Who are real estate agents?
Well, according to the National Association of Realtors Member Profile for 2009 we are -
We embrace technology - email, pdf, smart phones, gps, instant messaging, computers. We are involved in our communities. We volunteer. And we Vote.
We would have to work 101 hours per week for 50 weeks a year at $7.25 minimum wage to earn the same amount. We love our family and friends. Real estate allows for a flexible schedule and we work hard. 43% of us work 40-60 hours per week.
We love what we do or we simply stop doing it. We are in the business of real estate not just being busy for the sake of being busy. Real estate is the one thing you can sell that everybody truly needs - shelter.
Are you ready to join in the real estate career?
The Real Estate Class is starting soon in Bedford and Portsmouth. Flexible schedule, no hidden costs, all books and materials included. Be ready to take the test in 10 sessions. Class guarantee allows you take the class as many times as you need to pass the test.
Sign up online at TheRealEstateClass.com
My nephew just recently deplyed to Iraq. We are looking to put together a care package for him. I thought I would find an easy list - boy was I wrong. So here is my list that I put together after visiting many sites and reading lots of blogs.
If I can give some ideas even for one soldier's family - I am happy....
Personal Care: (Think travel size)
Snacks & Treats:
Other Desirables:
Magazines:
Notes from us to the soldiers to let them know we are supporting them. They can hold a letter and read it again and again. They can't hold an email. You can include a self addressed envelope - you might get a pen pal.
Send small boxes - and check with the post office for the right way to mail them. Lots of mail calls makes a happy soldier.
Hidden risks of defects in the title can cost thousands in legal fees not to mention the stress and frustration. The best way to protect yourself is to purchase owner's title insurance. Notice I am saying owner's title insurance not lender's title insurance. If you have a mortgage on the property the bank will require you to buy the lender's policy. The owner's policy is optional and many buyer's think they can save some money by passing it by. This is not a good plan. Even the most meticulous search of the public records by a title attorney can miss hidden defects. The owner's title insurance policy pays the legal fees to defend your title in case of something missed. It is a one time charge that you see on the HUD at closing. Don't pass it up because it can protect you from the following errors -
Don't pass up owner's title insurance. Being penny wise and pound foolish could be a costly error when buying a house.
(c) Shannon Aldrich, Keller Williams Coastal Realty
Lockboxes - most real estate agents use them. Some are electronic, some combo (think school locker). There are various reasons to use them from ease of access for other agents showing the property to the agent always knowing where the key is. They are attached with a heavy shank to the door, side wall or fence. This small metal box becomes home to a key or two. The electronic ones can track the name of the agent who used it and what time they entered the property.The electronic lockboxes can also be programmed so that they only open at specified times. Or they can be programmed to open 24hours.
Why use a lockbox? Well, motivated Buyers do not want to wait to see a house or maybe your agent can't make it to all the showings on the new listing. They help by keeping a prospect motivated to see your house without the extra effort of picking up keys. If Buyers can't inspect a home at their convenience they just might move on to another house. Especially true for the out of town relocators on a tight schedule.
Even with an electronic lockbox, simple precautions should still be made to the home. Thefts are not commonplace, but even still, it is wise to eliminate temptation.
All real estate agents should go through a check list with their Sellers to make sure the process goes smoothly and the house gets sold!
(c) 2009 Shannon Aldrich, Keller Williams Coastal Realty Portsmouth NH
There is "gutter talk" and then there is "gutter talk"! Let's talk about the gutters on your home - the how and whys of keeping them clean. After a heavy rainstorm or long winter some homeowners may discover that their gutters are not doing their job due to being filled to the brink with dead leaves, dead bugs and pine needles. Maybe you looked up to find they were barely attached to the house anymore or dangerous icicles were growing from the seams! Or in the worse cases you look up to find trees growing out of the gutters! You as the homeowner have to help your gutters do their job by keeping them clean out of debris.
Could be it is time to get up on the ladder to clean them out or maybe it is time to replace them all together. When looking for new gutters there is some science involved - the thinner the gutter material the more likely it is to bend or buckle under the weight of leaves and ice. The leaders that drain the water off the gutters doesn't need to be as thick because it isn't bearing the weight of the water just directing it. Make sure you are directing it away from the house not straight down into the basement! 
Another consideration is seams or seamless gutters. In the old days you went to the hardware store and purchased all the materials, brought it home and put it together like a jig saw puzzle. Nowadays there is a seamless option. Seamless is preferable because there are no seams to leak. Leaking seams can lead to nasty icicles and sometimes even killer icicles. Seamless gutters are created on the job site by a professional using a machine that bends the aluminum into the desired length and shape.
What else should we look for in a gutter? Well how about open top gutters vs. gutters with any type of leaf guard system? Leaf guards give you free flowing gutters forever! There are several styles of gutter guards on the market. Too many to mention here. No more getting up so high on the ladder to clear them out. Or trying to angle some long tool attached to the garden hose to wash out the debris. Definitely a gutter bonus!
Why gutter at all? Well, to direct the water off the roof and away from the house, deck or stairs. Not only is there safety involved - reducing icy steps in the winter. There is also long term destruction of wood. - dripping roofs onto the deck eventually wears out the wood. Now we have to replace the deck and/or stairs. Basic rule of thumb is that wood and water do not go together. Think about what water can do to rock after years - just look at the Grand Canyon! And wood isn't as hard as rock!
When buying a home be sure to look up not only to check out the roof but also the gutters. Are there any gutters at all? Are they in good shape or barely attached? This is something you need to keep in mind when purchasing and budget for gutter installation or repair. My advice is to look at the whole house - inside and out. And when you are outside, please don't forget to look up!
(c) 2008 Shannon Aldrich, Keller Williams Coastal Realty
Visit the Real Estate Seacoast Team on the web and check out listings 24/7.
Join our enewsletter for more home and area updates by emailing saldrich@kw.com
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Serving Your Real Estate Needs in Strafford & Rockingham Counties in New Hampshire and York County Maine. Real Estate perspectives from a native of the area.
As a Native of the Seacoast I am able to help you find your way home. Working with people who are relocating to the area or are our summer residents is my favorite thing. Gives me the chance to be a tourist in my own back yard. I love the Seacoast and want to share my passion for the area with you. Helping people get their houses sold is what I do best.
Licensed Real Estate Professional since 1999. Licensed to practice real estate in New Hampshire and Maine. Affiliated with Keller Williams Coastal Realty since 2004. Certified Keller Williams Regional Instructor. State of New Hampshire certified pre-licensing instructor. 2006 Market Center Cultural Award Winner.
Specializing in Second Homes, Vacation Homes and Property Investments in the Secoast of New Hampshire and Southern Maine. Visit www.RealEstateSeacoast.com for the Seacoast Sold Report, Area Links and 1031 Exchange information. I also work with clients that have had challenges selling their properties - we put together marketing plans to meet the objective and get the property sold.
Shannon, You made a difference. You kept your cool and did a great job! Thanks! Pete Hodgkins
To Whom It May Concern: Shannon Aldrich - Keller Williams Real Estate I am pleased to forward this letter of recommendation on behalf of Shannon Aldrich. Shannon was my Selling Agent/Broker as well as my Buyer Agent/Broker for the two transactions. She took the listing for my property in Barrington and quickly turned it into a Purchase and Sale (P&S). She carefully guided me through the paperwork for the Sale. Unfortunately, the deal was not consummated no fault of Shannon's efforts. She promptly brought the ultimate Buyer to a P&S and the home closed early in January. She always conducted clear and concise business communication which helped facilitate the closing. She often had to deal with Park Owners and their delays. She remained professional and calm again promoting the Sale. Secondly, she helped me find the perfect home in Portsmouth. Given the housing market for this area, she worked tirelessly to locate the property. Again, she managed the process clearly and concisely. Once again, Park Owners tried to stall the process. Shannon drove at her personal expense from Portsmouth to Scarborough, ME to secure the deed required for the closing. We closed on August 11. She represents Keller Williams with the highest standards of Real Estate excellence. I highly recommend her for either side of the Purchase and Sale process to any prospective Buyer/Seller. Respectfully, Wilbur Gardner Portsmouth, NH 03801
THANK YOU The first Realtor I had was not a pleasant experience. Who would have guessed that a Realtor would call with a message that they think they could help me sell my property. I decided to meet with you and I am so glad I did. I needed a take charge person Shannon and that person was you. Your friendly, gentle nature made me feel comfortable and I knew I could call you anytime to ask questions without cringing! You were aggressive getting the property info out. There was certainly much more activity since you placed the property for sale. That one offer we had where I gave you a counter-offer, I was so disappointed. Yet after talking with you about it, that support and encouragement was there, and we changed the price for the following day. It was not long after that the would be buyer made an offer. There was a difficult time there with a lending instutition. You never ceased to amaze me. Right away you were making calls so Keller Williams could handle the loan and the title. It worked out terrific. I am grateful you took me under your wing. I certainly would have been lost. You always had my best interest at heart and stood by me. Again, thank you so much! Sincerely, Margaret Morrison (and Mariah!) Now in Belmont, New Hampshire
My husband and I listed a house that he owned there in New Hampshire with Shannon Aldrich. She had sent us some literature and a packet of information that we found quite helpful. This was before she knew we were planning to sell, incidentally. I must say, Shannon was everything we could have hoped for in an agent. She kept in touch and kept us informed on the progress and did several things for us above and beyond the call of duty. We had a tenant that she kept pacified and cooperative until we could get her out. I was very impressed! You are very lucky to have her on your team. Mary Woodward, St. Mary's GA
Hello Shannon I wanted to thank you for helping me with the purchase of my first home. It was a little scary and I had no idea what to expect, but you made it real easy. You took the time to point out things I would not have noticed, which helped me make sound decisions. And you worked with me - you knew that I wanted a house, not a condo, even though I had a small budget. Your guidance was immeasurable and I knew you were looking out for my best interest. Thanks again. Suzanne Patrakis, Kittery, ME
Dear Shannon
Thank you for taking the time to talk to my New Hampshire Real Estate Pre-Licensing class at the University of New Hampshire, and at the offices of Family First Mortgage. You have been asked to give multiple talks because you do such an excellent job of explaining the importance of training, commission splits and real estate practice today. My students gained a wonderful real world perspective from your visits and I appreciate the time you took to talk to us.
Best Wishes,
Kelly L. Cullen, PhD Associate Professor Coordinator of Community Development
"Shannon is an affable, experienced professional. She prides herself on going the extra mile for her clients and her market knowledge and utilization of technology to best meet the needs of her clientele is without peer. It is without reservation that I recommend Shannon's services." Mark Kavanagh , Team Leader , Keller Williams Realty North Central
"Shannon is an experienced and knowledgable Real Eatate Agent and instructor. She has been a great influence in my learning experience and has served as a mentor to many in the offiice." Leo Gagnon, Strategic Real Estate Advisor , Keller Williams Coastal Realty
"Shannon has great follow through and is passionate about what she does. I hope that I'm always working with her in some capacity and would recommend her to anyone." Mark Miller , Branch Manager , Cousins Home Lending
"Shannon isn't only an accomplished agent but she spearheads the educational program not only for our office but she also coordinates continuing education credits available to outside agents as well. She recently was approved to teach the pre licensing course as well. She is a true asset to the company on many different levels." Joshua Matthews , Associate Broker , Keller Williams Coastal Realty
"I have had the pleasure of knowing Shannon since I joined Keller Williams Coastal Realty back in 2006. Shannon is a fabulous instructor that has both patience and great knowledge about the real estate industry. I was lucky enough to have Shannon as one of my instructors when I attended the Keller Williams Camp 443 course, I highly recommend to any Realtors looking to improve their business to attend any of the many courses Shannon teaches." Paul Martin , Realtor , Keller Williams Coastal Realty
Hi Shannon! I sincerely, SINCERELY want to thank you for everything you've done for us - most importantly for your patience. Other agents would have just tried to put us in a house to get the sale, but you helped us be realistic and get something that we truly love and of course a house we can afford. Buying our first house was a bit stressful, and again I thank you for your patience in answering ALL of our many questions, finding houses that fit us, not one that you wanted to sell, and basically putting up with a few high maintenance moments! Ciao, Laura & Evan Portsmouth NH
Shannon is an excellent communicator who thinks logically and trains with empathy and a natural understanding of learning styles. She is an outstanding organizer and brings this gift to the layout of her courses making them flow in a manner which optimizes the understanding and retention of her students. She is meticulous in her preparation for her teaching, and her students consistently rate her as the best prepared and enjoyable instructors of the many that use our training facility. Sandie Dika, Team Leader Keller Williams Coastal Realty
I originally took this course to increase my knowledge of real estate so I could better assist my insurance clients in the industry. However, Shannon's dynamic and content rich classes sparked my interest in becoming further involved in the real estate industury. David Hampson, Exeter NH
The 4 hours went quicker each evening due to the fact that shannon did a variety of things during the class and everything was completely covered to prepare us for the State exam. Thank you. June Kulakowski Epping NH
After being out of school for ten+ years, the course was a refreshing reminder of what professors teach their students. Shannon demonstrated full knowledge and great perception regarding real estate and the importance of being a knowledgeable salesperson. Yvonne Daboul, Hampton NH
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