Be Smart in the New Year

January is a time for recommitment, a time for resolutions, and a time for goals. In any business, setting goals is crucial. Real estate is no exception. Even more crucial than setting goals, however, is setting the right goals.

It’s easy to say, “I want to do $250k in commissions this year.” The hard part is knowing all the little goals to set that will give yourself the best chance of accomplishing the bigger one. The key is setting SMART goals.

You may have heard of this type of goal setting before. Thousands of companies use the SMART model, including us at REDX. The concept of the SMART goal has been around since the 80’s, but the reason people are still talking about it today is because SMART goals are goals worth making, even for real estate agents.

As you may or may not know, SMART is an acronym for a goal that is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. More than likely, setting multiple SMART goals is needed to help you create a path to follow that will let reach your year’s overarching objective. With the end goal of $250k in mind, let’s break down this goal using the lens of the SMART concept:

• Specific
  A SMART goal is specific. If your goal is to “be a better agent,” what does that really mean? What does it really require? How many different ways can that be interpreted? Setting a specific goal focuses you, gives you one destination to move toward instead of dividing your efforts inefficiently. So setting a goal of $250k is specific because it’s a hard, concrete, defined number. However, this goal is not specific when you consider “how” you’re supposed to get there. A more specific goal would be one that gets you on the path of $250k.  An example might be “go on three appointments per week.”
• Measurable
  $250k is measurable. It isn’t vague or abstract like “get better at prospecting.” However when you set one measurable for the entire 12 monts, you don’t have much opportunity to evaluate your efforts as you move through the year. A more measurable goal would be to “talk to 25 new contacts per day.”
• Attainable
  For many agents, $250k is very attainable. But whether you’re aiming for $250k or $100k, earning that money still has a measure of uncertainty that you yourself cannot control. Effort does not always equate to exact dollar results because, sadly, you can’t ultimately control whether people give you their listing. That’s why it’s important to set attainable goals. These goals are those that you can control with near complete exactness. A good attainable goal would be “calling for 90 minutes per prospecting session.”
• Relevant
  SMART goals are relevant. To know if a goal is relevant, ask these questions about it:
  – Is this goal needed/worthwhile?
  – Does this goal take my business in the direction I want it to go?
  – Is now the right time to chase this goal?
  If you can answer yes to these, your aim is probably relevant. Maybe shooting for $250k isn’t relevant if you only did $60k last year. Maybe a goal of $100k would be more relevant this year, leaving $250k for later.
• Time-Bound
  SMART goals are attached to a certain time frame. $250k this year is a time-bound goal, but an even better time bound goal are the ones that can be accomplished on a monthly, weekly, or even monthly basis. A good Time-Bound goal would be “devoting 5 mornings a week to prospecting.”

Hopefully these examples helped. Now it’s time to make your own goals. Remember to write them down, put them in a place where you and others can see them, and be accountable to people around you for not completing them. Go make 2015 an awesome year!

Copied from theredx.com blog by Jefferson Snow

The Power of the List

I was cleaning and organizing my files as I do every year at this time and I came across a hand written list to myself.  I had written it many years ago after I had to settle into a small rental apartment, again.  It was a list of what I wanted my dream home, in the home of my own.

I was fast approaching my mid-life and truly wanted the American Dream of a home of my own.   Being an eternal optimist, I did not want to give up on owning my own home —- free and clear.  But, I was tired of all of the setbacks.  My life just was not cooperating with my final goal.  I sat down and wrote a list of all the items I was looking for in a home of my own .  It was very extensive and detailed.  It had all the characteristics that  I could think of.   It included a garden, a view of the water, a big, really big walk-in closet, an eat in kitchen with gas stove and wine cooler, a dining room big enough to comfortably seat friends and family at holidays, a garage and many other things.

Satisfied that I included everything that I could possibly want, I filed the list away along with  a goals sheet that I had also written out.   Then I got busy with my life and forgot about the list.

A few years later, I was packing to move —- into my own home!!!!!   I came across the list and found that my new home contained almost everything that I wrote down.  The few things that it lacked were things that I no longer wanted

It makes me believe all the things that I read about writing things down.  Write down what you want and you will get it.  Write nothing and you will get nothing.

The Lunch Ladies at Bishopsgate

Recently, my office moved to Virginia Beach Blvd near Rosemont Road.   I had to venture out to discover new places to eat lunch at.  Quite frankly, I am big on take out and eating on the go.  Nothing excites me more than finding a place that is fast, affordable, healthy and interesting.  

Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday the Lunch Ladies jump into action to deliver delicious, eclectic, healthy fast takeout food.  Each day has a different menu and style of food.  They offer three choices per day.  One is a vegetarian dish, one has meat and the other is usually a chicken dish.  The price is reasonable and the portions are big.  

I visited on Soulful Southern day and ordered the chicken with mac and cheese.   It was truly satisfying and probably the best comfort food that I have ever had.  Choices of the foods on other days had names such as Loco Latin, Gourmet Greek, Farm to Takeout, Crazy Caribbean, Almost Asian, Tempting Tuscan and Impressive Panini.  I am looking forward to trying them all over the next few weeks!!

The eatery is located inside the Bishopsgate Design & Décor shop located at 3259 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23452    The Lunch Ladies is a woman and veteran owned company.  Visit the website bishopsgatedesign.com/lunch-ladies.html for menu details.   

You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know

I have heard this phase a few times.  I never quite understood it.  Ok – You don’t know what you don’t know.  Well, if I didn’t know something, then maybe I was happy in my ignorance.

Then the true meaning of the phrase hit me when I was working with a first time Buyer and they told me their story.  This young couple tried to buy a home on their own.  They had friends that knew all about real estate and also watched lots of episodes of HGTV.  They thought that it was easy.

They didn’t know, what they didn’t know.

One problem after another plagued them during the process.  Finally, they were unable to purchase the home that they wanted  and lost over $1200 in the process.   They waited another year to attempt a purchase.  This time, they called a professional Realtor to guide them.

The first time around the Buyers had made some classic mistakes in their transactions:

Choosing A Lender –  The Buyers chose to work with the institution that they bank at.  While this is a reputable Bank, it was not competitive with the mortgage rates, terms and programs.   Had this loan gone through, they would have paid thousands more over the life of the loan than they needed to.  

There are many different loan programs and Lenders will keep Realtors advised on the latest programs so that they can guide their Buyers to get the best possible deal.   In order to promote homeownership, many lenders offer First Time Buyers a variety of choices to accommodate their particular situation.   Some lenders offer loan programs for zero down payments and may even give grant money that does not need to be repaid.   This is a tremendous savings for a Buyer.

Price –  On their first unassisted transaction, the Buyers felt that they negotiated a great price.  They offered to pay $10,000 less than the asking price.  The deal fell apart when the property was appraised for $20,000 less than the offer price.   It turns out that the Seller was asking way too much.  In this case, the Lender would only give the Buyer a mortgage for the appraised value of the home.  The Seller refused to lower his price any further and the deal was cancelled.  

Had the Buyers worked with a Realtor, they would have been given the data to make an informed price offer based on the market value, not what the Seller wanted.   

Inspections –  The Buyers were not aware of all the inspections that needed to be completed.  For example, a home inspector does not thoroughly check to make sure that the fireplace is safe for use, nor do they check pools or for termites.    

It is the Realtor’s job to work for the Buyer in their best interest and to guide them through the process of buying a home.   

Since you don’t know what you don’t know, it is good to work with someone who does know.

Another new home owner!

Another happy client!

Beachfront condo for sale in Chesapeake Beach!

Fantastic, totally remodeled beachfront condo for sale!  Three bedrooms and 3 full baths, including an extra large master bedroom suite with sweeping Chesapeake Bay views, open kitchen with stainless steel appliances and gleaming granite counters,  gas fireplace, updated modern baths, a wall of windows overlooking the beach, wide beachfront deck for entertaining, and more.

All this and in a gated community with pool and clubhouse close to Little Creek, Fort Story, night life, shopping, and entertainment.  One year of condo fees will be paid for you with a full price offer!  Dogs are welcome – no restrictions!!  Call me today for your private tour: 757-333-7889.

 

 

 

 

To search all homes for sale in Chesapeake Beach, click here.

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For my current listing inventory, click here.

Virginia Beach Condo for Sale near the Oceanfront

Fantastic Beach Borough condo for sale in Virginia Beach!  Updated and spacious one level living with 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths.  Desirable features include stainless steel appliances, 42″ cabinets, Brazilian Teak hardwood floors and so much more.

Extra perks include a private balcony for the master suite, a community picnic area with BBQ grills provided, all appliances included, cathedral ceilings, and a low condo fee.

Great location within a mile of the Oceanfront and kayak launch for Linkhorn Bay; also provides quick access to NAS Oceana, Fort Story, I-264, beaches, shopping, and entertainment.  Call 757-333-7889 for your private tour today!

 

To search all Beach Borough properties for sale, click here.

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For my current listing inventory, click here.

Renovated Portsmouth Home for Sale near Historic Downtown

Totally renovated home in Portsmouth including new kitchen and extra large master suite

Beautifully renovated 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home near Portsmouth’s lovely Historic Downtown.  Complete transformation included a large master suite with private master bath & walk-in closet, plus updated granite kitchen, stainless steel appliances, new roof, new carpet, new paint and lots more.  Ask me about available grant money for this home. The fenced yard is perfect for entertaining and features a large deck and driveway for two cars.

Great location near Portsmouth Medical Center, Portsmouth’s Historic District, I-264, and the heart of Hampton Roads.  For more information or for your private showing, call 757-333-7889.

To search all Portsmouth properties for sale, click here.

For my current listing inventory, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

Norfolk’s Craftsman Homes

The charm of 1924 when folks were entertained by flagpole sitters, Winnie the Pooh and Erector sets.  Kleenex introduced the pop up tissues and the first cross word puzzle books by Richard Leo Simon and Max Lincoln Schuster were published.  Another amazing product was gaining huge popularity making the American Dream of owning your own home an affordable reality for most people.  The Sears Craftsman homes.

An image of a Craftsman home from the Sears catalog. Image courtesy of http://www.searshomes.org/

I was visiting a friend in Norfolk the other day.  He was excited to be showing off his “new” home.  He spent many hours renovating to restore his abode to its original charm.

He often wondered what it would have been like back in 1924 when a young family meets the train that carried all of the materials and instructions to build your new home!!  How exciting it must have been to finally be able to afford a real home. If you were lucky and could afford it, the homes came with an indoor bathroom!

Personally, I would have been thinking – “what do you mean some assembly required?”

Sears was not the first company to sell mail order homes, but they were the largest.  The house came pre-cut with fitted pieces that took approximately 350 hours to put together.  The new home owner had the convenience of all the materials shipped to them including the nails.  Another innovative building technique that Sears used was drywall which also did not require a skilled carpenter to install.  Asphalt shingles on the roof as opposed to tin was cheaper to manufacture and ship, as well as easy and inexpensive to install.  Added to the incentive of the new materials such as drywall and asphalt was the fact that they were fireproof.

There was some flexibility for custom designing in the Sears homes.  You could design the home to your family’s unique needs with modern conveniences. They provided the latest technology for central heating, indoor plumbing, electricity and building costs at a reasonable cost.  Sears also granted loans for the purchase as well as offered capital for labor costs. Typical loans were for five years at 6% interest, but could be extended for up to fifteen years.  Many of these homes cost $1000 – $2300 for the materials plus another few hundred for the labor if you required help.  In contrast, the average price of typical homes for sale was $7,100.

Norfolk is still filled with Sears Craftsman homes.  Few of the original owners are around to talk about the excitement they felt when they first greeted their home at the train station or the pride they felt in building it.  Yet, the homes remain standing and they are still bringing joy to new owners.

Sears Craftsman homes are in a wide variety of Norfolk neighborhoods, from West Ghent to Larchmont to Colonial Place and more.  There’s even a whole blog that documents and pictures them.

We got our new sign today!

Our new location is 3613 Virginia Beach Blvd, close to the intersection with Rosemont Road.