Niki Fiala

A client called me a few weeks ago all worried. She just found out she has Chinese drywall in her new home that she purchased from one of the nationwide builders 2 years ago.

She's been having trouble with her A/C repeatedly since she bought the home, she's been noticing premature corrosion on her mirrors, refrigerator, etc.

Finally she got the hint from an A/C guy: "I would check for Chinese drywall". And that she did, and sure enough the reason for all her various problems in the home had to do with this.

After my initial shock I called my broker, who told us not to worry. She had another client with another builder with the same issue and the builder took complete responsibility for the issue.

Now it is a month later and the my client is getting moved out of the home. She is receiving a nice sum of per diem from the builder for 12 weeks while her unit will be taken down to bare bones, all electric, all plumbing, all drywalls, all interior finishes, all appliances will have to be replaced.

She is happy. Let's see what happens once the work is all done.

EASY WAYS TO FIND OUT IF YOUR HOME HAS CHINESE DRYWALL:

1. One place to check is your air conditioning unit or the back of your refrigerator. If it's black and corroded instead of the usual color of copper, you may have "hit the jackpot" in a bad way..

2. If you smell something that reminds you of rotten eggs, you may be onto something...

Good luck not finding either. But if you are selling a newer home to a client, definitely check for the above.

Good day!

Niki

I have had the good fortune to sell some brand new construction condos in Clearwater, FL by Pulte Homes. Not only are these condos gorgeous with floorplans unique to our entire area, but the customer service, starting with the friendly sales staff, construction superintendent, quality control staff, their mortgage department, closing coordinators, they are just a pleasure to work with.

I have had clients that went under contract on a pre-construction unit, and as the market declined, and Pulte adjusted their prices down, they went back to my clients and offered to lower the price of the unit they were already under contract on.


The last one I sold, I sold it to European clients that can be really picky when it comes to quality. My client was so impressed during the walk-through inspection that he just kept shaking the hands of the construction manager "How do you get your subcontractors do such an amazing job?"

Every time I sell one of their properties, I get the funny feeling "and what am I supposed to do for my commission?". They make it so easy on the buyer agent. They really give you a break. (I guess it makes up for the hard work we do on most other transactions.)

Anyways, I just wanted to put a plug in for them. I just closed on one, and closing on another pre-construction later this year.

PULTE ROCKS!

OPEN HOUSE WITH Four BEAUTIFUL PROPERTIES PARTICIPATING in one of the greatest historic neighborhoods of Downtown Clearwater.

TIME:

SEPTEMBER 10, 2009

12 - 2 PM

REFRESHMENTS SERVED :-)

MLS # 7424775 *Serving Salad*

1613 MAPLE STREET, 3 bedroom (1487 sq feet) 1 bath. Charming 1920s bungalow, hardwood floors, high ceilings, lots of crown molding. Wood burning fire place surrounded by build in bookshelves. $145,900

Daniel A. Neholrai, Charles Rutenberg Realty Inc. Phone (813)263-2102

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MLS # 7357816 * Serving Sandwiches* Brand new Custom Built Home!

306 JEFFERSON AVENUE N., 4 bedroom (2800 sq feet) 3 ½ bath, pool home with 2 car garage. Master bath with whirlpool, and breakfast/snackbar. Beautiful skylights, fireplace and volume ceilings. $465,000

Kerry C. Fuller, PA and Marian P. Henry, Realty Executives Suncoast (727)726-3333 / (727)422-2819

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MLS # 7427415 *Serving Desserts*

1215 JACKSON ROAD, 3 bedroom 2 bath 1940 built beautifully remodeled home (2701 sq feet) featuring huge open spaces, fireplace, cathedral ceilings, bay windows, newer roof and A/C. Great condition, just move right in and make it your cozy home.

Plus: 2 bedroom ½ bath in-law /rental apartment (905 sq.feet) $410,000

Niki Nemeth, Village Reality of Clearwater. Office: (727)230-9987

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MLS # 7404169

300 WASHINGTON AVENUE, 3 bedroom (1220 sq feet) 1bath, 1 car detached garage. Cute cottage home in great condition, original wood floors, gas fireplace, hook up for gas grill in the backyard, fenced with two porches. $170,000

Eugenia F McQuigg, Prudential Tropical Realty, Office: (727)799-2227

I have been a Realtor for four years and have gotten used to working long hours 7 days a week. Recently as I was evaluating the condition of my business I realized that my personal life would continue intruding on my business hours simply because I needed to plug in time for grocery shopping, doing laundry, things people do on their days off or on their free time, which I just did not really have.

I decided a few months ago to try to take Sundays off, spend it with family, relax, go to the movies, go on little trips, take care of the house, etc. and to implement regular exercise in the afternoons as time allowed.

So the first month I took off almost every Sunday, went to the beach, bike rides, the ZOO, etc. I had my best month ever personally and in my business.

Then the following two months I got consumed by my work again and ended up working 7 days a week or only take a partial Sunday off, and neglecting my work-out.

I am looking back now evaluating my statistics, my production. Conclusion:

MY BEST MONTH EVER IN REAL ESTATE was the one month when I took Sundays off on a regular basis, and I took a break for exercise almost every day. THE MORE TIME I TAKE OFF THE BETTER I DO.

I am implementing that successful pattern once again :-)

I have a few listings that are small condos in price ranges around $30-40K.

No matter how much I promote and how many different ways I promote these, no activity.

Recently I discussed with my sellers the possiblity of seller financing, they started considering it, and lo and behold with our new promotion using the seller financing "button", I started getting some good reaches. One of them is supposed to be closing later this week, and another one started getting showings after months of absolutely no activity.

Think of some of your listings that may benefit from this option.

Good day!