I had just attended the NAR convention in Orlando, Florida.  It was a really great event with lots of good classes.  One of the main messages that was constantly given to current and new Realtors is the following:  It's more important than ever to be constantly searching for new buyers and sellers...Prospecting.  Several of the speakers had mentioned that prospecting is more important than marketing right now with the way the market is at the present time.

One of the speakers....Gary Keller, had mentioned a good book that he's read called:  Talent Is Overrated.  He said that people are not born to be sales people, the become that way through hard work and practice.  He had also mentioned that the top salespeople focus on generating activity over everything else.  Keller had mentioned that, when buyers are hesitant about making a decision because they think the market is going to drop lower....we, as Realtors, need to demonstrate by showing them information as well as asking them:  "When are we going to hit the bottom?.....We don't know.  If prices have already dropped, they don't need to be lower to buy at a good time."  He said to:

Become a local economist (or expert on stats) and help buyers address their reluctance.

 

 

I'd like to encourage anyone who is interested to consider a career in real estate.  It's a great way to be your own boss, have unlimited income potential and meet a lot of great people, as well as assist them in some really rewarding ways.

We've all heard the news about the present real estate market....Still, it's a great time to enter into the field and help those who need assistance in buying or selling a home.

This week has gone quickly.  I've been dealing with some leases and people wanting to rent for the past couple of days.  As Realtors we are showing listings that are also renting the general public, as well as selling.

 The open house from this past week was a little slow....just 3 people.  I think that the weather had something to do with that.  I am noticing certain houses having an increase of showings....So the Spring market is definitely here.

 A couple of days ago a past client of mine who had purchased his home a few months ago called about a problem he was having with his house.  I was thankful that he had a home warranty which was purchased by the seller, on this home.  Now he only has to pay for the deductible to repair the problem.

 There are some good listings coming up in the near future.....One that is near beautiful North Lake in Chelsea, along with some lots in the area.

Within the past year or two there has been a lot of news about people moving out of the state because of job loss, however, there are some businesses who are hiring....bringing people from out of state into the area.  I'm going to be working with a delightful couple from the South this week, on our second round of showings.  They are originally from the midwest and are happy to be moving back up north. 

On another note, I've been noticing that listings have been going contingent lately. Several times, I've tried to line something up that a client showed some interest in and it's already under agreement.  Houses are moving!

I've listed some new properties this week that I'd like to tell you about:

 

First of all...there is a office building just north of Chelsea that is listed at $395,000. It is on 2 acres, has 28 parking spaces, an upstairs apartment with 4 bedrooms and 1 bath as well as 9 offices on the first floor with a waiting area and front counter, along with 2 baths.  Call me if you have any interest in this property.

 

In Canton, there is a new listing at 1734 Christopher, off of Palmer Drive. It's a styling condo built in the early 1990's, but has had many new updates in the past couple of years, including; new tile, hardwood floors, light fixtures, furnace and hot water heater and more. It has great colors inside and you could move right in! The price on this condo is $129,900.

 

Then at 1205 Arella in Ann Arbor, I have a 1100 square foot brick ranch in the Eberwhite school district. It has 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, a full basement, a 2.5 car garage, hardwood flooring throughout and is within walking distance to the U of M stadium and Pioneer high school.  Priced at $204,900!

I have a good contractor inspector I'd like to recommend. I've been working with George Krause of Krause Inspect for the past 5 years. I've found him to be thorough with the inspection and report, fair, and pleasant but down to business.  George does radon inspections and pest inspections as well.  His number is 734-495-1709.

Had a couple of contractor inspections this week. They were on "first time homebuyer" homes.  One of the inspections seems to have a roof which is at the end of it's life.  The other one has a septic field which doesn't have a requirement by the county for replacement, however, it appears as if the field is only draining at a 50% rate.  I'm finding that most buyers expect things to be in good condition in this market.  We'll see what happens in the negotiating stage with these inspections.

Today I'm showing a property in Webster Township to a person who wants some nice acreage and room for a pole barn.  The house already has an oversized garage on it, which will be good for equipment storage.

Towards the end of the day a young couple will be writing an offer on a house south of Chelsea.   It seems as like the buying activity is picking up right now. First time buyers and investors are getting into the market.  That's a good thing.

I just wanted to promote a lender in the Ann Arbor area who is very good at servicing her clients!  Karen Hallway is with First Financial Services in Ann Arbor.  I've been working with Karen for several years and she is always very patient in explaining things to her clients, as well as finding the right program for them.  She was telling me today that the rates, which had been at around 5.75 percent this week are down even more.  Low prices and interest rates make it an attractive time for a first time buyer to get into the market.

 If you'd like to call Karen for an appointment, you can reach her at 734-994-0007.

I was showing some homes towards the end of last week to a first time home buyer who hasn't been able to get into the market before, because of expense but is now able to.  We were looking around the Buhr Park area in Ann Arbor and saw some tremendous values!  Cute ranch style homes that are in the 120's with ammenities like; parks, the library, great shopping and food, swimming pool and the elementary school within walking distance.  Never has it been a better time for a person to get into the Ann Arbor Market for a purchase!