The Troncalli Blog is now online and ready to tackle the items that affect real estate here in the mountains. If you are looking for creative ways to market and sell your mountain place in this economy, you’ve come to the right place! During these tough times, marketing is the name of the game! I will be doing a weekly blog that will help you, inspire you, and hopefully teach you a thing or two about good how good realtors work and about good real estate practice.
There is no spin on what is happening in today’s world. The over-abundance of homes on the market has created the worse economic disaster in 70 years. Not since the 1930’s era of the Great Depression have we seen what is now called a ‘economic tsunami’ here in the United States. You must understand that the real estate industry is local and not always tied to the global economy. We were seeing some positive signs in the 1st quarter of 2008, heading into a stronger 2nd quarter, however the credit market meltdown created a worldwide crisis that we in the home selling business are now caught up in. When I say ‘we’, I mean just that! If you are selling a home in this area of North Carolina: a mountain place that is your retreat home, second home or was to be your retirement home, then WE are all in the same boat.
Some say the boat is sinking, and, since I’m not a psychic, it may very well be. But, John Ortberg said it in his book (of the same title) “If you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat.” My point is, we need to stay strong, pray for guidance, and have a plan to make it from point A to point B! Some quote the famous saying (made famous by an ex-partner of mine), “How did this happen and whose fault is it?”
This is one of the statements that makes me just want to bang my head against the wall. Why ask that, especially at this time? Was it Fannie? Was it Freddie? Was it Barnie? Was it Chris? Was it George? Or was it a little bit of all of those with a lot of old fashion G in the mix: Mr. Greed, the one thing we cannot shake in our culture! The Little voice that says “lets get our cut and get it now!” We can pay for it, and even if we can’t, we do the old flip. Well, the flip has flopped, folks, and it’s time to step up and see that if you buy something, especially a home, YOU NEED TO USE IT!
As a real estate professional, I have personally worked with hundreds of buyers from the Sunshine State who bought 2 and 3 mountain places here in the High Country with the hopes of ‘flipping’ and/or renting them- and making a killing in the process, of course! Well, I’m here to tell you that if you can’t use it, don’t buy it! This applies to a home (especially a second one), or anything else you might consider purchasing. I know that this will upset many realtors who need to sell homes, which I have my fair share on the market But in all seriousness, don’t buy a home until after you have talked to a real estate professional who is honest and ethical- not just needing a sale so badly that they’ll tell you anything in order to make some money. These professionals do exist, and the best way to find one is talk to a past client. This is how I’ve succeeded in this business- by referrals only! I want to get to know you before I start giving you the best real estate advice in this area. So, be diligent and know who you’re talking to before you work with a realtor. Make sure that they’re a professional in every sense of the word.
If you need a home and are in the position to buy, there has never been a better time to buy real estate.
In these blogs I will talk about having a mountain place, and what to do if you are looking for one at this time.
I have based my business on the real estate market of the 21st Century: the world wide web technology that assists you in looking and buying, as well as marketing your home to prospective buyers all over the world. My web site loaded with content. We’ve designed it to be easy to navigate and completely secure. Your personal information is secure with us- nothing will be sold, and if you sign up for my GODFATHER GAZETTE NEWSLETTER, you will never get spam from any outside source. My commitment is to being your Real Estate ADVOCATE and EDUCATOR for all your real estate needs. My providers will be carefully screened before a person is endorsed by me or my team- they will have to have proven there ability to solve a problem.
As a sales professional for over 30 years, I know that you never have a client until you have solved a problem in there sale or buying transaction. After all, trust is earned, not given.
So I hope you like the new site and will let me know what you want to see in the months to come- your feedback is vital!
If you are ever here in the High Country of Blowing Rock, Boone, and Banner Elk, let us hear from you. As they say, when you are here you are FAMILY!
Tip for today’s post:
People selling their home FSBO (For Sale By Owner) are already taking a proactive stance in getting their home sold. Unfortunately, the statistics show that nearly 70% will list their homes with a real estate agent within the first 6-8 weeks. Over 12% will never sell at all. And less than 8% of all FSBO home-sellers will sell their houses without outside help, in most cases this means a real estate agent’s help. The #1 reason for this is because people who choose to sell their home alone, don’t have a SELLING PLAN for systematically marketing and selling their house. #2 is, most sellers simply don’t attract enough potential buyers to finally get someone to make an offer on their house. Think outside that box (House) and look to a selling professional. Take the commission off the table and out of your mind because commission is fair if you get value and results!
