Since the beginning of time, real estate has been a driving factor in the stability, growth or decline in all societies. The first hunters wanted to find land with healthy ecosystems, plenty of wildlife and water. As time progressed, land was sought out for pastures and farming. Quiet sleepy towns became vibrant with the establishment of the rail roads and then roads for automobiles. As cultures have evolved and exploration of our world increased, so has the demand of real estate. Tradition states that owning land is part of the American dream and while the small suburban home with a white picket fence may not be your ideal of that American dream, the surest way to find the home that fits you is with a realtor.
Pam Patterson Crain and I (Amandalyn Rennich) have been in the real estate world for about 16 years collectively. We believe everyone has the right to come home to an oasis, not just a house built of bricks and mortar; but a place to build memories and retreat from the pressures of life. We believe your home is not just a mortgage payment but a launching pad for your real estate future. And with these beliefs, we have thrown our heart and souls into striving to exceed expectations regarding residential real estate. We want to invest in the lives and families that are placed before us locally, regionally, nationally and even internationally. The sky really is the limit in the real estate world.
Real estate is also known as real property, land, immoveables, landed property. Aside from fresh water, land is the most valuable commodity we have. The availability of such land is in part what drives the value of said land. Land within a city or in a suburb of a large city has the potential to increase in value simply because of the location. Areas that were once rural are growing and becoming the next best area to move to. At the end of the day, real estate prices are directly related to how much people are willing to pay for it. Bidding wars often happen on ‘hot’ property without much consideration to the quality of the structure of the home. Yes, the home must pass an appraisal (and home inspection, of course) if being purchased with a loan; however, cash is always king. Investors are constantly looking for the next big deal for a steal. Later, we will discuss financing options versus cash purchases. But be encouraged, even if your cash-flow is not like you want it, there are ways to leverage what you do have!
People often ask me “Why real estate?” The answer is simple; because it is an honor and privilege to partner with people as they transition from season to season in their lives. Everybody needs a home. Statistically, most people stay in their home for up to 7 years. A third of marriages end in divorce and often a house is involved. Newly-weds are excited about finding their first home together. Babies arrive and more space is needed. Empty nesters downsize. Job transfers happen unexpectedly. Life happens. Behind every season of life there is a house waiting to become a home. As a realtor, we get a sneak peek into the lives of our clients and often we are not just their realtor, but their champion, fighter, counselor and confidant. It is our job to place the fiduciary needs of our clients above that of our own. A good realtor knows the ins and outs of their territory, local, state-wide and national housing trends. Often, we live in the same area that we work and it is not uncommon meeting former clients in the grocery store, school functions or ball games. Referrals are the most important tool realtors have for actively serving their community. Word of mouth by far outweighs any purchased lead or traditional marketing.
In upcoming blog posts, we will discuss the pros and cons of “For Sale By Owner”, how to prepare your home for listing, staging, photography do’s and don’ts, tips to consider when looking for a home, buying new construction or existing structure, financial tips to help improve credit, geographical and research tools to explore in regards to prospective locality. The world of real estate is constantly moving and shifting. Housing laws are tweaked and revised and it is our job to know how these legal changes affect the real estate market. Expect guest posts from commercial realtors, lenders and other industry related professionals!
Pam and I are professional realtors with Keller Williams Realty and Keller Williams was just ranked number one in the world of real estate companies! This is truly a blessing because we have a world-wide team of agents to network with, learn from and share information. Our company “mission is to build careers worth having, businesses worth owning, lives worth living experiences worth giving, and legacies worth leaving. Our vision is to be the real estate company of choice for agents and their customers. Values are God, family, then business. Perspective is to be a technology company that provides the real estate platform that our agent’s buyers and sellers prefer. Keller Williams thinks like a top producer, acts like a trainer-consultant, and focusses all its activities on service, productivity, and profitability.” What does all this mean in practical aspects? We, Keller Williams agents, strive to be the very best agents in all areas of life. We have coaches and mentors, have the responsibility to teach and lead others, honor the precious time with family, keeping God first and foremost and staying abreast in technology and legislation passed that directly and indirectly influences the market . Pam and I are excited to enter this new arena of blogging and sharing real, personal stories of interest in regards to real estate. There is never a dull moment when we jump in feet first for our clients! It is our goal to share nuggets of truth, and to be honest and transparent about what we have learned through success and failures. This truly is the best time to explore the real estate world and we welcome you aboard in this journey.
Amandalyn Rennich
Keller Williams
(205) 834-6893
