Marney Kirk, Towson, Maryland Real Estate

I LOVE Active Rain. There. I said it.

It took awhile for me to get into it, because I didn't truly understand it. Why would I want to blog here? Why comment on other agents' posts?

So for those who don't understand, this is what it is "about":

1) I learn something new EVERY DAY. I have been an agent for almost 11 years but have been sheltered in my area for the most part. There are so many professionals on here sharing their stories and their keys to success, there is NO reason NOT to be on here.

2) The group is like a family. They share, they may disagree, but they do so out of love.

3) You get feedback! WOW! On what you are up to, what you have been doing, what you have to say. Just put it out there, and people will respond. What a concept!

4) You get POINTS! For commenting, blogging, etc. Actual visible results that can make you feel good -- and quickly! (So it may not be money, but it IS tangible!)

So THANK YOU, ACTIVERAINERS, for being such fantastic people. Justsayin'.

I am amazed every day when I go to pull listings for buyers and there is only one photo of the property – the front.

Our MLS allows 30 photos to be posted FOR FREE.

Photos can save time energy and effort for all parties involved!

1) An agent could not waste time previewing or taking a client through when simple photos would have told us it would not have worked for them from the beginning.

2) Sellers (if occupied) don’t have to straighten up, get out, and get their hopes up about the buyer viewing the property.

3) Buyers don’t get their hopes up about this seemingly perfect listing in the right area – that never would work for them, and now are irritated that their time was wasted.

I cannot imagine a VALID excuse for not having additional pictures of the property.

POOR EXCUSES:

1) The house doesn’t show well. (That will be the case when we enter the house too.) FAIL.

2) I don’t have a digital camera. ABSOLUTE FAIL.

3) It’s a foreclosure house that is trashed. That would be helpful for buyers to see up front to understand!) FAIL.

4) I have so many foreclosures I am too busy to take them. (Um, congratulations. Get someone else to take them for you.) FAIL.

5) Seller doesn’t want to have photos posted. (Why? It looks that bad?) FAIL.

6) Seller has nice things and doesn’t want them to be shown on the internet. (OK, if that is a real concern, shouldn’t those things be put in storage for their safety anyway?) STILL FAIL.

80% of buyers nowadays start their search online. If there are no photos of the property buyers will not take the time to click to find out more information. You have lost them. They have already moved on to the 4 other houses on the market in that same area.

As listing agents, if we don’t have our sellers sign the photo waiver, then go and take photos then actually post them then we are not doing our fiduciary duty to them.

I wanted to share my love of dogs with you all.

We have, in the past, had three dogs. We love having a full house.

Since our eldest passed shortly after the birth of our son a little over three years ago, we waited to expand our brood since our son is now able and willing to be able to participate.

We also knew that we wanted to welcome a rescue dog into our home.

That happened yesterday!

This is our beautiful new boy! He is between 1-2 years old and was rescued from death row at a pound in Georgia.

We are currently fostering him, as he needed an immediate home. But, we already filled out our application to make him a permanent member of our family!

He is big, loveable, sweet, and kind.

The rescue we received him from is called Recycled Love. They are located right here in Baltimore. They actually made the COVER of Sports Illustrated in December for their successful placement of TWO of Michael Vick’s pit bulls!

There are so many animals out there who are ready to love, receive love, and be a part of a family. So what if they aren’t puppies? First, there are plenty in shelters who ARE. But second, we have a dog who already knows to go to the bathroom outside, and is fully grown, and we have a history – his temperament and personality already in place. He's a little jumpy, but we'll get past that!

So please help your local shelters either through volunteering, fostering, monetary donations, or adoptions.

And if you are in Maryland, please consider Recycled Love. They have been WONDERFUL to work with!!!!

I realize I have written a lot about the Towson Zestimates and how much they have been off in my area.

It is not that I mean to harp, but as most of my family & friends know, I am an expert when it comes to house values in Towson.

Enter this weekend, with cookouts and family time galore. As usual, the discussion goes to real estate.

"I was passing this on the way to your house - how much is it on for?"

Of course, I am ready with that information:

"$2,495,000."

"How about the small one near Charles Street?" "$615,000."

(I know my area!)

"So, Marney, what is this Zillow Zestimates thing you have blogged about?"

Well, here's the PERFECT example as to the difference between TRUE VALUE and ZESTIMATES.

List price: $2,495,000. Zestimate: $971,000. Off by over $1.5 MILLION!!!!

List price: $615,000. Zestimate: $489,000. (only off by about $126,000).

See the problem????

How can this be rectified? I realize there are disclaimers all over the Zillow site. But shouldn't a product designed to help the public determine a value be at least CLOSE to correct?!

Last Thursday, I was asked to present on social media networking to the Greater Baltimore Chapter of Women's Council of Realtors.
I was honored to be able to do my short presentation to this prestigious group, including one of ActiveRain's top Rainers, Margaret Rome!

Read more here, and know I will be presenting more on May 21st, and a full CE class on May 28th at The Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors (GBBR) !