In November of 2006, when I was close to completing the course work for my real estate license, I began interviewing at different agencies.
When I came in to the office where I currently work , Century 21 Towne Adams in Waco Texas, the first question he asked me is " Can you speak Spanish?". Regretfully, I do not. My high school did not offer any foreign languages. When I started college I tried Spanish, but dropped it after two weeks because it was obvious I was not going to pass it. Next I tried German, with the same result. On the advice of a very helpful dean I took sign language and passed. Of couse that was 12 years ago and I have now forgotten it because I didn't use it.
But that is beside the point. He would give anything for an agent who can speak Spanish. Last fall we thought we had one. A girl who had just finished her course work and was ready to take her licensing exam. But she decided to go to college for 2 more years and get a Bachelors.
I was talking to an agent from another agency recently and she said the only one doing well in her office was a girl who spoke Spanish.
I realized how important it is a few days ago when I was researching the hispanic demographics of my area for a client moving here from out of state. People of hispanic origin now compose over 17 % of the population of Mclennan county, or about 38,000 people .
Here is a quick glance at statistics provided by the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce:
Mclennan county Hispanic pop: 17.9% (38,233)
Waco:23.6%(26,885)
Beverly Hills 44% (936)
Bellmead 23.8% (2195)
Hewitt 9.3% (1029)
Lacy-Lakeview 16.3% (940)
Mcgregor 27.3% (1289)
Robinson 9% (706)
Woodway 3.8% (330)
The sad part is that there are 22 thousand school age children of Hispanic origin NOT enrolled in school.
With the Hispanic population of America growing rapidly, especially here in Texas, it is going to become increasingly important to speak Spanish. So I have been checking out classes at the local community college and programs at the book stores. I am going to start working on it. Hasta Luego!
Century 21 Towne Adams is hosting a FREE Homebuyers Seminar on Tuesday April 22 at 7:00 p.m. at the Home Abstract and Title office at 1508 North Valley Mills Drive. Broker Towne Adams will explain the buying process and why now is the time to buy. Contact his office at 254-755-0021 or www.TowneAdams.com or e-mail at Towne.Adams@Century21.com.
Glenn Cannon from Farmer Insurance will explain homeowners insurance, how rates are determined and the different types of coverage. If you want information you can contact him at 254-722-5507 or www.farmersagent.com/gcannon.
Tim Holtkamp from Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. will also be on hand to discuss the different types of mortgages and help people get pre-qualified. he can be contacted at 254-662-2222 or tim@hloan.biz.
Child care and refreshments will be provided.
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When I was in college, one of my professors once called me unflappable because I handled sudden problems calmly and didn't get stressed out. Finding a home for you and your pet.
We're home!
I have made the move! I have joined Keller-Williams in Waco! It is GREAT. Everyone has so much energy and enthusiasm. We are a full service real estate company, and I can help you with all your real estate needs. Specializing in the Mountainview neighborhood. I belong to the Mountainview Neighborhood Association and the Mountainview Elementary PTA. I have become so involved because I live in the Mountainview area and have a son who attends Mountainview Elementary!
I will be the hardest-working Realtor you will ever hire, guaranteed. I keep in constant touch with all parties in a transaction in an effort to eliminate problems before they get too big to handle.
For sellers, I offer my "fluff and flush" service. If a listing is vacant, I go by once a week and straighten my sign. My personal pet peeve is a crooked, falling down sign, I have been known to stop and straighten other realtors signs for them! I also flush the toilet, wipe the counters and sweep if needed so the home looks it's best for showings.
I also call my sellers on Monday mornings to update them on any activity in the last week and let them know what I am doing to get their home sold.
I also have a marketing system called "Talking House". It an electonic box I place in a listing with a recording of information about the property. I then put a sign in the yard telling potential buyers a radio station they can tune into to listen to the recording. Much better than a flyer, and it doesn't get ruined in the rain!
I have been in real estate 2 years, and in September 2008 earned the Affordable Houseing Specialist Designation from the Texas Association of Realtors.
I am a member of the Waco, Texas and National Associations of Realtors. I am on the education committee of the Waco Association of Realtors.
Besides helping people with their real estate needs, I support Fuzzy Friends Animal Rescue, a no kill shelter in Waco, by donating 10% of my commissions to them. I love animals. I 3 cats and a fish.
I have lived in the Waco area for over 20 years. My husband Larry and I have been married over 10 years. We have a son, Jonathan, who loves t-ball and is active in Cub Scouts. Daddy is his cub scout leader. I don't know who has more fun, the big kid or the little one! I have an Associate Degree from Mclennan Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Broadcast Management from Baylor.
Before getting in to real estate in March 2007, I worked in the retail industry most of my life and have learned the importance of good customer service. My husband and I bought a home in 2003, and I love helping others experience that great feeling of home ownership! That is why I especially like working with First Time Homebuyers.
"Thank You for everything you have done." Card sent with flowers by George and Kimberly Smiledge. November 2008.
Ann, Thanks for all your help. You've gone above and beyond your obligation.
Sharla Chambers, 12.30. 2008
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