Ruthman Real Estate

The decline of print advertising seems to have submarined newspapers, (see link below).

Did the housing market injure print advertising, or was it technology?

Some large known-name companies still advertise in local papers, but utilizing minuscule font. These advertisements rival the Guiness Book of Records for how many properties can be advertised on the head of a pin. It can't be creating much revenue for the newspaper, and if readers can't see the advertisement---will it bring in buyers? (Obviously, not buyers who have Prespyopia.) So, I can't image these advertisements even satisfying sellers.

New York Times (NYT) Running On Fumes (Check out their comments, too)

Henry Blodget | October 23, 2008 12:06 PM

Not sure how it came to this so fast, but the New York Times (NYT) is approaching the point where it will have to manage its business primarily to conserve cash and avoid defaulting on its debt. This situation will only get worse as advertising revenue continues to fall, and it will be very serious by early next year.

Click on the Logo for Connecticut's Best Real Estate Rebates

Check out this great hiking site Berkshire Hiking for more information on the area trails.

Berkshirehiking.com

The Redding area is so alive with colors that driving from property to property is a wonder to behold!

The blue of the water reflected brilliantly.

A crooked picture taken while driving on the crooked road that bends around the reservoir.

Sunday came and went. A "feedback" email was delivered later yesterday afternoon, and I responded pretty much with what I posted: Agent and Sellers Obstruction To Showing and Selling a Short-Sale,

Even though I asked the manager to call me Sunday to make an appointment at the property, he never called me. He didn't even delegate it.

Today, I was ready to do battle again. But, that was unnecessary. In fact, I made no reference to the rump rash of a fiasco that I had previously trying to get a return phone call or not being able to get into the property. Needless to say, they must have recognized who I was. The duty person (?) said I was all set to show the property, and that someone else would be showing the property immediately after me. (Obviously, I have no problem with that) Strange though, last time I got an email confirming the appointment, this time I didn't. Oh well, whatever!

We went to the property, and kind of how I expected. The family was still living there, and the property was still in living condition. There were some issues but nothing jaw dropping.

Anyway, our generous offer has been submitted. Now we wait...

Last night I received a wonderful email thanking me for the good job we have done on following up on a transaction. In this, "makes me feel good - that's why I am in real estate" kind of email, the customer mentions the name of the company that they were working with previously.

So, here is my question:

Can I post the actual email verbatim?

Should I post it verbatim?

This is going to be a play by play of what is going on for a small property in Norwalk that is supposedly on its way to foreclosure. Since I got a good buyer in my back pocket, I have been actively on top of things looking for property that fits his needs. That potential good fit property went on the market 4 days ago.

I immediately called the agent to get showing instructions because the mls noted: Lockbox: NONE. I even emailed. No return phone call. No return email.

Next day, I called. No return phone call.

Next day, I called. No return phone call.

Yesterday, I called the office and wanted the manager. I told the office person (or duty desk agent), that I was trying to arrange a showing for the property, and that the agent has not returned my phone calls. She said she could make the appointment for me. She said she would call me back, and she did. Confirming I had an appointment. I also have the confirmed email.

I got to the property a little early. My buyer called me to let me know he was on his way (he rode the train from out of state), and was now coming up I-95 in traffic..

I knocked on the door to the house, because the owners were supposed to be there to let me in. Two cars were in the driveway, but no one came to the door. I rang the bell. Still no one came to the door. I walked around the side of the house. I knocked on the sliding glass door. Nothing. I walked to the front of the house, and walked passed the cars in the driveway. You could still feel the heat from the engines!

I called the office of this know-name franchise, I got an after-hours operator. I left a message for the agent to call me regarding the situation. I waited nothing. I called back and asked to have the manager call me...nothing. It is now too late to have my buyer turn back around, so I waited for him to show just the outside of the locked house.

My buyer showed up, and I explained my frustrations, and my due diligence in trying to get him into the property. He was appreciative of my efforts, and disgusted with the other company.

This morning I waited for a return phone call from the agent or manager until noon. I finally called and explained to "Amy" what had transpired. Shortly thereafter, I did get a call from a "jovial" manager. I am glad he thinks wasting another agent's time "funny". I explained the whole shebang, then said I was faxing over an offer, and he was shocked. I said I was faxing it to his attention, and that I wanted proof of it being presented.

I said I also wanted to see the property. His comment, "our office is closed on Saturday. We are not opened for business". I asked, why? He said, that they all go to church on Saturday. I am not sure how to argue with that except I don't see how they are going to stay in business, especially the way they do things. I said, "I respect that", but with that said, "I expect to get into the property tomorrow." I said does your religion not allow you to make a phone call to set this up? He laughed, and said "Call back tomorrow"...I said, no, you call me. He said he would make arrangements for a showing tomorrow, Sunday, October 12, 2008.

Let's see what happens next???