9 April 2009 Southern Realtor Caravan Newsletter

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The Southern REALTOR Network The Southern Realtor Network of the Birmingham MLS meets every Thursday morning at 9:00 am at Ruby Tuesday, Highway 31 N, Vestavia. The meeting includes a light breakfast.

WAGON MASTERS Gail Hutton RE/MAX Advantage 979-9854 Bruce Ludwig RealtySouth Vestavia 979-6400 COMMITTEE MEMBERS Sandra Carr ERA Oxford 979-2335 Martha Moody Smith RELI Inc 999-0207 Gloria Jackson First Federal Mortgage

965-2167 Call to sign up for Thursday Breakfast

The REALTORS will have a chance to make announcements along with the Birmingham Association of REALTORS (BAR). You will have a chance to present any old and new listings, with which you may need assistance. You will also be able to discuss both buyers’ and sellers’ needs. Networking begins at 8:45am and

gives you the chance to meet with other REALTORs and affiliates of the BAR. The charge is $3 per person, which goes to our charity, FAMILY CONNECTION. Please visit their website at http://familyconnectioninc.org. We would like to thank Ruby Tuesday for allowing our caravan to meet at their location at no charge. Please remember to email Kimberly Boackle of AmeriCapital Mortgage, no later than noon on Wednesdays, to add your listings for the next newsletter. Please remember to include MLS #s.

Duties to Realtors Standard of Practice 16-12

Article 16 does not preclude REALTORS® from making general announcements to prospects describing their services and the terms of their availability even though some recipients may have entered into agency agreements or other exclusive relationships with another REALTOR®. A general telephone canvass, general mailing or distribution addressed to all prospects in a given geographical area or in a given profession, business, club, or organization, or other classification or group is deemed “general” for purposes of this standard. Article 16 is intended to recognize as unethical two basic types of solicitations: First, telephone or personal solicitations of property owners who have been identified by a real estate sign, multiple listing compilation, or other information service as having exclusively listed their property with another REALTOR®; and Second, mail or other forms of written solicitations of prospects whose properties are exclusively listed with another REALTOR® when such solicitations are not part of a general mailing but are directed specifically to property owners identified through compilations of current listings, “for sale” or “for rent” signs, or other sources of information required by Article 3 and Multiple Listing Service rules to be made available to other REALTORS® under offers of subagency or cooperation.

Published by AmeriCapital Mortgage - 205.278.5200 Email: [email protected] Fax to 205.278.5290

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Carl Davis - 563.2321 111 Highview Cove, Pelham $1,150 per month

Calendar of Events 10 April Offices Closed

Good Friday

12 April

Easter Sunday

13 April 1pm

Activities Committee

15 April 8:30am

BCRC Directors

15 April 9am

Website Taskforce

15 April 1:30pm

CE: “Advanced Marketing Using the MLS”

16 April 9am

Orientation

17-20 April

The Real Deal

17 April 9am

MLS Basic

17 April 11am

Introduction to IMAPP

17 April 11am

Awards Committee

17 April 1:30pm

MLS Advanced

3BR/2BA - All kitchen appliances, fireplace in living room, 2-car garage and covered patio, includes lawn maintenance - 12 month lease required

ABOUT OUR CHARITY: FAMILY CONNECTION familyconnection-inc.org We are in desperate need of old cell phones, empty ink cartridges, old computers and clothing. Please bring them to each week’s caravan, or if you have a lot to donate, call Martha Moody Smith at 999-0207, and she will arrange for a pick-up.

Call Mark Boackle or Jim Nerios for all your mortgage needs:

AmeriCapital Mortgage - 205-278-520o or 800-818-6174

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While many real estate veterans are working a few extra years to build up their savings and rookies are looking for a minimum-wage job to supplement their volatile incomes…I want to show you how to cash in on the easiest money ever handed out in real estate: For Sale by Owners FSBO leads are often thought to be profit powerhouses. You already know they have a highmotivation to sell, want to sell in less time, for more money and without a hassle, and are in way over their heads. Follow the advice in these FSBO strategy articles and you could collect a total of 24 extra paychecks this year alone. That’s an average of two per month. Dive in! This strategy comes from a soft-spoken lady who nearly took over her real estate market with an original, but not new, approach: she was nice! One thing that plagues a lot of agents in this business is the uncertainty or inconsistency of income. It's been called "the Bungee Cord income." Up, then down. Up, then down. Through her 29 years, Joan Pate discovered 4 things that helped bring a balance to her income:

1. Follow up consistently with FSBOs 2. Prospect everyday 3. Always ask for business and referrals 4. This next secret is where many agents disagree with Joan, but experience proved that by doing this one simple thing, she tripled her call backs from FSBOs. What was her secret? Nothing more than this... She left messages on FSBOs' answering machines! This guaranteed her at least 2 listings a month. (Weird, isn't it, something so small could have such a major impact? As the proverb goes, "Little hinges swing big doors.") Now, if you've got call-reluctance here are a couple of pointers from Joan to help you get over that:

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Memorize some soft openings to build confidence and deflect the ire of the FSBO (Question Based Selling by Tom Freese has several) • Practice with a friend who is a good speaker and is not afraid to tell you what you are doing wrong (again, the point is to build your confidence) • Don't procrastinate - the longer you wait, the more stressed out you will become thinking about it • Prospect during a time of day you are at your peak (for larks, it's usually first thing in the morning after a cup or two of coffee, owls prefer later in the afternoon) And if all fails to subdue your fear, then JUST DO IT AFRAID! It would be a terrible thing to miss becoming successful simply because you failed to do the necessary things to make money and confront your fears.

Network Notations: Thank you to Paul Hammond from Covenant Bank for providing breakfast this morning. Please call Gloria Jackson (First Federal Mortgage), 965.2167, to sign up for a Thursday breakfast; we are a sad group without our morning victuals. Don’t forget to dine at Ruby Tuesday’s and let them know that you are a member of the caravan - They are truly generous in allowing us to use their facility every week for FREE. Your $3 weekly donation is able to go straight to our charity. We would like to welcome: First-Time Realtors: First-Time Affiliates: Greg Waters from Alabama Title Brokers present were: Liz Elliott, Jeanie Shay and Genny Williams Flat Stanley came to visit today! The BAR will be recognizing members for their community participation. Please nominate a fellow realtor for the “Good Neighbor Award.” First Annual Caravan Yard Sale - Please call Martha Moody at 999.0207 to reserve your space!!

Upcoming Events:

Thursday-Monday, 16-20 April - The Real Deal Sunday-Tuesday, 19-21 April - 16th Annual AAR/AU Real Estate Education

Fair, at Auburn. Register online at www.auburn.edu/refair or call 334.844.5101. Monday, 20 April - Annual BAR Golf Tournament at Riverchase Country Club Wednesday, 22 April - “Harnessing the Power” by Ginny Willis Thursday, 23 April - Birmingham WCR brunch, 9am at Vestavia Country Club,

John Croyle from Big Oak Ranch and a Silent Auction - $25 (IN ADVANCE), plus whatever you buy!! Call 868.1995 for tickets and additional information.

Please bring to our weekly meetings for Family Connections Inc

Month of April and May: Your Choice

Please remember to get your submissions to me by WEDNESDAYS AT NOON

Gary Morgan - RealtySouth - 913.2167

Seller to Pay $3K Toward Closing Costs 939 Catherine Street, Huffman - MLS 410796 - $87,900 3R/2BA - Hardwood floors, fireplace in living room, eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, very large level backyard, detached garage

Bruce Ludwig - RealtySouth - 979.6400

1300 Beacon Parkway, #302, Birmingham - MLS 384281 - $160,000

$10K Listing and $5K Buyer’s Choice Incentive 2BR/2BA - Spacious condo in Regency Summit with valley view, fireplace in the living room, new paint, hardwood parquet, tile and carpeting, balcony floor w/ brick pavers, pool, exercise room & sauna

Pat Lynch - ERA Oxford - 616.4100 8151 Weatherstone Circle, South Shades Crest - MLS 393716 - $250,000 3R/3BA - Hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings in great room, formal dining room and eat-in kitchen, also with stainless steel, granite and breakfast bar, den, laundry room, office, double trey ceiling in master with jetted tub, screened porch with deck and fully fenced backyard 1504 Valley Avenue, Homewood - MLS 414394 - $145,000 2R/2BA - Hardwood floors, fireplace in living room/dining room, kitchen ready to be updated to a homebuyer’s dream

FSBO - Gina and John Henley - 910.4837 Agents Welcome at 3%

401 Fernwood Drive, Vestavia - MLS 35216 - $352,500 3R/2BA - Single level living on a large corner lot with hardwood floors, family room, eat-in kitchen, 2nd bathroom, paint and windows all updated in 2007, formal dining room, gas fireplace in formal living room, family room has French doors to 2-level deck, fenced backyard, utility building with electricity and home warranty

Carl Davis - RE/MAX Advantage - 563.2321

22544 Iron Masters Loop, McCalla - MLS 423106 - $309,900 4R/3BA - Hardwood floors, stainless appliances in large eat-in kitchen with additional breakfast bar, stone fireplace in family room, formal dining room, den/game room, deck and covered patio, large fenced level backyard with in-ground pool

C A R A V A N L I S T I N G S

Call Mark Boackle or Jim Nerios for all your mortgage needs:

AmeriCapital Mortgage - 205-278-520o or 800-818-6174

C A R A V A N L I S T I N G S

Liz Elliott - 913.1056 - Advanced GMAC PRICE REDUCTION and Owner Financing available 4725 Old Looney Mill Road, 35243 - MLS 408903 - $415,000 3BR/3BA - Potential for 5 bedrooms while offering an eat-in kitchen with granite, formal dining room, living room with fireplace and built-ins, lots of storage, garage has loading dock and workshop, driveway will take car to kitchen door for unloading groceries, space for Reduced to $279,900 227 Miller Circle, Indian Springs, Pelham - MLS 415187 4BR/3BA - New paint and carpet, hardwood floors, great room with vaulted ceiling and floor to ceiling stone fireplace, playroom, hobby room, second fireplace in den, extra large lot for play 3476 Birchtree Drive, Hoover - MLS 408724 - $189,999 4BR/2BA - New paint and carpet, Eat-in kitchen looks in on family room with stone fireplace, formal living room and dining room, automatic whole house generator 237 Arbor Court, Chelsea - MLS 416672 - $249,900 5BR/3BA - Large, fenced cul-de-sac lot with eat-in kitchen with additional breakfast bar, which is open to the great room, formal dining room, deck and covered patio 115 Aaron Parc, Pelham - MLS 411994 - $169,900 Need to Sell - Make an Offer 2BR/2BA - Garden home with a very open floor plan, new paint throughout, new carpet in bedrooms, eat-in kitchen, fireplace in living room/dining room, den walk-up attic and screened porch 5236 Logan Drive, 35242 - MLS 407040 - $229,900 Seller Offering an Updating Allowance 4BR/2.5BA - Cul-de-sac home with fresh paint inside and outside, eatin kitchen, formal dining room and living room, den with brick fireplace, full basement, screened porch and deck

Call Mark Boackle or Jim Nerios for all your mortgage needs:

AmeriCapital Mortgage - 205-278-520o or 800-818-6174

Spring is here at Dunnavant Square ! www.dunnavantsquare.blogspot.com Along with everything getting greener and fuller by the day, we have all kinds of birds singing and flying about. In less than 5 minutes, I counted 16 birds in the wetland behind our model home. Dogwoods are in full bloom and we have wild Azaleas in our woods. Speaking of getting greener, Dunnavant Square is the greenest community Thornton Homes has built. From the hardy shake shingles on the exterior to the extra R38 insulation in the attic, there are numerous green features and building practices that are environmentally friendly. If you want to support businesses that are working to protect the environment and save money at the same time, Thornton homes is one to put on you list. For your client, that means a better built home for less money. The lumber waste that is created from the building process is ground up on site and used as mulch around the property. That is only the beginning, Energy Star appliances, tank less hot water heater, heat pump, low flow faucets, just a few of the energy efficient products used in the homes here at Dunnavant Square. Come check out our great community. If you already know all about us. Just send you client out and I will be happy to show them around in your behalf. We are open 10 to 5 Mon- Fri 1-5 Sat Sun. We will have all units open for the REAL DEAL !

Janet Hamm - 601.5556 - Keller Williams 909 Gables Drive, Hoover - MLS 422537 - $98,500 1BR/1.5BA - Condominium with new carpet, paint and lighting fixtures, fireplace and built-ins in the living room, balcony across living room and bedroom, kitchen pass-through 105 Willow Creek South Lane, Alabaster - MLS 423470 - $160,000 3BR/2.5BA - Get a piece of Buck Creek running through the backyard, eat -in kitchen, family room with corner fireplace and French doors to deck, master has garden tub, large fenced backyard with add’l deck by creek 13465 Eddie Drive, Lakeview - MLS 411236 - $160,000 Million Dollar Lakes - Make an Offer - Priced $20K Less Than Appraisal 3BR/2BA - 2006 Arts and Craft cottage with 100-year old tin roof, welcoming front porch, kitchen with stainless appliances, formal dining room, fireplace in living room , 3 decks and full unfinished basement

C A R A V A N L I S T I N G S

Call Mark Boackle or Jim Nerios for all your mortgage needs:

AmeriCapital Mortgage - 205-278-520o or 800-818-6174

WIN UP TO $100,000 IN MAY 2009

Sell Just 1 of 8 properties in Oakmere at Lake Crest For Details Call Ron and Shelia Alexander - RE/MAX Advantage - 296-1515 648 Whitestone Way - The only townhome left 613, 617, 621, 633, 661, 665, 681 Trumpet Circle - with elevators! Visit oakmerelakecrest.com

Call Mark Boackle or Jim Nerios for all your mortgage needs:

AmeriCapital Mortgage - 205-278-520o or 800-818-6174

Dear Realtors: Junior Achievement is dedicated to educating young people about business, economics and personal finances. JA programs are taught by volunteers in class and after school in over 1200 classrooms and organizations throughout metro-Birmingham. JA’s classroom volunteers come from all walks of life and include business people, college students, parents and retirees. These dedicated individuals are the backbone of the organization. Classroom Volunteers Needed! Various times available Junior Achievement needs positive role models like you to volunteer to teach various programs in K-12th grades. The majority of our programs are implemented in public and private schools throughout the Birmingham metro-area. After-school and summer programs are also available. We provide all of the materials and a complete orientation. Volunteer time commitment is minimal: make just 5-10 classroom visits (depending on the grade level selected, for approximately 40 minutes each visit). Help Junior Achievement reach over 28,000 students! Be part of this exciting experience to help kids prepare for the future workforce! Current Volunteer Needs We have middle and high schools around the area in need of volunteers, now and in the fall. Please consider becoming a classroom volunteer today! Visit www.ja.org for more information about Junior Achievement and see all of our programs. Contact: Terri Sellers (205) 290-9365 X 114 [email protected]

Let their success be your inspiration!

117 Gemini Circle Suite 412 Birmingham, Alabama 35219 Fax: 205.290.9332

Volunteer Opportunities

JA Bowling Classic

Classroom Mentors These volunteers are at the very heart of Junior Achievement’s mission and purpose. They are trained by JA staff and given everything they need to go in the classrooms and make a direct impact on a number of young people. Volunteers may participate in the grade level, program and school of their

A great and fun way to impact JA kids outside of the classroom. Two Bowling Classics are held each year in the summer and winter. Bowlers raise money for Junior Achievement, win prizes, and generally have a great time! The Bowling Classic annually supports about 10,000 kids in JA programs.

JA Golf Marathon

Calls For Kids/Loaned Executive

This event is designed for the true golf enthusiast, who also enjoys making a difference in the community. Each Spring, golfers unite to play 100 holes to raise money for Junior Achievement.

These campaigns are crucial to Junior Achievement fundraising and usually involve teams (Calls for Kids) or individuals (Loaned Executive) putting on their best phone personas to compete for Top Producer of each event. Daily prizes are given away each day of the campaigns as well as for overall performance at the end of the campaign. These two events combined support about 5000 kids in JA programs.

For more information on how YOU can be a part of Junior Achievement, call 205.290.9365. Or fill in your contact info and fax to 205.290.9332. Name:______________________________ Phone: ________________________

Business/Organization:______________________________

Email: ________________________________________________