agent: Do you have to submit all offers? - 06/05/07 12:17 PM
Recently I was talking with a few of my co-workers about making offers on properties. One of them, RB, spoke up and said that he made an offer on a property for his buyer client. The offer was considerably less than asking price.
The property is a nice home listed at over $300,000. The listing agent was very upset with RB, highly emotional, and said that the offer was an embarrassment to both her and her sellers. RB told her that this was not a personal matter, but rather a business decision made by his buyer client.
As their conversation progressed, the listing agent … (20 comments)

agent: The costs of being a Realtor - 05/19/07 02:21 AM
Being in the real estate business is an awesome thing. There is a lot to be said for being able to work your own schedule. True, this is hardly ever the case in our business, but we do a flexibility that most people don't have.
I used to believe that real estate agents had it made. Driving fancy cars, going into the office once in a while, and doing nothing for a whole lot of money. After-all, I bet if you asked the general public their opinion of real estate agents, they would probably have something very similar to say.
Hopefully this will … (2 comments)

agent: Never before worked with a Realtor? This will help..... - 05/09/07 01:56 PM
If you are a potential buyer of a property and have never before worked with a Realtor, there are a few "fun" things that you will want to know.
Time and time again I find that the general public has not been educated about buying real estate property. The majority begin the process with blinders on and largely because Realtors are not getting the necessary information to them. I am going to share a few things with you, the consumer, that will hopefully give you a little peace of mind and make the buying experience more appealing to you.
What buyers should know before searching … (8 comments)

agent: www.keithpate.com - feedback request - 05/01/07 04:32 AM
I am a real estate agent working in the Raleigh, NC area and recently had a website created for me. I am interested in receiving honest feedback about the site (is it eye catching, too much info, not enough info, etc.). To me the site looked very nice but sometimes it helps to get feedback from others. I'm not posting this blog to gain business (however I certainly would not turn it down) but rather to hear what trusted folks at Active Rain have to say.
Thank you in advance for your willingness to help!
… (1 comments)

agent: About Raleigh, North Carolina - great market, great location! - 04/25/07 08:31 AM
Raleigh is located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. Our area lies between the shores of the Atlantic and the Appalachian and Smoky Mountains. Only a few hours east and you can be at some of the most inviting beaches on the entire east coast. Heading west for a three or four hour trip will land you in the heart of the most breathtaking mountain peaks. By the way, I got engaged in those mountains in October 2006, at an amazing waterfall location.
The capital city of Raleigh is home to six colleges and universities (Meredith College, North Carolina State University, Peace College, St. Augustine's College, Shaw University, and Wake Technical Community College). Just a … (0 comments)

agent: Living in Raleigh, North Carolina - Part I - 04/25/07 06:51 AM
Raleigh Overview
Raleigh offers something for everyone. A premier community in which to live, work and play, you'll find a thriving business community, active arts and culture population, excellent healthcare, and outstanding educational and career opportunities. It's not only a prime place to do business, it's a place everyone is content to call home.
Located centrally within North Carolina, Raleigh has been named the #1 Place to Live and Work in America by such publications as Employment Review, Forbes, FORTUNE, and Money. But don't take our word for it. Take a look at what other executives think of Raleigh and look at the facts:
Business … (0 comments)

agent: Buying a New Home? You NEED a Realtor! - 04/24/07 11:37 AM
I have met too many people who bought new homes without the assistance of a buyer's agent Realtor.  First, in case you do not know, it does not cost you one extra cent to use a Buyer's agent - the seller pays the commission.  You need a Realtor who is looking out for YOUR best interest - not one who is looking out for the interests of the builder and you.  I have met too many people who bought a new home and are now stuck with it (unable to resell), because they paid more than the house was actually worth...or … (0 comments)

agent: Please take pictures of your listings! - 04/24/07 07:23 AM
Today a potential buyer client called me and wanted to know the size of a bonus room for a particular property. I immediately contacted the listing agent and asked for the information. She was very nice and polite and said that she did not have the information in front of her at the moment but would call me back shortly. In the meantime, I had looked for the listing in MLS. Once I found the listing I noticed there were no pictures of the property. Soon she called me back and gave me the size of the bonus room. I asked … (9 comments)

agent: GETTING MARRIED!!! - 04/23/07 08:29 AM
I realize that this is not pertinent to anything.......but I just wanted to say it anyway. I'm getting married on 5/26/07. Me and my fiance' are very excited and can't wait to begin life as a family. Not sure where we are going for our honeymoon, we can't afford to go too far. Maybe someday we will go to Aruba to make up for lost time!!
We both have truly been blessed! Thanks for letting me share this.....
… (6 comments)

agent: Property Management & Real Estate - Lesson Learned - 04/20/07 10:46 AM
Once upon a time I was a Property Manager/Business Owner for a combined real estate sales and property management company. We managed between 50-75 properties. One day I had a nice lady come into my office (we'll call her Ms. Smith) and wanted to rent one of our properties, one of our best properties. This home was a brand new construction two-story home in a new subdivision. She wanted to rent the property with a friend of hers (we will call her Ms. Jones) and move in as soon as possible. Ms. Smith's credit was not good at all but her friends was very … (2 comments)