Who is your go to person?

I tend to spend a lot of time in houses, thinking about houses, and talking to people about houses. (Occupational hazard!)

Actually I love homes, and learning about them. Spending three hours at a home inspection is right up my alley.

I am often asked, "Do I know a good electrician, or a good plumber?  The answer is yes. I have a short list of electricians, plumbers, and contractors, that I can refer to, when needed. And in times when I don't, I have a great network of people I can ask.

However today, I want to ask you; "who is YOUR go to person?" Do you have a favourite handyman, roofer, carpenter, plumber, electrician, or contractor that you would highly recommend? Have I over-looked a highly skilled tradesperson who should be on my short list.

Please share your expert list with me. I would love to hear about it, and pass it along!

Great Pumpkins!!

Thank you to Lori, Allyson, Hannah, Amelia and Holly for your pumpkin entry. Are there any male carvers out there?

Which pumpkin is your favourite?

Last call for carved pumpkins

In a couple of days I'm going to post my pumpkin entries. Tomorrow is the last day to enter, so please send in your photos.

The prizes are going to be:
1st place winner will receive a $100 gift certificate at Knock on Wood
2nd place winner will receive a $50 gift certificate at Titles Book
3rd place winner will receive a $25 gift certificate at Natas

Good Luck!!

Pumpkin Prizes

It's about time that I post the prizes for the pumpkin carving contest:
1st prizes wins a $100 gift certificate to Knock on Wood
2nd Prize wins a $50 gift certificate to Titles Books Store
3rd Prize wins a $25 gift certificate to Dreams of Beans

There is only four days left to enter your pumpkin for a chance to win!!

PUMPKINS!!

This October marks my ninth year in Real Estate, fourth year for delivering pumpkins, and my second pumpkin carving contest. Yes that’s right, another contest! Over this coming weekend, do your best carving and enter it into my contest. I will have three prizes this year for first place, second and third place. Enter your pumpkin by November 15th for your chance to win. I will post updates about the prizes on my blog as well as some of the entries. I would love to see your picture with the pumpkin entry, but let me know if it’s okay for me to put your picture on my blog. Please check out the entries and comment on your favorite. I will contact the winner shortly after a decision is made.

I want to thank everyone for another successful year. It’s been an interesting market to work in, and I’m always glad to hear from you and to help your friends and family. Keep them coming!

Please feel free to call me anytime if you need any real estate advice. I’m only a phone call away!

Best Wishes, Susan

By the way, I’m never too busy for your referrals!

The Homeowner - Fall 2011

You will find these articles in my current newsletter:
-Real Estate Investing
-High Second Quarter House Prices Conceal Early Signs Of A Moderating Market
-Survey of Canadian Average House Prices in the Second Quarter 2011
-Carpet or Hardwood – which flooring is the right “fit” for you
-Let Mirrors Reflect Your Style, Sensibility, and More!
-Get Your Garden Cleanup Into Gear
-National Garage Sale for Shelter Raises More Than $420,000 in Support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation
To view newsletter, click here

Real Estate Investing

Over the years I have helped many clients through the process of purchasing a property for investment purposes. I’m very interested in this side of real estate, and I pay attention to what works, and what doesn’t. I also find that buyers have particular ideas as to the type of investment property they would like to invest in. Whether it’s a single family home in a regular neighbourhood, a fixer upper to rent out, a duplex, triplex or a student rental, no one method is wrong. There some things that should be thought out when considering an investment property. First, what are your investment goals? Many people make the mistake of looking at the investment over a short period of time. I think you have to consider owning this investment for a minimum of 10 years for the best gain. Not only will you benefit with the rent coming in and paying down your mortgage, your property will also be increasing in value as the market changes and values increase. On average properties go up in value 5% per year (2% right now). In five years at 5% increase every year your $200,000 property is now worth $255,256.31 and ten years $325,777.77. While you are watching your property increase in value your renters are paying down your mortgage. It’s not a bad nest egg or retirement savings plan that cost you a start-up investment of $10,000.

Secondly, it’s also good to pay attention to the area. Which neighbourhoods are in an area of decline? Are there any developments, or road projects that would directly effect the value of the property? Is there an area of improvement that might be worth getting into? I also think that it is important to plan to spend 1% of the value of the property for maintenance and upgrades. We want your investment always looking good. It is a terrible thing when you let your rental go, which affects your neighbourhood and it starts declining, which in turn effects the overall value of your investment.

Finally, what’s stopping you? If you wait a year, you’ve already missed the 5% increase you would have gained. Have your knowledgeable real estate expert get you started.


Check out The Real Estate Renegades for more insight into investing.