Monthly Archives: April 2006

How to Market Difficult Properties – Five Challenges, Five Solutions

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Ok, you have been in real estate long enough to have endured a few listings that you would
rather NOT have landed. Let’s call them ugly ducklings, shall we? Now, how do you market them? Here’s how you can invite people to recognize their potential and help the homebuyer see them as a swan! In the same way we make lemonade when life deals lemons, you can find something good about any property – no matter how flat it may seem at first glance.

It’s not just tiny homes or homes “out-of-step” with the neighborhood that need special care. In fact, I’ve helped market multi-million dollar listings with bedrooms that left me astounded.

“THAT is the master bedroom? The bedroom in my first apartment was nicer!” My solution? I don’t mention the master bedroom. Instead, I highlight the triple-sized whirlpool with adjustable jet streams in the master bathroom with the marble steps and the heated towel racks. Accentuate the positive and simply ignore the negative.

In smaller, less dramatic homes, you may need to create positives by altering your potential buyer’s perspective. You may not have the luxury of ignoring difficult features. And, it’s not a matter of sticking the term “handyman’s dream” or “fixer-upper” on it and calling the marketing plan complete. Nor, is it convincing the seller to list it below market value, so you have a chance of turning it over quickly.

Remember, every home has something charming about it. It’s your job to find that “something” and frame it attractively for display through your marketing approach. Here are a few tips to do just that:
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iPod and Cell Phone Combination Device May be on the Horizon

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I’m anxiously awaiting a bit more information about the upcoming iPod phone. I love my Treo 650 — and the new iPod phone would have to offer me alot to make me switch… but maybe it will. If it carries the kind of HD space of my current iPod (60 gigs) and offers video like my current iPod does, and can surf the web like my Treo does, and offers email capability that’s compatible with my mobile habits — and incorporates the new VOIP technology for cell phones… I’m gonna give it a whirl.
If you would like to see a blog with a bit of info (including a photo) on the new iPhone that’s projected…. visit here. (Update 4/2011 – this link is defunct.)

Other reports:

http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/03/31/apple_iphone_speculation/
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/03/23/apple_ipod_phone_benq/

Kentucky Education, Schools, Debt and Politics

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I talked with my children about school last night. My son, now 16, attends Russell County High School. This is CATs testing week. So, you may wonder, what’s “testing week” really like? Apparently, the kids work 90 minutes per day. The rest of the time there is drawing for prizes, they watch television and DVD movies, go outside and “hang out” and get extra bonus points (up to 60) to add to their class scores for showing up for school and appearing to attempt to do well on the tests (this involves not staring into space or filing in ‘just anything’ to hurry up and be finished with the exams). How’s that for rewarding? And how effective is CATS testing? Not very. Of course, many of us have suspected as much all along. You can’t teach to the test, unless you are first teaching. Right? Testing…

It’s enough to make me just beam with pride. This is to go on for two weeks. They are doing NOTHING in classes. There is no homework. There is, however, a free-flowing supply of sugary treats being passed out and those obnoxious vending machines that are supposed to stay turned OFF during the school day are back to being plugged in constantly. It’s not enough to teach to the tests, it’s not enough to deny children educational opportunities in order to collect a paycheck for them.

Equally impressive is the job that our state government is doing for our children’s long-term future. How forward-thinking of them to sell out our children for political gain now. It makes me so proud. Maniacally proud. That’s what it means when you see red, right? Overwhelming pride? Continue reading →

Tax Day: Can You Hear the Loud Sucking Noise from Where You are Too?

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Ahh, just got off the phone with a client. He says it’s “friggin tax day.” And here I thought I was the only one so enamored today! Wayne held my hand while I compiled all the papers and printed off what we needed and scanned in what we were sending off. He helped me DO the taxes this weekend, and managed to keep a pleasant demeanor as I cursed and made huge sweeping (negative) statements about everything under the sun.

I really rolled in the negativity. Writing out those checks was excruciating. My client told me he never actually signs the checks, he has someone else do it. Somehow, I don’t think that would have made it any easier. I do, however, think that next year I may get someone else to do my taxes. I’ve always done my own taxes. Always. But, in the vein of finding more happiness and less angst in my life… maybe it’s time to make a change.

Now, to do a bit of client work before taking my daughter to get her first cavity filled. It’s hard being 8 and having to skip all sweets until a tooth is filled, but those are the rules here. (It’s particularly hard when the appointment can’t be made until AFTER the sweet-laden Easter baskets are received.) Natural consequences are tough stuff, eh?

Personally, I think I’ll go buy a half a pound of organic dark chocolate and several bottles of imported spring water to celebrate the completion of the taxes. Of course, it would help if I had some of the money I just sent off to the government. Sigh.

Hope everyone is having a great day today… and getting refunds instead of paying Uncle Sam.