Questions, Comments, Concerns? Ask a Professional...US!

It’s been a busy few weeks I apologize for the lack of activity on the blog; I just finished my real property law course. It was a very interesting course, I learned a lot about what to do in various and sometimes unique situations when dealing with real estate transactions and the law. Who owns what and when, ways to get out of a deal, or hold someone to it, and what happens when the Government wants to expropriate your land, well now I can tell you! I took the exam today and felt it went really well.
That’s one of the many things I am enjoying about my career in real estate, everyday I learn something new, meet someone new, brainstorm new marketing ideas or see something new. If you have any new ideas for me to try out in any aspect could be marketing ideas, new topics for articles, any videos you want to see (although I do have a few upcoming ones that I think you’ll get a kick out of) or any questions pertaining to real estate, I’d love to hear what you want to know more about. Until we meet again bloggers, keep on surfing!

What Are Our Clients REALLY Saying?

I can say we are hardworkers, I can say we'll try our best to get you top dollar, I can even say I know all there is to know about Peterborough's current real estate market, but I'd rather you hear what past clients have said...

Donna and Clint Van Gorder writes, "The Ross' went beyond our expectations. We felt very comfortable and trusted them completely, like family. I can not think of any improvements to be honest, our agents were wonderful and caring!"

Robert and Mary McMahon write, "Very satisfied with service. Agents stayed on top of sale and also provided options on other properties even at long distances."

K. Jeans writes, "Very thorough knowledge of today's real estate market and concerned for the buyer's situation as to suitable accommodations."

Lee and Rick Peters write, "John and Jane listened very well. They worked hard not only to sell our home, but also to find the home of our future"

F. Woodbeck writes, "John and Jane very friendly and efficient, highly recommend."

Now I hope you can see that word on the street is our clients are satisfied customers, hope to be working with you soon!
-Ashley Ross, sales representative

Where Does All Your Money Go?

It is a common belief that realtors make too much money per sale, so I thought I'd make a short video to demonstrate where your money is actually going. Hopefully this can give some insight to what that 5% commission pays for, believe me, it's not just the realtor.
Ashley Ross, sales representative

Flying By The Seat of My Pants and Loving It!

This week was an exciting one, we had not one, but two offers to prepare. One was accepted, and the other on a different property was signed back which could not be accepted by our client. The clients with the second offer that inevitably did not work out for them were disappointed but, they did appreciate our attempt and were thankful that they were able to see just how fast the process of buying a house can be. We were looking at the house at 3pm and by 5:15pm presenting an offer on behalf of the client. The job of a real estate agent truly is one where you fly by the seat of your pants, which I find very exciting. Seeing how fast offers take shape proves that it is important to have a competent, capable realtor working on your behalf. Decisions often need to be made quickly and the more experience and practice one has, the easier it is to confidently represent your client.
Ashley Ross, sales representative

5 Quick Tips for Buyers

Check out this short video to learn a few quick tips when looking at potential homes. If you need someone to show you a few we'd be happy to help. Happy house hunting!

-Ashley and Jane Ross

Tips on Preparing for an Open House

You have just listed your home and are having an open house this weekend...what do you do now? With our clients we try to make the open house process as painless as possible. We do ask the owners to leave the premises for a few hours while we host the open house, since many buyers feel more comfortable knowing that the owner isn’t within earshot range. We try to help you prepare for the open house by providing a list of typical things to do such as cutting the grass, snow removal, cleaning, we point out minor repairs, and put away any money and jewellery, and we strongly suggest no smoking in the house while it is listed. We do know how to get ride of this smoke odour from a house, but once removed it is best to smoke outside. We advise clients to de-clutter their house and to start packing personal pictures so the prospective buyers can see themselves living in your home.

There are professional home stagers that can be hired to present your house in a most appealing way. The cost of home staging does vary depending on the volume of work that needs to be done. We can provide a list of names and phone numbers for our clients if they wish to go that route.

If we have just listed your home a few days before the open house we will take invitations to your neighbours, providing you don’t mind, and invite them and any friends or family who may want to live in your neighbourhood to come to the open house. We will post signs on your lawn, and of course advertise in the newspapers and online. Now that potential buyers know your house is ready to be viewed, the open house can begin. At your open house we will provide potential buyers with brochures of your home that we have created, mortgage information, the home inspection and the listing information.

Once the open house has come to a close, we will turn off the lights, and lock up for you and of course leave you a note to let you know how many people came through and if there was any serious interest. We know how anxious most sellers are to know how the open house went and that immediate feedback is a must, we won’t keep you hanging. If you have any questions or concerns always feel free to call us at 705 742 4234.
-Ashley, Jane and John Ross,
Sales Representatives Bowes and Cocks Limited, Brokerage Peterborough

They're Oldies, but Goldies

Jane and John Ross have both achieved the prestigious award of Gold Level sales representatives from Bowes and Cocks Limited Brokerage for a high level of sales volume and performance in 2008. Jane and John were 2 of the top 20 sales representatives in the company in 2008. Jane and John provide excellent services and achieved a volume of sales that exceeded the four million dollar mark. We wish to express our sincerest thanks and gratitude to our wonderful employers at Bowes and Cocks Limited Brokerage. We firstly believe that Bowes and Cocks is not only the oldest real estate company in Peterborough, but is by far the best. We are very proud to be a part of this team of excellence and are looking forward to another golden year.
-Ashley, Jane and John Ross, sales representatives