June 2021 Brokers Corner |with Tanya Chappell

Goodbye June and hello July!!! Bam!!! Wow, that came and went so fast. Maybe that’s because this awesome business of real estate that we are in is keeping us hopping!!  

​ It’s quite exciting to be a part of all this Real Estate activity from all sides. From helping our tenants and Investors Buy, sell and lease properties to bringing new Investors into our property management program, and now designing and renovating houses and moving into the vacation home rental and management segment of the market. I feel so challenged and content with this wonderful business I was so lucky to stumble into 37 years ago!!! Yes, I am that old. Lol,  but in my defense, I did start at the age of 16 in the apartment industry.​

Properties rent and sell as fast as you can list them, providing they’re priced right. I think the average number of days on the market is around 10 right now.  

To enhance our services, we have created a new position “Tenant to Buyer Specialist”. Shari Houston has 10 + years of real estate experience as well as 10 years in the medical field, making her the perfect person to use her natural-born compassion to help our tenants transition into their newly leased property, and help tenants that are tired of renting, buy a home of their own. We are launching a complete education program for tenants so when they’re they can learn everything, they need to know to be ready to purchase a home of their own! You will see an introduction video with her soon!  

http://https://youtu.be/mLYGx4hTNeI

We managed to squeeze in a trip to Cancun at the beginning of June. Granted it’s always a working vacation for me but I never mind being I love what I do. We planned and paid for the trip over a year ago when it was postponed by COVID. The intention with the trip to Cancun was to bring the grandkids but concerns of COVID kept them grounded again but no worries we bought a timeshare in this trip, so they’ll have plenty of other opportunities to play with us in Cancun!  

I know you must be thinking what the heck is a smart real estate investment-minded gal like her doing buying a timeshare… ??? Well, honestly it finally made sense.  

We tend to travel about three times a year at least. And the last two trips to this resort were credited to the purchase price so it did make it a no-brainer. The beauty of the Marriott Bon Voy membership and their family of hotels that include The Ritz Carlton Regents, Westin, Marriott, Courtyards, etc. allows me to travel all over the world and stay in five-star hotels, resorts, and villas for a third of the cost! Plus, I get my one-week free each year in a one-bedroom condo in Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, or Big Sur. I could also exchange them and stay somewhere else in the world. From the start of my business, I designed it to be able to work remotely which opens the door for me to be able to travel often. Of course, it all would be impossible without my excellent team supporting me.  

http://https://youtu.be/UWRawwcYcbM

When I was young and had no money, the only way I was able to vacation was to do those timeshare presentations so they would give me a nice three or four days stay in their resort. So, I’m familiar with the routine and have a lot of practice saying no. We did another presentation at a different resort while we were there just so we could get a six-hour offshore fishing trip for two for $100 total. It’s funny because it’s not really about the money as much anymore as it is I like getting a good deal and seeing their resort so I can get all types of design ideas!! And they feed and drink you to boot!! My daughter Lauren is well versed in this style of vacationing.  

I’ve shared some of my favorites throughout this blog. I am new to the whole points and options game but I’m learning quickly that I can stay in a very nice one- or two-bedroom condo or villa for about a third of the cost as many as 3 times a year, if I play my cards right! And by cards, yes, I mean credit cards with Marriot Rewards! lol!! Who doesn’t like free or cheap vacation stays!!  

http://https://youtu.be/2dpDV4aYSTM

Well enough of that and back to my awesome grind! I’ve got to meet one of my favorite investors and show them a property to add to their portfolio!  

I hope you all have a fabulous Independence Day celebration! Mine will be spent in the very traditional manner of playing in the Keystone Heights sand volleyball tournament during their super fun annual “Oi Country Day July fourth celebration” complete with a parade, street dance, Craft show, watermelon eating contest, and more! Here’s a link if you want to check it out. Maybe I’ll see you there.   

https://www.ourcountryday.com