HALIFAX REAL ESTATE & HALIFAX HOMES PROPERTIES

Real News

Real News

June 2005 Published by Thomas Bagogloo, The BAGOGLOO Team, RE/MAX nova

HOUSE TALK

HOW USEFUL ARE OPEN HOUSES?

Across the country, every Sunday afternoon, open houses are being held. The question is why? Statistics show that less than 3% of buyers who bought property in the last three years bought the property because they saw it at an open house.

Then why are so many open houses still being held? One reason is that sellers still think that agents should hold an open house. Most sellers see open houses as a way to find a buyer for their home. The truth is, open houses do find buyers, but most of the time not for the homeowner that is holding the open house. Buyers meet an agent, and over time, the better agents match the buyers particular needs to exactly the right home.

When a buyer comes through an open house, he may have simply dropped into take a look without knowing anything about the home's price range or features. Most of the time, the house does not fulfill the particular needs of the buyer.

It would be like going to a car dealer and deciding to buy the first car you see, without knowing its price, features or financing options. What's the chance that you would qualify or that the car would suit your needs? About the same chance that your home would perfectly suit a "drop-in" buyer.

So what's the other reason open houses are still being held? Open houses are great ways for newer agents to get their feet wet. By holding an open house they meet buyers who might be interested in another property on the market. So don't be surprised if a more experienced agent refuses to hold an open house on your property. Seasoned agents know what types of advertising and marketing work best, and won't use your home as an avenue for finding buyers for other agent's listings.

I deliver real estate services that are convenient and comprehensive. If I can be of service to you or anyone you know, don't hesitate to call me.

. . . Thomas

REWARDS OF A ROSE GARDEN

Roses have the reputation of being difficult, fussy plants that require a great deal of attention and time. Although it takes some effort on your part to maintain the beauty and health of a rose garden, the reward of numerous blossoms in wonderful vibrant colours is sufficient reward for most gardeners. A little water, fertilizer, and spray, on a weekly basis, can be a pleasant excuse to spend time in your fragrant garden.

Your rose bed should be planted where it receives full or partial sunshine at least six hours a day. There are varieties of roses that thrive in more shade, but they will not be as fragrant as the others.

Good drainage is also critical for roses. They like a lot of water, but do not like wet feet, so a raised bed of at least ten to fifteen inches high is a solution. It also makes gardening chores a lot easier. Roses do best in loamy soil with high humus content. Amend the soil with organic matter such as compost, peat moss, or cow manure and be sure to test the soil to determine the acidity.

Check with a nursery in your area for tips on when to transplant roses, but generally, any time from spring to fall, or when the plant is dormant and the ground is workable. Water every 3 or 4 days, soaking the soil to 8 inches; and fertilize depending on your type of soil, but usually about once every 4-6 weeks.

Lots of varieties of roses are available. The choices include climbing roses, tree roses, miniature roses, hybrid perpetual roses, grandiflora roses, and antique roses to name a few. Look at your space and the view from the house to determine how you want to define the space for planting. The rose can serve many functions including becoming a fragrant hedge and then providing bouquets of fresh cut flowers to decorate the inside of your home.

Give roses a try. The rewards are many and the satisfaction of seeing a perfect rose that you have grown makes it worth the effort.