Honest to goodness I love my job! When I share some insights I don't want you to get the impression I don't love the people I work for or the privilege of selling real estate. With that rider firmly in place, let me give you some ammunition for any time you feel the need to scare your Realtor.
First of all, any phrases that begin the following way will have your Realtor's heart rate escalate in exact proportion to your enthusiasm:
1. I was talking to my neighbour about pricing.....
2. I was watching this show about renovations.....
3. I went to a great open house and they said I better do an offer then and there....
4. Just before you were going to come over another Realtor called....
5. We put in a renter, but they said they'd leave whenever we need them to....
6. We've never been bothered about using permits....
7. We're just testing the market....
8. All of our other 10 Realtors didn't understand we used thicker insulation than most...
9. Our yard shows better when its covered with snow...
Other hair raising moments for Realtors include:
1. Driving by and seeing their sign gone.
2. Having flowers delivered with a card from you saying you'd bought something on your own.
3. When your phone has been disconnected.
4. When you say things such as, "what happens if we can't close?"
5. Whey you begin any conversation with "we have a problem."
6. When you say there are 7 people on title!
7. When the estate executor has never seen the home they're selling but is sure your pricing is too low.
8. When registered mail arrives that has to be signed for with the sheriff!
It is true that you learn more from challenges than from simple transactions....so keep 'em coming buyers and sellers!
Showing posts with label Real Estate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Real Estate. Show all posts
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
So you think you want to be a Realtor?!
It's not uncommon to run into someone who wishes to pick my brain about becoming a Realtor. The lead in conversation is often something like this: "my family (or friends) think I'd be a great Realtor because I like houses and like people."
Of course those two qualities are excellent for a Realtor! Probing further I will ask, "how is your tolerance for stress?" If the answer is that the person does not handle stress well, I recommend a different career choice. My next question is, "how well do you handle rejection?" If the person says they wilt when rejected, once again I recommend a different career choice.
Unlike traditional jobs, in real estate you don't get paid until a successful sale completes! Just because you're working hard does not guarantee a paycheck. What's more, there is more work involved in collapsed sales than in successful ones! When I first started in the business I remember a more veteran Realtor commenting that you never really relax in this work. You can have a cheque in hand for 20,000 yet you have no idea where and when you'll earn your next pay! Meanwhile, expenses are no respecters of successful deals! Advertising, vehicle, computer, phone, office, franchise, board association, insurance, camera, income tax, HST and education costs roll merrily along with marked enthusiasm! You simply cannot "coast" in this business. A seasoned Realtor recently remarked that it costs an individual Realtor in the vicinity of 50,000+ per year to maintain a strong presence in the profession!
Being honest, earnest, keen and enthusiastic will be of great benefit; but you will often be rejected in favour of a budget brokerage or a Realtor with a great spiel! People often say that "its business, its nothing personal." However in a heartfelt endeavour, it sure feels personal! So, you need to learn how to manage your emotions in the roller coaster amusement park which is real estate!
There is a whopping percentage of people who enroll in the University course to become a Realtor that never successfully pass the exams. The number of new Realtors who last more than a few years is also slim.
All this being said, this is a wonderful, wild, fun and delightful line of work! You are guaranteed wonderful highs and significant disappointments! You have the chance to play a meaningful, strategic part in people's lives. It is a career of lifelong learning. And, just when you think you've seen it all...a new twist of human nature takes a swipe at one of your deals.
The best in the business maintain their dignity and poise under pressure. They are true professionals with tremendous responsibility.
The requirements are huge and the rewards can be great. My best advice if you're seriously considering this as a career is to have a good heart to heart with a Realtor you trust and really get an inside look at what your life will be like as your own boss with very robust competitors!
And some think we get paid too much! If they only knew....
Of course those two qualities are excellent for a Realtor! Probing further I will ask, "how is your tolerance for stress?" If the answer is that the person does not handle stress well, I recommend a different career choice. My next question is, "how well do you handle rejection?" If the person says they wilt when rejected, once again I recommend a different career choice.
Unlike traditional jobs, in real estate you don't get paid until a successful sale completes! Just because you're working hard does not guarantee a paycheck. What's more, there is more work involved in collapsed sales than in successful ones! When I first started in the business I remember a more veteran Realtor commenting that you never really relax in this work. You can have a cheque in hand for 20,000 yet you have no idea where and when you'll earn your next pay! Meanwhile, expenses are no respecters of successful deals! Advertising, vehicle, computer, phone, office, franchise, board association, insurance, camera, income tax, HST and education costs roll merrily along with marked enthusiasm! You simply cannot "coast" in this business. A seasoned Realtor recently remarked that it costs an individual Realtor in the vicinity of 50,000+ per year to maintain a strong presence in the profession!
Being honest, earnest, keen and enthusiastic will be of great benefit; but you will often be rejected in favour of a budget brokerage or a Realtor with a great spiel! People often say that "its business, its nothing personal." However in a heartfelt endeavour, it sure feels personal! So, you need to learn how to manage your emotions in the roller coaster amusement park which is real estate!
There is a whopping percentage of people who enroll in the University course to become a Realtor that never successfully pass the exams. The number of new Realtors who last more than a few years is also slim.
All this being said, this is a wonderful, wild, fun and delightful line of work! You are guaranteed wonderful highs and significant disappointments! You have the chance to play a meaningful, strategic part in people's lives. It is a career of lifelong learning. And, just when you think you've seen it all...a new twist of human nature takes a swipe at one of your deals.
The best in the business maintain their dignity and poise under pressure. They are true professionals with tremendous responsibility.
The requirements are huge and the rewards can be great. My best advice if you're seriously considering this as a career is to have a good heart to heart with a Realtor you trust and really get an inside look at what your life will be like as your own boss with very robust competitors!
And some think we get paid too much! If they only knew....
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
The more stressed you are, the more you need a great Realtor
For every real estate transaction there's a story. Some stories are happy; weddings, growing family, downsizing freedom and the like. Many are sad; divorce, death, financial pressure and tales of that ilk.
The more emotional the move, the more you need a great Realtor who has your back. Sometimes when you're on cloud 9 you need the voice of reason keeping you on track and not overpaying for a home. When you are in despair you definitely need a trusted professional helping with the overview and managing the details of your transaction.
In my experience the best Realtors display tremendous empathy. They will feel deeply what it is you're feeling and lose sleep over thinking of ways to help you. Literally. That said, the most effective Realtors in the midst of any emotional crisis keep their cool and keep the transaction process at a manageable speed for the client.
The vast majority of people, when upset, cannot process information well. They are already on overload. I've often let grieving clients know that I am happy to repeat information, re-answer questions and simplify as much as possible the stress on their choices. In doing this, I completely respect their intelligence and competence -- I just know that under duress we are not firing on all cylinders.
When dealing with the sale of your biggest asset or the purchase of your biggest asset, look for a realtor who is invested in your welfare and not pressuring you to add to their paycheck. A great realtor will give you the straight goods -- but kindly. They will make sure you and your loved ones are protected and well served in the good times and the bad.
A great Realtor is the voice of heart AND the voice of reason. Just one more example of why they're worth their weight in gold.
The more emotional the move, the more you need a great Realtor who has your back. Sometimes when you're on cloud 9 you need the voice of reason keeping you on track and not overpaying for a home. When you are in despair you definitely need a trusted professional helping with the overview and managing the details of your transaction.
In my experience the best Realtors display tremendous empathy. They will feel deeply what it is you're feeling and lose sleep over thinking of ways to help you. Literally. That said, the most effective Realtors in the midst of any emotional crisis keep their cool and keep the transaction process at a manageable speed for the client.
The vast majority of people, when upset, cannot process information well. They are already on overload. I've often let grieving clients know that I am happy to repeat information, re-answer questions and simplify as much as possible the stress on their choices. In doing this, I completely respect their intelligence and competence -- I just know that under duress we are not firing on all cylinders.
When dealing with the sale of your biggest asset or the purchase of your biggest asset, look for a realtor who is invested in your welfare and not pressuring you to add to their paycheck. A great realtor will give you the straight goods -- but kindly. They will make sure you and your loved ones are protected and well served in the good times and the bad.
A great Realtor is the voice of heart AND the voice of reason. Just one more example of why they're worth their weight in gold.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Buyer beware...especially of fsbo's
Now before you go jumping to the concussion that I'm just trying to get you to use a Realtor, just consider on fact alone what I'm writing about.
In BC the Real Estate profession is tightly monitored and Realtors are held to a standard bordering ridiculous on matters of disclosure -- disclosure on remuneration but more importantly disclosure on any known faults in a home they're marketing.
Transactions taking place within the fold of organized real estate also have insurance protection and an organized body (Real Estate Council of BC) to handle any grievances that may arise.
In addition, Realtors have to take identification from prospective buyers or sellers and have to report any large cash transactions or anything which raises suspicion at all to do with the transaction.
Realtors are held accountable and the profession is held accountable for all transactions using a licensed Realtor to give the security that sales are above board, clear and clean. All monies are held in trust at each stage of the transaction as well.
Shockingly private sales are held to no such standards other than the court system. A private seller does not necessarily fill out a property disclosure statement (mandatory for all Realtor sales). It is strictly buyer beware.
Yes, you can and should use a lawyer for privates sales -- but has your lawyer been to the property? Have they met the buyer or seller on the other side? Do they know if an inspection took place or if strata minutes are acceptable? Not usually.
Before becoming a Realtor I have on more than one occasion bought or sold privately. I did not know then what I know now! I fully realize that many trade in good faith. Just be very, very careful.
If I wanted to sell a grow op or launder money I sure wouldn't do it through organized Real Estate! If I wanted to hide a fault in the home, I sure wouldn't want a trained Realtor taking the listing! If I built without permits or final building inspections I sure wouldn't want that highlighted on a property disclosure statement. If I was over pricing I sure wouldn't want a Realtor aiding a buyer with comparables.
In BC sellers pay the real estate commission. Why any buyer would not use the services of a professional is a complete mystery. Savvy sellers need no convincing to use a Realtor. I challenge you to find any real estate mogul, investor or financier dealing with real estate investments and sales that doesn't use licensed Realtors.
There's a reason great Realtors are worth their weight in gold. To serve and protect. To serve and prosper. To serve and promote.
In BC the Real Estate profession is tightly monitored and Realtors are held to a standard bordering ridiculous on matters of disclosure -- disclosure on remuneration but more importantly disclosure on any known faults in a home they're marketing.
Transactions taking place within the fold of organized real estate also have insurance protection and an organized body (Real Estate Council of BC) to handle any grievances that may arise.
In addition, Realtors have to take identification from prospective buyers or sellers and have to report any large cash transactions or anything which raises suspicion at all to do with the transaction.
Realtors are held accountable and the profession is held accountable for all transactions using a licensed Realtor to give the security that sales are above board, clear and clean. All monies are held in trust at each stage of the transaction as well.
Shockingly private sales are held to no such standards other than the court system. A private seller does not necessarily fill out a property disclosure statement (mandatory for all Realtor sales). It is strictly buyer beware.
Yes, you can and should use a lawyer for privates sales -- but has your lawyer been to the property? Have they met the buyer or seller on the other side? Do they know if an inspection took place or if strata minutes are acceptable? Not usually.
Before becoming a Realtor I have on more than one occasion bought or sold privately. I did not know then what I know now! I fully realize that many trade in good faith. Just be very, very careful.
If I wanted to sell a grow op or launder money I sure wouldn't do it through organized Real Estate! If I wanted to hide a fault in the home, I sure wouldn't want a trained Realtor taking the listing! If I built without permits or final building inspections I sure wouldn't want that highlighted on a property disclosure statement. If I was over pricing I sure wouldn't want a Realtor aiding a buyer with comparables.
In BC sellers pay the real estate commission. Why any buyer would not use the services of a professional is a complete mystery. Savvy sellers need no convincing to use a Realtor. I challenge you to find any real estate mogul, investor or financier dealing with real estate investments and sales that doesn't use licensed Realtors.
There's a reason great Realtors are worth their weight in gold. To serve and protect. To serve and prosper. To serve and promote.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Community Assets
It's going to be a short and sweet blog today....simply put, one hallmark of a Great Realtor is one who gives back to the community! It pains me to see when people in any profession are just in it for the money and are always "too busy" to volunteer and make their community a better place.
When you're thinking about what realtor to use in your next transaction, ask them how they make their community a better place and how do they contribute in action and with money to add back true value into the heart of their hometowns.
Enough said!
When you're thinking about what realtor to use in your next transaction, ask them how they make their community a better place and how do they contribute in action and with money to add back true value into the heart of their hometowns.
Enough said!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Are you loyal?
A recurring nightmare for Realtors goes something like this: for six months they've racked their brains, redone market evaluations to check pricing, advertised relentlessly on line, done open houses, taken tour though, used the local press in efforts to sell your home and still have not had an acceptable offer on your home. It happens, often without good reason. The listing expires and the owners decide to "take a little break." Meanwhile, Realtors combing "expireds" for listings initiate contact and promise the moon. "We take your listing to Alberta (so does every Realtor who uses the internet!), we advertise 24/7 until you're sold (so does every Realtor using mls), we only charge 3% (all commissions are negotiable down and UP at the time of sale -- bet they didn't tell you that), we sell more (they don't tell you they're comparing a team of 6 to one individual.) You catch my drift.
What wakes the Realtor in a screaming sweat from this nightmare is when their client falls for this drivel...not only falls for it, but signs with this competing Realtor, and not only signs with this competing Realtor, gives them the price reduction you've been asking for for the last 60 days!
What drives the final stake through the Realtor's heart is when the home sells (due to the price reduction) and the competing Realtor promptly displays a big fat sold sticker on their sign!
If you have a Realtor that's doing a great job for you, for pity sake, be loyal! They will get the job done and they deserve your loyalty. Don't let someone else prey on your insecurity or frustration. Simply let them know you have a great Realtor and you're taking a break and kindly not to call you again. But, do bring buyers!
Oh, that reminds me that's another hook, "I have a buyer who would like a home like yours." Oh, really....why didn't they bring them buy during the 1/2 year it was listed?! Ha!
Competition is always a good thing, don't get me wrong. If you've had a dud Realtor, by all means do not favour them with further business. There are many fantastic Realtors with high ethical standards you could be using.
But if you have one of those great Realtors already, one who is doing everything possible to bring you a successful outcome...don't break their hearts! Stay true and stay loyal.
What wakes the Realtor in a screaming sweat from this nightmare is when their client falls for this drivel...not only falls for it, but signs with this competing Realtor, and not only signs with this competing Realtor, gives them the price reduction you've been asking for for the last 60 days!
What drives the final stake through the Realtor's heart is when the home sells (due to the price reduction) and the competing Realtor promptly displays a big fat sold sticker on their sign!
If you have a Realtor that's doing a great job for you, for pity sake, be loyal! They will get the job done and they deserve your loyalty. Don't let someone else prey on your insecurity or frustration. Simply let them know you have a great Realtor and you're taking a break and kindly not to call you again. But, do bring buyers!
Oh, that reminds me that's another hook, "I have a buyer who would like a home like yours." Oh, really....why didn't they bring them buy during the 1/2 year it was listed?! Ha!
Competition is always a good thing, don't get me wrong. If you've had a dud Realtor, by all means do not favour them with further business. There are many fantastic Realtors with high ethical standards you could be using.
But if you have one of those great Realtors already, one who is doing everything possible to bring you a successful outcome...don't break their hearts! Stay true and stay loyal.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Don't act your age; but do move on!
For heaven's sake, don't act your age! But do move on when the time is right.
One of the delicate times in a person's life is when they are beginning to consider selling "the family home." This was the place they raised their family and had back yard parties, contained the doorway with penciled heights of the kids growing up...the place that for many years has been home.
This is also likely the place with lots of stairs, laundry in the basement, big yard and gardens and lots of maintenance.
For some, the thought of moving from this family home is akin to ordering their tombstone. All downhill to the grave. I'd like to say, from my experience helping people downsize, it's really closer to returning to party days of youth. All enlivening and stimulating!
Contrary to the thought that going from a big home to a townhome or apartment is restricting it is often just the opposite. Suddenly there are lots of folks around to talk to or share card games with. Suddenly there is time to travel instead of watering gardens and time to go on long hikes instead of cleaning a large home. So much of "chore" time is freed up for play time.
Many 55+ strata developments have pools, club houses and recreational facilities. Most of the club houses can be reserved for special occasions involving larger numbers -- so you still have a place to host that family reunion! Many strata developments are gated, lending themselves well to the seasonal traveller. You can be away without a worry!
Many "retirement" apartment complexes have gorgeous dining rooms and fitness areas, bus service to town, libraries, movie rooms, salons and various other amenities! Long gone are the days of images of rows of listless and bored "inmates" of a seniors home.
A colleague here at Sutton, Michele Blais, made a wise observation when appearing in the "Sutton Scoop" the other day; de-cluttering a home for sale is a good start to the process of letting go of that chapter in your life.
Downsizing, or right sizing, not only allows you more freedom to follow your current dreams -- it frees up a new lodging for another family to create their own memories where yours left off.
Life can just keep getting better; don't let anyone tell you otherwise!
One of the delicate times in a person's life is when they are beginning to consider selling "the family home." This was the place they raised their family and had back yard parties, contained the doorway with penciled heights of the kids growing up...the place that for many years has been home.
This is also likely the place with lots of stairs, laundry in the basement, big yard and gardens and lots of maintenance.
For some, the thought of moving from this family home is akin to ordering their tombstone. All downhill to the grave. I'd like to say, from my experience helping people downsize, it's really closer to returning to party days of youth. All enlivening and stimulating!
Contrary to the thought that going from a big home to a townhome or apartment is restricting it is often just the opposite. Suddenly there are lots of folks around to talk to or share card games with. Suddenly there is time to travel instead of watering gardens and time to go on long hikes instead of cleaning a large home. So much of "chore" time is freed up for play time.
Many 55+ strata developments have pools, club houses and recreational facilities. Most of the club houses can be reserved for special occasions involving larger numbers -- so you still have a place to host that family reunion! Many strata developments are gated, lending themselves well to the seasonal traveller. You can be away without a worry!
Many "retirement" apartment complexes have gorgeous dining rooms and fitness areas, bus service to town, libraries, movie rooms, salons and various other amenities! Long gone are the days of images of rows of listless and bored "inmates" of a seniors home.
A colleague here at Sutton, Michele Blais, made a wise observation when appearing in the "Sutton Scoop" the other day; de-cluttering a home for sale is a good start to the process of letting go of that chapter in your life.
Downsizing, or right sizing, not only allows you more freedom to follow your current dreams -- it frees up a new lodging for another family to create their own memories where yours left off.
Life can just keep getting better; don't let anyone tell you otherwise!
Monday, February 13, 2012
cool shades and zipped lips
One of the early lessons in real estate is learning when to zip it! It is always fascinating rather than providing commentary upon entering a home to listen to how it strikes a potential buyers. I might think it's gorgeous but it may hold no appeal to my clients. Or, I walk in ready to apologize for bringing them to an address and they comment that its a really great place.
There is no "one size fits all" in real estate. And, when showing property it is pretty critical that a Realtor remember that they're not the ones making the purchase or planning to live in the house! This doubtless sounds very basic and yet, if you're like me, you're sometimes still surprised at how differently someone else views the same exact thing you're looking at.
Recently there was a YouTube video that went viral. It involved a dad shooting his daughter's laptop following inappropriate comments on facebook. What surprised and intrigued me was the controversial "take" on this video (which was only intended for the daughter's "facebook friends".) Some found it amusing in this day of coddling, others were outraged at the use of a gun, the escalation of the disagreement, etc. Both sides are convinced of their argument.
This got me to thinking about a speaker I heard once; he came out with an over sized pair of green tinted sun glasses on. He asked the crowd if the world looked green to them. He was then emphatic that the world was green from his standpoint!
We each view our world though our own collection of shades that tint our view of the world. Its not right or wrong, better or worse. It is simply the unique way we see the world and experience the world. So, simply expecting someone to see something the same way we do is impossible. They can't. Their glasses have a different tint.
At best, we can gain an appreciation for the cool shades someone else is wearing and zip up the compulsion to overlay our view. Gives all new meaning and adds credence to the cliche that we have two ears and one mouth for a reason!
There is no "one size fits all" in real estate. And, when showing property it is pretty critical that a Realtor remember that they're not the ones making the purchase or planning to live in the house! This doubtless sounds very basic and yet, if you're like me, you're sometimes still surprised at how differently someone else views the same exact thing you're looking at.
Recently there was a YouTube video that went viral. It involved a dad shooting his daughter's laptop following inappropriate comments on facebook. What surprised and intrigued me was the controversial "take" on this video (which was only intended for the daughter's "facebook friends".) Some found it amusing in this day of coddling, others were outraged at the use of a gun, the escalation of the disagreement, etc. Both sides are convinced of their argument.
This got me to thinking about a speaker I heard once; he came out with an over sized pair of green tinted sun glasses on. He asked the crowd if the world looked green to them. He was then emphatic that the world was green from his standpoint!
We each view our world though our own collection of shades that tint our view of the world. Its not right or wrong, better or worse. It is simply the unique way we see the world and experience the world. So, simply expecting someone to see something the same way we do is impossible. They can't. Their glasses have a different tint.
At best, we can gain an appreciation for the cool shades someone else is wearing and zip up the compulsion to overlay our view. Gives all new meaning and adds credence to the cliche that we have two ears and one mouth for a reason!
Friday, February 10, 2012
We're Better Together
A year and a half ago when I joined Sutton, it was a fledgling group of half a dozen Realtors or less. It had been at one point a far larger company in the Vernon area, but had wound down over recent years so that at the point of selling the company in mid-2010, there wasn't much left. Enter Tamara Cinnamon, an earnest and ambitious gal with a new broker's license! Tamara bought the company in part after collaborating with some colleagues to see who would be drawn to work at a different sort of real estate company.
I, for one, was all in! Here is what I wrote for a newspaper announcement shortly after choosing the new Sutton as my office: "It has been a dream of mine to work with a select group of colleagues known for their creativity, hard work, ethical and fun-loving approach to the real estate business. A group is assembling at Sutton that speaks to this dream and it is with great delight that I make this move to be a part of this dynamic office." It really was a leap of faith! But we would tell each other in the early days, "we're going to be the best real estate office anywhere!"
Early on we adopted the tag line, "We're better together." It's so true. Each of us (up to 14 now!) works quite independently but thrives on the supportive nature of the group. Together we've got over 100 years of combined experience so there aren't many questions or dilemmas that we encounter that one of us hasn't experienced. We are genuinely glad when a colleague has a success story and genuinely sorry when a colleague has a story of frustration. We brainstorm ideas to improve each other's listings and endeavour to bring buyers to each other's listings.
When one of us has to be away, there is no fear of anything being missed -- there is no one here that I wouldn't trust to act first and foremost in the best interest of my clients. I fill in for my realtor friends here with the same passion that I handle my own business.
Together we're able to shoulder in to many community projects and to date in our little history have benefited: Habitat for Humanity, John Howard Society, Gateway Shelter, Vernon Food Bank, Winter Carnival and numerous other charities supported by us individually. A few weeks ago the "Sutton Scoop" also started broadcasting on YouTube, highlighting other people and activities that enrich the North Okanagan. When there is a need in the community we're able to be counted on.
It is incredibly heart warming to see the success of Sutton, to see the leap of faith landed those who took it not only onto firm ground, but into great atmosphere! As broker/owner Tamara consistently encourages the best in performance and life balance in herself and in all here. Any suggestions about how to make the company better are met with welcome and exploration. Being in a high stress industry, what an incredible gift to have an office to walk into like this one. It's the professional version of Cheers! (Remember the Boston Bar's theme song, "sometimes you like to go where everybody knows your name; and they're awfully glad you came...")
We are better together in house, and we are better together with all like minded individuals and business we deal with. Never let anyone tell you that a real estate company can't be as full of love and warmth as it is full of drive and professionalism.
I, for one, was all in! Here is what I wrote for a newspaper announcement shortly after choosing the new Sutton as my office: "It has been a dream of mine to work with a select group of colleagues known for their creativity, hard work, ethical and fun-loving approach to the real estate business. A group is assembling at Sutton that speaks to this dream and it is with great delight that I make this move to be a part of this dynamic office." It really was a leap of faith! But we would tell each other in the early days, "we're going to be the best real estate office anywhere!"
Early on we adopted the tag line, "We're better together." It's so true. Each of us (up to 14 now!) works quite independently but thrives on the supportive nature of the group. Together we've got over 100 years of combined experience so there aren't many questions or dilemmas that we encounter that one of us hasn't experienced. We are genuinely glad when a colleague has a success story and genuinely sorry when a colleague has a story of frustration. We brainstorm ideas to improve each other's listings and endeavour to bring buyers to each other's listings.
When one of us has to be away, there is no fear of anything being missed -- there is no one here that I wouldn't trust to act first and foremost in the best interest of my clients. I fill in for my realtor friends here with the same passion that I handle my own business.
Together we're able to shoulder in to many community projects and to date in our little history have benefited: Habitat for Humanity, John Howard Society, Gateway Shelter, Vernon Food Bank, Winter Carnival and numerous other charities supported by us individually. A few weeks ago the "Sutton Scoop" also started broadcasting on YouTube, highlighting other people and activities that enrich the North Okanagan. When there is a need in the community we're able to be counted on.
It is incredibly heart warming to see the success of Sutton, to see the leap of faith landed those who took it not only onto firm ground, but into great atmosphere! As broker/owner Tamara consistently encourages the best in performance and life balance in herself and in all here. Any suggestions about how to make the company better are met with welcome and exploration. Being in a high stress industry, what an incredible gift to have an office to walk into like this one. It's the professional version of Cheers! (Remember the Boston Bar's theme song, "sometimes you like to go where everybody knows your name; and they're awfully glad you came...")
We are better together in house, and we are better together with all like minded individuals and business we deal with. Never let anyone tell you that a real estate company can't be as full of love and warmth as it is full of drive and professionalism.
Thursday, February 09, 2012
Get a shed, Fred
For buyers, the job of a great Realtor is to match you with the home that suits your needs most accurately. Before doing that, there is an art to assessing your needs.
If you've ever had an outstanding clothes sales person, part of what made them great was that they brought you things that you wouldn't normally try on. Annoying when they're out to lunch but intriguing and helpful when you try something on that really works! And something that you would never choose without their help.
As an example for house hunting, occasionally a buyer will tell me that they must have a basement. I'll often ask them if they like basements. When the answer is "not really" I enquire further. Often buyers think they need a basement for storage! One time I remember the look on a woman's face when I posed the question, "have you considered a shed?" I felt like Moses parting the Red Sea. Well, okay, not that grand, but pretty spiffy. A shed was exactly the ticket. They didn't like basements at all. A simple suggestion, but one they had never thought of.
Sometimes too I'll ask a buyer how big the house should be. Sometimes their square footage requirements are off the charts....and only two people live there full time. As much as I'm happy to sell them a huge home, sometimes I ask further why they need such a big home. Sometimes the answer makes sense. Sometimes the answer is "just in case each of their 3 children and families come home over the same time frame." If that happens often, again, I understand. If that has never happened or happens so rarely that they can't remember the last time another suggestion might be helpful.
What if we scaled down your home size and then with the money you save by not maintaining and heating a huge area you rarely use you can set your family up in a posh B & B just down the road when they visit?
Of course some buyers are adamant about what they want, and that's fine too. But, more often than not, a great Realtor is (once again) worth their weight in gold by exceeding the expectations of the buyer and finding an even better fit than they had imagined.
If you've ever had an outstanding clothes sales person, part of what made them great was that they brought you things that you wouldn't normally try on. Annoying when they're out to lunch but intriguing and helpful when you try something on that really works! And something that you would never choose without their help.
As an example for house hunting, occasionally a buyer will tell me that they must have a basement. I'll often ask them if they like basements. When the answer is "not really" I enquire further. Often buyers think they need a basement for storage! One time I remember the look on a woman's face when I posed the question, "have you considered a shed?" I felt like Moses parting the Red Sea. Well, okay, not that grand, but pretty spiffy. A shed was exactly the ticket. They didn't like basements at all. A simple suggestion, but one they had never thought of.
Sometimes too I'll ask a buyer how big the house should be. Sometimes their square footage requirements are off the charts....and only two people live there full time. As much as I'm happy to sell them a huge home, sometimes I ask further why they need such a big home. Sometimes the answer makes sense. Sometimes the answer is "just in case each of their 3 children and families come home over the same time frame." If that happens often, again, I understand. If that has never happened or happens so rarely that they can't remember the last time another suggestion might be helpful.
What if we scaled down your home size and then with the money you save by not maintaining and heating a huge area you rarely use you can set your family up in a posh B & B just down the road when they visit?
Of course some buyers are adamant about what they want, and that's fine too. But, more often than not, a great Realtor is (once again) worth their weight in gold by exceeding the expectations of the buyer and finding an even better fit than they had imagined.
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
Word of mouth X 1,000,000
Mark my words (no pun intended) businesses not aware of the power of social media and the Internet are in for a rude awakening. Like it or not, the consumer voice just got amplified by a million -- so if you're not rolling out class service, the world is going to hear about it!
Remember the songwriter whose guitar got ruined while flying with United Airlines? He couldn't get satisfaction from the company so wrote a song, performed it on Youtube and it went viral. Now over 12,000,000 viewers have seen the video, "United Breaks Guitars." Not the kind of advertising they were looking for.
Papa Johns also found out the hard way that the most junior of employees reflects on the whole company when in New York an Asian woman found she'd been referred to on her receipt as "lady chink eyes." She simply snapped a shot of the receipt (used by employees to know who to give the specialty pizza to) and posted it on Twitter. It too went viral. Papa John's head office was left scrambling to make amends and make sure it didn't happen again.
New on the scene is a website co-founded by the songwriter of "United Breaks Guitars", Dave Carroll. It is called Gripevine.com and that is also the web address. This site is to give consumers a public forum to be heard about any dissatisfaction or business horror story they might have. Companies will have the opportunity to subscribe to the site and address issues as they arise.
Right now, not in the distant future, consumers have a means of leveraging word of mouth to astronomical proportions. Word of mouth is now times a million.
What I love about this is the pressure it puts on business to heighten customer service and satisfaction. What I hate about this is that it encourages the power of word of mouth to accentuate the negative.
In a complete inspired counter move I'm beginning the Greatvine.ca! Brenda Ellis is a computer whiz in my Sutton office and we've already purchased the domain. I'm going to hashtag #greatvine and keep these public areas to emphasize the great experiences we have with a person or a business. Stay tuned and help with the grass roots endeavour to highlight companies doing a wonderful job with fantastic customer service. Each day that I post a blog I will also post a great business at #greatvine.
The news is an easy way to see how slanted and consumed everyone is about what is wrong. Over a long weekend you would never see this report, "3,500,000 people travelled the highways safely over the long weekend." But, you sure would hear, "2 fatalities litter BC roads!"
Closer to my business, you would hear about the home sales from hell, but not that over 95% of all organized real estate transactions complete happily and without complaint. (In BC we do have a gripe outlet named the Real Estate Council of BC!)
Until we get the web site launched do join in the Twitter hashtag campaign to emphasize the business people you respect and recommend!
I encourage you to use your voice primarily to emphasize what is right in business. But for those businesses that just won't step up and provide excellence....let 'em have it with both barrels!
Remember the songwriter whose guitar got ruined while flying with United Airlines? He couldn't get satisfaction from the company so wrote a song, performed it on Youtube and it went viral. Now over 12,000,000 viewers have seen the video, "United Breaks Guitars." Not the kind of advertising they were looking for.
Papa Johns also found out the hard way that the most junior of employees reflects on the whole company when in New York an Asian woman found she'd been referred to on her receipt as "lady chink eyes." She simply snapped a shot of the receipt (used by employees to know who to give the specialty pizza to) and posted it on Twitter. It too went viral. Papa John's head office was left scrambling to make amends and make sure it didn't happen again.
New on the scene is a website co-founded by the songwriter of "United Breaks Guitars", Dave Carroll. It is called Gripevine.com and that is also the web address. This site is to give consumers a public forum to be heard about any dissatisfaction or business horror story they might have. Companies will have the opportunity to subscribe to the site and address issues as they arise.
Right now, not in the distant future, consumers have a means of leveraging word of mouth to astronomical proportions. Word of mouth is now times a million.
What I love about this is the pressure it puts on business to heighten customer service and satisfaction. What I hate about this is that it encourages the power of word of mouth to accentuate the negative.
In a complete inspired counter move I'm beginning the Greatvine.ca! Brenda Ellis is a computer whiz in my Sutton office and we've already purchased the domain. I'm going to hashtag #greatvine and keep these public areas to emphasize the great experiences we have with a person or a business. Stay tuned and help with the grass roots endeavour to highlight companies doing a wonderful job with fantastic customer service. Each day that I post a blog I will also post a great business at #greatvine.
The news is an easy way to see how slanted and consumed everyone is about what is wrong. Over a long weekend you would never see this report, "3,500,000 people travelled the highways safely over the long weekend." But, you sure would hear, "2 fatalities litter BC roads!"
Closer to my business, you would hear about the home sales from hell, but not that over 95% of all organized real estate transactions complete happily and without complaint. (In BC we do have a gripe outlet named the Real Estate Council of BC!)
Until we get the web site launched do join in the Twitter hashtag campaign to emphasize the business people you respect and recommend!
I encourage you to use your voice primarily to emphasize what is right in business. But for those businesses that just won't step up and provide excellence....let 'em have it with both barrels!
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Move doesn't have to be a 4 letter word
Back along the way, long before I was a Realtor, I was chatting with the wife of 100 Mile House's Royal Bank manager. The policy for managers at the bank then was to transfer every two years. I remarked to her that it must be a colossal pain moving every two years. "Not at all," was her reply. She went on to say that they simply went to scout out the next town they were going to, found a house and let the bank's moving company know where to take their stuff. They then went on holiday and after their vacation went "home" to the new place.
For those of us "do it yourselfers" that was a radical concept. What, you mean no hair pulling on hold with utility companies, no dragging friends with strong backs and pick up trucks over? No late night cleaning and break of dawn scrubbing of the fridge? No endless days of living in chaos on both ends?
Some might counter, "well, they didn't have to pay for it." True. But if you use a great Realtor you will optimize your sale price and even with commission end up with the most money possible for your home. Aren't you worthy enough to use some of that money (most of which is from your home value increasing all on its own!) to enjoy the moving process?
When people buy a brand new home, they have to budget for window coverings and landscaping usually. When you buy your next home you could budget for movers and a great person to switch over all of your administrative stuff. It is easy to find someone who would love the employment involved with packing up your home and unpacking at the other end.
What if "move" rather than a 4 letter word sending the strongest among us into the street screaming became an exciting and easy experience?
What if rather than thinking you always have to do everything yourself, you actually stimulated the economy a bit by hiring a great team to help you?
This is delicious food for thought and, as always, I speak to myself as much as anyone else!
Be where you're compelled to be and don't let the roadblock of inconvenience paralyze your moving in the direction of your dreams.
For those of us "do it yourselfers" that was a radical concept. What, you mean no hair pulling on hold with utility companies, no dragging friends with strong backs and pick up trucks over? No late night cleaning and break of dawn scrubbing of the fridge? No endless days of living in chaos on both ends?
Some might counter, "well, they didn't have to pay for it." True. But if you use a great Realtor you will optimize your sale price and even with commission end up with the most money possible for your home. Aren't you worthy enough to use some of that money (most of which is from your home value increasing all on its own!) to enjoy the moving process?
When people buy a brand new home, they have to budget for window coverings and landscaping usually. When you buy your next home you could budget for movers and a great person to switch over all of your administrative stuff. It is easy to find someone who would love the employment involved with packing up your home and unpacking at the other end.
What if "move" rather than a 4 letter word sending the strongest among us into the street screaming became an exciting and easy experience?
What if rather than thinking you always have to do everything yourself, you actually stimulated the economy a bit by hiring a great team to help you?
This is delicious food for thought and, as always, I speak to myself as much as anyone else!
Be where you're compelled to be and don't let the roadblock of inconvenience paralyze your moving in the direction of your dreams.
Friday, February 03, 2012
Yes, you should have an inspection!
So, you've found a home you like, you can afford and is in the right neighbourhood. I liken this to picking out a video in the store (a fading experience!). You've got it locked up, but you haven't paid for it yet.
One of the most important things you really must do, unless it is a new home under warranty, is to have the home inspected. I know some people's brother's cousin's uncle has built homes and could come do a walk through. Worse, some buyers have done bathroom renos so know homes. Worst, you saw a Mike Holmes show and know what to look for....
The best money you'll spend is on a professional inspection. The inspector I favour has had 30 years in the trades (carpentry, heating & cooling) prior to becoming an inspector. All inspectors are definitely not created equal so do look for a solid recommendation. Now in B.C. inspectors do have to be accredited so that helps consumers.
An inspection does many things, one of which is shielding you from buying a home with any major faults. Another thing is to point out little fixes that will be necessary either immediately or in the next few years. Delightfully most inspectors also produce a manual for you on your home with descriptions and instructions on when to consider replacements and what kind of materials have been used in the construction of your home.
I'm in my 8th year of real estate and have had to collapse less than a handful of deals based on severe problems. I have had price negotiations based on significant but not deal breaking problems as well. Always I pre-frame clients that an inspector will find some fault -- but that we're not nit picking (most contracts have a threshold for inspections: any problem over a certain amount requiring immediate repair of either a set amount or percentage of sale price).
In a home that's not new you should expect comments on usual wear and tear. Minor things are not deal breakers, only information.
What constitutes a deal breaker? Major foundation issues, unsafe building materials, poorly done additions, roof leakage, poor insulation, faulty wiring, things of this scope. What constitutes price negotiations? Anything over and above the agreed upon amount for normal wear and tear, i.e. you find out the 7,000 furnace is on its last gasp.
Once you've purchased the home there is no turning back. If two days after you buy the stove goes kaput...it's your stove! The only recourse you have for compensation would be if there was a latent defect (one not easily discoverable by inspection) that the seller's knew about and failed to disclose.
Ballpark price for an inspection is 450 - 500 and is the best money you can spend. Obviously a great Realtor is going to make sure all other subjects are met before asking you to pay for an inspection. (You'd hate to pay 500 then find out you couldn't get insurance or that there was a problem with the home title.)
So, yes, always yes, you should have an inspection and you should use a licensed, professional, well recommended, honest, knowledgeable inspector!
One of the most important things you really must do, unless it is a new home under warranty, is to have the home inspected. I know some people's brother's cousin's uncle has built homes and could come do a walk through. Worse, some buyers have done bathroom renos so know homes. Worst, you saw a Mike Holmes show and know what to look for....
The best money you'll spend is on a professional inspection. The inspector I favour has had 30 years in the trades (carpentry, heating & cooling) prior to becoming an inspector. All inspectors are definitely not created equal so do look for a solid recommendation. Now in B.C. inspectors do have to be accredited so that helps consumers.
An inspection does many things, one of which is shielding you from buying a home with any major faults. Another thing is to point out little fixes that will be necessary either immediately or in the next few years. Delightfully most inspectors also produce a manual for you on your home with descriptions and instructions on when to consider replacements and what kind of materials have been used in the construction of your home.
I'm in my 8th year of real estate and have had to collapse less than a handful of deals based on severe problems. I have had price negotiations based on significant but not deal breaking problems as well. Always I pre-frame clients that an inspector will find some fault -- but that we're not nit picking (most contracts have a threshold for inspections: any problem over a certain amount requiring immediate repair of either a set amount or percentage of sale price).
In a home that's not new you should expect comments on usual wear and tear. Minor things are not deal breakers, only information.
What constitutes a deal breaker? Major foundation issues, unsafe building materials, poorly done additions, roof leakage, poor insulation, faulty wiring, things of this scope. What constitutes price negotiations? Anything over and above the agreed upon amount for normal wear and tear, i.e. you find out the 7,000 furnace is on its last gasp.
Once you've purchased the home there is no turning back. If two days after you buy the stove goes kaput...it's your stove! The only recourse you have for compensation would be if there was a latent defect (one not easily discoverable by inspection) that the seller's knew about and failed to disclose.
Ballpark price for an inspection is 450 - 500 and is the best money you can spend. Obviously a great Realtor is going to make sure all other subjects are met before asking you to pay for an inspection. (You'd hate to pay 500 then find out you couldn't get insurance or that there was a problem with the home title.)
So, yes, always yes, you should have an inspection and you should use a licensed, professional, well recommended, honest, knowledgeable inspector!
Thursday, February 02, 2012
Is your heart in your home?
Home is massively important to me. I can't begin to describe how much I love pulling into my driveway and seeing my little yellow house. It is a humble home, but full of colour and the presence of my dogs and objects of art and photos that I love. Very commonly I am told by guests how deeply they relax there and how it reminds them of a home they loved from growing up.
On the bleakest of days when I nestle in at home and light my wood stove -- it's a little coffee coloured wood stove with glass front -- all is as it should be in my world. Home is sanctuary, creative space, play space, work space. It is where I go to rest, rejuvenate, create, entertain, laugh and commune.
I have lived in houses that were not a good fit for me. Rather like having a pebble in your shoe, you can be thankful for having shoes....but the fit is uncomfortable and distracting. The quest for home is a driving force and one that should be respected.
Perhaps this is why home buying is often an emotional decision. Logically someone is looking for a town home that's brand new yet fall in love with an old character home they drive by one the way. (There is a slang expression, "buyers are liars" in the real estate profession. This is not meant to be rude but to indicate that often a buyer thinks with their logic that they want one thing and end up buying something else entirely based on the draw of their heart.)
Many people I take house hunting know within seconds of walking into a home whether it is for them or not. Part of my job is to make sure it's not something easily altered that is the barrier if they don't like it. Is it the smell? Is it because the walls are yellow or the carpet pink? Cosmetic changes can be made easily. So, take your time to see if the home speaks to you in any meaningful way.
A great Realtor will try to get to know you, what makes you tick, what makes you comfortable. We're not being nosey...just investigating clues to help you find the home that wows your heart. There are few things more satisfying to a great Realtor that watching your expression when you find the home for you!
When you buy a home to live in, live in it! That might sound funny, but so often people will use all neutral colours or the most generic taste in furnishings instead of tricking it out just for their joy. But that's a blog for another day....are you buying to live there or buying to flip?
I wish for everyone the deep and satisfying joy of having your heart in your home. If you're living somewhere that doesn't fit you...call me. We need to talk. Don't let a few weeks of inconvenience stop you from being at home in your home.
On the bleakest of days when I nestle in at home and light my wood stove -- it's a little coffee coloured wood stove with glass front -- all is as it should be in my world. Home is sanctuary, creative space, play space, work space. It is where I go to rest, rejuvenate, create, entertain, laugh and commune.
I have lived in houses that were not a good fit for me. Rather like having a pebble in your shoe, you can be thankful for having shoes....but the fit is uncomfortable and distracting. The quest for home is a driving force and one that should be respected.
Perhaps this is why home buying is often an emotional decision. Logically someone is looking for a town home that's brand new yet fall in love with an old character home they drive by one the way. (There is a slang expression, "buyers are liars" in the real estate profession. This is not meant to be rude but to indicate that often a buyer thinks with their logic that they want one thing and end up buying something else entirely based on the draw of their heart.)
Many people I take house hunting know within seconds of walking into a home whether it is for them or not. Part of my job is to make sure it's not something easily altered that is the barrier if they don't like it. Is it the smell? Is it because the walls are yellow or the carpet pink? Cosmetic changes can be made easily. So, take your time to see if the home speaks to you in any meaningful way.
A great Realtor will try to get to know you, what makes you tick, what makes you comfortable. We're not being nosey...just investigating clues to help you find the home that wows your heart. There are few things more satisfying to a great Realtor that watching your expression when you find the home for you!
When you buy a home to live in, live in it! That might sound funny, but so often people will use all neutral colours or the most generic taste in furnishings instead of tricking it out just for their joy. But that's a blog for another day....are you buying to live there or buying to flip?
I wish for everyone the deep and satisfying joy of having your heart in your home. If you're living somewhere that doesn't fit you...call me. We need to talk. Don't let a few weeks of inconvenience stop you from being at home in your home.
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Mind your manners, dipstick
Whenever I deal with someone who is without manners, this thought always comes to mind: "Charm school called, your refresher course is overdue." How on earth did we ever equate power in business or excellence in the arts with someone getting away with the behaviour of a rotten toddler? Is is shows like "The Apprentice" modeling the Donald Trump style of business manners? Or the diva's demands for their dressing room that somehow normalizes horrid manners for the "elite" in their fields?
Closer to my field of expertise, I can't believe it when the first words out of any Realtor's mouth upon receiving a written offer on one of their listings aren't, "thank you." I don't care if it is the worst offer ever to hit the Okanagan. It still merits a thank you. Whatever respectfully follows in negotiations is fine, but the missing manners at the get go creates a horrible environment for successful outcomes.
Years ago I wrote an offer on a townhome, just days after it was listed and at almost full price. In error I dated the contract incorrectly by a day. Believe it or not I was sitting at my desk (not in this brokerage!) and whomp, the listing realtor dropped the contract in a heap over top of what I was working on and declared, "This contract is a mess!" I was gobsmacked. Really? A simple date change all that's needed and you're treating the offer like a bag of burning dog dung? How incredibly rude. Thankfully, in the interest of best serving my client, I continued to deal with Mr. Jerkwater.
In case you're wondering when it's appropriate for a professional in ANY field to be rude to a colleague, assistant, client, audience....the answer is a resounding NEVER! It is not cool to be short and sharp with people. It is not lofty to treat someone in an undignified manner. Ever. Ever. Not only that, it's incredibly stupid! Imagine how much further any high maintenance knob would advance their business and their art if by behaving decently they encouraged the cooperation and talents of those around them.
Having enjoyed some wilderness adventures along the way I tend to measure people up by how they would behave in a leaky canoe going through rapids. When there is no audience, no paycheck, no fan fare and loads of life and death stress....what are we made of then? From my observation I'd readily choose many in humble positions before choosing someone with an inflated sense of who they are and what they're worth.
We're all people. We all put our pants on one leg at a time. Everyone deserves the dignity of your respect. OK, well...almost everyone. How many criminals and sociopaths are there that you run across!?
As far as the world of Realtors go, the prima donnas are going the way of the dodo bird. The arrogant tyrants will not last. The up and coming ethical, professional, cooperative and thankful Realtors are taking over the world! Well...starting the takeover! Phew.
Closer to my field of expertise, I can't believe it when the first words out of any Realtor's mouth upon receiving a written offer on one of their listings aren't, "thank you." I don't care if it is the worst offer ever to hit the Okanagan. It still merits a thank you. Whatever respectfully follows in negotiations is fine, but the missing manners at the get go creates a horrible environment for successful outcomes.
Years ago I wrote an offer on a townhome, just days after it was listed and at almost full price. In error I dated the contract incorrectly by a day. Believe it or not I was sitting at my desk (not in this brokerage!) and whomp, the listing realtor dropped the contract in a heap over top of what I was working on and declared, "This contract is a mess!" I was gobsmacked. Really? A simple date change all that's needed and you're treating the offer like a bag of burning dog dung? How incredibly rude. Thankfully, in the interest of best serving my client, I continued to deal with Mr. Jerkwater.
In case you're wondering when it's appropriate for a professional in ANY field to be rude to a colleague, assistant, client, audience....the answer is a resounding NEVER! It is not cool to be short and sharp with people. It is not lofty to treat someone in an undignified manner. Ever. Ever. Not only that, it's incredibly stupid! Imagine how much further any high maintenance knob would advance their business and their art if by behaving decently they encouraged the cooperation and talents of those around them.
Having enjoyed some wilderness adventures along the way I tend to measure people up by how they would behave in a leaky canoe going through rapids. When there is no audience, no paycheck, no fan fare and loads of life and death stress....what are we made of then? From my observation I'd readily choose many in humble positions before choosing someone with an inflated sense of who they are and what they're worth.
We're all people. We all put our pants on one leg at a time. Everyone deserves the dignity of your respect. OK, well...almost everyone. How many criminals and sociopaths are there that you run across!?
As far as the world of Realtors go, the prima donnas are going the way of the dodo bird. The arrogant tyrants will not last. The up and coming ethical, professional, cooperative and thankful Realtors are taking over the world! Well...starting the takeover! Phew.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
What's it worth to you?
There is an urban legend involving Picasso I thought of today. As the story goes, Picasso was in a restaurant dining with a friend when a woman approached him. She apologized for the interruption but told him he was her favourite artist. She begged him to sign her dinner napkin and promised she'd pay him whatever he asked if he would just take a moment to do that. She repeated that she would pay him whatever he asked. Picasso signed the napkin and when the woman asked him what she owed him he told her $20,000. She gasped, "but it only took you 30 seconds to do that!" To which he replied, "No, it took me 20 years."
Sometimes people think Realtors get paid too much on a successful sale. After all, if you broke it down into hours it seems a disproportionate amount. What is underestimated is the amount of training, knowledge, experience and accuracy a great Realtor brings to the equation. What is also underestimated is the understanding that a Realtor generally does not get paid until and unless they're successful! Just because they work hard does not mean that they receive a dime until and unless they've done their job.
Are there lazy Realtors just in it for a quick sale? Of course. There are duds in any profession. But you will hear me say again and again, a great Realtor is worth their weight in gold. They will make you money, save you money, steer you in the right path to optimise one of THE MOST IMPORTANT investments you ever make. They will lose sleep finding you the most perfectly suited home for you and your family...and your critters. They will hold your hand, fill you in and advocate for your interests like a badger on steroids.
A great Realtor is not a one hit wonder; they're invested in you and your future. They are educated, experienced, superb negotiators, knowledgeable, know their area and most importantly know you! If you don't think in terms of having a Realtor in the same way you think of having an accountant or a doctor or a dentist, you certainly should!
Jumping from pillar to post with one hit wonders in the real estate profession is no different to your long term goals than if you had a different investment counsellor every time you made an investment decision. You stay loyal to the investment guide who knows you, knows your goals, knows your capacity for stress, knows your tolerance for risk, knows your family. As a great investment counsellor a great Realtor is with you in the good and bad market cycles advising on timing and strategy.
Given the amount of risk, stress, uncertainty, drama, learning and liability a great Realtor lives with every day it does not take them several hours or days to successfully market your home. It does not take them hours or days to successfully find you a home. It takes them years of experience gained long before you ever met.
What's it worth to you to have a great Realtor? It's priceless.
Sometimes people think Realtors get paid too much on a successful sale. After all, if you broke it down into hours it seems a disproportionate amount. What is underestimated is the amount of training, knowledge, experience and accuracy a great Realtor brings to the equation. What is also underestimated is the understanding that a Realtor generally does not get paid until and unless they're successful! Just because they work hard does not mean that they receive a dime until and unless they've done their job.
Are there lazy Realtors just in it for a quick sale? Of course. There are duds in any profession. But you will hear me say again and again, a great Realtor is worth their weight in gold. They will make you money, save you money, steer you in the right path to optimise one of THE MOST IMPORTANT investments you ever make. They will lose sleep finding you the most perfectly suited home for you and your family...and your critters. They will hold your hand, fill you in and advocate for your interests like a badger on steroids.
A great Realtor is not a one hit wonder; they're invested in you and your future. They are educated, experienced, superb negotiators, knowledgeable, know their area and most importantly know you! If you don't think in terms of having a Realtor in the same way you think of having an accountant or a doctor or a dentist, you certainly should!
Jumping from pillar to post with one hit wonders in the real estate profession is no different to your long term goals than if you had a different investment counsellor every time you made an investment decision. You stay loyal to the investment guide who knows you, knows your goals, knows your capacity for stress, knows your tolerance for risk, knows your family. As a great investment counsellor a great Realtor is with you in the good and bad market cycles advising on timing and strategy.
Given the amount of risk, stress, uncertainty, drama, learning and liability a great Realtor lives with every day it does not take them several hours or days to successfully market your home. It does not take them hours or days to successfully find you a home. It takes them years of experience gained long before you ever met.
What's it worth to you to have a great Realtor? It's priceless.
Monday, January 30, 2012
A Class Act!
In the past week I became aware that clients who had been working with one of the Realtors from my office had a shift in loyalty. This happens, usually due to a misunderstanding and no fault of the great realtor they started with.
To appreciate the story know that after a close chance to sell their home and purchase another one, the buyers intending to purchase the client's home (which would set the domino reaction) couldn't complete; so the home listing expired, unsold.
As it happened, the original buyers came back with an offer a few months later since they were able to now access the necessary funds. The clients were presented with this offer again and the chance to buy their dream home. Unfortunately they decided to shut out their original realtor and use one from another company that had helped them almost two decades ago.
The second realtor was completely within his rights to think "sucks to be you" in reference to our office realtor. After all, the home had been expired over 60 days and the original realtor had no claim on any proceeds even though she was the one that initially negotiated the deal on both the sale and purchase for these people.
The Class Act part of this story is that the successful second realtor not only contacted our office to update everyone of what the status was; he also referred the lion's share of the commission on the sale of the clients home to the original realtor. And, beyond that, he also referred a portion of the new home purchase to our office realtor. What a Class Act! Makes me proud of our profession.
By being so above board, generous and clear, this colleague earned immense respect and good will; not to mention the ongoing wish to do business with him.
In circumstances good and bad we always have the opportunity to be a Class Act. The impact of such actions is a living legacy. All too often short sighted greed rules the day. In this case, the fine realtor who was so generous doubtless asked himself the golden question: "if I was on the other end of this, how would I want it to be handled."
Some say what goes around comes around and I think that's true. By taking the long view, the kind and honourable action I believe we set in motion all manner of great future returns -- not to mention the immediate gift of feeling great and building friendships!
To appreciate the story know that after a close chance to sell their home and purchase another one, the buyers intending to purchase the client's home (which would set the domino reaction) couldn't complete; so the home listing expired, unsold.
As it happened, the original buyers came back with an offer a few months later since they were able to now access the necessary funds. The clients were presented with this offer again and the chance to buy their dream home. Unfortunately they decided to shut out their original realtor and use one from another company that had helped them almost two decades ago.
The second realtor was completely within his rights to think "sucks to be you" in reference to our office realtor. After all, the home had been expired over 60 days and the original realtor had no claim on any proceeds even though she was the one that initially negotiated the deal on both the sale and purchase for these people.
The Class Act part of this story is that the successful second realtor not only contacted our office to update everyone of what the status was; he also referred the lion's share of the commission on the sale of the clients home to the original realtor. And, beyond that, he also referred a portion of the new home purchase to our office realtor. What a Class Act! Makes me proud of our profession.
By being so above board, generous and clear, this colleague earned immense respect and good will; not to mention the ongoing wish to do business with him.
In circumstances good and bad we always have the opportunity to be a Class Act. The impact of such actions is a living legacy. All too often short sighted greed rules the day. In this case, the fine realtor who was so generous doubtless asked himself the golden question: "if I was on the other end of this, how would I want it to be handled."
Some say what goes around comes around and I think that's true. By taking the long view, the kind and honourable action I believe we set in motion all manner of great future returns -- not to mention the immediate gift of feeling great and building friendships!
Friday, January 27, 2012
"Don't piss on my leg and tell me its raining."
"Don't piss on my leg and tell me it's raining!" I heard these words spoken by Billy Ray Cyrus in some sappy doctor show he used to play on years ago. I love this line! And, however crude, this expression often comes to mind when I'm with someone who is dancing around the truth.
I know this comes as a shock to you; but I make mistakes. I know, right? Shocking. What's more, I know you also make mistakes. Don't you find that when someone simply admits to a mistake and apologizes you are ready to accept that? It's when anyone tries to weasel out or shift the blame that our b.s. detectors go off (as they should) and make us wonder what else the person is not honest about.
We learn far more from our mistakes and failures than from successes; but that's a blog for another day.
Recently I had someone ask me to e-mail them forms to extend their listing. I promised to do so on Monday as I had to access their hard copy file in my office. Obviously I didn't cue a reminder on my outlook calendar because on Tuesday I received a curt e-mail saying no form had been sent. Now, how childish was it that I first thought of an excuse? Ummm....having trouble with my computer.....What, am I six years old? Of course I simply said, "I am SO sorry; I forgot." Done. Sent the paperwork and all proceeded.
As I write this I ponder on the host of knots professional and personal that would be smoothed out by a simple admission of a mistake and a simple apology for any negative impact the mistake made.
Another great statement from gypsy fortune telling cards: "Lies have short legs." As concerns real estate someone always finds out what the seller might be hoping to hide. (Neighbours are often a treasure trove of information!) And, heaven help us all when a client tries to hide information from their Realtor! One of the beauties of organized Real Estate is that Realtors bind themselves and their clients to truthful information with property disclosure statement and properly written contracts.
An awesome Realtor will always err on the side of disclosure and questions. The fearful always avoid asking the hard questions. An awesome Realtor as your advocate stands between you and anyone trying to "piss on your leg and tell you it's raining."
Life and business are far easier and far more lovable when authentic and honest. It serves no one to be a know it all, never make a mistake kind of nutter. It serves no one if a mistake or problem is uncovered to try to duck and avoid doing everything possible to aid in fixing what's broken.
I know this comes as a shock to you; but I make mistakes. I know, right? Shocking. What's more, I know you also make mistakes. Don't you find that when someone simply admits to a mistake and apologizes you are ready to accept that? It's when anyone tries to weasel out or shift the blame that our b.s. detectors go off (as they should) and make us wonder what else the person is not honest about.
We learn far more from our mistakes and failures than from successes; but that's a blog for another day.
Recently I had someone ask me to e-mail them forms to extend their listing. I promised to do so on Monday as I had to access their hard copy file in my office. Obviously I didn't cue a reminder on my outlook calendar because on Tuesday I received a curt e-mail saying no form had been sent. Now, how childish was it that I first thought of an excuse? Ummm....having trouble with my computer.....What, am I six years old? Of course I simply said, "I am SO sorry; I forgot." Done. Sent the paperwork and all proceeded.
As I write this I ponder on the host of knots professional and personal that would be smoothed out by a simple admission of a mistake and a simple apology for any negative impact the mistake made.
Another great statement from gypsy fortune telling cards: "Lies have short legs." As concerns real estate someone always finds out what the seller might be hoping to hide. (Neighbours are often a treasure trove of information!) And, heaven help us all when a client tries to hide information from their Realtor! One of the beauties of organized Real Estate is that Realtors bind themselves and their clients to truthful information with property disclosure statement and properly written contracts.
An awesome Realtor will always err on the side of disclosure and questions. The fearful always avoid asking the hard questions. An awesome Realtor as your advocate stands between you and anyone trying to "piss on your leg and tell you it's raining."
Life and business are far easier and far more lovable when authentic and honest. It serves no one to be a know it all, never make a mistake kind of nutter. It serves no one if a mistake or problem is uncovered to try to duck and avoid doing everything possible to aid in fixing what's broken.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
"When people are crying, you should be buying"
"When people are crying, you should be buying! When people are yelling, you should be selling!" So goes the sage and time tested advice of Warren Buffet. In theory everyone knows the best time to buy is when prices are soft and home owners are crying about having missed the height of sale prices. In reality lurking fears whispering "what if prices drop more?" often keep buyers sitting on the fence. (As an aside, sitting on a fence is a most uncomfortable place.)
If buyers have been waiting for a sign I don't think the neon could be any brighter than available financing for under 3% for a 5 year fixed term or under 4% for a 10 year fixed term. That's as certain and as low as she goes, folks! If buyers still aren't convinced you may want to know that in December in the Okanagan 21.8% of homes purchased were purchased as revenue/investment properties. This means that investors are already jumping in.
Prices held pretty steady last year even though the number of sales was lower in the Okanagan. Would this not suggest we're in the valley bottom? I think it does.
Since last year I've been advising my clients to buy, upsize, pick up revenue property now before we ramp up again (as cycles in real estate invariably do) to another phase of a seller's market.
Over and over again Realtors see the two biggest barriers to everyone living where they want to and buying when they should: greed and fear!
Buyers, don't be afraid. Good grief, some of you renters are paying someone else's mortgage anyway! And sellers, if you've owned your home for any length of time, you're already going to be making a very decent profit. Don't hang on to a home that no longer suits you! Make the move you know you should.
Off the fence, people. Off the fence!
If buyers have been waiting for a sign I don't think the neon could be any brighter than available financing for under 3% for a 5 year fixed term or under 4% for a 10 year fixed term. That's as certain and as low as she goes, folks! If buyers still aren't convinced you may want to know that in December in the Okanagan 21.8% of homes purchased were purchased as revenue/investment properties. This means that investors are already jumping in.
Prices held pretty steady last year even though the number of sales was lower in the Okanagan. Would this not suggest we're in the valley bottom? I think it does.
Since last year I've been advising my clients to buy, upsize, pick up revenue property now before we ramp up again (as cycles in real estate invariably do) to another phase of a seller's market.
Over and over again Realtors see the two biggest barriers to everyone living where they want to and buying when they should: greed and fear!
Buyers, don't be afraid. Good grief, some of you renters are paying someone else's mortgage anyway! And sellers, if you've owned your home for any length of time, you're already going to be making a very decent profit. Don't hang on to a home that no longer suits you! Make the move you know you should.
Off the fence, people. Off the fence!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Do you want to be happy or do you want to be right?
Year's ago a friend of mine; a retired psychologist living in Arizona, surprised me with this question. "Do you want to be happy or do you want to be right?" Yes! I thought; to both. But sometimes they are not mutually achievable.
Speaking with my colleagues we are often amazed by some of the factors that foil a deal. I am a principled woman and understand that a line in the sand based on ethics is honourable. But a line in the sand based on stubbornness is just, in my dear departed mother's line, "cutting off your nose to spite your face." Deals go sideways because someone won't leave a washer and dryer in the home; or is taking the pump to the koi pond. Deals go sideways because sellers and buyers get within 500.00 of a 1/2 million dollar purchase and refuse to budge. Deals go sideways often because someone gets nervous and makes a big deal out of a little thing.
The end result of such failures to launch may give someone a sense of self righteousness -- but doesn't deliver a happy; or moved; or onward in their life's adventure, seller or buyer.
A great negotiator is almost always a great diplomat. I love to present my own offers to sellers rather than simply scan them to their listing realtor. This gives me the chance to outline why our offer is what it is; why there is flexibility in some aspects of the offer and not with others. It gives me a chance to gauge what is paramount to the sellers.
And, silence is a great tool in negotiations! Trust me, I'm an Irish gal raised in New Jersey; if I can learn to let silence settle you certainly can! Some of the roadblocks in relationships and deals are simply a result of too much talking.
So often people get sidetracked on short term tactics. Rather than hire a great negotiator that in the end will put way more money in their pockets they take the cheapest priced commission. Rather than listen to great advice from their seasoned realtor about where to yield and where to stand firm they make a large issue out of a small item.
Find a realtor you can trust. Then trust! Be happy. Be moved. Be onward with your life's adventure.
Speaking with my colleagues we are often amazed by some of the factors that foil a deal. I am a principled woman and understand that a line in the sand based on ethics is honourable. But a line in the sand based on stubbornness is just, in my dear departed mother's line, "cutting off your nose to spite your face." Deals go sideways because someone won't leave a washer and dryer in the home; or is taking the pump to the koi pond. Deals go sideways because sellers and buyers get within 500.00 of a 1/2 million dollar purchase and refuse to budge. Deals go sideways often because someone gets nervous and makes a big deal out of a little thing.
The end result of such failures to launch may give someone a sense of self righteousness -- but doesn't deliver a happy; or moved; or onward in their life's adventure, seller or buyer.
A great negotiator is almost always a great diplomat. I love to present my own offers to sellers rather than simply scan them to their listing realtor. This gives me the chance to outline why our offer is what it is; why there is flexibility in some aspects of the offer and not with others. It gives me a chance to gauge what is paramount to the sellers.
And, silence is a great tool in negotiations! Trust me, I'm an Irish gal raised in New Jersey; if I can learn to let silence settle you certainly can! Some of the roadblocks in relationships and deals are simply a result of too much talking.
So often people get sidetracked on short term tactics. Rather than hire a great negotiator that in the end will put way more money in their pockets they take the cheapest priced commission. Rather than listen to great advice from their seasoned realtor about where to yield and where to stand firm they make a large issue out of a small item.
Find a realtor you can trust. Then trust! Be happy. Be moved. Be onward with your life's adventure.
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