What do you tell the potential client how you sell their property? This is a question that all of the home sellers are going to ask. Many of them go to your local eatery and as they walk in grab one of the many fee real estate booklets at the entrance. They will then bring it to you and say they want to be in the book.
Selling your home now days is only as good as how you get your message out to the people who are buying, not as reading material for a quick lunch. The books are a good way to get a feeling of what is available, but many are usually outdated before they even go to printing. Yes they do bring phone calls to you, but when you tell them that the property is not available it turns them off.
Getting your listings out to those that are buying is a matter of presenting them professionally in the web world. Books and news paper print is ok for the few that still read them, but will probably be a big waste of your time and more importantly the marketing money available to your client. No matter if you are selling your home or if your realtor is sending you listings to view to purchase it is all about the computer, internet and email. Get your online real estate system correct to help your clients get what they need.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Hazy Smoke Signals!
The word on the street is the housing market is getting much better! OOOPs wait a minute what I meant to say was the housing market is still very flat! Hold it I just read a different news paper, what they meant to say was that the housing market is all over the place.
Do you ever wonder where the information comes from when you hear the local and national news reporting on the state of the housing market in the United States? Well most of the information comes from outsiders and even insiders that have their own opinion about the current state of affairs. I just read in the paper last week that housing starts were expected to be up this year making for one of the best years in the last five. Then in our local news paper it was written that our house values are expected to fall during 2011, this from the experts in the field.
My first question is who the experts are and what if any information they have to make them state in writing what they prognosticate is going to occur. My thoughts on the current state of housing are that no one knows, if they did they would have fixed the problems by now. Housing prices only fall until they fix the appraisal system. Making a uniform system to appraise homes instead of the appraisers own opinion and findings, of course you can guess prices will fall.
Jobs are the big kink in the cog, no jobs no sales. I have been saying this from the start. Guessing the housing market is like our weather reporters this year, maybe ten percent right? I can tell you this, things will not change one way or the other until the individual human nature is taken out of the scenario. Change the appraisal system and fix the bank loan approval system. Welcome to our new and not improved world.
Do you ever wonder where the information comes from when you hear the local and national news reporting on the state of the housing market in the United States? Well most of the information comes from outsiders and even insiders that have their own opinion about the current state of affairs. I just read in the paper last week that housing starts were expected to be up this year making for one of the best years in the last five. Then in our local news paper it was written that our house values are expected to fall during 2011, this from the experts in the field.
My first question is who the experts are and what if any information they have to make them state in writing what they prognosticate is going to occur. My thoughts on the current state of housing are that no one knows, if they did they would have fixed the problems by now. Housing prices only fall until they fix the appraisal system. Making a uniform system to appraise homes instead of the appraisers own opinion and findings, of course you can guess prices will fall.
Jobs are the big kink in the cog, no jobs no sales. I have been saying this from the start. Guessing the housing market is like our weather reporters this year, maybe ten percent right? I can tell you this, things will not change one way or the other until the individual human nature is taken out of the scenario. Change the appraisal system and fix the bank loan approval system. Welcome to our new and not improved world.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
MLS # 98458593 Commercial Bar and Grill
MLS # 98458593 Commercial Bar and Grill, Lindy's Steak House and Saloon. Lindy's is a popular destination bar and restaurant with a robust lunch trade in the bar along with a quiet white napkin dinner menu in the Steak House.Located in Boise, Idaho in the southwestern region of the State, points of interest include the Boise River Greenbelt, lucky Peak reservoir, Bogus Basin ski Resort, world center for birds of prey and the Boise State Bronco football team.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Pick up the Phone!
Marketing for Realtors 101 is to get your phone to ring right? This was my thinking as I have moved through the years. If people don’t call your phone then you don’t make contacts to begin relationships with buyers and sellers. The most frustrating part of being a realtor is the inability to contact people when you need information on a property. It is equally frustrating when people call you and say are you one of those that don’t answer your phone.
Well the answer to that question is one that I have made a part of my real estate business for years. An agent can do all of the advertising in the world, can make dozens of new contacts and pay all kinds of companies to bring them leads but everything comes down to weather you are available to help your clients.
Many of the companies will stress that you as an agent should block your time and only call back during certain times during the day. Well as a buyer agent this doesn’t provide for the family that would like to look at a home today. If you call them back on your time you have sent them to the next agent. Providing good customer service means that you or someone from your office gives them a call at least to say that you have interest.
If I am going to place time and effort into my business by way of websites, blogs and other advertizing methods, then I am certainly going to pick up the phone when it rings as often as I can. Give me a call I will talk.
Well the answer to that question is one that I have made a part of my real estate business for years. An agent can do all of the advertising in the world, can make dozens of new contacts and pay all kinds of companies to bring them leads but everything comes down to weather you are available to help your clients.
Many of the companies will stress that you as an agent should block your time and only call back during certain times during the day. Well as a buyer agent this doesn’t provide for the family that would like to look at a home today. If you call them back on your time you have sent them to the next agent. Providing good customer service means that you or someone from your office gives them a call at least to say that you have interest.
If I am going to place time and effort into my business by way of websites, blogs and other advertizing methods, then I am certainly going to pick up the phone when it rings as often as I can. Give me a call I will talk.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Attitudes About Homeownership
This new study is interesting but not necessarily a surprise. Study provided by the National Association of Realtors, you can download the full article under “Reports for Buyers” on my document page by clicking the link.
Homeowners and renters have generally positive views about homeownership and the financial and non-financial benefits it provides to families and communities. A large share of renters aspire to homeownership, despite the financial obstacles of buying a home including accumulating a down payment and concerns about job security. The tax benefits of homeownership are valued by both homeowners and renters with large percentages noting that it is important to keep these benefits in place.
Homeowners and renters agree that owning a home is a positive choice. A majority of homeowners and a sizable percentage of renters agree or strongly agree that owning a home provides a healthy and stable environment for raising a family (87 percent among homeowners and 64 percent among renters), that it helps them meet long-term financial goals (77 percent among homeowners and 55 percent among renters) and it helps them realize the American Dream (70 percent among homeowners and 48 percent among renters).
Most homeowners (95 percent) and renters (72 percent) believe that over a period of several years, it makes more sense to own a home than to rent. More than 8 in 10 homeowners (82 percent) and half of renters (50 percent) would prefer to buy a home if they had to move in the next six months. Furthermore, 78 percent of homeowners consider now a good time to buy as do 58 percent of renters. (Read Full Article)
Homeowners and renters have generally positive views about homeownership and the financial and non-financial benefits it provides to families and communities. A large share of renters aspire to homeownership, despite the financial obstacles of buying a home including accumulating a down payment and concerns about job security. The tax benefits of homeownership are valued by both homeowners and renters with large percentages noting that it is important to keep these benefits in place.
Homeowners and renters agree that owning a home is a positive choice. A majority of homeowners and a sizable percentage of renters agree or strongly agree that owning a home provides a healthy and stable environment for raising a family (87 percent among homeowners and 64 percent among renters), that it helps them meet long-term financial goals (77 percent among homeowners and 55 percent among renters) and it helps them realize the American Dream (70 percent among homeowners and 48 percent among renters).
Most homeowners (95 percent) and renters (72 percent) believe that over a period of several years, it makes more sense to own a home than to rent. More than 8 in 10 homeowners (82 percent) and half of renters (50 percent) would prefer to buy a home if they had to move in the next six months. Furthermore, 78 percent of homeowners consider now a good time to buy as do 58 percent of renters. (Read Full Article)
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Good things happening in Boise!
For the most part as a Real Estate professional, you try to write about things related to selling homes and property. This is your life blood and your way of living in the current times.
But you must stop and go back to what is really going to make the difference in our businesses and life styles. We can promote our City and State for everything that we hold dear to our hearts, but, when there is little change and economic problems that prevent a forward thinking attitude it makes words hard to place into action as we write.
Believing that many of a city’s problems begin with politics is probably a just beating a dead horse. But good news is coming from the city of Boise lately. It started with the changes in the planning and zoning board which paved the way for the beginning of the new Simplot facility in downtown and continued with the approval of the Whole Foods store plans.
With the encouraging new of the Micron expansion in the past week we are on the right track. Today the statesman published an article on the 30th street development plans for growth and recreation. I have to say kudos to the City of Boise for realizing the importance of not doing business as usual. This will make my job more exciting to promote a positive outlook for businesses moving to our great city.
But you must stop and go back to what is really going to make the difference in our businesses and life styles. We can promote our City and State for everything that we hold dear to our hearts, but, when there is little change and economic problems that prevent a forward thinking attitude it makes words hard to place into action as we write.
Believing that many of a city’s problems begin with politics is probably a just beating a dead horse. But good news is coming from the city of Boise lately. It started with the changes in the planning and zoning board which paved the way for the beginning of the new Simplot facility in downtown and continued with the approval of the Whole Foods store plans.
With the encouraging new of the Micron expansion in the past week we are on the right track. Today the statesman published an article on the 30th street development plans for growth and recreation. I have to say kudos to the City of Boise for realizing the importance of not doing business as usual. This will make my job more exciting to promote a positive outlook for businesses moving to our great city.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Breaking down a short sale Part 3
Bank short sales of course are where the seller of the property is requesting the bank to allow the sale of their home for much less than the original lien note was secured. Selling short is not a right of the seller, banks decide on individual basis weather or not to allow the sale. It is of the utmost importance to have the full cooperation of the home owners in order for the Realtor to ask for a short sale.
One of the most important pieces of documentation is the “Hardship Letter”, this is a gathering of all reasons the owners are not able to continue on the present course. In writing the letter included documentation must be any reasons for the current financial position of the seller. This would include job loss, medical bills, and poor sales in the case of being self employed.
Your Realtor will then write a proposal letter to the bank or lien holder giving reference to the hardship letter, but mostly documenting the current state of the loan such as what is owed how far behind etc. This letter will lay out the plan of action for the sale of the home which includes the listing price, marketing plan and any liens that may be or could be encountered.
The final area of the sale would be the actual listing of the property including all pertinent MLS documentation, market analysis or comparative sold prices and short sale listing addendums. Addendums are basically telling any buyers this is a short sale and probably will not have the same safety nets associated with a “normal sale”, such as the home being sold as is. Contact me with any further questions.
One of the most important pieces of documentation is the “Hardship Letter”, this is a gathering of all reasons the owners are not able to continue on the present course. In writing the letter included documentation must be any reasons for the current financial position of the seller. This would include job loss, medical bills, and poor sales in the case of being self employed.
Your Realtor will then write a proposal letter to the bank or lien holder giving reference to the hardship letter, but mostly documenting the current state of the loan such as what is owed how far behind etc. This letter will lay out the plan of action for the sale of the home which includes the listing price, marketing plan and any liens that may be or could be encountered.
The final area of the sale would be the actual listing of the property including all pertinent MLS documentation, market analysis or comparative sold prices and short sale listing addendums. Addendums are basically telling any buyers this is a short sale and probably will not have the same safety nets associated with a “normal sale”, such as the home being sold as is. Contact me with any further questions.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Breaking down a short sale Part 2
As we discussed in the previous post yesterday, short sales are probably one of the most time consuming sales to deal with. The amount of energy before the home goes on the market probably takes more than half of the time constraints. Getting all of your information together ahead of time will make or break the deal.
Bank authorizations are a key piece of documentation that has got to be signed in order for the Realtor agent to communicate with the lean holder of the property. It allows communication back and forth and keeps the seller out of the negotiation process. This prevents any personal feelings from entering into the transaction.
The seller financial worksheet is what the home owner owes for all of the assets. This must be true to the best of the seller’s ability. Any asset such as cars, credit cards, medical, and including utilities etc. This worksheet places everything on paper that the lean holder can evaluate the current state of the seller’s financial situation.
Part three will be next!
Bank authorizations are a key piece of documentation that has got to be signed in order for the Realtor agent to communicate with the lean holder of the property. It allows communication back and forth and keeps the seller out of the negotiation process. This prevents any personal feelings from entering into the transaction.
The seller financial worksheet is what the home owner owes for all of the assets. This must be true to the best of the seller’s ability. Any asset such as cars, credit cards, medical, and including utilities etc. This worksheet places everything on paper that the lean holder can evaluate the current state of the seller’s financial situation.
Part three will be next!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Breaking down a short sale Part 1
For the next few entries I am going to explain the process to sell your home as a short sale. Not going into what a short sale is, but what is involved to get your home on the market and take contracts.
A bank short sale is a different animal both to take as a listing and to negotiate prices and Earnest Money agreements. The Bank must agree to allow the sale and we need to gather certain documents prior to the sale.
We will discuss the following documents needed:
• The Bank Authorization
• Seller Proposal Letter
• Seller Hardship Letter
• Seller Financial Worksheet
• Listing Documents
• Comparative Market Analysi
• Short Sale Listing addendums
Our next few entries will include these breakdowns. We will also discuss why it is good to go with a Realtor that has Experience with these types of transactions!
A bank short sale is a different animal both to take as a listing and to negotiate prices and Earnest Money agreements. The Bank must agree to allow the sale and we need to gather certain documents prior to the sale.
We will discuss the following documents needed:
• The Bank Authorization
• Seller Proposal Letter
• Seller Hardship Letter
• Seller Financial Worksheet
• Listing Documents
• Comparative Market Analysi
• Short Sale Listing addendums
Our next few entries will include these breakdowns. We will also discuss why it is good to go with a Realtor that has Experience with these types of transactions!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Idaho Business Expansion
When looking at the economic outlook for our county, it doesn’t look all that good, except in Idaho. Just this week Micron Technology Inc. announced that it is going to expand. From all of the job websites the number of new hires is going to be in the area of 165 new employment opportunities.
Micron is the State of Idaho’s second largest employer; the new expansion will involve building a new building of 50,000 square feet to house the wafers and microchips. 25,000 feet will be used to start and 25,000 feet will be used for future expansion.
This is good news for the Boise and treasure valley area.
Micron is the State of Idaho’s second largest employer; the new expansion will involve building a new building of 50,000 square feet to house the wafers and microchips. 25,000 feet will be used to start and 25,000 feet will be used for future expansion.
This is good news for the Boise and treasure valley area.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Our Private Idaho
What is it that attracts a person to an area that they would move the family and settle down? We all have that special place that we love to work, play and relax. For most of us it is a childhood area that we grew up or remember with fondness.
One of the biggest selling points when assisting people moving into Idaho is the vast open area with lots of choices when it comes to the play time. Our closeness of our largest city to being able to drive a short while into the mountains and return the same day is such a pleasing selling point. Many of the people I have talked to about our State of Idaho, is the fact they either visited here or grew up in Idaho and want to move back.
What makes it the business of a Realtor selling real estate to be in the Relocation and marketing of their State? First and foremost you must have a love for the area that you represent; it makes it a normal function of a Real Estate agent to sell the things they love.
Idaho has all things that people like to come home to. Four seasons with changes in the weather, activities for the sportsman and wonderful sites to remember are all things that make Idaho home. Idaho is the place to retire.
One of the biggest selling points when assisting people moving into Idaho is the vast open area with lots of choices when it comes to the play time. Our closeness of our largest city to being able to drive a short while into the mountains and return the same day is such a pleasing selling point. Many of the people I have talked to about our State of Idaho, is the fact they either visited here or grew up in Idaho and want to move back.
What makes it the business of a Realtor selling real estate to be in the Relocation and marketing of their State? First and foremost you must have a love for the area that you represent; it makes it a normal function of a Real Estate agent to sell the things they love.
Idaho has all things that people like to come home to. Four seasons with changes in the weather, activities for the sportsman and wonderful sites to remember are all things that make Idaho home. Idaho is the place to retire.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Rates that are great
It is just amazing that we are into the New Year and find that interest rates are still on the decline. Just two months ago in November of 2010 the rates were at the lowest ever, this is still the fact today.
What does this mean and how does it correlate to home buyers? First time home buyers are still in a quandary, they must have almost perfect credit with corresponding credit scores and there can’t be any job changes in the last two years. If any buyers are thinking about purchasing a home this year, they need to start early getting their ducks in a row.
Having an all time low interest rate doesn’t do anyone a favor unless the banks determine that they want to start lending again. What are some options for the home buyers of today?
Bottom line is to take advantage of the historically low rates and a great buyers market.
What does this mean and how does it correlate to home buyers? First time home buyers are still in a quandary, they must have almost perfect credit with corresponding credit scores and there can’t be any job changes in the last two years. If any buyers are thinking about purchasing a home this year, they need to start early getting their ducks in a row.
Having an all time low interest rate doesn’t do anyone a favor unless the banks determine that they want to start lending again. What are some options for the home buyers of today?
• Make sure your credit is in order; don’t make any new purchases unless it is necessary.
• Don’t make any job changes, unless it is within the same company and is a better position.
• Contact your local credit unions or mortgage brokers; they may be able to do a better job than the red tape mega banks.
• Listen to your real estate professionals they will guide you through the process.
Bottom line is to take advantage of the historically low rates and a great buyers market.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Going Mobile
 |
| Boise Mobile Home Search |
Ok we are doing it, making your home searches easier if you use smart phones! Tag Scan is the way to get the instant information that you need on any of our properties. If you use a smart phone or blackberry simply scan the box and the search page will come up on your phone with all the capabilities of your computer.
If you need to download the scanner then simply click on this URL: http://www.gettag.mobi/ this will download to your specific phone. Then scan the box and you are set.
Look for many more uses for BoiseHouseAndHome.com; you will be able to get property information from any mls listings that use the tag scanner. Imagine driving by a property and being able to obtain the information on the home right away on your phone.
From your phone you will be able to search for any listings that meet your needs.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Lead where they will follow!
It is not the job of Realtors and Agents to do the job of the loan officer, but, it is the job of Realtors to guide your clients to what is best for their home purchase. Is it best for your future home buyers to get their loans though one of the nation leading banks? What are the options to the red tape and deal killer feet dragging?
According to RealtyTrac Inc. one in 45 homes was foreclosed last year, this is one of the highest percentages of home foreclosure in recent years. What this means for this year is that if you are in one of the States that were very active during the boom years is 2011 will produce one home in five will be repossessed.
What this means is that much of the energy that banks use to lend money for home loans is being tied up with the bank foreclosure red tape. A home buyer this year will not only be facing the lowest home prices and interest rates, but the toughest lending requirements in years.
We come back to the economy as a whole; jobs need to be created in order for home buyers to feel comfortable with home purchase in a buyer oriented world. What about all of the folks that had to move to a new job in order to continue with income to provide for their families? Most lending rules for most mortgage banks will not consider these people for a loan unless they have been at the new job for two years or more.
If buyers, no matter first time or move up, cant participate in the current market, then what do the banks place their energy into? The answer is probably to continue with the foreclosure portion of their business. Most of the banks do not look into the lending habits or credit scores of the potential buyers unless it is for a tie breaker as to weather they get the loan or not. They don’t take individual history as a good thing.
Our goal as Real Estate professionals is to provide the best service that we can for our clients, which means that you shop around for mortgage loans. Investigate the mortgage brokers as well as the banks and credit unions. Give your clients the best job and do the work.
According to RealtyTrac Inc. one in 45 homes was foreclosed last year, this is one of the highest percentages of home foreclosure in recent years. What this means for this year is that if you are in one of the States that were very active during the boom years is 2011 will produce one home in five will be repossessed.
What this means is that much of the energy that banks use to lend money for home loans is being tied up with the bank foreclosure red tape. A home buyer this year will not only be facing the lowest home prices and interest rates, but the toughest lending requirements in years.
We come back to the economy as a whole; jobs need to be created in order for home buyers to feel comfortable with home purchase in a buyer oriented world. What about all of the folks that had to move to a new job in order to continue with income to provide for their families? Most lending rules for most mortgage banks will not consider these people for a loan unless they have been at the new job for two years or more.
If buyers, no matter first time or move up, cant participate in the current market, then what do the banks place their energy into? The answer is probably to continue with the foreclosure portion of their business. Most of the banks do not look into the lending habits or credit scores of the potential buyers unless it is for a tie breaker as to weather they get the loan or not. They don’t take individual history as a good thing.
Our goal as Real Estate professionals is to provide the best service that we can for our clients, which means that you shop around for mortgage loans. Investigate the mortgage brokers as well as the banks and credit unions. Give your clients the best job and do the work.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Paying it Foreward
Waking up on a fine winter’s day in Idaho is the best reason for living. Now its time to go out and make a buck. As the last year ended, it also brought about the entire end of year fees and bills to maintain my standing in the Real Estate community.
No one said that being a Realtor is cheap. Buyers and sellers are the end product of a career that is governed by Associations and commissions. What it takes to drive a client and show property is as complicated as working on your computer; for instance, the following groups have a hand in your pocketbook just to allow showing of property.
Then along the way there are the fees associated with your electronic key and mandatory E and O (errors and omissions) insurance.
Yes, this is what it takes to be among the few now that can show homes and sell property in our great State. It all takes the money to keep it running. This is what the end of year means to those of us that have survived the market for the last couple of years.
P.S. Support your local Realtors!
No one said that being a Realtor is cheap. Buyers and sellers are the end product of a career that is governed by Associations and commissions. What it takes to drive a client and show property is as complicated as working on your computer; for instance, the following groups have a hand in your pocketbook just to allow showing of property.
• The National Association of Realtors or NAR
• The Idaho Association of Realtors or IAR
• The Ada County Association of Realtor or ACAR
• The Intermountain MLS
• And finally the Idaho Real Estate Commission
Then along the way there are the fees associated with your electronic key and mandatory E and O (errors and omissions) insurance.
Yes, this is what it takes to be among the few now that can show homes and sell property in our great State. It all takes the money to keep it running. This is what the end of year means to those of us that have survived the market for the last couple of years.
P.S. Support your local Realtors!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
MLS #: 98438468 - 8018 S Diego Way Boise ID 83709
For Sale - Lovely 4 bedroom, 3 bath home on quiet culdesac in Carmichael Sub. Valuated ceiling in living area and master. Beautiful hardwood floors. Granite corner fireplace with painted mantle, plant shelves, interesting angles, deigner paint colors, upgraded white painted woodwork, ceiling fans, tile entry. elegant master with garden tub, dual vanities, separate shower & huge closet. Split bedrooms on main floor and full bath in upstairs bonus room. Covered front porch and back patio. Sand fire pit area in backyard!
Click the full link for details on property along with virtual picture tours, maps and neighborhood information!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Preserve Our Trails
It is now available from your local DMV, the newest Idaho specialty license plate. The plate depicts biking and trail riding and trail preservation.
You can get either a personalized plate or regular registration plate. The push was on for the new mountain bike plate by the Idaho Mountain Bike Perseveration Association.
To view the details of pricing and how to order, just click on the link associated with this posting.
You can get either a personalized plate or regular registration plate. The push was on for the new mountain bike plate by the Idaho Mountain Bike Perseveration Association.To view the details of pricing and how to order, just click on the link associated with this posting.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Investment Comeback in 2011
The back bone of the American dream has always been Real Estate and land. A large portion of the dream is the Investment and Income homes and multi-family dwellings.
In the New Year great deals will abound, making the right buying decisions could make money for the investor buyer. With the abundant influx of all the short sale and even what are called normal home sellers, great deals could come from some of the least expected real estate listings.
Many of the homes that have not sold over the past two years now have been rented for the owners to try and recoup some of or a portion of their mortgage amount. These rented homes are available at current lowered prices and come with built in equity. The other side of the coin is the multi-family units were investors are moving or changing the loans or investments for deals that make more sense for their portfolios.
I am providing a list of current investment properties to view with the link here. Contact me and take advantage of the Real Estate climate and my years of experience with income deals.
In the New Year great deals will abound, making the right buying decisions could make money for the investor buyer. With the abundant influx of all the short sale and even what are called normal home sellers, great deals could come from some of the least expected real estate listings.
Many of the homes that have not sold over the past two years now have been rented for the owners to try and recoup some of or a portion of their mortgage amount. These rented homes are available at current lowered prices and come with built in equity. The other side of the coin is the multi-family units were investors are moving or changing the loans or investments for deals that make more sense for their portfolios.
I am providing a list of current investment properties to view with the link here. Contact me and take advantage of the Real Estate climate and my years of experience with income deals.
Friday, January 7, 2011
The Business of Real Estate
Looking at all of the latest employment figures that have come out this week, it brings back memories of the time when I had a job in the normal work force. Going to work every day and taking home the paycheck every two weeks. I used to grimace just like everyone at the deductions and glare at the final amount that would go into my bank account.
Having worked in the Real Estate business for the past ten years, it reminds me of the differences in the way I provide for myself now as opposed to the W2 years.
Realtors and agents are an entity by themselves; we are self employed and responsible for every aspect of where and when the money comes into our bank accounts. Yes, we work for a Brokerage, but by law there must be an entity to carry out the transactions. The brokerage gets almost a third of every dollar we make. So you see the brokerage does not pay the Realtors or agents, they are not our employer.
Yes, it would be nice to have the steady paycheck coming in every couple of weeks, but in our industry of providing services of Real Estate rendered, we depend upon the commissions paid by the home sellers. I love this work and it works for me. I am the business of Real Estate!
Having worked in the Real Estate business for the past ten years, it reminds me of the differences in the way I provide for myself now as opposed to the W2 years.
Realtors and agents are an entity by themselves; we are self employed and responsible for every aspect of where and when the money comes into our bank accounts. Yes, we work for a Brokerage, but by law there must be an entity to carry out the transactions. The brokerage gets almost a third of every dollar we make. So you see the brokerage does not pay the Realtors or agents, they are not our employer.
Yes, it would be nice to have the steady paycheck coming in every couple of weeks, but in our industry of providing services of Real Estate rendered, we depend upon the commissions paid by the home sellers. I love this work and it works for me. I am the business of Real Estate!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Tours with Flair
Wow its cold outside but you still want to see houses that you have on the top of your list to view. What is the best way to do that without going out into the elements?
Take an online trip though the virtual reality of our MLS listings with virtual tours. These homes and property can be viewed from the privacy and comfort of your house via your computer or cell phone.
These virtual listings show homes with great pictures to see everything that is to offer on your prospective homes. I am providing you with a link to the home listings with nice virtual tours. If you wish to view any of the houses and homes then just email me off of the property information link. I will set up a real time to see it in person.
Take an online trip though the virtual reality of our MLS listings with virtual tours. These homes and property can be viewed from the privacy and comfort of your house via your computer or cell phone.
These virtual listings show homes with great pictures to see everything that is to offer on your prospective homes. I am providing you with a link to the home listings with nice virtual tours. If you wish to view any of the houses and homes then just email me off of the property information link. I will set up a real time to see it in person.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
The Home Keys
What are the keys to the game when it comes to purchasing a new home? There is a plan of dos and don’ts that come into play if you are considering either buying a house for the first time or up grading your current residence.
Many of the challenges to buyers today are the same for everyone, having the ability to pay. If you are planning to make a home move, you will want to make sure you don’t hinder your ability to qualify from the start.
First do not make any major purchases such as a new car or even to pay off large credit card bills. Go to your trusted local home mortgage professional to make sure you don’t fall into the money trap. Next don’t make any job changes that are going to affect your overall standing. For instance to make a move to a job that is commission based if you had employment that taxes were taken out. When going for a loan for a home the companies are looking for stability and changing jobs (even for the better) could be a short term detriment.
Keep things as they are if at all possible, any change in your credit history for the good or bad can raise some initial red flags. Steady as she goes is a good thought until you talk to your mortgage person.
Many of the challenges to buyers today are the same for everyone, having the ability to pay. If you are planning to make a home move, you will want to make sure you don’t hinder your ability to qualify from the start.
First do not make any major purchases such as a new car or even to pay off large credit card bills. Go to your trusted local home mortgage professional to make sure you don’t fall into the money trap. Next don’t make any job changes that are going to affect your overall standing. For instance to make a move to a job that is commission based if you had employment that taxes were taken out. When going for a loan for a home the companies are looking for stability and changing jobs (even for the better) could be a short term detriment.
Keep things as they are if at all possible, any change in your credit history for the good or bad can raise some initial red flags. Steady as she goes is a good thought until you talk to your mortgage person.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Something you should know (and do)
There's a site called spokeo.com that's new online USA phone book w/personal information: everything from picks you've posted on FB or web, your approx credit score, address & home value, income, age. Remove yourself by searching your name, find the URL of your page, then go to the bottom right corner of the page and click on the Privacy button to remove yourself. (Re-posted from face book)
This is only one in a small battle to protect your identity, but anything helps.
This is only one in a small battle to protect your identity, but anything helps.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Surfing Online
More and more we are going to the age of everything being done online and Real Estate is no different. Chances are if you are going to buy a home this year, you will start out by searching the web for homes and home mortgages.
With the National Association of Realtors saying that more than 90% of all home buyers locate their Realtor or a home to buy by Google searching, this means we must pay attention to services offered online.
What are buyers and surfers looking for? They want to find property and homes that have the virtual tours showing lots of pictures and information about the subject properties. They also want to be able to send the web listings to other members of their family or friends email.
Before today’s buyers call a real estate agent they want to know what is available to them and have the information in their head before they make the call. Sellers are also requiring their agent to have the online marketing ability because they realize the importance of having their house displayed for all to see. Offering the tools and information necessary for buyers and sellers is the new real estate.
With the National Association of Realtors saying that more than 90% of all home buyers locate their Realtor or a home to buy by Google searching, this means we must pay attention to services offered online.
What are buyers and surfers looking for? They want to find property and homes that have the virtual tours showing lots of pictures and information about the subject properties. They also want to be able to send the web listings to other members of their family or friends email.
Before today’s buyers call a real estate agent they want to know what is available to them and have the information in their head before they make the call. Sellers are also requiring their agent to have the online marketing ability because they realize the importance of having their house displayed for all to see. Offering the tools and information necessary for buyers and sellers is the new real estate.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Price check in Isle one
Just like any of your investments it is a good idea to keep up on where the value stands with for many of us is your largest investment: your home. House values change on a weekly and monthly basis and you can track the prices.
Call it what you want, Home evaluation, CMA, Comparative Market analysis, competitive analysis it all comes down to what price the homes in your area sold for during a three to six month period.
If you are considering selling your home during the next year, then now is the time to track values to determine your properties price point. We can help you with the initial determination of value and then keep you updated during the year.
Fill out our form in the link to this posting, we will research and send you the current sales price and set you up to receive emails for future sales. When you are ready to place your property on the market we would be very excited to help you sell your home.
Call it what you want, Home evaluation, CMA, Comparative Market analysis, competitive analysis it all comes down to what price the homes in your area sold for during a three to six month period. If you are considering selling your home during the next year, then now is the time to track values to determine your properties price point. We can help you with the initial determination of value and then keep you updated during the year.
Fill out our form in the link to this posting, we will research and send you the current sales price and set you up to receive emails for future sales. When you are ready to place your property on the market we would be very excited to help you sell your home.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
What it really means
Everyone probably recounts all aspects of the outgoing year to re-assess for the coming year in the life. I for one was not really sorry to see 2010 go by the wayside. Personal family sorrow was the main reason.
When you look back you must keep in mind the pain and agony that many of our fellow human beings endured last year. Losing your home to foreclosure or short sale turns everyone’s life upside down. Trying to pick the good out of a so so year is hard, until you get a note from one of your dear clients that seem to remind you what it is really all about.
Just when you are only flashing back to the not so good parts of the year, you get re-assurance that humanity will win out. The note simply reads: I would just like to tell you that you were my angel when you helped me buy my home last year; you made my life so much better! I didn’t have to let my mind wander any farther, THIS IS WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT!
When you look back you must keep in mind the pain and agony that many of our fellow human beings endured last year. Losing your home to foreclosure or short sale turns everyone’s life upside down. Trying to pick the good out of a so so year is hard, until you get a note from one of your dear clients that seem to remind you what it is really all about.
Just when you are only flashing back to the not so good parts of the year, you get re-assurance that humanity will win out. The note simply reads: I would just like to tell you that you were my angel when you helped me buy my home last year; you made my life so much better! I didn’t have to let my mind wander any farther, THIS IS WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)