Linda Parvin Hutchinson

Real estate is constantly changing and for me…that is a good thing.

I like change and while sometimes it can seem daunting and scary, it also forces me to re-focus my energies into what is important and what will make me AND my clients happy. The old days are gone and a new day is here. Not everyone is going to make it in this new world order. Why? Because they are unwilling to change.

One of the biggest changes I see is the return to smaller homes. I remember when everyone thought bigger was better and wanted a mega-mansion. If these economically-challenging times have taught us anything – it’s to tighten your belt and live within our means. No more super-sized anything. It’s time to live large in smaller spaces.

When I say that glamour comes in all sizes – I am seeing it on a daily basis when showing homes. Small homes are VERY popular and as baby-boomer enter new phases in their lives and careers, they will look to downsize. The smaller home will be the desired size for many. Even Gen X, Y and whatever would agree that to be “green” today means to keep our homes at a manageable size. Families live within their means and within a more “defined” living space. It’s cool to be cozy.

I’m looking forward to our future – I think we are getting smarter and we are coming to terms with what is important in life. Size doesn’t matter – but charm, character, personality and a home with glamour will never go out of style. Live large but in a smaller space! Be willing to change.

I recently had the pleasure of taking an out of state buyer to look at properties in Central Florida. I was ALARMED (sorry for the pun) at the number of homes without electronic lockboxes.

The alternative that is used is often a "locker-style" lockbox where the agent enters an alphanumeric code such as A-B-C to open the box and obtain a homeowner's house key. The problem with that system is that any prospective and attentive buyer can watch you use the code and could possibly gain access to a listed home in the future. While I don't think break-ins are increasing - it is still a security risk. These lockboxes are cheaper but not safer for the homeowner.

I highly recommend the electronic lockbox (no cost to the seller - just to the agent) because they LOCK at night and no one can gain access to your house unless they use a Board of REALTOR's issued lockbox key which records via an electronic keypad the showing agent who is going in and out of your home. All this information is downloaded daily to the listing agent via the internet. These lockboxes are safe and effective.

In my business the customer comes first and the customer's safety is of the utmost importance to me. Be smart.

67 years ago today my Dad, S.A. Parvin, was shot down over Nazi occupied Germany. The B-17 plane he was piloting was shot on a bombing mission. After making sure all of his men were out of the burning plane, Dad parachuted into a lake. His life was never the same. He would also be almost totally deaf.

Dad spent two years as a POW with most of his days spent marching across Germany and Poland. He saved the lives of many soldiers and was a constant source of encouragement to others. These stories were told to us by his fellow POW's - Dad never said a word. In fact, it was only in his diaries that he would sound discouraged with a desire to return home to his family. Dad's faith and strength sustained him through a difficult and horrible time until his camp was liberated and he was free.

What is amazing is that Dad rarely spoke of these years because he was humble. He was proud of his service but didn't want to draw attention to himself. He was loyal and strong and loved his country.

So for today, I don't talk about real estate. I want to remember those who have given us the chance to live free and to be able to choose our careers and inadvertently gave us an opportunity to be homeowners. We are free because of their sacrifices.

My Dad is no longer here but we always celebrated Memorial Day with thanksgiving for his return from war. Not all families are so fortunate.

On this Memorial Day...may we never forget.

Pancakes and real estate?????? What the heck do they have in common? Read on...

We are fortunate to own a second home in Maggie Valley, NC and we enjoy traveling from Florida to our home located 3,300 feet high in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Traveling to the Smokey Mountains is pure bliss and as they say "Altitude affects attitude".

But the one thing our entire family will agree upon is breakfast at Joey's Pancake House in Maggie Valley (see link at the bottom of this blog). What's the big deal about Joey's? Well...everything.

Joey's is a perfect example of how we can be better real estate agents. They have a tremendous amount of business throughout the day and yet their restaurant runs like a finely tuned machine. While the breakfast food is awesome - it's more than food. This restaurant celebrates their 40th year and long waits to get into Joey's is the norm...but we don't care. It's totally about the experience.

There is a tremendous staff, they are always friendly and you never mind waiting. From the minute you arrive to the moment you leave - they treat you like you were the ONLY clients in the restaurant and they appreciate your visit. The coffee ladies fly by and your cup is never empty. It's an amazing display of service and they are a lesson for real estate agents.

I was thinking today how much MORE my clients would appreciate ME if I checked in with them just to say hello and see how they were doing. How would people react if I went above and beyond what is required? What if I treated them as if there was no reason to hurry and I have all the time in the world - just for them? What if I contacted them AFTER the sale just to see how things were going? I could give you a lot more examples but you get the point. IT'S ALL ABOUT EXTRAORDINARY SERVICE.

So thank you Joey's Pancake House. I work hard and treat my customers well...but I could do even better and your restaurant is absolute proof of what success can look like - in any business. Bravo.

http://www.joeyspancake.com/index.html

Growing up in the 60’s, I was all about Barbie and Ken. I had all the clothes, the cars, the bags - but best of all…the Barbie house. Life was good.

Now Mattel and an Architectural group (http://t.co/SQC7oIa) have combined to start a contest to design a Barbie house for “today’s” Barbie and Ken. What would it include?

If you go by what current buyers are looking at in Central Florida the top five things would be:

1. Home office

2. Place for aging parents

3. Large open kitchen

4. Smaller yard

5. One story design

Buyers just don’t seem to be too concerned anymore about giant homes – they want them smaller, more eco-friendly and easier to manage. In other words, I see a world that is going for a simpler life. I wonder if Barbie is on board with that?