Things Are Heating Up - 02/27/08 05:43 PM
I wish I was talking about the weather heating up. It was cold today, never getting out of the teens. But it was pretty! The overnight snow really stuck to the tree and so I drove through Highland Park and grabbed a few shots.Real estate does seem to be heating up. Two weeks ago I lost a deal to multiple offers. There were three offers, including ours. That hasn't happened in a while. I talked to an agent from my office yesterday. He wrote and offer for a client and had competition. Lucky for them, the seller decided to work with … (1 comments)

And a Good Photo's Worth Thousands of Dollars - 02/26/08 08:59 PM
Earlier, I wrote about some very bad photos in the Rochester MLS. Now, I'd like to provide a few tips to get your home ready to be photographed to put on the market.
Looks are everything in today's real estate market. The current public watches tons of HG-TV and their expectations are often unrealistic. A colleague recently described the current Rochester market as a beauty contest. And just as a fashion model spends hours primping before a photo shoot, plan to invest plenty of time and effort preparing your home to look its best.The first step is to do some serious cleaning, … (2 comments)

A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words - 02/26/08 08:38 PM
A client I'm currently working with suggested that I put together a course to teach fellow Realtors how to photograph houses. The first thing that went through my mind was that he felt I need to supplement my income. After all, things are pretty slow. But this afternoon I took a hard look at some of the stuff that's in the MLS and they are just too funny not to share.
This first gem is from a really expensive house. Really expensive. Like well over $500,000. Can't you tell from the light fixture?

The next photo was taken by an agent that works … (10 comments)

Ready to Write An Offer - 8 Big Questions to Answer - 02/24/08 11:31 AM
I've been working with a first-time home buyer for a couple of weeks now. We've been out 3 or 4 times to look at property and yesterday we went back to look at one a second time. He's really thinking that this might be the one.Choosing which property to purchase is a big decision. BUT, it is only ONE of many important decisions that come with buying a property. That is why I like to begin the home buying process with a review of a purchase contract before we begin to look at homes. That way, buyers can have some time … (1 comments)

Why Start With Pre-Qualifying? - 02/21/08 06:29 PM
When I start working with new buyers I always encourage them to start the home search by calling the bank and get prequalified. The usual response is grumbling about how they know they have good credit. For some reason, most people just hate to start their search with a call to the bank.Today, I had my credit pulled to do a refinance of our home and boy did I have a big surprise. The loan officer asked me about my American Express bill. Well, I don't have an American Express Card. But according to my credit report, I have an outstanding … (2 comments)

Looking For Smart Phone Advice - 02/13/08 09:20 AM
See my earlier post!  I need a new smartphone, hopefully one smart enough to get out of the way when I spill hot chocolate.  Anyway, I use Outlook 2007 for my database management and really like the Business Contact Manager. 
My old smartphone would not sync with my Business Contact Manager file which means I had to keep a duplicate set of records.  I don't want to do that anymore.  Any recommendations?  Thank you in advance!
… (3 comments)

Sticky Situation - 02/13/08 09:01 AM
My husband is such a sweetheart, even when it's not Valentine's Week. Last night I was hard at work up in my office and he brought me up a mug of steaming hot chocolate. Isn't that sweet? Except as he was sitting it down and I was reaching for it, it somehow got bumped and, well, not a drop remained in the mug. Which means everything on my desk got covered in thick, gooey hot chocolate.So there is now a ton of paperwork that is now in the trash can, which is probably a good thing. I save the stupidest things, … (5 comments)

Most Expensive Offering in City of Rochester - 02/11/08 08:59 PM
The snow is blowing and the wind-chill is below zero tonight and so it's a good time to dream of living somewhere else. That is, until you look at the price of housing.One of Rochester's most magnificent homes, the Charlotte Whitney Allen Home on Oliver Street is currently on the market. The 6000 sq foot museum-quality mansion complete with gardens designed by renowned landscape designer Fletcher Steele are being offered for a mere $975,000. photo tour and home details at: www.rochestersbesthomes.com/733670 By comparison, a similar mansion is being offered in San Francisco. It's a little larger, approximately 7,400 sq feet but … (1 comments)

Houses Can Sell Quickly in Rochester, NY - 02/10/08 09:55 PM
Much of the country is crying the real estate blues, but that is not really the case in Rochester, NY. If a house is sparkling clean, tastefully decorated and priced fairly, it will sell. Case in point, 32 Justinshire Drive, in Henrietta, NY.I listed this house early Thursday morning, had the first showing Friday morning and by suppertime that evening had a nice offer in hand. My sellers are now busy packing! … (5 comments)

New on the Market - 02/07/08 05:22 PM
   
Just listed!  Be sure to check out this very nice raised ranch in Henrietta! With 1700 sq feet, it has 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bath modern kitchen, newer windows, and attached garage.  With preninial gardens and mature trees this house boasts a spectacicular yard.   This fine home is priced to sell at $129,900. Enjoy the photo tour or give me a call at 756-7457 to schedule a look!  Better hurry...this house is sure to sell quickly!
… (1 comments)

Market Report - Rochester, NY - 02/06/08 09:21 PM
I was pleased to note that in the MLS today, there were more listings that went pending then expired. That wasn't the case many days in the later part of 2007. Today, 47 single family homes went pending. Average time on the market was 54 days, although I think that is high because of at least three listings on the market more than 200 days. Average list price was $106,048, with a range of $10,400 (No! I didn't forget any zeros!) to $549,500. Here is an interesting statistic! For the four properties listed for more than $250,000, the average days on … (3 comments)

How Does Christie Brinkley Do It? - 02/06/08 02:32 PM
I have a whole new appreciation for super models like Christie Brinkley after this morning! You see, I spent this morning in a sleet and freezing rain storm with a light jacket on trying to look poised, happy and successful while a photographer from the Rochester Business Journal snapped away! I was recently interview by Mary Stone, their real estate reporter about the impact of the subprime mortgage situation on Rochester's real estate market. They needed a photo to go with the story and I agreed.How'd I do? I don't think Christie has anything to worry about. Check out the Friday, … (1 comments)

Shadow! What Shadow? - 02/02/08 05:38 PM
According to media reports, the groundhog saw his shadow this morning and so we are in for six more weeks of winter. Impossible! It's so grey and gloomy out that my GPS system can't find a satellite signal and they're saying a groundhog found his shadow. It must be a conspiracy to slow down the local real estate market.Enjoy the perma-gray! It didn't slow down these ice fisherman on Conesus Lake.
… (1 comments)

 

Mary Shelsby

Rochester, NY

More about me…

Re/Max First

Address: 95 Allens Creek Rd, Rochester, NY, 14618

Office Phone: (585) 756-7457

Cell Phone: (585) 414-5513

Email Me

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