Before You List – Interview Real Estate Agents

Last night I was out playing cards with friends, one of whom is going to sell her home in a few months.  About three weeks ago we talked about her hiring an agent and I stressed the importance of interviewing two or three and finding out some answers to, what I believe, are important questions.  I told my friend that the internet is now the biggest screening tool that Buyers use for deciding to see a home.  I also said that some Buyers have purchased homes (usually from overseas) without ever stepping foot in the home.  It is all based on the photos and videos.  Given the importance of good photos and videos, I suggested that she ask each agent:

Last night she told me the story of Agent Zero.  When asked the above questions, the agent told her:  
  • I take the photos with my little camera.  
  • I never use video.  
  • I like to post two or three photos just to tease people to come see the house.  
  • I pick the photos.  
  • I only use the local real estate board site.
Sometimes you have to play the cards you are dealt and sometimes, as was the case with my friend, you can be a strategic and savvy player and pass on the hand someone else is holding.  
 
She passed on the agent’s trick.

 

Photo credit:  Ace of Spades Card Trick Macro 10-19-09-02

Banoffee Pie at Allium Restaurant. Can it get better than this?

 

 Last night we went out for Valentine’s Day (okay, a few hours before the stroke of midnight but so close to the 14th as not to count).  One of my favourite restaurants a few years ago was Allium on Holland Avenue.  For some reason, time passed and we had not been back.  In looking for a place to celebrate Valentine’s Day, I suggested Allium.  Monday night is tapas night and that allows me to taste a few things without ending up with a huge plate of only one type of food.  I was not disappointed!  We had great service, wonderful tapas and then for only $4.00 a half of a Banoffee pie (see the photo from the Allium website above to realize that this was not a huge serving but JUST RIGHT.  I saw a Jamie Oliver television show where he made one of these pies and it stuck as something that I would like to taste.  Mission accomplished.  It is made of graham crumb crust, toffee, bananas, whipped cream and shaved chocolate. Not something for every day but a treat.

Part of what made the evening was the variety of patrons in the restaurant.   There were a couple of families with school aged children, women out with their girlfriends, couples, and groups.  The atmosphere was lively and upbeat.  

I highly recommend a meal at Allium or (if you are like me and like variety) the Monday tapas evening.  Make a reservation just to be sure to have a spot.     Allium  87 Holland Avenue;  Ottawa, Ontario;  613-792-1313

Cruising the Internet for BC Condos

Whenever it gets cold and I get tired of walking on icy streets, I start to look at real estate in British Columbia.  Even when there is snow, it doesn’t stay in the Vancouver area or on the south end of Vancouver Island (at least that is my dream).  So, I have been back looking on the Internet at real estate.  

If we are going to live in our next home for 20 or 30 years, then I need to take into account that yard and house maintenance will be a future issue as will climbing stairs to the second floor to go to the master bedroom.  I am looking at condos targeted to adults.  Now, here are 2 things that I have noticed when condo town homes, apartments and single homes are listed for these adult communities:  

  1. Age minimum:  19
  2. Pets:  Dogs no more than 20 pounds and no taller from the floor to the top of the head of 20″.  

Seems like there are some condo boards (called strata in BC) that have become VERY specific about the pets and about children.  I guess the definition of adult is 19 and over in BC.   What 19 year old in his right mind is going to want to live in an old folks community?  Oh yes, the 19 year old who needs free room and board.  LOL  

I got out the tape measure and the scale and with a few more walks and less treats, Hoover can meet the dog criteria.  Just one more reason for having Westies.  

Dogs and Kids but with limits.