Rhonda Kenney Hallesy, GRI's Blog

Ask Your Agent or Lender -

Rhonda Kenney Hallesy, GRI (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 08:46:47 -0700

I work at two careers. Real estate is my passion. However, I also work at a factory direct furniture store in Central Park, Fredericksburg, VA. The other day I had a customers at the furniture store wanting to make a major purchase. They had not yet been to settlement. My customers asked me if the purchase could impact their closing. In a majority of cases, it will impact, however, there are situations where it will not.

It would have been a violation of ethics for me to advise my customers in a real estate matter since they were already working with a real estate agent. Yes, I did want the sale, too. What I highly suggested to them was to call their agent or lender to find out. As far as the furniture purchase goes, I'll see them later this week - after they have a new home. I hope they will ask for me. Would you?

When buying a home - ask your real estate agent about major purchases as it could cost you your home.

AR Blog Addiction

Rhonda Kenney Hallesy, GRI (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 22:50:24 -0700

Ever sit down to check emails and then just blog away? Two weeks ago I never had blogged. Since I've joined AR, I can't stay away from blogs. I really enjoy reading them and commenting. I've learned some things from some of them; was saddened by others; and laughed at some. I never thought blogging could be entertaining and educational at the same time. My husband says he created a monster when he invited me to join AR.

I've seen so many subjects covered: historic sites, zoning, music, pets, customer service, real estate, family - there is so much information and advice. Way cool!

Day IV: Life with a Team Leader (Acting)

Rhonda Kenney Hallesy, GRI (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 22:41:20 -0700

Well, Day 4 has come and gone. Pat was supposed to teach a new agent class, but duties as Acting Team Leader (TL) prevented this. Another seasoned agent taught the class while Pat played TL. That's pretty much what he did today, besides doing paperwork required so the TL wouldn't be swamped when he returns. No real late hours this week. Maybe Pat should just be a TL!

About Time

Rhonda Kenney Hallesy, GRI (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 21:49:01 -0700

Yepper, today was a great day. I went into the furniture store I work at in Fredericksburg, sat in on the meeting and found out we were going to split shifts! This gives me six more hours a week to be even more active with my real estate team. It also will give me more time to spend doing nothing if I want. The catch - it ends the last of August as the store gears up for the fall furniture frenzy. Believe me, I'll take advantage of every minute!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How We Write

Rhonda Kenney Hallesy, GRI (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 07:33:47 -0700

Remember English class? I've been reading blogs on AR and am concerned not enough people remember simple rules of English class. Check punctuation, grammar, and whether or not "your" is "you're" (and other contractions). Remember, like WYSIWYG, WWWROU (What We Write Reflects On Us). I'm not perfect, but I double check before I post. Would you want someone working for you who cannot write correctly? Think about it.

Taking Things for Granted

Rhonda Kenney Hallesy, GRI (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 21:29:57 -0700

I lived in Northern Virginia for most of my life. Even though I knew I was fortunate to live near D.C. with all its monuments, museums and the National Zoo, I didn't realize how much I took living in South Alexandria for granted. I was near national historical sites free to the public. I know this is not the case everywhere! Only a bus or subway ride away, or even a short drive. I took this for granted.

I've lived in Spotsylvania, Virginia for almost six years - not far from Fredericksburg. Same thing - took things for granted. Until a few days ago (while my son was at his grandparents and then at camp - gone for three weeks, so I had a LOT of free time), when I was really thinking about where I had moved from, I realized how much I had taken things for granted - convenient public bus transportation at almost all major roadways, convenient movie theaters and shopping, grocery stores closer than 8 miles from home and 7-11s closer than 6 miles away. Taken for granted.

However, I traded convenience for slightly longer rides to work, a handful of federal or state parks (few which are a short ride away or free), and no public transportation near my home. What did this gain me - a home where I can shoot my long bow whenever I please and my son can use his gun (under supervision). These are both target-only. Deer, fox, rabbits and other animals on my property - too large to call a yard, yet too small to call a farm. I thought about this. I liked the change and appreciate it more than ever because Spotsylvania is changing rapidly. More housing and shopping in other parts of the county, although a shopping center is being built about 5 miles from me now.

I had taken Northern Virginia for granted. Do I miss it? Rarely. It was a trade off for more affordable housing six years ago, a home and property where my son could climb trees, build a tree fort, be outside for hours (with a walkie-talkie -- we're careful), and listen to the grass (more honestly - the weeds) grow! I realized I was taking where I now live for granted!

We have yet to see all the Civil War battlefields, although we have seen most - at one there were fresh bear tracks so we opted not to take that particular path. There are places in Fredericksburg we have yet to go. A small town atmosphere still exists in Fredericksburg. I don't take that for granted, or where I live - I appreciate it now. Evidentally, I just needed some time to ponder and appreciate all I have been blessed with.

Wonder what I'll do next time I have more serious free time on my hands?! I certainly don't take free time for granted.

Synergy

Rhonda Kenney Hallesy, GRI (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 22:20:45 -0700

Okay - I have two careers (in addition to being a parent). I practice real estate in Virginia and also furniture sales in Fredericksburg. Today, while at the furniture store, the manager said the real estate market will really pick up this fall. Hopeful, but I think we're taking babysteps to a more balanced market.

HOWEVER, today I felt a synergy with customers I haven't felt in the 11 months I've been at the store. It was really cool - customers and store employees alike were in extremely good moods, and I do mean everybody! It was so nice to feel the synergy again. I'm actually excited about going back to the store tomorrow (I never get excited about working at the furniture store).

Oh yeah - everyone I met today was very nice and a real pleasure to talk with!

Summer Vacation

Rhonda Kenney Hallesy, GRI (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 22:04:47 -0700

I'm not sure who's on vacation right now - me or my son. He was home for two weeks after school was out. Then he went to stay with my parents for a coule of weeks. He was home for two days and left for a one-week camp. Before he left for camp, he asked when he could go back to stay with my parents longer. My house is too quiet without him and his friends around. I guess we're both on vacation - he's having fun and I'm having quiet (which is nice, but I can only take so much quiet)!

I hope your summer and summer vacation is a safe and happy one!

Time

Rhonda Kenney Hallesy, GRI (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 21:55:44 -0700

As a real estate agent, my schedule is subject to change. I'm good with being flexible when it comes to inspections, closings, appointment times, etc. What I am not good at is taking a day, or even an hour, off for myself.

When it comes to being dual career - family and real estate - my family understands there are times I cannot make games or other activities. PTA meetings and teacher conferences - I make. Symphonies and the required rehearsals - I make (my son plays the double bass).

It's all about priorities. Every two or three months, however, I do claim a "Me" day. I don't go anywhere I don't want (unless an illness comes up) and I do things I like - knitting, needlepoint, gardening, or maybe finally watch the only soap opera I like. Or, I hope you're sitting down, I clean to my heart's content - I like to clean when I don't "have" to. Maybe I should go to a doctor about that one!

After my "Me" day, I'm good to go for another couple of months.

Transient Areas

Rhonda Kenney Hallesy, GRI (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:15:40 -0700

Tell you what - most of my life I lived in Northern Virginia. Now I live in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Both areas are very transient with Washington, DC and its government employees, Andrews Air Force Base (in MD, but only a hop and a skip across the Wilson Bridge), and in Virginia we have Ft. Meyer, Ft. Belvoir, Quantico, Dahlgren, at Fort AP Hill. Because the area is highly transient, I believe you would understand why I didn't like how transient the area was when I was younger and in school: I didn't like when my friends moved because of their parents' jobs.

Now I am a real estate agent and I don't mind how transient the area is. What I have going for me is my understanding of what military families experience. How do I understand: 1) my father and brother were in the USMC; 2) my husband was in the Navy; and 3) I was a military wife. I know how it feels to be moved from here to there and back again. Not to mention the effect on children. I believe in old-fashioned customer service.

Maybe living in a transient area isn't so bad after all!

Hot temps

Rhonda Kenney Hallesy, GRI (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 21:18:52 -0700

Fredericksburg and Northern Virginia are about to be blasted by dangerously high temperatures and tempers over at least the next several days. Please keep your cool as both increase. All sellers with air conditioning (there are still folks out there without it) should be reminded to have thermostats set at comfortable temps even in vacant homes as this increases buyer comfort and tends to keep them looking at the house longer. I noticed customers at the furniture store I work at had not so forgiving temperments today. Hope everyone stays as cool as possible.

Staging a home

Rhonda Kenney Hallesy, GRI (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 20:32:42 -0700

I've helped many folks who are in the process of selling a home by recommending furniture to them. Yes, in addition to real estate, I also work at Ashley Furniture Homestore in Central Park, located in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Many of my customers have told me their real estate agents want some furniture in their vacant homes. I know homes show better and I've explained this to customers. I've learned a lot about furniture in the last few months. I've learned the furniture business follows the real estate business - when one is slow, so is the other.

This was my very first blog - any suggestions for blogging?