Buying and Selling Real Estate in Orlando FL

How would you describe the activities of..

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

How would you describe the activities of..

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

There is always so much going on in and around Orlando! Call today for a full calendar of events and we'll be more than happy to mail this out to you!

What ORLANDO area community events are h..

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

Lots of events are always happening all the time! Contact us today for a full calendar of events in the Orlando area!

I live out of state and am relocating to..

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Give me a call for the best advice regarding finding a new home in the area. The market is constantly changing and I can be a great help in your house hunting quest!

What areas surrounding ORLANDO do you co..

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I serve Orlando and all the surrounding areas including Lake Mary, Clermont, Windermere and Dr Phillips.

Orlando Area Living

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Orlando is a great place to live! Give us a call and find out what the top 20 reasons for living in the Orlando area are!

How to Work in Foreclosures and Short Sa..

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

How to Work in Foreclosures and Short Sales

*NEW* VIEW FORECLOSURE PROPERTY!

Find out what it takes to succeed when working with distressed sellers in a foreclosure or short sale situation.

I picked up on the trend in mortgage foreclosures about five years ago, when zero-interest loans and other enticements were pulling previously unqualified individuals and families into homeownership.

I specialize in two areas: foreclosures (the legal process by which a mortgagor of real property loses his or her interest in that property for failing to comply with the terms and conditions of the mortgage) and short sales (a situation in which a lender accepts less than a full payoff for a property that’s in foreclosure).

I find distressed sellers by buying lists from companies like Foreclosures.com and ForeclosuresDaily.com, both of which offer these public records for sale. I can then match them with a database of potential buyers that I’ve developed over the years through networking with other sales associates, sign calls and working in this particular sector of the market.

Eventually, most homeowners facing foreclosure resign themselves to the fact that they’re going to have to sell their home, and at that point I list their property for sale. We discuss options, such as a short sale, or lenders willing to take less than the balance owed on their homes. I explain that even the most complicated problems can be solved through solid negotiations and perseverance, and that I’ve even been able to get the IRS to release property liens.

Two-thirds of my business this year will come from working with home sellers whose properties are in foreclosure and with investors and other buyers of such properties. The top producer who’s closing 100 or 200 transactions a year, for example, or the one who doesn’t like cold calling, prospecting or spending too much money on marketing can easily pick up 40 to 50 percent more business by learning the ins and outs of short sales.

Here’s how to get your slice of the distressed markets:

1. Listen Up
Many times, sellers don’t even know they’re in a short sale situation. Other times, they just don’t know what to do. One way to fail quickly is by turning on your hard-sell tactics and dictating to your customers, particularly if you’re working with sellers.

Understand that most of these people are in financial distress and possibly dealing with a life-changing event such as a death in the family, a divorce or a job loss. They probably want to keep their home, but have no idea how. They are being barraged by phone calls and letters, and are wondering where they will be living a month from now. To handle these tough situations, I first listen to the issues and let the home-owners vent. I never pass judgment. And I don’t talk about my services or myself at all; instead I just pay attention and ask follow-up questions when appropriate.

Once I know their story I offer solutions (such as a short sale worked out with the lender) to the problems, and let them decide how to proceed.

2. Become Educated
What the average real estate professional lacks in this market sector is knowledge about how foreclosures work and their role in helping owners or buyers get the best possible bang for their buck (given their financial or life situation).

A real estate foreclosure trainer who was also an investor taught me how to buy properties that are in foreclosure and how to negotiate debt on various loan products. I learned about it from the investor perspective and then applied that knowledge as a real estate professional. If you’re looking to bone up on this area of the market, you should attend classes, find mentors and read up on the process online and in trade journals.

Short sales, for example, require a high level of knowledge about the inner workings of these deals. The more you know, the easier it will be to see these transactions through.

Learn about the different parameters that each loan must meet in order to qualify for this type of sale. An FHA loan, for example, may have different guidelines concerning the seller’s financials than a VA or a Freddie Mac loan. Be aware of this so you’ll know how to put together packages that meet those criteria.

3. Become the Buyers’ Expert
One way to court buyers is through real estate investment groups, which comprise investors who are always on the lookout for foreclosures and short sales. And don’t forget to advertise your expertise on your Web site (e.g., by creating a section specifically targeting buyer-investors seeking foreclosure properties).
Going to foreclosure auctions to find prospective buyers is another excellent approach. Finally, word of mouth works well, particularly when it comes to referrals from other real estate professionals who may not specialize in this market, but who come to trust you as a good source of information for their buyers and sellers who are in need.
Through these sources, and through networking, sign calls and the local MLS (for marketing to other real estate professionals), you’ll be able to develop an extensive database of potential buyers of distressed properties.

4. Spread the Word to Sellers
The best way to reach sellers of foreclosure properties is by buying lists from Web sites like Foreclosures.com and ForeclosuresDaily.com or checking the Internal Revenue Service’s property site (www.treas.gov/auctions/irs/index.html). Through these online resources you can determine which properties in your area are coming up for foreclosure and then approach potential sellers with your services.

Form bonds with mortgage brokers, bankers, lawyers and other real estate professionals, all of whom will refer business your way if they know that you can help their customers navigate the foreclosure waters. And once you’ve helped someone out of that situation, expect to see a constant referral source of business both from the seller (who will eventually buy another home and look to you for help with that acquisition) and from his or her family and friends.

When I started in this area of the market five years ago, I was skeptical when I was told that people would be grateful that I came knocking on their doors, ready to help. They’re losing their homes; how could they possibly be grateful? But, I’ve since learned that a real estate professional’s services are sorely needed in this arena, where an increasing number of homeowners are grappling with foreclosure.

It all pays off when sellers tell me that they’ve had their best night’s sleep in months and that I’m the
answer to their prayers.

Rescue Sellers with Short Sales

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

Rescue Sellers with Short Sales

Serving Sellers in Financial Distress

Here’s how you can help sellers unload a distressed property with a short sale.

In the past two years, Julio Sanchez has significantly grown his business by helping sellers in financial distress. A sales associate with The Keyes Co./Realtors® Hutchinson Island/Jensen Beach office, Sanchez tells owners about their options, such as negotiating a short sale when the net proceeds are not enough to cover the mortgage obligations and closing costs, such as property taxes, transfer taxes and the broker’s commission.

Because a short sale involves the seller’s negotiating with the lender, “These transactions are a lot more work,” says Sanchez. “To me, it’s worth it. If you can get someone out of a difficult financial situation, you have a customer for life. When they buy their next house, they’ll think of you and refer others to you as well.”

A Rising Trend
Throughout Florida, the number of sellers facing financial difficulties is clearly on the rise in all price brackets. Many owners holding adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) or interest-only loans are finding it tough to keep up with today’s higher monthly payments. Rising foreclosure rates throughout Florida and the rest of the country signal the seriousness of the problem (see “Are Foreclosures for You?” on page 19).

At the same time, a decline in sales prices over the past two years has left some sellers with little or no equity in their homes—sometimes called an “upside-down” sales situation.

For instance, an owner who paid $300,000 for a Florida home in 2005 using a $30,000 downpayment would have little to no equity if the current market value were $270,000. So, it’s not just those having trouble making mortgage payments that are affected by today’s market. For example, you may have a couple who bought using 100 percent financing when the market was high. Because of a job transfer, they’re forced to sell and they find themselves owing more than the home is worth.

Discovering the Short Sale
While more Florida sales associates find themselves working with sellers in financial distress, few are actively marketing themselves as specializing in pre-foreclosure or short-sale. That’s because a typical seller may not understand those terms or even be aware that they’re facing a financial problem.

Instead, the issue typically surfaces after a listing presentation, when your suggested selling price is less than what the sellers owe on their mortgage. In this situation a real estate professional should engage the owner in a candid financial discussion that covers the mortgage balance, owners’ equity and current market value.

“Being able to explain the pros and cons of the seller’s options is becoming more important in today’s market,” says Jessica D. Roberts, owner of My Real Estate Broker Inc. and My Mortgage Broker Inc. in Hallandale Beach. “For sales associates, this can also become a specialized niche market, just like property rentals or focusing on investors, retirees or international buyers,” she says.

Is It a Short Sale?
Just because sellers are behind on their mortgage or are having financial difficulties doesn’t mean that the property is automatically eligible for a short sale. Your first clue is the market analysis compared to the mortgage amount. But, it’s vital to work with sellers to get an estimate of the net proceeds and then discuss options.

Sellers facing a financial hardship typically [have options] prior to losing their home through foreclosure, according to Roberts. “A sales associate who can help the client in these pre-foreclosure stages is providing a great service,” she says. For owners behind on their mortgages, the first option is to find a way to catch up their payments. Borrowing from relatives or asking the lender to refinance the mortgage are among the options.

Many lenders are willing to extend the term of the mortgage, add any delinquent payments to the loan principal or adjust the interest rate. If the owners’ income has gone up, the lender might agree to a repayment plan with higher monthly payments to make up the deficiency.
Budge Huskey, president and COO of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Inc. in Sarasota, says lenders are taking a more active approach to working out problems with property holders as an option that’s usually less costly for them than charging off a delinquent loan or foreclosing on the property.

If these tactics are successful, the owners gain time to make a financial recovery or to sell the property quickly. “Unfortunately, by the time many owners realize they’re in trouble, this option may no longer be viable, especially if the equity in their home has evaporated,” Roberts says.

Working with the Lender
To request a short sale, the owners typically present the lender with evidence of financial hardship and a current market estimate of the home’s value. Any potential sale is contingent on the lender’s approval.
“We’re seeing more short sales throughout our branches,” says Mike Pappas, president of The Keyes Co./Realtors® in Miami. “While each lender is different, our sellers
have found that [the lenders are] generally more willing to discuss the [their] situation than ever before.”
Pappas says there are several reasons a lender will accept a short sale by owners facing a financial hardship:
• To avoid the cost of a foreclosure, which was estimated at about $58,000 in a study by the Tower Group.
• To avoid increasing its home inventory, usually called real estate-owned (REO) properties.
• New homes in the area are selling faster than existing ones.
• The area or neighborhood has depreciated in value.
• The property is in poor condition.
“In order to negotiate a short-sale package with a lender, the owner has to prove that a tremendous hardship exists,” adds Pappas. “It’s almost like qualifying for the original mortgage but in reverse.”
Key Issues to Consider
In these potential listings, there are several key issues that need to be evaluated:
• Finances. When discussing a potential listing, try to assess the sellers financial situation. “Normally, people don’t say ‘I can’t make my payments, so the associate could ask about the type of loan, the rate and if there have been any recent changes,” Pappas says. An associate could also ask the owner to estimate how much equity there is in the home.
• Carrying Costs. Calculate the carrying costs of the property. “Do the math and get the sellers to think about six months into the future. What price would they be happy about at that point? If you can price it at that level and move it today, you can avoid the ongoing costs and get out of the property more quickly,” Pappas says.
• Processes. Explain the short-sale process to the owner, who may not be aware of this option. “For this to work, the seller has to be willing to take the time and work with the lender,” Huskey says. “While some sellers won’t wish to cooperate, others want to get this taken care of, regain credit status and buy again.”
However, sales associates shouldn’t work directly with lenders without the seller’s permission—the relationship is between the borrower and the lender. Sanchez does ask the seller to provide him with authorization to be included in communications with the lender. “In most cases, there is a need to follow the status of the request almost every day,” he says.
• Property Price. Sanchez provides a market analysis of current sale prices and discusses any changes since the owner bought the property. He says that owners should price the property aggressively in order to effect a quick sale.
• The Contract. In any contract, include a provision that the sale is contingent on the lender’s acceptance. It’s essential for the seller, the buyer and any participating brokers or sales associates to understand that the lender has the right to approve or disapprove a short sale.
• Financial Implications. Sellers should be encouraged to contact an attorney, tax advisor or financial planner for advice on the financial implications of the sale relating to debt forgiveness.

Throughout the transaction process, communication is critical among all parties, says Pappas. “It’s particularly important to keep the buyer engaged, since it may take extra time to complete a short sale.” It may take 90 days to complete the sale, Roberts says

Whatever the situation might be, it’s vital for you to have a firm grasp on a seller’s options—even if you choose not to work in this growing market segment. After all, it can be time consuming, but the rewards of client loyalty may be worth the extra work.

Which Mortgage Do I Choose?

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

Which Mortgage Do I Choose?

Key Questions to Ask Yourself and Lenders

When Shopping for a Mortgage!

Traditional Fixed Rate Mortgage? Graduated-Payment Mortgage? Adjustable Rate Mortgage? FHA Mortgage? Two-Step Mortgage?

You are wondering which kind of mortgage is best. The answer: There is no one correct answer. Deciding which type of mortgage will best fulfill your needs can be difficult. There are so many types of loans and different term lengths. Your choice is extremely important and can take some time and effort to research. While often neglected by homebuyers, a little research before choosing your mortgage can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

There are several elements of a loan that should be analyzed. While one of these elements may suggest one type of loan, another may call for a different type. You must weigh each ingredient separately and collectively. You will find that your answers to the questions below will ultimately determine the type of mortgage that best fit your needs.

How long do you plan to stay in this home? Five years? Ten years? Thirty years?

The length of time you will be in the home will certainly play a part in determining which loan to apply for. If you only plan to be in the home for 5 – 7 years or less, you should seriously consider an adjustable rate loan. If you intend on staying 20 – 30 years, a fixed rate mortgage may be right for you.

How much risk are you willing to accept?

If you are the type of buyer that needs to know exactly what you will be paying each month for the term of the mortgage, a fixed rate mortgage will fulfill this need. The fixed rate loan, however, will also net a higher interest rate. If you are willing to take some risk of fluctuations in the interest rate, may receive a lower interest rate.

What are your income expectations?

Plan for the future. Do you anticipate a gradual or dramatic increase in your income in the next few years? If you expect a big increase, a graduated payment mortgage may be best for you.

How much cash do you have available for upfront costs?

If you have the resources, you may want to make a larger down payment to lower your monthly payment. By keeping a higher monthly payment however, you might be able to shorten the term of the loan to a 15-year loan in order to pay it off quicker.

Keep in mind that you’ll have closing costs and fees to pay in addition to your down payment. If you don’t have much cash saved for your upfront costs, don’t despair. You may be forced to accept a higher monthly payment or could even lower your monthly obligation by choosing an adjustable rate mortgage.

In addition to choosing a type of loan, you must also consider which lender to use. Once again, several factors of a loan will influence your decision.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

This most likely is the best way to make an “apples-to-apples” comparison of lenders. The APR reflects the cost of credit on a yearly rate and includes any points and fees in addition to the interest rate.

Interest Rate

Find out the rate the lender will commit and how long the lender will guarantee it. Get any commitments in writing. As with any transaction, if it isn’t in writing it doesn’t exist.

Points and fees

These factors will vary greatly. Look out for hidden fees. Make sure the lenders disclose all fees; ask what they charge and what is included and what is not.

Loan Approval

Both approval and funding time should be considered. You don’t want to lose a prospective home because your lender takes weeks to fund your loan. A lender should be able to fund the loan within ten days.

Lender Reputation

Don’t rely on solely someone else’s recommendation. You, not your friend, must feel comfortable with your lender. If you do feel good about your lender and trust him , it will be much easier to trust his advice on what kind of mortgage will best suit your needs.

We sincerely hope these tips and ideas will be of value to you. The types of loans mentioned above are only a few of the multitude of loan types available. If we may be of any further service please contact our office. We would consider it a privilege to be of service to you! If you would like a free consultation call our office at 407-884-0921

Twenty Terms You Must Know and Understan..

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

The Nine Most Common Mistakes to Avoid

When Obtaining a Home Mortgage!

You are about to make what will most likely be the largest transaction of your life: your home mortgage. Unfortunately, many homebuyers do not take the time to research some of the little but weighty intricacies of mortgages. Researching the mortgage process takes little time compared to the tens of thousands of dollars it could save you.

Doesn’t it make sense to become as completely informed as possible before you buy your next home? This special report is designed to help you avoid nine common mistakes. Remember that the right lender can help you make good, sound business decisions based on your personal financial situation.

1. Find a Reputable Lender - This is the most important choice you can make when starting the mortgage process. If you don’t trust your lender, you are in for a long and stressful home-buying experience.

2. Pricing - Don’t be lured into a mortgage company strictly by promises of low rates. Find out how long the advertised rate is guaranteed for. Make sure there is enough time to close on your loan. Some companies may make these “promises” but will try changing the rate prior to closing. They may claim that your “lock-in” rate has expired so make sure you have the expiration date in writing. In some cases, the lender may even try to delay your closing to break the “lock-in” rate. In other cases the delay may be beyond the lender’s control. Make sure to allow yourself plenty of time for closing. Delays in the process are common and everyone (builders, title companies, even yourself) is responsible.

3. Programs - You will see several programs that offer special low-interest rates. Keep in mind that they may not be the best program for your situation. Make your lender explain what programs they feel best serve your needs and more importantly, why.

4. Fixed or Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) - Conventional thinking is that fixed is always better and while this is sometimes true, it is not always the case. The key here is to ask, “How long am I going to live at this property?” An ARM can actually be a better choice if you are going to be in the home for a short time. The average for how long a first time homebuyer keeps their mortgage is less than four years. In general, the longer you plan on staying in your home, the better a fixed rate mortgage will suit your needs.

5. Don’t try to bottom out the market - Deciding when to lock in to a mortgage rate can be difficult. Many people will float, trying to guess when rates have hit bottom. Unfortunately, a lot of times they will wait too long and end up with a much higher interest rate. There is nothing wrong with floating but keep a close eye on economic indicators. Your daily newspaper or even the nightly news can be an excellent source of information on the latest interest rate activity. As closing nears, it might be worth locking in.

6. Negotiate problems prior to closing – Its common for a problem to arise before closing. Waiting until closing will rarely be in your best interest. For instance, if you accept $400 at closing in lieu of the seller making a repair and after closing you find that the repair will actually cost $600, you’ve obviously made a poor decision. Whether the builder agreed to add an item and has not or the seller has made a repair that is not acceptable to you, discussing a solution prior to closing will give both parties time to analyze and determine options.

7. Be prepared for closing costs – In addition to the down payment, you will be required to pay fees and other closing costs at the time of the final transaction. Closing costs typically range from 2 percent to 6 percent but will be dependent upon your situation. Lenders must provide you with a “Good Faith Estimate.” The “Good Faith Estimate” will breakdown all costs so that you may know what to expect at closing.

8. Close at the end of the month – When making a mortgage payment, you will be paying interest that has accrued from the previous month. Upon closing however, your lender will charge you prepaid interest for the date the loan is recorded through the end of that month. Therefore, one way to lower your closing costs is to close in the latter part of the month. This will lower the amount of prepaid interest that you must pay.

9. Look out for hidden fees -- Check for certain miscellaneous fees such as inspection, notary, and document preparation. These types of fees can mean hundreds of dollars in closing costs. Remember that this is your money at stake. Never should you be afraid to ask for explanations of fees you are being charged.

We sincerely hope these tips and ideas will be of value to you. If we may be of any further service, please contact our office. We will consider it a privilege to be of service to you! If you would like a free consultation, call our office at 407-884-0921

The Nine Most Common Mistakes

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

The Nine Most Common Mistakes to Avoid

When Obtaining a Home Mortgage!

Ten Questions

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

Ten Questions You Must Ask a Realtor Before You List

or... You Could Lose Big!

Most of us sell only a small number of homes in our lifetimes. With limited experience in real estate how are we to be capable of maximizing the profits from our home sale? Many home sellers make the critical mistake of thinking all Realtors are the same. They list with the first agent who comes along. Does it make good business sense to put the responsibility of selling your home with someone who has no plan or qualifications? This special report will educate you with valuable information that will help you make the best decision concerning: Which real estate agent should you list with?

Start by doing a few hours of research. Ask around... get to know who has the most signs, ads and marketing material in your neighborhood. Who’s the most active agent? Compile a list of agent names and use these questions to help you determine which agent is right for you.

1. Could you send me some information about yourself? - You can often get a good idea of which agents are the most professional by looking at their promotional materials. If their own materials aren’t professional, how well are they going to market your home? Track how long each agent takes to respond to your request and how quickly they follow up. If they don’t respond efficiently to your listing requests imagine how they’ll handle potential home buyers.

2. How many homes have you listed and how many homes have you sold in the last six months? - Look for an agent who has experience with homes similar to yours and is active in your area. If your home has special features look for an agent with experience in those areas. Your agent should have a good record of selling homes, not just listing them. After all, this is your ultimate goal.

3. What is your average length of time from listed to sold? - Don’t automatically assume the shorter time on the market the better. That could reflect selling homes quickly at lowball prices. Look at what the asking price was compared to the selling price. An agent who sells close to the asking price and quick is effective at helping clients determine the right price and helping them get it.

4. How long have you been in business and what professional organizations do you belong to?- The length of time a real estate agent has been licensed is not a sure fire sign that they’ve been an active seller. They may have been in business for 10 years but only part time, whereas an agent who’s been in business for 2 years may be a real top producer. So take into account what professional organizations they belong to. The minimum should be a licensed professional who’s a member of the local real estate board and multiple listing service as well as the state and National Association of Realtors. Local community groups and associations are also pluses in terms of networking and commitment.

5. Do you have an assistant or support staff? - By employing someone to handle the details of their business the agent can spend more time servicing your needs. However, make sure you know how much time an agent will spend and how much time their assistant will spend on the sale of your home. It may be fine if the assistant does most of the legwork as long as the agent is there at the most critical times of the transaction period.

6. How often will you hold open houses? Will they be public or by appointment only? - Simply putting a sign on your lawn and holding open houses every Sunday will not sell your home. Too frequently open houses make the property a target for low ball bidders. Look for an agent with a specific plan for each open house. The plan should be just one facet of a complete marketing plan.

7. What listing price do you recommend and what is that price based on? - Pricing is the most critical step to selling your home. Take great care in choosing an agent with the knowledge to price your home effectively. Keep in mind the selling price should attract prospective buyers to your home, get you top dollar in the current market and reflect the condition of your home. Be realistic and avoid ‘yes agents’, who will say ‘yes’ to any request or price while your home languishes on the market. Lowball agents will try to talk you into an artificial price simply to sell as fast as possible.

8. What does the listing agreement entail, what are the beginning and expiration dates, and what are the fee amounts I will be paying? - Have your agent go over every detail in the listing agreement with you until you understand it completely. Make sure the beginning and ending dates are on the agreement; a good standard for length is three months. Know exactly what fees you will be paying and remember that less is not always better. If the agent stands to make very little commission you can bet it will be reflected in the amount of time and effort that is spent marketing your home. If the agent reduces their commission to get the listing it may mean they intend to spend very little money promoting the property. The normal commission is between 5 and 7 percent.

9. What disclosure laws apply to me and what do I need to be aware of? - Make sure your agent helps you with locating professional inspectors for the various mandatory home inspections required in your area. Create a home marketing file including a property fact sheet, a property transfer disclosure statement, pest control report, applicable C.C.& R’s , applicable study zones report, structural engineering report, property profile from the title company, plans for alterations or additions, and special equipment report for pools, spas, sprinklers and alarm systems. Your agent should be able to handle this for you.

10. What types of things separate you from your competition and will you give me some feedback? - How effectively will they advertise? Do they have 24-hour advertising capability? Will all the leads be followed up on by your agent’s team or will they go to other agents who may have other listings they would prefer to show? Agents who are innovative and offer new methods of attracting home buyers will measurably outperform agents who rely on methods of the past. Marketing effectively in the 90’s and beyond requires progressive strategies that add value and service for both buyers and sellers!

We sincerely hope these tips and ideas are of value to you. If there is any way we can be of service please contact our office. We would consider it a privilege to be of service to you! If you would like a FREE consultation call our office at: 407-383-4021

Stop Paying Rent Forever!

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

Stop Paying Rent Forever!

Six Helpful Tips To Help Save First-time Homebuyers Money… And Anxiety!

With interest rates hovering around their thirty year lows, a multitude of flexible and low cost loan programs are available as well as a wide variety of assistance programs that can help virtually anybody experience the joy of homeownership. In short, the economic environment simply couldn’t be better to buy your first home.

However, if you have always been a renter than you probably aren’t as well informed of the intimate processes of obtaining a home mortgage, as you’d like to be. To guide you through this exciting but often confusing time, this report details six tips that will help make your purchase a much smoother experience, save you money and eliminate your anxieties.

1) Get Pre-qualified Before Starting Your Search

Before you begin your home search, before you make one single decision regarding a home purchase, get pre-qualified by a mortgage professional. Pre-qualification is free and will give you a definite advantage in the buying process.

During the evaluation stage, it will clarify your financial situation, indicating how much home you can afford. This may influence your decision for location, narrowing your search. You’ll also know exactly how much home you can afford, further clarifying your search.

Pre-qualification will also give you a step up on your competition. Homebuyers that are pre-qualified have increased leverage with Realtors and sellers over buyers who are not. Essentially a pre-qualified buyer becomes a “cash” buyer.

2) Shop Around For A Mortgage Professional

Like most industries, the quality of mortgage professionals can and does vary significantly. With the advancements in lending practices, consolidation between companies and aggressive start-ups there is significant awareness of the value of your business. So don’t immediately settle on the first lender you talk to. Shop your mortgage around to at least three lenders until you find one that you completely and unconditionally trust .

While rates are certainly one of the most significant factors in choosing a lender, compare closing costs, are their “points” involved or not (which is the percentage of the mortgage that the originator takes as commission) and how long is your pre-qualification good for. Traditionally, to get a prime rate you had to pay “points” at the closing, but this isn’t true anymore. Also, the pre-qualification should be good for at least three months and up to six months. In the past, some lenders only approved you for one month.

3) Don’t Become Fixated On The Interest Rate Alone!

Be careful! The lowest interest rate does not always translate to the best deal. Look at the loan programs that are being offered, not just the rate. There are several factors that have to be taken into account when evaluating programs – the loan type (fixed or adjustable), the loan term (15 year or 30 year), the rate and the down payment requirement.

Adjustable Rate Mortgage’s (ARM’s) are typically very low at the beginning but can escalate quickly. These are good for short-term purchases, but long-term mortgage holders are typically better off with a fixed rate.

If you can afford it, you may consider a fifteen-year mortgage. Typically the monthly payments are only 20% higher, and you cut off half the duration of your loan. Additionally, your credit will play a big part in what program will be offered to you. “A” paper, lender lingo for an applicant who has perfect credit may find a 6.5% rate with only 10% down. But if you have some credit history problems, sometimes referred to as “B” or “C” paper, you may find that to receive the prime rate you need 20% down. So shop around!

4) Clean Up Your Credit

By getting pre-qualified, you will be made aware of any potential credit problems in your credit history. Don’t despair if the credit report is not stellar. Even if an incident cannot be taken off the report, by knowing the background of your financial history your lender may be able to put your financial situation in a better light when submitting the actual loan application.

Review your credit report carefully. It is very common for non-payments to be listed that are not even yours. Your mortgage professional will help you address problems showing up on the credit report. Many times, a simple letter to the creditor explaining the circumstances at the time of the incident will rectify the situation. However this may take a few months, so start early.

5) Get A Realtor

As a first time homebuyer, the biggest mistake you can make is believing that you can save money if you do not use a Realtor ®. Although the seller pays the commissions, some listing agents will tell you they can represent both you and the seller fairly. While in some cases this may certainly be true, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Get a real estate agent that represents your interests solely. A buyer agent will make sure the home is inspected properly, do diligence on any hidden discovery and more times than not the money they save you on negotiating the price of your new home will more than off-set any reduction in price due to the commissions not being paid by the seller.

6) What Do You Want In A Home?

There will be many decisions as you start this process. Your Realtor will take you to several different homes, some you will like, some you won’t but most will land somewhere in between.

“You love this home except it doesn’t have…” or “That home would be perfect if it only had…” will be common phrases during this process.

Decide now what features you feel are “necessities” in a home and which features are items that would be “nice to have”. This list will no doubt change the farther along you go but the list will be extremely useful as you begin to look at homes. It will also be useful to the Realtor so he can better qualify the homes that he shows you.

We sincerely hope these tips are of value to you. If there is any way we can be of service to you please contact our office. We would consider it a privilege to be of service to you! If you would like a free consultation, please call our office at 407-884-0921

Should You Own Your Home?

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

Should You Own Your Home? The American Dream Of Homeownership Isn’t Right For Everybody… Or Is It?

Weighing the pluses and minuses of homeownership…

Buying a home can be one of life’s most exciting and yet most challenging experiences you can go through. With the numerous loan programs available to consumers today, it is easier than ever to get into a house. However the question remains, “Should you own your own home or rent?”

There are many benefits to owning a home but there are also just as many tradeoffs. To help you decide if owning a home is right for you we’ve listed the pros and cons of buying versus renting.

Equity

One of the most common complaints among renters is the discouraging feeling that you are simply throwing your money down the drain. This is typically true for the homeowner who lives in a specific house for a long time. However building equity isn’t an automatic universal truth. In some cases the property values are too high to start with so the resell just won’t net you a profit and in other cases the property values don’t increase at all.

Buying: You build your equity with every payment made. For the first half of the mortgage, most of each payment pays off interest. However every month some part does go towards your principle. Your equity will fluctuate as the market value of your home changes. Over time though, history has shown us that building equity in a home is a smart investment.

Renting: You pay for a place to live, period. While you have a lease for a certain time period, you are not investing in the home. The plus side is you have no responsibility for ongoing repairs but you are also not building equity. However you are investing for the landlord. You are essentially making the landlord’s payment and building her equity.

Monthly Payments

In many cases, and depending on the home that you plan to purchase, your monthly payments will likely be comparable to your current rent or quite possibly much higher. Many first time buyers purchase a “starter home.” This may be a smaller or an older home that can be purchased at an affordable cost. As mentioned above you can begin to build equity in this home and you can then upgrade to a more expensive home in a few years.

Buying: Costs can fluctuate somewhat on a yearly basis over the first few years due to escrow adjustments. After this initial adjustment period, your payment could be fixed for the remainder of the loan assuming you opt for a fixed interest rate.

Renting: Costs are fixed at least for the term of the lease (generally 1 year) but usually increase after the lease expires.

Upfront Costs

Upfront costs are possibly the most misunderstood aspect to the home purchase and the one that keeps most renters from even researching purchase. The perception that you must have huge down payments to purchase a home is no longer accurate in most cases today.

Buying : Typically requires a larger investment than renting initially. However there are many programs that require very little for down payment.

Renting: Usually does not require as much up front as buying but still requires fees such as deposit, pet deposit, 1 st months rent and possibly more.

Tax advantages

One of the most advantageous aspects to homeownership.

Buying: There are significant tax advantages to homeownership. Interest that you pay on your mortgage and property taxes are all deductible. These deductions can make a huge impact on your federal and state tax returns.

Renting: Renting offers no tax advantages. Only your landlord will reap tax benefits that are available.

Other Considerations:

Maintenance

Buying : Any maintenance must be done and paid for by you. Home maintenance costs average about 1% of your home’s value per year.

Renting: You typically are responsible for very little maintenance and maintenance costs when you rent.

Time to Move

Buying: If and when you want to move, you will have to sell your home first.

Renting: Your only concern is fulfilling your lease.

A Place to Call “ Home ”

Buying: You have the right to remodel and redecorate at your discretion. You own it; you can do with it what you wish.

Renting: You have very little flexibility besides decorating the home. Carpet, wallpaper, paint, etc are all items that the landlord will change at his discretion with little to no input from you.

We sincerely hope this report will be of value to you in making one of the biggest decisions of your life. If we may be of any further service or if you would like a free consultation, please call our office at 407-884-0921.

Sellers Beware!

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

Sellers Beware! Don’t Put Your Home on the Market Until You’ve Read This Report... Avoid 11 Mistakes That Could Cost You Hundreds... Even Thousands of Dollars!

Selling your home can be an exhausting experience. Last minute walk throughs, inconvenient calls, price adjustment and the possibility of being stuck with two mortgages are real concerns. If you are not completely prepared you could end up losing hundreds, even thousands, of dollars in profit.

The difference between a profitable smooth transaction and a break even, miserable experience is often a fine line. In the majority of cases it comes down to the subtle know how of your professional. By utilizing the knowledge of a qualified real estate professional, you’ll ensure the quick, profitable sale of your home. This report is designed to arm you with the knowledge to avoid 11 common mistakes that cost sellers serious money.

1. Refusing to Make Profit Inducing Repairs

It always costs you more money to sell ‘as is’ than to make repairs that will increase the value of your home. Even minor improvements will often yield as much as three to five times the repair cost at the time of sale. Your agent will be able to point out what repairs will significantly increase the value of your home. Seemingly small fix up jobs can have quite an impact.

2. Not Considering Other Financing Terms

Cash is not always the most advantageous transaction. Income level, tax benefits and current legislation are all critical factors when considering purchase terms. Professional real estate agents are experts at home transactions and can lead you down the path that will give you the highest yield.

3. Provide Easy Access for Showings

Accessibility is a major key to profitability. Appointment-only showings are the most restrictive, while a lock box is the least. However there are certain considerations to take into account: your lifestyle, time frame for the desired sale and the relationship with your agent. The more accessible your home is, the better the odds of finding a person willing to pay your asking price. You never know if the one that couldn’t get a viewing was the one that got away. By developing a trusting relationship with your agent, he or she will show the home with your best interests in mind.

4. Priced Too Low/Priced Too High

One critical reason to find the right professional is to make sure the property is priced appropriately for a timely and profitable sale. If the property is priced too high it will sit and develop the identity of a problem property. If it’s priced too low it could cost you considerable profits. The real estate market has subtle nuances and market changes that should be re-evaluated by your agent every 10-14 days to help you maximize your return.

5. Relying Solely on Traditional Methods To Sell Your Home

The agent who is innovative and willing to offer new strategies of attracting home buyers will always outperform agents who rely on traditional methods. Demand around the clock advertising exposure, innovative lead generation methods and lead accountability. These services exist and should be offered on your home sale.

6. Market Timing/Seasonal Selling

Just as a broker who continually follows the trends of a stock, your professional agent continually follows trends of your home market. They will know if the market cycle is poised to net you the most money. Avoid believing that property sales are seasonal.. property is always selling.

7. Refusing to Make Cosmetic Changes

The prospective home buyer’s first impression is the most important. An unbelievable amount of home sales have been lost to unkempt lawns, cluttered rooms, bad stains, unpleasant odors... all the seemingly little things. Imagine you were the home buyer and clean your place from top to bottom... military style.

8. Wasting Time With An Unqualified Prospect

Your agent’s responsibility is to screen a prospect’s qualifications before valuable time is lost. Be sure to align yourself with the right professional and eliminate negotiating with unqualified prospects.

9. Don’t Test The Market

Never put your property on line to sell unless you are serious. The right professional will find you buyers and if you are harboring indecision... you will blow the sale.

10. Believing You are Powerless to Make a Difference

Be a part of the team! Take an active role with your agent to see what you can do to facilitate your sale. Networking with professional peers and personal friends often results in the sale of a home. It’s surprising how many homes are sold this way.

11. Believing All Realtors are the Same- With all the intricate details and critical decisions to be made concerning your home sale, should you rely on anyone but a top producing professional? Many friends and family members have been estranged as a result of failing to meet expectations. Your home sale is a time consuming, effort related, difficult task. Maximize your profit by utilizing a professional.

We sincerely hope these tips and ideas are of value to you. If there is any way we can be of service please contact our office. We would consider it a privilege to be of service to you! If would like a FREE consultation call our office at: 407-884-0921

Sellers Beware!

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

Sellers Beware! Don’t Put Your Home on the Market Until You’ve Read This Report... Avoid 11 Mistakes That Could Cost You Hundreds... Even Thousands of Dollars!

1. Refusing to Make Profit Inducing Repairs

2. Not Considering Other Financing Terms

3. Provide Easy Access for Showings

4. Priced Too Low/Priced Too High

5. Relying Solely on Traditional Methods To Sell Your Home

6. Market Timing/Seasonal Selling

7. Refusing to Make Cosmetic Changes

8. Wasting Time With An Unqualified Prospect

9. Don’t Test The Market

Never put your property on line to sell unless you are serious. The right professional will find you buyers and if you are harboring indecision... you will blow the sale.

10. Believing You are Powerless to Make a Difference

We sincerely hope these tips and ideas are of value to you. If there is any way we can be of service please contact our office. We would consider it a privilege to be of service to you! If would like a FREE consultation call our office at: 407-884-0921

Secrets Lenders Don’t Want You to Know! ..

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

Secrets Lenders Don’t Want You to Know! Read This 11 Point Report Before You Sign Anything!

The right or wrong decision when signing your home mortgage can mean thousands of dollars difference in interest paid. There are very important considerations to evaluate before you commit to a 15 or 30 year note. For many of us our mortgage payment is the most important financial decision we’ll ever make. Doesn’t it make sense to know as much as possible about the financing of our home? Take the time to thoroughly investigate all of your options!

Unbelievably, many of us sign the first mortgage placed in front of us. Typically the excitement of the new home purchase reduces the mortgage to not much more than an afterthought. What you read here could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Your real estate professional has established relationships with the top lenders in your area. By aligning yourself with a professional agent you ensure that all the financial steps are taken care of properly and economically.

1. Utilize a Lender With Established Ties to an Agent- Lenders are much more flexible with the real estate agents who have done business with them previously. This relationship then establishes them as a team. The lender and agent work effectively together, referring each other business. That’s why a good agent can make substantial difference in setting up the most economical financing. And the right financing can, literally, save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan!

2. Don’t Attempt Paperwork Alone- All the paperwork required to complete the purchase of a home can be quite intimidating and frustrating for a home buyer. Make sure you have your lenders help you with all the paperwork. Get help from your team, your lender and agent. Their expertise will help alleviate the stress and it will prove to be invaluable before you sign your mortgage.

3. Look at All Your Options- Make sure you see at least 5 loan programs for your mortgage. Lenders have at least 10 programs and should work with you and your agent on deciding what is best for your circumstances. Evaluate all your options. After all it’s your money you’re spending - not theirs!

4. Demand Service- There is little difference between a bank, savings and loan, or a mortgage broker when it comes to the competitiveness of their loan rates. The difference is in the service they provide. It is their job to serve you! You want to get the loan approved and move into your new home as quickly as possible, but don’t overlook the fact that you are the one spending the money and they are the ones who should cater to your needs. Don’t let the process become so intimidating that you lose that understanding.

5. Stay in Complete Touch- You should receive a written report from your lender about every step. This will ensure that no details are overlooked and there will be no surprises.

6. Negotiate a Flexible Loan- Don’t just accept the terms they lay down in front of you. Lenders are in the business of loaning money and they want your business. Make sure you examine every option available to you. If you negotiate a variable rate loan, many lenders have the ability to move you into a fixed loan if rates start going up. Make sure that you understand whether or not that is an option in the package you are looking at.

7. Don’t Give Up on the First No- Initial decisions are not always final decisions. Going to a higher authority can sometimes get you the loan, but do so with the assistance and compliance of your lender and agent. Many times special circumstances when explained properly to the person in charge, will win you the loan.

8 Don’t Wait for the Bottom of the Market- The odds of you hitting the bottom of your market are about like the odds of you hitting your state lotto! You will almost never hit the bottom of a market. And trying to time it exactly right is often costly. It usually causes a person or family to miss out on the opportunity to purchase a very nice property. You’re better off simply negotiating the best rate and terms you can at the time you find a property. If interest rates go down, you can refinance. This is a much better approach because you won’t miss out on the property you’ve spent so much time locating.

9. Be Honest With Your Lender- Your lender wants to help you with your loan. The only time they get paid is when you get approved. The more information (good or bad) you provide your lender, the easier it will be for them to get an approval. It helps them present the loan in the best light. This in turn helps the loan get the highest approval rating.

10. Become Completely Educated- Pick your lender’s brain. Lenders will teach you all about your various options, even if you haven’t found the right property yet. They will be very patient with you while you are looking, especially if you have aligned yourself with the right agent. They understand all the up-front work will pay off in future business. Your agent will then continue to refer people to the courteous and service-minded lender on down the line.

11. Get Prequalified- Lenders will provide you with a certificate of pre-qualification. By getting prequalified you know exactly what financial parameters to stay within. Your agent and lender will consult with you and help you get qualified for the loan that best fits your needs. Many times they are able to get you a larger loan than you may have thought possible.

Getting approved for a loan is often times much easier than you might have previously thought. We sincerely hope this brief report has been a help to you. If you would like a FREE consultation call our office at: 407-884-0921

Ready To List With A Real Estate Agent? ..

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

Ready To List With A Real Estate Agent?

13 Things Your Agent Must Do To Maximize Your Profits!

Ready to place your home on the market? Do you understand the process and detailsof selling a home? Before you list with an agent, educate yourself on all the factors that will affect your profit. Be as informed as possible so you can make the absolutely best business decisions. After all, the sale of your home is a business decision!

Most of us are not tuned into the trends and fluctuations of the real estate market. Likewise we are not aware of the necessary steps to maximize profits on the sale of our home. Typically we rely heavily upon an agent to lead us down the most profitable path. When considering our home is usually the most valuable asset we own, doesn’t it make sense to list with someone who will maximize our profits? But how do we find that agent?

This report is designed to empower you with critical information necessary to evaluate an agent’s qualifications and help you identify the professional top producer. The more meticulous you become in selecting the right agent the higher your profits will be!

Start by doing some research. Find out who the most active agents are in your market. Look at advertising to see how professional it is. Ask friends and family. Drive around the neighborhood looking for yard signs. Then compile a list of agents.

1. The Phone Interview- Place a call to each of the agents on your list. Document how quickly they returned your call. Remember: they will be returning calls to your prospective home buyers. Do an initial ‘feel out’ interview over the phone so when you meet you will both be prepared.

2. Request a Complete Plan- From title to escrow, request a complete plan as to the services they can provide for you.

3. Evaluate Their Team- Top producers will have established relationships with lenders, title reps, inspectors... everything. They are there for your benefit and if they are ill prepared to handle all the steps, you are being short changed.

4. Detailed Report of your Property- Request a complete report of your property with ideas for improvements, cosmetic changes, structural repairs or anything that could add value to your property. Remember a small investment up front will pay higher dividends at the time of sale.

5. Alternative Report- Request a complete report of alternatives to the home sale. What would current market leases generate? Rentals? Responsibilities attached with leasing? Have your agent educate you as to all your options.

6. Insist on Prequalification- Don’t waste valuable time negotiating or showing your property to unqualified prospects. Insist your agent prequalifies candidates to screen out all unwanted prospects.

7. A Net Sheet- Request a complete net sheet, minus commissions and fees, showing your exact proceeds at the time of sale.

8. A Marketing Plan- Insist on a step-by-step marketing plan of how your property is going to be sold and marketed. Look for innovative ways to attract home buyers. Demand 24-hour advertising, lead accountability and tracking services. These services exist and you should insist upon them.

9. Telemarketing Efforts- Investigate the agents telemarketing team. Do they just cold call or do they have a mechanism to create proactive leads and call on those prospects?

10. Direct Mail- Investigate the agents capacity to send direct mail. How often do prospects receive mail? Is it professional? Does the mail piece motivate prospects to respond?

11. Advertising- Is it well written and professional? How many ad mediums do they utilize? They should be advertising in at least three; a homes magazine, community or local newspaper and yard signs. Remember: the quality of the advertising will directly influence how well your home will be perceived.

12. Negotiation Strategy- Have a written, well conceived, negotiation strategy. The old adage, “You don’t get what you deserve, you get what you negotiate” rings true in real estate. Insist on a sound negotiation strategy before you entertain buyers.

13. Closing Checklist- Be sure to get a written closing checklist. You need to know in detail how you will conclude the sale of your home. This should provide a step-by-step procedure that will be easy to understand and follow.

How to Sell Your Home

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

How to Guarantee You’ll Get

Your Home Sold This Time!

Answer : Focus In On The Major Key Issues And Ask The Really Tough Questions When You Interview For Your Next Agent! When You Do, You’re Guaranteed To Sell Your Home Faster And For More Money!

So, your listing has expired and you’re wondering, “What am I going to do?” You want to get this house sold!

The most important thing you can do right now is ask, “Where did I go wrong?” The answer, 99% of the time, is the real estate agent you chose. He or she simply didn’t have the “skill or mind set” it takes to market your home effectively.

Marketing a home takes more than just sticking a sign in your yard and putting your property up on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service)... any agent can do that! It takes aggressive, innovative marketing to sell your home in today’s market place!

What do I mean?

Well... in today’s market place there are only so many buyers out there who are ready and able to purchase a home. So, if you want to sell your home this time, your new agent has to aggressively identify these potential buyers before other agents “get their hooks into them” and guide them into a different property.

The fact is, when you enter the market to sell your home, you enter one of the most competitive businesses in existence... anywhere! Competition is fierce and if you’re not ready for it, your home just sits on the market. So, the first major key to effectively marketing your home is to identify potential buyers.

Remember, there are only so many buyers to go around and your agent has to find those buyers first before one of the hundreds of other agents out there reaches them and guides them into a different property!

So, how does an agent identify these “hot” prospects before the competition? This is what separates the weak agent from the shrewd, business-minded marketing professional you want to hire.

Your Agent Absolutely Must Have

An Aggressive Marketing Strategy!

The best agents use every available marketing tool, technology, approach, contact or potential avenue to generate prospective buyers for your property!

One key element they understand is the value of “effective” advertising! They realize that in today’s competitive market they have to create ads that generate a response. They can’t just splash there name out there and expect people to call. They have to craft their ads and give prospects a compelling reason to call .

Advertising is a crucial factor in the success of marketing anything, your home included! So, how does the agent you’re considering separate him or herself from competitors? All their ads look virtually the same. So, what’s unique about your new agent that’s going to grab prospects and get them to pick up the phone and call?

In today’s market place, it’s extremely difficult! Potential buyers have been harassed, high-pressured and pushed around so much... it’s no wonder that it’s hard to get them to call!

They use razor-sharp strategy & cutting-edge technology as THE ADVANTAGE !

The best agents overcome this huge obstacle with a razor-sharp marketing strategy combined with cutting-edge technology to generate buyer after buyer after buyer!

Remember the major key to generating a buyer for your home is to reach your prospect first . And to reach prospects first, the best agents are using a little known marketing secret called 800 Powerline. This is such a unique marketing advantage, I almost pity my competitors!

800 Powerline... the edge that

will get your home sold this time!

Powerline is a system that enables me to supply your “hot” prospects with recorded information about your home... 24 hours a day! I record a verbal description of

your home on my Powerline system. Then I advertise your home with a message directing prospects to call anytime 24 hours a day to get recorded information about your property.

Now, really think about this! If your prospects are sitting at home at 11:30 PM looking at an ad, they can call! They can hear about your home without having to talk to an agent right away! No worries of being high-pressured! So, what do you think happens? You bet! Prospects call... and call... and call!

I never miss a single opportunity

to sell your home... EVER!

Now here’s the kicker! When prospects call, my Powerline system captures their name, address and phone number automatically! 100% of the time... that’s right... 100% of the time! They can’t block it, like Caller ID because I’m using an 800 number!

By this time you might be thinking, “this seems a little stealthy”. Well, in a way it is and in a way it’s not. But, one thing I can assure you of is it creates a ton of prospective buyers for your home! And with the soft, gentle, service-minded way I follow up, people flat love it! So, don’t worry about that part. Again, the professionalism of your agent makes all the difference!

Another thing! With this approach, you’ll reach a lot more prospects and you’ll reach them first... before your competition. With more potential buyers, it only makes sense. You’ll sell your home faster and for more money! It’s supply and demand... plain and simple !

Remember the first one to reach your prospect wins the sale. So, if you want to get your home sold this time, don’t settle for anything less!

The first two questions then are : 1.) How are they going to make the phone ring with lots of new prospects for your home? And 2.) What’s going to give them the edge and get them to the “starting block” first?

Then comes the next question. How sharp are your agent’s negotiating skills? What kind of results have they produced for past clients? This is so crucial!

Most people think that selling a home is like being a tour guide. Show the prospect around, ask if they like it and write up the paperwork. Well, if that’s all there was to it, your former agent would have closed on your house already!

Your Agent Absolutely Must Have

Strong Fundamental Negotiating Skills!

If you want to get your home sold this time, your next agent absolutely must have a deep understanding of “The Art of Negotiating”. These skills are vitally important! Without these skills, you could lose big! With these skills, your agent will ensure you get the highest possible price for your home.

So, how do you find out about your prospective agents negotiating skills? Investigate! Check references. At the very least, call two or three of your agents most recent clients. In fact, call at least one or two of your agents current clients. See what kind of effort he or she makes to get the job done!

This is such an important decision. Get prepared! Really fire away with questions when interviewing an agent. Make them stand the test of fire. The best agents thrive on it! They can’t wait to tell you all about the innovative methods that separate them from the poor weak little agent that’ll poke a sign in the ground and act like that’s enough! In today’s market, it’s definitely not enough!

Thanks for taking the time to read this report. I hope you found the ideas thought provoking and beneficial.

My goal with this report is to help point you in the right direction and give you some guidelines to help you make the right decision this time.

If there is ever any way I can be of service to you or anyone you care about, please give me a call. Your initial consultation is always under no obligation and completely free of charge. We’ll sit down for 15-20 minutes and I’ll show you the latest strategies and technology for selling your home. No pressure... just plain honest talk about what it’s going to take to get your home sold this time.

I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Warmest regards,

Matthew Freda

PS If you’d like to get in touch with me, my office number is 407-884-0921.

How to Guarantee You’ll Get

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

How to Guarantee You’ll Get

Your Home Sold This Time!

So, your listing has expired and you’re wondering, “What am I going to do?” You want to get this house sold!

What do I mean?

So, how does an agent identify these “hot” prospects before the competition? This is what separates the weak agent from the shrewd, business-minded marketing professional you want to hire.

Your Agent Absolutely Must Have

An Aggressive Marketing Strategy!

The best agents use every available marketing tool, technology, approach, contact or potential avenue to generate prospective buyers for your property!

In today’s market place, it’s extremely difficult! Potential buyers have been harassed, high-pressured and pushed around so much... it’s no wonder that it’s hard to get them to call!

They use razor-sharp strategy & cutting-edge technology as THE ADVANTAGE !

The best agents overcome this huge obstacle with a razor-sharp marketing strategy combined with cutting-edge technology to generate buyer after buyer after buyer!

800 Powerline... the edge that

will get your home sold this time!

Powerline is a system that enables me to supply your “hot” prospects with recorded information about your home... 24 hours a day! I record a verbal description of

your home on my Powerline system. Then I advertise your home with a message directing prospects to call anytime 24 hours a day to get recorded information about your property.

I never miss a single opportunity

to sell your home... EVER!

Remember the first one to reach your prospect wins the sale. So, if you want to get your home sold this time, don’t settle for anything less!

Then comes the next question. How sharp are your agent’s negotiating skills? What kind of results have they produced for past clients? This is so crucial!

Your Agent Absolutely Must Have

Strong Fundamental Negotiating Skills!

Thanks for taking the time to read this report. I hope you found the ideas thought provoking and beneficial.

My goal with this report is to help point you in the right direction and give you some guidelines to help you make the right decision this time.

I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Warmest regards,

Matthew Freda

PS If you’d like to get in touch with me, my office number is 407-884-0921.

How to Get Every Dollar You Deserve

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

How to Get Every Dollar You Deserve... by Getting

the Full Value of Your House!

The ability to reap additional profits on the sale of your home can be accomplished easily enough if you make the right improvements. Many changes can provide the prospective buyer with enhanced feelings about your home. Feelings of more space, more light, more rooms, more closet space, greater privacy, warmth and security. Basic, simple and inexpensive improvements can provide an improved emotional response in a potential buyer.

An example could be something as small as a crack in the paint on a wall. Simply by applying some plaster and touch up paint, you eliminated what may be an unstated concern that your home was poorly maintained. Though the feeling may be unconscious, it’s just as important that the potential buyer feel an overall desire for your home. If you are working with a small budget these simple techniques will work absolute wonders:

1. The Magic of Mirrors!

Mirrors can provide a greater sense of space and elegance when properly placed. Be careful not to overdo it, but when placed properly throughout your home, each area will seem larger to the potential home buyer. Try looking in your attic or basement for any old mirrors, but be sure they have a nice frame or at least give the frame a new coat of paint. You may also want to visit a local flea market or garage sale, you can almost always get a great deal on an old mirror or two. Putting one foot square mirrors on a closet door in the master bedroom is always an attractive touch.

2. Adding Additional Closet Space

One of the biggest complaints heard from potential buyers is that there just isn’t enough closet space! Simply purchasing an inexpensive closet organizer and installing it in any or all of your closets can make all the difference. You can also try putting a rod across one corner of a bedroom for hanging clothes. Also you could try hanging a screen made from a variety of materials. The screen could match the material of the bedspread, drapes etc. The idea here is to be creative so that the “fake closet” looks as though it was a part of the room.

3. Make a Bare Wall Beautiful

Wallpaper is inexpensive, quick and easy to do! The right wallpaper can brighten the room or hallway and bring it back to life. Be careful to choose something with a neutral design or pattern, remember you’re trying to move out.

4. Bring Old Floors Back to Life!

Nothing turns off a potential buyer quicker than dull, dingy, disgusting looking floors. Whether you have wax, wooden or tiled floors do whatever you can to make them shine again! For wax floors, either rent a floor machine and do it yourself or, if it’s in your budget, hire a professional. Have a professional give you an estimate and explain exactly what they would do to bring your floors back to life. If you have them explain what they would do, it may be just as easy to do it yourself. If you have carpeted floors you should either have the carpet steam cleaned or install new carpeting. This may sound expensive but new carpeting can add thousands of dollars to the value of your home.

5. Add Attractive Plants

Having plants in the house is not only healthy for you but you create a warm feeling with them. Many indoor plants are far less expensive then you might imagine. Attractive pots such as ceramic, brass or even designer plastic will add a designer flair to your home. Hanging plants such as Boston ferns are inexpensive, easy to care for and would go great in your new home wherever you move.

6. Adding a Room Without Calling in the Contractor!

This simple but seldom used technique, can give a buyer the feeling there are more actual rooms in your house. Floor to ceiling room dividers are inexpensive and simple to install. When a buyer walks through your home, they will generally count the rooms in a subconscious manner. Each room will present an emotional response as they walk through your home. By dividing and designing each side of your room, you create a “ separate room” feeling in the potential buyer. It may sound crazy but it works!

7. Clean Up the Bathroom

We’ve probably all heard that phrase a hundred times growing up as children! Well guess what? It’s still valid. Give your bathroom a face-lift if needed: fresh paint, decorative moldings, tile grout, new designer faucets are allattractive eye catchers.

8. What is That Smell?

Though people don’t like to admit it, everyone's home has a certain smell to it. We just never notice it because we live with it day in, day out. Strategically placing fresh scent devices throughout the home will be pleasant to the nose of any potential buyer. As a matter of fact, an old Realtor trick is to pop some cinnamon rolls in an oven 5 minutes before a showing. I bet you thought all Realtors just had a sweet-tooth!

How to Eliminate Risk

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How to Eliminate Risk in Real Estate Investment!

Avoid 12 Common Mistakes Made by Novice Investors and Ensure High Rates of Return!

Real estate investment has provided many investors with positive cash flow, tax benefits and satisfaction of making an impact in others lives. Like any investment however, real estate has intricate nuances and market trends that when ignored can cause an investor tremendous heart ache.

Unbelievably many first time investors are willing to part with their hard earned cash without taking the time to study their investment. They rely on traditional trends and gut feelings. Before you risk your investment take the time to learn all you can about your market. By aligning yourself with the right professional you can avoid these 12 common mistakes and you’ll ensure an excellent return on your investment.

1. Failure to Determine Your Time Need- Cash flow, capital appreciation, tax benefits, loss of management, equity paydown and pride of ownership are just some of the things that need to be addressed before you make that investment. A service minded real estate professional can be a tremendous asset by taking the time to evaluate your needs and making sure you’ve got all your bases covered.

2. Not Checking out the Seller or Sellers Agents Numbers- Claims of extremely high rates of return run rampant in real estate investment. Don’t get caught up in the excitement - check everything: rents, payment history, taxes, expenses, deposits, future modifications... everything. Make sure you have the right agent...it’s like having a good insurance policy against overlooking all the seemingly insignificant but very important details.

3. Forgetting You Are Buying a Business - Owning investment property carries with it a great potential for creating wealth and... some potentially difficult decisions. Evictions, re-investment into the property and time management all need careful consideration. Remember this is not a ‘hands off’ business.

4. Avoid Negative Cash Flow- Property that eats cash every month can drain your working capital. This can create stress, frustration and become quite painful. Predicting constant appreciation is extremely difficult if not impossible for the unseasoned investor. A strain on your cash flow may cause you to sell the investment before the benefits of ownership are ever realized.

5. Failure to do a Thorough Inspection- Look under every rock! Hire a professional inspector. Ask the tenants about pest problems, structural damage or reoccurring problems. Don’t overlook anything! A value driven real estate professional will help you find the right inspector and can help you avoid costly mistakes. When investing your hard earned money be sure and use sound business judgment!

6. Failing to Have Adequate Insurance- Investment property brings liability. Tenants, cars, parking lots, cleaning facilities, property liability - the list is quite extensive. Adequate insurance coverage is an absolute must! Be sure to consult with an insurance professional and protect your hard earned assets.

7. Inspect, Approve, and Confirm All Documents- The list of documents that need to be proofed can be overwhelming to the first time investor. Building permits, zoning laws, rental and lease applications, health licenses, laundry leases, underlying loan documents, CC&R’s, by-laws, title policies, mineral leases, inspection reports, purchase contracts, insurance.. don’t attempt to do it alone. The right professional can remove most of the stress and bring the transaction to a conclusion smoothly.

8. Get a Bill of Sale For All Property Involved- Many types of personal property (appliances, furniture, fixtures, etc.) can be involved in an investment sale. Be very detailed -know who owns what!

9. Charge Fair Rents- Vacancies, turnovers and lease terminators are your biggest expense. Charge fair rents, treat your tenants with respect and respond as quickly as possible to their needs. It’s a lot less costly in the long run to take care of the little problems before they become big problems. Vacant property is your Achilles heel.

10. Select Qualified, Good Tenants From the Start- Take the time to check references. Previous landlords, employers, financial references, credit and judgments are all vitally important. If there are any questions do a thorough investigation. Drive by their previous residence. A little work up front can save tremendous problems later.

11. Make Sure You Get Estoppel Letters- Get letters from tenants confirming the status of tenancy. Make sure their version of the rental or lease agreement corresponds with the sellers interpretation.

12. Don’t Spend Positive Cash Flow- Most of successful investors have free and clear properties. Be sure to re-invest your cash flow back into the property payment and speed up the amortization schedule. This decreases your debt load and increases your equity which builds your net worth.

Investment property can be one of the most rewarding aspects of your financial portfolio. Be certain to have all your ducks in a row before you invest. Do your homework! Consult with a professional real estate agent and protect yourself from the hidden troubles that can plague first time investors.

We hope this brief report has been of value to you. It is our ultimate desire to help you achieve your real estate investment goals and provide you with the most professional, efficient and effective service possible! This community service has been provided by: Freda Realty, Inc 407-884-0921

How to Buy Your First Home...

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

How to Buy Your First Home... the Easy Way! Avoid the 10 Most Common, Painful, Frustrating Mistakes First-Time Home Buyers Make.

Buying a residence can be a hair raising experience. You will experience a roller coaster of emotions while finding the right place, securing the loan and finally moving in. For most of us, the first time home purchase is the largest investment we’ve ever considered. The emotions of purchasing something so expensive and personal can often cloud our business judgment.

Most home purchasers do little or no research before they invest their nest egg. Doesn’t it make sense to become as completely informed as possible before you buy your first home? This special report is designed to help you avoid 10 common and crucial mistakes. The right real estate professional can help you make good sound business decisions based on your personal situation.

1. Inspect, Inspect and Inspect- Go over the inspection report with a fine tooth comb. Make sure the report was done by a professional organization. For condo purchases go over the CC&R’s, By-Laws, and Association Fees. Don’t take anything for granted... inspect everything!

2. Imagine the Property Vacant- Your furnishings and decorations will be the ones filling this new residence. Don’t be swayed by beautiful furniture; it leaves with the owner.

3. Income + Lifestyle = Mortgage Payment- Sit down with your professional real estate agent and honestly discuss your income level and living expenses. Take into account future considerations, children, add-ons, amenities, and fix-ups. Your dream home is certainly worth a sacrifice but don’t mortgage your entire future.

4. View Several Homes- See at least 7-10 properties. Don’t move too slow but don’t move on the first property you see. With your agent’s help you should be able to view enough properties to get a good overall perspective of the home market. When you find the right property all the leg work will be worth it.

5. Utilize Your Team- By aligning yourself with the right real estate professional you will have an entire team at your disposal. Utilize your lender, title rep and agent. Each of them should work hand in hand for your benefit. Explore all the options before you sign.

6. Be Columbo- Check out all costs and expenses before you sign. Utilities, taxes, insurance, maintenance and home owner dues if applicable. Make sure all utilities (gas, electricity, and water) are on during tyour walk-throughso you can inspect everything in working order. Ask lots of questions and be very detail conscious.

7. Do a Final Walk-Through- Visit the property after all furnishings have been moved out to be sure there are no surprises. Be absolutely positive the property was left exactly as you had agreed upon in the contract. Things that could have been spotted in a final walk-through are often unintentionally overlooked.

8. Plan For Flexibility- Closing dates are not written in stone. Allow for contingencies and have a back-up plan. If you or the sellers need a little more time to conclude the final arrangements, don’t let these delays upset or frustrate you. These types of circumstances are not uncommon in a real estate transaction.

9. If It’s Not In Writing, It Doesn’t Exist- All promises and discussions should be in writing. Don’t make any assumptions or believe any assurances. Even the best intentions can be misinterpreted. Have your professional keep an ongoing log in writing of all discussions and get the seller’s written approval on all agreements.

10. Loyalty Breeds Loyalty- Be open, honest and up front with your team. Hard feelings and disloyalty will cause head aches, delays or may even keep you from getting into the home you worked so hard to locate. Take the time to select the right team in the beginning and your first home purchase will be a pleasing and memorable experience.

Ask The Right Questions Before You List ..

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

How To Ask The Right Questions Before You List Again!

Interview With Confidence... Make A Choice That Will Help You Sell Your Home Faster And... For More Money!

Your listing has expired and now you’re wondering what to do. The most important question you must ask is, “Where did I go wrong?”. The answer is not usually within you, but with the agent you entrusted. Be prepared with the right information so you can interview your prospective agent with confidence and assure you make the right choice this time.

With hundreds or even thousands of dollars at stake and weeks of time invested, don’t risk making the same mistake twice. Make sure your next agent is eminently qualified to sell your home. Don’t risk this decision out of obligation to a friend, family member or acquaintance. Your listing has expired and it’s easy to develop the identity of having a problem property in the market place. Therefore, it’s vital important to choose the right agent this time around.

Typically, most people will ask business associates, family or friends to recommend someone they’ve had good luck with... someone they can trust. Other sellers will watch neighborhood real estate signs to see who is listing many of the homes. Still others rely upon the reputation of the major national franchise companies. Then, of course, there’s always the yellow pages. All of these methods could prove to be disastrous!

Trust Your Instincts First!

When selecting an agent, he or she should be someone you feel good about, someone you’re willing to trust with one of the largest financial transactions you may ever make. This report is designed to empower you with the information necessary to make the right decision before you arrive at the place where you’re ready to sign on the dotted line again. Don’t allow the prospective agent to dictate your time table. If an agent is impatient you should immediately consider them suspect. Be careful.

Do Your Homework!

Ask For References From Past Sellers - Before you sign another listing agreement, check out references from past sellers. Flattering letters praising the agent’s work in a presentation book are a great start, but dig deeper. Ask for telephone numbers and names of the past three sellers and names of at least two current listings.

Know The Companies Reputation - Ask your business associates, family and friends about the company or agent and listen carefully for the very first thing they say. A company has a reputation in the community. Listen closely for it!

Call The Real Estate Commission - Call and ask about consumer complaints. Be sure and take note of the number and nature but don’t base your entire decision on this information. In a slow or declining market, agents will get more complaints because the sellers are frustrated that their home isn’t moving and they want someone to blame when it’s simply poor market conditions. Therefore, always allow your prospective agent to explain any complaints and if their response seems reasonable, take that into consideration. One other note: if an agent does a large number of transactions per year, they will naturally be exposed to the potential for more of these kinds of comments. If an agent isn’t doing anything, they obviously won’t generate a complaint.

Call The Better Business Bureau - See if the agent has had any bad dealings with his or her customers.

Ask For A Record Of The Agent’s Marketing Innovations - How are they dealing with the current market conditions? Is there a plan to beef up their advertising and marketing efforts to benefit the seller? Residential real estate has a long history of economic cycles. The market is either hot, improving, static or declining and with each cycle there has to be a plan to cope with the current market conditions.

Don’t Stop Asking!

Ask for a comparison chart of last year’s sales to this year’s sales. How is the agent and company doing? Ask for a history of the agent; how many companies have they been with and why did they change? If the reason is always money there may be something wrong! Be careful because if your agent changes, companies your listing belongs to the broker and you may get a new inexperienced agent as your replacement... this could be very costly!

Final Questions

Ask For A Detailed Marketing Plan – Request a step-by-step plan of the first four weeks, eight weeks and twelve weeks your home will be on the market. Make sure your agent is utilizing the latest innovative technologies for generating sales leads. There are now ways to literally generate leads 24 hours a day! These new marketing tools will help sell your home faster and for more money!

Define Planning Times - Establish a time with your agent to go over the marketing results within the first 15 days. Ask for all showings and feedback from other agents. Help the agent understand that any news is good news because it can help you make adjustments in your marketing plan.

If you follow these suggestions you’re sure to avoid the mistakes of the past. Make sure you’re dealing with a competent professional... making the right choice is worth thousands of dollars and a great sense of “peace of mind.”

We sincerely hope these tips and ideas are of value to you. If there is any way we can be of service please contact our office. We would consider it a privilege to serve you! If you would like a FREE consultation call our office at:

How Much Home Do I Qualify For?

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

How Much Home Do I Qualify For?

Income. Debt. Down Payment. Closing Costs. Two Years Income Tax Returns. Assets. Liabilities. IRAs. You want WHAT? Just what can I afford?

Buying a home in today’s marketplace is a bit intimidating. And your new home purchase is likely to be one of the most important decisions you’ve ever had to make. Usually it’s one of the single most valuable assets you’ll own.

Where to Start

Before you invest hundreds of hours searching and to avoid any heartbreak if you find yourself unable to qualify for your dream home sit down with a lender. Your lender can perform a simple verbal prequalfication in about twenty minutes and a full-fledged prequalfication in about 5 days.

Pre-qualification not only allows you to focus your search in the correct price range, saving a lot of wasted time and frustration but it can also give you an edge when competing with other offers on a home that you find. If a seller is deciding between two offers—yours who has been qualified and another unqualified offer, they are much more likely to pick yours. Pre-qualification will also give you leverage when negotiating with a seller in a non-competitive atmosphere… it essentially makes you a cash buyer.

The amount of home that you qualify for will be determined by three key factors: Your down payment, your ability to qualify for a mortgage, and closing costs.

The Down Payment

Whereas a current homeowner can rely on equity from their home sale, a first time homebuyer is limited to the money they can save. The days of having to put 20 percent down on a home are in the past. Although putting a large amount of money down definitely makes it easier to qualify for a mortgage and to get the lowest interest rates available. With the various programs that are available today, you can put as little as 3 percent down on a home.

Qualifying for the Mortgage

There are two basic guidelines that lenders use to determine what size mortgage you are eligible for:

1. Your monthly mortgage payment of principal, interest, taxes and insurance (PITI) should not exceed 25 to 28% of your monthly gross income.

2. Your monthly housing cost (PITI) plus other long- term debt should not exceed 33 to 38% of your monthly gross income.

Specifically, most lenders will consider 4 key factors to determine your ability to qualify for a home loan:

Income – This first element can include not only your gross monthly income and secondary income (commissions, bonuses) but also your history of employment, stability of income, education, even potential for future earnings.

Credit History -- This encompasses your history of debt repayment, total outstanding debt, highest balance, and your highest monthly debt balance.

Assets – Your assets consist of cash on hand, savings and checking accounts, CDs, stocks, bonds or any other type of liquid asset.

Property – The home you are planning to purchase will be appraised to determine the market value. The estimated value must be sufficient to secure the loan. Lenders will loan you no more than a certain percentage (usually 95%) of this value.

Closing Costs

Keep in mind that in addition to your down payment, you will also be responsible for paying fees for the loan and closing costs. These will be required at the time of closing unless you qualify and choose to have these included in your financing.

Ø Closing Costs generally will range between 2 percent and 6 percent of mortgage loan, depending on the loan and lender. You will be provided with a “Good Faith Estimate” of closing costs so you can know what to expect.

Ø “Points”, which are one time charges equal to one percent of your loan amount, may be required by your lender at closing.

Ø Your closing agent will charge a fee at the close of the sale.

We sincerely hope this information will help you gain a better understanding of the mortgage process. If we may be of any further service please contact our office. We would consider it a privilege to be of service to you! If you would like a free consultation call our office at 407-884-0921

Buyers Beware…

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

Buyers Beware… Making The Wrong Choice When Choosing Your Real Estate Agent Can Cost You Thousands of Dollars!!!

The Surprising Differences Between Employing An Exclusive Buyers Agent Versus A Traditional Agent…

Deciding to purchase a new home is a fun and usually joyous experience. However because the home represents the single most costly investment most of us make, this decision should also be very diligent and serious.

When purchasing a home, most buyers select a price range then focus entirely on amenities and location. Since we spend the vast majority of our daily lives at home, it certainly makes sense to purchase one that you find emotionally appealing. However, it’s these emotions that can also become your worst enemy, as they will blindly feed a psychological attitude of “I must have this home now” that may cause you to overlook or hurry your diligence.

So that your home purchase not only provides you with years of personal enjoyment but ensures that it is of sound construction, does not have a history of problems and is a reasonable investment you need to employ an exclusive buyers agent. An exclusive buyers agent will guide you through the purchase of your home and to act in your best interest.

Exclusive Buyer Representation

What most homebuyers don’t realize is that agents that represent buyers and sellers may be working under a conflict of interest. After all, the agent has a legal obligation to protect the seller’s interest. He must get the highest price possible for the seller. Where does that leave you… the buyer?

If an agent, or his agency, lists homes for sale he cannot be an exclusive buyers agent. And an exclusive buyers agent is the only agent that can guarantee 100% representation of a buyer’s interests.

So before you make your decision on who should represent you… get all the facts. Then make your own well-reasoned conclusions. The following are key responsibilities between exclusive buyers agents and traditional dual agents and also some important questions that you should ask before selecting your agent.

1) Representation

Exclusive buyers agents: Act solely on behalf of the buyer. Obligated to help you buy a home for the lowest possible price on the best terms.

Traditional dual agents: Legally bound to help their sellers to get their property sold at highest possible price.

2) Providing and interpreting market data

Exclusive buyers agents: Can provide a complete market analysis of every home you are interested in, interpreting all data for you.

Traditional dual agents: Can only provide the raw data, leaving it up to you, the buyer, to make sense of all the raw data.

3) Negotiation of Selling Price

Exclusive buyers agents: Will guide you through the entire negotiation and represent you throughout the negotiation process.

Traditional dual agents: Do not offer advice or guidance to assist during the negotiation. They simply are bound to convey each offer to their seller.

4) Confidentiality

Exclusive buyers agents: Must disclose any useful information known about the seller to you and keep any sensitive information concerning yourself confidential.

Traditional dual agents: Obligated to the seller to disclose anything known about you, the buyer, to their client in an effort to get the highest possible price for their home.

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Here are 8 key questions to ask of real estate agents vying for your business. These questions will help you paint a clearer picture not only of the representation but the kind of service you will receive from the agent.

· How long have you been a buyer’s agent?

· Do you, or the company you are with, take listings? Have you ever represented the buyer and the seller in the same transaction?

· What percent of your personal business and what percentage of your company’s business is representing buyers? Is the balance representing sellers?

· Will you try to sell me one of your listings before showing me properties from other real estate companies?

· Can I have at least three names and phone numbers of your most recent clients?

· Will there be a written contract?

We truly hope these tips will be of value to you in your search of a real estate agent. If we can be of any further service to you or if you would like a free consultation, please call our office at 407-884-0921. We would consider it a privilege to be of service to you!

Attention: For Sale By Owners!

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

Attention: For Sale By Owners!

Why People Are Afraid To Buy From You!

Many homeowners believe that to maximize their profit on a home sale they should sell it themselves. At first glance, they feel selling a home is simple and why should they pay a broker fees for something they could do themselves? In fact, close to 25% of all the homes sold last year were sold for sale by owner (FSBO).

However, close to half of the FSBO’s said that they would hire a professional next time they sold. Thirty percent said they were unhappy with the results they achieved by choosing FSBO. Why?

Many FSBO’s told us that the time, paperwork and everyday responsibilities involved were not worth the amount of money they saved in commissions. For others, the financial savings were even more disappointing. By the time they figured the amount of fees paid to outside consultants, inspectors, appraisers, title lawyers, escrow and loan officers, marketing, advertising... they would have been better off having paid the broker’s fee which would have included many of these charges up front.

Selling a home requires an intimate understanding of the real estate market. If the property is priced too high, it will sit and develop a reputation for being a problem property. If the property is priced too low, you will cost yourself serious money. Some FSBO’s discovered that the lost money as a result of poor decisions outweighed the commission.

Before you decide to sell FSBO, consider these questions and weigh the answers of assuming the responsibility versus employing a professional. A little time spent investigating up front will pay off tenfold in the end.

Questions To Consider:

Do I have the time, energy, know-how, and ability

to devote a full forced effort to sell my home?

One of the keys to selling your home efficiently and profitably is complete accessibility. Many homes have sat on the market much longer than necessary because the owner was unwilling or unavailable to show the property. Realize that a certain amount of hours each day is necessary to sell your home.

Am I prepared to deal with an onslaught of buyers who perceive FSBO’s

as targets for low balling?

One of the challenges of selling a home is screening unqualified prospects and dealing with lowballers. It often goes unnoticed... how much time, effort and expertise it requires to spot these people quickly. Settling for a lowball bid is usually worse than paying broker commissions.

Am I offering financing options to the buyer? Am I prepared to

answer questions about financing?

One of the keys to selling, whether it’s a home, a car... anything, is to have all the necessary information the prospective buyer needs and to offer them options. Think about the last time you purchased something of value, did you make a decision before you had all your ducks in a row? By offering financing options you give the home buyer the ability to work on their terms and open up the possibilities of selling your home quickly and more profitably. A professional real estate agent will have a complete team, from lenders to title reps for you to utilize...they’ll be at your disposal.

Do I fully understand the legal ramifications and necessary

steps required in selling a home?

Many home sales have been lost due to incomplete paperwork, lack of inspections or not meeting your states disclosure laws. Are you completely informed of all the steps necessary to sell real estate? If not, a professional would be a wise choice.

Do I have the capability of handling the legal contracts, agreements

and any disputes with buyers before or after the offer is presented?

Ask yourself if you are well versed in legalese and if you are prepared to handle disputes with buyers. To avoid any disputes it is wise to put all negotiations and agreements in writing. Many home sales have been lost due to misinterpretation of what was negotiated.

Have I contacted the necessary professionals... title, inspector (home and pest),

attorney, and escrow company?

Are you familiar with top inspectors and escrow companies? Don’t randomly select inspectors, attorneys, and title reps. Like any profession there are inadequate individuals who will slow, delay and possibly even cost you the transaction. If these questions raise some concerns you may want to speak with a professional. We sincerely hope these tips and ideas are of value to you. If there is any way we can be of service please contact our office. We would consider it a privilege to serve you! If you would like a FREE consultation call our office at: 407-884-0921

Why is All This Information Provided for..

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

This site was designed as a consumer service to help Buyers and Sellers make informed real estate decisions. We know that it is often difficult to get relevant information when you are looking to buy and sell a home.

In order to better educate and inform buyers and sellers, we have provided comprehensive information as a FREE No-Obligation Service. Many buyers and sellers who visit this site are so impressed with this service that they will contact us (or one of our sponsors) in order to assist them in the purchase or sale of their home.

We truly hope that you find these reports, information, tools and resources helpful and we look forward to helping you with your move.

You can become a VIP Buyer and Beat Othe..

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

How To Receive a Weekly Printout of ALL New Listings That Match Your Home Buying Criteria Mailed to You FREE of Charge Without Obligation

Here's how it works...

We mail you new listings (complete with pictures) of ALL MLS properties that match your home buying criteria.

So instead of having a realtor drag you from house to house wasting your time showing you many homes that don't interest you... Our exclusive Buyer Profile System allows you to pick which homes you want to view before other buyers even know about them. As a VIP buyer:

You get weekly updates of all new home listings that match your criteria FREE of charge. You get first pick of homes that interest you and the ability to beat other buyers to an offer.

Because you're there first, before most other buyers, we are able to negotiate the lowest possible price for you.

Most importantly your time isn't wasted viewing homes that don't interest you.

How To Get Your Agent to Work Twice as H..

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

Our Team of Professionals

The fact is, there isn't much more to the average agent than the agent themselves. Most agents operate a one-person show - and they're probably breaking their backs trying to do a good job for their clients. Most agents couldn't really work any harder than they're already working.

We know, because we used to do it this way.

But we don't anymore because we found that our client's suffered from our good intentions. The fact is, you may be sympathetic to the fact that your agent is working as hard as humanly possible, but if the quality and profitability of your home sale suffers as a result of them trying to do everything themselves . . . well,

. . .you have a right to feel cheated

The simple explanation is that we built a team of professionals to help us be in 10 places at once, and therefore greatly enhance the quality of service we can deliver to our clients. This is basically how other professionals like your banker or lawyer operate. And on top of this, we've used cutting edge technology to dramatically improve the speed, efficiency and innovative capabilities of every part of the service we deliver.

We don't expect you to care about the fine-details of the inner-workings of our office. What you should care about is simply this. Because of the highly unique way we've structured our real estate office . . .

Our client's homes sell for more money in less time!!

And because our Team sells a lot of homes, we have extensive negotiation experience that allows us to anticipate problems in advance, saving you the headaches and putting more money in your pocket

Surges Happen!

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

What's a surge?

The power you get from the wall outlet is known as "120 volts AC power." The power companies try to keep that voltage uniform. Lightning, short-circuits, poles knocked down by cars, or some other accident can make the voltage jump to hundreds, even thousands of volts. This is what engineers call a "surge." A surge will last only a few millionths of one second (the "blink of an eye" is thousands of times longer than the typical surge). It is enough to destroy or to upset your appliances.

What can a surge do to your appliances?

Your appliances are designed to run on the normal 120 volts AC supply, with some tolerance for more or less, but they can be damaged, or their controls can be upset by surges. The result is then frustration and repair bills, and even a fire in rare cases.

Disturbances

Normal - This is the voltage that we all take for granted, every second of the minute, every minute of the hour, every hour of the day, every day of the year. But occasionally, for a short time...

The voltage falls below normal: a sag. Sags are unlikely to damage most appliances, but they can make a computer crash, confuse some digital clocks and cause VCRs to forget their settings.

The reverse of a sag is called a swell: a short duration increase in the line voltage. This disturbance might upset sensitive appliances, and damage them if it is a very large or very long swell.

Noise is a catch word sometimes used to describe very small and persistent disturbances. These do not have damaging effects but can be a nuisance.

There is, of course, the ultimate disturbance: an outage -no voltage at all!

These disturbances are different from surges, but they should be mentioned because the remedies are generally different. As we will see later, some available devices can help overcome both sensitive appliances in your home.

Your home contains all sorts, types or kinds of appliances. These not only include the traditional household helpers, but also the entertainment electronics, the family's computer(s), smart telephones, control systems (thermostats, garage door, etc.), and all the new things to come.

More and more, traditional large appliances in your home depend on very sophisticated electronics for their control. This can often make them sensitive to surges (as well as power interruptions).

To help sort out which types of your appliances might be damaged or upset, you can describe them in general terms depending on their connections: power, telephone, cable, or antennas. Each of these connections offers a path for a surge to come in, something that might be overlooked when the cause of damage is explained as a "power surge."

The first type includes electronics that are connected only to the power, such as a computer with no modem, a TV set with rabbit ears, a VCR not connected to cable TV, a table-top radio, a microwave oven, etc. Surge protection of these is not particularly difficult, and quite otten it is already built-in by the manufacturer.

The second type, for which more protection might be needed, includes electronics that are powered, of course, from your power receptacles but also connected to an external communications system: telephone, cable TV, satellite receiver. A slightly different but similar situation, which also needs attention, is that of appliances connected to a household control system such as garage door opener, intrusion or fire alarm, automatic sprinklers, or intercom.

We will see later why the two kinds of appliances face different risks of being damaged and consequently might require different protection methods.

Where do surges come from?

There are two origins for the surges that occur in your power system: lightning surges and switching surges.

Lightning surges, occur when a lightning bolt strikes between a cloud and objects on earth. The effect can be direct -injection of the lightning current into the object, or indirect -inducing a voltage into electrical circuits.

We will look at ways of protecting your appliances against lightning surges that come by way of the wires -power, telephone, cable, etc. Protection of the house against the direct effects of lightning is done by properly grounded lightning rods. Note also that lightning rods are intended to protect the structure of the house and avoid fires. They do not prevent surges from happening in the wiring.

Direct lightning effects are limited to the object being struck and its surroundings, so that the occurrence is considered rare but it is nearly always deadly for persons or for trees. Well-protected electrical systems can survive a direct strike, perhaps with some momentary disturbances from which they recover (blinking lights and computers restarting during a lightning storm). The key word, of course, is "well-protected" and this infomration will help ensure your home has a well- protected electrical system.

Indirect lightning effects are less dramatic than from a direct strike, but they reach further out, either by radiating around the strike, or by propagating along power lines, telephone system and cable TV. From the point of view of the home dweller, unwanted opening of the garage door, or a surge coming from the power company during a lightning storm, would be seen as indirect effects.

Switching surges occur when electrical loads are turned on or off within your home, as well as by the normal operations of the power company. An analogy often given is the "water hammer" that can occur in your piping if a faucet is turned off too quickly: the electric current flowing in the wires tries to flow for a short time after the switch has been opened, producing a surge in the wiring, just like the surge of pressure in the piping.

How often, how far, how severe?

So, surges can and do happen!

These questions -how often do surges occur, how far do they travel before hitting your appliances, how severe are they - must be answered, as well as possible, so that you can proceed to the next step of taking calculated risks or making a reasonable investment by purchasing some additional protection. There are several ways of getting surge protection, from the simple purchase of a plug-in device from an electronic store, to the installation of protective devices for the whole house, to be done by an electrician or the power company.

How often?

You are probably best placed to answer that question if you have lived in your neighborhood for several years. Lightning is random but can strike more than one time at the same place. There are now sophisticated means to record the occurrence of individual lightning strikes; electric utilities and businesses seek the data to make decisions on the risks and needs for investing in protection schemes. The reason for mentioning "several years in your neighborhood" is that the frequency of lightning strikes varies over the years and the section of the country where you live.

How far, how severe?

The answers to these two questions are linked: a nearby lightning strike has more severe consequences than an equal strike occurring farther away. There is also a wide range in the severity of the strike itself, with the very severe or very mild being rare, the majority being in mid-range (a current of about 20,000 amperes for a short time) -but still much shorter than the blink of an eye.

Calculated risk or insurance?

The trade off:

A large stack of dollar bills and some change to replace your unprotected computer, if and when a lightning or some other surge destroyed it ...

... or use a small number of bills to purchase a "surge protector" for peace of mind and effective protection.

If you look at it from that point of view, the choice is probably easy and, most likely, you will be looking for one of those "surge protectors" -or some device with a similar name to do the same job, as explained next.

What's in a name?

When you walk in the computer store or electronic supply store, you might ask for something to protect your appliances against surges, but what to call it ? The devices that can protect against surges are called "surge-protective devices" by engineers, but that sounds too much like jargon to some people.

One name that seems to stick is "surge suppressor" with a variety of trademark names. The Underwriter's Laboratories chose to call them "Transient Voltage Surge Suppressor" and you might find that name or the TVSS acronym next to the listing on the product. Always make sure that the product has been tested by a product safety testing organization, such as UL, ETL, or CSA, as indicated by their labels, as shown here:

You cannot really suppress a surge altogether, nor "arrest" it (although your utility uses devices they call "surge arresters" to protect their systems). What these protective devices do is neither suppress nor arrest a surge, but simply divert it to ground, where it can do no harm.

Decisions, decisions

Surge protectors come in many shapes and forms for many purposes, not just the plug-in kind that you find in the electronic stores. There are several ways to install them on your power supply: plug and play, do-it-yourself, hire a licensed electrician to do it, or even call on your power company to do it. Here is a run down on your options, and who does it:

Purchase one or more plug-in surge protectors
Install a surge protector at the service entrance panel
Have the power company install a surge protector next to the meter

Plug-in surge protectors

This is the easiest solution, and there are a wide variety of brands available in the stores. These come in two forms: a box that plugs directly into a wall receptacle, or a strip with a power cord and multiple outlets. Depending on the appliance, you will look for a simple AC power plug-in, or a more complex combined protector for AC power and telephone or cable. However, before you purchase the right protector for the job, you should think about some details.

There is another decision to make, concerning how a surge protector will power your appliance if the protective element should fail under extreme cases of exposure to a large surge or large swell. Most surge protectors are provided internally with some kind of fuse that will disconnect in case of failure. However, this disconnect can operate in two different ways, depending on the design of the surge protector: some will completely cut-off the output power, others will disconnect the failed element but maintain the power output.

Quit and be protected or continue?

For you, it is a matter of choice: would you want to maintain the output power to your appliance -but with no more surge protection? Or would you rather maintain protection for sure -by having the circuit of the protector cut off the power supply to your appliance, if the protective function were to fail? To make an intelligent decision, you must know which of the two possibilities are designed into the surge protector that you will be looking for.

What are the lights telling you?

To help the consumer know what is going on inside the surge protector, many manufacturers provide some form of indication, generally by one or more pilot lights on the device. Unfortunately, these indications are not standardized, and the meaning might be confusing, between one, two - even three or four lights -where it is not always clear what their color means. Read the instructions!

More decisions ...

So far, we have looked mostly at the plug-in surge protectors because they are the easiest to install and they do not require the services of an electrician. The two other possible locations for surge protectors are the service panel (breaker panel) and the meter socket.

Service-panel surge protectors

Instead of using several plug-in protectors -one for each sensitive appliance is sometimes recommended -you can install a protector at the service panel of the house (also called "service entrance" or "breaker box"). The idea is that with one device, all appliances in the house can be protected, perhaps with a few plug-in protectors next to the most sensitive appliances. There are two types of devices available: incorporated in the panel, or outside the panel.

Some breaker panel manufacturers also offer a snap-in surge protector, taking the space of two breakers (assuming that there are blank spaces available on the panel), and easily installed by the home owner or by an electrician. However, there are two limitations or conditions to that approach:

The snap-in protectors generally fit only in a breaker panel from the same manufacturer -possibly down to the model or vintage of the panel.

To install the snap-in protector, you must remove the front panel (do turn off the main breaker before you do that i). Most cities have codes allowing the home owner to do it, under some conditions. Check with your local authorities to find out if they allow you to do that, or hire a licensed electrician to do the installation for you. There are other surge protectors packaged for wiring into the service panel, either within or next to the panel. That kind of installation is best left to a licensed electrician.

At the meter socket

There might be a possibility that the power-company in your area offers, as an option, to install a surge protector with a special adapter, fitting it between the meter and its socket (the dark band in the bubble of the picture). But that type of device and installation is out of the question as a do-it-yourself project, and will require cooperation from the power company, if they do offer the program.

Other types of outdoor surge protectors can be installed near the meter. That kind of installation must be done by a licensed electrician.

Check list

Before you decide which way you want to protect your appliances, there are other points to consider.

Where do you live?

This is an important question because the type of dwelling has some effect on how severe your surge problem might be. In a somewhat simplified way, consider three categories according to the arrangement of the utilities:

Detached house with power and telephone and/or cable TV drops at opposite ends of the house -the worst possible arrangement of all. But do not fret, there is a way of compensating, even after the fact, for this unfortunate situation, as we will see.
Detached house with all services (power, cable TV, phone) entering on the same side of the house.
Townhouse or apartment building with services entering the building at one point and fanned out to the different dwellings - about the same as the case of the detached house with all services on the same side.

What appliances are you using?

From the surge protection point of view, there are four kinds of appliances, with examples listed below by order of increasing sensitivity to surges, either because of their nature or because of their exposure:

Motor-driven and heating appliances
Washers (dish and clothes), food processors, power tools, heating and ventilation motors, pumps, etc.
Water heaters, space heaters, toasters, incandescent light bulbs
Free-standing electronic appliances
Computers without modem, table radios, TV sets with rabbit ears Compact fluorescent and modern tube-type fluorescent lamps
Communications-connected appliances
Computers with modem, TV with cable or satellite antenna Fax machines, telephone answering/recording machines
Signal systems
Intruder alarms, garage-door openers, sprinklers, intercom

Let's then take a quick look at each of these and see which might need some form of surge protection.

Motor-driven appliances and heating appliances

For each of these two categories, there can be two or more kinds, depending on the type of control used.

Mechanical control (ON-OFF switch, rotary control, etc.), no sophisticated key pad or other electronic control
Electronic control (programmable operation, key pad, display, etc.)

Appliances with mechanical controls are generally insensitive to surges and can be expected to withstand the typical surges that occur in a residence. Extreme cases, such as a direct lightning strike to the building, or one to the utility, very close, might cause damage.

Appliances with electronic controls can be more susceptible to damage than those with mechanical controls. Less traumatic but annoying can be upset memory in programmable appliances, although progress is being made in providing more built-in protection.

Another difference to be noted is that of appliances permanently connected, as opposed to those in intermittent use. The risk of a damaging surge happening at the time of intermittent use is much smaller than that of an appliance which is on all the time.

What kind of appliances?

Electronic appliances

Power companies sometimes include as bill-stuffers the suggestion to disconnect your appliances when a severe lightning storm is approaching. But that is no help if you are not in the house at that time. If, on the other hand, you are in the house, pulling out the power cord of an appliance that remains connected to a telephone line or cable TV might not be the best idea: you would lose the grounding of the appliance normally done by the power cord - possibly a safety problem should a surge come upon the telephone or cable TV.

This information should help you make the choices that fit your needs for surge protection. To make the right choice, it is useful to note that there are two types of electronic appliances. For each of these types, a different type of surge protector might be needed. These types include:

Simple, one link connection to power the system
Dual connection to both power and communications

One-link connections

Examples of one-link connection of powered electronic appliances include a TV set with "rabbit ears" antenna, a portable radio receiver, a computer with no modem connection or remote printer, a compact fluorescent lamp, etc. In the category of one-link connection we also find an old-fashioned telephone connected only to the telephone system.

Note that most of these have a two-prong plug, which is their sole connection to the power system. For the TV set, a simple" AC plug-in surge protector on the power cord would be sufficient. For just the Clamp, the cost of a surge protector " would be greater than the cost of simply replacing the lamp, if damaged by a surge -and therefore not be justified.

Two-link connections

This type of appliance is another matter. Typical of these would be a computer with a modem, a video system with cable or satellite link, a phone system directly powered from a receptacle (those with a large adapter plug and a thin cable with jack which goes to the appliance generally have sufficient internal isolation against surges).

The surge problem with this type of appliance is that a surge coming in from one of the two systems -power or communications -can damage the appliance, because of a difference in the voltage between the two systems when the surge occurs. This can happen even when there are surge protectors on each of the systems. Fortunately, you can find a special type of surge protector against the problem, as described next.

Equalizing differences

A simple solution to the problem of voltage differences for two-link appliances is to install a special surge protector that incorporates, in the same package, a combination of input/output connections for the two systems. Each link, power and communications, is fed through the protector which is then inserted between the wall receptacles and the input of the appliance to be protected. This type of surge protector is readily available in computer and electronics stores, and the electrical section of home building stores.

In addition to words on the package, it can be recognized by the presence of either a pair of telephone jacks or video coax connectors in addition to the power receptacles. Some models might have all three in the same package. Do note a few words of caution: (1) Read carefully the instructions or markings to find which is "in" and which is "out" for the telephone wires. It is important to note, before you buy the product, whether your wall receptacles are wired for three-prong power cords. Some of these combined protectors might not work very well if plugged into a 2-blade receptacle, using a "cheater" plug. (On some, an indicating light will signal that.)

Not just power-line surges

Among other disturbances on the power lines, there was a brief mention of sags and outages. You are certainly and unhappily well- acquainted with outages that can occur for any number of reasons beyond the control of your utility. Sags -a brief decrease of the line voltage -can be more subtle and do occur more often than the complete outage. You will notice these when the lights dim momentarily, digital clocks or VCR controls blink, or your computer shuts down then reboots -possibly losing some data.

Industrial and commercial users, health-care facilities and other critical systems have for many years used a device called "uninterruptible power supply" (UPS) that provides continuous power across a sag, or for the first portion of an extended outage (an independent local power generator set can then kick in).

The aggravation of consumers caused by sags and outages has created a mass-market for consumer applications, making them affordable when looked at as protection against these annoying (but not damaging) disturbances -and with built-in surge protection as a bonus in many cases. These consumer-type UPSs have a small battery which is sufficient to ride through any sag and short outages. Some models even include the software to make a computer shut down in an orderly sequence in case of a long outage.

Surges in other systems

So far, we have looked at surges on the power line alone, or on a combination of power and communications lines. Surges of a slightly different kind can also happen in parts of other electrical systems that do not directly involve a power line. Examples of these are: the antenna for a remote garage door opener, the sensor wiring for an intrusion alarm system, the video signal part of a satellite dish receiver. Surges in these systems are caused by nearby lightning strikes.

These other systems just mentioned have not been the subject of standards on surge protection as much as power and telephone systems. Furthermore, protective devices for these other systems are not as readily available to consumers. It is more difficult to offer well-defined guidance on surge protection for these systems. Applying preventive surge protection schemes to an existing system might be difficult when the sensitivity of such a system to surges is not known. When considering installation of a new system, it would be a good idea to ask specific questions on that subject before signing the contract.

Protection for other systems

Some codes or practices aimed at providing safety for persons, when they are correctly applied, can also provide some equipment protection.

For instance, the general practice of telephone companies is to provide a surge protector as part of their services at the point where the telephone line enters the house (in dense urban environments, the National Electrical Code allows an exception). This protector is known as the "Network Interface Device" (NID) and you will find it on the outside of your house.

Another example of code requirement is that of cable TV systems for which the National Electrical Code requires proper safety-oriented grounding practices. The problem, however, is that in some cases, the video equipment can still be damaged by voltage differences.

With the increasing popularity of small-dish satellite receivers, installation by the user as do-it-yourself has also increased. Typical instructions for installation show how to make the connections, for instance in the figure at right. What the figure does not show is the need to provide a combined protector for power, telephone, and cable.

A well pump installed outside the house presents a double challenge: protection the pump motor itself against surges, and protection the house wiring against surges that might enter the house by the line that powers the pump. The first protection is generally built-in for modern submersible pumps. The second protection should be provided by surge protector installed at the point where the power line to the pump leaves the house, using protectors similar to those applied at the power lin service entrance.

Intruder alarm systems using wires between sensors and their central control unit can be disturbed -and damaged in severe cases -by lightning striking close to the house. The wires necessary for this type of installation extend to all points of the house and act as an antenna system that collects energy from the field generated by the lightning strike, and protection should be included in the design of the system, rather than added later by the owner. Wireless systems are less sensitive than wired systems.

Sunday Tour of Homes

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

You Can View 6 Homes In One Afternoon!

The Sunday Tour of Homes is a quick and easy way to preview several homes in a couple of hours without any pressure or hassle.

The Sunday Tour of Homes is a great way to get an overview of what homes and features are available in your price range.

Here's how it works: Each Sunday, we conduct one or two tours of six homes each. The tours run between 1:00 and 3:15 pm, and you can meet us at any home on either tour. Feel free to drive by the homes before their scheduled tour times, but once the tour starts, don't be late for the one(s) you want to preview. There will lots of other buyers on the tour, and show times are exact.

Our Sunday Tour is Very Different Than a Traditional Open House

Traditional open houses are sometimes uncomfortable for both buyers and sellers because you've often got a hovering agent watching your every move. Most importantly, they're NOT very effective at selling homes either. In fact, according to industry statistics, less than 1% of homes are sold as a result of a traditional open house. That's why we don't do them.

In contrast, our well-organized and efficient Sunday Tours are much more convenient and productive for both buyers and sellers. We found that most buyers can determine within a very short time-frame whether or not they're interested in a home they've previewed.

If you see a home on the tour that you're interested in, a second private showing can easily be scheduled for you (often later in the same day). See you this Sunday!

Get Your Home Sold Fast and For Top Doll..

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

A new report has just been released which reveals 7 costly mistakes that most homeowners make when selling their home, and a 9 Step System that can help you sell your home fast and for the most amount of money.

This industry report shows clearly how the traditional ways of selling homes have become increasingly less and less effective in today's market. The fact of the matter is that fully three quarters of homesellers don't get what they want for their home and become disillusioned and - worse - financially disadvantaged when they put their home on the market.

As this report uncovers, most homesellers make 7 deadly mistakes that cost them literally thousands of dollars. The good news is that each and every one of these mistakes is entirely preventable.

In answer to this issue, industry insiders have prepared a FREE special report entitled "The 9 Step System to Get Your Home Sold Fast and For Top Dollar". This report clearly identifies potential trouble-spots, and lays out an easy-to-follow step-by-step system to help you get the most money for your home.

As the home-sales season goes in to high gear, you may feel extra pressure to sell your house in a hurry. Here are some ways to set a winning pace in the home-sale race.

Hire a top-notch sales agent. "You need a good agent, an agent who knows your neighborhood" says Julie Greenwood, co-owner of Greenwood King Properties, a Houston real estate agency.

Price it right. The No. 1 thing that will sell a house quickly is price. "That's the name of the game," says Tom Innes, president of Re/Max Commonwealth in Richmond, Va. "If you price it right, it will sell. If you price it wrong, it won't sell."

OK, so just how do you play the home-sale version of "The Price is Right"? That crackerjack agent you hired should have a good sense of what price will help sell your home sooner rather than later. As the owner, your objectivity is diminished, so give your agent free rein, within reason, to set the price. The broker will look at the average days a home in your neighborhood is on the market, how your home compares to others in the area and its condition.

Create an adjustable sales plan. Come up with a sales strategy, but make sure it's flexible. What's your initial asking price? How long will you insist on it before making a reduction? How much of a cut will you accept? What about after that? Having a plan in place will help you react quickly, according to Greenwood, and will move your home that much more quickly.

Clear out the clutter. "Get the clutter out of it," says Stephen Roulac, author of the forthcoming "360 Housing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them." It will make your home more inviting to buyers. "After you thought you got out the clutter, take out more. Get it spare, open and fresh."

Offer incentives. Incentives can help shorten the sales cycle, but be careful. Agents are divided on how much they help.

"I think it can be a fine line between wanting to sell a house quickly and having it look like it's a fire sale," Greenwood says. If prospective buyers get the idea that you're desperate to sell, they will try to get you to accept a bargain-basement price.

Roulac, however, believes that adding premiums can help speed a house sale. A popular incentive offered purchasers is closing-cost help. You also can encourage your sales agent: Offer a higher commission for a speedy sale or give your broker show tickets, a meal at a fine restaurant or some other perk if the property moves quickly.

Don't get distracted. What about those "cash for homes" ads you see on matchbook covers, billboards and late-night TV? Agents say houses sold this way are heavily discounted. You will sell your property quickly, but it will go cheap, probably at a price that really won't make you happy. "If it's too good of an offer to be true, it is too good of an offer," says Re/Max's Innes.

Ask for company help. If you're relocating because of a job change or company transfer, you may be eligible for home-sale help from your employer or a relocation company representing your employer. "Generally speaking, these buyouts are fair," says Todd Thornton, a real estate instructor, consultant and author of "Home Buying Without the BS."

"An appraiser would appraise the property, and the buyout would be for the suggested fair market value less a sales fee," he explains. "The company would then put the home on the market with a local real estate professional."

While that's a great deal for the home sellers, Thornton notes that many companies are scaling back on their relocation packages, so it may not be an option.

Rent it. If time runs out and you've got to get out of Dodge without selling your home, consider renting it. Just be sure to strike a deal with the renters so your home will be available for showing. For example, if a home such as yours normally rents for $1,000 a month, offer a discount (say $750) in exchange for the renters making the house accessible for showings to potential buyers.

The downside of renting a house that you're trying to sell is that its condition probably won't be as pristine as you or buyers would like. One way around this problem, says Innes, is to rent with an option to buy. "Let people move in six months and pay rent and then close," he says.

You Could Sell Your Home for $3,000 to....

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 23:05:04 +0000

Consider the following facts:

Birth, death, marriage, divorce. Throw in new careers and lost jobs, and you've got the reasons most of us fail miserably at timing the real-estate market. We sell in soft markets and buy in hot ones because life drives the decision, the business cycle be damned. It's how you manage the deal that dictates whether you'll give up too much of your profit in a fire sale or forsake future profit by paying too much in a seller's market.

Housing markets continue to defy the lackluster economy. Sure, there are soft spots -- generally luxury homes over $1 million and midpriced houses wherever layoffs have been heavy. But the very woes of the broader economy invigorate home sales by continuing to hold down mortgage-interest rates. Thirty-year fixed rates have been in the 6% range for months. That's how much a mortgage cost back when a Hershey bar cost a nickel.

"It's not just that interest rates are low," says Lawrence Yun, senior economist at the National Association of Realtors, "but that they have been low for such an extended period of time." The low-rate climate has encouraged first-time buyers to take the plunge.

Eventually, gangbuster home sales have to take a breather. But don't expect that until after spring, the peak season for buying and selling houses, turns into summer. Before long, rates are expected to start creeping back up to 7%, tapping the brakes on sales.

FACT: Our homes average over $3,000.00 more

FACT: Your home will receive more exposure (We outspend all area reps to market our homes)

FACT: We are working with over 300 qualified buyers at any given time

FACT: We sell more homes in the region than entire companies that have dozens of real estate agents working for them

FACT: Nobody sells more homes in our area

For Example: If your home had a list price of $200,000 and we were to sell it for 2.01% more, the extra money you would receive would be $4,020.00 Right in your pocket!

No matter how healthy the national outlook, what matters to you is how easy it is to buy or sell in your neighborhood. Sellers' markets and buyers' markets remain neighborhood-by-neighborhood phenomena. Clearly, some layoff-plagued markets have left the party early. Take Atlanta, where there are simply too many new and nearly-new homes, or pink-slip-littered tech capitals, such as Austin, Texas; San Jose, Calif.; and much of Colorado.

Yet houses are being snapped up in the New York City suburbs, most of California, and everywhere in and around the nation's capital. Buying at a reasonable price in those markets remains more difficult than winning the heart of a TV bachelor.

Hot tips
In a scorching market, you need cash -- and sharp elbows -- to get in the door of the house you covet. You need to find houses before they hit the multiple listing service, a computerized inventory of all homes marketed through local brokers.

The Walton family got its hot tip from the bus-stop chatter of sixth-grade girls. The family of five was squeezed living in a 1½-bath house in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C. They considered adding rooms -- or moving out of their beloved neighborhood -- until their daughter, Bailey, passed along a tip from her girlfriend, Madison. The owner of the large house next door to Madison had recently died, and his family was planning to sell.

The Waltons spent a weekend shopping open houses, trying to determine what might be a compelling bid. When a Dumpster arrived in the driveway of the house -- signaling that the family was cleaning it out before putting it on the market -- the Waltons' buyer's broker approached the owners with an offer of $620,000. "We had a contract within the next 24 hours," says Patti Walton, Bailey's mother. The house never hit the multiple listings.

If you can't plug in to the sixth-grade grapevine, at least hire a buyer's broker who can hear the distant rumbling of a house that's about to go on sale. A buyer's best bet is to work with the agent who sells the most houses in the neighborhood. Top sellers get a heads-up because they're usually invited to make a listing presentation to bid for the seller's business. Even if the seller lists with someone else, the agent has already enjoyed a thorough look around and researched tax records and recent sales prices. He or she can get you in the door the minute it hits the market.

Natasha Motev, an agent with GMAC Koenig & Strey Real Estate, specializes in Chicago's fashionable Lincoln Park neighborhood. She relies on such listing presentations -- and her contacts with other brokers -- to keep tabs on what's about to come on the market. Single-family homes in the $1.2 million to $1.8 million range are the hottest sellers. "They're very hard to come by," says Motev. "The minute one comes on the market, it's snapped up."

She combs the listing several times a day to find anything new, but says word of mouth is a better source of intelligence. "Sometimes these places don't even come on the market," she says, "you just hear about them." If you're in a seller's market, a buyer's broker can add an invaluable set of ears.

Even as your agent beats the bushes, be on the lookout yourself. Drive, walk or bicycle through targeted neighborhoods frequently, and keep an eye out for telltale signs that a house is about to go on the market: a surge of landscaping work; new paint, especially around the front door or porch; shiny, new brass street numbers; yard sales thrown by owners trying to de-junk. Don't be shy: Ask the neighbors if they know anyone planning to sell.

Keep an eye out for FSBOs -- houses "for sale by owner." Some buyer's brokers don't always pass along info about FSBOs; they'd rather share the work of closing the deal with a seller's agent. But there's nothing stopping you from subscribing to a FSBO scouting service that's normally marketed to agents. For $39 a month, you can sign up for Warnock's By Owner service, which combs through newspaper classifieds, FSBO Web sites and other sources to find names, addresses and phone numbers of people selling without an agent. The service will e-mail or fax new leads to you as they come up, or you can search the database by zip code. For information on Warnock’s, click on the link at left or phone 801-298-4373.

Winning the right house
Be prepared to move quickly when you find the house you want. Joanne Davidow, a broker with Prudential Fox & Roach who specializes in Philadelphia's posh Center City neighborhoods, offers these tips on winning the house:

Decide how badly you want a specific house before you make a bid. "I ask buyers how they would feel if they lost it by $5,000, by $10,000, or even by $15,000, depending on their price range," says Davidow. Knowing your top dollar lets you swoop in with your best offer -- or let it go without remorse.

Make the offer clean. Get pre-approved for a mortgage, so you can forgo a financing contingency in the contract.

Insist that the appraisal support your price, or the deal is off. "That's your protection with a cash offer," says Davidow.

Demand a home-inspection contingency. But promise to get the inspector in quickly -- within the week.

Put up plenty of earnest money. In Davidow's market, that's 10% of the price. "That gives sellers confidence that the deal will go through," she says.

Move fast. Make your offer within 24 hours of seeing the house. And should you see a price reduction, jump on it.

Cool tricks
If your area has experienced more than its share of layoffs or new-home builders have saturated the market, you could find yourself needing to sell when folks just ain't buying. The key: Give 'em a deal. If you're forced to take the bitter medicine of a bargain price, swallow fast. Not only will you put the nasty experience behind you faster, usually you'll lose less money than if you drag things out.

Zan Pensack-Rinehart, a tax accountant in Loveland, Colo., doesn't shy away from numbers that bear bad news. But it's taken almost two years to unload his old home after he and his wife, Kathy, and their four children moved to a grander house down the street. A ready supply of attractive new homes is a major reason the family had trouble unloading their 20-year-old ranch-style house.

The couple put it on the market for $228,000 in March 2001, when their new place was completed. "It just sat," says Pensack-Rinehart. "There were hardly any showings -- nothing." After two months, they caved and put the house up for rent. But they wanted to be landlords only temporarily. The accountant knew he had three years to sell and still qualify for tax-free profit. (You must live in a house for two of the five years before the sale to get the tax break.) Meanwhile, the market softened.

They put the house back on the market in November 2002, this time at $199,900, 12% lower than their first try. Right out of the gate, it drew a lowball offer (just $178,000). "It was difficult to receive that low an offer," says Pensack-Rinehart. But within a month came two simultaneous offers: one for full price, the other nearly so. They jumped on the full-price offer. "With the soft market, the house needed to be competitively priced," says Pensack-Rinehart. "It wasn't drastically underpriced by any means."

Hire the best
When selling in a cool market, your choice of an agent is as important as the price you set. You want somebody who is going to market the place, not some slacker who talks you into setting a low-ball price and then waits for a bargain hunter to trip over the house on the multiple listing service.

You'll find a record crop of agents to choose from. Thanks to layoffs in other industries -- and the lure of hot housing markets -- people are flocking to second careers in real estate. The National Association of Realtors added more than 40,000 members last year.

Of course, the last thing you need is to be a rookie's learning experience. If your market is sluggish, your best bet is to find someone who was in the business during the last downturn. That's a survivor who knows how to sell when others can't. Besides, you won't get a commission break when you work with a rookie. Most brokerage companies charge their usual 6% or 7% of the price whether the agent has been in the business two weeks or two decades.

Van Davis, president and CEO of Century 21 Real Estate, recommends that sellers interview several agents. "You're looking for one with expertise in your area. You want them to present a marketing program," he says.

Pin the agent down on specifics of that program. Despite the rise of Web sites, such as Realtor.com, and brokers' own sites, Davis says many sales still turn on old-fashioned techniques, such as classified ads in newspapers and local real estate magazines, open houses and yard signs (with a box full of detailed fliers for the drive-by crowd).

When markets slow, Davis says, these staples matter more than they do when things are sizzling. "In some markets over the past one or two years, agents were to some extent order takers," he notes. That's not good enough in a buyer's market -- or even in a balanced market in which neither buyer nor seller claims the upper hand.

Kevin Cook, who was the Pensack-Rineharts' agent, is president of the Cottage Realty in Berthoud, Colo., and was listed among the top 25 real estate salespeople nationwide by Realtor Magazine. He offers these tips on selling in a slow market:

Watch new-home builders' tactics. If they start offering incentives (say, free upgrades), the market is weakening. Your sale will soon feel the pinch.

Shop the market yourself to get a feel for prices. Ask your agent to show you a rundown of listings that are competing with your own.

Buy down the interest rate. It's a favorite builders' trick, but a mortgage lender can help you draw up financing scenarios designed to attract buyers. You can buy down the interest rate, for example, even when rates are at a 40-year low. Lowering the price by $1,000 reduces the monthly payment on a $150,000 loan by only about $6 a month, he notes. "That's not enough to count," says Cook. "But if you buy down the interest rate, the net gain to the buyer is greater." That same $1,000 could save a buyer nearly $45 a month if it's used to buy down the interest rate on a 3/1 hybrid loan (see the box on choosing a loan) by one-half percentage point in the first three years. "It truly is not a sales price that people are buying," Cook notes, "it is a payment."

Dress up the house. Agents call it staging: Haul out the oversize furniture, get rid of clutter, break out the touch-up paint, polish the glass, buff brass fixtures and eradicate smells. "Things you were willing to live with are not necessarily something you want a buyer to see," he says.

Check out your agent. Not only should you ask other sellers about their experiences, but you should also investigate an agent's reputation among his or her peers. If your agent has a reputation for taking just those listings that are attractive (or that "show well," in agent lingo) and are not overpriced, you'll get more attention from other agents. How do you find out how your agent is regarded by peers?

Pensack-Rinehart went out of town for an honest opinion. "The best thing we did was to ask my sister 40 miles away in Boulder to ask local agents who they would recommend in Loveland," says Pensack-Rinehart. "They suggested two outstanding agents."

Pensack-Rinehart interviewed both, listed with one, and the second brought in the buyer. "The interview gave the runner-up an inside chance to find a buyer," he says.