Negotiating What Works and What Does Not

Negotiating What Works and What Does Not

Bringing two parties together in a Real Estate transaction isn't always easy, but it is done by Realtors everywhere, everyday.      It is part of their skill set, part of their job.    A skilled negotiator, in my opinion, is a person that is a good listener and is also capable of detaching themselves from the parties emotions.   They are also able to communicate and think ahead.    

A client of mine recently asked me what I thought made a great real estate transaction.    He was being funny when he said that in his opinion it is when all parties feel like they have been taken.    I guess there are many that think that way.   I don't. 

I feel a successful negotiation is when we have a meeting of the minds.   It might be that not everyone always gets exactly what they want.  There can be trade offs and most time there are.    I mean think about it really.   Is it possible for the Seller to get the more than market value and the Buyer of the same transaction "steal" the home?   Of course not.   That's ridiculous.   When both parties are comfortable with the outcome, it is successful.

For a Realtor, it is very frustrating to see a person who wants to buy a home and a person who wants to sell a home unable to fulfill their desires.    The home buying and selling process is riddled with emotion and is such a big ticket item that one seemingly very small thing can stall and end a negotiation.

In my opinion, it doesn't matter what side of the fence you are on, or if it is real estate that is the issue for that matter.

Things that kill a deal.    Ego, Ignorance, Fear, Freezing, Stalling, Pit Bull Attitude, Being Unreasonable, and not thinking ahead.  

It is not unreasonable to want the best for ourselves, and I am not saying give in, rather think.   (for example, if you go up on your price 20k after coming down, how will the buyer react to this?   Do you think they will understand this tactic or walk away??   Flip side, if you ask for the Seller's Jag, will the Seller likely respond??)

What works.   "Think-otiating."   When negotiating, leave your emotions and ego at the door.    Do your homework, listen to the professionals not the well meaning "experts" and remember to think ahead.   Anticipate how the other side will feel and react to your position.   Temper your prompt response accordingly.

Again, not saying give in, rather think.  

Are you looking to buy or sell real estate in the Franklin MA area or surrounding communities?   

If so, I am your gal!     Al and Cal offer years of experience and a service guarantee!

The real estate market is heating up!

Contact me today   cal@alandcal.com     508-494-9061

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About the author

Carol-Ann Palmieri, 

is a full time Real Estate professional in Massachusetts for the past 25 years along with her partner Al Mussi have helped literally hundreds of families find, sell or purchase new places to live.

 A former US Marine, she grew up in Walpole, MA...  is committed to the serving the community through various volunteer opportunities.   She attended MA Bay Community and Suffolk University and is committed to constantly updating her Real Estate education.

 Licensed in MA and RI...

 Al and Cal's primary areas of service Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, Blackstone, Walpole, Milford, Holliston, Hopkinton, Mansfield, and Foxboro, North Attleboro, Norwood, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville but have resourses to help anyone, anywhere....
  
Her mission....  To exceed your expectations!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Loving My Listings

Loving My Listings

Falling in love with your listings sure makes it easier to sell them!     Way back in the infancy of my real estate career, a wise old, well maybe not so old, broker/owner advised us that we should love our listings.     Today, thinking back, I am sure that she meant that they were the bread and butter of a real estate career.


But, as an eager young agent,  I didn't know that and took her advice literally.   Funny thing.  For the past 25 years, that advice, although taken the wrong way at the time has served me well. 

I've always had a love affair with homes.    It started when I was really young watching my Dad make a model of a most needed addition for our modest ranch home.   After that, I learned a lot being his "helper" as he toiled away making us all bedrooms and another bath.   I watched the planning, the demolition, and learned as he moved walls and built staircases.   The transformation was amazing. 

As I grew older, looking at homes was always a joy.  Before getting into real estate, I was the type of person that would get lost in my walk by looking at the architecture of homes and their surroundings.   With that and the well meaning pushes from co workers it became easy to get my license and begin a terrific career in the home selling business. 

With that background, Loving my listings came naturally.      I don't care if it is the shack on Mirror Lake.    (No offense Rich.)   It's easy to see the potential and visualize what a fabulous lake home it will become when the buyer puts his personal stamp on it, or maybe the listing is a new home and doesn't need a thing!  

Either way, focusing on the possibilities and potential of a home, finding the things to love about it just makes it easier to express and point out to a potential purchaser! 

Over the years, I have loved each and every one of my listings, finding a uniqueness and personality in every one.  Once you find that special something, it becomes easy to convey the beauty of each home to it's potential new owner.

Loving my listings.   Just makes it easier to sell them!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Memories of Showing Homes in a Snowstorm

Memories of Showing Homes in a Snowstorm

The blizzard of 2013 has just begun.  Unlike the blizzard of '78 (yes, I was around then) when we really didn't have much notice, the weathermen and the politicians have advised us all to stay in and off the roads.   The offices in our area are closed and agents are already canceling appointments and open houses for the weekend.    (Quick note.   Unless we lose power, my open house and appointments are still happening for Sunday!)

So here I am, making calls and finishing up for the day.   The snow is falling at a good clip and as I look out the window it reminds me of my very first buyer. 

They were relocating up, or down, from New York and as relocating couples sometime have, their company had given them a weekend in Boston for a house hunting trip.    We had been in communication over the phone, (computers were not really heard of in our business at the time), and I was prepared for their trip, ready and anxious to help them make the move to our area.

As luck would have it, the forecast for their trip was snow and lots of it!    It didn't phase these buyers and the wife was ready for her new adventure while the husband went to the office to get acquainted.   Fortunately, I had access to a 4 wheel drive vehicle and took advantage of using that.    I picked Marlena up at the hotel and off we went on our house hunt in the snow.

It wasn't too bad when we started out, but it started to get worse as the day got longer.   Pretty soon it was getting close to dark and we had a few more homes to see.    We pulled up in front of a new build in a neighborhood that seemed perfect for their family.   I remember the house well, still 25 years later.   Why?   Because the driveway was not clear and neither was a walk to the home.    We trudged through now pretty deep snow and when we got to the house, the steps were not in yet.

Determined to make my first sale, I found myself giving this gal a "ten finger" boost into the house.   With no cell phone or way of communication in my pocket, and with what little daylight we had leaving us fast, it was kind of foolish to be entering a half built house with no stairs, especially being surrounded by high winds and swirling snow.

I remember thinking, this job is just crazy!

Fast forward 25 years.   Marlena and I have been friends ever since.   Her quest for a new home and mine for a first sale brings a large smile to my face. 

I have to say though, I am not sure that today I would be giving anyone "ten fingers" to get into a home, but hey, who knows!   

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About the author

Carol-Ann Palmieri,  a full time Real Estate professional in Massachusetts for the past 25 years along with Al Mussi have helped hundreds of families find, sell or purchase new places to live.

 A former US Marine, she grew up in Walpole, MA...  is committed to the serving the community through various volunteer opportunities.   She attended MA Bay Community and Suffolk University and is committed to constantly updating her Real Estate education.

 Licensed in MA and RI...

 Al and Cal's primary areas of service Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, Blackstone, Walpole, Milford, Holliston, Hopkinton, Mansfield, and Foxboro, North Attleboro, Norwood, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville but have resourses to help anyone, anywhere....
  
Her mission....  To exceed your expectations!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Local Artists Exhibit at Morse House Norwood MA February 2013

Local Artists Exhibit at Morse House Norwood MA February 2013

Local artists will be showing their work during the month of February at the Morse House in Norwood MA.

For three Sunday afternoons on the 10th, 17th and the 24th, from noon to 5 p.m., more than 25 artists will be displaying and selling their art work in this restored antique home.   These local artists are all members of the Norwood Art Association.    They work in different mediums and have different perspectives.   All interesting.    
 
The February exhibit will be centered around Valentine's and will feature a "red" theme.

This is a wonderful opportunity for the general public, not just to view original art, but to be able to experience history in the restored home of the very historic Norwood family.   

The Morse House.    1285 Washington St.

The home of George H Morse was built 1868 before Norwood became a town.   The house has a long history, but the property it sits on has an even longer one.    It was the site of the Ezra Morse House that was built in 1678.   That was torn down when the now standing George H Morse house was built on the property known as Morse Hill.    145 years ago.  

For more than 12 years, Dale Day and others in the Morse House Restoration Committee  have been instrumental in keeping this piece of history alive.    It hasn't been easy.   They have relied on their hard work and generous folks and business who have donated both money and services.   Having said that they are doing it!   

The Norwood Art Association
The Norwood Art Association was established in 1978.   Their goal is to encourage and promote the arts and provide a community for artists to share and learn.   The Artists are from Norwood MA and the surrounding communities.   

These artists look forward to sharing their work at the Morse House in February 2013.

Please join them.   Admission is free.



  
         

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Buying or Selling a Home QUIZ Me

Buying or Selling a Home QUIZ Me

If you are looking to buy or sell a home, you want the best agent you can find.     I have been selling real estate locally for the past 25 years and along with my partner Al Mussi, we have helped hundreds of families to make their move.    We pride ourselves on being on top of market conditions, staying abreast of real estate trends and are committed to continually learning our trade.     We have aligned ourselves with what we think is the best name in the business, Remax.  

But you don't want to take my word on that, so  QUIZ ME!  
Me, or anyone else you are thinking of hiring!   There are a number of things you can ask an agent.    Google it.   You will find all kinds of sites with many different questions.   That's okay.   Some seem ridiculous so temper them to suit your needs.  

A good, confident and experienced agent will welcome your questions and will be happy to share their experience and knowledge with you.  

So what might your quiz look like?    I don't know.   What's important to you?    Is it a full time agent?  Is it one with years of experience?   Is it the one that is most busy in your market place?   Or, is it the agent who's personality is most like yours?    Is a Mom and Pop firm something that you prefer or do you find value in the big name?   What you don't want is that agent that will do whatever it takes to get your business even if it means misleading you.

I don't want to give you the 10 most important questions.   No one but you really knows what's important for you.  

Besides, giving you the questions would be sort of like an open book test written by me, and what would be the use in that?    I have to question the "experts" that give you the questions to ask other real estate professionals because I know those questions will be slanted and biased, written to put themselves ahead of another for one reason or the next.   

If you are not sure what to ask, it doesn't hurt to Google "questions to ask a Realtor".    Get those sample questions and the ones that you will naturally have on your own.

Figure out what it is that is important to you and QUIZ ME!     

    I look forward to your call!   

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

________________________________

About the author

Carol-Ann Palmieri,  a full time Real Estate professional in Massachusetts for the past 25 years along with Al Mussi have helped hundreds of families find, sell or purchase new places to live.
 A former US Marine, she grew up in Walpole, MA...  is committed to the serving the community through various volunteer opportunities.   She attended MA Bay Community and Suffolk University and is committed to constantly updating her Real Estate education.
 Licensed in MA and RI...
 Al and Cal's primary areas of service Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, Blackstone, Walpole, Milford, Holliston, Hopkinton, Mansfield, and Foxboro, North Attleboro, Norwood, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville but have resourses to help anyone, anywhere....
 Her mission....  To exceed your expectations!

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061