Since the Nanny is off today- I decided not to book any appointments and just use this day to catch up on personal errands and straightening the house. I had no idea how overwhelming this was going to be! haha! I have the baby to tote around all day with me- and the thought of carry her in and out and in and out -grocery store, attorneys office, my office, just makes me tired already! I am preparing for a crawfish boil at my house on Saturday- I think we will have around 30 people here..should be fun but lots to do! I will be thankful when Monday rolls back around and I can get “back to work!”
Archive for April, 2010
28
Apr
10
FannieMae- GOOD NEWS for REPO’s!
Check out this great news for buyers who are interested in purchasing a foreclosed property! Closing cost allowance and appliance incentive being extended to June!
In my market (Killeen / Fort Hood – Texas) open houses don’t work very well- but that doesn’t stop 100 Realtors a week from having them. Our open houses are generally for Realtors- around lunch time- and isn’t it weird that the same 8 people always show up?? LOL! I was at an open house last week for a friend (because she called and personally invited me) I felt so bad for her… she is a Coldwell Banker United agent- officing with a TON of other agents- and NOT ONE of them- including the manager bothered to show up! Her attendees were ME and one other agent from another brokerage. Shame on her office! I love you Kelly G. and I will always come to your open houses girl! (Especially if you keep serving that key lime pie!)
I know that sellers expect an open house- I KNOW I KNOW. This is the result of too much “real estate TV” – if you ask me. “Have an OPEN HOUSE and sell your house in 2 minutes!!!” Those shows have just made our jobs harder- but on a lighter note- they also have given us something to laugh at! (I know I do!)
Every once in a while- I like to do an open house and kill 2 birds with 1 stone. 1st Bird: Make the seller of a great house happy! 2nd Bird: Catch up with my Realtor friends over some wine and good munchies! SOMETIMES…there’s even a THIRD BIRD! 3rd Bird: We sell the house!
Monday we are hosting an open house “Happy Hour Style!” at one of our new construction homes by TBR Builders in Killeen Texas. TBR builds a great custom-style home with unique features that you likely won’t see elsewhere in our area. Lots of great stone work -inside and out, amazing kitchens, spa-like master bathrooms… everything it takes to build a great home that any Realtor would be proud to show off!!
If you can join us in person…please do at 4411 Canine in Killeen Texas (Onion Creek Estates) between 4PM & 6:30PM on Monday, May 3rd. If you can’t join us in person- just join us in spirit- check out the flyer below while sipping on a good glass of wine and a couple of pretzel sticks! (I will post a new flyer before Monday with updated pics now that the house is finished!!) https://www.fhaarmls.org/fht/maildoc/sd_AAAa005hB20100428103313.html
If you or someone you know are in need of real estate assistance in the Killeenm Harker Heights, Fort Hood, Copperas Cove, Nolanville, Central Texas areas… please call me at (254) 291-6826 or visit me on the web at www.PaulaSOLDit.com
27
Apr
10
Finally some time to work!
I bet there is a common misconception among the general public about what “work” is for a Realtor. I would think that most people consider our “showing” appointments to be our “work.” I WISH! Showing homes is a nice break from the “real work” we do – which in my case is A LOT of prospecting, calling, follow-up, marketing, etc… all the things that bring in the clients- so we can enjoy those “breaks” and get out to show!
Today, I have no appointments, no showings, no meetings, no errands….so I can WORK! I have CMA’s to do, emails to answer, ads to proof, and blog entries! I wish I could say that its “all in a days work” – but I don’t have time every single day to do it. It would be nice- but I usually only get about 2 days a week to handle my “backroom” work. Thank goodness for my assistant April- who keeps my leads handled and keeps my Facebook and Twitter up to date! And just as much thanks to Julie my closing coorindator who handles my under-contract files from contract to closing. Without them…I could NOT do this job and offer the level of service that my clients need and deserve.
Have clients relocating to Killeen or Fort Hood Texas? Need top-notch real estate service that you and they can count on? Call me (254) 291-6826 or visit me online at www.PaulaSOLDit.com
Texas Heritage Real Estate and property management has an amazing staff! We celebrated our appreciation for Kristin, Patty & Julie today at Texas Land and Cattle in Killeen! Julie is our office manager and the glue that holds it all together- I don’t know what we would do without her dedication to helping build our company. Kristin and Patty are Richard’s (our Broker) RIGHT-HAND-WOMEN! They take care of keeping tenants and owners happy-and they are doing a fine job at it! Thanks to our staff for their ongoing commitment to our company- there is no way we could operate without them!
25
Apr
10
Isn’t it Ironic?
I’ve heard that insurance agent’s are always under-insured, mechanic’s have cars that always break down, the roofer’s roof leaks… and so on and so forth. In my case- this is somewhat true as a Realtor. My house is a perpetual project…I’m not sure it will ever be done.
My husband and I purchased a 3200 SF repo about 2 1/2 years go- it was in pretty bad shape. The previous owner (ironically he was a Realtor too) had purchased this home brand new from the builder- moved in and just abused it from the first day- to the last day. We did a month’s – and $25K worth of work just to move in- including a new kitchen- starting from stud walls, 3200 SF of flooring (wood, tile and carpet) about a MILLION SF or paint (or so it seemed), all new fixtures, trim, and the list goes on and on. Then we moved in…and its been an on going process since. Its a fabulous home and I can’t imagine ever leaving- but I am wondering if it will ever be finished!
My husband is quite the amazing handy man- but he owns and operates our property management business too- which is where his talent is mostly utilized. He works on our house when he has time- and energy and I am very grateful for his skills in this area. Its like I married a toolbox…that came with a man! LOL!!
I decided today to redecorate our guest room- so I am plugging along with my area of expertise too. I am hoping to the top of my hopes that THIS year (now) we will do our yard…I know our neighbors must think we are trailer trash that “moved on up” – but its not so. We just have been doing our work behind our front door- instead of out in the world where they can enjoy it. THIS YEAR- the yard!
Sometimes I tour homes that are immaculate and perfect and FINISHED – and I dream a little dream for myself.
So far my day is free… I have plans to hang around the house, play with the baby, have breakfast with my family and ReeeeeLAX! This afternoon- hoping to make it to Round Rock to do some shopping for my home office at IKEA – I LOVE THAT PLACE! However, I am semi-expecting a call from my Germany buyer from yesterday- he may need to meet again today- which means some of my Sunday plans will be rescheduled – but that’s ok with me! I chose this job because of its flexibility- and that also means I TOO must be flexible. Hope everyone enjoys this beautiful day!
Anyone needing real estate assistance in the Killeen, Harker Heights, Fort Hood area – please call me at (254) 291-6826 or visit me on the web at www.PaulaSOLDit.com
Worked all afternoon with my new buyer – just home from Germany with the US Army! We visited Yowell Ranch and consulted with Amra A. there for quite a while. Its going to be an amazing new neighborhood in Killeen with a community building, pool, walking trails and park! One of a kind in the Killeen area- and the floorplans that are offered are just beautiful! I think my buyer decided on the 3140SF Retama which is one of the model homes there- both of us were IN LOVE with it as soon as we walked through.
We did tour some resales as well- and a couple other new construction- but I have to say- for the money – Centex Homes /Pulte is offering a super deal! I am expecting my buyer to contract tomorrow once he has a chance to look over the upgrade sheets this evening- his new house would be done and ready in October! I love finding great deals for my buyers!!
24
Apr
10
Weekend? What is this word??
Realtors know no weekends…haha! I always have to look at a calendar to see what day of the week it is…my “normal work week” is a thing of the past- for several years now.
I am meeting with a nice family from Germany today- they are here for the week and looking to buy a home. I haven’t had much time to get to know them yet- since this was a last-minute referral from another agent. I am assuming they are in the Army and are now returning to the Fort Hood area after a tour. We will be looking at homes in our median price range – so hopefully we will see some good ones! Hoping that they will like the new Centex neighborhood that has the community park and walking trails.
If anyone is needing real estate assistance in the Killeen, Fort Hood, Harker Heights Texas area – please give me a call (254) 291-6826 or visit me online at www.PaulaSOLDit.com
Deciding to embark on a career where you know there will be times that are really skinny…is quite a courageous move. But this job is about passion and a drive to help others achieve a dream- the dream of homeownership. The rewards are so much more than a paycheck. I remember when I made the leap- and wow it was one of great faith for sure. I was so lucky to be surrounded by unselfish and giving people who took me under their wings and not only became my mentors (Barbara, Bunny & Sandra) but also became 3 of my very dearest friends and I love them so much. That was 7 years ago- and I am ready to return the favor by “paying it forward.” Texas Heritage Real Estate has just welcomed 2 brand new licensed agents to our family. Jeff Jenkinson about a month ago- and just today Jodie Nobles passed her exam and by Monday will be a fully licensed agent and Realtor! I hope to be able to pass on the knowledge and experiences that I have been taught and learned through my own trials, errors & successes to these 2 great people who I know are going to make amazing careers in real estate for themselves. Texas Heritage Real Estate has an impeccable reputation for superb service to our clients as well as highly ethical practices when dealing with our peers- and Jodie and Jeff are going to continue to help us -while in turn we will always be there to help them. Congratulations to Jodie Nobles for her hard work and determination in passing her exam today!!! Welcome to real estate in Killeen!!
Texas Realtor® Paula's Blog 