Montreal.RENT

02/18/2018

Get expert advice on buying and selling a house, and search Canadian real estate listings. View homes and cottages for sale from Royal LePage Canada.

09/29/2017

Google's new London headquarters offers the best in workplace environment.The 160,000 square foot development features cutting-edge design that offers a decidedly quirky take on the traditional office. Renowned interior designers PENSON were given the task of creating a vibrant workspace and well they did wonders.

09/29/2017

The offers a flexible schedule, the ability to help others and an uncapped income potential.

High upside is accompanied by an equally significant downside risk. An excellent can be derailed by a few bad decisions.

The successful realestate agent is not only a product of his or her good decisions but also shaped by the ability to avoid in realestate.

Here are seven mistakes every should avoid:

1. Not saying “no”

Saying “yes” to everybody is a load too heavy a burden to carry. You must learn to say “no” to the that will waste your time and effort.

You must say “no” upfront to the overbearing who you know will be a . You must learn to say “no” on a regular basis when asked to reduce your commission.

Your ability to confidently say “no” will be foundational to building a .

2. Not communicating with clients

The number one complaint people make about agents is their lack of .

With a little effort, this is an area where you can shine. The ability to text updates has made client communication so much easier and less time consuming.

Pick a day — like “texting Tuesday” — when you will communicate with all your sellers or buyers. Send them a short text about what you have done for them that week. This consistent communication will create loyal and lifelong clients.

3. Not learning something new every day

The realestate business is changing faster than ever before. It’s a costly mistake not to be in a constant state of learning.

You never want to stay the same. You are growing through learning, or you are dying through coasting.

Become a of this business. The more you learn, the more you will earn.

4. Not hiring an assistant soon enough

Hiring the right assistant is not an expense. It’s an that pays huge dividends. You must focus on what an assistant will bring you rather than what it will cost you.

What would four extra hours of a week do for your business six months from now? What would a couple extra hours a week with your children or grandchildren mean to them over their lifetime?

How much would your stress level go down if you could pass off your three least-favorite tasks in this business?

Hiring an assistant will pay you back (increased business), emotionally (more time for family, friends or hobbies) and physically (less stress).

5. Not saving a portion of every paycheck

Markets fluctuate. Sometimes this business is great, and other times it is challenging. The will struggle at some point in the future.

Putting a portion of each check back will give you the ability to weather the storms when they come.

6. Not saying “thank you”

In the busyness of our lives, we can forget to thank those who help us achieve success.

How long has it been since you sent a “thank you” note to someone who to you?

How long has it been since you genuinely thanked someone for their ? How long has it been since you sincerely thanked your spouse for something?

When you focus on , and your attitude and the attitude of those around you will change for the better.

7. Not taking time off to refuel

High achievers can become workaholics. When it’s suggested they take time off to recharge their batteries, they will respond with one of two answers.

“My business has been slow. I need to work extra hard right now to get my business back on track.”“The business is excellent right now. I need to work hard, so I take full advantage of this opportunity.”

Both of these statements are flawed. and are for sharpening your axe. You will come back from time off with more focus and renewed energy.

The renewed energy will give you the ability to operate at your maximum productivity levels.

Taking time off is critical to your long-term health. Without your health, nothing else matters. Take care of your body and your body will take care of you.

09/29/2017

http://www.bnn.ca/real-estate/video/montreal-housing-market-heats-up~1218102

Amy Assaad of Royal LePage breaks down the Montreal housing market and where the increased demand is coming from.

09/29/2017

If you're looking for an apartment, the last thing you want is to fall victim to a rental scam. Scam artists like to take advantage of prospective tenants because emotions involved in the apartment-hunting process can make people more vulnerable.

For instance, if you're feeling excitement and enthusiasm about finding a new home, your eagerness might make you become more trusting. Scam artists also prey on apartment hunters who are in a time crunch (because of a job relocation or personal issue, for example) and are desperate to find a new place as soon as possible.

Fortunately, there are ways apartment hunterscan lower the likelihood of getting caught up in a rental scam.

Here's what you should keep in mind when you're looking for the perfect rental:

What Is a Rental Scam?

Rental scams are a variation on a theme. The scammer tries to get money from a prospective tenant for an apartment that the scammer is in no legal position to rent.

The apartment might be real (in which case, the scammer doesn't have the authority to lease it) or fictitious. The scammer could be a real landlord or, more likely, an impostor.

Scammers typically try to get money from unsuspecting apartment hunters, then disappear. For example, a tenant who's vacating his apartment might decide to show it, pretending to be the landlord. He might lead all prospects to believe they're getting that apartment, and collect fees and security deposits upfront. Once the prospects realize they've been scammed, the scammer has usually vanished with their money.

Follow the General Rule

Don't let your guard down when looking for an apartment. Just because you use a reputable apartment search Web site doesn't mean you can't get scammed by unscrupulous landlords or people posing as landlords who manage to get their listings onto these sites.

If something feels wrong with a listing, the application process feels rushed, or the whole experience just seems to good to be true, it may be wise not to pursue it.

Avoid Common Red Flags

Here are some common red flags to help you spot and avoid rental scams while looking for an apartment:

You're asked to send money without having met anyone or seen the apartment. It's not common to pay a lot of money for something sight-unseen. So, if a landlord expects you to pay a lot before you lease an apartment, it's a reason to be concerned. Don't rely on promises or photos. Actually visit any apartment you're considering renting. According to a warning on Craigslist, not following this one rule accounts for 99% of scam attempts.

The landlord seems too eager to lease the apartment to you. Many landlords want to know your credit score, and they may also want more information about you, such as a criminal background check and employment verification. If a landlord doesn't seem interested in any form of tenant screening or appears too eager to negotiate the rent and other lease terms with you, it's suspicious.

You're asked to pay an unusually high security deposit or too many upfront fees. If the landlord wants a higher security deposit than what's required by law, or if upfront fees seem excessive to you, it could be a sign that the landlord wants to take your money and run.


You feel unwarranted sales pressure. If a landlord acts too pushy, it can be a red flag.

You're told you don't need a lawyer. It's true you don't need a lawyer to review your lease, and generally speaking, it's in a landlord's best interest for you to skip lawyer review and just take the rental. But when a landlord makes a point of saying that you don't need a lawyer, it could be a sign that the landlord is trying to rush you into signing the lease and handing over money, perhaps because he doesn't really own the building or already leased the apartment to someone else.

You're told you don't need a lease. It's true you don't need a lease to live in an apartment. Although renting an apartment under a lease is the most typical situation, but a month-to-month rental agreement is fairly common. But only you know what you need. If a landlord tries to get money from you without considering that you might want a lease, think twice. It could be that the "landlord" doesn't have any lease to show you.

The landlord has a convenient excuse for not being able to meet you or show the property. The person behind a listing might say he's out of the country indefinitely or that he won't return until after you would need to agree to the rental and pay money.

09/24/2017

WhoAreTheBetter , Men or Women?

It’s no secret that we live in a highly competitive society, and that’s never been truer than when it comes to . So, in the cutthroat world of buying and selling , who are the better , men or women? Let’s break it down, shall we.

1. Multitasking

That women can multitask is no secret. They manage families; take kids to daycare, piano lessons and grandma’s house. In real estate, this means that women can juggle a number of responsibilities and clients effectively. But does that necessarily mean that men can’t? will always have multiple clients and you want yours to be able to handle them all, while making you feel as if you’re the only one. I think you’ll find that men can do this just as well as women can.

2. Set It Up Right

It can’t be denied that many women have an innate sense of style and flair. When it comes to selling your , you want a ® who understands what buyers (many being women) are looking for. Female ® know this, and can help you stage your home so it sells for top dollar. However, men can be equally stylish and also have a good eye – I mean come on, Johnny Depp’s not stylish? Really? Let’s try again.

3. A Personal Connection

Women make a large percentage of real estate decisions in today’s market and female decision-makers tend to get along better with female ®. On the other hand, male ® are also very good in establishing relationships and presenting the facts when showing . Nevertheless, perhaps the girls get the edge here.

4. They Know What You Want

With women making so many of the real estate decisions for a family, a female REALTOR® will focus on what the buyer is really looking for. She will make sure you know about the good schools nearby, the kid-friendly play space and the stain-resistant tile in the mudroom. But so will men! In fact, male REALTORS® will give potential buyers a very complete picture of the property they’re considering, from neighborhood services down to the home’s technical details. Maybe this round goes to the guys?

5. More Than A Business

Women are more emotional, and in a business such as , that’s a good thing. Female REALTORS® will see their clients as people, not transactions. Male REALTORS®, though, will focus on providing their clients with the most efficient and complete service possible. So which is better? I think you’ll agree both are pretty important!

It’s pretty difficult to call this one and quite frankly, I think that how good a REALTOR® is at their job has more to do with the person themselves rather than their gender. Nevertheless, it’s a subject that offers much room for debate and I suspect that we’ve not heard the last of it yet!

09/22/2017

What you pay for your and how fancy it is depends on your negotiation and deal-finding skills. However, before you negotiate anything, you've got to decide what you're looking for in your space. Read on for six steps to help you find an apartment for the possible . (If you are wondering whether to buy instead, see To or ? The Financial Issues.)

No. 1: Seek Web Help in Picking Features
If you don't know what features are available in your area, try exploring the websites of online apartment locator services. You can search for based simply on whether you want a one- or two-bedroom or by other features. It's a great way to find out both what your pad will cost and what neighborhoods have the features you want.

No. 2: Avoid Choosing a Home Based on Perceived Value
You can get a great deal on an apartment with vaulted ceilings and an island kitchen, but the neighborhood may not be what you're looking for, or it's missing other things that topped your list of desired features. Don't make the mistake of renting an apartment because it seems like a good deal according to someone else's needs but not a good deal based on your needs.

No. 3: Call a Locator in Your Area
Look online or in a physical phone book for numbers for apartments in your area.

Call at least two and ask about which rental communities and neighborhoods have the most features that you want within your price range.Ask about specials. You may be able to find an apartment that would normally go for $1,000 a month for $800 per month.Because the locator will get a commission if you choose a property he or she recommends, make sure the locator calls ahead to see if the two to three properties you like have the best units available.

No. 4: Always Call a Community Before Visiting
Before you visit a property, call before visiting to get a quote on prices. Once you are on the property, the leasing agent may hope to wow you with features, but on the phone it's all about the numbers. Compare the figures you received from your locator with the number you gathered from online and local apartment locator services.

No. 5: Tour Properties in Person
While virtual tours can be found on most apartment complexes' websites, there's no substitute for visiting a community in person. Websites will provide an idea of what the community and interior look like, and should be used as an initial screen. Walking around your potential new neighborhood and apartment will give you a better feel for the location, Also, don't limit the search to one property; visit at least two, so that you have a comparison.

No. 6: Reevaluate Your Feature List
During the very first step of the process of finding a fabulous new place to live that's also easy on your wallet, you developed a list of what features that are important to you in and around your new home. You should have also decided what you are willing to pay for them. Now that you have at least a couple different properties to choose, see if you still hold the same values. Adjust your list accordingly as to what each feature is worth before doing your final comparisons of cost versus home value.

Summary
Once you know what you want and what it will cost, sit down and think about your choices in the following two ways:

Look at your actual budget. Consider whether one apartment would leave you with more money left over.Evaluate an apartment's worth based on the sum of values you haves assigned to the features from your list. Make sure the actual rent you pay is within reason for what you can afford.

Knowing you have an actual value for what's important to you will enable you to make a decision on where you live based on you

09/21/2017

Learn some special knowledge agents have that they might not always be able (or willing) to share with their sellers.

What do the formula for Coca-Cola, the subject of Carly Simon’s classic song “You’re So Vain,” and selling a home have in common? They all involve secrets. Although we don’t have the inside scoop on the first two, we did manage to find some real estate agents who are happy to share some trade-secret real estate tips. So read on — but shh, don’t tell!

1. Staging changes from season to season

The concept of staging was once a secret. That cat’s been out of the bag for a while now, but the practice of staging homes continues to evolve — and it can be much more complicated and elaborate than simply creating a cozy conversation area in a living room. For instance, did you know that it’s better to use shorter furniture during summer months? “It makes the room feel bigger, longer, and in the potential buyer’s mind, a better fit,” says Brian Pickler, president of Nadeau – Furniture with a Soul. Another staging secret is to play soft background music during showings to make a home seem cozier.

2. People love a healthy lawn

Who can resist the smell of freshly cut grass? Apparently, buyers can’t. Bryan Clayton, CEO of GreenPal, knows one Nashville, TN, real estate agent’s secret: “She uses our platform to order last-minute lawn mowing before every showing. I’ve seen her get one home’s lawn mowed three times in one week.”

3. Pricing-strategy bands are important

Setting the right price so your home will sell is not a secret, but have you ever heard of pricing within “bands?” Don Tepper, a Virginia real estate agent, explains: “Buyers who want to spend $340,000 on a property may look between $325,000 and $350,000. If that’s the seller’s target market, then pricing a home at $351,000 will result in a lot of potential buyers missing the listing altogether.” So what’s the secret solution? Tepper says to price the home at $349,000. If you price it at $351,000, you’ll get people looking at the band between $350,000 and $375,000. “Those buyers probably want something fancier or nicer than a $351,000 house,” he says.

4. You can negotiate your agent’s commission … but should you?

It’s still a secret to many sellers that they can negotiate their agent’s commission. But it might be a mistake to do so just because you can. “Often it’s the bad [agents] who offer to discount their commissions. They are doing this to try and win the business,” says Thomas Miller, a Washington, DC, real estate agent. In other words, as with many things in life, you get what you pay for. “A truly excellent [agent] who executes the transaction quickly and flawlessly and sells the house at a good price is worth every penny,” says Miller.

5. Black holes exist in real estate listings

People can’t see black holes; no light gets out, making them invisible. If your listing falls into a real estate black hole, no one will see it either. “Most cities have listing black holes — times when listings get lost to weekends of sun, family vacations, and nonbusiness topics,” says Matt Parker, a Seattle, WA, real estate agent. If you list right before people go out of town, such as before Memorial Day or the Fourth of July, your listing may get buried before potential buyers see it.

6. Exaggerations in listings only disappoint

People on dating sites often fudge their age or post a photo that makes them look more athletic than they really are. This works in the short term to capture attention, but when the face-to-face meeting happens, those exaggerated online claims often lead to disappointment. The same happens with real estate listings. “If your home is located near a tiny pond, don’t describe it as if it’s this huge, luxurious waterfront lake desirable to all,” says Chantay Bridges, a Los Angeles, CA, real estate agent. “Take what you do have and describe the best features of it. Otherwise, buyers may be turned off and disappointed.”

7. A listing can’t sit too long

In a hot market, “too long” for a house to sit unsold is three to four weeks, max. “That’s a sure sign [the house] is overpriced,” says Miller. If you don’t want to appear desperate by dropping the value, price the home realistically from the start. “It’s much better to be in a position where the seller has multiple offers than to get greedy trying to obtain an unrealistic price — only to reduce it later,” Miller adds.

8. There is a home-buying month

Many real estate agents mark February’s Presidents Day weekend as the unofficial start of the housing season, which runs through September. There is then a steady decline in activity until the next year. But there’s one month during housing season that consistently performs better in sales than all the others. Can you guess this secret month? If you answered June, you would be correct. Housing sales in June are typically 29% above average.

09/20/2017

25 Real Estate Marketing Ideas The Pro's Use

09/19/2017

Getting visibility on your listings is the age-old struggle for realtors. Of course, it’s vital to use the bread and butter real estate advertising methods like open houses, MLS and newspaper listings, referrals, email, and social media. These methods are highly effective, but maybe it’s time to take your real estate advertising to the next level. So if you’re ready to think outside the box to make a sale, then try out some of our unorthodox real estate advertising methods before they hit the mainstream.

1. Make yourself, and your listings, the life of the party

Open houses are standard fare, but what about renting out premier properties for events or corporate gatherings? Whether you want to sell a listing now or need brand awareness, you can bring referrals and potential buyers to you without the looming pretense of a sale. Your local familiarity and credibility will soar when you’re visible at enough of these events that you’ve facilitated. Plus, you could just sell a listing!

2. Take pictures and videos from above

Professional photography is a given, but what about drone footage? This may only be possible for certain locations, but when possible, the wow factor is off the charts. A sweeping overhead shot is sure to impress potential buyers and shows hesitant sellers that you’re serious about moving properties. If you specialize in rural locations, there is no better way to capture the wide open spaces than with aerial footage. If you’re on a budget, look for local drone hobbyists or amateur drone photographers.

3. Host an MTV (or) music video

If you’re near even a medium-sized city, chances are good that there’s an active music scene. Get some publicity for your listings and brand by opening up properties (with owner permission) for music video filming. Get in touch with local music producers, promoters, or artists and show them some of your locations that are available for film shoots. If the video makes a splash, then you get massive exposure – if not, then you’ve at least expanded your personal network.

4. Let potential buyers spend a night in the home

You wouldn’t buy a car without driving it, so why would you buy a home without spending some real time in it? Have your homeowners create Airbnb accounts to help qualified prospects get a better feel for a place. It’s impossible to truly give prospective buyers a feel for the kitchen or a sense of just how nice the jet tub is by description alone. Test-runs enforce an emotional connection through experience that could pay off big time.

5. Sponsor local activities to promote your brand and grow your community

Whether you sponsor a race, the local arts, a high school team or a youth sports team, your name should be present in the community. But large-scale sponsorships can be expensive, so try going small-scale but big impact. Since t-shirts are cheap, sponsor a few runners or cyclists in a local race. Even better, have a few less serious participants dress up in costume while racing.

Of course, sponsorships can just mean being involved. Buy snacks for your local book club or dinner for the fire station. Many people might categorize this under “networking”, and these small displays of support are appreciated and remembered. Others notice you when involvement is genuine and goes beyond what’s required. Plus, it looks good to prospective buyers to see that their realtor is invested in the community.

6. Reach out to popular social media influencers

We know that social media is a great way to advertise and get leads, but local niche influencers are often especially cheap and reliable ways to get your brand out. Instagram and Twitter influencers with large followings in niches like fashion, architecture, lifestyle, family, and pets, will find creative ways to integrate a listing or your brand with their content.

You can do this yourself, or use a service like Upfluence to boost your social footprint (without hiring a social media manager).

7. Become the “most wanted” on local bulletin boards

Post your business cards or brochures on local bulletin boards. People actually look at these boards, and yet it’s surprising how few realtors view bulletin boards as quality lead generators. So carry fliers and cards at all times to leave at restaurants, salons, college campuses, schools, and coffee shops.

8. Start a selfie frenzy with a photo contest

Social media contests are a great way to generate a buzz. Start a contest with a compelling grand prize (it’s ideal if you can get the prize for free as a sponsorship item). Simply set your parameters and hashtag, e.g. , and watch the entries roll in. The picture with the most likes or shares is the winner.

Remember, it’s important to interact with each photo – so comment on every entry and provide a link to your listing with the home’s details. Be sure to include your contact information in your comment.

9. Become the go-to person for first-time home buyers

Who are guaranteed non-homeowners? Renters, of course! Find rental communities and offer a free first-time home buyer class at their community clubhouse. You get your name out there, but more importantly, you demonstrate your usefulness to a large segment of the existing community. There are few better ways to establish rapport than to be helpful. So get your educational materials ready, and start teaching!

10. Get people to advertise for you – on their t-shirts

People love free things – especially if they’re cool and useful. Design trendy t-shirts that integrate your logo and pass them out to past clients, referral partners, and friends. You can get walking billboards more quickly than you think. Look to sites like montreal.rent – or, better yet, your local screen print shop – to get started.

11. (optional, you’ll understand why) Write unforgettable ads for your business and your listings

When your livelihood depends on your ability to get attention for your listings, why not go out on a limb? Think outside of the box and take your real estate advertising efforts from predictable to extraordinary! What are some of the advertising methods that have worked well for you?

09/18/2017

Best 25+ Real estate ads ideas only on Pinterest

https://www.pinterest.ca/pin/149181806389983956/

09/15/2017

Let’s face it. Most real estate ads are pretty bad. Dated design, cheesy copy, and awkward headshots are everywhere in our industry. If you want to stand out, you need to up your ad game. That’s why we put together this list of 37 aspirational, engaging, and inspiring real estate advertisements from top producing agents and brokerages from around the country.

http://fitsmallbusiness.com/real-estate-ads/

Looking for advertising Inspiration for your Real Estate business? Check out our 37 examples of the best real estate ads from the pros for 2017.