Many of you have heard me speak highly of Steve Crosslands blog - he's one to watch here in Austin.
Steve wrote a great article about how the government's policies can influence the local real estate markets.
Check out the blog here.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
The Ups and Downs of the Market
Many of you have heard me speak highly of Steve Crosslands blog - he's one to watch here in Austin.
Steve wrote a great article about how the government's policies can influence the local real estate markets.
Check out the blog here.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Tips to Make Your House a Home
RISMEDIA, June 21, 2010—After getting the keys to their new homes, many first-time home buyers are excited about finally having the opportunity to personalize and furnish their new house. From coffee tables to lamps to lawnmowers, many previous renters leap into homeownership quickly realizing they need to do a lot of shopping to truly make their house a home.
“Whether you’ve been living in an apartment with roommates or at your parents’ house, many first-time home buyers do not think about all the items they need – and want – when moving into a house,” said Janice Jones, national vice president of merchandising for Centex. “With a little advance planning and budgeting, you won’t break the bank to make your new home a reflection of your personal style and showcase your pride of homeownership.”
A typical home buyer spends $7,400 on average on their home, with more than half of that spent in the first year after purchase, according to the National Association of Home Builders.
While many first-time home buyers may not have accounted for this level of spending, Jones offers advice on what types of items to purchase to not only properly maintain and live in the home, but also more importantly, items that help new homeowners feel like their house is a place to call home.
Furnishings
Many first-time home buyers no longer want their parents’ hand-me downs or their childhood bedroom set. From sofas to dining room sets to mattresses, many first-time home buyers take the opportunity to upgrade their furniture when moving into their new home. According to an NAHB study, furnishings take the biggest chunk of the budget, with home buyers spending about $5,300 on furnishings during the first year after buying a home. The biggest ticket item for all households is bedroom furnishings, including mattresses, followed by sofas.
Window coverings and linens
The median square footage of homes bought by first-time buyers is 1,500. So, you can only imagine the number of windows that need to be covered to ensure privacy and security in a home. According to Jones, many home buyers don’t account for this in their budget. Additionally, with the ability to now paint and decorate each room, new homeowners find that they want to purchase new bedroom and bathroom linens.
Garden tools
Since a first-time home buyer is likely to move into their home from an apartment, unless you plan on hiring a gardener, you’ll need to purchase a few basic gardening tools, including a lawnmower, garden hose, sprinkler and a shovel (for winter weather).
Flat screen TV
Let’s face it: many home buyers shop for their new home while taking into a consideration how a new, large, flat-screen television set will be situated in their new living space. So, it’s not a surprise that a hot item on the list is purchasing an entertainment system.
However, you’ll also need the basic appliances in your new home: a refrigerator, stove, and a washer/dryer. While many existing homes usually come with appliances, a home buyer needs to take inventory as to whether or not they will need to purchase these big ticket items before they purchase their new bedroom set.
Basic tool kit
Every home needs a well-stocked tool box. Many home improvement stores have sets you can purchase, but make sure it includes a hammer, screw drivers, pliers, wrenches, a tape measure and a staple gun.
“My biggest piece of advice for new home buyers is to be creative and tackle this room by room,” said Jones. “For example, after outfitting your home with the necessary items—like appliances and window coverings—move on to the kitchen and family room spaces. This area is the heart of your home where everyone gathers.
“Look for great values on the items you need that will be utilized most. Take your time and get the feel of how you want to use each space for both function and enjoyment. This strategy allows homeowners to stage their purchases and add new furnishings as the budget allows. Decorating your new home should be fun and a reflection of your personal style.”
“Whether you’ve been living in an apartment with roommates or at your parents’ house, many first-time home buyers do not think about all the items they need – and want – when moving into a house,” said Janice Jones, national vice president of merchandising for Centex. “With a little advance planning and budgeting, you won’t break the bank to make your new home a reflection of your personal style and showcase your pride of homeownership.”
A typical home buyer spends $7,400 on average on their home, with more than half of that spent in the first year after purchase, according to the National Association of Home Builders.
While many first-time home buyers may not have accounted for this level of spending, Jones offers advice on what types of items to purchase to not only properly maintain and live in the home, but also more importantly, items that help new homeowners feel like their house is a place to call home.
Furnishings
Many first-time home buyers no longer want their parents’ hand-me downs or their childhood bedroom set. From sofas to dining room sets to mattresses, many first-time home buyers take the opportunity to upgrade their furniture when moving into their new home. According to an NAHB study, furnishings take the biggest chunk of the budget, with home buyers spending about $5,300 on furnishings during the first year after buying a home. The biggest ticket item for all households is bedroom furnishings, including mattresses, followed by sofas.
Window coverings and linens
The median square footage of homes bought by first-time buyers is 1,500. So, you can only imagine the number of windows that need to be covered to ensure privacy and security in a home. According to Jones, many home buyers don’t account for this in their budget. Additionally, with the ability to now paint and decorate each room, new homeowners find that they want to purchase new bedroom and bathroom linens.
Garden tools
Since a first-time home buyer is likely to move into their home from an apartment, unless you plan on hiring a gardener, you’ll need to purchase a few basic gardening tools, including a lawnmower, garden hose, sprinkler and a shovel (for winter weather).
Flat screen TV
Let’s face it: many home buyers shop for their new home while taking into a consideration how a new, large, flat-screen television set will be situated in their new living space. So, it’s not a surprise that a hot item on the list is purchasing an entertainment system.
However, you’ll also need the basic appliances in your new home: a refrigerator, stove, and a washer/dryer. While many existing homes usually come with appliances, a home buyer needs to take inventory as to whether or not they will need to purchase these big ticket items before they purchase their new bedroom set.
Basic tool kit
Every home needs a well-stocked tool box. Many home improvement stores have sets you can purchase, but make sure it includes a hammer, screw drivers, pliers, wrenches, a tape measure and a staple gun.
“My biggest piece of advice for new home buyers is to be creative and tackle this room by room,” said Jones. “For example, after outfitting your home with the necessary items—like appliances and window coverings—move on to the kitchen and family room spaces. This area is the heart of your home where everyone gathers.
“Look for great values on the items you need that will be utilized most. Take your time and get the feel of how you want to use each space for both function and enjoyment. This strategy allows homeowners to stage their purchases and add new furnishings as the budget allows. Decorating your new home should be fun and a reflection of your personal style.”
Thursday, June 24, 2010
The truest version of myself
You've seen the words of my friend George Kahn in this blog before. Each day he sends out a "Passion Party" email with a positive, thought provoking message, and the message for today is no exception. Read....and think....and see what you can do to live these words today...and maybe even tomorrow too!
George writes:
Today I will be authentic
not mean or angry,
but true to my beliefs, spirit and character.
I will live by my highest standards
and offer to help.
I will not be petty or vulgar,
because that is not my truest self.
I will look for the humanity in others
and build their confidence and capabilities
by being my most authentic self.
George Kahn
Email: gkahn (at) mortgcap *dot* com
George writes:
Today I will be authentic
not mean or angry,
but true to my beliefs, spirit and character.
I will live by my highest standards
and offer to help.
I will not be petty or vulgar,
because that is not my truest self.
I will look for the humanity in others
and build their confidence and capabilities
by being my most authentic self.
George Kahn
Email: gkahn (at) mortgcap *dot* com
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Green gadgets to keep you charged this summer
Wow this is pretty stinkin cool. Anyone have experience with something like these cool gadgets?
Your outdoor gadgets used to be limited by their battery life - but no longer. These solar-powered chargers will let you play in the sun with the knowledge that you'll never be out of touch. Heather Clancy tells you how to keep charged this summer. Better Energy Systems claims its Solio Classic-i works with more than 3,200 devices for its almost 1 million customers. It costs $79.99.
See the full article here.
Architecture Coach: The Right Way to Display Artwork
This just in from REALTOR® Magazine...
Artwork can add a personalized, finishing touch to any room, but too much can distract buyers from a home's architectural pluses.
By Barbara Ballinger | July 2010
Properly displayed and tasteful artwork can instantly bring life to an otherwise dull room. Whether home owners have painted or papered their walls, most want to hang some artwork on them, perhaps by displaying fine paintings, prints, or photographs, or more casual, affordable pieces from nature, travels, or favorite magazines.
"Any room looks better with some art," says saleswoman Barb St. Amant, ABR, with Harry Norman, REALTORS®, in Atlanta.
However, any artwork display should involve careful selection in choosing the right mat, frame, backing, or container, as well as determining the best location to hang the art, including how high or low it should be on a wall and whether it stands alone or as part of a group, designers say.
“Too many people hang art randomly, like they’re throwing stuff at a dartboard,” says Cambridge, Mass.–based designer Heidi Pribell. “Urge collectors to have their art form a pattern — in a grid, vertical stack, or horizontal line, or if alone relate to a piece of furniture or architectural feature.”
You can help buyers and sellers understand the impact art can make — for their own enjoyment as well as how to use it to impress buyers — with some of the following tips, from choosing what to display to how to hang it on the wall.
What to Display
Forget the notion that art has to have a fancy pedigree or exorbitant costs. Anything a home owner loves is suitable, from a museum-quality painting to child’s drawings.
Here are some other suggestions for what to display:
* The power of black and white. Designer and stager Linda Bettencourt of Center Stage in San Francisco suggests using black and white photographs, which can be framed in inexpensive frames.
* Go big. Atlanta-based designer Brian Patrick Flynn thinks one enlarged photo — as big as 20’ wide by 12’ tall — offers a huge wow. “By making the wall the star, you don’t necessarily need many other elements to complete it,” he says.
* Mirror, mirror on the walls. Pribell loves mirrors. “They offer great feng shui and bring in light and reflection. You can never have too many,” she says.
* Unique collections. Get clients to think outside the box. A childhood collection of Pez dispensers or snow globes can even become artistically encased assemblages if displayed properly.
Choosing the Proper Frame
The style, width, material, and color of picture frames are personal choices, says Chicago-area designer Mary Lou Kalmus of Designing Edge, who likes to frame works in a grouping that has the same or similar motifs.
* Don’t match too much. Sharla Kidder, president of Biddington’s Inc., an art information site, prefers different “but not too different” frames — maybe a series in the same color range. Also, designers say, don’t match a frame to the room’s décor too much; let it stand on its own.
* Complement the era. Pribell favors a style that reflects the period in the artwork, such as a 19th century “exhibition” frame for a 19th century painting. Many contemporary paintings and other works look good with a more minimal frame so that they float within, adds Kidder.
* Bring out the art with a mat. Bettencourt likes mats in ivory or white with 3-inch borders on the sides and top and a slightly wider 4-inch border on the bottom.
* Decide between glass or acrylic. “Glass is cheaper, easier to clean, and more resistant to scratches,” says Kidder. But it’s also “heavier, more breakable, sensitive to variations in temperature, and highly reflective so it often creates a glare,” she says.
How to Display It
How you display the artwork on the walls can make a big difference, too. Consider the following.
Solo or in a grouping. The size of the work usually determines this decision. A large piece can stand alone; smaller works may look visually stronger if grouped, particularly if they reflect a similar style, subject matter, or frame, says Kalmus.
Kalmus recommends first laying out a grouping on the floor to form a composition. When mounting, Kidder likes spacing of 4 to 5 inches between works, depending on how many there are and the wall’s size. She also recommends using a measuring tape and level for accuracy.
How high, low, or close together. The size of the works, height of furniture, and ceiling height need to be weighed. A good guideline is to have the center of a work or the center of the grouping at eye level to the person who is living there.
If the artwork is above a sofa, there should be enough room so that people don't bump their heads on it. Art arranged along a stairway should march up the stairs, says Kalmus.
Artwork Tips When Selling a Home
When selling a home, the number of works displayed and how they’re showcased may differ from when they’re just hung for personal enjoyment. To avoid distracting buyers, art needs to play a secondary role to the lead: the home’s architecture and significant features, such as a fireplace.
Here’s some guidance to offer your clients:
* Less is more. Don’t fill every wall with artwork, Bettencourt advises. Instead, “put one great piece in an entry, over a sideboard, or above a fireplace,” she says.
* No leaning. Even though it’s considered quite chic, avoid leaning artwork against a wall, since there’s a risk of it being knocked over.
* Use art as a solution. “Spaced along a long hallway, art can break it up so it doesn’t resemble a bowling alley, or can cover ugly electrical panels,” Bettencourt says.
* Draw inspiration. Encourage clients to look in magazines and books for more solutions. For example, Rooms to Inspire in the City (Rizzoli, 2010) by Annie Kelly provides many helpful images.
Artwork can add a personalized, finishing touch to any room, but too much can distract buyers from a home's architectural pluses.
By Barbara Ballinger | July 2010
Properly displayed and tasteful artwork can instantly bring life to an otherwise dull room. Whether home owners have painted or papered their walls, most want to hang some artwork on them, perhaps by displaying fine paintings, prints, or photographs, or more casual, affordable pieces from nature, travels, or favorite magazines.
"Any room looks better with some art," says saleswoman Barb St. Amant, ABR, with Harry Norman, REALTORS®, in Atlanta.
However, any artwork display should involve careful selection in choosing the right mat, frame, backing, or container, as well as determining the best location to hang the art, including how high or low it should be on a wall and whether it stands alone or as part of a group, designers say.
“Too many people hang art randomly, like they’re throwing stuff at a dartboard,” says Cambridge, Mass.–based designer Heidi Pribell. “Urge collectors to have their art form a pattern — in a grid, vertical stack, or horizontal line, or if alone relate to a piece of furniture or architectural feature.”
You can help buyers and sellers understand the impact art can make — for their own enjoyment as well as how to use it to impress buyers — with some of the following tips, from choosing what to display to how to hang it on the wall.
What to Display
Forget the notion that art has to have a fancy pedigree or exorbitant costs. Anything a home owner loves is suitable, from a museum-quality painting to child’s drawings.
Here are some other suggestions for what to display:
* The power of black and white. Designer and stager Linda Bettencourt of Center Stage in San Francisco suggests using black and white photographs, which can be framed in inexpensive frames.
* Go big. Atlanta-based designer Brian Patrick Flynn thinks one enlarged photo — as big as 20’ wide by 12’ tall — offers a huge wow. “By making the wall the star, you don’t necessarily need many other elements to complete it,” he says.
* Mirror, mirror on the walls. Pribell loves mirrors. “They offer great feng shui and bring in light and reflection. You can never have too many,” she says.
* Unique collections. Get clients to think outside the box. A childhood collection of Pez dispensers or snow globes can even become artistically encased assemblages if displayed properly.
Choosing the Proper Frame
The style, width, material, and color of picture frames are personal choices, says Chicago-area designer Mary Lou Kalmus of Designing Edge, who likes to frame works in a grouping that has the same or similar motifs.
* Don’t match too much. Sharla Kidder, president of Biddington’s Inc., an art information site, prefers different “but not too different” frames — maybe a series in the same color range. Also, designers say, don’t match a frame to the room’s décor too much; let it stand on its own.
* Complement the era. Pribell favors a style that reflects the period in the artwork, such as a 19th century “exhibition” frame for a 19th century painting. Many contemporary paintings and other works look good with a more minimal frame so that they float within, adds Kidder.
* Bring out the art with a mat. Bettencourt likes mats in ivory or white with 3-inch borders on the sides and top and a slightly wider 4-inch border on the bottom.
* Decide between glass or acrylic. “Glass is cheaper, easier to clean, and more resistant to scratches,” says Kidder. But it’s also “heavier, more breakable, sensitive to variations in temperature, and highly reflective so it often creates a glare,” she says.
How to Display It
How you display the artwork on the walls can make a big difference, too. Consider the following.
Solo or in a grouping. The size of the work usually determines this decision. A large piece can stand alone; smaller works may look visually stronger if grouped, particularly if they reflect a similar style, subject matter, or frame, says Kalmus.
Kalmus recommends first laying out a grouping on the floor to form a composition. When mounting, Kidder likes spacing of 4 to 5 inches between works, depending on how many there are and the wall’s size. She also recommends using a measuring tape and level for accuracy.
How high, low, or close together. The size of the works, height of furniture, and ceiling height need to be weighed. A good guideline is to have the center of a work or the center of the grouping at eye level to the person who is living there.
If the artwork is above a sofa, there should be enough room so that people don't bump their heads on it. Art arranged along a stairway should march up the stairs, says Kalmus.
Artwork Tips When Selling a Home
When selling a home, the number of works displayed and how they’re showcased may differ from when they’re just hung for personal enjoyment. To avoid distracting buyers, art needs to play a secondary role to the lead: the home’s architecture and significant features, such as a fireplace.
Here’s some guidance to offer your clients:
* Less is more. Don’t fill every wall with artwork, Bettencourt advises. Instead, “put one great piece in an entry, over a sideboard, or above a fireplace,” she says.
* No leaning. Even though it’s considered quite chic, avoid leaning artwork against a wall, since there’s a risk of it being knocked over.
* Use art as a solution. “Spaced along a long hallway, art can break it up so it doesn’t resemble a bowling alley, or can cover ugly electrical panels,” Bettencourt says.
* Draw inspiration. Encourage clients to look in magazines and books for more solutions. For example, Rooms to Inspire in the City (Rizzoli, 2010) by Annie Kelly provides many helpful images.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Summer Home Maintenance Tips
by Carla L. Davis
Summer is a season full of many activities. Pool-side barbecues, family vacations, and children's backyard campouts are just a few. But there's another activity that sometimes gets overlooked, and that is summer home maintenance.
This season presents some prime opportunities to make sure your home is in good working order. Let's examine a few areas you should add to your activity list.
1. Decks: Even the most well-constructed deck will need to be looked over for loose nails and screws, as well as warping or rotting wood. Replace any pieces that pose a safety risk. For easy cleaning, consider using a power washer. This will get rid of the dirt and grime that naturally collects throughout the year on decks.
2. Roof. Roofs require semi-annual inspections. Wind storms, hail, and regular old wear and tear mean you need to visually inspect your roof each year. Clean debris from your roof and look for missing and loose singles. Trim back branches that overhang onto the roof. And be sure your gutter is still free of debris.
3. Water Heaters. Your tank should be drained once a year. This will help with sediment build-up that is inevitable with water heater use. By draining the water heater you can add years to its lifespan.
4. Change air filters. Filters do their job well, and as such, they need changed often. Filters are part of what keeps your home protected from pollutants and allergens. And since they are inexpensive and easy to change, there is not reason not to add this task to your summer activity list.
5. Recreation. Pools are a popular destination during the summer months. Take this time to be sure that tiles and grout are in good repair, or that linings are free from holes in the case of above ground pools. Check your pool's chemistry often. That means twice a week during the summer. And don't forget to clean the pool skimmers often to make sure you get the best circulation, a must for any healthy pool.
Have fun this summer, and remember to give your home a little TLC.
Published: June 14, 2010
See the full article here.
Summer is a season full of many activities. Pool-side barbecues, family vacations, and children's backyard campouts are just a few. But there's another activity that sometimes gets overlooked, and that is summer home maintenance.
This season presents some prime opportunities to make sure your home is in good working order. Let's examine a few areas you should add to your activity list.
1. Decks: Even the most well-constructed deck will need to be looked over for loose nails and screws, as well as warping or rotting wood. Replace any pieces that pose a safety risk. For easy cleaning, consider using a power washer. This will get rid of the dirt and grime that naturally collects throughout the year on decks.
2. Roof. Roofs require semi-annual inspections. Wind storms, hail, and regular old wear and tear mean you need to visually inspect your roof each year. Clean debris from your roof and look for missing and loose singles. Trim back branches that overhang onto the roof. And be sure your gutter is still free of debris.
3. Water Heaters. Your tank should be drained once a year. This will help with sediment build-up that is inevitable with water heater use. By draining the water heater you can add years to its lifespan.
4. Change air filters. Filters do their job well, and as such, they need changed often. Filters are part of what keeps your home protected from pollutants and allergens. And since they are inexpensive and easy to change, there is not reason not to add this task to your summer activity list.
5. Recreation. Pools are a popular destination during the summer months. Take this time to be sure that tiles and grout are in good repair, or that linings are free from holes in the case of above ground pools. Check your pool's chemistry often. That means twice a week during the summer. And don't forget to clean the pool skimmers often to make sure you get the best circulation, a must for any healthy pool.
Have fun this summer, and remember to give your home a little TLC.
Published: June 14, 2010
See the full article here.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Ever thought about a 15 year mortgage?
The newest edition of our Housing Trends Newsletter has a great interview discussing 15 year mortgages - check it out along with the other great information!
Friday, June 11, 2010
6 Backyard Improvement Ideas to Add More Value to Your Home
Here's a great article courtesy of RISMedia - A Real Estate news organization.
If you’re like most homeowners, there is never a shortage of options when it comes to projects around the house. But studies have shown that some of the highest return on household improvements can come from those on the outside, not the inside.
A primary reason is that outside investments can produce curb appeal, which is especially important if you are planning to sell your home. Those same improvements can enhance the enjoyment factor if you and your family plan to stay in your home.
For example, one national industry resource—the National Association of Realtors, reported recently their experience shows a new wood deck produces the second highest return on home improvement investment of any common addition, remodel or replacement project.
However projects don’t have to be big to add value or enjoyment, according to Jimmy Rane, president of Great Southern Wood Preserving, a leading producer of pressure-treated lumber products and maker of YellaWood brand products.
The following popular outside improvement projects will increase the curb appeal or value of a home:
Adirondack chairs—Uniquely-American classic outdoor furniture is made entirely of wood and has a straight back and seat, which are set at a slant to sit comfortably on a hillside or mountain incline, but still be comfortable at any angle.
Gazebo—A gazebo can be freestanding or attached to a garden wall, roofed and open on all sizes to provide shade or shelter.
Planters and window boxes—Planters have become popular because they are both functional and ornamental. Additionally, some can be moved frequently to account for seasonal weather or just to create a change in scenery.
Picnic table—Picnic tables go well on a patio or a deck, but equally as well on the grass or under a tree in the yard. A traditional picnic table is all in one piece so that it wears well without a lot of maintenance.
Trellis—A trellis can function as a unique sun screen or it can be the framework for an outdoor hanging garden. Building it with pressure treated lumber can add life by minimizing rotting and other threats.
Trash can corral or compost bin—While many outdoor projects tend to be cosmetic in nature, here are two ideas that are both practical and pretty. With a trash can corral, you can hide unsightly trash cans and with a compost bin, you can reduce your own carbon footprint in a way that doesn’t take away from the visual appeal of the place.
For more information, visit the Great Southern Wood website.
If you’re like most homeowners, there is never a shortage of options when it comes to projects around the house. But studies have shown that some of the highest return on household improvements can come from those on the outside, not the inside.
A primary reason is that outside investments can produce curb appeal, which is especially important if you are planning to sell your home. Those same improvements can enhance the enjoyment factor if you and your family plan to stay in your home.
For example, one national industry resource—the National Association of Realtors, reported recently their experience shows a new wood deck produces the second highest return on home improvement investment of any common addition, remodel or replacement project.
However projects don’t have to be big to add value or enjoyment, according to Jimmy Rane, president of Great Southern Wood Preserving, a leading producer of pressure-treated lumber products and maker of YellaWood brand products.
The following popular outside improvement projects will increase the curb appeal or value of a home:
Adirondack chairs—Uniquely-American classic outdoor furniture is made entirely of wood and has a straight back and seat, which are set at a slant to sit comfortably on a hillside or mountain incline, but still be comfortable at any angle.
Gazebo—A gazebo can be freestanding or attached to a garden wall, roofed and open on all sizes to provide shade or shelter.
Planters and window boxes—Planters have become popular because they are both functional and ornamental. Additionally, some can be moved frequently to account for seasonal weather or just to create a change in scenery.
Picnic table—Picnic tables go well on a patio or a deck, but equally as well on the grass or under a tree in the yard. A traditional picnic table is all in one piece so that it wears well without a lot of maintenance.
Trellis—A trellis can function as a unique sun screen or it can be the framework for an outdoor hanging garden. Building it with pressure treated lumber can add life by minimizing rotting and other threats.
Trash can corral or compost bin—While many outdoor projects tend to be cosmetic in nature, here are two ideas that are both practical and pretty. With a trash can corral, you can hide unsightly trash cans and with a compost bin, you can reduce your own carbon footprint in a way that doesn’t take away from the visual appeal of the place.
For more information, visit the Great Southern Wood website.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Another note from my friend George
You've seen a few of George's Passion Party writings here before - and this is another great one. (Well, he sends great messages every morning, but this one just "fit" for me today).
This morning I had an appointment to have my tires rotated at 7 a.m. - they said it would take about 30 minutes. Well at 8:30 I was on my way - not because there were problems, it just took a while....and a few things popped up - nail in one of the tires that needed repaired, inspection sticker that was expired, etc.
On the way home I was listening to NPR. I haven't been paying too much attention to the news for the past three months - because I really don't like hearing what the news has to say. And for the most part, the only impact the news has on me is that it gets me riled up or makes me feel down. Today was no different - a story about the oil spill and the birds covered in oil being cleaned with a concentrated solution of Dawn dish soap (you know - it breaks up grease, takes it out of your way) - could we clean up the ocean by dumping some Dawn in there too?? Anyway...it made me sad. Then I thought about the oil companines and oil prices and record profits and on and on and on. Yuck.
Anyway.....this being my first email check of the day, a great message from George that I wanted to share.
Would you like to be added to the daily "Passion Party"??? Just shoot George a note - contact info below.
Life is frustrating right now.
There is so much trouble in the world
News is bad
The world is broke.
Business feels like it is a Race To The Bottom
Products keep getting cheaper, not better
and we gather together
at the edge of our landfill
to throw out all our stuff
because things are just not worth fixing.
Today I do not need to fix the world
I just need to fix what is in front of me.
What isn't working?
Why isn't it working?
Is it worth fixing?
What can I do to "re-frame" the problem?
Is it something I can have control over?
If so, I will work on that part of the problem.
Otherwise, it is
just more idle chatter
more noise in a noisy world.
George Kahn
Email: gkahn@mortgcap.com
This morning I had an appointment to have my tires rotated at 7 a.m. - they said it would take about 30 minutes. Well at 8:30 I was on my way - not because there were problems, it just took a while....and a few things popped up - nail in one of the tires that needed repaired, inspection sticker that was expired, etc.
On the way home I was listening to NPR. I haven't been paying too much attention to the news for the past three months - because I really don't like hearing what the news has to say. And for the most part, the only impact the news has on me is that it gets me riled up or makes me feel down. Today was no different - a story about the oil spill and the birds covered in oil being cleaned with a concentrated solution of Dawn dish soap (you know - it breaks up grease, takes it out of your way) - could we clean up the ocean by dumping some Dawn in there too?? Anyway...it made me sad. Then I thought about the oil companines and oil prices and record profits and on and on and on. Yuck.
Anyway.....this being my first email check of the day, a great message from George that I wanted to share.
Would you like to be added to the daily "Passion Party"??? Just shoot George a note - contact info below.
Life is frustrating right now.
There is so much trouble in the world
News is bad
The world is broke.
Business feels like it is a Race To The Bottom
Products keep getting cheaper, not better
and we gather together
at the edge of our landfill
to throw out all our stuff
because things are just not worth fixing.
Today I do not need to fix the world
I just need to fix what is in front of me.
What isn't working?
Why isn't it working?
Is it worth fixing?
What can I do to "re-frame" the problem?
Is it something I can have control over?
If so, I will work on that part of the problem.
Otherwise, it is
just more idle chatter
more noise in a noisy world.
George Kahn
Email: gkahn@mortgcap.com
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
"I'm not a set of keys"
One of our fantastic agents forwarded this blog entry over to me today. She and I had a discussion yesterday about how some folks call us on listings and want us to show them the property, but do not want to meet with us or give us any information about themselves. It's not that we want their life story, we're simply trying to determine if meeting them is a good use of our time. Often the question we get is "well isn't it in the best interest of your seller to show me the house?" and the true answer is "no, not necessarily."
You see, if the caller isn't qualified to buy the house, it's a waste of everybody's time. It also allows a "stranger" access to a house...they can see what's in there, who's in there, etc. What if that caller really just wants to scope out the TV or appliances? Is THAT in the best interest of our seller? No.
Anyway, here's the blog entry, courtesy of Lori Liveston from Waltham, MA:
I'm a buyer's agent not a set of keys, and yup, there's a difference.
Let me start off by saying, I'm not a high pressure sales person. It is not my intention to talk you in to purchasing a home you don't want so I can pick up my check. It IS my intention to make sure that we don't waste each other's time.
Requesting a meeting prior to showing you properties isn't just because "I'm a people person."
This meeting is to explain the home buying process to you: Even if you have done your homework (and it's great if you have!), there is information that comes with my experience and you might just find it valuable. This meeting is also to do what we call a "need assessment": This is where we talk about your needs and wants in a home, your timeline for purchasing, your price range and anything else that's important to you in the purchase of your new home. This meeting is to go over important disclosures that I am legally obligated to provide you with: At this meeting I will present you with the Agency Disclosure that I am obligated by law to provide you with. This is a two page document (In Texas it is one page) that explains the different types of agency that can be provided to individuals in a real estate transaction. I will also present you with a disclosure that explains the home inspection process (which can be daunting, particularly for first time home buyers) and the different types of inspections offered.
While the internet is an invaluable tool in finding the homes you want to see, I can help!
As a local real estate professional, I have probably been inside some of these houses already. Which means, that I can tell you why there are no pictures of the third bedroom (because it's an 8x8 cell with no light and a pet stained carpet that you are only going to be able to use for storage). Because I understand the type of financing you will be using, I know this foreclosure property isn't worth looking at (because it will never qualify for FHA financing.... and since we sat down together to go over your financing needs, I already know you are going FHA).
Presenting you with a buyer agency agreement doesn't mean that I want to trap you into working with me and then stop working hard to keep you as a client.
The buyer agency form is a commitment from BOTH OF US. It commits me to represent you and find you a property, and it commits you to not use another agent in purchasing a property. We can make this commitment for as long or short a period of time as you like. Does it help me out to know that you are serious about purchasing a home and that my time isn't wasted? Sure. Exclusive agreements have been used by on the seller's side for a long time, because we recognize that in order to sell a house in the quickest amount of time and with the best terms possible, that requires a commitment from both the seller and their agent. The same principals apply to the buying side of the transaction.
Bottom line, I don't want to work with you if you don't want to work with me.
Let's face it, you are going to be spending your free time with me looking at homes, that's a pretty big deal and I don't want to be a part of it if I am not going to improve that process for you.
You see, if the caller isn't qualified to buy the house, it's a waste of everybody's time. It also allows a "stranger" access to a house...they can see what's in there, who's in there, etc. What if that caller really just wants to scope out the TV or appliances? Is THAT in the best interest of our seller? No.
Anyway, here's the blog entry, courtesy of Lori Liveston from Waltham, MA:
I'm a buyer's agent not a set of keys, and yup, there's a difference.
Let me start off by saying, I'm not a high pressure sales person. It is not my intention to talk you in to purchasing a home you don't want so I can pick up my check. It IS my intention to make sure that we don't waste each other's time.
Requesting a meeting prior to showing you properties isn't just because "I'm a people person."
This meeting is to explain the home buying process to you: Even if you have done your homework (and it's great if you have!), there is information that comes with my experience and you might just find it valuable. This meeting is also to do what we call a "need assessment": This is where we talk about your needs and wants in a home, your timeline for purchasing, your price range and anything else that's important to you in the purchase of your new home. This meeting is to go over important disclosures that I am legally obligated to provide you with: At this meeting I will present you with the Agency Disclosure that I am obligated by law to provide you with. This is a two page document (In Texas it is one page) that explains the different types of agency that can be provided to individuals in a real estate transaction. I will also present you with a disclosure that explains the home inspection process (which can be daunting, particularly for first time home buyers) and the different types of inspections offered.
While the internet is an invaluable tool in finding the homes you want to see, I can help!
As a local real estate professional, I have probably been inside some of these houses already. Which means, that I can tell you why there are no pictures of the third bedroom (because it's an 8x8 cell with no light and a pet stained carpet that you are only going to be able to use for storage). Because I understand the type of financing you will be using, I know this foreclosure property isn't worth looking at (because it will never qualify for FHA financing.... and since we sat down together to go over your financing needs, I already know you are going FHA).
Presenting you with a buyer agency agreement doesn't mean that I want to trap you into working with me and then stop working hard to keep you as a client.
The buyer agency form is a commitment from BOTH OF US. It commits me to represent you and find you a property, and it commits you to not use another agent in purchasing a property. We can make this commitment for as long or short a period of time as you like. Does it help me out to know that you are serious about purchasing a home and that my time isn't wasted? Sure. Exclusive agreements have been used by on the seller's side for a long time, because we recognize that in order to sell a house in the quickest amount of time and with the best terms possible, that requires a commitment from both the seller and their agent. The same principals apply to the buying side of the transaction.
Bottom line, I don't want to work with you if you don't want to work with me.
Let's face it, you are going to be spending your free time with me looking at homes, that's a pretty big deal and I don't want to be a part of it if I am not going to improve that process for you.
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