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....
Friday, January 28, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
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!
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!
Monday, January 10, 2011
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.....
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.....
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