Vivian Katz, CIPS, TRC

With listings at $2 million+ & $500K, i believe my buyers will come from places outside Orlando and am concentrating my marketing online & internationally. I just earned my Transnational Referral Specialist designation so that i am a part of the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations and can take advantage of increased visibility & credibility. My colleagues gave you good advice ~ homes in that price point fare well with a qualified listing professional directing the marketing effort. I would be happy to provide a Comparative Market Analysis for you ~ please feel free to call me at 407-367-9883 or email me at GlobalPropSpec@aol.com. Best wishes, Vivian Katz - Thu Jun 19 2008, 12:47

I find myself in awe of people who are just entering the business today because of all the negative press & public scrutiny, but it seems to be a nice option for some. You've gotten a lot of advice, so i will keep it simple.
Do you like people? Are you comfortable making friends from strangers? Are you self-disciplined? Can you set goals and meet or exceed them? Are you patient & do you have a fallback or safety for the time it will take to bring home that first closing? Answer YES to any of the above & you will make the others work for you. Answer NO to any of the above & you will find yourself frustrated & unhappy all too quickly. Definitely research the firms in your area. Ours offers a Career Development Institute & continuous educational & networking opportunities. Or, you might prefer a small, intimate boutique brokerage with more hands-on mentoring from a broker. Whatever you decide, please let us know how it goes for you. All my best, Vivian - Tue Jun 17 2008, 14:55

I can't believe y'all are jamming my mailbox in response to someone with an enormous chip on his shoulder. I don't need to justify myself to TMan, or to anyone. I bet he nitpicks his butcher, dentist, doctor, and banker as well. That's what happens when a person who considers themselves superior to others has too much time & technology on his hands. Please, let it go ~ it's just not worth arguing with him! - Wed May 21 2008, 06:41

Aaah, I'm confused ... "where's the negotiation part..?" ... the buyer wasn't there, so they don't know what was said ..

It's likely that the buyer wasn't there because my intent is to shield my clients from the more negative aspects of the transaction. Deals have been made & broken over missed deadlines, bad loan officers & even appliances! People, pursuant to our human nature, tend to take these differences of opinion to a more personal level. By being removed from the "stake" of the negotiation, my colleagues & i are able to put things in perspective for all involved. We keep our clients on an even keel when they get upset & also keep the other parties at arm's length if they get out of control.

Say what you want, i have yet to meet an attorney who will call, without a retainer, the other side to argue over a washing machine that leaks, which i do until the deal is closed. The day i can find an attorney to take care of this minutiae without guarantee of payment is the day is resign my license & move in with you!

I think we all know that we don't need to defend our profession. Some people just like to judge others & that will never change. How often do we hear about mechanics and other skilled craftsmen? Yet, i don't think most of us want to learn basic car repair & buy the myriad of tools needed or get that dirty. Why is my profession one of those that the layperson holds is a harsh light? Because a handful of us just are not meant for this business. Like in any industry, one bad apple seems to tarnish the whole group. - Sat May 17 2008, 06:56

Marketing & showing the home are at the forefront of our efforts. So much more happens once the contract is executed & the closing day approaches. Are you prepared to negotiate inspections, repairs, appraisals & loan approval deadlines? Are you comfortable handling the varied technical aspects? I am now a licensed Realtor in Florida, but have been a FSBO seller & buyer & can tell you i will never go through that again. So much frustration & disappointment that i could have avoided & for a fraction of the price of the homes! Also, please consider a co-broke fee for a licensed professional who brings your buyer to closing. You are just as likely to sell that way than to a private buyer, in most cases. Either way, best of luck to you! Vivian - Fri May 16 2008, 15:07

Relocation can be quite involved ~ my best wishes for your success ~ in the meantime, please visit my Listings here on Trulia ~ my lakefront home is in my portfolio & may be a nice match ... i would be happy to assist you with other areas, please don't hesitate to contact me at your earliest convenience. Vivian - Sun May 18 2008, 11:45

My friend has a few properties in Chattanooga that he would consider selling, but i am only licensed in Florida so it would be a personal referral to you or to a local Realtor of your choice. Please let me know if i may provide you with specific information. Best wishes in your new home, Vivian - Fri May 16 2008, 14:58