Get there any way you can.
The process of moving doesn't have to be this involved. I have all of the resources that it takes to make your next move a smooth one. Go to my website and start your transition today. www.andrewculp.com
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
I just got served
I just recieved a subpoena today to appear in court. Thankfully it's not me on trial here.
Here's a little background, you see I knew this day would come. Over a year ago I listed a home in which my client was murdered!!
I made my first follow-up call after the weekend to report any showing activity and just check on my client's status. Everything was just fine, no showings but overall my client was pleased by my attention and marketing plan that was well underway. By the second week I made my calls and got no response. I attempted repeatedly to make phone contact but to no avail. It was on week three that I was finally able to contact the client's daughter. I was surprised when she answered the home phone. It was then that I heard the bad news.
Here we are, over a year later and the suspect is being brought to trial. The prosecution wants me as a wittness. Dum Dum, Ba Ba Ba Ba Ba Ba The theme song from Law & Order was the first thing out of my mouth. I don't know whether to be excited or scared out of my mind. I really have done my best to avoid courtrooms. Nothing but criminals and attorneys there.
Anybody else have this happen to them?
Here's a little background, you see I knew this day would come. Over a year ago I listed a home in which my client was murdered!!
I made my first follow-up call after the weekend to report any showing activity and just check on my client's status. Everything was just fine, no showings but overall my client was pleased by my attention and marketing plan that was well underway. By the second week I made my calls and got no response. I attempted repeatedly to make phone contact but to no avail. It was on week three that I was finally able to contact the client's daughter. I was surprised when she answered the home phone. It was then that I heard the bad news.
Here we are, over a year later and the suspect is being brought to trial. The prosecution wants me as a wittness. Dum Dum, Ba Ba Ba Ba Ba Ba The theme song from Law & Order was the first thing out of my mouth. I don't know whether to be excited or scared out of my mind. I really have done my best to avoid courtrooms. Nothing but criminals and attorneys there.
Anybody else have this happen to them?
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
The Best of Times
These are the times that try men's souls. Baloney!!!!!!
Welcome one and all to the reality of Real Estate. As a Realtor in a consistently hot market, let me tell you that this cool down that we are experiencing is a welcome one. For the last 3 years, my sales territory has experienced unprecedented growth. This has been great from a volume standpoint. From a customer-care standpoint it has been less than glorious.
I built my business on a client based business model. I have many years in various service industries where the customer is always right and that's hard to ignore. Many businesses have poor products, but if the perception of quality is instilled in the consumer, they will succeed. This is especially dificult in hot Real Estate markets. Try to explain to long time residents of a community that rising housing prices have driven them out of the market. "If I had only bought five years ago" is the cry of the first time buyer.
So what is the secret? How can everyone benefit from a hot market that is slowing?
Here it is.........Are you ready?............Do you have a pen and paper?..........
Don't wait for the bubble to burst!! There is no such thing!! Don't wait to pay off your fancy car!! Trade it in for something practical!! Clean up your credit and get pre-qualified!!
There I'm done yelling at you. Now that I have your attention, here's some sound advise. Real Estate will always blow hot and cold. Be patient. Just like the stock market there are always ups and downs. Buy now when it's cooler and when it heats up again, sell. You will still make money even if we don't see double digit appreciation every year. It's still cheaper than renting and it's an investment in your retirement. (but that's another story)
What makes this such a great time to invest in a home or investment property is that sellers have to get real. They can't price their property as agressively, and have to look reality in the face. Gone are the days of the multiple offer situation. We can actually fit the home to the buyers' needs and avoid pressurring our clients into a "buy it now or lose it" scenario. Let's all breathe a sigh of relief and get back to service with a smile. It's a wonderful time to be in this business.
Welcome one and all to the reality of Real Estate. As a Realtor in a consistently hot market, let me tell you that this cool down that we are experiencing is a welcome one. For the last 3 years, my sales territory has experienced unprecedented growth. This has been great from a volume standpoint. From a customer-care standpoint it has been less than glorious.
I built my business on a client based business model. I have many years in various service industries where the customer is always right and that's hard to ignore. Many businesses have poor products, but if the perception of quality is instilled in the consumer, they will succeed. This is especially dificult in hot Real Estate markets. Try to explain to long time residents of a community that rising housing prices have driven them out of the market. "If I had only bought five years ago" is the cry of the first time buyer.
So what is the secret? How can everyone benefit from a hot market that is slowing?
Here it is.........Are you ready?............Do you have a pen and paper?..........
Don't wait for the bubble to burst!! There is no such thing!! Don't wait to pay off your fancy car!! Trade it in for something practical!! Clean up your credit and get pre-qualified!!
There I'm done yelling at you. Now that I have your attention, here's some sound advise. Real Estate will always blow hot and cold. Be patient. Just like the stock market there are always ups and downs. Buy now when it's cooler and when it heats up again, sell. You will still make money even if we don't see double digit appreciation every year. It's still cheaper than renting and it's an investment in your retirement. (but that's another story)
What makes this such a great time to invest in a home or investment property is that sellers have to get real. They can't price their property as agressively, and have to look reality in the face. Gone are the days of the multiple offer situation. We can actually fit the home to the buyers' needs and avoid pressurring our clients into a "buy it now or lose it" scenario. Let's all breathe a sigh of relief and get back to service with a smile. It's a wonderful time to be in this business.
The Crest
This is my hangout every Thursday (if it's sunny) and some weekends. I'm part of a team that sits the condo's model. There are only five units still available. One Penthouse, one second floor, and three groundfloor units. The views out here are incredible. I sit and watch the boat traffic all day, while working on my laptop. Thank God for wireless internet.
I know what you're thinking......What's the pricetag? For a 2900 square foot condo the price range is $699,000-$969,000 depending on views and of course upgrades are additional. If you're ever in the area, stop by and visit one of the team. We'll be happy to show you around the model, and if you're real nice, we'll take you around in the construction areas. You have to sign a release form first. Injury liability and all that.
Go to the web site for more information. http://www.thecrestatsunsetcove.com/
I know what you're thinking......What's the pricetag? For a 2900 square foot condo the price range is $699,000-$969,000 depending on views and of course upgrades are additional. If you're ever in the area, stop by and visit one of the team. We'll be happy to show you around the model, and if you're real nice, we'll take you around in the construction areas. You have to sign a release form first. Injury liability and all that.
Go to the web site for more information. http://www.thecrestatsunsetcove.com/
Eaglemont
This one is sold but there are more.
Just a Chip shot away from Eaglemont's Clubhouse. Built in 2000 this well cared for home sits in a well established neighborhood in the Eaglemont community. Professionally landscaped and appointed with a peaceful backyard oasis that has a pergola and a Koi pond waterfall feature. Inside there are three bedrooms and two and a half baths. The master is on the main level with a deep walk-in closet and master bath soaking tub and separate shower. The living room has cathedral ceilings, a two sided fireplace and giant windows to let the sunshine in. A formal dining room and kitchen with eat-in space, a kitchen island, and large pantry make for easy entertaining. This fine home is beinng offered at $389,999. Please contact this friendly listing agent for showing information. (360)391-9342
Inspection,Who's Responsible?
My training taught me quite a lot about contracts, and customer service. My training also taught me about liability. Here's a little annecdotal information. An agent and client were present together with the home inspector during an inspection. The new agent, eager to be helpful and diligent, went everywhere with the client and the inspector around the house. Taking care to note any deficiencies that the inspector points out. It's a newer home, so no laundry list of problems. Except, they couldn't get the gas range and oven to work. After a few attempts they moved on. End of story......right? Later that evening the seller comes home to a gas filled home, rescues the family pet and ventilates the house. Whew!!!! No harm done, everyone's OK.
Flip that story around to a not so happy ending. Consider the liabilities for the inspector, and the agent. We operate with the best intentions. We do our best for our clients. All it takes is one small slip and the lawyers and insurance companies are on us like a cheap suit. They always look for the deepest pockets. The agent may or may not be loaded, but you can be damn sure the brokerage has got some coin, and who cares who goes down in the process.
I'm not too keen on the verbage on listing agreements. The liability coverage of homeowners' insurance policies is supposed to cover damage of real and personal property. What about personal injury? Who is responsible for clients and their pets, and their friends, and their neighbors, and their kids, and their cousins, and their parents, and their cars, should something go wrong at a listed property?
Flip that story around to a not so happy ending. Consider the liabilities for the inspector, and the agent. We operate with the best intentions. We do our best for our clients. All it takes is one small slip and the lawyers and insurance companies are on us like a cheap suit. They always look for the deepest pockets. The agent may or may not be loaded, but you can be damn sure the brokerage has got some coin, and who cares who goes down in the process.
I'm not too keen on the verbage on listing agreements. The liability coverage of homeowners' insurance policies is supposed to cover damage of real and personal property. What about personal injury? Who is responsible for clients and their pets, and their friends, and their neighbors, and their kids, and their cousins, and their parents, and their cars, should something go wrong at a listed property?
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