Barry Quine - Condo Specialist The Wayne Munden Team

Not all real estate companies are the same. If you decide to seek the help of a

realtor when selling or buying your home, you need some good information before

you make any moves.

Picking the right realtor is one of those critical issues that can cost or save

you thousands of dollars. There are very specific questions you should be

asking to ensure that you get the best representation for your needs. Many

realtors would prefer you don't ask these questions because the knowledge

you will gain from their honest answers will give you a very good idea of what

outcome you can expect from using this realtor. And let's face it - in real

estate, as in life - not all things are created equal.

Hiring a realtor is like any hiring process - with you on the bosses

side of the desk. It's critical you make the right decision about who

will handle what is probably the single largest financial investment you will

ever make. You should ask your realtor the following questions.......

1. Do you make it easy for buyers to get information about my home?

You may be surprised to know that the two marketing tools realtors use to

sell homes (open houses and big company ads) are actually not very effective at

all. In fact, according to The National Association of Realtors, less than 3% of people purchase their home as a result of calling on a company ad, and less than 1% of homes are sold at an open house. How do most homes in Oakville sell? Plain and simple - The Multiple Listing Service. When a realtor puts a home on the MLS, EVERY realtor from EVERY company has access to show and sell that home.

Furthermore, the prospects calling for information on your home probably value

their time as much as you do. The last thing they want to be subjected to is

either a game of telephone tag with a realtor or an unwanted sales pitch. Make

sure the ad your realtor places for your home is attached to a 24 hour pre-recorded

hotline with a specific ID # for your home which gives buyers access

to detailed information about your property day or night, 7 days a week. I

have found that 3 times as many buyers call for information on your home under

this system. And remember, the more buyers you have competing for your home the better, because it sets up an auction-like atmosphere that puts you in the

driver's seat. Also, make sure your realtor uses virtual tour technology that is easily distributed on social networking sites such as facebook, twitter, linkedin etc...

2. What is your commission and why are you worth it?

Don't ever agree to any commission unless you are shown exactly how this realtor earns it. FACT - Real Estate Commissions are NOT set by law!

3. Do you have at least 1 Assistant to help you?

Most realtors work all by themselves without any support making it difficult for

them to provide you with a consistently superior level of service. The job of

real estate has many and varied parts to it. Just as you wouldn't expect a

doctor or lawyer to answer phones or type letters, so your realtor

shouldn't be spending their time on simple, but time consuming, tasks that could

be delegated. If the realtor doesn't have assistants to cover each aspect of your transaction, you should ask yourself how much time they really have to get

your home sold. Note: An assistant is much different than the company receptionist. The company receptionist works for ALL realtors in the office, but an assistant only works for one realtor.

4. How, specifically, do you attract buyers?

The realtor should be able to explain, step-by-step, how they attract buyers and

show you evidence. If they can't, hire another realtor! Do not hire any realtor

who tells you their reputation will somehow attract buyers! Make them prove

it!

5. What has been sold in my area?

Realtors should bring you a list of comparable sales in your area.

6. What specific Advertising will you be doing to get our home sold?

If they expect to get your home sold by using only a big company ad, open houses or a

mediocre website then you are in big trouble. Make them be specific and put

what advertising they promise in writing!

7. On average, when your listings sell, how close is the selling price to the

asking price?

Their performance on this measurement will help you predict how high of a price

you will get for the sale of your home.

8. How many buyers are you currently working with? Do you have a list? How do you track your buyers?

Obviously, the more buyers your realtor is working with, the better your chances

are of selling your home quickly. It will also impact price because a realtor

with many buyers can set up an auction-like atmosphere where many buyers bid on your home at the same time. Ask to see the list and describe the system they use for working with these buyers. (They should have the list of buyers with them at ALL times) If they have a lot of buyers, they will certainly need a computerized system to keep track of them. If they can't or won't show you a list of their buyers, hire another realtor!

Note - There is a BIG difference between a list of actual buyers and a print-out of a database. An actual buyer list should contain the buyer's financial qualifications as well as what type of property they are interested in. Anything other than this type of list just doesn't cut the mustard!

9. What makes you different? Why should I list my home with you?

It's a much tougher real estate market then it was 5 years ago. What unique

plans and programs does this realtor have in place to make sure your home

stands out favourably among other competing homes? What things does this realtor offer you that others don't to help sell your home with the least amount of hassle and for the most amount of money? What type of technology do you use to help sell my home? Can you give me a demonstration of that technology? Note - Some of the most effective tools in real estate today are 24 hour hotlines, Social Networking Websites, Interactive websites, Talking House Radio Transmitters, Fax-on-demand, etc. Remember, have them demonstrate while they are at your home.

10. Can I cancel my Listing at any time?

Don't ever sign anything unless this realtor can guarantee, in writing, that they

will cancel your listing at any time if you decide not to sell your home or if you are not satisfied with the service being provided.

Bonus Question : Ask them how their services compare to other companies and be specific. Ask them about specific companies.

If they say ANYTHING negative about another company or try to make another company look bad, hire another realtor! Get the facts for yourself! Also, if they brag about how many homes they sell, how good they are or that they are #1, RUN THE OTHER WAY! It seems EVERY real estate company is claiming to be #1.

At Century 21 Miller Real Estate Ltd. we encourage you to compare any other company's services to ours based on FACTS not FICTION!

Rare 4 Bedroom 2 Storey Home for Sale on Sabel Street in Bronte - $475,000

Welcome to your next home! A RARE 4 bedroom, 2 storey in the sought after neighbourhood of Bronte.

This home has all kinds of character and sits on a beautiful, large, private, mature lot with extensive landscaping and stunning gardens. The home and the property have been lovingly maintained by the original owners. THIS IS A LOT OF HOUSE for the money. The home boasts 14 rooms including a large eat-in kitchen with sliding doors to a huge, beautifully landscaed backyard, separate dining room, main floor den, 2 large recrooms (one is a british pub style room) in the basement AND a workshop as well.

Bedroom sizes are also surprisingly large. Call for your private showing today and lets get you into your next home!

$475,000

Click here for more details on the property: http://www.century21.ca/property/ON/L6L_3V4/Oakville/Sabel_ST/196

Barry Quine - Sales Representative
Century 21 Miller Real Estate Ltd. - Brokerage

Follow Me On Twitter!

Visit my websites for up to date real estate information:

www.BarryQuine.com
www.Century21.ca/Barry.Quine
www.OakvilleRealEstateToday.com

Contact me TODAY!

905.399.1069
Barry.Quine@Century21.ca

This is a snapshot of all of the residential real estate activity that has taken place in Oakville today. For more details regarding addresses and prices please contact me TODAY at 905.399.1069 and I would be happy to help.

There were 23 NEW LISTINGS in Oakville today on the following streets:

Nelson Street - 3 Storey Live/Work FOR SALE
Ennisclare Drive - 5 Bedroom 2 Storey Detached FOR SALE
Towne Boulevard - 4 Bedroom 2 Storey Detached FOR SALE
Prince Michael Drive - 4 Bedroom 2 Storey Detached FOR SALE
Scotscraig Crescent - 3 Bedroom 2 Storey Detached FOR SALE
Falgarwood Drive - 3 Bedroom 2 Storey Townhouse FOR SALE
Lakeshore Road West - 4 Bedroom 2 Storey Detached FOR SALE
Fourth Line - 4 Bedroom Bungalow Detached FOR SALE
Baronwood Drive - 3 Bedroom 2 Storey Townhouse FOR SALE
Dewridge Avenue - 3 Bedroom 3 Storey Townhouse FOR RENT
Rebecca Street - 2 Bedroom Bungalow Detached FOR SALE
Pinecliff Road - 3 Bedroom 2 Storey Semi - Detached FOR RENT
Crestmont Drive - 4 Bedroom 2 Storey Detached FOR SALE
Cudmore Road - 4 Bedroom 2 Storey Detached FOR SALE
Sixth Line - 3 Bedroom 3 Storey Townhouse FOR SALE
Warminster Drive - 2 Bedroom Bungalow Detached FOR SALE
Waterstone Court - 4 Bedroom 2 Storey Detached FOR SALE
Fairmount Drive - 3 Bedroom 3 Storey Townhouse FOR SALE
Adirondak Trail - 5 Bedroom 2 Storey Detached FOR SALE
Weighton Drive - 3 Bedroom 2 Storey Detached FOR SALE
North Ridge Trail - 4 Bedroom 2 Storey Detached FOR SALE
Glen Valley Road - 3 Bedroom 2 Storey Detached FOR SALE

There were 4 Price Reductions Today - Call me to find out where the prices are being reduced!

There were 11 Conditional Sales Today

16 properties SOLD FIRM today! 6 of those properties SOLD AT OR ABOVE the asking price!!!

If you have any questions regarding your real estate needs please do not hesitate to contact me today!

Barry Quine - Sales Representative
Century 21 Miller Real Estate Ltd. - Brokerage

web: www.Century21.ca/Barry.Quine or www.BarryQuine.com
email: Barry.Quine@Century21.ca
blog: www.OakvilleRealEstateToday.com
phone: 905.845.9180
cell: 905.399.1069

BEST JUNE ON RECORD!

We had the best June on Record in terms of number of units sold this year as opposed to ast year! EXCELLENT STUFF!

Percent change June 2009 versus June 2008

Units Average Sale Price

TREB +27% +2% (TORONTO)

RAHB +19% +1.9% (HAMILTON/BURLINGTON)

OMDREB +21% -4% (OAKVILLE/MILTON)

Burlington Residential +19% +6%

Oakville Residential +20% -2%

Call Barry Quine Today to discuss your Oakville/Burlington Real Estate Needs!

Barry Quine
direct line: (905) 399-1069
web: www.Century21.ca/Barry.Quine or www.BarryQuine.com
email: Barry.Quine@century21.ca

The constant media bombardment of doom and gloom has made many of us too fearful to consider home ownership. Every cloud has a silver lining though and the current mortgage rates coupled with plunging real estate prices present a huge opportunity to those looking to get into the property market.

Low real estate prices combined with even lower interest rates means first time buyers are finding homes more affordable than ever. If you're financially secure and have been sitting on the sidelines waiting for these kinds of market conditions, you'll want to discuss your options with a mortgage specialist right away as this opportunity may never present itself again.

The first thing you'll want to do is get your financial information together so you can obtain pre-approval. Although conditions are ripe for first time buyers, you'll also want to be aware of the hidden costs associated with real estate deals such as closing, inspection and maintenance costs. Finally, research adjustable and fixed rate mortgages so you'll be able to determine which one suits your individual situation.

Current homeowners are also flocking to explore their mortgage refinancing options as low interest rates have the potential to slash thousands off their mortgage payments. The difference between one or two percent may not seem huge but it adds up to a considerable amount of money! It could potentially shave thousands of dollars off your payments so don't discount it until you've done the math.

There are many different types of mortgages so it's important to seek professional advice. Most have termination fees associated with breaking your current mortgage agreement; however, those penalties may be less than the money you'd save by locking in cheaper rates. The profitability of refinancing is affected by many variables so you need to carefully examine your specific situation. It's not always possible to refinance but it's certainly worth proactively taking the time to find out.

No one's able to forecast the future but experts agree that mortgage rates may never be this low again. If you want to save yourself some hard earned cash, now's the time to investigate your options. Low interest rates coupled with cheaper homes present a huge opportunity for both first time buyers and existing homeowners so jump off the fence and take advantage of the current economic conditions before it's too late!

P.S. - Are you sick of scouring the paper and MLS sites looking for homes? Tired of playing telephone tag with agents only to hear the home's already sold? Sit back, relax and let me do the work for you! Whenever a home matching your criteria hits the market, it'll be automatically flagged and emailed to you so you'll never have to worry about missing your dream home. This service is free and there's no obligation!

Call Barry Quine Today for ALL of Your Real Estate Needs 905.399.1069
www.BarryQuine.com or www.Century21.ca/Barry.Quine
email: Barry.Quine@Century21.ca