Louisiana

Let me say I usually don't toot my own horn, however, if I don't.....who will?

I just returned this past week-end from my family vacation and sitting on my desk upon my return was this:

(Actually a little larger than this)

The Award is for being on pace mid-year to obtain the Oscar award at Century 21 Real Estate Corporation - The Centurion. Agents who close 60 or more properties and/or have AGC of $190K at year end receive this award.

It's not that easy in Central Louisiana to obtain. Needless to say, I don't get the award based on the AGC, I get it on unit count.

As of June 30, 2010 I have closed on over 35 properties, thus The Pacesetter.

To tell you the truth...at first I kind of threw the certificate in a corner. ( I even had to get Kathy to help me find it a little while ago).

Then I started thinking.......SELF.... You have helped over 30 people, families, companies and Churches this year! With everything going on in this nation, that's pretty good!!

We will see what the rest of the year has in store for me. God willing, I will get another Centurion Award.

SELLING YOUR HOME

So it's time to move on. Perhaps you're experiencing a job change, retiring, downsizing, or simply ready for a change of scenery, one thing's for certain - you want to get the best price, with the right terms, and in the time that meets your needs. While you may consider selling a home to be easy work, you should take a moment to ask yourself a few basic questions.

How many homes did you visit and view before purchasing the one you currently own? How many others do you suppose viewed those same homes before a buyer made an offer to purchase? You're probably realizing that the average buyer doesn't fall in love with the first property they visit. Perhaps you need to distance yourself a bit and consider hiring an experienced real estate agent.

Your home is likely the most valuable possession you will ever sell. It requires skill, experience, and a genuine understanding of the real estate market. Your needs would be best served by a REALTOR®, an agent that is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. These licensed professionals possess the training and marketing tools to maximize your return and obtain results.

You've probably heard, "There is a buyer for every home." If you don't have the knowledge or resources to properly position or market your home for sale, that Buyer can be very elusive. One of the first tasks your agent will do is assist you in pricing your home effectively and competitively. Using the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), your agent will perform a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) by surveying homes that are similar to yours. Data will be collected on homes in your neighborhood or area. This will include information on properties that have recently sold, are currently for sale, and the average time homes remained on the market. Your agent will advise you on any additional value, or deficit, of your home's unique features that factor into the equation. They will also suggest a strategy to fetch top dollar in the timeframe that meets your goals.

Once the Listing Agreement is signed, your Agent will develop and produce a comprehensive marketing plan. In addition, he or she will tour your home, offering suggestions to enhance showings and produce a Buyer. Items to consider for repair, painting, cleaning, the removal of clutter, or other improvements will be discussed. Making your home look its very best are part of the services your agent will provide.

After placing the standard "For Sale" sign in the front yard and attaching a lockbox with access keys, your agent will enter information about your home (address, total size, number of rooms, etc.) into the MLS. This will allow other agents to become aware of your property and allow them to bring prospective buyers to view it. Your agent may also schedule networking activities, such as a Broker Open House, to encourage activity.

Additional services your agent may provide include recommending incentive programs that motivate Buyers; providing a home warranty for instance. Screening and qualifying prospective Buyers is another service that will be of value.

Your agent will be your liason with buyers, conveying all offers. Other assistance may include negotiating any repair requests, locating professional service vendors, and preparing you for Closing.

Now that you understand some of the many things a REALTOR® can offer, doesn't it make sense to place the marketing and sale of your home in the hands of a professional? Of course it does!

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Are you considering Selling your Home, Relocating to or from Lafayette, LA or perhaps Downsizing? If you need assistance with Listing and marketing your home for sale, or searching for a home, condo, or townhome in Lafayette, LA or greater Acadiana, contact us! We can help match you with the property that best meets your needs and goals.

We set the standard for exceptional service in Lafayette, Abbeville, Breaux Bridge, Broussard, Carencro, Crowley, New Iberia, Opelousas, Rayne, Scott, St. Martinville, Ville Platte, and Youngsville.

One of the things this economic downturn has forced me to do is put a lid on expenses. If a product/service is not providing a good return on investment out the door she goes! While this process is a little scary, the outcome only works to make my business stronger. Here are a few of the areas I have either scaled back or eliminated this year.

1) Phone Book Ads- Nope, no more, gone. I have dropped this one cold turkey (as has my broker). I just can't imagine that too many QUALIFIED buyers begin they agent hunt in the phone book.

2) Newspaper Ads for Open Houses-- In past times we would take out a color ad for a Sunday open house. Lately we have gone straight to internet and road sign advertising. The jury is still out on this one, I think some buyers still buy a paper when seeking open houses.

3) Combining Trips-- I am the world's worst when it comes to jumping in the Jeep and hand delivering documents. Now I put documents aside and make one trip a day. Many places will accept a fax copy and allow you to mail the originals (cutting out a trip all together).

4) Trinkets-- Pens, pencils, rulers, etc... The budget for said items is now a stately zero bucks. Not sure I ever got anything out of such efforts anyway.

Where have you cut costs??

It's true that baseball may not be the only reason you come out to Bringhurst Field to see the Alexandria Aces play each season. It's great family fun, networking and entertaining for everyone!

Of course it doesn't hurt that the Alexandria Aces are 5 time Champs in their division!

As of mid July our Alexandria Aces are now in first place in the second half of the TCL season. So why not come out and cheer on the Aces as they fight to keep their playoff hopes alive in the second half of the TCL season!

Season Tickets
Reserved Seats $100 Chairback seats with a great view for all home games.
General Admission Seats $100 Sit along the baselines at all home games.
Bonus Book $60 15 undated general admission tickets to be used at your discretion.

Single-Game Tickets
Reserved $6
General Admission (Adults) $5 General Admisstion (Children) $4
Age 5-and-under Free

Great FUN for all! Here is their upcoming schedule: