Christa LaFarlette (la-far-let)

How does real estate in Jacksonville FL and Christmas come together...? Let's review!

So, yesterday we decided to do a "Scavenger Hunt" for gifts. It worked like this--and was sort of like a buyer experience--- kids received ONE card with their name on it under the Christmas tree. ( I have to insert here that we have never done Santa....so just keep that in mind...and if you have ?? about that ask me! And that we usually stick to a 3 gift rule--3 was good enough for the wise men & Jesus, therefore be good for it!)

Okay, moving on. At first we had confusion. Ben (17), who is mentally delayed and does not read, could recognize his sister's name in his card. She (Isabelle, 10) read his card, then hers. His said: Talk to Isabelle. Hers said: look high, look low, in the cold, and the warm. Mitch (19) and Nick (5) were paired together.....and the card said the same. And off they went. First to the living room, then the closets, and off to the baths, then the kitchen. The game was to take the gifts and bring them back, help one another until all had their total, and then let the paper fly! What fun!

And so very like the buyer experience. Look online, find a couple. Search here, and there. Read your paperwork, sign here--and there. And let it rip! Find that perfect house for YOU--eyes gleaming, faces shining---then move in! What fun! Good stuff--and all the while keeping in mind that your Realtor is sort of like a parent in this case....trust them to have your best interest at heart!

We really did have a Christmas blast! And the hunt was more fun than I could have imagined. And as the dark begins to settle this is a year that will be remembered.....better than our 'bigger gift years' because they worked together toward a common goal with each one in mind....they were considerate of the process..

Now, how to get them on my schedule instead of their own (yes, the buyer and the kids!)........

MERRY CHRISTMAS! And God bless.......

So, what does the 12 Days of Christmas have in common with Jacksonville Florida?

Well, let's see. First the 12 Days of Christmas---Total cost: $22,031.51

So, overall the market here in Jacksonville is in decline, with more foreclosures coming on market. The cost of the 12 days of Christmas has actually stayed fairly stable or has gone up. Taking into account the cost of personal labor, and of livestock, the fairly inexpense of golden rings, and the rest --- I find it interesting. Okay, and taking into account that my 10 year olds *gifted* class also did this project. Which made me think of it, and the cost of real estate here! And of course how to put the two together----

So, as we get to Christmas, let us keep in mind that we are blessed enough to have computers with which to create our blogs, people who have time enough to read them (yes, me included in this), buyers whom we will assist with the largest life purchase, sellers who will trust us to sell their home at the best price possible, and colleagues with whom we will live, laugh, and enjoy--and our families, who love us even though we are pre-occupied and trying to make sure nothing falls to the last minute! And last, I know I am ever grateful to not have 12 drummers drumming, 11 pipers piping, 10 lords a-leaping, 9 ladies dancing, 8 maids a-milking (and their cohort the cow), 7 swans a-swimming (and the mess they leave behind), 4 calling birds, 3 French hens, 2 turtle doves, and the partridge (I'll take the pear tree)......

With that I will say good night! And God bless----

Dear Seller----

Let's talk for a moment about days on market. You see, we are in a declining although attempting to stablize market and days on market is no longer what is was. It was a way to gauge whether the agent with the listing knew how to market the property. It used to be that days on market helped the seller decide who to choose as a listing agent. But is this still a relevant issue?

I was looking at my days on market. Now, for a property that is a short sale, and therefore in and out of contingency, dependent on lien holder approval, and equally dependent on the buyer hanging in there the days on market could be upward of A YEAR! And is that the fault of marketing? Or the agent? No.

Then I was looking at the seller owned. One day. I recently had a property, seller owned, one day! Now, that is not the marketing, but rather price---! Good stuff!

So, when interviewing the agent perhaps days on market is not an issue. But rather the marketing campaign, the way the agent tracks the listing, and the pricing of the property (accurate pricing and good condition = offers and contract options). Find out who will do more than just place a sign in the yard. Who is active in their community, internet and local. Ask what their goals are for the year--after all, an agent without goals is an unmotivated agent. And let's talk about continuing education. Really, how well do you, Mr. & Mrs. Seller know your agents education and goals? Do you know what the plan is, and how the plan will come together?

You should...... so, let's worry less about our days on market. Worry more about if the property is priced right, and if the property is in good condition, and whether your agent is putting priority on selling your property. 10 inquiries and viewings in 14 days---now that's an indicator!

Good night, and God bless-----Christa

Jacksonville FL Statistics--and Facebook. I have finally found a way to put the statistics I love out in the 'real world'. I like to view numbers and statistics and figure out how they all work together, see the trends, and such.

So, I recently removed on Facebook fan page, and created another--Jacksonville FL Real Estate Statistics. Go by and visit and let me know your thoughts! For buyers, sellers, and professionals alike. Designed to put the facts out there, as opposed to what is sometimes not the facts.

And, or course, use hard facts that are documented to back up the statistics.

The link above should go straight to the page, but you never know, and it can be found on Facebook as 'Jacksonville FL Real Estate Statistics'.

Right now I could put the statistic up: number of mammals able to lean on me at any time. 4, one husband, one kid, two dogs. Okay, had to shake some of them off. The child and husband can stay! But really, I think this will be a fun endeavor and would like to hear thoughts on the page. My goal, overall, is to add a couple facts each day, and answer questions as able. And invite someone in commercial here in Jax to participate, etc.

Okay. Enough on this----

Good night and God bless!

It's that time of year! And I have a couple of funny things and then thought I would share how I'll accomplish 2010. Then, perhaps some feedback!

Okay, first the funny about my young Nick. Apparently his teacher (Kindergarten) will be receiving one blue BETA FISH for Christmas. Yes. She shared that she likes fish, and Nick really likes his teacher because she keeps him occupied instead of in trouble. I will be taking a picture! Really---a fish! And that is completely Nick!

Then, the really good news! My son Ben decided to grace his teacher (special ed) with one of the Seen on TV upside down tomato plant things! Good times my friends, good times!

Okay, so let's roll up our sleeves and get down to business here! First and foremost I have calculated how much each month I'll need to cover: marketing, prospecting, office, supplies, assistant, fees, and travel expenses. Then I added how much I'd like to 'make' each month AFTER the expenses, and after the commission split--and for that matter I decided when I wanted to 'cap' my commission (I can go to 100% split after I cap--KW rocks!).

With that in place I figured out the price point to get me to the goal, and how many transactions I would need each month. That did not work the first time and I wound up working those numbers a couple of times:-) From there I figured out how many serious prospects I need, and then how many leads, and then I talked to my Internet guru (thanks Chris!) who put another level to my website in play---so I will know where the leads come from, and they will be--in theory--more serious buyers.

What I learned is that it will be a busy year--and a good one! So, between the fish, the tomato plant, and finessing my business goals, I am almost ready for Christmas. All I need are the gifts!