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LOVE N. VA REALTOR, JUST FEEL SHUT OUT

By Sharon Kelley

Real Estate Agent with ERA Anchor Properties

January 19, 2008 03:49 PM

Still not feeling uncomfortable with blogging, I decided my very first blog had to be done in a safe environment. Thanks ActiveRain for providing me with a "safe" environment.

That being said, here it goes. Over the last two years I have truly grown to love my new professional. However, I will say real estate takes more out of me that any other job. I want to help everyone I meet, but find it very disheartening in today's market, especially in N. Virginia (Fredericksburg/Stafford). How do I help buyers with great credit scores, but limited funds? Or, sellers that don't understand a short sale still require the right price, the right buyer, and the time.

For those that have been in the business for a long time, how do I keep my passion without losing my heart in this foreclosure plagued market?

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Lorinda Ward

Keffer Realty - Norfolk, VA

Serving, Hampton Roads Virginia. Norfolk, Chesapeake, Va Beach

Find out if Hud in Virginia has the program that offer's people who get financed with FHA only needs to put down $100 on a hud home.

Jan 19, 2008 04:27 PM

Virginia Hepp - Mesquite NV REALTOR

Desert Gold Realty - Mesquite NV Homes For Sale - Mesquite, NV

Mesquite NV Homes and Neighborhoods - Search MLS

Sharon - welcome to Active Rain! Just keep working like you are, but concentrate on building your website and explore internet marketing possibilities for the future. Good luck to you! -Virginia

Jan 19, 2008 04:33 PM

Felix Hung #FelixtheCoach

#FelixtheCoach - Costa Mesa, CA

Helping Agents Through Coaching

Call Jonathan Reed at 703-932-6562. He's got a loan program that can help with those buyers. He's out of Tysons Corner and also has an office in Fredericksburg.

Jan 19, 2008 04:34 PM

Susan Peters

Dove Realty Inc. - Seattle, WA

The Better it Looks the Better it Sells

Sharon,

The beauty of starting your career in a tough market is you will be a much stronger Realtor and you'll be prepared for almost anything. Every market has unique opportunities. I'd use that passion to find a niche for yourself. Good Luck!

Karen Hurst

RICOASTALLIVING.COM - Warwick, RI

Rhode Island Waterfront!

Hi Sharon,

I know exactly how you feel about wanting to help everyone!! I don't think this will go away, even in this market and actually, this market has a lot more people needing help!! Find your niche, where you are drawn to most and put most of your efforts there. As for Passion for Real Estate...I am not expecting that to go away either!!!

Jan 20, 2008 12:34 AM

Jim Crawford

Long & Foster - Fredericksburg, VA

Jim Crawford Broker Associate Fredericksburg VA

Great post. Do not be discouraged, it is slow for those of us that have been doing this for a long time! Get your buyers qualified first! Get them saving down payments! Then sell them!

Jan 20, 2008 03:12 AM

Sharon Kelley

ERA Anchor Properties - Spotsylvania, VA

Felix, thanks for Jonathan's POC I will call on Monday. I'm looking for someone I can network with that has the same passion to help.

Jan 20, 2008 06:00 AM

Susan, thanks for the encouraging words. Right now, I really don't feel like a great agent even though I research and read as much as possible to ensure I'm providing the best service.

Jan 20, 2008 06:01 AM

Matt Grohe

RE/MAX Concepts - Des Moines, IA

Serving the metro since 2003

Sharon, people respond to genuine sentiment. Since it seems things are slow for you, try this: after all appointments, yes even with salespeople! send a handwritten thank you card. Super cheap here: http://www.thankyouink.com/

Pre-listing? Thank you! Agent lets you hold an open? Thank you. Those who sign the register at your open: Thank you (by the way, everyone signs, "for the owner" be sure to fill in the first one yourself, completely"

Other opportunities:

New buyer: Thank you. Your real estate board members: Thank you. Your real estate board staff: Thank you. Your broker: Thank you. Lender on your closed side: Thank you. Appraiser, Thank you Agent on the other side: Thank you. Your broker area supervisor: Thank you

Your friend: Thank you. Your insurance agent: Thank you. (they really don't expect it!) Agents who comment on your active rain posts: Thank you. (think 1st person go to for referrals) Can you think of others you can thank right now? Bet you can Sharon! You seem like a very genuine person who wants to help. Don't keep it a secret.

Jan 20, 2008 06:15 AM

Wow, Matt, thanks for the advice. I've never thought of just saying Thanks. I went to the website, they have a lot to offer. Thanks again.

Jan 20, 2008 06:45 AM

First Last

Eatontown, NJ

Welcome to AR, Sharon!

Jan 22, 2008 12:39 PM

Donna Yates

BHGRE - Metro Brokers - Blue Ridge, GA

Blue Ridge Mountains

Sharon: Welcome to Active Rain. Real estate is my true passion and I can't imagine ever doing anything else business wise in my life. I have a motto by Winston Churchill that sums it up for me and I keep it on my profile page. I think it aptly applies to real estate:

Continuous effort, not strength or intelligence is the key to unlocking our potential. Just keep doing the best you can and know there will be ups and downs always but continuous effort is the key! My best to you.

Jan 29, 2008 04:20 AM

Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate

Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL

Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

We invite you back to ActiveRain in 2018!

Much has changed since you last posted to ActiveRain. I encourage you to take another look at the website.

Best to you!

Mar 29, 2018 07:35 PM

LOVE N. VA REALTOR, JUST FEEL SHUT OUT

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Sharon Kelley

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