TRUTH: Stop Lying!
"A truth withheld by a leader is a lie." When leaders make a habit of withholding the truth, they are lying. The harshness of this statement only reflects my passion around our responsibility to be great coaches and communicators. Remember the broccoli story? Nobody wants to go through life with broccoli in their teeth and not be told about it. Make sure your people never go home with broccoli in their teeth. Stop withholding praise, performance feedback, crucial communication, and best practices. As leaders, we have a responsibility to tell the truth everyday.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
What is Trust
TRUST is defined as: "A strong belief that a person is honest and can be depended on."
Not surprisingly, great leaders create strong trust. On a scale of 1 - 10, how strongly do your teammates, members, or customers trust you? Everyday, your trust level goes up, goes down, or stays the same. Here's one way to insure your trust factor is getting stronger: KEEP YOUR PROMISES. Make a habit of under-promising and over-delivering instead of the reverse. (Remember the restaurant story with the silent pager?) Also, watch your language. Do you always do what you say you will do? Leaders who 'walk their talk' have much stronger trust factors than those who don't.
Not surprisingly, great leaders create strong trust. On a scale of 1 - 10, how strongly do your teammates, members, or customers trust you? Everyday, your trust level goes up, goes down, or stays the same. Here's one way to insure your trust factor is getting stronger: KEEP YOUR PROMISES. Make a habit of under-promising and over-delivering instead of the reverse. (Remember the restaurant story with the silent pager?) Also, watch your language. Do you always do what you say you will do? Leaders who 'walk their talk' have much stronger trust factors than those who don't.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Showing your House Tips
1. Remove clutter and clear off counters. Throw out stacks of newspapers and magazines and stow away most of your small decorative items. Put excess furniture in storage, and remove out-of-season clothing items that are cramping closet space. Don’t forget to clean out the garage, too.
2. Wash your windows and screens. This will help get more light into the interior of the home.
3. Keep everything extra clean. A clean house will make a strong first impression and send a message to buyers that the home has been well-cared for. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates, mop and wax floors, and clean the stove and refrigerator. Polish your doorknobs and address numbers. It’s worth hiring a cleaning service if you can afford it.
4. Get rid of smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows to air out the house. Potpourri or scented candles will help.
5. Brighten your rooms. Put higher wattage bulbs in light fixtures to brighten up rooms and basements. Replace any burned-out bulbs in closets. Clean the walls, or better yet, brush on a fresh coat of neutral color paint.
6. Don’t disregard minor repairs. Small problems such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression that the house isn’t well-maintained.
7. Tidy your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, add new mulch, trim the bushes, edge the walkways, and clean the gutters. For added curb appeal, place a pot of bright flowers near the entryway.
8. Patch holes. Repair any holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.
9. Add a touch of color in the living room. A colored afghan or throw on the couch will jazz up a dull room. Buy new accent pillows for the sofa.
10. Buy a flowering plant and put it near a window you pass by frequently.
11. Make centerpieces for your tables. Use brightly colored fruit or flowers.
12. Set the scene. Set the table with fancy dishes and candles, and create other vignettes throughout the home to help buyers picture living there. For example, in the basement you might display a chess game in progress.
13. Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones that let in more light. Show off the view if you have one.
14. Accentuate the fireplace. Lay fresh logs in the fireplace or put a basket of flowers there if it’s not in use.
15. Make the bathrooms feel luxurious. Put away those old towels and toothbrushes. When buyers enter your bathroom, they should feel pampered. Add a new shower curtain, new towels, and fancy guest soaps. Make sure your personal toiletry items are out of sight.
16. Send your pets to a neighbor or take them outside. If that’s not possible, crate them or confine them to one room (ideally in the basement), and let the real estate practitioner know where they’ll be to eliminate surprises.
17. Lock up valuables, jewelry, and money. While a real estate salesperson will be on site during the showing or open house, it’s impossible to watch everyone all the time.
18. Leave the home. It’s usually best if the sellers are not at home. It’s awkward for prospective buyers to look in your closets and express their opinions of your home with you there.
Reprinted from REALTOR magazine (REALTOR.org/realtormag) with permissionof the National Association of REALTORS. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved
2. Wash your windows and screens. This will help get more light into the interior of the home.
3. Keep everything extra clean. A clean house will make a strong first impression and send a message to buyers that the home has been well-cared for. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates, mop and wax floors, and clean the stove and refrigerator. Polish your doorknobs and address numbers. It’s worth hiring a cleaning service if you can afford it.
4. Get rid of smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows to air out the house. Potpourri or scented candles will help.
5. Brighten your rooms. Put higher wattage bulbs in light fixtures to brighten up rooms and basements. Replace any burned-out bulbs in closets. Clean the walls, or better yet, brush on a fresh coat of neutral color paint.
6. Don’t disregard minor repairs. Small problems such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression that the house isn’t well-maintained.
7. Tidy your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, add new mulch, trim the bushes, edge the walkways, and clean the gutters. For added curb appeal, place a pot of bright flowers near the entryway.
8. Patch holes. Repair any holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.
9. Add a touch of color in the living room. A colored afghan or throw on the couch will jazz up a dull room. Buy new accent pillows for the sofa.
10. Buy a flowering plant and put it near a window you pass by frequently.
11. Make centerpieces for your tables. Use brightly colored fruit or flowers.
12. Set the scene. Set the table with fancy dishes and candles, and create other vignettes throughout the home to help buyers picture living there. For example, in the basement you might display a chess game in progress.
13. Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones that let in more light. Show off the view if you have one.
14. Accentuate the fireplace. Lay fresh logs in the fireplace or put a basket of flowers there if it’s not in use.
15. Make the bathrooms feel luxurious. Put away those old towels and toothbrushes. When buyers enter your bathroom, they should feel pampered. Add a new shower curtain, new towels, and fancy guest soaps. Make sure your personal toiletry items are out of sight.
16. Send your pets to a neighbor or take them outside. If that’s not possible, crate them or confine them to one room (ideally in the basement), and let the real estate practitioner know where they’ll be to eliminate surprises.
17. Lock up valuables, jewelry, and money. While a real estate salesperson will be on site during the showing or open house, it’s impossible to watch everyone all the time.
18. Leave the home. It’s usually best if the sellers are not at home. It’s awkward for prospective buyers to look in your closets and express their opinions of your home with you there.
Reprinted from REALTOR magazine (REALTOR.org/realtormag) with permissionof the National Association of REALTORS. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Green Alternatives and Healthy Home Tips for South Carolina Homeowners
Green Alternatives & Healthy Home
Tips for South Carolina Homeowners
With its location on the southern part of the United States, South Carolina is highly regarded for its beautiful mountain ranges, national parks and monuments. With many great historical qualities and geographic location, it is easy to see why many want to call the state their home.
Although purchasing a home is an exciting time for you and your family, many additional responsibilities may arise. Having the assistance of an honest and reliable South Carolina real estate agent can be a big part in accumulating the right information to making the crucial decision.
Homes built prior to 1980 still have the potential of containing asbestos. However, this should not make you feel too concerned because exposure can be prevented by taking simple precautions. There are many environmentally friendly, green forms of insulation that not only are healthy alternatives to asbestos, but may even help reducing annual energy costs. The implementation of eco-construction and green energy home solutions will play an important role in the transformation to a healthier and sustainable world.
Asbestos Tips
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was a prominent building application throughout the 20th century. Even if asbestos shingles are on your home, if they are in good condition and left undisturbed, they are not a serious problem. The mere presence of asbestos in a home or a building is not hazardous. Most professionals suggest leaving the asbestos alone. A home inspector can determine the proper course of action. In many cases, asbestos removal may prove to be costly, but a worthy scenario for achieving a healthy and safe home.
Damaged asbestos may release asbestos fibers and become a health hazard, leading to the development of asbestosis mesothelioma. Diagnosis of these forms of asbestos lung cancer has been a difficult task because mesothelioma symptoms are so similar to other, less serious conditions. There are many factors that may impact patient’s mesothelioma survival rate
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Council promote the health and safety of the public and environment. These public organizations assist the disposal and removal of asbestos and other harmful materials. If asbestos removal is deemed necessary, it should be performed by licensed abatement contractor who is trained in handling hazardous materials.
Green Eco-friendly Alternatives
Once the removal process is completed, green insulation alternatives should be given serious consideration. Building green with proper insulation will save you on bills. Implementing green methods of building can have positive environmental, health and economic benefits. These include: Conservation of natural resources, enhancement of air quality, energy sustainability, increase property value, improve quality of life, improvement of pulmonary/cardiac health and reduction of waste.
These alternatives include: cellulose, cotton fiber and lcynene. These eco-friendly insulation options possess the same flame resistant durable qualities as asbestos, minus the health and environmental concerns. Cotton fiber is also becoming a favorite insulation method. Made from recycled batted material, it is then treated to be fireproof. Water based spray polyurethane foam, lcynene, is a healthy insulation which contains no toxic components.
The United Nations Environmental Program states that the use of recycled building materials such as cotton fiber insulation can reduce energy use by 25 percent. With growing education and technology, green sustainable methods of industry and construction need the support of the whole world and it is definitely getting a significant boost through states such as South Carolina.
Tips for South Carolina Homeowners
With its location on the southern part of the United States, South Carolina is highly regarded for its beautiful mountain ranges, national parks and monuments. With many great historical qualities and geographic location, it is easy to see why many want to call the state their home.
Although purchasing a home is an exciting time for you and your family, many additional responsibilities may arise. Having the assistance of an honest and reliable South Carolina real estate agent can be a big part in accumulating the right information to making the crucial decision.
Homes built prior to 1980 still have the potential of containing asbestos. However, this should not make you feel too concerned because exposure can be prevented by taking simple precautions. There are many environmentally friendly, green forms of insulation that not only are healthy alternatives to asbestos, but may even help reducing annual energy costs. The implementation of eco-construction and green energy home solutions will play an important role in the transformation to a healthier and sustainable world.
Asbestos Tips
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was a prominent building application throughout the 20th century. Even if asbestos shingles are on your home, if they are in good condition and left undisturbed, they are not a serious problem. The mere presence of asbestos in a home or a building is not hazardous. Most professionals suggest leaving the asbestos alone. A home inspector can determine the proper course of action. In many cases, asbestos removal may prove to be costly, but a worthy scenario for achieving a healthy and safe home.
Damaged asbestos may release asbestos fibers and become a health hazard, leading to the development of asbestosis mesothelioma. Diagnosis of these forms of asbestos lung cancer has been a difficult task because mesothelioma symptoms are so similar to other, less serious conditions. There are many factors that may impact patient’s mesothelioma survival rate
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Council promote the health and safety of the public and environment. These public organizations assist the disposal and removal of asbestos and other harmful materials. If asbestos removal is deemed necessary, it should be performed by licensed abatement contractor who is trained in handling hazardous materials.
Green Eco-friendly Alternatives
Once the removal process is completed, green insulation alternatives should be given serious consideration. Building green with proper insulation will save you on bills. Implementing green methods of building can have positive environmental, health and economic benefits. These include: Conservation of natural resources, enhancement of air quality, energy sustainability, increase property value, improve quality of life, improvement of pulmonary/cardiac health and reduction of waste.
These alternatives include: cellulose, cotton fiber and lcynene. These eco-friendly insulation options possess the same flame resistant durable qualities as asbestos, minus the health and environmental concerns. Cotton fiber is also becoming a favorite insulation method. Made from recycled batted material, it is then treated to be fireproof. Water based spray polyurethane foam, lcynene, is a healthy insulation which contains no toxic components.
The United Nations Environmental Program states that the use of recycled building materials such as cotton fiber insulation can reduce energy use by 25 percent. With growing education and technology, green sustainable methods of industry and construction need the support of the whole world and it is definitely getting a significant boost through states such as South Carolina.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Free Home Buyer Seminar Nov and Dec
PRESS RELEASE
Columbia, SC – November 9, 2009 - FREE homebuyer seminar will discover the Home Buying Process from beginning to end.
Seminar to include these three important steps. First step is Home Buying process and explain the changes in the Tax Credit and the how to buy a home. Second, step the mortgage process, and the potential FREE GRANT MONEY.
Third step would be the closing process in buying home.
The seminar will host professionals in the home buying process to offer FREE information about the home buying process. There will be professionals in those areas to answer questions about those areas. There will be information about the $8,000 Tax Credit, who qualifies and who is eligible for the new tax credit
Time is still essential come to the seminar to find out why
Free Home Buyer Seminar is being offered in Lexington, West Columbia, Columbia, and Irmo.
This is an informational FREE seminar about the home buying process.
The seminar will be available for groups, civic organizations and others on request.
The schedules for the following seminars are as follows:
November 16, Lexington Library 6:00pm-7:30pm Call Edwin Gerace for details 803-957-5566
November 19, West Columbia Library, 6:00pm -7:30pm Call Jason Compton 803-957-5566
November 23, Lexington Library 6:00pm-7:30pm Call Craig Connelly for details 803-957-5566
November 23, Irmo Library 6:30pm-7:30pm Call Jeff Riley for details 803-467-6440
December 7, Lexington Library 6:00pm-7:30pm Call Edwin Gerace for details 803-957-5566
December 14, Lexington Library 6:00pm-7:30pm Call Craig Connelly for details 803-957-5566
This seminar is FREE but please RSVP is suggested due to the demand.
Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/freehomeseminar
Follow us on FaceBook Home Buyers Seminar
For more information 803-957-5566
#####
Free Home Buyer Seminar Nov and Dec
PRESS RELEASE
Columbia, SC – November 9, 2009 - FREE homebuyer seminar will discover the Home Buying Process from beginning to end.
Seminar to include these three important steps. First step is Home Buying process and explain the changes in the Tax Credit and the how to buy a home. Second, step the mortgage process, and the potential FREE GRANT MONEY.
Third step would be the closing process in buying home.
The seminar will host professionals in the home buying process to offer FREE information about the home buying process. There will be professionals in those areas to answer questions about those areas. There will be information about the $8,000 Tax Credit, who qualifies and who is eligible for the new tax credit
Time is still essential come to the seminar to find out why
Free Home Buyer Seminar is being offered in Lexington, West Columbia, Columbia, and Irmo.
This is an informational FREE seminar about the home buying process.
The seminar will be available for groups, civic organizations and others on request.
The schedules for the following seminars are as follows:
November 16, Lexington Library 6:00pm-7:30pm Call Edwin Gerace for details 803-957-5566
November 19, West Columbia Library, 6:00pm -7:30pm Call Jason Compton 803-957-5566
November 23, Lexington Library 6:00pm-7:30pm Call Craig Connelly for details 803-957-5566
November 23, Irmo Library 6:30pm-7:30pm Call Jeff Riley for details 803-467-6440
December 7, Lexington Library 6:00pm-7:30pm Call Edwin Gerace for details 803-957-5566
December 14, Lexington Library 6:00pm-7:30pm Call Craig Connelly for details 803-957-5566
This seminar is FREE but please RSVP is suggested due to the demand.
Follow us on Twitter http://twitter.com/freehomeseminar
Follow us on FaceBook Home Buyers Seminar
For more information 803-957-5566
#####
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Short Sales and Real Estate in Lexington SC
Short Sale in real estate is nothing new but is becoming more evident. There are benefits for both, the lender and you. The short sale process is not easy, and can be stress full. Homes are sold for less than the mortgage you owe on it and lender forgives the remaining debt, there are few things to know on how to do a short sale, so it does not become too cumbersome and time-consuming. Banks see the short sale process as a an alternative to foreclosure, and is usually willing to accept a smaller pay-off or a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure to simply minimize its loss rather than go all the way the long and costly road of foreclosure. Short sale home is far more desirable to the general home-buying market than a foreclosed one. The money a bank looses is less than if the lender takes on the short sale is rather small compared to the expense of foreclosing on the property.
Short Sale Process (subject to change from one lender to another)
Contact the Lender
Lenders will not talk to investors, potential buyers or real estate agents unless the borrower instructs to them. You will need to get their approval in writing, contact the lender with that approval, and make the first telephone contact. You must decide if you want the assistance of a 3rd party to help the seller or you want to do it on your own. If you want the assistance of a professional contact Edwin Gerace 803-957-5566
The seller must create a hardship letter is the cover for the short sale package. It is a lot like the cover letter for a job resume. It must be convincing and complete. The lender must get the first impression that it is a short sale or a foreclosure or bankruptcy. This letter must paint the picture of your financial situation and honesty is key. There is a paper trail for all your finances.
Short sales will not work if there is sufficient equity in the home for the lender to sell it and at least break even in a foreclosure. The homeowner must be "upside-down" in their loan. Learn how to determine if this is the case.
Lenders will usually want to validate the seller’s financial situation by looking at bank statements, investment accounts, along with examining pay stubs and other financial records.
The meat of your short sale presentation backs up the statements made in the hardship letter. You prepare a thorough and detailed set of documents and financial data to support the claim that a short sale is a good solution for the lender. This is the time to put all your cards on the table. Sellers must be honest and forth coming with all data.
Contact an agent
When obtaining a short sale listing you must explain to everyone the process of the short sale. Since no one can predict with certainty what any bank will do in any situation, do not tell anyone in the transaction that this will be fast and smooth. Listing documents should state “ This list price is subject to a 3rd Party Bank Short Sale Approval”. However, it is always better to under promise and over deliver throughout the entire process. Otherwise, everyone gets frustrated. You need to either have your agent be in control working with the bank ( You will have to give the bank permission to talk to the realtor) or you will need a 3rd party person to be the contact for you and the bank.
Buyer for House
Once you have a buyer in place with either a contract or offer to purchase, we must manage the expectations of both the buyer and the buyer’s agent. If the purchaser is buying a home to live in, this means they probably love the house and are already thinking of things that they can do to the house to make it their own. On the other hand, the buyer’s agent is motivated by getting the sale closed so that they get a paycheck. Because agents and their buyers are nervous, you will need to manage their expectations. We have made this easier by allowing all of you to track the short sale online. Time is something that you cannot control. Example: Bank of America as of today said any offers they receive they wont get back to you in 21 days. They are the fastest bank.
You may have to go back and forth with the loss mitigation department at the lender to get an acceptance of a short sale. Learn about this negotiation and the importance of a fast close.
The lender will review a settlement statement, which will indicate the proposed selling price, remaining loan balances and itemize all expenses, including real estate commissions and other fees and expenses associated with the closing.
Because of the documentation required, the short sale process can be lengthy. But if done correctly, it can work well for all parties involved. The lender avoids the uncertainty of the foreclosure process, the seller avoids a foreclosure on his or her credit report (along with potential bankruptcy), and the buyer hopefully got a good deal on a property.
Approval from the sellers bank
Once you receive the lender's approval will give the parties a maximum of 30 days to get the deal closed (it is occasionally shorter)
Neither the lender nor the title company can close overnight. The title company must get the HUD-1 for approval 72 hours before the closing. This allows time to submit the file to the lender so that there are no surprises at the closing table.
These are the essential steps to a problem-free short sale. Always remember that accurate paperwork and good communication with the buyer’s agent are the two most important parts of the short sale process as long as you leave the actual facilitations to Short-Sale-Negotiations.
For an agent that has knowledge in the Short Sale process email me mail@609sold.com
For a list of homes that are available that are short sales email me mail@609sold.com
For more information about listing your home as a short sale email me mail@609sold.com
Short Sale Process (subject to change from one lender to another)
Contact the Lender
Lenders will not talk to investors, potential buyers or real estate agents unless the borrower instructs to them. You will need to get their approval in writing, contact the lender with that approval, and make the first telephone contact. You must decide if you want the assistance of a 3rd party to help the seller or you want to do it on your own. If you want the assistance of a professional contact Edwin Gerace 803-957-5566
The seller must create a hardship letter is the cover for the short sale package. It is a lot like the cover letter for a job resume. It must be convincing and complete. The lender must get the first impression that it is a short sale or a foreclosure or bankruptcy. This letter must paint the picture of your financial situation and honesty is key. There is a paper trail for all your finances.
Short sales will not work if there is sufficient equity in the home for the lender to sell it and at least break even in a foreclosure. The homeowner must be "upside-down" in their loan. Learn how to determine if this is the case.
Lenders will usually want to validate the seller’s financial situation by looking at bank statements, investment accounts, along with examining pay stubs and other financial records.
The meat of your short sale presentation backs up the statements made in the hardship letter. You prepare a thorough and detailed set of documents and financial data to support the claim that a short sale is a good solution for the lender. This is the time to put all your cards on the table. Sellers must be honest and forth coming with all data.
Contact an agent
When obtaining a short sale listing you must explain to everyone the process of the short sale. Since no one can predict with certainty what any bank will do in any situation, do not tell anyone in the transaction that this will be fast and smooth. Listing documents should state “ This list price is subject to a 3rd Party Bank Short Sale Approval”. However, it is always better to under promise and over deliver throughout the entire process. Otherwise, everyone gets frustrated. You need to either have your agent be in control working with the bank ( You will have to give the bank permission to talk to the realtor) or you will need a 3rd party person to be the contact for you and the bank.
Buyer for House
Once you have a buyer in place with either a contract or offer to purchase, we must manage the expectations of both the buyer and the buyer’s agent. If the purchaser is buying a home to live in, this means they probably love the house and are already thinking of things that they can do to the house to make it their own. On the other hand, the buyer’s agent is motivated by getting the sale closed so that they get a paycheck. Because agents and their buyers are nervous, you will need to manage their expectations. We have made this easier by allowing all of you to track the short sale online. Time is something that you cannot control. Example: Bank of America as of today said any offers they receive they wont get back to you in 21 days. They are the fastest bank.
You may have to go back and forth with the loss mitigation department at the lender to get an acceptance of a short sale. Learn about this negotiation and the importance of a fast close.
The lender will review a settlement statement, which will indicate the proposed selling price, remaining loan balances and itemize all expenses, including real estate commissions and other fees and expenses associated with the closing.
Because of the documentation required, the short sale process can be lengthy. But if done correctly, it can work well for all parties involved. The lender avoids the uncertainty of the foreclosure process, the seller avoids a foreclosure on his or her credit report (along with potential bankruptcy), and the buyer hopefully got a good deal on a property.
Approval from the sellers bank
Once you receive the lender's approval will give the parties a maximum of 30 days to get the deal closed (it is occasionally shorter)
Neither the lender nor the title company can close overnight. The title company must get the HUD-1 for approval 72 hours before the closing. This allows time to submit the file to the lender so that there are no surprises at the closing table.
These are the essential steps to a problem-free short sale. Always remember that accurate paperwork and good communication with the buyer’s agent are the two most important parts of the short sale process as long as you leave the actual facilitations to Short-Sale-Negotiations.
For an agent that has knowledge in the Short Sale process email me mail@609sold.com
For a list of homes that are available that are short sales email me mail@609sold.com
For more information about listing your home as a short sale email me mail@609sold.com
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About Me
- Lexington Real Estate with Edwin Gerace
- Lexington, SC, United States
- Edwin Gerace is Realtor with Holiday Builders in Lexington South Carolina. Edwin specializes in New Construction and 1st Time Home Buyers. Edwin is very active in Lexington South Carolina and is knowledgeable about the surroundings. Edwin is very active in his profession and community such as: On active committees with the Columbia Home Builders, active and on committees with Lexington Chamber of Commerce, Town of Lexington Performing Arts Center, Green Building Council of HBA, LORADAC, State Association of Realtors on State and Local Level, and many other community oriented service groups.
