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!
Friday, July 9, 2010
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!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Good Luck New Hampshire- Good Luck Family
Well, today is day four for many people in New Hampshire with NO power. My heart goes out to them all!
Thursday's storm really tore things up! I lost power myself Thursday night. I was lucky to get it back on in about 16 hours. I spent most of Friday on the road and couldn't believe my eyes! Huge trees up rooted, flooding, lines down every where.... and the debris! Branches and pine needles covering everything. It's going to be a heck of a clean up this Spring! I hope to have pictures up soon. ....if time allows.
Spring! It's March people! Oh, how I LOVE Spring! It's hard to envision myself in my gardens anytime soon with the two feet of snow still covering my yard, but I'm pretending! I started with Spring Cleaning.... which quickly turned to Spring Redecorating! The walls in my house are currently painted with large swipes of color samples. I love the samples. You get to spend a day or two with the colors, and compare them in different light before committing. I have my work cut for me today though! Tomorrow is my birthday.... which means I have to get all this painting done TODAY! I will not be a happy girl with the house in shambles. What have I gotten myself into? My poor family. Good luck dear family.
I better get busy! I have someone to prove wrong ;)
I CAN get this all done today and work too! I CAN!
Thursday's storm really tore things up! I lost power myself Thursday night. I was lucky to get it back on in about 16 hours. I spent most of Friday on the road and couldn't believe my eyes! Huge trees up rooted, flooding, lines down every where.... and the debris! Branches and pine needles covering everything. It's going to be a heck of a clean up this Spring! I hope to have pictures up soon. ....if time allows.
Spring! It's March people! Oh, how I LOVE Spring! It's hard to envision myself in my gardens anytime soon with the two feet of snow still covering my yard, but I'm pretending! I started with Spring Cleaning.... which quickly turned to Spring Redecorating! The walls in my house are currently painted with large swipes of color samples. I love the samples. You get to spend a day or two with the colors, and compare them in different light before committing. I have my work cut for me today though! Tomorrow is my birthday.... which means I have to get all this painting done TODAY! I will not be a happy girl with the house in shambles. What have I gotten myself into? My poor family. Good luck dear family.
I better get busy! I have someone to prove wrong ;)
I CAN get this all done today and work too! I CAN!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Get Ready Sellers!
It’s time to start thinking SPRING!
Yes, even though here in New Hampshire we received a new coat of fresh snow just yesterday. Home owners considering selling this year need to get on the ball. The Spring market is the most active time for new listings. Competition will be abundant so there is NO room for error. Getting that house ready to sell is priority number one.
The most important place to start is CLEANING! I know you’ve heard it before. That’s because it’s true. Clean everything. Throw away, give away, donate! Box it up and store it if you have to. Just get that house sparkling clean and clutter free. Remove the wall of photos. Wash windows and walls, carpets and floors.
Once you have that place sparkling consider some minor upgrades. Just a few changes here and there can really change the appearance of the home.
So what has the greatest effect?
• Replace light fixtures- You can give a room a whole new feel with a simple, low cost replacement
• Organize Kitchen Cabinets- Buyers WILL open doors. Using organizers will help cabinets look roomy
• Replace those knobs- Changing the knobs on kitchen and bath cabinets will give them a fresh look
• Clean or replace grout
• Add a backsplash- Tile or tin are both excellent options
• Add glass shower doors
• Paint- Just be sure to chose mellow, neutral colors
These are just a few of the many things you can do to improve your homes salability.
For more information visit my website http://www.ballouhomes.com/
You will find an abundance of information pertaining to selling your home.
Or call me for a Home Evaluation! 603.502.0154
Check the Market in your area- CLICK HERE!
Yes, even though here in New Hampshire we received a new coat of fresh snow just yesterday. Home owners considering selling this year need to get on the ball. The Spring market is the most active time for new listings. Competition will be abundant so there is NO room for error. Getting that house ready to sell is priority number one.
The most important place to start is CLEANING! I know you’ve heard it before. That’s because it’s true. Clean everything. Throw away, give away, donate! Box it up and store it if you have to. Just get that house sparkling clean and clutter free. Remove the wall of photos. Wash windows and walls, carpets and floors.
Once you have that place sparkling consider some minor upgrades. Just a few changes here and there can really change the appearance of the home.
So what has the greatest effect?
• Replace light fixtures- You can give a room a whole new feel with a simple, low cost replacement
• Organize Kitchen Cabinets- Buyers WILL open doors. Using organizers will help cabinets look roomy
• Replace those knobs- Changing the knobs on kitchen and bath cabinets will give them a fresh look
• Clean or replace grout
• Add a backsplash- Tile or tin are both excellent options
• Add glass shower doors
• Paint- Just be sure to chose mellow, neutral colors
These are just a few of the many things you can do to improve your homes salability.
For more information visit my website http://www.ballouhomes.com/
You will find an abundance of information pertaining to selling your home.
Or call me for a Home Evaluation! 603.502.0154
Check the Market in your area- CLICK HERE!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Open House Saturday- Boxwood Lane, Dover
Open House
Lot 4 Boxwood Lane, Dover, NH
Saturday 01/23/10 from 11-1
MLS#2797175
Come view the exceptional craftsmanship and design of one of Dover's top builders.
Homes starting at $399,900 in sought after Haven Farm Development.
Looking for something larger and more elaborate? We have those as well.
But time is running out! Only a few lots left.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Monotony, Loss, Gain, BUYERS....
My Mangrove Street listing came off the market this week. The baby is due soon and being settled is important. Look for it again in six months, maybe a year. Such a cute house.
I showed it to a couple a month or so ago. They had just started their search. They too have a baby due. This job still amazes me all the time. It's funny how things happen. And I'm truley amazed at the people I meet. These guys are just so cute and so sweet. I don't know how many agents they met before me, but we have been working together since. We went to just four other houses. Three days of showings. And what do you know! We found the house for them. It's now under agreement! In just 3 days! I have to stress the power of the internet, a good agent and an active, well prepared buyer! There really is no need for a hundred showings. Months of frustration. Well, not usually anyway. There is always the exception to every rule. But with the right guidance, a buyer really can find what they are looking for without all the mess.
How?
First, by using the power of the internet! You can get a VERY good feel for a home from what is available online. And ask questions BEFORE going all the way there. We all feel that our time is precious. Life moves faster and faster by the minute. Wasting it looking at houses you would never want is not an appealing thought. And take a drive by the houses before scheduling that showing too. You can change a house, but you can't change it's location OR the neighbors. A few simple steps can really change your buying process and save you lots of frustration. I used to be surprised at how many of my buyers would tell me "Hey, that was WAY easier than we were told it would be!". Now I understand that just a few shifts in the process can have huge effects. I want happy buyers.
I am still surprised though, at how much I end up liking my buyers! Maybe I'm just a sap and my perception is skewed, it could certainly be true, but I always find they become friends. I enjoy working with them. I find myself feeling a bit saddened when the closing date nears. Knowing it's nearly over. And as life does, things get busy and we don't see each other again for quite some time. But it's so wonderful helping people find a home AND aquiring friends in the process. I love this business.
Marco and Elisa, thank you so much for chosing me!!!
If you've been following my blog (thank you SO much) or noticed the gap in posts, you can see I have had a serious case of writer's block. Strange for me... as anyone who knows me well will tell you, when I get started it can go on for what seems like forever. There is hardly a simple email. My poor friends have to wade through paragraph after paragraph. Agents rarely get just a simple response. When I write, I write. So this block, as you can imagine has been rather painful. This was a very forced event. Let's hope something breaks soon!!
I showed it to a couple a month or so ago. They had just started their search. They too have a baby due. This job still amazes me all the time. It's funny how things happen. And I'm truley amazed at the people I meet. These guys are just so cute and so sweet. I don't know how many agents they met before me, but we have been working together since. We went to just four other houses. Three days of showings. And what do you know! We found the house for them. It's now under agreement! In just 3 days! I have to stress the power of the internet, a good agent and an active, well prepared buyer! There really is no need for a hundred showings. Months of frustration. Well, not usually anyway. There is always the exception to every rule. But with the right guidance, a buyer really can find what they are looking for without all the mess.
How?
First, by using the power of the internet! You can get a VERY good feel for a home from what is available online. And ask questions BEFORE going all the way there. We all feel that our time is precious. Life moves faster and faster by the minute. Wasting it looking at houses you would never want is not an appealing thought. And take a drive by the houses before scheduling that showing too. You can change a house, but you can't change it's location OR the neighbors. A few simple steps can really change your buying process and save you lots of frustration. I used to be surprised at how many of my buyers would tell me "Hey, that was WAY easier than we were told it would be!". Now I understand that just a few shifts in the process can have huge effects. I want happy buyers.
I am still surprised though, at how much I end up liking my buyers! Maybe I'm just a sap and my perception is skewed, it could certainly be true, but I always find they become friends. I enjoy working with them. I find myself feeling a bit saddened when the closing date nears. Knowing it's nearly over. And as life does, things get busy and we don't see each other again for quite some time. But it's so wonderful helping people find a home AND aquiring friends in the process. I love this business.
Marco and Elisa, thank you so much for chosing me!!!
If you've been following my blog (thank you SO much) or noticed the gap in posts, you can see I have had a serious case of writer's block. Strange for me... as anyone who knows me well will tell you, when I get started it can go on for what seems like forever. There is hardly a simple email. My poor friends have to wade through paragraph after paragraph. Agents rarely get just a simple response. When I write, I write. So this block, as you can imagine has been rather painful. This was a very forced event. Let's hope something breaks soon!!
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