Current clients of mine had an unexpected four month waiting period until closing in a condo conversion.  Once their tenant moved into the condo, there were several issues wrong with it.  The heater didn't work in the dead of winter, and neither did some electrical outlets.  The clients didn't want to contact the selling agent because she was busy selling other units within the building, and they trusted their Realtor.  They contacted their Realtor, who was suprised they called, but agreed to contact the selling agent, in this situation, because, "they've been through so much."  She went on to tell them to contact the selling agent with future concerns because they had already closed, therefore, her work was done, becuase she had "fulfilled" her duties.  The Realtor had told them this four days after closing.  My client was confused when they recieved a Christmas card from her, with a business card enclosed.

My client is now purchasing more investment properties.  Although they had enjoyed the expertise and professionalism of their Realtor during the lengthy period between the offer on the property and to closing (they had planned to use this Realtor in the future), they felt their Realtor had ended their relationship the moment she said that they had already closed and they should really be contacting the selling agent.

My belief is to create a lasting relationship with every client.  What are your thoughts?

 

 

What to wear to work?  This is a topic that is always coming up.  I just watched Oprah a few days ago, and an entire episode was devoted to this topic.  It disscussed dressing appropriately for your career, and the, "do's" and "don'ts."  What about the saying, "dress to impress?"  How accurate is that statement? 

A study by Karl, Peluchette,  and Rust, states, "There appears to be a strong belief that such behavior has a positive impact on workplace outcomes and emotions.  By manipulating their attire, individuals believed that they could influence other's views, achieve greater power and influence, and obtain work-related outcomes, such as advancement or compensation increases.  Respondents also indicated that, when using their clothing to impress others, they experienced positive workplace emotions of feeling dependable, competent, productive, and friendly.   Dressing to impress proved to have particular utility for those who were high self-monitors or in management/executive positions (2004)." 

While this study has its limitations, I personally think it has a lot of truth.  I believe it is important to dress in what is appropriate for your career, and whatever makes you fell comfortable and confident.  If you are interested in reading the entire article, I left the site on the bottom of the page.

What are your thoughts on attire in the workplace? 

Source: Karl, K., Peluchette, J., Rust, K. (2004). Dressing to impress: use of attire by individuals in the workplace. Retrieved October 27, 2007 from cobacourses.creighton.edu/MAM/2005/papers/Peuluchette,%20Karl%20and%20Rust,%20Dressing%20to%20Impress.doc

 

 

 

I have had some great feedback when properties are staged.  By staged, I mean the place looks like a model home. I think it makes a huge difference when you are showing a home.  When a place is staged, I've noticed feedback is usually very positive.  People get ideas for decorating it, as if it were their own place.  It also can show them how to use unusual spaces, that may be questioned if it weren't for the staging.  Every little thing can make a huge difference, from having the pantry organized to having a plant on a shelf.  Just thought I would share some little advice, that makes a huge difference.

Hello,

I just wanted to share with you about my trip to New York. I went to NYC for the first time a little while back.  I had such a great experience.  I love to travel, so any new place is a fun place!  I have to say it was better than I expected.  I didn't get to see as much as I would have liked, so I think I need to plan another trip back.  I mainly spent my time in Times Square and the shopping areas around that.  It was a little overwhelming how much stuff there was to see, but I enjoyed every minute of it! Next time I would love to see some shows on broadway and ground zero.  Any ideas for some shows? Here's a picture of me downtown by Nasdaq, enjoy!