Janice Roosevelt's Neighborhood Blog

The Real Estate Relationship That Wasn't

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 06:29:58 -0600

Via Jeff Geoghan MBA - Lancaster PA Real Estate Expert (The Jeff Geoghan Realty Group, Coldwell Banker Lancaster PA):

Consumers in Pennsylvania are protected in a myriad of ways from potential frauds and dangers. State licensing and regulation make it all but impossible for a real estate practitioner to “get away” with an offense against a consumer. New licensees are indoctrinated into this matrix, and must undergo biannual ethics training to reinforce the state policy. Lastly, all practitioners who are members of the National Association of Realtors MUST subscribe to it’s NAR Code of Ethics (one of the first of it’s kind in the nation) and local branches of the NAR are aggressive in prosecuting reported violations.

So why is it that Real Estate agents are still considered one of the most “shady” people in business?

In a nutshell, it’s because the typical consumer has no idea about the process by which they engage the real estate community for the purpose of purchasing a house. And as a result of that ignorance combined with poor communication from real estate practitioners, the public finds that their expectations have not been met.

Not a week goes by when I don’t interact with a consumer (not a client) who has found me on the internet. In most cases, they are in the initial stages of looking at homes, mostly online. Often they declare their intention “not to sign with anyone” and “check out open houses”, etc. When I question what the problem is with hiring a buyer’s agent they become either a) confused or b)suspicious (OK, sometimes both). This is the conversation where I’m supposed to explain the role of a buyer’s agent (per PA law – known as the “first substantive discussion about real estate”). Most consumers will tend to view this as a thinly-veiled sales pitch. It’s frustrating to me as a professional agent on several levels:

a) I HATE being considered a sales pitchman. Not to mention the fact that buyers aren’t financially obligated to a buyer’s agent anyway!

b) I’m REQUIRED to take the time to explain the law in Pennsylvania (BTW this is known as the PA Consumer Notice). I know it can be boring.

c) I just KNOW that the consumer isn’t going to retain any of what I’m saying. I know I wouldn’t myself…legaleze is sooo dry.

What’s worse, it does make perfect sense to use this juncture of my new relationship to promote my services over those of my competitors, right? Would would you do, if you were just told by a prospective customer that they intended to go look at homes without you, thereby exposing them to your competitors without you having “fired a shot”? Hence the title of this post.

The question is “how to get the Consumer law into the consumer’s hands and understood by them ahead of time, as well as the opening presentation of the agent’s services so as to pique the consumer’s interest in talking some more…

There’s nothing so empowered as a home buyer who knows exactly what’ going on and why. That’s my goal from moment one when I meet a prospective client.

So, the challenge the real estate industry faces is educating the public about the process of home sales and the necessary relationships that arise from it, as well as the points at which a consumer can elect to retain a pro on their behalf. Educated customers can spot the experienced agents and avoid getting stuck in a business relationship they regret. Agents are held to a higher standard by the consumer. Everyone knows where they stand. I like it! How to make that happen….hmm.

Quote/Thought of the Day

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 06:22:57 -0600

Via Tony Grego with American Bank - 888-344-TONY:

Hey Folks!

Well now that we all made it past all those Black Friday sales it is now time to get back to business. Let's go sell some houses and get some good mortgages!

To get the day off right I just wanted to pass on a little motivation.

Quote of the Day:

"A storyteller, like a travel agent, can help gather us up from wherever we are, and put us down in another setting."
~John Leggett

(In our industry we are all story tellers. Just remember to make it a great story)

Thought of the Day:

"Each of us wants to be part of something bigger than ourselves. Call it purpose, destiny or a simple desire to get beyond the insufficiencies of our current existence. An individual's yearning to reach outside his life is a seed of greatness waiting for a stream of inspiration. Carving that stream to people's hearts is a simpler task if the endeavor you are leading them into is attached to a bigger story."

~Mac Anderson and Tom Feltenstein
Change is Good... You Go First

That's it for today. Hope you enjoyed? If so please let me know. Also when you have Mortgage needs or questions just drop me a note. I'm a nationwide banker and close mortgages in all 50 states. Best part? I can close in 10-days or less.

Have a great selling weekend

Always At Your Service,
Tony Grego
Mortgage Banker at American Bank

Mortgage Rates Hit Historic Low

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 05:46:31 -0600

Via Ki Gray - Austin Real Estate:

Mortgage rates fell this week with three of the 4 major mortgage products hitting all time lows. The most important of the four mortgage products the 30 year rate fell to 4.78 from 4.83 equaling the previous low. The 15 year mortgage product hit 4.29 beating the previous low of 4.32 reached last week. The 5 year arm came in at 4.18 breaking the previous low of 4.25 also reached last week. The 1 year arm stayed at 4.35. Below are rates from the weeks from Oct 29, 2009 to Nov 26, 2009

Nov 26, 2009
30-yr 4.78 15-yr 4.29 5-yr ARM 4.18 1-yr ARM 4.35

Nov 19, 2009
30-yr 4.83 15-yr 4.32 5-yr ARM 4.25 1-yr ARM 4.35

Nov 12, 2009
30-yr 4.91 15-yr 4.36 5-yr ARM 4.29 1-yr ARM 4.46

Nov 05, 2009
30-yr 4.98 15-yr 4.40 5-yr ARM 4.35 1-yr ARM 4.47

Oct 29, 2009
30-yr 5.03 15-yr 4.46 5-yr ARM 4.42 1-yr ARM 4.57

Jul 30, 2009
30-yr 5.25 15-yr 4.69 5-yr ARM 4.75 1-yr ARM 4.80

What's interesting is that we keep waiting for mortgage rates to increase. Some have any speculated that rates could move into double digits in the next two years. But while this discussion has been occurring mortgage rates have continued to drop and reach historical lows. In addition to rates it's interesting to look at actual mortgage payments. We took today's rates and translated them into a payment on a 200k. We also did the same thing with rates from November 12th (2 weeks ago) and July 30th, 2009 (4 months ago).

Nov 26
30-yr $1046.91
15-yr $1508.6
5-yr ARM $975.7
1-yr ARM $995.62

Nov 12
30-yr $1062.66
15-yr $1515.71
5-yr ARM $988.56
1-yr ARM $1008.62

Jul 30
30-yr $1104.4
15-yr $1549.47
5-yr ARM $1043.29
1-yr ARM $1049.33

The payment is 5.5 percent less than what it was 6 months ago or 57.49 less a month for a 200k loan.

So what is going to happen moving forward? I have been predicting for the last several weeks that mortgage rates were going to eventually move up and they have continued to move down. But I am going to continue with the same prediction. In the short term rates might move down slightly. But in the long term there is more of a risk of mortgage rates moving up drastically. With mortgage rates sitting at historical lows there is more of a chance of rates moving up a point or two than moving down a point or two.

Although 5 year arms are at historical lows it makes more sense to look at the 30 year rate. Locking in at all time lows is simply too appealing to pass up.

In Austin, William organizes information on Austin Texas real estate. He writes frequently about mortgage rates. His site has multiple mortgage widgets and a mortgage calculator widget.

We Learn From Listening

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 05:40:57 -0600

Lou's great quote today is about listening

Via Lou Ludwig CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC, e-PRO, (Ludwig & Associates):

Motivational Power Quote

We Learn From Listening

"I like to listen,

I have learned a great deal from

listening carefully.

Most people never listen."

Peter F. Ducker



As I see it. . . . . . . .

We learn from listening

We learn by giving the other person the opportunity to speak. Listen carefully and encourage the other person to speak and we will learn.

Practice the art of proactive listing, by listening 80% of the time and asking good questions. A proactive listener learns at an accelerated pace as a result of their listening skills.

Most people don't listen, creating a cutting edge advantage to a proactive listener.

®2009, Lou Ludwig, Sales and Management Consultant Executive Coach, Speaker, Trainer and Author

Open House today in Chadds Ford - 3-bedroom end unit townhome only $294,000 ---- jroosevelt@kw.com

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 05:39:27 -0600

jroosevelt@kw.com - OPEN HOUSE TODAY - 1-3 p.m 3007 Hillingham Circle, Chadds Ford, PA

Offered at $294,000 - Gorgeous end-unit with beautiful views and terrific location. Easy commutes south to Delaware or to West Chester, Kennett Square, Philadelphia, or Media.

Agents, please note that your buyers will be honored. Yu can call ahead at 610-764-3062

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 11/28 - 3007 Hillingham Circle, Chadds Ford - $294,000-3-bedroom end-unit ...jroosevelt@kw.com-

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 11:26:38 -0600

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, 11/28 1-3 p.m 3007 Hillingham Circle Chadds Ford, PA

First-floor Master Suite, finished lower level, end unity with gorgeous pond views and extra large lot are just a few of the reasons to check out this gorgeous townhome situated near the intersections of Routes 52 & 1

Value pricd at $294,000 this home is updated where it counts - HVAC, hardwood floors, you name it.

One Thought Makes the Difference

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 05:35:48 -0600

Via Lou Ludwig CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC, e-PRO, (Ludwig & Associates):

Motivational Power Quote

One Thought Makes the Difference

"It takes but one positive thought

when given a chance

to survive and thrive

to overpower and entire army

of negative thought."

Robert H. Schuller, Author



As I see it. . . . . . . .

One thought makes the difference

One thought can create the momentum to turn a marginal situation into success.

One thought can unlock the doors to unparallel opportunities.

One thought can make the difference between procrastination and taking massive action to create an unlimited success.

One positive thought has the capacity to silent the negative thoughts in our mind and release our personal power.

Our thoughts make us the person we become.

One thought can make the all the difference, choose that thought wisely.

®2009, Lou Ludwig, Sales and Management Consultant Executive Coach, Speaker, Trainer and Author

Go For It

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 05:34:06 -0600

Via Lou Ludwig CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC, e-PRO, (Ludwig & Associates):

Motivational Power Quote

Go For It

"The man with a new idea

is a crank until the idea succeeds."

Mark Twain



As I see it. . . . . . . .

Go for it

If you have new ideas go for it.

If you want to try new concepts go for it.

Success comes in breaking down old barriers and trying new ideas. Step out of the old box of your comfort zone and step into the opportunity zone of new ideas.

When we go for it new opportunities seem to open for us.

®2009, Lou Ludwig, Sales and Management Consultant Executive Coach, Speaker, Trainer and Author

Giving Thanks - Black Friday - and Football

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:03:38 -0600

Via Liz Moras ~Chilliwack Realtor, Chilliwack,Hope,Langley,Abbotsford (Harrison Hot Springs, Cultus Lake):

I wrote part of this post last year but I thought it was worth reposting :-)

When I think of Thanksgiving... I think of Normal Norman Rockwell and the perfect Family Dinner......We really have so much to be thankful for right?   The leaves are changing into beautiful golds, oranges and reds.....Smoke is starting to curl out of the chimney again...and there's that Autumn smell in the air...apple cider, pumpkins........mmmm.....



Deep sigh - Wouldn't it be Something ? Hmmm we put a fair bit of pressure on ourselves don't we? Why do we think that families that don't get along the rest of the year will somehow be all lovey dovey on Thanksgiving - or Christmas for that matter? We really do tend to set some pretty high expectations for ourselves !

Holidays tend to be hard on most of us....The expectation and the reality don't always match. It a little funny how people in their 30's, 40's and 50's can revert right back into the roles that they played when they were children.   Now who doesn't have a whopper of a story to share? Care to? You're more then welcome to! :-)

Running around shopping, decorating, trying to wrap up work and STILL make the perfect meal can be kind of overwhelming...

Think he's looking stressed? Hmmm just wait 'til dinner.......

           Today Chicken Little is Very Happy she's not Mr. Turkey...





Have someone in your family who drinks too much? Someone with a knack for always saying the wrong thing at the wrong time? Have you every had to stare mindlessly at the mashed potatoes for minutes on ....from the plain discomfort of making eye contact during embarassing moments?



                                      Does your family celebrate a Redneck Holiday?



Maybe its time to Manage your Expectations?

Now for the guys - o.k. I'm being stereotypical here - and I'm sure it's not the case in every home BUTT!

Hmm now who's the dog, who's the cat and who's the turkey ? lol

Whatever it is you have right now that you are grateful for RIGHT NOW and would be sorely sad to lose, is what you should say THANK YOU for. And maybe just maybe...you want to give Black Friday a Miss....like really how much more stuff do we really need ? :-)

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!





If you or someone you know is thinking of Buying or Selling property in Cultus Lake, Chilliwack, Hope, Abbotsford, Langley or anywhere in the Fraser Valley Area of B.C. - or if you would like more information please give Liz  Moras of Landmark Realty Chilliwack a call at- 604-799-0459 or e-mail at lizmoras@gmail.com.

Copyright © 2009 By Liz Moras, All Rights Reserved. All photos taken by Liz Moras and copywritten. Please do not use without permission. Information provided by this author is only an opinion, it is not guaranteed, may be based on information collected from several sources, and may be time sensitive. It is not necessarily representative of the opinions of Landmark Realty Chwk. Ltd.

THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS...jroosevelt@kw.com, Janice Roosevelt, Keller Williams, PA & DE

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:00:31 -0600

jroosevelt@kw.com CLICK HERE for trailer

On balance, the film based on true events in the military intelligence community (and Jon Ronson's 2004 book), The Men Who Stare at Goats, entertains with a flip point of view. An amusing weave of supernatural and psychology, New Age and Old Age collide following the last three decades of Special Forces's exploration into the use of the paranormal.

We're brought up to date through the mishaps of jilted journalist Bob Wilton (played by Ewan McGregor) as he travels in post-war Iraq to prove his manhood or something like that. He learns from his guide and "reactivated" psychic soldier Lyn Cassidy (George Clooney) about techniques of interrogation, brainwashing, and mind-control, including repetitive use of the theme song from Barney & Friends on imprisoned Iraqui soldiers. That is torture J

Based on fact, in 1977, Lieutenant Colonel Jim Channon (retired), proposed a radical idea - that the military approach combat using psychological, the paranormal, and the spiritual. Yes, herein lies the title - experiments by staring down a de-bleated goat with such concentration that its heart stops!

Some of the psychological abuse and drugging worked. The elite clairvoyant corps used mind-reading, fork bending, psychic intimidation, walking on coals, passing through solid objects, and hmmm, "cloud-bursting" making some hilarious scenes. Especially with the cast that included Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges and Robert Patrick . Bridges is uproarious as the founder of this hippie-era team, Bill Django.

It's been out for a while so maybe wait for the DVD, but definitely good for a few chuckles.

Diary of a Google Whore: Wordy C VideoBlog 11-22-2009 The Alicia "Lee" Anderson Interview

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:02:50 -0600

Via C Tann-Starr (TannStarr.com TannStarr.ws REMAX People Realty):

Diary of a Google Whore: Wordy C VideoBlog 11-22-2009 The Alicia "Lee" Anderson Interview

The cool thing about having talented friends is that they make work fun. I have been out sick for over a week. Time to get back to work... I've been threatening to do a videoblog for quite a while now. Pssssst... Just cashed that wolf ticket (LMAO). Enjoy! Will be realeasing the next single from our album very soon. I have every intention of keeping the Ambassadors of Chaos Recording Studio very busy. The ActiveRain Cartoon Network needs music to go with those animations we're working on (LOL).

Yes, it's true. I'm about to let the cartoons living in my head have a virtual life in your computer. Think you're ready for this? Might want to think again. Just sayin' (LMAO). :-)

Movie Review: The Blind Side

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:58:58 -0600

Via National Credit Fixers - Matt Listro:

Here is my Movie review for The Blind Side starring: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron, Lily Collins, Ray McKinnon.

I give this movie 3 thumbs up. It is in my opinion a must see. In my movie reviews, I do not like to discuss the particulars of a movie so as not to ruin your own movie going experience, so I will just say this one was worth the $10 admission price. I found the movie to be enjoyable from the start to the finish!

☺

Matt

Toll Free: 888-NCFIXER (623-4937)
Toll Free Fax: 888-FAX-4020 (329-4020)
Local: 860-282-6181
330 Roberts Street 4th Floor
East Hartford, CT 06108

credit repair company

Santa Claus is coming to Kennett Square...jroosevelt@kw.com, Janice Roosevelt, Keller Williams - PA & DE

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:30:27 -0600

SANTA CLAUSE IS COMING TO KENNETT SQUARE

Historic Kennett Square's Holiday Parade and Downtown Open House will be held this Friday, Nov. 27. The parade starts at 6 p.m. and will include the Kennett High School Marching Band and Santa and Mrs. Claus arriving in a horse-drawn carriage. After the parade children can greet Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Cafe Lindo, 109 S. Broad St. All of the downtown shops will be open late and decorated for the holidays and all of the restaurants will be open and ready to serve you.

The holiday celebration will continue with the First Friday Art Stroll on Friday, Dec. 4; horse drawn carriage rides every Sunday in December from noon until 3 p.m.; and the Holiday Home Tour on Sunday Dec. 13.

This year forget the mall and experience holiday shopping the way it was meant to be. The perfect gifts are waiting for you in downtown Kennett Square!

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS!

jroosevelt@kw.com

NAR launches new consumer website...jroosevelt@kw.com, Janice Roosevelt, Keller Williams, PA & DE

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:19:27 -0600

Consumers and realtors will want to check out HouseLogic, the National Association of Realtors's new consumer Web site. It offers articles and ideas to increase, maintain and protect the value of our home. It is free and tips include on home improvements, maintenance projects, taxes, finances, insurance, and even community involvement. HouseLogic will assist consumers in all areas of decision-making regarding home care.

jroosevelt@kw.com

Buck the System

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 05:53:31 -0600

I love this quote from Lou this morning. So glad he enables them to be reposted.

Via Lou Ludwig CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC, e-PRO, (Ludwig & Associates):

Motivational Power Quote

Buck the System

"I have always been driven to buck the system,

to innovate to take things

beyond where they've been."

Sam Walton, Walt-Mart founder



As I see it. . . . . . . .

Buck the system

When we pursue the status quo we continue to get what we have been getting. Buck the system and push your envelop to move into the area of what can be.

The possibilities are not in the safety of the harbor, but in innovation, going beyond where we gone in the past, Breaking down the barriers of it's always been done that way.

Buck the system with a purpose and open the doors of possibilities.

®2009, Lou Ludwig, Sales and Management Consultant Executive Coach, Speaker, Trainer and Author

Strive for Excellence Not Perfection

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:56:25 -0600

Via Lou Ludwig CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC, e-PRO, (Ludwig & Associates):

Motivational Power Quote

Strive for Excellence Not Perfection

"Nothing would be done at all

if a man waited until he

could do it so well

that no one could find

fault with it."

Cardinal Newman



As I see it. . . . . . . .

Strive for excellence not perfection

Striving for excellence is the art of continued and never ending improvement. Make a personal commitment to become the best at what you do with excellence.

A person with excellence is not afraid of making a mistake; because we all do. Having excellence is coming back from a setback with the passion to succeed.

Having a fear of taking action until everything is perfect with no chance of failure is a recipe for disaster.

Doing the best we can, from where we are, with what we have and to make it work with passion is the stepping stone to create person excellence.

®2009, Lou Ludwig, Sales and Management Consultant Executive Coach, Speaker, Trainer and Author

Thanksgiving Day Yoga Class with Janice Roosevelt...jroosevelt@kwcom

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:29:31 -0600

Start your Thanksgiving morning our right - Release stress with an invigorating and relaxing vinyasa class at the Kennett area YMCA at 9:30 a.m with Janice Roosevelt

No better way to rebalance those feelings you have for relatives you'd rather not spend a lot of time with (just kidding!)

We will be practicing with lots of gratitude!

Enjoy deep breathing, energizing postures, and final meditation and relaxation with an eclectic playlist of music and prizes for those who know their Thanksgiving trivia

email me for more info: jroosevelt@kw.com

Looking for the unusual in the real estate market...jroosevelt@kw.com, Janice Roosevelt, Keller Williams, PA & DE

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:37:37 -0600

What makes some realtors more effective than others? Professionalism? Closed transactions? Persistance? Ability to embrace and use new technology? Good Communication skills? (All of the above, and a little bit more) jroosevelt@kw.com 610-764-3062

VALUE priced At $294,000 - Hillingham, Chadds Ford 3-bedroom end unit - jroosevelt@kw.com

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 08:10:58 -0600

Here is incredible value - perfect location near Rotues 52 & 1, large lovely corner lot overlooking pond, loads of upgradesand amenities from new HVAC to hardwood floors. PLUS first floor MASTER SUITE and finished lower level with walkout. Email jrosevelt@kw.com, or call 610-764-3062

Now available for showings....117 Millbrook Drive, Chadds Ford 4-b contemporary on an acre - $460,000 jroosevelt@kw.com

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:56:57 -0600

Get your buyers in now and settle by the close of the year. Take advantage of the expanded home buyer credit. This is one gorgeous Chadds Ford home convenient t all majorcummuting routes in the southeastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware areas. Quite, peaceful, surrounded by million dollar homes and open space.

Choose Your Words Carefully......AGAIN!

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:49:11 -0600

Via Clint Miller (Real Estate Client Referrals, LLC (RECR)):

I wrote a featured post recently about choosing your words carefully when it comes to an agent's tag line and how to make that better. As I was writing that post, I kept thinking to myself.....Well, what about all of these listing ads?? Why not write about them as well??

I see examples all the time of bad MLS photos. But, what is more prevelant to me is the incredible lack of decent COPY in these same listing ads.

See...One of the more routine activities of a Realtor's job is to write copy for the ads that are used to support your listings. Whether those be online, print, brochures, or flyers, the goal of these ads is create a positive explanation of the property that will increase the flow of traffic to that ad from interested buyers. And, lets face it....that is the ultimate goal in this form of advertising.

However, it is fairly easy to fall into the grey area and start to make statements that aren't necessarily true...perhaps even blatently false...and even worse, bordering on discriminatory.

Now, I know that no one actually intends to write copy that is discriminatory. But, the fact of the matter is that some of the text used can be just that depending upon who is reading the ad.

Here are some of the reminders that I have compiled both from some of the listings I have seen and a list that I found in BrokerAgentPro:

1. Describe The Features Of The Property Remember to stick to the facts about the property. Obviously, you can embellish a bit to make the language more fun, but don't blow it out of proportion. Also, don't profile your potential buyer by focusing the ad on one specific style of buyer. We all have some idea of what type of buyer will suit the need for the property, but isn't every financially qualified person a potential buyer? Here are some examples of what you should say:

Condo with exercise center and pool

Historic home with wrap-around porch

Qualified Senior Housing

Located On Cul-De-Sac

Bring your Hammer and lots of ideas!

Extensive Remodeling including windows, new floors

Bright and Sunny living room

Comfortable and Spacious

Designer colors!

Avoid phrases that focus on the buyer. Also, consider subtle little things that might be interpreted wrong by a potential buyer:

Empty Nester's Paradise (Are kids welcome??)

Great family neighborhood (Will singles be allowed??)

Hispanic Community (Uhhhh...Do I need to elaborate??)

Near Indian grocery (Is this the Indian part of town??)

Perfect for a single guy (Is it not safe for a single female????)

Bring your kids! (Uhhh....Sorry, but I dont have any....)

Totally remodeled (Really??? EVERYTHING was redone????)

New heat and AC (The entire system or just the unit itself???)

New carpet! (Well, it was new last year...)

Wonderful neighbors (Rock bands are fun neighbors!)

Kept in perfect condition (Oh yeah?? Is that what the inspection report will tell me???)

All new appliances (Does that include the water heater and the furnace?)

2. One thing that agents like to do in the ad copy is make descriptions of the neighborhood that the listing is located. This is all well and good and adds a sense of the community, as well as the home itself. Some good examples are:

Gated neighborhood

On golf course

Horses allowed

Tree-lined street

Secluded off-street location

Close to Shopping

Now, remember...its perfectly OK to talk about the neighborhood. But, it is NOT OK to talk about the neighbors! Don't use language that establishes a preference to the type of person that will fit with the local flavor. Phrases to avoid:

Exclusive area (Really....excluding whom???)

Elite neighborhood (Who qualifies for this???)

Country Club location (Are non-members allowed to buy there??)

Surrounded by young families (So...elderly need not apply.)

Mature area (So, you young people...you go somewhere else.)

3. Whatever you do, do not offer up assurances about what CAN be done with the property. Not only can adding onto the existing home be more difficult that you anticipate, but the buyer could take your statement at face value and then be very disgruntled later on. Between permits, easements, building codes, and neighborhood opposition...who knows. Anything could stop them from being able to do what YOU said could be done. So, avoid things like:

Un-obstructed view of the lake (From now til when???)

Perfect for a bed and breakfast

Add a second story and see all of downtown

Ready for a new master bathroom

Plenty of room for a pool (Of course, we have to move your sewer line and the underground gas line and the......)

4. Lastly, in the attempt to remain perfectly accurate, dont use brand names in generic ways...

Jacuzzi tub (Umm, its says Whirlyride on the drain...)

JennAire grill (Umm, the lid says Coleman...)

When it comes to marketing a home, the goal of the ad copy is to describe the features of the home and to attract quality buyers. It is increasingly important to use accurate language. But, more than that, it is vitally important that you do not violate anything within the COE or the Fair Housing laws. NEVER refer to the sex, racial origin, family status, or age of ANY potential buyers or current residents of a particular area. And remember, if you direct your advertising to target a specific type of buyer, you are discriminating against other buyers that may be just as capable perhaps even more capable of buying the same property. And even more importantly, if you submit an offer from a potential buyer, and the offer is rejected, the buyer could feel that the rejection is a result of some form of bias against them based on the descriptions put in the ad.

One of the best lines that I was able to find when it came to writing ad copy -- "Ignore the ambiguous meanings...Remember that YOUR REPUTATION IS AT STAKE!"

If you would like more information on Real Estate Client Referrals, please contact Clint at 800-977-7058. Or, fan us on Facebook! Or, follow Clint on Twitter!

Our Role as Leaders

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:48:42 -0600

Via Bruce & Liz Whittingham (RE/MAX Results Realty):

"As a leader, you have to take responsibility for your own failures as well as successes. That's the only way you'll learn. If you keep learning, you'll improve. If you improve, your leadership will get better. And in time, you will earn the right to lead on the level you deserve."

~John Maxwell
The Right to Lead

If we take the right actions after a mistake we have learned!!!

Get it Organized Before You Start

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:41:34 -0600

Via Lou Ludwig CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC, e-PRO, (Ludwig & Associates):

Motivational Power Quote

Get it Organized Before You Start

"Organizing is what you do before

you do something,

so that when you do it,

it is not all mixed up."

A. A. Mine



As I see it. . . . . . . .

Get it organized before you start

Putting things in order before you start creates an organized effort in achieving your desired results. You will maximize the use of your time with a focused effort.

In organizing our time we will able to focus our efforts and concentrate on the most important tasks at hand.

Getting organized creates a better use of our time and will keep us on purpose.

®2009, Lou Ludwig, Sales and Management Consultant Executive Coach, Speaker, Trainer and Author

Irrisistable humor...jroosevelt@kw.com, Janice Roosevelt, Keller Williams, PA & DE

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:18:27 -0600

I could not resist sharing these photos sent by my friend and pet groomer Suzanne Kauer. No wonder we love other creatures on this planet so much. Enjoy!

Tax credit explained simply...jroosevelt@kw.com, Janice Roosevelt, Keller Williams, PA & DE

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:05:57 -0600

FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS

Receive a tax credit for up to 10% of the purchase price of your principal residence - not to exceed $8,000.

Tax credit does not need to be repaid (if you continue to own the home for a minimum of three years).
Single taxpayers with up to $125,000 modified adjusted gross income and joint filers with up to $225,000 qualify for the full credit.
Single or head-of-household taxpayers with income between $125,000-145,000 and joint filers between $225,000-245,000 qualify for reduced credits.
New or resale homes eligible.
Available for purchase or principal homes costing $800,000 or less.
Purchase agreements must be signed by April 30, 2010. Closing by June 30, 2010.
Special military deadline: Deadline extended until June 30, 2011, for members of the military who have served outside U.S. for at least 90 days between 1/1/2009-5/1/2010.

NEW REPEAT HOME BUYERS

Tax credit of up to $6,500 for repeat buyers who have owned their current home for at least 5 of the 8 previous years.

Receive a tax credit of up to 10% of the purchase price of your principal residence - not to exceed $6,500.
Tax credit does not need to be repaid (if you continue to own the home for a minimum of 3 years).
Single taxpayers with up to $125,000 modified adjusted gross income and joint filers with up to $225,000 qualify for the full credit.
Single or head-of-household taxpayers with income between $125,000-145,000 and joint filers between $225,000-245,000 qualify for reduced credits.
New or resale homes eligible.
Available for purchase or principal homes costing $800,000 or less.
Date of first occupancy must be after 11/6/2009.
Purchase agreements must be signed by April 30, 2010. Closing by June 30, 2010.
Special military deadline: Deadline extended until June 30, 2011, for members of the military who have served outside U.S. for at least 90 days between 1/1/2009-5/1/2010.

Looking to buy or sell?

Janice Roosevelt, Matt FetickReal Estate Team, Keller Williams - PA & DE 235 Whitehorse Lane Suite 100, Kennett Squre, PA 19348

610-335-1920 (office) 610-764-3062 (cell) jroosevelt@kw.com