
Friday, August 29, 2008
Another Day in the Real Estate Office

Thursday, August 28, 2008
Another Day in the Real Estate Office
Don't forget --- Fridays are Red, Whwite & Blue Day to honor our troops.
We had the Manning/Santee office meeting this morning ---- was great --- Those attending were Charlie Schmidt, Lola Bradshaw, Jan Lovell, Celina Gleason, Belinda Jordan, Angie Jordan, Joette Wielicki, Mary Partee, Ashley Ardis, Carol Jo (the awesome Residential mortgage lady), Yana Mathis, Linda Lesemann, Bo King, Alfred Kelly and Boyd & Liz. We even saw John Lesemann today also!!!!!
We discussed all the new listings --27 listed since last meeting ---- WOW!!!!! Then we discussed problem listings ---some really good ideas came out and hopefully the listing agents now have something new to discuss with their sellers.
Celina Gleason in Manning gave us a new Internet site that you can create flyers, upload them to your web site or email them out. http://postlets.com also, it is free.
Listings taken: Sumter - Kim Peasley-Parker - 1
Johnnie Dodds - Currie McCullough - 2 _ go girl!!
Holly & Michael Culp - 1
Ken Kurtz - 1
Currie McCullough just told me that she is on a campaign to get her name on the listing board and she is actually putting her 3rd listing into MLS. I wish that each of you were on this type of campaign!!!!
LS --- Johnnie Dodds - Kay Kennerty - 1
Stephanie Wilson-Hartzog/Ashley Melton Team - 1
Deborah Lawrence - 2
BC Sales -- Johnnie Dodds - Rob Concannonn (New construction, so no attorney)
Deborah Lawrence (no mortgage is cash, but no attorney --- Shame!!)
Lane Baker (attorney - Yeah!!!!, but not mortgage)
No new sales or listings on the Manning/Santee log ----
Some good information: When you fill out a buyer agreement, please do not be specific. I just saw one yesterday that had actually put in a specific MLS# for the general description. Well,
the buyer did not end up buying that MLS#, but bought another house from a different agent. This made the buyer agreement with the specific MLS # no good!!! Be careful --- be very general and wide ranges for price range.
In the Johnnie Dodds office today: Currie McCullough, Tyler Bergin, Thomas Horvath, Susan Bryant, Tim Rogers, Amee Baker & Thea Riley --- of course, I was only there in the afternoon.
In the Santee office office today: Jill Jackson James, Lynn Beach and Martin Rigden ---
The offices will all be closed on Labor Day. Ya'll have a great weekend --- have some fun and relax a little ----
Until later -----
Liz Loadholt
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Another Day in The Real Estate Office
The Big Announcement: In Santee, The ReMax By the Lake is taking down their ReMax sign and putting up AgentOwned Realty. We are very excited to have The ReMax team join our AgentOwned Family. Their 8 agents will join our 3 agents --- AgentOwned will close its current location and move down the street to the ReMax office --- it is larger and better suited for our office. It is a part of the Preferred Group just as Manning is. The Manning agents are very excited to welcome the "former ReMax" agents to their family.
The new news ---Granite counter tops in homes could be a problem --- see
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/07/25/earlyshow/health/main4292754.shtml
EPA is saying that all homes should be checked for Radon especially if the house has granite counter tops ---We should begin to tell buyers to have this test done. Please check out the web site above. Thanks for Billie Jo for this helpful information.
Good Information to know: Jimmy Foti of Weeks, Foti, Irvine & Donaldson Law Firm, writes: "Read the announcement when you have a chance if you didn't already knowabout it. In essence, if you sell via a short sale, you will not be able to get a conforming loan for 2 years. No exceptions. This became effective on August 1. It is better than foreclosure and deed in lieu....but it is not something your agents should advise people to do."
Focus Group today: I had asked that you bring a listing and the group would offer suggestions to get it sold. The meeting went really well and I believe that the agents got a lot of good ideas and suggestions as how to get their particular listing sold. Those present were: Nancy Wilson, Michael Culp, Neil Schneider, John Kennington, Summer Eubanks, Becky Hayward, Bill Knight, Ken Kurtz, Brianna Harmon, Susie Schumm, Greaton Sellers, Bambi Magraw and Chari Karinshak.
Closings today: IOP --- Chuck & Edy Mimms --- used Residential Mortgage and our attorney -- Yeah!!!!
By the way, Tyler Bergin's listing downtown on East Bay has been chosen for the Symphony Designer House of 2009 ---- Congratulations, Tyler. That should get that property sold!!!
In the office today in addition to those at Focus Group: Currie McCullough, Tyler Bergin, Tim Rogers, Susan Bryant, Joe Eddleman, Stan Huff, Jason Ogdon, Kay Kennerty, and Art Cope (by the way, Art is sporting a new convertible - go Art! How do you fit those 5 children in?)
Listings, BC Sales and LS --- Will catch up on those tomorrow.
Until later ------------
Liz Loadholt
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Another Day in the Real Estate Office
This will be a short blog, because I had Management meeting this morning and Boyd & I are going to Manning/Santee for a special meeting this afternoon --- watch tomorrow's blog for the big announcement.
Lunch today to bid farewell to Maylee --present were Maylee, Neil Schneider, Delores Johnson, Thomas Horvath, Jenny, Linda, Billie Jo, Boyd, Liz, Kimberly,Tyler Bergin, Stan Huff, Jason Ogdon, Marilyn Durkee, Joe Eddleman, Ken Kurtz, Susan Bryant & Kay Kennerty. If anyone knows of a position in which Maylee would fit, please let her know. We hate to lose her, but it is just a sign of the times.
We wish her the very best. She is fantastic!!!
Closings today at Johnnie Dodds:
Joe Eddleman and Scott Ferguson ---- used Residential Mortgage & our attorney -- Yeah!!!!!
Sandy Nettles --- listing sold
Kay Kennerty --- listing sold
Good Information: If there is a home built up off the ground and the homeowner closes in the underneath part, the homeowner needs to know that his flood inusance and his homeowners will be for the entire house including the underneath closed in section. Wally Burbage told us today about a homeowner on James Island whose flood insurance premium is $8800 ---- WOW!! This could certainly keep a prospective buyer from purchasing the home. Some folks think that they can just "not insure" the bottom level. You need to know that this is not true.
Who were the babies on yesterday's blog? Hope Rogers (daughter of Tim) and Tristan Hildreth (son of Heidi). Tristan had a little blue on his outfit.
Until tomorrow ------
Liz Loadholt
Monday, August 25, 2008
Another Day in the Real Estate Office
Hope your weekend was terrific and profitable. Over the weekend, we had 2 birthdays --
Ken Kurtz and Kathlelen Emry --- Happy belated Birthday to Ken and Kathleen!
http://www.sccounties.org/links/countyonlineservices.htm --- thank you, Susan.
Good information: Susan Bryant wrote:"http://www.partselect.com/Oven-Parts.htm The site listed above is a great source for replacement oven parts. While I know that may not sound like a big deal in the world of real estate, it's amazing how difficult it can be to find replacement grills, burners, knobs, racks and so forth to get ovens in good shape for rentals, listings, and closings. I just call the 800 number and one of the technicians helps me right away. The parts are inexpensive and arrive in just a few days, plus no gas required."
Closings: Manning Office: Daisy Simpson (BC with Residential Mtg and our attorney--Yeah!!!)
Manning: Belinda Jordan - 18
Please, I am begging you!!!!!!!!
Until later ---------------
Liz
Friday, August 22, 2008
Another Day in the Real Estate Office
Red, White & Blue Day in honor of our troops ---- I thought after my video last week, everyone would have worn red, white & blue today, but I was wrong. Those in office in red, white & blue ---Becky Hayward, Linda Vincent, Stokes Gramling, Liz Loadholt, Billie Jo, Greaton Sellers(after I reminded him)
Those in office without red, white & blue --- Cathy Cottle, Neil Schneider, Stan Huff, Summer Eubanks, Deborah Lawrence, Tim Rogers, Currie McCullough, Susan Bryant
Remember every Friday is Red, White and Blue day in honor of our troops.
Insurance Information: Anthony has signed up 6 AgentOwned agents in the new health insurance group --- remember that you can sign up in the group, but if there is someone in the group who is over 65 (heavens forbid!), it won't count against you. Anthony writes: " I just wanted to give you an update on the progress of obtaining some health coverage for agents. I feel we have been very successful to this point. I have placed several policies that would have either had riders or no drug cards. These were issued as standard which means the cards were granted and the plans had no riders. "
If you are interested in health insurance, please contact Anthony Fargnoli at (843) 224-6972 (cell).
Good Information: There is a company (Uncle Mikes) that will measure and draw any house in the tri-county area for $30. More detailed reports cost a little more. What a great tool to have if you don't like to measure the house yourself ---- Mike is a retired apprentice appraiser. His # is 843-270-4255 and his email address: Uncle.Mikes@comcast.net -- Thanks to Susie Schumm for this information.
Closings: Kay Kennerty (used Rob Donaldson - Yeah!!), Susan Aviles and Nicole Momat - Johnnie Doddds
Listings: Ernie DeCarli --- Johnnie Dodds
Come on guys & girls ---- you need listings --- remember that if you have a listing, you have a chance of making some money today!!!
LS: Deborah Lawrence - Johnnie Dodds
BC: Deborah Lawrence - using Residential Mtg. and Rob Donaldson, our attorney -YEAH!!
Natalie Roberts - Sumter office - using Curtis & Croft, our attorney --- YEAh!!
Kathy Farley - Sumter office
Have a wonderful and profitable weekend!
Until later ----
Liz Loadholt
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Another Day in the Real Estate Office
from the Manning office --- Angie Jordan, Alfred Kelley, Celina Gleason, Joette Wielicki, Peggy Haley & Carol Jo Horne --- thanks, guys!!!!
from Charleston Services Group ---- Boyd Loadholt, Claude Loadholt & Liz Loadholt
from Sumter office ----- Kirk & Stephanie McLeod, Kim Peasley-Parker, Kathy Farley, Natalie Roberts, Sylvia McCabe and Holly Racer
plus a ton of Sumter bankers, attorneys, real estate agents from other companies.
Congratulations to Kirk, Stephanie, Holly, Kim, Kathy, Natalie and Sylvia for a first class event!
New Agents to AgentOwned:
Also joining the Sumter office recently: Natalie Roberts and Syvlia McCabe. Welcome!!!!
Also joining the Johnnie Dodds office: Summer Eubanks (from Keller Williams) sponsored by Jim & Maria Hart and Brianna Hardon (new to the business) Welcome!!!!
In the office today: Brandon Call, Jason Ogden, Thomas Horvath, Neil Schneider, Ashley Melton, Stephanie Wilson-Hartzog, Don Davidson, Jim Hart, Phil Thompkins, Susan Aviles, Currie McCullough, Stan Huff, Ernie DeCarli, Joe Eddleman, Lennie Woods, Scott Ferguson, Sandy Nettles, Greaton Sellers & Michael Whitfield. Also June Kemmerlin came in with her walker -- for those who did not know, June had knee replacement a couple of weeks ago --- she is doing great, but says she still have a lot of pain. And Tim Rogers, the new Dad, came in today ---his daughter is 3 days old and he is beaming!!
Closings: Marilyn Durkee (used Rob Donaldson --Yeah!!!!)
Listings: Sumter: Sylvia McCabe
Manning/Santee: None
Johnnie Dodds/IOP:Deborah Lawrence- 2,Thomas Horvath-1,Currie McCullough- 1
LS: Manning/Santee: Linda Lesemann
Monday, August 18, 2008
Another Day in the Real Estate Office
Wow ---- Monday morning --- Hope everyone had a great and profitable weekend!
Yeah!!!!!!!!!!! Janet Harris had a great walk-in at the IOP office on Friday.
Yeah!!!!!!!!! Susan Bryant got 2 very good offers on 2 different listings over the weekend and guess what? She was in NY having fun with friends. What have I been telling you about having listings? If you have listings, you have a chance of making money today --- even if you are out of town.
In the Johnnie Dodds office today: Ken Kurtz (back from his trip), Susie Schumm, Tyler Bergin, Thomas Horvath, Amee Baker, Joe Eddleman, Stan Huff, Jason Ogden , and Sandy Nettles.
Closings today: Jim Hart (BC , but not attorney), Melinda Mitchell (LS), Linda Howard (BC, but no attorney)
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
In the Johnnie Dodds office today ---- Currie McCullough, Amee Baker, Ashley Melton, Stephanie Wilson-Hartzog, Thomas Horvath, Stan Huff, Jason Ogden, Deanne Chavous, Sandy Nettles, Ken Kurtz
Potential Law Suit? Please be careful. Did you read about the agent who had buyers for a listing and the buyers backed out because it was determined that the house had black mold. The listing agent was made aware of the black mold. This agent sold the house again "as is" and did not disclose that the house had black mold. Please when a client of yours buys a house "as is", they should always have the contract subject to a home inspection --- the buyer needs to know what they are buying "as is" and remember once you have knowledge of a problem, you must disclose it even if your seller tells you not to.
Are you aware that an illegal immigrant can buy a home? We have checked with attorneys and yes, they can buy. It will just be extremely difficult for them to get financing --- however, if your seller is willing to finance, this may be an option.
Closings: Neil Schneider
BC Sales: Kay Kennerty (using Rob Donaldson - Yeah, KK), Chris Borders (not our attorney),
LS: --- Art Cope (JD) , Jennifer Nipper (JD), Kim Ohlund (IOP)
Manning/Santee office had a LS listed, but no other infor,
Listings: Johnnie Dodds/IOP:
Thomas Horvath, Harold Hutzler, Neil Schneider, Susan Aviles, Lane Baker, Deborah Lawrence, Deepa Patel
Manning/Santee --- none listed
Sumter ---- none listed
Until Later....................
Liz Loadholt
Friday, August 15, 2008
Another Day in the Real Estate Office
Happy Birthday to Max ----- today Max turns 81 --- isn't he just remarkable?
Good to Know
Melinda Mitchell writes: "I have clients in Dunes West who tell me they received a letter this week telling them the pending litigation with the city/possible special assessment to POA over the substandard road that has been going on for years was just settled at no cost to the property owners. John Wieland paid the settlement. I also did not realize that owners, even inside the gates, have to join the Club at Dunes West to use the amenities, such as pools and tennis (which are not owned by the POA). I am sure agents who do a lot of work in that neighborhood know all this, but some (like me) may not."
Great News!!!!! Chris Borders was in the office today with fantastic news!! Chris has a ratified contract, 3 listings, and 3 buyer agreements with new clients. This certainly sounds like things are turning around ----- Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kim Peasley-Parker sent me this article --- it is fabulous ----
The Law of the Garbage Truck™Copyright 2007 David J. Pollay
How often do you let other people’s nonsense change your mood? Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive employee ruin your day? Unless you’re the Terminator, you’re probably set back on your heels. However, the mark of your success is how quickly you can refocus on what’s important in your life.
Sixteen years ago I learned this lesson. And I learned it in the back of a New York City taxi cab. Here’s what happened. I hopped in a taxi, and we took off for Grand Central Station. We were driving in the right lane when all of a sudden, a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, the car skidded, the tires squealed, and at the very last moment our car stopped just one inch from the other car’s back-end.
I couldn’t believe it. But then I couldn’t believe what happened next. The driver of the other car, the guy who almost caused a big accident, whipped his head around and he started yelling bad words at us. How do I know? Ask any New Yorker, some words in New York come with a special face. And he even threw in a one finger salute! I couldn’t believe it!
But then here’s what really blew me away. My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was friendly. So, I said, “Why did you just do that!? This guy could have killed us!” And this is when my taxi driver told me what I now call, “The Law of the Garbage Truck™.” He said:
"Many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they look for a place to dump it. And if you let them, they’ll dump it on you.
So when someone wants to dump on you, don’t take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Believe me. You’ll be happier."
So I started thinking, how often do I let Garbage Trucks run right over me? And how often do I take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the street? It was then that I said, “I don’t want their garbage and I’m not going to spread it anymore.” I began to see Garbage Trucks. Like in the movie “The Sixth Sense,” the little boy said, “I see Dead People.” Well now “I see Garbage Trucks.” I see the load they’re carrying. I see them coming to dump it. And like my taxi driver, I don’t take it personally; I just smile, wave, wish them well, and I move on.
One of my favorite football players of all time was Walter Payton. Every day on the football field, after being tackled, he would jump up as quickly as he hit the ground. He never dwelled on a hit. Payton was ready to make the next play his best. Over the years the best players from around the world in every sport have played this way: Tiger Woods, Nadia Comaneci, Muhammad Ali, Bjorn Borg, Chris Evert, Michael Jordan, Jackie Robinson, and Pele are just some of those players. And the most inspiring leaders have lived this way: Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa, Gandhi, and Martin Luther King.
See, Roy Baumeister, a psychology researcher from the University of Florida, found in his extensive research that you remember bad things more often than good things in your life. You store the bad memories more easily, and you recall them more frequently. So the odds are against you when a Garbage Truck comes your way. But when you follow The Law of the Garbage Truck™, you take back control of your life. You make room for the good by letting go of the bad. The best leaders know that they have to be ready for their next meeting. The best sales people know that they have to be ready for their next client. And the best parents know that they have to be ready to welcome their children home from school with hugs and kisses, no matter how many garbage trucks they might have faced that day.
All of us know that we have to be fully present, and at our best for the people we care about. The bottom line is that successful people do not let Garbage Trucks take over their life. What about you? What would happen in your life, starting today, if you let more garbage trucks pass you by? Here’s my bet: You’ll be happier.
David J. Pollay is the author of “Beware of Garbage Trucks!™ - The Law of the Garbage Truck™. Visit http://www.bewareofgarbagetrucks.com/ to join the No Garbage Trucks! Revolution. His book, The Law of the Garbage Truck™, is due out this summer. Mr. Pollay is a syndicated columnist with North Star Writers Group, creator and host of “The Happiness Answer™” television program, an internationally sought after speaker and seminar leader, and the founder and president of TheMomentumProject.com
Sales today:
Johnnie Dodds/IOP: Jason Ogdon, Stan Huff , Thomas Horvath and Chris Borders --- no in house attorneys --- what's up, guys?
Manning office: Linda Lesemann
Sumter office: None today
Listings today:
Johnnie Dodds/IOP: Deepa Patel, Stephanie Wilson-Hartzog and Melinda Mitchell
Manning/Santee: None today
Sumter office: None today
Working in the office today: Ute Appleby, Thomas Horvath, Stan Huff, Tom Nelson, Joe Eddleman, Clara Hahn, Susie Schumm, Deepa Patel, Tim Rogers, Thea Riley,
Wearing the Red, White, and Blue to honor our service men:
Ed Ball, Stan Huff, Linda Vincent, Kimberly Bessinger, Becky Hayward ---these are the only folks I saw with red, white and blue. Maybe next Friday will be better.
Please click on the video below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLjvWARJbgM
Until next week------------
Liz Loadholt
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Another Day in the Real Estate Office
Yeah!!!!!!!!!! Susie Schumm got a call on floor duty, went out and 2 hours later had written a contract!!! Makes up for all those floor times that she sat here without getting a lead. One never knows when "the big one" is going to happen.
For the Manning/Santee/Sumter agents, Kevin Breeland has agreed to make the same presentation on the New Tax Law at the office meeting tomorrow at the Manning office.
Important information:
Closings today:
Unfortunately, no BC sales, no LS and no listings turned in today.

Becky Hayward --- doesn't she look skinny? Bill Knight looks really skinny, also!
And Carol Jo Horne is so skinny, you can't even see her at all!!!!!!!!!
These guys definitely need your help ---- don't forget about refinances as well as purchases.
Until later -----------
Liz Loadholt
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Another Day in the Real Estate Office
Happy Birthday to Stokes and to Marshall Deutsch ----
I didn't see that many agents in the office today ---- Joe Eddleman, Jason Ogden, Stan Huff, Deanne Chavous, Lane Baker, Thomas Horvath, Betty Pigott, Greaton Sellers and Brandon Call.
Today, we had 6 listings turned in ---
Johnnie Dodds/IOP
Danne Chavous -- 4
Sandy Nettles -- 1
Sumter Office
Kathy Farley --- 1
Thought you may like to see "Nellie"

Don't forget focus group -- tomorrow --- Learn about the new tax law for first time homeowners.
Until tomorrow -----
Liz Loadholt
Monday, August 11, 2008
Another Day in the Real Estate Office
Well, if you will note at the bottom of this blog, I finally figured out how to blog from my blackberry while I was in Atlanta. Am not sure I could do it again, though.
Happy Birthday Elaine Buckholtz today ---- 29 years and holding.
Saturday was Mandy Pittard's Birthday --- hope it was awesome!
Tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 12 is Stokes' Birthday ----- Happy Birthday to Stokes, our awesome IT guy!!!
Kevin Sanders wrote: "I picked up my flyers for Jeff and Caroline Fitzgerald’s home in South Windermere this morning and sent an e-mail to Billie Jo and Maylee thanking them for the wonderful job they do with our Marketing Department. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate their talents and efforts for our company. " Way to go, Billie Jo and Maylee
John Beckroge writes: "Liz: I took the Statistics class this AM, at ctar, Mary Hess was the instructor, she is awesome. I recommend it to anyone who cant figure out the new system of getting the numbers. Its a free class." Thanks, John for the heads up.
Yana Mathis of the Manning office attended a seminar on the Short Sale and has some good information for us. She writes: "I attended the "Lunch and Learn" on Short Sales in Columbia on Tuesday sponsored by SCAR. It was wonderful. For $45 you got lunch and an opportunity to pick 2 guys brains that knew the behind the scenes info. You might pass on that the most important thing I learned from the former "loss mitigator" who handled about 240 short sales at any given time was, he honestly told us that he had NEVER returned one phone call to an agent. He said he simply didn't have time. He said we're wasting our time calling and waiting on return calls and that email was the only way he would respond.
Friday, August 8, 2008
A Day in Atlanta
Boyd and I are the plant show in Atlanta ---the show is so much smaller this year --- another sign of the times
Until later ------
Liz Loadholt
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Another Day in the Real Estate Office
Happy Anniversary to Boyd & me ---- 45 years today !!!!!!
Focus Group today ---
Topic was Jumbo Loans --- Becky Hayward and Ginny North, GMAC Mortgage, lead the discussion. Attending were: Bill Knight, Clara Hahn, JoAnn Leigh, Edy Mimms, Kathleen Emery, Delores Johnson and Susie Schumm.
Below are some points from the discussion:
- need a minimum of 660 credit score to get a jumbo
- jumbo means anything over $417,000
- jumbo also referred to as non-conforming
- no investor non-conforming loans
- can get primary residence and 2nd homes on non-conforming
- if obtaining non-conforming loan for 2nd home, must stay in the home 10 days a year
- non-conforming loan -- with a 660 credit score, can go up to 2,000,000 but have to put down 35%
- non-conforming -- example: $650,000 loan with 660 score, must put down 20% -- $650,000 loan with 680 score and put just 10% down.
- stated loans are still available
- stated loans -- new law says that borrower must be able to prove the income that he/she stated.
- stated loans -- need a minimum of 680 credit score
- stated loans --- no investor loans
- stated loans --- for primary and 2nd homes
- on another note --- most lenders now are saying they don't want more than 4 loans with same borrower
- on another note --- If investor loan, the borrower must qualify for both house payments -- his primary and his investment house --- will not allow rental income to be used for qualifying.
For those who missed the session, you really missed a good one!!! Thanks to Becky for setting it up.
Birthday Party for Ed today was awesome --- it was so great to see so many of you. Stan was the chef --- outstanding job!!!!
Yes, we really did put 80 candles on the cake --- Ed got them all blown out rather quickly, but not quick enough to prevent the fire alarm from going off.
The food was outstanding --- many agents brought food -- thanks to Boyd for supplying the basics of hamburger and buns. This party today was probably one of the best we have had and it did not cost your company a dime!!!
Those in attendance were: Ed Ball, Rhonda Cromwell (bookkeeper), Ashley Melton, Stephanie Wilson-Hartzog, Betty Pigott, Delores Johnson, Susie Schumm, Melanie Wennersten (Title lady), Dana Belger (bookkeeper), Mandy Pittard (comptroller), Scott Ferguson, Ken Kurtz, Roe Gabriel, Thomas Horvath, Marilyn Durkee, Neil Schneider, Susan Bryant, Tyler Bergin, Chris Borders, Michael Whitfield, Greaton Sellers, Holly Knight, Sandy Nettles, Joe Eddleman, Jason Ogden, Lane Baker, Deane Chavous, John Kennington, JoAnn Leigh, Elaine Buckholtz, Ute Appleby,Kevin Sanders, Katherine Reynolds (yes, our Katherine came by), Keating Simmons and Claude Loadholt from the West Ashley office, Kim Huff (Stan's wife), Brady Huff (Stan's sone), Bill Knight, Billie Jo VanDusen, Linda Vincent, Jenny Welch, Maylee Suffel, and Kimberly Bessinger.
Special thanks go to Linda, Jenny, Kimberly, Bill & Stan who really put the celebration together and set it up today.
Boyd & I will be out of town Aug. 7 & 8th --- Stan Huff will be in charge of the office.
You probably won't have the blog updated until Monday unless I figure out how to do it on my blackberry.
Until later------
Liz Loadholt
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Another Day in the Real Estate Office
The big news today is the new Tax Law ---- Mandy, our comptroller, did a detailed study of the Tax Credit section----I will share with you the information that Mandy shared with me. It is most important that you understand what is happening with this. It is much bigger that I originally thought.
Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008:
Highlights ---------
New Tax Credit for First Time Homebuyer
Qualifying home purchases in the U.S. after 04/08/08 and before 07/01/09 -- This act gives eligible first time homebuyers a refundable tax credit equal to the lesser of 10% of the purchase price of a principal resident up to $7,500 ($3,750 for married filing separately).
First-time homebuyer --- definition
Qualifies if he (or spouse, if married) had no present ownership interest in a principal residence during the 3 year period before the purchase of the home to which the credit applies. Unmarried persons buying a home together can qualify.
Qualifying Home Purchase:
-- any home purchase used as a principal residence (presumably to include coops and condos)
-- contracts written before April 8 qualify as long as closing takes place after April 8
-- a home under construction is treated as purchased on date buyer first occupies. This date must fall between the eligible dates
-- if purchase is made between Jan. 1, 2009 and July 1, 2009, buyer can accelerate the credit and take it in 2008.
-- cannot be acquired from related party
-- cannot be acquired as a decedent
Recapture Rule:
Credit is recaptured ratably over fifteen years, with no interest, beginning 2nd tax year after the tax year in which the home is purchased. Recaptured as additional income tax of 6.2/3% of the credit. ($500 per year on a $7500 tax credit) Again, no interest.
Please read over the above infor and be sure you understand it ---- then use it --- do mail outs, put ads out, put on flier for your listings ----- this can be really big ---- can jump start the economy.
Another big change ----
Reduced Homesale Exclusion for Nonqualified Use Periods
The 2 year primary home ownership has changed --- New law applies to people who did not use their qualifying residence as a principal residence for all of the previous 5 years of ownership. $250,000/$500,000 exclusion is prorated based on time of qualified use.
You should always recommend to the buyer to consult their tax professional to verify how the rebate affects their tax position before buying -- there may some circumstance where they may not qualify. Do Not Put Yourself Out to be A Tax Advisor.
Kim Peasley-Parker from our Sumter office writes: " Liz, With it being so close to the end of the year, I was thinking about talking to my sellers and asking if they would like to market their property as not only offering closing cost (yeah so is everyone else), but also offering to pay 2008 property taxes complete for the buyers. Since we are so close to the end of the year, it wouldn't be that much more for the sellers, but it might be something to entice a buyer. Do you think this would be a possible incentive? Also could it just be included on the HUD 1 at closing. " I responded to Kim that I thought it was a great idea and she may also want to talk with them about the seller 2nd mortgage and/or temporary 2-1 Buy Downs.
In the office today at Johnnie Dodds --Joe Eddleman, Stan Huff, Lane Baker, Amee Baker, Ed Ball, Susan Bryant (gave me tips on how to stop Nellie from biting - thanks, Susan), Michael Whitfield, Tim Rogers
IOP Office -- yesterday, I was at the IOP office and saw JoAnn Leigh and John Beall (John got a sign call while I was there --- thank goodness, at least some business going on). Today, I understand from Linda that the IOP office was buzzing ---John Beall, John Kennington, JoAnn Leigh, Melinca Mitchell, Jim Raih, Debra Duffy, Kathleen Emery and Bambi Magraw were all in there at the same time.
June came thru knee replacement fine --- actually she called the office herself --- she spoke with Kim and Kim said she was not very coherent --- understandable.
Big News: We are in process of having your listings appear on 13 or 14 different sites --- such as, Google, Yahoo, Trulia, Zillow.com, AOL Real Estate, Homescape, MyRealty.com, hotpads, com, Vast, CLR Search.com, cyberhomes, FrontDoor, oodle, Propbot in addition to CTAR, Naviga, and Realtor.com
Yeah!!! Susan Aviles, Kim Beall and Deepa Patel had closings
Yeah!!! Marilyn Durkee turned in a sale with Rob Donaldson as closing attorney ---- Fantastic!! -- great work, Marilyn.
Yeah!!! Lennie Woods has a listing sold.
Don't forget Focus Group tomorrow am on Jumbo Loans ---- and Ed Ball's birthday lunch.
Until later----------
Liz Loadholt
Monday, August 4, 2008
Another Day in the Real Estate Office
Happy Birthday to Sergio Fedelini!!!
Welcome home, Mike Terry. We are delighted that you are back in the family.
Hope all had a great weekend. For those who do not know, I gave Boyd a Chocolate Lab for Father's Day and as part of his gift is that I would take care of her. WOW!!! I don't think I knew what I was in for ------ She is adorable and I have had fun "training" her. She was 7 weeks old when we got her and now she is 14 weeks old --- she comes when I call her, she will sit on command and shake hands on command. Only thing I have not been successful with is getting her not to bite. Oh, her name is "Nellie".
June is to have knee replacement tomorrow ----- keep her in your prayers.
Yeah!!!!!!! Becky Hayward got a loan application from Joe Eddleman today. Thanks, Joe.
Not much news today ---- A property mgm't issue -- tenant says that agent did walk thru and said all was good. Then, tenant received a letter saying that the house had to be cleaned, etc and he would not be getting all of his security back. Well, as you may imagine, the agent did not tell the tenant that all was fine. Rather, the agent told him that the carpets would have to be cleaned -- she gave him the opportunity to clean the house. When agent went to the home after it was vacated, there were dirty diapers in the laundry room, bad stains on carpets and vinyl and a really bad stain in the bathroom at the bottom of the toilet. When agent had contractor look at the toiler, it was discovered that it had been leaking for sometime. Even though, the tenant is not responsible for this type of repair, the tenanat is responsible for notifying agent of such problems. Of course, now the tenant is screaming and demanding his security deposit back.. The only way that this could have been resolved somewhat would have been if agent had gotten tenant to sign a final walk thru..Now, we will probably end up in small claims court.
In the office today --- Neil Schneider, Tyler Bergin, Deborah Lawrence, Amee Baker, Susan Bryant, June Kemmerlin, Ken Kurtz, Stan Huff, Jason Ogden, Joe Eddleman, Thomas Horvath, Melinda Mitchell, Susie Schumm, Scott Ferguson & Ed Ball.
Joe Eddleman and Neil Schneider, as usual, commanding the attention of the virtual area. Susie Schumm, Thomas Horvath and Scott Ferguson was learning from the two of them???????????
Don't forget to RSVP to Linda Vincent if you can attend Ed's 80th Birthday Party on Wed., 8/6/08 ---we need to have some idea of how much food to get.
Until tomorrow -------------------
Liz Loadholt
Friday, August 1, 2008
A day in the real estate office
Can you believe that it is already August of 2008? Where does the time go?
Happy Birthday to Julie Johnson
Please everyone remember that we desparately need title insurance to pay expenses. Please make every effort to get your buyer to use one of our attorneys.
Congratulations to Susan Bryant---- earned the $50 reward for setting up a recruit appointment --- today, I met with Joan Weldon, an experienced agent from Atlanta, who has moved here. She is terrific --- hopefully she will come with us --- she has to take the state portion of the exam.
Re: Liza's idea of owner held 2nd mortgage to sell a listing, Kevin Breeland, Manager of Residential Mortgage of SC, wrote:
"Liza's idea on the full price offer and seller carryback is a good one but something that needs to be kept in mind. All lenders have Loan to Value limits and Combined Loan to Value Limits. This is whether it is a conforming or non-conforming(Jumbo) loan and they are almost exactly the same with every investor. What that means is the combined loan to value of 95% may not be allowed at that total loan amount.....so it is very important the Becky or Bill get the opportunity to check that while we are qualifying the customer etc...... We also have the ablility to do First and Seconds so the Seller may not need to carryback a second."
I agree with Kevin that one needs to be careful in advertising this --- you need to check with our in house loan officers, Bill Knight or Becky Hayward, to be sure that there will be a source for the buyer to obtain a loan with the seller holding a 2nd.
Liza's idea is that this way, the seller can get full price for their property. If they obtain a 2nd elsewhere, the seller will still probably have to come off of the price of the home in order to sell.
Obviously, this won't work for all of your listings, but maybe the answer for some.
Re:Liza's idea of owner holding a 2nd,
Susan Klavohn Bryant writes:
"There is an agent I know well who had a situation where the seller was willing to take back a second mortgage for 20% of the purchase price, but the lender still required the buyer to come up with 10% of the buyer's own money for the downpayment. Of course every case is probably different, but things are changing so quickly regarding lending requirements I'm not really sure what to tell buyers and sellers these days." You really need to talk with Bill and Becky on a regualr basis to be sure that your seller 2nd will work.
RE: closing of Betty Pigott (handled by Deepa Patel) and Rob Concannon did happen. Yeah!!!!!!!!! Deepa and Rob did a great job handling the difficult situation.
Re: Eric Vaughn and Susie Garvin closing that I spoke of a couple of days ago acutally did close and no one had to buy a new chandelier --- the buyer decided that it did not look so bad after all. Eric had the buyer and did an excellent job of handling him. Eric said he had only shown this guy houses for 1.5 years --- Congratulations Eric. Susie got paid because she had a listing and did an outstanding job.
Re: Lennie Woods' closing that was falling apart at First Federal. Lennie wrote that the buyer had found a relative who is giving him a gift of 5% so that they could go ahead and close at First Federal. Yeah!!!!!!!! Remember guys that Residential Mortgage of SC can do a 95% loan to values and 90% also....depending on the sales price the property and borrower may possibly be able to do FHA... Becky Hayward & Bill Knight are here to assist your buyers.
Shaun Richburg, Manning agent, has a situation where a Buyer's agent from Charleston sold one of his listings. Then, after due diligence, the buyer decided not to proceed. The buyer wants his earnest money back --- unfortunately, the seller will not sign the release for buyer to get earnest money of $5,000. The buyer's agent has been extremely rude and ugly --- there is no reason for such behavior among real estate professionals. The buyer's agent actually called me and told me that "you are the broker-in-charge, so you need to take charge and run your office and make your agent get the seller to sign giving the buyer the money" --- now, can you guess my reaction to such demands? Yes, you are right --- she pushed my button and I ended up hanging up on her. You know that I don't like other agents calling my agents names or accusing my agents of not handling thier business. I will back my agents --- of course, unless you are wrong and then I will be the one to tell you that (in a nice way). Of course, what has to be done in this situation is that either the buyer or seller should go to small claims court.
Alert: Eileen West writes regarding Park West has 3 regime fees:
"Hi Liz, It has come to my attention that the Park West regime fee(s) have been increased considerably since they bought their house. It was a surprise to me that there are 3 regimes (at least) in the Park West community. The highest cost regime is for the common pool and tennis courts on the main drive, then the individual communities and then another for the common areas. Recently, a letter went out about using ID's and guess passes at the pool--limiting guests to 10 per season---------- Just wanted you to know that I was un aware of the different regimes and how they worked within Park West Subdivision. Other agents might want to avoid giving only one set of "covenants and restrictions". I looked on line at other listings.........and the regimes listed are all different. The new townhomes have a high monthly regime $378 (I think) and it "says" no yearly regime.......I don't think so.......! So agent beware.........there are hidden agendas (regimes) everywhere." Eileen
Thanks Eileen for the update ---- I'm sure there are agents who did not know this.
Yesterday, Joette Wielicki of the Manning office, called and asked me about the new law that has just been passed. For Joette and everyone else, here is the
Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/financialsvcs_dem/hr3221_bill_text.pdf
In the office today at Johnnie Dodds: Neil Schneider (barefoot and in shorts), Eric Elkin (brought watermellon for everyone - thanks Eric), Thomas Horvath, Currie McCullough ( who just got a full price offer on her listing), Lane Baker, Joe Eddleman, Kay Kennerty (KK had a tough decision to make- whether to go to Martha's Vineyard for the weekend as planned or stay here for 2 clients who have decided to surface -- each of these clients could mean $25 - $30,000 to KK--guess what she decided? You are correct - she cancelled her trip), Tim Rogers (who was asking why he is not getting $100 credits on his ledger for his mentees ---- remember, you only get the credits once the mentee actually pays his or her desk fee - this began July 1, 2008), Eric Vaughn and Susie Garvin who were turning in a closing, Ed Ball who turns 80 on 8/8/08 --- remember his birthday party next Wednesday --, Susan Bryant, Sandy Nettles, Jim Raih (in his bright yellow/green shirt), Aimee Baker, & Clara Hahn.
Our Sumter office is growing and is doing really well. Kim Peasley-Parker and Kathy Farley are tearing it up ---- Keep up the good work!!!!!!
Yeah!!!!! Eric Vaughn, Susie Garvin, Susan Aviles, and Deepa Patel has closings today.
Yeah!!!!! Joe Eddleman turned in a contract today.
Remember, we need Title Insurance to pay bills ---- profits from mortgage, home warranty and Allstate are awesome, but we don't get that money monthly --- title, we do.
Have a great weekend!!!!!!!
Liz Loadholt
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