real estate tactics: If You Have To Sleep On It . . . - 03/02/13 01:30 AM
(altogether now)  . . . YOU'LL NEVER SLEEP IN IT!
I learned that useful axiom from my first broker and real estate guru, Sue Thompson. The axiom is not always true, of course, but it's true more times than it's not true. The axiom is especially relevant when the market heats up in favor of the seller like it has here in Placer and Nevada County.
When the real estate inventory is low (supply) and the number of buyers is high (demand), then the buyers need to make lightning quick decisions. If buyers find a house today that they want, but … (5 comments)

real estate tactics: Gambling with After-the-Fact Permits - 12/09/10 05:20 AM
When homes being prepared for sale, should the seller obtain after-the-fact permits for non-permitted additions?  Non-permitted additions pose a dilemma for both the seller and the listing agent.  Of all the elements of home value, the size of the home, expressed in square feet, is the most important-at least in today's market when the home appraisers are driving the real estate bus.
Consider this house currently for sale at Lake of the Pines, California.

The county assessor has the house recorded at 1100 square feet.  The current owner bought the house at 1600 square feet.  It includes a non-permitted 500 square foot downstairs suite with a bedroom, den, laundry and half-bath.  … (8 comments)

real estate tactics: Never Interrupt Your Clients--Five Reasons - 09/15/10 01:22 PM
1.  It's rude.  Excuse me for being an old fashioned country boy, but that's how I was brung up.  Many clients are justifiably annoyed at being interrupted, especially mature clients.  Experienced, accomplished mature clients are, by the way, the ones you want in the long run.  Why?  They are a powerful source of referrals.  Don't piss them off with your bad manners.
2.  You won't learn what your clients really need if you're always cutting them off.  Listen, really listen, listen with your full concentration.  You can't listen deeply if you're planning what you're going to say next.  Take a breath.  … (16 comments)