My Fresh Approach...

Internet Lead Advice?

CJ Floyd (H2 Properties ) — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 23:46:17 -0700

I'm considering different lead options; heard some pros, a lot of cons about Zillow. My office already uses Trulia, with little to no results. Any of you have success stories with other sites (that also don't break the bank)?

Flat? Eggshell? High Gloss?

CJ Floyd (H2 Properties ) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 10:37:26 -0800

...most likely not high gloss. Homeowners: please PLEASE reserve that for baseboards and molding only! We've all been in the foreclosures with a shiny turquoise bedroom showcasing every nail hole and crack in the walls. Or the young clients' home that is 'showing off' its candy apple red kitchen highlighting the same blemishes. Yes, many many people are still clinging to red kitchens and burgandy dining rooms from a decade ago or longer- that's another blog... Some people just don't realize the difference between paint finishes. Let's consider that a part of our job when making a listing as presentable and perfect as possible. Flats, eggshells, maybe satins should be reserved for the cozy areas like living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Warm lighting will look much better on these finishes creating a much less harsh appearance. Gloss and high gloss should be for smaller more closed quarters and wet areas like bathrooms, laundry/mud rooms, and sometimes kitchens depending on color and lighting. They're easily cleaned by simply wiping; something you can't do with flat. Just another small tip to keep our listings at the forefront of buyers' minds!

H2 Properties in Lincolnton, NC's Festival of Trees!

CJ Floyd (H2 Properties ) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:39:31 -0800

Here's a glimpse of our little corner at Lincolnton's First Annual Festival of Trees in North Carolina. Titled: "The Key to Christmas" We incorporated a key theme paired with our company colors of orange, blue, black, and white. Needless to say it took three trees before we were happy with it! Those colors just looked horrible on a traditional green tree. The event was held by Lincoln Arts Council and was even used to film the intro to a special Christmas episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition filmed right in Lincolnton last week! (another blog post about that to come!)

Off Subject, But With The Season!

CJ Floyd (H2 Properties ) — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 05:19:47 -0700

Here's a glimpse of what I recently enjoyed for my daughter's 2nd bithday and to ring in the Fall season! For those familiar with the Mooresville/Lake Norman area near Charlotte, NC, this is Carrigan Farms. Enjoy a hayride, apple cider, adorable farm animals and the pumpkins of your choice! Visit their website here: www.carriganfarms.com f

A Cure For Being Lost? GPS!

CJ Floyd (H2 Properties ) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:38:01 -0700

Ok, I don't like to rant, but was just really agitated by another broker in my area recently. Side note pertaining to the following complaints: It's a huge pet peeve of mine when brokers do not provide detailed driving directions to listings. Therefore, MY listings are always accurate down to the spelling. Said agent showed a listing of mine last week. She was 'driving up and down the main road looking for her next road', in turn, 'wasting $30 worth of gas' before she found it. Really? What do you drive? RV? Transfer truck? Admittedly, this could be a difficult property to locate; all the more reason for my directions to be concise, clear, detailed, self-explanatory, and accompanied by directional signs (there's a big orange and blue 'FOR SALE' sign and brochure box you can't miss). All of those conditions are met, AND it shows up on online mapping services. I get feedback today stating that my directions are bad and she wasted a lot of time with her buyers on a listing they don't like. I'd just like to add that this listing has had nearly 30- thirty- showings, and she was the first one to have any problem finding it whatsoever. She didn't like that. She said that many of the buyer's agents probably said they showed it but really did not because they couldn't find it. Really? We all have to work together in this industry, people. Stay professional. It makes for less stress for all parties, including your clients.

Annual, Traditional, Historical Apple Festival of Lincolnton, NC THIS Saturday!

CJ Floyd (H2 Properties ) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:30:50 -0700

It's that time of year. Again. Already. Where has 2011 went?! Anyway, the usual crowd of around 30,000 Apple Festival patrons will be out and about celebrating one of the most ubiquitous fruits in the world! Caramel apples, candy apples, fried apples, bobbin' for apples, apple attire, apple artwork, you name it. I'll be there bright and early to set up H2 Properties' very first booth in this festival! Up for grabs in a raffle is an iPad 2, gas cards, and more! For those local Rainmakers, stop by and pay a visit!

Who Else Got a HP TouchPad This Weekend?

CJ Floyd (H2 Properties ) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 14:41:38 -0700

I was one of the chosen ones. Upon receiving an email from an 'insane deals of the moment' website, we hurried to the nearest Walmart with ONE 32GB HP TouchPad in stock (I called 12 other Walmarts only considering it was midnight and no other electronic retailers would be open). If you are living under a rock and haven't heard, HP discontinued its webOS, TouchPads and/or Palm line of phones (I still haven't researched enough). Either way, amazing deal for something that was released a mere 8 weeks ago. The 16GB and 32GB tablets were priced at $399 and $499 respectively until HP did a fire sale on them beginning this past Friday I believe. Amazon.com held back on dropping the price like everyone else, so we waited and waited, until we were just able to order two more from a seller there. The prices were reduced to $99 and $149. Crazy! It will still certainly be a useful tool for business and pleasure. What types of apps have any of you utilized for the real estate business? Are they useful in listing presentations or buyer presentations? I'm used to the Android platform and still need to familiarize myself with webOS, but it shouldn't be too difficult.

"Honey, it ain't got a kitchen!"

CJ Floyd (H2 Properties ) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:27:51 -0700

So.. I have this listing... a stick-built 1985 basement home overlooking a pond, sitting on 5 acres. On the rear of the property is a 1970s single-wide trailer with a rear deck and above-ground pool. All one parcel. It's pretty clear USDA won't finance for this reason, not to mention the gravel road doesn't have a shared maintenance agreement. Anyone have input on what FHA or conventional may do? I've been told, depending on the underwriters, if the kitchen were removed from the trailer, it could be considered storage only. This wouldn't affect the loanability of the rest. Is this true? Similar situations, anyone? Most of the interested buyers prefer to have the trailer remain, in case you're wondering. We've thought about just hauling it off, but if we can save the sellers that expense, and get one of the two really interested buyers into the property the way it is - great!

Townhome Living Within Walking Distance to Lowe's Corporate in Mooresville, NC!

CJ Floyd (H2 Properties ) — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 12:03:15 -0700

116 Locomotive Lane, Unit 107
Mooresville, NC 28115
Convenient Living in Mooresville!

Home

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Property Map

Financing

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Contact Me

Clinton 'CJ' Floyd

Office:	704-240-4081
Mobile:	704-860-9592
Website:	Visit Website

Price	:	122,247
Bedrooms	:	2
Bathrooms	:	2.5
Square Foot	:	1,440
County	:	Iredell
Property Type	:	Condo or Townhouse
Year Built	:	2004
MLS Number	:	2023118

click for more information and pictures

Property Description

If convenience is important to you, this has it. Within walking distance to Lake Norman Medical Center Lowe's Corporate! Highly sought after I-77 corridor close to Lake Norman, Charlotte, Statesville, etc. Home has two suites upstairs, each with private bath. Reliable laminate flooring throughout. Custom archway from living to eat-in kitchen. Dont want to rent? Want an investment for when things are quoted as 'gaining fast equity again starting back in 2013' by Yahoo Real Estate? Make an offer!

Features List

Laminate Flooring	Pergo Flooring	Brick Front
Custom Archway	2 Bedrooms	2.5 Bathrooms
Lowe's Corporate	Lake Norman Medical	Maintenance Free Ext

Equal Housing Opportunity.

H2 Properties : 302 N. Aspen St. - Lincolnton NC 28092 : 704-240-4081

New Davidson, NC Listing... 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, non HOA, Large Lot!

CJ Floyd (H2 Properties ) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 06:12:35 -0700

10773 Kingsview Drive
Davidson, NC 28036
Four Bedroom Davidson Ranch with Lots to Offer

Home

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Financing

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Contact Me

Clinton 'CJ' Floyd

Office:	704-240-4081
Mobile:	704-860-9592
Website:	Visit Website

Price	:	184,927
Bedrooms	:	4
Bathrooms	:	2.5
Square Foot	:	2,071
Lot Size	:	30,492 sq.ft.
County	:	Cabarrus
Property Type	:	Detached
Year Built	:	2001

click for more information and pictures

Property Description

Enjoy living conveniently located to Huntersville, Charlotte, highly traveled major thoroughfares, pristine golf courses, shopping, and Lake Norman (without the Mecklenburg taxes)! Spacious four bedroom home with easy flowing split bedroom floor plan, courtyard garage, nearly 2100 square feet, upgrades including but not limited to: ceramic, wood floors, creative landscaping, 12x16 professionally built exterior storage building, water softening system, large refreshened rear deck and cathedral ceilings. Most of furniture can be included with full price offer! Welcome home!

Features List

Courtyard Garage	Ceramic Tile	Hardwoods
Detailed Landscaping	Convenient Location	Cul-de-sac Lot
Furniture Negotiable	12x16 Storage Bldg.	Large Deck
Fresh Carpet	Fresh Paint	Whirlpool Tub
No HOA!	.69 Acre Lot
4 Bedrooms	2.5 Baths	Kitchen Appliances
Cathedral Ceilings	9 Ft. Ceilings	Ample Storage

Equal Housing Opportunity.

H2 Properties : 302 N. Aspen St. - Lincolnton NC 28092 : 704-240-4081

Sacrifice & Success

CJ Floyd (H2 Properties ) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 18:30:35 -0700

For most people, success doesn't come with birth. Everyone knows you get from life what you put into it, but how do you weigh the strain of the 'put into it' part? Sacrifice can come in infinite forms. Time with family, time with friends, taking the hard job over the fun job, not having a pet, putting off children, eating Ramen noodles quite frequently, et cetera, et cetera. Real estate can arguably be one of the most stressful career paths. How can you make those that are important to you understand that hard work will pay off in the long run? How do you juggle which appointment is most important? least important? How do you rationalize working for free sometimes? It would be fascinating to read others' thoughts, opinions, and experiences on the matter.

Seller Wants it GONE in 30 Days! Help!

CJ Floyd (H2 Properties ) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 07:54:34 -0700

Unique property. Private location. Extremely motivated seller. We are well below appraised value, and have been for some time. This property will just take a certain buyer. When I say 'private', I mean 'secluded'. A deer hunter's paradise. A fisherman's oasis. I'm considering doing a creative 'quick' marketing strategy of reducing the price by $1,000 daily, and making that publicly known. Of course there will be an end-point to the reductions because the seller still does have a bottom line- they don't want to GIVE their former homeland away. The right type of price reduction paired with the right updates in the house (finishing basement with drywall, lighting fixtures, carpeting, paint, etc.) should get some serious activity from buyers, no? I have tracking installed on the listing's website's traffic- it's the most viewed of our in-house listings, so something is bringing people to it. If you're curious, view in detail at: www.h2properties2.isnowforsale.com Thoughts? Ever done a pricing strategy like the aforementioned?

Is there a such thing these days...

CJ Floyd (H2 Properties ) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:39:10 -0700

as a lender lending to contract/self-employed buyers? Everything seems great from the beginning. The loan officer for my buyer's bank (very ubiquitous one that everyone has heard of) gathered documents, reassured us of the durability of my buyer's finances, etc. Today, it started drizzling on our parade. I'm hoping that's it's only a mere drizzle that will soon cease. Long story short - as much as possible - My client's income is certainly not a problem for the price range he's in. His credit score is nearing 800. Lastly, he has a car payment. ONE car payment. He, however, works in the medical field signing quarterly contracts with different hospitals and will always have those opportunities. He is NOT a 1099 employee. He receives W-2s. He has done this for 6+ months, and was a full-time employee for five years prior doing what he does now, just not traveling. So this brings me again to my question. Are any of you with lending knowledge (perhaps I should know more) privy to a reputable bank loaning for these type buyers?

Knob & Tube Wiring: Cost to Replace?

CJ Floyd (H2 Properties ) — Tue, 24 May 2011 13:29:13 -0700

This will be the first home I've sold with knob and tube wiring where it's a problem for the buyer. I most definitely agree with my client in the fact that there is always a fire hazard due to the wires overheating. After our inspection today, the inspector went over the issue with me. Aside from an A/C unit not cooling properly, the attic is filled with the K&T wiring that's covered by insulation. It was never intended to be covered by anything, obviously, and parts are warm, others aren't. The attic is also extremely warm due to limited gable ventilation. The house is a 1920s bungalow, approx. 1300-1400 square feet. My question(s): Should we expect the seller to be reluctant in replacing at least the attic wiring due to a large repair cost? If the wiring in the walls (no insulation) are K&T, should those be addressed as well, or are they acceptable in current condition? I'm told from the listing agent that the sellers have 'cushioned' for repairs by a 'couple thousand dollars'. My buyer isn't convinced the wiring and A/C issue can be addressed under a 'couple thousand dollars'... Experience? Electricians' knowledge?

Which is better? Clients with similar taste as yourself, or a challenge?

CJ Floyd (H2 Properties ) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 11:44:37 -0700

I think we all as Realtors love that our jobs aren't the same every day. We don't clock in and out, have the same daily routines down to a science, or have a boss breathing down our backs. Certainly, the more you put into your career, the more rewarding it shall be I must include though. This brings me to my question. Would you prefer clients that share your interests in a home so that you relate to them better, i.e. floor plans, decor, locations, styles? or would you prefer the challenge of learning a client's way of life and specific by-the-book tastes? Or are you like me? I would prefer working with the contemporary, youthful youthful-minded buyers and sellers because I'm in my element and area of expertise, BUT will not hesitate working with the more difficult clients. Challenges are what make the business less static, more dynamic. Challenges make you grow. More conservative buyers and sellers should take the fresh approach more often! :)

Is This House Eligible For 100% USDA Financing? Check Here!

CJ Floyd (H2 Properties ) — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 06:59:09 -0700

Most of you seasoned brokers probably already have this link favorited, but for those that might not, or for you buyers out there still trying to get that 100% loan, check the official USDA Property Eligibility link here: http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do and click 'Single Family Housing' or 'Multi' for condos/townhomes.

Tell Me Your Google Advertising Success Story

CJ Floyd (H2 Properties ) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 17:18:08 -0700

I've been a fan of Google for years now (love 'em or hate 'em, they're dominating with their cutting-edge tecnhiques). I've signed up for nearly every product of their's recently: Voice, Adsense, AdWords, App Inventor, Places, Analytics, etc. etc. I embedded Google ads on my wife's blog over a year ago just for the fun of it because of the high traffic she generated with other 'Mommy Bloggers' (http://storiesfrommyute.blogspot.com), and figured I'd do the same with our humble company website (version 1.0 -LOL) at H2 Properties (www.h2propertiesnc.com). That, coupled with Adwords, has certainly created traffic and generated leads from visitors willfully entering their contact information for details on our properties, or listings in the area. If you don't know, placing Google ads (through your Adsense account) on your website or blog can generate revenue from visitor clicks. They won't amount to much at first, but after placing it on our company website, I'm nearing $10 to put back into our advertising account. Ha. With Google AdWords, YOU set up your own ads that YOU create to appear in search results from keywords that YOU choose and set up. You choose your budget you'd like to spend (per visitor click per day) to lead traffic to your little home on the web. It's definitely something to consider setting up if you're the slightest bit tech savvy, with hopes of future lead generation and unlimited click income potential as your brand grows larger! Do any of you use this? Any tips/tricks/suggestions/questions?

Where Did YOUR Interest in Real Estate Originate?

CJ Floyd (H2 Properties ) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:32:54 -0700

Children typically want to be doctors, firemen, policemen, zookeepers, veterinarians, etc. How many of them want to be a REALTOR? Slim to none, I'd assume, unless you ask an uber successful broker's child that question. I've always had a passion for architecture, be it the shapes and lines of automobiles, houses, buildings, urban design, etc., but mostly houses and buildings. I toyed with healthcare while in high school (anesthesia, pharmaceuticals, plastic surgery) then ultimately decided a more creative career in architecture would better suit my personality and creativity. So I took some drafting, math, and design classes. It proved to be less exciting than I expected and I admittedly gave up probably too early. However, selling real estate intrigued me. The thought of working my own schedule, not being stuck in routines, different clients, and of course the limitless income potential. Also being able to still enjoy at least viewing architecture! I didn't know in high school that it wasn't such a difficult dream to achieve: taking a class, passing the test, and then the state exam. It's debatable if this is still a way to weed out the good brokers from the bad, but I of course considered myself one of the good and still do. So here I am. It hasn't been the best career, or the worst, but I'm still young and keen in technology. Of course I entered the market a few years ago when everything turned for the worse, yet I've kept my license, kept educating myself, kept paying my dues and am working harder now than ever to be sure people know I sell real estate. I want it to be a long, fruitful career. Please share what led you to selling real estate! I'd love to hear the unique stories. I've always thought if you know a lot of people, get your real estate license. It certainly pays off. I don't know a lot of people, but am changing that!

Maintaining Rapport with Future Buyers

CJ Floyd (H2 Properties ) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 06:32:55 -0700

I received a lead this morning through the IDX feed on our company website, emailed her then continued that conversation via email until she happily called my office line. She is a very cheery, knows-what-she-wants buyer that's excited about moving to Charlotte, NC. She doesn't plan to move for another year or so, but wants periodic updates on the area including trends, growth, schools, foreclosures etc. I think many agents would write her off, only wanting that immediate buyer. Core basics, people! Maintain contact, build her trust, become a friend in the area and stay in front of her face with updates as much as she can handle them! Circumstances may change; the lead may end up ready to buy immediately if they find something they love... As we all know should know, you can't focus on your commission. Focus on your clients' needs. This will only bring you referrals, gratitude, and feelings of achievement and completion!

A Difficult One To Sell...

CJ Floyd (H2 Properties ) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:05:51 -0700

1445 Hilldale Lane
Iron Station, NC 28080
Private Country Basement Home with Mobile Home

Home

Photo Gallery

Virtual Tour

Property Map

Payment Info

Request Showing

Contact Me

Clinton 'CJ' Floyd

Office:	704-240-4081
Mobile:	704-860-9592
Website:	Visit Website

Price	:	$169,855
Bedrooms	:	5
Bathrooms	:	4
Square Foot	:	1,992
Lot Size	:	217,800
County	:	Lincoln
Property Type	:	Detached
Year Built	:	1985
MLS Number	:	980211

click for more information and pictures

Property Description

Very private secluded home on 5 acres overlooking pond. 2 masters with baths. Large walk-out basement with lots of finishing potential (could be 2nd living quarters!). Gorgeous custom formal living room adorned with stately drapes. Recently renovated kitchen, heating/AC unit less than 6mos old. Home pre-inspected by sellers! Home warranty. Mobile home with pool and deck included behind house.Massey Ferguson box blade tractor included!!

Features List

Walk-out basement	5 acres	Pond
New Heating/AC	Appliances	Wood Floors
Updated Kitchen	Carport/Workshop	Formal Living Room
Mobile home w/ pool	Pre-Inspected	USDA loan qualified
Box Blade Tractor!

Equal Housing Opportunity.

H2 Properties : 302 N. Aspen St. - Lincolnton NC 28092 : 704-240-4081

Getting Afoot in Property Management

CJ Floyd (H2 Properties ) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:26:05 -0700

So I've went as far as slinging 'Property Manager' on my buisness card, along with 'Broker' and 'REALTOR', with hopes of building a property management clientele. What's the best place to start getting any clients for this??? I like the idea of helping any and all clients with any and all of their situations. Those renters will likely buy someday, right?! Why not build a steady monthly income along the way?

eProperty Sites!

CJ Floyd (H2 Properties ) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:22:56 -0800

A colleague and I have recently set up accounts with ePropertysites.com, and finding it amazingly helpful. For those that haven't heard about it, check it out at www.epropertysites.com. It's such an in-depth tool for listing and buying clients alike. From generating traffic to your listings to marketing yourself in such hi-tech ways, there's no way to go wrong. Quick rundown: you can set up each listing with its own website (ex.: 123mainstreet.isnowforsale.com), it's own mobile site for smart phone users (who isn't these days?), and text messaging capabilities for instant access to property features for prospective buyers driving by your signs! For any of you that utilize this, please share your opinions and what unique ways it has helped your business grow. It has really motivated me due to the ease and user-friendly aspect of it all. Here's an example of the first listing I've marketed with it: www.h2properties2.isnowforsale.com I have yet to even finish everything I'm able to do with it! And by the way, I've even created a personal website through ePropertySites: www.floydcj.valuedagent.com Keep in mind this isn't complete so disregard the generic pre-filled information. :) Give them a visit if you have time!

Be on HGTV's My First Sale, Charlotte Edition!

CJ Floyd (H2 Properties ) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 11:59:22 -0800

I've made a connection with someone casting first-time sellers in the Charlotte, NC area! They are looking for an agent who has or will have clients selling their first home. If you're an agent with qualified clients, contact me! If you're a first-time home seller surfing around on ActiveRain, contact me as well! I could possibly get us on the show!

Listing a Multiple Home Property in NC

CJ Floyd (H2 Properties ) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 13:09:16 -0700

I wanted some input from brokers that might have listed a property similar to one I will be listing in the coming days... It's a semi-rural 5 acre property in NC (great if you're a NC broker but I'm sure laws and procedures are similar elsewhere). There is a stickbuilt home as well as a single-wide mobile home using a shared driveway. I've heard it isn't loanable with the mobile home... so there are options: • list as a whole and only sell to cash buyers (upwards of $200,000) • survey off each home on the property and of course disclose the shared driveway • haul off the mobile home (which is very nice for its age and has a large rear deck attached as well as a large above-ground pool) My concerns are expenses to make any of the above decisions and the fact that a unique buyer could use the mobile home as a rental. Anyone sold similar? Know regulations and lending procedures I don't? Any other options? Comments would be greatly appreciated if so!

Getting Back into the Groove...

CJ Floyd (H2 Properties ) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 08:15:04 -0700

I've been 'active' but pretty 'inactive' in the recent year when it comes to selling real estate. My last transaction was November 2009 (a great first-time buyer couple). My daughter was born October '09, and due to some financial strain after my wife being unemployed while pregnant, I wasn't too motivated. I guess you could say I'm a part-timer when I am active in real estate, as I am a third-shift supervisor at a full-time job- THAT I DESPISE. In recent weeks, I've found myself more and more motivated, yet don't know where to start! I'm considering many things, as I know I can be successful at this. Tapping into the Charlotte/Lake Norman market really well is my goal! Any advice, suggestions, hate-mail, or concerns are very welcome and much appreciated!