The idea is to set a direction for your life, so that you can focus your energies on what makes you happy. This is not a reformulation of New Year’s Resolutions but if you approach it seriously, you may find you no longer need resolutions (especially the type that you think about only on January 1st, and never look at again).

First, take a moment to reflect on the events of 2011. How did you spend your time? Were you happy with  the balance of work, family and social activities? Did you make any progress towards attaining your dream? If you’re pleased with your progress – pat your self on the back, and take pride in your achievements. If you’re disappointed about some things, then think about what you wish you had done differently. Remember, the past is your experience – it’s an asset to be used in your search for success. Don’t spend any time dwelling on mistakes and blaming yourself, because you can’t change the past. Forgive yourself and work on improving the future.

Next, think about what you want from life, and what makes you happy. Some people derive the greatest pleasure from their careers, others from their children. Only you can decide what is important in your life. Try not to let other people’s values determine what you strive for.

You will have several important goals for your life, such as:
• Physical well-being • Financial security • Quality time for family members and friends • Career achievements • Charitable work • Leisure time for hobbies or entertainment

Your list will probably include some of these, and others which are specific to you. The order in which you rank your goals is crucial, and will enable you to make difficult choices as they come up. The key to a successful life is achieving a good mix between family, work, social occasions and service.    Once again, it’s time to be honest with your self. Don’t put family time on the top of your list just because you think it’s expected of you. Perhaps what you really want is to put some money in the bank first, so you can stop worrying about your family’s security, then you’ll be able to enjoy your time with them.

These are your goals, and they’re not carved in stone. You can change them to suit changing circumstances and, once you have achieved one, you can give another a higher priority.    Picture in your mind what your personal success will look like once you’ve achieved it.  Replay the picture often and get used to it. You will find the picture getting closer every day.

Now that you can visualize your destination, and you’ve set some priorities, the day-to-day decisions will be much easier. Happiness comes from pursuing your own dreams, and you can enjoy the little successes along the way. You don’t have to wait until you’ve arrived to be happy. If you wait for the “bluebird of happiness” to land on your shoulder, you’ll spend your life waiting for good things to come to you. Working toward your goals lets you reach out and take pleasure in your accomplishments.

Write your goals down on a piece of paper and keep them in a place where you will look at them often. Don’t give up on them and don’t leave them by the wayside after a couple of days or weeks. We live one day at a time, and it’s what we do today that counts. If we want to achieve our dreams, we can’t afford to wander aimlessly through life for weeks at a time. Challenge yourself to be the best that you can be.   At first glance this process may seem selfish, but in reality it will probably improve your relationship with others. With this approach, you are taking responsibility for your own happiness, rather than expecting friends, family or employers to provide it for you. Happiness is contagious and most people prefer to associate with individuals who know how to enjoy themselves. It’s also a lot easier to be open with others when you’re being honest with yourself.

The same process can be used to set goals as a family. Each individual’s desires must be considered, and compromises made where priorities conflict. It may take some time to work through your differences, but, in the end, you can establish the guidelines for family decisions, such as vacations, car or home purchases, investments, college attendance, etc., etc. Talking about common goals will bring the family closer together and prevent possible conflicts in the future.

To live a full life while coping with the pressures & demands of today is so important.  I encourage you to try it and see how it will help you to make 2012 a truly Happy New Year.

Tom Merrick
Broker/Manager – 1739 Bayview Ave

The 2010/2011 season has been very sad.  Several players have lost their lives and even many more have not been able to play for long extended periods of time because of serious injuries to the head.  The direct link to death and head injuries is still being investigated but one thing is for sure, they happened because of the reckless disregard for one another.

At this point you may be asking yourself, “what does hockey have to do with real estate?”

It’s about respect for one another within our profession.  The hockey players have shown that unless they start respecting each other, lives are at risk.  Its no different in real estate with livelihoods at stake.  

In 23 years of practice, I worked very hard to maintain a reputation of a person and Realtor that got the job done but never on the back or at the expense of a colleague.  I never put the “deal” ahead of my client’s best interest.  I always wanted to be thought as a trustworthy and loyal team player. I always knew that ego is not part of the equation for success.  Most importantly I knew that my other number #1 client was the other Realtor and people don’t forget how they are treated.  This assisted me in getting more homes sold with more satisfied clients.  It’s actually an art when everyone feels like they won and made real estate more fun.

As a Realtor, have you ever seen a name on a sign and thought “Oh no I have to deal with……..”. Be honest.  I bet you’re smiling right now but hopefully you’re not thinking “am I like that??”

Why not choose a collaborative approach with the utmost respect for your fellow real estate professionals?   Don’t ever lower your standards.  Maintain your values and this way the client wins, the Realtors win and the image of our industry wins.   Let’s all work together and stop the head shots

Tim Syrianos
RE/MAX Ultimate Realty Inc., Brokerage

How do you react to change? (Do you accept the Challenge of Change?)

Change can cause anxiety, frustration, uncertainty, some –times a defensive reaction or a “wait and see” attitude because what is coming is the “unknown”. We are all creatures of habit and therefore resist change, but without change we would stagnate. Change is necessary for growth, development and improvement. We should be continually developing our skills and building relationships which will prepare us for the demands placed on us by this very competitive market place. We learn from our experiences in the past, we try to project the future, but it is what we do “NOW” that counts for future results. We review our Key Results Areas and we develop a Strategy and Action Plan in order to achieve our new Goals & Objectives. The Challenge of Change  gives us the opportunity to rededicate and to re-commit ourselves on a regular basis. The measure of our success is in the direct relationship to our acceptance of change and how well we plan and organize our time and actions. Accept the challenges of today with a POSITIVE ATTITUDE and strive for the excitement of living because how we think affects how we feel and how we feel affects how we act and react.

IT’S UP TO US, TO WORK TOGETHER FOR A BETTER TOMORROW.

 TOM’S TIPS:

• God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.
• The problem with opportunity is that it comes disguised as hard work.
• There is rarely any way to make people like change. You can only make them feel less threatened by it.
• Interesting to note, the harder I work, the luckier I get.

T.R. (Tom) Merrick
Broker/ Manager

RE/MAX Ultimate Realty Inc., Brokerage

This post is not about how unfair the Competition Bureau is and it’s not about the value of REALTOR in the real estate transaction. My position has always been clear.  The Real Estate Boards and industry has never interfered with the entrepreneurial spirit.  In reality I’ve sat on task forces and committees and the theme and purpose has always been to add more access and more services while meeting the strict criteria handed down to us from Provincial and Federal legislation that are beyond our control.

What I truly want to do is share the message that we now must seize the opportunity to better our industry and show the public a whole new direction of accountability.  The time has come to stop the excuses and really look within to improve our industry.  If we look at the root of the problem we will  no longer need the RECO and TREB arbitration process as often as we do.  The first step where OREA has become a registered college is great but we need much more.  We must add “Phase 4″ to the licensing of REALTORS within Ontario.  What will this topic or course outline be?

“A Complete Guide to Ethics, Better Business Practices and Policies”
Not that these topics aren’t covered in varying degrees in the previous courses.  I just believe that society has changed and this will significantly drop the amount of complaints within our industry. It will teach the REALTOR how to conduct themselves in every aspect of a transaction including the treatment of other members as well as the consumer.  It will outline in detail the latest legislature, policies and penalties incurred by not conducting themselves in a professional manner to consumers and fellow members.  By creating this new course, I also fully support our industry to increase fines and penalties because there is no excuse for unprofessional conduct.  The new registrant must fully understand what they are getting themselves into and be willing to commit to this career. This will also produce a better caliber REALTOR with higher standards and ethics in our industry in the long-term.

From the age of 18 I never had a second job.  Real Estate has been my life and its important to really make a difference for the future.  We take the coaching, training and keeping our sales associates current very seriously.  We have multiple weekly seminars that cover every topic including emerging market trends, the preparation of specialty agreements and clauses and the “how to” tips on using the latest and best resources to service our clients.  We also know that focussing on professional business practices within will lead to the best associates and will lead the industry by example. I look at it as having strong antibodies from bad viruses.  We continuously cover these before they join us but not all other Brokerages do.

We are in a very competitive industry where maybe only 20% make it to year 2 in business and just maybe only 20% of the remaining make it to year 5.  Real Estate is not an easy business! This is my 23rd year in the real estate industry and its an undeniable fact that selling a house is not just about a For Sale sign and posting on the MLS.  Regretfully like in any industry a few bad apples that aren’t committed give the wrong impression of the rest if us.

Let’s add Phase 4.  Person by person, year by year, together we can make it better!

Tim Syrianos
Broker of Record Owner

For those of us in the business of real estate for over 20 years, we remember the more difficult times.  There were high interest rates of over 14%,  and when I started selling real estate in 1989 part of the process was discounting mortgages.  This was in some cases more important than the house itself.   The early 90′s were truly difficult times and I will add that I was very young, barely had a reason to shave and approximately 30 pounds lighter.

I will never forget the turning point of my sales career and my life.  It was the fall of 1992 and after three years of mediocrity, I was approached by my father that the life line from him is going to stop.  He made it very clear that real estate may not be the ideal career for me and that maybe it’s time to reconsider some other career choices.  It was a soul opening conversation.  For the first time in my life it made me think and ask myself, what is holding me back?  Is it fear of failure?

No!  It’s fear of success

I was more concerned that my present circle of friends wouldn’t accept me.  I feared that if I was successful, my friends wouldn’t be happy for me.  Think about it.  Success creates as big a change as any and we want to be accepted.  This feeling of self sabotage may be deep in our subconscious and it’s important we ask ourselves if it affects us as well.  Lastly if they’re truly friends, they should be happy for you.

There are two types of personalities.  One that agrees and accepts defeat and one that gets upset and commits to change.  My father had the confidence and knew the type of personality I possessed.  I made a definitive promise to him and myself that I will make it happen within six months.  I immediately put myself into action, never looked back and since I’m writing this email its evidence of my success.

Do I have all the same friends?  No but I now have true ones

Tim Syrianos
RE/MAX Ultimate Realty Inc., Brokerage

However nothing could be further than the truth.  If I was to make a direct comparison and describe a year in real estate sales, I would call it a relay race and in a relay race, we need to focus and make a strong sprint to the finish.  This is also a perfect time to really analyze your business, your database and find the transactions that already exist.

In a recent sales meeting I described the top 3 things to do before the year is finished.

1. Pull out a business card, show it to your colleagues and friends and ask them if they recognize the person on the card.  Its sounds funny but we know that we have seen many pictures that don’t resemble the person on that card.  Also make sure you’re not a victim by taking this opportunity to update your marketing pieces to be current as well.  Pictures from 5 years ago or from when you were in school just don’t cut it. Review your entire marketing campaign and make sure that its still working and targeting the right people.

2. Clean off your desk and make sure there isn’t a single client file still open.  This is a great exercise to make sure that your New Year starts without clutter and real qualified clients.  It’s also an amazing opportunity to find potential clients that have been otherwise forgotten during the busy Fall real estate market.  I assure you that you will be very surprised by the amount of potential leads you didn’t follow-up.  Many times referrals and sure transactions.

3. Print out all your sales you were involved with in the present year. Now review every single one and ask yourself “What could I have done differently? “What mistakes have I made?” How can I fix it?”  I’m sure that there are real estate transactions that went sideways and whether it’s your fault or not, could have been handled differently.  Its time to step up and admit it.  Call your client, thank them for their business, apologize if need be and offer your assistance to make things right.  I know several instances where an agent has made that call, the client was also relieved and not only did the agent re-establish a relationship but also received a referral. 

This is a perfect opportunity to not just work in your business but focus on your business. There is an abundant potential for you to create business and its there right under your nose.  3 simple steps will make for a fantastic new year.

Tim Syrianos
RE/MAX Ultimate Realty Inc., Brokerage

With the amount of different types of media trying to get our attention, It’s become challenging when there is no accountability from media sources to really state the facts and assist the general public by providing correct news.  Since we’re close to the present events, I think its very necessary to really educate and clear up any misconceptions. 

When I heard the news of a “settle”ment by CREA, I too had many questions. Is it a settle scenario?  What’s the deal? How does this affect the real estate industry? How does this change the dynamic of a real estate transaction involving a Realtor? 

The agreement, which is subject to approval by the member Board/Association at a special general meeting on October 24th, proposes the following:

• Does not give the public direct access to the MLS® system or to REALTOR.ca; the Membership Pillar has not changed and the MLS® system remains a member to member service;
• Does not require brokerages to change their business models;
• Does not impact the Compensation Pillar; and
• Does not impact the responsibility of members to ensure the accuracy of MLS® listing content.

The agreement specifies that CREA, along with Boards and Associations cannot prevent or discriminate against “mere postings” or against members who offer mere postings. CREA has always maintained its rules do no such thing.

So what has changed? 
Brokerages that offered discount services to Sellers have always existed before this decision.  Now, if these brokerages are licensed and members of RECO and TREB, they can provide their services on the MLS online with mere postings.  These Brokerages offer minimum representation and minimum service.  It’s important to be clear that a Seller cannot post a home on the MLS without a licensed Realtor.  Do people really believe the MLS sells property? Consumers will quickly realize the MLS is nothing more than another advertising tool that happens to be on the internet but it doesn’t magically sell property.

What does this mean to Sellers? 
If they want to represent themselves, they may now instruct their minimum service Realtor, to merely post their home on the MLS and allow another member to approach them, negotiate the real estate transaction and their own fee directly.  This in no way means that the Buyer’s agent is interfering with a MLS listing agreement.  The interesting point here is that the Buyer’s agent will be working for the best interest of the Buyer and has no fiduciary duty to the Seller.  In the event the Seller refuses to compensate the Buyers agent, any offer will definitely be presented for less than the value to adjust for this and the Buyer will compensate the agent.  I’m confident many lending institutions are now working to create ways to finance this as part of the closing costs. 

So what is the Seller really saving?
Nothing and in essence are opening themselves to liability and the potential to leave a lot of money on the table. Most Private sellers and private Buyers that are in the market are looking to save the same Realtor fee.  Someone has to give it up so who’s it going to be? Advertising on MLS with limited representation is only another form of advertising.

What does this mean for Buyers?
Nothing.  Searching any type of consumer MLS web site will not show them which properties are mere postings and Realtor.ca will remain a secondary web site search tool for buyers.

What does this mean for agents?
A Realtor in a minimum representation scenario, is still 100% responsible for the accuracy of the information they post.  They must still retain a trust account even if they need to pay a co-operating Realtor $1.  They will still be required to administer the entire transaction. This type of Realtor will not be there to protect the client and only providing very limited representation. A full service Realtor will continue to provide outstanding value because its their career.  For the full service Realtor, this is an amazing opportunity to find more property not readily available in the private world.  A buyer “client” working with this full service Realtor will have more inventory to choose from and someone who’s experienced to negotiate on their behalf.

What happens from here?
Its business as usual.  The industry hasn’t changed.  What percentage of sales are For Sale By Owner? Under 10%.  What do they do if they can’t sell? List with an agent.  Sure there will be a little more leg work for the Realtor and more forms introduced to protect all parties involved. Especially the “you’re on your own because you’ve been explained limited representation” form.  Most Sellers that try this Minimum Service route will convert when they realize just how difficult it is to sell and act as their own agent.  I even didn’t sell my own house and I’m a Realtor of 22 years.  Buyers will need to be educated of all their options, they will quickly realize that these sellers are at a tremendous disadvantage and having a Realtor assist them is even more beneficial.
 
These models and discount brokerages have always been here.  Discounted services and Brokerages have always and will always exist.  Agents have always been able to set their fee. When an agent offers a commission to a co-operating broker, do we ever know what the listing Realtor receives anyway?

After reviewing all the changes and the pitfalls associated with minimum representation options, there is absolutely no way we would consider or be anything less than Full Representation, Full Service Realtors and Brokerage.  Why?  Because our clients come 1st!

Tim Syrianos
RE/MAX Ultimate Realty Inc., Brokerage

In one of my last posts, I shared our family’s experience of buying and selling my home and the value of our Realtor to handle the emotional roller coaster of our transaction.  Well, we’ve finally moved in and our family is already building beautiful memories.

Now that we”ve moved into our new home, something that has really impacted me throughout the move, is just how many things we need to either throw out and or purchase.  Nothing seems to work in our new home or we needed to update.  Sure the home was in great shape but the colours, our area rugs, our original art, our furniture and the lighting looked outdated.  I quickly realized that its more than just buying a home and moving in.  It’s evident that the real estate transaction is a major part of our overall economy.

When someone buys a home, they hire painters, contractors to renovate, install new carpet, refinish floors, window coverings, purchase appliances, electronics and a variety of furniture to fit in every room.  I’ve lost count of the amount of trips I’ve made to Lowe’s, Home Depot and Rona but I sure have one thick receipt folder.

I am personally in favour of tightening lending practices to make sure that only qualified clients purchase property.  This will only enhance a healthy and vibrant economy and we’re very lucky to have a banking system that leads the world by example.  However, before we’re quick to accept new taxes (like the unfair City of Toronto Land Transfer Tax), let’s remember that the real estate transaction controls a corporations target expectations and numbers.  Without the real estate transaction, no business can function and have consumers buying products. Since we’re on this topic, my vote will go to the candidate that will abolish such an unfair tax to buyers of real estate.

The real estate transaction is the stick that stirs the economy and we can thank all Realtors that make the transaction happen.  Where would the economy be without them?

Tim Syrianos
RE/MAX Ultimate Realty Inc., Brokerage

When the sign popped up, the first questions I received by many neighbours and friends were: “Why don’t you do this yourself?”  and “Why would you pay an agent to do this when you are licensed and have so much experience?”

I had many reasons.  I knew that I wouldn’t be able to  keep a subjective mindset. I knew that I would feel uncomfortable with any derogatory comments made about our home.  I knew that I didn’t have the proper time to invest.  I knew that I needed the promotion only the Realtor network can provide.  I knew that I wouldn’t be able to negotiate for myself. I knew I needed an arm’s length experience. I knew that as a Realtor and Broker of Record, I have a reputation to uphold and wanted to make sure that anyone interested had the same opportunity. 

What an eye-opening experience and an emotional roller coaster ride as a client who’s also a Realtor. I initially took the initiative and spent a week de-cluttering by using my own experience to prepare our home for sale.  It didn’t cut it.  I was provided with another very long checklist of more “to do’s” to de-personalize by our agent.  This was a big lesson in itself.

We also took the advice of our agent and followed her detailed plan.  We followed every tip.  We witnessed a true professional doing everything in her ability to promote the property. I appreciated the many emails and messages provided, keeping us up to date and following up on questions from prospective buyers and agents. We were on the pulse of the entire process.

We went through the early morning wake ups to prepare the home. Made our home available to any showings and did everything possible to steer clear.  I’ve learned that as Realtor, it is easy to become desensitized to what our clients go through and just how emotionally difficult it is for our clients.  The main reason is we do this daily and it becomes very routine. This is something that all Realtors should experience. 

The fact is the MLS web site did not sell our home and it doesn’t matter what new MLS web sites are created promising an easy sale for private sellers.  Gimmicks don’t sell homes.  The fact is the Realtor’s system, the action plan, the marketing plan, the networking, knowing how to respond to questions, the human element/ touch, understanding the psychology of the clients and the negotiating prowess sold the home.

The end result: 6 days on the market, 3 open houses, 65 showings, 3 offers, a sold price over asking and my very happy family! 

Much has been written in the media about our anti-competitive industry and attempts to belittle the value of a Realtor.  Research and do it yourself they say.  People may theorize about how easy it is to sell a home…..until they try. I can’t imagine selling it myself.  My agent was paid for what she knows, what she does and is worth every penny!!

Tim Syrianos
RE/MAX Ultimate Realty Inc., Brokerage

A couple of those agents are a “dual agent team” that I believe would be an absolute perfect fit for our office.  I knew that their present office didn’t have the power of a global brand, International exposure, tools, coaching, training and technology to better represent their clients and assist them to really take their career to the next level.

After we covered many points of mutual interest, I asked what else may be important to review.  Even though they shared their amazement, they paused and shared something that I didn’t expect.  Their comment was “we would like to be associated with a Canadian Company”.

I smiled and responded with: “Perfect! RE/MAX is as Canadian as they come and this is why I joined RE/MAX in 1993”.

They smiled back and asked me to expand on that.  Well that was just the permission I needed and went on to explain that RE/MAX has Canada running through its entire being.  Some offices and Brands claim that they’re the only truly Canadian company.   That’s a myth. 

Yes it’s true that RE/MAX did start in Denver.  However from the beginning, Frank Polzler and Walter Schneider purchased the rights to Ontario & Atlantic back in 1980 during their meeting in the main lobby of the Harbour Castle Westin.  Our Regions are family owned by Canadian families.

Walter Schneider is born and raised in Toronto Canada in our City’s west end.  He jokes about growing up in the affluent Upper Parkdale neighbourhood.  Fast forward to present day and Michael Polzler (which by the way is also Canadian born and raised) is our Regional Director and Executive Vice President.  RE/MAX Ontario also owns the regions of New England, Minneapolis, Illinois, and all of Europe.  All this from its Head Office in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.

RE/MAX has grown and dominated throughout of all Canada by attracting the best full time, top selling agents and is now a market leader with over 30% market Share. The next closest is only 17% market share.  RE/MAX changed the landscape of Real Estate by empowering the real estate agent and has been a huge supporter for independent contractor status.  This is the main reason why Realtors are no longer employees and enjoy the benefits that they have today with CRA.  RE/MAX is now pushing to empower teams to grow their business.

Dave Liniger has always acknowledged the role that Canada has in building RE/MAX internationally.  He thanks us for truly making RE/MAX what it is today.  Successful and International.

Wouldn’t it feel great to be associated with a Canadian Company that has such a great success story?? I’m a proud Canadian and it sure feels amazing to me.

Tim Syrianos
RE/MAX Ultimate Realty Inc., Brokerage