Dawn's Blog

Happy New Years

Dawn LoPresti (United Country/Country Lanes Real Estate) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:22:56 -0600

I hope everyone had a safe holiday and I look forward to opportunities the New Year holds for all of us. I believe with strong dedication and hard work, this could be a really productive year. Have any of you started a new plan of action or are you doing what you know best. I have started some new things and also keeping the things that I know I can count on. I wish you all the best!

Here are some of the things that I did, maybe they can help you too.

1. updated all contact

2. sent out cards to all contact with my contact info (in case they lost it over the year)

3. sent out referral cards to all previous clients

I also discovered that saving old calendars comes in real handy.

Hunting Season in Rutherford County Opened Today

Dawn LoPresti (United Country/Country Lanes Real Estate) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:40:04 -0500

For all you hunters in NC-Muzzle-loading Season open today and will run through October 11. Bow Season will start Oct. 13 and run through Nov. 22. Gun Season will start Nov. 13 and run through Dec. 13. Hunting license are required to hunt deer in NC. For limits and regulations, please visit www.ncwildlife.org. If anyone has some great hunting pictures from Rutherford County, please email me and I will post them.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Dawn LoPresti (United Country/Country Lanes Real Estate) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 17:09:56 -0500

I know that everyone has busy days and hectic lives, but please take a minutes to check out http://cms.komen.org/komen/index.htm

All of our lives are affected by breast cancer one way or another. Whether you are a mother, father, sister, brother, aunt, uncle,husband, wife, friend or co-worker-your life will be touched by breast cancer.Our office had a fundraiser last year-raised over

$ 150.00. Every little bit helps. Wear pink to show your support, you can even take pictures of your group and post it to the Susan G. Komen website.

Pictures of the Hilltoppers fall Festival

Dawn LoPresti (United Country/Country Lanes Real Estate) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:52:00 -0500

The weather could not have been any better. Kids were playing and parents were laughing-it was a great day of carefree fun!!

The Kids Petting Zoo

Streets of people and color

Live Music for all to enjoy

Kids Fun Zone

I waited in line for 35 minutes......for gas

Dawn LoPresti (United Country/Country Lanes Real Estate) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 10:01:39 -0500

I thought that getting gas before 7:00 am would be easy. Apparently 30 other people thought the same thing. They had police men out there directing traffic around the gas station. All this with the school buses full in force.

I sat in amazement as people grew angry at other drivers. There was nothing any one could do to make the process any faster. So why yell...at 7:00 in the morning.

I had my friends daughter in the car with me and throughout the chaos of traffic, she said the most simple statement. If everyone would be patient and wait their turn, this would go faster-then i can go to school.

Do people really think yelling is going to help-we are all in the same situation. We all need gas and we all hate the prices of gas right now. DEAL WITH IT!!! Arguing at the pumps are not going to fix anything-so smile the next time you are there, say thank you to the cashier and move along.

Plus, be grateful you can get gas so you can get to work, others can't.

Hilltopper Fall Festival

Dawn LoPresti (United Country/Country Lanes Real Estate) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:53:23 -0500

Its that time of year again!! The Annual Hilltopper Fall Festivalwill be October 4, 2008. Festivities start at 9:00 and end at 5:00 pm.. This is a great opportunity to spend the day with the family and see what the of Rutherfordton has to offer. See you on Main Street.

question about ar and localism

Dawn LoPresti (United Country/Country Lanes Real Estate) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:32:26 -0500

If I am posting about events on my localism community blog, do I check the box at the bottom of the page saying this is not my material? Even though I am posting the announcement?

Being prepared

Dawn LoPresti (United Country/Country Lanes Real Estate) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:00:09 -0500

When you are getting yourself ready to show property, you go over the mental checklist-dressed well, nice hair, brushed my teeth, listing sheet on property, blank contract and all appropriate forms, business card. You have it all and you are ready to roll. But wait, what about when you get in the car and your clients sneezes-do you have that covered?

I have compiled a list of things I like to have in my car for those incidents. Feel free to add your own, these things come in handy and can save you time on the road.

Band-aides, Germ-ex and wet-ones. These things can really come in handy when kids are along for the trip.

Toilet paper-it doesn't matter if the house has power if it doesn't have TP.

Tissues-for those sneezes

Hard Candy or Gum-For obvious reasons.

Pen and Paper-your client can write down questions, he/she may have about the properties you are viewing. Crayons and coloring book-this is a key item if kids are with your client

Change of shoes for yourself. You don't want to walk in a muddy yard in your new shoes do you?

A map-even if you have a navigation system-everyone has had problems with them.

A flashlight-for all those creepy spots in the house you can't see with daylight

Also, seeing that we are in the car a lot of the time, it wouldn't hurt to make sure you had-flares, jumper cables, fix-a-flat, water and extra batteries for your flashlight. It is better to be prepared for any situation rather than being stuck in the middle of nowhere with a client.

Things to remind your buyer of during the loan process...

Dawn LoPresti (United Country/Country Lanes Real Estate) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:39:31 -0500

We have all been there or know someone who has. The contract is signed, closing is set up and the lender calls. Your clients score has changed since they were first qualified---why you ask? Because they either didn't tell the lender the "whole truth" or they decided to go buy the new furniture for the new house. Thus altering their credit score.

Avoid this from happening to you and remind your buyer of the following while in the loan process.

1. Do not quit or change your job.

2. Do not buy a new vehicle.

3. Do not spend any of the money you need for closing-you will have to show the lender that you have that money available.

4. Do not send in any late payments on your credit card-ALL PAYMENTS NEED TO BE ON TIME.

5. Tell the truth on your loan app.-the lender will find EVERYTHING.

6. Do not let anyone hit your credit.

7. Do not make any large purchases on things for the new house.

8. Do not change banks.

9. Do not co-sign for ANYONE.

Reminding your buyer of these few things can save everyone involved time and frustration.

Does your office represent who you are?

Dawn LoPresti (United Country/Country Lanes Real Estate) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:42:48 -0500

In a whole, does your office/cubicle/or corner of the building represent who you are? In recent weeks there has been posts about cars, clothes and the ways in which one comes across through thier blog. Did you ever stop to think about your office.

Sure everyone has thier own unique style-do you display yours? What is appropreate and innapropraite. For example-my office has pictures of myself and friends, my nephew-family, some artwrok on the walls and a few motivational quotes scattered throughout. Does it say me-sure.

To me a office that has pictures and personality attracts more than four walls and a desk would. Seeing those things in a office makes people feel welcome-that's just my opinion though. As this became a topic in our office at breakfast, it made me wonder-what do others see in your office?

According to Sam Gosling, a personality researcher at the University of Texas, Austin and Meredith Wells, a psychologist at East Kentucky University, here is what your office might be saying to your clients, bosses, and colleagues:

Plants & Foliage - plants that are well-cared for indicates someone who plans to stay.
Post-it Notes - An over-reliance on Post-It Notes is a sign of overwhelm.
Whose Got the Time? - Those who "get it done" are time conscious and will often have a time piece somewhere to help them keep track of the time. "Clock lovers are often meticulous and hardworking."
Family Photos - The interpretation of this one is divided. Some psychologists say family photos are a status symbol. Others say they are a genuine reminder of loved ones and are displayed due to guilt of so much time away from them. Look at how the photos are displayed. Facing guests? Think status symbols. Facing the office owner? Personal reasons for display.
Candy Bowl - This can be anything that lures others into the workspace. It is an indication of an extrovert. Introverts don't place anything that draws others in their workspace.
Motivation Plaques, Posters, etc. - This person is engaged in their job and wants to stay engaged.
Posters of Celebrities or Historical Figures - Indicates values and aspirations.
Level of Personalization - How much personalizing (i.e., decorating) a worker does to their space indicates the level of security in their environment. They are comfortable enough to make it their own.
Tidiness - Although we try to hide this by shoving items in drawers, psychologists say this is a personality trait that is extremely difficult to change. A neat and organized desk and workspace indicates a neat and organized person. "No matter how hard people try to clean up, usually they can never fully hide their true nature."
The Empty Desk - Barren work spaces indicate a worker who has little status in the organization and who probably isn't dedicated to his/her job. These people simply are not committed.

What does your office say about you?

Ideal for Investors

Dawn LoPresti (United Country/Country Lanes Real Estate) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:15:29 -0500

The honeymoon is over and you are tired of having two lives cramped into your small apartment-time to look for a new home to start a family in. Here it is, located in the town of Rutherfordton North Carolina, this 2 BR 1 BA home is a ideal starter home for a new family. Home has large living room with large picture window to let in natural light. Quaint dining room is perfect for cozy dinners and talking about your long day. Kitchen has open feel with adequate storage-home-office located off the kitchen. Home has hardwood floors throughout. Large bathroom with double vanity. Property would also make great rental property.

Priced at $ 86,000.00

Original Hardwood Floors

Full Basement-ready to be finished

Close to Town

You can see for miles from this property!!

Dawn LoPresti (United Country/Country Lanes Real Estate) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:47:19 -0500

Are you looking for that unique piece of property to build your dream home on? You just found it-1.3 acres located in the gated community of Yellowtop Mtn in Rutherford County. Property has paved road access. POA fees are reasonable. Ideal spot for family getaway-3 golf courses are just a short ride away as well as Lake Lure and Lake James, if water sports are your thing. Boone is approx. 1 1/2 hour drive-great place to go skiing. Enjoy the weather of the "thermal belt"and explore our surrounding neighbors. The view from this property can not be beat. Priced to sell and wont last long.

$ 85,000.00

Rules on Life and how true they are..

Dawn LoPresti (United Country/Country Lanes Real Estate) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:15:25 -0500

I recently read an article that featured Bill Gates speech to a graduating class- " 10 Rules on Life". I read and them and was quite surprised on how true they were. What was more surprising was how much they parallel to the real estate world.

•1. Life is NOT fair-get used to it.

•2. The world doesn't care about your self-esteem. The world expects to you accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

•3. You will not make $ 60,000.00 right out of High School. (not in Real Estate either this past year-for most anyway)

•4. If you think teachers are tough-wait till you get a boss. (or a BIC)

•5. Flipping burgers is not beneath you-it was once called an opportunity.

•6. If you mess up-it's no ones fault but your own, DON'T whine about it-LEARN from it.

•7. Schools may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In school you get as many times as possible to get the right answer. That does NOT have any resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

•8. Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF.

•9. Television is not real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

•10. Be nice to nerds. Chances are you will end up working for one.

It is funny to look down the list and realize how many are oh so true.

School Schedule

Dawn LoPresti (United Country/Country Lanes Real Estate) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:51:31 -0500

School has started here in Rutherford County-here are some important dates to remember.

August

Date	Event
18-19	Optional Teacher Workdays
20-22	Required Teacher Workdays
25	First Day of School

September

Date	Event
1	Labor Day; no school

October

Date	Event
10	Optional Teacher Workday; no school for students
15	Report Cards

November

Date	Event
7	Professional Development for Staff; Early Dismissal
11	Veteran's Day holiday; no school
26	Optional Teacher Workday; no school for students
27-28	Thanksgiving Holidays; no school

December

Date	Event
3	Report Cards
19	School dismissed at 12:00 Noon
22-31	Christmas Holidays; no school

January

Date	Event
1-2	New Year's Day holiday; no school
14-16	End of Course Testing
19	Martin Luther King Day; no school
20-21	Optional Teacher Workdays; no school for students
28	Report Cards

February

Date	Event
20	Professional Development for Staff; Early Dismissal

March

Date	Event
6	Optional Teacher Workday; no school for students
11	Report Cards

April

Date	Event
10	Optional Teacher Workday; no school for students
13-17	Spring Vacation; no school

May

Date	Event
1	Optional Teacher Workday; no school for students
6	Report Cards
25	Memorial Day; no school

June

Date	Event
10	Last Day for Students, dismissal at 12:00 Noon
11	Required Teacher Workday
12	Optional Teacher Workday

Time to get your name out there!

Dawn LoPresti (United Country/Country Lanes Real Estate) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:43:40 -0500

Fall is my favorite time of the year-more holidays, fairs, festivals and all that fall in between. To me, that is the perfect time to get my name out there.

*Back to School*

~New school year for your kids-new people to meet. I have nieces and nephews, so I use them as mini billboards. Within the first week of school I send a business card to school with a little note introducing myself.

~School Raffles are the easiest way to get your name out there. Put in a $ 25.00 gas card for a raffle-every parent will know your name

*Halloween*

~Make and print labels to stick to your trick or treat candy. Parents will see label when inspecting treats.

~Last year our office handed out Trick or Treat bags with Name and office number on the bottom. Worked out great.

*October is Breast Cancer Awareness*

~Our office had a fundraiser last year, newspaper came out. It's a great opportunity for exposure as well as help a good cause.

Those are just to name a few. This is a great time to get known in your community-use the resources right in front of you.

Time to get your name out there

Dawn LoPresti (United Country/Country Lanes Real Estate) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:42:04 -0500

Fall is my favorite time of the year-more holidays, fairs, festivals and all that fall in between. To me, that is the perfect time to get my name out there.

*Back to School*

~School Raffles are the easiest way to get your name out there. Put in a $ 25.00 gas card for a raffle-every parent will know your name

*Halloween*

~Make and print labels to stick to your trick or treat candy. Parents will see label when inspecting treats.

~Last year our office handed out Trick or Treat bags with Name and office number on the bottom. Worked out great.

*October is Breast Cancer Awareness*

~Our office had a fundraiser last year, newspaper came out. It's a great opportunity for exposure as well as help a good cause.

Those are just to name a few. This is a great time to get known in your community-use the resources right in front of you.

Past buyers and sellers-where does the communication stop?

Dawn LoPresti (United Country/Country Lanes Real Estate) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 19:20:38 -0500

Being new to the business, I don't have many past clients. But for the ones I do have, I have been keeping in contact with them at least once a month. I call them-Ifeel it is more personal than an email. I also have them on a quarterly list of emails to be sent out with local calendar of events an such.

I have learned that if you keep in touch with past clients, you receive more benefits than you think.

1. Repeat Customers-if you treated them well the first time, they will be back

2. Referrals-if they enjoyed working with you and felt you represented them in a good manner, they will tell their friends and family.

3. Friendship-When you work with someone over a period of time-you learn a lot about people. Sometimes making friends.

Do you keep in contact with past clients?

How often to call your sellers??

Dawn LoPresti (United Country/Country Lanes Real Estate) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 19:10:11 -0500

This issomething we have gone back and forth with in our office. I try to email at least once a week to inform of showings, advertising and things like that. On a once a month basis I call-listening to any concerns or changes the seller may have.

However, when you run out of things to say-do you still call? If there isn't a showing to talk about-do you call?

I have clients that would love to get a call everyday-I just have nothing to tell them. Where do you find a happy medium?

Great Mountain Cabin

Dawn LoPresti (United Country/Country Lanes Real Estate) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:29:05 -0500

Enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature, wildlife including dear and turkey from your 48' covered porch. Watch as the sun rises over beautiful Golden Valley located in the foothills of Western NC. Walking and hiking opportunities abound in nearby South Mountains State Park. Rutherford County is also home to Chimney Rock, Lake Lure and 7 golf courses. Centered between Asheville and Charlotte North Carolina.

$ 237,900.00

1.56 acres

3 Bedrooms

2 Bathrooms

1344 Sq. ft

Built in 2006

Localism-where do i go from here??? Help!!

Dawn LoPresti (United Country/Country Lanes Real Estate) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:56:51 -0500

I thought it would be a great way to get my name out there by sponsoring my community in Localism. I followed the steps to "sponsor" said community and not I am stuck. How do I get my page to look the other ones on there. Is there a guideline to follow or do i just jump in? Can someone give me some pointers?

How are you coping in todays market???

Dawn LoPresti (United Country/Country Lanes Real Estate) — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:53:45 -0500

Next month will be my 1 year mark in the real estate world as an agent. I will be the first to admit that I entered this world at the wrong time, but surely I am not the only one with those thoughts. I feel like every time I turn the corner, there are more expenses coming my way-dues, supra keys, desk fees, special advertising, and classes-just to name a few. Plus, not to mention the ever-climbing gas prices.

How are you coping with these things? Do you work as a full time agent or do you have part time jobs to help through the tough times. And if that is the case, do you feel you are doing the best for the business and can you give 100% while working another job. I keep telling myself if I just hold on to until the smoke clears, this will all be worth it. The questions now is, how to hold on....

Are you getting much response to your Confidentials?

Dawn LoPresti (United Country/Country Lanes Real Estate) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:53:30 -0500

I am new at this, so forgive me if i dont do it right.

I would imagine that you get your daily confidentials as we do in our office does. I respond as promptly as possible with a personalized email e4enclosing a list of properties I think they be interested in. From some i get a polite "thank-but no thank you-we were just looking" or i get the "take me off your list". I have found some clients from my confidentials, but have yet to have some one buy or list something. And then there are the ones who never respond. How do you deal with that? One shot and then they are done or do you persist on?

Also what do you do the ones that give thier number, but are on the NO NOT CALL list? Do you still call? Do you leave them alone, potentially losing a sale?

Hello to Everyone

Dawn LoPresti (United Country/Country Lanes Real Estate) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:46:46 -0500

I am new to active rain and still learning the ins and outs-any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I look forward to networking with you all.

Thanks

Dawn