Great Article by Mark Weisleder on the latest claim by Melanie Aitken against the Canadian Real Estate Industry.

http://www.moneyville.ca/article/1003342--weisleder-realtors-already-back-more-competition

People always ask me about the erms they see in real estate advertising. i hope this will clear up some confusion.

below are common real estate terms and what they really mean.

Spacious = Average provided you have small furniture

Charming =  Small

Comfortable = very small

Cozy = very very small

Low Maintenance = no lawn

Walk to Shopping and Schools = nowhere to parking

Prestigious Area = Expensive

Bright and Sunny = no window coverings included

Sprawling Ranch Bungalow = Ineffecient Floor Plan

2 Storey Home = It's one story when you buy it and another when you move in.

Natural Setting = Forget the Garden the deer will eat everything

Secluded = Hard to find, Your pizza will arrive cold.

Executive Home = high Taxes

Park Like Setting = All the neighborhood kids play on YOUR lawn

Unaffected Charm = needs paint

Hurry! won't last = about to collapse

Close to Transportation = Train or Highway within 200 feet

Maintenance Free = the house has had NO Maintenance

Close to the Water = Prone to Flooding

In law Suite = I hope yours are sweet.

Backs to Greenspace = Plaza coming soon

Backs to Golf course = free evening golfing

Fixer Upper = Might be a tear it downer

Needs TLC = Needs Tons of Loaned Cash

Entertainers Delight = Christmas at your place from now on

Panoramic View = Look both ways before you step off the Porch, busy street.

Move in Condition = Plain but Clean

Unspoiled basement = Its so cold down there even a strawberry wont spoil

Quaint = old, small and a little weird, may have a strong cat odor.

Investment Property = needs major investment of time and money

Backs to Ravine = hunting in your backyard and big bugs.

Something to think about... if both your neighbours are moving, YOU may be the reason.

the only problem with owning a home is that everywher you sit, you are looking at something you should be doing.

Have a good one!

Article by Mark Weisleder on by owner selling gone wrong.

http://www.markweisleder.com/11torontostararticle0513.pdf

Unbelievable NewWeight Loss Program! (tic)

I have develpoed a new weight loss program that I have to share with you. Are diet and exercise videos not working for you?? This is not a diet and it's not an exercise program.

In just 6 weeks both Nicole and I have lost almost 15 pounds each. You have to try this.

I call it Moving and Renovating Weight Loss Program. (MRWLP for short)

Lets face it, our old house was beautiful and there was nothing left to do except enjoy it and get fat! We decided to do something about it. We bought a dump (fixer upper-money pit- call it what you like) and for the last 6 weeks we have moved and been renovating our new abode.

This is the best part, guys you are gonna love this!! The dietary component of the program consists mostly of pizza, beer and fast food take out.

People ask me " Will I have to do the renovating and moving myself, I am not very handy?" I say NO! The anxiety of contractors ripping you off, movers breaking your stuff, sleepless nights worrying about your budget, not mention the stress on your marriage will cause you to completely lose your appetite altogether. This all contributes to the weight loss benefit! Just watch the pounds fall off!

We have a gym in the new house and we haven't even touched it! I have never felt better and Nicole says I look sexy! (laughing to myself)

Do I have to pay more if I want to lose a lot of weight? NO - thats the beauty of the program, you see, the cost is free if you sell and buy through us, the only cost is the commission you'd be paying us anyway, it's tied the value of your house not to how much weight you want to lose. WIN WIN?? YES YES!!

To get started simply call us to get your house listed for sale and very soon you too will be enjoying the benefits of the Moving and Renovating Weight Loss Program.

The ongoing maintenance program cosists of getting your friends and family into the program and helping them with their moves and renovations. Results may vary. Consult a physician before starting this program. Not recommended for already skinny people (it could kill you!) Call us Today!!!

April - the Spring Market and a Rick and Nic update!

The last 30 days have been a wild ride for us. Nicole and I moved to our new house in the country(kinda). Upon arriving back from Florida March Break we had a few days to get organized and take possession of our new house. April 1st renovations began and April 14th we moved into the mess!

The stress and upheaval a move causes is a great reminder to us of what our clients are going through when they make a move. We keep saying "I can't believe we do this to people for a living!". The truth is we are ecstatic about the new digs and the land we will enjoy" We are getting settled somewhat, by next week we will have internet and tv hooked up in the house (Rogers had some confusion as the what services were available in our area and left us in the lurch).

We had great movers, the guys at AMJ Campbell did a great job and we highly recommend them for your next move http://www.amjcampbell.com/ . Our contractors, Dwayne Frattura, John Dawson, Electrician Mike Ruber and Plumber Rad Dixon have looked after us like we were family. If you have a project and need one of these guys, call me for their numbers. (I should mention that I have another plumber friend Carl Taus who has done nice work for me in the past too).  I always ask friends and family for recommendations when we are looking for services. We have  reliable contacts for almost everything, from Great Auto Mechanics and Body Shop people to Landscapers, roofers etc.  You name it. Call us the next time you need anything.

We found a company to install 2 full size front door inserts for $500  www.wroughtironwork.ca . Dan at Autograph Door Systems installed our new garage doors www.autographdoors.com . Ashley at Arctic Spas in Whitby looked after our new Hot Tub order http://www.arctichottubs.com/index.php/arctic-spas-whitby.html .

I mention these companies because we have had good experiences with them and not only feel comfortable in referring them but we recommend them. We hope that our clients would do the same for us.

The Real Estate market has been doing some interesting things in recent weeks. Predictions are that prices are going to rise and sales volume will drop. As it happens, locally  anyway, inventory seems to be light and the  buyers are out in droves. The result is many mulitple offers and homes selling in very short times for asking price or higher in many cases. Great for sellers. Buyers are enjoying continued low interest rates although we are not sure for how long. Get prequalified asap if you are considering a purchase.

My recommendation, if you are considering selling, get on the market right away. Opt for a longer closing date to allow yourself time to find what you are looking for. If you are 'HAVE" to buy before you sell, normally I don't recommend it but you would be reasonably safe as long as you are realistic with your selling price, given the current market conditions.

Just a reminder too, our sellers are benefiting from the Complimentary Home Staging that we offer. Nicole has her CSP training. Staging can include us providing furnishings, artwork, bedding decoarating, even removal of unwanted items all at no extra charge.  We strive to provide the most complete client service that you need. Have a look at our testimonial page to see what our cients are saying! http://www.menary.com/4a_testimonials.php  Call us if you need to buy or sell real estate and don't forget to Refer us to your friends!!

All the Best  - Happy Easter

Rick and Nicole Menary