Let's Get Real (Estate)

August 2021

Hey there!

You are receiving this email because I either helped you buy a house or bye a house!

Cool. So, what’s up—why are you emailing me, Curtis?

Well, after many years (over 10!) in the trenches as a self-employed realtor, I’m putting a few things down on paper. The internet really, not paper at all, I guess. The last time I used a piece of paper I folded it and propped up the corner of my patio table. But I’m getting off track…

This message is to let you know I’ve launched an easy to read newsletter with a monthly tip for buyers, one for sellers, some thoughts on the market (prices are going up right now you know), some current listings you have to see to believe and for fun, some entertaining tales from the Real Estate road.

Because I don’t want your inbox to feel like a punching bag I’ll only be sending once a month—the third Thursday of each month in fact. It’s a random send date I chose, simple as that.

You can unsubscribe anytime you feel like it, using the link in the footer of every email, and I won’t take it personally. Don’t worry, you won’t have to duck around me in the grocery store! Most realtors have thick skin you know. We’re mostly numb to the sting of rejection, it’s a perk of the job.

I’ll see you on the third Thursday of the next month!

People love a story.

I listed a home in Normanview for a friend of the family. Our families lived a few blocks apart, and I played hockey with her son growing up. Everyone had long moved away, her husband had passed, but she remained steady in the house from the day they built it in 1974. Raising two boys, they made lifelong friends with the neighbours, both current and past. A few years back, after turning 70 something, it became clear it was time to move to a condo.

As you can imagine, this was an emotional time, 42 years in the same house. But on schedule that spring, the sign went up. Her home was immaculate, and we priced it right—within a week, we had an offer.

When I met her to go over the offer, her first question was, predictably, "how much?" her second question was, "who are they." I told her I had no idea. She replied, "really?"

You see, the buyer's agent had just fired me the offer in an email with the subject line "scanned from MFP07868497". She didn't bother with a follow-up call either.

With the offer on the table, we could see a man's name just above the line "buyer," so we tried to guess who that person might be. Is he young or old? With a name like Thomas, he could be either! I wonder if he has a family. I just checked Facebook, and only one result showing he works at "retired." His profile picture is a Rider logo—that's something, right? The offer was open until 10 pm.

So, did the buyer's agent do her job? She did her job; she just didn't do it well.

I've learned over the years that sellers always want to know who's trying to buy their house. They have fond memories; it's part of their life, their story. They usually like the neighbours and nearly always want to see the house go into good hands. Years after their home has sold, they slow down when they drive past. I've even seen sellers with multiple offers take less money because the agent with the higher offer acted like a putz.

Every time I write an offer for one of my buyers, I phone the listing agent and tell them all about my wonderful clients because I know the seller will ask. The listing agent appreciates it too. After all, they are hoping the sale comes together—it's how they make a living.

People negotiate differently with people they like or at least think they do. When the sellers consider your offer, they factor this in. Now when the counter comes back, it's usually a little softer, or maybe no counter at all.

If you're buying a house, ask your Realtor how they plan on selling you. Let's get your offer accepted!

It's a little thing, but you're trying to win at this.

When your new listing hits the market, somewhere on your property there will be a lockbox holding the key. Like trained search dogs, realtors arriving to show your house sniff out the location. You should see us in action, it's beautiful to watch. Once located, we head for the closest door and in.

So, let's make sure the closest door is the one that impresses the most, usually the front door.

"But hey Curtis, we don't use the front door, we always come in the side door." That may be true, and the new owners will likely do the same thing, but the side (or back) door usually leads to a stairwell or cramped space. We don't want buyers waiting while the person in front of them takes off their penny loafers.

First impressions count. Let’s bring ‘em through the front door.

$322,900
2013 Grant Drive, Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 4V8
MLS® Number: SK864522

Welcome to this well-kept 1164 square foot three bedroom bungalow in Whitmore Park! The bright open living room has professionally refinished oak hardwood flooring and opens up to the dining room and kitchen. There are three nice-sized bedrooms upstairs, all have fresh paint and refinished flooring. The 4-piece main bathroom has been remodelled with new vanity, sink, toilet and tub surround. The basement is fully developed with a large rec room and two additional rooms listed as dens (both have windows, but they are less than egress).

The basement could easily accommodate a suite with direct backdoor entry and 220AC and plumbing for a kitchen already completed. The basement walls around the entire perimeter have recently had a waterproofing membrane installed and weeping tile draining directly into a sump pit with a new pump. The seller states the basement is dry.

Other recent improvements adding substantial value are newer shingles, newer furnace and A/C, upgraded windows throughout most of the home, new exterior siding, a well-landscaped yard with underground sprinklers in the front and back, wired smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, and more. Walking distance to the U of R, Campbell, Leboldus, and Massy Schools and close to bus routes.

Find out more here>>