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Mohave County, AZ Real Estate News

By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Our thoughts reflect our attitudes as Zig Ziglar stated "Attitudes are habits of thoughts." Those thoughts are filled with words which we think consciously or unconsciously.Norman Vincent Peale understood the power of thoughts with these words:"When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world."To change our thoughts suggests we may wish to consider changing the words we think such as:Close the Deal to EARN THE SALECommission to COMPENSATION FEECustomer(s) to POTENTIAL CLIENT(S)Additionally, asking ourselves about these words as we share our thoughts within ourselves or with others.EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE – Do my thoughts and responses consistently demonstrate emotional intelligence?AUTHENTIC – Are my thoughts and hence my actions viewed by others as authentic?ETHICS –  A...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
As a seller or a buyer, this fact may be of interest:81% of the sellers and 71% of the buyer’s only interviewed one agent whom they subsequently hired (Source NAR)There are several possible reasons why interviewing only one agent happens: A sales referral from family and friends which NAR’s indicated accounted for 43% of buyers Signage in front of a home or vacant land for sale Networking within various organizations such as Chambers of Commerce, etc. Additional data from NAR research suggested 41% of recent buyers started their search on line while only 20% of buyers first contacted a real estate agent.Yes, it does take more than wishes or luck for any real estate agent to become the exclusive agent for home or vacant land (dirt) sellers or buyers. Real estate agents are licensed throu...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
With all the angst from the settlement of the NAR lawsuits, there is a lot of change forthcoming being forecasted by so called experts.  For those who may have not read this book, Change or Die, the first time when I reviewed this book in May of 2023, maybe now is a good time to re-read it or read it for the first time.The author Alan Deutschman shared his research through various case studies about how human beings are resistant to change even though we as human beings have that ability. In Introduction Deutschman cited research heart patients, ex-convicts and autoworkers and then introduced the 3 "Rs" or 3 Keys to change: Relate Repeat Reframe In Chapter One, Deutschman presented the case studies of Heart Patients, Criminals and Workers he cited in the Introduction. One of the most in...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
A couple of years ago I was the buyer’s agent for this 3 bedroom, 2 bath with inside laundry room manufactured home located at 327 S Higley Rd, Golden Valley, AZ. Being on rural water and real power this one acre plus lot was also zoned for horses or livestock. There was plenty of room at the rear of the parcel for horses, a new garage, etc.My clients, the new owners, invested in a new roof, new laminate flooring, new windows, new AC unit and new stove. Then life changes happened, and my now clients asked me to sell this home.After refusing a couple of low-ball offers, the current owners accepted an offer that was successfully closed this week.  As I love selling dirt, this was the only home that I had currently listed. All my other listings are for vacant land parcels,  dirt, ranging f...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Some recent data from NAR suggested 81% of the sellers and 71% of the buyer’s only interviewed one agent whom they subsequently hired.  Possibly the reasons are several such as referrals from family and friends, a property down the street just sold or a for sale sign caught the consumer’s attention or they met the real estate agent at a local event.With these staggering statistics, how do you leverage your opportunities to make a positive impression with potential clients during your first interaction? And that is the question to be answered.First, do not spew what you do.  People buy from people they know and trust. Professionals do not spew that is what unlicensed unprofessional salespeople do. Second, demonstrate emotional intelligence while educating the potential client or clients....
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Yesterday when walking a 40 acre parcel with a buyer, we exchanged numerous laughs as we looked for the ribbon markers at the property corners.  Unfortunately, we only found one, but it was sooo tiny we would have missed it. We both laughed together wondering if the listing agent could have made the ribbon any smaller. Being able to laugh with a client and have that laughter acceptable is very gratifying.The word sweet has synonyms which include pleasant, pleasing, agreeable, delightful satisfying, gratifying, acceptable, entertaining, and inviting.Thinking of past experiences many of these words have always been present.My goal as a professional real estate agent is to be sweet. This weekend I am driving 105 miles to the next county to the south to meet with a seller who is elderly. Th...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Many of us have heard the song “Tomorrow” that is from the musical “Annie.” Einstein shared his wisdom about tomorrow with these words:“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to questioning.”Dr. Seuss also understood the result of the hope for tomorrow.“Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.”These words by Charles Kettering sum up the motivation of our thoughts about tomorrow:“You can’t have a better tomorrow if you are thinking about yesterday all the time.”Feature Photo Courtesy of Leanne M Smith of the Sunset over the Black Mountains in Mohave County, Golden Valley, AZ on December 23, 2023.Any reproduction of Leanne M Smith’s blog for use by any AI or GAI, distribution or reproduction including but not limited to electroni...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Yesterday, I was at a friend's family gathering and another real estate agent for Dirt Road Real Estate said she just wanted something to do part time and quickly realized real estate is not part time.  I totally agreed with her as I had the same thought when I considered becoming a real estate agent.  Fortunately, my broker at that time Judith Ritter  and my current broker, Elise Harron  both smiled at me and kindly gave me a reality check that real estate is not part time.During the last week, I added up all of my “part time” hours and those hours well exceeded 40. Here is a recap of the last week.Sunday began a very quiet week. From reading emails including articles pertaining to real estate, the economy, etc., I answered a few phone calls and submitted two articles to Active Rain. T...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
To be successful in sales and yes the roles of real estate agents are salespeople first and foremost one must have a solid reputation. Over the last eight years, I have witnessed this baker’s dozen of missteps that create cracks in the reputations of licensed real estate agents. Many of these missteps can be traced back to the Code of Ethics that REALTORS® swear to uphold and abide.  These missteps are not in any code of priority except for first  one I have listed.  Any one of these missteps can sidetrack a real estate's reputation as well as a successful close of escrow. #1 - Ignorance of the Sales Process: Far too much of all the expert advise focuses on marketing.  Unfortunately, marketing is one of the three phases of the sales process. Now some will say being online is important. ...
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By inboundREM Market Updates
(InboundREM)
Experience Summer Camp in Bullhead CityPicture a beautiful summer day with towering cottonwood trees swaying in the breeze. You can hear nature's natural sound, making you feel light and joyful. That's the wonderful vibe of a Bullhead City summer camp! In this guide, we'll dive deep into their vibrant programs, uncovering what makes them truly special. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey, from thrilling adventures to lifelong friendships.What Makes Bullhead City Summer Camps Special?Embracing Adventure in Bullhead CityBullhead City, nestled along the banks of the majestic Colorado River, offers an unparalleled backdrop for summer camp adventures. With its stunning desert landscapes, abundant wildlife, and endless opportunities for exploration, it's no wonder that Bullhead Ci...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Here in Golden Valley, the sunsets over the Black Mountains change on a daily basis. Some evenings the sky is filled with bright orange and yellow colors while other evenings just blue to gray.  The lack of sameness is also prevalent among real estate agents or REALTORS®. NOTE: Not all licensed real estate agents are REALTORS®, but all REALTORS® are licensed real estate agents.After being a licensed real estate professional for eight years and a salesperson for over five (5) decades, I once again realize the significant and rather obvious differences between real estate agents or REALTORS®. Living here in the high desert of Mohave County, AZ which is the fifth largest land county in the contiguous US, I have learned there of these significant differences.  These obvious differences surf...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Yesterday I traveled nearly 100 miles drove over some questionable roads (thank heavens no flat tries), walked four (4) different parcels ranging in size from 1.18 acres to 20 acres,  snapped over 125 photos, noted specifics to each property and then begin developing a competitive analysis for each of the four properties here in Golden Valley, AZ that I physically visited. There was only one, 20 acres vacant land parcel that I could not find more than one  property marker. This vacant land parcel was on a hill and the terrain was quite rocky.  As my real estate life became crazy, I have not had time to tag all the photos. However, my goal is to have the photos tagged by Sunday.Now some agents may think my due diligence efforts went beyond the norm and I totally disagree. I know that to ...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
For many moving to NW AZ, Mohave County especially Golden Valley there are 5 other major reasons for buying a home: Building wealth because owning a home and even vacant land is an investment Hankering to have elbow room and not see into your neighbor’s bedroom window Needing to have less government restrictions and policies Desiring warmer weather and without all that white stuff aka snow Having lower taxes allowing limited incomes (usually retirement) to go farther For Veterans being around other military retirees and veterans especially Vietnam Veterans Moving to NW AZ is becoming more and more popular for citizens from other states.Yes, moving closer to family and friends as well as just owning a home are two important reasons. Yet for others, these five (5) additional reasons or si...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Once again this sales or selling myth surfaced.  The individual who shared this myth is a CEO of a national real estate brokerage who said the following:“They, affiliates, (aka real estate agents) don’t have to sell the trust and confidence that (national brokerage name) brings – they only need to sell themselves…”WRONG!People buy from people they know and trust.One can’t sell trust. Trust comes from the buyer, seller, the clients. One can’t sell himself or herself.People buy people.People do not necessarily by "Big Names" in any industry."Big Names" may get the potential client or customer in the door or on the phone.One can allow himself or herself to be bought by the clients.What local professional real estate agents can do is to make authentic connections or a bridge to the potentia...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Life is indeed a long road. Each real estate transaction may also seem like another long road to travel. The goal for you as a local professional real estate agent is not to give up, to keep on going, to embrace the challenge and work through it.One of my favorite television series is Enterprise.  I found the opening lyrics to this television series very motivating and quite reflective of my life as a human being.The song starts off with these words:“It’s been a long road, Gettin’ from there to here”Think of one of your more challenging real estate transactions. This real estate transaction may have started a year before when you first interacted with the customer.  Home tours or vacant land walks were conducted. An offer was made. Possibly the offer was countered. The counter to the co...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Buying a home is a major undertaking. After researching available information from number of bedrooms, numbers of bathrooms, square footage, lot size, must have other features and neighborhood information such as schools, crime and even resale value (market stability), the next step is selecting viable homes and then touring those homes.  Photos are only a representation.Whether a cash home buyer or a home buyer who needs a loan, the above six RED flags are a good beginning, but not enough.Additional RED flags that may impact a loan* include: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)* Exposed electrical outlets (no covers)* Exposed exterior wood trim* Exposed interior or missing trim Curling roof shingles or tiles or missing roof tiles* Cracked roof tiles* If fireplace present, smoke st...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
Sometimes the funniest titles hold the greatest truth. In this book, You Can't Send a Duck to Eagle School and Other Simple Truths of Leadership, Mac Anderson explores leadership. In the introduction, Anderson provides an explanation of this quote "You Can't Send a Duck to Eagle School." This book starts with this statement "Leadership would be easy, if it wasn't for people." How often have we had a similar thought about our own experiences be it in real estate or just in everyday life?Another funny but truthful question was "If your company mission is to climb a tree, which would you rather do: Hire a Squirrel or Train a Horse?" Not everyone is the right fit for any particular job or role.As the reader turns each page, he or she finds more "simple truths of leadership ."One of the more...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
In any business, the customers or clients differ.  This difference is called demographics.  In real estate there are a plethora of “WHO's.” There are real estate certifications and designations that address the specific "WHO" do real estate agents love.For example, retiring or relocating military personnel are one “WHO.” I have a Military Relocation Specialist (MRS) designation because here in Golden Valley, AZ we have a very large population of retired military personnel as well as veterans. Many of these veterans including my husband served during the Vietnam conflict. (Officially, the military effort in Vietnam was never declared a war.)With many individuals retiring and relocating to where the cost of living is lesser, there is the Seniors Real Estate Specialist® or SRES®. States su...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
A recent article in Inman (a real estate industry website) made this statement:“Real estate agents are bound by their professional ethics..”The article had a link to another article which referenced the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Code of Ethics.This statement “real estate agents bound by their professional ethics” is in error because not all real estate agents are REALTORS®. Only those who belong to the NAR are mandated to uphold this Code of Ethics.When real estate agents join the NAR and often this means the state real estate associations as well as many of the multiple service organizations, these new REALTORS® take an oath to swear to uphold the Code of Ethics.Yes, real estate agents may have their own code of ethics or the brokerage may have one. And real estate agents...
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By Leanne Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
This month's Active Rain Challenge by Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!  was to share one's dreams, one's vision of the future via a Dream Board or Vision Board.What I now to be true after all these years on this year,  when one is much closer to the end of life’s path, dreams continue change and evolve. My first dream and vision is to have my incredible husband with me for as long as possible. We have just shared 33 years of married life without one loud, very vocal fight. Of course, we have had our differences but those differences were discussed with mutual respect. Our daughter said her greatest wish for her marriage was to have one like ours where there wasn’t any fights.Ken is an avid historian. He recently purchased this helmet (a replica) from WWI. Also he is the cook for 98% of o...
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