Our 2014 Press Release

 

 

CONSULTING FIRM A NECESSARY ASSET TO BUILDERS

DF Consultants becoming top dog in the new home construction industry

 Toronto, ON – May 1, 2014 –   Since their April 2011 launch, DF Consultants continues to grow, and is fast becoming the most sought after company to conduct Pre Delivery and Quality Control Inspections by builders across the GTA.

“Builders have experienced first hand that our services are second to none, and that our prices are the lowest in the industry, without compromising on quality or integrity”, says Darlene Freeman, Founder and President of DF Consultants.

Freeman’s vision for DF Consultants is based on her findings of a need in the construction industry to save builders from hiring their own full time staff to conduct PDIs.  “When a builder works with DF Consultants, there are no medical benefits needed, no time spent training staff, no full time salaries and no hourly wages.  What they do get is a company on board for the duration of PDIs with extensive experience in customer care, in the new home construction industry.” says Freeman.

It is clear that DF Consultants has made a positive impact in the New Home Construction Industry, apparent in their partnerships and relationships with top builders in the Greater Toronto Area, and her well-respected relationship with Tarion Warranty Corporation.

 About DF Consultants

Darlene Freeman and her team at DF Consultants boast over 15 years of experience in the new home construction industry. As professionals in After Sales Service in high-rise and single family homes, DF Consultants understands the importance of a good builder/purchaser relationship and achieves this by improving purchaser’s understanding of the After Sales Service procedures.  The result is positive communication with the builder and a unique and valuable service that is not offered anywhere else.  For more information please visit www.dfconsultants.ca

Customer Care and the New Home Builder

I know that my famous last words are “Customer Service is the face of the company”, and I use that phrase whenever I see builders forgetting that fact.  I would have to say that most builders understand that customer care is key when it comes to dealing with their purchasers/homeowners, and that they depend on their Customer Service department to ensure quality assistance.  This just makes sense.  Who do the purchasers deal with after they have purchased their new homes?  Customer Service.  Who is responsible to make sure that deficiencies are completed in a timely manner, (and there are deficiencies no matter how trivial)?  Customer Service. Who is always available to answer questions, clarify procedures and just be there for support?  Customer Service.  That is why a savvy builder will put together the best team possible to represent their company. 

It is human nature that people talk about their experiences, and a new homeowner is no different.  They will either give kudos to their builder for a job well done, and enthusiastically recommend them to anyone who is looking for a new home. Or,  they will shout from the roof tops to stay away from a builder.  Homeowners are the builder’s bread and butter, and they want their homeowners to sing their praises, so naturally the best way to have them do that is to give them a quality product and exceptional customer care.  

I have written about this before, but with the BILD awards just behind us, it reminds me that many builders can reach their goals of excellence by including outstanding customer service.  Customer Care and the New Home Builder go hand in hand, it truly is a no brainer.

Press Release 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONSULTING FIRM A NECESSARY ASSET TO BUILDERS
Builders are recognizing the advantage of having DF Consultants on their team

Toronto, ON – January 7, 2013 – Since their July 2012 launch, DF Consultants has grown relationships with builders who are looking for services to conduct Pre Delivery Inspections to help save on costs of adding to a full time staff.

David Mach, Manager of Customer Care at Onni Group, is enthusiastic about using DF Consultants. His knowledge of Darlene Freeman’s, Founder and President of DF Consultants, expertise in the new home construction industry was his motivation to begin forging their partnership. Mach’s goal is to ensure that Onni Group has the best team to welcome their purchasers into their new luxury condominiums in downtown Toronto.

“Working with David at Onni Group is a pleasure” says Freeman. Customer care is our priority so we both understand what purchasers need and want. DF Consultants has fit right in comfortably with the Onni Group”.

Freeman’s vision for DF Consultants is based on her findings of a need in the construction industry to save builders from hiring their own full time staff to conduct PDIs.

“When a builder works with DF Consultants, there are no medical benefits needed, no time spent training staff, no full time salaries. What they do get is a company on board for the duration of PDIs with over 15 years experience in customer care in the new home construction industry” says Freeman.

“It has been a pleasure to work alongside DF Consultants,” says Matthew Slutsky, President and Co-founder BuzzBuzzHome. “Via their online dialogue (from Twitter to guest-blogging) DF Consultants has demonstrated a deep knowledge of the New Home After Sales Service procedures ensuring that new home purchasers are well informed, and understand what to expect before and after closing”.

It is clear that DF Consultants made a positive impact in the New Home Construction Industry, apparent in their partnerships and relationships with top builders in the Greater Toronto Area.

About DF Consultants

Darlene Freeman and her team at DF Consultants boast 15 years of experience in the new home construction industry. As professionals in After Sales Service in high-rise and single family homes, DF Consultants understands the importance of a good builder/purchaser relationship and achieves this by improving purchaser knowledge. The result is positive communication with the builder and a unique and valuable service that is not offered anywhere else. Look for Darlene Freeman’s column Buyers Forum in the Homes Extra section of the Toronto Sun newspaper. For more information please visit http://www.dfconsultants.ca.

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The Best Is Yet To Come or Building A Success Story

“The best is yet to come”, is a saying that I believe should be the mantra of everyone who is in business. They are words of encouragement, they are words to continue to strive for your sucessess.

The best is yet to come means that with hard work, positive attitude, and integrity we can achieve anything. In my business, teaching homeowners how to have a successful and stress free home buying experience snowballs into a strong and on going relationship with their builders. In my business, working with builders conducting Quality Control inspections and Pre Delivery Inspections (PDI’s) while saving them money, builds a strong and lasting relationship between us. This doesn’t happen over night. It takes hard work and endurance. It takes time to build trust to then work as a team for the betterment and satisfaction of the people who buy a new build.

The best is yet to come is something to aspire to. It helps to guide us to ensure that we continue to work hard to build positive relationships with our clients who trust us to do what is best for THEM.

The best is yet to come. I believe in this saying, and we at DF Consultants use it to help us stay focused, to help us stay grounded and to help us work that much harder so that we can be the company that builders depend on for now and in the future because, the best IS yet to come.

The Best Is Yet To Come

The best is yet to come.  This is a saying that gives hope even when you think it is hopeless, it says that the future looks bright even when you can’t get passed the here and now, it says don’t give up even when you don’t have the strength to continue.

I like this saying.  It helps to encourage you to believe that there really is light at the end of a dark and scary tunnel.  I helps to push you to move forward to continue to strive for that which makes you happy and content.  

We need positive thoughts, or moving forward is completely impossible.  We need to work hard to achieve our successes in both our personal life and in business. 

The best is yet to come is sometimes hard – no, impossible to believe.  It’s just one small step at a time, one foot foward then the other.  I know that there is a loving, special, invisible force pushing and encouraging me to move forward, even through the tears and the heartbreak.  A force who knows me and understands that it takes time and patience.  Times for tears and times for laughter.  A time when the laughter will outweigh the tears.

The best is yet to come, I have to believe that.

Press Release

Here is an advanced look at our 2nd Press Release that is going out next week. We are proud of our ability to build solid relationships with builders and to be of continual service to them.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONSULTING FIRM A NECESSARY ASSET TO BUILDERS
Builders are recognizing the advantage of having DF Consultants on their team

Toronto, ON – January 7, 2013 – Since their July 2012 launch, DF Consultants has grown relationships with builders who are looking for services to conduct Pre Delivery Inspections to help save on costs of adding to a full time staff.

David Mach, Manager of Customer Care at Onni Group, is enthusiastic about using DF Consultants. His knowledge of Darlene Freeman’s, Founder and President of DF Consultants, expertise in the new home construction industry was his motivation to begin forging their partnership. Mach’s goal is to ensure that Onni Group has the best team to welcome their purchasers into their new luxury condominiums in downtown Toronto.

“Working with David at Onni Group is a pleasure” says Freeman. Customer care is our priority so we both understand what purchasers need and want. DF Consultants has fit right in comfortably with the Onni Group”.

Freeman’s vision for DF Consultants is based on her findings of a need in the construction industry to save builders from hiring their own full time staff to conduct PDIs.

“When a builder works with DF Consultants, there are no medical benefits needed, no time spent training staff, no full time salaries. What they do get is a company on board for the duration of PDIs with over 15 years experience in customer care in the new home construction industry” says Freeman.

It is clear that DF Consultants made a positive impact in the New Home Construction Industry, apparent in their partnerships and relationships with top builders in the Greater Toronto Area.

About DF Consultants
Darlene Freeman and her team at DF Consultants boast over 15 years of experience in the new home construction industry. As professionals in After Sales Service in high-rise and single family homes, DF Consultants understands the importance of a good builder/purchaser relationship and achieves this by improving purchaser knowledge. The result is positive communication with the builder and a unique and valuable service that is not offered anywhere else. Look for Darlene Freeman’s column Buyers Forum in the Homes Extra section of the Toronto Sun newspaper. For more information please visit http://www.dfconsultants.ca. or contact Jeremy Carson, Vice President, Consultant, 905-237-3363, jeremy_dfconsultants@live.ca

The Housing Market Is Getting Calmer

The housing market seems to have calmed down.  Houses and condos are still selling, and selling well, but multiple offers are on the decline.  So, what does that mean?  It means you may be able to go out and buy that house or condo of your dreams without having to deal with a bidding war.

A few words of advice.  If you are looking for a resale, before finalizing the deal, make sure you have a home inspection.  If you are buying a new build, make sure you understand the process and procedures.

I always say, and will say it again, A Savvy Purchaser Becomes A Happy Homeowner!  If you understand the buying process you are less likely to have any unforseen surprises and much less stress.

Happy house or condo hunting!

Help Us Spread The Word!

Hey everyone, DF Consultants is spreading the word about our services to both builders and purchasers. The responses have been postive mixed with excitement.  New home purchasers have realized that understanding the policies and procedures that are in place when buying a new home, makes the experience stress-free. New Home Builders have recognized that our services not only give them savvy homeowners, but that they can also utilize our services as part of their Customer Care team.

DF Consultants is working to change the dynamics of the new home construction industry by bringing builders and their homeowners closer through education.  We want homeowners happy and satisfied, and we want builders to have exceptional Customer Care.  The results, exceptional communication, happy homeowners and repeat buyers.

Help us to spread the word by “liking” our Facebook page.  We may even be working with you in the future.  http://www.facebook.com/#!/DFConsultants

DF Consultants Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

CONSULTING FIRM NOW WORKING WITH NEW HOME BUILDERS

Builders and Developers Enthusiastic About Working with DF Consultants

 Toronto, ON – July 17, 2012 – After a successful inaugural year, DF Consultants has expanded from working exclusively with new home buyers, educating them in the AfterSales Service procedures, to working directly with new home builders. This business development has given builders and developers the opportunity to have DF Consultants complete their after sales services (including Pre Delivery Inspections (PDI), communication with purchasers regarding policies, procedures and more).

“It has been a pleasure to work alongside DF Consultants,” says Matthew Slutsky, President and Co-founder BuzzBuzzHome. “Via their online dialogue (from Twitter to guest-blogging) DF Consultants has demonstrated a deep knowledge of the New Home After Sales Service procedures ensuring that new home purchasers are well informed, and understand what to expect before and after closing”.

DF Consultants is the first company in Toronto to educate purchasers about the policies and procedures that come with buying a new house or condominium from a builder. Darlene Freeman, Founder and President, recognized that purchasers were anxious after buying their new homes. She started DF Consultants determined to ease the uncertainty, in turn creating a better relationship between the builders and their homeowners.

“We had no idea what to expect or what to look for when we booked our PDI,” says Eric Kuperman, client of DF Consultants. “The explanation regarding levels of important items to inspect during the PDI was brilliant. We followed DF Consultants’ instructions, and our PDI went smoothly and we worked well with our builder. All in all we walked away feeling very satisfied with our PDI and with our consultation from DF Consultants.”

Builders are eager to work with DF Consultants for their services in conducting professional PDIs, and working with their buyers to clarify the After Sales Service procedures. Brent Wilker Marketing Manager of Conasys Inc says, “I have seen first-hand the positive impact DF Consultants has made in the new home construction industry.”

DF Consultants creates a sense of trust that many homeowners do not feel after purchasing their new home leading new home builders to recognize the advantage of having DF Consultants on their team. Other companies associated in new home construction have also recognized the importance of DF Consultants’ contribution to the industry. For example, real estate agents specializing in new home purchases have provided DF Consultants’ services to their clients as gifts.

DF Consultants, in cooperation with builders, is looking to change the dynamics of the new home construction industry by ensuring that purchasers/homeowners understand their role and responsibilities as a new home buyer, and the builders’ role and responsibilities as a new home seller.

About DF Consultants

Darlene Freeman and her team at DF Consultants boast 15 years of experience in the new home construction industry. As professionals in After Sales Service in high-rise and single family homes, DF Consultants understands the importance of a good builder/purchaser relationship and achieves this by improving purchaser knowledge. The result is positive communication with the builder and a unique and valuable service that is not offered anywhere else. Look for Darlene Freeman’s column Buyers Forum in the Homes Extra section of the Toronto Sun newspaper. For more information please visit www.dfconsultants.ca.   

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 For additional information or an interview please contact:

Jeremy Carson, Consultant

905-237-3363

jeremy_dfconsultants@live.ca

 

The Real “411” About Builders

If there is one thing that I have learned over the past 15 years working in the new home construction industry, it’s that builders are human.  What do I mean by that?  Well, houses and condos are built by human hands, and human beings using machines to get the job done, which means that perfection is not a reality. That doesn’t mean that quality is not a reality.

I know that builders do construct safe and solid structures.  They take every precaution to produce a product that will bring comfort and happiness to the people who buy them, but, unforeseen problems can arise. The best example is this new phenomenon with glass combusting and falling off condos.  This sort of thing can give the builder a bad name, but do you really believe that a builder would purchase glass with the knowledge that it was going to come crashing down?   I don’t think so.  Unfortunately, an incident like this does bring about negative connotations towards the builder, and it is the builders’ name that is splashed all over the news and social media when something like this happens.  To the builders’ detriment, potential buyers unfortunately can’t see past the builders’ name when they hear negative stories in the media.  In reality however; this is a manufacturer issue.

Now, I am not saying that falling glass is not a concern, and extremely dangerous, but this does not speak to the builders capabilities, nor should it tarnish their reputation.  This is something that needs to be reviewed by the glass companies who sell this product.  Is glass regulated?  Is it tested to see if it can with stand, heat, cold and pressure?   I would say that the builders’ responsibility is to ensure that the company they use for windows and balconies has not had continual incident of breaking glass, and that the glass companies take immediate action if this sort of thing has happened.

Builders must follow stringent guidelines when building houses and condos, and they cannot deviate from those guidelines.  As a result, builders do not take deficiencies lightly.  It just would not make sense to knowingly put out a product that is substandard.   Most importantly, builders understand that their homeowners are their best advertising, and it is their homeowners’ happiness and peace of mind that ensures repeat sales and referrals.  So, my advice is, don’t make snap judgements or decisions when hearing or reading negative press about a builder.  It is in your best interest to ask their homeowners how they feel.  They are the ones who know firsthand about their builder and their new home.  They are the ones who will give you the real “411”.