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Sissy Thomas

Economy Fallout or Just Bad Choices?

09-14-10
Sissy Thomas

I just finished a conversation with a client. Heis setting an appointment with an attorney to file for bankruptcy.

We've had his home on the market for a year. A few weeks ago, we negotiated a sale contract .. he was to bring a couple of thousand to closing, but at last the burden of this mortgage was off his shoulders. HOWEVER, the closing agency found a large lien against the property. Turns out that the seller had co-signed a car loan for his daughter -- and she hadn't paid the note for over a year.

Apparently it was a judgment passed through the courts so the lien is on all he owns. So, he's tried to get a payment plan worked out if they would lift the lein on this property --- he needs to sell it so he has the money to pay them back. They (the attorney for the bank) says NO - you weren't cooperative earlier so we won't be now. So, in desperation he is seeking bankruptcy.

Of course, the deal is dead - buyers don't want to wait around to see what happens -- can you blame them?

Ironically, if he does file bankruptcy, in this market his property will sell for just about the amount of the first mortgage -- and the lein holder will get NOTHING.

What a lose-lose situation. Unfortunately the closing agency is telling me scenarios like this are more and more common. Is it the economy or unfortunate choices made by all concerned?

Sissy Thomas

Realtor/Co-owner

Keller Williams

Welcome Respite From the Heat!

08-06-10
Sissy Thomas

Mother Nature has been quite busy this year, she's tried to freeze us, flood us and now cook us.

In May, when it rained for 3 days and flooded our area we thought it a good thing if it didn't rain again for a good long while. After experiencing weeks of high 90's and 100+ temps the rain is most WELCOME! We've had an inch and a half of rain in the last 18 hours. And the temperture is a lovely 73 degrees.

While the heat may return for a few more weeks, the break is most welcome. Thanks for the teaser, "Mom".

Sizzling Hot Open Houses .. and other musings.

08-01-10
Sissy Thomas

I like to hold open houses. One of my own homes sold as a result of an open house visit ... and the very first home I sold was from an open house.

It was a fall Sunday and I was a new agent and holding an open house at another agent's listing. A good number of people came through and one couple stayed for an hour (but they had an agent already). One lady came by and virtually "ran" through the house. She didn't stay long. I assumed no interest on her part. My report to the listing agent was I thought she would hear from the agent who represented the couple who stayed for an hour or more. Fast forward to Tuesday Morning. The lady who ran through called me. I teased her and said "you're calling to place an offer on the house" and when she said yes, I almost fell out of my chair. Anyway, she bought the house and I've been a fan of open houses since then.

HOWEVER, along the way I've learned a few things about when NOT to hold an open house:

  1. NEVER, never hold one when the temperature outside is above 85 degrees -- no matter how hot the house, it's too hot for "lookers" in this part of the country.
  2. Never, never hold one when the temperature outside is below 45 degrees-- especially if it's raining or threatening snow.
  3. Never, Never hold one when the local professional football team is playing at home (in the same city as the open house).
  4. Never hold one on a holiday weekend.
  5. Never hold one on a tax free weekend.
  6. Never hold one way out in the country .... not enough traffic
  7. Most importantly, if the sellers don't care enough to clean the house, don't bother holding one.

Does this ring true with many of you?

Showing Realtors who don't leave feedback

07-28-10
Sissy Thomas

Sellers are anxious. Times are difficult and that's why it's even more important that the professional courtesy of providing feedback it honored.

So why don't some of us provide feedback after showing another realtor's listing? Is it arrogance .... you just can't be bothered? Is is laziness? How about the "I'm too busy" excuse? Whatever the reason, it's just plain rude!

Think a minute. Isn't is a good thing to keep positive relations with fellow realtors? Providing feedback enhances relationships. Perhaps even more important the seller knows who you are ..... you think they might put you on their "do not call list" for future reference after experiencing your snub?

What comes around goes around so make it a habit to provide feedback.

Sissy Thomas

Love my Iphone

07-13-10
Sissy Thomas

Nope, it's not the 4g version -- I don't like being on the bleeding edge of technology. But my 3G Iphone is awesome! While showing property, I used it last night to look up a listing, tax records and request a showing for the house across the street. Perhaps many of you are already doing this and more - but I'll wait and ease into technology more slowly - but I'm sure there is an APP for that too!

Love this phone