How do you answer the phone? CLICK!

This morning a woman calls me and says "I want to see the condo you have listed".

I said great. When can you come to my office so we can discuss your buying needs.

She: Why do I have to come to your office? I just want to see the condo.

Me: Fair enough. However, I don't just show condos to anyone without pre-qualifying them. Are you working with any other Realtors?

She: No but I'm going to be using a few.

Me: Great then you can contact any of those Realtors you are going to use and they can help you with my listing. I only work with clients who will work exclusively with me.

She: Why do I want to work with you. I just want you to show me the listing.

Me: Exactly, the only way to find out is by meeting up. Then we can see if we would like to work with each other. Plus I can do a complete analysis of your wants and show you all the condos that would fit your needs.

She: (Her voice rising): Where in the 21st century why should I come meet you and I don't even know you.

Me: Right. You don't know me. But you want me to come show you condos. Let's get to know each other first, after that I can show you condos that meet your needs.

She: (Her voice rising): I just want you to show me that listing......

Me: I don't like your attitude. I think you qualify to find another Realtor to help you.

She: Well... Blah Blah Blah

Me: Click (enough heard).

Ah that felt good. If a person can't respect your time and expertise then you should simply not work with them. All Realtors should save themselves the headache. Especially the new ones who will jump to show a property when a "perspective" client calls.

My colleagues don't be fooled. Unless they are willing to meet you at the office, they are not serious.

Just say, you had said sure! I can show you the listing. She says 2 p.m. You stop everything you do and book the appointment. Drive 20-30 minutes and get there. Spend 15 minutes to show. Another 15 minutes answering questions. She says thanks but this isn't for me (happens 99% of the time). She leaves. Now how productive was that? What do you do now?

You never pre-qualified so you have no idea if this person was: 1. Financially capable of buying the property. 2. What her true needs and wants are. 3. What her motivation is. Did you know most people often lie and/or hide the truth? So how can you really help?

Now if they agree to come to the office you know they are usually motivated and more often than not, will speak the truth. Plus you can do your job, review with them all the listings available on our internal MLS, together discard the listings that don't meet their criteria and then book showings for the ones that do. If they are ready to work with you, they will be ready to sign a Buyer Representation Agreement and you can feel at ease that you will get paid for your efforts. In return they will get the best service because you have a commitment and a legal obligation to protect their best interests.

If you don't do this. Get ready to be disappointed and be miserable. You'll have wasted your time and money for nothing. For the Rookies who "need" the "income" to get a "deal" done this is hard to swollow... because you are always thinking just maybe, I'll get lucky today. Believe me. Real estate is not a casino or lottery. It's hard work!!!

Learn from my experience, having made these rookie mistakes. I can guarantee you the "one" shot deal isn't happening. The best way you can help yourself and a perspective client is to pre-qualify upfront. You are wasting their time and yours if you don't.

And for those people who think they are in the "21st Century" have what I call the "Me-Me Syndrome" and could care less about the expertise, hard work and efforts of a professional Realtor. I say good-riddance to you.

Jas Jagpal, Broker at RE/MAX Dynasty Realty Inc. He has formed 2 teams. One specializing in Investing, primarily in condos and the second helping clients sell their houses in the GTA. No matter what your needs are, contact him if you are looking to buy, sell or invest in the Greater Toronto Area.

Choose Results, Honesty & integrity. Choose Team Jas Jagpal. E: jasjagpal@gmail.com O:905.471.0002
Personal Assistant: Jess jessjagpal@gmail.com

Oprah - Who Are You?

I don't watch TV much. However the other day I was relaxing at night and it just so happened that the OWN was on and Oprah and Deepak Chopra were talking about our purpose in life. For the majority it is difficult to think beyond the mundane tasks we do each day that sustain us and define our Ego.

The big question was "WHO ARE YOU?"

The catch! You can't define yourself by "what you do". That is I'm a Realtor, Accountant, Mom, Dad, etc. These are all EGO's manifestations.

The second question is "What is my purpose/calling?"

I just finished writing a blog that didn't save. We all know how that feels discussing this in detail. So what you read below will be quite different :-)

In brief. We are "spirits" in a human body. There is no difference between you and I. Light is light. A drop of water in the ocean is no different than any other. We are not the EGO. The Ego is defined by our actions and suffers the consequences.

Karma / Newton's Law. For every action their is an equal response back from the universe. So kindness will beget kindness. Anger, hatred, lies, deception will return such in kind.

As a child I remember working at an Indian grocery store and the owners telling "white lies" to the customers to appease them. I remember arguing with my mother because she stated "business people have to lie in order to make money". Today, I've proven to her with first my printing business and now my real estate business that this is not the case. There are clients willing to deal with people of honesty and integrity. Sure I've lost a lot of business because I don't "say what client's want to hear". That is I can get you $50K more than market value, etc. But then I have a deep set faith that "whatever is meant for me, I shall get" and I've experienced it often in my life.

You probably experienced it as well in your lives? When things are meant to happen, circumstances change, the right people come into your lives, and something you may have struggled on for months gets accomplished in days. Or you cooked dinner for guests. They cancel last minute. You are left wondering who the heck is going to eat all that food? Just then someone else pops by unexpected and you feed them. Are you going to call this a coincidence? Or that the food was destined for them? I think if you take time to reflect you will notice that there are no coincidences. Things occur as they were supposed to.

I could tell myself that I've "lost" many listings in the past month because of this reason or that. Honestly speaking the ones I got were meant for me and nothing else. Just like receiving a perfectly timed, unsolicited recommendation letter from a client, just after I heard I "lost" a listing because the other agent promised multiple offers and had more years of experience.

So who are you? What is your purpose?

I know I'm Aatma/Spirit on a journey to self-realization in the little time I have in this body. First my purpose is to become aware of this. Once I've done so I can reach out to a higher calling. Every death we witness points to the inevitable demise of our body. Someone once said "A lively spirit will carry the body and lighten its load whereas a dead spirit can't help you burden the body's weight."

So I'm grateful and feel blessed I can help clients reach their buying and selling goals and stay true to myself. And I'll keep dreaming of winning the Lotto so I can retire and buy a soccer field and run soccer programs for kids. I love the game and I know that playing sports has a huge positive effect on children. It changed my life when I was a kid.

So what's your dream? What's your purpose. Who are you? Share if you dare.

Jas Jagpal, BROKER | 647.272.6629 | jasjagpal@gmail.com

P.S. Looking to SELL? Download Jas Jagpal's SELLER PRESENTATION.

Is the Toronto Housing Market Crashing? Jas Jagpal Remax Broker

From Week 15, Jas Jagpal's Weekly Newsletter

Fancy headings, pictures and titles on news, blogs and papers are what the "public" buys and the media "sells". For months and if not for years the media has been publishing the demise of the Toronto real estate market!

The prices can't keep going up and the market bubble will burst and Buyers will be in trouble they say. Yes there is an ounce of truth in this "statement" and yes prices can't keep going up and some Buyers will feel the pain.

The questions is when? The answer is "no one knows!" For two years we've heard the same doom & gloom scenarios and the market has only gone up in the GTA.

Likewise you ask a Realtors: Hows the market? Depending on their personal success and work ethic- some will tell you how great it is while others will blame the market for their failures. Such as a shortage of listings. Both Realtors are speaking the truth. So which "truth" do you buy?

Another example. A Realtor lists a property. Sells it and advertises "Sold Over Asking". Sold in 2 days, etc. When you take a closer look you see the property was listed privately FSBO and not sold for $600K. The Realtor then listed it at $549K and it sold $551K. Now can you say "Sold Over Asking?" Technically yes! But was that really what the Seller wanted? No! They'd want $600K! So another "truth" that really isn't!

I listed a property a couple weeks back. I had advised the Sellers to install hardwood floors. They wanted to test the market. So we listed without hardwood and after many showings and no offer, we installed hardwood. We re-listed at a higher price with hardwood flooring and it sold in 1 day. Technically I can advertise "Sold in 1 Day! But the truth is it took 2 Weeks.

The reason for these examples is that we need to become aware that all marketing aims to "glorify and sell." Be it a newspaper, idea, product, person (Realtor), etc. It is our job to put on our discerning glasses and ask questions, seek clarifications and do our due diligence.

That being said no one can tell you for certain if this market will continue to be on fire and for how long. It has slowed in Vancouver, Calgary and Ottawa.

I believe for the GTA, provided interest rates stay where they are (and we expect that for the next year or so), the market should maintain it's steam and follow the normal cycle of business. That is a hot spring market, cool summer followed by increased activity in the fall returning to a slow down in the winter. I don't expect prices to fall to 2010 or 2011 levels... they should steady with moderate increases.

For the Condo Investors, the market will continue to thrive. Each year we have a net immigration of 100,000 people to the GTA we need about 40,000 new homes to house them. With fewer and fewer single family homes being built, there is pressure to build upwards. Condos are today the new "cottage, home for baby-boomers, bought by parents helping out their children, new luxury rentals for young professional, etc." Investors who buy early at the Platinum/VIP phase in AAA condos will make money in the long run.

So the "truth" is: We are in a peak time to Sell. Buyers who have their "paperwork" in order and act fast will find something they like. The condo market continues to thrive and is predicted to do so in 2012. Projects like INDX, CASA II have shown Investors appetite and the next big project NOIR is ready to sell at the Platinum phase for interested Investors!

If you have any questions or feedback I'd definately love to hear from you.

Jas Jagpal, BSc. Broker | jasjagpal@gmail.com | 647.272.6629 | www.TeamJagpal.com

Find out how we can help you SELL.
Download our "Listing Presentation"
Sold in 30-60 Days or We Sell for Free. List from 1%* Commission.

Top 5 Seller Mistakes by Jas Jagpal, Broker REMAX

Did you know that though it's currently a Seller's market- most homes do not sell for over asking and within the first week as many might imagine? There are many reasons this happens and the top 5 mistakes Sellers make are:

1. Pricing too high- when homes are over priced you help sell listings that are priced right. It's natural for a Buyer to compare other homes to yours and put an offer in for the one that is priced right. Too often Seller's elevate the price of their home because of emotional attachments and should look at their home from a Buyer's perspective.

2. Fail to Stage - over and over again it is proven to sell homes for more and a lot faster. At the minimum depersonalize & declutter the home. Depersonalizing means that anyone walking into your home should not be able to tell "who lives there" and by decluttering (selling or storing things you don't need) you'll make your home appear larger and improve Buyer's walk through experience.

3. Finishing / Repairs - homes that aren't updated to what the market is looking to buy will sell for less and take longer. So if granite counters, hardwood flooring, stainless steel appliances is the norm in your surrounding area... you should highly consider upgrading prior to selling. Polls show that the average Buyer is willing to pay a bit "more"for a home that is "move-in" ready.

4. Paint - homes that are painted like a rainbow take longer to sell. So it is a smart idea to spend a few hundred dollars on paint and neutralize the colors. In the end you will sell faster and net thousands more. Don't forget to paint the trims, doors, columns to give your home a BRIGHT "brand new" feel.

5. "Distraught Sellers" - as a Buyer agent I've seen these listings. Sellers can be in financial hardship. Marital problems. Undisciplined. Have no pride in ownership. These listings aren't clean, aren't painted, no staging, etc. Often times spending a few thousands dollars could net the seller thousands more. But they resist and don't bother doing the necessary work. It's too bad because smart Buyers save thousands on these properties with cosmetic fixes.

If you are thinking of selling your home and have questions, call me and I'll be more than happy to meet with you.

Jas Jagpal, BSc. Broker | jasjagpal@gmail.com | 647.272.6629

Find out how we can help you SELL.

Download our "Listing Presentation"

Sold in 60 Days or We Sell for Free. List from 1%* Commission.

What is Market Value? by Jas Jagpal REMAX Toronto

It's a challenging market out there. Housing is limited and Buyers have to act swiftly or be disappointed.

A Tug-A-War is happening in the Market. Sellers are trying to get more for their homes and Buyers are searching to pay less. With limiting choice, Sellers are mostly winning.

Which leads to this week's question: "WHAT IS MARKET VALUE?"

By definition... Market Value is what an "informed" buyer is willing to pay and a seller is willing to accept, where both Buyer and Seller are acting prudently and are not under "undue pressure". In addition the property has been exposed to the widest "market" for a reasonable period of time. In such a situation what is paid by the Buyer and accepted by the Seller is "Market Price".

Here are a few situations where buyers and sellers in today's market are not getting Market Value.

SELLERS: If you are selling on your own (FSBO) you are not exposing your property to the widest market. You are only targeting less than 5% of potential Buyers. That is why 90% plus are listed back in the MLS system by Realtors.

SELLERS: If you are over pricing your home because you need $30K more for your next home. You are not selling under "no undue pressure." The negative is that you are targeting the wrong buyers. If your home is worth $450K and you are listing it for $500K. You've stopped the first-time buyer families who might be looking in the $400K range from viewing your home and those looking in the $500K range will say your home isn't worth the money.
Further more the longer your property is listed on the market, people will think there is something wrong with it and you will end up selling it for less than if you had priced it right in the beginning. In a nutshell you actually help sell other properties in your neighborhood for Buyer's looking in that price range.

SELLERS: If you sell For Sale By Owner and say that you will pay the "Realtor a Buyer's commission". You have in effect shot yourself in the foot. You are paying the "legal" fees for the Buyer's Realtor to negotiate against you. It is like the defendent paying the prosecuter to come after them. Sellers can't say they are as informed of the market conditions then a professional Realtor whose daily business is real estate.

BUYERS: If you are buying directly from a FSBO, how are you determining what the market value is? If you don't know often times The Seller has over priced their home. I've seen over $50K. So even if you negotiate the commission difference you can end of paying far more.

What Buyers need to be aware of is that Bank's do an APPRAISAL prior to releasing mortgage funds. When the appraisal is lower than what you paid for the house you will have to come up with the difference and I know many deals die at this juncture. All because an uninformed Buyer paid too much for the property.

BUYERS: If you are in a multiple offer bidding situation. Once again you are not acting under "no undue pressure". In addition if you over pay from appraisal value you are liable to make up the difference or forfeit your deposit. That is where it is very crucial to be represented by a good Realtor.

I'm sure there are many other situations in this market where Buyers and Sellers are not getting market value. That is why it is critical to use a Realtor whose experienced and knows the market. When an offer is put for any property, the top Realtors will do a thorough comparative market analysis to protect and inform their buyers before they enter negotiations.

For more tips please review my websites/ blogs or contact me directly at jasjagpal@gmail.com

Jas Jagpal, B.Sc. Broker REMAX Dynasty

What Buyers Need To Do in Today's Tough Sellers Market

Many buyers looking to purchase a house or condo in the Toronto (GTA) market don't seem to realize how important it is to get all their ducks in order prior to starting their home search. Most of the time I find that Buyers just aren't educated to how "hot" the market really is.

So How Hot is the MARKET?

Last week two of my Buyers lost out on their desired home. One waited to long and the other lost in multiple offer situation. Why?

Right now in the market there is a shortage of "listings". People looking to sell their homes. Which directly puts pressure on Buyers to be the first to view and place an offer on any new homes that come on the market.

So if you are a Buyer with an inflexible work schedule you are already at a disadvantage. If you can only view homes on the weekend, then you are seriously hurting! Especially if you are looking to buy starter home in a prime location.

For example. Home in Vaughan, Vellore Village. If you are looking in a price range of $450K or less... so are hundreds of others it seems. Any new listing, especially a nice one, will sell in 1 day with multiple offers. How can you compete if you are only available on the weekend to view it? How can you compete if you haven't gotten your pre-approval and other financing in order?

A Seller has options. If there are 2 offers on the table with the same purchase. The Seller will choose the offer that has no financing condition, a higher deposit and sometimes buyers may even waive the inspection condition.

So if you are looking to Buy in the Toronto, GTA... I highly recommend Buyers get real serious.

1. Get pre-approved

2. Be flexible on hours notice to view any property.

3. Put an offer in right away!

Sure sometimes listings won't allow for that and will have assigned a certain date for all offers to be presented. But any that doesn't. I'd want to be the first to go in to view and put an offer and present in person to get the deal done the same day.

If you are thinking of buying or selling in the GTA. Give us a call. Visit our website: www.TeamJagpal.com

Watch the video for my recommendations to Buyers looking to buy.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Week 10 Toronto Market Real Estate Update Video

Toronto Real Estate Videos or go to: YouTube.com/JasJagpal

Mr. ROBERT JARRETT - CHEERS & THANKS!

READ TORONTO STAR STORY : <---- Click Here

By nature human's are selfish creatures. We all think of the mighty "me" first. The instinct to survive is strong. I usually don't browse the newspaper but today it so happened that yesterday's paper was sitting around and I opened it and came across this "good news" story.

I avoid the newspaper because it is a negative mine field always talking about "what is wrong in the world"! Imagine if the newspaper spoke of "what is good in the word." It just might inspire people to do good rather than bad by thinking of themselves only.

In the story above: Mr. Robert Jarrett a black man, teacher, helped out a young white boy, Andrew McCandless by recognizing his special talent for music and went out of his way to pay for extra music lessons, new trumpet and encourage Andrew's talent. Today Andrew is the "principal trumpet" for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and to show his appreciation he named his son after his mentor.

Imagine if we were told more of these inspiring stories- about people's goodness. I'm sure more and more people would reach out to help, or at the very least, be thoughtful and caring. Or have better "mental health" because they would be feeding their mind with positive news.

As a Realtor, I've always tried to help anyone whose asked for my help. No matter, I give them the right advice. Unfortunately most Realtors or people in sales can tell you that they have been "screwed" by their clients. It's always because these people thought of only themselves. It takes spiritual awareness, a higher mindset to consider the feelings and consequences of your actions.

Even with the possibility of getting screwed, as Realtors we must realize that we can only control our own actions and afford to do the right thing. We must always act in the best interests of our clients. I feel as long as we do the right thing for our client, life is good. We won't be burdened with a heavy heart or the guilt of having failed someone. I know I can sleep soundly at night and believe me, that is the best way of living life.

Live by this motto: "You don't ever have to remember anything, if you don't lie"! and find you mind at ease.

So lets bring some goodness into the world. Let's build the reputation that we do care for our clients and show them with our actions, expertise and faith.

Cheers to Mr. Robert Jarrett,

Jas Jagpal, Broker

P.S. If you like this please share and retweet to friends.

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RE/MAX Dynasty Realty Inc. 8 Shadlock St. Markham O: 905-471-0002
Houses: www.TeamJagpal.com Condos: TorontoCondoRealEstate.ca

First-Time Selling your Condo or Home in Toronto?

There are many home owners who are thinking of selling their house or condo and it will be their first-time doing so. Besides knowing that they will need to use a Realtor, many don't have a clue which Realtor to choose and what skills to look for. They start searching the "internet", ask family & friends or call from an advertisement.

From my real estate selling experience, I've realized there are many common questions Sellers have when it comes time to sell their home. Some they have never thought of.

In my experience Sellers need to know about the "Selling process". What can they expect?
- How long does it take to sell a home in their neighborhood?
- How do we determine what your home is worth?
- What really is a CMA? or comparative market analysis.
- Why is my home worth more or less than my neighbors?
- What improvement will net me the greatest returns?
- Should I finish the basement, will it provide me a net gain or no?
- What is an over improvement of my home?
- What are the costs associated with selling?
- What are the REAL benefits of using a VIP Selling Realtor?
- How can I SELL on my own?
- What are my chances (statistics) to Sell on my own?
- Is there any Net Savings to SELL my Own Home?
- What happens to my mortgage?
- Do I have to wait until the Mortgage term is expired to sell my home?
- What are the Lawyer Fees and closing costs?
- What happens if damages are found during an home inspection?
- How do conditional sales affect my property?
- Do I pay Land Transfer Tax at Selling?
- What happens if I’m getting a divorce?
- My house is under my name, can I sell it on my own with my wife’s consent?

and so on....

As a selling Toronto Real Estate agent, I offer any Seller, a no-obligation "seminar" at my office where they can learn about the selling process and ask questions they have and get truthful answers. Sellers who are ready to list can book a listing appointment and we'll come to your home.

If you like this please share and retweet to friends.

Jas Jagpal, Broker
Remax Dynasty Realty Inc. Brokerage

FREE SELLER CONSULTATION & CMA - Click Here
Sign Up For Vip Savings with Jas. BUY • SELL • INVEST • Assign in the GTA.

RE/MAX Dynasty Realty Inc. 8 Shadlock St. Markham O: 905-471-0002
Houses: www.TeamJagpal.com Condos: TorontoCondoRealEstate.ca
© 2012 Jas Jagpal, BROKER, BSc. York University

THE SECRET!

Do you know THE SECRET?

I was surprised that my client and the two receptionists I asked at the office hadn't heard about "The SECRET".

I had assumed that most people knew after all it was on Oprah, the major networks a few years back.

That got me thinking probably many more haven't heard of it either, even though I was assuming most knew.

Well if you haven't... you ought to watch it. HERE is MY INTERPRETATION of MY SECRET!

Let me know what you think. Peace. Jas Jagpal

Good Luck in your business!
Jas Jagpal,

FREE SELLER CONSULTATION & CMA - Click Here
Sign Up For Vip Savings with Jas. BUY • SELL • INVEST • Assign in the GTA.

RE/MAX Dynasty Realty Inc. 8 Shadlock St. Markham O: 905-471-0002
Houses: www.TeamJagpal.com Condos: TorontoCondoRealEstate.ca
© 2012 Jas Jagpal, BROKER, BSc. York University

Real Estate Client Referrals - Don't Buy Leads!

Are you a Realtor? In Canada or the U.S. If you buy leads you are doing so at your own peril. In the summer of 2011, a very nice lady called me and told me that they provide "good" leads for $100.00 a pop and signup fee is $1000. Plus they would replace any leads that were "bad"? No risk to you.

Their website: http://www.realestateclientreferrals.com/

Well, being a business man and that the investment was only $1000 and they'd replace any leads that are "bad"... it seemed like a no brainer.

Well was I mistaken.

Six months in, 7 referrals later of which not one was a legitimate lead... I'm out $400 and they won't refund me the balance. Even when I asked a couple of months ago. They quoted me the fine print, instead of customer service.

What can I say? Hey if I can be duped so can many of the new agents out there or the veterans that are finding it difficult to keep up in this fast paced internet economy and thinking maybe 1 referral will work out and pay for the initial cost.

How am I out $400? After all, if the lead is no good, it should be replaced and I shouldn't be charged?

Well it seems like they are playing a game. They charge you $100 for the lead. You tell them it is no good. They replace it. The replacement lead is no good again. Now they don't replace the second bad lead they send you!

So in essence they can milk you down to zero and not provide you a single good working lead it appears.

What type of leads are they?

The same that you would get on your own website. Actually worse as these leads are from generic websites that have no branding of yours. Sometimes they are a few days old and as you know from the Real Estate business if you don't contact people within 24 hours they've already moved on. Most of them are just browsing the internet and aren't serious to buy. Some don't answer their phones and I have yet to book a single face-to-face meeting.

How do they confirm the legitimacy of the lead? I've been told by making a phone call to see if the contact information is good along with some questions.

My advice to any REALTOR looking for leads. Knock on doors, Cold Call, Phone Expireds, FSBOS, Write Blogs, Talk to family and friends and let them know you are looking for business. But stay far, far away from sites that offer Leads, especially with an initial upfront cost to you!

Good Luck in your business!
Jas Jagpal,

Jas Jagpal, BROKER | Cell: 647-272-6629 | jasjagpal@gmail.com
Jess Jagpal, Sales Rep. | Cell: 416-312-9742 | jessjagpal@gmail.com

IPAD 2 WINNERS : CONDO WEBSITE

FREE SELLER CONSULTATION & CMA - Click Here
Sign Up For Vip Savings with Jas. BUY • SELL • INVEST • Assign in the GTA.

RE/MAX Dynasty Realty Inc. 8 Shadlock St. Markham O: 905-471-0002
Houses: www.TeamJagpal.com Condos: TorontoCondoRealEstate.ca
© 2012 Jas Jagpal, BROKER, BSc. York University

REAL Estate Nuggets - Toronto Market

The Truth that Buyers, Sellers, Investors and Realtors should know

How do you answer the phone? CLICK!

Oprah - Who Are You?

Is the Toronto Housing Market Crashing? Jas Jagpal Remax Broker

Top 5 Seller Mistakes by Jas Jagpal, Broker REMAX

What is Market Value? by Jas Jagpal REMAX Toronto

What Buyers Need To Do in Today's Tough Sellers Market

Mr. ROBERT JARRETT - CHEERS & THANKS!

First-Time Selling your Condo or Home in Toronto?

THE SECRET!

Real Estate Client Referrals - Don't Buy Leads!