You Know You’re Neglected when…Basic Violations of a Realtor’s Responsibilities
August 8th, 2010 Categories: Real Estate News, Twin Cities Real Estate Economy, Twin City Sellers
Some Realtors are amazing. Some are not.
The following is what I, as a Realtor, consider to be basic violations of manners, integrity and courtesy to clients.
I love to have fun with my clients and enjoy the experience of helping them sell their homes.
However, there’s a catch to that.
That means that I have to work hard to get the desired end result. So, here are a few things to think about when you hire your next Realtor.
Check out the type of video I provide for my clients at the end of this post. You’ll get the idea!
- You know you’re neglected when…your Realtor doesn’t return your phone calls. Hey, this really happens!
- You know you’re neglected when…your Realtor has never held a public open house for your property.
- You know you’re neglected when…your Realtor has never held a Realtor open house for your property.
- You know you’re neglected when…your Realtor has only one picture of your property on the MLS. (10 are allowed, plus comments.)
- You know you’re neglected when…your Realtor has only one picture of your property on Realtor.com. (25 are allowed, plus verbiage and weekly updates of “hits” on your property.
- You know you’re neglected when…even your Realtor’s facebook friends don’t know he or she is even in real estate.
- You know you’re neglected when…your Realtor doesn’t send out “Just Listed” post cards to your neighbors and prospective clients.
- You know you’re neglected when…your Realtor doesn’t discuss price adjustments with you when you have had no showings in over two weeks.
- You know you’re neglected when…you do not receive feedback from your Realtor on showings.
- You know you’re neglected when your Realtor doesn’t explain to you what it takes to show your home and, subsequently, retain a stager or give advice as to what should be done to spruce it up.
4285 Norwood Ln N Plymouth MN produced by Jeanie Hoholik on WellcomeMat
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NoMi Home Tour…What makes it tick like it does?
July 17th, 2010 Categories: Minneapolis Home Buyers and Sellers, My Listings, North Minneapolis, Real Estate News, That Flippin' House, Twin Cities Home Buyers, Twin City Sellers
Unbelievable to some, the area (click here for a map) of North Minneapolis is a vibrant, solid and happy piece of real estate that many consider scary and decayed.
Wake up, my Twin Cities people!
Most every week, I end up defending this distinct area. I grew up in the City of Detroit (really!) and, believe me, this is like Beverly Hills, compared to the Detroit area. In fact, where I grew up, my house has been bulldozed, along with a 2 square mile stretch that I called home to me and my friends and neighbors. (Pheasants now inhabit the area. Yuck.)
Each individual neighborhood in North has its own committees that work as hard as can be to boost the homes and businesses that lay among their turf. Granted, there are shootings and robberies in North that take us back a few steps, but for for the most part, these hard-working, good citizens have a lot to be proud of.
Today, Sunday, July 18th, the NoMi Home Tour will be happening for those potential buyers who would like to live in a great city and have access to downtown only within minutes…seriously, just a couple of minutes! The homes are vintage mission style bungalows that speak to quality, charm and good neighbor issues.
Please join us Realtors who have invested in our clients the opportunity to view and purchase some of the most unique and cared-for homes in the Twin Cities.
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Twins vs. Trojans? This Could Get Ugly!
April 30th, 2010 Categories: Real Estate News, The Good Life, Wayzata Public Schools
Wayzata High School’s graduation ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday, June 8, will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
But wait! What’s this?
The Minnesota Twins game is scheduled the same night at 7 p.m. and it is expected there will be heavy traffic in the area for both events!
In 2002 my son, Matthew, graduated at Target Center and the parking situation was horrendous. That was back in the day when was merely a twinkle in our eyes and where it sits was a parking lot for us Viking fans to do our tailgating and not much more.
To add insult to injury, parking in the ramp will be considered event parking and the cost will increase to $15 to park for the graduation ceremony. Good luck to the Wayzata graduates and their friends and families!
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Discover Strength Makes a Significant Move!
March 19th, 2010 Categories: Cool Guys, Plymouth "News", Real Estate News
Just got finished with my killer work out at Discover Strength this morning and thought I’d let you all know that since this awesome personal fitness company is doing so phenomenally well, they are moving across the parking lot to a larger facility. Everybody was pretty excited this morning when I walked in. At first I thought it was because I showed up, but quickly realized it was all about the big move…kidding!
Discover Strength is a one-of-a-kind facility that caters to young athletes, senior citizens and everybody in between. You will not experience another workout like this. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to work out every day or even every other day. Once or twice a week for a half an hour is all it takes to become stronger. This is there approach, according to Luke Carlson, CEO:
First and foremost, we view strength training as a non-negotiable, lifelong activity. One can choose to jog, ride a bike, perform yoga, or golf. These activities may be enjoyable and can offer some health benefits, but strength training is different in that the many benefits of strength training can be achieved from no other activity. Strength training is classified as a “medically significant” activity, not only does it make you look and feel better, it also yields results that significantly improve clinical markers of health.
At Discover Strength, we are passionate about strength training and the important role that it should take in every person’s life. We take a unique and revolutionary approach to strength training, applying the safest, most efficient and medically sound way to make a stronger you.
Our strength training prescription is based on current peer-reviewed scientific research. This means we don’t simply endorse and copy popular exercise regimens or activities, instead, we employ methods that are proven to be effective through the scientific process. The fitness consumer would be surprised to know that the vast majority of exercise practitioners fail to stay abreast of current scientific research, choosing instead to follow unproven popular trends.
We are unique in that our company has been designed with the customer’s best interest in mind. We have planned everything we do from the perspective of the customer. This means we offer the lowest cost supervised training available. Why? Because we know that strength training must be performed throughout the lifespan. We want you as a customer for a lifetime and therefore we refuse to take the typical health club approach of $80-$120 workouts that a person can only realistically afford for a few weeks.
It’s fun, quick, affordable and I highly recommend it! They are located at Highway 169 and 55 in the Waterford Plaza Shopping Center in Plymouth, MN. Starting today, they will be located in the same building as Caribou Coffee. Check them out for a free, introductory workout!
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Texting for Dummies - Tales from a Twin Cities Realtor
February 9th, 2010 Categories: Home Style, Real Estate News
It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to learn how to text. However it does take someone with decent eye sight and some patience. I used to text and drive, but I don’t do that any more. If I get a text while I’m driving, I pull off to the side of the road to answer it. I like to text with my fellow Realtors and my clients, when possible. It is fast and efficient and we can answer it when we have a chance. It’s sort of like emails.
For me, I return my texts just like I return my emails - timely! The rudeness of people not returning emails and phone calls is so annoying to me, that I prefer to not discuss it in a blog post that will ultimately wind up on the screens of my clients that would rather know about the positive aspects of my job.
There are texting friends and there are non-texting friends. It’s sort of like facebook. You’re either on there or you’re not. I always get excited when I find out a new client texts. It is the first step for us being on the same page about how fast we want the buying/selling process to go. I sort of feel like it’s our secret code. Like the spies used to have when they talked in to their watches.
Don’t text and drive. Statistics say it’s worse than drinking and driving. We should even be talking of the phone and driving at the same time. It’s against the law, too!
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Things Your Burglar Won’t Tell You
February 2nd, 2010 Categories: Real Estate News, Twin City Sellers
THINGS YOUR BURGLAR WON’T TELL YOU:
1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.
2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.
3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste…and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.
4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.
5. If it snows while you’re out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.
6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don’t let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it’s set. That makes it too easy.
7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom-and your jewelry. It’s not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.
8. It’s raining, you’re fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door-understandable. But understand this: I don’t take a day off because of bad weather.
9. I always knock first. If you answer, I’ll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don’t take me up on it.)
10. Do you really think I won’t look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.
11. Here’s a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids’ rooms.
12. You’re right. I won’t have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But, if it’s not bolted down, I’ll take it with me.
13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you’re reluctant to leave your TV on while you’re out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at faketv.com.)
8 MORE THINGS A BURGLAR WON’T TELL YOU:
1. Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.
2. The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.
3. I’ll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he’ll stop what he’s doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn’t hear it again, he’ll just go back to what he was doing. It’s human nature.
4. I’m not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?
5. I love looking in your windows. I’m looking for signs that you’re home, and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I’d like. I’ll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.
6. Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It’s easier than you think to look up your address.
7. To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air. To me, it’s an invitation..
8. If you don’t answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.
Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina , Oregon ,
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Reason #5 Why Plymouth, MN is Rated as Best Place to Live in the U.S. - Plymouth Pet Owners Catch a Break
January 17th, 2010 Categories: Local Ordinances, Plymouth "News", Real Estate News
With over 70,000 residents in the City of Plymouth, it’s estimated that more than half are pet owners. Little did I know, Plymouth required that these pet owners needed to buy pet licenses for their animals to the tune of $3.00 a piece. Turns out, the city has realized that since only the law-abiding citizens of Plymouth actually buy these licenses, they are also the ones who keep track of their pets.
They’ve also realized that sometimes it’s a good idea to quit doing what doesn’t work!
(Above is a picture of “Babyboy”, courtesy of a friend of mine, Andrea Johnson.)
Plymouth City Council has recently voted to discontinue the licensing of pets. They figured out that it cost the city more to administer the license process than the $3.00 it took in for the license. What’s more, only 2,262 dogs and 244 cats were licensed. I am happy that the city council is fiscally responsible enough to own up to a bad idea. They, in essence, are saving the tax payers some money.
Plymouth limits the total number of cats and dogs in one household to four. There is still a multiple animal license if you have more than four. The license costs $50 and an inspection of the home or property is required. (Yikes!) If you have any questions regarding the rules and regulations for multiple animals, call the City of Plymouth 763-509-5160.
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Not Another One of Those “I’m Thankful For” Thanksgiving Essays!
November 19th, 2009 Categories: It's My Blog, Real Estate News, The Good Life
Every year when we sit down for our Thanksgiving dinner, I begin by asking each person to tell us what they’re thankful for. Having three grown sons and a husband who isn’t exactly the sentimental type, I get the proverbial eyeball roll and we just say our traditional grace.
I’m always thankful for my family, friends, clients, health, etc., so this year I would like to list the things that are considered new age, entrepreneurial, techy and fun. They have truly enhanced my life and I am very grateful that someone was bright enough to invent these wonderful things for me.
- My now-paid-for Acura TL
- XM Radio
- Breathe Right Nose Strips
- My Ipod Nano
- Netflix
- My sauna
- The Food Network
- The Internet
- My Treo w/ekey
- BNI Full Circle Chapter
So there you have it. Ten items are enough. I could live without these things, but I sure would not want to! Happy Thanksgiving!
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Twin Cities Buyers Seem to Have Borrowed Some More Time
October 30th, 2009 Categories: Mortgage Stuff, National Real Estate News, Real Estate News, Twin Cities Home Buyers, Twin Cities Real Estate Economy
Set to expire at end of November, plan will remain until end of April
My friend in the mortgage biz at Prime Mortgage sent me the latest news on the first-time home buyer credit:
Senators agreed Wednesday to extend a popular tax credit for first-time home buyers and to offer a reduced credit to some repeat buyers.
The tax credit provides up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers but is set to expire at the end of November.
Senators agreed to extend the existing tax credit for first-time home buyers while offering a reduced credit of up to $6,500 to repeat buyers who have owned their current homes for at least five years, said Regan Lachapelle, a spokeswoman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.
The tax credits would be available to home buyers who sign purchase agreements by the end of April. They would have until the end of June to close on their new homes, said a congressional aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to publicly discuss the deal.
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10 “Must Haves” Your Realtor Should Provide for You
October 11th, 2009 Categories: Keller Williams, Real Estate News, Twin City Sellers
When you decide to sell your home, you need to do your homework before selecting a Realtor. It’s a good idea to interview three of us before making your choice.
Here are the top ten “must haves” your Realtor should provide for you:
- Top-notch integrated website that allows lead capturing and detailed information about your property.
- Massive coverage of all real estate internet websites with your home’s information and lots of pictures.
- Hold a Realtor open house as soon as possible to obtain price and condition opinions of other Realtors and to allow them to preview the home for their potential buyers.
- Make sure to obtain feedback from the buyers’ agents to provide to you on a timely basis.
- Make suggestions as to what needs to be repaired, cleaned or removed from the home before listing.
- Price the home properly right from the start.
- Strong and firm negotiating when receiving an offer from a buyer.
- Communication, either by phone or email, on a consistent basis…even if there is nothing new to tell.
- A strong real estate brokerage to back up your Realtor’s administrative needs, which includes an excellent appointment coordinator.
- Confidence, trust and integrity are crucial to a good working relationship between you and your Realtor.
In order to sell your home, you and your Realtor need to agree on a sound working relationship to get the job done. By the way, if I, as your Realtor, didn’t think I could live up to these “must have” provisions, I wouldn’t have written this post!
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