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Search for Neighbourhoods, Schools and Other Amenities

Toronto Real Estate Board has an excellent tool for searching neighbourhood, schools and other amenities. The is a great tool for the public to check out Toronto and area. Check it out! http://ping.fm/kyLmY

Tom Lebour, Toronto Real Estate Board President Reports a Strong Start to 2010

Toronto Real Estate Board President Tom LeBour in his year end review for the Toronto Star reported that he expects real estate listing numbers to rise, and prices to grow moderately Chekc out this article in the following link. http://ping.fm/uoLQE

RE/MAX Again The Leader in Market Share in Toronto and Mississauga

Check out the RE/MAX Ontario Atlantic 09 Market Report which shows the confidence that the public places on RE/MAX when chosing their Realtor of choice. http://ping.fm/WPjgg

Polzler Reports Housing Activity Moderate

Heated housing activity throughout 2009 lends little air to bubble theory in
the GTA, says RE/MAX Leader Polzler in his January update of the Canadian Real Estate marketplace. Check out all of his comments in this recent release.
http://ping.fm/vNxLF

The RE/MAX Story! Just Remarkable!

The story of RE/MAX is a remarkable story of the development of a new concept that changed the real estate industry forever. Check out this truly remarkable tale of a tipping point in the international real estate business.
http://www.remax-oa.com/AboutREMAX/Pages/RemaxStory.aspx

Heated housing activity throughout 2009 lends little air to bubble theory in the GTA, says RE/MAX

Despite limited inventory levels in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in the latter half of the year, double-digit price appreciation failed to materialize in the single-detached housing category in 2009, says RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada.
To read the entire report check out this link: http://www.remax-oa.com/MediaNewsroom/Pages/ReadMore.aspx?ItemID=55

Teranet Data Proves Toronto Property Has Been Great Investment

Teranet data shows Toronto residential real estate investment up over 18% since mid 2005. Wow! Great Investment!
http://www.torontorealestateboard.com/consumer_info/market_news/news2010/pdf/nr_mid_month_0110.pdf

Toronto Real Estate Board Reports Strong Early January Activity

Mid-month January Toronto real estate sales were great. What about month end?http://ping.fm/MIjmi

Economic activity in Toronto Ready to Improve States Toronto Real Estate Board

Renewed economic growth suggests that commercial real estate situation to
improve in 2010 states Toronto Real Estate Board http://ping.fm/dZD1k

United States Real Estate Sales Drop in December

US home sales fall 7.6% to 9 month low -http://www.marketwatch.com/story/new-home-sales-fall-76-to-9-month-low-2010-01-27?siteid=bnbh

Cookie Dust

It was the night before my recent change of positions to RE/MAX Professionals as Broker and Manager in Etobicoke. I had cooked that evening. It was a beautiful meal of Chinese food picked up just one half hour before at our local supplier of egg rolls, chow mein and chicken balls. The spread of food was a mixture of some of the most scruptuous fair that anyone late coming home could prepare.
The meal ended with the traditional ceremony of the fortune cookie. Each of us opening our cookie with the suspense and embellishment that only a fortune cookie affectionato could provide.
I was last. My cookie was the last remaining piece of this ceremony.
Now, I do not normally believe a fortune cookie provides more than just a little piece of humour, a laugh for those in attendance. Not very serious stuff in my mind!
But this time the message was different, prophetic if you will.
I opened the cookie with all the reluctance and doubt that any last opener could provide. I read it quietly, quietly a second time, and then openly to the rest.
"Excellent day for dusting. Start with a few old dreams." it stated, followed by a few lucky numbers.
I did not use the lucky numbers that day. No lottery ticket here. I had already won the lottery, a chance for a new start with a great brand, RE/MAX Professionals.
So the dust is off, the dreams are clear, and the fortune......already won!

Book Review - The Whuffie Factor

This is my latest read: The Whuffie Factor by Tara Hunt.
http://www.thewhuffiefactor.com/

Whuffie Factor

Whuffie is the ephemeral, reputation-based currency of Cory Doctorow's science fiction novel, Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom. This book describes a post-scarcity economy: All the necessities (and most of the luxuries) of life are free for the taking. A person's current Whuffie is instantly viewable to anyone, as everybody has a brain-implant giving them an interface with the Net.

The term has since seen some adoption as a synonym for social capital, including its use in the title of the Tara Hunt book The Whuffie Factor.
Taken From Wikepedia, January 21, 2010.

2010 International RE/MAX Convention in Orlando, Florida

Hold the Date or Register today for the 2010 International RE/MAX Convention in Orlando,
Florida February 28 -March 3, 2010.

HST Training for RE/MAX Professionals

Re/Max Professionals Inc. recently held HST Training for their sales staff
in order to prepare them to inform their clients and customers. Call for
information on HST on real estate from Re/Max Professional Realtors by email to Darryl Mitchell, Broker/Manager Etobicoke at dmitchell@remaxprofessionals.ca; 416-744-6547
Or to Christine Mitchell, Broker/Manager Mississauga at cmitchell@remaxprofessionals.ca; 905-270-8840.

Harmonized Sales Tax: Good News and Bad News

By Lou Radomsky, January 20, 2010-01-20

Re/Max Professionals, Erindale Office

HST will soon be a way of life for Ontario Consumers

Harmonized Sales Tax - Good News and Bad News

By Lou Radomsky, January 20, 2010-01-20
Re/Max Professionals, Erindale Office
HST will soon be a way of life for Ontario Consumers. Re/Max Professionals Inc. recently held HST Training for their sales staff in order to prepare them to inform their clients and customers. Here are photos of Etobicoke's #1 Realtors at work as they learn the details of HST and the implications of the tax to the real estate transaction. If you would like more information on HST, call your local Re/Max Professional Realtor at 416-744-6547, or email me at dmitchell@remaxprofessionals.ca.
Darryl Mitchell

Not So New Manager

Wow! What a reception! I am thrilled to join Re/Max Professionals Inc. and to meet such exceptional people. You are the greatest!
It is interesting how perception can change the reality. As I have met so many new friends at Re/Max Kick Start and at my introduction receptions, I have found the introductions to be honourable, humbling and even at times a bit amusing.
When I first became a Realtor over 16 years ago, I was introduced as the "New" agent. It was acceptable to say agent in those days, so that was fine. The fact that "New", with a capital, was used had a great meaning. Of course the "New" meant newly licenced, inexperienced, naive, and perhaps more or less than flattering things. Even though I had several years of business experience in other venues, I was "New". Even though my person was bruised with good and bad experiences, I was "New". Sometimes I felt that people looked sideways at me as they pointed out my "Newness"! But that was then.
After 16 years of successes and failings, dents in my halo and bruises to my ego, I have a suggestion. Although I am new in this role, I am not the "New" Manager/Broker. Call me the "Used Manager". Even the "Not So New Manager" works for me.
By the way, I am by no means a comedian, but humour is great for the soul.
All the Best and thank you for the overwhelming support in my first week!
Darryl Mitchell

Greater Toronto REALTORSR reported 87,308 MLSR

transactions in 2009 - a 17 per cent increase over 2008.
http://ping.fm/oxwr5
/nr_market_watch_1209.pdf

Greater Toronto REALTORSR reported 1,749 existing home sales Multiple
Listing Service (MLSR) during the first two weeks of January, almost double
the 888 sales reported for the same period in 2009!

http://ping.fm/OMfIt
/nr_mid_month_0110.pdf

Your Database is a Gold Mine

This article was written and published by Buffini and Company in 2006. It is just as relevant today as it was then. Enjoy! Darryl Mitchell

Author: Beth Bresnahan
Publishing date: 07/07/06
Commentary by Brian Buffini

My father and grandfather relied on a simple principle for their business in
Ireland: exceed clients' expectations and they will exceed yours by
referring you to others. When I entered the real estate business in San
Diego, I wanted to be able to rely on a steady stream of referred leads like
my family had.

Realizing that I could work with people who already trusted me, I focused on
relationships rather than transactions. By implementing a system, I built a
fortune while working with great clients. I held myself accountable to
standards and always took the time to remind clients that I did not spend
time advertising or prospecting. I could dedicate even more time to them if
I could rely on being referred to others. My core database became a
goldmine.

At our Turning Point RetreatT, I explain how to effectively build and use a
database to guarantee a supply of referred leads. A database is not a
mailing list; it is a list of relationships. This is a critical point of
awareness. Many real estate professionals have a mailing list, but the good
ones know what to do with a database. I advocate building relationships
because I believe it is the best way to do business. There is a goldmine in
your database, but you have to know how to mine for it.

Do you have an intentional system to consistently generate referred leads?

Working by referral demands a system. You may say to yourself, "Referrals
and word-of-mouth are the same." Well, we all get some word-of-mouth
business, but we do not all know how to proactively ensure those leads are
consistently generated. Waiting for word-of-mouth means you are not in
control of your own success. It is a passive and disorganized way of doing
business. Thousands of sales and service professionals across the country
have joined our ClubNetT Coaching program to learn how to develop referred
business using our proven systems. These systems are designed to be
implemented with commitment and consistent application. Our coaches help you
organize your database via three mechanisms:

Build: Gather the names of all those you know, including past clients.

Sort: Prioritize this database and consistently communicate with those who
refer you most.

Qualify: Using specific dialogs, continue to determine who is willing to do
business with and refer you.

After you have compiled a list of all those you know-including businesses
you refer to others-set a goal to meet five new people a day. At your place
of worship, sporting events or social gatherings, take the time to introduce
yourself. Open houses are another great opportunity to meet people-in fact,
the primary focus for holding an open house should be to grow your database.
The secondary focus is to find a lead.

The referral process is a system that demands perseverance and consistency.
Once compiled, you need to "ABC" your database. We always start there, as it
is where the rubber meets the road. The good news is there are only four
types of people in your database:

"A's" - most likely to refer you

"B's" - would refer you, if asked and shown how

"C's" - might refer you in the future

"D's" - names to be deleted from your database-it's good to get rid of a
headache, so do this up front!

When you prioritize your clients, you can prioritize your tasks, which then
allows you to prioritize your time.

Make a commitment to always refine your database. Don't just add new names
to it without working through those additions. The best way to refine your
database is by using a dialogue I teach called the "Mayor Campaign." My good
friend, Joe Niego, coined it when trying to ascertain who would do business
with him: "Oh, by the way, if you were buying or selling a home, or had a
friend or family member who was, do you have a Realtor who you would refer
them to?" For those who would refer you, make a follow-up phone call, send
them a personal note and add them to your CAP (Client Appreciation
ProgramT).* If they say, "Yes I do have a Realtor, and it is not you," then
move on. Practice the referral dialogs. Start with those you are closest to
and work your way out.

The key element is that you are trying to find "A" clients-those most likely
to send you referrals. Don't presume anything in this business. If you're
new to the business, use the Mayor Campaign to build your database. If
you've been in the business for a while, then use it to prune
back-constantly refining the ore for the gold. The rhythm of referrals is
about first giving, then asking, and finally-receiving.

Personal referral, based on trust, will never go out of style.

Trust is the key component to doing business by referral. For people to feel
a sense of trust, your character and competence must be communicated by
others. That's the unique impact of a referral. It really takes someone
other than you to verify your character and competence. As I've said
previously, referrals sell you better than you can sell yourself. It's
almost impossible to communicate your character to others as it appears
boastful. Referrals, however, are objective and effective. I took time to
think about a proactive system that generated referrals at the source.
Thinking long-term, I viewed my client base relationally, rather than from a
transactional standpoint.

For most people, success requires planning, a system and commitment.

Serve those who want to be served. A small number of high-quality clients
can send you more referrals than you can handle. Focus your energy and your
efforts where the gold is. This system is designed to invigorate your
database so that they work on your behalf.

Those who've been most successful in our coaching program prove that luck
has nothing to do with it. What determines success is the effort applied to
implementing the fundamentals: stay in contact with clients, take great care
of them and remember to ask for referrals.

These days life is noise, pace and speed-it's easy to not feel valued or
cared for. In my real estate business, I would zero in on my best clients,
let them know how important they were and make sure I was available to them.
We'd meet and afterwards I would send them a book about the topic we had
discussed. Sometimes I gave them items of value that cost a little more-a
balloon ride or tickets to a sporting event. An A+ client is one who has
given you multiple referrals that have closed. With my A+ clients, I kept a
list of what they liked and sent them things based on that. To this day, I
have great relationships with people because I invested time and energy into
my best clients.

If you want your business to be big, make your focus small. If you want to
grow a fortune by implementing a referral-based business, remember that your
database is a goldmine.

Brian Buffini is the founder and president of Buffini & Company. For more
information, visit http://ping.fm/PczF5

Canadian Christian Leaders go to Queretro, Mexico to share with business leaders: http://ping.fm/rI7mN

December 16th, 2009

Dear Colleagues and Friends,



Derek Levitt February of 2011 will mark my 30th year with RE/MAX
Professionals Inc., mostly in the role of Branch Manager. I cannot believe
how quickly the time has flown by. It would be an understatement to say
that I have found my tenure here remarkable in so many ways. I have
personally hired most of you and have seen your careers blossom over the
years. I have also seen your struggles and personal challenges through
life's hurdles. It has been an honour to have been a shoulder to lean on
and trusted confidante; to be available to answer your questions and guide
you through the myriad of changes the industry has gone through. I have
been totally jazzed to embrace the new technologies that make our jobs
easier and share that enthusiasm with you to see the possibilities it brings
to your businesses. And, I have learned so much from all of you. It has
been such a great ride.



I have been approached by a number of you inquiring about my
plans for retirement and am happy to say that day has NOT yet arrived. I
will, however, take on a different role in the management team of this
company and I will be less involved in the day-to-day management in favour
of focusing on what I enjoy the most; coaching salespeople to reach their
potential, set goals and help them plot their journey to reach them.



In January of 2010, RE/MAX Professionals will be introducing a
formal Coaching and Mentoring Program that I will spearhead, taking on the
role of Productivity Coach. My office will be located on the main floor, in
the west wing beside the boardroom. My extension will remain the same and I
hope many of you will consider taking advantage of this program, setting
2010 as your best year ever!



It is my distinct pleasure to introduce you to the newest member
of our leadership team, your new Branch Manager, Christine Mitchell.
Christine and her husband, Darryl have been married 31 years, have 3 adult
children - Lynn, Scott and Jeff and reside in Oakville, Ontario. She brings
a rich background in the real estate industry to her new role that will
enrich our value proposition to our sales force.



Entering the industry in 1987 with an independent brokerage, she
soon recognized the value of the brand and joined RE/MAX in Chatham in 1991,
earning top producer status that continued for 14 years. Starting her own
Better Homes and Garden real estate brokerage in 1994, she sought out an
opportunity to be trained as an International Sales Trainer in a variety of
subjects. Christine has since established a reputation in training and
coaching Realtors to achieve high standards and production in their real
estate business. For 4 consecutive years, Christine was awarded the
International Marketing award at the Franchise's U.S. convention.



Christine and her husband, Darryl, owned and operated the
brokerage with 3 offices in South Western Ontario, rebranding to Royal
LePage after 5 years and growing their market share to 50% during their
involvement in the brokerage. In 2002, Christine and Darryl sold their
interests in Chatham and were hired by Royal LePage to manage two of the
corporately owned real estate branches. Christine enjoyed the opportunity
of being able to develop training programs, work closely with Realtors to
coach them towards new opportunities for business development.



Two years ago, Christine was recruited to TD Canada Trust as an
Area Sales Manager with the Mobile Mortgage Specialists. Her role involved
nurturing Realtor and bank relationships. As well, Christine provided sales
coaching and training to a team of mortgage specialists that encompassed
Burlington, Oakville, Milton and Mississauga.



Mitchell_ChristineApr2007 The timing couldn't be more perfect for
RE/MAX Professionals to leverage my love of training and coaching, and
Christine's experience in business development to take us to the next level
of excellence.



Christine says, "In today's market, brand recognition is more
important than ever. I am proud to be with RE/MAX Professionals, working
with outstanding Realtors to achieve outstanding results."



I will be back in the office on Thursday December 17th after a
great holiday and look forward to seeing you all. You will have an
opportunity to meet Christine at our Christmas Luncheon at The Old Mill on
Friday.



See you soon,




Derek

RE/MAX ASSISTANT - Why Join RE/MAX

RE/MAX - RE/MAX ASSISTANT - Why Join RE/MAX: "RE/MAX Assistant"

Housing Performance Expected to Accelerate in 2010

RE/MAX - Read More: "Housing performance expected to accelerate in 2010, as economic stability returns to Canadian markets, says RE/MAX"

Give first and you will receive in abundance.

Slower monthly price rises in three out of six markets

Canadian home prices in October were up 0.6% from a year earlier, according to the Teranet-National Bank National Composite House Price Index™. It was the first 12-month rise in almost a year. The reason for this turnaround after 10 consecutive months of 12-month deflation is that October was the sixth straight month in which the composite index was up from the month before. The monthly gain of 1.3% was the same as in September. Prices have now risen 1% or more for five months in a row. In October, however, the monthly rise varied significantly among the six metropolitan markets surveyed.

This is the link to World Vision for your donation to the Haiti disaster
fund:
http://ping.fm/6Hca3
0&gclid=CKTsgPnJrJ8CFQjxDAodE3p50g

Canadian Housing Observer | CMHC

Canadian Housing Observer CMHC: "The Canadian Housing Observer, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's flagship publication, presents a detailed annual review of housing conditions and trends in Canada and of the key factors behind them. The report is supplemented by online data tables and analysis, and Housing in Canada Online accessible to anyone interested in exploring trends further or in conducting additional analyses of housing conditions.
The Observer is an important tool for identifying, addressing and monitoring Canadian housing trends and issues. It is an ideal resource for housing planners; researchers; policy developers; home builders; housing finance and real estate professionals; and municipal, provincial/territorial, and federal housing specialists.

Highlighting the State of Canada's Housing
The annual Housing Observer report examines the state of Canada's housing from a variety of perspectives, combining national coverage with provincial/territorial and metropolitan detail. The report discusses influences on housing demand, current market developments, housing finance, housing affordability, sustainable communities, and other topics.
The 2009 Canadian Housing Observer and previous editions are available in both print and PDF formats, free of charge:"

Darryl Mitchell Joins Remax Professionals

We are both so very pleased to welcome Darryl Mitchell to our Leadership Team as the Broker/Manager for Kingsway and    East Mall Branches.

A Realtor for over 15 years, Darryl comes to RE/MAX Professionals with over 30 years of business management.  Darryl joins us after 7 1/2 years with Royal LePage Real Estate Services, managing offices in Oakville and in Etobicoke, and most recently as Central Toronto Area Manager.  In these roles, he has been known as an accomplished mentor, assisting salespeople to greater accomplishments.  In each of the offices Darryl has managed, recruiting career Realtors and strategic business planning has been emphasized.  In 2007, Darryl was chosen as Philanthropist of the Year for the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation.

Prior to his work in the Greater Toronto Area, Darryl and his wife, Christine Mitchell owned their own franchised office for Royal LePage in Chatham, Ontario, Their Chatham business grew organically and by merger to become the market leader with over 50% market share.
This dynamic duo brings a new dimension to RE/MAX Professionals Inc. and for the first time in our history, brings a talent that can address the businesses of our salespeople at any stage in their careers.  The nuts of bolts of those new to the business, to those wishing to take their business to the next level, develop a team, or develop better time management skills to bring balance to their lives, Darryl and Christine have the experience and skill to lead.

Darryl encourages a lifetime of learning experience, continually updating his skills.  He is a Certified Mentor with Brian Buffini and has written several real estate training initiatives.
Darryl and Christine have three children:  Lynn - a financial analyst in Toronto, Scott - Manager of a retail paint store in York and Jeffrey - currently completing his business education.  Special friend, "Bear" , the family Labradoodle rounds out the Mitchell family. Daryl's special interests include music, reading, social networking and cottage gardening.

Please give Darryl a warm "Professionals" welcome.

John and Pamela Alexander