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James Avera

Mobile Alabama's "Hysterical" (AKA Historical) Society is running people out of town!

03-10-09
James Avera

I COMPLETELY understand the reasoning behind having a Architectural Historical Preservation Society as I live in a 115 year old home in the Old Dauphin Way Historic District here in lovely Mobile AL. What I don't understand is the lengths that our historical board will go to, not to mention the resources they spend, in some of the most ridiculous pursuits of adherence to policy I have ever witnessed. Their mission statement reads:

Owning property in Mobile’s Historic Districts

is both a privilege and a responsibility. Property

owners in Mobile’s Historic Districts enjoy the

advantage of increased economic value through

a built environment protected from unsympa-

thetic changes. These owners are responsible for

maintaining the distinctive character that makes

a Historic District unique.

The great diversity of building types and

styles found in our districts necessitates looking

at each application on an individual basis: what is

appropriate for a mid-19th Century building may

not be appropriate for a 1920’s bungalow or a

1940’s Revival style cottage.

The new Midtown Historic District has build-

ings and architectural styles which date from a

period later than the other districts, and are

considered buildings from “the recent past.”

While it seems to be pretty cut and dry, it is anything but. I personally have had several encounters with these guys ranging from exterior paint color, to the proper door type and even a dispute about the type walkway I could have leading from the roadway to my front door. But NOTHING compares to the problems my new neighbor from California recently went through.

To make a long story short, we had a lovely couple move in the house next door. They moved to the area to take on the renovation of a mid-size, turn of the century cottage in midtown Mobile. The process went along rather smoothly for the main house (All of the renovations were interior, the exterior was in perfect condition). The problems hit like a tidal wave when they began turning the detached garage in the back yard into a mother-in-law suite. Now keep in mind, this building was in HORRIBLE condition (literally falling in) AND it is in the backyard BEHIND a fence. It is barely visible from the street.

It was just about an every day occurrence that we saw the white car with a city tag pull into the driveway and post yet another notice on the neighbors door. This happened so many times that it basically put a halt on ALL work because our neighbors became so fed up that they MOVED BACK TO CALIFORNIA and rented the house out. The mother-in-law suite sits there unfinished.

It would seem to me that if a city is undergoing a renaissance and is trying to attract more "out-of-towners" to the area, situations like this would be few and far between. Sadly they are not...I hear this type of story from so many people it is simply uncanny.

Do other cities have similar problems, OR is it localized? ANY feedback will be welcomed.

New virtual tour at 25 English Turn Dr New Orleans LA 70131

03-06-09
James Avera

2 STORY ENTRY W/WOOD FLOORS THRU OUT MAIN LIVING AREA - FAMILY ROOM FEATURES CATHEDRAL CEILING W/STONE FEATURE FLOOR TO CEILING & WET BAR - MASTER & STUDY DOWN - 3 BEDRMS UP W/GAME RM - SEPARATE BONUS SPACE OVER GARAGE - LARGE KIT/BREAKFAST AREA & FENCED REAR YARD W/COVER PATIO & EXTENDED TERRACE FOR ENTERTAINING

Presented By:

Glenn Mediamolle

VIRTUAL TOUR LINK:

http://media.homestore.com/HBN5GEYW.htm

Customer Service, Customer Service, Customer Service... it's really a big deal.

02-13-09
James Avera

As I sit here and think of the many BAD things I could say about a particular printing company, I've come to the realization that it would not do any good, and I would probably be wasting my time. I will however talk about the importance of excellent customer service and what it will do for your business. As a business owner myself, I make it a absolute necessity to offer my clients THE BEST customer service I know how to. If something is wrong with an order or job, I DO WHAT IS NECESSARY TO MAKE IT RIGHT (given that it is our fault that its wrong.... well even if its not our fault, I will explore all options to reduce cost to the client.)

Here is my top 10 list of ways to IMPROVE your customer service skills

(hopefully you aren't practicing any of the bad habits below...if you are, STOP IMMEDIATELY):


10. Never say I DONT KNOW to a question. If you need to place someone on hold, or need a few days to find out the answer DO IT.

9. Never try to answer a question you dont really know the answer to...your client will DEFINITELY see through it.

8. Never make your client dig for information regarding their options. Lay everything out on the table.

7. Never say Never. There is always a way to do something.

6. ALWAYS listen and NEVER interupt (its okay to say never here...)

5. If someone asks to speak to a supervisor, LET THEM.

4. Never argue with a client.

3. Always register their complaint if thats what they want.

2. NEVER EVER accuse your client of speculating.

1. NEVER EVER hang-up on someone.

I understand that people are all different, and that some are a lot harder to deal with than others, but if you could have heard the AWFUL conversation I had today with a customer service rep, you would be COMPLETELY shocked.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND

~James

Avera Design is coming to New Orleans AND we are offering new services!

02-12-09
James Avera

For one day only I will be reducing FULL 360 degree virtual tour rates from 119.00 to 89.00 and still photography rates to 45.00 PER PROPERTY! We are now offering video tours that combine still photos with the 360 degree movie. Our rates for the video tours vary depending on the package you choose and I'd be happy to provide anyone with a breakdown.

Our virtual tour rates are some of the lowest in the industry and the quality of our product remains among the highest.

To see an example of a 360 tour visit:

http://media.homestore.com/HW2ZDEYW.htm

You may also visit my website to view my entire portfolio:

www.averadesign.com

Our video services can add that extra touch that will help market your listing to a larger audience. Our prices vary depending on the type of service you want, BUT can start at as low as 65.00 PER PROPERTY.

To see an example, please visit:

http://www.averadesign.com/subpage.asp?pageid=76

HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!

~James

Showhomes is coming to the San Diego Market!

02-08-09
James Avera

Below is an ad I recently created for Cindy Montgomery with Showhomes. She will be in San Diego from February 13 until the 18th and will be available for presentations and interviews. Showhomes is America's largest home staging company and is still helping homeowners and realtors sell their property quicker and for top dollar.

Showhomes