There’s always something to howl about.

Author: Thomas Hall (page 3 of 3)

Realtor, Rabble-Rouser

Should Walmart Sell Real Estate?

It appears that Coldwell Banker may be following the Walmart approach to real estate pricing – recommending that sellers cut their home prices 10% across the board – not locally, but nationwide.  I can’t help but find the similarity to the McCain approach to cut government spending – simply freeze spending across the board.

Shouldn’t price cutting be done with a scalpel-ly machete?   Pardon the pun, but in many cases 10% doesn’t cut it.

I had a very difficult discussion today with the developer whom I represent regarding a new and very aggressive pricing strategy for their condominium project slated to deliver just about when the snow flies.

New lending guidelines regarding new construction could potentially crush them – even with units under contract, no potential buyer can close without at least 51% of the units being under contract – we’re not even close.  While Chicago may be a stable market per Fannie Mae guidelines, in light of the recent Wall Street meltdowns, I suspect the we may be in a declining market faster than you can say bailout.

If they don’t get aggressive quickly, we as taxpayers may just be owning 8 stunning, uniquely contemporary condos.  My recommendation was a bit more dramatic – depending upon the units, as much as a 15% price cut.  They didn’t take it well.  They “hoped” to get the prices we had established – they forgot the second half of the word  – “less”.  The good new is – we have time to thoughtfully approach the pricing strategy.

If we aren’t having the tough conversation with our sellers regarding pricing – okay, I’m going to go there – aren’t we like Congress, complicit in extending this housing market nightmare by not doing what we’re paid to do – provide knowledge, expertise and guidance?  While I can’t completely fault the strategy that Coldwell Banker wants to deploy, where did 10% come from exactly?

As far as I’m concerned regarding my own client’s situation, the comps matter significantly less than current lending guidelines do.  If mortgage money for conforming loans is still relatively plentiful to the well-qualified buyer, my client’s units need Read more

Does Your Home Equity Have 4 Wheels?

I received a call the other day from a young couple wanting to take a look at my new construction project.  Because the building is starting to look more and more like a building, I recommended that they meet me at the site so we could walk through the units – albeit still a skeleton.  For those who can’t visualize the space while it is taking shape, I knew it could be a crap shoot, but hey – they could at least see it in progress.  The plans were taking life.

I was at the site a few minutes before our scheduled appointment, checking up on the progress, pleased to see that the steel staircase had been installed.  We could use stairs, not ladders.

At roughly 2:00pm, a jet black, late model Range Rover Sport with chrome tipped exhaust screeched to a halt in front of the building.  It was snazzy.  Out hopped my potential clients – young – attractive almost 30-something couple.  Unfortunately, not quite dressed to walk through an active construction site – but we’d manage.

We introduced ourselves.

“I like your car”  I said.

“Yeah – it’s a sweet ride”  the husband said.

I handed them the marketing brochure and rattled off my schpel regarding the developer, the construction method, available finishes, delivery etc.  I asked them about their timing – what was prompting a the search for a new home?

“We want to take advantage of the market” the husband stated.  “I’ve been reading that home prices are way down and developers are really hurting – we want to make a deal.”

Can’t say I haven’t heard that reason before.

“Do you have a home to sell?”  I probed.

“Umm – we’re not sure if we’ll sell.  I think we may keep our current place – at this point, we’re expl….”

“We’re expecting a baby and we need more room” the wife interjected.  “We have a 2 bedroom condo that we purchased when we got married 2 years ago in Lakeview.  We’re not sure what we can get for it – so we don’t know if we should sell our not.”

Ahh – the voice of reason.

“Honestly, that is Read more

Please Come Again

According to the clock on my dashboard it was 2:43pm – where had my day gone?  – I couldn’t help but wonder.  I had just wrapped up with my client who proudly unveiled the newly renovated rental units at the building he just purchased on Washington Park – the proposed location of the Olympic Stadium if and when Chicago should land the 2016 Summer Games – best described as an “up and coming” part of Chicago’s south side.  He wanted me to see what he had done and wanted my assurance that he could get the units rented at a much higher rent than was usual for the area.  From what I saw – he would have no problem renting the units – for how much?  that was yet to be seen.

I was hungry and I hadn’t had anything to eat – with the exception of the venti Red Eye I’d picked up earlier that morning during my walk with my dogs – breakfast.  I had to be back on the north side of town for a 4:00pm appointment, so I knew I didn’t have time to eat – and there’s scarcely any place to eat nearby the building – or at least that’s what I thought.

Okay forget about lunch – I’ll just pick up a diet Pepsi I figured – I can stop at the Shell station before I pull on to the Dan Ryan to head back north.  As I began my journey, I turned onto one of the wide boulevards lined with overgrown empty lots and neglected buildings.

I wasn’t paying attention to the street names – I was simply heading towards the freeway when I noticed a stand alone convenience store – a building at a nondescript corner at the fringe – on the “other side” of the up and coming neighborhood – not sure where the real boundary lay, but I had the distinct impression it wasn’t “up and coming” any time soon.

I couldn’t help but notice the store – it was the only business operating in several blocks.   I’m sure most could identify with seeing Read more

… Reality Steps into View … No Longer Living Lies in Paradise

You never know when inspiration will strike you … for me – in the strangest places.

In a comment I posted to Greg’s latest post regarding the irony of our President’s administration’s policies and actions regarding the current financial meltdown, I lamented that when I read the news, blogs and watch the news regarding this domino-effect collapse of our financial markets, I get so angry I can’t see straight.

My partner has banned me from CNN, NPR and talk radio.   This is not good for me – I am not one to sit in silence – at least not for long.

Banned from the TV and radio BUT not the PC!

Okay – to avoid driving everyone crazy, I decided to put my mad DJ skillz to work on Blip.fm – frequented by my fellow Twitterers.  Mindless entertainment – for me an opportunity not to sit in silence.   I love the fact that I can create my own playlist of favorite songs – my own virtual radio station.  Why can’t I download this list directly to my iPod?

Twitter has opened my eyes to so many new tools and sites – time vacuum is the technical classification for toys ..er tools like Blip.fm.

Anyway – in an attempt to clear my mind of the thoughts of politics and dreams lost while living under a sham, socially conservative, laissez-faire regime masked as a wholesale broker, casting a blind eye while stuffing the pockets of special interest, I decided to search for happy, uplifting songs written and sung by my favorite artists – armed with a double single malt scotch on the rocks parked next to the mouse.

My music taste is varied to say the least – open and non-judgmental – truly all inclusive really.  From good ol’ country to techno-80s – classical to jazz.  I mean – come on – how can you not like a song with words like “… I can’t get no satisfaction and my tractor don’t get no traction?”

Okay – maybe it’s just me.

** searching for happy and uplifting songs **

So – I come across a song titled “Fairy Tales” – sung by one Read more

Some Days It’s Not Worth Chewing Through the Restraints

In addition to our discussions here at Bloodhound, if you’ve been reading the blogs lately, the commission debate continues.  Jonathan Dalton’s post on Agent Genius has recently spawned a long series of comments regarding how agents are compensated.

One comment (below) got me thinking,

“… I fully believe that my service is worth 6%. Clients in my area seem to be less concerned with getting a “deal” on their commission rate than they are with getting an EXPERT to work for them.”

I am not questioning the agent’s value – it’s hard to debate that consumers want an expert. The issue I have with the comment is “I fully believe my service is worth 6%.”

Why?

What is the significance of 6%?  As we discuss the issue of commissions, why are we stuck on a percentage of the sale? Why isn’t the number 10% or higher – or in some cases, lower? 

In actuality, if you’re cooperating with a buyer’s agent, aren’t you really saying you’re really worth only 3%?

Indulge me for a moment as I share a little story…

In early winter 2007, I happened to represent a client in the sale of his 3-flat in Lakeview – highly desirable area north of Lincoln Park – the building generated solid rental income. I listed the property and generated 2 offers within the first 20 days on the market. The first deal fell apart due to an over-zealous inspector who told my clients the building was worth no more than land value,

Pardon me, but you’re an inspector, not an appraiser.

But that was the least of my problems …

The second deal blew apart 3 days prior to closing. The zoning certificate was incorrect – issued by the city. Chicago stated that that building was a 5-flat. My client was thrilled – LOOK! We can now ask for more! Um – excuse me, but no. When he purchased the building 2 years prior, the city correctly issued a zoning certificate indicating that the building was in fact a legal 3-flat.

The attorney and I discussed Read more

To Whom Shall I Pledge My Allegiance?

The Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance

Alright now – simmer down – relax – this is not a political post.

With the advent of a new school year here, I couldn’t help but be reminded of days gone by – in the classroom – Ms. Sukula, my second grade teacher – with Bewitched hair – stood proudly at the front of the classroom, hand over her left breast – slowly reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.   She told us to stand like soldiers – hand over our chests with pride – you’re an American!

Now if you didn’t recite it along with her – her eyes would focus on you with the deep intent of causing bodily harm – lips firmly and taughtly pulled back to bare her brilliant white teeth – still slowly reciting the words – almost melodically.

It was definitely not a smile –  believe me – her message did not lack clarity.

Ahh – memories

Now – surprisingly, this draws parallels in my current day-to-day life as a real estate agent deeply embroiled in the pursuit of sorting out of all the new technology solutions in the Real Estate 2.0 cyber space.  You’ll notice from my last post – this is a taking some time.

Greg has shared with us the cool new Trulia app for the iPhone here on Bloodhound.  I recently saw on Twitter that Trulia has already surpassed over 10,000 downloads – this new functionality not only is cool, it clearly has legs.

But why am I not running to Trulia?

I am a member – I participate on TruliaVoices.  I’ve claimed all of my listings and have subscribed to Trulia Pro – but their latest feature has me frustrated – blogging.  While it is a great feature, I can’t help but ask myself, why do I want to put all of my eggs in the Trulia basket?

I have spent the last several idle months re-alphabetizing my CD collection, sorting through my closets and more importantly, really being focused on learning the new Web 2.0 tools and building my online presence.  I’ve invested in my own domain for my blog and Read more

Understanding RE Web 2.0 – btw Where are my meds?

Lately I have an overwhelming feeling that I have schizophrenia – to those who know me well, they simply ask why it took me so long to figure it out.

What happened to the days when searching for a home doubled as a work out?  Lugging around 25 lbs MLS catalogues – flipping thru the black and white property snapshots – it was clean – it was simply – it was – well – leisurely.

You know – with the advent of new technology – evolving from Web 1.0 to Web 2.0, the amount of choices and technological advancements in developing online communities and data analysis has my mind spinning – so many choices

  • how do I use these new solutions?
  • How will my clients benefit?
  • How will I benefit?
  • Which ones should I invest in?
  • Which functionality provides the best return?

As I discover new sites and options, I can’t seem to keep up with the “older” ones.

So – I decided to try and put it all together.  So here I am – at homethinking, on my computer, trying to assemble my thoughts – Trulia wondering what this all about – I mean, in general, I feel I am a realseekr of knowledge – where data’s concerned, I am good at Krunching the numbers.  But the mind map of the Web 2.0 space has really Motovoated me to look at how this fits together.

Personively, I want my clients with BiggerPockets to see the benefits while I become a SmarterAgent.  That way we all win.  Ok – so let’s Zolve this problem.

So – I’ve found some of the sites to be useful.  I actually have found some great clients using some of these sites.  But still – the list is Vast.  Bottomline – clients are still seeking help – they view me as their HomeGuru.  Let’s face it – for the client seeking a new home, they generally still need to walk thru the Frontdoor of a prospective property to know whether or not it’s a fit.

I will admit, I used to think Hoodeo these people think they are, having to walk UpMyStreet, up and down EveryBlock, insisting on Read more

Aufedersein Lip Syncher!

… and now back to our regularly scheduled program – sorry for the technical difficulties!

True Confessions:

  • I am a reality TV junkie – American Idol, Big Brother, Top Chef, Flipping Out, Million Dollar Listing and of course Project Runway – glad I have DDR – there are others – but these I won’t miss – even for a showing request – kidding – of course.
  • I eat lunch at Costco – I sample the samples.  Don’t knock it – I have seen many of my astute colleagues binging off of the sample trays too, only I openly admit it – I have no shame.
  • I love country music.
  • Being an American Idol fan, I sing Daughtry and Carrie Underwood at the top of lungs in the car – sometimes – unknowingly – with the sunroof open – windows down – stopped at traffic lights – allegedly.

* cleansing breath*

That was so cathartic – and so much better than kneeling behind a curtain in a small, dark box filled with the distinct aroma of peppermint schnapps.

Yesterday, one of my esteemed colleagues made the mistake of confirming my delusional rock star status.  I have one of eleven listings in a high rise on the famed Lake Shore Drive – great unit, smartly updated I might add.  Glorious views and a terrific value – yet in a building that can be a challenge in which to sell.  Traffic up until now has been sporadic if non-existent.

Two weeks ago, in an attempt to generate buyer traffic, I decided to coordinate a joint building open house.  Not an uncommon marketing tactic – contact all of the other listing agents, get them all to agree to a time and a date – encourage everyone to market the open house independently and VOILA! Buyers!

I put together a joint marketing piece highlighting the fact that there would be nine units open, committed to an ad in The Tribune.  I’d do it for my client anyway, so why not for the other units?  Hopefully we can generate greater power in numbers.  Well – needless to say, buyers did come.  I had 20 visitors – Read more

Looking for Volunteers – Not-for-Profit Realtors

Who wants to be a volunteer?

I received a very pleasant courtesy call the other day from a Realtor who represents a property that I showed to my client several months ago. After showing this particular property, my client and I both walked out of the showing stating that the seller obviously wasn’t reading the news – what were they smoking? Nice but over priced – NEXT!

Her upbeat message was hard to resist,

Volunteer Agent: “Hi Tom, I’m just touching base with all of the agents who’ve showed my listing in the past that my seller is now offering a 4% co-op on the sale of their property, is your buyer still in the market?”

The property in question is still listed with no price reduction.

Me:”Thanks for the call – nope, my client is no longer in the market – they’ve since made a decision, purchased and closed on a more realistically priced property.

Volunteer Agent: “What do you mean a more realistically priced property?”

Me: “Um – (wondering if she was serious) a property that is realistically priced???”

I guess from the nature of the call, her question perhaps was not necessarily a surprise. I thought that my response was fairly understandable – realistically priced means realistically priced, right? Needless to say her tone became a tad indignant.

Volunteer Agent:”Well – as you can see from the co-op commission, my client is very motivated to get this property sold!”

Me:”Yep – sounds great – the motivation is clear – thanks for the call.”

Volunteer Agent:”Ok – well, thanks again and keep it in mind.”

Yep – I sure will keep it in mind – next time I want to get paid for convincing my buyer to overpay for a property that doesn’t clearly reflect market conditions, you’ll be the first agent I’ll call. Hurray for me! I gonna make a killing!

There is nothing I love more about selling real estate than not getting paid for doing my job! I love volunteering! I honestly believe that one of rewarding aspects of being a real estate volunteer is not sharing the facts about the Read more

In Need of Migration Assistance – Please!

Hi All – I am in need of assistance with the migration of my blog – currently hosted on blogger to my own domain using WordPress.

I have referenced Tom Vanderwell’s post on July 2 asking for help/clarifications.  I’ve attempted to follow everyone’s previous advice and dagnabbit, it still don’t werk.

I currently have a domain setup and hosted on godaddy.  I have successfully installed WordPress on my new host.  I have tried the import function via WordPress to import my blog from Blogger.  When I grant access to Blogger, I get a blank webbrowser – it says done, but it ain’t.

Secondly, I’ve gone into Blogger and directed my blog to my custom domain www.itaintallbighairandcadillacs.com – again, ain’t nuthin’.

I know I’m missing something, but I can’t figure this out.

Any thoughts?  Thanks!

May You Live In Interesting Times

I am reminded again this year of just how much I love the Olympics.  In my opinion, there are few events that can be defined as uniquely human experiences.  National pride aside, I continue to learn from each and every athlete how unbridled commitment, sheer determination and raw tenacity can produce unimaginable results.

I can’t explain exactly why I get choked up when I watch the medal ceremonies – I just do.  Maybe it’s because, as a father, I think it is just an instinctual reaction.  How can you not be reminded of the times when overwhelming pride swells into your chest when your own child accomplishes something magnificent.  It’s a feeling you can’t necessarily describe in words – but it is a warm rush of emotion that sometimes spills over into tears.

I was truly awestruck by the visually stunning opening ceremonies at the opening of the 2008 games in Beijing – not just in appreciation of the magnitude of effort to coordinate such a moving spectacle, but I was touched by the deep metaphors which emanated from the vignettes that took place on the floor of the “bird’s nest”.   The messages were gracefully and beautifully communicated but profoundly powerful.  The sleeping dragon has been aroused – and it roared.

I was left with a deep appreciation for the Chinese people, their heritage and the clear intertwining influences of their culture – its affect on daily life – how they view the world and their role within it.  As the dancers danced across the floor creating the images of nature, it was profoundly clear that in Chinese culture, there is little distinction between the art and the artist – they are not mutually exclusive, a concept which defines the psyche of the average Chinese citizen.

Upon longer reflection, I became uncomfortable with the bigger picture I was left to interpret.  I can’t help thinking – just look at what our interest payments have accomplished.  This world event is full of metaphors.  Have we passed the torch to the Chinese economically?

To think that this event was masterfully orchestrated in seven years.  In that same period, Read more

A-C-C-O-U-N-T-A-B-I-L-I-T-Y Find Out What It Means To Me

Honestly, I think Aretha got it right – stick to seven letters, melodically I think it just works better.

Anyway – in my family I’ve been labeled “you liberal” – the second youngest of eight kids.  Accountability, Responsibility, Discipline and Consequences were not just words, but codes of conduct – drilled into my skull – in The Hall Household, not at all surprising considering my dad is a ’53 West Point grad.  Punishment was a given – or should I say consequences were always delivered.  Spankings were called “reminder taps” – mind the pun – for at times, taps held near dual meaning if you catch my drift.

I typically save controversial or political discussions for funerals, weddings or family renuions because, being usually void of any emotional energy, I find that people are compelled to share their views in rational discourse – no such events planned in my near future so I am forced to share my views in the emptiness of cyberspace.

Is it me or have others noticed – in reading the headlines, blogs and other online sources, I am struck by the lack of consequences and accountability due to poor judgment – a lack of management shakedowns at some of the largest companies that I suggest are at the crux of the housing debacle.

Starting at the top at Bear Sterns, haven’t heard but a blip regarding heads rolling.  No news of foreclosures on Upper East Side Townhomes or penthouses – no sheriff warrants issued in The Hamptons – no learjet repos.  Government bailout – yep.  Significant management changes due to the consequences of poor judgment?  Nope – just talk of a takeover.

Seems that same is true over at Countrywide – more “seasoned” managers have been moved around and the CEO simply retired – B of A put their guy in charge of mortgages.  Plenty of seasoning but little grilling.  Wamu’s shareholders sought accountability and won a majority of votes to remove the chairman and CEO positions – but not a great deal more – in fact senior executives’ bonuses were shielded from the loses attributed to the mortgage-related business.  I Read more

A Realtor’s Life: Deeply Spiritual and Cheesier

I admit my mind works a little differently than most – I like to write and talk about things that are current – so, in light of the past week’s recent events, I decided that I wanted to correlate last week’s LA earthquake, the current credit crunch and my recent trips to Costco into a meaningful discussion regarding real estate.  Surprisingly, there is a high correlation.

I have a habit of sharing my addictions as many of you well know – caffiene – and yes, Costco – sad to say, I often find myself “dining-out” with the combo pizza, occasionally the chicken caesar salad, 2 hotdogs (for my dogs) and let’s face it – the 2 drinks are essentially free.  Critical in today’s tough economic times.

You ask – how is this even remotely relevant?  Well – after hearing the news regarding the quake, and the follow-up public service announcements locally on the radio questioning what my emergency plan is in the event of an actual emergency – have I made the necessary arrangements for 72 hours of provisions – bottled water, food, batteries etc?

I immediately thought – I need to go to Costco.

Prior to my almost twice weekly adventure – mind you there are 2 of us plus 2 dogs – I checked to see what I needed – a quick scan of the pantry revealed 36 boxes of Mac & Cheese, 24 rolls for toilet paper, 72 bottles of water, two 128 fluid oz bottles of Neutrogena handwash – fridge check – 4 gallons of milk, 36 eggs, 128 oz of mayo and 48 slices of Timberlake muenster cheese.   Hmm – no batteries.

Off to Costco.

Being a Sagitarius, I am by nature an optimist, however, in light of my chosen profession, I am becoming intimately familiar with actual emergencies – the professional kind.  I’ve negotiated some tough deals, fended off irrate clients – but the emergencies I am speaking of are realtor’s-life threatening.  I Twittered briefly today with fellow “hound” Tom Vanderwell regarding Meredith Whitney’s interview on CNNMoney.com regarding the nature of the credit market.  She has a fairly solid track Read more

The Buck Stops Where?

Ya know – I’ve decided that I want run for Congress – my dilemma: overcoming the paradigm that one aspires to move up and not – um – down. BUT! Just think of all the fun I’d have riding the train under The Capitol – sitting in convertibles waving at my constituents in parades, playing golf with my lobbiest “buddies” – Ahhhh – what a LIFE!

Honestly, though – I think the best part would be sitting in commitees and writing legislation. Imagine sitting in a big room covered in mahogany wainscoting, sitting in a cordovan leather highback chair behind the massive, hand carved desk with my BIG brass name tag in front of me -I might even have a microphone in front of me. My voice would boom while speaking down to the little peop – er – constituents – um – not MY constituents, but constituents nonetheless.

My esteemed colleague would be standing behind me whispering where the guys were going to meet up for drinks after the hearing while the pathetic homeowner in front of me goes on and ON AND ON about how some slick mortgage broker sold him a bill of goods and now he can’t make his mortgage payment. But I feign to listen because it’s only for a few hours and then I get to ride the under ground train with my buds ‘cuz tonight I’m drinkin’ and schmoozing with da bankers!

Just think about it! I’d get to drink single malt scotch while Jimbo Biggidy Big Banker throws his arm around my shoulder, pulls me aside – walks me out on the patio at The Capital Grille, hands me a cigar and tells me that those wacky Wall Street boys – ha ha – you know the type – custom shirts and suits from Hong Kong – well they really blew it. Look at ALL that hell they’ve caused.

Jimbo likes to talk in the third person.

Tommy – Jimbo’s bank is losing money. How was Jimbo supposed to know that people weren’t going to be Read more

The Epic Battle Ensues: Realtor vs. Realtwhore

Not sure if you’ve visited TruliaVoices lately – there is an active thread currently running, at last count, 1,599 responses. I believe that is the longest running thread in Trulia’s fledgling history. The poster has since updated the question with more information qualifying the question due to the overwhelming number of responses, however, the basic question is, “Why should someone buy in this market?”

When initially posted, the question was a legitimate query into an expert’s view as to why someone in the poster’s circumstances should buy in Chicago. Personally, I had a problem with the question – should the response be a multiple choice response?

a. buy low, sell high
b. interest rates are at historically low levels
c. Jill is half as tall as Bill and 3/4 tall as Sally
d. Vicodine
e. There is insufficent data to answer to this question

I like “e” – and for the first time in almost 30 years, I can now fully appreciate the significance of that answer on the SATs. For those of you who found Vicodine to be the logical choice, may I suggest an intervention?

Ok – so I’ve been following the thread from time to time, watching it morph from being a useful discussion to – lately – a discussion regarding the existence of nuclear weapons in Israel. Almost like a game of telephone gone bad. More disturbing to me however is how the question has evolved into a rhetorical question “WHY THE HELL would someone buy in this market? What are you, an idiot?”

If you’re familiar with the TruliaVoices rating scheme, you understand that comments are rated by either a thumbs up or thumbs down. Honestly, I think there’s a conspiracy brewing. As you read the responses of the many realtors who answered the question, “There is no better time to buy!”, many of those responses were met with a burrage of thrumbs down. You can almost hear the resounding “BOO!”, “LOSER!” – you know, while you’re at, why don’t you just poke me and call me fat.

On the Read more