remax: Why Would a Seller Do a PRE-inspection on Their Own House?
- 02/20/14 11:35 PM
Most people know the process of buying a home involves a home inspection prior to closing. Typically in Missouri and Kansas this is done AFTER we have a deal that both buyer and seller have agreed upon and it's typically done at the Buyer's expense. I tell my clients that we have TWO rounds of negotiation: 1) the purchase price and contingencies like closing costs, warranties etc; 2) Inspection negotiation *** SO LET'S FLIP THIS IDEA *** What if a SELLER did inspections on their own home PRIOR to even listing the house! "But Jay, that is going to cost me a … (16 comments)
remax: Banks Won't Take Your Digital Signature? Here's how to do it anyway
- 03/13/13 07:18 AM
I have had quite few comments on the post I wrote comparing Dotloop, Docusign and Cartavi (check it out here). This week I looked into another software solution from recent startup company Benutech called ReboCollab. Brian Fox gave me a call after reading my blog and invited me on a tour of this cool platform. (It's not available in Missouri right now, but many markets are supporting this with more being added as we speak).
BIG PICTURE Brian and his team are tackling a few of the major issues in the Paperless and Online transaction world for Realtors. This product will … (1 comments)
remax: When a Realtor gets snow in Kansas City, make snow sculptures!
- 02/27/13 01:03 AM
Sometimes snow is a welcome break for a busy Realtor in Kansas City. Mother Nature dropped 13" of snow on us last Thursday, then just as we were digging out, she dropped another 9" on us yesterday! Overnight we got another 2" so needless to say: WE AREN'T SHOWING HOUSES TODAY!! So, the kids are home and my arsty side is itching so we headed outside for an ELEPHA-good time (ha ha... that's snow sculpting humor). I hope these bring a smile to your face if you are digging out of snow like we are, or even if you're working in … (0 comments)
remax: Going Totally Paperless! Here's how our office is doing it
- 06/25/12 04:12 AM
So here is the BIG question: "What are we going to use those offices for which are currently packed with ugly metal file cabinets, IRS boxes, receipts and other files??" Paperless is here and it's not as hard as people make it out to be. Personally, I've been using tools like Docusign, Dropbox, Google Docs, the iPad and others for almost two years, but now our AWESOME broker, Stephen Smith with RE/MAX Revolution, is leading the troops to a paperless office place. HOW?I'm fortunate to be one of the beta-testing agents in the office now as we transition over to Paperless … (4 comments)
remax: Momentous Memorial Memories. (Special Thank You!)
- 05/26/12 11:13 PM
In the category of "Stuff Bigger Than Real Estate" comes this weekend's celebration of the veterans and their awesome sacrifices for our country. (Awesome is often overused, but I think that it's perfect for this, considering what these brave soldiers have gone through for fellow Americans that they have never met). I am proud of my Uncle who served the Army as Lieutenant Colonel and has told me many stories that amaze me (watching an enemy soldier gunned down before he is able to deliver a backpack full of explosives to his platoon...he saw this as he walked to the showers). … (2 comments)
remax: "Mr. Seller, You Have a Big Butt."
- 01/16/12 05:10 AM
I was at a listing appointment the other day and Mrs. Seller tells me that I will be the 3rd agent to "try to sell their house." In this seller's mind (and MANY other sellers out there) it's the poor agent's fault that their house isn't selling. I feel bad for these past two agents, since this home was initially priced $25,000 OVER market value. (the good news is that they have dropped the price $10K with each new agent, so my odds are good that they will be at market value FINALLY after over 6 months on the market).
CAMP A: "LEAVE THEM ALONE!"This group often says "let them do their job." Appraisers have their OWN comps, often more in-depth than agents can pull because they have access to the FSBO homes. All you crazy Realtors try to "sell the house" to the appraiser, which just gets on their nerves. Get out of their way and let them do their assessment.
CAMP B: "YOU MUST MEET THEM!"This group feels it … (2 comments)
remax: 2012: Resolve to NOT Make a Resolution Because...
- 01/02/12 03:43 AM
Well, hello there Mr. New Year! We have been waiting for you for some time now, ready to usher us into a bright new future! But here's the thing: I'm pretty tired of RESOLVING to do stuff for you. Resolving just isn't cutting it for me anymore. Doesn't that just sound too WIMPY to you? I RESOLVE to take the trash out (when I'm done watching the game and if I happen to remember to do it) but where is the COMMITMENT in that?? How about this Mr. New Year: I'm making a couple of "DO-OR-DIE, LIFE-DEPENDS-ON-IT, NON-NEGOTIABLE PROMISES" for 2012. … (2 comments)
remax: Live off-base in Leavenworth! AWESOME 3-bed house for sale on cul-de-sac!
- 12/29/11 03:30 AM
Ready for a change from living on-post? Want to see if you qualify to OWN for zero down? Listen to some info about this home on this FREE 24hr RECORDED MESSAGE: 888-820-7104 x29 Here are some more details: Move-in ready w/ fridge, dishwasher, & trash compactor. Many upgrades (remodeled 2 bathrooms, painting, newer A/C). Spacious downstairs den w/ cozy fireplace. Central humidifier system keeps you comfortable in the winter,and in the summer, grill on the deck overlooking spacious, fenced-in, shaded yard. Family-friendly cul-de-sac! Motivated seller! Want to watch a walk-through video? Check it out!
… (2 comments)
remax: 11/11/11 The Race is OVER Today....
- 11/11/11 01:53 AM
I can't believe I wrote a blog back on 1/11/11 setting up the goals for the "race of one" nearly 10 months ago. (Check it out HERE before you read on, and this will make so much more sense!) I challenged myself (and hopefully YOUR one-self) to run a 10-month race competing with all of the other "yous" that are constantly competing to win. So how did "the race" turn out? Let me take a candid look back and see what place I will take on the podium: Mr. Afraid-of-Cold-CallingThis guy has lots of tricks to keep ahead of me, but … (3 comments)
remax: School is in for the kids, but why not for us too?
- 09/02/11 01:19 AM
As my little girls climbed on the bus to start another school year this week, I was thinking out MY need to keep my own education going. Question: What are you doing TODAY to be smarter than you were yesterday? I ran out and picked up Andy Stanley's book, "Visioneering" and Martin Lindstom's audio book, "Buy-ology" and will start download that info to may brain this weekend. (Both are off to great starts!) Further, it's time to check the continuing education classes offered by the board and see what I can add to my brain from their great offerings. I'm making … (5 comments)
remax: Is Direct Mail more powerful than Social Media?
- 09/01/11 03:06 AM
Tweet me. Friend me. Fan me. Yeah, I get that. I'm the first to hop on and try Google+ and check in on Foursquare. Social media is a game changer for sure. But have we forgotten about it's older (and kinda uglier) big sister: Direct Mail?? Yes, this is the epic battle: In this corner, the New Kid, young and nimble, loved by all, give it up for SOCIAL MEDIA! And his challenger, former champion and come-back kid, Mr I-Still-Am-Worthwhile DIRECT MAIL! Everyone is quick to praise how you can target exact people with your Facebook ads, but direct mail just … (7 comments)
remax: 3 Tips to Harness YouTube
- 05/25/11 03:15 AM
Video is the NOW (not the future). Have you noticed that once you see one set of photos, they all start blending together? Video will help that floorplan STAND OUT and allow you some flexibility to showcase the neighborhood. Here are 3 tips you can use TODAY to get YouTube working for you: 1) JUST DO IT! Let me share the most important thing about video in today's market. If we can comprehend this one rule, our videos will explode and we will have the freedom to produce! Here it is: Polished, professional, Hollywood videos are OUT! People respond … (12 comments)
remax: Real Estate is All About the Pancakes
- 04/17/11 08:58 AM
To celebrate our clients this morning, our broker had a great vision: Bring in the Bunny and flip some flapjacks! Starting about two weeks ago, the agents in our office invited current, past and prospetive clients to the office for a morning of free pancakes from the talented Chris Cakes (flying pancakes, anyone??) and a visit from E.B. himself: the Easter Bunny! What a hit! So many people came we had to set up more tables and chairs just to scramble to fit them all in! Mr. E.B. was great as kids marched, played and had a great time … (4 comments)
Author Bio: Jay O'Brien specializes in Real Estate in the Kansas City metro area, including the Northland of Kansas City : Liberty : Gladstone : North Kansas City : and Kansas City. Jay is licensed in both Missouri and Kansas and has helped clients in Overland Park, Leavenworth, Olathe, Smithville and many other areas in the metro. Jay uses technology in new and interesting ways to market listings, as well as helping buyers to find their perfect homes. Want to make Real Estate fun? Give Jay a call and see if he can EARN your business. 816-774-1357.
Most people know the process of buying a home involves a home inspection prior to closing. Typically in Missouri and Kansas this is done AFTER we have a deal that both buyer and seller have agreed upon and it's typically done at the Buyer's expense.
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