2013!

Here we come!

I just left meeting the owners of a great new listing Lisa and I are about to market, and I'm excited! We have several in the works for 2013, and my hope is that we help many many folks recognize their dreams - be it a larger home, a reduction in debt, or both! Thanks to my precious family, Lisa, and a wonderful Lord who led me to this career, 2011 was fabulous. Many many wishes to you for a happy new year!

Something Tells Me...

...that 2013 is going to be quite a year for Triad real estate!!!  Lisa and I have several wonderful new listings in the works, and even better, we have buyers lined up ready to go out and find "the one."  If you are considering waiting until Spring to sell your home, I'd encourage you to go for it. As you clean up your Christmas decorations, go ahead and do a little extra de-cluttering and organizing. Get those carpets cleaned and that ceiling fan switched out. The worst that can happen is that you have to move by April Fools' Day!

And have a wonderful, relaxing, blessed, and very merry Christmas as you celebrate every good and perfect thing from above!

Do Price Reductions Help or Hurt?

I ran across a very interesting article today that dealt with price reductions and how they affect market times. In short, sellers are MUCH better off to price competitively from the beginning than to price high and then reduce -- doing so results in a trend of longer marketing times AND deeper price cuts than would be necessary if the home had been priced properly from the beginning. Very interesting... please keep in mind when pricing your home for spring market. An improved market does NOT a lot of wiggle room make! This is not to imply that you should not do a price reduction if you aren't getting a lot of activity. Rather, it emphasizes the need to price properly from the beginning rather than have the mindset that one should price high so you can bring it down later if necessary.

Lots of Home for the $$$

4245 Our Circle is located in beautiful Clemmons! This 3 bedroom home offers new flooring throughout, fantastic built ins in the dining room and so much more... It's a must see! Click here for a photo tour!

Border Creek Beauty

We are excited about our latest listing in Border Creek, a wonderful 3 bedroom home with HUGE bonus and upgrades galore. Click here for a photo tour of 322 Quick Silver Dr.!

Another GREAT post from KCMBlog! Based on prices, mortgage rates and soaring rents, there may have never been a better time in real estate history to purchase a home than right now. Here are five major reasons purchasers should consider buying: Supply Is Shrinking With inventory declining in many regions, finding a home of your dreams may become more difficult going forward. There are buyers in more and more markets surprised that there is no longer a large assortment of houses to choose from. The best homes in the best locations sell first. Don’t miss the opportunity to get that ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ buy. Price Increases Are on the Horizon Prices were expected to bounce along the bottom this winter. However, many pricing indices (examples: CoreLogic, FHFA, LPS, Case Shiller) are reporting that prices are continuing to rise. Rents Are Skyrocketing Rents historically increase by 3.2% on an annual basis. A study issued earlier this year projects rent increases of 4% for the next two years. Trulia recently reported that rents this year have actually shot up by 5.4%. Interest Rates Are Projected to Rise The Mortgage Bankers Association has projected that the 30-year mortgage interest rate will be 4.4% by the end of 2013. That is an increase of approximately one full point over current rates. Buy Low, Sell High We would all agree that, when investing, we want to buy at the lowest price possible and hope to sell at the highest price. Housing can create family wealth as long as we follow this simple principle. Today, real estate is selling ‘low’. It’s time to buy.

Why You Should Use a Realtor...

Home sellers are more than twice as likely to get their homes sold if they use a Realtor®, rather than trying to sell their home on their own, according to a new survey conducted by HomeGain of 400 home owners nationwide from July 31 to Aug. 10. Seventy-three percent of the home owners surveyed said they used a Realtor®. On the other hand, 21 percent of those surveyed said they tried to sell their home themselves. The survey found that 66 percent of the home owners who used a Realtor® were able to successfully sell their home compared to 30 percent of for-sale- by-owners. What’s more, the survey found that 22 percent of the for-sale-by-owners eventually decided to use a Realtor® to try to sell their home. More than half of those who did were then able to sell their homes too, the survey found. “The value of a Realtor® in a real estate transaction is made strikingly apparent in our 2012 FSBO verses Realtor ® survey of home sellers,” says Louis Cammarosano, general manager of HomeGain. “A qualified Realtor ® understands the dynamics of the market and can better assist home sellers in the pricing and preparation of their homes for sale.” Source: HomeGain Thank you Tina Shields with Allen Tate Mortgage for passing on this useful info!

Fabulous Family Home Open Sunday 2-4!

440 Ashbry Run in Meadowlark Glen in Winston-Salem will be open this Sunday from 2-4. This wonderful home features main level practicality with a valuable 3 car garage on main, screened in porch, and walking path to the local elementary school! The upper level features a full bedroom, large bonus room, AND full bath - perfect for guests, teens, etc. Priced at $324,900, this gem is freshly painted and ready for your special touch!

Open Sunday 2-4!

2025 Heidelbury! Great 3/2.1 with pretty screened porch and large backyard. Only $144,900!!!

Do We Sell Now or in the Spring?

The following is taken from the KCMBlog, the blog of Steve Harney, one of America's foremost real estate experts. I thought it was particularly timely as I am faced with this question daily it seems! Many sellers feel that the Spring is the best time to place their home on the market as buyer demand increases at that time of year. However, the Fall and Winter have their own advantages. Here are five reasons to to sell now. Only Serious Buyers Are Out At this time of year, only those purchasers who are serious about buying a home will be in the marketplace. You and your family will not be bothered and inconvenienced by mere ‘lookers’. The lookers are at the mall or online doing their holiday shopping. There Is Far Less Competition Housing supply always shrinks dramatically at this time of year. This year will be a little different as some of the distressed properties being liquidated by the banks (in the form of foreclosures & short sales) will enter the market. However, for those buyers looking for a non-distressed property, the choices will be limited. Don’t wait until the spring when all the other potential sellers in your market will put their homes up for sale. The Process Will Be Quicker One of the biggest challenges of the 2012 housing market has been the length of time it takes from contract to closing. Banks have been inundated with both purchase and refinancing loan requests. Both of these will slow in the winter cutting timelines and the frustration these delays cause both buyers and sellers. There Will Never Be a Better Time to Move-Up If you are moving up to a larger, more expensive home, consider doing it now. Prices are projected to appreciate by over 15% from now to 2016. If you are moving to a higher priced home, it will wind-up costing you more in raw dollars (both in down payment and mortgage payment) if you wait. You can also lock-in your 30 year housing expense with historically low interest rates right now. There is no guarantee rates will remain at these levels in years to come. It’s Time to Move On with Your Life Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and decide whether it is worth waiting. Is money more important than being with family? Is money more important than your health? Is money more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should? You already know the answers to the questions we just asked. You have the power to take back control of the situation by pricing your home to guarantee it sells. The time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire. That is what is truly important.

Broker Open Today!

Attention local RE brokers... please Join Lisa and me TODAY at 2231 Butner Mill Rd in East Bend for lunch provided by Tropical Smoothie - then for smoothies at 2220 Butner Mill! YUM! 2231 Butner Mill is a stunning estate on 26 acres with FULL inlaw quarters on the lower level ($449,900), and 2220, just across the road, is a wonderful ranch on full basement with fenced back yard ($149,900). Smoothies, wraps, flatbreads... something for everyone's palate AND home needs. We look forward to seeing you there. For non-agents, never fear -- just contact me directly for a private showing. I'll even bring you a smoothie! On another note, if you subscribe to my blog, thank you. Feel free to forward, suggest, etc to your friends! The more the merrier :-)

Deja vu!

I had a wonderful experience this weekend. 2025 Heidelbury in Winston-Salem has hit the market, and as I put the brochure box in the yard, I grinned... you see, I sold this home to this sweet couple a few years ago. I was also the list agent at the time, so this home has a special place in my heart! When they bought it, they were just starting out and so many things about the home and neighborhood appealed to them. Now, they have 2 children and just need more space. Regardless, I was honored when they contacted me to market it. It really is a great house at a great price. Click here for a photo tour!

As the marketing agent for Warren's Gate in Clemmons, right in the heart of the Triad of NC, this article makes me very happyyyyyyyyy!!! http://t.co/ZiePtwVh

Wanting What Our Parents had

I don't know if it is my age that is making me wiser, the fact that I am currently taking Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace class, or that I have been doing this long enough for things to come full circle... but I want to just reflect a minute on our perspectives in relation to our homes. When my husband and I got married, we rented a beautiful but very old home... it was dated cosmetically, had baseboard heat, you used a skeleton key to lock the front door (not kidding), and it was located right next to railroad tracks that were still used frequently (too frequently...). Our utility bills were out of control, we never had enough heat, and the carpet was horrible, but we were so happy there and the rent was well within our budget. We had no complaints and envisioned ourselves being there a very long time. Then, job changes, family dynamics, spats over pets, etc caused us to move. I don't know where we lost the contentment, but somewhere along the line we did. Our next home was a simple brick ranch that was fine, but we felt the need to do cosmetic updates, put in a heat pump, etc. Then, we moved into our current home, where we will be til we are taken by the clods or the clouds. It wasn't so much my husband as me, but we felt this intense drive to make it ours and started making changes immediately... some supposedly needed, but most were simply because we wanted them done. How my perspective has changed. As I grow older and watch my 2 toddlers grow up, I no longer see the cosmetic deficits but the intrinsic value in having a payment we can afford (that we hope to get paid off very early!), room for our kids to play, and a great floor plan for our family. Would I LOVE to gut the kitchen and bring it out of the 1980s? YES. Would I LOVE to remove the brass fixtures and navy tile countertop in the bathroom? Double YES. Would I love to add a screened porch and convert the extra bedroom into a kicking master closet and bathroom? Oh, more than you know. But, until we can afford to do it in cash and have paid off all of our student loans, credit cards (that are now cut up), etc., we will just stay put as we are. Now the leaky roof... well, let's just hope we can save enough to pay for it in cash before it caves in! I see it a lot in my profession... young folks who want first thing what it took their parents 30 years to have. Of course I want to sell you a nice home -- after all, the higher the price, the more I make! -- but I also know that if you buy "too much" home, you will be calling me in a couple of years to sell it not because you want to but because you have to. So, just because you qualify for a $200,000 home, does that really mean you should buy it? Especially in today's' market, you can get a lot of home for a good price that won't break your budget. Some things are just more important than keeping up with your buddies. Trust me -- I speak from experience!

Market Watch

Want to know what's happening in the Carolina's housing market? Pat Riley's latest Market Watch is up! http://t.co/9dxyPS0A

585 Barkworth Rd - Clemmons, NC

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQ87Ac_Q88o&feature=youtube_gdata_player


Sent from my iPhone -- Please excuse my brevity

Amanda Shore
Allen Tate Realtors
(336) 244-4269
Visit my blog at AmandasMinute.com

Just Listed in Clemmons!

585 Barkworth - HUGE brick traditional on private cul de sac lot $309,900

False Claims About Homeownership?

The National Association of Realtors recently published an ad that claimed the children of homeowners have higer self-esteem and make better grades. As you can imagine, this has caused quite a firestorm of debate among the industry. To read one of the studies NAR cited, click here. I am merely offering the link but am NOT claiming to have done the research! However, based on my experience both as a teacher and juvenile probation officer, and now as a Realtor and mom, I certainly have an opinion...

Very Proud!

I am proud to now be one of Dave Ramsey's Endorsed Local Providers for real estate in the Triad! I am a recent financial peace convert (it's become somewhat of an obsession!), so to be able to participate in any way in this wonderful program is extremely gratifying. Learn more at DaveRamsey.com!

Multiple Offers? In This Market???

Lisa and I experienced every agent's dream this week -- multiple offers on the same property. It was priced aggressively and in show ready condition. Ironically, showing activity had been very slow on it, and then BOOM -- 2 offers at once! This business is truly feast or famine in so many ways. This seller handled the offers very well -- she asked for highest and best, received them, and still countered the best one. I admit I felt she was pushing her luck, but it paid off. Way to go L.K.!

Lisa and I are proud to announce that we have partnered up with veteran agent Mark Hauser to offer even more comprehensive real estate services, including property management. If you need to buy, sell, find a rentER, or find a rentAL anywhere in the Triad, feel free to contact us today!

Another FABULOUS Tate tool has been unveiled... if you are like me, seeing something makes it so much more clear than hearing it or reading it. Well, voila! A Carolinas Market Report via video! http://athome.allentate.com/2012/07/stay-in-the-know-with-video/

Holy Cow! Time flies when you're having fun!! In the last week or so I have had the privilege to list 3 wonderful properties right here in wonderful Winston-Salem. There is truly something for everyone... -- 440 Ashbry Run on Meadowlark Glen is a smoothly flowing brick home with private path to Meadowlark Elementary... no carlines! -- 324 Cutty Sark in McGregor Downs is a traditional brick home with full basement on a large corner lot -- 680 Hertford in Sherwood Forest is a unique brick ranch with versatile living spaces & hardwoods throughout To get information or to see a photo tour of these homes, just click the address. Happy hunting!

Coming Soon!

A 6 Day Closing!

Whew! What a week! I have meant to post so many times lately about just how difficult the loan process is becoming, and I still will... but this picture speaks a thousand words! A local lender with a good reputation really put the buyer in this home through the ringer, and then there were so many "clerical" issues at closing that it literally took 6 days from start to finish to get all the "i"s dotted and "t"s crossed. In my 10 years in the business, I had never seen some of the obstacles thrown our way... and I had also never had a Doritos picnic outside the attorney's office! My seller was a jewel, as was the buyer, but honestly, it is getting harder and harder for us to do our jobs. This is on day 6, when we know all will be ok... only then could you snap a picture and see such contentment! The moral of the story? No matter how good your credit, no matter how cooperative you are with the lender, no matter how much you have to put down, the loan process now WILL be different from anything you have ever experienced! All the more reason to have a seasoned, experienced Realtor at your side...

Abuzz in Warren's Gate!

Open today in Clemmons -- 5/6 Bedrooms!

Please visit 2835 Gray Moss in Clemmons today... located in beautiful Doublegate, it is minutes from shopping, restaurants, drugstores, etc. With 4 bedrooms AND a huge bonus room on the upper level, one bedroom and full bath on the main level, and a potential 6th bedroom and full bath on the lower level, this hope is VERSATILE! Add the updated, huge screened porch, formal areas, and gleaming hardwoods and it is quite a prize. List price is $309,900, and it is open today from 2-4. Come see us! http://www.allentate.com/amandashore/DesktopDefault.aspx?pageid=108&pagealias=ATWAgentListingDetail&ListingID=2182003&ListingPosition=3&From=AgentFeaturedProperties

It's a Great Day at Warren's Gate!

The homes on lots 4 and 22 (3771 and 3643 Littlebrook) in Warren's Gate have gone under contract! We are about to begin construction on some new plans... come by this weekend for details!

3.8% Tax -- the Facts

Phyllis Brookshire wrote an EXCELLENT post on the 3.8% real estate tax and its implications for our industry and specifically for sellers of real estate. Click here to see it -- it really is informative, well-written, and explains that the tax is not the bear some claim it to be.

You Like?

Good news from our WSRAR President!

I just opened my e-Professional Edge newsletter from May 2012. Byron East, our president, has condensed some numbers heard on the news and seen in the papers into one concise paragraph that just thrills me to death! The following is straight from this wonderful publication offered to us by our association: "Selling season is off and running. As stated... sales of existing homes in our area rose 4.4% from February to March. The average sales price jumped 14.7% in March... while national numbers declined we saw the highest number of sales in February 2012 since the early 2000s. We had our best 1st quarter since 2004." Yip-pee-ki-yay!!! (Please excuse the spelling, but my excitement is bubbling over!). Are we on the edge of a recovery in the Triad?

3 Questions You Must Ask...

The KCMBlog had a great post for anyone considering purchasing a home. Click here for the full article, but the 3 questions are: 1 -- What are the experts recommending? 2 -- When will I begin to see an appreciation if I buy now? 3 -- Why am I buying a home in the first place? Number 3 is particularly important. Forget the financial aspect and think about what your "picture" of homeownership includes -- a fenced backyard where your kids can play? somewhere you can paint a different color every week? Regardless, Lisa and I have extensive experience in working with both empty nester buyers, first time buyers, and all types in between. Contact us today!

3765 Littlebrook

Lot 5 Reserved...

Lot 5 at Warren's Gate has been reserved, but there are still lots left on both sides of the street and further down in the cul de sac. The current owners in Warren's Gate are thrilled with their homes and would love some new neighbors... message me for info! Come on home to Clemmons!!

American Dream Weekend

An exciting event is coming up the weekend of April 22. The WSRAR will be sponsoring "American Dream Weekend" which will showcase move in ready homes priced $150,000 and below. Stay tuned for more!

Sent from my iPhone -- Please excuse my brevity

Amanda Shore
Allen Tate Realtors
(336) 244-4269
Visit my blog at AmandasMinute.com

Wonderful Article about Winston-Salem!

Most people I know use Duke Energy for their power provider... but I live in the far end of the boonies, so I am a member of a Rural Electric Co-op. While this often translates into somewhat higher power bills than others, one perk is this great magazine I receive monthly called "Carolina Country." I love to read it and learn about areas in our state with which I am not very familiar, but this morning I was pleasantly surprised when I tunred to page 52 and found an article showcasing my very near and dear Winston-Salem! It contains some great info on this wonderful city and helps me realize that I should not take this wonderful area for granted. I will certainly be including it in my relocation packets from now on!

Open publication - Free publishing - More north carolina

Are We TOO Automated??

People love the convenience of products like Docusign (I’m probably the biggest fan EVER!). With gas prices as they are and the hurriedness of LIFE in general, the convenience offered really beats making an appointment, driving to meet up, getting sidetracked as you review paperwork face to face (thus doubling the time it takes to go through it), etc. Seriously, I've been surprised by the raves I've gotten from customers about the ease of such tools, but I can't help but wonder if we are missing out. Is the "personal touch" still shining through? I have been blessed over the years with many repeat customers and client referrals, but I'm wondering if the loss of face to face interaction for the sake of convenience may cost me some of that down the road? Or, will folks so appreciate my understanding of their hectic schedules and adaptable tools that they continue to keep me in mind. What are your thoughts?

Love Seeing Happy Homeowners at Warren's Gate!

Open Sunday 2-4

Come see the newest listing I have in Clemmons West -- this 5 bedroom home on Squirewood Dr is wonderfully versatile and has a fantastic backyard. The master on main, unbelievable cabinet & counterspace in the kitchen, and potential expansion off the playroom in the basement make it a treat! AND... it's priced way below the October 2011 appraisal.

Appreciative and Humbled!

A sincere thank you to everyone who voted for Lisa and me in the TriadMomsonMain "Mom's Choice Awards"! We are humbled and appreciative of this honor, and it never ceases to amaze us that we are being recognized for something we genuinely LOVE. MUAH!

Tate Spring Convention

A Little Lipstick Goes a Long Way!

How cute is this bag? A little embroidery took a plain Jane black tote bag and turned it into an eye-catching and way cute marketing tool.

So, what does this have to do with real estate? We often focus so much energy on our interior decor for virtual tours and YouTube videos that we forget the power of a simple drive by. You'd be amazed at what a simple pot of fresh flowers on your front stoop, a fresh coat of stain on your front door, and a festive mailbox cover can do for your home. Trust me, I've seen it firsthand. Little things like that can make a home go from "no thanks, we'll pass" to "oooh, how charming!" in an instant!

And a little shout out to Simply Stitching in Advance, NC for my bag. Gotta love local businesses!

Follow Me for a Week...

It's been a while since I've posted, but every day I have a new idea and think to myself "I really need to blog about that!" It has seemed, though, as if the best intentions of every day have simply been God using His sense of humor to make me think I have a handle on things! Lisa and I have been so very slammed, and we are so thankful! New listings, following up with showings agents, writing offers, working with buyers, setting up inspections, etc. -- it's just been managed chaos for both of us.

This brings me to my point. I had a friend send me some contact info for a FSBO on his street. While I really appreciate him thinking of me, I am not going to contact them. I have worked with many folks who have tried the FSBO route before, and I absolutely respect someone's right to try to market their own home. BUT, before I seriously consider listing a home that has been FSBO, I try to get the owner to truly understand all that goes into marketing a home. I have even invited someone to follow me for a week, or even a day, to see all that goes into this business. Hmmm... I've never had anyone take me up on that...

So, FSBOs, don't worry about me soliciting you. I'm too busy marketing the inventory I have to try to woo you my way. But, if you'd like to solicit me, that's another story!

What a Legacy!

It Isn't Personal

I have had some really hard conversations with potential sellers lately. I feel like I am constantly bursting a bubble... but if I tell you that I think the most compelling price for your property is X, it isn't because I don't like the house. I am basing my advice on research of the market -- what has sold, and more importantly these days, what hasn't -- as well as the day to day experience of viewing homes with buyers and hearing what they do or do not like. Some agents (sad to say) will let you tell them what price it should be. While I am open to discussion, if the market doesn't support it, I won't do it. I don't have a crystal ball and don't claim to know it all, but I have had quite a few folks come back to me lately when their homes failed to sell with other Realtors who were willing to list it for anything just to get their signs in the yard. Are you better off listing high with Agent A now, sitting on the market for 6,9, or 12 months, and THEN getting what I advised in the beginning, or should you price it there NOW and at least save yourself some time? Unfortunately, there isn't a science to it, but when I suggest a list price range, I DO have your best interest at heart.

Open This Sunday! A Wonderful Deal in Clemmons West!

Lisa and I will be holding an Open House this Sunday from 2-4 at 3602 Tanglebrook Trail in Clemmons West. This is an EXCELLENT entry opportunity into this wonderful neighborhood with large lots, a community pool, and great schools. It has been meticulously maintained, and at the bargain price of $175,000, you can add some personal touches and still be ahead of the game. Click here for a photo tour!

Why Choose an Independent Insurance Agent for your HOI?

Your Independent Insurance Agent:
• Is a licensed professional with strong customer and community ties.
• Gives you excellent service and competitive prices because he can access the insurance coverage from more than one company.
• Unlike other agents, he is not beholden to any one company. Thus, you do not need to change agencies as your insurance and service needs change.
• Assists you when you have a claim.
• Is your consultant, working with you as you determine your needs.
• Offers you a choice of insurance plans and programs.
• Is a value hunter who looks after your pocketbook in finding the best combination of price, coverage and service.
• Offers one-stop shopping for a full range of insurance products - home, renters, auto, business, life, and health.
• Can periodically review your coverage to keep up with your changing insurance needs.
• Customer satisfaction is the key to an independent agent's livelihood. Therefore, serving you is your independent agent's most-important concern.

Thank you Blake Honeycutt with Allen Tate Insurance fo rthe info! If you'd like to speak with Blake, contact him at blake.honeycutt@allentate.com.

Thank You, Heather!

A fellow agent had a GREAT post this am on her blog (TheTriadAgent.com), and it absolutely hit home with me. I have so many times suggested to folks new to the area "you know, if you like this home because of the commute, maybe you shoould drive it one morning at 8am...". Definitely a point to ponder!

Blessed!

I've just been informed that Lisa and I won several awards for production and service in 2011. Right now I'm sitting in my church parking lot with my 2 most prized awards in my backseat. I truly have the best of both worlds! Thank you Lord, thank you to my incredibly supportive husband, and thank you to my clients and friends! I AM BLESSED beyond measure :-)

A Unique Yadkin Property!

Did you know a home like this exists in Yadkinville? All brick, over 2000 sq ft on the main level, over 1800 sq ft usable lower level space, immaculately maintained, with neutral decor, in a nice neighborhood, minutes from Hwy 421???? It does, and it's called 125 Walnut Ave. Get more details, pics, a map overlay, etc. at WinstonSalemTeam.com!

2011 Numbers Announced!

I am beyond proud to be a part of the Triad wide leader for closed units in 2011! Do you want your home listed or do you want it SOLD?

Cutest Models Ever

Carolina Alumni Review pg 103

Rehab, Update, or Expand!!

http://carolinarehabloansbydon.tumblr.com/

Click the link above to get exciting information about Allen Tate's recent partnership with RebuildUSA and Lowe's Home Improvement. Did you know there are loans out there that allow you to borrow enough to rehab an existing home? It's a great way to expand your possibilities!

More than Meets the Eye on TMOM!

The following is a blog just posted on TriadMomsonMain.com... enjoy!

Growing up I had several friends whose moms didn’t “work." Back then that meant that they didn’t work a public job. I remember thinking of my own mom and the hours she pulled teaching, working towards her graduate degree, often working part-time jobs on weekends - all the while shuttling my brother and me everywhere, fixing supper every night, etc. I would automatically think of these stay-at-home moms and snort derisively, thinking it must be nice to be so privileged. Even once I finished school, I still looked at SAHMs and marveled at such a calm, peaceful existence.

This went on for years. Then I had my first child.

After six weeks at home with my precious, perfect, beautiful son, I was ready to go back to WORK just so I could RELAX! Diapers, bibs, blankets, Babywise… I was exhausted! I thought I’d be able to “sleep when the baby sleeps,” but had I done that, when would the diapers be laundered? Who would wash the pump parts? Who would make sure the burp cloth matched the bib which had to match the blanket?

I’m getting carried away here, but my point is that there is A LOT more to being a SAHM than meets the eye. The same could be said of being a Realtor. My mom (the same multi-tasking, job juggling, on-the-go-dynamo mentioned above) worked for me a while back as my assistant. After just a few hours at work with me, she was blown away by what all goes into this business. If I am at lunch with a friend, she will comment that my phone dings, rings, and beeps every 10 seconds. When my children are in bed and my husband wants to tell me about something interesting that happened that day, he usually has to wait until I “call one more client” or send “just one more email”.

Just as a SAHM sleeps in, has a contented child who independently plays all day, and chats with friends while doing her nails, Realtors drive fancy cars everywhere, stick pretty signs in yards, and smugly wait for the offers to start rolling in so they can count their money. WRONG!

My day can go anywhere from breaking someone’s heart by telling them a deal is dead, to cleaning a toilet in a home that has been left vacant too long. I start every day with a to-do list, but rarely does my day go according to plan. Imagine walking out the door with your daughter, all dolled up for church in her pretty dress and matching tights, and then… well… poop. Literally. It’s sort of the same thing in mine and Lisa’s worlds. It’s 10 am, I’m congratulating myself on having already returned four phone calls, put out signs for my upcoming open house (and cleaned the counters and swept the stoop…), carried on contract negotiations on two homes via text, when SPLAT… a neighbor calls to tell me that water is seeping under the garage door of a home owned by some clients who are on vacation and unreachable. YIKES.

Make no mistake, I love my career and know that Lisa feels the same way. But, just as SAHMs don’t sit around all day watching soap operas, we don’t just daydream that a home will sell or a customer will find the perfect home. We agonize, strategize, and categorize constantly.

One of my goals for this year is to make my clients more aware of what I do daily. Oftentimes I assume my clients know that I am working hard for them. But if you don’t see us working first-hand, we can’t expect you to know! You hire us to do a job because you trust us, but we must make a better effort to communicate to you just how hard we are trying. I have lost sleep worrying about my son’s happiness and my daughter’s health, but I have also lost sleep brainstorming ways to work out a seemingly impossible real estate situation. It isn’t a 9-5 job by any means. This is probably why some of the best agents I know were once SAHMs!

Ultimately, I truly believe real estate is a calling. We get so involved in our client’s lives, from family to finances to faith, that it can seem overwhelming at times. There are moments when, just as I often did those first few weeks after both my children were born (and still do, occasionally!), I simply have to step outside, take a deep breath, and thank God for the chaos. Truly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Ultimately... None of that Matters!

Lisa and I recently had a wonderful Clemmons home go under contract. Without going into specifics, I'll just say that the contract price is significantly lower than what we expected. Even now, I can't quite grasp how it is selling for what it is. It's just defying the supposed data and market trends.

So why did the sellers take the offer?  When I first saw the offer, it was even hard for me, as the professional, to be objective. I thought "yeah, right"!  I had gotten word from another agent that an additional offer was coming, so we were confident we could wait for that one and it would be much better. The next day it came in, and it was within striking distance of the first one. What???  Then, I got a verbal offer from an out of area agent. I usually don't even listen to verbals but was thinking someone would have to throw us a bone. Guess what?  It was between the first two!

My point in saying all of this is that we can analyze, strategize, and categorize all we want, but BUYERS determine value. You must work with your Realtor to determine the most beneficial market value and aggressively market, but honestly, you are still at the mercy of the market.

So why do I use a Realtor if they aren't even right???". Mr. Consumer, I hear ya I hear ya... that's a different post, but how many unrepresented sellers do you know in this market getting three offers in one week??