I have a buddy who has been telling me for over a year that he's going to upgrade when he finds the right home. He lives in a beautiful house on a golf course in desirable Fayetteville, AR, and is looking to upgrade to a bigger home now that he's married and has a daughter. We've been looking (non-agressively) at upscale homes for quite a while now, and he's starting to get serious because of attractive financing.
Last weekend I was out of town for a benefit for battered women and children in Missouri. He texted me asking if we could go see a home he's interested in. Of course I couldn't because I was away.
Another mutual friend has begun to look at homes with me and may be interested in the golf course home! The other night I messaged the golf course home owners wife on Facebook saying that they may be able to work this one out well and that the buyer is excited to see it.
Next thing I know I have a text message saying not to contact the wife on Facebook...and that they've found someone else to show them the new home.
Holy snap! Here's how the conversation went...through text:
Me - Wow, guess I did something wrong...sorry.
Client - Just gotta keep the wife happy on this one, no hard feelings from me, bro.
Me - Wondering what I did wrong?
Client - Still in meetings at my office can only text for the moment.
Me - Really surprised. Just taken back from it. Just over the facebook thing?
Client - Just akward the way you sent it to my wife on Facebook.
Me - That's rediculous. I was just excited that you guys may get to save a tom on commissions and get to move on to a home you both like. Seems like you feel contacting your wife over the internet is inappropriate. I see that as over sensitive. Sure didn't mean anything by it, and told you no problem on doing it again. Sure have done a lot for you to get dumped over a simple message. Definitely would change my opinion of you. We should probably sit down to see if this can be salvaged. "Buyer 2 was just over...said he's waiting to for a call from y'all to come see your house...he really hopes he gets to see it tonight" - maybe I'm blind, but I can't see how that can be taken as inappropriate.
Client - Chill out...I will call you in a few.
WOW - I was so taken back by this I completely forgot who this friend of mine really was...a prankster. That's right. It's not April, but I'm a fool!
He called me lauging and telling me how he really knows how to get me now! What a dork...we're going to look at homes later this week, and I'm never going to take him seriously again!
Amazing.
In todays society we are often pushed to believe that what we want, we need. We believe that what we feel is "fact". We are under the impression that having it "now" is of the utmost importance. Unfortunately, this is something that is turning our financial ability into a huge mess.
While buying a home is the American dream, losing one is a nightmare! Choosing your agent as a buyer has never been so important. Buyers agents have been trained to slam people into submission with a sense of loss if a property sells before you get a chance at it. This is rediculous.
Knowing the market, understanding value, and moving towards your dream of home ownership with direction, knowledge, and purpose is what shaped home ownership into the American dream. What has been practiced over recent years is more like buying an appliance on sale.
Make sure you know your market, make sure you have an agent that will talk to you about value and resale potential. Then make sure the agent can follow that up with some facts.
I have a friend who taught me a great practice. I was in his office one day and heard him on a telephone conversation. He said, "I don't really have all the facts yet, so if you need an answer now...I have to say, "no". If you decide to wait a couple more days I might be able to give you a, "yes"."
What wisdom! He was able to put the ball in their court and save face. It was as if he wanted to say yes, but couldn't. Waiting is not a waste of time. It could mean thousands of dollars. The best negotiations I've ever made for a buyer have been over weeks and even months of submitting an offer...then waiting. The last home I sold was at a 22% reduction from the list price because the buyer took the time to wait.
We all get in a groove from time to time, and I think it's important for us to realize some truths about our business in those instances.
First a foremost, I believe that when we are really doing well we need to realize that it is a blessing. We can't dismiss that as sales people a lot of our transactions are nothing short of a miracle. It is business that is trusted to us by referral, or simply tripping over someone who has a real estate need in the line at Wal-Mart. It's what you do with the contact that turns it into a transaction and seperates the professionals from the wanna-be's.
The first and most important step is to get the appointment! So many of us simply talk to someone, realize they have a need, try to fill that need over a single conversation, and then wait to get a call back. This is real estate suicide and not at all what the client even wants. They want and need a process. Schedule the appointment at the end of every conversation. What's the next step in helping them create their real estate goals? That next step needs to be scheduled before the end of every meeting. Even if it's, "I'll call you on this day at this time" that is better than nothing. Leaving your client without knowing what's next will kill your business.
With that said, you need a date book or electronic calander that you keep track of religiously. This can even help you with your taxes later, and I even know an agent that was audited by the IRS that was required to provide a calander to show their activity!
I hope this helps someone keep on track. Be blessed and have a great day!
Jason
Sellers and Real Estate Agents alike are getting tired of seeing that listing sit and wait for that buyer. I had one myself...ok, more than one, but this is the story.
Cute 1600 sq. ft. home near the U of A, in need of new roof and some minor repairs. Reduced to $80,000 for fire sale. Roof does not leak.
$50 a sq. ft. right?!?! Sell quick, right?!?!? Wrong.
This house sat and sat and sat. All the realtors were telling me what a great deal it was, all the buyers were telling me how much work was going to have to be done. Then, we closed in on the end date of the listing. I stayed in good touch with my seller, had a great working relationship going, and had been completely honest in my dealings, and told her, "Maybe it's just time to rent this vacant house." My company has a management department that could help this seller, and I recommended I introduce that broker to the property.
Well, he loved it. Said it's exactly what he needed for his daughters who are attending the University, and put the thing under contract!
That said, the seller found me on Active Rain! Success story with a photo of a commission check soon to follow.
Happy Selling!
Jason
Accessible and great at communication! I work the market for my customers advantage through knowledge, negotiating skills, technical ability, ethics, and old fasion good service!
In today's world it is easy to find someone who can fill in the blanks on a contract, place a home for sale with a sign in the yard, or drive people around just to open doors for them. Buyers are finding homes online before even contacting a realtor, and sellers are "self-serving" their homes when they have hired an agent. No more! Just call me. I have a proven track record, references, and am fully confident that I can help you.
I am currently a managing broker for the 4th largest producing real estate company in the country (soon to be 3rd), and have trained many agents to find the success and level of service needed in an ever changing industry. I am up to date on technology, but have not forgotten that answering the telephone and communicating to the client are the top reasons we as realtors are needed.
As you can see from my photo, I have a great responsibility to provide for my family. That goes beyond income. I want to provide an example to my family that ethics and hard work produce the best life. I guarantee you will be treated with respect, integrity, and be protected by having the knowledge that you are making a sound investment.
Whether you are looking for someone who is patient and able to show you homes, provide accurate market info, and make your search for your perfect home an enjoyable process, or if you are a seller looking for an agent who will market your home with great tools and effective practices, you can know that you are in good hands.
If you are ready for a competent agent who knows how to provide good service give me a call. I look forward to seeing you reach your real estate goals.
http://www.nwafamilyrealestate.com
No matter what your real estate needs are I have the experience, and recources to help you. Because of the joy that I get out of serving my clients I have diligently become a student of real estate and have worked in literally every avenue of the business. While every transaction has its own uniqueness, it takes an agent who is willing to learn, and has the resources to find answers for every individual sale and purchase.
BUYERS, SELLERS, and COMMERCIAL
I love working with FHA buyers and sellers, conventional, investors, Seniors, VA, and RD (rural development loans). It is very important to work with a realtor who understands the lending process. This can help avoid pitfalls that cause closings to fall through.
FHA Loan - There are actually two FHA products I work with most often. One is the normal FHA that requires 3.5% down. The other is called a 203k Loan. Not many agents are familiar with this process. The 203k loan allows you to purchase a home to fix up, and adds on to the purchase the additional funds you need to make the home perfect! When selling FHA it is important to list with someone who understands the requirements from FHA. The worst thing someone can do is accept a contract on a home that isn't able to be approved for FHA financing just to watch the deal fall through prior to closing.
Conventional loans - Conventional is just that, conventional (normal). This most often means that the purchaser is able to put down a 20% downpayment. This loan product normally does not have requirements on property condition as long as it is insurable. This product benefits the buyer by avoiding funding fee charges at the closing, and mortgage insurance tacked on to your monthly payment. This benefits a seller, because most buyers with 20% down are able to go through a loan process that requires less stipulations from the buyer, providing a smoother closing less likely to have delays.
RD loan (Rural Development) - The rural development loan can be a tricky beast. It is a no money down loan, and the seller
can pay all of your closing costs. This allows you to move into a home for $0! That's right! No money down loan! This loan only applies to certain areas and properties. So many people have picked out their home just to find out that it isn't eligible for this loan. Stick with me, and I'll make sure the properties you see are the ones you can purchase! Sellers that own a property that is eligible for this loan program are fortunate to be able to offer their home up for no-money down! This gives us an definite edge in marketing, and gets you a quicker sale for more money! The most common areas in our market for eligibility include Elkins, Goshen, Farmington, Prairie Grove, Tontitown, Elm Springs, Cave Springs, Lowell, Beaver Lake area, Pea Ridge, and Bella Vista. There are more areas than this, so give me a call to verify an address. I'd be happy to help. 479-841-9699 cell
Investors - knowing multiple lenders and their lending ability is the name of the game when it comes to finding appealing financing. Knowledge of the area, value of the area, and rent rate for the area is also extremely important. With knowledge of these things, and a good eye for needed repairs, you can rest assured we can find a profitable deal for you.
Seniors (Senior Citizens)- I take time to make sure that the process is throughly explained. Your questions are important. Your phone calls will be answered, and your inclined to as many face to face meetings as you need. I am patient and methodical and value your business.
VA loan - I am the preferred agent for www.vamortgagecenter.com Chosen out of over 2000 agents in Northwest Arkansas for my knowledge of the loan product, the condition VA requires for properties, and my reputation put me over the top for the VA Mortgage Center. Please know that you will be cared for, informed, and treated with respect during your real estate transaction when you use me.
RELOCATION:
Northwest Arkansas (NWA) is my home by choice. After growing up here I left for the Mid-South for 3 years. I came back to kiss the ground. I know this area, what it offers, many of the wonderful people, how to find the deals, and how to promote your property. I love this part of the world, and know you will too. So many clients have used me to find out what restaurants to go to for special occasions, what specialty stores to use for different needs, what churches are available for their choice of faith, what schools their family would like the best, and on and on. I am knowledgeable of this area, and know so many people and resources I can introduce you to. Whether you are looking in Fayetteville, Springdale, Lowell, Rogers, Bentonville, or Bella Vista, or the surrounding area, I know the area and can help. I am a certified RELO Expert, and want to help you become acclimated to our wonderful metro of Northwest Arkansas.
BANK REPOSSESSED/FORECLOSED (REPO, REPO'D, REPO'S, REO, CORPORATE OWNED, FORECLOSURE), and SHORT SALES:
sellers:
Today's market forces agents to be adapt in Short Sale, and Repo properties. I work directly with multiple banks, and through resources with national banks to assist sellers with the Short Sale process. My best short sale was only on the market 2 days, and was closed within 3 weeks. If you need help from someone who knows how to see a short sale become a success story call me.
buyers:
If you are looking for a deal then look no further! I can help you with the intricacies of purchasing through the short sale and foreclosure purchase process. These transaction require additional paperwork and intricacies that require a knowledge that many in this industry haven't taken the time to learn. Protect yourself with good representation and walk away with a great deal.
Commercial Real Estate
I have brokered businesses, apartments, commercial lease agreements, land developments, office buildings, investment properties, and residential. I do find residential very rewarding. Watching families obtain their goals and making sound investments that will benifit their family is the best feeling in the world.
Call me. I can help you. 479-841-9699 cell
Or visit my website:
http://nwafamilyrealestate.com
Glenn and Leigh Ann Chitwood, Radiologist
I want to brag on my realtor. I had a property on the market for 9 months before I called Jason Smith. It was a property that we knew would be difficult to sell because of the small group of people that would want this kind of property-lake area. Jason Smith was well aware of the market and what we were up against, but was ready for the challenge. He marketed our property so well that it showed more in his first month that it did in the previous 9 months combined. He made us very comfortable when we received offers with unusual circumstances and was a real rock as we worked through them. I really felt like he was working for our best interest. I know that through this listing and subsequent sale that I was in competent hands, and we have made a friend as well in the process. He will get my next house to sell.
George and Cindy Lucas Senior Litigator for the Southern District of Mississippi -
Absolutely outstanding job, willing to go over and beyond, most aggressive, caring realtor we have dealt with. Had the home listed twice before, neither of which stayed in contact with us on a regular basis like Jason. If you want someone who cares about you, and cares about your house getting sold...contact Jason Smith.
Lisa Evans Benton County Public Defender -
"There were problems with the house, Jason did everything to protect my interests."
Rich and Sheryl Davis, Builder Supplier -
Jason listed our house that needed some updating and was located in a not so desirable area. He was able to sell and close on our house for the full asking price within 3 months. We had one offer that fell through due to financing problems. Jason and his office associates had us another full price offer within a week. Jason was very professional and quickly returned every phone call and answered each question in a very timely manner. Jason gave us suggestions of ways that we could make our house more appealing to a prospective buyer. We would recommend Jason Smith to list and sell any property that you might have in Northwest Arkansas.
Mike Echols, Springdale Band Director
"Exactly the agent we needed and the qualities we needed."
Carl and Laurie Malloy - Retired FBI
In all my years of listing and selling, Jason is the best agent we have ever dealt with. He made things happen and got us into homes with a moments notice.
http://nwafamilyrealestate.com
Jason Smith | Create Your Badge
>
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2012 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
