doug rogers bayou properties realty: Avoid Toxic People The Same Way You Avoid Toxic Waste
- 01/03/12 04:31 AM
See those barrels in the background? This baby goat is smart enough not to stick his head into that muck. After all, with a large field of yummy pristine grass why would this goat risk getting her coat dirty?
As agents we need to learn from our goat friend. With the economy sputtering along there is no shortage of negative people out there. Hang out with bitter people long enough and soon you will be singing the blues as well.
Regardless of your field, there is always a segment of the workforce that will complain. When I worked for the … (4 comments)
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doug rogers bayou properties realty: How To Recover From A Featured Post
- 01/02/12 06:11 AM
Like a might river, comments start streaming onto your new blog post. Apparently your post on why agents are under paid struck a nerve with the audience. Within minutes the coveted gold star appears and your little post has made it to the big league.
The next day is a blur of agents from all over the country giving you a virtual pat on the back. If only that little gold star was a patch, you would wear it proudly. Life is good dancing in the rain. Then the comments stop. What now?
Over the course of 425 blog posts … (43 comments)
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doug rogers bayou properties realty: I hope That Holiday Eggnog Was Worth 4,000 Dollars
- 12/31/11 09:18 AM
I received an interesting call at the office on Friday (yes we were open all week). A local home owner wanted me to come take a look at his property some time next week. Sure! I've always got time for a potential listing in Pineville. What agent wouldn't? Apparently there was at least one.
On the recommendation of a friend, this prospect had called one of my competitors. Said agent would be considered a "big wig" in our local market. For two weeks this couple had been trying to get "Mr. Big" to view the property. "Sorry, I'm too busy … (54 comments)
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doug rogers bayou properties realty: Have You Noticed That Buyers Are More Nervous These Days?
- 12/30/11 08:07 AM
Perhaps it's the stress of the Holiday Season, but my buyers seem a little "jumpy" lately. This fall I have noticed extended home searches, a less willingness to negotiate, and look out if the inspection report comes back with anything other than flying colors...
I can't stand pushy sales people. Provide the facts, then let me select the pair of Docker's pants to purchase. As such, I run my real estate business the same way I like to buy Dockers. Much research and little pressure.
Maybe the negative media attention is getting to folks. And with this being an … (41 comments)
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doug rogers bayou properties realty: Real Estate Sales Is Not A Good Career Of Last Resort
- 12/29/11 09:40 AM
With the economy sputtering along, a trend has emerged among new real estate agents. Certain individuals are getting a real estate licenses simple because there are no other jobs available. Let's examine why real estate sales is not a good "backup" career...
1) Real Estate is a business not a career-- In most cases agents are 1099, not W2. This means income is produced only when a transaction closes. There typically is NO salary in real estate.
2) It takes money to make money-- Providing a laundry lists of start-up costs would scary most newbies. In Louisiana expect to pay … (1 comments)
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doug rogers bayou properties realty: A Picture Is Worth 1,000 Words, No Picture Means You Have A Lazy Agent
- 12/28/11 06:43 AM
Agents don't sell houses, buyers purchase houses. Even with the logic of Aristotle, the charm of JFK, and the leadership skills of George Washington, as an agent I can't make people purchase your home. Buyers have to be drawn to your property for it to sell.
And how are buyers drawn to your home you ask? Pictures! Without one (or multiple) clear pictures of your property most buyers won't give your home the time of day. No interest=no showings=no offers. Sadly it is just that simple.
In exploring our MLS there are multiple homes without ANY pictures of the property. … (5 comments)
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doug rogers bayou properties realty: The One Enduring Truth of Real Estate Sales--You Win Some, you Lose Some
- 12/28/11 06:06 AM
This has been a crazy year in real estate world. Deals that were "sure things" died flaming deaths while a few of those "not in a million year" transactions closed. Coming from an education background, I try (mostly in vain) to explain why said transactions closed or died. After all, in science the next step beyond explanation is prediction. If I could find a pattern or two, surely my closing ration would improve, right?
Nope. Han Solo was right when he said luck played a greater role in the universe than the force. With the benefit of hindsight, it would … (4 comments)
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doug rogers bayou properties realty: Anyone Else Working Today?
- 12/23/11 06:41 AM
It's never a good sign when there is ZERO traffic on the way to the office. Just how slow is it today? Let's just say the office line did not ring until 1030 this morning. And that was a drunk dude trying to order pizza!
About a mile from the office it dawned on me that most of the vendors I need to speak with are closed today. And something tells me ALL of next week will be hit or miss at best.
So the plan today is to catch up on some marketing stuff and clean the office. Perhaps … (9 comments)
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doug rogers bayou properties realty: When Worlds Collide-Today My Past Caught Up With Me
- 12/21/11 08:32 AM
In the spirit of the season, a local vendor indivted my partner and I out for lunch. Never one to pass up free food, the Jeep quickly sprang to action! While walking to the building I hear a faint voice from the past...
"Mister Doug, Mister Doug, Look guys it's Mister Doug". A yellow school bus loaded with my former students had just pulled into the drive.
The decision to leave teaching to sell real estate was not an easy one. In the begining the plan was to teach, and sell a couple of homes on the side each month. … (6 comments)
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doug rogers bayou properties realty: Investment Property For Sale in Avoyelles Parish
- 12/20/11 09:43 AM
Investment Property For Sale in Avoyelles Parish--
With low rates and affordable pricing, now is the time to buy investment property in Avoyelles Parish. Let's take a look at two Avoyelles Parish foreclosures currently for sale with Bayou Properties Realty.
181 Don Drive, Cottonport, Louisiana
This two bedroom home is currently listed for 24,900 dollars. The property features large rooms and a spacious yard. Would make a great rental or potential flip property.
527 Lake Pearl Road, Hessmer, Louisiana
A diamond in the rough! a three bedroom, brick home for only 44,900 dollars? The opportunities for this property are … (0 comments)
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doug rogers bayou properties realty: My Sellers Fell In Love With Their Own House
- 12/19/11 08:25 AM
A hearty handshake, hugs, and plenty of laughter. This meeting had all the ingredients of a closing except for one thing, a check for old Doug!
When I listed this property the sellers were highly motivated to sell. As a result, they were quick to make many of the updates and take care of some deferred maintenance items.
We ripped wallpaper, installed new floors, and cut the clutter factor by a million. And that rusty old ac condenser from the Reagan era? Replaced with a super slick and efficient Ruud unit.
You can guess where this is going. After a … (2 comments)
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doug rogers bayou properties realty: Home For Sale In The Alexandria Garden District
- 12/16/11 07:43 AM
Home for sale in the Alexandria Garden District-
Buyers seeking historic charm and period detail flock to the Alexandria Garden District. Many of these 100+ year old homes have been lovingly restored to their original charm. 1739 Thornton Court is a fine example of old world craftsmanship and modern amenities.
The spacious living room features updated fixtures, fresh paint, and an inviting fireplace. Imagine the conversations that have taken place around this cozy fireplace in the last 100 years?
Hardwood flooring has been painstakingly restored throughout the home. With proper care such flooring will only … (3 comments)
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doug rogers bayou properties realty: When The "Golden Buyer" Requests His Third Contract Extension
- 12/15/11 03:21 AM
Beware the Greeks bearing gifts, or in our business agents bringing "golden buyers" to your listings. After some back and forth, one of my listings went under contract in September. Sailing through inspections, all that was left was to collect a commission check in time for Halloween. Or so I thought...
In addition to qualifying for a home loan, apparently said golden buyer won the approval of a large Visa card. What's a new house without quality furniture? Or new tires for your car? Or a trip to Mexico? Before it was all done, Golden buyer had ran … (60 comments)
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doug rogers bayou properties realty: Would You Recommend Real Estate As A Career?
- 12/12/11 08:52 AM
As an artifact from my prior work life, I teach one section of public speaking at our local college. Since communication is central to what we do, many of my lecture examples come from real estate world. With names changed to protect the innocent of course!
Occasionally a student or two will ask about a career in real estate sales. After explaining what a typical day is like, most scatter like scared deer. Every now and then though a student will show genuine interest and a nice conversation will transpire.
With the advantage of hindsight, if you were young and … (11 comments)
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doug rogers bayou properties realty: Why Hasn't The Bank Responded To My Short Sale Offer?
- 11/30/11 07:49 AM
The thrill of writing an offer soon gives way to the frustration of waiting on a response. What's taking that seller so long? Doesn't the bank want to "get rid" of that house?
Short sales (transactions in which the market value of the home is less than the mortgage owed) are common in most real estate markets these days. Combine this with an already paperwork intensive buying process and it becomes clear why the process often gets protracted.
So, why does it take so long to complete a short sale? Let's examine some factors that can slow the decision process.
… (4 comments)
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doug rogers bayou properties realty: The Death Of An Educator
- 11/29/11 09:13 AM
The church was crowded thirty minutes prior to the start of the funeral. All around me were familiar faces, including many of my former students. We had gathered together to celebrate the life and accomplishments of one Richard Gwartney.
Richard had spend the bulk of his life in or around the theatre. After graduate school at the University of Oklahoma and LSU, Richard dedicated 13 years of his life to LSUA. He build a theatre program from scratch to one that often took home regional and even a few national awards.
It was at LSUA in the Fall of 2001 … (3 comments)
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doug rogers bayou properties realty: I Need to Make Enough Off The House To Pay Off My Boat
- 11/28/11 06:31 AM
The following is a true story. Certain facts were modified to protect the innocent...
The listing appointment seem to be going smoothly. After a nice tour of the property, the conversation turned to pricing. Homes in our market are selling, but pricing is very important. Over price just a little bit, and the buyers will be more scarce than good ideas in Washington DC.
With market data in hand, I suggested what I thought was fair value. Without pausing for breath, the seller blurted out," I need to get enough to pay off my boat". And with speed that would … (3 comments)
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doug rogers bayou properties realty: Your Fingers Start To Cramp Up After the 400th Blog Post
- 11/23/11 08:34 AM
This is my 401st blog post here on ActiveRain. After roughly two years of consistent blogging a few things have become more clearly defined...
1) My writing style has changed-- Coming from an academic career, when writing we don't normally warm up until page 20. Online that first paragraph better be sharp or the readers are gone.
2) You are only as good as your last post-- Nothing puts a pep in your step like a featured post with 115 comments. Until the next post you write that receives zero comments...
3) There is always something to write about-- Can't … (7 comments)
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doug rogers bayou properties realty: Should I Sell My Current Home Before Purchasing My Next Home?
- 11/23/11 04:16 AM
Should I Sell My Current Home Before Purchasing My Next Home--
Everyone Loves their first home. The joy of leaving apartment living, the thrill of your first real job, perhaps even a new relationship all manifest themselves into that first home. Regardless of how many homes you buy over a lifetime, that first home will be near and dear to your heart.
Then the babies start coming...Suddenly that hip two bedroom patio home starts feeling like the low rent cabins on a cruise ship. Either you need a new home or the babies need to learn how to sleep … (2 comments)
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doug rogers bayou properties realty: Does Your Seller Have Concession Amnesia?
- 11/22/11 09:48 AM
In this market pricing correctly is critical to a successful sell. In a flat real estate market sellers often fear accepting an offer that is less than the actual value of the home. After all, who wants to give their house away? (if only I had a nickle for each time I heard that line)...
When the offer does arrive sellers are often shocked that the buyers would have the gall to ask for things such as update allowances or closing costs. But before casting the first stone, let's take a look at the MLS history...
Not only does our … (2 comments)
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