I just read an interesting article in Canadian Real Estate Magazine about a new real estate agent ranking website now online in Quebec. I’ll include a link to the article at the end of this post.
If salespeople are doing their job properly there should be no need to worry, right? For the most part, only those with something to hide should be worried, right? As long as we are always working in our clients best interest and we’re providing competent service, it will be ok, right?
Not necessarily. What is to stop someone from posting a negative comment when it is not deserved? Nothing really. It makes me think of eBay and how we provide “feedback” regarding our transaction. I’ve seen poor ratings for people that clearly were posted because of a misunderstanding. How is that monitored? As far as I can tell right now there isn’t much monitoring. The rules in Quebec from what I can tell are this: 1) participation is voluntary (salespeople can choose to either be on the system or not) and, 2) salespeople cannot filter the comments, you either show all or none.
Similar systems are currently available in Canada. Yelp is a big review website. As their tagline says, “real people, real reviews”.
I’m all for a proper ranking system, after all, if worked properly it can go a long way to helping potential buyers and sellers do more research on salespeople they may be thinking of using. There needs to be a way to have it be a fair and uncompromised system where buyers and sellers can leave feedback (both positive and negative) on salespeople. It should not be used to air “dirty laundry” between salespeople and buyers/sellers. Perhaps, like eBay, there could be a comment section with one rebuttal or explanation allowed.
I’m interested in your thoughts and comments, click here to view the article.
Jason
As always, referrals are the lifeblood of my business. If you know of anyone who is looking to buy or sell, I would love to speak with them.
Spacious Bachelor Suite In The Heart Of Downtown Toronto At The Metropole Condos. Close To The Financial District, Eaton Centre And Dundas Square. Steps From Ttc, World Class Dining, Grocery Stores And Shopping. This Property Is Ideal For Students, Business People In Need Of Weekday Accommodations Or Businesses Requiring Lodging For Out-Of-Town Clients.
This astounding 782 sq ft 2 bedroom plus den includes 2 washrooms, extra large living/dining area, stainless steel appliances and a fantastic unobstructed south view towards the lake.
All important amenities are on site or close by.
There is a Longo’s grocery store on site as well as the Leafs own Real Sports Bar and Grill .
Close access to Air Canada Centre, Union Station and the PATH system.
This highly sought after “WASHINGTON” unit has real maple hardwood flooring, granite kitchen tops, stainless steel appliances, dishwasher, washer/dryer and eco-friendly paint. Includes the use of 1 parking spot. No pets and no smoking.
Landlord requires 1st and last mth’s rent upon acceptance of rental application and agreement to lease. Proof of employment and references required. Lease price is $2,350/month. Available Aug 1st, 2011
Lots of great items to choose from. There will be a bake sale and a raffle for a $100 Best Buy Gift Card.
100% of the money raised goes to the Royal LePAGE Shelter Foundation and more specifically to the Red Door Family Shelter in Toronto.
Come by, you might find just what you’ve been looking for. Balloons, cookies, garage sale, raffle and so much more. What a great way to spend a Saturday morning and support a great cause at the same time.
For more info on the Royal LePAGE Shelter Foundation and the National Garage Sale for Shelter, check out my blog posts below.
Sales were down in April but prices rose 9%. It’s all about supply and demand in the market. Right now, there are more buyers than sellers. This is creating a competitive market. Some properties in the GTA are seeing 20,30 or more bids on one property. You read correctly. Some properties are getting 20 or more offers. If you’re thinking of selling, now is the time. Give me a call to discuss how I’m able to help.
Click here for a CTV report on RealtorQuest in Toronto and the state of the market.
Stats have been released for April 2011. Existing homes sales were down 17% compared to April 2010. The average selling price increased 9%. The number of listings is down quite a bit and competition between buyers is increasing the annual rate of price growth.
Click here to see the entire April 2011 Market Watch Report.
With less than two weeks to go until the National Garage Sale for Shelter, the donation support I am receiving is incredible. If you have any gently used household items you would like to donate to the cause, please contact me directly to make arrangements for pickup. Please click here to watch a video which explains what we’re all about. As always I am available to answer any questions you may have.
Join me on Saturday, May 14th between 8AM and 2PM at 275 Willow Ave in Toronto to find some great bargains and help raise funds and awareness to break the cycle of family violence. One hundred per cent of the revenue generated from the event will benefit the Royal Le Page Shelter Foundation, directly helping more than 30,000 women and children each year. Visit www.royallepage.ca/shelter to view an interactive map to your local Garage Sale for Shelter. Hope to see you on May 14th!
On Saturday, May 14th 2011, I will be participating in the National Garage Sale for Shelter in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. This annual event brings local residents together with Royal LePage Realtors® to raise much-needed funds and awareness to help break the cycle of violence in their communities. One hundred percent of all revenue generated by my garage sale will go to support one of Toronto’s local women’s shelter, Woodgreen Red Door Family Shelter and fund long-term solutions to end family violence.
Realtors® from Royal LePAGE Estate Realty Ltd.’s are taking part in this national event because…
51% of women in Canada have experienced at least one incident of physical or sexual violence since the age of 16.
360,000 children are exposed to domestic violence each year.)
If you would like any information on the National Garage Sale for Shelter, feel free to contact me through my office at (416) 690-2181.
Last year Royal LePagers raised over $315,000, more than double the pre-vious year – literally a quarter at a time. The community is encouraged to take part again this year by donating gently used items by calling me at (416) 690-2181, helping us spread the word, and joining us on May 14. With the support of local residents and the generous sponsorship of TD Canada Trust, Atlas Van Lines Canada and Advance Commission Company of Canada, we’re poised to beat our record again. For more info on the RLP Shelter Foundation, click here
Event Details
When: Saturday May 14th, 2011
Time: 8:00AM—2:00PM
Where: 275 Willow Avenue, Toronto ON
Why: To support the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, Canada’s largest public foundation dedicated exclusively to supporting women’s shelters and ending violence against women and children.
I would be more than happy to pick up any items (that I can fit in my Toyota Camry) personally on Thursday May 12th,2011 or Friday May 13th, 2011. Please call me to make arrangements.
Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has added rules to help tackle growing household debt in Canada. Ottawa has added new restrictions on borrowing against the value of your home and on the amortization periods which will allow Canadians to pay down their property mortgage quicker.
Highlights:
reduced maximum amortization period from 35 yrs to 30 yrs (for gov’t back insured mortgages with a loan to value ratio of more than 80%.
maximum now allowed in borrowing against your home is 85% down from 90%
For more information check out this article by clicking here
The Toronto Real Estate Board has released its December 2010 existing home sales numbers. Some highlights:
Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 4,395 existing home sales for the monthof December, bringing the 2010 total to 86,170 – down by one percent compared to 2009.
The average home selling price in 2010 was $431,463 – up nine percent incomparison to the 2009 average selling price of $395,460.
In December, the median price was $355,000, from the$349,000 recorded during December of 2009.
To read the Toronto Real Estate Boards Market Watch in its entirety please click here
