In case you are not sure of the title… it’s Labour Day. The Backwards Holiday. Every year when it rolls around, I wonder why it is named Labour Day. Since it’s a Holiday intended to be just that, a Holiday – I would think a better name may be Relax Day or Lazy Day or Off Day or Sleep in Day, maybe even Do-Nothing Day, something other than Labour Day.  After all, we know what Labour means.  And many will likely be celebrating Labour Day by Labouring. 

Labour Day came about because workers felt they were spending too many hours and days on the job.

In the 1830s, manufacturing workers were putting in 70-hour weeks on average. Sixty years later, in 1890, hours of work had dropped, although the average manufacturing worker still toiled in a factory 60 hours a week. 

These long working hours caused many union organizers to focus on winning a shorter eight-hour workday. They also focused on getting workers more days off, such as the Labour Day holiday, and reducing the workweek to just six days.

These early organizers clearly won since the most recent data show that the average person working in manufacturing is employed for a bit over 40 hours a week and most people work only five days a week.

Surprisingly, many politicians and business owners were in favor of giving workers more time off. That is because workers who had no free time were not able to spend their wages on traveling, entertainment, or dining out. 

As the U.S. economy expanded beyond farming and basic manufacturing in the late 1800s and early 1900s, it became important for businesses to find consumers interested in buying the products and services being produced in ever greater amounts.   Shortening the work week was one way of turning the working class into the consuming class. 

So, to celebrate the month of September and the affection for Labouring, I have a special announcement to make I will be Labouring, but for a very special reason. 

My team and I are addicted to helping you and those you know buy or sell the place they call home. In fact, it is a race to help as many as possible so we can GIVE more away. 

A CORE philosophy at our company is ‘the size of the hole you give thru is directly proportionate to the size of the hole you receive thru’.  Therefore, our Mission is to Go Serve Big!!!  Serve you, serve those you refer to us, and of course, serve a very worthy cause… the great work being done at SickKids Hospital of Toronto.

VIP CLIENT PROGRAM:  Seller ___ does OR ___ does not wish to participate in Broker’s VIP Client Real Estate Investor Program (REIP), whereby Seller will receive notices of free real estate investor training and notices of real estate investment opportunities by mail, email or phone at times when investment opportunities arise.  The seller may opt-out of The REIP at any time. The seller is never obligated to invest in real estate.

So, if you or anyone you know like the idea of making money in real estate using other people’s money, please contact us right away… while these HOT investment opportunities are available.

Making gains in assets and wealth is nice!  I especially like it because it allows me the opportunity to GIVE more. How about you?

As you probably know, we donate a portion of our income to some AMAZING worthy causes!  Like SickKids Hospital of Toronto, one of the area’s leading non-profits.

YOUR REFERRALS HELP THE COMMUNITY overcome sickness, pain, and setbacks.

Who do you know considering buying or selling a home you could refer to my real estate sales team? Not only will they benefit from our award-winning service, but the community at the SickKid’s Hospital will benefit as well.

In last month’s letter, I updated you on our goal of raising $50,000 for SickKid’s Hospital this calendar year. In case you missed it, we donate a portion of our income from home sales to SickKids. 

And by now, four paragraphs into this month’s Homeward Bound, you are wondering how the headline ties into any of this.  If you are reading Homeward Bound for the first time, you will notice we give back to those in our community who need help the most. Like our neighbours at SickKid’s Hospital of Toronto!

Just down the street from where I’m typing, SickKid’s Hospital of Toronto has a full house of kids with many fighting for their lives. And that is no April Fools joking matter. It’s also likely taxes are the furthest thing from the minds of the parents with kids at SickKids.

As you know SickKid’s Hospital of Toronto does awesome work in helping kids fight through and survive nasty life-threatening diseases like cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia and others. They also
lead the way in early diagnosis of Autism and recovery from spinal cord injuries.

Most don’t know though that SickKids is a non-profit. They depend on sponsorships and donations to provide their world class care and keep costs for the families of these beautiful kids to a minimum.

SickKid’s Hospital of Toronto is Making a Difference Today and for Tomorrow!

The reason for the headline is that 30 seconds is about all it takes to think about who you know that may be considering buying or selling the place they call home and to give us a call.  If it is you, then awesome! If it’s a friend or family member, that’s great too!

Thank you in advance for your referrals! My number is 416-571-2724.

Over the decades of helping thousands and thousands of families sell or buy the place they call home, we have met so many wonderful, loving, caring people. We are so grateful. Thank you for reading over this month’s Homeward Bound, and thank you for referring anyone you know considering buying or selling to my team. They will be in good hands and a very worthy cause will benefit as well. 

A real estate company with experience, proven results, and a give-back philosophy! 

Refer your friends, neighbours, associates or family members considering making a move:

1. You can send this blog link to someone you know considering a move.

2. You can pass along our business card or contact info to them.

3. You can go to www.WeHelpTheKids.com and enter their contact info online or forward the link to someone you know considering a move.

4. Of course you can always call me direct as well at 416-571-2724 (ARCI).

Why Support SickKid’s Hospital of Toronto:
I grew up right here in Toronto. Born right downtown at St. Michael’s Hospital. I remember when I first heard about a young person close to our family suffering from a nasty disease and getting treated for that at Sick Kids Hospital of Toronto. It was then that I began to pay closer attention to the work they do at that hospital. Since then, I have learned that it is a collection of hard-working health care professionals, most making their home right here in the Toronto area, all coming together for a common cause. That cause is to help young people overcome unfortunate health issues that life sometimes throws our way.

Being in the Toronto area, an Ontario native, I take pride in supporting in a way that I can the good work these people do at Sick Kids Hospital of Toronto. My team rally’s around our annual goal of raising money and donating portions of our income to help Sick Kids Hospital of Toronto in their quest to heal young people when they need healing. My team and I are committed to providing outstanding results for buyers and sellers referred to us by our past clients. I have discovered that Sick Kids Hospital of Toronto shares similar commitments to their patients. And since their services survive on sponsorships and donations we are happy to contribute and proud to support them.

I encourage you to visit their website at www.sickkids.ca and check out how they are making a difference in the lives of children and their families!

In a constantly-changing market like the Greater Toronto Area, finding success as a real estate agent can be challenging. For both new and established agents, joining a brokerage is the best way to keep your career on the right path. 

Each brokerage has its own unique approach to real estate and depending on where you are in your career, some will be able to better support you than others. Here are some tips for finding the right brokerage for you. 

Want to know more about finding a great real estate team? Explore our list of 6 essential qualities to look for in a brokerage here. 

Consider Location

One of the most important details of a brokerage is the areas they work in. There are many neighbourhoods across the GTA, each one offering something unique for residents. As an agent, you’ll want to work in communities that excite and inspire you. Perhaps you want to work in the same place you currently call home? Or maybe you want to use your years of personal connection and knowledge to work with clients in the neighbourhood you grew up in. Regardless of your goals, working with a brokerage that operates in areas you’re passionate about is an easy way to stay motivated throughout your career. 

As an extension of this, you will also want to consider finding a brokerage that operates close to you. While being an agent generally means spending lots of time on the road, you’ll want to ensure you have a manageable commute when you do use the office. 

Ask About Mentorship and Support 

If you’re a new agent, jumping into the deep end of Toronto’s competitive housing market right away may not be the best way to start your career. While many brokerages offer some form of training for new agents, you’ll want to ensure you work with an agency that can support your unique needs best. When speaking with brokerages, ask about their approach to agent education and development. Some may offer in-depth mentorship programs at no extra expense, others may offer it in exchange for a cut of your commission. Be thorough in your research and understand the kind of support you’re looking for. 

Advanced career support and a continuous flow of prospects are just some of the ways joining the Lino Arci Team can help elevate your career. Learn more here. 

Brokerage Size

From smaller teams with less than 10 members to larger groups with over 100, brokerages can vary greatly in size. As an agent, it’s important to recognize the impact that a brokerage’s size can have on your career. Working with a smaller team could mean more hands-on support, whereas a larger team could offer you a steady volume of prospects to help you get your career started. 

While big and small offices both have their advantages, you may enjoy the working environment of one over the other. Ideally, you’ll find a brokerage with a balanced size to best suit your needs. 

At the end of the day, choosing a brokerage comes down to who you will be working with. Regardless of size, you’ll want to find a brokerage with like-minded agents and support staff, a positive workplace culture and resources that can help you elevate your career. 

Be Aware of Specialities

If you’re looking to pursue a specific niche in real estate such as commercial properties, you’ll want to work with a brokerage that caters to that specialty. There are several brokerages that work exclusively in narrow or specialized markets across the GTA. 

Ask Other Agents

By speaking with other local agents, you can get an insider’s perspective on the brokerages in your area. If you know an agent who shares similar values, ask them about their brokerage search and what influenced their decision to work where they do now. With these insights, they can help you narrow down your search. Once you found a brokerage you’d like to work with, speak to both current and former agents if you can. 

When speaking with other real estate agents, it’s important to consider their relationship to the industry compared to yours. For instance, an agent who has been in the industry for over a decade may not have the same needs as a newer agent. Inversely, agents with less experience may respond to brokerage structures differently than industry veterans. 

Looking to grow your career as a real estate agent? Join our team.

With demand for rental housing in the Greater Toronto Area reaching record heights, buying a rental property makes more sense than ever. Plus, in addition to bringing in some serious passive income, investment properties often have great resale value long term.

If you’re new to real estate investment there are a few common misconceptions to be aware of. In this post we’ll debunk 5 common myths about owning a rental property. 

Looking for an experienced agent who can help you buy a great investment property? We can help. Explore our approach to buying here.

1. Buyers and Renters Follow the Same Market Trends

In most cases, buyers and renters respond differently to market conditions. For instance, in a seller’s market, buyer demand is high. But that always doesn’t mean the demand for rental properties will be equally inflated. In the case of Toronto’s red-hot pandemic market, buyer demands were influenced by the availability of highly-affordable mortgages. As a larger number of Torontonians could afford to buy, there was less overall incentive to rent. 

In today’s market, rising interest rates are slowly pricing some buyers out of the market. Without the ability to afford a home, a growing number of residents remain reliant on rental housing. So while buyer demand is cooling off, competition amongst renters is reaching new heights. 

For investors, the good news is that the demand for rental housing in Toronto isn’t going to decline anytime soon. As a growing city, the Greater Toronto Area is constantly welcoming new residents, many of whom will need rental housing. 

2. Finding Tenants is a Hassle

While owning a rental property is a great way to earn passive income, you’ll want to ensure you find the best possible tenants for your unit(s). After you begin showing your property to prospective renters, items like references, proof of income and interview questions should all be key elements of your tenant screening process. These steps are important for ensuring that you find a responsible and financially secure tenant who will help you get the best return on your investment. 

Finding great tenants may seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t need to be. In fact, your real estate agent can help you with the process. Beginning with listing and showing your rental property to handling applications and screening, they can make the tenant acquisition process easy and stress-free.  

Looking for more first-time investor resources? Check out these blog posts.

• Should You Invest in a House or Condo?
• The Ultimate Property Maintenance Checklist
• How to Buy an Investment Property?

3. Real Estate Investment is Only Profitable in Certain Areas

Another common misconception about real estate investment is that the only place to buy a profitable rental property is in dense city centres. In reality, the demand for rental housing is high almost everywhere across the GTA – not just in its urban cores. A detached home or basement suite in Vaughan can be just as lucrative as a Bay Street condo. 

While some areas may have greater renter interest than others, real estate is a strong long-term investment in most GTA neighbourhoods. Buying property in existing high-demand areas and up-and-coming neighbourhoods both have their advantages, and you can work with your real estate agent to determine the best path for you. 

4. Being a Landlord is a Big Time Commitment

Time spent on landlord duties will vary based on how many tenants you have, lifestyle factors and the property itself. However, it’s rarely a full-time commitment. If you’re concerned about landlord duties, chat with your real estate agent. They can help you find a property that is less likely to need consistent repairs or upgrades. Or, If it fits your budget, you can hire a dedicated property manager to take care of your rental property for you. They can take on a variety of responsibilities from repairs and maintenance to tenant affairs. 

Entering the condo market as an investor? Explore these helpful articles from our blog. 

• An Investor’s Guide to Pre-Construction Condos
• Working With an Agent When Buying a New Development Condo
• 5 Tips For Getting a Mortgage

5. You Should Only Invest in “Fixer Uppers”

As the subject of many TV shows, house flipping has been turning heads among real estate investors in recent years. While run-down properties may come with appealing price tags, they’re not exactly the easy money scheme many investors expect. In reality, flipping properties successfully requires a lot of capital, time and expertise. For many investors, especially those just getting started, buying a traditional turn-key property is the right way to go. 

Ready to begin your real estate investment journey? Get in touch with us today to get started.

You do not have to be a weather person to predict the weather this time of year.  We all know… it is the hottest time of the year.  But that is not all that’s hot.  The economy is red hot too.  By all measures the best economy in 20 years or so. 

This is GOOD for most reading this, but there will be some exceptions.  There always are.  An example could be someone who will sell a house and make out great, meaning a buyer pays a bit more than they would have not too long ago.  And in some areas, the opposite happens.  Seller does not make out that great, but the buyer does. 

Most homeowners who do NOT have to sell of course know this and will hold back on buying or selling.  That will of course impact supply and demand.  Results right now? RED HOT opportunities!

How does this impact you?  Well, it is a HOT time to invest in real estate. Single-family, multi-family, even farmland.  If you did not get the memo, here is a special clause from our Buyer and Seller Agreements of our VIP Client Program enabling past clients of ours to create additional wealth thru real estate.

VIP CLIENT PROGRAM:  Seller ___ does OR ___ does not wish to participate in Broker’s VIP Client Real Estate Investor Program (REIP), whereby Seller will receive notices of free real estate investor training and notices of real estate investment opportunities by mail, email or phone at times when investment opportunities arise.  The seller may opt-out of The REIP at any time. The seller is never obligated to invest in real estate.

So, if you or anyone you know like the idea of making money in real estate using other people’s money, please contact us right away… while these HOT investment opportunities are available.

Making gains in assets and wealth is nice!  I especially like it because it allows me the opportunity to GIVE more. How about you?

As you probably know, we donate a portion of our income to some AMAZING worthy causes!  Like SickKids Hospital of Toronto, one of the area’s leading non-profits.

YOUR REFERRALS HELP THE COMMUNITY overcome sickness, pain, and setbacks.

Who do you know considering buying or selling a home you could refer to my real estate sales team? Not only will they benefit from our award-winning service, but the community at the MUST Ministries will benefit as well.

In last month’s letter, I updated you on our goal of raising $50,000 for SickKid’s Hospital this calendar year. In case you missed it, we donate a portion of our income from home sales to SickKids. 

And by now, four paragraphs into this month’s Homeward Bound, you are wondering how the headline ties into any of this.  If you are reading Homeward Bound for the first time, you will notice we give back to those in our community who need help the most. Like our neighbours at SickKid’s Hospital of Toronto!

Just down the street from where I’m typing, SickKid’s Hospital of Toronto has a full house of kids with many fighting for their lives. And that is no April Fools joking matter. It’s also likely taxes are the furthest thing from the minds of the parents with kids at SickKids.

As you know SickKid’s Hospital of Toronto does awesome work in helping kids fight through and survive nasty life-threatening diseases like cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia and others. They also
lead the way in early diagnosis of Autism and recovery from spinal cord injuries.

Most don’t know though that SickKids is a non-profit. They depend on sponsorships and donations to provide their world class care and keep costs for the families of these beautiful kids to a minimum.

SickKid’s Hospital of Toronto is Making a Difference Today and for Tomorrow!

The reason for the headline is because 30 seconds is about all it takes to think about who you know that may be considering buying or selling the place they call home and to give us a call.  If it is you, then awesome! If it’s a friend or family member, that’s great too!

Thank you in advance for your referrals! My number is 416-571-2724.

Over the decades of helping thousands and thousands of families sell or buy the place they call home, we have met so many wonderful, loving, caring people. We are so grateful. Thank you for reading over this month’s Homeward Bound, and thank you for referring anyone you know considering buying or selling to my team. They will be in good hands and a very worthy cause will benefit as well. 

A real estate company with experience, proven results, and a give-back philosophy! 

Refer your friends, neighbours, associates or family members considering making a move:

1. You can send this blog link to someone you know considering a move.

2. You can pass along our business card or contact info to them.

3. You can go to www.WeHelpTheKids.com and enter their contact info online or forward the link to someone you know considering a move.

4. Of course you can always call me direct as well at 416-571-2724 (ARCI).

Why Support SickKid’s Hospital of Toronto:
I grew up right here in Toronto. Born right downtown at St. Michael’s Hospital. I remember when I first heard about a young person close to our family suffering from a nasty disease and getting treated for that at Sick Kids Hospital of Toronto. It was then that I began to pay closer attention to the work they do at that hospital. Since then, I have learned that it is a collection of hard-working health care professionals, most making their home right here in the Toronto area, all coming together for a common cause. That cause is to help young people overcome unfortunate health issues that life sometimes throws our way.

Being in the Toronto area, an Ontario native, I take pride in supporting in a way that I can the good work these people do at Sick Kids Hospital of Toronto. My team rally’s around our annual goal of raising money and donating portions of our income to help Sick Kids Hospital of Toronto in their quest to heal young people when they need healing. My team and I are committed to providing outstanding results for buyers and sellers referred to us by our past clients. I have discovered that Sick Kids Hospital of Toronto shares similar commitments to their patients. And since their services survive on sponsorships and donations we are happy to contribute and proud to support them.

I encourage you to visit their website at www.sickkids.ca and check out how they are making a difference in the lives of children and their families!

Interested in becoming a real estate agent? You’re not alone. Ontario’s real estate industry has grown quite substantially over the past decade. Today, there are over 82,000 agents working across the province. 

While entering an entirely new industry can seem overwhelming, with the right skills and dedication, you can build a career you love and make a great living. 

Here are the five essential steps to beginning your career as a real estate agent in Ontario. 

Are you thinking about making a career change? Check out 9 things you should know before becoming a real estate agent here. 

1. Find Your Passion

While anyone can be a real estate agent, great agents usually have an existing passion or interest for certain industry elements before they begin their careers. This could be interior design, architecture, renovation projects or simply the prospect of supporting people and their families through a big life change. Staying motivated is an important part of a long-term career in real estate, so ensuring you’re truly passionate about the field is essential. 

Given the unique nature of real estate as a business, there are also a handful of personal traits and qualities that can make agents successful. For instance, extrovertedness is an important part of both networking and communicating with clients. Markets can change fast, and so do buyers and sellers. Therefore, adaptability and tenacity are positive qualities to possess. Of course, real estate agents should also feel comfortable and confident engaging in critical negotiations. 

2. Education 

Next, there are some formal education requirements for becoming a registered real estate agent in Ontario. These educational requirements, known as pre-registration programs, are mandated by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO), which governs agent licensing. 

In order to become a registered agent in Ontario, you’ll be required to take the “Pre-Registration Learning Path” program from Humber College. This program is flexible, with different schedule options including remote learning. It can be completed in as fast as 9 months or as long as 2 years. As of 2022, the costs for this program are just shy of $4,200. 

It’s important to note that you will need a high school diploma or GED certificate in order to qualify for the necessary pre-registration programs. 

Thinking about selling your home soon?  Check out these helpful blog posts to learn more about the sales process. 

• What do Home Buyers Look For?
• The Dos and Don’ts of Selling Your Home
• How Much Does it Cost to Sell Your Home?

3. Find a Brokerage

After completing the pre-registration learning path, you’ll need to choose a real estate broker to work with. As a new agent, finding the best brokerage for you is an important process. 

As an agent, a brokerage can support you in a number of ways, including ongoing training and educational resources, supportive team culture and transparent commission models. Plus, they’ll play a big role in building your industry network and early lead generation.

No two brokerages are the same, so it’s important to do your research before making a decision. A great brokerage will help you get your career off to a strong start, however, a not-so-great brokerage can potentially hinder or stall your real estate journey. 

From training to team support, working with a brokerage will be an important part of elevating your career early on. Check out our tips on what to look for when choosing a brokerage here. 

4. Register

After completing the educational requirements and finding a great brokerage, you can officially register as an agent with RECO and your local real estate board. This will require an application fee of around $600. You are required to register within 12 months of completing your pre-registration courses. Otherwise, you’ll need to begin all over again. 

5. Post Registration Requirements

Once you’ve registered with RECO you’re officially an agent! You’re ready to begin your journey and explore all of the exciting things the world of real estate has to offer. That being said, you will need to meet some additional ongoing requirements in order to maintain your registration. 

During the first 2 years of your career, also known as the post-registration phase, you are required to take some continuing education courses through RECO directly. After that, you’ll be able to renew your registration, becoming a fully-licensed sales representative. 

Regardless of where you’re moving next, selling your home marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life. If you’re looking to sell your home soon, It’s important to recognize the involved costs before you enter the market.

From value-boosting upgrades to taxes, fees and agent commissions, we’ve put together a quick overview of some common costs you may encounter when selling your property. 

Of course, no two properties are the same, and costs will range based on each seller’s unique circumstances. For a more detailed analysis, ask your real estate agent. They can assess your home’s existing value and provide you with a more accurate estimate of additional costs. 

Looking for an experienced agent who can guarantee the successful sale of your home? We can help. Explore our approach to selling here. 

Pre-Market Upgrades

In some cases, your home may need to undergo upgrades or renovations before it can be sold. 

This could include anything from foundational repairs to replacing kitchen appliances. Of course, upgrade costs will vary based on the unique condition of your home. However, most agents recommend spending no more than 1-2% of your property’s total value on preparatory home improvements. 

If you think your home will require upgrades before you’re ready to sell, ask your real estate agent. They can determine which items are essential 

Staging

In today’s market staging is a critical part of the selling process. Great staging helps you attract more potential buyers. Plus, staged homes typically sell faster and for more money than unstaged homes. 

How much you’ll need to spend on staging will vary based on local design trends and your home’s existing furnishings. That being said, many sellers opt to stage based on the ‘3X’ rule. Meaning however much you choose to invest in staging, you can expect to add 3 times that number to the sale value of your home. For example, if you invest $10,000 in the staging process, you can see a listing value increase of $30,000. 

Want to learn more about preparing your home for the market? Check out these blog posts. 

• Staging Your Home During the Holiday Season
• What to Ask When Hiring a Local Real Estate Agent
• Do You Need to Stage Before You Sell?

Real Estate Agent Commissions

One of the biggest costs you’ll incur as a seller is agent fees. In Canadian real estate transactions, the seller is responsible for paying agent fees, which are then split between the agents of the buyer and seller. Your costs will be unique to your listing agreement, however, agent fees typically cost between 3% and 7% of a home’s final sale price. 

In Ontario, you’ll also be required to pay HST on your agent commissions. Keep this in mind when budgeting for your home sale. 

Legal Fees

In addition to a real estate agent, selling your home will also require working with a lawyer. 

For most sellers, a budget of $1,500 is an adequate amount for covering the legal fees of their home sale. However, legal costs can be more expensive if a property or agreement requires any special considerations. 

Status Certificates

If you’re selling a condo unit, you’ll be required to order a status certificate to demonstrate the physical condition of the building. Although exact costs will depend on the property management company, status certificates typically cost between $100 and $200. 

Land Transfer Taxes 

In Ontario, as the seller, you are not responsible for paying the land transfer tax following the sale of your home. However, if you choose to buy again after you sell, you will be required to cover this cost for your new property. 

Thinking about selling your home? Explore these helpful posts from our blog. 

• What do Home Buyers Look For?
• The Dos and Don’ts of Selling Your Home
• A Seller’s Guide to Multiple Offers

How We Sell

While selling your home comes with some risks and variables, we strive to make the process as relaxed as possible for our clients. If you choose to work with our team, we guarantee to sell your home. If for any reason it doesn’t sell, we will buy it from you! Our Your Home Sold Guaranteed approach means the sale of your home will be successful regardless of external market conditions. 

Ready to begin your selling journey? Get in touch with us today to get started. 

We assume the rights of freedom and debate its boundaries in politics, yet how often do we take time to reflect on what freedom means to us personally?

Freedom is not a concept carved from stone; it is malleable and personal, always shifting shape depending on where you find yourself standing and the angle of the slanting light.

My personal definition of freedom is the ability to act based on my convictions without external restriction or retribution. It is the ability to represent myself as I see myself to be, not having to hide or disguise who I am in order to pursue happiness, fulfillment, and growth. It is the power of free self-expression. Personal freedom is one of my top three values.

Of course, there are boundaries to freedom. My actions should not hurt others or restrict their personal freedoms, and so this is the dance of conscience. Will what I want to conflict with what others want or need? If so, how can I have the personal autonomy I need while respecting the freedom of those around me?

I believe there is always a path for mutual free expression when we respect one another. Today, as we prepare to celebrate Freedom Month, I offer the following quotes as food for thought and as writing prompts:

“We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it.” ― William Faulkner

 “If we don’t believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don’t believe in it at all.” ― Noam Chomsky

And I leave you with these questions: Which, if any, of these quotes resonate with you?  What do you believe about freedom and how do you describe or define it for yourself?

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Beautiful famous words. Those words really come to life for us when you consider the idea of owning real estate, especially your own home.

My guaranteed sale program is a solution to ‘wrongs’ in real estate for homeowners experiencing the Catch 22. In fact, this is how successful businesses are built.  Identify something that is a problem for people and solve it.

In today’s market, many homeowners really want to make a move but are finding themselves in a Catch 22 – whether to sell first or buy first.  They don’t want to end up getting stuck owning two homes or none at all.

My solution to this dilemma is this guarantee: “Your Home Sold Guaranteed at a Price Agreeable to You or I’ll Buy It*” My own revolution, so to speak, that deals with the age-old indictment of whether to buy first of sell first.

Your Home Sold, Guaranteed, at Your Price or I’ll Buy It*

Yes, this is the guarantee I am most famous for. And you will know that whether it’s a super awesome real estate market or a housing recession, I have not wavered from this guarantee.  The peace of mind from a guarantee like this is a fantastic gift. I can think of none better.

My team and I are committed to results.  In fact, Results-Oriented is one of our core values. For 37 years people have been coming to us when they want their home sold, at their price and with the least hassle.  We look forward to the next years of Guaranteed Results for area homeowners. 

Therefore, we offer guarantees and assurances to our clients. We call this Our Risk Removal System.  Like our Guaranteed Sale Program: Your Home Sold at a Price Agreeable to You or We’ll Buy It*. And our VIP Buyer Satisfaction Guarantee:  If You Are Not Happy With Your Home, We Will Buy It Back!*  In fact, our Exclusive Seller Agreements Offer 10 Unprecedented Guarantees.  In my experience, these guarantees elevate our service and our client’s experience. 

Just like the U.S> Declaration of Independence inspired many similar documents in other countries, I hope my newsletter this month inspires you to pursue happiness and join us in helping others do that as well.

YOUR REFERRALS HELP THE COMMUNITY overcome sickness, pain, and setbacks.

Who do you know considering buying or selling a home you could refer to my real estate sales team? Not only will they benefit from our award-winning service, but the community at the MUST Ministries will benefit as well.

In last month’s letter, I updated you on our goal of raising $50,000 for SickKid’s Hospital this calendar year. In case you missed it, we donate a portion of our income from home sales to SickKids. 

And by now, four paragraphs into this month’s Homeward Bound, you are wondering how the headline ties into any of this.  If you are reading Homeward Bound for the first time, you will notice we give back to those in our community who need help the most. Like our neighbours at SickKid’s Hospital of Toronto!

Just down the street from where I’m typing, SickKid’s Hospital of Toronto has a full house of kids with many fighting for their lives. And that is no April Fools joking matter. It’s also likely taxes are the furthest thing from the minds of the parents with kids at SickKids.

As you know SickKid’s Hospital of Toronto does awesome work in helping kids fight through and survive nasty life-threatening diseases like cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia and others. They also
lead the way in early diagnosis of Autism and recovery from spinal cord injuries.

Most don’t know though that SickKids is a non-profit. They depend on sponsorships and donations to provide their world class care and keep costs for the families of these beautiful kids to a minimum.

SickKid’s Hospital of Toronto is Making a Difference Today and for Tomorrow!

The reason for the headline is because 30 seconds is about all it takes to think about who you know that may be considering buying or selling the place they call home and to give us a call.  If it is you, then awesome! If it’s a friend or family member, that’s great too!

Thank you in advance for your referrals! My number is 416-571-2724.

Over the decades of helping thousands and thousands of families sell or buy the place they call home, we have met so many wonderful, loving, caring people. We are so grateful. Thank you for reading over this month’s Homeward Bound, and thank you for referring anyone you know considering buying or selling to my team. They will be in good hands and a very worthy cause will benefit as well. 

A real estate company with experience, proven results, and a give-back philosophy! 

Refer your friends, neighbours, associates or family members considering making a move:

1. You can send this blog link to someone you know considering a move.

2. You can pass along our business card or contact info to them.

3. You can go to www.WeHelpTheKids.com and enter their contact info online or forward the link to someone you know considering a move.

4. Of course you can always call me direct as well at 416-571-2724 (ARCI).

Why Support SickKid’s Hospital of Toronto:
I grew up right here in Toronto. Born right downtown at St. Michael’s Hospital. I remember when I first heard about a young person close to our family suffering from a nasty disease and getting treated for that at Sick Kids Hospital of Toronto. It was then that I began to pay closer attention to the work they do at that hospital. Since then, I have learned that it is a collection of hard-working health care professionals, most making their home right here in the Toronto area, all coming together for a common cause. That cause is to help young people overcome unfortunate health issues that life sometimes throws our way.

Being in the Toronto area, an Ontario native, I take pride in supporting in a way that I can the good work these people do at Sick Kids Hospital of Toronto. My team rally’s around our annual goal of raising money and donating portions of our income to help Sick Kids Hospital of Toronto in their quest to heal young people when they need healing. My team and I are committed to providing outstanding results for buyers and sellers referred to us by our past clients. I have discovered that Sick Kids Hospital of Toronto shares similar commitments to their patients. And since their services survive on sponsorships and donations we are happy to contribute and proud to support them.

I encourage you to visit their website at www.sickkids.ca and check out how they are making a difference in the lives of children and their families!