Have you ever been in a job situation and there is somebody that isn't in your field, but they know it all? Well, I ran into a couple of unique sellers this past month, that hired me to list their properties. It was a referral from a past client, that I had sold her home and then helped her find another home. It was a great experience! I digress, I always tell sellers that "You are the decision maker, but I determine the process!" ( got that from another agent)
This is just saying let me do my job, I am the real estate expert, that is why you hired me! I will implement the marketing plan and have the different processes in the order I feel will work. Guess what? Everytime I did something, they would criticize it or like the episode with the pics,  they had a friend retake photos, that we had already shot and posted, slowing up the process!( By the way, their pictures were dark and most of the rooms looked like they were leaning with; foundation problems??) 
Open house signs were put out by another agent days before the open house, metal ones, guess what, they wrote with a permanent marker times on them without permission. Again, always trying to do mine or another agent's job!
People, People when you hire an agent let the agent control the entire process! Do not try to do their job for them. Suggestions and ideas are welcome and a meeting may be in order to see what is working and not working; however 5 days into the process it was not working and so we parted ways. I lasted 2 days longer than the previous agent! I had been the 3rd agent, OMGoodness! It wasn't me! LOL
If you are not comfortable in letting go and working with an expert, than you need to sell it on your own. Otherwise, when you decide to hire a real estate agent let that person do their job and you continue doing yours.
In all of the transactions, 22 Million in 2009, and the 30+ listings approx., I carry. I have never met such unique people nor do I hope to ever run into these type again. I'm glad to be moving on.....and helping my true sellers that understand how the process works!
Til next time....Becky A. The Diva Team, Keller Williams Realty Partners Inc.

The interest rates have been the best since history can remember; for me since 1962. So why are the buyers not taking advantage of this market  in the Kansas City area. That can be easily debated that the security is not there for buyers to take a leap of hope and purchase their dream home.
There are still a rising number of jobs being lost through out the United States and just the news in general that the economy hasn't gained ground to give buyers security.Now this can be the very best time to take advantage of the interest rates and the deals that you can find with the home values falling in most neighborhoods. This could be a win win for you if you have that blanket of security.
If you are unsure as to what to do, such as rent vs buy...buying is still the way to go. I will tell you to hire an agent that can find you a property in an area that will retain its value and look out for things that could keep it from selling in the future, if you did need to get out quick.
A lot to think about, but security is something that comes within and with in your financial portfolio to decide if now is the time to purchase.
Til next time Becky Alumbaugh, The Diva Team, Keller Williams Realty

One thing that I am starting to notice in the Kansas City Metro area are lazy buyer's agents. I believe when a buyer chooses an agent to work hard for them it doesn't mean that the agent should have their buyer sign a buyer agent's contract and then tell them to go find a home on their own and and then come back to your buyer's agent only to write the offer, without being actively involved in the search process... NOT!
That is so wrong! Buyers need to work with an agent that will show them all of the properties that they want to look at, they need to get the data that will help show the price point the offer should come in at, the buyer's agent needs to ask the questions that the buyers need answers for...
Buyers if you are working with an agent that doesn't show you the properties, or give you data or information needed to make an intelligent decision. Fire that buyer agent!
Make sure you are working with an agent that can be available when you need them to be, do not expect the seller's agents to always show you the properties, when you have your own agent. That is what you need to do, to protect your interest.
Remember, look for agents that work full time and are dedicated to you and your house hunting!

The Diva Team
Becky Alumbaugh
Keller Williams Realty Partners, Inc.

I know all of you have heard about the book; Who Moved My Cheese? I read it several times, it is an easy read but boy does it have a world of meaning for Me as a Realtor! I was continuously going to work doing the same routine and expecting the same results..even in this marketplace that is forever changing.

But one day, I woke up and decided that I wanted a change in my direction for my team and my overall real estate goals; I wanted to be in an office with life and ideas that were being shared by other successful agents. I was tired of never having the opportunity to charge my own battery and being my own cheerleader.

I made that change this past week, and my battery is charged and I have new challenges and goals, but guess what they are "stretching" me and I am excited about the opportunity that I have within my new office! My team is energized and is working on their own goals and accountability. I believe that change is a good thing, I believe in this marketplace it is wise to change up your selling strategy and find creative ways to get your listings sold!

The cheese moved and I found it! I'm good for another 10-15 years! The Diva Team is rocking and rolling and catching the energy we need to stay focused!

Until next time.....Becky Alumbaugh, Keller Williams Realty Partners, Inc.  The Diva Team

The New Year is here in all of its glory and according to all of the real estate experts the 1st quarter is going to be the time to buy or sell. Why? The main reason is for the tax credit perks that are in effect until April 30, 2010. This is the date that you need to have a contract down on a home. The closing date needs to be on or before June 30, 2010.
Does this sound like something that you want to be a part of? If you are a 1st time home buyer you will receive $8000. approx. on your purchase.
Now for people that have lived in a home for 5 years out of the last 8; you too qualify for $6500. approx. if you buy another home.
In either scenario, don't wait til the month of March to decide to do something. If you are a seller, you need to be putting your home on the market ASAP! This will give you the most time available to get it under contract and have time for you to purchase, all before 4/30/2010.
If you are a buyer, you want to have choices and not be competing for the same home some other buyer is looking at. You also, want to allow time to do inspections and make sure the home you put a contract on doesn't have any issues that would cause you to not go forward...if it is after 4/30...you have now just lost out!
My advice on either, is to begin early! Get your chosen Realtor and get your home ready to go on the market or get out and start house hunting! This 1st quarter is going to be a busy one..more than normal.

Until next time, Becky Alumbaugh, The Diva Team, Reece and Nichols, #18 in the Top 25 Realtors of 2009 KC Business Journal

Are you living in your dream home? A simple yes or no to this question. So, you are asking yourself is this my "forever" home? Do I like my floorplan? Is there a neighborhood that you have driven through just because you like the feel of the surroundings and the homes. This is something that you need to ask yourself when saying yes or no.

The government offering tax credits not only for 1st time homebuyers, is now having other possible buyers/current homeowners think through their financial situations to decide if they want to take advantage of the $6500.00 tax credit and the low interest rates we are currently experiencing.

If you have lived in your home for 5 years consecutively out of the last 8 years then you qualify. This tax credit and the 1st time tax credit expire 4/30/2010 to have an accepted offer/contract. The contract then has to close by 06/30/2010. Most real estate experts say there will be no more of these offered after the above dates.

If you are thinking about moving, give it some serious thought, the 1st quarter will be strong in the Kansas City Metro Area, due to the credits and the interest rates. If you have questions or want to find out more about this information....please contact The Diva Team.

Until next time...Becky Alumbaugh, The Diva Team, Reece and Nichols, Top 25 Realtor in the Business Journal for 2009 for the entire Kansas City Area

Becky Alumbaugh's Blog

Sellers, Get Your Homes on The Market Now! Beat the Crowd...

Our team firmly believes that the sellers who are serious about selling their homes need to take  advantage of the tax credits, low interest rates and less competition. Why? Everyone is thinking you need to hold off to closer to the springtime. Wrong!
The 1st quarter of 2010 will begin with a bang! The serious buyers who are 1st time home buyers or buyers who have lived in their home 5 consecutive years out of the last 8; will qualify for the tax credits that the Government has passed.
The buyers need to have a valid contract on or before April 30, 2010. They will need to close before June 30th, 2010. Everyone is predicting that the spring market will begin earlier than usual! The inventory currently shows a slight dip in the resale homes that is pushing towards a normal market. Eventually, the homeowners will be able to get more for their money than they used to, especially because of the low interest rates.
These are all good reasons to give a real estate expert a call! Get ready for a good 2010; at least the 1st quarter. www.kcdiva.com

Becky Alumbaugh, The Diva Team, Reece and Nichols

We are now at the end of 2009...November and December are months that we are trying to get our last transactions taken care of. We are also trying to plan for 2010; a business plan. This plan will guide and direct which way the team will grow. This year, I know hasn't been the best for a lot of people and for some homeowners, but 2009 was a better year than this time last year.
The Diva Team is anxious to see what the new year will bring. We are so glad that the 1st time home buyer's tax credit was extended and that the $6500. tax credit for existing homeowners who have lived in their home 5 out of the last 8 years; is eligible if deciding to buy a different home.
Both of these will end April 30, 2010 and closing can be scheduled and completed thru July 1, 2010.
Do I think this will make a difference? I do! I believe if you are not in the home that you want to be in as the rates start upward now would be the most ideal time ,the next 7 months, to buy and sell!
If you have questions regarding the tax credits, please contact me.
Again, 2009 has been an incredible year for my team, however, we look forward to 2010 with a lot of positive energy!

Until next time, Becky Alumbaugh, The Diva Team, Reece and Nichols

Sellers if your house is not getting showings or you haven't heard from your Realtor in awhile..it may be time to communicate with your real estate expert.
Find out the absorption rate in your subdivision or zipcode..to see how many homes sell each month and find out how long it will be until your home should sell. Especially if your home has sat awhile and it wasn't one of "the shiny pennies".
Absorption pricing is something that I use..especially when we have a time frame to get the property sold in or if it was an expired property that I took over from another agent. Absorption pricing takes facts about your sub or zipcode and looks at the big picture/ugly picture of where you have to be on pricing to get it sold in the amount of time that you are looking at.
If your listing agent doesn't use this...it may be helpful to have them find out about this. If you are looking for another agent, give The Diva Team a call to utilize this absorption pricing; it is brutally honest.It works and I would be glad to show you.

Until next time, Becky Alumbaugh, The Diva Team, Reece and Nichols

The market has been slower the past couple of weeks..but I am starting to see the showings pick up on our listings in the Kansas City Area. I am finding that for the most part the sellers are listening to their agents to see what needs to be done to get it Sold!

I have my own Top 10 Reasons Why Your House May Not Be Selling!

10. Smoking in the house.

09. Animal smells that are not corrected and the glad plug ins only makes worse. (Get rid of)

08. Looking out the back door to see the train tracks.

07. The curb appeal is not great.

06. The carpet is mismatched in every room.

05. You walk into the home and feel that you are in a time machine.

04. The Seller not accomodating the buyers for showing times.

03  The basement is not finished for the price you are wanting.

02  Location, Location and Location

01 Over Priced for the Condition

Until next time, Becky Alumbaugh, Reece and Nichols, The Diva Team