Southern Financial Bloviator

I get it  -  Commercial Realtors and Residential Realtos live in different worlds.  The residential real estate field is less technical, busier, less profitable, marketing heavy, etc.  The commercial real estate field is highly technical, very professional, more profitble, strategic, etc. But, li...

I am so proud to be a Realtor.  I have earned several designations in residential real estate.  I have devoted myself to education and growth over my 5 years in this field.  But now, I am very excited to be a CCIM candidate and to be taking the 4 CCIM core courses.  Having just finished 102, I am...

I am sitting in CCIM 102 right now.  This is a 5-day training sponsored by the CCIM organization in Chicago.  This training focuses on Market Analysis for commercial real estate. Now, I do residential and commercial work.  I hold the GRI and CRS in the residential arena.  I am a broker here in TN...

What are the sellers thinking?  I have found myself asking this several times.  When introducing buyers to a new property during the first showing, I am keeping an eye out for any signs of water damage, moisture, mold, drainage problems, etc.  Water is the biggest threat to the structure and func...

Quite honestly, I expected to be very bummed out today.  My candidate did not win.  However, I have felt rather encouraged after considering a few of the following: 1.  We live in a fantastic country  -  As many have remarked on television, it was only 40 years ago that the Civil Rights Act of 19...

I have been asked to provide a brief description of BNI for those that are unfamiliar with it. BNI is Business Networking International, Inc.  It was started in CA by Dr. Ivan Misner.  Now, BNI has a presence in all 50 states and several countries via local chapter and regional directors. The ide...

No one is perfect.  It is both trite and true.  A more meaningful examination of human nature includes an examination of behavior patterns, tendencies of thought / cognition, personality features, and more.  Most people that I have known are willing to do the right thing when it's easy or when th...

In our homes, we refer to Spring Cleaning as the weather turns warmer, the flowers begin to blossom, and the real estate market begins to kick into high gear. But, in our industry, we are heading into the "Dead Zone", the off season.  May I suggest we use November and December  as a time for "Win...

7 Steps for Preparing to Sell in Spring             During this time, many of us celebrate spiritual traditions, practice family rituals, create new memories with loved ones, and take some time to relax (hopefully).  Spiritual practices enrich our lives and offer perspective on the big picture.  ...

Richard Barbee, M.Ed., GRI, CRS Real Estate Broker   Realty Executives Associates, Inc. 10255 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN  37922   Office  693-3232         Cell  388-1621   www.richardbarbee.com     Seller Power in a Down Market   Can we truly make lemonade out of THESE lemons?  The real estate m...