Concord NH~Joni~Merrimack County

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Real Estate For Dummies

Dummies                             Dummies Book

I think we are all aware of the "Dummies" series of books that now are a huge presence in Bookstores. I myself have a few.... mostly related to Digital pictures.
I had no idea there was one relating to Real Estate! I don't mean  the financial in and outs of purchase. I mean- a guide for Buyers on everything from what to expect in the process to what to expect from an Agent!
I am presently working with a young couple who contacted me from a referral. I erroneously  assumed that they  would automaticly  hire me as their agent.
The wife interviewed me over the phone and then made an appointment to meet. They asked me many (informed) questions and I felt that the interview was going very well!
                                                              At the end of our meeting they said they would get back to me...they had a few more people to speak with.
To make a long story short.... they did hire me and we have had a few  "almosts"
Both fell apart for legitamite reasons but after the second the wife was worried that I would be upset. I assured her that this was about them and about them being happy with their ultimate choice. That was when I learned of the "Dummies" book.
She told me that not only did this book tell them step by step how to hire an agent....but how to evaluate their agents reactions and/or advice in different situations. Thankfully I have passed!
My Buyer is planning to pass this book on to a relative!
As for me....I plan to pick up a copy! After all, forewarned is forearmed!!! And who wants to be at the mercy of "Dummies"?


Concord NH Realtor  My  Symbol

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 Joan Mirantz - Joni is a Realtor® with Keeler Family Realtors, a locally owned, Customer Service oriented Firm.
Joan Publishes a monthly Newsletter "Food For Thought" under the pen name Realtor Sherpa.
(Joan also answers to Miz Maven and Miss Joni.)

Joan works in Buyer and Seller Representation with concentrations in the Merrimack Valley Area and towns surrounding Concord NH - the Capital City.
"I love what I do, and it shows in how I do it"

www.yourrealtor.biz

 

Comments

Well, I am all for the educated buyer.  I think your plan to pick up the book is a good one.  I am torn about how I feel about this since there is so much mis-information published and called 'advice.'  I am sure you are a good agent and your advice was sound.  Hopefully, this will end happily--with them in a new home.

Posted by Holly Kirby Weatherwax--Your Realtor® in Reston,VA (Momentum Realty,LLC) about 1 year ago

Well, I guess the people that wrote the dummy series are professionals in all areas of anything as they sure have MANY. BTW...where are they licensed ???  LOL!

Posted by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman HAWAII Relocations & Real Estate (Century 21 Liberty Homes) about 1 year ago

Joan, I haven't heard of this book, but may want to peruse it at the bookstore to know what it is telling people.

Posted by Gary Woltal - Associate Broker REALTOR® Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty) about 1 year ago

I have had a client bring in the dummies book too!  I have to say it has been awhile since I saw it so I will withhold comment.  I am always aprehensive of these type of books because they are so general in nature and often don't reflect current market conditions.

Posted by Joan Whitebook, ABR,e-Pro,CEBA Southern New Hampshire (Buyer's Option Realty Services) about 1 year ago

Hi Holly....I want to read it just so I know what it says! I haven't a clue!

Posted by Joan Mirantz- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Keeler Family Realtors) about 1 year ago

That's what I was thinking Gary...sort of like cliff notes?

Posted by Joan Mirantz- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Keeler Family Realtors) about 1 year ago

Good point Sally....they really do have one for every occasion...and more!

Posted by Joan Mirantz- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Keeler Family Realtors) about 1 year ago

And that's the very reason we should make a point of knowing what it says Joan.....no surprises!!

Posted by Joan Mirantz- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Keeler Family Realtors) about 1 year ago

Hi Joan... with the market changing as rapidly as it has been lately I kind of wonder how "current" this book can be.  I am going to have to get to B&N and pick up a copy to find out!

It amazes me how many people are willing to take "expert" advice from generalists like the "Dummies" folks!

Posted by Steve Shatsky - Dallas Real Estate & Short Sale Specialist (469)449-9840 (Prudential Texas Properties) about 1 year ago

Does this book cover the way that the real estate agent gets paid....Hmmmm. Hopefully that is a nice long chapter.

Posted by Ellie McIntire Real Estate in Howard County Maryland (The McIntire Team of Long & Foster) about 1 year ago

Hi Joan, I have not seen this book offered anywhere but a check on the internet shows the best post on the subject is as follows: http://activerain.com/blogsview/678987/Real-Estate-For-Dummies. Yep, it is your post. :-)

Further checking seems to indicate that who ever published the book is not currently offering it. I will continue to look and see what I can find.

Posted by San Diego Real Estate Voice authored by William Johnson (RE/MAX Associates) about 1 year ago

When I searched Amazon for Real Estate for Dummie this is what I got.  Do you happen to know what the exact title is?  I'd love to be prepared for the questions they recommend!

Posted by Carol Smith (Concept Builders/Shamrock Valley) about 1 year ago

Steve I think it just gave them a sense of control...the process is really very intimidating for newbies!

Posted by Joan Mirantz- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Keeler Family Realtors) about 1 year ago

Hmm Elie ....I'll have to sak?That would be worth knowing for sure. It apparently talks about using a Lawyer...it took a bit for me to convince them that here inNH we use Title Companys most of the time!

Posted by Joan Mirantz- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Keeler Family Realtors) about 1 year ago

Let me know if you find anything William...meanwhile I'll make sure it's the real title!

Posted by Joan Mirantz- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Keeler Family Realtors) about 1 year ago

Hi Carol....I checked out the link and I think it may be that Home Buying For Dummies one! I'm seeing them Friday and I'll ask her to bring it!

Posted by Joan Mirantz- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Keeler Family Realtors) about 1 year ago

Did you know there is a video of some baby here?  I don't know why - maybe it's an accident?

Posted by Marianne about 1 year ago

LOVE THIS POST!! I did not know there was a DUMMIES Book for RE...but I'm gonna go get my copy right away. Information is king! GBU!

Posted by Elizabeth Nieves - Bilingual Raleigh - Durham North Carolina Real Estate Team (The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group) about 1 year ago

Hi Joan! This is great information to follow up on.  Barnes and Noble here I come!  Thank you for sharing your experience with us and it comes of no surprise that you passed the test.

Posted by Julie Neerings~Lifting Hearts ♥ Building Dreams~Utah REALTOR® (Keller Williams Salt Lake City) about 1 year ago

WOW day got dem dummy books fer evyting......Talk about a money maker, these people have dummy books for all kinds of subjects. (I have a few myself)

Posted by Scott Stulich (Re/Max Signature Realty, LLC.) about 1 year ago

Buyers! Gotta love 'em!! Great story.

Posted by Caren Wallace-Portage Lakes Real Estate Agent (Stouffer Realty, Akron, Ohio) about 1 year ago

Marianne...the Video was tongue in cheek! I was talking about being interviewd and it's an interview with a baby! Maybe it was a bit obtuse? LOL

Posted by Joan Mirantz- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Keeler Family Realtors) about 1 year ago

Hi Elizabeth...I think it's great! (as long as the information is accurate!)

Posted by Joan Mirantz- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Keeler Family Realtors) about 1 year ago

Julie....great to hear your long lost voice! (and thanks for the compliment)

Posted by Joan Mirantz- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Keeler Family Realtors) about 1 year ago

Scott....(so do I- LOL)

Posted by Joan Mirantz- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Keeler Family Realtors) about 1 year ago

Thank you Karen....stop by again!!

Posted by Joan Mirantz- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Keeler Family Realtors) about 1 year ago

This might be an okay general information type book for buyers (and sellers?) I think these books represent this generation's "cliff notes." While these are okay to be a basic guideline, those who use it would do well to remember the "C" they may have earned in school from these primers. Kind of like watching Hamlet rather than reading it.

Posted by Rich Dansereau (Positive Real Estate Professionals) about 1 year ago

Hey, Joan! I purchased the book last year for a new agent (not a dummy)- basic, and informative.

If you need a baby in your pictures...I know where to find one!

Posted by Options Realty about 1 year ago

I have a copy of the Home Buying Dummies book in my desk... I got a lot of weird looks from fellow Realtors as I was reading it... but it has come in very handy.  I have been interviewd by buyers who asked all of the questions (in the same order) directly from the book. And fortunately, I was prepared for all the questions, having read the book before.

It is a fairly straight-forward book, doesn't have a lot of misleading fluff, and isn't anti-realtor.  Well worth having in your arsenal of tools to help you better serve the client. It can be purchased for as little as $6.98 (used) from Amazon.com ... see the link below. http://www.amazon.com/Home-Buying-Dummies-Eric-Tyson/dp/0471768472/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221317868&sr=8-1

btw... you can also buy House Selling for Dummies, and the combination Buying and Selling a Home for Dummies.

Posted by Alan May, Coldwell Banker Evanston Realtor, North Shore Realtor (Evanston Real Estate, Evanston, IL) about 1 year ago

How true Rich...does anyone read Hamlet anymore?

Posted by Joan Mirantz- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Keeler Family Realtors) about 1 year ago

Hi Laurie...what a great idea for new agents! We should keep one in our office.

I will definately contact you for any baby pics....after all....she is the cutest!

Posted by Joan Mirantz- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Keeler Family Realtors) about 1 year ago

Thank you so much for the info Alan..that is exactly why I'd like to read it! Always be prepared!!!

Thanks again....

Posted by Joan Mirantz- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Keeler Family Realtors) about 1 year ago

They better! I am a huge fan of Shakespeare, my favorite...King Lear.

Posted by Rich Dansereau (Positive Real Estate Professionals) about 1 year ago

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