NWAFamilyRealEstate.comhttp://activerain.com/blogs/jlsmith74
en-ushttp://activerain.com/blogsview/3074191/vandergriff-elementary-open-house-Vandergriff Elementary Open House!<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/3/5/9/ar13323636195349.jpg">Jason Smith (Crye-Leike Realtors)Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:02:13 -0700http://activerain.com/blogsview/3074191/vandergriff-elementary-open-house-
http://activerain.com/blogsview/3014087/are-you-overworked-in-the-busy-season-Are you overworked in the busy season?Great tips from the MAYO. 
Work-life balance: Tips to reclaim control
Strike a better work-life balance
As long as you're working, juggling the demands of career and personal life will probably be an ongoing challenge.  Use these ideas to help you find the work-life balance that's best for you:
Track your time.  Track everything you do for one week, including work-related and personal activities.  Decide what's necessary and what satisfies you the most.  Cut or delegate activities you don't enjoy or can't handle — or share your concerns and possible solutions with your employer or others. 
Take advantage of your options.  Ask your employer about flex hours, a compressed workweek, job sharing, telecommuting or other scheduling flexibility.  The more control you have over your hours, the less stressed you're likely to be. 
Learn to say no.  Whether it's a co-worker asking you to spearhead an extra project or your child's teacher asking you to manage the class play, remember that it's OK to respectfully say no.  When you quit doing the things you do only out of guilt or a false sense of obligation, you'll make more room in your life for the activities that are meaningful to you and bring you joy. 
Leave work at work.  With the technology to connect to anyone at any time from virtually anywhere, there may be no boundary between work and home — unless you create it.  Make a conscious decision to separate work time from personal time.  When you're with your family, for instance, turn off your cell phone and put away your laptop computer. 
Manage your time.  Organize household tasks efficiently, such as running errands in batches or doing a load of laundry every day, rather than saving it all for your day off.  Put family events on a weekly family calendar and keep a daily to-do list.  Do what needs to be done and let the rest go.  Limit time-consuming misunderstandings by communicating clearly and listening carefully.  Take notes if necessary. 
Bolster your support system.  At work, join forces with co-workers who can cover for you — and vice versa — when family conflicts arise.  At home, enlist trusted friends and loved ones to pitch in with child care or household responsibilities when you need to work overtime or travel. 
Nurture yourself.  Eat healthy foods, include physical activity in your daily routine and get enough sleep.  Set aside time each day for an activity that you enjoy, such as practicing yoga or reading.  Better yet, discover activities you can do with your partner, family or friends — such as hiking, dancing or taking cooking classes. 
Know when to seek professional help
Everyone needs help from time to time.  If your life feels too chaotic to manage and you're spinning your wheels worrying about it, talk with a professional — such as a counselor or other mental health professional.  If your employer offers an employee assistance program (EAP), take advantage of available services. 
Remember, striking a healthy work-life balance isn't a one-shot deal.  Creating work-life balance is a continuous process as your family, interests and work life change.  Periodically examine your priorities — and make changes, if necessary — to make sure you're keeping on track. Jason Smith (Crye-Leike Realtors)Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:26:05 -0800http://activerain.com/blogsview/3014087/are-you-overworked-in-the-busy-season-
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2552639/my-buddy-that-i-ve-been-showing-homes-to-for-a-year-found-another-realtor-My buddy that I've been showing homes to for a year found another Realtor!<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/1/5/5/4/ar131842931445519.jpg" style="vertical-align: top;">
I have a buddy who has been telling me for over a year that he's going to upgrade when he finds the right home.  He lives in a beautiful house on a golf course in desirable Fayetteville, AR, and is looking to upgrade to a bigger home now that he's married and has a daughter.  We've been looking (non-agressively) at upscale homes for quite a while now, and he's starting to get serious because of attractive financing. 
Last weekend I was out of town for a benefit for battered women and children in Missouri.  He texted me asking if we could go see a home he's interested in.  Of course I couldn't because I was away. 
Another mutual friend has begun to look at homes with me and may be interested in the golf course home!  The other night I messaged the golf course home owners wife on Facebook saying that they may be able to work this one out well and that the buyer is excited to see it. 
Next thing I know I have a text message saying not to contact the wife on Facebook...and that they've found someone else to show them the new home. 
Holy snap!  Here's how the conversation went...through text:
Me - Wow, guess I did something wrong...sorry. 
Client - Just gotta keep the wife happy on this one, no hard feelings from me, bro. 
Me - Wondering what I did wrong? 
Client - Still in meetings at my office can only text for the moment. 
Me - Really surprised.  Just taken back from it.  Just over the facebook thing? 
Client - Just akward the way you sent it to my wife on Facebook. 
Me - That's rediculous.  I was just excited that you guys may get to save a tom on commissions and get to move on to a home you both like.  Seems like you feel contacting your wife over the internet is inappropriate.  I see that as over sensitive.  Sure didn't mean anything by it, and told you no problem on doing it again.  Sure have done a lot for you to get dumped over a simple message.  Definitely would change my opinion of you.  We should probably sit down to see if this can be salvaged. " Buyer 2 was just over...said he's waiting to for a call from y'all to come see your house...he really hopes he gets to see it tonight" - maybe I'm blind, but I can't see how that can be taken as inappropriate. 
Client - Chill out...I will call you in a few. 
WOW - I was so taken back by this I completely forgot who this friend of mine really was...a prankster.  That's right.  It's not April, but I'm a fool! 
He called me lauging and telling me how he really knows how to get me now!  What a dork...we're going to look at homes later this week, and I'm never going to take him seriously again! 
Amazing. Jason Smith (Crye-Leike Realtors)Wed, 12 Oct 2011 10:41:12 -0700http://activerain.com/blogsview/2552639/my-buddy-that-i-ve-been-showing-homes-to-for-a-year-found-another-realtor-
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2418014/complicated-or-earning-our-pay-Complicated or Earning our Pay?<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/7/1/2/ar131154508321749.jpg" style="float: left;">This week has been amazing.  I have experienced increadible success, but with that success in these times comes extreme responsibility.  This month I will close more transactions than most agents in my office will close all year.  I know that is an extreme blessing.  With that has come so many issues and problems. 
Because of my experience, the regular problems invoved in a transaction are normally avoided.  I've learned from the past, and help my clients avoid pitfalls because of it. 
Beyond the norm is what I'm talking about.  When problems come up that we've never experienced before, what do we do?  Freak out?  Cry to everyone that will listen?  Drink heavily?  I like to think I have the ability to reason.  In one instance this week I took a phone call from a buyer, my buyer, who told me it was not in their interest to sign an addendum...I had already come to that conclusion myself for them, but it was still a pretty big blow.  This is the most expensive home I've sold this year as well, so it didn't really make me happy. 
Instead of Freaking out, cyring, or drinking, I went for a walk to spend time thinking this through.  The truth of it is, the seller had backed my buyer into a corner.  There were two choices, create an addendum that both parties could agree to, or terminate the transaction.  Seeing things clearly makes the deal happen.  Of course in this market, the seller didn't want to loose the buyer.  We could come to an agreement, maybe the seller isn't happy, but the seller has agreed.  That's the best it can get at some points. 
Remember, when things get complicated, that's when we as agents are needed the most!  That's when we earn our pay.  That's when we create lifelong clients as well. 
Be encouraged when times get tough, that means you are needed! 
Keep selling! 
JasonJason Smith (Crye-Leike Realtors)Sun, 24 Jul 2011 18:05:47 -0700http://activerain.com/blogsview/2418014/complicated-or-earning-our-pay-
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2384732/waiting-is-not-a-waste-of-time-Waiting is not a waste of time!In todays society we are often pushed to believe that what we want, we need.  We believe that what we feel is "fact".  We are under the impression that having it "now" is of the utmost importance.  Unfortunately, this is something that is turning our financial ability into a huge mess. 
While buying a home is the American dream, losing one is a nightmare!  Choosing your agent as a buyer has never been so important.  Buyers agents have been trained to slam people into submission with a sense of loss if a property sells before you get a chance at it.  This is rediculous. 
Knowing the market, understanding value, and moving towards your dream of home ownership with direction, knowledge, and purpose is what shaped home ownership into the American dream.  What has been practiced over recent years is more like buying an appliance on sale. 
Make sure you know your market, make sure you have an agent that will talk to you about value and resale potential.  Then make sure the agent can follow that up with some facts. 
I have a friend who taught me a great practice.  I was in his office one day and heard him on a telephone conversation.  He said, "I don't really have all the facts yet, so if you need an answer now...I have to say, "no".  If you decide to wait a couple more days I might be able to give you a, "yes"." 
What wisdom!  He was able to put the ball in their court and save face.  It was as if he wanted to say yes, but couldn't.  Waiting is not a waste of time.  It could mean thousands of dollars.  The best negotiations I've ever made for a buyer have been over weeks and even months of submitting an offer...then waiting.  The last home I sold was at a 22% reduction from the list price because the buyer took the time to wait. Jason Smith (Crye-Leike Realtors)Tue, 05 Jul 2011 10:07:58 -0700http://activerain.com/blogsview/2384732/waiting-is-not-a-waste-of-time-
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2381312/what-a-great-story-What a great story!Yesterday I once again hit gold!  We all enjoy the thrill of victory.  Every home I get under contract feels like the first.  I love this industry! 
I went from the lowest to the highest feeling on this deal, and want to encourage everyone to "go for it" with all of your oportunities. 
Here's the long and short of it.  An old friend called from a different area saying his family was transfering back to the area and wanted to use me to purchase their next home.  They sent me a list of 30 homes they would want to see in 2 days.  Whoa.  That's a busy tour!  I was on vacation the week before, and had so much to catch up on, but focused for my friend and got him through the homes. 
The buyers couldn't agree on any of the homes.  What a disappointment. 
I normally would only show 5-7 homes to a buyer in a day, but these were good friends with fairly intense personalities.  I wanted them to feel like I was here for them, both as a friend and professional. 
After they saw the last house on the 2nd day they were compromising on two.  I knew they weren't the right size, floor plan, and even location for them, so I did the unthinkable after seeing 30 homes...I told them we should look on the MLS for more! " Holy cow!  What am I doing?!?!",  is what I was feeling inside.  I know better!  I trusted my instinct over my knowledge and we headed to my office. 
After pulling up the newest listings I came across one and imediately said, "that's your new house."  They laughed at my statement...I didn't.  The next day we went out and saw it.  We looked at the other two that were compromises.  Went back to the new one, then went to the office to make an offer. 
Yesterday we completed negotiations.  They're under contract! 
All this to say...GO THE EXTRA MILE!  In Northwest Arkansas our market IS flooded with listings.  There are pleanty of homes for a buyer to choose from.  It may only take an extra day to make a good amount of money and keep a client for a lifetime!  That's worth it. 
Hoping all your selling days are filled with joy! 
JasonJason Smith (Crye-Leike Realtors)Sat, 02 Jul 2011 11:32:17 -0700http://activerain.com/blogsview/2381312/what-a-great-story-
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2375822/what-s-the-focus-of-your-business-What's the focus of your business?We all get in a groove from time to time, and I think it's important for us to realize some truths about our business in those instances. 
First a foremost, I believe that when we are really doing well we need to realize that it is a blessing.  We can't dismiss that as sales people a lot of our transactions are nothing short of a miracle.  It is business that is trusted to us by referral, or simply tripping over someone who has a real estate need in the line at Wal-Mart.  It's what you do with the contact that turns it into a transaction and seperates the professionals from the wanna-be's. 
The first and most important step is to get the appointment!  So many of us simply talk to someone, realize they have a need, try to fill that need over a single conversation, and then wait to get a call back.  This is real estate suicide and not at all what the client even wants.  They want and need a process.  Schedule the appointment at the end of every conversation.  What's the next step in helping them create their real estate goals?  That next step needs to be scheduled before the end of every meeting.  Even if it's, "I'll call you on this day at this time" that is better than nothing.  Leaving your client without knowing what's next will kill your business. 
With that said, you need a date book or electronic calander that you keep track of religiously.  This can even help you with your taxes later, and I even know an agent that was audited by the IRS that was required to provide a calander to show their activity! 
I hope this helps someone keep on track.  Be blessed and have a great day! 
JasonJason Smith (Crye-Leike Realtors)Wed, 29 Jun 2011 09:48:55 -0700http://activerain.com/blogsview/2375822/what-s-the-focus-of-your-business-
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2350904/success-story-jason-smith-http-www-nwafamilyrealestate-comSuccess Story / Jason Smith / http//www.nwafamilyrealestate.comI got one!  ActiveRain has officially become an assett to me!  I received a call from a prospective seller who said that they found me on ActiveRain after doing a Google search for "Agressive Fayetteville Realtor".  My name popped up because of a testimonial a previous seller had given me! 
We closed last week! 
Thanks so much AR!!!  I'm grateful! 
<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/9/4/4/ar130807241044958.jpg">Jason Smith (Crye-Leike Realtors)Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:27:14 -0700http://activerain.com/blogsview/2350904/success-story-jason-smith-http-www-nwafamilyrealestate-com
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2333694/foreclosure-on-bank-of-america-yep-on-the-bank-Foreclosure on Bank of America!  Yep...on the Bank!What an amazing story!  The tides turned on this bank and they had to deal with the problem so many homeowners have had to deal with.  The hope would be that the banks would learn from this, but it's doubtful.  At least the homeowners were paid and can go on with their lives. 
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/js0fP9zk7AM" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0"></iframe>Jason Smith (Crye-Leike Realtors)Sat, 04 Jun 2011 21:14:18 -0700http://activerain.com/blogsview/2333694/foreclosure-on-bank-of-america-yep-on-the-bank-
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2325632/beaver-lake-home-Beaver Lake Home!<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/k55caMe6U1I" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0"></iframe>
Perfect for vacation getaways, or secluded living!  The home has custom hardwood floors and custom cabinets.  Beautiful tiled counter space.  The home sits on two tree covered lots.  Living space is open to kitchen and breakfast nook.  Enjoy your coffee on the back deck.  Plenty of wildlife and foliage. 
Lots of room for RV parking and/or boat storage. 
Call Jason today for your private tour of this great deal! 
479-841-9699Jason Smith (Crye-Leike Realtors)Tue, 31 May 2011 11:58:23 -0700http://activerain.com/blogsview/2325632/beaver-lake-home-
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2323358/god-bless-our-countryGod Bless our Country<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/afd_sDNYbpY" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0"></iframe>
We pause our busy schedules and thank you, service men and women.  We take a moment, because so many of you took your lifetime. 
We thank you.  Through a lack of ability to express your worth, we thank you. 
May God bless you.  May you feel honor, and may the country you served stand as the country you took such part in creating and protecting. Jason Smith (Crye-Leike Realtors)Sun, 29 May 2011 21:01:10 -0700http://activerain.com/blogsview/2323358/god-bless-our-country
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2274094/never-never-never-give-up-NEVER NEVER NEVER GIVE UP!!!Sellers and Real Estate Agents alike are getting tired of seeing that listing sit and wait for that buyer.  I had one myself...ok, more than one, but this is the story. 
Cute 1600 sq.  ft.  home near the U of A, in need of new roof and some minor repairs.  Reduced to $80,000 for fire sale.  Roof does not leak. 
$50 a sq.  ft.  right?!?!  Sell quick, right?!?!?  Wrong. 
This house sat and sat and sat.  All the realtors were telling me what a great deal it was, all the buyers were telling me how much work was going to have to be done.  Then, we closed in on the end date of the listing.  I stayed in good touch with my seller, had a great working relationship going, and had been completely honest in my dealings, and told her, "Maybe it's just time to rent this vacant house."  My company has a management department that could help this seller, and I recommended I introduce that broker to the property. 
Well, he loved it.  Said it's exactly what he needed for his daughters who are attending the University, and put the thing under contract! 
That said, the seller found me on Active Rain!  Success story with a photo of a commission check soon to follow. 
Happy Selling! 
Jason
<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/1/5/3/5/ar130434737553518.jpg">Jason Smith (Crye-Leike Realtors)Mon, 02 May 2011 10:44:01 -0700http://activerain.com/blogsview/2274094/never-never-never-give-up-
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2265463/the-arkansas-floodThe Arkansas FloodFrom Fayetteville to Harrison, Siloam Springs, Rogers, Bentonville, ...goodness, the whole Northwest to North Central Arkansas has been hit by more rain than I've ever seen. 
How has this effected Real Estate?  Not much.  The flood plains have recently been remapped, so all the areas that flooded were actually IN the flood plain and required flood insurance.  Of course, this doesn't make it any easier for the folks that were in the flood plain, but at least they knew they were in a home that required insurance. 
Very few homes experienced heavy to moderate damage.  My heart goes out to anyone who had to endure this.  It was a pretty scary time! 
The long and short of it is, if you are considering purchasing a home at this time in Northwest Arkansas...do your homework on its elevation.  It doesn't hurt to know, but don't let the rains scare you away from the market.  It's a great time to buy here, and the vast majority of the market was left completely unharmed. 
<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/8/4/8/ar130391152684867.jpg">Jason Smith (Crye-Leike Realtors)Wed, 27 Apr 2011 09:39:46 -0700http://activerain.com/blogsview/2265463/the-arkansas-flood
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2255418/northwest-arkansas-real-estate-101Northwest Arkansas Real Estate 101Today I've run into some interesting issues with financing in Northwest Arkansas that may help buyers and agents alike.  I have an East Fayetteville home under contract and have found that the finished basement has presented issues with the value of the appraisal. 
The appraisal came back above contract price, but the underwriter is still concerned about value.  The home is located in most desireable Vandergiff Elementary, and in a great quiet neighborhood.  There should be no reason this home should sell for any less than $95 a sq.  ft. 
We have it under contract for far less through agressive negotiations.  I believe this will be a successful transaction, but we have to work hard to jump through the hoops the underwriter is requiring. 
Just goes to show, you should always work with an experienced realtor to get you through the tough deals. Jason Smith (Crye-Leike Realtors)Wed, 20 Apr 2011 10:38:44 -0700http://activerain.com/blogsview/2255418/northwest-arkansas-real-estate-101
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2236227/we-bailed-them-out-for-this-We Bailed Them Out For This?There's a new level of disgust today for the larger banks in America.  Let me explain what happened. 
My cash buyer became interested in a home held in an estate.  The estate is owned by two daughters of the deceased.  The two daughters had agreed to allow the home to attempt a short sale as the market was not bringing them what they had hoped for their mothers house.  They stopped paying the mortgage 3 months ago.  My cash buyer put in an offer large enough that the short sale was not necessary.  The bank provided the payoff information.  Then 1 day before closing said, "WAIT!  You can't sell that house, WE'RE GOING THROUGH THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS INSTEAD!" 
Are you kidding me?!  The inspection is complete, the buyer has cash, and you won't take it?  You'd rather go through the expensive and lengthy foreclosure process?  No wonder you needed bailed out. 
Wake up America.  Use local banks, and leave these idiots to their own demise. 
<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/1/3/8/ar130235783783158.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom;">Jason Smith (Crye-Leike Realtors)Sat, 09 Apr 2011 10:05:39 -0700http://activerain.com/blogsview/2236227/we-bailed-them-out-for-this-
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2233006/my-home-inspection-didn-t-go-so-well-My home inspection didn't go so well...Well, there it is.  You've made it through many homes and found just the right one, negotiated your guts out with an unrealistic seller, and come to find out the home is full of mold.  Yep...kiss of death mold.  So, what to do now?  I'll tell you exactly what I'm going to do. 
I'm going to applaud the buyers inspector, high five my buyer on making a great choice to have an inspection done, and I'm going to make sure the seller does everything to remove the mold or help to find my buyer a better house.  When you run into these problems you have an opportunity to come out a hero or loose your job.  I choose to protect my client and move forward! 
<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/8/4/7/ar13021964674838.jpg" style="float: left;">Jason Smith (Crye-Leike Realtors)Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:19:21 -0700http://activerain.com/blogsview/2233006/my-home-inspection-didn-t-go-so-well-
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2226214/the-marketThe Marketp.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana} span.s1 {letter-spacing: 0.0px}
These words have been a source of fear for so many agents, sellers, and buyers in the last few years.  I'd like to put my two cents in and let you know what I understand about the market in Fayetteville, Arkansas. 
So many people want to cut the market apart for many reasons.  One of the biggest I've ran into has been what Trulia says.  I hear from buyers and sellers alike, "Trulia says my house is worth _____."  Well, understand that Trulia is pulling data from local sales and using a program to compile data and populate an average price to slap on the subject property. 
Many times this works well, many times it doesn't.  The hardest part is when the client acts like they are all knowing because they looked at the address on Trulia.  Trulia is a wonderful tool, but is not completely accurate.  They even say they are just giving you data.  What you do with the data is up to you! 
With that in mind you have to compare the properties to each other with a good eye.  Go through the other listings and understand how you compare.  Take your sellers on a listing tour.  Compare floor plans.  Compare amenities.  Compare the condition.  It will tell you exactly what to price at. 
The same with buyers.  You will quickly see what has value in the buyers price range, and what is trying to pose as a good deal. 
Take your time looking, but when you find the good deal, know that others in your price range are going to see this as a good deal too.  If you're ready to buy...buy.  Or someone else will. 
The market is down, not dead.  It is reported even as stable.  Stable at low prices.  Stable at low interest rates.  Prices have stopped dropping.  Most of the time that means they will soon raise.  Pay attention buyers...now is the time!  :D
Jason Smith
http://www.nwafamilyrealestate.comJason Smith (Crye-Leike Realtors)Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:56:30 -0700http://activerain.com/blogsview/2226214/the-market
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2223741/wow-i-m-busy-Wow, I'm busy!p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 10.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Verdana} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Verdana} p.p3 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 14.0px Verdana; min-height: 17.0px} span.s1 {letter-spacing: 0.0px}
I have a small group of professionals that I meet with every Monday morning.  They are all realtors, all competition to me.  We rarely get a chance to compete, but when we do...IT'S ON!  Our job is to push each other to make money in this business! 
With that said, understand that we can all get wrapped up in the "busy stuff".  Listing maintenance, filling out information sheets to complete our files, even doing property searches at times can be just "busy work" instead of "income producing activity".  So, we came up with a list:
Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/0/8/6/2/ar130183755426806.jpg" style="float: right;">
Permission to Show Agreement
Appointment (buyer or seller)
Listing
Offer
Contract
Referral
We agreed that these all put us on the path towards money in our pocket!  Think about it, what amount of time do you spend working towards THESE things?  Isn't working towards these things representing your client in the best way?  A path towards completing a successful transaction is best for all parties involved. 
We all get so busy.  We all get pulled in so many directions!  Make sure your business is productive!Jason Smith (Crye-Leike Realtors)Sun, 03 Apr 2011 09:34:10 -0700http://activerain.com/blogsview/2223741/wow-i-m-busy-
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2203582/the-best-way-to-get-money-out-of-your-local-realtor-boardThe BEST way to get money out of your local Realtor BoardI'm holding my sides laughing about this crazy series of messages I got today!  Don't be alarmed when you read the first one.  That's truly not the joke.  Mr. Chavez will certainly be missed, but Treva has amazingly recovered!  Feel free to share your best Realtor Board stories on here in your comments!  I look forward to reading them! 
<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/8/8/6/0/ar130090029106884.png">
<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/5/3/0/1/ar130090032110357.png">I guess we all have to get paid somehow!  I think I'll try the old stand by and sell a house today.  Seems easier than resurrection!Jason Smith (Crye-Leike Realtors)Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:13:42 -0700http://activerain.com/blogsview/2203582/the-best-way-to-get-money-out-of-your-local-realtor-board
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2197695/really-you-re-hiring-your-friend-Really?  You're Hiring Your Friend?I interviewed for a listing last Friday.  The seller told me they had interviewed another agent, and I was obviously the better agent, ...hands down.  Then I heard these words, "We have one more interview to conduct before we make our decision." 
Now, I've heard these words before.  I'm not easily intemedated by them, and I have a plan of replys to go through when I hear them, ie "Look, we're both here now, and you believe in my marketing and negotiation skills, why don't we just go ahead" or "I'll be happy to call and cancel your last meeting for you."  or even "when do you believe that meeting will be over?  I'll have the paperwork ready and get the listing process done for you right away." 
None of it worked.  Turns out this is the phone call I got after their final interview, "Jason, we hate making this kind of phone call, but you were so nice, and we feel we owe it to you.  After meeting with the last agent we are going with him because we have known him a long time, and we were neighbors for years.  We just feel comfortable with him.  Your presentation and marketing plan was hands down the best we saw, and we really wish you the best." 
"So, Mr. Seller, you're saying that my marketing plan is a more successful model, and my presenting skills are better than anyone you visited with, but you're still going with a different agent because you value your friendship over business?" 
"That summs it up exactly, Jason.  We really appreciate your time." 
All this to say something that I saw on The Office once when Dwight Schrute was training Ryan.  He said something profound, "Sometimes you do everything right, and don't get the sale." 
It's true.  These people loved me.  They laughed in my office, they like the answers I gave to their problems...they just didn't give me the sale. 
Time to move on to the next one. 
<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/7/1/2/ar130063176421772.jpg">Jason Smith (Crye-Leike Realtors)Sun, 20 Mar 2011 10:37:51 -0700http://activerain.com/blogsview/2197695/really-you-re-hiring-your-friend-
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2196422/just-an-hour-drive-from-northwest-arkansasJust an hour drive from Northwest ArkansasI'm heading to Ft.  Smith today with my family.  My 15 year old son has decided to interview to be a counselor for Boy Scout camp this summer.  So, the family is all going to learn about the hangin' judge of Ft.  Smith, tour the musuem, visit the trolly musuem...maybe take a ride, and learn about the battles that were fought in the Civil War around Ft.  Smith!  I'm excited!  It's funny to me to hear the kids complaining thinking that they are going to be bored to death, but I remember going there as a child.  They always complain when we are doing something that doesn't involve bright lights, a movie screen, or video games...then they always walk away happy. 
I hope you are all able to enjoy your family and that business is good!  Maybe I'll have a cool pic to post after we're done! 
ps - the Hangin' Judge is a vital part of the history of the Wild West.  A bit morbid, but very interesting.  If you like, check out the video below. 
<iframe allowfullscreen="true" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/55-9E6bnLzY" frameborder="0"></iframe>Jason Smith (Crye-Leike Realtors)Sat, 19 Mar 2011 10:05:04 -0700http://activerain.com/blogsview/2196422/just-an-hour-drive-from-northwest-arkansas
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2193473/i-just-got-a-great-new-designation-I Just got a Great New Designation!Self improvement is a huge must in the real estate world.  For an agent that can bring buyers into Northwest Arkansas you can trust that I have what it takes to get them interested, and get your property shown.  These days social networking plays such a huge role in what we do.  Go with an agent that knows the importance of Facebook, Twitter, ActiveRain, Linked-In, and much more. 
Not only are agents better able to spread your property on multiple web sites, but they are able to capture buyers, retain clients, and manage communication in a very effective way! 
Use me!  I have a proven record by obtaining my SNP. 
<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5131/5533145985_cb409e6495.jpg">Jason Smith (Crye-Leike Realtors)Thu, 17 Mar 2011 14:37:02 -0700http://activerain.com/blogsview/2193473/i-just-got-a-great-new-designation-
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2193083/would-you-like-me-to-do-it-for-you-Would you like me to do it for you?I sent an offer, no, good offer on a large home yesterday to an agent who was at a convention.  The first question I got was, "How long did you give me?" 
Honestly, what in the world are agents thinking?  You have a chance to sell a large listing, and you are worried about having time to play another slot machine at a real estate convention?! 
I'm all for us getting together and learning from eachother, but when someone calls with an offer on a property that I represent, I'm going to present that offer right away regardless of the time aloted. 
Haven't you heard?  There is a recession, people are out of work, and Realtors are getting out of the business! 
If I'm an inconvenience to you, I'd be happy to present the offer to your seller myself. 
<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/2/4/5/7/ar130037606275422.jpg" style="float: left;">Jason Smith (Crye-Leike Realtors)Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:39:56 -0700http://activerain.com/blogsview/2193083/would-you-like-me-to-do-it-for-you-
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2179265/careful-don-t-miss-it-Careful...don't miss it!<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/2/9/0/1/ar129970162910921.jpg">
The other day I was driving home and noticed something had changed.  You see, for about 3 years now I've been saying that I wanted to take a photo of a shack.  The setting of this shack is fairly pretty, but the humor of the shack is really what makes it worth photographing. 
It might not even be considered a shack.  It has a floor, four posts, and a roof.  Then the piece de resistance is a dish network satellite sitting atop the glory of it all!  I was going to entitle the photo, "Arkansas Bachelor Pad". 
As I drove by, I noticed the whole thing had collapsed. 
There are so many parables here it is mind boggling.  My children, my wife, my friends, my plans and joy, my business, and my church all come to mind.  Don't wait until something has collapsed to pay attention to it.  Seize the moment. 
Best to you all,
JasonJason Smith (Crye-Leike Realtors)Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:28:43 -0800http://activerain.com/blogsview/2179265/careful-don-t-miss-it-
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2176848/the-role-social-networking-will-play-in-my-businessThe Role Social Networking will play in my businessFor a few years now I have grown my social networking to pretty a pretty large scale.  I have found that more people are keeping up with me than I can personally keep up with.  The days, for me anyway, of sending direct mail, making "just checking in" phone calls, and long time consuming visits have really lessened for me.  I now can touch multiple people in a fun, quick, and many times more natural way than before. 
The clients who are interested in my family and genuinely care for our well being are interested in my recent posts about how my daughter fell and hurt herself, how my 8 year old can recite all the books of the bible, how my wife is making Kings Cake for Mardi Gras, how my 13 yr old broke up with her boyfriend...etc etc. 
I don't have time to tell everyone that wants to be kept up in my life...but facebook and twitter do! 
On a more professional level, Active Rain and Linked In are pushing my knowledge and business to new levels as well.  I have greater presence on search engines, I have created referral relationships, and I truly enjoy sharing information and knowledge with all of them! 
If you haven't pushed yourself to new hieghts with social networking, now is the time.  Watch this video and you'll agree...right now is happening. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_s9PCxDUv9wJason Smith (Crye-Leike Realtors)Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:51:10 -0800http://activerain.com/blogsview/2176848/the-role-social-networking-will-play-in-my-business