Enjoying the Speed Bumps

Dear Friend,

Some transactions are as smooth as silk, and others…well, others seem to hit every speed bump along the way. As a Realtor, I have learned to enjoy, rather than avoid the speed bumps in my transactions. Each difficulty brings me one step closer to making sure that I am doing everything possible to insure that this sale is as solid as a rock for all parties involved.

It starts with creative marketing skills, which are necessary to find just the right buyer. Take a recent transaction I was involved in. This particular property was nestled high on a hill and didn’t have the benefit of street traffic advertising. How did I target just the right audience? By direct mail to potential clients with an inviting four page photo brochure. By advertising beyond the scope of Sonoma Valley, and by reaching out to just the right buyers, not waiting for the right buyer to just come along.

As the transaction proceeded we engaged in six–yes-six counter offers, and four addenda. It was challenging, balancing the needs of the sellers with the wishes of the buyers. Negotiating skills kept this transaction alive when it could have ended with any of those six counter offers.

Smooth or bumpy, let me help you with your next Real Estate transaction.

Your Realtor, Carolina

P.S: If buying or selling is in your future, call me direct at 694-4100.

Is This Your Year?

Dear Friend,

What’s on the top of your New Year’s resolution list? Getting to the gym more? Cleaning out your closets? Putting your home on the market?

Well, I can’t help you much with the first two, but that last resolution? Putting your home on the market? That I can help you with!

As an experienced Wine Country Realtor, I can show you how to turn that resolution into a plan. A plan to help you get the most out of your current residence, and help you find a home that fits your life today.

Start 2008 with a new view of this lovely Valley. If you would like to learn more about this Real Estate market, please give me a call at 707-694-4100.

Happy New Year,
Your Realtor Carolina

P.S: Change is good! Let’s make 2008 your year for change!

Let Your Realtor Work For You!

Dear Friend,
I recently met a woman, and after a brief chat, discovered she was looking for a home in the Sonoma Valley. “Oh are you working with an agent?” I inquired. She thought about this for a moment. “Oh, well, we don’t want to pick one until we find a home.” Now this raised my curiosity. “Oh, why the wait?” “Well” she replied “Isn’t that the way everyone does it? Why bother the agent until we’ve found something?”

Here’s why!! The agents’ job is helping you through the process. If you as a buyer only rely on newspapers and the internet, you are leaving out a very important part of the process. A trained Realtor will sit down with you and help prioritize your home buying goals. What areas are you interested in? What is your price range? Where are you flexible (a pool would be great) and where are you not (we absolutely have to have four bedrooms.)

Let the Realtor go looking before you do. You’ll save yourself hours of Internet searching, and searching the open house ads. Once I know what your criteria are, I can tailor a search to your specific needs. And I’ll let you in on a little secret; a Realtor frequently knows of marketing happenings long before they make it on line or into the papers!

Let your Realtor work for you,
Carolina Salmonsen, Pacific Union/GMAC

PS. I’m ready! To find out more about me and Pacific Unon/GMAC, give me a call at 707-694-4100