Ray Carman – Auctioneer

Set Apart = being different, one of a kind, known for uniqueness, standing out in a crowd!

These definitions are some very important keys in the world of real estate and auctions. They should be used on both sides of the scale, for agents/auctioneers and sellers. In a world filled with the “norm” and overcrowded with the “usual”, it is key to be Set Apart. Are you? Here are some things to ask:

1. What makes me / my house stand out from the rest of the crowd/

2. Why would someone choose me / my house over the next?

3. What factors make me / my house different, and what am I doing to exploit these things?

In a world of “norm” and “usual”, people are attracted to those who are Set Apart! Each person and house has something unique it has to offer, find out what it is and put your “blue light” on it so people will notice and be drawn to it! Find the place you / your house are Set Apart and Stand There!

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!

I read a great post this morning about a Car with Stickers! The writer of the post pointed out three very good points about how this car can lend some ideas for running your business. These questions got me to thinking about how we might incorporate these into the Real Estate and Auction worlds. How do we make our company and business more memorable to our potential clientale? In an uncertain economy, how do we do this without huge pulls on the finances? And lastly, how do we keep it fresh for our current clients who are already here?

So, I thought I would bring these questions to you, the public, and see what ideas you had. What can we be doing to stand out, save money, and stay fresh? Leave your ideas in the comment box below. Looking forward to your ideas!

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