All Forum Posts by: Samantha Hiscock

In my 4-unit I empty it monthly, but if I skip a month it definitely gets "too full" and the coins start over flowing or jamming. Again, depending on the model you can buy a larger coin box for it for relatively cheap.

Our local military population is mostly National Guard, but last month I took the kids to an event put on by the FRG that was co-sponsored by a mortgage company that handed out goodie bags (coloring pages, candy, logo pens and travel mugs) to all the parents and kids with a flyer and business card explaining VA loans, eligibility, costs, etc. That may be a great way to get some exposure and pass along the knowledge to that population.

I'm a real estate agent in VT, but I'm trying to advise my grandmother regarding the sale of her home in Spring Hill, FL 34609. I know there is no "standard" or set commission rates, but was hoping someone with local market insight could give me an idea about the typical commission in that area as well as average DOM. 

She ideally would like to list the property this weekend. It is a 3/2/2 on a decent sized lot with a screened in pool/patio area. Well maintained, Hurricane windows, new kitchen, etc. 

I'm currently 28 weeks pregnant with #5, and my baby of the bunch just turned 1. It's totally doable, but you really need to find a babysitter. I live in a small town and bring my kids to do title searches, deal with the town, talk to the assessor, an drive-bys on properties, but I would never ever take my kids, especially the baby, to meet with clients. I don't need that distraction and while most of the clients I have know I've got a handful of kids, they also know that they have my full effort and attention. When the baby was smaller and confined to a carseat I would take her to REIA meetings, she refused bottles and no one ever seemed bothered by her presence. My older kids have gone to plenty of meetings. I bribe them with use of their tablets and a soda, they will sit quietly in the corner.

I found a sweet older woman with 6 mostly-grown kids that is the perfect on-demand sitter. She doesn't work, and her her grand babies are 8 states away, so she loves on my kids as substitutes. She comes to my house, if you have such difficulty trusting people you can put up nanny cams. Ask the other moms you know/meet and I'm sure someone will have a local solution for you and know of someone available. There are going to be times when it's just super unprofessional to be toting kids around, like to a closing at an attorneys office!

I use my time while the kids are napping or at school to make phone calls, but do most things via email. I show property in the evening when my husband gets home from work or on weekends, that tends to wok best for my buyers anyway. 

Real estate is super flexible and a great career choice when you've got kids, but the reality of the situation is that you will need daycare of some sort, even ifor it's just a babysitter that is on call and available a day or two a week. It sucks leaving babies in the beginning, but you'll quickly "get over it". Honestly, I'm rarely away for more than a few hours anyway, so it after the first few times it won't be as rough on either of you. 

We bought my husband a newer car a few months ago and they kept talking about the payments and we're refusing to talk price. I told the guy over and over the payment wasn't important and all I cared about was price. He kept going back to the payment issue, and how he could "make it so low", quoted us a 6 year term.. I got so pissed I stormed out.  He finally shut up when I told him we could just go elsewhere and pay cash if he was going to be a d-bag. 

It is disgusting that people have such a low level of financial literacy that they will blindly purchase anything on credit because of the "low monthly payment" and not realize they will be paying on it for so long or understand the true cost. They call it "living the dream" because they haven't stepped foot into reality!!!

You'll be purchasing it together? If the goal is house hacking with your VA entitlement it may make more sense to purchase it individually if you qualify on your own. Find a lender that will include a portion of the rental income towards your qualification.

Kristen Chandler teaches a great 40 hour course in Williston. Check the VT realtors website.

I think the bit about location is important. Around here most people drive cars that are a bit older and much more practical than something fancy. Mud season makes a sporty little car anow expensive lawn ornament. Road salt is brutal on a vehicle around here. As for a Listing appointment, show up on time, prepared, and knowledgeable. No one cares what you drive. 

A fellow Randolphian! ;-)

I've got some rentals and am a real estate agent. I'd love to get together and have coffee one day so we can figure out what might be a good strategy for you!