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I hope That Holiday Eggnog Was Worth 4,000 Dollars - 12/31/11 05:18 PM
I received an interesting call at the office on Friday (yes we were open all week). A local home owner wanted me to come take a look at his property some time next week. Sure! I've always got time for a potential listing in Pineville. What agent wouldn't? Apparently there was at least one.
On the recommendation of a friend, this prospect had called one of my competitors. Said agent would be considered a "big wig" in our local market. For two weeks this couple had been trying to get "Mr. Big" to view the property. "Sorry, I'm too busy … (54 comments)
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Have You Noticed That Buyers Are More Nervous These Days? - 12/30/11 04:07 PM
Perhaps it's the stress of the Holiday Season, but my buyers seem a little "jumpy" lately. This fall I have noticed extended home searches, a less willingness to negotiate, and look out if the inspection report comes back with anything other than flying colors...
I can't stand pushy sales people. Provide the facts, then let me select the pair of Docker's pants to purchase. As such, I run my real estate business the same way I like to buy Dockers. Much research and little pressure.
Maybe the negative media attention is getting to folks. And with this being an … (41 comments)
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Real Estate Sales Is Not A Good Career Of Last Resort - 12/29/11 05:40 PM
With the economy sputtering along, a trend has emerged among new real estate agents. Certain individuals are getting a real estate licenses simple because there are no other jobs available. Let's examine why real estate sales is not a good "backup" career...
1) Real Estate is a business not a career-- In most cases agents are 1099, not W2. This means income is produced only when a transaction closes. There typically is NO salary in real estate.
2) It takes money to make money-- Providing a laundry lists of start-up costs would scary most newbies. In Louisiana expect to pay … (1 comments)
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A Picture Is Worth 1,000 Words, No Picture Means You Have A Lazy Agent - 12/28/11 02:43 PM
Agents don't sell houses, buyers purchase houses. Even with the logic of Aristotle, the charm of JFK, and the leadership skills of George Washington, as an agent I can't make people purchase your home. Buyers have to be drawn to your property for it to sell.
And how are buyers drawn to your home you ask? Pictures! Without one (or multiple) clear pictures of your property most buyers won't give your home the time of day. No interest=no showings=no offers. Sadly it is just that simple.
In exploring our MLS there are multiple homes without ANY pictures of the property. … (5 comments)
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The One Enduring Truth of Real Estate Sales--You Win Some, you Lose Some - 12/28/11 02:06 PM
This has been a crazy year in real estate world. Deals that were "sure things" died flaming deaths while a few of those "not in a million year" transactions closed. Coming from an education background, I try (mostly in vain) to explain why said transactions closed or died. After all, in science the next step beyond explanation is prediction. If I could find a pattern or two, surely my closing ration would improve, right?
Nope. Han Solo was right when he said luck played a greater role in the universe than the force. With the benefit of hindsight, it would … (4 comments)
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Anyone Else Working Today? - 12/23/11 02:41 PM
It's never a good sign when there is ZERO traffic on the way to the office. Just how slow is it today? Let's just say the office line did not ring until 1030 this morning. And that was a drunk dude trying to order pizza!
About a mile from the office it dawned on me that most of the vendors I need to speak with are closed today. And something tells me ALL of next week will be hit or miss at best.
So the plan today is to catch up on some marketing stuff and clean the office. Perhaps … (9 comments)
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When Worlds Collide-Today My Past Caught Up With Me - 12/21/11 04:32 PM
In the spirit of the season, a local vendor indivted my partner and I out for lunch. Never one to pass up free food, the Jeep quickly sprang to action! While walking to the building I hear a faint voice from the past...
"Mister Doug, Mister Doug, Look guys it's Mister Doug". A yellow school bus loaded with my former students had just pulled into the drive.
The decision to leave teaching to sell real estate was not an easy one. In the begining the plan was to teach, and sell a couple of homes on the side each month. … (6 comments)
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Investment Property For Sale in Avoyelles Parish - 12/20/11 05:43 PM
Investment Property For Sale in Avoyelles Parish--
With low rates and affordable pricing, now is the time to buy investment property in Avoyelles Parish. Let's take a look at two Avoyelles Parish foreclosures currently for sale with Bayou Properties Realty.
181 Don Drive, Cottonport, Louisiana
This two bedroom home is currently listed for 24,900 dollars. The property features large rooms and a spacious yard. Would make a great rental or potential flip property.
527 Lake Pearl Road, Hessmer, Louisiana
A diamond in the rough! a three bedroom, brick home for only 44,900 dollars? The opportunities for this property are … (0 comments)
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My Sellers Fell In Love With Their Own House - 12/19/11 04:25 PM
A hearty handshake, hugs, and plenty of laughter. This meeting had all the ingredients of a closing except for one thing, a check for old Doug!
When I listed this property the sellers were highly motivated to sell. As a result, they were quick to make many of the updates and take care of some deferred maintenance items.
We ripped wallpaper, installed new floors, and cut the clutter factor by a million. And that rusty old ac condenser from the Reagan era? Replaced with a super slick and efficient Ruud unit.
You can guess where this is going. After a … (2 comments)
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Home For Sale In The Alexandria Garden District - 12/16/11 03:43 PM
Home for sale in the Alexandria Garden District-
Buyers seeking historic charm and period detail flock to the Alexandria Garden District. Many of these 100+ year old homes have been lovingly restored to their original charm. 1739 Thornton Court is a fine example of old world craftsmanship and modern amenities.
The spacious living room features updated fixtures, fresh paint, and an inviting fireplace. Imagine the conversations that have taken place around this cozy fireplace in the last 100 years?
Hardwood flooring has been painstakingly restored throughout the home. With proper care such flooring will only … (3 comments)
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When The "Golden Buyer" Requests His Third Contract Extension - 12/15/11 11:21 AM
Beware the Greeks bearing gifts, or in our business agents bringing "golden buyers" to your listings. After some back and forth, one of my listings went under contract in September. Sailing through inspections, all that was left was to collect a commission check in time for Halloween. Or so I thought...
In addition to qualifying for a home loan, apparently said golden buyer won the approval of a large Visa card. What's a new house without quality furniture? Or new tires for your car? Or a trip to Mexico? Before it was all done, Golden buyer had ran … (60 comments)
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Would You Recommend Real Estate As A Career? - 12/12/11 04:52 PM
As an artifact from my prior work life, I teach one section of public speaking at our local college. Since communication is central to what we do, many of my lecture examples come from real estate world. With names changed to protect the innocent of course!
Occasionally a student or two will ask about a career in real estate sales. After explaining what a typical day is like, most scatter like scared deer. Every now and then though a student will show genuine interest and a nice conversation will transpire.
With the advantage of hindsight, if you were young and … (11 comments)
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What's A Sunday Home Tour Without A Little Meth? - 12/11/11 10:22 PM
My biggest concern en route to the home tour centered on copper. With the price of said metal through the roof, it is common in foreclosures to find all the copper stripped from the outside air condenser. When this happens the "lucky" buyer gets to purchase a new outside a/c unit. Little did I know that the "crystal" was about to steal the show...
All along the interior were small, brown numbered frames. About the size of an old Polaroid picture, each frame highlighted a small, almost invisible smudge. Though the bulk were on the wall, here and there these … (2 comments)
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Glad To Be Back Amongst The Living - 12/08/11 08:38 PM
The week started out with a roar. Actually more of an Exorcist-like purge of the stomach. In addition to breakfast, most of my work week went down the toilet as well. Though I admire folks who can work sick, sadly that's above my pay grade.
According to my wife I did show properties Tuesday night. Though I have no memory of which houses or clients I might have worked with. On Wednesday I snuck into the office to file some critical paperwork for a short sale. I probably should call that asset manager soon. The Lord only knows what … (5 comments)
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Dear Seller, A 3PM Showing Appointment Does Not Mean You Leaving At 3:30 - 12/08/11 08:13 PM
Scheduling a home tour is more art than science. When multiple showings are on today's list it is sometimes difficult to predict exactly when the buyer will arrive. Think of it this way, a buyer lingers 5 minutes more than allotted at four homes. This will put the caravan twenty minutes late for the final property. As such, agents often leave a little flexibility in the schedule to account for delays. Just one more bit of fun in real estate world. But sometimes sellers get tricky...
My first showing was set for 3pm. I arrived a few minutes early to … (5 comments)
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Doug Rogers- Your Pineville Louisiana Agent
Pineville,
LA
More about me…
Century 21 Millennium
Address: 2690 Donahue Ferry Road, Pineville, LA, 71360
Office Phone: (318) 640-2121
Cell Phone: (318) 613-1994
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