// BLOG
Procuring cause & why I have to work with strangers!
January 7, 2010
The simple fact is that as a real estate agent, I have to work with strangers because strangers call me. Strangers accept the fact that I have a duty to help them, to look out for their best interests, and quite simply, they understand that it is my job.
I prefer to work with my friends, family, and friends of friends. A lot of times though, friends work under the assumption that they are doing me a favor by “not wasting my time.” Which drives me batty boys and girls. Its my job. So you aren’t “bothering me” by giving me a call and asking to see a house you drove by. But, I can’t help unless you let me know – either by calling me, shooting me an email, or even texting! Tell me what you are looking for. I would love to act as your buyer’s agent. See this link about how as a Buyer’s Agent I can help you.
Please, please, please call me if you are interested in seeing a home. You aren’t bothering me. This is my job. 
If you do speak to the listing agent, immediately let them know that I am representing you. This is what is known as “procuring cause”. If you let the other agent know IMMEDIATELY that I am working with you – I will be able to represent your interests in the negotiations in the purchase of the home. If you don’t let the other agent know right at the start that you are working with me, then the other agent that is representing the seller, has procuring cause for the transaction with you, and I can’t represent your best interests (you will have essentially locked me out from being able to help you).
As a buyer’s agent, my compensation is paid by the seller. It doesn’t cost you ANYTHING to let me look out for your best interests and negotiate on your behalf.
The procuring situation has occured for me several times this past year. A few examples are:
1) A relative looked at a piece of property and asked me to write the contract after they had already viewed the property with the listing agent. Made no mention of me during their two appointments to see the property. In this instance the listing agent has procuring cause, but agreed to let me write the contract if I would pay her a referral fee from my part of the commission.
2) An acquaintance listed her home with another company. Then called me for advice after relations with her current agent went sour.
3) I helped a friend and his wife with some data from the PVA database so they could appeal their tax bill, which they won. They are now in the process of purchasing a home without buyer’s representation.
The moral of the story:
1. If you are interested in buying or selling a home, CALL ME! I’m glad to help and you aren’t bothering me.
2. If you do speak to the listing agent, IMMEDIATELY let them know you are working with me.
To everyone who made 2009 a great year, THANK YOU! I’m sure I’ll forget someone, but those of you that are likely to read this – thanks Allison and Al, Jessica, Mikey, Jess and Chris, Amy and Matt, Kelly — here is to 2010 being even better!
Google PowerMeter and T.E.D.
October 5, 2009
Straight from Google’s corporate blog comes big news today for consumers who are concerned with their overall carbon footprint and the amount of money they are spending each month for energy.
Today, we’re very excited to announce we have secured our first official device partner. (That means having a smart meter installed by your utility is no longer a prerequisite for using Google PowerMeter!)
The best part? The devices are actually affordable. At roughly $200.00 for the basic model, a homeowner can monitor their electricity usage in real-time.
Tax Credit Expiring Soon
August 27, 2009
Tick, Tick, Tick — time is running out folks! The First Time Homeowner Tax Credit is expiring on December 1st. You must close on your home before or on November 30th to qualify for the credit. The lending process is currently taking about 45 days to get a loaned closed. With a large number of people still hoping to take advantage of the tax credit — that time line could easily be pushed to 60 days. Meaning that you really need to have a house under contract by October 1st to play it safe.
Yes, you need to have a house under contract by October 1st. Yes, that October 1st. Yes, that one that is only about a month away.
Please, do not pass up the opportunity to receive a FREE $8,000 dollars from the Federal Government.
If you are unfamiliar with the tax credit, and you aren’t sure if you qualify, please contact me.
If you are thinking that NOW is a great time to buy a condo or home (you are right), lets talk. Interest rates are still at historical lows.
Consider this reminder your early Christmas present from me!
Why I love Louisville from A-Z Part 2
May 11, 2009
Be sure and check out the first post in this series if you haven’t already done so. Why I love Louisville.
C is for Colonel. As in Colonel Sanders. The original founder of Kentucky Fried chicken is buried in Cave Hill Cemetery. His likeness is still used to market KFC across the WORLD. Still headquartered here in Louisville under the YUM ownership umbrella. YUM Brands is one of the largest employers in the city of Louisville. Not only Did Colonel Sander’s leave a legacy, but his wife’s restaurant still remains in Shelbyville as well. Claudia Sanders Restaurant remains a favorite for locals.
D is for Derby. As in the The Kentucky Derby. Often referred to as “The most exciting 2 minutes in sports.” During late April and through the first Saturday in May, the entire metro area of Louisville is buzzing with the The Kentucky Derby festival. The festivities kick off with a huge fireworks display — Thunder Over Louisville! Filled with hot air balloon races, racing beds in the street, marathon’s and everything in between. Louisville takes a 2 minute horse race and throws a party for over 2 weeks! It all concludes at Churchill Downs, under the watchful eye of the Twin Spires. The best 3 year olds in the world go wire to wire for a mile and a quarter for the chance to wear the garland of roses.
E is for Entertainment. As in Entertainment and Arts. The Kentucky Center, Actors Theatre, 21C, Mellwood Art Center, Glassworks — So much to see and do in Louisville. Louisville has a very vibrant and growing arts and entertainment culture. The First Friday Gallery Hop is an example of how the city is growing up with art entertainment all around it.
Louisville KY – Why I love you, from A-Z
May 3, 2009
This part one of a multi-post series about why I love Louisville, KY. Over the coming weeks, I’m going to share with you what I love about the river city. I’m sure a few of the items you’ll agree with, a few you’ll disagree with, and a few may even make you groan in disapproval. I only promise to offer up my opinion on some of Louisville’s treasures. So, check back often, and be sure to chime in on your opinion! On to the good stuff…
A is for Ali. As in Muhammad Ali. Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., January 17, 1942. Nicknamed the Louisville Lip or simply The Greatest. His name graces the Muhammand Ali Center in Downtown Louisville. The six-story, 96,750 sq ft museum opened on November 19, 2005 at a cost of $80 million. The non-profit center houses Ali’s boxing memorabilia, as well as focusing on core themes of peace, social responsibility, respect, and personal growth. Louisville has been blessed that Ali continues to support his home town city. The Ali Center is a BEAUTIFUL complex that over looks the river in downtown Louisville. For more information about the Ali Center you can visit their website at Ali Center.
B is for Bats. As in Bats baseball. The Louisville Bats, the minor league team associated with the Cincinnati Reds has called Louisville’s Slugger Field their home since 1998. The Louisville Bats and the City of Louisville broke ground on Louisville Slugger Field on November 13th, 1998. The stadium was opened in April of 2000 and was designed to seat over 13,000 fans. Slugger Field is a beautiful complex and has helped lead the Bats towards several attendance awards for the league. The recessed playing field features a natural grass playing field that never seems to have a blade of grass out of place. For more information about Bats Baseball and Slugger Field, visit their website at Bat’s Baseball.
Check back Tuesday for 3 more entries into Why I love Louisville!