raleigh: I've Been Away for Awhile...But I'm Back!!
- 12/18/07 01:42 PM
Hi everyone! It has been awhile since I've posted a blog, but I've been busy! Busy doing what, you ask? Handwriting all100+ Holiday cards I'm mailing this year. I should've started in October, LOL, but you know how it is! Business and Life have a way of getting in the way. In this business (and in every business for that matter), people like to be touched in a personal way. And while I think that postcards and services that automatically send out cards have their place, I just didn't think it was the right way to reach out to my past clients, family, friends. (Yes, … (13 comments)
raleigh: A Closed Mouth Equals a Closed Business!
- 12/02/07 02:15 PM
I absolutely love quotes. And I am always reading them and looking for little bits of inspiration as I go through my day.When I am having a less than stellar day (we all have 'em occasionally, right?!), I draw from these quotes. I remember something that my mentor said to me once (which is applicable to any business): "A Closed Mouth Equals a Closed Business." This is oh so true! Shannon Lefevre, reminded me of this in her post: Do I Know You? No, But You Should! She started talking about her business to a stranger on the phone and could potentially have $2.5 million … (17 comments)
raleigh: Do You Follow Up with Clients After Closing? OR Drop Them Like a Hot Potato?
- 11/25/07 01:27 PM
I often hear complaints from clients and potential clients that they liked their former real estate agent but never heard from the agent after the transaction. I wonder why? Could it be that the agent is more focused on the next transaction - rather than building a long-term relationship with current clients? This doesn't make too much sense to me! After a closing, I always follow up with my clients either on moving day or the day afterwards to see if there is anything they need. (Chances are, they may have questions about something in the house once they've moved in.) I also follow up periodically to … (64 comments)
raleigh: We Owe So Much to Our Veterans!
- 11/09/07 05:00 AM
Of course, there continues to be so much controversy about the War , BUT no matter what your political feelings and beliefs, one thing is undeniable: WE OWE SO MUCH TO THOSE WHO CHOSE TO SERVE. I don't talk about it too often, but I often think about those individuals, including my own father, who chose to sign up for military service so those of us who either couldn't serve or didn't choose to serve, could still enjoy the life we so enjoy in this country. Veteran's Day is upon us - and I challenge you to do something nice for a Veteran. … (20 comments)
raleigh: Want to Make a Difference? Join Keller Williams North Raleigh (N.C.) in Supporting Local Non-Profit Organizations!
- 11/02/07 09:35 AM
Greetings! Keller Williams North Raleigh is having its first Red Charity Ball on November 17, 2007 at the Velvet Cloak Inn in Raleigh, NC. Our goal is to raise $30,000 for the following charitable organizations...And you can help! Please visit the Red Charity Ball Website to see how you can sponsor or attend this event. It promises to be a wonderful evening! Other plans that evening and can't attend? No problem! You can still help make a difference in our community. Contact me, and I'll let you know how! The Healing Place The Healing Place of Wake County is a non-profit rescue, recovery … (2 comments)
raleigh: 2707 Sterling Park Dr., Raleigh, NC 27603
- 10/13/07 12:59 PM
MLS#: 961347 What a Bargain! Minutes from Downtown Raleigh! Included: 1-year Home Warranty up to $500; Washer & Dryer; and Refrigerator! This well-maintained, one-owner gorgeous end-unit 3 Bedroom/3 Full Bath town home in Sterling Park is convenient to NC State University, I-40, Research Triangle Park (RTP), & Crossroads Plaza. This 1414 square foot beauty features neutral colors throughout, and is in move-in condition. Extremely private backyard, with 1st floor master and guest room access to private deck. Spacious Loft is great for entertaining, as a media room, or for lounging.
Two-story Living Room features ceiling fan, and cozy gas log fireplace with TV nook, which can … (6 comments)
raleigh: Should a REALTOR Have a 4-Year Degree in Real Estate?
- 10/09/07 10:15 AM
During a recent Buyer interview, the Buyer asked me if REALTORs are required to earn a 4-year degree in real estate. I told him "no" but then explained the training that real estate agents go through in North Carolina, and that a good agent is continuously taking classes, reading, etc., to increase his/her knowledge. The Buyer came to me by way of referral but before we met, he'd had a terrible experience with another agent. Allegedly, this agent was not professional and didn't return phone calls for days and days, amongst other things. He's told me that he can tell that I know what I'm … (112 comments)
raleigh: Home Inspection for New Construction? Of Course!!
- 09/23/07 08:17 AM
Written by:Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, BrokerKeller Williams RealtyPhone: 919.454.8864Email: darleen@darleenmc.com I continue to be amazed at the number of home buyers who purchase new construction and tell me they do NOT want a home inspection because it's a "new" property. When I dig deeper, I often find the belief is that since the property is new, it had all the necessary inspections completed by the Powers that Be (i.e. our local town officials). "So, why spend the extra money to have it inspected again? " they ask. HERE'S WHY... Recently, I had a conversation with someone who informed me that years ago, the builder installed incompatible air conditioning units. One … (10 comments)
raleigh: Flipping: 6 Things I'd Do Differently
- 09/16/07 02:58 PM
A few days ago, in my blog titled, "You Want to Flip a House? Educate Yourself!", I promised to share some of the headaches I had during my first flip, which I purchased in Cary, North Carolina through a Short Sale . I acquired the property for $123,000, and it appraised at $147,000 before any work had been started. I eventually sold it for $169,500 to first-time home buyers. While I did fine with the purchase, it took me a few bumps and bruises to complete the flip. Going through this process has enabled me to help my clients and friends avoid the … (27 comments)
raleigh: We Take Care of Our Clients, BUT...
- 09/15/07 04:12 PM
...How Well Do We Take Care of Ourselves and Our Loved Ones? I was listening to the radio the other day, and heard that the third Tuesday of September (Sept. 18th this year) has been designated at Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day, and it started me to thinking: As Realtors, we take good care of our clients, But...how well do we take care of ourselves? My clients can always expect me to go above and beyond for them (i.e. always ready, willing, and able to take care of almost any need they may have, including recently sitting in the Social … (15 comments)
raleigh: You Want to Flip A House? Educate Yourself First!
- 09/10/07 02:25 PM
If you're like me, you love those Flip It television shows. They're addictive, aren't they?? And, unless you've been living under a rock, you've seen the media coverage about the record number of foreclosures in the United States. These shows, coupled with the increased foreclosure rate in this country, have prompted many new investors to enter the market. In the Raleigh area, and in North Carolina in general, the foreclosure rates are almost certain to climb. Each week, I receive quite a few emails and phone calls from new investors, looking for hugely discounted deals. Flipping is a great way to … (6 comments)
raleigh: Raleigh, NC: Nice, Affordable Housing (Under $200,000 available!)
- 08/05/07 08:49 AM
Recently, I had the good fortune of meeting a general contractor who works for a non-profit organization called Builders of Hope in Raleigh, NC. This organization moves homes that ordinarily would be torn down to other locations where they can be designated as affordable housing. (In Raleigh and surrounding areas, housing prices average more than $220,000, according to stats published from the local Board of Realtors.) For those who have clients who think they may not be able to afford housing in the Triangle, you may wish to contact Builders of Hope. The Community is called Barrington Village and is located approximately … (0 comments)
raleigh: Hats Off to Parents Everywhere!
- 08/04/07 03:36 PM
How do parents do it--day in and day out? You MUST in a constant state of tiredness! Yesterday, my 10 year-old niece concluded a four week visit with me. (I went from having a childless home to having to keep her entertained, and of course, fed.) I had absolutely no idea I could be so tired, which is why I slept nearly 12 hours last night. She and I had a wonderful time together, and I wanted to share with you some of the cool things we/she did. We really appreciate all the people who run the day camps. The children, no doubt, … (4 comments)
Hi everyone! 
;)
;)
