Tracey Rapp & Associates, P.C.

10/21/2022

10/07/2022

Don't go in the House Alone!

Many think being a realtor is all fun and games...interesting people, cool houses and a nice check at the closing. But every realtor knows there's a darker side to their profession.

Realtors are often alone with complete strangers in isolated surroundings. When they unlock the door to a potential client, they have no way of knowing if this will be a good experience or the beginning of a scary movie.

Here are some ways you can help protect yourselves...

1. Meet with your client in the presence of others, preferably a colleague.

2. Make sure that colleague knows where you're going, how long you'll be and, most importantly, who you'll be with. Take a copy of the client's driver's license or ID and leave it with your colleague.

3. Drive in separate cars. Not only will it give your client some time to mentally access the property, but you won't be trapped in a small space if things take a wrong turn.

4. Keep distance between you and your client, not just for COVID protocols, but to give you time to react if you are in danger.

5. Trust your instincts. If you have a bad feeling about your client, seriously consider whether you need a colleague to accompany you or to cancel the showing altogether. Your safety should always be of paramount importance!

Please know how much we appreciate you and everything you do!

Have a happy and safe Halloween...and don't take candy from strangers!

05/12/2022

The Game of Life…I mean Real Estate!

Ever wonder why a “simple” real estate transaction can turn from SimCity into World of Warcraft? It starts off with a lovely stroll through someone’s house and turns into a mad dash through a maze of obstacles. How did this happen?

It starts with the Players…

Figuring out who’s who in real estate is often challenging. In this version of the game, you’ll be the “Buyer.” Your interests are simple…you want to buy. It doesn’t matter if it’s for personal use or investment…you want something someone else has.

That someone is the “Seller.” Their interests are even simpler…they want to sell their house so they can turn the whole game around and become a “Buyer” themselves. Bottom line…they want the greatest profit.

You Meet…

It’s a beautiful thing, like Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man meeting on the screen of your first Atari. For anyone who doesn’t get that reference, Google it…and you make me sad!

The rules of the game say you can’t just walk hand-in-hand to the recorder’s office and sign over the property. Technically you could, but what would be the fun of that?

There are challenges and obstacles to overcome. You bring in NPCs (non-player characters) to assist you. For anyone who doesn’t get that reference, Google it…and you make me feel less alone!

Real estate agents, attorneys, title companies, mortgage companies, inspectors, appraisers, surveyors, contractors, closers…the list goes on and on until you can’t even remember what game you’re playing, let alone the location of the finish line.

But these NPCs have clues and secrets to help you. They know how to negotiate, they know where to get the title and survey, they know why those birds are so angry! Step by step and inch by inch, you get closer to your objective…CLOSING!!!

Then you start a new game…Hide and Seek…also known as ‘where is that box with the coffee pot and toilet paper?'