Who Am I?

It recently occurred to me that I started this blog without properly introducing myself. 

 I'm Jeremy Reaves. 

I am an agent with ERA King Real Estate Co in Alabama. I work primarily within our Anniston office, but I am in the planning stages to stretch my boundaries into the Birmingham market as well. This is a job that I truly love. In the past, customer service always was my strong point when I worked in retail. I love having the opportunity to help the folks in my community sell their current home, find their dream home, invest in commercial property, or find a piece of land to suit their needs.

A little info on my career thus far: I started in the industry in the spring of 2013. To some, I'm still considered a "new agent," but to others I'm viewed as slightly seasoned. My first full year in the business, I exceeded the national average for transactions. I became a million dollar producer and was nominated for newcomer of the year within our office. I was also nominated for rookie of the year within our local MLS. I became somewhat of a specialist with helping buyers purchase foreclosures and have successfully closed quite a few of them.

The story of how I got in the business is a little interesting. I've had an interest in real estate for my entire adult life. I initially wanted to get my real estate license and start selling back in 2002. However, I allowed people close to me to talk me out of it and started on a different path. That was a terrible mistake. I went to work in the industrial field, which was never a good match. I struggled for nine years through a job that I honestly hated. Through it all, I never lost interest in real estate.

I found myself constantly browsing listings online, even though I wasn't really looking for a house. At home, I kept my television tuned into HGTV all the time (I've learned in recent years that most of those HGTV shows don't give the entire story, but that's another topic). I found myself reading local real estate listing books every time a new one was released. I realized after a while I was familiarizing myself with the different companies and agents that serviced the area and identifying the ones that seemed to be doing the best work.

I eventually made the decision to purchase a home in 2012. I was referred to an agent at ERA King Real Estate, which was a company I had always admired. This agent turned out to be the licensed assistant to the company's broker, the fabulously amazing Anna King. 

They discovered, while I was working with them, that I had a knack for real estate. It wasn't long before they started hinting at the idea of me coming to work for them. I was given all the information about King University, the real estate licensing course offered through ERA King. I spent a few months going back and forth on the matter, not knowing for sure if it was something I was ready to fully pursue or not. After hearing about all the incentives and all the good things this company does for its agents, I finally gave in and started classes in the winter of early 2013. The information I was learning was interesting, but occasionally overwhelming. I started to doubt myself but I pressed on.

When the course was over, I aced the final exam in 10 minutes. I registered for the state course and passed on my first try. I had heard that this was a test that's designed for students to fail, and a lot of agents have to take it multiple times before they pass. I knew this was a sign. The universe was telling me to dive in with both feet. That's exactly what I did.

As most know, real estate agents work on commission, so there was a bit of a financial struggle on the road to that first closing. I got through it, however, and the very first home I sold was a $300,000 cash buyer - which is EXTREMELY RARE in this part of the state. Through friends and family, and my involvement in community theatre productions, I started building a small word-of-mouth clientele.

Today, I am still working on building that clientele and my "sphere of influence," which I will continue to do for the duration of my career. I have several closings under my belt and am working on more for the future. I operate on a policy of honesty and responsiveness. I bend my schedule to fit my clients' needs. I think all of that combined makes a huge difference in the quality of representation I am able to give. I love what I do for a living, I've made a lot of new friends, and I look forward to continuing on this path for years to come. Maybe I can help you along the way! All you have to do is ask!

Questions or comments? Leave them below or email me at jeremyr@era-king.com!

-Jeremy Reaves, The Realtor Guy

Another Successful Closing!

CLOSING DAY!

I had a closing this morning with a wonderful couple! They were running out of space and needed a larger home to accommodate their family. We were able to get them into a beautiful new home that met (and surpassed) all their needs for a steal of a deal! They are walking into this home with decent amount of instant equity! I'm so happy for them, and I'm honored they allowed me to work for them. Thanks again, Rose and Justin! I wish you and your family many happy, healthy years together in your wonderful new home!

Are you looking to buy or sell a home? I can help! Leave a comment below or email me at jeremyr@era-king.com and we'll get started!

- Jeremy Reaves, The Realtor Guy

Home Warranties - What do they really cover?

In our area, we push home warranties hardcore. We view it as a way to further protect our clients. The cost is relatively low, as a one year home warranty can generally be obtained for around $500. There are many different products out there, and every realtor has their favorite or "go-to" warranty. While they are all similar, the items covered can differ slightly among providers.

Normally, a home warranty will cover most mechanical systems in the home. This includes plumbing, electrical, and heating and cooling systems. Some warranties will integrate appliances into that coverage as well. If you have a problem with a covered system, you would normally call the warranty company and schedule a service appointment. When the service technician arrives, he will decide whether the item needs to be repaired or replaced, and you will normally pay just your deductible.  This could be a flat rate or a percentage, depending on what your provider offers.

It's important to know which systems are covered upfront and what add-ons are available to you. The realtor who is processing your warranty can help you figure out what is covered and what isn't. If appliances aren't included in your warranty package, you may be able to add that coverage for a small fee. This normally includes anything built-in (stove, dishwasher, etc) and can occasionally include your primary fridge. Additionally, there may be add-ons available for pools,  laundry machines, spas, and secondary refrigerators.

Additionally, if a problem arises, you should weigh your options. I personally used my home warranty to fix a leaky dishwasher. I acted on instinct, which wasn't the best financial decision. My deductible for that repair was $75. It turns out that the part causing the leak was only around $10 and was easy to access and replace (a small valve at the front of the dishwasher).  In that instance, I unnecessarily gave away $65. Don't let this happen to you. Research service technicians in your area to see who gives free estimates, and have one of them take a look at your issue. Personally, I would ask technicians if they were contracted with my warranty company, and only use those that are - to insure they get the business if I have to file a claim. After all, they are taking the time to come to my home and assess my problem.

The home warranty is renewable annually. This gives you the ability to try out the coverage and see where it may need to be modified for the future. If you decide that the warranty is just not for you, you also have the option to discontinue coverage at the end of your 12 month period. Some providers even offer month-to-month coverage, which may be more attractive to you. It's almost like having an insurance policy for the items your homeowner's insurance may not necessarily cover. 

I always recommend a home warranty to my buyers, and I always recommend my sellers offer one with their listing. It's a great way to have just a little bit more peace of mind when you get to the closing table.

If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below or email me at jeremyr@era-king.com! 

Jeremy Reaves -The Realtor Guy

Tuesday Talk - What a Deal!

As the second entry in my series, I'd like to introduce Tuesday Talk. This is where I'll discuss different aspects of the real estate industry and our local market - including listings for local homes that I believe are particularly noteworthy.

For today's installment, I give you:

1232 Tanglewood Dr.

Oxford, AL 36203

 Listing provided by ERA King Real Estate Co, Inc. 

 Oxford is one of the hottest selling areas in Calhoun County. A standard 3 bed/2 bath ranch house in this area can easily sell for $130,000 if it's updated. That's what makes this house in particular so special - the price. The sellers have listed this one at a mere $99,900 - far below comparable properties in the area. Once you take a look at what's been done to the home, the price just gets better and better.

For starters, this home has been completely renovated. This is apparent before you even enter the front door. As soon as you pull into the driveway, you're welcomed by recent vinyl siding, metal roof, and upgraded energy efficient double-pane windows. There is a convenient carport attached to keep you and your car sheltered from the elements - as well as an additional parking pad to the side, for those of you with multiple vehicles.

 Step inside, and you'll see so much more. The kitchen is equipped with new cabinets, counters, and appliances. You'll find sparkling hardwood floors and new lush carpeting. Every wall has a fresh coat of neutral paint, paired with bright trim for an elegant finish.

The new windows give the whole house an updated look and provide plenty of natural light. When the sun goes down, you can make use of the updated light fixtures. The sellers have installed energy saving ceiling fans to help keep air circulating and cool things down when the weather is hot.

Want a spa-like feel in your own home? Check out the newly tiled shower. As you can see from the photo, spacers were still in place at the listing time - so you know this is a BRAND NEW update that will last for years to come.

When you're ready for some fresh air, the living space has been extended to the outdoors with a wonderful screened porch. It's a great place to relax or enjoy the company of family and friends - without having to worry about those mosquitoes that are so common around here.

Storage is also not an issue here. The sellers are including this spacious storage shed for all those items you don't want hanging around in the house. This is a great place to store tools, lawn equipment, seasonal decorations and clothing, mementos, and anything else you can imagine.

It is my professional opinion that this home is an amazing deal, and one that probably won't last long! If you're interested in this home (or any others in the area), you can leave a comment below or email me at jeremyr@era-king.com. I'll be glad to help you in any way I can!

Jeremy Reaves - The Realtor Guy

Memory Monday

Hey everyone!

I wanted to start a series of themed blog posts to help me stay on top of updating this blog! We'll see how that pans out! As the first post, I present to you: Memory Monday.

Today I would like to take a moment to look back at a transaction I started working on roughly a year ago. The Mrs. and I had been friends for many years, and I'm very gratful that she turned to me when the time came to find a home for her family.

We looked all over the county, and found several homes that were amazing and seemed like perfect fits. Through the process, we had to overcome a few obstacles. One in particular limited our search area to few select zones. We were suddenly forced to drop a few top contenders from our list and sort of start all over.

In the end, however, we were able to find a beautiful home that well suited the family, in a location that they loved. After a long, drawn-out closing they received the keys to their dream home. I'd like to add that they now have one of the most awesome master suites I've seen in the area (seriously, we jokingly got eight people to fit in the shower, and there was still room left). The amenities this home provided were astounding and rare. This house was a jewel, and my clients were the lucky recipients.

I wish the Longs many years of health and happiness in their home, and I am thankful for the opportunity to work for them.

Jeremy Reaves - The Realtor Guy