Real Talk!

I just had another last minute phone call from a prospective Buyer wanting to see a property, right away… and another Seller just hollered at me. I know, most people think that if you list your property for sale, you should be prepared to show it- but it isn’t really that easy.

How many of us really enjoy having unexpected company “drop in”? Would it be better if it were unexpected strangers? Hardly.

Many residents here are aged, disabled or work from home. Many cottage owners like to entertain guest, at least now and then- and particularly on “long weekends”. I believe we need to respect the fact that a property owner, even one contemplating a sale, should have some right to a little privacy.

It comes down to manners. It’s polite to make an appointment. It’s proper!

I know that it’s exciting to be searching for your dream house or cottage and when a Buyer has made the effort to come to town, they are anxious to get to see a cottage! Most Realtors® have had the unpleasant experience of having to disappoint a prospective Buyer, when the Seller says it’s not convenient…

& most Realtors® have had prospective Buyers make appointments, only to be “no shows”… no phone call, no nothing… and often, no apology.

Generally, Buyers understand that Realtors have busy schedules and that Sellers have lives… their children sometimes get sick, they have birthdays and birthday parties and sometimes, they just need some quiet time! Serious Buyers make appointments and do their best to keep them.

It’s just common sense; you don’t want to upset the Seller, just in case you are going to be negotiating with them! & really, in most cases, a Seller will try to accommodate a showing, if they can.

I just took at peek at the “June Sales Report by office” on the Bancroft District Real Estate Board. The two offices with the highest sales per salesperson are one small independent and Prudential Lorimer Realty, Ltd.

It’s really not something I look at… but my sales team has been eager to have some sort of yardstick by which they can measure their performance. They’d asked me last month about the stats and when I checked, discovered that we led the pack on the May report for sales per capita.

In my opinion, the Prudential Lorimer Realty, brokerage team is exceptional. It’s extraordinary to work in place where we all trust, respect and enjoy each other. We all strive for high ideals. We all help each other to do the very best possible work. We ARE a happy lot & I sincerely believe that this is something to be proud of.

Real Estate is a very stressful industry and competition within an office can be like poison. Difficult inter-office relationships are common in the business. Realtors® are known to have strong personalities, which can be abrasive under high-pressure circumstances- especially where there is weak or limited vision and office policy.

In the past, I have worked for companies that have suffered the negative affects of fostering an overly competitive environment. In these, like most offices, sales are posted to instigate a challenge- and sales representatives are given a round of applause for obtaining a listing. Frankly, this practice never sat well with me.

I feel that it reduces the business to something mechanical.

I can’t help but feel that my job is somehow more important than racking up statistics and I also feel that my performance is something personal, not a cheerleading tool. I honestly feel rewarded when I accomplish the job and satisfy my obligation to the satisfaction of my client (s). While some deals are easier than others, they all take work.

All I’ve ever wanted, was to earn an honest living, in a comfortable environment. I get paid when I fulfill my commitment and do a good job for my client (s). I tell the team that they shouldn’t worry about the “stats”… I say, “Just take care of the details for your clients… & the business will come”. & it obviously does…

I suppose that showing them the hard evidence, every now and then, won’t spoil a good thing.

The number one selling tool for your property is your MLS ® listing, if it is going to be displayed on www.mls.ca. There are some things that Sellers need to be aware of, in order to get the most out of the opportunity provided by the Canadian Real Estate Association’s website.

It isn’t mandatory for all local real estate boards to participate with www.mls.ca. Most boards, yes, all boards, no. The Internet is currently THE place to advertise your property for sale. Statistics range from the high 70s to the low 80 percentages as to how many sales originate from the Internet. It gets higher, every year.

www.mls.ca works and your Realtor ® ought to be displaying your property on that site for you. Ask if your Realtor® belongs to a board that participates on www.mls.ca.

There are a multitude of “fields” for data on the MLS ® system. Some boards are quite lax about the data; others are very stringent in their guidelines. In the not-so-olden days, the theory of many Realtors ® was to use the “listing” as a teaser- meaning, you want to entice a Buyer to have to contact you- therefore, they assumed that by leaving some information out of the listing, prospects would call for the information, directly.

Or, is it simply that (a) the Realtors® didn’t trust the internet or (b) the Realtors® were hopeful that they would personally achieve the sale (and make more money) & therefore wanted first dibs on an interested party or (c) some other silly reason… because frankly, missing data causes a lot of frustration and I think it can lose the interest of a prospective Buyer.

The more, the better. Today’s Buyers want lots of information and lots of pictures available to them, before they view. This means that the Seller’s agent should be diligent about getting every bit of information when they list the property. Things like “exposure” (meaning the direction of the view), property taxes, building age and square footage of buildings, rental equipment (like hot water tanks) are commonly missed items on a listing and often details that Buyers will ask about. There are a surprising number of listings that go without any kind of photo… and they say one picture is worth a thousand words. What are they hiding?

The listing agent should have copies of all documentation, such as survey/sketches, TSSA approval for oil tanks, WETT certificates for wood burning devices and septic use permits, etc. etc. This can also be noted on the listing at www.mls.ca and should be, as it will be of huge comfort to a prospective Buyer.

The remarks section of a listing on www.mls.ca is critical. This is the ideal opportunity to express the essence of your property and to provide sufficient detail to assist prospective Buyers in assessing if it is a match to their criteria. The remarks should be thoughtfully developed and well presented.

The items that are included and the items that are excluded with the purchase are very important and unless your list is ridiculously long, there is room for it on the MLS® listing. Too many just say LBO (meaning, contact the listing brokerage). A Buyer client, under an agency contract with another Realtor® should not be calling another brokerage… so why would anyone put such notes on a listing?

Directions to the property should be clear and concise. This is a real pet peeve of mine. The rumour is that some Realtors® intentionally put poor or wrong directions on a listing, again… so that newer Realtors® will have difficulty finding the property and the prospective Buyers will seek out the listing agent for assistance. I’d like to think this rumour isn’t true…. However….

Our code of ethics prevents me from making disparaging remarks about any of my colleagues.

Just last evening, Fabian and I took another preview tour. One listing said: “From Bancroft take Hwy XX to XX Rd” (so far so good) “to XX Rd” (road name incorrect but similar- we had to guess) “to X Rd” (it’s actually X Trail) and it doesn’t tell you which way to turn. When you are off in the wilds, on winding and hilly gravel roads, this seems to be quite the adventure.

Over the years, I have seen directions that say, “turn left at the pig” or “turn right at the field of cows”… what if the cows are inside??

Back to last evening’s tour… the same listing with poor directions suggests you contact LBO to learn what is included or excluded and it’s blank for square footage, rental equipment and building age. It also claims “year round road access” which is a little suspect. Hmmmm.

Sellers, I suggest you ask your Realtor® to provide you with a “print out” of your listing. Sometimes there are separate views for “Realtors®” and “Clients”. You might like to review them both. Remember, your listing on www.mls.ca is quite likely the source of your Buyer.

I’ve been trying to make sense of cottage prices. There’s no doubt that prices have come up… I did some number crunching a ways back and waterfront has climbed at a higher rate than non-waterfront property.

Now, it’s important to remember that the definition of fair market value is the highest price, in terms of money, that the property will bring to a willing seller if exposed for sale on the open market while allowing a reasonable time to find a willing purchaser, buying with knowledge of the market and all the uses and values applicable to the property, and with neither party acting under necessity, compulsion or peculiar and special circumstances.

& Cottages have been selling. They really have been.

You see, an awful lot of people come here from city wanting to escape the pollution, traffic, crime, the noise, the lack of privacy, the hustle/bustle, the congestion and so on.

Many of them have homes in the city, somewhere, worth quite a bit of money.

However,by their own account, their city homes are lacking some of the most desireable qualities imagineable… like:

Peace and quiet. The sound of birds. Wildlife. Clean air and water. Space. Friendly neighbours. Big trees. Views. A relaxed pace….

Yes, there is no doubt about it… I live in an area that most people simply dream of….

Okay, we are a couple or few hours away from big cities… hmmm… is that a pro or a con?

We ARE located just about an hour away from a number of fair-sized cities… and I remember living in the city and it quite common for people to spend an hour commuting to and from work… so what’s an hour?

Given this information, it seems fair to say that the average person does attach more value to the property in this area- and I have to tell you, the cost of building is at least the same here as it is anywhere else…. Ipso facto… property here should be worth more than property in a city… location, location, location….

Seriously, if I was to go to the city and plop down a 1500 square foot Viceroy, with custom cabinetry and gleaming hardwood floors, unobstructed sunset views (never you mind that it's across a lake), 2.5 acres with mature trees and neighbours tucked politely out of sight… etc…. what would it be worth? Okay, I will have to discount it a bit, given that people seem to want to get away from the city… so, a city location would be a bit of a detriment… still, we're talking some pretty big bucks.

Hmmmm…from this point of view… cottages prices are a bargain.

Bear with me… this is going to be a bit of a rant! Fabian and I went for a drive, early last evening, to preview properties for some Buyers. It was a delightful evening, sunny, a gentle breeze, and not much traffic.

I had printed out a number of listings and we poured over them, selecting a half dozen to visit. It’s always interesting, trying to plan a tour for viewing. We cover such a huge area, that no matter how you try, you are going to be traveling every which way and there’s always going to be backtracking. (Fabian says he only back tracks in hunting season… it’s his attempt at humour).

These particular Buyers are quite specific with their wish list (and they should be, with the kind of money they will be spending). They want to be in the close proximity of Bancroft, or just south of Bancroft. They want western exposure (sunset views), a fairly new cottage (with no real repairs needed), cathedral ceilings, a fireplace, year round use, a gently sloping lot with 3 or 4 stairs (at most) to the water’s edge. They’d like at least two bedrooms. They want to water-ski, so the lake will have to be large enough and have regulations that can accommodate. During their last visit, they’d seen one that was perfect… but it had eastern exposure- so it was a definite NO.

I had tried to contact the various listing agents about the properties, to ask if they would meet the “wish list” requirements but it is a busy time of year and phone tag often culminates without progress. This was the case with many of the listings. It’s too bad, our data system allows all of these characteristics to be entered and included on the listing, it’s just that sometimes it’s overlooked.

I’m not pointing fingers, I’m sure I’ve neglected things… however, we really work hard on MLS® listing data- we figure it’s our first opportunity to alert a prospective Buyer that the property may fit his/her/their criteria, so we don’t want to miss out on anything that will help them to determine if it is right for them. We’re all busy… even the Buyers and Sellers are busy people and there’s no need to be wasting anyone’s time!

Armed with copies of the listings (which include directions) and a planned route, we set off on our adventure. The directions to the first cottage were basic, but the route is simple and we know the area, so it was a breeze to locate. Unfortunately, there was nothing about the exposure on the listing… when we got there, we found that it had SW exposure and a rather steep driveway (in rough shape) and the lot required more like 30 or 40 steps to the water’s edge. There were neighbours quite close. The listing did say, “varied” under land features.

So… on to the next. Again, the directions were adequate to get us to the property. It didn’t advise us that we were going to be on a wilderness trail for the final 300 yards, but the verbiage begins “Privacy Plus!” so, I suppose that should have been the tip-off. The listing said the lot was elevated… and it was… extremely. There was nothing on listing in the spot for lot size or exposure. The cottage had sunset views. Fortunately, the owner was outside- trimming weeds- he mentioned that it was a no-motor boat lake.

Thank you!

We drove to the next place. And drove and drove and drove and drove. Note: We had no idea about the “exposure” of the property and we were suspect that it might be another small, no-motor lake. Unfortunately, the directions were so crappy that we couldn’t find the place. That was a waste of an hour. We’ll have to keep calling the listing agent, if we wish to pursue this one.

Same thing happened when we tried to find the next listing. We drove every direction on the highway and could not find a correctly labeled road- and we know the lake quite well! It wasn’t like it was typo on the listing or anything… maybe someone stole the street sign. At this point, we didn’t even care… the listing mentions the shoreline is across a quiet road… and we don’t think the Buyers will want to compromise on that. We’ll have to keep calling the listing agent, if we wish to pursue this one.

Man, if I was the people trying to sell these, I’d be annoyed that the instructions were so poor that seasoned Realtors® couldn’t locate them!

Next we went to one that was really easy to find- it’s right on the highway and we just wanted to verify that we were thinking of the right one… one that I had been through it some years back… it was… and being on the highway isn’t a big problem… it means easy year round access and it’s got an embankment for a buffer. Fabulous lake… a definite maybe to tell the prospects about!

Finally, we visited one that we were sure would match the list, except that we know the lake and the some of the shoreline and most of the lake bottom is kind of gooshy… and I don’t think you can water-ski on it (because of dead head trees)… but there is access to a bigger lake, about 30 seconds away…. We were right.

The thing is… when we write up an MLS® listing, we want to sell the property. There is a term in the industry called “fluffing”- it’s like exaggerating or focusing on an outstanding quality and embellishing it, without mentioning the detrimental aspects.
For instance, if a cottage is divided into tiny little rooms, most Realtors® wouldn’t say “suitable as a rabbit warren”… they’d probably say cozy… I’d probably say efficiency cabin…

Fabian and I try to express the true quality of a place… and if anything, we understate. We think it’s better to let people be happily surprised (or at least, not let down) when they get to a property…. And we are careful with “directions” because we DO want them to get to a property!

Ah well, I’m not really ranting; it’s part of the job. It’s why a Buyer should hire a Realtor®, better we should enjoy a nice four hour country drive… most of our Buyers would need at least that much time, just to get here and back… and it would be horrible for them to have to put in eight or ten hours viewing 6 properties, 2 of which would not be found… three of which that would be definite no’s… and one bare maybe. When that happens, Buyers head home feeling disappointed and deflated. Sometimes, they don’t want to come back.

We try to explain this to Buyers ahead of time. It takes a long time to travel between properties here. It’s not like the city where you are often seeing properties in a specific neighbourhood… and it takes five or ten minutes from one to the next. Here, you need time for rest stops and stretches. Here, you need to enjoy bumpy, winding, dusty gravel roads for what seems an endless eternity between stops! At least that’s how it seems, to people who have driven two or three hours and are champing at the bit… anxious to see their dream cottage!

We're happy to do the scouting!

Here is a list of the 8 blogs that I have tagged. I read all kinds of blogs. These are a sampling of some that I find particularly interesting... in no particular order....

http://theglitteringeye.com

The Grassy Knoll Conspiracy: http://lotgk.blogspot.com

http://rivierawriter.blogspot.com/

http://thestarsky.blogspot.com/

http://ovedya.blogspot.com/

http://www.thelifeofaneuroticmom.blogspot.com/

http://corp-alien.blogspot.com/

http://greenhaddock2.blogspot.com/ : thought about this one, long and hard... he's just been "tagged"... but I loved his responses... and I WANT MORE!

Okay, if you read my blog for yesterday you will know that I got blog-tagged by my brother and therefore, I have to write 8 random things about myself that you may not already know.

I wrote a lengthy blather about it, yesterday... and included what I thought should be the list. In retrospect, it was stuff that is pretty well already known about me... and boring stuff, too.

I decided to write a better list today. Hopefully I won't get tagged again.

HERE GOES:

Da Rules I Gotta Post... One: Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves. Two: People who are tagged need to write their own blog entry about their eight things and post these rules. Three: at the end of your entry, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names/pseudonyms/blogs. Four: Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Eight Random Things About Me That You Many Not Already Know

#8
I have green eyes and I still have my tonsils and all of my teeth.

#7
I always paint my toenails red.

#6
I currently have three pets. My 2-year-old dog weighs 3 ½ pounds, her name is Billie. My 17-year-old cat is Stanley. My 3-year-old cat is Dennis.

#5
I have always been interested in the “supernatural” or “paranormal”, the unusual and the absurd.

#4
I don’t have a “favourite” colour. I used to like purple, green and black the best. I like pretty well every colour.

#3
I am not all that photogenic, although I have somewhat of a photographic memory.

#2
When I had my ears pierced, at age 27, I got two holes in my right ear, one in my left.

#1
I like watching documentaries.

So, I got this email tonight:

From: Matthew matthew@xxxxxxxxxxx
See: http://doubledeckerbuses.org/blog
wrote:

Blog: RealTalk ( http://blog.getrealinontario.com/index.php )
Post: Who is “NUMBER ONE”? ( http://blog.getrealinontario.com/index.php/2007/06/08/p91 )
Author: Matthew (admin)
Comment: http://blog.getrealinontario.com/index.php/2007/06/08/p91#c24
The term #1 can also mean so much in anything...

After all, I'm the #1 Nuclear Physicist in the world... if you're counting those who know nothing about the true workings of the study and have two pet dogs named Max and Kipling... then I'm #1 in a field on ONE!

Anyway, you been tagged sis...

and I wrote the 8 random things, attached to the email in which I replied:

Bro...my gawd, this is weird... as usual, I was uncomfortable about doing it... but I did it... and I think it's boring and too long... but then, that's me... an egomaniac with self-esteem problems... hmmm... maybe I'm balanced, after all... that balances, doesn't it? I don't think I'm unbalanced. I know people joke about it... but they aren't serious... are they?

*giggles* Now, I post this on my own blog. Then I go to 8 other blog sites and tag the bloggers? Is that how this works?

Biggus Sissus

Fact is, I've been trying to write a blog for days. I've got full manuscripts written in these past weeks and days... they just haven't been deemed relevant enough to post here. So, this tag gives me something to post.

*clearing throat*

Although, I am not sure it is relevant. It is revealing, so that should count.

*clearing throat*

Eight Random Things About Me (Jody)

Da Rules I Gotta Post... One: Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves. Two: People who are tagged need to write their own blog entry about their eight things and post these rules. Three: at the end of your entry, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names/pseudonyms/blogs. Four: Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

#8
I am addicted to information. I measure somewhere between “Obsessive Compulsive” and “Possessed”, on the Richter Scale. I read, I google, therefore I am. I know a little bit about a lot of stuff and lot about a little stuff. I maintain a high i.q. despite diagnosed, traumatic brain injury. Should that be #7? Nope, I’m not counting it. I’m not sure how important “i.q.” is… it’s just a measurement, quoted here, for statistical reference. Sometimes, I embarrass myself… thinking I sound boastful… I hate that. Is that #7? Nope…. Not that important.

#7
I have a unique system of measurement. I don’t believe I have to explain it. I see things in a quirky way, but it’s my life, so I feel it’s my privilege and I’m not hurting anyone.
I also have my own language. I invent words. I feel that invented words are often more adequate. I find words to be limiting. I am a member of an online organization devoted to words & improving vocabulary. I still have a reasonable vocabulary, but it has suffered as a result of my brain injury. I don’t care what people think about my made up words, usually they are descriptive and the message gets across. I get accused of using big words and writing with formality... I don't think I do... and I don't usually notice other people's words... just the messages. Although, I was raised to correct grammar. (Another story)

#6
I believe in many levels of “reality”. I believe in what’s outside the box. I believe that most people choose not to pass “go”. I pass “go”. I follow rules… but I pass “go”. I am inventive and resourceful. I get things done. When I was younger, I was more direct… and, as I’ve matured, I’ve learned to be gentler in my quest to push the envelope.

#5
I love animals. Animals like me. I’ve had close encounters, in the wild- wonderful experiences, with wildlife… but I don’t like to interact with animals in the wild… because I worry about having them come to trust humans… because there are a lot of sick people out there, who hurt animals. I’m a lot more emotional, since my brain injury. Now, just thinking about it can make me tearful. I used to practice more self-control… or is it that I used to hide?

#4
I can do laundry, I can fold laundry. I am not good at matching socks and I hate putting laundry away in drawers. Hate it. It didn’t get any better or any worse, after the whack on the head.

#3
I think metaphorically. I think in layers. I think of plan a, b, c, d and sometimes more, simultaneously. I am analytical. I am an amateur anthropologist. I usually have a good grasp on the big picture… and it does come in pictures, which become metaphors. I’m a poet because I was a lousy painter. Sometimes, I think I say too much… or type too much.

#2
I am a survivor. Lots of bad stuff… like… abuse, I guess some would call it… sexual, mental (3 divorces), physical problems (illness undiagnosed until dangerous, accidents, injuries, near death experiences)…. Okay, I’m not going to list ‘em all… because I’ve never been one to dwell in negativity… and it just opens up a lot of pain and I don’t want to feel bad any more. On the other hand, I have immense quantities of empathy. My limits are generous. Personally, I just keep putting one foot in front of the other and I really advocate that policy… but I respect that others have different perspectives. I love home design and decorating. I like making my surroundings as comfortable as possible, for me and for other people that I love.

#1
I waffle for long periods of time. In my desire to be fair and open-minded, I can see things from different angles and I believe that my opinion is very specific to the moment. New information… personal growth… I never say never… kind of makes it hard to be convinced you have the answer… and if you don’t have the answer, how can you have an opinion? and if you don’t even know how something has been interpreted by the person who may ask you for your opinion, so you may not know the context in which the question is being asked, how can you form a concise opinion? However, I make do decisions and I am always ready to explain why I have made a decision… and I love a good debate. I know opinions can be changed… so what good are opinions, anyway.

Keep It Simple Stupid.
Don’t get caught up in minutia.
Make Love Not War.
So, Now What Are You Going To Do About It?

I have emailed this to my brother, Matthew. Then, I re-read the rules... which I have posted, herewith, according to the rules. I shall select 8 bloggers, to be tagged.

Stay tuned.

My mother recently told me that some of her friends were really excited that “so-and-so” had been accepted at ReMax. She asked me if that was some kind of a big deal. She didn’t think so. I think she was right.

I find it difficult to deal with the term “accepted”, for most real estate companies, as recruiting new sales representatives is one of the main activities in most franchise operations. Most companies are happy to have a licensed body come “aboard”. The more the merrier...

I won't tell you which offices some refer to as "Rack 'Em, Stack 'Em Realty"... because the owner(s) completely load the building with sales representatives- because every rep pays the owner(s) a significant monthly rental for their desk and the real business the company is successful with- is supplying office space.

The “Executive Officer” (who shall go unnamed) of one real estate board, has often told newly licensed Realtors ® that they are a “commodity” and that they should interview brokerages and look for the best contract deal.

You see, as a Realtor ®, in most cases, you are an “Independent Contractor”… basically self-employed- although bound by rules, regulations, laws and legislations. The company you work for, the brokerage, provides you with a contract that outlines what it will cost THE SALES REP. to work there.

While there are different variations of the breakdown, essentially, the brokerage will charge an average of around $20,000 per year, plus a small percentage of the sales representative’s gross commission. In some of the companies, there is a large portion of the corporate advertising costs that are shared by the sales representatives, as well.

Looking at the BIG Corporate picture, gives us a different perspective of each organization. All of the companies have main corporate websites that give a history and brag about their systems and numbers.

Here's what I found online:

Since 1875, Prudential Financial has helped people achieve financial security and peace of mind. With a long history of social responsibility, strong leadership, sound investments, and innovative products and services- the company entered the residential real estate brokerage business in 1987. Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. reports a network of about 68,000 sales professionals in some 2,100 franchise offices in all 50 states, nine Canadian provinces and Mexico.

Royal LePage started off in 1913 when Eddie LePage opened AE LePage and made a full-time business of selling homes. In 1984, the company merged with the real estate arm of Royal Trust to form Royal LePage. Today. 90 years later, Royal LePage states they have over 8000 sales representatives and staff in more than 550 offices from coast-to-coast.

Bowes and Cocks marks its beginnings in 1956. Over the past 40 years, BOWES & COCKS LIMITED has grown from one office in downtown Peterborough, to eighteen offices across Ontario and about 103 sales representatives.

In 1972, Century 21 formed and their website states that they are now in 45 countries with some 8,000 offices and 147,000 representatives.
In 1973, a real estate salesman from Denver, Colorado created RE/MAX - an acronym for "real estate maximums". The Re/Max system was, at the time, a unique concept created to benefit company OWNERS. It was designed for company owners to control overhead costs in that the Re/Max associates (sales reps) would share in the monthly overhead and operating expenses of the office. When operating costs escalate or new equipment is needed, the burden of the expense is to be carried by the “sales associates”, not the broker/owner. In addition, Re/Max offers training programs to educate broker/owners “how to run a profitable business”. In other words, Re/Max is a system of operating a profitable real estate OFFICE. Statistics on the ReMax corporate website indicate they now have about 48000 Sales Associates in 2900 offices.

Wow, huh?

Don't get me wrong. I have a number of professional colleagues who I respect that are working with companies other than Prudential.

In this area, the larger offices are Bowes and Cocks, Century21, Prudential and Royal LePage. It would be hard to say which is number one, although many sales representatives would like to say that their office is the number one office.

Is the number one office the one with the most Realtors ®?

As of today, on the Bancroft District Real Estate Board, the local Century 21 has 10 sales reps on their roster. The local ReMax has about 18 sales reps. The local Bowes and Cocks office has 14 sales reps. Our Prudential office has 4 sales reps and the local Royal LePage office has 2. There are also a couple of independent offices, operated by a sole broker.

Is #1 the office with the highest number of sales?

Well, that statistic would obviously be skewed by the number of sales representatives working under the umbrella of a particular brokerage, so I don’t think so!

Perhaps, if we looked at the average gross sales per Realtor ® in each office?

The numbers might surprise you! The Bancroft District Real Estate Association report of Sales by agency (as of this morning) reports the following gross sales, per capita:

Bowes & Cocks Limited, brokerage: $638,837
Century 21 All Seasons Realty Ltd., brokerage: $588,835
Prudential Lorimer Realty, brokerage: $864,375
ReMax Country Classics Ltd, brokerage:
Main office Bancroft- $639,380
Coe Hill office- $667,450
Royal LePage Frank Real Estate, brokerage: $378,725

I have my own reasons for being affiliated with Prudential. I am confident that it is an international company known for stability and stamina. Rock Solid, as they say.

I believe that the corporate identity is more important to the Realtor ® than it may be to the consumer. As I have said, many times, it is important that Buyers and Sellers interview a number of Realtors ® and select a representative with whom they feel a good working connection and is knowledgeable and professional in the business of Real Estate.

Some of us really don’t worry about being #1. Some of us simply want to do a good job and make an honest living. And, to tell you the truth, when I think about the meaning of #1, it conjures images of potty training and I don’t want to be associated in that way, myself.

In 1956, the Dominion Tar and Chemical Company of Montreal (Domtar) merged with the Howard Smith paper company of Trenton, owner of 40,000 acres in North Hastings county, including parts of Marmora, Madoc, Tudor, Lake, Limerick and Wollaston townships, around the original village of Gilmour. This merger had in its control, a block of land, consisting of about 65,000 acres on the Canadian Shield, that became known as the Gilmour Freehold.

It all began in the 1830s, when the Gilmour Brothers logging company of Trenton, Ont., was granted a mass of acreage in Eastern Ontario, reaching into Algonquin Park. For the following 50 years, the company took all of the pine (& other valuable timber) north of today's Highway 7 and floated them to back to Trenton- marking the beginning of the Trent Canal System.

By 1888, the Gilmour company employed 600 loggers working year-round. Up to 800 were employed in the mill, producing lumber, doors, windows, shutters, cheese boxes, nail kegs, baskets, lath and pickets. Before the wood ran out, they were annually exporting 19 000 hardwood and pine doors to the U.S. and Europe, as well as 75 million board feet of lumber.

By the turn of the century, the woods of Eastern Ontario were littered with slash and debris from the logging operations. This became fuel for the major forest fires that ravaged the land in 1891, 1905 and 1912.

In the early 1850s, the government tried to promote settlement in this desolate area by building the Hastings settlement road from Belleville to Bancroft. The road took many years and dollars to navigate the ridges and small lakes and streams in the region- not to mention the rocks and swamps.

The Loyalist settlers found that the 50-acre Crown grants contained little fertile land, barely enough to sustain feed for their cattle. No more than fifty years later, there was little sign that any settlement had ever taken place. Abandoned homesteads dotted the landscape and would succumb to the fires or become overtaken by the forest or flooding.

Come 1900, the International Nickel Company took over the land, for the mineral leases. They gave the above-ground rights to small sawmill operators who made packing crates and ammunition boxes for World War I. The minerals were not as abundant as first thought and the mines were destined to an early closing. The Central Ontario Railway, from Picton to Bancroft, (built to service the mines)also disappeared.

Domtar has been rehabilitating the property for a number of years and the land is productive again, today.

Man… has it been hot and sticky for the past several days. The Weather Network has been telling us to watch out for “extreme weather”.

No kidding, it’s so hot that the birds have to use tongs to pull worms out of the ground, we’ve discovered that asphalt has a LIQUID state, we’re feedin’ our chickens ice chips so they don’t lay hard boiled eggs and the trees are whistling for dogs!

REMEMBER: Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees F.

Heat can kill, pushing the human body beyond its limits. Usually, the body's natural thermostat causes perspiration that cools the body as it evaporates. In extreme heat and high humidity, evaporation is slower, causing the body to work extra hard to simply maintain a normal temperature.

Elderly people, young children, and those who are ill or overweight are more likely to be badly affected by extreme heat. Men perspire more than women, so they are more susceptible to heat illness as sweating causes them to dehydrate.

Studies indicate that a significant rise in heat-related illnesses occurs when the excessive heat lasts more than two days. Taking a break and spending at least two hours per day in air conditioning helps to prevent heat-related illnesses.

Watch for Signs:

·Heat exhaustion (Occurs when someone is exercising or physically working in hot, humid conditions. This causes excessive sweating and blood rushes into the skin making it flush very pink. Blood flow is cut off from the major organs and can cause shock.) Demonstrated by cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature may be normal, but is likely rising.

·Heat stroke (Also known as sunstroke.): LIFE THREATENING. You will notice hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high -sometimes as high as 105 degrees F. If the person was sweating from heavy work or exercise, skin may be wet; otherwise, it will feel dry- this could mean that the temperature control system, which produces sweat to cool the body, has stopped working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.

How to Handle a Heat Emergency:

·Heat stroke: This is a serious, life-threatening situation. Help is needed AND fast. Call 9-1-1. Move the person to a cool place. Quickly cool the body- if possible, immerse victim in a cool bath or wrap wet sheets around the person’s body and fan it. Watch for breathing difficulties. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water, is vomiting, or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not force anything to eat or drink.

·Heat cramps (muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion): Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish fluids. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can cause further dehydration, worsening the situation.

·Heat exhaustion: Get the person out of the heat and into a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet towels or sheets. If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position, and watch carefully for any changes in condition.

What to Do During Extremely Hot Weather:

·Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity including outdoor games and activities. Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities. High-risk individuals should stay in cool places. Get plenty of rest to allow your natural "cooling system" to work. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

·Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin's ability to cool itself. The sun will also heat the inner core of your body, resulting in dehydration. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high sun protection factor (SPF) rating.

·Avoid extreme temperature changes. Don’t soak in cool or cold water- a cool shower immediately after coming in from hot temperatures can actually cause in hypothermia, especially for the under 7s or over 70s.

·Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine. Even in the warmest weather, staying indoors, out of sunshine, is safer than long periods of exposure to the sun.

·Keep heat outside and cool air inside. Close up and cover anything that may allow heat inside. Install temporary reflectors, such as aluminum foil covered cardboard, in windows and skylights to reflect heat back outside.

·Conserve electricity not needed to keep you cool. During periods of extreme heat, people tend to use a lot more power for air conditioning. Conserve electricity not used to keep you cool so power can remain available and reduce the possibilities of grid outages.

·Vacuum air conditioner filters weekly during periods of high use. Air conditioner filters get clogged with dust and dirt, making them less efficient. Keeping them clean will allow your air conditioner to provide more cool air.

·If your home does not have air conditioning, go to a public building with air conditioning each day for several hours. Air conditioned locations are the safest places during extreme heat because electric fans do not cool the air. Fans do help sweat evaporate, which gives a cooling effect.

·Dress appropriately:

Loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing of
natural fibre that covers as much skin as possible is the
best.

Protect your face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
A hat will keep direct sunlight off your head and face.
Sunlight can burn and warm the inner core of your body.

·Drink plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Injury and death can occur from dehydration, which can happen quickly without you even noticing.

·Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors. Frequent breaks, especially in a cool area or to drink fluids, can help you tolerate heat better.

·Use the buddy system when working in extreme heat. Partners can keep an eye on each other and can assist each other when needed. Sometimes exposure to heat can cloud judgment. Chances are if you work alone, you may not notice the warning signs.

·Drink plenty of water regularly and often. Your body needs water to keep cool. Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies.

·Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly, but make the heat's effects on your body worse. This is especially true about beer, which actually dehydrates the body.

·Eat small meals and eat more often. Large, heavy meals are more difficult to digest and cause your body to increase internal heat to aid digestion, worsening overall conditions. Avoid high protein foods, such as meats and nuts, which increase metabolic heat.

·Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician. Salt causes the body to retain fluids, resulting in swelling. Salt affects areas of your body that help you sweat, which would keep you cool.

AND PLEASE....

NEVER leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach over 140 degrees F within minutes-+ high temperatures can kill in minutes.

Try to imagine that your Realtor® is bringing Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt… or Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles to view your property, today… & remember, the possibility exists that even if Uncle George’s bowling trophy is as important to you as the Stanley Cup might be to the Sen’s… not everyone would have it on display in the bathroom.

DON’T:

·hang around during showings… and if you must, don’t offer to demonstrate your Aunt Martha’s potato peeler
·let shoes pile up in the entry way- unless you’re hosting an open house for centipedes
·leave dirty dishes in sight- especially when you are struggling with ant infestation
·leave the vacuum cleaner, broom or any other “work” related items in sight-you want to let lookers imagine that your house is self-cleaning
·offer to baby sit Aunt Martha’s fourteen cats
·eaves drop on comments made during showings- and don’t feel the need to defend what you hear, if you do!
·listen to neighbours & relatives who think they’re experts on Real Estate sales
·underestimate your bark-a-saurus, best not to have Spot around during showings

DO:

·de-clutter inside and out- if the 1979 Ford doesn’t crank anymore, send it to the wreckers!
·pack away family photographs, hairbrushes, combs, nail clippings, etc!!
·think of how generic a Hotel Room is… that’s what people are conditioned to see
·use a laundry hamper
·ask for honest suggestions on how to spruce the place up
·refresh any peeling paint, gaping drywall, torn wallpaper
·wait, after showings, for feedback from your own sales rep
·keep the lawn cut and windows clean
·invest in discreet air fresheners, especially in pet areas
·rearrange rooms, so they make sense- even if it is a little inconvenient- take your bed out of the dining room and your desk out of the pantry!
·make sure you tell everyone to FLUSH

Oh… hmmm… that just reminded me of a Real Estate Joke that I once heard….

(Q) Did you hear about Robin Hood's house?
(A) It has a little John.

+ a couple of my other favourites:

Sign in Real Estate Office- We have "lots" to be thankful for.

My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was 60. She is 97 now & we don't know where the heck she is.