June 21, 2007

Finding my voice…

When I discovered the Internet, it was manna. The years spent in newspaper, radio and television seemed to converge. Here on the web, the playing field is leveled. The fascination and knowledge I gained in the various media and learned to love was introduced to me again. This time on a silver platter.

And the doing of creating space is much like the cobbler with no shoes. It is easier to write a story, take pictures, and create a web for someone else. Doing for oneself is a challenge.

I have given podcasting a good bit of thought. I crossed out roles of cynic and forecaster. The idea of being an expert has little appeal because I know so much can change in the drop of a hat. And I am passionate about Charlotte. Fascinated by the whole workings of real estate. Energetic and intrigued by the condominium market. Curious about all the new construction. Where do I start and where do I place the Podcast?

In my usual way, I am going to be myself. Hungry for all that the Charlotte market offers. TheRealEstateLady.com seems like a logical place. And we’ll link from AtHomeCharlotte.com and CondoCanDo.com when need be.

I like the challenge and the adventure of trying new things, honing old skills. Come along, tune in, please. And ask questions. I am very accessible.

Lynnsy Logue, The Real Estate Lady®and Condo CanDo® from Charlotte, NC

June 20, 2007

Good Day.

This is Lynnsy Logue, The Real Estate Lady, signing on from Charlotte, North Carolina most recently touted as one of the re-silient  real estate markets and with good reason. Charlotte is a jewel. How do I know? Well, I've lived here for over fifty years and worked in the market for decades. Good things are happening here.

For example, we have good news and more good news. I have been working with a retiree who bought a ranch style townhome almost ten years ago. Key note there is almost. And we recently sold it. The inspections showed a crack in the foundation.
She knew the date she signed all of her closing papers and had her builder's warranty in hand.

I made the call to the warranty department for the builder and followed my call with an email so I would have written documentation.

A local builder, they wrote the work order immediately, scheduled a crew to inspect the work. The crew chief called me yesterday to say he was on site and if I wanted to come, they would be there at 2:30. They did a complete inspection, even pulled back the carpeting to see how far the crack might have gone, scheduled soil testing and another crew to begin the repair work.

I have worked with this company before and they are as good as their word. They do excellent follow-up and passing the buck is not  their style. How fabulous is this, a builder who stands behind their work even ten years later.

While Charlotte is growing and new people and companies come every day ... some are good and some are not so good. Today it's a good real estate news story.

Thanks for joining us. Lynnsy Logue, The Real Estate Lady, Charlotte. NC

Transition. We buy. We sell. We explore choices. Except when we feel we don't have the luxury of time.
Today I met a smart business woman at one of our listed properties. She had been driving around, looking for a place where she feels "at home". Even though she bought a brand new  vinyl clad home almost seventeen months ago just a few miles from this all brick  ranch home.
She explained how she came to buy her new home which in fact was almost the same size as the one we were walking through.
She had little time then as she shuttled from one state to another. Had one home on the market while this one was being finished. Landed a transfer and had a time limit. Did not shop for a loan or even another home. She was in a hurry. Feeling pressured.
We walked through the back yard, spacious and quiet with lots of trees. She looked carefully at the exterior construction. She looked under the decking and asked about drainage. She walked carefully through each room taking an inventory of size and light.

Now she had time. And I encouraged her to take the time to think about where she is and where she thinks she wants to be and why and, of course, the dollars.

Patience is often the most prized tool in our real estate business. Patience to wait for the right buyer, to find the right home and to consider all of your options well before taking any step.