Well I know, for me, from reading on Active Rain and talking to Realtors from all over the Country-This has been a tough winter. It seems that about the middle of December of 2006 someone turned of the Real Estate light switch.
Things slowed down in Baltimore as well. Before November I was averaging a close every 2 weeks with a peak in July of closing 3 per week. This may not seem like much to most of you-but you have to keep in mind that this was my FIRST year licensed in Maryland. (Karen Hurst I wish I read your New Agent blog when I started the biz)
Talk about busy I was seldom home but when I was-I was on the phone, or working the farm or some other networking activity. I knew 2 things-- 1-things would slow somewhat around the holidays & 2-I had to keep up all my marketing or I would not have ANY business through the holidays. I was right on both points! Fortunately the winter just slowed-it didn't die!
The winter was a great time to get some classes and extra training out of the way. I still worked my farm religiously and maintained my networking, while helping my girlfriend pass her licensing exam--which Congratulations to her-she passed on her first try! So we team all of our sellers and buyers!
She was scared because of the slow down in the market but I maintained that it was still going to be a great spring. I saw the future and we were going to have a spring rush! I told her it was going to pick up and soon.....but I did not expect it to hit all in one week!
Monday-
- One of my investors called and she has about finished her winter projects and was ready to look for her next.
- Got a lead from my website from California that owns rental property here he wants to sell. (2 houses) Talked to him on the phone and made a phone appointment for the following day so I could research areas, comps etc
- Spent rest of day on computer and phone scheduling and research
Tuesday-
- Closing on property for one of my investors
- Called lead in California-liked my research, numbers etc getting his POA to his Father who lives locally so we can proceed to list the houses-probably early next week
- Had lunch with a Mortgage Banker-was looking to add to my list with a large bank that had experience in State ran programs-went well, liked him and agreed that I would give him a try.
- He called me back later that afternoon and said he had a client "walk-in" to his office for Pre-approval and was looking for a move-up waterfront property and he remembered I said I had one listed-His client has pre-approval for $520K and NO AGENT-I have a listing for a waterfront at just under $500K and want a buyer......I think this will work!
- Called and emailed ALL of my sellers for my weekly follow-up. They all know what I am doing, when I am doing it and what they can expect next week. I also let them know of what advertising will be appearing where on what day.
Wednesday-
- Took off the morning for some yard work-you know 77 degrees is hard to stay out of!
- In the afternoon firmed up appointments for my investor to see houses on Thursday
- Made some phone calls to get signage and advertising together for a "Boaters Open House" at one of my waterfront listings
Thursday-
- Spent most of the day with my investor-showed about 12 potential townhomes and duplexes. Very interested in two so spent the rest of the day writing two offers.
- When I got home, my girlfriend had taken three calls from people. 2 were new potential buyers that actually look very good after the initial phone interview-so she will be meeting with them early next week to get them started down the right path-she did good-sent them both to loan officer for pre-approval! I am so proud she actually listened to me!!!
- The third call was from a gentleman I had spoken to last fall. He told me then that he would be ready to sell in spring and would call me back. I was actually shocked when he did. Listing it next week!
Friday-
- Spent most of the day on the phone negotiating the two offers that I submitted last night-1 was accepted-one we walked away-oh well-she is scheduled to see some more Sunday so we will find something.
- Double checked everything for a closing on Tuesday-everything seems in order and have talked to Mortgage company and Title company-but this is Friday so I will double check everything again on Monday. Another investor/buyer that I have worked with so all should be fine
- Followed up with two buyer clients to see what days they wanted next week-since my week was filling up quick
Saturday-
- Did some yard work in the morning-little chilly but things need done.
- Went to see another one of my investors about his rehab in Harford County. He ran into some problems so it is going to take a bit longer. But the changes he made to it will improve value by about 20%-an additional $70K on the listing price.
- While I was out-I stopped to see another investor who should have a property about ready. Hadn't talked to him in about 3 months so thought it was time. Went by the property and nothing had been done since I was last over there, so I went to his home. Found out he had a heart attack and had been recovering the last three months. He is doing fine but I would ask for your prayers for he and his family.
- Came home to blog-I have missed blogging this week and have had little chance to comment. So today i got at least 3 posts done. If you have a chance you can catch "Dreaming for Reality in Real Estate" and "I Love this thing called "Blogging" for Real Estate"- on my other blog sites.
Sunday-I only have a half day scheduled so we'll see what happens!
Next week is looking to shape into a very busy week as well-but at least now I am prepared for it. I knew this
spring would be good---I guess I thought it would build to a sprint instead of being a race from the blocks! But I have to say I Love it like this-I seem to be more organized and get more done when I have a lot to do! Whats the old saying-If you want something done right and quick ask a busy person!
For any Real Estate information or questions on buying or selling a home in Baltimore County contact:
Comments(8)