Last week I got to do something new, I helped a client buy a home from a builder. It was really a great experience. I had never worked with a builder's offer before. Although it is different than the offers I am used to working with, it wasn't as hard as I had anticipated. I also felt confident knowing that we were working with a reputable builder in town. With some assistance in explaining a few details on the offer from my broker Pat we were able to make a deal. The really impressive part of it all happens next, the house will be built in 3 short months, impressive! I'm very excited to see the finished product, going from literally the ground up. I will keep you posted on the progress.
-Ashley Ross
sales representative

An oldie, but a goodie!

I made this video about eight months ago and wanted to post it again incase you missed it the first time.

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

Lately it seems like something new and exciting is happening to our team every week. And do we have news for you Peterborough. Our team has something we would like to reveal to all of you bloggers. Something we have never tried before, something we find pretty funny and something our relatives are even surprised we did...


Are you ready for it?



We are the new white trash of Peterborough! Check us out next time you're walking down George St. and hopefully we can help you check out some properties sometime soon!

-Ashley Ross
sales representative

Make Your Voice Heard!

As many of you know, and if not I am going to tell you now, the Ontario Government plans to harmonize the sales tax. What that means is Canadians will have to pay 8% more on many services and items such as gasoline, hair cuts, hotel rooms, veterinary services, car services, plumbing, renovations, legal services and of course that tax will be on the commission for real estate services. This is paid by the seller upon the sale of the property.

During a time when Canadians can not afford this, over 300,000 manufacturing jobs have been lost, the Liberals promised not to raise taxes and did not mention in their campaign anything about this harmonized sales tax. If you do not want to see many of your services go up 8% sign this online petition and make your voice heard

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/no-to-harmonized-sales-tax/sign.html

I for one do not see the implementation of this harmonized sales tax harmonious for Canadians.
-Ashley Ross
sales representative

Summer in the City

As the summer comes to an end I thought I would share some of my favourite places and things to see in Peterborough.

First we have The Festival of Lights. This is a not for profit organization that puts on free concerts for the public every Wednesday and Saturday night for 10 weeks. Oh and don't forget about Canada Day. There is always a concert with fireworks that night too. This years concert line up included David Cassidy, 54-40, The Proclaimers, The Lovin' Spoonful, The Stampeders and many more. This event all goes down at Del Crary Park on Little Lake in Peterborough. Check out this photo that I took of the stage after one of the shows.



And sometimes after the shows the artists will come out to meet the fans and sign autographs. Here I am with some of the staff of the Festival of Lights meeting The Proclaimers who came all the way from Scotland to perform for Peterborough.



I stumbled upon this next photo one night after dinner when I went for a walk down near Beavermead Park. It was perfect timing. As soon as I got down to the water's edge the Liftlock Cruise was coming down through the locks. Peterborough is famous for it's lock system. It's really a neat way to travel.



That same evening I enjoyed sitting and watching the ducks swim and enjoy Little Lake.




My mom also introduced me to this next beach near Buckhorn-- Sandy beach. It is so beautiful I couldn't believe my eyes when she took me there. It was so shallow and the water so blue. It was one of the best beach days I have ever had!



Last, but not least one of my favourite sights in Peterborough is my sign popping up on lawns across the city :) Hopefully, I will be visiting your front lawn soon. Enjoy the rest of your summer bloggers I hope it was fun filled with all the great places to go in Peterborough.




-Ashley Ross
sales representative

Here's to the next 40 years!

Today I am writing on more of a personal level than professional. Last Sunday marked a big day for my two business partners also my parents; it was their 40th wedding anniversary. We had family down from as far as Alberta to help celebrate this milestone in their life. They have not only managed to stay happily married for 40 years, but have also become realtors together and created a successful business together. They truly are an inspiring couple. After 40 years of marriage I think it’s fair to say these two don’t give up, work hard and know how to respect and appreciate people, just what you want in a realtor ;) Happy anniversary mom and dad and here’s to the next 40 years!
Ashley Ross
-sales representative

What Can I Afford?

Thinking of buying your first home? Planning on expanding your family and need a bigger home? Here is a quick way to start making sense of your situation and get a better idea of what you can afford. We do recommend sitting down with a professional mortgage specialist to better educate yourself on your financial situation. But if you are just curious check out this website we hope you find it helpful.

http://calc.tdcanadatrust.com/HMCIA/Input

We also are in contact with a number of great mortgage specialists and would be happy to direct you to them.
Ashley Ross
-sales representative