Thursday, September 29, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Did your Realtor do you a good service? Did you check?
So you have or had your home for sale and you feel the price is pretty good but your not getting very many showing. Why could that be? Have you taken the time to look at what your marketing materials look like on MLS and any of the websites your agent advertises on? I find that a lot of sellers don't take the time to check up on the work their agent is doing. This really confuses me since we all know how much you sellers pay in commission…a lot! Now I am not saying that there aren't Realtors out there who deserve what they get paid…Some even deserve a lot more! There are unfortunately some agents out there who do not deserve the money they are getting paid. It is your responsibility as a seller to check up on the work your agent is doing and make sure you are happy with the job being done. There are some agents out there who work very very hard to sell their listings. There are also some agents out there who work very hard to get listings then they seem to back off on the work and let the place sell itself. In some markets that will even work…but not today!
In today's market you have to do more not less to sell your listings. There are more listings for sale in any given sector of the market then there have been in a long time. You need to stand out from the crowd. When a buyer is searching through the active listings and they are feeling overwhelmed because there are so many places for sale they are being very selective. The first thing the vast majority of buyers are doing is checking out the pictures. If the pictures do not grab their attention they move right onto the next listing. I have compiled below some comparison photos of listings that were for sale with another agent then they either expired or were withdrawn from the market due to the fact that they did not sell. Then I picked them up and sold them! How did I do it…well other then advertising my listings in over 100 online locations I hire a professional photographer to take 21 or more high quality photos. I then hire a graphic designer to use these photos to market your property in a way that will attract the most attention from prospective purchasers. Making your property stand apart from the crowed is the first step in getting an offer…If a picture is worth 1000 words lets make them good words;-)
PS. Your referrals to friends and family are always greatly appreciated and rewarded.
(You will see my picture followed by the picture taken by the agent who had the listing before me)
My Picture (above)
Their Picture (above)
My Picture (above)
Their Picture (above)
My Picture (above)
Their Picture (above)
My Picture (above)
Their Picture (above)
My Picture (above)
Their Picture (above)
Their Picture (above)
Their Picture (above)
To see more examples CLICK HERE
TREVER FLORKO - Realtor
Century 21 Assurance Realty Kelowna
Cell: (250) 859-5990
Office: (250) 869-0101
Fax: (250) 869-0105
Visit my WEBSITE
Follow me on TWITTER
Follow/LIKE me on FACEBOOK
Century 21 Assurance Realty Kelowna
Cell: (250) 859-5990
Office: (250) 869-0101
Fax: (250) 869-0105
Visit my WEBSITE
Follow me on TWITTER
Follow/LIKE me on FACEBOOK
Follow my BLOG
PS. Your referrals to friends and family are always greatly appreciated and rewarded.
Some examples of my photos vs. photos taken by other agents
Some examples of my photos vs. photos taken by other agents:
Their Photo (above)
So there you have it...I could go on and on and on but I think you get the point. Quality sells. Which pictures would you rather have if it were you selling your home? The ones taken by a pro or the ones taken by your agent camera phone? In order to have your home showcased in the best possible way and greatly increase your chance of selling call me today! 250-859-5990
Thursday, September 22, 2011
I’m heading out to hand out 400 “new home on the market” flyers in 5 buildings! The things I do for my sellers:-)
So I'm heading out to hand deliver nearly 300 'Just listed in your neighbourhood" flyers! You never know who is looking for a place just like the one I have listed in the building right?! Just one more way I go above and beyond for my sellers!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
NEW PRICE! Great 3 bedroom end unit town home now only 319k!!
This perfect 3 bed, 4 bath family townhome is centrally located! Main level kitchen features: generous cabinetry space, tiled backsplash and white appliances. Upper level master bedroom has three piece ensuite with walk in closet. Additional bedroom upstairs with adjacent large loft area could easily be converted into another bedroom. Massive third bedroom is located in the basement level and could be used as a flex room or home based business. There's even more entertainment space in the bonus room/theatre room! Half bath on the basement level with separate laundry room has side by side washer/dryer and extra shelving. Nearby amenities include: Athans Pool/YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Rutland Arena, BMX Track, Gymnastics, McCurdy Bowling, Grand 10 Theatre, Energy Plex, Parks, Public Transit and so much more! Measurements are approximate only. For 21 high resolution photos, Google Street View, details please visit: www.rutlandtownhome.com or call:
Monday, September 19, 2011
Unbelievable deal at The Lakes! 499k for a huge house on a great flat lot!
This property is an unbelievable deal! Home at The Lakes - This nearly new, 4 bedroom, 2875 square foot home has everything a family needs. Four bedrooms, three bathrooms, double garage and tones of space for everyone. This stellar home is an entertainers delight with a full length extra wide deck with great views of the surrounding mountains plus a covered, yard level deck and fully landscaped flat yard. Very easily suited with separate entrance to the basement. Close to Wood, Okanagan and Kalamalka Lakes! The list of updates in this home is very substantial: Granite countertops in kitchen and bathrooms. Gas range. Natural gas BBQ hookup on deck. Oversized double garage. Underground sprinklers. 2 walk in closets. Gas fireplace. Coffered ceiling in living room,9 foot ceilings throughout. For 21 high resolution photos and additional home details please visit: http://www.13128LakeHillDrive.com or call/text Trever Florko @ 250-859-5990 to view!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Lunchtime!
Thinly sliced roast beef from last nights dinner. Fried red onion, jalapeños and mushrooms. With cheese on a ciabatta baguette. PLUS home made poutine!!! Omg...I love lunch:-) 
Sent on the go from my iPhone
TREVER FLORKO - Realtor
Century 21 Assurance Realty (Kelowna)
Cell: (250) 859-5990
Office: (250) 869-0101
Fax: (250) 869-0105
Visit my WEBSITE
Follow me on TWITTER
Follow/LIKE me on FACEBOOK
Follow my BLOG
Download my free BC REAL ESTATE LOCATOR iPhone/iPad application.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
First fall dinner!
Roast beef. Yorkshire puddings. Roasted veg. Garlic mashed potatoes. Corn on the cob. Broccoli. Cobs sourdough bread. Homemade pumpkin pie for dessert:-) ...oh and CoolWhip! Cool hhhhwip.... 
Sent on the go from my iPhone
TREVER FLORKO - Realtor
Century 21 Assurance Realty (Kelowna)
Cell: (250) 859-5990
Office: (250) 869-0101
Fax: (250) 869-0105
Visit my WEBSITE
Follow me on TWITTER
Follow/LIKE me on FACEBOOK
Follow my BLOG
Download my free BC REAL ESTATE LOCATOR iPhone/iPad application.
Friday, September 16, 2011
HEADS UP! This lot hits #MLS next week! Lake view for 199k!
Lake view Lot perfect for a walk out rancher style home! Will build to suite if desired!
HEADS UP! This condo hits #MLS next week! 2bed 2bath 199k!
Fresh and clean 2 bedroom 2 bathroom ground floor unit in Creekside Villas. Unit is very close to the entrance. Great central location! Walking distance to Okanagan College, Shopping, Beaches, Lake Okanagan, Pandosy Cultural district, Hospital, pretty much everything! This unit has fresh paint and is move in ready. Enjoy the pool, sauna, hot tub and exercise room or just walk to Gyro Beach for a swim! There is even a guest suite which you can rent out nightly for all your friends and family who come to visit! This unit is steps to the mail box, guest suite and all amenities!
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
New 2 bedroom condo coming on the market
More info to follow. 
Sent on the go from my iPhone
TREVER FLORKO - Realtor
Century 21 Assurance Realty (Kelowna)
Cell: (250) 859-5990
Office: (250) 869-0101
Fax: (250) 869-0105
Visit my WEBSITE
Follow me on TWITTER
Follow/LIKE me on FACEBOOK
Follow my BLOG
Download my free BC REAL ESTATE LOCATOR iPhone/iPad application.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Expired or Withdrawn Property Listings = Overpriced listings.
What do most people think happens to a property when it is up for sale one day then the sign is gone the next...they typically think it sold or the sellers decided they did not want to sell the home anymore and wish to remain living in it. Maybe a few savvy individuals realize that the listing could have expired or that the sellers may have decided to withdraw the property from the market for some reason other then wishing to remain in the home. Why do listings expire or why are they withdrawn? Simply put an expired or withdrawn listing was an overpriced listing. If it was priced properly it would have sold...no matter what the market conditions. There is a buyer for every home no matter how unique the property is...granted it may take a bit longer if the home has some features which are not sought after by the general purchaser but if priced correctly it will sell eventually.
Sellers of expired/withdrawn listings would probably pipe up about now and say “It was my Realtors fault the home did not sell!” Then they would give one or a few reasons... “He never showed the home himself.” “He did not advertise enough.” “He did not try to sell it...he just waited for someone else to do it.” “She did not do enough open houses.” “She did not tell buyers that I will look at offers.” “He did not do any of the things he said he would!”...etc.” Maybe those statements are true...maybe they are not. A common mistake made by Realtors is not keeping their clients up to date during the selling process. We agents like to feel that we are not burdening our sellers with every little detail (like every phone call, email, market stat, etc.) regarding the property. It is a double edged sword...share too much and get “stop pestering me and do your job” don’t share enough and get “you did not do anything.” Every client is different...but an overpriced listing is always an overpriced listing.
Most sellers assume that their agent is trying to make them sell their home for less then it is worth in order to make a quick paycheck. To that end they disregard the agents advice regarding price and set their own price; stating ‘Buyers can always make an offer’...That is the worst mentality you can have as a seller...it sounds totally true but in my and my partners 11 years of experience it just does not happen. Buyer will just look at the listing and say “too much money...lets see what else is out there.” Or the property will just not make it into their search because they have set their price perimeters to weed out properties they can not afford. Most sellers never turn their eye on themselves or their pricing as a potential reason the home did not get much attention...When you are a Seller you have to think like a Buyer. Sellers do not want to sell themselves short and buyers don’t want to pay more then they should have. There is no easy answer to setting a price for a property. It takes years of experience in real estate to have the ability to correctly price a property so that it will appear attractive to a buyer but still net the seller a fair price.
Most sellers want to price their home at a price higher then they themselves would even pay for it if they were a buyer! I will agree that there are some bad Realtors out there...that is true of all professions. The one constant is that even if your agent does nothing more then put your listing on MLS if the price is right the home will sell. It is that simple...Of course you have a better chance if your agent has an extensive marketing plan but a correct price is most important. Expired or withdrawn the fact is that the home did not sell. It was a missed opportunity and likely a frustrating experience for both the listing agent and the seller alike. Time was wasted for everyone and typically that time translates into money lost by both the agent and the seller...If you seriously want to sell your home be serious about it. don’t hope that someone will come along and pay you more then the product is worth in the fair market...If you want to play the Lotto buy a ticket if you want to sell your home price it accordingly.
If you are thinking of selling your home and want an accurate market evaluation done on the property contact me today...If you don’t like what you hear don’t hire me for the job...the truth is that I will be honest with you...you may not like what I have to say but you can be assured that it is the truth…
Century 21 Assurance Realty (Kelowna)
Cell: (250) 859-5990
Office: (250) 869-0101
Fax: (250) 869-0105
Visit my WEBSITE
Follow me on TWITTER
Follow/LIKE me on FACEBOOK
Follow my BLOG
PS. Your referrals to friends and family are always greatly appreciated and rewarded.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Mmmmmm. Prime rib sliders and fries:-)
Breaded French fries to boot! 
Sent on the go from my iPhone
TREVER FLORKO - Realtor
Century 21 Assurance Realty (Kelowna)
Cell: (250) 859-5990
Office: (250) 869-0101
Fax: (250) 869-0105
Visit my WEBSITE
Follow me on TWITTER
Follow/LIKE me on FACEBOOK
Follow my BLOG
Download my free BC REAL ESTATE LOCATOR iPhone/iPad application.
Fresh Home made pesto with basil from the garden
The kitchen smells amazing!! This is the second batch of pesto! Mmmmmm Basil. Garlic. Lemon juice. Parmesan. Olive oil. Salt and pepper. Toasted pine nuts. All to taste and desired consistency. :-) 
Sent on the go from my iPhone
TREVER FLORKO - Realtor
Century 21 Assurance Realty (Kelowna)
Cell: (250) 859-5990
Office: (250) 869-0101
Fax: (250) 869-0105
Visit my WEBSITE
Follow me on TWITTER
Follow/LIKE me on FACEBOOK
Follow my BLOG
Download my free BC REAL ESTATE LOCATOR iPhone/iPad application.
Friday, September 9, 2011
PRICE REDUCTION! Only 269k! 4bed 3bath corner unit town home! Built in 2005
PRICED TO SELL!! Now only 269!!!
This home is now priced well below the acceped sale prices in the development in the last 2 years!! This home must sell NOW! Bring your offers!
This 2005 built, 4 bedroom Corner Unit townhouse is bright, clean and centrally located and perfect for a young family or first time home buyer. Move in ready with very low strata fees. Located close to shopping, dining, and bus routes. Super close to Costco and Wal-Mart! 3 bathrooms including a great master en-suite, laminate flooring, over sized single garage, 2 parking spots, huge walk in closet with a window in master bedroom . Pets alowed! Just move in--excellent value.
For more info or to set up an appointment to view please contact:
Century 21 Assurance Realty (Kelowna)
Cell: (250) 859-5990
Office: (250) 869-0101
Fax: (250) 869-0105
Visit my WEBSITE
Follow me on TWITTER
Follow/LIKE me on FACEBOOK
Cell: (250) 859-5990
Office: (250) 869-0101
Fax: (250) 869-0105
Visit my WEBSITE
Follow me on TWITTER
Follow/LIKE me on FACEBOOK
Follow my BLOG
PS. Your referrals to friends and family are always greatly appreciated and rewarded.
I'm writing an offer on a #Foreclosure! Are you interested in the process?
I took a client out today to view a few foreclosures and boy or boy are there some hot deals out there! If you have ever wondered how the whole foreclosure process goes check this post out! 
The foreclosure process as seen from the side of the buyer
Well as some of you may have noticed there are more and more foreclosures being seen in today’s market. A lot of you may see a foreclosure as a way to capitalize on a good deal…turning someone else’s misfortune into your good fortune. Unfortunately in most cases it is not the really that simple.
The foreclosure process as seen from the side of the buyer goes a bit like this:
- Find a home that is in foreclosure.
- Put in your offer.
- Wait for the lender to accept offer.
- Wait for court approval.
- Go to court for the day of the hearing.
- Take it “as is” if court accepts offer.
Still sounds easy? Let me elaborate a little. It is pretty easy to find a home that is being foreclosed on…just ask your agent to keep his/her eyes open. The hassle starts after you find one you like.
After hunting around and finding a home, you decide to put in your offer. Some things you need to know are that when you buy a foreclosure you buy the home ‘as is’ and not as is of the day you saw it but as is of the day you take possession…I don’t have to tell you a lot can change between those two dates. Especially when you may be waiting a month for court approval…I will get into that part in a moment.
The offer process goes as follows: Your offer goes from your agent to the listing agent, who sends it to the lawyer or financial institution which has ‘condition of sale’ (control of the property). The lawyer or financial institution then (if they deem the offer acceptable) authorizes the sale to go ahead. The whole matter then gets sent to the courts for a court date to be set. (That date could be as far away as a month).Your offer must also be free of conditions before the court date is set in order to be considered by the judge. In other words you need to get your inspections, financing, title searches, etc. out of the way before the trial date is established so you are subject free and ready to take control of the home IF you are the lucky buyer who the judge selects to be the new owner.
Once the court date is set, that date and YOUR OFFER become public knowledge. This means that anyone who has been watching the property knows the date has been established. Did you think you were the only person interested in this property? Remember that the longer this home sat on the market the great the number of people who saw it. Chances are the price got a little lower and still more people took notice. Nobody wants to be the first person to jump on the property (if they know the process involved) as they want to see the price reduced even further.
Come the day of trial anyone who was watching the property may put in their own offer. The process goes like this: Everyone delivers their offer to the judge in a sealed envelope. The judge can call a recess to review the offers or do it in the court room. The judge can then do as they like…pick the highest or best offer…Can accept more offers…Can decline to see more offers…Can call the whole thing off…pretty much whatever they wish. The judge does however owe a duty to the seller to get as much for the home as possible…so don’t think it will just sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars less then its worth…we are talking market value or near to it. This is kind of like a silent auction but with someone changing the rules a bit.
So now the court hearing is over and let’s say you are the lucky winner of your new home….YAY! Well let’s go visit your new property….Hey wait a minute! There were appliances here when you saw it! And the Garage door is broken! Where are all crown mouldings that were stacked in the garage waiting to be installed? Well, like I said earlier you get the home ‘as is’ on the day you take possession NOT the day you last saw the home. If the furnace has been removed or all the cupboards torn out you out of luck…sorry.
So after weeks of waiting you finally get your home and you paid more for it then you wanted to and you did not get the product you thought your were going to get…not the best way to buy a house…there are deals out there but they don’t happen often. Just today I was in court waiting at a foreclosure hearing and the room was packed. The people who put in the first offer were there and seven other offers popped up on them. The home was listed for $899,000 and ended up selling for $1,130,000 ‘as is.’ The people who put in the first offer did not get the home…well back to the drawing board.
If you are thinking of buying a foreclosure give me a call! Likewise if you are in the unfortunate posission of being foreclosed on or that is the direction things are heading in call me right away! I have a few tricks up my sleeve that might help keep the wolves away for a while….
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