Ask Margo

I've been away awhile

Margo Ramsey (Realty Executives Williams-Sykes Realty) — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:35:41 -0500

I joined Active Rain many months ago. At first I was quite active and then I got involved with the other avenues out there and sort of left AR behind. I'm back mainly because this is truly a real estate person's site. Some of the other social networking sites are good and I understand why people go on these, but I really don't see the point of telling people when you've gone to a concert or when your cat had kittens.

I want to learn how technology will help my business. I want to be able to implement technology into my business and I believe this is the best place to do that.

Other than answering my emails and putting my listings into the system, I am basically computer illiterate. Anyone who wants to help, please feel free to respond with any suggestions. Thanks

Realtors and the new year

Margo Ramsey (Realty Executives Williams-Sykes Realty) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 06:27:10 -0600

Now that 2008 is well behind us, it is time, despite what the press says, to start seeing the glass as half full instead of half empty. If you are thinking about either buying or selling in the near future run, don't walk, to the Realtor that you have heard good things about. Why is it that when people decide to sell their homes, they interview at least 3 Realtors, but when they go to buy, they stick with the first Realtor they call from an ad.

Buyers' Agents are just as professional as seller's or listing agents (there is a difference). The buyer becomes the client in this situation instead of just the customer (again, there is a difference).

Buyers should consider these agents based on their track record of sales, their experience and referrals. Of course, even with the best credentials, you may not hit it off. You can always acknowledge that and move on.

Today's market is so complex that it isn't wise to do it on your own. Would you go to a lawyer, a doctor, a teacher, or even a minister if they weren't trained and educated in their field? Realtors are no different. A good Realtor will walk you through all the steps, explain issues, even before they come up, be there with you every step of the way and make this transaction as painless as possible for you, whether buying or selling.

Good luck in this process and remember that the only dumb question is the question not asked.

Have a good day!....................................................................Margo

Realty Executives

Margo Ramsey (Realty Executives Williams-Sykes Realty) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 15:29:04 -0600

I made a change last week. It took me a great deal of soul searching, but I was throwing ideas about why I was leaving my old agency and why I was considering the move with my brother. He said, you know, Margo, there is paralysis in analysis. I have always been the type that shoots from the hip, so I joined Realty Executives.

I just want to thank the Realty Executives from around the country who have so overwhelmingly welcomed me. I have received dozens of connection requests through my membership in both Plaxo.com and LinkedIn.com.

I can't wait to get started working with such a great group, a group that appears to sincerely want me to do well. As for the branch that I'm in in Lagrangeville, NY, my broker sent everyone an email telling them I was joining their office. Within 48 hours I had received an individual email from each welcoming me and offering any help or advice they could give.

Thank you, all Realty Executive agents, and I hope we can one day do a deal together.

May you all have a wonderful holiday season with your families and loved ones. AND may we all have a great 2009.

Margo www.DutchessCountyHouses.com

Realty Executives

Willaim-Sykes Realty

one foot in each door

Margo Ramsey (Realty Executives Williams-Sykes Realty) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 21:18:29 -0600

I know it's the holidays and everyone's thoughts are on various things, whether their careers, their families, their friends or whatever they hold near and dear to them This Christmas I am thankful for a wonderful family, many really good friends and a job that I am excited about starting.

I have always been the type of person that I expect 150% of myself in whatever I do. Having just joined a new agency I am truly excited to get off the ground running. I have, in just a week, been exposed to many new tools and many new friends.

I am not completely out the door from my other agency and, to a certain extent, that makes me feel as if I'm in limbo. I still have a listing there; I'm still working it to the best of my ability.

It's not about the bottom line, it never has been with me. I need to feel motivated, I need to feel that I'm doing the best that I can for my clients/customers.

I honestly feel that when we stop learning we stop growing. I never want to stop growing. Every experience we have in life is a learning experience.

It's scary, but I hope the new year brings me many new experiences, many new lessons and the peace of mind to know that I'm doing the best I can for myself, my family, my clients and my customers.

Merry Christmas, everyone

A life's transition

Margo Ramsey (Realty Executives Williams-Sykes Realty) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 08:15:23 -0600

Ok. So I have been agonizing for weeks on what to do with my real estate career. My brother finally said, "Paralysis through Analysis." That was enough for me to jump start.

I left a small independent agency where I very much felt like family, it's just that there was little business to keep me busy. I have joined the local office of Realty Executives and am very excited about it. I start tomorrow.

I would appreciate any words of wisdom from anyone out there who has gone from an independent agency to a franchise. 99.99% of me says I'm doing the right thing. I guess one should always go with her gut.

Thanks in advance

Margo

are we our own worst enemies?

Margo Ramsey (Realty Executives Williams-Sykes Realty) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 07:35:26 -0600

Every day I listen to the news, I read everything I can and I'm always willing to get into conversations about the real estate market with anyone/everyone who wants to.

I think we have fallen prey to the news media and what they are selling. I am not an ostrich, but I am an optimist. My glass is always half full. Although our economy right now is terrible, the stock market and the real estate markets are in bad shape, we are allowing the media to do a self-fullfilling prophesy for our business.

Almost everything you read or hear is about short sale and foreclosures. They do NOT make up the majority of the market-yet! Why are we not concentrating on selling/buying homes with people that are still financially viable? Sure, there is quick money in short sales and foreclosures, but is this really what we want our market to become?

I don't. If you have two short sales on a block or in a subdivision, the person (all things being equal) who is trying to sell his/her home because of downsizing, upsizing, relocation or any other reason and has had all his/her ducks in a row doesn't stand a chance.

Let's not let this market go down the tubes because the media says it is. Let's try to be patient and keep things on an even keel. I'm not saying to ignore the short sales and foreclosures, just don't let them take up a majority of your time and your energy, just like they don't take up a majority of the market-yet.

Margo

property taxes

Margo Ramsey (Realty Executives Williams-Sykes Realty) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 07:29:57 -0600

Each and every one of us has complained at one time or another about property taxes. This morning, when signing online, I came across a great article which I've chosen to share with all.

Go to the "Money" section of MSN> There you will find an article "Are you paying too much in property taxes? It is well worth the read. Most realtors will do an updated CMA on your home for free to determine if your home is over assessed. Most townships will accept this. If this doesn't work, an appraisor usually charges between $300-400. Call your town and find out when grievance day is and start working on this.

Also, if you haven't applied for the STAR program, please remember that the cut off date on that is March 1.

Good luck, and if I can help in anyway, please let me know.

Margo

FSBO's

Margo Ramsey (Realty Executives Williams-Sykes Realty) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 13:28:36 -0600

So you're going it alone and that's great! I do wish you all the luck in the world. If I can help in anyway, from providing forms (property disclosure, purchase offer,lead disclosure if your present home was built prior to 1979, etc) just let me know. If you would like me to look over your listing and give it a professional critique, I am more than willing to do that too!

You see, I am principally a buyer's agent. If your home sells, at some point you're going to need another one. I would much rather work with you as buyers/clients. Since I am a native of Dutchess County, I basically am familiar with all the areas, the schools, the amenities,etc. I have access to the MLS so I can easily find what else you may be interested in.

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make. Wouldn't you like to think that an agent was working for you instead of with you? That's what buyers' agents do. Additionally, I have lists of other professionals that I could recommend when the time comes from licensed home inspectors, mortgage brokers, attorneys, title companies, even chimney cleaners. These references would all be supplied based on personal/professional services from the past year.

If you have any questions about the difference between a buyer/customer and a buyer/client, or if you have any questions about the real estate market in Dutchess County, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Thanks...........................................Margo...........................mramsey@ferrisre.com

Dutchess County is NOT upstate

Margo Ramsey (Realty Executives Williams-Sykes Realty) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 22:42:05 -0600

Having lived in Dutchess County all my life, I know that most people from the NYC area have long considered us to be "upstate." Well, we're not upstate, nor are we Westchester-North. What we are is a great place to live. We are in the Hudon Valley, most of which is right on the banks of the Hudson River. We have a wealth of culture (Hyde Park and all the Roosevelts and VanDerbilts, West Point, Vassar College, Bard College, Culinary Institute of America, DIA in Beacon, and the list goes on.) We have many tourtist attractions like the Rhinebeck Aerodome, The Balloon Festival, The Sloop Festival, Pick your own Farms, one of the largest flea markets in the northeast at Stormville. We have a great deal of open space where the zoning in some towns is a minimum of 5 acres. We also have great residential resale homes on smaller parcels. We have great transportation, both public and private. There are 3 metro-north stations in Dutchess County, Poughkeepsie, New Hamburg and Beacon. We have route 84 that cuts the county east and west and the Taconic State Pkwy that cuts it north and south. We have great schools, both public and private. I could go on and on.

What I'm trying to say is that Dutchess County is a great place to live and work. It is a great place to make new friends and it is all within an easy distance to everything that could mean anything to anyone. We even have an international airport right across the river in Newburgh-Stewart International Airport

Come take a tour. This is a great time to visit the county. The Millbrook Wine trail is in full swing. All the Christmas tree farms are operational on weekends. Business is booming in both the malls and the small boutiques in the individual towns. The restaurants are waiting for you. AND..................................... there are many homes on the market just waiting for buyers who come for a visit and decide they want to stay. I am always available to show you your first home, your last home or any home in between. All you have to do is call.

Margo Ramsey 845-416-4004

Buyer's Agent

Margo Ramsey (Realty Executives Williams-Sykes Realty) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 08:20:22 -0600

Hi, everyone.

I am brand new to this group and I hope this blog doesn't break any of the guidelines, which I did read.

Almost a year ago I became a certified ABR for two reasons: I much prefer working with buyers. The thrill of helping them find just the right home, in just the right neighborhood for just the right price is very rewarding.

I took classes and received my ABR designation. I have advertisied in print and on my site that I have this designation. I receive the Real Estate Professional Magazine regularly from REBAC, I went to the NAR conference in Orlando at the beginning of this month, and I still come up empty handed.

Any suggestions from anyone on what I'm doing wrong and how I can get known as a buyer's agent would be tremendously appreciated. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks.....................................................Margo

Dutchess County real estate agents

Margo Ramsey (Realty Executives Williams-Sykes Realty) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 17:40:13 -0600

My dear colleagues

First of all, I hope you had a very enjoyable Thanksgiving with the special people in your life. I was just browsing through Active Rain and realized there are many of us agents here in the county that are members of AR.

In this market, even though we are competitors, we need to work together to get the job done. I know many of you listed as Dutchess County agents, as I'm sure some of you know me. I understand that it is always more prudent to keep a listing inhouse and have your own company win. However, in this market we can't always count on that.

Being members of AR gives us one more reason to accept the comradarie among ourselves. I would be happy to keep any of your listings in mind. I know that turn around is fair play. So, if any of you has a need for a great ranch on Sheafe Rd. for less than 300K, plelase let me know. It has two pages of upgrades and I would be more than happy to share them with you.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Margo Ramsey at Ferris real estate. (845-416-4004)

Thank you

Margo Ramsey (Realty Executives Williams-Sykes Realty) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:57:50 -0600

What a great arena Active Rain is. I truly do appreciate the quick response from all of you. I guess what I will do is lay all my cards on the table, tell my buyers exactly what the situation is and let them make the decision as to whether they want to pursue this or not, even if it means disappointing them. Part of me says that with the previous experience I had with these sellers, they don't really want to sell their house anyway. Wish me luck. I'm jumping in on both feet with this one.

Thanks again, all. I really do appreciate all your advice

Margo

Just venting regarding sale price

Margo Ramsey (Realty Executives Williams-Sykes Realty) — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 16:11:20 -0600

To all who reads this,

Please forgive me but sometimes in this industry I just have to vent and it is always more satisfying to vent to those who understand. Here goes.............. two years ago I had a listing which was a colonial that needed tons of work but was situated on 15 gorgeous acres. When I had the listing it was priced at $469,000. They weren't getting any attention so they withdrew the listing and decided not to sell. That's fine. It is back on the market now for $569,000. All they did was replace the garage doors and finish the front unilock walkway.

I have customers who would love this house and property, but as far as they can go is $475,000. I called the listing agent today, told him this, also told him I had the listing two years ago when it didn't sell, told him I had customers that would be perfect for this property, and he said, sorry, the lowest they will go is $540,000.

What is wrong with people? Don't they understand the market has gone down in the last two years? What is wrong with this agent who wouldn't even entertain a lower offer and try to convince these people that, in this market, what my people would be asking is well worth it!

So, I will keep looking for my customers, and never, ever consider showing this property to ANYONE again!

Sadder, but wiser.

A frustrated buyer's agent

thanksgiving

Margo Ramsey (Realty Executives Williams-Sykes Realty) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:04:26 -0600

I just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a heartfelt Thanksgiving. While it is true that, for most of us, this has been a lean year commission, we all still have things to be thankful for. After all, you did wake up this morning did'nt you? That means you're still alive. You're reading this blog right now, aren't you? That means two things: you can see and you made enough money to pay the internet bill this month. If you keep trying, I'm sure you can come up with some other reasons as well. So Happy Thanksgiving and, what am I thankful for this year? My two daughters will be home for the holiday within the next 10 hours. My younger daughter, a sophomore at Loyola University Chicago is flying in this afternoon, and my older daughter is taking the AMTRAK in from DC this afternoon. I haven't seen either of them since August. Now.................close your eyes......................think....................say thank you!

Margo

Dutchess County Native

Margo Ramsey (Realty Executives Williams-Sykes Realty) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:54:40 -0600

I am one of the minority that is proud to call Dutchess County my home. I have lived here all my life and have watched some monumental changes take place. Do you know the best way to tell if someone is a native of Dutchess County? Ask them directions to such and such street. Let's say you want to know how to get to Beekman Rd. and they reply, "You mean county rte 10, or Old Hopewell Rd, and they reply, you mean cty rte 28? Those of us who are natives always call the roads by their name, not their number and vice versa for those from outside the county.

Why, i was born in Highland Hospital in Beacon and now it's a townhouse community. Let's walk down memory lane together. If nothing else, it could be fun!

Margo

For Sale by O'wner

Margo Ramsey (Realty Executives Williams-Sykes Realty) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 06:57:51 -0600

While it is true that 80% of FSBO's ultimately turn to a Realtor (R) to sell their own, there are times when FSBO's are successful. I wish to congratulate those of you who have done it.

I know that if your home is still on the market that all of your thoughts and energy are going to this adventure. If I may be bold, please allow me to mention one thing you may not yet have thought about. Where are you going if and when you sell your present home?

I am a full time associate broker and I have two designations: the ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative) and the SRES (Senior Real Estate Specialist). I am not greedy and never have needed both sides of the commission, although it is nice when it occurs.

Just this past summer I had a family where I had been working with as their buyer's agent. Their townhouse had been listed with another agent and hadn't sold. They felt confident that they could sell it on their own. I encouraged them to do this. They did all their own advertisements, ran their own open houses and did other things required to sell. I gave them advice on this venture along the way because I truly wanted them to be able to sell. Long story short. They sold their townhouse, and we found a new home for them to purchase. They closed in August and everyone won!

So, if you're selling on your own, that's great and I wish you luck. When you're ready to start looking for your new home, please consider giving me a call. As an accredited buyer's representative (ABR) I do know the in's and out's of this market and how to negotiate and get you a home you want. My loyalty is to the buyers, not the sellers and my goal is to find you the home of your dreams that you can afford.

Margo Ramsey mramsey@ferrisre.com

Home buyers

Margo Ramsey (Realty Executives Williams-Sykes Realty) — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 08:25:07 -0600

There is an old saying that says, "Buyer Beware." This is especially true in today's real estate market. In order to beware, you need to be educated. Every profession has its own dictionary of terms. The real estate market is no different. Do you know the difference between a customer and a client, how about fiduciary relationship, what makes a real estate agent a Realtor, what do different radon levels mean, and on and on.

If you are thinking of purchasing a home, your first step is to thoroughly acquaint yourself with the terms that you will hear over and over again. Only then can you protect yourself.

I have my ABR designation (accredited buyer's representative). If you have any questions about the home buying process, please don't hesitate to contact me.

I have two basic principals about being a buyer's agent: You own the home, the home doesn't own you. So if you have a choice, for example, of either paying this month's electric bill or going out to dinner at a nice restaurant, then the home is owning you. Never a good situation. The other one is that no one can talk you into buying a home: it either talks to you when you see it or it doesn't. With the plentiful inventory out there, there is no reason to settle for second best.

Happy house hunting and let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

margo mramsey@ferrisre.com

The stock market and real estate

Margo Ramsey (Realty Executives Williams-Sykes Realty) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 07:58:08 -0600

This is being addressed to buyers that want to buy a house but are still sitting on the fence trying to figure out how much lower the prices will go. The problem with waiting for the bottom to hit is that you don't know it's the bottom until it starts to go up again. I know you have heard this before, but it really is A GREAT TIME TO BUY! Interest rates are still relatively low, home prices are extraordinarily low and, if you have good credit, there are many, many opportunities out there.

Let's assume you have some extra money right now. You know the stock market, like the housing market, is cyclical. You go out and purchase stocks now when they are very low, knowing full well that they will bounce back.

It's the same thing with the housing market.....A home that you might be able to purchase today for $300,000 may be priced at $350,000 6 or 8 months down the road. That is when you kick yourself and say, "Why didn't I buy when the market was low?"

Real estate is still the best investment around. Why is it that banks have mortgages for homes but not for the stock market? It's because the banks are aware that real estate, in the long run, is the best investment around.

Think about what I've said. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at mramsey@ferrisre.com I am always available to talk or answer questions. Let's just sit down together and see what is out there. Who knows.............maybe you will find your dream home AND at a good price.

Thanks for reading this and I look forward to hearing from you.

By the way, I'm an associate broker and I also have an ABR designation (Accredited Buyers' Representative)

NAR Convention

Margo Ramsey (Realty Executives Williams-Sykes Realty) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 22:20:08 -0600

My apologies to those of you who tried to see me on the screen and couldn't. Let's try this again!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K17X4_LANKQ&fmt=18

Trulia and me

Margo Ramsey (Realty Executives Williams-Sykes Realty) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:39:03 -0600

It's taken me 57 years, but I finally made it to the screen. The best part is that it is only from the neck up. Enjoy this video of Trulia from the NAR convention in Orlando

http://www.youtube.com/v/K17X4_LANKQ&ap=%2526fmt%3D18"></param>

WCR

Margo Ramsey (Realty Executives Williams-Sykes Realty) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 07:47:23 -0600

I went to my first WCR (women council of realtors) yesterday and what a pleasant surprise. First of all, it's not just women and secondly, it's not just realtors. I met some old friends and made some new. I had a great lunch and learned some things from the motivational speaker. You can't meet people, interact and make contacts by sitting in your office or home. Get out and network. I'm glad I did, even though there hasn't been any reults just yet. But then I always look at the glass as half full. Attitude is everything.

a newbie around here

Margo Ramsey (Realty Executives Williams-Sykes Realty) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:24:28 -0600

Just wanted everyone to welcome an accepted invitation of mine. I invited Dan Quinn to join our community. He is a real estate agent with Exit Drake in Wappingers Falls. I just finished a deal where I was the listing agent and Dan was the selling agent. He consistently went above and beyond and I would recommend him to work for anyone. Thanks Dan for making this sale actually happen. I owe you one

Margo

the holidays

Margo Ramsey (Realty Executives Williams-Sykes Realty) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:44:19 -0600

Hi everyone.

I am sure that this holiday season we are being slightly more frugal when choosing holiday gifts, but we still have a great deal to be thankful for. I would just like to ask each and everyone of you, when writing out your Christmas cards, to think of our wounded soldiers. Whether you are for or against this war, our soldiers are still someone's father, son, nephew, uncle, granson, mom, daughter, aunt, grandmother, or just friend. Let them know you care. When writing out your Holiday cards, please address one more to

A Recovering American Soldier 6900 Georgia Ave., NW

c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center Washington, DC 20307-5001

Thanks.

looking for a house

Margo Ramsey (Realty Executives Williams-Sykes Realty) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:57:11 -0600

Just came back from a broker's open that was difficult to find. One word of advice to all agents and customers. Everyone around here seems to be in a hurry. If you are looking for a specific address, whether by using mapquest or a GPS, and you're getting close, put your flashers on or pull off on the shoulder and let the cars behind you pass. It beats getting rear ended or angering another driver and you will arrive at your destination without an incident.

Margo Ramsey

What's next?

Margo Ramsey (Realty Executives Williams-Sykes Realty) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:23:08 -0600

So, my cell phone is up and running again. It only cost me $22.70 for a new car charger. I feel as if I've returned to civilization. Now I'm expecting my computer to crash and will have to revert to the green books of yore. For those out there who entered into this business AFTER the technology revolution, be glad you don't know about the green books. The rest of us can just reminesce

Margo