Jason Stewart's Blog

Stigma is an adverse public perception about a property that results in the diminution of value. Properties where a murder or suicide occurred, as well as those located near Superfund cleanup sites and electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are all considered "stigmatized". The following are some alterna...

There is nothing worse than having a grow op next door, on your block, or even in your neighbourhood. These abused and forgotten homes pull down not only neighbourhood morale, but also real estate values. It isn't just the beat-up, shady neighbourhoods in Calgary that house these illegal operatio...

Every day fraud is underway--in some shape, form or fashion. Unfortunately, there are many people who believe that scamming others out of money is easier that working for it. Anyone can be the target of a fraud, and unless you are vigilant and cautious, you will be the next victim. The best way t...

Veggie Omelet with Berries                                     Plenty of studies show that eating breakfast is good for your health. It can help maintain weight loss and even reduce lead poisoning. But a 2011 report found that 31 million Americans still don’t eat in the morning. Oz Garcia, celebr...

Not getting any bites? An online auction can expose your property to people all over the world. Millions of Americans who are eager to sell their homes are losing hope. The real-estate market is stuck, and there's a huge backlog of inventory weighing down potential sales. But technology gives sel...

There's a great saying in the real estate business. To succeed in life, you want to be: The First Child The Second Spouse The Third Realtor And like with most sayings, there is some truth in that statement, as agents who pick up listings after sellers have made major mistakes will attest.   Origi...

More than just getting business transactions done, your role as a real estate agent is about helping clients sell or buy a property by educating them in the process, and working diligently with them before negotiating a mutually-beneficial contract. The thing is, when you work for the best intere...

You’ve made the decision to switch to real estate. You’ve had the training, you’re sure that representing home buyers/sellers is right for you and you’re determined to stick out the leaner early years. Despite the lean times you may be seeing, be willing to spend money where it will help you most...

When it comes to retirement savings, asking someone you haven't met how much savings they need is like inquiring how long they figure it will take you to get to Los Angeles. They really ought to respond with some very basic follow-up questions like "Where are you now?" and "Are you driving or fl...

Big companies like Apple, super successful websites like Facebook, and bestselling books like The 4-Hour Workweek all have one thing in common:  They begin with a million dollar idea. The big question is:  How did their creators come up with these ideas?  Did they sit around waiting for an inspir...