Archives

August 2008

Sarcasm Wins Business

Posted at 12:33 PM, Aug. 8, 2008

OK . . .so I've been feeling like a beaten down rag doll in this market. I've screamed, I've cried, I've quit, I've had a mental breakdown, and then I laughed and took a break.

I started venting with a great friend and fellow realtor and I thought of how funny it would be to post a role-play you tube video of all the things I'd LOVE to say to clients or unprofressional realtors (unprofessional? No, Really?) from time to time.

"Oh really, you don't say...hmmm, your house has been on the market for TWO MONTHS and you've had NO offers, eh? And, you say it's your realtor's fault, hmmmm. Well, MAYBE you shouldn't have bought a house you couldn't afford two years ago and now you're asking TOO MUCH MONEY. MAYBE, it's because your lazy *butt* won't get off the couch and clean it up a bit so it doesn't smell like dog *pee* and look like a tornado hit. MAYBE it's because you're expecting a *darn* miracle from an elf named Sam."

The *words* signify a clean version of what I'd like to say so you can fill in the blanks with your word of choice. wink wink

So, in the end -I have a funny tshirt company and decided to print a few of my sentiments on the front of a shirt and wear it proudly.

Turns out, they're great conversation starters. Turns out, it's a great way to seem like you're a professional realtor with a great sense of humor in trying to survive the market and people want to work with you.

So, it turns out -it's a great way to get new clients who want to take advantage of a great buying opportunity.

You can order them from my site in assorted colors, styles, shapes and sizes and they're shipped directly to you. If you'd like your logo or name on it -this can be done as well. Just email your logo with company policy approval guidelines if necessary and/or your name to Sales@SnoodyBoody.com. More sayings and designs on the way.

If nothing else, remember to breathe. Remember to laugh. And, if you drink...have one or two or three, but not alone. Start a support group and meet once a week at 5pm...at the bar.

Remember there's more to life so don't forget to LIVE a little. Happy Selling, Colleagues!

Downpayment Assistance for Home Buyers

Posted at 11:44 AM, Aug. 7, 2008

THANK GOODNESS FOR POSITIVE NEWS!!

It's been a busy week! Seller Down Payment Assistance Programs were eliminated by legislation and signed by President Bush on July 30, 2008. July 31, 2008, bill H.R. 6694 was introduced and sponsored by U.S. Rep. Al Green (TX-09).

The bill would remedy a harmful provision in the new housing law which limits homeownership opportunities for low and middle-income Americans. The legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Representatives Gary Miller (CA-42), Maxine Waters (CA-35), and Christopher Shays (CT-4) and reauthorizes and reforms charitable downpayment assistance funded in part by sellers, which has helped over one million families and individuals become homeowners since 1999.

Congratulations! WE DID IT. More than 32,000 Americans have called on Congress and the Bush Administration to preserve charitable downpayment assistance over the past year through phone calls, letters, and emails. They join a broad coalition of supporters, including the National Association of Homebuilders, the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the Congressional Black Caucus, and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

If you haven't yet, I still ENCOURAGE you to visit www.getdownpayment.com and let your voice be heard.

Read More at Ameridream.org. Charitable downpayment assistance funded in part with seller participation has allowed homeownership to grow without using taxpayer dollars. To date, more than one million families and individuals have utilized this downpayment assistance, generating nearly $10 billion in home equity for those families. These working families qualify for FHA insured loans in every respect, but are unable to save the needed downpayment. AmeriDream has provided more than 250,000 gifts to aspiring homeowners, approximately 80% of whom were first-time homebuyers. AmeriDream also has helped educate 60,000 homebuyers through homebuyer education courses, helped 1,200 homeowners retain their homes when confronted with mortgage difficulties, and committed over $30 million to affordable housing development in local communities.

Trends in Housing Design and Features

Posted at 10:30 AM, Aug. 6, 2008

 What's IN and What's OUT

Understanding the current trends and requirements of today's home buyer may help you stage your home better for sale. Consider these new up and coming styles to make your home updated, fresh and desirable to those looking to buy a new home.

What's In

Outdoor Living. Patios, balconies and courtyards are now considered an extension of the home and are viewed as another room in the house. Fireplaces, outdoor kitchens and comfortable outdoor accents and furniture are more popular than ever.

Fully Concealed Appliances. The cabinet fronts and wood-printed covers for the fridge aren't enough. Appliances are now hidden behind hinged doors.

Copper and Bronze Tones. The shimmery metallic finishes are being replaced with softer shades. The built-in refrigerator, oven/stoves, etc.. are outfitted with copper and bronze tones bringing warmth to metallic finishes.

Bathroom Suites. Bathrooms are now multi-functional. We're seeing flat screen t.v.'s, mini fridges, wine fridges, and cappuccino makers! This room will soon have all the funcationality of the entire home!

Freestanding Bathtubs. The claw foot tubs, oversized soaker tubs, or 'bath thrones', have replaced whirlpool baths as the new must-have bathroom piece.

Pet Showers. Clean pets mean clean homes. Who wants to mess up a bathtub when this feature can be added to a garage or outdoor patio area?

What's Out

Living Rooms. This unused room is ceasing to exist. Some floorplans that have the 'living room' space are being turned into game rooms. People are opting for the great room more and more. They'd rather have space in other areas (such as that bathroom suite!)

Cathedral Ceiling Heights. The absurd look and wasted space of 20 ft ceilings in 12x10 rooms is finally wearing on buyers.

Tiny Balconies. Since outdoor living is becoming an extension of indoor living, tiny balconies with room for one chair are worthless.

McMansions. Less is more. Along with the ceiling height, people are not looking at castle size homes like they used to.

With fuel costs rising and a focus on the environment, homeowners have completely redefined the "dream home". High ceilings, huge houses and wasted space just aren't a priority. Saving energy, functionality and warmth are taking a front seat!