How was your summer? I’m sure that this question will evoke another question: “what summer?”, but I see summer as more than just good weather. It’s the best time of year to take a much needed break from our busy stressful lives and find some recovery time. I hope you did just that.
The cool temperatures have been great for my marathon training,
speaking of which, unfortunately, during one of my long runs on August
23rd, a large branch got caught between my feet and I took a nasty
fall. It didn’t seem to cause any real damage so I kept running but
started feeling back cramps about 8km from the end of my run. I went to
see my chiropractor and he told me I have a herniated disc. Lovely!
Since its nerve damage, it’ll take longer to heal than if it was a
muscle issue. I stopped running for two weeks after that fall and my
back seemed to be healing well so I started cross training and during a
bike ride, took a nasty spill when trying to avoid a pedestrian walking
through a red light while texting! Unbelievable. Do you think God is
trying to tell me something? Lol. I knew then that running the Scotia
marathon was out of the question.
It’s been over a month since my last long run and my back is still in pain so I won’t be running the Scotia marathon on September 27th, however, I’m confident that with proper treatment, rest and nutrition, I will run the Canadian Int’l Marathon, here in Toronto on October 18th. There are also details of how you can sponsor my run by contributing to Gilda’s Club in honor of my very close friend who recently died of cancer. For a donation of $15 or more, you will get a tax receipt. Thank you so much to those of you who have already donated! Please come out to cheer me on if you can on October 18th. It would be awesome to see you there!
The real estate activity in the GTA and surrounding areas has remained strong throughout this past quarter, resulting in a sellers market, contributing to broader economic recovery as each transaction results in substantial spin-off benefits to other sectors of the economy. Compared to last year, sales are up in July & August by over 27%, year to date sales are down only 1.2%, while the average sale price is down by less ½ of 1%. With 4 months left, it’s probable that total existing home sales in 2009 will be at or above last year’s.
This is a very difficult market for buyers since the demand far outweighs the supply in many cases. It’s now common for properties to sell for well over the asking price within days of being listed. The following is my attempt to lighten your spirits and give you some help in this regard.
When I say “Buy Ugly Betty”, I am referring to a property that, on the surface, doesn’t look appealing. These are properties that may be overpriced, are in need of work or updating. It may be overpriced and the seller won’t reduce the price, thinking they have more negotiating power if the price stays high. It could be tenanted, hard to get in to view. Most buyers are looking for the “wow” factor and are quickly enticed into “staged” properties. If a property doesn’t sell right away, it becomes “stale” or “ugly”. The savvy approach is to seek those “Ugly Betty’s”, all but ignored by most realtors and buyers. As long as you can live with the size of the living space and the owner is motivated, you will likely achieve a great deal.
If you currently own an “Ugly Betty” and are considering selling, keep in mind that the majority of today’s buyers will not give you top dollar unless you find a way to take the ugly out of your Betty. People generally buy the pretty bottle or packaging, not necessarily what’s inside. Perception is people’s reality. I’ve had many years of experience giving “Ugly Betty’s” makeovers. This, along with my creative marketing plan, always results in helping you sell more quickly and for much more money. Please contact me to help you or anyone you care about with their “Ugly Betty”.
Have an amazing fall!
Michelle Read, Your Personal Real Estate Consultant…For Life
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