Canton:  A Place To Go and Grow

The city of Canton’s fabled history and its flourishing present have culminated to create a richly rewarding location for its residents to raise a family or build a business.  Ranked in 2005  as the fifth fastest growing city in the United States, Canton’s hallowed landscape also once nurtured the Cherokee Nation, fostered dreams of becoming the silkworm capital of the South, and produced the famous “Canton denim” in its cotton mills.  Easily accessible to both Atlanta’s urban amenities and the retreat of the North Georgia mountains, this Cherokee County seat also offers its residents a  place to stay put and make themselves at home.    With its wide selection of  restaurants, parks, theaters,  shops, and a public transit system,  Canton has long outgrown the diminutive label ”suburb” and has become a worthy destination in its own right.

A Cultivated Classic

The tree-lined sidewalks of historic downtown Canton invite its residents  to casually stroll beside small town cafes, bookstores, art galleries, and antique shops. For those searching for an upscale dinner in a relaxed setting, restaurants such as Canton’s Downtown Kitchen and Goin’ Coastal have become local institutions for evening meals. Afterward, a show can be enjoyed at the Canton Theater, which has weathered all manner of shifts in the entertainment of Canton residents, spanning from silent movies in 1911 to Broadway plays of today.   Stretching far beyond the downtown area, beautiful  public parks and recreational areas are scattered liberally between both older, established residences and newer, up-and-coming neighborhoods.  The city has also partnered with the YMCA to form the G. Cecil Pruett Community Center YMCA, an impressive complex that houses an indoor heated pool, outdoor pool,  mini water park, basketball court, teen center, wellness center, group exercise studio, cycle studio, and child care areas.

To learn more about doing business in  Canton, its  history, or upcoming events, please visit the helpful City of Canton website.

A recent article in Outside Magazine confirms what us “Hotlantans” already know! This is a great town to be active in.

The magazine graded over a 100 US Cities including marks for unemployment, cost of living, night life, drive time, and access to parks and other green spaces. We should be proud after coming in 3rd place just behind Seattle(1) and Colorado Springs(2).

Among other things, Atlanta earned high marks for Piedmont Park, “the big city’s green jewel,” affordable home prices, and music venues like The Earl. Atlanta lies less than 90 minutes from the start of the Appalachian Trail, the magazine noted.

“While commuting by car is a legitimate gripe, the recently launched Beltline Initiative will help ease some congestion,” the magazine said. “A 22-mile-long ‘live-work-play’ corridor—including parks, trails, and green space—it’s one of the most progressive urban-planning projects in the country.”
–Atlanta Journal and Constitution

Here is the magazine’s Top 10:
1.    Colorado Springs
2.    Seattle
3.    Atlanta
4.    Austin
5.    Boston
6.    Albuquerque
7.    Portland
8.    Minneapolis
9.    Cincinnati
10.  Charlotte

Check out the article at Outside Online:
2009 Best Towns

My family just made one of the most brilliant investments toward the enjoyment of our summer off of the couch–season passes to the world’s largest aquarium right here at our Georgia fingertips. With eight million gallons of water and over sixty exhibits, the Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta houses more animals than any other, and perhaps more importantly, creates an environment for both young and old to be mystified by the underwater world that we would otherwise never get to see. On our last visit, I made the surprising discovery that while I was enamored of the sea creatures themselves, I was equally delighted to behold my son’s face as he cupped an anemone in his hands for the very first time and to witness his mesmerized expression as a hammerhead shark swam around the bend with its cadre of fish-followers.

Of course, never leaving the adults out, the aquarium also becomes the setting for that perfect date “getaway” for grown-ups with their night-time “Jazz Journeys” series. (Every Friday night from May through September, live jazz musicians play as you partake in the fabulous ocean scenery, drink specials, and a gourmet meal catered by Wolfgang Puck.) On a bizarre side-note, I was also quite intrigued to hear that since the opening of the Titanic Aquatic exhibit, which displays over two hundred original artifacts from the ill-fated ship, many employees have reported a fair amount of paranormal activity. Ghost researchers were apparently called in to investigate, and they were able to gather sufficient evidence of activity in connection with the exhibit.

Just a stone’s throw from both the bustling city streets of Atlanta and the quiet serenity of the North Georgia mountains , there exists a city that seamlessly merges the charms and character of both extremes. Recently honored with an  ”All American City Award,”  Marietta offers what few places can still deliver–the sought-after environment where “getting business done”  and “getting away from it all” can both be realized. Marietta prides itself on a highly walkable downtown square, where both locals and visitors gather to appreciate the vibrant boutiques, restaurants, coffeehouses, farmers markets, museums, and theaters the city affords.  Indeed, it’s not uncommon for first-time visitors to quickly aspire to the coveted “local-status” once they’ve experienced for themselves Marietta’s combination of small-town hospitality and big-city diversions.

Of Railroads, Wars, and Senators’ Wives:  A City’s True Southern Story

To put it mildly, Marietta has enjoyed an intriguing history. The Georgia legislature deemed Marietta an official town in 1834, and its name was lovingly derived from Senator Thomas Cobb’s wife Mary. (This is also the same “Cobb” for which Marietta is still the county seat.) Like many cities between Atlanta and Chattanooga, Marietta’s beginnings can be traced back to laying down the tracks of the Western and Atlantic Railroad. Businesses sprang up accordingly around the railroad, as did hotels, a bank,  and the stately, historic mansions that still line Marietta’s streets.

The city’s prosperity, however, was temporarily  ”interrupted”  in 1864 by General Willam T. Sherman’s “March to the Sea,” in which Union soldiers set the city ablaze and destroyed the courthouse and businesses around the square.  Industry slowly began to regenerate itself after the Civil War, but as a true testament to the adage “that which destroys” also “nourishes,” it was ironically not until another war loomed that Marietta was able to predict its greatest strides toward re-growth.  World War II necessitated that the Bell Aircraft Company construct a bomber plant there to keep up with wartime demands.  Eager workers flocked into Marietta from the surrounding areas to take advantage of the new jobs that Bell provided.  It wasn’t long after that war ended that the Korean War began, and the Lockheed-Georgia company took over the former Bell facility. Lockheed consequently became the state’s largest employer in the 1950′s and 1960′s.  Further, the revitalization of downtown district was sparked by the 1970′s creation of the Downtown Development Authority, who encouraged the local merchants to restore the square back to its former glory that we enjoy today.

A Place to “Stay”:  Marietta Welcomes You for the Night or For a Lifetime

Whether you’re nestling in for a weekend sojourn at one of Marietta’s bed-and-breakfasts or its Four Diamond-rated Hilton conference center, or perhaps looking  to dig more permanent roots by purchasing your own piece of Marietta Real Estate, you will discover on both counts that city extends a warm welcome to you.  A visit to the Marietta Welcome Center and Visitors Bureau, located in the Western and Atlantic Passenger Depot building, provides a wealth of information to visitors and residents about the historic and cultural gems in the area.  To get  further acquainted with the city, you also have the choice to go either on foot with a mapped-out walking tour, ride on a horse-drawn carriage, or partake in one of the regularly scheduled Historic Marietta Trolley Tours.  And with such on-going events as the Glover Park concert-series, First Friday Art Walks, and the “Taste of Marietta,” anyone wishing to immerse himself in Marietta culture is presented with plenty of opportunities.  Whatever business or pleasure brings you to the city, however, one truth remains certain:  for the night or for a lifetime, Marietta is great place to stay.

My point in all this (outside of just bragging) is to say THANK YOU to our Maxsell agents.  You are all awesome and each of you bring something unique to the company.  I value your efforts and ideas.  Please feel free to share more ideas with me, the company, or the world as to how we may improve our brokerage service to you as agents and to the public as clients/customers.

As for the 23 Enigma…

NAR created a Social Media Director position and hired Todd Carpenter to fill the role

Todd Carpenter is great for the role.  He’s done many great things with technology and real estate.  However, his open application as blog post sums it up best.  Hillary Marsh, Managing Director or Realtor.org, crafted the position and lead the search that landed Todd.  There are many skeptics out there who think Todd will just become another marketing voice for NAR.  I think Rob Hahn says it best with…

“Be the Virus

The remedy, then, is to internalize that one of the biggest values you are bringing to NAR is to be the “virus from without”.  Your task is to make NAR more like you: open, authentic, honest, and constantly in touch.

Just as you have been transparent to the RE community over the years, so you must “infect” the rest of NAR to become transparent.  Just as you have always been one of the most authentic human beings on RE.net over the years, so you must infect the rest of NAR, the state associations, the member organizations, and indeed the NAR members themselves to be more authentic, be more human, and be more connected.

Through those efforts, I know you can bring in the fresh voices, the new perspectives from the RE.net and realestistas everywhere to the mainstream of the industry. “

Making NAR ‘open, authentic, honest, and constantly in touch’ is a huge task for Todd, but possible because of the new media tools available today.  Conversations are the new currency for our culture, especially our web based cultures.  People are tired of presentations and yearn for more personal conversations as they seek transparency and authenticity in their relationships.  This includes relationships with friends, family and even businesses and marketers.  Maybe it started with Enron, maybe it’s the Irag War, maybe it’s the collapse of our economy -maybe it’s all of the above.  Whatever the reason(s), people want the real truth, real connections, and real communication.

The new media tools on the web such as flickr, facebook, twitter, linkedin, blog platforms, etc… allow every company/organization to create a real dialog with their community of supporters, clients, customers, contacts, sphere of influence, members or whoever they want to communicate with.  If slow reacting NAR can be forward thinking and create a Social Media Manager position, shouldn’t your company or organization?  At Maxsell Real Estate, we created the position of Community Advocate which plays a similar role to what a Social Media Manager does for a company.

I leave you with these questions…

Will others follow this line of thinking and hire Social Media Managers?

Will companies use this position properly and offer true authenticity?

Will Social Media Managers just be an extension of the advertising department?

3 questions to the Listing Agent that will generate valuable answers and make you look outstanding.

1) What is the replacement cost of this home and/or are there any appraisals that you can share with me?

The agent probably does not know but they can get the information if it exists. If they attempt or are successful at getting the information you have established 1.) a relationship and 2.) the level of expectation from the sellers price perspective.
Question Really Implies: “I am looking for value and I am serious. No need to do COMPS.”

2) What Terms, Conditions, or Special Incentives is the seller willing to discuss to generate an “Impressive Offer”?

After all, a buyer may pay full price if the seller will finance at a great rate, with a small amount down, or take a second mortgage. Price is but one (admittedly large) component of a real estate transaction.
Question Really Implies: “I am not a cheapskate, I am knowledgeable, and I just may be the creative buyer you are really looking for.”

3) As a listing agent, can your company effectively and ethically represent me and the seller via designated agency?

Many brokerages will not allow Dual Agency but can perform Designated Agency. This route can allow a bit more direct path to a seller with a higher degree of influence in the negotiation process.
Question Really Implies: “I know you agents work on commission and I am delivering you an opportunity to double your income if you treat me right.”  (some of us in the business call this an attention getter)

3 questions to a Listing Agent that have ZERO value and actually hurt a buyers standing.

1) How much do you think the seller will take?

The Listing Agent probably does not know and even if the seller has told the agent, there is fluff built into that number. So in the end, the Listing Agent really does not know. Furthermore, if the listing agent knew for certain this listing was the king of all deals, the property would no longer be in the MLS. It would be SOLD.

Question Really Implies: “I really do not want to put myself out and actually earn some choice equity in a home.”

2) Is the seller hurting?

What difference does this really make? Even if they are hurting, the seller may be less likely to negotiate because they are negotiating a short sale, filing bankruptcy, or have reached the “Point of NO Return” and no longer care if they lose the home.

Question Really Implies: “Taking advantage of a person in a bad situation is more important than doing my research, locating a property, and negotiating a great buy.”

3) Is the seller willing to negotiate?

In my opinion, if a property is priced in line with direct comparable properties then the answer is “YES”. If it is priced extremely high or extremely low then the answer is probably “NO”. Motivated sellers (not desperate) will price property to be competitive and do expect some haggling. Dreamers (those with high price expectations) are usually too proud and get offended easily by realistic offers. On the other hand, Desperate situations with Lower than average price points tend to sell very fast and near full price. (IE if it is a deal, it goes quick!)

Question Really Implies: “I am somewhat interested but I am hoping that we won’t have to negotiate because I am very uncomfortable with that.”

MAXSELL COMMUNITY ADVOCATE | JENNIFER CARTER

It’s time I gave back to the community that has given me so much. So, Maxsell Real Estate has hired our first ‘Community Advocate’. Jennifer Carter was hand selected because she had already proven that she was a giver.

Jennifer had been doing interviews with local business owners and highlighting their story on the internet just because she wanted them to stay in business. It was a perfect match. Jennifer lives in North Atlanta and shares the same passion as me to showcase the real treasures of our area, the people, the local businesses, the events, the recreation, the lifestyle itself.

Tomorrow Jennifer will make her debut as a writer for our online community. She will be sharing the story of Woodstock and what makes it a great city along the Gateway Corridor of I-575 in North Atlanta. In the coming weeks you will find Jennifer around the towns of North Atlanta visiting with local historians, taking photos of the special places and talking directly with business owners to learn their unique story. As Community Advocate, she will always work to make sure the real character of our area is displayed properly. If she stops by and asks you a few questions, don’t feel awkward and don’t think she is selling anything – she’s not. Jennifer is working for you as much as she is for me. I look forward to sharing your stories with the world at no cost to you. It’s my way of saying thank you North Atlanta! Be sure to check back tomorrow to read Jennifer first article about the uniqueness of Woodstock.

You can start by attending REtechSouth.  REtechSouth was born out of the desire to host a conversation about the technological changes impacting the real estate industry. A place where agents, brokers, lenders, builders and many other real estate industry practitioners could join together to collaborate on how technology can improve business. What tools work best? What websites are best for networking? Which vendor has the best product? What are the best practices for growing my online presence? These are the types of questions REtechSouth hopes to answer every year. The goal is to get some of the best minds in the industry together in one room to share the knowledge.

REtechSouth 2009 will take place on Friday, March 20, 2009 at the Gwinnett Center in Atlanta, GA.  Attendees will learn and network more in one day than many conferences fail to accomplish in three days – at a fraction of the cost.

REtechSouth
Friday, March 20, 2009
Gwinnett Center
Atlanta, Georgia

Register now, sign up to be a volunteer, support the conference, or suggest a topic/speaker.