Debbie in Raleigh's Blog

Walking through Wake Forest

Debbie in Raleigh Your Real Estate Advantage (Coldwell Banker Advantage) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:29:04 -0600

I love going for walks. I walk for exercise but the added benefit is being outdoors and getting to know my community. I walk through different neighborhoods in town and get to know a lot of things that you wouldn't normally observe when just driving through. For example which home has the steepest driveway. Which home owners look like they are preparing for a sale. I also walk through the the Wake Forest Parks, Greenways ( my favorite is in Heritage) or through our the town of Wake Forest. I love seeing the new businesses going in, the changes in the downtown windows. I suggest you go for a walk too learn about your neighbors, neighborhoods or town, or join me for a walk.

The Closing that will never be

Debbie in Raleigh Your Real Estate Advantage (Coldwell Banker Advantage) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:59:57 -0600

After spending the weekend with my buyers and showing them what felt like hundreds of houses, they found what we thought was "the" house. We submitted a contract, we negotiated and did inspections, had an appraisal and were just about ready to go to closing when the bottom dropped out. After having the property checked by an professional siding contractor he determined that the whole house needed to be re-sided to the tune of 11,000.00 and change. Needless to say the buyers decided to terminate the contract and find another house. The sellers are left wondering how this could have happened- why did'nt the building inspector pick up on this, what is the builder going to do?

As the Buyers agent it means getting back in the car and looking at houses again and hoping that the next house will go much smoother. But I can't help but feel for the Sellers agent and the Sellers!

Round Table Discussion- Twitter

Debbie in Raleigh Your Real Estate Advantage (Coldwell Banker Advantage) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:24:37 -0600

In my office about every other week we have a agent round table where agents of various degrees of experience talk about things that are coming up, difficulties they are having or just to talk about aspects of real estate that interest us.

Last weeks round table was a lot of different discussions. But one discussion stuck out to me- one of my colleagues stated that she felt as if Twitter was on its way out and people do not want to hear if you are in the vegetable isle of the Heritage Harris Teeter. Where I agree that most people are not interested in the minuet details of were you go and what you do during the course of the day, Twitter does allow the user to communicate interesting facts to those that are following them. Such as, were a great investment property is, where to find a great pizza in Rolesville (Anzios) and advice on what to do when visiting Burlington NC. Recently I used Twitter to receive updates on a soccer tournament my daughter was in and I use twitter to get to know people in my community and I even search twitter for potential buyers and sellers moving to the area. I even put out a Tweet looking for anyone looking to sell their home that had some detailed needs for my buyer.

I respectfully disagree, Twitter will continue to grow and if used properly can be a way to open doors of communication and be a better ambassador of our communities.

Lessons of Consequences of your Actions

Debbie in Raleigh Your Real Estate Advantage (Coldwell Banker Advantage) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:03:01 -0600

As a mom of two teenagers and a surrogate mom to another, much of my time is spent teaching my kids how they must be responsible for their own actions. For teenagers in particular this is a difficult lesson to learn. But as an adult and a real estate agent how does this apply to me and/or my colleagues?

My actions as an agent not only affects my business overall but how a view the job that I have done. I recently had a transaction in which I was completely unable to communicate with the real estate agent on the other side of the transaction. In fact, I have always been conscious of the other sides feelings and tried to use the golden rule in all of my business dealings. But this transaction was different and difficult and I knew it would be from the very beginning.

Thankfully even with all the difficulties the transaction closed but for me I am still dealing with the consequences of my actions. Should I have done more or done something different? I question why using the golden rule doesn’t always work? What can I do to change how I do business to prevent something like this happening again? After a lot of thought I have come to the conclusion that questions like these and sole searching my actions, which may not always be comfortable, will make me a better person and a better Realtor.

Gratitude- Lost Art??

Debbie in Raleigh Your Real Estate Advantage (Coldwell Banker Advantage) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:25:38 -0500

Gratitude. I recently had an argument with my daughter about her lack of gratitude at times. Like most teenagers she does not understand what I am talking about but it got me thinking about how in general we need to say thank you more, or I appreciate you, especially during times that it is unexpected or expected and most especially for the little over looked things . Thank you should go to my clients that think of me every time they hear of someone interested in Real Estate. Thank you to my mom who will keep calling when she knows I am overwhelmed and I don't return the call. Thank you to John who will listen to my business woes and will put it into prospective for me. Thank you for my husband for putting up with me for the last 21 years. It is easy to let the moments of gratitude to get away from you but my goal is stay in the present and not forget who and for what would should be grateful for.

Hedingham Raleigh NC

Debbie in Raleigh Your Real Estate Advantage (Coldwell Banker Advantage) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:57:44 -0500

Recently I was in Hedingham with a buyer and her comment was " I love this neighborhood, I feel so at home here". She is not the only buyer to feel that way. Hedingham is the Top re-selling development in Wake County. According to the Register of Deeds in Wake County in Sept. along Hedingham had 25 sales with $100.47 being the average price per square feet and the average ratio between sales price and assessed value is 97%. Why is Hedingham so popular? Because of the amenities they offer their residents, for example they recently held their fall festival which offered a BBQ lunch and events. Hedingham also has a golf club and course which winds through the community and also an exciting athletic center. There is also a sense of home, community as you drive through the community. Visit the Hedingham website at http://www.hedingham.org and check out what they have to offer. Interested in learning more on properties for sale email me at debbiekomlo@gmail.com

Hedingham Raleigh NC

Debbie in Raleigh Your Real Estate Advantage (Coldwell Banker Advantage) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 11:56:40 -0500

Raleigh in the top three places to start a Small Business

Debbie in Raleigh Your Real Estate Advantage (Coldwell Banker Advantage) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:56:10 -0500

Raleigh is in the news again. According to CNNMoney.com Raleigh has been named #3 in large metro areas to launch a small business. We always knew it was a great place to live and work. I hope a lot of small business owners and their families begin to call us home. Link to the article: http://money.cnn.com/smallbusiness/best_places_launch/2009/snapshot/271.html

Buyers and Sellers will wait only 20 minutes for information!

Debbie in Raleigh Your Real Estate Advantage (Coldwell Banker Advantage) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:16:40 -0500

I just read a post on Twitter from JtFaber, he quoted an article by Time Trade Systems that says that most more than 30% of people who will visit a business for service will expect instant attention. My opinion is that the number is higher. Especially in the business of real estate where a lot of our business comes from online views or customers require us to be available at all times instantaneous. As real estate agents it is wonderful to be able to use technology, such as webpages, smart phones, texting and the like to reach out or stay in touch. Not only is it important for our business but it is important to be able to supply the information our buyers and sellers need in a timely manner. Question to real estate buyers and sellers- how long do you wait or do you contact several agents waiting for the first to answer. Question to Real Estate Agents- what do you do to be able to reach out to our buyers and sellers in a timely manner. Does your your business plan include technology or a plan to improve your response time? I have changed my method a bit in the last couple of months, I now have a google voice account which allows me to set up one phone number for my clients and potential clients to reach me. My google voice number will ring my office, my cellphone and any other number I set up similtaneously. If I answer it will announce the caller and if I am unable to answer it will send the phone message to voice mail and a text message will be sent to my cellphone. Recently I got a potential buyer call while at my daughters cross country meet, because I was unable to answer, the message went to a text message. I was able to return the call immediately and am showing the property tomorrow. As life seems to move faster and faster I think we need to find ways to respond to the needs of who we service

http://www.emediaworld.com/press_release/release_detail.php?id=702652

Don't let the good houses get away! The Market is picking up

Debbie in Raleigh Your Real Estate Advantage (Coldwell Banker Advantage) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:41:43 -0500

I am working with the Thayers and we have been looking at house for a month. They have found 2 houses that they really liked- the first went under contract before they could make an offer and the second had three offers on it, one of which was ours. I really felt it was a strong offer and that they had a really good chance at going under contract. Got an email today and we did not get it! The Thayers are very disappointed. We continue our home search but next time our offer may be stronger and made quicker.

This year I had the Lynches home listed in Deacons Ridge in Wake Forest, we had so many showings that I was very confident that the house would sell fast, and indeed it did! The sellers were happy with the fast, easy sale for the price they wanted. The buyers were happy because they loved the house and were happy with the price also

The housing market is really picking up in the $150,000.00- $225,000.00 range and in turn with those houses selling the sellers are in a position to buy also. My advice don't wait to make a strong offer on a good house, with a good price.

Spring is Here

Debbie in Raleigh Your Real Estate Advantage (Coldwell Banker Advantage) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:55:18 -0500

Spring Has Sprung

This week the flowers and leaves where really starting to bloom, but last night after a good rain I woke up to my beautiful very green yard.

As a result I decided I am going to go out to both my listings this week and re- take the exterior pictures of the houses. When I re-enter them into the MLS it is going to refresh the listing and hopefully prompt some new and fruitful showings.

The number of showings at my listings have also increased, it was amazing to me, as soon as it turned the month of April, literally, the number of showings increased substantially.

Debbie Komlo

Coldwell Banker Advantage

(919)931-8602

Our Next Flip

Debbie in Raleigh Your Real Estate Advantage (Coldwell Banker Advantage) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 17:09:37 -0500

Its official we are under contract with our next flip property.

We are thrilled with our new property. As we go through all the steps I will update and supply pictures of the property. Last Sunday Tom and I made our final visit to the property before writing an offer to measure it, doing a inspection in the attic and in the crawl space. We also visited Home Depot to price the items that we will need to replace or repair. We wrote a competitive offer and submitted it to the listing agent. On Wednesday we got the good news- They accepted our offer!!

This coming week we will be requesting that the electricity be turned on we will be having our Well and Septic inspections. We will be finding out whether we will be using the Lenders Attorney or our own choice for an Attorney. And making our time line for repairs.

My next update will be on the results of the inspections.

Yard Sales and Goodwill

Debbie in Raleigh Your Real Estate Advantage (Coldwell Banker Advantage) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:04:56 -0500

My Weekend Shopping - Yard Sales and Goodwill.

I am my mothers daughter, my mother when we were growing up worked at a thrift shop. She was thrilled when finding something that she loved at a discounted price. When I asked for anything, I was greeted with her saying "let me check at the thrift shop first" at the time I always complained "why can't we just go to the mall like everybody else". Now, as a parent myself and trying to save as much money as possible I am repeating my mothers mantra with a slight difference " let me check Goodwill and check at this weekends Yard Sales first". There is nothing better than the thrill of the hunt.

Every Thursday and Friday I will check the paper and Craigslist for the local Yard sale listings. Early Saturday morning my daughter and I head out to visit as many as sales as possible. Last weekend I bought my son a really nice wood futon with mattress for his room for $40.00. I have bought my husband a paint spray gun. One of my favorites was a couch table in great condition for I bought for $5.00, no work necessary.

Goodwill is also another favorite of mine. I buy my dog's toys there, a heck of a lot cheaper than going to a pet store. I decorate my house with the goodies I find at goodwill. Many times all that is needed is a good cleaning. The Wake Forest area has two Goodwill locations, one is in Wakefield and the other is in the Food Lyon Shopping Center at the intersection of Capital Blvd and Route 98.

I am still on the hunt for solar yard lights and bird houses

Debbie Komlo

Coldwell Banker Advantage

(919)931-8602

Take some to Relax

Debbie in Raleigh Your Real Estate Advantage (Coldwell Banker Advantage) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 15:19:45 -0500

I admit it I am always working. This morning the first thing I thought about was -what am I going to blog about today? As I let my mind wander I listened to the sound of the birds outside. What a wonderful sound! I then made my way downstairs to let my doggies out and heard the sound of our fountain outside. I have decided that even though I really enjoy my work and the challenges it brings that I need to take some time out of my day to enjoy the other things I enjoy like going for a walk or just spending time with my husband sitting in our screen porch drinking a glass a wine. With my personality I need to concentrate hard on living in the moment and not forever planning for an hour day or week from now. Do you agree? How do you live in the moment?

Nice Girls Finish Last?

Debbie in Raleigh Your Real Estate Advantage (Coldwell Banker Advantage) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:48:19 -0500

After selling real estate for years I have decided that the hardest thing for me is getting my message across. My message is simple, I care about you and I won't sell you just anything, I will find you the house that you will love and I will take care of you. For sellers I will work every single day to get your house sold and work to make sure that you make the most money in the transaction. Every realtor has the same message, but do they follow through with that message.. I want to scream, I Do!!

What I know is that I can scream all I want to people that don't know me, but it won't do any good. I focus on my friends and clients who know that I care, that I watch out for you and I make sure that your transactions are smooth and organized and that you make the most money. I don't need to scream, I just need to stay in touch and involved.

Debbie Komlo, Broker, E-Pro

Coldwell Banker Advantage

(919)931-8602

1812 Saint Patrick Drive Raleigh NC 27603

Debbie in Raleigh Your Real Estate Advantage (Coldwell Banker Advantage) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 09:21:51 -0500

980429

Active

Residential

LP: $ 159,900

1812 Saint Patrick Drive

City: Raleigh

Area/Sub: 018/D

Zip : 27603

Yr Blt: 1960

Subd: Colonial Heights

Nbrhd:

List Type: ER

Seller's Name: Denise M Kidd

School Information

Elementary 1: Wake - Vandora Springs

Elementary 2:

Middle 1: Wake - West Lake

Middle 2:

High 1: Wake - Garner

High 2:

Dir: Take 401 Toward Fuquay, Turn left into Colonial Heights on Saint Patrick Drive, Home on Left, Welcome Home

Remarks : 6 Words-Dramatic Renovation,Well Built,Dream Garage!- All with with in minutes of downtown Raleigh. See list of updates in Agent Only Remarks!Hrdwds!Neutral Colors!Lrg. Sunny Entertainers LR,Renovated Kit,features huge pantry,lots of counter & cabinet space.Newly added MSTR BR suite w/walk in closet.Huge Laundry room w/tile floor!Relaxing Deck,nicely maintained yard &Dream Garage!

Agent Only

Rooms / SqFt Information

Living Area	Above Grade: 1506		Below Grade:		Total: 1506
Other Area	Above Grade: 0		Below Grade:		Total: 0
# Rooms: 7	Beds: 3		Full Baths: 2		Half Baths: 0
Living Area-Room Dim/Levels			Other Area-Room Dim/Levels
Entry Hall: /		Master BR: 12x15 / Main		Garage: 28x24 / Main
Living: 22x12 / Main		Bedroom 2: 14x12 / Main		Carport: /
Dining: /		Bedroom 3: 11x12 / Main		Storage: 5x5 / Main
Family: /		Bedroom 4: /		Porch: /
Office/Study: /		Bedroom 5: /		Patio: /
Kitchen: 10.6x10 / Main		Utility: 11x7 / Main		Deck: 10x12 / Main
Breakfast: 10x8 / Main		Bonus: /		Scrnd Porch: /

General Information

Lot Dim: See Survey	Lot #:	Appx Acres: 0.47
Foundation: Crawl	Zoning: Resident	In City: No
New Construction: No	Est Fin Date: /	HUD Compliant Senior Housing: No
Builders Name:		Restrictive Covenants:
HO Assoc. Mgmt:
HOA Phone:	HOA Fax:	Total HOA Dues: $ 0/

Financing and Taxes

Tax Value: $ 141,166	Tax Rate: 0	TM/BK/PAR/LT or Deed Page:
Financial Comments: Pre-Approval Letter with Offer Please
Legal Desc: Lo22 ColonialHgtsSe2BM1958-6		Pin #: 0790786067

Features

Design - One Story
Type - Detached
Acres - .26-.5 Acres
Style - Ranch
Ext Finish - All Brick Veneer
Bsmt - None
Roof - Shingle
Roof Age 0-5 Years
Roof - See Remarks
Floors - Carpet
Floors - Hardwood
Floors - Laminate
A/C - Central Air
A/C - Heat Pump
A/C Age 0-3 Years
A/C - See Remarks

Heat Pump
Heat Age 0-3 Yrs
Fuel - Electric
Water Htr - Electric
FP - None
Wtr/Swr - Septic Tank
Wtr/Swr - Well
Wtr/Swr - See Remarks
Lot Desc - Hardwood Trees
Parking - 1 Garage
Parking - DW/Concrete
Parking - Entry/Front
Parking - See Remarks
Fee Includes - None Known
Financing - Cash
Financing - Conventional

Financing - FHA
Financing - VA
No Assumption
Dining - Breakfast Room
Dining - Eat-in Kitchen
Other Rooms - 1st Floor Bedroom
Other Rooms - 1st Floor Master Bedroom
Other Rooms - Family Room
Other Rooms - Pantry
Other Rooms - Utility Room
Other Rooms - See Remarks
W/D Loc - 1st Floor
W/D Loc - Utility Room
W/D Loc - See Remarks
Equip - Dishwasher
Equip - Elec. Dryer HU

Equip - Electric Range
Equip - Range Hood
Equip - Refrigerator
Interior - Ceiling Fan
Interior - Garage Shop
Interior - Tub/ Sep Shower
Interior - W.I. Closet
Interior - See Remarks
Exterior - Deck
Exterior - Gutters
Exterior - See Remarks

Showing Instructions

Show Instruct: Combo LB, Occupied	Make Appointment
List Agent: R32588 / Deborah Komlo	Agent Phone: 919-931-8602	Appt Phone: 919-595-8989
List Office: R/CBA05 / Coldwell Banker Advantage	Office Phone: 919-783-6066
Co List Agent:	CoList Agent Phone:	Appt Phone: 919-595-8989
Comm to Buy Agt: 2.4%	Comm to Sub Agt: 2.4%
List Type: ER	Possession: ATC	DOM: 75


Information deemed RELIABLE but not GUARANTEED		Copyright: 2001-2008 by Triangle MLS, Inc.

235 S. Allen Road Wake Forest NC 27587

Debbie in Raleigh Your Real Estate Advantage (Coldwell Banker Advantage) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 09:17:10 -0500

974707

Active

Residential

LP: $ 226,900

235 S Allen Road

City: Wake Forest

Media: 12 V 1 / Docs

Area/Sub: 014/C

Zip : 27587

Yr Blt: 1996

Subd: Not in a Subdivision

Nbrhd:

List Type: ER

Seller's Name: Chad and Tracy Sary

Archive Report

School Information

Elementary 1: Wake - Wake Forest

Elementary 2:

Middle 1: Wake - Wake Forest Rolesville

Middle 2:

High 1: Wake - Wake Forest Rolesville

High 2:

Dir: Capital Blvd. to 98 Bypass East. Left Turn onto E. Holding Avenue, Right Turn on to Wait Avenue/98, Right Turn onto South Allen Road. Your new home is on the left.

Remarks : Super Condition!.45 wooded acre lot,w/in walking dist.of center of town.Peaceful rocking chair front porch.Sunny Kit.w/ bay window,off of FR w/ warm wood burning FP & french doors to deck.Entertainers Dream.Formal DR w/bay window.Handsome Hrdwd Floors in entry,LR &DR.Romantic Master Suite features walkin closet, garden tub and sep. shower.Large Bonus. Walk up attic w/room to grow

Agent Only

Rooms / SqFt Information

Living Area	Above Grade: 2060		Below Grade:		Total: 2060
Other Area	Above Grade: 325		Below Grade:		Total: 325
# Rooms: 8	Beds: 3		Full Baths: 2		Half Baths: 1
Living Area-Room Dim/Levels			Other Area-Room Dim/Levels
Entry Hall: /		Master BR: 14x13 / Second		Garage: 21x20 / Main
Living: 23x13 / Main		Bedroom 2: 12x12 / Second		Carport: /
Dining: 12x12 / Main		Bedroom 3: 11x10 / Second		Storage: /
Family: /		Bedroom 4: /		Porch: 20x5 / Main
Office/Study: /		Bedroom 5: /		Patio: /
Kitchen: 9x9 / Main		Utility: /		Deck: 10x10 / Main
Breakfast: 8x8 / Main		Bonus: 20x18 / Second		Scrnd Porch: /

General Information

Lot Dim: See Tax Map	Lot #: 2	Appx Acres: 0.45
Foundation: Crawl	Zoning: Resident	In City: Yes
New Construction: No	Est Fin Date: /	HUD Compliant Senior Housing: No
Builders Name:		Restrictive Covenants: No
HO Assoc. Mgmt:
HOA Phone:	HOA Fax:	Total HOA Dues: $ 0/

Financing and Taxes

Tax Value: $ 0	Tax Rate: 0	TM/BK/PAR/LT or Deed Page: 1995/1381
Financial Comments: Prequal. letter w/ offer
Legal Desc: Lo2 Subdiv Plan Steve Gould BM 1995-1381		Pin #: 1840793449

Features

Design - 2 Story
Type - Detached
Acres - .26-.5 Acres
Style - Traditional
Ext Finish - Fiber Cement
Bsmt - None
Roof - Shingle
Floors - Carpet
Floors - Hardwood
Floors - Vinyl
A/C - Central Air
A/C - Dual Zone
Heat - Forced Air
Fuel - Natural Gas

Water Htr - Gas
FP - In Living Room
FP - See Remarks
Wtr/Swr - City Sewer
Wtr/Swr - City Water
Lot Desc - Wooded Lot
Lot Desc - See Remarks
Parking - 2 Garage
Fee Includes - None Known
Financing - Cash
Financing - Conventional
Financing - FHA
Financing - VA
No Assumption

Dining - Breakfast Room
Dining - Separate Dining Room
Other Rooms - Attic Unfinished
Other Rooms - Bonus Room/Finished
W/D Loc - 1st Floor
W/D Loc - Closet
W/D Loc - Kitchen
Equip - Dishwasher
Equip - Gas Range
Equip - Refrigerator
Interior - Attic Floored
Interior - Attic Perm Stair
Interior - Bath/Shower
Interior - Bath/Tub

Interior - Ceiling Fan
Interior - Skylight(s)
Interior - Tub/ Sep Shower
Interior - W.I. Closet
Exterior - Deck
Exterior - Gutters
Exterior - Landscaped
Exterior - Porch

Showing Instructions

Show Instruct: Appointment Only, Combo LB, Notice Required	Make Appointment
List Agent: R32588 / Deborah Komlo	Agent Phone: 919-931-8602	Appt Phone: 919-595-8989
List Office: R/CBA05 / Coldwell Banker Advantage	Office Phone: 919-783-6066
Co List Agent:	CoList Agent Phone:	Appt Phone: 919-595-8989
Comm to Buy Agt: 2.4%	Comm to Sub Agt: 2.4%
List Type: ER	Possession: ATC	DOM: 102


Information deemed RELIABLE but not GUARANTEED		Copyright: 2001-2008 by Triangle MLS, Inc.

Flipping a Personal Look

Debbie in Raleigh Your Real Estate Advantage (Coldwell Banker Advantage) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 09:15:28 -0500

Flipping My Personal Experience!

Posted by Debbie Komlo under For Buyers, For Sellers, For Realty Professionals, General Information

I love flipping properties, watching a place that needs love and maintenance go to being a home. My husband and I have always bought personal family homes that require us to fix it up. Once we are done we move on to the next project.

Last year Tom and I bought a real flip property, we did not live in it, but went their everyday to fix it up to a place that someone can proudly call home. It was a wonderful home in Jones Dairy Farm on Jumper Drive. We made $8,000.00 dollars on it. Today we are looking at a property in Youngsville that we could do the same. This home is alittle bit more work and would require removal and replacement of windows, flooring and many other items. It's alittle but scarey because someone had come in and took shots at the house with a gun- my thoughts great house, great bones, but will someone come back and do the same damage when we are done causing more damage and money out the window?

My experience with flipping properties is that unless you have a lot of money to spend on properties in higher price ranges you probably will not make a lot of money. I am like, I am sure a lot of other people who are interested in flipping watch the TV programs that demonstrate flipping- I envy those flippers that are making $100,000.00 to $20,000.00 on each flip that they do. My husband and I do the little house, no we don't make alot of money but it's money we did'nt have before and the houses sell quickly when we are done because the homes we flip are in price ranges under $175,000.00.

The other thing that I learned is to have lots of knowledge on what repairs will cost, be willing to do alot of the work yourself or be able to find cheap and knowledgeable contractors. Be ready to make offers really fast and learn how to make them competitive

I am adding a link in my website that investors can receive free information on good investment deals in the area. I invite you to check it out and sign up to get access to the information. http://www.trianglehot/properties.com

Debbie Komlo

E-Pro, Broker

Coldwell Banker Advantage

(919)931-8602

Instant Client Contact

Debbie in Raleigh Your Real Estate Advantage (Coldwell Banker Advantage) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 08:27:43 -0500

Last night I was up at 12:oo updating my website and got an email concerning one of my listings. I was able to email ( his preferred method of contact) him back right away and open the lines of communication.

As technology is changing real estate agents are required to contact clients and potential clients much faster than ever before. As an agent with Coldwell Banker our listings are going out to more website which only increases the number of times our listings can be viewed and the various ways a client can reach out to you.

Because I enjoy technology and try to be up on the latest and greatest I find it easy to be in touch but I do know agents that are not interested in learning about what they can do to provide more information and get things done faster. Their comment has always been a "I prefer personal interaction with my clients". I say you can have that too.. but faster. Our clients are demanding new ways of getting in touch with us at all times of the day and if you can't provide that, well in a very short period of time you will be out of business.

My suggestion is attend classes, read, sit with an agent in your office that already is in-tune with technology and learn how it can only enhance your business.

Debbie Komlo

Coldwell Banker Advantage

E-Pro, Broker

(919)931-8602

Heritage Wake Forest

Debbie in Raleigh Your Real Estate Advantage (Coldwell Banker Advantage) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 18:44:38 -0500

Two days a week and once and sometimes twice on the weekends we drive from the west side of Wake Forest to Heritage Smith Creek soccer fields to take our daughter to soccer. Often I think how nice it would be to give up the maintenance of the big yard.. the 20 minute drive to get to this side of town and to be n a newer home within walking distance of restaurants.. schools.. shopping and all my other errands. During my walks around Heritage while waiting for my daughter and to scope out what is on the market I have noticed that Heritage has somthing for everyone. Large homes.. townhomes.. smaller homes and apartments. The people who live in Heritage are quick with a smile and quick wave. I really like Heitage maybe we will move their when the kids go to college and we have 2 less dogs. Our lifestyle will be different by then and maybe we will actually have the time to play golf.

Open House's To Do or Not To Do

Debbie in Raleigh Your Real Estate Advantage (Coldwell Banker Advantage) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 18:22:48 -0500

Early on in my real estate career I would do open houses at evey opportunity. After spend almost every weekend at an open houses for year I came to the conclusion that unless you the seller lives on a well traveled road that the weather is good and that there are not any important sporting events on TV... I will have a couple of visitors at my open house. I wish that I worked in an area where I got a better response from doing open houses that like on the TV show Buy Me people flowed into the houses I was holding open and we expected to receive offers. My experience is that open houses don't work.

Crawfish Boil with Joe and Laura

Debbie in Raleigh Your Real Estate Advantage (Coldwell Banker Advantage) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:59:54 -0500

Party with Joe and Laura!!

My husband Tom and I were lucky to be invited for the second year to our friends Joe and Laura's Crawfish Boil/Marti Gras Party. What fun we had! Lucky friends, family and neighbors were all invited to come and enjoy friendship, food, drink and conversation. While we know many of the people there, there is always a new friend added to a mix. Because Joe and Laura have a mix of types of friends it is always fun to see who will be added to the guest list and what they will bring to the mix.

Now let me tell you about the food! They ordered Crawfish from Louisiana and had them shipped Fed Ex arriving alive and fresh to be cooked for the enjoyment of the party goers. Joe cooked the crawfish along with shrimp, potatoes and corn and when they were done Laura spread it all on the table for everyone to enjoy!! What did we have to drink you ask? My favorite is Laura's Hurricanes- I have to consciously pace myself because I could easily drink a couple without feeling the affects right away.. but once the alcohol kicks in watch out. It was soooo good!!

I can't wait for next year, maybe if you get to know Joe and Laura too I will see you there. Look for me at the head to the table

Falls Lake Full?

Debbie in Raleigh Your Real Estate Advantage (Coldwell Banker Advantage) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:54:54 -0500

Falls Lake is Full?

On the front page of today's issue of News and Observer it states that Raleigh has gone back to Stage 1 water restrictions Which relaxes the Stage 2 restrictions imposed earlier in year. Stage 1 restrictions allow for only limited yard watering, car washing and home pressure washing only on weekends plus low flow water devices. Falls Lake is Raleigh's main water source and the 5.5 inches of rain we have helped ease the water restrictions. Not mentioned in the article was the fact that the Corps of Engineers also decided to cut the release of the water from the lake in half.

When I drive from Wake Forest every day to Raleigh I pass through Falls Lake, at times it was incredibly disturbing how low the water levels are. I worry that with the ease of the restrictions that people will give people the thumbs up to over use water again. I also question whether the lifting of the restrictions is a result of municipalities such as Wake Forest to question whether they will fill community pools. I feel that at this point we are premature in lifting the restrictions. What do you think?

Debbie Komlo, Broker, E-Pro

Coldwell Banker Advantage

(919)931-8602

Milton's Pizza Wakefield Location

Debbie in Raleigh Your Real Estate Advantage (Coldwell Banker Advantage) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 18:33:24 -0500

My husband Tom daughter Tara and I just finished dinner at Milton's Pizza at the Wakefield location. It was very good. It is a place where we can all get what we want. My daughter who is a pasta lover ordered spaghetti. My husband and ordered the white pizza. I also had the salad bar which was very fresh. Need a night out? Try Milton's Pizza

NPR and Your Carbon Foot Print

Debbie in Raleigh Your Real Estate Advantage (Coldwell Banker Advantage) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 19:35:37 -0500

I was on my way into work the other day and instead of listening to music I turned on NPR. There was a program on reducing your carbon footprint. A lady and her daughter moved from her house in the suburbs to a community in downtown Atlanta. In the process she had to downsize her belongings, reduced her commute time, her daughters time in day care and her utilities. It sounded great!! But.. as a Realtor I thought to myself, if she is currently renting her loft apartment ( loft apartment.. cool) what about the money she is throwing out the window by renting instead of owning. They were clear to say that she could not afford to buy in the city. With everything considered is she really saving money? Helping the enviroment yes.. but is she really saving money?