Mountain Musings by Sharron

Need a Program to Create Charts and Graphs

2008-02-07T17:48:00Z

On my website, I have been posting information regarding the Blairsville, Georgia real estate market. ...(read more)

Over budget remodel

2007-10-24T13:33:00Z

We just moved into our newly remodeled home. It is gorgeous! Unfortunately, we went way over budget. With all of the price decreases around here, we could really have come out ahead financially if we had waited about a year to make our purchase. Now I am seeing some fabulous deals!

The truth? You can't handle the truth!

2007-10-10T16:20:00Z

Remember the old Clint Eastwood movie where he makes this comment about "the truth?"

Recently, I have been tempted to say this to some of the more stubborn sellers out there.

Do you want to sell their home? CHECK YES
Do you want to hear the comps? CHECK YES
Do you plan to believe the comps? CHECK NO

We received a good contract on our own home within 12 hours of listing it! Why? We priced it appropriately based upon the current market. We cleaned it up. We made sure that it had "eye appeal."

On the other hand, one of our listings is a home that, while similar to ours, is not in as good of shape as my home, not furnished, and really is not ready to sell.

We only accepted this listing based upon the owners agreeing to make the necessary repairs to the home. Now, they are backing out of the reparis and they are informing me that they "are not giving the house away."

The truth? Well...

My Photo on New Business Card...or Not?

2007-09-27T02:01:00Z

Now that we are a part of a new brokerage, we need new business cards. With the new brokerage, we are no longer required to place our photos on the cards.We have lots of options here.

What are your suggestions?

No photo, yes caricature, yes photo, use old photo, use baby photo....you get the drift.

What are your thoughts on this decision?

We look forward to your input.

Getting Ready for the Holiday Season

2007-09-26T01:21:00Z

As the holidays approach, what advertising and marketing ideas or you getting ready to implement? My former broker purchased nice leather pocket calendars that he gave to his past and present clients.

Do you have some marketing tips that have been successful in the past that you would like to share with us? Do you have ideas that you are thinking about trying out this year?

I really look forward to your input! Or to quote Mike--comments welcome!

Looking for Hot Ways to Promote Business with the Vendor Coupons...

2007-09-14T22:49:00Z

I probably should not be asking this question on a "Fri-bu-day nite" ....but here goes...

How have you been using the P2 Vendor coupons in a way that promotes the success of your real estate business?

Who Owns Your Website?

2007-09-06T17:52:00Z

Am I allowed to offer short term cabin rental advertising on my web site?...(read more)

Virtual Tour Secrets

2007-08-24T11:22:00Z

Over 75% of all buyers begin their home search on the Internet, over 30% of all home purchases are made by buyers who live in a different city from the home they purchased. Most often, this home will serve as their vacation home. ...(read more)

Hurricane Dean Is Poised Just Outside of Jamaica

2007-08-19T18:39:00Z

I just looked at the weather map, and Hurricane Dean is poised right outside of Jamaica.

After 27 years of hurricane dodging in Homestead, Florida, including a hair-raising and life-changing battle with Hurricane Andrew, I am well aware of the stress that these people are enduring.

Now would be a great time for all RElibbers to send a little prayer or positive energy their way. This looks like a very powerful storm, and I pray that each and every human being and animal there will find his or her way to safety.

Share Your Drip Mail Secrets

2007-08-18T15:34:00Z

The Internet is an incredibly wonderful real estate marketing tool.

In this "Age of Information," real estate buyers, sellers and investors spend lots of time "doing their homework" long before they are ready to buy or sell a property.

And as "Technololgy Savvy" realtors, we have embraced this technology as a vital part of our real estate marketing plan. Once fiercely guarded MLS information is readily available at our websites, to site visitors who provide little or no information about themselves.

When site visitors provide us with their e-mail information, we utilize a system called "Drip Mail" as an important tool to keep us on the minds of our potential clients and to establaish a relationship with these clients.

How much time have you spent on developing a strong Drip Mail system? What kinds of suggestions and secrets do you have for helping your fellow RElibbers enhance and strengthen the quality of their Drip Mail? How have you personalized your drip mails? How often do you send them out? Do you send them to everyone who registers?

I look forward to your ideas and suggestions.

How Do You Promote Your Real Estate Services While on Vacation?

2007-07-27T19:36:00Z

We help buyers use the power of the Internet, online MLS, and e-mail to start their search for Northeast Georgia mountain land or homes before they visit the area. We preview homes and land for them, and provide them this additional information via e-mail. ...(read more)

Help! Is This Standard Procedure for Foreclosure?

2007-07-17T14:03:00Z

For a week, we have been negotiating a deal on behalf of young buyers who are trying to purchase a foreclosure. The home fits their needs, although it will require central heat and air and other improvements and repairs.

We finally came to an agreement that was acceptable to our buyers. That is when we discovered that the bank is will be charging a $100.00 per diem fee for everyday that the closing exceeds August 13th.

The listing agent assures us that in her 20 years of handling foreclosures, she has only had one instance when the bank actually enforced the per diem charge. She said that in the event that the buyers werfe unable to close, we would simply apply for an extension that the bank would surely grant.

These kids really want this house and it would be perfect for their needs. BUT...I just don't want any nasty surprises for them as they purchase their first home.

What Is the Broker's Role?

2007-07-15T22:19:00Z

Bill just asked about brokerage/agent commission splits.

I would like to know about broker/agent relationships. How are your brokerages set up? I am not talking about money, I am referring to mentorship and advice.

I am trying to get a feel for the role of a broker in supporting his/her new agents.

Who Holds the Earnest Deposit for a Foreclosure?

2007-07-13T19:08:00Z

We are in the process of selling our first home that is a foreclosure listed with a different brokerage in our town.

Is it standard procedure for the listing office to hold in escrow the Earnest Money as opposed to the selling office?

What Is Your Most Proud Real Estate Moment?

2007-07-13T02:21:00Z

We just helped a delightful couple purchase their first home and at a great price. What a pleasure! I don't think that we will ever forget this transaction.

Please share some of your most memorable transactions.