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Airdrie, AB Real Estate News

By Terri Stephens, REALTOR, Calgary & Airdrie 403-827-4663
(CIR REALTY )
I read a recent article  - the question - asked to celebrities and famous business people - WHAT ARE YOU READING THIS SUMMER? Kim Kardashian - is reading  ARE YOU THERE, VODKA? IT's ME, CHELSEA. By Chelsea Handlery Wanye Rogers - MASH tv Star - LAWS OF THE COSMOS - by Brian Greene Mark Cuban - HOW GOOGLE WORKS, THINKS AND SHAPES OUR LIVES by Steven Levy Warren Buffett - THE INTELLIGENT INVESTOR - by Benjamin Graham Nicole Kidman - WAR AND PEACE - by Leo Tolstoy A few other books - How to Live 365 Days A Year: 12 Principles to Make Your Life Richer by John A. Schindler BLINK: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking - by Malcolm Galdwell How To Stop Worrying and Start Living - by Dale Carnegie                                 Of course a mushy Romance Novel never hurt either.... Happy Summe...
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By Terri Stephens, REALTOR, Calgary & Airdrie 403-827-4663
(CIR REALTY )
I belong to a local Women's Group - AWBA (Airdrie Women in Business) Our group has a Realtor, Interior Decorator, Financial Planner, Graphic Desinger, Home Based Business Owners. Our goal is to support, network and refer eachother.  Recently my cleints hired our interior designer to help them with new paint, floor and counter top choices.  They were so happy to have a keen eye on the plans ahead. I'm currently working with our graphic designer come up with a new business card and other marketing materials.  I would have never approcached a big company - I feel I'm being listened to and she gets me. One other memeber who owns a greenhouse, recenlty houses my plants over winter and re-designed them for my patio this summer. I would have never met her, if it wasn't for this group of women...
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By Terri Stephens, REALTOR, Calgary & Airdrie 403-827-4663
(CIR REALTY )
Recently I read an article about Carole McCloud.  Teaching children a concept of influence into a language so simple that a 4 year old could get it. A simple concept that teach how kind words and actions can "fill the buckets" of the people we encounter daily, from Moms and Dads to friends and classmates. Alll day long everyone in the whole wide worlkd walks around carrying an invisible bucket.  HAVE you filled a BUCKET TODAY?  is the question. You fell very happy and good when your bucket is full, and you feel very sad and lonely when your bucket is empty....You need other people to fill your bucket and other people need YOU to fill theirs. Basically - asking a 4 year old - are you being good and kind? Almost everything we do is filling a bucket or dipping in to a bucket - IF You can l...
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By Terri Stephens, REALTOR, Calgary & Airdrie 403-827-4663
(CIR REALTY )
How to Make YOURSELF, your PRODUCT or your COMPANY Memorable In an overcrowded world, the only way to make an impression on your prospect is to break through the noise.   The idea of telling everybody how great you are, or you have the state of the art solutions, great customer service and the best prices in town just won't cut it. The book "THINK LIKE A MARKETER" by Lauron Sonnier suggests a few tactics to make yourself or company stand out. 1. Do Different Things:  Its easy to stand out when you do something no one else is doing it.  You have to do something different than they do. 2.Do Things Differently:  This is where you demonstrate your understanding that the "HOW" can be more important than the "WHAT".  Add a special touch of class, elegance, humor or spice that makes even the c...
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By Terri Stephens, REALTOR, Calgary & Airdrie 403-827-4663
(CIR REALTY )
You don't have to plan a full vacation to get reacquainted with people who matter most. Check out these ideas: Watch a movie or catch a concert outside  - Spread a blanket and sit beneath the stars, with a cooler of snacks. And enjoy the event. See the Sights...at home - pretend you're a tourist in your own hometown.  Go to a museum, gallery or take in a local ball game.  Eat at a quirky restaurant, or visit a historic site. Have one family member pick the place Tackle a project with your kids - Build a tree house, make smoothies with different ingredients and do taste tests. Turn an old piece of furniture in something new, make a herb garden, build a bird house and let the kids paint it. Go Camping - Camping can be as simple as packing a tent and heading out even into your own backyard...
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By Terri Stephens, REALTOR, Calgary & Airdrie 403-827-4663
(CIR REALTY )
A friend of mine gave me a wonderful gift last Christmas.  She bought be a subscription to SUCCESS magazine. Every issue comes with a CD - and each one is worth listening to. I read the magazine and go back to it, for ideas and helpful tips.  If you're out and about - looking for a business magazine  or even online.  www.success.com Enjoy
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By Terri Stephens, REALTOR, Calgary & Airdrie 403-827-4663
(CIR REALTY )
JULY 1st marks our CELEBRATION of CANADA Day...we get a bit older and better Our city of Airdrie puts on a Parade every year - rain or shine...and snow...yes - but we won't jinx it. This year I'll volunteer with my 14 year old son to keep the public safe and ensure they enjoy the floats and such. Now to figure out what to wear...   Happy Canada Day!!!   Check out the website for parade route and more details.  www.airdrie.ca
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By Terri Stephens, REALTOR, Calgary & Airdrie 403-827-4663
(CIR REALTY )
I did it, I had to have the "TALK" with some sellers - and backed it all up in an email to boot. YOU need to lower the price - be more realistic and come to the harsh reality of REAL ESTATE in today's market. If your home hasn't been viewed in weeks - not even a nibble or a drive by.  THEN based on the market LOWER YOUR PRICE to sell it or take it off the market. Carrying inventory is a huge wallet emptying expense - and I sell houses.  Not babysit them.  NOW, yes I'm sure another REALTOR will wave their magic wand and sell your home - but not at the price you are currently at.  Unless "HOMER SIMPSON" is real, and his banker is an idiot. Price, location and condition matter to BUYERS - doesn't matter where you live.  THEY drive the market on what they are willing to pay.  
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By Terri Stephens, REALTOR, Calgary & Airdrie 403-827-4663
(CIR REALTY )
So our listing count is up, and yet there are buyers out.  Which is a good sign.   I've noticed in recent days the first time buyer is out braving a new world of HOUSE HUNTING. I spoke to a fellow REALTOR® who noticed the same trend.  Under the $250,000 price range...buyers are sniffing around. NOW - yes when you do get an offer - they are WELL....LOW LOW LOW.  Buyers are trying to get a little something something for less.  I still get a kick out of it - when a seller holds out for MORE...and then turns around and wants to BUY LOW...to see what they get. Think this is human nature at play.  We all have to feel we've succeeded in something just to feel even just a small WIN. Our job or position - IF we can as a REALTOR® extraordinaire is to MAKE everyone HAPPY! "WINNING" to quote someon...
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By Terri Stephens, REALTOR, Calgary & Airdrie 403-827-4663
(CIR REALTY )
So sometimes we do take our jobs too seriously.  Its business and sometimes we just need to lighten up. At least for a few minutes and perhaps sit back and breathe.  Recently a huffy Realtor® gets up in my grill over something that if they had ONLY given a few minutes more and thought about it, ...would have been so much less stressful. IS there really a point to tick off everyone...in a Real Estate transaction..NO.  WIN/WIN attitude and lets make it right.  I honestly believe if there is a will there is a way.   OR if not...got to just walk away.  BUT don't get up in my face - really. So, the next time - IF EVER it happens just think for a few minutes longer.  And look at all the possiblities. You never know...and what the heck....   life is too short  - move on people  
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By Terri Stephens, REALTOR, Calgary & Airdrie 403-827-4663
(CIR REALTY )
  Ok, so I have one for you.  I was showing a house today in Airdrie, Alberta - and my buyer noticed red marks all over the white lino floors in the ensuite bathroom. We stopped and looked for a few minutes...and both looked at eachother....RED TOES!!!!  The lady of the house must drag her toes or something along the floor - red marks all over the floor from pretty painted toes. Now thats - something for the books - CAN anyone TOP this for today?    
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By Terri Stephens, REALTOR, Calgary & Airdrie 403-827-4663
(CIR REALTY )
Recently, having lunch with a couple of REALTORS® our conversation headed towards fashion.  Yes, always a key topic for spring and summer season. The subject of what not to wear came up, when heading into a Listing Appointment.  Now we all agreed that looking professional and polished it a key element.  But recently an Agent did not get hired for her blouse being too low cut.  Guess, having "the girls" on display wasn't appropriate to this older couple. I think there was probably a bit more too it, but this seemed to be the HOT button for the couple and they decided another agent would be represent them.  I wonder, are women scrutinized more on how they dress than men?  My biggest peeve is the shoes.  I've seen REALTORS® dressed to the nine's and they have crappy shoes on that should ha...
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By Terri Stephens, REALTOR, Calgary & Airdrie 403-827-4663
(CIR REALTY )
All the effort and thought you put into your email newsletter can be wasted if people are not opening it, reading or even receiving it.  With the barrage of emails we receive on a daily basis, getting people to open a newsletter is a balancing act.  Here are 5 things you can do to get your emails opened. 1. HAVE A COMPELLING SUBJECT LINE- Nothing will get a prospect to delete your email faster than a dull subject line like - "May Newsletter" or "Market Report from Harry".  Hint at the subject matter and keep it to 10 words or less.  Are you featuring a new listing? Event Information? A Contest? Try something like "2 New Listings + discount tickets to the Trade Show". You can also divide your database and experiment with subject lines to see which ones work. 2. CONTENT IS KING- interesti...
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By Terri Stephens, REALTOR, Calgary & Airdrie 403-827-4663
(CIR REALTY )
Did you know that on FACEBOOK you can add a side banner to your pages.  You can be a fancy as you want or keep it simple.  200 x 600 size and download it to your page.  (fotoflexer.com)  use this to make up your banner. FACEBOOK is always changing - I see it only getting more and more evolved.    Soon I'm sure in the not too distant future you will see ad's that pop up asking you to pick this or that - and based on your answers - you will be directed to a specific advertisers message.  USTREAM live video is doing this - in its very basic stage.  What next?  3D video of your listings - interactive video -    
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By Terri Stephens, REALTOR, Calgary & Airdrie 403-827-4663
(CIR REALTY )
Just spent the better part of an evening touring all the parade of show homes in Airdrie - the community of Cooper's Crossing. Local Artist showcased their pieces, music was playing in every home and the food from local restaurants was awesome.  The different types of wine rounded off the evening.  (sample sizes) even had champange. All proceeds went to Airdrie Housing - what  a wonderful job.  Loads of visitors and what a great way to support a local charity and see some wonderful homes.  Prices from the mid $400k to over a million. Saw some great folks I hadn't seen in a while.  Meet n Greet night Can't wait for next year.
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By Terri Stephens, REALTOR, Calgary & Airdrie 403-827-4663
(CIR REALTY )
DOUBLE FEATURE - PRESENTING   TWO OPEN HOUSES IN THE SAME DAY Ok, yes - I'm sure there are tons of agents out there who have done this.  BUT I haven't  done a back to back in a long time. BUT I LOVE A CHALLENGE and what the heck - SATURDAY is going to be a wonderful day. 11am to 2pm -  sign repositioning time   3pm to 6pm   -   OPEN HOUSES - 26 Thornleigh Way - Airdrie, Alberta - 15 minutes from Calgary  - 11am to 2pm 1815 Meadowbrook Gate - Airdrie, Alberta - 15 minutes from Calgary - 3pm to 6pm Back to Back "Open Houses" one way to keep me off the streets  - that could be a good thing      
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By Terri Stephens, REALTOR, Calgary & Airdrie 403-827-4663
(CIR REALTY )
GUESS what I'm doing on May 28th - in Airdrie, Alberta Canada? CITY WIDE GARAGE SALES - are popping up all over.  Get on board and join in the city wide fun. I'm sure they will start at 8am for the die hard garage sale folks.   One business in town is opening up his parking lot for the sale, face painters, and a go-cart track for the kids.  Money collected goes towards a Fight Cancer fund raiser.  MAY 28th ---------- bring your wallet
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By Bill Jones, Realtor (403-701-1739) Airdrie & Calgary Area Homes and Condos
(Discovery Real Estate Ltd. - "Homes By Jones")
Don't be fooled by the snow, the cool weather or the shivering Robins outside your window, Spring is Here!  The proof is the arrival of the Annual Airdrie Home & Garden Fair.  The Airdrie Home & Garden Fair is is the largest Home and Garden show in Airdrie and showcases many products services for home and garden. The Airdrie Home & Garden Fair will be taking place at the Genesis Place, for 2 days Saturday, April 30, 2011 and Sunday May 1, 2011  the trade show is being organized by Airdrie Chamber of Commerce (ACC). Exhibitors include: Real Estate opportunities by Century 21, Castlewood Agencies (Booth 123), Home imporvement and renovation, Decorative greenery, Equipment for gardens, Hand and motor garden tools, Machines for grassland maintenance, Biological and chemical products, Glass...
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By Terri Stephens, REALTOR, Calgary & Airdrie 403-827-4663
(CIR REALTY )
  April 30th & May 1st - In Airdrie, Alberta - at our GENESIS PLACE - Recreational Centre - HOME & GARDEN FAIR - $5.00 admission for one HECK OF A SHOW Meet new friends, and old friends - visit local businesses and have some fun. ART SHOW included - prizes, and see me there..  ok maybe that's not a big draw...come and have fun just the same.    
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By Terri Stephens, REALTOR, Calgary & Airdrie 403-827-4663
(CIR REALTY )
OH, my GOODNESS.... PEOPLE  - HOW NOT TO SHOW YOUR HOME!!! Please for the love of all that is TRYING TO SELL your home, pick up the dirty underwear off the floor, flush the toilet and perhaps fix the leaking faucet. My buyers were so turned off and seriously they named the house "THE DIRTY GITCH HOUSE".  One way to remember a home, but NOT in a good way. They knew about the showing called the night before and confirmed it again the next morning. Seriously - the REALTOR® wanted feedback from the showing.  Ok, well um....  WHAT NOT TO DO - WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME....    there are lists out there...READ THEM and FOLLOW THEM.    you get the idea...similar to what we saw.
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