2011 almost gone. Happy New Year: 2012!

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It may strike you as an odd type of image, given the fact that it is quite white and cold outside. But the truth is, I will be in Barbados for two weeks as of January 1st . Don’t hate me for it.

So this is what the first day of 2012 will look like in a few hours. And I am so counting the minutes.

In review, 2011 was a year of many changes and challenges. And of many blessings as well. I had a great year as a debutant “mom”. Slowed my pace to enjoy the little things that really matters: Family life. Friendship and travel.

Earlier this year I took my (then) four month old little girl back to my homeland, got in touch with old friends from childhood in Venezuela, and here in Montreal, I reconnected with old friends from my college days.

Business wise: I came back this summers after taking a year off, to attend the new challenge of a new born. And now, work is slowing taking a bigger space in my schedule. I’m easing into it, though. No rush. Priorities have changed. The new word here is: Balance. Easier said than done, of course. But we try everyday :)

And so with the new year, I wish you all the most productive, balanced and life-fulfilling year ever. May you work hard and attain your goals. And most importantly: may you be happy while achieving them.

And while we’re on the topic of goals…
What are your top 3 goals for 2012? – leave me our comments below ;)

Warm wishes to all. And happy new year!

Pssst: Did you get my flyer?

It is now thursday, and if my calculations are right and you live in (one of ) the areas where I advertise, you should have received my flyer on your mailbox.

If you are wandering what it is, the one side looks like this…

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The other side will change monthly, with a different message.

I’ve never been much of a flyer advertiser, but this time I’ve decided to concentrate on the areas where I sell the most. So now, new pictures, new flyers and let’s see what gives…

Condo Sales Increase: Not Only in The Metropolis

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Interesting information in one of the FCIQ articles called: “Condominiums: No Longer Restricted to Large Urban Centres”

It mentions that over the past 10 years (from 2000 to 2010), the condo market in Quebec has rapidly increased with sales that grew by 124% compared to that of single family homes which only went up to 41%. So more condos were sold than family homes.

You’d think that condos were only heading the market on urban areas, but they are saying: “Saint-Hyacinthe, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and Granby, condominium sales accounted respectively for 20, 14 and 12 per cent of all residential sales.”

Smaller urban centers are taking up condo living, it isn’t a downtown thing any more. And with some many options, prices and styles for condos, it doesn’t surprise you that young buyers are deciding for a more practical living quarters, such as a condo over purchasing a house.

If you’re in the market for condo buying or would like to sell your condo, contact me for more information on all our Real Estate services.

Happy Canada Day: Price William and Kate in Gatineau

Today,  Prince William and Kate arrived in Gatineau, Qc., to start off the first full day of their royal tour. I’m not a big follower of the royal couple myself, but here is Canada there seems to be a big group who do follow and LOVE them. According to Globe and Mail: A small group of protesters, against Canadian citizens to pledge allegiance to the Queen, were outnumbered by those who do love the whole “God Save the Queen” ordeal.

You’d think that by now, we’d be over that.

So it is Canada Day, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are attending the citizenship ceremony. And every paper writes about what Kate is wearing: Canadian designer clothes, Canada colors, etc, etc.

God Save the Queen? Nah. God Save Canada, specially today.

Happy Canada Day!

 

 

Photo du Jour: F1 Montreal 2011

A few moments before the rain, stopping the race and the crowd getting soaked.

A friend of mine “lent” me this picture. She went alone yesterday (and the day before) to the race, knowing well that the chances of rain were high. She still wanted to see the race for the first time. “If I’m in Montreal for the around Grand Prix, I might as well go see it, even if (I’m) alone and (it’s) raining!” She got to see some of the race, then the rain poured in and, like most people in the stand (according to her) after getting get and beginning to shiver, they started to get up and go. But it was worth it, she says.

Formula One week event is the most waited for week of the year. It is by far the most lucrative week for the city. The hotels double prices- sometimes even triple its fees, bars and restaurants go about their F1 Prices, in the downtown core. People spend. Retail owners are happy, but club owners are the ones that cash in the most. On Grand Prix weekend, everyone goes out to celebrate.

Did you attend to the race this weekend?

Happy Thanks Giving Canada

Best wishes for you and your family from the Montreal Real Estate Blog.

Gourmet Appetizers and Open Houses – A Good Combination?

Photo: Deya Bautista

I follow some industry blogs from the US, and I was amazed at the way some agencies go about organizing open houses, offering a whole range of catered food. Specially in New York, I’ve seen posts from Open Houses that actually offers a menu of appetizers. Gourmet Food in Open Houses. I find the idea fascinating, but I wonder how effective it really is.

In Montreal, we often use the wine and cheese events, as well as catered food for project openings, and/or corporate events, but I have not seen the first single residential listing “Open House” giving away gourmet food. Not yet, anyway.

I’ve had opportunity to visit homes whose agent offered coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits. And that’s as far as I’ve seen. In the summer time I’ve set up open houses with a table full of Italian pastries, juice and lemonade, nothing too elaborate.

When I see the menus from these agencies in New York and L.A offering caviar, beef tartar and other fancy treats, it makes me wonder: does it really work?

The purpose of an open house to show off the home itself and get the visitors acquaintance with the space. It is said, the longer the visitor stays inside the home, the better chances for a sale to happen.
Do these potential buyers stay longer because of the food? I wouldn’t think so. Then again, there must be a good reason why these trend is becoming more and more popular in certain cities.

Have you attended an open house serving food? Did you stay longer because of it?
I’d love to hear your comments!

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