Why We're Here for You

TNT Partners -- Potential luxe property clients . . . whether you want to be a real estate buyer or seller . . . listen up! It's time for another High-End Real Estate Class. We're ringing our Swarovski Crystal bells and calling this class in session.

Today's Lesson: Why work with a Realtor®? 

First, a simple definition: a Realtor® is a real estate agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors. That's the organization that tells us how to train, transact business, and grow as professionals.

Lets Look Closer! We all like the bottom line. The NAR conducted a survey . . . and guess what? The home price for sellers who use a Realtor® as agent is 16% higher than for those who don't.

In another survey . . . 9 out of 10 home buyers use a Realtor® as their agent in the real estate buying process. We're everywhere, we're everywhere! And we can help you find exactly what you're looking for, picky luxe property lovers.

We've Got Branding Power! FYI . . . the "REALTOR®" logo is proudly displayed on the real estate agent's business card. You'll find it also on other marketing and sales literature. (We even have cute pins to wear!)

We're Committed. Realtors® are committed . . . professionally bound . . . to treat all parties to any real estate transaction honestly. We must stick to a strict code of ethics. It's part of our real estate DNA! 

We are expected to maintain a high level of knowledge about All Things Real Estate. We eat, drink, sleep, and breathe the process of buying and selling it.

No Fooling Around! We realize that real estate transactions involve one of the largest financial investments you will ever make.

Why wouldn't you trust your largest financial investment to someone who is involved . . . engrossed . . . in the business of transacting real estate deals every single day?

Any Questions So Far, Class? We love training luxe property lovers about real estate! And one of the biggest questions we get on a day-to-day basis . . . and it hits on our biggest reason why you need a Realtor® . . . is how do those "For Sale By Owner" folks manage?

Our answer, Class: not very well. We ask how the average, untrained homeowner can cope with:

• Working with complete strangers
• Allowing complete strangers into their home
• Managing real estate transactions while still running busy work and family schedules
• Not knowing exactly what to do in all the complex phases of buying or selling luxe properties

No Way! Work with strangers?!  Allow strangers into your home?! Juggling yet another set of complex tasks in addition to everything you're already doing?! Understanding real estate complexities?!

Luxe property lovers, we know you've gotten where you are today because you're clever. You delegate work. You work with skilled professionals. You make sure the job gets done. And you make sure the job gets done brilliantly!

Part of What We Do: You need someone working on your team who is there on your behalf every day . . . paying attention to your property . . . updating you constantly on progress . . . watching the real estate market . . . finding the listings that you desire . . . working with investors, contractors, builders, environmental specialists, and money people.

There are so many pieces to any luxe property transaction. And it's our job to manage them all.

Making a List! Why is a Realtor® a key part of any luxe real estate transaction? Let us count all the ways:

1. Realtors® generally prescreen the buyers of your luxe properties. We're valuable gatekeepers so the wrong people don't waste your valuable time.
2. We guide you through the real estate process with ease to get you the results that you demand.
3. Realtors® will answer all financial questions concerning your purchase or the sale of your property.
4.  We can put you in touch with the best resources for funding your luxe home and helping you determine your buying power.

Negotiating! This is a huge reason why a Realtor® is a necessity. We negotiate details every day . . . just a few minor real estate details like

• Price
• Terms
• Financing
• Inspections
• Renegotiating after inspections are concluded
• Furnishings and equipment
• And probably most important to you . . . "When are we going to close on our fabulous new home?!"

So We Can Help! We'll work with you prospective buyers out there to calculate how much you can can afford to spend. We can guide you to those professionals who are experienced to get you pre-qualified for financing . . . and help you with pros who will lock in a great mortgage to buy that luxe property.

For Sale By Owner? Puhleeze! Class, if you learn anything from this lesson, know that Realtors® can help you get results, get a better deal, manage the emotional real estate process smoothly . . . and treat you and others with honesty . . . in accordance with the NAR's strict code of ethics.

Say, did that large ad you placed in the local newspaper sell your house???? We didn't think so.

Value Proposition: Realtors® get the job done! The National Association of Realtors® studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family, and personal leads.

With a Smile! Services . . . we Realtors® have great lists of fabulous service people . . . local and national resources to help you get any job done beautifully!

Moving pros to help your move go smoothly.

Handymen and handywomen to get your house ready for sale.

Folks who hang your artwork with precision.

Interior designers to make your luxe home so luxurious and livable.

Landscapers to wrap your property in an aura of individuality.

Carpenters to build whatever your heart desires.

Contractors and tradespeople to help you add on, remodel, paint, renovate, install, and improve on your investment.

Giving 1000 Percent! Realtors® are a big part of your community. We get involved and we give back to charities and countless civic organizations! We give our knowledge to our clients. We work hard to earn your trust and respect every day.

Why? Well, Class, there's a simple answer to that one. We love what we do.

Luxe home buyers and sellers . . . work with a Realtor®. There is no smarter alternative . . . and we know YOU are smart!

Where Are We? If you want to find one of us, it's easy. Go to the NAR Find a Home and Find a Realtor® search page . . . and let your online fingers lead you to a handy nearby pro . . . after you've scoped out some of the great house buys in your area, of course! 

All our best till next week,

TNT Partners: Julia, Wendy, and Steven

Photo Credits: Swarovski Crystal, Edyn Real Estate, Realtor.org, Old House Web

Outdoorsy Type

TNT Partners -- We're seeing Realtor stars right now . . . TNT Partners is gearing up to shoot a few television episodes for HGTV this week! Very coooool . . . and please stay tuned for more info, luxe home lover.

We Know Our Way Around! TNT has been taking you room by room, all around the house, filling you in on what to expect in your luxe property . . . but not from the design point of view at all! We love to focus on features we know, as Realtors, that the luxe property buyer is looking for.

So many high-end expectations when it comes to purchasing any high-end residence. It's good for you to be forewarned that these are the bling-blings buyers have come to expect. And if you're not selling your luxe property, dear reader, then consider adding these features because . . . you deserve the luxe life! 

Pay Attention, Class: These construction, design, appliance, and decorating details and trends are KEY! They will increase your real estate values and keep you up to date with luxe property enhancements and new construction ideas. Here's the TNT lesson for today:

• Set your investment apart from others.
• Enrich your lifestyle while you still have ownership.
• Then cash in when the time comes to sell!

Step Outside! This week . . . outdoor luxe spaces! The past few weeks, we've kept you cooped up inside luxe homes. Today we get to go outside and play!

Outdoor luxury . . . not just for the absolutely Over the Top properties. More and more homes are incorporating outdoor family rooms and entertainment spaces.

Red-Hot Decks!!! Our clients love those large entertainment decks! We see them made from several materials including stone, limestone, redwood, and slate . . . just to name a few . . . and the decks align with massive stone, brick, or cement fireplaces. Luxe, luxe, luxe! The fireplace has become the as the centerpiece for all the fun. Gather 'round the fire, everyone! 

It's All About Rooms. Luxe properties have multiple outdoor areas. These are often called "rooms" by landscape architects . . . and the best luxe properties have invested in these professionals. Formal gardens and planting areas . . . lawns . . . outdoor use areas . . . all these and other goodies are covered by a formal landscaping master plan. Get one! Get one NOW!

We've asked around, and some of the best master plans start at only about $1,000, depending of course on the number of acres covered. Take the plan to your landscaper or trusted garden center and they will help you execute the plants part . . . take the plan to your contractor and they will execute the hardscaping part.

Tip Time! And here's a tip from a master outdoor designer: The best gardens and outdoor rooms are reached by surprise! Landscape with trees and overgrown plantings . . . install hardscaping or lawn for walkways . . . have paths that wind their way around planting features . . . and turn a corner and you are HIT by a surprising view! That's how you should approach your special outdoor rooms. BY SURPRISE!!!

Let's Take a Walk . . . Arbors covered with vines and wisteria . . . yummy landscaping and hardscaping extras that add glamour and luxe to outside living areas. Follow the arbors . . . lead your family and guests to several enticing spaces. We're crazy about the atmosphere arbors add! European romance . . . they take you down beautiful stone-and-gravel or herringbone-patterned brick pathways.

What a SURPRISE! Your meandering through the yard leads you to an architecturally-designed gazebo! So posh, so much a part of the luxe outdoor lifestyle! We are seeing many gazebos made of wood or iron alongside spectacular gardens. Water fountains . . . small ponds with coy . . . private spaces for relaxation.

Make a Splash. More paths and arbors and beautifully-landscaped walkways take you to a fabulous stone and wood pool house! Pool houses . . . they're become so much more for today's luxe property.

We love the ones which include full kitchens . . . a barbecue station . . . changing rooms . . . all surrounding a fantastic outdoor "family room" overlooking the pool and bubbling spa area.

This of course is the ultimate . . . but then again, luxe lovers, we are talking about life in the High End!

It's the Pits! Other intimate settings off the kitchen area of luxe homes . . . patios with firepits in the center! One in particular, in a new luxe home for sale that we just saw . . . has wonderful cement seating around the pit. Perfect with colorful pillows. Lounging invited here!

Kids Stuff: Play areas in outdoor spaces have come quite a long way! We're seeing elaborate playsets mirror the architecture of the main residence . . . custom built, of course. New playground equipment . . . trampolines installed in the ground for added safety . . . fantasy playsets that turn kids into spaceship explorers or pirate captains or defenders of frontier forts . . . just some ideas builders are providing our luxe clientele!

Big Spread? We scour the country and the world for luxe properties . . . outdoor living is the hot thing, and it appeals to all ages and all hobbies. We find luxe homes with large acreages . . . private golf course . . . or at least a few holes to practice driving, chipping, and putting! Tennis courts. Basketball court. Horse facilities and beautiful bridal paths. Giddyupp! Through-the-woods or over-hill-and-dale courses for snowmobiles, mountain bikes, and those ever-popular all-terrain vehicles. Last . . . but not least . . . party barns for large gatherings. 

During the last presidential election season, we attended a fundraiser with celebrity authors and statesmen speakers . . . tables decorated to the nines . . . all spread out with a huge stage . . . in a barn. So chic. So luxe. So neighborly.  

Shameless Pitch: We would like TNT Partners to represent you or your luxe property. We know what you want . . . we understand what you have invested in your high-end lifestyle . . . your time is important . . . and you deserve the best! When you're buying or selling, we understand.

And soon, on cable TV, we'll be helping millions of viewers learn more about what shows and sells well with luxe properties. (Does that make us luxe property experts? We think so!)

We look forward to sharing more scoops from the High End next week.

All our best till then,

TNT Partners: Julia, Wendy, and Steven

Photo credits: PRWeb, Chicago Home + Garden, Forest, Real Estate in France