Introducing Grand Bell, the first master-planned community in the City of Brantford offering modern finishes, upscale amenities, and unprecedented convenience for residents and investors. The project is just a 12 Minute Walk from Wilfrid Laurier University, moments from Conestoga College, Mohawk College, Medix College, Highway 403, Brantford VIA Rail Station, Brantford Transit Bus Terminal, Downtown Brantford Big Box Stores and so much more! Prices starting in the $300's! Beat the waitlist !WE HAVE PRIORITY ACCESS  Pricing: Jr 1 Bed - Low 300,000's 1 Bedroom + Den - High 300,000's 2 Bedrooms - Mid 400,000's Incentives: Free Parking Spot* Right to Lease During Occupancy 1 Year Free Lease Listing Free Assignment Clause Capped Levies Quick Facts:  Storeys: 18 Suites: 222 Suites Suite Size:... 06/01/2021

Given that the rest of the world is seeing a struggling real estate market, it comes as a shock to many that in Canada, the market it booming. Canadian real estate has had a fantastic year. There are a number of factors behind this, and in this recent article in Canadian Real Estate Magazine, the author uses a RE/MAX report to explain what they are. As a RE/MAX agent in the Brantford-Brant County area, I make it my responsibility to share the latest market news and statistics with my clients. Here are a few reasons why home prices have gone up so much in Canada. To read this article in its entirety, please click here. Wally Dufrat RE/MAX Twin City Realty, Inc. Brokerage Contact Me  Visit My Website See My Listings Follow Me on Twitter Add Me To Your Circle  11/10/2011

When searching for that next place to call home in Brantford, there is more to think about than just the price and condition of the house (a lot more). One huge factor in home searching is one that goes unnoticed far too often: the neighborhood. When it comes to the house, you might be spot on. But you are risking your happiness and comfort if the neighborhood doesn’t fit. You know what they say, location, location, location. This goes beyond the zip code, and boils down to the exact location of the neighborhood itself. To read this article in its entirety, click here. 11/03/2011

When it comes to selling your Brantford home, having a real estate agent can either cost or save you thousands of dollars, depending on the quality of the person you hire. When you put your home up for sale on the Brantford real estate market, it’s important that you hire a professional that you can trust. To read this article in its entirety, please click here. 10/27/2011

As your Brantford and Brant County real estate agent, I make it my responsibility to be the “go-to” resource for all foreclosed home information, buyer and seller tips, and local market statistics. I’d like to be seen as the premier resource for those looking to enter into a transaction in the Brantford and Brant County real estate markets. I, along with the rest of the agents at RE/MAX Twin City Realty, Inc. Brokerage, believe that educating the communities in Brantford and Brant Counties is a large part of providing superior customer service in any real estate transaction. To view this blog post in its entirety, please click here. 10/13/2011

My partner Alana and I were hired by the home owner of a truly stunning home to do a complete make-over and staging of his impressive home. The property had been on the market since early January 2010 and was listed in 'as is' condition. The house didn't sell. As we often tell our clients, the higher the listing price, the higher buyer expectations are. In this case, the home had spectacular curb appeal but the online pictures weren't doing the property justice and when buyers visited, they were overwhelmed by the personal decor choices which they would have to spend both time and money changing. We oversaw getting the wood floors re-finished on the main floor (pet stains in the original light wood floors) so that they ended up being a wonderful dark walnut. I painted the master bedroo... 08/20/2010

"Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle." Abraham Lincoln "If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to meet it." Jonathan Winters "Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions." Albert Einstein 07/06/2010

Hello activerain friends,      It has been a while since I have done any writing here on Activerain.  I have been very busy moving my business forward and things keep progressing.  I have done more than twice as much work as last year so far, so things are looking up.    I staged a home last week that sold in one day and I just had to share.  Most of my staging has taken at least a month in this market to sell so it was quite refreshing to finally be back on track.  Everything was right with this project though.  The home wasn't listed first.  The homeowners did a lot of painting and carpet cleaning and preparing their property for two weeks.  This makes all the difference.  They did pretty much everything I had suggested.   After two weeks I went in and staged their property.  I believ... 08/10/2009

Bank of Canada has hinted that they may cut interest rates again. Early today in Toronto, Bank of Canada Senior Deputy Governor Paul Jenkins stated, "Some further monetary stimulus will likely be required to achieve our 2 percent inflation target over the medium term." The Cdn Central Bank cut its benchmark overnight lending rate to 2.25 percent on Oct. 21. Some economists expect that the Bank of Canada will cut their overnight rate a half point to 1.75 percent on Dec. 9. This would be the lowest since 1960. Click Here to Subscribe to My Blog. Gina Burgio, Mortgage Agent VERICO Designer Mortgages Inc. Toll Free: 1-877-345-6265 Fax: 1-877-345-6256 Email: gina@ginaburgio.comwww.ginaburgio.com Each VERICO Broker is an independent owner operator. 11/12/2008

Did your Mother or Father or as parents yourself ever say "get in out of the rain", seems this place can take up a lot of your time and energy that is not spent in other places. So I was just wondering how much time the rest of you take out of your day to play in the rain. And do you feel it is time well spent? Thanx, Chuck. 10/24/2008

Halloween Safety Tips BEFORE HALLOWEEN: Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.  Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility. Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet. Because a mask can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic and hypoallergenic makeup or a decorative hat as a safe alternative. When shopping for costumes, wigs and accessories, purchase only those with a label indicating they are flame resistant. Think twice before using simulated knives, guns or swords. If such props must be used, be certain they do not appear ... 10/19/2008

Hi all, do any of you use a form or CD or ?? for having and making a preferred professionals list to give to your clients. I am asked all the time for referrals of professionals from bookkeepers to web designers. Now if you make up this list do you charge the professionals to be on it, do you limit it to one or do you put more than one of each type or trade. Thanx.  10/15/2008

OK, most of you have an answering machine, but now all of us make the best use of it. Some have the children talking on it or the dog barking or whatever. You're in business, so  please leave a message on your answering machine that lets people know you're in business. 10/14/2008

Garry worked for 25 yrs. with the RCMP                                                                                     Greetings from Garry and Ingrid.I just about did not read this report from Moriel Ministries and Jacob Prasch however I beg you to take the time to read it.  I strongly suggest that after you read it you should go to the video store and rent the movie "ENEMY OF THE STATE"  with Gene Hackman.  Many of you know what my past career was but suffice it to say because of it I knew that THIS MOVIE was actually quite accurate in its message about the reality of our world today.  The information in this message makes this fact and the message in this movie even more real.  PLEASE READ THIS MESSAGE & GET THE MOVIE ................ THEN USE THE INFORMATION TO PRAY TO GOD AND T... 09/25/2008

Tips Fall Maintenance Tips for Your HomeWow, seems like summer just got here, but here it is September already and fall maintenance chores are popping up like weeds. You know: check windows, doors and locks, get the heating system inspected, check chimney or exhaust flues, and other such tasks most of us would rather not have to do. Nonetheless, if you want to have a safe trouble-free home this winter, now is the time to get started. There are some good fall maintenance tips and suggestions at State Farm's Safe Home site. Will add some more if interest is here. 09/24/2008

Good day to all, when in buisness we must remember to Always dress and look your best, and to realize your environment is a mirror of your expectations. We or at least I have seen proffesional NOT looking the part, our clients are hiring us to do a service for them and I for one think we ALL should look the part. When realtors and or Inspectors show up in cut off blue jeans a t-shirt and ball cap it just, well you see my point (I hope). 09/23/2008

CLIENT PRE-CLOSING INSPECTION CHECKLIST    This checklist is intended to assist you as you perform your final pre-closing walk-thru examination of the property, to check those areas previously covered by furnishings and/or storage and to verify that no further damage has occurred since the time of the inspection. Elements listed should be observed, and operated when appropriate. Special attention should be given to any element not previously inspected. Should any variations from the inspection report be noted or if there are any questions, contact your agent/realtor and/or the Home InspectionCompany office prior to closing.                                       Would any of you be using such a list and if not could you use one??  09/19/2008

As William Hamilton said"You can't control how hard others work, you can only inspire them". On another post we talked about team players and building a team and there roles, you have to realize that you can only inspire them, so how are you dong this, here I try to involve them in as much as possible, as my Dad use to tell me" I do not care WHAT you are doing Just keep me involved". And to this day I involve him every single day, even thought he has been gone for years now. Thanx Dad.  09/19/2008

How are you making out with growing your biz, here is some foodfor thought as they say, "People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built." Eleanor Roosevelt     Do You Have The Right Team In Place?   Having the right people on your team can assist you in bringing your Visions and Goals into reality in a much shorter time period. The right people on your team can also help you avoid costly mistakes and setbacks. In contrast to the right team members helping you accomplish your Visions and Goals, the wrong team members can cost you a great deal. Having the wrong team can drain you of your energy, time and money. Some of you may be thinking that you work for yourself and you don't have any team members. We are all dependent on othe... 09/19/2008

I think thst to really help someone that wishes to succeed in your business( NO Matter what it is) they should really hear what it takes to do the job. And to do this it sometimes lets all the air out of their saels or burst the ballon type thing. I would like to see what others think, and would you really be willing to help someone succeed. Here is a letter that I have saved and sent to anyone that asks me about home inspection as a way to make some $$$.    Chuck Crooker/CROOKERHANCOX HOME INSPECTIONS INC.  I think this is a very frustrating and difficult career to get into. Wonder they the colleges are not cranking out more inspectors?Let me see if I can sum up the ideal requirements:You need to have years of experience in the construction business or in one of the trades, which would... 09/18/2008