RED DAY!

I was proud to participate with my team and entire Winston-Salem Keller Williams office in the sprucing up and cleaning of the Davis House. We had fun, worked hard, and enjoyed every minute of giving back to this community we all hold so dear our hearts! See more pictures on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/theshoreteam

Red Day Is Coming!

Introduced in 2009, RED Day, which stands for Renew, Energize and Donate, is Keller Williams Realty's annual day of service. Each year on the second Thursday of May, associates spend the day away from their businesses serving worthy organizations and causes in their communities. RED Day is just another example of our commitment to each other and to the cities and towns where we live and work. Join us!

Investor Alert!

If you are looking for some investment property, do I have some choices for you!! 1885 Crest Hollow, Unit 203 is an IMMACULATE one bedroom, one bath condo in a great Winston-Salem location ($54,900) 322 Oak Arbor is a two bedroom, 2.5 bath townhome also in a wonderful location Coming soon: a condo just off Country Club in Winston-Salem ALL of these would make GREAT rentals as they are convenient to Wake Forest and WFU Baptist Medical Center. I have a property manager on my team... we can help you in all aspects of the transaction. Give us a call today!

Zillow Swillow...

I came across a funny meme yesterday that had the artist guy... I can't remember his name... the one that painted on the easel and would paint "pretty birds" in places where he smudged?  Anyway, the meme showed him in front of a blank canvas and said "Hey Look -- it's a collage of all the homes Zillow accurately valuated."  SO TRUE.  You can see it here.

Zillow is a necessary evil in our industry.  We can't beat it, so we have to come up with ways to use it to our advantage.  Therefore, The Shore Team has purchased enhanced features on Zillow that allow us as agents to upload multiple photos (more than the default), edit property details (to an extent), etc.  However. just because we have learned to capitalize on this website does NOT mean we endorse everything it says!  Zestimates are rarely, if ever, correct evaluations of your property's value.  Trust me on this!  Algorithms are used to determine value based on square footage, tax info, etc., but they are not market specific.  Market specificity is crucial to properly preparing your home for the market or for properly setting your expectations as a buyer.  Please contact your trusted Realtor advisor for these things, and take Zillow with a grain of salt.

The Value of a Great Negotiator

There have been many times in my career where, let's face it, I have just made some clients mad.  It wasn't that I was being unprofessional, or rude, or unkind... just that I was presenting an accurate picture of the market.  And, unfortunately, the accurate picture was not the desired picture. At times, there is room for flexibility, but at other times there just simply isn't.  So, the customer would perhaps leave the meeting with a bad taste in his mouth thinking I was just too stubborn and too bull-headed.

But isn't that just the type of agent you want?  When negotiating for a buyer or a seller, don't you want someone who is tactful, business like, but not easily swayed?  They need to be able to present their argument and stick to it.  Now, it is a very common misperception that negotiations are always combative and adversarial.  They simply aren't.  More times than not, the buyer, buyer's agent, seller, and seller's agent are able to work harmoniously (if not together) towards a common goal.  But, because the chance exists that it may be adversarial (aka "snarky"), wouldn't you want someone on your side whom YOU weren't even able to wear down?

Just a new way to look at things...

Carolina's Market Report

Allen Tate's COO Pat Riley gives some insight into our local market.  Good news!

http://youtu.be/XcIDfD9MC7U

Should You Hire a Professional?

Steve Harney's Keeping Current Matters has an excellent post today on whether you should hire a professional to sell your home or try to do it yourself.  You can see the whole post here, but one particular section really spoke to me.  I have had several "commission negotiation" discussions lately, and what takes me 7 or 8 minutes to explain is summed up here in a concise and clear manner:

Realize that when an agent is negotiating their commission with you, they are negotiating their own salary; the salary that keeps a roof over their family’s head; the salary that puts food on their family’s table. If they are quick to take less when negotiating for themselves and their families, what makes you think they will not act the same way when negotiating for you and your family? If they were Clark Kent when negotiating with you, they will not turn into Superman when negotiating with the buyer or seller in your deal.

I have joked before that if you think I am a bulldog with you, imagine how I am with people across the table who are not on my side!  Considering how important my paycheck is to the livelihood of my family, it is very very difficult for me to give any of that up.  If I negotiate (or settle) easily for my own family, how can you trust that I won't do the same for yours?

A Time to Rest?

Many agents seem to go into hibernation mode on October 1.  Like everyone else, it is hard to not get swept up in the excitement of festivals, changing leaves, spiced cider, and bean soup in the crock pot.  But, I learned a few years back (and not as soon as I would have liked!), that October is really just the beginning of a new year. 

Huh?

You see, the things we do now as agents set the table for January and February.  Prospecting, listing preparation, to do lists... all of these things may not seem important now, but come the "lean" months, you will be glad you didn't push them to the side!

The same advice goes for home sellers.  Many folks see this as a time of year to go off the market, take a break, focus on holidays... all while thinking they will gear back up come Spring.  But, things you do now, as far as maintenance, upgrades, etc., can really lay the groundwork for that not so far off "Spring market".  Think of what happens in your neighborhood as flowers bloom and birds sing -- people begin remodeling, landscaping, etc.  But, if you work on those things now, you can probably get jobs done more efficiently (and cheaper) simply because the demand for such tasks isn't as high as it will be in March or April.  Go ahead and have a pre-marketing home inspection done NOW -- then you will have plenty of time to address items that need to be addressed and can make a more practical, informed decision about what not to do and what not to do.  Begin looking at paint samples and flooring options... so that you don't feel rushed by some big sale the week before you list and end up getting the wrong thing.

The bottom line is this -- patience is a virtue, but diligence is even more so.  The Lord blesses those who work and prepare and help themselves, so while others are living it up eating candy apples in their slippers by the fire, you can be getting a head start on what is forecasted to be a VERY busy 2014!

GREAT Open Houses this Sunday!

4355 Winterberry Ridge -- just reduced to $249,900 -- wonderful Winston-Salem home (Clemmons taxes and schools!) with full basement and nice backyard

2213 Briar Glen -- $125,000 -- great starter home convenient to WFUBMC, shopping, etc. with pretty floors and vaulted ceiling in living room

6810 Doublegate -- $289,900 -- stunning brick home in prestigious Doublegate in Clemmons -- hardwoods throughout main level and full basement

These will be open Sunday 2-4.  Come on out!

LEAP Realty Joins Tate!

I am very excited about a new addition to our Allen Tate office here in Winston-Salem.  LEAP Realty has joined us, and while we often have agents from other companies come aboard, this one is particularly exciting to me. 

Let me say first -- I am not a stereotypical tree hugger!  I typically vote Republican, have been known to throw an apple core out the window (but only if in the passenger side of the car so as not to lure animals -- whom I WILL brake for -- out into the road), and I don't keep peanut butter canisters for recycling at home because they are just nasty no matter how many times you wash them.  But, I do try to do little things -- I don't throw my batteries in the trash, I will carry a plastic water bottle in my bag for 2 days just so I don't have to throw it in a trash receptacle, and my kids used cloth diapers (at least until crawling!).  Part of that is because of where I live, which is extremely rural.  We don't have trash pick-up -- we can't even PAY for it, so we take our trash to the good old county dump.  After doing that the first few times, I was just grossed out by all I saw, so I decided that I at least, would do a few small things to decrease my family's contribution to all that odor, unsightliness, and waste.  Thus began the education on cloth diapers, newspaper recycling, and glass jar use.

So, back to LEAP Realty.  According to their company website, they are "a green-minded real estate firm answering the need of buyers and sellers looking for better options in real estate.  Our main focus is to enhance the lives of our clients through better homes and better living." I realize not everyone cares at this point about the type of insulation used in their homes from an environmental perspective, but I DO think we have a duty to care for our wonderful surroundings to the best of our abilities.  I don't worship Mother Nature or Father Time, but my Heavenly Father has provided me and my family with a wonderful spot on Earth to call home, so I would like to show my appreciation by caring for it.

Geez... this is getting all philosophical, huh?  In a nutshell, I am excited to see what changes will be taking place in our office, if nothing else so that I don't have to carry my water bottles around for 2 days!  It will please me greatly to see a recycling effort here for all of our superfluous paper and drink cans.  And yes, for you skeptics, when it's possible I don't use a plastic bottle at all... but there is only so much reusing a germaphobe can do!

Market Trends Videos

Once again, Allen Tate has outdone itself by offering consumers another phenomenal tool to educate and prepare them for the local real estate market.  Click here to go to a 60 second snapshot video highlighting local trends for your specific area.  I just posted the one for Winston-Salem on my Facebook page Amanda K. Shore Broker/Realtor.  While you are at it, please follow this blog and "like" my page for sometimes helpful... always random... and usually entertaining tidbits!

Notes from a Sales Meeting...

We were privileged in the Winston-Salem, NC Allen Tate office to have our COO, Pat Riley, with us today at our sales meeting.  He brought home the point that so many of us have been trying to convey for a while now... Yes, Mr. Seller, you may get more for your home in 5 years than you will now.  But, interest rates will rise, and you WILL pay more for the home you end up purchasing than you would today.  This must explain why Lisa and I are so slammed with new listings... the savvy are catching on!  Call us today for a comprehensive marketing plan for your property -- we utilize enhanced and out of the box features to make our homes stand out.  Visit our website by clicking here!

Wanted: Sign Riders!

I saw a blog on Trulia today about sign riders that should exist. While I can't really say I have a need for most of the ones listed in the blog, I do have several ideas for sign manufacturers... and in case you are wondering, a sign rider is a strip that goes along the top of the sign that says "Price Reduced" or "Pool" or something like that!

1. No Window Shopping: I am constantly amazed by the number of sellers I have who have seen people literally walking around in their yards during the day (without an appointment to do so with an agent!). When a buyer calls me and asks if they may get out and look in windows of a listing, if it is vacant I say "of course!" -- but I ALWAYS thank them for asking! I have had several unsuspecting buyers met at the front door with a shotgun. I'm not kidding. Moral of the story: buyers AND agents, if you want to look in the windows of a property, call the list agent first to make sure it is vacant!!

2. Dry Basement (Usually): I hear all the time "oh yeah it's a dry basement -- it's great... no problems there... except when it rains really hard." As a seller you don't want to say you have a moist basement if in fact it isn't moist all the time, but a buyer needs to know that there can be issues. I would love a rider that sort of qualified that.

3. We Love Cats: This one will let you know that -- you guessed it -- there are cats in the house. Some homes with cats are still tidy, clean, smell good, etc., but even those homes can be problematic for someone with severe allergies. I have the nose of a hound dog (or so my husband says), but I have been with buyers several times who have broken out in hives once in a house longggg before I had an inkling that a cat lived there. So, advance notice would be great and would save everyone -- seller, buyer, me -- lots of time and preparation!

4. Unmotivated Seller: No one wants to pay full price for anything. I get that... but if you as the seller are absolutely not budging one smidgen off your asking price, just let us know that up front. Some folks, no matter how much they love your house, won't pay full price on principle. So, if I have those buyers in my car, that particular rider would save me great trouble.

What are some signs YOU would like to see?

 

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.

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!

New Appraisal Guidelines -- What Does This Mean for You?

New appraisal guidelines came out September 1 that, in my professional opinion, are a good thing in the long run BUT will most likely result in even tighter appraisals than we in the industry have been seeing in the short term. This is an out of pocket expense for you, but it can shorten marketing time which means fewer house payments for YOU to make on your existing home. If you would like the contact number for an appraiser familiar with YOUR LOCAL market (and this makes a difference!), let me know.

As a word of caution, an appraisal is good for the day in which it was done. If a home down the street goes into foreclosure next week, the numbers will change. However, it will give you an excellent starting point and serves as powerful ammunition for your agent when negotiating an offer/contract on your home. A Realtor's market analysis is as accurate as possible, but nothing is better than a certified appraisal as appraisers often have access to information we as agents don’t AND only an appraiser can truly interpret the new guidelines, which will be instrumental in determining the value of your home in today’s market.

Call, text, email, or tweet me today to discuss!

WHOO HOO Way to go Winston-Salem Taters!

Our broker just released our August numbers here in our Winston-Salem, NC office. I am proud to be associated with such a productive bunch of people! We are not a mega-office either, so these numbers (especially the closed one considering the doom and gloom in today's market) are especially impressive. Lisa and I had several ourselves... :-)

Listings --- 74
Sales ------ 80
Closed ----71

So, as I have asked before... do you want your property listed or do you want it sold??

Winston-Salem, NC!

Great post today on Allen Tate's blog, At Home in the Carolinas, about Winston-Salem and all she has to offer. As a native of the area, I take some of these things for granted! Click here for the article.