One Size Does NOT Fit All When Selecting a REALTOR®

One of my family's favorite places to visit on a trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida is the Animation Building in Disney’s Hollywood Studios There is a spot after the animation tour where a couple dozen would-be illustrators can go for a half hour class with a Disney artist. The class gives step-by-step directions on how to draw a beloved Disney Character. It the past we have had the chance to draw Mickey , Goofy, Pluto, Stitch and even Jack Skellington and Scrooge McDuck. Thankfully, talent is not required and the only art on display is the actual instructors. At the end of the session, everyone leaves with a drawing that somewhat resembles the character that is up on the screen.

The best part of the day is when we compare our drawings Here are examples of my family’s drawings from when my sons were in grade school. Though all of our drawings look like Walt’s old pal, Mickey Mouse, none are identical to each other (and definitely NOT as expert as the one draw by the instructor!). Lesson learned? Everyone who can hold a pencil and follow simple instructions can draw Mickey Mouse, but it takes talent and experience to become a great Disney artist!

Now in real estate, there is a similar situation; anyone can take a real estate class but not all REALTORS® are exactly the same.

Though, REALTORS® do take the same required classes and tests to become agents and adhere to a very specific code of ethics, we are people not machines. As people, we are individuals with different life experiences and talents. Not every real estate agent does things exactly the same way. We all come into each experience with our own talents, abilities and backgrounds. Through education, we may become similar but not identical.

So what does working with a REALTOR® really mean to a buyer or seller?

REALTORS® do abide by a Code of Ethics. In my Minnesota real estate practice, I take these rules very seriously. It is considered the standard of practice that I work under as I truly believe it is the right way to do business. Although there are many details to the complete code of ethics, here are a few points I would like to highlight:

REALTORS® pledge to protect and promote the interests of their client.
REALTORS® do not mislead on property value.
REALTORS® must disclose material defects and facts on properties.
REALTORS® must not discriminate.
REALTORS® must disclose dual agency.
REALTORS® are required to be accountable for funds.
REALTORS® must disclose accepted offers.
REALTORS® are required to provide competent service.
REALTORS® are not lawyers and cannot offer legal advice.
REALTORS® preserve the confidential information of their clients.

When selecting a REALTOR® make sure that the person is on the same page with you and can draw up and present the contract in a professional manner. Take the time to research and select a professional REALTOR® that will be your partner and advocate. Work with a person you like and trust to help you understand the process and negotiate the best deal for you!

Copyright 2012 www.terieckholm.com

Speechless Sunday (Almost)--Jack Skelllington Reminder to Follow Directions!

In October 2009 on a family vacation to DisneyWorld, I had the opportunity to take a quick drawing class at the Animation exhibit in Disney's Hollywood Studios. My son and I were surprised and delighted to be given step-by-step instructions on how to draw the main character in the Tim Burton classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas. It was a unique opportunity because while the 30 minute drawing classes go on year round, they only give instructions on Jack Skellington a few times a year, just before Halloween.

The fun part about taking this class which is designed for all ages, is that everyone that follows the very simple directions, will leave with a drawing that resembles the instructors.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Copyright 2011www.terieckholm.com

REALTOR® Selection—One Size Does NOT Fit All!

The Animation Building in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is my family’s favorite places during our bi-annual treks to Orlando. (Okay I still call this park what is now known as MGM Studios, but that is just me.) There is a spot after the animation tour where you (and 30 or so other would-be illustrators) can go for a half hour class with a Disney artist and be given step-by-step instructions on how to draw Mickey , Goofy, Pluto, Stitch or another beloved character. Talent is not a prerequisite. At the end of the session, everyone leaves with a drawing that somewhat resembles the character that is up on the screen.

As soon as we finish, we compare our drawings. Here are examples of my family’s drawings from one class on a previous trip when my sons were in grade school. Though all of our drawings look like Walt’s buddy, Mickey Mouse, none are identical to each other (and definitely NOT as good as the instructors!). Lesson learned? Everyone who can hold a pencil and follow simple instructions can draw, but it takes talent and experience to become a great artist!

Now in real estate, there is a similar situation; anyone can take a real estate class but not all REALTORS® are exactly the same.
Recently a prospect, not someone I was under contract with, asked me to write up an offer on an REO property for him. It was a home under construction that had gone back to the bank. This foreclosure property would require significant work and renovation to complete, so it was significantly overpriced. This prospect wanted to make an extremely low offer that I deemed fair considering the condition. He was ready to write a purchase agreement at our next meeting. As part of the preparation process, I went into my spiel of what is required to make an offer; we would first enter into a representation contract, please bring a checkbook for earnest money and preapproval or proof of funds letter…yada, yada, yada.

This guy was beyond shocked and I got an earful! In short, he stated that he was NOT going to prove his financial situation to anyone prior to the offer being accepted. It was his opinion that working with a REALTOR® to write and present the offer should carry enough weight alone to get the offer accepted.
Hmmm…let’s forget the financing aspect of this situation; I’m more concerned with the implication that all REALTORS® are created equal.

Though, REALTORS® do take the same required classes and tests to become agents and adhere to a very specific code of ethics, we are people not machines. As people, we are individuals with different life experiences and talents. Not every real estate agent does things exactly the same way. We all come into each experience with our own talents, abilities and backgrounds. Through education, we may become similar but not identical. From time to time, I see a contract from a fellow agent that is just not up to snuff so I know that there are a few that don’t do consistently do what is required to represent their clients it the best possible way. So I was taken aback by the implication that by virtue of working with a REALTOR® one would not have to justify their funding to a seller.

So what does working with a REALTOR® really mean to a buyer or seller?

REALTORS® do abide by a Code of Ethics. In my Minnesota real estate practice, I take these rules very seriously. It is considered the standard of practice that I work under as I truly believe it is the right way to do business. Although there are many details to the complete code of ethics, here are a few points I would like to highlight:

REALTORS® pledge to protect and promote the interests of their client.
REALTORS® do not mislead on property value.
REALTORS® must disclose material defects and facts on properties.
REALTORS® must not discriminate.
REALTORS® must disclose dual agency.
REALTORS® are required to be accountable for funds.
REALTORS® must disclose accepted offers.
REALTORS® are required to provide competent service.
REALTORS® are not lawyers and cannot offer legal advice.
REALTORS® preserve the confidential information of their clients.

When selecting a REALTOR® make sure that the person is on the same page with you and can draw up and present the contract in a professional manner. It is in the client’s best interest to provide the seller with a professional, sincere and concrete purchase agreement from the get go. Lowball offers without documentation do not get noticed, it gets tossed in the trash. As your REALTOR®, I want your offer to be given serious consideration by the seller and ultimately accepted. That doesn’t happen if it goes from the fax machine to the shredder in less than five minutes.

Take the time to research and select a professional REALTOR® that will be your partner and advocate. Work with a person you like and trust to help you understand the process and negotiate the best deal for you!

Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm 

I LOVE Being a REALTOR®~~Making Homebuyers Dreams Come True!

Back in October, I was asked by Cynthia Tilghman, Realtor® Onslow County NC Home Specialist to write about why I love my profession. I put this off for quite awhile. At first, I was going to write about what my Dream job would have been...We had just returned from Disney World and had the opportunity to meet a few of the Dream Team. These are people who spent the last two years walking up to visitors at the park and making dreams come true by letting families stay over night in Cinderella's Castle or giving them a unique behind the scenes tour or other special gift.

I have to admit, as part of a family of Disney Fanatics passing out dreams at Disneyland or Walt Disney World would be the epitome of a perfect job in my book...even if it was only a two year stint (Disney's Year of a Million Dreams ends in a few weeks...sigh.)

Every day making dreams come true...THAT would be an awesome job! But as I thought more about it, I realized that what I do makes others dreams come true too...First homes. Relocations. Move up homes. I love my job because I make dreams come true...not Disney Dreams but dreams just the same.

Today. I ran across this post from earlier this year where I wrote of helping first time homebuyers find their way home. The story gives an example of how I make dreams come true...one happy homebuyer at a time.

*****Best Part of Being a REALTOR®~ Helping First Time Buyers Find Their Way Home
Originally posted 3/8/2008 by Teri Eckholm/REALTOR®

Late on a Saturday afternoon, I received a phone call. The caller said he and his fiance had just driven by a listing of mine and could I show them the inside. "Are you working with an agent?" I inquired. "No", he said. The meeting was set for the next evening.


The young man and his fiancée arrived with an entourage of parents and assorted other relatives. Being first time buyers, they wanted assistance and approval on their first home. Looking over the home from top to bottom, they liked what they saw but needed time to think. I asked the question I always ask, "When you are shopping for a home, are you shopping for a REALTOR®?" The young man's dad answered, "They don't need an agent because they could get a better deal working directly with the listing agent." I explained why this wasn't true but could tell from the look on his face, Dad was not convinced.
I explained agency and asked the young couple to sign the disclosure on agency as required by the State of Minnesota. Buyers need to understand that at any listing for my broker, I am under contract to work for the seller and protect their interests. If the couple decides to sign a buyers' representation agreement with me, they would be in a DUAL agency when looking at homes listed by my broker. They had seen many homes with other real estate agents, but I was the only agent who explained agency to them or asked them to sign the required disclosure.

Days later, a decision was made; the young couple wanted to make an offer. A contract was signed for buyers' representation for the specific home only. Dual agency now applies. As an agent working for both parties, I could not do anything that would hurt either the buyer or seller. Because it was only for the specific home, I could not discuss other property options. An offer was presented, but terms could not be agreed upon. The buyers went away.

A few weeks later the price was reduced on my listing. I called this young couple to see if the lower price would be enough to renew their interest. It would. But there was also another new construction house in a different area that was being considered.

Another showing. They were sure that they had it down to between the two homes. I could see the indecision and confusion on their faces. I asked about the other home they were considering to help them contrast it to my listing to help my selling clients and put their home in a better light. As with most homes, neither home was a perfect fit. I am a firm believer that after weighing all of the pluses and minuses, homes will sell themselves if it is the right home for the buyer. A week passed. No offer came forth.


Finally a phone call from the young man. We have made a decision. We are not going to offer again on your listing. It is not the right home for us. In fact, neither home is right. We are starting over. "Would you help us find a home?"

Now as their buyers' representative, I got to work. For the next few weeks, we visited a dozen or so homes from the hundreds currently on the MLS that met their criteria. Traveling from Stillwater to White Bear Lake and Hugo to Forest Lake we narrowed down the field of potential homes to two or three. Finally, one sparked enough interest for a second showing with the parents, but this home also had a few quirks that raised concerns. That same evening, since we were out, I set up another showing for a home in a development that hadn't considered. Funny thing was, the home was perfect!


With the perfect home, there were no delay or hesitation in signing the offer; everything just fell into place. With every visit to the home for the inspection and walk-throughs, the young couple became more excited.

At the final walk-through, with minutes to go before they were to receive the keys to their first home, I asked them, "So, are you glad that you decided to sign with a REALTOR®?"

They answered in unison a resounding, "Yes!! You made it so much easier to find the right home! Especially for first time buyers." I don't make this stuff up...Those were their exact words.


After the closing, I received a hug and sincere, "Thank you for everything", from my young clients. As they set off to begin life in their dream home a thought struck me, what a great job I have!


Do you need an expert Buyer's Representative to help you find your Dream Home? If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR ®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Buying a Home?


Check out my new HOME BUYER'S BLOG!


Copyright 2008 terieckholm.com

Whose Home Would YOU Buy in the Hundred Acre Wood?

Imagine you were going to buy a home in the Hundred Acre Wood. Let's pretend that for a minute that Pooh and all his friends have their homes up for sale. Whose home would you choose?

• Eeyore’s? Not a chance. An A-Frame built of sticks without a proper foundation that a butterfly could knock down in a second isn’t worth consideration.


• Gopher’s? Though Gopher’s actual home is never shown, it would appear to be underground. Underground, earth berm homes lack the curb appeal necessary for most buyers.


• Owl’s? The tree Owl’s house is built in doesn’t seem to support the weight of the home. On a very blustery day, the whole thing could be blown down.


• Pooh’s? Now at first glance, Pooh’s place looks sturdy but I’d question the upkeep of a home maintained by a bear of very little brain. When a homeowner cannot even take down the name plaque of the previous owner, Mr. Saunders, it is doubtful that he would have the ability to do the upkeep on the interior. Besides when the rain, rain, rain came down, down, down, much of it was inside Pooh’s house.


• Rabbit’s? Now this is a character that cares for his property! Rabbit always seems to have a rake or broom in his hand. His garden is fenced and laid out perfectly, but he does seem to have a egress problem with his door. If a guest cannot have dinner, or several pots of honey, without getting stuck on the way out, there is a problem.


• Tigger’s? It seems that Tigger may be the homeless resident of the Hundred Acre Wood as he is always bouncing up to his neighbor’s homes but never appears to be at his own.


• Christopher Robin’s? Though probably the best choice of a home as it is currently being occupied by humans, Christopher Robin’s home is not located in the Hundred Acre Woods and so it does not meet your buyer criteria.


• Kanga's? Given this specific buying criteria, I would choose Kanga’s home. She seems to have a lovely, well maintained rambler with a covered front porch. We know it is a two bedroom because Roo has his own bedroom. All other homes appear to be one room efficiency dwellings. To me, Kanga’s two bedroom gem appears to be a perfect little cabin in the woods.

The question above is whimsical and not unlike what an actual buyer might go through when considering homes for sale currently listed in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Multiple Listing Service (MLS).

I have shown a few foreclosures this past year that were not much better than Eeyore’s pile of sticks. This is especially true of a few unmaintained decks. Several are so rickety, clients and I avoid being on at the same time if at all.

There have also been homes with narrow hallways and doorways. Though, I only recall one home where a full grown person could have gotten stuck in the floor opening of a spiral stairway, there were several others where I had to recommend that buyers consider how furniture would get in and out due to tight corners and narrow spaces.

And maintenance, or lack there of, by people whose heads seem to be a little “stuffed with fluff” is a common occurrence. I have seen homes where repairs were quite literally made with duct tape rather than a proper replacement.

Most home buyers strive to find the well maintained gem similar to Kanga’s house. Buyer’s dream homes usually are properties where all repairs and replacements have been made to code with proper materials. It is a house that is usable and accessible to everyone in the family without ducking their heads or turning sideways to squeeze through a doorway. Sometimes a buyer will even choose to look outside their original location parameters and consider a home on the edge of the preferred community to buy the exceptional home of their dreams.

Finding and buying the perfect home takes time but the process is made much easier when working with a knowledgeable REALTOR® that can tell an Eeyore pile of sticks from a comfortable cabin like Kanga’s.
*Note All Character Photos were shots of Disney® Pins in a personal collection.

Are you searching for a perfect little Minnesota home and need help from a professional REALTOR ® to tell Kanga’s Gem from Eeyore’s A-frame? Give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2008 terieckholm.com