I have worked with many agents on distressed sales.  Some, actually many, of these agents are quite good and really understand that patience is their number one friend.  Unfortunately, not as many of them are able to teach their clients that same patience.  Yes, I know, you cannot teach an old dog a new trick.  I’ve found that when an agent is so focused on making that sale to get their commission, then they really end up doing a disservice to their client.  Teaching their client(s) about being flexible and patient and realistic are the most important things a good agent can do for their client.

There are many certifications that help agents learn about the process: CDPE is one such certification and it stands for Certified Distressed Property Expert.  I have the certification as do many other agents.  My only potential argument with the designation is the last part; Expert.  Learning something from a class does not necessarily make you an expert; doing it over and over and over again is what does make you an expert.

As I type this, I’ve just finished a day that included multiple phone calls from both agents and THEIR clients somewhat freaking out because they do not understand what it’s like to work with a buyer on a distressed sale.  Yes, you read that correctly, the other agents’ buyers contacted me directly to help them.  Smart?  Not really.  Desperate?  Probably.  These phone calls aren’t an ego boost; quite the contrary because the other agents are making full commission while doing half the work.  It doesn’t make me mad either, just frustrated that there are clients out there who deserve full service yet get half service.

When deciding to purchase a home, or an investment property, think very long and very hard about who you are working with.  Do they have the experience working on the types of homes you’re interested in?  If you are specifically looking at distressed homes (short sale, foreclosed, other), make sure your agent has EXPERIENCE in working with what you’re looking for.

Need a recommendation?  Sure, I’d appreciate the ability to work with you.  But, if you need a name or two of some agents who specialize in this, ping me and I’ll be happy to provide them to you.

I’ll go through this in my personal life but more extensively in my business life.  This is because I’m very happy with my friends and family and don’t want to concentrate on those negatives but rather count my blessings when it comes to that.  But business is different: I like who I work with and who works with me but I’m much more critical of those relationships.  I find that being lackadaisical in my business relationships causes me time, money, time, money, time, money and frustration.  Pretty much in that order.

I never believe you criticize in public but rather praise in public and criticize in private.  As this is more about making changes, we’re going to leave the praising for another time.  And as I won’t criticize in public, this makes for a short post.  So where am I going with this?  Simple; it’s a time for me to point that now is a good time to look at your business relationships and determine who should make the cut and who should not make the cut.  Are you working with people that aren’t doing what you expect?  Have you discussed this with them or are you just letting it go because you don’t like the conflict that comes along with the confrontation?  

It’s tough.  I know it’s tough and the longer you wait the tougher it gets.  The longer you wait the more that person thinks they’re doing a good job.  It’s not fair to you and it’s really not fair to them.  So evaluate your business relationships and let those people know when you’re not happy with them  Maybe they can make a change that will make you more happy.  Maybe they don’t have the capability to make a change so it’s time for you to make that change for everyone’s sake.

Need to discuss any changes you’re thinking about making?  Contact me to discuss, I’m always happy to help however I can.

These are just some of the things that I think about when making, especially a large, purchase.  I like to think that I walk the walk as much as I can.  I live in a home that I built (www.providentbuilders.com)using subcontractors that I had used for years and continue to use.  When I decided to move into my current home, I utilized the same criteria I use when I advise my clients; location, location, location.  Yes, I admit that I live in a very nice neighborhood and in a very nice home and I am lucky to be able to do so.  But for even my first time home buyers, I still advise them to think about the long term; figure out not just where you’re going to be happy but also choose a location that will allow you to sell your home in the future with relative ease.

Okay, I know we’re in a down market and things are tight and selling a home is difficult.  Those times will change, but even now the homes that are selling are the ones that are in good locations.  Those that aren’t?  Tough nuts to crack…

Why did this come up all of a sudden?  Funny you should ask.  I noticed that a high-producing real estate agent is attempting to sell their personal home.  Again.  For like the zillionth time.  Except this time they’ve invested LOTS of money on upgrades that really don’t fit the community but they’re getting so desperate that they’re running out of options.  What’s wrong with the home?  I don’t know if there’s anything wrong with the home.  Why isn’t it selling?  Location, location and that third most important thing……….location.

The home is on an incredibly busy street that is on the outskirts of the subdivision.  No way to turnaround in the driveway even; you have to back out to the busy street.  The busy street that has gotten even more busy since they bought the home.  Why did they buy the home at that location?  No idea.

I just know that if I was looking to have that person help me buy or sell a home, I’d have to think long and hard as to if they actually had the ability to advise me correctly or if they were just trying to maximize their commission.

I stared out the window and noticed that it was raining.  Again.  Duh, it hit me.  Rain; or more specifically, water.  As I’ve built my fair share of homes over the years, the ONE thing that builders, remodelers and in general everyone/anyone in the construction industry can agree on is the general disdain for water.  It slows you down, it stops you from starting, it delays you, it makes things – very – muddy, it just makes things difficult.  In addition, and more importantly, it causes problems.  It makes basements wet, it makes a roof leak, it can cause the growth of mold.  It’s a pain in the neck.

I’m not going to go through all of the things we all need to do to protect our homes from water, but here is a very brief list of things you should make sure are always done.  From the top: make sure your shingles look good, make sure your gutters are clean of debris (if water is pouring over your gutters then they’re not clean of debris), make sure your painting is current, make sure your caulking is current, make sure your windows are closed (and locked so they’re best sealed), make sure your window sills are not rotted, make sure your beds are sloping away from your foundation, make sure your landscaping isn’t too high up on your exterior, make sure your splash blocks take the water away from your foundation, make sure your conductors are operating (yes, go to the street and watch the water come out), make sure your sump pump is working properly.

Not an all-inclusive list but hopefully you can say yes to all of the above.  If not, make sure you take care of them before the winter comes because at that time it’s usually too late.  Have a specific question or concern?  Ping me, happy to help.

I stared out the window and noticed that it was raining.  Again.  Duh, it hit me.  Rain; or more specifically, water.  As I’ve built my fair share of homes over the years, the ONE thing that builders, remodelers and in general everyone/anyone in the construction industry can agree on is the general disdain for water.  It slows you down, it stops you from starting, it delays you, it makes things – very – muddy, it just makes things difficult.  In addition, and more importantly, it causes problems.  It makes basements wet, it makes a roof leak, it can cause the growth of mold.  It’s a pain in the neck.

I’m not going to go through all of the things we all need to do to protect our homes from water, but here is a very brief list of things you should make sure are always done.  From the top: make sure your shingles look good, make sure your gutters are clean of debris (if water is pouring over your gutters then they’re not clean of debris), make sure your painting is current, make sure your caulking is current, make sure your windows are closed (and locked so they’re best sealed), make sure your window sills are not rotted, make sure your beds are sloping away from your foundation, make sure your landscaping isn’t too high up on your exterior, make sure your splash blocks take the water away from your foundation, make sure your conductors are operating (yes, go to the street and watch the water come out), make sure your sump pump is working properly.

Not an all-inclusive list but hopefully you can say yes to all of the above.  If not, make sure you take care of them before the winter comes because at that time it’s usually too late.  Have a specific question or concern?  Ping me, happy to help.

Let’s go through some of the more simpler things that will provide comfort, save money and are very easy to do. As it pertains to your furnace, the easiest and most basic thing to do is change your filter. A clean filter will save you money and allow your furnace to blow that coveted warm air more freely. This will allow for less swings in temperature and more comfort throughout your home. Secondly, change your pad in your humidifier (you DO have a humidifier, don’t you?). Some refer to the pad as the filter but it really is a pad that absorbs water and then allows the warm air to flow through and move that moisture into your home. An old pad contains dirt and if it sat too long it could have mold that has grown as well. If you don’t have a humidifier, you need to get one. They allow for a more comfortable home and their payback is in about 3 years. Well worth it.

If your furnace is more than 5 years old, think about having a professional come in and check out the furnace, including testing it for any leaks in the exhausting system. Which reminds me to remind you; you do have a CO (carbon monoxide) detector near the furnace, right? Those detectors are very important and are great by your kids’ bedrooms, but having them close to the possible source of the CO (furnace, hot water tanks) is where they really belong. They will detect it before it gets near the sleeping areas.

Lastly, make sure the registers are clear to blow the air. Keep furniture away from both the supplies and the returns (typically found on the wall) to allow your home to stay balanced. This too will allow for the most comfort possible during the coming chilly months.

Let’s face it, real estate is still about relationships: shaking hands, talking on the phone, texting (yes, texting) and just all in all being there for your clients.  And that’s what we’re doing.  Go ahead and ask us how we’re better or stick around for more to learn how we’re getting better.  For you.