Myrtle Beach Real Estate by Mirela Monte

Say Whaaat?!?

2008-07-03T02:04:03Z

Picture a condo project of about a hundred units and not a single sale since December. Add to that a top Realtor and a motivated Seller and we finally produced a fully executed contract (just in case you were wondering: the author is the top Realtor in this story). Price reduction compared to the last one sold: about 30%. The Seller sweated bullets. With a clenched hand he finally signed the agreement.

Now the Buyer wants a new AC unit, a new water heater, a door changed, a window fixed and various odds and ends. Final estimate: close to $ 5,000. Say Whaaat? Are you kidding me? "Seller pay up, or Buyer be gone!" What to do, what to do?

While I'm trying to connect the dots and keep this deal together without breaking the Seller, who is now turning all hues of red and purple, I'm ping-ponging another offer back and fourth between a developer, his partners and their bank on one side, and a power monger Buyer whose cash has turned him into a blood hound following the trail left behind by broken builders.

As if that's not enough, I'm SOS'ing possible cash buyers on another deal that goes to the foreclosure sale on Monday. "URGENT, PRE-FORECLOSURE SALE... WAS $ 699,900, now $ 465,000 cash can get this. Hurry! Must have executed contract by Monday!" Within hours I receive six leads. We have three showings tomorrow as a result of it, and yes, me and my staff are all working on the Fourth of July and on the fifth and thereafter.

You'd think the above is enough to make for an action packed day? In your dreams! Add to the mix two other new offers written today and yesterday that I'm still negotiating, plus two other shaky deals from last week that need my tender loving care, one frustrated would be attorney client who wants to re-write my contract (NO!), a short sale nightmare (God have mercy!), AND two new listings generated by the unfortunate divorce of favorite clients of mine (OUCH!!!).

Certainly this has to be IT, right? Wrong! The above are all MY deals, AND I have several other agents who all need the BIC's (that would be ME!) TLC and GMOOS ("Get Me Out Of S...").

AR I love you! AR I miss you! AR, I have such stories boiling inside of me waiting to explode on paper. AR, unfortunately, it will have to wait, because it's the Fourth of July week in Myrtle Beach and Real Estate Hell is in full swing. When do I get a VACATION?

Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection, Mirela Monte Join The Optimist Group!

Signs, Signs and More Signs...

2008-06-29T22:45:53Z

After an evening out with my girlfriends, I entered the freeway heading home. There was my ex-boyfriend on the billboard advertising himself (he's an attorney here). I've seen his billboards around town, and never paid much attention to them, but tonight he just stood out.

Not even 5 miles later another billboard stared back at me: my ex-husband's billboard (advertising his housing development), another 5 miles, another one of his billboards. I wondered how many people's mistakes were staring them in the face on the way home?

This week I also got the new signs for my business.

Since I am particularly sensitive to signage this week, here is a collection worth peeking at. Enjoy!

Myrtle Beach Real Estate by Mirela Monte

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Gee... Thanks!

"Ok, kids listen up: Jimmy and Tommy, you go have fun playing with toys, while Daddy goes and has fun playing with ugh... wings, right next door..."

Sign posted by an Optimist...

Girls: Don't go there!

Same address as above...

Restrooms for the fit only... Larger sizes must use the more graphic

Oops! I didn't know they captured this on camera...

Great reminder!

Bio Identicals: The New Best Kept Secret

2008-06-27T23:18:59Z

Can you guess how old the woman right beside me is (second one from the right)? She is 47 years old. She looks like she is still in her twenties. I couldn't believe it when I saw her last year; she looked ten years younger than when I saw her last, which was one year prior. I begged her to tell me what she was doing. She leaned forward and whispered "Bio Identicals". "Whatever they are, I want some", I demanded.

Suzanne Sommers delves into "Bio Identicals" in her best selling book "Ageless". If you have not yet discovered this best kept secret, don't walk; run and get the book!

Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection, Mirela Monte

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My Dearest Body: I love you!

2008-06-27T22:26:06Z

We try to subjugate the body to perform by beating or shaming it into submission, but just as the horse smacked into going fast, has to slow down after the race, so does the body.

Loving your body for the wonderful, amazing machine that it is, whether you are 10 pounds over your desired weight or 100, is the best way to embark on the journey to lifelong health. If the body wants to rest at whatever weight, just let it. Do the cardio to clear your head; the weight loss is simply a bonus.

Please read the new "Quantum Wellness"! In it, Kathy Freston talks about "leaning into" fitness without any perceived great discomfort. No drama. Just allowing the mental to absorb the new direction and letting the body go at it's own pace, while the mind fine tunes the way there until there is a tipping point and quantum changes are incurred.

I love my body! I can move every inch of it with ease. It gives me pleasure and I appreciate it very much! I am so thankful for my healthy body!

Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection Mirela Monte Join The Optimist Group!

George Tallabas is a Proud Grandfather!

2008-06-27T01:40:13Z

George Tallabas became a Grandfather this week. His daughter Amanda delivered a beautiful and healthy baby girl named Alexis. George is ecstatic; his baby girl now HAS a baby girl!

Although George does not look old enough to be a grandfather, he relishes his new title and can talk about nothing else but how beautiful his new girl is.

Alexis, the apple of your grandfather's eye, welcome to the world! You are LOVED!

A proud Optimist welcome to our newest future addition!

Mirela Monte

CAN YOU SEE THE RESEMBLANCE?

My Gift to You - Your New Life Manual

2008-06-26T10:44:12Z

I don't have time to write a blog this morning. My plate is full to the max. There is too much going on and my three assistants would kill me if they knew I was doing this right now.

I just couldn't wait to share this with you! It is too urgent and too important. Do yourself a big favor and start reading this book today: "Quantum Wellness - a Practical and Spiritual Guide to Health and Happiness" by Kathy Freston. It just came out recently and I bought it simply because I buy all the health books as a matter of course (I have a vast library and Health books occupy a large portion of it). Upon reading it I discovered that this is not just a health book; this is a LIFE MANUAL.

Kathy writes: "Every little thing you do adds up and before you know it you've created your life. And how you create your life ripples out and affects everyone and everything that crosses your path, known or unknown to you."

Dr. Mehmet Oz, in his foreword puts it best: "The beauty of Kathy's approach is her understanding that everything we do has an internal effect. So being inauthentic or dishonest with others (and yourself) hurts you subconsciously - and physically. And wellness means not just that you don't have any particular illness or complaint, but that you have abundant energy, exude a keen sense of purpose and place in the world, and consider the whole rather than just yourself."

"Kathy reminds us that the important thing is simply to turn toward wellness and build, bit by bit, a certain momentum. Eventually a tipping point is reached and a real breakthrough - of body, mind, and spirit - can be ours."

"Moreover, Kathy shows us that it's really a dance. As we grow in our own health and happiness, we contribute to an environment ripe for change. And finally, she reminds us that sometimes all we need to do is sit back and allow a mystical intercession to take place. By breaking things down into such manageable steps -steps that organically lead to breakthroughs of consciousness, connection, and health - Kathy has handed us the keys to ‘quantum wellness.' What a gift!"

I took a break from my extremely busy day this morning, because I thought this information was critical. The sooner you start reading this book the better - for yourself and all of those you love. I'm happy when you are happy and healthy! Get to it!

Mirela Monte Join The Optimist Group!

AR JOKESTER: Jobs, Hobbies and Dreams...

2008-06-26T00:06:26Z

It's never too late to follow your dreams...

Union Break...

P Stop...

Now you know...

United Federal Highway Workers Union...

You always knew Grandma was up to NO good when out with her girlfriends...

Now you know... THAT'S what that was!

Military cutbacks...

And YOU still don't have a website?

Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection, Mirela Monte Join The Optimist Group!

The Nr.1 Sales Tool

2008-06-24T03:38:13Z

I'm terrified; I'm going to the hairdresser tomorrow, first time in over a year! I finally worked up enough courage to make an appointment with someone who came highly recommended, so I think I'm going tomorrow (unless I lose my courage again and reschedule).

Why am I so terrified of hairdressers? Because THEY DON'T LISTEN! My hair is naturally curly, curly (that's super curly for those of you who don't like redundancy). I don't know if any of you have curly, curly hair, but let me tell you: curly, curly hair doesn't grow like normal hair. When wet, my hair is down my back, when dry it's only shoulder length.

I like my hair long. Hairdressers fail to understand that. I tell them to just take off the split ends and give me a light trim and I leave their chair with half my hair gone. Why is that? Why don't they listen? If they just did exactly as I asked, I would be a loyal client and come back every few months for that light trim. They would make a lot more money, I would be happy and refer other people to them, they would be more successful. It's not a difficult equation, is it?

I got to thinking: how many Realtors do the same thing - NOT LISTEN to the client? I can hear some of you go into defense mode: "I always listen!"

Here is what I think: If you lose a client, assume that you did not listen. When you close 100% of your deals, you can lean back in your chair, put your hands back and relax: you have mastered the art of listening! Until that happens, assume that your listening skills need to be in a constant state of IMPROVEMENT. Take active listening classes, take body language classes, practice, ask questions, lots of them and LISTEN!

You have two ears and one mouth; there is a reason for that. The clients don't want to listen to things about you. They don't care if your little Johnny is a star baseball player or if you won the lottery last Tuesday. The clients want to talk about themselves. By attentively listening to them, you will be able to fill in the informational gaps and figure out the perfect property for them. Only by understanding their subtle nuances will you be able to really understand their housing needs and service them properly. If you do that, they'll come to you again and again and send you all their friends and relatives. Your number one sales tool is LISTENING WELL. The rest just works itself out, because if you understand your clients, you'll understand their housing needs and deliver the goods!

Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection, Mirela Monte Join The Optimist Group!

THE GIFT

2008-06-22T13:13:56Z

Both of my children were "surprises". They are still surprising me with the breadth of feelings they engender in me. Without a doubt, they have made me a better human being. They are both the Sun my Earth orbits around AND the nucleus of my being. The experience of being a mother has been both the most trying experience and the most satisfying one.

Being a mother is NOT convenient. Having and raising children is like a long and exciting water slide: full of twists and turns, bumps and grinds and thrilling surprises, but when it's over you just sigh: "Wow!" and "Let's do that again!"

Being pregnant was difficult and giving birth naturally hurts more than anything else. I love having children and hope to enjoy a beautiful, loving pregnancy in the future. I had to work with both of my children, when I was pregnant and afterwards. It is my ardent wish to be able to stay at home and do it right one last time. I want to see what that feels like.

Both of my children are extraordinary, and I'm not just saying that because I am their mother. Their accomplishments speak for themselves and everyone around me always compliments me on how amazing they are. I am in awe of them myself and I have learnt so much from them.

Can you tell: I am so in love with my kids! Maybe that's why they turned out so well...

If you look at life from the perspective of a 90 year old, you will understand the value of producing life and sacrificing your immediate comfort and needs to garner and maintain THE GIFT...

Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection, Mirela Monte

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The Cancer Didn't Win... The Optimist did!

2008-06-22T00:56:59Z

To say that I was inspired today is not enough. I was inspired, impressed and captivated by an extraordinary woman, my client and fellow Realtor, Evelyn Carswell. Evelyn was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer of the lungs in June of last year, only two months after selling her business of 17 years and garnering her Real Estate Broker's license.

"Evelyn, you're very healthy except for the cancer', mused her doctor, the eminent Dr. Geoffrey Chapman of Charlotte Presbyterian Hospital. Thus began Evelyn's journey through the abyss of simultaneous chemotherapy (17 treatments in all) and radiation (35 treatments in all), along with the "cocktails", strong concoctions of various poisons designed to extirpate the cancer (3 treatments of those spaced 21 days apart). In the morning she would have the chemotherapy, followed by radiation in the afternoon.

I am not a connoisseur of cancer, but I pay attention to what people tell me and I've talked to many cancer survivors. That just sounds like an awful lot to put someone through. Six months later, here was this lovely woman in front of me today, beautiful, dewy skin, lovely personality, optimistic and joyous, seemingly without a care in the world. She and her husband and their delightful grandson were at the beach looking for a second home.

You couldn't tell that she had lost her hair and nails three times during the course of the arduous treatments, which lasted between June to December of last year. You couldn't tell that only months ago she was enthralled in the battle of her life. I asked her how she found the strength to go through the horrifying treatments. She looked at me, eyes wide open, sparkling with a child like innocence and said: "I don't know Mirela, I just did. I just wanted to live. It's all here", she said pointing to her head. "Your outlook is the most important thing. My husband told me: ‘You've got to love us enough to live for us!' and I did. My grandson, Allen, said that the Angel told him that I'll be fine."

Evelyn did not give up. She prayed, she visualized, she prayed some more. She found strength in her loved ones' love. Her winning attitude helped her conquer yet another battle, the most important one of her life. Is Evelyn an Optimist? ...She is the Optimist of Optimists.

I am launching a new Optimist Group program. Please blog about the people who inspire you and post their stories to our group. Every month I will choose the most inspiring story and present that person as the "Optimist of Optimists". Our June "Optimist of Optimists" title hereby goes to Evelyn Carswell. Exactly a year ago, she was given her death sentence. Today she was healthy and shopping for her second home at the beach.

Evelyn, my hat is off to you! It is an honor and a privilege to be your Agent at the Beach!

Sincerely, Mirela Monte

Does A Man Have To "Curl Your Toes"?

2008-06-21T01:43:40Z

(This is not about Real Estate, but it does involve Realtors, so it's OK to post here)

I contradicted Terrie tonight. I did it publicly. It was spontaneous, it just came out; I just could not contain it.

Terrie is a very successful commercial broker, head of her own company here. She was the president of our association, a genuine mover and shaker. Terrie is beautiful, well groomed, well dressed. She is at the top of her game and has been for quite some time. There were no less than five Real Estate Agents at our table, all of us in the top 2% of the market here, two top executives and another influential woman. It was a lovely evening spent with friends around a Teppanyaki table, enjoying some great Japanese food.

At one point we were talking about men and relationships, having brought up the subject due to my recent break up. Terrie was imparting her sage advice which we have all heard about a thousand times before: "He has to make your toes curl!" That did it! My mouth just started drilling into the "toe curling" hypothesis Terrie was espousing as gospel.

"Toe curling, Terrie? I'm done with toe curling! I say we look beyond that! Look at us; we are all successful in every respect except for our relationships! I've gone for toe curling all my life and all I have to show for it are failed relationships. If toe curling is the right answer, we sure are some sorry testimonials for it!

Then I realized: You don't contradict Terrie! You certainly don't do it in public. Oops, I insulted all of my friends too! What a faux pas, I thought to myself. Then I looked around the table and what I saw and heard was a huge surprise: I almost received a standing ovation. My impassioned diatribe garnered the approval of all my women friends. Incredible, but true! Maybe we're on to something here... Maybe "toe curling" is not the right answer after all... What do you think?

Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection, Mirela Monte Serial Monogamy and Real Estate

Are You The Captain of Your Ship, or Just a Passenger?

2008-06-20T23:41:38Z

Are you the captain of your ship, or just a compliant passenger? Do you live your life like you own it, or do you allow the ebbs and flows of life to dictate your direction?

I am amazed at how some people want a better life, but they are not willing to do the work and pay the price for a better life. They simply wish for things to drop out of the sky. Sure, they want a good mate, a good job, a beautifully appointed home, exotic vacations. Simply wishing will simply not deliver...

Even if they land the perfect partner or the perfect job, those kinds of people won't be able to hold on to that perfect partner or that perfect job, because they are unwilling to do the work necessary to keep them. Great starts don't necessarily translate into great accomplishments. Simply being allowed to participate in the Olympics won't guarantee you a medal unless you perform. It works the same way in life...

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection

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5 Changes You Can Make Right Now to Get Back Your Health, Re-Gain Vitality & Lose 10 pounds:

2008-06-18T05:26:52Z

1. Replace "FRIED" with "BAKED', ‘GRILLED/BROILED', ‘STEAMED" or "RAW". Plug in anything you want here: Fried potatoes to Baked potatoes, Fried Okra to Steamed okra, Fried chicken to Grilled chicken... You get the idea...

2. Replace sweetened, artificial drinks to pure drinks. Sweet Tea to unsweetened green tea, Soft drinks to fresh squeezed juices, diet drinks to water. Do you need a "pep me up" today? Go by the health food store and get them to juice for you. "Juicing" has live enzymes and nutrients that will help you elevate your mood & your health. In a hurry? While there, pick up a drink called "Synergy" (look for it in the fridge & keep it refrigerated). It comes in many flavors, all of them palatable (not great). It's a fermented Shiitake/Maitake drink. If I drink it every day for about 4 days in a row, I swear that my skin just radiates with health. It's a remarkable make-over in a bottle.

3. Replace hamburger with anything else you want. Grilled, not fried. A friend of mine who owned a large meat company used to sell these fast food places the stuff they put in hamburgers. Believe me, you don't want to know what's in that hamburger meat... I thought they threw away those parts of the cow... I've never had a hamburger since, and that was 1983...

4. Don't take the elevator. Walk up the stairs. Walk 10 minutes at lunch today. Aside from the movement, the rays of the sun will help your body produce serotonin and make you happier.

5. Hold the sauce! Please! Make that sauce, dressing, ketchup, mayo and all that stuff. Eat pure. Why do you need to drench your food with all that fat, artificial gumbo? At least cut down, more and more, until you eliminate most of it. A salad can potentially be healthy without being drenched in the dressing. Go light!

Be Good To Yourself! Life is short. Live well!

Join the Optimist Group!

Myrtle Beach Real Estate by Mirela Monte

Kids, Kids, Kids... Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-14T21:16:02Z

Pee or Sweat?

Don't worry Grandma; it's just my new PACIFIER...

Yum! What is that? I haven't tried that flavor yet!

Riding The Donald.

Don't tell mom!

Mine, all mine!

Fly like the wind!

I like daddy's Pepsi, but it makes me feel woozy...

Myrtle Beach Real Estate by Mirela Monte Join The Optimist Group!

It's Father's Day this Sunday and Daddy, I Miss You!

2008-06-13T21:27:34Z

Every year around this time it's difficult for me. Everyone celebrates their father and Daddy, I can't help it, but I'm jealous. You've been gone over ten years now. I come and visit you by the weeping willow and I'm fine, but Daddy every time I touch your head stone the tears just start pouring.

I still feel your presence, but Daddy I wish you were here in body, not just in spirit. I miss you, I miss your advice, I miss your company, I miss your love, your guidance, your support, your laughter, your friendship!

My most treasured possession is the book I wrote for you when you passed away. I titled it "A Celebration of Life" in your honor, because Daddy, you were always so alive, so spirited. When your light went out, your lifeless body did not even resemble you. You were always so engaged by life, so passionate about everything you did.

In Montserrat last year I lit a candle for you and said a silent prayer. I light a candle for you every time I walk into a church. This Sunday I'll light another candle and I'll say my silent prayer. I thank you for loving me and my sister so much and letting us know how special we were to you. I feel your presence every day of my life and I see your spirit in my own children. I thank you Daddy for all the things small and large that you taught me and showed me, but most of all I thank you for your love! I miss you Daddy!

Mirela

AR SHORT SALE FORUM: We Need Your Input!

2008-06-13T16:52:12Z

AR SHORT SALE FORUM: PLEASE PARTICIPATE!

With a few million loans waiting to adjust, the short sale, the first leg of the foreclosure process and a desirable option for the financially strapped owners, is becoming a meat and potatoes business for the average Real Estate Firm. Many Brokerages have already opened their in house distressed property departments, our office included.

Short sales are the most cumbersome of the three possible legs of the journey: Short Sale, Foreclosure, and REO. As an agent you can waste countless hours working a short sale, only to find out, months into the transaction that all your work was in vain. I've read horror story after horror story about it, right here on AR.

Different entities have put the percentages of short sales brought to fruition to a mere 20% of the cases. Does anyone have any reliable figures on this? Here are my questions:

What percentages of these short sales actually close?
What is the time frame for closing on these observed by Realtors in different parts of the country? I'm talking from the point of the first offer coming in.
Are short sales really that good of a deal for a Buyer? How much is a Buyer saving by going the route of a short sale?
They are time consuming, difficult and fraught with problems. Why do them? Do you garner further Bank business by doing them? Do you garner more Buyers? Why trouble yourself with working short sales?

Myrtle Beach Short Sales by Mirela Monte

Short Sales, Foreclosures and REO... Part 2

2008-06-12T23:08:20Z

Foreclosures: These are the big Daddies of them all; the do or die, the final chapter. It may take six months for these to go down, but when they do, that's it: your property is history; you lose it!

In the states where a"Deficiency Judgment" is still an option, you still have 30 days to redeem your property by paying the bank ALL that you owe them, plus, plus, plus (the cost of the foreclosure process is not cheap and that gets added to the tab). I'm yet to see a person redeem their property, but it does happen in the movies...

Anyway, if you don't come up with the money within the 30 days after the foreclosure sale, the property goes to someone else.

In the states where a Deficiency Judgment is not an option, or when a lender does not request a deficiency judgment, which is the case quite frequently lately, then the foreclosure sale is the final sale. The Buyer pays 5% in cash the day of the sale and the remainder of the money within 10-20 days. The Buyer gets the property "as is", complete with mold issues, structural issue, tax liens, even HOA liens. This is the riskiest purchase a Buyer can make and it is NOT for the Real Estate Junior Leagers...

If you are the unlucky one the bank does not forgive, you receive the surprise of a Deficiency Judgment after the Foreclosure Sale. If you owed the bank $ 90,000 and they sold your property for $ 45,000, the bank will go after you for the difference of the $ 45,000 plus the late fees, plus the foreclosure costs. That $ 45,000 owed can easily become $ 70,000 and the bank will get a deficiency judgment against you for that amount. That deficiency judgment will follow you wherever you go until they get their money somehow. The bank will put liens on your other properties, your toys, your retirement accounts; they could even garner your wages. Yup, pretty scary!

For those of you who think that just trashing your credit and losing your property are the only bad things that can happen here, you're in for a very bad surprise. Just talk to one of those guys who do the chasing after these deficiency judgments; he'll let you in on some little secrets of the trade. Suffice it to say: you do not want a deficiency judgment clouding your life!

Myrtle Beach Foreclosures, Mirela Monte Short Sales, Foreclosures & REO's... Part 1

Short Sales, Foreclosures and REO's

2008-06-12T21:32:19Z

I was talking with an agent friend of mine today and she confessed that she didn't know the difference between Short Sales, Foreclosures and REO's.

If an Agent doesn't know, I'm sure many others are confused as well. Here is the scoop, and it's spread over the span of three posts, so you'll have to come back to my blog later for part 2 - Foreclosures and part 3 - REO's.

1. Short Sale: This is the name of the transaction where you owe the bank more than the property is now worth and the bank agrees to let you sell the property for less than what you owe the bank... you sell short... short sale.

Say you purchased the property for $ 100,000, with 10% down; you now owe $ 90,000. Because of the market, the value of your property is now only $ 50,000. You get an offer for $ 45,000 and the bank approves it. The buyer gets your property for 10% under market value, you are not foreclosed on and the bank gets the $ 45,000 instead of the $ 90,000 that you owe them and calls it even.

Your credit gets dinged, but not as badly as with a foreclosure.

The IRS used to send you a 1099 for the difference between the $90,000 you owed the bank and the $ 45,000 that you actually garnered the bank. In the eyes of the IRS you had made $ 45,000 and they wanted a piece of it. Not anymore. Our lovely legislators have halted that practice for the time being. You won't get a 1099, but that doesn't mean that you won't owe capital gains taxes (Say what? ...More on that in another blog).

How do you get the bank to allow you to sell your property for less than what you owe them? You have to prove a hardship: you lost your job, you got sick, your spouse left you and she was the primary breadwinner... you get the picture. If you have money in a retirement account, a couple more properties, a boat and other toys, the bank will want you to pull the money from all those goodies and make up the difference. A short sale is not for those who are still financially comfortable.

Myrtle Beach Short Sales by Mirela Monte Join The Optimist Group!

Naked Chicks Right Here on AR !!!

2008-06-11T23:27:57Z

What did you think you'd find?

Just before the funeral services, the undertaker came up to the very elderly widow and asked:

"How old was your husband?"

"Ninety-eight," she replied.

"Two years older than me."

"So you're ninety-six the undertaker commented.

She responded:

"Hardly worth going home, is it?"

Myrtle Beach Real Estate by Mirela Monte Join The Optimist Group!

The Order of Showing Homes & Other MIRELAisms To Help You & Your Buyers

2008-06-11T18:42:47Z

I don't believe in showing properties in any particular order; it just seems a bit too contrived for me. I don't want to fabricate anything. It is what it is! If there is a bad way to get there, I want to drive it. If my clients don't like it, that may not be the home for them. If a home doesn't compare favorably with another for whatever reason, I just let my clients decide; it is what it is. Next!

After the full execution of the contract, it's a unilateral agreement in my Buyers' favor for over a week (I have a special addendum that allows us that luxury). During that time I help my Buyers perform due diligence and find out everything about the property: the good, the bad and the ugly (like driving the neighborhood late at night and on the weekends to see the kind of peace or activity there, neighbors' obnoxious barking dogs, various inspections, HOA rules & regulations, etc.) If the home passes all of that, and only then, do we move forward with the contract.

The order of the properties? Macht nichts! It's not about another sale for me; it's about helping my clients find the very best possible home for them...

Most of my buyers don't have the luxury of a lot of time spent over several weeks to look for a home. Because of that, I have to make it very time effective. My first consultation consists of showing them ALL their choices on the MLS (we narrow it by price, area and other parameters, of course). We look at interior and exterior pictures, size of lots, age and size of homes, etc. I share with them all the information I have on the particular neighborhoods the homes are in and we select only those homes that my clients find appealing (they choose the homes). My assistant then sets up all the showings and off we go (in no particular order of showing the homes, other than the logical progression on the map).

I always carry a little notebook with me and I jot down the order and addresses of each property and then ask my clients to tell me everything they like and everything they don't like about each home while we are in it. I then ask them to grade each home from 0 to 10 (ten being the best). I take notes of everything they tell me and it usually comes in handy later, when we are discussing the properties seen that day. Sometimes we see over a dozen properties in one day, so this helps a great deal. I also have my camera with me at all times and I often times take pictures of each property.

Taking notes, grading the properties and writing down exactly what the Buyers like and don't like about each property is invaluable. I can not recommend it strongly enough!

Most of the time, the clients will like one property over all the others. After we finish viewing our choices, we'll then go back to that property to see how it compares with all the ones we've seen already. If they are still impressed, we write the offer. NEVER wait to write the contract! As you well know from your own listings, a property can linger on the market for months, and the day an offer comes in, you'll have two other offers within hours! I have a sign posted at my office with the following saying: "The Home you saw today that you are considering buying tomorrow, is the very same Home someone else saw yesterday and is buying today..."

I think it's important to see all the properties your clients are considering buying during the course of the same day. For example if they have 3 favorites, I'd like to show all three of them again during the same afternoon. There is a reason for that: your clients may be in a better mood on a Sunny Sunday when they see Favorite A. On a gloomy Monday if the clients see Favorite B and C, those last two won't fare as well as Favorite A, the property seen on a Sunny Sunday (the emotional state of the client is different). It may have nothing to do with the property itself, but it will have everything to do with the emotional state of the Buyer. If all three were to be viewed during the same afternoon, a better decision will be made because the Buyers will compare apples with apples, due to the uniformity of their emotional state. This is the only order I pay attention to.

How about you? What are your thought on the subject? I would love to hear your opinions on this!

Myrtle Beach Real Estate by Mirela Monte Join The Optimist Group!

Ethical Real Estate Agents Needed

2008-06-11T11:41:32Z

We are expanding and we are looking for a new team member. Our Agents are working too many hours trying to meet the demands of our busy market and we need help!

We are looking for an agent with a good moral compass to add to our team of top producers. If you've never sold anything, and you are licensed or about to be licensed, I encourage you to apply. We are not sales people; we are Real Estate Counselors. Mothers, teachers and nurses are strongly encouraged to apply. If you are service oriented, like taking care of others and have a strong work ethic, you will fit right in.

This is a tremendous opportunity for the right person, as we provide mentorship and a highly effective training program, along with a uniquely valuable ongoing support system to ensure your success in the business.

Myrtle Beach Real Estate by Mirela Monte Join The Optimist Group!

The doom & gloom of our market is the sunshine of my investors

2008-06-10T18:51:34Z

Today's market is the best opportunity Buyers have had in eons. 2005 was our banner year here at the Beach. With prices skyrocketing and investors flipping properties like french chefs flipping savory crepes: up they went and when they landed back in the pans that was another $ 100,000 in their pockets...

Then brutal reality set in: a paralysis of the market that gained momentum throughout 2006 and 2007, culminating in some amazing price slashing in 2008. Driven by an entirely new favorite called short sales and foreclosures, this market will make some lucky buyers rich almost overnight.

Fact: God does not create any more Beach.

Fact: The baby boomers have started the retirement process.

Fact: Millions of baby boomers will be retiring on the sunny coast of North and South Carolina, between Nags Head to Hilton Head. Myrtle Beach is almost dead center between these two origination points.

Fact: The water of the Atlantic is warm during the summer and ever so clear. Showcasing 60 miles of beach, the sand is light and fine, and the beauty of this place and the pleasure factor are unparalleled.

Fact: With over 100 golf courses, a well connected Intercoastal Waterway system ideal for boating, countless rivers, lakes and other bodies of water, amazing entertainment venues, over 1,000 restaurants, exciting theme parks, water parks, and shopping opportunities, Myrtle Beach is positioned to become America's vacation and entertainment Mecca.

This is the most opportune time to pick up property in Myrtle Beach!

Myrtle Beach Real Estate by Mirela Monte Join The Optimist Group!

AR JOKESTER... At it Again!

2008-06-09T23:15:44Z

Three old guys are out walking.

First one says, "Windy, isn't it?"

Second one says, "No, it's Thursday!"

Third one says, "So am I. Let's go get a beer!"

Billy: Mommy, you know that vase that has been in our family for generation after generation?

Mom: Yes, Billy, what about it?

Billy: Well, my generation just broke it!

Life is Short; Live it Well! Join The Optimist Group!

Myrtle Beach Real Estate by Mirela Monte

Let's Help Ann Get Her Real Estate Groove On!

2008-06-09T20:47:17Z

IN THE SPIRIT OF AR, PLEASE HELP!

Lovely Ann Casey, a fellow Optimist, has recently decided to take the plunge and delve into her Real Estate career full time. She NEEDS to make it in this business, since she is leaving the security of a salaried position.

Ann has the right attitude about the business. She is diligent and caring and dedicated to her clients. She does her job with heart and I have no doubt that she will succeed beautifully.

In the wonderful spirit of AR, I figured we can all pitch in and give Ann some EXCELLENT advice to help her make a smooth transition. Thank you very much for what I know will be some most valuable input that other new agents will be able to use!

Myrtle Beach Real Estate by Mirela Monte Join The Optimist Group!

J'adore la France! J'aime la langue française!

2008-06-06T21:49:29Z

This is my screen saver. It's a picture I took in July of last year in Southern France, going from Costa Brava to Bordeaux.

You are welcomed to download the image, or use it for any purpose, other than selling it.

For all of you French speaking Canadians: I envy you! French is the most romantic language. You can say: "Eat S..t!" and it will probably sound like a declaration of love... Manger m..de! See! That "nn" from the back of your throat, that nasal "RR"... Romantic, I tell you! I'm going back to my French studies!

When I'm in France my accent is so good that the locals start telling me stories. Only after a good, long while, do they notice my eyes glazing over. Then they ask: "You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you?"

"Oui!", I sheepishly answer.

J'adore la France! J'aime la langue française!

Myrtle Beach Real Estate by Mirela Monte Join The TravelingRainers!