Well, this week there were so many really great posts here in the rain by some of my fave bloggers as well as some newbie bloggers that I’ve recently come across. First and foremost, I just want to give a shout out to my fellow rainers for their gold star features that I was happy to "call the shot" on them.
'Twas the Week Before Christmas....A Buyer Agent's Christmas List by Christine Smith
These were excellent posts that had some really great comments, which is one of the best things I love about great posts. With some posts, the comments can actually be better than the post. Check them out.
Then there were some other equally great posts that I suggested but that the AR Gods must have missed this week when they were bestowing those little gold stars.
First there was How many short sale sellers are gaming the system? by Ellie McIntire. Ellie brings up an issue that plagues so many short sales and one of the reasons why so many buyers choose to avoid short sales and not pursue them.
On more than one one occassion, I have had borrowers walk on short sales because of sellers who were not only "gaming the system" but also short sale banks who were simply enabling these sellers to "game the system".
It's one thing to extend an escrow once because a buyers lender needs a little more time or even if a seller needed a little more time to get squared away at their next home but to continually allow a seller to drag a short sale transaction over and over and over and.....SERIOUSLY!!!
And sellers and listing agents wonder why buyers aren't interested in short sales.
Then there was newbie blogger, Rick Myers with his post, Jeans not Slacks. I love posts like this because it's always interesting to see the range of comments from everyone all over the country.
Personally, I'm not the business formal kind of MLO but rather a business casual kind MLO, not jeans and t-shirt casual but more of an age appropriate kind of casual. While I don't begrudge anyone who feels the need to be dressed to the hilt to work - more power to them.
On that same note, I don't think it's necessary for others to make judgements on those who don't dress just like them. I happen to know some very successful Realtors who have no problem showing multi-million dollar beach homes in shorts, tank tops and flip flops. To each his own! Whatever works for them is no one else's business.
Next was Do Not Snub Your Nose at Me... by newbie blogger, Cynthia Williams. This is an issue that usually gets both sides of the table more than a little riled up. I enjoy seeing all the different opinions though. This is not about unrealistic cash buyers who are trying to purchase a move-in ready home at 50% of list price just because they think they can. That's a whole other post.
While we can all agree that sellers receiving a less than list price offer is discouraging but these days, most buyers are not going to over-pay for a home, especially one that is outdated and in need of some major repairs.
Listing agents, if you allow your sellers to dictate an over-priced list price, then you need to be preparing them for lower than list price offers. Furthermore, snubbing a fair market offer these days is just plain stupid! SERIOUSLY!!!
Lastly, there was Gwen Banta and her post, "Snort Sale" - The "Highs" and Lows of the MLS - 2011. For anyone who knows Gwen, I don't need to explain why I picked her post. If you don't know Gwen, then it's time you checked her out. Enough said!!!
As always, I love "calling the shots”. I’m pretty picky and selective about whom I suggest. I intentionally highlight my fave bloggers and then I look for new bloggers or bloggers that aren’t on the feature board every other day.
Anyone can suggest all the popular bloggers but finding the hidden treasures and gems is so much better. I hope you check them out and enjoy them as much as I did.
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