Relocate With Jen: September 2009

Affordable always works for me -- Plus with godaddy.com you can get additional domain names starting at $1.99 -- You can be up and running in not time -- fast & affordable. Love it!! :)  

Interested in taking advantage of the $8000 Tax credit and have questions on how it works?  This is a video produced and distributed from the IRS...

 

 

For more information and to take advantage of the $8000 Tax Credit in the Triangle NC market give us a call today at 919-387-4100 or email us for more information. The deadline for closing on your new home is November 30th 2009. You will need to have a home under contract in the next couple weeks at the latest if you are going to qualify for credit so act now.

Everything I learned in the 5th grade still works! How to be professional?

Remember back in the day when your mom said "is your homework done?" or gave you the evil eye when you forgot to say, Please, Thank you or Yes Sir. 

Whether it was your mom, dad or grandma they were setting you up to be professional.   Why does it seem that so many agents have forgotten the basics or was it they never learned them.

Remember the 5th grade when you had to hand in your homework and the teacher commented on your neat handwriting. Or were you the one who lost points for careless mistakes?  Did you teacher describe you a nice polite child or did you require more attention to stay in line?

When you're working with another agent or business in person or on the phone are you prepared? Do you have a pen? Is your breath ok?  Is it 11pm on a Sunday? The basics should be obvious; Try not to eat, chew gum AND talk into the phone! Say Please and Thank You EVEN IF you do not like what they are saying, it goes along way.

This is true in the business world as well. Agents; hand written or typed are your offers clear, neat and complete?  Did you include all the addendums or additional paperwork?  Did you give your contact info or the best time to call? How about a write cover letter or include a prequel letter?

I am sure listing agents love to get surprise offers, but, not with incomplete paperwork. Think about it - What does it say about you and your buyer if something is missing.  Is it the buyer or the agent that didn't pass 5^th grade?  

Recently my sellers had to decide between 2 similar offers. They picked the agent/buyer that had complete homework-oops complete offer. Why?  They felt that agent had already begun to do what was necessary to help that buyer make it to closing. My sellers were more comfortable because - "the ducks are already in a row"

Now is not the time to hand in half the homework and still expect to PASS.

 What kind of agent do you have?  If you need honest, dilligent help feel free to give me a call Jennifer Marks 919-210-6295 or Email Jennifer.Marks@RealLiving.com  OR Follow me @RelocateWithJen

Great Buy at only $105,000 and ALL closing costs paid. Call today for a private viewing or information on how to get a video to market your home.

Are you being safe? I understand everyone is trying to do there best to make a sale -- especially in the current market.   Recently a NC Realtor was assaulted while working on-site in a new construction neighborhood.  The assailant posed as a buyer and held her a knife point. He was later found to be a registered sex-offender and is currently in jail pending prosecution. 

(Male or Female) Are you sticking to your safe behavior? Do you know your offices policy?I found tons of great tips & videos to watch at

www.Realtor.org.  

Although the info is ONLY helpful if you APPLY IT. 

TIPS:

1. Make sure you can get away! Don't let your car be blocked in.
2. Carry your phone -- Have it out - not in your briefcase or purse-keys
3. Have your keys OUT.
4. Keep clients in front of you-- let them walk first. - DO NOT BE CORNERED
5. Know how to defend yourself. Take a Class at your local YMCA you may meet your Buyer or Seller
6. Those shoes are cute or trendy BUT CAN YOU RUN!
7. Do not give out too much personal information.
8. Meet client in public or at office before showing property
9. Let people know where you are and call/text in changes in plan
10. Take Cell phone pics of Tag Numbers or photo copy drivers license
11. Have Distress Call!
12. Go as a group - bring another agent, assistant or friend.

 No Excuses -- No BUT's about it -- Is your safety really worth that sale.

Let people know where you are SPECIFICALLY not just name or subdivision- and give them a time-line! Yes mom, I will be at the vacant house on 123 Smith Street from 1-2 pm.

If you can't meet at the office. Meet at Starbucks and tell employees of the Starbucks why you are there -- I would love a Grande Soy Chai and I am meeting potential weirdo here.

Does your office, spouse or coworker know your distress call -- IE -- "Pick up the dry cleaning, honey" -- actually means COME SAVE ME!!!

NOTE: Men it can happen to you too -- Not every weirdo is a sex offender -- don't get mugged, attacked or worse.

This is another great video on mortgage interest rates and how they affect the payments and amount paid over the life of the loan.  These videos remind me of the old "School House Rocks" videos without the music. 

If you need assistance finding a lender to help explain the mortgage process to you I recommend Melissa Schwatz with Asset Mortgage.  Give her a call at 919-795-5849

With the all the hype for the end of the $8,000 tax credit I am always addressed with questions that seem to have an easy answer but apparently the message may not be getting across clearly.  This is a great video I came across today that I thought explained it in that elementary school style we all seem to love.  Complete with a happy ever after story and stick people:)  Oh, don't forget about the garbage bags full of money either!

For more information on the tax credit or purchasing a home please contact Real Living Realty Experts at 919-387-4100 or send me and email. We are happy to help.