Recent Blog Posts by Julie D. Martin

A Winning Streak

Century 21 has an ad campaign out that asks the question, "What's Special about Century 21 Agents?". The answers given conclude that we Century 21 agents go above and beyond for our clients, and that we are SMARTER…BOLDER…FASTER. Recently, a young man who lives right here in Waterloo made a name for himself at a Toronto Blue Jays game. Take a look at this video: The Star So, do ...

This is No Joke

Whether I'm the listing agent or the buyer's representative, I love the gift of giving and receiving specific feedback!   

Another Excellent Performance by the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony

Last night's concert was amazing.  The place was almost packed, but we confirmed when we left that they do have a few tickets available for tonight's 8pm performance. If you enjoy Big Band music, this is the event for you.  Lots of Swing pieces and a few sentimental love songs, too.  I couldn't help but feel proud when I heard Matt Catingub, the guest conductor say several times throughout ...

KWSymphony Salutes the Big Bands...Past & Present.

Hawaiian conductor and performer Matt Catingub wowed us last year with his stunning Sinatra arrangements. This year he leads the KWSymphony celebrating the music of the famous big bands, past, present, and future with selections by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Glenn Miller, and Quincy Jones, and hits like In the Mood, It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing), and more. I ...

High Energy Keys!!

Traffic was crazy on the 401 last night.  My hubby and I made a trip to and from Oakville and were running really late to the Symphony last night.  I just had to close my eyes and trust we'd make it to the Centre in the Square in time.  When we sat down right before the music started, our hearts were pounding, and the first portion of the evening (the piano concerto) kept our hearts ...

The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony welcomes a world-renowned pianist and an amazing Canadian Conductor for Kuerti Conducts the Emperor

Julian Kuerti, conductor Nareh Arghamanyan, piano Gary Kulesha: Torque Schumann: Symphony No. 2 in C major Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5, Emperor One of the most significant conducting talents to emerge in recent years, Canadian conductor Julian Kuerti leads your KWS and pianist Nareh Arghamanyan in a performance of Beethoven's most famous and endearing concerto, the Emperor. Buy your ...

This is Barefoot Weather

I'm loving this early Spring weather, how about you?  It kind of makes me want to go barefoot and let my feet breathe a little and feel the grass that's finally set free from its blanket of snow.  I heard that my favourite orchestra, our very own Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony was a part of a recent concert special titled Barefoot at the Symphony.  Here are a few words from their press ...

Random Quote

"I worked out with a dumbbell today.  I feel vigorous!"   Jerry Stiller as Frank Costanza   vig·or·ous adjective 1. full of or characterized by vigor; a vigorous effort. 2. strong; active; robust: a vigorous youngster. 3. energetic; forceful: vigorous steps; a vigorous personality. 4. powerful in action or effect: vigorous law enforcement. 5. ...

Helping New Canadians Buy a Home of Their Own

New Canadians are making their numbers felt in the housing market, as they get settled and make the transition from renter to owner, with mortgage brokers helping to make that transition as easy as possible. The most important considerations for new Canadians are credit history and down payment.  If you are new to Canada and do not have any established credit, you can qualify for a mortgage ...

Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony 2012 / 2013 Season

Edwin Outwater announces the 2012 / 2013 season: Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony

Critical Role of a Realtor®

I love the following list that my Century 21 colleage David Yetmen just posted in Facebook.  I added one more at the bottom, and I'm sure there are other things I have done and will do for my clients to help them get their house sold, but this is a good start! Listed here are over 100 typical actions, research steps, procedures, processes and review stages in a successful residential real ...

There's Still Time to Attend The Music of John Williams!

Last night was another GREAT night at the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony!  When I was out showing houses this afternoon near the Centre in the Square, it occurred to me that I hadn't gotten my blog done in time for today's 2:30pm matinee.  But, there's still time for the 8pm show if you are looking for something to do tonight.  John Williams is one of Hollywood's most famous and gifted ...

Thinking of Buying or Selling Privately?

Thinking of Buying or Selling Privately?  This story might cause you to think twice: I know a very sweet couple who are kicking themselves for taking this route.  A few years ago, they were in the midst of a very stressful family situation that was costing them thousands of dollars, and through no fault of their own, they were forced to downsize and buy a less expensive house in order ...

The Music of John Williams

John Williams is one of the most famous composers of this century.  His scores have revolutionized the film industry.  The Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony concert the first weekend of March at the Centre in the Square features some of his most notable themes: E.T., Superman, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, and Harry Potter.  The concert also includes the music we know and love from all six ...

Housing Crisis to End in 2012 as Banks Loosen Credit Standards

Here's an interesting article brought to my last week by LinkedIn: DSNEWS.com

Super Bowl Commercial

Century 21 Agents:  SMARTER...BOLDER...FASTER!! I made sure to watch the Super Bowl in the States this year so I could see this ad: By the way, Trump wants a "do over"?  I think he needs a "hair do over".  :)

RRSPs or TFSAs: Which is better to use when buying your first home?

Here is an excellent article on personal finance (saving for a house) I found in the Financial Post this morning: RRSPs or TFSAs: Which is better to use when buying your first home? I was proud to see that the CEO of Century 21 Canada was quoted in it. 

Baroque and Beyond Series

You've heard the saying "Go Big or Go Home".  Well, under most circumstances, those are the words by which I live.  But, I've come to learn that not all good things have to be done on a grand scale.  I was kind of disappointed that nearly everyone I could think of to attend the recent Wagner, Haydn and Purcell series was unable to join me.  My husband, my good friend Janette, ...

Appreciation Motion for Research in Motion

You know what?  Anyone who thinks that a company (or a relationship, for that matter) should only have ups and never have downs either hasn't really lived much or isn't living in reality.  Every good relationship and good business has its struggles along with its successes.  And we know that RIM has seen some gloomy days lately, but they've definitely had more good days than bad because ...

Newcomers to Ontario

This website is a fantastic resource for people who are new to Ontario.

Better than New York

Broadway 1959 which played Friday night (just a few hours ago) in our city is just like the real deal, only more budget-friendly.  The tickets start at $19, and that wouldn't cover a fraction of the cab fare from JFK or Laguardia to the show (2012 rates or 1959).  So, save the cash and support your locals instead.  I am not just encouraging, but urging you to bring your friends, your ...

Grand Opening of Menchie's

CHECK THIS OUT! Menchie's Frozen Yogurt has finally hit the streets of Waterloo.  Join me in supporting this great new local business! Hope to see you at the Grand Opening this weekend. Details below:                                                       ...

Taking a Step Back in Time

Take a step back in time with me at the Symphony this weekend and listen to the songs from Broadway 1959.  I'll be there Friday night and will blog about it before the Saturday night performance.  If you are out of the country this weekend, you have an excuse.  But, if you're here, you've got to see this show.  Don't just stay tuned for my blog.  I mean, don't get me wrong, ...

Excellent Value at the Box Office

Further details online at Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Hope to see you out at the Centre in the Square this weekend for Musical Fireworks.  I'll be there Friday!  :)

Hockey Night in Canada

If you are from Canada, you either love hockey or you pretend to.  And if you don't love hockey, you better love Don Cherry.  And if you don't love what he says, you hopefully love his style (or his attempt at fashion).  And if you think he looks ridiculous in his outlandish outfits (check out the Santa tie in this video), the least you can do is admire his confidence to go ...