Jenny Kotulak Oakville Real Estate

Housing starts down in October says CMHC
The seasonally adjusted annual rate of housing starts was 211,800 units in October, down from 218,600 units in September, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). "The slight decrease in housing starts is the result of declines in both single-detached and multiple starts in October" said Bob Dugan, Chief Economist at CMHC's Market Analysis Centre. While overall urban starts declined in Ontario, single urban starts increased by 10.1 per cent in October.

Last night I had a chance to see award winning singer Michelle Wright perform at the Oakville Centre here in Oakville, Ontario. Although I had obviously heard plenty of Michelle's songs on the radio, I probably would not have attended her concert but for a friend who asked me if I would like to go along with her. Being a small, intimate venue, our seats were great and it gave us an "up close and personal" type of evening. What we didn't realize was that this was a Christmas tour that she does every year in smaller settings. Not only did we hear her past hits, but she played songs from her new Christmas CD and also songs from another new CD she has released. During the show she shared stories of her visit to Afghanistan to perform for the troops and her World Vision trips to third world countries. World Vision had a table set up in the lobby for those who wished to sponsor a child. Michelle also graciously made herself available to sign CD's and take photos after the show. It was a very uplifting evening for a few reasons. Listening to beautiful Christmas songs, both new and traditional put me in the spirit of the holidays and seeing a successful recording artist who cares about those more unfortunately and makes a personal effort to help is very refreshing. So thanks to my friend for suggesting the Michelle Wright concert. It has certainly put me in the spirit of the season. Now if we would just get some snow

I'm on Facebook and my Kids are Aghast

Facebook, youtube, myspace, twitter, Linkedin, flickr, Active Rain. Just a few websites part of the new phenomenam (or not so new) called Social Networking or Web 2.0. How much is too much? I started on Facebook and my kids were nervous. Was I going to invade their privacy? How private can it be if whatever is added is public to the whole universe? I hear some kids even use shadow names so their parents can't find them. What started out as a way to stay in contact with old friends and look at their photos has grown to include new friends, and business networking. There are groups to join, silly stuff to try, and lots of new lingo to learn. I graduated from Facebook to Active Rain. How passionate are REALTORS, eh? Sorry, that's the Canadian coming out. Why are there so few Canadians on Active Rain? O.K. we will keep it our little secret. I began uploading photos of my community to Localism.com. I have now joined Linkedin and I have a blog on Google. I can't for the life of me figure out how to add an analytics program to my blog. I am now uploading photos to Flickr. I attended sessions on blogging and Social Networking at the NAR Conference in Orlando. I just returned from a Canadian Real Estate Conference in Quebec City. An amazing French Canadian City 400 years old. This is as old as Canada gets. More sessions on Web 2.0 and Social Networking. The speaker told me after the session that about 5 percent of the people in the room will even explore the topic. Very few people in the room had a blog. Both the panels at NAR and CREA were quick to point out that Blogging wasn't for everyone and that if you don't intend to blog regularly then it probably isn't worth the time and effort. For those who enjoy writing and networking, it can be a very positive and successful venture. Apparently Google loves blogs and this is a great way to increase your exposure on the web. I must say I am seeing some positive results when I google myself. Anything we can do to increase our exposure without having a cost attached works for me.

Yours in blogging (and selling)

Jenny from Oakville, Ontario, Canada

www.OakvilleRealEstateBlog.ca

Monday, November 17, 2008

Moonshine and Good Fun

"There's always something happening at The Moonshine Cafe."

I've taken these words directly from the Moonshine Cafe's website http://www.themoonshinecafe.com/. I was first introduced to this funky, 70's throwback coffee house/bar/live music venue a couple of months ago by one of my old high school mates that I had reconnected with at our O.T. High School reunion in May. This eclectic little spot on Kerr Street has become a meeting place of sorts since then, for a bunch of my old school chums who turn out when their schedules allow. Picture overstuffed armchairs with colourful afghans, hundreds of photos covering the walls mixed with consignment sale art work. Not your typical Oakville watering hole. Every night there is a different live band playing. Monday nights are BBQ night. Where else can you get a chicken or steak dinner with a live band for $10? I think The Moonshine Cafe may be one of Oakville's best kept secrets and I recommend it highly if you are looking for something a little different. The information below is also from their website. Enjoy good company and good times. Speaking of Good Company, the photo above is of Brian Good and his wife Susan who recently played at the Moonshine Cafe. Brian and his very popular "Good Brothers" have had a very successful career. Now Brian and Susan play gigs together under the name "Good Company."
More info from the website:
In Concert - Find out which fabulous artists/bands are performing at The Moonshine Cafe. Hear these great artists in an intimate setting. Reserve Seating recommended for all shows...don't be disappointed!!! Reserve by calling 905-844-2655

Show & Grill - Monday Nights there's something new cooking at The Moonshine Café. We are offering a delectable BBQ'd dinner with a show all year! We'll be serving dinner from 7:30 - 9PM At only 10 bucks it's a bargain... Reservations are appreciated but not mandatory.

SUNDAYS - Please check calendar to see what's happening this week

Selling Oakville --- Jenny Kotulak Broker

RE/MAX Aboutowne Realty Corp. Brokerage

Great Reasons to Buy or Sell in November and December

Many people feel that November and December are not good months to buy or sell a home. I don't believe there is ever a bad time of year to buy or sell. Here are my reasons why I feel these months are great opportunities.

1. Unmotivated sellers take their homes off the market. Therefore there is LESS COMPETITION for serious sellers. Unmotivated sellers will put their homes back on the market in January when everyone else does. Chances are they still won't sell.


2. Homes SHOW WELL over the holidays. Seasonal decorations, warm fires, wonderful smells from the kitchen entice buyers. Leave some cookies on a plate for the buyers.


3.There may be LESS SHOWINGS but most showings will be SERIOUS BUYERS. People are busy at this time of year and if they are out looking at homes they are usually MOTIVATED TO BUY.


4. Buyers who have just sold their homes in the FALL MARKET are looking to buy another home. These are FIRM BUYERS. Many want to be in their new home for Christmas. Treat firm buyers like gold.


5.Selling your home in November or December gives you the opportunity to wait until the New Year to buy. There will be more inventory and you will be in the driver's seat.


6. Many buyers getting transferred need to relocate for the New Year. Chances are they are scouting for new homes during the holiday season when they have time to bring their family to look.


7. Many people buy homes or condos for their children who are beginning College or University in January. If you live in a College or University area this is prime time to sell.


8. For BUYERS, there may be more room to NEGOTIATE PRICE as most sellers on the market are MOTIVATED to sell.


9. REALTORS are not usually as busy at this time of year. You will receive their undivided and devoted attention. The same goes for lawyers, mortgage brokers, moving companies, etc.


10. Don't forget that life circumstances force people to buy and sell at any time of the year. The market for marriage, divorce, retirement, inheritance, empty nest syndrome, first time buyer, single buyer DOESN'T STOP in November and December.


Take advantage of these months and reap the rewards.

Yours in selling

Jenny from Oakville, Ontario, Canada