But this Friday brings some existential musings.
As a real estate agent, each morning I wake I must "re-invent" myself. That means I get up each day and say "Today is going to be a good day. Good things are going to happen." And even at the end of the day if nothing good has happened, I have set the tone early in the morning and can reflect in the evening on what I could have done to make the day better. Or I can examine the smaller moments of the day and decide they were indeed good.
My philosophical point is that positivity is a choice which everyone must make for himself. You can roll out of the bed, grumpy that you have to go to work or take the kids to school or blah blah blah. Or you can be happy that today is another day "above ground" and know that the mundane and smaller moments of the day are what make up life. We're here anyway, why not have a good time?
Negativity breeds contempt and resentment and I personally don't have room in my life for those things. So for those agents complaining about the market and how they don't have any business, you have to MAKE things happen for yourself. You have to be thinking about innovative ways to make your phone ring, to get in front of people, to make contacts.
Today, I am going to meet 2 new people and tell at least 5 people about my business. I'm going to make at least one of my clients happy with good news today. And I'm going to have a successful day.
To you, I wish you a successful and joyful day. Don't look for the BIG events - look for the smaller moments.
Peace.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
As if we don't do enough......
Today we launch our Nationwide Referral Network.
With an extensive network of real estate professionals around the country, we are able to work with anyone ANYWHERE to fulfill their real estate needs and dreams.
Know someone who wants to move from Chicago to Los Angeles? We can find a qualified and ethical agent to handle the sale of the Chicago home and another agent to find a Los Angeles home.
We've worked hard to build our referral network, and we're happy to provide service to clients regardless of their location.
The best part is, all it takes is a phone call to get us to work. We also offer a convenient online referral form which can be found at our website, http://www.mylandmarkteam.com/. This service is ABSOLUTELY FREE!
We want to be your one stop real estate resource. With your continued support, we'll easily achieve our goals.
With an extensive network of real estate professionals around the country, we are able to work with anyone ANYWHERE to fulfill their real estate needs and dreams.
Know someone who wants to move from Chicago to Los Angeles? We can find a qualified and ethical agent to handle the sale of the Chicago home and another agent to find a Los Angeles home.
We've worked hard to build our referral network, and we're happy to provide service to clients regardless of their location.
The best part is, all it takes is a phone call to get us to work. We also offer a convenient online referral form which can be found at our website, http://www.mylandmarkteam.com/. This service is ABSOLUTELY FREE!
We want to be your one stop real estate resource. With your continued support, we'll easily achieve our goals.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Statistically speaking.......
It's time for a few Tarpon Springs real estate market statistics. These numbers are actually encouraging as compared to Pinellas County and the State of Florida in general. They tell me that people still want to move to Florida and this is the area in which they'd like to live.
Currently on the market in Tarpon Springs, there are 314 single family homes, 73 condos, 93 Townhomes and 16 villas.
Properties listed as "Active With Contract" meaning there is an accepted offer in place, but the property is still available should another better offer come along are as follows: Single Family 6, Condo 3, Townhome 1 and Villas 6.
Properties listed as "Pending" which means an offer has been accepted and a closing date is scheduled: Single Family 9, Condo 3, Townhome 7 and villas 0.
The number of properties sold since July 1, 2007 meaning a closing has taken place: Single Family 19, Condo 8, Townhome 6 and villas 2.
For Single Family homes, the average of the number of days on the market is 80.78 of those properties that have sold.
The average sales price of Single Family homes is $281,284 with a high of $455,000 and a low of $150,000.
Compared to Pinellas County with 8,821 Single Family homes currently on the market and 100 average days on the market, our statistics don't look that bad for a city with a population of a little over 23,000. The home sales in Tarpon Springs since July 2007 represent 4% of the total homes sold in Pinellas County.
With many new and attractive mortgage programs for First Responders (Nurses, CNAs, EMTs, Police, Firemen) and those job types representing the largest percentage of Tarpon Springs residents, I am encouraged that this is a destination area for many buyers considering a purchase soon.
I remain positive and upbeat in the face of these statistics. A recent report from the Florida Association of Realtors comments that over 1/3 of all realtors have left the business in pursuit of other careers. Those of us still in the field have re-committed ourselves to working hard for our clients to produce results.
For those of you whom I represent, please know we haven't stopped working for you. In fact, we've doubled our efforts and we know you'll be happy and satisfied in the end. As difficult as it is for many sellers, remember we don't get a paycheck until we sell something so we feel your pain!
We're in it for the long-haul and you can count on us.
Currently on the market in Tarpon Springs, there are 314 single family homes, 73 condos, 93 Townhomes and 16 villas.
Properties listed as "Active With Contract" meaning there is an accepted offer in place, but the property is still available should another better offer come along are as follows: Single Family 6, Condo 3, Townhome 1 and Villas 6.
Properties listed as "Pending" which means an offer has been accepted and a closing date is scheduled: Single Family 9, Condo 3, Townhome 7 and villas 0.
The number of properties sold since July 1, 2007 meaning a closing has taken place: Single Family 19, Condo 8, Townhome 6 and villas 2.
For Single Family homes, the average of the number of days on the market is 80.78 of those properties that have sold.
The average sales price of Single Family homes is $281,284 with a high of $455,000 and a low of $150,000.
Compared to Pinellas County with 8,821 Single Family homes currently on the market and 100 average days on the market, our statistics don't look that bad for a city with a population of a little over 23,000. The home sales in Tarpon Springs since July 2007 represent 4% of the total homes sold in Pinellas County.
With many new and attractive mortgage programs for First Responders (Nurses, CNAs, EMTs, Police, Firemen) and those job types representing the largest percentage of Tarpon Springs residents, I am encouraged that this is a destination area for many buyers considering a purchase soon.
I remain positive and upbeat in the face of these statistics. A recent report from the Florida Association of Realtors comments that over 1/3 of all realtors have left the business in pursuit of other careers. Those of us still in the field have re-committed ourselves to working hard for our clients to produce results.
For those of you whom I represent, please know we haven't stopped working for you. In fact, we've doubled our efforts and we know you'll be happy and satisfied in the end. As difficult as it is for many sellers, remember we don't get a paycheck until we sell something so we feel your pain!
We're in it for the long-haul and you can count on us.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
In the doghouse......
Landmark Real Estate Specialists is pleased to announce the launch of our new service program called "My Pet's Home". This is a pet-friendly real estate service for buyers and sellers.
When you're a pet owner, your animals mean the world to you and we understand that. We have pets of our own! Owning an animal can create special needs and criteria when searching for or selling a home. For this reason, we've launched our MY PET'S HOME Specialty Services for our clients (two-legged and four or more).
FOR BUYERS
We know this area better than most companies. We know which deed-restricted communities and condominium units welcome pets, the weight restrictions and the breed restrictions. We also offer information on:
When you're a pet owner, your animals mean the world to you and we understand that. We have pets of our own! Owning an animal can create special needs and criteria when searching for or selling a home. For this reason, we've launched our MY PET'S HOME Specialty Services for our clients (two-legged and four or more).
FOR BUYERS
We know this area better than most companies. We know which deed-restricted communities and condominium units welcome pets, the weight restrictions and the breed restrictions. We also offer information on:
Local area Dog Parks
Experienced and competent Veterinarians
Emergency Animal Hospitals
Hurricane Evacuation Zones and shelters accepting pets
Highly experienced Pet Sitters/Walkers
FOR SELLERS
Showing a home where pets live can be stressful for the pets, the potential buyers and the buyer's agent. Special considerations must be made for those times when you can't be home with your pet, but your house must be shown.
We'll take time to get to know your animal so they feel comfortable with us. If necessary, we can spend time with them, comforting and playing with them while your house shows to potential buyers. We'll make sure they are safe, secure and happy when we leave them. You'll have peace of mind knowing your animals aren't upset by strangers in their home and won't accidentally get out to run free in the neighborhood.
Additionally, when you work with us through the MY PET'S HOME program, we will donate a portion of our commission toward homeless pet charities or the pet charity of your choice.
We understand your special needs and we're ready to help. Always on the cutting edge, we are one of the VERY few companies to offer these services and we're happy to offer them ABSOLUTELY FREE!
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Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Name that tune......
Ever wake up in the morning with a song in your head? It plays over and over - not the entire song; maybe just a verse or two. You find yourself humming the tune or singing the chorus all day.
I woke up this morning with a thought instead. In my head, I keep hearing "the market is back". I believe it, and I conduct my business that way. I believe that there are people with true real estate needs looking right now to buy something. I believe there are people who must sell a home and need true guidance.
Buyers must listen to their inner voices also. If you want certain contingencies in a purchase contract, ask for them! Sellers might think they would like to see their agent do something extra or advertise in a different way - they should speak up!
Just listen to that music playing in your head. It will be a good day.
I woke up this morning with a thought instead. In my head, I keep hearing "the market is back". I believe it, and I conduct my business that way. I believe that there are people with true real estate needs looking right now to buy something. I believe there are people who must sell a home and need true guidance.
Buyers must listen to their inner voices also. If you want certain contingencies in a purchase contract, ask for them! Sellers might think they would like to see their agent do something extra or advertise in a different way - they should speak up!
Just listen to that music playing in your head. It will be a good day.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
The FEDs step in...finally.......
Yesterday was a highly volatile but poignant day on Wall Street. With news that the overseas stock markets were plunging before the opening bell in New York, stocks here plummeted in the early morning hours of trading. But the Federal Bank had a plan and it could mean revision and some much needed relief for the housing market.
The FED lowered the discount rate, or the interest rate that banks pay to buy money from the government. This is important because it is a chief index by which mortgage companies and banks measure their own interest rates. This means the banks and mortgage companies are paying less to loan money to borrowers. It's something we've needed for quite a while, but it seems the Federal Reserve chief, Ben Bernenke, has been quite a bit more conservative than our old friend Alan Greenspan. He has adopted a "wait and see" mentality while many have been struggling with foreclosure and an inability to refinance.
So what does this mean in the long haul? It means that consumers trapped in adjustable rate mortgages will finally see the life boat and buyers waiting out the mortgage market are likely to hop on that life boat and purchase. This is not a long-term fix, but certainly a long overdue stimulant that may create a sense of normalcy in the housing market and spark some activity.
While the media remains skeptical at best regarding the housing market, I see this as an opportunity for first-time homebuyers to get a lot of house for a very little bit of money and with a stunning interest rate. While FHA loans have become increasingly popular over the past few months, we will start to see more consumers obtaining conventional mortgages still at historically low interest rates. Banks will also begin to romance the consumers once more to borrow. And with appreciation climbing slowly in this state, the deals are there for the taking.
You may have heard that median prices of homes in Florida have fallen about 30%, but the media does not go one step further in telling you that median prices ROSE 50% in 2004 which was an anomaly. I keep saying we are back to normal and it doesn't seem that too many buyers are listening.
I peruse other real estate blogs of note to keep my finger on the pulse of the consumers. I read a posting yesterday saying that sellers should "stop listening to your realtor! your house is overpriced and won't sell." I was forced to respond. I've said time and time again that Realtors (capital R) don't price homes, the market does. And there are still unreasonable sellers out there who believe they can turn back the hands of time and make a killing on the house they purchased just 3 years ago. It's not going to happen. The people selling in this market should only be the people who NEED to sell. But the buyers win because they can get lots more house for less money.
All in all, good news. And as the Presidential primaries approach, things should get even better.
The FED lowered the discount rate, or the interest rate that banks pay to buy money from the government. This is important because it is a chief index by which mortgage companies and banks measure their own interest rates. This means the banks and mortgage companies are paying less to loan money to borrowers. It's something we've needed for quite a while, but it seems the Federal Reserve chief, Ben Bernenke, has been quite a bit more conservative than our old friend Alan Greenspan. He has adopted a "wait and see" mentality while many have been struggling with foreclosure and an inability to refinance.
So what does this mean in the long haul? It means that consumers trapped in adjustable rate mortgages will finally see the life boat and buyers waiting out the mortgage market are likely to hop on that life boat and purchase. This is not a long-term fix, but certainly a long overdue stimulant that may create a sense of normalcy in the housing market and spark some activity.
While the media remains skeptical at best regarding the housing market, I see this as an opportunity for first-time homebuyers to get a lot of house for a very little bit of money and with a stunning interest rate. While FHA loans have become increasingly popular over the past few months, we will start to see more consumers obtaining conventional mortgages still at historically low interest rates. Banks will also begin to romance the consumers once more to borrow. And with appreciation climbing slowly in this state, the deals are there for the taking.
You may have heard that median prices of homes in Florida have fallen about 30%, but the media does not go one step further in telling you that median prices ROSE 50% in 2004 which was an anomaly. I keep saying we are back to normal and it doesn't seem that too many buyers are listening.
I peruse other real estate blogs of note to keep my finger on the pulse of the consumers. I read a posting yesterday saying that sellers should "stop listening to your realtor! your house is overpriced and won't sell." I was forced to respond. I've said time and time again that Realtors (capital R) don't price homes, the market does. And there are still unreasonable sellers out there who believe they can turn back the hands of time and make a killing on the house they purchased just 3 years ago. It's not going to happen. The people selling in this market should only be the people who NEED to sell. But the buyers win because they can get lots more house for less money.
All in all, good news. And as the Presidential primaries approach, things should get even better.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
No insurance for you........
For buyers who are in contract to purchase a home or those contemplating a purchase, hurricane season sometimes throws a monkey wrench into your otherwise smooth transaction.
Imagine looking at the state of Florida on a map. Now imagine a large box enclosing the entire state and most of the coastal waters. Whenever there is a "named" storm within that box, the insurance agencies in Florida cease to write new policies. Once the named storm has left the box, the insurance agencies will again begin to write new policies AFTER TWO BUSINESS DAYS HAVE ELAPSED!
Let me tell you how this can play out through a real example. In the Summer of 2004, I recall a day where a named storm had passed two business days prior and another was headed into the "box". I was trying to obtain insurance for a client who had an upcoming closing. On this day, the insurance companies were writing policies for exactly 49 minutes! Try getting through to your insurance agent within that small window of opportunity!
The moral of the story is that especially during hurricane season, bind and purchase your insurance immediately. Don't wait for closing day or close to it or you could find yourself stuck in the box.
Imagine looking at the state of Florida on a map. Now imagine a large box enclosing the entire state and most of the coastal waters. Whenever there is a "named" storm within that box, the insurance agencies in Florida cease to write new policies. Once the named storm has left the box, the insurance agencies will again begin to write new policies AFTER TWO BUSINESS DAYS HAVE ELAPSED!
Let me tell you how this can play out through a real example. In the Summer of 2004, I recall a day where a named storm had passed two business days prior and another was headed into the "box". I was trying to obtain insurance for a client who had an upcoming closing. On this day, the insurance companies were writing policies for exactly 49 minutes! Try getting through to your insurance agent within that small window of opportunity!
The moral of the story is that especially during hurricane season, bind and purchase your insurance immediately. Don't wait for closing day or close to it or you could find yourself stuck in the box.
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