Farmington Hills Real Estate / Deb Johnson

Oakland County Short Sale: How to sell your home for less than what you owe.

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:40:15 -0500

What is a Short Sale?

A Short Sale is a discount on the outstanding loan balance by the lender or lenders to allow the property to sell. The mortgage balance on the property exceeds what comparable properties are selling for.

Why would my Lender agree to a Short Sale?

No lender wants to foreclose on anyone. It’s a lot of work and nobody winds. A short sale often has a better return on investment to the lender than a foreclosure. The average savings a lender sees from a short sale compared to a foreclosure is $50,000. Not only does the lender receive this savings, they are also paid on the loan much earlier than in a foreclosure process. Lenders created the short sale process as a foreclosure alternative for those reasons. The incentives to perform a short sale on your property are in place to motivate you to participate.

When should I consider a Short Sale?

Evaluate your current budget situation to determine if you can afford your monthly mortgage payment. Contact your bank to determine if there are options for you to modify your loan or work out a forbearance plan. If you realize that you can no longer afford your home, be proactive!

Don’t wait until it’s too late for a short sale option. Contact me today! (248) 254-3133

About The Author

Deborah Johnson is an Associate Broker at RE/MAX New Trend, a Farmington Hills Real Estate Brokerage business. Deborah utilizes her 12 years of real estate experience in order to help clients with investment opportunities. She contributes to a daily Web Blog which focuses on the Oakland County Real Estate Market, as well as other topics important to Farmington Hills, MI and Southeast Oakland County. For more information on Deborah, please visit her real estate website at www.visitdeborah.com

It's My Anniversary...

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 06:13:16 -0500

one month on AR.
It reminds me of being back in high school.
I remember those couples that would celebrate such a small amount of time together as if it were a great accomplishment.


I feel that way today.
I had heard of blogging a couple of years ago. Blogging was a foreign word which I didn't comprehend. It became a recent goal of mine to find out what exactly it was and why people did it. I must admit that it wasn't until I took the plunge on August 3rd, that I began to realize the profound effect it would have on me.
I absolutely love it here.
I have "met" some great people.
I have found other Realtors that I would refer to in a heartbeat.
I learn something new every day.
The members here are so generous to gladly share their tips and ideas.
I have pretty good self control to avoid becoming addicted, but I will say that time passes quickly while I'm on.
I am touched by those who share their stories of loss, tragedy, and soon to be triumph.
I am even more affected by the heartfelt comments of support from fellow AR members.

Active Rain is a great place to be. I am proud to be a part of this growing community.
There are many AR members that have been here far longer than me. It amazes me to think of the number of Realtors out there that have yet to jump on board. Today there are 46,015 members. What will it grow to tomorrow?

          Happy Labor Day!


Do you know B.O.B.?

Sun, 02 Sep 2007 11:33:02 -0500

B.O.B. is the acronym for book of business. This is a concept I had learned about during a Floyd Wickman seminar I took last year. A great idea that made so much sense.

I spend a good amount of time and money on my clients after the closing. They receive a housewarming gift, bi-monthly magazine subscription, postcards, newsletters, holiday cards, and follow-up with an occasional lunch date. I have worked hard on developing my relationships into long-term referral sources.
Why wouldn't this be valuable if I ever decided to leave the business? Of course there would be someone out there who would love to take over my loyal clients. What about when I die? Wouldn't my B.O.B. still be valuable to another Realtor. I would love the opportunity to take over another Realtors business if they decided to bow out gracefully. So why do so many Realtors just stop selling, leaving their orphaned past clients behind?
This book must be carefully prepared. It does take work, but the payoff can be worth it. Here are some steps to help you begin to prepare yours:
Create a list of people you know . This list can be composed your family, friends, acquaintances, your accountant, your mailman, your hair stylist, etc. Anyone that you think could possibly refer you more business.
Contact them. The best way to do this is either by phone or in person. This does not include contacting them by mail. Don't worry that you haven't talked to them since the closing 2 years ago. Apologize and continue with the conversation.
Ask them if they would be willing to refer business to you. Of course this will be uncomfortable to ask someone you haven't contacted for 2 years. Again, apologize and promise to keep in touch from this point on. Of course you're going to keep your promise. If you aren't, then don't bother attempting this.
Ask them if it would be ok to keep in touch with them.You can offer them something of value at this point. (eg. mailing them your monthly newsletter filled with valuable tips, contest, coupons, whatever)
Create a profile form. Record the date that you contact them, how you contacted them (phone, in person, mail). Include their address, contact number, e-mail addresses, etc.
List their hobbies/interests. This is great to know because you can mail them items/info pertaining to their hobby. You can also strike up a conversation about their hobby the next time you call.
Write as much information about the person. This will be beneficial when you decide to sell your book. The more information provided, the easier it will be for the next person to take over.
Stay in touch. The worst thing you can do is start building your book only to lose interest a month later. It is not only time wasted, it lets down the prospective referral source you initially contacted.
Record referrals received. This will allow you to track who is more valuable to you in your book.
Make it 200. Floyd recommends that your book consists of 200 contacts.
Categorize.  Place those that give you the most referrals in the front of your book. Then create sub groups based on the business you receive from the remaining contacts. You can take away and add new contacts as time passes.
When you decide to sell your B.O.B., you can determine the value based on the quality of the relationships you have formed. You can sell your book for a flat fee or incorporate a percentage to be paid to you for every closed deal obtained by the purchaser of your book. You can then introduce the purchaser to your B.O.B. through a letter or phone call to each person in your book.

You could also leave your book to your estate to be sold after your death with specific instructions and (not trying to be funny) an introduction letter signed by you for the purchaser of your book to mail.
I searched "book of business" under blogs on AR, so that I could reference some previous posts regarding this topic. I was disappointed to find only two posts which had identical content.
Bill McConnell & Jason McMahon
Luis Echevarria

Buyer's Agency in Michigan

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 09:25:28 -0500

In 1992, Michigan passed a law requiring licensed real estate agents to disclose to potential buyers what type of agency relationship they have with the buyer.
If you are looking to purchase a home in Michigan, before you disclose confidential information to a real estate agent, you must be aware of whom the agent is representing. If the real estate agent is the listing agent of the property you are interested in viewing, understand that the agent is representing the sellers. Unless you have signed an agency relationship agreement with that agent specifically stating that they are representing you, do not disclose any confidential information.
The duties of a buyer's agent include:
Promoting your best interest.
Disclosing all facts to you that might influence your decision to make an offer
Keeping your motive confidential
Present and negotiate on your behalf
Disclose to you any information obtained regarding the seller's motivation and willingness to take a lesser price
When you enter into a buyer's agency relationship with your agent, you will also sign an Exclusive Buyer's Agency Contract. This contract will include the term of the contract and how the agent will be compensated. Typically, the agent is compensated by the seller if the property is listed by a real estate agent. It will also state the services that will be provided to you.
Having a buyer's agent working in your best interest is a wise decision when purchasing a home. This representation also applies to properties listed for sale by the owner and new construction. If you have a Realtor working in your best interest, he/she can provide you with a list of comparable properties that have sold. This will assist you with making an informed decision on the best price to offer.
Deborah Johnson works as a Buyer's Agent


About The Author
Deborah Johnson is an Associate Broker at RE/MAX New Trend, a Farmington Hills Real Estate Brokerage business. Deborah utilizes her 10 years of Farmington Hills Real Estate experience in order to help clients with investment opportunities. She contributes to a daily Web Blog which focuses on the Farmington Hills Real Estate Market, as well as other topics important to Farmington Hills, MI and Southeast Oakland County. For more information on Deborah, please visit her real estate website at www.visitdeborah.com

Real Estate Market Activity in West Bloomfield, MI Michigan (August 2007)

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 08:22:49 -0500

The real estate market in West Bloomfield, MI for August 2007 has remained pretty active. The average days on the market is relative to the condition and correct pricing of the seller's home.

Homes for sale in West Bloomfield, MI (August 2007)*
· There were 871 homes remaining available for purchase in West Bloomfield

Homes sold in West Bloomfield, MI (August 2007)*
· 33 homeowners accepted offers on their homes (pending sales)
· 49 homes sold (closed sale)
· The average sales price of a home in West Bloomfield, MI was $353,324
· It took an average of 140 days for a home to sell in West Bloomfield
If you are interested in selling your home in West Bloomfield or in southeast Oakland County, Deborah Johnson offers a free no-obligation home market consultation. For more information: www.visitdeborah.com
*Information obtained from Realcomp II Ltd. The accuracy of all information, regardless of source, is not guaranteed or warranted. All information should be independently verified. Realcomp II is the multiple listing service which provides information on properties listed by participating Brokers. Homes are single family only.
If you would like information on the market activity for your area in Southeast Oakland County or Wayne County, contact me.

About The Author
Deborah Johnson is an Associate Broker at RE/MAX New Trend, a Farmington Hills Real Estate Brokerage business. Deborah utilizes her 10 years of Real Estate experience in order to help clients with investment opportunities. She contributes to a daily Web Blog which focuses on the Real Estate Market, as well as other topics important to Southeast Oakland County. For more information on Deborah, please visit her real estate website at www.visitdeborah.com

Real Estate Market Activity in Novi, MI Michigan (August 2007)

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 08:10:43 -0500

The real estate market in Novi, MI for August 2007 has remained pretty active. The average days on the market is relative to the condition and correct pricing of the seller's home.

Homes for sale in Novi, MI (August 2007)*
· There were 458 homes remaining available for purchase in Novi

Homes sold in Novi, MI (August 2007)*
· 22 homeowners accepted offers on their homes (pending sales)
· 46 homes sold
· The average sales price of a home in Novi, MI was $356,722
· It took an average of 137 days for a home to sell in Novi
If you are interested in selling your home in Novi or in southeast Oakland County, Deborah Johnson offers a free no-obligation home market consultation. For more information: www.visitdeborah.com
*Information obtained from Realcomp II Ltd. The accuracy of all information, regardless of source, is not guaranteed or warranted. All information should be independently verified. Realcomp II is the multiple listing service which provides information on properties listed by participating Brokers. Homes are single family only. Includes homes in Novi Twp.
If you would like information on the market activity for your area in Southeast Oakland County or Wayne County, contact me.

About The Author
Deborah Johnson is an Associate Broker at RE/MAX New Trend, a Farmington Hills Real Estate Brokerage business. Deborah utilizes her 10 years of Real Estate experience in order to help clients with investment opportunities. She contributes to a daily Web Blog which focuses on the Real Estate Market, as well as other topics important to Southeast Oakland County. For more information on Deborah, please visit her real estate website at www.visitdeborah.com

Real Estate Market Activity in Livonia, MI Michigan (August 2007)

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 07:47:54 -0500

The real estate market in Livonia, MI for August 2007 has remained pretty active. The average days on the market is relative to the condition and correct pricing of the seller's home.

Homes for sale in Livonia, MI (August 2007)*
· There were 921 homes remaining available for purchase in Livonia
Homes sold in Livonia, MI (August 2007)*
· 55 homeowners accepted offers on their homes
· 103 homes sold
· The average sales price of a home in Livonia, MI was $172,914
· It took an average of 110 days for a home to sell in Livonia
If you are interested in selling your home in Livonia or in Wayne County Deborah Johnson offers a free no-obligation home market consultation. For more information: www.visitdeborah.com
*Information obtained from Realcomp II Ltd. The accuracy of all information, regardless of source, is not guaranteed or warranted. All information should be independently verified. Realcomp II is the multiple listing service which provides information on properties listed by participating Brokers. Homes are single family only.
If you would like information on the market activity for your area in Southeast Oakland County or Wayne County, contact me.

About The Author
Deborah Johnson is an Associate Broker at RE/MAX New Trend, a Farmington Hills Real Estate Brokerage business. Deborah utilizes her 10 years of real estate experience in order to help clients with investment opportunities. She contributes to a daily Web Blog which focuses on the Real Estate Market, as well as other topics important to Wayne and Southeast Oakland County. For more information on Deborah, please visit her real estate website at www.visitdeborah.com

Real Estate Market Activity in Farmington, MI Michigan (August 2007)

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 07:30:50 -0500

The real estate market in Farmington, MI for August 2007 has remained pretty active. The average days on the market is relative to the condition and correct pricing of the seller's home.

Homes for sale in Farmington, MI (August 2007)*
· There were 81 homes remaining available for purchase in Farmington
Homes sold in Farmington, MI (August 2007)*
· 3 homeowners accepted offers on their homes
· 8 homes sold
· The average sales price of a home in Farmington, MI was $192,363
· It took an average of 149 days for a home to sell in Farmington
If you are interested in selling your home in Farmington or in southeast Oakland County, Deborah Johnson offers a free no-obligation home market consultation. For more information: www.visitdeborah.com
*Information obtained from Realcomp II Ltd. The accuracy of all information, regardless of source, is not guaranteed or warranted. All information should be independently verified. Realcomp II is the multiple listing service which provides information on properties listed by participating Brokers. Homes are single family only.
If you would like information on the market activity for your area in Southeast Oakland County or Wayne County, contact me.

About The Author
Deborah Johnson is an Associate Broker at RE/MAX New Trend, a Farmington Hills Real Estate Brokerage business. Deborah utilizes her 10 years of Farmington Hills Real Estate experience in order to help clients with investment opportunities. She contributes to a daily Web Blog which focuses on the Farmington Hills Real Estate Market, as well as other topics important to Farmington Hills, MI and Southeast Oakland County. For more information on Deborah, please visit her real estate website at www.visitdeborah.com

Real Estate Market Activity in Farmington Hills, MI Michigan (August 2007)

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 07:04:40 -0500

The real estate market in Farmington Hills, MI for August 2007 has remained pretty active. The average days on the market is relative to the condition and correct pricing of the seller's home when they first place their home on the market.
Homes for Sale in Farmington Hills, MI (August 2007)
· There were 816 homes available for purchase in Farmington Hills

Homes sold in Farmington Hills, MI (August 2007)
· 35 homeowners accepted offers on their homes
· 57 homes sold
· The average sold price of a home in Farmington Hills, MI was $278,748
· It took an average of 123.47 days for a home to sell in Farmington Hills
If you are interested in selling your home in Farmington Hills or in southeast Oakland County, Deborah Johnson offers a free no-obligation home market consultation. For more information: www.visitdeborah.com
Information obtained from Realcomp II Ltd. The accuracy of all information, regardless of source, is not guaranteed or warranted. All information should be independently verified. Realcomp II is the multiple listing service which provides information on properties listed by participating Brokers. Homes are single family only.
If you would like information on the market activity for your area in Southeast Oakland County or Wayne County, Contact me.

About The Author
Deborah Johnson is an Associate Broker at RE/MAX New Trend, a Farmington Hills Real Estate Brokerage business. Deborah utilizes her 10 years of Farmington Hills Real Estate experience in order to help clients with investment opportunities. She contributes to a daily Web Blog which focuses on the Farmington Hills Real Estate Market, as well as other topics important to Farmington Hills, MI and Southeast Oakland County. For more information on Deborah, please visit her real estate website at www.visitdeborah.com

Dearborn Heights, MI Real Estate and Homes: 6850 Plainfield

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:03:21 -0500

Wow! Come view this one. Three bedroom brick ranch for sale in Dearborn Heights, MI. Great floor plan w/spacious kitchen...loads of cabinets & counterspace, Built-in dishwasher, stove & double oven. Updated bath w/ceramic tile floors & new tub surround. Newer roof, furnace, windows. Oak hardwood floors under newer carpet. Living Room w/coved ceiling & huge bow window overlooks 50x140 yard w/perennials. Finished basement w/glass block windows & 1/2 bath. Much more! Contact Deborah to view inside today! 248-553-4448
3 bedrooms
1.5 baths
1,207 square feet
50x140 lot
Finished basement
Crestwood Schools
Only $149,000
View home tour

Contact Deborah to view this home or other homes for sale in Dearborn Heights, MI.
Marketed by: Deborah Johnson RE/MAX New Trend (248)553-4448

About The Author
Deborah Johnson is an Associate Broker at RE/MAX New Trend, a Farmington Hills Real Estate Brokerage business. Deborah utilizes her 10 years of Farmington Hills Real Estate experience in order to help clients with investment opportunities. She contributes to a daily Web Blog which focuses on the Farmington Hills Real Estate Market, as well as other topics important to Farmington Hills, MI and Southeast Oakland County. For more information on Deborah, please visit her real estate website at www.visitdeborah.com

Affirmations...whatever the mind can conceive & believe

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 10:45:19 -0500

Last night, I watched the DVD of The Secret. I had first heard about this while watching Oprah. She had a panel of guests who were involved in authoring the book. Anything to do with improving my life, I am open to. The concept of The Secret intrigued me. The concept, however, wasn't entirely a secret to me.
Years ago, a good friend had introduced me to affirmations. He encouraged me to write a "wish list"...things that I would like to have in my life. With affirmations, however, you write them as if they already are true. I must admit that, at first, it felt phony. I wrote down quite a lengthy list and taped it up, as he suggested...in my bathroom. The object is to read them daily. I figured this would be the most likely place that I would look at them while brushing my teeth. One of my best friends was fascinated that I do this and would always drag people to my bathroom to show them my list. My list was always entertaining for guests.

I write my affirmations at the same time I write my goals, usually around the end of November. I replace my previous goals and affirmations with my hopes and dreams for the coming year. What amazes me, though, is that just writing them down and perhaps looking at them occasionally had caused them to become my reality.
Tips on affirmations:
Write a statement as if it were already true (I earn $150,000/year or I eat healthy foods)
Write statements in sections: your business life, your financial life, your personal life, your relationships, your spiritual life, etc
Be specific ( Don't write, I make lots of money, be specific to the amount you would like to earn this year)
Post them where you will view them daily
Read daily
Believe them as if they are already true
"Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve." -~ W. Clement Stone / Napoleon Hill
Read more on Affirmations:
Dan Forbes
Jan O' Brien

About The Author
Deborah Johnson is an Associate Broker at RE/MAX New Trend, a Farmington Hills Real Estate Brokerage business. Deborah utilizes her 10 years of Farmington Hills Real Estate experience in order to help clients with investment opportunities. She contributes to a daily Web Blog which focuses on the Farmington Hills Real Estate Market, as well as other topics important to Farmington Hills, MI and Southeast Oakland County. For more information on Deborah, please visit her real estate website at www.visitdeborah.com

Interested In Public Speaking For More Leads?

Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:22:03 -0500

It is said that the number one fear of people is public speaking. Supposedly, death ranks below this. I am amazed that people are more afraid to talk in front of a crowd of people than to die.

About three months into my career in real estate, I decided to host a buyer's seminar. I advertised for free in the local newspapers under the real estate calendar section. The turnout was better than I expected. I had very limited knowledge and risked appearing inexperienced if someone asked a question I didn't have an answer for. Because I had rehearsed my script again and again, it flowed as if I had been selling for years. I picked up some great leads and continued doing the seminars for years, thereafter. I had been featured twice in local newspapers, as well, regarding the seminars.
There are great opportunities to create more leads by holding any type of seminar. Always try to gear your topic towards the current market trends. In this market, you might want to consider hosting a short sale seminar or talk about how to buy investment property in today's market. Focus on topics that would draw the type of clients that you would prefer.
You can also team up with other professionals who can add value to your seminar. Invite a mortgage rep, a private inspector, someone who can discuss the benefits of home warranties, etc. Many times, these people will gladly pick up the costs involved in conducting the seminar in exchange for picking up new clients.
To help you get over your fear of speaking, I would recommend to first write an outline. Determine what you would like to say and write your script down. Then practice alone in front of a mirror. This will allow you to see your body language. Once you feel prepared, try it out in front of a small group. This will increase your comfort level. Before you know it, you'll be ready to talk in front of a crowd.
Good Luck!

About The Author
Deborah Johnson is an Associate Broker at RE/MAX New Trend, a Farmington Hills Real Estate Brokerage business. Deborah utilizes her 10 years of Farmington Hills Real Estate experience in order to help clients with investment opportunities. She contributes to a daily Web Blog which focuses on the Farmington Hills Real Estate Market, as well as other topics important to Farmington Hills, MI and Southeast Oakland County. For more information on Deborah, please visit her real estate website at www.visitdeborah.com

Fun Things For Kids To Do in Farmington Hills, MI

Sun, 19 Aug 2007 18:19:47 -0500

There are many fun things for kids to do in Farmington Hills, MI.
Whether you live here or are just visiting, here is a list I've put together:
Sky's The Limit Productions ~ a youth theater offering classes, camps and productions for children of all ages. "It has been highly praised by parents who testify that the experience has fostered invaluable quality of self-esteem, teamwork and skills in their children."
Riley Skate Park ~ a new skating park designed for skateboarders to practice and compete.

Farmington Hills Ice Arena ~ take skating lessons, play hockey or just enjoy a Saturday afternoon with the family on the rink
Libraries ~ Two branches offering programs for children and teens

Marvelous Marvin's Mechanical Museum ~ Filled with vintage coin operated games that take you back to days gone by. Lots of fun for kids and adults alike
Costick Center ~ offers swimming and many activities for kids througout the year
Parks and Playscapes ~ Farmington Hills has seven different parks offering playscapes, picnic areas, hiking trails, ponds and features baseball diamonds, soccer fields and volleyball courts

Farmington Hills YMCA ~ Fun for the whole family. Visit Farmington Hills location for a list of scheduled activities.

About The Author
Deborah Johnson is an Associate Broker at RE/MAX New Trend, a Farmington Hills Real Estate Brokerage business. Deborah utilizes her 10 years of Farmington Hills Real Estate experience in order to help clients with investment opportunities. She contributes to a daily Web Blog which focuses on the Farmington Hills Real Estate Market, as well as other topics important to Farmington Hills, MI and Southeast Oakland County. For more information on Deborah, please visit her real estate website at www.visitdeborah.com

Negative People...

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 08:43:45 -0500

They suck the energy from me!
The Law of Conservation of Energy states that "energy can not be created nor destroyed, it can only be changed from one form to another."
This absolutely makes sense. Have you ever noticed that you can have the most incredible day.
The sun is shining. The birds are singing.
You have 2 closings today and just got another listing. Life is great!
Along comes sullen Sally. She zeroes in on you. Before you can go dashing for the nearest exit, she calls out your name. At first, she asks how you're doing. Of course, she doesn't really care. She quickly steers the conversation to complain about her day. The market is so slow. She hasn't had a closing in 3 months. None of her listings are getting showings. She's just shown the 56th home to her buyer and he won't make a decision. There's too much inventory to choose from.
Before you know it, the clouds are covering up the sun and the birds have flown away.
What has she done? She's transfered her negative energy to you! She walks away feeling better. She found someone to unload her negative world onto.
Positive thought for your day:
It's a great real estate market! There are great opportunities for buyers! If sellers price their homes right, they'll sell quicker than the competition. F.S.B.O.'s need you more than ever!

About The Author
Deborah Johnson is an Associate Broker at RE/MAX New Trend, a Farmington Hills Real Estate Brokerage business. Deborah utilizes her 10 years of Farmington Hills Real Estate experience in order to help clients with investment opportunities. She contributes to a daily Web Blog which focuses on the Farmington Hills Real Estate Market, as well as other topics important to Farmington Hills, MI and Southeast Oakland County. For more information on Deborah, please visit her real estate website at www.visitdeborah.com

First Impressions

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 13:26:21 -0500

I just read an article today from Broker Agent News. The author described an experience he and his wife had when visiting the office of a financial planner they had been referred to. The impression they were left with was less than desireable. As successful as you might become in your industry, it is important to always conduct yourself with a certain level of professionalism.

I will agree that you can dress down with certain clients, but still need to keep your appearance professional. If you find that you are not receiving the referrals you would like, take a look in the mirror.
Does your hair look like you just tumbled out of bed?
Are you exposing body parts that would make someone feel uncomfortable? (short skirts, revealing blouses)
Do you look like you're on your way to the beach? (shorts, flip-flops)
Do you sit slouched and inattentive?

There was an insurance agent that some of my family members used. This would have been a perfect candidate to receive referrals from me. One day, I stopped by his office. It was a dingy smoke filled office where he was dressed like he was heading out with the boys after work. The only thing missing were his feet up on the desk while reclining in his chair.

About The Author
Deborah Johnson is an Associate Broker at RE/MAX New Trend, a Farmington Hills Real Estate Brokerage business. Deborah utilizes her 10 years of Farmington Hills Real Estate experience in order to help clients with investment opportunities. She contributes to a daily Web Blog which focuses on the Farmington Hills Real Estate Market, as well as other topics important to Farmington Hills, MI and Southeast Oakland County. For more information on Deborah, please visit her real estate website at www.visitdeborah.com

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 10:13:53 -0500

How often do you send out thank you cards?
I was raised by my mother to always send out thank you cards. Any time I received a gift, I sent a thank you card. It was handwritten and very personalized. I couldn't just write, "Dear Aunt Laura, Thank you for the money for my birthday". It had to include what I thought I might spend it on. This allowed the recipient to feel that I truly appreciated their gift.

This topic came up in my networking meeting this morning. There was a rep there who worked for Send Out Cards.com. Out of a room full of about 20 people, I was surprised to find that only 2 of us actively send out thank you notes to our clients. This company has a great product that works for those of you that wouldn't otherwise send them. I, myself, prefer to write with an actual pen in hand. However, Send Out Cards.com can copy your handwriting to their computer system and produce a thank you card that appears in your writing style. It can produce cards for all occasions.
A quick story to share:
Months ago, I went on a listing appointment. I was competing against another Realtor and lost out on the listing, because she was willing to charge a lesser commission. After being notified of this by the sellers, I dropped a card in the mail to thank them for giving me the opportunity to meet with them. A week ago, I received a call from the sellers. Their listing was expiring with their Realtor and they asked me to come out and re-list their home. What had really made an impression was the fact that I sent the thank you card.
Thank you for reading this...and thank you for commenting.

About The Author
Deborah Johnson is an Associate Broker at RE/MAX New Trend, a Farmington Hills Real Estate Brokerage business. Deborah utilizes her 10 years of Farmington Hills Real Estate experience in order to help clients with investment opportunities. She contributes to a daily Web Blog which focuses on the Farmington Hills Real Estate Market, as well as other topics important to Farmington Hills, MI and Southeast Oakland County. For more information on Deborah, please visit her real estate website at www.visitdeborah.com

Home Sales Report for Farmington Hills, Michigan (July 2007)

Sat, 11 Aug 2007 10:37:51 -0500

Real Estate Market Activity in Farmington Hills, MI Michigan (July 2007)
The real estate market in Farmington Hills, MI for July 2007 has shown an increase in activity in comparison to the month of June. The number of homes sold in Farmington Hills has increased marginally compared to June.

Homes for sale in Farmington Hills, MI (July 2007)
·

Homes sold in Farmington Hills, MI (July 2007)
· 31 homeowners accepted offers on their homes (up 24 from June)
· 57 homes sold (up 4 from June)
· The average sales price of a home in Farmington Hills, MI was $226,990
· It took an average of 136 days for a home to sell in Farmington Hills (down 10 days from June)
If you are interested in selling your home in Farmington Hills or in southeast Oakland County, Deborah Johnson offers a free no-obligation home market consultation. For more information: www.visitdeborah.com
Information obtained from Western Wayne Oakland County MLS. Homes are single family only and do include condos.
If you would like information on the market activity for your area in Southeast Oakland County or Wayne County, go to www.visitdeborah.com and select "Contact me".

About The Author
Deborah Johnson is an Associate Broker at RE/MAX New Trend, a Farmington Hills Real Estate Brokerage office. Deborah utilizes her 10 years of Farmington Hills Real Estate experience in order to help clients with investment opportunities. She contributes to a daily Web Blog which focuses on the Farmington Hills Real Estate Market, as well as other topics important to Farmington Hills, MI and Southeast Oakland County. For more information on Deborah Johnson, please visit her real estate website at http://www.visitdeborah.com/

Negotiate Without Getting Emotionally Involved

Wed, 08 Aug 2007 09:37:20 -0500

I have experienced, on more occasions than I'd like, Realtors allowing their negative emotions to get stirred into the mix when negotiating an offer. This is why many offers out there don't work. Yes, we are working in the best interest of our client, but give me a break. Does this mean that you need to get angry when an offer comes in that YOU don't like?
It seems to be a habit for a select group of Realtors to behave in a manner as if they have Power of Attorney over the transaction. I have received responses from selling agents regarding the offer before the seller has even been consulted. It amazes me.
One example was an offer my buyer made on a home that was overpriced. We came in $10,000 off of their asking price with $3,000 in concessions. I included comparable properties to support our offer. The listing agent was angry that we were coming in with a "ridiculous" offer. I would imagine that the Realtor's feelings were relayed to the seller, because the counteroffer we received was $1,000 off of their asking price. My buyer came up $5,000 and the seller wouldn't budge. We declined and found another home later that week.
I received a call from the listing agent a few days after our offer was accepted on the new property. He told me the seller reconsidered and would accept our counteroffer, now. Unfortunately for them, it was too late. If he didn't get himself and his seller so upset, they wouldn't have needed a week to see the offer clearly.
I checked on that home about 4 months later, out of curiosity. It was still on the market. Sad thing for the seller was that he was relocating in 4 months from when we made our offer.
This is why F.S.B.O.'s can have a difficult time negotiating on their own behalf, because their emotions get in the way. Do they really need to hire someone who will do the same? If you are able to stay neutral, you can look at the offer for what it is...an offer. It is not a personal attack against anyone.
Remember, the only offers you should be insulted by are the ones that aren't made.

About The Author
Deborah Johnson is an Associate Broker at RE/MAX New Trend, a Farmington Hills Real Estate Brokerage business. Deborah utilizes her 10 years of Farmington Hills Real Estate experience in order to help clients with investment opportunities. She contributes to a daily Web Blog which focuses on the Farmington Hills Real Estate Market, as well as other topics important to Farmington Hills, MI and Southeast Oakland County. For more information on Deborah, please visit her real estate website at www.visitdeborah.com

Home Buyer Package: What is your first date like with a buyer?

Sat, 04 Aug 2007 16:30:57 -0500

I have been selling real estate for 10 years. Three months into my career, I began hosting buyer's seminars. Pretty gutsy for someone who basically had no experience, yet. I had a lender present to discuss mortgages, but I did most of the speaking. My first seminar brought in 30 guests. It was a great opportunity to pick up first time buyers.
I stopped doing seminars about 5 years ago. I do, however, still discuss the same info with my buyers when I first start working with them. The topics I cover include buyer's agency, getting pre-approved, seller's and lead paint disclosure, choosing a private inspector and discussing the purchase agreement before it's completed. I package this up in a folder filled with brochures and business cards from various professionals in my networking group.
The buyer is always appreciative of the wealth of information I share with them. During this time, I take the opportunity to let them know that referrals are the heart of my business. If they like the service I give them, please let others know.
I believe that it is very important to meet the buyer for the first time at your office and not at a showing. The first reason would be for safety issues. The next would be that I want to assess really who I am working with. What I have found is that this creates a connection greater than it would meeting them first at one of my listings. It ensures that they are on the right track with the home buying process.

About The Author
Deborah Johnson is an Associate Broker at RE/MAX New Trend, a Farmington Hills Real Estate Brokerage business. Deborah utilizes her 10 years of Farmington Hills Real Estate experience in order to help clients with investment opportunities. She contributes to a daily Web Blog which focuses on the Farmington Hills Real Estate Market, as well as other topics important to Farmington Hills, MI and Southeast Oakland County. For more information on Deborah, please visit her real estate website at www.visitdeborah.com

Want more referrals?

Fri, 03 Aug 2007 14:00:40 -0500

It was New Year's Eve, 2006. A friend who always likes to ask how business is, told me about a networking group that his company belongs to. He explained how they were getting a lot of business from this group. The networking group is BNI (Business Networking, International).
I checked into it the following week to discover that every chapter in my area already had a Realtor. My choices were to go on a waiting list in the hopes that someone would drop out of their chapter or to start my own.  I decided to start my own.
We meet once a week from 7-8:30 am. It is a structured meeting, so the time is well spent. The purpose is to build relationships within the group in order to pass referrals.  Only one person per profession is allowed in the group, eliminating your competition.
It has been about 6 months since starting out.  I have already picked up 5 clients as a result. The best part is that our chapter is still growing.
My advice to you, if you decide to become a member, is to make sure that you are confident in the abilities of those that you are most likely to do direct business with (mortgage rep, insurance agent, private inspector, etc). Your success will be based on how well you market yourself within your chapter and how professional and competent everyone in your chapter is.