Manitoba

And we await. As Alf Warkentin says: "The moment of truth is upon us". It sounds very doomsday doesn't it?

The general worry and fear that flood is upon us can be unavoidable. For those living south of the perimeter close to the United States we are sure your worry is greater than ours up here in Winnipeg's windy corridors. General concerns in the city here have centered around ice covered manholes and sewers that are not draining and therefore create large lakes of water in the city. As well, accumulation of water from rain, melting snow and ice means our backyards and streets are a slushy yucky mess. I don't know about the rest of you but I have a sincere appreciation for my sump pump right now!

Thankfully I even have a sump pump to be appreciative of! What if I didn't? What if I didn't have one and it resulted in basement flooding?

Hmmm... a double pain I would say. For one, flooding creates a mess, things have to replaced, torn down, rebuilt...etc. Number two is once you have water issues in your basement, this is something you will always have to disclose if you intend to sell your home.

Disclosure has always been a hot topic in real estate. The term "Caveat Emptor" or, 'Let the Buyer Beware' is a common term (or should be!) for sellers and buyers alike because it holds a lot of truth. There are simply some things about a property that the seller may not know or have any control over. So how can that be disclosed? Of course it can't, but things that the seller is aware of can and must be disclosed, things like water in the basement, leaky roofs, permits not taken out on work completed. It is a bit involved but the basic rule is that if there is a defect in your home that you are aware of... just disclose it! You cannot cover up defects and hide them if you know about them. If there is a defect in your home that you are aware of and you cover it up and not disclose it, then the buyer discovers it... you might be in some trouble with that one...! Also, if it is something that a buyer could see readily with their naked eye, like a broken window, then that doesn't necessarily need to be pointed out. However, since flooding is a huge thing... even if you had water stains halfway up your basement wall I would make a point of telling your Realtor about it, why not be safe? It is kind of like sandbagging yourself and liability against further issues.

So as spring decends almost too rapidly for us here in the Prairies we Realtors can only ask that you keep yourselves high and dry, and help out the neighbours and those to the south who need it. If your basement floods, make note of it and prepare to disclose that fact in an eventual sale.

It's a phrase my mom taught me, and probably your mom or dad too -- "Use the right tools for the job!"

Man, I didn't want to believe her. I would use my teeth to bite off those plastic clothes labels ('cause the scissors were just a bit too far away...). Making tape instead of painter's tape, 'cause $1 more would break the bank. A credit card for a windshield scraper in -40C weather.

You know what I got for my trouble? You guessed it...a chipped tooth, a crappy paint job and a broken credit card!

So now I take my mom's advice and don't do things by halves.

What am I trying to get at here? Please, for the love of God, get the right equipment to take your real estate photos!

You can keep your dark, dreary, fuzzy, crooked, over-exposed, under-exposed, toilet seat-up, pictures. And don't forget those pictures of you taking the picture reflected in the bathroom mirror!

Now, sorry if I'm getting a bit ranty here. I'm not a perfect photographer, and I don't expect anyone else to be perfect either. But if you could just give it your best effort, everyone would really appreciate it and our artistic souls won't have to suffer any longer...

Get a high-quality DSLR camera. My favourite right now is the very reasonably priced Canon XSi. Get a good wide-angle lens, like a Sigma 10-20mm, which you should be able to find in just about any good camera store. And practice, practice, practice. These cameras may seem a bit daunting at first, but they are the right tool for real estate photography. They will automatically make your job easier. You will get more of the room, be able to control more of the exposure, and have more flexibility it setting up your shots. I am proud to say that I am a better photographer now that I am not using my grade 4 pinhole camera! Mom was right (but don't tell her that).

Your post-processing will be easier, too. Everyone is short on time these days, but a little bit of good software, like Adobe Lightroom, will help you out and can get your photos cropped in a jiff!

So take advantage of the changing market to improve your skills behind the lens. It will pay off big time with sellers, who will appreciate the additional exposure their home will get by having more and better quality photos in their listing.

Thanks for hearing me out! Happy shooting (no, not that kind of shooting!).

Are you a User or an Investor? There are two main types of commercial customers:

1. The Users who are seeking a property that will house their business. Their main concerns are location, visibility and the prestige that will accompany a particular property or location. Buying decisions will be affected by the buildings' age, or newness of the property, the neighborhood, safety for staff, security, lighting, office size, window placements, and primarily whether the property enhances business opportunities. Their buying decisions are largely focused on the question "'What's in it for my business" and whether this property will offer the opportunity for growth without excessive increases in overhead costs.

2. The Investors who are motivated by three slightly different factors of influence; What is the rate of return they can expect to receive on their capital investment? How secure is the rate of return, is it guaranteed, or reliable? What are the risks or chance of losing the investment? And most importantly what is the potential for capital growth? Investors often have a desired rate of return established prior to beginning their property search. While attractive settings and decors may be desirable, they are not at the top of the list for Investors.

A User may be 'Buying an Income Dream', whereas an Investor is 'Buying an Income Stream'

View a virtual tour at http://richardives.point2agent.com/Rapid_City_South_Dakota/South_Dakota/Homes/West_Boulevard/Woodridge/Agent/Listing_613336.html

Large two-story home located just above the heart of Rapid City in a quiet cul-de-sac. Built in 2001, with a one of a kind view from the large covered front porch. A peaceful backyard setting in the pines with a perfect spot for your hot tub, barbecue grill or both. The master suite with a large on-suite bath and a HUGE walk-in closet. This home has a nearly 3000 finished square feet, a home office, a three car garage, and a covered back deck perfect for entertaing on those summer nights. There is no need to bring your paint brush as the exterior of this home is mantenance free. LOTS OF STORAGE! Huge Storage area above the 3 car oversized garage so bring all of your toys. LARGE LOT! Almost a half acre, WOW! CITY VIEWS! Stunning City Light Views, easy access to everything. This home has it all.

Located just minutes from medical faciliteis and Rapid City's Regional Hospital, numerous restaurants, grocery stores, shopping and much more. A swimming pool, club house, lighted walking path, are all part of the association features you will enjoy while living in this great home.

Do not delay make this great home yours today. For more information or for your personal tour, contact RICHARD IVES REALTORS, INC. at 605-391-1503. http://richardives.point2agent.com/

(C) 2009 Richard Ives Realtors

What is Remington Financial Group, Inc?

For the past 15 years, Remington Financial Group has successfully provided capital and financial services to experienced real estate owners and developers nationwide.

Remington's success is built upon well-established relationships with highly regarded domestic and foreign based capital sources (both private and institutional). Our vast lender network, combined with market expertise and a highly disciplined due diligence and transaction process, means clients benefit from integrated, seamless financing with terms that are often superior to conventional approaches.

Remington works to provide customers with a clear picture of the status of their transaction, as well as any fees associated with the transaction throughout the due diligence process. We work proactively to identify and overcome challenges before they become barriers to a successful close.

Remington Financial Group offers a variety of creative financing options with highly competitive rates for conventional financing, bridge loans, construction loans and hard-money loans while delivering exceptional service throughout the financing process.

Representing clients exclusively, Remington carefully manages the formation of all capital levels so they are structured and tailored for each individual transaction. This process saves clients both money and time while greatly reducing transaction risk. Where other sources were unable to execute at all, RFG has repeatedly delivered refined capital solutions to complex transactions.

Remington Financial Group, Inc. - Provides Advisory Services

RFG's expertise and market knowledge can help revitalize existing deals that may be at risk. Our firm's Advisory Services, as well as our comprehensive Financing Programs including origination, evaluation, transaction structuring, preparation and underwriting, negotiations and coordination of placement and closing processes.

Remington Financial Group's expert Advisory Services help clients carefully review and redesign transactions that may have existing financing challenges. RFG's team develops advanced strategies to create new and alternative financing opportunities that can help supplement or replace conventional lending sources.

Remington's borrowers gain the advantage of a comprehensive perspective from which to choose the widest range of financing products available because of the firm's access to the latest and most competitive capital sources on the market.

Remington Financial Group can also make introductions to capital sources that can meet the unique demands of specialty and challenging transactions. Companies that are currently restructuring or emerging from bankruptcy and are in need of recapitalization, or considering expansion through leveraged acquisition, will greatly benefit from our experience and insightful guidance through complex transactions.

Remington Financial Group - Recent Real Estate Closings

$8.5 MM - Waterfront Property, Land Loan - NC

$7 MM - Hotel, Acquisition Financing - MD

$28 MM - Apartment Complex, Permanent Mortgage Financing - PA

$2.04 MM - Boat Restaurant & Club, Interim Construction Financing - TX

$19.5 MM - Hotel Resort & Casino, Senior / Subordinate Financing - NV

$3.6 MM - Apartment Complex, Permanent / Refinance - TX

$7.2 MM - Apartment Complex, Interim & Bridge Financing - DC

$5.6 MM - Medical Center, Permanent Mortgage Financing - PA

$2 MM - ATM Machines, Acquisition Financing - FL

$6.75 MM - Apartment Complex, Acquisition & Rehabilitation Financing - NY

$6.8 MM - Apartment Complex, Permanent Mortgage Financing - NY

$3.75 MM - Apartment Complex, Permanent / Acquisition Financing - TX

$2.5 MM - Medical Services Company, Equity & Debt Financing - NY

$5 MM - Service Supply Company, Asset Base Working Capital Line Financing - TX

$40 MM - Development Company, Portfolio Acquisition Financing - NY

$1.7 MM - Chiropractic Clinic & Medical Office Building, Permanent / Refinance - TX

$56.5 MM - Office Building Redevelopment, Re-capitalization Debt/Mezzanine Financing - FL

$24 MM - Mall, Permanent / Refinance - WA

$6.2 MM - Office Complex, Permanent Mortgage Financing - PA

$5 MM - Assisted Living Facility, Interim Senior Financing - FL