More of Tom Ferry website design

Tom Ferry at RE/MAX Ontario Atlantic event

RE/MAX Upper End Market Trends Report 2010

RE/MAX Coaching and Mentoring Network

RE/MAX believes that a great Mentor is better positioned than a trainer to assist a real estate agent excel with their career. Qualifying as a RE/MAX Mentor involves a certification process that is backed up by the most professional brand in the industry. Continuous education and development are the disciplines that RE/MAX Mentors take seriously. Having a knowledgeable, experienced and committed individual on your side will create the most meaningful experience and the most extraordinary results.
Mentor Programs with RE/MAX Professionals are as follows:
- RE/MAX Professionals @Impact Mentor
- Succeed
- Buffini and Company, 100 Days to Greatness (RE/MAX Edition)
- Ultimate Agent
- Richard Robbins International RE/MAX Masters Edge

Coaching is essential for any agent, especially in the busy Toronto and Mississauga real estate market place, if an agent wants to be the best they can be. We all encounter and experience life in different ways daily and by sharing these experiences wit ha coach we are able to receive feedback that is relevant and useful. A great coach will probe and ask questions that will help produce a deeper and more meaningful understanding of these experiences and help guide actions to achieve optimal results.
The guidance that a coach brings to a coaching relationship encourages and supports the agent's object rives ans assists in unlocking potential, and thereby can create astounding results.
Coaching opportunities for agents are many and varied. RE/MAX Professionals Inc. is pleased to endorse the following:
- Brian Buffini The Buffini Group
- Ken Goodfellow - CKG International
- Richard Robbins - Richard Robbins International
- Derek Levitt - RE/MAX Professionals.

Dramatic rebound characterizes Canada's luxury home segment in 2010

Mississauga, ON (April 26, 2010) - Luxury home sales soared in the first quarter of 2010 as affluent purchasers moved to take advantage of favourable market conditions across the country, according to a report released today by RE/MAX.
The RE/MAX Upper End 2010 Report, highlighting sales and trends in 13 major Canadian centres and five sub-markets, found that improved economic performance, increased personal wealth, immigration and foreign investment all contributed to a serious upswing in sales. Virtually all areas experienced double and triple-digit increases between January and March of this year over 2009 figures for the same period. Nine out of the 13 markets examined (69 per cent) shattered existing records - setting new all-time highs for first quarter activity in the upper end.
"Real estate continues to resonate with purchasers at every price point," says Michael Polzler, Executive Vice President, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. "With the top end of the market shifting into high gear, every segment of the residential real estate sector is now operating in tandem. Despite the upward momentum, there are still deals to be had - especially at the higher price points-a fact that is motivating buyers to act."

New US home sales rise 27 per cent in unexpected surge from record low

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, cp.org, Updated: April 23, 2010 10:29 AM
WASHINGTON - Sales of new homes in the United States surged 27 per cent last month, bouncing off the previous month's record low and blowing past expectations as better weather and government incentives boosted sales.

The U.S. Commerce Department says new home sales rose in March to a seasonally adjusted annual sales pace of 411,000. It was the strongest month since last July and the biggest monthly increase in 47 years.

Economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters had expected a sales pace of 330,000. February's results were revised upward to 324,000, but remained an all-time low.

Sales had been especially weak over the winter, partly due to bad weather in much of the country.

The median sales price was $214,000, up more than four per cent from a year earlier but down more than three per cent from February.

Competition Bureau misguided about MLS

Mark Weisletter as interviewed by the Toronto Star outlines his views on thee misguided direction of the Competition Bureau on MLS> It is about time someone listened to this common sense approach to the issue of real estate competition. You can read his article from the link:
http://www.yourhome.ca/homes/realestate/article/798369--competition-bureau-misguided-about-mls

7 habits of highly successful social media communicators

'This is an absolutely excellent Blog on social media. Enjoy! Darryl'
By Susan Young
Follow these guidelines to make the most of your online networking

Technology and social networking have clearly changed the way we communicate. If you use social media and online networking to increase your sales and grow your business, there’s good news. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Success leaves clues.

1. Share good content without selling. Become a trusted resource for people who need your expertise. Check out Tamar Weinberg. She’s a top-notch example of an insightful writer and resource. Hint: When posting a link, don’t lead people to a landing page for your book, webinar, e-zine or CD series. If you want to “hawk stuff,” go to your local flea market.

2. Write to express, not to impress. Whether it’s a bylined article, blog or newsletter, just be yourself. Friends, followers and connections will appreciate your authenticity, style and candor. Read a few posts from Seth Godin. Big words and industry jargon can quickly confuse readers and/or viewers. Hint: People will not check a thesaurus or dictionary; they will simply hit delete and move on. Keep their attention.

3. Understand that “The Art of Twitter Lies in the Retweet.” Peter Shankman, founder of Help A Reporter Out (HARO) is right on target with these words. Hint: Be sure your Tweets and links are compelling enough that others are eager to share your message.

4. Position yourself to succeed. That’s the message of Gary Vaynerchuk, author of “Crush It!” Hint: Gary always touts his willingness early on to respond to blog comments and e-mails personally. This shows you are respectful, caring, accessible, engaging and real. First impressions count.

5. Weave in your personality. Sure it’s business, but you don’t want to be a social media sleeping pill. Avoid dry and boring messages, posts and links. Hint: Successful leaders are charismatic communicators—in person and online. Chris Guillebeau’s blog, The Art of Non-Comformity, captures the essence of his personality.

6. Post when you have something to say. Others will appreciate your “editorial judgment” and your consideration of their time. Hint: You wouldn’t call someone on the phone if you didn’t have something to share or discuss. It’s the same with social networking. Mack Collier is living this concept.

7. Pass along solid information. Business leaders can set aside their egos and share resources, apps, articles, blogs and links with others without compromising their own credibility. No one expects you to know everything. Jason Better is a terrific example. Hint: Be generous in the spirit of helping others to grow their business and succeed.

These seven habits should not be forced or uncomfortable for you. When they become second nature and integral to your values, you will have built a strong and respected presence in social media and networking channels.

Susan Young, the “Virtual PR Coach,” works with companies, nonprofits and associations who want to increase their visibility, credibility and revenues. Visit her blog at www.getinfrontblogging.com.
For the Full Blog Article go to:
http://www.ragan.com/ME2/Audiences/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=MultiPublishing&mod=PublishingTitles&mid=5AA50C55146B4C8C98F903986BC02C56&tier=4&id=CE345DC36A1F4BADA3D8E222A154215E&AudID=3FF14703FD8C4AE98B9B4365B978201A

Greater Toronto REALTORS® report March Resale Market Figures

April 6, 2010 -- Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 10,430 sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in March, pushing total first quarter 2010 sales to 22,418 – the best result on record under the current Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) boundaries. The average price for March transactions was $434,696. The average price for the first quarter was $427,948.

Click here for complete Market Watch. http://www.torontorealestateboard.com/consumer_info/market_news/mw2010/pdf/mw1003.pdf

MLS rival joins battle against Competition Bureau

Garry Marr, Financial Post Published: Wednesday, April 07, 2010

The Canadian Real Estate Association now has a strange ally in its fight with the Competition Bureau - the owner of an independent site that aims to compete with the Multiple Listing Service.

National FSBO Network Inc. has filed a motion for leave to intervene in the case before the Competition Tribunal involving the federal watchdog and CREA, the group that represents more than 100 real estate boards across Canada and the country's 98,000 agents.

Melanie Aitken, Commissioner of the Competition Bureau, filed an application with the tribunal in February in which she referred to CREA's practices as anti-competitive.

The two sides have been battling over access to the MLS system, which is owned in Canada by CREA and which the bureau says is responsible for about 90% of residential property sales.

Last month, CREA approved new industry regulations that would give consumers some ability to decide how much or how little they use an agent on a real estate deal.

Ms. Aitken rejected the changes passed by CREA. Her plan would allow real estate agents to provide a multitude of a la carte services, including using an agent just to list on MLS.

Private sales by owners represent as much as 30% of all transactions in some centres, National FSBO says. Its application suggests the government watchdog's plan would put them out of business, thus reducing competition instead of creating room for it.

"We are not quite sure what the commissioner is trying to achieve," said Stephen Skelly, vice-president of operations with Ottawa-based National FSBO. "There is a discussion of a fee-for-service operation and that's the kind of thing FSBO businesses already provide."

Mr. Skelly's worry is that if agents list property on the MLS for a one-time fee and provide no additional service, his members won't be able to compete because the MLS has such a dominant position. He is trying to link various FSBO networks across the country and has six signed up, including GrapeVine Home Marketing Consultants in Ottawa, one of the largest in eastern Ontario.

"There is serious concern in the FSBO community that if the commissioner's application is successful, it would be very difficult for FSBO businesses to compete with agents who would have full use of the MLS and ‘related trademarks' and who would have all of the advertising and marketing recourses of CREA and its members. This could ultimately lead to the demise of FSBO businesses and the cost-effective services they provide, and effectively [create] a monopoly situation," the application states.

Neither CREA nor the bureau would comment on the application. Both sides can file a motion with the tribunal as to why or why not Mr. Skelly should be granted intervenor status.

The bureau has also received a request for leave to intervene from Lawrence Dale, the former owner of Realtysellers, which says it was prime target of CREA's anti-competitive practices.

No date has been set for the tribunal hearing.



Read more: http://www.financialpost.com/news-sectors/story.html?id=2775030#ixzz0kjzNGvyj

Mortgage Insurance a Pillar of Canada's Strong Housing Market

Terrence Belford, Canwest News Service Published: Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Mortgage insurance, policies that protect lenders in case of default, has revolutionized the Canadian housing market, experts say. For a relatively low premium, tacked on to the face value of a loan, buyers can own their home with as little as a 5% cash down payment.

First introduced about 35 years ago by what was then Central Mortgage and Housing Corp., it has meant that as prices across the country soared, so did the ability of the average working Canadian to buy a home without waiting years to raise a 20% down payment.

"We just would not see the strong housing market -- new and resale alike -- that we have enjoyed for the past decade without mortgage insurance," says Ajay Soni, senior broker with Invis, a national lender, in Vancouver.

"Without it, Canadians would still face either the need for 20% down payments or substantial second mortgages at high interest rates. It has shaved years off the time families must scrape and save for a down payment."

To give an idea of the scope of mortgage insurance, in 2008 alone Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. insured 400,000 residential loans in Canada, says Mark McInnis, vice-president underwriting, servicing and policy at CMHC.

In that same year, four out of 10 new and resale homes carried mortgage insurance, says Peter Vukanovich, president of Genworth Financial Canada, a third company that provides mortgage insurance in Canada. The other is AIG Guaranty Canada, which was recently purchased from American International Group Inc. (AIG) by private investors led by the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan.

So just what is mortgage insurance, who needs it and what does it cost?

Mortgage insurance protects lenders against default by borrowers. "Simply put, it protects them against loss," Mr. Vukanovich says. That loss protection means banks and other financial institutions are more eager to take a risk on a borrower who only starts out with 5% equity in a new home.

In fact, mortgage insurance is legally compulsory on any residential mortgage made for more than 80% of the appraised value of a new or resale home by a federally regulated lender such as a bank, says McInnis.

As for premiums, they generally start at 1% of the face value of the loan if there is slightly less than a 20% down payment and rise to as much as 2.75% with 95% financing, Mr. McInnis says. That premium is tacked on to the principal amount of the loan and slowly paid off during the term of the mortgage.

"As an example, suppose you took out a $200,000 mortgage with maybe less than 10% down," Mr. Vukanovich says. "If the premium was 2.5%, then you would actually borrow $205,000."

How do you arrange mortgage insurance? You don't. Either the lender or the broker handling the loan processes the application, works out the premium and adds it on to the face value.

"The three most important factors to us as an insurer are a borrower's credit rating, their ability to repay the loan and the appraised value of the property," Mr. McInnis says.

As a general rule of thumb, CMHC wants borrowers to be spending no more than 32% of their gross income before taxes on housing costs including property taxes and utilities and no more than 40% of gross income on debt of all kinds including car loans, student loans and credit card debt.



Read more: http://www.financialpost.com/related/topics/story.html?id=2746141#ixzz0k8wgZXGo

“Don’t Use a Part Time Agent” – a Gutsy Approach

From the Desk of Darryl Mitchell, Managing Broker, RE/MAX Professionals Inc.

“Interesting approach at a time when the Competition Bureau is on the heels of organized Real Estate” Darryl Mitchell, RE/MAX Professionals Inc. Managing Broker of the RE/MAX Canada “Don’t Use A Part Time Agent” Campaign.
Let’s look at Reality. Today many agents in real estate in Ontario are part time. At a time when the Competition Bureau is berating the industry across Canada, more part time agents than ever are experiencing lower incomes than ever. Is this competition gone awry, or simply a modern trend?
Is this good for the industry? Good for society? Or is this simply a design to failure in an overly competitive industry? I suppose it depends on your perspective as to what success and competition is.
Let’s use some other life decisions as comparables;
- If you were in need of a heart transplant, would you hire a part time surgeon?
- Your car needs adjustment to its steering system. Would you hire a part time auto mechanic?
- What if you want to invest your retirement savings? Would you hire your neighbour who dabbles in stocks?
Probably not! In fact these scenarios are very unlikely. Experts in any of these fields would chastise anyone who ever thought of these approaches to major life changing decisions. The media would shout “Fool!” at anyone who pursued these tactics and lost their life, their steering or their life savings.
So what is so different with the purchase or sale of a home? Use a part time Realtor to buy or sell the largest transaction most of us make in our lives? A bit fool hardy I would say!
So is this statement, made in the public forum a fool hardy approach in the view of the recent competition challenge facing organized real estate? Considering the position of our industry, this may be the only stake holder with the capacity and knowledge to position the argument effectively for the good of all stake holders.
First, we must look at the front line competition defender, The Canadian Real Estate Association. This organization is the defender of the organized real estate industry and governed by the voting members on an equal vote basis, CREA has no mandate to make a statement such as this. A large contingent of voting membership is made up of part time Realtors! So their criticising this growing trend is unlikely.
The Competition Bureau will not criticize a competitor of questionable ability. They are attempting to increase what they, in their wisdom, is a dire lack of diverse competition. So no luck here.
Our provincial association, the Ontario Real Estate Board, and our local real estate boards who manage our Multiple Listing Services (MLS), similar to CREA will not question the ability or commitment of any of their membership, either.
Even the Real Estate Council of Ontario, who polices the ethics and professionalism will not criticise this less active group of agents.
Perish the thought of the other real estate brands standing up against the “part time” trend that is now not a trend but a norm in many other real estate business models. Being too vocal is just not politically correct at this time. Perhaps what the Competition Bureau needs to realize is that a bad business model is still a bad business model and businesses based on the “part time - low margin” approach are not financially viable. They do not provide a living income to the Realtor and their family.
So, it is up to Michael Polzler of RE/MAX Ontario Atlantic to state what is obvious to the most active in our business, time to change our industry to a more professional, full time agent basis. Let those who dabble in the business obtain a probationary license or other licensing approach. Not only will you see competition increase, but the competition will be more professional, more detailed in its approach. The consumer will be much better served with professionals representing their best interests effectively. They can still make their choice of business models. But my bet is they will still use a full time Realtor, with the time, talent, experience and professionalism to make a difference.
Or is this solution just too simple for the educated mind to see!
By the way, I am not against competition. Extremely high competition is what has made the Canadian Real Estate Industry so successful and vibrant in the face of the worst recession in two generations. We have many models currently active in our industry, many successful, others, not so much. Competition is what made our country, our industry and our people world leaders. Our MLS system and the Realtors involved helped save the equity in my home and probably yours as well. That is the way I see it, anyway.
Darryl Mitchell

See the entire article by Gary Marr from the Financial Post on the “Re/Max starts campaign against part-time agents”.