Everything Valdosta, Georgia

Dotloop or DocuSign?

Janice MacMillan, ABR, SFR, CDPE~Military Relo. (ERA Joyner Realty) — Wed, 22 May 2013 05:51:01 -0700

Dotloop or DocuSign? What is your preferance?

As I sit at my desk yesterday sorting through the many signature sheets for buyer, seller as well as buyer and seller. DocuSign or Dotloop are looking better and better to me. It seems like such a waste of time not to mention paper going back and forth 15 times with documents until we have all signatures on the same sheet.

Valdosta is a small town and a small town that does not take kindly to change. No one that I know of uses either of these programs. So, what to do? Become a trend setter? My concern is that should I ever submit an offer to another agent through one of these programs I am going to get that strange puzzled look and the "what's this" question as well as some resistance.

So what are some of your thoughts on these programs or maybe you have another you like better? I would love to know what it is.

If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING a home in Lowndes County or the surrounding area and want a professional consultation on current market conditions, please contact me at 229.834.0946 or e-mail me at janice.macmillan@mchsi.com or visit my website at http://lowndescountyhomes.com

Janice MacMillan, Realtor

ERA Joyner Realty
231 Northside Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
229.241.8884 (Office)
229.834.0946 (Cell)
229.241.9994 (Fax)

New Listing #17 Live Oak Trail Lakeland GA (Banks Lake Pointe Sub.

Janice MacMillan, ABR, SFR, CDPE~Military Relo. (ERA Joyner Realty) — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:28:04 -0700

Banks Lake Pointe Subdivision

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features

$139,900

Single Family Home

Main Features

3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Unit
Interior: 1,469 sqft
Lot: 1.40 acre(s)

Location

17 Live Oak Trail
Lakeland, GA 31635
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Janice MacMillan

(229) 834-0946
janice.macmillan@mchsi.com
http://janicemacmillan.com

Listed by: ERA Joyner Realty

Our recent listings

Banks Lake Pointe Subdivision
Single Family Residential for $285,000 in Hahira, GA
Single Family Residential for $124,900 in Nashville, GA
4018 Applecross Road
2503 Willacoochee Drive

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

Janice MacMillan, Realtor

ERA Joyner Realty
231 Northside Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
229.241.8884 (Office)
229.834.0946 (Cell)
229.241.9994 (Fax)

How negotiable is your seller?

Janice MacMillan, ABR, SFR, CDPE~Military Relo. (ERA Joyner Realty) — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:27:25 -0700

Every now and again the phone will ring and the agent on the other end will present the question "how negotiable are your sellers"? Which sends a red flag up for me that they are probably showing their clients homes outside of their price range.

I cringe whenever I hear those words. But, my answer is always the same. Present an offer and we'll see how negotiable they are.

Do you honestly think I am going to tell you what my sellers bottom line is? If I called and asked you the same question what would your response be?

I don't like wasting time on low ball offers or presenting sellers with such ridiculous offers.

Make an offer that is at least in the ball park and lets move forward from there and see what we can do.

Janice MacMillan, Realtor

ERA Joyner Realty
231 Northside Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
229.241.8884 (Office)
229.834.0946 (Cell)
229.241.9994 (Fax)

This weeks motivational message: Uncork and Breathe...

Janice MacMillan, ABR, SFR, CDPE~Military Relo. (ERA Joyner Realty) — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:01:36 -0700

Uncork and breathe. We usually hear this expression when we are around wine connoisseurs.

But, I have to remind myself to do just this from time to time when things starting getting wound tight. We have a very stressful job at times and add on top of that family, friends, children, home etc and sometimes we get to the point when we think we are going to blow our tops. Things can get pretty frustrating but, the real challenge is keeping your cool. At least I know it is for me! (My mother always told me that the temper comes with the red hair!)

If you can remember these two steps it will help tremendously when you frustrated and not sure what to do. Calming yourself allows your mind to open up and come up with solutions for whatever the situation is.

Step 1: Uncork! When you find yourself becoming frustrated, tense or otherwise wanting to let someone have it. Go for a walk, find yourself a quiet corner and spend a minute or two meditating or find someone who doesn't mind you venting to them. Talking it out with someone can actually put a spin on things and turn them around.

Step 2: Breathe...when we get tense and frustrated our breathing gets faster and it becomes shallow. Concentrate on your breathing and slow it down taking in long deep breaths.

You'll be amazed at how quickly you can destress by remembering these two step.

Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith.
Henry Ward Beecher

Janice MacMillan, Realtor

ERA Joyner Realty
231 Northside Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
229.241.8884 (Office)
229.834.0946 (Cell)
229.241.9994 (Fax)

Motivational Monday: Opportunities Don't Just Happen....

Janice MacMillan, ABR, SFR, CDPE~Military Relo. (ERA Joyner Realty) — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:28:11 -0700

Are you the type that is out creating opportunities or are you sitting around waiting for them to come to you?

I recently had a another agent ask me why they never saw me at the office and that I must not be working too hard since they never see me there. I responded with a question of my own...when was the last time you had a walk-in or a floor call when you were on floor duty that actually resulted in a sale or listing? (Phones are not ringing off the hook here.) And, mentioned that I didn't see people lined up at their door either waiting to sign a contract with them.

Little do they know I am in the office by 7:30 sending emails, catching up on paperwork, preparing for appointments etc. and gone by the time they come in at 10ish. This is absolutely not a 9-5 job.

There are opportunities ALL around us but, you'll have to go out and find them, create them and make them happen. Sitting behind a desk waiting for the phone to ring is not going to make them happen.

We Realtors make opportunities happen by getting out speaking to people, networking, passing the word and we may even need to do a little community service once in awhile. Not everyone we speak to will result in a listing or sale but the more you are involved in your business, and it is YOUR business, the greater chance of that actually happening.

So before you critize another person for not being in the office you better make darn sure you know the whole story!

Opportunities don't happen, you create them! ~ Chris Grosser

Have a productive and prosperous week!

Janice MacMillan, Realtor

ERA Joyner Realty
231 Northside Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
229.241.8884 (Office)
229.834.0946 (Cell)
229.241.9994 (Fax)

New listing 407 Hunters Glen Valdosta GA 31602

Janice MacMillan, ABR, SFR, CDPE~Military Relo. (ERA Joyner Realty) — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 05:56:20 -0700

Single Family Home for sale in Valdosta, GA

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description
Neighborhood

$239,900

Single Family Home

Main Features

3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Unit
Interior: 2,250 sqft
Lot: 0.77 acre(s)

Location

407 Hunters Glen
Valdosta, GA 31602
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Janice MacMillan

(229) 834-0946
janice.macmillan@mchsi.com
http://janicemacmillan.com

Listed by: ERA Joyner Realty

Our recent listings

Single Family Residential for $239,900 in Valdosta, GA
Beautiful Home in Hahira
Single Family Residential for $109,900 in Quitman, GA
8 Eleanor Place
Single Family Residential for $285,000 in Hahira, GA

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

Janice MacMillan, Realtor

ERA Joyner Realty
231 Northside Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
229.241.8884 (Office)
229.834.0946 (Cell)
229.241.9994 (Fax)

A little inspiration as we slide into the weekend!

Janice MacMillan, ABR, SFR, CDPE~Military Relo. (ERA Joyner Realty) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 02:20:17 -0700

Yes, I know it isn't Friday....yet. But, I have had a very busy and productive week. Amazing what one can do when we focus on what needs to be done.

Teddy Roosevelt said, "Do what you can, with what you have, from where you are".

That has been my focus this week. Instead of worrying about where my next listing was coming from I continued to put more focus on what I was already doing to get that business. I am always trying to think of ways to re-invent the wheel. What I do works! Why would I change it? With that came 3 listing appointments this week. Two have signed on and the 3rd was a relocation company and I am still waiting to hear but feel good that I will get it instead of my competition.

Focus and set worry aside. There is no place for worrying and fretting in our minds. It clouds are judgement, it makes us ill and obstructs our progress and keeps us from moving forward.

Proverbs 4:25

Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.

Janice MacMillan, Realtor

ERA Joyner Realty
231 Northside Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
229.241.8884 (Office)
229.834.0946 (Cell)
229.241.9994 (Fax)

Motivational Monday: It all starts with you!

Janice MacMillan, ABR, SFR, CDPE~Military Relo. (ERA Joyner Realty) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 02:15:08 -0700

It's about taking it one day at a time. It's about putting one foot in front of the other.

We all have changes we would like to make with ourselves, in ourselves. The way we look or think. The way we speak or present ourselves. But, how do we begin to make those changes? How do we find it within ourselves to do what is needed to bring the changes we so desire in our lives?

A lot of it is about habits and changing those old habits for new ones. Getting rid of the ones that leave us feeling inadequate and instilling new ones that leave us feeling uplifted. We tend to get into a rut and continue to do the same things and think the same things over and over until it has become so embedded in our minds we think we will never be able to release it. It has become a way of life for some.

But, were do we start? We start by taking one or two aspect to work on at at time. Trying to change to many things at once will overwhelm most. I know it does me! Their are two that I have began working on the first is getting rid of the nagging negative Nancy in the back of my mind. So what I will work on is stregthening my positive thinking. Postive thinking in itself will not make us successful but, when we allow ourselves to think negative thoughts we will surely end up failing. The other is expressing gratitude. We can all express gratitude more than we do. We tend to look at things we don't have instead of the things we do have. The things we do have were once things we had dreamed of or hoped for in the past. Spend time in feeling gratitude for these things and you'll start feeling a sense of peace for certain!

What things are you longing to change in your life? Would love to hear.

Janice MacMillan, Realtor

ERA Joyner Realty
231 Northside Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
229.241.8884 (Office)
229.834.0946 (Cell)
229.241.9994 (Fax)

Taking overpriced listings...

Janice MacMillan, ABR, SFR, CDPE~Military Relo. (ERA Joyner Realty) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 05:59:45 -0700

Here in Valdosta, GA we are still very much in a buyers market. We are seeing a decline in the amount of inventory but, not enough to throw us into a seller's market....yet.

Each day when I look at the new listings on the market I am seeing a plethera of overpriced homes.

I try very hard not to take an overpriced listing. The deciding factor for me is just how overpriced it is.

My only heartache with not taking an overpriced listing is lately it seems the ones I have turned down end up selling with another Realtor. The scenerio goes, the owner will list at a price they feel is fair for their house with the first Realtor who is most willing to list it at that price. You will then typically see price reductions after a period of time and the home sells and you, the one who turned it down, has lost a commission. I have had this happen twice in the past six months. Really not a good feeling at all.

No amount of research can convince some owners that the price they feel their house is worth is too high. So, my plan of action is to start taking these listing with built in price reductions after 30, 60 and 90 days. Have them agree to and sign during listing appointment. Will this work? I don't know. But it certainly can't hurt....or can it? What are your views on overpriced listings?

Janice MacMillan, Realtor

ERA Joyner Realty
231 Northside Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
229.241.8884 (Office)
229.834.0946 (Cell)
229.241.9994 (Fax)

Motivational Monday (Tuesday Edition): Believe in yourself!

Janice MacMillan, ABR, SFR, CDPE~Military Relo. (ERA Joyner Realty) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 07:13:46 -0700

Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy. Norman Vincent Peale

Have you ever had those days when you get out of bed and things just aren't what you expected?

Did you know that you have the power to change your perspectives in life just by the way you think about them?

It’s often hard to keep the right perspective. We often complain about problems at work, or in our life, while ignoring the good things that happen around us.

But those are the times when you must remind yourself to trust your own judgments and opinions, to keep your life focused on believing in yourself.

Acknowledge those things around you that are going right. Be grateful for those things and direct your focus to them, keep them first and foremost in your mind.

Worry tends to spiral out of control and it perpetuates more of the same.

Set achievable goals, recognize when you have achieved them and celebrate a little!

Romans 12:2

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Janice MacMillan, Realtor

ERA Joyner Realty
231 Northside Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
229.241.8884 (Office)
229.834.0946 (Cell)
229.241.9994 (Fax)

Be an inspiration to others

Janice MacMillan, ABR, SFR, CDPE~Military Relo. (ERA Joyner Realty) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 05:04:39 -0700

Are you one of those people who needs to be inspired or one that inspires others? Do you have to intentionally think about inspiring others or does it come naturally to you? My personal opinion is that to inspire others it is something that comes naturally and effortlessly. Some people have it and some do not.

What is it about some people that causes others to be inspired by their words or their actions? Where do they find their starting point? What keeps them motivated and inspired?

How can an ordinary person become that inspiration to others?

A lot of question to think about isn't it? I think we can all be an inspiration to others by encouraging and edifying (to build up and uplift) others. Although, this comes quite naturally to some, others may need to work a little harder at it.

Be an inspiration to others by intentionally setting out each day to make a difference is someone elses day. We all have those people in our offices, there is always at least one who is the eyore or sad sack always seeing the darker side of the situation. Those are the ones I especially like to work on, to encourage to shine the light on the situations. To show them it is not as bad and they suspect it is.

I have an elderly homeowner who has had some medical issues since putting her home on the market and has had to move to be closer to her children. Each time I speak to her she will go on about Murphy's law and how if it is going to happen it will happen to her. Believe it or not this is the person I enjoy speaking to the most. This is my chance to make a difference in her day by saying a kind word or encouraging her in some way while on the phone. Making her smile or laugh a little. By letting her see nothing is as bad as WE allow ourselves to think it is. It only takes a moment to brighten someones day.

Be that person who encourages others into action. Be an instigator of good cheer!

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Janice MacMillan, Realtor

ERA Joyner Realty
231 Northside Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
229.241.8884 (Office)
229.834.0946 (Cell)
229.241.9994 (Fax)

Motivational Monday: Mental Attitude

Janice MacMillan, ABR, SFR, CDPE~Military Relo. (ERA Joyner Realty) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 04:57:23 -0700

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.
Thomas Jefferson

Per Wikipedia: Positive mental attitude (PMA) is the philosophy that having an optimistic disposition in every situation in one's life attracts positive changes and increases achievement. It employs a state of mind that continues to seek, find and execute ways to win, or find a desirable outcome, regardless of the circumstances. It opposes negativity, defeatism and hopelessness.

I have been on a downhill roll for several years due to my mental attitude and the way I see things. I have not always been this way and there was a certain chain of events that brought me to this place in my life. I have recently decided enough is enough and I basically want my life back to the way it was. Filled with happiness, joy and most of all peace and with that comes success. My feeling is all must align to acheive any kind of sucess at all.

It is easier to fall into a pit of negative thinking then it is to be positive and upbeat all the time. We tend to go with the path of least resistance. It is easy to get caught up in the world and let it get us down.

We each hold the key to our own happiness. So, what to do? Do any of you have a routine or "thing" that you do to keep you upbeat and moving forward instead of standing still and becoming stagnant?

Philippians 4:8-9

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Janice MacMillan, Realtor

ERA Joyner Realty
231 Northside Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
229.241.8884 (Office)
229.834.0946 (Cell)
229.241.9994 (Fax)

New listing 4400 Hwy 122 Hahira GA - Near Moody AFB

Janice MacMillan, ABR, SFR, CDPE~Military Relo. (ERA Joyner Realty) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 18:31:11 -0700

Single Family Home for sale in Hahira, GA

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description

$285,000

Single Family Home

Main Features

3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Interior: 2,393 sqft
Lot: 5.52 acre(s)

Location

4400 Hwy 122
Hahira, GA 31632
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Janice MacMillan

(229) 834-0946
janice.macmillan@mchsi.com
http://janicemacmillan.com

Listed by: ERA Joyner

Our recent listings

Single Family Residential for $285,000 in Hahira, GA
Single Family Residential for $124,900 in Nashville, GA
4018 Applecross Road
2503 Willacoochee Drive
8 Eleanor Place

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

Janice MacMillan, Realtor

ERA Joyner Realty
231 Northside Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
229.241.8884 (Office)
229.834.0946 (Cell)
229.241.9994 (Fax)

Looking for the "Perfect" home? Well, this is NOT it!

Janice MacMillan, ABR, SFR, CDPE~Military Relo. (ERA Joyner Realty) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 08:11:19 -0700

Single Family Home for sale in Nashville, GA

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description

$124,900

Single Family Home

Main Features

3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Partial Bathroom
Interior: 2,289 sqft
Lot: 6.86 acre(s)

Location

1538 Utopia Cr
Nashville, GA 31643
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Janice MacMillan

(229) 834-0946
janice.macmillan@mchsi.com
http://janicemacmillan.com

Listed by: ERA Joyner Realty

Our recent listings

Single Family Residential for $124,900 in Nashville, GA
4018 Applecross Road
2503 Willacoochee Drive
8 Eleanor Place
Single Family Residential for $118,000 in Quitman, GA

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

Janice MacMillan, Realtor

ERA Joyner Realty
231 Northside Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
229.241.8884 (Office)
229.834.0946 (Cell)
229.241.9994 (Fax)

Open House Sunday March 10 2-4pm Near Moody AFB

Janice MacMillan, ABR, SFR, CDPE~Military Relo. (ERA Joyner Realty) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 02:56:54 -0800

8 Eleanor Place

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description
Tour
Open House

$114,000

Single Family Home

Main Features

3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Interior: 1,248 sqft
Lot: 0.50 acre(s)

Location

8 Eleanor Place
Ray City, GA 31645
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Janice MacMillan

(229) 834-0946
janice.macmillan@mchsi.com
http://janicemacmillan.com

Listed by: ERA Joyner Realty

Our recent listings

4018 Applecross Road
2503 Willacoochee Drive
8 Eleanor Place
Single Family Residential for $118,000 in Quitman, GA

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

Janice MacMillan, Realtor

ERA Joyner Realty
231 Northside Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
229.241.8884 (Office)
229.834.0946 (Cell)
229.241.9994 (Fax)

Short Sale Closed with NationStar!

Janice MacMillan, ABR, SFR, CDPE~Military Relo. (ERA Joyner Realty) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 02:58:51 -0800

CLOSED!

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description

$224,900

Single Family Home

Main Features

3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Unit
Interior: 2,350 sqft
Lot: 0.52 acre(s)

Location

207 Knob Hill
Valdosta, GA 31602
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Janice MacMillan

(229) 834-0946
janice.macmillan@mchsi.com
http://janicemacmillan.com

Listed by: ERA Joyner Realty

Our recent listings

4018 Applecross Road
2503 Willacoochee Drive
8 Eleanor Place
Single Family Residential for $118,000 in Quitman, GA

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

Janice MacMillan, Realtor

ERA Joyner Realty
231 Northside Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
229.241.8884 (Office)
229.834.0946 (Cell)
229.241.9994 (Fax)

Pending 207 Knob Hill Valdosta Georgia

Janice MacMillan, ABR, SFR, CDPE~Military Relo. (ERA Joyner Realty) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 12:48:14 -0800

Pending Short Sale

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description

$224,900

Single Family Home

Main Features

3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Unit
Interior: 2,350 sqft
Lot: 0.52 acre(s)

Location

207 Knob Hill
Valdosta, GA 31602
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Janice MacMillan

(229) 834-0946
janice.macmillan@mchsi.com
http://janicemacmillan.com

Listed by: ERA Joyner Realty

Our recent listings

2503 Willacoochee Drive
8 Eleanor Place
Single Family Residential for $118,000 in Quitman, GA
4018 Applecross Road

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

Janice MacMillan, Realtor

ERA Joyner Realty
231 Northside Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
229.241.8884 (Office)
229.834.0946 (Cell)
229.241.9994 (Fax)

When do homeowners take responsibility for themselves?

Janice MacMillan, ABR, SFR, CDPE~Military Relo. (ERA Joyner Realty) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:09:42 -0800

When should homeowners who have been foreclosed on start taking responsibility for themselves and their actions?

I accepted an interior BPO order on a property the other day. Not far from my office. Could get it done in a jiff. I called the listing agent to gain access as it had not gone into the MLS as of yet. I gathered up my camera, note pad and keys and headed out. The agent had warned me that it was pretty bad.

I am use to going and finding homes dirty and unkept, trash and belongings thrown about. This one however was different. It was much worse than just being upkept.

Someone had gone through the home and knocked holes in the sheetrock, removed toilets, removed sinks from counter tops, removed carpet from floors and had torn the dishwasher and range out of their respective places from the kitchen. Garage door had been removed. I was just completely appauled at what I saw.

I know it is easy to blame the economy or the government. I guess it is even easy to point the finger at Santa Clause, for the situation some homeowners have been placed into. Whether by their own fault or the fault of someone else. But, when is enough really enough. When do we become responsible for our own actions? Can we really blame these other entities for our own actions of destorying a piece of property that technically does not belong to us until we have made that very last payment? And, maybe this home was the work of vandals, who knows....

Janice MacMillan, Realtor

ERA Joyner Realty
231 Northside Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
229.241.8884 (Office)
229.834.0946 (Cell)
229.241.9994 (Fax)

Direct mail marketing campaigns . Do they work?

Janice MacMillan, ABR, SFR, CDPE~Military Relo. (ERA Joyner Realty) — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 03:20:25 -0800

Is direct mail marketing old fashion and out of date?

Many would say yes and that online marketing is the way to go.

The days of using mail for direct marketing may have passed, but there are still plenty of businesses who continue to utilize direct mail as part of their marketing and advertising techniques. We see this each day when we open up the mailbox and a plethora of junk mail spills out on the ground.

I have decided that this year will be my year of direct mail marketing. I have used direct mail in the past when I would scout out expired listings. Although, this was not completely consistent I did have relatively good results from it. But, I somehow managed to get away from it.

I think consistency is the key word here. The more you apply, the more likely direct mail will reach your target audience and create the return you are looking for.

My plan is to have a strategic postcard campaign and to be consistent with my mailings throughout 2013.

I have been stalking following Barbara Todaro for awhile now. Her informational posts have been very convincing and have helped to pursuade me in making the decision to get back to the basic art of direct mail marketing.

I actually started mailings at the end of November and to date have had two calls from homeowners in the areas I am marketing to. My third mailing just went out yesterday and I expect that as my name becomes more familar to these areas I will be receivig more calls.

I don't really believe in "luck" so I won't say wish me luck. What I do believe in is cause and effect and hard work. Staying focused and being consistent in my efforts.

Janice MacMillan, Realtor

ERA Joyner Realty
231 Northside Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
229.241.8884 (Office)
229.834.0946 (Cell)
229.241.9994 (Fax)

Do you show homes to window shoppers?

Janice MacMillan, ABR, SFR, CDPE~Military Relo. (ERA Joyner Realty) — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 04:27:53 -0800

Window shopping as defined by Wikipedia:

"Window shopping" is a term referring to the browsing of goods by a consumer with no intent to purchase, either as a recreational activity or to plan a later purchase.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I drove to a neighboring town to check on a couple of vacant properties I have there. The town is a good 45-60 minutes away depending on traffic.

I no sooner got back and sat down in front of my computer to get some work done prior to another appointment and received a call from a potential buyer who wanted to see one of the those homes.

Now, I am not one to hop in my car and go tootling along to go show a house especially if there is a drive involved.

So, I presented her with several questions.

Me: When would you like to see the home?

Potential buyer: Now, we are already here!

Me: Unfortunately, I can not show it right now. Are you interested in purchasing a home or are you looking to rent? (I get a lot of calls from people inquiring to rent)

Potential buyer: Yes, we are interested in buying....eventually. We are just looking right now. (that answer really does not give me the warm fuzzies)

Me:Have you been to the bank and been pre-qualified and know how much you can afford to spend on a home yet?

Potential buyer: No, we have not done that yet. Just looking for now and when we find a home we like then we'll go to the bank. (not a good answer for me either)

I politely declined showing them the property until they could get to a lender and get pre-qualified. And educated them on the importance of doing just that.

I than gave them a name of a local Realtor in that town who may be able to show them the property on such short notice.

She promptly asked me for a code to the lockbox so they could go in and look anyways. That again was a big "no" as I do not give out codes to lockboxes to unescorted buyers.

Do you take the public at large window shopping for homes, or do you wait for them to get pre-qualified? I know lots of agents who will jump in their car at a moments notice and go show a house. I was that way when I first received my license but, no longer do that. It is a waste of time and gas for me and I am a little bit pickier about who I show homes to.

Janice MacMillan, Realtor

ERA Joyner Realty
231 Northside Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
229.241.8884 (Office)
229.834.0946 (Cell)
229.241.9994 (Fax)

150 Ramblin Road Quitman Georgia ~ Close to mall and shopping!

Janice MacMillan, ABR, SFR, CDPE~Military Relo. (ERA Joyner Realty) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 13:49:44 -0800

Single Family Home for sale in Quitman, GA

Overview
Maps
Photos
Description

$118,000

Single Family Home

Main Features

4 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Interior: 1,667 sqft
Lot: 0.77 acre(s)

Location

150 Ramblin Road
Quitman, GA 31643
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Janice MacMillan

(229) 834-0946
janice.macmillan@mchsi.com
http://janicemacmillan.com

Listed by: ERA Joyner Realty

Our recent listings

Single Family Residential for $118,000 in Quitman, GA
2503 Willacoochee Drive
4018 Applecross Road
8 Eleanor Place

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Nearby properties for sale

Janice MacMillan, Realtor

ERA Joyner Realty
231 Northside Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
229.241.8884 (Office)
229.834.0946 (Cell)
229.241.9994 (Fax)

2503 Willacoochee Drive Valdosta GA ~ Near Moody AFB

Janice MacMillan, ABR, SFR, CDPE~Military Relo. (ERA Joyner Realty) — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 12:09:36 -0800

2503 Willacoochee Drive

Overview
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Photos
Features
Description

$129,900

Single Family Home

Main Features

3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Interior: 2,250 sqft
Lot: 0.68 acre(s)

Location

2503 Willacoochee Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Janice MacMillan

(229) 834-0946
janice.macmillan@mchsi.com
http://janicemacmillan.com

Listed by: ERA Joyner Realty

Our recent listings

2503 Willacoochee Drive
4018 Applecross Road
8 Eleanor Place

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

Janice MacMillan, Realtor

ERA Joyner Realty
231 Northside Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
229.241.8884 (Office)
229.834.0946 (Cell)
229.241.9994 (Fax)

4018 Applecross Road Valdosta Georgia (The Highlands)

Janice MacMillan, ABR, SFR, CDPE~Military Relo. (ERA Joyner Realty) — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 11:32:36 -0800

4018 Applecross Road

Overview
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Photos
Features
Description

$217,500

Single Family Home

Main Features

4 Bedrooms
3 Bathrooms
Interior: 2,191 sqft
Lot: 0.26 acre(s)

Location

4018 Applecross Road
Valdosta, GA 31602
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Janice MacMillan

(229) 834-0946
janice.macmillan@mchsi.com
http://janicemacmillan.com

Listed by: ERA Joyner Realty

Our recent listings

4018 Applecross Road
8 Eleanor Place

Subscribe to our listing feed

Nearby properties for sale

Janice MacMillan, Realtor

ERA Joyner Realty
231 Northside Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
229.241.8884 (Office)
229.834.0946 (Cell)
229.241.9994 (Fax)

8 Eleanor Place Ray City, GA

Janice MacMillan, ABR, SFR, CDPE~Military Relo. (ERA Joyner Realty) — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 10:51:18 -0800

8 Eleanor Place

Overview
Maps
Photos
Features
Description
Tour

$115,000

Single Family Home

Main Features

3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
Interior: 1,248 sqft
Lot: 0.50 acre(s)

Location

8 Eleanor Place
Ray City, GA 31645
USA

To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:

Janice MacMillan

(229) 834-0946
janice.macmillan@mchsi.com
http://janicemacmillan.com

Listed by: ERA Joyner Realty

Nearby properties for sale

Janice MacMillan, Realtor

ERA Joyner Realty
231 Northside Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
229.241.8884 (Office)
229.834.0946 (Cell)
229.241.9994 (Fax)

What's behind door # 2?

Janice MacMillan, ABR, SFR, CDPE~Military Relo. (ERA Joyner Realty) — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 11:35:24 -0700

The booby prize behind door number 2 is that agent who is willing to list your property at the price YOU deem fit. Even if it is over priced!

I was at a listing appointment yesterday and was the second listing appointment for this couple that day. I was prepared with my presentation and my CMA. Other agent didn't bring so much as an MLS sheet to show his price justification. The couple was surprised my comparables came in somewhat lower than what this other agent said he could get for the home. I showed them my sold comparables which backed up my pricing stategy. The other agent gave them his word.

I was then questioned as to whether or not I would be comfortable listing the home at 25K more than what the pricing recommendation came in at. I told them "NO", I am not in the habit of taking listings that are overpriced. It wouldn't do either of us any favors by doing so. I then explained to them that we are still very much in a buyers market, and at the price they wanted for their home I could drive down the street and buy new construction that had as much or more than what their home offered for less! They said they understood and they needed to get their home sold quick!

We finished up our appointment, they complimented me on my presentation and thanked me for my time, but wanted some time to discuss the two presentations.

I was checking the MLS for new listings a few minutes ago and guess what popped up? Yep, that listing with the other agents name on it. While I was very irritated by this, I am satisfied knowing that I did not take an overpriced listing simply because the owner wanted me to.

I will be here in 6 months when the listing expires and they have come to their senses. Sometimes it is better to be the second or even third agent that takes on the listing. By then the owners have come to the realization that they are not going to get what they think their home is worth.

Janice MacMillan, Realtor

ERA Joyner Realty
231 Northside Drive
Valdosta, GA 31602
229.241.8884 (Office)
229.834.0946 (Cell)
229.241.9994 (Fax)