Inspired Real Estate For Today

I didn't plan on visiting the Farmers Market on Fulton Street this weekend.  In fact, we were on our way to tour the F.L.O.W. Landscaping Project organized by the Women's Council of Realtors; an extraordinary community event in which 10 homes in Grand Rapids were outfitted with new landscaping. 

 

The project was envisioned by Michelle Gordon, a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty in Grand Rapids, MI.  The vision of Michelle and the Women's Council of Realtors chapter of Grand Rapids, focused on beautifying the yards of some moderate to low income neighborhoods around the city courtesy of the generosity of area landscapers, donors and sponsors. In addition to the gift of Free Landscaping, participants also attended workshops to teach them how to care for their new yards!

Entrance of Fulton Street Farmers Market, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

 

So, it was the tour of homes which had me driving past the market and unable to resist, we decided to pop in to see what was going on.  When we arrived at noon, the place was packed!  We were lucky to find a parking spot.  It had been a very long time since I had visited, and the market has certainly grown in popularity.

The stands had a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables, fresh bread, some select meats, arts and crafts, spices, health and beauty products and fresh flowers.  Talking to local farmers was great.  On more than one occasion, I heard merchants say they were selling out of products. 

The appeal of the fresh market has grown as more people become concerned about environmental issues and supporting the local economy.  Did you know that the average product in your grocery store travels over 1000+ miles to get to your table?  In addition, several area restaurants, including popular sites like Marie Catribs, the Green Well , GRAM Cafe and Restaurant Bloom also highlight the fact that they strive to serve locally grown produce and food items on their menus.

 

Fulton Street Farmers Market ~ Fall Mums

The Fulton Street Farmers Market is located at 1145 E. Fulton Street, in Grand Rapids, MI.  49503.  The Market is the oldest of it's kind in West Michigan, having started in 1922. 

Permanent stands have been set up in the middle of a parking lot which allows local farmers to back their trucks in and unload their wares.  Visitors to the market walk through the middle. 

What I found especially delightful was the diversity of people...old, young kids and babies, moms and dads, foreigners, black & white...everyone was enjoying the sights, smells and sounds of the market. 

We were even serenaded by a young guitarist who set up shop just outside the display area which made an interesting experience even more enjoyable.

 

 

 

Fulton Street Farmers Market website...

Michelle Gordon's blog...F.L.O.W. Project Coordinator

Copyright 2008  Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved

Sky gazing has always fascinated me.  As a kid, I'd sometimes just sit outside and imagine different shapes within the clouds.  My favorite clouds were the large puff balls that our science teacher told us were cumulus clouds.  They usually accompanied bright, sunny days without a hint of rain.

Rain storm clouds were another entity altogether and I was drawn to them for different reasons.  For one thing, the air smelled different. 

Rain clouds had a way of changing the atmosphere; darkening the sky and pushing the sun's brilliance out of sight.  Rain clouds sometimes formed a grayish sea of density which made it seem as though the sun might never shine again. They also emitted bolts of lightening and thunder which were scary.

Sometimes, the rain would pour down for hours and other times, it would release it's moisture through a gentle drizzle.  As I grew older, I learned to look at the sky to determine which kind of downpour might be on the horizon.  Dark clouds usually indicated an intense encounter with a storm.

Which brings me to my thoughts about what is happening in our financial markets right now.  I'm hard pressed to remember a time which was fraught by as much angst and naked fear as that which appears to be unfolding on Wall Street and financial markets across the world right now.  I watched a news piece on CNN today and as they began to tally the totals for recent bailouts, I was stunned to see how enormous the numbers were.  There is scant good news in the forecast right now. 

But, in my line of work, I'm usually closer to an alternative form of the storm.  I'm referring to the financial crisis which is impacting America's homeowners today. During the past two years, we've witnessed the storm clouds up close and personal as individuals and families have faced incredible financial strain and many across West Michigan and the nation have lost their homes.  The devastation on a personal level is rarely chronicled during the evening news, but for those of us in the trenches, it's a reality in which we are managing and assisting through the aftermath on a daily basis.

Yet, in the midst of every storm there is a message. Storm clouds deliver much needed moisture to nurture and replenish the earth.  They renew life with their torrential drenching.

And... renewal always follows the drenching, although the soaking is not always pleasant or congenial.  And that's why I love Rainbows. Rainbows carry a message as they emerge out of the clouds, often after a dark storm.  Have you ever wondered what the colors of a rainbow might mean?  I came across this article by Khasmira Ladd in which she shared some fascinating insights into the meaning of rainbow colors:

                                

 

Violet...a combination of Red & Blue symbolizes love for humanity and a high level of spirituality

Indigo...symbolizes infinity, wisdom and self-mastery

Blue...is known as the color of divinity

Green...symbolizes harmony, growth, balance and good health

Yellow...the color of the sun's brilliance, symbolizes energy

Orange...is about equilibrium within creative energy and wisdom

Red...is the color of enthusiasm and success.

Spend some time reflecting on this message.  It puts the promise of God to Noah after the flood in a different perspective when you recognize that God chose the colors of the first rainbow as a sign that would reach through the ages and continue to bring hope and comfort to human kind.

In closing, I'd like to share a new video musical release with you. The video below is by a musician named Phil Aud.  Almost a decade ago, he came to the church we were attending to be the music pastor.  Phil is a gifted songwriter as well.  He recently released an album called Come May and this song is one of the selections.  I wanted to share Phil Aud's music with you because I've enjoyed listening to his compositions.  I think you will too. They carry a message which rings clear and true.  Be Encouraged.

Copyright 2008 Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved

rainbow picture courtesty of linh.ngân on flickr.com

 

 

A blind date has got to be one of life's scarier moments! Many of us have been the recipient of this form of 'relationship assistance' at some point in our lives.

Although, it's exciting to not know exactly who you will be meeting, the experience is fraught with much angst and trepidation for precisely the same reason...you don't know exactly what you'll get when your date shows up in person!

Today, online dating has spawned hundreds of thousands of successful unions.  However, we all suspect that for every success story, there are oodles of folks who don't have a storybook outcome. 

We all worry about the potential for this:

• A person whose in person appearance is not even remotely connected to how they appear online

 

• Fake Testimonials which promise more than they deliver

 

• Individuals who are not what they purport to be...ie the 'pretend doctor' syndrome with fake credentials

These issues are also a concern for millions of consumers who are now going online to select professional services like those provided by members of the real estate community.  Data from the National Association of Realtors indicates that more than 80% of all consumers will utilize the Internet as a part of their selection process for choosing an agent and/or home.  Selecting the right agent for your specific concerns can make all the difference in the world.

Although, there are no guarantees that even your best efforts will yield the results you desire, taking the time to do some preliminary research will greatly enhance your prospects for a successful match.  Let's examine some critical aspects which you should consider as you review potential prospects.

Do You Know if they're the Real Deal?

I mean this literally.  Make sure you're dealing with a real person or business.  Do some checking.  It's pretty easy.  Here are some suggestions:  Contact the local real estate board to inquire about their membership and status.  If they indicate they hold certain awards or designations, call or go online to see if they are on the membership roster.  Google the physical location/address and if you still have doubts, do a drive by.  If things don't check out at this basic level, there's a problem.

Are their Products Visible?

You'll be hiring a real estate agent to market your home.  The disappearing agent who sticks a sign in the yard and NEVER calls is well documented in real estate folklore. 

But what about the disappearing listing? When the home is placed on the market, it becomes a part of the real estate companys' listing portfolio. 

Did you know that there is a dramatic difference between the levels of exposure which your home may receive on the Internet? Did you know that your agent's understanding of Search Engine Positioning and Optimization will be key determinants of your exposure?

For instance, a good online real estate agent can literally put your home on the map...the google indexing map that is.  Imagine being able to say to your friends and family...did you google my home?  If you're competing with 50 other homes for sale in your community, this may make all the difference in the world.

Do They Know What They're Talking About?

Here's the area where the Internet can be of the greatest benefit.  While an increasing number of agents and their agencies have websites, these will provide you with only static information about their listings and services.  To dig deeper, it's prudent to see if the agent you are considering also writes a blog.

Blogging provides a tremendous amount of benefit to the consumer who is in the process of selecting an agent.  For starters, it can save you TIME!  In reading a good agent blog, you will be able to determine the areas of an agent's expertise, their style with clients, the kinds of transactions they handle, and the way they resolve conflicts and solve problems.

Can You Interview them Without Extra Hassle?

You'll find that reading an agent's blog is similar to conducting an interview.  What's great is that you can e-mail or respond in the comment section if you have any additional questions or would like clarification on certain issues.  This type of dialog can be tremendously informative and provides a great platform to become comfortable with someone before hiring them for the job.

It's important to hire the right agent to get the job done.  Using this simple list will improve your chances of selecting someone who has the skill and personality which will be most in alignment with your specific needs.  If you are in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area and are looking for an Online Real Estate Expert, the real estate specialists at Audu Real Estate would be happy to explore how we can assist you.

Where Should you be looking?

Our listings are advertised in a number of Venues which include:  our website, numerous blogs, the Grand Rapids Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service, the Michigan Association of Realtors  NAR (National Association of Realtors), Zillow, Trulia, Real Estate Shows, Google, Yahoo, Oodle, Twitter & Flickr.  Contact us to discuss how we can create an Internet marketing strategy which makes sense for you!

Copyright 2008  Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved

 

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*thanks to Susan Deane of Greenridge Real Estate for pointing out the typo & resultant update.

 

 

 

          

The ground pulsates with rythmic energy. Shrill cries announce it's advancing. Frightened children peek from within the folds of their mothers' skirts.

It is here... The Masquerade has arrived. Heralded with a colorful flurry of raffia costuming and a foreboding mask, the dancing form weaves it's way through the crowd. A dervish in motion... every swirl a freakish invocation.

In traditional African culture, the arrival of the Masked Dancer carries a message. A tradition so potent that some masks are only revealed under very special circumstances.

The identity of the masked figure is a carefully guarded secret. But there is another piece of information which is also held in reverent awe. It is the identity of the Mask Crafter.

Crafting the Mask...

The skill involved in carving a mask goes far beyond simply putting a knife to wood. Craftsman are often born into the tradition and initiates are selected based on their intuitive and spiritual gifts. The process of weaving meaning into paint and wood is intricate and painstaking work. Work which involves an understanding of tribal tradition, culture and history. And the manipulation of thought forms to communicate a message. This is because, Masquerading is essentially a form of Spell Casting.

Casting the Spell...

Spell Casting has been a part of human culture for thousands of years. One definition in Wikepedia indicates that it is the "manipulation of the world through powers harnessed through the mind." If this is an accurate reflection of the term, perhaps the world's most proficient Spell Casters reside outside the tropical rain forests. Perhaps we are more likely to find them comfortably ensconced within the ivory towers of Madison Avenue.

Think about the degree to which our world is manipulated through the direction of human focus and thought. We are 'Sold' just about everything. This includes consumer goods, ideas, issues and even wars. The manipulation of human thought has reached dizzying levels of craftsmanship in the political sphere as well. I am intrigued to hear political Spin Meisters state that the current election will NOT be about issues...Well, what in the world will we be voting for then? Personalities?

Setting the Stage...

Ancient cultures placed great importance on ritual. Each movement of a traditional Masquerade was intended to capture the imagination. The effectiveness of the message remained highly dependent on the atmosphere which in most cases was a mixture of suspended animation, dread, and excitement. To the uninitiated, the show may have appeared random and disordered. But to the tribe, the message rang through loud and clear.

Crafting the Message...

The historical objective of Masquerading and Spell Casting framed the CONTEXT in which the message was received in order to achieve a specific result. For instance, in many cultures, Masquerades were often used to generate offerings. The threat of a curse often forced people to give when the Masquerade appeared.

While ancient cultures employed the power of auto suggestion to relay messages from the spiritual world, today the Masquerade speaks through the forum of modern telecommunication and media. The New Age Masquerade dances around the issues by crafting skillful advertising that dulls and disorients the mind. Through the media, Talking Heads on television purport to tell you HOW to think and thereby influence how you behave.

Spell Bound...

Enormous amounts of our best creative energy is invested to direct mass thought movements according to the dictates of the skillful advertising gurus, the new Mask Creators. The general public is rarely aware of WHO is acually behind the creation of the spell. We don't even question the reason why we have forgotten how to think. We simply follow along, putting our minds on auto pilot as we proceed to max out yet another credit card or pull the voting lever.

So, have we really evolved? Or are we simply playing out the same old patterns using new methods of technology.

Masked dancers courtesy of cdorians photostream on flickr

Copyright 2008  Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved

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I vividly recall the First Sale of this home on 5459 Greenboro SE in Kentwood MI several years ago.  The home was somewhat unassuming from the exterior.  But once inside, what seemed like a conventional home turned out to be out of the ordinary when it came to the issue of spaciousness.

There were 3 living room areas: a formal living room, a sunken family room with a fireplace and a large recreation room downstairs.  In addition to a the dining area, there were 4 bedrooms, and 2 separate office areas.  The buyer who ran a home based business was thrilled! 

This was the era in which sellers were advised to neutralize everything. The former home owners painted the wall surfaces off white, and the new owner in keeping with the times, added off white carpeting.  The look was clean and spacious, but not particularly welcoming. 

Fast Forward several years and now color is everywhere in the real estate market place.

I hadn't been in the home for several years.  When I entered for the listing appointment, I was wowed!  The off white paint had been replaced by Tiffany blues, Cocoa Browns and Tawny Autumn accents.  The effect was warm and sophisticated. A house which had a great floor plan and space had been transformed into a home that exuded classic chic!

Coloring a Home Beautiful does not have to be an expensive process. Here are some tips you can utilize to create a transformation for your home.

1.  Research what's Hot! 

Do this by taking the time to look through home magazines and visit design show rooms and model homes.  It's not necessary to re-invent the wheel and start from scratch.

2.  Choose ideas that you like! 

Not every idea is a good one for your home.  But, the more options you have to select from, the more likely you are to find one which works for you.

3.  Give yourself time!  

One of the most common mistakes people make is decorating at the last minute.  While this is sure to add to the stress, it does little to increase the likelihood that your choices will be the best.  This home owner compeleted the remodel well before the planned move.  This gave time for completing the job and enjoying it for awhile before moving.

4.  Ask for Help! 

Help doesn't have to cost a ton of money.  But Help can save you a ton of money.  An investment of approximately $100 in a Staging/Design Consultation may be the best move you ever make in selling your home.  Stagers can help you select the right colors and accents.  They can also assist in arranging your furniture in the most attractive way.  If you need recommendations for staging consultants, please contact us at 616-791-0511.

Now, please enjoy this show highlighting the Affordable Sophistication of 5459 Greenboro SE, Kentwood MI  49508.

 

There are currently approximately 90 Homes For Sale in Kentwood MI in this general price range.  Please Click on the link to preview them 5459 Greenboro is a BRAND NEW HOME LISTING.  Our Team of Real Estate Specialists are available to show you this home or any other home in the Kentwood area.

Picture is courtesy of haydnseeks' photostreamon flickr.

Copyright 2008  Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved

 

 

I've been around the block a time or two.  With over 13 years in the business, I've seen some of the best years for the real estate industry.  These were times in which homes sold simply because a sign was placed in the yard and financing options were plentiful even for the minimally qualified.

This post is the story of what a Rookie taught me and a message to all the 'old timers' out there who say it can't be done.  It can.  And it's not just about beginners luck. 

When Lorrae Danzig took on the assignment for the sale of this Wyoming house, she knew it would be a challenge.  The home had been listed several times and the owners were tough investors who had war room stories that made you cringe during the re-telling. 

They wanted results.  Period.  Well...let's rephrase that...they wanted good results.  They'd already had one agent tell them that although the home showed beautifully, they ought to cut their losses and run.

So, with their backs against the wall and everyone telling them NOT to trust a Rookie, they were understandably a little nervous about this meeting. 

Well, let's cut to the chase and look critically at just WHAT Lorrae did to earn their trust, market their home and sell it successfully at a price that was over $11,000 MORE than what Mr. Experienced Agent said they could get for it.

Training...

Lorrae addressed the experience issue head on by letting her clients know that she wasn't winging their transaction. Lorrae is enrolled in the Mentor Training Program at Audu Real Estate which meant that the entire transaction would be intimately supervised by a Broker including the critical task of researching the neighborhood and price.

Researching...

Careful attention was put into finding out what pricing the area could support.  This included doing a comprehensive mapping profile, neighborhood analysis and traditional Comparative Market Analysis.  This data was sifted through to account for the impact of Foreclosures and the more insidious, but equally price deflating Short Sales and determining what impact they were having on the current market.

Marketing...

Top Quality marketing was initiated immediately.  This included several quality photos online, listing the property on multiple websites, designing an informational flyer, creating a visually appealing Real Estate Show, sending out information about the home to interested parties, Open Houses and blogging about the home.  The investor had been in the business for 20 years and his words were..."I've never seen anything like this.(referencing the Real Estate Show)  Keep doing what you're doing!"

Follow-up...

This was critical.  Every single lead was tracked.  Agent feedback was transmitted regularly to the owner.  The hit volume online was carefully monitored.  When agents called about other properties in the area, this home was also brought to their attention.  With over 13,000 homes online, it's easy not to see everything worth pre-viewing.  Lorrae made sure her listing was not overlooked

Follow-Through...

When it comes to closing a real estate transaction, sometimes the most dangerous distance is between the final signatures and the closing. This deal was not short on unexpected twists and turns.  Lorrae ensured that the ball didn't unwind into an unruly tangle by keeping abreast of the situation. 

Communication...

She documented calls to the lender, the other agent, the title company, the appraiser and surveyor to make sure that everyone was on the same page.  More than once, this prevented delays or worse...derailing of the transaction.  When a curve ball was thrown 15 minutes before closing with an indication that there was a shortage of funds from the buyer, Lorrae kept things on track by remaining calm and communicating with all parties until the transaction closed 24 hours later.

Conclusion...

As I look back at this list, I see a strong focus on the Fundamentals of Real Estate.  It's very easy to become disheartened at the negative news about the real estate industry.  It's also easy to become distracted and spend time doing all sorts of things which will never sell a home.  The basic principles of selling a home remain the same even though the tools we use may change.  It's about making sure you focus on the basics of Communication, Research, Marketing, Prospecting, Follow-Through and Follow-Up. Sometimes, you can learn a lot from a Rookie...

Click here to read more about Lorrae Danzig..

Copyright 2008  Audu Real Estate  All Rights Reserved

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