In the News

One thing seasoned pros and newbies in our industry have in common is that they are always on the lookout for fresh prospects. Having a lead generation plan is crucial to thrive in real estate. Patricia Clarke, a real estate broker at Right at Home Realty in Ottawa, finds leads by focusing on a niche.

“I don’t like to use lead generation systems as most of them are not qualified buyers or sellers. I also believe that the traditional cold calling and email marketing are not efficient or effective nowadays as people often perceive them as intrusive and ‘spammy’. What has worked for me is the use of ‘organic’ social media (not paid) and I focus my efforts on a niche. There are thousands of real estate agents in my market and that’s why it’s so important to have your own niche.”

With real estate markets across the country shattering records, it’s no surprise housing affordability quickly became a key issue in the federal election campaign, reigniting the fierce debate on blind bidding. In blind bidding, interested buyers are asked to submit a bid by a pre-determined date, with no information other than the number of competing bidders.

John Lusink, president of Right at Home Realty, says the problem isn’t with blind bidding itself but the fact that “very strict rules” about how to manage multiple offers are often ignored with no repercussions. “It’s no different than having rules in place for driving. You’re supposed to follow speed limits but that doesn’t mean everyone is doing it,” he says.

Unaffordable market is ultimately issue of supply and other causes many concur. Contrary to the popular belief, a ban wouldn’t necessarily equate to a cooler market, adds John Lusink, president of  Right at Home Realty. As he says, blind binding doesn’t create or impact the housing demand that already exists.

Contrary to popular belief, a ban wouldn’t necessarily equate to a cooler market, adds John Lusink, president of  Right at Home Realty. As he says, blind binding doesn’t create or impact the housing demand that already exists. In Canada, open auctions of properties are already available and real estate agents already have the means to conduct open bidding, says Lusink.

While it’s not unusual to stumble upon a great laneway house in Toronto, it’s rare to come across one that boasts an exceptionally spacious layout with ample garden space and exposure in a prime location.

Interestingly, the home sale ended up being the most expensive detached freehold ever sold in the c01 area on MLS, according to listing agent Paul Johnston, who is a salesperson for Right at Home Realty Inc.

“No other freehold properties have sold at this price in the c01 area, which encompasses downtown south of Bloor, west of Yonge, and east of Dufferin down to the water,” explained Johnston.

Adam Weir was Bryan Baeumler’s project manager on Renovation Island (also known as Island of Bryan). As fans called out, Adam has not appeared on season 3 of the show. Bryan revealed that Adam is forging his own path in Canada. As a refresher, Adam had long been Bryan Baeumler’s project manager. In episode two of season three, however, it’s revealed that he’s no longer going to be part of the show — but the family has made sure to note that he’ll always be part of the Baeumler family.

Just because Adam is no longer working with the Baeumlers doesn’t mean he’s left the home space for good, though. As he revealed on Instagram in April, he’s now working as a real estate agent with Right at Home Realty, “the largest independent real estate brokerage in Canada.”

"ShowingTime provides Right at Home Realty's members with management tools that enhance their productivity and allow them to quickly schedule and confirm showings, so they never missing a showing,” said Branch Manager Richard Weima, who himself has 48 years in residential real estate. “ShowingTime’s suite of features are easy to use and enable Right at Home Realty to streamline showing management. It has elevated our business.”

Right at Home Realty President John Lusink said they selected ShowingTime for its focus on technology and its all-in-one approach to handling showing management and agent/client communications.