Albany NY Real Estate

OK I realize the scale of China and the size of its Cities makes any comparison to Albany absurd. However, for weeks and months I had been reading about the " slow down" in china and how it was effecting everything from commodity prices to currency valuations. Just take a look at the price of steel and copper of the past year. Yes, roughly 60,000-100,000 factories have been shut down from what I have read. However I wasn't ready for the amount of new construction going on. It seems like everywhere I looked in Bejiing there was a new building going up. I think the following photos provide a good example. I particularly like the shot of ancient "forbidden City" in the foreground with the new construction going up in the rear.  Maybe a couple dozen construction cranes would be too much for Albany but one would be nice! Sorry for the poor quality. One was with my 300mm lense out a bus window.

Finally I just needed to throw in a couple  shots of Shanghai at night just because its an awesome view!

 

I was going through some files today and found a piece of letterhead from a business my dad ran over 30 years ago and it really made me start thinking. My dad was a serial entrepreneur and ran a variety of businesses when he returned from the war. This included a  book publishing and binding company as well as a travel agency. The travel agency became his pride and joy and he successfully sold it in the late 80's when he retired.  However, I really started to think about what would have happened to the travel business had he not gotten out when he did. The Internet for the most part with Travelocity,Expedia, and various other sites has really decimated the Travel agency ranks.  Technology is evolving in all businesses and  is a double edged sword in many cases. Yes, it makes you more efficient in most cases but it can also make you obsolete.  I remember watching an interview on CNBC years ago with the CEO of Kodak. The CEO was being interviewed and stated he had not seen an impact from digital photography and didn't expect to see one for many years to come. Having been an early adapter of digital photography for my appraisal business I was stunned by his comments. Well the rest as you know is history. I am not sure how much film Kodak is selling these days but I can tell you it  a fraction of what they were selling and processing just a few years ago.

 So it really got me thinking about real estate. Will the Internet make Realtors obsolete long term? I often hear  Realtors talking with a ton of arrogance about what they do. You would think we are brain surgeons the way some agents talk.  This attitude is destined to make many Realtors dinosaurs! Those of you that know me know I am insane and I mean absolutely insane about my business. I don't like to lose. I lay awake at night thinking of ways to add value to transactions for my clients and create a sustainable competitive advantage for my company.  I think the short answer is that as long as Realtors continue to add value to a transaction there will be a need for them. Sure you can download contracts, get a value estimate, etc on line and try to sell your home yourself. However, on average For sale by owners still list with a Realtor in about 30 days. Right now there is still no replacement for experience. Real estate remains a complex business and after 17 years I still learn something new everyday! My past  experience saves  clients time and money everyday.  So no I don't think I will be replaced by the Internet in the near future but I am looking over my shoulder!

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank You!

Sincerely,

Kevin Clancy

518-861-7016
kevin@clancyrealestate.com
http://www.clancyrealestate.com

  

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I learned the many things while I was in China. However probably the most impressive thing I noted was the systematic and persistent sales people. It was absolutely amazing to watch. Being in sales I appreciate a good sales presentation probably more then most. However, the sales presentations I observed were simply masterful!  Let me give you an example.  One day we toured a Tea plantation. Now I know nothing about tea but I do know  I didn't come to China to buy green tea. However, by the end of the sales pitch I watched people in my group literally jumping up to pay roughly $60-$100 for a pound or two of tea. Are you kidding me?   The sales presentation was  QVC on steroids! It was amazing to watch. It hit on all the elements of a sales pitch, included a good dose of humor,  and started with a free sample. Then went on to discuss the exclusive nature of the product, health benefits, special offer for the day available for us,  etc.  Like a car salesman that will only talk monthly payments the sales girl even broke the price down to a price per cup not focusing on the overall price. Watching others jump to buy added to the excitement. In the end you almost felt stupid for not capitalizing on the opportunity!   Then you need to step back and look at the big picture. $60-$100 for tea? This is town that sells Rolex knock offs 2 for $1 on the streets! If there is one thing China has an abundance of it is labor and land. The Tea should have been a fraction of the asking price in my humble opinion but the girls couldn't ring up the sales fast enough. This was a well trained sales girl in a state run facility. 

 

The second sales incident that impressed me was a street vendor selling a friend of mine a Knock off North Face jacket.  The vendor following us on foot for a couple hundred feet. When we jumped in Rickshaws he jumped on his bike and followed us trying to do the deal as we rode! We stopped for probably a 45 minute lunch and he was waiting for us when we came out! He followed us back in the rickshaws again, still trying to close the deal. When we stopped he was apparently not in an area where he should be. I watched him get smacked by a reported state security agent right in front of us!  Yet he still kept following us. After following us on the rickshaws and investing an afternoon in a sale my friend finally bought the jacket for $20.   It was amazing to see this vendor work so hard for such a small profit.

The bottom line is something I already knew. Preparation and persistence pay off. However, the Chinese have taken it to a whole new level!

  

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank You!

Sincerely,

Kevin Clancy

518-861-7016
kevin@clancyrealestate.com
http://www.clancyrealestate.com

  

Be sure to check out this month's Newsletter, click here

To Search Thousands of MLS listed homes, click here

To see Kevin's Bio, click here

To see Hot Listings, click here

For Buyer's Articles, click here

For Seller's Articles, click here

 

 Meticulously maintained Altamont Cape just listed. 4 BR, 2 Baths, IG pool, Huge Shed, two car garage, all situated on a huge 1.2 acre lot!  Martha Stewart Lives here! Must see inside!  New paver walkway, garage floor, first floor laundry hookup, generator hook up, patio. Great home for entertaining! $319,900!  Visit us online at Albany NY Real Estate for sale for more photos!

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank You!

Sincerely,

Kevin Clancy

518-861-7016
kevin@clancyrealestate.com
http://www.clancyrealestate.com

  

Be sure to check out this month's Newsletter, click here

To Search Thousands of MLS listed homes, click here

To see Kevin's Bio, click here

To see Hot Listings, click here

For Buyer's Articles, click here

For Seller's Articles, click here

 

 

 

I often hear complaints about the real estate market and housing quality in Albany, NY  in general. I recently had the pleasure of having lunch with a typical Chinese couple in Bejiing. The housing was state owned and the couple had reportedly lived there for over 25 years and raised a son in the home.  The property was probably 500 s.f. at most, had one bedroom, and no bathroom. Think you have it bad? Try China!  The following photos are of me and the couple as well as their accomodations.  Bottomline- in 17 years in real estate I have never ever sold anything even remotely close to the low quality of living in China! Yeah I know China is an emerging third world country and of course their standard of living is lower. However, If you listen to tenants or first time home buyers in Albany many make it sound like they are buying third world housing! Not true!   Check the photos! Be thankful you live in the USA! No  I am not a giant! I am 5' 9". I left the photos full size to provide more detail.  The meal at this home was probably one of the best I had in China. Chopsticks still took me a while! 

 

 

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank You!

Sincerely,

Kevin Clancy

518-861-7016
kevin@clancyrealestate.com
http://www.clancyrealestate.com

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Be sure to check out this month's Newsletter, click here

To Search Thousands of MLS listed homes, click here

To see Kevin's Bio, click here

To see Hot Listings, click here

For Buyer's Articles, click here

For Seller's Articles, click here

 

 

 

 

 OK So I didn't really sell the Great Wall! However I couldn't pass up a great photo opportunity! The Red Army didn't share my sense of humor!  I did have an opportunity to spend over a week in Mid November in China. Interested in learning more? Call or email me! http://www.clancyrealestate.com

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank You!

Sincerely,

Kevin Clancy

518-861-7016
kevin@clancyrealestate.com
http://www.clancyrealestate.com

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Be sure to check out this month's Newsletter, click here

To Search Thousands of MLS listed homes, click here

To see Kevin's Bio, click here

To see Hot Listings, click here

For Buyer's Articles, click here

For Seller's Articles, click here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is no question about it ,the market is going through changes. The election cycle, yearly seasonal slowdown, stock market woes, and the credit crunch have all combined to create uncertainty in the minds of many market  participants. The Albany, NY real estate market has still remained fairly resilient and while overall activity is down as I see it, there are still many many buyers out there in certain segments of the market.

That said I need to vent! Albany NY Realtors Lack of professionalism is  one reason homes don't sell. Sure I will probably get a call from my local real estate board for this posting but the following are facts. I recently had a buyer interested in two properties. I called both listing agents. No response.  Over two days I called one agent 3 times. No response. Finally I get a call back from her cell a day later that she is in labor and on her way to the hospital and can't possibly schedule a showing.  Second agent 4 calls, one email. No response at all over three days.  Finally, After 5 calls and 8 days I reached the second agent. It turns out the second agent is having a baby as well. The second agent never even returned a call. I just got lucky and she answered her cell.

Don't get me wrong. I love kids. I have two girls. I understand the hardships of having a baby. I have been through the multiple trips to the emergency room with labor pains only to be sent home at 4:00am! I know the routine.  However, real estate is a business. Businesses need systems or they don't run. Babies don't sneak up on you! Last time I checked you have 9 months to prepare!

Bottomline, these agents have violated their duties to their Sellers in my opinion  and their sellers have no idea. I can only guess how many other agents never got appointments for these properties and how many showings were missed.  I recently spent a week away from my office. I planned for three weeks to make sure calls and emails regarding my listings were covered. Yes, real estate is a hectic business.  I just checked my cell phone. From noon to 9pm today I made or received a total of 86 calls. I received or sent over 100 emails on my treo today. Yes we are all busy. Life is hectic but if you accept the responsibility of selling someones home please take it seriously. Real estate isn't a hobby you dabble in! It is  full time business and should be treated as such.  Thanks for listening!

 

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank You!

Sincerely,

Kevin Clancy

518-861-7016
kevin@clancyrealestate.com
http://www.clancyrealestate.com

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Be sure to check out this month's Newsletter, click here

To Search Thousands of MLS listed homes, click here

To see Kevin's Bio, click here

To see Hot Listings, click here

For Buyer's Articles, click here

For Seller's Articles, click here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I just want to take a moment a say a belated thanks to the Tech Valley Leadership Class of 2008. I admit it I am a little late with the thank you! However it is well deserved and better late then never. I was running through my digital photos and the following Photo jogged my memory. Just a great day! Yeah that's me the balding guy in the green hat in the  front row! The photo shows the class of 2008 as well as current members of the boys and girls club.  In the late spring, the Tech Valley Leadership class of 2008 spent a day working on the Boys and Girls camp making sure the the Albany Boys and Girls had a clean and safe summer camp. Tech Valley Leadership consists of business leaders from a variety of backgrounds that complete a 9 month course. Sound interesting? Call me or email from my website for more info! http://www.clancyrealestate.com    Thanks again guys!

 

The Boys and Girls Club of Albany is running a fundraiser on 11/13 and needs your help for a successful evant. If you are one of my successful investor enjoying bountiful cash flows on your Albany properties please consider giving back by attending this event. If you have any questions or want tickets in advance call me directly, visit Http://www.clancyrealestate.com  or  contact Jerry below. Thanks in advance for you help! Tickets are $70 each.

Event		Citizens Bank Presents: Red, White, & Chocolate
Date(s)		11/13/2008
Time		7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Description		A celebration of fine wine, exotic cheeses and decadent chocolate. This semi-formal event will also feature a jazz quartet, brassy big band and DJ. All proceeds benefit Boys and Girls Clubs of Albany.
Who Can Attend:		Open to the Public
Location		Desmond Hotel and Conference Center
Address		660 Albany-Shaker Road
City, State		Albany, NY
Organization		Boys and Girls Clubs of Albany
Contact		Jerry Stucchi
Phone		518-462-5228
Email		jstucchi@roadrunner.com
		http://www.bgcalbany.org

Albany 2 unit at 246 Morton Avenue just listed. Separate utilities and units are vacant and ready to go. Large rear master bedroom addition. Overlooks lincoln Park. Rents estimated at $630/unit/month. Immediate occupancy possible!Many newer vinyl replacement windows. $89,900 Visit us online at Albany NY Real Estate  for more info.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank You!

Sincerely,

Kevin Clancy

518-861-7016
kevin@clancyrealestate.com
http://www.clancyrealestate.com

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Be sure to check out this month's Newsletter, click here

To Search Thousands of MLS listed homes, click here

To see Kevin's Bio, click here

To see Hot Listings, click here

For Buyer's Articles, click here

For Seller's Articles, click here