Real Estate Talk

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

COMPLIMENTARY HOUSE WARMING PARTY!

Where else can you get this kind of a closing gift? I offer complimentary House Warming Parties to ALL my buyers. My team of professionals takes care of all the details. Your family and friends can visit your new home in style. With our event planner, professional photographer, and mobile spa, you don’t have to do a thing. You give us the list of guests, we do the rest!

We take care of inviting your guests and following up to confirm once you have chosen a date 30-45 days after closing. Depending on your preference, we have a wide variety of caterers to provide your guests with tasty appetizers and pastry's to add to your unforgettable housewarming. Our team works with you to make your house warming event a celebration you won't soon forget!

Just For You Events is a professional event planning company that focuses on the planning, coordination, of premier, and prestige events. They are a part of our team focused on giving you the best home buying experience. Their goal is to offer each client an experience that is unforgettable, unique and flawless. The meticulous, diligent, and coordinated approach of their event planning team will ensure that your event is in a class of its own. Costumed to your decor and taste. What ever you want them to do, they will do it JUST FOR YOU!

T.E.Dennis Photography focuses on evoking emotion through her lens and capturing moments to last a lifetime. She has spent the last 20 years in the entertainment industry marketing, managing and promoting artists and labels, encouraging them to go after and fulfill their dreams and now her passion shows through her photography. Her goal is to make your house warming a unique and memorable experience.

Supreme Mobile Spa believes most tranquil experiences often take place at home. So we are bringing the spa experience to you and your loved ones! We bring the spa treatment to you, offering a range of beautifying services in the comfort and privacy of your own personal space. Hand massages, exfoliating scrubs, and more. Treat your guests to the ultimate encounter in your new home.

So how do you get your free house warming party? By contacting me! For all your real estate needs I am more than happy to help you and the people you refer to me. Call 647-308-5148 and if no answer, send a text and I’ll be sure to reply!

Makini Smith

Sales Representative

RE/MAX First Realty Ltd., Brokerage

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Monday, August 11, 2014

WHY ARE SO MANY ENTREPRENEURS QUALIFIED FOR A RELATIONSHIP YET SINGLE?

“A relationship isn’t for the selfish, the weak-hearted, or those who are easily deterred. True lovers don’t give up until they find exactly what they’re looking for.” – Rob Hill SR

I was given the opportunity to write another guest blog for The We Network an online magazine for Women Entrepreneurs this month. I was asked to discuss my views on why so many driven, beautiful women entrepreneurs are single today.

After much discussion with the women in my very own network, I discovered some very common reasons as to why. We all have a check list of qualifications we would want in a potential partner, so why are so many that meet the criteria on someone else' s list not in a relationship?
Read the list right here Click here

For all your real estate needs I am more than happy to help you and the people you refer to me. Call 647-308-5148 and if no answer, send a text and I’ll be sure to reply!

Makini Smith

Sales Representative

RE/MAX First Realty Ltd., Brokerage

www.makinismith.com

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Monday, July 28, 2014

BUSINESS AND BREAKUPS AS AN ENTREPRENEUR

About a month ago I had the opportunity to be the First Ever Guest Contributor to an on line Women’s Entrepreneur Magazine called “The WE Network”.

As an Entrepreneur, Mother and Lover of Life I was more than happy to write about my past experience to help others. I transparently shared a part of my life's journey while offering sound advice to others going through a similar situation.

Hardship of any kind can affect business and maintaining momentum in business while going through a breakup is never easy. I shared how I was able to get through a divorce while building my real estate career.

What you read today is just a glimpse of what's to come. I will be releasing my first published book that discusses my life journey and the lessons I learned along the way.

Read More Right Here Guest Blog

For all your real estate needs I am more than happy to help you and the people you refer to me. Call 647-308-5148 and if no answer, send a text and I’ll be sure to reply!

Makini Smith

Sales Representative

RE/MAX First Realty Ltd., Brokerage

www.makinismith.com

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Monday, June 2, 2014

EMOTIONAL MISTAKES SELLERS MAKE

It’s fair to say that most people have an emotional attachment to their home. So when it is time to sell emotions can get in the way of a clear head and a cool heart of a seller. Knowing what the common mistakes are can help prevent them from being the main cause of any selling issues of the home.

· Overpricing – When a seller factors in sentimental value as well as market value when determining their asking price, or even the desire to be the highest priced home sold on the street, it results in the number one reason why a great home doesn’t sell or takes long to sell.

· Rejecting advice – Not taking your realtors advice about things like making changes to your homes decor (staging), and taking it as an insult to personal taste. This is done for the advantage of the sale. It is intended to make the home more appealing to a wider variety of buyers to have the home sold faster and for more money.

· Restricting viewings – The more showing restrictions you place the few showings you may have. Only allowing showings on weekends or small windows of time during the day can cause you to be on the market much longer than anticipated. Limiting viewings can hinder buyers that are unable to fit within such restrictions and cause them to purchase your competition that made the home easily accessible.

· Being home during the showings – It is understandable that a seller isn’t comfortable leaving their home to allow strangers to roam free, but being home (especially following them and pointing out features) can make buyer feel uncomfortable and rushed. They are being escorting through the home by their realtor that is held accountable.

· Rejecting offers – Taking offense to a low offer and rejecting it out right and not taking your realtors advice to sign back with a response could cost you. Never let the deal die on your end, even if you have to sign back at asking price to show how firm you are in your price. The buyer could be testing you out. Keep negotiations open with a counter offer.

If you are a motivated seller and don’t want to be the cause of your home having issues being sold, take a step back and try to have an objective view on the situation. Put yourself in the shoes of the buyer and your realtor. It takes a team to successfully sell your home. Be a team player!

For all your real estate needs I am more than happy to help you and the people you refer to me. Call 647-308-5148 and if no answer, send a text and I’ll be sure to reply!

Makini Smith

Sales Representative

RE/MAX First Realty Ltd., Brokerage

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Thursday, May 15, 2014

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Buying a home may very well be the largest investment most people make. Before you make that purchase it is best to do your due diligence. Do your research and make sure you are making the best decision. Here are five important things to look into:

1. Amenities – Make sure your possible future home is in a community that has the amenities you want and more importantly those you need. Whether your preference is parks, pet playgrounds, clubs, or culture, make sure it’s for you.

2. Tone – If you were out touring homes with your realtor during the evening, be sure to return during the day and see if the tone of the area changes. Day vs night, week day vs weekend. The last thing you want to do is invest in what you thought was a great neighbourhood to find out it’s the most popular party hang out spot.

3. Schools – Even if you don’t have any children or see plans for any in the near future being aware of quality schools can affect resale value.

4. Crime rates – No area is exempt from crime but you can find out through resources like the internet and local police departments the amount and nature of crime in the area you are considering to purchase.

5. Economic factors – Are home values going up, down, or remaining stable? Does the community look well maintained? Are many local shops vacant? Is every other home on the street for sale?

Where should you begin your research? By contacting me! For all your real estate needs I am more than happy to help you and the people you refer to me. Call 647-308-5148 and if no answer, send a text and I’ll be sure to reply!

Makini Smith

Sales Representative

RE/MAX First Realty Ltd., Brokerage

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Sunday, March 30, 2014

USING A MORTGAGE BROKER AS OPPOSED TO THE BANK

Many people don’t know the difference when it comes to using a mortgage broker verse the mortgage representative inside of a bank. Depending on your needs and comfort level understanding which one works best for you can make a world of difference. A rep that works in the bank has to be jack of all trades master of none (more or less) and may only have access to minimal lenders. A mobile mortgage rep has access to many different lenders and can meet you in the comfort of your own home. I’ve had clients that insist on a mortgage person from the bank they work with. Lucky for them, I am connected to mobile mortgage specialists from all major banks.

For the rate shoppers, a mortgage broker will help you get a better deal. A mortgage broker works for you to shop the mortgage market, saving you time and money. They do the rate shopping and are able to put together packages that your bank may not be able to.

For the not so perfect credit consumer, a mortgage broker may be able to get a “B”or “C” lender to approve you where the bank would deny you a mortgage.

My good friends Matthew Taylor and Siobhan Bent (The Mortgage Lady) over at THE MORTGAGE CENTRE are always ready to help with the lending process with:

·         High level of professionalism and service at all times
·         Absolute confidentiality in regards to personal information
·         Availability and reliability
·         Updates on status of your transaction
·         All calls returned within 24 hrs or less
·         Support and education on details related to your loan
·         Putting people over profits and reputation over revenue
·         Peace of mind knowing you received the right product for you and your family’s future
·         Continued support after the loan processed has been approved

Independent advice
More mortgage choices
Best-available rates
Fast, convenient, local service
Specialized knowledge

They'll take your needs and goals into consideration when shopping for your mortgage. They understand that mortgages aren't a one size fits all proposition. Using their exclusive Mortgage Market technology, they're able to factor in a number of lifestyle and financial variables to search for the mortgage that's exactly right for you. Contact me today to get connected to the mortgage broker that is right for you! For all your real estate needs I am more than happy to help you and the people you refer to me. Call 647-308-5148 and if no answer, send a text and I’ll be sure to reply!

Makini Smith
Sales Representative
RE/MAX First Realty Ltd., Brokerage
www.makinismith.com

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Tuesday, March 18, 2014

REALTORS CARE

Now a days realtors have a bad reputation for being all about the commission, all about themselves, and a quick transaction. I feel that stigma has tainted the minds of many and have pushed consumers to try the DIY (Do it yourself) options out there. Not all realtors are the same just as no two apples are the same. Know the difference between a realtor who cares and the bad apples.

Flood of realtors

In 2013 there were about 38,300 realtors on the Toronto Real Estate Board. 26% sold absolutely nothing, 52% sold 2 or less, and 78% sold 7 or less. Reviewing these statistics it is safe to say that it can be hard to earn a living in a flooded commission based industry so there may be a few realtors that focus on the money. This does not mean ALL realtors do the same. Real estate is a relationship business so for me it is about the relationship and not the transaction. With 38,299 other realtors to choose from, what can one agent do for you that another cannot? The answer is... plenty! Do not get caught up on commission. What you pay a realtor is compensation for their work. The 26% that sold nothing can easily accept a lower commission to merely post your home on MLS (Multiple Listing Service). Your home may be the largest asset you ever own. Why would you not want the agent that is going to provide the most value, market your home the best way possible, and cater to the individual needs of your family?

Sold on a Cure

RE/MAX realtors who participate in the Sold on a Cure program take an active role in creating a future without breast cancer by voluntarily making a donation to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation each time they sell a home. The program raises vital funds and awareness for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation across Canada. I am proud to be a part of this program.

Children Miracle Network

Over 48 Million has been raised across Canada. Funds primarily generated through the Miracle Home Program, where RE/MAX realtors donate a percentage of each real estate transaction to their local Children’s Miracle Network member hospital. Offices and agents also participate in various client related fundraisers in support of their local children’s hospital. I am also proud to be a part of this program.

Extra efforts

“Give thanks by giving” is one of my favorite sayings. One small gesture can mean the world to another. With that said, this year I decided to round up some friends to orchestrate a community fundraiser to support the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ajax-Pickering. On March 23 2014 from 6-9pm at the La Roya Banquet Hall located at 185 Westney Rd South, Ajax, ON. In further efforts to give back, we are showcasing over 20 female owned businesses. Visit the Facebook event page Click Here . A charity-shop-social! You are more than welcome to join us and if you’re unable to attend, feel free to make a donation. Both can be done on line --> Tickets/Donations

So realtors DO care. It isn’t just about the commission/transaction. There are plenty more just like myself. We care about our clients, we care about our community, and we care about our business. Choose a realtor who cares. Choose wisely. Choose RE/MAX. Choose Makini Smith. For all your real estate needs I am more than happy to help you and the people you refer to me. Call 647-308-5148 and if no answer, send a text and I’ll be sure to reply!

Makini Smith

Sales Representative

RE/MAX First Realty Ltd., Brokerage

www.makinismith.com

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