Personally, I believe that God, the Higher Power cares very much about real estate, where humans are at any given time, even who buys what. That's my belief. You do not have to believe so to be my client, customer, or associate. But, if you ever get the feeling there is a silent third party--you're probably right.
Following are a series of "I" statements minus the "I":
- set myself up to be mobile.
- licensed to work out of my home.
- don't like offices and avoid them until necessary.
- love the outdoors, whether its my front porch, a vacant listing front porch, or working with the beach spread in front of me.
- love soaking in the ambiance of the street my listing (s) are on.
- am compelled to make the most of my time; hence the reason why Verizon Wireless is a welcome and necessary mobile office expense. Anytime I am waiting; I am productive.
All of this to explain why my new, yet unmarketed listing at 3214 12th Street, Gulfport, MS is special. Incidentally, we are not actively marketing this property yet because it had been a rental unit. Our first inspection together as REALTOR®/Broker and sellers gave us a long laundry list of things that should be done before showing the property. So, technically, it is listed to give me the authority to assist them in getting it in shape. They also signed a temporary MLS waiver until we are ready for the critique of savvy buyers and Buyer Agents.
The sellers, thoughtfully have left the electric, gas, and water ON 
. We have stocked comfort items for buyer agents and home hunters (toilet paper, paper towels, chips, bottled water--hey, let's be real. If you have ever taken buyers on a tour of 6 to 8 homes and you have appointments set--sometimes you skip some important things, like pit stops until dire necessity).
I will also put my -Agent on Duty- sign out frequently and encourage anyone in the area in any field of business to drop by, leave business cards and network. HEY--call me: 228-229-9865. I live near by. I can meet you in ten minutes; or if I am task involved--we can make an appointment. I want to build my resource list of plumbers, electricians, handymen, landscaping, home inspectors, lenders, real estate associate licensees. Well, basically any time you meet a person, there's a good reason for it, even if it isn't now.
For fun, I'll let you in on the scene prior to the sellers and I beginning to talk about listing their home. I was sitting on my front porch working out my 2009 plan. I had moments ago made an irrevocable decision to focus with vacant listings under $150K. I further had made a decision to list homes by the quarter calendar period plus the remainder of the current quarter. (That could be anywhere between 1 day less than 6 months to 3 months exactly).
Of course that doesn't mean I won't accept an occupied home listing higher, I simply won't seek them out.
So, my phone rings and a young sounding woman is telling me about a home that she had used as a rental unit and now wanted to sell. I visit the home, ascertained the last renters had been a little tough on the home, snapped some pictures, worked some comps and got back with her.
To shorten the story a bit:-)--We are listing within comparable range and lower than the 2006 appraisal + they are putting a ton of work into it to bring the property back up to marketable condition. (...Please let me attract more sellers like this in 2009). She mentioned in passing that she wanted to turn her listing in 90 days. We agree that they will not have to go below a certain point to do so. (There is always a Plan B)My goodness--they answer my phone calls, emails and listen to me. I am convinced I am blessed!
Click here to visit the listing preview. Or, visit my mini website.
Part of my service for absentee owners is to help coordinate work on the property. So, I have had ample opportunity to work on the front porch at 3214 12th St., Gulfport, MS. I love this street, this neighborhood. Original Gulfport! I had reservations about the home being .15 if a mile from the Island View Casino .The street seems to be low traffic. The loudest sound is from the abundant bird population + the occasional sound of the train about a block north. Plus, you can hear the SeaBee Base's start of day music, including the Star Spangled Banner.
I have talked with several neighbors who claim that "you get used to it". Again, if you want to be near the beach and Beach Boulevard (.20 mile) the Island View Casino, plus being walking distance to banks, attorneys, and various other businesses, the train is a part of "near the beach" lifestyle.
Everyone has been friendly (I tend to wave and speak first:-)). If you want to test it yourself, give me a call.
I almost forgot--what's special about this place? I still can't explain it in a way that someone who hasn't visited will understand. It has quirks that will still be there after the ramp up is complete. Its not purrrfect. It's comfortable, attractive, appealing, inviting, homey.
--that there will be a positive flucuation in land sales and homes below the $130K down. That "gut level feeling" tells me that there are qualified prospective buyers that will simply have to make a decision. If you are in this group--I wish you the best!
