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!