if it sells but unfortunately for you they sold one of the two above and made $7,500 so you sit with their boring old square sign on your lawn selling other peoples' houses!

Ever think someone was telling you one thing and then doing another?


M

Are You Being Exposed?

Not by this publication!

So you have to ask yourself "How will buyers see my property?" Exposure is one of the keys to selling so where will your home be marketed?

Mid-way through last year the Realtors of the Guelph and District Real Estate Board decided it was in their clients best interest to no longer focus on advertising their clients in the Guelph Mercury. They felt that instead of having their clients' listings sent right to the door of many Guelph homes that they would "Go Green" and cut distribution by 3/4 and that home buyers would search out their paper around Guelph in their Green Boxes. Given that it has been a week since the plows have been out plowing snow it appears that not to many buyers are using these green boxes.

Our clients still have the option of local print advertising with any listing done. Whether it is in Guelph with the Mercury, KW with the Record, Cambridge with the Times or Wellington County with the Advertiser. Mind you our clients also have access, through a partnership, to list their properties on Canada's busiest real estate website along with listing on PropertyGuys.com.

It leaves me asking what do Realtors offer for all that money that you can't get yourself with a little guidance?


M

Best of the Best!

Well the votes were tabulated and the winners were honoured.

Jan 27th 2010 the PropertyGuys.com annual Revvy Awards were held in fabulous Las Vegas NV. As you can see from the picture above the awards had a groovy theme based on the swinging sixties with a little Austin Powers mojo.

Franchisees and associates from across the country gathered together to honour the best of the best. Here are the winners for 2010...

- Cathy Young Perseverance Award: Leanne Carter, Grey Bruce, ON
- Associate of the Year: Tonya Brubacher, Waterloo Wellington, ON
- Model Office Award: Rick Davies, Belleville-Quinte, ON
- Most Listings Award: Donny and Tiffany Legere, Moncton, NB
- Homey Marketing Award: Daina Hernden, Truro, NS
- Private Sale Professional (PSP) Award: Linda Bernier, Timmins, ON
- Rookie of the Year: Katherine Benoit, Norfolk- Haldimand and Niagra, ON
- Top Performer (West): Simon A. Jones, Kootenays, BC
- Top Performer (Central): Dave Waters and Mike Shanks, Waterloo Wellington, ON
- Top Performer (East): Donny and Tiffany Legere, Moncton, NB
- Franchisee of the Year: Donny and Tiffany Legere, Moncton, NB

Congratulations to all winners! I would like to give a few "shout outs" though. Fist to Leanne Carter of Grey Bruce. Leanne and her husband Perry were clients of mine in Cambridge a few years back. When I was in and sat down with them in their kitchen I couldn't help but notice over Leanne's right shoulder she had some "start your own business" books. I made mention that there were franchises available with PropertyGuys.com and to look into it. Well within days not only was their house sold but they were looking into purchasing the Grey Bruce franchise. Always great to see hard work honoured but it means more when you saw the spark that started the fire!

Last year our own Sue Machado was honoured with Associate of the Year award. 2010 has brought the return of the Associate of the Year award to Waterloo Wellington but this year Tonya Brubacher was honoured. If you have ever met Tonya you know her love for her clients is almost always shared with a hug. Here are a few testimonials from her clients:

"Absolutely a delight to deal with Tonya Brubacher. Professional, courteous , enthusiastic and knowledgeable. We would not hesitate to use PropertyGuys.com again as it was not stressful but loads of fun and we saved a bunch of money in not having to pay commissions."
Peter and Heather Ternoway
Elora, Ontario
"Sold in about 2 weeks. PropertyGuys.com provided a friendly professional service, and saved us thousands. No wonder every other PropertyGuys sign has a SOLD sticker on. Thank you Tonya, professionals like you make the difference."
Greg Boyajian
Guelph, Ontario
"The PG team have perfected what it takes to get you all the way through to 'SOLD.' Their professional acumen, knowledge, personal touch, and genuine interest in your success is unparalleled. Lifelong friends have been made in the PG process."
Donna Maidmen
Guelph, Ontario

Nothing more needs to be said...so shhh....


M

New Year, Old Problems?

How do we figure out the last piece of the puzzle?

Last year turned out to be a fairly strong year for real estate (even after the doom and gloom of the "Next Great Depression"). With any good year there are still problems that exist. When we are sitting on a strong real estate market what inevitably happens is people get caught up in the dollars and feel their home is worth way more than what the market is willing to pay.

The stats for 2009 show KW had their second best year in home sales. But what do the rest of the numbers tell us? Let's have a look.

For the Waterloo Wellington area MLS sales in 2007 were 13,093 based on 19,573 listings. These means that 66.89% of the homes listed sold. 2/3 of all homes listed sold, a very strong year and a seller's market for sure. This means that as a seller you were in a stronger position than a buyer as decidedly more people were selling than not selling.

2008 showed a reverse of this seller's market. MLS sales for 2008 were 11,573 based on 20,292 listings. Less solds and more listings, not looking good. The List to Sell Ratio dropped to 57.03%. Still not a bad ratio but an adjustment of 10% year over year effects the market. This is a common occurrence after a strong market as more and more people jump in to "ride the wave" and get their piece. People see what their neighbour got and then proceed to ask more for their house (and this continues to perpetuate). As the market price pushes up buyers either become more cautious or they just can't afford the costs of ownership.

Which way did 2009 go? I still don't have the Dec numbers in but Jan-Nov show 11,325 MLS sales (sure to be above 2008) based on 18,811 listings (expected to be under 2008). So as it sits the List to Sell Ratio has increased vs. 2008 but is still well under 2007 at 60.20% (Jan - Nov).

So where does this leave us in 2010? What is the piece of the puzzle to keep a strong housing market? I believe that the increase in 2009 is directly related to the lowered mortgage rates we saw. If these rates continue through 2010 then we will see a slight increase over 2009 as the first few months of last year we were still getting our feet under us. If the rates move up with any swiftness we will see a quick spike as those approved under the lower rates will make rash buying decisions and then a stall in the market slowing sales.

All in all our 2010 looks like it should be OK. Could be worse, we could live in the US...


M

What To Do With All This BS?

Author’s Note: Due to a complaint about the legitimacy of information in this post I have double checked my sources and found the data to be accurate and made some notes below. I have also made some edits to help protect the home buyers/sellers involved as well some of the language has been edited due to individual interpretation of the specific words used.

I think I need a skid of these to deal with it all!

I hear all sorts of stories in this business. I recognize that they all start with a kernel of truth and through the art of story telling they get altered slightly. We all remember playing broken telephone as children, right?

I was out putting up the first of two sold signs in Cambridge last Friday when I came across a flyer blowing aimlessly on our client's door step. I am sure it fell out of the door jam or mailbox but there it was carefully avoiding my feet as it tried to get my attention.

I picked it up to see the same drab excuse of a flyer we expect from a (replaced Joe Schmoe with) ordinary agent. What popped for me was the PropertyGuys.com sign in the photo. (Using other people's trade marks in your advertising is not allowed and was a big motivator to this post. I have scanned and presented the flyer as it was found and included another company logo only to show the flyer in it's entirety.) When I read it in detail I knew it was a stretch of the truth at best. It is the exact opposite of everything we see in the market...so I did some digging.

Nothing is the truth except the truth, and here it is.

Address deleted
Listed with PropertyGuys.com on July 14 2008 at $267,900
Cancellation date deleted
Listed with Robert Wollziefer on Sept 30 2008 at $269,900 MLS® #0894383
Relisted with Robert Wollziefer on Dec 1st 2008 at $259,900 MLS® #0895294
Sold Date Jan 29 2009 for $255,000 (There was some question to privacy laws in publicizing the sold value of the property. This is already public information available through the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation aka MPAC)
Total days on MLS 121
Estimated commission paid at 3.5% $8,925 plus $446.25 in GST
Net amount client sold for deleted

Here are some points that Robert fails to point out in his marketing piece:
Details of the price drop of $8,000 in listing price and $12,900 to the actual SOLD price
(Deleted a comment regarding bottom line price client received after commissions payed).
Property was relisted after 60 days on the market

Here is (in my opinion) the absolute (replaced false with) misleading statement made:
"One day they received 3 offers and can now move forward"

As you can see from the truth above, they were listed for a total of 121 days with Robert (deleted “and not the 1 day he states”. It was brought to my attention that the client did in fact receive 3 offers in one day, the ad fails to mention that it took 120 days prior to that happening). The truth is they were listed twice as long with Robert than with PropertyGuys.com and needed to drop their price because it was price that was the issue not their choice of marketing. (Deleted language specific to the client and replaced with) One of the true benefits of selling privately is the fact that you are able to lower the cost of the transaction. Those costs can either be kept by the seller or used as a tool to lower their price, making them more attractive in the market place and sell faster.

Way to help them "Move Forward" Mr. Wollziefer, (grammatical error replaced your) you’re a gem!

Do you have a similar story? Leave a comment! Your story may help someone else avoid the "Rubber Lips"...


M

Do You "Get It"?

Some people "get it" from the start, others, not so much...

I saw this quote on Facebook from the PropertyGuys.com Edmonton franchise.

"Just had a client who was listed on MLS for 2 weeks and was already getting the "Drop your price, drop your price, drop your price". The Realtor of course was going to get them "Top dollar" when she set the price two weeks prior. ...... So they dropped her and went with us. Listed Friday and already had 8 families through by Sunday. Somebody gets it, they really get it!!! Product......Price....Exposure."

More and more people are getting it.

Here in the Waterloo Wellington area we have been helping people pay themselves the commission for about 3 and a half years. Things are starting to come full circle in the local real estate market. Those leading private home sellers will be second time clients in the near future (we are already starting to see them).

As the Private Sale Circle grows so does the empowerment of you the home seller. The three card monte game of pricing your home with a realtor will end. No longer will you be lead astray in order to sign a contract. Pricing your home should not be a contingency on your listing. There is a better way. A licensed appraiser has to be objective. Here is a quote from their code of ethics

"public interest will be served by members acting responsibly, impartially, objectively, and with independent judgment."

Pricing shouldn't be tricky!

M

Getting A-Head

Can you judge a Realtor by their head shot?

I was having breakfast with some friends on the weekend and we were thumbing through one of the local real estate rags. It was everything to keep eggs from coming out of our noses looking at some of the head shots that local real estate agents use. I found an interesting blog post showing some of the "worst Realtor head shots" so I thought I would showcase some local talent and things some of the "traditional" and not so traditional poses.

Here are a few of my favorites (along with the one above) from the aforementioned blog:
Not your parent's real estate agent.
Spray Tan, check. Teeth whitener, check.

OK so here are some pics of locals that seem to speak to the stereotypical agent head shot:

"The Tilt"

Almost like stop motion falling. I dare you to not tilt your head when you look at them.
My favorite example of the "The Tilt"...Hold on to that contract!!

"The Lean"

Probably the most versatile of poses. Often imitated and always duplicated. Here are a few styles to choose from.
The Single The Double

The Classic The Pairs.

The Prop

Nothing says "I can sell your house" like a sunburst yellow Hummer!

"High School Confidential"

Kinda speak for themselves.

"She's a Brick....House"

There are right and wrong ways to use back drops.
Right Wrong

"SMILE"

How much teeth should one show?
Too much? Not enough?

"Location, Location, Location"

Let's take a stab where in the world they might be.
The outback? Down on the farm?
The Sun? ACC?
This guy is in Florida for sure!

"The Honour Role"

My mother-in-law cuts off the entire head!


I wonder if they are talking to each other?


Platinum Blonde called....um....they want to talk to you.


Is Facebook really the place to get your head shot?


Super Ben!

I guess at the end of the day, they're only pictures and it doesn't really matter...

Buzz

Can you hear private sale buzz getting louder? We sure can!

I had the pleasure of spending some time at the KW Fall Home & Leisure Show. You almost couldn't think the buzz was so loud.

Bzz Bzz Bzz

"Hey I just wanted to say hi. Tonya helped us with the sale of our home in Conestogo last month!"

Bzz Bzz Bzz

"That sign sure looks better with the SOLD on it. We just SOLD in 2 weeks in Paris with William!"

Bzz Bzz Bzz

"Our neighbour just SOLD with you guys. I can't believe how quick it was!"

Bzz Bzz Bzz

"Can we book an appointment to list our home today?"

Real estate agents, brokers, realtors all want you to think that private sale is going no where. They could not be further from the truth. The buzz on the street is growing. Our clients are selling their houses and telling everyone how easy it is. Word is spreading. Fast.

How fast does word of mouth spread? Have a peek at this video...


M

How Is Your House Branded?

Tell me, what's in the bag?

When we make our buying decisions we look to the familiarity of brands. We look to something that is tried, tested and true. Products and services become popularized only after a Maven has proven their worth. What is a Maven? Wikipedia tells us Malcolm Gladwell used the term in his book The Tipping Point (Little Brown, 2000) to describe those who are intense gatherers of information and impressions, and so are often the first to pick up on new or nascent trends.

We brought PropertyGuys.com here to the Waterloo Wellington area over 3 years ago. The Mavens have come and have been telling all their Connectors about us. Word has spread. People are talking about PropertyGuys.com.

How do buyers look at your home? Do they see a bloated balloon? Maybe they see indecision in that faded orange and black sign?

Branding your house, good or bad, could be the difference between selling and sitting. Katie Johnson knows:

[I'm] very impressed with PropertyGuys.com. They have a great brand and have firmly founded themselves outside of the expensive MLS world.

Katie Johnson
Kitchener ON
Sold Aug 2009

What are you doing to brand your home. Are you branding it properly? Are you passing on confidence of a brand to prospective buyers? One that speaks to them?

We are not just creating our brand through Connectors and Mavens. We are also getting word on to lips of others...



M

Give Us A Hug

Nothing says "I appreciate you" like a hug.

Standing on the porch is always exciting. Waiting there with a bottle of champagne in my hand. Trying to hide it behind me to help with the surprise. The SOLD sign has already been installed and the door bell has been rung. CLOMP CLOMP CLOMP The foot steps are making their way down the front hall. I can barely contain my smile. The door opens almost as wide as the arms...

Human kind shows their appreciation in all sorts of ways. A smile, a wink, pat on the back. I think the ultimate is a good old fashioned hug.

When I was first given the designation of PSP (Private Sale Professional) I never knew just how rewarding it would be. I knew that I would be helping people, but I never understood the unfathomed joy people would get from selling their own home.

Real estate agents talk about the joy they get from helping a client sell their home. If only they could imagine it with out the dollar signs.

Here is a little video of someone who understands the power of hugs.

M

The Market

Farmers are smart people.

My grandfather was a farmer. He raised cattle and grew grapes in the lushness that we know as the "banana belt" sandwiched between Grimsby and St Catharines. It's not easy being a farmer. Early chores 7 days a week, sick animals, too hot and no crop, too wet and no crop yet they always seem to be one step ahead. Next time you see that your local Farmer's Market is open, pop in and have a walk around. You will see plenty of beans and tomatoes and lettuce and potatoes. There will be plenty of smiles and earthy hand shakes. The term "salt of the earth" must have been coined about a farmer.

While you are there at the market you will notice something peculiar. People all around you are buying fresh vegetables, meats and cheeses, preserves and honey, fresh cut flowers and hummus. Maybe even a fresh baked pie (apple with some old cheddar is my favorite). Know what you won't find? Check out counters, pharmacy sections, a pop & chip aisle. Look long and hard but these are not grocery stores, just simple little markets with people selling their goods to people that want to buy them.

I know exactly what you are thinking. How is this possible? I mean these are farmers. How do they know how much to sell their beans for? They never went to some fancy university like Queens to get their MBA. My lord how do they know the value of that cucumber???

You see the farmers have a little secret. I was blessed in my travels to have a few local farmers bestow their secret on me. I am going to share it with you under the expectation that you TELL NO ONE! I will deny it was me. Do you think I want to be black-balled by the farmers?

OK, here it is. It has a few basic steps but the concept is sound (It has been handed down for generations). Are you ready?

The market will dictate your pricing

Here is how they do it.

1. See what other people are selling similar products for.
   ie. green beans and yellow beans could probably sell for the same price but watermelons and strawberries not so much.
2. Price yours in a similar fashion and display them where buyers might find them.
   ie a farmer's market
3. If the farmer at the next table is selling beans like they are going out of style while yours sit and wilt in the heat of the sun, check to see how he is priced.
   ie. his are $2.00 a basket and yours are $5.00
4. Adjust accordingly.
   ie. lower your price or get a bigger basket

Well there you have it, the secret of the farmer's market. Man I hope no one tells the farmer's I told you about it, they may make me dance....


Maybe my next post I will get back to talking about something that a home seller could use to help them. Something about the economy, because we all know you can't sell a house in an economy. Right?

M

May Monthly Real Estate Statistics

It seems these days we are always waiting. Not sure it is because things take longer or because we expect things to happen that much quicker.

Guelph stats for real estate are a little slow to be posted this month. I found an alternate source that says sales are down a little over 16%. Stats for KW and Cambridge are looking a little more promising. With increases of 9.9% and 7.7% respectively it shows the first year over year increase for Waterloo Region since September 2008. This helps the YTD numbers slightly but in total MLS stats show a decrease of almost 15%.

All things have been pointing to the stop to the free fall. Low interest rates and the home buyers' plan and home renovation tax credits. Low interest rates have started to move back up. Does this put an end to people looking to buy, a halt on the pick up of the market? Anyone that was pre-approved has some time to make a purchase but anyone that does not already have the locked in rates may think twice. I would watch for a stall in the July-August time frame if nothing else changes or if the rates continue to raise.

Not to sound bleak. Just looking at what I see. It could always sound worse...


M

Angry?

Your eyes begin to pulse as you read further into the statement. Like a scimitar, words cut through your heart as if paper. With unabashed anger you stand up and throw the paper on the floor and begin to stomp on it. It is not enough, you need more. Grabbing the plant seems insane but you can't help yourself. Still your anger is unabated. The chandelier?

Sound familiar? Have you seen the commercials?


You want to buy a house and you still have one to sell. Most people would put in a conditional offer. This condition would state that your offer is under the condition of selling your home with in a time frame (30-60 days) and should include a bump clause that states that if any other offers come in during this time frame you would have the right to either firm up or walk away from the deal (usually allowing 48 hours to make your decision). Seems pretty straight forward, right?

As a home buyer you want nothing more than to breeze through a purchase (including the sale of your home as part of your conditional offer). It would seem local realtors don't want you to do that. They are angry. They feel deserving of your hard earned money. They are even willing to use coercion to get it.

Think coercion is to strong a word? Here is the definition from Dictionary.com:

Main Entry: co·er·cion
Pronunciation: kO-'&r-zh&n, -sh&n
Function: noun
: the use of express or implied threats of violence or reprisal (as discharge from employment) or other intimidating behavior that puts a person in immediate fear of the consequences in order to compel that person to act against his or her will; also : the defense that one acted under coercion —see also DEFENSE, DURESS —compare UNDUE INFLUENCE.

As I wrote about in a previous post, local agents are using intimidation in the offer process. For you to get that house they are forcing you to have to list with an agent. Imagine the feeling of violation when you find out in order to buy your dream home you will be forced to spend thousands of dollars wastefully on a service you don't want or need.

I found another one of those helpful realtor commercials I have posted about.


M