Kilogram for kilogram, the new 1083-page edition of the Real Estate Encyclopedia offers Canadian homeowners and home buyers an unrivalled insider view of real estate. The Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) publishes the Real Estate Encyclopedia to support the extensive real estate licensing and mandatory education programs it runs for the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO)

This column is a response to readers of my various columns and to seminar attendees who ask, "How can I educate myself before putting my house on the market?" Or they ask for this help before they make a decision to buy. I have always recommended my book, Have Your Home and Money Too," (I'm only human) and the 1997 edition of the "Real Estate Encyclopedia" -- both good places to start. The new 2000 edition offers a refreshing, easy-to-follow format, detailed index, charts, illustrations and examples that demonstrate how to apply concepts.

Consumers know that information is only valuable when they can act on it and apply the information successfully as knowledge. The new edition of the Real Estate Encyclopedia has been dramatically revised to make access to specific information easier and application more straightforward. The real estate facts, figures and forms will appeal to inquiring minds who can then go to Realtors for help putting what they have learned into action to make or save money. Although you can't expect all Realtors to be walking versions of this compendium of knowledge, this book may raise the "knowledge bar" for consumer and Realtor alike.

The Encyclopedia helps consumers appreciate the depth of knowledge real estate professionals need to have at their fingertips. From "Abandonment" (in real estate, this means "relinquishment or surrender of property rights"), which includes details on applying the concept and an example of how understanding abandonment helped a property owner assert his rights, to "Zoning Bylaws," this book is an interesting, practical read.

Laws and other government restrictions are explored in sufficient detail to make the concepts clear and to assist in phrasing questions for your local Realtor to answer relative to your situation. The Appendix includes information on construction costs, mortgage payment factors and the complete Code of Ethics for Realtors.

Realtors who see themselves as knowledge brokers may use the Encyclopedia as a marketing tool. You may find a Realtor willing to become a lending library for consumers interested in unravelling the complexities of real estate. Other brokers or salespeople may plan to use the Encyclopedia as a signing bonus for listings and buyer agency or to give copies as housewarming presents. If not, you may want to get a copy from Ontario Real Estate Association – the price is approximately CN$60.

Published: November 7, 2000

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Futurist and Strategist PJ Wade is "The Catalyst" - intent on "Challenging The Best to Become Even Better." PJ earned this title by translating the dynamic impact of Boomers and their multi-generation families into relevant insights that start people thinking and taking action—in business and in life. Author of 8 books and more than 1800 published articles, PJ encourages individuals to become their own futurist. PJ writes and speaks about the insight, knowledge and solid decision-making skills that professionals and their clients need to live and work in this vortex of change. For instance, since PJ knows that home is headquarters for the new decades-long "unretirement," she wrote the popular book "Reverse Mortgages: Best Friend, Worst Enemy...Your Choice!", which is filled with suggestions and cautions on protecting, building and managing home equity. Her new business book, "What's Your Point?: Cut The Crap, Hit The Mark & Stick!" will be published in 2012. As The Catalyst, PJ provides strategic communication, client appreciation and advanced education services to the financial, tourism, lifestyle and service sectors - and the clients they serve. A frequently-quoted financial and business commentator, PJ is a thought-provoking strategic speaker who offers practical, real-life suggestions on leaving "the box" behind and embracing Forward Thinking - a talent she regularly demonstrates in this column. For more on keynotes, blogs, books and information on a range of 21st-Century topics, visit TheCatalyst.com.