Toronto's Real Estate Junkies

Many Torontonians are real estate junkies and whether in the market or not - have a passion for visiting Open houses - particularly in Toronto. Only about a third of the people coming through most Central Toronto Open houses are really interested in the house to purchase. The rest go to them either as curious neighbours or as a hobbyist. I see no harm in this activity and will give you hobbyists some guidelines on being a 'gracious guest' at the open house.

You don't have to pretend to be in the market if you are not. It is OK to tell the agent - "you know - I just want to get some design ideas" or "I have always admired this house and this is an opportunity to see the inside". You won't hurt my feelings and I'll still let you in. And I'll be free to spend more time with people who are in the market and need information about schools, and the age of the furnace and whether or not the house has knob and tube wiring etc. These issues are not usually of interest to hobbyists.

You will be asked to sign in - but that is part of the Privacy legislation. The Sellers have a right to know who has been in their house. There should be a check box on the forms where you will be asked if you would like to be contacted or not. Again - it won't hurt our feelings if you say you don't want to be contacted - if you don't want to be. It is good time management - for both you and the agent.

Feel free to ask what the price is. Many people automatically take a feature sheet - mainly to see what the price is - then they pitch it out in the first garbage can they see. Be green, don't waste paper and ink - take a look at the Feature sheet in the house, but leave it there, unless you have a long term use for it.

Something to know about Open houses - you will get good ideas - particularly about interior decorating and a home's organization. We declutter my sellers' houses and I have the house looking like it is ready for a magazine shoot. When decluttering their house - my clients often comment about how organized my own house must be. I can only laugh - and admit that I am the 'clutter queen' but - my house is not up for sale, when it is - I will have it looking sparse and super organized too.

Remember - most people don't live that way - but it is how we sell a house. Think about it as 'the first date' with the house - making that good first impression.

It is supposed to be a warm sunny weekend - put on your slip-on shoes (easy on and off) and head out to the Central Toronto Open houses! I'll be looking for you - you're always welcome at my Open houses.

Spring in Toronto

After months of hibernation, due to incredible amounts of snow, and an endless cold, dreary winter - the temperature is finally warming up. We are so due!!! Tulips are making their way out of the ground, and golf courses are opening. But for Torontonians - one of the surest signs of Spring's arrival is the volume of people showing up to Open houses. Toronto real estate in the spring is all about packed open houses on sunny weekend days from 2-4:00. Open houses in Central Toronto can have 60+ people come through in a 2 hour period.

.