It is important that you read this. Consider this the

Real Estate Industry Exposed!

A 2005 study by David Lereah, the Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (Worlds Largest Trade Group), stated the following facts about where buyers first learned about the home they most recently purchased.

Real Estate Agent: 37%
Internet: 23%
Yard Sign: 16%
Newspaper Ad: 6%
Friend/Neighbor 8%
Home Builder 7%
Knew the seller 3%
Real Estate Pub. 1%

Now ask yourself why almost all agents rely on ads in the home magazines. It is for two reasons. One is to generate listing appointments, and the other is simply not being aware of what actually gets homes SOLD. Most agents will tell you that the first 30 days that your home is listed are the most important. Now let me ask you this. If you are trying to sell your home in an average market, and your agent has priced it perfectly, do those ads that come out once a month really matter much? This brings me to my next point.

62% of an agents business comes in the form of referrals from past clients, friends, family members etc. This is why I have based my business on customer service and satisfaction. As a result, I have focused the majority of my time on staying in touch with my client base, and this is what really sells homes.
I am a firm believer of applying basic models of success, then adding your own innovation. NOW Let me tell you why I get results. Many of you have heard of the Pareto principle, or 80/20 rule. This states that on average 20% of your time, accounts for 80% of your productivity. The inverse of this, is that 80% of your time is spent accomplishing 20% of your productivity. If you are aware of this fact, then you become an expert at identifying the tasks that matter most, and therefore focusing more time on them.

What most agents won’t tell you is that 80% of their time is spent chasing down clients, when agents, and now the internet, are what really sell homes. Don’t misunderstand me, I am not completely against paper advertisement, but I do believe that the ads themselves, and the leads they generate should not account for more than 20% of your time or budget. Most REALTORS fail to realize that our real sales power is not in marketing to buyers, but in marketing to other REALTORS. After all, the facts show that they are, and have been the number one way for buyers to find a home. THIS IS WHERE I GET RESULTS. If you are a seller please read on. If you are a buyer, click here to see how I can help you find the best home for your money.

The first thing I need to discuss, is how I will represent you. As your exclusive listing agent, I will represent only your best interests throughout the entire listing term. I will be obligated by law, personal values, and ethics, to do inform you of any information that may help you in the sale of your home. Please read the NC Real Estate Commisions’ flyer titled “Working with Real Estate Agents.” This will ensure that you are well aware of who represents you during one of the biggest events of you life. I do not practice dual agency. I will also review it before we begin discussing the sale of your home.

Upon listing your home you can expect first rate customer service. I will explain to you the ins and outs of the real estate industry, and layout a clear and concise marketing strategy. By far the most important factor in selling your home quickly, or possibly at all, is PRICE. I have the tedious responsibility of pricing your home so that it sells in a timely fashion, for the most amount of money. You may ask what is a timely fashion? That is relative. This is why I offer a price range for all of my listings. Based upon previous market conditions, I give the likely time frame that your home will sale at each price break. I am not opposed to taking listings that I do not expect to sell for 6 months. I do not however, take listings priced outside of the 6 month time frame. I am a firm believer that although my job is extremely important, nothing trumps the logistics of supply and demand. The number one reason for homes not selling is because they are priced too high. It is my job to set the right price. After that, we can focus on my other duties which are: Market the home to agents and prospective buyers, negotiate the highest possible sales price for you, see the sale through to the closing table, and finally, make sure to be there for you years after the sale. The following is my marketing strategy. Feel free to ask for additional services if you feel something should be included.

I will place a 'For Sale' sign on property if HOA allows
I will place lock box on property, if needed
I will notify via email every agent on the Wilmington Association of Realtors of your listing in a bright noticeable flyer.
I will phone all potential buyers with details. My experience as a property manager has put me in a position to learn all facets of investment real estate. I have also grown a regular contact list of serious buyers always in the market for a great investment.
I will contact via email, or letter, my extensive mailing list made up of thousands of Pleasure Island vacationers, investors, residents, and developers to inform them of my great new listing. I have been compiling this list since I first started my career in real estate as a property manager with Victory Beach Vacations, Inc
I will mail 'Just Listed' flyers to neighbors
I will place an 'Open House' ad in the local paper
I will hold open houses
I will arrange and coordinate showings with other agents. Many agents will call to show a home when they are waiting outside. If someone isn’t available the first time they call, your home will not be shown. Our office takes all calls until nine o-clock.
I will arrange and coordinate showings with vacation, and longterm tenants. I always try to talk to tenants before they check in to my vacation listings, just to ask their permission to possibly show the unit when they do arrive. I find this makes tenants much more receptive to showings. Coaching long term renters on the proper way to show the home, also makes a major difference. An offer to buy them dinner after the sale is a great motivator. If you have ever tried to sale a home with a tenant in place, you know the importance of getting as many showings as possible. You severly limit your properties saleability if you have to postpone many showings.
I willl contact you regularly with verbal or electronic progress reports. Whichever you prefer.
I will prepare and deliver a Marketing Service report to you after two weeks, then monthly to discuss any changes that may need to be made.
I will prepare a Comparative Market Analysis monthly. This guarantees that your property will stay competitive in an everchanging market.
I will present and discuss all offers you may receive. Once again, I feel that clear, proper planning before an offer is made is very important to making this a stress free transaction for you.
I will negotiate the transaction with the buyers’ agent, or as your sole representative. I may help the buyer to make an offer on your home, but I will inform them that I represent you.
I will make sure that your buyers are taking the necessary actions to get the sale closed.
I will represent you at the closing. This way I can easily solve problems that could arise at that time.
I will arrange for another proffesional relocation agent to represent you, if required
I will arrange for a moving company, if required.

Buyers:
I typically work with two types of buyers. Investment buyers, and permanent residence buyers. If you are looking for an investment property, or 2nd home please click here.
So you are making your first move in what has probably been years. With that being the case it is exceptionally important that your agent know the area. As a resident of Wilmington NC my entire life, I have watched Wilmington grow from a sleepy port town to a bustling micropolitan. I could not think of a place that I would rather live. From Wrightsville Beach to Brunswick County I stay aware of the changes that will affect you. I realize that great communication is the number one key in finding a home that you will be happy with for years and years. Therefore, I always evaluate your exact needs before beginning the hunt. And best of all, my services are FREE to you. Let me find your next dream home today!

Investment real estate is one of my favorite topics. I enjoy researching history, as well as future trends. I feel that timing, and careful planning are the two most important factors when considering investment property. Long before making a purchase you should consider the following items.
Where will the money come from?
Is this a primarily income producing property, or is it a second home with income potential?
How can I maximize my tax savings throughout the purchase and management?
How involved do I want to be in the management?
10 or even 20 years from now will I be able to afford issues such as HOA fees, insurance, etc?
Am I aware that Mother Nature could possibly render my property uninhabitable for a year or more?

These are all very important questions that you should be able to answer confidently before investing. Of course it is always a good idea to consult your CPA as well, however, do not lean on their advice only. Do your homework. And of course I am here to answer any and all questions you may have.

My background in beach property management has uniquely prepared me for the investment real estate arena. For years I have dealt first hand with the following aspects of investment real estate. Now I am taking this knowledge to you the consumer.

Analyzing cash flow
Analyzing tax benefits of purchasing, managing, and selling investment real estate.
For instance, did you know that it is possible invest in real estate tax free with your Roth IRA and other retirement funds.
Renovating
Renting and managing
Repairs and Maintenance
Selling to maximize tax savings

If you would like to talk more, email or call. I look forward to discussing your next investment today!

Sellers

When selling your home, there are no guarantees that a buyer will simply walk through the front door. In many cases you may have to bring your home to the buyer. Effective marketing will help ensure that your property receives maximum exposure to attract a ready, willing and able buyer.

The appearance of your home, a buyer's first impression, and other considerations can also affect the sale of your home. Have you considered that home prices in your neighborhood and the value of your property are also factors used for pricing your home?

Below are some articles that you might find useful in the home selling process. Please feel free to click on one the links to read more. \

Risks of Remodeling Without a Permit
Selling Your Own Home
Traversing The Pitfalls of Home Inspections
What is a CMA and Why Do You Need One?
The Home Sale: Securing The Deal

Buyers

Buying your new home is a serious venture. It can be an absolute pleasure or a massive headache. Your house is not just your home, it is a serious investment in the dwelling, the area and your future. When buying a home - you're bound to have many questions. For example, "In what area can I find a home that suits my needs?", "How much money will I need to afford the monthly payments?" and "How long will the home buying process take?" Below are some articles that you might find useful in the home buying process. Please feel free to click on one of the links below to read more.

Advice for 2nd Home / Investment Buyers
How to Negotiate with Sellers
Types of Mortgages
Getting the Best Mortgage Rates Online