Economic Recovery fuels upswing in Recreational Property Sales

79 per cent of markets report upward trending in recreational sales in 2010

Mississauga, ON (May 20, 2010) - Serious year-over-year gains have characterized sales in most major Canadian recreational property markets this year, according to a report released today by RE/MAX.

The 2010 RE/MAX Recreational Property Report, highlighting sales, prices, trends and developments in close to 50 markets from coast-to-coast, found that 79 per cent of recreational areas reported an upswing in the number of properties sold during the first three months of the year. Starting prices for recreational product were also on the move, with 43 per cent posting a nominal increase. Inventory levels, with the exception of the coveted entry-level price point, were healthy and balanced market conditions prevailed in most areas."While sales have been strong out of the gate, the number of waterfront cottages, condominiums, and back lot properties sold in the first quarter still fall short of pre-recession levels," says Michael Polzler, Executive Vice President, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. "However, with peak season fast approaching, stimuli such as softer values, greater selection, and relatively low interest rates may prove difficult for recreational property buyers to resist."


Asif Khan, Realtor
Re/Max All-Stars Realty Inc.

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Children Of Hope - Making Change Happen!

On May 14 2010, I had the priviledge of attending the annual Children Of Hope Gala Dinner.  Over the past three years I've attended this event, I am more and more impressed with the generosity and kindness of the organization.  Children of Hope was put together to respond to the overwhelming needs of orphan children, orphans that were left to fend for themselves after the tsunami, earthquakes, communal riots and wars.  In 2005, Children Of Hope became a federally registered Canadian charity and is a great example of the Canadian spirit of helping the less fortunate. 

Children Of Hope's mission is to raise funds to meet the basic educational needs of orphans and to educate Canadians about the needs of orphan children around the world.  Education gives hope!  Funds raised go towards books, uniforms, tuition, transportation and teacher salaries in Asia, Africa and the Americas.  Their commitment to bringing lasting solutions give the kids hope for a brighter future and will help transform their lives.  As little as $25/month gives these kids the necessary tools to rebuild their lives.  That is less than $1/day, which is even less than the cost of one small coffee each day!  THAT really puts life into perspective does it not?  In a nation of abundance, we sometimes forget that something so little can change someone's life.  The Honourable Bob Rae stated "In our quest to make a living, to build our future, we forget about the need for compassion, the need for care and the need for charity". 

This year's theme was "Believe....Make Change Happen".  How appropriate!  We have the power and the resources to "Make Change Happen".  Clara Hughes, arguably one of Canada's greatest success stories in the history of Canadian sport, said it best when she said "Success is not about winning medals, I've won medals of every colour and winning medals is never enough.  Success is about a voice, and the better you are and the more you win, the louder is the voice you have.  How you use that voice defines what success is.  How you use that voice to help others, defines who you are and what you have done and what your capacity is."

Before choosing Real Estate as my career and passion, I was the hired gun in industries going through change.  I was brought in to manage change and develop training and programs to move companies forward.  I've always said "Change is inevitable, and the world needs change to prosper". Sitting at the gala, it hit me.  I realized that for some, change is not inevitable.  Change is what has forced the hardships on these orphans, but how is change from the state they are in inevitable for them?  It is not.  Don't get me wrone, they do need change to prosper, and yes they need to believe that change will happen.  WE need to help them make change happen.   "Nobody's Children" are "Everybody's Children"!  We need to provide them with hope. 

We need to shift the direction of the human conditions around the world.  With so much suffering in the world, there is a huge opportunity for us to help. We all have a chance to shift the suffering to joy!  It is time for us to step up and Make Change Happen.  We take much for granted in this great nation we live in.  Headlines about interest hikes amounting to one-quarter percent send shockwaves through the entire country.  Is there a housing bubble or not?  Is the price of gas going up 0.9 cents or dropping half a cent?  Funny how when we look at the suffering in the rest of the world, our problems seem so lame.  Let's make a commitment to make a difference, and let's do it now!  It is a small contribution, however by helping make a difference in their lives, we WILL make a difference in the world.  I invite my colleagues, other businesses and fellow Canadians to step up and help one child.  To us it is just less than the price of a coffee a day, but to these children it is the cost of living.  Together we can make a difference.  It wasn't too long ago that we hosted the winter olympics here and showed the world who Canada is, about our care and our generosity.  The theme song for the Olympics was "I Believe".  To steal a line from the song, "I believe in the power of you and I". 

Children Of Hope, you are an inspiration.  Thank you for who you are, what you do, and for making a difference - one child at a time!
Children of Hope is located at 62 Main Street North, Markham, ON.  You can reach them on the web at www.childrenofhope.ca.  Make Change Happen.  "Everybody's Children" are counting on us. 

Asif Khan, Realtor

Re/Max All-Stars Realty Inc.

 

Google me: Asif Khan ReMax

Follow me on Twitter  www.twitter.com/remaxallstar

Become a Fan of "Asif Khan's RE/MAX Dream Team" www.facebook.com/asifkhanremax

Invitation From Asif

Hello:

Join me and check out South Unionville's hottest new listing on Sunday May
16th. Doors will be open from 2pm to 4pm.
Can't wait till Sunday? I don't blame you, it may not last that long. Call
me at 905-477-0011 and I'll get you through a.s.a.p.!

Your Invitation Card is attached. Click on the envelope below, and check it
out. See you soon,

Asif Click below to see your personalized greeting card and watch the
accompanying video:


Video Greeting Card

Welcome to 18 Cariglia Trail in South Unionville
Video Length 2:04
Click here to watch


If you would like information on our Listing Packages, please contact Asif
directly at 416-985-5426. Not intended to solicit those currently under
contract.

Hello:

Join me and check out South Unionville's hottest new listing on Sunday May
16th. Doors will be open from 2pm to 4pm.
Can't wait till Sunday? I don't blame you, it may not last that long. Call
me at 905-477-0011 and I'll get you through a.s.a.p.!

Your Invitation Card is attached. Click on the envelope below, and check it
out. See you soon,

Asif Click below to see your personalized greeting card and watch the
accompanying video:


Video Greeting Card

Welcome to 18 Cariglia Trail in South Unionville
Video Length 2:04
Click here to watch


If you would like information on our Listing Packages, please contact Asif
directly at 416-985-5426. Not intended to solicit those currently under
contract.

April 2010 - A Record Setting Month for Toronto Real Estate

Greater Toronto REALTORS® reported 10,898 sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in April, representing a 34 per cent increase compared to April 2009. There were also 20,683 new listings in April –a 59 per cent annual increase. Both the sales and new listings results amounted to new records for the month of April under the current Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) boundaries.
For detailed information from April 2010, call me and we can set up a client meeting to review activity in your neighbourhood.
 

 

Asif Khan, Realtor

Re/Max All-Stars Realty Inc.

 

Google me: Asif Khan ReMax

Follow me on Twitter  www.twitter.com/remaxallstar

Become a Fan of "Asif Khan'sRE/MAX Dream Team" www.facebook.com/asifkhanremax

CAA - Special Offer For Asif Khan's Clients and Friends

Great News!  The CAA has offered my clients and friends a special group deal.  Check out the attached informationa and contact Judy Heffernan to sign up.  There are three different programs available (Basic, Plus, Plus RV). 
With Mothers' Day and Fathers' Day around the corner, this will make a great gift.  What better gift could you give, than Peace Of Mind! 
This offer is not available on the CAA Website, in-store, or at Mall Kiosks. 
You can also add associate members and save some extra money there.  Also, if you are renewing, you save as well.  This is a can't miss offer, if there ever was one.
Check it out, and enjoy.
 
Asif
 


 

Asif Khan, Realtor

Re/Max All-Stars Realty Inc.

 

Google me: Asif Khan ReMax

Follow me on Twitter  www.twitter.com/remaxallstar

Become a Fan of "Asif Khan'sRE/MAX Dream Team" www.facebook.com/asifkhanremax

HST & YOU

The implementation of the Harmonized Sales Tax is just under two months away.  Questions remain about what is subject to HST and what isn't.  This quick reference tool will give you a better picture of when you will be paying more and when you won't.
 
Please print and share. 
 
Regards,
Asif

Asif Khan, Realtor

Re/Max All-Stars Realty Inc.

 

Google me: Asif Khan ReMax

Follow me on Twitter  www.twitter.com/remaxallstar

Become a Fan of "Asif Khan'sRE/MAX Dream Team" www.facebook.com/asifkhanremax

ON JUNE 4th - VOTE FOR ASIF, DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE

Hello Everyone:

With our industry being front and centre in the news recently, and with the
negativity being spread about our profession through the media, this is a
critical time for Realtors(r). Over the past few months, I've taken an
active role in addressing the negativity in the media and to enhance the
profile of a Realtor(r). My Blogs have made their way around the country and
have certainly brought awareness to the fact that there is indeed value in
our members. In my opinion, communication of our value is imperative. I
feel I can work with the current Directors at TREB and help to provide a
stronger voice for the members. As well, by communicating our worth to the
media, it will give them positive news to share about our profession.

Serving on the Board's Professional Standards Committee has been a great
experience. The committee plays a key role in protecting the integrity of
our MLS system. We need this to continue in order to ensure the accuracy of
the information on the system. My time with the Committee, combined with my
field experience, will certainly position me as the perfect fit for the role
of Director-At-Large as we head into a year of questions and concerns about
the competitive nature of our business.

As with any industry, change is imminent. I will bring a fresh approach,
with cutting edge ideas that will lead the Toronto Real Estate Board into
the future. Training and Re-Training will play a key role as we move
forward. Education will certainly enhance the value of the Realtor(r), and
I'd like to assist experienced and new members achieve greater results.

In speaking with many of the members, one thing they would like to see
increased is communication between the Board and it's members. In today's
world of instant gratification through the use of Social Media and
electronic communication, I vow to be available to the membership to answer
questions and address concerns. All pertinent information will be shared to
keep everyone abreast of Board related activities, and industry news.

Your support is greatly appreciated, and I would like to request your
assistance in spreading the word and informing as many of the members as
possible about my passion for the industry and dedication to making the
Toronto Real Estate Board the industry's leader amongst Real Estate
Associations. On June 4th, please Vote ASIF KHAN for DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE.

On May 5th, I will be attending Realtor Quest and will be available to
discuss any issues with you in Hall E between 12pm and 2pm. If you can't
attend, please email me or call me and we can talk then. Please join my
Facebook Page titled Vote For Asif - TREB Director At Large and stay tuned
with election information.

Sincerely,

Asif
416-985-5426
asif@asifkhan.ca

Reader's Digest Selects Most Trusted Brand In Real Estate

Dedication, skill, and professionalism earned RE/MAX realtors the designation of Most Trusted Residential REALTOR in Canada by Reader's Digest magazine. Reader's Digest will unveil its "Most Trusted Brands" list in its May 2010 issue. The magazine commissioned independent third party Harris/Decima to conduct 1,500 online surveys among a random sample of its panel members from October 2 - 15, 2009.

"The results of the survey are proof positive that our sales associates are the best in the business," says Michael Polzler, Executive Vice President, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada. "We've built a solid reputation based on consistent results. RE/MAX associates sell one in every three homes in Canada and carry more professional designations than any other realtor in Canada. We're specialists in all niches from residential, recreational, and commercial properties to luxury homes. Our focus has always been service excellence, which includes a serious emphasis on professional development and education. The status quo may work for some, but after almost 40 years in the business, we're not content to rest on our laurels."

Reader's Digest looked at 28 different product categories - ranging from cereal to residential real estate - and allowed consumers to select the brands that they trusted the most. RE/MAX joins leading brands such as RBC Royal Bank, TD Canada Trust, Air Canada, and Blackberry.

"Our commitment to the communities in which we live and work also runs deep," says Polzler. "I think that's something that has always set RE/MAX apart. We've been involved in charitable giving long before the terms 'corporate philanthropy' and 'cause marketing' were common. RE/MAX realtors participate in countless vital programs and causes each year that help the most vulnerable members of our society and strengthen the foundation of neighbourhoods from coast to coast. Their enthusiasm, spirit and dedication to others never fails to inspire."

Charitable giving is woven into the fabric of the RE/MAX organization. The company and its sales force has demonstrated a strong desire to give back, exceptionally active in both corporate and local charities. Close to $40 million has been raised in support of Children's Miracle Network since 1992 - which funds research and development, outreach programs and upgrades to equipment and facilities at children's hospitals and foundations across the country. The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is also a cause close to the hearts of RE/MAX associates - one that RE/MAX continues to support through its popular Sold on a Cure Program and the annual Yard Sale for the Cure.

RE/MAX is Canada's leading real estate organization with over 17,500 sales associates situated throughout its more than 680 independently-owned and operated offices across the country. The RE/MAX franchise network, now in its 37th year, is a global real estate system operating in 80 countries. Over 6,450 independently-owned offices engage over 92,000 member sales associates who lead the industry in professional designations, experience, and production, while providing real estate services in residential, commercial, referral, and asset management.
Congratulations Re/Max!

Asif Khan, Realtor
Re/Max All-Stars Realty Inc.

Follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/remaxallstar
Become a Fan...Click Here www.facebook.com/asifkhanremax
Google Me: Asif Khan ReMax

South Unionville TV is "ON THE AIR"

Hello Everyone:

South Unionville TV is now "on the air"! I am so excited about this new resource for the South Unionville
Community. This will be a great way to broadcast any upcoming events, local business information, my new listings, and bring the community together. I
have approached local businesses that will offer specials to community residents and will be getting them on air soon. If you are a business with
an offer, and aren't camera shy, contact me and I'll get someone from my team out to see you asap! We also have approached some politicians to
provide updates on local issues, and with the school being the hub of the community, we will from time to time have important announcements such as
kindergarten registration dates and such to keep the community aware of what's happening at school.

With current events highlighting how great a place South Unionville is, and with our Search Engine Friendly set up, South Unionville will now be on
everyone's map, thereby increasing the value of the community, create a greater awareness for local businesses and services, and enhance the profile
of our community leaders. As a bonus to my listing clients, your homes will now be exposed to a much wider audience, thereby generating much more
interest. J Tune in often and you will find that South Unionville TV is the place to be to meet local
businesses and community leaders, hear about upcoming community events and for local Real Estate Information such as market statistics, new
developments, and more. You can check out this cool new site in two ways. South Unionville TV is YouTube based, www.YouTube.com/southunionvilletv , AND please join our Community Page on Facebook "South Unionville TV" - you won't just "like" it, you're going to LOVE it!

I look forward to your feedback, and urge you to visit every week. Again, if you own a business or want to promote your work place with a short video,
let me know. During the course of the year, we will be expanding our offering to more of the communities. This is a great way to promote your business, and very cost effective since it is Free!  What we do ask is that you have something special to offer your neighbours to entice them to visit you.

Thanks everyone, and enjoy South Unionville TV!

Asif Khan, Realtor

Re/Max All-Stars Realty Inc.