Market is Improving

The real estate agents in our office gather weekly to review new listings, hear about changes in our forms and state law, and share ideas and lessons learned.  We also review how our “sales board” has done that week – from new listings to homes that have gone into escrow.

For the past six or nine months, the board has has been fairly dismal when compared to the same time the year before.  However, this week we saw a huge improvement in the market – at least four times the homes sold last week than the week before.  Phones have been ringing around the office, people are in and out more (showing homes to potential buyers).  We believe there’s been a turnaround in the market, despite the dire news from the media.

When I review the homes pending, I see a lot of homes that have been on the market 100 days that are now selling. If you’ve been delaying making a home purchase for prices to go down more, I believe we’ve reached bottom. 

Relay for Life Charity Auction

UPDATE:  The auction netted over $7,000 toward Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.  In all, Bob Parks SMYRNA raised over $9,000.

Many of my colleagues have posted about the upcoming auction our office has planned that will benefit the Relay for Life.  All proceeds go for research where we hope a cure for cancer will be found.

Every single person has known someone who has either fought cancer and survived, or fought and lost the battle.  We don’t know all causes of cancer – it strikes both infants and the elderly – but we do know that it can be a devastating disease both on the patient and their families.  Won’t you take a few moments to read about our auction and make plans to attend?  Your support in this would be greatly appreciated.

Bob Parks Realty is hosting a live auction on Thursday, April 24th starting at 5:30 p.m.  The location will be Dugger’s Food & Fun in Murfreesboro.(1738 W. Northfield Blvd. Murfreesboro, TN.  37129).

If you are unable to attend and would like to bid on some of the items please let us know and we will make contact with you when the items are up for bid.

Office Holds Car Wash

The Bob Parks Realty office in Smyrna held its first car wash today to raise money for the Relay for Life. Proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society. 

We will hold another car wash next Saturday, April 12 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  The wash will cost $5, but additional donations are welcome.  In case of rain, it will be held on Sunday, April 13th instead.

Hope to see you there!

Using a Realtor When You Buy

You often hear that sellers should be very picky when choosing an agent to market a listing, but little advice is given to buyers on how to find a real estate professional.  In fact, most offices require their agents to work “floor time” or an “opportunity schedule” so that a licensed professional is always available if a customer calls looking for an agent.  This results in many clients simply letting their fingers do the walking to find someone who will help with one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.

However, when you choose a Realtor to work with when you purchase a home, that agent needs to be just as professional, informed, and experienced as one you’d get to list your house.  My friend Kathy listed some questions on her site this week for buyers to ask Realtors when choosing who to work with.  There are some great questions to ask a buyers agent when you’re considering a home purchase.  For example,

• What percent of your business is by referral?
• What is the absorption rate of this market?
• Do you hold the ABR designation?
• Can I call your last buyers or sellers and ask their opinion of your work? Or ask to see copies of letters or thank you cards given to you from buyers or sellers.

I encourage you to read the entire post and I reiterate what Kathy said in that any knowledgeable real estate agent should be able to answer these questions intelligently.