Bergen County's Blog

BIOGRAPHY BUILDING: "The Poet of Property" NY Times Article

Gold Star Realty/GMAC — Sat, 23 May 2009 11:15:39 -0500

New York Times Real Estate Section, May 24 has a great article about a woman who creates Bios for realtors. Barbara Corcoran had found her years ago. Many of the Corcoran agents still seem to use her work. "Valerie Haboush specializes in...those tantalizing, excitement packed agent biographies." I went into the Corcoran agent bios on their website. They are certainly more interesting and well written than most.

A few are in the first person. Most are in third person. Which do you find works best for a biography? Just curious!

Lindsay

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT A CAREER IN BERGEN COUNTY?

Gold Star Realty/GMAC — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:25:34 -0500

Is it time to retool your career?Love to look at houses? Want to sell?

I was in Best Buy today looking for a replacement for our television. Started talking to the sales representative. Suddenly, we were into careers, and real estate as a career. She was interested in learning more about the business and our school.

We drove over to the office and she spoke to the broker. Will she actually enroll in the class that starts early in June? I do not know. But the odds are better than if I had not had her pay us a visit during her lunch hour!

Is it time for your to join Gold Star Real Estate School to retool?

Lindsay

RECRUITING: WHAT ARE THEY DOING NOW?

Gold Star Realty/GMAC — Thu, 21 May 2009 15:21:54 -0500

Where have you had success in finding recruits? I am really curious.

WHAT DO REALTORS DO?

Gold Star Realty/GMAC — Wed, 20 May 2009 13:20:09 -0500

I was sure it would be a slow day today. I have been sitting at home as repair folks have been changing the appliances in the kitchen. No way to prospect--right? First, I asked the two installers if they know somone who is buying or selling. Sure enough one of the installers has two pieces of property that he may rent or sell. I have his name, phone, cell phone and an appointment! Next, the electrician shows up. Talked real estate to him. He did not know of anyone selling. However, it seems that his family has been in town for generations. He will take the card and see if he can find someone as he works on house after house after house. I have his name, phone number, and email address for follow up. It does not take much time to prospect for buyers for our listings! All we need is people to talk to. Lindsay

IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND PROSPECTS--RIGHT?

Gold Star Realty/GMAC — Wed, 20 May 2009 13:16:56 -0500

I have been sitting at home today as repair folks have been changing the appliances in the kitchen. No way to prospect--right? First, I asked the two installers if they know somone who is buying or selling. Sure enough one of the installers has two pieces of property that he may rent or sell. I have his name, phone, cell phone and an appointment! Next, the electrician shows up. Talked real estate to him. He did not know of anyone selling. However, it seems that his family has been in town for generations. He will take the card and see if he can find someone as he works on house after house after house. I have his name, phone number, and email address. Do you have interesting prospecting examples to share with us?

CHANDALIER: OFTEN AN ISSUE

Gold Star Realty/GMAC — Tue, 19 May 2009 10:31:40 -0500

Why do so many deals come down to the Dining Room Chandalier? What is there about a chandalier that captivates buyers--especially when the seller insists on taking it with him or her?

I decided to do a little research on chandaliers. Apparently they were first created to light assembly halls during the Medieval times. They were originally drippy candles, then dangerous gas lamps, and finally electric.

The largest chandalier in the world is in a palace in Istanbul. It was a gift of Queen Victoria and weighs 4.5 tons!

Why do people want chandaliers in their dinining rooms and entrance areas? It seems to be a decorative focal point of a room. I think chandaliers say something about the owner. Some are modern while others have a traditional feel to them. Some are elegant and some are simple.It is simply an object that signifies status. Even a small chandalier shows more status than no chandalier.

How do you convince your buyers not to insist on the chandalier--even if they are in love with it and do not have the cash to replace it?

BARBIE DOLLS: Objects and What they Signify for Real Estate

Gold Star Realty/GMAC — Mon, 18 May 2009 13:19:54 -0500

I was previewing a home recently. Came upon a young girl's room. In it were several Barbie Dolls. They were prominently displayed throughout her room. So, I began wondering what Barbies signify for young girls in our society.

I had Barbies growing up. They seem to teach young girls how to dress, how to have romantic relationships (with Ken), and how to become consumers. Barbies always want to shop till they drop.

Guess it is a good thing that we teach young girls and women to shop. Afterall, it seems to me that the woman is the person who decides it is time to buy a house!

Maybe we should create and give away HOUSE HUNTING BARBIES! They might make a real difference in the turn around of this market!

Just a thought.

BROKER AND INSTRUCTOR!

Gold Star Realty/GMAC — Mon, 11 May 2009 10:29:18 -0500

I decided it is time to move up in the world and get my broker's license here in New Jersey. Well, that was not all. Dad is running a licensing school here in the county for people who want to get into our industry. I decided to get my Instructor license as well. His school is getting many more students lately. I think there is some light at the end of the economic tunnel that is starting to attract people into the industry. So, if you know people here in the county who want their licenses, The Real Estate Chick is getting great reviews from classes. LindsayGamble, MBA, Broker Associate, Instructor. (Good grief. Maybe I need a few more titles.)

BUYERS PLAYING: I AM NOT A TOUR GUIDE--YET! Are You?

Gold Star Realty/GMAC — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:31:18 -0500

We ask realtors to come in with an offer in writing. I have been noticing that more and more calls are coming in with the "what will they take" question. What will they take for the house?

According to the Media, the sellers are in such a pinch that they will consider anything. That is certainly not true here in Bergen County, NJ. The market IS soft, but not that soft.

A buyer who is playing is wasting his or her time, the seller's agent's time, the buyer's agent's time and the seller's time. We are still looking for serious buyers. I am not a tour guide--yet.

Lindsay Gamble, MBA

Bergen County Real Estate Chick

201 599-1484

NAPKIN SKETCHES and Doodle Presentations

Gold Star Realty/GMAC — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:15:15 -0500

I keep trying to stand out in this age of Power Point presentations and glossy presentation books. Recently, I found a book that talks about sales presentations on napkins. Of course the discussion is in the context of the business lunch.

I have been experimenting with cards and yellow pads. Rather than a fancy chart or graph showing the market, I simply draw the graph for the homeowner. Then I leave the "doodles" with them.

Am thinking of having a pad printed up with my name on it so that when I leave the doodles they remember who drew them.

Does anyone use doodles?

Lindsay Gamble, MBA

Bergen County Real Estate Chick

Gold Star Realty/GMAC

THE DO: MY GRANDMA WAS RIGHT!

Gold Star Realty/GMAC — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:13:50 -0500

OPEN HOUSE.

I arrived early. The family including two young kids and fido had left a few minutes earlier. Put up the signs, put out fact sheets. Opened up the sign-in pad. Then it hit me.

Something had died in the house. Such a surprise because these people are meticulous. I ran upstairs and checked the diaper pail. Nothing. Checked the trash in the kitchen. Empty. Of course some buyers arrived. Checked in but did not stay long. The odor.

Now I was in a panic. Opened the basement. That was the source. I ran downstairs but did not see anything. More buyers drove up. Finally, I found the problem. Fido had done his thing just before he and the family left. Found a clean deisigner towel. Cleaned up the do. Ran upstairs with the towel in hand just as the folks came in.

Shook hands with towel in one hand. As they signed in I stuffed the towel behind a chair and showed the house. Everyone noticed the odor. After they left, I found the towel. Emptied the contents outside.

Now, what to do with the designer terrycloth? More buyers. Behind the chair again. Finally decided to wash it. Threw it in the washer. Later took it out and put it in the dryer. Meanwhile customers kept coming. Managed to get the towel in the pile of clean laundry just before Fido and family returned.

My Grandmother always told me that being hit by by bird do is good luck. Apparently doggy is too. The house sold to the last buyers who came through and I have a new listing from the buyer!

Meanwhile, the owner wants to know why her towel is a little stained. Not quite sure what to tell her!

Lindsay Gamble, MBA

Bergen County Real Estate Chick

Realtors Need a Gas Surcharge!

Gold Star Realty/GMAC — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:53:06 -0500

I spent the day on the road in Bergen County. Showed houses to some early risers. Another couple before lunch. Finally, a third couple in the afternoon. Then I looked at my gas gauge. Oh dear!

It had been full when I started in the morning. So I drove over the the local service station. He handed me my credit card bill to sign. Good grief!

It is bad enough to be treated as a tourguide by some people, but their extendedsearch for houses is starting to take away a good deal of the profit! Exon is doing well.

Does anyone have a surcharge for their buyers? A fee paid up front that comes off the transaction at closing? It sems fair to me. Otherwise, I am thinking of using the buyer's car. Takes longer, but. . .

Lindsay Gamble, MBA

Bergen County Real Estate Chick

Gold Star Realty/GMAC

201 599-1484

WILL ROGERS ON REAL ESTATE: TIMES WERE TOUGH THEN, TOO!

Gold Star Realty/GMAC — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:05:47 -0500

Will Rogers was a stand up comic during the Depression. Of course that was a difficult period in American history. His advice to sales people? "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." At Gold Star/GMAC we are running harder and faster than ever for our buyers and our sellers.

We have more and more details to consider for each listing. To stay on track I must run over to a listing right now and take a number of inside shots. In the fast market, we never had time to take much less post inside photos. Now, it is essential. We want people to get a feeling for the home before they see it.

Call me if you are looking to buy or sell in Bergen County--Gold Star Country! We make you home a Star.

Lindsay Gamble, MBA

Bergen County Real Estate Chick

201 599-1484

RECRUITING MESSAGES: Need More Specifics

Gold Star Realty/GMAC — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 20:52:20 -0500

I am in need of some interesting recruiting messages. I know the basics of recruiting, but I need messages to send to experienced and potential agents For example: Feeling all washed up? Are you wasting away? Do you feel alone where you are? Is it time to change? Do you have more examples? Thanks Lindsay Gamble, MBA

WALL STREET JOURNAL AGREES: "A GOOD TIME TO BUY"

Gold Star Realty/GMAC — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 15:33:29 -0500

I am so happy that the Wall Street Journal has decided to agree with me: it is a good time to buy a house. Today, Sunday March 9th they reported: "Finally, it's a buyer's market out there. For years rapidly rising pricesw kept many first time home buyers out of the housing market. But as home values slide further downward and interest rates hover at low levels, it may be time to start looking to buy that first house." Wow!

I spent the after noon at an Open House at one of my new listings. Last month we would have had one couple come through. Today we had close to 10! Things are starting to turn here in Bergen County.

This is no longer the bid up market where many people were trying to get the same house. Nor is it a market for people who are trying to get something for nothing. No down payment, owner give backs, etc. It is a market for people who what to buy a house. What a unique idea!!

The Journal gives this advice to buyers: "remember, you're investing in a place to live, not speculating in the stocke market or even putting money into a savings account. So, keep it simple.

Lets keep it simple. Give me a call and I will help you find the home of your dreams here in Bergen County, or find you a professional realtor if you are thinking of living elsewhere.

Questions or comments?

Lindsay Gamble, MBA

Bergen County Real Estate Chick

201 599-14384

GENERATOR PUTTERING ALONG. . . No More Flashlights and Candles

Gold Star Realty/GMAC — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 22:03:08 -0600

I knew it would happen again. The power went off. Of course, the storm is over. The rain has stopped, but the power is out.

For years this would have been a problem. No light, no frig, no heat, etc. But this year I took care of things. To everyone's surprise we installed a gas powered generator. That is right. Natural gas generator. It tests itself every Friday morning, but other than that, we have not given it a second thought.

That was until the power went out. Outside I heard, "putt, putt, putt". And the yellow box springs to life. The power is out in the neighborhood. Not my house. If we were out of town, no problem. The power would be on.

Not cheap (about $5,000). But perfect when the power goes. If you live in Bergen County and want the name of my installer, please leave me a message and I will put you in touch with my electrician.

Meanwhile, across the street we see the light from flashlights and candles as neighbors try to avoid falling down stairs. I wonder how many of them will install a natural gas generator after this outage?

Sleep well!

Lindsay Gamble, MBA

Bergen County Real Estate Chick

Gold Star Realty/GMAC

201 599-1484

NEW JERSEY POLICE AND FIRE MORTGAGE

Gold Star Realty/GMAC — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 14:34:07 -0600

We just found that GMAC Mortgage has instituted a special low interest rate for anyone currently employed as a police officer or fire fighter. The person must be a member of the Police and Firemen's Retirement System with at least one year of service.

All one and two family residences and condos located in New Jersey qualify. Maximum mortgage is $417,000. Ever wonder where they came up with that number? Not 415, not 420. But 417.

Anyway, let me know if I can put you in touch with GMAC for yourself or even your clients.

Lindsay Gamble, MBA

Bergen County Real Estate Chick

201 599-1484

TEENAGER'S ROOMS!

Gold Star Realty/GMAC — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:35:41 -0600

Recently I had a Sunday Open House for the public to view one of my listings. On Saturday I went over to check on the condition of the home. It seemed beautiful, neat and tidy.

Then I walked into the teenage daughter's room. My goodness. The floor was covered with clothes and stuff. I spoke the the young woman and asked her to clean up her room. She agreed. "I've been like sooo busy," she said.

When I arrived the next day for the Open House, the family was not home. Sure enough, the teen's room was as neat as a pin. I was relieved.

As luck would have it, the first buyers that came through the house loved it. They took their time going through the property as they imagined where their belongings would fit. Then they viewed the teen's room and opened the closet. Ever see one of those films where everything comes crashing out of a closet. That's right. . . .

My recommendation: When cleaning up for an Open House in your property, check the kids' rooms closely!

Lindsay Gamble, MBA

Bergen County Real Estate Chick

Gold Star Realty, GMAC

201 599-1484

CHECKLISTS ON MY BRAIN

Gold Star Realty/GMAC — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 22:42:18 -0600

Readers: I have learned the need for care with real estate paperwork: listing forms, sales contracts, disclosures, property history forms, martgage approvals, certificates of occupancy, and more. I am constantly on the phone with attorneys, mortgage brokers, house inspectors, town officials and others to get my deals to the closing table, I now have developed a Closing Checklist on my brain. I go through that checklist daily to be sure everything is on track. Is every business filled with this much paperwork? Give me a call if I can put my checklists to work for the sale of your house. Lindsay Gamble, MBA Bergen County Real Estate Chick Gold Star Realty/GMAC 201 599-1484

FAULTY TIRE SERVICE: I WILL NEVER LEAVE CLIENTS FLAT!

Gold Star Realty/GMAC — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 20:30:42 -0600

Today my car dashboard said that I had a flat tire. I stopped and looked. As far as I coul tell nothing was flat. Nevertheless, I called the manufacturer's Roadside Service number as instructed in the automobile manual.

Roadside Service told me that I must tell them WHICH tire is flat before they will send a mechanic to change it. Do you see a problem here? They did not!

What are they missing? I have an MBA in Marketing. I am an expert in Bergen County real estate. I am not an expert in cars. I said to the dispatcher: "If a spark plug is misfiring, do I have to go under the hood and identify the faulty plug before you will change it?" He did not see the humor.

I will never leave you, my client, flat! I work until my buyers find homes and my sellers find a buyer. That is why we call it Premier Service, not Flat Service.

Lindsay Gamble, MBA

Bergen County Real Estate Chick

Gold Star Real Estate, GMAC

201 599-1484

P.S. Drove home on the flat tire. Will take it into the dealer so we can discuss the need for Premiere Service in all industries.

I am Worried About Reverse Mortgages: Maybe You Should Just Sell!

Gold Star Realty/GMAC — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 12:06:46 -0600

Should you or someone in your family get into a so called, "Reverse Mortgage"?

Today the New York Times ran a front page article titled: "Tapping into Homes Can be Pitfall for the Elderly". They quote 67 yearl old Erica Baker who feels she was ripped off by a reverse mortgage company. She claims the fees are excessive and she was unable to get her money.

Edler care advocate Prescott Cole says, "Every scam artist is getting into this business. Because reverse mortages are so complicated and give you money up front, years can pass before a senior realizes they have lost everything."

Because reverse mortgages do not require you to make repayments immediately, the interest charges are simply added to the mortgage--every day. In Ms. Baker's situation, she borrowed approximately $200,000. After a decade the amount due will be at least $400,000.

Wouldn't it make more sense to consider simply selling the home (her home was worth $600,000), putting the profit in the bank or other safe investments and living off the interest? Rent a nice condo and live comfortably. That $600,000 is going to make a lot of $1500-$2000 monthly payments. And the balance is generating interest income.

Before you or anyone you know goes for a reverse mortgage, please call me. I will do a FREE market analysis of your home which you can take to your accountant and/or attorney. Then you have all of the information you need to be sure you are making the right decision. If you live out of Bergen County, I will get you a realtor to talk to who is not in the Reverse Mortgage business.

Lindsay Gamble, MBA

Bergen County Real Estate Chick

201 599-1484

201 315-3420 (Cell)

Should I Buy Investment Property Now?

Gold Star Realty/GMAC — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 15:52:31 -0600

This is a question I have been getting lately. The prices of one and two family homes are down. So are the asking prices of four family properties here in Bergen County. Is it time to buy one as an investment?

Many people want to invest in property because it is something they can see. They can supervise the upkeep of the investment and eventually sell.

Let's consider the tax issues. If you buy a property as an investiment and limit your personal use to 14 days a year, the IRS views your deductions as rental property and your deductions can exceed the amount of rental income you recieve.

If your rental income does not cover the cost of renting the house, you may be able to claim a loss. Rental losses are classified as passive and can be decucted only against passive income. For example you may deduct from another rental property that realizes a gain.

These tax laws also apply to apartments and condominiums. Obviously you will want to consult with your accountant and/or attorney before you purchase investment property.

But, first things first. If you think you might want to take advantage of this "down" market and invest in property, give me a call now. I will be glad to email you some possibilities that you might want to look at.

Lindsay Gamble, MBA

The Bergen County Real Estate Chick

201 599-1484

REASONS TO LIVE IN BERGEN COUNTY: NEW YORK PUBLIC THEATRE: "CONVERSATIONS"

Gold Star Realty/GMAC — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:05:43 -0600

Attended the Public Theatre's production of "Conversations" last night. Stars Brian Dunnehy as Cicero in a play that takes place a few months before Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" that many of us read in school. Show is a little talky, but amazing performances. Turns out that it is partially about Real Estate. Is seems that Cicero is trying to sell his Villa in Italy. Hmmm. I really wanted to run up and give him my card! The Public Theatre offers six productions a year, plus two productions in Central Park. Just another reason to move to Bergen County. You have easy access to the theatre as well as a wonderful suburban setting. Lindsay Gamble, MBA Bergen County Real Estate Chick 201 599-1484 Thinking of listing or selling property? Give me a call!

ON THE ROAD IN REAL ESTATE: THINGS MOVE IN MY OFFICE!

Gold Star Realty/GMAC — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:58:31 -0600

Here we go with events that do not reflect the national market. In a day where people are having problems getting listings sold, our office sold three houses. One had owners hassling over $1000. We asked them if they wanted to wait a few more weeks for the market to drop another percentage point or two? What is one percentage point of a $500,000 home? Two new listings came on the market today. I have been working with these people for over a year. Does everyone have a realtor who has that kind of patience? I do not think so. If it is time for you to buy or sell, give me a call. Lindsay Gamble, MBA Bergen County Real Estate Chick 201 599-1484

SHOP, SHOP, AND SHOP SOME MORE!

Gold Star Realty/GMAC — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:23:47 -0600

If you love shopping as I do, you will love Bergen County, New Jersey. Not only do we have tons of shopping malls, there is no tax on clothes. Tons of New Yorkers join us every Saturday!

If you have not been here, Bergen County hosts Garden State Mall--one of America's larger malls--Shops at Riverside with Bloomingdales and Saks 5th Avenue, Paramus Park Mall with Sears, the the Bergen Mall. Bergen was the first of the malls and is now being renovated.

Of course, there are dozens of smaller upscale malls as well. A newer one in Montvale has most of the upscale stores for those who do not want to go to the larger malls. City Place in Edgewater was built next to the Hudson River as part of a condo community.

The county has it share of Cosco, Bj, and Target outlets.

Join me shopping here in my favority county. Just come to Route 4 and Route 17 and have a wonderful time. I will see you there.

Lindsay Gamble, MBA

Sales Associate

Bergen County Real Estate Chick