Carol Murphy - Ohio Realtor (RE/MAX Homeward Bound)

Avon Lake: Yesterday!

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:27:37 -0700

Avon Lake: Yesterday!

As a producer with Avon Lake Cable Television, it has been my pleasure to host several interviews of many of Avon Lake's long time residents, and in the process of these interviews I have learned much about Avon Lake: Yesterday! The Avon Library and our cable station have begun recording history segments to help our residents learn about what it was like "back then".

There are so many residents that have spent most of their lives in Avon Lake. So many have stories of school days, farming the land, swimming at the beach at the end of Route 83, the railroad that took them east to Cleveland, etc. Many remember the old Saddle Inn as a train station and a hotel.

The 5 & 10 Cent store plus drug store in what was then Town Center have been mentioned more than once. Many tell stories of driving to Lorain or Bearden's in Rocky River on Friday nights with their friends. They didn't date individually but dated in groups. Mom and Dad wouldn't let them go alone in a car......they felt there was "safety in numbers".

Some remember teacher names. Some talk about the discipline they received in school but were much more concerned about what they would "get" when their father came home. Some talk about the doctor making house calls when they were sick.

Some remember when Electric Boulevard was a dirt road. But all remember they grew up in a fine place, had great neighbors, are still involved with the Church they attended as a child, bought a home here and raised their own children here. Some now have grandchildren living in Avon Lake.

Avon Lake, Ohio, could be renamed Family Friendly for all generations.

Avon Lake Real Estate

Creatures of Mother Nature

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:29:55 -0700

Creatures of Mother Nature

Sitting at my computer desk today, I looked out my window and noticed some wonderful creatures of nature. There were birds pecking away at the bird feeder my grandson gave me for Christmas. To my surprise, the bush next to birdfeeder was moving. Someone or something caught my eye…….a chipmunk! “IT” jumped from the branch and rode the feeder until it stopped swinging. There it was filling its’ pouches with bird feed. It was experiencing a feeding frenzy and then stopped to peek in my window and froze. In that split second I snapped the attached photo. Amazing!

What next?

Then I stopped and marveled at Mother Nature. The developers design neighborhoods, builders build them, we move in and still Mother Nature has her creatures living with us. We are all her creatures!

Then while preparing dinner I turned around in the kitchen to look out the bay window and see a deer in our backyard!

A wonderful day indeed! Remember to take time to enjoy the many creatures and shows Mother Nature provides to us - and they are FREE!

Running A Real Estate Business

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:01:26 -0700

Running a Real Estate Business!

I just finished reading an article about running a real estate business and what the new real estate professional needs to have and do to survive in our profession. Very interesting statistics I thought I would share.

Within the first year as a Realtor 90% of the newbees are out of the business. Within 4 years only 7% of the remaining 10% are still around. The average agent with 3-5 years experience earns an average income of $27,100. Why do 93% of new Realtors drop out of the industry?

Running a Real Estate Business is like any other sales business. The difference is we are THE business owner under the umbrella of a real estate company. Each Realtor must be a business owner in order for them to succeed. As a business owner we need to make decisions in the interest of THE business, even if it conflicts with what we want to do or be as an individual. Real estate can be much like a jealous partner.

Several years ago, I was fortunate enough to hear Peter Drucker speak at one of the many conventions I attend. For those not familiar with this gentleman Mr. Drucker was to business what the silver paper is to the Hershey's kiss. He spoke these words "There is only one valid definition of business purpose - to create a customer"! He taught me that profit is a by product of doing business well!

When you are hiring a Realtor, do you ask about real estate experience? Do you ask how many homes they have sold in your neighborhood or how many buyers purchased homes from them in the past 12 months. I suggest this not to make it difficult for a newly licensed Realtor but to help you be represented by experience and knowledgeable folks. Real estate is not a "hard" business but it is a challenging business. Individuals need to have the skills and desire to have a purpose for their doing business. Real estate is not about making the sale but building a lifetime relationship with that client. Real estate is not about the sale but about helping the client make the most important decision they will make at that time in their lives. A Realtor needs to show they care and are willing to go the extra mile for the best interest of their client.

Carol Murphy

Re/Max Homeward Bound

Avon Lake Real Estate

Tools of a Real Estate Professional

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:24:25 -0700

Now that you are thinking, what tools do they need?

First (before we even start our class work) we need to secure a brokerage company to accept our state real estate license once we have passed the written test. Is that company a member of the National and State Association of Realtors? Does that company allow you to practice real estate without accepting the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics. That in my opinion is the first tool every licensed agent should have. The code provides the guidelines for our dealings with the public and our peers.

Then what tools should they have in order to service the public. Let’s see:

A place to do their business, a computer, a telephone, a database to store their clients information, email account, of course a car (preferably a clean one), multiple listing service(MLS) membership, a map (or GPS system) to find places they aren’t familiar with, a canister of pepper spray for their own safety, signs & sign readers so the public will know who listed that home, lockboxes to place on their new listings, and a cell phone. These are just the basics. Some Realtors have a team that is their “tool” for doing the business. Some Realtors have a copy/fax machine in their cars (those not tech savvy to use email).

Now I will tell you out of all the tools mentioned, I have a very strong opinion about the type of lockboxes I prefer for my selling clients. Several years ago, the electronic lockbox was introduced in our marketplace. Many companies recommended their Realtors use this system. The MLS recommended Realtors use this system. The lockboxes were not cheap. The key pad system to open the lockboxes came with an annual fee. The electronic lockbox put us into the 21^st century. No more venders/ crocks/gas company linemen/retired agents/agents who lost their licenses due to violations of our industry/unlicensed members of the public/appraisers etc would be able to buy into this NEW improved lockbox system. Finally a system for the real estate professional.

What happened next? Realtors didn’t like purchasing the new tool. Realtors didn’t like paying the annual fee for the key pad entry system.

Sellers were not told about the NEW system. Sellers weren’t advised of the profound safety factor this NEW system offered them. Sellers were not even given the option of asking for this NEW system. So the companies stopped recommending the system to their Realtors. Realtors across our area opted out of the system. Realtors refused to spend the dollars to protect their selling clients. Many Realtors never mentioned the upgraded system to their clients. Leaving the public uneducated to the best tool available.

Why am I writing this blog? I feel Realtors are not providing their selling clients with the tools necessary to protect their homes. The combination lockboxes are not the safest system available. Once the combination is given out it no longer offers safety for that home.

Now I say to you, the public, ask your Realtor if they have ALL the tools to do their business. How are they going to protect you and your family if they aren’t using the electronic lockbox system? Is that Realtor offering all the services they have access to? If you start hiring only Realtors that use all the NEW tools, more Realtors will have to buy into this secure method of protecting your property. I have used and still use the electronic system. The Realtors that don’t have the key pad entry system, need to add to their efforts a stop at my office to pick up

a key to the home their client wants to view. I don’t want to make it difficult to show my listings but to protect my client’s property I will use only the most secure system available. Ask your Realtor to help protect your property also.

Avon Lake Real Estate

Why hire a Certified Residential Specialist?

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:43:47 -0700

If you needed heart surgery would you hire a foot doctor to work on you? If you were hit by a car would you want an artist to handle your legal case? Then why would you hire a Realtor with not national designation to represent you when you sell or buy real estate?

A CRS is a highly trained professional in the real estate industry. A CRS is a firm believer in spending money to train themselves to represent their clients' needs. A CRS is someone who attends training in other states to network with top Realtors and learn how they do things differently for their clients.

There are less than 4% of the total number (1.2 million as of 6/1/09) of Realtors who hold the CRS designation. These are Realtors that have attended numerous courses with nationally known trainers. They have documented numerous transactions and have been honored by the National Association of Realtors and the Council of Residential Specialist as the top Realtors in the Country.

Hiring a CRS to represent you means your Realtor has special negotiating skills, understands how important communication skills are, uses technology in their daily business, uses the most up to date technology and system tools on the market, and is dedicated to representing your best interest in the transaction. In 2008, the average NAR member sold 6 homes while the average CRS Realtor sold 24. Hire the best Realtor.....hire a Certified Residential Specialist today!

Visit www.CRS.com to locate a CRS agent in your community.

Avon Lake Real Estate

Are you a Veteran?

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:43:13 -0700

Did you serve our country 20 years ago or are you servicing our country today? All military personnel are eligible are a VA mortgage loan. There are many spouses of deceased veterans that are entitled to a VA mortgage loan.

What is a VA mortgage loan? All veterans, military personnel and surviving spouses are eligible for a no down payment mortgage loan. There are specific documents that a lender will need in order to process your VA loan. Your loan is guaranteed by our government. You served our country and you should be rewarded for that service.

Today VA loans offer low interest rates, 15 or 30 year mortgages fixed rate mortgages, sellers are negotiating to help offset the closing costs for veterans, and veterans can use their eligibility more than once. Call a Realtor or mortgage lender and ask for assistance to understand how to take advantage of your personal eligibility. Don't let another day go by with your paying rent to someone else. Find out how you, a veteran or surviving spouse of a veteran can own your own home.

Carol Murphy

RE/MAX Homeward Bound

Avon Lake Real Estate

HOW TO SELL A HOME TODAY?

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:22:48 -0700

As a 30 year veteran in the real estate industry, I feel I can help you with the answer to this question. Today's market is a Price War and a Beauty Contest!

What do I mean, you are asking. A price war like we haven't seen for many many years.

Pricing is the number reason a home sells today. Sellers need to understand what the market is saying to them. No homeowner can expect nor should they expect to receive the prices from 2004-2005. Those prices are gone. You didn't sell then so get off that train right now.

Today's market is a Buyer's Market and probably will be for at least another 12 months.

There are many homes for sale. There are many outstanding homes for sale. There are many distressed homes for sale. There are some total wrecks for sale. Buyer's have a choice and they ARE purchasing homes. First condition to bring them into your home for sale is Price. Overprice your home and you will not schedule many appointments. Buyers are doing their research or hiring a buyer representative to help them know when a good buy is listed. Buyers have so many homes to consider and they are discounting the ones that aren't priced according to the market without even stepping inside.

Today's market for a seller means you need to win the Beauty Contest and Price War.

Your home must be clean, staged and ready to move into to win the buyer. Priced accordingly and winning the condition contest. Location is important but not as important as it was several years ago. Buyers are buying foreclosed and short sale properties in locations they would not have considered a few years ago. Buyers are buying a beautiful home in great condition and are willing to pay extra for the condition and location.

To win the Price War, make sure you have done your research about actual sale prices in your neighborhood. To win the Beauty Contest, clean-declutter-landscape-stage your home so the buyer wants to call it home. Need more suggestions on selling a home visit www.CarolMurphy.net. Ask for a Seller Orientation booklet to help you do it the correct way.

Avon Lake Real Estate

Why Buy A Home in Avon Lake, Ohio?

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:53:04 -0700

Many folks ask this question when relocating to Northeast Ohio. First answer is Lake Erie is our northern border......wonderful views, beautiful sunsets, water sports easily accessible to name a few reasons!

Second is a great school district. Over 68% of our high school graduates go on to higher education. Four elementary schools provide excellent opportunities to learn skills, techniques, lessons from many teachers with Master Degrees. Middle school encourages students to develop their interests in vocal & instrumental music plus a number of school supported sports programs for both girls and boys. The high school has the distinction of receiving numerous music and sport honors annually. Fall Friday nights are filled with football action that is supported by the entire community.....in fact, you better have season tickets if you want to attend the big games.

We have a few industries in our area that offset our taxes. Fortunately, we are the lowest tax basis amongst the top communities in Cleveland's western suburbs. Avon Lake offers outstanding city services and has an extensive park system throughout for our residents to enjoy year round.

Avon Lake is a central location for taking in Broadway shows, taking a roller coaster ride at Cedar Point, visiting homes of United State Presidents, touring NASA, watching national league basketball, football and baseball teams, plus visiting the Canton Football Hall of Fame. Avon Lake offers so much to you and your family. Check out www.CarolMurphy.net for a complete list of homes available in our city!

Avon Lake Real Estate

Why do I live in Avon Lake, OHIO?

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:06:18 -0700

I complain about the weather BUT I love the four seasons of the year. I complain about the roads with potholes (don't we all?). I complain because we always say maybe next year for the Tribe & the Browns. (The Cavaliers are making believers out of us this year.) I complain because there are not many restaurants in town. No, I really am not the complaining queen in town.

Avon Lake, Ohio, population about 21,000. Twelve miles east and west along Lake Erie. Maybe 3 miles south from shoreline to railroad track border of Avon. Four elementary schools, a middle school and a beautiful high school with newer field house and natural grass football/soccer stadium. Full time Mayor. City facilities and a Save the Woods project.

Avon Lake Homes average price is $190,000 in today's economic snapshot.

I like the neighborhoods, the residents, the teachers, the city workers, the business people and the library. You can change your walking pattern every day of the week, see kids playing together, stop by the city pool with all age groups represented, yellow school buses dropping off elementary school children, kids riding bikes and enjoying the city they live in. Parents in Avon Lake take pride in participating with PTA, the soccer organization, baseball federation, Friday night football games and pre-school activities. Avon Lake shouts neighborhood block parties in the summer, caroling parties during the holidays, monthly Bunko groups, dog shelter volunteers, caring families watching over their neighborhoods and boasts about the short driving distance to Cedar Point and downtown Cleveland. My grown children ask why we stay in Avon Lake. I tell them because it is home!

Avon Lake Real Estate

Thank You - Just Two Little Words

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:57:36 -0700

So far today I have talked with 5 other Realtors. Not one of them said thank you for the call with the information they requested or for making an appointment to show their new listing, or for giving feedback of a showing last Friday or for the invitation to a Chamber luncheon. What is wrong with us and our peers?

Stop and think about it. When was the last time someone REALLY thanked you for returning a telephone call? Did you REALLY thank your client for listing their home with you last week? Did you thank someone for answering your clients question about the age of the roof? What would have happened if you wrote a handwritten note to thank a client for doing business with you? Would a note to a peer thanking them for selling your listing make a difference the next time you showed one of their listings?

I know you are asking "is Carol crazy?" Or "when do I have time to write a note?" When was the last time you received a hand written note? Yesterday? A week ago? A month ago? Do you remember who that note was from? Of course, you do. Why....because it is a lost art to hand write a note! We use email, texting, voice messages to say those two words. Make a difference in someone's life and write them a note. They will remember it for a long time.

Avon Lake Real Estate

More ..... Look what I found in my attic!

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:43:42 -0700

Last week, I continued by "cleaning out" of items in the attic. If you haven't done this in a long time, plan to do it soon. It is amazing what you have put away and now you will wonder WHY!!

Talk about laughing! How long has it been since you found your first "professional" real estate photo? Do you remember the "beauty shots"? In fact, I still see some Realtors using them in their ads today. Some still have their high school graduation photo published. There were photos of my peers, the office manager, the "closing" room and the sign over the entrance way. What memories they brought back! Remember when the company would have an annual award banquet? Everyone would dress up and feel honored to walk across the stage to receive a pin or a plaque. I remember the first time I made it to the stage. I had sold a million dollars of real estate and was so pleased with my self. Now an agent can't afford to stay in the business with that type of production.

Then came the photos of my first CRS course group & instructors Gee Dunsten and Ed Hatch. They look the same (maybe a little less hair) but I still remember how they started that two day class. They asked how many had been in the business for more than 5 years...more than 10 years? 85% had their hands in the air. Both Ed and Gee said they needed to adjust their plans to create more benefits for experienced agents in the group. I thought what about me? I had only been licensed for 3 years but my manager suggested I work on my first NAR designation. Was my manager wrong? Absolutely not, I learned to run my own business under the umbrella of a company. They taught me to be an independent contractor and work smarter not harder. They instilled in me the need to go the extra mile to create more benefits for my clients. I am still in the business 27 years later so I must have learned something from them. Back to the photos!

I didn't realize how often I changed my hairstyle. It would be fun to do an ad and ask which Carol represented their real estate transaction. Some were not very becoming photos but at the time I thought I looked great. I think our association should require new photos every year. Maybe then our clients would recognize us.

Being a REALTOR, has created many memories. Finding the photos helped me to realize how lucky I am to have made so many friends and to remember the first home I sold......$48000 dollars to Frank & Mary. Last month sold their son his first home for $122,000. Yes, I love being a REALTOR!

Tax Credit Opportunity

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 12:59:58 -0700

Individual 2009 Tax Credit Opportunity

By Carol Murphy, CRS, RE/MAX Homeward Bound

Do you know someone paying rent? Maybe a niece or nephew, brother or sister or a grandchild? Do you know a veteran or their spouse paying rent? If they have not owned a home in the previous 3 years, they should be seeking the advice of a local Realtor and a local lender.

Included in the stimulus package approved in early March, first time buyers are eligible for a tax credit up to $8000 (depending on the price of the home they purchase). This is a tax credit----not to be repaid! Today's real estate market is in a price war and a beauty contest. Homes for sale today need to be priced correctly and in good condition in order to be purchased.

Mortgage interest rates are lower than they have been in years, a veteran or their spouse may not need a down payment, a large selection of homes in all price ranges, plus a tax credit. NOW you have the opportunity to give every tenant the best advice they will receive. It doesn't cost them anything to talk to a profession who can answer their questions. Help them, help the economy and take a housewarming gift when they invite you to their new residence!

Look what I found in my attic!

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:06:44 -0700

With spring arriving, I used a couple of hours to start my "spring cleaning". My goal was to clean out old records for transactions completed long ago. Little did I realize what a walk down memory lane the task was going to be.

I spent 4 hours sitting on the floor leafing through the records. It was fun to remember transactions that, at their time, I didn't think would ever transfer title. It was sad seeing names of folks that have died since that transaction. It was rewarding to find the file for Tom & Wendy when they purchased the "big" house according to their children back in the early 90's. I remember helping Lisa purchase her home 9 years ago.....we laughed every time because it rained for every appointment! Then there was Joe. I met him at the airport for his one day in Ohio to pre-view homes for his family before accepting a position with a new company. It was 8 degrees below zero snowing and he had on loafers with no socks. My first stop was at Kmart to get him socks and a pair of boots. He still tells folks, he refers to me, about his unfashionable but warm boots.

WOW! What a great time I had sorting though records! Yes, there were some folks that I was happy moved away, never referring anyone to me and brought back the sheer delight of knowing that I was done with that transaction. Being a REALTOR has so many benefits and remembering so many families that I have helped over the years made me happy to say I love being one!!

I am a REALTOR

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:56:51 -0700

This is a very strong statement and commitment. What does this statement mean to our industry? When we received our license and acceptance into the National Association of REALTORS®, we agreed to pledge ourselves as a REALTOR®......

I will strive to be honorable and to abide by the Golden Rule.

I will strive to serve my community and my country.

I will abide by the REALTORS® Code of Ethics and to strive to conform my conduct to its aspirational ideals.

I will act honestly in all real estate dealings.

I will protect the individual right of real estate ownership and to widen the opportunity to enjoy it.

I will seek to represent my clients by building my knowledge and competence.

Yes, I am a REALTOR®

Professional Applications

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 13:40:41 -0700

We, REALTORS, have agreed to be governed by NAR's Code of Ethics. When was the last time you reviewed the Code or supplied your clients with a copy of the Code? As a volunteer on the Lorain County Association of REALTORS Professional Standards Committee, we must attend an annual training session. Guess what I did this week?

In the Preamble of the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice it states "Accepting this standard as their own, REALTORS, pledge to observe its spirit in all their activities whether conducted personally, through associates or others, or via technological means, and to conduct their business in accordance with the tenets set forth" in Articles 1 through 17. Now is the time to review what you have pledge to observe. Too many of us are walking a narrow line between dos and don'ts according to NAR's Code of Ethics.

In Article 1 - Standard of Practice 2

Duties imposed encompass all real estate related activities and transactions, whether conducted in person, electronically, or through any other means. Yes, that means via email communications, online social networking etc.

In Article 6

....shall not accept any commission, rebate or profit on expenditures made for their client, without the client's knowledge and consent. Yes, that means a bonus paid to the buyer's agent by the seller or the home warranty fee paid to our company.

I don't want to sound like a policeman. I don't want to offend any Realtors. I just want to remind every Realtor and the public about our Code of Ethics. We accepted the responsibility to be governed by these articles. We, every Realtor, know the Golden Rule. When you experience a Realtor not adhering to the Code, please let them know YOU know they are doing things incorrectly. We can help each other this way and help our clients receive the service and processing they should be receiving. Review the Code of Ethics at least twice a year to be the professional we all know we are!

"Who to Know" in real estate

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 10:15:34 -0700

While attending a recent North Coast Regional Chamber of Commerce event, someone asked how me about selecting a Realtor. His comment "there are so many Realtors in the area" made me answer without hesitation.

My first question: who did you purchase your present home from? He couldn't remember as it WAS "4 years ago".

My second question: who are the Realtors you know that are involved in the community? He is an active resident in Avon Lake, OH, is a member of several groups, and active in his church.

My third question: Have you asked your neighbors or peers who they would recommend? He stated he had received 4 names. Then he started paying attention to signs on properties. He said one had more signs than the others. He asked if that meant they were the best one to talk with.

Then I urged him to listen carefully.

When selecting a Realtor, trust your gut judegement. If the agent you purchased your home from has not been in touch in 4 years. Don't call him or her. They haven't been concerned about you since they received their commission check. They are IN real estate not an independent business professional who works in their business daily.

As an active member of the community, you see the Realtors that are working for and interested in the residents of the community. What skills have they shown in working with the group? Are they organized, communicative, professional, technology savvy, honest and complete a task when given one? Would you feel comfortable in recommending that agent to your brother or sister?

I suggested he "interview" all four recommended Realtors. I provided him with a list of questions compiled several years ago by a well-known real estate trainer. I suggested he ask not only questions about years in real estate, number of transactions, or about their knowledge of the marketplace. Questions including what is your list vs sale ratio, can I see your written marketing plan, can you supply me with telephone numbers of past clients so that I can talk with them, etc. He felt good about our conversation. Thank me and walked away. I started preparing for an appointment with him.

I waited for his telephone call the next day to schedule an appointment. No call. Second day--no call! I was so disappointed but knew it is his right to interview the agents that were referred to him. On the 5th day, I saw him at a Rotary meeting. He asked me to call after the meeting to schedule an appointment to talk with he and his wife. I met with them that evening. I did what I do naturally....greet their children, developed rapport and covered my presentation. I answered all their questions and walked out with the listing. Before leaving the home, I had to ask about the other interviews. He did not mention names but felt sure I knew the three others. He siad they were all professional & nice, but couldn't answer questions about their business ratios, had no written plan, and were not active in the community.

Sometimes what you know is not enough but "Who to Know" that can grow your business.

Things we sometimes overlook!

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:06:57 -0700

This morning our broker helped my peers (and myself) celebrate our 2008 accomplishments. Now stop thinking......how could they be celebrating anything with the market like it is? There is alot for all of us realtors to celebrate. We can celebrate being able to assist families make the largest investment at this time in their lives. We can celebrate we are a member of the largest trade association in the country. We can celebrate that we have the ability to earn an income that is directly related to the time and effort we put into our careers. We have the ability to answer questions about credit options, to explain what happens during an escrow, and we have the opportunity to help others. What other job could you have that allows you the flexibility to schedule appointments around your son's soccer game? We have the choice of working with A client or Z client. We have the opportunity to learn daily from our contacts and peers. We have the right to be an independent contractor working for ourselves.

The celebration this morning was more of "an atta boy" and plaque event but made me feel very proud of what all of us accomplished in 2008. We helped over a 1000 families purchase a home. We donated over $15000 to Children's Miracle Network. We have our careers, each other and our freedom. We are blessed to be who we are and doing what we love to do......helping Americans purchase a home!

Senior Citizen speaking engagement!

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:05:16 -0800

Yesterday I had the pleasure to speak for a senior citizen group here in Avon Lake. What a wonderful welcome they gave me!

First question they asked......how can I sell my home in today's marketplace? My suggestions were the what every agent should suggest: Interview 3 Realtors -- ask for a written Comparable Market Analysis -- ask for a written Marketing Plan -- ask for testimonials -- as sale VS list price ratio -- how many homes have you sold -- ask is real estate your only career -- how do you reach buyers -- what is the marketing time for homes in this community -- what national designations do you hold -- and most improtant......why should I hire you to sell my home? Bottom line is hire someone you feel comfortable with and that will communicate with you in the style you want the information delivered.

Second question......how much will it cost me to sell my home? I quoted the usual and customary fees charged in our area.

Third question.......what if I hire someone and find out they aren't doing what they said they would? Most real estate companies will replace that agent with another one in their company.

Fourth question.....how many homes sold last year in Avon Lake or Bay Village or Westlake or Avon? I had those figures in my file.....280 in Avon Lake, 183 in Bay Village, 312 in Westlake and 204 in Avon.

Fifth question......why are the newspapers & TV analysis telling us the market for homes is so bad? I recommended they stop reading the headlines and turn off the 6:00 news. Selling or buying a home is a local situation. Homes in Florida aren't selling as good as they are here in town but yet the news folks are reporting national news. Bad news sells papers.

The time I spent with these seniors was so rewarding. They were pleased to hear positive information, they learned some new things to talk about at dinner last night and they were pleased to have me visit with them.

REALTOR---one of many titles!

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:28:12 -0800

Sitting here watching it snow, I have been thinking about the telephone calls and emails we REALTORS answer daily. A buyer asking for comparables for a home he viewed. A seller asking when is the best time to list his home. A buyer questioning why he needs to sign more documents for an REO owned purchase agreement he wrote with me yesterday. A buyer asking about condo fees. A buyer wanting the name(s) of lenders we recommend. A husband asking what is for dinner. A builder wanting an explaination as to why an agent didn't show up with his client for their appointment. FaceBook members wanting to be our friend. A client offering a recommendation to his friend to hire you to represent him purchasing his first home on Linked In. Boy, I am tired just thinking about all we do, BUT I feel good! I am proud to be a real estate professional. I answered their questions, laughed with most of them over the loudsy weather in NE Ohio today, and helped two folks work out their concerns about the counter offers they received from purchase agreements submitted in the past two days.

REALTORS don't just list and sell homes. REALTORS are consultants or coaches, responsive, therapist, anger consultants, wives & mothers or husbands & dads, computer literate, "hand holders", wizards at telling someone their house smells (in a polite way), decorating consultant, co-operative, attentive, fact finder, diplomatic, caring, etc. The next time someone questions what we do, I plan to say just about everything! REALTORS are your best friend when selling or purchasing a home but don't think their job stops there.

Ready to work for you!

Eager to answer your questions!

Accessible!

Laughs with you not at you!

Thought provoking!

Opinionated!

Reprsents your best interest in a real estate transaction?

Opinion for 2009 Buyers and Sellers!

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:28:16 -0800

Don't believe everything you read or see on the TV news programs! As a 30 year real estate veteran, it is my opinion real estate continues to be the best financial investment anyone can make. There is always the good, the bad and the ugly with anything. The good about todays' real estate market.....lowest mortgage interest rates in my years as a REALTOR......lenders are renogiating with homeowners to assist against foreclosures......housing is more affordable than prior years......there are many bargains for first time buyers and investors......undedicated and uneducated REALTORS are leaving the business-which means you have more experienced agents to represent your real estate transaction.

The bad about todays' real estate market....credit issues are tightening (more restrictions, more documentation, appraisal issues etc.)....consumer confidence is low due to negative PR by the newspapers & TV news programs....buyers looking at homes are waiting for who knows what! The ugly about todays real estate market....the negative impact the bail-out issues could have!

Quit living in the past. Home prices are what they are today. Get over 2003-2005 prices! Be realistic about your real estate expectations. NOW is a great time to purchase a home! NOW understand that we are in a BUYERS Market...your home must be priced according to what a buyer is willing to pay and what an appraisor says it is worth. NOW talk to a REALTOR and a local mortgage lender to learn the market value of your present home and what is available to purchase. You may see that the negative press is not telling you the truth!!