Michelle Gordon

Did you know this about Keller Williams Grand Rapids, MI office?

•· That February of 2008 through January of 2009 we were #33 out of 700 KW Market Centers in the country?

•· That Year to Date (May) we are #1 in our Region out of 29 Market Centers?

•· That Year to Date (May) our PROFIT SHARE is more than YTD last year?

•· That in the latest "Real Trends Report" (February 2008), we are # 239 out of the top 500 Largest Brokers in the U.S. for closed transactions and #285 for closed sales?

•· That Year to Date (January thru May 2009) we are # 15 in written units out of 700 KW Market Centers?

•· That YTD our Listings taken (units) are up 33%

•· That YTD our Listings taken (volume) are up 13.5%

•· That YTD our Listings SOLD (units) are up 13%

•· That YTD our Listings SOLD (volume) are up 6.1%

•· That YTD our Contracts written (units) are up 29.3%

•· That YTD our Contracts written (volume) are up 7.3%

•· That YTD our Contracts closed (units) are up 17.6%

I wonder in this market environment of REO's and Short sales where we tend to "forgive" contract dates or leave them off totally due to the bank will respond when the bank will respond, has made us tolerant and/or slack in honoring contract dates with "regular" sales.

Not that I get too many "regular" sales these days, but when I do, I conduct business as I was once trained and honor all dates stipulated on the contract.

I do get the home inspections done in 10 days, I do put a date on the counter offer as to when the buyer/seller needs to respond.

There may be strategy behind it or not................but in the end there is somebody on the other side waiting for an answer and want to know why they have not responded by the date given.

Now in some cases there may be a situation where the date given is impossible............However in this high tech world we live in a response can usually be given in the allotted time given or at least a response of some kind.

So at the very least be respectful to the people who are waiting, as none of us like to wait........it is almost like passing up your due date for giving birth!

Mostly be respectful of all parties and communicate ................. most recently I had submitted an offer to a seller and gave 24 hours to respond..............it took 3 days and the house was still being shown. Now If I were the buyer I would have walked............but my buyers wanted the home very badly so they stuck it out.

However, I have to tell you this worked in my favor in the end..............as no other offers came in and then I knew just where I stood as the buyers agent............I knew I was the only game in town for the home and the ball was in my court from here on out. So the listing agent did not do the sellers any favors..........

As always remember the golden rule!

I have many times talked to a for sale by owner's who are now getting ready to list with an agent who are frustrated with the sales process.

One of the reasons they decide to list with an agent (among others) is they can not take the "personal" questions.

They do not like getting the hard questions to answer in fear they may answer "wrong".

One question that seems to really hang FSBO's up is "Why are you moving?"

Sellers are wondering do I say:

Looking for a bigger home. But fear this may suggest their home is small.

Looking for a better school district. However fear that this may suggest their home is in a bad school district.

Looking for an area with more kids. However fear this will suggest to families that their kids will have no one to play with or just the oopposite..........too many kids????

Relocation for job/getting married/lost my job - but will this suggest I NEED to sell and get a low ball offer?

It is very hard to for a seller to figure out; who is not experienced in these situations; how to handle these very simple but hard questions.

There are many reason why buyers ask these questions:

1. Just curious

2. How eager are you to sell

3. What can they offer you in exchange for price - If a buyers can not give you full price for your home they may want to know what your needs are...........can they give you time to move, can they delay the closing a bit.............etc..................sometimes price is not the only concern.

However an experienced agent will know how to field these questions by buyers to see what they are really getting at and what they are really asking before answering. Not to suggest we tell them what they want to hear but how understand the question and not take anything personal!

Selling a home is more then listng it................dealing with the public is something not everyone can do! However I enjoy it more then you can know!

YES!!!!! We are having our golf outing again this year............Different location and time!

We are planning on being bigger and better then ever before.

Where - Thornapple Point Golf Club

When - July 31st 2009 - Friday

Time - Sign in at 9am - Shot gun start at 10am

Why - Because we have all been working hard and need a break and it will be FUN!

Don't play golf? Come for dinner

Some highlights:

Par 3's have a $15,000 prize for hole in one

50/50 putting green contest

Door prizes - promotional golf items for give aways to all players

Cart - Breakfast - delivered lunch and dinner included

If you would like to play or sponsor please e-mail or call me for more information

Michelle Gordon michellegordon@grar.com 616-443-0596

What a cool idea, and sounds like a blast.............this art class is offered by one of my F.L.O.W.artist. She is very talented! Here is the info:

Hi Everyone- It is time for Art Aids 3'rd annual wine and art event. Please set aside the evening of August 20th, we're aiming for live music and painting this year. More details to come. Also below you'll find more information on the class I'll be teaching on Thursday evenings for adults. Hope to see you all soon, Stephanie
Creative Learning (1200 E. Paris-next to CG's Cafe and Bill and Paul's) is hosting a series of ART WORKSHOPS for adults on Thurs. evenings, 6;30-8 PM in our art studio. Come for one class or as many as you'd like. Local artist, Stephanie Timmerman is our inspirational teacher.

This is a night away to be spend time with friends and create great art for yourself or as gifts. Bring in photocopies of your favorite or meaningful photos, wine labels, post cards, tickets, words, articles, etc. for added inspiration (if needed). Your masterpiece may be used as a painting suitable for framing, a transfer to fabric (for pillows, clothing, etc.), or a floor cloth. This class will be fun and you'll have a masterpiece when it's over. You may want to have dinner at CG's Cafe before class and bring your own favorite beverage if you'd like.

Cost: $15/session for all paints and paper. Stretched canvas, floor cloths, etc. extra.
To Register: Visit our website: www.creativelearningtoysandtools.com , stop in to the store, or call (616) 975-9019.