Thursday, March 22, 2012

Spring is here!

Spring is finally here and it starts off with a bang! The weather in london is hot and I am enjoying every moment of it.
If you are living in the Kilworth area you may see me from time to time running at the park or walking through Komoka park with my wife.
We are always outdoors walking and running.
What do you like to do during the spring and summer months?

I wish everyone a great spring and summer!!!!!!!!!!!

Be sure to visit www.propertiesbyscott.com for all your real estate needs

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Off and Running....

It's the start of a new year and already I am off to a great start. The snow has not really began to fall and that has buyers out looking. I am working with many buyers at the moment.
January is shaping up to be the best January I have ever had. If you or someone you know is looking for a house now is the time, people are buying and selling. As long as the snow stays away, the buyers will continue to look.
Thank you for visiting my blog, remember you can always find more about me at my website: scott@propertiesbyscott.com
Take care and I wish you all the best. I hope you  have a great year!
- Scott

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Office is now open!!!

   We are now open! on Monday I began moving into my new office. Great location and newly renovated. There will be a grand opening to follow. I will let you and everybody know when that is so you can come check out the newest reat estate brokerage to open in London.
    It is going to be great!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Coming Soon: Keller Williams Lifestyles Realty..

Hi,

 Exciting news. After a successful year I have decided to join forces with 2 other successful realtors. Together we will be able to provide world class service for our clients and offer many more services to benefit you, the client!
  Also I have joined a new and exciting brokerage London Lifestyles Realty Inc. -- soon to be Keller Williams Realty. This brokerage will be new to london and shares the same values and services that I do. This company will give me more tools and services that I can provide you with, my valued client.
   My new email address is scott@propertiesbyscott.com and my cell number is 226.448.8203.
   You can be assured that my new team will be able to take care of all your needs and all your referrals.
   I look forward to hearing from all you. Have a great day!

Monday, September 13, 2010

New Company Name, Same Great Service

Exciting news. Coldwell Banker has now become Royal Lepage. I still have the same contact info. I still offer the same great service just under a new name, Royal Lepage 1st London, Brokerage. If you have any questions for me, please do not hesitate to contact me. Well back to work! 

Friday, April 23, 2010

My Visit to Lebanon

In a word...BREATHTAKING!

    I recently went to Lebanon (Jbeil) to visit my wife's family and to take in some sights. When the plane was landing, the first thing I noticed was a big sign that said PEPSI. I love coke (and yes, there is a difference) so I thought to myself, am I going to find coke here?. Later on, this became the theme of the trip.
    The weather was amazing and it was only the beginning of March. I noticed palm trees, beaches, people relaxing, and food....lots of food.
     There was a big difference in lifestyles. Canadian's tend to live busy, fast paced lives. Lebanon, I found was more relaxed. People just hanging outside their stores, sitting outdoors at a restaurant, enjoying food and drinks.
     I love the style of clothes they have over there. Stuff you will never find over here. The houses are all made of concrete and sit on mountain tops (amazing views). You can be anywhere in the city and have the most amazing views of the mountains. In one hour we drove up the mountains to where it was snowing, then back home to where it was 90F. Very cool. Canada is flat and Lebanon is all mountains.
     I can't say enough about Lebanon, you will have to visit my facebook to see the photos.
     Lastly, the driving.....yup....no rules, no stop signs, no limits....and everyone either has a BMW or Mercedes (such as my Aunt Elaine). It's fun to cruise down the highway and not have to worry about a speeding ticket. The parking however is a different story. Everybody parks wherever they want, including right behind you. Then you are stuck looking for the owner of the car to move it. That sucks.
     I did meet the president of Coldwell Banker Lebanon. We sat down at his office and had a good talk. They have different rules in Lebanon and different pay scales. There is no other franchise in Lebanon other than Coldwell Banker. It was nice to visit Coldwell Banker and see how they run things. I will keep in touch with them for sure. They deal in American money.
     Overall my trip to Lebanon was a blessing and amazing. I can't wait to go back. They have great food, and yes, I did gain some weight. I am back to normal now.
     If you or someone you know is thinking of moving to Lebanon or to Canada from Lebanon, contact me and I will help them through the whole transition.
     There is no other place in my mind that has the history, weather, sights and food like Lebanon does, a beautiful place to visit!       

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Homebuying Tips For Couples

   For most couples, buying a home is the most significant purchase they will ever make together. While the prospect of owning a home is an exciting one, it can often seem overwhelming, especially for those who are new to the real estate process. From selecting a neighbourhood to deciding how to use a spare room, navigating the world of homeownership together requires some extra work. However, couples will be thankful they put in the additional time and effort when the “sold” sign is posted on the home of both of their dreams.
   For those couples looking to purchase a home, Scott McGuinness offers seven simple tips for ‘His and Hers’ homebuying that will help to ensure a “harmonious house hunt” without rocking the relationship:
   Get pre-approved for a mortgage. There are few things worse than finding the perfect home, only to find out that it costs more than you can afford. Before beginning the house hunt, Scott McGuinness recommends getting pre-approved for a loan. A pre-approval lets you know where you fall financially while informing the mortgage company that you’re ready to buy. Additionally, being pre-approved for a loan can help speed up the closing process once an offer has been accepted.
    Set a budget. Beyond basic income and savings, there are a number of other financial elements to consider before setting a price range for the new home. Once a couple has decided on a location, they should consider its proximity to their family, jobs and children’s school and then gauge travel costs. The next step is to add up monthly bills, including the couple’s car payments, phone bills, insurance costs, groceries, and credit card payments. This total estimated cost of living should be factored into the couple’s overall budget.
   Get on the same page. Whether it is a quiet neighbourhood or a two-car garage, everyone has their own “must haves” when it comes to the home of their dreams. For a couple looking for a home to share, it is important to discuss each of their essentials before beginning the search. Keep in mind that agreeing on all of the features of a future home will likely be impossible, so be prepared to compromise. Once the list of “must haves” is finalized, Scott McGuinness can help you determine if your expectations are realistic given the homes currently on the market.
   Allocate additional funds. The down payment on a new home is just one of the significant financial aspects of a move. Even after both people’s belongings are combined there will likely still be a need to purchase furniture and other items like a washer and dryer which will require additional budget. The last thing a couple will want to do is start out their life together with nothing in the bank!
   Be patient. A recent Coldwell Banker survey found that women are likely to make up their minds faster than men. Almost 70 percent of women surveyed decided the day they walked into the house that it was right for them, while 32 percent of men needed two or more visits. It will likely take multiple trips to the home before both members of the couple decide it is “the one.” If a spouse needs more time, be patient and try not to pressure them.
   Take inventory of everyone’s belongings. Before a couple moves into a new home together, each person should make a list of the furniture they plan to keep and compare it with their partner’s. There may not be a need (or a place) for three televisions and two kitchen tables in the new house. Consider selling unwanted pieces of furniture online, or holding a garage sale. The money made is sure to be put to good use on purchases for the new home.
   Sign a contract. For a couple who has yet to walk down the aisle, it is important to contact a real estate attorney before closing on a home. A contract should be drawn up outlining who is responsible for what expenses and how assets will be divided in the event of a split.


   Want more tips on the home-buying process? Contact Award Winning Sales Representative, Scott McGuinness. You’ll be glad you called him first!