Kristal Perrone - Associate Broker

I would like to thank all my friends, clients, and co-workers for making 2008 a year to remember. I hope you all have a peaceful and healthy holiday season. Best wishes for the new year!

When I was in my early 20's, I started a small business, and in December I sent out Christmas cards to everyone on my list. I later found out that many of them were Jewish. Boy was I embarrassed. I never paid any attention to what religion someone may folllow. I just liked people, and wanted to wish them the best.

We are busy getting ready for Christmas. I often wonder if others laugh at us for spending so much time and money at the malls at this time of year. We have had a weekend of alot of snow, and I believe that has slowed things down, which I think is a good thing. Everything has become too commercial. We always celebrate on Christmas Eve, not Christmas day like so many others. That tradition started with my grandmother who came here from Poland. What are you getting ready to celebrate? What type of traditions do you have in your family? Do you stay home or travel?

They warned us it was coming. Many people went to the stores and stocked up on food. Those who waited until the last minute to buy Christmas gifts might need to wait a little longer. Then it began. The snow started in the morning, and kept right on falling all day long. Schools closed early. Evening events were canceled. The plow crews had a tough time keeping up. I went and checked on one of my vacant listings, and decided to wait to check on a different one. I was concerned about going over the icy 104 bridge.

It's hard to serve clients from a ditch. I knew the crews would work all night to get them cleared. I figured I'd wait till morning. This weather is not new to us. It doesn't bring our city to a complete halt. We are prepared. We got about 12 inches. We've had more. We're Rochesterians. We can handle anything. It actually looks really pretty. My daughter had mentioned recently that she'd like more snow to build a fort. She got her wish.

Then the call came this morning. Another Realtor wanted to show my listing. Uh oh. I wondered if the driveway had been plowed. If it had, was it buried again? Would they be able to get up the driveway? I ventured out to go check. On the side of the road this is what I saw. Two for sale signs on posts. The snow from the plows going by did a little damage. One sign was completely gone, and buried. Only the post was left standing. The other one was hanging by a thread. I didn't have my regular camera with me, so these pictures were taken from my cell phone. I apologize for the lack of quality.

I made it to the house. I shoveled the 12 inches off the walkway up to the front door. The winds had knocked the Christmas wreath off the front door. I put it back on. The driveway was plowed. I called the other agent to let her know she could show it, and that it was all clear. But I mentioned she might want to hurry up, another storm is coming tomorrow.

Yesterday I received an agent of the year award at our company Awards Gala. This is not my first award, but it was special. I would like to thank the people of Active Rain for helping me achieve this award. I was a lurker for a long time, and did not write blogs for awhile. I still struggle sometimes to write them. I have learned so much, and gained so much knowledge from the people here. Many agents in my area don't know, or understand the benefits of Active Rain.

As I sat in this room, with the top producers of an invitation only event, I thought about all the people who helped me get to where I am today. I was lucky to have a very supportive broker, and a very encouraging trainer. I was also lucky in that I had a mother with many years of experience in real estate. I have a passion for modern technology, and I picked the brains of the older, most successful agents. I figured if I could combine the two, I'd have a lot to offer. I spent months reading real estate books to gain knowledge. But, finding Active Rain was like finding gold. The interesting and informative blogs of many continued to draw me back over and over again. I'm still amazed at the agents willing to share their knowledge and incite. I have learned so much, and am forever grateful.

As a former small business owner, the world of real estate was initially tough to get used to. I was used to easy and simple referrals. In retrospect, I had no idea what I was getting myself in to when I made the decision to pursue a career in real estate. Sometimes I wondered if I had made a mistake. I didn't feel that people trusted me, and that was new to me. Surviving financially was a concern. I kept putting one foot in front of the other, and hoped for the best. I tried to stay positive even when I heard nothing but doom and gloom. I was determined not to give up. I truly believe that nothing worthwhile is easy. There are people that need help, and I wanted to help. I think the most important thing in any business is to treat others how you would want to be treated.

As I heard my name called, I couldn't remember the last time I felt so happy. My hope was that my father and my grandparents that have passed were watching from above. For those who are thinking of leaving the business, I will tell you there were times I considered it. It has been a long journey, but I didn't give up and I hope you don't either. It's tough, but it's worthwhile. If you feel that you can make a positive difference in people's lives, and are doing this for the right reasons, don't give up. You will have to earn it. It won't come to you. It will not be an easy journey, but it will be worthwhile. Active Rain is always here for you 24/7 when you need ideas, encouragement, or help.

Once again, I would like to thank the people here for helping me get the best Christmas present ever.

I was reading another forum today and a real estate agent posting the question: Buyers-where are you searching online?

There were a good amount of answers. Most buyers said they do their searches on realtor.com, trulia.com, zillow.com, or craigslist.com. I was happy to hear that, as I advertise all my listings on those sites, as well as many others. Some preferred specific local sites fed by their MLS. It is interesting to note that their least favorite site is one that they have to register on to view properties. I have to admit I hate that too, and have not added that on my website. I figure if someone has questions they will contact me, and they do.

One poster said they loved ziprealty.com and thought it was the best. I had not heard of that one, so I went to check it out. They do not cover my area (Rochester, NY)

Many stressed that they prefer sites with maps, and satellite image to get a good view of the neighborhood. I can see how that could be a benefit. I think it's important to note that those sites don't have all the information that a Realtor can get from the MLS, and may not be showing current and up to date information. I received three calls from buyers weeks after I sold a property even though I had updated the status as pending in the MLS.

So, do you use these sites? Do you have a favorite?