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It has been almost three years since I began my adventure at Keller Williams Realty. In 1989 I hung my first license and wore a gold jacket. In 2006 I got re-licensed and worked for the blue and white team with the golden retriever as it’s mascot for just over a year. Then for another year and a half my then business partner and I tried our own little “boutique” shop. At the end of that year and a half it was the end of 2009 and the market had shifted beyond belief. I thought, “Boy did I pick the wrong time to get back into real estate.” I was ready to give up and go back to the school district to teach again.

I let my partner know what my plan was and that I had decided that I should just move my license over to a “big” company again so that I could work full-time and sell real estate part-time. I went to our local Keller Williams Realty office and met with the team leader (Broker) whom I had met several times at various REALTOR gatherings. The top producer in our market area, and a Keller Williams agent, had been contacting me for two years about meeting with him to possibly join his team. We, after all, worked the same market and actually farmed (and still do) the same subdivision. But I digress… My meeting with the team leader went well and I signed on the dotted line(s). I would officially begin at the local Keller Williams Office on December 1, 2009, and I did. Well, I never got that job with the school system because suddenly my business took off and by the end of 2009 I had experienced my highest production and income earned since I had gotten back into real estate.

Three years later it occurs to me that I had no idea at the time I came to Keller Williams how that decision would change my life in more ways than one. First, I now have my own business and make my own business decisions without having to go to my broker for approval on every decision I make. I have the flexibility to make sound business decisions that will benefit both my clients and myself – WIN-WIN, as it were. Second, after my first “Family Reunion” I knew I had found a parent company that had the same believe system (culture)as me, how did that happen! Family, Faith, then Business, imagine a company that advocates those values IN THAT ORDER. And finally, I have access to and have taken advantage of business models, training, and a camaraderie with other KW agents that allows us all to take advantage of each other’s successes (and failures – YES, we learn from our mistakes.)

I have had my ups and downs, I have learned that I must actually implement what I glean from all of those fabulous training opportunities that I take advantage of regularly. I celebrate every year when I Cap and I’m able to make 100% of my commission earned until my anniversary date (this month I plan on squeezing in 6 closings before December 1 [I'm grinning].) But that’s not even the best part of working at/with Keller Williams, the best part is, it feels like home to me. That’s the feeling I want all of my clients to have, why shouldn’t I have it too?

P.S. Call me if you want to talk more about how Keller Williams might change your life too-just like now is the time for buyers to buy, now is the time for REALTORS to take advantage of a great opportunity – Michele Herndon & Associates -813-523-9222.

The decision to buy a home is a complex one with many factors to consider, some of which may differ from person to person. But whether you’re a recent graduate, newlywed, single or single again, married with children, or an empty nester, there are common factors to take into account.

There are many benefits to home ownership. For starters, it’s a great long-term investment. Although you’re unlikely to see significant appreciation in price in the short term, an increase in value is almost certain over time. But remember: real estate is not a “liquid” investment. Should you find yourself wanting or needing to sell, it could take some time to find a buyer and close the sale, depending on market conditions at the time. Owning a home also offers a number of tax benefits. Interest and closing costs paid on a mortgage as well as property taxes are deductible if you itemize deductions on your federal income tax return.

 In addition to financial benefits, home ownership offers other advantages. Many people experience a sense of pride and satisfaction in owning their own home. For some, it gives a sense of stability, of “setting down roots.” And when you own your home, you enjoy the freedom to improve your property according to your own wants and needs, which usually isn’t possible when renting.

 With the privileges of ownership, however, come responsibilities. Maintenance and upkeep tasks that you may be accustomed to your landlord handling will fall squarely on your shoulders. In addition to the time it takes to care for your home properly, you’re likely to encounter both routine and unexpected expenses. It is important to anticipate these occurrences and prepare for them.

How do you know if you’re ready to buy a home? Do your research. Make a plan. Prepare a budget. Here are some questions to consider in making your decision.

 How long do you plan to live in your next home? Does your job or lifestyle dictate frequent moves? Remember that home values increase more over the long term, so if you’re moving more often than every few years, you may not see significant gain when you sell your home. You will, however, gain equity in your home as you pay down your mortgage, while rent money is gone for good.

1. How long do you plan to live in your next home? Does your job or lifestyle dictate frequent moves? Remember that home values increase more over the long term, so if you’re moving more often than every few years, you may not see significant gain when you sell your home. You will, however, gain equity in your home as you pay down your mortgage, while rent money is gone for good.
2. How healthy are your finances? Do you have money for a down payment, closing costs, insurance, taxes, and a buffer for unexpected expenses that can occur when you own a home? If not, talk with a mortgage lender to learn what steps you should take to put yourself in the best situation to purchase a home.
3. What is the real estate market doing in your area? How are mortgage rates? What kinds of homes are available in your price range? Are they located in areas that suit your lifestyle? If you are not able to buy a home as nice as the ones you could rent, consider your willingness to live in a less desirable environment for a time. The equity you’ll gain can help you upgrade sooner than you could if you continued renting and tried to save the additional money. A licensed real estate agent can provide you with valuable market information and help you evaluate your options.

Just how much should you invest in repairs to sell your home?
It comes down to how desperate you are to sell and what changes are needed.
Significant structural problems or major electrical or plumbing repairs must be disclosed to potential buyers. If you are unaware of these problems and they are discovered during the home inspection, they will have to be fixed at your expense or you’ll have to hand over an equivalent amount to allow the buyers to fix them themselves.

So if you are aware of significant repairs that need to be made, why not avoid the hassles and fix them before the “for sale” sign goes up?
For less significant changes, you can make repairs. But be aware you won’t necessarily recoup your investment. Don’t overspend. Many an unwary homeowner has made changes that effectively price him or her out of the neighborhood, meaning it’s become a good house in a poor neighborhood.

Buyers looking in the area may not be prepared to pay for state-of-the art windows or a slate roof. They may be impressed, however, by an uncluttered home with a fresh coat of paint.
Alternatively, you can decide not to make changes, betting that your proximity to transit or a deck with a hot tub will sell your house despite its flaws.

If this sounds good, be prepared to wait for a buyer who wants a fixer-upper.
And be aware that in its current condition, your house won’t go for top dollar – even to do-it-yourselfers.