Almost everybody loves pets except the home buyer who is buying your house. Don't ask me why, but that's often how it works out. Home sellers who adore their pets -- and I count myself as a huge pet lover -- have a hard time imagining the negative attitudes others harbor against pets. So, while this might be a bitter pill to swallow, if you want to get top dollar for your house, pay attention to how much you might lose with a dog or cat in residence. Why Don't Home Buyers Like Your Pet?   Nervousness. Pets make some people very uncomfortable. Not everybody grew up with a family pet or enjoys outings at the zoo. Fur and four legs does not a human make. Fear. Real and irrational. It's not only dogs that instill fear in people. All kinds of silly wives' tales and superstitions involve cats... 07/27/2009

Here we are again. Sunday afternoon and it's beautiful and sunny. Let's hope today is the day the perfect buyer for this property arrives to make a deal. I have heard in the past from others in the business that open houses aren't the way to sell a home. But from my experience open houses are never a bad idea. Common complaints I have heard about open houses and why they don't work are: 1. "They only attract nosy neighbors"  Personally... I think  nosy neighbors are our greatest asset. First off, they live in the neighborhood. They may have a family member or friend considering a move to their neighborhood. Word of mouth is everything. Or they themselves may find something they like in that particular property and consider a move within the same area. 2. "Agents don't take clients to op... 07/26/2009

Like all first-time homebuyers, Sarmishta Subramanian was giddy with excitement when she arrived to officially take possession of her house. But her giddiness turned to irritation when she discovered that the previous owner had left bags of garbage strewn across the front porch. She became even angrier when she saw that he'd taped a "Please don't let the cats out" sign on the front door. But when she peered beyond the sign into the house, the Toronto resident was outraged: the seller's furniture, boxes and more garbage were still inside- not to mention his cats! He hadn't even begun to move out; it was clear he was still living there. "I thought, What the hell are you still doing in my house?" Sarmishta contacted her lawyer and was assured the guy would be out by midnight. But when she ... 07/24/2009

I WILL SELL THIS HOUSE TODAY!!p>This is something I say to myself on my way into every open house (although maybe I am not as manic as Carolyn Burnham...lol) I do keep this belief in the back of my mind. Positive thinking is very powerful. For some reason it works for many people. Maybe it has something to do with how your state of mind effects how hard you work. Or maybe it's the air around you that just makes things go your way. I don't know.. but I am very sure that it works. Sometimes in this business it's easy to get down on yourself. Because of it's unpredictability it's very easy to slip into a funk.. or get scared and not stay focused on your goal. When falling into this negative pattern, it can have the same effect as a positive attitude only the opposite and everything go... 07/24/2009

OTTAWA - The Bank of Canada is declaring the recession essentially over, saying Canada's economy will begin growing this summer after nine months of stagnation and lead most of the industrialized world next year. The rosy assessment - despite numerous cautions and caveats - rippled through the markets Thursday, lifting the loonie and many stocks. "We believe the economy will grow this quarter," bank governor Mark Carney told a news conference. "Things are unfolding a little faster in terms of the recovery in (consumer and business) confidence and financial conditions." However, experts say the renewed growth after three quarters of economic shrinkage - two straight declining quarters is the technical definition of a recession - won't lead to job growth until much later, when companies r... 07/23/2009

Buying or selling your home is a very stressful thing. Probably one of the most stressful yet exhilirating things you will ever experience. And as many other intense things in your life, adding a deadline into the mix really turns up the heat. In every real estate transaction there are time limits. For the sanity (and protection) of all concerned, they really need to be adheared to. Throughout my career in real estate (not all that long.. but full of transactions) I have come across quite a few people who don't understand these time limits and it has become an issue at times. So, I have decided to provide some information about these time limits. How they work, what they are for and why it is important to be respectful of these time limits. So you have found the home of your dreams!! Yo... 07/22/2009

Here is an interview with the President of the London and St. Thomas Real Estate Board.  This gives a lot of great detailed information about London's market. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6ybgwgisqY 07/22/2009

Follow this link and watch this video regarding self defence. Stay safe.       http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spd9sp62EWs 07/21/2009

London Ontario has had more than it's share of rain this year and last. In fact, we were cutting grass well into October and haven't put a sprinkler out for two years. This is a typical week forecast for us. Yesterday was my sister's birthday party and we typically spend it in the pool but yesterday, we were in sweaters and jackets. When will summer in London Ontario start! Long Term Forecast Updated: Sunday, July 19, 2009, 10:00 EDT  MondayJul. 20TuesdayJul. 21WednesdayJul. 22ThursdayJul. 23FridayJul. 24SaturdayJul. 25     Isolated showers Isolated showers Cloudy with showers Isolated showers Cloudy with showers Scattered showers P.O.P. 30% 60% 60% 40% 60% 70% High 25°C 25°C 25°C 25°C 25°C 25°C Feels Like - 33 35 32 34 32 Low 11°C 14°C 15°C 18°C 17°C 12°C Wind NE 5 km/h E 20 km/h SE 15... 07/19/2009

London Ontario has had a tremendous amount of rain over the past two summers. In fact, other people I know in London haven't had to water their grass for over 2 years and we are still having it cut well into October. Yesterday was my sister's birthday party which we typically spend swimming but this year, we were in sweater Long Term Forecast Updated: Sunday, July 19, 2009, 10:00 EDT  MondayJul. 20TuesdayJul. 21WednesdayJul. 22ThursdayJul. 23FridayJul. 24SaturdayJul. 25     Isolated showers Isolated showers Cloudy with showers Isolated showers Cloudy with showers Scattered showers P.O.P. 30% 60% 60% 40% 60% 70% High 25°C 25°C 25°C 25°C 25°C 25°C Feels Like - 33 35 32 34 32 Low 11°C 14°C 15°C 18°C 17°C 12°C Wind NE 5 km/h E 20 km/h SE 15 km/h SW 20 km/h SW 15 km/h S 20 km/h 24-Hr Rain le... 07/19/2009

Schedules THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2009: Late Night Venue Series: (Ticketed): The Aeolian:795 Dundas St. E, Joel Plaskett, 9 pm, $15, SOLD OUT!!Second Show Added:Thursday, July 16, 2009: Joel Plaskett & Peter Elkas, 5:30pm Peter Elkas 25 minute set, And 6:15pm Joel Plaskett solo 75 minute set. Tickets $15London Music Club:470 Colborne St. Ultimate Blues Jam with Tim Woodcock, Sam Hurrie & Rick Taylor, 8 pm, By DonationBOOK LATE NIGHT VENUES NOW FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2009:Victoria Park Festival (Free Admission): MAIN STAGEGrand Opening Ceremonies: 6 pm - 10:30 pm 6:00pm    Opening Ceremonies 6:15pm    Jackie Washington Tribute Set with Paul Langille, David Essig & friends 7:10pm    Little Miss Higgins 8:05pm    Anne Lindsay 9:00pm    Betty & The Bobs 9:55pm    Jill Barber Late Night Venue Series: (... 07/18/2009

The high task list of moving is daunting enough but remember that it is stressful on children as well. Here are some tips to help make the move a little more smooth: Talk openly with your children well before the move takes place, explaining all of the details of the move and why the move must take place. Get information on your new town or city, including schools and children's programs, and discuss them with your children. Ensure that your children have the email addresses of all their friends, so that they can stay in touch with them easily. If possible, take your children on a tour of your new town or city and home before the move to acquaint them with their new surroundings. Compile favourite photographs from family and friends from the location you are leaving and plan to decorate... 07/18/2009

As a tourist, you'll want to note that it's easy to get around London. Take the Transit bus system that efficiently covers the entire city. Taxis are also easy to find and the drivers are courteous and polite, often taking extra time to let visitors know where to go and what to see.  There are a lot of things to see and do in London, and here are some places you should look into: Adventures on WonderlandWant to let your kids burn off some energy during your vacation? Then Adventures on Wonderland should be at the top of your list to visit.Banting House National Historical SiteLondon has many notables who call this city their home, but Dr. Sir Frederick G. Banting is one not to be forgotten, as he was the co-discoverer of insulin! Canadian Medical Hall of FameAs London is a world leader ... 07/18/2009

Spending some time in the London area? Wondering where you can find information on local events and festivals? If you're interested in seeing all that London has to offer, check out our London events and festivals directory and see what it can offer you. London, Ontario has a strong community spirit with arts, music and food, and sports-related events almost every week in the summer, big charity drives throughout the year, and a host of tourist spots. You'll find listings for all kinds of great events coming up in the near future. So if you like the sound of indulging in London's rich culture, make the first step by using our London events and festivals directory now. Add your event to our Calendar for FREE. Summary of Some of London's major events: Festa ItalianaThe Italian Market cele... 07/18/2009

The nice weather is HERE!! (most of the time) So the first thing you want to do is GET THE HECK OUTTA THE HOUSE AND ENJOY IT!! But what should you do?? Living in such a great city as us Londoner's do, this is never a very difficult task! The Londonlicious Festival                  Londonlicious kicks off its premiere Friday, July 10th to Thursday, July 23rd 2009, showcasing many of the city's great restaurants. It's a great chance to allow London's residents to try a diversity of delicious culinary experiences in the downtown area. The festival is geared toward promoting the smaller independent restaurants, with each their own unique flavours and style.Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to experience an array of three course prix fix menus from restaurants in the area for the ... 07/17/2009

Today I was browsing through listings with a client. In the Remarks section of the MLS is said " Light fixtures in the basement and tree in front yard are excluded". I had to laugh because I've heard so many people laugh and grumble about that and I know it sounds weird but I have to admit - I am attached to my plants as well. Not to the extent that I would dig them up and take them with me...but...I have nurtured, watered, protected, deep root fertizlized, mourned and babied them for over a decade. I've heard that people are actually more attached to the memory that things create than the actual item. I think the next time I hear a client mourning the loss of a particular plant or tree, I'm going to take a nice picture and have it framed as a gift for them. That way, they can look at i... 07/17/2009

Home improvements during an economic recession? And an ever-softening real estate market? Are you kidding? The Canadian government's 2009 Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC) may just be the stimulus homeowners need to get back into the home improvement game. With tax credits of up to $1,350, beleaguered homeowners can get some relief when they take on eligible fixer-upper projects totaling $1,000 to $10,000 between now and the taxation year ending February 1, 2010. As with anything in life, however, there’s some fine print. styleathome.com waded through it so you won’t have to. Here’s what you need to know to cash in on the HRTC largesse. Who qualifies? Homeowners. (Sorry, tenants.) Eligibility for the HRTC is family-based. "Family" is defined as you, your spouse or common-law partner and... 07/13/2009

10 Tips for Mastering Phone Etiquette You use the phone everyday in real estate but could you be turning off potential customers with your poor phone etiquette? Follow these basic strategies to make sure your phone behavior is up to par. ."   In fact, 68 percent of Americans say they observe poor cell phone etiquette-such as with overly loud conversations-at least once every day, according to a national poll from market research group Synovate.   Could you unknowingly be one of these offenders?   Here are some basic cell phone etiquette rules to keep in mind when interacting with colleagues and customers:   1.  Remember who you're working with. How would you feel if you were having an important conversation with a sales associate, and she broke off the discussion every time her mobile p... 07/13/2009

If you've been thinking about buying your first home or condo, but have been hesitating because of fears about falling prices and the shrinking economy, the time to act may well be now. According to a recent panel of financial and real estate experts convened by the Bank of Montreal (BMO) as part of its launch of a new information kit for first-time homebuyers, the recent market offers some genuine opportunities for first-timers. The panel did not mince words when it came to the near-collapse of the residential market over the last year or so. BMO senior economist Sal Guatierri pointed out that home sales are down as much as 40 percent nationwide and that the construction industry will continue to bleed jobs for the next six months at a rate unseen since the early '80s. But Century 21 C... 07/13/2009

Removing A Burn Mark From Carpet  A small burn mark can be removed with the help of a disposable razor. Just razor out the area and level it by grazing around the burnt area. If your rug is very fluffy, cut a little fur from the area that is hidden or out of sight. After you have cut enough, paste the carpet fibers over the burned area, with the help of super glue. Secure the fur, by keeping a heavy object on it. Leave it overnight and find your carpet as good as new. Take sandpaper or steel-wool scouring pad and rub it over the burn marks, until the singed fibers are no longer visible. Now, with the help of a whiskbroom or a vacuum cleaner, brush the area properly. This will help you get rid of the burn. You can also remove the burn mark with the help of a carpet shampoo and soda water... 07/13/2009