Author Archives: JoannaGWilliams

Social Media Miranda

01 Thursday May 2014

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Oh yes I did:

SOCIAL MEDIA MIRANDA

  • You have the right to remain silent. PERIOD.
  • Anything you post can and will be used against you in a court of your friends. 
  • You have the right to think twice before posting to the public and to have friends in your corner during questioning now or in the future.
  • If you only have Facebook/Twitter friends and have no real friends, your defense of yourself will be null and void.
  • If you decide to answer any questions now, without your previous posts or friends present, you will be endlessly ridiculed for your un-tech-savviness.
  • Knowing and understanding your rights as I have explained them to you, are you willing to continue posting your mindless dribble?

What’s YOUR relocation strategy?

01 Thursday May 2014

Posted by in Home Buyer Advice, Home Seller Advice, Liberty, MO, Moving

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I’m sitting here tonight while guitars are being played in my basement. I love music. I love creativity. And, I think, I should write something. My business world is more than crazy right now, my personal life borders on insanity. The two mix more often than you can even imagine. Don’t get me wrong. I totally thrive this time of year. I add so many things into my day I can’t keep them straight. But, my writing in the spring will be sporadic. If you’re counting on a weekly posting, you’ll be  disappointed. You can, however, count on me to be here. Ask questions, respond, make fun of me….I’m here. I’m everywhere. It’s spring. I’m omnipresent. Yeah, look that one up. 🙂

Alright, so I’ve said the subject line several times in the past few weeks. Why? Well, honestly, properties are selling faster than we can warn the sellers about. We always want to err on the side of caution and state that we think we’ve priced the property we’re selling reasonably within the market. Two days later, we’re changing the status in the MLS to ‘pending’. Sellers are looking at us with these huge, scared eyes saying, “where am I going to live?”. Really, I don’t know, you asked me to sell your house. I’ve done it. Now what?

It used to be we could casually ask the question about where the sellers wanted to live next over the course of a few conversations. Lately, however, we have to ask it in the beginning of our conversations. Is it a scary topic? Sure. But it’s honest. One thing the agents in my office, the company, pride themselves on is being honest. And honestly, seller, I’m concerned about your relocation strategy. What? You haven’t thought about it? Most people will laugh and think it’s funny that we have to talk about a ‘relocation strategy’ during our first discussion about listing a home for sale. Do you know WHY we need to know that? Some buyers out there have been looking forever and they’ve run out of time to find that perfect property. Those buyers need to move in within 22 days. They’re ready, are you? You see, I’m not going to judge you by your answer, but it will help set the stage for how your property can be sold. Do I need to tell that co-op agent you need 45 days to move? Or can we go ahead and negotiate the sale of your home tonight?

The question really is: Are you comfortable with being uncomfortable with your living situation for a few weeks in order camping with bearto sell your home for the best price? or….  Are you more comfortable being comfortable with your living situation and waiting for that other buyer that doesn’t need to move quite so quickly?

No matter what. It’s up to you. YOU are the client and you’re in charge. Sell or wait? You tell me and we’ll work towards your goal. All I need to know is what your relocation strategy is and how we’re going to work around/with it.

Am I Religious?

04 Friday Apr 2014

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Last night, a new friend wanted me to go with her to the movie God’s Not Dead. Her husband, who I’ve known longer was concerned that I wouldn’t enjoy the movie because I’m not religious.

I’m not religious. This is how my friends see me.

It almost hurts. Almost.

As the daughter of a Baptist minister, I see myself as such a square. You see, in my mind, there are a lot of things I consider immoral, sinful, greedy, etc. I’d like to say these behaviors simply don’t exist with me, but I’ve never been perfect.

However, I was raised in the church and will forever believe in God. There hasn’t been a second that I’ve wanted to deny that, but I’m obviously not shouting it from the rooftops.

My father, and God, and my family have all been instrumental into making me a person that would rather counsel than punish. I’d rather lift up than tear down. I’m blessed with incredible discernment, like my dad. And I have a conscience that keeps me in mental check, ALL DAY LONG.

I have to say, I don’t normally go to church. I feel like my relationship with God is personal and sometimes churches can be fake and judgemental (yep).  However, I do need to be ‘reached’ every now and then with a message.

Yesterday, the message came in the form of a movie with a friend.  The reminder had perfect timing. God’s Not Dead. Evil is all around us in many forms. And I really enjoyed the message ‘sometimes sin/evil makes the sinners life very comfortable so they are tempted to stay on the dark side’. This is why you see successful aka: wealthy, people living these totally immoral, sinful lives. That one hit home.

So, here’s where we end the day. I don’t consider myself religious, though I can argue the topic for hours. But, I am a believer. I’ll continue to live my life the way I think is right, and you can go on living yours with no judgment from me. Vengeance is NOT mine.

Missouri vs. Kansas: Kansas City’s Identity Crisis

31 Monday Mar 2014

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My hubby and I went out with some friends this past weekend and spent the entire evening on the ‘Kansas side’. Since Kansas is about ten minutes from my house, you would think we would hang out there all the time. Let me correct that, spend our free time there. I’m in Kansas several days a month for work. However, we don’t spend our time there and much of it is because of this interesting border war that we’ve never gotten past. For instance, when a band comes to Kansas City for a show, they shout from the stage about how they are in Kansas. (We yell and correct them all the time.) Or when you’re on vacation and people assume you are from Kansas because you said Kansas City. (We end up really liking the people that actually ask-KS or MO) So, when we’re invited to something in Kansas, there’s a little bit of eye rolling or ‘clear out there?’ that goes along with it.


How or where did all of this start? Is it from the rival colleges? A little (M-I-Z vs Rock Chalk). Is it something more historical? You bet. Feel free to read all about Bloody Kansas and the pro/anti slavery days between 1854~1861. (Ah, that’s where FreeState Brewing Company got their name!)

Kansas-Missouri-mascots

I think for me, it’s a couple of things. Part of it is the pride I have in the cool stuff Kansas city, MO, has to offer that I feel gets overlooked at times or lumped in with Kansas getting the credit. I’ve always lived in and near this awesome city in MISSOURI and enjoy its culture and beauty.

When I cross the border on the west side, I land in some of the most affluent neighborhoods in our Kansas City regional area in the cities of Overland Park, Shawnee, Prairie Village, Fairway, etc. There is a difference in incomes and cost of living, creating a massive difference in lifestyle and average real estate sales prices. I’ve heard Kansas people make reference to Missouri people as if we are poor hicks. In reality, it’s simply an old stigma. There are plenty of affluent areas on the Missouri side, too! See the stigma has gone a long way in making us Missourians defensive. But really, we do the same thing. We stick our noses in the air when we refer to crossing the border and poke our share of fun at their cars and clothes.

But, you have to admit, this identity crisis is pretty hilarious, especially the fact that we all ignore the less affluent areas we both have right at the border.

However, to our visitors and migrants, we are a welcoming lot. Above all else, both sides of the border enjoy showing off the assets of the entire region and set our border war aside to do so.

Welcome to our identity crisis!

 

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Clay County, MO February Market Activity

19 Wednesday Mar 2014

Clay County, MO February Market Activity

We’re now seeing a steady increase in inventory. Hopefully, we will get this weather under control and be able to show and sell homes any day of the week. As of today’s post, activity has definitely increased, but buyers still need to jump quickly if they find a home they love. We can barely get them on the market before they’re sold. Mind you, I’m not complaining. 🙂
Here’s how last month’s stats stack up:

Clay/Ray Counties
Clay/Ray County sales were down for the month by 28.0% from 2013. Units were at 226 versus 314 last year. Year to date, unit sales are down 17.1%, with 509 units this year versus 614 last year. The average sales price for the month was up 12.8% from last year, with an average price of $158,296. Year to date, the average price is up 14.5%. The average price is $158,296, versus $139,919 last year. New listings were down 35 units to 403 or 8.0% from last year’s 438 units. Inventory is down 1.5% from last year and is running at 1,802 units. Inventory is up 103 units from last month.

Platte County
Platte County sales were down for the month by 8.7% from 2013. Units were at 115 versus 126 last year. Year to date, unit sales are down 6.0%, with 252 units this year versus 268 last year. The average sales price for the month was down 7.1% from last year, with an average price of $175,740. Year to date, the average price is up 11.4% from last year. The average price is $200,718 versus $180,138 last year. New listings in Platte County were down 13 units to 159, down 7.6% from last year’s 172 units. Inventory decreased 4.2% from last year and is running at 739 units. Inventory is down 1 unit from last month.

Heartland
Sales for the entire Heartland area were at 2,140, down for the month by 9.2%, or 217 units. The average price was up 2.8%, and averaging $167,496. Year to date, sales were down 8.4% or 395 units for a total of 4,292 for 2014. The average price for the year is running at $171,246, up 7.7% from 2013’s average of $159,014.

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Clay County Market Activity Update

24 Monday Feb 2014

Clay County Market Activity Update

Clay/Ray Counties
Clay/Ray County sales were down for the month by 19.0% from last year. Units were at 243 versus 300 last year. The average sales price was up 16.4% from last year, with an average price of $162,358. New listings were down 36 units to 434 or 7.7% from last year’s 470 units. Inventory is down 4.6% from last year and is running at 1,699 units.

Platte County
Platte County sales were down for the month by 14.1% from 2013. Units were at 122 versus 142 last year. The average sales price for the month was up 34.5% from last year, with an average price of $228,441. New listings in Platte County were down 17 units to 169, down 9.1% from last year’s 186 units. Inventory decreased 4.3% from last year and is running at 740 units.

Heartland
Sales for the entire Heartland area were at 2,204, down by 5.4%, or 127 units.
The average price was up 13.0%, and averaging $175,124.

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Activity Breeds Activity

30 Thursday Jan 2014

Posted by in Random Thoughts, Real Estate Career Advice

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Wow…I Hold On

This song resonated me on several levels this morning. I was on my way in, composing this blog post in my head while driving and it came across the speakers. What a passionate statement. I Hold On.

I was thinking about the practices of successful real estate agents and how activity breeds activity. For years, I’ve seen agents become more successful as they increase their activities. Now, I’m not just talking about the obvious door knocking, marketing, and cold calling activities. Personal activities count as well. As I watch them go on more vacations, join clubs, exercise, and continue their education, real estate business increases.

Activity breeds activity.

This career path can be as challenging as it is rewarding. But, as the years have passed and we’ve survived one of the worst real estate markets in history, I’ve seen them Hold On. They’ve held on to what they believe in, what they love, their freedom, their careers. When the successful didn’t have business, they increased their activities and Held On.

No matter the career path you’re on, if you’re looking to move forward and be successful, take my advice and increase your activity. You’ll get there. All you have to do is Hold On.

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Kansas City December Market Activity and Final 2013 Stats

20 Monday Jan 2014

Kansas City December Market Activity and Final 2013 Stats

I hate to sound like a broken record, but at least it’s a good song!
Sales were actually down over the holidays, which is always expected. They didn’t drop much, though, which is a sign of how well the housing market is actually doing. Home prices are rising and inventory is still low. My main piece of advice today is to get your house listed before everyone else does in the spring. You’ll have the advantage right now of little to no competition, if you’re looking to sell before summer. As always, let me know if I can answer any questions!

Clay/Ray Counties
Clay/Ray County sales were down for the month by 0.5% from 2012. Units were at 198 versus 199 last year. Year to date, unit sales are up 6.6%, with 4,139 units this year versus 3,884 last year. The average sales price for the month was up 4.2% from last year, with an average price of $156,742. Year to date, the average price is up 8.8%. The average price is $159,178, versus $146,322 last year. New listings were down 14 units to 279 or 4.8% from last year’s 293 units. Inventory is down 2.3% from last year and is running at 1,675 units. Inventory is down 127 units from last month.

Platte County
Platte County sales were down for the month by 42.3% from 2012. Units were at 60 versus 104 last year. Year to date, unit sales are up 1.9%, with 1,750 units this year versus 1,718 last year. The average sales price for the month was up 13.6% from last year, with an average price of $227,682. Year to date, the average price is up 6.9% from last year. The average price is $205,030 versus $191,889 last year. New listings in Platte County were down 17 units to 112 or 13.2% from the 129 units last year. Inventory decreased 3.3% from last year and is running at 738 units. Inventory is down 60 units from last month.

Heartland
Sales for the entire Heartland area were at 1,364, down for the month by 16.3%, or 266 units. The average price was up 7.4%, and averaging $190,179. Year to date, sales were up 6.4% or 1,864 units for a total of 31,204 for 2013. The average price for the year is running at $183,435, up 9.1% from 2012’s average of $168,208.

*Data obtained from Heartland MLS

Posted by | Filed under Home Buyer Advice, Home Seller Advice, Kansas City Market Stats, Liberty, MO

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Learning from the Newbies

15 Wednesday Jan 2014

Posted by in Liberty, Random Thoughts, Real Estate Career Advice

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I have to say, 2013 was a change year in my career as a real estate broker.

I’ve been coaching/training agents for about 10 of my last 13 years in real estate. It’s always fun to have new agents  in the office. They bring an energy and a different perspective to our world. Let’s face it, we all tend to get complacent in our activities after we become successful. This year, everyone in my office got the benefit (fun) of several new agents at once.

Personally, I’ve learned a lot from our newbies. I always tell agents that in order to be successful, one needs to wake up early with a plan for each day. Block time for marketing, coaching, learning and selling. However, most of the time I’ve found the need to push them to do so and continually energize them, with some of them leaving before they’ve ever seen any success from it. Then…in comes our new crop of agents with an entrepreneur mindset I’ve rarely had the pleasure of witnessing.

Let’s take, for instance, Patrick McDowell and Gina Galloway. These two steadily work on and in their business throughout the week….like they’re running a business. Just over and at a year in real estate, respectively, these two put together a very successful client appreciation party. What?! This is an afterthought for some seasoned agents, but these two took the idea and ran with it.

Gina Galloway and Patrick McDowell Customer Appreciation Party

Not only that, these two business-minded agents hold me accountable to holding them accountable to their goals. Sort of a, Joanna—please hold our feet to the fire, weekly pow-wow that I’ve started looking forward to.  Their customers enjoy their expert knowledge of the Northland and Liberty and their fun, energetic approach to marketing and service.

Then there’s husband and wife team, Don and Joy Engle. These two have

don and joy engle

shown our company that it’s possible to blow past sales goals, even as a newbie. Once again, that entrepreneur spirit shows through and is apparent in their customer service standards as well as their drive to succeed.

I’m so grateful to all the agents in my office this year for embracing every single one of our recruits and creating an unmatched synergy throughout. We saw great numbers this year with many goals met and surpassed. No longer is it acceptable to get a real estate license and just ‘see where it takes you’. You’ve got to take it, brand it, market it, mold it and build it into your successful business. From here on out, I will be looking for what I’ve seen in these new agents in every interview.

Congratulations to all of you for your 2013 successes and I’m certainly looking forward to 2014. Thank you for enhancing our office and showing me the only limit is the one we set on ourselves.

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Freezing Temps, Thawing Market

06 Monday Jan 2014

Freezing Temps, Thawing Market

I adore my crazy real estate friends. Right now, in Kansas City, it’s 3 degrees. Know what all my real estate friends are doing? Working. They’re showing properties, going through inspections and listing houses. IN THE BEGINNING OF JANUARY? You bet. Just look at this chart on the number of showings in the area. The heavy purple line is Clay County, and it’s moving up. Quickly. Looks like the holiday break is over and the barely frozen real estate market has thawed.
Now if only my car would warm up.

Posted by | Filed under Home Buyer Advice, Home Seller Advice, Kansas City Market Stats, Liberty, MO, Moving

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