The East Texas Realty Group Blog provides information on local businesses, the real estate market, and best practices for buying and selling your home.
Local Business Spotlight: Ladyfingers Cakes and Catering
Our next local business spotlight features one of Gilmer’s sweetest businesses: Ladyfingers Cakes and Catering.
Ladyfingers Cakes and Catering
The small building is bare but inviting, due to the owner’s warm personality. Lisa Sneed invites me in and begins icing a cake as we visit.
“What made you open up a catering office?”
“I like food made the way I enjoy it. I’ve worked on cakes for 30 years, but I only opened Ladyfingers in Gilmer last year. I was born and raised in Gilmer, so I want to see Gilmer thrive. Since there’s nothing like this in our area, I started it.”
“What do you enjoy about this business?”
Lisa smiles as she swirls icing from a pouch onto the cake. “Making people happy. It’s nice to always add to people’s celebrations. It’s like cooking for my friends.”
“What do you want potential customers to know about your business?”
“Here, you can have a good cake, one unlike anything else you’ll find in East Texas, at an affordable price. That, and cake doesn’t have to be what you’ve always had. All my ingredients are fresh and organic. I often raise them myself! I cook from scratch unless it can’t be avoided. This, my special cake, is 100% from scratch. I believe in good food, not just food that tastes good.”
“What does a typical day look like?”
Lisa grabs a cardboard box and folds it into shape before sliding the cake inside. “When I ran a shop in Dallas, I was making a hundred cakes a week. But that was with employees. Last week I made 30 cakes, which is a lot. A typical week includes one wedding cake, 8-10 normal cakes, and 2-3 special occasion desserts. Of course, it all depends on the volume of requests.”
“Do you have any stories to share?”
“While in Rockwall, I got to make a cake for Anita Perry, the former governor’s wife. It was a replica of Rockwall’s downtown square, and people loved it. Anita actually went from being a pastry chef to a nurse, where I’ve gone from being a nurse to a pastry chef, so we have a lot in common. Anyway, whenever Rick was in town, he’d stop by and pick up some of my cupcakes for his wife.”
“What are some of your future goals?”
Lisa paused for a moment. “I would like to do this for a few years and then find someone to hand the business down to. Gilmer needs and enjoys this service – it’s unique. For a mom wanting a career or someone who enjoys baking, it’d be a great opportunity.”
“Where do you get your ideas for foods and designs?”
“The food mostly comes from what I like. Though sometimes I wake in the middle of the night, or in the morning, and remember a flavor I was dreaming about. Then I try to make that. As far as designs go, I find certain cloths and ribbons inspirational for textures and decoration on cakes.”
“What does it take to be a pastry chef?”
“After I retired from nursing in 2007, I went back and got my degree as a pastry chef. I’ve since been to France and got to talk to merchants and chefs there. The culture is so different there – they want food to look good, not just taste good. They want to eat art.”
A little French skill in a small East Texas town – Gilmer never ceases to amaze!
Have Your Cake and Eat It Too
Be sure to check out Ladyfinger’s Facebook Page for photos of her amazing work, or her website. A basic three layer cake starts at $25 and will serve 25-30 people. Don’t miss out on such a delicious deal!
How Commission Works
Commission: Everybody Wants a Piece
When you go to sell your house and see an agent’s expectation for a 6% commission, it might strike you as ridiculous. On a $300,000 house, 6% is $18,000 dollars! “This agent is ripping me off and getting rich!” you might fume. But that’s not the case, and the infographic below does an excellent job of breaking down just how much money each agent actually makes from a single house sale.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”#dd1f1f” class=”” size=””]Spoiler: it’s not as much as you think. [/perfectpullquote]
A typical agent could expect $4,500-6,300 dollars of the $18,000 from our example, before expenses and income taxes. And the self-employed tax is brutal, by the way.
It’s also worth noting that agents don’t get paid for their time in the office. Because they are self-employed, there is no salary or hourly wage.
So Who Pays What?
When it comes to paying commission, there is a ‘norm,’ but no statutory standard. Sellers typically pay the 6% commission fees that are normal in our area, making the buyer’s agent ‘free’ to the buyer in the sense that they don’t pay their agent directly.
However, contracts and negotiations can change who pays various fees if both parties so choose. For example, for a buyer to pay their agent’s fee, they would need to sign an additional form in their buyer’s representation agreement stating their intent to pay the agent’s commission. And while buyer’s agents could theoretically incorporate ‘flat fees’ of some sort into their buyer’s representative agreement, this is extremely uncommon, if not unheard of.
For more information or a deeper explanation of commission’s ins and outs, feel free to give us a call at 903-734-2235, or send us an email at peggy@remaxlakecountry.com.
Infographic by Point2.
Local Business Spotlight: Gilmer Doghouse
The Gilmer Doghouse
Randy Lynn, owner of the Gilmer Doghouse, is a middle-aged man of average build with glasses and a gentle air about him. I notice this as he shakes my hand and takes me to a place where we can visit.
Walking past the dog pens, it’s what is absent that matters most: odor. The place smells fresh and clean, and as we begin to visit, Randy explains why.
“See that red floor? It’s a poly-concrete mix that prevents urine from penetrating the surface and making it smell like most shelters.” He grins, adding with pride, “It’s a state-of-the-art facility.”[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”#dd1f1f” class=”” size=””]“It’s a state-of-the-art facility.”[/perfectpullquote]
“I can see that. So what made you decide to build a dog house?”
“My wife and I have five dogs, and when we looked to board them, we weren’t happy with our choices. We decided to offer services we needed for our own pets at the quality we wanted.”
We are sitting at a small round table in a kitchen alcove between the kennels and the grooming benches. I lean back in my chair.
“What’s something you enjoy about this business?”
“I’m a dog person. That old saying, ‘Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life,’ is what I get to live every day. I also love teaching people about how to best care for their dogs.” His phone rings, and I make notes as he answers.
[perfectpullquote align=”left” cite=”” link=”” color=”#dd1f1f” class=”” size=””]“‘Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life,’ is what I get to live every day.”[/perfectpullquote]
The call is short, and we resume. “What do you want potential customers to know about your business?”
“They don’t need to have a second thought about leaving their furry loved ones here. They’ll be safe, cool, and cared for.”
“What does that look like on a typical day of daycare or boarding?”
“I give them 4 bathroom breaks a day, feed them according to my customer’s request, and also let them play in the afternoon.” He gestures to the rectangular playground wrapped in chain link. Inside are bright red, blue, and yellow shapes connected like chicken-foot dominoes. I get excited like a little child just looking at it.
Playtime
“Can we try it out?” We release the two dogs he’s boarding, swinging outside the building first so they can have a potty break.
We enter a fenced astroturf square with what looks like a trash can lid set into the ground.
“That’s waste disposal. It flushes straight to the septic like a toilet.” He smiled and shrugged. “They’re standard in Dallas.”
We return to the AC and enter the play pen. Buddy and Sadie rush about, rotating between jumping on Randy and running laps around the equipment.
“Do you have any funny stories?”
“The funniest moments are when I get 6 to 8 little dogs in here and they start chasing each other. I watch them to make sure sniffing introductions go smoothly, of course, just in case someone can’t socialize. But those are very few – most of my boarders aren’t yard dogs.”
I decide to join Buddy and Sadie in their enjoyment of the equipment. Running along the blocks and sliding beneath them, I feel a twinge of jealousy: the best life is a dog’s life.
We put the dogs back in their kennel and wrap up our visit. For a niche business less than a year old, the Doghouse sports a good variety of services, from daycare and boarding to grooming. I ask Randy his future plans.
“My main concern is whatever the customers want or need. I have thought about adding a splashpad outside for the dogs to play in, but that’s a bit down the road.”
Conclusion
If your dogs need a place to stay, consider the Gilmer Doghouse. You will be hard-pressed to find anything better.
Randy is also very responsive on Facebook, and more than happy to visit with anyone about anything dog related.
If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out our other Local Business Spotlights!
Staging the Outside: 7 Strategies for Outdoor Staging
Staging the Outside
If a car’s paint is faded, chipped, and peeling, what are the odds it’s nice inside? Slim. Would you trust a luxury clothes store with broken windows and a dirt parking lot? I don’t think so. [perfectpullquote align=”left” cite=”” link=”” color=”#dd1f1f” class=”” size=””]We’ve heard not to judge a book by its cover, but life teaches that most covers reflect their book.[/perfectpullquote]
While we should never judge people by their appearance, other things often prove a correlation between the outside and inside. So if your home is nasty on the outside, no matter how shiny its inside, the value will suffer in the eyes of potential buyers. Let’s look at some things you can check to get the best first impression, curb appeal, and a better bottom dollar.
Siding
How is the wood paneling beneath your roof? Does the paint look good? What about the bricks or boards that make up the siding? The walls of your home are its skin, so do all you can to give it a clear, unblemished complexion. Fresh paint goes a long way, though fresh materials may be needed in cases of damage or rot.
Gutters
When my sister moved into her new home, my Dad and I had to climb atop the roof, remove wire mesh, and rake out accumulated leaves and trash in the gutter. Blocked gutters can hold water up to the roofline and lead to leaks, rot, and other damages. [perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”#dd1f1f” class=”” size=””]Blocked gutters can hold water up to the roofline and lead to leaks, rot, and other damages.[/perfectpullquote]
So while this should be a regular activity for household maintenance, now is the time to be sure gutters are cleared and functioning properly. If they’re hideously rusted or deformed, consider replacing them – the difference could be quite significant.
Front Door
While I’ve discussed the importance of front doors before, it bears repeating: a scarred, dirty front door does irreparable damage on a first impression. Replace or repaint it with a light, neutral color and a quality knob for best results.
Garage Door
How much space does a garage door cover on a house’s front? 30%? 50%? Regardless, think of it as a moving wall that can wow buyers in positive or negative ways. If it’s old and rickety, replace it with a carriage-style door or one with windows to improve the aesthetic of your home.
Light
Light makes dark walks across the lawn safer for you and your garden gnomes, but it also creates a feeling of security and comfort. Accent lights can add flair to an otherwise ordinary home, so consider them as well. Buyers may not see the effects of light during daytime showings, but both nighttime pictures and visits can allow your improvements to work in your favor.
Front Porch Furniture
It’s amazing how welcoming two empty chairs on a front porch can be. Of course, they’re most welcoming when free from dust and spiderwebs/wasp nests, so make sure they’re cleaned like everything else.
Landscaping
Last but not least, cultivate a good relationship with Mother Nature. A recent national survey found that 84% of participants “agree that the quality of a home’s landscape/yard would affect their decision about whether or not to buy it.” And while mowing, weed-eating, and edging are essentials, Tyler Smith says you need to “think beyond” these basics because “Planting flowers and adding mulch can make a big difference.”
Staging to Sell: 7 Point Plan for the Inside
As important as the cosmetics are when staging your home, the actual condition of the essentials can have a powerful influence on how much money you walk away with. Some problems can even prevent buyers from obtaining their loan if left unfixed. Let’s look at seven things to check for a better listing price and an easier sell.
[perfectpullquote align=”left” cite=”” link=”” color=”#dd1f1f” class=”” size=””]Few things are so crucial in Texas as the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.[/perfectpullquote]
HVAC
Few things are so crucial in Texas as the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systemAnd as a relatively expensive component of your home, potential buyers will want to know the age of the unit (15-20 years is about the max), its condition, and any potential issues with the duct work.
Water Heater
Water heaters are said to last between 8 and 12 years, so figure out how long yours has been cooking! If there are no leaks and the water’s still hot, you’re probably in good shape. If you’ve never done so, drain it and remove any sediment from the bottom in the spirit of basic maintenance.
Electrical Panel
Preventative electrical panel maintenance is recommended every 1-3 years, but if you’re like many people, you may never think to have that box of switches looked at. Dust and moisture are hard on your wires, so give things a once-over at least, and if you’re regularly resetting breakers, get it checked out!
Pipes
Pipes are harder to check for damage, so keep an eye on your water pressure. If it starts to falter, it could indicate a problem in your plumbing. Also consider your water’s hardness, as this can lead to mineral buildup and increased stress. See this great article for more on plumbing maintenance, repair, and solutions.
Kitchen
Arguably one of the most important spaces, the kitchen can make or break a sale. Start by making sure the disposal works, the cabinets are clear of food splatter, and nothing is growing between tiles or in the drain. If you’re willing to remodel, the kitchen has the potential for a great return on your investment. [perfectpullquote align=”left” cite=”” link=”” color=”#dd1f1f” class=”” size=””]
The kitchen has the potential for a great return on your investment.[/perfectpullquote]
Houzz’s 2016 kitchen trends study shows common desires and concerns for kitchen space, and there’s plenty of inspiration if you need ideas. Experts recommend starting with backsplash, countertops, and updated appliances before moving on to the rest.
Bathroom
Personally, this is my top priority when considering a living space. Bathrooms are where we prepare for the day and wash it off before we go to bed. We begin and end here, and no one wants to bookend their days in a dirty, outdated, or dark space. New mirrors, good lighting, fresh fixtures, and clean grout/caulk can mean a world of difference. Showerheads and toilets are also factors to consider updating.
Flooring
“What you walk on creates value. If you can only afford to make the investment in one significant part of your home, consider updating the flooring,” writes Cara Ameer on Inman. It is true that beautiful flooring can impress more than most things, while shag carpet spells near-certain doom. With many low-cost options, flooring remodels could be more doable than you think. And as you should always do when staging, make sure floors are clean and baseboards wiped for showings. Don’t let those dust bunnies tell any stories! [perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”#dd1f1f” class=”” size=””]Flooring remodels could be more doable than you think.[/perfectpullquote]
Conclusion
Cleaning, maintaining, replacing, and renovating all take effort, so make sure your effort goes where it’s most effective. Focus on these seven internals and your house will thank you, as will your wallet and your buyers.
Staging Your Home To Sell: Cosmetics
Cosmetics
When it comes to selling your home, appearance matters. We humans think with our hearts and buy with our eyes, so perfecting the cosmetics of your home can drastically reduce the time it takes to sell and even help your bottom line. I know there’s rarely time for these changes during normal life, much less while preparing to move, but let’s take a minute to imagine an ideal world: this is what you would do.
Remove the Personal
The key to successfully selling a home is creating an environment where prospective buyers can imagine themselves living. Part art, part science, good staging makes your space a blank canvas others can paint themselves into.[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”#dd1f1f” class=”” size=””]The key to successfully selling a home is creating an environment where prospective buyers can imagine themselves living.[/perfectpullquote]
But if Fido’s dog bowl that your kid painted is sitting out beneath ten frames of the family Christmas, buyers feel like they’re invading a personal space. Pack the photos, take down the turkey handprints on the refrigerator, and store the kids’ medals. I know it’s hard, and a good Realtor understands your emotions. But this is what it takes.
Declutter
We all have clutter. Everyone’s guilty. And we all know it’s unattractive, so do everything possible to clear the shelves, refrigerators, counters, and other visible flat surfaces. But don’t stop there. Consolidate, donate, pack, and organize until those baseboards you haven’t seen in years are visible once more. Which leads us to the next step: cleaning.
Clean
Now that parts of your house are visible that haven’t seen daylight in years, it’s time to grab a rag, mop, broom, and whatever else you can find. Wipe off baseboards, clean floors, dust, and vacuum until the place shines like Mr. Clean’s dome. Consider hiring it out if you can’t find time to do this yourself.
First Impressions
We all know the sayings about first impressions, but do you know that science backs them up? “Before we can finish blinking our eyes, we’ve already decided whether we want to hire, date, hate, or make friends with a person we’re encountering for the first time,” according to psychologists. So how long do you have to sell someone on your home? The front door. Speaking of front doors, how does yours look? Paint or replace it if the years have left it scarred or faded. [perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”#dd1f1f” class=”” size=””]So how long do you have to sell someone on your home? The front door.[/perfectpullquote]
Polish the front porch, perfect the entryway, and take down any warning signs (dogs, soliciting, trespassing, etc.). This is your home’s handshake and smile as it meets prospective buyers. Don’t leave it with a limp wrist and dirty teeth.
Bonus: Paint!
If you’ve made it this far, you might need a nap just thinking about all I’ve said. But for the strong-willed, highly-motivated, or over-achievers, one of the best, most cost-effective improvements you can do is paint. Fresh paint brings a home to life like nothing else.[perfectpullquote align=”left” cite=”” link=”” color=”#dd1f1f” class=”” size=””] Fresh paint brings a home to life like nothing else.[/perfectpullquote]
And if you’ve lived in a rainbow, consider repainting with more neutral colors. For extra sharp corners and less stress, pay a professional. You’ll likely recover at least part of your costs in your listing price, not to mention the shorter time on the market.
Staging
Wrapping Up
Buying, owning, and selling a home all require effort. That’s not to say you can’t sell a cluttered, dirty, dinged-up house. You can. But you can’t reasonably expect top-dollar prices when all someone can think about is how much work is needed before they can live there. On the other hand, by doing these cosmetic updates, your home will likely sell faster and for more, which is always a huge relief. If you need help with selling your home or have questions, feel free to give us a call at 903-734-2235. We’re always happy to help.
Why You Should Hire a Realtor: Emotions
Hire a Realtor Because Emotions Happen
Of all the reasons to hire a real estate agent, the emotional value they bring to the table may be most compelling.
[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”#dd1f1f” class=”” size=””]Nostalgia makes my home priceless to me, but does nothing for new buyers.[/perfectpullquote]
When I discovered my parents were selling my childhood home, I wilted inside. The tin barn had sheltered several hundred hay bales thrown by hand over seventeen years. The diving board above our pool launched my siblings and I to many a happy summer day, and how can I describe the walls that gave shape and solidity to my childhood?
If you’ve ever lived in a place for some length of time, you know what I mean. Our memories put roots in the soil where we live, but the trees we find so meaningful don’t exist for new home buyers. To them, our barn is rusted, not magical. The diving board is dry-rotted, the house old, and the walls might even lean. The memories that knot in our throat can swell our price. Nostalgia makes my home priceless to me, but does nothing for new buyers.
Objectivity for the Objective
Realtors provide an objective point of view during this incredibly emotional process so you can accomplish the objective: selling your home. They provide a balanced estimate of value based on comparable sales in your neighborhood and hold your hand as you enter a new stage of life. The list of duties involved in the title “real estate agent,” goes on for many miles, but it should include “counselor” as you say goodbye to the place you raised your kids, or buried your dog, or hosted Christmas each year.
And as you turn from the past, eyes brimming with tears and hopes for the future, an agent will help you create reasonable expectations. It’s been written that “hope deferred makes the heart sick,” and finding your beloved dwelling worth less than you thought proves it.
[perfectpullquote align=”left” cite=”” link=”” color=”#dd1f1f” class=”” size=””]Realtors help you dream in tandem with your financial reality.[/perfectpullquote]
Agents can help you see endearing faults tied to fond memories for what they truly are: obstacles to selling your home. What should you repair? Where will your dollar work hardest? A Realtor will know.
Looking to the future may help you move on, but doing so without being informed can lead to further disappointment. Discovering your dream home is $50,000 beyond your buying ability can be crushing. Realtors understand house finances, credit, and specific loans to fit your situation, helping you dream in tandem with your financial reality.
Remember: Realtors Understand Emotions
My parents’ barn has new tin on it now. The pool is covered, the walls repainted. I can almost pretend the kitchen isn’t the same place I sat after basketball games to review every play with my dad. But deep down, it will always be, as Miranda Lambert says, “The house that built me.”
My mom cried when she read this post. Letting go of a home stirs emotions in all of us. But her experience as a real estate agent has enabled her to make the changes needed to get the best price. So when it’s time to buy or sell, call an agent. Let us be your objective sounding board so nostalgia doesn’t keep you from selling a home. [perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”#dd1f1f” class=”” size=””]Let us give you good information won from years of experience so you can plan a dream that’s possible to achieve.[/perfectpullquote]
Why You Should Hire a Realtor: Marketing
The Do-It-Yourself mentality is a beautiful part of the American spirit. TV channels, youtube videos, and countless blogs exist to equip people for everything from home repair to carpentry and oil changes. But when it comes to selling your home, DIY is probably not the best option. Marketing is today’s reason in our series Why You Should Hire a Realtor.
Marketing
Selling a home is an involved, multi-step process. But after the preparation dust settles, you’ll have to get the word out: “Beautiful home for a great price!” Sure, you can post to Facebook and tell your coworkers, but how likely are they to buy your house? The National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that only 8% of homes sold in 2016 were For Sale By Owner (FSBO). Furthermore, the median price for agent-assisted homes was $60,000 more than FSBO ($245,000 vs $185,000). If you like averaging more for your home’s sale, you may want to join the 92% of sellers with agents. And when you do, your agent should have tools to market effectively.
MLS
The most powerful resource an agent has is the multiple listing service (MLS). This database of listings allows for a property to be seen by all agents with access to that MLS, which means a larger audience of people specifically looking to buy. Purchasing an ad may reach a thousand people, but if only ten are looking to buy a house, how effective was the ad? The MLS also connects with websites like Trulia, Zillow, and Realtor.com (our recommended resource for home searches), allowing anyone with an internet connection to find your home and all its information.
Social Media
Any Realtor worth their salt is on social media in some way, shape, or form. Our Facebook Page is at the heart of our social media efforts, which also branch out into Google Plus, Youtube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. The modern world connects, buys, sells, loves, and hates through online social networks. Hiring a Realtor should mean a promise to use these avenues for your benefit so that their effort becomes your benefit.
Specialty (sites/relationship networks)
Finally, good Realtors tend to have an X factor that distinguishes them from the crowd. Here at East Texas Realty Group, we work for unbeatable customer service and a healthy online presence. We also constantly network to meet buyers, sellers, and the odd relationship that could come in handy sometime down the road. I’ve met Realtors in Dallas who make technology and “the paperless transaction” their X factor, so it depends on the market and what type of client relationship brokerages seek to have.
Conclusion
Selling your home can be scary in many ways, and having to market it might become the final straw during a stressful time. Find an agent that will advertise your property to your satisfaction and you’ll be on your way to reaching far more interested buyers than you ever could have done alone.
Local Business Spotlight: Salon de Le Soleil
Salon de Le Soleil
Jim Tennison is not your average gym buff. He’s got the standard bulging biceps and quadriceps, but he’s concerned about more than pumping iron. While chatting with him on a cloudy Monday, I learned the drive behind the design of Salon de Le Soleil, a combined salon/spa/gym here in Gilmer.
“We encompass everything. The salon promotes beauty from the outside in, while the gym does from the inside out.[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”#dd1f1f” class=”” size=””]In a world where everything seems so unhealthy, we offer products and services that grow wellness in the person as a whole.[/perfectpullquote]
“In a world where everything seems so unhealthy, we offer products and services that grow wellness in the person as a whole.”
I nodded. “Tell me about your background.”
“My wife is a third-generation hairdresser. She grew up in a salon, and this is what she loves.” Jim shrugged. “My path winds a bit more. I did seven years in the airforce before some nursing school. I also spent time in business management for chains like Hollywood Cinemas and Hastings before ending up with my own gym.”
“When was that?”
“We started in 2005 in downtown Gilmer, and moved here towards the end of 2007.”
“So do you have a mission statement?”
Jim laughed. “In a brochure somewhere.” He scratched his arm. “Off the top of my head, it’d be something about pursuing health for the body, mind, and spirit. I get that nobody wants to workout: it’s a necessary evil. We do it for the looks and benefits. [perfectpullquote align=”left” cite=”” link=”” color=”#dd1f1f” class=”” size=””]I get that nobody wants to workout: it’s a necessary evil.[/perfectpullquote]
“I think we’re born Ferraris, and over a lifetime of bad fuel and inconsistent tuneups, we get rundown. Exercise and relaxation help people reach their healthiest potential.”
“I agree.” I leaned back in my chair and shifted in my seat. “So what makes Salon de Le Soleil different?”
“All our services are high quality, of course, but being an Aveda spa means you get more for your money. Everything works together for that balance of body, mind, and soul. The way we wash your hair is driven by ancient Indian practices, the scent we put on your palm correlates to deficiencies in your body, and our products are all-natural. Aside from the metroplex, there’s only one other place nearby where you’ll find a similar experience.”
He put his hands together. “Our goal is for you to leave looking and feeling better. We focus on healing the inside of you. Also, this is more of a gym than you will usually see in a small town. This building is 9,000 sq. ft.”
“What’s one thing you most enjoy about this work?” [perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”#dd1f1f” class=”” size=””]Everyone leaves with a smile on their face.[/perfectpullquote]
“We’re doing something that really matters to people. We are a quiet place to gain a new perspective.” He grinned. “Everyone leaves with a smile on their face.”
“What would you say to someone considering Salon de le Soleil for a haircut or gym membership?”
“I would say I’ve got something that can help you succeed in your fitness or beauty goals. That, and seeing is believing. I can tell you how great we are all day, but so will everyone else. Walk-in and see for yourself.”[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”#dd1f1f” class=”” size=””]I can tell you how great we are all day, but so will everyone else. Walk-in and see for yourself.[/perfectpullquote]
“What exciting developments can we anticipate in the future?”
“We are opening a new location in Longview, and Aveda continues to develop new products, including a men’s line. We also constantly create new fitness classes, like Kangoo.”
With that, we shook hands and wrapped up. I found myself smiling as I left.
If you need a haircut, massage, or a place to workout, try Salon de Le Soleil for a holistic approach to wellness.
Why You Should Hire a Realtor: Knowledge and Experience
Why Hire a Realtor
Knowledge and experience are valuable commodities in every trade. Need surgery? You’re going to want a doctor, and that doctor will have spent a minimum of eleven years educating and training themselves to do what you need. [perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”#dd1f1f” class=”” size=””]Welcome to the latest in our series on Why You Should Hire a Realtor.[/perfectpullquote]
In legal trouble? Try a lawyer, who gave up seven to eight years for their title. And when it comes to car repair, home building, or even our appearance, we understand we need people with a specific set of skills for the job at hand. Real estate is no different.
Knowledge
Do you know how much value updated appliances add to your home? What about that HVAC you put in a year ago? Or can you figure out the going rate for an acre of land in your area? A good Realtor can.
[perfectpullquote align=”left” cite=”” link=”” color=”#dd1f1f” class=”” size=””]You need a Realtor.[/perfectpullquote]
Realtors become experts in their local market by learning values for land and commodities and using tools inaccessible to the public. They have also studied Texas law so they can help you navigate the legalities of negotiating an offer, getting a loan, and transferring title. There is nothing simple about buying and selling a house.
Do you need your offer to depend on the sale of your old home? Or determine which maintenance issues are most crucial to selling your home? Then you need a Realtor.
Experience
Of course, all the know-how in the world isn’t worth much if you haven’t used it. A good real estate agent will have seen scenarios so strange a fiction author couldn’t make them up. The bizarre is a given in this business, and while it’s stressful for agents, this fact of real estate is great for clients because almost nothing can surprise or stump an experienced Realtor.
A real estate agent is also beneficial for decisions you may have never faced. Most of us look to our past for help with big decisions, but if you’ve never purchased or sold your home before, you won’t have any experience to lean on. [perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”#dd1f1f” class=”” size=””]Let a professional add their knowledge and experience to the biggest financial decision of your life.[/perfectpullquote]
TL? DR? This infographic sums it up nicely.
