Your Real Estate Insider: April 2009

I just got this picture from one of our Local Real Estate attorneys. Having been a builder for a long time I have been to many closings but always being the buyer or seller. This picture was taken by Amanda Steiner one of the closing attorneys, the picture is of myself and the attorney that conducted the closing, Dave Pill. I consider both attorneys very good friends of mine, which would explain why they had me pose for this picture of me recieving my first check from a real estate closing as a real estate agent. I want to say thanks to Amanda, Dave and everyone at Pill and Pill. In my opinion they have set the mark that all professionals should strive to reach. Their team is second to no one. Thanks Aaron

See How Happy I Look!

Aaron Poling

Long & Foster

www.aaronpolingsblog.com

 I have written a few previous posts about online classes that I have taken through Realtor University. I have always been very intrigued by commercial real estate, coming from a background including a lot of commercial construction. Realtor University has just started offering a class entitled Discovering Commercial Real Estate. I decided it was a class I couldn't pass up. The class is not going to make you an expert in commercial real estate but it does give you all the info you need to make an informed decision about whether commercial real estate is for you. After taking the course I am definitely going to persue commercial real estate but I have a better understanding of how to do it and what niche I can fit into. I hope this can help someone! Thanks

Check out the course at:  http://www.learninglibrary.com/realtoruniversity/

Aaron Poling

Long & Foster

www.aaronpolingsblog.com

 We are approaching my favorite weekend of the year, the annual Apple Blossom Festival weekend. It isn't in my home state of West Virginia but it is only about a fifteen minute drive south on I81 from the West Virginia border. There are lots of activities for everyone. It's a great weekend to check out the area. Its also a great time to do some networking. That's what I plan on doing! Below I have outlined some of the major events going on this weekend but I suggest logging on to www.thebloom.com so you don't miss anything.  

Friday, May 1^st

11:00am

Bloomers Luncheon

Men's Commonwealth Luncheon

11:45am

Stag Luncheon (ill be at this one)

5:00pm

Firefighters Parade

9:00pm

Fireworks Display

Saturday, May 2^nd

10:00am

Weekend in the Park

1:30pm

Grand Feature Parade

8:00pm

Country Music Party

Rock n Roll Dance

Jazz Party

Sunday, May 3^rd

10:00am

Weekend in the Park

I Hope to see you Out this Weekend!

Aaron Poling

Long & Foster

www.aaronpolintsblog.com

When i take on a listing, i belive that the mls system is our most powerful tool. I would also like to say that the picure on the mls is the first thing that customer and agents look at. In most cases if there is not a picture the listing will not even get looked at. Below i have listed a few things about listing pictures that i do.

1. Do not submit a listing without a photo. This is something that i cant personally belive that agents do.

2. Post multiple photos. It doesnt take too long to snap a few photos while your already walking a house. Please tell me that  you are walking your listings.

3. Edit your photos. It only take an extra minute to run your photos through Publisher or any number of other photo programs.

4. Take some spring time photos. If the pictures of your listing has something covered in snow please take a new photo. This also applies to new construction photos, when the house is complete, take a fresh photo.

5. Clean up your photos. If there is a trash can in the photo, move it before you take a picture. If your taking your main picture and there is a window unit a/c, see if you can get it moved. There are lots of these examples but just use common sense. Make sure you have homeowner permission before moving anything.

6. Take neighborhood photos. With lots of developments there are great views, or amenities that would be great to show as part of your package. Not too many agents do this, so you can set yourself apart.

These are just a few ideas, but the point is pictures are a valuable resource so dont ignore it. You owe it to your lising and to yourself! Thanks for reading.

Three Level Townhome, backs up to Stonebridge Golf Course, great open floor plan. Large Deck with beautiful views and a fenced in back yard. 3br 2.5 ba, huge living room with two bay windows, huge windows with lots of natural light. Ready to move into. This is a must see! Priced at 169,900

Front View

Rear View of Golf Course

Fenced In Rear Yard

Kitchen

174 Dunrobin

Martinsburg, W.V. 25405

BE7033954

Aaron Poling

Long & Foster

Tips on how to Stay Positive in a Down Market

As a general rule I would say real estate agents are very positive motivated people. When you have to work twice as hard to make half as much, well that will put your positive attitude to the test. I try to always stay positive, it's not easy but I believe I do a pretty good job at it. Below I made a list of a few things I do to stay Positive!

1. Network with business professionals: go to a chamber of commerce meeting, spend some time talking to other professionals that will be eager to share their struggling and success stories
2. Post on Active rain: I have found that there isn't a real estate organization anywhere that has members more willing to give advice, positive feedback etc... As quickly as our rainmakers!
3. Network with possible clients: charity events, little league baseball games, the grocery store, church, etc... wherever people are go talk to them. Pass out some cards. It's easy if you put your mind to it. You will feel like you have made some real headway if you meet some new people
4. Revisit your past successes: Do a drive by of the last house you took to closing, it always makes me feel to reflect on something that I have had success with
5. Take a hike! Around a new neighborhood or development in your area. It will help you get to know the area better, and you might even meet someone new in their front yard. Its also great to get that blood pumping with a nice walk!
6. Take a class: figure out what areas you are the weakest in and take a class to remedy that, you will be more prepared to deal with that down market
7. Watch some stand up comedy: my personal favorite pastime. It gives you an escape from life, where you can laugh and get it all out.
8. Write a note: find someone that has helped you or that you really appreciate and let them know. It is amazing how great that can make you feel, and it really makes the other person feel great! Maybe they will exchange the favor!
9. Volunteer for something: There are so many great causes out there that need our help, find one that you believe in and help them out, and who knows it might help you out!
10. Find something that makes you feel good and do it! If you stay active and do things you believe in, you will make yourself happy without even planning too! Let me know how you stay Positive

I hope this list can help someone, I know some many Rainmakers have helped me!

Thanks, Aaron Poling

Long & Foster

For anyone that put off filing their taxes until the last minute, well this is the last minute. April 15th my personal least favorite day of the year. It used to not bother me, but that was when i worked for someone else and recieved a check. Now that i am an independent contractor, i always have to pay no matter what i do. I just thought i would remind everyone that may have forgotten. FILE YOUR TAXES!!

After taking our Real Estate Exams in Charleston, West Virginia, Melissa and I took a trip over to the capital Building. I was amazed at how beautiful it was. The inside is mostly made of marble. Below are a few pictures, hopefully they do justice to my state capital. Across the street from the capital is the Kanawha River, i tried to capture a picture of a coal barge sailing down the river but my picture isnt the greatest. If you have a chance to visit the West Virginia State Capital its worth the Trip!

 If your considering investing in Real Estate, the wait is over. This could be the Best time to Buy. Interest Rates are really low and should remain low through May, while the government is selling bonds for the stimulus plan. There is a huge supply of homes which means prices of real estate is low! The government has also created a eight thousand dollar ($8,000) tax credit for first time home buyers. First time home buyers are defined as those who dont own and havent owned real estate in the last three years. We are also heading into the second quarter of the year, which is one of the busiest times for real estate sales. If you have been waiting for the Best time to Buy, your wait is Over! Thanks

Aaron Poling

Long & Foster

www.aaronpoling.com

304-283-0214

A few months ago I was finishing up a house for the final inspection. I had a few things to do in the crawl space. I was bent over walking through the crawl space when I tripped over something under the plastic. I pulled up the plastic and was very surprised what I had found. I expected to find some kind of construction debris, a tool left by a subcontractor, or possibly a clump of dirt that somehow didn't get spread out. Instead I found a huge snapping turtle! I was quite freaked out. The crawl space had been sealed up for a long time so I have no idea how he made it down there. I decided to do what any grown man would do, I called my dad to come get it out. I took these pictures of the turtle, please enjoy! Have you found anything interesting in a crawl space or anywhere else? Please let me know.

Thanks

Aaron Poling, Realtor

Long & Foster