HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND NEW YEAR TO ALL!!. I hope for all the agents, sellers and buyers that this will be a very
happy and profitable year. I want to speak today on the image that consumers seem to have of real estate agents
Not all of us make a ton of money, due to the fees and outlay of expenses for starters. It seems like we
get a huge chunk of money at closing, but a % goes to the agency first, then expenses, and this ``windfall`` has to last
to our next closing which may be awhile in the future. I will admit there are agents out there that do perpetuate the
idea that agents are just out for your cash and that is it. But the majority are not like that, myself included. Yes this is
how I make a living, but my goal is to sell your home for the best price possible in the shortest timeframe. That goes
for buyers as well!!. This is my new year goal, and to all those sellers out there trying to do it yourself to save some money,
well most times since we do have the MLS and a good marketing plan we can sell it for more! Thus saving you the hassle of
screening calls, holding open houses and trying to negotiate all the paperwork so you do not get ripped off, and you will most
likely come out with the same amount of cash in hand in the end. Many times when listing yourselves you get people calling that
think since you do not have an agent they can get a great deal, maybe outsmart you in negotiations. Or there are others who just
wish to case your home to see what there is to steal!! I know more and more people are TRYING to sell their homes themselves,
in the long run, 90% end up using an agent in the end. To sum it up, please look for a good agent, (that does not necessarily mean
one with tons of listings) and let them use their expertize to do their job. SELLING YOUR HOME.
Now in Montreal, quebec it is a great time to buy. Interest rates are still very very low, housing prices are pretty stable. Condo prices have
even gone down a bit. There is a tax credit of up to $750.00 for first time home buyers. They can also us money in a RRSP account for the downpayment
without penalty as long as it is used for the down payment and is withdrawn from the bank showing an accepted promise to purchase. As long as your
purchase is not a co-op you can buy a new home/condo for only 5% down. I think the best way for buyers is to use an agent. IT IS FREE! The first few
visits out can help you narrow down from a "wish" to a "must have". These are two completely different things. It is important for first time home buyers to
be able to differentiate between the two. It comes down to compromise. So sometimes seeing more houses makes it easier to do this. A good agent should
be able to guide and assist you through this process, so it is an easy decision not a difficult one. Please contact me to help you look or even if you just have
a question or two.
Hello to anyone who happens to view my site. I am a relatively new agent, with a background in rental management and banking.
I have always been in the customer service industry and even now as a real estate agent excellent customer service is still my main goal.
No request is too small or too mundane. You need a contractor? Lender? Mover? Stager? I will find them for you. It is a big step selling or
buying a property, so besides negotiating a great price, and doing all the paperwork, I want this process to be as stress free and fun for my
clients that it can be. 
I don't want my clients to look like this! So even if I have to book the movers to make my clients happy, It is always
my pleasure.
Enjoy the site!!
Christine Elliott
Royal Lepage Dynastie