Kitchener Waterloo Real Estate News
November 21 2018
Wednesday November 21 2018. In this week’s Kitchener Waterloo Real Estate News: #1 agent, uptown tower, demographic shift, popcorn ceiling, DIY, Blackberry, visual identity, affordability, nickels
Kitchener-Waterloo’s #1 Agent
I recently did a real estate transaction with one of Kitchener-Waterloo’s #1 agents. When his name appears in my email inbox it is not just his name, also includes that he is my #1 Realtor. In his email signature there is a long inventory of his brokerage’s accolades. Good for him. He is a top producing agent in his office!
We should celebrate our accomplishments, but building our branding solely on being capable at our chosen professions, don’t you think that is a little weird? Does any other profession have #1 plastered all over their self-advertising?
And I wonder does this sort of bragging work? Does it build trust with total strangers? Is it social proof that I should choose this Realtor over that one? I don’t know. I suppose it does, why else would they do it right?
My real problem with Realtor awards is that they are based on gross commission, which is not the best measurement of success. Sure you made a lot of money, but how do your clients feel about you. Do you always have to advertise for new clients because your repeat business and client referrals are rare to none?
Some agents buy the accolades and awards by spending the equivalent of two or three real estate transactions a month on print ads, bus benches, bus wraps…sure they are #1, but they spent as much as they made! There should be awards for the most positive reviews, client retention, referrals and the number of return clients.
Waterloo to get another uptown tower
An 11-storey residential tower is proposed at Dorset and Princess streets, one block west of King Street and overlooking the historic Carnegie Library.
Demographic shifts coming to Kitchener-Waterloo
While the Waterloo Region is still relatively affordable, the near future of the market will primarily cater to the preferences of two major demographics:
- middle-aged buyers of second homes,
- and baby boomers (ages 55-74).
How to get rid of popcorn ceilings
Like shag carpet or wood-panelled walls, popcorn ceilings are an unfortunate trend we can attribute to the 1970s, although some might suggest it dates back to the late 1930s.Fortunately, removing popcorn textures from your walls and ceilings is fairly easy.
The reality of do-it-yourself home renovation jobs
I don’t mean to be a Negative Nelly and kibosh your do-it-yourself dreams. There is a real feeling of satisfaction found in building a gate, painting a room or installing a new bathroom vanity. Go for it, just know that there will be some learning ahead.
Blackberry’s shift from smartphone to software and security
BlackBerry has signed a deal to acquire U.S. artificial intelligence and cybersecurity company Cylance for US$1.4 billion in cash. The Ontario-based company called Cylance a pioneer in applying artificial intelligence, algorithmic science and machine learning to cybersecurity software.
How Canada discovered its visual identity
Change swept through Canada in the 1960s: Immigration policy was liberalized, a separatist movement burgeoned in Quebec, and indigenous communities could finally vote. Starting with its flag, Canada’s design culture changed, too.
Infographic: Housing affordability
Want to find out what your annual income would get you in the property markets of all 36 OECD countries? Check out the interactive chart
If I had a nickel for every time…
I was reading recently that New Zealand phased out their nickel a decade ago, just like we did our penny in 2013. Does anyone miss the Canadian penny? I do not think so.
So now, if you are like me, your collection of nickels and dimes is building up in some drawer or dish somewhere. You’re never going to spend them all. Time marches on with electronic payments – credit or debit? Maybe we could ditch cash all together.
