Ann's Blog

"Talking House" real estate marketing system for sale

2008-10-02T15:29:13Z

A few months ago I bought the talking house marketing system. I put a box in 2 of my listings. I got no response, so I have decided to sell it.

In case you have never heard of Talking House let me tell you about it. It is a vcr sized radio you can record a message on telling about the features of a house you are trying to sell. You put it in the house and plug it in. Then you place a sign in the yard telling people to tune to a specific radio station. They tune their car radio to that station and listen to the message.

I know you are probably asking "If it works, why is she selling it" I have heard other people tell me it works, if you do it. I just was too lazy to really work it. I decided to use the FSBO approach. I dropped of a promotional dvd they give you to a homeowner, then went back a few days later to pick it up. I did this twice. When I went back, one guy couldn't find it, didn't know where his wife had put it. The other said we didn't watch it yet. Give us time to watch it and we'll call you. Never heard from them.

I paid $2,400.00 for it, but will consider any offer I get by 8:00 am Monday Oct. 6

Will include:

5 transmitters (only 2 used)

5 yard signs

5 directional signs

Instruction book

Carrying bag

Microphone to record message ( you can record a message without it.

7 promotional videos ( some FSBO, some for expireds)

Shipped to you at my expense!

If you want to ask me any questions email me at Realestate@lacordes.com or call my cell at 254-227-0522.

Not even safe in our own office!Real Estate office robbed at gun point.

2008-09-24T09:19:00Z

I have been in real estate about a year and a half now, and have tried to be safety conscious when showing homes. But this morning while reading my city newspaper, the Waco Tribune Herald, I saw a news story I could not BELIEVE.

In the police report there was a story about how a real estate office here in Waco got robbed at gunpoint! The office is on Bosque, which is one of the major streets of Waco. I have not heard of the company before this, so it must be a small independant. Around 12.30 pm a man walked in with a gun and demanded money from the receptionists. She gave him some and he left. Luckily, no one was hurt. The police have a description of the man and his car license plate number.

He is African-American, in his 20's between 5'7 and 5'9, about 180 pounds. He was wearing a black t-shirt, was clean shaven with gold teeth. His car was a white chevrolet plate # 131-TLF. If you have any information call Waco police at 750-7500.

It probably will not take them long to catch him. But it makes me sad that our world is getting so bad, we can't be safe ANYWHERE.

It's all my AGENt'S fault!

2008-09-16T17:29:01Z

Sellers put all the blame on their agent if their home is not selling quickly. And they are mostly right. If we do our job by pricing and marketing the home well, it WILL sell. But we are a TEAM! We need your help too. Here are some easy ( and free) ways for sellers to help their agent sell their home faster:

*The first impression people will get is your front yard . Keep it mowed, raked and the landscaping weeded. The front door also leaves a big impression, so keep it freshly painted with the handles polished. Add a pot of flowers, mat or other nice touches outside of it.

*Get rid of the CLUTTER! Pack away small appliances in the kitchen, and pictures and nick knacks that personalize the place. Buyers can't see themselves living in the home if all they see is the sellers stuff. If you have too much furniture, store some of it. It will also make the home look BIGGER.

*Buyers who are serious will snoop, so put away prescriptions, jewelry, firearms and anything else that might be a hazard or temptation.

*If it's broken FIX IT. Repair that leaky faucet, replace that burned out light bulb, oil that squeaky door.

*Clean it! Make especially sure to get rid of odors.

*Use each room for its intended use. Don't have a gym in the dining room.

3816 Hubby in Waco Texas

2008-09-14T12:07:23Z

This is a large family home in a quiet neighborhood on the end of a dead end street. Listed at $95,000.

It has:

1831 Square feet

4 bedrooms 1 bathroom

2-car detached carport

Woodburning fireplace

Bonus room that could be 4th bedroom or 2nd living area

2nd bathroom that needs to be finished out.

Kitchen Island, Breakfast area with built in China Cabinet

Formal living room, Formal Dining

Call Ann Cordes at Ready Real Estate 254-227-0522

1920 Herring in Waco Texas

2008-08-21T13:59:11Z

This is a large two story home for a large family! Totally remodeled inside. 4 bedroom 3 bath with living room, formal dining room, and second loft/living area upstairs. Large fenced backyard, and 1 car detached garage.

Close to MCC. Offered at a very affordable $79,000 by Ann Cordes and Esther Trejo of Century 21 Towne Adams. Call Esther at 254-716-6469 or Century 21 Towne Adams at 254-755-0021

For Sale: 2005 Mahalia in Waco Texas

2008-07-01T15:21:28Z

This home is lovingly maintained and immaculate! It is a 3 bedroom 2 bath, 1710 square feet built in 1987. The master bedroom is isolated and has 2 closets and a seperate tub and shower. The patio has been enclosed with sliding glass doors to make a sunroom that you would love spending time in!

offereded at $120,000

NO LONGER ON THE MARKET. SELLER DECIDED NOT TO SELL. 7/21/08

Agents, BE CAREFUL. This could have been any one of us!

2008-06-27T21:07:18Z

Wednesday a Realtor was kidnapped here in Waco Texas! She received a call from a man who said his parents had passed away and he wanted her to come list their house.

When she got there, he attacked her( there are conflicting reports on if she was raped or not), tied her up,blindfolded her, drove her to his house, and tried to call her family with a ransom demand.

Luckily, she had a safety plan in place and had told someone where she was going. When she didn't return, her family called police, and the Sheriffs department went to the house she was going to "list". They found her car, but no clues about where she might be.

Even luckier for her,the kidnapper's roomate came home and found her, untied her and called police. The kidnapper is now in jail for stealing the roomate's truck along with kidnapping and assualt. And the agent was taken to a local hospital where she was treated and released.

But this was a jolt of reality that we work in a very dangerous profession. I urge all of you, if you haven't already, to implement an office safety plan.

Here are some tips:

. Let someone know where you are going.

.Come up with a code word you can use to let someone know that "No, everything is not Ok. I need help!"

.If you have never met them before, make them come to your office, make a copy of their drivers license and car license # and leave it where it can be found.

.Keep your keys and cell phone with you! Have 911 preprogramed into your phone. An attacker isn't going to wait while you try to unlock your phone and dial!

.And if you can avoid it, don't go alone when you go to a listing or showing.

Listing at 4302 Wheeler in Bellmead, Texas

2008-06-24T15:07:40Z

This is a 3 bedroom 2 bath manufactured home on a 2+ acre lot in Bellmead, a suburb of Waco. It is near TSTC, L3 and the Pilgrims Pride plant. It is listed at $84,900.

2904 Mildred, Waco Texas

2008-06-09T15:03:22Z

Great family home near Baylor University in Waco. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1273 square feet. 1 car garage. Fenced back yard with covered patio. Dining area with Bay window. Recent paint.

$105,900 .

Call Ann at 254-227-0522

Nice family home, or would be excellant location for Baylor students to share!

The worst showing experience of my Real Estate career.

2008-05-22T14:44:12Z

Last weekend Wendy Montoya www.WendyMontoya.com , one of my fellow agents at Century 21 Towne Adams www.TowneAdams.com, got a call from a guy who had found her on the internet. He thought she was an investor and would she be interested in buying a duplex he wanted to sell?

She told him no. But knowing I had a client who was currently looking for investment properties, she told him about me and called and gave me his contact information.

I called and talked to him. He didn't want to list it, but was willing to pay a commission. So yesterday I took my Buyer/Investor to look at it. YIIKKES!!!

Bad neighborhood, bad condition. The lady that met us to show us around had to un-nail plywood from the door to let us in. Then she said " Wait here" She went to her car and came back with a can of OFF. "You'll need this, the house is full of flees" That is not all it was full of. Junk everywhere, a big hole in the ceiling, dirty, smelly.

There was a separate two story building in back. "Oh that's the guest room" she said. It had dirt floors!!!

Needless to say I told my client to RUN. She was freaking out.!Then I went home and took a shower

8201 Mosswood, now reduced

2008-05-06T19:24:37Z

Nice home on large beautiful wooded corner lot in Woodway, Texas. this home is 1952 square feet, was built in 1967 and has two living areas, three bedrooms and three bathrooms and a two car garage. The den has a fireplace and a wood beamed ceiling. The master bedroom has THREE closets. Very recent paint and carpet.Currently listed at $120,000. Call Ann 254-227-0522 or e-mail Realestate@lacordes.com or visit www.Waconeighbors.com .

It is a sick, sick world

2008-05-01T19:48:15Z

Last week I opened my morning paper and in the police report, there was a story about a man who had been arrested for exposing himself to a woman and her 3 year old child in a park three blocks from my house. It was shortly after noon. This park is located behind an elementary school. In fact it is the playground for the school.

And this is the school my 7 year old son goes to! Even if my child did not go there, I would be concerned. What was that man thinking. I just don't get people who do sick stuff like this. All I can think is that someone must have done something to them when they were little. And what might have happened to that child if his mother had not been there?

Hey! Can you speak Spanish?

2008-04-16T13:28:20Z

In November of 2006, when I was close to completing the course work for my real estate license, I began interviewing at different agencies.

When I came in to the office where I currently work , Century 21 Towne Adams in Waco Texas, the first question he asked me is " Can you speak Spanish?". Regretfully, I do not. My high school did not offer any foreign languages. When I started college I tried Spanish, but dropped it after two weeks because it was obvious I was not going to pass it. Next I tried German, with the same result. On the advice of a very helpful dean I took sign language and passed. Of couse that was 12 years ago and I have now forgotten it because I didn't use it.

But that is beside the point. He would give anything for an agent who can speak Spanish. Last fall we thought we had one. A girl who had just finished her course work and was ready to take her licensing exam. But she decided to go to college for 2 more years and get a Bachelors.

I was talking to an agent from another agency recently and she said the only one doing well in her office was a girl who spoke Spanish.

I realized how important it is a few days ago when I was researching the hispanic demographics of my area for a client moving here from out of state. People of hispanic origin now compose over 17 % of the population of Mclennan county, or about 38,000 people .

Here is a quick glance at statistics provided by the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce:

Mclennan county Hispanic pop: 17.9% (38,233)

Waco:23.6%(26,885)

Beverly Hills 44% (936)

Bellmead 23.8% (2195)

Hewitt 9.3% (1029)

Lacy-Lakeview 16.3% (940)

Mcgregor 27.3% (1289)

Robinson 9% (706)

Woodway 3.8% (330)

The sad part is that there are 22 thousand school age children of Hispanic origin NOT enrolled in school.

With the Hispanic population of America growing rapidly, especially here in Texas, it is going to become increasingly important to speak Spanish. So I have been checking out classes at the local community college and programs at the book stores. I am going to start working on it. Hasta Luego!

Find out why it's a buyers market at our FREE Homebuyers Seminar

2008-04-14T10:31:57Z

Century 21 Towne Adams is hosting a FREE Homebuyers Seminar on Tuesday April 22 at 7:00 p.m. at the Home Abstract and Title office at 1508 North Valley Mills Drive. Broker Towne Adams will explain the buying process and why now is the time to buy. Contact his office at 254-755-0021 or www.TowneAdams.com or e-mail at Towne.Adams@Century21.com.

Glenn Cannon from Farmer Insurance will explain homeowners insurance, how rates are determined and the different types of coverage. If you want information you can contact him at 254-722-5507 or www.farmersagent.com/gcannon.

Tim Holtkamp from Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. will also be on hand to discuss the different types of mortgages and help people get pre-qualified. he can be contacted at 254-662-2222 or tim@hloan.biz.

Child care and refreshments will be provided.

1121 Timberline in Bellmead Texas

2008-03-21T12:17:15Z

I thought I had sold this house in December, but after 3 months of various issues ( read previous blog "how I saved a transaction" just 2 days before closing, the buyers got cold feet and backed out. So it is BACK ON THE MARKET!!

It is really a cute house. 3/2 1 car attached garage,1032 square feet, built in 1998. and at $72,900 it is a great price. It is located in Bellmead, which is one of the suburbs of Waco, Texas. It is located very close to TSTC, L3, and the Pilgrims pride plant.

The foundation has recently been leveled, the carpet was stretched, and a new fixture was put on the kitchen sink. Call or e-mail for more. Ann 254-227-0522. Realestate@lacordes.com.

MLS# 123515

The transaction I couldn't save

2008-03-16T07:42:01Z

The saga continues. If you have been reading my blog, I had been working since mid-December on a transaction where I am the listing agent. After a multitude of problems, which included finding the buyer a new lender, and paying out of my own pocket for repair work to be done on the house, I finally had everything cleared and ready to go to closing.

Then guess what? The buyers got cold feet and backed out! I was devastated. But I am bouncing back. Trying to get the house back on the market and find another buyer. Thank goodness my seller has been very patient and stuck with me.

What did I learn from this? Don't give up at the first sign of problems, but don't beat a dead horse either. It's hard to know where that line is, but next time it will be easier for me not to step over it.

How I saved a transaction(I think) Part II, The saga continues!!

2008-02-25T19:34:01Z

You may or may not have read an earlier post about a problem transaction that I hope I have saved. I represent the seller.It was supposed to close Jan 4. Five days before that the buyers agent called me to say the underwriter had denied funding and he didn't think it would do any good to try a different mortgage company.

Well, I decided to give it a shot anyway and had him put his buyer in touch with a great mortgage lady I work with a lot, Shirra Zippe with 1st Community Mortgage in Waco, Texas. Lo and behold she got it approved!! We did an extension and it was supposed to close today. A week ago it was in underwriting and everything was still a go.But guess what? The buyer was in the hospital last week and the mortgage company has not gotten all the paperwork from her, the title company hasn't had a request or anything from the lender. So after calling around today everyone gets things in order and the closing is set for Thursday the 29th. But wait there's more!!

The seller is gone out of town for a funeral( there seems to be a lot of that going around , we had two deaths in my husbands family last week) and she won't be back until Saturday, can we close on Monday? To which the title company replies" the escrow agent is on vacation next week."

As of now the closing is set for Monday the 3rd at 11:00 am. Two and a half months after the initial offer.If not I have two other agents waiting to bring me offers. I know some transactions run into problems, but in my short time in real estate I have not seen many that went smoothly.

Update on Mercy the dog

2008-02-16T14:57:25Z

For those of you who did not read my earlier blog, Mercy is a mastif who was taken in by Fuzzy Friends Animal Rescue in Waco. He was found in November in a ditch more dead than alive. He had become so hungry and desperate for food he had eaten a plastic ball. After surgery to remove it, he was very thin and weak.

I visited Mercy at Fuzzy Friends this morning. He is doing very well. He has gained weight and strength!!! He also has a home waiting for him when he is ready. A local doctor has already adopted him!!!

Reverse Mortgages: the coming wave

2008-02-15T19:54:49Z

With the graying of our nation and the wave of baby boomers about to retire, there is expected to also be a boom is reverse mortgages. What is a reverse mortgage? It is when a bank or other lender buys your house from you, but you continue to live in it. The lender pays you all or part of the equity you have in the house. You can use it to supplement your social security, home improvement, help a grandchild through college, or just to live a more comfortable retirement.

To do a reverse mortgage your home must be payed for.When you die or move from the home, it is sold and your heirs repay what is owed and keep the profits. If the home sells for less than is owed, your heirs owe nothing. The mortgage company eats the loss.

Most of the people who take out reverse mortgages are 65 or older, ( by law your supposed to be at least 62 to qualify), but some lenders are approving them for people as young as 60. Currently only about 1 out of 100 loans are a reverse mortgage, but that figure is expected to increase dramatically over the next decade. The reason you have to be over 62 is because any younger and you would outlive the money you would receive.

A recent study by the AARP showed that so far most of the of the people who have taken out reverse mortgages have been pleased with them. About 3 percent said it had been a negative experience and thought loan costs had been too high. The study found that a typical 74 year old homeowner who had borrowed on a $300,000 home had paid $30,000 in fees and interest.

There have been some complaints of the elderly being convinced to take reverse mortgage and then invest the money in annuity funds, which have such a slow payoff that they will not live long enough to see any return.

A bill was recently introduced in the U.S. Senate to prevent reverse mortgage abuse (The Reverse Mortgage Proceeds Protection Act). The bill would require applicants to HUD's Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Program to go through classes and counseling so they know what they are getting into and what the costs will be. Peter Bell, president of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association, said his group does not oppose the legislation.

For more on reverse mortgages go to www.aarp.org/revmort/. Or call 1-800-424-3410

Department of Housing and Urban Development www.hud.gov/buying/rvrsmort.cfm or call 1-800-217-6970.

Or The National Mortgage Lenders Association at www.reversemortgage.org or call 1-866-264-4466.

Duplex for sale in Waco Texas

2008-02-09T12:29:59Z

This is a great investment property in Bellmead, one of the suburbs of Waco, Texas. Close to TSTC, L3 and Pilgrims Pride plant. One side is a one bedroom one bath. The other side is a 2 bedroom 1 bath. Or leave the door open in the connecting hallway and it could be a large single family home. Rents for $800 a month. Both sides currently rented out. Offered for $55,000 by Ann Cordes at Century 21 Towne Adams in Waco. 254-227-0522 or Realestate@lacordes.com

Investment Property in Waco Texas

2008-02-09T11:59:36Z

This house is at 110 Avenue A in Moody Texas. It is 2 Bedroom 1 Bath, 760 square feet. It does not have central heat/ac and it does not have washer /dryer connections. It would be perfect for a single person, small family, or older couple looking to downsize. Could be great rental property! Offered by Ann Cordes at Century 21 Towne Adams in Waco for $25,500. Call 254-227-0522 or email Realestate@lacordes.com.

IRS gives scam warning!!

2008-02-07T13:46:15Z

I just saw a news story on Yahoo financial. The IRS has issued a scam warning to the public involving those "economic stimulus" checks. Congress is still debating amounts but most of us will be getting a check for $600 for a single person and $1200 for couples. These checks will be mailed out sometime in late April or early May.

But the scammers are not waiting! The IRS is warning people about calls from someone claiming to be from the IRS saying "You have to give me your bank account information, because the check will be direct deposited." This IS NOT true. The checks will be MAILED. They are also warning about e-mails asking people to click on a link and give their personal information to get their check. ALSO A SCAM!

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up!

Help for our Fuzzy Friends

2008-02-05T15:47:03Z

One day a few months ago, as I was driving around listening to my favorite radio station, I was listening to an interview with a girl from Fuzzy Friends, a no kill animal rescue shelter here in Waco Texas. The story she was telling about that weeks featured animal was so touching it almost made me cry. He was a boxer mix named Mercy ( see picture of me and Mercy below). Someone had found him in a ditch more dead than alive. He had gotten so hungry he had eaten a plastic ball that was blocking his stomach.

They performed surgery on him to remove the ball. He had to be fed just a little bit at a time, because he had gone so long without food, his system couldn't handle it. He is still very thin and weak and his head is still too big for his body, but he is getting stronger and hopefully will make a complete recovery. And when he is strong enough, they will find a home for him.

This is not an isolated story. The walls at Fuzzy Friends is full of before and after pictures of animals they have rescued. The before pictures are all heartwrenching.

That is why my coworker Peg Hayworth and I have decided to donate 10% of our real estate commissions to Fuzzy Friends. Peg already had a message on the back of her business cards with a picture of her dog saying she would. I decided to do the same thing. We are running an ad with our listings in the real estate books and we made up flyers which we are passing out to veterinary offices.

We love animals and this is our small effort to help them.

GO VOTE!!!!!!!

2008-02-04T14:18:13Z

I just want to remind everyone that tomorrow is super-Tuesday when many states have presidential primaries. If your state is having one tomorrow, go vote!

It doesn't matter who you vote for, Democrat, Republican or independent. The important thing is that we all take part in the process. I have heard a lot of people whine about politicians, yet they didn't go vote.

In Australia, it is the law that you have to vote. If you don't and can't come up with a REALLY good excuse, you get fined. Needless to say, they have over 90% voter turnout!

www.Waconeighbors.com

For the technologically challenged.

2008-02-02T19:20:59Z

Real Estate is not for the faint of heart. It is also not for people like me who are not very computer literate and not the kind to have all the latest gadgets. Yesterday I went to "Technolgy Training Day" at the Waco Board of Realtors.What did I learn?

I learned there ARE people who are more technologically challenged than ME. There where people in the class who had never heard of Active Rain and didn't know what a blog is. Never let it be said, though, that you can't teach an old dog new tricks. Over night two of them joined Active Rain.

I learned Smartphones are COOL! They even have a built in tape recorder. If someone is giving you directions, you can record it and play it back if you get lost. They do practically everything a laptop does. I want one, but my husband and I are waiting until October until our current cell phone contract runs out. We tried to trade up last September, but Alltel wanted to charge us full price for them $599. If we wait until our contract is up, we can get them for half that or less.

Speaking of my husband, he is a computer network specialist at the VA. He has been a livesaver helping me buy and set up a new laptop, he made flyers for me, help me build a web site. He has been very supportive and encouraging.

But if you don't have a computer savvy husband, just contact the teacher we had yesterday. He goes all over the country teaching real estate technology classes. find him at www.DickBetts.com