Sheila Nowell...Woman of Many Hats!

Update!

2012-01-02T20:51:00.000-06:00

I have been horrible at keeping up with a blog all this time. So, I started a new one. This will be my last post on this blog. Just to finalize things...I have put a "pause" on my real estate career. I am still working behind the scenes at the office with my aunt, Beth Herald, to stay fresh and up to date, but we decided that it was taking up way too much of my time and not paying nearly enough to make it worth being away from my family almost every weekend and many many nights and days. I started going back to school and am a senior at Lincoln College. I start my last class, Senior Studio, in December 2012 and will graduate March 2013. I am excited to put my college education behind me after all these years (started in 1996!). I am still homeschooling and am still madly in love with life and family. So...thanks if you were reading and God bless you!

Just need to vent...

2011-09-22T20:54:00.001-05:00

I love Jesus. He is my Saviour and Creator and He takes care of me and my family.

I am Pentecostal. I believe in One God. I believe in the Acts 2:38 salvation...repent, be baptized in JESUS name, and recieve the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues.

I want my children to experience this salvation.

Unfortunately, finding a church that believes in the above without a HUGE form of legalism is impossible in my area. We've been looking up to 1 1/2 hours away for the church of our dreams and no such luck.

When I say legalism, I mean laws that are of the old time and culture. Laws that are man made and not God-required. I used to walk in these same steps of legalism, but since finding the bonds of legalism broken and living my life for God in grace rather than in the law, my life has turned upside down for the better!

Here's why the laws that man have made in the mainstream Pentecostal organizations are hypocritical, oxymorons, and just plain don't make sense.

1) A woman shouldn't wear pants. Oh...but it's ok if it's in the privacy of her own home. Oh, and it's ok if it has a split in it but they are really really baggy and look like a skirt. Huh? Did God really say those exceptions in the Bible when He said that a man should dress like a man and a woman like a woman? NO!!! Who has the right to say that those things are ok (or NOT ok?) or who even has the right to say that pants are not meant for a woman? It's CULTURE. Our culture today does not condemn a woman for wearing pants as they did in the 1920s.

2) A woman shouldn't wear jewelry like necklaces or bracelets. Oh, but wearing huge bling bling diamonds in our hair bows or as huge eye-catching decorations on our clothing is just fine, as is wearing a bling-bling watch that looks just like a bracelet. Yah. Ok.

3) A woman shouldn't wear make-up because it gives her a Jezebel spirit and indicates she isn't happy with the way God made her. Sorry, but did you know that there are TONS of examples in the Bible where women wore makeup for celebrations and special occasions? Oh, and why is wearing foundation and clear mascara and "french" painted nails ok? Just another exception to the rule. Or how about wearing makeup for Halloween or football games? Is that any different?

4) A woman shouldn't cut her hair. This was a tough one to overcome...but if you read the chapter in Corinthians as a whole and understand the history and point of the letter Paul was writing, and then read the final statement Paul makes, they would understand that they were discussing that not cutting hair was a custom of one set of people for certain circumstances and the other set of people didn't have the same customs but that the 2 sets of people should just get along and accept one another.

5) Men can't wear shorts. But women can wear skirts as short as their knee. So, what was the reason why men can't wear shorts? We are seriously going to lust after their hairy old legs? LOL

6) Men can't wear a go-tee. Jesus had facial hair. I guess He wasn't a good enough example.

My biggest issue...people are so into how they look and making sure they LOOK Pentecostal that they have lost all substanance in their worship and attitudes. If they get blessed at the alter, they vow to live for God harder the next day by wearing their skirts a little longer or something. No one puts any effort or energy into actually going out and evangelizing and forming relationships with the lost or new converts. They stay in their same little clicques or family circles with their fake attitudes and meaningless worship.

We have to look at the way Jesus did things, and form our church after His example! Small groups (12 disciples!) who then go out and minister to people in small group settings. Large gatherings on occasion. Relationships and acceptance of everyone regardless of their sin or history or blemish.

Homeschool News

2011-04-01T07:52:00.000-05:00

So, we are in our 2nd year of homeschooling. We used School of Tomorrow's PACEs for our first year, which worked out good but didn't seem challenging enough for my liking. So, we started this year with Alpha Omega's new Online schooling, Monarch. That was a NIGHTMARE. So, we ordered PACEs again in October and continued on with those. However, I'm still not thrilled with it and the kids aren't either. So, we are REALLY switching it up next year. I'm going to try my bit at what's called "Classical Education." I'm not entirely certain that I understand 100% what that means, but I guess we'll see as the year goes on!

I just placed the order for the curriculum. We are going to start the Lanugage Arts, Reading, and Math immediately. :-) Here's what we are doing:

Apologia Science - I am pretty sure we are going to start with Human Anatomy or Astronomy
Story of the World history
Christian Light Education Language Arts, Reading, and Math
Bob Books for Learning to Read
Keys for Kids Bible Devotionals

We also will continue on with our extra curriculars:
Team Trek - 1 time per month
Art Treak - 1 time per month
Nature Trek - 2 times per semester
Children's Museum Homeschool Science - 1 time per month
P.E. - either 1-2 times/week at the YMCA or 4 Seasons or both
Field Trips - at least 1 per month if not more often as needed
Library - 1 time per week

Depending on how well this year goes, I may get Josiah started in a Typing program and look into a Spanish course. I've hear Rosetta Stone is the best!

The MENU!

2011-03-31T14:16:00.000-05:00

Most people know that I LOVE to cook, especially new recipes. We have staples that we love to enjoy occasionally...tacos, spaghetti, grilled steak/burgers/etc., chipped beef over biscuits, roast....but new recipes are about 90% of our evening meals. It all started about 6 years ago. We had moved a few times, and I was always asking myself why I had all these recipe books that I had collected but they just sit in the cupboard taking up space whenever we moved. So...I decided to do something about it! I started out by collecting all of the recipes I had torn out of magazines and newspapers and off the internet or emails and typed them all into MS Word. It took me FOREVER to get through that document of recipes. When I finished that, I started with the smallest books I had...and am working through them. My reasoning behind that is because it makes my cupboard clear out more...going from 20 recipe books and magazines to 10 happens alot faster when you do the smallest ones first!

I found it to be quite expensive at first...I didn't have many spices/seasonings and was accustomed to cooking things out of box mixes or cans or freezer meals. I had NO idea how to cook when we got married! Didn't even know how to brown ground beef! So, anyways, I decided to start a menu where I could put recipes close together that used the same sort of things to lighten the load on our groceries. We have since become avid couponers - Shane is the ruler over that category - so the grocery budget is TONS less than it used to be. And, now that I've been doing it for so long, we have almost all the spices and "odd" ingredients that we need. We even make our own taco seasonings, chili seasonings, dips, etc. It's CHEAPER than buying boxed dinners! And healthier!

I just finished the Full Gospel Tabernacle cookbook from 10 or so years ago and am plugging away at the Casseroles magazine I have. Casseroles can get old, so I'm also working on a crock pot recipe book I have, as well. I've also got some dessert recipes that I am trying to finish up from the Mail Order Recipe Cards I got the first year we were married. I should have all 3 of these "books" done by the middle-end of April! Yay! Not sure what I'll tackle next. I have a bunch more crockpot books, a WW Recipe Book, and the 4-Ingredient Cook Book that I need to choose from.

Our menu for April 2011 follows, for those interested!

4/1 - Dinner with friends...sure to be fantastic!!! Fudgy Chocolate Layer Cake
4/2 - BBQ Brisket Sandwhiches w/ Baked Fries, Apple Spice Cake
4/3 - Mexican Manicotti w/ Spanish Rice, Carmel Apple Bars

4/4 - Cheesy Chicken Casserole w/ Biscuits
4/5 - Spicy Sloppy Joes w/ Tator Tots
4/6 - Business Dinner at Olive Garden :-)
4/7 - Chicken Manicotti w/ vegetables
4/8 - Date Night

4/9 - Brunch Enchiladas (breakfast), Grilled Mesquite Pork Tenderloin, scalloped potatoes, veggies, Homemade Applesauce

4/10 - Frozen Pizza, Frosted Apple Cake
4/11 - Cheesy Kielbasa Bake (make 2, freeze 1), Zucchini Bread
4/12 - Dinner with the in-laws! (Stewed Tomatoes, I think...)

4/13 - Colorful Chicken & Rice, mixed veggies, homemade dinner rolls
4/14 - Spaghetti Bake, Nana's Banana Bread
4/15 - Bacon Egg Sandwhiches
4/16 - White Chicken Chili, biscuits, Apple Raisin Crisp

How do you do it?!?

2011-03-31T13:14:00.000-05:00

Everyone in life these days is busy. And I'm sure everyone thinks they are busier than everyone else. I've been asked alot how I am able to accomplish things with my hectic schedule. So, here's a "typical" day in our house!

I used FlyLady.com to keep the house organized, although I need to work on this! We use Cozi.com to keep our family schedule which is WONDERFUL as it can be accessed from smartphones and computers anywhere! We use Dave Ramsey to help us with our financial goals.

Although we "try" with this schedule, it doesn't always happen as planned. But we try!

6:00 Shane and I wake up and get ready. I usually spend the next 2 hours or so working on real estate responsibilities, emails, cleaning up any messes, getting food in a crock pot, or preparing for school. Shane leaves for work at 6:45.

8-9 The kids don't have an alarm clock or set time to wake up, but it's "usually" during this time. They have to make their beds and have clean rooms before they can leave their room. They eat breakfast, then we start school work.

9-11 We work on school together. They have a 15 minute break, too. When the kids are working independently, I work on the next day's lesson plans, to do lists, answer phone calls/texts/emails on my phone or other projects.

11-12 Lunch break...we have "kid friendly" food. I clean up any new messes, dishes, hop on the laptop to get other work done, etc.

12-3 Kids finish up school if they didn't finish before lunch, then are free to play or do whatever. I clean up from the school day and work on any projects I have going on. Sometimes we go out - library, errands, homeschool activities, field trips, etc.

3:45 Shane gets home. This is a BIG deal here...the kids LOVE him. I'm free to work exclusively on real estate obligations, show houses, go to the office, or whatever!

4:00 One of us starts dinner. It's usually me, but Shane is a great cook, too!

The rest of the night...we try to enjoy the kids, get projects done, and find ourselves on the go ALOT. We've tried to mentally cut down on that, though. Being on the go all the time tends to take away from our family time, house chores, etc. and really stresses us out. We've really learned to prioritize!

We try and start getting the kids ready for be around 7:30 and in bed by 8, but the last year or so, they've pretty much fought us tooth and nail on this. I'd LOVE suggestions on how to fix this!!!

Moving out of the area?

2010-04-01T19:10:00.003-05:00

Are you moving out of the area? I can refer you to a reputable RE/MAX agent in whatever area you are moving to! Just contact me with where you are moving to and I'll take care of getting you in touch with a wonderful agent who can help you with your new home purchase. I have done 2 already this year and both clients were very happy with who I matched them up with! One of the happy couples just closed their home in Mesa, AZ and the other couple is moving to Clearwater, FL. Where in the world do YOU want to go?

The Business...

2010-02-18T09:25:00.002-06:00

Hello, friends! I can't believe it is 2010 already! Sure, the economy is in a recession, short sales and foreclosures are becoming common place, and Realtors are retiring by the dozen...but I am still here and going strong! I had my best year ever in 2008, and just as good of a year in 2009. I am hoping to really step it up this year and begin a new Client Appreciation Program. In an effort to stay in contact with my past clients and close friends, I will send regular mailings of helpful information and stop by occasionally with small gifts. I hope that you all will refer me to your friends, family, and co-workers to help me build my business even further! My family and I thank you!

2nd time homebuyers testimonial - Tim & Stephanie

2008-08-31T18:48:00.000-05:00

Did you know that 80% of today's homebuyers start their search online? These wonderful people did just that...and that's how I met them! They signed up to see more information on a home in Bloomington at our company's website, http://www.remax.net/. The request was sent to me and within a few weeks, we were househunting and writing an offer!

Tim & Stephanie are an AWESOME couple and I truly enjoyed working with them. They relocated to the area for work after graduating college and are intelligent and God-loving people. Here's the testimonial they wrote for me to use in advertising:
"Sheila is an exceptional realtor! She met with us when we were available to look at houses. She always promptly returned my phone calls. She answered every question we had about buying our new home. But more than that, she was caring and interested in the house that we wanted to buy and gave us her professional advice when needed. We are very happy with the home she helped us buy! Thank you, Sheila."

First Time Homebuyer Testimonial - David & Lisa

2008-06-09T07:30:00.000-05:00

I recently asked some past clients for a testimonial of my service to them. Here's one from a family in Bloomington who had just moved back here after working 8+ years at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. One thing that isn't mentioned in the testimonial is that I was 9 days post-partum from having our 3rd child via c-section. I was exhausted after that day!

"When my husband and I considered buying our first house, we were full of excitement. But as we poured over online listings, typed figures into various online mortgage calculators, and tried to figure out what steps to take first, we were lost and became increasingly frustrated and discouraged. That is when we turned to Sheila. She was very patient with us as she described every detail of the home buying process. She really listened to what we were looking for, not only in a home, but in the entire experience. She worked with some of her contacts in financial institutions and offered us a variety of lending options and programs that would assist us with a mortgage. When it came time to look at houses, my husband and I had very tight work schedules that allowed very little time to go and look together. Sheila was very understanding and took one whole day that we were both available to show us over 20 houses! She even organized the showings in a way that would save us the most time and gas! When we picked the one we loved, Sheila made sure to negotiate with our interests in mind. Her level-headedness and patience really relieved a lot of the natural stress we were feeling about the situation, which was very important to us. Almost one year later, we are still feeling very fortunate to have worked with Sheila and we love the home we purchased!"

Lisa and David Debolt
June 2008

Curb Appeal

2008-06-04T07:15:00.001-05:00

Spring is my favorite season of the year. After a long winter where everything around you is dead - trees with no leaves, brown grass, gray skies - and not to mention the harsh cold winds and temperatures...spring is usually a very welcome sight by many! It's a time of new life - the animals are back roaming around, the birds are singing, the smell of a fresh cut lawn...

The #1 most important thing you can do for your house if you are planning to sell is to keep the outside looking nice. I have been with buyers on many occasions where we've pulled up to a house and it is in dire need of a trimmed lawn & shrubs, leaves from last fall are still piled all over the yard, weeds are knee high, the front door needs painted...these little things alone have caused buyers to instruct me to "drive on..." because they have no interest in seeing the inside of a home if the curb appeal isn't there. They automatically think that if the outside isn't kept up, the inside won't be either and thus don't want to "waste their time."

Sure, your $20,000 kitchen and bath remodel is going to be the #1 seller inside the home. But if you can't even get the buyer to come inside, what's the point?

Be sure and take the time to keep the outside of your home welcoming. Keep the yard mowed regularly. Trim the edges around the sidewalks and driveways and fences. Keep the flower beds weeded out and full of fresh blooming flowers. Keep the front stoop and sidewalks swept and free of debris. Make sure your front door is clean and freshly painted or stained. Keep your windows washed. Make sure your landscaping lights are all operable and in good condition. Doing these simple things will make buyers want to see the inside of your home!

Priorities!

2008-05-01T07:53:00.000-05:00

Excuses excuses...I'm about to use some!

The last 2 weeks have been crazy! I've closed on 5 houses, sold 2 more, finished up final projects and papers for my college classes, and have been busily planning an anniversary party (60th) and my husband's 30th birthday. Call me a little crazy! Sorry I've neglected my virtual blog friends! Something had to give...lol

Interestingly enough, the 2 deals I sold this week were both rural development loans. For those of you who don't mind the gas costs, you can get 100% financing through the rural development loans at interest rates as low as 4.25%!!!!!! That's a deal!!!! I sold one in Arrowsmith, and one in Waynesville.

Oh, and by the way, we are listing another home in Waynesville tonight if any of you want to take advantage of the RD loan!!! :-)

Have a great day!

Some work to do!

2008-04-16T13:56:00.000-05:00

I guess I have some work to do to be a better blogger! Been so busy keeping track of clients and family that I have neglected my new blogging endeavor!

Not alot to say other than the market is picking up steadily here, interest rates are VERY low and are expected to drop again soon. We've been lucky with the mortgage crisis around here - prices aren't falling, but days on market is a bit more. Not too bad of a trade.

Well, off to tackle the afternoon's activities! Praying for spring to come and stay!

Curb Appeal!

2008-04-12T12:24:00.000-05:00

The biggest attraction to a home is it's curb appeal. Think about it...if you drive by a house that is littered with trash, missing or discolored siding, peeling paint...are you enticed to see the inside? Does your immediate thoughts make you think that the inside is just as bad? A picture is worth a thousand words.

However, doing the simplest of things will draw buyers to a house without a doubt! Keeping the lawn freshly cut and edged, leaves raked, flowers fresh and weeds pulled is a huge asset! Flower boxes on the front porch or stoop or railing is also an eye-catcher. Keeping the siding washed and painted, if necessary, is also important! Consider lining front walks with some landscape lights. Add fresh mulch or river rock to the landscaping beds. Keep bushes trimmed. Pick up any stray trash. Doing this alone will make a buyer desperate to see the inside!

FSBOs!

2008-04-09T11:57:00.000-05:00

"Fizz-bow" - that's how REALTORs refer to For Sale by Owners, or FSBOs. I love it when I say "Hey, check out that "fizz-bow" and the buyer looks at me like I've just spoken a foreign language to them. Ha!

A couple of things about FSBOs. First of all, I think it's great if a seller can sell a home on their own - marketing, negotiations, and getting everything required done to make it to closing without a hitch. It's really ALOT more complicated than it sounds. Sure, your attorney can help you getting to closing, but be sure and have a good reputable attorney who knows what he or she is doing!

Around here, most real estate firms ask for 6% in commission based on the sales price of your home. Of this 6%, 3% goes to the buyer's agent, and the other 3% is what your listing agent does to market your home and pay for their time.

To FSBOs, if a REALTOR brings a buyer to your home, you can rest easy knowing that 1) you don't have to take off work to show the house, the agent will do it for you and; 2) the buyer is pre-qualified for a loan, not just any "joe-shmoe" off the street. If a REALTOR asks for 3% commission if they bring an offer, you should still be proud that you didn't have to pay the full 6%! Think about it...if your home doesn't sell FSBO for a long time, you will probably end up listing it with a REALTOR anyways, and then have to pay the full 6% or so....so it benefits you to take advantage of the 3% while you can!

To buyers, don't be afraid to have a REALTOR go with you to a FSBO. REALTORS are trained to do lots of things - point out things about the home that you may not notice due to your infatuation with the color, decorating, or size of rooms. Also, we will run comps to see if the house is priced accurately to PROTECT you from paying more than a house is worth. If you make an offer and it's accepted, a REALTOR will be sure you meet your deadlines with financing, inspections, requests, termites, and everything else...just in case the seller isn't on top of it because they have other things going on...

I just wanted to be sure that everyone knew that a REALTOR is an advantage even with For Sale by Owner homes! To the seller AND the buyer!

1913 Tracy Drive #203, Bloomington

2008-04-06T08:26:00.000-05:00

JUST LISTED!!! This wonderful 2 bedroom condo is located in a very convenient location - close to Veteran's Parkway, I-74 highway access, restaurants, and more! You feel safe in this secured building with intercom system!

The spacious living room features a cornered floor-to-ceiling stone woodburning fireplace and access to the private balcony. The eat-in kitchen has a spacious eating area, an abundance of cabinetry, and all appliances remain including the refrigerator, dishwasher, and stove.

Both bedrooms are a great size with large and spacious closets. The bathroom is unique in that the dual sink vanity is in a seperate room away from the tub and toilet. This is great for roommates for privacy and ease of getting ready for the day!

The owner of this great home just had new carpet installed and painted most of the rooms so that the new owner can move right in! There is locked storage in the lower level of the condo. There is a carport in the rear of the building with a space reserved for unit 2C.

The laundry room in the lower level is for everyone in the building to use. The machines are replaced every 2-3 years with brand new ones for efficiency. However, if a private washer/dryer in the unit is important to you, we can tell you that some owners of units in the same building have taken out the dual vanity sink and had washer dryer hookups put in the bathroom for private use.

At $59,900 with $110/month condo fees, this unit can be yours cheaper than rent! Condo fees cover all yard maintenance, landscaping, snow removal, carport care, roof, exterior windows and doors, building insurance, and more. Convenient living! Call me today to make an appointment to see this fantastic place!

Chicago in Bloomington?

2008-04-05T07:57:00.000-05:00

I went to the salon the other day to get some products to liven up my hair...and while sitting in the waiting room, noticed some brochures for some upscale downtown condominiums! They reminded me alot of downtown Chicago living (although I've never lived downtown Chicago, or even outside of Bloomington-Normal), and I thought I'd post info about them here just in case you or someone you know wants to live "outside the box" here in the Twin Cities.

The condos are across from Central Station Cafe. They start at $229,900, and go up to $269,900. They have 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Some of the amenities include original antique wood flooring, oak doors, period wood baseboards and trim, zoned HVAC, your choice of oak, maple, or cherry harwood cabinetry, granite or marble countertops, all appliances, spacious porches/decks with private entrances to the master suite, gas fireplace, zoned can lighting with dimmer switches, custom tile work in bathrooms, whirlpool tub, and so much more. They really look extremely classy and chic, perfect for the right buyer! If you want more info, please e-mail me at SheilaNowell@REMAX.net. I can get you in touch with the owner of the building.

Off to host some open houses for the day! Hoping it's a productive day for you all (and myself, too!)

Susan G Komen for the Cure

2008-04-03T15:15:00.000-05:00

I have an awesome friend. I've known her since Junior High! Her family is one of the most wonderful families I have ever known. We get together with them occasionally for games and fun. They have the most giving hearts, and awesome values.

A few years ago, she was diagnosed with Stage III-B Breast Cancer. For those who don't know, Stage IV is the worst. She was close. And the wierd thing is that she was only 27 or 28 when she was diagnosed! She is the strongest woman alive. She went through some terrible chemo treatments and radiation, and will be on medicines for the rest of her life. Her husband and 4 children have ridden the wave with her, and she finished up her chemo last fall.

I talked to her this morning. We were talking about our upcoming trips to Disney World!!! Her family goes nearly every year, so I knew she was the one to ask the questions to! She mentioned that she had a bunch of tests and things coming up, and it came out that she has found another lump. My heart sank. Her family has been through SO much, and are such good Christian people. You would think they deserved a break from all of this mess! I am praying so hard that it's not cancer again. God can heal her!

Anyways, because of my awesome friend, I decided when I joined RE/MAX last year to take advantage of their partnership with the Susan G Komen for the Cure foundation. I want a cure to be found so that women everywhere, including my dear friend, can rest assured that they don't have to worry about breast cancer in their lives. As part of my partnership, I donate a portion of all of my closing commissions for everything I sell to the foundation in the name of my clients. It seems like such a small thing to do, but I am praying that every dollar makes a difference in the research being done.

You may notice on my listings around town that I have a pink sign rider up declaring that the home listed is a supporter of the foundation, as well. I want everyone to know that I support them, so that maybe someone will be led to call me to list their home so that I can help their family out, too. Maybe you know someone who has been affected by breast cancer. Most of us do! If you want to see part of the money that is paid to me out of your home equity, or your friends or loved ones, go to support Susan G Komen for the cure, call me! It will feel good knowing that you have helped make a difference in the lives of our friends, family, and others out there in my friends situation.

Motivation...

2008-04-02T10:47:00.001-05:00

Had a very productive day yesterday! The kiddos spent the day with their grandparents and I went to a motivating sales meeting at RE/MAX Choice, then on the agent tour to see the new office listings, then to a great REALTOR luncheon at a house on Savanna. They had China Star. I love Chinese food! I rode with a colleague of mine, Landon Alvey. In his truck, he listens to motivating sales tapes to help him stay motivated in the business. I was impressed! Made me think of how I have been staying motivated.

Ever since joining RE/MAX last year, after brief stints with a few other agency's in town, I have been "on-fire" for my career! RE/MAX offers such an awesome line of agent help tools, technology, and everything in between. They have online training-on-demand, a channel on DISH with 30 minute programs on how to better sell your listings, how to meet the buyers expectations, how to budget your money, etc. There is an online database to keep track of clients. They have regular on-site training, nearby conventions, a great newspaper with tips from other agents, a great referral network...the list could go on and on! The way I see it, the only way to fail in a career in real estate if you are with RE/MAX is if you don't try at all.

So, I spend my free time (? I have free time?) watching videos online, reading the newspaper, and staying pumped with the sales meetings. I have really overhauled my marketing plan for sellers, as well as for myself. I am so excited about my career, and am not afraid of changing things once in awhile to keep it fresh.

How about you? Any thoughts or ideas of how to stay motivated? Leave a comment!

A day off!

2008-03-30T19:40:00.001-05:00

Spent this morning at church running the multimedia - I love doing that! Had a huge brunch afterwards that REALLY ruined my eating for the weekend. Oops! Showed a house to a client, and came home to work on TAXES....YUCK! But, I can't wait for that economic stimulus check to arrive...we are going to Disney at Thanksgiving, and can't wait to send off our reservation for the hotel! Anyways, it is a great day off...what I mean by that is no driving, no trips to the office, and no phone calls. There aren't too many days like that! I love my job, but a day off on the weekend is very rare!

Hope you all have a WONDERFUL first week of April! My favorite month. The grass will turn green, the trees will get their leaves, the flowers will start to bloom...it's new life! I love it!

Open Houses

2008-03-29T14:10:00.000-05:00

It's Saturday! Everyone else's day off, and my day of great work! I do enjoy my Saturday open houses. Even if no one comes, I get alot of reading or letters done, and that makes me a happy camper!

Historically, open houses don't usually sell homes. In the 6 years I've been selling real estate, I've only sold 1 house to an open house attendee. People attend open houses for various reasons - they are truly interested in buying a home, they are nosy neighbors, they are bored on a weekend, or they are out getting decorating ideas for their own homes.

Open Houses have their strong points and their dangerous ones, too. For instance, at an open house, your home may be viewed by someone who, although the house isn't right for them, may have a friend or family member that they know that would love it! For agents, open houses are great ways to meet new potential clients - so even if they didn't like that particular home, if the customer isn't already working with an agent, it's a great way to try and win them as a client!

However, open houses - and even having private showings - is a risk to having personal items stolen, your house layout and items in public view for later burglaries or people with sticky fingers, etc. As agents, we can follow people around to an extent, but if their intent is to take something, they will find a way to do it when the agent is assisting another guest or other things. So, although I don't discourage open houses, I do encourage sellers to keep your items of value and worth put away or locked up and out of sight.

I'm going to clean up the basement now. Have a great weekend all!

Sheila

Listings coming up...

2008-03-28T09:27:00.000-05:00

It's been a great year! I've sold 6 houses already. That's as many as I have ever sold in one year, and it's only March! Thank God...Here's pictures of homes I listed and sold this year so far...

I have 2 listings coming up in the next few weeks.

One is on Tracy Drive, off of South Main Street. It's an awesome 2 bedroom condo with a gorgeous woodburning fireplace and private balcony in a secured building. The dual bathroom sinks are seperate from the toilet and bathtub for privacy. The seller is currently painting all rooms and putting in brand new carpet! All appliances stay - refrigerator, dishwasher, stove. This is an all-electric unit (no gas bill). Condo fees are $110/month and pay for exterior maintenance. Great for first-time homebuyers or roommates. I think she'll list it at $59,900. I'll post the address once I get the listing in hand.

The other is on Partner Place. This is a 6 or 7 year old ranch home on a crawl space with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, huge kitchen and large backyard. They are also painting all rooms and putting in new carpet! All kitchen appliances stay. This is a great home! It'll be priced around mid-$90s.

Love selling real estate!

2008-03-28T08:42:00.000-05:00

Hey, everyone! Ok, everyone tells me I need to blog, and I know I need to blog, but I guess I have a fear of nothing to talk about. But then I wonder how in the world I can have nothing to talk about - I talk too much! Ha!

So, anyways, I'm Sheila Nowell. I am a REALTOR with RE/MAX Choice in Bloomington, IL. I have been selling real estate since 2002. I LOVE my job. Every time I show a house, I can tell when it's "the one" with the irremovable smile on the potential buyers face. I love the happiness a seller feels when the negotiations are over and they know their house is sold!

A little about me...not that you can't read it in my profile...lol

I am a lifelong resident of Bloomington-Normal. I'm going to be 30 this year. Ah! I met my husband Shane at BHS our freshman year. We got married in 2000, and have 3 kids - Josiah (6), Caitlyn (3), and Alaina (10 months). We have 2 cats, too. But Shane wishes they were dead. Bad Shane! I love being a wife and mom. My family is great. My husband is so supportive of my real estate business and helps out often. They all love looking at homes with me, and my office is their 2nd home. :-)

I go to Illinois State University. Sadly, I've been in college since 1996. Work, church, and family have always been higher on the priority list than finishing my degree. I'm getting close though! I have about 13 classes to go. I did get my associate's degree from Heartland Community College in 2003. So I'm technically a college graduate. Ha! Anyways, my major is in Journalism - News Editorial. I chose that major because as a teenager, my favorite thing to do was read young adult books - Sweet Valley High, Sweet Valley Twins, BabySitters Club, Goosebumps, Beverly Cleary, etc. And I have a certain knack I've discovered in my past jobs that I seem to be good at - catching proofreading errors. I couldn't decide what to major in because I plan on being a Realtor for life, but wanted to degree to say I had one and wanted it in something I could fall back on in case real estate went under someday. So, after thinking about it for a long long long long long long long time, I decided it may be fun to edit young adult books for authors before they are printed! My minor is in Business Administration.

I also go to church. God and church are a big part of my life. I was saved on January 8, 1995. I go to Apostolic Pentecostal Church at 2810 Tractor Lane, Bloomington (corner of Main Street and Brigham School Road). My husband plays the Hammond Organ for services. I sometimes do multi-media (putting words to the Bible verses and songs on the big screen). We both help in the Married's Ministry, Couples in Christ. We LOVE church and I give God all the glory for my success in life.

I guess all that's left to talk about me would be my hobbies. Well, besides family, church, and school! I love love love to be outdoors in the 60 and 70 degree weather. Take me to a campground to tent camp! Hubby wants an RV. I told him we'd think about it if he ever graduates school (did I mention he is a senior at ISU?). I love campfires and walks by lakes and on trails. I love looking for wild animals! I also love to leisurely swim in my in-laws pool. And especially in the ocean. I've only gotten to do that 2 or 3 times...but I am in heaven on earth when I'm in an ocean!

Which brings me to another hobby - I love to travel! I have a goal to see all 50 states someday. So far I've been to Illinois (duh), Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas (woohoo!), and Wisconsin. I've been within 5 minutes of Kansas and Iowa, but can't count them because I haven't crossed that line yet! We've been talking about taking a trip west soon, seeing places like the Dakotas, Iowa, maybe Minnesota and Wyoming. If we do all that, we'll probably take my mom and dad with us - dad has always wanted to go west. I hope to see other countries, too. Canada and Mexico for sure, and someday down the road, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia.

I am incredibly organized and LOVE to plan things. I used to get teased by a good friend about my calendar fetish. I love to plan dates, plan events...the most fun ever was planning my wedding, and I would love to do that again but I don't plan on ever getting married again...lol I'd love to help others plan their weddings, anniversary parties, graduation parties, etc. I am so wierd, I live for the day that the next semester's schedule is available to view online so I can plan my next semester's classes. I know I know...complete dork. Yes.

Maybe that's why I love Sudoku puzzles? I do one a day. Sometimes two. LOL

If I ever get free time (not possible with 3 little ones...), I love to scrapbook. And someday when we move, I hope to have a bigger kitchen so I can do my newfound passion - cooking! I love to cook with recipes. And hubby and I have decided that we'd like to try out entertaining more often, too. We would love to cook together for our friends, family, and even clients, but our home is SO small right now. We'd like to move, but we are waiting for the "perfect" house to come open. We aren't rich, we aren't even close to being rich. But we have moved so often the last 8 years that when we move next time, it's going to be permanent!!! We would like a sprawling ranch with a basement (not the new ones, but the ones from the 60s and 70s...), or a quad or tri level home. We'd consider a bilevel too, if it's an L bi-level. We are simple people and don't need a brand new home with 4,000 sq ft. 2,000 is sufficient. We'd love to buy our own light fixtures and put in our friese carpet and hardwood flooring. We just want a yard for the kids to run in, a garage to keep the snow off the cars in the winter, and the basement to "chill."

See, I told you I talk alot. Ha!