Did Disney World Help Make Me A Better Real Estate Agent? – Jaime Snapp
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Jaime Snapp!
To watch the full episode, check it out on YouTube below. In the meantime, here’s a summary of the conversation…
Here’s what you missed from Jaime Snapp…
The conversation began with Jaime introducing who she is beyond the world of property transactions. She is known as the fun-loving aunt to her 17 nieces and nephews. When she’s not engrossed in the real estate realm, she finds joy and fulfillment in spending time with her cherished nieces and nephews.
In the realm of real estate, Jaime has built a career spanning four successful years. Over this time, she has acquired valuable expertise and certifications in negotiations, short sales, and foreclosures. However, her true expertise lies in assisting first-time homebuyers, particularly small families. She is deeply passionate about guiding individuals and families in finding their dream homes. While Jaime is currently exploring opportunities in commercial real estate, her specialty undoubtedly remains in the residential sector. Her niche is focused on small families, single-parent households, and similar segments of the market.
Jaime’s office is conveniently located in the heart of Midland, Michigan, just a stone’s throw away from downtown. Here, one can experience the best of both worlds – a touch of upscale city living and, as you venture outward, the charming rural landscapes of farmlands and more. Presently, the average listing in this market spends about 14 days on the market, although it has slightly slowed down in recent times. The typical purchase price hovers around $250,000, making it an attractive market for those seeking quality homes without exceeding their budget.
The Great Lakes Bay Region holds its own unique charm. When asked about a memorable client drawn to this area, Jaime fondly recalls a client who relocated from Colorado due to his passion for fishing. Michigan’s abundance of lakes and rivers, in addition to the Great Lakes, made it an irresistible destination for him. His journey began with a business trip to the region, which ultimately led to him transferring from Colorado to Midland. Here, he found the perfect property, complete with ample acreage and access to the lakes, fulfilling his dream of angling in this picturesque setting.
In real estate, sometimes unconventional property features or layouts can initially deter potential buyers. Jaime shares an example from her experience, where a property had an aging barn that needed significant attention, possibly even demolition. However, the clients fell in love with the farmhouse itself. The barn presented a hurdle as they were hesitant to take on the associated costs. In such situations, during the negotiation phase of the contract, Jaime suggests exploring options to divide the cost between the buyer and seller or finding a compromise that satisfies both parties, ensuring a win-win outcome.
Jaime’s involvement in the “Buyer Breakdown” event earlier this year left a lasting impact. The event, in collaboration with Geneva Financial, aims to educate prospective homebuyers, providing insights from both a lender and a real estate agent’s perspective. One of the key takeaways emphasized the importance of strategy, particularly in today’s competitive market. Jaime stressed the significance of prioritizing the “big three” factors – price, location, and condition – before embarking on the house-hunting journey. The effects of the event have been tangible, with one attendee, a single mother and first-time homebuyer, recently closing a deal with Jaime. This successful purchase left her with a remarkable $25,000 in equity, showcasing the real-world impact of the valuable insights shared at the event.
When asked about experiences with tech-savvy homebuyers, Jaime reveals her proactive approach in helping clients find properties that align with their technological aspirations. She emphasizes that not all details about a home are listed on the MLS, particularly in popular subdivisions. To cater to such clients, she initiates conversations with listing agents to gain deeper insights into the properties of interest. Jaime recalls a specific client who was keen on integrating advanced technology, including a robust security system and the ability to control thermostats and locks remotely via a smartphone. To ensure compatibility, she inquired about the property’s existing security system, wiring infrastructure, and electrical voltage, essential factors for supporting the desired smart home features.
Reflecting on a past setback, Jaime recounts an incident from approximately two years ago, during the peak of a highly competitive real estate market marked by multiple offers. Her client had a specific desire for a house with an in-law suite in the basement, a specialization Jaime had experience in. The house they found seemed perfect, even though it garnered 15 offers. Eventually, her client secured the deal, and they were at the closing table when a complication arose. The seller requested 60 days of occupancy after closing.
During the final walkthrough, they discovered an issue with the property’s survey: it revealed that a part of the property extended about 5 feet into the neighbor’s yard due to the previous owner’s construction of a greenhouse, a garden, and a treehouse. This discrepancy was discovered post-closing but pre-occupancy. Jaime navigated this challenging situation by advising her clients to befriend the neighbor. Fortunately, they established a good rapport and resolved the issue amicably. Legal proceedings with the previous owner ensued, but in the end, both the neighbor and Jaime’s buyer found satisfaction in the outcome. However, it was a protracted process, lasting about 1 1/2 years. This experience taught Jaime the importance of thorough due diligence and effective communication in handling unexpected obstacles during real estate transactions.
Next, Jaime provides insights into her background, emphasizing that hospitality is a broad term encompassing various aspects. While she worked in numerous resort and conventional hotels, her focus was on the food and beverage sector. In this role, she learned the importance of consistency, attention to detail, proper training, and knowledge. Success in the hospitality industry hinges on understanding what you’re offering, especially when guests are paying premium prices for accommodations or dining experiences. Whether serving customers in fine dining settings or managing restaurants, she honed her skills in customer service and hospitality. People expect a different level of service in such contexts, and Jaime quickly became adept at interacting with and understanding people’s unspoken desires. In hospitality, the ability to read a room and accurately perceive what people want, even when they may not explicitly express it, is a paramount skill.
The conversation wraps up with Jaime recommending beginning the home-buying journey by consulting with a lender. Lenders can assess your entire financial situation and work with you to strategize the best loan terms and conditions. With various programs available, it’s essential to find the one that suits your unique circumstances. She advises prospective buyers to talk to a lender they feel comfortable with and explore multiple options to understand the differences in programs and interest rates. By doing this, you can make informed decisions about what aligns best with your long-term financial goals.
Jaime also emphasizes the importance of considering factors like taxes and monthly payments, as these elements are crucial when making such a significant investment. Ultimately, she highlights the critical role of a loan officer in guiding prospective buyers through the financial intricacies of homeownership. Additionally, for first-time homebuyers, Jaime stresses the importance of finding a lender who not only communicates why they can or cannot approve a mortgage but also provides guidance on how to address any issues and an estimated timeline for resolution. This level of transparency is key in making informed decisions when embarking on the path to homeownership.
Check out Jaime Snapp:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaime.snapp
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaimesnapp38/
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