realtor: Why Use an e-PRO?
- 12/28/11 05:24 AM
e-PRO, what does that mean? It may sound simple, but it really means a lot more to me. I got my e-PRO designation, courtesy of the National Association of REALTORS, more as a validation of my current skills and to enhance my expertise. I use the internet and social media to help broadcast houses for sale to as many people as possible. I use my knowledge of best practices, in combination with the REALTOR Code of Ethics, and in accordance with the laws that govern real estate agents and brokers in the places I do business. That e-PRO next to my … (1 comments)
realtor: Must Know Facts About Sixteen Acres Springfield, MA Homes For Sale
- 11/16/11 08:16 AM
The Sixteen Acres neighborhood of Springfield, MA has been presenting some amazing opportunities lately for home buyers in the western massachusetts area. The volume of real estate for sale, coupled with pending short sales, and a steady stream of foreclosures is allowing first time home buyers to stretch their dollars much farther. Sure, some homes are selling for top dollar, but there are enough opportunities to go around if you're patient and willing to be flexible. I came across this article, by way of an associate, and found some of the information very interesting: Homes for Less Than $170K in Metros … (0 comments)
realtor: They Call This Work?
- 11/11/11 07:11 AM
So I went zip lining with my brother Andrew, aka BroBro, a couple weeks back. It was an awesome day overall and we made the most of the experience. There's something about dangling several stories up from a braided steel cable that may bring new clarity to your life (or not.) But once you commit, your only option is to enjoy the ride.
One thing that stood out to me during the day, was something one of our guides said. He said, "We have to do something so they'll let us call this work." He was referring to the … (1 comments)
realtor: My Solution for Bank Owned Foreclosed Properties (REO's)
- 11/08/11 04:34 AM
I read this today: Freddie could take more than a decade to unload REO inventory and thought, "Ugh, really?" If asset managers of large institutions got wise, they could responsibly unload a number of these properties to value oriented investors, rehabbers, and property managers. In this market, there is no shortage of savvy investors out there looking to build their portfolios up with discounted properties. REO, short sale, pre-foreclosure, you name it. Some of these companies/people are pillars of their respective communities hoping to bring back the local lustre. They're endeavoring to rebuild neighborhoods, houses, and even provide affordable housing solutions. … (0 comments)
realtor: New Englander Problems!
- 10/31/11 08:31 AM
In the aftermath of a devastating October snow storm, here are some observations I thought I'd share (irony/laughs.) In the spirit of the madness I'm calling it, "New Englander Problems!" Melting snow to flush your toilet? Car has a full tank of gas, but you wait in line an hour at the pump to fill a 5 gallon can for your generator? First snow storm of the year and you break your snow shovel? "Trick or Treating" cancelled because of downed trees and power lines? Out hunting for gas, but some poor guy crossing the street on his bike is just … (0 comments)
realtor: Do It Right... The First Time
- 10/21/11 08:03 AM
Thinking about buying a place? Good idea. Are you a first time home buyer? Now is a great time if you have the ways and means, the time, and the right agent at your side. Let's face it, if you're about to make a big purchase, you need the right team behind you. Your real estate agent is like the quarterback of that team, and you want one who knows the game. So let's take a minute and game plan with 3 simple questions before we march onto the field. One question that I often ask clients is, "How long do … (0 comments)
realtor: Taking A Trip To Negative Town? Pack Light
- 09/15/11 09:08 AM
This business never ceases to amaze me, but recently, I had to fight the frustrations of unwarranted negativity from another agent. It's nothing personal, and it's not even my deal, but I wonder why people often take that trip to negative town. Ticket Sales Clerk: "How can I help you today?" Angry Real Estate Agent: "I'd like a one way ticket to negative town, non-stop flight please, departing asap." Ticket Sales Clerk: "Are you certain?" Angry Real Estate Agent: "YESSS!!!!!! NOW!!!!! AAAARRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHH!" If you've done enough deals, and have years of experience in this business, I'd like to think that you'd … (0 comments)
realtor: All good things must come to an end...
- 08/09/11 06:35 AM
A conversation occurs between a hard working Realtor and an excited Client. The discussion covers preparations for a Friday closing... and then this gem emerges: Client: "Ok, so our partnership ends Friday." Realtor: "No. You and I will be partners forever! What's our next move?" Client: "Nope, I'm breaking up with you Friday. I will send tissues." Ahhhhh, the joys of real estate sales. I've learned that you've got to take the time to appreciate the humor, diverse personalities, and joys that we encounter almost daily. This semi-sarcastic and wholly awesome buyer does not realize that you can't dump a good … (86 comments)
realtor: Single Family House for Rent, East Forest Park, Springfield, MA
- 07/21/11 05:23 AM
Now available for rent! Charming colonial house in a quiet neighborhood near the East Longmeadow line. 7 rooms, 3 beds, 1.5 baths, hardwood and tile flooring, updated bathrooms, high ceilings, beautiful trim, walk in closets, large family room with fireplace, 1st floor laundry, big fenced in back yard, a large shed, gardens full of perennials and flowering shrubs. Freshly painted exterior! Owner will consider rent to own and long term leases (or minimum 1 year lease.) The layout makes this a great house to share with roommates! More Pics and Info Ready for occupancy, September 1, 2011. E-mail with questions … (0 comments)
realtor: Google, My "Go To"
- 07/12/11 05:17 AM
Yesssss! I finally got my invite to Google+, and all I had to do was ask. And so after poking around a little bit, I had a moment of clairvoyance: I love Google. No really, it's true. You can call me a fanboi or whatever, but what's not to like? I love Android, my gmail, Google search power (duh), Analytics, Finance, the Calendar, YouTube, Maps (and Navi), Docs, the whole sha-bang. Google is my one stop shop for everything I need once I fire up the computer, mobile, tablet, whatever technology I have in my hands. I know that if I … (2 comments)
realtor: Dear FSBO's:
- 07/07/11 08:47 AM
Dear FSBO (for sale by owner): 1) I understand that you want to do it yourself, I'm the same way sometimes. Sure, I could pay somebody to do just about anything for me, but I believe I can do it myself and save some money. I understand that I might not do it as well as a pro, but that's generally what happens when you try to save money. The end result isn't quite as good as a pro's job. In real estate sales though, there aren't any do overs. You can't go back over something with another coat of paint, … (3 comments)
realtor: Video Tour, 314 Tremont St, Springfield, MA - Roger Roberge
- 06/30/11 04:11 AM
Take a look, and tell me what you think! 314 Tremont Street, Springfield, MA 01104 Attractive colonial in a quiet East Springfield neighborhood with convenient highway access. The open floor plan makes this house perfect for entertaining. In the colder months you can cozy up in front of the wood burning fireplace and in the warmer months enjoy the covered side porch. In addition, this house offers first floor laundry, and a newly remodeled bathroom, many perennials and flowering trees. Total Rooms: 6 Bedrooms: 3 Full/Half/Master Baths: 1/0/0 Schedule a showing today, or swing by our next open house... Great for … (4 comments)
realtor: Looking To Rent? Why You Need A Realtor...
- 06/29/11 09:44 AM
As one of the largest residential rental agents in the greater Springfield, MA area, I hear horror stories every day. All too often a familiar scene plays out: Some nice renters find a place, apply for it, get approved, pay the requisite move in costs, and upon moving in they run into problem after problem. Some of those problems make the property uninhabitable. Often times, they aren't even able to move in on time. Still other times, they never actually get to move after falling victim to an internet scam. The economy is hurting lately and some owners/landlords don't have the … (2 comments)
realtor: Hard Work Builds Character.
- 06/16/11 07:39 AM
My father has always told me, "Hard work builds character." He called me yesterday, from the beach, to ask me what I was doing. I told him I was working my butt off and he chuckled aloud. He then told me about the weather, the sand, and closed saying that I should work smarter, not harder. LOL. Thanks Pops. Anyways, it got me thinking: I'm in the middle of a deal (actually nearing the end) that has been a challenge from the get go. Our list of road blocks and impediments to the sale is at least a mile long. All … (4 comments)
realtor: To Reverse Or Not To Reverse...
- 06/14/11 05:38 AM
That is the question! Let's say you are trying to sell a house (imagine that.) You're getting some showings and some buyers that seem interested, but no offers. It is no secret that foot traffic does not always yield offers, but it does yield prospects. If the challenge is converting prospects into real buyers... I give you the reverse offer!
What is a reverse offer? Good question. It is a legitimate offer, but instead of being drafted up by the Buyer and presented to the Seller it is "reversed." The Seller, with the help of his/her listing agent prepares an … (3 comments)
realtor: Say yes to the NAR, MAR, RAPV...
- 06/08/11 05:41 AM
So, I've got some acronyms that you may have never heard. Let's start with RAPV. What is it? Its nothing like some of the other acronyms you might hear me throw around (OMG, FWIW, IMO, TLDR, etc.) RAPV It's the REALTOR® Association of the Pioneer Valley. If you're a professional, I'm sure you understand the value of your local REALTOR® association... but I'm not sure that the average consumer does. People hear "REALTOR®" and just assume that you sell houses. I don't think they realize the true value that an actual REALTOR® brings to the table over an average licensed sales professional. Learn More.
At RR … (2 comments)
realtor: Housing Trends in Sixteen Acres, Springfield, MA
- 05/31/11 09:31 AM
Selling in Sixteen Acres? This market isn't hard to understand, and it isn't really that hard (conceptually) to adjust to either. You've just got to know what works and what doesn't. Let's take a look at the Sixteen Acres area for a minute, specifically the 01119 zip code... At the time I'm writing this, we have 73 active single family listings (on the local MLS), ranging from $36,900 to $299,900 14 other listings in the area are marked as UAG or sale pending. So, easy math and some basic assumptions says that the top 16% of homes in Sixteen Acres, Springfield, … (0 comments)
e-PRO, what does that mean?
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