A NEW YEAR… But First… Out With The Old!

2008?  When was that?  What era was that?  What the heck happened?

I like to think of 2008 as the “past.”  Good riddance!

Here are some things I have learned (in random order):

• Our economy is fragile
• When the “economy” is failing… no one is safe
• During horrible times… there are always some that “prey” on the hardest hit… sad
• There are good people who help others… even when they are going through hard times too
• People are still buying, selling and renting homes… just not as many and just not at the same prices
• Keller Williams has taught me that tough times… really do call for tough measures like cutting the fat, getting back to basics, taking advantage of the slow period by learning all you can, doing the right thing will always pay off in the end, and much more
• “Short Sales”, “BPO’s”, “Loan Modifications” are all here to stay 
• Sometimes, taking a step or two back will take you forward
• As a real estate agent… I don’t “have to focus on short sales” (as so many scam companies tout) to survive
• Good Realtors develop loyalty and relationships that will allow them to help their clients and customers during these tough economic times
• Pricing is no longer “the key”… market timing, staging, marketing along with price… sell a house today
• Even though there are more homes for sale than ever before… buyer’s are pickier than ever – lol – AND I don’t mind… I would be too if I were buying!
• Seller’s want and need help more than ever before
• I LOVE HELPING MY CLIENTS… NO MATTER WHAT THEIR SITUATION!

Ok… here are a couple of quick stories from last year!

Most Devastating

I worked with a couple for over 6 months.  I consulted with them before they moved down here from up north.  I sent them properties in their criteria.  When they finally did move here, I showed them homes many, many times.  I met them on their schedules – any time they wanted to go see a house or two… even at a moments notice.  I sent them to a very good, reputable mortgage agents who got them a great loan, I was completely and utterly their “real estate servant!”  Just before they decided to buy the house they eventually closed on… I took them to see 2 homes in a fantastic neighborhood… they loved them.  I called them several times over the next few days… no return call.  It seems they decided to go buy another home … in that same neighborhood… from the agent of one of the homes I had showed them!  I received ZERO money… yet… I spent an awful lot of time working with them… left my own family for hours to show them property, at times when we already had “family” plans… and worked my butt off.  The agent who sold them the house knew them for about a day and they bought from him.  Losing out on the hard earned money was brutally tough… I won’t lie about that… we lost it at a time when we needed it the most… but the hardest thing to deal with is the “cold heartedness” of the buyer’s.  Who would do that?  It just doesn’t make any sense.

What have I learned from this experience?  I now require “Buyer Agency Agreements” to be signed by anyone who wants me to work for them when purchasing a home.  It obligates me to do my best when locating that perfect home for them… and in return my new customer’s committ to working with me based on my hard work, knowledge, experience and character.  They agree to buy a home using me if I do my job.  Hard lesson to learn… but I’ve learned it.

Best Work – 2008

I listed, marketed and sold a house for a client of mine that I’ve known for several years and helped buy and sell several homes for.  When we listed the house… it was a bit high.  He and his family wanted to buy another home to take advantage of this great “buying” market we have had this past year.  I encouraged them to not start looking until we had a contract on his house.  After about 3 months… we DID get a contract… it was a tough negotiation on the price… but in the end… I, my seller’s, the buyer’s agent, and the buyer’s all worked hard to get a little bit more… but, truth is… the selling price couldn’t have been any higher than what we got… and just in the nick of time… before the market fell even harder in his neighborhood!

AT THE SAME TIME…

I found my seller’s a home in a FANTASTIC neighborhood at an INCREDIBLE price.  I helped them negotiate a steal of a deal on this particular bank owned property.  Even after the deal was in writing… we had Radon issues… but we worked some incredible “deals” out to finally get the work and eventually, the entire deal done… and on time!  My clients sold for the most… and bought for the least amount’s possible and the timing couldn’t have been better!  KUDOS to them… and me!

Happiest Moment In Real Estate In 2008

Easy…

I have some clients I know pretty well… well enough that if I need to show them property… I can show up in shorts, flip flops and a t-shirt if I want.  They are really great people and we respect and enjoy each other’s company pretty well.  Anyway, there was a property they wanted to see andI thought it was a GREAT deal… so I highly encouraged them to see it… on a Sunday.  They were hesitant… only because they didn’t want to inconvenience me on the weekend (now THAT is pretty funny… lol… inconviencea Realtor on the weekend… haha!)  I explained to them that I would LOVE to show it to them on a Sunday… so I met them there!  Here is where the “Happiest” part comes in.  I usually spend Sunday mornings with my son… Christopher… he is 2 1/2 years old and he is THE reason I wake up every single morning… He is everything to my wife and I and he is a “Daddy’s Boy” for sure.  I asked him if he would like to “…go to work with Daddy?” and the look on his face when I asked him that… priceless!  He LOVED it!  He was as proud as any 2 year old I’ve ever seen… I didn’t even know 2 year olds could be proud of their daddy’s!  I loaded him up in the car… showed the house (we were there for at least 45 minutes) and he was on his best behavior too!   It was THE best real estate moment of 2008!

People I Have To Thank For Too Many Reasons To List – Because Of What They Did For My Family In 2008 – No Particular Order…

• My Wife, Laura
• My Son, Christopher
• Susie Morris
• Kevin Chadwick
• Pat Morrison
• Theresa Pirozzi
• Kim Beasley
• Sue Hogle
• Ray Chadderton
• Larry Bartow
• Toni Baroni
• Denise Almand
• Karen Blomster
• Luana Russell
• Ken Brownlee
• Ralph Lozada
• Steve Moran
• Karen Dennis
• Carmen Huffsteter
• Every Keller Williams agent who thought about, encouraged, or helped me and my family in 2008… and there are a lot… I’m so sorry that I’ve forgotten to mention a lot of you…
• Ron – My Dad – Thanks dad… you’re consistent interest in our lives are a welcome inspiration… I love you
• Judy – My Mom – Your faith is also inspiring
• Chris & Becky – (My inlaws) – Thank you for saying “Yes, no problem” to ANYTHING we asked for without even the first “2nd thought” – your support is overwhelming
• All of our family – Brian, Angie, Bridget, Tom, Lauren, Mary, Tim, Grandma
• All of my clients and customers
• Dr Greenidge
• Dr Homsy
• John and Lauren – Friends to the end… You two are our best friends… Thanks for your unwavering support this past year!
• David & Ivette – You took a chance on us… when you didn’t have to and we thank you for it.  We needed the break and you gave it to us… Thanks!
• Mr Z – You always help us when we have computer issues… but you are a little expensive!  hehe
• Janice, Judi, Heather – You 3 always put a smile on my face
• Mary Reynolds – You are one of the most kind hearted people I’ve ever known
• Lillian Lobello – We appreciate your open offer of help – thanks for being so thoughtful
• Steve & Kathie – Thanks for being such great friends!
• Rodney & Heather – We don’t see you often… but you are always REALLY kind to us…
• Anyone else I’ve forgotten!

We love and appreciate all you did for us this past year.  We would not still be here today without all of you!  THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!

Ok… I’m done thinking about last year!  My next post will be out pretty soon… I’ll be posting at the very least… weekly this year… so keep an eye out!  See you next week!

Happy New Year

Chris