Is Anyone Listening?

As I write this I'm struggling with the concept of blogging. I've been taught that if I want to succeed (and I do), I need to keep up with what is going on with modern "gadgets", like blogging. After doing this for many weeks I'm kind of disenchanted with the results of my efforts. As far as I know not a single person has read anything I have written. If that is as true as I believe it to be I have to then look at things and ask why. Is it because my blogging is not inspiring enough to be read, is it because I'm not as popular as I think I am, or is it because people think I don't know what I'm talking about.
Lets take them in order. I gotta believe that nobody is interested in what I'm writing because they're not looking to buy or sell a home. I understand this but, quite a few if not all of us know someone who is going to be buying or selling soon. Although most of my sphere of friends know how long I've been in real estate there are a couple of other factors to consider. First, I used to work for a company that taught real estate agents how to make money. Second, my advisors and mentors are on pace to sell over 100 homes this year. I AM A PART OF THAT TEAM. Third, by suggesting me as their agent you will be helping them as well as me.
Am I not that popular? This is a hard one to gauge. If I say the wrong thing people will think I'm full of myself. If I say the wrong thing people will think I have no self confidence. I'm going to risk being thought of as vain and say I"M POPULAR. People like me.
Do I know what I'm talking about? According to my mentor and trainer I already know more than 80% of the other real estate agents in the field. This is because of the mentoring and training I have received not because of me. The people training me "talk the talk and walk the walk". They are succeeding in a market that is making a lot of real estate agents look for other jobs.
If you are reading my blogs let me know once in a while. If you're not, well I'll never know. Just let me say, I am capable and able to do the job. Give me a chance.

There Is A Difference

I seen an interesting story in a Real Estate trade paper the other day. A realtor was asked why they should be selected over any other realtor because we all work with the same statistics and numbers. The agent replied, "Sure we all have the same data to work from but it's how we interpret that data that makes us better". Wow, what a great statement. So often people decide they want to go into real estate because they think it's an easy job. You just wait for the phone to ring, put your sign in the yard, maybe hold an open house or two and the hard part is done. It's no wonder that 6 years ago there were over 4000 realtors in our market. Last year this number was down to 1800. Of those 1800 over half only sold 2 properties.
What makes us different?
First, we make sure, thru extensive analysis, that your home is priced properly. Buyers have there pick right now. I just recently met with a woman whose house has been on the market for almost 2 years and has yet have anyone look at it. Our analysis says that it's over priced by at least $10,000. Buyers simply won't look at your home if a similar house down the street is selling for a lot less. She stayed with her current realtor and lowered her price by $5000. No one has still looked at her property.
Second, communication. When we are commissioned to sell a property we vow to let you know weekly what is happening as far as marketing your home. There is a perception that realtors once they stick a sign in your yard are secret agents. You never see them until it's time to renew your listing contract or the house sells. We're here to dispell that stereotype. You will always know as much as we do about the marketing of your home.
Third, experience. Our team has over 40 years of experience. Remember when I said that more than half of the realtors only sold 2 properties last year? Our team sold over 125! Quite a feat in a down market.
Fourth, Dedication. We are dedicated to provide our customers with the best possible professionalism and trust. You don't become a great company by bad press. You become the best by acting like the best. We WILL sell your home while looking out for your best interests at all times.
This is a great time to buy or sell a home. Things aren't all doom and gloom as everyone would have you believe. But please, for your sake, remember that either buying or selling a home is a huge investment of time, energy, and resources. Don't you deserve to use a real professional?
I look forward to talking to you soon.

Who Am I?

If you, by any weird chance, are one of my friends on facebook you might remember that I had made a comment last week about why do I try to be something I'm not. By some strange coincidence I had that affirmed to me at a seminar I attended on social networking. The speaker, Jeff Turner, said that people who share your real values, not the ones you would like to have, will create a social contact with you. He challenged us to figure out our values that are hard wired into us. I guess I need to confess "my sins". Here are the things I value:

1. Money. I can't escape this. It's what I want. I like fine living. I like toys. I
like the idea of not worrying about financial things. I have always wanted
people to think I had more than I actually had.
2. Fame. I don't know why but I want to be a celebrity. I want to stand out in a
crowd. I want to be important. I want to be relevant. I want to be somebody.
3. Integrity. I want people to obey the rules like I do. Lazy, inept drivers really
iritate me. People who can't put their shopping cart in the cart corral
drive me nuts. People who are too lazy to put groceries back on the shelf
where they got them from instead of throwing them anywhere ought to be
publically flogged.
4. Honesty. This is a hard one. I want people to be honest but I'ts hard sometimes
to be totally honest. Just try your best.
5. Loyalty. Be loyal to your family, your job, your church, your friends, and too
your self.
Quite a list don't you think? I'll be the first to admit I'm not perfect but I'm true to myself and ready to admit it.
Well, time to get the shameless pitch over with. Look at #1, #3, and #4. These values ensure that no one is going to work harder at selling or finding your home. Do you want a Realtor with your best interests at heart or one that doesn't honestly share their values with you?
Great homes are for sale in Kent and Ottawa County. Call me.

Treasure Your Memories

I had a couple of things happen this week that caused me to stop and remember past events. The first was the death of Ernie Harwell. As a young boy we spent many summer evenings at my grandparents house in Jenison, Michigan. My grandpa had this big, old tube radio in his garage. You might remember the kind. It stood about 4 feet tall and took forever to warm up. Anyways, grandpa had hooked up some speakers outside attached to the eaves in the back of the house. Now this isn't too uncommon of an occurrence these days but we're talking mid 1960's here. Well grandpa was an ardent Detroit Tigers Fan. In fact we made sure that there was Tiger memorabilia laid to rest with him. But I digress. Many a summer night was filled with my dad, grandpa and me sitting in the backyard listening to Tiger games. I can still tell you the line up from back then. The thing I remember the most is the distinct voice and characteristics of Ernie Harwell. His voice always made me think of my grandpa's back yard and the times we shared.
The other event was the passing of a long time friend, Phil Thompson. Phil was a little older than me but he made many impressions on me. I can remember when he ran for President of the Student Council in 6th grade. He incorporated John Kennedy's PT 109 into his campaign. PT of course standing for Phil Thompson. Phil also seemed to be an creative genius. He once hooked up a doorbell for his bedroom he shared with his brother Tim. He also was creative with woodworking as well. Phil succumbed to ALS, Lou Gehrig's Disease, this week. The last few years Phil and I had a falling out but I am still grieved at his passing. I will forget our differences and instead remember him for the creative and unique person he was.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that create, remember, and cherish your memories. Life changes daily. You can't relive the past, but don't forget it. Live your life to it's fullest with no regrets.

Magically Delicious

They stole me lucky charms! Not really, but I've always wanted to say that. I'm feeling Irish this morning, and yes my last name is Johnson, but we have a long storied Irish lineage on my mother's side. In fact, we have a coat of arms and at one time had a castle. But I'm not trying to brag or boast but rather say yes I'm a Johnson but I'm Irish as well doggonit. But I digress. Back on ST. Patricks Day, my son and his girlfriend, Lesli, and I all decided to go hear some authentic Irish music. Our quest led us to Fenian's Irish Pub in Conklin, Michigan. Now Conklin is an old farming town,where my father in law Roger Doane grew up, made up of a couple of churches, a grain elevator, and a world famous Irish Pub. Yes, I said world famous. Some of Ireland's best performers have, and still are performing at this little pub in the middle of nowhere. That night the three of us fell in love with the people and atmosphere of this place. Everyone was so friendly and the music was great from a group of local musicians.
Last night, Wednesday April 28th, we returned and this time my wife, Cherie, accompanied us. We wanted to do something special with Lesli who just finished attending Grand Valley State University. We remembered that Fenian's on Wednesdays always has an Irish Jam session. This session is open to any musician who wants to show up and play.
So, we went in time to eat there and they had a special of the night: Guinness Beef Stew. I didn't feel that brave so I had fish and chips. The jam session started at 7pm and it was literally people sitting at the tables at the front of the pub. They would do a tune, take time out for a pint, and then launch into another song. Also, a couple of enjoyable treats thru the evening is when one person in the pub would break into an accapella song and the whole pub would sing the chorus. It truly was a magically delicious evening.
I wholeheartedly recommend that if you enjoy Irish Folk Music, fun people, and life to it's fullest you need to visit Fenians. Here is their website for you to visit: www.feniansirishpub.com
Tell them an old, bald leprechaun sent ya.

Wow, You Can Do That?

Why yes, yes I can. Yes I can offer a 60 day home sale guarantee. Because, I'm posititve that with my experience, our team's experience, and our unique marketing plan that we will sell your home. Right now that is quite a bold statement. Especially as the tax incentives run out. But home values are going to still decrease for at least another year so the market is still going to be there for the buyer looking for a good deal. Interest rates are already starting to rise but a well informed consumer will find that home ownership is still attainable and affordable. How do you become a informed consumer? By selecting an agent who will talk straight with you, keep you informed as to what is going on in the market, and connect you with a lender who will do what's best for you.
There is still a large supply of homes in our area with the best bargains to be had in the Wyoming area, and near the "medical mile" downtown Grand Rapids. I also have access to many homes that have not been publicly advertised for sale as of yet.
Foreclosures and short sales will still be a large part of our market this year as analysts predict 50% more foreclosures this year. These unfortunate circumstances can lead to fortunate circumstances for a savvy buyer.
Just remember that working with a professional realtor will always be a benefit to you financially and personally.

Realtor of the Stars

I'm adding a new title to my resume. "Realtor of the Stars". My kids think I'm making some sort of Star Trek reference, they think I'm a "trekkie" for some reason, and my wife thinks it makes me sound aloof or uppity. Let me set the record straight. I AM the realtor of the stars. And those stars are the everyday people who raise families, go to work, pay the bills, and somehow make it through this life realitivly unscaythed. Look at what we do, everyday, just to have our part of the American dream. We work hard, usually for someone else, we find ways to make our money stretch for groceries, utilities, and various other things that are associated with everyday living. And then, if you have children, there's the things like music lessons, special baseball shoes, dance outfits, items for school, and med center fees for scraped up knees and elbows. The great thing is that overall we accomplish these things with the resources available to us. Most of us will never have sports star or movie star money but we get by okay in this life, thank you.
Those things to me make stars. The people who can accomplish all of these things and still be able to keep their heads above water are the real stars in this world. So, yes I am the Realtor of the Stars because that's exactly who you are.
The tax credit is set to run out in a couple of weeks but there is still time to take advantage. Call me at 616-719-8680, or go to www.DavidJohnsonsRealty.com, to contact me. There are great bargains to be had in housing. Especially in Wyoming, Grandville, and Jenison.
Take care and have a great day all of you stars!