MLS sales, which reached a record level of 523,701 in 2007, will moderate in 2008 to 452,225 units, and in 2009 will move to 433,375 units, says the latest forecast from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC).   “Despite a moderation in MLS sales, demand for existing homes will remain strong by historical standards,” says [...]

Vivian Risi, broker/owner of Royal LePage Your Community Realty in Richmond Hill, Ont. has expanded into Keswick and Bradford by purchasing Royal LePage Timeless Realty, the brokerage formerly owned by Roxanne Henderson.   “Roxanne’s offices have forged a strong and recognizable Royal LePage presence in the Bradford and Keswick markets,” says Risi. “Her Realtors are [...]

REM’s recent habit of highlighting a Realtor’s avocation or hobby on the front page is a useful reminder to us that we all need an interesting pursuit in life unrelated to real estate if we are to live healthy lives.   Interesting as such pieces may be, they can also be seen as a disservice [...]

The Calgary Real Estate Board has been “Go Green” certified by BOMA as part of its national environmental and certification program. The program is designed to promote healthier workplaces and sustainable building development and management practices. Designed for buildings of all sizes, BOMA Go Green touches on all aspects of building management and operation, including: [...]

Luxury home sales have outperformed virtually all other residential price points this year, but activity in the top end is expected to taper in most major Canadian centres in coming months, according to a report released in late September by Re/Max.   The Re/Max Upper-End Report, which highlights trends and developments in 15 housing markets [...]

Avison Young companies in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario have closed a merger agreement to create Avison Young (Canada) Inc. The new company creates a national platform that, combined with its affiliates, will form Canada’s largest independently owned commercial real estate services company, operating under the Avison Young brand. Avison Young (Canada) will be headquartered [...]

By Kathy Bevan   Three years of patiently trolling the increasingly turbulent waters of the U.S. real estate market have paid off for the Canadian franchisor Brookfield Residential Property Services, which operates the Royal LePage, La Capitale and Johnson & Daniel real estate brokerage brands.   Brookfield is about to close a deal to purchase [...]

By Dana J. Smithers   I have coached thousands of home sellers on the best investments to make when selling their home. A recent survey says 52 per cent of prospective buyers said the state of the kitchen had the most significant impact on their buying decision, and 79 per cent of buyers will pay [...]

Have you often avoided making those dreaded cold calls? Do you dream of how much better your business could be but just can’t bring yourself to pick up the phone?   You’re not alone. In the 10 years that I have specialized in coaching real estate agents, I have noticed the same avoidant patterns in [...]

Toronto-based Richmond Group of Companies and New York-based lifestyle management consulting firm, Quincy Consulting Group, have formed a strategic alliance.   “Today, the luxury real estate consumer is looking for customized services that are far beyond simply purchasing a property,” says Arun Mehta, president & CEO of the Richmond Group of Companies. “Equally important to [...]