Peter C. Fyler

Tara, I read an editorial recently about the Florida west coast market; the broker said “Smart buyers have stopped looking for bargains.” She went on to say,” They don't even bother asking about list prices anymore; they just drive around and when they see something they like, they offer the owner what they think the property is worth.” The smart buyer knows when it is as good as it is going to get, and that is before that 'knowing' is an image in their rearview mirror. I think that applies to most markets as we (hopefully) are approaching a real estate recovery. Real estate always recovers just as the stock market always recovers. Regardless, some people just don't listen and end up outsmarting themselves. Peter C. Fyler, CRS, REALTOR® SplitRock Real Estate, LLC Exclusively Representing Buyers Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts BuyersOnly@SplitRockRE.com http://www.SplitRockRE.com

Alisha, I thought your article was excellent and I do most of what you are talking about. I had to laugh when you said, "Walk through a house once and we've got the entire 3,560 square feet filed away (with details!) in our catalog-of-homes brain cabinet." I know this will sound sexist, and I do not mean it to, but in all my years I have always marveled at how WOMEN can walk through a house once and commit the entire layout to memory -- as well as any remodeling they would do to make it better. I have never been able to do that and maybe that is why I have over 30,000 digital images of houses. I photograph every house I can possibly get to see in my market. Actually, it works to my advantage because when a buyer asks me specifics about a house I can access that property file quickly and discuss the property intelligently (?) or send the photos to a Client. I call my photos 'scratch-n-sniff'. I have not gotten to taking video yet even though I have an iPhone, Flip and my Nikon shoots video. I also prepare very detailed showing booklets because when a buyer is looking at in excess of 8-12 properties on one day they start to glaze over. The booklet puts everything into perspective at the end of the day. I recognize that some buyers are analytical book readers and others are more visual so I usually ask which they are, because I want them to pay attention. I usually hold the booklet so I can answer their questions. The booklet not only has an Assessor's map it also has a pinned map as you are suggesting. Your story about the leather couch is a common occurrence in as much as I find it necessary to constantly steer (dangerous word) my clients back on course so they can pay attention to what we are suppose to be doing. I try to keep tight control like a sheep herder and I also make sure we are having fun. It's got to be fun and happy experience. I'm thinking about the camera idea and I think that is excellent and a good way of getting closer to YES -- involve the kids. However, I might look at a very inexpensive digital camera, or is that the only kind you can get these days. I know nothing about disposable cameras. As I said, this was a very good article and I thank you for sharing. Peter C. Fyler, CRS, REALTOR® SplitRock Real Estate, LLC Exclusively Representing Buyers Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts BuyersOnly@SplitRockRE.com http://www.SplitRockRE.com

Excellent article … All real estate may be local but this ‘tight fisted’ attitude has become pervasive and is very frustrating to those of us who have been telling the truth all along and not simply selling the sizzle. I get it; the public does not trust real estate licensees. But I would think if one pays attention and is informed the only logical conclusion would be, right now is prime time for those who have the wherewithal to make a purchase comfortably. However, most buyers today insist upon going after that last pound of flesh no matter how good they know the current pricing is on the property they have selected. I read an article that suggested buyers who bid ridiculously low despite having all the market facts at hand are really buyers who have no intention of buying; they are non-buyers. My job as an EBA has always been to create POWER BUYERS, regardless of whether the market was hot or as tentative as it is today. I take the time to investigate every possible detail of a property either before making an offer or as a contingency within the offer so as to ensure my client’s utmost comfort level. Peter C. Fyler, CRS, REALTOR® SplitRock Real Estate, LLC Exclusively Representing Buyers Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts BuyersOnly@SplitRockRE.com http://www.SplitRockRE.com