Jim's Blog

Let it snow!!!

Jim McCall (PRO REALTY INC) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 07:45:00 -0800

Erie, Pa has reached the TOP TEN of snowfall amounts since such records have been kept. Which begs TWO questions? 1. Why in the world would you keep such records? and 2. Why are the weathercasters SO EXCITED about this 'milestone'?

From a real estate market standpoint I am optimistic-- the phones are ringing even with this record snowfall. It should be a nice spring!!!!

Real Estate in Erie

Jim McCall (PRO REALTY INC) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 11:13:34 -0800

Interesting fall market. I was busy in sept, and october and initially in November. Now that we had a significant snow fall, coupled with thanksgiving soon , things are quiet. But that is our normal market. Erie County has a population of just under 300,000.

Our market does not see the volatility that some others do. I wonder if this is true of most of the markets our size in the country?

What is your market like? Just send a brief comment.

Interest rates, historical perspective.

Jim McCall (PRO REALTY INC) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 23:31:00 -0700

You will find a timeline on interest rates at freddiemac.com. A quick review shows that rates today are BELOW rates this time last year.

Rates in 1984 ( when I purchased my first home) were 13.89 (whew !!!!) and in 1992 ( when we purchased our second home were 8.39. A few years ago we bought down to 5 percent.

The website has a printable graph that will put things in perspective for your prospective buyers!!!

Technology -- 'framing' photos

Jim McCall (PRO REALTY INC) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:47:44 -0700

Hey , I was gone for a while, had knee surgery. Really should have had more time to blog and such, but with therapy etc. the time flew by.

Anyway, attended a REALTOR Opportunity day today through the Greater Erie Board of REALTORS. Our main speaker was Randy EAGAR and he was great. I always consider any seminar a success when I pick up 2-3 new things.

This one was a success. A great one , and FREE, is PHOTO STORY, a free download from Microsoft. This software is great for digital photo.

Randy is a CRS instructor, past president and an entertaining informative speaker.

Procuring cause

Jim McCall (PRO REALTY INC) — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 14:46:01 -0700

Procuring cause is an interesting topic in our industry. Who or what actions caused the 'fruit to drop' from the tree? Which actions resulted in the sale? It is fortunate for us as REALTORS that our Association recognizes that these disputes arise from time to time and have a mechanism set in place to deal with them. Arbitration should be the court of last resort, and working it out ahead of time or mediation should proceed an arbitration panel. What are your thoughts and experiences?

Thanks

Jim McCall (PRO REALTY INC) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:10:03 -0800

Thanks to Danny Thornton for the invite. I reside in Erie , PA home of the Seawolves ( home opener April 10, probably in the snow) double A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. Seawolves home games are at Jerry Uht (the UHT) park in downtown Erie. This is a fan friendly environment, recently updated with a picnic garden and a beer garden (yeah). visit www.seawolves.com for info on the howlin' wolves and the UHT.

Outlook observations.

Jim McCall (PRO REALTY INC) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 21:32:12 -0800

Realizing that I am preaching to a choir that has been practicing much longer than myself-- However I still felt the need to share this :

If you are like many of us and using 2, 3 or more databases-- STOP, LOOK and LISTEN to Pat Zaby and his Microsoft Office seminar. This seminar shows how to make the most of Microsoft Office and the contact manager system.

For the longest time I suspected my usage of Office was about 10 percent of the potential. I WAS WRONG-- in fact the usage was much less!!!!

So now, after integrating and syncing Palm with outlook AND using the Contact manager feature properly I find myself with much more time for the important things -- like prospecting . I also find it much easier to FOLLOW UP with folks.

None of this is new-- but sometimes the best things are right under our nose.....

Best Wishes on the NEW YEAR and I hope that personally and professionally it is your best ever !!!!!

Pat Zaby and Microsoft Office

Jim McCall (PRO REALTY INC) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 20:21:40 -0800

For the longest time I suspected my usage of Office was about 10 percent of the potential. I WAS WRONG-- in fact the usage was much less!!!!

None of this is new-- but sometimes the best things are right under our nose.....

Best Wishes on the NEW YEAR and I hope that personally and professionally it is your best ever !!!!!

Balance -- an elusive goal

Jim McCall (PRO REALTY INC) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 19:45:34 -0800

What is the most difficult challenge that REALTORS face?

Prospecting -- no

Continuing education -- nah

Following up -- well maybe, but nope...

BALANCE -- yes. Balancing work, family, life -- is the most difficult challenge we face. While this challenge is also faced by many other professions, I believe it is more troubling for real estate professionals. Our 'normal' business cycles are such that our traditional busy times run spring and summer -- also the busy times for families, friends and other activities. This is an important, but at times an elusive goal.

There are a large number of self help items out there to help us keep our lifes in balance. The best ones are those that have us first prioritize, then stick to the priorities-- FAMILY & FRIENDS & community.

I try to set up a schedule, then keep to it. Let's face it -- the only people that need a home in an emergency are the victims of fire, floods or earthquakes. So do we really need to race from a family function to show a property? No we don't. When you schedule an appointment -- keep it. So schedule time with your family and friends -- and keep the appointment . I know it sounds funny, but think about it.

You would not cancel a showing to go to a ball game would you? Well then why should you cancel an outing with family or friends at a ball game to show a property. Someone calling at the last minute to see a property means one thing -- a lack of planning on their part. Does a lack of planning on their part turn into a sense of urgency on my part? The argument could be what about your duties to your client? I argue that we can keep our duties to our clients by being honest with people-- they want to see a property now you tell them you have another committment and work out a mutually acceptable time. I have had this work most of the time (98%). When it doesn't I find another agent to show it. Of course I request a referral. So I take a chance that I will be out some income, but at the end of the day I gain much more.

The easiest way to keep balance is to keep focused on balance. This is also the most difficult thing to do because in real estate we are constantly stomping our brushfires. I believe that keeping focused on balance, in the end, is the most rewarding gift we can give ourselves in the new year.

Code of Ethics

Jim McCall (PRO REALTY INC) — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 01:49:43 -0800

Our Code of Ethics separates us from many other professions. Reading other blog posts about possible COE violations I find one common thread -- many REALTORS are hesitant to report COE violations. The main reason given is being ostracized by fellow practitioners , a reduction in business etc. . I can easily imagine that there is some truth to those statements. But let's put it in perspective.

Ask yourselves this question -- would you take a payment NOT to report a COE violation? The answer I am sure is no, and you probably offended by the question. But if we do not report COE violations because we fear a loss of business, isn't that the same thing? NAR is an unique organization BECAUSE we have a COE. That COE requires we report violations -- pretty simple.

Professional standards are only as strong as our resolve to insist on professional standards. Keep in simple-- do the right thing. Anything less weakens us all.

ALL THOSE HOMES FOR SALE, OH MY

Jim McCall (PRO REALTY INC) — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 02:10:45 -0800

Remember the Wizard of OZ -- lions and tigers and bears, oh my... well we keep hearing about all the homes on the market, "... I've never seen so many.." etc. etc.

WELL, ACTUALLY ...

Information that may surprise you.... There are LESS homes on the Erie market today than at this time last year. Although the public perception is that there are a lot of properties on the market this year the facts paint a different picture. According to MLS statistics there are 315 less homes for sale. Imagine that!!!!

These stats are from the Greater Erie Board MLS up to October 2007 compared with same time in 2006. Oh by the way, I had my best year ever in 2007.

Are there market adjustments occuring, absolutely. Is the market still active? Absolutely!!!

TOM BROOKENS NAMED AS ERIE SEAWOLVES MANAGER FOR 2008

Jim McCall (PRO REALTY INC) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 08:22:53 -0800

The Erie Seawolves are a double A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. They play home games at the Jerry Uht ( THE UHT) baseball park in downtown Erie, PA. This park, which was constructed in the 1990's and renovated with a fantastic picnic / beer garden just last year, is one of the favorite parks in the league. I spend many a summer evening enjoying baseball in the friendly confines. It is a chance to relax and at the same time network -- what a great business we are in !!!!! Below is a story the Seawolves organization emailed to me:

Tom Brookens named SeaWolves manager.

The Detroit Tigers announced today that Tom Brookens will be the Erie SeaWolves manager in 2008. Brookens replaces Matt Walbeck who joined the Texas Rangers as their third base coach. He is the 14th manager in SeaWolves history.

Brookens, a Chambersburg, PA native and current resident of Fayetteville, PA, guided the Tigers Class-A affiliate, West Michigan, to the 2007 MidWest League Championship and was tabbed MidWest League "Manager of the Year." It marks the second straight season where an Erie manager will have won a championship and manager of the year award the previous season.

"We are very excited to have Tom Brookens as our new manager," SeaWolves General Manager John Frey said, "He brings a winning tradition with him to Erie and we are looking forward to a successful 2008 season."

Brookens managerial career began in 2005 with the Tigers Class-A affiliate in Oneonta. He guided the Tigers to a Stedler Division championship in his first season and finished second in 2006.

He played 12 seasons as an infielder at the major league level with the Tigers (1979-88), New York Yankees (1989) and Cleveland Indians (1990). Brookens finished his career with a .246 batting average, 71 home runs and 431 RBI. He was also a member of the Tigers World Championship club in 1984.

HARBOR RIDGE -- Golf Course Community

Jim McCall (PRO REALTY INC) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 19:30:33 -0800

Check out our Harbor Ridge golf course community in Erie , pennsylvania. Fabulous lake views, 9 hole, soon to be 18 hole championship golf course, and many styles of housing. Patio homes, single family and our latest design -- affordable villas.

Visit www.HarborRidgeGolf.com for more information

Code of Ethics -- Article 7

Jim McCall (PRO REALTY INC) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 01:46:41 -0800

Article 7
In a transaction, REALTORS® shall not accept compensation from more than one party, even if permitted by law, without disclosure to all parties and the informed consent of the REALTOR®'s client or clients.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Article 7 imposes an ethical obligation that may go beyond the requirements of state law. A REALTOR® may never accept compensation from more than one party without the informed consent of all parties. Only through adequate prior disclosure can the parties be fully aware of any potential conflicts of interest that may affect their ability or willingness to rely on the objectivity of the REALTOR®'s advice and counsel.

My question to the blog is this: what constitutes adequate prior disclosure?-- when and how? Here is the situation --

A buyer's agent receives a coop fee from the listing agent AND a fee from their buyer client. However the listing agent and their client, the seller were not informed. The listing agent noticed the fee on the Settlement statement at the closing ( which was not attended by the seller). Does an expense on a HUD-1 fulfill the requirement of adequate prior disclosure?

For PENNSYLVANIA REALTORS

Jim McCall (PRO REALTY INC) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 14:49:46 -0800

Our state association, PENNSYLVANIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS , hosts a fantastic program entitled LEADERSHIP PAR. This program consists of multiple seminars throughout the year (February, March, May, September and October) which are fun, informative, progressive, powerful and fun ( notice I have fun down twice).

This program will team you with other REALTORS from the Commonwealth for the year. Check out this fantastic program at the website www.parealtor.org . But hurry-- deadlines are soon.

If you are worried about the time away from your business - DON'T-- I just completed the Class of 2007 and had my best year EVER. I have been licensed since 1995, and picked up some great business practices.

Do yourself and our Association a big favor-- check it out today.

Credit crunch????

Jim McCall (PRO REALTY INC) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 14:38:55 -0800

While it is accurate that acquisition of credit for sub-prime credit scores is slim and none ( and slim just left town), that does NOT mean that buying a home is an impossibility. It is just going to take some time and effort, which it should have in the first place.

What needs to happen, and what will happen, is that those people with less than stellar credit will be counseled. They will be shown the steps and lifestyle changes they need to make to improve their credit. The market will develop the counseling programs they need. Not only will this turn out to be a good thing, but it is what should have been happening all along.

Back in the day, people scrimped and saved and sacrificed to purchase a home ( or most anything else for that matter). My grandfather lost a home during the Great Depression and vowed it would not happen again. So when he purchased a home years later he made sure he did it from a position of strength.

I had a buyer who worked for a year , following the advice of a great mortgage broker. In one years time he improved his credit score by 100 points !!! It took hard work determination, keeping focused on his goal-- but we closed on his new home and they love it!!! That home will mean more to them because of the hard work, wouldn't you agree?

I think as REALTORS we have an obligation to know where the programs are that will help buyers ( and sellers in trouble). A healthy market IS a good business decision, but more than that, it is the right thing to do.

PRO REALTY INC.

Jim McCall (PRO REALTY INC) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 08:46:48 -0800

PRO is Erie's largest locally owned real estate firm. Founded in 1990, our company PROvides the Erie community with PROfessional service to buyers and sellers.

Our office is more like a family and cooperation among agents is a given. Education and training is the watchword, and innovation is encouraged. Our mottos is "it's Easy when you work with a PRO". The Erie community agrees as PRO was winner of the PEOPLE's CHOICE award and advertising TOMA (Top of Mind Awareness) award from the Erie Times.

Jim McCall

PRO REALTY INC.

Jim McCall (PRO REALTY INC) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 08:45:11 -0800

PRO is Erie's largest locally owned real estate firm. Founded in 1990, our company PROvides the Erie community with PROfessional service to buyers and sellers.

PRO REALTY INC.

Jim McCall (PRO REALTY INC) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 08:45:02 -0800

PRO is Erie's largest locally owned real estate firm. Founded in 1990, our company PROvides the Erie community with PROfessional service to buyers and sellers.

Erie Real Estate Statistics--

Jim McCall (PRO REALTY INC) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 08:25:36 -0800

Latest MLS stats show that there are 315 LESS homes on the market now as this time last year. Paints a different picture from the conventional wisdom that inventory is at an all time high. Yet our office has posted MORE transactions than last year.

All in all , it points to the Erie market's stability and vibrance.

PRO REALTY -- a great place to sell real estate.

Jim McCall (PRO REALTY INC) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 14:12:50 -0800

VISIT WWW.PROREALTY.COM

Navy days

Jim McCall (PRO REALTY INC) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 14:09:10 -0800

What a welcome!

Jim McCall (PRO REALTY INC) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 22:26:40 -0800

Thank you all for the great welcome to activerain

Hi from a Newbie

Jim McCall (PRO REALTY INC) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 21:30:49 -0800

Hi to everyone from a Newbie to active rain. This appears to be everything I heard and more-- great networking and a great info center.

Jim McCall

blog

Jim McCall (PRO REALTY INC) — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 19:20:26 -0800

NEWBIE to active rain, but great info and networking !!! added Erie and PA. info links that will connect you to great info on schools, erie tourism venues and much more!!! Check it out.