The year 2020 has seen families, businesses, schools and health care professionals face unbelievable challenges and fears.  Yet through it all, mankind is showing resilience and determination.   Yet, there are still more challenges facing us as we wrap up the year that was 2020. 

Our nation has seen strife that has not been experienced here in nearly 60 years.  Some Americans feel hopeless about the economy, the health crisis and the election.  We as a nation must remember that when we unit, great things are possible.  We must also remember that as long as we yet have breath in our lungs, there is hope.
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I encourage all to be that hope and change that they want to see in others.  Know that every voice and every action make a difference in our immediate world and that in turn affects the vast world we all call home.  So, let us get out there and allow our voices to be heard.  Vote!
 
-Natasha Hughes Smith

In today’s market we often hear of “off market properties”.  But what does that really mean?  Is it good for the industry?  Is it good for the consumer?  I will try to discuss the pro’s and con’s of this industry trend, but I have to be transparent and say that I am totally against off market real estate.
 
The Pro’s
-Privacy
                Some home owners do not want their neighbors to know that they are moving.  So, realtors won’t place a sign in their yard, but more importantly they will not list their home on the MLS, Multiple Listing Service, which is accessed by licensed realtors.
 
-Unknown length of time on the market
                Potential buyers will not assume that there are issues with the home due to the length of time on the market.  Additionally, a potential buyer won’t offer less knowing that the property has been on the market for a while.
 
-Real Estate Brokers keep the sell “in house”
                The properties are not listed on the MLS and only listed internally; the broker has a higher chance of double dipping which is listing and selling the same property. 
 
The Con’s
-Selective showings
                When properties are not listed on the MLS, the listing realtor controls who sees the property.  This can lead to discriminatory practices where the realtor only shows the property to select groups based on numerous factors such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or sexual orientation.
-Inaccurate Industry sales data
                There is no concrete or reported data on the number of days the house was on the market before selling.  Additionally, often the agent/buyer/investor has a self-serving purpose for not conducting a market analysis to assist in setting the listing price.   A self-serving realtor may set the price low to get a quick sell for his/her profit inconsiderate of the seller.  The goal of a realtor should be to get the best possible price for the seller.  Additionally, investors that offer homeowners a purchase price, often offer far less than the market value to individuals in need of cash.  Unfortunately, this occurs in urban areas and especially to the elderly where income levels are lower and owners might have a great need for cash.
 
                Well, those are my thoughts.  Although this type of real estate is popular right now with so many people having access to social media such as Facebook and applications specializing in sale by owner, it is not necessarily good for the industry and the people who are protected by the proper protocols but in place by a regulated industry.  The more people try to work outside of those parameters, the more people can be cheated, discriminated against and blocked from financial reward.
-Natasha Hughes Smith

Part 4
​Research

Now that we have completed our task and can pinpoint our strengths and areas requiring improvement, we are ready to take on the hefty task of re-inventing or fortifying ourselves to set and accomplish new career/life goals or blow the dusk off some old ones that we once sat aside.

If you have changed gears and are focused on a new career venture, then research is required to make sure you set realistic goals and have clear and accurate plan to accomplish that objective.

Research, research and more research; that is the key regardless of our plans; we much research.  We have to make sure we educate ourselves on the available options and the market for our plan.

Implementation

Now that we are fortified with the knowledge of who we truly are and the talents, interest and skills we possess, we can now begin the life we always wanted to live.  Now is the time to surround ourselves with individuals who support us and provide constructive and helpful criticism; not those who tear us down and use jealousy as a foundation for their friendship.  But that is another article!

Authored by Natasha Hughes Smith

“I sustain myself with the love of family.  Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs: the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what.”
                             -Maya Angelou

September 13, 2020 is Grandparents day.  Sometimes grandparents are often discounted or isolated by families.  Unfortunately, COVID-19 has forced isolation for many seniors and grandparents who live alone or in assisted living homes.  And COVID-19 has revealed to children and families the value of elders and that they continue to have purpose.  People often miss what they cannot have. 

So, as the world continues to deal with the challenges caused by COVID-19, people have found creative ways to show that they care and to remain connected.  I encourage all of us to challenge ourselves to reach out to love ones, not just in this season but after the world conquers COVID-19, to spend more time with the elders, friends and extended family in the days, months and years to come.

Written by Natasha Hughes Smith