| |
The hardest blog I've written yet...
It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday, isn't it? Well, today I'm having to say goodbye to my real estate career. It's been a tough decision, but one that will ultimately be the best thing for both me and my family.
The good news, this comes on the heals of surviving endometrial cancer and being cancer free! It took two surgeries, a lot of prayers and an enormous amount of support from friends and family...but I'm cancer free!
It is because of this that I took the time during my recovery to re-evaluate my life and where I am right now, where I need to be and where I'm headed.
Thank you so much for all of your support, love and caring! You rock my world and I wouldn't be who I am without YOU!
Cheers!
Tammi
Important information inside for buyers and sellers in today's real estate market!
Thank you to Craig Frazer of Farmington, UT for his well written and informative post (and for allowing others to re-blog it!).
It still amazes me that the subject of FICO scores isn't brought up more in the news or taught ad-nauseum in our school systems. Everyone is subject to FICO when applying for credit of any type.
For those who want education on FICO, please visit:
http://www.myfico.com/crediteducation
For those who wish to obtain their FREE Annual Credit Report, please visit:
https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp
This site is the only place to see your entire credit report FREE (there is a charge to get your actual score).
Visit my website to begin your home search and get pre-approved today!
http://www.tammicopsey.com
**If you are currently signed with a real estate agent, please contact your agent for more information!
Via Craig Frazer (Salt Lake & Davis County Real Estate (RE/MAX Metro)):
 A number of agents and I were discussing the fact that buyer activity (as measured by under contract activity) seemed to have gone on a hiatus recently. Several theories were discussed including the front loading of activity into the first trimester of the year due to the home buyer tax credit; the increase in number of multiple family households due to job losses in the current economy;even the flood of inventory thanks to short sales and foreclosures. My contribution to the mix was the article put forth by many news outlets a few weeks ago that highlighted the fact that over a quarter of all consumers now have credit scores below 600. That’s right, over 40 million consumers have a sub-600 credit score (as reported by FICO).
Now, combine that bit of information with the current minimum FICO score of 580 to qualify for FHA’s 3.5% down payment program (the down payment requirement increases to 10% for a FICO score of 579 or less) and the reduction of allowable seller concessions from 6% of the purchase price to 3% and you have a recipe for a reduction in buyer demand in the market. Now, tighter credit requirements are something we all knew was taking place in the market (didn’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure that one out). But, tighter credit processes combined with an increasing number of FICO score challenged consumers (with the ranks growing each day the recovery doesn’t take hold) means there are fewer and fewer buyers capable of buying in what is otherwise a wonderful buyer’s market here in Davis and Salt Lake Counties.
 Now the good news for sellers (for the glass half full folks), buyers who are pre-approved (not just pre-qualified) and have their financing in place are like gold and should you get an offer from one, don’t let them get away!!! You have a shrinking pool of consumers capable of buying your home, best not let one who is capable walk. Be creative in your counter offers, be flexible in your showing schedule, keep your house in “show mode” as much as possible. Those buyers are out there and, as sellers, you want them to know you would really like them to take an interest in you (errr, your property).
Another buyer group sellers should be anxious to see in this type of environment is buyers with money to put down. Having a down payment opens a whole world of financing options and thus flexibility on the part of the buyer (not as much flexibility as 2-3 years ago, but a good amount relatively speaking).
 Now for you buyers out there….take the hint. Get pre-approved, not just pre-qualified. Have your financing ready to go on short notice, flex your down payment muscles in any offer you present (perhaps as larger earnest money deposits) and get aggressive. Listing agents know your value so encourage them to promote you to their client with well structured, aggressive offers which highlight your strength: the ability to close quickly in a slow market.
I find many buyers downplaying their strength thinking there is some negotiating advantage to holding your “cards close to your chest.” Not today. With ever lengthening days on market, sellers will figuratively salivate if you come in showing your purchasing strength right at the beginning.
So, what on the surface appears to be negative news (OK, it ain’t great) doesn’t mean there isn’t a silver lining for both buyers and sellers in the details.
_________________________________________________________________________
Craig Frazer, Realtor, CRS, GRI, CLHMS
RE/MAX Metro
Cell & Text: (801)699-6046
Email: cfrazer@remax.net
Community Data Sets
My Blog
Just Data, Info & Advice -- No Sales Pitches
The following applies to the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP)
"The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today announced changes to its Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), which helps communities acquire, rehabilitate and re-sell foreclosed and abandoned properties more quickly and help prevent further decline in hard-hit neighborhoods. Specifically, HUD will change how it defines foreclosed and abandoned to include properties in mortgage default and uninhabitable homes with lingering code violations. These expanded definitions, effective immediately, will increase the reach of NSP by allowing more properties to qualify, remove existing barriers caused by market conditions, and help state and local grantees to meet a Congressional requirement that they obligate all of their NSP1 funding by September of this year."
To find out more about this program and the new definitions in the blog below, please click the following link:
http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/press/press_releases_media_advisories/2010/HUDNo.10-066
Thanks to the original blogger, Pamela Seley for allowing a re-blog of this informative post! Rock on! Via Pamela Seley, REALTOR® - Short Sale Specialist - Temecula, California (Meritage Real Estate, Inc.):
There has been a very important change in U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD): they have changed the definition of "foreclosed". Below I have copied the definition of "foreclosed", as well as "abandoned", from their website (you can check it out for yourself).
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT YOU MAY ASK?
I recently heard from one of my clients whose lender told him his house was "foreclosed," when in fact, the foreclosure process had not yet been completed. This is important because a homeowner, who may have been denied a loan modification by their lender, to avoid foreclosure, has the option to short sale their home. [For those who do not know: a short sale is when the homeowner's lender accepts a payoff amount less than what is owed on the mortgage.]
By law, lenders will be able to tell their borrowers who are late in their mortgage payments, that their home is "foreclosed." It will be crucial for homeowners/borrowers to verify, outside the information given by their lender, where they are in the foreclosure process. Please do not be fooled by this change in definition.
THE FOLLOWING IS FROM THE U.S. HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) WEBSITE:
Redefining "foreclosed"
HUD previously defined the term foreclosed to apply only to properties where the foreclosure process was completed. Local communities suggested this narrow definition was not a good fit for market conditions since many properties were lingering in the foreclosure process and beyond the reach of NSP. The original definition limited a grantee's ability to intervene strategically when a lender initiates but does not complete foreclosure, or where a default is allowed to linger. In addition, many lenders are transferring properties to aggregators or loan servicers, which then arrange for final disposition. In some of these cases, the previous policy did not consider the properties to retain their foreclosed status after title is transferred to the aggregator or servicer.
Properties will now be eligible for NSP assistance if any of the following conditions apply: The property is at least 60 days delinquent on its mortgage and the owner has been notified; or the property owner is 90 days or more delinquent on tax payments; or under state or local law, foreclosure proceedings have been initiated or completed; or foreclosure proceedings have been completed and title has been transferred to an intermediary aggregator or servicer that is not an NSP grantee, subrecipient, developer, or end user.
Redefining "abandoned"
When the NSP program was originally designed following passage of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, the term abandoned was defined as a property that had been foreclosed upon and was vacant for at least 90 days. This definition effectively excludes properties abandoned by owners but where tenants are still in place thereby precluding local communities from assisting the properties with NSP funding or protecting the tenants' occupancy. HUD determined this limitation was a substantial barrier to the preservation of existing affordable housing.
To address this limitation, HUD is expanding the definition of an abandoned property to include homes where no mortgage or tax payments have been made by the property owner for at least 90 days or a code enforcement inspection has determined that the property is not habitable and the owner has taken no corrective actions within 90 days of notification of the deficiencies.
"I want that same deal that my friend got!!!"
The truth is everyone wants the best rate on their mortgage, to make as much as they can on the sale of their home and to get the best deal when buying a home. It is human nature and something ingrained in us as humans.
Why can't this happen?
The post below was originally posted by Jeff Belonger and explains it nicely! Thanks Jeff for allowing a re-blog! You rock! Via Jeff Belonger- The FHA Expert FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans ( - FHA Home Loans - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc):
Don't we all, want that best deal... My first several transactions in my second year in 1993 in the mortgage industry were interesting ones at that. I still can remember a Veteran that wanted a VA loan, yet I had to try to put him into a FHA loan because of his credit. And then that became a problem because he wanted the same deal that his neighbor was getting, who was also getting a FHA loan, but I told him that he had too wait 6 months or so. And back then, credit scores didn't even exist. But he had an employment issue, that he had 5 different jobs in 2 years with less than perfect credit.
One key point to remember through this whole post, Not one borrower is the same. Even though these two pears look the same from the outside, they aren't the same. You can argue taste, texture, and color, just as a few differences.
Another key point? 'rates change daily' & 'home values can change'.
As we look into real estate and mortgages, how many times did someone say these key phrases??..........
-- Well, my neighbor sold their house for $325,000 and I should be able to get the same since we have a similar house.
Okay, so let's look at what the differences could be.
- Does your house have upgrades?
- Is one lot larger than the other?
- Is one house in average condition and the other in excellent condition?
- Does one have a superior view than the other?
- How long ago was that sale? 3 months ago? Values could change...
-- My co-worker just got a 5.00% interest rate with no points and I know it's still out there, so I want that.
How could this be so different for so many? I'll name just a few reasons why.
- Did you see the good faith estimate? It could have many fees on it. You need to compare apples to apples.
- What was your co-worker's credit scores?
- How much money are they putting down?
- Are they getting a FHA loan or a conventional loan or a VA loan?
- What was their debt-to-income ratios for qualifying with income?
Summary : Not one person has the same fingerprint. This goes for the same for those selling homes or trying to buy one or refinance one. Not one home is exactly the same. Not one borrower is exactly the same. What you need to do is be able to pick a real professional and not a wanna be. Please read : Are you begging me to lie to you?
Overall, there are too many variables when selling homes, buying homes, or trying to obtain financing for these homes. This is more true in today's market, considering the major changes that have taken place. You have a friend or family member in the business? This doesn't even mean that you will get the best deal. Besides, define best, it might not be the same with your friends or family member. And what about this part... did your friend or neighbor leave something out? How do you know. Did they pay extra somewhere else? Keep in mind, not everyone is upfront and or ethical. Do you want reality or fluff & deception?
- FHA Loans - USDA Loans - VA Loans -
- Energy Efficient Mortgages -
- Conventional Loans - 203 k loans -
- Mortgages -
Experience & Knowledge at its BEST !!!
_________________________________________________________________________________________
For more information on FHA loans, please go to this link. The FHA Expert
For more information about the 2008-2009 Tax Credit for First Time Homebuyers : 2008 Tax Credit
For important mortgage insight to watch for, please read : Consumers need to be aware of these Red Flags !!!!
Copyright © 2009 by Jeff Belonger
I'm baffled...100% truly dumbfounded right now.
For the past hour I have been trying to locate a very recent business contact and can't find them ANYWHERE. Keep in mind that this person just sent me an email and we had a wonderful business conversation less than a week ago...and NONE of the information they gave me is in service now.
I have called...out of service.
I have emailed...bounced back.
I went to the website...error page.
NOTHING...NADA...ZILCH (Strike 3 and you're out buddy, sorry about your luck).
I did Google this person and they have NO information. Of course, I had already made up my mind that if they can't update me within a week they weren't someone I wanted to trust with my friends or families business anyway.
One of the most valuable things I've learned through ActiveRain is to keep visible on Google, Bing and other search engines. The community has been wonderful in giving tools and tutorials that are amazingly simple, easy to follow and most times FREE. I admit that I’m not as visible or active as I could be, but my contact information is ALWAYS up-to-date. Any changes I make anywhere are updated everywhere immediately (OK...within the day).
If you find that you need a place to keep your information handy, I suggest Retaggr. It is amazing in its simplicity, customization and amount of information you can provide.
There are many FREE tools you can use to promote and share your information!
http://www.retaggr.com/page/TammiCopsey
Come visit me, ADD ME and connect with me through any of my social networks!
I was privileged enough to be able to volunteer for this wonderful project!
The recipient is "Boys Hope Girls Hope Baltimore" and the builder is Excel Homes.
To be part of this was a wonderful and rewarding experience! The entire community was in full-on "giving" mode and it was amazing to be a part of it! Watching a community of people come together, every day people coming to the site with donations of water, supplies, massage therapy, their skills and their time...it was priceless! There wasn't a moment that went by that someone didn't drive up to the entrance with an offer to help in some way, large or small...as I was leaving my shift a truck filled with five brick layers drove up to volunteer their skill to get the home completed on time (severe time set backs due to the stormy weather put them way behind schedule). It was an outpouring of love and support that I had never experienced before!
Some of us were lucky enough to be part of the filming and get to meet the cast of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and the children of the cast of "Modern Family" (Rico Rodriguez, Nolan Gould, Ariel Winter). It was interesting to see what goes on "in front of the camera" and to meet many of the people "behind the camera" that make the show come together.
If you find out this show is coming to your area...volunteer. Not only will you end up with the "coveted blue shirt", you will know you helped your community, be part of something much larger than yourself and feel the love that goes into helping others!
You can find more information about the project by following Excel Homes Blog and signing up to be alerted when the epidsode airs!
Who knows...you might even see me on TV :)
Excel Homes Flickr Slideshow:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28582827@N04/sets/72157624327162675/show/
Did I get your attention? Well, it's not what you are thinking...
If you know me, you know I’m talking about pool, but if you don’t…let me introduce a little bit more about myself and what makes me who I am. Believe me, it isn’t the game you think it is from watching TV and the movies…it is a fun night out with friends, strangers who become friends and a whole lot of people that love the game!
As many of you already know, I play in the APA - American Poolplayers Association under the Maryland Area APA. The APA is an amateur pool league and is played in bars/taverns/halls/VFWs, etc. around the country on a daily basis. There are leagues every day in almost every city/area in the United States. We all play for the love of the game and the hope to make it to the National Tournament held in Las Vegas, NV.
My “home” location is Cassidy’s Pit Stop (2919 Eastern Boulevard, Middle River, MD) owned by Al Van Gelder. We’ve been shooting there for too many years to count and LOVE the owner, the people and the place. Our pool table is well maintained, we are treated like members of a family and we love the support we get from our home bar! Thanks Al, we really appreciate all you do! My team, On the Lead Lap has been together for almost 12 years in one form or another. Right now our members are: Brian Novak (7), Ed Novak (5), Tammi Copsey (3), Harry Graleski (6), Patricia Graleski (3), Clyde Carter (4), Janet Blethe (3) and Donald Hall (5).
For the past two weekends, we have played in the National Qualifier at The New Green Room (2401 North Point Boulevard, Baltimore, MD). We qualified to play for a chance to get to Las Vegas, but sadly we were not successful. Our team has never made it, but we are hopeful every year to finally “grasp the golden ring”…one day…one day.
If you want to know WHY I love the game, first you need to know what it has taught me about myself…
- I REALLY am competitive.
- I thrive under pressure.
- I can really get into my own head and block out the world around me.
- I am a team player and thrive on their trust and friendship.
- I trust my instincts, the first thought is usually the right one.
- It is possible to learn something new every day.
- I know how to keep a level head and good posture.
- I look ahead…you can’t change the past, but you prevent future mistakes.
- I view the whole playing field (not just the ball in front of me).
- I look at everyone as the best competitor regardless of skill level or experience.
- I practice good sportsmanship and value it in others…the spirit of the game!
I play pool to have fun, relax and because I love the intricacies of the sport. I admit it isn’t a bad thing being able to wield a big stick and smack around some unsuspecting balls either *grin*
How does this all fit into real estate? Easy...the 11 things it taught me are all used in real estate/business/life each and every day.
This blog would not be complete if I did not give a special shout out to the wonderful team that beat us...Bleachers (2501 Fleet Street, Baltimore, MD). They were incredibly good sports, incredibly good players and made the pressure of the evening fun! Thanks and I wish you luck...all the way to Vegas!
There isn't much I can add to this wonderful post by Carla Muss-Jacobs...except the link she provided to WATCH the actual hearings: http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/294232-1
HAMP is supposed to help, but it can't if the money isn't going to the people it was earmarked for...
Hats off to Rep. Mike Turner for his insights and hard questions...I'm sure it didn't make him popular with the bankers, but he earned my respect for asking what others dare not to.
Bankster Pimps smoking HAMP...I couldn't have said it better myself... Via Carla Muss-Jacobs Principal Broker/Owner EBA Portland LLC | www.EBAPortland.com | (Exclusive Buyers Agent Beaverton Portland):
 The Banksters are SMOKING . . . HAMP!!!
Things bother me. A lot of things. When I can't sleep, I turn on TV, and the yawn feast found in the wee hours of early, early morning programming usually knocks me out faster than two shots of Grey Goose.
This morning, I watched -- WITH INTEREST -- the C-Span coverage of FORECLOSURE PREVENTION!
The House Oversight & Government Reform Committee hearing had the who's who of the banking world.
"Loan service executives testified on foreclosure prevention efforts, focusing on the implementation of the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP).
Witnesses:
- Michael Heid, co-president, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Wells Fargo & Co. ·
- David Lowman, CEO, Chase Home Finance, Inc., JP Morgan Chase Bank ·
- Sanjiv Das, CEO, CitiMortgage Inc. ·
- Barbara J. Desoer, president, Bank of America Home Loans ·
- David Friedman, president and CEO, American Home Mortgage Servicing Inc
I found it to be pretty non-partisan, a few plugs for and against Pres. O . . . but for the most part, the grilling was saved for the Witnesses . . . who bore testimony, I might add, that $75 BILLION was put aside for HAMP. That's $75 Billion of TAXPAYER MONEY . . . and only $700M was spent.
Don't think it's a good thing that they're not spending the money. They're not spending what was EARMARKED to HELP PEOPLE!! And why is that? Because they would rather foreclosure!
Ms. Desoer actually does know which side of her bread is buttered, and that would be the INVESTOR side! She talked about "the investors" over and over again . . . and how concerned she was for them.
My HERO was Rep. Mike Turner from Ohio:
"THE ANECDOTAL STORIES THAT WE HEAR FROM REALTORS, FROM NONPROFITS THAT ARE TRYING TO ASSIST HOMEOWNERS is that the loan servicers are not responsive. . . it's an incredibly difficult process . . . In fact, you are making decisions that don't follow the market. That when there are short sales that are offered, that in fact, you allow the loan to go into foreclosure."
Let me REPEAT what Mr. Turner said: "That when there are short sales offered, that in fact, you allow the loan to go into foreclosure."
EXACTLY!! I need to buy that guy a beer!
Mr. Turner then suggested that it would be even more helpful to not have a panel of just loan servicers, but a panel with Realtors(r) and social workers on one side, and loan servicers on the other. And then he goes on to say . . . "Because we're hearing a different story than what you're telling us today."
What the Bankster Pimps were testifying to before the The House Oversight Committee is how they're trying . . . really, really trying to help people stay in their homes, and not foreclosure on them.
To HEAR Mr. Turner's GREAT INSIGHT INTO WHAT IS REALLY HAPPENING:
CLICK TO WATCH FORECLOSURE PREVENTION
Scroll down to "Transcript"
Go to minute marker 01:16:31
Click on it . . . and listen very carefully to Mr. Turner -- HE IS SAYING A MOUTHFUL -- HE SPEAKS FOR ME -- And, I'm not even in OHIO!!
Mr. Turner's time was running out, and he was talking fast, but LISTEN TO HIM!! LISTEN TO WHAT HE HAS SAID!!
Unfortunately, C-Span doesn't have this set to embed and/or share, otherwise, I would have had it here for you.
I thought the entire hearing was fascinating, and everyone on The House Committee was extremely good, and I thought they were geniue . . . they WERE TALKING ABOUT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE in their communities. I think some people in Washington are listening. Not enough. But some.
The other members of the committee were very good! But Mr. Turner SPOKE.
And by the way . . . HAMP is set to END this October 2010. I'm sure the Bankster Pimps are really happy about that! They like "F'ing" people . . . FORECLOSING!!
-----------------------------------------------------------
~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~
Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®
Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent
(503) 810-7192 / Carla@CarlaHomes.com
CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!
All rights reserved (c)
|
Tammi L. Copsey | Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. | (410) 529-1900 | Silverbrook Lane, Owings Mills, MD | | Silverbrook Farms Condo near 795 and Metro
| |
| 3BR/2BA Condo
| | $1,500/month |
| Bedrooms | 3 | | Bathrooms | 2 full, 0 partial | | Sq Footage | Unspecified | | Parking | None | | Pet Policy | Conditional | | Deposit | $1,500 |
DESCRIPTION
| Sun filled patio level condo features updated kitchen w/ SS appliances, cabinets have wine rack & pantry, breakfast bar, DR/LR w wood fireplace, master BR w/ walk-in closet & full BA. 3rd BR could be used as a den/office. Community features grilling area, car wash area, pools, tennis courts, tot lot and more! Close to 795/Metro, mall, grocery & restaurants. Tenant to verify schools. | | |
| see additional photos below |
| | | |
|
RENTAL FEATURES
| - Fireplace |
- Walk-in closet |
- Living room |
| - Dining room |
- Dishwasher |
- Refrigerator |
| - Stove/Oven |
- Microwave |
- Stainless steel appliances |
| - Washer |
- Dryer |
- Laundry area - inside |
| - Balcony, Deck, or Patio |
- Cable-ready |
|
|
|
COMMUNITY FEATURES
| - Clubhouse |
- Storage space(s) |
- Swimming pool(s) |
| - Tennis court(s) |
- Playground |
- Wheelchair access |
|
|
LEASE TERMS
Minimum lease 12 months
Maximum lease 12 months
Pets on a case by case basis with additional monetary consideration.
No smoking inside the unit.
Tenant responsible for some utilities (alarm care, cable, electricity, windows/screens, etc), carpet cleaning, light interior maintenance, light exterior maintenance.
C/C fees, water/sewer are included in rent.
Pool, tennis courts, tot lot are included in rent. | | | | |
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS
 Living Dining |
 Kitchen |
 Master BR |
 Patio |
 Tennis Court |
 Pool #1 |
|
|
|
|
Contact info: |
 |
Tammi L. Copsey |
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. |
(410) 529-1900 |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Posted: Jun 28, 2010, 3:14am PDT |
|
Are you available 24/7?
Yes…and no.
Balancing a work and personal life is the most difficult thing to do in real estate. It is especially difficult when you constantly see advertisements of “available 24/7 for your real estate needs”.
Can someone truly be available 24/7?
Yes and No.
Yes, my voicemail/email/text/Blackberry Messenger are on 24/7 and you can contact me any hour, night or day. All contacts will be responded to during my normal hours of operation.
My hours of operation are:
Monday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday OFF
Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Our MLS and Sentrilock boxes allow home showings from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily. **This is not a “set” rule and each home is subject to their own showing hours dictated by the seller.**
Voicemail/email/text/Blackberry Messenger is on 24/7 and messages received before 9:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m. will be returned during normal hours of operation.
During normal business hours, my phone may go to voicemail if I am:
1. Meeting with a client (unless the call pertains to that client). It is a courtesy most clients enjoy and I will give you the same courtesy when I am with you.
2. Attending an educational event, class, presentation, seminar or webinar. If it is an urgent matter, your call/email/text will be returned during a break or at the end of the event. This gives courtesy to both the teacher and the rest of the class. Most classes are subject to a “no cell phone” rule per the Maryland Real Estate Commission.
If I have a vacation scheduled, I promise to provide an agent who will be there for any business needs while I am away.
If I have something scheduled or planned outside of real estate, I will not be available during that time. I will, however, let existing clients know this in advance and announce it on my voicemail/email.
What’s that old saying?
All work and no play makes …
… Tammi a dull girl! Via Pam McInnes (Team Realty K.W. Inc., Brokerage - Kitchener, ON Canada):
ActiveRain's Facebook page recently posted the question:
"Since the weekend is upon us......do you keep business hours as a real estate agent? Or are you available all the time any time?"
And I was astounded by the answers. Most said they were available 24/7! A few said they were available all the time except...(which I found hilarious) and then there were the ones that said it is necessary to be available 25/8 to be successful in this industry.
Oh come on! Really?
So these people are available every minute of every day all year long? They don't shower, they don't eat, they don't have a social life? They don't spend quality time with family?
So these must be the people who are rude enough to keep their cell phones on in the theatre then! Or do they not go to see a movie or live show?
So these are the ones who answer their cells when they're with a client then. Or do they not have any other clients?
So these are the ones whose cell phones go off and they rush out of the room during business presentations and seminars disturbing the entire room? Or do they not attend these informative events?
And these people must not shower, or use the bathroom, or sleep - or do they sleep with their cell phones against their ears in case someone "needs" them at 3:00 in the morning?
I was going to comment on this conversation on ActiveRain's Facebook page, but felt it would be better to express my thoughts on this matter here instead.
1) No one can be available 24/7.
2) Those who advertise that they are, are full of...(pick a word).
3) The secret to providing great customer service is to under promise and over deliver. How can you do that if you've advertised you'll be available 25/8?
I will not tell anyone that I am available 24/7. I am a well-rounded person with other clients, who attends seminars to improve my knowledge and refuses to be rude by not shutting off my cell phone, and I have a personal life.
However, I will tell existing clients that:
1) I can be reached on my cell phone from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
2) If I have something to tend to, I won't be available during such and such a time.
3) I will work long and hard for them on matters that are time sensitive, such as contract negotiations.
And as far as getting new business? Everyone wants that new lead, but:
1) I will not answer my phone at 11:00 at night or 6:00 in the morning.
2) I will not answer my phone when I am with exisiting clients. Wouldn't you want the same courtesy?
3) I'm human so there will be times when I'm taking some "me" time or "family/friends" time.
And most importantly, I won't set the expectation right from the start that I will be available to them whenever they call.
Why? Because I can't possibly be available all the time, it is impossible, and I'm not going to start our business relationship by lying to them.
So, as professionals, let's get real, huh? Let's stop putting the image out there that REALTORS are machines.
We are human, we are business professionals, we will work hard for our clients and provide them with the knowledge and expertise they need to buy or sell their homes, but we will not be available 24/7 for no human on earth can live up to that expectation.
*****************************************************************
I'm here to help You and Your Pets.
Visit my Pets, Pets, Pets Facebook Group: Pets, Pets, Pets
Or Join in the Fun on the Pets, Pets, Pets Contest Page:
Pets, Pets, Pets Contest
Don't hesitate to ask questions or post your comments.
I'll do my best to respond in turn in a timely manner. Have a great day!
|
|
Tammi Copsey
Perry Hall,
MD
More about me…
Address: Baltimore, MD, 21236
Cell Phone: (410) 258-5123
Email Me
 Listings
Links
Archives
|
Posted by 
;)
;)
;)
