Welcome to my Website
As a CENTURY 21® Real Estate professional, I am dedicated to providing you with the highest quality service possible. My personal knowledge of the local Real Estate market is combined with the power of the CENTURY 21 brand - the most recognized name in Real Estate today.
Let me assist you in finding your dream home, in a neighbourhood that is right for you, and in the price range you want. Or if you are interested in selling a property, I also have the expertise to help you get the fastest sale possible and at the best price.
I look forward to the opportunity of working for you.
Give me a call or email-me, and I'll get started right away!
Professional Background
A REALTOR® has vast amounts of real estate knowledge and the experience required to stay cool, even in a hot real estate market. In Ontario, a REALTOR® is a licensed real estate professional who is a member of a local real estate board as well as the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA). When you work with a REALTOR®, you can expect strict adherence to provincial law as well as to a code of ethics ensuring you'll receive the highest level of service, honesty and integrity
Strong negotiation skills -- A REALTOR® must be able to negotiate well and in a manner that is mutually acceptable to all parties involved. In order to be a good negotiator, a REALTOR® must possess strong "people skills" and genuinely enjoy working and dealing with various types of people.
Knowledge -- Having spent 26 years in the Insurance Industry, I bring a thorough knowledge of different types of building structures and appraisal techniques. My experience as a licenced Financial Advisor, has given me an edge regarding the requirements for mortgage financing. I also have a strong computer based background which enables me to offer the latest in technology to my clients.
Ability to handle pressure -- A REALTOR® needs to be able to keep many balls in the air at once such as showing properties, taking listings and handling offers.
Trustworthiness, diligence and helpfulness -- Buyers and sellers must be able to trust a REALTOR®, know that he or she has a passion for the business and that they are helpful and not intrusive.
Buying or selling a house is a complicated transaction requiring a great deal of knowledge and skill. Consumers can feel confident when they deal with a REALTOR® who is well-educated, skilled and professional that they will receive the best possible service and advice. For more information about a career in real estate visit www.orea.com.
Professional Interests
I am constantly upgrading my knowledge of the Real Estate market, and am actively taking upgrade courses through OREA.
As a Realtor based in Wasaga Beach, I am a member of the Georgian Triangle Real Estate Board, OREA, CREA and have access to the Toronto Real Estate Board, and the Southern Georgian Bay board.
Keeping abreast of changes in the industry
Member of OREA, CREA 2008 to present.
Licenced Life Insurance representative 1985-2002
Licenced General Insurance representative 1985-2002
Completed Grades 1-8 of the Royal Conservatory of Music
Wasaga Beach Resident for 9 years - Wasaga Beach visitor for 60!
My husband Bob and I moved to Wasaga Beach in November of 2001.
We were well established in the Ajax area but felt it was time to be closer to our retirement dream........so we "sold" and "bought" through our trusted friend and Realtor........and we have been very happy with our decision. Having spent most of my childhood summers with family in Collingwood, it seemed the natural spot to want to be when I retired.
Bob has spent over 35 years in the automotive industry - most recently as a service advisor with Mike Jackson GM in Collingwood. I spent 26 years with Cooperators Insurance - the last 16 of those as a Life and General Insurance agent in the Ajax Pickering area. Between the two of us, we have solved a lot of problems for a great number of people on a day to day basis.
We have two successful daughters, a brilliant son-in-law, and four beautiful talented grandchildren. We love to spend as much time as possible with all of them. It goes without saying, that their favourite time to visit is during the summer when weather is ideal for Georgian Bay and the beach! Now that they have all taken up skiing, we look forward to seeing them during the winter also when they come up to enjoy the hills at Blue Mountain.
Both Bob and I enjoy golf so we have met many others who also love to get out and enjoy the courses in and around Wasaga and Collingwood.
We feel that we are in a position to know this area very well, and look forward to finding the perfect home for our clients. Hopefully they will enjoy living here as much as we do.
What I'm Interested in
When time permits, I enjoy researching my family history.....This interest in Genealogy has led me back to England, where my parents were born.
In 1974, I began searching for my ancestors and have compiled information on thousands of family members on my family history software. Several years ago, I discovered a 2nd cousin alive and well and living in Wiltshire. He and his wife invited Bob and I to visit in 2008, and we spent three glorious weeks touring areas where our ancestors had lived and died. Through this cousin, I was also able to meet other 2nd and 3rd cousins.............and in turn, I was able to bring him up to speed on his many cousins past and present in Canada. Truly a rewarding and fascinating pastime.
Our next trip will hopefully be to Ireland, where we will go back to the areas where Bob's family were from.
Preparing for your Open House
- Remove or lock away valuables such as jewelry, cameras, compact discs, valuable coins and currency.
- Attend to any potential hazards — electrical wires crossing open areas, sharp table or counter top corners, slippery stairs and walkways, fragile items that can be easily damaged.
- In poor weather, provide a place for overshoes, boots, umbrellas and coats.
- Avoid cooking food with strong odors such as fish.
- A warm fire on a cold day can be a nice touch, but ask your REALTOR® first since he or she will have to tend to the fire in your absence.
Spruce it up!
Often the smallest defect can be a turn-off to some potential buyers. Use this handy check list to assess what needs cleaning, mending or changing before the big day:
Floor coverings
(Includes carpeting, tile, linoleum, hardwood, etc.)
- Dirty or stained?
- Worn or damaged?
- Is there hardwood under carpeting that can be restored?
Walls, ceilings, baseboards
- Any fingerprints or stains?
- Any holes, nails, tape residue?
- Are they all neutral or complimentary colors?
Doors
- Do they squeak?
- Are the handles secure and work properly?
- Any stains or other damage?
Windows
- Are they clean and crack free?
- Do they open easily?
- Are the coverings clean and also easy to open?
Lighting
- Is there sufficient light?
- Any broken switches; exposed wiring?
Pet areas
- Are these clean, organized and odor free?
Kitchen and bathrooms
- Are countertops organized?
- Are all sinks and faucets working properly?
Other rooms
- Have all areas been thoroughly vacuumed and dusted?
- Has all clutter, including excess furniture, been collected and removed?
- Are books, toys, clothes all neatly stored?
- Do mirrors look clean?
- Are window coverings open?
Outside the home
- Are all exterior surfaces, including decks, pools, walkways and driveways clean, clear of clutter and in good condition?
- Do fence and other gates open easily?
- Are the lawns mowed, walkways clear of snow, leaves removed, trees pruned, gardens weeded, hedges trimmed?
Tips to sell your house
When you are ready to sell your house you'll want to make your home as marketable as possible. Here are a few tips:
Clean everything in and out of sight
Rooms, closets and cupboards will appear larger and more inviting when you get rid of unnecessary stuff and tidy up what's left. Most of us are pack rats, so apply the following test to every questionable item: Have I used this in the past six months, or will I need to use it soon? If the answer is no, throw it away, store it elsewhere or sell it in a yard sale.
keep everything clean, every day.
Repair as much as you can
De-personalize your home
store all personal items (framed family photos, trophies, etc.) out of the way.
Outside the house, weed the flower beds, remove dead tree branches, keep your lawn well-mowed and edged, trim the hedges, rake the leaves, sweep the sidewalks, fix and paint the deck or fence, plant a few flowers and do anything else you can think of to enhance your home's curb appeal.
It may sound like a lot of effort, but these tips, and the assistance of a REALTOR®, will help you sell your current home quickly so you can move on to your next dream house.
AIR MILES
Ask me how to earn AIR MILES® reward miles when you buy or sell a home through me.