I'm one of those people who checks things out online BEFORE I go. Why not? I figure there is more to be gained from taking advantage of the benefit of other people's experiences before spending the gas, time and money to discover the truth myself. Apparently, there are a lot of folks like me.
Did you know that the according to Wikepedia, the first ratings site was created by Michael Hussey and called 'RateMyFace.com. I was intrigued to discover that ratings sites started out as dating sites for the most part and evolved over time to include all sorts of other services, including sites rating professionals such as lawyers, doctors and teachers.
It was also interesting to learn from this book about the founding of Facebook that this popular site also had a ratings component behind it's inspiration. It's founders envisioned it as tool to enhance their social/dating scene during the college experience at an Ivy league school.
Today, the concept of consumers determining the Value of a product or service through ratings is quickly developing a huge cache in terms of credibility. People trust what other people have to say about something, even more than the owner or creator of the product.
The viral nature of social media has accelerated the trend. In Grand Rapids, the concept of ratings by a community took a giant leap forward through the launching of Art Prize this fall. Artists from all over the world will be displaying their work from September 23 through October 10, 2009 in venues throughout the city. The winner of the Art Prize ($250,000) will be decided on by...you guessed it, members of the public who register to vote!
This is why I find it especially intriguing that a Google search for the term 'Rating Services for Realtors' with a hit total of approximately 2 Million, does not highlight a single comprehensive ratings database for real estate professionals or their services on the first 2 pages! A perplexed consumer asks the question on Ask.com... wondering WHY one can find information on a number of other professions, but not a comprehensive database for Realtors?
There are a few associations which are exploring the utilization of a Ratings Service such as the Houston Association of Realtors®, but these are few and far between. It might also interest you to know that the Google search results for Rate your Realtor number 13,000,000! Some of the sites on the first page are powered by consumer generated content and data exchanges. This is something consumers want, are searching for...and may ultimately successfully create for themselves.
And it won't just be about Realtors®. Can you foresee a time in the near future in which community ratings will play a bigger part of defining the value of any particular area? Today, Walkability scores for neighborhoods are increasingly a part of the data supplied to prospective new home owners on some aggregate databases.
The list of options which consumers might be interested in about a community is potentially endless...think school ratings, environmental awareness, diversity, employment opportunities, medical services. From a consumer perspective, it would be helpful to be able to download a comprehensive profile of a community, then select the issues that were most important and see what others are saying or not saying in one place. What do you think? Are Realtors® missing the boat by their lack of proactivity in this area?
Picture courtesy of Wolfgang Staudts' photostream on flickr
This has been one of the oddest summers I've ever experienced in West Michigan. July has been mild and temperate. Sometimes, it's actually felt more like spring sweater weather. I haven't minded too much because fall is my all time favorite season of the year. The flowers seem to love the weather too. The rainfall and moderate sunshine has allowed to them to bloom beautifully. Mother Nature seems to enjoy challenging our expectations from time to time.
Copyright 2009 Audu Real Estate All Rights Reserved
Several months ago, I was sitting in a real estate class when the instructor asked a question:
What's going to happen on June 30,2009?
The crowd of real estate brokers looked around at each other perplexed. You could see folks turning over their mental inventory trying to figure out what we had all missed.
Finally he broke the suspense and told us...'There will be the most lucrative turnover of real estate inventory in history. The number of real estate listings which will expire coupled with the impetuous for using the $8,000 tax credit will place those who take listings on July 1st in a very strong position for the remainder of the year!'
Well, in June, we witnessed a significant reduction in housing inventory in the West Michigan area as homes which had been on the market for what seemed like forever began to move off the shelf in a rapid fashion. Yeah! And as we've been getting the word out that it's time to list your home...the tide seems to be stabilizing and may be shifting as home prices begin to inch up and inventory levels are shrinking for the first time in a couple of years.
So, hence we present to you our latest "Just In Time Listing" 6471 Avalon Dr. SE, Caledonia MI 49316. It's on the market "Just In Time" to take full advantage of this evolving series of events and "Just In Time" for new home buyers to get in before school starts and/or the Tax Credit incentive ends.
This better than new home, built in 2007 features all the things that we love about new homes without the hassle of getting the new home kinks out. There are 4 bedrooms, including a surprisingly large master bedroom suite, a living room with a fireplace and a dining area large enough to have Thanksgiving for 16! All this for $170,000! What's not to love. If you're a first time home buyer, you can check out the $8,000 Tax Credit. Plus, because of the area, this home qualifies for the Rural Home Development Program which can get you in for under $1,000 if your income qualifies. Give us a call at 616-791-0511 to find out more. info@auduhomes.com
Correction: This home does NOT qualify for the Rural Home Development Program area boundares. 7/30/2009
I just read an interesting article from our local newspaper about a church in the Grand Rapids, Mi area which is using Twitter broadcasts during the sermon to enlarge the conversation of faith amongst followers. Fascinating!
Leaves me wondering 'What Would Jesus Do?' if he lived in our global culture today? In his day, he preached sermons on mountains and from a boat adrift on the shoreline to amplify his message to crowds. So, would this be a medium he would embrace?
Jesus was a master of communication and chose to use simple stories and parables which captivated the imagination to lead people into a deeper relationship with God. This was in stark contrast to the teaching of the religious leaders of the day whose descent into the minutiae of the law complicated life.
Does a tool like Twitter have the ability to simplify profound truths into small bite sized pieces that people can readily absorb? Or is there a risk that profound truths will be diluted and manipulated in ways that minimize the power of the message?
Interested in knowing...how is your church or religious organization responding to the use of social media? Is it considered a welcome tool or a threat?
Twitter follow picture courtesy of szlea on flickr
Grand Rapids, MI agents don't have to wait for the yearly announcement of the 'Good Neighbor Award' to
support and celebrate one of our own local Realtors®. It's wonderful to live in a community in which so many individuals give of their time and talents to serve our local community.
And then, there are some agents like Sue Prins, a real estate agent with Five Star Real Estate, who stretch arms of compassion across the globe to touch the lives of those who are less fortunate.
I recently completed a transaction with Sue; one which took about 3 months to negotiate. It was really refreshing to work with a professional. One of the unanticipated results of our 'extended deal' was that I became aware of Sue's interest in helping people in an impoverished area of South Africa become self-sustaining by starting a business. The initiative is Vox Threads.
Here's a few excerpts from Sue's letter about the project:
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Grand Rapids, Michigan Real Estate including information on local real estate market conditions and insights from Lola Audu ~l Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate Broker.
Lola Audu, CRS GRI
Associate Real Estate Broker & Owner Audu Real Estate
, Grand Rapids, Michigan
I have been a Realtor since 1995 and have had the opportunity to meet and assist hundreds of families and individuals. Over 95 percent of my clients hear about me from a friend or family member. I don't believe in a cookie cutter approach, rather I think that each transaction should be handled the way a skilled tailor would fashion a suit made to fit.
I have travelled extensively within the United States and several countries. My background in an international community exposed me to individuals from all over the world. As our nation becomes increasingly diverse, this wonderful opportunity I have to live, work, play and gain knowledge about all God's children is a gift I celebrate every day!
*Lola has written and taught a variety of courses. View her Training courses on-line....
An important professional development this year is the opening of our new real estate agency, Audu Real Estate. We've outgrown our previous location and will be moving to a brand new refurbished office on the corner of Alpine and 4 Milejust behind our current office. The address is 3659 Alpine Our office suite is adjacent to Audu Engineering Consultants, a full service civil enginering firm. Audu Engineering Consultants also provides structural services and design consultation for subdivision developers which enhances the options available to our investor clients.
Our team currently has full-time real estate specialists who work with several auxiliary consultants in the lending and inspection industry and strive to provide memorable, grace-filled real estate transactions to our clients, their family and friends. Each Client Specialist at Audu Real Estate commits to a rigorous on-going program of training and personal development. "On Track for Success" our agent training program is a 1-2 year long apprenticeship to ensure that the skill and art required to become a professional real estate practitioner are mastered.
As Internet savvy real estate professionals, we utilize the power of blogs and online professional networking to enhance the flow of information about the housing market in Grand Rapids, Mi and to market the homes we represent. Because we embraced this emerging technology early, our clients receive are kept abreast of the latest developments which are impacting the purchase or sale of a home.
This commitment to excellence and dedication to our clients is expressed daily in follow-up, follow-through and results! Meeting and exceeding your expectations means that home sellers and home purchasers receive extensive research for their homes and several have received multiple offers on homes listed for sale this year; one of the most challenging markets our local area has ever experienced!
Audu Real Estate: How We do Things Differently.
In addition to assisting sellers with selling their homes and assisting buyers with their home purchase, we offer a number of specialized unique services and products which include:
1. Staging your Home for Success
We provide staging expertise to help you make your home a memorable showing experience for potential home buyers and their real estate agents. We have access to a number of individuals who have extensive experience in interior design and home accessorizing. The service of staging can cost several hundreds of dollars, but there are indications that a properly staged home nets 7-13% More than a home which is not staged. This service is FREE to our clients. To learn more....
2. E-Neighborhood Reports- FREE to our Seller & Buyer Clients
An E-Neighborhood Report is a detailed 15-30 page report about the neighborhood including recent sales, types of financing, community demographics, types of homes and much more! We also make this informative report available to buyers to compare up to 4 DIFFERENT communities before making an important investment decision. The E-Neighborhood neighborhood analysis is combined with a Professionally prepared Comparative Market Analysis to focus on homes which are most like yours in your community. The benefits of understanding these facts prior to listing or purchasing a home are important in protecting your home equity. To learn more...
3. Broker is also a trained Loan Originator and has processed closed loans
We are Realtors and this is by choice. But as the mortgage industry has expanded in recent years, it became clear that we needed to have more understanding in this area for the benefit of serving our clients. We are able to provide assistance to clients in selecting the right loan and reviewing options for financing. The Broker's knowledge of financing has helped clients make wise choices in a number of different situations including re-financing a home, negotiating short sales with banks and comparing different mortgage programs. We will work to create a cooperative working arrangement with any Mortgage lender the buyer selects and monitor the transaction to ensure a smooth closing.
4. Experience with Relocation and Sales nationwide and internationally
We have closed transactions with clients in a number of states and have worked with clients who have been relocated or been on assignment overseas during the process of transaction. Lola Audu's cross-cultural experience in living and visiting several countries on three continents gives her a window to the world and this appreciation and dexterity enables us to provide an understanding environment which is sensitive to the unique challenges of differences in backgrounds and culture. We serve and honor the dignity of the human soul and that transcends culture.
5. Foreclosure & Short Sale Negotiation
For Homeowners...
We have successfully negotiated and assisted many clients through the bewildering and disheartening process that often accompanies the unfortunate circumstances which may necessitate a short sale. Our focus and energy is directed in giving sound counsel and providing clarity. We understand that by the time a short sale or foreclosure is necessary, people are drained on a number of different levels. Our goal is to provide the information & support to get the home sold and whenever possible avoid more trauma.
For Home Buyers...
Grand Rapids, Michigan has recently gained national recognition as being one of the most affordable places to live in the United States. This is a solid community and Investors are beginning to appreciate the opportunities that exist here. If you are interested in investing in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, this is an excellent time to be a buyer. We provide a number of services and referrals for Investor clients.
Get Free List of Forclosures in West Michigan and surrounding communities....
6. Thoroughly Well Trained Agents
Every new agent with Audu Real Estate is enrolled in a 1-2 year apprenticeship. In addition to weekly educational classes, agents are required to complete assignments and work with a skilled Mentor to develop their skill set. All contracts are reviewed by the Mentor. Because we know that we can't improve or correct what we do not know, ALL clients are given an opportunity to grade our agent experience. Compliments our agents have received can be viewed here. You can also see Examples of Class Selections and Training offered through Audu Real Estate including our NEW 2007 Learning Series.
7. Negotiation of Transaction & follow-up Through to Closing
We present all offers and include a Net Sheet. There is NEVER a surprise about the proceeds at a closing. Negotation is a skill set and an art form. It requires an understanding of legal implications and an ability to protect and enhance a clients options and position. The real estate transaction is inherently adversarial. Both parties aim to get the best deal possible. We don't think this necessitates enmity. Our aim is to ensure a fair and good result for our clients. We know that our reputation for fairness and competence benfits our clients and their real estate concerns.
When you're ready, Use this Site to Search for Homes in Various Local Grand Rapids Area School Districts....
Search the Local MLS for Homes in Byron Center School District,Allendale School District,
Cedar Springs School District, Caledonia School District
Comstock Park School District, East Grand Rapids School District
Forest Hills School District,Grand Rapids School District
Grandville School District,Wyoming School District
8. Other Stuff...
Yes, there are all sorts of things that we do to serve our clients. First of all, it is our sincere desire to build friendships, not just sell homes. We take the time to really listen and seek to understand. We keep in touch, not just because it is our job, but because we want our clients to be informed participants in the process and we also enjoy touching base. We've assisted with arrangements for cleaning, moving unwanted debris, shoveled snow, made a bed, done some dishes. But, what's this amongst friends! Lastly, we know that no one is introduced to our practice by accident. We strive to discern the true reason for the encounters we experience. Our weekly prayer focus for each client is for God's blessing in their lives in the way they need it most. Sometimes, this may be the greatest service we give.
BLOG DISCLAIMER
The information contained in the articles on this blog is the property of Audu Real Estate. Comments posted in response to individual blog posts are the opinions of the respondents. Audu Real Estate is not responsible for the opinions, thoughts or ideas expressed by visitors to this blog nor for any liability for any damages or losses direct or indirect that may result from the
use or reliance on information contained herein. The information provided is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This blog is provided for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to contact a real estate professional for specific counsel related to their individual real estate needs.
Recent testimonial-- 2008
January 21, 2008
To Whom It May Concern:
After my husband got a new job, we needed to move. Having been married just over a year, we were not planning to become homeowners so soon, but seeing that the market seemed to favor buyers, we decided to look into purchasing our first home. We received a personal referral from a close friend to consider Audu Real Estate. After our initial meeting with Lola Audu, we knew we had found the right real estate agency.
Lola was very personable and genuinely interested in our needs. She asked us what kind of things we were looking for in a home, but she also asked us what our personal interests were and where we saw ourselves in the future. We enjoyed the conversation and were impressed by the holistic approach that Lola took. In addition she explained many of the home buying process basics. Click here to continue reading...
Dear Renee & Lola
I wanted to write a quick note and thank you BOTH for all the love and concern and just plain WORK you put into our journey of finding the "right" owner for my folks home these last 6 months.
I was pleased from beginning to end with everything. It was all handled with such excellence and I am sure quick to refer anyont to your company, Lola :) And thank you for the lovely roses that were delivered to the office on Friday...What a treat!!! You two were the best. Thanks again for everything,
Thank you so-o-o much for your diligence; but most of all for your prayers. Praise God
Flo G.
Dear Lola,
Thank you for taking time for the staging appointment at my folks home. What a neat experience! I learned so much and realized how much you know. Thanks again for being everything God has called you to be.
Love Sue
Dear Lola & Ed,
Thank you for giving us such a smooth closing on the condo. It is always enjoyable to work with professional Realtors like yoursevles.
Best wishes,
Dave
P.S. Let's not wait another 5 years to do another deal!
Things went great! Thank you again.
Rich & Linda
Please visit us on-line at http://www.auduhomes.com/ to view many comments from our clients!
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