Friday, 27 May 2011 08:52 Heather Wright
You try your best. You make a commitment every day to excellence, and to stunning your client base by overachieving on their expectations. You plan and strategize your business down to each detail, each point plotted on your individual road to success.
Sometimes, however, certain variables are introduced into your daily practice, and these variables are completely unpredictable (and in some cases unaccountable), because they are of the human kind!
Check out this article
Realtor vs. FSBO: A Balanced Perspective
To get legal advice, you visit a lawyer; to get medical advice, you go and see a doctor; most people, to get their car repaired, leave it in the hands of a trained professional. Even to get your hair cut, you go to someone who is trained to do that job. In all of these instances, the average consumer, without specific training and resources in a given area, defers to a qualified individual. So what is it about Real Estate that is so different? ...
Read More To make matters more difficult, they claim to be professionals, sharing your space within your industry- threatening to derail your own hard work- or in some cases, really damage the industry by tarring others with the same brush. Like it or not, the nature of your industry requires regular interaction with other professionals. To try to keep things running smoothly, there are regulations and codes put into place- both written and unwritten. Despite best efforts though, sometime these suggested practices and codes of conduct are sidestepped, or disregarded.
How do you keep your cool- and keep business going and client relationships strong? Common sense and common courtesy should be the guiding rule, but in talking to several members of our Propertywire.ca community, often this is not the case. The consequences from bad practices are far-reaching; from professional annoyance, to serious impact on the sales process, the image of the industries, and bottom lines.
So, what can you do when others just dont have your high standards? Although you may feel like closing yourself in the proverbial closet and screaming, professional etiquette prevents you from doing so. And besides, your clients are counting on you
Bad Apples
It can be a PR nightmare in client centric business, for some to participate in bad practices. Many of these bad practices result in a negative consumer perspective, and run the risk of making you look either unprofessional or even unethical. You can do all the marketing you want, but what speaks loudest to your brand integrity when your feet hit the pavement, is your behaviour- and, unfortunately, you are not always judged singularly by your own behaviour.
Early Bird no Longer Gets the Worm
You always want to keep things fair and even- especially when there are clients involved. Markham Realtor, Rusty Topan, Broker, Re/Max West Realty, has concerns with the listings process negatively impacting a buyer’s experience- and putting forth a sense of inequality. Keeping in mind too, the intensely emotional nature of buying a home, it makes it difficult to support a client emotionally when a practice seems destined to create anxiety.
“There is a tendency that seems to have become the norm to state on the listing when offers will be presented/viewed. Almost every well-staged, accurately priced listing is set up from the get go to be a multiple offer situation. It's all fine and dandy for the seller and the seller's agent, but the buyers are getting discouraged and the anticipation and excitement for the buying process is turned into anxiety and worry. I hate seeing the look on the face of the new buyer who finds out that he/she can't attach even reasonable conditions to their offer, and has to commit to more then the house they fell in love with was originally listed at. It's turning the offer process into a cat-and-mouse game, and it has removed any concept of 'the early bird getting the worm'.”
Respect My Time: When Structure Meets Chaos
The Real Estate and Mortgage professions require heavy time commitment and, at times, crazy hours. That is not to say that you can’t set a schedule- and furthermore that you shouldn’t expect other professionals to respect it. Professional enthusiasm, and aggressive business practices can, at times, step over boundaries.
Steven Fudge , Sales Representative, Bosley R.E. Ltd. says, “It's very easy for a busy Realtor who works all hours to think that other Realtors live a similar hectic pace. When this happens, it's easy to inconvenience others who have a more structured life/work balance.”
“For example, some Realtors will leave me a voicemail late at night requesting appointments that aren't possible to coordinate, either because they require a minimum 24 hours notice for tenants, or it's outside the times stipulated clearly on the listing. These errors would be quickly clarified had they called my appointment desks during operating hours, so the ensuing trail of telephone calls can be irksome. I also raise my eyebrows when Realtors page me on a Sunday to provide 'feedback on a showing'. That sort of call isn't necessary to place on a weekend, is it?”
Work/Life balance takes a time commitment in and of itself to achieve, even if others are trying to knock you off kilter. Fudge’s solution is easy. He sets the example himself.
“As a courtesy to others, I try conduct as much of my business with other Realtors during the more conventional hours of 9-5pm Monday through Friday even though I, and the rest of us, invariably work much longer hours. However, I recognize this isn't always possible so I try to be easy-going about it.”
Common Courtesy as a Guide
It really just comes down to common courtesy, professional or otherwise- and being reliable.
Karen Filice, Broker of Record/Owner, Cirrius Realty Inc., Brokerage is succinct in her beliefs as to how Realtors should conduct themselves. She says, “Standard practice (should be to) make an appointment, show up for the appointment within the time allotted, and leave a card.”
Filice is well aware of how the scenarios play out, but believes that the Realtor has to take responsibility on behalf of the seller anticipating the showing. “What happens, a client doesn't like the house and they drive by with the showing Realtor. What should happen, the Realtor should stop, knock on the door, tell the home owner the client has changed their mind about seeing the house, or leave a card in the door to say they were there, but client declined to view.”
Not only does not doing this strain the relationship between client and Realtor, in a business of networking and referrals, one must be constantly mindful that what comes around goes around- especially in the professional arena.
Filice also, has a simple solution: “When a client calls to say: There is no card, they didn't show up, the lights were left on, the door unlocked, I put a call through to the showing individual and remind them of what they should be doing. I also apologise for my colleagues to my client.”
Title Search
One of the benefits of being in the business for a long time is learning from other’s mistakes, and learning how to avoid problems through due diligence. Says Filice, “It should be common practice to do a title search on listing - which I do on both listing and sale.”
“Many realtors do not do this. Recently I had an offer on a property and noticed that the total debt showing on title would not equal the purchase price (or the asking price for that matter). I drew up the offer, but as a courtesy, called the listing sales rep and told him what I found. He asked me to forward him the title search. I told him he should have done his job (he was a friend and I gave him a hard time) and in the end sent him the title search...In this case, the offer was delayed two days, by which time two other offers were registered and we lost the buy. But the sellers were safe.“
Don’t Judge this Book by its Cover.
The Mortgage Industry sees many of the same problems, says Leslie Penney, Vice President - Business Development Mortgage Alliance/ APlus Mortgage Group. What he suggests though, is that amongst professionals, don’t judge a book by its cover. It is off-putting, to say the least, to make unfounded assumptions on someone’s abilities without taking the time to determine if the assumptions are valid or not. Furthermore, it is not fair to promote this stance to the client.
“One thing I experienced in the beginning was a bit of flack from some veterans of the business. At times there would be suggestions to clients that the new guys don’t know what they’re doing because they haven’t gotten the experience or that maybe they won’t be in the business six months or a year down the road. That may be an unfair call if the competition doesn’t know the background of the person they are referring to. The person may be a new mortgage broker, but they may have a background in lending, etc. “
And, as Penney suggests, this isn’t limited to other mortgage brokers- but happens with other players in the marketplace at times too.
“Banks sometimes use this approach when competing with brokers for clients. The whole bricks-and-mortar approach with being in business for such a long time is much the same as the veteran brokers. The person at the bank that the client is talking to probably hasn’t been at mortgages as long nor do they focus on just selling mortgage products, but they sell based on the premise of the large logo behind their desks.”
He suggests that the solution here is marketing, and promotion of your own abilities. Of course, too, the best advertisement for your abilities is a job well done, so another solution to combat this is to over deliver on client expectations, and then to ask for a referral.
Managing other people’s behaviour in a professional environment is no easy task. Frustration can often replace professional composure. As with most situations, ‘you attract more flies with honey than you do vinegar.’ Keep in mind that every move you make is perceived and processed by the client, and in some cases your best strategy is to offer solutions- and to keep your cool.
As Fudge puts it, “After twenty years of working in the industry, I've seen time and time again that being patient and professional to other Realtors will ultimately serve you well.”
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Monday, May 30, 2011
Helpful Advice Is Keystrokes Away
May 27, 2011 -- For some people, one of the most challenging aspects of buying a home can be choosing from the numerous options to help fit their lifestyle. From a condominium in the heart of the city to a farm set amongst rolling hills, from life on an island to a home near ski slope, few world cities can boast the eclectic mix of housing that the Greater Toronto Area offers.
This spectrum of choices means that it’s particularly important to use the services of a REALTOR® to carefully identify a home that is best suited to fit your lifestyle.
Start by signing a Buyer Agency Agreement, the BRA helps outline your REALTOR’s® commitment to represent your best interests by working exclusively on your behalf for a designated period of time.
A REALTOR’s® direct access to a number of important databases may help you identify all of your options.
If you prefer a home in an established community, your REALTOR® can use the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS) to search for thousands of available properties, which are displayed in real time, as soon as they are listed for sale.
Your REALTOR® may also register your criteria in the Toronto Real Estate Board’s Buyer Registry Service (BRS). It is a password-protected database in which your personal information is only accessible to your REALTOR®. While you can receive regular email notifications on homes that match your specifications, communication between buyers’ and sellers’ REALTORS® who use the BRS can occur even faster.
Your REALTOR® may even be aware of soon-to-be available properties through their network of contacts in the community.
Be sure to visit www.BRAFirst.ca for more information on the Buyer Representation Agreement.
If a brand new home is what you have in mind, your REALTOR® can advise as to new home construction options throughout Greater Toronto Area using the Realnet Canada database. Developments can be searched by housing type, location, price range and a number of other specific criteria.
Once you have selected a few options, your REALTOR® can gather information that can be key to your decision-making like any price adjustments that have occurred and the property’s number of days on the market. They can also use the MLS® to help you evaluate asking prices based on the information of other properties recently sold in the area.
In fact, regardless of whether it was ever available on the MLS®, your REALTOR® can advise on a property’s previous sold price by accessing their link to Teranet’s land registry system. This database contains other key information as well, like neighbourhood demographic profiles, aerial views and land surveys.
Insight into other specifics like assessed values, a home’s age, and square footage can also be gleaned using the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) database.
By weighing all of these factors you can develop a focused pursuit of your perfect home and with a REALTOR’s® expert negotiating skills, it could be yours sooner than you think.
Regardless of whether you choose new or resale, every market is different be sure to contact a REALTOR®. Their skills and expertise may give you a winning advantage and help find the right home for you.
For more information like this visit www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com
Bill Johnston is President of the Toronto Real Estate Board, a professional association that represents 31,000 REALTORS® in the Greater Toronto Area.
This spectrum of choices means that it’s particularly important to use the services of a REALTOR® to carefully identify a home that is best suited to fit your lifestyle.
Start by signing a Buyer Agency Agreement, the BRA helps outline your REALTOR’s® commitment to represent your best interests by working exclusively on your behalf for a designated period of time.
A REALTOR’s® direct access to a number of important databases may help you identify all of your options.
If you prefer a home in an established community, your REALTOR® can use the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS) to search for thousands of available properties, which are displayed in real time, as soon as they are listed for sale.
Your REALTOR® may also register your criteria in the Toronto Real Estate Board’s Buyer Registry Service (BRS). It is a password-protected database in which your personal information is only accessible to your REALTOR®. While you can receive regular email notifications on homes that match your specifications, communication between buyers’ and sellers’ REALTORS® who use the BRS can occur even faster.
Your REALTOR® may even be aware of soon-to-be available properties through their network of contacts in the community.
Be sure to visit www.BRAFirst.ca for more information on the Buyer Representation Agreement.
If a brand new home is what you have in mind, your REALTOR® can advise as to new home construction options throughout Greater Toronto Area using the Realnet Canada database. Developments can be searched by housing type, location, price range and a number of other specific criteria.
Once you have selected a few options, your REALTOR® can gather information that can be key to your decision-making like any price adjustments that have occurred and the property’s number of days on the market. They can also use the MLS® to help you evaluate asking prices based on the information of other properties recently sold in the area.
In fact, regardless of whether it was ever available on the MLS®, your REALTOR® can advise on a property’s previous sold price by accessing their link to Teranet’s land registry system. This database contains other key information as well, like neighbourhood demographic profiles, aerial views and land surveys.
Insight into other specifics like assessed values, a home’s age, and square footage can also be gleaned using the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) database.
By weighing all of these factors you can develop a focused pursuit of your perfect home and with a REALTOR’s® expert negotiating skills, it could be yours sooner than you think.
Regardless of whether you choose new or resale, every market is different be sure to contact a REALTOR®. Their skills and expertise may give you a winning advantage and help find the right home for you.
For more information like this visit www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com
Bill Johnston is President of the Toronto Real Estate Board, a professional association that represents 31,000 REALTORS® in the Greater Toronto Area.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
B.C. man who wins $35.7 million has plans for a Canucks game and a Texas ranch
By The Canadian Press | The Canadian Press – Sun, 22 May,
CAMPBELL RIVER, - Canada's newest multimillionaire is still trying to grasp the concept of winning $35.7 million in Friday's Lotto Max draw.
David Rennie of Campbell River, B.C., says he was shaking so hard after being told of the win that he couldn't dial the phone to call his wife with the news.
"It's just unreal. It still is unreal really, I don't even know, ah," he said trailing off to silence.
When Rennie checked his ticket Saturday morning he was expecting to win a possible dollar or two or a free ticket, instead the machine went blank for a few seconds and then trumpeted that he won over $35 million.
"I thought 'no way,'" he recalled. "I think I put my head down on the desk and then I started hooting an hollering and screaming and people were congratulating me, I was shaking."
The 48-year-old warehouseman told his boss he wasn't coming in for work on Tuesday while he and his family take a helicopter ride to Vancouver to pick up a cheque.
The former logger has worked the last 16 years for steel distributor A.J Forsyth in Campbell River. He said he won't quit his job until he gets the cheque in his hand.
"I just told them I was taking Tuesday off," he chuckled. "I don't want to burn my bridges before I get that money."
The family also plans to take in the Vancouver Canucks playoff game against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday, after friends of his purchased the best tickets available.
Because of the Victoria Day holiday he won't be able to get the money on Monday.
"I'm losing a day's interest," Rennie joked.
Rennie's wife, Sandra, shows quarter horses and he says they're already talking about buying a ranch in Texas.
His 18-year-old son likes to golf and they're planning to attend the U.S. Open golf championship.
He plans to buy his parents — who are in their mid-70s — a home and of course take care of all of the bills.
"Rogers just texted my wife's cell phone and says she's $10 over on her text charges. That was pretty funny. We said that's alright, we can look after that."
For now, Rennie says he's taking the win one day at a time.
WATCH THE VANCOUVER PLAYOFF TONIGHT!
CAMPBELL RIVER, - Canada's newest multimillionaire is still trying to grasp the concept of winning $35.7 million in Friday's Lotto Max draw.
David Rennie of Campbell River, B.C., says he was shaking so hard after being told of the win that he couldn't dial the phone to call his wife with the news.
"It's just unreal. It still is unreal really, I don't even know, ah," he said trailing off to silence.
When Rennie checked his ticket Saturday morning he was expecting to win a possible dollar or two or a free ticket, instead the machine went blank for a few seconds and then trumpeted that he won over $35 million.
"I thought 'no way,'" he recalled. "I think I put my head down on the desk and then I started hooting an hollering and screaming and people were congratulating me, I was shaking."
The 48-year-old warehouseman told his boss he wasn't coming in for work on Tuesday while he and his family take a helicopter ride to Vancouver to pick up a cheque.
The former logger has worked the last 16 years for steel distributor A.J Forsyth in Campbell River. He said he won't quit his job until he gets the cheque in his hand.
"I just told them I was taking Tuesday off," he chuckled. "I don't want to burn my bridges before I get that money."
The family also plans to take in the Vancouver Canucks playoff game against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday, after friends of his purchased the best tickets available.
Because of the Victoria Day holiday he won't be able to get the money on Monday.
"I'm losing a day's interest," Rennie joked.
Rennie's wife, Sandra, shows quarter horses and he says they're already talking about buying a ranch in Texas.
His 18-year-old son likes to golf and they're planning to attend the U.S. Open golf championship.
He plans to buy his parents — who are in their mid-70s — a home and of course take care of all of the bills.
"Rogers just texted my wife's cell phone and says she's $10 over on her text charges. That was pretty funny. We said that's alright, we can look after that."
For now, Rennie says he's taking the win one day at a time.
WATCH THE VANCOUVER PLAYOFF TONIGHT!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
REALTORS® Take Public’s Pulse on GTA Issues
REALTORS® Take Public’s Pulse on GTA Issues, Including Toronto Land Transfer Tax
TORONTO, May 4, 2011 -- Greater Toronto REALTORS® have released the results of public opinion research on various municipal
issues including satisfaction with Toronto Mayor Rob Ford and the direction of Toronto City Council, the Toronto Land Transfer Tax,
the City of Toronto’s budget, and GTA municipal services.
The poll was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs for the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB).
“Municipal issues are important to homebuyers. Things like Toronto’s Land Transfer Tax, property taxes, and public transit affect
homebuyers’ decisions,” said Bill Johnston, TREB President. “It’s been six months since last fall’s municipal election, so
REALTORS® felt that this was a good time to take the public’s pulse on how satisfied they are so far, and what they expect on
municipal issues moving forward.”
The poll found that 70 per cent of Torontonians approve of the overall performance of Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, and that 65 per cent
believe that Toronto City Council is on the right track with regard to the management of taxpayer dollars.
With regard to specific policies, the poll found that 75 per cent of Torontonians support Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s commitment to
repeal the Toronto Land Transfer Tax. Even when asked to consider the City’s expected budget shortfall, the public’s support for the
repeal of the Toronto Land Transfer Tax remains very strong, with 68 per cent of Torontonians believing that the Mayor should
follow-through on this commitment. The poll also found that a large number of Torontonians, 61 per cent, were previously aware
that Mayor Ford has committed to repeal the Toronto Land Transfer Tax.
“The public’s support for Mayor Ford and the current direction of Toronto City Council is high, and it is clear that moving forward with
repealing the Toronto Land Transfer Tax will help to keep it there,” said Johnston.
The City of Toronto is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of what services it delivers and how it delivers them. In this
regard, the poll also asked Torontonians what they thought should receive the most attention as part of this review:
79 per cent agreed that downsizing of City staff through attrition should receive some attention
79 per cent agreed that more public-private partnerships should receive some attention
77 per cent agreed that contracting out selected services should receive some attention
76 per cent agreed that pulling out of or eliminating some City agencies should receive some attention
68 per cent agreed that imposing or increasing user fees should receive some attention
59 per cent agreed that reductions and/or discontinuation of some services should receive some attention
“Clearly the public wants Toronto City Council to consider innovative approaches to manage the City’s fiscal situation, instead of
relying on taxes like the Toronto Land Transfer Tax,” said Johnston.
The public was also asked which municipal services most influence their home buying decisions. Access to public transit ranked
highest with 69 per cent indicating that it would influence their decision about where to buy a home.
“Mayor Rob Ford has made subway expansion a key priority. Clearly, public transit is an important consideration for home buyers,”
said Johnston.
The poll also surveyed residents across the GTA regarding their satisfaction with the value of their municipal tax dollars, revealing
some clear contrasts between Toronto and GTA residents. The poll found that:
in Toronto, 72 per cent feel that City programs and services they receive are good value for their tax dollars, compared to 81 per
cent in the GTA.
45 per cent of Torontonians believe that their tax dollars are being spent efficiently, compared to 72 percent of GTA residents who
feel that way.
With regard to user fees, 44 per cent of residents in the GTA believe that these fees are too high, while only 29 per cent of
Torontonians feel that way
The poll of 913 adults living in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area was conducted on-line between April 18 and April 26, 2011,
and is considered accurate to within +/- 2.5%, 19 times out of 20.
Greater Toronto REALTORS® are passionate about their work. They adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and share a state-of-the-art
Multiple Listing Service. Serving over 31,000 Members in the Greater Toronto Area, the Toronto Real Estate Board is Canada’s
largest real estate board.
TORONTO, May 4, 2011 -- Greater Toronto REALTORS® have released the results of public opinion research on various municipal
issues including satisfaction with Toronto Mayor Rob Ford and the direction of Toronto City Council, the Toronto Land Transfer Tax,
the City of Toronto’s budget, and GTA municipal services.
The poll was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs for the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB).
“Municipal issues are important to homebuyers. Things like Toronto’s Land Transfer Tax, property taxes, and public transit affect
homebuyers’ decisions,” said Bill Johnston, TREB President. “It’s been six months since last fall’s municipal election, so
REALTORS® felt that this was a good time to take the public’s pulse on how satisfied they are so far, and what they expect on
municipal issues moving forward.”
The poll found that 70 per cent of Torontonians approve of the overall performance of Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, and that 65 per cent
believe that Toronto City Council is on the right track with regard to the management of taxpayer dollars.
With regard to specific policies, the poll found that 75 per cent of Torontonians support Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s commitment to
repeal the Toronto Land Transfer Tax. Even when asked to consider the City’s expected budget shortfall, the public’s support for the
repeal of the Toronto Land Transfer Tax remains very strong, with 68 per cent of Torontonians believing that the Mayor should
follow-through on this commitment. The poll also found that a large number of Torontonians, 61 per cent, were previously aware
that Mayor Ford has committed to repeal the Toronto Land Transfer Tax.
“The public’s support for Mayor Ford and the current direction of Toronto City Council is high, and it is clear that moving forward with
repealing the Toronto Land Transfer Tax will help to keep it there,” said Johnston.
The City of Toronto is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of what services it delivers and how it delivers them. In this
regard, the poll also asked Torontonians what they thought should receive the most attention as part of this review:
79 per cent agreed that downsizing of City staff through attrition should receive some attention
79 per cent agreed that more public-private partnerships should receive some attention
77 per cent agreed that contracting out selected services should receive some attention
76 per cent agreed that pulling out of or eliminating some City agencies should receive some attention
68 per cent agreed that imposing or increasing user fees should receive some attention
59 per cent agreed that reductions and/or discontinuation of some services should receive some attention
“Clearly the public wants Toronto City Council to consider innovative approaches to manage the City’s fiscal situation, instead of
relying on taxes like the Toronto Land Transfer Tax,” said Johnston.
The public was also asked which municipal services most influence their home buying decisions. Access to public transit ranked
highest with 69 per cent indicating that it would influence their decision about where to buy a home.
“Mayor Rob Ford has made subway expansion a key priority. Clearly, public transit is an important consideration for home buyers,”
said Johnston.
The poll also surveyed residents across the GTA regarding their satisfaction with the value of their municipal tax dollars, revealing
some clear contrasts between Toronto and GTA residents. The poll found that:
in Toronto, 72 per cent feel that City programs and services they receive are good value for their tax dollars, compared to 81 per
cent in the GTA.
45 per cent of Torontonians believe that their tax dollars are being spent efficiently, compared to 72 percent of GTA residents who
feel that way.
With regard to user fees, 44 per cent of residents in the GTA believe that these fees are too high, while only 29 per cent of
Torontonians feel that way
The poll of 913 adults living in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area was conducted on-line between April 18 and April 26, 2011,
and is considered accurate to within +/- 2.5%, 19 times out of 20.
Greater Toronto REALTORS® are passionate about their work. They adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and share a state-of-the-art
Multiple Listing Service. Serving over 31,000 Members in the Greater Toronto Area, the Toronto Real Estate Board is Canada’s
largest real estate board.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
The social side of real estate
May 13, 2011 -- If you have spent any of your spare time on the Internet lately, chances are your online experience has included visits to websites like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.
According to statistics published on a weekly basis by the online activity measurement company Experian Hitwise, we visit Facebook more than any other website, and YouTube ranks as the fourth most popular Internet destination for Canadians.
As a result of the pervasiveness of social media, many different sectors have are using them in their efforts to reach out to you, and the real estate profession is no exception. Given that the web serves as a means of conveying candid, up-to-the-minute information, it’s no wonder that the use of social media is so popular in the world of real estate.
By connecting with Greater Toronto REALTORS® through social networking websites you can gain considerable insight into continuously evolving real estate trends and opportunities in our region.
You will find a range of information from updates on the market to important tips to consider from both the buyer and seller perspectives, and much more.
A good rapport is important in every business relationship, and social media can be beneficial in this regard. Beyond posting links to key information, REALTORS® may use social media to offer their individual perspective on a number of different real estate related topics through YouTube videos, tweets and Facebook updates. Often you will find links to REALTORS’® blogs, where they offer insightful commentaries on the latest news that may affect you in the world of real estate.
Regardless how many transactions you undertake in your journey up the property ladder, you’re likely to encounter different variables in every transaction because they each involve their own unique set of circumstances. That is why so many buyers and sellers depend on the professional insight of a REALTOR® to guide them through the process.
To find a real estate professional who matches your needs, begin by asking family, friends and colleagues for referrals, then be sure to learn more by following REALTORS’® updates and perspectives on social networking websites.
Bill Johnston is President of the Toronto Real Estate Board, a professional association that represents 31,000 REALTORS® in the Greater Toronto Area.
Follow TREB on www.twitter.com/TREB_Official, www.Facebook.com/TorontoRealEstateBoard and www.youtube.com/TREBChannel
According to statistics published on a weekly basis by the online activity measurement company Experian Hitwise, we visit Facebook more than any other website, and YouTube ranks as the fourth most popular Internet destination for Canadians.
As a result of the pervasiveness of social media, many different sectors have are using them in their efforts to reach out to you, and the real estate profession is no exception. Given that the web serves as a means of conveying candid, up-to-the-minute information, it’s no wonder that the use of social media is so popular in the world of real estate.
By connecting with Greater Toronto REALTORS® through social networking websites you can gain considerable insight into continuously evolving real estate trends and opportunities in our region.
You will find a range of information from updates on the market to important tips to consider from both the buyer and seller perspectives, and much more.
A good rapport is important in every business relationship, and social media can be beneficial in this regard. Beyond posting links to key information, REALTORS® may use social media to offer their individual perspective on a number of different real estate related topics through YouTube videos, tweets and Facebook updates. Often you will find links to REALTORS’® blogs, where they offer insightful commentaries on the latest news that may affect you in the world of real estate.
Regardless how many transactions you undertake in your journey up the property ladder, you’re likely to encounter different variables in every transaction because they each involve their own unique set of circumstances. That is why so many buyers and sellers depend on the professional insight of a REALTOR® to guide them through the process.
To find a real estate professional who matches your needs, begin by asking family, friends and colleagues for referrals, then be sure to learn more by following REALTORS’® updates and perspectives on social networking websites.
Bill Johnston is President of the Toronto Real Estate Board, a professional association that represents 31,000 REALTORS® in the Greater Toronto Area.
Follow TREB on www.twitter.com/TREB_Official, www.Facebook.com/TorontoRealEstateBoard and www.youtube.com/TREBChannel
Monday, May 9, 2011
Professional networking site LinkedIn to sell shares for $32 to $35 each in IPO
By The Associated Press
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Professional networking website LinkedIn Corp. plans to sell shares to investors for $32 to $35 each in an initial public offering, one of the first for a major U.S. social networking site.
The company said the offering could raise up to $274.4 million. Even at the bottom of the proposed price range, LinkedIn would have a market capitalization of more than $3 billion.
LinkedIn's debut could offer a preview of investor demand for potential IPOs of other popular online services that connect people with common interests — Facebook, Groupon and Zynga, for example.
LinkedIn, which focuses on job-related connections, has more than 100 million members. Facebook is much larger, with more than 600 million. Facebook has signalled that it's likely to file its IPO plans by the end of April 2012. Its market value has been pegged at $50 billion, based on a private investment in January.
Most of LinkedIn's revenue comes from fees it charges for recruiters and businesses that want expanded access to the website to help fill job openings. The company also sells online ads.
Last year, LinkedIn posted net income of $3.4 million on revenue of $243.1 million. In the first three months of this year, its revenue has more than doubled from the same period a year ago.
LinkedIn will offer 4.8 million Class A shares. The company's stockholders, including founder Reid Hoffman, Bain Capital, Goldman Sachs and publishing company McGraw-Hill, will also sell 3 million shares.
The company said there will be 94.5 million Class A and Class B common shares outstanding after the IPO.
Net proceeds, based on an IPO price of $33.50 per share, would be about $146.6 million after expenses, the company said.
Funds will be used for working capital for its business and possibly for acquisitions.
The company was expected to price its shares on May 18, IPO analyst Scott Sweet said. LinkedIn expects to trade under the symbol "LNKD" on the New York Stock Exchange.
The company was started in 2003 and is based in Mountain View, Calif.
Morgan Stanley, BofA Merrill Lynch and J.P. Morgan are managing the offering.
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Professional networking website LinkedIn Corp. plans to sell shares to investors for $32 to $35 each in an initial public offering, one of the first for a major U.S. social networking site.
The company said the offering could raise up to $274.4 million. Even at the bottom of the proposed price range, LinkedIn would have a market capitalization of more than $3 billion.
LinkedIn's debut could offer a preview of investor demand for potential IPOs of other popular online services that connect people with common interests — Facebook, Groupon and Zynga, for example.
LinkedIn, which focuses on job-related connections, has more than 100 million members. Facebook is much larger, with more than 600 million. Facebook has signalled that it's likely to file its IPO plans by the end of April 2012. Its market value has been pegged at $50 billion, based on a private investment in January.
Most of LinkedIn's revenue comes from fees it charges for recruiters and businesses that want expanded access to the website to help fill job openings. The company also sells online ads.
Last year, LinkedIn posted net income of $3.4 million on revenue of $243.1 million. In the first three months of this year, its revenue has more than doubled from the same period a year ago.
LinkedIn will offer 4.8 million Class A shares. The company's stockholders, including founder Reid Hoffman, Bain Capital, Goldman Sachs and publishing company McGraw-Hill, will also sell 3 million shares.
The company said there will be 94.5 million Class A and Class B common shares outstanding after the IPO.
Net proceeds, based on an IPO price of $33.50 per share, would be about $146.6 million after expenses, the company said.
Funds will be used for working capital for its business and possibly for acquisitions.
The company was expected to price its shares on May 18, IPO analyst Scott Sweet said. LinkedIn expects to trade under the symbol "LNKD" on the New York Stock Exchange.
The company was started in 2003 and is based in Mountain View, Calif.
Morgan Stanley, BofA Merrill Lynch and J.P. Morgan are managing the offering.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Staying on top of municipal issues
May 6, 2011 -- Greater Toronto REALTORS® have released the results of public opinion research on various municipal issues including satisfaction with Toronto Mayor Rob Ford and the direction of Toronto City Council, the Toronto Land Transfer Tax, the City of Toronto’s budget, and GTA municipal services.
The poll was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs for the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB).
“Municipal issues are important to homebuyers. Things like Toronto’s Land Transfer Tax, property taxes, and public transit affect homebuyers’ decisions,” said Bill Johnston, TREB President. “It’s been six months since last fall’s municipal election, so REALTORS® felt that this was a good time to take the public’s pulse on how satisfied they are so far, and what they expect on municipal issues moving forward.”
The poll found that 70 per cent of Torontonians approve of the overall performance of Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, and that 65 per cent believe that Toronto City Council is on the right track with regard to the management of taxpayer dollars.
With regard to specific policies, the poll found that 75 per cent of Torontonians support Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s commitment to repeal the Toronto Land Transfer Tax. Even when asked to consider the City’s expected budget shortfall, the public’s support for the repeal of the Toronto Land Transfer Tax remains very strong, with 68 per cent of Torontonians believing that the Mayor should follow-through on this commitment. The poll also found that a large number of Torontonians, 61 per cent, were previously aware that Mayor Ford has committed to repeal the Toronto Land Transfer Tax.
“The public’s support for Mayor Ford and the current direction of Toronto City Council is high, and it is clear that moving forward with repealing the Toronto Land Transfer Tax will help to keep it there,” said Johnston.
The City of Toronto is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of what services it delivers and how it delivers them. In this regard, the poll also asked Torontonians what they thought should receive the most attention as part of this review:
79 per cent agreed that downsizing of City staff through attrition should receive some attention
79 per cent agreed that more public-private partnerships should receive some attention
77 per cent agreed that contracting out selected services should receive some attention
76 per cent agreed that pulling out of or eliminating some City agencies should receive some attention
68 per cent agreed that imposing or increasing user fees should receive some attention
59 per cent agreed that reductions and/or discontinuation of some services should receive some attention
“Clearly the public wants Toronto City Council to consider innovative approaches to manage the City’s fiscal situation, instead of relying on taxes like the Toronto Land Transfer Tax,” said Johnston.
The public was also asked which municipal services most influence their home buying decisions. Access to public transit ranked highest with 69 per cent indicating that it would influence their decision about where to buy a home.
“Mayor Rob Ford has made subway expansion a key priority. Clearly, public transit is an important consideration for home buyers,” said Johnston.
The poll also surveyed residents across the GTA regarding their satisfaction with the value of their municipal tax dollars, revealing some clear contrasts between Toronto and GTA residents. The poll found that:
in Toronto, 72 per cent feel that City programs and services they receive are good value for their tax dollars, compared to 81 per cent in the GTA.
45 per cent of Torontonians believe that their tax dollars are being spent efficiently, compared to 72 percent of GTA residents who feel that way.
With regard to user fees, 44 per cent of residents in the GTA believe that these fees are too high, while only 29 per cent of Torontonians feel that way
The poll of 913 adults living in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area was conducted on-line between April 18 and April 26, 2011, and is considered accurate to within +/- 2.5%, 19 times out of 20.
Bill Johnston is President of the Toronto Real Estate Board, a professional association that represents 31,000 REALTORS® in the Greater Toronto Area.
The poll was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs for the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB).
“Municipal issues are important to homebuyers. Things like Toronto’s Land Transfer Tax, property taxes, and public transit affect homebuyers’ decisions,” said Bill Johnston, TREB President. “It’s been six months since last fall’s municipal election, so REALTORS® felt that this was a good time to take the public’s pulse on how satisfied they are so far, and what they expect on municipal issues moving forward.”
The poll found that 70 per cent of Torontonians approve of the overall performance of Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, and that 65 per cent believe that Toronto City Council is on the right track with regard to the management of taxpayer dollars.
With regard to specific policies, the poll found that 75 per cent of Torontonians support Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s commitment to repeal the Toronto Land Transfer Tax. Even when asked to consider the City’s expected budget shortfall, the public’s support for the repeal of the Toronto Land Transfer Tax remains very strong, with 68 per cent of Torontonians believing that the Mayor should follow-through on this commitment. The poll also found that a large number of Torontonians, 61 per cent, were previously aware that Mayor Ford has committed to repeal the Toronto Land Transfer Tax.
“The public’s support for Mayor Ford and the current direction of Toronto City Council is high, and it is clear that moving forward with repealing the Toronto Land Transfer Tax will help to keep it there,” said Johnston.
The City of Toronto is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of what services it delivers and how it delivers them. In this regard, the poll also asked Torontonians what they thought should receive the most attention as part of this review:
79 per cent agreed that downsizing of City staff through attrition should receive some attention
79 per cent agreed that more public-private partnerships should receive some attention
77 per cent agreed that contracting out selected services should receive some attention
76 per cent agreed that pulling out of or eliminating some City agencies should receive some attention
68 per cent agreed that imposing or increasing user fees should receive some attention
59 per cent agreed that reductions and/or discontinuation of some services should receive some attention
“Clearly the public wants Toronto City Council to consider innovative approaches to manage the City’s fiscal situation, instead of relying on taxes like the Toronto Land Transfer Tax,” said Johnston.
The public was also asked which municipal services most influence their home buying decisions. Access to public transit ranked highest with 69 per cent indicating that it would influence their decision about where to buy a home.
“Mayor Rob Ford has made subway expansion a key priority. Clearly, public transit is an important consideration for home buyers,” said Johnston.
The poll also surveyed residents across the GTA regarding their satisfaction with the value of their municipal tax dollars, revealing some clear contrasts between Toronto and GTA residents. The poll found that:
in Toronto, 72 per cent feel that City programs and services they receive are good value for their tax dollars, compared to 81 per cent in the GTA.
45 per cent of Torontonians believe that their tax dollars are being spent efficiently, compared to 72 percent of GTA residents who feel that way.
With regard to user fees, 44 per cent of residents in the GTA believe that these fees are too high, while only 29 per cent of Torontonians feel that way
The poll of 913 adults living in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area was conducted on-line between April 18 and April 26, 2011, and is considered accurate to within +/- 2.5%, 19 times out of 20.
Bill Johnston is President of the Toronto Real Estate Board, a professional association that represents 31,000 REALTORS® in the Greater Toronto Area.
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