Follow the Balloons!

My first open house!  One down, ten thousand to go!

via acespickens.org

My broker asked me last week if I wanted to help one of the other agents hold an open house.  As I say yes to everything my broker ask of me at this point, my response was, "Absolutely!  When and where?"  This open house was for a beautiful small farm on the outskirts of Rome, NY.  

via century 21.com

We spread the word as much as possible, online and in print.  The event was scheduled on a Sunday afternoon from 12-2.  It seems to be standard practice for open houses to last for two hours.  Any shorter and you'd end up will the whole crowd showing up at once.  I'm sure realtors learned that this can be a bad thing like two shopaholics fighting over the last pair of shoes on sale.  I guess they are not longer because, well who wants to spend eight hours sitting in a strangers house?  You might start noticing to many things that need fixing, or give into the curiosity to open up that medicine cabinet.

via babypicturesphotos.com

The day of the open house I showed up early to the office and the other realtor and I put together all the needed paperwork.  Then it was my job to blow up the balloons.  I picked all the pretty colors and resisted the urge to inhale the helium...

via howstuffworks.com

 We put the balloons on the open house sign by the road, kicked the family out of the house, put out a plate of candy, a stack of business cards and waited for the crowd...and waited for the crowd.  You know, I can say with absolute certainty that this home offers compete silence and privacy.  There is no road noise, there are no neighbors, nothing to interrupt the stillness.  The quiet minutes continued to drag on.  At some point, the other agent mentioned to me that she had never had anyone attend an open house.  I processed this information as I examined the vintage linoleum in the kitchen and wondered if it would be appropriate to practice my yoga.

via yogamarrakech

Finally, a car pulled in the driveway.  We jumped up like excited school girls and ran to the door.  The lady had a very pleasant accent and seemed to love the home.  Things were looking up.  Then as my partner took her out to see the barns, another car pulled in!  It was my turn to deal; my first real interaction with potential buyers.  I calmed my nerves, introduced myself and showed them the home.  They were also very interested!  Awesome!  We stood in the driveway and watched them go as the family cat waved goodbye.

via wallsinn.com

 So, in two hours we had two visitors, but it was a great experience and hey, you never know, we might get this home sold.  So, if any of you are looking for a quiet paradice on a quiet road with quiet neighbors, give me a shout, or a whisper and I'll take you to a place I know.

In the Beginning

On the second day of my career as a real estate professional I am beginning the first day of my real estate blog.  Welcome to everyone!  

I'll be using this space to post my personal experiences along the way as well as share important real estate info such as homes available ect...

Buying or selling your home is a huge decision and the process can be very overwhelming and sometimes intimidating.  It can also be fun and rewarding when things go well!  I have been on the home owner side of things several times; there's nothing like getting the keys to your new home and opening the door for the first time, it's a great feeling.  Now I'll be the person on the other side.  The one who will be working to sell your home or find you the house you've been looking for.  It's my goal to help things go smoothly for all parties involved and hopefully keep you from getting too many gray hairs in the process!

So, here we go.  I have a feeling the ride will include allot of ups and downs, but bring them on because in the end I'll celebrate with you as you sell your home or as you move into the house you've always been looking for.