February 3, 2010
So I went to required training today at the Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors building over in Leawood, Kansas. It was the 4 hour required CORE class for both Kansas and Missouri. I talked to, and listened in on, quite a few real estate agents. And I have to say that I am baffeled at how professional some agents are and how unprofessional others are.
Let me be clear, there are a lot of really good real estate agents. But there are also real estate agents that no matter how many times you explain something, or however slowly you speak, they just don’t get it. Should these individuals be representing your largest asset?
I beg you, please, interview a couple to three agents before hiring someone. You don’ t have to like them. But you have to know they are competent and professional. After speaking to them for about 15 minutes you should be able to tell if they qualify. 
January 28, 2010
One of my favorite things about the real estate business is working with friends, family member and advisors of my clients. They all like to say “Here is what I would do regarding…”
And I understand my position. I am not your brother, uncle, dad, son, etc. I’m just a guy who even in his worst year, worst, helped 17 people buy and/or sell a house. I’m just a guy who even though I do this “part time” sold $3,000,000 worth of real estate last year. I’m just a guy who has helped over 225 people buy or sell a house in the 9 years I have been doing this.
So even though my advice is opposite the advice of your advisors who have been involved in maybe 8-10 sales over their lifetime I know who you are going to listen to. I just have to understand and work with that.
NOTE: If you think I’m talking about you, you may be right. On the other hand, this happens in nearly EVERY transaction. So don’t take it personally. It’s just the way it is. And hey, I know everyone means well. That’s why they are trying to help.
January 26, 2010
- First thing is first, did you see the score of the Kansas v Missouri game last night? I was in Allen Fieldhouse and the place was rockin’.
- But anywho, just wanted you to know that good things come to those that are patient. A few weeks ago I posted about a roof situation and the roof was covered in snow. I asked, mockingly, if we had to wait until the snow melted. Well, we did. It’s finally checked out and we close tomorrow at 4:30. Congrats to the buyers that I think are getting a good house. And to the seller. And to everyone involved being a bit irritable at times (see me) but never the less being patient and professional. 
- It’s nice to see Obama has finally gotten the message. He has talked about jobs and the economy more in the last week (since the Massachusetts election) than he has the previous year.
- Working on a deal to tie in to some vacation property down at the Lake of the Ozarks. I’ll keep you posted.
January 22, 2010
Let’s see. My phone is ringing more. A lot more. My referrals to lenders is up. I listed a duplex and a single family home in the past two weeks. I have another listing coming up before the end of this month. And two new buyers to work with. Hmmm. It must be getting close to spring.
Now if we could just mix in some blue sky…
January 5, 2010
Okay, so we’re trying to close on a house that had a new roof installed and a upgraded electricity put in. The underwriter doesn’t want to take my word for it that the work is done. That I understand. After all, I stand to make money on the deal. But he hasn’t answered as to whether or not receipts are acceptable. And no inspector wants to check off on the roof because there is 6″ of snow on it, the temps are below 10 degrees, they say 2″-4″ more of snow is coming tomorrow and finally, temps are not expected to rise above 30 degrees for the next ten days.
Are we just supposed to delay closing until June?
December 28, 2009
It’s a crazy time of year. Some people are working. Some are not. Hey, it’s Christmas and New Year’s and we just finished Chanukah…
Then you add on 8″-10″ of snow…
And yet, I had to go by a house earlier to check on the completion of repairs so we can close tomorrow (not going to happen) and I have an appointment in about an hour from now to go wading knee deep in snow to show a HUD home that is for sale.
Ah, I love the winters in Kansas.
