Recently I have made a few transactions. One was a furniture delivery that resulted in delivery guys destroying my house. The usual not taking shoes off. Leaving hand prints on the wall. Ripping a thermostat of my wall. After two weeks of Pain we purchased another set from a different store with success.

Throughout that week my wife and I encountered "horrific customer service". Being in Sales I find it funny when walking into a retail store and the sales clerk says "may I help you" OF course I reply no thanks Im just looking. A professional would introduce themselves and say Im here to answer questions  and if you need me I would be right over here. Leaving me time to shop.

After a very long week we did go to a store "speedy auto glass" in Burlington where the service was outstanding. Now these guys totally get it. They were awesome.

I realize in Real Estate there is customer service, and then there is exceptional customer service.  The best way to monitor how you are doing in your business is if you your business can rely on "word of mouth" service. How often to you get a card where the sales rep informs you referrals are the life blood of my business, but doesn't give you the  service.

I am proud to say my business thrives on referrals and I have to do very little self promotion.

After a week of basiclly receiving "horrible" service I have been reminded how important it is to raise the bar on customer service.

So if your business or company is slow, take a look and examine your business. Are you giving and being the best you can be.? 

Recently I had a client contact me who's only concern was profit in this real estate boom. I recently read the Wealthy Barber Returns by David Chilton and was so happy to read his book. His views are very similar to mine. We all understand his viewpoint but do we do it? I fail to understand the following? Why do clients focus so much on Mortgage Rates But don;t pay of their credit cards ( which is much higer interest) ? Why do clients use there home line of credits to excess , when they fail to realize they are actually renting? Why do clients ignore other wealth building income producing investments? Why are clients only concerned with investment potential rather than buying a house that will make them happy? We are on a good run and eventually when and if interest rates go up it will cause some diffulculty for new home owners that have too much consumer debt. As a Realtor I will always push clients to buy a home THEY CAN TRULY AFFORD. I realize I may be unique and I value the referrals I receive from my clients but I have never gone for the quick sale. I always try to help clients. To me real estate is shelter and although and important part of your retirement it is not the only component. I am very concerned about the consumer debt out there and feel we have to focus on basic fundamentals of real estate to avoid pitfalls in the future. We need more books like the wealthy barber and less books by the so called experts.

Recently I had the opportunity to dine with friends at a restaurant in Waterdown, On. One of the best little Italian spots we have found. The food was excellent and prices reasonable. There was a slight line up but the 15 minutes was worth the wait.

Our waiter was first class and one of the best I have seen in my life.

So if you like Italian Dining this place is worth checking out for sure. http://www.marcianos.ca/

Recent Sales Statistics  Provided by Hamilton -Burlington Real Estate Board: Media Release

Sold !

New Listing. This lovely townhouse is priced at 199,900.00.  The Location is excellent close to malls and bus routes. This home has a beautiful kitchen and Bathroom. Finished basement and is move in ready !

Please click on You tube vide for full pictures.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiJaLtti2Ds

 

Video link is only valid during marketing of Condo .

Condo fee includes Building insurance, cable TV, Exterior Maintenance and Water.  

12 Slices of Smoked Bacon ( strips) cut up in little squares

One cup of Onion

2 Cloves of Garlic

1/4 cup of brown Sugar

1/4 cup of Molasses 1/4 cup of Key West Lime BBQ Sause 1/4 cup of Ketchup

2 tablespoons of worchester saus  one tablespoon of dry mustard  1 table spoon of cider vinegar

black Pepper a titch

This recipe came from  the barbeque bible I discovered using real German Smoked Bacon from Deningers in Hamilton or  Burlington makes a tremendous difference in flavour. I also opted to added spicy BBQ sause with lime. I used  Key West Lime BBQ Sause  but caution on the LIME it can be overpowering.

3 hours on High cool and reheat to medium. This is like  chilli  always better on the second reheat .

MLS H3070320      SOLD

 Offered at $ 169,900.00 

FRESHLY PAINTED OPEN CONCEPT UNIT,GENEROUS VISITOR PARKING, STORAGE LOCKER 28, OUTDOOR PARKING SPOT 5-11 RAISED BREAKFAST BAR OVERLOOKING LIVING AND DINING ROOM ALL APPLIANCES INCLUDED. PERFECT FOR THE FIRST TIME BUYER. 

VIEW LISTING ON YOU TUBE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ow8zQJ3JTs

A month ago or so I was showing houses and showing signs of being tired. Sounds crazy but showing houses can be tiring. It is rewarding when your buyer finally finds a home.

I was on a way to a showing in Burlington  and I stopped into a Tim Hortons. What I did wrong was a I cut a lady off in the Tim Hortons drive through. I felt bad but did not notice her  car . When I got to the window I payed for my coffee and payed for the order behind me. It was a small gesture but cutting off someone when you dont mean too is a crappy feeling. Im sure she was surprised when she got her donut and coffee for free.  I figured oh well its not much but at least I did something to correct my ways. The counter person also apoligized on my behalf  as I was not in a position to leave my car.

In Real Estate or any self employed business you learn quickly what goes around comes around.  Well funny thing  I was in Costco last week in Burlington. I did not have cash and the lunch counter is cash only. So I went to the ATM machine to get cash.  When I returned the counter person said you dont need  any money.

A lady had paid for my lunch and drink ! !  You are hearing  of this pay it forward  thing and I have not looked into it. But I am so amazed that I received this gesture from a complete stranger.

It just goes to show what goes around comes around.  I do believe most people are good people but we do sometimes get sidetracked.  But the lunch at Costco (Hot Dog and a Coke ) never tasted so good. The rest of the day was a gratifying  one as there was only positive thoughts for the rest of the day . Its a good day when you are above the ground.     

OFFERED AT $ 239,000     MLS H 3068928

THIS WONDERFUL HOME HAS PARKING FOR 5 CARS, REAR YARD HAS COMPOSITE DECKING AND LOVELY 3 TIERED GARDEN , WROUGHT IRON FENCING, WORKSHOP IN BASEMENT, PERFECT FOR HOBBY ENTHUSIAST. MASTER BEDROOM IS OVERSIZED WITH WALK IN CLOSET. 3 PCS ENSUITE AND NEWLY RENOVATED 4 PC BATH. LARGE EAT IN KITCHEN SUNKEN LIVING ROOM WITH LARGE BEAUTIFUL BAY WINDOW.

FOR FULL PICTURES CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW  

virtual tour for 581 Upper Horning

Thanks Carl  !

SOLD