Emily The Friendly Realtor

Have a Fun and Friendly Summer

Everyone loves SUMMER! I especially love the occasional summer wedding, an exciting pool party, a family BBQ, and being invited OUT more with friends!
Because the summer is so full of party and wedding invitations and being around people and having a good time with other human beings, I thought I would post some friendly reminders, that just because we are a little bit more fancy-free (HELLO, ponytails, tank tops, and jean shorts!) Doesn’t mean we should throw out good ole fashion manners!

So, here are some tip’s to remember for your summer weddings and get-togethers.

RSVP

If you are invited to a wedding and you are asked to RSVP, make sure to RSVP. Usually, the Bride spends a large amount of money on providing you with a stamped envelope to make replying easier. Tech-friendly couples may have a website for you to log in to and RSVP there.

It is very rude to not RSVP and then show up to the dinner or reception, when the family has not planned for you to attend and may not have provided enough food or beverages for you. Don’t put them in an awkward position because you just assumed they would know you were coming.

When asked to RSVP to ANY EVENT, do so by the date requested. Oh. And a text message saying “C U There” is probably not the best idea.

Don’t Look Like a Mooch

Never show up empty handed when you are invited to a dinner or luncheon, BBQ or patio party! Unless the host specifically told you NOT to bring anything, you should always have something in hand when showing up. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy.  EASY BRING ALONG’S FOR UNDER $5.00: Watermelon, Deviled Eggs, a bottle of soda, a 24 pack of water bottles, sliced cucumber, strawberries and cool whip, and so much more!

The host will think you are fabulous and you’ll be sure to be invited again!

Bring a Birthday Gift to a Birthday Party

Now that I’m older than 16, I have been to SEVERAL birthday parties where dozens of people show up, eat the food, drink the drinks, with out giving the birthday star so much as a card. This is so rude.

Here is what my mother always told me: “If you are too poor or too busy to give your friend a gift, then stop by the side of the road and pick some flowers. But never show up empty handed, because it will appear that you are empty hearted.”

Greet and Thank the Host

When you are at a party or a wedding, make sure to greet the host and when you leave, thank them for their hospitality. If you are feeling any more generous, offer to help with clean up.

When Leaving Early…

If possible, Let the host/bride/groom know in advance if you can only come for a brief moment. You can say something like “Jane, I am so disappointed that I won’t be able to stay long, I have a prior engagement that I just can’t skip out on.”  When the host see’s you  dart in and dart out, they won’t have to wonder “Why?…” Or feel bad that maybe you didn’t like the dance songs they picked for the reception (LOL)

Have a fun and fab summer!

-Emily

NEXT WEEK……
I’ve been in TONS of weddings! I’ll share some advice for brides, grooms, ‘maids and ‘men. Stay Tuned!
To contact Emily Galbraith, visit her Kansas City Real Estate Website

Phone: 816.726.6706. Send an email to: Emily@InfinityRealtySells.com

www.EmilyGalbraithRealEstate.com

Being the Best

I asked clients, friends, and family “What would make a Realtor the BEST Realtor?” Here are some answers I received:

“I want a Realtor who is honest and listens to me”

“The BEST Realtor would never try to push me into something I do not like or cannot afford.”

“I would like my Realtor to return my calls and emails quickly.”

“The BEST Realtor is a PRETTY Realtor.” [LOL, I had to laugh at that one]

“I want a Realtor who will work twice as hard and for half the money.”

“A good Realtor doesn’t talk about what they think I need. The best Realtor would listen to my needs and only show me properties that fit those needs.”

“A good Realtor won’t overcharge for services and will sell my house quickly at the price I want to sell it for.”

“Trustworthy. Won’t share my confidential information with others.”

“Has a head’s up on current marketing and a good online presence.”

“I like Realtors who keep me updated and in the loop.”

“The Realtor should know what they are doing and be aware of any changes in the market. A good Realtor is smart and will help me make the most wise financial decision when selling or buying.”

How it changed my life and my business

When I read these responses it changed the way I look at things. I expected people to say things like “Needs to have a law degree” or “Must have 20 years of experience.” But most people just want someone who is hardworking, trustworthy, and honest. This year, I changed everything. I wake up at 6:30 every morning and begin responding to emails, questions, and working on updating clients before they ask. I took a time management class so that I can deliver on my “Same Day Call Return” policy. I changed my budget so that I can be generous and provide clients with a lower commission. I obtained a high quality custom website and blog and religiously follow industry news, policy, market changes, and more.

I want to be the best, because my clients deserve nothing less. If you make me your Realtor, you are going to achieve YOUR dream, YOUR home, YOUR way.

If you would like a listing presentation, or information about my custom buyer experience, feel free to call, text, or email me! Or visit the Information for Selling Homes section of my Kansas City Area Real Estate Website.

Emily R. Galbraith
Licensed Realtor and Real Estate Consultant
304 SE 3rd Street
Lee’s Summit, MO 64136
(816) 726 6706
emily@infinityrealtysells.com

Save Thousands!

Reduced Commission for New Clients

For the entire month of May, I will be listing homes at 5% commission, instead of my usual 5.5% commission for any new client. That’s 2% for me, and 3% for the agent who brings a buyer to your home. If I bring a buyer, I only charge 4%.

Do your research! Most agents charge 6% commission to sell a home. (It’s a lot of work!)

Here are just SOME of the things that I do for my Sellers:

• Personalized step by step marketing plan
• Listing syndication to dozens of internet sites
• Customized full color booklets outlining the details of your home
• Flyers attached to stylish signage to maximize drive-by interest
• Your home featured on Realtor.com
• Full description and maximum photos on Heartland MLS
• Potentially, over 7,000 Real Estate Professionals may view your home on Heartland MLS
• Your home featured on my website’s front page
• Full brokerage services
• Weekly updates and ongoing feedback from showings
• I ensure that all buyers are pre-qualified
• Expert execution of contract management and market knowledge
• Easy cancellation if you are dissatisfied with services

If you would like a listing presentation, feel free to call, text, or email me! Or visit the Information for Selling Homes section of my Kansas City Area Real Estate Website.

Emily R. Galbraith
Licensed Realtor and Real Estate Consultant
304 SE 3rd Street
Lee’s Summit, MO 64136
(816) 726 6706
emily@infinityrealtysells.com

Texting: Not Just For Tweens

I remember one of my first Real Estate transactions. An older couple wanted me to sell their home. I assumed they would like written communication updates, or personal calls. Nope. I looked down at my blackberry one day, and there was a message from Mrs. Seller.  It said “Txt me. So mch EZer”

I never made another assumption on how someone would like for me to communicate with them AGAIN. From the beginning of my career in this industry, I decided I was going to do this job my client’s way.

When my parents were searching for homes when I was little, I remember my mom being frustrated. No matter how many times they told their agent they did not like a specific lay out, their agent continued to show them THAT layout.

I can’t imagine how frustrating it must be for people to express what they want, and not be listened to.

One of the best compliments I was paid recently from a client was “It’s so easy and comfortable looking at homes with you. You don’t try to push us into something we don’t want.”

At first, I was so happy. Then. I thought about that. I realized that this must be a common occurrence for people! THAT IS CRAZY!

I think that Real Estate has changed. It is an open-showing market for all agents of all listings. Back in the day I guess, it used to be common for an agent to mainly sell only the properties that that agent would list on the market. It was a signage business. People would drive by, and call the number on the sign.

Now, being online has changed everything. Most of my buyers have homes narrowed down to a small handful, because they’ve already seen it online. I love that my clients choose me to show them properties instead of just calling the number on the sign. I don’t have to charge them, and I get to be objective!

I love making best friends with clients. Home showings become an adventure. And I will always find out how you like things done, if you prefer voice mails or e-mails, ranches or split levels. I love being the one that helps people find the home of THEIR dreams; not the dream I think would fit them.

This year, I started calling it a “Custom Real Estate Experience”.

Oh, you know that I’m going to do a phenomenal five-star job for you, but now, you get to select how. I love that about being a Realtor.

Today, I wrote a letter to a past buyer, sent a text to a current seller, and commented on a favorite client’s facebook photo. If you want quality communication and a Custom Real Estate Experience, call me. Or text. Or Email. Or Facebook, twitter…….you get the picture.

Emily Galbraith is a full time and fully licensed Realtor in Missouri. Contact her today!
816.726.6706
Emily@InfinityRealtySells.com
Http://www.Facebook.com/emily.galbraith.me
Http://www.EmilyGalbraithRealEstate.com

Today, I was remembering some of the most hilarious times in my life as Realtor. When I got my license to practice Real Estate in 2005, I had no idea what I was in for. The last few years have been the most amazing, bewildering, challenging, emotional, joyous, encouraging, astonishing, comforting, surprising, entertaining, moving, relieving, energizing, and REWARDING years of my life.

Surprising:

On a hot summer day, I was showing a vacant home in the Raytown Area to one of my friends and clients.  I was walking backwards admiring the huge living area.  “Wow. This has so much space! Look at these bay windows! What is that smell?…” My friend screamed out “DON’T MOVE!!!” I stopped and turned around and looked down behind me and there on the floor was the biggest black bird I have ever seen with its intestines spilling out and oozing with maggots.
We ran screaming out of that house. I said “We’ll call the agent, and then go back and look once the…remains are gone.” We never went back.

Moving:

My client and I had found the perfect home. It was everything she wanted. She was approved with a reputable lender, inspections were over, and we were closing that day. An hour before closing I received a call from the bank that there had been some mistakes made and the closing would need to be postponed indefinitely. The sellers had other offers and sent me a notice to cancel the contract. When I saw my buyer, she was weeping. I threw my arms around her and knew that she didn’t need any professional mumbo jumbo. She needed a friend. I wept with her. Neither of us said a word. But I flashed a smile at her and before I jumped back in the car I said “It’s not over yet.” It took me 4 hours but I reached the regional vice president of the bank on his cell phone at 4:00 in the afternoon on Friday.  Long story short. We closed Monday morning.

Relieving:

A single young client was purchasing a home. She had been smart and saved plenty of money for a down payment, moving expenses, and other things, but not quite enough for a home warranty when the sellers did not wish to provide it. She was buying an older home in good condition. But it was older. I bought her a home warranty out of my own pocket. A few months after closing the entire central air conditioning went out. The repair cost around $2,000.00. She called me first asking what to do and I was so relieved that I had done the right thing. The Old Republic Warranty at that time covered the entire bill. Home Warranty: $425.00. Being there for a friend: Priceless.

Encouraging:

One of my clients backed out of a driveway and into a parked car while I was with them. It was parked in a bad spot and was pretty difficult to see from any angle. My client had tears streaming down her face. This client is a very strong person, and was fighting through some rough things for her family. I knew the tears were not about the fender bender;  I knew it was bigger than that. I said “It’s going to be ok. You are a fighter. You’ll get through it, and YOU ARE NOT ALONE.” She looked at me and said “You have no idea what that means to me. Thank you.” I’ll never forget that moment.

Bewildering:

While previewing an open model home for a client, I walked into one of the most important rooms: The master suite. In the bed there was a man and a woman and they were not sleeping.

Energizing:

Showing homes to a family, the mother wanted to see the attic. As a then-fearless Realtor, I pulled down the cord to the drop down stairs. When it cracked open, dozens and dozens of very alive long brown ROACHES dropped like confetti upon my head, down my shirt and all over the floor. I have never run out of a house so fast in my life. I knocked over the 2 year old, my folder of papers went flying, and by the time I got to the road I had ripped off my jacket and shirt. While cars drove by and my clients stared on, I was screaming and waving my  clothing in the air like a wild maniac.

Rewarding:

As a young entrepreneur in an industry hard-hit by economic times, I can’t say that I have been the top producing agent, or a multi-million dollar agent, or agent-with-the-fanciest-car, or flashiest pantsuit. But as I look over the years and what it means to MY CLIENTS to be a Realtor, I see that I have succeeded.

If I have helped one person achieve their dreams to own their own home, then I have succeeded. If I have helped a single mother find an affordable home in a safe neighborhood, I have succeeded. If I have saved first time buyers from making a dumb mistake, I have succeeded.  If I was the one who helped a seller avoid foreclosure, then I have succeeded.  If I listed a home at a reduced commission so that they could send their son to community college, I have succeeded. If I can do something for someone that no one else is willing to do, I have succeeded. No matter the cost, no matter the pain, no matter if being generous doesn’t add much to a fiscal year, I am a Realtor.  I work hard and I work with heart. And I love this job.

To Buy or Not to Buy?

Everybody wants to know how to best time the market when buying a home. It’s just natural. Especially if you’re thinking about buying in a down market where homes prices are declining. You wonder how low they will go and whether you should wait, right?

Some Home Buyers Should Buy Immediately

You’re probably thinking: “Of course, she would say that. She’s a Realtor, and agents always say ‘Now is the best time to buy’.” Well, here is why:

• If you are a seller who wants to move up to a more expensive home in a down market, now could be the best time. The longer you wait to sell, the lower the price of your home could fall.
• If you can arrange for alternate housing, a smart strategy is sell now, wait a few months, then buy your new home.
• If you sell and buy simultaneously, you’ll still be ahead of the game because the price reduction on the purchase is greater than the loss on the sale.

Consider the “Loss” on Selling Your Present Home

For example, say your present house is worth $300,000, but because of high inventory and few buyers, you must reduce your price by 10%. So, instead of receiving $300,000, you would get $270,000 and “lose” $30,000.

Consider Your Real Profit

Now, consider this. Say you bought this home 10 years ago and paid $100,000. You’re still ahead $170,000, less costs of sale, aren’t you? (This ignores monthly payments, but you would make those if you were renting, too.)

Consider the “Savings” on Buying Your New Home

If you are planning to move up to a $500,000 house, which is located in the same distressed market, you could probably buy that house at that same 10% discount or $450,000. This would mean you had saved $50,000.

Review of Selling and Buying Numbers

1. So you “lost” $30,000 on the sale of your home
2. But you “made” $50,000 on the purchase of your new home
3. Doesn’t that put you $20,000 ahead?

Why Your Offer may not be Accepted

1. Offer Price Too Low: In the Kansas City Metro Area, home prices are at all time lows. Making an offer that is substantially lower than the listing price may seem OK because it’s a “Buyers Market.” But when more than 1/3 of homes are Shortsales or a Foreclosure, the seller may not be able to take a low offer, even if they wanted to.
2. Competitive Buyer’s Market: In Lee’s Summit, homes under $125,000 are difficult to find. This year, there are more affordable homes than ever before. This sets up a competitive playing field for buyers and there may be multiple offers that leave the seller easily choosing the best one, with out giving other buyers even a chance to negotiate.

If you have a real estate question for Emily Galbraith feel free to Search For Homes in Lee’s Summit or Visit my Kansas City Area Real Estate Website. I am an Expert Agent in the Kansas City Area! Call, Text, or Email me today! (816) 726-6706. Emily@InfinityRealtySells.com

On your Mark…Get Set…GO!
The race is on to “cash in “on the $6,500 tax credit now available to all home buyers that have owned their most recent home for 5 out of the last 8 years!  In real estate terms this is a short race, you might even say a bit of a dash! To receive the tax credit, you must get a home under contract by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30, 2010.  This means a homeowner needs to put their current home on the market to get it sold as soon as possible. For details about the $6,500 tax credit and who qualifies click here.

Is it Worth it?
There really has never been an opportunity like this in real estate in most of our lifetimes.  Due to the economic conditions of a “buyer’s market” with deeper discounts in higher price ranges, homeowners are finding opportunities to upgrade or upsize for nearly the same money.  Considering the low interest rates available, a homeowner may buy a more expensive home and still have the same or even a lesser payment than their current mortgage.  A person that financially can afford to move up and that intends on moving up in the next few years has to seriously question why they would not make the move now.  For this potential buyer, it is the perfect scenario.

If you are considering moving in the near future, waiting has its risks.  Interest rates are projected to go up this year.  The real estate market has been inching its way back to a balanced market and will continue to do so with the resale inventory levels at 6.2 months supply in the Kansas City area (a balanced market being 5-6 months supply).  New home inventories remain high at 9.9 months supply, a great advantage for buyers. So, is it worth it?  The answer is a resounding “YES” for those that are in a position to take advantage.  If you have not done any searching for homes recently, just take a look for yourself.  Click here to search for homes on the Infinity Realty search engine.

Questions?
I hope you find this information valuable and look forward to keeping you informed about the real estate market each month.  Please call me with any questions. Or let me know what updates or information you would like to see in the future
Emily Galbraith | 816-726-6706 | emily@infinityrealtysells.com | www.EmilyGalbraithRealEstate.com

Prepare Your Home

 Getting Your House Ready to Sell: 10 Simple Steps 

Any realtor will tell you that the key to sell your house fast – and at your asking price – is to have it looking great. Here are ten simple steps to increasing the appeal of your home.

Step 1: Assess The Situation

You’ve been living with the flaws in your home so long that many of them may escape your notice. Grab a notebook, pen and fearless friend and spend a few hours taking stock of the situation. Start at the curb and work your way around the house from the outside in. Make a note of anything that detracts from the appearance of your house. Take special note of any minor repairs that need doing, and spruce-ups that you’ve put off.

Step 2: Take Care Of The Repairs

If there are needed repairs that you can’t do yourself, you should schedule that work first so that you can work around it. Look beyond the house itself, and replace broken fence posts, repair or resurface cracked driveways/walkways, and get rid of overhanging limbs. Inside, look for things like loose flooring tiles, marred counter tops – all the little things that you’ve grown used to. (That missing inset on your bathroom sink hot water faucet may seem like nothing to you, but it adds to an overall impression of how well the house has been maintained.) Avoid making any negative impressions.

Step 3: Spruce Up The Landscaping

Curb appeal is the buzzword in the real estate industry. The first impression that your house makes as a prospective buyer pulls up to the curb is your most powerful selling tool. Trim bushes, prune trees and manicure flower beds. If you don’t have a flowerbed, consider spending a weekend afternoon putting a border of flowers or easy maintenance plants along the walkway or property frontage. Even something as simple as placing a few potted plants on the side of the front steps can make a powerful positive impression on someone seeing the house for the first time.

Step 4: Clean Out The Garage

Get rid of any accumulated clutter in the garage, storage sheds and basement. The fewer personal effects that are in view, the easier it will be for the prospective buyers to see the possibilities in the house.

Step 5: Give The House A Facelift

You don’t have to repaint, though if you can fit it in, it’s the best picker-upper around. If you can’t, give vinyl or aluminum siding a good scrub down, and then paint the trim and wash the windows till they sparkle. While you’re up on the ladder, clean out the gutters and tighten up any loose fasteners.

Step 6: Redo The Inside From The Floors Up

Carpets and flooring make a major impression. Replace or remove worn or stained wall-to-wall carpeting. If you have real hardwood flooring, give it a good sand-and-buffing to make it shine. Hardwood floors are a major plus in today’s house market. Invest a weekend in replacing any worn tiles in bathrooms and kitchens, or put down a new floor. According to most Realtors, kitchen and bathroom facelifts are the best ways to add value to your house.

Step 7: Give The Walls A Fresh Face

Your next step is to take down everything and give the walls a fresh coat of paint. Stick with neutrals – white, buff or cream colors that will go with anything. When you’re done, don’t put anything back up!

Step 8: De-clutter The Rooms

The look you’re going for is pristine and ready to move into. As with garages and basements, the fewer personal effects that are in evidence, the easier it is for buyers to see themselves and their belongings in your house. Put away family photos and mementos. Clean out closets and storage spaces. Get everything off counters and tables to give the rooms a clean, airy appearance.

Step 9: Spic-And-Span From Top To Bottom

Get your house spotless. Wash down windows, sills and door trims. Scrub around light fixtures and doorknobs – places notorious for collecting dirty fingerprints. Give the carpets a good cleaning and wash and wax all the floors. Make sure that windows and mirrors shine, and clean tile grout in the bathroom and kitchen.

Step 10: Maintain

Once the house is on the market, it will be important to maintain all the work you’ve done. Keep the lawn mowed and bushes trimmed. Make sure that the kids’ toys aren’t scattered around the yard, and trash is kept out of sight. Inside, make the beds immediately in the mornings, keep dishes out of the sink and make getting clutter out of sight a part of your daily routine.

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Emily Galbraith is a Licensed Realtor and Real Estate Consultant
Feel free to contact her: www.emilygalbraithrealestate.com
Emily@InfinityRealtySells.com or (816) 726-6706