The Julissa Jumper Real Estate Team » Uncategorized

When All is Said and Done, Selling Homes is Still about Relationships

jumperdj — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 01:33:12 +0000

Honestly, I have never felt quite this good about not getting a listing…

This is a short post about a home I did NOT list for sale in Country Club North, one of the neighborhoods in Fayetteville, NC in which I specialize. Country Club North is an established neighborhood of executive-style and single family homes in northwest Fayetteville, very near to Fort Bragg and very close to major shopping areas. Country Club North is a great neighborhood, featuring wide streets with bike lanes, gentle, rolling hills and lots of green spaces. Here is a Google map of the neighborhood.

For a few years, I marketed heavily to Country Club North, and had quite a bit of success there selling some wonderful homes. Recently, after a 2-3 year “sabbatical” in my business in which I had two very curly-headed baby girls, I resumed marketing and listing homes in Country Club North. Thankfully, sellers there remembered me, and I’ve been able to list a few homes.

The market in Country Club North has changed dramatically, however. While the homes there are still desirable, they can take some time to sell, with many remaining on the market for over a year. Competition is stiff among the homes for sale in Country Club North; The pricing and condition of the home must be excellent, and the marketing must be top-notch to generate the exposure that will get homes sold more quickly in the neighborhood.

And, I have been able to generate that kind of exposure for the homes I have listed for sale in Country Club North. My marketing is very heavily internet-based, although I also do direct mail marketing. My marketing has been effective–my listings have always sold more quickly than the absorption rates for the neighborhood.

So, toward the end of last week, I got a call from a seller in Country Club North who wanted to put his home on the market. “I’ve seen some of your stuff, and I thought I’d give you a call,” he explained. We made an appointment to meet on Friday evening, during which I would give him a listing presentation so that he could compare my marketing with other agents he was interviewing. I sent off a pre-listing packet to him, and started preparing for my listing presentation.

Unfortunately, trouble arose, and I had to meet to negotiate some repair issues on a listing that was scheduled to close. Of course, the only time that would work for my client and the buyer’s agent was Friday evening. I contacted the seller in Country Club North, explained the situation, and asked if we could reschedule.

“I definitely respect your priorities,” he said, “and would want the same from my agent.” I felt very good when he said that!

But, he had to leave town for a few days, and asked if I would send him some information, so that when we met on his return, he’d already be well-prepared. “I should be able to make a decision”, he said. “Again, I respect your priorities and work ethic.”

I love people who are so positive! They have a way of making you feel good, and professionally, they are a joy to work with. I was excited about the prospects for this listing, and was already formulating my marketing pieces!

Of course, as you’ve already guessed, the other shoe dropped!

Over the course of the weekend, I sent my clients and contacts in Country Club North some information about homes that were for sale in the neighborhood, and about a gorgeous home with a pool that had come back on the market after being under contract. As that particular home was just a few doors down from his, I sent the information to this seller, because the home would be stiff competition for his. I adjusted my listing presentation to account for this home, and asked the seller when we could meet after he got back into town.

Very kindly and professionally, the seller called me one day this week and explained. “You definitely have the best marketing of any agent I’ve interviewed,” he said. “But, we met with an agent and we just really liked her, and so we’ve decided to list our home with her. We feel very comfortable with her.”

That stung a little bit. I’m always a little disappointed when I don’t get a listing (I can be very competitive!) but I had hoped for this one, because I really like this seller! Still, you know, I feel pretty good about NOT getting it, because I know the agent he selected, I know he is in good hands with a capable agent and a company that has an excellent reputation.

I also know if I had been one of the agents he met with, I would have been the one he chose. But he would not have based his decision solely on my gee-whiz listing presentation.

Selling homes (or any other service business) is still about relationships, about connecting and trusting your agent, much more than it is about marketing.

I wish this seller the best in selling his home (and I’ll surely take any buyers I’m working with in that price range to see it); what a generous and kind person he was!

via activerain.com

Posted via email from JuliGrace

Nicely Updated 3 Bedroom Home in Haymount

jumperdj — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 19:54:12 +0000

A very nicely updated 3 bedroom/1.5 bath home in Haymount!

Here is a Google map of the location.

Located in the much-desired neighborhood of Haymount, this home is convenient to downtown, the major shopping areas and Fort Bragg. Haymount is a very popular neighborhood in Fayetteville, NC. It is an established neighborhood near the heart of the city. It features mostly single family homes that were built in the first half of the last century, and which have been upgraded to meet today’s needs. Haymount is a pretty neighborhood, with lots of trees and green spaces. It is also located in the Terry Sanford School District, one of the most desired school districts in Fayetteville, NC.

Here is a video tour of this home:

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This home has been well updated. It has very large rooms, unusual for many homes in Haymount, with soaring 9 and 1/2 foot ceilings. The rooms feature gleaming hardwood floors, wide base molding, and crown moldings in the formal rooms. The formal living room has a large picture window overlooking the pretty front yard, a gas fireplace, and access to the screened porch. It opens to the formal dining room, which has enough room for the largest furniture. It features a bay window.

The kitchen has been nicely updated, with modern appliances and plenty of cabinets for storage. The floor is tile.

The bedrooms are all situated of the main hallway, a quite dramatic space. Each room has the same soaring ceilings, wood floors, and plenty of windows. The middle bedroom features a bay window that mirrors the one in the dining room.

The home also has a screened porch, a great place to relax. It is on the front side of the home overlooking the front yard. The front of the home is very pretty, with a green yard and a white picket fence. The backyard is fully enclosed in a privacy fence.

For more photos, visit the photo gallery. Click here to see this Featured Home™ on REALTOR.com®.

via activerain.com

Posted via email from JuliGrace

Choose Your Own Contractors With This Home Warranty

jumperdj — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:54:46 +0000

Home warranties are wonderful budget-saving plans to help cover the expense of repair of some of a home’s major components when they fail. Unlike hazard homeowner’s insurance policies, home warranties do not cover catastrophic losses but do cover some pretty important components of your home that can possibly have a drastic impact on your budget if you’re not financially able to cover them were they to break down.

When selling a home, most sellers offer the new buyer 12 month home warranty coverage which can be renewed by the buyer at the end of the initial 12 month period.

While very helpful, home warranties have often been a great source of frustration for homeowners.

A growing sentiment among frustrated and dissatisfied homeowners is that the home warranty companies are reluctant to approve item replacements that may be costly, even if it appears that it may be necessary. The complaints have been that the warranty companies only want to do whatever will require the least outlay of funds and they have “trained” the contractors they have contracted with to work to that end. Sometimes, that may have resulted in repairs over repairs on an item that should have been replaced.

I personally have not had those problems with the home warranty company I have had on my house for the past 7 years but I do hear from a great number of my clients who have this very complaint.

Enter America’s Preferred Home Warranty. This company apparently has been around for some time but it just became part of the Fayetteville, NC real estate scene very recently. It is a Keller Williams Realty approved vendor and actually works very well with our company though it is used by any and all other franchises and companies .

What makes America’s Preferred Home Warranty different is that the homeowner has the freedom to choose their own contractors. Yes, that’s right! Freedom of choice! When the homeowner has an issue, they call the company and tell them who they want to call to make the repair. The home warranty company contacts the contractor and approves the repair. The contractor makes the visit, makes the determination as to what needs to happen to solve the problem (they are not working for the warranty company so they are free to diagnose the problem and recommend the true solution) and they get paid right over the phone if they can take credit card payments.

My clients are loving this idea!! All my clients have chosen this warranty since it was introduced to our market center in Fayetteville, NC.

The coverage is the same, if not better, in certain areas than the other warranties my clients have had and for $410 you still get the $55 service fee. Others I have used in the past charge a higher base price if you choose the lower service fee.

Of course, the true test of a home warranty plan is its responsiveness to client concerns and satisfaction. We’ve not been using America’s Preferred Home Warranty long enough to know for certain how it consistently handles claims but if they keep their word and provide the service they promise, they may come to won a great share of the home warranty market.

via activerain.com

Posted via email from JuliGrace

3 Br/2 Ba Condo Close to Fort Bragg and Major Shopping Areas

jumperdj — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:30:29 +0000

Fayetteville, NC is home to a great many people who need a quiet and secure home that is conveniently located.

If you are one of those who is looking to buy a home that is close to Fort Bragg, convenient to major shopping areas, close to dining and nightlife activities, but who also desires a quiet, clean neighborhood, this condo may just be the home for you.

Living Room - 216-9 Waterdown Drive

This home is a clean and roomy 3 bedroom/2 bath condo, in a very convenient location, for less than many people’s rent! It is located in The Crossings, a quiet neighborhood with park-like grounds just off Morganton Road in Fayetteville, NC. Here is a Google map of the location.

The community is very centrally located–major shopping areas (mall, shopping plazas, restaurants) are just minutes away and Fort Bragg is only a short drive in the other direction! This neighborhood is ideal for anyone who wants the convenience of short commute times. Imagine getting to Fort Bragg for your morning commute in just minutes, instead of waiting in long traffic lines to get in the gate!

This condo has been very well maintained. It is on the third floor, which means that one will have to climb stairs to reach it, but it is a much quieter home, as there are no neighbors overhead.

It has wood floors in the main living areas and carpet in the bedrooms. The living room is large, with access to the deck. It features a fireplace and vaulted ceiling with a gorgeous ceiling fan and light overhead. The kitchen is very clean, with ample cabinet space and all appliances. It is a galley kitchen with a pass-thru/look-thru to the eating area. The side with the eating area also features a bar with room for 2 or 3 bar stools.

The bedrooms are on the outside of the main living areas. The entry foyer and hallway lead to the main bath and one bedroom, while the master and second bedroom are on the other side of the condo. The bedrooms are large, with plenty of closet space. The master bedroom features a walk-in closet and a full bath with garden tub and a separate shower.

The deck overlooks the lawn and recreation areas, not parking areas. The community amenities–the pool, tennis courts, sitting areas–are all close by, a very short walk, which is another great feature of this particular unit. The grounds are well maintained, with a lake that sports geese and ducks, and the grounds are clean.

The Crossings, Close to Fort Bragg

This is easy living – no grass cutting, trash removal or outside maintenance. Homeowners Association covers it all. It is ideal for anyone with a busy lifestyle or a frequent traveler.

All these features in at a price that is very competitive!

For more photos, visit the photo gallery. Click here to see this listing on Realtor.com.

Call your agent for a showing, or call or text me at (910) 644-0303 to schedule a showing with me.

Fayetteville and Fort Bragg, NC 4th of July Celebration – The Show Goes On!

jumperdj — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 17:28:24 +0000

You could make a movie out of what happened here in Fayetteville and Fort Bragg, NC this Independence Day weekend, but no one would believe it!

Traditionally, we have a full slate of activities to celebrate the birthday of our nation here in America’s Hometown. We love to celebrate freedom, and we spend a long weekend doing just that. On Friday, I wrote about why There’s No Place Quite Like Fayetteville and Fort Bragg for the 4th of July. But, then some events occurred that threatened to derail the whole weekend.

Like every other year, the community planned to cap off our days of celebration with a full day of activities hosted by Fort Bragg on the Main Post parade field. This year, the 82nd Division (Airborne) Band was set to play a program of music followed by an always awesome fireworks display.

Unfortunately, on Friday afternoon, the 82nd Band building caught fire and was completely destroyed! Everything was lost–instruments, uniforms, stands, and even all the sheet music the band would use to play their concert on Sunday evening. All lost, but thankfully all of the band members were accounted for.

According to the Fayetteville Observer, many of the band had only recently returned from a year-long deployment in Afghanistan. They’d been practicing for the last month or so for this evening’s performance. Clearly, there would not be a performance this year, although the other events on post would still go on.

But, no small thing like a fire would ever dominate the spirit of our community! The local media put out a notice, and the Band was flooded with offers to help. Over 200 local citizens lent instruments, music and any other help they could, as did the bands of the local high schools and universities! Within a few hours, the 82nd Division Band had all they needed to put on the show.

What a wonderful example of the closeness of the military and the local community of Fayetteville! It really is no surprise, you see, because our community is filled with veterans and their families and with those who have supported them for years. Fayetteville and Fort Bragg are one community, and we treasure our commitment to freedom here.

This evening, starting at about 8:45, the 82nd Division (Airborne) Band will play a wonderful concert featuring Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” and John Williams’ “Sound the Bells.” They’ll play from the bottom of their hearts and they’ll be applauded by 40-50,000 citizens from the local community.

Although they’ll be playing on borrowed instruments, ones they are certainly unfamiliar with, the music will sound more sweet than anyone could have imagined. It will be a community concert in the fullest sense of the words!

via activerain.com

Posted via email from JuliGrace

There’s No Place Quite Like Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg for the 4th of July

jumperdj — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 17:25:45 +0000

We have a saying here in Fayetteville and Fort Bragg, NC and around Pope Air Force Base.

When a piece of heavy equipment rumbles by, or the boom of artillery rattles some windows, or an A-10 “Warthog” or a C-130 fly by, we yell out over the noise, “That’s the sound of freedom!”

The 4th of July is an especially important holiday for us, and we love to celebrate it. Freedom is a very real and tangible concept to us in Fayetteville. Our community is filled with people who have served their country for many years, and in many dangerous and rough places. World War II veterans, Korean War and Vietnam vets, and Panama and Gulf War veterans are now joined by a great number who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, some on their 3rd or 4th tours. Freedom isn’t just a noble sounding word here; it’s a commitment, and a trying one at that. It’s the thing that soldiers leave their families for, that many risk their lives for, and that we all believe in, no matter what our politics are.

And we also know how to celebrate it very well! Every year, we have a 4th of July celebration that lasts for days!

This year, our 4th of July celebration won’t be any different. Fayetteville and Fort Bragg have so many events scheduled this weekend to celebrate freedom, and they begin on Friday evening, the 2nd of July. The North Carolina Symphony will perform in Festival Park. The program will include a full program with music from “Porgy and Bess”, “Moon River” and, of course, some marching music. Fireworks follow. The event begins at 8:00 and concludes after the fireworks display.

Saturday is for baseball! The Fayetteville SwampDogs play the Outer Banks Daredevils at J.P. Riddle Stadium, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Of course, fireworks follow! Earlier in the day, you can catch the activities in Hope Mills. A parade starts at 10:00 a.m. and it is followed by the Battle of the Bands (11-4 p.m), country and rock performances and FIREWORKS beginning at 9:15 p.m.

On Sunday, Fort Bragg plays host to the celebration. Events begin at 3:00 p.m. with the opening of Kiddie Land, and some fun events like the “Wife-Carrying” Competition in which male soldiers (civilians can participate, too!) carry their wives or partners through an obstacle course. AT 4:30, country singer Jamie Tate will perform, as well as my favorite, the 82nd Division All American Chorus.

Then, at 5:00 country singer Colt Ford performs. Following him, at 6:30 the Golden Knights will put on a free-fall demonstration.

And, in the evening, the 82nd Division All American Band will play and feature the “1812 Overture”. They’ll be followed at 9:45 with one of the best fireworks displays anywhere–a pure celebration of freedom.

I love being a part of this community! Fayetteville and Fort Bragg are a great place to be, to work and to live any time of the year. But, during our nation’s special holidays, especially the 4th of July, they are a GREAT place to be, because we are surrounded by those who can be counted among the true patriots.

The price of freedom is high, and many in our community have paid that price, and so have their families. That’s why we celebrate freedom and all it means to us.

Please come and join us this year, here in America’s Hometown–Fayetteville, NC!

via activerain.com

Posted via email from JuliGrace

Multiple Offers – I Love This Business!

jumperdj — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 22:00:43 +0000

I never get tired of being a Realtor! Although some days are long and hard and I’m dragging when I get home, there are so often days like today, when my afternoon lights up with multiple agents giving me offers on one of my listings.

It’s no surprise, really, I kind of expected a lot of interest in this particular listing. I put it on the market on Monday, posted a lot of pictures and a video, and got 4 showing notifications yesterday. It’s a great home, and it’s in a very desirable location–good school district, central location, easy commute times to anywhere–and it has so many great upgrades and features.

My sellers were very willing to listen to me and they did everything my home stager recommended. When we went to shoot photos on Sunday, my husband and I thought we might like to buy it!

Of course, I say that about so many houses I list or sell. I guess I just love beautiful houses.

And even more, I love when I go see my sellers like I will this evening, and I get to help them sell a home they’ve put so much time, money and love into. I just always am struck that my clients have so many memories in the homes that they’re selling.

Knowing that they have buyers who love this home as much as they do will make it a lot easier for them to move on to new memories.

Posted via web from JuliGrace

4 Br/3 Ba Home With In-law Suite in Terry Sanford School District

jumperdj — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:13:53 +0000

Front

I am so excited about my newest listing! It has so many features that buyers are looking for, including a glamorous kitchen, a comfortable sunroom and a large in-law suite!

What a wonderful home in the Terry Sanford School District. It has 4 bedrooms and 3 baths, and it is in one of the most desired areas of town. It is centrally located, with short commuting times to anywhere you want to go. Here is a Google map of the location.

This beautifully updated home is located in Murray Hill, an established neighborhood close to Fort Bragg, downtown, and the mall area. Murray Hill and Terry Sanford district are very desirable locations with strong property values. Check out the video tour of this great home.

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The upgrades in this home are very well done. The home features a formal living room, kitchen with separate eat-in area and pantry, master bedroom with full bath, in-law suite with all appliances and full bath, sunroom, deck, and above ground pool with deck. It also features hardwood floors throughout the main rooms, tile in the sunroom, and carpet in the in-law suite.
The formal living room is located on the front of the home, and features hardwood floors, crown molding, and double windows for pleasing natural light. An eye-catching feature is the wide door openings from the living room to the kitchen and then into the sunroom; very well designed.

Kitchen

The kitchen was fully remodeled in 2008 and features new KraftMaid maple cabinets, an island, quartz counter tops, GE Profile series double oven and cooktop, Bosch dishwasher and Maytag refrigerator w/French doors and bottom drawer. It includes a pantry with even more cabinets for storage and space for a desk or other furniture.

The master bedroom has space for queen-sized furniture and includes a full bath. Bedrooms 2 and 3 are ample sized and share a full bath located just outside in the hallway.

The in-law suite was added in 2004. It is handicap-compliant. The large space is comfortable and private and ideal for a parent, a long-term guest, or a college student. It has an entrance from the back, and it includes a full kitchen area with appliances, an eat-in area, sitting room, space for full or queen bed, and a full bath with shower and walk-in closet.

Sunroom

The sunroom was completed in 2007. What a great room! Off the dining area, it features French doors, full windows, access to the deck and a beautiful tile floor. It is one of the favorite rooms of the house.

The backyard has privacy fencing. It is a large yard, with room to play or just gather on the deck or the 28’ above ground pool. The pool was added in 2006 and is in excellent condition.

Finally, the hardwood floors were re-done in 2008. New heat pack was added in 2006.

Click here to visit the photo gallery for this home. Here is a link to more information on Realtor.com.

This home is a great choice for anyone who needs an in-law suite and wants to be in a very desirable neighborhood. Call your agent to schedule a showing or call or text Julissa @ (910) 644-0303.

514 Woodclift Drive Fayetteville, NC 28311

jumperdj — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 16:05:44 +0000

A Well-Maintained 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath House at an Affordable Price

Front View

Here is my newest home for sale in Fayetteville, NC. It is a very good choice for anyone who wants a comfortable home without a large mortgage payment. Here is a link to a Google Map of the location.

What a wonderful home for a very affordable price! This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home is located in Woodclift subdivision, a quiet neighborhood located close to post, shopping, and the universities. It is very well-maintained.

Video Tour

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This ranch home features a large greatroom, dining area, galley kitchen, master suite, and 2 additional bedrooms. It sits atop a single car garage and a basement that offers tons of storage room.

The greatroom includes a corner masonry fireplace, access to the deck, and room for even the largest of furniture. The dining area is located just off the greatroom with room for a full-sized table and enjoyment of the pleasant afternoon sunlight. The galley kitchen has granite counter tops, stainless steel under counter sink, plenty of cabinets for storage, and updated appliances.

The master bedroom is large enough for a full set of furniture. It features access to the deck and includes a full bath with separate water closet and a walk-in closet. The other bedrooms offer enough space for bedroom or office furniture.

The deck runs along the rear of the home, offering privacy from neighbors and the street. It also affords views of the lake in the distance. The backyard is very large, is fenced, and is terraced for separate landscape and garden areas (as well as a separate area for pets.)

The basement includes a single car garage, and 3 separate storage areas, enough storage space for virtually every need.

Click here to see more photos of this home. For even more information, view the listing on Realtor.com.

Call your agent for a showing, or if you do not have an agent, call me at (910) 644-0303 to schedule an appointment.

How Did We Get Here? The Crisis of Credit Visualized

jumperdj — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 20:15:58 +0000

Undoubtedly, the most widely discussed topic today is the state of our economy and the impact of the credit crisis. It is the source of heated debate about the need for stimulus and bailouts, and so many of my friends and clients are asking what all of it has to do with them personally.There is a direct connection between you and your mortgage and the trouble that banks and financial institutions have created. There is also a very real connection between that trouble and your financial future–what will happen to the value of your home, which may be your largest investment.

The Crisis of Credit Visualized – The Big Picture

I was browsing my Twitter account one day, and found this link to a video from one of my followers. It is exceptionally well done and helps to explain what happened to our credit markets, and how it is related to you and your home. Please check it out:

The Crisis of Credit Visualized from Jonathan Jarvis on Vimeo

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Certainly, there is more complexity involved than this video can portray, but it goes a long way towards explaining why we are where we are. The uncertainty of the future, consumers burdened with excessive debt, and unsteady property values compound the effects, such that we should not wonder that banks are complaining that nobody wants to borrow money. Unfortunately, in our country, in our time, we have built an economy based on buying with credit and living with debt. Nationally, we have a very large problem.

So, What Does This Mean To Me and Buying or Selling a Home?

There’s good news, especially if you are looking to buy or sell a home in Fayetteville. The local economy is still relatively strong, and home values have increased in general. In fact, according to Zillow, Fayetteville leads the nation in home price stability, showing an increase in overall home values of almost 7%, better than any of the other 160 markets that Zillow tracks. Additionally, we expect growth of 20,000 more families between now and 2011 under the Defense Base Closure and Re-Alignment Commission (BRAC). Lenders have money to lend, and VA and FHA loan programs are widely used and available. The real estate market remains balanced for homes in many price ranges, and there are some great homes available at reasonable prices. All of this bodes well for both buyers and sellers in the local area.

If you are considering selling your home or buying a new one here in Fayetteville, please be call me or email. I would love to provide more information on specific houses or neighborhoods or help you find a reputable lender to get the process started.