Lifeclass
Tuesday, August 23, 2011 4:54
I've been working on my new LIFECLASS show that begins Oct. 10 on OWN. We've been through several titles and settled on this one because that is exactly what The Oprah Winfrey Show was for me all these years -- a life class.
I'm going to do what I've always loved doing on the show -- take the best stories, and use them to demonstrate the greatest lessons I've learned and want to share with you.
My greatest desire is to fulfill the highest, truest expression of myself as a Human being. I'm still on that journey. If that is your desire as well, join me every night as we explore new ways of looking at Life, and how it works for all of us. There are principles and laws that are Universal -- when you figure them out, your life gets better no matter who you are and what your circumstances.
The world is a mess. We all know it and talk about in our private lives. It's depressing and overwhelming at times to look at how much potential we have and yet we're constantly bombarded by images and information that speaks to the lowest common denominator. We can do better. We can be better. I know it's true.
You can learn from my mistakes, and I can learn from yours. We can grow ourselves forward. On the air and online. Sign up now for LIFECLASS at Oprah.com. I need a million people who believe life can be better.
Thanks and see you on OWN Oct.10 8pm ET/PT. After Rosie's show at 7pm ET/PT.
Oprah Winfrey
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
The art of negotiation
Preparation
Presentation
Oh Yes – Lots of Silence
NEGOTIATION IS AN ART
It depends largely on communication and knowledge of human behaviour plus anticipation of what the other side will do.
PREPARATION
Discuss some of the potential hurdles with the listing agent prior to presentation ie) Conditional Sale; closing dates; chattels, its part of being prepared and also is part of selling the other agent. Check your own attitude toward the offer. Never apologize for a low offer.
RESEARCH WHEN REPRESENTING BUYER
How long has the house been on the market?
Any previous offers?
Reason for selling?
Have you memorized the key factors?
Price, term, possession?
Comparable sales?
A well armed agent is more convincing that the offer deserves serious consideration; most motivated Sellers can accept and face reality if it makes logical sense. Sloppy presentation often results in difficult or impossible ratifications.
Be confident and enthusiastic.
PRESENTING THE OFFER
Always use the words “Agreement to Purchase” – Offer implies terms not favourable to them.
Your influence and your control are vital factors in the outcome – but don’t play God.
Go in with a friendly attitude, build rapport with the Seller, pace the Seller, and show facets of yourself that are easy to relate to.
Create trust, trust lowers tension, Seller will be more open, will reveal more, find some common ground, present yourself in ways most like the client, but without compromising yourself and your client.
Remember people usually negotiate to satisfy needs, if they didn’t have needs they wouldn’t negotiate. Most people who act on satisfying needs act on emotion and not reason, but so often we tend to get drawn into highly emotional negotiations.
ARRIVE ON TIME
It creates a negative impression if you are late.
THE FIRST FEW MINUTES
5-10 minutes of rapport building chit chat. Don’t overdo it.
PRESENT IT
Talk about the Buyers, the obstacles they overcame to reach this decision etc. Set the stage but do it quickly, Sellers are interested in the main reason for your visit, the agreement.
Human nature tells us that Sellers look at price first, if that doesn’t inspire him the rest of the agreement and printed word will not. However in order of priority Sellers usually look at Price, Possession, Financing, Conditions.
Always remember that to have an agreement accepted you must have an agreement that is acceptable.
Do not try to justify a low agreement.
Remember most Sellers’ thoughts when you present an offer are:
Will they pay more?
Can I counter without losing the Buyer?
Most objections by the Seller can usually be cured by price.
Deals are not usually lost because of closing or personal items.
Price objections are difficult to handle unless you are prepared.
Success depends on:
1) Existing market conditions
2) Recent sales
3) Capacity of the Buyer
4) Motivation of both parties
WILLING BUYER – WILLING SELLER
Essential elements – without it almost impossible to make a deal.
Price is the obvious component to agree upon. Unless both parties want to try it is almost impossible to resolve serious price differences. However an intelligent logical presentation can be convincing.
Being practical whether we like it or not often pays huge dividends. It includes of course a thorough analysis of all market conditions and circumstances relative to reality. Sooner or later no matter how painful or unpleasant, both parties must come face to face with reality. Daydreaming and wishful thinking may have a place in society but not in a real estate transaction. It is our duty to present all facts to the Seller, if he feels that any agreement is sound and is likely to be the best offer under current market conditions then one should strongly recommend acceptance.
Your knowledge of the market and your capability to illustrate the facts particularly of what Buyers have been and have not been willing to pay for comparable properties reflect directly on your success.
You should tell the Seller that the info may not be pleasant or encouraging, however it illustrates what is going on. BE PRACTICAL AND REALISTIC!
LISTEN TO THE SELLER
You know price objection usually comes up. How you handle it depends upon the success of the deal. In conclusion listen to the Seller.
Do it Right!
Are YOU Ready?
100% Commission on every deal*
$79.00 Per Month
$275.00 Per Transaction
*No exceptions.
or call us:
Toronto Office
Contact:
Michel Friedman (ext. 227)
Broker/Manager
Morneau Sobeco Centre II
895 Don Mills Rd, #202
Toronto M3C 1W3
Office: (416) 391-3232
Fax: (416) 391-0319
Mississauga Branch
Contact:
Anissa Ho (ext. 430)
Broker/Manager
Monte Carlo Corporate Centre
7045 Edwards Blvd, # 201
Mississauga L5S 1X2
Office: (905) 565-9200
Fax: (905) 565-6677
Richmond Hill Branch
Contact:
Howard Drukarsh (ext. 302)
Broker/Manager
CIBC Building
300 West Beaver Creek, #202
Richmond Hill L4B 3B1
Office: (905) 695-7888
Fax: (905) 695-0900
Branch Offices in Durham, Oakville & Burlington.
http://www.rightathomerealty.com/
Presentation
Oh Yes – Lots of Silence
NEGOTIATION IS AN ART
It depends largely on communication and knowledge of human behaviour plus anticipation of what the other side will do.
PREPARATION
Discuss some of the potential hurdles with the listing agent prior to presentation ie) Conditional Sale; closing dates; chattels, its part of being prepared and also is part of selling the other agent. Check your own attitude toward the offer. Never apologize for a low offer.
RESEARCH WHEN REPRESENTING BUYER
How long has the house been on the market?
Any previous offers?
Reason for selling?
Have you memorized the key factors?
Price, term, possession?
Comparable sales?
A well armed agent is more convincing that the offer deserves serious consideration; most motivated Sellers can accept and face reality if it makes logical sense. Sloppy presentation often results in difficult or impossible ratifications.
Be confident and enthusiastic.
PRESENTING THE OFFER
Always use the words “Agreement to Purchase” – Offer implies terms not favourable to them.
Your influence and your control are vital factors in the outcome – but don’t play God.
Go in with a friendly attitude, build rapport with the Seller, pace the Seller, and show facets of yourself that are easy to relate to.
Create trust, trust lowers tension, Seller will be more open, will reveal more, find some common ground, present yourself in ways most like the client, but without compromising yourself and your client.
Remember people usually negotiate to satisfy needs, if they didn’t have needs they wouldn’t negotiate. Most people who act on satisfying needs act on emotion and not reason, but so often we tend to get drawn into highly emotional negotiations.
ARRIVE ON TIME
It creates a negative impression if you are late.
THE FIRST FEW MINUTES
5-10 minutes of rapport building chit chat. Don’t overdo it.
PRESENT IT
Talk about the Buyers, the obstacles they overcame to reach this decision etc. Set the stage but do it quickly, Sellers are interested in the main reason for your visit, the agreement.
Human nature tells us that Sellers look at price first, if that doesn’t inspire him the rest of the agreement and printed word will not. However in order of priority Sellers usually look at Price, Possession, Financing, Conditions.
Always remember that to have an agreement accepted you must have an agreement that is acceptable.
Do not try to justify a low agreement.
Remember most Sellers’ thoughts when you present an offer are:
Will they pay more?
Can I counter without losing the Buyer?
Most objections by the Seller can usually be cured by price.
Deals are not usually lost because of closing or personal items.
Price objections are difficult to handle unless you are prepared.
Success depends on:
1) Existing market conditions
2) Recent sales
3) Capacity of the Buyer
4) Motivation of both parties
WILLING BUYER – WILLING SELLER
Essential elements – without it almost impossible to make a deal.
Price is the obvious component to agree upon. Unless both parties want to try it is almost impossible to resolve serious price differences. However an intelligent logical presentation can be convincing.
Being practical whether we like it or not often pays huge dividends. It includes of course a thorough analysis of all market conditions and circumstances relative to reality. Sooner or later no matter how painful or unpleasant, both parties must come face to face with reality. Daydreaming and wishful thinking may have a place in society but not in a real estate transaction. It is our duty to present all facts to the Seller, if he feels that any agreement is sound and is likely to be the best offer under current market conditions then one should strongly recommend acceptance.
Your knowledge of the market and your capability to illustrate the facts particularly of what Buyers have been and have not been willing to pay for comparable properties reflect directly on your success.
You should tell the Seller that the info may not be pleasant or encouraging, however it illustrates what is going on. BE PRACTICAL AND REALISTIC!
LISTEN TO THE SELLER
You know price objection usually comes up. How you handle it depends upon the success of the deal. In conclusion listen to the Seller.
Do it Right!
Are YOU Ready?
100% Commission on every deal*
$79.00 Per Month
$275.00 Per Transaction
*No exceptions.
or call us:
Toronto Office
Contact:
Michel Friedman (ext. 227)
Broker/Manager
Morneau Sobeco Centre II
895 Don Mills Rd, #202
Toronto M3C 1W3
Office: (416) 391-3232
Fax: (416) 391-0319
Mississauga Branch
Contact:
Anissa Ho (ext. 430)
Broker/Manager
Monte Carlo Corporate Centre
7045 Edwards Blvd, # 201
Mississauga L5S 1X2
Office: (905) 565-9200
Fax: (905) 565-6677
Richmond Hill Branch
Contact:
Howard Drukarsh (ext. 302)
Broker/Manager
CIBC Building
300 West Beaver Creek, #202
Richmond Hill L4B 3B1
Office: (905) 695-7888
Fax: (905) 695-0900
Branch Offices in Durham, Oakville & Burlington.
http://www.rightathomerealty.com/
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Financial frauds and scams cost Canadians $10 billion a year
Risk management
Here are six to avoid.
Bernie Madoff's biggest fraud was as a father
Jacqueline Nelson, On Tuesday August 2, 2011, 2:22 pm EDT
Last year the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received almost 50,000 complaints from Canadians who, combined, reported more than $50 million lost to a variety of cash-grabbing schemes. Many others aren't even aware they've been scammed—the CAFC estimates fraud costs Canadians close to $10 billion annually. The Ponzi schemes of Madoff and Jones, revealed during the recession when consumers were at their most vulnerable, highlighted that people from any walk of life, including athletes, entertainers and fund managers, can be taken for a ride. So can the most trustworthy businesses, universities and institutions. In fact, one study by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners estimates that the average company loses 5% of its annual revenue to scams, which last a median of 18 months before detection.
Since many fraud victims say that, in hindsight, they should have seen the signs of a scheme, financial literacy is important. As Ken Fisher, CEO of Fisher Investments, writes in his book How to Smell a Rat, "You, yourself, and no one else must do due diligence before handing over any sum of money….Yes, it would be nice if regulators guaranteed safety. But the truth is, as Ben Franklin said, 'God helps those who help themselves.'" The best way for average Canadians to protect themselves from being victims is to recognize scams (like the ones below) from a distance, and sink their time and money someplace else.
High-risk Investments
Consumers are called or e-mailed and offered a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to get in on the ground level of an exclusive stock or collection of luxury goods that promises wild returns. The investment then turns out to be overpriced, difficult to sell, or perhaps never even existed. Research from the U.K. suggests that three out of four victims are men, and more than a third are over the age of 65. "Right now, there are gold and silver schemes spreading like wildfire," says Larry Elford, a former financial adviser and advocate for better investment practices in Canada.
Pyramid Schemes
Like an inflating balloon, this scheme encourages people to sign up to a "club," pay a fee, and then, in exchange for a large commission, recruit friends or relatives to do the same. This scam is tricky, because if enough people continue to join, the growing pyramid may allow some near the top to make a quick buck. But, eventually, the supply of new recruits will run out, and those closest to the bottom get nothing when the balloon pops. While many believe sucker traps like this prey on the elderly, the CAFC's data suggest that the 40—49 age demographic reports the most dollars lost each year. "Victims are portrayed by society as being gullible losers, so they often don't speak up," says Les Henderson a sales expert and consumer advocate.
Hotel Ballroom Investment Pitches
Endless low-fee seminars conducted by enthusiastic salespeople (some of them planted in the crowd) in conference centres or airport hotels promise a unique or secret investment strategy. Sometimes, participants will be asked to sign waivers agreeing that they won't share the tip, or that organizers aren't responsible for losses sustained. But why would someone with such a wonderful opportunity want to share it with strangers? "Before investing, make sure you can answer three questions," says Elford. "You want to know who's selling it. You wouldn't buy your jewelry out a trunk of a car, but some people choose investments in that way." Second: How is it being sold? Layers of salespeople or referral fees are not a good sign. "And last," Elford says, "what is it they're actually selling?"
Scholarship Hunters
The increasing cost of post-secondary education has encouraged fake scholarship companies that promise thousands of dollars in grants for relatively small fees. Of course, these companies either don't follow through or don't do anything the student couldn't do with a Google search. "If you are pressured on the phone or in a pitch to make a big purchase decision immediately, it's probably not a legitimate deal," says Henderson. "Real businesses or charities will give you a chance to check them out or think about it."
Runaway Real Estate
"If I had a nickel for each real estate project that wants a piece of your savings, I'd be rich," says Elford. "It's the most common pitch." Consumers attend a presentation that promises wild returns on properties that have yet to be built and pay membership dues to get in on the action. Organizations that want to send the money to another country, outside the protection of Canada's laws, are worth extra caution. As always, investors should be wary of the promise of high returns with low risk, and should run the investment past a financial adviser, accountant or lawyer (or all three) before writing a cheque. "It's probably better to buy your own real estate where you cut the lawn," says Elford. "That way, you manage your own risk, have input and control."
Work-from-home Scams
Victims may find ads online or pick up flyers that promise quick cash for work that can be done by unskilled hands, usually after paying a registration fee or purchasing supplies up front. Later, scam artists claim there is no work or give a vague reason why victims will not be paid. "The would-be employer may encourage these people to get angry on the phone and bully credit card companies into increasing their credit limit [to buy more supplies] because 'that's what winners do,'" says Henderson. "But they'll take your last $1,000, or make you buy all sorts of things you never needed to do the job." He notes that an employee should never be asked to put his or her own money into a business.
Here are six to avoid.
Bernie Madoff's biggest fraud was as a father
Jacqueline Nelson, On Tuesday August 2, 2011, 2:22 pm EDT
Last year the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received almost 50,000 complaints from Canadians who, combined, reported more than $50 million lost to a variety of cash-grabbing schemes. Many others aren't even aware they've been scammed—the CAFC estimates fraud costs Canadians close to $10 billion annually. The Ponzi schemes of Madoff and Jones, revealed during the recession when consumers were at their most vulnerable, highlighted that people from any walk of life, including athletes, entertainers and fund managers, can be taken for a ride. So can the most trustworthy businesses, universities and institutions. In fact, one study by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners estimates that the average company loses 5% of its annual revenue to scams, which last a median of 18 months before detection.
Since many fraud victims say that, in hindsight, they should have seen the signs of a scheme, financial literacy is important. As Ken Fisher, CEO of Fisher Investments, writes in his book How to Smell a Rat, "You, yourself, and no one else must do due diligence before handing over any sum of money….Yes, it would be nice if regulators guaranteed safety. But the truth is, as Ben Franklin said, 'God helps those who help themselves.'" The best way for average Canadians to protect themselves from being victims is to recognize scams (like the ones below) from a distance, and sink their time and money someplace else.
High-risk Investments
Consumers are called or e-mailed and offered a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to get in on the ground level of an exclusive stock or collection of luxury goods that promises wild returns. The investment then turns out to be overpriced, difficult to sell, or perhaps never even existed. Research from the U.K. suggests that three out of four victims are men, and more than a third are over the age of 65. "Right now, there are gold and silver schemes spreading like wildfire," says Larry Elford, a former financial adviser and advocate for better investment practices in Canada.
Pyramid Schemes
Like an inflating balloon, this scheme encourages people to sign up to a "club," pay a fee, and then, in exchange for a large commission, recruit friends or relatives to do the same. This scam is tricky, because if enough people continue to join, the growing pyramid may allow some near the top to make a quick buck. But, eventually, the supply of new recruits will run out, and those closest to the bottom get nothing when the balloon pops. While many believe sucker traps like this prey on the elderly, the CAFC's data suggest that the 40—49 age demographic reports the most dollars lost each year. "Victims are portrayed by society as being gullible losers, so they often don't speak up," says Les Henderson a sales expert and consumer advocate.
Hotel Ballroom Investment Pitches
Endless low-fee seminars conducted by enthusiastic salespeople (some of them planted in the crowd) in conference centres or airport hotels promise a unique or secret investment strategy. Sometimes, participants will be asked to sign waivers agreeing that they won't share the tip, or that organizers aren't responsible for losses sustained. But why would someone with such a wonderful opportunity want to share it with strangers? "Before investing, make sure you can answer three questions," says Elford. "You want to know who's selling it. You wouldn't buy your jewelry out a trunk of a car, but some people choose investments in that way." Second: How is it being sold? Layers of salespeople or referral fees are not a good sign. "And last," Elford says, "what is it they're actually selling?"
Scholarship Hunters
The increasing cost of post-secondary education has encouraged fake scholarship companies that promise thousands of dollars in grants for relatively small fees. Of course, these companies either don't follow through or don't do anything the student couldn't do with a Google search. "If you are pressured on the phone or in a pitch to make a big purchase decision immediately, it's probably not a legitimate deal," says Henderson. "Real businesses or charities will give you a chance to check them out or think about it."
Runaway Real Estate
"If I had a nickel for each real estate project that wants a piece of your savings, I'd be rich," says Elford. "It's the most common pitch." Consumers attend a presentation that promises wild returns on properties that have yet to be built and pay membership dues to get in on the action. Organizations that want to send the money to another country, outside the protection of Canada's laws, are worth extra caution. As always, investors should be wary of the promise of high returns with low risk, and should run the investment past a financial adviser, accountant or lawyer (or all three) before writing a cheque. "It's probably better to buy your own real estate where you cut the lawn," says Elford. "That way, you manage your own risk, have input and control."
Work-from-home Scams
Victims may find ads online or pick up flyers that promise quick cash for work that can be done by unskilled hands, usually after paying a registration fee or purchasing supplies up front. Later, scam artists claim there is no work or give a vague reason why victims will not be paid. "The would-be employer may encourage these people to get angry on the phone and bully credit card companies into increasing their credit limit [to buy more supplies] because 'that's what winners do,'" says Henderson. "But they'll take your last $1,000, or make you buy all sorts of things you never needed to do the job." He notes that an employee should never be asked to put his or her own money into a business.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Harnessing the power of the sun
Green Real Estate Jul 28, 2011
You only need to be mildly aware of life outside of real estate to realize that a fiery battle may be heating up over the importance of the sun in how we heat, cool and light our homes and buildings.
In an effort to promote the benefits of solar energy, the Canadian Solar Industry Association is trying to raise $2 million from its members to build a media campaign in Ontario. The association believes there’s a vast misunderstanding about solar power and that it is wrongly gaining momentum as a political hot potato in the lead up to the Oct. 6 provincial election.
Given Ontario’s troubles with the issue, could this also play itself out in other provinces? We certainly hope not.
As Realtors representing home and commercial buyers and sellers, it’s good business form to be well-versed in innovative strategies that will invariably alter how we live and do business. That includes how we consume energy. Being knowledgeable about how solar power can benefit your clients gives you a far-reaching upper hand.
Solar energy is a great alternative to conventional and non-renewable sources of energy such as natural gas, coal and oil. The supply is endless and best of all, free.
Solar power is a 10 on the scale of environmental friendliness. Unlike fossil fuels, which produce carcinogens, greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide, solar cells are clean, quiet and highly dependable.
Passive solar technology relies on the sun’s rays and doesn’t require mechanical or electrical devices. A good example of passive solar is using sunlight to light a room during the daytime or designing a home or building so that it captures the sun’s energy to keep it warm in winter and cool in summer.
Active solar technology uses equipment such as pumps and fans to transfer the sun’s power to where it is needed. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems consist of solar panels that collect and convert sunlight into electricity to power your home. While this does require an initial investment, there are a number of programs that can help reduce the cost of the system. Depending on where you live, solar PV systems allow you to reduce the amount of electricity you need to purchase from the energy grid, and you can send any surplus electricity back to the grid for credit.
While many think solar panels are an unattractive feature of a home, according to a 2010 study by the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, homes with solar panels are gaining ground in the real estate market. Solar-powered homes sell faster, the study shows, and they get nearly 20 per cent more in asking price.
The efficiency of solar PV increases in colder temperatures and the technology is particularly well suited for Canada’s climate.
The size of the solar array, battery bank and AC inverter required for a typical solar PV application depends on a number of factors, such as the amount of electricity you use, the amount of sunlight at the site, the number of days without backup that you require and the peak electricity demand at any given time. Sufficient battery storage can easily allow a solar PV system to operate fully independently.
PV modules should be oriented between southeast and southwest (due south is best). Modules generally need a year-round, unobstructed view of the sun. Systems can be sized to provide 100 per cent of your electricity consumption at a cottage or campsite, or as a supplement to conventional utility electricity. A tracking system can orient the solar array to maximize its electricity production throughout the day and the year by tracking the movement of the sun, though this is typically not practical for most applications.
Solar technologies also exist for creating heated water and air. Solar hot water heating systems use solar collectors to pre-heat water flowing to your existing hot water tank, which can then be used in home appliances, sinks, showers and baths.
Solar air systems reduce the energy used for space heating by providing an efficient and cost effective way to preheat the outside air before it is pumped into a residential, commercial or institutional building.
Less expensive but useful solar-powered devices worth recommending include solar tube lighting, solar outdoor lights (great because they have no wires and can be moved around wherever you wish) and solar-powered attic fans (which ventilate attics and keep them cooler).
For the sake of your clients, become a sun worshipper or, at the very least, a trusted professional who knows a thing or two about solar energy. Your clients will appreciate your solar smarts and who knows how much more business you might soak up thanks to that lucky old sun?
For information on consumer incentives in your province visit www.cansia.ca/government-regulatory-issues/provincial/consumer-incentives.
Elden Freeman B.A., M.E.S, broker is the founder and executive director of the non-profit National Association of Green Agents and Brokers (NAGAB). 416-536-7325; elden@nagab.or. For more information about NAGAB and what it can do for your business, visit www.NAGAB.org.
You only need to be mildly aware of life outside of real estate to realize that a fiery battle may be heating up over the importance of the sun in how we heat, cool and light our homes and buildings.
In an effort to promote the benefits of solar energy, the Canadian Solar Industry Association is trying to raise $2 million from its members to build a media campaign in Ontario. The association believes there’s a vast misunderstanding about solar power and that it is wrongly gaining momentum as a political hot potato in the lead up to the Oct. 6 provincial election.
Given Ontario’s troubles with the issue, could this also play itself out in other provinces? We certainly hope not.
As Realtors representing home and commercial buyers and sellers, it’s good business form to be well-versed in innovative strategies that will invariably alter how we live and do business. That includes how we consume energy. Being knowledgeable about how solar power can benefit your clients gives you a far-reaching upper hand.
Solar energy is a great alternative to conventional and non-renewable sources of energy such as natural gas, coal and oil. The supply is endless and best of all, free.
Solar power is a 10 on the scale of environmental friendliness. Unlike fossil fuels, which produce carcinogens, greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide, solar cells are clean, quiet and highly dependable.
Passive solar technology relies on the sun’s rays and doesn’t require mechanical or electrical devices. A good example of passive solar is using sunlight to light a room during the daytime or designing a home or building so that it captures the sun’s energy to keep it warm in winter and cool in summer.
Active solar technology uses equipment such as pumps and fans to transfer the sun’s power to where it is needed. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems consist of solar panels that collect and convert sunlight into electricity to power your home. While this does require an initial investment, there are a number of programs that can help reduce the cost of the system. Depending on where you live, solar PV systems allow you to reduce the amount of electricity you need to purchase from the energy grid, and you can send any surplus electricity back to the grid for credit.
While many think solar panels are an unattractive feature of a home, according to a 2010 study by the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, homes with solar panels are gaining ground in the real estate market. Solar-powered homes sell faster, the study shows, and they get nearly 20 per cent more in asking price.
The efficiency of solar PV increases in colder temperatures and the technology is particularly well suited for Canada’s climate.
The size of the solar array, battery bank and AC inverter required for a typical solar PV application depends on a number of factors, such as the amount of electricity you use, the amount of sunlight at the site, the number of days without backup that you require and the peak electricity demand at any given time. Sufficient battery storage can easily allow a solar PV system to operate fully independently.
PV modules should be oriented between southeast and southwest (due south is best). Modules generally need a year-round, unobstructed view of the sun. Systems can be sized to provide 100 per cent of your electricity consumption at a cottage or campsite, or as a supplement to conventional utility electricity. A tracking system can orient the solar array to maximize its electricity production throughout the day and the year by tracking the movement of the sun, though this is typically not practical for most applications.
Solar technologies also exist for creating heated water and air. Solar hot water heating systems use solar collectors to pre-heat water flowing to your existing hot water tank, which can then be used in home appliances, sinks, showers and baths.
Solar air systems reduce the energy used for space heating by providing an efficient and cost effective way to preheat the outside air before it is pumped into a residential, commercial or institutional building.
Less expensive but useful solar-powered devices worth recommending include solar tube lighting, solar outdoor lights (great because they have no wires and can be moved around wherever you wish) and solar-powered attic fans (which ventilate attics and keep them cooler).
For the sake of your clients, become a sun worshipper or, at the very least, a trusted professional who knows a thing or two about solar energy. Your clients will appreciate your solar smarts and who knows how much more business you might soak up thanks to that lucky old sun?
For information on consumer incentives in your province visit www.cansia.ca/government-regulatory-issues/provincial/consumer-incentives.
Elden Freeman B.A., M.E.S, broker is the founder and executive director of the non-profit National Association of Green Agents and Brokers (NAGAB). 416-536-7325; elden@nagab.or. For more information about NAGAB and what it can do for your business, visit www.NAGAB.org.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Making the right decision
Friends of Summer,
Can you believe it's August already? "Hot August nights with the leaves hanging down and the grass on the ground smelling so sweet"...thank you Neil Diamond. I always want to play that song this month.
I am digitally, technically, challenged but learned a great new thing yesterday.
Please don't LOL, but I did not know that you could play music wirelessly thru the speakers in your house directly from your iPad. And can upload movies directly to your tv screen and the movies maintain their HD quality.
I still think that iPad is a magic box.
I spent my first full week at OWN merging new staff with Harpo folks. Alignment is the first step in getting anything to work. We all had a great week. Although if you saw my tweet, you noticed I could use some better office furniture.
We're working on new shows for fall. ROSIE's on at 7pm ET/PT. I watched in awe this past Friday as she sat in a room full of critics, (Television Critics Association) and made them actually LOL.
OWN YOUR LIFE (the oprah class) will be at 8pm ET/PT. Sign up if you're interested in having a better life at Oprah.com.
By the way did you see the show SERVING LIFE on OWN it reairs this Wednesday night 9pm and 12am ET/PT. Produced and narrated by Forest Whitaker. If you didn't see and can't see when it reairs...DVR. It's worth your time.
I've been emailing Forest all weekend. I can't stop thinking about it. It was really, REALLY good. And a tough subject. But opened my heart and made me drop a lot of preconceived notions and judgment.
It is great television I'm proud to platform on OWN.
@Woodsy1069 asked me on Twitter yesterday if I was "frazzled" by OWN's performance thus far.
Nope, not frazzled. And I have faith that if I do what I'm supposed to—allow it to serve my purpose, and you, the viewer—it will succeed.
Everyone in the cable business told me it would take 3 years. Some said 5. I've been here a week.
Lorne Michaels, master creator/producer told me months ago, "it won't start to come together until you're there."
So I made myself CEO and now in the trenches with Erik and Sheri who've masterfully run Harpo, now also Presidents of OWN. We're uniting and building our team.
I will say this; it's 10 times harder than doing my daily show. Doing that show felt like breathing everyday. Now I'm in so many meetings I sometimes have to step out and catch a breath.
But I see every challenge as an opportunity. So no shortage of opportunities here.
I know the same is true for your life.
My experience is a network, yours is whatever is calling you right now.
Get clarity. Don't allow yourself to be overwhelmed. Don't be defeated by mistakes. Learn from them.
We have a new motto..."The next right decision"...what is it?
Onward!
Oprah Winfrey
Can you believe it's August already? "Hot August nights with the leaves hanging down and the grass on the ground smelling so sweet"...thank you Neil Diamond. I always want to play that song this month.
I am digitally, technically, challenged but learned a great new thing yesterday.
Please don't LOL, but I did not know that you could play music wirelessly thru the speakers in your house directly from your iPad. And can upload movies directly to your tv screen and the movies maintain their HD quality.
I still think that iPad is a magic box.
I spent my first full week at OWN merging new staff with Harpo folks. Alignment is the first step in getting anything to work. We all had a great week. Although if you saw my tweet, you noticed I could use some better office furniture.
We're working on new shows for fall. ROSIE's on at 7pm ET/PT. I watched in awe this past Friday as she sat in a room full of critics, (Television Critics Association) and made them actually LOL.
OWN YOUR LIFE (the oprah class) will be at 8pm ET/PT. Sign up if you're interested in having a better life at Oprah.com.
By the way did you see the show SERVING LIFE on OWN it reairs this Wednesday night 9pm and 12am ET/PT. Produced and narrated by Forest Whitaker. If you didn't see and can't see when it reairs...DVR. It's worth your time.
I've been emailing Forest all weekend. I can't stop thinking about it. It was really, REALLY good. And a tough subject. But opened my heart and made me drop a lot of preconceived notions and judgment.
It is great television I'm proud to platform on OWN.
@Woodsy1069 asked me on Twitter yesterday if I was "frazzled" by OWN's performance thus far.
Nope, not frazzled. And I have faith that if I do what I'm supposed to—allow it to serve my purpose, and you, the viewer—it will succeed.
Everyone in the cable business told me it would take 3 years. Some said 5. I've been here a week.
Lorne Michaels, master creator/producer told me months ago, "it won't start to come together until you're there."
So I made myself CEO and now in the trenches with Erik and Sheri who've masterfully run Harpo, now also Presidents of OWN. We're uniting and building our team.
I will say this; it's 10 times harder than doing my daily show. Doing that show felt like breathing everyday. Now I'm in so many meetings I sometimes have to step out and catch a breath.
But I see every challenge as an opportunity. So no shortage of opportunities here.
I know the same is true for your life.
My experience is a network, yours is whatever is calling you right now.
Get clarity. Don't allow yourself to be overwhelmed. Don't be defeated by mistakes. Learn from them.
We have a new motto..."The next right decision"...what is it?
Onward!
Oprah Winfrey
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