It's hot....but still I need sleeves.....

We are in the middle of a heat wave - 5 days in the 90s, with a heat index over 110 degrees on most days.  AND it doesn't look like it's going to end in the foreseeable future.  SO - what is a Realtor to do?

You may wonder, why would I, as a Realtor, be all that concerned?  It's not like I'm standing on black-top or cooking in a commercial kitchen or anything...RIGHT?  Well, yes, you're right - it could be worse.  But, you have to remember, I walk in and out of homes - and a good portion of them don't have A/C, due to foreclosure, etc.  At the same time, I have to look like a professional.  Again, so what is a Realtor to do?

So, in my free time, like I have any, I decided to do a little shopping to see if there would be anything that would work.  Let's just say, I understand that I'm not 18 anymore, nor do I want to be.  But, I'm not 81, either!  And, yes, I'm not the size of an 18 year old, but that doesn't mean that I want to wear large print mu mu's!!!!  I was amazed at the choices of clothing that I ran into!  Choices meaning, not so much - unless I would like to wear 500 different styles of TANK TOPS!?  Now, that's not all that professional, is it?  The lady working at the store mentioned that I could wear a shrug or top over it.  I guess she's right, but then I am back where I started with the heat and layering clothing, aren't I?  I'm sure that some women can pull off the sleeveless blouses, dresses, etc.  Michelle Obama does it nicely - but, have you seen the guns on that woman?  Yeah, mine aren't that impressive.  Needless to say, I'm a little self conscious about my arms.  But, why is it that I really don't have much of a choice in fashion today?  I need to be presentable and have the ability to stay 'current' without looking like a fool trying to be younger than I am OR much older. 

What's a Realtor to do?

Well, this was a little off topic - but, until next time, In This Market....

Mom always said...

Mom always said, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all..." , I wish some people listened to their mothers more.

I've been a little lacking in the blog - and we all have one special person to blame, or thank, however you take it!  These past few months, three to be exact (not that I'm counting), I've had one BIG, HUGE trial of my patience, wits and Hoosier Hospitality.  From the beginning of this particular transaction, I should have known I was in for a ride, but I wouldn't have ever guessed this would be the trip I would take.  You see, some people just aren't nice people.  Not for any reason, but to just be un-nice.  I've been good about recognizing this from the start, and not take anything this person has to say personally, but there have been many a prayers said to hold my own tongue.  Just as I feel my blood start to boil, thankfully, I've been able to listen to my mothers words, and not say anything at all.  "Kill 'em with kindness", she's also reminded me on many occasion.  Which I have had to recall, before having to return a phone call or two or five....

But, I guess my real question is, why?  Not why do I have to be the one to be nice, but why do you have to act this way?  What does it change?  Degrading me or spouting off your credentials in previous transactions doesn't change the position we are in on our current one.  You are spinning your wheels in a shared mire, just to spray mud onto me.  Look again, kind sir, you're neck deep in this, too!  AND, if you were to actually take a breath between your disparaging remarks, you may realize that I had no control over the situation we are both in!  So, please, stop displacing your anger and disgust on me (said with a smile, of course). 

Thankfully, this abuse is about to come to an end - as we are to close this Friday morning.  And I even have an even better closing to move on to, with a wonderful agent and flawless transaction from beginning to end!  What a way to end the week -

Until next time, In This Market.....stay kind, Indianapolis....:D

Learning never stops....even when dissapointed...

Well - this week has been a Roller-Coaster!  Which, I believe, I should start to get used to, right?  Thank goodness I LOVE Roller-Coasters -- just ask my hubby! :D


It's been a learning experience this week, with quite a few irons in the fire -- I have learned that I am able to juggle pretty well!  Although, the down side is - I've realized that no matter what I do, there are some things I can not control -- or should I say, other people and their actions, that I can't control.  Which, leads to me being disappointed. 
But - being the constant learner I am, and always looking for the bright side or silver lining, I have started to see a little more about 'ME'.  I'm beginning to be a little more confident in my negotiating skills, a little more comfortable in knowing when it is time to walk away, and I would even say that I am beginning to recognize my little 'signals' to myself when something just isn't right.  I still have a long way to go -- I will probably be contemplating on this week for some time -- if the only thing is to keep me focused and keep pushing myself forward!

Until next time, In This Market....

Ok -- I know it's been a while!

Alright, I know -- I've been busy! Really, I have! I've been able to reflect over the past month, and I have accomplished a lot! WHEW! I have been able to secure a buyer into a 'Pending' status, relocated 3 renters into homes, put on the market a new listing, hosted 5 Open Houses and joined another agent in my office to begin a Team!! This is only the beginning --- I WANT TO DO MORE! And, I know I can! What's better is, the market is just warming up! I have two, extremely possible listings -- AND, going to Starbucks for my morning caffeine fix, the woman at the pull up window noticed the sign on my car, and asked, 'How is the market doing?' -- So, after we bantered for a few moments, while my coffee was percolating, I asked her, 'So, do you happen to know anyone who is looking to buy or sell their home?'....Well, 'Yes, we are looking to sell'!! My heart went a pitter-patter!! :D What, in the drive thru? YES, in the drive thru! I handed her my card, and let her know to call me if she has any questions about the market and where her home may be in it! My next quest....trying to help out the For Sale By Owners, not go it alone.....I have already set out some cards with my information to their doors, we'll see if this pans out --- I may have to set up another line of attack..... Here's to keeping busy! Till next time, In This Market.....

Time flies when...

When we last left our heroine, she was contemplating the digression of society's communication efforts as she was stepping out and trying to get a firm grasp on what it takes in the Real Estate World. Let's take a peek on where she is now...

In the last week, I've been able to write and deliver a purchase agreement for my first buyer. Within the following week, I've had that PA accepted, with NO counter offers - finalized financing, set up and had the inspection pass!
At the same time, I'm dealing with three other renters all looking in the same area, around the same price range! Setting up showings, and possible listing/leasing appointments with For Rent by owners; running into dead ends when it comes to finding accurate phone numbers to call on expired listings; and holding another Open House for a fellow agent. Which, by the way, went MUCH better than the first one! So, at least I feel like I am improving on something!

While all of this is going on, juggling the fact that I do have one listing - but, unfortunately, the clients are in the middle of splitting up - so, it's practically impossible to get anything signed! They were being very civil when we started, but something must have happened over the Holidays, and now they aren't speaking! Everything that I need signed by one, the other has a problem with something the other had stated, so then sends it to their attorney. Which means, I wait. In the meantime, I had a call to show the property - GREAT!!! :D BUT - if they actually like it, I hope my clients can put aside any of their animosity so we can get this burden off of their backs! WHEW?!?!?!!

Did I mention that I am also working full time during the evenings right now? AND I'm a MOM?!?! GEESH!! This is madness....but, somehow - I LOVE IT! I must be sick....

Until my next therapy session, In This Market....

Hello, This is the Superintendent...

It was a messy morning today. It was expected, living in Indiana - and being January. But, somehow, we Hoosiers are always surprised! :D I think it keeps things from being monotonous, but others see it as just being 'back-woods'-ish. So, when I got a 'Robo-call' from my daughter's school explaining that they were being let out early, I understood the reason. And, honestly, I was kind of happy - because that meant I got to see her for at least 5 minutes, before I left for work this evening! YEAH!

Then, the phone rang again.

I was out previewing homes for my upcoming Open House, so I was driving in the muck, getting several phone calls from other agents - asking for my opinion about the home I just walked through. So, I just thought it was another agent calling. NOPE


"Laura, this is Dr. Tom Little, Superintendent with Perry Township Schools....."

My stomach dropped to my feet. What's happened? Is Maddie OK?? I mean, why else would the Superintendent be calling me? My Gosh...what's going on?

"I just wanted to thank you." -- "Ok, thank me?" He had to have heard my confusion over the phone. "I had received your newsletter with your business card, and you had a nice article about how Perry Township Schools needed input..." He then went on to explain why he was thanking me. We had a pleasant conversation and went on our afternoon business, but I was still floored!

I had done some 'farming' in the neighborhood the night before - midnight, even - just to get my name out in the area. And, in that newsletter, I had information about the upcoming referendum pertaining to our school district. People who don't have children in the schools, don't fully understand why their tax dollars are used for the schools. But, if school systems don't perform well, the real estate value for your property goes down as well. When people move in and out of neighborhoods, school districts are a big deciding factor on where they go. If the schools aren't performing - you aren't going to get a big chunk of people looking at your home, no matter how good of a property it is! This newsletter was one way I could help get the information out to those who don't have children in the schools.

I had no idea that I would be getting a phone call from the Superintendent - but WOW - how cool!!! Hey, Maddie!!! I just scored points with your Superintendent!!!! :D And, who knew he lived in our area?? Huh?!

So - until next time, you can catch me - In This Market!

Open House.....now what?

This past weekend, I held my first Open House on another agent's listing. It is a great house - the clients have really done a nice job with decorating and upkeep. The school district is good, neighborhood quiet. Near the interstate for commuters - but not so close you hear or see it. Overall a great home.

Now, if I could only get other people to see it....

So, my next challenge, or let's just say homework, is to research how to get more people in through those doors. What makes someone stop and look at a property? Is it always someone who's looking? Drive by the nice and cute little sign - with balloons, even- and say, 'Hey, look! That house is open - I know we weren't planning on anything, but let's go check it out!' Do people plan these things weeks in advance? What will pull people in? I just want to get people IN THE DOOR! ??

All last week, I spent time previewing the 'competition'. Walking through other homes in the market, in the area. Some larger, some smaller - in case someone comes in, and this home doesn't fit their needs, but wants to stay in the area - I already know some properties on the market! I also use this information to help guide where we are priced, competitively - upgrades, condition, etc.? SO - I can't say that this past week was a total wash. On the contrary, I've learned quite a bit! I can use everything that I've done and seen this week to help me, not only with Open Houses, but when I have clients who are looking either for a particular area - or a certain size/type of home with certain amenities, etc. I've already scoped the area, and will continue to do so.

And I'll do it all again this week - to prepare for my second Open House, at another agents listing in a different neighborhood!


So - you can catch me, out there - In This Market.....