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…

DeyaBautista-flyer2011.png

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…

Services you can’t do without

201110112140.jpg
(Chez Bobette on Rue Duluth, just east of Rue St Hubert)

This laundromat saved my life.

Ok, maybe it didn’t go as far as saving my life. But I have to share with you this wonderful service, specially if you live in the plateau and you’re too busy to take care of your own clothes.

Yes, one can be that busy.

Back in the day when I had just started in real estate, I had another job (yes, two!) and no free time at all. I had been working seven days a week, long hours for a very long time, and I completely neglected to do laundry.

At the time I was living in a building where the laundry facilities consisted in one very slow washer and one very old dryer, which was to be shared with another 16 neighbours. Also, the laundry room was located in the basement. I don’t like basements (or anything with low ceilings for that matter). So doing a load of laundry became a task to be put off for every following night. And every night there was a new excuse:

“Too tired.
The washer’s already taken.
Not enough time.
I have an early day tomorrow”

Pick one.

By the time I realized it, I had very little clothes left in my closet, there was a good pile of unwashed stuff. I remember taking out 7 garbage bags full of laundry. All of my clothes, my linens, towels and basically anything washable I had at home.

I was decided to do it all at once. Go to a Laundromat early in the morning and spend the whole day in the oh-so-wonderful task of doing laundry. I had to skip work that day just to get all my washing done. When I walked into this place, something wonderful happened. The clerk asked me if I was doing a drop-off and for when I needed it done.

A drop off?

It never occurred to me that a small laundry-mat can offer that type of service. Perfect!

Ever since then, I never fret laundry day. If the going gets rough, and the pile gets too big to handle at once, I just pack it up and drop it off at Chez Bovette!

Well, now is a little different. I live in Old Montreal. I got my own ensuite washer and dryer (heavy duty, I may add) but still, I love that service. And if you suffer from panic attacks at the moment of washing clothes…this place might be just for you :)

Friday Fun: On toilets and Flower Arches

BathroomChapel.JPG

For the record, this is not a decoration tip, neither we are trying to set a new trend. I found the bathroom already decorated with (fake) flowers on (what it looks like) a wedding arch, in a gas station on the way to New York.

Whose idea was it? We don’t know. But we do know that whoever came up with it must have been a bit bitter about marriage. Either that or he/she has an inclination for avant-garde bathroom decoration.

If you have a passion for toilets and you also love flower arches, why not combine the two?
Hey, it might become a new trend. Or not.

Also notice the two toilet bowl brushes on the side. A sign of a clean bathroom keeper. AND and and..let’s not forget the watering can…for the (plastic) flowers!! This person is really thoughtful.

The first comment I got from friends while looking at this picture:
“Jeez, Im confused. I don’t know whether to take a dump or to get married. ”

And: “oh wow, now my poo smells like flowers”

The list of remarks can go on, but I rather read yours…

I found the bathroom already decorated with (fake) flowers on (what it looks like) a wedding arch, in a gas station on the way to New York. … ” And: “oh wow, now my poo smells like flowers” The list of remarks can go on, but I rather read yours…take it on!

( And have a fantastic weekend! )

Friday Fun: Buy a Trailer, or don’t. We don’t care.

Last tuesday, CTV published and interesting article “Trailer parks a sweet spot in real estate“. It made me think, if there’s a boom with the trailer park market, then all we need is more trailer owners. Right?

With the average home price rising each year, it’s becoming less and less affordable to buy your dream home outright, and it seems, the only hope to ever own our own place will be to:

a. Keep livng with your parents until you save for the downpayment.
b. Keep renting with roommates until you save for the downpayment.
c. Buy a mobile home.

Hey, why not? Even the hollywood starts do it. Check out Matthew McConaughey, he doesn’t have just one, but THREE trailers!

I know what you’re thinking. You’re already frowning at the idea. “Sure they do it in southern states, but here it will be nearly impossible to survive our winters inside a trailer, right?” Well, that all depends on how good the insulation is :) and how honest the trailer dealer is about disclosing such information. And talking about honest…here is a hilarious commercial from Cullman Liquidation Center.  Their slogan: “Buy a Trailer. Or Don’t. We don’t care.”


Honest Mobile Home Commercial

On a more serious note: Agents, make sure to read this article before listing a mobile home
http://www.acaiq.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/AAVisuel.woa/wa/aller?langue=2&article=11961

Oh yeah, for the record: I don’t sale mobile homes. Neither we are affiliated to Cullman Liquidation Center. Just in case you were wondering.

Have a great weekend and will be seeing you on monday!

Find yourself a Merry Christmas: Happy Holidays!!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!   Joyeux Noël!   Feliz Navidad!

Best wishes from all of us, here at the blog!

Video: The Manhattan Bridge Shows Some Moves.

I’ve seen this video twice over the weekend and it still creeps me out a little. You can see the movement on the bridge each time the subway passes through. These types of bridges are supposed to be flexible, but to see it in action, it just a little freaky.

I enjoy road trips to New York- about twice a year- Believe me when I tell you: next time I’m crossing this bridge, I’ll be thinking about this video!

Humor: The Pushy Real Estate agent

A while back, I watched this same video at Louis Sabourin’s blog, and I thought it was brilliant.
I’m a big fan of British comedy. I just love their dry sense of humor. This one in particular, shows you an extremely pushy real estate agent trying to sell his listing in a very strange way. Enjoy it!

Montreal Real Estate Blog. Condo & Market News. Broker Deya Bautista.Home evaluation. Selling your home. Condo buying.