Do Our Priorities Match?

I had an interesting conversation with a potential seller this morning. He was asking about certain marketing tools and I was explaining what I use and what I don't, the parameters of my "work week", etc. I explained to him that while I am still full-time, I had taken on a partner in January to fill the gaps in my schedule that were created by my mandatory family time. I am no longer a 24/7 agent, in other words! There are simply some times that I am no longer accessible (besides an occasional call or email for an emergency), because I want those certain times to be for my children. As I explained this to him, he stopped me and said, "You don't have to explain it to me... how can I expect you to take care of my family if you don't take care of yours first?" He gets it -- if things are ok at home, I am a much more productive agent. If only everyone else did!

June 2006-June 2011

Home prices are down 15% in NC over the last 5 years. Wow.

The Same Team...

OK, I'm venting...

I am involved in some pretty intricate transactions right now, and the stress of the time is getting to folks to say the least. Situations are getting adversarial that simply shouldn't be, and situations that you would expect to cause a little adversity are causing all out warfare.

PEOPLE! We are all on the same side! If the house doesn't close, the lender doesn't get paid, the seller can't move on, the buyer is stuck, the other agent and I have worked for months for nothing... do you get my drift? We ALL want to get to the closing table. I want to zealously represent my client, but the big picture is to reach a happy conclusion for all inviolved. Let's not forget that. Now, off to shushy bye and good night...

These are a few of my favorite things...

Endless Possibilities! Spotlight on Winston-Salem

Lisa and I have listed some fantastic homes in the last few weeks in Forsyth County, all in different price points and meeting different needs.

1005 Somerset is a WONDERFUL starter home in a location convenient to everything -- shopping, Forsyth Hospital, WFU-BMC, I-40, 421, etc. The owners have lovingly maintained it and as an added bonus pulled up some carpeting to expose gorgeous hardwoods and updated most of the fixtures. 2 of the 3 bedrooms are HUGE, and it has a wonderful fenced yard and roomy kitchen with lots of cabinets. Click here for a photo tour.

1154 Folkstone Ridge is new construction that is move in ready. It has an open living room, breakfast, kitchen plan with granite countertops and all bedrooms upstairs. It is located off Peters Creek Parkway and is yet another example of a killer location as it is in a nice neighborhood but is moments away from all you need. It even has that "new home" smell... check it out here.

Finally, 135 Almont Forest is tucked away in one of Clemmons' prettiest hidden neighborhoods. Whitmore Place is a quiet, tranquil community with a small community pool that is peaceful and affordable. It feeds to the new Morgan Elementary and has a versatile floorplan with upper level bedrooms, an open main level with wonderful updated kitchen overlooking a private backyard, and a finished lower level that accomodates a variety of needs. Click here for a tour of this move in ready home.

What Do I Need to Ask???

There is a GREAT post on Allen Tate's At home blog today. I didn't realize that I haven't posted in over a week (YIKES!), so I guess I should be ashamed for just pointing you in the direction of another blog, but I really do think the info is relevant. I was especially impressed by the "other obligations" question. That has really become relevant for me, as yes, as a matter of a fact I DO have other obligations now... namely an adorable 2 year old and precious 1 year old! But, never fear! I realize this may be a hindrance to our partnership. Everyone is totally cool with the need for family time, but let's face it, when you want your agent, you want your agent NOW. So, yet another reason why I am soooo thankful I have partnered with Lisa. She can fill my gaps, and I can fill hers. Aaaahhhh.... it's a 2 for 1 deal!

The other part that really spoke to me dealt with what communication mode you prefer. I will text, email, tweet, call, etc... and not all agents can say that. If texting is important, make sure you work with an agent who regularly communicates that way. If phone calls are important, make sure your agent has her mobile phone with her constantly. If email is your preferred method, make DOUBLY sure they have mobile email capabilites and don't just check their messages once or twice a day. Time is of the essence, folks!

Read the full article here.