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I don't know if anyone else out there has ever went through this, but thought I would talk to my fellow Realtors for a second about something on my mind lately. I came into the market in 2003, the market was incredible in VA. However, I didn't come in to work solo, and I didn't even have a real estate license walking in the door. I had an incredible opportunity to work with 2 amazing commercial real estate Agents, and to learn the tricks of the trade from the top guys in the community. I took this opportunity and learned everything I could. I liked being in the business instantly and had my license in VA within a month or two. I did a bit of residential here and there but mostly focused on supporting, showing, and networking with my commercial colleagues.
After a year and a half, the market was starting to crumble and I decided I needed to go on my own. I wanted to see if I could make it and venture into the residential market. I think my husband, who was in Iraq at the time probably had a heart attack; he asked me, "The market has turned to crap and your going to go try residential????". I responded, "I'll make it or I'll get another job, no big deal". I thought I had an edge to many of the residential Agents in my company because I never knew what it was like to sit on floor duty and get leads, as a commercial Agent you just don't do that. I never had a deal with multiple offers, often it took years to get a commercial property to close, so that didn't scare me. I learned within the next few months, I was right.
You see, what I chose to do, was go after banks. Small, large, and in between. It worked for me, I became really successful in foreclosures and have done really well for myself and my company. I often over the last several years took more than I could handle and I wish I hadn't worked so many hours. And due to lack of sleep and desperation of help I haven't always made the wisest choice in selection of assistants. I probably haven't followed up with all the contacts I've made; and I really really wish I was sending thank you and follow up letters like some of the seasoned Realtors I've come to know have done with their clients and contacts over the last few decades. But I honestly look back at the last 3 years of all the foreclosures I've done and realize I'm known and have marketed myself as the foreclosure expert.
What an amazing blessing to have all these foreclosures and be able to close several deals each month, right? But here is the punchline; What do you do when your "niche" is no more? I've reviewed over the last several weeks my business plan for 09, Production wise, I'm well over my expectation, and have many files in the works, but when all the foreclosures are gone and all the short sales go away, I'm scared of what to expect. I didn't work the boom, don't know what it was like before that, so I'm not certain what to do.
I've seen Realtors within my office lose their builder and go back to just selling resales, but what is your advice? Is their anyone out there that is thinking of this too? I know I've got at least a year or two to really start thinking about this, but I'd rather have a plan in place, what are your thoughts?
Northern VA Foreclosures!
Are you looking to purchase a foreclosure in Virginia? Work with an experienced team like us, Melissa & Heidi! We have over 80 foreclosures in the entire state of Virginia and would love to send you a list to view! Properties are priced from low $100's to $700's.
Experience in foreclosures is key. We have negotiated not only on the side of the bank, but for buyers as well. If you need immediate assistance with selling your home before it goes into foreclosure think about us. A team that has the expertise to guide you in the right direction.
We are always available!
Melissa Stewart 540-809-4547
melissastewart@mris.com
Hello friends, I usually don't have a million ideas to share unless its foreclosures and short sales, but I got the opportunity to read a book I actually received in the mail for free from Housevalues. In the book, it suggested some helpful ideas, hope they help you as well.. - On your main email account, place a message just below your info with a link that says, "Sign up for my free newsletter on?? and make sure it links back to your personal website.
- If you don't have a website, get one asap, point2agent has always been my favorite.
- Empower your business cards, make sure on the back side you have a creative link to your website, such as subscribe to our free market updates.
- Finders fee: Check with your Broker on this one, but take the 1 mile-5 mile radius of your office and go in to talk to the owners and ask if they would like to make 100-250 bucks for each closing you have due to their referral, its all about getting your name out there right?
- Change your voice-mail from the standard, boring message, make it bright, nice and professional and ALWAYS give your website via your voice message. It's possible that this prospect might go search for homes immediately and have a list when you are able to call back.
- Get a name tag and wear it everywhere....I know we have all heard that before!
- Pay someones toll or coffee behind you at Starbucks and leave your card so they tell someone else about what you did, again, name recognition, its funny how that comes back to you!
Most us can improve in implementing new ideas and as well as focusing on our wonderful clients present and past, but find new ways to meet new clients!! Best of luck! Melissa Stewart- Realtor in the Commonwealth of VA http://www.melissajstewart.com/
Looking to purchase or rent in Dahlgren VA? Now is the time! Prices in King George have substantially decreased and the opportunity to use your VA loan is a great way to purchase. A few years ago we weren't using this option, my husband and I didn't either, with the conventional 100% financing was running strong and we didn't have to pay any funding fee. Well, first time buyers, guess what? You can still have 100% down...How, with your VA loan. Us military families, have such an opportunity to still reach the dream of home ownership by using the options that only we have! If you are new to the area, or didn't think now was the time for you to purchase due to market conditions in the area, give me a call, and lets discuss your options! Proudly serving Dahlgren and Quantico, and thanks for your service! Melissa Stewart www.melissajstewart.com
Amazing Value! Beautiful 5 Bedroom, 3 FULL, 1 HALF BATH. So Many Upgrades- 2 Story Foyer, 2 Story Family Room. Palladian Windows, French Doors. Hardwood Flooring Throughout Main Level. Columns Separating Formal Living and Dining Rooms. Study or Bedroom on Main Level with Full Bath. Granite Counters Throughout Home. Large Kitchen Island, Upgraded Deep Sink. Upgraded Cabinets, Knobs, Upgraded Lights and Ceiling Fans Throughout. Upgraded Stainless Steel Appliances, Double Oven & Microwave/Oven, Large Refrigerator w/Ice Maker. Cooktop. Huge Bedrooms, Walk-in Closets. Dual Stair Cases, Huge Master, with Luxury Bath, Heated Jacuzzi Tub w/Jetts. Raised Sink w/Granite, Dual Vanity. Seperate Large Shower with Jets and Ceramic Tile. Chair Rail, Crown Molding, Intercom and Surround Sound is in the ENTIRE house. Media Room, Wet Bar and Huge Rec Room in Basement, Storage Room and Two Offices As Well!! Huge Deck, with Cute White Picket Fence in Back. Next to 2 Vacant Lots, 1 is not Buildable!! What an Incredible Value, Stop By and See for Yourself!
Directions:
ROUTE 3 EAST ON BLUEGRAY PKWY-EXIT RT. 2/17, BEAR RIGHT ON 2/17- GO PAST COUNTRY CLUB- GO TO RIVER CLUB ON THE LEFT & TURN LEFT ON GLENDAS WAY, LEFT ON STACY RUN, TO HOME ON LEFT
I'm sitting at home today and have Fox News on. I'm watching the tragedy about the no longer missing marine at Camp Legeune and the Presidential race and started to think about the last time I had a contract with a client using a VA loan. It's been a long time! What happened? Is it that there are so many programs out there that we don't need this anymore or am I just taking so many listings I'm not paying attention to financing? My husband is military, we didn't use VA because we did better with conventional financing but this is a great program for first time buyers who don't have the closing cost funds and want protection that the VA offers. What are your thoughts?
I'm sitting at home today and have Fox News on. I'm watching the tragedy about the no longer missing marine at Camp Legeune and the Presidential race and started to think about the last time I had a contract with a client using a VA loan. It's been a long time! What happened? Is it that there are so many programs out there that we don't need this anymore or am I just taking so many listings I'm not paying attention to financing? My husband is military, we didn't use VA because we did better with conventional financing but this is a great program for first time buyers who don't have the closing cost funds and want protection that the VA offers. What are your thoughts?
Are you looking to purchase a foreclosure in Virginia? Work with an experienced team like us, Melissa & Heidi! We have over 80 foreclosures in the entire state of Virginia and would love to send you a list to view! Properties are priced from low $100's to $700's. Experience in foreclosures is key. We have negociated not only on the side of the bank, but for buyers as well. If you need immediate assistance with selling your home before it goes into foreclosure think about us. A team that has the expertise to guide you in the right direction. We are always available! Melissa Stewart melissastewart@mris.com
Melissa Stewart & Heidi HomFeldt- Your Real Estate Resource in
Northern Virginia!
em> Contact us now for a Free List of Local Foreclosures in the area!
We would love to work with you on ANY properties you may need assistance with. Our team has experience in foreclosures, short sales and buying and selling property. We have over 18 years experience in the area. Hope to hear from you!
Melissa & Heidi
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Melissa Stewart
King George,
VA
More about me…
Century 21 Battlefield
Address: 15521 Real Estate Ave, King George , VA, 22485
Office Phone: (540) 663-2000 x 114
Cell Phone: (540) 809-4547
Email Me
Local information for King George and Northern VA.
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