Brian Kennedy - WWW.IHMGroup.Net

I have decided to work smarter not harder.....

2007-09-01T21:01:00Z

Like many of you, I work all week then do time on the weekend trying to get caught up on paperwork. Well, I have become frustrated with having to pen and paper all the forms needed to transact up here so I have decided to work smarter not harder. I took 5 new listings in last week - all of which I had to write 50% of the documents by hand. I have grown tired of wasting my time with pens and paper. I HATE IT!!! I HATE IT!!! I HATE IT!! So in my never ending quest to find a better way of doing everything,...(read more)

Zillow works in our favor ???

2007-08-31T15:13:00Z

Here is a weird scenario. Excuse me if this is redundant to many of you - I have not been keeping up with the posts. Miss you Becky...Miss you Phil...Miss you Greg.... Anyhow, I have a couple of properties that are stagnating on the MLS with little to no walk-throughs. The units are well priced and show beautifully. We have been doing tons and tons of promotion and run weekly open houses on all my listings. My team divvies up the listings and everyone works every weekend. Anyhow, I put a few listings...(read more)

A nice story to share with all of you about cooperation

2007-08-05T18:52:00Z

When you get involved in the Real estate business, you come across the true nature of humanity. You get to see and the good-hearted, well meaning people that truly act in their clients interests as well as all the bottom feeders that are really only looking for their next paycheck. While I will admit that I have seen a fair share of client neglect from some agents, that is not what this blog is about. This blog is to tell a better story about someone who really showed they are a true gentleman. I...(read more)

Some renters need straight jackets

2007-07-06T15:22:00Z

It's Friday, it's the beginning of a new month and we are gettting our fair share of people who are 6 days over their terminated lease and are now being told to move on or resign. I have taken three calls already this morning from resident propspects who NEED to move RIGHT NOW so they only want to look at units in "this buildling" that are vacant. My favorite nut job I will call Robin. Robin called and left a message on voicemail this morning about 7:30 am..... then again at 8:00 am, 8:15 am, 8:23...(read more)

www.GetMyHomesValue.com?

2007-06-27T21:38:00Z

Has anyone ever used the lead generation services these people provide. While "Sam" was charming and informative, their offer of being the sole agent they refer clients to in a purchased zip code strikes me a little suspicious. I have used lead generation services before and had horrible results - so - anyone wanna spill the beans and give me a little insight?...(read more)

Update on Porta-Potty Advertising

2007-06-25T17:34:00Z

Well, Sunday was the Gay Pride Parade in Chicago. My hubby and I went and gave out all the premiums we had for the event. A while back I posted a note on here that were were sponsoring three porta-potties for the event in an attempt to drum up business. Here is a photo of me (beer belly intact) and my proud accomplishment! The vendor limited the size of the advertising so we have to use 8.5 X 11 signs rather than the 11X17 I had printed. Darn!...(read more)

A hard lesson to learn about truth and timeliness....

2007-05-22T17:36:00Z

$315,000.00 home purchase representing the buyer Buyers initial credit score at first contact - above 700 Pre-qual letter faxed over to me before first viewing showing fully qualified. Current credit score: less than 500 Currently, now on mortgage broker #6 Clients check to the appraiser......bounced. (forwarded to authorities) Clients check to the inspector......bounced. (forwarded to authorities) Waiting to hear if earnest money deposit check has bounced. Attorney has decided to have earnest money...(read more)

Will a Port-A-Potty be an effective billboard?

2007-05-12T00:28:00Z

Always looking for a new way to mix a little humor into our advertising, we have decided to sponsor three portable restrooms at the next neighborhood parade event. The parade is a gay pride event and, as the day progresses onward, generally moves from lighthearted festive function to hardcore drinking and partying event. Not to be left out, we are generally smack-dab in the thick of it! Figuring people will need something to look at as they stand cross-legged and hopping up and down on one leg waiting...(read more)

This job is hard enough without all the darn bankrupt renters!

2007-05-10T19:36:00Z

Prospect: Hi , yeah I'm looking for a 1-2 bedroom. Do you have any I can see right now? Me: Sure, do you prefer North or South views? Prospect: North. I want to look at the Lake. Me: Great! Let me grab some keys and we can go view a couple of units. (visit a unit on high floor and mid-rise floor) Prospect: I love it! What do I need to rent the unit? Me: It's a simple process. I need you to fill out this rental application and the owner has requested a credit check. While we run the credit check,...(read more)

Identity Theft or Just Doctored Documents?

2007-05-10T17:41:00Z

Here is an odd situation. Weigh in with your thoughts please... I have a deal pending that is slated to close on May 18th. Yesterday I got a call from the mortgage broker asking if I had spoken to the client recently. (red flag) The broker advised me that when the appraiser went to cash the check the client had written him, that bank told him that the account had been closed for some time. (red flag) The mortgage broker then called the client's employer and was told that the client didn't work there....(read more)

Realtors Who Lie = Realtors who die

2007-05-07T21:41:00Z

A while back I posted a comment about a Realtor that was stalking another agent open house looking for clients. I have a follow-up story to share with all of you about that agent. People always talk about "getting what's coming" - I think this is the best example I can think of. I was working on expired and canceled over the weekend. It yielded a bunch of appointments this week but one I am very interested in. It is from a client that canceled on the agent we met in the stairwell that Saturday afternoon....(read more)

Can you help me find a house?

2007-04-30T22:47:00Z

I have decided I am no longer content living in the home we purchased a mere four years ago. While the area boast a Frank Lloyd Wright original right across the street, it's subtle charms are now lost on me. Can you help me find a house? I want to live where my clients want to buy property...in LA-LA Land! In LA-LA Land you can get a five bedroom house for under $150,000 with a credit score of less than 475 on stated income or public assistance monies. In LA-LA Land, actually paying your taxes is...(read more)

What seems like 900 blog posts later, I made it on the Featured Contributor

2007-04-30T22:27:00Z

Finally! Low down on the list but I made it! Do I get Becky bat or something?...(read more)

Panic grips the country as all leading economic indicators...

2007-04-30T16:05:00Z

Fourth phone call today from someone in foreclosure that wants to list. Faxed over the listing paperwork.... Referred them to a mortgage broker who specializes in foreclosure for review and guidance... Referred them to an RE Attorney that can help temporarily stave off the inevitbale... But I am left wondering... When we sat down and signed the mortgage, before I was a Realtor, the mortgage broker was extremely clear that ARM's adjust and they can adjust considerably upward if interest rates climb....(read more)

Ever tried to snake a client at an open house?

2007-04-30T13:56:00Z

I believe myself to be ethical and that includes not snaking clients at open houses as they ascend the stairs to the models. Yesterday, my partner and I were going to local open houses and checking out the inventory. We dressed down cause it was a beautiful day. I believe in handing out my card directly to the hosting agent upon arrival so there is no confusion about why we are there. However, on our way up to the listing, we were cornered in the ascending stairwell by another local agent who literally...(read more)