9 Unexpected Energy (and Money) Savers

Some great ideas and helpful hints from our friends at Houselogic.com.

Give your pocketbook and Mother Nature a gift this season by taking advantage of these simple, surprising ways to save energy and money.

Whether you like it or not, you can’t do it all by yourself. Investing in real estate requires many different professionals. There are Realtors, appraisers, inspectors, builders, renovators, mortgage companies, banks, property managers, attorneys, partners, accountants, sign companies, printing companies and yes even mentors, buyers, sellers and tenants. In business, you are only as good as your weakest link. I want to suggest that you choose your team carefully. You may even want to go as far as interviewing your team players.

After all, this is a business and the dollar amounts can be substantial so you want to make sure that your team members have the same morals, ethics, business philosophy and personality as you. This is not to say that you will not make some mistakes and-or changes along the way, but when you start out with a list of the qualities that you are looking for in your team, it makes the decision process much easier. Yes I did say qualities and not experience or education. It’s easy to find someone who knows the business or has experience but it can be a challenge to find the right qualities and personality in the person you are looking for.

I would start my search by seeking a referral from someone who is already in the business and is successful. Make sure you know the person you are seeking the referral from well enough to know that you will be well received when you contact whomever they referred. Notice that I indicated that you seek a referral from someone who is not only in the business but is “successful”.

It doesn’t do any good to contact a banker for a line of credit when you have been referred by someone the banker just turned down, nor does it look good to contact a Realtor referred from someone who just backed out of the last deal they had under contract. I think it is only appropriate to note here that if you are making a referral to someone who is building their team, make sure you know a little about this person also. It doesn’t help you by referring someone to your banker who just got out of bankruptcy and has a history of shady deals.

Once you establish your team players, you should be loyal to them. Let me give you an example. Who are you going to call when you find a listing online or another Realtor’s listing while driving the neighbourhood? Most people would say I call the listing agent. Let me suggest you call your team player and let them go to work for you.

If you call the listing agent and buy the house, it may be the only sale you give that Realtor this year. By calling your Realtor, that closed XX transactions for you last year, they will go to bat for you to get you the price and terms that they already know you are looking for. Not to mention the fact that you will be the one they call when they find a deal that has to be sold fast.

At MyHomeAgent we specialize in investment analysis, purchases and operations. Put us to work for you and we will work together as part of your successful team.

Best Regards,

Denis Hrstic

CIR Realty

#103, 11012 Macleod Trail South, Calgary, AB, T2J 6A5
Phone: 403-271-0600, Fax: 403-582-9931

Cell: 403-852-6583, Email: denis@MyHomeAgent.ca

www.MyHomeAgent.ca

So I have been suggesting to people for some time now that they should AVOID anything to do with Darren Weeks. Why you ask? At first glance it doesn’t any make sense:

·         He presents himself as a great success story

·         He offers WEALTH secrets to Canadians

·         He showcases great Real Estate and Energy investments

·         He promotes other financial gurus and their programs

One example of WHY is his promotion of TAX SHELTERS. In reality he is pitching a TAX SCHEME that the CRA does not look favourably on. Of course fighting AIDS in Africa is a fantastic dedication and if you want to contribute to a legitimate charity that actually helps - then your heart is in the right place. Just don’t ask Revenue Canada to be fooled by misleading numbers. The story below is a great example of what Darren Weeks pitches in his AIDS charity.

http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/TAXING+AFFAIR/3962239/story.html

If you can gain any knowledge for FREE by attending something Darren Weeks pitches then great. but please do not get caught up in the hype - and keep your wallet at home. But ask yourself this, if his tax shelter he so vigorously promotes is wrong - then what else is he up to?

Sink your hard earned money into his programs at your own RISK.

Best Regards,

Denis Hrstic

CIR Realty

#103, 11012 Macleod Trail South, Calgary, AB, T2J 6A5
Phone: 403-271-0600, Fax: 403-582-9931

Cell: 403-852-6583, Email: denis@MyHomeAgent.ca

www.MyHomeAgent.ca

1.     Interest rates are STILL incredibly low

2.     Lots of selection to choose from

3.     Low prices

4.     Buyers market

5.     Negotiations favor buyers position

6.     Sellers are more flexible on terms

7.     Investment properties are CASH FLOWING

8.     More tradespeople available

9.     Cost of trades & materials has decreased

10.  Quality for dollar value has increased = Better Value

11.  Calgary’s economic outlook is still strong (especially compared to other markets)

12.  Home furnishing deals right now

14.  Advances in new home construction (home theatres, cat5 wiring, low e windows, energy efficient)

15.  Builders are offering incentives

16.  Real estate is always a good long term investment

17.  Consumers becoming more reasonable with expectations

19.  Lots of starter homes available

20.  We create the market by Believing in it!!!

21.  Desperate, motivated sellers

22.  Timing…rarely will you hit the perfect market

23.  Better to own than rent (start building equity now)

24.  More creative contracts