Karen Eastman Bigos, e-PRO's Discussions

Every deal is different and it really depends on how much you spend, what you have as overhead and how long it takes to go from start to closing. I work with a partner so every client has the benefit of getting 2 agents for the price of one, but then we split all our earnings. It makes it much easier to take a day off and know that someone responsible is minding the store. 

I agree with a lot of what viviennefrow said above.  Remember that every buyer, seller, renter and Realtor are different and have unique styles of dealing with buying, selling, renting and life in general. I ask my clients what is most important to them to try and find out what they really expect from me. Some people just want the deal done quickly and others will wait forever to get the price they demand - which ever side of the deal they are on. If a buyer wants to make low offers, fine, I am just the messenger, but I will investigate if I believe they have a fair shot at getting the house based on the other interest or the motivation of the seller. I have actually been with clients who tell me they just need to find a house that fits their needs in a certain time period and the price is not the most important issue. It may be hard to believe but if you are planning to stay in a house for a long time, an extra $20,000 might not matter that much if you get a good interest rate or a closing date that works for you. I never want to spend anyone else's money but time is money too and spending every weekend for a year, looking for a house, can really be a waste of time after a while. There is no such thing as the 'perfect house' or 'perfect apartment' or even 'perfect job or spouse'. It all takes a little compromise and you should try to find a decent agent to help you zero in on what is most important so you can get on with your life and start enjoying that home, rather than just keep searching for something you may never find.  I am motivated by making good relationships with people who will recommend me to their friends and family. I want to help my clients achieve their goals within a reasonable budget and get referrals by making them happy. We are in a service business and most of us do want to satisfy our clients so them come back to us and give us positive feedback. Let's face it, you just can't always make everyone happy all the time, so you do the best you can.

I have been trying to find a pattern and I am wondering what program or software is used when Zillow gives a Zestimate for a property. The prices seem way off. Many have pointed to dollar amounts that are either very high or very low. Just curious - I would like to have a better understanding.

I can personally tell people what a wonderful elementary school South Mountain is, since I attended in the 1960's. Every year they have a Festival after school and this year it will be on Tuesday, June 2nd. If you want to see the parents and kids in action, you can check it out from 3 to 6pm on the playground. Cotton candy, hot dogs, snow cones, popcorn, games and rides for all ages. 

Sorry Folks - the festival is on June 3rd - not on the 2nd. Sorry for the error. I will post the one for June 10th next week.