The Best of 2011

by RateHub.ca



2011 by the Numbers

The Best Mortgage Rates of 2011

The best 5-year fixed mortgage rate in 2011: 3.15%

Today’s best 5-year fixed mortgage rate: 3.18%

2011’s best rate was available October 24^{th [i]}

The best 5-year variable mortgage rate in 2011: 2.05%

Today’s best 5-year variable mortgage rate: 2.70%

2011’s best rate was available between June 3^rd – July 4^th and August 15^th – August 22^nd [ii]

Canadian Real Estate

The most expensive home for sale in Canada in 2011: $39,900,000

This preconstruction home was and still is the highest priced listing on MLS. “Camelot” can be found in Vancouver, BC. The zoning allows up to 70,000 square feet spread across 3 buildings.

The most expensive home sold in Canada in 2011: $28,000,000

With the way condos have been moving in Toronto this past year, is it any surprise the most expensive house sold in Canada this year wasn’t a house at all, but rather a condominium? The Four Seasons penthouse sold for an eye-popping $3000/sq foot and actually set a Canadian record for the most expensive home ever sold in Canada.

Million Dollar Baby

Figure 1: How much for a house in Vancouver?

According to CREA data, one in five houses sold in Vancouver this year cleared the million dollar mark. Both Toronto and Vancouver doubled their output (by percentage) from where it was two years ago.

Earlier this year, the NHL returned to city of Winnipeg. That meant that Winnipeg could’ve seen 26 brand new home buyers move into the neighbourhood. We determined what kind of home the hockey players could purchase based on their average salary. The land transfer tax alone was $190,000.

Where was the best place to buy a property in Canada in 2011? Why Calgary of course. According to Moneyville, Stampede City has the best purchasing power parity and affordability of any major city in Canada.

Mortgage Trends Recap

Canadians are either hypocritical or poor at executing their financial plans:

What we’re saying: According to a CAAMP survey this year, 90% of mortgage borrowers expect to reduce their amortization periods considerably.

What we’re seeing: One third of Canadians currently have mortgage amortization schedules that will carry the debt into their 70s.

Generation Y Canadians have more optimistic outlooks on when they expect to be mortgage-free. Based on an RBC poll of Canadians under the age of 35, one in four expects to be mortgage-free by the ripe old age of 45!

The Good: 41% of Canadian home owners are mortgage-free representing the highest mark in 5 years.

The Bad: A greater portion of Canadians with mortgages are taking on longer amortization periods

The Ugly: Canadians are doing so at an alarming rate. Close to half (41%) of today’s mortgages have amortization periods over 25 years. This number is 5 times greater than where it was (8%) only 10 years ago.

Overall, it was a good year for mortgage rate comparison shoppers as the low rate environment persisted throughout all of 2011. This year, one third of mortgage home owners engaged in some form of mortgage activity. Either by taking out a new mortgage or renewing or refinancing an existing mortgage. Of those who renewed, one in five changed lenders - making sites, such as Ratehub.ca, all the more important for homeowners who need to compare Canadian mortgage rates.

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[i] Interest Rate Announcement: October 25th

[ii] Monday Mortgage Update: August 22nd


originally published 12/13/11

Buyers and Multiple Offers

by David Ursino



Throughout the year, we’ve had a really strong seller’s market. There hasn’t been a lot of inventory and interest rates have been really low creating a lot of demand. That’s created a lot of multiple offers.

Often times, the listing agent will set a specific date for the offers to come in for a property and there’s been so much interest in the property obviously from the low interest rates and the low inventory, that all of a sudden there’s more than one offer on the property. It’s common to see 4-6 offers on a property being sold as long as it’s priced well and it’s well marketed. Obviously that’s not the greatest experience for a buyer.

However, if you go in with a capable agent and you have a strong plan, you work with your agent to figure out the value of the property and set your maximum limit that you’re willing to pay for the home and don’t go above that. That way you don’t get caught up in the emotional circumstances that get involved with multiple offers. But success can be had when working through multiple offers as long as you’re doing it with a capable agent; someone who’s diligent, someone that looks after you and he/she’s making sure that you’re making a logical decision.

Watch the Video

originally published 10/21/11

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About the Contributor

Vaughan real estate agent David Ursino brings a novel approach to real estate in Vaughan. Through over 10 years of successful sales and marketing experience, David understands the value of building great relationships with customers. He is dedicated to delivering the highest level of service and brings his passion to each and every real estate transaction. Being Vaughan's first real estate video blogger, David knows what it takes to succeed in today's online market. He specializes in the Woodbridge, Maple, Kleinburg and Thornhill areas. Learn more about Vaughan real estate agent David Ursino.

Should I Wait Until Spring to List My Home?

by Simon Gianini


As we roll through the holidays and into winter, many would-be sellers will be holding off on listing their home, waiting for the spring “selling season” to put their home on the market. But if you’re ready to sell your home now, is waiting until spring the best strategy? Not according to the data, it isn’t. (Thanks to the folks at redfin for the following US Data, and we dug deeper, we found similiar results across Canada):

• Homes listed in winter sell faster: 46 days in winter vs. 55 days in summer

• Homes listed in winter are more likely to sell: 59.2% sell in winter vs. 53.1% sell in summer

• Homes listed in winter sell closest to their original price: a 2.7% drop from the final price in winter vs. a 5.2% drop from the final price in summer, worth more than $10,000 on a $400,000 home.

Spring wins in one category: Speed. Homes listed in spring sell the fastest, sitting on the market for 15% less time than the median.

Apparently not many sellers are on to this pattern, because winter has twenty percent fewer listings added than the spring. Keep in mind that we’re measuring correlation here, not causation. Listing in the winter won’t guarantee that your home sells faster, for more money, or that it will sell at all. That said, the data does seem to indicate that winter gets a bad rap for no good reason.

When is the best time to sell? When YOU are ready to move. And of course, it depends on the type of property, why you're moving, and of course where you're moving to . .. If you are thinking about moving, give us a call, and of our expert team will help you understand what's happening in YOUR local market, and how to time the move to get the most price for your home, AND minimize stress. We're homeowners too, and we know first-hand the stress of selling a home and moving.

Check out the redfin analysis here:

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About the Author

Simon Giannini is a Broker with Royal LePage Signature in Toronto, Ontario. Simon is also the Author of "Everything You Wanted To Know About Real Estate But Were Afraid To Ask", "Buy Low, Sell High", and "Get Rid Of Your Customers". Simon has over 25 years experience, and is a sought after speaker and trainer for the real estate and mortgage industry. You can check out his BLOG at : www.TheRealEstateCentre.com

5 Tips for an Open House

by Rogers


So your agent suggests holding an open house. Should you?

Open houses are traditionally the best marketing tool for selling your home but that doesn’t mean that every seller should agree to an open house. If you feel that your home is show-worthy, here are 5 tips on holding a successful open house:

1. Pick the right date: Make sure your chosen date doesn’t conflict with a holiday or a special event, as it could put a damper on the turnout.

2. De-clutter: Concentrate on visible areas first, such as kitchen counters and bathroom vanities. Then move to bedroom closets, desktops and family rooms. Also, consider moving larger furniture pieces into storage to open up your living space and make it more appealing.

3. Keep it clean and fresh: Make sure everything in your home is cleaned, polished, and dusted. A home that looks well-kept will create a favorable impression. Also, open the windows for some fresh, clean air. If you have pets, consider boarding them until the home is sold to remove smells for the duration of the listing.

4. Lighten up: Consider turning on all the lights in your home. A well-lit, bright home feels warmer and more inviting.

5. Spread the word: Tell your friends and neighbours; it never hurts to promote your own open house.


For more tips on selling and moving visit Zoocasa's Before You Buy Section.

What is Buyer Brokerage?

by Kelley Skar




Buyer Brokerage - A Commitment Agreement

What exactly does the term "Buyer Brokerage" really mean in Canadian real estate? In the most basic definition that I can come up with, I would say that it is a contract between the Buyer's Agent and the Buyer.

As soon as you see the word "Contract" I am sure that you get your back up immediately; I know I would if I were a buyer.

My initial reaction to "Buyer Brokerage" or the word "Contract" if I were not in the business, would be that of fear and anxiety. However, now that I am in the business I see that these terms and types of agreements are not being explained very well by the industry.

How Buyer's Agents Earn their Dollar

I know as a buyer you may think that using a REALTOR® is necessary to make a purchase off the MLS® and you would be right.

Here is a brief run down on how we earn our commission:

• Meet with you, the Buyer, to determine your needs and wants
• Show you multiple properties until we find you the PERFECT home
• Write the offer - get it accepted at the price you are willing to pay
• Offer access to our team members, be it lawyers, home inspectors, mortgage brokers etc.
• See you on possession day to give you a gift, a handshake and a Congratulations on your new home

Seems pretty easy right? So what if you are the Agent in this scenario? Put yourself there briefly as I explain the flip side of this hypothetical:

• Meet with the Buyer Needs and Wants determined
• Show them multiple properties until you find the right one
• Open house at that property on the weekend and the buyer attends
• Said buyer writes the offer with the listing Agent instead of you
• What have you lost?

The loss here is more than just a commission check. You have lost your time away from your family, you have lost a good amount of information you have given to your client(s) and you have lost some energy as this type of thing will sap you when your "Client" calls you to tell you the "Good" news that they bought that house that you showed them.

Still sound pretty easy?

Enter Buyer Brokerage

Did the example above ever occur to, you, the Buyer? Could you see then how a buyer's commitment agreement could have maybe solidified your relationship with the hypothetical buyer?

Unfortunately, this type of thing happens a lot in our industry. I think part of the reason is that buyers have no real understanding of how we earn a living.

Part of what a commitment agreement does is outline my responsibilities as your REALTOR® but also it outlines your responsibilities as a buyer. Is there money attached to this type of agreement up front? Well that is up to you and your REALTOR® to decide.

There is another way to do it and that would be if you do not stick to the agreement and decide to make a purchase without being represented by YOUR Agent, you would ultimately be responsible for paying your REALTOR® the agreed upon amount.

Ok, I know it sounds greedy, but put yourself in the place of the Agent in the scenario I played out for you above. Would you want to spend a ton of time and energy as well as time away from your family to NOT get paid at the end of the day?

How would you feel if you went to work on Monday morning and your boss said to you, "I want you to work here for a month, put in a lot of overtime, buy everyone coffee or lunch on a regular basis and NOT get paid for it!" What would your answer be? Do I have to guess?

Buyer Brokerage and How it is Structured in the Buyers Favour

To give you an idea how the agreement is in the buyer's favour, let me tell you that there are over 20 obligations set out in the contract that the REALTOR® owes the purchaser.

The buyer's responsibilities to the Agent totals 7. Seven - that is it. What do they say? Well, money comes in for sure but it also states that (paraphrasing):

• Communication is key, including, identifying all the properties you would be interested in seeing
• Offers to sell to the buyer by interested sellers i.e. Open House or For Sale by Owners
• Informing the Agent or Brokerage of any change in information, for example: your Pre-Approval amount

In my opinion, at the end of the day, a commitment agreement between the buyer and the Agent should NOT be a scary thing from the buyer's perspective. If anything, there will be a greater understanding of your role and my role as your REALTOR® during the purchase process.

As you have seen repeatedly throughout this post I have referred to "Buyer Brokerage" not as a contract (which it clearly is), but as a commitment agreement...I firmly believe that is what it is.

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About the Contributor

Kelley has consistently been in the top 5% in sales since he started full time in the real estate industry in 2008. He went through a major shift in his marketing plan at the end of 2009, recognizing the trend, and making the move towards digital marketing including websites, video, blogging and social media. Kelley is incredibly passionate about the use of technology and social media in his business and is often sought out for advice from other Agents from across North America. Kelley’s primary websites are: http://nwcalgaryliving.com and http://kelleyskar.com.

To connect with Kelley through Social Media follow him on twitter.com/kelleyskar and on Facebook.com/kelleyskar. If you have questions or comments you can reach Kelley direct at kelley@kelleyskar.com.

Question of the Week

Zoocasa Ask the Pros Featured Question:

"What is the most accurate way to obtain information on what a property has sold for?"

Answer 1: "The selling price of a property is not made public due to privacy laws. Much like you can not find out how much your neighbor actually paid for their new car, or how much they pay for their life insurance, or what their salary is. The MLS system however allows Realtors to collect information (including sale price) to help buyers and sellers make educated decisions...."

Answer 2: "The most accurate way to obtain information on sold property is to contact your realtor. The realtor has access to this information through their MLS system. This is not accessible to the public, only through your realtor, and she/he can help you determine the fair market value of your home, or the fair market value of a home you are looking at purchasing."

See the original post and more Real Agent Answers.

Homebuying Basics – What’s Involved

by Genworth Financial Canada

Before embarking on your house hunting journey, you should first determine what you can afford. A common rule of thumb is that your total expenses and debt payments should not add up to more than 40% of your household income before taxes.

Next, you’ll have to decide on the type and size of mortgage that best suits your needs. The two basic options are a conventional mortgage, which requires at least a 20% down payment; and a high ratio mortgage, which is designed for people who do not have the 20% down payment. If you purchase a home with a lower down payment, you will pay mortgage default insurance, which transfers the risk of default from the lender to the mortgage insurer (see understanding mortgage insurance link for more details).

Other decisions about a mortgage involves the choice between a variable rate, which involves a fluctuating interest rate; and a fixed-rate mortgage, which, as the name implies, means you pay a fixed interest rate for a set term such as three, five or 10 years. If you choose a variable rate mortgage, it’s important to understand that your monthly payments may increase if interest rates rise. By selecting a mortgage with prepayment privileges, such as lump sum, accelerated bi-weekly or monthly payment options, you can reduce your amortization period and save thousands of dollars in interest in the long run.

To help you understand your choices, ensure you’re financially prepared. Many websites including homeownership.ca offer a wealth of financial information for home buyers. Speaking to a mortgage professional will help you work through your specific needs.

For more articles on homeownership, visit Zoocasa's Before You Buy Section.

Should I decorate my home if it is on the market during the Christmas Holidays?

ZOOCASA PROS QUESTION OF THE WEEK:

"Should I decorate my home if it is on the market during the Christmas Holidays?"

Answer:

"Absolutely – but conservatively. Let the exterior of your home blend in with the neighbours which looks and feels homey. Get a smaller tree so that it doesn’t make your room look too small. Put your family's presents away but wrap a few empty boxes for the effect. Go the extra mile and leave out cookies and cider or hot chocolate out for your buyers. They might not remember the moldings, but they will remember free food and drink! To help schedule showings, let your agent know ahead for times and dates when the house will be unavailable for showing. With some extra thought to decorating and scheduling, you can certainly prepare for showings at this time. However, stop and think whether you really want to - it may be easier to pause for a short time while holiday celebrations are going on and then start anew in January. "

View the original post and see other REAL answers posted to this question.

Clearing the air

by RBC Insurance



According to Health Canada, indoor air pollution levels can be higher and more harmful than outdoor air pollution. This is true when doors and windows are shut – either to keep heat in during the winter or heat out in the summer. But there are some simple steps you can take to help improve the air quality of your home.

• Don’t smoke inside your home

• Use premium quality HEPA or ESP furnace filters

• Replace your everyday housecleaning products with greener versions

• Ensure you have adequate air circulation and exchange by running kitchen and bathroom fans or occasionally opening windows

• Use heavy-duty cleaning products, solvents and paints only in well ventilated areas

• Use wood-burning fireplaces sparingly

• Use air conditioning sparingly and try to keep the windows open at night when it’s cooler

For more information on how to help keep the air in your home healthy, visit the Health Canada Indoor Air Quality website.

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Article provided by RBC Insurance

Underwritten by RBC General Insurance Company or RBC Insurance Company of Canada.

Toronto Waterfront Development

by Christina Mogk, MeCC Interiors



After countless years of talking about waterfront revitalization, the city of Toronto has been announcing a steady flow of both completed improvements and approved projects that are moving forward. One of the latest is Bayside - a four (4) hectare development of currently derelict land located east of the downtown core along the waterfront.

The award-winning design, presented by Cesar Pelli of Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, will become a mixed use neighbourhood with approximately 1,700 homes and both offices (for an estimated 2,400 people) and entertainment venues.

Waterfront Toronto, who is helping to spearhead the long needed beautification of the city’s Lake Ontario waterfront, expects the groundbreaking in 2012 and initial occupancy in 2014. This, of course, is pending the October 13 meeting and approval of the Design Review Panel.

Bank of Canada Holds Rates Steady

by Simon Giannini



With all the uncertainty surrounding many of the world’s economies at the moment, there was a semi-sure bet- that they Bank of Canada would stay put, given the strength of the headwinds blowing against our borders.

Yet again, Mark Carney is holding the overnight rate at 1 %. The Bank Rate is correspondingly 1 1/4 per cent and the deposit rate is 3/4 per cent.

The Bank of Canada said in a release, “Uncertainty around the global economic outlook has increased in the weeks since the Bank released its October Monetary Policy Report (MPR). Conditions in global financial markets have deteriorated as the sovereign debt crisis in Europe has deepened. Additional measures will be required to contain the European crisis. The recession in Europe is now expected to be more pronounced than the Bank had anticipated in October, as a result of increased deleveraging and tighter financial conditions, as well as necessary fiscal austerity and structural reforms.”

It isn’t just the Eurozone that is experiencing turbulence. Employment data released last week from Stats Can with an unexpected job loss suggests that economic conditions may not be as favourable as one might have thought a few months ago. Seemingly, employers are beginning to lose confidence are showing an unwillingness to hire.

The figures were not completely unexpected though, as the BOC had cautiously predicted sluggish growth, at best through the end of this year, and early next.

On the upside, inflation targets are coming closer to target levels, but not enough to counterbalance the threats that exist on the other side of the coin. They do expect inflation to continue to moderate, as food and gas prices begin to float down.

Many economists suggest that this latest rate hold is a sign of things to come, with the BOC required to keep borrowing costs low until the Eurozone crisis is more handily contained- which at this point, is not in the immediate future. The BOC is still adopting their “wait and see” policy on fiscal policy, and have not ruled out further stimulus if the economy requires it.

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About the Author

Simon Giannini is a Broker with Royal LePage Signature in Toronto, Ontario. Simon is also the Author of "Everything You Wanted To Know About Real Estate But Were Afraid To Ask", "Buy Low, Sell High", and "Get Rid Of Your Customers". Simon has over 25 years experience, and is a sought after speaker and trainer for the real estate and mortgage industry. You can check out his BLOG at : www.TheRealEstateCentre.com

Canadian House Price Index is Eye Opening!

by Simon Giannini

Teranet and National Bank publish a monthly House Price Index that tracks changes in house values across Canada. In my opinion, it’s a better measure of TRUE real estate values, as it measures ACTUAL homes and condos that sold at least twice in a given period, as opposed to looking at AVERAGE prices that can be affected by changes in the housing stock or by a small number of luxury property sales.

Instead of reporting on prices for a particular city, National Bank and Teranet have converted house prices into a standard index. To do this they first assign a base period, in this case June 2005, for which the index for all regions is set to 100. The index then captures just the appreciation or depreciation in house values for a particular market. Let’s have a look at some of the findings.

Winnipeg is number 1: House values in Winnipeg have increased 78% since June 2005 (the base year of the house price index), roughly 12% per year.

Vancouver: Vancouver house values were outperforming Winnipeg until 2008 when house values retreated by 12%. Since then house values have been increasing steadily and are averaging 11% per year.

Quebec City: A lot like Winnipeg, house values in Quebec City have been appreciating at a very consistent rate over the past 6 years. It’s interesting to note that house prices in Quebec City were not impacted at all by the economic crisis in 2008. House values have increased by 65% since June 2005 or roughly 10% per year.

Edmonton: Edmonton house values nearly doubled from June 2005 to September 2007. Prices declined for two years and have slowly started to recover. Since then, values have appreciated by 64% since 2005, or roughly 10% per year.

Montreal: House values in Montreal have appreciated at a steady rate every year, by 44% since June 2005 or roughly 7% per year.

Ottawa: values in Ottawa have appreciated by 38% since June 2005 or roughly 6% per year.

Toronto: Most people would be surprised to see that Toronto is among the worst performers in terms of appreciation in house values over the past six years. House values in Toronto have appreciated by 38% since June 2005 or roughly 6% per year.

Hamilton: The title for worst performing real estate market goes to Hamilton. House values have appreciated by 31% since June 2005 or roughly 5% per year. Hamilton also saw downturns in 2008 and 2010 but prices have recovered since then.

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About the Author

Simon Giannini is a Broker with Royal LePage Signature in Toronto, Ontario. Simon is also the Author of "Everything You Wanted To Know About Real Estate But Were Afraid To Ask", "Buy Low, Sell High", and "Get Rid Of Your Customers". Simon has over 25 years experience, and is a sought after speaker and trainer for the real estate and mortgage industry. You can check out his BLOG at : www.TheRealEstateCentre.com

Maximize your Small Space

by Heather Rovet

It seems that unless you are buying a pent house suite, most condos are moderate in size and that gives the term down-sizing a whole new meaning. Don’t fret and certainly don’t think you are buying a shoe-box! There are a few things to keep in mind that can make small spaces seem bigger and use the space to it’s maximum.

Ceiling Height. The higher the ceilings the loftier the space will feel. 8 feet feels like a cave, but once you start clearing 9 feet it adds to the flow and airiness. My own mother downsized from a Victorian home to a modest size condo. She has 11-foot ceilings, which makes the space seem bigger then it really is. A lot of the new condo’s boast exposed concrete ceilings which add a very modern urban look.

Kitchen islands and u-shaped kitchens. Islands not only provide storage but extra seating as well. U-shaped kitchens have even more nooks and crannies. Both allow for best use of space.

Optimal Wall Space. Think flat screen wall mounted TV, art work, and integrated storage/wall units. Mirrors also give a feeling a more space.

Let in the Light. Any room will look larger if well-lit, either by natural light or artificial light. Do not use heavy drapes and open up the windows to let the light in from outdoors. Lamps add for functionality and design as well.

Small space – small furniture. There are stores that specialize in condo furniture. Nothing too big or boxy. Simple, clean lines work best.

Colour. Avoid harsh contrasting colours. A monochromatic colour scheme that carries throughout the room into fabrics and accessories is best. Try to steer clear from too many patterned items. The goal is to blue perspective.

Remember, small is beautiful and less to keep tidy and clean! Win win all around.

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About the Contributor

Before Heather Rovet started matching people with the right home, she spent many years putting people in the right clothes as a wardrobe stylist for the television and film industry. Both are very much the same to Heather - it’s about listening to functional needs and understanding a person’s vision - and she brings those two key elements together to find the right solution. With a love for the unity of beauty and order within a space, Heather feels that our homes are the place in which this can be reflected and defined.

Coupled with a passionate and keen eye for style and design, Heather sees the potential in the reality and helps clients to really envision their dream space. Whether it is a starter property, an upgrade, an income property or one's own private sanctuary, Heather works with her clients every step of the way to put them in the home that is right for them.

Question of the Week

What is the home buyers plan and how does it work?

This week's featured answer:

"This program is great if you have some money in your RRSP or if you did not own a house in the last 5 years. Even if you owned a house before and you have been renting for the last 5 years, you are considered (again) as a first time home buyer.

The main issues with this program are:

1. You have to return the funds within 15 years to your RRSP account

2. You are limited to 25K per spouse.

Actually your RRSP becomes the bank. If you do it smart and pay the bank's mortgage first, you actually pay yourself and save thousands of dollars for your retirement. Of course you have to have something iin your RRSP to begin with..."

See this post and view more Real Agent Answers.

How Long Has It Been?

by michael krisa

The past few months have been a whirlwind of travel, speaking engagements and coaching real estate professionals across North America.

I even had the honor of speaking at The National Association Of Realtors annual event in California … like how COOL is that?

Well this morning I finally had a moment to catch my breath and enjoy a HOT coffee by the river … at least that was my plan.




As fate would have it Mother Nature had something different in store for me and dropped 5 inches of snow over night!

Undaunted, to the river I went, to shoot this video for you where I cover some of my discoveries that any Realtor® serious about the business needs to know.

Here are a few things that TOP Agents do:

• They are continuously learning – attending live training events, trade shows, seminars, webinars etc.

• They take what they learn and implement it.

• They network, share and generate referrals by being around other top agents.

Not rocket science I know but honestly, when was the last time you did ALL three?

As always I welcome your feedback and please feel free to share this video.

All Good Wishes,

michael krisa aka That Interview Guy®


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About the Contributor

Michael has always been fascinated by success, specifically as to why some real estate professionals are really successful and why others - working equally as hard - barely get by. This challenge motivated Michael to begin interviewing some of the top agents and thought leaders in the world to share their tactics and strategies to help others. The launch of the series enjoys major success and has been featured in almost every major online publication in the real estate industry.

Michael has managed a top producing office, worked as a freelance marketing consultant and functioned as a vice president of Business Development, is a syndicated columnist… and he plays the banjo! As an innovative entrepreneur himself, Michael’s interview series took on a new dimension as video interviews, which have exploded both on and offline … and he loves it! He is passionate about providing great content - especially if it will have a positive impact on the viewer.

Michael was nominated by Inman News Innovators Award in 2010 and was cited as the Inman News People Choice 100 Most Influential People in Real Estate. Michael is an internet marketing consultant and a syndicated videographer. He is an expert on how video can be used to attract, engage and “capture” a viewer into a raving fan. Michael's website is http://ThatInterviewGuy.com and he can be reached via email - michael@ThatInterviewGuy.com.

Happy to be at the Zoo!

I am so very excited to be the Contributing Editor of the official Zoocasa Blog!

This will be a sweet journey to a new real estate vision that will very much be a part of our real estate marketing and promotion strategies in the very near future. Let me explain... Well, I never asked but Sandip Dagli, Director of Client Relations & Product Development at Zoocasa, specifically of Zoopraisal, which is a ROGERS owned company, clarifies in a some of his Facebook posts and personal conversations that I have used as the direction in today's first BLOG!

“Zoocasa aims to deliver innovative tools to Canadian consumers to search and research real estate in Canada. We invest in developing technology that appeals to the consumer and attract lots of them to our web site. In doing so, we present and market (partial) listings by Real Estate Sales Representatives, by giving them more exposure to their product and to themselves at no cost” he says.

“We also create a directory page for every Sales Rep if they wish to have one. All your listings and your directory page and answers you post to customers (Ask the Pros) are SEO friendly. All of this at no cost. You can, if you so wish, use Zoocasa's tools and never pay a dime. Of course, we hope, that along the way you see value in advertising to over 5000,000 visitors a month and will buy ads. But you don't have to. Zoopraisal is another such consumer-friendly tool they love to use. We know that now, due to sheer numbers. We intend that these potential customers who are performing Zoopraisals will ultimately connect with a 'Licensed Sales Rep' because we present them on the Zoopraisal page itself. You can advertise your Brand, your Business, your Contact details. The consumer will see the realtors here always.

Regarding Zoopraisal, he says "The ZOOPRAISAL TOOL is not intended to replace or 'bypass' the professional realtor - just how can a web site ever do that is beyond me. Like I said, there's no smoke and mirrors here, it is what it is. You use Zoocasa if you believe that's where you might get your next buyer or seller from. You advertise on the site if it fits your marketing plan. You use it if you want your Web Site to be connected with the 800-pound guerrilla i.e. Google. We act as a conduit that brings random people who search on Search Engines onto your web site that they did otherwise did not know about. Like I said, we continue to move onwards and upwards. Today (let alone the future), companies and services that give consumers the choice are the ones succeeding” concludes Sandip sounding very passionate and confident.

Thank you Sandip for that!

Communication with a positive spin is all we, as industry professionals want to hear and demand. There is no need for slander; neither of companies nor of people, especially when you are so uneducated and unclear about the thought process of a system that has been created to benefit the wants, needs and demands of the consumer.

If you think about it for a moment, the value is this - ZOOCASA has between 400,000 to 520,000 visitors per month compared to other publications or Internet sites that we have tested and currently use with traffic of 20,000 or more per month. I will not name the other sites, as it is not my style... I have more class than that! Having sales, marketing, promotions & social media background I now can see where the VALUE is, it is in the press. Since joining the ZOOCASA system this week, we have already had our first lead generated through our ad, although from a Mortgage Broker we are taking the connection to the next level, and are meeting to exchange business cards and hopefully I can get an approved buyer or seller from them! :) An ad turned lead turned opportunity turned meeting face to face... LUV IT! The reason why I personally view it as an opportunity or a lead generation steam is because I see it through the eyes of the consumer, in fact I am acting as the consumer. As a consumer of many different products or services, I demand value, choice, brand and most importantly results. It is up to me what I choose as the consumer. Whomever can provide these to me, I will always listen and give a chance to. I am not looking at my own personal gain here. A ZOOPRAISAL is no different than another opportunity or choice for the consumer.

So isn't that what it is all about? Isn't that what the value of our industry is all about? OPPORTUNITIES? Of course it is. The best is when one can turn an opportunity into a result! Challenging the systems about 10% of the agent population is about. After interviewing 100 agents, that is right...90% were impressed with the ZOOCASA sight, it's opportunities and it's ability to create and we at www.waynemunden.com see much OPPORTUNITY in creating awareness for our brand and the ever changing needs of the consumer. Opportunities come from many different lead generation systems and strategies and ZOOCASA is just one option of 1000s that are shared with us on a daily basis. Unless we truly try the system we will never really know how effective or non-effective it is. Therefore, until then, as true industry professionals, we can never be too quick to pass judgement on a new system just to cause havoc or bring traffic to your own personal sites, it only does one more harm than good on YOU. ;) But thank you so much for helping ZOOCASA create awareness for their brand! The BUZZ most definitely worked! ;)

Now let me ask you a question...since the HOOPLA all began with the INTRODUCTION of ZOOPRAISAL on the web to the consumer...followed by a few silly uneducated BLOGS...Here is the scenario...I am competing with you on a LISTING APPOINTMENT. I appraise the home at $619,900 and you appriase the home at $699,900. SAME HOME, SAME SELLERS...however we have done our research as industry professionals and present the facts to the Sellers. Or vice versa, we appraise the home with all the facts at $699,900 and you appraise the home at $619,900. How is it any different than a ZOOPRAISAL? The customer is always going to resource to the PROFESSIONAL in their niche market for the correct market evaluation & guidance. Now, stop barking up the wrong tree, get on with your jobs and leave the opportunities to those who see VALUE! I may not sell real estate at www.waynemunden.com but I DRIVE A BRAND using SYSTEMS & STRATEGIES I SEE the CONSUMERS DEMANDING! Just my thought for this crazy busy day!

Cheers!

vx

Virginia Munden

Sales Representative

Passionate about Real Estate!

www.waynemunden.com

Oakville & GTA