Cochrane, AB

Are you keeping up to date with the latest technologies? Like it or not, the new kids on the block are embracing these tools to keep up with the ever increasing volumes of information that are coming at them. Here's what Wikipedia has to say about them. I had to call my son to see if it works and while I'm not exactly sure why or how, he seemed to be able to scan it fine on his Iphone. He was not very good at explaining how, but I think the new smart phones are equipped to snap a picture of them and instantly convert that photo into a contact with all sorts of relevant information about your business.

I am still using my old Palm Treo 650 which is kind of a dinosaur, but in it's day was cutting edge and until it breaks offers me great features which I am very familiar. Maybe one day I will drop it and have no alternative but to once again purchase the latest and greatest, which will enable me to access my entire contact list albeit with the help of a costly Canadian data plan which the competition bureau seems to think that's OK. But then the Telcoms do pay their wages don't they? (Dig).

In the mean time, I'm satisfied with the status quo in this area until I have a really good reason to upgrade. I don't see a benefit in changing just for the sake of change, and have no desire to be waken at all hours of the night with the instant updates from hundreds of people that I dialog with.

If you have an Iphone or other smart phone, try and scan this and let me know how it works. Like it or not, change is the order of the day. For more information check out the Wiki .

Cochrane Business Network meets monthly. The next meeting is Friday Feb, 12th 2010. Bring a friend and join us. Calgary and Cochrane business owners, salespeople and business people are all welcome. If you want to be a business person join us too! Reserve your seat today at CochraneBusiness.net but hurry! see you Friday! Note: We alos have 2 Chapters in Calgary that meet on a monthly basis as well.

The Cochrane market although only a few minutes from Calgary has a market of its own. Take for example December 2008 when only 7 homes sold. Now we know thats a quiet time of year but only 7!

The Condo market in Cochrane is going through some real change. Just a couple of years ago you couldnt find a condo to buy or rent. Now with the addition of several new complexes either just having been built or that are about to be opened the market will be flooded with Condos.

For Condo and new home Buyers - a word of caution.
Just because you are buying new doesn't mean you can let your self relax. Ask yourself if you are dealing direct with the Builder or the Builders Rep - who do they really represent? Who's best interests are they going to look after when push comes to shove? In some cases I can answer that one for you.

Im not saying that Builders and their sales people are all crooked in fact that's not true.

However when a person's paycheque is coming for Mr Smith (their Boss and Builder in one) and I need to stand on the fence will I really stand on the fence when push comes to shove? Will I really go the extra mile for Mr. Jones the Buyer?
Theres lots of Mr Jone's out there but only one Mr Smith (My Boss).
If something I know could kill the deal would the sales rep disclose it to the buyer when working directly for the seller? In Fact in Alberta (I'm not sure about other proivinces and states - check) There is no law that says in this situation I must represent the Buyer fairly when I work for the Builder.

When you hire a Licensed Realtor a number of things happen.
1. You eneter into a legally binding relationship where the Realtor must look after your best interests - all the way through the process!
2.The Realtor is paid by the deal not the Builder him self.
3. The Realtor's Boss is YOU! Not the Builder!
I can go on and on but the Realtor must abide by the Real Estate Act - Not the Builder.
The Realtor must abide by Consumer protection laws - not the builder. The builder only has to work with New Home Warranty Rules and the Fraud and False pretence sections of the Criminal Code - in other words - Prove it when something goes wrong? (In some cases).

Trust me when I say - save yourself the hassle & stress - Hire a Realtor on new builds.

Get your Realtor to involve a reputab;e Home Inspector too. Yes even when its new they can find issues and problems! My last Home Inspection on a brand new show home found multiple issues right down to the taps not working and some had the hot and cold mixed up. Electrical recepticles with no wiring or not hooked up? Sound like a rush job to you?

Protect yourself with a honest experienced Realtor and if its a Condo make sure they are Ceritifed to deal in Condos - Certified Condominium Specialists are the best in that area.

By the way - Cochrane Alberta is a beautiful place to live and raise a family!