Jean Joh

How To Be A Great Real Estate Client
September 14, 2008 · · 1 Comment

“How can I be a great client to my real estate agent?” Okay, this is probably not on the top ten list of Frequently Asked Questions…probably not even the top one hundred…I’ll admit it – I have NEVER in my real estate career been asked this question by a client. I have invested countless hours into preparing to be the best agent I can be – reading books and articles, attending classes and seminars, keeping on top of the inventory in the area – but I have yet to see a book called, “Being a Great Real Estate Client for Dummies” or the like. And so, I thought it would be an interesting exercise to turn the tables and talk a little about what it takes to be the type of client that a real estate agent would love to work with.  Read more

Sophia Lin

Knock Knock is anyone Home? (I hope not)
September 10, 2008 · · Comment here

Should a Seller be present when a Buyer is previewing their home?  As an experienced Buyer’s and Seller’s agent, I understand both sides.  I believe it is in the best interest of both the Buyer and Seller for the Seller not to be present at a showing (unless in some understandable circumstances) I like to use the simple analogy of when one goes to the store to buy a pair of pants.  We look around for what we like, we see if we could afford it, and then we try it on (the most important part, if it doesn’t fit, we don’t want it).  Now when shopping for a house the part where we try it on is when we are previewing the home (the most important part) When Buyer’s are Read more

Dean Rizzi

Fannie, Freddie bailout: What it means for you.
September 9, 2008 · · 1 Comment

On Sunday morning the US government took over the ailing mortgage giants.  Below are what I believe are the Pros and Cons to this historic event.

Pros:

  • Interest rates immediately took a positive outlook to the news. The benefit to consumers is clear. Cheaper money makes homes more affordable and refinancing into a 30 year fixed a better option for those who qualify. Read more
Lee Ginsburg

Million Dollar Home Owners Have Other Choices
September 8, 2008 · · Comment here

Million Dollar Homeowners Have More Choices.

 

I was out to dinner the other night and both couples living in million dollar plus neighborhoods were speaking about homes in their area priced high but never sold.  Instead the sellers rented them for big bucks.

 

Million Dollar homes have not been severely affected by depreciating values.  Why??  You might ask.  They do not have to sell. That is why!!!  Quite a few people sell because they are relocating or are having trouble making the payments. Either way million dollar home owners often have the income or savings to maintain the payments even if they have to relocate.  They are in desirable areas and could demand rent that will make their mortgage payments. They might have family members whom can help them.  In 2007 these homes maintained and even increased in value.  This year they are certainly slowing down.  You know the Real Estate Mantra of Location, Location, Location.  These million dollar plus homes are valued that way because they have location, location, location and are always in demand.  Read more

Mark Hasha

Current Real Estate Trends Affecting Brokers and Agents
September 8, 2008 · · 1 Comment

I saw this really interesting list of current real estate trends on Wikipedia. The list is of the top 10 trends that are affecting the way real estate agents are doing business. I wanted to share it with you and over the next couple of weeks add my thoughts and comments on each trend.

The only annual report detailing real estate trends impacting the residential real estate brokerage business lists the following 10 trends as having the largest impact on residential real estate brokers and agents over the next 12 – 18 months.

Trend #1 – Growth of Social Media and Virtual Communities

Trend #2 – The Sub Prime Lending Collapse Driving Rise in Foreclosures

Trend #3 – The Importance of Information in Real Estate Business Read more