dpylyp "Next year at this time, the Ontario government - the same government that still maintains rent controls - will raise monthly maintenance fees for all condominium owners by between 5 per cent and 8 per cent.Renters will face rent hikes based on operating costs for their buildings. Those increases will vary but could be in the $25-a-month range for a downtown one-bedroom suite.Owners of older condos may face an even greater hike to top up their building's reserve fund if major work such as replacing a roof is slated for the near future.At the same time, developers of projects with suites already sold but not yet occupied are scurrying to their lawyers. Their concern is an 8-per-cent hike in monthly maintenance fees may trigger the "material change" clause in purchase agreements a... 07/04/2009

It has been a tough week for me!  I had a fantastic listing where I produced 3 offers in 4 days.  The sale was well over asking.  The Sellers are thrilled! I also had 2 buyers on 2 seperate properties where we clearly lost in not securing the purchase.  We lost to other bidders.It is very difficult to convince a purchaser on how to WIN a multiple offer.  Don't get me wrong, I have WON my fair share but more often the buyer is not ready to buy and a day later they may regret it.   THIS IS NOT TO SAY that I am forcing to raise the price but rather if you want to Win the offer process there is a winning strategy.Here is an excerpt of an E-mail correspondence I had with a client.  Note:  We are still friends and still doing business together.  The client in question is related and involved ... 03/10/2008

I had a call from one of my clients telling me that another agent was advertising in the area and it looks like my advertising.  I picked up the copy and sure enough it looked very similar to mine.At first I was ticked off, but then after talking to my marketing team they advised me that I should take it as a compliment.  People & companies always try to ride the coat tails of success.  I have been established in the area for a number of years and here was an agent trying to get in.  Best way? Mimic what works.I'm still ticked, but not much I can do, other than do better!  ...and I always have.  My ads are catchy, full color, proofed, with no B.S. gimmiks or scams.Once again 'CallPaul' and see the difference!www.movewithpaul.com 03/10/2008

Being a Realtor means I need to talk to a lot of people - everyday.  Why is it when we get in an elevator no-one speaks!I make it a point to always say hello and ask if you are a resident of the buildings.  It doesn't have to be so formal, after all the more people you know in the buildings the better the community, the better the community the safer it is, the safer it is the easier to say hello.So go ahead say hi - the worst that can happen-they say HI back. www.MoveWithPaul.com 01/31/2008

Hello Everyone.  I'm glad to hear some of you have been viewing the BLOG!  I guess some are a little shy to post any comments.  Hopefully you will warm up to the idea and will do a posting soon.  In the meantime, thank you for your support.I was in the building the other day giving a tour of the grounds and the rec center.  I always make a point of how clean and well kept everything is.  As I show the pool and courts, there is rarely anyone in them.  Come on! get involved.  Can't swim?-take a lesson, try the hot tub, hit the squash ball just for fun.  Try calling a neighbour and give it a try - you're paying for it!www.MoveWithPaul.com   01/31/2008

You can find out a great deal of information about a condominium by purchasing a "Status Certificate" from it. They cost $100.00, and are worth every penny. You should buy one before you firm up your offer. The simplest way to do this is to have your agent make the offer conditional for 10 days to allow you to obtain the certificate, review it with your lawyer and be satisfied with its contents and attachments.These certificates contain, among other things these pertinent pieces of information:You should review these documents with your lawyer PRIOR to finalizing the offer.1.        confirmation of the amount of the reserve fund;2.        whether the unit you are buying is up-to-date for common expense payments;3.        whether there are any large increases in monthly common expenses b... 01/25/2008

Help the fight against Breast Cancer (edit/delete) This year I have joined the "Yard Sale For The Cure"On May 31st all garage sale participants will be donating a portion or all of thier profits to the "Cure".I will be promoting my area through my newsletter, doorhangers and word of mouth to get as many participants as we can.  In addition, I will provide the participation package for all participants.For more information please contact me or visit   http://www.yardsaleforthecure.com/   Visit me at   www.MoveWithPaul.com  01/24/2008