I think everyone must read this article! That is the same thing that our representatives should have done before they voted! But what can we expect when a 300+ page addendum was sent out at 3AM on the morning of the vote! What was the rush? It is time for us all to speak up!!
Real estate is local when it comes to market conditions and market trends. Real estate differs from region to region in styles, architecture and amenities generally speaking. For instance; in Florida fireplaces are not the norm whereas in cold winter areas such as Colorado, fireplaces are a standard addition to a home. In some areas of our country people have wood burning stoves and others have coal burning furnaces. There are areas of our country such as here in Florida where you would not dare live without Air Conditioning but in many homes in Washington for instance, air conditioning is more of a luxury than a necessity.
So when we are discussing the effects of cap and trade in your real estate business you will need to take into account the region in which you live as some areas will be more effected than others.
You can move your mouse over the map and see who voted, what party they belong to and their district. You will be able to see that no matter whether they were democrats or republicans if they are in the farm country of America, high manufacturing areas of America, low energy bills of America and the heartland of America- they voted NO on this bill and for very good reasons.
"For a household of four, energy costs go up $436 that year, and they eventually reach $1,241 in 2035 and average $829 annually over that span. Electricity costs go up 90 percent by 2035, gasoline by 58 percent, and natural gas by 55 percent by 2035. The cumulative higher energy costs for a family of four by then will be nearly $20,000.
But direct energy costs are only part of the consumer impact. Nearly everything goes up, since higher energy costs raise production costs. If you look at the total cost of Waxman-Markey, it works out to an average of $2,979 annually from 2012-2035 for a household of four. By 2035 alone, the total cost is over $4,600." Heritage Foundation.
You will notice that the states where the votes were yes are also the states that already have the highest energy bills. The states that voted no are mostly states with presently low energy bills.
Instead of calling this to Cap and Trade- We can really call it the Tax On Electricity Bill.
How does this information pertain to real estate agents? If you live in the lower energy pricing states you are going to be seeing huge increases in household energy bills. If you live in states that are coal powered or oil powered you will see the largest increases ever in your energy bills because those energy sources are going to be punished with taxation.
How is that going to effect home prices?
How is that going to effect movement in and out of your state?
How is that going to effect your real estate office utility bills and who is going to pay for this?
The House is at it again. This was a 1,300 page bill and again as with so many large bills was not read by most of those that voted yes or no. What is it that they don't get? The American people expect our leaders to read what they vote on.
So what else is tucked away neatly into this bill that perhaps no one knows the full implications of yet?
How about the Federal imposition and takeover of building codes? Your local planning and building offices will not be qualified for any Federal funding of any kind unless they adopt what the FEDS say is the new energy efficient building standards. This will create higher prices in building new homes which is then passed on the homebuyers and then you as a real estate agent are also effected because less buyers will be able to afford to buy a new home built . Not to mention having to wait for the Feds to come and inspect the builders and the homes.
How about the new Federal EnergyNazis Inspectors who will come and rate your home before you can sell your home. So before you can list a home for sale, the seller will have to wait for the Federal inspectors to come out. DMV lines anyone? Once that inspector comes out, he or she will give the home an energy rating. If the home does not meet the guidelines the seller will be required to do the work necessary to bring the home up to energy standards before they can sell the home! Can we say money? Does that mean that there will be homeowners who will become prisoners in their homes because they can not afford to make the energy repairs that the feds require? Is that an invasion of your privacy as well as an attack on your property rights?
Hmmm, how is that going to effect short sales where the seller has no money to make the repairs and adjustments?
How is that going to effect your ability to get listings in a timely manner?
How is that going to effect your seller who is about to lose their home in a foreclosure?
How is that going to effect the seller who has to relocate for their job?
How is that going to effect the estates with heirs having to do these repairs and such when there won't be any money until the estate is sold?
I wonder if our House of Representatives and our Congress men and women EVER thought to actually ask us in the field working this business day in and day out how these bills will effect the housing market?
Of course, the US will be living Cap and Tax while the real perpetrators of dirty air like China and India get off scott free. There will be an unfair advantage in pricing products and manufacturing to the point that if a US company even stands a chance of staying in the manufacturing business will have no choice but to move their company oversees which in turn will cause a massive layoff of people increasing the already high unemployment problem we are facing in our country.
How will the unemployment effect your real estate business?
How will the unemployment effect the REOs and massive foreclosures in your community?
How will the unemployment effect home values as you get more and more vacant properties in your area?
If you are an agent in America's farmland you will begin to see farms no longer being able to produce a profit. Farms use a lot of energy. Energy use will be punished. This is why nearly every politician from a farm land state no matter what party they are affiliated with voted no to this bill. Their districts will suffer terribly. As this happens we will be buying more and more produce from other countries with far less health standards than our own. I don't trust foods, especially produce from China or other countries except Europe. But we don't import our veggies from Europe!
How is this going to effect your real esate business if you live and work in a farm land state?
When it comes down to the nitty and the gritty about this bill you must remember that GE is the biggest supporter of this bill. They stand to make billions of dollars from the passage of this bill. The politicians voting yes on this bill, many of them are getting paid to vote yes. And Al Gore will become the very first GREEN billionaire. It is just too bad that he is not a real capitalist. He could not become a billionaire playing fair and square. Instead, he has an unfair advantage, legislation to make him filthy rich. Not exactly the free market way. It is all about the money.
Contact your Senators now to vote NO now. Click on this link to find your Senators and contact them by email, phone and fax today. Let them know how this is going to effect your business and your community homeowners and buyers. Pass this on...
I was reading a blog post earlier today on Trulia from Renne Porsia, an agent from Philadelphia and it struck a cord with me. Here is the link to Renee's a post http://www.trulia.com/blog/renee_porsia/2009/06/should_realtors_be_paid_! Then I started thinking about an article I had done a few years ago for my newsletter. While I was looking for it, I was thinking to myself that it will no longer be timely, because the market has changed so much! When I began to read it I was surprised to see that in any market this article applies. We are professionals and we need to run our business accordingly! Here is my article as it was written 3 years ago:
I remember reading an article a few years ago stating that statistics show that Real Estate agents sell 2 out of every 10 buyers they work with! That means that 80% of their time is wasted. If that is in fact the case, it is not hard to see why a recent NAR survey showed that 86% of Realtors are out of the business in one year and only 7% ever renew their license.
It has become very apparent to me over the last few years, through owing my own brokerage and training nationwide, that this is a sad but true statistic. Everyday I see agents who are continually spending days, weeks and in some cases months, making the same mistakes time and time again. They continue to work with unqualified buyers, who do nothing more than waste their time.
I often ask my agents, "Would you list a property without a contract?" The response I get is always a resounding, "Of course not!" Then I ask, "Why then will you work with a buyer without a contract?" I don't have enough space in this article to even begin to list the responses I get to that question. And to this day, not one of the answers I have heard is acceptable.
Working with buyers is in my opinion the "bread and butter" of a new agent's business. I know you have been told that you must "list to last"; however there is no better way for you to learn your marketplace than showing houses to qualified buyers. The benefits are twofold - first, you will be compensated for your time through your commission and secondly, the market knowledge and sales experience you acquire will be paramount as you begin to build your listing inventory.
In order to have a successful working relationship with buyers and not waste 80% of your time, it is imperative that you meet them at your office prior to showing any real estate. There is information that you must have, to ascertain if they are a buyer or a "looker"! We are not a source of free information or a tour guide! We are real estate sales professionals! We do not get paid for showing houses; we get paid for SELLING houses!
Upon initial contact with a prospective buyer, either on the phone or in person, we need to give them a compelling reason to meet with us. We need to convince them that by meeting with you, before seeing any homes, that this meeting will benefit them in multiple ways; namely saving them time and money! This initial meeting is in my opinion the difference between a sale and frustration.
The purpose of this meeting is to determine what your prospects true intentions are. Are they ready, willing and able to buy NOW! If they are not, they are not buyers. They remain a prospect until they are able to meet our criteria. We do not show houses to someone who is not buying for "a year or so". You can put these prospects in your data base and follow up with them. Email them listings and call them once a month until they become a NOW buyer.
If your prospects inform you that they are pre qualified ask them to bring their paperwork with their mortgage broker's phone number so you can verify this information. If your prospects are not pre qualified, explain to them that you will make the arrangements for them to get this done at your meeting. If they say that they do not want to get pre qualified, this may be a good indication that you do not have a NOW buyer. Ask some follow-up questions to help you determine if a meeting with these prospects is warranted at this time.
When you are meeting with you prospects, in addition to verifying their ability to purchase a home, you also need to explain what you expect from them. You need to explain the importance of being on time for appointments, what to do if they find a For Sale by Owner, what to do if they find a listing from another company, etc.
Finally, insist they sign a contract agreeing that if you do what you say you are going to do and you find them a house, they will purchase it through you! If they are a sincere NOW buyer they will sign it and you will be on your way to a signed contract!
Have a great day and remember this- IN LIFE THERE ARE ONLY REASONS AND RESULTS, AND THE REASONS DO NOT MATTER!
I just wanted to let everyone I am alive and well in Cape Coral, Florida! Wow, what a run we have been on the last 3 months. It is like someone turned the faucet back on and we haven't stopped since. It seems that every home on the market is in a "multiple offer" situation and they are looking for "highest and best"! Our agents are busier than they have been in years and although we are making less due to the prices, it is awesome to be busy! I have been working with our agents and clients and it seems that the blog is the last thing I have time for. Shame on me! I will be back to it and I will be posting at least one weekly update! Promise!
Anyway, prices are down, sales are up and the buyers are fighting over the houses. If you or anyone you know wants to take advantage of an unbeleivable opportunity- NOW is the time!! I came to Cape Coral in April of 2000 and the least expensive home was $85,000! I have seen homes selling in our town today for less than $60,000! We are back to 1995 levels and we will never see this again in our lifetime!
Don't miss out grab your piece of Paradise while it lasts! Whether it is Cape Coral, Ft. Myers, Lehigh Acres or anywhere else in Lee County give me a call and let one of our agents assist you. Check out our website at www.sellstateadvantage.com and sign up for your free Listingbook account and get access to our MLS through this great service! Have a great week!
Mike Kelly, Broker/Owner, Sellstate Advantage Realty, Cape Coral, Florida, 239-549-9200
Greetings from beautiful Cape Coral, Florida! It has been quite busy down here and unfortunately I have not had a lot of time to dedicate to my blog! But I guess that is a good thing that once again the contracts are being written and real estate is hot!
The passed 2 weekends we attended the wedding of two different friends, both of whom are school teachers. I guess that being around school teachers, especially 1st grade teachers, it is very likely that you will hear some great stories. Whether they are true or not, who knows, but they are amusing! I heard 2 stories that are just too funny not to share! Have a great day!
Mrs. C was watching one of her 1st grade students who would continually have his hands down the front of his pants. After trying to ignore it she finally said,"Johnny please take your hand out of there and stopdoing that!" Johnny immediately fired back, " Mrs C I have a cramp in my noodle!" Mrs C was speechless!
In another class at the same school a teacher was reading the story of Cicken Little. When the teacher got to the part where Chicken Little went to the farmer and said, "The sky is falling" the teacher asked the class, "What do you think the farmer said?" From the rear of the class a voice said, "Holy S*#t a talking chicken!" I don't think that was the answer she was expecting!
Have a great Thanksgiving and thank god for kids!
Mike Kelly, Sellstate Advantage Realty, Cape Coral, Florida 239-549-9200
As we get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving here in beautiful Cape Coral, many buyers and real estate agents in our marketplace do have reason to give thanks this year! Reports out this morning show that the sale of single family homes in Lee County rose 78% from the same time last year! There were 720 single family homes sold in October up from 405 last October! Condo sales were up 48%!
This increase is due to the fact that the median price for a single family home in October was $139,500 a drop of 42% since last October! With the stock market on a wild ride it appears that many people are now taking advantage of the prices in our real estate market! According to the National Association of Realtors, distressed properties made up 45% of property sales in October!
We had a client this passed week that was able to purchase a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage, pool home for $99,000! Three years ago this home sold for $339,000!! If you or anyone that you know is interested in taking advantage of these prices just let us know! Realtors, if you have clients who are looking to invest in the Cape Coral and Ft. Myers area please contact me directly and I will personally work with you to find what your clients are looking for.
Please visit my website at www.sellstateadvantage.com and sign up for a Listingbook account which will give you access to our MLS. Not only will you be able to see the homes listed for sale, but you will also be able to do your own searches and change your criteria at will! We will never see deals like this again in our lifetime, so take advantage of it while you can!
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Mike Kelly, Sellstate Advantage Realty, Cape Coral, Florida 239-549-9200
Baby it's cold outside! We woke to temperatures in the 40's this morning! Brrrrrr! Nothing to worry about though, it is already up to 70 and headed to 80 again by Friday! It was actually refreshing this morning and it is always fun driving around Cape Coral and looking at people dressed like it is 20 below wearing hats, mittens and even ski jackets!!
Although the temps are cooling off, the real estate deals certainly are not! I showed 5 houses yesterday all priced below $100,000! So if you are in the market to buy in Cape Coral or Ft. Myers or you know anybody who is please go to my website www.sellstateadvantage.com and sign up for your very own Listingbook account and we will keep you informed on what is happening! For immediate assistance please call 239-549-9200 and we will have someone set up your account immediately!
Stay warm where ever you are and have a great day!
Mike Kelly, Sellstate Advantage Realty, Cape Coral, Florida, 239-549-9200
Greetings from Cape Coral, Florida! Today has been one of those 5 or 6 days we get every year without any sun at all! So as often happens on those type of days it is a little dreary around town. I always look for things to make me smile on those days and the following is what did it for me on this grey day! It came from a friend of mine in Spokane, Washington! In fact I almost broke a rib laughing! Enjoy and I hope I help you if you are having a grey day!
Maybe my AR friends from Texas can add some comments about this experience!
The Chili Cook Off
For those of you who have lived in West Texas , you know how true this is. They actually have a Chili Cook-off about the time Halloween comes around.. It takes up a major portion of a parking lot at the Old Settlers Reunion Grounds. Judge #3 was an inexperienced Chili taster name Frank, who was visiting from Springfield, IL.
Frank: 'Recently, I was honored to be selected as a judge at a Chili cook-off. The original person called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing there at the judge's table, asking for directions to the Coors Light truck, when the call came in. I was assured by the other two judges (Native Texans) that the chili wouldn't be all that spicy; and, besides, they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted and became Judge 3.'
Here are the scorecard notes from the event:
CHILI # 1 - MIKE'S MANIAC MONSTER CHILI Judge # 1 -- A little too heavy on the tomato. Amusing kick. Judge # 2 -- Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild.Judge # 3 (Frank) -- Holy crap, what the hell is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway. Took me two beers to put the flames out. I hope that's the worst one. These Texans are crazy.
CHILI # 2 - EL RANCHO'S AFTERBURNER CHILI Judge # 1 -- Smoky, with a hint of pork . Slight jalapeno tang. Judge # 2 -- Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken seriously. Judge # 3 -- Keep this out of the reach of children. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to rush in more beer when they saw the look on my face.
CHILI # 3 - ALFREDO'S FAMOUS BURN DOWN THE BARN CHILI Judge # 1 -- Excellent firehouse Chili. Great kick. Judge # 2 -- A bit salty, good use of peppers. Judge # 3 -- Call the EPA. I've located a uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now. Get me more beer before I ignite. Barmaid pounded me on the back, now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. I'm getting drunk from all of the beer.
CHILI # 4 - BUBBA'S BLACK MAGIC Judge # 1 -- Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing. Judge # 2 -- Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or other mild foods, not much of a chili. Judge # 3 -- I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was unable to taste it. Is it possible to burn out taste buds? Sally, the beer maid, was standing behind me with fresh refills. This 300lb. woman is starting to look as HOT as this nuclear waste I'm eating! Is chili an aphrodisiac?
CHILI # 5 - LISA'S LEGAL LIP RE MOVER Judge # 1 -- Meaty, strong chili. Jalapeno peppers freshly ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive. Judge # 2 -- Chili using shredded beef, could use more tomato. Must admit the jalapeno peppers make a strongstatement. Judge # 3 -- My ears are ringing, sweat is pouring off my forehead and I can no longer focus my eyes. I farted, and four people behind me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer directly on it from the pitcher. I wonder if I'm burning my lips off. It really ticks me off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming. Screw them.
CHILI # 6 - VARGA'S VERY VEGETARIAN VARIETY Judge # 1 -- Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili. Good balance of spices and peppers. Judge # 2 -- The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, garlic. Superb. Judge # 3 -- My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, sulfuric flames. I crapped on myself when I farted, and I'm worried it will eat through the chair. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except that Sally. I can't feel my lips anymore. I need to wipe my butt with a snow cone.
CHILI # 7 - SUSAN'S SCREAMING SENSATION CHILI Judge # 1 -- A mediocre chili with too much reliance oncanned peppers. Judge # 2 -- Ho hum, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of chili peppers at the last moment. **I should take note that I am worried about judge number 3. He appears to be in a bit of distress as he is cursing uncontrollably. Judge # 3 -- You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I wouldn't feel a thing. I've lost sight in one eye, and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili, which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lava to match my shirt. At least during the autopsy, they'll know what killed me. I've decided to stop breathing. It's too painful. Screw it; I'm not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I'll just suck it in through the 4-inch hole in my stomach.
CHILI # 8 - BIG TOM'S TOENAIL CURLING CHILI Judge # 1 -- The perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili. Not too bold but spicy enough to declare its existence. Judge # 2 -- This final entry is a good, balanced chili. Neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge #3 farted, passed out, fell over and pulled the chili pot down on top of himself. Not sure if he's going to make it. Poor fellow, wonder how he'd have reacted to really hot chili? Judge # 3 - No Report
Have a great Weekend!
Mike Kelly, Sellstate Advantage Realty, Cape Coral, Florida, 239-549-
Well the humidity is gone and the nights are cooling down to the 6o's, But that is the only thing cooling off in Cape Coral! The real estate deals are hotter than they have been in years. Buyers are everywhere and it is a welcomed change!
I was reading recently that baby boomers retirement will peak in 2011! More people retiring at one time than ever before! I would like to be one of them but that will probably be a little premature for me! Since turning 50 a few years ago I continually receive emails from friends who want to remind me of my age! Here is a sample:
Perks of reaching 50!!!!
1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.
2. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.
3. No one expects you to run--anywhere.
4. People call at 9 pm and ask you, “Did I wake you?”
5. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.
6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.
7. Things you buy now won't wear out.
8. You can eat supper at 4 pm.
9. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.
10. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge.
11. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room.
12. You sing along with elevator music.
13. Your eyes won't get much worse.
14. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.
15. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service.
16. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.
17. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to manageable size.
18. You won't remember where you saw this list.
And you notice these are all in Big Print for your convenience.
Most important of all……………………….
Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night!!!!
I hope it brought a smile to your face! Have a great week!
Mike Kelly, Sellstate Advantage Realty, Cape Coral, Florida, 239-549-9200
I seems like only yesterday that I arrived in Cape Coral, Florida and in reality it has been over 8 years! Wow, how time flys when you are having fun! Well, I was having fun,for five years and then the market changed and the fun disappeared, but it is coming back! And although things have changed, I have come to the realization that they remain the same! Let me explain what I mean!
When I arrived in Florida in 2000 I had no intentions of selling real estate! I was working for an investor and it was my job to identify and purchase real estate in Cape Coral, Florida that would appreciate in value! After a very short time my frustration level began to rise with the local Realtor community! If I called on 10 properties on average I would actually hear back from 1 or 2 agents! They would usually call back the next day or even 2 days later! When and if they did call back, they were usually not prepared to answer my questions!
I made a decision shortly after to change places and I got my license and I soon was closing 10 to 12 deals a month! Do you want to know what my secret was? I answered my phone and I returned all calls within 2 hours!! Imagine that, I did what I should have done and I became very successful and I owned my own office within 2 years!
Well for the last few years I would have given anything for the phone to ring! And now it is ringing again! Buyers are taking advantage of the unbelievable prices and they are buying! This passed weekend I had the privilege of speaking to at least a dozen prospective buyers and I was shocked at what I heard! Caller after caller told me of the frustration of calling one agent after another and not being able to speak to anyone. They had called and left messages both at the office and on voice mail and no return phone calls! Wow!
How do we expect to become successful and survive in our chosen career when we don't even do our job! When your phone rings- answer it! Yes I know it is inconvenient at times, but it is what we do! At least if you can not answer it now, call back within an hour or so! Make it a habit to change your voice mail message daily and let people know if you will not be available! If I am in a training seminar or a meeting I change my voice mail to say," This is Mike Kelly and I will be in a meeting this morning until 10AM and I will be returning all calls between 10 and 11! Please leave your name and number and I will return your call shortly!" Now my callers know when I will be calling back and they are no longer wondering if they will hear from me!
So in summary, answer your phone, return all calls promptly and you are on your way to being successful! And always,"Do what you say you are going to do, when you say you are going to do it!"
Mike Kelly, Broker/Owner, Sellstate Advantage Realty, Cape Coral, Florida 239-549-9200
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
;)
;)
