Real Estate Agents
Home Buying Without a Realtor
February 8, 2012 | 
Author
A realtor is an important part of the real estate investment process. However, one can still go through the process of homeownership without the professional assistance of a licensed realtor, but that is, if a potential buyer has sufficient knowledge of this kind of investment. In addition, the process of buying a home without any assistance from an agent will be more difficult. It will also take you longer time to find that perfect house. Getting into the process solo will require more time and effort so be prepared for that. Research and learning more about the process of buying a house is very essential for you to successfully get the house that you really like. Furthermore, you have to pay attention to every process and stage you will have to go through. Here are some guides to help you with the process even if you do not have a realtor.
1. Finding the perfect home for you
There are actually various ways for you to find homes and real estate properties that are currently for sale but one of the most effective ways is to start the search of, let us say, Anaheim real estate properties, through visiting online MLS. Nowadays, online listings are very popular strategy for real estate marketers. In this listings, you will find almost all the Anaheim Homes for Sale, complete with their descriptions and photos. You can also find homes for sale from newspapers’ classified ads section. Furthermore, you can directly go to neighborhood and visit homes with “for sale” signs.
2. The home inspection
You have to be very particular in the viewing and inspection process as there is no realtor to guide and help you during those times. When you make the initial walkthrough of the whole property, make sure to stay focus and do your best to look at and scrutinize all the essential areas of the house. Ask questions relevant to the property so you will be able to learn more information about it, which you can use when you make assessment about the house. You can identify if the house is fit for you if it satisfies all your conditions and requirements.
3. Purchase offer
Once you decide on the house that you will buy, you can then proceed to writing the purchase offer. Get a lawyer and let him or her review the offer you wrote before you pass it to the seller. Make sure to include contingencies in the purchase offer you will write.
4. Changes in the offer
The seller may or may not give you a counter-offer after he or she review the purchase offer you gave him or her. If you receive one, make sure to read it very carefully and let your lawyer also review it to check the changes the seller made to the contract. Sellers can change few things about your offer.
5. Financing
Immediately secure a home loan if you and the seller had already made your agreement regarding the sale of the house. The closing lawyer can fix the necessary work to make things all legal.
The Saga Of An Ideal Real Estate Agent
Article by David Riewe
Behind the success of a man is a woman, and behind the success of a real estate business is an ideal agent. Indeed, it’s the human resource that is considered to be the most important factor for real estate business to succeed.
Indeed, real estate can be a lucrative activity when managed properly by the right person. But what does it take to be an ideal real estate agent? Here’s how:
1. Have a solid track.
Most people who succeeds in life knows where they want to got, what they want to do, and the reasons behind it. And so, for a person to be a successful real estate agent, he or she must encompass this trait in order to succeed in the industry.
2. An ideal real estate agent knows who he or she is.
Skills, strategies, and marketing tools will all go to waste if the real estate agent does not have a solid assessment of his or her own personality.
Consequently, a successful real agent is honest in his or her endeavors especially those that involves transactions with a client. If, in the first place the real estate agent is not being true to himself or herself, then the real estate agent will most likely have difficulty in dealing with other people.
This all boils down to the fact that an achiever is a believer not of any other thing, but in himself.
3. Optimism.
A lot of people who succeeds in life are optimistic. This means that a person has always a positive outlook in life. An optimistic person believes that there is no such thing as failure. And an ideal real estate agent knows this too.
4. Motivation power.
An ideal real estate agent knows how to motivate or move people into action. It’s that unique power of every sales person to device a strategy that can motivate their clients to buy the product he or she is selling.
5. Awareness of the value of properties.
To become an ideal real estate agent, one should be aware of the ebb and flow of the cost of the properties. These should be taken into consideration with utmost care and skill.
6. They should not price.
To be an ideal real estate agent is to be considerate with their client’s purchasing capability. They should be sensitive enough to detect if the price of the real estate is reasonable enough to hit their market.
7. An ideal real estate agent does not engage into hard selling.
8. An ideal real estate agent knows how to make a pleasant showcase of the property.
Finding an Investor Friendly Realtor
One of the key people on your team is a good Realtor. Realtors can get you information on the market trends; get you access to the MLS; introduce you to important players in your markets and bring you deals before they are listed to the public (pocket deals). The problem is finding a Realtor that understands that investors are not the enemy let alone one that wants to work with investors.
Before you approach a bunch of Realtors, ask yourself what do Realtors need? Realtors make money when they list houses that sell and when then they bring buyers to the table. In other words, they only make money when something is sold. They don’t make money when an investor finds a seller or when an investor finds a buyer. Clearly there is no money made by giving information about the market to investors. Realtors also need word of mouth advertising.
Let’s look at ways you can help meet those needs. Do they have any houses they just cannot seem to sell? Do they have any “ugly houses” that aren’t moving? Can you introduce them to others and help them grow their network? Surely there is something you need to bring to the table before asking them to help you.
First, ask any local investors if they recommend a Realtor. If you hear the same name a couple of times, you will want to contact them. The MLS or local real estate company website (local to the area you are looking to invest) has all the homes listed and their listing agent. Often you will see Realtors listing similar type homes. Note the Realtors that list the types of properties you are interested in. Often you will see a few Realtors with a lot of listings. You can also ask your banker, insurance agent or other local contact for recommendations.
Now pick up the phone and start dialing. Keep a note pad and pen handy as you will want to take notes. Introduce yourself as an investor that is working with a network of investors to purchase whatever type of property you’re looking for. Or if you see a property they have listed that might be of interest, ask them about the property located at 123 XYZ St .Let them know you have no interest in wasting their time or yours. Let them know the type of property you invest in and your purchasing criteria. Ask them if they currently have a property listed that might meet your criteria. Also let them know that dual representation is not a problem with you and is actually preferred. This gives the Realtor both sides of the transaction and double the commission. Additionally, let them know that you have no intention of asking for a reduced commission as his/her hard work should be rewarded.
Be brief on the phone, no more than 3 -5 minutes. The Realtor that doesn’t know anything about his/her own listing should be crossed off the list. The Realtor that indicates they don’t know of anything matching your criteria, should be crossed of the list. Good possible contacts are ones that takes down your name and contact information. They should have a listing or know of a listing that might meet your criteria. They may not know of a property right now, but want to follow up with you. Watch how long, if ever, these contacts follow up with you. The good ones will have a list to you within 24 hours or less and they will follow up with you.
If you really want to become well known with the Realtors (and you do), then send a hand written post card thanking them for their time. Include your contact information and your desired property criteria. One hour of research online, one hour of phone calls, and one hour writing post cards and you should have a list of 2 – 3 solid Realtor contacts that will work with you.
Chula Vista Realtor: How Can He Help You?
Article by Dean
The process of buying or selling a property cannot be completed in a single day, and it is not an easy process, thus the need for a Chula Vista realtor. A realtor would be a great help, however, it is also important to choose the right one. This is to ensure that he will help you, and will not only run after your money.
First thing, when is a person called a realtor? Many people think that an agent and a realtor are the same. However, these two persons are entirely different from each other. A realtor is someone who is a member of the National Association of Realtors. Being a member, he should abide by a written Code of Ethics. On the other hand, this code of ethics is not being implemented for a real estate agent.
Now, since you already know what a realtor is, it is now time to know the qualities that Chula Vista realtors should have. They are as follows.
Access to Marketing Tools
It is true that you can post your ad in your local newspaper; however, with the help of a realtor, your ad can go miles farther. The Chula Vista realtor has an access to different avenues wherein he can help you in pricing and marketing your home. Pricing and marketing your home are very important in order for you to attract potential buyers.If you will under price your home, it can be that you will be losing thousands of money. You will never get the original price of your home. Meanwhile, if you will over price your home, there is a tendency that fewer buyers will be interested with it. Remember, price goes along with quality, and if buyers will see that the house is not worth its price, they will not be interested in it.
When it comes to the exposure of your home, the realtor can do the job for you. A realtor has access to local multi-listing service (MLS) and other local listings. With the help of the MLS service, your home can be featured on many different websites. Thus, your home will receive maximum exposure that is not only limited to your area.
Negotiating Abilities
There is a lot of negotiation to be done when selling or buying a property. Now, it is not only you who will negotiate with the other party, but the Chula Vista realtor as well. He will also negotiate on your part. He will negotiate with important things so that you will stay on top of the game. Among these important things are the financing, pricing, inspecting, title issues, repairing, fixtures as well as human emotions.
Motivation
The job of the realtor is not easy. He will do the negotiation, as well as the pricing and marketing of your home. But despite of these, he does not receive payment easily. In order for him to get paid, he has to do his best in order for the home to be sold, as this is the only way that he will get money. This reality should be the motivation of a realtor so that he will do his job well.
These are the things that the realtor can help you with. Thus, when you are planning to sell your home in Chula Vista, you should consider hiring a Chula Vista realtor.
Reasons to work with a Calgary Realtor
Article by Catherine McDonald
Are you thinking of your next Calgary move?
The REALTOR ® logo indicates a trained, licenced real estate professional who is a member of organized real estate. A Calgary REALTOR® abides by a Code of Ethics in everything they do as they work towards one goal: client satisfaction.
Only a Calgary REALTOR ® can list real estate in the Multiple Listing Service®. The MLS® logo confirms the Calgary REALTOR ® is the source of quality, cooperative and comprehensive real estate information and services.
A REALTOR ® provides much more than the resources of MLS®. As your agent, a REALTOR ® owes you the duties of utmost care, integrity, confidentiality and loyalty. Whether you are a buyer or seller, you should make sure you discuss “Agency” with your REALTOR®, and the specific services to be provided. A REALTOR ® must disclose who they represent in any real estate transaction. A REALTOR ® may represent you as a buyer or as a seller, or they may also represent both buyer and seller in the same transaction.
Buyers
If you’re buying, a REALTOR ® has a variety of services and resources to help you find the property you want. Buyer representation services can include a needs assessment, a search for the right property, and negotiation of the best price and terms. A REALTOR ® working as your Buyer Agent can also provide local market or neighbourhood information to be considered in your search, and can provide objective information about each property. A REALTOR® can help determine your buying power, then negotiate with a seller. A REALTOR ® can guide you through the closing process, and make sure everything goes smoothly. To take full advantage of the professional services a REALTOR® provides to buyers, you may be asked to sign a Buyer Agent Agreement.
Sellers
If you’re selling, your REALTOR ® can provide a range of marketing and selling services to help you sell your property as quickly as possible, at the best price possible. A REALTOR® can provide up-to-date information about market conditions, pricing, and similar properties. A REALTOR ® will know when, where and how to market your property to other REALTORS ® and the public. The marketing services may include property staging, an Open House or internet postings. Your REALTOR ® will help you determine how to handle “showings”, or visits to your property, and will help you objectively evaluate every proposal from a buyer. To take full advantage of the professional services a REALTOR ® has to offer, ask for a complete presentation from the REALTOR ® you’re considering working with.
Make the right choice – work with a REALTOR ®.
Finding Realtors -Guide On How To
Article by Martin Sejas
Finding Realtors could be quite the daunting task! This is especially true if you find yourself doing this for the first time. Knowing where to begin and what to look for in a realtor would be essential and in this article I intend to provide you with those things and a little more.
What reason or reasons would there be for anyone to look for a realtor in the first place when he or she could buy or sell a property on his or her own? First of all, a realtor would have access to much more information and listings than you would. You would not have the time to keep yourself updated and well-informed on the real estate market, unlike realtors who make it a point that they do. What the realtors know allows for them to make better-informed decisions and that would mean better deals for you! Other than them being updated on the real estate market, realtors would save you a lot of time. They would be there to represent you when you have someone interested in purchasing your property or if you intend to have a property checked. They will offer you counsel backed with experience and knowledge they have acquired through their profession as a realtor. If you have any questions or need to be represented, they will be there for you. Also, they are much more aware of factors would affect your property’s value and would have a better skill at estimating values of properties than you would. If you are a buyer, you will not have to worry about your representative’s fees since it would be the seller that would pay for that. So make the most out of this and start Finding Realtors who could potentially represent you!
Anyway, when wanting to find the most fitting realtor for you, you would first need to prepare a list of what characteristics you would want in your realtor and list them according to priority just so you could be somewhat flexible in your searching for a realtor.
If it is your first-time to hire a realtor, you might want to go for someone who would be patient with you or actually enjoys representing first-time buyers or sellers of real estate property. You would, of course, need to be able to feel comfortable with this realtor who you would entrust a major decision to. Buying or selling a house or property is no joke! An experienced, professional and well-informed realtor is what you would need to find. You should also pick one whose area of expertise is in line with the properties you are looking into or are selling. When Finding Realtors, you have to be aware that realtors have specializations. One realtor might specialize in dealing with residential properties, while another would specialize in commercial properties. I hope the information you will find in this reading would be of much help in your Finding Realtors!
Atlantic International Partnership Funding Group:cash Buyers And Qualified Investors Prop Home Sales
Existing Home Sales report on the number of completed real estate sales transactions on single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops. The methodology in calculating existing-home sales statistics is really quite simple. Each month the National Association of Realtor® receives data on existing-home sales from local associations/boards and multiple listing services (MLS) nationwide. The monthly EHS economic indicator is based on a representative sample of 160 Boards/MLSs. NAR captures 30-40% of all existing-home sale transactions with its monthly survey.
AIFG has established a unique and innovative concept in the mortgage industry (PARTNERSHIP SERVICING) that is ideally suited to a challenging economy and real estate market. If you don’t know about our concept, then here’s an opportunity to learn more.
HERE is the methodology for the data collection
Excerpts from the January Release…
The uptrend in existing-home sales continues, with January sales rising for the third consecutive month with a pace that is now above year-ago levels, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.
Existing-home sales, which are completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, increased 2.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.36 million in January from a downwardly revised 5.22 million in December, and are 5.3 percent above the 5.09 million level in January 2010. This is the first time in seven months that sales activity was higher than a year earlier.
Single-family home sales rose 2.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.69 million in January from 4.58 million in December, and are 4.9 percent higher than the 4.47 million level in January 2010. Existing condominium and co-op sales increased 4.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 670,000 in January from 640,000 in December, and are 7.9 percent above the 621,000-unit pace one year ago.
Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the improvement is good but could be better. “The uptrend in home sales is consistent with improvements in the economy and jobs, which are helping boost consumer confidence,” Yun said. “The extremely favorable housing affordability conditions are a big factor, but buyers have been constrained by unnecessarily tight credit. As a result, there are abnormally high levels of all-cash purchases, along with rising investor activity.”
Regionally, existing-home sales in the Northeast fell 4.6 percent to an annual pace of 830,000 in January from a spike in December and are 1.2 percent below January 2010. Existing-home sales in the Midwest rose 1.8 percent in January to a level of 1.14 million and are 3.6 percent above a year ago. In the South, existing-home sales increased 3.6 percent to an annual pace of 2.02 million in January and are 8.0 percent higher than January 2010. Existing-home sales in the West rose 7.9 percent to an annual level of 1.37 million in January and are 7.0 percent above January 2010.
The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $ 158,800 in January, down 3.7 percent from January 2010. The median existing single-family home price was $ 159,400 in January, down 2.7 percent from a year ago. The median existing condo price was $ 154,900 in January, which is 10.2 percent below January 2010.
The median price in the Northeast was $ 236,500, which is 4.0 percent below a year ago. The median price in the Midwest was $ 126,300, which is 3.2 percent below January 2010. The median price in the South was $ 136,600, down 2.1 percent from a year ago. The median price in the West was $ 193,200, down 5.7 percent from a year ago.
NAR President Ron Phipps, broker-president of Phipps Realty in Warwick, R.I., said the median price is being dampened by unusual market factors. “Unprecedented levels of all-cash purchases, primarily of distressed homes sold at deep discounts, undoubtedly pulls the median price downward,” Phipps said. “Given the levels of inventory we see today, we believe that traditional homes in good condition have held their value.”
A parallel NAR practitioner survey shows first-time buyers purchased 29 percent of homes in January, down from 33 percent in December and 40 percent in January 2010 when an extended tax credit was in place. Investors accounted for 23 percent of purchases in January, up from 20 percent in December and 17 percent in January 2010; the balance of sales were to repeat buyers.
Distressed homes edged up to a 37 percent market share in January from 36 percent in December; it was 38 percent in January 2010.
All-cash sales rose to 32 percent in January from 29 percent in December and 26 percent in January 2010. All-cash purchases are at the highest level since NAR started measuring these purchases monthly in October 2008, when they accounted for 15 percent of the market. The average of all-cash deals was 20 percent in 2009, rising to 28 percent last year.
“Increases in all-cash transactions, the investor market share and distressed home sales all go hand-in-hand. With tight credit standards, it’s not surprising to see so much activity where cash is king and investors are taking advantage of conditions to purchase undervalued homes,” Yun said.
MND COMMENT: Even if it’s cash buyers and investors, we gotta start somewhere! I live in D.C….this market is recovering well mostly thanks to BRAC and a stable job market. El Paso, Texas is another example of a city recovering faster than others because of military base realignments. There is value out there…just gotta find it.
Providing Service to the mortgage Industry since 2001, AIFG is comprised of a talented group of mortgage professionals with a unique blend of both wholesale and retail mortgage banking experience. Our platform is founded on the belief that three basic principles, divers products, competitive price and exceptional service leads to sustained, long term growth and success. Our first and foremost priority is to serve the needs of our community of partners and friends in the territories of which we operate.
AIFG, a Florida Based, Multi State Licensed Mortgage Banker, has been providing partnership services to the mortgage and real estate industry since 2001. At AIFG we are all about PARTNERSHIP not product which is truly a unique approach to the mortgage industry. Here’s why:
Our mortgage professionals take a wholly different approach to doing business. We are unconventional, but in a good way. AIFG is committed to your success, we will stand behind you. We will promote you within our unique personalized partnership service package approach to doing business.
Posted in Real Estate Agents | 
Tags: Atlantic, Buyers, Funding, Groupcash, Home, International, Investors, Partnership, Prop, Qualified, Sales | 
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Benefits Of Hiring A Real Estate Agent
Article by James Gunaseelan
Are you contemplating hiring a real estate agent? If so, the pros and cons of doing so are probably weighing on your mind. The fact of the matter is that there are benefits of having an agent on your side, but at the same time there are drawbacks that you may also want to concern yourself with.
With so many real estate options, it is crucial to employ the best. Each of our real estate agents have a proven track record when it comes to home buying, home selling and the world of real estate. In the ever competitive world of real estate agents and the burgeoning climate realtors and home sales, local knowledge and professional acumen is what we offer to each and every client. With every burgeoning real estate market comes a high number of real estate agents. Knowing which of these realtors to select is may just seem like yet another decision in the home buying process, but it is also one of the most critical ones you will make. Real estate agents should have knowledge of their chosen region, proven track records in the competitive world of realty and a professional acumen.Showcasing homes is the business of realtors the world over but, as with any business, there will be those who consider it a passion to be the best real estate agent in the region. After making the decision to buy or indeed sell a home, selecting a real estate agent is next. Making that easier for you is what we want and what we know we can deliver.
So what is the biggest benefit of hiring a real estate agent? Before you can answer this question you need to consider if you are a buyer or seller. If you are buying a home, the biggest benefit of working with an agent is their experience. They not only have experience helping people to find properties in your area, but they also have experience with negotiating. Both of these things will help you to become much better qualified as a buyer.
On the other side of things, most sellers use a real estate agent. The reason for this is quite simple: this cuts back on a lot of the work that the seller will have to do on their own. When a seller works with an agent they have the ability to lean on them for everything that needs to get done. This includes finding potential buyers, marketing, open houses, negotiations, closing procedure, and much more. Selling a home by owner has its financial benefits, but it also means that you will be responsible for a lot more work. Most sellers decide that hiring a real estate agent is a much better choice.
There is no denying that some people feel that hiring a real estate agent is a dumb idea. In fact, it all depends on who you talk to. Some buyers like to do things on their own and the same holds true for some sellers. But guess what? You need to make the decision that is best for you; even if everybody around you has done differently. If you think that working with a real estate agent is the best option, you should do so.
Overall, the majority of people agree that buying or selling with a real estate agent on board is much less stressful. Do you agree with them?
Top Reasons to Higher a Realtor to Find Your DFW Home
Article by Lexi Davis
With more and more information bring readily available online, clients sometimes ask “Why should I hire a real estate agent? We can look for a home ourselves online” They wonder if they could buy or sell a DFW real estate on the internet or through regular, old school, marketing and advertising means without using a DFW Realtor. It’s possible, a very few do okay but most don’t. If you’ve wondered the same thing, here are good reasons why you should want to consider hiring a professional real estate agent.
1. Experience & EducationYou don’t need to know everything there is to know about buying and selling a DFW home if you hire a professional Dallas Realtor who does. The trick is to find the right Realtor. In most cases, the seller pays your Realtor for you. Why not hire a Realtor with more education and experience than you, than most other Realtors?
2. Agents are Your DefenseRealtors take much of the stress out of your property showings and visits. If you’re buying a new home, your Realtor will keep the builder’s agents at bay, preventing them from over aggressive sales tactics. If you’re a seller, your Realtor will filter all the phone calls that lead to nowhere and try to induce serious buyers to write an offer. If you are buying Dallas foreclosures your Realtor will act as you liaison between you and the bank.
3. Community KnowledgeRealtors possess intimate knowledge about your community. They can identify comparable sales and provide this information to you, in addition to pointing you in the direction where you can find more data on schools, crime or demographics. You may know that a home down the street was on the market for $ 235,000, but an agent will know it had upgrades and sold at $ 217,500 after 57 days on the market.
4. Value GuidanceContrary to what many people believe, Realtors do not set the listing prices for sellers or buyers. A Realtor, however, will help to advise clients to make wise decisions. If a listing is at 6%, for example, a Realtor has 6% vested in the sale, but the client has a 94% interest. Selling agents will ask buyers to weigh all the data supplied to them and to choose the listing price. Then based on market supply and demand and the conditions and upgrades, the agent will devise a negotiation strategy.
5. Market Conditions Realtors can determine market conditions, which will dictate your selling or buying process. There are many factors that determine how you should proceed. Data such as the average price per square foot of similar homes, median and average sales prices, average days on market (DOM) and ratios of list-to-sold prices, among other criteria. These things will have a huge impact on how you ultimately decide to proceed.
6. Professional NetworkingRealtors network with other real estate professionals, many of whom provide services that you will need to buy or sell. Due to legal liability, many Realtors will not directly recommend a certain individual or company, but they do know which service companies have a good reputation for efficiency, competency and competitive pricing. Realtors many times, however, provide you a list of vendors with whom they have confidence in.
7. Negotiation SkillsHigh producing Realtors negotiate effectively because, unlike most buyers and sellers, they can remove themselves from the emotional aspects of the transaction. Because they are skilled it’s part of their job. They are professionals who are trained to represent their client’s as best as possible and hold client information confidential.
8. Handling PaperworkToday’s contract packages run 20 pages or more. Most real estate files average thicknesses of one to three inches of paper. One little error or omission could land you in court or in or cost you thousands of dollars.
http://www.viprealtyplatinum.com
Kitchen Islands Butcher Block – 5 Ways They Help Enhance Your Kitchen
As a REALTOR it is my experience, that homes with kitchen Islands butcher blocks, always move the home up the buying list of possible purchases, being considered by my clients.
I have never heard “Oh no there is an island in the kitchen”. I have heard “Oh Great, I like that” “This Island is too small”, “I would have put the island here”, “Can I put a larger top on this island?”, “Can I put a cook top in this island?”, “This island is awesome”. Get the point?
The range of available Kitchen Islands is as varied as your imagination. Styles are available that accommodate cook tops, down draft, cook tops, slide in, ranges, sinks, multiple sinks, ovens, and counter tops for bar style eating. They are available in all styles, and colors, and serve several functions in your home. They enhance the beauty and appeal of your kitchen 5 ways.
1. In your kitchen they immediately expand usable counter space.
2. They create proximity to counter space from all points in the kitchen, from the sink to the refrigerator, etc.
3. Kitchen islands butcher blocks contribute a cozy feel to your kitchen, and movable islands provide the option to reconfigure your kitchen and create a more defined eat in space, especially if the separation is not clear.
4. They provide eye pleasing and interesting artistic lines to otherwise rectangularly symmetrical kitchen space
5. They offer the opportunity to expand the utility of your kitchen. Have you always wanted and extra oven? Need additional storage space?
If you are looking for an interesting change in your kitchen, to enhance utility, provide market enhancement, and appeal for your home, many exciting options are there for your exploration. You are only limited by your imagination.