There's always a real fine line in working with buyers. At least to me there is. Like the Kenny Rogers song goes..."You gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, and know when to run". I maybe should have run.
The line that we face day in and day out as Realtors(r), is knowing just how far we can push, without seeming, well, "PUSHY". And I hate to even use the word push because it brings to mind the stereotypical salesperson image. Sometimes though, whether you like to admit it or not, Mr. and Mrs. Buyer, you DO need a push. There is always a certain amount of fear involved in the purchase of anything. My job is to break down the fear, answer the questions behind those fears, and yes, help nudge you to make the jump.
So pushy is a strong word. Lets say nudge. What I cant figure out at times though, is if I nudge too much or not enough. Case in point:
I did an open house about a month ago, on a terrific listing here in Eaton Ohio. Not my listing, but my brokers. I volunteered to do the open house and was so glad I did. Non stop activity the whole two hours and some great new buyers. Including one who was interested in that house. We kept in touch, and about a week after the open house, she called and wanted to take a second look. Awesome!
We take a second, better look at the house, and I get a list together of questions that she has, and get those answered for her. A few days later, she asks if she can bring her daughter there to look at the home. At this point, I try a little nudge. WHY NUDGE? Because the house is going to get a $10,000 price reduction and as soon as it does, this sucker will be gone. I know it. The listing agent knows it. And NOW my buyer knows it. We look again. I answer more questions. A few more days pass.
NOW she wants her son to see it. I have to put my foot down now and ask if she has her finances in order or should I have my lender call her? No, buyer doesn't want my lender to call. Buyer will call her. Uh-oh.
Here I am, back at this house again, showing it again. To the same lady. Again. And I ask if she has talked to the lender yet. "No". Uh-Oh. This time I have a contract with me and I ask her if she would like for me to go over it with her, so she can see how it is laid out and maybe put her mind at ease a bit. She is a first timer, and I understand the fear that comes along with that. So we go over it, line by line. I explain it all, so she can see that as a purchaser, she is extremely well protected and has the right to inspections, time to obtain financing, all that good stuff.
I dont push, but yes, I do nudge. She is IN LOVE with the house. Kids love it. The dog loves it and he hasn't even been there! She has placed her furniture in every room. She knows just where the swing will sit outside. She is picturing herself curling up with a good book in front of the fireplace. She WANTS this house. And she is scared. So I nudge. I answer questions. I tell her that there have been many showings on it, which there have. I tell her the upcoming price adjustment will sell this house, which it will. But, how hard can I PUSH? How hard should I PUSH? After 4 showings, endless questions and answers...when is enough, enough?
Apparently today. Because as I checked over the office book today to see what had happened over the weekend, I notice two things. First, the price did go down 10,000. Just like I was told it would. Just like I told the buyer it would. And Second? The house had a showing, and an offer was made and accepted. My buyer lost her dream house. So you tell me, should I have PUSHED? The nudge didn't do the trick.
Professional Real Estate Services for Preble County Ohio and beyond; including Eaton, West Alexandria, Germantown, Brookville, Lakengren, Lewisburg and Camden.
Child care is a pretty important issue. If you have little ones and you work, its probably always at the forefront of your mind. I know it was for me.
In fact, a lot of times the thoughts of what type of care my kids were getting gnawed at me, day and night. It didn't help that my daughter pretty much clung to my leg every time I tried to drop her off, and I would leave sobbing, feeling like the worlds worst parent. And yes, she was fine a minute later. It would take me however, half the day to shake off the guilt and the inner voice telling me I was a bad mom!!
My kids are a little bigger now and the daycare days are past. But it is still on my mind a lot. I have clients with little ones, and always seem to be meeting somebody looking for a "good, reliable" place to put the kids. A place they can feel good about, and trust their most precious thing to.
So for the first time in a blog (I think), I'm going to plug just one place. WHY? Because this daycare really loved my kids the way I hoped they would be loved in my absence.
ST. Clair Academy
Just a wonderful child care center, located in Eaton Ohio. One of my biggest concerns when I picked a daycare was that I wanted the ability to stop in impromptu, at a whim, just to visit my kids, or simply spy and ease my mind that they were OK. And pretty much the first thing the director of the daycare told me was to drop in anytime. So I was put at ease immediately.
The daycare is divided into different sections and age groups. Babies are well removed from older kids. And the activities....well, I dont have enough space here to even come close to getting it all.
The rooms are set up with plenty of good toys, as well as great items for the older kids such as computers and video game centers, reading stations and such. There are a variety of summer activities including bowling trips, daily swimming at the community pool, many field trips, and more.
Very flexible scheduling is allowed. Part time needed? No problem. Half days, half weeks, every other week, as needed? No problem. when I say accommodating, I MEAN accommodating!
My kids really liked St Clair Academy and though my son was already in school and didn't get to do any of the preschool classes there, my daughter took full advantage of all of the specified units of study that St Clair Academy offered, and she even had a little "graduation" that was adorable!
So, the director is named Donna Sitloh. She goes by "Micki", and is just about the swwetest gal you will ever know. A Mom of 5 herself, this lady really loves kids, AND runs a tight ship. Employee turnover here is essentially non-existent. Continuing education is not only encouraged but expected. The center is sanitary, and employees are well trained and very sweet.
Here's the info you will need in order to contact Micki:
St Clair Academy
116 W St Clair Street
Eaton OH 45320
937-456-6856
If you have any questions about this daycare or want suggestions for other childcare providers in the Preble County area, please give me a call!
Professional Real Estate Services for Preble County Ohio and beyond; including Eaton, West Alexandria, Brookville, Germantown, Lewisburg, Camden and Lakengren.
Looks like summer is finally heading towards Lake Lakengren, and not a moment too soon. It has been great to hear the jet-skis and boats back out on the lake, see kids back on the bikes and all the walkers, human and dog both, enjoying the fresh air and pretty views.
So I'm going to try to do a month to month blog just to keep Lakengren people up to date about what is going on in the community. Another good place to look for Lakengren info and a forum full of good and HONEST Lakengren tidbits, is www.lakengrenhomes.com.
Ski Club: The Lakengren Ski club is lookking for members of any age and every skill. Even if you are green on the water skis, someone will be happy to teach you the ropes. The ski club meets Monday and Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm at the Lakengren Marina (South East end of Lakengren).
Volleyball anyone? On June 6th at 10:00 am at the new Volleyball court next to the Marina there will be a Volleyball Tournament. I have personally walked on the new court and it is very nice..great view of the lake too. If you are interested, here is who to contact: Rick McMahon, 513-532-3008.
Swimming! Free swimming lessons, sponsored by the Lakengren Dragons, will be from June 15 to June 19, weather permitting. This is open to any and all Lakengren children and grandchildren. You can visit the pool, the gaurd house at the front, or the new LPOA office for registration forms. These forms MUST be filled out and submitted by Friday June 12th. The swimming lessons will be broken down by age groups and you will be notified as to what time your little swimmer should arrive. One word of warning: The pool is unheated and might be cold. Though maybe its just adults that cant handle the cold because my kids have never seemed to mind!
Lakengren Property Owners Association meeting: June 8, 7 pm at new office.
Kids fishing Derby: I'm really surpirsed that more isn't said about this derby, because my kids have done it for 3-4 years running now and have a great time! The derby is on June 20 from 9am to 11 am at Hammer Lake. This is a fun time, as the fish are almost always biting. Kids need to be 12 or under to be a part of the derby, and prizes (sometimes even very nice trophy's) are given for the most fish caught. Dans Sport shop in Camden Ohio typically runs a side-by-side contest for the kids as well. So kids can enter at Dans sport shop and get a t-shirt, plus prizes from Dans including trophy's for smallest fish, biggest, ugliest and the like.
There's always a lot going on in the community of Lakengren. If you would like more info or a tour, just contact me anytime!
Professional Real Estate Services for Preble County OH and beyond; including Eaton, Lewisburg, Brookville, Camden, West Alexandria, Germantown and Lake Lakengren.
Camden! Not quite a city, but a village in Preble County. And for those who call it home, Camden offers small town living the likes of which you just wont find anywhere else. You know...quiet evenings on the front porch watching the world go by. Sunsets off the back deck, deer grazing in the fields. Neighbors you have known for years and just like the TV show "Cheers": everybody knows your name.
Camden is about 10 miles South of Eaton, 15 miles NW of Middletown, and 33 miles N of Cincinnati. Population is about 2300 +/-. Median household income in 2007: $37,222.
Children of Camden attend Preble Shawnee School District. Students attend Camden Elementary (Grades K-3), West Elkton Elementary (4-6) and Preble Shawnee School (7-12). The district's mascot is the Arrows and the colors are balck and red.
Here are some interesting points about Camden;
In October, during the third full weekend, the annual tradition is the Black Walnut Festival. Each year, this draws in about 40,000 visitors. There is a parade, bake sales, antique farm machinery on display, chain saw carving, and typically over 130 vendors with all types of goodies and crafts. And of course, all sorts of goodies featuring black walnuts, including the popular homemade black walnut ice cream.
Hauntings!!! The Devils Backbone: a high crooked gorge along State Route 725 in Camden, is said to be haunted by the ghosts of Native Americans, whose leaders were left along the gorge after death; Indians were forbidden to touch the bones for fear of supernatural retribution. A Miami Indian chief is said to have cursed the area when his people were driven out of the lands by settlers.
CryBaby Bridge: Located on Fudge Road, in Camden. Rumor has it that a woman suuposedly hung herself on the bridge after the death of her child. If you park your car on the bridge and turn off all the lights and say "Mama Mama", you will supposedly hear a baby crying.
The Camden area is also a "supposed" hotspot for bigfoot sightings.
Some notable natives of Camden ohio include Sherwoon Anderson - American Novelist, and Myron Scott-inventor of the American Soap Box Derby.
Camden also features some great pieces of architectural history, including the Camden City Hall and Opera House. Built in 1889, it is in the National Register of Historic Buildings. This building has been used for many tihngs from a city hall to fire station to music facility.
Another building is the Camden School, also known as the old Camden Elementary. Although it is vacant now, many residents of Camden can still recall being within its hallowed halls.
The Village of Camden calls back to a easier way of life. Great historic homes of yesteryear line main street. The trains still pass thru everyday. Farming is a way of life and church functions still gather in great crowds. Folks look out for one another and kids still play outside after dark.
For your tour of Camden or any info on living in Preble County Ohio, please contact me!
Professional Real Estate Services for Preble COunty Ohio and beyond; including Eaton, Lewisburg, Germantown, Brookville, West Alexandria, Camden and Lakengren.
Today is yet another sad day for Neaton Auto. The folks who have decided to take the buy-out option are wrapping up this afternoon and calling it done after many years of loyal service.
Many of the people who decided to take the buyout option (for those who dont know of what I speak, click here) are people who were close to retirement. So this has to be a hard day. Saying goodbye to friends and the familiar surroundings they have come to know so well over the years.
It probably isn't how they had envisioned leaving Neaton. No retirement party. No big celebrations or counting down the days. Rather, the resignation that this is probably the only option they had left. That can't leave a good taste in anyones mouth.
So I wish you all well, those of you who dedicated sweat, laughter, tears and TIME to Neaton Auto Products. Your service and your dedication was appreciated more than you know, and more than the company probably showed you. Not to knock Neaton...I think they are doing probably the best they can, all things considered.
Professional Real Estate Services for Preble County OH and beyond; including Eaton, Lewisburg, Camden, Germantown, Brookville, Lakengren and West Alexandria.
Business Growth. OK, I couldn't find a better "B" in the area than this, because for all the rural appeal that Preble County has going for it, the growth of business in the area speaks to the continued growth and improvement of the area as a whole.
When I moved to the area in 1988, Preble County was extremely limited in what it had to offer as far as retail, restaurants and the like. In the past 20 years, we have experienced controlled growth that has brought to the area many more options while still keeping Preble County the rural, quiet area folks are accustomed to.
Smaller villages in the area such as West Alexandria, Camden and Lewisburg have seen slow but steady improvement in commerce, but the City of Eaton, heart of Preble County, has really experienced a tremendous facelift in the past few years. Newer additions include a super Wal-mart, Shoe Show, Tractor Supply Co., Advanced Auto, O'Reillys auto, Great Clips, Family Video, Movie Gallery, Cato fashions, as well as other businesses such as banks, general stores/pharmacies like CVS and WalGreens, photography studios, home inprovement stores and more.
20 years ago, going out to eat in the area didn't offer many choices. Today we have many more options to choose from, such as Sonic, Sky Line, Bob Evans, Pizza Hut/Wing Street, KFC, Subway, Cassanos, and more. Not to mention local favorites such as Carmelas Pizza, Fiesta Charra Mexican Cuisine, Powerhouse Pizza, The Depot, China Wok, Peking Palace, The Red Mule, Taffy's, Beares Restaurant, Little Italys, Brumbachs BBQ, The Rib Shack, and lots more. Rumor has it we may soon see a Buffalo Wild Wings as well as Rallys.
Since this is MY blog, I think now is as good a time as any to mention that as far as commercial growth is concerned, Preble County should seriously be considered. Population forecasts predict an annual growth of 19%, and commercial development will continue to increase to meet the needs of the community, and increase the general retail sales volume available in the area.
If you are considering opening or growing a business of your own, NOW really is the time you should be considering the space options in the area. Lease rates are running as low as $6.00 per square foot.
I hope if you are considering a move in or to the Preble County area you will give me a call. Many people just think "farms and sheep" when they think of Preble, but we really have so much more to offer. Let me be your guide! Thanks!
Professional Real Estate Services for Preble County OH; including Eaton, Lake Lakengren, Germantown, Lewisburg, Brookville, Camden and West Alexandria.
Agriculture. Really, it wouldn't be the right start to any blog about Preble County Ohio without fair mention of what makes the world go-round here, and that is a strong agricultural base.
Broken down demographically, about 19% of Preble County is considered "urban", while the remaining 81% is rural. Below were the statistics regarding agriculture in Preble County as of 2007, so of course some numbers have changed since then, but this does give a good picture of what we are all about...
Agriculture in Preble County Average size of farms: 186 acres Average value of agricultural products sold per farm: $54611 Average value of crops sold per acre for harvested cropland: $198.84 Average total farm production expenses per farm: $58937 Harvested cropland as a percentage of land in farms: 82.32% Average market value of all machinery and equipment per farm: $70035 The percentage of farms operated by a family or individual: 92.21% Average age of principal farm operators: 54 years Average number of cattle and calves per 100 acres of all land in farms: 8.42 Milk cows as a percentage of all cattle and calves: 9.93% Corn for grain: 60306 harvested acres All wheat for grain: 6784 harvested acres Soybeans for beans: 85633 harvested acres Vegetables: 72 harvested acres Land in orchards: 74 acres
Main crops grown in Preble are corn, wheat and soy bean. Main livestock raised is pork. The annual Preble County fair offers opportunity for the "City folk", such as me to take a look at the form and function of the agricultural process, from open class judging to livestock judging to crop display, and lets not forget 4-H.
4-H is very popular in Preble County, with over 56 4-H clubs. 4-H gives the kids the responsibility to raise and care for their own animals. But it doesn't stop at animals. 4-H projects also include sewing, cooking, photography, woodworking, dog training and showing, fishing, gardening and much more.
Agriculture is just a natural way of life around here, and I like how it keeps things at a leisurely pace. Its not uncommon to spot a tractor making its way thru town, or watch the livestock trucks roll thru town on the way to the local auctions. Gently rolling hills scattered with bails, the smell of fresh cut hay, the annual September tradition of the Preble County Pork Festival. Life in the slow lane.
Sound good? I might be a city girl but I'd be happy to provide you all the information you need about agcriculture or just life in general here in Preble County Ohio.
Professional Real Estate Services for Preble County OH; including Eaton, Lake Lakengren, Brookville, West Alexandria, Germantown, Camden and Lewisburg.
This is more of a question rather than an article. I have had a Point 2 site for about 6 months now (pro). About every darn month, I have issues with Billing. Including this month. The payment didn't take, so I got knocked down to a standard site and half my site is now missing. Yet plenty of money in the old account. Hmmmmm...The money is there and ready, but somehow they manage to screw it up.
I have also not had a lot of luck with SEO using Point 2.
So, I am also giving advanced Access a try, but frankly, have not had a lot of time to devote to it yet.
I wanted to know which you prefer, or dislike, and why?
Experiences?
Likes/Dislikes?
SEO results?
ANY help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!!
My son belongs to a soccer team. It's not his first year playing. But it is his first year with this type of soccer league, namely a SELECT soccer team. For those of you who aren't soccer followers, SELECT soccer is comprised of boys and girls who are hand-picked by coaches based upon talent, attitude, team-player ability, among other things.
In the past years, we've had pretty good luck during the seasons. Always making it to tournament. Always making it to State Championship games. Not any further that that mind you, but still, we all know...it feels real good to be a part of a winning team. It feels good to see your kid on a winning team. Making the goal. Blocking the shots.
This season, ehhh...not so much. NO WINS. In fact, some pretty embarrasing scores. 5-0, 8-0, 17-0. That's a big ouch if you happen to be on the zero end of things.
So this past Sunday, after our 6th consecutive loss, the head caoch gets a call. A player is quitting. Coach talks to the dad to find out why, and is told "I want my son to play on a winning team". Next day, a second player quits, stating that "no one on the team is any good and they will NEVER win a game".
Will we ever win a game? Probably not. But frankly, I didn't put my son on a team to win. I put him on because he wanted to play. And sports CAN be an excellent introduction for kids to many facts of life, such as:
You might not always like the person you are working for (boss, coach) but you must still be respectful.
You may not always win. You may never win, but finish what you start.
If you promise something (doing a job, showing up for practice), deliver.
There is no "I" in team.
It really saddens me that the boys who quit our team will maybe never learn these important lessons, because the parents aren't willing to teach them. This season will probably go down as a loss, but for the boys that hang in there win OR lose, there's no trophy in the world that can compare to the great life lessons they have learned.
Are you a CountryWide customer? Are you having trouble keeping up with that monthly mortage payment? There might be a light at the end of the tunnel.
In October 2008, Bank of America announced a home retention program that will provide an estimated $8.4 billion in permanent payment reductions to help an estimated 400,000 Countrywide customers nationwide. Meaning? In many states, Ohio included, help could be on the way to people who are in financial hardship with their mortgages and you may * be eligible for a loan modification (new loan terms, new loan rates).
Here are some of the facts about the Countrywide National Homeownership Retention Program:
On December 1, 2008, Countrywide began to proactively contact potentially eligible borrowers under the new program.
Countrywide has not initiated or advanced foreclosures for potentially eligible borrowers during the time necessary to determine borrowers' interest in staying in their homes and their ability to afford the new terms.
Countrywide will retain, for at least one year...., a minimum of 3900 personnel to assist with loan modifications and other foreclosure and home retention measures.
Countrywide will continue to proactively contact delinquent borrowers and offer streamlined loan modifications...
So who is eligible?
You must have recieved a qualifying subprime mortgage or Adjustable Rate Mortgage prior to 2008, and the property must be a 1-4 unit owner -occupied residential property (you gotta live in it!). Additional requirements include:
The borrower (you) must be 60 days or more delinquent and the curent loan-to-value(percentage figure of loan amnt. in relation to the market value of the home) must be 75% or above.
The borrower becomes seriously delinquent at any time prior to June 30, 2012, and the loan-to-value at the time of the modification is 75% or above.
The borrower is current on the mortgage but is likely to become seriously delinquent as a consequence of rate reset..., and the loan-to-value ratio at the time of modification is 75% or above.
Confusing? The government has provided a website for you to visit to find out if you are one of the 7 to 9 million homeowners who may be able to benefit from Making Home Affordable. Visit here.
Need urgent help? Contact the Homeowner's HOPETM Hotline: (888) 995-HOPE
* My disclaimer: I am NOT an attorney or a tax professional. I am a licensed Realtor. I simply write it as I see it. If you are facing financial hardship or have ANY questions regarding your mortgage, do not rely on what I write. Please consult an ATTORNEY or TAX ACCOUNTANT!!!
Professional Real Estate Services for Preble County OH and beyond; including Eaton, West Alexandria, Brookville, Lewisburg, Germantown, Camden and Lakengren.
Published Tuesday, May 05, 2009 12:17 PM by Kelley Weimer
Professional, friendly real estate results for Preble County OH, including Eaton, West Alexandria, Lakengren and more!
If you are looking to buy or sell in any area of Preble County Ohio or beyond, I would LOVE to help you. Real Estate should be smooth, worry free and fun...lets make it that way! I'd love to talk to you anytime about your real estate dreams, so just call me at 937-336-2865!
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Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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