Archive for July, 2008
Weighing the Competition
Tomorrow I’m being interviewed for a new listing. I know there are at least 3 other agents also interviewing for this listing opportunity. Despite the possibility of it working against me, I think it’s worthwhile for sellers to speak with a few agents. Particularly if the sellers do not have a working relationship with an agent that they trust to sell their house (which is different than an agent who is just a friend or family member). Here’s why…
1. Pricing Opinions: Are the agents in the same range? (They should be, even if it doesn’t agree with what you think your house is worth) How thorough was their pricing analysis? What types of factors did they consider?
2. Marketing Philosophy: What are the agents going to do differently to sell your home? How comprehensive are their marketing plans?
3. Negotiation Skills: Can these agents negotiate effectively? How do they negotiate? What’s their track record?
4. Communication Skills: Can the agents carry on an intelligent conversation? Do they speak in generalities or specifics?
5. Rapport: Do you feel a connection with the agents? Will you feel comfortable having extended conversations with a specific agent?
6. Production History: How much business are they doing? Are they actively listing and selling properties? Are they a full time agent?
When interviewing several agents, a seller can get a good feeling for the competence level of each individual and what they bring to the table. Often times sellers will still make their decision on emotion and the “connection” they had with the agent they choose. By speaking to multiple agents, they’ve at least gathered various opinions and should feel comfortable that the person they’re choosing will do an adequate job.
Cheesecake Statistics
One of the main things that Amy and I are trying to do with this blog is to emphasize the importance of looking at data. We like to look at median prices and inventory levels to see how the overall market is doing. When working with buyers and sellers, we look at price per square foot and comparable sales to figure out how much a specific property is worth.
Being statistically inclined, we sometimes get a little overzealous. One could argue that this is one of those times…
On Wednesday, July 30th a very special event will be happening at Cheesecake Factories across the country. The chain is celebrating its 30th anniversary by offering dine-in customers slices of cheesecake for $1.50, just like they originally did back in 1978.
This event will allow Americans everywhere to enjoy dessert with unmatched calories per dollar.
In order to set the stage for the Cheesecake event, we should take a quick look at some other foods I enjoy that rank highly on the calories per dollar scale. We’ll focus on low cost snack foods and fast food (dollar menus) since they really shine when using this statistic. In fact let’s build a meal that I would actually eat!
Those figures are impressive, but they’re not in the same class as $1.50 cheesecake. The Cheesecake Factory does not disclose nutritional content for their food, but there are places on the World Wide Web where we can find an unofficial tally.
I’m particularly fond of the Fudge Cake, which is reported to have 1,360 calories per slice. Since it’s not technically cheesecake, and therefore will not be on sale, its calories-per-dollar check in at a modest 209. Amy enjoys the Chocolate Tuxedo Cheesecake, which (supposedly) has 760 calories and 507 calories per dollar at the sale price. Our new leader! A quick scan of the reported calorie data has Craig’s Crazy Carrot Cake Cheesecake as the winner. It’s 1,010 calories translate to 673 calories per dollar during this blessed event. Ironic that the one item with veggies in it is actually the most caloric.
So spread the word - terrific deal at the Cheesecake Factory on July 30th. And if anyone has a ready-to-eat food that can touch the carrot cheesecake calories per dollar basis please pass it along!
Growing Dinner at Home
With rising food prices, growing your own vegetables at home is a good way to reduce your expenses.
Vegetable gardening is rewarding on many fronts, reducing your food bill is just one benefit. You’ll get to spend time outside in the fresh air, get some exercise, have better tasting food, and make the world a little greener.
One of the downsides of vegetable gardening is that you may spend a lot of time loving and caring for your garden, only to find that the wild neighborhood animals are enjoying the fruits of your labor. I read this book two summers ago and related very well to the author. After working all summer on a bountiful crop of tomatoes, Kyle and I came out one morning to find all of them missing. Well, except for the ones with one small bite taken out and dropped to the ground. Grrrr….I had some choice words for little furry animals that day.
Since then, Kyle and I have taken a minimalist approach and grow basil on our porch…
Kyle’s parents who live in Vermont have gone to the other extreme with their rooftop garden. They grow swiss chard, lettuce, green beans, and a host of other veggies…
A good tomato crop is on the way…
You really don’t need to worry about squirrels, deer, and bunnies eating from your rooftop garden…
While we all can’t enjoy rooftop gardens, outside container gardening may be something you’d like to consider for next year, or inside for this coming winter. It’s easy enough to fill some pots and get started (as long as you have adequate sunlight). Here’s an excellent book that got Kyle’s parents started on their journey.
Have fun and eat fresh!