Dick Kennedy
(231) 499-1831
An experienced realtor; a seasoned businessman
Why work with me?
Real estate transactions can become complicated, requiring the application of a variety of business skills. I have developed these skills while working for several major corporations, the US government and in running my own business. I have also learned the importance of clearly understanding buyers' key wants and needs; the importance of a well developed marketing plan to sell products.
Let me put this experience to work for you!
Selling a property?
In establishing a realistic selling price for your property, it's important to know what comparable properties have sold for during the past 1-2 years. It is important to review current comparable listings to know what your prospective buyer will be reviewing in their search. Analysis of this data will help guide the estalishment of a "current market value"
A detailed, aggressive marketing plan , similar to this, will then be developed:
- Recommend appropriate physical changes for improving property sales appeal
- Complete all paperwork (disclosure forms, etc)
- Gather all information on property (survey etc)
- Photograph home inside and out
- measure all rooms
- Enter all information on MLS
- List on all websites (Coldwell Banker, Coldwell Banker Schmidt, Dick Kennedy)
- List in Coldwell Banker Schmidt's Enterprise ad
- Place special ads as appropriate
- Host open houses
- Handle all inquiries
- Show home to prospects
- Make follow up calls to prospects
- Pre qualify prospects (financial capability)
- Make records on progress
- Manage all closing arrangements
- Conduct Realtor tour (leading area agents)
- Make selective mailings, e.g. to neighbors, other realtors.
Together we will do all it takes to sell your property
Looking for property?
If you are like many of the potential real estate buyers we work with, you are a busy person with little time to search through the available listed properties. Or, you may be looking for property in Leelanau County from outside of the area. In either case, it would pay you to work with a Buyer's Agent. A simple declaration at the beginning of our working relationship makes it easy for you to have me working on your behalf, at no cost to you. While the Sellers's Agent may be motivated to sell at a higher level, a Buyer's Agent can help you buy at the most reasonable price.
Here are a few things you should know about working with a Buyer's Agent:
- The commission is always paid by the seller - so there is no cost to the buyer.
- A Buyer's Agent is motivated to look for the right property for you and help you negotiate the most reasonable price.
- There is no cost to you if you decide not to buy property at the time you are looking.
- The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) makes all listings available to any agent, regardless of who is the listing agent. As a buyer, it makes no difference to you who has listed the property
- A Buyer's Agent is not restricted to listed properties. They can search other properties: unlisted properties, those for sale by owner, foreclosures, and property not yet on the market.
- Once you have told your Buyer's Agent what you are looking for, you can relax and let that agent do your work for you.
The partnership between an effective real estate agent and a client begins with a thorough assessment of the clients needs. Once this has been established, we can begin the serious work of identifying prospective properties.
Looking for an investment?
There's never been a better time to invest in real estate. Inventory of available property is at an all time high and there are many bargains: office buildings, commercial properties, multi-family complexes.
Let me help you search out the best prospects to fit your objectives and budget.
Some personal information
A broad education, both as a student and a teacher
- Carnegie Mellon University - Electrical Engineering degree
- General Electric engineering and marketing training programs
- Navy OSC at Newport
- Graduate studies at Rensselear Polytechnic and Western Michigan University
- Taught a variety of marketing courses at Brescia College(Kentucky), Davenport College, Grand Valley State University (Grand Rapids)
- Adjunct Professor of Marketing at Aquinas College/Graduate Management Program (Grand Rapids)
Extensive hands-on business experience
General Electric Co.
- Advertising manager for the Electronic Division
- Sales manager for electronic tubes
- Merchandising Manager for consumer electronics (radios, tape recorders,TV)
US Navy Bureau of Ordnance
- Project Director for anti-aircraft gunfire control systems
American Seating Company
(public seating, school furniture)
- Marketing Director
- Business Planning Manager
Kennedy Research
(Market and opinion research firm, serving clients like Kelloggs, AT&T, Macy's, Brunswick)
Wirthlin Worldwide
(International market research and consulting firm, serving numerous Fortune 500 clients)
- Executive VP and Marketing Director
Broad community involvement
- An active member of the Traverse City Rotary Club
- On the board of the Community Foundation, the International Affairs Forum and the Economic Club of Traverse City
- Founder of the Omena Breakfast Club
These activities keep me involved in the community, raise my awareness of the many changes happening daily and provide greater insight into the area's real estate needs.
Some special interests
Sailing with a group called La Trappe Creek Historical and Ecological Society in new world wide locations.
Carving wooden walking sticks, painting with pastels and general puttering around the house.
Home and family
We purchased a cottage in Omena, Michigan in 1980 and decided to make it our year-round residence in 1995. We spend many hours swimming, boating and enjoying the lake during the summer months and cross-country skiing in the winter.
My wife and I have four wonderful children and nine active grandchildren living in Avon Connecticut, Orlando Florida and Grand Rapids Michigan. Our family is a big part of our lives and we connect with them as often as we possibly can!