The Line Between Friendship and Business Part 2

The Line Between Friendship and Business Part 2

(in a never ending series)

My Friend, relative, etc, is a Realtor Should I Hire Her?

It's a good question and one that comes up frequently.    I should preface this by saying that many of my friends and relatives are clients of mine.  They are highly, highly valued.    Sometimes the line between friendship and business from my point of view is not easy.   Why?   When dealing with a friend or relative I am overprotective.   Now that is not a bad thing for them, but for me it causes many nights of interrupted sleep.    What can go wrong during a real estate transaction?   The list is too long to write and I have spent many a night tossing and turning over the what if's that can come up.   Regardless, for me, there is nothing more rewarding than helping to find a friend their home or to help them with the home sale process.   

So, back to the question?     Should I hire her or him?

The answer is simple.   Of course you should if they meet the following qualifications!   
Is she/he qualified do the job?   Is he/she a full time Realtor?    Is she/he experienced with proven results?  Will she be responsive and available to you?    Do you believe they that she/he will represent you in the highest degree?  Trustworthy and honest?    Does she/he have an outstanding reputation in their field?   Marketing plans or home search plans that will fit your needs?    Can she negotiate effectively on your behalf?    Are you comfortable with her/him?    Does she provide a service guarantee?    You get the drift.

I guess the question might be more like why shouldn't you?    I have heard the argument (p.s. from my mother) that you shouldn't do business with friends.   I think that is crazy and say why not??    Who would have your best interest at heart more than your friend or relative?    Who would want to see you succeed more than a friend? 

One might say that if something goes wrong your friendship might be forever damaged.    I think that by not using a friend in business whenever possible might produce the same effect.
Buying or Selling Real Estate is a high charged emotional purchase no matter the reason for your move.

Yes, it is business.   Of the most important kind.

USE THE PERSON YOU TRUST THE MOST TO HAVE YOUR BEST INTERESTS AT HEART!

The line between friendship and business part 1

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

The Line Between Friendship and Business Part 1

The Line Between Friendship and Business Part 1

(of a never ending series)

It sure does go a lot smoother when the Buyers and Sellers of a home sale transaction get along with each other.   But is there a point where they can harm their position by becoming too friendly?   

For years in my real estate career, Agents have historically kept Buyers and Sellers at arms length.

Is the climate changing?    Is it still a wise approach to take?   Is the reasoning in doing this still sound?  

It is natural to think that "if I could just talk to the other side, they will see my point of view and understand where I am coming from."   

That may be true.   Without an intermediary you might get your point across and offer insight into your thought process.    It works two ways.   There may be an understanding or you might also say things that inadvertently hurt your negotiating position or even worse say something that the other party might take the wrong way and hurt your chances in the transaction all together.    Emotions can get the best of us no matter what side of the fence we are sitting.    Buyers and Sellers have different perspectives.  One thing is for sure, both sides are highly charged.

Becoming too friendly can become a problem when an issue arises after home inspection, during the mortgage process or title examination.     Asking "a friend" to compensate you for a "defect" in their beloved home can have unintended consequences.  

So, is the climate changing where Buyers and Sellers should be talking to each other and letting their feelings be known?    Possibly.  I feel in the past couple of years that my clients do want to have conversation with the other side.

But, Is it wise?       I think that it is good for sellers and buyers to meet, talk and discuss the ins and outs of a the home.    They can share a wealth of knowledge about their home that the best home inspection can not turn up.    After all who better to know what goes bump in the night than the Seller?
But maybe it is smarter to have this conversation after the nuts and bolts of the transaction has been ironed out.    

Is the reasoning still sound?   I believe it is.

A real estate transaction is complicated and emotional.  

Just because it is your home, don't lose sight of the fact that it is really business.

Part 2 (coming soon)   My Friend, relative, etc, is a Realtor Should I Hire Her?

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.AlandCal.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

"But that home is a Short Sale", the Seller Says..

"But that home is a Short Sale", the Seller Says..

These days are no different in some respects than those of the past.   When entering the home sale arena, the first thing a Seller will do is research.    A big piece of that research is market education to see what their home value is in the current market.

Unfortunately today, a Seller is likely to compete with Short Sales and Bank Owned real estate.    In general, these properties are priced aggressively to capture a buyer for a quick sale.   

In Al Raymondi's Blog this morning, his remarks regarding his local market conclude that " short sales or foreclosures continue to be about half of the pending condos, but less than 15% of the condos for sale indicating the banks are pricing their properties to sell while many owners are expecting to get more than the market will bear."

While we all agree that each market place is different, it remains the same that price drives any market whether it be the sale of tooth paste or your fabulous, memory packed home.  

Unfortunately if all things are relatively equal, then one has to take these homes into consideration when pricing your own.     While one may consider a bank home distressed and I will agree that many are, today there are banks that are keeping their properties up while on the market and the savvy Short Sale seller is likely to present their property with best foot forward in order to snag that Buyer and avoid foreclosure.

So, while it doesn't seem fair that a Seller might have to compete with "Bank of the World", they do in this marketplace.    The competition is stiff and it no longer matters that your neighbor is a short sale or bank owned property.    Their price is affecting yours and it will continue to do so once it is sold.   

How do you get that property sold?  

Hire a Realtor, use their expertise and take a real good hard look at what you are competing with.    Price and Present appropriately and your home will sell!   

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.FranklinMAAreaHomes.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

 

Listing your Home? Teamwork, It's just common sense!

Listing your Home?  Teamwork,   It's just common sense!

Yesterday as I donned my hat (and hoodie) for it was pretty chilly out there, and laced up for my morning ritual of a trip around the track, I noticed a couple out there talking and laughing, just generally chatting it up.

Most of the time I like to go solo as it is always a good time to think without interruptions, but watching these two got me thinking that maybe teamwork here makes sense too.

When hiring a Realtor to market your home, a team approach makes sense.   Why? 

Well, to name a few reasons, Availability, Innovation, Motivation, Flexibility, Creativity, and that all important Second Opinion!

For all intents and purposes, real estate is a 24/7 type of business.   While most Buyers don't make an impulse purchase you don't want to do anything to have them rule your home out.    So if they have a question, we want to answer it quickly.  When an offer is on the table we want to respond quickly. 

It would not be realistic to expect that your Realtor never have a day off.

Having said that, you, a Seller,  would like someone available to you and representing your home at all times.

Hiring a team makes sense.    You have someone who is  available at all times, and, not just someone, but someone that has a financial stake in seeing your home go from listed to sold!  That is a clear benefit. 

What might not be so clear is the behind the scenes collaboration.     Two sets of eyes looking at the marketing pieces, making sure the photos look right and the words are perfect.  Two people dissecting  the market and finding who might be the best fit for your home.   Two people evaluating the market and how you home is positioned in it.

Two different styles of closing and negotiating.   That flexibility brings strength to your side of the table, and that second opinion!

Lets not forget that intangible factor of excitement.    Loving your listings and talking them up is a important.    Who couldn't use a little more love?  

Teamwork has worked well for our business for the past 20 plus years.    People like it.  In fact, it has become a trend.  Why?    For most, it is just common sense.  

Are you thinking of selling your home?    Give this team a call!    We offer a free market analysis and as always, our service guarantee!   

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.FranklinMAAreaHomes.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

If It's Just the Carpet That You Find Dated, Why Don't You Make An Offer?

If It's Just the Carpet That You Find Dated, Why Don't You Make An Offer?


Lately I've seen buyers looking at homes for a second peek.   "The second showing."     That generally means they like enough about the home and want to investigate further.   But why aren't these second showings turning into offers?

There appears to be many a home that remains on the market even after a "second showing" because it needs "work".  


The term work means something different to all of us.     I always thought of work to mean heavy cosmetics or a structural or mechanical kind of thing, but I am finding today that folks use the term work when a home needs a paint color change, a flooring change or maybe a fixture change.   Essentially anything that appears dated usually equals the term work.

So that being said, and you love all other factors or most other factors of the home, why don't you make an offer taking the "work" into consideration?    In most cases, an agent and a Seller have already taken that into consideration when pricing a home, but maybe not.    Why?    

We all have different decorating styles and tastes.  What I find wonderful many may find way out!   A color that I find old and ugly many may find soothing and comforting!    That floral odor that many may find lovely, might make me want to hold my nose.

The thing that you find needs a change may not have appeared that way to the Seller or the listing agent.    Who knows, if presented correctly, they may agree with your argument!

My point. 

If you find that carpet dated, or the lights ugly, why don't you make an offer taking that into consideration?  I'm NOT advocating you be unrealistic.  On the contrary.   If you are reasonable, you may just win the home, and be able to make the change that will suit your needs! 

So, If It's Just the Carpet That You Find Dated, Why Don't You Make An Offer?

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.FranklinMAAreaHomes.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

____________________________________________

Carol-Ann Palmieri, is full time Real Estate professional working as a full time Realtor in Massachusetts for the past 24 years.  Along with her partner Al Mussi, she has helped hundreds of families find, sell or purchase new places to live.

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

Al and Cal are licensed in MA and RI.   Their primary areas of service Franklin, Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Medfield, Norfolk, Wrentham, Plainville, Blackstone, Walpole, Milford, Holliston, Hopkinton, Mansfield, and Foxboro, North Attleboro, Hopedale, Mendon, Millville but have worked hard at developing personal relationships with agents across the country in order to help anyone, anywhere with just the right fit....

Her mission....  To exceed your expectations!

Thoughts on an Open House and A Post Open House Briefing

Thoughts on an Open House and A Post Open House Briefing

A personal marketing strategy for many of my listings is to hold a public open house or two.    While some may think they are not effective, and in the not to long ago past, I would have agreed, these days they have proved more effective for me and I am generally able to seduce more potential buyers to attend.    We are able to promote the open house on line and through direct mail and reach more that might have interest in coming.

In the past, agents would not send their Buyers for fear a listing agent might poach them out from under their noses, but we have grown, and that is no longer the case.     Agents feel comfortable sending their buyers along, knowing that the hosting agent will be respectful and as a result these events seem to have more merit.    As a result, I believe more buyers are showing up to open houses encouraged by their agents and we all win with a higher degree of exposure.

With that said, I held a sunday open house yesterday at 51 Hewes Street in Cumberland RI. 

The price of the home is a really attractive $189,900 and I have to say myself that the presentation of this home in ads and on line is pretty fabulous!   ;) 

Post Open House Briefing

After holding the open house, securing the property and retrieving  signs, my next call is always to the sellers of the home.    They are after all, anxious to hear what has happened and who showed up.    I know in their hearts they are looking to hear the words "offer", but that usually won't come until the buyers come back for a second peek.

Yesterday, a beautiful afternoon with blue skies and a calm soft breeze, we were able to keep the windows open for the first time of the year.    That always makes a home feel more attractive as the fresh air and sounds of spring will bring any home to life!  
Eight sets of folks came through and I must say there was not a dull moment.    Of these 8 sets of folks there were at least two that have interest.   

I did get to hear and see these buyers response to my listing first hand instead of relying on other agents feedback.   I was able to relay this to the seller and we now have more information to help us move along with this property.

I placed follow up calls to these folks and or their agents. 

Although the home isn't sold yet, I feel confident that we are on the right track and am hopeful that one of these open house visitors will move to make this their new home. 

*  If you or anyone you know is looking to sell their home in the Franklin MA area and surrounding communities,  please give me a call!    I have been marketing and selling real estate for the past 24 years and can put my experience to work for you!      Carol Ann Palmieri

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.FranklinMAAreaHomes.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061

Has Home and Garden TV Changed your Real Estate Expectations?

Has Home and Garden TV Changed your Real Estate Expectations?

I don't know about you, but I am addicted to HGTV.    ( I am also addicted to reality TV, so clearly my reality might be a bit off.)

Seriously.   As if I don't already live, eat, sleep and dream real estate,  I can't resist tuning in to "House Hunters."     I especially love the international show.    And what about those makeover shows?    (where the material costs $1000, but the labor appears to be free!)

I am curious?  While these shows are entertaining and give food for thought, has HGTV changed a Buyers expectations of what that "perfect" home looks like?

Buyers seem to be leaning towards the homes that have a better presentation.  They are no longer willing to look beyond the clutter or envision themselves tearing wall paper down or imagining what a kitchen would look like without those orange counter tops.

But, it's not just geared towards Buyers.

Has Home and Garden TV changed a Sellers expectation of how a Realtor works? 

On several occasions, I have watched a show where the Realtor actually takes the Seller out on a home tour of similar homes before listing.   The intention is to help the Seller position their home in the marketplace.

While I don't do this, technology has afforded us the next best way to take a Seller into each of the comparable homes.   With trusty IPad in hand, we can take them on a virtual tour of their competitor's homes. 

Also to keep abreast of the current trends, Al and I offer a staging consult for all of our Sellers.     We feel that it sets our Sellers apart from the competition, helps to draw attention to the places we want to draw attention to,  and helps meet  Buyers expectations.  
 

 I guess I would say that HGTV has changed my outlook a bit.

I am curious, is it changing Buyers and Sellers thoughts of what to expect in the real world?   

Carol-Ann Palmieri

Al and Cal Realty Group

www.FranklinMAAreaHomes.com

Cal@AlandCal.com

508-494-9061