Ray Carman – Auctioneer

This past week I was given the opportunity to share a 10 minute presentation on our company and what we do. As a part of this presentation, I was able to share briefly why our company is a great choice for your auction needs. I wanted to briefly share the three main reasons here and why it is important to the client choosing an Auctioneer.

1. Family Owned Business operating since 1910. Yes, we have 100 years as a family in the Auction Industry in Tennessee and Kentucky. Why is that important? Because it has now led us to having 9 full time auctioneers in the family, a large crew of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Grandkids that all work together for you. This allows us to service any and all auction needs with great experience and professionalism.

2. A company you can Depend on, Rely on, and Trust in. Our foundations were laid on Honesty and Integrity. We strive to give the most professional service that is backed with a person you can trust in. If you do not have faith that the auctioneer is working for you and not just the commission check, then it is going to be a very difficult journey. However, at Gene Carman, our goal is to not only do our job, but form a reliable relationship with our clients.

3. A company that will WORK. Yes, it is amazing how many times you run into a situation where an auctioneer would like to sell your valuable assets ( Real Estate ), but really would rather not “mess with” you personal property you have to liquidate. Yes, I admit, it is VERY hard work and requires many hours of preparation and back labor, but it is YOUR merchandise and it deserves just as much work as your Real Estate as well. With our large family, we know what the work is like, and we are not afraid to dig in and get it done.

4. Passion. We simply love what we have been given to do and we love working for/with people. This is not just a job or a career, it is what we ENJOY doing.

If we can ever be of service to you or someone you know in any way, please let us know.

Ray Carman

At the end of every real estate transaction there is the closing company. Usually a title company or an attorney. They may be at the “end of the line,” however they play a vital role. Without them closings would not be as they are. They search the title, prepare the paperwork, and conduct the closing. And when doing your closing, it is VERY important to choose the right attorney/title company.

“Aren’t they all the same?” is a question I hear alot when it comes to closers. And the answer is “NO!, they are not!” They may perform the same work, however they can be different in several very important ways.

1. Efficiency. The work can be measured not just by how they conduct the closing at the closing table, but how efficient they were in getting the paperwork and people prepared prior to the closing.

2. Professionalism. A closing company has to deal with many different people along the way in the closing. Byers and Sellers. Loan Officers and Processors. Agents for the buyer/seller. In order to manage and balance all these people, you need a high level of professionalism as it is certain issues will arise during the process.

3. Flexibility. These problems that will arise will require that everyone be flexible. And the conductor of keeping people informed usually sits at the desk at the closing company. So a good amount of flexibility is required.

4. Effective. The closing company needs to be able to produce when the time is right. Being prepared to handle last minute changes and issues in order to bring the closing together.

5. Finishers. When the closing is completed, it is not over. Usually there are two closing companies involved (one for seller and one for the buyer), and Docs have to be exchanged. SO getting them to the proper place in the right time is key for money dispersal and finality of the closing.

So wen you choose your closer, be sure they are able to get the job done!

After reading Bill Seaver’s recommittment to blogging, I decided I too have been neglecting to post as frequently as I should be. I too have been extremely busy and have found myself putting off posting here due to life being so hectic. For that I apologize and will too strive to be more efficient in the posting in the future.

From all the chatter, (talking amongst agents), business has been booming in the Sumner County area over the past two months. Those who were able to ride out the waves of uncertainty caused by the debacle in the financial systems last fall, have found themselves in the middle of a new storm. People who are now trying to make it in before the great interest rates disappear. Also, many folks are working to get this $8,000 offered by Uncle Sam that they are saying will disappear in Nov. (I have heard of an extension, but we will see.)

All this means, if you are in the market to buy or sell in Sumner County, now would be a great time.  So feel free to give us a call.

A quick auction update: Auctions are coming in really fast and some great ones are ahead of us. So keep an eye out for those at www.GeneCarmanAuction.com.

Ray Carman

Yes, suddenly, the real estate market in Middle TN, Sumner County in specific, has seen a rush. And it is really no surprise. As earlier this year, the Federal Govt had set up a $8000 tax credit to first time home buyers to anyone who buys a home who has not owned a home in at least three years. The key, close your new home before Nov 1st.

SO the rush has begun. People who want a house and want to use this available tax credit have suddenly emerged. That is the main reason we have seen a sudden rise in the market place. And many Realtors are very glad to see it. So are sellers of both new and older homes. Some house builds have started up in the area, and it could not have hit at a better time for the person wanting to sell.

Here is the key though. For the buyer, you HAVE to get yourself in position to close on your new home before the deadline. But, even more important than that, be sure you are only buying a house that fits your budget. If you cannot afford the home, DO NOT use this tax credit as a means to enter the world of foreclosure in the near future. Talk to your Mortgage Consultant and ask them to work with you in deciding what is the best amount of house for your budget. Then move forward.Here are a few tips:

1. Make sure your house payment stays below 40% of your monthly income. I prefer lower than 30%, but DO NOT go over 40%.

2. Make sure you are still able to save a little each month for that “just in case” moment. Just in case there is a job change or loss. Just in case there is a transfer. Or just in case you get sick and have some unexpected time off.

3. Don;t try to keep up with the “Jones”. Buy a house that fits your needs, not your wants.

Follow these keys and you can buy a house you will be able to enjoy and STAY IN until it is time for you to move again.

If you want any help in this process, I, or anyone here at Priority One will be thrilled to walk with you through these steps!

Ray Carman

Every so often, you are asked to take a step back in life, by circumstances or other factors, and forced to ask yourself this question: :Why do I do what I do? What is it that motivates me to get up in the morning and do the ‘job/career’ or service that I presently do?”

Now this question has been a leader in helping people either stay motivated in their current position, OR, go out and find a new avenue in which they find a greater sense of self worth.

On occasion I am asked about my “position” or “job” and how I came to do it. My simple answer was to tell them who my Grandfather and Father are  (Gene Carman and Harold Gene Carman Jr), and that instantly answers the question for me. “Oh, so you were born into this job! You had a job before you knew what a job was!”  is the common response I receive. Of course we usually laugh a minute, but the facts are true. For most people born into our family, your career path was laid out many years in advance.

However, I can say with ALL my heart, I thoroughly enjoy my work and what it is I have been given to do! Prospecting, Marketing, and Selling Real Estate is the “what” of my job, but it is ASSISTING people in the pursuit of their dreams/goals that brings me my greatest satisfaction! It is what I was given to do by my Father, and I love every minute of it!

So to all you you have allowed me to enjoy my job by serving you, THANK YOU!

This past week I had the opportunity to work with some clients who had found the house they wanted to raise their family in. This house was in the area they wanted and had everything they were looking for. The only problem was, to them it seemed priced somewhat too high. So therefore they were left with a quandary as to what to do. They had already contracted to sell their house, and needed a place to go, and this one seemed to be it. So, now what?

They started off with a simple offer for much less than what the asking price was only to receive a counter which they still considered to be over market value. After a few nights of thinking and praying, they looked one more time, and sure enough, this is where they wanted to be. Now they were left with the issue of either countering again or pay more than they thought the house was worth.

This is where we discussed doing some research and finding out exactly what things in that neighborhood had been selling for. What was the most expensive house EVER sold in the subdivision, and what was the average. They sent me off to do some homework, and I called them with the results. The figures landed exactly where we figured, but now they had to decide what to do with the information.

Here was my suggestion. “Make your offer and attach the comps we founds and explain how we came to this price. At that point, you have done all you can do to purchase the house and give fair market value.” So we did.

In this case, their offer, even though considered a “lowball,” was accepted. The homework paid off.

This may not always be the case, but, if you offer reasonable evidence that you believe your offer is in line with today’s current market, you have a better chance at having your offer seriously considered vs just throwing out a “lowball” offer!

Have a great weekend, and always feel free to contact me or anyone here at Priority One Real Estate and Gene Carman Auctioneers with your real estate  and auction questions!

Ray Carman

This weekend I attended a Court Auction in Gallatin. An estate had come up and the County Clerk was there to offer this 13.8 acres in two tracts. They had both had some preliminary soils work done and things look very good for the property. Being this was not an auction conducted by an auctioneer, there was not a huge crowd and there was no charisma in the chant.Before I went, I had estimated the property would sale for approx $5,000 an acre.  The tax appraisal was for $115k, so I figured my estimate would be about right in our market today.

When the sale opened, it became very clear that what my Grandfather, Gene Carman,  said about “NOW being the time to buy” is VERY true! This property sold for an average of $2500 an acre, half of what I estimated and 1/4th the tax appraised value from 2008. (this is not the new assessment.)

If you have been considering a place to put some money, I do not know how to offer better proof of NOW being a great time to invest in Real Estate. With huge amounts of money being printed, and the stock market still uncertain, and prices like those mentioned above, NOW is the time to invest money in some DIRT!

If you are thinking of investing, here are some quick tips:

1. Be prepared to write the check. Get your financing or money ready to go so you can move quickly.

2. Be patient and wait for a good deal, and when you see it, strike!

3. Have your Realtor on speed dial! This will insure your ability to make your move when you are ready.

4. Be creative in your seraches. Look on Craigslist, Realtracs, and also keep your eyes open on Auctions. ( IsurfSumner.com puts out a weekly article on area auctions that might have good investment potential.)

If you have any questions on making a good investment in Real Estate, please feel free to give me a call, 615-428-4920.

Ray Carman

This past weekend I had the pleasure of having a Saturday off, so I chose to use this opportunity to, what else, GO TO AN AUCTION! Yes, you might say I enjoy auctions so much, that even if I have a weekend off, I am usually looking for a way to go to one.

This weekend I attended an auction conducted by my Grandfather in the Bethpage area of Sumner County, TN. He had 24 acres in 16 tracts. 14 of them were building lots and the remaining two were 5+ acres. My Grandfather has been saying for quite some time that He has NEVER seen a better time to invest in Real Estate. And this weekend he offered the proof.

In 2007, he had an auction just around the corner from this place. Similar set up in the fact he was offering building lots that were similar in size (approx 1 acre.) At that time these lots sold for $16,000 and houses sprouted up. This year, these lots within rock throwing distance were bringing 8-1o thousand and there was no difference in the two. All that had changed was the opportunity to make money.

The point being, buy now, hold tight(a year or two), and in a few years reap the rewards! This is exactly what he was saying, and seeing as he has nearly 50 years in the business and a heritage in Real Estate with his dad dating back to 1910, I would say he is well qualified to give advise on the situation.

So, if you have a little money and are worried about the market, inflation, or your portfolio, NOW is a great time to make that investment in a “piece of dirt!”

Don’t just take my word for it, take that of a man who has lived through this type of market several times and has seen the “proof in the pudding.” And like a recent commercial says by one of the “big three” in Real Estate, there will be A-LOT of folks who kick themselves for not buying in this market.

For tips on how you can take advantage of these deals, give me a call. 615-428-4920.

RAY CARMAN

If you are on the cusp of considering a home purchase, NOW is the time! Sumner County has the following available on the market:

1. 978 homes under $250,ooo

2. 333 homes between $250k and $350k

3. 443 homes available $350k and up!

What this translates into for you the buyer is great opportunity! Add the $8,000 first time home buy tax credit, low interest rates, and motivated sellers to the mix, and you find yourself, The Buyer, a the drivers seat!

To find out more on how you can cash in on this great opportunity in our local Real Estate Market, give me a cal, 615-824-0044!

Much like the song “The Gambler,” it is important to know when to act or not to act in Real Estate. We all know we are currently in what is known as a “Buyers Market.” Yet time and again, some people are trying to make a move when it is not the right time for them. As homeowners, sometimes we just get the “itch” to move or get a new home. With prices on other houses seemingly so great due to foreclosures and Short Sales, some folks think NOW is the time to move.  But the problem comes in the fact they want “sellers market” prices for their homes. So what is the key to avoiding this situation?

Knowing when to Hold Up!!!! Simple as that. Here are some things to think about.

1. What is the reason for trying to sell my home in a buyers market?

2. Do I HAVE to sell, or do I just have an “itch” to sell and make a change?

3.  Am I willing to take present market value for my home, or would I rather ride out the storm till I can make a profit on my investment?

4. Would I be better off to sell and buy or simply Re-fi with the low rates?

Using good common sense in todays market is HUGE if you want to make the right move. Unless you HAVE to sell or can afford to take a hit in your investment of your homes value, then it might be a good idea to ignore that restless itch and stay put till the market swings back in your favor. This might sound like strange advise from a Realtor, but if your best interest are in mind, it might be the best thing you could hear from a Real Estate professional.

For a free analysis of your situation here in Sumner and surrounding counties, and ideas on what makes the most sense for your current situation, give us a call at 824-0044!