Hickory NC Real Estate Info

Chicken Wings and Dogs?

Anne Barrier ABR ASP CRS GRI e-PRO (Realty Executives of Hickory) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:44:27 -0800

Absolutely in this case! The Humane Society of Catawba County has been chosen by Buffalo Wild Wings Grill and Bar as their charity of choice in Catawba County for 2010. Every Monday when you eat you only have to drop your receipt into the designated jar at the check out counter and a portion of the proceeds go to the Humane Society! How awesome and easy is that?

Because of the economy, many of our pets and animals are feeling the brunt of loss. Families are surrendering dogs and cats in record numbers here. The Catawba County Animal Shelter is extremely overcrowded. They are forced to euthanize animals every week.

The Humane Society is a no-kill facility, but they are at capacity.

How can you help? Eat at Buffalo Wild Wings on Mondays and make sure your receipt gets counted! As you chow down on chicken wings, burgers and fries remember the dogs and cats you will be helping!

New Year

Anne Barrier ABR ASP CRS GRI e-PRO (Realty Executives of Hickory) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 10:33:44 -0800

I noticed a disturbing trend in my blogs from last year - negativism! Bad! Not the way I want to do business and not what I truly have to offer - my apologies and on to a new year. The banks in this area are looking for business again, which is a good thing. The tax credit for homebuyers is fantastic and still on. Buyers need to jump into the market and get that first house even if it's not going to be their "forever" house. Sellers - you better make sure your house is priced right and staged perfectly. Your competition is fierce especially in the Hickory NC area that I serve. Foreclosures are still coming in hot and heavy and this gives buyers so much to choose from. There's lots of excitement out there to be had in this time.

Libel or Slander?

Anne Barrier ABR ASP CRS GRI e-PRO (Realty Executives of Hickory) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 12:58:54 -0700

Do we as agents have to take what people say about us? Where is the limit on how we can respond to threats of adverse blogs and false accusations? I certainly don't want to get in to a contest of who can say what to who, but it doesn't seem fair to be in the public target range for whatever their thoughts and feelings are. I'm the first to admit it if I have truly made a mistake, but how do you cope with people who are saying these things about you that you know aren't true?

Real Estate and the Community

Anne Barrier ABR ASP CRS GRI e-PRO (Realty Executives of Hickory) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 14:17:33 -0700

Sometines it's easy to get caught up in the day to day stress and flow of real estate sales and forget about one of the main things we can offer to our clients. Access to the community! My clients know they can go to www.abarrier.com and find out what's happening at the art museum, the historical association, the Catawba County Humane Society and other areas of interest. Especially newcomers to our area don't always know what we have to offer.

Real estate is so much more than buying and selling homes - it's about helping people create lives.

Are Things Changing?

Anne Barrier ABR ASP CRS GRI e-PRO (Realty Executives of Hickory) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 06:29:17 -0700

I keep waiting for the bottom, and I hope we hit it last fall and winter. Although foreclosures are still coming on the market daily and the phones are still too quiet, there is a difference in the air. People are emailing more and phoning less. I have gone ahead and made an investment in my web site that I hope will pay dividends later this year. As Will Rogers said "Don't say whoa in a mud hole"! I have been working with good buyers and my listings are being shown more. I won't say we're rebounding - it's more of a glacial inching but I see forward movement. Let's go ahead in 2009!

Firing a Client

Anne Barrier ABR ASP CRS GRI e-PRO (Realty Executives of Hickory) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 12:29:14 -0800

I just came through the most horrendous ordeal of over 30 years in sales and business. This woman has driven me to drink (a very short drive) and almost to insanity and sickness. For some reason, I just couldn't get rid of her. I kept thinking about the commission on these tough times and also, my reputation as a closer. I needed to get my head out of my butt a little faster than I did and let her go. There comes a point where you think you have so much invested in the transaction that you cannot let it disappear. However, when you are taking so much crap from someone who is so stupid that it's unbelievable, it's time to cut the strings. I let her walk away from the deal and when she mentioned house hunting again, I said "Good luck, I wish you well".

Refresher 101 for me - don't be afraid to fire someone. The relief is much better than the paycheck would have been!

Welcome to February

Anne Barrier ABR ASP CRS GRI e-PRO (Realty Executives of Hickory) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 07:19:04 -0800

First of all - a huge thank you to Vickie Burton for the referral! Referrals are the back bone of my business, and I take each and every one very seriously. When a friend, client or another agent takes the time and effort to tell someone about you and put you in touch with that person - Wow! what a compliment. I heard an agent one time complaining about having to pay a referral fee when "they didn't do anything and I did all the work". Hello! You just got handed a client. A warm, living, breathing commission paying client. Of course, if you're not going to take care of that client and stay in touch with them and make them want to give referrals to you...give them to me. I'll be more than happy to satisfy their dreams and turn them into referral makers, too.

Welcome to February! Here in Hickory, I know that there can't be much more really cold weather ahead. The daffodils are already peeking up through the mulch and the robins are doing the robin thing. Time for a new house!

Have a great week this week. Your attitude is totally in your control, and boy is it ever contagious. Try it sometime.

It's a Great Time to Spend Money!

Anne Barrier ABR ASP CRS GRI e-PRO (Realty Executives of Hickory) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:19:08 -0800

I know that there are many investors and other buyers out there who aren't going to let the media scare them away from making the right moves. In Hickory NC, our overall MLS sales were down 23% but our inventory remains the same. Do you know what that means? We have sellers who are anxious to get rid of their properties! With good interest rates now is the time for buyers and investors to get off the bench and into the game.

Sure, the banks are skittish. Let's make sure the i's are dotted and the t's crossed before we send the contracts in! 2009 is the year to make the step and take advantage of what's out there. Let's all get motivated and make some money. The more we make, the more we can spend, and the happier every body will be!

A New Year & A New Attitude!

Anne Barrier ABR ASP CRS GRI e-PRO (Realty Executives of Hickory) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:38:18 -0800

This year has really started off well. I have several new listings, and I feel very confident about them selling - and yes, this year!

Interest rates are low, inventory is high, and buyers are started to move again.

I am finding that the banks are still skittish and making sure the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed, which is the way it should be.

I hope all agents are going to have a great year in 2009.

A Time to Sell

Anne Barrier ABR ASP CRS GRI e-PRO (Realty Executives of Hickory) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:33:26 -0700

Yes, we're in a buyers' market here in Catawba County and Hickory, NC. However, let's translate that to ... we have buyers! Buyers need inventory, so it's a good time to put your house on the market and get it sold. First and foremost, the house must be at it's peak condition. As an Accredited Staging Professional, I make that one of my duties to my clients. The house has to be appealing from the front door to the back yard. Second, this is no time to take a chance on pricing. It had better be right when it goes on the market, or it will be over looked and forgotten faster than yesterday's news. Third, you need to have an agent who is as passionate about selling your house as you are!

Now is a Good Time to Buy

Anne Barrier ABR ASP CRS GRI e-PRO (Realty Executives of Hickory) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:03:43 -0700

Now is really a good time to buy property in Hickory NC! The rates are low and our inventory is high. For any agents in other parts of the country who have investors and buyers with money to spend, look no further. We have new construction, town homes, lake front homes, mansions and everything else in between. Our tax rate is low and the Catawba Valley is a great place to live and call home.

I refuse to participate in the Recession!

Anne Barrier ABR ASP CRS GRI e-PRO (Realty Executives of Hickory) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:08:55 -0700

I'm a little weary of the continual doom and gloom from the media and most of the agents I know. Yes, it's a tough year, but this too shall pass. Things are looking better in my area, I have good listings, buyers are willing and there is money out there for them! You can't get it sitting in the office. Go out and talk to some folks you know. They'll make you feel better and remind you why you're in this business to begin with.

Work your contacts and don't let them think you're not busy. Perception is reality to everybody so let your client base percieve that you are busy and successful!

Selling real estate is a tough business but it's so rewarding. Any business that has good rewards also takes strength to survive.

Labor Day Weekend

Anne Barrier ABR ASP CRS GRI e-PRO (Realty Executives of Hickory) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:02:44 -0700

I hope everyone is going to get a little time off over the weekend. Just to let you know, I have a place for sale on lake Hickory that would make a great weekender! 3/2 on the market for just $375,000. The lot and view are fantastic. Close to Hickory and less than an hour from Charlotte and Winston Salem. It's actually a good deal - the sellers really need to move it! If you can help me, please let me know.

This is new for me!

Anne Barrier ABR ASP CRS GRI e-PRO (Realty Executives of Hickory) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 09:29:33 -0700

I have always thought I was on top of things, but have begun to realise that I'm getting behind the times! I must blog! I am a real estate professional in the Hickory NC area (Catawba and surrounding counties). My greatest enjoyment comes from putting together a difficult deal. Can I get a person on Social Security with a credit score of 580 into his own home? I don't know, but I won't quit until every last door gets slammed in my face. Probably the best part of this life style (you can't call it a job) is meeting people. Some of them are great, some of them have become friends, and some of them I never want to see or speak to again.

Bottom line, I love what I do - you have to. Real estate is a very tough business and it's not for the faint of heart or the easily discouraged. I have complete faith that I'm exactly where God wants me to be, and I'll just keep on learning and going.

I enjoy working with expired listings, because I can usually fix what went wrong. I am an Accredited Staging Professional, and I have found that invaluable in helping my clients.

First time buyers, last time buyers, sellers, I enjoy the challenge.