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Cheap...errr, inexpensive tip for staging - 06/15/10 03:58 PM
While this is too short for an blog, I wanted to share a quick tip for cheap staging. When it comes to guiding your sellers on staging & the "in" paint colors, just send them to the Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware websites and have them check the furniture section. See all of the wall colors? Have them paint their rooms those colors. These companies spend BIG $ on paint color research so we don't have to:) Hope this helps!
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Do you present the offer in person? - 06/11/10 08:23 AM
Back in the old days, agents here in Northern Virginia all represented the Seller. I would drive buyers around for weeks (or months) and learn all about their hopes & dreams (and what fast food joints they liked) so I could help them find the house of their dreams. I would then write an offer and make an appointment with the listing agent to present the buyer's offer. When I would get to the table with the Seller & the Seller's agent, I would tell them I represented THEM - the Seller. Thank goodness back in early '90's we began Buyer … (8 comments)
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What is "normal"? - 06/10/10 09:42 AM
One of the biggest gray/problem areas in our contract is the word "normal". Who decided what normal is? I'm referring to our "paragraph 7" items for equipment that conveys with the property. In Northern Virginia, we break down home inspection items into two catagories:
1. Our contract includes a paragraph (#7) that states the Seller warrants that, except as otherwise provided, the existing appliances, heating, cooling, plumbing electircal systems and equipment as well as smoke & heat detectors will be in NORMAL working order.
2. Everything else that is not included in the above paragraph 7 list.
What happens if the … (2 comments)
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Do You Lowes? - 06/09/10 03:52 PM
Have you taken advantage of the Lowes Realtor Benefits program? It is a great way to cross brand - and save YOU money. You can order gift cards for 5% off! I plan to buy a dishwasher in the next few days and printed off a 10%off coupon from their website. I then ordered $600 in gift cards that only costs me $570. When I am done with my purchase of the $700 dishwasher, I will have saved $100 - just because of the Lowes Realtor Benefits program.
I also like this program because as I enter new clients, they receive … (5 comments)
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Do you wear your nametag with pride? - 06/08/10 03:53 PM
While I have no official statistics, I honestly believe that when I wear my name tag during an openhouse I get better responses to my follow up marketing. I notice during the open house how visitors glance periodically at my name tag and refer to me by my name during conversations. Each time they look at that nametag they can't help but take a mental snap-shot of my name.
When I follow up with visitors the next day after wearing my nametag people seem to remember me AND respond to my follow up activities. In fact most of my business comes … (2 comments)
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Do you know your state's foreclosure redemption period? - 06/07/10 09:17 AM
Well, I wasn't sure. Turns out Virginia doesn't have one - phew! Why is this so important? Apparently, as of May 27, Fannie Mae will no longer offer loans until the redemption period has expired. In California, Alabama and other states, this time frame is 365 days! You can look your state up by clicking on the following link: http://www.realtytrac.com/foreclosure-laws/foreclosure-laws-comparison.asp
Since I did not create this information, I can not verify that it is completely accurate.
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Sellers, PLEASE leave! - 06/05/10 01:31 PM
I'm sure all my Realtor peeps can totally sympathize with this situation. I had a scheduled showing on a promising home and when we arrived I used the lockbox for entry, but rang the door bell before I opened the door. (I always do this regardless of whether I know the seller is home or not so that my visit is recorded on the lockbox). Well, the Seller was there. I apologized for "intruding" and he said nothing - just sat in his recliner watching TV. OMG, the smell of this guy could've knocked you over! After a few minutes he … (4 comments)
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Realtor Compensation for Lost Income Due to BP Oil Spill BP - 06/05/10 08:50 AM
From the cover, this looks like BP MAY be doing something right. Hope this helps my fellow Realtors on the Alabama, Florida, Lousiana & Mississippi coasts. While this wont cover all of your losses, I guess something is better than nothing.
Read More: http://money.cnn.com/2010/06/03/smallbusiness/bp_wage_claims/index.htm
Apply for a claim: http://www.disasterassistance.gov/disasterinformation/deepwater.html#claim
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You HAVE to ask - 06/04/10 10:36 AM
I was just reading a post on FB from an agent who wrote an offer for a client's daughter on a property. Only after the offer was accepted did she discover that the daughter was working with another agent. I just cringed at the thought of being either agent at this point in time.
You HAVE to ask the simple question when you meet your client the very first time: Have you entered into an Exclusive Buyer Agreement with another agent? Some buyers may have done so without knowing it. I show them the document and ask: Have you seen or signed … (3 comments)
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How Long Would You Wait? - 06/03/10 07:50 PM
So, we just had a pretty good rain storm here in Northern Virginia. I head out early to meet a prospective renter just about 30 minutes (rush hour) away. Half way there I get a call from the person advising me they will most likely be 30 minutes late so can I wait for them? Sure - since I may need a little extra time due to the storm traffic. Unfortunately, It end up taking me 38 minutes to get there & when I send them a text to let them know I'm almost there they reply "Oh, we left". grrrr.
I … (3 comments)
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Heather Embrey , Your :) Real Estate Source
Falls Church,
VA
More about me…
McEnearney Realtors Northern Virginia 571-236-2616
Office Phone: (703) 790-9090 x 447
Cell Phone: (571) 236-2616
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