Tuesday 10 December 2013

Professionalism

"We are drowning in information, but starved for knowledge" - John Naisbitt. I heard this quote the other day and it really got me thinking.
   We truly do live in the "information age". If you want to know something, you can find it in minutes. Seconds even, with your smart phone. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not here to rant about how technology is ruining our lives. That's not what this is. Quite the opposite in fact. I personally love technology. But that is a debate for another day.
  Today I want to talk about the difference between "information" and "knowledge". It's a quote that ties in nicely with my industry's "How REALTORS help" ad campaign, with the line "Why do we think that if we can look it up we can do it?" It's true, you can look up "how to" on just about anything. And if you want to go a little old school, there is probably a "For Dummies" book on it. This would be INFORMATION.
  It's not just real estate. It's plumbing, carpentry, drywall, anything. You can even go online and make your own Will. (Do you really want the security and future of your family left to an online service you did yourself, or a lawyer who will sit with you, find out exactly what you need and want, and make 100% sure that everything will go according to plan, even from a legal stand point?)
  This all sounds great. Save money, do it yourself! But let's sit back and really think about this. Sure, you could read up on it, get step by step directions, and do it yourself. And for some people out there it really can work. But for the average person, what do you really save? Usually it won't be time. It will likely take you a lot longer than it would have a pro. Money? Maybe. What if what you self diagnosed as the problem really wasn't, so when you've paid for the parts and done the work (don't forget, your time is worth something too!) and the problem persists? (Or in the case of Real Estate, you spend a lot of time and your own money on marketing, and it doesn't sell). Now what have saved?
  There is a reason we have "Professionals" in any given field. These are people that have spent time, effort, and money learning. Not just the "step by step" in the books or online. We are talking about all the ins and outs and what ifs and troubleshooting that can (and will!) come up in any given situation. This would be KNOWLEDGE.
 I truly believe that yes, paying a pro can sound expensive, but once you do the math, taking into account the cost of your own time, and the comfort that comes with knowing it was done right (or, worst case, you have someone to go back to!), in my opinion, the costs are well worth it. In any industry. There truly is a difference between information and knowledge. They are so closely related, but in todays world, it is possible to have one without the other. So you have the information, do you know what do with it? Or how to take it to the next level?
  You may say, "Luke, you're biased, you work in an industry that wants people to come to you". That may be true, but I've also been on the other side. And I've seen, both in this industry, and others, perfect examples of a DIY costing more in the long run. And as I said earlier, yes, for some people, it truly can work. But my advice would almost always be, go with a pro! They are called a pro for a reason. They know what to do, they won't panic, and a good one will work WITH you to see that your needs are fully met, and exceeded.
   So, if you're looking for a professional in the Real Estate world, please feel free to give me a call anytime! (I can also connect you with professionals in several other fields, if that's what you need.) Reach me at (204) 990-3467, or email, lukevberg@gmail.com.

Monday 4 November 2013

The Current Market Trend

I often get asked, "what's the market like right now?" Well, this is really a complex question, with such variables as area, price point, home type, and many others coming into play.
 But most people are just asking, in general, is it a buyers market, or a sellers market? The answer to the more general question, at least in Winnipeg right now, is that it's a buyers market. What causes this? Again, there can be several factors at play. Some of them MAY be (and it is certainly not limited to these):
Seasonal. If you buy a home now, you may be looking at a deep winter move. Not the most inviting prospect in this climate.
Inventory. There may be a lot of inventory "on the shelves" right now. When you give people more choice, they take more time to make that choice.
Mortgage rates. Rates have not risen by as much, as quickly, as some people expected. This is always a good thing for buyers.
Pricing strategy. Some sellers might still think it's a sellers market, and are pricing their homes just a little too high, this means they sit on the market longer, which can give buyers a stronger position in negotiations because sellers need to move their home.
     So what does this mean for each side of the equation? Well, for buyers my advice would be, if you are thinking about buying any time within the next 6 months, now would be a great time to get started. Go to the bank, see what you can afford, and get out there. You are much more likely to save money, by not being in competition for your home. If you wait even a few months, it's a whole new market again, and who knows what that will mean. (I wish I could see the future and tell you, but I can't. All I can say is that spring is TYPICALLY a much busier market).
  For sellers, obviously the advice would be different. If you are thinking about selling, but can afford to wait, it might be worth your time to hold on for a few months and see what the spring brings. Unless the economy crashes, home prices are still doing well, waiting likely won't hurt you. But, if you are in a position that you "have" to sell now, prices can still be strong, but you'll have to be much more careful in your pricing plan, and maybe a little more patient in selling time. A home that is priced well will still sell, but the days of multiple offers, and huge over bids, are, at least for now, not the norm.
  If you have any questions, as always, I would be happy to help you, no matter what side of the coin you are currently sitting on. Call, or email, anytime: 204-990-3467, lukevberg@gmail.com.

Thursday 17 October 2013

39 Spirea Lane, Oakbank

New listing just on the market! This stunning 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home was custom built by Steendam Builders, and really has to be seen to be truly appreciated, but let me give you some idea of what you'll find here.
  The attention to detail is evident even before you get inside, as you are greeted by beautiful, coloured, stamped concrete steps, and overall excellent curb appeal. The exterior is acrylic stucco, detailed with cultured stone. You'll also notice the huge, oversized double garage with plenty of room for your vehicles, and still space for storage. (25X26).
  Once you enter the home, the beauty continues. If you enter through the garage, you'll find yourself in a generously sized mudroom, with plenty of room for all the shoes and coats. You'll also find the main floor laundry, with a sink and storage, right next to the mudroom. If you enter through the front door, you'll notice first the space, and the large front closet. Look down and you can see the high quality flooring throughout the home. Tile in the entryways and bathrooms, wall to wall carpet in the bedrooms (keep those feet warm in the morning!), and a gorgeous "hardwood" laminate throughout the rest of the home.
   From the front door, if you go right, you head to the bedrooms, all of which are nice and spacious, with good sized closets and plenty of natural light. The main bathroom is excellent, with plenty of storage and a full tub. The master bedroom is a real retreat, a big room, with lots of natural light. But the "getaway" really happens in the incredible ensuite. With dual vanities, a glass walled shower, and a huge, jetted tub. All finished with beautiful tile work. And don't forget the walk in closet!
  Left of the front door, you walk into the kitchen. And what a kitchen it is! Quartz countertops, custom, soft close cabinets, an island with built-in induction cooktop, with range hood, a built-in microwave and stove, and fridge included. (all stainless steel). Again, plenty of storage, and you'll even get a built-in computer area.
 The kitchen opens into the dining room/living room area. Here you'll find a beautiful gas fireplace as the centrepiece of the feature wall. Throughout the space you have high ceilings, with custom details, loads of natural lighting, (and excellent light fixtures as well!), and just all around great details. Even a wired in, multi-zone sound system that includes the covered deck off of the dining room.
  The home is situated on a large lot with plenty of space for a pool, trampoline, or whatever you'd like to put there. The front landscaping is done, the back yard is your canvas. (As is the unfinished basement!) If you'd like to view the home, or have any questions, please feel free to call, text, or email me any time at (204) 990-3467 or lukevberg@gmail.com.






Thursday 3 October 2013

Open House 10 Blue Oaks Cove

Hello everyone! I just wanted to let you all know, I will be hosting an Open House this week Saturday (October 5th), from 2-4pm at 10 Blue Oaks Cove. 
  This is an absolutely beautiful, 1974 square foot, open concept bungalow, with a fully finished basement. Its a brand new build, by Paradigm Homes. It is located on a quiet cul-de-sac in the stunning neighbourhood of The Oaks. If you, or anyone you know, is in the market for a excellent luxury home, please, come on down and check it out! It won't be a waste of time. Check it out here: http://beta.realtor.ca/PropertyDetails.aspx?PropertyId=13564095. Hope to see you there!

Thursday 12 September 2013

Fall Clean Up!

Well, as much as we all hate to admit it, summer is drawing to a close. That means autumn is on it's way in. While it can be a very beautiful time of year, and, if the weather holds out, it can be a lot of fun to get out and about still and enjoy the colours and cooler weather, it also means it's time to do a few things around the house.
 Here are just a few tips, and things to remember, that you'll want to get done before the snow flies and the temperatures really drop.
  Number 1: Clean out and maintain your eavestrough and downspouts. Be sure that all those falling leaves don't clog things up, and that there are no cracks or leaks anywhere along the roof line, or down the downspouts, where cold/freezing water can run and sit against your roof and walls.
 Number 2: Winterize your yard/landscaping. If you have plants/shrubs/young trees that may not be able to handle the winter climate around here, make sure they get covered up. Do any yard clean up/fall fertilizing you may want to do for your grass. But this extends beyond just your plants. If your sidewalk or steps have cracks or loose "rubble" on them, you'll want to clean that up before it gets covered up and can present a slip or fall hazard in the winter.
 Number 3: Clean/service your power garden tools. Yes, do this now, not in the spring. If you get that lawn mower and other tools cleaned and serviced before you put them away, you'll know they'll be ready as soon as you need them. And if you think this year may be the end of the life cycle, buy the new ones now as well, you'll find great out-of-season sales in the fall.
 Number 4: Get your water heater and furnace checked and serviced. And change the furnace filter. In most cases this something you should be doing every few months. You'll clearly want these items in peak working condition when it gets cold. The last thing anyone wants is that early morning wake up to find out your furnace has decided to stop working. If you get the servicing and work done now, you can rest easy that you'll have a nice warm home all winter long.
 Number 5: Fix leaky faucets. You'll want this done before winter as well, because it will help avoid frozen/broken pipes in the winter, which, like a dead furnace, is not something you want to deal with when it's -35 degrees out there! (Not to mention saving a few dollars on the water bill!)
 Number 6: Check your windows and doors for drafts. This is where your home will lose most of it's energy. Even you can't get them replaced, there are things that can be done. Plastic over the windows, or even just heavy drapes can help to block drafts at the windows, and some weather stripping, or rolled up blankets along the door can help there.
 Number 7: If you have one, get your fireplace checked as well. This is especially true with wood burning fireplaces. They need to be clean, and in good working order if you want to use them over the winter months. Who doesn't like a nice fire to keep warm by, but let's keep it in the fireplace, not the house!
These are just a few things to think about, and, if you get them done now, they will save you a lot of time, money, and headache later, and you can get out there and still enjoy autumn, and maybe help winter be a little more enjoyable as well!
 Thanks everyone, and as ever, if you need anything involving real estate, feel free to call or email me anytime!

Monday 19 August 2013

68 Crystal - Great St. Vital Starter!

Welcome home to 68 Crystal Ave! This home is a fantastic starter, in a location that simply can't be beat. It's a quiet mature street, and still provides quick access to both St. Mary's and St. Anne's. St. Vital mall is a quick 5 minute drive, and downtown is only 10 minutes. There are parks, schools, and grocery all within an easy walk. Everything you need is right here.
  As you walk up to the house, you'll notice the clean, low maintenance exterior, the roof has plenty of life in it, and the yard is fully landscaped, to give nice curb appeal.
  Stepping inside, you are greeted by a good sized porch, which can also be a great little seating area to enjoy your morning coffee. As you enter the house, the first thing to catch your eye will be the gorgeous flooring running through the open and bright living/dining space. The 2 bedrooms have wall to wall carpet, nice and warm for the feet!
   The kitchen is nice and open, and well updated, and provides plenty of storage. You will also notice the appliances are mostly new units, and all are in excellent condition. The rolling island will stay as well, providing just that little extra space you may need. The bathroom is also nicely updated and provides all you'll need.
  As you head out the back door, you'll step out into another bright and spacious back porch, which leads to a nice sized back yard, featuring a landscaped patio, and a firepit. It's a great place to entertain friends and family on those long spring, summer and fall evenings.
 The mechanicals and plumbing are all updated and modern, and there is a large storage shed in the back, which has the framing in place for an overhead door and could be turned into a garage if you choose. There is parking in both the front and back.
  This home has about everything you'll need to get started in home ownership, or the perfect downsize. It's not be missed! Contact me for more info, or for a private showing! (204) 990-3467, lukevberg@gmail.com.







Thursday 11 July 2013

Excellent Family Home In Transcona!

If you are searching for a family home in a great neighbourhood, on a quiet street, your search can end right here! Check out 547 Harvard Ave East, in the heart of Transcona. Before you even get into the house, you'll notice how close you are to everything you'll need. Playgrounds, schools, shopping, it's all here, only steps away.
  When you arrive at the home, you will be greeted upon entry with a wide open entry way, with a nice closet for all your coats and shoes. You also get a view of the stunning, remodelled kitchen, but we'll get there. First, if you go right, you immediately enter the wide open living room/dining room space with beautiful hardwood floors. If you like to entertain, this home gives you plenty of room for you and your friends!
 From there you can enter the aforementioned kitchen. And what a kitchen it is! Beautifully redone, with hardwood floors, dark wood cupboards, LOADS of counter space, a hood fan, a view of the back yard, and all five appliances included.
 Next you'll find the 3 bedrooms, all spacious, all with plenty of storage for you and the kids. Again, hardwood floors here too. The main floor is completed with a very nicely redone four piece bathroom.
  From there you can head downstairs, where you'll discover a huge rec room space with nice new carpet. Tons of room to play, or even more space to entertain. The utility room has plenty of extra storage for all your stuff, as well as a wide open laundry area. There is also an extra room down here, which could be used as office space, a workout room, or whatever you need it to be.
 Coming back up the stairs, you can step out into the back yard, where you'll find a great space to bbq, for the kids to play, or maybe outdoor entertaining? There is also a single detached garage, and an additional parking pad.
  This home really is not to be missed, please give me a call at (204)990-3467 to view this home, or if you would like more information.




Friday 21 June 2013

Transcona Living

   Hello everyone, I'm back with my second blog post. It's been awhile! Today I'd like to talk about the much maligned area of our city officially known as Transcona. (Though it has several slightly less polite nicknames.)
     As a long time resident of the area, I feel that Transcona is somewhat unfairly treated. Is it perfect? No. It does have it's issues, but what area doesn't? When you get right down to the facts and figures, Transcona is, in fact, one of the best areas to live.
     It has one of the lowest crime rates of any neighbourhood in the city. It has comparatively low property taxes, while maintaining strong property values. You can find plenty of nice, quiet, mature streets with beautiful, well maintained homes. But if that's not your thing, and you lean more towards the modern and new, you can find plenty of that as well, with new construction and growth happening in several places.
    It's a great place to raise a family too. And not just for all the above mentioned reasons. If you drive around Transcona for a day, you will find loads of playgrounds, parks, and community centres. And let's not forget the Transcona Trail. A beautiful path for walking, running, biking, rollerblading, or whatever type of exercise suits your fancy.
Schools of all levels are available, there are teams for just about every sport your children may play.
    The next question will be: What about shopping? Well, Transcona has that covered too! All the major grocery stores are here: Superstore, Safeway, Costco, Sobeys, Walmart. But you need more than just food. You will also find just about every major box store. Sports, home improvement, electronics, clothes, it's all here. Even Target came to Transcona, right there in Kildonan Place Mall. Need a new car? Just head down Regent, you will be spoiled for choice! All the big names are there. Hungry? That's covered too. Restaurants galore. Montanas, Kelsey's, Tony Roma's, Perkins, Smittys, just to name a few. (And of course, plenty of Tim Horton's, and fast food as well!)
    If you can't actually find exactly what you are looking for right there in Transcona, with quick access to major routes like Lagimodiere, Dugald, and the Perimeter, it won't take you long to get where you need to go.
   So, if you're looking for a great place to settle down for the long term, don't listen to what the naysayers have to say, give Transcona a good look. I'll bet you can find what you are looking for! And I can help you get it.

Friday 3 May 2013

My first blog!


Hello blogging world! This is the first of what I hope will many more to come as I continue in my career in Real Estate. This first one is just a little information about me and what I do. I will be posting my listings, as well as the occasional story, article, or anecdote I find to be interesting or informative. Thank you all in advance for following me, I hope you find it worth your time.

I look forward to the challenge of living the life of a Realtor while also being a husband, and a father to my wonderful son. I could not do what I do without the support of my wife, Stephanie, she has always been there, behind me, driving me forward, which has shown already in my strong marks throughout the educational process to get where I am today. And although at 2 years old, my son Levi is too young to really be busy with outside activities, (but he does love his swimming lessons!), he certainly keeps us bouncing at home! They are the reason I do what I do, why I am driven to succeed.

When I am not busy working hard for my clients, Stephanie and I are both active memebers of our church community, serving on various commitees and in various groups. We also love to get outside, anything from a short family walk in the evening, to weekend escapes to the lake. I do my best to stay active, playing soccer in both the summer and winter. I used to play hockey as well, and still love the game, but something had to give! I love to get out on the golf course, when the opportunity presents itself.

I enjoy working with, and meeting new people, making new friendships along the way, and by joining with Royal LePage I know that I will be working with one of the strongest firms, not only in Mantitoba, but in the country. I love the Real Estate world, in particular the Residential market. But I would love to serve any of your Real Estate needs, be it a home, condo, vacant land, or even commercial.