Come Home to Middle Tennessee

What Are Your Plans Next Year?

Kathy Tyson (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:29:24 -0500

I have the great fortune of being affiliated with a firm that has a company coach, Bud George. He started out as an agent, but found his passion was in helping others to better themselves. For several years he held a two-day retreat to allow agents the opportunity to reflect on their goals and to devise a written plan on how to accomplish them. In addition to looking at our often lofty life plans (we were allowed to dream big), it allowed us to put together a marketing plan for the coming year that would get us from Point A to Point B.

On this rainy day in which the phone is quiet, I decided it was time to consider what next year will hold for me. I want to be one of the agents who outlasts this housing slump, so what can I do to become exceptional in the eyes of my community?

Having a positive reputation as a knowledgeable professional is probably most important. How do you earn this reputation because it's not just word of mouth that will carry you? Here are some ideas:

Write for more than Active Rain... start a community blog site using Wordpress or other free online software. Promote events in your area, your neighborhood, your city. Build it and they will come! My community blog draws from 200 to 800 visitors each day and the comments made by readers often result in stories covered by the media.
Send at least one to five hand written notes each week to your friends, neighbors, and others in your sphere.
Send out mailings (if you can) at least twice a month... a postcard, a letter with housing activity that month, Halloween wishes, a Thanksgiving recipe.
Resolve to have an updated email list, even if it means spending a day or two going through your old files. Send out at least monthly email updates (and don't forget to give people an opt-out option).
Call your sellers at least weekly.
Stay in touch with potential buyers ... partner with a mortgage company, or a company like Lowe's (I'm not paid to say this) that has monthly email campaigns.

As individual agents, our words and areas of expertise may vary. However, business won't fall into your lap without you putting some effort into it. Your efforts don't have to cost a fortune ... just do something on a regular basis to stay in front of potential customers and clients.

The Future Great Housing Swap Adventure

Kathy Tyson (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 13:23:58 -0500

I recently wrote on Banks.com that housing swaps weren't just for vacation rentals anymore - that they are growing in popularity for people buying homes. When I wrote it, I never dreamed I'd be writing in search of a housing swap one month later.

The scenario: My sellers live in the middle Tennessee area - just outside of Nashville in LaVergne. LaVergne is popular for low taxes and its convenience to the metropolitan Nahsville area. They just learned they have to be in Atlanta by June 1st for a job transfer, so we've listed their home hoping to get interested buyers quickly. Unfortunately, there is about a six-month inventory of homes in their subdivision at this time so selling it fast may not be a realistic option (they don't want to give it away, but are seeking a fair market value price).

The details: $155,000. The home, located at 1704 Chris Drive is 1857 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2-car garage. The garage is like a man-cave and above it is where the upstairs bonus was being built. It already has subflooring and is framed, but staircase not yet built. The seller has upgraded much of the lighting so there are lights above and below the kitchen cabinetry, as well as built in shelving in the bedrooms with lighting. The backyard features a privacy fency and the front yard has amazing landscaping.

The how-to: If you are considering a move to the Nashville area and are coming from Atlanta and have a house to sell, the sellers will consider a trade. They would prefer a trade up for a bigger home. If you're an agent, please email or call me. If you're a buyer, contact your agent in Georgia so we can work out details (I don't have a license to practice real estate in Georgia so involving a Realtor there would be necessary.).

Here are some pictures!

My number: (615) 491-2161 or email me at kathy (at) bobparks (dot) com. I look forward to hearing from some Active Rainers!

I Should Write Here More Often

Kathy Tyson (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 22:06:05 -0600

Since I just posted about Active Rain on my other blog (wordpress) and linked to here, I thought it would be helpful to update here!

So what's going on in my little world? I've converted my old static web page from a static web page company finally to a Wordpress site. You can see it at KathyTyson.com. I'm really proud of having done that - it only took me two years... I had to wait until it was time for the domain name to be renewed, then switched to GoDaddy as host. I was aggravated with my old host site because I had *another* domain name I had used. It expired without notification and now it's in squatter limbo for a year or two.

Meanwhile, I continue to write for Shak & Jill and also started writing for Banks.com in May of 2008. I do so enjoy these sites because it forces me to keep an eye on what's happening at the national level and sometimes international! It does get challenging to come up with new content five days a week for two different sites because the content can't be duplicative. That's where I'm so thankful to ActiveRain. When I'm really stuck, I come over here to see what's on the mind of other agents and link back to them.

Anyway, hello again my old friend Active Rain. I've missed you!

Beautiful Home on Chestnut St.

Kathy Tyson (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 22:23:24 -0500

This is kind of an experiment to see if I can embed a video in this localism post. I also wanted to share images of this nice home in Smyrna - voted in the Top 10 places to retire in the U.S. The home has 1800 +/- square feet, 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, big bonus room, fenced in backyard. Very nice! Priced at $129,900, I think it won't last too long.

Kroger is a Big Hit

Kathy Tyson (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 21:51:22 -0500

LaVergne has been waiting a long time to get a major grocery store since the former Bi-Lo closed a few years ago. We were elated to learn that Kroger was coming and when they opened earlier this month, the residents welcome them with open arms!

This year alone we have a new post office, new Kroger, and new (fantastic) Thai restaurant. These combined with a new drivers license station, new Taco Bell, new sit-down restaurant (WillStan's Grille) makes us feel like we're finally on the upswing of economic development.

In addition, the city has responded to concerns about the biggest subdivision in the state by opening a police substation. That opening is expected within the next few weeks. Good things are happening in LaVergne!

Blogging Consumes Me

Kathy Tyson (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:28:28 -0500

You wouldn't think I'm that "active" based on my posts here at Active Rain. But you have helped me so many times! I write for about three real estate blogs in addition to this one here in which I appear more and more to be a non-writer.

Shak & Jill is a site that was recognized by PC Magazine as a fun real estate blog to go see. It thrilled me to no end to see us mentioned there! I also write for Banks.com which always has me nervous. When you think "BANKS" you think big business, so I'm always nervous over typos, sharing incomplete information (or wrong info!), and if I'm babbling or not. Then my own personal real estate blog is at great risk because I'm having a hard time updating there. I have to keep it alive, though, in case I ever stop writing for the other two sites. I want something to fall back on.

BUT my point here is how grateful I am to the Active Rain community. Though I haven't spent the time commenting like I should and networking, I come often to see what everyone's talking about to share that on the other two blogs. I try to leave link love as much as possible in an effort to drive traffic back to you.

So thank you AR'ers. You are appreciated!

Middle Tennessee Bloggers

Kathy Tyson (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 20:40:46 -0600

Helloooooo! I'm looking for middle Tennessee real estate bloggers to feature on Music City Bloggers. If you blog either here on Active Rain or a different blog, please comment so I can add you to my feed reader. THANKS! Kathy

Multiple Offers = Cold Feet

Kathy Tyson (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 18:59:47 -0500

I have a lovely listing in LaVergne, TN. It's a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home, 1211 square feet, one-car garage, and it back to Corps of Engineers property (no homes will be built behind it). It's listed (I hope you're sitting if you're from expensive markets) for $115,000. Even for this area right outside of Nashville, it's a great price.

So yesterday I heard I'd be getting offers from at least three buyers (from their agents). I notified each agent that there would be multiple offers, with one already on the table (and I called that agent too). Then... NOTHING. No faxes. No phone calls. No returned calls. Nothing.

I've worked with buyers who've previously fallen in love with homes, but when push comes to shove, they don't want to compete for a home. I know there's a real concern that they don't want to jack the price up higher than they think it's worth, but the home APPRAISED AT $127,000. That's already $12,000 in equity built right in!

The bottom line is that the original offer on the table will be the one to get the home. And it wouldn't have taken much for another buyer to get it... just a willingness to follow through and act on their dreams. I'm really at a loss, but I guess that's because when anything whiffs of competition, then I'm always determined to win. I don't know if that's a sign of strength or a flaw in my character! Heh.

A Shot Glass of Paint

Kathy Tyson (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 14:25:17 -0500

I found this in my inbox (it's real):

The "ONLY SOBER PAINTERS IN TOWN"
Father and son painting team with over 25 years experience. Highly reliable and references available. Please contact ...

I nearly fell on the floor laughing when I read that. Though (thankfully) this wasn't from a Realtor, it can serve as an example of the potential harm that we are capable of doing to each other. Couldn't you just imagine? "You're using that drunk as your agent?" MY GOODNESS!

When I meet with potential clients, I always ask if they're already working with another agent. If they say yes and tell me who it is, I never ever say anything bad about them. If I know they do good work, I will say that they've found a really good agent and extend my best wishes for lots of success. If the agent has a reputation for being sloppy, I don't say anything, except I also wish them good luck for a successful home search. My hope is that I'm being treated with the same professional courtesy by other agents.

And on a sidenote, I will never call a painter whose marketing technique is to accuse all other painters of being drunks. Good grief!

The Termite Letter

Kathy Tyson (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 12:31:59 -0500

I learned something new today and I'm a little surprised by it. It's your typical "when you assume..." scenario. I just got off the phone with my buyer's lender to confirm that everything is lined up and ready to go. I learned we have a clear to close a full week ahead of schedule (my favorite three words in real estate are "clear to close")!

However, I told the lender that the seller had ordered the termite letter rather than the buyer because they didn't read the contract carefully. I asked if he as a lender would be okay with that termite letter provided by the seller. He said, "We don't even need a termite letter anymore." I was shocked! He added that they haven't required one for a year now. He explained that although not all lenders have a no-termite letter policy, there are many many lenders who now waive the termite letter requirement. Have you heard about this?

Let me end by duly noting that I will continue to urge my buyers to have the termite inspection done prior to closing, with a treatment and repair option in place!

Open House in LaVergne, TN was slow. Yours?

Kathy Tyson (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 23:44:59 -0500

I held an open house today for another agent and actually had one couple come through. I really wasn't expecting anyone since it was Father's Day. Unfortunately, the buyers were just Lookie-Loo's and not really interesting in writing a contract. I'm not sure why this home isn't selling, unless it's because of the neighborhood. It's priced at $194,900, has 2600 square feet, three bedrooms, three baths, a beautiful bonus room, office, formal dining, and extra playroom upstairs. Everything is upgraded, as well.

I talked before about another listing I have in LaVergne, Tennessee for $115,000 (it appraised for $127,000). It's a short-sale and MUST close by the end of August. It has three bedrooms, two baths, 1200 square feet, a big backyard, formal dining room, wood burning fireplace, and is very charming for a first-time home owner or anyone in between. Our market here is just rough right now, though. We are on the outskirts of Nashville and have had to deal with a reputation for gangs and crime. In fact, today's Tennessean featured a story about how our crime rate is actually on the DECREASE. People are eager to leave the major metropolitan area for our smaller communities for schools, less crowds, etc.

I often watch those shows on TV (Designed to Sell) that appears to have a STREAM of people coming through their open houses. Is my area just slow or is it all areas? I've also spent hours and hours at open houses for new construction, but don't see that many people come through for those either. I'm really very curious about whether people are having good luck with their open houses.

LaVergne, Tennesssee Growth is a Challenge

Kathy Tyson (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 13:05:34 -0500

Located just a few miles southeast of the famous Nashville, Tennessee, LaVergne is a small town that's running fast and furious to keep up with growth. About 10 years ago, LaVergne's population was around 15,000. Today, the number of residents has nearly doubled.

City officials have jumped through hoops to build a bigger police force, along with more fire stations and emergency personnel. A year ago, a new fire station opened in Lake Forest, the biggest subdivision in Tennessee, and quite possibly in the Southeast United States. The size of the subdivision has caused the city to find funding to build more exits - two streets four years ago, three streets out today, and four by this time next year. The subdivision has thousands and thousands of homes because they are affordable, the location is convenient to Nashville and major employers, and the schools are good.

A new middle school opened two years ago and this fall, a new elementary shool is opening. A second high school is in the works, but not expected for a few more years.

Buying a home in LaVergne ranges from affordable to higher end. Here are two currently on the market.

This sweet home is listed at $127,000. It has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, one-car garage, formal dining, eat-in-kitchen, wood burning fireplace in the living room, AND it backs up to the Corps of Engineers property, so there will be no homes built behind it.

This beautiful home has 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, wood fireplace, formal dining, eat-in kitchen, two-car attached garage and 2629 square feet. It's listed at $194,900. It also backs to a wooded area so privacy is not an issue.

There are all types of homes for all types of people. LaVergne is definitely a special place to live! Contact Kathy at (615) 491-2161 if you want to know more about living in middle Tennessee!

I ::heart:: New Agents

Kathy Tyson (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 21:13:44 -0500

There is an agent in my office who always rolls her eyes when she hears we have a new agent. She makes it abundantly clear that she absolutely hates them (she has actually said it to the poor newbies as she's introduced to them). I don't know her reasons - it could be she feels they will take away her business or she could just be tired of answering the dozens of questions that get asked. Speaking personally, I know I asked everyone at least ten questions each (or more!) when I got my license. I clearly remember thinking that I couldn't wait to get the first year behind me because I knew I'd not be so clueless after a year. On my first year anniversary, I was grateful that I did finally have a solid grasp of the intricacies of contracts, how to explain them, and how to make a good listing presentation. Confidence is so important in real estate!

About a week and a half ago, I met a new agent from another company when she brought the buyer for a condo I have listed in LaVergne, Tennessee. She has been absolutely delightful to work with! She brings enthusiasm back to the table and it's very contagious! She is johnny-on-the-spot in meeting every single deadline (x days to inspection, x days to get financial commitment letter, etc.) It's refreshing to not have to chase her down looking for signatures on various forms. This, in turn, has definitely kept me on my toes because I certainly don't want this fresh, eager spirit to make me look bad by being a step ahead of me!

Because of her excitement, I find it easy to answer her questions. We've talked about how sometimes clients just disappear when cold feet set in. We've discussed the importance of writing personal notes and sending cards. We have marveled at how fun it is to set your own schedule and to never have to suffer through another performance appraisal. It is just such a pleasure to be able to let her energize my own view of real estate! I am thankful when I have the privilege of working with a new agent!

You Dirty Rat

Kathy Tyson (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 23:41:18 -0500

I showed a new home yesterday - beautiful, tastefully painted, nice fixtures - you know, the works. Then we walked into the garage and noticed a pile of grass seed was spilling out of a small, built-in cabinet. So we opened the little storage door and screamed. A RAT was inside and started to move to us - toward the light. My buyer and I got out of there FAST*. AAAAAGH!

That was only the second time I've screamed during a showing. The first was when I laid my business card down on a counter and accidentally brushed another card. About a kazillion baby cockroaches came streaming out from under that card.

The time the spider ran out of a closet and up my pant leg didn't make me scream. I think I just wet my pants over that one! haha!

*I think she's going to write a contract on the home if they can get rid of the rodents.

Spam or Scam = Either Way It's Unwelcome

Kathy Tyson (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 13:45:16 -0500

How do you know for sure that Active Rain is a successful, popular blog? It's when you get messages like this in your email:

You've received a contact message from your Contact Form on the ActiveRain network.

Message details:
From: Miss Uduiak Duke
Email: uduiak_duke00@yahoo.com.tr
Subject: pls i need your urgent reply

My Dear,Happy to meet with you, My Name is Uduiak Duke, i have something good to Discuse with you,could you pls contact my Id above for more details,
thanks and be bless
Yours Uduiak Duke

Why thank you Miss Uduiak Duke, but I'll probably pass on what is almost certainly a scam. Just like Mana is passing. I just saw someone else who wrote a very funny letter to a spammer on Active Rain, but couldn't find it again! Drats!

I Got Mad When I Didn't Get a Closing Gift

Kathy Tyson (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 13:09:59 -0500

Before I got my real estate license, I bought two homes and sold one. The first one I bought, our agent surprised us with a brass door knocker with our last name engraved on it. We were so tickled that we picked her to list our house TEN years later when we sold it. She didn't' give us a gift when we sold it, though.

We moved to Nashville and I used the Realtor who was referred to me from a business friend. I was very disappointed in her work (but that's a whole 'nother story that I won't ever talk about in public) and I got downright mad after closing when we didn't even get a thank you card in the mail for having hired her - much less a closing gift!

Was I expecting a gift? Probably. Let me clarify... ABSOLUTELY! I really was mad and disappointed and it taught me a valuable lesson.... now I always try to give closing gifts and I try to make them memorable. I believe I missed giving one closing gift and it was a client who was rude, obnoxious, and verbally abusive. I didn't appreciate him and hoped he WOULDN'T remember me!

Anyway, I just want to acknowledge that Teri Eckholm inspired this diatribe when she asked "To Gift or Not to Gift" in one of her posts. I asked the same question at Shak & Jill, but didn't link to her there because she had it labeled for members only. So thank you, Teri, for your inspirational question!

Work for Free

Kathy Tyson (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Wed, 30 May 2007 20:34:57 -0500

I like to make money. I like to make lots of money. But twice this year, I've found myself working for free. The first time, my husband came home late from work and said I should expect a call. He ran into a couple at our local gas station and they were at the counter asking the poor clerk about rentals, homes, etc. in the area. My husband handed them my business card. They talked for a few moments and he learned the man was military and was being stationed at our nearby National Guard post. They had to move the next weekend and were desperate for help. So I spent all day Saturday showing them the area, contacting rental managers, etc. We found a place by Sunday and they now live nearby. I believe they'll return to me eventually as buyers and I also believe they will refer me to their friends and other military families.

Then this week, my girl scout co-leader (who purchased a home through me a couple of years ago) asked for advice on the home she and her husband are selling in Alabama. I didn't step over the line that would open myself or my broker to liability issues, but I reminded her to make sure they put a limit on the cost of repairs, etc. And I let her agent fax the contract to my machine since she doesn't have one.

I never mind helping people out, but felt it was ironic that I was volunteering because my year has started out slow (it's picking up now, thank goodness!). How much work do you do for free?

Housing Growth Online Toy

Kathy Tyson (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Wed, 30 May 2007 17:44:24 -0500

I apologize in advance if anyone has already posted about this neato new toy provided by Trulia. You can type the name of a town near you (or far from you) and watch the construction growth from 1890 to the present. Coolest beans, ever.

CLICK HERE FOR THE LINK FROM TRULIA.

Update: I've gone back a couple of times and it appears that a lot of people have found this site. As a result, it's slow to load. But it does eventually, so don't give up! It's amazing seeing the boom in real estate in just 20 years.

Twitter Anyone?

Kathy Tyson (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Wed, 09 May 2007 08:33:08 -0500

This site has been so helpful to me! I've been able to keep up with real estate news from around the country, plus use some of the ideas shared here for my own business. On the Shak & Jill site, I've already found several realtors here who I've linked to.

Since I'm fairly new to the site, I don't know if folks have already talked about it or not... but does anyone Twitter? Have you figured out how it can help your real estate business?

Update: Here's a link (sorry I didn't already include it). Also, here a link to twittervision for some fun. Also, I've added a link to Shak & Jill.

Not Another Blog!

Kathy Tyson (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Thu, 03 May 2007 22:09:11 -0500

Hello to anyone who may be reading this. I have been a blogger for well over a year now and only regret I didn't start sooner. Today, I was asked to begin professionally writing for a real estate blog called Shak & Jill. Geared toward the consumer, the goal is to provide content from other real estate blogs. To that end, you'll probably see me around here. Reading your posts. Linking to you. But no lurking!