Hello All-
I have recently met Darrin Grella, a local author, that has blown me away! He is a recruiter that has taken the career path to a new level. Check out his site; http://www.theinterviewgurus.com/ he is releasing an ebook very soon, I have already signed up for my copy.
He has stretched me by simply suggesting a written plan that I verbalize to friends and family. Simple baby steps to the goal, but without a plan there is no goal.
In addition to that check out his super real videoblog, I love the Red Rider BB gun video that even has the famous leg lamp... http://www.youtube.com/darringrella
Okay, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
p.s. keep a eye out for some new video blogging from me in 2010
Friday, December 18, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
loan modification
Is the federal governments plan to help those behind with their mortgages working? Loan modification is fairly new but some of the details where not disclosed:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601206&sid=a6kuLOY.MRMc
Does this mean that it is bad? No, it is better than facing foreclosure or attempting a "short sale." Yet the pitch was made that this plan would allow for homeowners to have a fresh start. Therefore, how does this really help one with all the other items that a based on FICO scores? Insurance is the one that comes to mind, lowering your house payment but raising your insurance rates seems to be a wash.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601206&sid=a6kuLOY.MRMc
Does this mean that it is bad? No, it is better than facing foreclosure or attempting a "short sale." Yet the pitch was made that this plan would allow for homeowners to have a fresh start. Therefore, how does this really help one with all the other items that a based on FICO scores? Insurance is the one that comes to mind, lowering your house payment but raising your insurance rates seems to be a wash.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Hours in the day
Is it just me or do you find that you rarely if ever complete all the tasks you had planned for the day? I have changed my methods of tracking my "to-do's" and generally have the same result; not enough day!
I am curious to hear what others are doing to get the most out of their day. While I am a blackberry user I have found that the tasks button simply is forgotten. I am currently using a note card as it easily slides into a pocket and quickly updated.
Add to that the time change this week and I feel really behind.... Any suggestions are welcomed,
I am curious to hear what others are doing to get the most out of their day. While I am a blackberry user I have found that the tasks button simply is forgotten. I am currently using a note card as it easily slides into a pocket and quickly updated.
Add to that the time change this week and I feel really behind.... Any suggestions are welcomed,
Thursday, December 13, 2007
What is Staging?
Decorating? Remodelling? Updating?
No, no, and no! Decorating is something homeowners do to create the environment that they enjoy. Remodelling and updating are projects homeowners do to create more value and/or a better quality of life.
As a Realtor I am hired to sell the house for the best price! Staging is simply the best way to showcase qualities and generate that sale. As an example, think about the bad MLS photos you have seen, what made them BAD? Generally it was poor camera skills but many of them are just plain confusing. If I can't make the picture look good why would the potential buyer want to tour the home? Buyers are not interested in the decor or great pieces of furniture that do not stay with the house after transfer. Biggest problem seller's face is most buyers can not see the houses potential. What they can see are the challenges; the clutter and the perceived lack of space.
My goal as a staging Realtor is to simplify the rooms by reducing the "stuff." That sounds very easy but most sellers love their "stuff" and do not see how it creates a challenge. The way we live in our homes is based on what is comfortable for us. (That is true in my home too!) I am not saying my seller's need to live uncomfortably but we need to work as a team with the goal in mind.
Take a step back with me and look at the marketplace. If you are the manufacturer of a given product you would look at many factors before attempting to sell it. The price, quality, competition and packaging come to my mind. To sell the most of that product you have would need to be the best in those categories. Taking this concept to real estate the Realtor is responsible for the Comparative Market Analysis. The CMA should objectively look at the first 3 categories and act as the foundation for the pricing strategy. Historically the seller is responsible for the presentation or packaging on the house... not any more! This paradigm shift will allow the staging Realtor to create a "Staged List Price" based on the market data reflecting both staged and unstaged homes.
I will close with these stats from StagedHomes.com:
93% of ASP staged homes sell on average of 1 month or less!*
Average days on market before the SOLD:
160 days for non-Staged Homes*
31.8 days for ASP Staged Homes*
* Based on a StagedHomes.com survey of over 400 homes across Canada & the Continental US prepared for sale by an Accredited Staging Professional (ASP™) from June 2007 through November 2007
No, no, and no! Decorating is something homeowners do to create the environment that they enjoy. Remodelling and updating are projects homeowners do to create more value and/or a better quality of life.
As a Realtor I am hired to sell the house for the best price! Staging is simply the best way to showcase qualities and generate that sale. As an example, think about the bad MLS photos you have seen, what made them BAD? Generally it was poor camera skills but many of them are just plain confusing. If I can't make the picture look good why would the potential buyer want to tour the home? Buyers are not interested in the decor or great pieces of furniture that do not stay with the house after transfer. Biggest problem seller's face is most buyers can not see the houses potential. What they can see are the challenges; the clutter and the perceived lack of space.
My goal as a staging Realtor is to simplify the rooms by reducing the "stuff." That sounds very easy but most sellers love their "stuff" and do not see how it creates a challenge. The way we live in our homes is based on what is comfortable for us. (That is true in my home too!) I am not saying my seller's need to live uncomfortably but we need to work as a team with the goal in mind.
Take a step back with me and look at the marketplace. If you are the manufacturer of a given product you would look at many factors before attempting to sell it. The price, quality, competition and packaging come to my mind. To sell the most of that product you have would need to be the best in those categories. Taking this concept to real estate the Realtor is responsible for the Comparative Market Analysis. The CMA should objectively look at the first 3 categories and act as the foundation for the pricing strategy. Historically the seller is responsible for the presentation or packaging on the house... not any more! This paradigm shift will allow the staging Realtor to create a "Staged List Price" based on the market data reflecting both staged and unstaged homes.
I will close with these stats from StagedHomes.com:
93% of ASP staged homes sell on average of 1 month or less!*
Average days on market before the SOLD:
160 days for non-Staged Homes*
31.8 days for ASP Staged Homes*
* Based on a StagedHomes.com survey of over 400 homes across Canada & the Continental US prepared for sale by an Accredited Staging Professional (ASP™) from June 2007 through November 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Staging your home
Are you having trouble selling your home?
The number of homes for sale in my market is staggering. As a seller your goal is to be the 1st SOLD right? How do you plan to accomplish that goal? Price and condition are the most common ways.... I am going to suggest staging your home.
"How you live in your home and how we sell your house are two different things!" -B. Schwarz
Okay, what is staging a home? I will start by saying what it is not; decorating your home! Simply put it is re-evaluating your home from the buyers perspective. What are the key features or as your REALTOR what am I selling? Are those features being showcased or are they hidden by your furniture and decorating? That is not to be taken personally, I am sure your decoration is great but that is not what sells homes today. You hired or are looking to hire an agent to SELL the home not put it up for sale, right?
The best example I can share with you is this:
A home I had been marketing for several months was receiving multiple showings and great online views but no offers. After completing the ASP designation I staged the home and within 14 days we received and accepted an offer! See the photos of the master bedroom at the right for a small example! Contact me for a consultation or referral to a local ASP Realtor in your market!
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
HUD stops downpayment assistance
It has been talked about for months and HUD will stop funding loans with downpayment assistance Oct 31, 07. Here is a link to a great article on the subject:
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Interesting Mortgage Notice
I found this story online and feel that I should post it here for you to read! http://www.ohiorealtors.org/absolutenm/templates/article.aspx?articleid=3545&zoneid=51
This is one of the stories that no wants to hear about let alone have happen to them....
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