The Duncan Fremlin Blog

New Condo Projects Offered To Best Customers First

Yes, the off shore customers usually get first pick when a new condominium project begins selling.  This happens in every industry.  Take care of those who serve you best is a good motto for any business.  If you're a regular kind of buyer, thinking that you'd like to purchase in a particular building, you might find this news annoying.  However, being first to the trough doesn't necessarily mean they get the best units.

As investor/owners, most will never see the inside of any of these units. Their plan will be to rent them out or flip them. I've been told by builders that oft times off shore buyers will purchase 60% of entire complexes get in the first few weeks they're for sale. They're looking to buy rentable units,  1+1 bedrooms (or 2 bedrooms) with 2 baths. Parking is not an issue.  As a rental, a view of the lake has no value, nor does a higher floor. For this buyer, as long as it has the layout to appeal to a student (or students) or young professionals, they'll buy it. Believe me, user/buyers are wayyyyyy more particular. Besides, the best units are always resale condos. Buying new from plans before a shovel is in the ground is foolish on many different levels.  Don't get me started.

 

Property Data Available

Readers of this blog will know that I support releasing as much information about the real estate industry as the privacy czar will allow.  This will harm no one and perhaps even be a boon to my business.

Recently, Zoocasa went live.  What is Zoocasa?  It's a web site where you can find real estate, homes for sale, places to live and local school information.  They now offer Zoopraisals.  You can punch in some zooformation and voila, a zoonumber will appear and sadly, many unsuspecting consumers will think this is the resale value of their zoohome.  

This reminds me of my years as a Property Tax Assessor back in the 1970's.  The Commissioner of the Assessment Office, my zooboss, would instruct his zooAssessors to hop in their zoocar (8 3/4 cents per mile) and drive up and down a street with the assessment roll and eye-ball the properties to see if they appear to be in line with the values printed on the sheet.  As you can see, accuracy was not important.

Ah, the power I felt.  It was exhilarating!

Use this site at your own risk.  

Job Posting Centre for Education & Training

I've been asked to pass this on.  

 

JOB POSTING 

 

JOB REQ. #:	096-QCIC-096 1 INT & 2 EXT Posted Externally: x Yes No
POSITION:	Manager, Employment Services (2 Positions)
EMPLOYMENT STATUS:	Full-time Regular
LOCATION:	Peel Region & Toronto Area
REPORTING TO:	Director, Employment & Information Services
START DATE:	November 7, 2011
ANNUAL SALARY:	$58,000 to $68,000 per annum (depending on experience)
HOURS:	35 hours per week
SCHEDULE:	Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
BENEFITS:	Yes

 

SUMMARY: The Centre for Education & Training is a not for profit, progressive corporation operating from nine locations across the greater Toronto area. We enhance the self sufficiency and effectiveness of individuals and organizations by offering customized education, training and career resource solutions. As part of the Employment Ontario (EO) network we work with individuals, employers and communities to build the highly-skilled, highly-educated workforce that Ontario needs to be competitive. 

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The Manager(s), Employment Services will oversee the day-to-day operation and implementation of employment services at six Employment Services Sites. Reporting to the Director of Employment and Newcomer Services, the Manager(s) will assist the ES Coordinating team to manage daily operations and ensure adherence to all key principles that guide the service delivery model. Duties will include ensuring that service quality is maintained, activities are conducted appropriately, outcomes are achieved, and performance measurement and management practices are effective.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES	As part of the ES Management team, effectively manage the operations of the Employment Services sites providing support to ES Coordinators Develop, manage and implement practices, policies and procedures for consistent employment services in all components of ES including liaison with the Manager of Incentives and Supports Directly supervise ES Coordinators Provide management and leadership to ensure ongoing communications among staff, community partners and funders Oversee, in conjunction with ES Coordinators, all aspects of staff management, hiring and performance. Manage ongoing development, evaluation and continuous improvement of the ES model ensuring that each project site’s procedures, processes and performance commitments, funding, outcomes and program expenditures are in compliance with our Employment Services agreements. Participate in yearly business plan development, preparation of detailed quarterly status and adjustment reports, quarterly estimate of expenditure reports and other compliance reports as required by MTCU and by Centre for Education & Training for continuous improvement strategies. Report on budgets, monitor expenses, and resolve financial issues through liaison with coordinators, finance department and Director team Other related duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:	Appropriate University Degree or College Diploma 3 years previous management/administration experience is essential with a minimum of 1-2 years of experience in the management of the Employment Services Model and/or former Job Connect Model Proven written and verbal communication and report writing skills for internal and external communications Demonstrated strength in motivating, coaching, problem solving, decision making, hiring and staff development Proven ability to implement and meet performance management standards, create procedures and processes for business model improvements and meet outcomes and expectations of funded program agreements In-depth knowledge of community/ business services, local networks, local labour market trends, and programs /services that relate to the employment needs of individuals and employers in the GTA Interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity and organizational skills Experience administering budgets and financial reporting is essential Computer literate. Preference will be given to clients with in depth knowledge of the EOIS CAMS system Demonstrated ability to multi-task with proven staff management skills Commitment to excellence in innovation and to working within a team environment Ability to deliver service in other languages is considered an asset Ability to work evenings, weekends or split shifts on occasion, as necessary
To apply: Please submit your covering letter and resume to Human Resources By Friday, November 4, 2011 NO LATER THAN 4:00 pm Via Email: hrforms@tcet.com   *All external applicants quote: ‘096-QCIC-096 2 EXT’ in subject line. Thank you in advance for your interest. Only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

 

A Turn Around Is In The Making

The "dis" crowd is camping in the parks and on the streets.  They're disgruntled, disenfranchised, disemployed and have dishope.  In short, they're pissed off with little to lose and everything to gain.  They don't see much of a future for themselves or their world so they're protesting the status quo.  Good on them.

I did it in 1968, a large crowd of us blocking traffic at the bridge in Sarnia to express our anger at the slaughter of innocent victims in Vietnam and the nuclear testing in Amchitka, an island in the Aleutian chain.  This was Richard Nixon flexing his muscle and thousands of us didn't like it.  

This movement may fizzle a bit and perhaps will even go away for awhile.  I don't know.  What I do know, dipping into the wisdom I've acquired in my 62 years on this planet, is the protesters will return.  In fact, they will return some day with a vengeance, mostly because their prospects for a good future most assuredly will become much worse soon.

It's been a very interesting year.  Egypt.  Syria.  Libia.  Greece.  Spain.  Italy.  Unemployed kids are a nasty bunch when they have a lot of free time on their hands.  As this group grows worldwide, so will the hostilities against their governments.

I don't really want to use the word revolution to describe this social activity.  However, the word revolution comes from the Latin word revolutio which means "a turn around".  I like that better.  It's softer and fuzzier.  Let's just say a turn around is in the making.

 

 

We Should All Belong to APA

Newsletter from the Automobile Protection Association (of which I am a member) that arrived in my inbox this morning.  What would I do without this fine organization.  They have saved me thousands of dollars over the years.  I have stories!

October 2011 

Dear APA Member, 

With the pre-winter car preparation season under way, I am writing to recommend you watch the video of APA’s recent investigation on auto repairs, archived on the CTV W5 website. For those of you who did not see the original broadcast, the APA took specially prepared Honda CR-Vs and a Chevrolet Malibu to 30 repair shops in Toronto and Calgary. Our mystery shoppers asked to have a simple problem diagnosed (a loose battery terminal) and for a general check-up. Visits were recorded with W5’s hidden cameras. 

The cost per visit ranged from $0, at shops in Toronto that checked APA’s mystery cars free, to… $2,427! That’s the highest variation in an APA repair probe. Overall, only thirty percent of the shops tightened the loose battery terminal without performing unnecessary work to earn a Pass. When APA conducted a similar test in 2003, half the shops passed. 

Several repair shops recommended unnecessary services, like brake cleaning (the brakes were brand new on our car), coolant flushes, brake fluid (all new), power steering fluid on the Malibu (it doesn’t have any, the steering is electric), and a new battery (7 times!). Our recommendations to you: 

• Consult the owner’s manual for the list of recommended services and inspections before you go in for service. If you don’t have the manual anymore, the maintenance schedule for your vehicle is likely to be available on the Internet.
• Retain your service records. These will help determine how recently your vehicle’s systems were serviced and may reduce overselling.
• When in doubt, use the APA’s list of recommended repair shops for a second opinion. Your membership doesn’t even need to be current to benefit from our recommended inspection-only services.

 

Asking for an estimate and your old parts back seem like good policy, and the APA mystery shoppers did so for every visit. Unfortunately, this did not ensure good outcomes. 

A complete written report of the investigation, and results for all 30 shops visited are on the APA website. You will also find general reviews for the Midas, Canadian Tire, Active Green and Ross, Kal Tire, and Fountain Tire chains. APA’s network of recommended repair shops is also available to you with a valid membership card. We are confident the APA information on auto repairs will help you obtain more value for your repair dollars.

 

Thank you for supporting the APA,

 

George Iny

APA Director

 

Arlene Zock Memorial was a packed church...

The church was full of fans and family and musicians and what a night we had!  Close to $5000.00 was raised for the Odette Centre and we thank you all very much.  Kudos to Rob Whitehead and his mate Chris Whiting for doing all the leg work before, during and after the show.  What an ending!  We'll be talking about this for a very long time.  

Thanks everyone.  

 

Finally, I just received a few photos and videos of Arlene performing at the Cadillac Lounge in June of 2010 and they're spectacular.    

 

This were shot and edited by Agnes Cseke, a very talented lady.

 

Great Saturday Night Outing in the Annex

North American Premiere of "The Lament" at the Moving Images Film Festival

Saturday October 15, 5:30-7:30pm 

@ Annex Live

296 Brunswick Ave,

 

"The Lament" 

An Independent Film by Emma Lu Romerein

Produced by Sandstone Productions, 

Canada/Italy, 2011 

The world premiere of "The Lament" was at this years Cannes Film Festival's Short Film Corner and will screen this Saturday for its North American premiere in the Moving Images Showcase at the Annex Live in the Moving Images Film Festival in Toronto.  

"The Lament" is an independent experimental dance film shot on Super 16 mm and set to music by Nancy Sinatra with dancing performed by Gemini nominated Emma Lu Romerein. Sinatra's haunting lyrics propel the story and the dancing emotes a visceral language of heartbreak and longing. This film brings contemporary dance to the screen as an emotional experience and documents a fleeting art form. 

There will be 5 short films screened in this showcase taking place between 5:30-7:30 with Q&A for each film. "The Lament" will be shown 3rd. 

 

http://www.miffest.com/miffesthome2011.html

http://www.miffest.com/Categories.html

http://www.miffest.com/EventsScheduling.html

 

Arlene Zock Memorial Concert

I'm writing this to let you know about a memorial concert we're hosting to celebrate the life of our friend and band mate, Arlene Zock.

The concert is this Thursday, October 13th at 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary of Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge Street at Heath. There's transit and public parking located within a block.

The show, hosted by Erin Davis of CHFI 98.1 will feature the George Lake Big Band, Whiskey Jack and Mark Ripp, all of whom shared the stage with Arlene during her musical career. It will run approximately 90 minutes with no intermission, and will be followed by a simple reception.

There's no admission charge, but we're raising money for the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook, where Arlene spent that last few weeks of her life before succumbing to breast cancer. We'll be collecting cash and cheques at the event, but if you prefer, or you're unable to join us at the show, here's a link to a secure online donation page:

http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=3181653&langPref=en-CA

Feel free to call me at 416-405-8828 if you have any questions. Many thanks and we hope to see you next Thursday evening.

Privacy in 2011

It wasn't that long ago that Realtors could use the address of a closed sale when ever they liked.  It's ironic that on social media sites such as Facebook, few of us take advantage of the options available to provide more privacy.  Sometimes, these two industries overlap.

I represented a buyer on the purchase of a home this summer.  The Vendor's Realtor, the listing agent, as part of his marketing, had downloaded a video of the inside of the home.   It was his listing so he advertised the address also.

After my client had taken possession, she noticed the video was still available on line.   

I called the agent and asked him to remove the video from his Youtube site.  He refused.  He reminded me of a clause he had inserted in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale allowing the address of the home to be used for marketing purposes.  I reminded him that the body of the offer is no place for such a clause and therefore was unenforceable.  In order for a clause like this to have any clout, it has to be on a separate form and everyone has to sign it, that is both Realtors and both clients.  This was not done.

He was digging his heals in and was determined to be uncooperative.  He said it was an important part of his "on line marketing" and he needed it there to help with his "rankings".  I had to laugh.  No one I asked had ever heard of this guy before and his company was a fringe company at best.  Who was he trying to kid?

My client on the other hand was being very patient and understanding and even suggested he could leave the video up but only if he removed the address.  I had to involve my Broker Owner who impressed upon him the implications of his stubborness but eventually he relented and the address was removed.

My guess is if he had persisted, he might have been penalized by Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO).  I've heard they don't like this sort of thing.

 

Service Industry, American Style

The world loves to criticize the U.S. for pretty much everything.  I'm certainly not ambivilent about the country or it's politics.  It's people however are a different matter.  

I just returned from a 4 day trip to Nashville and this town left a few impressions.

First of all, they have the best service industry in the world, from the taxi driver to the bell hop.  These people demonstrate an eagerness to please, something I'm not used to here in Canada.  Sometimes it's a bit over the top as in asking "is everything to your satisfaction?" two or three times.  However, better this than a snarly waitress.

Somehow they manage to bridge the gap between being fanatically and outwardly devout and embracing the libertarian idea of "anything goes" in their society at large.   I attended a bluegrass music convention and I sang and played with a lot of people dedicating their songs to Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior.  Yet all around them were cowboys and tourists dedicating their holiday to Budweiser.  They co-exist quite nicely.

I've learned how to co-exist with them also.  It's simple.  I follow the lead of those visitors from the northern states.  I  keep my mouth shut and respect the fact that I'm a guest in their state.  Apparently the civil war is not over.

The generosity within the bluegrass music community is refreshing.  No matter how good the player is, they behave like they're no better than the novice.  I saw professionals jamming with novices, trading licks and songs as though they were equals.  There doesn't seem to be the same kind of distance between the stars and the fans.  Unbelievable and unprecedented in any other style of music.  

One final observation.  Where are the compact cars?  I'm sure there are some in Tennessee because I passed a Kia dealership but I didn't see any on the streets in downtown Nashville.  They like Cadillacs.