Helpful Information About Real Estate

Are you greatful?

Lisa Stevenson (United Country Westmark brokers LLC.) — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 05:16:21 -0700

Are you greatful for what you have? I often take my life for granted. I'm never satisfied. I am always looking for something more, something better. I think as Americans most of us do this. We have become accustomed to getting what we want. When we don't get it right away, we just try harder until we eventually get it. How many of you have felt this way? I have recently been feeling sorry for myself. It is so easy to wallow in self pity, until you realize just how good you have it. We should all be thankful for what we have because as Americans we have way more then most people. We don't have to worry about food, shelter, clothing, and general things like medicine. Instead we worry about what new car we are going to buy. It is important to be thankful for what you have because it is often more than most!

Events in Montrose!

Lisa Stevenson (United Country Westmark brokers LLC.) — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 06:13:38 -0700

Montrose County Events! I just wanted to let everyone know that the third annual Night Vision Concert will be coming up. Night Vision 2007: Where: Olathe Fair Grounds When: July 7 and 8, 2007 10 a.m.- 10 p.m. both days Admission: Free Who will be there: Newsboys, Tait, Barlow Girls, and many more Christian artists. This will be a fun weekend packed full of music, worship, games, and inspirational speakers. I look forward to seeing you there!

Home warranties Yes or No?

Lisa Stevenson (United Country Westmark brokers LLC.) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:57:31 -0700

I think it is very important to get a home protection plan. It not only assures the buyers that they will have some protection after the purchase of their new home, but it is also a perk. If you had the choice between two identical houses for the same price and one house had a protection plan and one did not, what house would you choose? In the slowing market we are all facing having a home warranty or home protection plan may be your best chance in getting the listing sold. I have sold every home I've ever had a protection plan on. No expireds for me! What are your thoughts on home warranties? I would love to hear your stories!

Montrose Colorado!

Lisa Stevenson (United Country Westmark brokers LLC.) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:46:22 -0700

About Montrose Colorado About MontroseMontrose is a wonderful place to live. The climate is very mild. We have all 4 seasons, but the weather is never extreme. Summer is gorgeous and never to hot to be outside. Because we are a dryer climate we do not have the humidity. Spring and Fall offer a wide range of activities and again very mild weather. In the winter it is generally warm enough to sit outside in just a sweatshirt, but the mountains and snow are just a short drive away. We are nestled in a little valley and we are about a 30-40 minute drive from anything you may want to do. Such as hike, swim in the hot springs, go shopping or even if you just out to enjoy the view. We have many parks and walking pathways that meander all through town. We have a gorgeous state park {The Black Canyon National Park} with some of the deepest canyons in the USA. It is a majestic sight and something I would suggest everyone sees at least once. We have two movie theaters, a drive in theater, several restaurants, a bowling alley, downtown shopping, and there is almost always an event, such as craft shows, fairs and festivals. Montrose is growing fast and we are acquiring the amenities of a very large town. We have a mall that is supposed to be finished by fall. And you can't forget the people. People around here are very welcoming and friendly. Overall Montrose is a wonderful place to live.

Do you have successful open houses?

Lisa Stevenson (United Country Westmark brokers LLC.) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:43:17 -0700

How to have a successful open house! The key to a successful open house is working it right. Too many realtors say, "Open houses don't work! They are a waste of time." Well my friends they are wrong! Open houses can be successful you just need to work it right. Let me tell you how. 1. Pick a day that you don't have to compete with other social functions. This allows you the opportunity to make your open house the social function people want to go to. 2. Prospect the area! I mean literally knock on doors. This is the most important part and should not be skipped even if you don't want to do it. If you find it to hard team up with someone and share the contacts you make. I generally get 5-7 leads from this prospecting. 3. When you prospect take a flyer telling the people about your open house. The flyer should have just enough information to wet their appetite, but not everything. I suggest not including the price. People will show up at the open house just to find out the price. 4. You should hand out a least 100 flyers personally. This process should guaranty you at least 5 people at your open house. 5. Mails out another 100 flyers to an area just beyond were you have prospected. Now you have another 5 people at your house. 6. Place a big ad in your local paper telling people when and where your open house will be held. People will see the ad and stop by. 7. Send an email or call every real estate agent in the area. Let them know about your open house so that they can bring their buyers. 8. During your open house be prepared! I've often had a lender on sight so that they can prequalify any buyers on the spot. When you place your ad and make your flyers advertise the lender being there. Have any and all of your personal information, magazines, flyers about the property, and contracts ready. Now this is personal experience I'm speaking from. You may not sell the house then and there, but you now have 15-20 new leads. One of those may buy the house or you may get a new client. Either way it was time and money well spent.

Make time for you!

Lisa Stevenson (United Country Westmark brokers LLC.) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:40:48 -0700

Take a little time for you! Have you ever went to bed and wondered where did the day go? I think in this business it is often easy to get caught up in all things you have to do. You have to juggle your time so that there is rarely time left for your family let alone yourself. In my opinion this is a recipe for failure. You have to schedule in time for yourself. Make an appointment in your date book 1 hour a week. This is your date with yourself! It is well worth it and you might find it will save your sanity. Stick to your guns once you've made the appointment, you just have to tell people that you have an appointment; you can meet them at a different time. It is amazing how easy it is to forget yourself. So my advice: TAKE TIME FOR YOU!Lisa Stevenson Broker Associate A.B.R. S.R.SUnited Country Westmark Brokers LLC.

Confidence!

Lisa Stevenson (United Country Westmark brokers LLC.) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:37:40 -0700

Confidence! Confidence! Confidence! I recently wrote a blog on Believing in Yourself. Being confident in yourself is so important! I have recently experienced this first hand. I have taken many courses and classes on what to do to be a successful Realtor and how to do it. I had to learn that things I didn't like to do where exactly the things I needed to do. I have had a hard time finding clients. I'm always talking to people and handing out cards, but I just wasn't finding people who had a real estate need. I've worked as a buyers agent several times so I felt very comfortable with buyers. But I had decided it was time to start getting listings. Something had to change, I just wasn't producing much business by limiting myself to just buyers. But you see I was absolutely terrified of doing a listing presentation. I was so scared that I never even tried to get the appointment. I knew that I had the skill, it was just lack of experience holding me back. I decided to practice my presentation. I began to feel more and more confident, but I still had the problem of finding a client interested in selling their home. I decided to go after For Sale By Owners! I knew that here was a client who had a real estate need and with my skill I was confident that I could sell their home. So I approached my first For Sale By Owner! I had all the Confidence in myself, I knew I had the skill even though I had never given a presentation and never had a listing. Confidence goes a long way, because those For Sale By Owners saw how I confident I was. They began to feel confident in me as well. Can you believe it? My confidence in myself inspired others to be confident in me as well! I got that listing! So my advice is always be confident in yourself! If you do not have that confidence then get it! Take classes, research your area, talk to others and conquer your fears. There is no place in this business for fear. Confidence! Confidence! Confidence! You can do it!

Watch what you say!

Lisa Stevenson (United Country Westmark brokers LLC.) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:32:10 -0700

I just wanted to share something that happened to my client recently. She went to her lender. She was prequalified and everything went well. We put in an offer and the house went under contract. Through out the process my client felt very comfortable with her lender. They shared stories and my client told the lender confidential personal information. Well the contract fell through. The lender then told the listing agent all of the confidential personal information my client had told her. Well you can imagine what happened next right? BIG EARNEST MONEY DISPUTE! It took a lot of arguing and heartache, but she finally got her money back. The lesson learned was a hard one. I don't think you really ever expect this to happen. So what is your best defense? I think advising your clients to watch what they say is the best route. Do not get me wrong lenders need to know a lot of information, but you don't need to tell them things like "My husband cheated on me" If it is not pertinent to the transaction they do not need to know. Things have a way of being twisted and you don't want to lose your earnest money because of gossip. In this case the lender was out of line. I recently read a great blog by Jeff Belonger As a Consumer or Realtor should you complain? I say yes, if the situation calls for it. The only way to stop things like this from happening is to speak up. It doesn't happen all the time and I have worked with some wonderful lenders who would never do anything like this. Just because there is one bad apple doesn't make the whole tree bad. It is more a case of just being careful. Think about what you say before you say it. It is always better to avoid the situation than to have to clean up after it happens.

Tips for the week!

Lisa Stevenson (United Country Westmark brokers LLC.) — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:14:04 -0700

Things to tell yourself everyday! Inspiration is the foundation of success! Knowledge is power! TAKE TIME FOR YOU! "Work hard, have perseverance, don't quit, and become successful!" Believe in Yourself! Learn your statistics, know your area! Confidence in yourself will lead others to have confidence in you! If you don't believe in yourself, nobody else will! Believing in your self is the first step towards confidence.! Believe in yourself and have confidence in everything you do! Tell yourself everyday: "I can do this!"

LETS TALK COMMISSION!

Lisa Stevenson (United Country Westmark brokers LLC.) — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 07:16:33 -0700

Where does all that money go? I have had many discussions on this with potential clients. It seems the general public is under the misunderstanding that all the money goes directly into my pocket. My discussion goes a little like this: "How much do you charge?" asked Mr. Seller"Well I generally charge 6%, but do you know why I have to charge so much?" I ask"Well yes. You are greedy and all that money goes strait to your pocket!" Mr. Seller says"No. Actually I get very little of that money. Let me tell you why: The very first thing we do is cut that % in half. I offer a buyers agent 3% to entice them to show your property to their clients. It is important to offer them a fair amount because if we don't they will simply ignore your property. 95% of buyers out there have their own agent. So it makes sense for us to get every agent in this area working to sell your house. So that is why I have to offer 3% to a buyers agent." I now have their attention"Well that is 3%. Where does the rest go?" Mr. Seller ask"Well I am going to spend at least 1% of that money on marketing your house. It cost quit a pretty penny to advertise your home in the paper, on the internet, making flyers, getting lock boxes, having an open house, and so on. It all adds up." I say"So now we are down to 2% left for all of my services and fees. Do you think I'm worth 2%? I know I am. So as you can see it actually takes most of the commission just to get your property sold. If any other agent tells you differently they are not doing their job. It will take every bit of that 4% that goes out just to sell your property. Do you have any questions?" I ask After I have gone through this discussion most people are willing to pay my commission. It is my belief that knowledge is power and by giving my clients all that knowledge helps them to make a really informed dission. I will not be a discount broker because I know what it takes to sell a house, at least in my market. Does anyone have any advice or comments on commission? I would love to hear it. Thanks!

You Inspire Me!

Lisa Stevenson (United Country Westmark brokers LLC.) — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 04:53:36 -0700

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!I just wanted to thank everyone on Active Rain! You all inspire me! It is such a good feeling to know I'm not the only one. So many of you have or have had the same feelings as me. This is such a hard buiseness. It really does take persaverance. Since I have been on Active Rain and writing down my thoughts I have felt better. It is a little easier to go out and do the things I have to do. You all inspire me and I hope if any of you read my blogs just maybe they will inspire you. Inspiration is the foundation of success so I just wanted to say THANK YOU!

Do You Have A Milk Route?

Lisa Stevenson (United Country Westmark brokers LLC.) — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 07:11:00 -0700

Every Realtor should have a milk route. I mean you have places you visit everyday. You start your day at the local cafe. You pick up coffee and a donut. You pass out your card to 5 people. Then you make your rounds. You get gas at the same place, you visit the library, go to the grocery store, take your children to school, and so on always handing out cards. You choose what your activities are and the places you visit, but you are consistent. You become a familiar face. Everybody knows your name. Everybody has your card. You do this everyday and before you know it you will have a new client. Do you have a milk route? What other ways do you practice making contacts?

Believe in Yourself!

Lisa Stevenson (United Country Westmark brokers LLC.) — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 05:52:32 -0700

Confidence in yourself will lead others to have confidence in you! If you don't believe in yourself, nobody else will.Believing in your self is the first step towards confidence.Without confidence you will not succeed.People are drawn to confidence.Believe in yourself and have confidence in everything you do. Tell yourself everyday: "I can do this!"

Montrose County Listings!

Lisa Stevenson (United Country Westmark brokers LLC.) — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 08:02:11 -0700

This is a charming 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with 1325 square feet! Built in 1998 and everything is still in great condition! It is located in a very nice subdivision just minutes from town, yet secluded. It is priced at $174,000 and wont last long so call today for a showing!Lisa StevensonBroker Associate S.R.S. A.B.R.United Country Westmark Brokers LLC.145 S. CascadeMontrose, CO. 81401Office: 970-240-4800Cell : 970-209-6142

Montrose Colorado Market Statistics!

Lisa Stevenson (United Country Westmark brokers LLC.) — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 07:47:10 -0700

* Only 42% of average residential homes are selling! * The average sales price is $224,004!* The average sales price to list price for residential homes is 98%!* Only 30% of vacant land is being sold!* Average sales price for land is $207,445!* The average sales price to list price for land is 99%!* Only 16% of commercial properties are being sold!* The average sales price for commercial properties is $293,535!* The average sales price to list price for commercial properties is 94%!

Things to do in Montrose!

Lisa Stevenson (United Country Westmark brokers LLC.) — Thu, 31 May 2007 09:01:37 -0700

There is always a lot to do in Montrose. I've made a list of all things I would recommend if you visit Montrose. 1. Hiking in the Black Canyon National Park is always a breathtaking experience. It is just 10 miles outside of Montrose. They have hiking trails, camping sites, and a nice information center. It would make a great camping place or just an afternoon trip!2. Visit downtown for some great shopping! Downtown Montrose has beautifully restored historical buildings with many stores and cafes. It also makes a fun afternoon.3. Go to the Hot Springs! It is 30 minutes to Ouray ( Your right in the middle of those beautiful mountains in the picture above.) and well worth the drive. The hot springs are wonderful year round. Relax and enjoy! You can even get a massage if you feel like it.

Tip of the day!

Lisa Stevenson (United Country Westmark brokers LLC.) — Thu, 31 May 2007 06:41:58 -0700

"Work hard, have perseverance, don't quit, and become successful!"

Be The Purple Cow!

Lisa Stevenson (United Country Westmark brokers LLC.) — Thu, 31 May 2007 06:29:50 -0700

I recently read a great book called Purple Cow by Seth Godin. This is a highly motivating book! It talks about the different market trends and how in sales you need to adjust the way you market yourself to people. The trends of old are now obsolete. The way you got your clients 5 years ago isn't necessarily going to work today. In other words you need to be a Purple Cow. You need to stand out from the crowd. In a herd of black, white, and brown cows wouldn't you notice the one Purple Cow? What can you offer your clients that nobody else is offering? How can you give better service and make more money? I would suggest this book to anyone intrested in generating more business. This book isn't just for Realtors; it is for anyone in sales. Happy reading!

Walking the Walk and Talking the Talk!

Lisa Stevenson (United Country Westmark brokers LLC.) — Tue, 22 May 2007 05:18:43 -0700

Here is a tip for all of my fellow Realtors. Learn your statistics, know your area. I recently listed a for sale by owner and got the listing because I had given her useful information such as the statistics of what properties are doing in my area. She could tell from talking to me that I knew what I was talking about. I can't tell you how many times I've heard the question "What is the market doing?" It is so important for us to know how to answer this question. It has often been for me where the deal starts. I say things like "Well the average sales price is staying even with last year, but the amount of sold homes is down 30%. So what this means to you and me is that if you want your home sold we are going to have to price it right. Which will be below the average sales price." Knowing what you are talking about and having the hard facts {statistics} to prove it can often change the response you get from people. Most people are educated and they expect you as a Realtor to know what you are talking about. So my advice to all you fellow Realtors is this: Learn your statistics and know your area. If you are going to walk the walk and talk the talk make sure you really know what you are saying. Lisa Stevenson Broker Associate S.R.S A.B.R

Beautiful Colorado!

Lisa Stevenson (United Country Westmark brokers LLC.) — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 16:42:20 -0700

This is my backyard! It is often hard to appreciate the beauty of Colorado unless you see it. I hope that anyone who is thinking about relocating investigates this area. We have so much to offer! This area also makes a great vacation spot. Hiking, fishing, skiing, sledding, 4-wheeling, white water rafting, hot springs, rodeos, horse racing, craft shows, fairs, train rides through the mountains and many more very interesting and exciting adventures. What more could you ask for?

What is S.R.S?

Lisa Stevenson (United Country Westmark brokers LLC.) — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 03:35:58 -0700

SRS I am a certified SRS, which is a Seller Representation Specialist. Having this designation gives me a competative edge when working with sellers. Through this course I have learned: 1.How to sell your home for top dollar! 2.How to market your home! There are many methods to use to successfully sell your home. 3.I know and understand all of the paperwork that will be involved and I can explain it to my seller-clients. 4.How to use the market information to help you better understand what your home is worth. 5.How to negotiate with your best interest in mind! 6.How to successfully close the deal!

The Key To Success Starts Here!

Lisa Stevenson (United Country Westmark brokers LLC.) — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 08:28:42 -0700

The key to success starts here. Buying a new home can be very stressful and complex. Having a good agent makes all the difference. Often times a prospective buyer will call the listing agent to set up an appointment. That is their first mistake. By calling the listing agent they are allowing them to take advantage of them. The listing agent works for the seller. They are trying to get the seller the best possible price. Now wouldn't it make since to have your own agent? One that is working for you and trying to get you the best price? That is where I come in not only do I negotiate the best and lowest price I have many other duties I do on your behalf. Such as find homes that are not always available to a person who is not working with an agent, set up appointments and take you to see houses. I also make sure the closing process goes smoothly. There are many aspects to buying a home and the process can be very overwhelming. A good agent is the key to success. Please don't hesitate to call with any questions or concerns. Together we can achieve your real estate dreams. Sincerely, Lisa Stevenson

Are Agents Required To Tell?

Lisa Stevenson (United Country Westmark brokers LLC.) — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 05:12:32 -0700

Are Agents Required To Tell? Most if not all states require disclosure in a transaction- clients and customers alike- of any material facts, that is, information that may affect the principals, decision to go through with a deal as represented. This is implicit in the requirement of fair and honest dealings. In most states the Real Estate Commissioner's office also will state in their rules that "A licensee participating in a real estate transaction shall disclose in writing to all other parties any information which the licensee possesses that materially and adversely affects the consideration to be paid by any party to the transaction. Therefore, even if the party is a customer {no representation} or a client {full representation}, the law still requires at least advance disclosure of information that might influence a principal's decision. For instance, if you were the buyer, might it make a difference if you knew work had been done on the house but was not done to code or to standards? One of my favorites is the seller that tells the buyer that there is a deeded lake access when in fact there is not. These things would definitely make a difference in the price you offered for property. Having a Knowledgeable and Honest agent who will disclose all of the facts and keep you informed is imperative to finding the best deal. The answer is Yes agents are required to tell their clients and customers all material facts actually known about the property. Are you sure your agent is telling you everything?

My Marketing Plan

Lisa Stevenson (United Country Westmark brokers LLC.) — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 04:56:14 -0700

My Marketing Plan 1. National Advertising: We have over 250 magazines, publications, and websites we advertise in on a regular basis. By doing this we are able to reach over 80,000,000 potential buyers nationwide.2.Local Advertising: We have our own local magazine that we publish once a month. Upon request we will also advertise in the Daily Press, the Shopper, or any other local newspaper.3. Web Sites:We have several websites to advertise your property on. We live in a virtual age and many people are turning to the internet to satisfy there needs. We will have many detailed pictures, virtual tours, and detailed descriptions of your property.4. Signs: We will strategically place a sign in your yard.5.Open House: I will conduct an open house to market your property to the community. I will notify all of your neighbors and personally invite them to your open house. 1 in 10 house will sell to a neighbor.6. Flyer's:I will have detailed flyer's with pictures and description of your property that will be mailed and handed out to all potential buyers and distributed to the local real estate offices.7. Agent Tours:I will put your house on the MLS tour and I will show your property to other agents in my office.8. MLS:I will advertise you property on the MLS {multiple listing service} which will have every other realtor in this area helping to find you a buyer.9.Neighbors: I will notify all neighbors that your property is being sold. 1 out of 10 properties is sold to a neighbor.10.CMA:I will put together a CMA {competitive market analysis} of you property, to help us decide the right price. If the market changes while your house is for sale I will give you an updated CMA.11. Negotiation: I will negotiate with potential buyers for the best price.12. Closing Duties: I will performs all closing duties in a necessary timely order to get us to closing successfully. 13. Market Preparation: I will use my knowledge to help you get your property ready to be put on the market. 14. Expertise: I will use all of my expertise to get your property sold for the best price and in a timely manner.15. Information: I will keep you informed through out the entire process. I will provide you with a portfolio to keep all of the information I give you. 16. Feedback:I will stay in touch with other Realtors that have shown your property so that I can relay all feedback to you. Such as any and all negative and positive reasons why your house may or may not be showing well.17. Target Markets: I will research the best markets to advertise your property to. I will then send flyer's and brochures to this market.18. Showings: We will have a detailed list of showing instructions, such as lock boxes and appointments. Lisa StevensonBroker Associate S.R.SUnited Country Westmark Brokers LLC.145 S. CascadeMontrose, CO. 81401 Office: 970-240-4800Cell: 970-209-6142Email: lisa-Stevenson@hotmail.comWebsite: lisastevensonrealestate.com

My pledge to my clients

Lisa Stevenson (United Country Westmark brokers LLC.) — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 08:23:33 -0700

My Pledge:1. Care: I will offer a reasonable amount of care. 2. Obedience: I will follow all lawful instructions. 3. Accounting: I will keep you informed of all funds and documents associated with the transaction. 4. Loyalty: I will place your interest above all others. 5. Disclosure: I will keep you informed of all things that could affect the property. If I know you know. 6. Confidentiality: I will keep all of your personal and financial information confidential.