I just wanted to post some of my favourite pictures from an incredibly amazing trip Jenn and I took to New York. We walked and looked and taxied and ate and drank and shopped and New Yorked.
Tuesday 31 December 2013
Sunday 22 December 2013
Wednesday 11 December 2013
Monday 9 December 2013
Friday 6 December 2013
Wednesday 4 December 2013
Check this out to see what $390,000 (the average home price in Canada) will buy in different parts of the country.
Wednesday 27 November 2013
Thursday 21 November 2013
Wednesday 20 November 2013
Tuesday 19 November 2013
Monday 11 November 2013
We Do the Home Work
I guess I can share the catchy phrase with the Canadian Real Estate Association, so check out this useful information on buying or selling a home:
We Do the Home Work
We Do the Home Work
Thursday 7 November 2013
The Complexities of Pricing a Home
Andrew Fogliato - RE/MAX Real Estate Agent Aurora: The Complexities of Pricing a Home:
By Andrew Fogliato There is a popular saying that 80% of the marketing of a home is in the price. All too often though people do not pu...
By Andrew Fogliato There is a popular saying that 80% of the marketing of a home is in the price. All too often though people do not pu...
Tuesday 5 November 2013
Check out this little $17.8 M cabin
Like I said on facebook, if we all chipped in about $90,000, we could own this and I'd be a happy realtor. Think about it, but not for too long.
Like I said on facebook, if we all chipped in about $90,000, we could own this and I'd be a happy realtor. Think about it, but not for too long.
Sunday 3 November 2013
Best Message
Here's a little more about this reconnecting thing...
One of the former students whom I contacted, messaged back almost immediately how good it was to hear from me and then remarked on the timing of it because he was currently doing a placement at Perth Road school. Not only that, he went on to say that the reason he was going into educating young children was because of the example of the male teachers he had while a student at Perth Road, including me! (There were others, too.)
It's a rare, and very special privilege, to receive such feedback. What a great young man for making me aware of this. I appreciate it more than he knows. Someday, I hope one of his former students says the same thing to him.
One of the former students whom I contacted, messaged back almost immediately how good it was to hear from me and then remarked on the timing of it because he was currently doing a placement at Perth Road school. Not only that, he went on to say that the reason he was going into educating young children was because of the example of the male teachers he had while a student at Perth Road, including me! (There were others, too.)
It's a rare, and very special privilege, to receive such feedback. What a great young man for making me aware of this. I appreciate it more than he knows. Someday, I hope one of his former students says the same thing to him.
Thursday 31 October 2013
Reconnecting
I don't know how much attention we pay to each other's facebook pages, but if you have looked at mine lately, perhaps you've noticed that my friend count has dramatically increased. It's not that I've suddenly become more likeable or friend-ly, I've just been reconnecting.
Many of my facebook friends are from my high school days and I enjoy seeing them again in the way that facebook can allow us to "see" each other. I've got lots of teacher types in there too, and I always enjoy hearing what they have to say. Now that I'm retired, I'm using facebook to reconnect with former students and, I've got to say, it's a real kick!
I thought it was just going to be a real estate thing, where if I contacted 50 people, one of them might be interested in buying or selling property. It's turned into something much more. It's very satisfying to see how these young people are doing. For the teachers reading this, you understand how invested we become in the well-being of our students, and that doesn't change even if we're not in class together anymore. It feels oddly rewarding to see former students grown up and successful. Can't take much credit for it, but it's still nice to see.
So, although it's turned into more than a real estate thing, let's not let this facebook thing get out of hand. If one of them wants to buy a house, I'm there!
Many of my facebook friends are from my high school days and I enjoy seeing them again in the way that facebook can allow us to "see" each other. I've got lots of teacher types in there too, and I always enjoy hearing what they have to say. Now that I'm retired, I'm using facebook to reconnect with former students and, I've got to say, it's a real kick!
I thought it was just going to be a real estate thing, where if I contacted 50 people, one of them might be interested in buying or selling property. It's turned into something much more. It's very satisfying to see how these young people are doing. For the teachers reading this, you understand how invested we become in the well-being of our students, and that doesn't change even if we're not in class together anymore. It feels oddly rewarding to see former students grown up and successful. Can't take much credit for it, but it's still nice to see.
So, although it's turned into more than a real estate thing, let's not let this facebook thing get out of hand. If one of them wants to buy a house, I'm there!
Friday 25 October 2013
Here is a link to a very scenic property that I have listed near Portland, Ontario. This 25 acre building lot already has a drilled well and several acres of level land awaiting your dream home. Check out the link for more information and photos. Thanks!
Monday 14 October 2013
Happy Thanksgiving
It's been a nice Thanksgiving weekend...and it's not even over yet. I know how glad both Jenn and Sam are to have had a PA Day on Friday and a holiday Monday. Even though it seems like their school year has only begun, that first long weekend can't come too soon.
The weather has been incredible too. I was looking up some photos from previous autumns and found a couple that I remember taking and really like. Have a look.
Thursday 10 October 2013
Tuesday 8 October 2013
Open House Saturday, October 12 2:00 - 4:00
Come and see my on Saturday afternoon at 112 Country Club Drive, Kingston!
Wonderful location with a 60' x 200' lot backing onto the Cataraqui Golf Course.
Well-treed, fenced, private yard with a large deck.
Executive two-storey home boasting main floor family room with a wood burning fireplace, formal living room with French doors, open concept kitchen/dining room with patio doors to the yard.
Three good-sized bedrooms; master bedroom with 3 pc ensuite and a balcony.
Finished basement with separate entrance
for home office.
Wonderful location with a 60' x 200' lot backing onto the Cataraqui Golf Course.
Well-treed, fenced, private yard with a large deck.
Executive two-storey home boasting main floor family room with a wood burning fireplace, formal living room with French doors, open concept kitchen/dining room with patio doors to the yard.Three good-sized bedrooms; master bedroom with 3 pc ensuite and a balcony.
Finished basement with separate entrance for home office.
Sunday 6 October 2013
Friday 4 October 2013
Thursday 3 October 2013
We do the homework?
I thought I did the homework! That's my line. So, I thought it was very clever when I saw that the Ontario Real Estate Association, OREA, is using essentially the same slogan in a new campaign promoting realtors. I'll take the free advertising for sure!
Here is the link. (My blog looks nicer.)
Here is the link. (My blog looks nicer.)
Wednesday 2 October 2013
Sunday 22 September 2013
Open House Sun. Oct. 6/13 2-4:00
Click here to see the listing.
This is a beautiful, 2800 sq. ft. home backing onto Conservatory Pond. I hope that you have a chance to come and visit on Sun. Oct. 6 between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.
If you can't make it, feel free to contact me for more information. There has been a lot of interest in this home, which has possibly the best view of the Pond, so I don't expect it to be on the market much longer.
613.540.4190
LEastman@realtykingston.com
This is a beautiful, 2800 sq. ft. home backing onto Conservatory Pond. I hope that you have a chance to come and visit on Sun. Oct. 6 between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.
If you can't make it, feel free to contact me for more information. There has been a lot of interest in this home, which has possibly the best view of the Pond, so I don't expect it to be on the market much longer.
613.540.4190
LEastman@realtykingston.com
Thursday 19 September 2013
Wednesday 18 September 2013
Welcome Announcement
Here he is and ready to go
Thanks, RE/MAX! I already feel like part of the team and I am looking forward to working with my next clients, and the clients after them...
Dear Reader,
Please be sure to contact me if you or anyone you know is looking for a real estate agent. I would be happy to help. Already with a sale under my belt in the first three weeks, I'm feeling confident and excited about the future!
Thanks, RE/MAX! I already feel like part of the team and I am looking forward to working with my next clients, and the clients after them...
Dear Reader,
Please be sure to contact me if you or anyone you know is looking for a real estate agent. I would be happy to help. Already with a sale under my belt in the first three weeks, I'm feeling confident and excited about the future!
Monday 16 September 2013
Sunday 15 September 2013
The Sale
My first sale, while still conditional, has been negotiated! I'm learning to sing my own praises and I'm proud to say that I made a sale 22 days after starting in this business. Like anything, once the first one is completed, you know what to expect next time. I have a handle on the endless paperwork that is involved and a better feel for the process. I knew that helping the client would be the easy part and it did seem to feel pretty natural to me.
There's quite a rush of adrenaline as the deal gets closer to becoming a reality. The buyers certainly feel it. The sellers do too. I sure did. I'm very happy for my clients and know that they got the perfect house for them. It feels good knowing that I played a big part in making that happen.
There's quite a rush of adrenaline as the deal gets closer to becoming a reality. The buyers certainly feel it. The sellers do too. I sure did. I'm very happy for my clients and know that they got the perfect house for them. It feels good knowing that I played a big part in making that happen.
Wednesday 11 September 2013
Friday 6 September 2013
The Card
I'm pleased with it and thankful to Superior Printing for their friendly, expert advice. They even offered me lunch while I was there today. Nice people. They'll be making my lawn signs too. Imagine cards, only bigger.
I'm also pleased that my name and face will start appearing out there more frequently. Tell the world, I'm open for business.
I've been working with a young couple searching for their first home which is exactly what I had hoped to be doing, so it's a great start. They are a very nice couple and together we'll find them a very nice home. If all goes well, I hope that you'll be hearing directly from them about their experience.
Monday 2 September 2013
Thursday 29 August 2013
Back to ?
I must admit that it feels more than a little strange not going into school this week to set up the classroom. Strange in a good way, I suppose. I do miss my teacher friends but we'll catch up with one another.The week before school begins is, for teachers, much like returning to school for kids. We are happy to see one another again after the summer break and excited because there is that feeling of a fresh start. Everything old is new again.
So, I wish my teacher friends all the best during their setup time this week and for a successful school year beginning next week.
Wednesday 28 August 2013
Monday 19 August 2013
Wednesday 14 August 2013
Anniversary Reminder
My new mentors at RE/MAX reminded me that it was important to try to lead a balanced life and that selling real estate could easily turn into a 24/7 job. They told stories about people neglecting family and forgetting important occasions such as anniversaries. I took it all in, knowing that it was something I had already considered. When it was time to leave, I said that I'd see them on Monday, and have a great weekend.
Later that night, I was reminded that this weekend was our anniversary (1st!) and that we would be in Ottawa to celebrate on Sunday and Monday. I sheepishly sent the email to the RE/MAX guys. See you on Tuesday!
Part 2
We stayed at the Westin in Ottawa, which is where we stayed one year ago. I had tried to get the same room but, unfortunately, most of the hotel had already been booked for a conference. When we got there on Sunday, the lobby was packed with people, all wearing ID around their necks indicating the RE/MAX brokerage they either owned or worked for. The place was crawling with them. Most were from the US and I spoke to many of them, telling them about my connection. So, I guess there's no getting away from it.
Here's the beautiful bride:
Later that night, I was reminded that this weekend was our anniversary (1st!) and that we would be in Ottawa to celebrate on Sunday and Monday. I sheepishly sent the email to the RE/MAX guys. See you on Tuesday!
Part 2
We stayed at the Westin in Ottawa, which is where we stayed one year ago. I had tried to get the same room but, unfortunately, most of the hotel had already been booked for a conference. When we got there on Sunday, the lobby was packed with people, all wearing ID around their necks indicating the RE/MAX brokerage they either owned or worked for. The place was crawling with them. Most were from the US and I spoke to many of them, telling them about my connection. So, I guess there's no getting away from it.
Here's the beautiful bride:
Saturday 10 August 2013
A Busy Saturday
Lots accomplished outside today. Jenn and I planted and weeded and cut and trimmed and edged and watered. It looks good out there. I'll take a picture and prove it!
I spent some time yesterday with Mike Scriven and Bob McKean at RE/MAX. They were both very good to me. I start in the office next week and should have my registration returned within a week or two, which will enable me to officially work as a realtor. These two men, and Danny Murray, really have my back. They'll steer me in the right direction, provide tons of training and experience, and work with me to ensure everything that I have done is exactly as it needs to be. It's a real confidence booster to have the backing of RE/MAX pros.
The most important activity - work-related activity- is to contact as many people as possible to let them know that I'm ready to go. You never know when a friend of a friend my say, "Do you any good realtors?" So, if you're reading this, please let me know if you or anyone you know is considering a move and I would be more than happy to help.
I spent some time yesterday with Mike Scriven and Bob McKean at RE/MAX. They were both very good to me. I start in the office next week and should have my registration returned within a week or two, which will enable me to officially work as a realtor. These two men, and Danny Murray, really have my back. They'll steer me in the right direction, provide tons of training and experience, and work with me to ensure everything that I have done is exactly as it needs to be. It's a real confidence booster to have the backing of RE/MAX pros.
The most important activity - work-related activity- is to contact as many people as possible to let them know that I'm ready to go. You never know when a friend of a friend my say, "Do you any good realtors?" So, if you're reading this, please let me know if you or anyone you know is considering a move and I would be more than happy to help.
It's hard to tell from the photos, but the new rock garden is actually on a pretty steep hill. Look closely at the top picture and you can spot Jake the cat at the far end of the garden. That gives some perspective. Check out our new shed, which is being built by good old Greg Dixon.
Monday 5 August 2013
August
This summer, like all summers I suppose, seems to be going by far too quickly. Yesterday, Jenn and I went out in the boat for the first time this season. It was very relaxing - something we needed to do.
Like many of you, we are always doing some project related to the house or the yard. Some are already aware of our adventures in septic tank replacement earlier in the spring. That changed the look of our yard and has led to new flower beds, shrubs, and trees. With a larger lawn, I feel that I deserve a riding lawn mower, so I'm looking into that.
We needed to remove our old shed to make way for the septic bed, so we are in the process of building another. When I say "we", I mean our friend and extremely handy man, Greg Dixon. It's almost finished and looks great. And it's already full.
This weekend, Jenn and I are celebrating our first anniversary. We are very aware of how lucky we are to have one another and we're looking forward to going back to Ottawa for a couple of days. We'll be staying at the Westin again and returning to Napoli's Cafe, the wonderful restaurant that provided our perfect wedding luncheon.
Like many of you, we are always doing some project related to the house or the yard. Some are already aware of our adventures in septic tank replacement earlier in the spring. That changed the look of our yard and has led to new flower beds, shrubs, and trees. With a larger lawn, I feel that I deserve a riding lawn mower, so I'm looking into that.
We needed to remove our old shed to make way for the septic bed, so we are in the process of building another. When I say "we", I mean our friend and extremely handy man, Greg Dixon. It's almost finished and looks great. And it's already full.
This weekend, Jenn and I are celebrating our first anniversary. We are very aware of how lucky we are to have one another and we're looking forward to going back to Ottawa for a couple of days. We'll be staying at the Westin again and returning to Napoli's Cafe, the wonderful restaurant that provided our perfect wedding luncheon.
Friday 2 August 2013
Got It!
Phew, that's a relief. I passed the exam with a great mark. I guess I shouldn't have worried so much. I also passed the Criminal Record Check, so I'm good to go.
The next part of the adventure begins with registering with RECO, the Real Estate Council of Ontario, and then getting things set up at RE/MAX. I'm getting excited!
The next part of the adventure begins with registering with RECO, the Real Estate Council of Ontario, and then getting things set up at RE/MAX. I'm getting excited!
Tuesday 30 July 2013
Monday 29 July 2013
Sunday 28 July 2013
Fingers Crossed
To pass the exam, I need to get at least 75%. I went in with lots of confidence, but exited with a lot more humility. There were some tricky questions, not looking at the big idea, instead asking for minute details - and 2 questions on electromagnetic fields. Really?! It's that important?! They were ones that I got right though.
When back home, I went through the text and the online portion to see if I could locate the information used in some of the questions. I discovered that I had answered some questions correctly and some incorrectly. That didn't help much. I'm hoping that because I reviewed my test answers, I got enough marks to pass.
So now, I wait for a few days before the results are sent to me, probably on Thursday. Jennifer kindly reminded me that I felt this uncertain after the first two exams as well. I'm hoping that my worrying is unnecessary.
Fingers crossed.
Friday 26 July 2013
Home Work
The intention was a catchy phrase.
The pun invokes my teacher life and my realtor life. Get it?
But, homework is what I've been doing over the past week in order to prepare for tomorrow's exam. I've been at Jenn's family cottage all week too, so homework hasn't been easy. It's a beautiful place on Sydenham lake and it's bright and sunny outside, but I'm determined so homework, in order to do Home Work, is the order of the day.
 |
| Sam had a great time. Zero homework. |
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| Everything stops for a sunset. |
Saturday 20 July 2013
In the beginning...
Starting something new is never easy, but it can be very exciting!
I am looking forward to my new incarnation as a realtor and hope to be able to tell you all about it, and a few other things, along the way.
Right now, I am finishing the third of the three courses necessary to begin this new career. There are many courses, workshops, and training sessions ahead to help me expand my skills and knowledge.
I've done well on the first two courses, 93% and 97% respectively, so I'm hoping to be successful on this final exam.
I'll keep you posted...
I am looking forward to my new incarnation as a realtor and hope to be able to tell you all about it, and a few other things, along the way.
Right now, I am finishing the third of the three courses necessary to begin this new career. There are many courses, workshops, and training sessions ahead to help me expand my skills and knowledge.
I've done well on the first two courses, 93% and 97% respectively, so I'm hoping to be successful on this final exam.
I'll keep you posted...
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