Dwayne's Blog

Marketing Me!

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 04:06:23 -0800

I have tried to be an “open book” about who I am and how I am. I’ve tried to be honest and “on point” without exaggeration when it comes to marketing me as a great REALTOR.

This is often the place where we compare ourselves to others. I think this is a mistake. I think that this is the place where I share my work ethic and my goals and my values. In marketing your home, you are getting my best work. I’m not saying I work harder, or that I’m smarter than any other agent. I can tell you what I will do to help market your home. I will tell you that I invest lots of money on internet advertising. I will tell you honestly what I believe the market says about your home. I will answer calls, fax and emails regarding your home. I know for a fact that price is the number one issue in marketing your home – it has to be priced right.

You can ask me anything about me or about what I do. I’m not trying to “wow” you into letting me work for you. I’m trying to tell you in the most simple and plain way that if you’re in the market to sell or buy Real Estate, I’ll work hard for you. I believe I’m successful in Real Estate because I’m sticking to my values of Hard Work, Honesty and Integrity.

You can reach me by Phone, Email, Facebook, Twitter, Linked-In, pinterest, Google, Active Rain, westgahome.com, westgamarketsnapshot.com, dhicksonline.com or come by my office at 850 Cedar Street in Carrollton, GA – I’d love to meet you in person!

Pressing On!

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Email, Txt or Phone Calls - Communication Strategies

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:37:47 -0800

Communication is the “life-blood” of relationships of all kinds. Its importance can’t be overestimated. I believe for REALTORS we must communicate carefully, consistently and completely with the people in our lives – our family, customers, colleagues & clients.

The modes of communication have changed rapidly in the last few years. Just over 10 years ago, we didn’t have the number of cell phones or the smart phone technology that we have today. We simply called clients and had a phone conversation. Today, we have email, text and Facebook messenger to name a few. I think it is important to find out how clients like to be communicated with. I turned 50 back in October and I learned recently that the average age of a REALTOR is 51 – so I guess I’m average. The average client is age 36 – 15 years younger! Texting is fast becoming the preferred mode of communication. I have a lot of clients under age 30 who love texting. I first learned to text because my kids love to text. I can most often get an immediate response from texting and not be able to speak with them on the phone. You can text when in a large meeting, (although it’s still has etiquette issues) when you can’t answer the phone.

Email is closing in on texting as a favored mode of communication, because of the great detail you can add to what’s being communicated. You can attach multiple documents, pictures, etc. to can email. Today’s smart phones have email coming to your phone, so you no longer have to be at your laptop or desktop to email clients. I’ve forwarded contracts, plats and closing statements all from my smart phone.

WARNING! There is a big danger in this type of communication. When texting or emailing there is matter of tone. If I’m not careful, it will seem like I’m frustrated in a text or email when I’m really not. These types of communications do not have emotion included. They are sometimes received with emotion. Sometimes I simply pick up the phone and decide NOT to email or text anymore about a certain subject because of the emotion involved. There are times that even a phone call is too impersonal and a face to face meeting is in order.

Knowing how to communicate with clients is often just as important as WHAT we communicate. The message isn’t a message at all until it’s received and what the client receives is REALLY the message. Communication is VERY CRUCIAL to all our relationships – we must get it right!

Press On!

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Morning

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 06:07:57 -0800

I love the morning time. Everything seems new and fresh with every new morning. Think about – a new day is beginning. The new day can hold so much promise and hope. It can bring solutions to struggles. It can bring hope to what seems like hopeless situations. I like to the think of the morning as a “fresh start” on many fronts. The mistakes of yesterday or now history and I have a new canvas to paint upon today.

Good morning world! Let’s get started!!

Pressing On!

Dwayne

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

I Killed The Deal!!

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 11:59:05 -0800

Sometimes it’s easy to make a mistake and kill the deal.

I had a listing that didn’t look great “on paper”, meaning the sellers were way out of price for what they were describing to me. However, I told my assistant that I would go through the process with them to see exactly where things were. The people reminded me of my Mom and Dad and out of respect for them, I wanted to give this my best shot. After meeting with them in the office, I set an appointment to go see their property. It was to be after picking up my kids from school. I didn’t write it down on my calendar.(Big Mistake) My daughter called and asked to do something for her and off I went. I called the seller today to apologize and they have “made other arrangements”. I felt bad, mainly because I had not meant to disrespect their time. I will be looking to see this property in the MLS – Oh Well.

I’ve determined that there are 4 things to do when I make a mistake.

1. Take responsibility that is really mine

2. Ask for forgiveness

3. Make Amends

4. Move On!

I’m on to present an offer to a seller. I’m writing this blog for therapy too!! I hate that I make mistakes.

Pressing On!

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Attention FSBO's

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 09:01:30 -0700

I passed by a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) on my way in to the office this morning. I was reminded of my interview with the couple of this particular house. They, as many sellers, thought that their house was worth way more than the market says. If top producing REALTOR’S are trying to list your house, then you have priced yourself out of the market. If sellers price themselves outside of the market, they will watch their home sit on the market for months.

The Real Estate market is still viable, but you must be priced to sell within this market. The market does not have emotion. The market is just facts. I’ve had many conversations with sellers who will need to sit out for several months. I’m happy to list new properties for sale in this market, but the property needs to be priced properly.

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

It's Time For Cleaning

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 10:15:51 -0700

I am about to do some major cleaning and put stuff in closets and store it away for possible reference, but not daily use.

I'm talking about cleaning up my computer. These machines are much like our home or office. File folders need to be purged and cleaned up. I keep everything until the file closes and there are times, that I just need to clean it up before filing. My computer files are no different. I still have property photos on homes that I sold nearly a year ago. These are taking up valuable space in my harddrive. I can compress files and then archvive them and take up very little space. I can also drop the archives on a small thumb drive of 8 Gig or so.

I really need to do this a lot more often as I can tell a huge difference in the speed of my computer.

Press On!

Dwayne

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Advertising Splash!

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 18:14:25 -0700

Our company built a parade float for the Peoples Parade for the 4^th of July in our town of Carrollton, Georgia. We went with the theme of "Backyard Bar-B-Q. We had a playhouse on the back of a 24’ trailer. We had agents to build a picket fence, agents who painted. We then put down green indoor/outdoor carpet for the grass, a kiddie pool with agents kids and a grill with a friend cooking real burgers. We passed out small American flags with our company name on the stick, patriotic wrapped bubble gum, branded jar openers and small branded Frisbees. We won 1^st place in the small business category! I am so proud of our team.

Now, the real work begins. The parade is a huge advertising splash. There were probably 7 – 8 thousand people along the parade route. It was a great opportunity to make a statement that our company is here and we are a strong, independent real estate company. I am constantly challenging our agents to be over the top with excellent service. Our advertising is only worth it if we can deliver!

I’m grateful to all who participated in the parade – because in the end I felt like we found favor with the people among whom we work and live. That can turn into listings and buyers who need our services. That makes the hard work worth it.

Pressing on!

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Time

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 22:24:08 -0700

I recently went on a great vacation with my family and had a blast hanging out and getting some much needed time away. My assistant did an outstanding job keeping work moving right along. Right before I left I was working on two listings that looked to be very good prospective sales. In fact both owners said to call them when I returned and we would list their properties respectively.

So I get into the office on the Monday morning after vacation (an hour early) knowing that today will be a tough day playing catch up and touching all my clients and customers. I get an email from the one man who’s decided “to go a different route for the next 90 days”. I interpreted that as, listing with someone else. About 30 minutes later, the other man calls to tell me he sold his house to a friend of a friend on Fathers Day. I was stunned. This was two really good listing leads that could have potentially generated good income.

I should have wrapped up both listings BEFORE going on vacation. I had a friend remind me that he was told early on in Real Estate that TIME IS NOT YOUR FRIEND in Real Estate. I concur. This was a hard lesson learned. What makes each situation harder is that I had already been working my network and had a prospective buyer for each listing – bummer.

I responded to each man with as much grace and understanding as I could muster. If I were a drinking man, I would have probably left the office at 9:30 AM for a strong stiff drink. I sucked it up and before the end of the day had written two offers and listed two more homes. I’m thankful for the business that I do have and I must keep my head up!

I’m pressing on!!

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Anticipation

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Wed, 18 May 2011 14:02:37 -0700

Anticipation
My 13 year old son Matthew, recently sold an item on e-bay for much more than I thought it was worth and he turned right around and purchased a used Macbook computer from e-bay after putting some birthday money with it. The order was placed and the money changed hands, we began waiting for the package to arrive.

So it’s a gorgeous Saturday morning and the sun is out. Matthew and Luke and their two cousins will play for a while outdoors, then Matthew returns to the front porch where he can see the mail truck arrive. He is waiting and waiting. I forgot to mention that I had received a notice on my front door that said a parcel that required a “signature upon delivery” was waiting on me at the post office. I went by the Post Office and I knew when I saw the box that it was the long awaited package. I called my wife to see what the kids were doing and Matthew was still waiting on the porch for the mail truck. I could hardly wait to get home.

It was lots of fun seeing the joy and excitement on his face when his “new” computer arrived. He loves learning and working on his computer – what can I say, he’s a bit of a geek like his dad! I remember being a kid and anticipating something new and watching my son took me back. Oh to be a kid again and be full of anticipation and excitement! That's how I want to view my work with clients and customers!

Pressing On!
Dwayne

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Walt Disney is Alive and Living In Georgia

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Tue, 17 May 2011 18:22:50 -0700

I can't believe it - I got a lead from Walt Disney recently on my website. He wanted to know the value of his home here in Carroll County. Unfortunately I couldn't help him, because he didn't give his street address on the input form.

I know that people want anomonity, but good grief - could they not be more creative than that?

I want to work everyday to build trust in the community that I work - so that people know I will not pester them to death. I will not make false promises. I will not fluff up the CMA just to tell them what they want to hear. I will speak truthfully - deal with them respectfully and honestly.

I guess Walt really doesn't live here - I must confess though, it made me smile.

Pressing On!

Dwayne

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

I Forgot My Cell Phone

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Sun, 08 May 2011 07:39:17 -0700

I had an unusual Saturday recently – I was home working around the house! (Saturday’s are usually a working day for a REALTOR.) I was working on a project and needed a quick “Home Depot run” to pick up parts and supplies. Since I only live about 5 minutes away, I jumped in the car and headed that way. About a mile from my house, I realized that I had forgotten my phone at home. A ton of questions flooded my mind….. Should I turn the car around and go get it? What will happen if my wife calls? What if my car breaks down? What if I have a flat tire? What if I need to play games while waiting in line to check out? Can I make it for 30 minutes without my cell phone?

My cell phone is a must for many reasons… in fact I made a list:
1.    I can talk from most any place – especially with Verizon !
2.    I can have a text conversation – while on the phone.
3.    I can check my email and respond quickly.
4.    I can enter an appointment on my calendar from my phone.
5.    I can use the phone’s GPS feature. (It’s better than my Garmin)
6.    I can use my Supra E-Key from my phone to open houses.
7.    I can surf the internet at a moment’s notice.
8.    I can have my own “hotspot” for my laptop internet connection.
9.    I can update Twitter and Facebook.
10.    I can check today’s weather and the week ahead
11.    I can take pictures of listings, or video something that’s funny or rare.
12.    I can record ideas and things using the voice recorder
13.    I can use my phone as a translator from English to Spanish for my son Luke.
14.    I can use my phone as a flashlight.
15.    I can use my phone to geocache.
16.    I can use my phone to play angry birds, spades, hearts…or hundreds more.

I could go on and on and on! My phone is probably more important than my computer and that is saying a lot. I can remember a time when I didn’t have a cell phone and we did fine – it was a bit harder to on work mobility.
It seems with such a time-saving device that I should have lots of time for relaxation with my family. I think I’ve found ways to do more work. I need to take a breath and leave my phone behind a bit more often – a brief break won’t stop the wheels of real estate. By the way, I actually made the trip to Home Depot and back just fine and I missed no calls or important emails during the trip!

Pressing On!
DH

P.S. Can you help me add to the list of phone uses?

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Emotional Buyers & Sellers

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Thu, 05 May 2011 05:59:43 -0700

I’ve heard that buyers buy with emotion. I have found that to be true many, many times. I’ve been showing a property to buyers that I’ve been working with for a while and I know upon entrance to the property that they want to buy this property.
As a buyer’s agent, I try to educate them to look carefully at the infrastructure of the property. They must fight the temptation to fall in love with a property. In this market of foreclosures, the competition for a great deal is fierce at times. Often REALTORS love the fact that buyers buy with emotion. I think sometimes sellers sell with emotion too. Emotion confuses the situation tremendously. Emotions often cause major mistakes. A wise person is one who is aware of the part that emotion plays in the situation and locates a proper place to put it.

As an agent for the seller (aka Listing Agent), I should help them emotionally detach themselves from their house. To start with, I call it a house versus calling it a home. This is subtle but can help with the emotional detachment process. Sellers should be careful not to factor too much of their “sweat equity” into the selling process – not if they really want to sell their home. This kind of emotional attachment makes the seller unreasonable. Negotiation is impossible between two parties, when one party is completely unreasonable.

Buying or selling a home should be a carefully made decision based upon facts and available resources and a clear understanding of the market conditions. I council buyers to make sure they are comfortable with the payment structure of the purchase. If they love to eat out, go on vacation, go to the movies and other fun stuff; they should factor all of this into their budget. I encourage them to be married to their spouse NOT their house! I will council sellers to set realistic goals regarding the proceeds from the sale of their house. I know that they would like to make a lot of money on the sale, but in the market is oblivious to this. The market value is determined by what a buyer is willing to pay for their house. Market value is often skewed by the sellers.

If I want my buyers & sellers to refer me later to a friend, I must show competence and offer wise council through the purchase process of their new home or the sale of their house.

Pressing On!
Dwayne

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Negotiation Position

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Mon, 02 May 2011 08:54:09 -0700

My wife and I recently adopted a 11 year old son from Nicaragua and he’s quite a little character. He is learning English very quickly and my Spanglish is still pretty bad. We communicate very well. He has a quick response when you ask him if he likes something. His response to this question is: “so so”, 90% of the time! I thought about his bargaining position. He has me constantly trying for a “berry good” response from him! Smart kid!

As a buyer’s agent, I need to educate my buyers to not “tip their hand” about how much they like a property to anyone but me. If the sellers become aware of their love for the property, the stronger bargaining position is with the seller. Buyers must be patient, methodical and unemotional in their purchase of a home. As they look at each property, they should have the opinion that the property is “so so”!

Pressing On!
Dwayne

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

What A Difference A Day Makes

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Mon, 02 May 2011 07:02:16 -0700

This past week on Wednesday, a day of storms ripped through the south that changes thousands of lives forever. I can’t get my head wrapped around the amount of damage done by this monster Tornado in Alabama and Georgia. I’ve heard that statement in reference many things over the years. Most recently our church began a sermon series by that title. I’m grateful for the hope I have in God that this world is NOT my home.

I was on YouTube yesterday looking again at all the footage and there was so much destruction and chaos that it disturbed me deeply. When our homes are taken from us and all the possessions we have, it seems that we’ve lost everything. Some people lost family; some lost friends; children lost parents. I know that I can pray for these people, but we need to do more than pray. These are my neighbors. Our church is joining with a church in Ringgold, GA to help that area. Our largest local company is doing a drive to gather supplies and food.

This tragedy reminded me that the things that are most important to me are not things – they’re people. My wife and children are eternal and they mean more to me than my life. I’m really praying for those who lost what is most important. I’m determined to give generously too.

Pressing On!
Dwayne

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Company Marketing

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 21:57:34 -0700

Some days I feel like I worked hard on lots of stuff, but it doesn’t always generate income. However, there are times to invest in the big picture. This was one of those weeks. Marketing for our company is a big deal. We are the largest independent Real Estate firm in West Georgia. It’s important to keep the public aware of our presence and the excellent service we provides.

Our company is having an exhibit at a Tractor Show tomorrow and Sunday and we needed to build the exhibit to showcase our agents and our company. I am excited about meeting people and sharing about the real estate market.
I spent a good bit of time on the presentation and it will set up personal presentations by our agents. There is a lot of interest in Real Estate and I’m excited about how our company is poised to serve the public in their real estate needs – one transaction at a time.

Metro West is a full-service Real Estate firm with over 30 agents ready to assist buyers and sellers. I can tell you that our agents are well educated and they each have a strong work ethic. I’m also proud of our office support staff. We have the best office manager and MLS secretary in the business. I am so thankful for all their hard work to make our company function properly and keep us up to date with all that is happening around the office.

I am personally thankful for my assistant, Ophelia Gaskin. She has the strongest work ethic of anyone I know. She can investigate anything and she works long hours meeting the needs of her clients and often the needs of my clients too.

It’s been a long day, but a good day.

Pressing On!
DH

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

The New Normal

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 08:56:50 -0800

I recently returned from and 11 day trip Nicaragua after a year of working toward adopting a handsome 11 year old boy named Luke. He's home with me and my famiy and He is quite funny and easy going. He is learning English or at least learning to communicate with his new Dad who knows very little Spanish.

This week I have worked on closings, showing homes, getting first time home buyers pre-approved and also was able to attend our top producer banquet for our board of Realtors. I was amazed to find that 4 out the five top producers in our board were REO listing agents. Real estate is way different that it once was. The number one property search we do here in Carroll County is foreclosures. These bank owned properties are still priced below a slumping market price.

So the New Normal is selling homes that are way down in price, no matter how much the seller paid or still owes. The foreclosures must be sold so the market can rebound. We’re still a long way off from a rebound in my opinion. Just like my new adopted son changes things at my house, these REO properties have changed real estate for years and years to come. We must adjust to this new normal or find other work.The New Normal

Press On!
Dwayne Hicks

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Bigger Than Me

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 10:15:48 -0800

I haven't blogged in a while due to my involvement in something way bigger and much more important. Check this out....

About a year ago, my wife and I were presented the opportunity to be a part of a group of four families who wanted to adopt 5 orphans from the same family in Nicaragua. I could never have imagined the crazy ride we’ve been on since then. We are about two weeks from bringing them home and it often seems surreal. We’ve been tested, investigated and screened like you can hardly imagine. We’ve passed all the tests and we’re down to the end. Here’s a link to an article that was published in our local newspaper: http://times-georgian.com/bookmark/11080511

_____________________

The following is from our Adoption Coordinator, Cyndi McCauilffe:

THE ARTICLE INCORRECTLY STATED .COM INSTEAD OF .ORG. Please help these wonderful families bring these kids home to Carroll County. This is a wonderful testament to God's calling us to take care of the orphans and widows. And though each of these families have served without any thoughts of adding to their families. Each of these famlies were already beyond the thought of adding more when God spoke to them to love these children as their own. Thank you to the Lovelady, Hicks, Martinez and Sullivan Families. We are proud of you. Adoption is a huge financial burden for anyone, one that usually families prepare for over time. These families were presented with this unique situation at a later time in each of their lives with children at home already to support. They heard God's call. And the children must be home before March 1st. Please visit www.goalsforgod.org/puzzle or you can send a check to Southern Hills Christian Church and please make sure to Note in the Memo: Nicaragua Adoption Fund. I know these families hearts. They are a blessing to us all. - CM

_____________________

This has been something way bigger than me and my or four families. In fact, it’s bigger than our church and our community. It’s about being a human being serving others in need. It’s way bigger than we ever dreamed or imagined. On February 24, 2011 we hope to land in Atlanta, GA with 5 new beautiful children who will instantly become US Citizens! If you’d like to contribute to this monumental task, we’d love to have the help – but we need your prayers more than ever for the timeline here at the end is very tight! www.goalsforgod.org/puzzle

Pressing On!
Dwayne

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Winter Weather Driving

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 08:56:19 -0800

I was actually showing property on a "snowed in" day here in West Georgia. I had some friends/clients from Montana who wanted to see houses yesterday - it was great! They agreed to drive, because they are used to this white stuff.

I also had to do some driving after that and I've come to the conclusions that in winter weather conditions, there are three types of drivers.

1. Cocky - Stupid Drivers

These are drivers who like to play around and drive fast just to get a rush of sledding in a 3000 lb heated cab-sled!

2. Confident - Steady Drivers

These are drivers who stay steady and consistent - not too slow and not too fast!

3. Timid - Scaredy Cat Drivers

These are drivers who should stay home. There is such a thing as driving too slow!

This is my opinion and I welcome you to choose which catagory you're in. You may want to plant your tongue in your cheek and read this again!! :-)

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Anatomy Of A Home Purchase With Cash

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 08:49:38 -0800

I presently have several buyers with cash. (I feel blessed!) I wanted to spell out the purchase of home in simple steps and simple terms. Please feel free to comment.

Anatomy Of A Purchase Transaction
(with CASH)
1.        You and your REALTOR choose just the right home for you
2.         Make an offer
3.         Fully Executed Date is confirmed
4.        Home Inspection/Final Walk Thru
5.        Closing

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Winter Weather Watch

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 18:27:24 -0800

I live and work in West Georgia and tonight we're expecting some some winter weather. Schools have been cancelled for tomorrow and the milk and bread have disappeared from the store shelves. I figured I had better hurry up and post a blog before the freezing rain takes out the power.

My son, who is 12 has been watching the sky and excited that snow is on the way. We love snow ice cream!

I must say that i've been a bit entertained at all the hoopla and crazy behavior that accompanies the threat of winter weather here in the deep south. I probably will go off road with some four-wheeler action tomorrow and let the crazy drivers have the paved roads!

Let is snow - I couldn't make it stop if I wanted to!

Anyone want to see one of my listings tomorrow? - just thought I'd ask!!

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

My Favorite Christmas Card!

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 08:45:08 -0800

"He had a different kind of birth

He had a different kind of kingdom

and He wore a different kind of crown.

This Christmas and in the New Year to come

May His Kingdom Reign In Your Heart"

"He will reign over the house of Jacob forever;

His Kingdom will never end." - Luke 1:33 NIV

Have a blessed Christmas!

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Christmas Reflections

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 09:16:10 -0800

Every year about this time, I read a book that continually shapes my thinking about Christmas each year. The book is, "God Came Near" by Max Lucado. This little paper back book had become a bit dog-eared and worn, but is full of truth and interesting descriptions of what was going on at the birth of Jesus and just how real is really was. We tend to glamorize being born in a barn, but it really wasn't all that glamorous, but the Baby born there sure did finish his time on earth very strong. Check this out....

All the splendor of heaven revealed in a human body. For a period ever so brief, the doors to the throne room were open and God came near. His Majesty was seen. Heaven touched the earth and, as a result, earth can know heaven.

Majesty in the midst of the mundane. Holiness in the filth of sheep manure and sweat. Divinity entering the world on the floor of a stable, through a womb of a teenager and in the presence of a carpenter.

This baby had overlooked the universe. These rags keeping him warm were the robes of eternity. His golden throne had been abandoned in favor of a dirty sheep pen. And worshipping angels had been replaced with kind, but bewildered shepherds.

The omnipotent, in one instant, made himself breakable. He who sustains the world with a word chose to be dependable upon the nourishment of a young girl.

Thank your God, our Father for giving us gifts of grace, mercy, love, forgiveness, hope and peace – all in one gift – a baby, a savior, a king.

(Max Lucado "God Came Near")

Merry Christmas everyone - Let's celebrate Jesus birthday right!!

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

A Christmas Gift Idea

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 22:58:13 -0800

A Christmas Gift Idea!

I love the Christmas season - giving gifts is tons of fun. I love being a Dad and giving gifts to my family. I'm also looking forward to our office Christmas party with secret Santa gifts. I came across a funny gift recently that I'm not sure would work for everyone on my list. It might just work for the office party. lol Check out this photo:

Only for the “inny’s” not “outies” – just sayin!!

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Black Friday Sickness

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 11:46:09 -0800

I got up early to help my wife find some great deals at Target, Walmart & Staples. That was a treat - to be awakened at 3:45 am! I headed to Target only to see a line that went down beside the parking lot and around near Zaxby's Restaurant - unbelievable! I marveled at the mass of people, but I couldn't be too hard on them, I was among them! Once inside the store, you had to stand in other lines depended on what item you were there for - I drew the line on standing in line for another hour.

I went to Walmart and found a similar senerio. Only they had sold out of some thing prior to the time they were advertising - oh well. I stood in line for a camera for my wife and then the line didn't move and there were two cashiers for all 149 people ahead of me, so I left.

My last stop was Staples where as soon as you arrived you were asked what items you were there for and you were given a ticket for that item guaranteeing you could buy it. The camera was finally mine along with several other electronic gadgets and I headed home around 6:30 AM. After a short nap, I got a doctors appointment for my 12 year old who had been sick the day before and my daughter who thought that her bronchitis had returned. I took them to the Dr. at 8:30 and found out my son has strep and my daughter has the flu! It's gonna be a fun day today!! The Dr. kept saying that they call it "Black Friday" for a reason! I spent the rest of the morning getting the prescriptions filled. I'm thankful for Doctors and medicine and I'll just enjoy serving and nursing my kiddos back to health!!

Black Friday shopping is a sickness! So is strep and flu and today I've got it all!

Pressing on!

Dwayne

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042

Thanksgiving Grace

Dwayne Hicks (Metro West Realty) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 07:22:42 -0800

I remember when my children were small and they had learned to say "grace" - the prayer of thanks that we always have before diving into a meal. Thanksgiving meals are usually a feast with all the trimmings. It didn't seem to matter which one was called upon to word the prayer of thanks, they would always name every specific food that was on the table including the bread and drinks and they would also be thankful for all the people on earth as well as all the animals too! I loved it. In fact I've tried to keep it a practice to be thankful for every single detail of my life. I don't want to leave anything out.

With A Thankful Heart

Dwayne

Dwayne Hicks, Broker

Metro West Realty
850 Cedar StreetCarrollton, GA 30117
dhicks@mwestrealty.com
www.westgahome.com (custom home search)
770-836-0042