High Heels and Horse Poop

Many years ago before we were Realtors®, my husband and I once found ourselves in a horse pasture with a real estate agent who wore high heels and hose.  Understandably, she was reluctant to walk through the pasture to see the barn with us, even though we loaned her our bug spray!  Nor did she volunteer to ride along in the seller’s dirty pick-up truck to see the property line boundaries.

This incident made us ask why there weren’t more farm and ranch Realtors® who knew something about farm and ranch properties, and were well-prepared to show (or list) them.  That began our mission to provide buyers (and sellers) with informed farm and ranch property real estate advice.

We know the difference between a barn and a workshop.  If there is concrete in a barn, we know where it belongs.  We understand fencing choices for different animals and why they are so important.  We can tell the difference between pasture grass and scrub.  We bring our muck boots and, if needed, our 4WD truck.

We also understand the mindset that the well-being of your animals is often more important than having the latest bells and whistles in your own housing.  Or that you look at flood plains before price tags.  We know the difference between dirt and soil.

The reason we know and care about all this is because we have been hobby farmers and horse owners for most of our lives; and the things that matter to you matter to us.

If you’re looking for a farm and ranch Realtor ® (or two, since we often function as a team), we promise to show up ready, willing, and able to do the job.  And that’s no bull!

Marianne Smith
Realtor®
(cell) 615-517-6560
J.R. Hobbs & Sons Real Estate

Since 1909

229 W. Main Street, Lebanon, TN
(office) 615-444-1663
www.jrhobbsrealty.com
marianneattheranch@gmail.com

Defining Home

Real Estate is, of course, a business.  And buying and selling real estate is usually a major financial transaction for most of us.  Sometimes it is purely for investment.  But MOST of the time, real estate is about home.

And what is home?  Home is more than how many bedrooms and bathrooms.  It is more than which neighborhood has the best schools.  Surely it is more than square footage and bonus rooms.

Sometimes it is about what is available in a pinch after selling your present home.  But even then, and maybe especially then, I contend that home is about a particular kind of space.

Home is where you feel the most comfortable, where you can be your truest self.  Home is where you relax with your family and friends, and where ease flows freely most of the time.  Your home should reflect who you are, and should make you insanely comfortable.

Have you considered the type of home you feel most comfortable in?  If you have a spouse, children, or parents living with you, you may have some compromises to make.  But I always advise choosing the home that just feels right to you.  You walk in and say, “YES!  I could definitely live here!”  Not “YES, I should live here!”  Let go of the “should” voices and just consider the type of space that makes you feel joy.

Do you like log homes or more elegant structures?  Brick or siding?  Need a fireplace?  If so, gas or electric?  Gourmet kitchen or a more spacious living room?  Every choice is about how you prefer to live, though we all have a budget.  And while most homes aren’t perfect, if you know what you’re after you can get deliriously close to perfection.

I bet some of you are thinking:  “But my spouse and I just want such different things.”  If you will spend some time together exploring what each of you needs, you will likely find a compromise that will work.  My husband and I have worked through this process, and have been surprised that we have found several options on the market that we both like.  We have very different tastes, but we both know what “home” feels like as a couple.

Sometimes you learn what home feels like by living in a lot of places that do NOT feel like home.  You also learn what your “must haves” are this way.  Sometimes “must haves” change with age and your situation, but your sense of home usually remains true.

I’d really encourage you to spend time in as many different types of homes as you can, whether visiting friends and relatives, or maybe staying in B and B’s on vacation.  If you’re not sure what your sense of home is, this is a great way to find out what kind of environment makes you feel safe and happy.

Choosing the right home is one of the most important decisions you will ever make.  Spend some time to make sure you know what you are looking for.  A good Realtor® can ask questions to help get you there, but it helps if you can readily access that idea of what home looks and feels like to YOU.  It’s time and energy well-spent.

Wishing you happy home-shopping!  Please let me know if I can help you.

Marianne Smith
Realtor®
(cell) 615-517-6560
J.R. Hobbs & Sons Real Estate

Since 1909

229 W. Main Street, Lebanon, TN
(office) 615-444-1663
www.jrhobbsrealty.com
marianneattheranch@gmail.com

How Not to Pick a Realtor®

Recently I lost a listing because the seller decided to throw a bag of chips into the air and make her decision.  If it landed face up, I had the listing; face down, well, you get the picture.  I think this was a stress reaction because she said she simply could not make up her mind between the two listing agents she was considering.  She said we were in “a dead heat.”

I met a man the other day who told me that his wife picked their Realtor® based on age.  She wanted someone young that she could relate to.  She would not consider anyone even five years older than she was.  While this made more sense than flipping a bag of chips, it seems to me that there may be more to it than this.

How about picking someone based on their market knowledge and experience?  Perhaps even on how well they prepare for your listing presentation?  Are they professional?  On-time?  Friendly and enthusiastic?  Do they think well on their feet?  Do they seem to have your best interests at heart?  Are they willing to spend some time with you to determine your needs and wants?  Are they asking about how often you would like updates, and in what format?

And bottom line:  Do you feel comfortable with this person?  Buying or selling a home is often a very personal and stressful journey.  You need to be able to confide in this person and know they will treat your information and you with respect.  Trust your gut here; this is important.  It’s ok if you got a referral from a friend to try their brother-in-law’s second cousin once-removed, but do be sure they meet the criteria to get the job done well.

Would love to hear your thoughts, if you'd like to comment!

Marianne Smith
Realtor®
(cell) 615-517-6560
J.R. Hobbs & Sons Real Estate

Since 1909

229 W. Main Street, Lebanon, TN
(office) 615-444-1663
www.jrhobbsrealty.com
marianneattheranch@gmail.com