Good Wife & Paperless Real Estate Agent

Now that I'm a married woman, all large purchases (business related or not) require discussion with my responsible (frugile) husband who never buys anything.  I wanted an Ipad!  After having an Iphone for the prior year, it was the next logical step, right? Not according to my husband.  "You don't need it".

I would tell him "so and so has one", "I would use it for business" , "replace the laptop".  I admit I was also thinking, I could watch my HBO shows, movies, read books & magazines, look cool at Starbucks....as well as using it for work!!  Finally, we discussed it again and he gave in & we went to Target 15min later (before he changed his mind, of course!)

Open House Setup w/ Ipad used to register guests.

It's taken me awhile to research and, sometimes by trial & error, determine the best apps that aid my business.  I'm on the way to becoming a 100% paperless real estate agent.  I can do pretty much all aspects of my business w/ my Ipad.  I know my husband has taken notice b/c when I opted to pay an extra $40/mo to AT&T to be fully connected to the internet wherever I am, there was little to no resisitance.  The times are changin' & this Realtor is keeping up with technology to better serve my clients!

My husband now wants his own Ipad...his birthday is coming up, we will "discuss" it!!!

INNOVATIVE WAY TO TRACK & DREAM ALL THINGS "HOME"

I have recently discovered something very cool that Lowe's Home Improvement is offering.  It's called "My Lowes" .  It is a new, innovative way to track & dream about all things "home" .  You can pick up a FREE MyLowes card at any store (I think you can register online as well).  After, your card is registered, you setup your profile by creating a personal space, add room dimensions and keep notes for future home improvement products.  When you buy something for your home, get your card scanned, it gets recorded to your profile.  It's great to keep record of when things were done, what materials you used, what filter you need for your fridge, etc.  I need to play around with it more but, I would love if all of the info could be easily printed -- would be great if you were selling your home, to print out for a new buyer so they could easily touch up paint, know what filters to buy or even check on warranty info.  Just a little fun info I thought worth sharing.....

Check it out at http://www.mylowes.com/

Low Inventory, Pristine Condition = SOLD! 98% of List Price in 12 days in Walker Farms

I recently listed a gorgeous 3bed/2ba 1.5 level home (.5 level was HUGE bonus room upstairs) It had a very nice floor plan that I knew today's buyer would fall in love with: open concept, perfect to entertain & live-in.  When pricing, I was a little concerned that the house across the street w/ an identical floor plan plus a basement sold for much less.  However, when comparing cost per sq foot, ours was very competitive at the list priced I suggested.  I knew this place would photograph really well b/c it was decorated like a model home...looked fabulous.  Pictures & virtual tours looked AMAZING...all the advertising was on point.  We went ACTIVE and I was expecting a ton of showings the first few days.....NOTHING.  After about 7 days and after a few showings, we had multiple offers.  One was negotiated & closed in about 30day.  I knew this home would sell and, I was so happy to get it sold at a very good price & terms for my sellers.  The first-time buyers got a great house that has been very well-maintained. 

In the current market, homes that are priced well, in great condition in desirable areas are selling VERY quickly at near list price & many times with multiple offers.

If you or someone you know is thinking of selling, contact me for a consultation:  Email:  sshoup@talktotucker.com or phone/text: 317.339.6141.

First Time Homebuyers....

In my 8 years of being in the Real Estate Industry, I have been in a lot of houses, to a lot of closings, and witnessed a lot of keys/garage door openers being passed to new owners. There is nothing like First Time Homebuyers purchasing their first house. I have had 2 recent experiences w/ First Time Buyers that have resonated with me. The first was a young guy & his girlfriend (who are dear friends of my husband & I). We found a fabulous home, negotiated a great price, some furniture, & had a smooth ride all the way to closing. Shortly after closing, he proposed (she said yes!!) and they will be married in the fall. I'm so happy for them; so happy to have had a hand in their first home together & all the happy memories they will have there....and when they had some issues w/ their furnace, the Home Warranty covered!!!

My second first time buyers were so fun to work with...they had been planning, saving & preparing to buy their first house for a few years. When I first met with them & went over my Homebuyer's Handbook, they seemed very familiar with the process, asked a lot of good questions.  We looked at several homes and narrowed it down to 2.  We made an offer on one of the 2 and negotiated a good price.  Home Inspection & Mortgage process all went smooth & we were off to closing.  At the closing, the seller was a bit emotional b/c she had built the home 12 years ago, raised her children in the house, and even though they were moving UP to a bigger, brand new custom built home--she was sad about selling this one.  My buyer's were a bit emotional b/c all of their hard work had paid off and they were now living the American Dream as Homeowners.  I was soo happy to be a part of this experience!!!

Working with First-Time buyers is one of my favorite parts of my job!!!  If you or someone you know is ready to take the plunge and become a homeowner....call me I can help!

 

Mistakes Homebuyers Make with Low Ball offers....

For some home sellers, 2011 was a long year without a home sell....that means some buyers are smelling desperation & may feel that they can get in and get the deal of a lifetime.

Before you decide to put in a LOW BALL offer, don't risk your chance of getting an acceptance by avoiding these errors:

1. Not understanding the Market

Your Real Estate agent should do a comparative market analysis (CMA)to determine the Fair Market Value (FMV) of the home. I always give my buyer clients a clear definition of FMV which is "the most likely sales price of this home, in the current market". Once you determine the FMV, you compare that to the list price of the home. There is no secret formula to what to offer....i.e. The 90% Rule. I have heard many times from buyers "your first offer should be 90% of the list price" or some other percentage. You don't want to offer 90% of the list price if the list price is 20% higher than Fair Market Value...I also wouldn't hesitate to advise a client to make an aggressive offer if the price is at or just above FMV.

2. Not picking a good agent or picking one that is a terrible negotiator

Some agents caution buyers on making an offer so low that could offend the sellers & halt negotiations. My opinion is this: I always try to prepare & PRESENT and offer so it well-received by the sellers...no matter how low it is. Most offers I prepare for buyers are accompanied with a cover letter or sometimes an email that may address why we are offering what we are offering & always include positives about the home. I feel I am really good at this part of my job!

3. Not backing up your price

Again, this is all about how an offer is presented & providing back-up for you offer price is critical! If you don't back up your price with comparable sales in the neighborhood...you are making a mistake and could certainly start negotiations off on the wrong foot. Sellers want to know why you are offering so low. There is no better way to back-up your offer than to show cold hard facts or SALES.

4. Not Knowing what your walk away number is

Today's buyer have a strong desire to not pay too much & get the best possible deal due to fear of home values falling even more. Sellers also have limits which is usually determined by loan payoff and/or amt of equity they have in the home. A buyer should have limits but, try not to put limits on your first offer by saying "highest & best" when you are in fact willing to go up a few thousand dollars. Don't say highest & best unless you mean it!

5. Not making a clean and easy offer

When you make a low offer, you want all the other elements to be attractive to the seller: little to no contingencies as possible, have finances in order before you offer (provide a loan commitment letter or proof of funds statement w/ your offer) & don't ask the seller to pay fees & closing costs outside of the norm.

6. Cash is NOT always KING

Don't assume that the seller is going to accept your low offer b/c its cash. Today's seller (even banks) want more money for the home. I have certainly experienced with my cash investor clients, they are getting beat out by homeowners who are getting mortgages and paying a bit more.

Bottom Line is make sure you are well-advised when putting in low-ball offers. Your relationship with your real estate agent is so important, so pick a good one!

Refreshed & Recharged....and FOCUSED!

JAMAICA - 2011

This has been a VERY busy year for me. I changed companies, got married, ran 2 half marathons, did some consulting work, and managed my Real Estate Business. I needed, looked forward to a 6 day getaway for good friends' wedding / Jesse & I's sort-of Honeymoon. I was stressed about leaving--I had a 3 page to-do list in the days leading up to our departure, printed off 5 pages for the agent covering for me and, reviewed the resort's Internet and wifi policy several times. However, from the time I awoke at 3am to head to the Indy Airport....I was able to relax and BE IN THE MOMENT & take a vacation. It has been years since I took more than 2 or 3 days off -- really off, like cell phones off, off!!

We had an amazing time. The resort was beautiful. The wedding was amazing. My husband & I had a blast with new friends as well as enjoying some quality time together. Most Importantly, I was able to relax, enjoy my vacation, and look forward to my next getaway!

I am back to work with a new focus and motivation -- I'm looking to close a few more pieces of business in 2011 and have already started planning for 2012. I'm hoping that 2012 will be my BEST year yet -- I have always had good sales in "even" number years....

As Always, I'm NEVER too busy for your referrals. I have built my business with referrals -- pass my name to anyone you may know. I will make you proud of your recommendation.

-Stacy

Sellers, Put away personal photos.....here's why:

Recently, I was showing houses to a buyer & they were REALLY liking this one home. We noticed a lot of pictures on the wall...wedding pics, various vacation pics, etc. and my buyer says "those people look familiar & I know a couple of guys in their wedding party" (YES, HOMESELLERS, we look at your pics on the walls, books in your bookcase, and your diploma on the wall...tells us a lot about you!!)

A few days later, my client's sister was talking to a friend who was trying to sell their home and the Friend tells her "we have been in our NEW home for several months & We have GOT to sell our old house immediately, and we would leave all the furniture if someone would just buy the house." GUESS WHAT??? SAME HOUSE we were about to make an offer on!!!!

In my professional opinion, having this information in our arsenal, definitely HELPED us in our negotiations. Without it, we were looking at a well-priced home, and would have been told that the sellers had already purchased a home and that was their motivation for selling....we would have assumed that maybe they would "rent" if the house didn't sell since obviously, they didn't need to "sell to buy"

So at the end of the day, my clients got a GREAT house, at a GREAT price & some furniture added in the deal. On a positive note, by "knowing" the sellers, we know that they are great people and that they took really good care of the home.

So the moral of the story is....Put all personal items away...!!

Swimming Pool -- Asset or Liability???

So I recently was listening to the radio while on the way to show houses and the DJ was talking about things that decrease value in the home and mentioned swimming pools....the other DJ couldn't believe it!! Then I remembered thanks to I-HEART RADIO, I was listening to a Miami, FL radio station...ahhhh, it all made sense to me.

Here's my personal take on Swimming pools:

Depends (really!) on where you are geographically located. In the Indianapolis, Indiana metro area. I feel there are LESS buyers that actually want to deal with a swimming pool, than actually have the desire to have a pool on their "must have" list. With our climate, you may only be able to actually use the pool for a 3-4 months out of the year--and that puppy better be HEATED and that costs $$$$.

In warmer climates, many times the pools are NOT HEATED and you may only NOT be able to use the pool for 3-4 months -- making them more desirable/tolerable to buyers...I have had clients that would NOT look at a home if it had a pool as well as those that were OK with a pool (if in good condition). The ONLY client that I had that actually had a pool on their "must have" list was a high-end client. The Miami based DJ touched on the high-end buyer by stating that homes over $1 million, a pool was usually expected by the client.

For me personally, I wouldn't want the upkeep/maintenance of a pool BUT a neighborhood pool is a must for me -- lounging by the pool in the Indiana Summer is my female version of being on the golf course.

For more info on Indianapolis Metro homes with or without swimming pools, contact me today!!! I have a very lovely lisitng w/ a swimming pool: www.talktotucker.com/21112994.

Good News in the Real Estate World…Central Indiana Home Sales UP 16 percent in June and FC Tucker Company up a whopping 35%.

You all know I LOVE some good, positive news regarding my industry that I LOVE!! – here it is.
June 2011 pended home sales rose more than 16% over June 2010. My company, the FC Tucker Company saw company sales increase 35% !!! Average Sales Prices in the central Indiana area have also increased slightly…MORE GOOD NEWS!! I feel that the best news of all the recent sales statistics is that Inventory from June ’10 compared to June ’11 is DOWN. Inventory = Supply, when Supply is ↓ then Demand will go ↑ and Prices should rise as well…Something welcomed news for Home Sellers. In central Indiana there is still a overall 7 month inventory but, among homes selling for $300,000 or less, the inventory is down to a 6 month supply. According to Industry leaders, a healthy balanced demand/supply real estate market is 4-6 months. With June’s positive numbers, year to date home sales are down 9%, with a continued positive trend, we may end the year in the positive!!!

Month of May....Racing into Real Estate Sales

I’ve been a little busy which is a GOOD THING! In addition to selling houses, I ran and finished my second EVER half-marathon the Indianapolis Mini-Marathon (13.1 miles!!) on May 7. The weather was actually perfect running weather and it was actually pretty painless this year. Next year, I promised my fiancé that we can go to the Kentucky Derby instead (they usually fall on the same Saturday in May). The mini marathon is actually the kick off to all the May festivities leading up to the Indianapolis 500.


The month of May is always very busy in Real Estate. I have been very busy w/ buyers and sellers. You may be hearing on the news that the prices are down compared to one year ago. That is true BUT the inventory is down as well…a lot! In fact, inventory is down double digits in some areas. I can certainly attest to low inventory. I have been out with buyers and we are having trouble finding what we are looking for. For sellers, it’s still considered a buyer’s market…low rates, lots of deals, etc. BUT with a well-priced home that is staged/merchandised well – your home will sell!! I have also been running into multi offer situations…which is lovely and a sign of an improving market. When inventory or Supply is down, prices should go up….we are hopeful that rising prices are right around the corner. IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS THINKING OF MAKING A MOVE – CALL ME –THE TIME IS NOW!!!

SPRING HAS SPRUNG - April 2011

Spring has officially Sprung! Can you believe we have already had a few (maybe 2) 70 degree days? I absolutely love this time of year. Everyone is so happy –spring break, spring training, kids have a few more months of school, the weather is nice, good time to hit the golf course, etc etc. For me, it’s nice weather to take buyers out, sellers are getting the urge to list their homes, open house traffic seems to be picking up, and we are almost to the month of May, which we all know is an exciting time in the Indy Metro Area. Here’s a outline of some exciting things coming up and of mention:

Final Four -- OK so my picks were WAY OFF this year BUT, how exciting for the Butler Bulldogs to back in the national championship game this year! As many of you know, my brother John played basketball for Butler in the 90’s and my family has followed the team ever since. What an outstanding group of basketball players and young men that represented our city and state on the national level. One of my favorite members of the team is the ADORABLE English Bulldog mascot Blue II. I followed him on his journey to Houston on twitter. Too cute! (You can follow me on Twitter : @sshoup)

Real Estate News –NOW is also a good time to List your house if you have been on the fence. There is less competition on the market now, versus waiting until mid May- early June but, competition varies depending on neighborhoods, school district, etc. If you or someone you know is thinking of Selling, call or email me to get a Free Market Analysis. Also STILL a great time to buy—low rates, great deals.

Personal Achievement –In the April Edition of Indianapolis Monthly Magazine, I was recognized as a 5-Star Real Estate Agent. You can find my name under Zionsville Agents. Also, in the Indianapolis Business Journal, the company I’m affiliated with, F.C Tucker Company, Inc. was ONCE AGAIN named the #1 Real Estate Broker in the City.

UPCOMING Home Buyers Seminar WHEN: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 6:00 pm WHERE: Key Bank Zionsville -- 1610 W. Oak St. Zionsville, IN 46077 Presented by: Bryan Traylor, Mortgage Advisor at Key Bank-Zionsville & Stacy Shoup, Broker Associate at F.C. Tucker Company, Inc

***This event will provide all the info you need when buying a home – whether you are a first time buyer or haven’t purchased in a few years. (Pass this along to folks you know!!!)

As Always, I am grateful for referrals that my family, friends, and past clients have given me. THANK YOU -- If I can ever be of assistance you and/or your family/friends—don’t hesitate to call. Just a reminder of my Personal Mission Statement that I created 3+ Years ago that I LIVE BY EVERYDAY:

To provide accurate knowledge and valuable insight of current real estate conditions to enable my valued customers to make sound, profitable decisions regarding their real estate. Through trust, exceptional customer service, clear communication, and a fine-tuned Individualized Marketing Plan, with proven results, my customer’s needs are top priority. I strive to make every client a friend for life.

HAVE A FABULOUS WEEK --SS

MARCH MADNESS PART 2

Again, this is BY far my Favorite Part of the year...and i have been so busy w/ Buyers and preparing for upcoming fabulous listings and all the great basketball that has been on.

THANK GOODNESS for my IPhone and the NCAA March Madness Ap that allows me to watch games while in the car or at the office....

I had to change my Final Four picks when the brackets actually came out...I, officially, have DUKE, the Ohio State, Kansas, and Wisconsin as my final 4 picks w/ the Ohio State & the Thad Matta winning it ALL!!

What about those Butler Bulldogs??!!?? WOW--I have never witnessed such a bizarre ending of a basketball game...When Shelvin Mack fouled the guy, I had visions of C-Webber calling that Time Out. Then the guy fouled Howard and that was by far the stupidest foul ever and Mack's was the runner-up. Regardless, very happy for the Bulldogs.

Real Estate is Rocking...Lots of Buyers and Sellers! Loving March Madness!

MARCH MADNESS

March is one of my FAVORITE times of the year for a couple of reasons….
MARCH MADNESS – As many of you know I come from a basketball family (Dad played at Tulane University and brother John played for the Butler Bulldogs) I LOVE this time of year...there is nothing like college basketball during March Madness---So many close games, big shots, and who could forget last years Butler Bulldogs literally "inches" from a National Championship over Coach K & Duke.....i'm sooooo excited just writing about it!!
I try to watch as many games as I can during the tournement...technology has certainly helped.

I do always fill out a bracket...although it is NEVER even close to winning any contests. I can’t wait to fill out my bracket this year.... My final four picks are: BYU, Pitt, Duke and THE Ohio State. I do hope Purdue , Notre Dame and Butler, if they get in :( go far as well.

I will blog more thorought the tournement....AS always, I am never too busy for your kind real estate referrals (even during March Madness) -ss

Why I got my Real Estate License......

In the fall of 2003, I was working as a loan broker during some of the best times in the Real Estate Industry making good money for a twentysomething single gal. I kept running into the Real Estate Agents who were the most annoying people on the planet...they were always in a hurry, always had "appointments", they were PUSHY, control freaks, and always kept telling ME how to do MY job. One day I had enough, I announced "I'm getting my Real Estate License". Partly to get some referrals from the other LOs in the office who on occasion had clients who needed a realtor and also b/c I wanted to see what was wrong with these Freaks!!! So I went to pre-licensing classes and went on to get my license...I worked part time at first, then on to full-time. When the mortgage industry crashed, I was really happy with my choice.

I have officially become "one of those Realtors" but, I try to carry myself differently than the ones I used to dispise. One thing I have always liked about being a Realtor is to embrace my entrepreneurial spirit that I've had since a young age of selling candy and lemonade. I truly LOVE being a Realtor/Broker (went on get my broker's license a couple of years ago). I have taken steps to run my Real Estate business w/ more of a traditional business model. I'm looking to take my business to the next level and be one of the top agents in the area! I have always felt like my stint in the mortgage industry was a pathway to my true passion.

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.