Lake Mary - Central Florida Real Estate

It's been said , "You are judged by the company you keep."  

If that is true, then I am in the right place here on Active Rain.  Last week I was very fortunate to recieve a lead because of my participation on Active Rain and directly from my "ASSOCIATION" with Karla Davis, a home staging professional.

My new customer's sister, who lives in the Seattle Area was on Active Rain reading  staging blogs and clicked on Karla's associations tab and found me, she read my posts and told her brother who lives in Deltona, Florida to call me about selling his home.  The rest is history.

I've read and commented on plenty of "featured" posts about Active Rain Success, always wanting to one day be one those people who receive business through their  blog.  Now that I've had a small taste of blogging success, I'm completely exhilirated as to how social networking can bring the Power of Association to life.

In today's ever changing world of real estate, you have to move beyond "conventional" marketing and find ways to differentiate yourself from everyone else, I fully believe that blogging can be the vehicle that takes you there.

The last 10 months I have learned more about how to use social networking to build my business than I ever imagined I would the day I created my profile on Active Rain.  I've met new friends through Active Rain and I've gained a competitive edge over much of the competition, with innovative marketing ideas and techniques I've learned right here on the pages of Active Rain. 

Thank you Active Rain!  My thank you includes each an every member who has made this place... THE PLACE to be in real estate.

My new goal is to add a MEMBER TO MY ASSOCIATION ROSTER each week and really get to know them, participate in their blog and increase my power through my ASSOCIATION with them...

How about you?

 Licensed Real Estate Professional, ALHS, e-PRO @ 407.758.1020 or Debbie@CasAndDebbie.com

Debbie is your resource for all things real estate in Central Florida, Seminole County, Lake Mary, Sanford, Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Oviedo, Casselberry, Winter Springs, Detona and Orlando.

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Don't worry this isn't a Sunday sermon, but it does seem to be an appropriate day to share...

I met Penny two weeks ago when the townhouse she was going to buy did not appraise at contract price and the builder wouldn't lower the price to the appraised value (That's another post in itself).  She needed to find a home and did not have a REALTOR, that's where I come in.

After looking at some resale homes, we visited a Toll Brothers community that is built out and selling the models.  She fell in love with the model, but not the price.  Penny and her daughter in law jumped in my Jeep to ride over to an inventory home that had a lower price point.

As we were riding over to the model, Penny told me that it was 4 years to the day that they laid her mother to rest.  She said that in her final days, Penny and her sister asked "How will we know you're in Heaven?"

Her mother said "Bury me with a roll of dimes and every time you find one, you will know that I'm in heaven."  She told me that she was telling me the story because there was a dime on the floor in my car behind my seat.  4 years to the day, it sent chills through me.

Was it just a random dime on the floor of my car?

I want believe that it was there for reason...

 Licensed Real Estate Professional, ALHS, e-PRO @ 407.758.1020 or Debbie@CasAndDebbie.com

Do you stop commenting at 10 Posts?

Is it all about the points?

I think that we all agree that we love points.  We want to rank the highest in our  area and we all want to be #1, or at least I do (and yes I know I have a long way to go).

I try to read posts everyday and comment on 10.  I have a pretty good idea how many posts I have commented on at any given time and  I have even continued to read posts and comment after my ten were used up, imagine that. 

Do you think that we would have a stronger network if we were awarded points for continuing to read and comment (even at a much small ratio)?

With the amount of membership growing, there are so many great posts out there to read and interact with that I think  a diminishing scale of points would continue to encourage members to read and write and build a stronger network. 

What do you think? 

Why are all these homes priced higher than what you are telling me I should list mine for?

That was the question a perspective seller asked us today while we were discussing the current market conditions and what buyers are paying for homes like hers in this market.

I had a really simple answer, either their agent hasn't kept them informed of the current market conditions (which is highly unlikely) or the sellers of those homes haven't listened to their REALTOR who has been telling them that they need to reduce their price. 

We had to tell this perspective seller, who was shocked and disappointed, that her house should be listed for $35,000 less than what she wanted to sell for.  We left the home without the listing to give her an opportunity to process all of the information that we shared with her, she couldn't ignore the facts. In less than 2 hours I received the call that she wanted to list with us, and she agreed that we were right on the price. 

In todays market I'm sure that this won't be the last time someone asks me why I'm telling them to sell their house for less than everyone else is asking... but I would rather tell a seller what they need to hear, than tell them what they want to hear to just get the listing.

Contact Debbie Summers, REALTOR®, ALHS, e-PRO, RE/MAX Central Realty - Lake Mary, Florida.  Cell 407-758-1020 or email Debbie@CasAndDebbie.com for all of your real estate needs in Seminole County, Lake Mary, Sanford, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Winter Park, Maitland, Apopka or Orlando.

Copyright © 2008 by Debbie Summers, All Rights Reserved.

IT'S ABOUT TIME!!!!

REALTORS® who want to enter properties in the Greater Orlando Regional REALTORS® Association's MLS (multiple listing service) will now be required at the time of entry to include a photo.  This is a step in the right direction for real estate professionals, buyers and sellers.  I wish that they had taken it a step further and required photos of the kitchen, living/great room, master bedroom and master bathroom for a total of 5 photos, but I'm pleased none the less.

I'm really disappointed in listings that only have 1 photo.  I can't imagine being satisfied as a REALTOR® with providing only 1 photo of a home... how is that promoting the property?  Don't they know that most buyers skip past listings without multiple photos?

If you are thinking about selling real estate in Central Florida ask your prospective REALTOR® how many photos they will be including in your MLS listing.  If they say less than 10... ask the next REALTOR®.

Contact Debbie Summers, REALTOR®, ALHS, e-PRO, RE/MAX Central Realty - Lake Mary, Florida.  Cell 407-758-1020 or email Debbie@CasAndDebbie.com for all of your real estate needs in Seminole County, Lake Mary, Sanford, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Winter Park, Maitland, Apopka or Orlando.

Copyright © 2008 by Debbie Summers, All Rights Reserved.

For the past couple of years I have handled most of the marketing duties, but on Monday we decided that Cas would start doing our CraigsList postings.  I'm so glad that we did, I told him to knock himself out and try and think of titles that would get people to click on our listing before another...  He started emailing me the links as he was getting them posted and they are great... Better than mine! 

$245000 "City Of Lakes" Home with Lake Access Needs NEW Owner!

$315,000 All The Details Covered... Nothing To Do But Play Golf!

$325000 3/2/2 DeBary Home with County Water & Sewer, MUCHO Ammenties

$190000 You NEED A 4 Bedroom 2 Bath POOL Home Near Everything? Here it is! (Sanford)

This is my favorite...

$325000 Dogs Love Trees & You will Love This 3/2/3 Home ALSO!

What do you think?  Do they spark your interest?

I can't get enough to read... Actually I can't get enough time to read, between the magazine subscriptions I get... I think that I'm up to about 10, to all the books that I have, there just isn't enough time.  I keep a book in my purse that my husband has dubbed the "suitcase", there is a book in my car in case I'm not carrying the "suitcase" and I'm usually reading a couple at a time at home. 

I've read some really great books over the past few months (not all business related)...  A couple were gifts, but most were bought on Amazon.com, those guys at Amazon are kind enough to give me recommendations based on what I've already read.  I think the list is endless... A few of my recent favorites are:

• Token Chick: A Women's Guide to Golfing With The Boys by Cheryl Ladd - My sister-in-law gave this to me for Christmas.  It was great, I think that I would have liked it even if I didn't love golf as much as I do.  Cheryl Ladd a great golfer and looks as good as she did on Charlie's Angles.  If you are a "chick" golfer this is a must read.
• Colin Cowie Chic: the guide to life as is should be, by Colin Cowie - This book also wasn't business related on the surface, my husband ordered it on Amazon for me for Christmas... he has no idea who Colin Cowie is, when I said that he is on Oprah... he just looked at me with a blank expression.  Great book, you can live well and it isn't all about how much money you make.  Some of the best advice was on how to treat guests and friends... lessons we can all use.
• Raving Fans: A Revolutionary Approach To Customer Service by Ken Blanchard & Sheldon Bowles they also wrote "Who Moved My Chees"...  I loved that book and it is another must read.  Raving Fans has been around for a long time and if you haven't read it, you should.  It was very inspiring and thought provoking.   I just received "Customer Mania" also by Ken Blanchard... can't wait to read it.
• The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra - This is an excellent book... It is along the lines of the "Secret"...  I haven't read "The Secret", but I do have the movie.  Really useful lessons to live by.

I'll be back next month with another reading list.  I have so much to read and so little time.

Contact Debbie Summers, REALTOR®, ALHS, e-PRO, RE/MAX Central Realty - Lake Mary, Florida.  Cell 407-758-1020 or email Debbie@CasAndDebbie.com for all of your real estate needs in Seminole County, Lake Mary, Sanford, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Winter Park, Maitland, Apopka or Orlando.

Copyright © 2008 by Debbie Summers, All Rights Reserved.

My test was successful! 

I had my first closing of 2008 today with a buyer who found me through my website.  We closed at a title company that the seller/listing agent chose and I had never closed there before.  We went under contract on 12/24 and I never spoke to anyone at the title company before I walked in the door today.

I emailed them the executed contract and informed them that my preferred method of contact was email.  I didn't say that I wouldn't speak to them on the phone.... but I encouraged them to email me instead of calling/faxing or sending a carrier pigeon.  The processor/closer introduced herself as soon as I walked in the door and exclaimed that this was one of the smoothest transactions she has ever been part of... she said that I replied instantly to all of her inquires and provided documents before she even had to ask.  She said that she couldn't believe that we had a package on Tuesday and the HUD was approved days before closing.

How did I do it...  Well, the lender 'Wells Fargo'... particularly Chris was amazing.  He is on top of his game, he and I actually only spoke once... we too used email to communicate.

I encouraged everyone... REALTOR, title company, lender and buyer to use email first.  That doesn't mean I didn't talk to the buyer... we spoke almost daily, but the time that I would have spent talking to everyone else was used to stay on top of the details.

This was the first "silent" transaction that I've had...  I'm hoping it is the first of many in 2008.

Do you have a preferred method of contact?

Do you think that email makes you more productive?

Contact Debbie Summers, REALTOR®, ALHS, e-PRO, RE/MAX Central Realty - Lake Mary, Florida.  Cell 407-758-1020 or email Debbie@CasAndDebbie.com to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in Seminole County, Lake Mary, Sanford, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Winter Park, Maitland, Apopka or Orlando.

Copyright © 2008 by Debbie Summers, All Rights Reserved.

"I don't work weekends..."  You can imagine my surprise when a REALTOR said that to me recently.  I respect the fact that she wants to spend time with her family, I really do... but, this business doesn't stop for weekends and holidays.

My husband and I are both REALTORS, so maybe we are different.  I don't differentiate Saturday and Sunday from any other day of the week, I gave up those weekday - weekend labels years ago.  Except for church on Sunday morning, it is a day like any other, I show property, hold open houses and write posts.

I would say that I'm a workaholic, but I really love what I do.  I help others get what they want... great satisfaction comes from seeing someone else reach their goals.  I don't think that it's a bad thing.

Although I work a lot, I would also say that I have a balanced life... exercising at the YMCA 5 days a week and getting to the driving range 3 days a week is time that I invest in myself.  Hanging out with friends and family keeps me grounded.  I think of real estate as more of a lifestyle than a business... I don't clock out. 

How would you describe your work ethic....  Do you work weekends?

After an agent in my old office copied a brochure that I used to make for my listings, I was told that there is nothing new in real estate and that I should be flattered that she wanted to be like me.  I wasn't and spent a lot of time and energy on the fact that someone else was benefiting from my work.  Since then, I've taken the time and effort to to create an even better brochure. 

I called an agent for feedback yesterday and wasn't happy to hear that she loved my brochure and that she would be making hers just like mine in the future. 

Should I be flattered?   Should I waste time thinking about it?

I was still thinking about it an hour later we (Cas and I) pulled into The Rock Springs Ridge Golf Course to practice at the driving range and it started to rain.  We decided to have lunch and wait it out.  I was listening to the girls who work there talk about a party for that evening and I was struck by one who said "You just have to Q-TIP"... 

What? 

Quit Taking It Personally...

Imagine if I didn't take things that other people do and say personally...  I would certainly free up a lot of time and energy...  I decided right then and there that 2008 would be the year I Q-TIP...  

Can you Q-TIP?  

Contact Debbie Summers, REALTOR®, ALHS, e-PRO, RE/MAX Central Realty - Lake Mary, Florida.  Cell 407-758-1020 or email Debbie@CasAndDebbie.com to list your property for sale or to purchase a home in Seminole County, Lake Mary, Sanford, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Winter Park, Maitland orApopka.

Copyright © 2008 by Debbie Summers, All Rights Reserved.

I've been thinking about my business and trying to look at it from the customer's point of view and thinking about what I would want if I was the customer.  I am taking buyers out on Monday to look at some very nice homes and I want their experience to be special.  Actually, I want every buyer's experience that goes to look at property with me to be special.  I'm creating a book for them with everything that I can think of about the area, the neighborhoods, the homes, etc.  I have also created a "buyer's book" but I want to be the best that I can make it. 

I'm also thinking about the actual time that we will be spending in the car.  I usually have water on hand due to the Florida heat.  I'm thinking about having an assortment of drinks and snacks on hand too.  I want them to be relaxed and comfortable, I want them to feel special. I really think that it is the little things that matter.  I am all about the experience...

What do you think?

Does anyone have any suggestions about how to make the experience better?

I can't imagine having to scramble a week before my license renewal to complete my 14 hours of continuing education. My license renewal is in March of '08 and I completed the requirement months ago.

Now I'm just taking classes for me, no credit, no roll-over minutes...  just because I want to better myself.

Yesterday, Cas and I attended "Florida Housing Solutions: What Every REALTOR® Should Know".  I learned more in those 3 hours than I have all year researching information on my own.  Fran Pheeny the Single Family Programs Administrator and chip White the Single Family Programs Manger (the top dogs - no offense to Samson who fell asleep working on the laptop) gave us an over view of the programs available and educated us on how to assist our buyers with their dream of home ownership.   I know that I'm a greater asset to my buyers and sellers, learned valuable information that will benefit me for years to come and we will have our names included on the Florida Housing Authority Website as REALTORS® who have completed the course.  If the course comes to an Association near you, I would highly recommend it.

My goal is to complete GRI (2 and 3) and ABR next year!  So much education (that I want to get), so little time!

My father always told me that "Education is the key to success", he was right... he's always right.

Debbie Summers, ALHS, e-PRO & Cas Summers, GRI, ABR, e-PRO

Our area inventory in Central Florida seems to be leveling off.   In Seminole County the inventory has increased by a few hundred homes and may even off as the end of the month approaches.  The current inventory of available homes in Lake Mary has decreased and the sales are in line with the same number that we had in October.

I've been looking at a lot of homes in Lake Mary over the past few days for a buyer who is moving from out of the area. After talking to several REALTORS® it is become clear that many of the homes "on the market" are really not listings at all. 

The current real estate market conditions really should have weeded out these wannabee sellers by now.  If you can answer YES to any of the following...  YOU MIGHT NOT BE A REAL SELLER.

• You can't accommodate a showing with 24 hours notice...  YOU MIGHT NOT BE A REAL SELLER.
• Your house is so jamb packed with personally belongings and you haven't reduced the clutter because "this is how you live" means... YOU MIGHT NOT BE A REAL SELLER.
• Your sales price is based on how much money you need to sell your house for so that you can buy your dream home...  YOU MIGHT NO BE A REAL SELLER.

While playing my favorite board game on Thanksgiving Day...  I asked my husband... "Imagine if there were only listings of homes that really had to sell and the people that just wanted to sell took their homes off the market"  He just smiled and laughed at me. A girl can dream can't she?

Imagine how that would affect supply and demand, the decline in values... I know that it wouldn't fix the current mortgage crunch, but it would be a great start to getting the market back on track.

Imaginiff.

I've been looking through the MLS to narrow down a search for a buyer. I continue to be disappointed, and yes I know that everyone and their brother has written a post on the this subject, but a lot of the photos I'm seeing are pathetic. How can anyone think that buyers and other REALTORS will be motivated from them to look at their property?  These people need to realize that...

• ONE photo is not acceptable!  Our local MLS allows 10...  I have had 10 photos of a 1,000 square foot condo! Why can't I see more photos of these listings?
• A photo taken from inside a car is just lazy! I don't even know how to respond to this.
• How could a PROFESSIONAL REALTOR let the local MLS take the photo of their listing for everyone to see?  I guess I'll never understand.

• MY FAVORITE - When I'm lucky enough to come across some photos, there are bathroom photos with the toilet seat up.  YUCK!

THINK BEFORE YOU SHOOT! 

• I always have a virtual tour company take my photos.  I know where the buyers are and what they want... SHOW THEM!!  

WOW, I was really surprised yesterday to read in the Florida Realtors Early Bird News that another builder is considering filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.  I attended a luncheon hosted by Engle Homes (New home bulder in Central Florida) at the end of last month to announce the launch of their new 2008 home designs and new communities.  I have a growing concern that this will not be last builder to stun the industry. 

I talk to a lot of sellers who want to sell their homes in communities were there are new homes being constructed and it is really difficult to compete with the builder's pricing and incentives.  When Engle Homes informed us at their recent event that they are able to offer buyers a 4.99%, 30 year fixed mortgage, I sat there and thought to myself that every resale home in this neighborhood is in trouble.  You can't compete with that.  Well, maybe they can't compete with it either.  Their net loss of 619.7 million proves it.

What will happen with Tousa Homes?  We will have to wait and see. 

Debbie Summers, REALTOR, e-PRO, ALHS of Cas & Debbie Summers, RE/MAX Central Realty, Lake Mary, Florida