Jimmy Johnson

So a lot has changed on my end in the last year as far as social networking. Less then a year ago I decided to give Facebook a shot as maybe I could do a little marketing on there. Who would have thought that now I look at it as a major tool in the marketing of all of my listings. I now consider my status updates on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and such to be mandatory. I have never been a blogger but am starting to become a little more comfortable with it. Don't know why but there is something about Facebook and Twitter I am more "at home" with. I have gotten to work with many Realtors in the Central Ohio area that I am "friends" with and have found the sites to be a great way to communicate back and forth. Also, I have had many clients that are on there and they can follow how you are marketing their home. I find that they love this feature. Recently I started a "page" on Facebook. I have found this to be a great tool for my "fans" as I put a lot of great information on there that they can access. I am open to questions and love when great conversations are started. It makes for some good discussion! I know I was a little late to the party on the social networking but I sure am glad I am here.

I always hear home buyers say that they are waiting until spring to make their move. I ask why? Why not take advantage of the things you have working for you NOW! Take a look at this graph showing home sales in Franklin County in the last year. As you can see we are right on par with what was going on last year and the facts are that you can buy the same home now for less then you can in the spring. Now throw in the Tax Credit that is available to first time home buyers and move up buyers along with the historically low interest rates, and WOW, what a time to buy!

IF you are on the fence, now is the time!

I always hear home buyers say that they are waiting until spring to make their move. I ask why? Why not take advantage of the things you have working for you NOW! Take a look at this graph showing home sales in Franklin County in the last year. As you can see we are right on par with what was going on last year and the facts are that you can buy the same home now for less then you can in the spring. Now throw in the Tax Credit that is available to first time home buyers and move up buyers along with the historically low interest rates, and WOW, what a time to buy!

IF you are on the fence, now is the time!

What a great benefit to have the new RT. 161 connecting Newark Ohio to Columbus Ohio. I personally live in Pataskala and having the new freeway has cut down my drive time to Columbus by 10 minutes. I only see this project as adding to property values in the Licking County area as it really makes for a much easier commute to Columbus where a lot of people make their livings. There is beautiful property in the Newark area for a very reasonable price. Don't forget the beauty that is Granville Ohio as this little village is now just a quick shot away. Have any other Realtors out there that specialize in Licking County seen a difference from this new convenience?

So I am in my office yesterday in Pataskala Ohio when an older lady comes in looking to list her house for sale. My secretary calls me on my phone and asks me to come to the front desk and help her out. I proceed to the front and the lady gives me the coldest stare you have ever seen. I smiled, which I do a lot, and introduced myself to her and asked how I could be of assistance. First thing out of her mouth was "How old are you???". Now I was really thrown for a loop as I have just recently turned 40 and felt that I was getting old. But she then proceeds to say "NO, that is too YOUNG for me. I want someone older than you to handle this listing." So I start telling her that I am very internet savy and that is where most people find their homes and such but once again she just shut me down and said "NO, I want an older person to handle this listing". At this point I am realizing that this is a blessing in disguise so I yell out to a co worker in my office who is in his 60's to come and help this lady. Sure enough, right when she sees him she smiles and goes into his office to talk about listing the property. I really felt like I was on Candid Camera or Punked or something as there was no way this was really happening. I laughed and shook my head as I walked back to my office. When I heard the front door open and close I knew that she had left and had to get the skinny from my co-worker as to what this lady's deal was. As I am about to start talking to him, she comes back in the front door. Of course I am standing closest to her and she proceeds to ask me for directions!!! I can't believe my ears at this time and I am really believing this is a joke now! I start to laugh a lil and she says "I know you probably want to give me directions to Hell, but could you just give me directions to Kroger?". Let me say it took all I had to politely tell her to turn left out of the parking lot and it would be on her left.

So I get the skinny on the listing and find out that it is overpriced by about $70,000 and will never sell at the price it is listed at. The lady was from California and bought the house 2 years earlier without knowing anything about the Ohio market. She grossly overpayed for the property (shame on the Realtor they chose) and then used the same Realtor as they used on the buy side to list the home prior to coming into our office. I then understood her situation a lil more as she was extremely frustrated as the home has sat for 6 months without any activity. Choose your Realtor wisely. Always work with a Realtor that is honest and has Your best intentions in mind.

I found this situation to be a funny little thought that had me laughing all day. I have never been shut down like that in any sales that I have done. I am always polite and pride myself on my appearance and my ability to mesh with all walks of life. I have traveled the world and I believe that experience with people has given me the ability to work with everyone. I do know that I feel better about turning 40 now!