Wed - April 13, 2005
Assistant needed!!
Preferably already a licensed REALTOR, but not
necessary. Must have excellent technical skills, experience with Microsoft
Publisher, web data entry.... Would love to have somebody with some
FTP-uploading experience, but this is certainly not required; if you don't know
what FTP is, don't worry about it. Desire and commitment to do things right the
first time is an absolute imperative.
We need help. Preferably already a licensed
REALTOR, but not necessary. Must have excellent technical skills, experience
with Microsoft Publisher, web data entry. Must have own transportation. Would
love to have somebody with some FTP-uploading experience, but this is certainly
not required; if you don't know what FTP is, don't worry about it. Desire and
commitment to do things right the first time is an absolute imperative. Email me if you
are interested.
Posted at 02:19 PM |
Tue - April 12, 2005
Property taxes
the 60-year-old translator wondered last week.
"I'm not seeing it in better
services.
...This time in the Washington Post.
The biggest single reason for the tax increases is school spending, which is not surprising, since education has long dwarfed other items in local budgets.
...This time in the Washington Post.
The biggest single reason for the tax increases is school spending, which is not surprising, since education has long dwarfed other items in local budgets.
"What is all the money going for?" the
60-year-old translator wondered last week. "I'm not seeing it in better
services. Homeowners are becoming cash
cows."
The common theme continues. This time in the Washington Post.
The biggest single reason for the tax increases is school spending, which is not surprising, since education has long dwarfed other items in local budgets.
The common theme continues. This time in the Washington Post.
The biggest single reason for the tax increases is school spending, which is not surprising, since education has long dwarfed other items in local budgets.
Posted at 10:14 PM |
Busy day
Suffered a release of contract on one property
only to put it back on the market and receive multiple offers.... Perhaps I
should do this more often!
Suffered a release of contract on one property
only to put it back on the market and receive multiple offers. Hmm. Perhaps I
should do this more often!
Posted at 03:50 PM |
How not to run a business
I had the occasion to visit the Northridge
branch of the University of Virginia Medical Center yesterday for an injury
sustained Sunday in my soccer
game.
...Showing up at 2:10 for my 2:15 appointment, I figured I would be in good shape to meet some of my afternoon appointments (including dragging Ella along with me!). Shown to the good doctor's office about 2:20 - not bad, only five minutes tardy. The warm-up stalling act takes my blood pressure and temperature to ensure that my possibly broken toe had not affected anything else, then leaves, assuring me that she will be with me "shortly."
...I leave and return this morning at 8:25 because they don't take their first appointments (I am not able to get one of those - wish they hadn't told me I wasn't special enough) until 8:30.
...Showing up at 2:10 for my 2:15 appointment, I figured I would be in good shape to meet some of my afternoon appointments (including dragging Ella along with me!). Shown to the good doctor's office about 2:20 - not bad, only five minutes tardy. The warm-up stalling act takes my blood pressure and temperature to ensure that my possibly broken toe had not affected anything else, then leaves, assuring me that she will be with me "shortly."
...I leave and return this morning at 8:25 because they don't take their first appointments (I am not able to get one of those - wish they hadn't told me I wasn't special enough) until 8:30.
I had the occasion to visit the Northridge
branch of the University of Virginia Medical Center yesterday for an injury
sustained Sunday in my soccer game. In good conscience, I simply could not
operate my business the same way.
Showing up at 2:10 for my 2:15 appointment, I figured I would be in good shape to meet some of my afternoon appointments (including dragging Ella along with me!). Shown to the good doctor's office about 2:20 - not bad, only five minutes tardy. The warm-up stalling act takes my blood pressure and temperature to ensure that my possibly broken toe had not affected anything else, then leaves, assuring me that she will be with me "shortly." Doctor appears at 2:35 - twenty minutes late, pokes my toe and sends to me X-Ray.
X-Ray does not take scheduled appointments - first-come, first-served. The promise of "10 minutes" morphs into 15 minutes then 10 more minutes. I leave and return this morning at 8:25 because they don't take their first appointments (I am not able to get one of those - wish they hadn't told me I wasn't special enough) until 8:30. Now I wait, because they already have a patient in front of me.
Hmmm ... this doesn't seem like a business at all! Let's try this out - ME: "M/Mrs. Buyer, I'll see you at the property sometime this afternoon. Just wait - I'll probably be there. Probably.
Showing up at 2:10 for my 2:15 appointment, I figured I would be in good shape to meet some of my afternoon appointments (including dragging Ella along with me!). Shown to the good doctor's office about 2:20 - not bad, only five minutes tardy. The warm-up stalling act takes my blood pressure and temperature to ensure that my possibly broken toe had not affected anything else, then leaves, assuring me that she will be with me "shortly." Doctor appears at 2:35 - twenty minutes late, pokes my toe and sends to me X-Ray.
X-Ray does not take scheduled appointments - first-come, first-served. The promise of "10 minutes" morphs into 15 minutes then 10 more minutes. I leave and return this morning at 8:25 because they don't take their first appointments (I am not able to get one of those - wish they hadn't told me I wasn't special enough) until 8:30. Now I wait, because they already have a patient in front of me.
Hmmm ... this doesn't seem like a business at all! Let's try this out - ME: "M/Mrs. Buyer, I'll see you at the property sometime this afternoon. Just wait - I'll probably be there. Probably.
Posted at 08:41 AM |
Mon - April 11, 2005
Gas prices
Driving about 25,000 miles a year adds up!
Figuring that my wife and I each drive about 30-40 miles a day simply commuting,
our daily commute costs us between 8 and 12 dollars. At what point do we reach
the Tipping Point where public transportation is a more efficient option than
driving?
If gas prices stay at or near this level, does somebody out there have the time and knowledge to do some back-of-the-envelope math?
If gas prices stay at or near this level, does somebody out there have the time and knowledge to do some back-of-the-envelope math?
Wow. $2.40/gallon for Plus. I need to get a
Hybrid. Driving about 25,000 miles a year adds up! Figuring that my wife and I
each drive about 30-40 miles a day simply commuting, our daily commute costs us
between 8 and 12 dollars. At what point do we reach the Tipping Point where public transportation is a
more efficient option than driving?
If gas prices stay at or near this level, does somebody out there have the time and knowledge to do some back-of-the-envelope math?
If gas prices stay at or near this level, does somebody out there have the time and knowledge to do some back-of-the-envelope math?
Posted at 07:09 PM |
Different markets, different strategies
Our market remains so strong and fast-moving
that print media advertising is a "feel-good" measure that often is a small part
of a marketing strategy designed to sell a home. Many leads come from sign
calls and many come from personal websites (jduncanrealestate.com), company
sites (century21manley.com) many come from corporate sites (Century 21's
site).... Other markets place much more value on sign calls as well as their
weekly real estate magazine.
Just goes to show that one must learn and adapt to one's market.
Just goes to show that one must learn and adapt to one's market.
At a luncheon today, we were discussing
advertising strategies. Our market remains so strong and fast-moving that print
media advertising is a "feel-good" measure that often is a small part of a
marketing strategy designed to sell a home. Many leads come from sign calls and
many come from personal websites (jduncanrealestate.com), company sites (century21manley.com)
many come from corporate sites (Century 21's site). I focus much of my marketing
dollars on my website and advertising at Dailyprogress.com. Other markets place much more
value on sign calls as well as their weekly real estate magazine.
Just goes to show that one must learn and adapt to one's market. One size does NOT fit all.
Just goes to show that one must learn and adapt to one's market. One size does NOT fit all.
Posted at 07:04 PM |
Sun - April 10, 2005
Property values increasing in our market
In response to the request of a client a few
weeks ago, I did a quick and dirty analysis of property values in the
Charlottesville/Albemarle (hereinafter referred to as
Charlablemarle).
...I chose a small sample of homes that was representative of our market - at least three bedrooms and two baths. The price per square foot is pretty interesting.
...I chose a small sample of homes that was representative of our market - at least three bedrooms and two baths. The price per square foot is pretty interesting.
In response to the request of a client a few
weeks ago, I did a quick and dirty analysis of property values in the
Charlottesville/Albemarle (hereinafter referred to as Charlablemarle).
In short, property values are increasing.
2004
1999
Quite a difference, huh? I chose a small sample of homes that was representative of our market - at least three bedrooms and two baths. The price per square foot is pretty interesting.
In short, property values are increasing.
2004
1999
Quite a difference, huh? I chose a small sample of homes that was representative of our market - at least three bedrooms and two baths. The price per square foot is pretty interesting.
Posted at 08:50 PM |
Google maps
Google Maps seems to take clarity through
simplicity to a new level. Here is an example of how to take all the rental
listings from Craigslist and make them searchable by location and
price.
The mapping feature in our MLS is pretty good.
Google Maps
seems to take clarity through simplicity to a new level. Here is an
example of how to take all the rental listings from Craigslist and make them searchable by location and price.
Posted at 07:50 AM |
Sat - April 9, 2005
Search
Why would somebody search for this? Unethical to advertise in M.l.s? Just curious.
And why did my blog come up?
Posted at 12:56 PM |
Fri - April 8, 2005
Brilliant
This is copied from a recent discussion (link
requires paid subscription) on the Motley Fool by a poster describing his recent
home sale/purchase success.
...If I fail to do that and things don't work out, I have only one person to blame, the person I see in the mirror every morning when I shave my face!"
...If I fail to do that and things don't work out, I have only one person to blame, the person I see in the mirror every morning when I shave my face!"
This is copied from a recent discussion (link requires paid
subscription) on the Motley Fool by a poster describing his recent
home sale/purchase success. My profession, and perhaps this country, would be
better if more people believed and lived this
way.
"My job #1 as a consumer of products or services is to educate myself on what I want to happen for me. If I fail to do that and things don't work out, I have only one person to blame, the person I see in the mirror every morning when I shave my face!"
"My job #1 as a consumer of products or services is to educate myself on what I want to happen for me. If I fail to do that and things don't work out, I have only one person to blame, the person I see in the mirror every morning when I shave my face!"
Posted at 09:53 PM |
Expectations
The hotel, Great Wolf Lodge ,in Williamsburg,
was not ready to open, and they told us that AS WE WERE CHECKING
OUT.
...Being told that the hotel is designed to cater to the 2-to-14 year old crowd is a laudable. Neglecting the fact that the parents PAY FOR THE HOTEL is negligent and short-sighted. Set expectations low and plan to exceed those expectations.
...Being told that the hotel is designed to cater to the 2-to-14 year old crowd is a laudable. Neglecting the fact that the parents PAY FOR THE HOTEL is negligent and short-sighted. Set expectations low and plan to exceed those expectations.
Setting expectations at a reasonable level is
of utmost importance. The hotel, Great Wolf Lodge, in
Williamsburg, was not ready to open, and they told us that AS WE WERE CHECKING
OUT. Had our expectations been set at a reasonable level, we would have been
prepared. Everybody was friendly and helpful, but it is difficult to compensate
for power outages, cable outages, internet outages,
etc.
Being told that the hotel is designed to cater to the 2-to-14 year old crowd is a laudable. Neglecting the fact that the parents PAY FOR THE HOTEL is negligent and short-sighted. Set expectations low and plan to exceed those expectations. Simple.
Being told that the hotel is designed to cater to the 2-to-14 year old crowd is a laudable. Neglecting the fact that the parents PAY FOR THE HOTEL is negligent and short-sighted. Set expectations low and plan to exceed those expectations. Simple.
Posted at 01:05 PM |
Beta testing a hotel
My biggest complaint is not that the food was
terrible, nor that it was overpriced - $2 for a 69-cent bag of chips. The power
going out wouldn't have been as big of an issue as the dirty bathroom and
smoky-smelling room.
...Billed as having wireless in all rooms, I was confident that I would be able to work efficiently whilst away.... First - "will I be able to send outgoing email from my mail client?"... that worked fine until the ISP or whomever decided to block access to it and to the Drudge Report.... Had they mentioned that the outdoor waterpark was not yet open, we probably would not have come. Had they mentioned that their internet access was not ready for public consumption, we definitely would not have come.
...I and my wife, the ones paying and recommending to our family and friends, had a much less satisfying experience.
...Billed as having wireless in all rooms, I was confident that I would be able to work efficiently whilst away.... First - "will I be able to send outgoing email from my mail client?"... that worked fine until the ISP or whomever decided to block access to it and to the Drudge Report.... Had they mentioned that the outdoor waterpark was not yet open, we probably would not have come. Had they mentioned that their internet access was not ready for public consumption, we definitely would not have come.
...I and my wife, the ones paying and recommending to our family and friends, had a much less satisfying experience.
That's what I and my family have been doing at
the Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, Virginia. My
biggest complaint is not that the food was terrible, nor that it was overpriced
- $2 for a 69-cent bag of chips. The power going out wouldn't have been as big
of an issue as the dirty bathroom and smoky-smelling room.
It was the internet access. Billed as having wireless in all rooms, I was confident that I would be able to work efficiently whilst away. Ah, no. I have learned some good, somewhat geeky questions to ask next time. First - "will I be able to send outgoing email from my mail client?" The answer here is 'no;" they have not yet set up an outgoing mail server. Okay, I will use my gmail account ... that worked fine until the ISP or whomever decided to block access to it and to the Drudge Report. This experience has been absolutely infuriating. Had they mentioned that the outdoor waterpark was not yet open, we probably would not have come. Had they mentioned that their internet access was not ready for public consumption, we definitely would not have come.
All in all, the kids had fun at the indoor waterpark. I and my wife, the ones paying and recommending to our family and friends, had a much less satisfying experience.
It was the internet access. Billed as having wireless in all rooms, I was confident that I would be able to work efficiently whilst away. Ah, no. I have learned some good, somewhat geeky questions to ask next time. First - "will I be able to send outgoing email from my mail client?" The answer here is 'no;" they have not yet set up an outgoing mail server. Okay, I will use my gmail account ... that worked fine until the ISP or whomever decided to block access to it and to the Drudge Report. This experience has been absolutely infuriating. Had they mentioned that the outdoor waterpark was not yet open, we probably would not have come. Had they mentioned that their internet access was not ready for public consumption, we definitely would not have come.
All in all, the kids had fun at the indoor waterpark. I and my wife, the ones paying and recommending to our family and friends, had a much less satisfying experience.
Posted at 07:50 AM |
Wed - April 6, 2005
The ... worst ... vacation ... ever ...
I have been with my family for about nine hours
now and have been on the phone for most of that time. Part is my fault, part is
the fault of others, part is the nature of this busy business.
I have been with my family for about nine hours
now and have been on the phone for most of that time. Part is my fault, part is
the fault of others, part is the nature of this busy business. Technology is a
blessing and a curse.
Posted at 07:01 PM |
Out of town
I am going to be out of town for the next
couple of days, testing the limits of technology as I work a couple of
offers.... My family may hate my being on the cell/email on our little getaway,
but as one of my clients said - "gotta get while the cotton's
high!"
I am going to be out of town for the next
couple of days, testing the limits of technology as I work a couple of offers. I
set up an efax
account, I will have my cell with me, wireless internet in the hotel, what am I
missing? My family may hate my being on the cell/email on our little getaway,
but as one of my clients said - "gotta get while the cotton's
high!"
Ah, technology!
Ah, technology!
Posted at 08:25 AM |
The market
Anything in good condition with an asking price
is flying off the market, frequently with multiple offers consisting of cash
offers, some waiving home inspections and more. From a Seller's point of view,
this is normally a good situation. From a prospective Purchaser's point of
view, this can be one of the most frustrating, horrible experiences
ever.
The market is odd right now. Anything in good
condition with an asking price is flying off the market, frequently with
multiple offers consisting of cash offers, some waiving home inspections and
more. From a Seller's point of view, this is normally a good situation. From a
prospective Purchaser's point of view, this can be one of the most frustrating,
horrible experiences ever.
A cooldown on the horizon?
A cooldown on the horizon?
Posted at 08:23 AM |
Tue - April 5, 2005
Mini-milestone
I somewhat obsessively check my stats for this
site. I am now just over two thousand unique visitors since I started this
little blog.
I somewhat obsessively check my stats for this
site. I am now just over two thousand unique visitors since I started this
little blog. whoo-hoo!
Posted at 09:43 PM |
Mon - April 4, 2005
Internet connection downtime
My internet connection at home, provided by
Adelphia Cable, was down last night for at least 6 hours and this morning for at
least two, due most likely to the crazy high winds we experienced yesterday.
Not having an internet connection really stops my business cold in a lot of
ways.
My internet connection at home, provided by
Adelphia
Cable, was down last night for at least 6 hours and this morning for
at least two, due most likely to the crazy high winds we experienced yesterday.
Not having an internet connection really stops my business cold in a lot of
ways. High speed internet is becoming as necessary as electricity - and that is
mighty frightening!
Posted at 04:12 PM |
Fri - April 1, 2005
Tue - March 29, 2005
Spam
I am on track to set a new daily spam record -
almost two thousand spam so far today.
I am on track to set a new daily spam record -
almost two thousand spam so far today. Thank you to SpamSieve for helping me maintain my
productivity!
Posted at 01:43 PM |
Charlottesville City Schools
I have not had the time to follow this mess,
but it remains a hot issue for real estate. Quality of Schools is as if not more
important than location, location location. I would be willing (albeit not
happily) to drive a great distance for my daughters' well-being. We all have an
investment in the quality of our schools.
C-Ville has an excellent story to help get many up to speed.
Since July, when Griffin got here and Dede Smith was elected School Board chair, parents had grown more outraged over fast-paced, unexplained changes and declining morale as teachers faced sharp rebukes to their work. With five of the division’s nine schools narrowly failing State standards, the board had tried to find a new superintendent who could improve the division’s standing. But parents protested the changes and disrespect attributed to Griffin, and a much smaller contingent of black leaders fired back. They claimed that the real problem with Griffin, who is African-American, was her race and gender. They said white parents didn’t want black children to improve. Parents and teachers felt insulted. The board said little about it; the superintendent said nothing. There was hardly any substantive discussion of achievement strategies and little said about the schools’ many successes. Mostly the talk about the schools concerned “failure” and “racism.”
Consider reading the discussion at Cvillenews.com for more insight. The comment that was posted this morning is particularly thoughtful. A brief snippet -
This must be resolved quickly, though: the time for renewing contracts is here, and the biggest threat posed by Griffin from the get-go has been the threat of “breaking” the institution.
Institutions rely on ‘institutional memory’ of ‘how things work’ in order to be successful; strong institutions perpetuate themselves this way. In some sense, I’m sure that’s what the previous discussion regarding institutional racism gets at: we do things a certain way because we always have. Sometimes this is good: there are positive pieces of wisdom handed down (kind of like ‘old wives’ tales’) and sometimes not-so-good things, like bigotry.
The contracts issue is significant. Without teachers, we have no schools. If we as a community lose the good teachers, we may have to settle for second- or third- choices. Good teachers are hard to find - and keep.
C-Ville has an excellent story to help get many up to speed.
Since July, when Griffin got here and Dede Smith was elected School Board chair, parents had grown more outraged over fast-paced, unexplained changes and declining morale as teachers faced sharp rebukes to their work. With five of the division’s nine schools narrowly failing State standards, the board had tried to find a new superintendent who could improve the division’s standing. But parents protested the changes and disrespect attributed to Griffin, and a much smaller contingent of black leaders fired back. They claimed that the real problem with Griffin, who is African-American, was her race and gender. They said white parents didn’t want black children to improve. Parents and teachers felt insulted. The board said little about it; the superintendent said nothing. There was hardly any substantive discussion of achievement strategies and little said about the schools’ many successes. Mostly the talk about the schools concerned “failure” and “racism.”
Consider reading the discussion at Cvillenews.com for more insight. The comment that was posted this morning is particularly thoughtful. A brief snippet -
This must be resolved quickly, though: the time for renewing contracts is here, and the biggest threat posed by Griffin from the get-go has been the threat of “breaking” the institution.
Institutions rely on ‘institutional memory’ of ‘how things work’ in order to be successful; strong institutions perpetuate themselves this way. In some sense, I’m sure that’s what the previous discussion regarding institutional racism gets at: we do things a certain way because we always have. Sometimes this is good: there are positive pieces of wisdom handed down (kind of like ‘old wives’ tales’) and sometimes not-so-good things, like bigotry.
The contracts issue is significant. Without teachers, we have no schools. If we as a community lose the good teachers, we may have to settle for second- or third- choices. Good teachers are hard to find - and keep.
Posted at 12:52 PM |
Iraq blog
There are dozens of blogs by Iraqis and some
soldiers. This one at Kincy.com is interesting. One of my best friends
is in Baghdad now. My thoughts and prayers are with all the soldiers and their
families. They just don't seem to get the respect from the MSM that they deserve.
Posted at 12:20 PM |
Mea Culpa
Our market is very competitive and the fact
that this buyer did not even have the opportunity to purchase a property, which
was a rare affordable house, saddened
me.
...I just received a call from buyer who saw the sign on one of my listings. I told him that it was under contract but that I knew of a couple more that were coming on the market in that neighborhood. After offering to email him information on those houses, he thanked me and said "no thank you," that they preferred to drive around calling on houses that they happened to see.... I received another call this morning from another buyer who wanted to know about this property, which just went under contract.... Doesn't it sound like a wiser use of ones time to have a professional manage ones home search? I happened to get those two calls - how many more do I not receive every day from those who choose to search themselves?
Wearing my Listing Agent hat, neither of these are "good buyers," as they are not ready, willing and able to buy a house. I expect that one day they will be.I just received a call from buyer who saw the sign on one of my listings. I told him that it was under contract but that I knew of a couple more that were coming on the market in that neighborhood. After offering to email him information on those houses, he thanked me and said "no thank you," that they preferred to drive around calling on houses that they happened to see.... I received another call this morning from another buyer who wanted to know about this property, which just went under contract.... Doesn't it sound like a wiser use of ones time to have a professional manage ones home search? I happened to get those two calls - how many more do I not receive every day from those who choose to search themselves?
Wearing my Listing Agent hat, neither of these are "good buyers," as they are not ready, willing and able to buy a house.
...I just received a call from buyer who saw the sign on one of my listings. I told him that it was under contract but that I knew of a couple more that were coming on the market in that neighborhood. After offering to email him information on those houses, he thanked me and said "no thank you," that they preferred to drive around calling on houses that they happened to see.... I received another call this morning from another buyer who wanted to know about this property, which just went under contract.... Doesn't it sound like a wiser use of ones time to have a professional manage ones home search? I happened to get those two calls - how many more do I not receive every day from those who choose to search themselves?
Wearing my Listing Agent hat, neither of these are "good buyers," as they are not ready, willing and able to buy a house. I expect that one day they will be.I just received a call from buyer who saw the sign on one of my listings. I told him that it was under contract but that I knew of a couple more that were coming on the market in that neighborhood. After offering to email him information on those houses, he thanked me and said "no thank you," that they preferred to drive around calling on houses that they happened to see.... I received another call this morning from another buyer who wanted to know about this property, which just went under contract.... Doesn't it sound like a wiser use of ones time to have a professional manage ones home search? I happened to get those two calls - how many more do I not receive every day from those who choose to search themselves?
Wearing my Listing Agent hat, neither of these are "good buyers," as they are not ready, willing and able to buy a house.
I made a mistake. Mea culpa. Yesterday when I
posted this, I posted it out of disappointment for the prospective buyer who
called about one of my listings. Our market is very competitive and the fact
that this buyer did not even have the opportunity to purchase a property, which
was a rare affordable house, saddened me. When I saw that he had posted a
comment about my remarks, I was hurt because that was never my point.
Stupidly, I deleted his comments; I should always take constructive criticism
for what it is and move forward. Learning from mistakes, I believe, is what
makes people better. This blog is a new medium to me; I need to wait before
reacting and posting. I lost a potential buyer, to whom I would have welcomed
the opportunity to demonstrate my integrity and dedication.
I made a mistake and apologize for doing so. It will not happen again.
Below is the original post, and I posted his comment as well.
I just received a call from buyer who saw the sign on one of my listings. I told him that it was under contract but that I knew of a couple more that were coming on the market in that neighborhood. After offering to email him information on those houses, he thanked me and said "no thank you," that they preferred to drive around calling on houses that they happened to see. Does this sound efficient? I received another call this morning from another buyer who wanted to know about this property, which just went under contract. It came on the market last Monday and he saw it on Saturday. Doesn't it sound like a wiser use of ones time to have a professional manage ones home search? I happened to get those two calls - how many more do I not receive every day from those who choose to search themselves?
Wearing my Listing Agent hat, neither of these are "good buyers," as they are not ready, willing and able to buy a house. I expect that one day they will be.I just received a call from buyer who saw the sign on one of my listings. I told him that it was under contract but that I knew of a couple more that were coming on the market in that neighborhood. After offering to email him information on those houses, he thanked me and said "no thank you," that they preferred to drive around calling on houses that they happened to see. Does this sound efficient? I received another call this morning from another buyer who wanted to know about this property, which just went under contract. It came on the market last Monday and he saw it on Saturday. Doesn't it sound like a wiser use of ones time to have a professional manage ones home search? I happened to get those two calls - how many more do I not receive every day from those who choose to search themselves?
Wearing my Listing Agent hat, neither of these are "good buyers," as they are not ready, willing and able to buy a house. I expect that one day they will be.
I made a mistake and apologize for doing so. It will not happen again.
Below is the original post, and I posted his comment as well.
I just received a call from buyer who saw the sign on one of my listings. I told him that it was under contract but that I knew of a couple more that were coming on the market in that neighborhood. After offering to email him information on those houses, he thanked me and said "no thank you," that they preferred to drive around calling on houses that they happened to see. Does this sound efficient? I received another call this morning from another buyer who wanted to know about this property, which just went under contract. It came on the market last Monday and he saw it on Saturday. Doesn't it sound like a wiser use of ones time to have a professional manage ones home search? I happened to get those two calls - how many more do I not receive every day from those who choose to search themselves?
Wearing my Listing Agent hat, neither of these are "good buyers," as they are not ready, willing and able to buy a house. I expect that one day they will be.I just received a call from buyer who saw the sign on one of my listings. I told him that it was under contract but that I knew of a couple more that were coming on the market in that neighborhood. After offering to email him information on those houses, he thanked me and said "no thank you," that they preferred to drive around calling on houses that they happened to see. Does this sound efficient? I received another call this morning from another buyer who wanted to know about this property, which just went under contract. It came on the market last Monday and he saw it on Saturday. Doesn't it sound like a wiser use of ones time to have a professional manage ones home search? I happened to get those two calls - how many more do I not receive every day from those who choose to search themselves?
Wearing my Listing Agent hat, neither of these are "good buyers," as they are not ready, willing and able to buy a house. I expect that one day they will be.
Posted at 11:59 AM |
Wed - March 23, 2005
April Forum Watch is out
Neil Williamson with the Free Enterprise Forum
has sent out the April Forum Watch.... This is a great way to stay on top of
local issues (and act like you're informed!)
Neil Williamson with the Free Enterprise
Forum has sent out the April Forum Watch. It is not yet posted, but
you certainly could email him for a copy. This is a great way to
stay on top of local issues (and act like you're informed!)
Posted at 02:32 PM |
Mon - March 21, 2005
Fuel efficiency advocates
A strong majority (66%) of Americans agree that
it is patriotic to buy a fuel efficient vehicle that uses less gasoline and,
therefore, requires this country to import less oil from the Middle East....
About three out of five conservatives (57%) agree that buying a fuel-efficient
vehicle is a patriotic act, as do 67% of those who follow
NASCAR.
...Not sure I agree with all or even much of what this group's goals are, but at least they are trying.
...Not sure I agree with all or even much of what this group's goals are, but at least they are trying.
A strong majority (66%) of Americans agree
that it is patriotic to buy a fuel efficient vehicle that uses less gasoline
and, therefore, requires this country to import less oil from the Middle East.
Of the third of Americans who disagree with this statement, only 14% do so
strongly. About three out of five conservatives (57%) agree that buying a
fuel-efficient vehicle is a patriotic act, as do 67% of those who follow
NASCAR.
Neat site, this 40mpg.org. I know that showing property keeps getting more and more expensive. Not sure I agree with all or even much of what this group's goals are, but at least they are trying.
Neat site, this 40mpg.org. I know that showing property keeps getting more and more expensive. Not sure I agree with all or even much of what this group's goals are, but at least they are trying.
Posted at 06:52 AM |
Sat - March 19, 2005
Match Day!
This past Thursday was Match Day, the the new
Residents find out which Medical School they will be attending. Most
importantly, these Residents are a built-in market that comes about each year.
Good for real estate.
Posted at 11:26 AM |
Ah. Self-employment
Coaching part of my daughter's soccer game
today and then off to Northern Va.... No fun there, but I feel obliged to go to
support the company.... They go in a stack behind my desk.
Coaching part of my daughter's soccer game
today and then off to Northern Va. for a Century 21 Awards Banquet. No fun
there, but I feel obliged to go to support the company. That I'm getting an
award is of no consequence. They go in a stack behind my desk.
Posted at 10:51 AM |
Borrowed
This is how I feel sometimes. Our (albeit
small) mountain views are in the process of being hidden by the new townhouses
being built.
From Inman
again.
This is how I feel sometimes. Our (albeit small) mountain views are in the process of being hidden by the new townhouses being built. Oh well.
This is how I feel sometimes. Our (albeit small) mountain views are in the process of being hidden by the new townhouses being built. Oh well.
Posted at 10:27 AM |
John Maudlin's newsletter
A. Wealthy people work
hard.
B. Wealthy people are good at what they do.
C. Wealthy people have multiple streams of income.
D. Wealthy people live in (relatively) inexpensive homes.
E. Wealthy people are moderate in spending.
F. Wealthy people are extraordinary at saving.
G. Wealthy people pay themselves first.
H. Wealthy people count their money.
His newsletters are very long and very informative. This week's newsletter focuses on the new retirement paradigm. I found item D. interesting.
B. Wealthy people are good at what they do.
C. Wealthy people have multiple streams of income.
D. Wealthy people live in (relatively) inexpensive homes.
E. Wealthy people are moderate in spending.
F. Wealthy people are extraordinary at saving.
G. Wealthy people pay themselves first.
H. Wealthy people count their money.
His newsletters are very long and very informative. This week's newsletter focuses on the new retirement paradigm. I found item D. interesting.
Posted at 10:24 AM |
Thu - March 17, 2005
Dave Barry takes on Mass Transit
A humorous and possibly enlightening
perspective on mass transit. I would absolutely love the opportunity to take
light rail to work (assuming I didn't have to show houses or drive clients!),
but transit is simply not economically feasible. Where is the Tipping Point where taking mass transit is more
valuable than driving one's car?
I haven't fact-checked Mr. Barry's citations, but found this interesting - Then there is the cost, which is--obviously--$52 billion. Less obviously, there's all the money spent locally keeping local mass transit systems operating. The Heritage Foundation says, "There isn't a single light rail transit system in America in which fares paid by the passengers cover the cost of their own rides." Heritage cites the Minneapolis "Hiawatha" light rail line, soon to be completed with $107 million from the transportation bill. Heritage estimates that the total expense for each ride on the Hiawatha will be $19. Commuting to work will cost $8,550 a year. If the commuter is earning minimum wage, this leaves about $1,000 a year for food, shelter and clothing. Or, if the city picks up the tab, it could have leased a BMW X-5 SUV for the commuter at about the same price.
The rest of the article is at the Opinionjournal.com.
I haven't fact-checked Mr. Barry's citations, but found this interesting - Then there is the cost, which is--obviously--$52 billion. Less obviously, there's all the money spent locally keeping local mass transit systems operating. The Heritage Foundation says, "There isn't a single light rail transit system in America in which fares paid by the passengers cover the cost of their own rides." Heritage cites the Minneapolis "Hiawatha" light rail line, soon to be completed with $107 million from the transportation bill. Heritage estimates that the total expense for each ride on the Hiawatha will be $19. Commuting to work will cost $8,550 a year. If the commuter is earning minimum wage, this leaves about $1,000 a year for food, shelter and clothing. Or, if the city picks up the tab, it could have leased a BMW X-5 SUV for the commuter at about the same price.
The rest of the article is at the Opinionjournal.com.
Posted at 08:16 AM |
Wed - March 16, 2005
"Blink" again
Malcolm Gladwell spoke about his new book Blink
tonight at the Darden School.... There is no way that I can briefly summarize
what his theories and hypotheses comprise; suffice it to say that if everyone
were to take his ideas and utilize them every day, then our world may very well
be one with far less prejudice and more
understanding.
The only note I took was that 'our snap decisions make up the core of who we are." With two kids, a wife, a dog and a business, I was able to read his book in just a couple of days and may very well re-read it again soon.
The only note I took was that 'our snap decisions make up the core of who we are." With two kids, a wife, a dog and a business, I was able to read his book in just a couple of days and may very well re-read it again soon.
A great talk tonight. A very large stage that
was ornate and Spartan at the same moment. Malcolm Gladwell spoke about his new
book Blink
tonight at the Darden
School. Pretty amazing stuff. There is no way that I can briefly
summarize what his theories and hypotheses comprise; suffice it to say that if
everyone were to take his ideas and utilize them every day, then our world may
very well be one with far less prejudice and more understanding.
The only note I took was that 'our snap decisions make up the core of who we are." With two kids, a wife, a dog and a business, I was able to read his book in just a couple of days and may very well re-read it again soon. If I can just apply his concepts to my business ...
Fascinating article here at the Fast Company site.
ESPN's interview is here.
The only note I took was that 'our snap decisions make up the core of who we are." With two kids, a wife, a dog and a business, I was able to read his book in just a couple of days and may very well re-read it again soon. If I can just apply his concepts to my business ...
Fascinating article here at the Fast Company site.
ESPN's interview is here.
Posted at 09:15 PM |
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Published On: Apr 13, 2005 02:19 PM
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Published On: Apr 13, 2005 02:19 PM