Sellingedge - Arizona Real Estate Tips By Gaylen

The Gift

Gaylen Thornton (Desert Heritage Real Estate) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:20:08 -0600

Do you give your very best at all times? The great American Olympic runner, Steve Prefontaine (1951-1975) said, "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." Talent alone is not enough and it is a waste if you do not give your best all the time. Excuses and lack of accountability for actions has hurt many a talented professional in every field of endeavor. It is something to think about, are you one who is sacrificing the gift you have?

Talk is Cheap

Gaylen Thornton (Desert Heritage Real Estate) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:44:41 -0600

The statement, "talk is cheap" goes hand in hand with watching what a person does. Years ago, a person's word was their bond. If a deal was "struck" and people shook hands on the agreement it was as good as gold. No attorneys were required, no long documents; a man's word was binding. In "those days," a person's integrity meant something to them. Most would rather die than lose their good name.

Unfortunately, a person's word does not mean what it did in the past. People will say anything to get what they want regardless of the truth of their statement or the intentions and motives they possess. In most cases, it is wise to watch what a person does before listening to what they say. It is disappointing that the virtues of honesty and integrity are taking such a beating.

Actions

Gaylen Thornton (Desert Heritage Real Estate) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:42:59 -0500

"If your action inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader" so said John Quincy Adams.

I sometimes wonder what actions real estate agents take to inspire others to dream. Are we part of the problem or the solution with our actions? It is worth thinking about.

Be Prepared - Better Yet - Prevent!

Gaylen Thornton (Desert Heritage Real Estate) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:04:33 -0500

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) estimates 33% don't wash their hands after using the restroom. They also determined that 80% of infectious disease is transmitted by touch. Put these two together and you are at risk when using touch points throughout the day. Touch points such as common door handles, counter tops, light switches, hand railings elevator buttons, etc.

In the fight against viral and bacterial infections such as H1N1 (Swine Flu), MRSA, and Influenza A, Varsity Contractors, a nationwide leader in janitorial cleaning services, is the preferred total facility company, to utilize BioShield 75. The JanOps® System delivers Varsity BioShield Services to protect building occupants and the public.

BioShield 75 creates an invisible coating killing microbes on contact and significantly reducing cross-contamination on facility touch-points. EPA-registered BioShield 75 is effective for 90 days on virtually every hard or soft surface application. BioShield 75 offers ongoing protection between regularly scheduled cleaning visits giving, you the peace of mind that your building's visitors, employees, and the public stay protected from surface contamination throughout the day.

Disinfectants only remain for a short period of time and DO NOT provide a barrier. So, if you are worried about your facility and want a "flu shot" for the your building for additional protection contact me. It is an inexpensive way to help prevent microbes lurking in your facilities.

Who is Minding the Listing?

Gaylen Thornton (Desert Heritage Real Estate) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:31:21 -0500

I pulled up to the listed home with clients in tow and as approach the door I see cobwebs around the handle and the lockbox. Information listed on the MLS sheet indicated the home on the market for over 215 days, which isn't unusual in this market. However, a surprise was waiting for me as I unlocked the box.

NO KEY IN THE LOCKBOX!!!!

I return to my car and immediately call the listing agent to inform him of this unfortunate occurrence and guess what, he had no clue. Yes, the listing was still open and available and no one had let him know there was no key. He was clueless about this property.

Who is minding his listing? No wonder the listing isn't selling if agents can't get in to show the home. This home is a short sale and so the agent appeared not to care. Why take a listing if you aren't going to follow through in a professional manner?

Agents have a code of ethics and professionals will do their best and live up to the responsibility they have on ALL listings and for buyers. Short sales and bank owned property's are difficult at best, however, if an agent isn't going to live up to the commitment and ethics in place - DO NOT TAKE THE LISTING.

The Sunday Difference

Gaylen Thornton (Desert Heritage Real Estate) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 21:21:37 -0500

Sunday is a "different" day! Sunday feels different, Sunday smells different, Sunday is the most unique day of the week. Whether you are a religious person or not, their is something special about Sunday and that special feel, smell, or sight, is uniquely different to everyone. If you haven't stopped to listen and feel the difference try it next week. I know you will find something to make you smile and bring some pleasant memories to your mind.

Professional Cleaning for Your Office

Gaylen Thornton (Desert Heritage Real Estate) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:12:09 -0500

Varsity Contractors, Inc. a premier total facility service provider has located to Peoria, Arizona. Varsity moved from Glendale into a spacious 8,500 square foot facility with 3,000 sq. ft. of office space and the remaining 5,500 to house equipment and chemicals to service over 550 accounts throughout Arizona and the Southwest.

For over fifty year's Varsity has been a leader in janitorial innovation and their state-of-the-art JanOps cleaning system is no exception. A system is something tangible and can be evaluated, unlike traditional cleaning methods that rely on a promise to do something. JanOps has specific output goals to get your facility in shape. S.H.A.P.E. is an acronym representing Varsity's unique approach to cleaning for Safety, Health, Asset Preservation, Performance, and the Environment.

If your Real Estate office is not receiving the cleaning attention it deserves Varsity will provide janitorial, maintenance and/or landscape service to one office or 26-story high-rise building and provide exceptional value regardless of size. To see how much money we can save you contact us for a free, no cost evaluation of services at 623-937-0000 or email gthornton@varsitycontractors.com.

Home Prices Move Up

Gaylen Thornton (Desert Heritage Real Estate) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:47:22 -0500

According to an article in the September 25th issue of the Phoenix Business Journal, home prices in the Phoenix area rose .08 percent from May to June. This is taken from the Arizona State University Repeat Sales Index.

This is the first month-to-month increase since 2007 and the median price of a home in the Phoenix area is $122,000 up from $119,000 in May.

According to the article these new numbers offer some evidence that "perhaps" the worst of the plunge in home prices may be over - at least for now.

Here is hoping that they are correct in there assessment!

Relocation Guide

Gaylen Thornton (Desert Heritage Real Estate) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:18:59 -0500

Thinking of moving to Arizona? Email me for your free, no obligation Phoenix Relocation Guide. The Valley of the Sun is a wonderful place to live and this guide has information on Business & Economy, Education, Healthcare, Housing, Leisure, Active Adults, and Getting started.

For clear, concise and pertinent information for your move: gthornton3@cox.net or visit my website: www.sellingedge-azre.com

Professionals Return Calls

Gaylen Thornton (Desert Heritage Real Estate) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:43:15 -0500

Professional agents return phone calls as soon as they can get the message. It is plain and simple and common sense to professional sales people who have sold in the real estate market and out of it for any length of time. With all the modern technology, cell phones, email, texting, what excuse is there for not returning calls to other agents? None!!!!! Why is this so hard to get across to agents in this industry?

I believe the problem stems from so many agents without any sales background or training. Just because you have a license DOES NOT MAKE YOU A SALES PROFESSIONAL. Seriously, if you think it does you are DEAD WRONG. You may be lucky and have sold a few homes or got a few listings but I am certain that once your family and friends run out you will be left without clients. Especially if you don't now sales techniques.

I wish I could say it is those NOT on Active Rain, but unfortunately it is some on here that are the worst offenders. It is a shame because there is a lot of good advice and information from professionals and it will help you increase sales if you follow it. For those of you who think you are professional, ready my ezine article and get some education. I guarantee it will help you!

I Don't Get It?

Gaylen Thornton (Desert Heritage Real Estate) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:13:21 -0500

I don't get it so please, someone, anyone, help me understand. Why do agents request a call to them to obtain the lockbox code when they don't use the MLS lockbox and then never call back with that information? The MLS indicates the listing as active and yet no call from the agent. Please, someone, explain to me how this is a benefit to the client and how they are getting their listing sold? I'm very puzzled.

West Valley Fall Fun

Gaylen Thornton (Desert Heritage Real Estate) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:38:10 -0500

October 24-25 Buckeye, Arizona celebrates Heritage Days and its rich culture and history. There are many fun activities including an antique tractor and engine show; an antique tractor pull and parade; a Lil' Miss and Mister Heritage Pageant for children; pumpkin patch; live and silent auction; food vendors; and arts and crafts.

There is fun for the whole family so mark your calendars and do not miss this fun fall event located in the west valley at Heritage Park at 809 North First Street in Buckeye.

Advice

Gaylen Thornton (Desert Heritage Real Estate) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 11:10:15 -0500

English author Samuel Johnson gave this sage comment, "Advice is seldom welcome. Those who need it most, like it least." There is excellent advice dispensed on Active Rain and I wonder how many take it to heart or think they do not need any of it. A wise person listens to advice, examines himself or herself to determine if it applies and if it fits and they use it to grow and develop, they benefit their clients. That is how they began wise. We should follow their example to benefit our clients as well.

A Role Model - I Think Not!

Gaylen Thornton (Desert Heritage Real Estate) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:07:51 -0500

National columnist, Terence Moore's headline in an article prepared for Fanhouse on Michael Jordan's Hall of Fame speech, wrote, "Jordan went from classy to clown." Terence hit the mark and no matter what excuse you choose to use, Jordan is "ultra-competitive" or Jordan has a big ego and that made him great and that ego was coming out in his speech, Michael Jordan was a clown.

No one doubts Jordan's greatness on the court and one "from the heart" speech will not change that perception. However, the legacy of Jordan, the human being, will forever be altered by his rude and vindictive speech. Michael has a right to his feelings, and to express them openly on his day at the Hall of Fame, or at any other time, but as ESPN columnist Rick Reilly wrote, "It [his speech] was tactless, egotistical and unbecoming. When it was done, nobody wanted to be like Mike." That is the best thing to come out of the speech.

These are two excerpts from an article, read the full text at https://thesellingedge.wordpress.com

Promote Yourself

Gaylen Thornton (Desert Heritage Real Estate) — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:24:19 -0500

It has been said, "If you don't go out and tell prospects how good your product [service] is: it's like winking at a girl in the dark -- you know it but she doesn't." As real estate practitioners we must promote our services and what we can do for our clients in any way possible. Some long time agents shy away from the new social media and will not adapt and blog.

It is a good time examine your marketing approach. How do clients find you? Can they find you and if so do they understand your specialty and how you can help them? If the can't and you are not utilizing various forms of social media, now is the time to jump in and promote yourself with the "new wave" of technology.

Success and Obstacles

Gaylen Thornton (Desert Heritage Real Estate) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:35:45 -0500

When I have success it feels sweet and the euphorialasts for a long time. When the joy happens I forget all about what it took to get to that point. Booker T. Washington put it in perspective when he said, "Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles that one has overcome while trying to succeed."

There so much wisdom in that statement. We grow by the things we overcome and learn. It has been said, "experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first and the lesson after."

Most times I'm not as appreciative of the growth and lessons learned but they have made me a much better person because I have overcome obstacles.

Surprise Fall Cleanup

Gaylen Thornton (Desert Heritage Real Estate) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:11:30 -0500

Surprise has set Saturday September 19th for the Fall Cleanup Event from 7 A.M. to 1 P.M. This activity is presented by Surprise and Waste Management and allows residents to drop off up to 2,000 pounds of residential waste free at the Northwest Regional Landfill. The address is 19401 W. Deer Valley Road.

Participants will be required to show proof of residency, via a driver's license and electric bill.

Hazardous waste items will not be accepted. These items will be collected at the city's Household Hazardous Waste event October 10th.

Surprise, A Safe Place to Live

Gaylen Thornton (Desert Heritage Real Estate) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:22:56 -0500

Surprise, Arizona is a very beautiful community and it has been named one of the safest cities in the country and the safest in Arizona, according to the 14th annual "City Crime Rankings: Crime in Metropolitan America" which was released on November 19, 2007.

Surprise Police Chief Dan Hughes said that a low crime rate boils down to "community partnerships." "We are extremely fortunate to have outstanding officers and a great public response to programs such as Block Watch."

Surprise ranked as the 33rd safest city in America and the highest in Arizona according to the survey.

If you are looking for a terrific place to live, activity oriented and very safe, try Surprise, Arizona. You won't be disappointed.

Shop and Enjoy Surprise

Gaylen Thornton (Desert Heritage Real Estate) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 21:16:11 -0500

A new 49,000 square foot Bashas Grocery Store is open in Surprise, Arizona at the southeast corner of Waddell and Reems Roads. Bashas is the anchor store in the Marley Park Plaza which is also home to a variety of retailers, restaurants and service-oriented businesses.

Surprise is a beautiful community in the Northwest area of the Valley of the Sun. Surprise reached the 100,000 population level just last year and is a clean and vibrant community. Take the time to visit and enjoy all the amenities Surprise has to offer.

The Fish are Biting

Gaylen Thornton (Desert Heritage Real Estate) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:52:05 -0500

If you are looking for a home in the west valley of Phoenix, try Surprise and you will find a fabulous place to live.

For a fun fishing outing without a long drive, cast your line right here in Surprise, Arizona. The Surprise Lake, just between the County library, and the new tennis complex is stocked with a variety of fish and the limits are posted for your convenience.

Walk around the lovely lake or picnic at one of the large pavilions that surround the lush lawn and play ground for the kids. The entire Surprise Recreation Campus is 180 acres and is home to the Texas Rangers and Kansas City Royals the 5 acre fishing lake, a dog park Arizona's largest playground, the Aquatic Center and the region library.

Surprise, Arizona is one of the most family friendly communities in the State of Arizona. Come and check out all the amenities that Surprise offers, you won't be disappointed in making it you home.

Secret Agent

Gaylen Thornton (Desert Heritage Real Estate) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 18:46:26 -0500

You decided to purchase, sell or lease your home in Surprise, Arizona and use a professional Realtor to insure fair and ethical treatment. Congratulations on your first correct decision! Now where do you go and how do you decide which agent to utilize? Let me suggest some criteria that might help you select the best person for you.

Does your potential Realtor really know Surprise? Are they a "secret agent" only visiting the community if they have a buyer? Do they "live" in the area or do they have a main office in the town which they rarely frequent? Many agents list homes in area's but really don't have first hand knowledge about the community, the amenities, schools and HOA information. Information that goes deeper than just the name of the schools or just handing you a package of Home Owner CCR's without knowledge of what they contain.

Is your agent involved in the community and do they know what is happening in the marketplace because of their contacts and service? Have they worked with property managers of HOA's and do they know what homes are selling and which are not because they are in the area. Anyone can get information from the ARMLS but the information obtained is basic about the home listed but almost nothing about the community or services offered.

Is your agent familiar with the new ordinances and/or laws that effect your ability to lease or rent your property. How about water issues that arise and could cost homeowners large increases in HOA dues?

Does your potential agent offer "full" service or do they buy and sell only, leaving you to find additional representation if you wish to lease? Many times an agent is selected based on their ad size and not on facts. Information is the key to success so take your time and select the one that can give you the details through experience and first hand knowledge. What you don't know can hurt you!

When you want the best in the west valley contact: gthornton3@cox.net

Are You Happy?

Gaylen Thornton (Desert Heritage Real Estate) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:05:16 -0500

Well known American film director, producer and screenwriter, George Lucas said, "If America is the pursuit of happiness, the best way to pursue happiness is to help other people." That is certainly wise advice and makes me wonder, how many of us are happy? Are we helping other people or are we thinking only of ourselves and our problems. Are you happy?

You are What You Show

Gaylen Thornton (Desert Heritage Real Estate) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:59:09 -0500

What kind of example are you? Someone once said, "People know what you are by what they see, not by what they hear." There are some brokers and agents on Active Rain that "talk" or "write" very well but unfortunately their actions don't mesh with what they portray. It is unfortunate they have not learned, talk is cheap, you are what you show, not what you say.

Warnings

Gaylen Thornton (Desert Heritage Real Estate) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 00:30:00 -0500

I was in the grocery store this afternoon and as I was checking out several patrons left with their purchases and one set off the noisy "inventory control device". The purpose of this device and the loud sound is to help prevent customers from taking unpaid items from the store. The intent is good but as the sound went off, almost everyone either glanced at the door or ignored the sound completely. Not one employee went to check and see if anything was amiss. Every time I have been in the store when this has happened the same scenario happens. Nothing!

I couldn't help but think about the warning signs that our listing clients give us and how we react to them. When they refuse to declutter, keep clean or make available their home for viewing do we ignore these warning signs? Sometimes we have these signs all around us but we refuse to heed them and then wonder why the home isn't selling. It would be wise to check out the warning signs and make our life easier.

What does the Graphic Say???

Gaylen Thornton (Desert Heritage Real Estate) — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 12:16:07 -0500

When you get to the bottom of a post to leave a comment sometimes a box appears and the comment asks "What does the graphic say?" Occasionally a real word is listed but most of the time the "word" is gibberish. I chuckle at some of the graphics listed and as I was entering one today I thought, who thinks up these graphics? What an interesting job to come up with a combination of gibberish to make sure spam isn't getting through. How creative would I needto be to come up with millions of combinations to save us all? Has anyone else noticed or thought about these words?

Now before someone says it is all computer randomly generated, I realize that, and I do know there isn't someone sitting there just thinking this stuff up. But it is fun to think about it, don't ya think? I guess simple minds are amused by simple things.