Tomorrow, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations.

VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour, and join the world for Earth Hour.

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http://www.MattRichling.com

Matt Richling is a sales representative with RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage, Independently Owned and Operated - The opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the RE/MAX or RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage.

Everyday I check to see how you are finding my website, whether it was by direct link or searching in Google. I check the search terms to accurately see what the visitor had typed in Google, Yahoo, etc. and then I sometimes check to see how high I ranked. Many of the search terms lately have been a combination of either certain buildings, streets, or developments, my name (with some very funny ways of spelling it), or general market information. For example, the search term just a moment ago which inspired me to write this post was, “is it a good time to buy a home in Ottawa over the next 4 months?”

Obviously the answer is YES! Well as long as you are thinking long term, it is an obvious yes. First you must think long term, and then understand your goals. Just like how I felt the first time buyers from a previous post should take some time to understand where they are and where they want to be, you should as well.

Once we are clear and fully aware of ourselves, then it is time to understand WHY real estate is the greatest investment and why it is a good time to buy.

If you don’t do it now, it will cost you more later. In 2008 the average home price in Ottawa was $289,766. In 1998 the average price was $143,953, in 1988 it was $128,434, and if you look back 30 years, in 1979 the average price for a home in Ottawa was $61,896.00. In the past 53 years there were only five years where there was a decrease (year over year) in average sale prices, with only two of the past 53 years having over a 2% drop. Re-read this sentence if you are like me and need to allow it to sink in.

So far this year we are seeing minimal changes in pricing with January experiencing a 1.5% raise in prices.

YES because of the credit “crisis” housing has been affected. Things have corrected them selves and we are not experiencing the BOOM similar to what we have seen over the past ten years. Ten years ago we saw the prices dip and then come rallying back. It is a cycle and we are enduring the “hard portion”.

What does this mean? For buyers this is the time to buy, jump on the train now, while you can and experience the ride up the mountain. For homeowners that are looking to sell, make sure everything you do shows your home at its best so that you can get the most dollar for your home.

So YES, over the next four months it IS a good time to buy in Ottawa!

Are you ready to make your move? Do you still need more convincing? Do not worry, I wont send the Soprano Family over to “help” you understand. I will take anyone that asks out for a cup of coffee and explain and answer any question that you might have about the Ottawa economy and our real estate market.

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http://www.MattRichling.com

Matt Richling is a sales representative with RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage, Independently Owned and Operated - The opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the RE/MAX or RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage.

Last year, I spent a good deal of time to find a charity that I could align myself with. One that I could actively get involved with that would also provide a good return for the city of Ottawa. November I was voted on to the board of directors for the Fund For A New Generation. Since 1993 the Fund For A New Generation bridges the gap between young professionals and underprivileged youth in Ottawa by hosting an annual charity event “The Ottawa Gala“. Since its conception Fund For A New Generation has raised not only tons of awareness for the true situation that is happening right here in our backyards, but also over $550,000 directly for various local charities. The majority of this money goes to the OCRI School Breakfast Program which feeds over 10,000 local children in 145 schools each and every day.

The Ottawa Gala, 2008

The Ottawa Gala is held once a year with over 800 of Ottawa’s who’s-who of working professionals in attendance.  This years theme is the Golden Age Of Glamour. The lights, the glitz, the glamour. This is where it all began! Step back in time to the Golden Age of Hollywood and experience the magnificence of the greatest entertainment boom of all time, which spanned from the 1920s through to the 1950s. Every year the event sells out early so make sure you get your tickets!

When? Saturday April 18, 2009
8:00pm to 2:00am
Government Conference Centre
2 Rideau Street

Black tie optional - Chic mandatory

General admission ticket - $55 (2 for $100)
VIP ticket - $120 (2 for $200)

You can purchase your tickets online at http://www.OttawaGala.com (click tickets) or you can purchase them at SOMA Health and Fitness club (located at 700 Sussex, in the Byward market).

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http://www.MattRichling.com

Matt Richling is a sales representative with RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage, Independently Owned and Operated - The opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the RE/MAX or RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage.

Yesterday I attended our annual awards banquet for my brokerage, RE/MAX Affiliates Realty, where we receive our sales awards for 2008. In addition to our sales awards there are also a couple of company awards given. The Spirit award which goes to someone in the office who has gone above and beyond in the community, and the Rookie Of The Year award. Amazingly, I was the recipient of the Rookie Of The Year for 2008 which completely shocked me. Over the past year we have added a significant number of newer agents to the office, many who have been doing very well, so it was very exciting to be awarded. In addition I also received an Executive Sales Club award, which is given out based on gross sales numbers. The only reason why I received these awards is because of you. Friends who went out of there way and referred me to a neighbour, co-worker, or family-member who mentioned they might be moving. Thank you! Each referral means a lot to me and is very appriciated. It speaks large amounts, about my passion for my clients and your trust in me.

2008 was a great year, and I am looking forward towards 2009. I have almost doubled my goals, and need your help more than ever. If you hear about a freind or co-worker who is thinking of moving, pass my name, send an email, and let me know so I can personally thank you.

- Matt

Matt Richling is a sales representative with RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage, Independently Owned and Operated

***The opinions of the authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the RE/MAX or RE/MAX Affiliates Realty Ltd., Brokerage.***

I recently received a new testimonail from a colluege of mine.

“Matt is a young man of many attributes which he applies to real estate and his other goals with vigour and enthusiasm and drive. He is client focussed, results oriented, creative, a problem solver - combine that with his energy and enthusiasm, and I believe he will always be a joy to work with.” February 10, 2009
-Laurie Ann Warren

To view more of my testimonials you can go here.

Last night, I attended along with the 300 other young professionals, Schmoozefest 08 at Foundation in the Market. It was a good little networking event that, from what I saw, went off without any problems helping to raise over $13,000 for the 2008 campaign.

Look at that sexy no-haired guy in the front row!

Some of the attendees included Max Keeping and Michael O’Byrne from CTV Ottawa, Karen Soloman of ‘A’, the ever-present auctioneer-par-excellence Lawrence Greenspon of Greenspon, Browne and Associates, Janice Charette, Deputy Minister HRSDC and the GCWCC Campaign Chair, Dennis Jackson of Scotiabank, Steve Georgopolous of Les Suites Hotel, Mo Charania of Jubilee Jewellers, Michael Allen of United Way/Centraide Ottawa, Laura Peck of McLoughlin Media, Sue O’Sullivan, Deputy Chief of the Ottawa Police Service along with several others including moi!

I look forward to Schmoozefest 2009  and if you cant wait until then, checkout:

Thursday, Oct. 30 - Mid Campaign at City Hall,  5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 
Saturday, Nov. 15 - Timeraiser at Canadian War Museum, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 2 - Campaign Achievement at Hampton Inn, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

For more information check out the United Way Ottawa website!

For pictures from last nights event check out the Flickr page here!

Http://www.MattRichling.com - Matt Richling - Ottawa Real Estate Agent

When I checked my inbox this morning, it was like a mini christmas that had come early! I had received a testimonial from an amazing family that I had helped almost a year ago. The family, from a small town in England, was referred to me to help them find a new neighborhood to call home.

“Matt Richling’s level of service was second-to-none! His warm, professional manner made us feel at ease right away, and he showed great patience with us as we requested one showing after the next! We were only in Ottawa visiting for a week ( a trip from the UK) and so we kept him very busy with a hectic schedule. He was happy to go far afield to show properties, and made himself available whenever it was required.

Matt was very approachable and a huge help to us in choosing our future neighbourhood and home. He always had our best interests at heart, and we had every confidence in him as our realtor. He kept us well informed of the process every step of the way, and we knew we could call him at any time if we had any concerns or queries.

In addition, he went beyond the call of duty and kept a watchful eye on our home as it remained vacant for a few months earlier this year. He even helped us move in some of our furniture when we finally arrived!

We would very highly recommend Matt’s services to anyone looking to buy or sell a home.”
- Kay and Gary A.

If there is anything I can do to help you (yes you reading this) or someone close to you, let me know!!!

 I added this testimonial to my testimonials page.

My typical "Venti 8 pump, whole milk, no water, no foam Tazo Chai"

Sitting at my desk doing work, I look over at my half empty coffee cup and I think about how much of a demanding customer I can be. Especially when its 7:30am and I have had no sleep, barely able to put words together, just craving that first sip of my morning drink “um that big one, venti, lots of chai, i guess 8 pumps….”. THEN think about how many “me’s” they get in a day (and from what I have heard my drink order isnt that bad). Wiki Answers.com says starbucks gets on average approximately 465 customers per day. (Just think about that for a second - 465!!!). Every time I go in, Im greeted and welcomed with a smile. No complaining about my ridiculous drink, no complaining about the asshole who spent the entire time ordering/paying/etc on the phone, no complaining about anything. Today’s market is all about service, and you get it plus the kitchen sink at Starbucks. How do you treat those around you? Do we give the best service that we can give? I strive everyday to give the best service that I can to my clients. Is there a way you can improve day to day with those you come in contact with?

***Update - I spoke with a manager at the Rideau Street Starbucks today. She told me that during the summer, at there peak, they were getting 100 customers per HOUR! WOW! Maybe I am in the wrong business?!!***

http://www.MattRichling.com