Atlanta relocation

Customer Satisfaction survey wanted!

Lisa Williams (BridgeWell Realty) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:38:55 -0500

Hi all,

Does anyone have a a good customer satisfaction survey you can share? I am looking for something quick and to the point, yet effective.

Also, for those of you that have used customer satisfaction surveys, what is your experience with clients returning completed surveys?

Beware of investors....

Lisa Williams (BridgeWell Realty) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:26:18 -0500

I received a call from an so-called investor who was ready to buy several properties right now. He said he found me on-line, liked my profile and he liked our conversation and he would like to work with me. I asked him how he planned to finance these properties. he said he would prefer owner financing but if he found a home that did not have owner financing, then he would finance them through the bank. I asked him if he could provide me with some documentation to show that he was able to purchase the property. He said once we find the home, then he will apply for the financing. I asked him when was the last time he purchased a home, he said approx 3 year ago. I also asked him if we would be willing to sign my buyer broker agreement, he said, yes, but he works with several agents depending on the area of the home and the expertise the agent has in that particular area. Needless to say, I am taking a pass on this investor due to the many red flags in his answers. I know there area a lot of wacko's ou there so if you are getting callls, please make sure to ask them the right questions before you meet with them

How does bankruptcy impact a short sale

Lisa Williams (BridgeWell Realty) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:01:23 -0500

I have had to change my listing to a short sale in the middle of February. foreclosure date was scheduled for April 1. Since time was of the essence, we lowered the price end of Feb. Still no offers. Lowered the price again a few weeks ago. finally, we got an offer. it was $30K below what they owe but nevertheless, it was an offer. I called my clients to let them know that we received an offer and since they recently filed for bankruptcy, they have more time and they did not want to accept the offer. They want to see if they can get more money for their home. Two questions:

1. Was there a law that was recently passed where the seller would be forgiven the difference between what they own on the house and what they sell their house for?

2 I am not that familiar with bankruptcies and in the process of doing my research but just b/c they have stalled the foreclosure, what happens to the house while in this process?

I have asked them for their attorney's number but in the meantime, any comments or advise are appreciated.

Need a good website for home styles

Lisa Williams (BridgeWell Realty) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 17:13:45 -0500

Hi all,

What is a good website that you've used to determine a homes style? I picked up a great listing and it is unique in style and I just want to make sure I accurately characterize this home i.e. rustic, colonial, country, etc.

Thanks!

When do you let a listing go....

Lisa Williams (BridgeWell Realty) — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 22:42:57 -0600

I was so excited to get this listing. It was in an area that i had been farming and this was the builders personal home that he was selling. This was a great listing that would allow me to get even more listings in my desired area + give me an opportunity to work with a builder. Well, after 5 months and two price reductions, (and the home is still overpriced based on the comps in the area), the home is still on the market. Now you would think the builders, of all people, would understand the market we are in and the competition that we are up against. Not this one. Lately he has been making comments like "what have you done to market my home", "my brother sold his house and it was a lot smaller than mine and he sold it for the same price that my house is listed" and "some builders list their homes with agents for a 1% commission", etc. Now let me tell you, I am the marketing queen. His home is in several different internet along with real estate books and I also send postcards and email blasts amongst other things which I have clearly discussed with him. I am to the point where he does not think I am doing what it takes to get his home sold and maybe we are not a good fit. I even had an agent luncheon where every last one of the agents commented that this is a tough market and the listings are taking longer and they need to be patient. They also gave recommendations on where the house should be priced which is the same price I had given him. I am beginning to take this personal and wonder if I should just give up the listing and cut my losses. I did have him sign a 9 month exclusive listing agreement so we have 4 months to go. What do you think??

Agent Luncheon success or not....

Lisa Williams (BridgeWell Realty) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 17:57:37 -0600

Well, I hosted my first Agent Luncheon today and I felt that it was very well attended with close to 20 agents. Yeah! Now I ask myself, was this successful. Initially, my idea of a successful luncheon was if there were even one agent that had a buyer that was in the market for my listing. Well, out of the 20, there was not one who said they had a potential buyer. They were basically there for the lunch & door prizes. But then I had to think about this. I did have the agents complete an "agent feedback" card so i can share with my sellers. Well, most of the comments basically said the same things that I've been discussing with my sellers who have not made the necessary accomodations. I was estatic because now maybe they will make the necessary changes so we can get their home sold. So I would say, this was a successful luncheon. What are your thoughts?

My 1st Agent Luncheon

Lisa Williams (BridgeWell Realty) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 19:19:45 -0600

Hi all,

I am planning my 1st Agent Luncheon and I'm interested to know what kind of success stories you have had. I have engaged another agent that has a listing in the same subdivision to join me and we are doing a joint luncheon. This is what I'm thinking. At house #1, have Hors d'oeuvre and direct the agents to house #2 to enter the drawing. At house #2 we will have the main course along with the drawing. Now, what do you think are good drawing items and food? My thoughts are since the gas prices have increased, again, maybe provide a $50 gas card? Also I am looking for any and all ideas regarding drawing items and food!

Thanks!

When do you lower the price of a listing

Lisa Williams (BridgeWell Realty) — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 21:19:31 -0600

I know we are still in a very challenging market. We have more inventory than we've had in quite some time. I read reports where the average amount of time a listing is on the market is up to 1 year! So, in this buyers market, if you are not getting any calls on your listing, when would you recommend the seller to consider a price reduction? Also, are you finding that incentives help?

PRICED TO SELL BUILDERS PERSONAL BRICK ELEGANCE

Lisa Williams (BridgeWell Realty) — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 13:32:56 -0600

The Builder built this Elegant 5BR, 3.5 bath brick home for himself & it's a beauty! Designer kitchen w/granite counter tops, Florida room, island, dbl oven & extra lge walk-in pantry; o'sized deck o'looks private park-like setting w/creek; Sunroom off kitchen has lots of windows perfect for relaxing; Bright family rm w/fplc has remote control gas starter & beautiful built-in bookcases; 2 story entry foyer w/remote control chandelier that lowers to the floor; French doors to study/library w/beautiful built-in's; Custom o'sized 2 car garage w/shelving, storage and mud room; two driveways; dual staircase, tankless water heater; central vac; ceiling fans through-out; irrigation system; full unfinished bsmt. This home sits directly across from swimming pool & tennis courts and is in a highly sought after neighborhood! $458,900. Call today for many more details on this one!

Lisa 678-778-4525. BridgeWell Realty 770-934-8005. www.AtlantaHomesByLisa.com

Must Sell quickly!

Lisa Williams (BridgeWell Realty) — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 23:05:53 -0600

This is the voicemail I received earlier today for a home located in a new subdivision where the builder stopped building, the school district is sub-par and they have only been in the house less than a year so "no equity". I'm of the mind that you take a listing that you know will sell. In this case, in this market, this house will not sell at the price they need. How do you gently decline a listing?

Michael Vick sentenced

Lisa Williams (BridgeWell Realty) — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 21:11:22 -0600

I can't say I was surprised by the 23 months that Michael Vick received today for his role in dog-fighting. Can you imagine losing $100's of millions of dollars by being foolish. Well, he will have a lot of time to think about his past, present and future in prison and hopefully this is an eye opener to others.

Open House reinvorgoration

Lisa Williams (BridgeWell Realty) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 21:31:07 -0600

Just when I was about to give up on having open houses I had a really good open house today! Who would have thought in December, typically the slowest month for traffic, that I would get not only 1 strong lead but 2! I'm pumped and think I will continue to keep open houses as a part of my Listing presentation!

REO's - to list or not to list

Lisa Williams (BridgeWell Realty) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 21:09:55 -0600

I just learned something new today. I was reading an article that was discussing trends which are driving todays market and found out that some of the challenges with REO's is that the REALTOR may have to handle the evictions and get the inspections done. It seems as though the REOs require more time and money for less commission. What are the pro's with listing REO's?

Do you have a Financial plan?

Lisa Williams (BridgeWell Realty) — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 20:19:22 -0600

I attended a workshop last week that discussed Women & Money. The class was interesting and not only did the workshop make me think, but I learned some pretty interestng things as well.

1. In the corporate world, not only do women make less money than men (we already knew that) but women also save less than men. Now this I was surprised by. All of the men I know love to spend, spend spend. No budget, no priortizing things that need to be done, just spend. I am curious to know if this statistic is really true? Are you guys out there really saving money?

2. Women live an average of 6 years longer than men. Again, a stat that we knew, however, how many of us women would know what to do if our significant others were to leave? This is somthing that none of us like to discuss but we really should. During the seminar, they did not give a statistic, however, many women don't have a clue of their households financial status and when they have to face the difficult task of handling the household, they don't now where to begin. We should all know what's going on with the money in the house. Also, how many of us have a will? So many of us talk about it but never get around to actually putting one together, myself included. Without a will, in many states, the courts decide who get's your estate. Not good for your loved ones who are already suffering.

3. Everyone should have their own savings account. This was something that I certainly agree with. Many couples have joint accounts and are not on the same page. This leads to arguments and sometimes divorce!! Make sure you have open and candid discussions about your finances and agree on what happens to the money.

We all need a financial plan so let's not wait until next year. Let's put our plans together now!

Do you have a Financial plan?

Lisa Williams (BridgeWell Realty) — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 20:19:15 -0600

I attended a workshop last week where the class was loosely based on Suze Orman's "Women & Money". The class was interesting and not only did he workshop make me think, but I learned some pretty interestng things as well.

We all need a financial plan so let's not wait until next year. Let's put our plans together now!

Gift ideas for a client

Lisa Williams (BridgeWell Realty) — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 20:01:24 -0600

It is so good to see that people are still buying and selling homes in the Atlanta, GA area! It seems as though the fallout of the mortgage industry has had sellers unable to sell and buyers not sure if they should but! I was fortunate enough to have a closing last week where I was the Buyers-Agent and I am looking for some gift ideas that are good and memorable. I am interested in what you've given to your clients.

ENTERTAINERS DELIGHT IN SNELLVILLE, GA

Lisa Williams (BridgeWell Realty) — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 19:33:47 -0600

The Builder built this 5BR, 3.5 bath 3 sided brick home for himself & it's a beauty! Designer kitchen w/granite counter tops, sitting area, island, dbl oven & two extra lge walk-in pantries; o'sized deck o'looks private park-like setting w/creek; Sunroom off kitchen has lots of windows perfect for relaxing; Bright family rm w/fplc has remote control gas starter & beautiful built-in bookcases; 2 story entry foyer w/remote control chandelier that lowers to the floor; French doors to study/library w/beautiful built-in's; Custom o'sized 2 car garage w/shelving, storage and mud room; two driveways; tankless water heater; central vac; ceiling fans through-out; irrigation system; full unfinished bsmt. This home sits directy across from swimming pool & tennis courts and is in a highly sought after neighborhood! Call today for many more details on this one!

Welcome Stacey Brunner to ActiveRain

Lisa Williams (BridgeWell Realty) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:13:24 -0500

Welcome to ActiveRain Stacey! I hope you enjoy this site and find it as fun and educational as I do. If existing ActiveRain members can please share your experience with Stacey to give her a good introduction to activeRain, that would be great!

Thanks!

Beautiful 4-sided brick Beauty For Sale in Swim/Tennis community -Atlanta area!

Lisa Williams (BridgeWell Realty) — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 20:37:48 -0500

Nestled in a natural wooded setting, this 5BR, 3.5 bath, 2 story French Provincial is a dream home! Back porch stairs walk to relaxing patio and natural flowing creek; Master on main has French doors that open to beautiful wrap-around screened porch o'looking nature at its best Kitchen w/island, hardwood floors, Jenn-Air cooktop, built-in desk, trash compactor & wine rack; family rm. w/fplc, wet bar, built in bookcase, high custom ceilings, ceiling fan & more; Dual staircase; full central vacuum system; security sytem;3 car garage; ceiling fans through-out; professionally landscaped and so much more! Call me on this one!

Realty Tracker

Lisa Williams (BridgeWell Realty) — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 19:18:16 -0500

What do you think about purchasing leads through Realtytracker.com? I have been receiving a plethora of emails from this real estate company and they boast about all of the leads I will receive, guaranteed, in a particular service area. I have never been a proponent of buying leads. I rely on the old fashioned way, hard work and referrals but wanted to get your thoughts on this idea, whether it's realty tracker or another company.

Looking for Real Estate marketing tips?

Lisa Williams (BridgeWell Realty) — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 09:16:53 -0500

I am looking for some creative marketing ideas. Can you please share some of your most successful marketing tools that you have used with your listings? I hear TV marketing is becoming popular. Is this form of marketing worth the cost? All ideas appreciated :-)

Real Estate showing instructions courtesy call vs appointment only

Lisa Williams (BridgeWell Realty) — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 12:51:18 -0500

In Georgia, we are still very much in a buyers market. I have a listing in Douglasville, GA and I was brainstorming with another agent on ways to increase the exposure to my listing. They suggested to change the listing instructions to "courtesy call" instead of "by appointment only" which is what I have used because there is a pet on the premises and the owners still live in the house. Any thoughts on changing the showing instructions? Do you feel that it would really make a difference with getting agents to show the property more?

Real Estate steering?

Lisa Williams (BridgeWell Realty) — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 06:29:15 -0500

I am a Realtor in the Atlanta, GA area and yesterday I was talking to another Realtor. We were bouncing ideas off of each other and she was telling me that she has a client looking for a home near the airport with the master on the main level. I told her about a development near Camp Creek Pky which is within 10-20 minutes from the airport in an area that had been revitalized. She said that she did not want to show the property off of Camp Creek since it probably lacked diversity. I was really surprised that that agent was steering her client away from an area that she felt was not suited for her. I was caught off guard and was not sure how to reply. What are your thoughts? How should I have responded? Is this considered steering?

Is the Real Estate Market picking up??

Lisa Williams (BridgeWell Realty) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 20:46:14 -0500

I know the month of June is National home buying month according to the National Board of Realtors but I have yet to see the market pick up for home sellers? is anyone else having more success selling homes in your market? Atlanta seems unseasonably slow.

Non-Responsive Agents leads to frustration

Lisa Williams (BridgeWell Realty) — Mon, 28 May 2007 18:56:33 -0500

I have been working with a 1st time homebuyer in the Atlanta, Georgia area for the past few months. My client has already been pre-qualified for a VA loan. He was looking for a single family home with 2-3BR and 1+ baths. He qualified for $90,000 so our choices were limited to pretty much foreclosures or townhomes. We finally found a house that was a bank owned/foreclosure. I contacted the agent to make sure the property was still available and also to make sure the bank would accept a contract with VA financing. I had no problem getting in touch with the agent who told me the house was still available and to go ahead and submit the contract although he could not tell me if the bank would accept the VA financing. Since my client really liked this house, I went ahead and submitted the contract. I called the agent the following day to see if he talked to the bank about the contract. No return call. I called again for the next two days and left messages, still no return call. I would think that in this market where there are so many foreclosures that the selling Agents would be motivated to sell their listings. Or, at the very least, return my call or make a counter offer. Has anyone else had any of the same experiences?