MIKE LIND

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  • Houses That Sold in West Rouge February 2024

    Exploring Real Estate Trends in West Rouge and Centennial: A February 2024 Market Overview

    Hey everyone, it’s Mike Lind here, back with another exciting episode diving into the houses that sold in West Rouge and Centennial for February 2024. Today, I’m sporting my Thievery Corporation shirt, a souvenir from a concert my wife attended at Drake’s club. Yes, I missed out on the concert, but I’ve got some interesting real estate stories to share with you.

    But before we delve into the housing market, let me give you a glimpse into my recent concert experience. Standing in line with general admission tickets, my wife and I quickly realized we weren’t up for hours of standing. So, we splurged on VIP tickets, and boy, was it worth it! From the comfortable seating to the impeccable sound quality, it was a night to remember. But let’s steer back to real estate – that’s why you’re here, right?

    First up, let’s talk about the hot properties in West Rouge. Mayberly Street seems to be a hit among buyers, with a charming three-bedroom, three-washroom house selling for $980,000 within just one day of listing. With hardwood floors, a deck, and a cozy wood-burning fireplace, it’s no wonder this property flew off the market.

    Moving on to Island Road, a property with an intriguing story caught my attention. Initially listed at $999,000, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom house had a bumpy journey, staying on the market for 40 days. However, things took an unexpected turn when multiple offers poured in, eventually selling for $1,150,000. Despite needing some TLC, its pool and spacious yard added value, making it a worthy investment.

    Now, let’s shift our focus to Blue Anchor Trail, where a newly built home stood out. Boasting modern design and ample space, this property left a lasting impression. Although not everyone’s cup of tea, its industrial farmhouse aesthetic appealed to many. With 40 photos on the MLS, there was no shortage of views for interested buyers.

    But the real showstopper was on East Avenue, a three-bedroom, four-bathroom gem listed at $1.149 million. With 10 offers and a final sale price of $1.33 million, this property was a steal. Despite lacking exterior photos, its interior charm shone through, from hardwood floors to elegant finishes. With its proximity to schools and the GO station, it was an ideal find for any buyer.

    Moving on to Centennial, let’s start with the first property on the list: Colonel Danforth. This house garnered a lot of attention and excitement upon its initial release due to its architectural uniqueness and stunning design. However, practical considerations soon became apparent upon closer inspection.

    While the house boasted a beautiful blend of stone, wood, and steel elements, its layout posed challenges for most people. The finishes, such as the multicolored cabinets, were not to everyone’s taste, deviating from the more conventional one-color cabinets found in typical homes.

    From an architectural standpoint, the house was impressive, almost resembling a hard loft alternative. Priced at $1.399 million, it eventually sold for $1.32 million after 40 days on the market. However, its unique features, including skylights and a glass floor, weren’t practical for everyone.

    The property lacked adequate closet space, especially for couples sharing the space. Additionally, the division walls in the bedrooms didn’t provide sufficient sound barrier or privacy, making it less suitable for families.

    Despite its drawbacks, the house had a unique appeal, especially with its elevated deck overlooking the ravine. However, the lack of landscaping and proximity to Lawrence Avenue added to its challenges. Nevertheless, its architectural uniqueness earned it a feature in Dwell magazine, showcasing its innovative design.

    Transitioning to more traditional homes, we come to a property on Dona Street. Priced at $999,000 and eventually selling for $1,000,050, this detached brick house offered three bedrooms and three bathrooms. While the staging was commendable, some aspects of furniture placement could have been improved.

    Moving through the main floor, the living-dining combination featured laminate floors laid diagonally, adding visual interest. However, better staging could have showcased the space more effectively, especially in the kitchen area.

    The kitchen, although updated, lacked certain modern conveniences like task lighting and featured a busy backsplash. The basement, while finished, provided additional living space but didn’t significantly impact the overall value.

    Despite its drawbacks, the property offered good value for its price, especially considering its location and proximity to amenities.

    Next on Satchel Boulevard, an older-style home was listed for $1,000,150 and sold for $1,000,160 in just three days. With four bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a spacious backyard with an inground pool, this property offered considerable appeal.

    The interior featured classic wood finishes, although painting the doors could be challenging. The bathrooms were updated to a basic standard, and while the basement wasn’t luxuriously finished, it added to the overall livable space.

    The backyard, with its large size and pool, was a significant selling point. However, the proximity to neighboring properties and potential noise from Lawrence Avenue posed drawbacks.

    Moving to townhouses, the Cardo townhouse on Centennial was listed for $799,000 and sold for $775,000 after 15 days. This beautifully renovated property featured unique herringbone floors and an open-concept layout, making it highly desirable despite its townhouse status.

    The modern kitchen boasted quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and elegant finishes. With three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a finished basement, it offered excellent value for its price, especially with its usable backyard and included maintenance fees.

    On Lawrence Avenue, a freehold townhouse listed at $899,000 eventually sold for $845,000 after 31 days. While the property offered good value, its presentation left much to be desired. Lived-in conditions and minor issues like missing cabinet knobs detracted from its appeal, despite its two-car garage and low-maintenance yard.

    Transitioning to Atchinson Avenue, a stunning three-bedroom home listed at $1 million sold for $1.195 million after 11 days. Virtually staged, the property showcased modern features like a two-way fireplace and updated kitchen. While it lacked some details like a chandelier, it offered excellent value with its finished basement and proximity to amenities.

    On Stagecoach Drive, another townhouse listed at $798,000 sold for $857,000 in 14 days. While presenting well, some aspects like a mini-fridge in a bedroom could have been improved. However, with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a two-car garage, it offered good value, especially considering its location near the GO station.

    Lastly, a property on And Dona Street offered three bedrooms and four bathrooms, selling for $1,000,040 after four days. Despite some minor flaws like a crowded backyard, it provided good value with its brick exterior, laminate floors, and updated bathrooms.

    In summary, the February 2024 market overview for West Rouge and Centennial showed promising sales with homes often selling above asking price and within a relatively short timeframe. With the spring market approaching, now is an opportune time for buyers and sellers to prepare for upcoming opportunities.

  • Ineffective Open Houses Are Done By Ineffective Agents

    When you’re grocery shopping and you see a person handing out food samples, do you automatically go over and get a sample?

    Maybe you’re like me and look it over first to see if it’s something you’d be interested in trying. Most times, it’s something that I’m not interested in eating either because it’s junk food or has something I shouldn’t eat, like beans or grains.

    Food demos and sampling are done because they bring awareness to the product and result in more sales.

    If it didn’t result in more sales, samples wouldn’t be offered.

    My wife is a food entrepreneur. Her business model is helping food companies get their products listed in grocery stores and she has a subsidiary food demonstration company that holds food demos at grocery stores.

    Some of the food companies are hesitant to do demos because they have to supply the food. That’s a cost that some of them are unwilling to absorb.

    My wife explains that the demos produce more brand awareness and sales and they should be seen as an opportunity, not a hindrance.

    The demos held by my wife are somewhat elevated. They are set up to look better, drawing even more attention to them.

    All of the demo people, who are affectionately named brand ambassadors, are told everything that is a benefit about the product, and the drawbacks so that when a potential buyer has a question, they are getting factual information from a knowledgeable representative.

    This is crucial in case there is a food allergy and it also shows the consumer that the person is not there just handing out samples but knows what they’re talking about.

    It also benefits the food company. They are being represented by knowledgeable sales reps and it shows through increased sales.

    You know there would be a real estate angle to this, didn’t you?

    Are there demos in real estate sales?

    Absolutely and you’ve already heard them.

    Open house.

    Yes, an open house is essentially a demo of a house for sale and the sampling allows people to come in and walk through the house.

    I have been hosting open houses on every single one of my listings because when done correctly, they are very effective.

    There is a prominent realtor, who is associated with a lion and offers a million-dollar marketing “guarantee”, that campaigned that he will sell your house “without ineffective open houses”.

    Essentially, his “million dollar marketing” is eliminating one of the most effective marketing tools. Think about it, no matter how good the photos, video and virtual tour are, without being able to physically visit the property, how can any potential home buyer know if it would be a fit for them?

    Yes, I know they can visit the house with an agent – if they are working with one, but what if they’re not?

    Not every buyer has found an agent they want to work with or maybe they want to buy without one.

    Another benefit of an open house is it allows many people to tour the home in just a few hours rather than having many people come at separate times over a few days.

    That’s more disruptive than an open house over a weekend.

    Why does the lion advertise that open houses are ineffective? Is it because he doesn’t want to do them? Maybe he can’t be bothered to host them. Perhaps his team of agents are ineffective because they haven’t been taught how to hold an effective open house.

    I see it often, an agent holding a completely ineffective open house.

    Picture this; it’s a Saturday morning. You’ve been searching for a house off and on for some time, and you come across one online that catches your attention.

    You see there is an open house at 2:00. Great! You can go and have a look at it without having to bother your agent. If you like it, you’ll go back with them.

    2:10, you arrive at the house and the agent is just getting there themselves even though it was supposed to begin at 2:00.

    The agent is frazzled and looks surprised that you’re there. You feel awkward and tell them you’ll come back in a few minutes, but they insist you come in.

    There are no lights on, the only information about the house available is a simple, black-and-white printout of the MLS listing.

    You walk through the house hesitant to turn any lights on so you don’t get a good sense of the rooms.

    Your visit is over in less than 5 minutes and as you walk to the door to put your shoes on the agent, while sitting on the couch on their phone, looks up and asks “What do you think?”.

    How is that an effective open house?

    This is a scenario that plays out more often than not.

    Some agents will dissuade sellers from open houses with the excuse that only nosy neighbours go to open houses.

    Neighbours have a vested interest in your home selling too. If your house sells for a record price, that brings up the house values in the neighbourhood.

    Another excuse you might hear about open houses is that agents use them to meet new potential clients.

    If that’s the case, why aren’t more agents sitting in open houses more often?

    If an agent holds an effective open house, meeting new clients would be a byproduct of good customer service.

    Allow me to provide some examples of how I hold an effective open house that provides value, first to my seller clients and as a result, answers the typical questions that home buyers have about the house that mutually benefits them.

    • First, my open houses are always advertised on the MLS beginning Thursday allowing time for the info to flow through the main online portals that home buyers use:
    • Realtor.ca
    • Housesigma
    • Zoocasa

    And any other real estate info aggregate sites.

    Then, on the morning of the open house, my open house signs are put out in highly visible areas by 10:00 am. Too often, agents simply put a sign on the road leading into the area and another at the house – and usually 10 minutes before the open house starts!

    I have a minimum of 7 open house signs put out leading from the main streets, to feeder streets and finally, to the street the house is on.

    Even if this brings in one extra person who was unaware of the open house, that’s still an extra person in to see the house.

    I arrive at the house at least 20 minutes before the scheduled time and turn on all the lights, check to make sure the rooms are presentable and prepare the extra information materials that include info on parks in the area, the schools, where the best places are to eat, distance to highways and public transportation.

    I’m ready with my information as well. Buyers almost always want to know what the property taxes are, when the house was built, the age of the roof, furnace, A/C, windows, and lot dimensions.

    I’m no longer surprised when other agents holding open houses don’t know this info. It should be the first thing they learn about the house.

    Many times host agents just sit on the couch and barely acknowledge the people who come in.

    I make sure to greet everyone who comes in, while standing, thank them for taking the time to attend and invite them to help themselves to any of the information that is on display and ask how they found out about the open house; MLS, street signs, etc. I also ask them if they have an agent they are working with so I can make a note in the appointment system and notify their agent that they came through the open house.

    Finally, if they are not working with an agent, I will ask them if they would like me to tour the house with them or if they would like to tour the house on their own.

    This allows people to be more comfortable looking through the house not having a grinning, commission-hungry agent pointing out the obvious good features of the house while engaging in pointless small talk.

    The people who do want me to tour with them are given the factual and pertinent info and not “this bedroom has hardwood floors and a closet”.

    All in all, the more people that get in to see the home, the better chance of finding a buyer.

    The more effective an agent is at presenting and selling the house, because after all an agent is a salesperson, the better the chances are of the house selling for more money and less time.

    Ineffective open houses are done by ineffective agents.

  • Can a Thermostat Blow Up a Deal?

    This post was originally written for my newsletter, May 2019.

    How have you been? Did you hibernate through that deep freeze of winter? If you’re like me, you still haven’t seen your shadow; too gloomy outside to feel like it’s spring.

    As I write this, Maria is asking telling me to turn the furnace on. I refuse to put it on this late in May simply on principle!

    Bah. It will get nice at some point and we’ll all moan and complain about how hot it is and we’ll quickly forget about how bad the winter was.

    Speaking of thermostats, I had to kick a couple of people out of this little community of ours because of a thermostat. 

    Seriously.

    Allow me to regale you with this doozy of a story.

    If you’ve bought a house with me before, you had a protection clause in your offer about chattels and fixtures (appliances and certain other items physically attached to a house) that they would be in working order on closing.

    “The Seller represents and warrants that the chattels and major mechanical systems included in this Agreement of Purchase and Sale will be in good working order and free from all liens and encumbrances on completion.”

    What is good working order? A fridge keeps food cold, a stove warms up food, a furnace that warms the house, etc. 

    To the story at hand:

    I was with (former) clients in a condo that hadn’t been updated since it was built in the late seventies, exactly what they were looking for, when I noticed that the thermostat was one of the old kinds with a mercury trigger.

    Of course, I had to tell the husband a story about how I played with the mercury from a broken thermometer when I was a kid and poured it down the drain once I was bored of it.

    He was taking measurements and wasn’t really listening and, simply said “Oh, OK.” to my story. 

    I need to shut up sometimes.

    The wife, who had been on her phone the entire time (she was like this when they purchased their home at Yonge and St. Clair), looked up from whatever she was thumbing through and became fascinated with the relic fastened to the wall.

    She decided that the temperature should be cranked up to 35 degrees, twisting the dial well past where it could go.

    The dial reset itself back to where it was. That’s what happens with this type of thermostat when it gets turned past its highest possible temperature point.

    Being the HVAC technician that she was, she says, “it’s obviously broken”.

    Awesome! She unknowingly gave me an idea for a closing gift; a Nest thermostat.

    They decided they wanted to buy it, no need for an inspection, much like the first house I helped them buy because, like that house, it wasn’t liveable in its current state.

    Also, being pre-approved for a mortgage, they didn’t need a financing condition.

    Additionally, the status certificate was available to review ahead of the offer day, so I had my preferred lawyer look it over and let us know if any concerns with it should prevent them from making an offer.

    None were found.

    It was one of the best status certificates he had seen in a long while, he explained to us.

    I spoke with the listing agent, and got the preferred closing date, along with a range of what the seller’s expectations were on price.

    After reviewing the comparable sold condos, we decided that $7,000 more than the asking price was what they were willing to pay.

    They won the offer competing against 7 other offers.

    Let’s skip to the juicy part because everything was going swimmingly with the deal until:

    A few days before the closing date, I get a nasty text from the wife,

    “You mislead us. You didn’t tell us that the seller is responsible to make repairs to the condo based on the clause in the offer.”

    What-the-what?

    One of the associates from the law firm (that I recommended) advised that the clause I had in the offer required the seller to repair or replace any non-functioning fixtures.

    To note, all of the appliances worked, even if they were avocado colour, and the thermostat too.

    I was completely confused so I called her to explain to her that the lawyer was wrong (more than likely she misunderstood what the lawyer said).

    I have never been so demeaned in my life. She tore a strip off of one side of me and then the other.

    If there is one thing I know, is when someone is irrational and completely irate, there is no point in arguing. Just listen.

    There were threats of suing me for negligence (I forgot to tell you that both she and the husband are lawyers…), and that I had better have insurance in place and something about going after personal assets.

    She demanded that we revisit the condo at 7:30 in the morning so she could make a list of the required repairs.

    I tried to make her understand that she was wrong about what she expected the outcome to be based on the clause, but she knew best and wouldn’t listen.

    I should have stood strong and refused to take her, but I was scared shitless because I had never in all my time since 2004 had anything like this happen to me.

    But I gave in to her demands and scheduled an emergency appointment through the agent who, thankfully, was understanding.

    I didn’t sleep that night.

    That morning, I arrived at 7:10 to make sure I was there before her so as not to give her any further fuel to complain about if I was late.

    She arrived with her mom at 7:45.

    Pompous you-know-what for showing up late.

    Anyway, it was the most awkward elevator ride ever. The 2 minutes to get to the 7th floor felt like 2 hours.

    I opened the door to let them in and do whatever it was they were going to do.

    While they walked around making notes about the cabinet doors in the kitchen being squeaky, rust stains in the bathroom sink, curtain rods that needed to be resecured, everything that was in plain sight when we visited the place and none of which had anything to do with the clause they were so concerned with, I went into the kitchen and video recorded the solid ice cubes that were in the freezer, the refrigerator (luckily) had a thermometer, so I videoed that and made sure to wait until the compressor kicked on too for audio proof as well.

    I then went to the stove and recorded all four burners heating up, watching them change from black to red, and did the same with the oven element.

    From there, I video-recorded the toilet flushing, both the sink and the shower properly draining, and then went back to the kitchen to do the same with that sink.

    There wasn’t a washer and dryer since the building had laundry facilities.

    All the appliances were tested during our first visit with the husband in tow too.

    I heard her say to her mom to tell me they were done. I guess she was no longer speaking to me.

    “Is there anything else you’d like to look at while we’re here?”, I asked her.

    No. Curt and sharp.

    “Great, you can leave and I’ll lock up behind you.” I didn’t want to ride the elevator with her again.

    “Why, so you can fix things behind my back and cover your mistake?”

    This couldn’t be real, but I didn’t want any more drama. I was exhausted, constipated, and had cotton mouth. I wanted this done and over with, and I was starting to feel confident that she had nothing she could use against me.

    Another tense elevator ride. She actually walked with me to make sure I put the key back in the lockbox.

    I guess she didn’t think I was smart enough to re-open the lockbox after she left and go and fix things behind her back.

    But I digress.

    I called my errors and omissions insurance provider right at 9:00, and explained everything about how they were either confused by what their lawyer said about the clause, or the lawyer was clueless regarding what the clause meant. They asked me to send the offer so they could look it over.

    Around noon I got a call from the errors and omissions legal advisor and he said, “If the appliances are working, there are no grounds for anything. They either received poor advice from their lawyer or, they’re trying to strong-arm you into paying for their renovations”.

    I was instructed not to speak with them anymore and to tell them any further communication should be done in writing, and through their lawyer to my errors and omissions insurance provider.

    So when she called the next day, I didn’t answer and texted her exactly that.

    That final text was followed up with this email:

    Mike

    I have tried to call you to discuss a resolution to the matter discussed on our earlier call.  I have also sent an SMS messages requesting that you discuss this matter with me. You are refusing to speak with me or engage in a productive way in order to resolve this dispute.

    We are extremely disappointed in your behavior and lack of professionalism. We have given you a tremendous amount of work and are frankly shocked at how you have treated us, particularly given the tens of thousands of dollars in the commissions which you have made from our family’s property transactions.

    This is my last attempt to reach out to you to resolve this matter.  If I don’t receive a response from you within 24 hours, providing your availability for a call to discuss a settlement, I will assume that you are not interested in resolving this dispute outside of a formal dispute resolution forum. Please be assured that I will be escalating this matter.

    I didn’t reply, and I didn’t hear back from them or the errors and ommissions until a couple of months later saying that they will put the file on hold as they haven’t heard from their lawyer at all.

    Maybe cooler heads prevailed? Maybe they were told they were wrong, or misunderstood or misinterpreted what the lawyer meant.

    Who knows, maybe they will bring legal action against me in the future.

    All of this stems from a measly, ancient, thermostat and a misunderstanding of a legal clause designed to protect them.

  • When Agents Fight Dirty

    Testimonials. Anyone in business knows how vital they are.

    Stepping out of my business owner shoes, if you’re like me, you make a lot of your buying decisions based on reviews.

    I have always had a hard time asking a client to leave me a review. I don’t know why, it just feels weird.

    If you’ve looked at my Google reviews, most are from clients who decided to leave a review of my service on their own. I have asked a few to leave one for me.

    As I began to gain business traction in my neighbourhood, an agent, or agents, decided I was a threat and declared war on me. No warning shots fired just a full-out blitzkrieg attack.

    Whoever it was, I suspect one of the two “prominent” agents in my neighbourhood, filed a complaint with Google saying my place of business, my home address, was not accurate.

    I guess they don’t like the fact that when you look at a Google map of West Rouge you see Mike Lind, Real Estate Agent on the aerial view.

    mike lind google maps

    This is true for most agents. Technically, your home is not your place of business, it is the brokerage address that is your place of business.

    But I am not most agents.

    I’m a registered Personal Real Estate Corporation, a PREC.

    Some agents call me something that sounds similar, but that’s only because I don’t let them get their way in a deal.

    Anyway, because I’ve registered as a PREC and incorporated with my home address, my place of business is my home address.

    What I suspect happened is one of the top producers felt threatened by my area presence and decided to fight dirty and punch below the belt by complaining to Google.

    Google takes things like this pretty seriously and without warning, suspended my Google My Business profile pending proof of business ownership and registration.

    I was pissed that someone would stoop so low, but I shouldn’t have been surprised that a competitor would do such a thing.

    It was an easy issue to resolve as I only needed to email my article of incorporation to Google and I was back online within an hour of being taken down.

    But if I wasn’t prepared to show proof, then my 25, 5-star reviews would have been gone forever, and that’s not right.

    Even if an agent had themselves improperly listed on Google Maps, have a backbone and let them know that they are improperly using their home address as a business address and give them a warning that if it’s not fixed within, I don’t know, a week, you’ll snitch to Google.

    Not this agent. Too much of a coward.

    And I can see why they’re threatened. You have to be a real technical wizard to show up on Google Maps. You don’t need a physical address in a neighbourhood to do it.

    But they either don’t know how, or they still don’t take advantage of online media.

    I know they don’t because I see their monthly “newsletter” that looks like it was made on MS Word 97, complete with illegible cursive and mismatched fonts, along with dark letter colouring on dark background.

    If you visit their website, it too looks equally terrible. Something I would have programmed when I was learning HTML and CSS back in 2002.

    Is my online presence perfect? No. But I have good reasons for that. One of the teams I worked with made me kill off all my online presence when I joined them so as not to “confuse the brand”. 

    Another story for another time.

    I could go after the one big-time agents in my area too. There have been plenty of opportunities where they have not followed the rules when it comes to signage.

    Remember those “coming soon to MLS” signs that agents would have up for a couple of weeks before the property went on the market?

    What a joke those were; part of an agent’s “pre-market campaign” – please, it was just so they could have their sign up on a lawn longer because houses were selling so quickly; dumbasses likely didn’t know about an exclusive listing.

    Anyway, when an agent has an exclusive or a coming soon for sale sign, the MLS and REALTOR logos need to be covered up. If a property is not on the MLS, then an agent can not use the MLS logo. Plain and simple.

    On multiple occasions, I saw the for sign displaying the logo. I could have filed a complaint to have them cover it up. Essentially wasting their time to have to go and put a piece of tape over it. Teach them a lesson.

    But I find that petty because it doesn’t affect my business. It’s just a trademark stipulation.

    Maybe I should though, make them sit through the kangaroo court that is the TRREB tribunal, waste their time there, and cause them to have to sit through a real estate advertising compliance video.

    Nah, not painful enough for what they put me through.

  • How to tell your most compelling brand story

    In a world saturated with logos and slogans, how do you make your brand sing? How do you weave a narrative that cuts through the noise and reaches your audience’s hearts, not just their eyeballs? That’s where the magic of storytelling comes in. Your brand story isn’t just a bio or a mission statement; it’s a soul-stirring tapestry woven from purpose, passion, and connection.

    But how do you craft this captivating tapestry? The first thread is finding your “why.” Why does your brand exist? What void are you filling, what pebble are you skipping across the pond of human experience? Is it about empowering adventure, fostering creativity, or championing sustainability? Dig deep, unearth your brand’s beating heart, and let it guide your narrative.

    Next, meet your audience. Who are you whispering to? Understand their dreams, their fears, their unspoken yearnings. Tailor your story to resonate with their language, their struggles, their joys. Don’t just sell them a product; offer them a solution, a path to becoming the hero of their own stories.

    Now, paint with emotion. Facts and figures may inform, but emotions ignite. Is your story one of overcoming adversity, of defying expectations, of rediscovering hope? Let your characters (yes, even brands can be characters!) wear their vulnerabilities on their sleeves. Make your audience laugh, cry, cheer – their investment is your victory.

    But don’t forget the rhythm and rhyme. Your story needs a structure, a flow that carries the reader along. A relatable beginning, a conflict that sparks curiosity, a resolution that leaves them breathless. Use vivid language, sensory details, and a voice that echoes your brand’s essence. Remember, authenticity is your secret weapon.

    Finally, remember, your story is never truly finished. It evolves with your audience, adapts to new challenges, and blossoms with each interaction. Embrace the messy beauty of growth, and your brand story will become a living, breathing testament to your journey, inspiring a loyal following who not just buy your product, but believe in your purpose.

    So, go forth, storyteller. Find your voice, weave your magic, and let your brand’s most compelling story unfold. The world is waiting to listen.

  • Mastering the art of client communication

    Crafting compelling copy is only half the equation. The other half, the lifeblood of every successful project, is the art of client communication. It’s a delicate dance, a symphony of active listening, clear expression, and a dose of empathy. Master it, and watch your collaborations soar.

    First, ditch the monologue. Embrace the duet. Clients aren’t just recipients of your creative brilliance; they’re vital collaborators. Listen intently, not just to their words, but to the melody behind them. What anxieties hum beneath the surface? What unspoken hopes dance in their eyes? Uncover these hidden rhythms, and your work will resonate with a deeper truth.

    Transparency is your spotlight. Shine it brightly throughout the process. Don’t shroud timelines in mystery or sugarcoat potential roadblocks. Share updates regularly, even the bumpy bits. This builds trust, a bridge over any stormy creative sea. Remember, surprises are for birthday parties, not project management.

    Speak their language, not jargon. Ditch the industry lingo, the cryptic acronyms. Craft your message with clarity, like a sculptor chiseling away at unnecessary marble. Aim for simple elegance, where complex ideas pirouette with everyday words. When in doubt, explain like you’re talking to a friend over coffee, not a boardroom of suits.

    Feedback is fuel, not fire. Embrace it. Don’t flinch at critiques, however blunt. See them as brushstrokes refining your masterpiece. Ask clarifying questions, understand the “why” behind the feedback. This isn’t a battle; it’s a shared quest for excellence.

    And finally, remember, communication is a two-way street. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, to seek their insights. Their perspective is the secret ingredient that elevates your work from good to remarkable.

    Mastering client communication isn’t about technical prowess; it’s about building bridges of understanding. It’s about fostering trust, embracing collaboration, and celebrating the shared journey of creation. So go forth, wordsmith, and paint your masterpiece, not just with pixels or ink, but with the vibrant colours of exceptional communication. The canvas awaits.

  • Real Estate Recap: December 2023 – Wrapping Up the Year with West Rouge and Centennial Sales

    Hey there, amazing people! Can you believe we’re already in 2024? Time flies, doesn’t it? I hope you had an incredible holiday season, filled with joy and laughter, no matter what or how you celebrated. Now, let’s jump right into the nitty-gritty of what went down in West Rouge and Centennial for real estate in December 2023. But first, let’s set the mood with the legendary sounds of Rush – because why not make it even better with some Canadian vibes?

    Musical Guest: Rush
    Before we dive into the real estate market recap, let’s take a moment to appreciate the musical genius of Rush. With an awesome mix of Neil Peart’s unmatched drumming, Alex Lifeson’s underrated guitar skills, and Geddy Lee’s iconic voice and bass playing, they’re a Canadian treasure. My personal favorite? “Subdivisions” – a deep and cool track that resonates on so many levels.

    Alright, let’s get into the real deal now.

    West Rouge and Centennial Real Estate Recap – December 2023

    1. Winter Gardens Trail
    • Type: Detached House
    • Specs: 3 beds, 4 baths, 41×153 ft lot
    • Listed: $1.229 million
    • Sold: $1.185 million (96% of list)
    • Days on Market: 11
    1. East Avenue
    • Type: Condo Townhouse
    • Specs: 3 beds, 3 baths, $443 monthly fee
    • Listed: $750,000
    • Sold: $725,000 (97% of list)
    • Days on Market: 28
    1. Freeport Drive
    • Type: Semi-Detached
    • Specs: 3 beds, 3 baths, 30×79 ft lot
    • Listed: $840,000
    • Sold: $846,000 (100% of list)
    • Days on Market: 13
    1. Sunny Slope
    • Type: Ranch Bungalow
    • Specs: 2 beds, 2 baths, 60×130 ft lot
    • Listed: $1.075 million
    • Sold: $999,999 (93% of list)
    • Days on Market: 13 (extended listing)
    1. Lawrence Avenue East
    • Type: Condo Townhouse
    • Specs: 3 beds, 2 baths
    • Listed: $749,800
    • Sold: $730,000 (97% of list)
    • Days on Market: 16
    1. Homecrest Trail
    • Type: Detached House
    • Specs: 3 beds, 3 baths, 69×109 ft lot
    • Listed: $1.275 million
    • Sold: $1.18 million (93% of list)
    • Days on Market: 57

    Recap:

    • Average Original List Price: $1,019,133
    • Average Corrected List Price: $986,467
    • Average Sold Price: $944,333
    • Average Percentage of List Price: 96%
    • Average Days on Market: 23

    Final Thoughts:
    December is traditionally a slower month in real estate, with the holiday hustle and bustle. If you’re not in a rush to sell, it might be wise to wait for a more active season. The market stats don’t lie, and they tell us that pricing strategy matters – so pay attention!

    And there you have it, folks! Six houses that found new owners in December 2023. Thanks for hanging out with me again. If you’ve got questions or want your house evaluated, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ll catch you in January with a bit of a tan – Mexico, here I come! Until then, take care, and see you in the next update.

    As always, if you enjoyed the content, hit that like button, subscribe for more, and share the love. Until next time, stay awesome! ????✈️????

  • Weekly Recap of West Rouge Real Estate: December 11-17, 2023

    Greetings, and Welcome Back!

    Hello, and thanks for joining me once again for our weekly dive into the vibrant world of West Rouge real estate. This time, I’ve got a special treat for you – you’ll actually get to see my face as we explore the happenings in the region, including Centennial. This week, spanning from December 11th to the 17th of 2023, promises some interesting insights into the local real estate scene. So, let’s jump right in and take a closer look!

    1. New Listings: A Holiday Hiatus

    First things first – new listings. Well, it seems that this week, the real estate market in West Rouge decided to take a breather, much like the Pittsburgh Penguins on a Saturday game – a total goose egg, nada, zero new listings. It appears folks are already in holiday mode, diverting their attention away from house hunting. Lesson learned: listing your property this close to the holidays might not be the best idea.

    2. Price Changes: Spotlight on 155 Colonel Danforth Trail

    Now, onto the price changes. Our spotlight today is on 155 Colonel Danforth Trail, a detached gem with a new price tag of $1.399 million, up from $1.199 million. With three bedrooms and two bathrooms, this uniquely designed house caught my eye, despite potentially being held back by its Lawrence-facing backyard. A property worth considering, in my opinion.

    3. Houses Off the Market: 142 Mayberley Crescent

    Next up, let’s discuss the homes that have been taken off the market. One notable mention is 142 Mayberley Crescent, a detached original beauty originally priced at $899,000 but removed from the market at $1.045 million after 79 days. Three bedrooms, three washrooms, and, unfortunately, a single car garage asking for over $1 million. A bit of a stretch, wouldn’t you say?

    4. Sold Conditional Houses: A Quiet Week

    This week, the sold conditional houses segment is remarkably quiet – zero activity to report. However, we do have a successful sale to discuss. 119 Sunny Slope, a detached property initially priced at $1.075 million, sold for 93% of its asking price. A two-bedroom, two-bathroom dwelling, it spent 13 days on the market before finding its new owner.

    5. Still On the Market: Current Snapshot

    Concluding our weekly recap, let’s take a quick glance at the properties still on the market. 21 Hills and 10 Centennial 11 in West Rouge remain available for purchase, with prices ranging from $630,000 to $3.179 million. The average days on the market have increased to 47.

    In Conclusion: A Festive Farewell

    And that wraps up our West Rouge real estate roundup for this week. I’ll catch you again – well, maybe next week. However, considering the timeline, it might be Boxing Day rather than Christmas Day. Regardless, I wish you a Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and season’s greetings. Now, go back to whatever you were doing – play outside, enjoy the festivities, and I’ll see you later. Bye for now!

  • The Week That Was in West Rouge Real Estate – December 4 – 10, 2023

    Greetings, friends and neighbours.

    Let’s delve into the events of the past week in West Rouge concerning real estate from December 4th to the 10th, 2023. Here’s a breakdown of what we’ll cover:

    Firstly, we’ll explore the new listings that have recently hit the market. Following that, we’ll discuss any noteworthy price changes. Then, we’ll move on to properties sold conditionally, those that were withdrawn from the market, and the always intriguing sold properties. Lastly, we’ll review what’s currently available on the market.

    Let’s get started!

    New Listings:
    Our first spotlight is on 22 Bluebird Place, a semi-detached property listed at $1,099,903 with four bedrooms and four washrooms.

    Price Changes:
    Turning our attention to price adjustments, 24 Clems Drive (or Cleans Drive or Clemez Drive) is a detached home now priced at $2.39 million, down from its initial listing of $2.475 million. This property boasts five bedrooms and four washrooms. Additionally, 600 Lawrence Avenue East No. 32, a condo townhouse, has a new price of $749,800, reduced from $795,800, featuring three bedrooms and two washrooms.

    Off the Market:
    Properties removed from the market include 93 Trelenock Avenue, initially listed at $999,900 but withdrawn at $959,000 after 56 days. Also, 22 Mildock Drive, originally priced at $1.333 million, remained unchanged upon withdrawal after 16 days.

    Sold Conditionally:
    Revisiting 600 Lawrence Avenue East No. 32, this condo townhouse, listed at $749,800, is conditionally sold after 13 days on the market. Additionally, 51 East Avenue, another condo townhouse with a list price of $750,000, secured an offer after 34 days on the market.

    Successfully Sold:
    Moving to sold properties, 60 Freeport Drive, a semi-detached home listed at $840,000, sold for 101% of its list price within 13 days. Similarly, 25 Winter Gardens Trail, a detached property listed at $1.229 million, achieved a 96% sale of its list price in 11 days (44 days considering price fluctuations).

    Currently Available:
    As we wrap up, there are 23 houses for sale in the Tanner and Centennial neighborhoods, with 13 in West Rouge. The lowest-priced property is a condo townhouse at $638,000, while the highest is listed at $3,079,000. The average days on the market for available properties is 41.

  • Houses That Sold in West Rouge and Centennial: November 2023

    Hello, West Rouge and Centennial neighbours!

    It’s your friendly neighbourhood real estate enthusiast, Mike Lind, back with another monthly update on the houses that sold in West Rouge and Centennial in November 2023. I hope this finds you well amidst the hustle and bustle of the approaching holiday season.

    First things first, if you’re wondering why I’m in a different setting, well, I’ve reclaimed my basement! Yes, the familiar territory where it all began. My office, now illuminated by a lovely window, serves as the hub for all things real estate. And yes, I’ve got my CDs, my life’s soundtrack, as the backdrop – a mess, but my mess.

    Speaking of the holidays, are you ready for Christmas? Because I’m not. The mere thought of braving the malls at this time of year sends shivers down my spine. But enough about my holiday shopping dread; let’s dive into the real estate gems of West Rouge and Centennial for November 2023.

    But before we get into the nitty-gritty, a quick shoutout to Miles Goodwin, the late guitarist and lead singer of April Wine, who sadly joined the 27 Club. A true rock legend, may he rest in peace.

    Now, let’s rewind to November 2022 for a quick comparison. West Rouge saw six homes change hands, with an average list price of $1,339,433 and an average selling price of $1,294,833. Fast forward to November 2023, and we witnessed seven sales, boasting an average list price of $1,019,414 and an impressive average selling price of $1,000,032,143. Homes are flying off the market in just 15 days, fetching 102% of the asking price – a solid performance.

    For Centennial in November 2022, six homes sold with an average list price of $1,339,433 and a selling price of $1,294,833. Now, in November 2023, six homes again changed hands, but with a slight dip in prices. The average list price was $1,237,800, and homes sold for an average of $1,272,000, taking just 14 days to seal the deal at 103% of the list price.

    Year over year, West Rouge experienced a price decrease of 9.1%, with just under two and a half months of inventory on the market. Centennial, on the other hand, saw a 10.46% dip in prices, boasting nearly two months of inventory.

    Now, onto the stars of the show – the houses that captured hearts and wallets in November 2023.

    West Rouge Highlights:

    1. Calderstone Crescent: A four-bedroom, four-washroom beauty on an 82×129-foot lot. Listed at $1.249 million, it sold for $1.21 million (97% of the list price) in just 17 days.
    2. Silver Gardens: A four-bedroom, three-washroom home on a 45×105-foot lot. Listed at $1.45 million, it sold for $1.365 million (94% of the asking price) in 37 days.
    3. Beaverbrook Court: A three-bedroom gem with a basement suite on a 50×120-foot lot. Listed at $799,900, it fetched $900,000 (113% of the list price) in just seven days.
    4. Rouge Hills Drive: A four-bedroom, two-washroom haven on a 50×193-foot lot. Listed at $1,000,088, it sold for $1,170,000 (108% of the asking price) in 10 days.
    5. Bryce Moore Drive: A two-bedroom plus basement suite on a 60×125-foot lot. Listed at $1,000,050, it sold for $1,000,010 (96% of the list price) in 14 days.

    Centennial Standouts:

    1. Freeport Drive: A three-bedroom, three-washroom gem on a 30×79-foot lot. Listed at $899,000, it sold for $880,000 (98% of the list price) in 27 days.
    2. Darcy McGee Crescent: A four-bedroom, three-washroom stunner on a 55×110-foot lot. Listed at $1.199 million, it sold for $1.14 million (95% of the list price) in five days.
    3. Lake Ridge Drive: A three-bedroom plus basement suite with four washrooms on a 25×100-foot lot. Listed at $1,199,900, it sold for $1,215,000 (101% of the asking price) in 13 days.
    4. Meadowvale Road: A three-bedroom plus two-basement-suite charmer on a 60×126-foot lot. Listed at $949,900, it sold for $1,000,050 (111% of the list price) in six days.
    5. Juanita Road: A four-bedroom plus two-basement-suite beauty on a 55×110-foot lot. Listed at $1.45 million, it sold for $1.63 million (112% of the list price) in 11 days.
    6. Lawson Road: A massive four-bedroom plus basement suite with five washrooms on a 55×238-foot lot. Listed at $1.73 million, it sold for $1.717 million (99% of the asking price) in 20 days.

    And there you have it – the rundown of the houses that made waves in West Rouge and Centennial for November 2023. I hope this information proves valuable, and if you’re interested in a complimentary annual review of your home’s value, feel free to reach out. Wishing you all a fantastic holiday season, and I’ll catch you in early January for the 2024 forecast!