Highlands County Talk

At the end of a long day of viewing homes I want the buyers that have walked through one of my listings to be able to remember every little detail about it. I want my SELLER'S listing to stand out, therefore I create Buyer's Brochures.

I buy 3 prong dual pocket folders, depending on the listing I include:

1. Cover Sheet with a welcome message and index of content
2. 2-3 pages of large color photographs of the best features of the home
3. List of items included with the sale
4. List of special features / upgrades
5. Documentation of upgrades (per owner)
6. Tax Roll Print out
7. County Demographics
8. Summary of school district with links to websites
9. Tax Exempt information
10. Driver's License Info/voter registration (for our out of state buyers)
11. Septic Tank Maintenance Information Sheet (if no sewer)
12. Blank Contract for Sale and Purchase

I try to theme the sheets with the photos to go with the theme of the home. (Country Style, Floral patterns etc.)

I'm trying to address as much as possible with those brochures to help the buyer's agent sell my listing and to keep my listing in the buyer's mind. I have NEVER seen anything similar in any of the properties I've shown or previewed. Additionally, my sellers believe it's a great marketing idea, something I do to get their property sold.

"Do you furnish your listing with Buyer's Brochures?" Copyright ANDREA MILLS 2008 *All Rights Reserved

This article was originally posted on http://sebring.activerain.com/

1       Avon Park High School Junior Varsity Football (Home vs. Mulberry) 7:00 pm

2       UPDATE on the Local Economy & Real Estate Market.  Seacoast National Bank is pleased to present an update on the local economy and real estate market. Seminar will be at the Highland's County Agri-Civic Center from 9:00 am till 11:00 am.  Continental Breakfast will be served.  Space is limited, so please call Wendy at (863) 465-4834 for questions, or to reserve your seat.

2        Avon Park High School Varsity Football (AWAY vs. Sebring) 7:30 pm

2        Highland's Little Theatre presents "And Then There Were None"  this classic Agatha Christie thriller will keep you guessing until the very end.  First show will be on Friday, November 2nd, and will run until November 18th.  Show days and nights are Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesdays.  Please call (863) 382-2525 for show times, and for ticket information

3        2nd Annual Union Congregational Church Golf Tournament will be held at Golf Hammock Country Club.  This tournament is an 18 hole, four-person scramble with a shotgun start at 8:30.  Applications can be picked up at local golf courses, the Avon Park Chamber, or by calling Colin at Golf Hammock Country Club (863) 382-2151

3        Civilian Conservation Corps Festival at Highlands Hammock State Park.  For more information, please call (863) 386-6094

3         NAACP 1st Annual Benefit Golf Tournament will be held at Harder Hall Golf Course.  It is a Flight Two-Person Scramble (Partners Available) which starts at 8:00 am.  For more information, contact Michael Jackson (863) 446-9812, or Art Williams (863) 873-5031

4         Florida Hospital Heartland Division's 5K Run/Walk.  This 5K Run/Walk is part of their 13th Annual Gala Festivities.  For more information, please call (863) 402-5369

7,8,9,10       12th Annual Fall Fuel-Up at Flywheel Park Antique Engines & Tractor, Antique Flea Market, Old Village, Tractor Pulls, Model T's - Old Cars, Bring the Family.  Visit http://www.floridaflywheelers.org/ or call (863) 285-9121 for more information

7          Comedy Wednesday's at the Esperante Restaurant at Four Points by Sheraton.  Italian Themed Dinner Buffet from 5:30 pm till 8:00 pm, with the Comedy Show starting at 8:00 pm.  Reservations are required.  Please call (863) 655-7200 for more information, or to book your reservations.

7-11    The 2007 Great Florida Fire School.  South Florida Community College.  Florida's premier fire school.  Classes meet the needs of the largest city fire departments, as well as small rural ones.  $80 fee covers as many of the scheduled classes you can attend in a five-day period, plus admission to the banquet.  For more information, class schedule, and registration forms, visit http://www.greatfloridafireschool.org/                   

           There is also a 3-day workshop - Extreme Extrication Seminar (Limited enrollment - $280, and does include the Great Florida Fire School)

7-15    Highlands Bike Fest.  Please call the Kenilworth Lodge at (863) 385-0111 for more information

8         Florida Hospital Heartland Division's 13th Annual Gala.  Join them with an evening with the Oak Ridge Boys.  Black Tie Dinner, Concert, and Silent Auction, which will be held at South Florida Community College  Call (863) 402-5369 for more information

9        Butterfly Gardening Workshop and Plant Sale from 9am - 1:30.  The class starts in our classroom at Riverwoods' Conference Center and ends with the installation of a new Butterfly Garden at the historic Pearce Homestead just 3 miles east of us on the corner of Highway 98 and CR 721.  Reservations are required.  For more information or to make your reservation, please e-mail Loisa Kerwin at lkerwin@strato.net

9         Avon Park High School Varsity Football (AWAY vs. Palmetto) 7:30 pm

9         Florida Hospital Heartland Division's Golf Tournament.  This Golf Tournament is part of their 13th Annual Gala Festivities.  For more information, please call (863) 402-5369

9,10    2nd Annual Fall Festival at Royal Care of Avon Park from 8:00 am till 5:00 pm daily.  There will be a bake sale, flea market sale, and a car wash.  Pumpkin rolls, pumpkin pies, cakes, and much more.  No need to bake for this Holiday.  We will do the work for you!  Call (863) 453-6674 for more information.

10       Highlands Art League's 41st Annual Fine Arts Festival, Downtown Sebring.  For more information, call (863) 385-5312

10       Avon Park Mower Plex Florida Lawn Racing Association 3rd race of the season

11      The Florida Hospital Heartland presents a Diabetes Health Expo on Sunday, November 11th from 1:00 pm till 4:00 pm at the Diabetes Center at the Florida Hospital in Sebring.  Admission is FREE.  There will be professional speakers on diabetes, health screenings, product samples, exhibits, diabetes education resources, and lots of door prizes.  For more information, please call the Diabetes Center at (863) 402-0177 

11       Veteran's Day Parade Downtown Sebring at 3:00 pm.  For more information, contact Howard Jenkins at the Heartland Workforce One Stop Career Center at (863) 385-3672, ext. 231

11       Fly-In Breakfast Sponsored by the Civil Air Patrol Squadron 314 and EAA Heartland Chapter 1240 be be held at the Avon Park Jet Center at the Avon Park Executive Airport from 8:30 am till 11:00 am.  Enjoy a delicious complete breakfast (scrambled eggs, sausage, hash browns, toast, pancakes, coffee, juice, and more) buffet style for only a $5 donation.  Aviators and Non-Aviators are cordially invited to Drive-In, Fly-In, or Walk-In.  For more information, call (863) 453-5046

13       Avon Park City Council Meeting

14       Comedy Wednesday's at the Esperante Restaurant at Four Points by Sheraton.  Italian Themed Dinner Buffet from 5:30 pm till 8:00 pm, with the Comedy Show starting at 8:00 pm.  Reservations are required.  Please call (863) 655-7200 for more information, or to book your reservations.

15       Avon Park Chamber Membership LUNCHEON is sponsored by Reed's Motel to be held at Reed's Oasis. Please RSVP to (863)453-3350

15       AVON PARK CHAMBER MIXER/OPEN HOUSE, Heartland National Bank will host a Chamber Mixer/Open House at their new location on West Main Street in Avon Park starting at 5:00 pm

17       3rd Annual Ride for the Red Poker Run. All proceeds benefit the American Red Cross.  Registration $20 (single rider) $30 (rider & passenger) and includes T-Shirt, poker hand, and continental breakfast.   For more information, call (863) 386-4440

17       Your friends at Highlands Hammock State Park present Music in the Park "Emanon" performs the jazz classics of the great American songbook and the jazz music greats.  Concert admissions are just $5 per person.  Bring lawn chairs and flashlights.  For more information, call (863) 386-6094

18       Community Drum Circle with Primal Connection from 3:00 pm -5:00 pm in the picnic area of Highlands Hammock State Park.  Bring a lawn chair or blanket, any instrument you care to play, and your sense of adventure.  Suitable for all age groups.  For more information, call Fred at (863) 402-8238

20       South Florida Community College Performing Arts presents "Three Mo'Divas"  Show starts at 7:30.  For ticket information, call (863) 784-7284

21      Comedy Wednesday's at the Esperante Restaurant at Four Points by Sheraton.  Italian Themed Dinner Buffet from 5:30 pm till 8:00 pm, with the Comedy Show starting at 8:00 pm.  Reservations are required.  Please call (863) 655-7200 for more information, or to book your reservations.

23      Annual 5K Turkey Trot at Highlands Hammock State Park.  Race begins promptly at 8:00 am.  Participants should arrive by 7:30 am for same-day registration. For more information, call (863) 386-6099 or (863) 386-6094.

23-1/1     Christmas at Pinewood, A Jolly Jazzy Holiday Home Tour Christmas at Pinewood is a holiday celebration for the whole family, featuring a traditional holiday home, concerts, family days, Santa visits.  For more information, visit http://www.boksanturary.org/ or call (863) 676-1408

23      Thanksgiving Day Concert to be held at Historic Bok Sanctuary.  Reflect on Life's blessings while listening to carillon music during a day of Thanksgiving at the Sanctuary and all across America at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm.  For more information, call (863) 676-1408, ext. 2216

26       Avon Park Christmas Parade "A WINTER WONDERLAND".  Contact the Avon Park Chamber at (863) 453-3350 for more information, or for your application

27       Florida Hospital & Ridge Area ARC's Festival of Lights.....The display will be behind Florida Hospital and will start twinkling on the evening of November 27th, thru the holiday season.  This will be the LAST year Ridge Area ARC will have their Christmas Lighting Display at Florida Hospital. They would love to find a new home for the entire display, but if that isn't possible, you can buy your favorite piece or pieces.  After Christmas you may pick up your new displays and be ready for next Christmas.  Call Tonja at (863) 452-1295, ext. 105 to get a price for the pieces you wish to purchase.

28       Comedy Wednesday's at the Esperante Restaurant at Four Points by Sheraton.  Italian Themed Dinner Buffet from 5:30 pm till 8:00 pm, with the Comedy Show starting at 8:00 pm.  Reservations are required.  Please call (863) 655-7200 for more information, or to book your reservations.

28       "Steps to Start a Small Business" Seminar FREE! at the Heartland Workforce Center from 2:00 pm-4:00 pm.  Learn what licenses you need, and how to market your business.  Call (863) 385-3672, ext. 240 for more information or to register.

30-Dec.2      Sebring Historic Fall Classic at the Sebring International Raceway.  For more information, please call (863) 655-1442

I recently "inherited" a listing from an agent that is no longer with my company. There were 4 weeks left on the listing agreement. After doing some research in the area I deemed it overpriced by at least $40,000. I contacted the sellers to arrange a meeting with them - to get to know each other and to discuss my marketing strategy, which included a price adjustment. They told me they were not going to renew the listing because they felt it wasn't the right time to sell. Later on they canceled the meeting with me and didn't return any phone calls to them thereafter. Because I really like the property (located on a golf course), I put my marketing strategy in print and dropped it off at their home (the listing itself is vacant). I believe I gave this listing my best shot, considering the seller didn't even want to talk to me.

What do you know, the listing was shown yesterday and today and with our annual winterresidents arriving in droves, chances are the listing would sell if the price was adjusted. I called the seller this morning to let her know her property is being shown and were she wants me to bring the key as it will expire tomorrow. She sort of acknowledged that her property is being shown but she said that it wasn't really that important to her.

She's not a motivated seller. With the listing being overpriced and the seller not being very interested in progress being made - I'm glad I didn't waste any money on advertising this property.

I just wish agents would be more focused on qualifying a seller than just building up their volume rankings in the MLS.

Andrea Mills - "Unmotivated Sellers" Copyright 2008 *All Rights Reserved

This article was originally posted on http://sebring.activerain.com/

I work FSBO's in my market and if i don't catch them at home, I leave them a letter explaining what I do etc. If I can, I leave my letter stuck in a coffee mug filled with candy and two pens. Note to self: check on prices for new pens and mugs!

I got a call from an elderly couple last week. They had received my letter and the wife asked me to come over for a talk. I do not like being a salesperson but I like being a consultant. That's my mindset when I approach sellers. I will not talk them into something. I will listen and figure out what they want and if I believe I can get them what they want, I tell them.

I didn't show up with a filled out listing agreement, I didn't even have my beloved black leather binder with me (I can's sleep if I don't have this thing within arm's reach). I spent 3 hours listening to them. We quickly found out that the husband had been stationed with the US military in my hometown in Germany. I listened as they described the German foods they liked best, I listened to several Vietnam stories and how the wife once kicked a customer ouf of a restaurant when she worked as a waitress. No sales talk. No real estate talk.

I noticed the wife watched me closely. I didn't look at my watch once. I had made sure that I didnt' have any other appointments afterwards, I had all the time in the world. After a good three hours, she finally said "Well, we would like for you to list our property." When I told her I didn't have a listing agreement with me, she made an appointment with me for the next day.

When i arrived, there were two old magazines spread out on the table in the spot where I had sat the day before. The articles were about my hometown in Germany. We had not talked about the listing price or my professional fee or any other terms but I knew I wouldn't have to lower my fee and I also knew they would list at a reasonable price. Why did they do that? Because I had earned their trust. They know I have their very best interest in mind. I didn't have to tell them that, they knew because they never heard a sales pitch from me, I never told them how great I was and how many awards I received.

I can't list homes any other way. My husband would pass out over me saying this but earning their trust and giving them all I got means more to me than a commission check.

This is a well maintained 3/2/2 in a quite and family friendly neighborhood in Avon Park, Highlands County, Florida. High and dry location. The home features new hurricane windows that are rated to withstand winds up to 145mph. Owners had all trees removed that could cause damage from high winds. Both porches in front AND back are screened and waiting for you to sit and relax. The backyard is fenced and has lockable gates on each side - so bring your kids and pets! All bedrooms have new Home Depot installed carpets, the kitchen has beautiful wood flooring, also newly installed by Home Depot. This is a lovely home for a first time home buyer or a retired couple looking for their special spot in the Sunshine State. Owner is asking for a 30 day grace period after closing. Terms thereof to be worked out when making an offer.

SORRY, NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Andrea Mills - "Home for Sale in Avon Park Highlands County Florida" Copyright 2008 *All Rights Reserved

This article was originally posted on http://sebring.activerain.com/