Matt Stigliano, Author at Kimberly Howell Properties

Why Don’t You Have a Gravatar?

December 23, 2013 by Matt Stigliano Leave a Comment

What is a Gravatar?

A Gravatar is a small icon that appears next to your comments on blogs. Short for Globally Recognized Avatar, they help identify you as the author of a comment and overall make the internet a much prettier place. Although I think commenting on blogs is a dying artform (we’d much rather share the post on Facebook and talk about it there), I still think having a Gravatar is a basic function of being a citizen of the web. It’s free and it’s easy, so why not go grab one today?

First, visit gravatar.com and click on the big blue button that says “Create Your Own Gravatar.” From there, you will be asked enter an email address, username, and password. Once you do this, you’ll receive an activation email with a link to click on to activate your account. Once your account is activated, you will be prompted to add an image. Use whatever image you want to represent you: a profile photo, a picture of a cheeseburger, a funny e-card…the choice is yours. Now that you have that taken care of, whenever you leave a comment on a blog that has Gravatars enabled, your image will appear next to the comment instead of the dull, lifeless default image. Ta-da! Now leave some comments!

PS You can have multiple Gravatars for different purposes. I have one tied to my personal email address and one tied to my work email, so that way, I can leave different types of messages on different blogs depending on their subject matter. So go ahead, create one for all of your email addresses!

image courtesy of Daniel Semper and Gravatar

A Letter to a First Time Home Buyer

October 24, 2013 by Matt Stigliano 1 Comment

The other day I referred a first time home buyer who had some questions to one of our agents. The buyer had a couple of questions and was looking for advice and help with a particular home they had their eyes on. The agent copied me on their response, and with her permission, I wanted to share it here. It covers some basic questions that everyone has and also is good insight into why you should choose to work with a Realtor.

I have edited the letter slightly in order to keep the buyer’s name and personal information confidential.

The house you emailed Matt about went under a rental contract and was cancelled for selling. Now, sometimes the seller will still sell the house, but you can’t move the renter out until the end of the lease. You can offer them to get out of their lease, but you can’t force them out. They get to live out their lease. You can refuse to re-let the lease though.

I don’t really know what Matt covered as far as lenders and REALTORS® and why you should or shouldn’t use one over the other, but here is my take on the matter. I was in the Air Force for twenty-two years and moved fifteen times. I have bought and sold more than thirteen homes over the years. I have used REALTORS® and not used them. I have used internet lenders and I have used local lenders. I have used my bank lenders and I have used mortgage brokers. What really matters is that you find people who you trust and want to work with and who are willing to give you all the information you need to make a smart decision on the single largest investment you are going to make at that time. Yes, you can do searches on the internet, but because Texas is a non-disclosure state, not all the information on homes is on the internet and much of the information on homes is inaccurate. The listings that most websites (Zillow, Realtor.com, Homes.com, Hot Pads, Trulia, etc.) have are not updated on a regular basis and don’t have accurate information to make a sound decision on pricing. If you look at Zillow’s Zestimate information page it will tell you that as far as Texas, it’s accuracy is only I believe now 8% and San Antonio I think is up to 6% accurate. Not good statistics and this is because we are a non-disclosure state meaning we aren’t allowed to disclose sales data to the public as a whole. Now, if you are just looking at homes and want to see what might be possibly out there, it is fine, but the sale prices might not be accurate and many times the home might already have a contract on it or even sold or no longer on the market.

So do you need a REALTORS®, I believe you do so you aren’t wasting valuable time looking at homes with bad data, trying to schedule showings, and making offers on homes that aren’t available anymore or their prices have changed. Additionally, a REALTORS® worth their salt will also be able to tell you how long a home has been on the market, how much the seller might owe on the home, get you the seller’s disclosure, help schedule inspections with a reliable inspector, help you make a sound offer, and get you in touch with a local lender. Why you ask is that important? When I was moving and buying and selling homes, I found each and every time that internet lenders were never available when I needed to talk to them. There was never just one person I could call and talk to when I needed an answer or my Realtor or title company needed an answer. There were also hidden fees that I found about, always on the day of closing, and I either had to buy or sell the house or lose the deal. Additionally, using a traditional bank lender sometimes can be tricky as they work traditional bank hours. We all know that we look at homes during the off hours and weekends, so why not have a lender that does the same? That is why I like my lenders to be available 24/7 like me. I feel if my clients have to look for their home in their free time, then I need to be available…and so should my lenders. We are a team, right?

So that is my take on the matter. Probably more than you wanted so I will get off the soap box. I don’t know what you want to do about this house now that it is off the market, but like I said, you do have options. We can also set up searches for other homes in the area as well as see if there are other homes you might be interested in and are still on the market.

I am available by phone, text, and email. So please feel free to contact me any time. I am up pretty late at night, so don’t worry about that either. I work weekends as well.

I truly hope to hear from you soon and look forward to helping you find a home.

Sincerely,
Terri

image courtesy of paul-simpson.org

It’s Time to Bury This Monster

September 26, 2013 by Matt Stigliano Leave a Comment

This needs to end.

I (Matt) wrote this post quite a few years ago while blogging on ActiveRain. Today, as I was checking on of the real estate groups I belong to on Facebook, I saw someone echo the same sentiment, so I thought I’d repost this “oldie but goodie.” For me, this is a serious issue and only further serves to widen the gap between agents and people buying and selling real estate. Thanks to Dean Ouelette of Phoenix, Arizona for reminding me that we still have work to be done.

I read something the other day and a crusade was born.

I am going to kill something. I am going to bury it so deep in the ground the world will forget it ever existed. I am going to see to it that it is destroyed and removed from this world. I am on a mission and none of you can stop me. I am not an angry person in general, but I have reached my limit and the only answer is that it has to pay. And its death is the only way to resolve the issue.

What am I talking about, you ask? What could make my blood boil enough to throw words like kill, death, and bury around? What is my mission?

It’s rather simple folks. I am going to destroy an age old real estate-ism. Something I heard in school while taking my licensing classes. Something I have heard in the halls of offices and in conversations between agents thinking they are alone. When I hear it spoken or see it written, it makes me firm in my belief that it must be wiped from the face of the earth.

That thing my friends is a phrase. A phrase so ugly and insidious it makes my skin crawl. The phrase?

“Buyers are liars and sellers are too.”
(Also sometimes said as “Buyers are liars and sellers are worse.”)

Are you kidding me?

Some of you in the non-REALTOR® public might have your jaws on the ground right now. I don’t blame you. I’m as flabbergasted as you that this phrase was ever used and has been allowed to float around for years. Is this how we view the home buying and selling public? If so, we deserve a much worse reputation than we get at times. I’d call for the head of any agent who used the phrase and round up a posse with torches and pitchforks in an old fashioned monster hunt.

This phrase has been allowed to live on in the real estate lexicon for too long and it is now my mission to get it listed in the real estate phrase book as archaic. I would love to say it already is as there are many great agents out there that are as disgusted with this as I am, but there are still those out there that will whisper this to their friends as some sort of private inside joke. To them I say, no more. Forget our industry for two seconds and let’s just think about the public. What are we saying to them if we whisper this behind their backs and then smile at them and say “just sign here, I’m your friend.” Would you trust someone with a purchase as big and complex as a home if you knew your agent was saying this? Of course not. So stop thinking it, repeating it, and tossing it about like its some sort of trite joke. This isn’t a joke. Period.

Of course, our industry could use a bit of a face lift too and there are those of us out there that are trying to change the state of real estate one client at a time. Bringing the “service” back to the “sale.” Putting clients’ interests back where they belong – in the number one spot. Making sure that things go smoothly – not so we get paid at the end of the month, but because there are people’s lives involved. Real people with real dreams, real desires, real problems, real hopes, real money, and real estate.

There are plenty of agents that have always felt this way. I know, because I’ve been helped by them in my own buying and selling. Not every agent is the enemy, but there are those that have allowed this kind of self-centered thinking to perpetuate and they must be told that this will not work anymore. It won’t be tolerated and it won’t be looked kindly upon by the consumers or the agents that have made it their career to help them.

It’s time, so gather your pitchforks and torches and let’s put this monster to rest…once and for all.

image courtesy of sscornelius

Dallas Stars Come to San Antonio

September 13, 2013 by Matt Stigliano Leave a Comment

Dallas Stars at AT&T Center for NHL Pre-Season

Everyone in the office knows my love for ice hockey, so it’s no surprise that the upcoming pre-season game between the Dallas Stars and the Florida Panthers has me pretty excited. For those of you that have never experienced hockey live, this is a great opportunity for you to see what makes hockey fans such rabid, passionate fans. While San Antonio does have its very own AHL team, the San Antonio Rampage (and I highly recommend you check them out), it’s not often we get a chance to see NHL action up close and personal. The game will be held at the AT&T Center, Friday, September 20th at 7:30. The Dallas Stars have been a strong team over the years, but have really struggled with playoff success, so I’m hoping this year will be different (although my true love lives with the Philadelphia Flyers). The Florida Panthers are the NHL affiliate of our very own Rampage, so expect to see some former Rampage players on ice. If you’re looking for a great night out, this is definitely a great event to check out and who knows, maybe you’ll find a new love for my favorite sport.

image courtesy of Kaz Andrew

July 4th – Independence Day and Philadelphia

July 3, 2013 by Matt Stigliano Leave a Comment

Independence Day and Philadelphia

As tomorrow is Independence Day (July 4th), I thought I’d take the day to reflect on my youth growing up in suburban Philadelphia. America declared its independence from British rule in what is now known as Independence Hall, a Philadelphia landmark. The declaration was actually made on July 2nd and John Adams fought to have the official holiday on this date, but he lost out and the date was moved to July 4th. Many people aren’t aware that the actual Declaration of Independence wasn’t fully signed until August of 1776 (and some historians believe some of the signatures actually weren’t there until later in November). Regardless of the details, the 4th of July holiday remains one of my favorite traditions and with it, I always look back to my days growing up in and around Philadelphia. With that in mind, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite things about the City of Brotherly Love in case you ever find yourself there with some time to kill.

Matt’s Favorite Places in Philadelphia

Independence Hall – It’s still standing amidst all the modern buildings of downtown Philadelphia. Pretty cool tours through the building with lots of history lessons. You’ll recognize the building and interior from many of the famous paintings made about the historic signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The Liberty Bell – The most famous broken bell on earth, it resides just across the street from Independence Hall. It’s usually a long wait to see it, but something about it is kind of cool, so in my opinion I’d wait it out.
City Hall – Planted smack dab in the middle of the city (15th and Market) this building always fascinated me. When it was used as a location for the movie 12 Monkeys, I loved it even more (I even went down to see them film it). The statue atop City Hall is of Pennsylvania’s founder, William Penn, and up until the 1980s, no building was built taller than the statue.
30th Street Station – Located across the Schuylkill River from downtown, this massiva train terminal is one of my favorite spots to buy an ice cream and people watch for hours. The architecture alone is worth the trip. Cross the street and you’ll find one of the largest post offices you’ll ever see as well..
The Art Musuem – If you’ve ever watched the movie Rocky, you’ll want to visit the art museum, even if you never step foot inside to view the fantastic collection of art. Yes, these are the infamous steps that Rocky climbs with all the children cheering him on while “Gonna Fly Now” plays in the background. Truly a magical moment in film, but also fun to replicate. If you have the time, it’s definitely worth it to visit the museum and the sculpture gardens behind the museum.
Reading Terminal Market – Located right along the edge of Chinatown close to one of Philly’s best clubs, The Trocadero, this enormous former train station has been transformed into a farmer’s market and culinary hot spot. From pig roasts to gourmet coffee and beyond, Reading Terminal Markets is always a great place to grab a bite and peruse the local farmer’s wares.
The Italian Market – If you love prosciutto as much as I do, then this is the place for you. Stalls and stands line the streets with people selling everything from imported Italian goods to fresh produce and seafood. You’ll hear plenty of people still speaking their native tongue, as well as hearing plenty of words like “youse” (Philly version of y’all).
South Street – Similar in some ways to Austin’s 6th Street. Boutiques, bars, and restaurants line the street where lawyers in suits, punk rockers, and rap stars co-mingle in a fascinating place to people watch. Also home to Lorenzo and Sons, the finest pizza place on the planet. Order a slice (they’re huge) and don’t ask for any toppings, because a cheese slice is the only way they sell ’em.
Cheesesteaks – The sandwich of Philadelphians that we crave wherever we are, but we all know there is only one place to get them. Philadelphia. Many will argue about who has the best and the leading contenders are always Pat’s and Geno’s (or for the more urban trendy set, Tony Luke’s), but my recommendation is to find yourself a small mom and pop pizza/sandwich shop and grab one from there. My advice? Don’t call it a Philly Cheesesteak when you order one. Please.
A few other delicacies – Cheesesteaks are obviously the greatest thing ever invented, but I suggest you try a few other things: soft pretzels (they’re not exactly soft, but man are they delicious), Tastykakes (you can get them in Texas now, but if you haven’t had a Peanut Butter Kandykake, I think you need to experience it now), Yuengling beer (America’s oldest brewery and one of my favorite beers on the planet), hoagies (call them subs, heroes, or grinders, but I think the Italian in me prefers the hoagie), and water ice (kind of like shaved ice or raspas, but smoother in consistency and super tasty).
King of Prussia Mall – Not in Philadelphia, but if you’re a shopoholic you should take the twenty minute drive to the suburbs where I grew up. Once the largest mall in America, “the mall” as it is known locally was surpassed by the Mall of America, but it still has plenty to offer. They were still expanding when I left Pennsylvania, so I imagine there’s even more than when I visited last.

image courtesy of digitonin