New Wamego Listing!

Conventions, Retreats and Technology...So Overwhelming!

Here I've sat ALL day long trying to implement the hundreds of ideas I brought home from the KAR convention and office retreat last week. Wow! What an overwhelming task. I know that many of us take detailed notes and strive to improve our business by utilizing this new information, but really, who has the time?

Ah, ha! That's it, that's what gets me motivated...most don't have the time so won't end up using half, if any, of the ideas and I really want to be a better agent and set myself apart. So, here I sit trying to get back into a blogging routine. Check! One thing off my list.

Only 99 more tasks to complete and then I'll start on that reading list that's buried around here somewhere.

ERA The Conderman Group Has Award Winning Agents

The Manhattan Association of REALTORS® held its first annual awards luncheon on Tuesday, March 11,2008. Presenting the awards was special guest Karen Gehle, CEO of the Kansas Association of REALTORS®. All awards shared some criteria including adherence to the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, participation in the activities of the local, state and national association, their level of participation in civic affairs, and their business accomplishments.

To be named Rookie of the Year, an agent must have been a REALTOR® for two years or less.
REALTOR® of the Year must have a member of the association for a minimum of two years. Nominees for the Spirit Award were judged on their pride in being a REALTOR® and their knowledge of the issues. The Salesperson of the Year is limited to a member who has been a REALTOR® for at least two years and does not hold a management position in a firm.

The 2007 MAR Awards winners are

Rookie of the Year
Katie Wolf, ERA The Conderman Group

Salesperson of the Year
Pam Westmeyer, Christian and Associates

Spirit Award
Jim Blanton, Blanton and Associates

Realtor of the Year
Jean Hill, ERA The Conderman Group

How can I help a buyer?

Many people do not understand the role of a Buyer's Agent, so I would like to share the importance of hiring one and let you in on a bit of information regarding my fees.

Let me ask you, Buyer...Can you determine if a home is listed at fair market value, somewhat over-priced, or WAY over-priced? As your Buyer’s Agent, I can help you negotiate a fair price, protect your interests, and assist in ridding the emotion from the equation with a comparative market analysis before you make an offer. The best part is that my services usually do not cost the buyer any money!

If this interests you at all give me a call and I'll go into more detail. A Buyer's Agent is something I wish I had known about when I purchased my first home. I think I could have saved some money and felt more at ease during the home purchasing process.

8 Tips for Pricing Your Home

8 Tips for Pricing Your Home -- It's tough to be a seller in a buyer's market. Pricing your home is even more important.

Click the link above to recieve some smart pricing advice.

WILDCAT Fans Let's See Your Pride!

KSU 84
K-who? 75

What a game! That's what I call something worth watching. I don't get to watch much ball, but I have to say, that was one heck of a game to watch!

Wildcats or Jayhawks?

Well, tomorrow is the big day! The Sunflower Showdown...the Kansas Men's basketball ticket to have!

For the first time in 50 years Kansas State and Kansas will meet as ranked opponents. As it stood on Monday, The Associated Press Top 25 Poll placed Kansas at No. 2 and Kansas State at No. 22.

The Showdown begins on Wednesday at 7pm at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan. GO CATS!

6 Reasons to Hire a Realtor®

Why pay a Realtor® a commission to sell your home? After all, more than 10% of homeowners attempt to handle the sale of a home themselves, a statistic that has held pretty steady over the years regardless of market conditions. Before making a decision about whether to go it alone, it is important to have a realistic idea of what is involved in the biggest financial transaction most of us are likely to make. Why work with a Realtor®? Here are six reasons to consider:

Reason #1 - Realtors® know your market. Realtors® are in a position to know what’s happening in the real estate market, not just in your state and your community, but in your neighborhood. As trained professionals who may have seen hundreds of homes similar to yours and know their features and selling prices, a professional is well qualified to set a price that can bring the maximum number of offers for your home.

Reason #2 - Realtors® sweat the details. Accurate pricing, qualifying potential buyers, positioning advertising for maximum exposure, evaluating potential offers, negotiation and closing the sale are some of the basic skills needed to successfully sell your home. Then there are environmental, government and disclosure requirements that must be followed.

Reason #3 - Realtors® know marketing. Marketing that attracts offers, not just lookers. A coordinated marketing campaign using the right combination of print advertising, direct mail and the Internet ensures your home receives maximum exposure. And an experienced Realtor® can advise you on cost-effective strategies for ensuring your home looks its best to potential buyers.

Reason #4 - Realtors® are pros at bringing buyers and sellers together. A Realtor® may already have a buyer for your home! Successful Realtors® are continually replenishing their rosters of potential buyers, as well as networking with other real estate professionals who may have the perfect buyer for your home.

Reason #5 - Realtors® reduce stress. Are you prepared to show your home in the middle of the day? Every weekend? Realtors® have the time to show your home whenever it is convenient for a potential buyer. It’s their job. And they are available to respond quickly and courteously to inquiries by phone call, email and fax. Think of a Realtor® as your personal home sales assistant.

Reason # 6 - Realtors® are experienced negotiators. Realtors® can help avoid costly errors during the negotiation phase of a transaction. As experienced negotiators, they can help maintain objectivity during what can often be an emotional time for sellers and buyers. And the ability to deal successfully with any issues that crop up often calls for just the right combination of firmness and diplomacy.


Whether you are a seller or a buyer, perhaps the biggest benefit real estate professionals have to offer to you is their experience. They have made assisting buyers and sellers their business, so that you can get on with the business, and pleasure, of realizing your dream!

Marketing and What Works?

Yes, it's true. Realtors spend a lot of money each year on marketing...which we should, marketing is our main job. However, so much is wasted on trying to find what works! I've dabbled in a bit of everything and still don't know which one idea has the most impact.

Do you read your "junk" mail? You do know that it's not ALL junk right? :-) Do you notice billboards? How about the good ol' newspaper? Still read it or do you just go to the internet?

Let's change from Realtor to lawyer or accountant or other service provider. How do you choose who you want to work with?

I'm tired of throwing my money into trash cans but I want to make sure you keep me in the front of your mind. Any thoughts, suggestions.....

Blogging is the new fad. Maybe I'll get the hang of it and maybe I'll try it for a while:-) Do you read my blogs and just not comment?

Should I just wear a t-shirt that says "I Sell Homes"? I bet that would get some looks in Wal-Mart. Probably a better bang for the buck than a postcard, huh?

Where Did I Go?!

Wow. I can hardly beleive I haven't posted since October. Fortunately, I have been busy. Real Estate consumed me in November making it my busiest month of the year! Yeah!! We also squeezed in a trip to sunny Arizona and survived the holidays, ice storm, and kids' illnesses.

The month of December was a bit slower on the real estate front so I had time to get my 2008 plan in order and it was a good thing. January has brought quite a buzz to the office. We are super busy, seeing lots of new buyers and working towards our new goals.

I have several business goals this year but two that I am really excited about. One is getting in touch with all of my friends and acquaintances that I have lost touch or contact with. I just finished my list of over a 100 this week! My second goal is to visit and post on my blog more often so, please, hold me to it!

Happy 2008 and please check back regularly to help me achieve my goal.