http://cathymiller.cbmcmahan.com/blog/archive_201709/sort_entrydatetime-desc/ A lot of people think the best time to buy a house is during the Spring market.And, it is……in the sense that more houses are listed for sale in the Spring. But, there’s also a heck of a lot more buyers trying to buy those listings.The thing is, some of the houses listed back in the Spring don’t end up selling. (Usually just because they were overpriced.)Now, it isn’t like new listings don’t happen in the Fall. There’s always new listings coming on the market. But it’s not like, just because it’s Fall and not Spring, prices are necessarily going to fall. In other words, new listings aren’t likely to list for a lot lower than you would have seen in the Spring.However, the homeowners who did list back in the Spring, are much more likely to be anxious (perhaps even desperate) to sell their home. They’ve created their own problem…they missed the boat by pricing too high. Which is great news for you, if you’re looking to buy a home:Less competition. (Many buyers stop looking at this time of year…for no good reason.)Motivated sellers. (They’re sick of being on the market, and wondering why nobody bought their house.)But it isn’t always easy to find those listings. They don’t wave a white flag, or lower their price to some ridiculous amount everyone would notice. If only it were that easy…Just because someone listed their home back in the Spring doesn’t mean they’ll be all that negotiable.There are certain things a great real estate agent will know to look for.And I love rolling up my sleeves and finding the ones we can most likely negotiate the best deals on.So, got anything you want me to roll up my sleeves and look for? Real estate deals won’t just fall in your lap, but I can certainly help you find one this Fall.BonusWant another reason to buy a home in the Fall?You can take advantage of year-end sales to outfit your home!Hardly anybody buys a home who doesn’t want (or need) to make improvements, however small. So why not coordinate your purchase with sales on items you’ll need? According to Consumer Reports, September is an ideal time for buying carpet and paint. In October lawn mowers go on sale, and the same goes for appliances and cookware in November. http://cathymiller.cbmcmahan.com/blog/20/selling-your-home-in-the-fall/ Fri, 22 Sep 2017 12:00:00 -0500 Not your typical REALTOR®. Not your typical REALTOR® bio.You hate typical real estate agent bios. Don't worry, I do too. They're like cardboard - stiff, bland, and identical to every other bio out there. Instead of boasting ad nauseam about awards and accomplishments you're not interested in, I'm taking a novel approach of actually giving you what you want. Real answers to questions you're probably wondering right now. But yes, I have that generic bio for you too.Will you return my calls and emails?Yes, without question.I realize this is one of the major frustrations the general public has when dealing with agents. I get dozens of calls, texts, and emails daily and I work hard to reply as quickly as possible.I've met many REALTORS® who are jerks. Are you?Depends on who you ask. A handful of people, like my parents, think I leave golden footprints in the sand. And, of course, my dog thinks I’m awesome. Those are the extremes and most people's opinion fall somewhere in the middle ;)Here's what I can tell you: I’m honest and candid. I take pride in being approachable and friendly. A true professional with a good sense of humor. If you need a quick real estate brain to pick or a strong dose of honesty, you're in the right place.Do you have experience doing exactly what I need?Until you tell me what you need, there is no way of knowing. These are my strong suits:Traditional home salesSenior movesRelocationsDistressed propertiesIf your situation isn’t represented on this list, don't worry. Contact me anyway. If I can't help, I can get you referred to another agent who can.What kind of work are you really good at?On a personal level, I’m a pretty good cook (I make a mean Ahi tuna), I have kept all of my annual flowers alive straight through until early fall, and I am a decent stained glass artist. I also have 3 horses, and each will emphatically tell you I’m not the worst rider who has ever sat on them.On a professional level, here are some of the skill-sets I've developed over the years:Listening. Unfortunately, it’s a lost art these days.Negotiating. It’s part art, part science, and part soy sauce. No, wait, that's the tuna marinade.Cutting through the BS (also known as efficiency). I'm not going to waste your time or mine unnecessarily.Candor. I will be open and honest with you.Technology. I use the most recent technology to market your home.What do clients think of you?My clients are better suited to answer this for you. Here's what some of them have said: "We appreciate all your hard work with our 1031 tax deferred exchange transactions!" -M&W Davis “Marriage counselor, kid wrangler, sold our house and helped us get THE house! She rocks!” -MNS  "Cathy Miller helped me settle my dad's estate in Nevada and sell my home in Indiana with her excellent connections." -R. Evans  "Cathy was able to sell my cousin's home in Louisville for me to settle the estate. I am 82 years old and live in Illinois, so I relied on her to take charge and ensure everything was handled. She did a wonderful job for me and helped me not to worry." -S. Stone  "My husband & I lived in our house over 50 years. When he passed away last year I decided to downsize. Cathy helped my daughter and I get things in order, get the house on the market, and found a nice condo for me." -Jo R.  ”Cathy Miller is an outstanding service person and has been listing our bank’s properties since 2006.” -J. Garris  "Cathy took care of my real estate needs on day one.” -D. A.That was entertaining, but now I kind of want to know about some of those boring awards and achievements you have.OK…Top producing agent & million dollar producer at Coldwell Banker McMahan since 2009International President’s Circle (award) 2009-presentInternational President’s Elite (award) 2009-presentInternational Diamond Society (award) 2009-presentInternational Sterling Society (award) 2009-presentPrior to 2009, I was a top producing agent at a smaller company for 4 yearsKentucky Association of Realtors Delegate (2017)Kentucky Association of Realtors Professional Standards Committee (2008-present)Kentucky Association of Realtors Legal Affairs & Risk Reduction Committee (2015-present)Founder of the First Responders Home Purchase ProgramCertified Smart Home SpecialistI am the agent other agents hire to sell their homes…seriously.Volunteer for Be My Eyes (sight service for the blind)I know all the words to Billy Joel’s We Didn't Start the Fire. OK, I don't, but that doesn’t stop me from singing along at the top of my lungs. http://cathymiller.cbmcmahan.com/blog/19/not-your-typical-realtor®/ Sat, 16 Sep 2017 12:00:00 -0500 What's the top reason to hire Cathy?I am a professional, full time REALTOR who doesn’t just stick a sign in your yard!What sets Cathy apart from other listing agents?I am a resident of Oldham Co. and a full time Real Estate professional. Because I put communication at the center of my business, I regularly go above and beyond my clients’ needs. I am known for creating greater connections among real estate professionals and promoting ethics and education. I represent both sellers and buyers, and an approved agent for relocation companies. I am experienced with every aspect of real estate including; traditional buyer & seller transactions, investment & foreclosure properties, estate settlement, 1031 tax deferred exchanges, and senior moves. I am a speaker and instructor who stays active on social media, attracting a broad audience with my sense of humor. As an active member with the Kentucky Association of Realtors, I sit on both the state Professional Standards Committee and the Legal Affairs & Risk Reduction committee. I have a UNIQUE marketing program that is second to none! I will be happy to go over my plan with you when we list your home.What are Cathy's insights into market trends for my neighborhood or local area?Currently, our market is experiencing an all time low of available homes for sale. This is good for sellers as buyers have less inventory to choose from, this increases the chances your home will bring an attractive offer will the best terms. Oldham County is certainly a desirable area and residents from nearby counties have relocated to Oldham for a variety of reasons (mainly the schools) in recent years. Jefferson County neighborhoods are rich with tradition and character. From the Dixie Highway corridor to the east end, Louisville has price ranges to fit every budget. Whether you are looking for walkabilty in the Highlands, acreage in the east and south, a strong sense of community ties Louisville neighborhoods together.How is Cathy better than others at providing marketing services?I offer a free staging consultation, and have a marketing plan that has been successful in producing results for sellers. I will be happy to share the details of my marketing plan when I list your home. Coldwell Banker McMahan has proprietary software that allows me to target buyers for demographics based on trends in your immediate area. By using proximity marketing, I can alert people in your area of your home for sale. I have a heavy social media presence and use a variety of social media platforms to gain exposure for your home. http://cathymiller.cbmcmahan.com/blog/13/why-hire-a-pro?/ Wed, 13 Sep 2017 12:00:00 -0500 Helpful Tips for Moving with PetsMy dog, Bunny (pictured above with her favorite toy), has moved with me twice since I rescued her from the Kentucky Humane Society eight years ago. She is a pro at claiming her yard and alerting the squirrels there's a new sheriff in town. Today, she is the Queen of 12 acres and has made friends with horses and deer. She casts a cautious eye towards a neighbors gigantic, wandering pot belly pig. Moving is a stressful process for any family, and that includes all the members of the family even your pets. They might not be able to tell what is going on around them, but they have the sense to feel that things are changing. As they are unable to communicate what they are feeling, you will have to take their feelings into consideration; and deal with them accordingly. All the unexpected activity, noise, and stress around them can put them on the edge. As a pet owner it is your responsibility to ensure that your pet(s) is well taken care during this stressful process. This is also part of the moving process, and here are a few tips that can help you get through the moving process with as little hassle as possible.When the moving process begins, the best way to reduce the stress your pet(s) are feeling is by keeping them in a quiet place. Which is in case you do not have a friend or family member who can take them for the day. Getting them out of the action is a great idea, but if that is not an option; try to keep them out of the main rooms.Make sure they are comfortable and well fed, and try to keep up with their daily routine as much as possible. So even after the moving process if over they have a set routine.Start by preparing an overnight bag for your pet(s), and make sure it contains food, toys, and other tools that will help them stay comfortable during the first few days of the move.If you are moving to another area, you need to inform your vet; so you can take along any medical records and prescriptions that are required. Your current vet might even be able to recommend another vet in the new neighborhood.It is important to move them with you in your personal vehicle. If your pet(s) is used to riding with you, this should be a smooth process. For pet(s) who are not comfortable with car rides, use comfortable blankets and toys to make them feel more comfortable.Keep in mind that that your pet(s) do not start running around once out, as they can easily get lost in the new area. Make sure they are securely in their carrier or leashed, until you are in your new home. It will take your pet(s) a few days to adjust to the new atmosphere. Let them explore the new house, and when going outside make sure they are secure.Moving your pet(s) should be the last thing you do, so try to set up as much as possible; even if you can only manage one room. So when you introduce your pet(s) to this new home, they can start the adjusting process from that single room. Similarly, as humans pet(s) need to be comfortable too. So make sure they have their toys and regular things set up, so they can feel at home.Once you have moved you need to update their microchip or tags to your new address. So in the unfortunate event of them being lost, you are able to track them down. Get them started on their new routine as soon as possible, as it will make them feel comfortable and give them a sense of settling. http://cathymiller.cbmcmahan.com/blog/14/helpful-tips-for-moving-with-pets/ Wed, 13 Sep 2017 12:00:00 -0500 HOT MARKET Instead of beating out 8 other offers, which is quite costly, 2017 Home Buyers need to be the FIRST offer in with terms that the Seller has no desire to pass up.* To be successful, your offer must make it worth the Seller's effort of preparing for the market to accept your offer RIGHT THEN and be done with it.* Make sure your agent has the technology needed to prepare and submit offers quickly.* Do not expect a counteroffer. Offer $1 less than what you will be OK to find out the other buyer paid for it if your offer isn't chosen.* Houses needing cosmetic updates give you the opportunity to make it your own style. Don't let a paint color or dated wallpaper stop you from making your offer.* Don't wait for the market to calm down. That doesn't seem to be happening anytime soon!  http://cathymiller.cbmcmahan.com/blog/15/hot-market-tips/ Wed, 13 Sep 2017 12:00:00 -0500