Angela Penkin's Blog

Kindle Lovers, Protect Your Investment (read . . . new toy)

Angela Penkin (RE/MAX Plus) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 21:29:45 -0700

Be sure to check out the handmade zippered covers at the Craft Antique Co-op in Greece NY at only $19.90. The outside has a zippered pocket for the charger and inside is a firm backed piece with elastic in the corners to hold in your hand.

Judy Adams makes them, she started because she had a customer ask her to custom make one for her - Judy didn't know what a Kindle was. So, today she mentioned she hadn't sold any yet that were not custom orders, I said, Judy, you have to go where the Kindle users go! LOL. So I took the photos and uploaded it with a little blurb. She makes the water bottle straps that are really popular, cosmetic bags and other things as well. If you would like more information on them, let me know and I'll put you in touch with Judy.

I had a serious week here in the Rain, so I needed to do a little something for someone else. Hope this is OK. I belong to the Craft-Antique CO-OP, the largest in NYS (I believe) and have since it started in 1990.

43 Long Park Dr in Greece . . . $139,900

Angela Penkin (RE/MAX Plus) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 08:51:08 -0700

http://www.43LongParkDr.com for details and photos, $139,900

It's Raining Men . . . Well, Really More Friends and Family

Angela Penkin (RE/MAX Plus) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 23:57:06 -0700

There's been a lot this week about family, friends, people we love, and people we've lost. Good things and bad, hard times and uplifting times. So, I figured, I may as well get another one out on the table.

Earlier this week I wrote about football, and my younger son. My older son John played in high school too for 3 years, if you ask him about it, he'll tell you he played left bench. He was a better wrestler than football player. He is better at things that he is more independent at. But, alas, there were serious problems with the coach and suffice it to say that after a serious incident where several young men became ill and one had to be treated at a hospital - after the boys took it upon themselves to do something - a group of them resigned from the team together. Good boys, who had seen enough. Once that happened, once some of us parents really found out how miserable things were for the kids, he was taken to task. It took a while, and it was a fight, but he was finally after 6 months removed as coach.

It was very hard on a lot of the boys, for my son, wrestling was something he had been good at, that he liked and wanted to do - that he could participate in and be successful. A few years ago he decided to try another route. Natural body building - unbelievable amount of discipline, hard work and dedication.

His first season he participated in 3 competitions. And was very successful. After winning his novice class, then his weight class in a men's open and then finally, wining the overall of the different weight class winners. So, his next season he was then able to compete in a pro-qualifier. In that first competition he won the overall and his pro status to go with it as well as the award for the best posing routine. They do a 90 second routine to music. About 6 weeks ago he competed in his first pro competition - he took 4th place of his weight class and was a very happy guy. Next week he goes to NYC to compete again. If my boys can do, if they can overcome obstacles placed in their path, then so can I.

New Listing! English Cottage Cozy! Brick and Vinyl Ranch.

Angela Penkin (RE/MAX Plus) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:24:59 -0700

Just listed, $92,900. Mechanics in great shape, well landscaped lot.

http://4559deweyave.canbyours.com/

Holy Reunion! The Cardinal Mooney Kids from Our Lady of Mercy!

Angela Penkin (RE/MAX Plus) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 23:55:35 -0700

This past Saturday was my High School Reunion. We are the class of 1970 (you can figure the math!) I am so glad I attended. I have gone to all of the reunions they've had and have really been so glad.

Cardinal Mooney was a split co-ed school. Physically, it was a "V" shaped school - a mirror image on each side. From the front, the east wing was the boys school and the west wing the girls. Heaven help the poor soul who wandered onto the wrong side! So, for the most part the girls and boys only knew each other if your friends were dating a boy/girl in your group, otherwise zip!

It so happens my hubby Peter was in the class of 1969, but I never knew him until we met in 1977. We also married that year after a whirlwind 4 month romance. ;-) In 1980 we attended my 10th year reunion. A couple of the girls came up to me and said, we can't believe you married Peter Penkin!!! I was like oh, why. They were like - oh he was sooo cute in high school, everyone thought so. Hmmm, I didn't know that. And the years that people had children, divorced, passed away, very sad. It was really nice to reconnect again and Facebook has made it fun and easy.

So, sitting at dinner the group I was with were talking about how they were the kids that rode the "City Bus" and one of the guys mentioned, yeah, we were the city kids, ya know from Lyell and Glide, I grew up on Rockview Terrace. I said, really, I just sold a house this week at 123 Rockview Terrace. His jaw just dropped, he said that was where I grew up - I thought he was kidding, he was serious. When his Mom passed away, he sold it to the woman that was selling it now and my clients were the new buyers! Amazing! I told him how it was still really nice and the buyers were so excited.

Anyway, this photo is of the group of us that went to Our Lady of Mercy Elementary school too! Since 1st grade together! If you have a reunion coming up, think about attending. I was glad I did.

Almost 4 acres, HUGE Barn/Workshop $149,900 Ranch House Included!

Angela Penkin (RE/MAX Plus) — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 00:28:01 -0700

http://www.6399MillPond.com

Preparing for the Listing Appointment . . . Pointed or Pretty?

Angela Penkin (RE/MAX Plus) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:58:04 -0700

OK, Day 3! I was struggling again with a topic and then thought about all of the time I spent earlier today to prepare for a listing appointment tomorrow. The seller called me because I send just listed and just sold cards every opportunity to a neighborhood I have been very successful in for the past 32 months. 11 listings and sales, a new listing on Tuesday that is ready to be submitted and the possible listing tomorrow.

I have only had one expired in the neighborhood, a short sale that was already too far gone when I listed it and the saddest part of all, my seller was diagnosed shortly after listing, her attorney advised her to stay in the home and she passed away just 4 months later.

This particular neighborhood has a lot of activity the past several years - my potential sellers are trying to decide if they want to list now or wait until spring. So, my job is to try to interpret the market in terms of when will be the best time for them to list, not if. They are relocating for sure in 2011.

So, I have tracked the sales since Jan 2008 by season to see if they should list now or dare wait until Spring. It was a very interesting study and surprisingly a big shift in the past 3 years. I had never prepared my information quite this way and I believe it is going to be very effective in helping them to see that although they really don't want to move until next June(ish) based on the trend, they should list now and plan on interim housing if they sell faster than expected. I was fully prepared to advise them to wait until February and hope no one else zeroed in on them before then.

What also surprised me, that I really, truly did not know is that in this particular zip code and homes built since 2000, I have more than twice as much sales volume than the next agent on the list of 97 agents - and he is the licensed representative for a builder. I sat here grinning like a fool! So not only do I have the stats to support the strategy to sell their home, I have the stats to support me!

I think pointed is the way to go!

What is the Point of Disclosing an Old Roof or Anything Else?

Angela Penkin (RE/MAX Plus) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:45:09 -0700

Ok, ok, I am struggling here! 8 hours sleep in the past 2 nights doesn't leave too many brain cells left for blogging. And today is my second day, so I have to get this in.

Well, I have noticed recenlty that roofs are back in style again. Along with air conditioners. My last 3 transactions have gone like this:

1) My buyer, submitted an offer on a moderately priced home (under $65,000) just over 10% UNDER list price. The seller accepted the offer. Disclosure: roof age is unknown, roof is very obviously old, will need a new roof. We discussed it when we looked at the house and submitted the offer. Home inspector says, the roof is old will need to be replaced - yes we know. The buyer now wants another $2000 off the contract price. Seller says no way. The buyer is actually OK, they like the house, they'll go forward. But the friends keep saying, but it needs a new roof - doesn't the seller know it needs a new roof? Yes, and so did the buyer and the seller doesn't have to lower her price again just because the buyer wants her to.

2) My listing. Disclosure - roof is 1 layer, roof is old, obvious to the naked eye it needs to be re-roofed or replaced. We are priced to reflect roof and some other items. Buyer comes in a little under list price which is under $130,000 and asks for everything not nailed down (ok, I exagerate a bit here) but, all the appliances and some personal property - seller says OK. Home inspection comes along - buyer wants $7500 credit for the roof. I know how much a roof can change in 3 days but, come on! Seller says no - buyer walks.

3) My listing, written in the MLS and on the disclosure - the A/C does not work. The seller will not repair. Home inspection results - the buyer wants the A/C evaluated by an HVAC person! Seller declines and we site the disclosure. The buyer says OK. They negotiated on price because of the roof, which the seller diclosed been repaired - and amazingly, did not mention it again - thank you very much!

What is the point of the disclosure provided to, and signed by the buyer prior to the accepted offer if they are only going to come along after the inspection and ask for money for the disclosed item!!

Maybe we need to do a better job of explaining what the purpose of a property condition disclosure is for so when the buyer reads it they know why they are reading it and if the pimples are already reflected in the listing price or if they need to be addressed right at the time of - heaven forbid - the actual purchase offer itself!

Let's See, Hmmm, $8000 Tax Credit or a Job? Tax Credit or a Job? Hmmm...

Angela Penkin (RE/MAX Plus) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 22:35:01 -0700

The Homebuyer Tax Credits are Making The News, Again . . . . Jobs, we need jobs!!

But, we need to MAKE things in America! My husband is a weldor fabricator - 35+ years experience. He is working 4 days a week at his company - that's what they did so everyone could stay working. Some weeks it's 3. He has worked on things that have gone into space, surgical tools, wrought iron fences, eyeglass hinges. boat props, you name it. Most of the jobs in the area for welders want to pay $12-14 / hour and there are quite a few postings - so there is work, but not much pay - and no one wants to do those jobs because it's hard work for the money. A skilled trade and you would think supply and demand would push wages, but it doesn't.

The dog groomer gets $40+, $60-$90/hour for an IT person to look at your computer - last time I did that was 8 years ago when I figured out I knew more than she did - she even asked me how I knew so much!

Electricians, plumbers, heating contractors, lawn and landscape people, nail techs, hair stylists, REALTORS, accountants, Cell Phone Service Providers - HUGE! We are all service people. But when no one can afford the services anymore, we will be done.

We worked at Eastman Kodak for years. They had digital before anyone - but noooo, they sold FILM! Who would want digital pictures when they could have 35MM prints on Kodak paper?? Do you know what their business is now? Every few years they bring in a batch of new presidents, CEO's, CFO's and whomever, give them 20+ years on the books, vacation out of their ears, options and golden parachutes. They restructure and re-organize (again). They put in a few years and then off they go to some other company. That is the only way the pension fund can get "raided" that's why no one has bought up Eastman Kodak to break it up. They can't get at the money!!

This is just one little example of the problems we are facing. People need to WORK. We need to stop GIVING people money and have them WORK for it instead. But, that is a whole other blog!

I Just Gave the Buyer Permission to Keep Shopping!!

Angela Penkin (RE/MAX Plus) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 23:53:52 -0700

We have all done it. Well, I'll bet almost all.

Here is the scenario: I am the listing agent, you are the buyer agent.

ME: Ring, ring . . . hello Joe, just looking for some feedback on your showing of 123 Sell Me Please St!

YOU: Hi Angela, yes my buyer did like the house and they are thinking it over. But I don't think they're ready to make a decision yet.

ME: Do they have any questions or concerns that I could answer that might swing them in our direction?

YOU: No, but they really like it. Please give me a call if you get any offers, OK?

ME: Sure thing, I'll keep you posted. Thanks for the showing!

That's it, I just gave Joe's buyer permission to continue to shop for a home and also assured them that I would let them know if another offer comes along. There is a LOT wrong with this picture. Not the least of which is the liabaility for telling someone I'll keep them posted on any offers that might be coming - and then not following through.

There are a lot of different ways of looking at this - obtaining multiple offers isn't necessarily a bad thing, when they are naturally occuring because of a great new listing. But when they are 'forced' it could spell trouble. One really good offer is all anyone needs - only one buyer can be THE buyer. I'd love to hear which way the wind blows on this one in the Rain.

PS I have also said those words as a buyer agent!

Would you tell a listing agent your buyer's FICO Score?

Angela Penkin (RE/MAX Plus) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:41:41 -0700

Sunday morning I met (sort of) new buyer client prospects. My client brought them with him to HIS showing appointment so i could meet them. Not the way I would normally like to meet new clients. They have not spoken with a lender yet.

Anyway to make a long story as short as possible - the potential new clients called the listing agent on a house - told him they were working with me. He kindly referred them back to me. I emailed the agent to let him know that I am arranging for them to meet with the lender to get qualified and will call him to schedule when I have that in hand.

He sent a very nice response and asked for their FICO score. Have to say this is a first for me. I have not had any other listing agents ask for this. As a listing agent I always ask that credit has been pulled and that the letter states that it is acceptable for the program the buyer qualifies for - but have never asked for the actual score.

Is this a new trend?

They don't want your house cheaper . . . they don't want your house!

Angela Penkin (RE/MAX Plus) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:49:54 -0700

Several years ago I attended a workshop with a trainer for the company I was with at the time. She covered a ton of material. I will truthfully admit I am a workshop and webinar junkie but don't always use what I learn.

But this was one of the absolute best responses I have ever learned for the old, "but they can offer less" or "why don't they make a lower offer?" seller refrain. And it is oh so true!

If the buyer wants to spend $250,000 they want what $250,000 will buy - they do not want your $210,000 listed for $250,000 house for $220,00. They don't want YOUR house at all!

Now more than ever correct pricing is so important and it's still hard to get it right . . . and when explained tactfully, sellers really understand the logic.

Nobody Likes Me! Boo Hoo!

Angela Penkin (RE/MAX Plus) — Sat, 08 May 2010 04:58:53 -0700

So, after losing a couple of listings recently I have been feeling very sorry for myself, you feel sorry for me too right? Say, yes . . . oh, never mind. Anyway, as I was saying, I am feeling sad and lonely (hide the chocolate) because nobody likes me. All this whining reminded me of something my husband said to me several years ago as we were driving along on our way to watch our son play football. I was going on and on about how these potential clients didn't like me and I didn't understand why, what's wrong with me?

Now, my husband and I have very different cultural backgrounds, let's say for the sake of me not putting my foot in my mouth, that he is from Mars and I am from Pluto. So, when there was I break in the action (I had to take a breath after all) he comes out with this amazing comment that I really have tried to think of when I need a boost. He said, "You know what's wrong with you Plutonians (is that even a word?) you always think, what's wrong with me that they don't like me and us Martians think, what's wrong with them that they don't like me!" And it was like this HUGE light bulb came on in my head and I was like, oh , well I never thought of it like that! He was so right. We have enough negative influences in our lives and business, let's not be one of them ourselves! Whew, at least the ice cream is safe.

PS I almost had a break down getting these dumb cartoons in here! I Guess I should read the instructions. He'd have something to say about that too.

Lake Ontario Waterfront Estate

Angela Penkin (RE/MAX Plus) — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 09:21:46 -0700

Visit 2 North Shore Drive 24/7 at http://www.MyLakeOntario.com. Stunning 2002 built year round home on 105' of waterfront on Lake Ontario. Outstanding property. $824,900.

Day 10 and 11. Thanks and Thanks for nothing President Obama

Angela Penkin (RE/MAX Plus) — Sat, 16 May 2009 13:57:07 -0700

Back on March 30th I wrote a post about my son and his girlfriend and their search to purchase their first home. http://activerain.com/blogsview/1010928/walking-a-mile-in-someone-else-s-shoes-

After all an $8000 tax credit would cover improvements and repairs they might want to make and she had diligently set up a "saving for our house" account as soon as they started working last June, a mere 30 days after graduation. So, they had their own money for closing costs and downpayment. And with FHA rates around 5%, how can you NOT buy a home. Thank you President Obama for the housing stimulus package! Yeah - they were on their way!

Well, the house they offered on had some issues that were more than they were prepared for and so they withdrew from that contract after the home inspection. Not to fear, they were on the right track and knew they would find the right house. They kept in touch with their agent and she sent them new listings, they opened their area of search and price range - they really want to buy and not sign a new lease agreement.

But lo and behold, we have to cancel defense contracts and who needs those new helicopters anyway. So to save money, defense budget costs are being cut - great. See the story here, http://news10now.com/content/all_news/369971/stop-work-order-issued-to-lockheed-martin/Default.aspx But wait, Oh-Oh they both work for Lockheed Martin. Whoops! No more helicopters, oh no, now Lockheed Martin has to cut costs. So, here ya go http://news10now.com/default.aspx?ArID=138246.

So thanks for the $8000, but, what are they supposed to do without a job to get a mortgage with? So now, they can't even take the chance of signing a new lease. Of course this is one small example of why this housing stimulus isn't working as well as it could or should. If we as REALTORS cannot support even our own children and encourage them to buy, how can we, in good conscious, encourage our clients? Anyone else having first hand experience?

Day 9, rhymes with time and I'm still here . . .

Angela Penkin (RE/MAX Plus) — Thu, 14 May 2009 00:05:54 -0700

How do you budget your time? Are you a to do list groupie or a fly by the seat of your pants?

Do you set certain times of the day for specific tasks? I really wish I could get myself on some kind of schedule and stick to it. Right now I have 2 things I do each week that I have scheduled specific times for and have been able to stick to them. One is a mastermind group - and one is a weekly webinar. And I feel really good each time I finish with these once a week one hour commitments. I have other monthly commitments I meet too, but I'm looking for a really good daily schedule.

Does anyone have a really good daily schedule that you would be willing to share? One that fits your home tasks in as well. Like laundry, dinner, paying bills and cleaning. And do you have any set time during the week that you absolutely do not work - at least do not meet clients? I do not meet anyone before one on a Sunday, and usually don't answer my phone before then either (on Sunday). I also like to keep Mondays open and would rather work on Fridays.

Kind of hand in hand with a schedule is the issue of sleep. Of which most of us probably do not get enough of. Do you run well on 5 hours or do you need a full 8. Since it is 1 am here in NY, you'll probably guess I'm a night owl, but what works best for you? Early to bed early to rise? If you were a night owl and have now converted to being a morning person, what tricks did you use to switch over and do you like it better?

Day 4 of 21, lockbox or not?

Angela Penkin (RE/MAX Plus) — Fri, 08 May 2009 20:41:02 -0700

Have a question for agents working with buyers. When you show a home, do you prefer the agent to be in attendance, the seller of the home or no one (lockbox access). Listing agents, what do you typically do? Open the house, have your seller on the premises to either show it or make themselves scarce or have it on lockbox?

As a buyer agent, I really do not care for the listing agent to 'show' the house. And I have been a buyer agent specialist for 2 different agents in the past and worked with a lot of buyers. I have found that most times if the seller was home and stayed in the home and showed the property, my buyer clients were not comfortable and would often go through the house quickly. And many times the seller or agent will say the wrong thing when pointing out a really great feature. You may not know what the buyer is looking for, so pointing out all of the great oak trim to a buyer that was beginng to feel all warm and fuzzy just reminded them that they're going to have to paint all of it.

Let's face it, they either like it or they don't. Is anything you say going to make them buy the house? I know a lot of agents feel it is a great service they provide the seller to be at all showings, but can it be a negative too? Most of my listings are on lockbox and I make sure that all of the important structural and mechanical features of the home are listed on the property brochure. Which reminds me, do you list room sizes on your brochure? Is that part of your MLS information? It is not in Rochester, but I have noticed the Binghamton NY MLS has room dimensions.

Day 3 of 21 days of blogging.

Angela Penkin (RE/MAX Plus) — Thu, 07 May 2009 22:54:40 -0700

Here I am day 3 and already stuck! So here goes. Since sitting at the computer for 10 minutes turns into 2 hours, how do you set limits for time spent on blogging and social media contributions?

Do you follow everyone that follows you on twitter? I was, except for a couple of people that I didn't think seemed appropriate after taking a peek at some of their updates. But then the other day, I actually un-followed someone! They were sending so many tweets that the first 2 pages were almost all of them, and I was looking for something else. I realize there are other ways to get to the updates of people you are interested in, but I just found that so annoying. And what about all of the fake celebrity tweeters? How do you tell the real from the fake? Does anyone know who gossipgirl90 is? Someone named Mandy Moore - I tried to google her, but really didn't get a satisfactory answer, I don't think it is THE Mandy Moore and if it is, why would she follow me?

The other thing about twitter that I obviously must not understand, is when some people are having a chat, you see the little bits and pieces but I feel like I am eavesdropping on a conversation I am not included in. So I ask, how is that supposed to be fun or interesting if you don't have a clue what they're discussing?

So, are you social in the morning, afternoon, evening or late night (that's me) and how much time do you allow yourself.

Day 2 of 21 days of blogging.

Angela Penkin (RE/MAX Plus) — Wed, 06 May 2009 17:05:34 -0700

Funny how I always find something to talk about but sitting down to write something worthwhile that others would be interested in reading is a whole 'nother story.

How about this email subject I received today: looking for East Irondequoit under $90,000. And there have been others for Webster, Fairport and Brighton. We actually have a shortage of inventory. Agents wanting to know about new listings coming up because they have seen everything in the market and they didn't like any of it. But that also says to me that the buyer expectation of what they can buy for the money they choose to spend is skewed. I'm showing 3 homes tomorrow and 1 of them has 3 other showings. Price, under $115,000. This still buys a nice house. Raised ranch, almost 2000 SF with a 2 car attached garage on a 79x175 lot. But the total school, town & county taxes on that will run around $4700 a year.

It's the taxes that are killing us in Rochester (Monroe County). If someone was to purchase my 1.2 acre $849,900 Lake Ontario listing, the taxes would potentially be $31,702 a year. This of course keeps our prices down.

I would love to know how we stack up against taxes in other parts of the country. Well, I did it! 2 days in a row. Now if I could just diet along with blogging that would really be something.

The Path to Habit . . . the 1st of 21.

Angela Penkin (RE/MAX Plus) — Tue, 05 May 2009 22:09:57 -0700

Well, here I am 10:52 PM. Have been at this laptop almost all day. Why is it I can't fit everything in? And now, I am going to add one more thing to my to do list. Blogging every day for 21 days. Have to make it a habit. That and better time management. I just bought one of those really big round clocks with the white face and black frame, like the ones in school. I am serious, I really did. Didn't hang it yet - has to be 6' away from the computer. Since I want to re-arrange the office, not sure where the computer will end up. What was I sayng? Oh yes, too many things to do.

My head is filled with keywords, ad words, search terms, seo, google, twitter, facebook (never got around to that today!) and the like. But, it is really energizing! Reading other blogs is amazing, the sharing of ideas and encouragement is astounding - and from people that don't fare much better than used car salesmen on the consumer "who not to trust" scale. The real estate community is such a caring group of people and very, very funny? Who would have ever thought? I could spend all day here, but, then I'd never fit everything in.

Well, have to go and read the blogs I've just subscribed too. Leapfish anyone?

It's such a great house, if only . . . it was bigger, smaller, someplace else!!

Angela Penkin (RE/MAX Plus) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:12:18 -0700

Hel-lo! Don't you just love these comments on your listings? And I'm not talking about the buyer's. I'm talking about the agents showing your listings.

This is not an agent bash - I think it is a result of how we now work with buyers. In the old days we'd sit over the computer and pour over the printouts (how many of us remember the printed cards and then the big books?) to find houses that suited the buyers needs. Now we set them up on an email, they look at the list, call, text or email - I want to see this and this and this. We dutifully call and schedule the appointments. Only to find out, it's too small, too big, not the right place. If we did a better job of reviewing the printouts for the obvious information and review it with the buyer, we could eliminate a waste of everyone's time and not cause seller's to be disappointed over and over again.

My favorite is, if only it didn't have this (perceived flaw) my buyer would love it. But if it didn't have that perceived flaw - it would be worth $xx,xxx MORE! If it was updated to the nines, not on the corner, had a bigger garage, whatever, your buyer could not afford it! I think this problem is caused by too many agents not knowing their market and letting the buyer intimidate them.

Quite a few years ago I had a listing on the corner of a busy street. The agent had the nerve to go to the door, tell the seller that the buyer did not want to see the house because of the busy corner, and she should tell her agent that the corner lot should be in the listing. I was furious because it WAS in the listing with the busy street being listed as the closest street.

Well, I have to go, my buyer is calling . . .

What's included with the house?

Angela Penkin (RE/MAX Plus) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 07:37:39 -0700

Just wondering how many consumers and real estate professionals assume (ugh!) that if something is included in the listing and the brochure, that is is still included if the offer comes in under the offered list price? It seems to me that there are many people that don't understand this and are surprised when an item is countered out, or, if the agent forgot to ask for it, just plain gone at the walk through.

If the appliances are offered with the house at $249,900 and your offer is for anything less, here in Rochester, you'd better be asking for those appliances in your offer - I always include them if offered in the listing no matter what the price being offered so there is no misunderstanding. Same with window treatments and the like.

Point being, if you want something make sure to put it in writing even if it is in the offered listing. If a buyer client wants to ask for furniture in the offer, I usually discourage this as I have had many sellers very offended when offers come in asking for these types of furnishings. I am not a used appliance or used furniture salesperson - please don't ask me what it's worth.

What is typical in your area?

Walking A Mile in Someone Else's Shoes!

Angela Penkin (RE/MAX Plus) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:52:46 -0700

So, here I sit catching up on the work of the day, hoping I really am not acting like a first time home buyer parent! But, alas, I am in Rochester NY and they are in Endicott NY and as much as I'd like to be in control, I don't know the market there.

So, about 10 days ago I went on a REALTOR search. Found someone that I really liked (OK, so I liked her face!) and her web site. She's also a RE/MAX agent, so that made me happy. Gave her a call, and referred, my baby, my pride and joy! All 5'10 240 lbs, ex-college football player of him and his beautiful, smart, hardworking (yes, I am kissing up, my mother didn't raise a fool) significant other to this great agent. And off to look at homes they went.

But, the $120,000 they wanted to spend was not giving them the kind of home they wanted (sound familar?). So, they saw a couple they kind of liked - each liked a different one, but not enough to really consider. So, this past Saturday searching all of the home internet sites (like, how often do we tell our buyers, if I didn't send it to you, it's not in your price range!) they found the home of their dreams at only $149,900. And guess who has it listed? You guessed right. So, they called her, she had not told them about it because it's $30K more than they wanted to spend. We talked it over, looked at the pics and info, they knew the location and I encouraged them to go and see it.

Long story short (who am I kidding?) they went on Sunday, loved it. On Monday the mortgage rep relooked at their numbers, they can do it. So we spent the day on the phone talking it through because the agent is now a dual agent. Trying to think of all of the things I always do and say with my first time home buyers to make sure they are comfortable with the process, understand everything. Reviewing sales comps (heaven help me, I looked at Zillow!) and trying to give them advice without stepping all over their agents toes! What to remember to ask, put in the contract, negotiate for, inspections, etc. and encourage them at the same time because they really don't want to rent anymore. So, their REALTOR went to their apartment to write the offer (did I mention he is down and out with a really bad flu strain?) wrote the offer, presented it to her seller clients and they accepted! They are so happy and I keep thinking . . .what did I forget? And can I come to the inspection?

Things are so interesting!

Angela Penkin (RE/MAX Plus) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:20:50 -0800

OK, so last weekend I had offers on 2 listings, and wrote an offer for a buyer client. This weekend, no one at the open house on Sunday and no calls in the past 10 days on a new listing at an affordable price point of $160,000.

And why do some homes get lots of calls and showings but no offers and others no calls at all. We used to say, the answer is the same - overpriced! But I don't think that's the case anymore. It seems now patience is a virute and you have to advise sellers they just have to wait for the buyer to step up to the plate. There are just fewer of them and unless selling is an absolute MUST, they need to hang in there.

I have a listing - really beautiful, priced aggressively - 3 weeks ago an offer came in 13% under asking and last week same home received an offer 2.5% under asking from a stronger buyer. Both offers written by other agents @ different companies.

I think sincere buyers want to buy and will still pay a fair price for a good home. The others are just trying to steal a home they really cannot afford.

Well, back to my listings . . . have to figure out how to get these sold.

Now that it's over or just beginning . . .

Angela Penkin (RE/MAX Plus) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:12:46 -0800

So I am so guilty of this - I have been GLUED to the TV every moment that I'm not with clients, even when I should be sleeping!

I am of the opinion that like 9-11 and Katrina - people have been obsessed and completely absorbed by one of the most history making Presidential elections in our lifetimes. As well we should. Now that it's over or just beginning, do you think people's thoughts will return to eating, sleeping, working, buying homes?

That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it . . . and that's what I have been telling my seller's when we discuss why there have been so few calls for showings or poor turn outs for open houses. Of course football on Sunday's impacts open houses here in Rochester NY especially when the Buffalo Bills are doing well. But today I had 2 calls for showings on a listing, so things may be looking up.

What's your opinion?