One of my favorite parts of life in Real Estate is being able to have some control over my schedule. I've never been the type who follows the pack or one who is OK with someone dictating my time. Or anything else for that matter. Spoiled? Most definitely. The idea of being forced into the same place everyday from 9-5 sends me into instant claustrophobia. I need change. I need diversity. I need control over my life!
So when entering this crazy world I thought I was gaining just that. Control. BAH! Little did I know, my sense of responsibility would play games with my sanity. Little did I know, my clients would become the ones in control.
Take today. It's been a long week already. Early mornings. Showings till 7 every night. Barely a free moment. And my house and office bare the battle wounds to prove it. So today I "scheduled" work from home day.... and get the house CLEAN day.
Well, not so fast, Stephanie. Those countless showings this week turned into me writing offers until 10pm last night and a day of organizing and presenting offers today. So much for the house. But here's a little secret.... showings are FREE! We get paid at closings! Ever wonder why Realtors LOVE technology so much? Because things like multiple offer situations and first come, first serve suck away all our control. Because we can't be at our kids school play, writing your offer and showing the other guy the hot house that just came on the market all at the same time. Sweet sweet technology! :)
All sarcasms aside, I am blessed, especially in this market, to be presenting TWO offers today. And all the late nights, lost time with my family, lack of free weekends and "on call" 24 hours a day, 7... well, 6 days a week truly is worth it. I love the feeling I get when someone realizes their dream of home ownership. I've said it before, a home is where we are happy and safe. And in a way, I help bring that to people.
That's enough sap for today. Someone get me a damn house cleaner!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Someone Shot The House!
So, I arrive at what will be my final showing yesterday and it's a real beauty! A foreclosure.
It appears the previous owners kept birds in the front room. Chickens perhaps? The rest of the house shows signs of a pig pen maybe.
I'm standing in the first floor bath, surely a puzzled look on my face as I study the shower stall. The right side wall is riddled with holes. Hmmh? So is the left side wall. A feeble attempt to fiberglass them over had been made. No..... Yup, sure enough, the hall wall has even more holes! I look to my left. Even more holes in the basement door. And more in the ceiling of the basement stairs. Now I can't help myself. I run out side and around the back of the house. They did!
Someone shot the house!
....with what looks like buckshot.
Now, I've seen angry people about to be foreclosed on do some horrific things to houses as they leave. But the attempt to fiberglass the holes suggests they were still living in this home when it was assaulted.
My first reaction is to look to see where it may have come from. That's when I see it. The tree house. Dead level with the wound. Could this have been the work of some hell hound child?
I suspect we shall never know, but it sure adds a bit of imagination to the end of a long day.
It appears the previous owners kept birds in the front room. Chickens perhaps? The rest of the house shows signs of a pig pen maybe.
I'm standing in the first floor bath, surely a puzzled look on my face as I study the shower stall. The right side wall is riddled with holes. Hmmh? So is the left side wall. A feeble attempt to fiberglass them over had been made. No..... Yup, sure enough, the hall wall has even more holes! I look to my left. Even more holes in the basement door. And more in the ceiling of the basement stairs. Now I can't help myself. I run out side and around the back of the house. They did!
Someone shot the house!
....with what looks like buckshot.
Now, I've seen angry people about to be foreclosed on do some horrific things to houses as they leave. But the attempt to fiberglass the holes suggests they were still living in this home when it was assaulted.
My first reaction is to look to see where it may have come from. That's when I see it. The tree house. Dead level with the wound. Could this have been the work of some hell hound child?
I suspect we shall never know, but it sure adds a bit of imagination to the end of a long day.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Back to School is coming! Help a Foster child!
Just a quick reminder....
My Back to School Bookbag event will be coming up next month!
The stores are filling up with school supplies. If you find yourself able, please consider helping a foster child get a great back to school start. I fill back packs with all the supplies they will need. If you can only pick up a few things wonderful! Just drop them by my office or give me a call and I will come pick it up. If you can buy a backpack and fill it with items- fantastic! We will take whatever we can get.
Again, a very special thanks to everyone who helped out last year!!
....more details to follow
My Back to School Bookbag event will be coming up next month!
The stores are filling up with school supplies. If you find yourself able, please consider helping a foster child get a great back to school start. I fill back packs with all the supplies they will need. If you can only pick up a few things wonderful! Just drop them by my office or give me a call and I will come pick it up. If you can buy a backpack and fill it with items- fantastic! We will take whatever we can get.
Again, a very special thanks to everyone who helped out last year!!
....more details to follow
Friday, July 9, 2010
The Power of Relationships
I’m a firm believer in what goes around will eventually come around. I also believe that being kind and understanding will always win out. The impression you leave with someone can truly affect your life.
Take Stella for instance. I met Stella a few years ago at an Open House on some condos we had under construction near her own. It was a miserably hot, humid summer day. Temps soaring around 100 degrees. As I mentioned, the condos were under construction. Just under construction in fact. A shell of a building with only one unit sheet rocked. Nowhere near completion. Everything was covered in dust and dirt. And I had forgotten a chair so I was left standing, in the heat and the filth, for the full time I was to be there.
But when Stella ventured across the way to see what would be her new neighbors, I showed no sign of the pain I had endured. I planted a smile across my face and showed a happiness to talk to her about the project. Now Stella is no fool. She knew exactly the day I had endured. She also knew my attitude was genuine.
Fast forward a year or so. I’m sitting at my desk, busily working when my phone rings. “Stephanie, I’m quite sure you won’t remember me, but I met you at an Open House.” Of course I remembered Stella, but I certainly was surprised to hear from her. She had been thinking of putting her condo on the market and sought me out. She knew an agent she said she was very fond of, but I apparently had left an impression on her. Well, after meeting with her and performing a CMA on her condo she decided it just wasn’t the right time for her to sell.
Many months, a year passed, but Stella called me back! This time she really might be ready to list. In our conversation she pointed something out to me. On our initial meeting I explained to her that I realize buying and selling is a very emotional experience. I put my clients needs AND emotions in the forefront. She knew I meant it.
Now, on the flip side of that scenario…. I recently had a showing on one of my listings. That agent called days in advance. Perfect. I confirmed with my seller then relayed that confirmation to the buyer’s agent within the hour. The evening before the showing I receive a call from the agent, a bit perturbed I hadn’t confirmed. Hmm? Ok, I let it go. Their offer comes in at 7am the Friday starting the Fourth of July holiday. Now, I understand that business goes on. Agents work holidays (We’ll save this argument for a later date). Buyers want showings. Buyers want answers. And I’m fully prepared to proceed. However, the offer has a 24 hour response request and my seller is off to celebrate. You see, for him there is more to life than selling his house. I kindly thank the agent for the offer and let him know that I am doing all I can and will be in touch as soon as possible. My seller is beginning his holiday. Mr. Agent’s response- “We understand, but we all have cells and text.” Wow. That was pretty rude ( …and I told him as much). Truth be told, my seller does NOT text and RARELY carries his cell phone. On top of that, he rides a motorcycle long distances. IF he knew it was ringing, IF he were carrying it, he certainly couldn’t answer it.
To make a long story short, I will summarize. The offer was nearly 20K under list(on a very nice home, in a very nice neighborhood, that is priced well), we responded in under 6 hours with a good counter, they requested a last minute second showing for the next morning, counter back with not much more than the original offer, the agent calls repeatedly over the holiday weekend, demands are made and my seller feels insulted and bullied and refuses to respond for days until he finally just rejects the offer. And this agent has been repeatedly rude and disrespectful to me.
The outcome? The reduced price that would have been available is no longer available to this buyer. And frankly, my seller suggests the home may not be at any price.
The moral of the story-
Not all sellers are desperate to sell, being bossy and disrespectful won’t get you anywhere and rest assured Mr. Cranky Agent, even my very good natured self will remember this event if we so meet again. Be nice! And mean it.
Now don’t get me wrong. I know the legality and ethics of representation without involving my own emotions. I’m well suited to do so. But I won’t be pressured or bullied by anyone and nor will I let my clients. This business really is built on relationships and really is FULL of emotion. If, as agents, we build solid, friendly relationships with clients and colleagues alike, we will not only succeed to greater lengths, we will also have a better time doing so.
My grandmother always used to tell me “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar”. She also told my husband, on our wedding day, “Never go to bed mad at each other”. And you know what? He listened. And we have a near perfect friendship and marriage. She’s a smart woman my grandmother. Thanks Gram!
Take Stella for instance. I met Stella a few years ago at an Open House on some condos we had under construction near her own. It was a miserably hot, humid summer day. Temps soaring around 100 degrees. As I mentioned, the condos were under construction. Just under construction in fact. A shell of a building with only one unit sheet rocked. Nowhere near completion. Everything was covered in dust and dirt. And I had forgotten a chair so I was left standing, in the heat and the filth, for the full time I was to be there.
But when Stella ventured across the way to see what would be her new neighbors, I showed no sign of the pain I had endured. I planted a smile across my face and showed a happiness to talk to her about the project. Now Stella is no fool. She knew exactly the day I had endured. She also knew my attitude was genuine.
Fast forward a year or so. I’m sitting at my desk, busily working when my phone rings. “Stephanie, I’m quite sure you won’t remember me, but I met you at an Open House.” Of course I remembered Stella, but I certainly was surprised to hear from her. She had been thinking of putting her condo on the market and sought me out. She knew an agent she said she was very fond of, but I apparently had left an impression on her. Well, after meeting with her and performing a CMA on her condo she decided it just wasn’t the right time for her to sell.
Many months, a year passed, but Stella called me back! This time she really might be ready to list. In our conversation she pointed something out to me. On our initial meeting I explained to her that I realize buying and selling is a very emotional experience. I put my clients needs AND emotions in the forefront. She knew I meant it.
Now, on the flip side of that scenario…. I recently had a showing on one of my listings. That agent called days in advance. Perfect. I confirmed with my seller then relayed that confirmation to the buyer’s agent within the hour. The evening before the showing I receive a call from the agent, a bit perturbed I hadn’t confirmed. Hmm? Ok, I let it go. Their offer comes in at 7am the Friday starting the Fourth of July holiday. Now, I understand that business goes on. Agents work holidays (We’ll save this argument for a later date). Buyers want showings. Buyers want answers. And I’m fully prepared to proceed. However, the offer has a 24 hour response request and my seller is off to celebrate. You see, for him there is more to life than selling his house. I kindly thank the agent for the offer and let him know that I am doing all I can and will be in touch as soon as possible. My seller is beginning his holiday. Mr. Agent’s response- “We understand, but we all have cells and text.” Wow. That was pretty rude ( …and I told him as much). Truth be told, my seller does NOT text and RARELY carries his cell phone. On top of that, he rides a motorcycle long distances. IF he knew it was ringing, IF he were carrying it, he certainly couldn’t answer it.
To make a long story short, I will summarize. The offer was nearly 20K under list(on a very nice home, in a very nice neighborhood, that is priced well), we responded in under 6 hours with a good counter, they requested a last minute second showing for the next morning, counter back with not much more than the original offer, the agent calls repeatedly over the holiday weekend, demands are made and my seller feels insulted and bullied and refuses to respond for days until he finally just rejects the offer. And this agent has been repeatedly rude and disrespectful to me.
The outcome? The reduced price that would have been available is no longer available to this buyer. And frankly, my seller suggests the home may not be at any price.
The moral of the story-
Not all sellers are desperate to sell, being bossy and disrespectful won’t get you anywhere and rest assured Mr. Cranky Agent, even my very good natured self will remember this event if we so meet again. Be nice! And mean it.
Now don’t get me wrong. I know the legality and ethics of representation without involving my own emotions. I’m well suited to do so. But I won’t be pressured or bullied by anyone and nor will I let my clients. This business really is built on relationships and really is FULL of emotion. If, as agents, we build solid, friendly relationships with clients and colleagues alike, we will not only succeed to greater lengths, we will also have a better time doing so.
My grandmother always used to tell me “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar”. She also told my husband, on our wedding day, “Never go to bed mad at each other”. And you know what? He listened. And we have a near perfect friendship and marriage. She’s a smart woman my grandmother. Thanks Gram!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Neglect
Oh, dear readers, how I have neglected thee. I am appalled it has been more than 4 months since I have written. Though I have been quiet here, real estate and my life certainly have not. The Spring Market came and went- And with it the Tax Credit. It sure had us scrambling! I saw buyers going mental to get last minute showings and deals put together, multiple offer bidding on nearly everything and buyers and agents alike rushing to get in under the deadline. $8,000.00 sure can be a motivator!
And then there were appraisals! In a matter of two weeks I had two appraisals come in more than twenty thousand- yes, you heard me correctly- twenty thousand under the contract price.
I was lucky to have one of them be with buyers who were very familiar with the local market and knew they weren’t going to get a better house for their money, matching their criteria. I was also lucky said buyers were only financing 38% of the contract price. They needed only to write a letter to their bank acknowledging and accepting the difference. Not true with the other deal. After much time, patience and work, we are back to square one….and both buyer and seller lose out on the credit.
Now, anyone keeping even just half an eye on the market knows prices have been all over the place, but this is potential trouble. Because I’m not the only agent with this experience lately. I’ve spoke with many. We’ve all found the troubled appraisals to be performed by appraisers from other parts of the state. Coincidence? Which poses the questions- Are appraisers from different regions truly familiar with a market so far away? Are they hurting or helping the market? (Will this get me in a bit of trouble? ;) ) I’m afraid this may be a concern for buyers and sellers to come.
So what can you do? I’m sorry to say, in many cases- nothing. Some banks will allow you to perform a second appraisal- for an additional few hundred dollar fee. However, more often, they will not. And those that will, might not accept the new appraisal. Or perhaps the new appraiser will also come in low. I do suggest you ask your agent to give it a go though. I tore those appraisals apart! I perform my comparative market analysis the same way an appraiser performs their appraisals. I never let my buyers enter into a contract without performing a CMA. I knew our prices were fair. In the first instance the lender was ready to perform a new appraisal. In the second, I was representing the seller so my efforts were futile. Unfortunately, the buyer’s agent did not share my passion.
Personally, I have had much time spent in my gardens (hooray!), many wonderful beach days with my family… and even got in a week off! Although I think I am still recovering! One week off equals three weeks of cleaning up. I needed it far more than I ever knew. I feel refreshed and renewed. I’m blogging again!
…and with that, I leave you for another day. Not 4 months this time!
And then there were appraisals! In a matter of two weeks I had two appraisals come in more than twenty thousand- yes, you heard me correctly- twenty thousand under the contract price.
I was lucky to have one of them be with buyers who were very familiar with the local market and knew they weren’t going to get a better house for their money, matching their criteria. I was also lucky said buyers were only financing 38% of the contract price. They needed only to write a letter to their bank acknowledging and accepting the difference. Not true with the other deal. After much time, patience and work, we are back to square one….and both buyer and seller lose out on the credit.
Now, anyone keeping even just half an eye on the market knows prices have been all over the place, but this is potential trouble. Because I’m not the only agent with this experience lately. I’ve spoke with many. We’ve all found the troubled appraisals to be performed by appraisers from other parts of the state. Coincidence? Which poses the questions- Are appraisers from different regions truly familiar with a market so far away? Are they hurting or helping the market? (Will this get me in a bit of trouble? ;) ) I’m afraid this may be a concern for buyers and sellers to come.
So what can you do? I’m sorry to say, in many cases- nothing. Some banks will allow you to perform a second appraisal- for an additional few hundred dollar fee. However, more often, they will not. And those that will, might not accept the new appraisal. Or perhaps the new appraiser will also come in low. I do suggest you ask your agent to give it a go though. I tore those appraisals apart! I perform my comparative market analysis the same way an appraiser performs their appraisals. I never let my buyers enter into a contract without performing a CMA. I knew our prices were fair. In the first instance the lender was ready to perform a new appraisal. In the second, I was representing the seller so my efforts were futile. Unfortunately, the buyer’s agent did not share my passion.
Personally, I have had much time spent in my gardens (hooray!), many wonderful beach days with my family… and even got in a week off! Although I think I am still recovering! One week off equals three weeks of cleaning up. I needed it far more than I ever knew. I feel refreshed and renewed. I’m blogging again!
…and with that, I leave you for another day. Not 4 months this time!
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