realtor: New Years 2011
- 01/02/11 03:08 PM
New Years 2011. New Years is a time of reflection. Whether we plan to or not we seem to take time to review things just before starting the next year. Sometimes we see good things and sometimes . . . Let's just say that the years that fly by are the ones we remember fondly and the ones that seem to drag on have some "baggage". Okay so enough of that. I hope that you had a great 2010 that flew by with many memories that are propelling you into 2011! With new goals, wishes, and "honey-do's" I am looking forward … (0 comments)
realtor: Working With Real Estate Agents Part 3
- 10/03/10 04:17 PM
Working With Real Estate Agents Part 3. Part 2 discusses how real estate agents work to keep confidential information CONFIDENTIAL and why choosing an agent is important. Part 1 brought up some background information. Now we will begin to discuss agency and the legalities behind how real estate agents work for you. Agents and Agency. In real estate transactions the definition of agency is a special contractual relationship between a buyer / seller and a real estate firm. The buyer / seller gives permission and instructions to the firm to work on their behalf. The instructions define and limit the work … (2 comments)
realtor: Working With Real Estate Agents Part 2
- 10/01/10 02:55 PM
Working With Real Estate Agents Part 2. In Part 1 I introduced this series and gave you some background blogs to check out. What I want to accomplish is giving you a better understanding of the different responsibilities that a real estate agent has depending on whether they represent the buyer or seller. This information should be useful whether you plan to be a For Sale By Owner (FSBO), investor buying properties without an agent, or the more traditional consumer having an agent represent their interests. The Birds and the Bees. In North Carolina a real estate agent is required BY … (3 comments)
realtor: Working With Real Estate Agents Part 1
- 09/30/10 04:20 PM
Working With Real Estate Agents Part 1. I have been writing several posts lately to describe the process the people go through when buying or selling a home. My purpose has been to educate you about the ins and outs. I also would like to dispel some rumors and myths that have grown up around real estate agents. What does a REALTOR® do? Have you really ever wondered what a real estate agent is supposed to do? There are a lot of misconceptions. Working With Real Estate Agents will begin the education process to let you know who works for who. … (0 comments)
realtor: Why should I be your Real Estate Agent
- 09/29/10 03:18 PM
Why should I be your Real Estate Agent? That is really the question that is on your mind right now. You have plenty of real estate agents to choose from. What makes a good agent? There are as many opinions about that as there are people. Some say experience or number of transactions. Some the brand recognition or how big their office is. Or maybe it is the type of car they drive or country club they belong to. The secret. I think the secret is you have to choose the real estate agent that YOU feel is the best fit … (6 comments)
realtor: Southern Hospitality is a Way of Life
- 09/28/10 04:22 PM
Southern Hospitality is a Way of Life. In the south we pride ourselves on our hospitality. We are taught at a very young age to treat people the way we want to be treated and be respectful of others feelings. The essence of Southern Hospitality is etiquette, entertainment, and service. Etiquette. Etiquette is important to showing respect and treating people as equals. It is a sign of your upbringing to have good manners and etiquette. This is not reserved just of social settings but for everyday interaction with people. We say "sir" and "ma'am", hold the door open for you, and … (0 comments)
realtor: Real Estate Homeowner's Tips: Historic Homes Are Sustainable Homes Part 5
- 09/27/10 04:43 PM
Real Estate Homeowner's Tips: Historic Homes Are Sustainable Homes Part 5. In Part 1 of this series there was a video which showed behind the scenes of an energy audit. Part 2 dealt with roofs and attics. Part 3 dealt with walls and windows. Part 4 was all about crawlspaces and floor joists. In the final installment I will go over the energy use around us and how this ties into sustainability. The light bulb comes on. Just changing out your light bulbs could make a difference. Incandescent bulbs provide a warm light but use a lot of energy and create … (2 comments)
realtor: Real Estate Homeowner's Tips: Historic Homes Are Sustainable Homes Part 4
- 09/26/10 05:05 PM
Real Estate Homeowner's Tips: Historic Homes Are Sustainable Homes Part 4. In Part 1 of this series there was a video which showed behind the scenes of an energy audit. Part 2 dealt with roofs and attics. Part 3 dealt with walls and windows. Now we will talk about crawlspaces and floor joists. Vents open or closed. Crawlspace vents allow air to flow under the house to reduce moisture. To improve the air flow landscaping and hedges should be trimmed back or removed. Vents should be open in the summer and closed in the winter. If you can not remember or … (0 comments)
realtor: Real Estate Homeowner's Tips: Historic Homes Are Sustainable Homes Part 3
- 09/25/10 03:07 PM
Real Estate Homeowner's Tips: Historic Homes Are Sustainable Homes Part 3. In Part 1 of this series there was a video which showed behind the scenes of an energy audit. Part 2 dealt with roofs and attics. Now we will discuss walls and windows. Close the envelope. Your walls are chock full of holes and openings that need to be closed off to keep your heated and cooled air where you want it. All holes that are cut into the wall must be sealed either with a vapor barrier, spray foam, caulk, or other sealants. When trimming out windows caulk can … (2 comments)
realtor: Real Estate Homeowner's Tips: Historic Homes Are Sustainable Homes Part 2
- 09/24/10 05:35 PM
Real Estate Homeowner's Tips: Historic Homes Are Sustainable Homes Part 2. In Part 1 of this series there was a video which showed behind the scenes of an energy audit. Now that we have seen some of the issues that cause big energy losses we will start working on improvements that will help reduce your energy bills. Many of these tips will be common sense. But the common sense, simple fixes will give you the biggest return. The projects could be do it yourself. If you do not feel qualified you can find a trusted contractor. Start at the top. Make … (2 comments)
realtor: Real Estate Homeowner's Tips: Historic Homes Are Sustainable Homes Part 1
- 09/23/10 04:47 PM
Real Estate Homeowner's Tips: Historic Homes Are Sustainable Homes Part 1. I am a commissioner on the Sanford, North Carolina Historic Preservation Commission. Part of my duties and pleasures of being on this commission is attending seminars on the care and maintenance of historic buildings. This year I attended the Preservation North Carolina Annual Conference in Durham, North Carolina on September 23-25, 2010. One of the sessions that I attended was on Energy Efficient Historic Homes. There was a ton of great information given in this class. I wanted to start by sharing a video that is part of the information … (0 comments)
realtor: Real Estate Myth #3: Real Estate Agents Can Only Sell THEIR Company's Listings
- 09/22/10 04:56 PM
Real Estate Myth #3: Real Estate Agents Can Only Sell THEIR Company's Listings. I am not really sure where this myth originated. I wonder if it is from the days of MLS Books and it was more convenient for agents to show their own listings. Maybe it is related to Real Estate Myth #2: Realtors Are LIARS and CROOKS. It could just be a perception of "steering" clients to listings that would net a larger commission. Say it ain't so. . . No matter where this myth came from it is NOT true. North Carolina real estate agents are licensed to … (2 comments)
realtor: 30 Blogs in 30 Days - It Is Day 21 and I Am Still At It
- 09/21/10 03:55 PM
30 Blogs in 30 Days - It Is Day 21 and I Am Still At It! Well I am doing something that I thought was impossible. I drug my feet for 8 months without being able to consistency blog. Now I have been at it for 21 days straight. I think I have the blog-bug. This challenge has instilled the blogging habit into my work habits. I have begun to think about blogging through out the day. I take notes, get inspired by the comments that are left, and read more posts to learn and grow. 30 Blogs in 30 Days … (6 comments)
realtor: Real Estate Business Tips: A People Business
- 09/20/10 04:28 PM
Real Estate Business Tips: A People Business. Real estate is a LIVE person to person business. You are dealing with people at the highest and lowest points of their lives. Some people are moving on to a dream job. Some are losing their home due to job loss. Some people are purchasing a vacation home. Some are selling the family home after the death of a loved one. Some people are moving closer to family. Some are moving away. Each transaction is different. Just like every home is different and every person is different. There are no text book transactions. Everyone's … (8 comments)
realtor: Real Estate Business Tips: Halloween / Fall Festival Treats
- 09/19/10 04:11 PM
Real Estate Business Tips: Halloween / Fall Festival Treats. I always like to hear about advertising tips that are economical and easy to put into use. There are plenty of things that can be bought preprinted and preassembled. Sometimes you may not have time to wait for a shipment, need something that is more personalized to the event, or just want something more economical. What and Where: I used this treat recently for the Lee County Fair in Sanford North Carolina. We had the RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon at the fair site to give tethered balloon rides. I wanted something to … (2 comments)
realtor: Home Buying Tip: The Heart of a Teacher
- 09/18/10 04:20 PM
Home Buying Tip: The Heart of a Teacher. When you are looking for a real estate agent one question you should ask is are they a teacher. Can they learn about your wants and desires so they can better educate you in the search? Can they explain all of the options to you? Can they answer your questions? Can they answer in words that you understand? Patience is a virtue. Patience is a necessity during real estate transactions. There are over 180 steps in each real estate transaction. That means there are plenty of steps that need to be explained anf … (3 comments)
realtor: How Are You Going To Improve YOUR Business
- 09/17/10 04:43 PM
How Are You Going To Improve YOUR Business? Do you have a model that you follow? Do you have goals and milestones set to gauge your success? Does your broker in charge review your business plan with you? Does your Team Leader monitor your progress? Do you use a coach? When do you review this information? What are you going to do with it if you review it? Do you know how to improve your business? Several blogs have been written in the past week or two about planning for 2011. In the same time frame, many webinars have been offered … (3 comments)
realtor: Home Selling Tip: Remodeling Advice
- 09/16/10 04:39 PM
Home Selling Tip: Remodeling Advice. If you are planning a large remodeling project get a real estate agent's advice. Sometimes you want to make improvements for the resale of your home. Sometimes it is just something special for you. Do you know how these projects will effect the value of your home? You've got a friend in the business. Real estate agents see a lot of different homes. We get to see how people react to different styles and design choices. You learn about home designs and trends. We even research how different elements affect the purchase price and speed of … (2 comments)
realtor: Home Selling Tip: Overpriced Listing. Don't Do It!
- 09/15/10 03:53 PM
Home Selling Tip: Overpriced Listing. Don't Do It! I have a question to throw out to you. If your home has been on the market for 16 months (that's 480 days on market) would you worry? If the price had started at $150,000 and it was $135,000 when you took it off the market would you think something was weird? Would you decide that now is the time to put your home on the market as a FSBO? What if you contacted a real estate agent that is familiar with the area? What if that agent told you that after doing … (9 comments)
realtor: Home Buying Tip: How to Make an Offer on a Home
- 09/14/10 04:19 PM
Home Buying Tip: How to Make an Offer on a Home. Congratulations, you found your dream home! You have narrowed it down and made the decision that this is the home you want to make an offer on. Sounds easy doesn't? OK so what are you going to offer? How much do you offer for your dream home? This is a great question. I want to start off by giving you examples of how some buyers begin this process and the questions / statements they make. See if anything sounds familiar. I will just offer the full list price. The seller … (4 comments)
New Years 2011. New Years is a time of reflection. Whether we plan to or not we seem to take time to review things just before starting the next year. Sometimes we see good things and sometimes . . . Let's just say that the years that fly by are the ones we remember fondly and the ones that seem to drag on have some "baggage". Okay so enough of that.;)
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