Monika’s Real Estate Blog

What does your MLS listing photo say about you?

It’s May and in New Hampshire my grass is green and my flowers are starting to peek out. Yet last week I got an invite to an open house being held tomorrow…the picture of the house had at least a half a foot of snow on the roof.

Yesterday I surfed the MLS and I noticed a listing that had recently expired, the listing photo had a few feet of snow on the ground. Another new listing has 2 photos repeated 3 times…so 8 photo spots used up in the MLS of the same two shots, another showed dishes and clutter on the counters. Then…god forbid a lovely picture of a bathroom showing nothing but the toilet with the lid up no less! I’m happy the house comes with a toilet but really how about showing more of the bathroom or skipping the hopper shot all together.

Remember how we were all taught about the importance of making a first impression? Today, depending on what survey you believe up to 90% of home buyers search or use the Internet to find a house. First impressions…each time a listing is viewed on line a decision will be made based on that photo. A decision to make an appointment or to inquire about more information, or the decision to by pass the home completely.

What does your on-line listing photos say about you and your house? What does it say about the professionalism of your agent?

I wonder if the Sellers of the listings I looked at yesterday know what their online first impression is?

Monika McGillicuddy Real Estate Training

NewHampshireRealEstateBlog.com

Prudential Verani Realty

Hampstead NH Real Estate

Follow me on Twitter.com @monimcgill

Visit our Listing Blogs at…

• 17 Marilyn Park Drive Listing Blog
• 39 Boulder Drive Danville
• NH Waterfront Homes for Sale
• 14 Higgins Ave Sandown

Courtesy of the New Hampshire Association of REALTORS.

Market statistics for New Hampshire single-family residential home sales statewide: 1998 to present
YEARLY

New Hampshire single-family residential home sales for the last 10 years.

6 years (1998-2004): Median price increased by 99.8 percent (12.3 percent per year average)
7 years (1998-2005): Median price increased by 112 percent (11.4 percent per year average)
8 years (1998-2006): Median price increased by 108 percent (9.7 percent per year average)
9 years (1998-2007): Median price increased by 105 percent (8.5 percent per year average)

“No offense but I don’t trust ANY real estate people.” The words cut through me like a knife. I felt bad not so much for myself, although it really stunk hearing those words, but for the woman that said them.I was involved in the 3rd offer that these people have made. I was not involved in the previous offers on the other two properties.

These people were an “up” call I got during my floor time shift.

I met them, did the appropriate agency disclosures, tried to get them to consider buyer representation and then showed them a few properties listed with my company. They had some interest in one of the houses I showed them but were not in any rush to make an offer. In the meantime unbeknown to me, they had offered on two other homes with two other agents. Those offers went nowhere.
Then called and wanted to make an offer on one of the houses I had showed them. While I am not the listing agent, I do represent the seller in the transaction. I checked on the status and was told by the listing agent that another offer was coming in. I told the buyers that an “other offer” was coming in as well and that the seller would wait to look at both offers before deciding.
I went to the buyers house, we did up the purchase agreement, It was a low offer, I explained it all, all the clauses. All the what if’s and went over the worst case scenarios, they sat and listened politely.

I suggested representation if this offer didn’t work out and thats when I heard the words “I don’t trust you” and then the clarification “I don’t trust Any Real Estate Agents”!

How can I tell the buyers that I’m different? That I am trustworthy? Can I make them believe me? I really can’t advise them. I can’t negotiate for them…I represent the other side per their choice.
They chose to be unrepresented, they chose to go it alone. They simply don’t trust real estate people. Chock it up to bad experience…chock it up to whatever, but thats the way they want it. They are classic Broker Hoppers…how very sad that they’ll never have it easy…never have someone working FOR them.
I told the listing broker that I had the offer in hand. She told me the offers would not be presented until late this afternoon. I kept all the paperwork and the check in my possession at the request of the listing agent. We would meet up before the presentation. Remember I represent the Seller.
Right before the presentation of the offer I got a call from the buyer asking me if the offer had been presented yet? Asking me if the other offer had come in? If it did then they wanted their offer presented BUT if the other offer had not come in then they wanted to wait.

It seems that they had gotten a call from the agent they had previously made an offer with…offer # 1 and those sellers were now reconsidering.
They didn’t want to lose out on it or on the house we had done the paper work on…BUT they wanted time to go look at house # 1 again and make a decision. But if the other offer had indeed come in then they would proceed???? I represent the seller…a lie would get the sellers an offer.
If the other offer had come in they would proceed….So if I lied and told them yes, that the other offer had come in…they would proceed with the offer. If I lied??? If I told the truth they would pull the offer. Very simple.
Yet they don’t trust me?? It seemed so ironic! I called the listing agent to double check the status of the other offer. Not in yet I was told.

I chose to tell the truth, knowing that the truth could hurt me, that I could lose the sale, that the seller could lose out. But I told the truth….yet I am not trustworthy!
I told the truth, I did what was Ethically Right...I am a REALTOR and the buyers for what ever reason, in the end, believed me and trusted my answer.
I wonder what tomorrow morning will bring…will they realize that they had no choice but to trust me…that I was trustworthy?
Maybe they’ll buy house number one But I will sleep well tonight. Maybe I won’t make a sale but I know I am trustworthy. That has to count for something.

I’m glad I made the decision I did…especially after my husband Jay wrote this awesome post about me.

http://www.monikamcgillicuddytrainer.com

NH Real Estate Training

ABR* SRES* Agency* Ethics* New Agent Skill Building* Professional Guidelines* Negotiations* Mediation

Happy New Year…A NH housing recovery in 2008

Well maybe not a recovery but certainly a leveling off.

We’ve had an incredibly busy week here in Hampstead NH, both personally and professionally. This past week alone we’ve written 3 purchase offers for buyer clients, had one home inspection and showed multiple properties to other customers. There are some awesome buys out there and the old saying ” he who hesitates loses” is so true.

If you’re in the market for a home or thinking of putting your home on the market do it. The time is right. If you’re unsure, don’t know what to do or what the market is doing…give us a call…no obligation and no pressure. I Promise! We’d love to talk with you.

Happy New Years from New Hampshire Real Estate blog….may it be a healthy, happy and prosperous 2008 for us all.

Nothing makes living in Hampstead New Hampshire as special as being here during the holidays.

The community shines during this time of year and everyone participates and supports some very special town wide events.

These events have been long known for memory making especially the annual Fireman’s Christmas Parade, which kicks off this years parade on December 9th at 2pm.The Parade is a not to miss local event made extra special by sharing hot cocoa and cookies with Santa back in the Firehouse.

This years theme is “Christmas In Song” and there is still plenty of time to enter your very own special float.
The Fire department also will kick off their Christmas Tree sale starting on November 24 .

They will be open both Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 6 pm. All trees cost 35.00 and will be sprayed with fire retardant and netted for easy transport to your home.

Prudential Verani Realty’s Annual Coat Drive is well underway but we are still in desperate need of coats, hats and mittens. We have many drop off locations so please go through your closets and see what you can spare.

They’ll be many more Holiday events and I’ll post them once I get confirmation. If you have a local event you’d like me to post on my Blog just send me an e-mail and I’ll add it.

Stay Safe this Holiday Season and remember tis the season for sharing and giving!!!

Monika McGillicuddy,REALTOR

Serving Southern New Hampshire and Rockingham County

Monika McGillicuddy Real Estate Training

http://monikamcgillicuddy.com/wordpress/

Prudential Verani Realty

Hampstead NH Real Estate

603-548-7728

Part 1 of a collection of Photos taken at my favorite NH spots.

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New Hampshire has so much to offer, most people have no idea just how much.

From kayaking to being home of The International Speedway which offers NASCAR events, Bike Week a very popular motorcycle rally held each June. To rock concerts, awesome mountains, gorgeous ocean beaches and lakes.

New Hampshire has an abundance of campgrounds to cater to every type of camping need and outdoor events like golfing, hiking and just plan enjoying the simple life and breathing fresh air.

Long known as the granite state it is also internationally famous for being the first in the nation by holding the New Hampshire primary, in Dixville Notch, as well as being the home of Jay and Monika McGillicuddy.

NH is known for it’s Spectacular fall foliage…as hopefully some of my photos will attest to…or at least give you an idea of what it is like up here in the fall.

We know that you don’t care what we know ….until you know that we care!

Jay and Monika McGillicuddy

Prudential Verani Realty

Hampstead NH

603-548-7728

Curious about where your property is in relation to the FEMA map? Check out the government FEMA site on line…

FEMA Maps On-Line and Maps Service Center

You can zoom in and check out an area all for free.

Free is good in my opinion.

Monika McGillicuddy,REALTOR

Serving Southern New Hampshire and Rockingham County
Monika McGillicuddy Real Estate Training
http://monikamcgillicuddy.com/wordpress/
Prudential Verani Realty

Hampstead NH Real Estate

603-548-7728

Those that know me, know that I’m big into having a solid web presence. Blogging has made a big difference in my marketing approach and my real estate career. I’m no newbie and I really hate to admit that I’ve been a REALTOR professional for 23 years, only because it makes me sound so old. One thing I’ve learned is that to survive you really need to embrace change. Web 2.0 had brought us many changes…are you ready?

My company Prudential Verani publishes our web stats and I snagged the stats for August and September. As I reported last month the showing stats would be higher as many agents will call each other to set up showings and those are not reflected in the showing totals.

I think having 22,000 unique visitors is pretty good. Buyers are out there looking and I want to make sure my listings are seen. Which is why I add video, virtual tours and podcasting in all my marketing. You can see the September numbers are down compared to August but that is not unusual.

Monika
Serving Southern New Hampshire and Rockingham County
Monika McGillicuddy Real Estate Training
www.newhampshirerealestateblog.com
Prudential Verani Realty

Hampstead NH Real Estate

603-548-7728

Designated agency and facilitation in New Hampshire?? It could very well be.

Wouldn’t it be nice to say Good Bye to Dual Agency?

On Wednesday, October 17^th there will be a special Board of Directors meeting held at The New Hampshire Association of REALTORS in Concord.

The sole purpose of this meeting will be to have a motion to approve the proactive legislation “Relative to Changes to the Real Estate Practice Act”. This is the legislation that, if approved, would enable the practice of designated agency and facilitation in New Hampshire.

It is the recommendation of the Agency Task Force that this be approved.

Read a copy of the Draft legislation or more of this article here.

Monika McGillicuddy

Serving Southern New Hampshire and Rockingham County
Monika McGillicuddy Real Estate Training Website
NH Real Estate Blogs

Prudential Verani Realty

Hampstead NH Real Estate

603-548-7728

New Hampshire weekend fun Flea Markets

Like exploring flea markets and antique shops? New Hampshire is loaded with them!

There is no better time than late summer and fall when the weather is a bit cooler to enjoy the many New Hampshire flea Markets.

I found this list on Whofish.org…so if you’re looking for a weekend activity check out some of the Flea markets listed below…you just might find that perfect treasure that you’ve been hunting for.
AMHERST - - SUNDAYS

Outdoor Antiques Market. Route 122. Admission charge. Ample parking. Indoor and outdoor market with approximately 100 dealers. Lots of antiques, memorabilia, advertising items, antique toys & collectibles at this market.  Market open Apr-Oct and is open all day on Sunday weather permitting. DAVISVILLE - - SUNDAYS

Davisville Barn Sale & Flea Market. Hours: 8am to 4pm. Seasonal market open May through October. Indoor market.DERRY - - SAT & SUN

Grandview Farm Flea Market. Route 28 at Bypass. Hours 7am-4pm. Admission charge. Ample parking. Inside and outdoor market with approximately 300 dealers. Wide range of goods at this market. Antiques, collectibles, jewelry, primitives, memorabilia, glassware, jewelry. New and used merchandise, sportswear, housewares. Market has live entertainment on weekends. This market sells a lot of reptiles. Strong attendance and a most interesting and enjoyable market to shop at or to sell at. Food available, restrooms, h/a.
HOLLIS - - SUNDAYS

Hollis Flea Market. 436 Silver Lake Road. (Route 122). 03049. Hours 7am-4pm. $1. parking charge. Outdoor market. Approximately 200+ dealers. Collectibles, memorabilia, farm items, primitives, advertising items. New and used merchandise, sportswear, housewares, interesting secondhand items abound. Good attendance at this market. Snack bar, restrooms, h/a. Space from $18. Market open Apr-Nov.

HOLLIS - - SUNDAYS

Silver Lake Flea Market and Antique Fair. 447 Silver Lake Road. (Route 122) Hours: 5:30 am to 4pm. Free adm and ample free parking. Outdoor market with approx 100+ dealers. Antiques, collectibles, primitives, crafts, new and used merchandise.
HUDSON - - SUNDAYS

Hudson Antique Show & Flea Market. Route 111. Admission charge. Ample parking. Lots of quality items here, antiques, furniture, silver, glassware, pottery, memorabilia, coins, vintage clothing. Great selection of desirable collector items here. Food available, restrooms, h/a. Market open April-October. Space from $14. Indoor market.
KEENE - - SAT & SUN

Fairgrounds Antique Co-Op. Route 12 South. Fairgrounds. Ample parking. Antiques, collector items, furniture, silver, glassware, pottery, vintage clothing, jewelry, kitchen collectibles, primitives, advertising items. Good food here, h/a, restrooms. Clean, friendly, well managed market. LONDONDERRY - - SAT & SUN

Londonderry Gardens. Route 102. Hours 8am-4pm. Ample parking with lots of walking. Average daily attendance 3,000. Approximately 200 dealers. Large market with wide variety of goods here, antiques, collectibles, new and used merchandise, crafts. Snack bars, restrooms, h/a. Space from $10. Food vendors allowed. Outdoor market open April-October.

MERRIMACK - - SUNDAYS

Merrimack Flea and Antique Market. Route 3. Admission charge. Ample parking. Approximately 100 dealers. Antiques, furniture, quality booths of many collector lines, silver, jewelry, vintage clothing. Food available, restrooms, h/a. Inside and outside space available.
NORTH CONWAY - - SAT & SUN

North Conway Flea Market. Mt. Washington Valley Trade Center. Ample parking. Approximately 200 dealers. New merchandise, electronics, sportswear, tools, jewelry, housewares, clothing, toys, sportscards. Used merchandise, garage sale items, crafts, produce, collectibles, decorator items. Snack bars, restrooms, h/a.
WEST LEBANON - - SUNDAYS

Colonial Antique Market. Airport road. Route 12-A. I-89, Exit 20. Hours: 9am to 5:30pm. Free adm, ample free parking. Outdoor flea market on Sunday’s with a full scale antique mall open daily. Lots of quality antiques and smalls here at both the antique mall and the Sunday flea market. Approx 50 dealers. Space from $12. per day for the flea market. Good food here, restrooms, h/a.

Monika McGillicuddy

Serving Southern New Hampshire and Rockingham County
Monika McGillicuddy Real Estate Training Website
NH Real Estate Blogs

Prudential Verani Realty

Hampstead NH Real Estate
603-548-7728