Jeff & Paulia Kennedy and Debi Jones

As I mentioned in prior blog entries, I often peruse other agent sites to read what services he or she offers for potential buyers and sellers. Many agent sites tout that he/she will not only find the perfect home for their buyers but will handle every last detail up to the purchasing process. What does that really mean; to 'handle every last detail up to the purchasing process'? How far do these services really go?

I see that many agents offer more now in the way of resources such as the downloading of reports but that service seems to be the 'norm' and no longer the exception. What is it that you offer that sets you apart from the rest?

Now granted, I work with Paulia Kennedy of 'The Kennedy Team' also consisting of Jeff Kennedy and Debi Jones but I have worked with many agents in the past so I can honestly state here that this Team offers clients so much more value for the money than many I have met.

The Photographs

I have previously blogged about the many professional photographs Paulia personally takes for every listing; no matter what the selling price is for a particular home. No one that I have ever worked with since I've been a real estate virtual assistant takes 50-100 photos of each listing, hires an aerial photographer for some listings and has me update these listing with new and fresh photos to rejuvenate the visuals. As I mentioned, Paulia keeps me busy.

Even the actual Kennedy Team member photos are also updated a few times a year in keeping with the changing seasons and backgrounds. The same holds true for sellers. If a seller paints a room, Paulia is out there with her camera taking new pictures of the updated space. She believes in keeping the listings updated at all times.

Recently, I learned that The Kennedy Team also offers an extra-special marketing service for both buyers and sellers as the Kennedy's have a professional handyman on staff whose name is John Watson.

John is the man behind the infamous one-of-a-kind custom 'Kennedy Team signs'. As part of their comprehensive marketing package, John custom builds each sign from scratch in their workshop. He has drafted templates for each
roof, which helps him to build each sign to perfect scale.

John Watson customizes each sign matching the roof tiles with each property sign and the home itself. He has even used clay tiles on one luxury home property sign, which perfectly matched the same clay tiles on a particular Mediterranean home.

John's work does not end there. He also uses the weed-eater & repellent around their signs on vacant land and occasionally gets the chain-saw out to cut down small trees blocking those signs. His work is meticulous!

A hard-working and trusted Kennedy Team member, John often helps with preparing the luxury homes for showings. He makes a trip to the home about 30 minutes before the tour and turns on all the lights, adjusts the thermostats, sweeps the front entrance area, blows the leaves off the driveways, decks & pool areas. He also returns after the showing to double-check every lock and make sure all the lights are turned off and that the home is secure. John assists with keeping the flyer boxes filled at the homes and makes regular checks to make sure our signs are straight, clean and neat.

John is the ultimate professional handyman for small repairs for our clients. It is extremely hard to find workers for small jobs, so they always count on John to get the small items repaired ... especially when The Kennedys are 'under the gun' to meet the small repairs item list from buyers.

It is important to note that John's services are exclusive to The Kennedy Team. His custom signs are not for sale either.

The Real Estate Virtual Assistant

Primarily, I assist Paulia with her listing photographs. She advises when a listing has been signed and uploads photographs which need to be stitched and edited. I spend practically every day creating virtual tours, updating photograph files, assisting in Point 2, blogging and host of other assorted tasks. Quite frankly, I cannot see how she managed to handle all of this work in the past in addition to her regular marketing and buyer and seller support responsibilities. With the addition of a virtual assistant, Paulia spends more time personally working with buyers and sellers to expertly market their homes.

The Kennedy Team really does offer to 'handle every last detail up to the purchasing process' from contract signing to custom sign development, to photographic and high-end brochure creation. They even offer a small repair service for their clients so that the home passes final inspection on time and at no extra cost to the buyer and sellers. Oh, and if you are looking for reports, The Kennedys offer those too!

Janine Gregor
Real Estate Virtual Assistant to Paulia Kennedy

In 2004, when we decided to relocate from the northeast to the southeast due to a job offer, I knew that staging a home was central to a successful sale but I did not realize how REALLY significant this field would become. Now, in researching this blog, I have tremendous resources from which to learn about the staging process coupled with cable TV programs dedicated to just this particular topic. But what I have not read or seen recently is how to directly stage a home for a particular market, which is what I was able to accomplish when we sold our home at that time.

During the previous 10 years, the town I was moving from had seen an influx in the Orthodox Jewish population, so I set out to learn as much as I could about this particular market's needs. I did my research at the library, interviewed several real estate agents and selected an agent who was himself was an Orthodox Jewish Realtor®. Single family homes were in great demand at the time; this before a building boom began a year later. I had numerous Orthodox Jewish agents knocking on my door and leaving business cards in my mailbox so I knew the property was desirable. I met new Orthodox Jewish neighbors who had moved into the neighborhood and I politely asked many questions about what my market would be looking for in a home. I knew early on who would be interested in my home and devised a plan.

Prior to listing the home, we made some changes to the home to meet the desires of this unique population. My spouse installed a double stainless sink in the kitchen as I understood that one side of the sink needed to remain kosher when preparing meals. We only had 3 bedrooms in this home, two of which were small. I understood that the average Orthodox Jewish family size consisted of 9 members; I had to stage the bedrooms to appear larger and able to accommodate growing families. We pulled out all of the furniture and installed inexpensive bunk beds which made visible that at least 3 or 4 children could share one room.

As many generations of Jewish families tend to live together, we wanted to improve our very large and dry basement, (which fortunately had high ceilings), and create added living space. This was not a costly improvement and we were again so fortunate that the utilities were installed in the back of the basement so an inexpensive screen hid the unsightly water tank and water softener. We created a pleasant looking bedroom and sitting area in this space, which appealed to many buyers who came through to view the home. It did not have its own bathroom but a spacious half-bath was only located up the stairs from the basement.

Jewish families are known to have large family dinners during the Sabbath and on religious holidays. My dining room was not spacious but it did boast an open floor plan which meant that the dining room flowed into the formal living room. I downsized the living room to a few arm chairs and a small table and set-up a large dining table with my finest china, a few religious items and candles to show that great family dinners could indeed be enjoyed in this space.

I held open houses before sundown on Fridays and after sundown on Saturdays to observe the Sabbath. The Jewish buyers were forbidden to drive, work or do a number of other tasks on the Sabbath so I knew no one would come for an open house if I held it on a Saturday. Sunday was my biggest open house day.

I even staged my own appearance. Knowing that Orthodox Jewish women dressed modestly, I wore a long skirt, long shirt and low shoes. Pants worn in the presence of men were prohibited so I opted for a skirt. (It was the fall so I did not look out of place.) I did not go as far as to cover my hair with a snood, tichel (scarf) or a sheitel (wig) but I pulled it back to the nape of my neck. I also had to get used to the fact that some Orthodox Jewish male buyers and agents did want to shake my female hand so I did not extend my hand when they entered the home. (That was hard to get used to as I always extend my hand.) I believe this rule means that someone was shomer negiah and that non-married people are prohibited from showing physical affection, even in the form of a business relationship. I was not there to offer any feminist opinions; I just wanted to sell my house so I held my hands behind my back!

I did make one mistake, though. I took a trip to the Jewish market and picked up many wonderful cookies and desserts, which I left for the potential buyers to select during the open house. Unfortunately, the serving dishes I used were not kosher so no one took any of the items. However, my family and I enjoyed several new treats we probably would not have purchased otherwise!

We had several bids for the property and the home sold successfully. Buyers seemed to be especially appreciative that the home was staged with their interests in mind. I overheard buyers say during the tours, "This dining room is big enough for my Sabbath table" and "We can fit all the children in this bedroom."

One type of community that is much easier to promote to the specific buyer would be a retirement community. I noticed in one of Paulia Kennedy's retirement community listings, such as Fox Creek that she will specifically state, 'no step entry' (to the home) or 'wide doorways' to accommodate a wheelchair or walker.

I understand that in many communities one would not gear a stage project for just one type of customer. In fact, staging a home most often appeals to the masses because one would not know who exactly who would walk through the door. But in a community where homes are in great demand by a specific culture or religious entity, it may pay-off to stage the home to attract a specific buyer. It is all about knowing who that customer may be; it could be anybody or it could be a specific population. And remember, there's a fine line about being culturally correct as one would not wish to be insulting by stereotyping.

Janine Gregor is a Real Estate Virtual Assistant to Paulia Kennedy
She can be reached at YourVirtualWizard@tampabay.rr.com

Hello,

This is Janine Gregor, Paulia Kennedy's Real Estate Virtual Assistant reporting today...

I am always looking at agent listings to see how properties are described. Although I have conferred with Paulia Kennedy on only a handful of her listing descriptions, when the task has been offered to me, it is something I tackle with pleasure. Paulia makes it easy for me though, (as I have mentioned in prior blog entries) because her listing photographs are really 'so good' and so very detailed that, I can describe a property quite well without even stepping foot on the lot.

When Paulia has asked me to write a listing description, I begin by scouting the competition's listings for good words and often have a chuckle knowing that some descriptions really require 'reading between the lines'.

It isn't always what agents describe them to be.

Most agents want to accentuate the positive and downplay the negative. It's all part of getting the buyer into seeing the home. However, it is important to use the right lingo so as not to mislead a buyer into thinking, for example, that 'easy access to everywhere' could really mean that the home backs up to an expressway.

In researching this blog post, I came across a great booklet by an organization called National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents. This organization published a report entitled "Home buyer Report 2008 Report on Home Buying Euphemisms and Lingo or, How to Read Between the Lines When You're Shopping for a Home". It's a great read here which catalogs several euphemisms from their members and the 'real' meanings of these descriptions compiled from listings throughout the country.

I've summarized a few:

Galley Kitchen - Can mean a hallway with cupboards and appliances that two people could not occupy at the same time. Deep South.

Waterfront - Sometimes means a man-made pond or lake instead of gulf access. Deep South. (I see this often living here in Florida, particularly in areas with subdivisions boasting 'waterfront' a.k.a., man-made lakes. When water levels drop, these lakes are more like dry beds or mud pits.)

Water View - Sometimes used even when you have to stand on the roof with binoculars and it must be an extremely clear day to see the water. Northeast.

Very Bright Sunny Home - Can mean there is not a tree in sight. Used everywhere.

Unique Design - Sometimes means you have to walk through a bedroom to get to a bonus room or to the exterior. This is most likely a defect in the floor plan. Southeast.

Turnkey - Can mean they want to sell the home with the 80's furniture that they (seller) doesn't want to haul away. Mountain.

Subject to Third Party Approval - Often indicates a short sale or sometimes indicates a relocation company is involved. In all cases, this means you will be negotiating with two different parties on the seller's side. Expect some additional frustrations and delays. Most areas.

Renovated Kitchen - Can mean new faucets and new knobs on the old cabinets. Midwest.

Quaint Cottage - Can mean a wood frame house from the 50's and less than 600 sq. ft. Deep South.

Period Home - Could mean a 1700's home in original condition with a summer kitchen in the basement. Northeast.

Newer Furnace and A/C - In one case they were 25 years old each (also confirmed by a home inspector). When the listing agent was asked why she was stating they were newer she stated, "Because each one of them had received a new part within the last year." Midwest.

Mechanic's Dream - It is often a real dump, but it typically has a big garage. Midwest.

Mature Landscaping - There was a 40-year old cottonwood tree that needed to be cut down before it fell on the house. Midwest.

Light and Bright - Everything was white. White ceramic tile flooring and bright white paint everywhere. It looked like a hospital. Midwest.

Grandma's house - Hasn't been improved since she moved in and it still smells like her. Midwest.

Janine Gregor
Virtual Assistant to Paulia Kennedy

September 2, 2008 - Today, Trademark Real Estate, Inc. of Hot Springs, AR welcomed the United Blood Services mobile unit to its parking lot to assist in a blood drive. Many of the Trademark Realtors and associates from the surrounding businesses stepped up and donated blood today.

There is always an urgent need for blood in our local area, with our hospitals going through about 1,000 pints of blood every month. With the area filled with the hurricane evacuees this week, the hospitals have an increased need at this time.

I was happy to be one of those participants early this morning -- even though I believe I may have been one of their select few that almost passed-out afterwards. Every time that I donate blood, it seems that my energy is zapped for the whole day after I recover from the dizzy spell immediately afterwards ... but I'll continue to do it as long as I can. I'm so glad to be a qualified candidate that is able to give. It's absolutely worth the minor pain from the needle sticks, and the short period of feeling ill - when you know that your blood may have helped saved someone else's life.

Paulia Kennedy

For Immediate Release

(Hot Springs, AR, August 2008) - The Kennedy Team - Jeff & Paulia Kennedy & Debi Jones, REALTORS with Trademark Real Estate, Inc. are pleased to mention that their sales for the month of June of this year broke several records. The Kennedy Team sold a little over $10 million in real estate transactions in June, 2008 in spite of the "slowing economy" that seems to make the headlines on a continuous basis these days. Not only did the Kennedy Team excel in sales during this month, Trademark Real Estate was very pleased to have several top performers during this month, which resulted in $23.5 million in total sales for the month of June ... breaking many records for the leading real estate firm in Hot Springs.

There's no denial that the real estate market today is much tougher than ever before, however, the Kennedy Team and Trademark Real Estate, Inc. are full-proof that it's possible to get things done.

The Kennedy Team contributes their success to a combination of factors. They are true believers in continuous education in the real estate market, and they have earned over a dozen awards and designations for their specialized training in the real estate market. They also believe in good old-fashioned "hard work". This belief is what lead them to expanding their team to a total of five members that they have today ... Jeff & Debi are the licensed Sales Consultants who are always on the ground working in person with their clients, while Paulia is also a licensed agent and does all the "behind the scenes" work with all the marketing and working with their internet clients. They have also added two other part-time non-licensed assistants to their team, who help with all the other many details of marketing the clients' homes from custom sign building to preparing virtual tours.

Not only is hard work and education key ingredients to a successful team, the Kennedy Team believes that working for the best real estate firm in Hot Springs is mandatory! Trademark Real Estate, Inc. continues to be the leader in the real estate industry year after year in Hot Springs, and also ranked Number 9 in Arkansas last year. Lorna Nobles, Broker/Owner of Trademark Real Estate seems to focus on all the right things. She made one of the best decisions a few years ago when she made the decision to purchase the ground where Trademark now sits. She chose a high-profile location right smack in the middle of the popular "7 South" area on the highly-traveled Central Avenue. She then built an upscale Mediterranean-style commercial building. Lorna has a few other philosophies that are always visible in her beliefs. She believes, "It's extremely important to give back to the community that gives to us." Lorna leads her whole team by participating in many community philanthropies and expects all of her agents to help. Trademark earned the "Small Business of the Year" award from the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce in 2004 & 2006 for their continuous involvement with community philanthropies. Lorna makes no exceptions to another rule - "Trademark only accepts experienced top performers who work full-time or more". She also believes strongly in "hard work", and believes it's absolutely necessary to give it your all, with no distractions.

As the marketplace becomes increasingly competitive, the leading edge approach is proving vital to achieve the sales results clients expect. Always introducing innovative ways to increase the effectiveness of their service, Trademark Real Estate, Inc. is definitely your choice. For information, call 501.318.3200 or visit their website at www.TrademarkRealEstate.com

About Us: The Kennedy Team, of Trademark Real Estate is Jeff Kennedy, Paulia Kennedy and Debi Jones. In 2007, The Kennedy Team sold over $9 Million and is still ranked #1 in total sales in Hot Springs, AR.

CONTACT:

Paulia Kennedy
Trademark Real Estate
Ph: 501.655.6247
Fax: 501.318-3201
Paulia@bestofhotsprings.com
www.BestofHotSprings.com

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