And This is Why I Am A Real Estate Agent

A couple of weeks ago I received a referral from a past customer who I had worked with in 2007 in their home search. She had a co-worker who was looking for her first home with her husband.

I contacted the prospective buyers, got some information about what they were looking for in a home, and started the search. Within a few days, we were off on our first tour.

It turned out to be a very successful day as there were three definite possibilities out of the eight or so homes we looked at. Although I didn’t say anything to them, I was pretty confident that one of those three in particular was “the one” for them. The second we stepped in the front door, he exclaimed, “This is my house!” and they both had that look on their face. You know the look–the “I found the one” look.

A couple days passed, and I received an email from Mrs. Buyer that they wanted to take another look at “that house” plus check out another one that they found in a nearby community. We stopped at the new listing first, and both seemed to like it, but the “I found the one” look didn’t come across either of their faces. And so it was on to “his house.”

When they stepped inside this time, Mr. Buyer said, “I don’t want to leave! This is my house!” The next day we wrote an offer – a secondary — and within 24 hours we had an accepted offer and were already in primary position.

For me, the pure joy and excitement on a first-time buyer’s face when they learn their offer has been accepted is one of the best things about being in this business. It erases in a split second any challenges from the past or present, and my buyers’ appreciation of the time and effort I put into my work is something I carry with me from that day forward.

How lucky am I to be a real estate agent…

 

Your Loyalty — One of the Best Compliments

One of the biggest challenges I encounter in my everyday business is perfecting the art of gaining buyer loyalty. I have been selling real estate for 7 years and am still taken aback when I receive an email or phone call from a buyer to whom I’ve been showing houses for several weeks (or months!) telling me they found a house, contacted the listing agent and now have an accepted offer! It’s an especially tough pill to swallow when, from my perspective, we had a great relationship.

This causes me to ask myself questions such as,

·         Could or should I have done something differently?

·         Did I misread our relationship?

·         Is customer loyalty a thing of the past?

In order to understand why customer loyalty is so important, I think it would be helpful to briefly explain the time and effort that is put into each transaction prior to closing.

Whether my relationship with a buyer begins at an open house, through a personal referral, or through my web site, the first question I ask them is whether they’ve been looking at houses and/or have a buyer agency agreement with another agent. If they answer “yes” to either question, I back off. Even if the buyer has been working with an agent without a buyer agency contract in place, I back off. Just as I wouldn’t want another agent to start working with one of my buyers, I choose to offer that same courtesy.

Once I’ve established that the buyer does not have a relationship with another agent, I ask questions about their situation:

·         Have you talked to a lender to get pre-approved?

·         What price range are you looking in?

·         Tell me about the house you’re looking for. How many bedrooms? How many baths? Any special features?

·         Do you prefer a newer home or an older home?

·         Is it okay if the house needs cosmetic or other updating?

·         Which communities are you considering?

·         Do you have a house to sell or are you currently renting?

·         What type of lease are you in?

·         What is your timeline for purchasing?

After gathering this information, I set up a search in the computer that corresponds with the buyer’s needs and wants. I run that search a few times each day, as new listings come up continuously, and forward data sheets for those homes that seem to meet my buyer’s needs.

When the buyer replies with a list of homes they want to see, I begin the process of mapping out, scheduling, and confirming those showings. I also print out data sheets for each of the homes we’ll be looking at so the buyer can take notes of the pros and cons of each. Following the “tour,” I contact the listing agent of each home to provide them feedback on the house so they can notify their sellers.

And so it continues until the buyer finds their perfect home and makes the decision to write an offer. After having an accepted offer in hand, I put time into attending the home inspection and negotiating any repairs resulting from it; maintaining contact with the buyer, their lender, the title company, and the seller’s agent; and attending closing. It isn’t until after the closing, that I receive compensation for my work.

My purpose here isn’t to toot either my own horn or that of other real estate agents for the time and effort we put into our work. Rather, it is to make you aware of our process and to ask for your consideration before deciding to contact a second agent if a relationship with another is already in place. It is, quite simply, to ask for buyers’ loyalty.  At the same time, I do believe loyalty is something we earn – not something that should just be given or assumed. And when it is earned, it is one of the best compliments I can receive.

 

Keep Smiling. Tomorrow is Another Day.

Still being rather new to the social networking community, I continue to be “wowed” by the incredible source of ideas, thoughts, and encouragement this network provides each day. It seems that just when I think I’m the only one who’s had to deal with a specific situation – either in real estate or life in general – I quickly learn that others have gone through the exact same thing and can offer some invaluable tips on how to best handle that situation. I always seem to “stumble” upon a post that seems like it was written just for me and am able to pick myself up and continue through the day.

And while I am appreciative of what I have learned from so many here, I am equally appreciative of the concern and support shown by those “outside” of the social networking world. Last weekend, while walking out of church, some past customers stopped me and asked how things were going. They said they know it’s pretty bad out there and, “We’ve been thinking about you and hope you’re doing okay.”

Just a couple days later, I received a call from another past customer who called to say thank you for the referral I had sent her way to have some painting done. Before hanging up she said they think of me often and hope that business is okay with everything going on in the housing market and the economy overall.

It is humbling to me to hear words of concern from others. And it means a lot. I told both of these customers that while it can be challenging, I know things will turn around. I know we will all get through the tough times. I know I will accomplish the things on my 2009 “to do” list both in my business and personally.  Everything will be okay.

My dad always used to say to us, “Keep smiling. Tomorrow is another day.” He was so right.

 

Have You Heard the Great News??

Have you heard the news? It’s a great time to buy a house in Ozaukee or Washington county!

 

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES CURRENTLY FOR SALE IN OZAUKEE COUNTY

Community	Number of homes for sale	Average list price	Lowest list price
Belgium	23	$394,843	$144,900
Cedarburg	88	$403,536	$159,900
Fredonia	35	$252,111	$125,000
Grafton	77	$347,018	$129,900
Mequon	149	$592,558	$124,900
Port Washington	56	$269,722	$85,900
Saukville	28	$293,116	$130,000
Thiensville	10	$251,950	$109,900

 

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES CURRENTLY FOR SALE IN WASHINGTON COUNTY

Community	Number of homes for sale	Average list price	Lowest list price
Addison	13	$211,846	$79,500
Barton	12	$332,733	$169,900
Erin	27	$615,781	$199,900
Farmington	30	$366,827	$199,900
Germantown	74	$345,445	$159,900
Hartford	107	$223,946	$79,900
Jackson	45	$325,627	$145,000
Kewaskum	35	$309,424	$137,900
Newburg	1	$209,000	$209,000
Polk	25	$405,164	$154,900
Richfield	50	$449,509	$158,900
Slinger	25	$287,024	$164,900
Trenton	35	$296,611	$150,000
Wayne	11	$375,864	$209,900
West Bend	227	$252,610	$69,000

 

Quite the supply, wouldn’t you say? If you’ve been thinking about buying a home and are planning on staying in that home for more than just a couple years, this could be the right time. Start by talking to your lender about your financing options and which one might be the best for you. The American Dream can become a reality for you. All you have to do is take the first step.

 

 

Information is supplied by Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of 01/07/09

 

 

The choices are many, and the interest rates for conventional fixed mortgages are currently hovering around 5%. This is a great opportunity for you to upsize, downsize, or become a homeowner for the first time!

 

Simply and Sincerely…Thank You!

I just wanted to take a minute to say thank you to all of my 2008 buyers and sellers. Thank you for your trust in me through a challenging time in the housing market. As I’ve told many of you, I am choosing to stay optimistic and truly do believe that there is a buyer for every house out there. We’ll find the right one for you; it may take more time than we’d like, but we will find them. And to my buyers, we will find the right house for you. While there is much to choose from, that doesn’t always mean the right one is easy to find. But I am determined to continue working with you until the right match is found.

I also want to say thank you to every person who has sent a referral my way this past year. That is one of the best compliments we as realtors can receive. It is greatly appreciated. Thank you for thinking of me.

To the home inspectors, lenders, and other business affiliates I’ve worked with, thank you for providing the high level of service you do. Your dedication to your work and care for my customers and clients makes my job a whole lot easier.

I do trust and believe that we will all get through whatever difficult times might still be ahead and that 2009 will be a great year.

I wish each of you and your families blessings, peace, happiness, and hope this New Year.

 

This Week’s Events in Ozaukee County

There’s lots of holiday fun throughout Ozaukee County this week.  Here is just a taste of the festivities happening right now:

Christmas in the Country & Wisconsin Quilt Museum Cookie Fundraiser, Cedarburg, December 4-7: The Christmas in the Country folk and fine arts fair and show takes place at the Cedar Creek Winery (Bridge Rd & Washington Ave).  Hours for the show are 5-8pm December 4, 10am-8pm December 5, 10am-5pm December 6, 1-4pm December 7 and costs just $5 on Thursday and $3 for Friday through Sunday.  During this same time, a cookie fundraiser for the Wisconsin Quilt Museum will be held at the Cedar Creek Settlement and Cedarburg Cultural Center.  In addition to cookies, nuts and candies will be sold.

Holiday Art Fair, Cedarburg, December 5 & 6: The Cedarburg Artists Guild is holding an art fair from 10am-8pm on December 5 and 10am-5pm on December 6 at the Cedarburg Community Gym (on Washington Ave).  Admission is free.  You will be able to purchase jewelry, photos, paintings, ceramics, glass work, baskets, wearable art and baked goods as well as much more.  Live musical entertainment will be provided by the Cedarburg High School music department.

“Blessings from Our Tables” Food Tasting, Port Washington, December 7: Christ the King Lutheran Church will be preparing foods from their “Blessings from Our Tables” cookbook (available for just $5) from 10:30am – 12pm on Sunday, December 7th.  You can purchase the cookbook during the tasting.

For more information on Ozaukee County events or if you have an upcoming event that you would like featured here, please feel free to contact me.

 

Local Golf Course to Become a Nature Preserve

After nearly two years of nail-biting discussions, the Ozaukee Washington Land Trust recently finalized a deal to purchase the Squires Country Club, which has operated as a golf course since 1930.  This 143-acre parcel of land lies primarily in the town of Belgium, with some acreage overlapping into the town of Port Washington.  At one point, the Land Trust almost lost their bid to a land developer, but were able to start negotiations again after that deal fell through.  The Land Trust believes it will take anywhere from four to five years to restore the golf course to its original natural state.  Some of the buildings (including the clubhouse and some sheds) will stay on the land for use as meeting places for the trust as well as a place for other organizations to utilize.  The land’s access to Lake Michigan makes it a great place for visitors to launch a kayak or spend the day enjoying the water.  While there are plans to allow trails for hiking, the land will remain primarily untouched once it is returned to its natural state so that the animals that inhabit the area, including migratory birds, have a place to live.  It’s also considered a win for the public to be able to enjoy the land’s natural beauty as well as have natural access to Lake Michigan.

 

Housing is Still in Demand

Unlike the uneasy stock market, housing has experienced a correction in its market over the last 2 1/2 years.  It no longer appears to be on a downward slide, but is now starting to even out.  In fact, there is a huge demand for housing right now, particularly with first time buyers wishing to cash in on the great deals out there.  Interest rates went down again last week (30-year fixed rate loans went from 6.5% to 6.24% and 15-year loan rates went from 6.14% to 5.9%), encouraging investors to jump in the market.  Last week alone, new mortgage applications increased 12%, FHA loan applications were up by 15.3% and conventional loan applications were up 6.5%.  Pending home sales across the country went up for the second straight month this year, ending 1.6% higher in September 2008 than in September 2007.  Don’t expect the housing market to recover overnight.  Instead, the market is more like the turtle…slow and steady wins the race.  Over the next two years, housing numbers may not soar, but they are expected to steadily increase.  For more information on the Ozaukee and Washington County real estate market, please contact me.

 

Help Still Needed for Hometown Heroes Family in Grafton

One of the things I like most about living in a small town is the closeness you feel with almost everyone around you even if you don’t know them personally. You are likely to see familiar faces when you’re at the grocery store, picking up your dry cleaning, filling your car, or purchasing your favorite coffee at Starbucks. And while the friendliness is always there, the outpouring of kindness and support is never more evident than in those times of special need.

Through the Hometown Heroes — Family Edition project (visit www.kapcoinc.com for more information), a group of volunteers has come together to help renovate the home of Grafton residents Karen Longoria and her three children (triplets!), two of whom have cerebral palsy and were recently diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy. Karen herself has also been battling breast cancer. The home will be wheelchair accessible to better fit the family’s growing needs.

Help is still needed in several areas:

To volunteer, go to www.kapcoinc.com or send an email to hometownheroes@kapcoinc.com to register. You can also call 262-377-6500.

To make a monetary donation, please mail checks payable to “Hometown Heroes” to Hometown Heroes, c/o Harris Bank, P.O. Box 254, Cedarburg, WI 53012.

A gift registry has been set up at Kohl’s. To purchase an item for the family, visit any Kohl’s Department Store and enter “Hometown” as the first name and “Heroes” as the last name at the gift registry. Items purchased at the Grafton Kohl’s will be held without charge until move-in week and are eligible for an additional 15% discount.

Attend the dinner benefit at Roots Restaurant in Milwaukee, Thursday, November 13. Contact Patrick Richardson, 414-852-7988. Tickets are $200 per person and include a reception, 7-course meal and silent auction.

Attend the benefit at the Milwaukee Ale House in Grafton, Thursday, November 20. Stop by at 7:00 pm to meet the family and all those involved in this project. Minimum donation of $50 per person.

The finished home will be revealed November 26.

Thank you for your support!

 

Some Uplifting Real Estate News

Despite the doom and gloom of the stock market lately, there is some good news in the real estate market.  As of last week, 30-year fixed rate loans are down to an average of 6.8% and 15-year loans are at 6.05%.  The Conference Board’s Bell Weather Index of Leading Indicators pointing to the economic direction of the country in the near future actually jumped upward after a five month decline.  The index measures 10 key metrics related to the growth or decline of the economy.  Some economists are predicting a recession (two straight quarters of negative growth), but the leading indicators index suggests that it is more likely that there will be a slow, minimal economic growth in the immediate future.  While this isn’t great news, it does show that the grim reaper isn’t quite knocking at the economy’s door.  It’s time for people to be more optimistic about the United States’ future.

There is also talk in Congress of a new economic stimulus package in the near future.  Included in this plan is a larger, non-repayable federal tax credit for homebuyers.  This credit could be as high as $10,000-$12,000 and is open to anyone who purchases a home in the coming year, not just first time homebuyers.  This credit will also be non-repayable.  Currently, first time homebuyers are allowed up to a $7500 credit when they purchase a home, but this credit has to be repaid to the government over time or when the home is sold.  This basically amounts to an interest-free loan instead of a “credit” and turned many people off of utilizing it.  The thought behind the larger, non-repayable credit is that it will spark more interest in purchasing homes, pouring more money into the real estate market and stimulating the economy.  Ask your Realtor about these new programs and how they may help you.