December 31, 2011

Take a Stroll at Vaughn Park

Posted to Denise Haviland

In the old days, a lot of social interaction took place when ladies and their parasols took strolls in the park. In those days it was more to see and be seen than actually getting any exercise. That has all changed! The park is a great place to catch a glimpse as someone jogs by or you might catch them while they are stretching before their run.

Some of the nicer parks have playgrounds like the one at Vaughn Road. When I use to live near there, I would do my walking at this park in the summer at night—I have walked there as late as 10:00 p.m. when I had a walking partner. A slight incline gives a little more challenge than a few of the parks in the area. Good parking helps when you are trying to get someone out of the car to take advantage of the playground amenities.

Vaughn Meadows is the subdivision that is immediately adjacent to this park. This subdivision is bordered by Vaughn Road and parts of Carter Hill Road. Adjacent subdivisions are Brentwood and Green Acres. Houses in this big subdivision area range from as little at $65,000 up to $439,000. This is less than a mile to Montgomery Academy on Vaughn Road and the primary school on Perry Hill. The new Fresh Market is across the street from the Academy primary school along with several other great retailers. It is also less than a mile to I-85 if you are going to the Maxwell Air Force Base or the State of Alabama office locations downtown.

Let us show you this great location and any of the homes that are on the market there! We are here to help!

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



December 30, 2011

Keep An Eye Out

Posted to Denise Haviland

With the economy being what it is, crime, unfortunately is on the rise in a lot of the country. With that in mind, I went in search of what is out there security wise to protect the home without spending a fortune. Below are a few of the neat new gadgets that are out there in the market that will ease your worry about leaving someone you care about in the hands of someone in your home, leaving the house or personal security at home at night:

  • Hidden Cameras: Nanny cams (usually stuffed in a bear or toy) have recently been on the news showing some interesting things that can go on when you leave the children at home with a baby sitter. What you don’t realize is that these tiny cameras can be put in just about any item these days. Just to name a few: clocks, pens, hats, etc. They can record straight to the VCR and, due to the size, do not give any audio (by law).
  • Security software: You can now set up your home computer to watch what is happening at your home. Software is available allows your computer at your house to check out what is going on within its view. You can usually add other wireless cameras and webcams to this surveillance system. So just think when you are on vacation, at work, wherever you can access that computer via the internet to check out things at the house!
  • Watchdogs (my personal favorite): I do not know about you but the sound of a viciously barking dog would make me want to rethink entering a house. There is a new gadget out there that can look through walls and knows when someone is approaching. It starts barking when the “intruder” gets within 20 feet and gets more vicious the closer the person gets to the house.

These are just a few of the available options to your security in the home and when you are away. Hope you never have to use them!

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



December 28, 2011

Schedule Your Home Care

Posted to Denise Haviland

Uh oh, summer has come and gone and you forgot to get your roof checked out by a contractor. One of the items you need to stay on top of (no pun intended) is roof maintenance.

Most people have a very small understanding of the concept of preventative routine maintenance. To overlook this can lead to much more costly repairs if not caught in time.

Except in cases where you happen to be great at home maintenance tasks, there is some cost to maintain a property as it should be. But there is a benefit at the end of the line. Purchasers spend more and buy more readily with regard to houses that are well-maintained as well as demonstrate careful pride of ownership.

Schedule your preventative maintenance annually:

  1. Roof maintenance and checkups (including gutters and downspouts) should be done when the weather is not hot so spring or late fall each year. If your contractor finds that the roof is damaged due to storms check with your homeowner’s insurance company as if whether is covered. Remember, the amount to be paid for repair or replacement if covered by the insurance company will be minus your deductible. Another item to consider, if you have had multiple claims your insurance company may not renew your policy.
  2. Weatherproofing: This is an interior and exterior fix. Check for daylight around doors and windows that let in hot or cold air.
  3. Be sure that your heating and air conditioning system is regularly checked to head off any problems there.
  4. If you are one of the River Region homeowners who have gutters and downspouts be sure to clear them of debris when the seasons change. Pine straw (abundant in our area), and leaves can clog this drainage system and cause overflow against the surfaces of the roof and eaves. Not only can it cause wood rot, it can weaken the gutter system to the point that it pulls away from the house.

At the beginning of each year mark your calendar so you can start to schedule these checkups a month before they are to be done.

Be the conscientious homeowner and protect your investment—it pays out in the end!

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



December 27, 2011

Real Estate License

Posted to Denise Haviland

We recently posted a blog about whether the real estate profession is for you. If you decided that you would like to pursue that career, contact Alfa Realty about the Alabama School of Real Estate classes that will be held at our office in 2012. The following is a guideline on procedure for getting your license:

  • Age: Must be at the very least 19 years of age to actually receive your license. You can start the course before you turn 19, but must be 19 to get the actual license.
  • Residency: If you are not a United States citizen then you must have a green card (permanent resident status).
  • Background check: Before you get your license the AREC (Alabama Real Estate Commission) will do criminal background check. If you have convicted a crime that is a felony or that concerns your moral turpitude then you will not be able to receive you license.In the past two years, if you have been turned down in another state or had a real estate license taken away in any state then you cannot get your license.
  • Minimum education requirements: Graduated from high school (or have a GED) and be able to submit proof of same. Attendance and completion of a 60-hour Alabama real estate course (live or online) and passing the final exam for that course.
  • Examination: The State of Alabama requires that after you have attended and completed the course work mentioned above, you must take and pass the Alabama Real Estate Commission license exam.
  • Probation period: Once you have completed the State’s exam (and passed) you will need to apply for a temporary Alabama real estate license. You have 90 days in which to make a decision about what you would like to do with the license. You have the option to place it active with a broker and start work or have it held at the AREC on inactive status if you are not sure what you want to do.

If you decide to start this line of work, choose a broker to hold your temporary license that has a good reputation and strong training. Your active temporary license is good for six months, during which time you must take and complete a 30 hour post license training course. The post license course goes over the “real world” training (as opposed to pre-license which is theory and law). Once you have passed the post license course you can apply for your original salesperson’s license.

Call our office at 334-213-2532 and ask for Norman Schlemmer for more information on the school and the career after!

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



December 26, 2011

Nose, Eyes and Ears

Posted to Denise Haviland

Your home needs to appeal to the nose, eyes and ears! Here are several quick tips to have a great first impression on a potential buyer for your home… What’s that smell? When a prospective home buyer enters your home the smell sets the stage for the rest of the showing. Bake some cookies an hour or so before the showing (and leave them out with a “Welcome Home Buyer” sign beside them). Cigarette smoke odor and pet odor should not be noticeable. Have a “dry run” with a friend or neighbor and beg for honesty. Put your feelings aside when you ask for the real truth in the matter.

What will I see upon entering? Try to be creative about making the buyer feel at home.

Dining room and kitchen eating areas should be set as if someone important (they are!) was coming to dinner, with nice dinnerware or if appropriate, a seasonal decoration. Put away items that are not essential from counters. This will make the counters a focal point.

The visual space in each room is very important. Take out at least one piece of furniture from each room to create more space. Place the pieces in the garage or a storage facility until you are ready to move into your next home.

Company is coming so use the best towels and remove everything except décor items on the counters of each bathroom. Shower curtains should be clean and attractive. Scented soaps smell nice and make the buyer feel pampered.

There is something about fresh flowers that makes a room feel special while it puts color in the room. You can always place a color throw over a sofa or chair.

De-personalize your space—Family pictures should be kept to a minimum. Magnets (and artwork) should come down from the refrigerator to make the kitchen less visually busy.

If you have a fireplace, be sure it is clean. If you have gas logs that do not need tending and it is the appropriate season then a fire in the fireplace would be pretty. If it is not in the cold season place something on the hearth that is colorful and appropriate. Great spot for flowers, again!

What’s that I hear? A little gentle music that plays quietly in the back ground is a nice addition to the tour for the buyer.

What will I see when I drive up and ring the doorbell? Rotted wood and or flaking paint will set the stage for a harsh inspection vs. a comfortable tour of your home. Don’t forget to “beef up” the visual aspects of the front entry. A pretty door mat and nice greenery is always appealing. Even if you have the greenery or flowers in pretty clean pots or urns it is an easy way to spruce up that entry. Flower beds and grass should be neat. The buyer looks when they drive up and walk up to the entry. They always look again when they leave so make the best first and last impression there.

(Homes pictured here are 6168 Henley Hedge and 8957 Sawtooth Loop. If you are a buyer and interested in seeing either of these homes please give us a call.)

These tips and more are all available through your Alfa Realty agent. Whether you are looking to sell your home in Montgomery, Prattville, Wetumpka, or the surrounding areas we can place it on the market to sell!

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



December 23, 2011

To Key or not to Key

Posted to Denise Haviland

After having a long day at work recently, I left the office and went home. When I got to my front door I tried to use the remote unlock for my car to get in. Did I say I was tired? Okay, come on we have all done it, right? Just humor me.

Well, that got me to thinking. What is out there for locks on doors at your home that can be opened remotely? I don’t think I can get carpal tunnel from turning the key in the door but just in case...

I went in search on “Nextag.” It is a great site to cross check prices on tons of items. Prices on this started at about $77 for one lock up to about $280. Some have remotes and some have touchpads like the keyless entry on some cars. Some of the locks mentioned that when you use the remote it has a chime to tell you that it is locked or unlocked or even when the battery is low. This particular one runs on four AA batteries and has a standard residential door mount so no wiring or special carpentry aspects to it.

If you are thinking about buying a new home or upgrading yours in anticipation of putting it on the market you may want to consider the keyless or remote entry locks.

I need to check and see if I can still catch Santa—I have got to get me one of these!

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



December 22, 2011

Merry Christmas

Posted to Area Attractions, Denise Haviland

The agents and management at Alfa Realty wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Enjoy your holiday and may the peace and happiness of this season prevail through the New Year!

Please remember us and if we can help you in your real estate needs just give us a call!

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



December 22, 2011

Home for the Holidays

Posted to Denise Haviland

Some of the most welcoming words we hear have to do with our home, for example: “Home sweet home,” “Home is where your heart is,” “A man’s home is his castle.” All of these sayings deliver the same universal message to us-we need a home. What better profession to choose than helping someone pick out a house that they will be transformed into HOME. Realtors at Alfa Realty have the blessed opportunity to invest their time and talents into a process that can create years of memories. What is it that creates a cherished memory? An inviting fireplace on a cold night, a flower garden in the back yard, the aroma of apple pie baking in the oven or children playing ball with their neighbors?

The answers vary as much as the people who are making them. In today’s economic environment, now is the best time in decades to invest in making such a memory. With a large selection of available homes for sale and historically low interest rates, there is no reason not to make an investment in creating memories that will last forever. There are thousands of houses in a myriad of neighborhoods that could be the perfect home for you. Now is the best time to text, email or call your favorite Alfa Realty agent. They are waiting to help you unlock your dreams. It is not too late to be home for the holidays.

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



December 21, 2011

No More Excuses

Posted to Area Attractions, Denise Haviland

Leasing commercial retail space in shopping centers always draws critics. Recently Alfa Properties leased seven thousand square feet to the YMCA in Westminster Shopping Center for a much expanded Y’s UP YMCA branch facility. Mary Brocious the director of the YMCA branch facility is very excited about the new location. Looking at the December Group Exercising Schedule with Cycling Classes, Cardio Circuit, Pilates, Wild Wednesday, Simple Strength, and Child Watch I’m convinced this location conveniently offers something for everybody… Even ME!

LeRoy McEntire, commercial broker for Alfa Realty said, “A buddy of mine who fancies himself a leasing critic told me 'I wish you hadn’t leased to the YMCA.'” One of the 'blessings' a commercial retail real estate broker has is the preponderance of people who suggest prospects for their neighborhood shopping centers. Alfa Properties owns, Westminster Shopping Center, Vista View Shopping Center, Sturbridge Village, and Westport shopping Center in Montgomery; so I am 'blessed' with a lot of suggestions for prospects.”

Westminster Shopping center has a long history of stable retail tenants some of whom have been in the shopping center since the 70’s. Examples of our excellent local tenant line up are: Kut Above, Jim Massey Cleaners &Formal, Chantilly, and Jan’s. I tend to be a little defensive when people say things like… “I wish you hadn’t leased to the YMCA.”

Actually the space we leased had been reserved for a restaurant use. In fact, I hear a lot of “I wish you could get us XYZ store at XYZ shopping center” and the most frequent request is for a restaurant or some food use. I wish you could get us a PF CHANGS, a Qudoba, a Ruth Chris Steak House, a Dunkin Donuts, or my personal favorite a California Pizza Kitchen. Common suggested tenants are a good hardware store, a good gift store, a designer dress shop, and from my own dear mom…. WHY CAN”T YOU GET ME A FIVE AND DIME? Let’s forget for a moment that most folks born in the last thirty years don’t know what the term FIVE AND DIME means!

LeRoy said, “The YMCA doesn’t serve food, but what it does do for my middle age, overweight, sedentary colleagues is remove a big excuse for postponing working out. There is an entire community bounded by Huntingdon College to the west, the eastern by pass to the east, McGee Road to the south, and I-85 to the north that no longer can say… “GEE I DON”T HAVE A CONVENIENT PLACE TO WORK OUT BEFORE OR AFTER WORK OR AT LUNCH.”

In my over sensitive, defensive reaction to my buddy’s comment… “I WISH YOU HADN”T LEASED To THE YMCA” I didn’t realize he wasn’t promoting another tenant that I should have recruited. He actually wasn’t even complaining about the use in the shopping center. He WAS lamenting that as a resident of McGhee Estates his wife was now telling him…. YOU HAVE NO MORE EXCUSES TO PUT OFF WORKING OUT! Me neither.

Westminster is bordered by several subdivisions Brentwood, McGehee Estates, and Hillwood just to name a few. If you are considering purchasing a home and want to be near shopping AND a workout facility then you may want to think about these…No more excuses!

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



December 21, 2011

Wetumpka Alabama The Outdoorsman's Paradise

Posted to Denise Haviland

In the course of searching for a home there are so many things to consider when deciding on the perfect home for each individual. You might think that the physical structure of the home and what it has to offer at the most affordable price is the top of the list in choosing a home. Don Brewer, broker for Alfa Realty’s Wetumpka office says, “Not so fast my friend…..think about the loves of your life…things like family, friends, community atmosphere, convenience to shopping and schools...and for those that love the outdoors being just minutes from so many great outdoor activities and resources might just be the thing to catch your eye and take a closer look what Wetumpka Alabama has to offer.”

If your interests are drawn toward white water canoeing on the Coosa River, fishing and water sports on Lake Jordan or Lake Martin, hiking along the rivers and streams of Elmore County or just seeing the spectacular scenic views that the hills of Wetumpka has to offer may be just what you are looking for in your home search. Family recreation, a new sports complex, beautiful golf courses and for the hunting enthusiast there is a wealth of deer, turkey and game birds…all of this is just minutes from Wetumpka…

Upcoming event—the New Years Eve Asteroid Drop!

Come spend some time with us…..I think you might stay!

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



December 21, 2011

Holiday Trip Stress Relievers

Posted to Denise Haviland

If you are considering traveling to your relatives or friends, here is a list of top ways to reduce your stress in the time leading up to (and after) the Christmas and New Year holidays.

  1. You need to reduce distractions on the road. Texting and talking on the phone while driving is hazardous at best. Consider taking a couple of rest stops and make your calls and texts then. Also, be sure that items that will be used by your children in the back seat are already there before you start the trip. Trying to hand things to them can certainly be dangerous and should be avoided till you get to that next rest stop.
  2. Don’t forget to have your vehicle serviced before any trip. Tell the technician that you are planning a trip and were curious if things were in good order (do not tell them when you are going).
  3. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive. Usually there is more traffic so if you know you have a bit of a pad in the time frame then the trip is less stressful. Enjoy the scenery—it's Christmas!
  4. Emergency kits are a must. You can buy them already stocked. If you decide to pack your own be sure to include bottle water, a couple of blankets and a flashlight with good batteries.
  5. Be sure that your cell phone has coverage outside your normal area. Talk to your service carrier about your coverage to be sure. The website CellReception.com has searchable databases of thousands phone tower locations as well as cell phone carrier comments from actual customers using their service throughout the country. You may want to check that site!

And finally, if your home is on the market to sell while you will be away be sure to inform your agent of your travel time and the best way to be reached. You would be surprised at the houses that sell when the owner is out to town. Because Alfa Realty is a member of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, we can fax your offer into one of those offices for you to come by, sign off, and fax back. We are here to serve you (and so are they!) and would love to be of assistance.

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



December 20, 2011

They make a great Christmas present!

Posted to Denise Haviland

Here is a Multiple Listing Service snapshot of the properties for sale that were actively on the market as of 12/19/2011. Everyone is has different abilities and interests in what they want in a home, but it does finally revolve around the price of the home. Look at the opportunities you have to find a home to purchase in your price range:

  • 81 homes on the market under $25,000
  • 167 homes on the market under $25,001-$50,000
  • 544 homes on the market $50,001-$100,000
  • 645 homes on the market $100,001-$150,000
  • 483 homes on the market $150,001-$200,000
  • 294 homes on the market $200,001-$250,000
  • 239 homes on the market $$250,001-$300,000
  • 213 homes on the market $300,001-$400,000
  • 86 homes on the market $400,001-$500,000
  • 78 homes on the market $500,001+

As of this writing, there are 139 houses that currently have contracts on them that are going through the inspection period or are contingent on a home selling so the house can close. Also at this time there are 230 houses that are pending and proceeding to close. In this season of gift giving and getting that means that there are 369 homes that someone will be getting. If you go to www.AlfaRealty.com you can enter the price range you are interested in and set up and update to receive new listings as they come on the market.

Santa says you have been nice and deserve one but he can’t quite get it on his sleigh (and Rudolph and rest of the reindeer would go on strike). The elves (translation=agents) at Alfa Realty would love to help you purchase your home or sell your home right now and/or in 2012!

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



December 19, 2011

Thinking of purchasing a foreclosed home?

Posted to Denise Haviland

Here are four important pieces of information that will help you through the process.

Make a plan! Is this purchase because you personally need more space, different location, etc. or do you want to invest in the current market for a great buy? Write down what you want to buy. For instance: 4 bedroom 3 bath home with 2100 square foot minimum in Buck Lake subdivision for no more than $250,000. Create a wants and needs list (two different things depending on your motivation).

Seek help! Do not be afraid to ask questions but be sure to ask professionals. Information that you get from friends and coworkers could be erroneous so gather it from people in the know. Talk to lenders, attorneys or a real estate agent in reference to foreclosures. Educate yourself about the process. The state of Alabama has a Right of Redemption period where the owner potentially could redeem back into the home after you bought it. Be aware of the status date for the Right of Redemption period expiration. Your Alfa Realty agent can search through the available houses in the area you were thinking off and tell you if any are available.

Check condition! Some homes that have gone into foreclosure have been empty for a long time. They may need to be updated or repaired. Utilize the services of a home inspector (your expense but worth it) to find out the level of repairs needed. Some houses may not have utilities on for the inspection and the turn on will be at your expense but worth it for a system check. Ask your real estate agent to get permission to do this kind of checkup before submitting an offer. Understand that if the repairs are too costly you can walk away. There are some loan programs that allow needed repairs to be taken care of after the close of the loan. Talk to your Alfa Realty 203K Loan Specialist for more details on the program.

Let’s make an Offer! Now you have found THE house for sale and feel it is one you want to make an offer on—what next? Your Alfa Realty agent can write up the offer for you or enter your bid depending on the system used by the asset management company or bank that has the house. Should you win the bid then you will be heading towards owning this house. If you do not win the bid or cannot negotiate with the owner then start looking for another house. Understand that with foreclosures you are negotiating with someone who has never lived in the house and it is just a file. They may have guidelines that they cannot go outside of. It is a process and your Alfa Realty agent is there to help.

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



December 18, 2011

Color Forecast

Posted to Denise Haviland

Get ready for the changes in interior decorating for the New Year. Here is what we are hearing is happening!

Gray is the new tan! Varying shades of gray will appear in the newer interiors from dove gray to charcoal gray in the fabrics on furnishing, window treatments and walls.

Yellow will be the new accent color. A dash of yellow with the gray background will bring sunshine into the room. This will be the new trendy color scheme through 2012.

Furniture pieces are going back to natural finishes or reclaimed pieces. Repurposing commercial/industrial fixtures for lighting or independent furniture seating etc. will see a strong resurgence.

Sofas, lounges, and chairs will be lower to the ground. Small apartments and homes are great a great place to utilize the scale of your furniture compared to the space. Downsize the items that are typically in a room. Half round tables for accent pieces. Lower sofas and chairs, etc.

On the flip side artwork should be large and dominate the wall space.

Changing your color scheme will be a breath of fresh air! So when you are looking for a home to buy (with your Alfa Realty agent) consider the space and the new possibilities on your color accents!

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



December 16, 2011

Icing on the Cake. Cupcake.

Posted to Area Attractions, Denise Haviland

“We must have a cupcake store!”

Leroy McEntire, Alfa Realty’s commercial broker, tells the story of when this statement was made by Susan Forbus, the Alfa Properties Property manager for Sturbridge Village Montgomery, Al owned by Alfa Properties.

“I will admit my reaction wasn’t one of immediate excitement,” says McEntire.

As a mall manager, peripheral property salesman, leasing representative, and a senior vice president for a regional mall developer; I’ve seen some specialized retail stores in my time… but cupcakes?

In fact, I’m reluctant to admit I have personally negotiated leases with a parasol store, a daiquiri bar, pretzel shops, car tag kiosks, cinnamon roll stores, and a women’s apparel store named UNITS (I’m still not sure what they sold)… So I was just a bit skeptical and was even reminded of the Saturday Night Live skit from the eighties that made fun of the fantasy mall stores: THE SCOTCH TAPE STORE, and PIZZA in a CUP…

Sturbridge Village is part of a mixed use development that has continued to prosper for twenty years on the east side of Montgomery south of I-85 and north of highway 21. The land has been developed slowly over time with residential- Sturbridge neighborhood, office--Parliament Place and Seaton Place, and retail Sturbridge Shopping Village.

Sturbridge Village has a grocery store--- Winn Dixie, a sit down restaurant—Somer’s Place, a cleaners and formal wear--- Jim Massey, a deli—Momma Goldberg’s, a pizza restaurant- Marco’s, two hair salons- Garbo’s and Hair Force, a drug store--- Rite Aid, and specialty shops like Nancy’s Italian Ice, You--nique, Comic book store, Covent Gardens Florist, and GNC… Sturbridge Village has a great merchandise mix already… You can even learn Taekwondo… Not a bad line up for a neighborhood shopping center…

Cupcakes?

Enter Patrick and Jennifer Cooper… The Cooper’s opened GiGi’s cupcakes in Auburn, Alabama on the south side of town in a CVS shopping center across from the Publix a year ago. They purchased the franchise rights for Auburn, Montgomery, and Columbus, Georgia. At our first meeting I admitted I was not an enthusiastic proponent of the concept, but then I learned the Coopers were no ordinary wet behind the ears, untrained franchise owners.

Patrick had been working in the family sock manufacturing business in Fort Payne, and Jennifer had previously taught school. They were both battle tested for cupcake baking. In fact, when I challenge them on their commitment to this endeavor they invited me to visit their Auburn store

Upon entering the store two women were leaving with multiple boxes of DOZENS of cupcakes under their arms, and both women were from Montgomery and asking “WHEN ARE YOU COMING TO THE GUMP?” In fact, Patrick told me GiGi’s had already gotten over 500 FACEBOOK FRIENDS in Montgomery….and they still didn’t have a location.

Hmmm… maybe there was something to this after all. My own daughter expounded on how special GiGi’s Cup Cakes with real cream cheese, and yummy variety of icing tops were in the store she enjoyed in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The franchise is based in Nashville, Tennessee so they are moving out throughout the country.

One night, I noticed a program on TV… CUPCAKE WARS? So this phenomenon is so pervasive it has compelled people to fight over cupcakes?

Patrick and Jennifer opened their store in Sturbridge Village at the corner of Taylor and Vaughn Road next to Flips restaurant, across the street from Rave Movie Theater on Friday December the ninth. The Montgomery store is number fifty one in the franchise line up… GiGis’s and the Cooper have set a two day grand opening sales record for Gigi’s.

Susan Forbus Alfa Properties was right… WE NEEDED A CUPCAKE STORE!”

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



December 14, 2011

Is a Real Estate Sales Career for you?

Posted to Denise Haviland

Selling Real Estate is definitely a career choice that can be profitable and exciting. It isn't exactly for everyone. For your self-motivated individuals, the freedom to produce your individual schedule and seize control of your time is wonderful. It is best if you are disciplined and can manage your very best resource-- your time and your energy. However, some people get distracted and do not do the things that make money--the result is no commission earned.

So if you are the individual that can do these things…how can you become successful in a real estate career? Being able to communicate properly will be a big help. You simply cannot spend some time in your own home behind a PC making money at real estate. You need to be able to start a conversation with others, both personally and also on the telephone. Selling yourself is key. You need to be able to confidently negotiate on behalf of your client and with other real estate agents.

Organization will help you also. For every home sale the numerous details are very important. As an agent you are responsible for maintaining and recording the particulars. If you are great at multi-tasking and keeping your home sale transaction in line, then it will be a profitable career.

Are you open to learning? Just like everything else this business is subject to change. New state and federal regulations, how you can contact and do business with clients, changes constantly. You need to be ready and willing to watch for the newest information and learn how to apply it. Setting it into practice will help you succeed.

Just remember an effective real estate agent handles their time properly, talks to people with ease and confidence, oversees the details on their transactions effectively, constantly seeks to know and apply whatever new information and new practices evolve. These things are what it takes to make the career of real estate sales a good and profitable one for you.

Call us -- we would love to talk to you about joining the Alfa Realty real estate sales team!

Posted by:  Denise Haviland



December 13, 2011

What About a New Home for Christmas?

Posted to Area Attractions, Denise Haviland

Some people are thinking about the bigger present that they want for Christmas… To buy a home for the holidays!

Just to give you an update you can buy a new home in the Montgomery area from $99,860(condo units) up to $400,000+(single family home). Many builders are offering single family new homes for sale with the average cost per square foot being around $109.00.

For instance new homes for sale in Stone Park actually start at around $100.00 per square foot. Some people like to know the cost per square foot, but for me I like to know the actual number, so that means $198,000 is the current starting point for new homes for sale in this subdivision. Houses in Stone Park have varying upgrades that are better than a lot of new home subdivisions. To name a few of these smooth ceilings, stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, open plan and great kitchen layout. Double vanities(so you don’t elbow your partner brushing your teeth! Did I mention a tiled separate shower and garden tub. From previous blog posts you will find I love porches and some of these have covered front and back porches. The "Harley Room" in garage for extra storage would certainly appeal to a lot of folks who have a special ride whether it has two wheels or four (riding lawn mower). Some energy saving features include foam insulation and tankless water heaters which reduces monthly utility bills. Some even include a sprinkler system!

It puts a new twist on, “I’ll be Home for Christmas!”

Posted by:  Denise Haviland