TheVanTeam at Smith Mountain Lake Blog

Luxury Marketing

Jo-Ann Van Vechten (Long & Foster REALTORS- Smith Mountain Lake) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:11:08 -0500

Have my 3rd listing appointment for 2 homes in the luxury category. Advertising in this market is very expensive and I am making an arrangement with the seller to finance the marketing part. Has anyone had any good experiences with the long and foster luxury package? If you have luxury properties, can you provide some advice on where to market. We are in a rural environment about 4 hours south of DC and have to go outside our area for buyers.

listing appointment for million plus properties -- need marketing comments

Jo-Ann Van Vechten (Long & Foster REALTORS- Smith Mountain Lake) — Sat, 23 May 2009 04:32:17 -0500

This is my second appointment with potential clients for 2 properties that are in the range of 1.5 to 2.5 million. Need some marketing ideas beyond the high end magazines. For example - does anyone market to the private jet owners, etc.

A New Love Affair Begins..MrTweet.Net!

Jo-Ann Van Vechten (Long & Foster REALTORS- Smith Mountain Lake) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 08:12:34 -0500

Between facebook, activerain, etc. I am losing track of what I said where and if anything had any content at all. I have not developed an appreciation of what it can do for my business. I started a realtor group and no one takes part in the conversation -- can it be that the older generation does not really follow conversations on facebook like the younger generation that is on it every minute from their cell phones?

Via Midori Miller-Daytona Beach Florida Real Estate Trainer (CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty):

Well it happened last night while checking out twitter...I added followers and checked out my replies..my direct messages come to me via mobile. I like this set up..and in the process something happened...

I fell in love...love at first site!

According to many experts I do not use twitter in the way that I should...

I have conversations when the mood strikes me or when I am not too busy...not because I do not like twitter...its because I need to learn the fine art of very short conversation!

There are occasions I feel uncomfortable jumping into conversations...not because I've never done it before...

It's because of what the experts say on how to use or not use twitter..and at a 140 characters ..sometimes I can be long winded ...but twitter has taught me some self control and taught me that sometimes less is more. As salespeople..it's not a bad thing!

Last night I looked at my followers and checked out their sites and blogs... to my amazement..something new hit me in the face...where I felt uplifted.. embraced...and has encouraged me to use twitter more to my liking rather than what the experts say!

So I asked Mr. Tweet...am I a good twit or a bad twit?..according to Mr. Tweet...I'm not such a bad bird at all as a matter of fact...I am an enthusiastic twit.....my conversational level average...my links well above average..but one thing I was reminded while plugging my info in... Twitter is people and another way to reach them.

Moral of the story...use what works..to your liking..I think if I would have taken all the experts advice..I might not have stuck with blogging...or stuck with Activerain...or stuck with facebook for that matter. You get the message use what works best for you in the manner you are comfortable with! Sometimes we need to be reminded that our hard work does not go unnoticed...feeling bad about yourself on twitter?...Count on Mr. Tweet to give you the answers!

Thanks MrTweet.net...I think you are pretty dreamy! Like the site...follow him on twitter!

About The Author:Midori Miller is a licensed real estate associate with CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty, Real Estate Trainer and Manager . CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty is located in Volusia County with 2 office locations to better serve the public. Daytona Beach andOrmond by the Sea.midorimiller@yahoo.com (386) 453-3236

Glued to my Computer with Facebook

Jo-Ann Van Vechten (Long & Foster REALTORS- Smith Mountain Lake) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 18:31:04 -0600

I attended a marketing seminar and the speaker strongly suggested joining Facebook. At 4 am I realized how long I had sat at my computer -- we are trying to reach the buyers between 18-40. I totally missed the texting technology and now trying to learn all the shorthand--so I can understand the posts. I am not sure how I am going to use it, but I have set up a realtor group so we can all share info - and a client group so I can pass on relative information. I have no idea what to expect in terms of return on my time -- has anyone joined facebook and if so how are you using it?? find buyers?? sellers??

WATERFRONT CONDO-PRICED 20% LESS THAN APPRAISED VALUE

Jo-Ann Van Vechten (Long & Foster REALTORS- Smith Mountain Lake) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 08:07:08 -0600

Second Floor 2 Bedroom condo, 1050 sq ft, 2 full baths, family room, kitchen w/counter, and sunroom. A $4,000 golf membership conveys w/property. Community is for active people--amenities include: Indoor and outdoor pools, children play areas, tennis, badminton, and basketball courts, large workout facility, exercise trails, and golf. Boat slips can be leased. Unit has fantastic water and mountain views. Wide water & Mountain Views.

Smith Mountain Lake -Dutch Colonial-Minutes from Hales Ford Bridge

Jo-Ann Van Vechten (Long & Foster REALTORS- Smith Mountain Lake) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 07:50:15 -0600

Home is in ideal location, close to Hales Ford Bridge (by boat & car), the center of recreation, shopping & restaurants.
Deep water cove provides safe shelter for swimmers.
Recently renovated-granite counter tops, wood floors, new roof, gas fireplace. Have to get into property to appreciate features. Nice gentle sloping lot. Home has 3 bedroom septic and is decorated as a 4 bedroom.
Covered Dock

Wanta Trade

Jo-Ann Van Vechten (Long & Foster REALTORS- Smith Mountain Lake) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:15:02 -0500

Last year, while visitng Florida, I met an investor that invited me to his investment group -- the group turned out to be focused on trading properties. I found the meeting to be exciting and very informative, but never thought I would have the opportunity to use what I learned. Recently I obtained a lead from an ad that I placed in the Wall Street Journal and after showing him several properties, he asked if any of the sellers would be interested in trading a lake property for a condo in Nags Head. I do not have anyone that is interested, but if anyone does, "please come on down "and perhaps we can "make a deal."

Stop Gardening and Take Time to Appreciate the Simple Things of Life

Jo-Ann Van Vechten (Long & Foster REALTORS- Smith Mountain Lake) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:56:24 -0500

We have worked so hard gardening --as I like to call it -- we are cultivating our clients and planting seeds for the future. The market has been slow, but if you do enough plowing and raking, you can find clients. We have helped many find bargains that resulted from prices driven down by the large inventory and foreclosures. Foreclosures take a lot of time to "sow-up" the deal and close--so much of our free time is gone. This evening, I looked outside at the lake and tried 4 times to get down to our dock to enjoy the pleasant calm movement of the water. No deal - the phone kept ringing--thank God! At 10:30 p.m. I decided that nothing was going to stop me --left the phone on the charger, put on my clunky comfortable shoes and hiked down to the dock. As I sat on my favorite chair and looked up at the sky, there were beautiful stars smiling at me--I totally relaxed and thought isn't it great when the simple little things of life make you happy!

Impact of ill stated remarks by buying agent

Jo-Ann Van Vechten (Long & Foster REALTORS- Smith Mountain Lake) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:04:35 -0500

Received a contract offer by a fellow realtor yesterday -- along with the offer he said the buyer has their house under contract and want to close quickly on my client's home-they have financing already locked in at a good rate for 30 days. I presented the offer to my clients -- the countering dance started -- when everyone agreed and we had a solid contract the buyer's agent tells me his clients does not have their home under contract. Better yet, when I asked for the lender's approval letter I found out the buyers have not yet applied for a loan. Luckily, I have worked with the sellers for a long time and they have confidence in my professional abilities. But, if they had not -- can you imagine the potental impact on my reputation? We all want a deal to go through -- but we should stick to the facts, and not feed each other stories.

Agent Feedback Templet

Jo-Ann Van Vechten (Long & Foster REALTORS- Smith Mountain Lake) — Wed, 21 May 2008 09:12:41 -0500

If anyone has a agent feedback templet, I would appreciate a copy. Thanks.

Moan & Groan --Roanoke Valley Property - Comparison of 2006, 07 & 08

Jo-Ann Van Vechten (Long & Foster REALTORS- Smith Mountain Lake) — Wed, 07 May 2008 22:24:28 -0500

Roanoke Valley - Virginia -Property Stats May May April 2006 2007 2008 Months of Inventory 6.84 11.5 18.05 New Listings 1.38K 1.46K 1.44K Sold Listings 693 547 375 Active Listings 4.74K 6.29K 6.77K The dollar value of active listings from May 2006 to May 2007 grew 32% and went up slightly in 08. The dollar value of new listings stayed relatively constant from 2006 to 2008. Because the number of sold listings went down about 46%, the months of inventory have nearly tripled. So OK the market has turned -- do we moan and groan or change our marketing strategies. This trend can reverse itself by REALTORs staying positive and market buyers on how they can take advantage of the current situation. Let's get going and start having "Meet the Lender", "First Home Buyer", and "Investment Seminars". If you have marketing idea, comment on this blog. Let's help each other!!

When a Client Moves a Doublewide

Jo-Ann Van Vechten (Long & Foster REALTORS- Smith Mountain Lake) — Wed, 07 May 2008 20:56:22 -0500

We sold several houses for a client--all properties were well built and high end. The client purchased a lot and it happened to have a doublewide on it and they asked us to sell the property. When we listed it, the address was different -- they said they moved it to another lot. We assumed the lender did not know about the move and were very concerned about the financing aspect. Well, someone was looking over us, an elderly women ran off the road and ran into the middle of the doublewide and to top it off the owner became a REALTOR. So we were off the hook. Anyone have this type of experience--if so any advice?

Jo-Ann

2405 Stony Fork Road, Moneta, VA - Bedford Co

Jo-Ann Van Vechten (Long & Foster REALTORS- Smith Mountain Lake) — Tue, 06 May 2008 21:36:20 -0500

This is an example of the reasonable prices in the Smith Mountain Lake area. This home is off water and for sale for $238,900. It is situated on 5+ acres and the taxes are approximately $1,330 a year. Travel to a launch site is about 10 minutes. The neighbors have similar acreage. Location is key - about 20 minutes to Lynchburg, 10 minutes to Bedford, 20 minutes to Roanoke, and 10 minutes to Westlake shopping area. You can see more of our lisitings on thevanteam.com

Better to have no presentation than a poor one

Jo-Ann Van Vechten (Long & Foster REALTORS- Smith Mountain Lake) — Tue, 06 May 2008 19:55:34 -0500

We attended a lunch and learn session today and I was very disappointed. The presentor provided lunch (which was a nice benefit) and was selling a product that we use for most of our listings. We know the product because we use it so much, but others in the room did not. The presentor should not have wasted her time. The presentor sat is a chair about 5 feet from us and asked what we wanted to know about it. For those that knew little about the product, it would have been beneficial to provide each person a copy of the brochure and present an overview of the product, then ask for questions. Also, since it was a small group she should have gotten closer to us to increase a comfort level of the attendees My expectations may be high, but if I am going to take time to attend the session, I want some information that will be useful to me in the future. So no matter how simple the product, a presentation should be well thought out and presented professionally.

Need input on Roxio Easy Media Creator suite 10

Jo-Ann Van Vechten (Long & Foster REALTORS- Smith Mountain Lake) — Tue, 06 May 2008 19:41:22 -0500

The subject software is one of the latest media products for capturing video from your digital video camera for creating customized DVDs and uploading to my space. We have a JVC digital video camera model GR-DVL805U. When I connect the recorder to the computer the software will not allow me to take control of the camera to capture the video. It appears to recognize the camera and the screen pops up to capture the recording of the video, but none of the controls can be activitated to play and record off the camera to the computer. I have tried connecting to the lap top and desk top computers - both are Dell state of the art computers purchased within the last two years and both react in the same fashion. I have gone to the Roxio customer help and cannot find any troubleshooting assistance under frequently asked questions. Anyone have any tips?

If your sellers don't get real with the price

Jo-Ann Van Vechten (Long & Foster REALTORS- Smith Mountain Lake) — Sat, 03 May 2008 22:09:45 -0500

I met with two prospective clients this week and both were unrealistic about the price. One had to sell because of government liens and the other just made the wrong move when they retired and want to move on. When I first started in this profession, I just wanted to get the listing and figured I'd get the clients to come down on the price later. I soon learned that advertising a property that won't sell because it is not priced right is just a waste of my time. If I cannot get an obligation to lower the price after 30 days if there is little activity, then I rather someone else pick up the listing. I was once told, it is better to be the 3rd agent on an overpriced property than the first!

Kaseys Lakeview Dr, Moneta -Waterfront

Jo-Ann Van Vechten (Long & Foster REALTORS- Smith Mountain Lake) — Sat, 03 May 2008 21:04:25 -0500

The price of waterfront homes on Smith Mountain Lake depend largely on the slope of the lot, water depth, and location on the lake--and of course, the home. Bedford County allows for weekly rentals, where Franklin County does not. Rent the two trailers on this waterfront lot and gain income when not using them yourself. This lot has 256' of shoreline w/deep water and is located near the hub of activity at the Hales Ford Bridge in Moneta, VA. $449,000.

Aerial Views for Marketing-Smith Mountain Lake, VA

Jo-Ann Van Vechten (Long & Foster REALTORS- Smith Mountain Lake) — Sat, 03 May 2008 20:47:18 -0500

Marketing a high end home with a front entrance that is less than dramatic is difficult. I had a professional photographer take the initial pictures because I knew it would be a difficult to capture the beauty of the home. The results were disappointing. I then hired one of our fellow community REALTORs (also a professional photographer) to take an aerial shot. The result was fantastic, the size of the house, the view of the water and location was really captured by the aerial shot. The cost was under a $100-of course, this is Smith Mountain Lake where life is good and prices are low.

Marketing -- Stand out from the Crowd

Jo-Ann Van Vechten (Long & Foster REALTORS- Smith Mountain Lake) — Sat, 03 May 2008 16:38:07 -0500

Wayne and I are boating safety nuts. When we lived in the Washington DC area, we were very active members of the Power Squadron and were part of the committee that put on boating safety courses. A few years ago, there was a very serious accident at Smith Mountain Lake (our new home) and it stimulated a lot of discussion about boating safety. As we discussed the topic with friends, we tried to think of things that we could do to contribute to the safety on the lake. We decided that a boat docking course would be ideal and the "in-water boat"show in the spring the perfect venue. Our friend took care of getting the boat and narrator for the docking demonstration, I paid for the printing of docking instruction pamphlets (which included our pictures and contact info) and got a sponsor to cook and give away hot dogs at the event. The sponsor for the hot dogs was an outdoor store that sold grills--so this was a great marketing opportunity for him. Well, it has been 4 years since we started this effort and I am the only REALTOR at the whole boat show! This year I printed up trifold pamphlets that included pictures and price information about our waterfront and water access properties. I got two leads immediately and lots of name recognition -- I told everyone all they needed to do to get a free hot dog was to accept my business card and just remember the good old saying " If you know of anyone that wants to buy or sell a home - give me a call."

Smith Mountain Lake Sunrise

Jo-Ann Van Vechten (Long & Foster REALTORS- Smith Mountain Lake) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:34:43 -0500

Sunrise over Smith Mountain at Smith Mountain Lake Virginia-

Are you an early riser and enjoy the peace and quiet time of early morning? If so, living at Smith Mountain Lake can offer you some fantastic morning sunrise views as the sun rises over Smith Mountain. See photo's below:

Unexpected Company and Unexpected Showings

Jo-Ann Van Vechten (Long & Foster REALTORS- Smith Mountain Lake) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 14:44:49 -0500

It never fails, nice weekend, no clients, plan to get the boat ready for summer and....unexpected call "I'm in town and want to come by to visit." I love visitors...but it never fails, the second call comes in "Hi, I'm so and so and I was just driving by the property you have for sale. Can I see it now?"

So, for all of you that have had this experience--here is what you do. Show the house (and hope they don't want to write a contract -- hard to say in this market), run to the grocery and buy some shrimp, diced tomatoes, and lots of garlilc and some good bread. In 15 minutes you will have a taste dish that looked like you took hours to make. Serve it with rice or spaghetti. Serve with a salad and then top of the meal withice cream with berries. It is a winner fokes. I got the shrimp dish from a friend. She got it from Cooks Illustrated Magazine. I adjust the ingredients to my taste or adjust to smaller portion.

Put a large kettle of water for linguine or spaghetti on the stove then
Heat a 12" heavy pan
While it is heating mix the following together in a bowl
2 lbs fresh shrimp (31-36 count for size)
4 T extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Salt- about 1 tbsp
add shrimp mixture to pan and spread out in pan. cook for 30 seconds.
Turn off heat and stir shrimp - add 1/2 c of cognac - let cognac warm (about 5 seconds) then return pan to high heat
Wave lit match over skillet with cognac ignites/ shake until flames stop - transfer shrimp to bowl
Cool the skillet for about 2-3 minutes and return to the burner and reduce heat to low. Add 6 tablespoons olive oil and 6 tablespoons garlic (if you are not a garlic lover, put in less) stir until garlic is a little yellow 7-10 minutes. Add 1 tsp pepper flakes(or less if you do not want the kick), 3/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp sugar, 2 -28 oz cans of diced tomatoes and 2 cups of dry white wine. Increase heat to med high and simmer until thickened -about 8 minutes. Stir in shrimp and juices, and 1/4 c parsley leaves. Simmer.
While your sauce is simmering, boil your spaghett or linguine- make sure you put a little salt in the water and I usually put 1-2 tsp of olive oil as well. Boil until al dente. Drain - but keep 1/3 cup of pasta cooking water. Transfer pasta into a large bowl or pan and add 1/2 cup of sauce (without the shrimp) and 2-3 tablespoons of pasta cooking water. Toss to coat. Put pasta in serving bowl, top with a portion of sauce and shrimp and serve immediately. You can also put the shrimp in a different bowl from the past if you wish.
Good luck!

Morningwood Subdivision, Wirtz, VA - Waterfront-Mountain

Jo-Ann Van Vechten (Long & Foster REALTORS- Smith Mountain Lake) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 11:25:34 -0500

Smith Mountain Lake Waterfront Home with Georgous Wide Water and Mountain Views

Waterfront home with deep water boat dock and mountain views
5,073 sq ft
104' rip rapped shoreline
5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms
Home Theater
Gourmet Kitchen
Covered Dock w/ boat house
$1,599,000

Property Information: Mountain, wide water views, deep water. Whole house has been professionally remodeled, upscale features throughout. Home theater, granite island, stainless steel appliances,in-ground irrigation system,exterior hot tub. 2x6' exterior walls. For additional information about this lovely home call Jo-Ann at 540-420-1008 or e-mail TheVanTeam@msn.com.

When does an agent think its not important to return calls?

Jo-Ann Van Vechten (Long & Foster REALTORS- Smith Mountain Lake) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 11:04:17 -0500

A non responsive agent to questions regarding the status of a contract offer gives our profession a bad name. I recently submitted a contract offer that had to go to the government for approval. The agent was very responsive to my first phone call and provided all the documents I needed. A contract offer was submitted prior to 4 p.m. that same date by fax which was confirmed to be transmitted. I called the agent on his cell and he said that he would submit the offer the next day because the government employees would not even look at it after 4 p.m (I retired from the Federal Government and I can't remember a day that I left on time-especially when it directly impacted the public, i.e. approval of a loan, approval of a transaction, etc). For the next two days I called and left numerous messages, and received no response. On the third day, I called his office and the secretary put me through to him. He said he never received the fax - so why not communicate that to me? I faxed it again and then he wanted verification of funds. I got it to him a little after 2 p.m.--he knew it was coming, but left for the day. Again I started the phone calling -- again, no response. This type of behavior is totally unacceptable and non professional. I rather have a negative answer, then no answer to my client's questions. So, if you receive a phone call about a contract offer - please be considerate of your fellow realtor and return it promptly, or if it is after your working schedule, return it as soon as you return to work the next day.

Short Sales

Jo-Ann Van Vechten (Long & Foster REALTORS- Smith Mountain Lake) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 18:59:58 -0500

Short sales -- a nightmare if you have to work with an uncooperative lender. We experienced two short sales within the past 3 months. In both cases, the borrowers wanted to work with the bank and did not want us involved with their negotiation process--understandable. With the first client, the bank was slow assigning a person to the case, I believe it took about a month or so. It is like fishing -- you have the fish on the hook, but the boat is stuck in the rocks -- does the fish jump off, or does it wait for you. In this case, the buyer was patient and waited 2 months until the bank finally approved the deal. The second case involved a cooperative lender- the whole process took 3 weeks. Once the client negotiated with the lender and the contract was approved, my client gave me permission to talk directly to the lender. It made the process much easier -- as realtors we understand the terminology and can respond to the lenders requests. In each case the lenders asked for HUD-1 -- which cannot be generated until the loan is approved and the costs provided to the closing company--so the closing company prepared a draft HUD. In both cases, the lenders required more on the bottom line than the the HUD showed. So guess what -- in one case the lender reduced commissions to make up the difference. In the second case, the seller and buyer made up the difference. As the listing agent in both cases, between the advertising costs related to carrying a property for a year in a bad market, and the time required to process the short sale, it hardly seemed worth it. Except for one thing -- we felt good at the end because we helped our clients get out of a difficult situation.

Suggestions to fellow realtors: 1) get written approval from your client to talk to the lender after the contract is approved- this will allow you to deliver the proper information to the lender in a timely fashion to determine the final payout 2) Inform the closing company that you are working on a short sale and will need a draft HUD to provide with the contract to the bank 3) inform your seller that they have agreed to a rate of commission and any negotiations with their lender to reduce that commission should involve your input. 4) keep the buyer's agent informed--talk to them weekly even if there is no progress and finally 5) be patient. Even if you do not get the full commission, you will reap the reward of helping your client. And since our business is based on referrals, they may refer a new client to you in the future!

Suggestions to Lenders: 1) Don't penalize the realtor. Pay the commission - we are not responsible for any loss that you occur. 2) Assign a representative to the case quickly. Buyers may not have the time to wait several months for a decision 3) Ask to talk directly to the realtor so you can get the appropriate information. 4) Give your staff guidelines and the appropriate authority to make decisions.

Smith Mountain Lake Move-Virginia-Roanoke Valley-Blue Ridge Mountains

Jo-Ann Van Vechten (Long & Foster REALTORS- Smith Mountain Lake) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 19:44:36 -0500

Long and Foster is on the move again -- our Westlake Office in Hardy was short lived. With the decrease in buyers and change in managers, we once again are cruising the Hales Ford Bridge that "bridges" Franklin and Bedford county over Smith Mountain Lake (Roanoke River portion) to our old location located in Moneta. Smith Mountain Lake is located approximately 45 minutes southeast of Roanoke. Smith Mountain Lake is not a city, but a 22,000 acre, 40 mile long lake -- it is really a dam of the Roanoke and Blackwater Rivers used for hydroelectric power. When people try to find us, they ask what city Smith Mountain Lake is located in -- well that is a big question -- because of the vastness of the lake the towns located around the lake include Moneta, Hardy, Wirtz, Union Hall, Penhook, Huddleston, Goodview (and I am sure I have left a few out), that are located within 3 counties, Franklin, Bedford, and Pittsylvania. In fact, within the towns there are mini areas, for example try to find "Westlake" on the map. It doesn't exist --Westlake is an area that started its development a few years ago -- and now has grown to be a "downtown" --in fact the county established a Westlake Overlay Zone. For those interested in what the "overlay zone" is -- drop me a e-mail at thevanteam@msn.com, and I will explain it. Well, to bring us back to Smith Mountain Lake - I love my little paradise! Be careful -- if you visit you must stop at our Moneta location just over the bridge on the Bedford County side, and I bet you will not go home!

For those that visit our web site - we were shocked to see that all of our listings on our website have disappeared because of the coding change that occured when we moved to the Moneta location. We are trying to resolve that problem this week.