The Bully-Victim Cycle

A bully acts up in a meeting or in an online forum. He gets called on it and chastised for his behavior.
The bully then calls out the person who cited their behavior in the first place. He twists their words, casts blame and becomes an aggrieved victim.
Often, members of the tribe then respond by backing off, by making amends, by giving the bully another chance.
And soon the cycle continues.
Brands do this, bosses do it and so do passers-by. Being a bully is a choice, and falling for this cycle, permitting it to continue, is a mistake.

Posted via email from Selling Cambridge with Clare DeJong

The Flip Side

It's impossible to have a coin with only one side. You can't have heads without tails.
Innovation is like that. Initiative is like that. Art is like that.
You can't have success unless you're prepared to have failure.
As soon as you say, "failure is not an option," you've just said, "innovation is not an option."

 

via Seth Godin

Posted via email from Selling Cambridge with Clare DeJong

HOW TO PRICE YOUR HOME RIGHT

Why didn't your neighbor's home sell? The home is in a good location with a corner lot and a large landscaped yard, plus it's a newer home with all of the plush amenities a buyer could want like an open floor plan, spacious bedrooms, and high grade cabinets and appliances. So why wouldn't at least one buyer want to buy the place?

There is a one word answer: price. Homes that don't sell are more than likely overpriced. The market isn't rejecting the home so much as it's rejecting the price of the home, and in today's ultra competitive real estate market buyers will only purchase a home that offers them the best value for every dollar spent.

So if you don't want to follow in your neighbor's footsteps how can you pick the "right" price, one that provides you with top dollar but doesn't send potential buyers running into the arms of your competition? Let's look at some quick tips to help you set the right price for your home:

1. Look at the comparables

   Identify homes that have sold in your market area over the last few months that bear some resemblance to your home. This is called researching the comparables. Next, take an objective look at each listing and ask yourself based on what has sold recently what you should expect to receive for your home. By the way, this is exactly the same approach that appraisers will use to determine market value should your home sell to a buyer who requires a new loan. (It's highly likely as 93% of buyers will finance at least part of their purchase)

2. Look at the trend line

   Where is your market heading? Is it going up, down, or sideways? By understanding the market's trend line you can price your home ahead of the curve instead of chasing the market. For instance, a seller who overprices his home in an area of declining prices is actually more overpriced everyday he remains on the market, while a seller using a more aggressive pricing structure may seem to be selling too cheaply today but may look like a genius in six months.

3. Look at the days on market

   If you only have a limited amount of time to sell, it may be wise to closely study the average days on market. This number is the average length of time it takes a home to sell from start to finish in your current market. For instance, if on average it takes 90 days to sell in your neighborhood but you need to sell in 30 days - guess what? You may need to adjust your price downward to attract a buyer more quickly.

4. Get opinions

   One way to help determine a price for your home is to ask for a competitive market analysis (CMA) from a local agent. Typically a free service, these reports will detail market statistics, active and sold comparables, and often include adjustments for unique items that your home may offer. But, because an agent has vested interest in building a relationship with you, it may be difficult for them to tell you a realistic price so be sure to give them permission to be brutally honest.

5. Avoid the traps

   Many sellers fall into some classic pricing traps that can easily be avoided. One is assuming that the tax value of a home is an accurate pricing gauge. This is a bad idea as many taxing authorities use computer models that have not yet accounted for the steep price declines experienced in most areas of the country. Another trap is assuming that the insurance replacement cost is a good indicator of value. Nope - the replacement value is an estimate of what it would cost to rebuild the home, not what the home is worth today. The last trap is assuming that your home is always superior to the comparables. This is not likely - your home has pluses and minuses like all the homes that have sold in the marketplace.

So how will you know if you get the price right?

If you have a steady stream of buyers pouring through the front door every week, odds are you have done a good job with placing a fair market value on your home. On the other hand if all you hear outside your home is the unnerving sound of silence, you may need to make a quick pricing adjustment. Sure many home owners make the "I don't have to sell" speech in the mirror every morning, but the fact is if they have a for sale sign in their front lawn they do want to sell, and the best way to ensure a successful sale is to set a realistic price relative to the market conditions.

Posted via email from Selling Cambridge with Clare DeJong

SATURDAY APRIL 23 AT 7:30PM...LAST CHANCE TO SEE THIS INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE!

http://www.cambridgeeasterpassion.ca/

Posted via email from Selling Cambridge with Clare DeJong

EARTH DAY EVENTS IN WATERLOO REGION

Earth Day events

WATERLOO REGION — The region offers up dozens of chances for residents to make a positive impact on the environment and celebrate Earth Day 2011.

Starting this week and beyond the official day of April 22 you can pick up litter during the 20-Minute Makeover, or spend the day with the family at Huron Natural Area to catch a live birds of prey presentation, and learn about the excavated First Nations village.

You can visit the Residential Energy Efficiency Project (REEP) House and learn how to save energy.

Or, if you’ve got a pile of old electronics like CDs, monitors or laptops, bring them to one of the Eco-Tech Recycling events at region high schools.

Waterloo Earth Day isn’t for a few weeks on May 7 at Laurelwood Conservation Area.

For more information on Earth Day check out www.earthday.ca

Earth Day Events

WATERLOO REGION

• 20-Minute Makeover, Friday – 2 p.m., All over the region residents are encouraged to head outside and tidy-up the litter around their workplace or home for just 20 minutes.

• Eco-Tech Recycling – E-Waste Collection, Baden at Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Cambridge at Southwood Secondary School – Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kitchener at Eastwood Collegiate Institute – April 30 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bring your old laptops, CDs, monitors, TVs and other electronic trash to the three schools at the specified times for e-waste collection. More information is available at www.eco-techrecycling.com

KITCHENER

• Tim Hortons Community Cleanup, April 16, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Victoria Park, Kitchener, Help tidy-up the park! Bags and gloves will be provided. Free T-shirts, refreshments (while supplies last) and great prizes for participants provided by Tim Hortons (including water bottles, travel mugs, gift cards and Raleigh bicycles). No pre-registration is required.

• Laurentian Wetland Celebration, April 16, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Meet at W.T. Townshend Public School (245 Activa Ave.), Activities include wetland cleanup, student presentations and guided hikes to the Laurentian Wetland.

• Fifth annual Bloomin Earth Festival, April 16 - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kitchener City Hall, Enjoy an outdoor market filled with yesterday’s treasures, free recycled workshops, Rethreaded fashion show and live entertainment. www.bloominearth.wordpress.com

• Tour The program House for Sustainable Living, April 18 - 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., The REEP House, 20 Mill St., Kitchener, Free tour, open to the public – register online at www.reepgreen.ca

• Water Conservation Inside and Out, April 19 - 7:00 to 9 p.m., The REEP House, 20 Mill St., Kitchener, Free The REEP Green Home Workshop – register online at www.reepgreen.ca

• Help Plant a Rain Garden, April 30 – 10 a.m., The REEP House, 20 Mill St., Kitchener, A hands-on Earth Day event to plant a rain garden at the The REEP house.

• Kitchener’s Natural Areas Program – Earth Day Celebration, April 23 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Huron Natural Area, 801 Trillium Dr., This family celebration includes building a natural areas bird box (available to the first 100 families); natural areas kids’ craft, tree planting and displays. Learn about the recently uncovered First Nations village by participating in a guided hike to the archeological site. Featuring the Canadian Raptor Conservancy with live birds of prey shows at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.

WATERLOO

• Fill A Truck – Canadian Diabetes Association Clothesline Program, Apr. 16 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Recycle your old clothes, linens, shoes, purses, accessories and other soft goods and help fill the Clothesline truck to support the Canadian Diabetes Association.

• Waterloo Earth Day, May 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Laurel Creek Conservation Area, Catch a live bird show, build a birdhouse and help plant 1,000 trees at the conservation area.

CAMBRIDGE

• Cambridge Community Clean up, April 16, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Hespeler - Holiday Inn Drive, Tim Hortons parking lot; Galt - Galt Arena Gardens parking lot / Shade Street; Preston - Preston High School parking lot / Rose Street

TOWNSHIPS

• Green Living and Tech Fair, Saturday April 16 - 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., St. Jacobs Arena, 29 Parkside Dr., St. Jacobs, Featuring 40 displays by local experts on green technology and green living, four free workshops, children’s activities, bicycle and e-waste recycling drop-off, and free bus tours to The REEP House for Sustainable Living.

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COUNCILLORS CALL FOR CAR-FREE SUNDAYS ON KING STREET

 

WHAT A GREAT IDEA!! Don't you think????

KITCHENER — Car-free Sundays. Bike Sundays. Pedestrian-only Sundays. Summer Streets.

These are different names for the same thing — blocking off streets to motorized traffic and letting people walk, run, blade, dance, sing, cycle and sell.

And a couple of rookie city councillors are behind the call to transform a 2.7- kilometre length of King Street into a pedestrian-only zone on four Sundays this year.

City councillors in Kitchener unanimously endorsed car-free Sundays from the civic square in front of Kitchener City Hall to the public square in Waterloo.

About three weeks ago city councillors in Waterloo also unanimously supported the move that has spread to 800 cities worldwide, including nearby London, Toronto and Ottawa.

Coun. Daniel Glenn-Graham in Kitchener and Coun. Melissa Durrell in Waterloo want King Street packed with pedestrians, vendors, food carts musicians and artists on selected Sundays.

They want four car-free events this year — one each in June, July, August and September.

“We are calling it Square to Square,” Durrell said.

“We are thinking this will be a regular kind of event,” Glenn-Graham said in an interview. “We are trying to move this along.”

The two city councillors heard about the car-free Sundays at a conference and saw lots of potential for animating King Street.

“June 19 we are hoping to kick it off,” Durrell said.

July 17, Aug. 14 and Sept. 18 are also on the proposed schedule of car-free Sundays.

“Cities all over the world have done this, we can do this,” Durrell said. “What makes us unique is we are talking to three municipal governments, we have an emergency room on our route, so we do have some unique challenges.”

King Street in downtown Kitchener is closed three or four times a year for different festivals. In Waterloo, King Street is closed for special events too, such as the Buskers Festival.

In London, many businesses embraced the idea.

“We want to bring the business community along so they are actually part of this, on the sidewalks selling their stuff,” Glenn-Graham said.

On two Sundays last year the City of London closed a part of Dundas Street to cars. About 10,000 people came out for the first event and 5,000 for the second. This year, four more are planned.

The cost to the City of London is minimal and only two police officers were assigned to the events, said Jay Stanford, the city’s director of environmental programs.

“It was first tied to International Car-Free Sunday and it was so successful we decided to do another one,” Stanford said.

A community group called Our Streets has taken the lead in London and partners with a lot of businesses as well as the municipality.

In Toronto’s Kensington Market, the events are called Pedestrian Sundays and were started in 2004. Volunteers put up barriers and signs. There is very little, if any, extra cost to the City of Toronto.

“We go from May to October, the last Sunday of the month, and it is usually from noon to 7 p.m.,” said Yvonne Bambrick of the Kensington Business Improvement Association.

“It has worked perfectly well just being community run, it doesn’t cost anything.”

Volunteers are needed to watch barricades, explain what’s going on to drivers and show where they can park or how to drive around, Bambrick said.

“They have been very, very well received,” Bambrick said. “What we have seen over the last seven years is there is a much greater interest in Kensington Market and the shops there.”

The National Capital Commission around Ottawa closes about 50 kilometres of roadway to vehicles on every Sunday from May to October. Thousands of cyclists take to the streets for what are called Bike Sundays.

In New York City, the Summer Streets program sees a main street in each borough closed to traffic for several hours each Sunday during the warmer months.

City staff in Kitchener are to have a report on the proposal for car-free Sundays by the end of the month.

“We have the political will and everyone we are talking to is absolutely jazzed,” Glenn-Graham said. “We are definitely convinced it will be successful.”

Posted via email from Selling Cambridge with Clare DeJong

MOVING WITH PETS

 

 

Your pets are a very important part of your family so when you are moving long distance, you have to consider what is best for your pet. Needless to say, pets cannot be transported on the moving van (or in the cab with the driver). Car travel is the most common means of transport and is the easiest on your pet. Some rail lines will permit pets in the baggage car but the owner must travel on the same train and be responsible to feed and exercise the pet at the various stops. Should you decide to ship your pet by air your moving company can make the necessary arrangements (including pick-up, boarding and delivery). Here is some information that may make this a more bearable experience for your pet(s):

Cats and Dogs

• If you are shipping by air - make your arrangements at least 5-6 weeks prior to move.
• Decide if your pet will travel on the same flight as the family - if not, boarding at origin is usually preferable since the local kennel is usually familiar to your pet.
• If you decide to board your pet at destination, check to see if visiting is permitted.
• Obtain a copy of your pet's health records from your veterinarian.
• Make sure immunization shots are current and you have proof they have been administered.
• If you are moving to the United States, your dog's rabies vaccination must have been administered within 30 days of entry to the USA
• If your pet suffers from motion sickness - obtain medication from your vet
• Ask your veterinarian for a referral to an animal clinic in your new area
• If your veterinarian cannot provide a referral, check with a national association
• Make sure you have a proper travel container (even if transporting by car)
• Airlines will rent a container for approximately $50 - $60
• If your pet isn't used to a cage - obtain one in advance and let him/her get used to it at home
• Make sure your pet is wearing identification tags that include their name, your name, address, telephone contact
• Make a set of luggage tags for travel container with all necessary information
• Put a travel kit together including food and water dishes, pet food, treats, toys, scooper and plastic bags, pet leash, paper towels, blanket or pillow, brush or comb, pet leash, sedative if prescribed
• Feed your pet at least five hours and give him water at least two hours prior to flight
• Take your pet to the airport at least two hours prior to flight
• Exercise your pet (on a leash) at airport and administer any medications
• Arrange to have someone pickup your pet at destination (animals not picked up Within 24 hours are usually returned to origin or boarded at the owner’s expense

Birds, Fish, Horses, Reptiles

Each of these categories of pets requires special handling and transportation arrangements. Your Atlas representative can assist you. Ask them for a copy of our publication "Moving Your Pets”. Atlas works with a number of excellent third party firms who can handle this important task. - One that we recommend is "Air Animal" This firm can ship pets anywhere in the world and the company is owned and operated by a licensed veterinarian. You can contact them at 1-800-635-3443 or visit their web site at www.airanimal.com.

Basic Details Needed to Arrange Animal Shipping

It is always preferable for the service provider to speak to the animal owner directly prior to completing an estimate & journey plan to ensure we have the correct details about the animals & the services that may be involved in the move. Basic information required includes:

• species, breed, weight, age, height (floor to highest point of head or ear tip for some animals), medications or any special needs
• shipping container to be supplied by us or owner does owner have one (length x width x height if they have one, type of container – plastic, wood, wire, etc.)
• location of animal (address & postal code)
• destination address or country/city
• is pet microchipped, is it an ISO/international type chip, date of implant
• date of most recent rabies vaccination (should be a killed virus vaccine)
• approximate date of departure preferred

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MOVING WITH KIDS

 

How to Get Children Involved In Moving

Moving can be a busy and stressful time in any family’s life. Selling the house, finding a new home and making all the necessary arrangements takes up hour upon hour of your time. In all of the hustle and bustle, parents sometimes often overlook someone very concerned about the upcoming move... the children.

One thing you may want to consider is the timing of the move. Historically, most people plan their move to coincide with the end of the school year in June. However experts in the child psychology area are saying that if you have the option, you may want to consider moving at least a month or so before the end of the school year. This way your children will have a chance to see their new school and make some new friends before the long summer break. Children adapt much better to a new environment if they can establish some kind of routine and develop even a small circle of friends. Too often, children find themselves in a new area over the summer without new friends and as a result feel less positive about the move.

Children have feelings too. Parents, not friends or relatives should be the first to inform the children that they are moving. Once they have been told of the relocation, they should be given the opportunity to ask questions and to express their likes and dislikes regarding the move. If small children have difficulty understanding what is happening in the world around them, parents might consider reading storybooks or colouring books with moving-related stories. The Berenstain Bears’ Moving Day book is an excellent one. It is distributed by Random House under ISBN O-394-84838-1. Many local libraries have other books dedicated to the subject of moving as it relates to young children.

Getting your children involved in the move preparation can ease some of their tensions. Consider giving them their own little “to do” list so that they can feel part of the process. Here are some suggestions for concerned parents.

A Family Affair

Moving should be a family affair. Get every family member involved in the move from the beginning. Learning more about the new city can stir some excitement about moving. The family can either spend some time on the internet, at the local library or contact the Chamber of Commerce or Bureau of Visitors and Tourism for the destination city to obtain some information about what the city has to offer in the areas housing, recreation, leisure activities etc.

Once a thorough “fact finding” has been done, ask the smaller children to draw a picture of the new city; the school age children to put together a little “story” about the city. All the children should make a list of things they want to do once the family gets settled in the new city (e.g. go to a ballgame, a park, a shopping centre, a museum, a theme park or other special location). Keep the lists for reference once the move is completed and be sure to fulfil some of your children’s special requests.

Selecting the New Residence

Allowing the children to assist, or at least think they are assisting, the selection of the new home is another positive step. Encourage the children to make a list of their ideal home (e.g. near their school, near a park, a room to myself, a big yard with a swimming pool) in the new city. Of course, you can’t promise your children that they will get everything on their “wish list” but it does give you some indication of what would help them to adjust to the new environment much quicker. When the budget permits, it wouldn’t hurt to take the children along for the final house-hunting trip to see where they are going to be living. When the budget doesn’t permit such a trip take pictures or a video with your camcorder. One final suggestion regarding the new home is to draw a floor plan of each of the children’s rooms and let them start deciding where they want to place their belongings when they get there.

Preparing to Move

A lot of the preparation must occur before the actual move takes place. Assign the children some responsibilities so that they feel needed during the rush. Some of the duties might include sorting out old toys or clothes; assisting with the garage sale; writing out the change of address cards; mailing cards to old friends with the new address; returning library books; and getting pets ready to move just to name a few.

Maintaining and Establishing Friendships

Good friends in children’s eyes are hard to come by. All too often a child doesn’t want to move because they are afraid of losing their only friends in the world. Parents can help reduce this anxiety with a few simple steps. First, make every effort to find at least one pen pal per child in the new city. Contact the school they will be attending and ask that the teacher for the child’s grade get a volunteer “pen pal” to tell your child about the school and the area. It is very healthy for children to share both words and pictures with someone his/her own age as he/she begins to make some adjustments. Pen pals are also good for teenagers as they can share some “secret” things with other teenagers such as styles, fads, hobbies, activities and people of the opposite sex. This activity also provides the child with an “instant” friends for the first day of school in the new location.

Next, let the children know they can still email, write or call their friends in the old city even after they have moved. You might even want to consider purchasing a “phone call card ” which comes in pre-designated dollar amounts that the child can use for their own personal calls. It is also reassuring for the children to know they can go back to their old city for an occasional visit. And finally, permit the children to have a party with their friends before they move and encourage a neighbourhood “get together” with the new friends once they get to the new home. There is nothing worse for children than to feel alone. By taking steps to overcome this fear, parents will find that the children adjust to their new environment much quicker.

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HOW TO MOVE PLANTS

On the Moving Van

Moving houseplants on the moving van with your furniture is usually not a good idea. The inside of the trailer is subject to extremes in temperature both in the winter and in the summer. Plants do not fare well in this environment, especially if they are on board for several days without fresh air and extra care. Your moving company will accept houseplants as part of your shipment on an “owner's risk basis”. No liability will be assumed for damage.

Shipping by Air

Most airlines will accept plants for transport but you should remember they are placed in the cargo hold that is generally quite hot or cold and not an ideal environment. On the upside, the length of time your plants are in transit is usually relatively short. If properly packed, they should survive the trip. Your moving company can assist you by arranging to have your plants properly packed by a nursery or greenhouse. This will greatly increase the odds that they will make it safely to their destination. Most airlines offer a limited liability for live plants. Be sure to discuss this matter with the air cargo representative before making your reservation.

Climate Controlled Trucks

Limited service is available throughout North America. In some instances, minimum charges apply since these firms generally provide service for growers and flower shops and do not like to handle small, private shipments. Door to door, service is not available. Plants must be delivered to and picked up from specified terminals. Liability coverage is not usually available for a small shipment of plants.

General Preparation Tips

Here are some tips for making sure your plants survive the trip to their new home:

3 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY

Re-pot any plants in clay pots into unbreakable, plastic containers. The new pot should be big enough to hold the plant, without being too big. Jumping pot sizes can cause plants to respond poorly.

2 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY

Prune larger plants. Pruning will make packing easier and produce healthy, bushy, compact, attractive houseplants. You can prune by simply pinching back newer growth with your thumb and forefinger. Succulents (e.g., cacti, jade plants) and ferns do not respond well to pruning.

1 WEEK BEFORE MOVING

Eliminate any insects or plant parasites. Pesticides may contain harmful chemicals so use them with care and always follow local regulations and label directions. Another way to kill pests is to put the entire plant in a black, plastic utility bag for about six hours with a bug/pest strip or an animal flea collar. Keep the bag in a cool, shady area. This method is environmentally safer for your home and your plant.

2 DAYS BEFORE MOVING

Make sure your plants are getting their normal dose of water. Keep in mind that during the winter months, roots saturated with moisture may freeze. In warmer weather, overwatered plants are subject to fungus growth during transit.

MOVING DAY

Pack your plants in the morning, or the night before. Conventional packing cartons are good for moving plants. You may need to add some cardboard dividers. Securely anchor each plant to prevent slipping when the box is lifted or jostled during transit. To do this, place the pot in a box, making sure it fits snugly in the bottom. Use paper around the base of the pot to hold it in place. Next, cushion branches and leaves of the plant with soft paper. Moistened paper can be used for short periods; however, plants allowed to remain wet are more susceptible to disease. Finally, punch air holes in the sides of the box and loosely fasten the lid. Set the boxes upright and clearly mark the lids. Your plants will be ready to travel for up to four days.

RULES & REGULATIONS REGARDING PLANTS

Houseplants can be moved from province to province without any special inspections. You should be aware that there are some U.S. regulations in place that vary by state. Some states even require a "Gypsy Moth Inspection Certificate." Traditionally, California, Arizona, and Florida have the most rigid restrictions. Check with your State Department of Agriculture or Department of Natural Resources to find out the rules and regulations of your destination state. If you find out that you cannot take your plants, take cuttings instead. Place them in a sterile mix, or in a plastic bag with damp cotton or paper towel. The cuttings should survive several days' travel and be ready to take root in your new home.

 

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GARAGE SALE SEASON IS FAST APPROACHING

 

Holding a Garage Sale

A garage sale is one of the easiest ways of disposing of unwanted possessions and is considered an environmentally responsible way of keeping items out of landfills. Decide when to hold your sale. Weekends are best except for holiday weekends when many people are away. Mid-spring and mid-fall are generally the best garage sale periods. Even if you are moving in the summer, it is a good idea to hold your garage sale in the spring. Getting rid of excess items often makes your home more attractive to potential buyers as it appears more spacious. Most sales are set up in front of the home; in the garage, driveway or across the lawn area. If you have a large porch, use it for the more expensive items in case it suddenly starts to rain.

Pre-Planning

It is better to price each article in advance of the sale so potential purchasers have an idea of what you expect to get for the item. A general rule of thumb is to charge between 40-50% of the store price if an item is new and 10-20% for used or older items. Make the items as attractive as possible by cleaning and dusting them before you put them out. Put a price on everything with self adhesive tags and be sure to include the size if you are selling clothing items.

Advertising

Put a notice in your community newspaper and advertise it as a “Moving Sale” instead of a garage sale. If you are selling furniture items be sure to include that in your ad along with your address, date and time of the sale. Put a notice of sale up on bulletin boards at your local supermarkets. If you have a computer/printer make up a flyer and have your children deliver them to houses in your neighbourhood. Put a large sign on your lawn and on streets around your neighbourhood.

Sale Day

• Have plenty of shopping bags, small boxes and change available
• Record the amount of float you started with
• Have a calculator, pen and paper handy to total purchases
• Arrange small items on tables
• Clothing should be hung from a rack or pole
• Furniture items should be fully assembled so people know there are no missing parts
• Run an extension cord from the house or garage so people can test appliances
• Place books, CD's and DVD’s upright in cartons so people can easily see what is there
• If you are using your garage to display items be sure to put a “not for sale” sign on items that you want to keep
• Keep your cash box out of sight and keep larger bills in a money pouch around your waist
• Keep the doors to your house locked

Make it Fun

• If your sale is staring at 8:00 am (most popular start time) have everything ready by 7:45 am as people will show up early
• Serve coffee and donuts or cookies to make your sale more inviting
• Periodically re-arrange displays to keep them neat
• Bargaining is considered a normal part of garage sales so have fun with it
• Reduce the price of items near the end of the sale to dispose of what is left
• Consider a 2 for 1 sale and have extra cardboard ready to make a “2 for 1” sale or “prices slashed” sign

After the Sale

• Count the money and deduct the amount of float you started with to determine your total sales
• Take down all the outdoor signs including the signs you put on neighboring streets
• Decide what to do with leftover items – you may want to consider donating useful items to a local Thrift Store or charity in your area

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APRIL NEWSLETTER

Cambridge Real Estate News from Clare DeJong April 2011      Your Real Estate News Clare DeJong Sales Representative Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage 766 Old Hespeler Rd. Cambridge, Ontario 519-623-6200 or 1-866-623-6205 www.SellingCambridge.ca If your home no longer meets your family’s needs, you'll have to decide whether to move or renovate.  Our first article weighs up the pros and cons of each option. We also discuss a few simple and inexpensive ways to update your bathroom as well as Part 2 of our grammatical exposé. Thanks for checking out our newsletter.  Let us know if you have any comments regarding the articles or real estate in general.  If you like what you see, please click the "Share on Facebook" button so your friends can check it out! In This Issue... Bank of Canada Holds Key Rate at 1% Should I Stay or Should I Go Now? Bathroom Makeovers that Won't Break the Bank How to Spell Them Words Write (Part 2) Bank of Canada Holds Key Rate at 1%  The Bank of Canada held its trend setting Bank rate at 1.25% on April 12, 2011.  This marks the fifth consecutive policy rate announcement for which interest rates have been kept on hold. The Bank acknowledged broadening global inflationary pressures and that Canadian economic growth has come in stronger than it predicted in its January Monetary Policy Report (MPR).  It also said its April MPR updates the Bank’s inflation outlook with inflation in Canada now expected to rise to its 2% inflation by mid-2012.  This is two quarters earlier than the Bank predicted in its previous MPR. While interest rates are widely expected to rise this year to keep inflation under wraps, language used in the April policy rate announcement may be interpreted by financial market economists as a signal that the Bank will resume raising interest rates at its next policy interest rate announcement on May 31, 2011. However, the Bank said “the persistent strength of the Canadian dollar could create even greater headwinds for the Canadian economy, putting additional downward pressure on inflation through weaker-than-expected net exports and larger declines in import prices.”  These downside risks to inflation give the Bank some latitude as to when it will resume raising interest rates since it will take time to gauge the impact that a strong Canadian dollar will have on near-term economic growth. The Bank said it still expects consumer spending to slow to a rate more broadly in line with after-tax income but thinks it could be stronger than it previously predicted due to wealth from continued home price increases, the rebound in the stock market, higher prices for commodity exports and lower import prices due to a stronger Canadian dollar. By keeping its trend-setting policy interest rates where they are, interest rates remain very positive for Canadian economic growth.  Moreover, the Bank reiterated its statement that “any further reduction in monetary policy stimulus would need to be carefully considered.”  This suggests the Bank’s continued intention not to make any sudden moves on interest rates. As of April 12, 2011, the advertised five-year lending rate stood at 5.69 per cent.  This is up a quarter of a percentage point from 5.44% on March 1st when the Bank made its previous policy interest rate announcement.  The Bank will make its next scheduled rate announcement on May 31st, 2011. Should I Stay or Should I Go Now?  When your home’s no longer the castle of your dreams, you face the choice of remodelling or moving.  You need to consider several factors in order to determine which option's best. If you love your current home, you'll likely want to consider renovations; however, they can be expensive and inconvenient.  Living in a construction site is very stressful and it's not uncommon to have projects go over budget or take longer than expected. Start by getting a few quotes to determine whether renovations are feasible.  Just don't over improve your home to the point where it becomes the most expensive house on the street as it will be very difficult to recover the cost of your improvements. If you and your family are looking to start an exciting new chapter of your life, it might make more sense to pack-up and sell.  Moving into a new home's very exciting especially when you find exactly what you're looking for!  Take into account though that moving can be stressful if you're not properly prepared. To make your decision easier, have a real estate agent provide you with an estimate of your home's current value compared to what it would be worth after the renovations.  Next, examine the current housing market.  Finally, consider the time and disruption that each option presents. There's no right or wrong answer to "Should I stay or should I go?" as everyone’s situation is unique.  Your choice is a personal one but make sure you consult various professionals so they can help you  weigh up the pros and cons of each scenario. Bathroom Makeovers that Won't Break the Bank  Updating your bathroom doesn't have to be a pricey project!  Here are a few simple and inexpensive bathroom makeover ideas: De-Clutter - Your bathroom will look cleaner, brighter and bigger if you put away items that aren't used that often.  While you're at it, throw out anything that's expired. Simple Spa - Create a room you can unwind in by purchasing some plush towels.  Roll up a few and place them in a wicker basket for a natural, spa like atmosphere. Accessorize - Add some pizzazz by updating the shower curtain, drawer handles or toilet seat.  It's easy to make an impact without spending a fortune! Tropical Paradise - Breathe some life into your bathroom by adding a few plants.  It'll create an oasis like feel and they'll love the humidity.  Consider a hanging basket if space is tight. Updating your bathroom doesn’t have to break the bank.  A fresh coat of paint and a decorative mirror can go a long way!  These types of simple updates are well worth the effort. How to Spell Them Words Write (Part 2)  Last month, we discussed a few common grammatical errors.  Here are a few other words which are often misunderstood: They’re, Their & There - They’re is a contraction of they are.  Their is a possessive pronoun.  There denotes a place.  “They’re living in their new house just over there". Accept and Except - Accept refers to entering into or receiving something.  Except refers to an exclusion.  “I’m thinking about accepting your offer.  It's perfect, except for the price”. It's easy to make these kinds of simple mistakes given the hectic pace of our busy lifestyles but it's  important to quickly look things over before clicking send.  After all, this stuff aint rocket surgery :) Are you sick of scouring the paper and MLS sites looking for homes? Tired of playing telephone tag with agents only to hear the home's already sold? Sit back, relax and let me do the work for you! Just visit my website and check off the features you're looking for. Whenever a home matching your criteria hits the market, it'll be automatically flagged and emailed to you so you'll never have to worry about missing your dream home. This service is free and there's no obligation! Click here to get started. View Previous Issues [Created by RealEstateWord.com

 

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Posted via email from Selling Cambridge with Clare DeJong

PREPARING FOR THE MOVE - HIRING A MOVER

“Buyer Beware” – Words to Live By

Moving from one residence to another can be a stressful experience. By its very nature, moving disrupts your life. There are many decisions to be made and many details to be attended to. For some people it can be an overwhelming experience…especially if the move does not go well! Given these truisms, it is sometimes surprising how little thought many consumers give to choosing the right mover. All too often, they wait almost until their closing date to even start the process. Others use “lowest price” as their only criteria when deciding who will be entrusted with everything they own!

Unfortunately, consumers who do this often end up regretting their decision. They learn a hard lesson about the difference between “best price versus best value”. Newspapers, radio and television stories abound about customers who have had disappointing experiences with movers who did not deliver on their promises.

The media often reports on “moving horror stories”. Last year, CTV’s “W-5” Program aired an expose on one such company and profiled a number of customers whose moves turned into virtual nightmares. In fact, criminal charges were laid by Toronto police against one moving company that was operating under 25 different names. Other similar new stories have appeared on CBC Marketplace, NBC Dateline, and CBS News and in local stories all across North America. When interviewed, most admitted that they were partially to blame for not having done their homework before choosing their mover.

Some of the complaints in the W5 story included:

• Final price exceeded quoted price by 40% or more and furniture held for ransom until customer agreed to pay
• Customers spent weeks trying to track whereabouts of their possessions
• Mover misrepresented himself in yellow pages as being a member of a national van line
• Customers advised that there would be no settlement for damaged items even though they had paid an additional premium for cargo protection
• Delivery dates not met – in one instance the customer waited over two months for delivery
• Unable to contact moving company to register complaints (unreturned calls)
• Driver threatened not to deliver goods unless excessive increase in charges paid and brought a Rottweiler dog with this to add to intimidation factor

Unfortunately stories like this are all too common especially when customers do not make an effort to find out if the company trying to obtain their move really is a reputable mover. Today there are far too many shady individuals preying on consumers. They place large ads in the yellow pages or have a fancy website and so consumers assume they must be reputable.

A few of the things they generally don’t have are:

• Clean, modern trucks and moving equipment
• Trained personnel
• Clean, palletized, secure and pest controlled warehouses
• A track record for good service including legitimate testimonials
• Proper insurance coverage for trucks, warehouse goods and cargo in transit
• A willingness to settle claims and resolve problems to the customer’s satisfaction
• Adherence to agreed pickup and delivery schedules
• Appropriate compensation if shipment is late being delivered
• A peer company at the destination location to assist the customer get settled
• A “arms length” arbitrator to help settle problems if solution not reached with mover

These deficiencies are the main reason why these types of companies can offer their services at a very low price. Basically you are not getting much for your money and in many instances you are taking a terrible risk with all of your worldly possessions. This is not to say that a small moving company cannot do a good job. What it does mean is that you should carefully check out the mover’s credentials. Don’t just accept the word of the salesman or the wording in their advertisements.

Another fact that most customers do not understand is that there is very little in the way of consumer protections laws in Canada or the United States when it comes to moving companies. This is one reason why reputable moving companies choose to affiliate their firms with one of the major national van lines. In Canada there are only four of these organizations. By doing so they become part of a larger, umbrella organization that oversees the quality of services offered by its agents. They ensure that only those companies who meet pre-set standards and remain financially solvent are allowed to be part of the van line. This kind of stability, emphasis on customer satisfaction and overall accountability are part of what you are paying for when you book a move with a van line affiliated agent. This is part of the “value” you receive for your moving dollars.

Be a smart consumer. Do your homework well in advance of your moving day. We promise it will make the experience a great deal less stressful which will make life a lot more pleasant for you and your family.

 

From Zoocasa

Posted via email from Selling Cambridge with Clare DeJong

5 Things Home Buyers Do That Turn Sellers Off (and Kill Deals)

On today’s market, every savvy seller wants to know what turns buyers off, so they can get their homes sold as quickly as possible, for as much as possible.  But buyers, take note – there is a minefield of seller turn-offs you can trigger that hold the potential to keep you from getting the home you want at the best price and terms, or to unnecessarily complicate dealings with your home’s seller.

Lest you think all of today’s sellers are under the gun and will just put up with whatever behavior buyers dish out, be aware that there are still many multiple offer situations in which buyers have to compete with each other to get a home – buyers who trigger these turnoffs tend to lose in those scenarios.  Also, avoiding these seller turnoffs can create a transactional environment of cooperation and avoid things turning adversarial.  That, in turn, can empower you to score a better price, get extra items you want thrown into the deal, and even negotiate more flexibility around your escrow and move-in timelines – all perks that can make your life easier and your budget go further.

For sellers, these turnoffs pose the potential of irritating you out of an otherwise good deal – maybe even the only deal you have!

Here’s a few of the most common buyer-perpetuated seller turnoffs, with tips for sellers on how to keep an emotional (and economic) even keel, even if your home’s buyer makes some of these waves:

1. Trash-talking. Trash-talkers are the home buyers who think they’re going to negotiate the list price down by slamming the house, telling the sellers how little it is really worth, how the house across the street sold for nothing, why the school on the corner should make them desperate to give the place away, etc. This strategy never works; in fact, when you attack a seller and their home, you only cause them to be defensive, and think up all the reasons that (a) their home is not what you say it is, and (b) they shouldn’t sell their home to you!  

Sometimes this happens with buyers who actually love a house and just walk around it fantasizing about all the ways they would customize it to their tastes while a seller is there.  Sellers: avoid being at home while your home is being shown.  Buyers: save your commentary for your agent; if you do encounter the seller in person keep your conversation respectful and avoid critiquing the house or the list price.

2. Being unqualified for mortgage financing. When a seller signs a buyer’s offer, most often the seller agrees to effectively pull the home off the market, forgoing other buyers who might be interested.  As such, the only thing worse than getting no offers on your home is getting an offer, getting into contract, then having the whole thing fall apart when the buyer’s loan falls through – especially if that could have been predicted or avoided up front. 

Sellers: Work with your agent to vet your home’s buyers’ qualifications, including their loan approval, down payment and earnest money deposit – before you sign a contract.  It’s not overkill for your agent to call the buyers’ mortgage pro before you sign the contract and get a level of comfort for how robust their qualifications are.  Buyers:  Get pre-approved.  Seriously.  And make sure that you don’t buy a car, quit your job, deposit lottery winnings or do any other financial twitchery between the time you get loan approval and the time you close escrow on your home.

3. Making unjustified lowball offers. No one likes to feel like they are being taken advantage of.  And sellers generally know the ballpark amount that their home is worth, as well as what they need to sell it for to get their mortgage paid off.  Yes – the price you pay for a home should be driven by its fair market value, rather than the seller’s financial needs, and deals are more available in a market like the current one, in which supply so vastly outpaces demand. But just throwing uber-lowball offers out at sellers hoping one will hit the spot is not generally a successful strategy, especially if you really, really want a given property. 

Sellers:  Don’t get overly emotional about receiving a lowball offer; counter at the price you and your agent decide makes sense based on the total circumstances, including your motivation level, recent comps and the interest/activity level your listing is receiving. Buyers:  Work through the similar, nearby homes that have recently sold (a/k/a comparables) before you make an offer to factor the home’s fair market value into your offer price – also factor in how much you want the place, too.  Don’t be amazed if you make an offer far below asking, and don’t get a response.

4. Renegotiating mid-stream. Sellers plan their finances, moves and  - to some extent – their lives around the purchase price a buyer agrees to pay for their home.  If you get into contract to buy a home, find out during inspections that costly repairs need to be made, then propose a lower sale price, repair credit or even actual repairs to the seller, that’s sensible and fair.  But if you were aware that the property needed a lot of work before you made an offer on it, then you come back asking for beaucoup bucks’ worth of credit or price reductions midstream, expect the seller to cry foul.  And holding the seller up two weeks into the transaction because you caught a case of buyer's remorse? Not cool, and not likely to foster the spirit of cooperation you may need to get your deal closed.

Sellers: avoid mid-stream price renegotiations by having a full set of inspection reports and repair bids at hand when you list your home. Buyers: try to avoid renegotiating the entire deal unless you get some major surprises at your inspections or inflating small repairs to try to justify a major price cut.

5. Misleading or setting the seller up.  Remember when we talked about buyer turn-offs?  Being misled by listing photos or very fluffy property descriptions was high on the list.  The same goes for sellers.Offering way over asking with the plan to hammer the seller for a reduction when the house doesn’t appraise at the purchase price?  #LAME  Making an as-is offer planning the whole time to come back and ask for every penny ante repair called out by the inspectors?  Lame squared.

Sellers:  If you get multiple offers and are tempted to take a sky-high one or one that claims to be all cash, consider requesting proof that the buyer has sufficient funds to make up the difference between what you think the home will appraise for and the actual sale price, and statements showing the cash truly exists.  Buyers: Don’t be lame. I’m not saying you have to tell the seller exactly what your top dollar is, but making offers with terms designed to intentionally mislead is really, really bad form – and can result in losing the home entirely if and when your bluff gets called.

From Trulia

Posted via email from Selling Cambridge with Clare DeJong

IS THERE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL???

Bank of Canada keeps key rate unchanged at 1 per cent despite improving economy

OTTAWA – The Bank of Canada is keeping its key interest rate on hold at one per cent and giving no hint as to when it will start raising rates again.

The decision announced Tuesday came despite a mostly upbeat assessment of the Canadian economy from the central bank that predicts faster growth and a quicker return to full capacity.

Bank governor Mark Carney has resisted pressure to start lifting the benchmark policy rate above one per cent for months and was unlikely to change course when any move would likely become a talking point in the federal election campaign.

The bank has not hiked interest rates since last September.

In remarkably neutral language, the bank did indicate it is taking a more positive view of the economic recovery, while continuing to flag trouble spots.

“Although recent economic activity in Canada has been stronger than the bank had anticipated, the profile is largely consistent with the underlying dynamics outlined in January,” it wrote in a statement accompanying the rate announcement.

“Aggregate demand is rebalancing toward business investment and net exports and away from government and household expenditures.”

“As in January, the bank expects business investment to continue to rise rapidly and the growth of consumer spending to evolve broadly in line with that of personal disposable income, although higher terms of trade and wealth are likely to support a slightly stronger profile for household expenditures than previously projected.”

The bank said it believes the Canadian economy will now grow by 2.9 per cent this year — half-a-point higher than its last prediction in January — before slowing to 2.6 per cent in 2012 and 2.1 in 2013.

Still, the head start means the economy will return to full capacity by mid-2012, about six months earlier than it thought.

The bank’s latest growth profile puts it more in line with private sector economists and what is already known to have occurred, including a much stronger-than-expected fourth quarter of 2010 and first quarter of 2011.

The economy is known to have grown by 3.3 per cent in the fourth quarter, a full point more than the bank’s previous estimate, and will likely expand by about four per cent in the just completed first quarter, again more than a point greater than the bank’s prediction.

While it believes the global and Canadian recoveries are becoming more entrenched, the bank also makes clear that there are plenty traps out there that could upset the apple cart. The steady rise of oil prices is contributing to the emergence of global inflationary pressures, it said, and a dollar trading well above parity with its U.S. counterpart is undermining one of the strengths in the Canadian economy — exports.

“The persistent strength of the Canadian dollar could create even greater headwinds for the Canadian economy, putting additional downward pressure on inflation through weaker-than-expected net exports and larger declines in import prices,” it said.

It also cited the shock to Japan’s economy following the earthquake and tsunami, sovereign debt in Europe and both government and household debt in the U.S. as speed limits to growth.

But it added: “Despite the significant challenges that weigh on the global outlook, global financial conditions remain stimulative and investors have become noticeable less risk averse.”

In Canada, overall inflation is a little hotter and core inflation a little cooler than expected, but the bank attributed that to temporary factors and said it expects both to converge at the desired two per cent target by the middle of 2012.

The Canadian Press

Posted via email from Selling Cambridge with Clare DeJong

Weekend events in Cambridge Ontario and area

Shear Madness. Mary Ann Conk, Liz Gordon and Wade Lynch star in Drayton Entertainment’s production of Shear Madness at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse. Shear Madness runs until April 10. Visit www.draytonentertainment. com.

Courtesy of Drayton Entertainment

PUBS AND CLUBS

BEAVER AND BULLDOG (525 Hespeler Rd.) Straight Cut, April 8
BLACK BADGER (55 Water St. N.) The Dakins, April 9
DUKE & DUCHESS (900 Jamieson Pkwy.) Bradley-Robinson, April 8; Lager Street Duo, April 9
ERNIE’S ROADHOUSE (7 Queen St. W.) Open mic every Friday
LULU’S DINE AND DANCE  (123 Pioneer Dr. Kitchener) Jon Ordiway, April 8-9
THE 515 CONCERT CLUB  (39 Queen St. E.) West Memphis Suicide, April 9
THE MAINLANDER SPORTS BAR & GRILL (175 Beverly St.) Half Cut, April 9?
WABANA SPORTS BAR (89 Main St.) Brave & Crazy (tribute to Melissa Etheridge, Janis Joplin, Sass Jordan), April 9
YUK YUK’S KITCHENER  (1 King St. W. Kitchener) Scott Faulconbridge, Jeff Elliott, Lawrence Morgenstern, April 8-9

ON CANVAS

ANNA TORMA: ENCYCLOPAEDIA DOMESTICA until May 15 at Cambridge Galleries, Queen’s Square.
WALKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE FAMOUS 5 until April 9 at Cambridge Centre for the Arts.
SELECTED WORKS Cambridge Galleries contemporary Canadian textile collection until April 10 at Design at Riverside, 7 Melville St. S.
STUDIO 30 until May 1 at Cambridge Galleries Preston, 435 King St. E.

LIVE STAGE

SHEAR MADNESS until April 10 at St. Jacobs Country Playhouse. Discover why everyone is dying to see Shear Madness, the screamingly funny comedy where the audience gets to solve the crime. Call 1-888-449-4463.

IN CONCERT

FOLK NIGHT AT THE REGISTRY Dave Gunning, April 9, at The Registry,122 Frederick St. Kitchener. Visit www.registrytheatre.com
BRUCE COCKBURN April 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Kitchener’s Centre In The Square.  Call 1-800-265-8977 or visit www.centre-square.com
PIXIES with Imaginary Cities April 17 at 8 p.m. at Kitchener’s Centre In The Square.  Call 1-800-265-8977 or visit www.centre-square.com
ST. GEORGES DAY FOLK WEEKEND features Tethera, County Vaudeville and Geoff Lewis April 22 at 8 p.m. at Café 13, 13 Main St. A folk dance demonstration takes place April 23 in Cambridge Civic Square between 1 and 4 p.m. Featured dance groups are Oakville Ale & Sword, Forest City Morris and Cambridge’s own Wolf at the Door Molly Dancers. For more information, visit www.grandriverfolk.org
DAVID JENSENIUS April 26 from 7 to 8 p.m. at Cambridge Galleries, Queen’s Square.

ETC., ETC.

MILTON FARM SPRING DRAFT SHOW April 30 and May 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Country Heritage Park, 8560 Tremine Rd. Call 1-888-307-3276.

Posted via email from Selling Cambridge with Clare DeJong

Young adults are wating to buy homes: RBC survey

House sales: Young adults are the most likely people to buy a house, but they are putting off their purchases as they assess their options, according to a Royal Bank survey.

CP file photo

TORONTO – Young adults are the most likely age group to buy a home in the next two years but more than half of those surveyed think the time isn’t right yet, according to a poll released Thursday by Royal Bank of Canada.

RBC’s annual home ownership poll found that 55 per cent of respondents aged 18 to 34 said it makes sense to delay a home purchase until next year. That’s 10 percentage points more than the national average for all age groups.

Meanwhile, about half of young people who have already delved into home ownership, responded that their mortgage is eating up too much of their income — suggesting their peers may have good reason to wait.

The year’s survey, done for RBC by Ipsos Reid in mid-January, came at a cooling off period in the Canadian housing market following a spate of frenzied buying in the early months of last year.

Many first-time buyers rushed into the market in the first half of 2010 while the Bank of Canada’s key interest rate — which influences commercial lending rates — were set at emergency lows of 0.25 per cent because of the recession.

Interest rates and home prices have risen since then, pushing down demand for properties and putting buyers and sellers on a more even footing when they negotiate.

“In a more balanced housing market, it makes sense that younger and first time homebuyers are waiting to assess all of their options and do their research before buying a home,” said Bernice Dunsby, RBC’s director of client acquisition for home equity.

“It’s also important to get expert advice on what you can afford and leave yourself with a little extra wiggle room in your budget so you don’t become house poor, as home maintenance and lifestyle costs can add up.”

While 43 per cent of younger Canadians (aged 18-34) told Ipsos Reid they are paying off their mortgage faster than they expected, two-thirds (66 per cent) said it is larger than they would like it to be.

Rising real-estate prices, along with having a large enough down payment, were the biggest concerns among young people surveyed.

Still, 43 per cent of the young adults responding to the survey said they were looking to buy in the next two years, suggesting the housing market will continue to be healthy going forward.

That’s higher than the national average of 29 per cent for all age groups.

In comparison, only 29 per cent of Canadians aged 35 to 54 said they want to buy within two years and only 17 per cent of respondents over 55 were looking.

The survey also revealed that young people have different ideas about how to seek out advice on home ownership than those belonging to older generations.

Most young people said they were more inclined to use websites, family or friends for advice while more than 70 per cent of Canadians over 45 said they would rely on a real estate agent.

The survey’s findings are based on responses from an online panel of 2,103 Canadians, conducted Jan. 12 to 17. A survey of this size has a two percentage point margin of error 19 times out of 20.

Posted via email from Selling Cambridge with Clare DeJong

Housing market set for an average spring

WATERLOO REGION — House sales in March were down from last year’s strong numbers, but real estate officials say the market is stable compared to other years.

A total of 608 homes were sold in March in the Kitchener-Waterloo and surrounding area, down about 15 per cent from 719 in the same month last year. For the first three months of the year, 1,474 homes were sold, down 10.4 per cent from the same period in 2010.

George Patton, president of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of Realtors, says 2010 was an unusual year because the harmonized sales tax and talk of higher mortgage rates pushed a lot of people into buying earlier.

Compared to other years, the market activity in 2011 is about average, he says. Year-to-date sales are just above the average of 1,433 for the same period over the past five years.

“A stable market is a good market,” Patton says.

Prices are holding their own. The average sale price for the first three months of the year was $290,148, up about a percentage point from the first three months of last year.

In March, more houses sold in the $300,000 to $350,000 price range, which helped push up the average price by 5.4 per cent to $298,671 for the month.

The demand for higher priced homes indicates “people are confident” in the economy locally, Patton says. “Obviously, they feel their jobs are secure and the economy is going to keep chugging along.”

A report released on Tuesday by Re/Max indicates that the first-time buyer market in this area is strong.

Although most entry-level buyers in Kitchener and Waterloo are “topping out at around $250,000,” some rookie buyers will spend $300,000 to get the location they want, the report says.

Those on a tighter budget might look at anything from a resale apartment-style condo starting at about $160,000 in some parts of Kitchener to a town home selling for $190,000 to $234,000.

Adrian Baas, broker manager at Re/Max Twin City Realty in Waterloo, says that for buyers interested in single family homes, there still is good selection in the $225,000 to $275,000 range.

He says Waterloo Region is fortunate to still have a strong first-time buyer market, unlike many parts of Europe where “the first time buyer market has basically disappeared.”

One difference is that some European countries have stemmed the flow of immigrants, he says. Here, immigrants are still coming and because the area has stable employment, they are buying houses, he adds.

The Re/Max report says the inventory of houses should remain adequate and prices will likely continue to rise in 2011.

rsimone@therecord.com

Posted via email from Selling Cambridge with Clare DeJong

GREAT OPPORUNITY!!! Maranatha Christian Reformed Church presents SEAN AIKEN

Hello Youth, College and University students and Parents,
 
TONIGHT, April 5, 2011 is going to be something different than what we are used to for TNW.

 

94 Elgin St. S., Cambridge, Ontario
 
We have an awesome opportunity to have Sean Aiken join us.
Who is Sean Aiken?
He is a young adult who did not have any idea on what he wanted to do in life, so he worked one job per week for one year.
He has been on CNN, 20/20, CBC, The Rachel Ray show, the New York Times and too many more to mention.
We are blessed to have him come and share his experiences about what his life was like working all those jobs.
 
Watch his documentary trailer and see what he is about.
http://www.oneweekjob.com/documentary/
Check out his blog and website.
 
Join us on Tuesday night at 7pm in the chapel.  Coffee and juice will be ready.
If you are away at college or university, check out his website anyways.  He is a pretty cool guy.

Posted via email from Selling Cambridge with Clare DeJong