From Call to Contract: Doing My Homework (Part I)

 When I received the call on Friday evening I got all the info I needed to set up the client (who was already prequalified and in the process of submitting additional docs for preapproval) for automatic notification of listings.

My client found me on the internet from my ActiveRain post *Across the Ocean to Paradise: Military Relocations Hawaii* . 

The criteria and Info:

  • Name, address, phone, cell, email 
  • Mililani, Waipio Gentry or Waikele Condos or townhouses 
  • 2 bdrm/ 1 ba / 1 pkg or more
  • Spacious living and bedroom areas
  • Maximum of X  (monthly payment up to X per month
  • One or two story
  • Lanai
  • Move in February
  • Main appliances included

Great! Set her up for listings and she was on the site 10 minutes after it was entered and already saving to favorites, possibilities, making notes and asking questions. Cool.

After a lengthy conversation with her on Saturday morning I proceeded to:

  • Print out the Buyer's packet (Hawaii Buyer Advisory, loan process, escrow and transaction process, BAH - Housing Allowance Chart for military personnel) 
  • Call listing agents for appointments and lockbox #'s and managed to get 8 showing appointments in the three areas.
  • Looked up comps for all complexes so I could give her detailed past sales due to the whacked out listing prices from unreasonable sellers :)
  • Made sure to structure drive bys for other properties I did not receive call backs on (I even emailed to no avail) as well as print out listing sheets for the ones that had Open Houses.
  • Made a folder with all info typed out and agent listing full copies as well for myself
  • Partially typed out a Purchase Contract with Addendums and saved it to my jump drive so I could take it with me ..... in case she wanted to put in an offer :)
  • Partially typed out a cover letter ....just in case :)

We really hit it off well and after looking at the units I had appointments for we also looked at three Open Houses.

 YUK!  The first one was in a nice complex but the tenant just moved out (not cleaned!!!) and both my client and I were appalled. I'm sorry but my facial expressions DO NOT hide what I'm feeling. My client laughed at me. 

The second one had an agent who was already 20 minutes late by time we arrived and she was still by her car dragging out a bag and talking on her cell phone. We went to the unit and while standing in the sun the agent could not open the lockbox and finally asked me to do it. Voila! Opened on first try. Geez. This one had new cabinets in the kitchen but gecko droppings on ALL window sills through out the two bedroom complex! OMG.

The third one was beautifully done but 200 sq/ft smaller than the one she really likes (picture to the left). 

The next time I plan to show units on Sundays I'll call the agents who are having Open Houses too...and ask them what kind of condition the unit is in because we pretty much wasted our time looking at two of them.

For some odd reason I "thought" the sellers or at the very least the agent would make sure to have the units in showing condition and ready for Open Houses. For some odd reason I believed they would at least be clean? At least no droppings?

Then again.....that's what I get for thinking. :)

In the meantime, I am walking out the door to meet my client to sign the offer! (will keep you posted!)

 
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60 Comments on From Call to Contract: Doing My Homework (Part I)

Great work my friend......  good luck with the offer not that your going to need it - SEE YA SOON!!!!

12/11/2007 06:06 PM by Desiree Daniels, Mercer County, NJ, Real Estate (RE/MAX Tri County)


Sally, I have seen it to when I'm called for a pre purchase consult and nothing is cleaned at ALL.  But I'm sure the Realtor must tell the sellers---what do you do with a seller that just won't clean??

12/11/2007 06:09 PM by Carole Provenzale Owner, Feng Shui Long Island (Feng Shui Long Island)


So why do you think sellers really want to sell a home?  I have seen plenty that look really bad and sometimes you can't fault the agent.  If they didn't take the listing someone would.  Of course the agent really needs to get on them about cleanliness.  I have given some agents feedback and they say they are trying to use that to get sellers to clean up.  Good luck on the contract.

12/11/2007 06:10 PM by Gene Allen Realtor Hampton Roads Real Estate (Resh Realty Group)


Sally, congratulations!  Let us know when the offer gets accepted -- it will be time for a celebration.  Just what you need for the holidays :)

12/11/2007 06:15 PM by Brian Block -- Northern Virginia & D.C. Real Estate (RE/MAX Allegiance)


I've seen some homes that made me believe the sellers were selling to avoid cleaning. 

Bad housekeeping indicates bad maintenance.  If they don't clean the oven, how often do they change the filters????

12/11/2007 06:17 PM by Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Real Estate


Oh Sally, I feel for you. I wrote an offer today on a house the sellers lived in for 54 years. What a mess, but the location is great.

12/11/2007 06:24 PM by Missy Caulk Ann Arbor Real Estate (Keller Williams Ann Arbor, Michigan)


Hey Sally - good for you!  Love that kind of lead - ready, willing, and able!

Gecko droppings?  What on earth is that?  Bird poop or something?

Ann

12/11/2007 06:30 PM by Portsmouth NH Real Estate ~ Ann Cummings (RE/MAX Coast to Coast - Portsmouth New Hampshire)


I always pray that I will  have a client with enough vision to see past the grime and clutter.  Gecko droppings are new to me, yikes!

12/11/2007 07:11 PM by Lisa Ryan~Selling Princeton,West Windsor and Montgomery Township New Jersey (Prudential NJ Properties)


Sally, Not that you need it, but best of luck my friend. You are awesome and your new client is going to find out soon the level of your awesomeness.

12/11/2007 07:50 PM by Camarillo CA Real Estate Agent/ Mana Tulberg (Beach View Real Estate)


LOL at your musings. And the facial expressions? I can totally relate. People can read me like a book!

12/11/2007 07:56 PM by Lisa Hill (Daytona Beach REALTOR®) (Adams Cameron and Company)


Sally--Some days just go like that...Amazing that clients aren't prepared for showings in this market. Good luck with the client. After seeing a few dogs the good ones will shine through! :)

12/11/2007 08:02 PM by Teri Eckholm, Realtor® Anoka County MN (Keller Williams Premier Realty)


Sally-Nice....shows your AR blogging is indeed read by everyone :)  And to have a pre-qualified buyer for the Holidays, how good is that?  I know how detail oriented you are, so know that your new client is in the best of hands......Congratulations on "being you" yet remembering to be Professional enough to attract clients.

12/11/2007 08:06 PM by Kathy McGraw ~ Calif Broker (CELLing Realty)


Hi Sally,

Sounds like you have some good systems in place, that's a huge deal for me. Great work!

12/11/2007 08:40 PM by Orange Co. Real Estate~Lynda Eisenmann, Broker-Owner, Brea, CA (Preferred Home Brokers)


Hopefully the way you prepare and follow through..the deal will be completed successfully.

12/11/2007 08:59 PM by Neal Bloom-Realtor ® Assoc.-CRS-Weston FL (RE/MAX Premier Associates)


Great story...droppings aside:(  It always amazes me what people don't do when they are trying to sell a home.  I'm happy to hear that you found a home for your client which was clean and nicely prepared.  Best wishes for a Successful Closing. :)

12/11/2007 09:06 PM by Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate Broker


Great work Sally! Always nice to hear when one works out well. Here's hoping you have a nice smooth transaction all the way to closing.

12/11/2007 09:10 PM by Simon Conway (Picket Fence Realty)


Desiree:  WooHoo!  I sure needed that...don't need stagnant and too much time on my hands here :)

Carole: I have represented sellers where I have had to clean, paint and cut down 10 foot California grass and spray poison :)

12/11/2007 09:11 PM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), Hawaii Real Estate & Hawaii Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)


Sally Jo, that's great- congratulations.  I'm guessing that you're a kick to look at houses with (while maintaining full professional demeanor, of course)!

12/11/2007 09:12 PM by Options Realty


Gene: I'm sorry...but an Open House where we are advertising and spending money ...I'll clean it myself or not have an Open until they do. It literally was a mess....they moved out and nothing was even vacuumed or anything! Broken parts all over. Oh, yeah. I would not do an Open in that condition...that was really bad.

Brian: Yup...and I also got my insurance check too!!!!! I just got home...and stopped at the mailbox :)

12/11/2007 09:14 PM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), Hawaii Real Estate & Hawaii Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)


Lenn: You had me cracking up at that one :) I look at it this way...if it was a tenant....then have it cleaned and take it out of the deposit...but DON'T hold an open when they LITERALLY just moved out! And droppinngs....oh, no.  They were selling to avoid cleaning..you crack me up :)

Missy: Oh...I feel for you .... we went into my mom's house for months to take stuff to the dump...paint, repair, do electrical ...just so it was livable again!!!

 

12/11/2007 09:17 PM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), Hawaii Real Estate & Hawaii Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)


Sally, I have by a few Open Houses that smelled so bad that I could barely stand it.  The worst part is that even after you leave, you can still smell it on you.

12/11/2007 09:17 PM by George Souto (McCue Mortgage Co.)


Sally- I am so excited for you! Remember when we talked on the phone the last time? Good for you! I am so happy for you. I also love these posts on how you work the deal with all the steps because the new agents reading this can get some great training on the proper way to do the entire deal! After the Hawaii Localism posts these are among my favorites. Katerina

12/11/2007 09:18 PM by Nestor & Katerina Gasset, Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes (International Properties and Investments, Inc.)


Jo: Oh, you see a few here and there...but his was like an infestation!  EVERY window sill! yuk...

Ann: Lizards Ann...like the Geico commercials...you know..the gecko guy that has an Australian accent lol!

12/11/2007 09:19 PM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), Hawaii Real Estate & Hawaii Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)


Lisa: I love to have clients seeing past clutter...but not this bad...and droppings are not cool.

Mana: She is so cool Mana. When we went in a couple of those Open Houses two agents kept asking her to sign in....she looked at me both times.....and said...Sally, can you take care of this?  hehe. One of them shoved her flyer and card and right in front of the agent she handed it to me..haha.

 

12/11/2007 09:22 PM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), Hawaii Real Estate & Hawaii Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)


Lisa; I do not hold back...I would never be able to play poker!

Teri: Contract in and over to the other agent already. Then I call the agent and she's telling me she won't get to see it until tomorrow. Whatever.

 

12/11/2007 09:24 PM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), Hawaii Real Estate & Hawaii Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)


Kathy:  Oh, did I say prequalified?  I have her preapproved now....she already has documents in to Lender etc. etc.  :)  Some times I wonder ....I think some of them I scare away... lol! If it's one thing I have confidence in is that my attitude is pleasant and that I do not offend people :) Thanks for the vote of confidence ...I know you are down to earth as well. :)

Lynda: Thanks so much!  It means a lot coming from you and Marlene. I really admire the both of you!

12/11/2007 09:31 PM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), Hawaii Real Estate & Hawaii Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)


Neal: Thanks a lot buddy...I know you are the same way :)  By the way...this client knows Optimus Prime haha.

Lola: Thanks so much Lola....(dropping aside haha) and know...my client is so happy....and excited and everything a first time homebuyer is supposed to be :)

 

12/11/2007 09:33 PM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), Hawaii Real Estate & Hawaii Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)


Simon: It sure makes me feel good knowing ....even in a slower market....there is still a good transaction somewhere. Hey...right here lol! I agree with you about the Open House.....IF they all look like these haha!

Laurie: Oh, goodness Laurie.... I am entertaining to say the least. I have always believed that it is just not business....but an adventure ....  but hey...it sure helps when I have a client is just as much a "kick" as I am...I tell you....this woman was stressed yesterday....and fine today.....know why?  I got her a good LO....the other "bank" was not performing. It took an hour to get her docs over and approved ..... WooHoo!

12/11/2007 09:38 PM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), Hawaii Real Estate & Hawaii Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)


George:  I just want you to know that everytime I see a comment from you that I know I am going to chuckle!  You're a card...and I can just see walking into the OH with you....you would be trying to act all cool and I would be going ....ewwww...what is that? lol!

Katerina: The whole intent for the way I write....with my Localism it's to help the person reading feel like they're right there with me ....experiencing. With these it's to help not only new agents but for other agents to get ideaas as well. I get the same out of reading others stories :)

12/11/2007 09:42 PM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), Hawaii Real Estate & Hawaii Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)


Sally I don't know, a few house that I have walked into I would probably be going ewwww right along with you ...... LOL

12/11/2007 09:51 PM by George Souto (McCue Mortgage Co.)


Sally,

We are sooo much alike, my facial expressions tell all! Sounds to me like you have connected with a good client again through your writing...:)

12/11/2007 10:00 PM by Suzanne Sands-Somerset, MA Real Estate (Century 21 Associates Realty)


George: That's be sooo funny!  Can you believe the agent emailed for feedback?  What else could I say but uh...sorry, my client wasn't interested lol!

Suzanne: No kidding....I can see you doing that.  Oh, yeah...and if this one goes to closing...then it'll be the first actual closing.

12/11/2007 10:05 PM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), Hawaii Real Estate & Hawaii Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)


Sally,  It freakin' amazes me that sellers and/or their realtor do not have the place in 'show' condition.  I will not place a home in the MLS until it is ready to show.  It is just a waste of everyone's time and will not only show the immediate distaste for the property but also reflects on you as the realtor.  Duh!!

12/11/2007 10:37 PM by Marc Grossman, GRI - Central Florida Real Estate Specialist (Keller Williams Premier Realty)


Active Rain hits a home run again....congratulations.

I knoe the Gecko  droppings ae probably disgusting....but geckos sure look cute!

12/11/2007 10:48 PM by Joan Mirantz- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Keeler Family Realtors)


Marc: No kidding. I know I don't! In any event...didn't impress my client...and we submitted the contract. I have a good feeling about it so....will keep you all updated!

Joan: WooHoo!  That's right...that's right.

12/11/2007 11:01 PM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), Hawaii Real Estate & Hawaii Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)


Sally, Are gecko droppings green? cause that's the only green that seller is going to see if they don't clean up their act. You got your act going on..Good Job!

12/11/2007 11:22 PM by Wilmington NC Real Estate Ginger & Roger Sala Keller Williams (Keller Williams Wilmington North Carolina)


Ginger: Nope...black and looks like rat droppings but smaller ...yuk. Oops...I was answering before reading the rest lol!  I tell you what....no matter if I have appointments on a Sunday....I always thought the Open Houses (we have many!) were a bonus....until now hahahaa!

12/11/2007 11:38 PM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), Hawaii Real Estate & Hawaii Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)


I have been through some pretty nasty looking open houses...amazing!  Congrats on the great buyer!

12/11/2007 11:46 PM by Mary Warren, Las Vegas Real Estate (Realty One Group)


Sally- preparation, organization, and a plan. Great job. That equals an offer. I hope it's accepted. Great post.

12/12/2007 12:15 AM by Mark Horan P.A. "The Resident Chef" at Keller Williams (The Resident Team at Keller Williams At-The-Lakes)


Hi Sally,
You would think Seller and Agents would make sure the properties were in "showing condition".  

What a great feeling when you and Buyer click! 

12/12/2007 05:59 AM by Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist (Kingsbridge Realty, Inc)


There you go again..thinking. When are you agents ever going to learn that real estate does not involve thought - people just line up to sign contracts and give you money! OK..a bit of sarcasm...OK...maybe bunches of it!

12/12/2007 07:33 AM by Gary Waters - Real Estate Agent Viera Suntree (Century 21 Baytree Realty www.moving2brevard.com)


Sally, Ohhhh You see what happens when you assume other people are as professional as you?  One of my friends always says people make money despite themselves.  Those agents who did not clean or showed up late  are a perfect example.

12/12/2007 08:27 AM by My Favorite Mortgage.net - Matthew J Blum


Great preparation list...I was just going to work on a new buyer's packet and now you have inspired met!

12/12/2007 09:41 AM by Lake Norman Real Estate ~ Diane Aurit (RE/MAX at the Lake)


Mark: I have a good feeling about this one...:)

Cynthia: good points on both counts!

Gary: Funny Gary!  :)

Matthew:  Ohhhh you are the professional on that side...believe me....one more story coming up!

Dan: WooHoo Dan...we get back what we hand out Dan...it's so true. :)

Diane:  Oh, that was what I did....not really a list...just routine stuff :)

12/12/2007 10:29 AM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), Hawaii Real Estate & Hawaii Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)


Sally - I have taken people to homes that I would not let my dog overnight in! And the listing agent KNEW we were coming and said NOTHING about it being in poor showing condition - makes you wonder!

12/12/2007 02:59 PM by Barbara-Jo & Bill - - Florida Realty Professional - AHWD (Charles Rutenberg Realty)


Barbara/Bill: No kidding....how people live like that and then try to sell it like that? Go figure.

12/12/2007 03:46 PM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), Hawaii Real Estate & Hawaii Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)


Way to go Sally - don't you just love those buyers who know what they want?  I have been known to wipe up gecko poops and pick up dead cockroaches before the clients enter.  lol

12/12/2007 05:49 PM by Georgina Hunter Maui Realtor (Jim Sanders Realty Inc. - Maui)


Sally, that is awesome!!  I hate showing dirty homes...I hope you find some clean ones!  I can't wait to hear how it works out.

12/12/2007 06:04 PM by Stephanie Edwards-Musa, Realtor ® The Woodlands, TX Real Estate (Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors ®)


Georgina: No kidding! In any case...no home is perfect ...but these were not at all showable!

Steph: We did...and will find out soon ...hopefully.

12/12/2007 06:18 PM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), Hawaii Real Estate & Hawaii Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)


Just shows what a good blog can do for you. Godd job! Merry Christmas

12/12/2007 10:14 PM by Scott Wall (StoneHouse Realty, Inc)


My goodness, in this market you would expect sellers and listing agents to try a little hard to have their properites dressed for success!

12/14/2007 10:45 AM by Margaret Woda, Maryland REALTOR (RE/MAX VISION)


Sally-Congratulations on your new client.  How inspiring that is and being from ActiveRain.  You story about the open house that was not clean, oh my.  I understand all too well. I have a client (single guy) who found a house he really likes, but because the people left it such a mess he decided it really wasn't the direction he wanted to go.  Some people just want to get right in without a second thought of having to clean up somebody else's mess.  Even with options mentioned, he still didn't want to proceed forward with that particular house. I hope you have a wonderful week my friend. 

12/16/2007 07:57 PM by Julie Neerings~Lifting Hearts ♥ Building Dreams~Utah REALTOR® (Keller Williams Salt Lake City)


Julie: We did the home inspection yesterday and the inspector kept telling my client how fortunate she is to have such a nice clean place ....I don't think I would have bought my place if it were filthy either. I just wanted to move in too.

12/16/2007 08:17 PM by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), Hawaii Real Estate & Hawaii Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)


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Real Estate Agent: Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA),  Hawaii Real Estate & Hawaii Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)
Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), Hawaii Real Estate & Hawaii Relocation
Mililani, HI
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Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii

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Cell Phone: (808) 375-1404
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