The Duncan Fremlin Blog

Man's Greatest Fear... Rejection!

There is a wise scholar who has just written a very important book.

His name is Harold Kushner.  The book is "When Bad Things Happen To Good People".

Contrary to what the title implies, this is not a "downer" kind of book.  Rather, it is quite uplifting and helpful in dealing with the day to day grind.

To listen to a lecture on this topic, click here.

Kushner on Fear of Rejection

 

The author survived the death of a child over 40 years ago.  Like many intelligent and thoughtful people, he used the experience to learn much about himself and consequently strengthen his ability to address other difficult situations in his life.

He writes that the "sense of not being needed is more devastating than either illness or any other kind of disaster". 

Rejection is a noun common to all human beings.  We experience it in our family life when our 3 year old tells us in a fit of anger that we're the "worst parent in the whole wide world".  We feel it when we are laid off from a job;  when a friend doesn't call us back when they say they will;  when a clerk at the local coffee shop is unfriendly;  when our spouse leaves us for our best friend;  when someone hangs up on us... and on and on. 

Wouldn't it be great if we each had a mechanism to convert this gut wrenching fear into something more life affirming so that we can live our day to day life without any sense of dread.  I'm not sure how pessimists would take to this but they're likely the most in need of such a mechanism.

In my quest to be a good real esatate agent, I knocked on strangers' doors every day.  I even tried calling them to ask for their business.  This I discovered was the most sure way to confront this fear of rejection.  The angry homeowners, though few in number, were initially devastating to my fragile ego.  It's funny though.  After one or two of these each day, it soon became apparent that the novelty of this anger soon dissipated and I began to seek it out.  The pinnacle of this journey for me was a call I made one day to a house in Cabbagetown here in Toronto.  For some reason, this neighbourhood had the rudest homeowners when it came to cold calling. 

This one particular homeowner (who I later met at a social occasion) told me in no uncertain terms to F$%# Off and never call back.  I thought about how upset I felt after this call and the next day, I CALLED HIM BACK.  I was sorry to disturb him again but this second call did wonders for my fear of rejection.  I got off the phone with a calm sense of wellbeing and though the fear hasn't disappeared completely, it certainly doesn't gnaw at me like it used to.

Imagine how much more of life we would all experience if we didn't have this annoying fear to hold us back.

Linkedin - useful business site

Of all the social networking sites, the two that offer the most are Facebook and Linkedin. 

They are quite different, each offering a different approach to "keeping in touch". 

Facebook is quite good for the day to day, hour to hour communicating that goes on.  I notice most of my younger clients use this in lieu of email or phone messages and I'm fine with that now that I understand it a bit more.  I'm still not totally clued in to all that it offers but that's not a concern at this point.

Linkedin however has some very practical business functions. 

It reveals just how small this world is.  I'm surprised at how many connections I recognize, from people I would never have guessed.    It's also an excellent way of getting a sense of how my clients appreciate my services. 

The following has been written about my services as a Realtor:

“I have known Duncan for more than 20 years, and I have worked with a number of real estate brokers and agents over the years. Duncan has been by far the best. He makes the experience transparent for the seller or buyer, and goes a long way in helping the client get beyond the mythology and into the reality of real estate. I have recommended him to a lot of my friends, who have had similar experiences to mine. Plus, he's a great banjo player and a pretty good hockey player.”  Dave Coates.

“Duncan is a real estate agent unlike any other. Not only is he extremely good at navigating the complexities of the housing market, but he is a generous and enthusiastic participant in the Toronto communities in which he lives and works. His creativity, thoughtfulness and integrity make him someone I feel very comfortable recommending.”   Doug Worts.

“He is a real pro who is a pleasure to work with. He has a no nonsense approach that works and does not make promises he cannot keep. If I am selling or buying Duncan is my go to guy.”  Gary Beechey.

“Duncan is trustworthy, consistent and reliable. He goes beyond the call of duty and shows great generosity of spirit. If you are hiring Duncan, you can be sure that you are hiring a dedicated and seasoned professional who will work tirelessly to get the job done!”  Jennifer North.

And to think.... there are 19 more on Linkedin.  These kind entries have been a real eye-opener.  I'm truly humbled.

Use a mortgage specialist.. not a generalist

I encourage clients to call a mortgage broker when looking for financing, even if they're hell-bent on using their "loyal" bank manager.  They negotiate mortgages all day long.  Bank managers negotiate mortgages occasionally.  

 

Here's my thinking on this: 

 

 

Why use a mortgage broker instead of your bank?

 

 

Find the Best Mortgage

 

The bank sells only its own products while mortgage brokers have access to over 60 lenders and can offer a wide range of competitive and innovative products and services to meet your mortgage needs.  This is particularly important for clients with poor credit or unverifiable income who may not be able to qualify at their bank.  

 

 

Find the Best Rate

 

Your bank is in the business of making money for its shareholders so you may not be offered the best possible rate unless you shop around and find a lower rate.  Invis for example is one of Canada’s largest mortgage brokerage firms.  This gives it the leverage to negotiate below-market rates with many lenders saving you the hassle of making several calls to negotiate your  rate. 

 

 

Consult an Expert

 

Banks sell a wide range of products such as personal accounts, loans, RRSPs and mutual funds. Mortgage brokers specialize in mortgages only and you can benefit from their product knowledge, market access, exceptional negotiating skills and commitment to highly personalized service.   

 

 

Obtain a Reliable Pre-approval

 

A mortgage pre-approval from a bank often provides little more than a rate guarantee for a mortgage amount determined by your reported income.  A mortgage broker will ensure that your credit, income and down payment meet the lender’s guidelines and will also provide a fully underwritten pre-approval from a lender.

 

 

Professional Service at No Cost

 

The good news is that there is no cost to the borrower for a mortgage broker’s services because the broker is paid by the lender you select.   

The Art of Compartmentalization

This is a good word... "compartmentalization". 

Men are often criticized for performing this task so skillfully each day.  We do it in life and in business but what really riles the ladies is when we do it in love.  I'll have to write about that when I'm older.  It'll be a long essay.  Today, I'm all about business so I'll keep it short.  The fact is, it's not easy being a man.

Another way of expressing this is "categorizing".  I have to be skilled at this.  Otherwise, my business life would be chaos.  My categories are family, friends, clients, musicians, book club members, neighbours etc.  We all have them. 

Maybe the word "prioritizing" is even more accurate. 

I have a buyer right now that is in a desperate situation.  He needs to have some place to live very soon and the search for a condo in clearly a priority.  That's not to say his situation is more important than another client but this fellow is on my mind often each day.  He's relying on me to find him the right place and I admit I've created a special compartment for him.

I have a young family that is getting ready to move later this year.  They have a lot of work to do before they can proceed.  I have another compartment for them.  I don't think about them as often as the other guy, at least not yet.

I thank my lucky stars I'm skilled at this thing called compartmentalization.

Oh, I do it with my emotions also.  I'm of Scottish heritage and we've mastered this art.  Otherwise, how could we have invented the modern world?

An Abundance of Goodwill!

Last Thursday, I hosted and sponsored a show at Hugh's Room in support of Artscan Circle, a most noble charity.  It is a group of artists and musicians who work diligently to take their art and their craft to troubled native communities in the far north.  The house band was the finest in the land, Whiskey Jack.

The show was a huge success.  What impressed me most as I was assembling the cast of many was the endless energy and enthusiasm all felt toward the cause.  Many contributed hours of their time and much inconvenience to make this happen.

Caitlin Hanford, a busy person with two musical acts and a full time career as a teacher to deal with each day offered her time to rehearse and perform as needed.  Russell DeCarle and his golden voice drove to the city from his farm up north on two occasions and thanked me after wards.  George Meanwell and Daniel Kushner came to the club early the day of the show and spent the evening cheering everyone on before it was their turn to perform. Mark Crocker and his pal Chester drove from Parry Sound.  Bob McNiven spent countless hours drafting charts, rehearsing and more.  Chris Whiting offered his time on one of the busiest days of the year in his job.  Rob Whitehead devoted hours to the cause and structured his life (and his family's) to make this happen.  Arlene Zock selflessly participated as she has been doing for so long now.  Randy Morrisson restructured his work life and offered his valued skills to bring good cheer and fine licks to the stage.  Howard Willett continued his tradition of "being there" in so many ways.  Mr. Rick, a joy to sing with, was most gracious and generous with his time as he offered up a soulful tune.  Carol Teal and Judy Find were vital in the lead up to this event, offering support and enthusiasm and of course more and more hours of their time.  What can I say about the fill in Master of Ceremonies and all round cook and bottle washer, Burke Lawrence.  Circumstances forced a change in plans at the last minute and this fine man ran the show from the stage in a professional and very amusing style.  I received many comments about his contribution.  Did I mention he spent much of the evening walking from table to table with his Joker's Hockey Club cohort, Derek Thompson selling $785.00 worth of raffle tickets?  Then there was the Whiskey Jack piper, cousin Dave Fremlin who when asked if he would pipe on the band, always says "yes".  He didn't even have time to go home first and kiss his wife and new daughter.  Now that's commitment!  Thanks also to those who called and bought tickets and sent emails offering support and encouragement.  The world's best photographer, Gary Beechey came right from work to click a few fantastic photos.  Thanks to Karen, my wonderful wife for working so hard to promote and sell tickets. 
And finally, Grant McNeill at the Twelfth Fret Music Store on the Danforth donated a very good banjo for the raffle and I thank him.

All in all, as you can see from the photographs here, it was a terrific night.

Arrogance in business is misplaced

I often joke about how much I contribute to the bottom line of Rogers Communications, even though  I use them as little as possible.  I rely on many but not all of their services and pay them a lot of money each year.  They don't have my home phone (not for lack of trying on their part).  I don't have cable TV (not for lack of trying on their part) but my business communications are all Rogers.  I'm referring to my cell phone and my Blackberry.

At the recent RE/MAX event at the Convention Centre, they had a booth set up to promote their products.  I spent a few minutes with the main man at this booth asking about my Roger's plan, can they improve on it and how the industry is going to change in the weeks to come.

WIND MOBILE is the new cell phone provider offering pretty good, all inclusive, cell phone packages with NO contract.  I'm curious how Rogers and Bell, the two big hogs who dominate the industry, are going to react. 

Well, the Rogers representative I spoke to behaved in a dismissive and arrogant manner.  He began by criticizing the new company and pointing out they're shortcomings.  He didn't answer my question.  I prodded him.  He finally said Rogers is studying the matter but a decision won't be made quickly. 

Suggestion to Rogers:  Get off you duff and pay heed!  I'm keen to go elsewhere and given the chance, I'm outta here!  I'll go somewhere I'm wanted.  Take this seriously or you'll be left behind in the dust.

Try being arrogant in this business climate and you'll play the price.  I for one won't put up with it.

Mistakes! We all make them.

There is a very well respected real estate trainer who had made a couple of potentially devastating mistakes recently.  His name is Joe Stumpf.  He released a video link to prospective clients (including me) and when we tried to log on, the site couldn't handle the volume and it crashed.  This has happened twice that I know of.

I was intrigued by how he handled it.  His approach was not unlike David Letterman. He owned up, apologized, and made amends by offering added value.  He extended the free offer for a few more hours.  He owned up and dealt with it immediately.

Actually, Letterman didn't do that. He couldn't add value since there wasn't much value to begin with.  Either he's funny or he isn't so if he isn't funny in the first place, the only value he could add would be to retire from the airwaves.  He's only as funny or unfunny as he can be and beyond that, there is no added value.  He couldn't extend his show by a half hour.  Even if he did, who would watch?  He's not that good.

Tiger Woods has gamely demonstrated to the world how not to behave if you err.  Stick your head in the sand and the world will bite or paddle your behind repeatedly until you can't take it any more. 

In the early days of my career as a Realtor, I drafted an Offer and did not clearly identify a book case that was included in the deal.  I soon found out the Buyer was expecting a different book case and since it was my mistake, I had to own up and pay to replace it... it cost me $1,500.00. 

Over the years, in similar situations with other Realtors, I've seen agents deny, deny, deny and run away from their mistakes.  I've seen retailers and service providers do the same thing.  It stinks.  These people are to be avoided.  They are unprofessional. 

Sadly, we expect it from politicians and professional athletes. 

It's much easier to own up and accept the error for what it is.  The agony does't last as long.  And the fact is, the mistake turns into a positive.  It simply feels good when it's attended to responsively and honourably.

Easily the Best Real Estate Operation in the world

I doubt there are many industries that are defined by one company.  Real Estate is one of those industries. 

World wide, as I've seen first hand, there is only one sign that defines the health of the local real estate industry and that's RE/MAX.  If I see a RE/MAX for sale sign in Greece or South Africa, I know that transactions are being completed efficiently and professionally. 

I witness this each time I attend a conference.  Yesterday's Kick Start 2010 was a perfect example of that. 

Thousands of bright eyed professional RE/MAX Realtors attended this event that was sponsored and provided free to the agents.  Free courses were offered (Green Energy, Social Media, Staging etc).  The best speakers in the world were there (Joe Stumpf).  The service providers, the entertainment, the food etc. was all first class.

I found out that on average, 20% of all licensed Realtors sell "nothing" each year.  Also, 60% of all Realtors don't even sell 4 houses each year.   Good grief!  There must be cheaper hobbies out there. 

RE/MAX agents however, sell on average, 18 houses each year!  ON AVERAGE. 

  

HST and the end of the world as we know it

According to the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) Ontarians will pay, on average, an additional $1,449.00 in new taxes on their next residential real estate transaction.

This is not good for the real estate industry but it's probably good for the Provincial and Federal finances.  I suppose there's a plus side to that.  We don't want to lose the services and the quality of life that make us who we are.  That requires a strong government with money to spend. 

Maybe indirectly it is good for the real estate industry.  Many people from around the world come to this city and buy houses and one reason of course is because our government's finances are in pretty good shape. 

Actually, now that I've thought about it, maybe this HST isn't such a bad idea after all.

I don't read this opinion very often in the real estate trade magazines.  They're convinced the world will end as we know it.  Bah.  Humbug.  We'll get over it as we did with all of the other tax increases.

Duncan Fremlin, Broker presents....

On January 21, 2010, Whiskey Jack and Duncan Fremlin, Broker will be hosting a fund/friend raising dinner/show at Hugh's Room here in Toronto.  All proceeds will go to Artscan Circle, "an independent, volunteer-run group working to link creative artists with Native youth at risk in Canada".   
 

I've sponsored and produced many concerts/shows over the years but this is the most ambitious.  Besides my band, the audience will enjoy Canada's #1 vocal illusionist (ventriloquist) and long time friend of Whiskey Jack, Mark Crocker and his pal Chester.  MC will be the one and only (and the very funny) Ted Bisaillion, a man of many talents and accomplishments.  Special guests will be my cousin and bag piper for the movie crowd, David Fremlin (starred in Men With Brooms);  Quartette star, Canadian country singer, Caitlin Hanford;  Prairie Oyster star, the one and only Russell deCarle, a Canadian institution in his own right.   Word has it that Artcan Circle founder and world famous harmonica wizard, Mike Stevens will make an appearance. 

Dinner reservations recommended.  416-531-6604. 

"Boot Camp For The Brain"

There's a new organization that is offering a different kind of "seminar".  It's kind of a retreat actually. 

The two ladies who are hosting this event, Judy Steed and Mary Armstrong, are very accomplished in their professions and from what I've heard from those who have previously attended this event, it's life altering. 

SOUL SPA RETREATS PRESENTS

www.soulsparetreats.ca

How to Improve Memory, Reduce Stress, Practice Mindfulness

& Find Your Focus. 

Plus Boot Camp For The Brain.

Are you In Transition?  Open to New Ideas?  Wondering what’s next?

Make the most of our unprecedented gift of longevity. 

One-third to one-half of us will develop dementia in our 80’s,

in the present circumstances.  It doesn’t have to be that way.

 

Join Mary Armstrong and Judy Steed

and explore your own unique situation & needs.

Tap into your inner wisdom, nourish your creativity, have fun.

“Engaging.  Enlightening.  Insightful.  Fun.  And Inspiring.” Julie F., participant.

 

  

   SATURDAY JANUARY 30, 2010 - 9:30AM TO 5:00PM

   METRO CENTRAL YMCA, 20 GROSVENOR ST. , TORONTO   

   $50.00 PER PERSON OR $80.00 PER COUPLE (can be a couple of friends).

   Wear comfortable clothing for yoga & Pilates.

   Advance your SOUL SPA experience, or try it for the first time. All welcome.

  

   TO REGISTER

 

  MAIL YOUR CHEQUE, PAYABLE TO: 

  MARY ARMSTRONG

  184 BAYVIEW HEIGHTS DRIVE, TORONTO, M4G 2Y9

 

  FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL:

 

  Judy Steed

  steedbooks@yahoo.com

  Mary Armstrong

  m.armstrong@sympatico.ca

 

 

Looking for a summer treat?

 

Soul Spa is at The Focusing Institute Summer School

August 20-26, 2010
Garrison Institute on the Hudson River
Garrison, New York

www.focusing.org/FISS

 

Mary K. Armstrong MSW, RSW Psychotherapist 416-921-9401
Author of Confessions of a Trauma Therapist

New Beginnings

There are two "new years" in the real estate business.  The first is right now. 

Early in my career, a trainer named Floyd Wickman taught me a valuable lesson.  He suggested that an agent would be wise to begin each day as though it was his/her first day in the business.  To take that literally is a bit unrealistic but the sentiment is dead on. 

I've personally broken that idea down into two "new beginnings" each year.  January 1 is the obvious one and it's become ingrained in my psyche.  Regardless of how good a year I had last year and regardless of how good a job I did on my last deal, I wake up each New Year's Day feeling like I've never sold a house in my entire life.  It's the point where dread meets anticipation!

This is a disturbing sensation and I feel it right in my gut.  I accept it for what it is but it isn't necessarily pleasant.  Not unpleasant like a root canal.  I think of it as stressful excitement.  It's more like the feeling I get leading up to an event I'm producing.  I'm not relaxed and settled until the venue is full of people.  Similarly, I won't feel settled in the new year until my days are full of fun real estate activities like presenting offers, appraising houses and the like.

The day after Labour Day is the other New Year in my business.  The "sensation" returns and the cycle starts all over again. 

It's exciting.  It's stressful but it's also most rewarding. 

Species Centric

I read recently that most of us don't really care or worry all that much about the demise of the planet.  That sounds like a rather honest analysis of why we're doing so very little to save this amazing thing called earth.

Yes, in our minds, we're concerned and caring about the fossil fuels we consume and the damage that inflicts.  However, when confronted with the prospect of having to "do without", we quickly change our tune and say "to hell with global warming". 

Some say this is human nature?  The idea is we are by definition egocentric beings. 

Let's take this fact a few steps further.  I suggest that we, as a member of the human species, have no emotional or intellectual or any connection with our collective instinct to survive.  The fact is, we really don't care of the species survives beyond our own short lives.  Yes, we do what we can to live as long as we can.  We even want our medical community to do everything it can to keep us alive, regardless of the consequences.  However, when all is said and done, most of us will compromise the interests of the herd for the interests of the individual. 

This may not be a politically correct thing to say but as far as Mother Nature is concerned, we're no more important than the lowly earth worm. 

There.  I've said it.

2009 - Year of the Referral

I established a category in this blog for real estate referral stories.  I later expanded this idea and created my Circle of Trust program.  I've been neglecting this category lately.  It's not that I haven't referred or been referred business.  It's just that I haven't taken the time to write about it.  Until now.

I do keep track of my referral statistics.  Usually,  I can predict that approximately 10% of all transactions in any given year will be as a result of my tapping into my data base to find an agent for a Toronto client who is relocating.  This is one of the reasons I attend so many conferences around the world.  It can be and often is quite serendipitous.  Imagine standing in line for a cup of coffee at an International conference and striking up a conversation with a very pleasant Realtor from Montreal.  One week later, my Cabbagetown client calls and tells me he's accepting a position at a Montreal hospital.  I then call my new Montreal friend who knows the family of my client...I put the two of them together and lo and behold, they continue to do business to this day. 

That's what referral business is all about. 

In 2009, a lofty 25% of my transactions came from referrals.  In this case, most were out-going, that is, initiated by me.  I made this happen because it's a state of mind.  It comes to mind whenever I hear that a friend or friend-of-a-friend, or relative or even a complete stranger is moving to some other jurisdiction.  I promote it.  It's part of my business plan.  IVe written often in this blog of my Florida real estate connections who have helped some of my clients buy very attractive properties at extremely good prices.

It's all a part of my "relationship based" business model.  It's all about networking and building a community of like minded friends, professionals and philanthropic associates.  This model just happens to include some pretty amazing Realtors in various parts of the world.

Moving to Belize?  I know this Realtor who.....  

Four Words Can Change Your Life

"If Not Now, When?"

How many times might these words apply to a situation or incident in your day- to-day life?

Thinking of giving up that dastardly cigarette habit?  ......"If Not Now, When?"

Thinking of looking for a new job?   ........"If Not Now, When?"

Thinking of calling the Food Bank to volunteer?  ........."If Not Now, When?"

Thinking of getting a divorce?  ........."If Not Now, When?"

Thinking of running nude down Yonge Street in January?  ........."If Not Now, When?"

Thinking of taking a night course?  ........."If Not Now, When?"

Thinking of spending more time with your kids and less time on the damn computer?  ......."If Not Now, When?"

Thinking of getting rid of all that stuff you're keeping JUST IN CASE?  .........."If Not Now, When?"

Thinking of starting a blog so you can write drivel like this?  ......."If Not Now, When?"

Successful people share two characteristics:

1.  they're willing to do things they'd rather not do and....

2.  they actually do it!

To Blog or not to Blog...

I've been blogging for over three years.  I never check my stats to see how many read this.  I'm not doing it for the reader.

I do it for the joy of occasionally putting together a decent sentence.  I've lost all hope of actually completing a good paragraph.  That would require a lifetime of writing, not three years. 

For the most part, I'm not completely embarrassed with my style, vocabulary or subject matter.  My real estate insights are the only true and accurate ones on the web as far as I'm concerned so don't you dare accuse me of being humble.  My insights into the music business are also right on the money.  Beyond that what I write is inconsequential and a way of practicing this craft.

I read a lot and am quite selective.  There are many highly skilled authors of every ilk in the country and I enjoy many of them.  Alice Munro?  She's so smart and good she married a Fremlin.  Judy Steed?  Now that broad can put together a sentence or three, let me tell you.  However, every once in awhile, I read something so good, I consider putting a stop to this nonsense I call a blog. 

Case in point:  December 28th, The Globe and Mail - Roy MacGregor's column.  He calls it "Seasonal reflective disorder: looking back on the decade that was".   It offers everything I yearn for but rarely see in a newspaper essay.  It tells me something I didn't know before.  It changes the way I view the world.  It's written in a very inviting style.  It's funny, clever, intelligent, confrontational, challenging and on and on..  Damn this guy is good!

Check it out and let me know what you think/

How I spent my 60th birthday!

This blog entry is not a bitching session.  There are many privileges and advantages of having spent 60 years on this planet.  Having thick skin is one of them.  I've learned that nothing is to be gained from complaining about something I have absolutely no control over.  If only I had known this sooner! 

However, of all the birthdays I've had over the years, this is one of perhaps that I will remember.

Karen and I were to fly to Las Vegas to attend a wedding.  Apparently Elvis is still alive and marrying couples, young and old each and every day.

We arrived at the airport at 7:30 in the morning.  We flew out at 9:30 in the evening.  The attached photo reveals a tiny bit of how we spent out day.

I spent it with my honey so the day flew by.  Ok.  Maybe it didn't fly by.  The chicken wraps were pretty good, considering.  The $40.00 food voucher payed for them.  The fellow travelers we befriended were swell and we'll perhaps have a convention sometime to celebrate our "day at Pearson".  The $250.00 travel voucher from the airline helped alleviate the pain.  The airport workers were in great spirits.  I assumed they were feeling good about it being my birthday and all.

However, the best part of the day was having a good book to read at my leisure without interruption.  Believe me, that does not happen very often.  I was able to spend a day with Isabel Dalhousie, a character created by Alexander McCall Smith.  Did you know she had a child since we last me up with her?

Oh.  Did I mention how stupid the airport security policies are in the world?  To think that one man can disrupt the world so easily in this day and age.... it boggles the mind.

But enough about him.

Seems Worrisome but it's mostly Good!

I can hear the worry warts fretting over their morning coffee as they read about the proposed tightening of the Canadian mortgage market.  These are the same ulcer types who panicked when they read the Tara Perkins article in the Saturday Globe about the former central bank head, David Dodge.

Beginning with Dodge, Ms. Perkins writes "Ottawa and the provinces, particularly Ontario, must lay out credible plans to heal their finances in coming years when they release their upcoming budgets or risk damaging the economic recovery, suggests former central bank head David Dodge".  It continues "his ideas include boosting government revenue by increasing the GST, creating a carbon tax, or instituting user fees for services such a roads".

As for the tightening the Canadian mortgage market, I've written here before that this must be done and I say it's about time.  The suggested changes aren't dramatic.  It would only effect the marginal buyers with little money in the bank.

It would require the buyer to come to the table with a bit more money.  5% is not enough of a stake in the transaction to act as a cushion should values fall.  Secondly, they're looking to shorten the amortization (which will increase the payments and accelerate the pay down of the principal) and this too is a good thing.  When they instituted the 35 year amortization (was at one time 40 years), I always thought this would be a short term offering but it's still with us.  It's wrong. 

The only way a 35 year amortization would receive my support would be if the term of the mortgage was also 35 years.  Fact is, the lenders will not commit funds for that period of time at today's rates so this isn't going to happen, ever.

Mr. Dodge was able to say these things because he's no longer in charge of the central bank and his comments end up on page 5 rather than page 1.    Politicians care more about getting re-elected than they are about telling the truth about how we're going to get our of this mess.  The GST will increase some day (should never have been reduced in the first place) and there will be road tolls and there may even be a carbon tax but not without a lot of kicking and screaming and a whole lot of desperation.  We will change but only when we have to.

Yes, tax revenues must increase.  I won't likely happen soon.  First, there will be spending reductions, both provincially and federally.  The needy will be hit the hardest.  They don't have as much political clout as the wealthy.  Let's just hope we don't see another Walkerton. 

Globe Letter to the Editor on Don Cherry

I salute Dave Nonen from Victoria B.C. for summing up the Don Cherry - Dr. Tator controversy about concussions and head shots in hockey and pro sports in general.  Writes Dave:

"Shame on neurosurgeon Charles Tator (Cherry Calls Tator's Comments Unfair - online Dec. 19).  He has engaged in intellectual combat with an unarmed man".

Irksome Real Estate Story

Imagine you own a lovely bungalow on a quiet street and one day, a builder buys the bungalow next door and promptly adds a second story.  Other than the annoying dust and banging and loud equipment for a few months, the house is completed without incident and life begins to return to normal.

You then receive a notice from Enbridge Gas Distribution.  It seems they inspected the new build next door and discovered that your "chimney no longer complied with the fire safety regulations of the Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA) because it suddenly wasn't tall enough". 

I took that quote from Bob Aaron's column in the weekend Toronto Star.  He's a real estate lawyer who writes about our industry from a lawyer's perspective. 

According to Bob, this might cost the innocent bungalow owner about $1,500.00 to top up his chimney because it's "considerably lower than the roof-line of the new house". 

Now that's irksome.   The builder builds a new house, inconveniences you for months, sells the house for oodles of money and you get penalized. 

No wonder condo's are selling well.