All Of The Above - Duncan's Blog

A Charity - but barely

Yesterday, I attended an information session at the home office of a national charity located in Etobicoke. We were familiar with the chair of the Board of Directors and we thought it was worth a visit to hear what they... Read more →

Florida Fallout

In the past few weeks, I've received two calls from local clients looking for a Florida Realtor to help sell a parent's condo. It just so happens the condos are in the same area. As a result, after a few... Read more →

Minimize or Eliminate Conflict

There are many invisible services Realtors provide to their clients. We're marriage councilors, child therapists, travel agents, chauffeurs and many many more. I like all of these roles which is convenient since I'm paid well to perform them. The one... Read more →

Another reason why I work for RE/MAX Hallmark

My wife and partner in real estate, Karen Laing and I are trying to figure out a business model that works within our own parameters but also within the corporate structure of a RE/MAX organization. Each of the franchises are... Read more →

An evening of note

Saturday evening was a night to remember. Of course, besides a stellar musical performance by Whiskey Jack, there was a rapturous hour of intrigue by Mr. and Mrs. Hypnotist Paul Irving and Beth Bovaird. I say intrigue because skeptics will... Read more →

Dumbing down of the Land Transfer Tax Debate

I downloaded a Schedule "B" from a competitor today. The Broker in question wants this document signed and attached to all offers associated with one of his listings. I was stunned at the childish and petulant clause they inserted in... Read more →

A Good Houses will always sell, regardless of the market

Regardless of what's going on in the market place, good houses always sell first. This is the formula I'd suggest buyers use. It's tried and true. I call it the "complete package". If the house has it all: location, style... Read more →

Tapestry

I must remember never to turn on the CBC Sunday afternoons while driving. I can't recall the number of times I've had to pull off to the side of the road so I could hear clearly and make a feeble... Read more →

Beginning of a great blog

I generally don't write about politics and this entry is no exception. This is not about politics. However, I was introduced to a new blog last night and the fact that the author is a "politician wannabe" is of no... Read more →

Time to unsubscribe

I subscribe to both newspapers. There are only two really. The others are "knock offs" and are imported from China or Winnipeg, not sure which. This morning, over my granola and blueberries, it took me all of 5 minutes to... Read more →

Woodbine sold! Woodbine sold!

Woodbine Avenue sold last night! Yeah! The deal is condition (financing) until next week but it's lookin' good. Read more →

Follow up from yesterday's post

It was busy at 545 Woodbine Avenue yesterday. I did all of the things I listed in yesterday's posting and so far, the results are encouraging. I had 20 agents attend the agent's open house. This is approximately 15 more... Read more →

What happens if I list a house and nobody comes?

Fortunately, this doesn't happen very often. First of all, it's a very good house, quite large and full of great features. We then begin by spending a month preparing a home for resale. We fix the leaky taps, replace the... Read more →

East meets West in Toronto

I lived an "inner-city" kind of day yesterday. It was all about two Toronto neighbourhoods, so completely different. It just so happened that my vantage point was from a stage with my banjo in hand. The day started at noon... Read more →

Mulroney? Muldoon? Who cares now?

I remember as though it was yesterday. It was a Saturday and I think it was the summer of 1981. Whiskey Jack was scheduled to perform that evening at the Tweed Bluegrass Festival. We spent the entire afternoon in our... Read more →

St. James Town II

I overheard a comment on the radio yesterday about a condo community here in Toronto that has the potential to turn into a second St. James Town (heaven forbid). I didn't hear the name of the community they were referring... Read more →

Psychology of Buyers

At the RE/MAX Hallmark Queen Street office meeting this morning, there was a buzz in the room. Attendance was up and the agents were hungry. We were handed a list of new listings and the number was much higher than... Read more →

Big Big Star

Over the years, I've often referred to Whiskey Jack's very own Bob McNiven as a big star. It started shortly after we completed our first season on the CBC's The Tommy Hunter Show. We were in Brandon Manitoba on route... Read more →