Ask anyone who has had to clean a large home and the agreement is smaller may be better. My early married life we lived in an 800 sq foot home (though I may be generous). While a small home can seem cluttered sooner - it takes no time to clean the entire home top to bottom. It is just more efficient. The same can be said for other scenarios as well.

Take for example my recent experience with refinancing. With interest rates so low, it seemed ridiculous not to take advantage of the rates. We contacted our current mortgage company - now owned by a bank. Since we had all our various mortgages through them we "assumed" we would get a great rate, great service and lower fees - wrong! I had previously contacted our bank for general information and was given a direct line should we decide to proceed - great! When we had crunched numbers and made the decision to proceed I called the number - oops the recording said he would be gone from the office for two weeks. Another number was provided. No problem. I called and left a message.

In the meantime, I contacted a mortgage company I had referred clients to. The same day I had a great rate quote, an estimate of closing costs and an estimated time frame to close in 3 weeks barring any unusual circumstances. I began to doubt my "big" institution.

Still receiving so return call, I dropped by a branch where I was told I couldn't get a breakdown of costs until I initiated an application. After assuring them I would not hold them to their "estimate" I received the quote with a higher interest rate, larger closing costs and their improved closing time which was now down to 45 days from 60! Guess who I didn't go through?

At Simien Properties we are a smaller company. There is no cumbersome infrastructure, no "press this number" to get answers, no transferring of calls - you receive personalized service directly from me start to finish. This allows for a fluid, personalized and client centered service. We have the same access to information and Internet tools that the "big" companies have. Ask any of my previous clients - I give prompt replies to all inquires, questions and situations.

So smaller is better and I'll tell that to my bank.....whenever they return my call.