Kristal Perrone - Associate Broker

I found this article on the internet recently. I think it shows the importance of getting buyers pre-approved. http://wendylovesknitting.blogspot.com/2007/09/i-hate-realtors.html

I feel bad for this woman. I am always amazed when a buyers agent does not include a pre-approval letter with an offer. It's one of the main things I look for when reviewing an offer for a seller. It is also the first thing I suggest when a buyer contacts me.

I would be interested to hear your thoughts on this. Who is responsible? The listing agent? The buyers agent? The buyers?

10 Questions to Ask Your Listing Agent

1) Are you a real estate agent or a Realtor^®?

Real estate agents are not always Realtors^®. Realtors^® are members of the National Association of Realtors^®. Realtors^® are pledged to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

2) Are you a full time or part time agent?

It is important for your agent to respond quickly to customer inquiries about your home via email and cell phone. Part-time agents can be skilled marketers, but they have other commitments that can limit their responsiveness.

3) Is your company a full service brokerage?

One stop shopping is a great way to save time, and some full service brokerages offer discounts to their clients.

4.) How do you use technology in your business?

This is very important in this day and age. Approximately 80% of buyers start their home search online. Google the name of the agent. Do they have a strong internet presence? Do they know how to type, text, IM with younger clients? Do they have their own personal website?

5.) What are the average days on market right now for this area?

This will give you a better idea on the time frame involved in the selling process.

6.) Is there anything I could do to make this house sell faster?

It's always best to work as a team with your agent. Depending on finances, there are usually some things you could do to enhance the home.

7.) What type of marketing will you do?

There are many different ways to market a home. A sign in the front yard is not enough.

8.) How accessible are you?

You'll want to know what hours the agent can be reached at home, as well as the office and cell phone, and how often the agent checks messages. These issues are not only important to you, they're important to potential buyers and their agents.

9.) Has a client ever filed a complaint against you?

If you're uncomfortable asking, just check with the state licensing board.

10.) The main question you should ask yourself at the end of your meeting is "Would I feel comfortable using this person?"

I do not blog very often, but I spend alot of time here reading and learning. I do plan on blogging more in the future. As a way of giving back I thought I'd share a true story for Halloween time.

I had to meet an appraiser at a property I had just sold. It had been a tough sale due to a few issues with the house. I was walking around one last time, while the appraiser did his job.

I noticed a black cat walking around in the back yard. I said to the appraiser "I hope that's not bad luck."

He said "Oh, that cat's been following me my whole life."

In this business I think working with people who have a sense of humor is priceless. Don't you agree?

The lilacs in my yard smell sooooo good. I made a bouquet and brought some indoors. It makes a house feel more like home, with fresh flowers in it.

Our annual Lilac festival In Highland Park will begin tomorrow (Friday May 9, 2008) and run until May 18th.

The hours are 10:30 AM until 8:30 PM daily.

Each May, the Lilac Festival signals spring as Highland Park's 1,200 lilac bushes display a floral rainbow of more than 500 varieties, from deepest purple to purest white, from lightly scented to irresistibly aromatic. They cover 22 of Highland Park's 155 acres.

John Dunbar planted the first lilacs at Highland Park in 1892. During his years as park horticulturist, he gradually expanded the collection and introduced more than 30 new varieties to the trade. Dunbar's successor, Bernard H. Slavin, built Highland Park's Lilac Collection into the largest in the world.

You can read more about the Lilac Festival here: http://www.lilacfestival.com/

It's a great way to get out and enjoy Spring with family, and friends.

Hi, My name is Kristal. Welcome to my blog. I would like to start by talking a little about Rochester, NY, and why I think it's a great place to live. I was born, and raised here. I am a life long resident. I have lived in many areas of the county, mainly due to my mothers love for real estate. I think this area is a wonderful place to live. I enjoy the different seasons. Although our winters can be harsh, I firmly believe that it's better than coping with hurricanes, earthquakes, and many other issues that other areas have.

I believe that life is what we make it no matter where we live. Rochester has a lot to offer to it's residents. We have some great waterways to enjoy including Lake Ontario, Irondequoit Bay, The Genesee River, and the Erie canal. Some of my best memories are the many years I have spent boating right here in good old Rochester, NY. When I was little, my father loved to fish, and my uncle loved to water ski on Irondequoit Bay. Their passion for the water continues on through me.

If you enjoy city living, the city offers The Park Ave Festival, and the Corn Hill Festival every year. These are great events that many vendors participate in. The city, and the suburbs offer many parades, festivals, and fireworks throughout the year. People from all over the world come here in the Spring for The Lilac Festival in Highland Park. In the summer, you can take a stroll down the Charlotte pier, get an ice cream, and stop and watch a movie on the beach. Or you can ride your bike along the Erie canal in the fall, and enjoy the beautiful foliage, or go for a wine tour in the finger lakes area. When winter approaches, there is great skiing to be had at Bristol Mountain. Or you can watch the kids having fun building snowmen, or sledding at one of the various parks in the area.

There are many interesting places to keep you busy throughout the seasons. The Eastman Theatre, and The Auditorium theatre, and Geva have many great shows to attend. I have attending many, and enjoyed them all. For sport lovers, there is Frontier Field, The Blue Cross Arena, and Paetec park. On a sunny day there are many interesting animals to see at the Seneca Park Zoo, and many rides to enjoy at Seabreeze Amusement Park. You can play a game of miniature golf at Whispering Pines in the Seabreeze area. It is rumored to be the oldest miniature golf course in the country. If you're up for an adult beverage, Marge's on the lake is a great place to have a drink, relax, and sink your feet in the sand. On a rainy day, there is The George Eastman house to visit, or maybe a day at The Strong Museum, or The Rochester Museum and Science Center for the kids.

There is plenty to do, and see, in this wonderful area. Rochester NY truly is a great place to live!