Southern Realtor Caravan Newsletter - 23 April 2009

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

965-2167 Call to sign up for Thursday Breakfast

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The Southern REALTOR Network

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

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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:// familyconnection-inc.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

Duties to Realtors Standard of Practice 16-5

REALTORS® shall not solicit buyer/tenant agreements from buyers/ tenants who are subject to exclusive buyer/tenant agreements. However, if asked by a REALTOR®, the broker refuses to disclose the expiration date of the exclusive buyer/tenant agreement, the REALTOR® may contact the buyer/tenant to secure such information and may discuss the terms upon which the REALTOR® might enter into a future buyer/tenant agreement or, alternatively, may enter into a buyer/tenant agreement to become effective upon the expiration of any existing exclusive buyer/tenant agreement. (Adopted 1/94, Amended 1/98)

Standard of Practice 16-6

When REALTORS® are contacted by the client of another REALTOR® regarding the creation of an exclusive relationship to provide the same type of service, and REALTORS® have not directly or indirectly initiated such discussions, they may discuss the terms upon which they might enter into a future agreement or, alternatively, may enter into an agreement which becomes effective upon expiration of any existing exclusive agreement. (Amended 1/98)

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

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Calendar of Events

Calendar of Events

Mon, 4 May 9am

Trade Show Task Force

Gail Hutton - 979.9854

Mon, 4 May 10am

PR Task Force

1005 Inverness Cove Way $1,300 per month

Mon, 4 May 11am

MLS Directors

TODAY 1pm

Seminar

Tue, 5 May 8am

B’ham Chapter NAIFA

Fri, 24 April 9am

“Internet Marketing from the Ground Up”

Wed, 6 May 8am

B’ham Chapter NAIFA

Wed, 6 May Noon

WCR

Thu, 7 May 10am

MLS Committee

Thu, 7 May 2pm

Grievance Committee

Fri, 24 April Noon

Rookie Club “Working with Buyers”

Mon, 27 April 10am

Activities Committee

Mon, 27 April 11:30am

BAR Executive Committee

Mon, 27 April 1:30pm

MLS Directors

Wed, 29 April 9am

BAR Directors

Thu, 30 April

Training for Professional Standards Committee & Grievance Committee

3BR/2.5BA - hardwoods on main level, new paint and new carpet, all kitchen appliances, 1-car garage, swim community 2329 Grayson Valley Circle $600 per month

2BR/1.5BA - Townhome available 1 May

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

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

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The Worst Mistake You Can Make When Working with FSBOs And what is the worst mistake an agent could make when working with FSBOs? Not being choosy about who they put in the follow-up sequence. Seven out of ten FSBOs you contact will not be ready and will not have a timeframe. If you don't approach them correctly, they can be a drain on finances and emotions. But out of those ten, three of them will be realistic, nice and have a timeframe. And if they make an appointment, during the meeting ask all of the questions of a listing presentation...but act as a consultant. Find out what problems these people have that you can help solve. Imagine yourself as a doctor or lawyer...potential patients don’t just open the phone book and choose a doctor or a lawyer...and neither do most prospects choose a real estate agent from the Yellow Pages. Position yourself as a professional...a money consultant. Of course they're paying you...but they're paying you big because you know exactly what to do and exactly when to do it. You're worth your commission. So what's the point? Be aggressive when qualifying FSBOs for follow up. How to Turn FSBOs into Clients with One Simple Question With this one question, you can determine which FSBO is going to be money in the bank and which one is going to be an emotional and financial drain. When making as much money as you do, seconds are sacred, you can't afford to waste even a minute with car-chasing a FSBO. The best prerequisite for pre-qualifying a FSBO is knowing when they need to or plan to move out. Once you know this information, ask them this very powerful question: “What are you going to do if your FSBO efforts come up short? And what kind of affect is this going to have on your job transfer, wedding day, etc.?” This brings their problem to light. They'll start discussing all the terrible things that could happen: paying 2 mortgages selling a house from out-of-state the distress they'll feel having to do this all alone Quickly they will see the value in using you as their agent and suggest to YOU that you help them. They’ll even think they thought it up themselves...and all you did was ask them a simple question! If the FSBO is highly motivated, they won’t last long in the market — maybe one to two weeks. Now, here are a few key requirements when dealing with FSBOs: 2 Lethal Mistakes Realtors Make When Prospecting FSBOs There may be more than one way to burn a FSBO, but these two rank up there as the deadliest and most common: 1. Emphatically disagree with a FSBO 2. Become visibly angry with a FSBO Here's what you need to do to avoid burning FSBO leads: 1. Keep your emotions in line (stay calm, slow to anger). Listen, listen, listen. 2. Be agreeable. Say things like, “I can appreciate that, I can tell it’s very important to you.” This may seem obvious, but it's common sense that some of the brightest minds in real estate seem to miss! If you master these two principles, I don't doubt that in no time your listing inventory will magically grow and you'll be converting more and more FSBOs to listings!

Network Notations: Thank you to Allen Kipp (RealtySouth, 451.8794) for providing breakfast this morning. He invites you to Smith Lake on this incredibly gorgeous day to see Silverock Cove. 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. 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!! In response to John Rogers, D-Birmingham, proposed changes to the current version of the Jefferson County Occupational Tax, which would require lawyers, doctors and other professionals (i.e. realtors) who are now exempt to pay the 0.5 percent occupational tax: As a former small business owner I understand the struggles and challenges of owning a business or operating a business profession. I voted against the John Rogers bill last Wednesday. During the committee meeting, I offered an amendment to exempt professionals. My amendment failed by 2 or 3 votes. Once my effort to retain the exemption for professionals failed I then made a bad bill a little less bad by protecting professionals from being taxed on gross receipts/revenue. My amendment limits stated that the County can only tax compensation (excluding benefits) or net income after expenses but before taxes, whichever is lower and it did pass. If that amendment had not been adopted, the bill would have allowed the county to tax you on gross sales! The bill approved in the House committee was still a bad bill and I voted against it for a number of reasons, including the fact it was made full of pork earmarks. Best regards, Greg Canfield House District 48 Alabama House of Representatives Yesterday, the bill passed by the Senate, Senate Bill 488 sponsored by Sen. Linda Coleman, D-Birmingham, would set the occupational tax rate at a maximum of 0.5 percent, the rate now collected. It would continue to exempt salaries of lawyers, doctors and other professionals who pay license fees. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives. Rep. John Rogers, D-Birmingham, said he and other House members favor extending the occupational tax to include professionals, which would raise about an extra $6 million a year. He predicted House members would reject any bill that didn't tax them. "It's an issue of fairness," Rogers said. He predicted the House on Thursday would pass his House Bill 811 to re-enact the occupational tax at 0.45 percent of salaries earned in the county, including those earned by professionals. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE TODAY TO VOICE YOUR CONCERN!!

Charles Heaton - 369.7090 - Keller Williams 2041 S 21st Avenue, Homewood - MLS 424960 - $274,900 5BR/2BA - In-law suite or rental (currently rented for $670) with separate entrance and patio go along with this charming cottage with hardwood floors, eat-in kitchen, butlers pantry, formal dining room with double French doors leading to covered porch, architectural metal roof and additional parking in the rear (was rented for $1,580) PRICE REDUCTION TO $249,500 3528 Fox Hollow Lane, Hoover - MLS 400151 3BR/3BA - Modern kitchen, updated bathrooms, hardwoods in living room, dining room and hallways, 2 decks, finished basement with walkout to patio, sprinkler system, security system and central vacuum 129 Paradise Lake Road, Hoover - MLS 400897 - $249,000 3BR/2BA - Cathedral ceilings, sunroom, fenced backyard, sprinkler system, security system, 2-car garage, community setting with clubhouse, pool, lake, gym and tennis courts PRICE REDUCTION TO $125,000 2223 Mountain View Road, 35210 - MLS 402863 3BR/3BA - Cul-de-sac lot with private courtyard off master suite as well as a gas logs, eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, 4-season porch 1333 Narrows Point Bend, 35242 - MLS 421896 - $189,900 3BR/2BA - Eat-in kitchen and dining room, fireplace in living room with French doors to patio, steps to attic, security system, surround sound and fenced backyard

Angela Mosely - 821.0337 - RealtySouth

3081 Whispering Pines Circle, Hoover- MLS 423265 - $224,900 3BR/2BA - Renovated eat-in kitchen and bathrooms, new garage door and gutters, formal living room and dining room, large family room with fireplace, large fenced back yard with deck and patio, home warranty

Murray Lichter - 222.5424 - Keller Williams

Reduced $20,000 to $179,900 901 South Forest Drive, Homewood - MLS 414519 4BR/2BA - Formal dining room, den, deck and covered patio

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

Liz Elliott - 913.1056 - Advanced GMAC 419 Shadeswood Drive, Hoover - MLS 424842 - $259,900 4BR/2.5BA - Spectacular views with updated eat-in kitchen, formal dining room, great room with a wall of windows, separate laundry room, new Hardy Plank siding, open and covered decks 5369 Riverbend Trail, Hoover - MLS 407005 - $239,900 4BR/3BA - New carpet and paint, eat-in kitchen with island, formal dining room and living room, family room with fireplace, jetted tub in master, finished basement complete with pool table and wet bar, large screen porch, covered patio with hot tub, landscaped yard with sprinkler

Gail Hutton - 222.4335 - RE/MAX Advantage

5000 Lake Crest Circle, Hoover - MLS 391217 - $399,000 4BR/4.5BA - Dramatic glass entry with large eat-in kitchen with additional breakfast bar, formal dining room, formal living room with fireplace, central vacuum, walk-in attic, finished basement with wet bar/mini kitchen and office. Community amenities include sidewalks, pool, tennis and clubhouse

Bruce Ludwig - 979.6400 - RealtySouth

L I S T I N G S

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

Judy Theriot - Red Hills Realty - 835.5839 Reduced to $222,900 and $2K Selling Agent Bonus 1425 Primrose Lane, Hoover - MLS 415340 4BR/2BA - Quite cul-de-sac living on the lake at Willow Lakes with 10 foot ceilings, hardwood floors, master suite with jetted tub, breakfast bar in kitchen, marble fireplace and newly landscaped

Seller to Pay Closing Costs 9809 Maple Lane, Roebuck - MLS 425291 - $82,500 3BR/1BA - Renovated with refinished hardwood floors, tile in kitchen and bath, new appliances in kitchen, new carpet, new paint in side and outside and a home warranty

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

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

Special Realtor Open House TODAY!! Allen Kipp - 451.8794 RealtySouth Silverock Cove - Smith Lake An exclusive gated community consisting of custom designed 2-4+ bedroom flats, row homes and cottages. Built on a point, the continuous lakefront area allows each resident the opportunity to walk the full length of Silverock Cove shoreline, passing by cozy gazebos and lazy piers. There is on-site boat storage and a fulltime boat concierge; one call and your boat is fueled and ready. Amenities include two pools, pool house, outdoor kitchens, playground and boardwalk

Visit silverockcove.com

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

Alabama Business Builders Association

Invites you to a Cinco de Mayo breakfast, 5 May 2009, 7-8:30am Eagle Point Golf Course Grill

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

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