MIKE LIND

Real Estate

Why I’m a Failed Real Estate Agent

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I consider myself a failed real estate agent. And I’m okay with that.

Allow me to explain.

If you go by what the big corporate real estate companies say, a good agent is a go-getter—always chasing the next deal, always closing, never taking no for an answer. Follow up until the prospect either buys, sells, or (ugh) dies.

I’ve sat through enough of those training seminars to know that if that’s what it takes to be a successful real estate agent, then I’ve failed. Miserably.

I didn’t get into this business to pressure people into decisions they don’t want to make. I’m not here to “handle objections” or “overcome resistance.” I’m here to help.

I’m not a go-getter. I’m a go-giver.

I’d rather give you genuine, useful information, be upfront about who I am, and let people decide if they want me in their corner. No hard sells. No persuasion tactics. No games. No fudging the numbers to look good.

And despite what my license says, I don’t see myself as a salesperson. I only call myself a real estate agent because I have to (the other option is “Sales Representative”—yuck).

If I had a choice, I’d call myself a real estate advisor or consultant. But the title “Sales Representative” exists because, legally, I have to be tied to a brokerage. If I didn’t? I wouldn’t be.

Maybe someday I’ll open my own brokerage. Hmmm.

The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) treats homes like stocks—tracking price indexes, sales volumes, and total units sold like a numbers game.

But I don’t see houses as commodities. A home is protection—a place where life happens, where families grow, people heal, and memories are made.

It’s not just four walls and a roof.

And let’s talk about the “gift of gab.”

Apparently, a good salesperson should always be talking—charming, entertaining, winning people over with words.

That’s not me.

If I’m talking, it’s because we’re having a real conversation, not because I’m trying to fill the silence.

Networking events? No thanks.
Schmoozing? Not happening.
Convincing people to work with me? Waste of everyone’s time.

So yeah, if being a successful real estate agent means being a high-energy, fast-talking, number-chasing closer, then I’m a failure.

And I’m okay with that.

Because the people who do find me? They’re looking for something different.

And different is what I am.

TRREB Finally Makes Square Footage Mandatory – But Why Wasn’t It Before?

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Square footage has always been crucial in determining a property’s value, so why wasn’t it mandatory for freehold properties until now? Condos have had this requirement for years, yet detached and semi-detached homes were mysteriously exempt.

Understanding the Old MLS Rules and Why This Change Matters

A skeptical mind might assume this was intentional—a relic of the “old boys’ club” that initially formed the Toronto Real Estate Board. The MLS was never designed for the public’s benefit; it was created as a marketing tool for agents to promote their listings. When the internet revolutionized property searches, agents saw the opportunity to leverage MLS data for advertising—but for their own gain, not the homeowner’s.

Key details, like square footage, were conveniently left out because it could be seen as an advertising disadvantage. If an agent could sell a smaller house for the same price as a larger one by omitting this data, why make it available?

Where Does Square Footage Data Come From?

MPAC, Builders, and Past MLS Listings – Which One is Right?

Agents do have access to square footage data, but the sources are inconsistent:

  • MPAC (Municipal Property Assessment Corporation): Agents can pay $5.65 for MPAC data, but it’s based on exterior measurements, which makes it an estimate rather than an exact figure.
  • Builder floor plans: These are unreliable since purchase agreements include an asterisk noting that floor plans are subject to change—and they often do. Once construction is completed, these plans are rarely updated.
  • Past MLS listings: Some include a square footage range, but this system is easily manipulated. Agents may guess the size or, worse, inflate the number by including total living space (which can include basements and even condominium balconies).

Why Square Footage Isn’t Always Easy to Find

There’s no single, universally accurate source for square footage, so agents should be required to obtain and disclose the most precise data. TRREB’s new rule doesn’t solve this—it just makes it mandatory to enter something, leaving room for vague or misleading measurements.

Why Do Agents Have to Pay for Square Footage Data?

How TRREB Monetizes MLS Data (And Why It’s a Problem)

TRREB presents itself as a protector of privacy, but in reality, it functions like a SaaS (software-as-a-service) company where agents are the paying customers. Despite realtors paying over $2,000 per year in fees to TRREB, OREA, RECO, and CREA, they must still pay extra for data that should be freely available to better serve buyers and sellers.

Should Realtors Get Free Access to Help Clients?

In a market where buyers and sellers rely on accurate information to make informed decisions, withholding or monetizing essential data is unethical. Most MLS boards across North America recognize this and provide it publicly. TRREB, however, prioritizes its revenue streams over transparency.

The Risk of Incorrect Square Footage in Listings

How Bad Data Can Mislead Buyers and Sellers

  • Inaccurate square footage numbers can lead buyers to overpay for a home.
  • Incorrect data can skew sold price comparisons, misleading both buyers and sellers.
  • Homeowners may mistakenly assume their house is larger than it is based on inaccurate MLS data.
  • Some agents manipulate the numbers by including basements and balconies under “total living space,” creating a false perception of size.

Will Agents Guess the Square Footage? Probably.

Why Most Agents Won’t Pay the $5 Fee

Many agents will likely avoid paying for MPAC data. Why?

  • Some are too cheap to buy it.
  • Some don’t even know they can get it.
  • TRREB makes it easy to sidestep accuracy by offering checkboxes for “estimated,” “other,” or “owner-provided” measurements—none of which guarantee reliability.

The ‘Asterisk’ Disclaimer – A Legal Loophole That Puts Buyers at Risk

The new rule may require listing square footage but doesn’t enforce accuracy. By allowing vague disclaimers or estimated figures, TRREB still permits misleading listings. The board’s focus should be on ensuring correct data, not just requiring a number to be entered.

What Can Buyers and Sellers Do to Verify Square Footage?

How to Get Reliable Square Footage Before You Buy or Sell

  • MPAC Reports: While imperfect, they at least provide a baseline measurement.
  • Builder Floor Plans: If available, these give a rough idea—but beware of discrepancies.
  • Independent Measurement Services: Hiring a professional to measure the property ensures the most accurate data. As a realtor, I always get a third-party measurement for my listings, even when I have MPAC data or builder floor plans. Buyers and sellers deserve the truth.

TRREB’s Data Hoarding vs. Agent Knowledge

Realtors Built the MLS – So Why Are They Locked Out of Data?

TRREB’s entire database exists because of the data agents have supplied for decades. Now, they’re taking a page from Zillow’s playbook and selling data that realtors provided back to them.

How Free Access to Square Footage Would Benefit Everyone

If TRREB truly cared about transparency and consumer protection, it wouldn’t just make a square footage field mandatory—it would ensure accuracy and make reliable data freely available to agents. Instead, they prioritize monetization over trust, leaving room for misleading information in listings.

Conclusion: TRREB Needs to Focus on Accuracy, Not Just Data Entry

Making square footage mandatory on MLS listings is a step in the right direction, but it doesn’t go far enough. TRREB should focus on enforcing accuracy, not just requiring a vague number that agents can source from anywhere.

Allowing “total living space” to be used interchangeably with above-ground square footage is misleading. Buyers and sellers deserve transparency, and this rule does little to guarantee it. An organization that claims to uphold trust, privacy, and accountability should not allow a system that permits inaccuracies to persist. Until TRREB stops hoarding data and prioritizes accuracy, it’s clear the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board will continue to put profits over consumer protection.

If you’re buying or selling, don’t just trust what’s on the MLS—verify the square footage yourself. And if you’re an agent, do the right thing: pay for proper measurements and disclose accurate data. The market deserves better.

Could you please inquire with the owners if they are willing to rent to own?

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Being an enthusiastic thrifter of CDs, books, and phones, I spend a lot of time on Facebook marketplace looking for good deals.

There is a default message you can click to send a quick message to a seller asking if the item is still available. “Hi. Is this still available?”

A lot of sellers get annoyed with it because they get a bunch of these messages, and after the seller replies, they get no response.

When I hit that default message, I always followup with another message right away asking where I can pick up the item and if there is flexibility with the price (if I feel it is over priced).

The same sort of thing happens when I list a house for sale and it hits the public side of the MLS (realtor.ca). 

I get a bunch of emails like this:

General inquiry for 35 MAIN AVE, Toronto, Ontario M7G3V5, #V8398866 – it’s the equivalent of the default Facebook Marketplace message.

A simple click and it’s sent.

The default message is always the same, 

Message from Makayla:

I would appreciate more information about 35 MAIN AVE, Toronto, Ontario M7G3V5.

and so is my response,

Hi Makayla, what information are you looking for?

Most of my replies go unanswered. Some just want to know about open houses, others would like me to take them through it because their agent isn’t available.

Ya, OK.

This morning, I was surprised with this message:

Message from Holly:

I would appreciate more information about 35 MAIN AVE, Toronto, Ontario M7G3V5.

Which had this note underneath:

Hi Mike,

Could you please inquire with the owners if they are willing to rent to own?

Holly

My goodness, Holly, why didn’t I think to ask the homeowners if they would consider a rent-to-own option from the beginning?

Because people want to sell their houses when they list it for sale.

Most sellers need the proceeds of the sale to be able to afford their next house.

I have a sneaky suspicion of where Holly came from; she either read a book like Rich Dad, Poor Dad or went to a Scott McGivilray seminar (or similar) where they have these programs and options to be able to find cash flowing properties, or home buying alternatives, like using other people’s money to buy homes. 

There’s a sucker born every minute, or so I’ve been told.

If you’ve never heard of this scheme, rent-to-own is a home buying arrangement that lets people initially rent a home with the possibility of purchasing it later. This rarely effective option is for those who want to own a home but have yet to save enough money for a down payment.

In other words, they can’t afford to buy a home in the traditional way through a mortgage lender like a bank.

The Liberal government website says, that in a typical rent-to-own scenario, a buyer commits to renting a property for a specified period of time, during which they have the option to buy the home at a predetermined price before the lease expires. This setup allows tenants time to build up funds for a down payment.

The agreement is set between the landlord and the tenant, with the understanding that as time progresses, the down payment accumulates, enabling the tenant to purchase the home from the landlord eventually. The key to these agreements includes a clearly defined option to buy at the end of the lease term and a set timeline for exercising this option.

How Does Rent To Own Work

Rent-to-own lets you use part of your monthly rent to save for buying a home later. It locks in the home’s price upfront to help you plan your finances.

But what if the property value changes before the set date? More on that later.

Like renting normally, you pay a set amount each month for a set time. But with rent-to-own, some of that money eventually goes towards owning the home.

There are two options:

1. **Lease-option agreement**: You can decide not to buy the home at the end of your lease with no extra fees.

2. **Lease-purchase agreement**: You agree to buy the home at the end of your lease. There may be penalties if you change your mind or can’t get a mortgage.

The agreement spells out how long you’ll rent, the rent amount, money set aside for the down payment, when you can move in, the home’s price, and when the contract ends. It’s important to have a lawyer review everything so you know what to expect.

Here’s a simple example:

– **Agreed Purchase Price**: $390,000

– **Option to Purchase Deposit**: $9,750 (due when you move in)

– **Amount Owed After 3 Years**: $380,250

– **5% Down Payment Needed**: $19,012.50

– **Monthly Rent**: $1,500

– **Extra Money Saved for Down Payment**: $600/month

– **Total Saved for Down Payment in 3 Years**: $21,600

– **Remaining Money After 5% Down**: $2,587.50

In this example, after renting for three years, you’d save $21,600 towards the down payment. After putting down 5% ($19,012.50), you’d have $2,587.50 left, which could be used for other costs. This shows how rent-to-own works and why it’s important to plan ahead.

Pros of rent-to-own:

Rent-to-own is designed to help Canadians enter the real estate market more easily. If you’re thinking about this option, here are some reasons why it can be beneficial:

1. **Build your savings**: Renters can save directly and through rent credits towards the home purchase. This allows time to address financial issues and achieve savings goals.

2. **Live in your future home**: Rent-to-own lets you live in the home you plan to buy, fostering a sense of pride and allowing time to assess the community and living conditions.

Cons of rent-to-own:

However, like any home buying process, there are cons to consider. Here are some potential risks:

1. **Property restrictions**: Some leases may restrict property modifications or features during the rental period.

2. **Property value fluctuations**: If the property’s value drops during the lease, you might still need to pay the agreed-upon purchase price. Understanding the agreement’s terms regarding appreciation is crucial.

3. **Missed payments**: Missing payments could jeopardize the agreement, possibly resulting in the loss of accumulated down payments or other penalties.

You see, Holly, there is much more to consider with your little plan to rent-to-own a home.

A hell of a lot more than simply asking the sellers if they would consider this option.

Houses That Sold in West Rouge February 2024

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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.

Can a Thermostat Blow Up a Deal?

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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.

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

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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! ????✈️????