Director of Public AffairsWritten by Matthew Bratschi
Hollander Consultants Rockets Into The New Year Hollander Consultants’ Record-Shattering Year Seen as Harbinger of 2005Portland, OR: Hollander Consultants, a nationally recognized business and practice management consulting company, is rocketing into New Year with highest ever revenue and sales, after ending 2004 with over $5.4 million in revenue. “In January 2004, we sprang right out of gate and hardly slowed down rest of year. The employees of Hollander Consultants showed what a true team they are by working together to achieve greatest levels of production in history of our company,” announced Fred King, CEO of Hollander Consultants, “I’m sure 2005 will see same type of continuing, extremely positive growth.” According to Erika Sullivan, Director of Human Resources for Hollander Consultants, “This year our staff proved how dedicated they truly are. Individual staff production levels were surpassed in every quarter of this year. It’s something each staff member is very proud of. ” Highlights included: The Consulting Department reported two record quarters in a row for services delivered. The Quality Control Department reported record client satisfaction. The Existing Client Sales Department reported highest sales quarter ever – another indicator of client satisfaction as so many of first year clients bought more and more service. The Human Resources Department reported highest percentage ever of trained specialists company-wide.
| | The Seller's Guide to the Buyer's EyeWritten by Elaine VonCannon
The Seller’s Guide to Buyers EyeA strong tendency towards a sellers market will continue until baby boomers finish cycle of buying and selling real estate, estimated to end in 20 years, according to Senior Real Estate Association. Baby boomers (born between 1946-1964) are in their peak years for real estate investment. Real estate investments will continue to be lucrative throughout cycle. The realtor and seller must work together to develop strategies to compete in this market. New construction is booming, and re-sells are competing with them. If a buyer looks at a house that needs work, they may assume it’s available for a bargain price, ‘handyman’s special.’ Avoid this, and obtain maximum amount for your home sale. The Value of Obtaining a Home Inspection There is a number 1 rule in selling real estate for highest dollar. The seller should obtain a home inspection before putting home on market. An inspection will uncover hidden problems in home before buyer views it. If seller waits for buyer’s inspector to inform him or her, seller will either have to fix it or lower price. In some cases, sellers lose deal over issues uncovered at inspection. Sellers can waste 30-45 days during these negotiations, while home could have been on market for another buyer. Curb Appeal Remember, buyer makes 85% of decision about whether to buy a home when they first drive up . It’s much more difficult to sell a house when all shingles do not match in color, even if roof is in good shape. Exterior Cosmetics Sellers need to make sure house has curb appeal for a great first impression. Is trim freshly painted? Replace rotted wood and eliminate any clutter outside house. Make sure gutters are cleaned and are attached to house. The roof should be cleaned of debris with no loose shingles. Be certain vinyl siding on exterior is secured and in good repair. Lawn, Garden, Shrubbery The lawn, garden, and shrubberies are critical. Spend about $15-$85 for some plants and mulch for front yard. If there is no grass, seed lawn. Bushes must be trimmed and away from building to prevent moisture damage. Cut lawn regularly, and weed garden. Finishing Touches Some finishing touches include placing 2” of pea gravel around house between bed area and grass area for drainage. If house has a gravel driveway, put fresh gravel down. Check all outside wood for termite or moisture damage that needs to be replaced and treated.
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