Sep. 13, 2008 - Listings & My Commitment to Internet Marketing
I recently wrote a blog to one of my clients that I have the house listed entitled, "Dear Mr. & Mrs. Seller Your  House Hasn't Sold". The purpose of the letter was to let my clients know that the listing agent is ultimately responsible for the sale of the home but the seller also plays a role in making this happen as well. Even the best intentions won't pan out if the seller doesn't go along with the marketing plan. Thankfully, with the help of a post where I solicited advice from Activerainers called Need Listing Advice from opinionated AR Listing Agents-Are you one of them?, I shared the feedback with my client and their willing response to the feedback ultimately allowed me to sell this listing in less than 45 days. If you read the blog you would probably notice that this home sat on the market for over a year before I took over the listing. I asked my client why he chose me to sell his home and he had indicated that he was incredibly impressed with my ability to get the word out through the internet. He wanted to know how I successfully continue to be listed at the top of the rankings in my area and have such high search results on the major search engines - Google, Yahoo, and MSN to name a few. That said, I read a post by Brian Block's recent post "Preemptive Blogging.....Impress your Sellers with your SEO" and post by Broker Bryant entitled, If you really are "The Expert".....then show them. Push the juice. which has lead me to write my own blog where I show you how internet marketing and search engine optimization has helped me with my business and also pleased my clients. The bottom line - All agents are not created equal and it's an agents job to make sure that the home that your marketing doesn't blend in with all of the rest. You have to make sure your clients home gets the exposure and rises above the other homes in your market.  In addition, I've decided to write another letter that I will use with my sellers in my listing presentations that will demonstrate how successful my strategy has been. The results are out there - it would be CRAZY for me not to demonstrate my talents and marketing abilities.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Need T. Sell, It was a pleasure speaking with you earlier today and I am looking forward to meeting with you tomorrow to get your property on the market. I will send over a preliminary Market Analysis later but thought it would be helpful to you if you did a little research on me first. I just know that you're the type that does your homework. Here are some links that will give you a great idea of who I am and how I handle my business. They will also give you a sampling of how your property will be displayed on the Internet. So click away and enjoy. OK here goes: My web site: My blog sites: A little personal info on me: Top Searches in the Cary real estate market: Top Searches for Cary NC Real Estate Agent: Fonville Morisey searches and comparisons: Top Bloggers in Cary: Internet Ads: Realtor.com Enhanced Listings - Only agents that buy an "Enhanced Listing" package are able to write descriptive information on their properties. I have the ability to Enhance My Listings, Ad Banners, and customize the content readers see online. Realtor.com is the #1 site for Homebuyers. Why go with an agent that doesn't offer this service.
Why Fonville Morisey? If you are thinking about selling your house in the Triangle area in 2008 keep this in mind: Just think about the fact that over 80% of prospective buyers start their home search on the internet. If you sell your home with me you will receive maximum exposure on all the major search engines, Craigslist, and other mediums. In addition, I will make sure that all of the Marketing that I do on your home online will be syndicated to other content providers like oodle, vast, hotproperties, and others sen below. Your property will receive the exposure needed to sell your home in record time. 
If you area an Activerain Member keep this in mind: In 2008 you will want to use the tools that you have learned through Activerain, ePro, and others to let others know the good news about you and your business. 
Related Posts: Multiple offers in a Buyers Market & the New North Carolina Rules Fonville Morisey Listing Agent>>First Impressions Mean Everything To Buyers, Especially During the Holidays Why choose Fonville Morisey for your next Realtor® in the Triangle Area?
|
Comments (0) :: Post A Comment! :: Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Cary Nc Real Estate, Fonville Morisey Listing Agent, Cary Nc Real Estate Blog
|
Sep. 1, 2008 - Multiple offers in a Buyers Market
Multiple offers in a Buyers Market. Really? REALLY! When was the last time you heard this kind of music? Of course I was headed out of town this weekend when a listing that I am co-listing received a number of showings and rumbles of multiple offers within the first 72 hours. Even though we are in a buyers market if the property is less than $400k, looks good, and is in a great location you can still expect to see multiple offers. I just attended the North Carolina Real Estate contract update in July and knew there had been some changes in this area to level the playing field for the buyers. In the past the SELLER was in the driver seat. Broker Bryant wrote a great blog on multiple offers called Liar, liar pants on fire. Not me!! that describes the disclosures from the National Association of Realtors and some strategies on negotiation which I leaned on during the process. Just to reiterate those standards of practice I have included them here. Code of Ethics Standard of Practice 1-15 REALTORS®, in response to inquiries from buyers or cooperating brokers shall, with the sellers' approval, disclose the existence of offers on the property. Where disclosure is authorized, REALTORS® shall also disclose whether offers were obtained by the listing licensee, another licensee in the listing firm, or by a cooperating broker. (Adopted 1/03, Amended 1/06)) Standard of Practice 3-6 REALTORS® shall disclose the existence of accepted offers, including offers with unresolved contingencies, to any broker seeking cooperation. (Adopted 5/86, Amended 1/04) Now fast forward to North Carolina's new interpretation of the North Carolina Offer to Purchase: A broker shall NOT DISCLOSE the price or other material terms contained in a party's offer to purchase, sell, lease, rent, or to option real property to a competing party without the express authority of the offering party. The bottom line - The NCAR wants to make sure that, in a multiple offer situation, if one knows then all should know. Sharon and I agreed that it would be best to send an email(the same email) to all parties communicating the fact that we had a multiple offer situation, some very strong offers, and to submit all offers by 3pm on Sunday in order for our Seller to make their decision. It's a tricky situation, and I don't know what the rules are in your state, but my job is to get the highest price possible for my clients and the best terms possible. Based on our negotiations of this offer I believe we acted in the best interest of our sellers. Just keep in mind as we transition to the new North Carolina contracts that the rules have changed and they give the buyers more control of a multiple offer situation.
|
Comments (0) :: Post A Comment! :: Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Multiple Offers
|
Jul. 2, 2008 - Priced to sell or priced to sit - That is the question
Today I met with clients to discuss Marketing their property. I must admit the home was absolutely fabulous(custom built in 2005) and they had done some incredible updates to the home such as: - Plantation Shutters
- Added a coiffered ceiling in the downstairs formal living room
- Wet bar in the bonus room
- Dual Zone surround sound
- Hired an interior designer and custom painted the walls throughout the home
- Gourmet kitchen
- Office on the 1st Floor
- Added fabulous landscaping
- 10 Foot Ceilings on the 1st Floor
- 9 Foot Ceilings on the 2nd, except a 2nd bedroom w/12 foot ceilings
That said, my potential clients needed to understand the reality of the Triangle Luxury Home market. I have other  Luxury Home listings currently and they are truely a challenge. Why would this lovely home be such a challenge going into the peak selling season? - There are 33 Active Listings in the Neighborhood. The sister neighborhood has 26 specs going on the market just this month.
- The New Homes are offering a $16,000 incentive for membership to Cary's premier Country Club
- Inventory in this segment in Cary has grown over 30% in one year
- Supply of homes between $500-$600k is 22 months and growing
- Market share for luxury homes is substantially lower than N. Raleigh(32% vs 17% in Cary)
Pricing Discussion: - Because of all of the new construction there were plenty of comparables.
- The clients big concern is that I didn't look at comparables on the side of the neighborhood that didn't back to I-540.
- All of my comps were on the "resale" side which were substantially lower than the new construction.
- My clients wanted to price their home at the same price with homes that had 500 square feet larger, have an extra garage, and an extra bathroom.
 What would you do if you were in my shoes? Would you take the listing or wait until the home doesn't sell and let them call you for Round 2? Take a walk in my shoes for the moment.
|
Comments (0) :: Post A Comment! :: Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Cary Nc Listing Agent, Fonville Morisey Listing Agent, Cary Nc Real Estate
|
Jul. 1, 2008 - Why choose Fonville Morisey for your next Realtor® in the Triangle Area?
 If you are moving to the Triangle from another area of the country you may not have heard of the company I work for Fonville Morisey. Most of the time prospective clients have heard of Remax, Keller Williams, and Prudential, but not Fonville Morisey. My clients come from all over the US and ask me, "Why did you choose to work for Fonville Morisey?" I say, "I wouldn't even think of working for any other real estate company in the Triangle and I think you'll see why once we view a view properties". Here is the way I see it-there is power to inventory and Fonville Morisey agents have more listings & are more productive than any of the other companies in the area. In essence, strong inventory naturally creates a If you haven't made it to the Triangle yet, and you're still debating on an agent or a company to work with, I'd  like to tell you why my company is the real estate agency of choice in the Triangle! strong pool of buyers. Fonville Morisey's market share and real estate philosophy are why I decided to work for Fonville Morisey.
For starters, where in the world did the name Fonville Morisey come from? Back in the early ‘70s a couple of fraternity brothers saw the Triangle growing at a fast paced and decided to start a new firm in the area. The gentlemen that founded the company were Tommy Fonville, Johnny Morisey, and Frank Roebuck. Their vision was to create a "boutique" real estate organization that would specialize in the Triangle area and provide differentiated services unlike those of their competitors across the country. The vision, the integrity, and the reputation created by the founders led the company from a small privately held organization to the #41 ranked real estate firm in the country in 2006. And, in 2007, Long and Foster purchased Fonville Morisey as a wholey owned subsidiary making our firm party to the #3 largest real estate company in the US. As those from the Northeast know, Long & Foster is also privately held which was an important decision making factor for the companies' founders when selling the firm.  More than just market share, Fonville Morisey has been the recipient of several awards that have been voted on by buyers and sellers in the community. For example, 2006, 2008 Independent Awards for Best Real Estate Company in the Triangle. And, Metro Magazine's 2006 Award for Best Real Estate Company in the Triangle. Clients choose agents for different reasons, usually based on interests, personal preferences,agent specialization, and the need to work with an experienced/established agent. The following links give you a glimpse about me and why clients have chosen Fonville Morisey & me as their agent: My website About Tracy Santrock Testimonials for Tracy Santrock Fonville Morisey Buyer Agency - The Advantages of Using a Buyers Agent Cary NC Real Estate>>1st Time Homebuyer's Online Toolkit Listings & My Commitment to Internet Marketing - Updated Why choose Cary NC for your next home? Letter to my prospective clients... 
|
Comments (0) :: Post A Comment! :: Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Cary Nc Real Estate Agent, Fonville Morisey Top Producer, Fonville Morisey Buyers Agent
|
Mar. 21, 2007 - New Listing Tool For My Website
I have just experimented with a new listing tool thanks to an agent with a business network that I am involved in called Active Rain. This tool allows me to post listings that I have available for a nominal charge. I'm really excited about the opportunity to publish my listings in this new and creative way. It's called vFlyer. Check it out if you're an agent and want to get creative! This is just a sampling to start. I'm going to work with my webmaster to upload all of my listings.
|
Comments (0) :: Post A Comment! :: Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Tools To Sell Your House, Online Home Marketing
|
Sep. 24, 2006 - Prepare Your Home Wisely For Old Man Winter
I know it doesn't feel like winter yet, but it is right around the corner. Although it doesn't get too cold hear in North Carolina it doesn't hurt to be prepared for a long winter season. Ice, snow and wind can have devastating consequences on the coziest of homes.
Several experts have recommended the following precautions for your home during the winter months:
-
Maintain gutters. Remove leaves, acorns, sticks and other debris from gutters, so melting snow and ice can flow freely. This can prevent ice damming - a condition where water is unable to properly drain through the gutters and instead seeps into the house causing water to drip from the ceiling and walls. You may also consider installing "gutter guards." Available in most hardware and home stores, gutter guards are screens that prevent debris from entering the gutter and direct the flow of water away from the house and into the ground.
- Trim trees and remove dead branches. Ice, snow and wind could cause weak trees or branches to break - damaging your home, car or injuring someone walking on your property.
- Check insulation. Add extra insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. If too much heat escapes through the attic it can cause snow or ice to melt on the roof. The water re-freezes causing more snow and ice to build up. This can result in a collapsed roof, and can contribute to ice damming. Ideally, the attic should be five to ten degrees warmer than the outside air. Well-insulated basements and crawl spaces will also help protect pipes from freezing.
- Maintain pipes. Wrap pipes with heating tape and insulate unfinished rooms such as garages that frequently have exposed pipes. Also, check for cracks and leaks. Have them repaired immediately to prevent much costlier repairs.
- Keep the House Warm. The temperature in the home should be at least 65 degrees. The temperature inside the walls where the pipes are located is substantially colder than the walls themselves. A temperature lower than 65 degrees will not keep the pipes from freezing.
- Check heating systems. The proper use and maintenance of furnaces, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves can prevent fire and smoke damage. Have furnaces, boilers and chimneys serviced at least once a year. Make sure that smoke and fire alarms are working properly and consider installing a carbon dioxide detector.
- Make sure steps and handrails are in good shape. Broken stairs and banisters can become lethal when covered with snow and ice. Make repairs now to prevent someone from falling and seriously being injured.
- Get to know your plumbing. Learn how to shut the water off and know where your pipes are located. If your pipes do freeze, time is of the essence. The quicker you can shut off the water or direct your plumber to the problem, the better chance you have to prevent the pipes from bursting.
- Hire a licensed contractor. Have a professional survey your home for any structural damage. If damage is discovered, have it repaired now so further damage will not occur during the winter. Also, find out about ways to prevent water damage due to snow-related flooding. Plastic coatings for internal basement walls, sump pumps and other methods can prevent damage to your home and belongings.
- Take special care if you plan to be away from home. If you are not going to be in your home this winter for an extended period of time, have the water system drained by a professional to keep pipes from freezing or bursting. Also, hire someone to check on your home on a regular basis. If there is a problem, it can be fixed quickly - lessening any damage. Activity at your home will also reduce the likelihood that it will be burglarized.
- Standard homeowners policies cover winter-related disasters such as burst pipes, ice dams, wind damage caused by weight of ice or snow.
- Damage to homes caused by flooding is usually excluded from most standard homeowner policies. Flood insurance is available from the National Flood Insurance Program. Ask your insurance professional about flood insurance, as well as specific advice about winter-proofing your home.
|
Comments (0) :: Post A Comment! :: Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Winterizing Your Home, Tips For Your Home, Home Improvement, Raleigh Real Estate, Cary Real Estate
|
Sep. 6, 2006 - What Your Should Do Now if You Plan on Selling This Fall
 Home sales during the fall are traditionally a bit slower than the frenzied spring and summer months. But fall can be a good time to sell because there are (usually) fewer houses on the market - meaning less competition - and buyers typically want to buy quickly before winter and the holidays set in.
If you plan on selling this fall, you'll want to do everything in your power to attract would-be homebuyers. One of the first things you should do is examine, and, if needed, repair any major structural systems. If you're unaware of any, you may want to hire a professional home inspector. Chances are a potential buyer will hire an inspector to examine the house, so you might as well save yourself any surprises down the road.
The American Society of Home Inspectors says a typical home inspection includes drainage conditions, exterior surfaces, decks, chimney, the roof, windows, doors, plumbing fixtures, furnace, air conditioner, insulation, ventilation, electrical, heating, and plumbing systems.
Once that's done, you should make sure you don't have any loose shingles. Repair and paint your gutters, if needed. Once the structural systems are repaired or given the thumbs-up, then you should turn to appearance.
And when it comes to looks, if you're selling in the fall, there are many things to consider, including:
Curb appeal. In other words, the way your house looks from the street - the roof's condition, how the paint is holding up, whether the windows are sparkling, the lawn is mowed, the landscape is attractive and not buried beneath a peppering of fall leaves, and the driveway and walkways are free from toys and clutter.
Entering the house. Your front door should be in good condition. Usually when the real estate professional is busy retrieving the key from the lock box, the potential buyers are standing by with nothing else to look at but the front door. Does it need painting or staining? Also, new hardware will make it stand out, and why not adorn it with a seasonal fall wreath?
Once inside your house, the two things that immediately turn off prospective buyers are dingy walls and dirty, ill-colored, outdated, or shabby carpet. Sometimes it's hard to be objective about the condition of your own house because you see it every day, so ask a friend, neighbor, or your real estate agent to give it a look and give you their honest opinion. Fresh paint can do wonders. Keep the colors neutral. And while you can offer buyers a carpet allowance to compensate for bad carpet, replacing it before selling really boosts that first impression and makes the house more appealing and worth more in the buyer's mind.
Clear the clutter. If you have too much furniture, put some of it in storage. Fewer pieces of furniture will make the room seem larger and more open. Also, clear counters in the kitchen and bathrooms. Make sure closets are clean. Pack up some of your clothes now. Fewer hanging clothes in the closet will make the closet appear bigger.
Talk to the professionals. Now's also a good time to interview real estate professionals. Ask about their experience, find out how well they know the area you're eyeing, and talk to references. Once you have someone lined up you can follow his or her additional recommendations and begin the final phases of preparation before your house goes on the market.
Finally, you should be mindful of setting a competitive price. Your REALTOR® will begin by conducting a competitive market analysis of your house and give you an estimate of the fair market value of your home, which is a range that will fluctuate depending on the housing market in your area and how much similar homes in your neighborhood are selling for.
Don't insist on setting the price too high, especially if you're on a timeline. A house priced appropriately will be taken more seriously and will ultimately sell more quickly than one that's overpriced.
|
Comments (0) :: Post A Comment! :: Permanent Link
View more entries tagged with: Selling Your Home In The Fall, Selling Advice, Cary Real Estate, Raleigh Real Estate, Cary Homes, Cary New Homes, Homes In Cary
|
|
Welcome to my blog on Raleigh-Cary and the Triangle area of NC Real Estate. Here you can read current information on the Triangle area including neighborhood profiles, school information, taxes, market conditions, and even find things to do in the Triangle.
Links
• Home
• View my profile
• Archives
• Email Me
• Blog Manager
|
RSS Blog Feed