Ray Carman – Auctioneer

Hey everyone. I just wanted to give you a heads up on an article I write every week for IsurfSumner.com. It is a list of upcoming auctions in Middle Tennessee that you might find enjoyable and profitable. Visit the website for this weeks list!

We have many exciting auctions booked for the rest of the summer and first of fall here in Sumner and surrounding counties. If you have a place you would like to talk about booking before the end of the year, now is the time to do so! Non-qualifying terms are available through our lender for our auctions for any auction we book. Call us for details! 615-428-4920

Ray Carman

In the life of the Realtor and Auctioneer, this little phrase is, or should be, constantly on the tip of the tongue. Why? Because, you, the customer and public are our life source for business. Yes, marketing can take us some places, and a well devised plan can take you others. But, without you and your word of mouth referrals, our careers will ultimately lead to a dead end.

If you know a good Realtor or Auctioneer, then you have more than likely heard us speak of our constant need for you to be or PR. You are the #1 source for our families to eat and have a place to sleep. Our job is to earn your respect and trust, and in turn, we are hoping you will tell EVERYONE you know about us and our services we offer.

“How may I help,” you ask? Here are a few ideas:

1. Listen to people around you at work, in the neighborhood, church, or in your family. If they mention needing, or knowing of someone needing the services of a Realtor or Auctioneer, be quick to speak up and let them know you know someone. Or, drop them an email later with the contact info for the person you are wanting to refer along with a message of why you would choose them.

2. Have a few business cards on you to give away in a instant. If you have a Realtor or Auctioneer you believe in, ask them for some cards so you may promote them in the instance someone is needing one right away. This is a huge help.

3. If you do not have the contact info of your Realtor or Auctioneer handy, ask for the potential clients info and see if they mind if your “friend” contacts them later. Then pass the info along to the professional you are referring.

4. Don’t be afraid to mention them on Facebook or Twitter or other social medias you are involved in. I was honored to have several friends (Sarah and Brea) mention me in their blogs. These are great ways to refer your friend to those who need their services.

So let me be the first to say, “I need your Help!” Without you who have passed my name along through the years, there is no doubt I would not have been blessed as I have in being a Realtor and Auctioneer. Thanks to all the friends, family members, and past clients who have passed my name along to others. I work hard to earn your trust and hope to keep it.

If you see this saying on a card or advertisement by a Realtor or Auctioneer, it is VERY true:

“There is no higher honor than to receive a referral from a past client or friend!”

Have a great week, and bring on the help!

Ray Carman

I was pleased tonight to find that I was a “good follow” on Twitter by Twitchuck! I have been using Twitter now for about a year (www.twitter.com/TNAuctioneer) and really enjoy my time there. I am still working through the usages and how to make it valuable to both my followers and our business, but I cannot say enough about it.

I really like the fact I can interface it with Facebook and also choose whether or not to make my update a twitter only, or multiple site update. I was directed to Twitchuck tonight, which is a site aimed at helping you determine if someone is a good follow or a spammer. Glad to see I made the cut.

If you have a company or work as a self employed person, I highly recommend you check out twitter and how it can link you to more people and future contacts! If you are on there, or join, feel free to look me up and I look forward to your “tweets!”

Ray Carman

Here recently, this particular question has come up a few times in and around some of my real estate conversations in Sumner and surrounding counties. People are wondering what is the best route for them and their homes right now. Many people have been forced to move due to job needs or other situations, and they have had some trouble selling their home in the current market. Many times. the thought of two mortgages is maybe just too much to bear and they are wondering what to do with their current dwelling.

My personal opinion on the situation is this:

1. If you can drive around your neighborhood and count more than a dozen homes currently on the market, then you probably would be best served to seek a good lease tenant for the time being. With too many properties, and more than likely, some belonging to banks who are selling at discounts right now, your ability to sell your home is going to be inhibited. People tend not to want to buy in an area where supply seems to be too high.

2. If you are in a rural area and the market is slower than usual (takes more than 120-180 days to sell), then you probably want to consider a lease on your home.

3. If you are mortgaged on your house and your current market will not allow you to come out even or better, then you might want to consider a lease. Remember, there are still people out there who can pay your mortgage amount on your home, but with current lending regulations, cannot get a loan for a purchase. So allowing them to lease or lease purchase your home will help keep your mortgage paid and allow them to build credit and potentially equity to buy from you at a later date.

4. If your house has been on the market for more than 6 months, you might want to consider a lease. As stated above, there are more potential lessors who can pay your mortgage or better than there are qualified buyers right now. A lease or lease purchase may be your best option.

Of course, all this is situation dependent and you really need to speak to an expert in helping you work through these details and help you during the lease process. Thus a well trained and highly profession Property Manager should be your next phone call. Our very own TN Property Manager would be happy to walk you through the potential of a lease or lease purchase on your home.

Ray Carman – Broker/Auctioneer

In our peak selling season, this question is sure to come up when pricing your home. Most people want all they can get for their property, but in our market, sometimes making an adjustment in price can bring on a quicker sale. In order to make this decision, you need to answer a few quick questions:

1. What is my motivation to sale? Man times this will determine your pricing. If you are transfering or looking to purchase another home, you might want to consider an aggressive price. If you are simply testing the waters and do not “have to move”, then you may want to hold out for “top of the market value” on your home.

2. At what range would I look at my house? Put yourself in the buyers shoes! Who is your target market? This will oft times tell you where you should be pricing your home!

3. What do the comps say? With appraisals quickly becoming a major player in the market movement, know exactly what things around you are selling for, including the bank owned properties. These do play a role in market values. Your realtor should be able to help you obtain some very close comparibles to your home.

4. What is my time frame? How long do you have to market your house? Are their outside factors weighing in on the decision (job, family, affordability)? Based on your answer, make the necessary adjustments in your pricing,

With these tips in mind, and a good marketing plan, you should still be able to reach your individual goals whether you are saling High or saling Quick!