Low Ball Offer

My clients cleaned and painted and staged. Finally, we put a ‘for sale’ sign in the front yard. For weeks, they walked on egg-shells trying to keep the house ready to show at a moment’s notice. And finally we got the call! An offer was coming in. As soon as I picked up the offer, I knew my clients would not be happy. It was $30,000 off asking and this was not an expensive house. What I didn’t

A Touch of Spring at the GEH

Has this frightful weather got you down? A visit this week to the George Eastman House may just be what the doctor orders. There are just seven days left to the museum's Dutch Connection 2011 exhibit.(closes February 26, 2011. Daffodils, tulips and hyacinths Oh My! Not only is this a visual treat, but the fragrance is heavenly! Here are a few photos I took there yesterday.

Resolve to be Money Smart in 2011!

I like New Years and fresh starts and resolutions. I make lots of New Year’s resolutions. It’s not that I don’t like the way that I am, it is just that I thrive when I’m challenged. So I set lots of goals. I do lots of the typical “eat less, exercise more and get organized resolutions.” I also resolve to visit new places, learn new skills and have fun. But one of my best resolutions was to get

Real Estate During the Holiday Season

Every year it is a debate whether or not to leave a house on the market during the period between Thanksgiving and New Years. I tell my clients that it is a personal decision. First off, it is very unlikely that their house is going to get an offer if it is not on the market. Second, traffic should be light but those that are looking are most likely serious buyers. But if you struggle with keep

Don't Do Windows?? Then Hire Them Out!!

It's no secret that houses are not flying off the market like they were a few years ago.  Buyers are as picky as ever and tend to look at everything on the market before they make a decision.  If you're trying to sell your home, it's important that it shows as well as possible.  Over the next few weeks, I plan  to provide some general information about getting your house in tip-top showing

Veterans Day 2010

Veterans Day 2010 Originally uploaded by maryshelsby Remembering all the men and women of our Armed Forces who have and are keeping us safe. Thank you for all your sacrifices.This shot was taken at the Vietnam Memorial at Rochester's Highland Park.On a real estate note, one big change in the market is that investors are back! Perhaps they recognize the bargain basement prices out there, but I've

It’s been almost a full year since I’ve made a serious post to my blog. It’s not that I’ve forgotten about it or lost interest, I’ve just been distracted.





For one thing, I’ve become a photo-holic. I’ve always liked to take pictures but I realized it was a real problem when my camera up and died in September 2009 and I came unglued. I could not rest until I went out and bought a bigger and