Agent Outlier ~ Chapel Hill / Durham Real Estate Blog

Getting Around Chapel Hill, NC Couldn't Be Easier For UNC Students, Residents and Visitors

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:51:14 -0600

Living near public transportation has become more and more important for folks when considering a new career or higher education and when looking for a new home near either. That's easy to understand in California, New York, Chicago or any number of cities with reknowned public transportation systems.

Did you know that relocating to Chapel Hill or Carrboro, NC doesn't rule out the possibility of replacing some of your drive time and expense with inexpensive public transportation? How inexpensive...well, how does FREE sound?

Since 2002, Chapel Hill Transit has served the Chapel Hill, Carrboro and UNC areas with clean, attractive state of the art public buses, a comprehensive bus route and special event service...all for FREE. In fact, Chapel Hill, NC was the recipient of the first place "2009 Mayors City Livabillity Award', chosen from 200 cities. One of the biggest factors was the city's commitment to public transportation and the impact it has on quality of life in Chapel Hill. This video from the Town of Chapel Hill discusses the decision behind making the bus system free and how it contributes to a sustainable city and benefits students at UNC, residents of Chapel Hill and the folks who visit, live and work here.

Chapel Hill Transit connects to Triangle Transit allowing access to many other areas of the Research Triangle. Route planners and real time bus information are available online from your computer or mobile phone, or download this pdf of the current service area, complete with maps!

It's Simple...When You Have A Great Agent!

SarahGray Lamm is a licensed, full time, residential real estate agent in the Raleigh Durham area of North Carolina. She specializes in serving the real estate needs of home sellers and home buyers in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Durham and Northern Chatham County.

With over 60,000 hours of experience in NC real estate, SarahGray is proudly associated with Allen Tate Realtors, the Carolinas #1 independent realty company. With exceptional relationships all over the Carolinas and the U.S., SarahGray is able to connect you with other professional Realtors in all areas who will make your search for a new home or your home sale the best experience you have ever had!

Use of content from the AgentOutlier blog without the express permission of the owner is a violation of federal copyright laws.

Home For Sale ~ 4105 Livingstone Place, Durham, NC 27707 ~ $197000 in Trotter Ridge

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:24:07 -0600

~4105 Livingstone Place, Durham, NC 27707~

3 Bedroom + 2 Bathrooms Upstairs
Utility Room and Half Bath on Main Level
Large Living Room with Raised Brick Hearth Fireplace
Separate Dining Room
Bright Spacious Kitchen with Breakfast Room
Beautiful Sun Room with door to Patio and Hot Tub

$197,000 includes a Home Warranty

Video Tour and Clickable Floorplan Here or Below

Check out other Southwest Durham Properties between $150,000 and $250,000 by clicking here

It's Simple...When You Have A Great Agent!

Paws4Ever Dog Walk at Southern Village in Chapel Hill NC

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:46:51 -0600

The annual Paws4Ever Dog Walk was held this past weekend at Southern Village in Chapel Hill, NC. The event was well attended on a beautiful Saturday which brought out pooches, some in costume, and their people for live music, browsing the booths of pet centric vendors, a silent auction of some unique hand crafted dog houses donated by local builders and many other unique handcrafts.

A lively demonstration by the Paws4Ever Drill Team was followed by the dog agility course demonstration and a popular round of Musical Sit! Finally, the pet parade left the village green for a walk around Southern Village.

Thanks to all who attended! We look forward to seeing you again next year!

(A Big thank you also to C Tann-Starr and her "mad" music production and video editing skills for this wonderful clip of some of our events!)

It's Simple...When You Have A Great Agent!

Carolina Panthers Fans - Enter Contest To Win Game Tickets And A Plasma TV

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:56:06 -0600

Are you the Ultimate Carolina Panthers Fan? Here's an opportunity you won't want to miss!

My company, Allen Tate Realtors, is offering a chance to win Four Lower Level Tickets to the Carolina vs. New Orleans football game on January 3, 2010! And not just tickets but the Ultimate Fan Package includes Field Passes, an autographed Panthers Jersey AND a 42" LG Plasma HDTV!

I would love to hear that one of my clients or real estate blog readers is the Ultimate Fan! You do need to be a resident of NC or SC so if you aren't but know someone who lives in one of our beautiful states, send them a link to my blog post! (Maybe you can get them to agree to take you to the game with them!) Or better yet maybe you'd like to buy some NC real estate...why miss these great opportunities! Good Luck!

It's Simple...When You Have A Great Agent!

A Doctor, A Realtor and WebMD...A Lesson Learned

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 11:02:02 -0600

You know that look on your doctor’s face when you say something like“I think I have a thyroid problem because I looked up my symptoms on WebMD and I figure I’ll be on meds now for the rest of my life. What do you think?”

Admit it, we’ve all gone running to the computer, logged on to WebMD and started selecting from the menu of questions designed to help determine what is wrong with us. You’ve ignored a symptom for too long. No time to be sick. So what are you to do when you decide enough is enough…you just have to make an appointment. Of course you’ll have to wait for weeks to get in and then wait for the test results to come in. Why not just head on over to WebMD and get yourself a quick diagnosis…you know help the process along, point the doc in the right direction, start getting a handle on your future.

If your doctor is as polite as mine, she will just smile (it might be a little tight…not sure) and just keep listening to your theories as she continues to listen to your heart, check your vitals and ask specific questions about when you first noticed this or that. She will not even roll her eyes as you suggest possible new medications you saw in a magazine ad or which a friend suggested (you know a friend with exactly the same disease.)

Being a gracious person she will not remind you that she has an advanced degree in medicine and that she has seen lots of folks with your complaint but that her experience and training have taught her to look at you as an individual and not as a bag of symptoms. She will not remind you that you are really good at what you do for a living and so is she; that you might be best served by letting her do what she does best…diagnosing your illness and deciding the treatment methodology. No, she will simply get on with it; quietly run her tests, ask her questions and explain to you the best course of action for your particular situation.

She is an experienced professional and will not be swayed by the opinion of a computer program, no matter how sophisticated, and available to everyone on the web. That’s why you trust her with your body and well; your life.

Then it hits you that, like your doctor, your professionalism and experience are the ‘value add’, the intangible asset, the lens through which your clients view you, and the reason they call on you for real help in your area of expertise. WebMD, like WebLawyer, WebAccountant or all those WebREALTOR sites are simply places for us all to go in the evening or on the weekend when we decide we just have to move forward on that nagging, back burner issue. Isn’t that what all this technology is for? No one has to wait anymore to ask a burning question.

The common denominator on all of these sites is that once you’ve reached the “conclusion” of your search, there is always a disclaimer, a recommendation to ‘seek the advise of a professional’, a reminder that the information provided is general and informational in nature and not intended for you to base important decisions on.

The lesson learned is that just because I can read for hours online about how others have handled their particular situation and what they suggest I consider doing in mine, doesn’t mean that the best answer for them is the best answer for me. I have a doctor whom I chose because she is experienced, skilled and thankfully, tactful. I trust her to work in my best interest regardless of how much website “help” I offer her.

I sold my doctor’s home for her and helped her when she bought her new one. Funny, she never once mentioned that she could have done it on her own if only she had had more time to surf the web. No, she simply trusted my professionalism and experience. I think I’ll stop diagnosing myself on WebMD. After all, I have an experienced professional M.D. who knows more about me and my health than I can possibly learn on the web.

For experienced and skillful assistance when buying or selling a home in Chapel Hill / Carrboro and Durham I offer you my professional services. I promise to tactfully and graciously answer all of your questions and look out only for your best interest.

It's Simple...When You Have A Great Agent!

Cherished Family Memories Reluctantly For Sale To Highest Bidder

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:32:50 -0500

“Cherished Family Memories Reluctantly For Sale To Highest Bidder…
and we do mean high so don’t offend us with a lowball offer.”

I see this ad all the time; in community newspapers and magazines, print, online and in my email. I see it every time I pull up the day’s New Listings in MLS.

You’re kidding…no one would ever run such an ad, would they? Guess again; this is exactly what a seller is saying when s/he decides to ask their real estate agent to “just try it” and put an overpriced home on the market to see if anyone is willing to pay. (Never mind whether or not a lender is willing to lend money to a buyer to overpay for your home but that’s another discussion…)

We all think we are capable of being perfectly objective when it comes to selling our homes. “I know it’s just a house,’ we tell ourselves, “an investment, bricks and mortar, ‘a house’ not a home.” But the problem is that, for you, it is a home.

When you start to ‘de-clutter’ as your agent suggested, you find memories; in the closets, in the attic and under the beds. Memories in your families cherished collections, your children’s school art and your kitchen junk drawer. The pantry holds the ingredients for your loved ones favorite recipes and the walls hold family portraits and local artwork purchased on family vacations and outings.

You start to think about all the good times you’ve had in the kitchen during holidays, family evenings spent in the living room, putting the kids to bed in the bedrooms decorated to reflect their favorite things, the backyard parties with neighbors and friends and the satisfaction of completing a do it yourself project in the garage. You know how much a new family is going to enjoy doing those same things in your beloved home. Someone will appreciate how valuable it is, right? Then there’s the new flooring, the updated bathrooms, the new HVAC system and isn’t your lawn beautiful and well cared for? Surely the next owners will want to keep the custom made draperies that match the Pottery Barn paint in the Dining Room. You’ll leave them; for a price. The washer and dryer are only two years old; a great deal and you’ll throw those in; with the right offer.

Folks, you have long since passed the point of even being capable of objectivity. Loss of objectivity is the first step down the short road to unreasonable pricing. But can’t we just try it? Surely you, my faithful and capable real estate agent, can make them see how valuable all this stuff is? That is your job isn’t it?

My job, dear seller, is to help you understand the realities of the market and to offer up my years of experience to help you prepare your home to appeal to the largest segment of qualified buyers out there and this includes proper pricing. Then I will market it in such a way as to get those buyers through the door so they can see for themselves what a great home you are selling; maybe even get them to imagine all the great memories they can create there so that we can begin to strategically negotiate the selling price. Don’t think for one minute that your offering price is not part of the strategy or the appeal.

Your best buyer may not even get a chance to see your home if their agent tells them it is overpriced. Nobody has the time to be the guinea pig who teachs a seller that their pricing strategy is in need of some serious review. “Make us an offer”, you say, “we’ll be reasonable.” But the buyer has moved on. They are busy preparing an offer on your neighbors’ home. You see your neighbors finally decided that they really want to get on with it, no more trying; they’ve opted for doing. They just dropped their asking price by $20,000 and the buyers can’t wait to get started negotiating for their new home. They’ll be moved in before Christmas and already creating their own memories just about the time you call your agent to say “Let’s price it where you originally suggested…it’s time for us to move on.”

It's Simple...When You Have A Great Agent!

Home Inspections Protect Home Buyers

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 16:48:18 -0500

I think there is great value in knowing that some real estate advice should be universal! I appreciate this explanation of why home inspections are so valuable from a very experienced colleague in Virginia, Lenn Harley, as she explains well why a home inspection is money well spent for a buyer. I'm grateful she is allowing me to share her thoughts on the subject with my readers.

In NC, we are a property disclosure state so the seller is required to provide written disclosure of their experience with the property you may be considering purchasing. The reality is that any disclosure is only a first step should something go wrong later and no guarantee of future potential problems. Real information about a properties' condition is only available from a professional home inspector.

You and I will talk alot more about this should I represent your best interest in a home purchase!

Via Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate:

HOME INSPECTIONS PROTECT HOME BUYERS - THEY ALSO PROTECT SELLERS AND AGENTS!

Probably the single most important step a home buyer can take as a part of the home purchase process is the home inspection. No one can guarantee the condition of a resale home. Therefore, the home buyer should understand that

1. You, a home buyer, cannot rely on the seller for information about the condition of the home they are offering for sale.

2. Buyers can protect themselves with a home inspection.

3. Some states go farther than others in providing protections for home buyers with required seller Property Condition Disclosure, while other states follow the "caveat emptor" rule which requires that the "buyer beware".

PROTECT YOURSELF WITH A HOME INSPECTION

We, as your agent, will do our very best, based on our experience with hundreds of home sold, to make you aware of potential problems with appliances; heating/cooling, interiors, exteriors and things we can see. However, a trained home inspector will not only test the mechanicals and appliances in a house, they will also inspect the structure, materials and condition of the components of a property. Cosmetics are not a part of a home inspection.

A good home inspector will examine the house from top to bottom. Most inspections in Maryland and Virginia will evaluate the physical condition: structure, construction, and mechanical systems. They will identify items that need to be repaired or replaced. They will also give you an estimate of useful life of the roof, appliances, mechanicals and any other equipment included with the home purchase.

You have negotiated all price, terms and conditions of the home purchase and now you want the home inspected. Good. Let's walk through a home inspection. At this point, a successful home inspection should be a contingency, meaning that, if the home inspection reveals serious defects, the home buyer can void the contract and be refunded their earnest money deposit. If the buyer decides to negotiate with the seller for repairs or compensation for defects, that stage requires that the buyer and seller negotiate repairs or agree to void the contract. So, the home inspection is a very important aspect of buying a home. A home warranty is not a substitute for a home inspection. Most home warranty policies do not protect for pre-existing conditions.

WALK THROUGH A TYPICAL HOME INSPECTION
STRUCTURE
The home inspector will look for structural integrity, They will evaluate the quality of construction and materials used.

EXTERIOR
A thorough inspection of the roof should reveal any past or present leaks. The exterior finishing will be inspected for cracked bricks, loose siding, improper grading and anything else suitable for your purchase.

INTERIOR
The interior will be observed for signs of movement. A good home inspector will look for signs of unusual cracking, separating, shifting in the house.

MECHANICALS
The heating and air conditioning will be tested, temperature permitting, and since this is an expensive appliance, the inspector may recommend servicing of the unit if it appears that the present owners have neglected this important duty.

APPLIANCES
All kitchen appliances will be run through their cycle to make sure that they function properly. The refrigerator will be tested for temperature and seals. The range, microwave, disposer will all be run to make sure they know what to do.

PLUMBING
All bathrooms, kitchen, laundry, exterior plumbing will be tested and inspected. This task has become very important since builders have been downgrading building materials for several years to compensate for escalating land costs.

ELECTRICAL
All visible wiring, panel boxes, fixtures, switches, outlets will be tested for operating condition and safety. Often we find home owner repairs will be the most hazardous. If the homeowner did not obtain a permit and have work inspected, it may be defective and dangerous. A good home inspector spends a lot of time looking at electrical components of a house.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE HOME INSPECTION??
If the home inspector finds serious problems such as structural defects, you will have to make a decision as to whether or not to go through with the purchase. If the home inspection shows defects that are repairable or replaceable, your agent will write an addendum requesting the repairs to be made by the seller prior to settlement. The seller may agree, refuse or negotiate a cash settlement to compensate you for the defects found.

You and your agent will decide on the best way to handle any defects found. The important thing is that you are an EMPOWERED HOME BUYER when you know the good AND the not so good about a home.

Your Buyer's Agent may recommend local home inspectors or you can find home inspectors trained and certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors, ASHI.com.

* * * * * * * * * *

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988, E-mail.

"NEVER A FEE TO BUYERS"

Maryland and Northern Virginia Real Estate homes for sale HERE - Search Homes for Sale in Maryland and Northern Virginia.

Contact us to tour homes, 800-711-7988.

For your copy of the Homefinders.com home buyers relocation package, just give me a call. Whether you're moving to Maryland or Northern Virginia from out of the area or just across county. We can help.

It's Simple...When You Have A Great Agent!

I Have A Confession: I "Get" Facebook

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:01:08 -0500

I have a confession to make; I ‘get’ Facebook. I really do. I admit that when I first heard that I, as a real estate agent, should’ be on Facebook, I was seriously skeptical. But my business partner, whose job it is to market me and my listings, told me that I needed to give it a chance because if it was going to work I would just have to do it and figure out why after the fact. I trust her so I did it.

Here’s what I know now. I am not on Facebook because I am a real estate agent. I am a real estate agent who is on Facebook. First of all, I do not and have never ‘friended’ just anyone who asks. I have my profile page pretty restricted. You can’t read my wall posts or get info about me unless I let you in! Counterintuitive to real estate, you say? Not really. I’m not looking to meet new people on Facebook. I’m looking to stay connected to people I already know!

I signed up, put up a professional profile picture (who knew… if this would become a HUGE referral source I didn’t want to be looking like my cat or my baby self at 5 years old.) Then I started scrolling through the friend suggestions Facebook automatically makes based on my (selectively provided) personal information. The first folks I ‘friended’ were other agents in my company. (Still not seeing how this was going to be a great referral source.) But then some of my sorority sisters from UNC started popping up! Great! I’d find one or two and then scroll through their friends and find more folks I hadn’t thought about in years! Then my high school friends started appearing; the adult children of my friends, my neighbors, people I know in my community. This was getting addicting.

Guess what? Everyone I know has a life, career, family, children, grandchildren and interests they’ve developed since I saw them last. Go figure. Facebook is not a place to hang your shingle. It is a place to connect with and learn more about the people you know. When I run into people I haven’t seen in years now, the conversation is different. Instead of “Hey! How are you? How’s it going?” “Great. Good…nice to see you.” We‘re immediately talking about vacation pics just posted, new grandchildren, new ventures and shared sorrows. I know what you’re up to because you posted it and therefore I’m part of your life again.

You still don’t get how this works for your business? OK, don’t join Facebook. I promise it won’t work if you aren’t interested in your ‘friends’ and their lives. But let me share a few things:

My oldest friends have kids who need places to live at UNC.
My college friends occasionally look for investment property in Chapel Hill.
The friends who find out I still have a family home at the beach want to know how the real estate market is at the coast.
My real estate friends from my hometown have business they need to refer to the Triangle.
My clients who became friends and have moved away meet people who are coming to the Raleigh Durham area.
My young clients ‘friend’ me after closing and I can see how they are doing with new jobs, careers, marriages and children so I know when life is leading them toward a lifestyle change.
I know which of my friends are in industries I need to connect with, whether for business or personal reasons, and we can network to help each other succeed.

Shall I stop now or do you need me to keep going? Still don’t want to Facebook? Then by all means, don’t. There are many things I will never do because I don’t enjoy them. I would stay on Facebook now even if I never received a real estate related call. If you’ve been avoiding Facebook because you don’t ‘get it’… jump in and give it a try. If it’s going to work you’ll figure out why after the fact.

It's Simple...When You Have A Great Agent!

You're A Salesperson...I Don't Trust You As Far As I Can Throw You!

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:58:43 -0500

It’s the newest marketing advice in real estate! And probably car sales and insurance sales and any other sales you can think of…’become their trusted advisor.’

Don’t get me wrong. It’s great advice and those who are giving it are correct. But some folks seem to skip over the first word in that advice…BECOME. I am not your ‘trusted advisor’ because I use that term to describe myself on my webpage. I am not your ‘trusted advisor’ because you typed that keyword into a search engine and I came up. I am not even your trusted advisor because I am trusted by others. Not yet...

Trusted advisors are parents, teachers, mentors and friends. People who really know us; who really care about our happiness and want us to succeed and make good decisions. Until such time as I should fall into one of the above categories, I am a salesperson; plain and simple. You are not confused.

How people choose or learn to trust others is as individual as we are. Some folks naturally trust others unless that trust is betrayed. Others naturally distrust everyone until they prove otherwise. Some simply withhold judgment and wait to decide based on a gut level feeling or a telling moment when they know they have a reason to believe. Some never trust anyone and there is nothing I can say or do to change that.

So why should you allow me to advise you? Why should you accept that I am working in your best interest? Why should you even consider that I could be worthy of your trust at any point? I have no idea. Seriously. That’s between you and your gut and you have to live with your decisions just like I live with mine.

What I can tell you is that you are welcome to bring someone you trust with you when we get together to decide if we should work together. They are always welcome to tag along and see the home that you can’t seem to get out of your mind so you can benefit from their trusted opinion. You are welcome to talk to my clients and ask them how they liked working with me. You are welcome to ask me how I would handle a hypothetical situation so you can determine if my knowledge and experience are something you would like to leverage in your own interest. In short you are welcome to do whatever it takes for you to reach whatever level of trust you determine is necessary in order to decide if you want to hire me to help you accomplish your goals. It’s really that simple.

My goal is simple as well. It is to advise you skillfully and knowledgably and offer you my hard earned wisdom so that when you have achieved your real estate goal and are basking in the happy glow of a mission accomplished, you will say, “Thanks, SarahGray, I appreciate everything you did for me and I will be happy to tell anyone considering hiring you that you have earned my trust!”

Sweeter words a salesperson never heard!

It's Simple...When You Have A Great Agent!

Selling A Vacant Home? Hire An Agent Who Understands The Extra Challenge

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 10:00:08 -0500

Life happens and sometimes a home seller has to move out of a home before it is sold. On occasion there are even circumstances that would lead me to suggest that they move out early to facilitate the sale. But that's not what I'm talking about here.

I'm talking about the fact that vacant homes are homes that present their own unique challenges since there is no one in them to notice if a pipe bursts, the newspapers pile up or the yard looks untended. Many home sellers who, for any number of reasons, end up having to vacate a property during the marketing period, seem to feel it is no different than going away on vacation for a couple of weeks. Everything will be ok, right?

The law of unintended consequences is always lurking, waiting for just this combination of circumstances. And let me point out something about human nature. While your neighbors may be willing to bring in your mail or water your plants while you are on vacation, and will almost certainly call the police if they see a moving van in your driveway while you are beaching it; they may be quite a bit less willing to become involved if they feel you have moved on and abandoned your home to the dreaded For Sale sign. After all, they don't know what folks might think if they are seen walking around your house, picking up debris or checking the doors. Besides, you've broken the bond. You moved on and they have no idea who they will have to deal with once the house sells...after all, it isn't likely you will call them for approval of the new owner. Trust me, neighbors can become a tad bit conflicted over these issues.

Do yourself a favor. Make sure this is a topic of discussion between you and your real estate agent if there is even a remote possibility of your leaving the home during the listing period. This should trigger your agent to begin an entirely new line of discussion. If it doesn't, don't say I didn't warn you.

If you tell me you might move while I have the keys to your property we will immediately discuss the following:

I take my responsibility to go the extra mile to protect your property seriously; within reason. But it is STILL your property. I am happy to arrange for someone to cut your lawn or blow the leaves from the driveway and even to facilitate payment from you to them for the service.
I will make sure to physically check your home more often BUT I cannot be responsible for watering the plants or changing out seasonal decorations. Let's approach one of your friends or neighbors and ask if they would help you out on this score. If not, let's get rid of the plants and decorations or replace them with staging items that don't require tending.

A clean home is imperative for a quick sale and a vacant home is a dirt, dust and dead bug magnet. I can arrange regular cleaning for you and facilitate payment of the service for you.

Your neighbors are still your best eyes and I will approach them personally, giving them my contact information and inviting them to call me if they see anything they don't like. I will also promise to keep them in the loop as regards what they can expect to see going on 'across the street'. Inspector and contractor vans can look decidely suspicious if you don't know they're coming.

Insurance...you MUST maintain your insurance and be aware that many insurance companies today consider vacant homes to be a much different liability than an occupied one. You will need to be aware that you could incure additional expenses where this is concerned.

Lastly, you need to understand that, particularly in this environment, a vacant property says to many buyers that you may be in a distressed circumstance and be willing to accept a lower offer. You will need to be prepared to allow me to advise you as to how you will respond to a particularly low offer and you DO need to respond. Trust me, I know how to do it. No hurt feelings allowed.

Just to be clear, the best option for a vacant home is to get it sold quickly! You'll be happier, your neighbors will be happier and your insurance company will be happier. Let's price it right, keep it in good condition and get it done!

It's Simple...When You Have A Great Agent!

Home Sellers Beware: All MLS Listings Are NOT Created Equal

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:55:42 -0500

“If I can just get my home in MLS, I’ll pay an agent to sell it.” Sounds reasonable, doesn’t it? I’ve written before about how MLS is an important part of my ‘magic marketing bag of tricks’ but don’t be confused…it’s only magic if I make it that way.

A little history of MLS (multiple listing services) may be in order here. MLS’s were originally designed as dissemination services for professionals – a way for professionals to provide other professionals with information necessary to do their jobs effectively. This includes appraisers as well as real estate agents representing sellers and buyers. Consumers expect professionals to provide them with accurate data and other information as well as expecting us to be able to demonstrate an ability to interpret and employ that data to provide guidance they couldn’t necessarily provide for themselves.

With the advent of consumer technology, MLS has become all that and more; allowing not only ease of access to data but an opportunity for professionals to add value to the basic system and actually use our knowledge of the system, how it works and how it is used, to benefit our clients.

MLS now provides data feeds to many consumer friendly sites and has saved countless hours of valuable time for professionals as well as consumers when it comes to “previewing” property. So how impressed are you when you come across a listing with NO PICTURES? What about a listing with NO ROOM SIZES? How about a description that reads “Cute as a button. Will sell fast. Must see. Sq. Ft. not guaranteed - buyer agent to verify.”

Our TMLS (Triangle Multiple Listing Service) has 200 available fields of which 73 are required. Sure, some may not apply to your listing but many of the non-required fields are very important to a consumer. Like room measurements. Is it important to know if the buyers king sized bed will fit in the master bedroom? Do some buyers care if the master or laundry room is upstairs or down? Will the living room accommodate a piano?

What about ‘features’? We have the option to include your home’s best features. Would a buyer like to know if you have a fenced yard, detached workshop, granite countertops or a community pool? How about a screened porch, security system or audio/video system? Does it matter if these features are reported in the appropriate SEARCHABLE data fields or if they are abbreviated in the “Remarks” section? You bet it does.

In the Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill area, our MLS allows for 12 pictures of your home but requires only 3 which are to be uploaded within 7 days of activating the listing. SEVEN DAYS? That’s the most important part of your marketing period! The chance of getting full price for your home is the greatest during the initial marketing period. What if your home doesn’t have any pictures? Listing syndication (the option brokers have to include their listing information in data feeds that supply home listings to all those consumer home search websites) occurs quickly, usually within a few hours, but certainly within 3 days. No pictures when syndicated means NO PICTURES anywhere the feed is picked up. Somehow I don’t think this is working in my seller’s best interest.

When it comes to computers and end users there is one truism that matters: GARBAGE IN, GARBAGE OUT. It is my professional opinion that anyone allowed to participate in the entering of data that our clients want and need to make informed decisions about the largest purchase of their lives, should be doing so with the highest degree of integrity and attention to detail. We are accountable for the accuracy of the information we provide; always. Simply not providing it, to avoid liability, is NOT the answer.

This requires that we, as professional Realtors®, actually visit the property, verify the information given us by the seller and DO OUR BEST to ensure the accuracy of the data we are obligated to and responsible for providing. Leaving out crucial data, even if not required, or failing to present the seller’s property in it’s best light whether that is by using well written prose or by uploading attractive photos immediately at the time of activation in MLS, is inexcusable.

There is a reason I take pride in being a real estate professional. I approach my business and my obligation to my clients as if my reputation and my clients’ money matter: because they do.

It's Simple...When You Have A Great Agent!

Fearrington Village,NC Open House Extravaganza ~ October 11, 2009 ~ 22 Homes Open To The Public

Sun, 11 Oct 2009 09:44:18 -0500

Fearrington Village, as described by Southern Living magazine, - "a unique community located on farmland dating back to the 1700s, near Chapel Hill, North Carolina. "Fearrington Village blends romantic lodging, delectable dining, great shopping, a planned residential community, and glorious gardens in a rare combination that you'll be a hard-pressed to find anywhere else."

22 available homes will be open to the public at Fearrington Village on Sunday, October 11, 2009, from 2 pm to 4 pm. This is a great opportunity to see exactly what kind of homes are available in this unique community and decide if the Fearrington lifestyle is right for you! Please come out and visit and check out this beautiful home, ready for occupancy!

Get Directions to Fearrington Village

This one level, contemporary home is located within walking distance of the Fearrington Village Swim and Croquet Club and not much further to the village center. Located on a quiet cul de sac, the home is on a wooded lot and has many features which incorporate the quiet, wooded serenity into your daily life, including a private bricked patio and screened porch.

A gently sloped ramp is thoughtfully integrated into the exterior design to allow easy access from the level drive and two car Garage to the home's front door. Inside, the open floorplan and hardwood flooring make it an inviting home for those with mobility issues.

Click the Camera icons on the floorplan below to see more photos!

It's Simple...When You Have A Great Agent!

So! Just In Case You Wondered...Raleigh Durham IS the Smartest City in America

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:53:15 -0500

Don't you just love a good survey? I mean a survey that makes you look G_O_O_D! Who knew anyone was interested in which city in America was the SMARTEST?! Seriously?!?

Actually, as I read the criteria I KNEW we were in the running...

Two main criteria:

EDUCATION
INTELLECTUAL ENVIRONMENT

I'm listening....

EDUCATION = how many degrees...oh, I know we are contenders

INTELLECTUAL ENVIRONMENT = Oh just wait....

# of non-fiction books purchased - "intellectual vigor" don't you know...
ratio of institutions of higher learning - pffftttt...no contest...
eligible voters who voted in the last election
= political engagement

I'm sorry, I know it sounds like I am laughing or disbelieving or something. The truth is that while I am happy to find things that elevate my city (well, that, in itself, is disingenuous since we are three or more cities here) to greater stature, still, I do find humor in this sort of thing.

Don't get me wrong...I love living in Chapel Hill/Carrboro, smallish cities near a bigger city, Durham, near the state capitol , Raleigh; where I can take a college level class at UNC or have a picnic in the Duke Gardens. I can catch the Stanley cup winning Hurricanes hockey team or the world class rock band U2 at the RBC Center. I can see Taylor Hicks in Grease or Wynton Marsalis and Willie Nelson at the DPAC. Did I mention that 5 star restaurants abound here?

I like having an airport nearby where I can get on something other than a prop plane or even get a non-stop flight to London. I like being 2 hours to the beach or two hours to the mountains...I can spend the weekend at my family beach house or my friends mountain place and still be home for work on Monday.

Life here is pretty sweet...but "better because we are smarter"? Not so much...

It's Simple...When You Have A Great Agent!

October 3 is Work Day For The Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) In Orange and Durham Counties

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 08:43:46 -0500

This is an opportunity to help build The Mountains to Sea Trail, an ambitious 1000 mile trail across our beautiful state of North Carolina, which will someday stretch from the Tennessee state line to the Atlantic Ocean!

The trail traverses Orange County through the northern community of Cedar Grove as it follows back roads and crosses NC86 and NC57 from Bryan Park in Alamance County on the way to Durham County where the trail is close to the Eno River State Park.

From there the trail heads through Northern Durham County toward Shinleaf State Recreation Area at Falls Lake, crossing I85 and US15 on the way to Guilford County. Clicking the hot links in this paragraph will take you to the topo maps and trailheads in Google maps. You can follow along the entire trail using these maps.

Today's efforts in Orange and Durham Counties begin at 9am at the Cabe Lands parking lot and "the work involves constructing new natural surface hiking trail, and will involve clearing brush, moving logs, picking up debris, and constructing the trail surface."

If you would like to check out other work days across the state visit Help Build the Trail or you can help in other ways by visiting How You Can Help

Governor Perdue has declared October 2009 as Mountains To Sea Trail Month! This is a wonderful project that will benefit all residents of North Carolina. If you are already enchanted by our own greenway system in the Triangle, imagine how much fun this statewide system will be! Get involved!

It's Simple...When You Have A Great Agent!

Are Go and Blow Duct Suckers Sucking the Money Out of Your Pocket?

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:26:47 -0500

Since my goal has always been to be a resource for my clients long past closing, I have had this conversation! I've also seen the duct work of some seriously nasty systems and it is impressive.

My colleague, Michael Thornton of Brentwood, TN has written a fantastic article about things to consider when hiring a ductwork cleaner which I would like to share with you. Very good information! Thanks, Michael

Via Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector (Complete Home Inspections, Inc.):

Are Go and Blow Duct Suckers Sucking the Money Out of Your Pocket?

We have all seen their coupons in the coupon clipper magazines. Many folks in the industry refer to them as go and blow duct suckers. They go into your home, blow dust around, and suck the money right out of your pocket. So is air duct cleaning really worth the investment? The answer is yes, if you have the right company do the work.

The EPA recommends air ducts be cleaned every 5-7 years and they should be inspected every 2 years especially if you have floor vents. Floor mounted air duct supply registers will capture more biological contaminants while horizontal mounted air duct supply registers will capture more debris. Supply vents in high traffic areas like bathrooms and kitchens will capture more contaminations and biohazards whether they be horizontal or floor mounted. These biohazards can be circulated throughout your home through the air ducts and circulation system.

New construction is not exempt. Builders do not want to talk about dirt in the boots and ductwork system. Subcontractors toss everything into the air ducts. I have found anything from last weeks lunch to discarded coveralls in the supply and return air ducts. Given the right conditions, mold will grow on the dirt and contaminants.

If you are considering haveing your air ducts cleaned, and to protect yourself from these blow go and blow duct suckers check their credentials:
    1.    Are they members of IAQ (Indoor air Quality Association)
    2.    Are they Certified ASCS (air systems cleaning specialist)
    3.    Are they members of ACCA (Air Conditioning Contractors of America)? Members are top rated for the restoration of air systems and ducts.
    4.    Are they members of NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association)
    5.    Always ask for references

What do they do?
    1.    Do they cover your furniture to protect it from cross contamination?
    2.    Do they set up containment to ensure no cross contamination enters the living space?
    3.    Do they remove vent covers, wash and dry them?
    4.    Do they repair loose air ducts and boots?
    5.    Do they properly re-install vent covers?
    6.    Do they clean the exterior of the air handler if it is an interior installation?
    7.    Do they clean evaporator coil, coil drain pans and blower wheel? In some states, only certified HVAC contractors can do this.
    8.    Do they fog the system if it has evidence of microbial contamination (micro-biocide).

Air ducts cannot be sanitized. Depending upon the state, if a biocide is used in air ducts, the applicator must have a pest control license. Check with your city or state licensing boards. The company should have a MSDS sheet on all the products they use. Ask for copies. By following this simple guideline, you can keep Go and Blow Duct Suckers from Sucking the Money Out of Your Pocket.

© 2009 michael thornton | complete home inspections, inc. | brentwood, tn | 615.661.0297 | www.completehomeinspectionsonline.com
Helping YOU Live YOUR American Dream...

It's Simple...When You Have A Great Agent!

The $8000 Tax Credit Is A Cherry, Not A Carrot

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:40:21 -0500

I've worked with more than a dozen "first timers' this year and not one of them brought up the $8000 Tax Credit as a reason that they are in the market! Not a single one!

This is not really surprising if you think about it. Just because we, as real estate professionals, see this as an opportunity, doesn't mean it is making the TOP THREE or even TOP TEN reasons these folks are buying. (Just because MY RSS feeds stream real estate related info 24/7 doesn't mean anyone else's do...)

The top reasons my first time buyers are buying:

They have a new job or a new life and want to live in a house!
They recognize that home prices and interest rates are lower than they have ever seen before.
They can look at homes in towns and neighborhoods that previously were not affordable for them.

The top reasons my non-first time buyers are buying:

They have a new job or a new life and need to move!
They recognize that home prices and interest rates are lower than they have ever seen before and they want to take advantage of that and move UP!
They can look at homes in towns and neighborhoods that previously were not affordable for them so they want to sell and move UP!

The ONLY thing new in these lists are #2 and #3. Period.

But I'll tell you what the Tax Credit does do!

It makes me look really good when I suggest, while they are basking in the glow of an accepted contract, that they might like to consider ammending their 2008 tax return in order to get some money back from the government! You'd think I had just put a cherry on top of their milkshake!

It's Simple...When You Have A Great Agent!

My Neighbor Is A Poet And I Didn't Even Know It...Carrboro's Grey Brown

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:25:58 -0500

My Carrboro neighborhood has always been friendlier than many. Most everyone knows who lives in each house and we usually wave to each other as we drive in and out every day. Our newest HOA president has taken us into the 21st century, well, at least the 20th century, by setting up an email contact list. Amazing how much easier it is to schedule neighborhood get-togethers. Just because technology is part of my daily life at work has nothing to do with how I think about communicating with my neighbors. After all, this is the south. We knock on the door, borrow a cup of sugar and then share the fresh baked goodies that result.

I know which of my neighbors have children, which are retired and which ones have local businesses. I know who goes for a walk each evening but beyond that our lives are pretty separate. After all, nobody really wants their neighbors knowing everything.

Last week I was included in a group email from one neighbor, Grey Brown, responding with her suggestions to a neighborhood project scheduled for the coming weekend. I noticed a weblink in her email signature. It simply said www.greybrownpoetry.com. I clicked.

An hour later I had read every poem on her beautiful website. I now know she has published two books of poetry and I know that writing is, for her, intensely personal and the way she copes with adversity and regenerates her spirit. Her just published book of poetry, When They Tell Me, is about her experiences “raising a child on the autism spectrum.” There are selections from it on her website. I have no words.

From her website I also listened to a radio interview she did last month at our local radio station WCOM in Carrboro and another done on NPR’s State of Things. I now know that Grey works with the Duke Health Arts Network, “one of the first arts in health care programs in the nation…integrating the arts and humanities into a variety of health care settings…” integrating her poetry with medicine in a very unique way. What a fantastic project and I didn’t even know such a thing existed.

I now know how very talented my neighbor is and also how very strange it is that a simple web link at the bottom of an email can change the way I see my own world. If Grey Brown is behind the front door of her house, imagine who else might be behind the other doors in my neighborhood.

You can hear Grey read her poetry at the West End Poetry Festival on October 17, 7:15pm at the Carrboro Century Hall, 100 North Greensboro St, Carrboro, NC. See you there.

It's Simple...When You Have A Great Agent!

Wouldn't You Like To Know How Healthy The Banks Are In Your Neighborhood?

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 09:36:04 -0500

We keep hearing there are more foreclosures coming and it's just common sense that those bad loans will affect our marketplaces.

If you could see what percentage of these troubled assets your local banks or credit unions own relative to their capital and loan loss reserves and relative to the county as a whole, would you want to know?

The BANKTRACKER UPDATE was launched 16 September 2009 by The Investigative Reporting Workshop, a part of The American University School of Communication in cooperation with MSNBC.

The search tool these talented investigative journalists have built is intended to allow the public to see graphically the percentage of troubled assets owned by any bank or credit union in the United States. Pretty interesting stuff. According to the BankTracker Methodology, The FDIC requires banks and the NCUA requires credit unions to submit certain data quarterly and these are all public information. The workshop members have extracted and organized certain data points and organized them into this easy to use tool.

There are a few caveats and explanations about this data which I recommend you read before jumping to any conclusions about what this data shows but still, it is window into the operations of your bank that would have been tough to find on your own until this tool was developed!

It's Simple...When You Have A Great Agent!

Cool Things You Can Do With The New Orange County, NC Website (Even If You're Not A Realtor)

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:58:02 -0500

FINALLY...Orange County, North Carolina has rolled out it's long awaited new website! Well, long awaited by me and probably the other real estate agents who specialize in Chapel Hill, Carrboro and other parts of Orange County!

We use the information available in the tax records and GIS maps to determine all kinds of things...like who actually owns the property we are looking at (yes, folks have tried to list for sale a home they are only renting) and if any improvements have been made to the structures. We can find out if the taxes are current and how much the taxes are and determine the tax value of the property. We also look up legal descriptions (so we don't try to sell your neighbors property instead of yours...again; it's happened) and we can tell who owned the home before you bought it or find an adjoining property owner to see if they are interested in buying that lot you want to sell. All that is fun for me but then I live real estate!

Did I mention that the new website is pretty, too? The link screen opens against a picture of the Old Well on campus and changes when you reload.

So what's fun about it for you?

INDYWeek.com has just written an article called "Who Owns Franklin Street" in which they used the new Orange County website to figure out who, exactly, owns the heart of our city! It's a pretty interesting read with a seriously cool map showing locally owned parcels (including UNC land which is defined as local), vacant land and land owned by out of towners. Check it out! They even link to the Orange County website so you can completely geek out on land records.

Trust me, this is a sweet piece of research and took the authors some time, not to mention, skill. I so love the map! If you love maps, love Chapel Hill and just like knowing stuff nobody else knows...you'll be in heaven!

It's Simple...When You Have A Great Agent!

Plasma TV Wars Have A "Bigger Picture"

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 09:53:06 -0500

The recent debate over on Norma Toering’s post about whether or not a plasma tv attached to the wall is a fixture or not reminds me of a sale I had earlier this year. It all ended well and never degenerated into a “war” but it did bring up some issues that will very likely need clarification in our contracts sooner rather than later!

My seller and I had discussed at time of listing that his audio/video system, which was controlled from a special closet in the Family Room, would likely be a point of discussion or negotiation when the right buyer came along. Not only was the plasma TV mounted on the wall but there was other equipment involved and the complex system controlled entertainment in some of the Bedrooms as well as the Living Room and Kitchen. He was more than willing to consider leaving the system “with the right offer.”

Sure enough, when our best offer arrived, it included the system with a caveat that if the seller would not leave the system, he would repair the damage made by removing it. Fair enough. We asked the buyer’s agent which option the buyer preferred. He preferred keeping the system so we set about negotiating a price for the home that would allow the seller to feel alright about leaving the system in place. We got to a bottom line figure and I conveyed it to the buyer’s agent who called me to say she and her client were having a hard time understanding the figure as her buyer “could go buy a flat screen TV at Best Buy for a few hundred dollars.”

"Yes, he could." I replied, "But that isn’t where the value lies." If you have ever had a complex audio/video system installed in your home, you know that the last issue is how much the TV is worth. I explained that there is a lot of time and expertise involved in selecting compatible components, programming them to work together and then learning how to operate the system. (I addressed this awhile ago in another post.) The buyer’s agent said she was unaware of this and would convey it to her client.

When they came back to us, the contract now included complicated language requesting that the seller agree to repair or replace any defective audio/video equipment found by the “home inspector” at his expense. Okay….except I am not aware that there are any licensed home inspectors out there who would consent to “inspect” a complicated audio/video system much less how we would agree that he/she was “qualified” to do so!

I picked up the phone and called the buyer’s agent and just asked her to share with me what, exactly, the buyer was attempting to accomplish. She said he really wanted the system, especially now that he knew what could be involved in replacing the components, but wanted to be sure that the system really worked “as advertised”!

It was an easy thing to work out once we all understood each other’s point of view! The seller simply agreed to show the agent and the buyer how the system worked during the home inspection and then agreed to come back after the buyer moved in and spend a couple of hours teaching him how to use it!

The deal closed, everyone is happy! But I can absolutely see that as this new technology becomes prevalent in many more homes these issues will need to be addressed! I can foresee professional AV equipment installers, like the one I wrote about in my previous post, who will have a new opportunity for business as an “AV expert” who can provide an opinion about the value and functionality of a system. I’ve seen these systems run into the thousands, even tens of thousands, and there will need to be some accommodations made for “fixtures” with such high value!

As ever, dealing with the issue up front, during the listing appointment, and then asking for the motivation of the parties during negotiations and resolving them creatively, will get you farther down the road than anything else!

It's Simple...When You Have A Great Agent!

4105 Livingstone Place Durham, NC 27707 - Trotter Ridge - $205,000 - Another Great Opportunity Before The $8000 Credit Runs Out!

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:18:14 -0500

~4105 Livingstone Place, Durham, NC 27707~

$205,000 includes a Home Warranty

Video Tour and Clickable Floorplan Here or Below

Check out other Southwest Durham Properties between $150,000 and $250,000 by clicking here

It's Simple...When You Have A Great Agent!

North Carolina Home Buyers - Why Many Agents Won't Show You A Home "Right Now!"

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:44:08 -0500

I'd like to share the thoughts of Matt Stigliano, a fellow professional in Texas regarding how we, as agents, are finding the need to manage our time even more efficiently now that the internet has become such a huge resource for us as well as our clients.

I am enjoying yet another "new way" of doing my business after 30 years, and all it has to offer. I am also quite happy to note that my "old way" still works ...because it was always based on doing what is best for my clients while respecting my need to run my business in a way in which I can be proud!

Via Matt Stigliano (RE/MAX Access):

It's a common thing.

Recently SarahGray Lamm wrote a post titled, "ADVICE NEEDED: Blogging Works. Now What..." The basic premise of the post was how to handle the buyer who calls and says "I need to see this house right now." Not a client, but someone you've never met before. Every Realtor® I know gets these calls and everyone I know handles them a little differently, but the outcome is typically the same. I'm hoping to help San Antonio home buyers understand why many agents won't show the home on short notice.

Time Management

To put it simply, we as agents need to manage our time. We don't sit around lounging in the office just waiting for the next phone call to come in. If we did, we'd all be broke. With the internet and cell phones we are much more accessible, but we're not necessarily free at the moment we take that call. We have a daily dose of inspections, paperwork, showings, closings, meetings, prospecting (the act of finding new clients), and the usual things - dinner, family time, rest, etc. Agents have schedules to keep. Even occasionally, I am free at the moment, but know that if I go show houses right this moment, I will miss my next appointment. Time management is a huge part of our daily lives.

Qualifying Buyers.

I know a lot of people that want to buy a house don't like this step. I've had a prospective client ask me "What does it matter to you if I'm not pre-approved, I know I can get the loan." I find this one of the hardest things for a prospective client to deal with. They often feel we are calling them into question - almost as if we were saying "That's great, but I don't trust you." Because we don't know each other yet, there isn't a ton of trust between the two of us. We have to build that overtime. There's a certain amount that we must take as a leap of faith and I am fine with that. But sitting down and qualifying a buyer isn't just about a loan, it's about getting to know the prospective client (and you getting to know your prospective agent) and getting to know what their goals our in buying a home. We want to help you find the right home, not just any home.

Paperwork.

If you like what you're hearing and you'd like to work with me as your San Antonio real estate agent, there is some paperwork we should get out of the way now. Here in San Antonio we use a Residential Buyer/Tenant Representation Agreement. It lays out the rules of our work together and defines our relationship as that of buyer and agent. Making someone your agent creates a situation that allows us to offer you our advice and opinions and binds us to work for you and you to work with us. (I think I'll write an upcoming post on the Buyer Representation Agreement).

Safety.

Let's face it, there are some strange people in this world and there more than a couple of stories about agents going to a showing and being attacked. I'm sure you're not a vicious killer, but let's meet up first just in case.

Experience.

As an agent that started about a year and a half ago in the San Antonio real estate business, I know new agents. I even write about it at AgentGenius. I'm not here to say they're bad agents, I mean, we all have to start somewhere. What I do know is that these are the agents that will typically jump at any chance to go on a showing. Why? Because they're hungry. They have little to no business and will do anything to get more. What usually happens? They wind up chasing their tails and not selling any homes anyway. I know because I've been there. I spent my first few months running after everyone and selling nothing. As we mature a bit as agents we learn more about the other factors I've mentioned and we start practicing "smart" real estate in order to build our businesses and grow our client base.

photo courtesy of TheTruthAbout...

It's Simple...When You Have A Great Agent!

Dear Audio Video One of Chapel Hill, I Heart You And So Will My Clients

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:48:24 -0500

At the end of last year, when the change over to digital TV was imminent, I decided to come into the 21 st century and dump my cobbled together stereo system and 400 pound television (well, it FELT that way) and call in a professional. I mean, who isn’t wooed by the idea of a flat panel TV with sound streaming through quality audio speakers and the ability to play my ipod in sync with cool pictures streaming on the TV screen during a party?

So I did what any self respecting Realtor does…I asked a Realtor for a recommendation! Another agent in my office had just done the same and she was thrilled with her set up. I enthusiastically wrote down the number for “her guy.”

Rich Dlesk of Audio Video One in Chapel Hill, NC was happy to come over and sit down with me and talk about my options. By the time he left after our first meeting I was already so impressed I would have turned over a blank check! What did he do? What DIDN’T he do!

First, he LISTENED to me. He asked how I live in my house; when did I listen to music and in what rooms; did I watch movies and in which rooms. He wanted to know if I had friends over for televised sporting events and in what other ways I used media to entertain. He wanted to know if I had considered plans for future expansion of the system, say, should I ever make an addition to the house!

Second, he EXPLAINED how all this high tech stuff needs to work together and how it sometimes doesn’t just because the manufacturer says it should. He explained WHY that is and the best way to ensure that I didn’t end up with components that wouldn’t “talk” to other components or equipment that was not going to be used to its best ability if I didn’t have other equipment it requires.

Third, he OFFERED to design several possible systems that he felt would work for me and then SUGGESTED that there were some other cool options out there that I might like and which he would be happy to include BUT he would design the system in such a way that they could be added later if I didn’t want to come up with the cost all at once.

Lastly, he ASSURED me that he would seek out the best deals he could on the equipment he would be suggesting and made it clear that he had relationships with vendors of equipment that he had PERSONALLY tested and would vouch for the quality. His GUARANTEE was a year of FREE service to be sure I knew how to use the equipment AND that it was configured in a way that worked well for me.

Let me just say that the whole process was pleasant, informative, educational and made me feel like a valued customer. I love my system and Rich delivered just as he promised he would that first day. When my clients and friends ask me if I know someone who can set up an audio/video system for them I tell them to call “my guy” Rich Dlesk.

See that’s the thing about real estate agents…we not only network for referrals, we network for the awesome folks who become our go-to people whenever a client asks “Do you know anyone who…?” Yes, I do!I know lots of folks who are great at what they do…and hopefully that’s part of what makes me the one you recommend when someone says “Hey, do you know a great real estate agent?”

It's Simple...When You Have A Great Agent!

The Perfect Website Is NOT a Website...And It's Not About The Content Either

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:19:12 -0500

That, my friends, is the message from one of my favorite bloggers, Thomas Baekdal. I've posted his stuff before and not gotten much response but if you don't read this latest post you will miss one of the biggest heads up you will ever get!

He describes how we are very quickly moving from a "find economy" to a "use economy". In a "use economy" your observations about the things you know and the conversations it starts are part of people's very existance. What matters is your CMS...Content Management System...your internal work flow...and he provides a checklist for us. What self respecting real estate agent doesn't like a checklist!

I know we all have friends and colleagues who don't "get" social media, blogging or what we are doing on ActiveRain. All I say to them is you need to "do it" to "get it". Maybe what I'll do is pass this article on to them. After all, as Baekdal points out, people discuss articles, conversations, and what they care about and how they feel (I would add people they respect, or don't, as the case may be) but they do not discuss presentations or campaigns.

Happy Labor Day!

It's Simple...When You Have A Great Agent!

227 Windlestraw ~Fearrington Village, NC ~ Wooded Serenity ~ One Level Home ~ $269,000

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 11:50:33 -0500

Click the Camera icons on the floorplan below to see more photos!

It's Simple...When You Have A Great Agent!