The Bower Blog

Busy, Busy in the City!

Well, it almost rhymes!  Our Real Estate Market continues to kick butt here in Toronto.  Lots of sales, lots of multiple bids and happiness for sellers and buyers.  The sellers are benefiting because, despite the downturn in the U.S. we are still brisk in sales here; so much so, there is a shortage (again) of great homes on the market.  Case in point:  looking for 3 bedroom bungalow in the west end for 4 different people, between 350-550K.  By the time you have booked your appointment, the offers are already being registered on the property.  And the condo resale market?  Exploding (between 240-340K)

The buyers I have, although sometimes paying over the asking price are in a key position because of the attractive interest rates, still below 4% for 3 year mortgages.  The variables' last post, 2.65%.  Love it.  Low rates create affordability for our key investors, first time buyers. 

Now that the kids are out of school, we should start to see a bit of a slow down, simply because agents as well as sellers/buyers go on holidays and put their plans on hold.  However, it has been a really, really late spring market and I suspect we'll see brisk sales well into July, slowing down a bit in August.  The key is to find the product and pounce on it once it appears.  That's why we're hired, to be on top of the game for our people. 

On another entirely different note, I heard some great things today.  The fundraiser we had on May 7 for the Children's Breakfast Program as well as the Teresa Group, exceeded $18,000.00.  WOW, thank you Toronto, for feeding our kids and taking care of our AIDS babies.

Finally, a guy in my office did a great thing today.  He rented a bin, called his cause the "2 BUCK CHUCK" and encouraged neighbours to bring over their (ever growing and stinky) garbage, chuck it in and donate $2.00 to the Children's Miracle Network, supporting the Hospital for Sick Children.  What a stand up guy; what a great idea...I'm jealous I didn't think of it.  Out of the box thinking...way to go, Dana!

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com

RE/MAX Hallmark Realty ltd.

Something about Us Real Estate Agents and Our Market

Words from Michael Polzler

Real estate - The new market reality

As stability returns to residential real estate markets across the country, realtors and their customers are breathing a sigh of relief. The carnage south of the border has failed to materialize in Canada and all indicators - economic and otherwise -- point to a housing market on the upswing.

These have been trying times for our industry. Realtors that bought into the negativity in the marketplace from September 2008 to March 2009 now find themselves in a precarious position. No listings, no clients, no money. The 'paralysis by analysis' approach of letting fear limit progress has few benefits. Those that stayed the course over the period-pressing forward despite obvious challenges, adjusting to conditions, employing new strategies, creating solid business plans, farming entire neighbourhoods, and aggressively listing properties--are now ideally positioned. Realtors, who stepped up, instead of standing back, are now reaping the rewards.

The same held true for purchasers. Buyers who moved in the midst of uncertainty, ignoring warnings from doom and gloom forecasters, economists and naysayers, snapped up some of the best real estate deals this market has seen in years. By contrast, those who panicked and chose to sit it out on the sidelines are now facing rising interest rates and-in some markets-limited inventory levels.

With national resale housing market activity returning to pre-recession levels in May, it would seem that we've come through the worst of the financial meltdown, with the real estate correction nearing an end. The number of positive indicators is very encouraging. However, recovery is still underway, and there may still be some bumps along the road. Nevertheless, the buoyancy in the marketplace took economists by surprise. Just over half of all major markets reported an increase in unit sales in May over year-ago levels. Consumer confidence continues to strengthen across the board. While the summer months are approaching, it is important to remember that there is still much work to be done. This is not the time to take your eye off the ball.

Ours is a market and a  business that must, by necessity, continually evolve. We know by experience that the real estate climate can change quickly, as evidenced by events such as 9-11 and the current financial crisis. However, a smart realtor is one that is always prepared-never taking a good market for granted, always employing strong business fundamentals to ensure that, while markets may suffer, his/her career will not. To that end, going forward, we may all have to go a bit further, work a bit harder, and persevere to maintain a competitive edge. While some may view this a time to survive, there's no question that, for those who are savvy, it can very well be a time to thrive.
Sincerely,

Michael Polzler
Executive Vice President and Regional Director
RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada

Real estate - The new market reality

As stability returns to residential real estate markets across the country, realtors and their customers are breathing a sigh of relief. The carnage south of the border has failed to materialize in Canada and all indicators - economic and otherwise -- point to a housing market on the upswing.

These have been trying times for our industry. Realtors that bought into the negativity in the marketplace from September 2008 to March 2009 now find themselves in a precarious position. No listings, no clients, no money. The 'paralysis by analysis' approach of letting fear limit progress has few benefits. Those that stayed the course over the period-pressing forward despite obvious challenges, adjusting to conditions, employing new strategies, creating solid business plans, farming entire neighbourhoods, and aggressively listing properties--are now ideally positioned. Realtors, who stepped up, instead of standing back, are now reaping the rewards.

The same held true for purchasers. Buyers who moved in the midst of uncertainty, ignoring warnings from doom and gloom forecasters, economists and naysayers, snapped up some of the best real estate deals this market has seen in years. By contrast, those who panicked and chose to sit it out on the sidelines are now facing rising interest rates and-in some markets-limited inventory levels.

With national resale housing market activity returning to pre-recession levels in May, it would seem that we've come through the worst of the financial meltdown, with the real estate correction nearing an end. The number of positive indicators is very encouraging. However, recovery is still underway, and there may still be some bumps along the road. Nevertheless, the buoyancy in the marketplace took economists by surprise. Just over half of all major markets reported an increase in unit sales in May over year-ago levels. Consumer confidence continues to strengthen across the board. While the summer months are approaching, it is important to remember that there is still much work to be done. This is not the time to take your eye off the ball.

Ours is a market and a  business that must, by necessity, continually evolve. We know by experience that the real estate climate can change quickly, as evidenced by events such as 9-11 and the current financial crisis. However, a smart realtor is one that is always prepared-never taking a good market for granted, always employing strong business fundamentals to ensure that, while markets may suffer, his/her career will not. To that end, going forward, we may all have to go a bit further, work a bit harder, and persevere to maintain a competitive edge. While some may view this a time to survive, there's no question that, for those who are savvy, it can very well be a time to thrive.
Sincerely,

Michael Polzler
Executive Vice President and Regional Director
RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada

Gal Pals

The importance of friends, priceless, as they say in the Mastercard commercials.

The girls and I went out on Thursday to celebrate one of our birthdays.  It's been a long time since we've been able to sit down and just chat without listening to a band or having our significant ones with us.  For a good part of the evening, we relived Italy, a trip 11 of us took in 2007 to celebrate 4 50-year-olds milestone.  In 2010, there are plans in the works for Paris and the France countryside.  Again, another milestone for 4 50-year-olds.  As my friend and sister Ruth said, "at this stage in our lives, we have worked hard, damn hard and we should be enjoying life....to live life deliberately is the key!"  I am not sure why that resonated with all of us so much, but suddenly the next day, there were emails flying around saying we'd all used that phrase the following day, sprinkling it in different conversations.  Ruth had indicated that in the past few months, two associates, women in their early 50's, had passed from various cancers.  Early 50's.....like us.  Hence, Live Life Deliberately.

We shared things we were embarking on:  Ruth was heading to the Pokonos, I am taking my boys to Italy in August...stories about all of our kids and their adventures...the transplanting of our children into young adults that had turned into alien beings.  Their trials. 

I'm sure the neighbouring tables in the restaurant were baffled by our loudness and exuberance, but we were there to enjoy, embrace and LIVE LIFE DELIBERATELY.  Just lovely.

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com

RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd.

Different Day, different Mood

To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.

Toronto-neat things to do, support or just plain kick back

I love summer in Toronto; always look forward to long weekends because a lot of people clear out leaving me to my city, kind of by myself.  Well, not really, but......

Here are some things I think are neat and worthy of participation.

The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition (www.torontooutdoorart.org) is being held this year on July 10, 11 and 12.  I love to just take a day and wander around; sometime, I take the next day too if I am particularly fond of something and it is still available for purchase.  You will find some of the best talent our city and actually, other provinces has to offer.  Check it out!

Ontario Place is absolutely beautiful, peacful and you can just wander for hours by the water.  We purchased a 2009 Play All Summer Pass (for 4/$49.00 each)  This lets you in (also to the exhibition when it's in town) and for your fee you get 3 X 5$ parking passes.  The restaurants are fun, lively and good and there is nothing like being by the water. Often we wonder over to the boats and pretend we own a yacht.  Good for about 6 seconds of laughs.  Ditto goes for Centre Island, although more of an ordeal with those crushing crowds going on the ferry.  Info:  www.ontarioplace.com

The Furniture Bank (www.furniturebank.org)  Not something to do, but if you're clearing out stuff from your home, go on-line here.  Here's their mission statement.  "the fact is, furniture is more important than you may think.  And it's even more so to disadvantaged families, women, children and refugees that are leaving a shelter or setting up home for the first time."  This is a great place to unload stuff.  If they pick up from you, it costs for delivery but not much.  Love this idea.

Finally and the recipient of the Toronto Community Foundation's 2009 Vital People winners, Rhonda Teitel-Payne has been growing organic food at Earlscourt Park for marginalized and underserviced neighbourhoods.  What a great gal!  Fresh veggies, fruit all cultivated in a community garden.  Google "Community Gardens, Toronto" to volunteer or money support these worthy causes.

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower

RE/MAX Hallmark Realty ltd.

Life, Love and the whole darn thing

One of my favourite sayings in a movie was, again in Jerry McGuire.  Jerry was speaking about living in a cynical world and the Renee Zellwegger character saying she "didn't know what to say to her kid about this world or the people in it."  Jerry had had an 'AH, HA' moment and written a mission statement (everyone in the movie called it a memo).

Here's the questions I ask myself every day. 

1.  What's important?  I mean really important?  Once they push the dirt on you, is it going to matter a hill of beans that you lost a deal, or you lost money in the stock market or you broke a nail.....My importance?  My kid.  Want him to be happy; want him to know he's loved dearly and beyond measure.

2.  At the end of the day have I done what is right by others?  This is a key question.  Recently a friend asked me why we weren't as close to one another as we used to be.  I asked her if she wanted the truth.  She affirmed that she did.  I said I thought that she had a lot of time on her hands and consequently her focus was only on herself.  She agreed about the time on her hands and proceeded to tell me for 3 hours how bad her life was.  I'm of the mind that life is what we ourselves create.  If we do right, if we help others, if we look for good in everything we do, then we have lived a successful life.   There are dark days when this is a challenge.  There are always people who have it worse than we do.  Always. 

3. Have I put myself out there, whether it be to help, listen or contribute?  Have I done that?  For me there are a couple ways to contribute to society.  The demographic I used to work extensively with were seniors.  DId you know that sometime listening to a person (senior or otherwise) can change their day, their outlook, their life?  Did you know that?  I do.  They've told me.  One li'll old lady was venting one day; I listened and she told me afterwards that this simple gesture of lending an ear, changed how she did things.  She joined the local church at Pape and O'Connor, she took up bicycle riding and became a volunteer.  Astonishing, really.  Myself, I like volunteerism for the simple reason of getting out of my own head and my own problems.  For years I worked the front desk at the Hospital for Sick Children as a volunteer.  Then I worked up on the heart floor providing love and care for sick babies or children so their mom or dad could have a break and rest.  I met the most astonishing little boy, Quincey.  I still have a picture of him in my office.  He called me "Yellow" because he couldn't say Cheryl (plus I wore a yellow protective gown-it was fitting)  When I worked with Quincey, I was going through a trying period with my son.  For 3 hours a week, I didn't have to think about problems, only what Quincey needed.  Thank you Quincey; you saved my bacon.

Finally, here's my favour poem, which is (inaccurately) attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson.  I don't know who wrote it, but I love it.

To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.

 

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com

RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd.

Heros in My Life

I love knowing people who stand for something.  I respect people who have courage and bravery and can stand alone while facing an adversary and be absolutely right.  I love grace under pressure.  I adore a good belly laugh. I'll give you some stories for the weekend.

I was at a meeting the other day; it was a meeting whereby people had been delivered some very bad news.  The person delivering this news took "hits" from about 30 in a room of 80 or so, people. They would not allow him to complete a sentence, hence the meeting was chaos almost from the get-go.  This man stood there and took it.  He believes strongly that he is correct on an issue (the issue has to do with money, the greatest reason besides religion people fight anyway) and he was courageous and brave.  Did he win?  I think he did because he did not stand down.  He held his own.

I left my son a text message the other day (love text messaging, so instant and I've just gotten the hang of it).  The message was: "Having a brutal week, need the company of my love child".  He phoned me right after and asked me if everything was okay.  I, of course started crying because it had in effect, been a brutal week.  He said, "Ma, what's wrong? I'm coming to Toronto...."  I said it was okay, just feeling a bit weak and I'd hook up with him Sunday.  Love my son's compassion-he's been like that since he was a short one.

My sister has a seriously ill husband and a disabled child.  Every day is a challenge for her family.  My sister, Michele personifies grace under pressure.  She is also my belly-laugh friend.  We have wickedly similar senses of humour; I am proud of her beyond measure.  Jerry McGuire said it best "you complete me".  Michele, my sister, my self, "you complete me."  Love you forever.

 

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com

RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd.

Living a Life of Integrity and Hard Work

I had a meeting with a realtor colleague today.  We are both veterans in our industry.  We've won battles and we've been beaten up by them (the analogy is fitting sometimes when we are negotiating deals) but the one thing we both have in common is resilence and an ability to persevere.  I can speak for myself that sometime it has been difficult.  It's been a brutal week for me, something I did not share fully with my pal.  And  I've realized more fully the older I become; anticipating disaster, which I am predicting in a situation I am entering into tomorrow, is quite often worst than the actuality. 

The thing for me is always, in everything I do......am I telling the truth?  Am I disclosing everything I know fully which may affect a sale?  Am I working hard for a seller or buyer?  Am I in integrity every step of the way?  Am I indifferent or indignant when people do not have ethics?  Do I buy into nonsense or do I hold true to what I believe in?  Do I go to bat for people if they need help in some way?  Am I loyal and true? 

If I follow my rules (above), then I sleep at night.  Life is way to short to live it any other way.

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com

RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd.

Scotiabank Charity Challenge-Teresa Group

I'm proud to say as of a few days ago, I was the top fundraiser for the Scotiabank Charity Challenge.  I kept looking at my name up there at the top!  The Scotiabank Charity Challenge is a great idea.  In conjunction with the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, they decided to create an "umbrella" for a variety of very worthy charities.  In these economic times, smaller, grassroots charities need bigger corporate help.  This is one way to do that. 

The Teresa Group is an organization dedicated to helping children who are either living with the AIDS virus or have a parent or caregiver who is.  They provide counselling and lunch programs (a lot of the children are in families that live below the poverty line).  They provide tutoring and drivers for people with doctor's appointments.  They provide respite in a crazy world for those mom's that need a rest from a crying baby.  They also collect gently used clothing and home items, although their office is quite crowded with their little store of winter coats and boots. 

I heard about the Teresa Group from my friend Dr. Stan Read, (was the head of infectious disease at The Hospital for Sick Children).  Stan to me?  Want to get more involved in hands on organizations? Try this one.... I feel honoured to be involved with these hard working and compassionate people. 

If you are interested in sponsoring me for the walk in September and/or volunteering with The Teresa Group, go to: www.TeresaGroup.ca

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com

RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd.

Gladys Knight and One Pip

Boy, what a show!  After all these years, I get to see my uber hero, Glady Knight in person!  The thing I've always noticed about her, even when she was a judge on American Idol, is that she is forever gracious.  Every time she presented a song, she said, "we made this little song, and you liked it!"  It was a trip down memory lane. "Heard it through the Grapevine", "You're the best thing that every happened to me", "Really got to use, my Imagination" and of course, the finale of the show, "Midnight Train to Georgia."  All from a little company starting with "M" (her words, not mine). MOTOWN.

My soul side soared watching Gladys-it was only 1 1/2 hours but the best time I've had watching music in years.  Funny too.  If she comes again, don't miss her.

Cheryl Bower

www.CherylBower.com

RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd.