BDF Realty’s Blog

Q:  Why do robbers rob banks? A:  Because that’s where the money is Q:  Why have home sellers shifted their vacant homes from “for sale” to “rent-to-sell”? A:  Because that’s where the future buyers are It’s really that simple.  I probably sound like a broken record, but I still see vacant homes trying to sell for full market prices.  And it’s just not working.  Let me repeat: it’s just not...

  I wanted to share a dilemma I’ve had with an expensive rental home I’ve kept.  But before I start, a good place to begin is my overall philosophy on “expensive versus cheaper rental homes”: Expensive rental homes are ideal and appreciate greatly (cha-ching!!) in rising real estate markets, yet are more expensive to maintain, cash flow every month, and pay the mortgage during vacancies....

  Early impressions can be very telling.  In relationships, they can save you a lot of time and heartache.  For example, when you first start dating someone, the first 2 weeks really are pivotal.  One really wrong move and it is over, right?  So, it is important to pay attention and try to figure out how to stand out (in a good way…).  It’s also important to figure out what they really think...

As homes for sale sit and rentals continue to gain prominence in the residential real estate market across the country, concerned owners are wondering how to best fill their rental properties quickly.  So are property managers. “Everyday my house is empty costs me money!  Besides the mortgage payment, it’s the other things that are absolutely killing me- utilities with this unusually cold and...

  “What??  Are you crazy?  Is moonshine still a big draw in Charlotte?” you may say.  Sure, I’ve read the news and understand the dire straits the housing market is in.  And, no, there is no gold rush (that I’m aware of…) coming to Charlotte; we’re getting hammered like everyone else.  My reaction is just based on the sheer need of buyers and sellers to transact real estate and what that...

  I’m a big (recent) fan of these “Groupons.”  What a great deal for consumers!  Groupons are like regular coupons, except on steroids; they offer discounts of 50%+ to use at local businesses.  I am impressed and now a big supporter. Early last week there was a groupon for one of the top restaurants in Charlotte offering $60 worth of food for $25.  What a great deal!  I bought one and used it...

    “Since they collapsed into conservatorship in September 2008, Fannie and Freddie have received $151 billion in taxpayer assistance.  More will certainly be needed.”  “If this Mr. Smith goes to Washington as head of FHFA (Federal Housing Finance Agency), he will face a monumental challenge at a crucial time: how to protect taxpayers from even greater losses incurred by Fannie and Freddie.”...

  Oh, the joy of the successful up-sell!  Ask a simple question many times to many customers and make a ton more money!  This is what all corporations pine for: McDonalds: “Do you want fries with that?”  Amazon: “7 more dollars and get FREE shipping!” Dominos: “Order 2 pizzas at regular price and get free cheesy bread!”   Mix in a little doubt from a good salesperson and if gets even...

    “There are no facts, just interpretations.”  Friedrich Nietzsche On a whole, I like honesty.  I like it when people tell me what they really think (within reason).  And if they don’t have anything interesting or worthwhile to say, omission works well for me too.  I like things clear and easily understood. So it came to my chagrin when I was reading a headline of an article this week that...

  I have to admit, pricing rental homes is an issue that I struggle with.  As a property manager in Charlotte for the past 6 years, I really should have a good grip on the right approach; however, I’m still constantly debating myself over the correct way to do it.  And my therapist says this self-banter does not mean that I’m crazy.   So… it is safe to say that pricing is an inexact...