For the next two weekends, I will be spending quite a few hours attending open houses. I will sit and wait for anyone that may be interested in looking for property. It leaves me wondering...
Why is there such disdain for Realtors? Why do people categorize us as hard core commissioned based salesmen that just want to make a buck. I find it interesting that there are even a few people who try not to make eye contact with me, in case I might be able to put some kind of magic spell on them to entice them to buy. And then, there are others.. Those who refuse to use a Realtor because they don't recognize the education, expertise, or knowledge that successful Realtors possess. To those of you who see Realtors as money hungry savages with an ability to hypnotize people. I apologize. I apologize for your experience in the past with someone claiming to be a real estate professional. However, let me assure you. We are not all bad. Am I just saying this to get your business? Listen, I work with wonderful Realtors in this area every day. Professional agents that honestly care about our community, the environment, and the people who live here. Any profession has people that are just in it for the money-- but they don't last. Without cooperation, commitment, knowledge, and a genuine love for property and people, a Realtor would not last. Realtors are doing one of the oldest jobs in the country. Carnegie. Schwabb. Templeton. Lincoln. Taft. Some great legends have done exactly what I do. They brought people together that were in need of something and used their knowledge of the product to help build fantastic business partnerships. If you don't want to use a Realtor, well that's your decision. But, please, folks, most of us are in the business for the love of helping people achieve their goals- that's exactly the opposite of a hard core salesman. So,if you see me this weekend, don't worry you can look me in the eye. At the very least, please remember, I'm just here to help.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Real Estate Market in this area
Since I am asked so frequently asked about the market in this area...well, usually, I'm not asked, I'm told how difficult the market is right now. I thought I should once again state my opinion on the current trends in this market. Folks, it is fine. Quit listening to the national news and applying it to this area. This area is along the I-85 corridor. Businesses in this area are thriving and new industries are and will come here. This area is growing by leaps and bounds. Yes, there is a lot of inventory right now. Great, that means more to choose from! And, this is spring. More people put their houses on the market in the spring. That's not a surprise. People try to move when the weather is pleasant and children are out of school.
I even see my fellow Realtors showing concern about this market. I understand that the news is telling us information that makes us all want to panic. (I certainly don't want to pay five dollars a gallon for gas.) This panic is leading to some cut-throat competition. I've stated before that I do not think that a highly competitive spirit in Real Estate makes a successful Realtor. Realtors understanding current market trends is conscientious. Realtors backstabbing other Realtors over sales is fear of not having enough. And let's be honest, there is enough business for each of us, if and only if, we work together. I work with some outstanding Realtors on a regular basis. They are not concerned. They are working just like I am. I am grateful to each of them for their kindness and fairness towards me and my clients.
So, what are the benefits to this market? Since housing prices are dropping, its a great time for investing, or deciding to upgrade. Maybe, this is a time for current renters to consider becoming a home buyer. That's good news. I understand that homeowners want as much value as possible for their home. But, if we all can take a step back. We can see that most people can still afford the type of home they want. If the value of your home is not what you thought it would be, chances are neither is the home you've had your eye on for the last six months.
The bottomline is the real estate market in our area is ok. Fear breeds a sense of lack. We do not lack. We live in the one of the wealthiest countries on Earth. If you are ready to sell your house, sell it. Listen to your Realtor and sell it. If you are ready to buy for the first time, buy. Listen to your Realtor and buy it.
I even see my fellow Realtors showing concern about this market. I understand that the news is telling us information that makes us all want to panic. (I certainly don't want to pay five dollars a gallon for gas.) This panic is leading to some cut-throat competition. I've stated before that I do not think that a highly competitive spirit in Real Estate makes a successful Realtor. Realtors understanding current market trends is conscientious. Realtors backstabbing other Realtors over sales is fear of not having enough. And let's be honest, there is enough business for each of us, if and only if, we work together. I work with some outstanding Realtors on a regular basis. They are not concerned. They are working just like I am. I am grateful to each of them for their kindness and fairness towards me and my clients.
So, what are the benefits to this market? Since housing prices are dropping, its a great time for investing, or deciding to upgrade. Maybe, this is a time for current renters to consider becoming a home buyer. That's good news. I understand that homeowners want as much value as possible for their home. But, if we all can take a step back. We can see that most people can still afford the type of home they want. If the value of your home is not what you thought it would be, chances are neither is the home you've had your eye on for the last six months.
The bottomline is the real estate market in our area is ok. Fear breeds a sense of lack. We do not lack. We live in the one of the wealthiest countries on Earth. If you are ready to sell your house, sell it. Listen to your Realtor and sell it. If you are ready to buy for the first time, buy. Listen to your Realtor and buy it.
Monday, April 14, 2008
what i learned from by daughter's spelling bee...
Last week my daughter had a spelling be at her school. She had studied for days. She stayed up late the night before asking anyone she could find to call out words to her. She was prepared. Every possible word on her study sheet had been gone over and over in order to ensure her success, or at the very least keep her from embarrassing herself.
On Thursday, my extremely shy daughter jumped out of the car with a smile on her face feeling fairly confident in her knowledge for the spelling bee. It was quite a different face when she came home.
Apparently, after hours of studying, she went out during the first round on "s-u-c-h" I'm not exactly sure how she spelled it. she was too upset to even tell me. she said that she had misspelled the word and upon hearing that she was out- she ran to the bathroom and bawled her eyes out.
Then, the most wonderful thing happened. Her teacher, whom she adores, walked into the restroom after a few minutes. She hugged my daughter and comforted her. As my daughter spoke to me about the bathroom scene, she started crying even harder. She said it was the first time all year that she realized her teacher really did love her and care for her. She was so crushed that she did not go further in the Bee, but she was so moved that her teacher cared enough to come check on her.
I realized something as my daughter was describing this moment to me. --We all could use a little less competitiveness and a whole lot more compassion.
I realize that the real estate business is competitive. i have lost many listings to other realtors. I have had buyers go off and buy houses from someone else after i spent hours showing them houses. But, for me, real estate is not a competition. The reason i am a realtor is to help people with real estate. To show a little compassion for me is not hard.
I'm so grateful that my daughter did not win the spelling bee- I'm so grateful that she learned a lesson far more valuable- and then, reminded me of it. We all need to exercise a little more compassion and a little less competition. We will all be more successful if we take other people into consideration. Success is not measured in prideful competition. I make it my goal to always give more than I receive. That doesn't mean that i don't accept payment for services. Of course, I do. I work to earn money to provide for myself and my family. That is important to me. However, when i accept money at a closing, i want to feel good about the advice, effort, time, knowledge, and everything else that i have given to assist the transaction. All of those things will always be worth more to my client than the amount of money I receive at closing. And the other agents in my area-- I will always work with them-- and not against them. Every Realtor is assisting every other Realtor. We help each other in order to be successful- not compete against one another. What's the point?
This is certainly not the first lesson I've learned from my daughter. And, i know it won't be the last. But, what a wonderful moment for her. I hope she always remembers losing the spelling bee...
On Thursday, my extremely shy daughter jumped out of the car with a smile on her face feeling fairly confident in her knowledge for the spelling bee. It was quite a different face when she came home.
Apparently, after hours of studying, she went out during the first round on "s-u-c-h" I'm not exactly sure how she spelled it. she was too upset to even tell me. she said that she had misspelled the word and upon hearing that she was out- she ran to the bathroom and bawled her eyes out.
Then, the most wonderful thing happened. Her teacher, whom she adores, walked into the restroom after a few minutes. She hugged my daughter and comforted her. As my daughter spoke to me about the bathroom scene, she started crying even harder. She said it was the first time all year that she realized her teacher really did love her and care for her. She was so crushed that she did not go further in the Bee, but she was so moved that her teacher cared enough to come check on her.
I realized something as my daughter was describing this moment to me. --We all could use a little less competitiveness and a whole lot more compassion.
I realize that the real estate business is competitive. i have lost many listings to other realtors. I have had buyers go off and buy houses from someone else after i spent hours showing them houses. But, for me, real estate is not a competition. The reason i am a realtor is to help people with real estate. To show a little compassion for me is not hard.
I'm so grateful that my daughter did not win the spelling bee- I'm so grateful that she learned a lesson far more valuable- and then, reminded me of it. We all need to exercise a little more compassion and a little less competition. We will all be more successful if we take other people into consideration. Success is not measured in prideful competition. I make it my goal to always give more than I receive. That doesn't mean that i don't accept payment for services. Of course, I do. I work to earn money to provide for myself and my family. That is important to me. However, when i accept money at a closing, i want to feel good about the advice, effort, time, knowledge, and everything else that i have given to assist the transaction. All of those things will always be worth more to my client than the amount of money I receive at closing. And the other agents in my area-- I will always work with them-- and not against them. Every Realtor is assisting every other Realtor. We help each other in order to be successful- not compete against one another. What's the point?
This is certainly not the first lesson I've learned from my daughter. And, i know it won't be the last. But, what a wonderful moment for her. I hope she always remembers losing the spelling bee...
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Sunday, April 6, 2008
self check out
It wasn't long ago my wife came home from the grocery store with our three children completely flustered. It was an early Friday morning. She had gotten up very early and gotten the children dressed to get to the store before it got too busy. After spending an hour there, she had an over-flowing cart and three tired little people that were ready to go. Apparently, she headed for the check-out only to find absolutely No lines open. Well, except the self check-out. In a complete panic, she attempted to wave down a manager and request that a lane be opened. The manager turned her back and walked the other direction. She chased the manager down begging for help-- the woman simply pointed to a self check- out and said you'll have to do it yourself. Finally, after weighing out the options of self check out with three hostile children and 200 dollars worth of groceries, she decided to wait in a ten items or less line that was just about to open. Either way would have been agony for her-- I can picture it. I've seen my children after an hour at the grocery. Especially my littlest, just barely walking. As upset as my wife was. I explained there was no use in it. We are moving into a world that is all about self check out, and as much as I can appreciate the self check out- I realize it has a few kinks. But, technology moves fast!
So, I'll be the first to admit. I'm new to the blogging scene. The truth is I thought I was fairly technical. I've been on commitees and so forth encouraging my fellow Realtors to become more technological. Now, I see, I have much to learn. I saw a show on the History channel last night that broke down all the in's and out's of the internet bubble. It was absolutely fascinating- and a little overwhelming. When I think of the hoards of information that is available to people- it just amazes me that anyone is actually leaving the house anymore. Now, I am trying to look for ways to reach out to people. I try to look for ways to make my job as personable as it has always been. I like to talk to people. I like to talk about Real Estate or really whatever is truely interesting to someone else. I realize that a successful Real Estate agent in this world has to be techno savy in order to market and find fantastic properties. However, I will not give up the personal service I enjoy providing to my clients. And, I like to talk to the cashier much more than the self check out.
So, I'll be the first to admit. I'm new to the blogging scene. The truth is I thought I was fairly technical. I've been on commitees and so forth encouraging my fellow Realtors to become more technological. Now, I see, I have much to learn. I saw a show on the History channel last night that broke down all the in's and out's of the internet bubble. It was absolutely fascinating- and a little overwhelming. When I think of the hoards of information that is available to people- it just amazes me that anyone is actually leaving the house anymore. Now, I am trying to look for ways to reach out to people. I try to look for ways to make my job as personable as it has always been. I like to talk to people. I like to talk about Real Estate or really whatever is truely interesting to someone else. I realize that a successful Real Estate agent in this world has to be techno savy in order to market and find fantastic properties. However, I will not give up the personal service I enjoy providing to my clients. And, I like to talk to the cashier much more than the self check out.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
real estate- real property- is real fun
In the last 10 years, I've moved 8 times. People think I'm crazy, but I love real estate. Yesterday, I drove around a little bit. (Sure, I have access to all the latest and greatest information about listings, but honestly, sometimes I have to pound the pavement and see the real estate up for sale with my own two eyes.) But, yesterday, I was actually excited about all the fantastic pieces of property up for sale right now. Why are people saying the market is bad right now? This is so fun because this is a huge opportunity to invest in real estate. Interest rates are the lowest they've been in decades, housing prices are dropping, and there is a huge amount of inventory to choose from.
I bought and sold my first home for profit when I was 23 years old. Most of my friends were getting master's and doctoral degrees while I was buying houses--it was and it is--fun!
I bought and sold my first home for profit when I was 23 years old. Most of my friends were getting master's and doctoral degrees while I was buying houses--it was and it is--fun!
Monday, March 31, 2008
"The head tilt."
Have you ever seen that "Friends" episode called "the head tilt?" Tom Selleck plays a recent divorcee that everyone feels sorry for. Monica, a friend of his, walks up to him. She tilts her head and says, "How are you?" He responds with, "you must have heard about my divorce because you're tilting your head to the side and raising your voice an octave." Apparently, lots of people had been head tilting him asking him how he was-- obviously distraught over his divorce.
Lately, I've been getting a lot of head tilts. "John, how are you? Are you ok? This market is really tough, huh?" Look guys, I appreciate the head tilts, but the Auburn-Opelika real estate market is actually ok. If you look at the real estate market across the country, yes, the real estate market is down. However, we are a community that is thriving. In fact, a recent poll suggested that our market will continue to climb because of our economy. Still don't believe me? How about this... if the real estate market is at an all time low, then now is the time to buy, buy, buy!!! That's just basic accounting. Buy low. Sell high. Wondering what to do if you need to sell right now? go ahead. it is ok. People in this area always need housing. Every house sells. So, I've started a blog. I never thought I would be a blogger, but here I am. I welcome your comments on the real estate market. And, if you see me out, you can still give me the head tilt. I'm kind of getting used to it.
Lately, I've been getting a lot of head tilts. "John, how are you? Are you ok? This market is really tough, huh?" Look guys, I appreciate the head tilts, but the Auburn-Opelika real estate market is actually ok. If you look at the real estate market across the country, yes, the real estate market is down. However, we are a community that is thriving. In fact, a recent poll suggested that our market will continue to climb because of our economy. Still don't believe me? How about this... if the real estate market is at an all time low, then now is the time to buy, buy, buy!!! That's just basic accounting. Buy low. Sell high. Wondering what to do if you need to sell right now? go ahead. it is ok. People in this area always need housing. Every house sells. So, I've started a blog. I never thought I would be a blogger, but here I am. I welcome your comments on the real estate market. And, if you see me out, you can still give me the head tilt. I'm kind of getting used to it.
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