Ray Carman – Auctioneer

of Real Estate and the News Paper.

Today I read this post and it resonated what we have been talking about for awhile. The days of the Newspaper and Real Estate are coming to an end. With the Internet Era alive and thriving, the need for large chinks of paper and ink to tell you the stories and availability of property are quickly coming to an end.

And all the trees said “Hallelujah!”

on those who are brave enough to work with me! I have been blessed and honored to have these people join Priority One.

1. Steve Griffin. Steve came on board in the beginning of 2007. He has been a valuable asset as we have worked through handling a model home and getting a new program off the ground, FisboPro.com. If you have a home you want listed on MLS but not totally sold on paying a full commission, be sure to give Steve a call and he will be glad to get you going for a flat fee. 615-557-8010.

2. Kelly Koch. Just this year Kelly came over and already has been a huge asset to Priority One. She is an excellent Buyer’s Specialist who knows how to listen and get you what you are looking for. She has taken care of some clients and all have praised her work and efforts. She really knows how to take care of her clients! You can reach her at 615- 775-5141.

3. Jennifer Rowland. I have never met someone so determined to see her clients successful in their endeavors. Jennifer handles Property Management for us and does a superior job. She has only recently transferred over, but has been handling a large amount of property for investors for the past several years. She will be a great asset to anyone looking for a property manager. She can be reached at 615-708-9916.

On top of all this, all of these guys are fully trained and able to help you with any property you would like to list with a Real Estate Professional. I am thrilled to have them on board here at Priority One.

Also, I would be happy to answer any questions you might have regarding Real Estate and/or Auctions. I can always be reached at 615-428-4920.

If you are a hard working agent or a determined rookie, we would be happy to speak with you about whether or not Priority One is a fit for you.  615-824-0044

Come see us there!

When asked this week how you obtain a listing or an auction, I had one simple answer, “Spread the word!”

Like I have been saying most of this year, sometimes the oldest ways are the best. Having people spread the word about you being in the business is the most effective form of advertising you can have. A simple referral from one person can mean the difference between making it, or simply breaking down!

If you take a peak, you can always find a realtors ad saying something like, “A referral is the highest compliment you could ever give me!” And, that is true. If a Realtor does their job and earns your trust and respect, telling your friends and family about how great they were will typically pick them up additional business, thus insuring they will be around when you need them again.

Bad news does the same thing, but twice as fast and for twice as long. Heard the old saying, ” NO one ever remembers the good things I have done, and they never forget the bad things either!” Bad news unfortunately travels twice as fast and has twice the gas that Good News does.

With all that in mind, it is key to remember to “Spread the Word” about you being in the business to any, and everyone you know. Whether an acquaintance, business person you do work with, or friends and family, everyone should know you are in the business and what all you can do for them. You might be a Listing Specialist, but that does not mean you cannot refer a buyer and pick up a referral fee in the process. And vice-versa.  You may not do auctions or even work for a company that does auctions, but that should not keep you from letting friends and family know you can find a great auction company to work with and pick up a co-brokers commission. There are endless ways to make a living in the Real Estate Field, but the key will be that old time marketing scheme of “Spreading the Word!” And the cool thing about our day and age, with social networking and Web 2.0, that has become alot easier and simpler.

(p.s. If you are a Realtor and would like to know how you can start earning some extra commissions through Auction referrals, drop me an email today, Ray@RayWCarman.com

I was given the gift from my parents to attend a small private school ( my graduating class was ALL 7 of us!). At our particular school, we were required to “set goals” everyday. The last thing we did each day was to write down what we were going to accomplish (pages we were going to do) the next school day. At the time, it seemed rather mundane, but little did I know, it was going to be one of the most needed skills for life.

When you wake up every morning in the Real Estate world you have one of two things. Too much to do, or nothing to do at all. There never really seems to be an in between or middle place. And knowing how to set goals ( arrange schedule or make a to do list) is vital to survival, especially in a down market. Knowing how to simply set goals or write out a to do list can be the difference between life and death in the real estate world.

Some people will spend more in advertising, others will just go get new jobs. But if you know how to do the basic of setting goals, and make a to do list for your next day, you might just find yourself both surviving and thriving when the market is down.

Here are the upcoming auctions for this weekend.

Timing is a key function in any transaction. Having your house on the market at the right time. Putting the offer in at the right time. Knowing when to pull out of the contract negotiations. Timing!

They say in running out a survey, that if you start just a fraction of course, you can come out a mile in the wrong direction in the end. The same holds true when it comes to timing in Real Estate and Auctions. If you miss the window of opportunity, you may find yourself stuck in a long laborious transaction. Or even worse, you may find yourself on the losing end financially.

Some key elements in timing can include, School start up time. If you are presently in a desirable school zone, hitting the market approx 6 weeks before school starts can really give your house a boost as parents shuffle to get their children into that particular school. Making your house available in this timing can get your house extra attention and some good offers.

Another key time is Start of Spring. People are starting to come out of their “shells” of winter and browse about. This is the time people start to catch “house fever.” Put your house on the market too early, it will appear to be an old listing that is stale and out of date. Wait too long and people are busy packing for the lake or summer vacation. Hit it just right, and your house will catch a great amount of visibility.

One last timing key is End of Fall. It may sound a little dreary, but this is the time people are coming bck in from the lake and vacations and looking for their “den” to nestle in for the winter. Some return home and decide they want to hibernate in a new den. Having your house fresh and ready for winter time could put you in a position to get a new “den” yourself.” But a moment too late, and you might as well “store up for winter.”

Timing is everything when you are thinking of selling your home.

This week you have three options in Sumner County! Here they are….

Hope you have a great weekend and find yourself a treasure at an upcoming auction!