Ray Carman – Auctioneer

Growing up, I heard the slogan over and over, “You must dress for success!”

The idea is that people judge you based upon your appearance! They know you by the clothes you wear! Nice suit and tie, most likely a business man. Scrubs, probably a worker at the hospital. Throw a white coat over the scrubs and you get a Doctor! Guy or Gal in sweats and you assume they are working out! A guy in greasy clothes, and well, you probably are looking at a mechanic! These of course are all assumptions, but the truth is, people “know” you by your appearance.

Recently I was pondering this idea as I strolled through a local grocery store. My wife needed a few quick ingredients for dinner, and asked if I would run and get them. I grabbed a coat and went, not thinking of what I had on, basically a pair of sweat pants, sandals in the middle of winter, and a grubby shirt and jacket. As I strolled through the store, I suddenly caught myself hoping I did not run into anyone I knew. I wasn’t dressed to be known as a Auctioneer or Realtor.

Right then and there, I realized the truth and meaning of that old slogan. If you want to be known as a ________(fill in the blank), you need to dress like one every time you go out into public. Now, this does not mean you cannot have a casual evening with your wife, or that you are always required to dress in a particular way. But, it does mean your appearance should match your desired perception. You should dress for success.

This morning, as I stepped out early to go speak to a local FCA meeting, I stopped to meet a guy for breakfast at Hardees in Gallatin. While standing in line, dressed in nice jeans and a t-shirt, I was, unbeknown to me, being “observed” by a regular at the restaurant. As I turned to grab a seat, I was motioned to by this observer and asked, “You are Gene Carman Jr’s boy aren’t you?” To which I said yes. “Well I have known your family forever. You sell real estate too don’t you?” To which again I said yes.

Now, I was not in a suit and tie, but I purposely left this morning with the knowledge that I did not want to be “embarrassed” by my clothing if noticed in public. And, seeing how people are “observing” us and judging us everyday, even when we are not working, it is always important to “Dress for Success!”

What do you think?

Recently I have run into several people who are in the circumstance of overseeing an Estate.  A family member or loved one has passed away and left behind a house or farm to be taken care of. Being in the auction business, this is a common sight for us as we work with family members when settling an estate.

The question is, “Do I have to wait for the will to be probated before I sell the property?”

The answer is “No. You can have the property sold prior to the probation being finalized. The property and personal items can be sold and the money will be held in escrow until the estate has been finalized in the probate court.”

The next question that would automatically follow is, “What then is the benefit of selling before the probate case is finalized if we cannot have the money?”

The answer here is that you can help avoid vandalism, theft, and deterioration of the property. Many times these cases do take some time, even months or over a year to be finalized, and if a property sits empty for that period  it can be subject to any of the above mentioned issues. By selling the property prior to the finalization of the Probate case, you can help insure the property sells when it is in its best condition and avoid the potential of vandalism or theft problems.

So do you have to wait on probate? For the funds, Yes! To sell, NO! Of course we do recommend you speak to your legal council regrading your particular case.

Ray Carman – Auctioneer (615) 428-4920

This is a really great post for positive outlooks during tough times! Felt it was good enough to share!

The past two days I have had the privilege and honor of showing some of our Tennessee countryside to some great folks. We were looking for land in the area with natural water sources, views, farm land, and trees! We covered parts of Wilson, Smith, Trousdale, and Sumner Counties! Part of what I enjoyed the most was the country roads we got to travel  getting to our next destination. We got to see some really neat parts of our counties while getting from one place to the next.

I am never more alive than when I get to show people farms. Being an ole “country boy” who loved roaming the farm as a youngster, these opportunities are amazing. Farmers actually open their gates and and invite me to walk (or drive mostly these days) folks over hills, through creeks and woods! I get to see some of the most amazing views, natural streams, and hidden treasures on each place! But to get there, sometimes you have to be willing to take some risk! Like, “will my truck make it up that hill on that old logging road?” Never know till you try! But, if you do, and are successful, you can find some views that will take your breath!

What my journey has shown me the past two days is that there are some amazing places available for anyone looking for a farm or mini farm getaway! Another thing that is predominant is that you can purchase one of these fairly reasonably.

So, if you are in the hunt, there are definite treasures out there for you! I would be happy to be your tour guide to your own little getaway!

Have a great weekend!

Have you ever caught yourself looking ahead to the future in life or Real Estate, and suddenly your stomach gets a little queasy and your knees start to shake? This is a natural reaction in markets that appear unsettled! However, there is hope and the call for rejoicing.

Over and over again throughout history, in Real Estate and just life in general, things have taken a natural course of ups and downs. Much like riding across the country side, roads take you to mountain tops and even deep down into dark valleys. The key to keeping a positive outlook is to know the road keeps going and remembering where the road has taken you before. Remember the mountain tops you have been on in the past.

I always like to take a moment to reflect on how amazing the “glory days” were not so long ago. Then, as I think of the blistering pace those days require, and I realize I may have a day r two in which things are slower tan I like, I try and focus on the positives in the situation. Like how I am thankful for the moments of rest I can receive in a “valley.” How the pace is not quite so hectic.

I also like to take this time to renew my strength, because if history tells us anything, when you come from a mountain top down into an valley, there is another mountain ahead which I will need my strength to climb so I can enjoy the view it offers from the top!

So take heart, and enjoy the moments, even in the valley! Your next mountain top experience is just around the corner!

Have a blessed week!

Auction lovers! As the winds of winter pass through, the auctions are once again picking up here in Sumner and surrounding counties! We have already seen bookings on into the late spring early summer! If you are thinking of having an auction, or know of a family in need of an auctioneer (estates, farm, equipment, commercial, etc), now is the perfect time to have them give us a call and get their date set for this year! With interest rates low, and the warmer winds of Spring about to arrive, it is a perfect time to talk to your auction experts! 615-428-4920

On Valentines Day, Saturday, Feb 14th, at 10 AM, Gene Carman the 3rd (my brother) will be hosting a sale along with my Grand Father, Gene Carman, in Gallatin. A local Woodworking shop is closing their doors and are selling all sorts of tools, large wood working equipment, a trailer, office equipment, and more. Their decision to close the doors is an opportunity for you to get some amazing deals on equipment or to go into business for yourself. For more info, call “Little Gene” at 615-633-1323!

Then, on Wed, Feb 18th, at 12 Noon, Furrow Auction Co will be in Portland offering a foreclosure property. This brick house and lot is located at 755 College Street, Portland TN! The securing party has said to move this property! This would make a great opportunity for a first time buyer or investor!

Enjoy these great opportunities that are coming your way! I hope to see you there.

Remember, if you are considering an auction, or know someone who is, please have them give me a call, 615-428-4920!

Ray Carman – Auctioneer / Auction Specialist!
on Twitter @TNAuctioneer or on Facebook here!

I was browsing through some articles that I enjoy reading and happened upon one in which a person gave a list of reasons why they LOVE their job! It was pretty incredible to see some amazing angles this person came at their occupation from. Some of the reasons were even what most folks might call a “negative,” however, this individual had found something good to embrace even from these instances which made their job even more desirable to them.

SO, that got me to thinking about why I love my job. Here is what I came up with…..

1. I enjoy how Real Estate and Auctioning allow me to meet new and different people constantly. Rarely is any one day the same.

2. I also enjoy the job security. Seeing as how I work for myself, my job is secure as long as I continue to work. Everyday there is something I can do to either find new work, further myself in present work, or finish a transaction that is in process.

3. I find assisting people to be thrilling. Some people apologize for “bothering me” with questions about “work,” but I am never bothered simply because assisting others in Real Estate and Auctions is “fun” to me.

4. I love the challenge of getting “it” done. It is a RARE thing to have a deal run without any hic-cups, and I enjoy the challenge of making it through those moments and coming out a better agent on the other side.

5. I like constant change! Looking at houses and farms that each have a unique character keeps my spirits high. I especially enjoy walking around a farm, up and down hills, to discover what treasures God has placed in each cavity of His creation.

6. I enjoy the flexibility of my schedule. Having young children, I have always wanted to be as involved as I could in their lives. Selling Real Estate and doing Auctions allows me to set my schedule in order to be more involved in theirs! And family has always been on top of my list!

7. Remember change? Well, seeing as the flexibility of Real Estate allows for me to work from almost anywhere, I can have an array of office spaces. I can work at home, at a local restaurant (especially if they offer free wi-fi), or just about anywhere my vehicle can take me!

8. I like keeping up with the cutting edge of things. I am not a a “techy” person, but I do enjoy keeping up with how technology can help me in assisting sellers and buyers with reaching their dreams! And with the internet, most of that can be used for free!

9. I like Realtors. I enjoy meeting and talking to others in the business! I especially enjoy speaking to those who keep a positive outlook no matter what!

10. I find what I do extremely FUN! Yes, I said fun! I enjoy nothing more than completing a transaction, Real Estate or Auction, from start to finish! I enjoy the opportunities I receive to auctioneer and cry a sale. I enjoy working through a contract and seeing people excited about the outcome!

11. And lastly, I enjoy Failing! Yes, failure. It is through my many failures I have found the roads to success. Once a mistake is made, a lesson is learned which gives guidance and direction for the journey ahead! If it were all a bed of roses with no thorns, then the grains of success would be shallow!

That is my top 10 ( I mean 11) list. Why do you enjoy what you do?

If you are in need of assistance in Real Estate or Auctions ( estates, farms, houses, commercial) in the Sumner County and surrounding areas, or you know of someone who could benefit from our services, please call me at 615-428-4920, or email me at RayCarman@gmail.com.

Have a great week!

So often I hear the question “How can we sell in the Sumner County market when there are so many houses/other agents on the market?”  When you are walking through a market with seemingly over crowded inventory, you have to be creative and have a plan. This is not just for houses, but for sales people as well.

Here are a few tips:

1. Be different – when it seems there are too many fish swimming in the same pond, and you are the one who wants to be chosen, you have to find a way to make yourself (house) stand out from the rest! Look at what you have and market yourself or your home on what it is that makes you/it unique!

2. Be creative -  you can’t do what everyone else is doing or you will fall in line with everyone else. Think outside the box and be willing to fail! Through failure many have found the route to success.

3. Be aggressive – I cannot stress this enough! You have to be willing to get out there! Make your house or plan SHOUT to those who need your services. This is not just in pricing or money. Being the cheapest is not always the answer! But rather be the most aggressive in all facets of your plan and pricing! Tell the client you are there to earn there business in anyway possible!

4. Be patient – allow your plan time to succeed (or fail). Giving up before your plan has had time to succeed has been the trap many have fallen into!

5. Persevere – Don’t allow setbacks or failures stop you! Keep going! Press forward! If things are looking dark, take Winston Churchill’s advise, “If you are going through hell, don’t stop!”

There are so many things one can do to make him/herself stand out. The most important though is simply this, always move forward with humility and integrity! If you can do this, it will not matter how “overcrowded” things seem, because those in need of your service always notice those who are moving and doing so with Integrity!

Have a great week!

Ray Carman

I thought this was well put.

According to our local MLS here in Sumner County, we had 80 residential closings in January to kick off the new year! This is great news for everyone involved, Sellers, Buyers, and Agents. Prices ranged from $35,000 up to $545,000 in closing values! That tells us there are still a broad range of buyers out on the market.

The news we need to take from this is:

Sellers: buyers are out there, so be aggressive with your pricing and marketing!

Buyers: sellers want to sell you their product and there are great incentives and financing available right now.

Agents: Buyers and Sellers are on the move, position yourself to be in the right place at the right time! Work hard and stay focused!

Have a great week!