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5 Things to Do Before You List Your Home - by Shawn Gannaw

Krista Richards — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:58:00 GMT

5 Things to do Before Putting Your Home on the Market

1. Have a pre-sale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you’ll be able to make repairs before open houses begin.

2. Organize and clean. Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house shine.

3. Get replacement estimates. Do you have big-ticket items that are worn our or will need to be replaced soon, such your roof or carpeting? Get estimates on how much it would cost to replace them, even if you don’t plan to do it yourself. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home, and will be handy when negotiations begin.

4. Find your warranties. Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house.

5. Spruce up the curb appeal. Pretend you’re a buyer and stand outside of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Is the snow shovelled? Is the address clearly visible? Is the walkway free from cracks and impediments?

I passed! - by Shawn Gannaw

Krista Richards — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 20:55:00 GMT

I passed my real estate appraisal course with a grade of 91%!

What a Rotary Honour! - by Shawn Gannaw

Krista Richards — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:52:00 GMT

I am proud to let you let you know I've been selected by my fellow members to be Charter President of the Innisfil Rotary Club!

I am grateful for this honour!

I welcome the opportunity to speak to you if you are interested in joining Rotary, being a Charter member with discretionary time and an interest in serving the community in which you live; and on a world level with fellow like-minded individuals please let me know!

Our meetings are every Wednesday morning at 7:30 - at the new Innisfil Recreational Facility (YMCA) at the corners of Yonge Street (Cty Rd 4) and Innisfil Beach Road. Hope to see you there!

I've Joined Innisfil Rotary! - by Shawn Gannaw

Krista Richards — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 20:50:00 GMT

I have joined the Rotary service organization!

Last Wednesday a meeting was held at Georgian Downs to draw out interested people and see the response for starting a Rotary Club in Innisfil. The response was good - the first meeting will be held at the new Innisfil Rec Centre on Monday, April 6th at 7:30am in the daycare room, south end.

If you are interested in attending and serving the community and joining in on massive global projects including eradicating Polio with the Polio Plus project and much more I encourage you to consider this for yourself!

I Won a Scholarship! - by Shawn Gannaw

Krista Richards — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 20:47:00 GMT

In February I was awarded the Ruth Hart Stevens Educational Bursary by the Auctioneers Association of Ontario.

I am so happy to be taking the "Rolls Royce" of Real Estate Auction courses and I am so grateful to the AAO for awarding the opportunity to me!

Accredited Auctioneer Real Estate

An auctioneer with the AARE designation has gone the 'extra mile' to ensure they offer the highest level of professionalism and the most up-to-date information when it comes to selling properties. Whether selling residential, agricultural, commercial or industrial properties, AARE auctioneers have enhanced knowledge in all pertinent areas, such as:

Marketing techniques
Financial/investment calculations
Evaluating cash flow
Holding-period analysis
Tax consequences of buying and selling properties
Multi-parcel real estate auctions

The AARE auctioneer has successfully completed three (3) classes and submitted documentation of ten (10) auctions, an auction summary report and application to gain the designation, and must maintain it with continuing education.

A One Desk Approach - by Shawn Gannaw

Krista Richards — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 20:39:00 GMT

I am an Auctioneer, a personal property Appraiser and a Realtor. By combining the power and insights of all of these fields I and the team I work with can help you in multiple ways.

Let's say you and your spouse live in a unique home, it's paid off and you're both retiring. You've done well for yourselves and money isn't really an issue.

You have a shared dream that you've thought of for years - buy an RV and travel wherever the road takes you!

Though you may eventually come back this way you'd sooner not store any furniture or contents and would rather just sell the car/boat/tractor and not be tied to anything and avoid having the associated costs and worry.

Now... what to do.?!.. have I got you thinking about what's next?

All you really want to do is be on the road already and now you've got all these resposibilities to deal with.

-A traditional listing and sale for your unique or waterfront home could take a bit of time.

-Sure the car dealer will buy your car back but they're buying it to sell again and the offer though good will be based on wholesale price guides. An end user can typically outbid a dealer because they don't have a ceiling.

...But that's just two items. Main items, but still that leaves in some cases literally hundreds of things in your home.

Some things, say for an example, the collection of vintage tin toys and trains your relative gave you could be worth a substantial amount of money. You may have had an idea what they were but with all the things you have to contend with you may be tempted to just donate them along with other all the other things you're not needing anymore. I am a strong advocate of donation to the community but this situation is an opportunity for you to donate dollars instead!

Instead Think Auction! On one day, say 30-40 days after a contract is signed and an auction listing is done a huge event could take place right at your property.

As for the Real Estate, the marketing is intense, with open houses and broker participation your house is at the forefront of the marketplace. A multiple bid situation is apt to take place. A sense of urgency is on the potential buyers minds - it's now or never to buy this home.

On Auction day it's not just your home that they have gathered for - think of all your personal property! The tractor is fairly new and a quality manufacturer advertised in the Auction ads always draws a crowd. The same goes for your car, boat, toys and other desireable contents of your home. The stamp and coin collection will bring those buyers out as well.

A diverse selection of all your possessions will be sold. Some more general items or items of modest value will sell in groups or lots.

Before you know it, there is a massive crowd gathered under the shade of the pop up tents, folks are registering to bid, the catering fundraising truck for the Rotarians is a buzz of activity, people previewing the items and one last tour of the house is happening!

The optics of this are incredible. All the bidders see each other - the stamp bidder looks like compitition to the tractor buyer and so do the folks who are there to bid on your home! Even the the 'just curious/not a buyer' looks to the rest as a force to be reccond with.

What it will accomplish in that one day is everything in a nutshell and it all started with one phone call to yours truly.

- The two of you have avoided all the hassle and stress of trying to sell your items privately (or even price them).

- By having a competitive bidding environment and a well done marketing campaign you are assured of current market value for what is sold. Yes some items may sell for less that you thought but the other things that you weren't really thinking about just sold for more that you would have ever thought.

You'll be on the road in no time at all.

If you would like to add to this or ask me for further information please call me at 735-2525 or toll free 1-877-636-5399 or e-mail shawn@LeClairRealty.com or 1-888-891-6591 (ATOC Auctions)

Auction Myths - by Shawn Gannaw

Krista Richards — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 20:37:00 GMT

Auction Myths
How many of you have been to an auction? Well, for those of you who haven't, I want to dispel a couple of myths. Auctions are a CHOICE for today's buyers and sellers. They are not a "last option." Many people think that auctions are only held when someone has died or has had their property, such as their home or car, repossessed. The reasons for auctions are as varied as the materials and possessions sold there.

Another myth is that you have to be an "experienced" auction goer to buy and sell. Everyone is welcome and the staff are great about helping first timers to understand how auctions work, how to make a bid, etc. Understanding the chant is what some people find the most intimidating. Here's a tip: listen carefully to the caller for a while and get used to their chant method.

If you would like to add to this or ask me for further information please call me at 735-2525 or toll free 1-877-636-5399 or e-mail shawn@LeClairRealty.com or 1-888-891-6591 (ATOC Auctions)

What is an Auction? - by Shawn Gannaw

Krista Richards — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 20:36:00 GMT

"Sale"
There's something about that word that gets people's attention. You can almost see the raised eyebrows and the dollar signs in their eyes. It means they have an opportunity to buy quality products at fair and reasonable prices. It makes them anxious and excited.

What about when you hear the word "auction" what do you think of? Does it conjure up the same images for you? Do you think "opportunity?" Do you think "rare and unusual items?"

Well, an auction is all of the above and more. In fact, an auction is not only the best and most exciting kind of "sale" it also can be the most advantageous type of sale for both buyers and sellers. And through the years, it has become the sale of "choice" by many, many people throughout the country and the world.

If you would like to add to this or ask me for further information please call me at 735-2525 or toll free 1-877-636-5399 or e-mail shawn@LeClairRealty.com, or at 1-888-891-6591 (ATOC Auctions)

First Time Auction Seller - by Shawn Gannaw

Krista Richards — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:33:00 GMT

Liquidity. Transparency. Competition. There’s a reason so many of the world’s assets are sold via auction. From stocks and bonds, to art and autos, to those forgotten treasures in Grandma’s attic, auctions effectively establish true market value at the most informed and competitive prices available. They can also be conducted quickly.

Is auction marketing in your future? Sellers want the best net value in the most reasonable time frame. Buyers want the property at a fair price, and with the least inconvenience. This is the marketplace. Mutual benefits and efficiencies create value for all parties.

The Benefits. Individual owners, their fiduciaries and corporate sellers all benefit from bidding that is open, competitive and dynamic – whether the sale involves an historic mansion, rural estate, commercial property, or the disposition of real estate owned (REO is bank owned) property.

Take a look through our website for information about how to market your items to the world via the auction method, or contact us, we'd be pleased to help. 1-888-891-6591

Just What Is a Real Estate Auction? - by Shawn Gannaw

Krista Richards — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:29:00 GMT

The current definition being used with the National Association of Auctioneers is "The firm and time defined sale of Real Property by competitive bid."

If you would like to add to this or ask me for further information please call me at Prudential at 705-735-2525 or toll free 1-877-636-5399 or e-mail shawn@LeClairRealty.com

Real Estate Auctions - by Shawn Gannaw

Krista Richards — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 19:55:00 GMT

Buying real estate at auction is easy!

Getting Ready
The 30 days leading up to the auction is the time for you to get questions answered, attend open houses of the homes you are interested in, and determine what you can afford to spend. The actual auction is simply the time to offer the price you are willing to pay for those properties.

Auctions Go Fast!
The auction itself moves fast. First-time attendees are usually surprised to learn that the sale they are attending is over within a few minutes. In many cases, if the auction is for a single home with nothing else to be sold, the entire process lasts less than 15 minutes. So, don’t be late!

Registration
On auction day, prospective buyers register for a bidder number by showing a valid driver's license and filling out some simple information. The registration period usually begins from 30 minutes to 2 hours before the scheduled auction time. There is no fee to register at the auction and high bidders may use cash or personal checks for down payment. You can also get all last minute questions answered and tour the home one final time if you wish.

Before the Bidding Begins
The auction begins promptly at the appointed time with opening remarks summarizing, for the record, the terms of sale, the methods of bidding and any last minute changes or disclosures. These comments usually take only a few minutes, concluding with the auctioneer answering any final questions. Then the bidding is ready to begin!

The Auction Team
Assisting the auctioneer will be ring staff, to make sure anyone trying to bid is recognized and that all bids are recorded with the Auctioneer. Ring staff may also assist with questions during the auction, including asking the auctioneer to pause if necessary. It is a myth that bids can be made accidentally, by scratching one's nose and the like. If you did not intend to bid, simply inform one of the ring staff or the auctioneer and the mistake will be corrected. Any tie bids or other issues regarding who has the high bid are always resolved by the auctioneer, who has complete and final authority.

“SOLD!”
From the first bid, things move quickly, with bidders offering their bids up to the price they are willing to pay for the property. The auctioneer can and will say "sold" as soon as he or she determines that the final bid has been made. It is not necessary, nor customary, for the auctioneer to slowly announce, "Going once, going twice, etc." He or she simply decides the bidding has stopped and announces, "sold." If the auction is for a single property such as a home, this concludes the auction and the purchaser simply executes the Contract of Sale and makes the required payment.

Good luck and good bidding!

Why You Should Hire A Professional Fundraising Auctioneer

Krista Richards — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:18:00 GMT

The fall auction season is upon us, and with that comes a variety of

fundraising galas and events. We have one this weekend, one the following

weekend, and at least four in October (that I know of!). In most cases the

live auction portion of the evening is the largest money generator of the

event. This is where it pays to hire someone who knows what they're doing.

Last fall Barb, Shawn and I took a Benefit Auction Specialist course in

Cincinnati. We learned many exciting and different approaches to use for

fundraising auctions, and some very valuable tips for those holding a

charity event. I've listed some pointers below - Why Should You Hire A

Professional Auctioneer For Your Fundraiser;

Some may think that anyone with a strong voice and a sense of humour can

lead an auction. Development professionals know that a professional

auctioneer, especially one who specializes in fundraising makes a huge

difference to the success and tempo of the evening.

Using a volunteer celebrity, parent, friend of the organization or media

personality, as an auctioneer may actually be the most expensive cost of

your entire event. Event organizers may not hesitate to pay for

entertainment, food and beverages or decorator services. Hiring a

professional auctioneer is an investment that will net more revenue for

non-profit organizations.

The trained professional auctioneer can read your audience, initiate a

healthy competitive spirit, and move the bids along for maximum value. By

setting a fast pace and using a quick wit, a professional auctioneer creates

an entertaining, successful evening that increases profits where guests are

pleased to return year after year.

A professional auctioneer can help take the risk out of fundraising by

generating more profit, awareness and excitement for nonprofit

organizations.

Professional auctioneers can also provide additional services such as

pre-auction planning, consulting, training, seminars, and auction check-in

and checkout services. Some also sell auction supplies and forms,

fundraising auction software and innovative auction technology and on-line

auctions.

How do you select a professional auctioneer? It’s important to interview

potential auctioneers. Ask about experience with fundraising auctions,

services provided and fees. View their website, talk with references and if

possible attend a benefit auction that he or she is conducting.

Organizations will want to select a professional auctioneer who will fit

well.

One of the fastest growing areas of the auction business, the benefit

auction specialty requires an understanding and appreciation of non-profit

fundraising. Professional auctioneers who specialize in fundraising

auctions are distinctively skilled and committed to working with

non-profits. Benefit auctioneers are dedicated to providing specialized

fundraising auction strategies that advance the mission of the non-profit

organization.

Professional auctioneers increase non-profit income and net the highest

yields on auction items. It’s important for non-profits to provide a fun

and entertaining event where they entice guests to feel good about "paying

more than the value" for a great cause.

A Touch of Class Auctions includes 3 full time award winning professional

auctioneers, we would be pleased to discuss our fundraising auction services

and fee structure with you.

Welcome

Krista Richards — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:31:57 GMT

Welcome to our new blog page. Please check back soon for new entries. We're still trying to work out the fine details about this blog.