Cedar Rapids Real Estate Blog

 Northeast Cedar Rapids Real Estate

• 1,695 sq. ft., 1 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $89,950

Northeast Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids  -  CONVENIENT LOCATION IN THIS THREE BEDROOM, ONE BATH, TWO STORY CHARMER. BEAUTIFUL ATTENTION TO DETAIL IN LIVING AND DINING AREAS. GORGEOUS OLD STYLE WOODWORK REMAINS. NICE SIZED BEDROOMS WITH ROOMY BATH UPSTAIRS. ATTIC IS 95% FINISHED AND READY TO BE CONVERTED INTO OFFICE, BEDROOM, PLAYROOM, ETC.

Property information

Christopher Smith

Traditions Real Estate

www.christophersmithrealtor.com

christopher.smith.realtor@gmail.com

319-329-5988

Licensed Realtor in the state of Iowa

"Success in real estate at the SERVICE of others."

Marion Iowa Real Estate 

• 2,964 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm ranch - MLS® $279,900

Marion, Linn County  -  OUTSTANDING QUALITY AND UNCOMPROMISING BEAUTY DESCRIBE THIS GORGEOUS RANCH IN MARION. COZY LIVING ROOM LEADS TO CUSTOM KITCHEN AND DINING AREA. HUGE DECK AND BACKYARD FOR ENTERTAINING. ALMOST 3,000 SQUARE FEET OF LIVEABLE SPACE. MASTER SUITE AND BATH ARE SEPARATE FROM OTHER BEDROOMS ON FIRST FLOOR. SANCTUARY IS YOURS IN THE MASTER BATH SUITE! ENORMOUS GREAT ROOM IN BASEMENT. AWESOME NEIGHBORHOOD AND AWARD WINNING SCHOOL DISTRICT!

Property information

Christopher Smith

Traditions Real Estate

www.christophersmithrealtor.com

christopher.smith.realtor@gmail.com

319-329-5988

Licensed Realtor in the state of Iowa

"Success in real estate at the SERVICE of others."

 Hiawatha Iowa Real Estate

• 2,280 sq. ft., 1 bath, 3 bdrm ranch - MLS® $155,950 - Lots of Home and Land!!!

East Hiawatha, Hiawatha  -  A LOT OF HOUSE AND YARD FOR THE MONEY! BEAUTIFUL, OPEN FLOOR PLAN WITH CUSTOM KITCHEN DESIGN, LEADING INTO DINING ROOM. BEDROOMS ARE NICE SIZED WITH MASTER BED HAVING 1/2 BATH OF ITS OWN. GORGEOUS, TILED ACTIVITY ROOM BETWEEN GARAGE AND LIVING ROOM. LARGE GREAT ROOM IN BASEMENT WITH FULL SIZED BAR FOR ENTERTAINING. ENORMOUS, FENCED BACKYARD, ALMOST 1/2 ACRE.

Property information

Christopher Smith

Traditions Real Estate

www.christophersmithrealtor.com

christopher.smith.realtor@gmail.com

319-329-5988

Licensed Realtor in the state of Iowa

"Success in real estate at the SERVICE of others."

 Cedar Rapids Real Estate

• 3,341 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm ranch - MLS® $239,950 - Priced to Sell!

Southwest Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids  -  Open the door and say, "Wow." One of a kind ranch in SW Cedar Rapids behind Target off of Edgewood Road. Great neighborhood, convenient to everything! Former builder's home with upgrades galore! Columns, French ceilings, Corian countertops throughout entire house, jacuzzi tub in master bath, custom built bar for entertaining your guests, walkout basement with extra bedroom and bath, storage for days and days! Must see this beautiful ranch!

Property information

Christopher Smith

Traditions Real Estate

www.christophersmithrealtor.com

christopher.smith.realtor@gmail.com

319-329-5988

Licensed Realtor in the state of Iowa

Success in real estate at the SERVICE of others

• 1,243 sq. ft., 1 bath, 3 bdrm bi-level - MLS® $132,900 - Lots of house for the $$$

Cedar Rapids Real Estate: Northeast Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids  -  Beautiful home, great neighborhood, award winning schools & convenient to everything describe this split foyer on the NE side of Cedar Rapids. Newly remodeled kitchen, newer paint, exterior entry door, roof, oak railings in foyer entrance, interior paint, carpet and vinyl. Newer remodeled 1/2 bath in 2004. Awesome backyard with huge deck for entertaining. Storage shed and two access gates. Private trail in the back for those evening walks! Very clean and well kept property and a pleasure to see!

Property information

Christopher Smith

Traditions Real Estate

www.christophersmithrealtor.com

christopher.smith.realtor@gmail.com

319-329-5988

Licensed Realtor in the state of Iowa

"Success in real estate at the SERVICE of others."

...and the story continues.

Agent Jones walked calmly into his office and sat down at his desk.  After filing a few papers in their respective folders, he heard the familiar 'You've Got Mail" alert from his AOL account.  He turned and clicked on the email title "New Listing from IaHomesForSale.com."  Well, Agent Jones had been trying to capture the Cedar Rapids For Sale By Owner market for sometime now and so this new email notification system was sure to help him capture the "lion's share" of the FSBO market.

He opened his email and a beautiful new property unfolded before his very eyes.  The property address at the top of the email teased him ever so slightly.  "123 Forsalebyower Street" along with the homeowner information and information about the home followed.  Agent Jones could feel his heart rate starting to elevate slightly.  Then he remembered what his cardiologist had told him, "Agent Jones, you must start practicing patience and not become so anxiety ridden that your heart starts to beat irregularly." 

Well, Agent Jones tried his new breathing method designed to calm him down, but at the very tip of his brain, he couldn't help but get excited at the prospect of "bagging a new listing" that he could brag about with his fellow agents.  He knew that For Sale By Owners were inferior to his amazing presence on the real estate scene so he immediately forgot everything his doctors told him and went into Agent Jones Overdrive Mode.

Agent Jones immediately printed out the For Sale By Owner listing and typed up a brief letter explaining his vastly superior marketing techniques and presence that would sell the For Sale By Owner home in less than twenty four hours.  He placed his award winning correspondence in a red firecracker mailing tube, complete with the "Lighting Fuse" Lid.  He wasn't going to be out-marketed by the dozens of other mailings, phone calls, email campaigns, etc.  Yes, his firecracker mailing tube made him stand out above the rest of the pack!

Agent Jones couldn't contain his excitement.  Instead of taking this firecracker mailing tube to the Post Office, he decided he would go one step further.  He got into his black Lexus 470 GXL turbo SUV with license plate: RLEST8GRT.  He punched the numbers into his Garmin "123 Forsalebyower Street" and off he went.  Upon pulling into the driveway of the victim's house, Agent Jones noticed a familiar car parked next to the garage.  No, it wasn't the owner's car (not that he knew what the owner's car looked like).  No, it was Agent Smith's  2001 Saturn LW300 Station Wagon, with the familiar www.SoldYourHomeFast.com URL on the back. 

As Agent Jones passed along a few expletives we cannot say here, he pounded his fist on the dashboard in frustration.  He wondered what Agent Smith had that he didn't(other than a black Lexus 470 GXL turbo SUV).  "Hmmmm, I must figure out Agent Smith's secret to getting in the door of these For Sale By Owners and quickly overtake him in the market place."   Agent Jones backed his vehicle out of the driveway and parked down the street waiting for Agent Smith's car to leave.  Agent Smith's vehicle left a few minutes later and Agent Jones barreled his big luxury SUV up the driveway and hopped out to knock at the door. 

Raising his closed fist to knock on the front door, Agent Jones was greeted by the owner Jim Anderson.  "Mr. Anderson, I'm Agent Jones with Stalker Realty and I'd like to have a discussion with you about the error of your ways.  You see by listing your home by yourself..."  Agent Jones was interupted by Mr. Anderson, "Excuse me sir, you can save your speech for another time,  I've decided to finally list my house with Agent Smith."  Agent Jones replied, "I don't understand, I've got the best marketing techniques, the best plans for success, the best blah blah blah."  Agent Jones words fell on deaf ears.  Mr. Anderson retorted, "We've decided that after exhausting our efforts by ourself to market and sell our house, we're using Agent Smith, and here's why:

• Agent Smith sent us an email and unlike any other email from every other Realtor, Agent Smith's email actually offered us (The For Sale By Owner) something of value. 
• There were Ebooks and other resources on how to successfully market and sell your house by yourself.  There was a very important document that listed the top twenty-five websites to list and market your own home for free! 
• Agent Smith actually has a "For Sale By Owner" tab on his website; something no other Realtor in town has.  It offers FREE information, and FREE consultations with him in order to sell our house by ourselves.
• Agent Smith's real estate company Traditions Real Estate is one of the only real estate brokerages in town offering flexible commission rates starting at 5% with FULL SERVICE guaranteed!

"We simply felt that Agent Smith offered his SERVICES, stepped back and let us go through the process of trying to market and sell our own home.  He made himself available to us to offer FREE advice and continued to send us emails with other FREE services, but never once, did we feel like he was invading our space.   My wife and I discussed what we would do in the event we could not sell our house by ourselves and we concluded that we would go with a Realtor who was empathetic to our efforts to sell our own house, but offered his services to us.  We could tell that Agent Smith wasn't in real estate to make the "almighty dollar."  He was actually offering his services in a genuine and honest fashion."

By then, Agent Jones had heard all he needed to hear.  With his deflated ego barely in tow, he climbed into his black Lexus 470 GXL turbo SUV, started the engine, only to see the flashing Gas Pump Light on his dash, reminding him that he would have to fill up his vehicle again. 

While preparing for bed that night, Agent Jones said his prayers, cleaned up, and pondered on the day's events.  As he was about to toggle off the switch on his nightstand lamp, he uttered in a tired, yet confident voice, "I will live to fight another day."

Service is something that is sorely missing, not only from real estate agents, but from a lot of so called "Service Related" industries.  How many times have you walked away from a transaction feeling like you had been treated "less than professionally?'"  Real estate is all about RELATIONSHIPS.  When you are ready to begin one with me, I would be honored to sit down with you and start the process.  Thank you!

Christopher Smith

Traditions Real Estate

www.christophersmithrealtor.com

christopher.smith.realtor@gmail.com

319-329-5988

Licensed Realtor in the state of Iowa

"Success in real estate at the SERVICE of others."

Today is Friday, April 18, 2008 and the Cedar Rapids Real Estate market has never been stronger!  Sure Iowa and Cedar Rapids bares their fair share of burdens regarding foreclosures, sub prime lending, and tightening of loan qualifiers. 

However, the market in Cedar Rapids is fairly strong.  Inventory for Buyers is increasing daily!  Now, here's a little Buyer's Education 101 lesson for you guys and gals!

When you and your family start initial discussions regarding buying your first home, it's an exciting, yet daunting task because there are so many stages involved in the process from initial contact with a Realtor to successful closing & possession of your first home!

First, you become "mentally" qualified to buy your first home.  In other words, you become excited about the process, you start to do research on the Internet, and you look for homes from your local MLS (Multiple Listing Service), provided to you by your local, friendly Realtor.

Secondly, when you are ready to take that next step... Oh by the way, what is that next step.  It's time to become "financially" qualified.  I've spoken with many first time home buyers that when asked the question, "Do you have a relationship with any of the preferred lenders in town?", their answer is a qualified "No." 

Having a relationship with a lender that deals specifically with home mortgage loans is HUGE, and here's why!

• This lender works only on one product; home mortgage loans.  Their attention is not diverted by working on any other loan products, so their focus is narrow.
• This lender has access to the absolute lowest interest rates & they check them first thing in the morning.  This is big, because all of a sudden, interest rates could drop by a 1/4 or 1/2 point which could save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
• This lender has an awesome working relationship with the Realtors that give them business.  The lenders I work with take their job very seriously and ALWAYS come through with everything promised.  In fact, they always under promise and over deliver.
• This lender communicates with you and addresses all of your questions, fears, and doubts.  Applying for a home mortgage loan is stressful enough.  Having someone on your side that treats you with respect and exceeds your expectations forms a relationship that will always be remembered.

May I recommend the services of Tami Zumbach.  She is a senior loan officer at United Security Savings Bank in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Her bank can guarantee the absolute lowest rates for a mortgage loan.  Her record of SERVICE to others is unmatched by any other loan officer in town.  Here is her contact information:

www.iowamortgagediva.com

tzumbach@ussbia.com

Office: 319-363-0261

Cell: 319-560-1283

So, in closing, having a working relationship with a lender is paramount to a successful transaction from start to finish.  I only work with people whose #1 goal is your #1 goal.  Have an awesome weekend!

Christopher Smith

Traditions Real Estate

www.christophersmithrealtor.com

christopher.smith.realtor@gmail.com

319-329-5988

Licensed Realtor in the state of Iowa

"Success in real estate at the SERVICE of others"

          He eventually calmed his breathing, pulled up his trousers above his pot belly, and prepared for the ENTRANCE SPEECH.  "Howdy folks, I'm Agent Jones, what's your name?"  As the couple with their two children rambled off their names (Hi, I'm Joe and this is my wife Sally), Agent Jones was making a mental picture of their names as to not forget them.  He thought to himself, Joe, Joe, oh yea, Joe Namath, Joe Namath, Joe Namath.  Okay, uh... Sally, Sally, oh yea, Sally Struthers, Sally Struthers, Sally Struthers. 

          Agent Jones told the young couple to feel free to view the property and if they had any questions, to please let him know.  As the couple ventured around the house, it took every fiber of Agent Jones being to not follow directly behind the couple in traditional stalker agent fashion.  As they went from room to room, Agent Jones temporarily lost control and started hovering around the young couple like an unwelcomed gnat, and he noticed his first "strain in the agent/buyer relationship."  Joe turned around and said, "We'll just check upstairs here and let ya know if we have any questions." 

          Agent Jones heart sank because he took every word from Joe and Sally to heart.  As he fought the slow twitch muscle fibers in his legs to start trekking up those stairs, he remembered what Joe had said, "We'll just check upstairs here and let ya know if we have any questions."  Suddenly, Agent Jones could no longer control himself.  He bursted up those stairs with the agility of a high hurdler at a track meet.  As he reached the top of the stairs, his olfactory senses informed him that the couple could be located in the master bedroom, and once again pulled his trousers over his pot belly, and entered the room.

          Joe and Sally looked behind them and there Agent Jones stood, this time with several beads of sweat on his brow.  Sally then looked at Joe and communicated a non-verbal signal that only spousal units can communicate.  Joe then said to Agent Jones,"Well, thanks for your time, it's not quite what we're looking for," and the couple swiftly made their way down the stairs hurdling their kids in front of them, making a hasty exit from the Open House.

          Agent Jones in a last ditch effort slid down the bannister, and large stepped it out the front door to confront the couple with his last big sales pitch.  "Umm, uh, hey, interest rates are on the rise as he motioned his right hand upwards into the sky.  The seller's motivated and will look at any offer.  Can I show you guys any more properties.  How does five o'clock this afternoon work, or would 7:00 this evening be better?"

          Agent Jones got to the street as the minivan (suddenly with a 425 Chevy Big Block engine with dual exhaust pipes) skirted from the street and bolted down the street.  Agent Jones, almost out of breath (the same breath that had fogged the front window earlier) kept mumbling to himself, 023-AJS, 023-AJS, 023-AJS.  As he got back to the house, he jotted down the numbers and letters quickly on his personalized notepad with agent picture and contact information on it.  It was the license plate of the minivan!!!!!!

          Although this is a fictitious story, it's certainly on the minds of a lot of buyers and sellers that start their search on the Internet.  They are fearful that if they give out their name, address, and DNA Sample, that the Realtor will hound them mercilessly & nobody needs that "hassle factor."

         I've been doing this job long enough to know that if you give people what they want and do not ask for anything in return, that they will always come back to the source that has provided them with the information, and left them alone to decide who they are going to work with.  

• All of my downloadable reports are free; not even an email address is required.
• To search and receive listings from our MLS (Multiple Listing Service), all that is required is a valid email address so that the search criteria results can be delivered.
• I'm the only Realtor in town to offer a For Sale By Owner tab because I realize that in this day and age, it's hard to come up with the money to pay for a Realtor's services if you don't have it.  Traditions Real Estate is one of few companies in town to offer flexible commission plans starting at 5%.
• I will not bother you for your business, but here is what I would like for you to do.  If you are serious about buying or selling, and you have visited my website to receive information, I would love to work with you and your family.  My father always said, "If you don't ask, how do you expect to receive."  So, I'm asking.  Please email or call me back when it's convenient for you so we can begin a working relationship. 
• You will not find a more dedicated person to your cause than myself.  Your #1 goal is always my #1 goal, and that is to educate, inform, negotiate, and have a successful business relationship with you whether you are selling, buying, or selling your house by yourself.   

Christopher Smith

Traditions Real Estate

www.christophersmithrealtor.com

christopher.smith.realtor@gmail.com

319-329-5988

Licensed Realtor in the state of Iowa

"Success in real estate at the SERVICE of others."

Attention For Sale By Owners!  On my website, I have a For Sale By Owner tab which I would like for you to visit.  Already one might be saying to oneself, "Self, what's in it for the Realtor who is cleverly trying to market his services to the For Sale By Owner."  Okay, you got me!  I'll admit there's a small part of me that would like to have your business and successfully market and sell your house!

However, I wanted to provide this tab on my website to give you a fighting chance to sell your house by yourself.  You will note upon your visit that I have four word documents so far. 

1. A For Sale By Owner MiniKit.  This twelve or thirteen page document has some real good advice on how to market and sell your house quickly and for more of the asking price.  The last two pages are killers!
2. A For Sale By Owner Book.  This forty something page book is an in-depth study of how to attract the most potential buyers for your home in the least amount of time, utilizing all of your resources within your home town.
3. Guest Registry - Most of you already have one of these for guests that come to your home.  If you don't have one, I recommend it because if someone is coming in and looking around your home, the least they can do is provide some information in case you need to get ahold of them for say... a price reduction!
4. A document with the top twenty or thirty websites locally, regionally, and nationally to market and list your home for MAXIMUM EXPOSURE!  Over 80% of buyers initiate their search for homes on the Internet.  BE THERE, when they search and find your beautiful home!

If I can help you in anyway, I would be honored.  Traditions Real Estate offers flexible commission plans starting at 5% (we offer the buying agent 3% and we take 2%).  Our Internet marketing exposure is second to none because our website is the only Realtor website on the first page of Google for "Cedar Rapids Real Estate."  Imagine the exposure your property will receive being the FEATURED LISTING on my home page.  Enjoy the resources!  I'm here if you need help!

Christopher Smith

Traditions Real Estate

www.christophersmithrealtor.com

christopher.smith.realtor@gmail.com

319-329-5988

"Success in real estate at the SERVICE of others"

Licensed Realtor in the state of Iowa

Since I, myself, am part of the Cedar Rapids small business consortium, it would be reprehensible of me to not support, plug, promote, and devote my blog space to the further and future advances of these small businesses.

One in particular is THE WOODEN RAINBOW.  Owner Katie Frederick has a serious sales background, but soon found her unique passion for selling one thing; toys!  Says Katie in her own words:

"The Wooden Rainbow, Inc. has been a dream of mine since I began my first sales job.  My first 10 years of college were spent working as an independent sales representative.  I sold a variety of gifts, toys, educational items, games, stationary, apparel and jewelry.  However, I was most passionate about selling toys, games, and educational items."

If you are going to survive in the small business world, you need to have a plan, and if your plan starts to head south, you need to have another plan.  Katie realized this as The Wooden Rainbow went through its share of struggles in one of its first locations in a strip mall.  Business was great as long as other "like minded" businesses were next to you.  Foot traffic to these strip malls is generated when business owners get together and market their businesses as if they were one.  It's like having an arts and crafts store next to a teacher store, and next to a book store, etc.

Realizing that there weren't a great deal of independent toy stores left, Katie seriously investigated having an online Internet presence for The Wooden Rainbow.  What a smart business plan that turned out to be!  Only one potential problem though.  How does a first class toy store in the midwest get FOUND among the sea of search engine opportunities?  First, you have to advertise and let people know you are out there.  Then, once they find you, you have to capture them and keep them at your site long enough for customers to see the tremendous value and service The Wooden Rainbow offers to its clients.  Katie and her employees now sell toys to customers  around the world, thanks to her online presence as a quality merchant for everything toys!  The store represents over 40 manufacturers and carries over 250 products and growing!

Oh, did I mention SERVICE!  The Wooden Rainbow prides itself on great service, knowledge, and efficiency for both walk in customers at their store in Northeast Cedar Rapids and Internet customers.  You don't last long in small business or any business if you don't provide a certain level of SERVICE to your customers that they expect.  Having worked with the same staff when the company started four years ago allows The Wooden Rainbow a seamless transition from point of initial customer contact to successful closure of sale whether it's online or locally.

My personal experience with The Wooden Rainbow was with my 8 1/2 year old daughter and 2 1/2 year old boy.  My daugher exclaimed upon entering the toy store, "Wow, this toy store is awesome."  My 2 1/2 year old boy had to be coerced out of the store because he had his hand on about five different toys he wanted "daddy" to buy!

If you're in Cedar Rapids and  need that hard to find or unique toy experience, visit The Wooden Rainbow at 1957 Blairs Ferry Road NE.  They are right behind the old Nevada Bob's Golf Store and Welter's Storage. 

Don't forget to support your local Cedar Rapids, Iowa small business!  Thank You!

Katie Frederick

www.TheWoodenRainbow.com

1957 Blairs Ferry Rd NE

Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402

319-362-2223

=================================================================

Christopher Smith

Traditions Real Estate

www.christophersmithrealtor.com

christopher.smith.realtor@gmail.com

319-329-5988

Licensed Realtor in the state of Iowa

"Success in real estate at the SERVICE of others."

It's really a simple formula and Cedar Rapids Real Estate is certainly no exception.  Check this out!

A (Home is Priced Right and Competitive With  Market) + B (Viral Marketing Exposure of Your Property) = C (SOLD)

You and I would both tend to agree with this formula but you, the seller might be wondering how you are saving money if the house is priced to sell.   The following points cannot be contradicted when selling your house for as close to the asking price as possible and in the quickest amount of time.

1. Overpricing a house is fatal.  Your first ten to twenty customers walking through your doors are your best chances for the sale of your home and if your home is overpriced, they will find a home down the street that isn't.
2. If a home is priced to sell, especially with the market conditions the way they are, it will sell quicker, therefore saving you money on monthly mortgages, taxes and utility bills for months and months.
3. Don't feel comfortable paying a 7% commission rate for a Realtor that promises the world but doesn't deliver?  Traditions Real Estate offers flexible commission schedules starting at 5% - 8 %.  We are a full service brokerage, just like the big buys.  We always under promise and over deliver, EVERYTIME!  Email christopher.smith.realtor@gmail.com to get in touch with me to get the ball rolling!
4. A change in commission from 7% to 6% is a difference of $1000 per $100,000 of house value.  Switching from 7% to 5% is a difference of $2000 per $100,000 of house value.  Double these numbers for a $200,000 home and your talking about a substantial savings to your seller's net proceeds sheet at closing time.
5. "He Who Exposes His Property to the Most Potential Buyers Wins."  That's a quote from the great philosopher Christopher Smith.  How would you like your home to receive over 10,000 HITS on a website and over 250 unique visitors each and every week.  That's the exposure your house will receive if you list with me.  Google "Cedar Rapids Real Estate" right now on your computer.  The only local Realtor whose website comes up is mine.  That's exposure.  I did not pay to be in the top ten on www.google.com .  You have to earn it; that's my specialty and it serves my clients well.
6. When I blog about a specific listing, it usually ends up on page 2 or 3 of Google the very next day.  How is that for local, regional, and national exposure!  There is no other Realtor or brokerage in town that knows Viral Marketing better than myself.  You take advantage of this when you list with me.  Call me at 319-329-5988 to get started now!
7. Every Realtor in town (all 802 of them) will receive your listing when it is posted on our MLS (Multiple Listing Service).  Your listing will also appear on www.realtor.com , up to 30 national affiliate websites, and over 80 "handshake" websites similar to mine.  Once again, exposing your home to the most potential buyers!
8. My motto is "Success in real estate at the SERVICE of others."  I capitalize SERVICE because it is what I do.  I was raised by my family to always SERVE others.  Since I live this philosophy every day, it easily transfers over into my business philosophy.
9. Communication is vitally important when working with sellers.  You want to know what is going on every day or every week in order to sell your home quicker and for more of the asking price, and that is exactly what you'll get with my SERVICE.  Being a former elementary school teacher for 12 years, I've worked with hundreds of families and one of my strong points was informing, educating, and working with families to ensure a successful school year.
10. Traditions Real Estate is backed by a wonderful broker, Matt Smith whose 18 years of real estate and brokerage experience have moved him to the top of his field.  Traditions Real Estate is a small real estate company with a very successful track record in sales and marketing.  Last week, we sold six listings using our unique and viral marketing methods! 

In closing, I have a no hassle guarantee that if you are not completely satisfied with my service and Traditions Real Estate, you can cancel the contract within a weeks time and go with someone else.  Call me at 319-329-5988 for details.

Have a wonderful weekend.  The weather here in Cedar Rapids is sunny and beautiful, just like the forecast for Cedar Rapids Real Estate.

Christopher Smith

Traditions Real Estate

www.christophersmithrealtor.com

christopher.smith.realtor@gmail.com

319-329-5988

Licensed Realtor in the state of Iowa

"Success in real estate at the SERVICE of others"

Fairfax, Linn County  -  Announcing a price reduction on 402 Wildflower Drive, a 3,399 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm single story. Now MLS® $319,900 - 10K Price Reduction!!!.

Property information

Christopher Smith

Traditions Real Estate

www.christophersmithrealtor.com

christopher.smith.realtor@gmail.com

319-329-5988

Licensed Realtor in the state of Iowa

"Success in real estate at the SERVICE of others"

While other agents are looking for buyers to work with, I've got more than 20 buyers who are pre-qualified and ready to buy a home like yours NOW!  In fact, we sold six homes last week, thanks in part to our unique Buyer Assistance Program!

I have just one small problem......

Unfortunately, I've already shown my buyers everything currently ACTIVE in our MLS (Multiple Listing Service) and it does not meet their needs. 

So, if you're thinking about selling.....

If you're thinking of putting your home up for sale, before you call an agent for a market analysis, call my office today at 319-329-5988 and ask for Christopher Smith.  I will give you a list of my buyer's wants and needs from my Exclusive Buyer's List.  Each buyer has listed the area into which they want to move, their highest priorities in criteria, and the price range they're qualified for.  Perhaps your home is already on this list!

We'll deliver this list to you, free of charge and with no obligation to you.  After all, my intent is to keep my buyers happy and moving into the homes of their dreams.  I hope yours is one of them!

Currently, Traditions Real Estate is looking for sellers to sell their home with the following criteria:

• 100-180K price range
• 3-4 bedrooms (or a possibility for a 4th bedroom to be built)
• 1 1/2 bathrooms (or a possibility for a 1/2 bath to be added say in the basement)
• Homes on the Southeast, Southwest, and Northeast side of Cedar Rapids

Traditions Real Estate is a full service brokerage offering the only flexible commission program of it's kind from 5-8% depending on your budget and what you need to "net" from the sale of your home.  We aggressively market your property online to more than 30 affiliate websites and more than 80 other "handshake" websites just like ours.  Your property will sell faster and for more of the asking price; we've proven it!  Call or email us today to get started.  NOW is the perfect time to get your house on the market.  It doesn't have to be perfect!  It just has to be perfect for the right buyer!!!

Christopher Smith

Traditions Real Estate

www.christophersmithrealtor.com

christopher.smith.realtor@gmail.com

319-329-5988

Licensed Realtor in the state of Iowa

"Success in real estate at the SERVICE of others"

Whether or not you have bought a home before, the landscape for home buying is always changing.  If you've been in your home for fifteen years and are looking to buy your next house, you feel like a "rookie" because you've forgotten what it's like out there in the market place, competing with other qualified buyers and their agents.

First a little bit of good news for buyers before we tackle the five big ones.  The Cedar Rapids real estate market is full of inventory in each and every price range.  Buyers have much to choose from and guess what;  it's only going to get better.  Starting in March of 2008, the "busy" season for real estate has officially begun.  Seller's have been preparing their homes all winter (or should have been) and are poised to place their houses on the market to sell, right?  Well, maybe! 

Your home has to be "show ready,"  have great curb appeal,  have 7 or 8 out of 10 things each and every buyer is looking for, be priced right, have all major mechanicals in proper working order, etc.  If not, guess where the first 10 buyers will be going upon leaving your home?  They will find a home that has all of the above and be living in that home within a few months.

BUYERS, BUYERS, BUYERS, HERE IS YOUR LIST OF THE FIVE BIGGEST MISTAKES & MOST IMPORTANTLY, HOW TO AVOID EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM!

MISTAKE #1   Buyers don't ask the lenders enough questions or the right questions so they don't necessarily get the best loan for them.

SOLUTION TO MISTAKE #1   I only work with lenders who take the time and effort it takes to not only win your business, but your repeat business and your referral business.  These lenders know that if they don't provide what they promise, they won't be in business very long.  I only work with the best lenders like Tami Zumbach with United Security Savings Bank.  Visit her online at www.iowamortgagediva.com .  Also, ask for my lender's question list; it's free like everything else!

MISTAKE #2   Buyers don't act quickly enough when they find the right house, and someone else buys it out from under them.

SOLUTION TO MISTAKE #2   If buyers are serious about buying a home, they must be pre-qualified, and pre-approved to write an offer on a house.  They must not have a house they are currently living in to sell first because that would be like doing things backwards.  99% of the time, you need the proceeds or equity from the sale of your current house to move into your next house, unless of course you are a First Time Home Buyer.  Trust Christopher Smith when he says, "Go for it!"  He knows the market, and knows whether or not a house is priced right and will still be there the following morning.

MISTAKE #3   Buyers don't make themselves & their offer look attractive to the seller.

SOLUTION TO MISTAKE #3   The Christopher Smith Team and Traditions Real Estate are experts at "framing" the offer so that it is most attractive and appealing to the seller.  Do you want the house you just wrote an offer on?  Of course you do!  Christopher Smith is an expert at getting you what you want, PERIOD!

MISTAKE #4   Buyers usually don't think ReSale before they buy.

SOLUTION TO MISTAKE #4   Since I usually think "resale" with every house that is purchased from my buyers, I am already counseling them now and in the future with my award winning "Service After The Sale" Program on how they can increase the equity and return on their investment five to seven years from now, when it is time to market and sell their house again.

MISTAKE #5   They select the wrong agent and/or company to help them.

SOLUTION TO MISTAKE #5   My number one reason for getting involved in real estate was so that I could "Pay it Forward."  I was blessed to be an elementary school teacher for 12 years, and now guess what?  I get to work with "Big Kids."  Educating my clients is the number one gift I can give, and it always benefits the buyer and seller at the end of the transaction. 

I've been called by one of my clients as the "No DNA Sample Realtor."  For a moment I thought to myself, what are they talking about here & then I realized what they meant.  Most Realtors have you fill out name, address, phone number, first born, etc. when providing you with listings from our Cedar Rapids MLS (Multiple Listing Service) or buyer/seller downloadable reports. 

Not me, when you come to my site, I make it clear that these reports are free and all that is required for Cedar Rapids real estate listings is a valid email address and not the barney@flintstones.com email address I received a while ago.  I responded back to Barney Rubble but have not heard back, so I'm not going to pressure him!

If I can sit down with you and help you purchase your first or your next home, I would be honored to receive your business.  I promise to under-promise and over-deliver because remember, I am the "No DNA Sample" Realtor!  Have a great weekend everyone!

Christopher Smith

Traditions Real Estate

www.christophersmithrealtor.com

christopher.smith.realtor@gmail.com

319-329-5988

Licensed Realtor in the state of Iowa

"Success in real estate at the SERVICE of others"

When I started in real estate, there were over 950 Realtors in the Cedar Rapids real estate community.  As of present, there are just under 800.  It seems like attrition rates in Realtors are high, largely due to the fact that most Realtors can't afford to go for months at a time without a sale from a buyer or seller. 

As long as I've been a Realtor, I have never worried about where my next paycheck will be coming from.  For myself and the company I work for, Traditions Real Estate, we worry about one thing and one thing ONLY!  Are we giving enough SERVICE to our customers, folks who visit our site, and our neighbors, so that they will kindly tell everyone they know about what a difference Traditions Real Estate made in their transaction. 

Notice that when you visit our site, you don't receive dozens of phone calls, emails, and harrassing voice mails bothering you for business.  You ask for Cedar Rapids real estate listings and you receive them, no questions asked.  You download free buyer, seller, and For Sale By Owner reports, checklists and Ebooks, no problem.  The following is our motto that we live and work by:

"SUCCESS IN REAL ESTATE AT THE SERVICE OF OTHERS"

The following is a list of fifteen reasons why you should work with me, Christopher Smith!

1. I have time to research the residential housing market.
2. I have the knowledge to integrate and understand the information available to me.
3. I have over seven sources of new housing inventory that the other agents do not have.
4. I integrate the information available on the real estate Internet sites into useful data that can help accomplish the goal of home ownership.
5. I have the experience to negotiate better.
6. I have the ability to find a qualified home inspector and determine the repairs that should be negotiated for.
7. I have the team to research the home loan programs available in the market.
8. I have the knowledge to confirm loan officer information.
9. I have the hardware, software, and expertise to target market, if necessary, for the type of property that I am looking for.
10. I know the zoning regulations and building codes pertaining to residential real estate in the area that I'm interested.
11. I beat the list to sales ratio by over 2% thus saving my clients thousands of dollars.
12. I have a guaranteed service.
13. I always return phone calls, emails, and correspondence ASAP!
14. I always under promise and over deliver!
15. Your #1 goal whether buying or selling is ALWAYS my #1 goal.

Have an AWESOME weekend everyone.  The weather is FINALLY cooperating so we can get outside and enjoy this beautiful city we live in.  Cedar Rapids real estate will have another outstanding year in 2008! 

Christopher Smith

Traditions Real Estate

www.christophersmithrealtor.com

christopher.smith.realtor@gmail.com

319-329-5988

Licensed Realtor in the state of Iowa

"Success in real estate at the SERVICE of others"