Friday, 27 July 2012

Buyers Not Using A Realtor...They Think They'll Get A Deal?

One of the most common things I've seen in the past couple months are buyers calling the listing Realtors to view the condo unit or house without using their own designated Realtor who will work in their BEST INTEREST. The reasoning I get for this "I think we'll get a better deal if we cut one Realtor out of the sale"


I am going to be strait up with you. You WILL NOT get a better deal on your purchase, and you WILL NOT have anybody looking out for your best interest, you WILL NOT have an agent making sure YOU get the best price & are taken care of on the buying end of the transaction. By using 1 Realtor for the entire transaction, you are paying that Realtor double commissions & entering yourself into transactional brokerage which means:


In transaction brokerage, the agent (industry member) will now act as a transaction facilitator and provide facilitation services to assist the parties in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement. Facilitation services means services by which the interests of the buyer and seller are met in an even-handed, objective and impartial manner without providing confidential advice, advocating on behalf of either the buyer or seller, or using discretion or judgement that benefits the buyer or seller to the prejudice of the other, and may include:
  • providing real estate statistics and information on property including comparable property information available through listing services or other local databases;
  • providing standard form agreements of purchase and sale, lease and other relevant documents, and preparing these document sin accordance with the instructions of the client(s);
  • presenting in a timely manner, all offers and counter-offers to and from the client(s);
  • conveying to the client(s) in a timely manner all information that either wishes to have communicated to the other; and,
  • keeping the client(s) informed regarding the progress of the transaction.
Finally, as a transaction facilitator, the agent will fulfil all other facilitation services to both parties as far as they are consistent with the terms of their respective agreements.

Now let's re-cap, you are reaching a "mutually acceptable agreement" not getting A DEAL. As professionals, we are trained to negotiate and read body language, eye contact, hesitations in voices, etc.... so we know when we can push for a better deal for YOU the BUYER. You will get NO advice in a transactional brokerage agreement & no one negotiating for you.

It's amazing how many people do not appreciate the training and education we get to provide our designated clients top notch, professional advice & negotiation skills. We read people everyday, we communicate and interact with people everyday, we know people & we know this industry.

Don't you want someone working for, looking out for & helping you get the best price in one of the biggest purchases of your life?

I never understood why a BUYER would not use a Realtor when the sellers are paying the commissions? ......... so I asked ......... and the answers were all the same.........
 "I think we'll get a better deal if we cut one Realtor out of the sale"

Now, go back & read my post again, and think twice. And realise that I am not gaining anything by telling you this. I'm actually losing a double end sale by telling you this. Call me if you have any further questions or concerns regarding this topic :)
 


Chas Zemluk
CIR Realty

403-354-3777

http://www.calgaryhomeswithchas.com/



Wednesday, 13 June 2012

Making Your Home A LUCKY sale!


In Chinese, a number is considered lucky or unlucky based on how it sounds when pronounced. A good example is the number 4. A number 4 is considered the unluckiest number of all because it sounds like the Cantonese word for death or to die. The number 8 is considered a very lucky number since it sounds like the word for prosper when it is pronounced. In addition to the number 8, other numbers considered lucky or auspicious in the belief system of the Chinese culture, are:
  • 9 is associated with longevity and dragons
  • 6 is pronounced like the word for deer that symbolizes longevity
  • 7 sounds similar to the number 8 when pronounced and is considered lucky in certain instances but unlucky in others
  • 1 is considered lucky when it comes before the number 8


When it comes to selling a house, the following information is helpful when answering the question, "What are the Chinese lucky numbers to sell my house?" In China, the luckiest number to use is 8. Other lucky numbers are 9 and 6, but the number 8 is considered the most lucky of all. When 1 precedes the number 8, you're guaranteed prosperity.

Selling Price of Your Home

Many real estate sales have been lost simply because the perspective buyer considered the asking price to be unlucky. For example, if your asking price is $399,144 there are certain buyers that would never consider buying your house because the 4 is considered a very unlucky number to people of China, Korea and Japan as mentioned before. The number 1 preceding the 4 sounds like the word forguaranteed, so the selling price is considered as guaranteeing an unfortunate future for potential buyers. If you change the selling price to $399,188, then the same buyers would find the selling price to be very lucky. This is because the number 8 is considered the luckiest number. With the 1 before it, the number means guaranteed prosperity.

Tips: Chinese Lucky Numbers To Sell a House

  • If you are in the market to sell your house, you may want to consider making your asking price a number that contains Chinese lucky numbers.
  • If you are holding an open house to show your house to perspective buyers, schedule the event on a date that is made up of lucky numbers.
  • If the total of the digits for the selling price add up to an auspicious number, it is considered lucky.
  • The auspiciousness of a number can vary based on the Chinese dialect being spoken
  • According to Taoist traditions, every number is either yin or yang. The odd numbers are said to be yin and are made up of male energy. The even numbers are yang and are made up of female energy.





--FENG SHUI- -
Feng Shui can help people bring energy, luck, health and wealth into their life. Today, lots of corporations hire Feng Shui consultants to help them earn more money from their business by adopting the Feng Shui advice. It's very expensive to ask a Feng Shui expert to your house today.


**FENG SHUI TIP**
You should make your lucky places clean and beautiful to keep and improve your luck, since the god of luck never likes a dirty place. You should also spend more time in the lucky places everyday.


 The front door of your house represents your mouth, and it’s also where the lucky Chi energy can enter. Make sure that the approach isn’t overgrown, and keep the front of your house tidy. Avoid putting rubbish or thorny plants near the front door as this dissipates the amount of good energy entering your home.




Chas Zemluk
CIR Realty


403-354-3777
www.calgaryhomeswithchas.com 

Monday, 14 May 2012

Kijiji Tips!

101


BUYING:

1) Don't always assume the asking price is the fair price & always make an offer!
2) Don't assume the item is SOLD if it's been up for a long time or on the 10th + page
3) If you're really interested, IMMEDIATELY go view the item, (especially if it was just posted!) don't let someone grab the deal before you! 
4) When you go view the item, bring cash, only pull out the amount you will pay
8) NEVER transfer money over the Internet (at least I don't recommend this)
9) Pictures can be deceitful - -  Go take a look!
10) CALL before Emailing if your really interested

SELLING:

1) When Selling something, consider meeting the potential buyer somewhere other than your house (safety reason)
2) Remember to delete your Ad when your item has sold. 
3) Copy & Paste to Re-Post your Ad every week for FREE & get more hits/viewers/fresh buyers who are not looking at Page 10 Ads :)
4) ALWAYS post at least one picture with your Ad
5) Never give up your motive for selling!



Did You Know?

  • Many staging companies and/or Realtors buy furniture to stage homes - - After light use and approx 3 months the furniture is put up on Kijiji for re-sale at a smokin' discount price!

  • Most people do not re post their Ad...so even though clicking through 10 pages is time consuming maybe you will find the diamond in the rough that has not sold yet!





Tips & Tricks Personally written by: 

Chas Zemluk
CIR Realty

403-354-3777

W: www.calgaryhomeswithchas.com
E: czemluk@cirrealty.ca



Monday, 23 April 2012

Things To Do Outdoors in & around Calgary!









Its amazing the energy, revitalisation & happiness you gain from being outside, in the heat of summer or in the snowbanks! As a child I was always outside, my parents bought their first home that sat on a large backyard where they built my brother and I a playhouse off our deck with a slide down and a sandbox underneath.... the home I grew up in also backed a spray-pool park which also had a soccer field, baseball field a large hill for tobogganing down and yet another park play area! Having been only 3 blocks from  school, I realise now looking back the opportunities I had all around me to allow me & my brother to stay busy outside and NOT inside on our Nintendo, TV or Computer! 


I sit here on my deck in Calgary squinting at my computer screen typing... (I'm trying to incorporate work & being outside now that I'm older with responsibilities haha) I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to be outside in this beautiful weather! This past winter my husband and I took advantage of the mountains more than we ever have (I learnt how to Snowboard!....after many falls, and a few tears! Such an amazing feeling to learn something that was sooo frustrating for me!) it was revitalising, exciting, calming & relaxing. For us, this is living! I'd like to challenge everyone to make this summer the BEST most adventurous summer yet! 


Here are Some Outdoor Activity Ideas - - 
Some are Priceless & require little to no money!
I will continue adding ideas as they are presented to me or I think them up! :) 
(copy & paste links I've included into your search browser)


Enjoy Life. Live it to its Fullest!



  1. Camp: Find Camp Grounds Around Calgary Here: (http://www.campingaroundcalgary.com/)
  2. Go to the lake (Ghost Lake, Lake Invermere, Sylvan Lake, Pine Lake, Sicome Lake)
  3. Go quading/4 wheeling (Mclean creek, Indian Graves, Dutch Creek, Wipouras, Burnt timber, Caroline, Rocky Mtn House, Prairie creek, Nordegg, Ram River)
  4. Boating (see #2 Lakes)
  5. Fish in the Bow river off shore
  6. Walk the trails in Calgary: Maps of Pathways & Bikeways Here: (http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Pathways/Calgary-pathways-and-bikeways-map.aspx)
  7. Hang out at Stanley Park or Bowness Park, etc: Parks of Calgary Here:(http://www.discovercalgary.com/Calgary/SightsAttractions/ParksGardens/)
  8. Go rafting in the Bow River or Sheep River in Okotoks: Rentals Here (http://www.lazydayraftrentals.com/)
  9. Go Rollerblading
  10. Go Biking
  11. Have a campfire in your backyard in a Chiminea
  12. Go hiking: See Canmore & Kananaskis Hiking Here: (http://www.kananaskis.com/canmore-hiking-trails.htm)
  13. Go to an outdoor pool: Outdoor Pools in Calgary Here: (http://www.calgaryoutdoorpools.ca/)
  14. Experience Calaway Park (http://www.calawaypark.com/)
  15. Head to the Zoo (http://www.calgaryzoo.org)
  16. Drink your morning coffee on your deck
  17. Grow your own garden or a few herbs 
  18. Take your dog out for a walk: Calgary Off-Leash Dog Parks Here: (http://www.calgary.ca/CSPS/Parks/Pages/Locations/Dog-off-leash-areas-in-parks.aspx?redirect=/offleash)
  19. Take your kids to the playground: 15 of Calgary's BEST Playgrounds Here: (http://www.calgaryplaygroundreview.com/2011/08/15-of-calgarys-best-playgrounds.html)
  20. Let your kids run through the sprinklers and let loose and run through the sprinklers too!
  21. Grab a drink with friends at an outdoor patio
  22. Stroll down 17th or 10th Avenue and shop instead of being inside of the mall for hours
  23. Book a Shuswaps trip on a houseboat: Rent A Houseboat Here: (http://www.waterwayhouseboats.com/)
  24. Slurp a milkshake at Peter's Drive-In (http://www.petersdrivein.com/)
  25. Mow the lawn or the lawn of your elderly neighbour
  26. Play catch with your spouse or friend at the nearest green space
  27. Join a slow pitch team/soccer/football/beach volleyball etc: Calgary Sport & Social Club Here: (http://www.calgarysportsclub.com/main/index.shtml)
  28. Read a book on your deck or on a bench downtown or at the park etc
  29. Simply go watch a baseball or soccer game if you see one being played (take a bag of spitz!)
  30. Sun tan on your deck or in your back yard!
  31. Attend an outdoor festival: Find Outdoor Festivals Here: (http://www.discovercalgary.com/Calgary/Events/Festivals/)
  32. Go to an outdoor concert
  33. Enjoy a Rodeo, Exhibition or the Calgary Stampede!: Alberta Fairs & Exhibition dates Here:(http://www.discoveralberta.com/Events/FairsExhibitions/)
Canadian Pro Rodeo Dates Here: (http://www.rodeocanada.com/rodeo_schedule.htm
Check out Calgary Outdoor Club for Outdoor Fun this Summer 2012!!
http://www.calgaryoutdoorclub.com/events/)


Chas Zemluk
CIR Realty

Phone: 403-354-3777

www.calgaryhomeswithchas.com
Email: czemluk@cirrealty.ca


Sunday, 22 April 2012

Favourite Cajun Shrimp!



  • CAJUN SHRIMP!

  • THIS RECIPE IS JUST A TREAT! 
  • It's quick, easy and if you like spicy...I would recommend using 1 full teaspoon of Cayenne :) Let me know what you think! -Chas-


  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive or canola oil
  • 1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined






Directions
  1. In a large nonstick skillet, saute the paprika, thyme, salt, nutmeg, garlic powder and cayenne in oil for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add shrimp; saute for 2-3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink, stirring occasionally.






                                                       Compliments of Chas Zemluk
CIR Realty


403-354-3777
czemluk@cirrealty.ca
www.calgaryhomeswithchas.com



Thursday, 12 April 2012

Are You Getting The BEST Inspection?

Are You Getting The BEST Inspection?
What YOU as a BUYER need to know..

The home looks nice and appealing but what about the structure, roof, electrical, plumbing and heating components of the home? These are a few of the items that should be looked at before surprise costs eat into your budget that you were not planning on. Most of the compliments that I receive from past clients say that this inspection was the most educational and thorough inspection that they have ever had; this is what I strive for. Calgary’s reputation was built by people with high integrity, standards, and honour. It may be old fashioned but Im proud of it.

Merv Stark, RHI
StarkPro Property Inspections
-Partner of Chas Zemluk Real Estate-

Viewing the cosmetics of the home is nice but other items can have unexpected costs if they are not investigated before you buy your home. No home is perfect. The primary concern for home inspectors is safety issues and major issues that can really hurt the wallet. A good home inspector will educate you about the home and issues that can be expected while you own your home. The following contains a brief example of common issues that I, a registered home inspector, find during a home inspection and the recommendations that I make.

Our extremes in climate change are hard on roofing materials but this can often be extended by installing a few extra roof vents to improve air flow from within the attic. Having been raised in the Calgary construction industry, I have never seen as much wind damage (lifted shingles), as I have so far this year. I have noticed fewer inspectors carry long ladders to view roofs properly but I will always try my best to check the status of each and every roof I come across.

Structure of the home from footing to the roof peak will vary, even if the builders carry a good name. The sub-trades they hire might get fired, but this home could be the home that was not done correctly. Water coming into basements is an issue I come across and can generally be prevented by grading away from the home and having downspouts extended away from the home.

Electrical should always be viewed, including behind the main panel cover. Melted wires are just one of many items found that could be a safety issue. Some insurance companies charge more or insist on immediate corrections if aluminum wiring has been used in the home. Former “grow-ops” that were never discovered by the authorities is another item that can sometimes be found at the main electrical panel. Since becoming an inspector in 2004, all current home owners in my past case experiences did not know that they had been living under these conditions.

Furnace/boiler covers should also be removed so the burners can be examined. An experienced home inspector, having viewed thousands of burners, may suspect premature abuse of the system. These details can be contributed to type, and heating manufacture, year made, former grow-op, air conditioner, internal parts starting to fail or simply caused from not changing the air filter on regular basis. This list can go on. Some experienced home owners did not even know that a filter was in a furnace.

Plumbing includes water tanks and materials used for supply and waste piping. Cast iron waste piping may have extra cost for insurance and some insurance companies want galvanized supply water pipes to be replaced. Certain plastic supply types and connectors are known for failure and a good inspector will point this out to you. It seems to be a secret that if a water softener has been installed extra maintenance is required for a longer life on the water tank. This is an extra comment that I have added into my easy-to-read report for my clients.

Having been a former adult construction instructor I spend extra time with my clients so they will learn more about these and other components of the home that I feel they should know about. The report provided is a way for you to understand the minor and major issues you may be facing with your purchase; a valuable tool in your home purchasing decision making.


Yours truly,

Merv Stark, RH
StarkPro Property Inspections
-Partner of Chas Zemluk Real Estate-



 


Chas Zemluk
CIR Realty

Phone: 403-354-3777
Website: www.calgaryhomeswithchas.com


Wednesday, 11 April 2012

JUST LISTED- Mount Pleasant!


1 BED, 1 BATH, GRANITE, IN-SUITE LAUNDRY & STORAGE, LARGE BALCONY
SOLD

Bight, Sunny and beautifully renovated 6th floor corner unit awaiting Immediate possession! This open-concept condo boasts laminate flooring, big, bright windows, granite countertops, black appliances & stainless steel refrigerator. You're steps away from SAIT, The Mall, Tim Hortons, Tanning Salons, Restaurants, Lounges, Salons & shops...you dont have to drive anywhere if you dont want to!!


Enjoy your HUGE, south facing balcony with a fabulous DOWNTOWN view!


All utilities included in your condo fees of only $342/mth
1 leased parking spot included ($50/mth)


Please call, text or email to view this fantastic condo unit!


Asking $219,900 

MLS #C3515745




Chas Zemluk
CIR Realty


C: 403-354-3777
E: czemluk@cirrealty.ca