In keeping with my most popular Blog posts which feature my dry and maybe a teeny-weenie bit sarcastic sense of humour, I have come up with a bit of a guideline for any newbie or potential REALTORS® on the block. This industry has a pretty high attrition rate in the first few years from the time someone takes the course to passing the exam and eventually to getting fully licenced and starting to practice. The post below is a bit of a "What Not To Do" in this highly competitive industry. If you are looking for further guidance, give me a shout... I am happy to show you the ropes and get you on the best possible start!
The first rule of real estate - Do not constantly talk about real estate! People will get entirely sick of hearing about your open houses and great deals at social gatherings and non real estate related functions. Don't be THAT guy!
Take good pictures please - try to avoid getting your own image in the photo when there are mirrors, put the toilet seat down, do not include pictures of pets and sellers, be sure the pictures are in focus so that we can see what you are trying to show. Do not take drive-by pictures from inside your car.
Do not misuse "quotation marks" in a listing description unless you want to "scare people away" or "make them question" what you are talking about. Furthermore use proper grammar, punctuation and for the love of Pete, proof read and use spell check!!
Please do your research and know your stuff when selling a specific or unique property. If I call to ask the sizes of the box stalls in the commercial horse boarding barn you have listed, please do not respond with a meek "standard size?" Or when I ask what the fencing materials are, don't ask me for a multiple choice list of possible answers to choose from.
I know my stuff, you should too.
If you are going to wrap your car in advertising be sure to drive like a sane, reasonable member of society, not like a complete maniac/character in the video game Grand Theft Auto.
Your road rage face - it aint pretty.
Keep up with the times! We operate in a fast paced industry where time is of the essence. There is a vast amount of technology available to us all. Did you know that the technology in your smart phone far exceeds the technology that sent every Apollo mission to the moon and back?! Pay a teenager to teach you how to use this to your advantage, carrier pigeons are not the preferred method of information delivery.
Be professional, be yourself, be memorable.
Be part of a brokerage that encourages you and surround yourself with positive energy.
If you are thinking of a career in Real Estate, I want to help you!
Let's chat!
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Monday, June 01, 2015
Is Sustainable Attainable?
There has been a great deal of talk lately about sustainable living and energy efficiency. Whether you are considering a new build or looking to retrofit an existing home, there are many options and even more opinions. What is important to know is that many measures can be taken at every level to make our homes more "green".
Let's talk about COST.
~Start up cost - most consumers complain that photovoltaic (solar energy) systems are too cumbersome and expensive with a 15-20 year payback (but consider what your current payback is as a comparison?!)
~Cost of NOT converting - with a photovoltaic system, you can lock in to todays power rate and it will never increase.
~Environmental Cost - Most electricity in Nova Scotia comes from burning coal! Our mainstream electricity isn't very clean.
~Studies have shown that a homes value is increased by $20 for every $1 reduction in annual utility bills through energy efficiency and supplemental electricity producing systems.
Technology is getting closer to making our dreams of sustainable living more attainable, and there are lots of things we can do to get closer to that goal! There are many ways of making a home more energy efficient such as replacing windows, insulation upgrades, digital thermostats, changing lightbulbs, replacing toilets and faucets and upgrading heating systems. (Did you know that burning wood as a heat source has net zero Greenhouse Gas emissions?!)
There are certainly larger scale upgrades that can be done to decrease or even eliminate your dependency on inefficient practices. Green design plans for homes can make a real difference in heating and cooling simply by taking advantage of the angle at which the sun hits the earth in our region. Lots of older homes have sharply pitched roof angles that lend well to solar panels of all sorts (I currently have a solar domestic hot water system on my century home). Rainwater catchment systems are low tech DIY and can save many gallons of water from being used for gardens and car washing.
It can seem overwhelming to negotiate these extra factors, numbers and stats surrounding these ideas can be mind boggling. I know the local experts in these fields, helpful websites and service providers. I am happy point you in the right direction and to chat more about your specific goals for a more sustainable home! I have sold 100% off grid homes and I currently use some of the options available and know how they work first hand, a trusted up to date professional can make all the difference in the world!
Let's Chat!
Let's talk about COST.
~Start up cost - most consumers complain that photovoltaic (solar energy) systems are too cumbersome and expensive with a 15-20 year payback (but consider what your current payback is as a comparison?!)
~Cost of NOT converting - with a photovoltaic system, you can lock in to todays power rate and it will never increase.
~Environmental Cost - Most electricity in Nova Scotia comes from burning coal! Our mainstream electricity isn't very clean.
~Studies have shown that a homes value is increased by $20 for every $1 reduction in annual utility bills through energy efficiency and supplemental electricity producing systems.
Technology is getting closer to making our dreams of sustainable living more attainable, and there are lots of things we can do to get closer to that goal! There are many ways of making a home more energy efficient such as replacing windows, insulation upgrades, digital thermostats, changing lightbulbs, replacing toilets and faucets and upgrading heating systems. (Did you know that burning wood as a heat source has net zero Greenhouse Gas emissions?!)
There are certainly larger scale upgrades that can be done to decrease or even eliminate your dependency on inefficient practices. Green design plans for homes can make a real difference in heating and cooling simply by taking advantage of the angle at which the sun hits the earth in our region. Lots of older homes have sharply pitched roof angles that lend well to solar panels of all sorts (I currently have a solar domestic hot water system on my century home). Rainwater catchment systems are low tech DIY and can save many gallons of water from being used for gardens and car washing.
It can seem overwhelming to negotiate these extra factors, numbers and stats surrounding these ideas can be mind boggling. I know the local experts in these fields, helpful websites and service providers. I am happy point you in the right direction and to chat more about your specific goals for a more sustainable home! I have sold 100% off grid homes and I currently use some of the options available and know how they work first hand, a trusted up to date professional can make all the difference in the world!
Let's Chat!
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Jumping out of a Perfectly Good Plane
Complacency, Comfort, Procrastination... What's your excuse for not expanding your horizons? We all have a list of things we want to accomplish, and most of us have deferred things on that list to a later date. My bucket list includes travel to some exotic locations (New Zealand, South East Asia) and even trying my hand at some extreme sports. If you know me well, you are aware that during my 20's I participated internationally in the equestrian sport of Three Day Eventing (classed as an extreme sport, and tremendously difficult) I am no stranger to challenging myself while simultaneously calculating risk vs reward.
Another extreme challenge I have always wanted to try was skydiving (sorry mom!) It's not because I dislike planes or flying, but because I like to push myself beyond my comfort zone. It keeps things fresh and keeps me agile. I am not one to leave well enough alone. Challenges are not necessarily a bad thing, and can result in a much, much greater reward in the end...
As with anything in life, we should take a little of Column A and a little of Column B, stability and strong decision making power is also important.
When thinking about Real Estate transactions, it can seem like a daunting challenge, something that can get pushed to the back burner too often. But with the right team and resources behind you, little by little those tasks that might have seemed like mountains, become molehills. As humans we are capable of amazing things, things that are only a hindrance or blockade if we allow them to be.
Just like I would never go skydiving without the guidance of a professional, a pilot and proper equipment... You should never take on such a challenge as buying or selling a home without the proper team backing you. I can show you the path to overcoming what you thought was a daunting task, even make it enjoyable and exciting!
I know the professionals that you need on your team, whether you are buying your first home, expanding your income sources by acquiring a rental property or finding that perfect seaside retirement home. Let's talk about what you need to be able to take that next big step in your life, carpe diem!
Your plane may be perfectly good right now, but take a leap and imagine what amazing things you could do outside of it...
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
The Evolution of Listing
Real Estate like anything else, is ever changing and evolving. Buyers are becoming well educated and savvy by learning from the vast information sources the internet provides. As a REALTOR® it's extremely important to keep ahead of this quickly moving trend and provide information at the fast pace that consumers are demanding.
Once upon a time sales people had to rely heavily on printed ads and open houses to market their properties to potential buyers. While this still has a place in advertising, it's a shrinking generation that will be drawn in by these sorts of marketing. Nowadays consumers are shopping for properties from their desks and living rooms. With the availability of technology, buyers can virtually tour the neighborhood, front yard and even the home from their own location... IF YOUR LISTING ALLOWS THIS. Moreover, websites, social media pages and blogs must be mobile friendly for the majority of people that surf with smart phones and tablets.
My take on this "distance shopping" dictates the more information you can provide digitally to educate the consumer on your specific product, the less surprises there are in the end. Nobody likes a surprise or disappointment when they finally set eyes on the property that they have spent much time pouring over online.
Pictures produced with high quality equipment, professional lenses and flash show detail when taken properly. Video tours showcase the "feel" and "flow" of a property and allow the buyer to get a sense of the layout that is unmatched by still photos.
Feature sheets, additional pictures and information on the systems and costs to maintain a property are available at the touch of a finger when uploaded to cloud storage. No lag time in getting details to potential buyers who are, for the most part hungry for instant information when they have done their research and decided on a property.
Not to worry if any of this information is beyond your comprehension or ability. This is where a competent, tech savvy, up to date REALTOR® comes in... I am more than happy to discuss my marketing strategies with my clients to come up with a specifically tailored plan to deliver digital information to the target market for your property. I am always learning new marketing techniques to add to my repertoire.
Contact me anytime, I am available via text, calls, facetime/Skype, email, social media, snail mail, carrier pigeon, smoke signals and actual face to face meetings of course :)
Megan White 902-680-2736
Once upon a time sales people had to rely heavily on printed ads and open houses to market their properties to potential buyers. While this still has a place in advertising, it's a shrinking generation that will be drawn in by these sorts of marketing. Nowadays consumers are shopping for properties from their desks and living rooms. With the availability of technology, buyers can virtually tour the neighborhood, front yard and even the home from their own location... IF YOUR LISTING ALLOWS THIS. Moreover, websites, social media pages and blogs must be mobile friendly for the majority of people that surf with smart phones and tablets.
My take on this "distance shopping" dictates the more information you can provide digitally to educate the consumer on your specific product, the less surprises there are in the end. Nobody likes a surprise or disappointment when they finally set eyes on the property that they have spent much time pouring over online.
Pictures produced with high quality equipment, professional lenses and flash show detail when taken properly. Video tours showcase the "feel" and "flow" of a property and allow the buyer to get a sense of the layout that is unmatched by still photos.
Feature sheets, additional pictures and information on the systems and costs to maintain a property are available at the touch of a finger when uploaded to cloud storage. No lag time in getting details to potential buyers who are, for the most part hungry for instant information when they have done their research and decided on a property.
Not to worry if any of this information is beyond your comprehension or ability. This is where a competent, tech savvy, up to date REALTOR® comes in... I am more than happy to discuss my marketing strategies with my clients to come up with a specifically tailored plan to deliver digital information to the target market for your property. I am always learning new marketing techniques to add to my repertoire.
Contact me anytime, I am available via text, calls, facetime/Skype, email, social media, snail mail, carrier pigeon, smoke signals and actual face to face meetings of course :)
Megan White 902-680-2736
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Life Hacks for your Home!
Everyone wants to make their life easier and be more organized. I am NO Martha Stewart but these life hacks will help anyone stay on track and keep their home tidy. Here are a few ideas to get you started!
Use a walnut to cover scratches in your wooden furniture, rub on damaged areas to renew dings and marks.
Shower spraying all over and soaking the bathroom floor?
Fill a sturdy plastic bag with vinegar and secure with elastics to your showerhead, leave on overnight. It will dissolve the deposits and make your shower run like new!
Spaces between hardwood floors getting grimy?
Secure the lid of an old condiment container (spout) to your vacuum and suck up the bits down in the cracks! Works for the area between the floor and baseboards too!
Drill a few holes in the bottom of your garbage cans. This allows air in so that you can remove the filled bags more easily!
Use a wall mounted wine rack in your bathroom to organize rolled up towels, looks nice and saves space!
Use old CD racks in drawers to organize Tupperware lids and save tons of space!
Sprinkle a few drops of scented oil on the inner tube of the toilet paper roll. Keeps bathrooms smelling great with no effort!
Tidy up your hall closet! Use shower curtain rings on a coat hangar to keep scarves out of the way and neat.
The best life hack of all to help get organized and stay neat... Get rid of all the stuff that you don't use. The less things you have, the less stuff there is to get out of place and messy. Pack up seasonal items and store them away! Bag up things you don't need and donate to charity or have a spring yard sale, perhaps organize a neighborhood sale day to draw in more traffic!
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Customer "Service" ?
WHAT HAPPENED TO CUSTOMER SERVICE!!??
As a rule I don't like to complain, but there has been something irritating me for a while now. It spans across almost every industry and is a make it or break it factor for me and where I choose to do business.
My background before Real Estate has been in several industries in customer service. I have held management positions in construction, fine dining, equine farms, retail... I know about customer service, and I expect it to exist when I am a consumer.
It seems there is a trend towards quantity rather than quality in many industries these days and I am not a fan. There seems to be a lack of "wow factor" to the point of it being a lack of any factor.
Personally I am an energetic, outgoing individual and I strive to exceed expectations when I am providing a service. (Mind you, these days the expectations may have been lowered due to a profound lack of examples of really great service.) I want to set that example of outstanding service and I suppose I may hold myself to a different standard than some.
Have you ever had such poor service that you feel as though your business wasn't important to the service provider? Have you felt like taking your business elsewhere? This is not uncommon unfortunately.
Now... Have you ever had such great service that you wanted to personally commend the provider? So good you wanted to spread the word about this great experience? THAT is what I strive for.
My clients are my first priority, I am excited about working with people everyday. I have chosen this career and I plan on being the best that I can be at it!
To me it does not matter where you work or what you do, it matters how much you care. I have had jobs that I did not enjoy, but I did them with energy and enthusiasm. We spend such a great deal of our lives working, why not put some effort into whatever it is that you do and perhaps that will come back to you in a positive way so that you gain enjoyment from a job well done. Even if it's a job you do not relish!
We choose where we want to do business and who we want to deal with every day. If you are in the process of choosing a REALTOR®, please do give me a call. I am always looking for new people to impress with my knowledge, skills and energy!
Megan White
902-680-2736
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Century Charm
Falling in love is a sometimes a fickle journey and one that we can't always justify, especially when the subject of our affection is an old home.
I grew up in houses that it seemed were constantly undergoing some kind of renovation. Admittedly, our home probably had more done to it than most since indecision lead to one particular wall being torn down, only to then have it rebuilt and then TORN DOWN AGAIN!!
Personally I adore old homes, they offer so much more than a standard run-of-the-mill home. Character, uniqueness, charm and a lot of work are constants and to me are worth far more than the convenience, typicality and standard fare offered by a newer home.
I currently live in a home built in 1907. It is the first home that I truly felt was my own during my adult life. It took a fair amount of searching and a few stumbling points to get to where we are now, but over the years this place has continued to grow on me beyond the overwhelming feeling that we had found "the one" the very first time we walked through the front door.
The funny thing is that we were not looking for a permanent place when we bought it, people in town say it's haunted, we had a major fire which took 8 months to rebuild and two years later we are about to begin building an addition... There's one thing for sure when buying an older home, you need to be able to deal with a certain level of chaos and change.
In a world where we are rarely directly involved in the production of the food we eat, the clothes we wear or the homes we live in, I feel like involvement in the chaos of renovations can be a good thing, a grounding factor perhaps. Imagine having to build your own home from the ground up... The details that you would incorporate, the sweat equity that isn't quantifiable, the satisfaction of completion after tremendous hard work. I did not build my own home, nor will I ever, but it's very pleasing to see the workmanship and quality that went into some of the beautiful old homes here in Nova Scotia. I for one, appreciate the work it took to build one of these beauties and admittedly sometimes lament the work it takes to maintain one!
When did our culture start to value new over old?
Why are we producing things are not meant to last?
What's wrong with putting some hard work into sprucing up a great old home and making it into something to be proud of for years to come?
I love my century home, and am very proud to have restored it and given it a chance to hopefully last another century! If you share this energy and passion for older homes, contact me and let's get out looking at the amazing inventory of classic homes available in the Annapolis Valley! There is a huge array of homes on the market ranging from "complete overhaul" to "move in ready and updated"!
This area has it all, let's find "the one" that speaks to you!
I grew up in houses that it seemed were constantly undergoing some kind of renovation. Admittedly, our home probably had more done to it than most since indecision lead to one particular wall being torn down, only to then have it rebuilt and then TORN DOWN AGAIN!!
Personally I adore old homes, they offer so much more than a standard run-of-the-mill home. Character, uniqueness, charm and a lot of work are constants and to me are worth far more than the convenience, typicality and standard fare offered by a newer home.
I currently live in a home built in 1907. It is the first home that I truly felt was my own during my adult life. It took a fair amount of searching and a few stumbling points to get to where we are now, but over the years this place has continued to grow on me beyond the overwhelming feeling that we had found "the one" the very first time we walked through the front door.
The funny thing is that we were not looking for a permanent place when we bought it, people in town say it's haunted, we had a major fire which took 8 months to rebuild and two years later we are about to begin building an addition... There's one thing for sure when buying an older home, you need to be able to deal with a certain level of chaos and change.
In a world where we are rarely directly involved in the production of the food we eat, the clothes we wear or the homes we live in, I feel like involvement in the chaos of renovations can be a good thing, a grounding factor perhaps. Imagine having to build your own home from the ground up... The details that you would incorporate, the sweat equity that isn't quantifiable, the satisfaction of completion after tremendous hard work. I did not build my own home, nor will I ever, but it's very pleasing to see the workmanship and quality that went into some of the beautiful old homes here in Nova Scotia. I for one, appreciate the work it took to build one of these beauties and admittedly sometimes lament the work it takes to maintain one!
When did our culture start to value new over old?
Why are we producing things are not meant to last?
What's wrong with putting some hard work into sprucing up a great old home and making it into something to be proud of for years to come?
I love my century home, and am very proud to have restored it and given it a chance to hopefully last another century! If you share this energy and passion for older homes, contact me and let's get out looking at the amazing inventory of classic homes available in the Annapolis Valley! There is a huge array of homes on the market ranging from "complete overhaul" to "move in ready and updated"!
This area has it all, let's find "the one" that speaks to you!
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