R. Greg Osmond Realtor, St. John's, Newfoundland, Real Estate

The Olympic torch was in St. John's, Newfoundland today.  It started at Cape Spear, North America's most easterly point and it marched proudly through the communities of Petty Harbour, the Goulds, Conception Bay South, Manuels, Chamberlains,  Paradise, Mount Pearl, and finally it ended up being paraded to the Confederation building and on through the streets of St. John's, Newfoundland. 

The weather was cool and the sky was overcast but there was no wind, rain or snow to be concerned with.  The festivities ended at Bowering Park, in the west end of St. John's, this evening with a real Newfoundland kitchen party that included live music, hot beverages and a super charge of good old Olympic fever.  

I managed to catch a glimpse of one relay team and happily they obliged me by posing around the statue of Sir Wilfred Grenfell, adjacent to the Confederation Building, right after their own relay stint was finished. 

Somehow it seemed fitting too that each of them were affiliated with the Association of New Canadians.  I thought this was an appropriate place for them to be photographed since Sir Wilfred himself was both a champion and a supporter of the local communities in years gone by.  He brought medicine, education and social infrastructure to Northern and Western Newfoundland.  He arrived from England in 1892 and dedicated his life to helping the people who lived and fished off Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Through his tireless efforts – fund-raising, building hospitals, nursing stations, schools, and more – Dr. Grenfell enriched the lives of thousands of people.  In St. Anthony, a museum has been established in his original house, containing photographs and memorabilia of his life, and a statue in his honor stands in the town’s Grenfell Park.  The hospital he constructed in 1924 still stands, and the International Grenfell Association, based in St. Anthony, continues his work" (Memorial University Sir Wilfred Grenfell College website).

Here are a few shots I took today to remember the occasion.  The final shot below with the lovely gal holding the torch high with a big smile is Rae Anne Tremblett, my future daughter in law.  She works with the Recreation Department of the city of St. John's and had a first hand look at the race for most of the day.  She was so close in fact she was handed the torch to have her photo taken with it.  Come to think of it, being Rae Anne's future father in law is about as close as I will ever come to being a real Olympic champion.  I am thankful for whatever small pleasure I can get at this stage of life.

© Copyright R. Greg Osmond 2009.

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About the Author: R. Greg Osmond is a Platinum Award winning Realtor dedicated to serving the people of St. John's, Mount Pearl, Paradise, Kilbride, Goulds, Conception Bay South (CBS), Portugal Cove - St. Philips, Torbay – Flatrock – Pouch Cove, and Logy Bay - Middle Cove - Outer Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador.  For over 21 years Greg has been practicing in Real Estate. He can be reached at 709-895-2500.

Want to get in touch? Email rgosmond1@gmail.com. For more information, please visit http://www.rgregosmond.com.  Thinking of selling your home?  I have a passion for helping my clients with buying and selling real estate!  If there is any way I can be of service to you today, please feel free to contact me!

For sale by owner (FSBO) I will not call you.

Sometimes we Realtors see signs like this. For Sale By Owner - No Agents Please.

Personally, I never call For Sale By Owners with that sign on the lawn. And I know lots of other Realtors like me. We never push ourselves on anyone. It is one of the qualities of Professional Realtors.

I sometimes wonder what you really think about a Realtor that does not call FSBOs. It is not that we are too busy to call you or that we are afraid to call either. There is a very important reason why Realtors like me will not call you.

I don't call FSBOs with this sign because they asked me to NOT do that. I have had aggressive sales people contact me and I don't like it any more than you do. I understand how being agressive can bother people so out of respect for you and the Real Estate industry, I will not do it.

So don't worry dear seller, I am not calling you because I respect your wishes. You have a right to try selling your home on your own if that is what you really want to do. Sure there are risk to that and we can talk about it if you like, but you are free to do it. It is your call.

However, can I ask you something? If you ever decide you really would like a little assistance with the sale of your home, will you ask the Realtor that did call you even though you asked him not to?

Why would anyone do that? That reinforces the practice of Realtors calling For Sale By Owners which you clearly said you did not want them to do.

Call a professional Realtor who has actually respected your wishes. When FSBOs call a Realtor who called them first, they reinforce those Realtors to keep calling FSBOs.

Think about it. It is like those folks who buy from spam emailers even though they hate being spamed. Some people do it so spam emailers will never go away.

So remember For Sale By Owners, I won't call you...unless you call me first. For assistance from me, private sellers must make the first call.

And if and when you do, you will be one of the most well served and informed sellers in the city. I work for my clients even harder than I work for myself. Have a look at my client testimonials.

You know, sometimes selling your home fast for top dollar is not that easy. There is usually more to this job than many people think. I have written about that in Seven Do's For Selling Your Home Fast For Top Dollar.

We all need a little help once in a while. So when you think you may be there, make the first call. Call a Realtor that you respect and make it one who respected you too.

For more information about the qualities of a Professional Realtor read Seven Things You Should Know About Professional Realtors.

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About the Author: R. Greg Osmond is a Platinum Award winning Realtor dedicated to serving the people of St. John's, Mount Pearl, Paradise, Kilbride, Goulds, Conception Bay South (CBS), Portugal Cove - St. Philips, Torbay – Flatrock – Pouch Cove, and Logy Bay - Middle Cove - Outer Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador. For over 21 years Greg has been practicing in Real Estate. He can be reached at 709-895-2500.

Want to get in touch? Email rgosmond1@gmail.com. For more information, please visit http://www.rgregosmond.com. Thinking of selling your home? I have a passion for helping my clients with buying and selling real estate! If there is any way I can be of service to you today, please feel free to contact me!

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation MLS Trends reports that the Newfoundland and Labrador MLS sales were 1,504, a 11% decline in the third quarter of 2009, over the 1,695 in the third quarter of 2008.

During the same period, average MLS residential house prices climbed 13% to $206,852 over the average prices in the third quarter of 2008 at $182,306.

The Newfoundland and Labrador real estate market has been the only consistent price growth market in Canada during the past 12 month period.

The number of active listings for the third quarter of 2009 averaged 2,200, 26% higher than the average of 1,750 in the third quarter of 2008.

Sales – to – active listings in the third quarter of 2009 were 24% as compared to 32% in the third quarter of 2008.

So what does this mean to the real estate buyers and sellers in Newfoundland and Labrador?

In summary, we can see that in the third quarter sales have declined, average prices have increased, active listings are higher and the sales – to – active listings are lower.

With the number of sales and the sales – to – active listings declining there are indications that we could begin to see prices level off or decline. As there are fewer buyers in the system, this will moderate demand.

In recent months, strong demand has driven prices upward due to consistent economic development, a positive outlook for the province and historically low interest rates. However a reduction in demand will have a moderating effect on prices.

As the number of people trying to buy a home decreases, some sellers will begin to compete more aggressively leading to a slowing price appreciation and possibly even some price depreciation.

However, should there be an increase in the number of buyers because of economic stimulus or further industrial development, prices will remain firm and may even continue to rise.

With interest rates as low as they are, any significant stimulus in the Newfoundland economy will lead to further growth in demand and that will continue to push prices higher.

You can read more on interest rates at "Have Interest Rates Bottomed? A Mortgage Lender Says They Are Beginning To Move Up.

© Copyright R. Greg Osmond 2009.

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About the Author: R. Greg Osmond is a Platinum Award winning Realtor dedicated to serving the people of St. John's, Mount Pearl, Paradise, Kilbride, Goulds, Conception Bay South (CBS), Portugal Cove - St. Philips, Torbay – Flatrock – Pouch Cove, and Logy Bay - Middle Cove - Outer Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador. For over 21 years Greg has been practicing in Real Estate. He can be reached at 709-895-2500.

Want to get in touch? Email rgosmond1@gmail.com. For more information, please visit http://www.rgregosmond.com. Thinking of selling your home? I have a passion for helping my clients with buying and selling real estate! If there is any way I can be of service to you today, please feel free to contact me!

Cape Spear, Newfoundland is the most easterly point in North America.

A few months ago, I wrote a post about a place not far from St. John's. That place is Cape Spear, Newfoundland, the most easterly point in North America. It was called A Badge Of Honour For The Taking.

I was not long blogging when I wrote that post. My focus was on writing eloquently about interesting places in Newfoundland. I was happy if my compositions were interesting, informative and perhaps even flavoured with a little bit of whit.

I know some people did read the post, but at the time I was an unknown in the blogging world; a mere neophyte as they say. (Oh you should see my following now!)

So, it was a little disappointing that nobody commented. Check it out. You'll see. At the time I was sure there would be 50 or more accolades. Ha Ha! Funny how exuberantly naive one can be even at age 51. I am OK now, so there is no need feel sorry for me. Blogging has a way of making you wiser just 9 months in.

A Facebook friend of mine, Mr. Jim Costello, is quite a photographer. He has a passion for the game and he does it uniquely well! If you could see all of his work I know you would appreciate what I am saying. And when you consider there are multitudes of good photographers, it is quite something that his work stands out on its own.

The other day I came across one of Jim's photos that struck me; partly because of it is so beautiful and partly because it reminded me that my blog post about Cape Spear would have done so much better had this photo been a part of it.

Jim has allowed me to use his photos before. If you care to see one of St. John's, I posted it in I Am St. John's Newfoundland After The Great Fire Of 1892. Look At Me Now! So I asked Jim if he would mind me using his Cape Spear photo on my blog as well.

Jim Costello. Used by permission.

He never hesitate to say "yes" and for that I am very thankful. It allows me to share this with you and I do so because one day something will inspire you to come and see Cape Spear, the most easterly point in North America all for yourself. It is an experience that you will never forget and one that will finally award you A Badge of Honour For The Taking.

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© Copyright R. Greg Osmond 2009.

About the Author: R. Greg Osmond is a Platinum Award winning Realtor dedicated to serving the people of St. John's, Mount Pearl, Paradise, Kilbride, Goulds, Conception Bay South (CBS), Portugal Cove - St. Philips, Torbay – Flatrock – Pouch Cove, and Logy Bay - Middle Cove - Outer Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador. For over 21 years Greg has been practicing in Real Estate. He can be reached at 709-895-2500.

Want to get in touch? Email rgosmond1@gmail.com. For more information, please visit http://www.rgregosmond.com. Thinking of selling your home? I have a passion for helping my clients with buying and selling real estate! If there is any way I can be of service to you today, please feel free to contact me!

Mama Soula’s Greek Restaurant at 411 Torbay Road, St. John’s Newfoundland is without a doubt my favourite Greek restaurant. The friendly staff are always pleasant and will go the extra mile to make your visit a memorable one. The decor is attractive and clean, and you quickly feel cozy and warm even though there is a bustle of people and food moving all about you.

My wife and I have been there on many occasions with friends or sometimes alone. The atmosphere is relaxing after a busy day. I love to sit and enjoy delicious hot bread sticks freshly baked, a glass of red wine and a piping hot meal of Greek lamb.

You should know that this restaurant is no secret to St. John’s. Most people in the city would mention Mama Soula’s if you were to ask them, “Where is the best Greek restaurant in town?” If you plan to drop in make sure you give them a call in advance.

Part of the enjoyment for us is the beautiful live music that sooths the mind. Every Friday and Saturday evening, Anne Devine sits and sings the evening gently away. I never tire of her voice! We always try to go when Anne is singing and playing her ballads. She loves to entertain and often she will take requests.

Just talk to the staff there and you will soon see how much pride they take in their work. The Supervisor Debra Andrews told me she has been there since the restaurant opened seven years ago and she just loves being there. Her associate Dawn, who served my wife and I, was pleasant and cheerful throughout the evening. She enthusiastically helped me take a few photos when I asked if I might post them to my blog.

The lovely ladies who are sitting at the table are sisters who just came out to celebrate. They both assured me they were enjoying the meal immensely. I appreciated their willing to be photographed. I would not have taken this shot without their permission.

Whether you are fortunate enough to live in St. John’s, or if you are planning a visit to the city, you will surely want to treat yourself with Mama Soula’s delicious Greek food. And when you do show up at the door, tell them you read all about Mama Soula’s Greek Restaurant on Greg’s Real Estate Blog. I can’t promise it will get you a discount but I am sure the smiles you receive will equal anything they gave my wife and I last Friday evening.

© Copyright R. Greg Osmond 2009.

About the Author: R. Greg Osmond is a Platinum Award winning Realtor dedicated to serving the people of St. John's, Mount Pearl, Paradise, Kilbride, Goulds, Conception Bay South (CBS), Portugal Cove - St. Philips, Torbay – Flatrock – Pouch Cove, and Logy Bay - Middle Cove - Outer Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador. For over 21 years Greg has been practicing in Real Estate. He can be reached at 709-895-2500.

Want to get in touch? Email rgosmond1@gmail.com. For more information, please visit http://www.rgregosmond.com. Thinking of selling your home? I have a passion for helping my clients with buying and selling real estate! If there is any way I can be of service to you today, please feel free to contact me!