Carol & Carl Rondinelli, Broker Associate & Broker's Blog

Our New Office Opening!

Carol & Carl Rondinelli, Broker Associate & Broker (CKR Properties, LLC) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:45:15 -0700

We have moved into our new office located at 12722 Black Bob Rd., in Olathe, Kansas. Our "state of the art" office features many new concepts in the real estate world. We can now sit down with our clients in one of our conference rooms and view our big screen t.v. and look at many homes through virtual tour or just photos and see the details of the home and decide to put it on the "showing" list or delete it. This concept alone saves the Client and the Realtor time in driving around finidng homes that are not to their standards. It also has an aerial map we can pull up and see the busy streets, parks or whatever may be around the home for several blocks. When we're writing a contract we can change the screen to a soothing, bubbling aquarium with colorful fish swimming, to soothe our Clients nerves...ha.ha...

We have three high-tech color copiers that enable our agents to produce professional quality presentation materials for their current clients and past client mailing list. We have workshops that I conduct every fall and spring, to help the agents practice and learn the applications to create these products.

Our new office is decorated in an African and Wild Animal theme with a warm cozy, welcoming feeling! Stop by to take a view! At our Grand Opening Party we had the Remax Balloon out in front of our office giving tethered balloon rides - - -All the cars slowed on the street and people pulled in our driveway - - the balloons are always fascinating to people!

CDPE Designation (Certified Distressed Property Expert)

Carol & Carl Rondinelli, Broker Associate & Broker (CKR Properties, LLC) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:21:31 -0700

Having recently completed training, testing & receiving the CDPE designation, I have realized how very important it is to help people work their way through the Short Sale process rather than let them go into Foreclosure.

There are definite consequences that happen with Foreclosure, that you can avoid by going the short sale route. For quite awhile, realtors have avoided short sales because it is a different, more involved & unknown process that makes the realtor work twice as hard. Be sure you find a realtor that has the CDPE training and designation because it involves an extensive amount of time, detail and follow up to work through the process. In this instance, the public should applaud the realtor for his/her compassion, as more realtors are seeing the need for this and preparing themselves for this type of sale.

If you know of anyone in a distressed situation financially, tell them to contact a realtor with training in short sales and try to go that route rather than just give in to foreclosure.

A Foreclosure becomes a public record for 10 yrs. or more; could be detrimental to your future employment, or present job. Security clearance can also be terminated. Learn all you can about short sales before going into foreclosure.

Is this a good time to buy or sell??

Carol & Carl Rondinelli, Broker Associate & Broker (CKR Properties, LLC) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:24:05 -0800

Is this a good time to buy??

Yes, this is a good time to buy. The interest rates are fantastic right now and you can probably get a good bargain out there. Mortgages are available, you'll just need a down payment rather than trying to do it with 100% financing.

We all know, life cycles all the time and the home appreciation will return to us at some point, so an investment in a home is still a good program of forced savings, building equity & interest deductions.

Is this a good time to sell??

Yes, this is a good time to sell. True, you will get less for your property, but you'll make up for it on the buying side when you buy at a lower price than normal. Interest rates are great for your buying side. This gives you a chance to update and move to a newer house, or smaller house or larger house - - depending on your needs.

If you sell in a good market you get more for your home but you also pay more for your new home you purchase. You always have an advantage on one side or the other, but most generally you can't have the advantage on both sides of your transaction.

Ground Hog Day!

Carol & Carl Rondinelli, Broker Associate & Broker (CKR Properties, LLC) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:28:07 -0800

Ever since I saw the movie "Ground Hog Day," I'm beginning to believe that our lives truly resemble that movie. Each year, month and week we seem to do very similar things in our lives over and over again. Each year we start over and try to upgrade what we're doing and make things better. We keep working on it until we get it right!

Each new year brings us a lot of hope and motivation to improve our business and help it grow, improve our friendships and improve our family relationships. This type of motivation is very good for all of us! Stay optimistic, turn off the news and remember everything cycles in life. 2009 will be a good year for all of us, so start anticipating the best in your business and personal life!

Remember to take time in January to make your new business plan for the year and make a list of goals and desired personal achievements for your future. If you have it written down they say it has a much better chance of coming true in the future. Happy New Year to All!

Send Agent to Agent Referrals

Carol & Carl Rondinelli, Broker Associate & Broker (CKR Properties, LLC) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:34:05 -0800

It's one thing when a relocation company is involved and they've offered their client a bonus in the transaction in return for the company referring their business to an agent. Then their company receives a percentage of the agent's commission to help pay that bonus. Although this type of business sharply cuts into the agents wages, it has become one of the types of business that is pretty accepted.

It's quite another thing when people set up internet sites and advertise that they can find a super agent for you if you register and give them your information. Then the person in charge of the internet site takes the realtor's business and trys to sell it back to them by trying to get them to pay a fee up front to just get the possible lead and then pay a referral fee also if a sale is made. This kind of action is just someone trying to attach themselves to the real estate industry and make money off the agents.

If you need an agent, mouth to mouth referrals is a great way, or call a local company or two and interview a couple of agents and make your decision. If you're working with a realtor and moving to another state, let that realtor find another realtor for you. That way, the realtor will find a high quality agent for you. Don't try to find your agent from some internet site where someone is just sitting there behind a computer trying to tap into the real estate industry to earn extra money.

Generally speaking, the people on the internet sites wouldn't know a good realtor from a bad one, they're just selling names. At least your current realtor can check the roster of their company and talk to the Broker in the town or area you prefer and find someone to fit your needs and watch over you.

Should you interview real estate agents?

Carol & Carl Rondinelli, Broker Associate & Broker (CKR Properties, LLC) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:11:53 -0700

Real estate agents interview you to determine if they want to spend their time working with you, so it's o.k. for you to interview them as well. Some buyers and sellers find interview questions on the Internet - - this is fine, but many times the questions are irrelevant and will be mostly answered when the agent gives their listing presentation to the sellers or goes through their buyers booklet when sitting down with buyers.

This process can be simplified greatly if you will just listen to the agent's presentation and then finish up with the following questions if they haven't been addressed:

1. Are you an experienced full-time agent that keeps current with new information and how many years have you worked as a Realtor?

2. Do you understand and take seriously your fiduciary responsibility to your clients and can you explain to me how that works?

3. Do you practice risk reduction when working with your clients and how do you do that?

4. Do you have negotiating strategies that create a win-win situation for your clients and what are they?

5. Do you expect me to be loyal to you and how does it work if we have a personality conflict and can't work together after we've signed an agreement.

This sums up the really important issues involved. Some of the other questions on the Internet really have no bearing at all on the Realtor doing an excellent job for you by being knowledgeable and organized and meticulously watching over your interests and safety. An agents job is to help people make smart decisions at the most critical moments in their lives!

In this market you may have to sell your home below tax appraised value!

Carol & Carl Rondinelli, Broker Associate & Broker (CKR Properties, LLC) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:08:01 -0700

The current market is very sluggish as everyone knows. It can easily take 6 months or longer to sell your home even when the agent is marketing, marketing, marketing!

Knowing this, you must have patience and be willing to lower the price at certain intervals, if necessary, in order to move to your next level of life. If you have a good agent that is showing you they are working hard at this, it's not their fault, but the market's fault that it is taking so long. So, changing agents at the end of a 6 month listing is not going to help you. You must listen to your agent and be willing to overcome the objections with a price reduction if you want to move.

You'll have even more working against you if your home isn't updated and can't compete with the new styles, or if your home is totally cluttered and looks bad or if the location (backing to a busy busy street etc.) is not desirable. Price overcomes all objections.

This type of market gives you the choice to lower your price, sell the house and move on with your life, or be adamant about the price you want and sit there for months, maybe paying a house payment, rent at another location and double utilities. This also allows your home to become "stale on the market." When your home is stale on the market the offers that finally come in are much lower, hurting you again. When you hire a professional realtor to help you with this endeavor, listen to their advice. This is a very ugly different market right now and the agents work in it everyday and try to pass on their insights and expertise to you.

The bright side to this is, after selling, when you go out to buy you'll most likely get a good deal from the next seller that has to price his home below tax appraised value to move it. So, you lose some on one end and gain it on the other.

Pamper yourself and take a 3 week vacation from television!

Carol & Carl Rondinelli, Broker Associate & Broker (CKR Properties, LLC) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:53:13 -0700

You deserve a break, turn off that t.v. and take a rest from the mud slinging in the political race.....it's been going on for 1.5 years it seems and it's getting very old.

By now, I'm sure you know who you're going to vote for, and if you don't, sit down and figure out which candidate is the most honest, trustworthy and putting our country first and not going to burden us with more and more taxes.

As Americans, we deserve to have people in office that will stop the rampant spending for no reason and act responsible.

We are living in times of economic uncertainty and it takes a physical and emotional toil on everyone. Steer away from the feelings of fear and panic so we won't make the situation worse than it really is. The sky is not falling and we will survive a downturn and recover once again!! You can survive this situation, it will be o.k.! Happiness does not lie in the abundance of wealth.

For some odd reason I have been glued to the t.v. this year, watching the political arena every evening. I've made my decision and feel I know who is the most honorable team and I'm ready to vote. That's all I can do, so I'm turning off the t.v. until election night when I tune in to see if the American people rallied and chose the person to best represent and protect them.

Patience.......Price........Patience........Price!

Carol & Carl Rondinelli, Broker Associate & Broker (CKR Properties, LLC) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 15:10:00 -0700

The current real estate market requires a lot of patience on the seller's side, the agent's side and the buyer's side. The sellers have to present their home in the very best light they can and patiently await the right buyer. The agents have to work twice as hard to sell the houses because it takes 4-6 months worth of work instead of 1-3 months of work, for the same pay. The buyers have to be patient in the fact that there's so much out there to see; to be sure they're getting the home they want.

Real Estate Agents are market testers. We compile our comps and study them with the sellers and we all arrive at a listing price and present it to the market. The past few years the great appreciation in homes has diminished somewhat and this year some sellers are getting tax reappraisals that are showing the value of their homes going down. Many people are having to price their homes and sell their homes very close to the tax appraisal amount or below.

After several showings, if we haven't received an offer it is time to sit down and discuss lowering the price and testing the market with a new price which will present it to a different group of people. ( There's no exact price for the home on the market, it all bears upon what the buyer's are willing to pay). At this point, the sellers have to be willing to do their part and lower the price, if they want to move to the next level of their lives.

In this kind of market the sellers may feel like they take a hit on their home price, but they should make up for it when they buy their new house at a bargain price too. Homes that are older, even though updated, still, many times, do not have the amenities of the new homes. Also, homes that have a poor location or back to busy streets have a stumbling block. In these cases price overcomes all objections.

Time changes all things, and this too will pass on and the market will speed up in the future.....have hope!

"Party Wall" agreements regarding duplexes

Carol & Carl Rondinelli, Broker Associate & Broker (CKR Properties, LLC) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:35:49 -0700

A party wall agreement is a set of terms that both parties agree to as to what color the duplex will be painted, type of landscaping on each side, roof repair if needed and/or no old broken vehicles or campers sitting in the driveway, etc.

You also need to include "shared maintenance issues," such as sewer lines that may belong to one half of the duplex and cross over into the front yard or basement area of the other duplex; as you may need access if there is a problem at some time. The same thing applies to electrical meters. In an older duplex they could be placed on the outside of just one unit and the other party may need access at some point.

These types of problems usually exist with older duplexes before strict codes and guidelines were inforced. The new buyer or the current owner on the other side of the duplex should contact their attorney and have a "party wall" agreement drawn up to the satisfaction of the buyer and neighbor. They could split the cost of it because the purpose is to protect both of them.

Don't believe everything you see on T.V. on the trendy real estate shows nor most of the articles in the newspaper on real estate.

Carol & Carl Rondinelli, Broker Associate & Broker (CKR Properties, LLC) — Sun, 04 May 2008 16:47:19 -0700

First of all...the media always paints the doom and gloom picture, because negativity sells newspapers.

This weekend I read in the K.C paper, a real estate article that was rather amusing. It was written by Gerri Willis (anchor of CNN's real estate show). It was stated in the article that "Local agents are best. They know the selling points of your community - and your house - and can be present to show it to buyers at a moment's notice."

This comment was really amusing. True, using a local agent that knows the area is good, but a large percentage of buyers come to the showing appointment with their own buyer's agent. This "moment's notice" comment is a false image to present to the public. Most listing agents would probably NOT be able to show a home to a buyer at a moment's notice. Like all other professionals, real estate agents have appointments and commitments and set appointments in advance just like any other business professional.

The perception of many people is that real estate agents have nothing to do and just sit with their phones 24/7 to run out and show a home. Professional agents require "call-ins" to come in to the office for an appointment with the agent and a lender. The lender determines if they're qualified in that price range, the agent talks about agency, they sign the agency agreement and then talk about the type of home the buyer wants - - - then a second appointment is set to view the home they called about and several others.

Professional agents do not run out to homes on a moment's notice and meet a buyer that may not even qualify for the price on the property. It's also not safe for the realtor. We're supposed to bring qualified buyers to view the properties, not just someone we just said "Hi" to on the phone.

When watching the popular real estate programs on T.V. and reading some of the new real estate books, take it all with a "grain of salt." Many of these people jumping into the new popular real estate information trend may have never even worked in the field of real estate. Get your answers from an authentic local real estate agent working in the field, not one putting on a T.V. show or pumping out books on the subject.

If time is of the essence........

Carol & Carl Rondinelli, Broker Associate & Broker (CKR Properties, LLC) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 17:07:31 -0700

This is just an fyi, that I believe makes sense. I enjoy e-mail and it is a great way to stay connected with business clients & friends. I also still think postal mail is fantastic (other than bills) and I still believe in using the telephone, cell phones and the land line!

I feel the people younger than 40 have forgotten that we can use the phone for things other than texting. Even though I check my e-mail 3 times a day on business days, if time is of the essence you should make a phone call. I have received e-mails from people on my web site stating "I want to see such and such property today at 3pm!" When I go into my e-mail maybe at 6pm for the final time for the day I then find this message about 3 hours past the time stated.

First of all...if you want to make an appointment to see a home, you have a much better chance of seeing it if you pick up the phone and call the agent (the phone number is right there on the web site). Secondly, it would be much more courteous to say "I'd like to see this home, are you free to go around 3pm?" rather than I want to see it at 3pm! Agents do have appointments and a full calendar and yes they like to have a day or two off each week like everyone else. Contrary to public opinion, agents don't just run out and show a house anytime day or night. Most professional agents at this point, don't run out and show one house at all. They promise the sellers in the listing contract that they'll bring only qualified buyers to look at their home. If you jump in the car and meet a stranger at the house, you don't know if they're "casing" the house, going to hurt the agent, or if they can buy anything.

As stated before, most professional agents treat their business like your cpa or your lawyer. They say, come into the office, we'll sit down with a lender and make sure you can qualify. We'll talk about agency and sign the appropriate papers, talk about the type of home you want and set a second appointment for the next day or so to look at the home your interested in and also 7 or 8 other homes while we're out.

Many times a perspective buyer will call an agent to run out and show one house to them, pretending they don't have an agent and then tell you later that their agent was out of town and they wanted to see it today! Don't you think that is using the agent quite a bit......shame, shame!

From Contract to Closing, what happens??

Carol & Carl Rondinelli, Broker Associate & Broker (CKR Properties, LLC) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:31:27 -0700

Well, we've just signed the contract and everyone is happy...what do we do now? The seller and buyer need a "road map" to let them know what will happen next.

The Listing agent should do their paperwork and turn it into their office and the title company. The Buyer's agent does their paperwork and turns it into their office and to the lender.

In about 10 days - Inspections.....Inspection appts. are set in advance for everyone's convenience. Buyers and buyer's agent go to the inspections for approximately 3 hours. When the reports are back, they're e-mailed or faxed to the listing agent along with the "Resolving Unacceptable Conditions" form. The listing agent sits down with the sellers and they go over the "Resolving" form and at this point, we're back in negotiation again.

Many times, we have moved from a Wedding (Contract signing) to the Divorce (Inspection time). Buyer wants everything fixed and seller doesn't want to do too much. If people let their emotions get involved it can become ugly. Agents encourage business-like responses and buyers to ask for safety issues not just cosmetic. After coming together thousands of dollars apart now buyers and sellers will probably argue over $300. or $400. worth of repairs. Sometimes sellers have let their home run down and it is normal for a buyer to expect the HVAC to work and the roof to be in good shape. Then sometimes buyers just ask for way too much and they're unrealistic, trying to turn an older home into a new home - - which doesn't work.

Once buyers and sellers agree..... we're on our way again. Repairs are to be done by the seller and possibly paid receipts turned in to the listing agent. The listing agent will meet the appraiser to let them in at the house and remind the sellers to change their utilities over on the day of closing. Buyer's agent will remind their buyers about the utilities and to get insurance on the home. The agents look over the title work to see if there is anything unusual that needs attention.

At this point......I would not sell any large items of furniture or appliances if I were the seller because there's always the rare instance where the sale falls apart at the last minute and everything is cancelled. I have seen this happen when a buyer lied on his applicaiton and the underwriters didn't catch it until closing day!

Both agents keep in contact with each other and with their clients throughout the process.....Passing on any important information to the title company or lender and answering questions for the buyers and sellers. If there are problems the agents help the clients work them out. The title company e-mails the HUD 1 to the agents for their perusal prior to closing.

The listing agent reminds the sellers that they will be called about 1 week in advance of closing for their signing of "Seller's Docs." If they will be out of town the agent informs the title company in advance. The buyer's agent gets the final cashiers check amount for the buyer and attends closing with them. Keys are transferred and the SOLD sign and lock box removed. Sellers are paid their proceeds and buyer's move in!! Agents should follow up in a couple of weeks to be sure everything is going well.

(The above scenario applies when everything goes well. There are times when seller and buyer cannot agree on inspection, due to their emotions getting in the way, and the whole transaction falls apart and we then start the procedure to back out of everything.)

Blogging about a moment in time.......

Carol & Carl Rondinelli, Broker Associate & Broker (CKR Properties, LLC) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 15:41:08 -0800

Today our family headed out for breakfast and as we reached the intersection not far from our home, we stopped at the stop sign, my husband looked to the left and did see a car coming quite a ways in the distance and since it was a two lane road he pulled out onto the road and stayed in the slow lane to the right, driving the speed limit......

Within a few seconds that car that was in the distance (which must have been traveling at the speed of light) was right upon us and he went around us and then quickly pulled in front of us, missing our driver side front fender by about two feet. Naturally we honked at him and were quite surprised.

When we reached the stop sign the speed demon in front of us sat there and shook his head as if we had done something wrong. It ceases to amaze me at how people can twist their thinking and feel they are driving correctly, speeding at about 60-70 miles per hour in a 45mph zone. Apparently he was irritated because we were on the road and he perceived us as in his way even though there were two lanes, so he darted closely in front of us (to scare us I'm sure) and then thought he was in the right and following the driving rules.

Beware of all the self-centered drivers out there with twisted perceptions of how to drive safely.

Media giving Buyers false ideas......

Carol & Carl Rondinelli, Broker Associate & Broker (CKR Properties, LLC) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 15:05:58 -0800

If you watch the news long enough, you will think that Kansas City is in the worst of worst buyers market, where buyers are actually able to "steal" homes from sellers. Some buyers are starting to believe this rubbish and making absolutely ridiculous offers on resale and new homes in the area.

Our market is not the same as Florida, California or New York. The Kansas City area has a pretty stable real estate market. It seems like we're always the last area to go down in a bad market and the first to recover. Yes, we have a sluggish market with higher levels of inventory and many homes to choose from and that makes it a buyers market.

In pulling up the MLS statistics, it is showing the normal 2-3% off list Johnson County market to now be in the range of 2-6% off list price. Probably the 2% being the staged super looking home and the 6% moving closer to the REO or HUD trashed home that needs a lot of help.

You can find a bargain now, but the sellers aren't going to allow you to steal their homes. Sellers realize now that it does take longer to sell their home than it did even a year ago.

Many buyers are also expecting even 30 year old homes to be totally renovated and look like a 2 year old home......no matter how much renovation you do it's not going to make it look like it's that new......if you have to have a new home, shop the new homes. If you like older homes then look at the older homes.

Is your cup half full or half empty? It's your choice.

Carol & Carl Rondinelli, Broker Associate & Broker (CKR Properties, LLC) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 11:00:48 -0800

As we move into the spring of 2008 we again have a choice in how we perceive what is going on in the world. We read newspapers everyday and hear about the doom and gloom about the economy and the foreclosures and all the negative news! Why do newspapers mainly print negative news......because that's what sells!

As a working realtor in the local market I know the market isn't as bad as what we read about daily. The interest rates keep lowering, so that makes it a good time to re-finance or buy a house. If you're out there to buy, you have a choice from many homes and you won't get caught up in a bidding war and you may get to buy it for a fair price.

When I first started in real estate about 21 years ago, we were in a strong buyers market for about 8 years and we all got through it and it just took longer to sell your home. At that time we weren't really totally aware of "staging" and that can help your house stand "above the crowd" and sell quicker. So remember, this type of market just takes more patience.

Watching excessive amounts of television and reading the newspaper from cover to cover everyday will bring a lot of negativity into your life.....try to eliminate some of that and find a good positive book to read! Your mind is virtually a computer, and as they say "garbage in - - garbage out!" Try to fill your mind with positive, uplifitng, comforting thoughts!

Two Irrelevant Interview Questions

Carol & Carl Rondinelli, Broker Associate & Broker (CKR Properties, LLC) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:31:20 -0800

Many sellers who do not have a "family" realtor ..interview 2 or 3 realtors for the position. The best way to find a good realtor is usually through referrals of friends and neighbors. Interview questions are not a bad way to go, but be sure your questions are really relevant.

Many times people will ask the following two questions . . that mean very little: 1. How many listings do you have?? As a realtor you go through cycles. You work at listing properties, you get the number that you feel comfortable with, you work hard at getting them sold, you follow the paperwork and close the transactions and then you're out there again (as soon as you have time) searching for more listings to start over again. And, in the meantime during all of this you work with a buyer here and there. Individual realtors will have a smaller number of listings generally than the large teams. Large teams have more people, and go after more listings because there are more people to do the work. 2. What list to sale percentage and days on the market represent your sales?? List to sales percentage is usually set by the area you're working in and the type of market we're having - - not set by the individual realtor. Days on the market is also set by the area in which you're working and the type of market we have - - both of these items are out of the control of the realtor. Now, the realtor can of course try to talk the Seller into staging and presenting their property in the very best condition and pricing it competitively, but many times the Seller will not listen. Anything that is priced low enough will sell much quicker than the other properties.

You need to be asking . . questions like the following: 1. What type of risk avoidance do you practice? The realtor should tell you I follow the paperwork closely, advise you to be totally honest on the seller's disclosure so we all will not be accused in frauding the buyer, the measurements on the property should be accurate or a little smaller so we will not be accused of making the house look larger than it is, I notify the buyer's agent in a timely fashion and watch that we do not fall out of contract at some point, I check that all signatures are in place and more. 2. What is your negotiating strategy? The realtor should tell you how they are going to handle the negotiating in a professional manner to benefit your side of the transaction as best they can. 3. How about communication?? The realtor should let you know they keep in touch and follow up and communicate effectively and document everything in writing so there is a paper trail for your protection. 4. What is your market place?? The realtor should be able to tell you the areas they work, which can be as extensive as several counties. If they truly don't feel comfortable working one specific area or town, they should admit it and refer your business to another realtor that does work that area. 5. Do you understand and practice fiduciary responsibility? The realtor should let you know that they do understand it and will represent you in a professional manner and not give away your personal information without your consent and direction.

Do you believe in long-term business relationships??

Carol & Carl Rondinelli, Broker Associate & Broker (CKR Properties, LLC) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 14:52:32 -0800

When you select your family doctor do you usually go to him/her for several years (unless you become dissatisfied for some reason)? Most people do that exact thing with their primary doctors. When you select your attorney do you generally return to them over the course of several years when you need a will or something legal? When you select your CPA do you go back to him/her every year to have your taxes done? When you select your barber or beautician do you return to them monthly for a haircut? If this is the case, why do so many people work with a realtor, have a great transaction and relationship and then 5 years later list their home with a realtor that just happens to knock on their door??? Why do you not call that realtor that gave you good service in the beginning and let them continue to be "your" realtor for the long term?? It's understandable if you have more than one bad transaction with any of these professionals, that you re-consider if you want to continue with them. You must also be objective and be sure that it was the fault of the professional and not part your fault or others involved in the business transaction or maybe something that just happened that was out of everyone's control.

This is why the realtor... puts you on their mailing list and reminds you with a mailing several times a year that they are still working in real estate and still there to help you when the need arises.

Another strange quirk in human nature.. seems to be as follows: People work with ONE primary doctor, ONE lawyer of choice, ONE CPA, ONE barber or beautician, but when it comes to realtors some of them will be working with 3 or 4 of them all at one time. This is so silly - - the "professional" realtors will not work with buyers unless they want them to be their buyer's agent and sign an agreement to work together. When you're working with several it gets confusing as to what home what realtor has shown you and most realtors will not waste their time in this situation where you're asking for service but not willing to give loyalty back so you see that "your" realtor gets paid for their efforts.

You might reconsider this situation . . . and ask yourself "Why?" Sometimes I think people think if I use several realtors and tell them I'll buy from whoever finds what I want first - - that the realtors will scramble all over each other to find the home in a real hurry.......this type of thinking promotes just the opposite....any realtor that is a "business professional" will not waste their time out there competing against several realtors for the sale. It would be like giving your financial information to three different CPA's at one time and say "Now, whoever prepares my taxes the fastest, will be the one I'll go with and pay."

The realtor you want is.....a professional that will watch out for your interest, know how to negotiate in a business like manner, practice risk reduction techniques, help you find the home that is "special" to you, write the contract for you, follow up through-out the transaction and be your donfidant and realtor for life. You don't want the chicken out there trying to eat all the bread-crumbs before all the other chickens get them.

We actually are professionals, believe it or not!

Carol & Carl Rondinelli, Broker Associate & Broker (CKR Properties, LLC) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 13:43:46 -0800

Many times people have the perception that all realtors are money hungry, cram it down your throat, type sales people. Yes, in any profession you can find people that are pushy, too aggressive, rude and sometimes deceitful, that's a given. Also beware of any seminars where they're going to tell you "What most realtors won't tell you." There are no secrets - - the realtor wants to share information and education with you.

The large percentage of realtors are "business professionals." Yes, realtors look forward to getting a paycheck now and then because they have to pay bills and live just just like all the people out there that get the "weekly" paycheck. No, commission is not a dirty word - - it's a weekly paycheck that doesn't come at a given time.

Realtors not only have to pass a licensing exam, but they have continuing education hours after the exam and yearly. We are held accountable to strict rules and regulations from the Kansas Real Estate Commission and our local MLS. If even one piece of the contract is missing i.e. lead based paint, a realtor can be charged a fine amounting to $10,000 by HUD. Real Estate offices are audited sporadically and checked to be sure all the contracts and transactions are done properly and within the stated guidelines.

Always remember not to condemn an entire industry because you had one or two transactions you didn't like. That would be like saying all doctors are bad because you had one doctor visit where the doctor diagnosed you incorrectly. Also remember to be an adult and take responsibility for yourself and your actions rather than trying to transfer the blame from yourself to the person with whom you are working.

What do buyers and sellers really want from realtors?

Carol & Carl Rondinelli, Broker Associate & Broker (CKR Properties, LLC) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:07:31 -0800

Sellers want: Someone to be honest and forthright with them about the condition of their home and what needs to be done to stage it so it is "Parade Ready." Many times you live in a house for years and you just don't recognize what needs to be done to present your home in the best light.

Sellers want: A realtor that has a negotiating strategy and one that will remain business-like and not take their emotions to the negotiating table. Sellers want a realtor that will point out the important procedures to avoid risk for sellers and realtor and their company.

In addition to the important items above, realtors need to have a good marketing plan that they follow and give guidance in the pricing of the home and follow through to the end of the transaction, plus educate the sellers whenever needed.

Buyers want: Someone to watch out for them and point out the negatives and positives of the homes they are previewing. Buyers want someone that is aware of the area and shares anything negative or positive that they might know about the subdivision or town. The realtor does not have a crystal ball and hears the same news on the T.V. that the buyers hear, so buyers have to take on some responsibility here too.

Buyers want: A realtor with a negotiating strategy and one that will remain business-like and not take their emotions to the negotiating table. Buyers also want a realtor that understands risk avoidance.

In addition to the important items above, realtors will educate the buyers as needed, fill their car with gas several times, and show you all those properties plus connect you with a loan officer and follow the transaction and attend closing with you.

Need a good lender??

Carol & Carl Rondinelli, Broker Associate & Broker (CKR Properties, LLC) — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 13:33:36 -0800

There are a lot of good lenders out there......I have found one that radiates with honesty and trustworthiness. He's friendly and communicates well with my clients. He actually calls me to give me updates and let me know how the transaction is going, every step of the way. My buyers always have good things to say about him.

This lender even sends me a rate sheet via e-mail every 2 weeks and that helps my awareness. Maybe I shouldn't share his name with you - - he might receive so much business that he wouldn't have time for my buyers.....nah, I think he'd find the time. Give Jon Buckman a call at Security Savings Bank 913-752-5391. You;ll be happy you did!

A picture is worth a thousand words!

Carol & Carl Rondinelli, Broker Associate & Broker (CKR Properties, LLC) — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 10:41:07 -0700

That's one of those old sayings that seems to be true. When taking photos for marketing your home, whether for-sale-by-owner or a seller ready to hire a realtor, the photos that are taken are so important.

Remember that straight-on shots of bare walls can be quite boring. Try to take photos from different angles, maybe on the stairway looking down into the family room showing how spacious the room may be. Maybe a photo of a cute wall mural in the bedroom. A photo of a table and chairs on the front porch can create the feeling of rest and relaxation in the evening hours, visiting and sipping lemonade on the front porch. Take photos that create feelings. Focus in on the cozy area with the fireplace as the focal point and maybe a close up of the kitchen work area with the luminous granite counter top. Turn your photography into an art form and your flyers will stand out "above the crowd." Color flyers are so important - colors evoke emotions, emotions are part of the driving force in a buyer's decision to purchase a certain home.

Take a whole roll of photos at your next listing. You can choose the good ones to use in the presentation. Whether you have a good digital camera or a good 35mm camera either way will be great. They now have a camera that is digital but you can still adapt your expensive lenses you have from your 35mm camera. It's called the "Cannon Rebel" - - and looks pretty sharp!

Before the photos are taken - - either have your realtor help with staging ideas or hire a professional stager to help you get rid of the clutter and give you ideas on re-arranging some of the items you have so they will look the best possible. It's all in the presentation!!

Why fire the agent??

Carol & Carl Rondinelli, Broker Associate & Broker (CKR Properties, LLC) — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 10:00:14 -0700

They say education is the key to better understanding. Here is a typical scenario that all agents go through several times during their careers. Clearly a situation where sellers just do not know what they're actually doing.

Seller purchases a beautiful home in a location that is a very slow selling subdivision. Seller did not know of this because they didn't have a buyer's agent and bought it directly from the subdivision. Seller immediately sinks a lot of money into totally finishing the basement and then 9 months later decides they want to move (two mistakes made by seller already).

Agent is hired to sell the home. Sellers are made aware of the fact that the market is slower than normal and they are in a slow moving subdivision. Agent sells the home in the "winter" season in 62 days (this is good!). Seller accepts a contingent offer which is not that unusual in this price range - - seller made the decision, agent did not force them to take a contingency.

Contingency falls through 2 months later when buyer decides not to move forward since his home has not sold. Agent has worked many months on this and sold the home in a good time frame, especially due to the slow market. Sellers could continue with this agent and give him a chance to sell it a second time and end up with a paycheck for all his time spent working. Sellers decide it must be all the agents fault that the buyer (who has a different agent) couldn't get his house sold and backed out. Sellers decide that their agent must have forced them to take the contingency (the next offer may be contingent too, in higher price ranges) since things didn't work out right. So, they say fire this agent that did a good job for us and let's start out with another agent...duh??

Some builders and Fsbos two of a kind! (for sale by owners)

Carol & Carl Rondinelli, Broker Associate & Broker (CKR Properties, LLC) — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 13:50:19 -0700

Most builders will co-op with realtors and are happy to work with them. However, there are some builders that will tell a perspective buyer if they'll "dump" their realtor that they'll give them a very very special deal on their house. There are so many variables in a new build job, that the buyer doesn't even know if he's getting a good deal or not. The builder doesn't try to eliminate the agent so he can give money back to the buyer - - he eliminates the agent so he (the builder) can keep the agent's commission and still charge the buyer the same.

Many buyers fall for this scenario and they have no representation at all in the process. If you have an agent as your buyer's agent it's another person that can follow the process and be sure it's going along normal. It's a bit of clout behind you when the builder procrastinates and procrastinates and won't finish the last few items. Sometimes a letter or phone call from the agent's office moves the builder along or encourages him to correct a mistake that was made on your house. The sub-division agents at the builder's office work for the builder not for the buyer. Buyer's beware!

FSBOs fall in the same category. FSBOs are trying to sell their homes by themselves to save the agent's commission for themselves, they are not planning on sharing it with the buyers. Buyers are trying to buy the fsbo to get the commission for themselves - - it becomes a tug of war contest and is very difficult to negotiate face to face without the buffer of an emotionally detached agent. Buyers and sellers also fail to know the entire process and safe guards that should be put in place. Just failing to follow disclosure rules can make the sellers very liable.

Do it yourself projects are great when its minor home maintenance or having a hobby like landscaping etc. When it comes to the largest financial investment in your life like buying or selling a house it becomes important to have a professional involved to watch out for you.

The truth about your real competition

Carol & Carl Rondinelli, Broker Associate & Broker (CKR Properties, LLC) — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 13:26:11 -0700

Your real competition is across the street, down the block; each and every home in your subdivision that is actively for sale. Additional competition consists of similar neighborhoods a few blocks away or any competitively priced neighborhood in your town.

For years, agents have been taught to pull up the "solds" to use as your comparables in pricing. We still pull up the solds as a good piece of information, but now realize that the actives in your area play a very important part of competition.

Perspective buyers do not see the "solds" to use as comparison, however, they do look at all the actives that are in the area. They compare the curb appeal of each property and the amount of updates in the older homes and notice the decor to see if it is inviting and has "move-in" colors that would be agreeable to most buyers. They notice the cleanliness of the home and if things are in disrepair or kept up very well. The odor of the home is another very important part of the puzzle.

As the homes line up on the market, remember to make yours "Parade Ready!" Your agent or a professional stager can help you differentiate your home from all the others and move your home front and center. You want it to show as a sparsely decorated model home - - warm and cozy but not even close to cluttered.