Raleigh - Durham...A Real N.C. Girl's Perspective

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Elizabeth’s Saturday Evening Post: A Familiar Story about a LITTLE MAN and a BIG FISH

Back in December, I wrote a post, Facing YOUR Giants........, in which I told the Biblical story of David and Goliath...in my own words. I pointed out that David's bravery in facing his giant is an example for all of us to follow when we find ourselves face-to-face with our own giants...financial pressures, marriage struggles, health issues or anything that appears to be bigger and stronger than we.

Tonight...I wish to share another familiar, Bible story...Jonah and the Whale...in my own words. Although many of you may have heard this story as a child, Jonah's story teaches a life lesson about obedience, courage, accepting responsibility for one's actions, mercy and justice.

Humpback Whale courtesy of Monteray Bay Whalewatch

Let's go back...way back...all the way back to the Old Testament Book of Jonah. Jonah was a prophet who lived in Galilee, somewhere between 780 B.C and 760 B.C. At this time in history, Assyria was a powerful and evil nation...and Israel's fiercest enemy.

In the first chapter, we find Jonah chillin' out at his crib when he receives a message...FROM GOD...telling him to take a little trip to Nineveh (the capitol of Assyria)...to warn the people that God is ANGRY with them. God tells Jonah that the people of Nineveh are out of control...that they need a little help to get back in line...that He is running out of patience with them.

Immediately after receiving God's message, Jonah hops a boat for Tarshish...NOT Nineveh. (Jonah 1:3) Catching some ZZZZZZ's below deck, Jonah is unaware that the ship is being tossed around by a violent storm. Fearing for his life, the captain awakes Jonah and says, "How can you sleep, dude? Get up and call on your God. Maybe He will shut this storm off and let us live tonight."

Realizing that God was really, really furious with him, Jonah says, "Ummm...guys...this is probably a good time to tell you that...uh...well...you know this storm that is breaking your ship apart...yeah...that's my fault! I tried to run from God, but that is not such a good idea." Seeing that the waves were gaining strength, the men asked..."What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?" Jonah replies, "Since I'm the problem...if you throw me overboard, the storm will stop." So, they tossed him into the sea, and God sent a whale to rescue Jonah. (Jonah 1:17)

Hanging out in the belly of a whale for three days has a way of bringing things into perspective very quickly. From his seat on the whale's rib, Jonah offered up a sincere prayer to God. (Jonah 2) In the 5th verse, Jonah says..."The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head." Then, in verses 8 & 9 he adds, "Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the LORD." God hears Jonah's prayer and commands the whale to vomit Jonah onto dry land.

Okay...think for just a minute. Can you imagine what Jonah must have looked like after floating around in a whale's stomach for three days? I have a very specific picture in my mind, and it is not pretty. Let's continue...

As Jonah is standing on the shore of the sea, picking seaweed out of his ears and scraping decomposed fish guts off of his skin, God speaks again...telling Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh to proclaim God's message to the people. (Jonah 3) In less than a New York minute, Jonah ‘hits' the road to Nineveh to do as God commanded. The people of Nineveh received God's message and repented of their sins. Verse 10 says that "When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he had compassion and did not bring upon them the destruction he had threatened." He let them off the hook.

In my introduction, I stated that this story is filled with lessons about obedience, courage, accepting responsibility for one's actions, mercy and justice. It is also a story about choices. God told Jonah to do something...to go to Nineveh, but Jonah chose to disobey God. When the storm threatened to destroy the ship to Tarshish, Jonah chose to admit that he was responsible and told the men to throw him overboard. It took a tremendous amount of courage to face the unknown, dark waters, but Jonah chose to face the consequences of his actions. Upon hearing Jonah's message from God, the people of Nineveh chose to turn from their wicked ways and repent. When God saw that their hearts were changed, He chose to forgive them and chose to spare them from destruction.

What percentage of your circumstances is a direct result of your choices...both good and bad? Perhaps, you are facing a difficult choice right now. How will your choice impact your life...your relationships...your business?

How can you apply the lessons of this story to your business? As REALTORS® and real estate professionals, we must choose daily to do the things that we know will produce results...even when we cannot see the fruit of our labor. We must listen to and follow the wisdom of those who have more knowledge and experience. We must accept responsibility for our own success or failure. We must be merciful to those in our industry who are struggling...lending a hand whenever we have the opportunity. We must stand for what is right and just...even when doing the right thing means forfeiting a sale.

There is an anonymous quote that is just such an appropriate ending to this post:

"There are always two choices...two paths to take. One is easy, and its only reward is that it is easy."

Choose wisely, my friend!

Written and Posted by:

Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR® -- The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)

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It is time to set the record straight about the 'REAL' real estate market!

NO...the sky is NOT falling! The world, as we know it, is not coming to an end. Neither is the real estate industry coming to an end. In fact, things may be a whole lot better than the national media has led you to believe.

You've heard reports of the vast numbers of foreclosures across the country, the widespread drop in the number of home sales and the record-breaking decrease in property values. As a result, many potential buyers are terrified of purchasing a home now...for fear that it will be worth less than the purchase price on the day of closing. On the other hand, many home owners are reluctant to place their homes on the market because they have heard that it is a buyers' market...that they will have to ‘give their home away' if they want to sell.  

If your mother was anything like my mother, she probably told you NOT to believe everything you hear. Your mother was right!

So...to whose voice should you be listening?

Who is telling the truth?

Who can you trust to give you accurate information and sound advice?

  

The answer is simple...TRUST the EXPERTS who KNOW the FACTS!

 

The following chart shows the TOTAL number of closed real estate sales for the Durham, North Carolina area between 2000 and 2007. In general, the graph shows a steady increase in total sales from 2001 to 2006...with a slight overall decrease by 50 sales in 2007.

This data was taken directly from the Triangle Multiple Listing Service. It represents ALL sales that were closed with a licensed REALTOR® who was also a member of the Triangle Multiple Listing Service. The data does not reflect 'For Sale By Owner' transactions.

 

Real Estate Sales for Durham, NC 2000 thru 2007

 

In December, I wrote two other articles that address the challenges of our current market...as it relates to both BUYERS and SELLERS. I've included the links to these posts for those of you who have not read them.

REAL ESTATE MARKET IN TROUBLE??? It's just a matter of perspective!

Real Estate Market in Trouble? Part TWO for SELLERS!!!

 

Written and Posted by:

Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR® -- The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)

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Durham, N.C. Foreclosures: What can you buy for $125,000 - $150,000?

With all the recent news about the number of foreclosures nationwide, many consumers are under the impression that there is an unlimited supply of foreclosed homes...priced at half of their market value. Although the rate of foreclosure is certainly on the rise throughout the country, the price and number of foreclosed properties vary greatly from state to state and city to city. Here is an example of foreclosed properties that are currently available in the Durham, NC area...along with a price comparison of Foreclosed home in Durham, NCnon-foreclosed properties in the same area.

  

[3 BED/ 2 BATH - 2058 sq.ft. - .24 acre lot - Condition:  GOOD]

This home is currently listed for $126,400. When the home was placed on the market in August of 2007, the price was $158,000. There are currently two other (non-foreclosure) homes for sale in the same neighborhood. (Please see chart below.)

 

 

Property Type:   Residential       Status:   Active

Subject
Property

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#

MLS#

List Date

Address

Area/ Sub

Subdivision

Type/ Desc

LivSqFt

BR

FB

HB

GAR

YrBlt

LP

LP/ SF

DOM

948744 

8/03/2007 

3413 Kerrigan Court  

117 - East Durham, Hwy 98/ B 

Twin Lakes 

DTACH/ 2STOR 

2058 

Parking - DW/Asphault 

1987 

$126,400 

$61 

168 

973955 

12/26/2007 

3215 Venus  

117 - East Durham, Hwy 98/ B 

Twin Lakes 

DTACH/ 2STOR 

2028 

Parking - DW/Concrete 

1987 

$138,000 

$68 

23 

975878 

1/08/2008 

3114 Woodland Park Road  

117 - East Durham, Hwy 98/ B 

Twin Lakes 

DTACH/ 2STOR 

2100 

2 Garage 

1991 

$173,000 

$82 

10 

Average

  

2062

3

2

1

  

  

$145,800

$70

67

Number of Properties: 3

 

The next two homes are located within the same neighborhood:  Landon Farms

Foreclosed home in Durham, NC  

[3 BED / 2.5 BATH - 1694 sq.ft. - Built:  2004 - Condition:  GOOD]

This home is currently listed for $129,900. When the home was placed on the market in November of 2007, the price was $137,900. There are currently eight other non-foreclosure homes and one additional foreclosure for sale in the same neighborhood. (See the next photo and description.)

 Foreclosed home in Durham, NC

 

 

[3 BED / 2 BATH - 1660 sq.ft. - Built:  2002 - Condition:  GOOD]

This home is currently listed for $144,900. When the home was placed on the market in August of 2007, the price was $164,900. (See the chart below for both properties.)

 

 

Property Type:   Residential       Status:   Active

Subject
Property

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#

MLS#

List Date

Address

Area/ Sub

Subdivision

Type/ Desc

LivSqFt

BR

FB

HB

GAR

YrBlt

LP

LP/ SF

DOM

967164 

11/09/2007 

2017 Spring Creek Drive  

117 - East Durham, Hwy 98/ C 

Landon Farms 

DTACH/ 2STOR 

1694 

2 Garage, Parking - Attached, Parking - DW/Concrete, Parking - Entry/Front 

2004 

$129,900 

$77 

70 

971453 

12/06/2007 

2116 Lime  

117 - East Durham, Hwy 98/ C 

Landon Farms 

DTACH/ 1STOR 

1132 

Parking - DW/Concrete 

2004 

$129,900 

$115 

43 

949657 

8/09/2007 

2016 Lime  

117 - East Durham, Hwy 98/ C 

Landon Farms 

DTACH/ 3STOR 

1800 

Parking - DW/Concrete 

2005 

$139,900 

$78 

162 

973330 

12/17/2007 

1914 Landon Farms  

117 - East Durham, Hwy 98/ C 

Landon Farms 

DTACH/ 1STOR 

1660 

2 Garage 

2002 

$144,900 

$87 

32 

949272 

8/07/2007 

2036 Spring Creek Drive  

117 - East Durham, Hwy 98/ C 

Landon Farms 

DTACH/ 2STOR 

1508 

2 Garage, Parking - Attached, Parking - Entry/Front 

2007 

$163,845 

$109 

164 

972003 

12/09/2007 

1910 Landon Farms Lane  

117 - East Durham, Hwy 98/ C 

Landon Farms 

DTACH/ 2STOR 

1742 

Parking - DW/Concrete 

2003 

$165,000 

$95 

40 

970696 

12/02/2007 

2034 Spring Creek Drive  

117 - East Durham, Hwy 98/ C 

Landon Farms 

DTACH/ 2STOR 

2185 

2 Garage, Parking - Attached, Parking - Entry/Front 

2007 

$179,742 

$82 

47 

973319 

12/10/2007 

2024 Spring Creek Drive  

117 - East Durham, Hwy 98/ C 

Landon Farms 

SITEB/ 2STOR 

2088 

Parking - DW/Concrete 

2004 

$179,900 

$86 

39 

954437 

9/02/2007 

2055 Spring Creek Drive  

117 - East Durham, Hwy 98/ C 

Landon Farms 

DTACH/ 2STOR 

2471 

2 Garage, Parking - Attached, Parking - Entry/Front 

2006 

$183,779 

$74 

138 

10 

930111 

5/05/2007 

2046 Spring Creek Drive  

117 - East Durham, Hwy 98/ C 

Landon Farms 

DTACH/ 2STOR 

2185 

2 Garage, Parking - Attached 

2007 

$191,521 

$88 

258 

Average

  

1847

3

2

1

  

  

$160,838

$89

99

Number of Properties: 10

 

If you would like a complete list of available foreclosures in Durham and surrounding areas, please email me: Elizabeth@ElizabethNieves.com.

Written and Posted by:

Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR® -- The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)

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Durham, North Carolina mourns the death of Lista Yarbrough...a fellow REALTOR® and my friend

Lista YarbroughToday, after a five year battle with cancer, Lista Yarbrough went home to be with the Lord.

(July 1, 1973 - January 17, 2008)

As the Vice President of the Durham Regional Association of REALTORS® and a top-producing agent with Realty Executives Triangle, Lista was well-known and well-loved by her peers in the real estate business. Since her diagnosis of cancer in 2003, Lista has fought couragiously...openly sharing her story in order to inspire others to fight also. Her death leaves a void that only her contagious smile and loving heart could ever fill.

When I remember Lista, I think of the words 'selfless giving'. Despite her difficult, five year struggle with cancer, Lista always found a way to give of herself to others. I personally believe that she found her strength to keep fighting by giving of herself. She was an amazing woman and an example for all of us to follow.

Since 2003, Lista has participated in the annual Triangle Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Just this past June, she ran the whole race without stopping...even though she was still in recovery from chemotherapy. Her team, Lace up for Lista, raised over $6000 for breast cancer research. In 2003, she also organized volunteers to provide care packages to patients beginning chemotherapy. The Durham Regional Association of REALTORS® honored her with their Service Award in 2004.

Lista, we'll all miss you very much...but we'll never forget the example you set for us! You showed us the real meaning of life...living for others and not for yourself. It was my honor and privilege to be your friend!

Flowers are being accepted, or memorials may be made in Lista's name to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, P.O. Box 71922, Durham, NC 27722. The donations will be applied to Lista's team for this year's race.

Written and Posted by:

Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR® -- The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)

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Why YOUR REALTOR® is “like a bridge over troubled waters”

Yesterday, in a conversation with a relatively new agent, I was explaining the events of a recent sales transaction in order to teach...train...and prepare him, should he ever encounter a similar situation. As I walked him through the details of the transaction, I presented each of the many obstacles with which we were faced and outlined how we overcame and moved forward...to a victorious closing! At the end of our conversation, I stated "Oftentimes...as a REALTOR®...you must be a ‘bridge over troubled waters'."

Even as I spoke that statement aloud to him, the truth contained within those words resonated and brought to mind one transaction after another in which I stood in the gap between a client who wanted/needed a home and a lending institution who was saying "NO! NO! NO!" At other times, I have had to advise my client(s) to terminate the contract for a home they truly loved...because the inspection revealed major, structural defects or other irreparable damage. In many cases, I must ‘negotiate' the turbulent waters between a buyer who wants certain repairs and a seller who thinks his home is perfectly fine just as it is.

As REALTORS®, we are THE BRIDGE...

  • That connects buyers and sellers together in the sale and purchase of a home or property
  • That links ALL the parties of a real estate transaction...(customers, lenders, attorneys, inspectors, appraisers, surveyors and REALTORS®)
  • That provides safe passage between buyers and sellers when negotiating price, concessions and repairs
  • That establishes and maintains communication between ALL of the parties throughout the real estate transaction
  • That leads the way HOME!!!

YES...as YOUR REALTOR®...I'll be your bridge over troubled waters...I will lay me down!

When you're weary, feeling small
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all
I'm on your side...when times get rough
And friends just can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.

If you are thinking about buying or selling a home in 2008 and want a REALTOR® who will stick by your side...even when times get rough...please give me a call!

As my client, I give you my personal commitment that WHAT MATTERS TO YOU MATTERS TO ME! I recognize that YOU want to do business with someone you can trust. I will work diligently to earn your trust. The real estate market changes everyday. By staying current with the daily trends and changes of the market, I can better guide you through one of the most important decisions of your life.

You have worked hard to be able to achieve your dreams.

I FEEL THE RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE YOUR DREAM A REALITY!

Written and Posted by:

Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR® -- The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)

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How I earned an $18,000 commission on an $80,000 sale…TODAY!

 IF I were a betting woman...I'd wager that you read the title of this post and clicked on it thinking..."What is the catch?" NO CATCH...NO TRICK...NO JOKE! I REALLY did earn $18,749.75 (to be exact) this morning. Wanna know more? Please read on...

About six months ago, I received a call from a woman in Florida (I'll call her ‘Maria')...asking if I could send her information about condos in the SW Durham area. She indicated that she wanted a second home in North Carolina so that she could visit her grandchildren. Of course, I told her that I would love to help her and began asking her the usual questions. I learned that she had NO cell phone...NO email...NO access to the internet...NO pre-qualification...and she does NOT speak English. She also told me that she had NO idea when she would be ready to purchase...that she just wanted to keep her options open. She gave me her address and asked me to mail her listings that met her limited criteria...under $80,000.

For six months, I have followed up with this sweet lady...calling and sending new listings every few weeks. In truth, I did not know if she would ever buy a home; however, I treated her with the same dignity and respect that I show ALL of my clients.

A few weeks before Christmas, ‘Maria' called me and indicated that she was in Durham visiting her family...that she wanted to take a look at some homes. Even though my schedule was very busy...and I had not anticipated her arrival...I cleared a day to spend with her. That day, we looked at every condo that was available in her price range...and she did not like a single one of them.

Later that evening, ‘Maria' called to ask me to check the price of a home she had seen near her son's home and stated that she wanted to take a look at my earliest convenience. When I located the home in the MLS, I was very surprised to see that the home was listed at $269,900...more than three times her price limit.

Prior to scheduling an appointment to view the home, I suggested that she speak with a trustworthy loan officer to be certain that she would qualify for a home in that price range. At that point, she passed the phone to her husband (‘Juan')...who assured me that the price of the home was no problem...that he had already consulted a loan officer. I made a decision to take him at his word, and we met at the home an hour later.

After spending two hours viewing that home...and EVERY available home in the neighborhood...I learned that ‘Juan' and ‘Maria' had very different ideas about what they wanted in a home. ‘Maria' wanted a small condo, but ‘Juan' wanted a large enough home that all of his out-of-state family could gather together for vacations and holidays. It was clear to me that ‘Juan' would be the one to make the final decision. I also realized that he was looking for something very specific...the deal of the century.

With my challenge before me, I set out to find the perfect home for ‘Juan' and ‘Maria'. Thankfully, I located a new home that had been custom built for a family whose financing had fallen through...leaving the builder with unwanted year-end inventory. Recognizing an opportunity to fulfill my client's goal of obtaining the ‘deal of the century'...I negotiated a $90,000 discount off the price of the home, $3350 in seller paid closing costs AND a $10,000 agent bonus for closing before the end of the year. (The delay was the builder's fault.) Using a portion of that bonus, I further ‘sweetened' the deal for ‘Juan' by paying discount points to reduce his interest rate.

This morning...'Juan' and ‘Maria' closed on their brand new $349,990 home (which appraised at $445,000)...with less than $3000 in out-of-pocket closing costs! ‘Juan' thinks I'm a hero, and ‘Maria' is amazed at her new home. What a happy ending!

OH...I am REALLY happy also! What began six months ago as an $80,000 transaction rendered over $18,000 in commissions. However...above and beyond the financial compensation...I have such joy because I helped this family find the home of their dreams...a home that will serve as the ‘meeting place' to bring their family together from all over the country! What a great privilege it is to be a REALTOR®!!!

In conclusion...I wish to ask you two questions:

IF ‘Maria' had called you...what would you have done?

Do you treat someone looking for a $80,000 home differently than someone looking for an $350,000 home?

I don't!!!

You know...it sounds like Jesus knew what He was talking about when he said.."So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you."

Written and Posted by:

Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR® -- The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)

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Childhood Music Memories

For as long as I can remember, music has been a vital part of my life. From the moment I learned to talk, my mother began teaching me how to sing. I'm not sure if all the practicing made me into a better singer; however, it certainly left a deep impression on my soul. When my girls were little, I sang the very same songs to them. Even now that they are almost grown, they will ask me to sing ‘You Are My Sunshine' to them when they are not feeling well.

Of ALL the songs she taught me, there are two which will always occupy a special place in my heart and memories...evoking tender emotions even now. These songs also take me back to one very special moment in my life...my public singing debut.

I was 2 ½ years old when my mother decided that my ‘special gift' must be shared with the world...well, at least with the members of our little, country church. Mom prepared me well for my Sunday morning solo...making sure that I practiced over and over all week long for anyone and everyone who would listen. When the time came for me to sing, I promenaded onto the stage and took the microphone from the pastor. Then, without any fear, I began my song..."My mother told me something a little girl should know..."

Even as I write this post, I can vividly remember that moment...looking out into the crowd of smiling faces...as I sang my song. Then, I got distracted for just one second and forgot the words to the song. In protest against my failure...I stomped my foot, pouted and started the song from the beginning.

According to my mother, the expression on my face was so cute and my actions so amusing that the congregation broke out into laughter. From where I was standing, it seemed as though they were laughing AT ME...mocking me. I slammed the microphone down and marched off stage...arms crossed and eyes straight ahead...refusing to let them see me cry. When I reached the back of the church, I kept going through the big, swinging doors...vowing NEVER to sing in front of anyone again. For many years, I kept that vow.

IF anyone ever tells you that God does not have a sense of humor...do not believe them. I know, without a doubt, that He has an incredible sense of humor and loves irony. "HOW DO YOU KNOW?"...you ask. Oh...I know...because just over a year ago, I was appointed as the worship leader in that same little, country church. Life sure has a way of coming full circle.

I found a compilation video of these two songs. IF my mother had owned a video camera, one of the girls in this video would have been me. ENJOY!!

Written and Posted by:

Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR® -- The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)

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"OH YEAH...I forgot. You are NOT like my last REALTOR®. You ACTUALLY listen to me."

Are you listening??

 

 

Over the holidays, I received an email from a buyer client requesting to take a look at property she discovered while searching my website. Immediately, I replied to her email...explaining that I was out of town but that I would love to show it to her as soon as I returned.

Within minutes, she replied to me...thanking me for responding to her email so quickly and apologizing for interrupting my holiday celebration (which she did not do!). In a post script, she wrote..."I just have one question. I receive your daily listing updates, but this home has never been included. I found it on my own. Since it is in my price range, why didn't it show up in the listings you send? Sorry to bug you...just curious."

Having only a few minutes before my family sat down to dinner, I simply replied, "Sure...I'll be happy to explain. This home was not included because it does not meet the search criteria that you established. When we first spoke, you asked me to ONLY send you homes with 2 car garages. This home has no garage. Of course, I'll still be happy to show it to you...AND...if you'd like, I can easily modify your search to include homes without a garage. Just let me know, and I'll take care of that change right away."

The next day, I received this response..."OH YEAH...I forgot. You are NOT like my last REALTOR®. You ACTUALLY listen to me."

YOUR BUYERS ARE TALKING...ARE YOU LISTENING?

 

Written and Posted by:

Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR® -- The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)

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Man Convicted of Murdering Real Estate Agent, Sarah Anne Walker, Sentenced to Death in Texas

In Loving Memory of Sarah Anne WalkerSome of you may remember the headlines about the brutal murder of Sarah Anne Walker in July 2006; however, it is more likely that you either do not remember or never saw the reports. I heard about her murder in passing and thought..."How horrible!" Then, in truth, I thought about it no more...until this morning.

Sarah Anne Walker was an attractive, successful, 40 year-old onsite agent for D.R. Horton in McKinney, Texas. On the day of her death, she was doing what she did every other day...her job. She was hosting an open house in a model home of the Hemingway at Craig Ranch Community when Kosoul Chanthakoummane, her killer, showed up unexpectedly and took her life...brutally biting, beating and stabbing her 27 times. Before leaving, he stole her Rolex watch and ring...leaving police to suspect that robbery was his motive.

Although Walker was Chanthakoummane's first known victim in Texas, her murder was not his first assault on women. In 1996...he broke into a home in Weddington, NC, tied up two elderly, female occupants and stole their car. He was convicted and sentenced to 11 years in prison. Due to overcrowding, he was transferred and released into the Texas' parole program after serving 9 years of his sentence. At the time of Sarah Walker's murder, he had been living in Texas for only six months...serving the remainder of his parole sentence for his crimes in North Carolina.

Even more disturbing, the day before Chanthakoummane's savage attack on Sarah Walker, he had approached another onsite agent...claiming that his car had broken down and asking to use the phone.  According to the agent's statement, he became frightened of her dog and ran away in a fury. Thankfully, she was unharmed and capable of identifying Chanthakoummane from a police sketch...which directly led to his arrest and conviction for Sarah Walker's murder. Police believe that Chanthakoummane specifically planned to target real estate agents.

For the shocking and senseless murder of Sarah Anne Walker, it took jurors only three and a half hours to unanimously agree that Chanthakoummane (27 years old) should die by lethal injection. He is currently awaiting his sentence on death row in Livingstone, Texas. In his death row webpage profile, he writes..."I am a condemned man here on death row, in Livingston, Texas-U.S.A. My cause is in the appeals process. For the time being, I pray God's mercy on my soul." Ironically...in his profile...he also links to his personal MySpace page.

In my opening paragraph, I stated that I had forgotten about this story until this morning...when I discovered a very touching story behind the story. Mr. Joseph Walker, the father of Sarah Anne Walker, is a devout Catholic who posts a daily message on the Semper Fi Catholic forum from the Diary of St. Faustina on the Divine Mercy. On the day that his daughter's murderer was sentenced, Mr. Walker posted this message:

TODAY I WROTE A LETTER TO KOSOUL AND HIS ENTIRE FAMILY..
EXPLAINING I PRAY THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET EVERYDAY FOR HIM.. AND ALSO THAT I FORGIVE HIM COMPLETELY. AND HAVE NO ANIMOSITY TOWARDS HIM. I PUT IT IN A COPY OF THE DIARY WITH OTHER MERCY PAMPLETS..


JESUS I TRUST IN YOU
JOSEPH Walker

 

May we ALL find the courage that HE found...to forgive THOSE who have broken our hearts and crushed our spirits.

UPDATE 5:01pm:

To EVERYONE WHO HAS READ AND COMMENTED:  Each one of you deserve an individual response, but I feel that the emotions that this post stirred are similar for everyone. What I have to say, I would like to address to EVERYONE at the same time.

Believe me when I say that I feel angry...furious by this man's actions. He, and people like him, terrify me. I am not some kind of superwoman who has a perfect heart...nor do I suspect Mr. Walker of being a superhuman. I believe his heart is broken into a thousand pieces...as I KNOW my heart would be if someone took one of my daughters from me.

This man does not deserve forgiveness. He does not deserve your forgiveness nor my forgiveness. And, he certainly does not deserve Mr. Walker's forgiveness.

In truth, I don't believe that anyone DESERVES forgiveness. That is what makes it such an incredible thing. And...it is definitely NOT something we can do in our own strength.

What I have learned in my life is that forgiveness is a gift we give...NOT to the person who hurt us...but to OURSELVES. I'm still learning how to do this, as I carried a lot of unforgiveness in my heart until I finally was able to forgive my father. Now that my heart is free, I NEVER want to be locked in the prison of unforgiveness ever again.

That is really what this post is about for me. Mr. Walker is the kind of man/person that I hope to one day be...a person whose heart is THAT FREE.

MUCH LOVE AND APPRECIATION TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUAL SUPPORT!!! GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!

Written and Posted by:

Elizabeth Nieves - Broker, REALTOR® -- The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group @ Keller Williams (A Bilingual Real Estate Team serving Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill NC and surrounding areas.)

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