A national study sees the Barrie area named in the top ten 'real estate places to invest'

Recently, Barrie and the surrounding area received media attention as one of the top ten cities nationally in which to invest in real estate - below see the results with Barrie-Orillia area sitting at number eight according to the Real Estate Investment Network (REIN)

http://money.ca.msn.com/investing/top-10-deals-in-canadian-real-estate

RE/MAX Housing Market Outlook 2012

A great annual report that remains fairly accurate year over year.  The national picture is good to know about, but scroll down to Barrie and District for quick information about the coming year.

http://www.remax-oa.com/MediaNewsroom/Lists/PressReleases/Attachments/70/REMAX_HM_2011_RPT.pdf

The Bright Spot in Canada's Economy is Real Estate

The term 'Housing Bubble' makes me crazy - it certainly applied to the 'bubble' of the late 80's but unlike that (long ago) past, our market hasn't dramatically risen over that same short period of time.  Overall, the supply of listings and buyer demand has remained fairly balanced (ie: no bubble catalysts present).

Anyhow - that's my rant, however the article below is (in my opinion) a good prediction of the next year or two as far as rates and 'bubbles' go :)

 http://money.ca.msn.com/investing/deirdre-mcmurdy/will-canadas-real-estate-bubble-eventually-burst

Cheers,
Corrie

Amid the seemingly popular 'For Sale By Owner' gimmicks there are some important realities

Consumers have many choices when deciding to buy or sell property (for that matter consumers make choices on a daily basis; whether it's handling legal issues, booking trips, selecting an insurance or mortgage company, choosing a dentist, booking a hair appointment - the list goes on)  As Realtors we have to understand the reality of 'choice' - however as professionals in our industry we have to be able to explain to a Consumer why CHOOSING WISELY MEANS CHOOSING RE/MAX .

Today's Consumer is busier than ever with work, family and social commitments - Thoroughly explain what your services will mean to them in terms of time saved and top dollar achieved - yes the devil is in the details but NEVER assume the Consumer (who has just been mislead by a ridiculously inaccurate FSBO ad or commercial) understands the details.

Address the alternative to using a Realtor including all of the things they stand to lose - This isn't a 'scare tactic' it's a reality.  Realtors do add value.  Include that proof in your presentation.  Large investments are involved in a property sale and we help a great deal.  Rational people don't often waive their right to use a lawyer in court because they understand the consequences.  Rational people need to fully understand the consequences of not using a Realtor and why you add value - make it your priority to explain this.  Click below to review only one example of how we add value.

  http://propertywire.ca/news/national-news/1476-canadians-need-help-getting-homes-ready-for-sale.html

Cheers,

Corrie

Interest Rates on Hold - what does that mean for you?

According to the latest news in the Globe and Mail, it appears that the Interest Rates we thought may gradually rise, are going to stay in place for a while longer....  What does this mean for consumers and the Real Estate market in general?  See the link to the article below...

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/rob-carrick/what-to-do-now-that-you-know-rates-will-stay-on-hold/article2156432/print/

The Power of the RE/MAX Brand, (including) Agent Tools Readily Available -Remains Unparalleled Within Our Industry

The advantages of being and using a RE/MAX Sales Representative are numerous - As RE/MAXers we sometimes forget to explain to our Clients what the distinct advantages of hiring us are, including how our Clients benefit.  I urge you to keep current with the many tools available for you to use.  Choose some tools - master them - add some more BUT, remember to continue conveying their (your) value to your Clients.  Here's the recent Sales Associate Newsletter reminding you of some of your options

http://track.remax.net/public/?q=preview_message&fn=Link&t=1&ssid=19305&id=i1j8pwfgfq13fhwfn0c651ei01rvy&id2=4yrh88haverm8r7709q305iztx5gp&subscriber_id=bhmvkrwdbismsuuqwwkxdwfkliuzbka&messageversion_id=bpgdeyycrazmgoexgcumghlzsfbnbnj&delivery_id=buwnbeyaazgdxaxkynltucwadrcebma&tid=3.S2k.BXLBDQ.CQuL.GX-J..JsvT.b..l.Axbv.a.TlQQIw.TlQQIw.YeMZRQ

The RE/MAX Brand Remains Globally Fierce

Sometimes the 'view from 40,000 feet' helps us see where our industry is heading and more specifically our RE/MAX brand.  Globally, the RE/MAX Brand is, and will remain incredibly strong.  The depth of our brand is due in part to our leaders - Walter Schneider is one of the forces behind the global team taking us in the right direction.  In the article attached below, he mentions some of the reasons why our RE/MAX brand has gained such momentum, and will continue to do so on the global stage.

http://www.joinremax.com/SiteCollectionDocuments/Public%20Files/WalterSchneiderOutlook_0611.pdf

Choosing Wisely really does mean Choosing RE/MAX

Our RE/MAX chay agents have access to all of the best and current sales and technology training.  Our Sales Representatives can choose to stay current with either online training - or, they can personally attend our weekly and/or monthly in-office training groups.  Homes are big investments - choosing a real estate agent without a 'full toolbox' can cost a client $$ they may not even realize they've left on the deal table.  A RE/MAX chay Salesperson ALWAYS negotiates (and follows through) in the best interest of his/her client.  We want our clients for life - and to do that we go the distance.   Our folks strive to maintain consistent professionalism so that bad service, and bumpy closings don't enter the RE/MAX chay real estate experience.

Here's my point made in a lighthearted manner,

Enjoy! :)

Corrie

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oq8Gf035JGM&feature=relmfu

The 'Recreational Property' Market Heats Up in 2011

As the summer (finally) begins to heat up - check out what RE/MAX Ontario Atlantic tells us about those fabulous Cottage destinations!  If you are a current owner, or perhaps venturing into the market this may be worth a look.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTrFKFOyvMc

Clients always benefit from using a RE/MAX Agent

I've noticed on occasion, that some of our successful RE/MAX Realtors undersell the value that they consistently bring to their clients - This can happen, because our RE/MAX chay Sales Reps and Brokers conduct their business at such a high level of professionalism - adding so much value to their Clients' final results - that they lose sight of the fact that not all Realtors perform at the same high level.
I remind them that making sure their clients are aware all of the added benefits they get from hiring them should never be overlooked.  Our RE/MAX agents tend to make selling look easy - however like any pro, there is a lot of hard work that takes place behind the scenes.

Here is a reminder of only some of the things you can expect from a RE/MAX professional.

Scroll down to open each area of how RE/MAX Realtors can help you.

Cheers,
Corrie


http://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fittosell.ca%2F&session_token=-nbDI9jlTQMgXH9FoZ17sfm9o_t8MTMwMjcyMTM1Mw%3D%3D

For your big Investment call the Big Guns (RE/MAX)

We are proud that most consumers in Canada choose a RE/MAX agent to help them with what is (usually) their biggest lifetime investment.  In any market - but especially an uncertain one, consumers overwhelmingly choose professionals they can trust, and that they know will help them negotiate top dollar when selling their home, OR negotiate the best price when purchasing a home.  Our competition bureau ensures that Canadian consumers will always be exposed to plenty of home selling options; from 'For Sale By Owner' to choosing to do some of the work yourself - to pay a lesser rate of commission.  After comparing the many options, consumers still contact RE/MAX for results.  After all - saving  $$ on a commission fee but leaving twice $$ at the negotiating table when an offer comes doesn't make sense. 

Here's a clip illustrating public awareness of what RE/MAX stands for;
   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfm-r-5Rvok

Enjoy,
Corrie

RE/MAX chay is thrilled to launch 24/7 Open Houses on all of our listings!

Fair to say that there aren't many people these days who don't know what an 'app' is...

Our RE/MAX chay agents and our consumers have enthusiastically embraced the benefits of Iphones, Blackberrys, Androids and the like -especially as they apply to the real estate industry.  With this in mind, RE/MAX chay has decided to lead the way!  We've attached a consumer friendly 'text for property info' app to our company listing data, thereby giving our clients a marketing edge.

RE/MAX Sellers now have their home's best features showcased - and our RE/MAX Buyers are able to access information and pictures of the RE/MAX homes that interest them 24 hours a day.  So easy to use -Simply text the word 'property' to 65656.  From the welcome screen, by inputing the property address #  the consumer can view photos and features of RE/MAX chay homes for sale 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Below, is a link that demonstrates just how easily all RE/MAX chay listing are now being displayed!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEui6FeVNcQ

Cheers,

Corrie

Our Annual RE/MAX chay breakfast meeting 2011

Over 100 of our award winning real estate agents joined us at Fendley Hall in Barrie's South end to kick off the start of a successful 2011.

The winning combination of fabulous food, a terrific venue, and the high energy of those in attendence made for a great meeting.  The reason RE/MAX chay sales representatives thrive in this real estate market, is that their product knowledge, skill sets and professionalism are second to none in the industry.  These top producing award recipients, shared and congratulated each other on the successes of 2010.  Click below to view a clip of the meeting.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJD4x5Ufz94

What's the 'shelf life' of your New Year's Resolutions?

Well my friends, we are through January and although I'm not a fan of the 'resolutions beginning January 1st' program, I have to admit that many of us (myself included) tend to reflect on the past year as it winds down - take stock and (perhaps) look at ways to improve our coming year.  Self improvement is always a good thing so long as the 'progress not perfection' motto hangs in the periphery - after all, we are human.

I came across the following blog from Richard Robbins and I felt it was a good crossection of small ways to improve on what you may have already created in your business and life.  His 'menu' allows you to focus on what rings true for you personally.

I think that rather than attack this list, as a new year resolution, it should be revisited periodically throughout the year.  Too much pressure comes with trying to perfect a complete overhaul.  Give yourself some credit for what you've already accomplished and integrate these ideas at a comfortable pace.  As with everything in life, don't forget to enjoy the journey :)
http://www.richardrobbins.com/2011/01/41-ways-to-have-your-best-year-ever-in-real-estate/

Cheers,
Corrie