Traci Ferguson, Realtor, EcoBroker, LEED AP®

31-Days in May... The Journey!

I started out doing this blog challenge with slight pessimism. I have never been a daily blogger in my life and doing this challenge for 31 days was going to be tough for me. I decided to do it because I know how much blogging could help my SEO, build my business, gain clients, networking, etc. I have learned some great things while blogging for 31 days.

1. Blogging doesn't have to be a chore.

I started to look forward to posting everyday.

2. I can actually Blog everyday!

Who Knew!?!

3. A blog post can be about anything.

I didn't know how creative I could get.

4. The AR audience really does support and care about the members.

I have gotten some great feedback and ideas from comments.

5. By blogging for 31 days i have a new creative outlet in my business.

Writing is my release to the ins and outs of Real Estate. I can post about my crazy client or funny story and it's almost therapeutic... just like journaling.

So I'd like to say Thank you to AR and to Christina ONeal ~ Ripon the founder of this 31-Days of May Blogging Challenge, for helping me "challenge" myself. I've learned so much and will continue to Blog and post with ease.:)

Time-line Terms of a Contract...Use Them!

I'm working on a deal where the terms are contingent on the buyer selling their home. Now I know these are not the most ideal terms but if a seller is willing to work with this offer, let's put it together. These seller are willing. The sellers agent has been dragging the offer after counter offer after counter offer, for over 2 weeks now. We have a 3 day response window on the counter offers and the seller agent has yet to meet any of them. Instead of a prompt in under 3 day response, I get a phone call or an email saying something like. "My sellers don't like the (fill in the blank) terms on page 3... Blah, Blah, Blah! Ok... so write it up and send it to me. Let's get this deal moving forward not sideways.

My buyers understand that this is a tough deal to make happen, but the Sellers agent is dragging us along and making the process more like pulling teeth. The buyers also know there are 3 day windows in place in the contract and that they can walk because they aren't getting a response. It's not making me look good to them, because I'm not getting a response form the sellers. Grrr..

My post toady is to be aware that even in tough contingent offers if the buyers a re serious , please don't be loose on time frames they are in the contract of a reason and buyers ask when they will be getting a response, they understand that they can walk and they will if it drags on. I'm going to put the hammer down and we may have to walk away from this offer, simply because the agent won't put something together... Baffling!

New Vegas Real Estate!

I had the privilege to see the newest Casino/ Condos/ Shopping Center in Las Vegas. The City Center. Coming from a background in Architecture I must say that this complex is one of the most beautifully designed buildings I have seen in a long time. The contemporary lines and the way the buildings take charge of their space is really breath taking. The City Center is located in the Center of the Vegas Strip. If you are planing to come to Vegas take a couple of hours to walk around and see the incredible art sculptures and the Amazing Architecture. It has to be the most modern structure built to date. It's well worth the bad traffic and crazy nightlife to go see.

The Balance of Real Estate!

I have been in a funk lately. It's not that business is slow or that I don't have enough clients. I have been feeling really great about this first half of the year. I have been working my butt off and business is great. I blog like crazy, network with professionals in my field and spend hours helping my clients with their every need to keep them happy.

Oh wait! I forgot about Me!

I am in a funk because for the last 6 months I have been focusing on everyone else but me. I wonder why my wait has gone up along with how many hours I spend on the computer. It's no mystery that a body at rest stays at rest and also can put on a couple of pounds.:)

My Epiphany is to stay balanced while doing all the great things for my clients and staying on track with my business. Managing a career is not about setting my self aside it's adding to the qualities of my life. Balance is a necessary part of my business. I should be a priority and not let other distractions, business or other wise take that precious time away from me.

Stay in Balance my AR friends. You and your business will be better for it.

Sad Memorial Day Real Estate!

In driving to get to my Family Reunion for this great Memorial 3-Day weekend, I had to share about my drive through one of the most beautiful parts of California. Barstow is a small town with a small town feel. I was shocked to see the ton of homes for sale and the homes abandoned along the outskirts of the town. I really did a double take after seeing the city's farm homes, along the highway, completely boarded up and completely abandoned.

There was a feeling of decimation and true ghost town feel. There are many parts of our nation still hit by the economic downturn and mortgage fiasco. Its' amazing to see towns effected, small towns that don't have much to offer to begin with, have many for sale signs and homes with windows boarded up. I'm saddened to see this and feel for the family's who have been effected. Not a good strat to my weekend!