Buying and selling property can be stressful for everyone involved. Emotions are often running high, everyone has a large stake in the transaction, and timelines can be tight adding to the issues.
Hiring a REALTOR® that keeps a cool head is vital! I can't tell you how many times a listening ear, a calm disposition and an arms length opinion has prevailed over a heated situation. I have a rule that if something makes your blood boil in a transaction, you should take some time to process things before immediately reacting.
When I was riding horses professionally, the great David O'Connor used to tell me to be PROactive rather than REactive. Always act in a positive way in order to have a positive outcome. Don't allow yourself to negatively react to a situation that will further the downward spiral. Horses do not understand the emotional hang ups we have when we are riding and we absolutely must remain rational in order to communicate effectively with them every time we get on.
It is most times impossible to keep emotions out of real estate sales. Your agent needs to understand your feelings and be able to gently guide all parties along so that the end result is well thought out and reasonable. When the agent(s) involved get wound up, things can get heated unnecessarily. As a professional I have been yelled at, threatened, called names, sworn at and had some very unpleasant conversations all due to emotions getting out of control. Less so from clients than other agents to be frank. I totally understand that this is not a reflection of me personally, but of the stress that people are feeling within themselves. It's not pleasant, but it can happen. I previously worked in the retail and service industries and have seen many stressful outbursts in kitchens and such. As a professional athlete I was taught to remove emotion from my job as it does not make for more successful performances. Being able to separate emotions and reality is important, and I have been practicing this for many years prior to becoming a REALTOR. It is my job to lead everyone through these times in a steady, calm fashion.
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Co Worker Woes
How important is it to have co workers that you get along with? Do you feel like office or workplace cohesion is important? Do you like the people you work alongside?
As a REALTOR® how much time I spend in the office is up to me, other than a 'duty shift' once a week or so where I am required to be in the office for walk ins and phone calls. Other than that I can work out of the New Minas/Greenwood offices or from home. So much of my time is spent traveling around that I don't actually spend that much time physically at my desk. When I am in the office though, the people I work with are influential!
Having a positive office vibe is incredibly important to people that work in close proximity to each other, have you ever had to spend 8 hours a day next to a loud mouth or someone who doesn't follow the rules of the space? This can really create an unproductive environment and make it hard to do your job effectively! It's so much more than just getting along or being friends, it's about respecting the people that you work with no matter what position they occupy within your organization.
Having a negative office vibe creates a bad atmosphere and can really bring productivity down quickly! I am always way more excited to go to an office where I feel respected and equal to everyone else there. I see no need for putting some employees on pedestals, this only creates animosity. No matter how much money you make, or what clothes you wear or what you look like, I believe that everyone has something to offer and should be held to the same standard!
Do you feel like you are treated fairly in your workplace? Do you have co workers that you would rather not have to be around? Do you dread spending time at your office?
As a REALTOR® how much time I spend in the office is up to me, other than a 'duty shift' once a week or so where I am required to be in the office for walk ins and phone calls. Other than that I can work out of the New Minas/Greenwood offices or from home. So much of my time is spent traveling around that I don't actually spend that much time physically at my desk. When I am in the office though, the people I work with are influential!
Having a positive office vibe is incredibly important to people that work in close proximity to each other, have you ever had to spend 8 hours a day next to a loud mouth or someone who doesn't follow the rules of the space? This can really create an unproductive environment and make it hard to do your job effectively! It's so much more than just getting along or being friends, it's about respecting the people that you work with no matter what position they occupy within your organization.
Having a negative office vibe creates a bad atmosphere and can really bring productivity down quickly! I am always way more excited to go to an office where I feel respected and equal to everyone else there. I see no need for putting some employees on pedestals, this only creates animosity. No matter how much money you make, or what clothes you wear or what you look like, I believe that everyone has something to offer and should be held to the same standard!
Do you feel like you are treated fairly in your workplace? Do you have co workers that you would rather not have to be around? Do you dread spending time at your office?
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
To Paint Or Not To Paint
The single most cost effective way to prepare your home to list is with a fresh coat of paint. This works for two reasons.
1) A fresh coat of paint covers up the small scratches, dings and wear and tear that occur over the course of a family living in a home, it's natural, but it's not pretty. When you apply new paint, the home now has a fresh, well kept, well cared for appearance. It no longer looks or feels old or worn, and this is ideal.
2) New paint that is neutral and pleasing to most people allows a buyer to picture themselves living in the home. Bright, dark and too trendy colour choices are distracting to most buyers - have you ever noticed one of the most common comments on those real estate shows from buyers is about paint, and specifically, paint that they don't like.
If you are preparing to sell and you think that it's too much work to paint your home, imagine how the buyers feel... they are contemplating making a huge purchase and right off the bat they see work that needs to be done. Do it for them and I guarantee you will have more successful showings.
If you don't want to paint because you believe that the buyer may not share your tastes in colour selection, pick a colour palette that is generally appealing to the majority of people, believe me, most of these buyers are watching real estate shows and have pinterest boards that are showcasing the relaxing neutrals that are timeless classics. If they have more wild tastes, it's much easier for them to get excited about painting an accent wall than painting the entire home.
Another important thing to consider is continuity through the home, painting each room and hallway a different colour is a poor choice as it makes the home feel broken up and compartmentalized. Buyers want open concept so carry a theme of 2-3 colours through the entire home and if you really want some variation choose another shade on the same chip so that you don't break up the flow.
If you are thinking of listing and want really expert advice I can align you with a local paint guru that will custom match a colour palette for you and your home based on everything from the architectural style to the flooring and even available natural light! I can attest to the prowess of this expert, he helped me choose the paint colours for the entire interior of my home plus the exterior colours as well. He is amazing!
1) A fresh coat of paint covers up the small scratches, dings and wear and tear that occur over the course of a family living in a home, it's natural, but it's not pretty. When you apply new paint, the home now has a fresh, well kept, well cared for appearance. It no longer looks or feels old or worn, and this is ideal.
2) New paint that is neutral and pleasing to most people allows a buyer to picture themselves living in the home. Bright, dark and too trendy colour choices are distracting to most buyers - have you ever noticed one of the most common comments on those real estate shows from buyers is about paint, and specifically, paint that they don't like.
If you are preparing to sell and you think that it's too much work to paint your home, imagine how the buyers feel... they are contemplating making a huge purchase and right off the bat they see work that needs to be done. Do it for them and I guarantee you will have more successful showings.
If you don't want to paint because you believe that the buyer may not share your tastes in colour selection, pick a colour palette that is generally appealing to the majority of people, believe me, most of these buyers are watching real estate shows and have pinterest boards that are showcasing the relaxing neutrals that are timeless classics. If they have more wild tastes, it's much easier for them to get excited about painting an accent wall than painting the entire home.
Another important thing to consider is continuity through the home, painting each room and hallway a different colour is a poor choice as it makes the home feel broken up and compartmentalized. Buyers want open concept so carry a theme of 2-3 colours through the entire home and if you really want some variation choose another shade on the same chip so that you don't break up the flow.
If you are thinking of listing and want really expert advice I can align you with a local paint guru that will custom match a colour palette for you and your home based on everything from the architectural style to the flooring and even available natural light! I can attest to the prowess of this expert, he helped me choose the paint colours for the entire interior of my home plus the exterior colours as well. He is amazing!
Monday, May 21, 2018
Holiday Monday in the Office!
I have been having a lot of conversations with people lately that are thinking of getting into the real estate industry. They are asking for my thoughts and ideas on how to make that transition, and if it's a good idea for them.
There are quite a few factors that need to be considered while contemplating making a career change, especially to real estate. The biggest discussion is about income, and yes, this is a commission only career, no salary. The downside to this is you are not guaranteed a minimum paycheque every two weeks. The upside is that you have absolutely no cap on what you can make in a day, week or month. As an example I received the largest single transaction paycheque that my broker had ever issued since becoming a franchise owner ten years ago. And I had only been practicing real estate for just over 3 years at the time. And at Exit there are multiple ways to make money. As a sponsor, by simply introducing a new agent to the broker, you stand to make up to $10,000/year from Exit for this introduction for as long as that agent remains with Exit. And you can sponsor as many agents as you like! (No this is not a pyramid silly, it's only applicable to ONE single level of residuals!)
It is tough to get started, but with the sponsoring program I can help you learn the ropes, and I have a vested interest in making sure that you last and are successful. No other brokerage uses this model. Exit also has the best administrators in the business which in turn makes your job easier. Our admin do all the data input of listings so that you are free to go get more business, you won't be stuck behind a desk all day!
I have discussions with people all the time that have toyed with the idea of getting into this business, it's intriguing and appealing to a lot of different types of people. And it's flexible so that you can tailor the career to how you want it to fit into your life. I went on a 25 day trip to Southern Asia/India this winter because I have the flexibility to make my own schedule and the income to be able to go away and still have my business flourishing when I return!
If you are thinking that this type of lifestyle might suit you, reach out! I would love to get together with you to talk more about it! I haven't once woken up on a Monday morning since starting this career dreading the week ahead. Think about that. Seriously. It's a vibrant holiday Monday and I am writing a blog about how much I love my job. There's something special here.
There are quite a few factors that need to be considered while contemplating making a career change, especially to real estate. The biggest discussion is about income, and yes, this is a commission only career, no salary. The downside to this is you are not guaranteed a minimum paycheque every two weeks. The upside is that you have absolutely no cap on what you can make in a day, week or month. As an example I received the largest single transaction paycheque that my broker had ever issued since becoming a franchise owner ten years ago. And I had only been practicing real estate for just over 3 years at the time. And at Exit there are multiple ways to make money. As a sponsor, by simply introducing a new agent to the broker, you stand to make up to $10,000/year from Exit for this introduction for as long as that agent remains with Exit. And you can sponsor as many agents as you like! (No this is not a pyramid silly, it's only applicable to ONE single level of residuals!)
It is tough to get started, but with the sponsoring program I can help you learn the ropes, and I have a vested interest in making sure that you last and are successful. No other brokerage uses this model. Exit also has the best administrators in the business which in turn makes your job easier. Our admin do all the data input of listings so that you are free to go get more business, you won't be stuck behind a desk all day!
I have discussions with people all the time that have toyed with the idea of getting into this business, it's intriguing and appealing to a lot of different types of people. And it's flexible so that you can tailor the career to how you want it to fit into your life. I went on a 25 day trip to Southern Asia/India this winter because I have the flexibility to make my own schedule and the income to be able to go away and still have my business flourishing when I return!
If you are thinking that this type of lifestyle might suit you, reach out! I would love to get together with you to talk more about it! I haven't once woken up on a Monday morning since starting this career dreading the week ahead. Think about that. Seriously. It's a vibrant holiday Monday and I am writing a blog about how much I love my job. There's something special here.
Thursday, May 03, 2018
Feeling HOT! HOT! HOT!
I recently
attended the Kentville Home Show as a vendor and got a great chance to speak
with people about what’s going on with the local real estate market. It was so
nice to connect with people that I wouldn’t normally see and chat about the
recent trends. Most people that I come across are noticing a significant
upswing in the number of properties getting sold lately, it’s true! Year to
date sales in the Annapolis Valley are up almost 23%! In case you don’t have a
benchmark of what’s normal in terms of fluctuations in sales, this is AMAZING!!
In the past 5 years since I have been a REALTOR® I have noticed maybe a couple of percentage points difference up or down. The general trend has been that of a Buyers Market. Well as of 2018 that has changed, there are more properties selling each day/week/month than properties getting listed. Get this! There are several shortages of inventory in a few different price ranges too! I have people looking for specific properties to purchase and they are selling almost immediately after coming on the market, we are seeing multiple competing offers on places, homes selling for above list price!
As an example, I recently wrote an offer on a property, we knew we were in a competition when we wrote the offer so we went in significantly above list price with no conditions. Unfortunately, we did not win the bidding war, but I later found out it sold for more than 60% above the list price!! WOWZA!! Obviously, this is an extreme example and the property had some very special circumstances surrounding it to go for such an astounding amount above the listing price!
The general consensus with the professionals in the industry (and even the public) is that the market here in the Annapolis Valley is HOT! HOT! HOT! If you are thinking of listing, it’s absolutely imperative to get it price correctly and marketed aggressively so that you can get top dollar! If you are thinking of purchasing, get an agent that has their finger on the pulse because you may find you miss out if you’re not completely prepared before making an offer on a popular property!
Need to discuss things? Call me anytime and let’s chat about your needs!
(902) 680-2736
In the past 5 years since I have been a REALTOR® I have noticed maybe a couple of percentage points difference up or down. The general trend has been that of a Buyers Market. Well as of 2018 that has changed, there are more properties selling each day/week/month than properties getting listed. Get this! There are several shortages of inventory in a few different price ranges too! I have people looking for specific properties to purchase and they are selling almost immediately after coming on the market, we are seeing multiple competing offers on places, homes selling for above list price!
As an example, I recently wrote an offer on a property, we knew we were in a competition when we wrote the offer so we went in significantly above list price with no conditions. Unfortunately, we did not win the bidding war, but I later found out it sold for more than 60% above the list price!! WOWZA!! Obviously, this is an extreme example and the property had some very special circumstances surrounding it to go for such an astounding amount above the listing price!
The general consensus with the professionals in the industry (and even the public) is that the market here in the Annapolis Valley is HOT! HOT! HOT! If you are thinking of listing, it’s absolutely imperative to get it price correctly and marketed aggressively so that you can get top dollar! If you are thinking of purchasing, get an agent that has their finger on the pulse because you may find you miss out if you’re not completely prepared before making an offer on a popular property!
Need to discuss things? Call me anytime and let’s chat about your needs!
(902) 680-2736
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Wrong Place, Wrong Time!
Is there such a thing as being too confident? I recently had a majorly comical moment which was directly correlated to me thinking I was at the right place, at the right time. But I was NOT!
I had negotiated a deal for a client who is a friend of mine, I have known him for a while and he's got a very outgoing, gregarious personality. I had to stop in to see a couple of his family members (who I do not know at all, have never met them). My client gave me directions, I called ahead to book the appointment and arrived feeling like I already knew the people.
I pulled into the driveway and called out to the woman by name, I got a funny look but carried on, unfazed. I got out of the car and followed her into the house, jokingly I asked if I was at the right place. No response. The husband peered around the corner at me quizzically so I thought to myself "my friend certainly doesn't get his jocular personality from his parents, odd bunch".
I took off my shoes and headed into the house with the paperwork, exclaiming that it wouldn't take long, you know, to set their minds at ease because they obviously weren't thrilled that I was there. Finally one of them pipes up "um, what paperwork?" I replied with the clients name, a blank stare was returned. I started to get a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach, and a bit more softly repeated the clients name followed up by a repeat of the question "Am I in the right place?"
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOPE! As it turns out I had gone to the property next door by accident, it's a good thing such mixups don't embarrass me! I promptly put my shoes back on and got out of their home, I can only imagine what kind of questions must have been going through their heads!
"Who is this lunatic in our house? Why is she here?"
"Are we selling our property? She seems to think so..."
"Is this a gag TV show? When is the punch line?"
I thoroughly enjoy a harmless mistake and love to share these hilarious mishaps with others for the purpose of a good laugh! I hope you enjoyed my story! My confidence is a great asset and occasionally a comical liability.
I had negotiated a deal for a client who is a friend of mine, I have known him for a while and he's got a very outgoing, gregarious personality. I had to stop in to see a couple of his family members (who I do not know at all, have never met them). My client gave me directions, I called ahead to book the appointment and arrived feeling like I already knew the people.
I pulled into the driveway and called out to the woman by name, I got a funny look but carried on, unfazed. I got out of the car and followed her into the house, jokingly I asked if I was at the right place. No response. The husband peered around the corner at me quizzically so I thought to myself "my friend certainly doesn't get his jocular personality from his parents, odd bunch".
I took off my shoes and headed into the house with the paperwork, exclaiming that it wouldn't take long, you know, to set their minds at ease because they obviously weren't thrilled that I was there. Finally one of them pipes up "um, what paperwork?" I replied with the clients name, a blank stare was returned. I started to get a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach, and a bit more softly repeated the clients name followed up by a repeat of the question "Am I in the right place?"
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOPE! As it turns out I had gone to the property next door by accident, it's a good thing such mixups don't embarrass me! I promptly put my shoes back on and got out of their home, I can only imagine what kind of questions must have been going through their heads!
"Who is this lunatic in our house? Why is she here?"
"Are we selling our property? She seems to think so..."
"Is this a gag TV show? When is the punch line?"
I thoroughly enjoy a harmless mistake and love to share these hilarious mishaps with others for the purpose of a good laugh! I hope you enjoyed my story! My confidence is a great asset and occasionally a comical liability.
Wednesday, March 07, 2018
The Goldilocks Photo Syndrome
I am very picky about the photos that I publish online, I always have been, and I am getting worse about it. I encountered a listing today that I have buyers from out of town interested in and guess what... There are ZERO photos of the property online! I contacted the listing agent, who didn't even have any on file!! ABSURD!!
The vast majority of buyers these days are doing a huge amount of preliminary research long before contacting an agent. They are pouring over online information, statistics and photos/videos. The way that your property is being represented online is extremely important, and there is a fine line between photos that are good, and photos that aren't.
There are 3 kinds of photos out there, it's a bit of a Goldilocks syndrome... some photos are really bad with spots on the lens, out of focus, or at worst - taken with a cell phone! UGH! I have even seen cell phone photos, taken in vertical format, where the agent didn't even bother getting out of their car! You can tell because the edge of the car window is in the frame! You should be fired if caught being this lazy!
The other end of the spectrum is where the photos are TOO GOOD. The lighting has been altered and overly processed, angles and creativity in the shots omits very important details of the property, or worst case scenario - the photos have been photoshopped!! There's nothing worse than a buyer being sorely disappointed in seeing a property in person because the photos were not an accurate representation, disappointment is not a good emotion for buyers.
There is a happy medium though! Somewhere in the middle where the photographer has professional equipment, knows how to use it correctly, and has an eye for what needs to be showcased in a real estate photo! Not too hot, not too cold, juuusst riiiight!
Bravo to the agents that can find this subtle middle ground, it takes some time and investment but it's worth it in the end. If you are a buyer looking to purchase, be wary of those super slick photos! If you are a seller, check out prospective agents photo quality, make sure it's happy medium style!
The vast majority of buyers these days are doing a huge amount of preliminary research long before contacting an agent. They are pouring over online information, statistics and photos/videos. The way that your property is being represented online is extremely important, and there is a fine line between photos that are good, and photos that aren't.
There are 3 kinds of photos out there, it's a bit of a Goldilocks syndrome... some photos are really bad with spots on the lens, out of focus, or at worst - taken with a cell phone! UGH! I have even seen cell phone photos, taken in vertical format, where the agent didn't even bother getting out of their car! You can tell because the edge of the car window is in the frame! You should be fired if caught being this lazy!
The other end of the spectrum is where the photos are TOO GOOD. The lighting has been altered and overly processed, angles and creativity in the shots omits very important details of the property, or worst case scenario - the photos have been photoshopped!! There's nothing worse than a buyer being sorely disappointed in seeing a property in person because the photos were not an accurate representation, disappointment is not a good emotion for buyers.
There is a happy medium though! Somewhere in the middle where the photographer has professional equipment, knows how to use it correctly, and has an eye for what needs to be showcased in a real estate photo! Not too hot, not too cold, juuusst riiiight!
Bravo to the agents that can find this subtle middle ground, it takes some time and investment but it's worth it in the end. If you are a buyer looking to purchase, be wary of those super slick photos! If you are a seller, check out prospective agents photo quality, make sure it's happy medium style!
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