The Truth about Open Houses

Throughout my career in Real Estate, I have always been an agent that sat in homes for 2-4 hours on Sunday to do Open Houses. Many times watching videos on my phone, NFL on the homeowners plasma TV, and a handful of times (when I was much younger) w/ a mild hangover from the night before. In the last 2 years, I have been "blanked" (meaning absolutely no one showed up) more times than I have remembered in the past. However, in the last year I have sold 3 homes from Open Houses. This is actually not consistent w/ the National Association of Realtors' statistics. According to NAR, only 1% of homes are sold by conducting public open houses. Realtors use them as more of a prospecting tool then a way to sell the home. It is not uncommon for a listing agent to pass on the job of hosting an open house to a new agent. For new Realtors, open houses present a great opportunity to meet prospects who are in the market for a home. When parties come through the open house, the Realtor has them put down their information on a sign in sheet. In addition to being a security measure, this list allows the Realtor to follow up with them and help them in their home search. So, although many experienced agents don't do them--I'm still a open house supporter and do them. I actually did one today and had an excellent turnout--2 really good prospects for the house that I was holding open.

I think the amount of people looking for homes on the Internet has skyrocketed and that must have something to do with my low open house attendance. Many buyers that I have recently worked with have actively been looking on talktotucker.com or mibor.com long before visiting an open house or even meeting with an agent. Some buyer clients have avoided open houses and opted for scheduling appointment w/ me just to avoid the agent trying to get all of their information. Weather, time of day, location, and neighborhood features are all factors in a successful Open House. Internet Marketing is my ideal way of marketing a listing but, open houses have been good to me in the past..so I will keep doing them !

Half Marathon Training Starts TODAY

Last year I ran my first Indianapolis Mini Marathon (which is a half-marathon: 13.1 miles). Despite feeling like I was going to die and not finish from miles 10-12, I signed up again. After the Mini, I really didn't run a whole lot and don't think I have ran over 5 miles since...Today, I started training for the 2011 Mini. Not to mention, I'm getting married in July and one of my goals is to lose 20 lbs for the wedding and to keep it off until we go to Jamaica in October. I'm thinking that training and losing weight will go hand in hand, right?? Last year, I think I lost like 8 lbs while training. I workout 4-6 times a week and you would think I would be fit & trim....I also LOVE to eat & drink..I have told people that I workout so hard so I can eat. Anyway, I'm focused on being in better running shape this year than last and hopefully not feeling so bad during those last few miles and not getting so burned out after the race. Plus losing weight and looking the best I possibly can when I walk down the aisle is all the motivation I need. So today, I officially started training.... 2 miles....just have to work up to 10+. More blog posts on my running progress to come......

Be A VIP Club Member

I have built my business thru my clients' kind referrals. For 2011 & beyond, I have decided to institute a VIP Club for those that have sent me referrals. To be a member of the VIP club, you must send me 2+ Referrals. Thank you for all of you Support!!! Check back Frequently for More Information on upcoming VIP Events & Special Giveaways.

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-December Existing-Home Sales Jump

Now this is some encouraging news...
REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-December Existing-Home Sales Jump

Buying a Home in this Current Real Estate Market

Over the years of working with buyers/sellers, I have always felt like with my background in mortgage lending & title insurance, I have a clear advantage to my competitors to assist clients in making sound decisions regarding their real estate.



I recently put my knowledge into 2 comprehensive guides "Buying a Home in the Current Market" and "List to Sold--Quick,Convenient & Getting YOU the Most Money"



With rates so low, I've been busy with buyers so, I would like to share some highlights of the Homebuying Guide:

1. "What's standard amount for Earnest Money"? Typically in our market 1% of the Sales Price.


2. "When to make an offer?" Buyer's typically look at 5-12 homes before making an offer. I also look at how long the home has been on the market, recent price reductions, etc when deciding when to make an offer.

3. "Should I pay to get a Home Inspection when buying a new home?" ABSOLUTELY!!! I always recommend a home inspection for new and pre-existing homes. This section of my Guide for Homebuying is Extensive and properly defines "Major Defect" and what happens when one is found.

4. "I've heard the mortgage process is difficult" That one can be TRUE. My Guide will explain the process from start from finish and give you a heads up on what to expect. The process can be difficult, even if you have A+ credit. I will make the process seamless for you!!

5. "How does Stacy get paid to represent me as a Buyer" I'm paid by the SELLER!! I will drive buyer's around looking at homes, greet them w/ coffee, negotiate like a pit bull on their behalf...all for free. I can also represent you when looking at new construction or FSBO.

MY GUIDE FOR HOMEBUYER CONTAINS SO MUCH MORE INFO!!!

IF you or someone you know is looking to Buy or Sell. their 1st OR 100th home, have them give me a call or email -- I would be happy to sit down with them and go over my "Guides to Buying & Selling" I guarantee the process will be smooth. Email me at sshoup@talktotucker.com for a copy of either "Buying a Home in the Current Market" or "List to Sold: Quick, Convenient & Getting YOU the Most Money"

2011 Starting w/ New Company

WOW! I can't believe it is 2011. I had a great 2010. I'm off and running in 2011 and I'm excited to be with a new company, the F.C. Tucker Company, Inc. which happens to be Indiana's #1 real estate brokerage.

I was sad to leave my former company b/c of all the wonderful people that I grew close to over the past 4 years. I am excited to meet new people at the F.C. Tucker Company that I didn't previously know before joining. I am so thankful for all the support & advice of my friends, family, current clients, past clients, current prospects and other industry leaders that I consulted with in making this decision. I know that by combining my skills, experience, and personal brand combined with the F.C. Tucker brand dominance, I will better serve my clients in all of their real estate needs.