• Date and time
• Place
• Amount claimed
• Relation to the person or event
• Anything else relevant

• Transportation to and from an event
• Open houses for listings
• Events to reward employee performance
• Business gifts or incentives up to $25 per customer or client

Did you happen to make it through the day without a sighting of some plastic vomit or a whoopee cushion?  Maybe your friends are a little more creative and you have to tread lightly when the first day of April rolls around.  The origins of April Fools Day are somewhat uncertain.  It is believed to date back to the Middle Ages and may be associated either with the changing of the seasons or the beginning of what was once considered the new year.  Either way it has become a tradition of lighthearted joking celebrated throughout the Western world. 

If you let the day pass this year without pulling one over on a friend here are some ideas to keep in mind for next year.  Not that I’m suggesting any of these.  As always there is a certain level of risk involved when pulling pranks, the consequences are usually fairly closely related to the sense of humor of the prankee!

These are actual pranks that people claimed to have pulled on a recent CareerBuilder.com survey. 

1. Placed a pair of pants and shoes inside the only toilet stall in a men’s room to make it appear someone was using the stall. It sat there for hours until someone called security to check if the person had died.

2. Sent a fake love note to a co-worker from another co-worker. 

3. All the women in office individually spoke to the president, confiding that she is pregnant. By noon, he ‘knew’ that all of his female workers were pregnant and he could not tell anyone because each asked for confidentially.

4. Called electric company, used a co-worker’s name and told them he was moving so the electricity got turned off at the co-worker’s house.

5. Filled the vending soda machine with cans of beer.

6. Rigged the bosses chair to drop suddenly during a staff meeting.

7. Placed a sign on the restroom door that read, "The company ran out of toilet tissue; please use your own resources."

8. Paged a co-worker over the loud speaker claiming the CEO was looking for him.  The worker went into the CEOs office and the CEO didn’t know who he was or why he was there.

9. Shrink-wrapped everything in a co-worker’s cubicle.

10. Put a ‘house for sale’ ad in the newspaper regarding a co-worker’s home.

John Bendall owner of Re/Max Classic Group offers some questions for more effective communication with sellers.

Many agents fall into the trap of talking too much and listening too little.  It’s an easy thing to do; it’s often just enthusiasm to share with clients all the great things that we can do for them.  But it’s important to learn what’s important to them, instead of just piling on information.  The following questions from inman.com are a great tool to get your clients talking about what is important to them while still giving you the opportunity to sell yourself and your services.  They also empower your clients to overcome some of their own objections. 

1. What have you enjoyed about living in this property?

This is an excellent question to use at the beginning of your listing appointment. Instead of doing a "listing presentation," ask about the seller’s experience with their home. While they explain, take notes. This sends a nonverbal message that you care enough about what they say to write it down.

2. Will these features be important in your next home?

This sets up the closing process in two different ways. You can offer to search the Multiple Listing Service for properties that meet their criteria. By doing this, you increase the probability of getting the listing plus representing the sellers on their next purchase. If they are moving outside the area, you can offer to interview three referral agents in the city where they are moving

3. Would you like to obtain the highest price possible for your property in the shortest amount of time?

Virtually all sellers will answer "yes" to this question unless there is a divorce or some other dispute going on between the parties involved in the sale. This question helps you to transition into discussing your premium marketing plan that will help the sellers obtain the highest possible price for their property. Generally, it’s a good idea to discuss three or four unique ways that you will market their property. List the other strategies you will use on a handout entitled, "Premium Marketing Plan for Mr. and Mrs. Seller."

4. Which of these services would you like to use in marketing your property?

The answer to this question is almost always "all of them!" This question will assist you in defending your commission should that topic become an issue later. If the seller does ask you to lower your commission, follow up with the question below.

5. Are you going to list your property with an agent who provides the premium marketing services that you need to obtain the highest possible price in today’s market or are you going to list with an agent who provides less service?

This question is an example of a classic "alternative-choice close." Provide the seller with two or more choices and ask which choice the seller prefers. Normally the sellers will want all of the services that you provide. It’s smart to be prepared to walk away, especially if you’re in a down market. Agents who offer premium service deserve premium commissions. When you are willing to walk away, most sellers will agree to your commission. Given that there are too many listings in most markets at this time, there’s no point in working with unmotivated or unrealistic sellers.

6. Are you going to price your property where it will be sold next month or where it will still be listed next month?

It’s important to know how much inventory is on the market. Assuming that there are eight months of inventory on the market, the probability that the seller’s property will sell is one-eighth, or 12.5 percent. The probability that the seller’s property will still be listed next month is seven-eights, or 87.5 percent. Thus, in order to sell in any given month, the property would have to be in the top 12.5 percent of all properties listed in terms of price and value. If the sellers overprice the property results in the property continuing to be on the market rather than under contract.

For the complete article visit http://www.inman.com/buyers-sellers/columnists/berniceross/top-questions-ask-sellers-listing-appointment

John Bendall owner of Re/Max Classic Group challenges you with a quiz for the first day of Spring.

Test your knowledge of the season with the following quiz to celebrate the first day of Spring. 

1. Which of these events marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere?

a) Groundhog Day                          b) Mardi Gras             

c) The vernal equinox                      d) Easter Sunday    

2. Periodically, the Internet undergoes a “Spring Cleaning”, during which time users must disconnect or risk the deletion of unused files.

a) True                                           b)False

3. College sports fans get excited for which early springtime playoff series?

a) NCAA Women’s Division I Softball Championship

b) NCAA Women’s Division I  Volleyball Championship

c) NCAA Men’s Division I Football Championship

d) NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Championship

4. In the United States, wearing new clothes on Easter Sunday is a popular tradition.  Where does the tradition stem from?

a) Milan’s fashion week                  b) Jesus Christ’s robes on Palm Sunday

c) Holy Saturday baptism rituals      d) Ancient pagan rituals

5. Baseball fans hoping to catch some spring training action must travel to at least one of which two sunny states?

a) Arizona and Florida                    b) California and Texas

c) New Mexico and Louisiana        d) Georgia and Mississippi

6. In Greek mythology, spring comes when this goddess is joyously reunited with her daughter each year.  Which is it?

a) Demeter                                     b) Athena

c) Aphrodite                                   d) Hestia

7. In many countries, May Day is a celebration of spring, but the first day of May also commemorates what?

a) The Chinese New Year              b) Day of the Dead ( Mexico)

c) The civil rights Movement           d) The labor movement

8. Which Florida beach locale was a notoriously popular destination for college students on spring break from the end of World War II until the late 1980’s?

a) Panama City Beach                    b) Key West

c) South Beach                               d) Fort Lauderdal

9. Which American candy-focused holiday is similar to a Swedish Easter week tradition?

a)Valentine’s Day                           b) Halloween

c) Mother’s Day                             d) Christmas Eve

10. Which colorful northern Indian Hindu festival celebrates the arrival of spring?

a) Raksabandhana              b) Holi

c) Vaisakhi                         d) Ganesh

Enjoy the season!

Answer Key: 1) C, 2) B, 3) D, 4) C, 5) A, 6) A, 7) D, D, 9) B, 10) B

John Bendall owner of Re/Max Classic Group offers some ways to take advantage of the current Real Estate Market.

There is a lot of potential opportunity in the Real Estate market today, but what is the best way to take advantage of it?  Even if you are not interested in moving to a new geographic area there are still a couple of things that you can do.  Your first option, if you are interested, is to up-size.  If you have been thinking about getting into a bigger home, now may be the time.  The challenge with this option may be selling your current home.  If you price aggressively, this shouldn’t be a problem.  You may get slightly less than you would like to get when selling in this market, but on the upside you will be spending less on your purchase. 

Another potential opportunity that this market presents is the possibility of a second home.  You may not be interested in buying a property strictly for rental purposes. However, if you are thinking of moving to a retirement home within the next couple of years you could buy a second home now and rent it out until you are ready to make the move.  If you can swing it, this could be an ideal scenario.  You may be able to purchase something at a lower price now, and potentially wait to sell until the market has changed.    Of course there are no guarantee’s that the market will change significantly by the time you are ready to sell.  The opportunity to use the home before you live there will be of some value.  This will allow you to have confidence that you’ve made a good decision and to make changes before you have to live with your decision full time.

One last alternative that could allow you to take advantage of the current market without making a move is to provide some help to a family member or loved one who may be considering purchasing a first home.  This could mean helping your children make a down payment, or purchasing an investment property for college age children to live in while they attend school. 

If you are interested in pursuing any of these options or you would like to discuss others e-mail me at john@bendallgroup.com.

John Bendall owner of Re/Max Classic Group reports on upcoming events at Re/Max Classic Group.

Monday- Cryan’s- 3-6pm (Happy St.Pats)

Tuesday- New RE/MAX orientation in Edison

Wednesday- West Milford office meeting (seminar)

Here are a few interesting notes about St. Patrick’s Day!

The person who was to become St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, was born in Wales about AD 385. His given name was Maewyn, and he almost didn’t get the job of bishop of Ireland because he lacked the required scholarship.

Far from being a saint, until he was 16, he considered himself a pagan. At that age, he was sold into slavery by a group of Irish marauders that raided his village. During his captivity, he became closer to God.

He escaped from slavery after six years and went to Gaul where he studied in the monastery under St. Germain, bishop of Auxerre for a period of twelve years. During his training he became aware that his calling was to convert the pagans to Christianity.

His wishes were to return to Ireland, to convert the native pagans to Christianity. But his superiors instead appointed St. Palladius. But two years later, Palladius transferred to Scotland. Patrick, having adopted that Christian name earlier, was then appointed as second bishop to Ireland.

Patrick was quite successful at winning converts. And this fact upset the Celtic Druids. Patrick was arrested several times, but escaped each time. He traveled throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries across the country. He also set up schools and churches which would aid him in his conversion of the Irish country to Christianity.

His mission in Ireland lasted for thirty years. After that time, Patrick retired to County Down. He died on March 17 in AD 461. That day has been commemorated as St. Patrick’s Day ever since.

Much Irish folklore surrounds St. Patrick’s Day. Not much of it is actually substantiated.

Some of this lore includes the belief that Patrick raised people from the dead. He also is said to have given a sermon from a hilltop that drove all the snakes from Ireland. Of course, no snakes were ever native to Ireland, and some people think this is a metaphor for the conversion of the pagans. Though originally a Catholic holy day, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into more of a secular holiday.

One traditional icon of the day is the shamrock. And this stems from a more bona fide Irish tale that tells how Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the Trinity. He used it in his sermons to represent how the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit could all exist as separate elements of the same entity. His followers adopted the custom of wearing a shamrock on his feast day.

The St. Patrick’s Day custom came to America in 1737. That was the first year St. Patrick’s Day was publicly celebrated in this country, in Boston.

Today, people celebrate the day with parades, wearing of the green, and drinking beer. One reason St. Patrick’s Day might have become so popular is that it takes place just a few days before the first day of spring. One might say it has become the first green of spring.

John Bendall owner of Re/Max Classic Group offers some options for celebrating St. Patrick’s day in Central New Jersey.

As many of you know this coming Monday is St. Patrick’s Day.  If the Irish spirit catches’ you a little early the following are some events that you may want to take advantage of this weekend.  Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Cryan’s, Branchburg New Jersey

Enjoy Guinness, Smithwicks, Harp, and Magners Irish Cider along with Cornbeef, Lamb Stew, and Fish and Chips all weekend.   

Saturday March 15^th The Moonshiners

Friday March 14^th, Saturday March 15^th, and Sunday March 16^th Des Whelen

Monday March 17^th Burns and Cashman

Mannion’s Irish Pub, Somerville New Jersey

Friday - March 14th

11:30 am - 1:00 pm Irish Terry Kane
8:00 pm - Straight from Ireland - Pat Roper & Tommy Dwyer
8:00 pm - Peter Smith’s School of Irish Step Dancers
8:30 pm - Bag Pipers
9:00 pm - Guinness Glass Giveaway

Saturday - March 15th

7:00 pm - The Famous Kevin Byrne
7:00 pm - Peter Smith’s School of Irish Step Dancers
7:30 pm - Bag Pipers

Sunday - March 16th

Somerville St. Patty’s Parade
Step Dancers & Bag Pipes - All Day
12:30 - 2:30 pm - The Famous Kevin Byrne
2:30 - 7:00 pm - Pat Roper & Tommy Dwyer

Monday - March 17th

12:00 pm - 1:00 am Mark Stewart & Chris Garrison
Step Dancers & Bag Pipes - All Day

O’Connor’s Beef N’ Chowder House, Somerset New Jersey

Friday March 14, Saturday March 15, Sunday March 16 – Burns and Cashman, The Davis Academy Step Dancers, & Bag Pipes

Monday March 17^th The Four Clovers, Bag Pipes, & The Davis Academy Step Dancers

St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Somerville New Jersey

Sunday March 16^th at 1:30 pm Somerville, New Jersey: The Somerville St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2008 beginning at 1:30 pm.  The Parade will begin at the corner of Main and Grove Streets in downtown Somerville and will proceed west to West End Avenue near Immaculate Conception Church. A pre-parade show at 1:00 P.M. will feature Irish Dancing exhibitions, and will be located in front of the Review Stand at the corner of Main Street and Doughty Avenue. The Parade, now in its ninth year, will have over 75 marching units and is expected to draw over 15,000 people , making the Somerville St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of New Jersey’s largest

John Bendall owner of Re/Max Classic Group reports on upcoming events at Re/Max Classic Group.

This week at Classic:

Wednesday- Branchburg meeting 9:30- 11am  (Effective Pricing and other things learned on my latest Journey)

Friday- Berkeley Heights office- 2pm – 3:30pm (Effective Pricing and other things learned on my latest Journey) (Basking Ridge agents can go to either location for this seminar, West Milford will see it on the 18^th)+++++(Supreme- we will be scheduling your office 2)

Monday- Cryan’s for St. Pats day!!!! A bunch of us want to be Irish along with a few true countryman will be soaking up some culture from 3pm-6pm.

It ain’t all BAD!!!

“Despite the continued flow of bad news from the housing markets, several of the cities tracked by RPX are sending positive signals,” said Michael Feder, chief executive officer of Radar Logic Incorporated.

Key Points of the December 2007 RPX Housing Market Report include:

– For December 2007, of the 25 Metropolitan Statistical Areas examined, four residential markets showed price increases.

– Transaction volumes have been a leading indicator for price declines in most cities. Boston, Cleveland, Detroit, Sacramento and San Diego are experiencing a recent increase in volume after a period of price declines.

– The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 is now law. Cities with higher price points may see increases in the liquidity of the residential mortgage market as a result, possibly sparking an end to the slide in housing
prices.

For more information visit http://www.radarlogic.com/research/RPXMonthlyHousingMarketReportforDecember2007.pdf

The RPX Monthly Housing Market Report is produced by Radar Logic Incorporated, a New York-based real estate data and analytics company. These reports are published 63 days after the last transaction date of every month, providing insight and detailed analysis of Radar Logic’s 25 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) across the United States. This study is based on the premise that there is not a national housing market; rather, each of the MSAs, while having economic influences in common like credit and mortgage rates, is influenced primarily by local conditions.

John Bendall owner of Re/Max Classic Group offers a positive view of the upcoming spring market.

With news of a higher foreclosure rate than ever, is there any hope in the forecast for a warm spring real estate market?  There is good news, especially for buyers.  There is an excellent selection of homes on the market to choose from, making it easier than ever to find the right home at the right time.  Homes have also become somewhat more affordable and the chances of getting in a bidding war are less with more houses to go around. Interest rates continue to stay reasonably low so it is easy to find an affordable mortgage. 

Not all the news is good.  Prices could continue to inch downward for some time to come.  Sellers need to be very aggressive in pricing in order to stay ahead of the competition.  There was a time when sellers could price there homes just above the latest comparable listing, those days are gone.  It is now necessary to take into account the declining market when pricing and price lower than the competition to avoid sitting on the market and getting stale.  However, homes priced well are still seeing activity and even multiple offers.

Things are picking up with the spring market.  Many buyers have been holding off on deciding on anything for a while.  There has been a lot of fear and people have been waiting to see how much worse things are going to get.  Since prices have been leveling off or declining fairly slowly opportunity is starting to outweigh caution.  Buyers realize there are some great values in the market now.  While interest rates are still low they have started to creep up.  Buyers who wait for home prices to drop further may end up paying a higher interest rate which can cost them a lot more in the long run.