Amy's Blog

AVOID FORECLOSURE.... Consider a Short Sale

Amy Testa (Auburn Sherlock Homes Real Estate, Inc.) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:26:45 -0500

Attention Homeowners if you have been served with foreclosure papers please consult your own attorney as soon as possible.

In most cases the bank and the attorney will both recommend that you try to sell your home as soon as possible by using a short sale.

What is a short sale? A short sale is when you are allowed to sell your house for less than what you owe the bank. Example: You owe the bank $100,000 for your house. You have an offer on your house for $85,000.00. The bank allows you to sell your house for $85,000.00 taking a $15,000 loss.

Why does the bank allow this? The Foreclosure process is a very expensive and drawn out process for the bank. The can usually recover more with a short sale rather than foreclosing and auctioning off the house.

How do I do a Short Sale? First and foremost the clock is ticking. You need to act quickly in order to get an offer to purchase on your property before the property gets auctioned. Your first step is to call a Real Estate Agent familiar with short sales. You then need to devise with the agent a marketing and pricing strategy that will get you a quick offer on your house. This is not the time to hold out for all you can get. You won't make money with a short sale but you will not have a foreclosure affixed to your credit report which will make it difficult to rebuild your credit and purchase future property.

I know that the prospect of foreclosure is very scary and can get very emotional. But by doing a short sale you can save your credit and it will be easier to pick up the pieces and rebuild.

For more information or to meet with me confidentially please call me anytime at 315.515.8348.

Price Reduction 5879 Breed Road Camillus NY/ Owner VERY MOTIVATED

Amy Testa (Auburn Sherlock Homes Real Estate, Inc.) — Tue, 27 May 2008 13:25:11 -0500

5879 Breed Road

$479,900

5879 Breed Road, Camillus NY

Features:

3 bedrooms, 4 baths
Custom Built Colonial
Gourmet Kitchen with Granite Countertops and Chef Style Appliances
Professional Theatre Room
Breathtaking 3 Story Grand Mahogany Staircase
Gorgeous Hardwoods, 8 foot solid wood doors, fabric wall coverings, two gas fireplaces
www.5879BreedRd.com

Remarks:
This gorgeous 3 bedroom, 4 bath colonial was designed by architect Thomas Barrett. The quality of this home is evident in every material used throughout this one of a kind property.

The home features a 3 story grand mahogany staircase, a gourmet kitchen with professional grade appliances, a cozy library complete with a gas fireplace and a profesional theatre room.

As you walk through the property you will take notice of the 8 foot solid wood doors, the gleaming hardwoods, custom fabric wallcoverings and the upgraded lighting fixtures.

Above the garage you will find a cute and cozy apartment or office complete with a full bath and kitchenette.

This is the property you have been dreaming of. Don't miss out on this one of a kind opportunity!

Amy Testa
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

315.515.8348

View My Website

View My Other Listings

Auburn Sherlock Homes Real Estate, Inc.

123 Genesee Street
Auburn, NY 13021

315.253.8419

©2007Properties Online, LLC, Patent No. US 6,760,707. The above information including square footage is based on data received from the seller and/or from public sources. This information is deemed reliable but has not been independently verified and cannot be guaranteed. Prospective buyers are advised to verify information to their own satisfaction prior to purchase.

Sell your Property FAST and For All its worth!

Amy Testa (Auburn Sherlock Homes Real Estate, Inc.) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:49:14 -0500

If you are considering selling your house in the Upstate New York region check out my marketing plan before listing with another Realtor!

I will do a complete Comparable Market Analysis for your property which will help determine the market dictated price you could expect to sell your property for.
I will give your property its own unique website. Check out http://www.5879breedrd.com for an example
I will have your property professionally photographed to enhance each unique detail of your property
Extensive print advertising will be created for you property. Such as custom brochures and flyers.
You property will be featured on multiple websites and can be found in over 25 different search engines.
I will conduct multiple open houses until your property is SOLD.
A Brokers Open House will be conducted to introduce your property to local Realtors who may have a buyer looking for what you are offering.

I will customize this marketing plan to your unique property needs and preferences. As you can see I offer things that other local real estate agents do not currently offer.

To many real estate agents just enter your property into the MLS and wait for someone to call on it. With today's real estate market that is simply not enough. You need an aggressive agent with a solid marketing plan if you want your property to sell quickly and for all that its worth. So don't settle!

Feel free to contact me anytime at 315.515.8348 if you have any questions or would like to speak further!

Sincerely,

Amy M. Testa

Guaranteed Results

5879 Breed Road, Camillus, NY

Amy Testa (Auburn Sherlock Homes Real Estate, Inc.) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:20:46 -0500

5879 Breed Road

$499,900

5879 Breed Road, Camillus NY

Features:

3 bedrooms, 4 baths
Custom Built Colonial
Gourmet Kitchen with Granite Countertops and Chef Style Appliances
Professional Theatre Room
Breathtaking 3 Story Grand Mahogany Staircase
Gorgeous Hardwoods, 8 foot solid wood doors, fabric wall coverings, two gas fireplaces
www.5879BreedRd.com

Remarks:
This gorgeous 3 bedroom, 4 bath colonial was designed by architect Thomas Barrett. The quality of this home is evident in every material used throughout this one of a kind property.

The home features a 3 story grand mahogany staircase, a gourmet kitchen with professional grade appliances, a cozy library complete with a gas fireplace and a profesional theatre room.

As you walk through the property you will take notice of the 8 foot solid wood doors, the gleaming hardwoods, custom fabric wallcoverings and the upgraded lighting fixtures.

Above the garage you will find a cute and cozy apartment or office complete with a full bath and kitchenette.

This is the property you have been dreaming of. Don't miss out on this one of a kind opportunity!

Amy Testa
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

315.515.8348

View My Website

View My Other Listings

Auburn Sherlock Homes Real Estate, Inc.

123 Genesee Street
Auburn, NY 13021

315.253.8419

Choose your partners wisely

Amy Testa (Auburn Sherlock Homes Real Estate, Inc.) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 16:40:56 -0500

In New York State many parties take part in a Real Estate Closing. You have the seller's agent, the buyer's agent, the lender, the seller's attorney, the buyer's attorney, the bank attorney, the appraiser the abstract company the surveyor... the list could go on.

With all of these different parties involved in the closing it is important for the Real Estate Agent to carefully choose who they are recommending their clients to.

I quickly realized that most of my clients depend on me to refer them to a lender and an attorney. I also realized that not all mortgage brokers and not all attorneys are created equal!

Since our referrals and recommendations mean so much to our clients it is important for us agents to partner ourselves with the best in the industry.

When I refer a mortgage broker to my clients I always ask the broker for a good faith estimate for my client in advance. This estimate will breakdown the fee's and closing costs the client will have to pay at closing. I like to provide my buyer's with 3 lender referrals and estimates. This way they can compare each one and decide who will work best for them. I look for mortgage brokers who not only are fair in rates and closing costs but who get back to my clients and me quickly and who stay with the closing to the end.

When recommending an attorney I look for the same qualities. Be sure to get their rate in advance as some attorneys get away with charging a full percent of the purchase price of the home. Most importantly I recommend attorneys who return phone calls promptly and keep me, the real estate agent, as well as the client in the loop throughout the entire closing process. Another thing to be aware of when choosing an attorney if your client is the buyer is the title insurance company they use. Ask them who they use and what the turnaround time is. If the time exceeds more than 48 hours this could make for a long closing.

Although the Realtor's recommendations are important be sure not to steer your clients. New York State requires that you offer 3 mortgage referrals and 3 attorney referrals. Just choose your 3 wisely and your closings will go smoothly!

Choose your partners wisely

Amy Testa (Auburn Sherlock Homes Real Estate, Inc.) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 16:40:46 -0500

With all of these different parties involved in the closing it is important for the Real Estate Agent to carefully choose who they are recommending their clients to.

I quickly realized that most of my clients depend on me to refer them to a lender and an attorney. I also realized that not all mortgage brokers and not all attorneys are created equal!

Since our referrals and recommendations mean so much to our clients it is important for us agents to partner ourselves with the best in the industry.

Don't Buy From The Sign

Amy Testa (Auburn Sherlock Homes Real Estate, Inc.) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 14:18:25 -0500

Many Home Buyers purchase their home from the Real Estate Agent listed on the sign but this is not the best way to buy.

When you buy from the agent who has the property listed you are their customer not their client and they are acting as the Seller's Agent. This means that they are working in the best interest of their client, the home seller, not you the buyer. What this means is for the buyer is less chance of sucessful negotiating.

Since the Seller pays the Real Estate commissions every home buyer should have their own Real Estate Agent who would act in their best interest. This agent would be considered the Buyer's Agent and they work in the best interest of the buyer. It's basically free representation so you should take advantage of it.

Having your own agent will ensure smoother more effective negotiating, open lines of communication and a smoother closing. Look for an agent who knows the local market, gets back to you in a timely manner and shows you the type of houses you are looking for in the price range you specify. Having a good Buyer's Agent is invaluable and could save you thousands of dollars in purchasing your new home.

If you are looking to purchase in the Central and Fingerlake region of New York State please contact me at 315.515.8348 to learn more.

Happy House Hunting!!!

It's time to get summer properties listed

Amy Testa (Auburn Sherlock Homes Real Estate, Inc.) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 09:37:27 -0600

Here in upstate New York winter is not the best time to showcase houses for sale on our beautiful Fingerlakes. Now that spring is ALMOST here it is time for seller's to think about getting their properties on the market.

Our lakes are absolutely gorgeous all year round but the summer is their time shine. Seller's with lake front property to sell should start interviewing their agents and cleaning up their properties.

Since the waterfront is what really attracts the buyers be sure to have your beach fronts clean and trees trimmed back to reveal the fabulous view. Also consider placing a for sale sign on the beach as well as the usual front yard spot for passing boaters to see. Once the weather warms up be sure to open all of the windows and air out the house.

Lakefront properties in the Finger lakes region are sought after throughout the entire Country many property owners either live in the downstate area or out of state. So make sure your Realtor gives your property a web site and a web presence as well. Happy selling.

For more information about buying or selling property in the Finger lakes region contact Amy Testa at 315.515.8348.

Property For Sale 5879 Breed Road, Camillus

Amy Testa (Auburn Sherlock Homes Real Estate, Inc.) — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 20:28:57 -0600

5879 Breed Road

$499,900

5879 Breed Road, Camillus NY

Features:

3 Bedrooms, 4 Baths
Custom Built Colonial
Gourmet Kitchen with Granite Countertops and Chef Style Appliances
Professional Theatre Room
Breathtaking 3 Story Grand Mahogany Staircase
Gorgeous Hardwoods, 8 foot solid wood doors, fabric wall coverings, two gas fireplaces
www.5879BreedRd.com

Remarks:
This gorgeous 3 bedroom, 4 bath colonial was designed by architect Thomas Barrett. The quality of this home is evident in every material used throughout this one of a kind property.

The home features a 3 story grand mahogany staircase, a gourmet kitchen with professional grade appliances, a cozy library complete with a gas fireplace and a profesional theatre room.

As you walk through the property you will take notice of the 8 foot solid wood doors, the gleaming hardwoods, custom fabric wallcoverings and the upgraded lighting fixtures.

Above the garage you will find a cute and cozy apartment or office complete with a full bath and kitchenette.

This is the property you have been dreaming of. Don't miss out on this one of a kind opportunity!

Open House:
Feb 17 Noon - 2:00 PM
Mar 2 Noon - 2:00 PM

Amy Testa
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

315.515.8348

View My Website

View My Other Listings

Auburn Sherlock Homes Real Estate, Inc.

123 Genesee Street
Auburn, NY 13021

315.253.8419

Give Back to the Active Rain Community

Amy Testa (Auburn Sherlock Homes Real Estate, Inc.) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 15:45:05 -0600

I am a new member to Active Rain and decided to give this site a shot. I have to admit this is a great networking site.

After being an Active Rain member for about a month I received my first referral from this site! I am so excited. Not only does this site give you a chance to network with other Realtors from all around the country it also helps you get business and what Realtor or Mortgage Broker doesn't want business?

I can assure you the next time I have a client who is looking for property or a lender in an area that I don't service I am going to use the Active Rain referral network rather than just the simple internet search that I have used in the past. Using the Active Rain referral network will give me the assurance that I have sent my client to a capable and competent person who is focused on the Real Estate Industry and dedicated to their line of work.

We have to support this online community and give back to each other whether it be through referrals, marketing tips or just plain old encouragement. We have a platform that allows us to voice our opinions, share in our successes, and share business. I know that I am going to be using Active Rain for a long time and I hope that everyone on here will give first to the Active Rain community before going outside of this great network.

Seller Now is the Time to think about Spring Home Selling

Amy Testa (Auburn Sherlock Homes Real Estate, Inc.) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 11:04:13 -0600

Wow it is January 2008! It seems like 2007 flew by. Here in upstate New York we are in the dead of winter and there is no relief insight until April! I always start to get excited about spring by the end of February but I am always disappointed when March comes around because its still winter! I think I already have cabin fever. I have been thinking about the tulips I planted in the fall. I can't wait to see the first bloom. Just when you think you can't take the gray winter any longer your greeted one day by a friendly daffodil.

Although we feel like it will be eons before spring is here again it has a way of peeking its head out and sneaking up on you. If you are thinking about selling your property and your strategy is to list it in the Spring I suggest putting an action plan in place now. Don't be caught unprepared when the nice weather comes around again and buyers are out in full force.

Statistics show your property is most likely to sell within the first four weeks of going on to the market. Home sellers need to make sure that they have a solid sales strategy with their Real Estate Agent, that their home is priced correctly and that the home is in tip top condition. And all of these things should be completed before you plan to list. Your first Open House should be planned for the first nice spring weekend. Everyone will be eager to get out of their homes and venture outside.

So now in January when spring is still far off in the horizon is when you need to start making your plans to hit the market hard and running. My first suggestion is to interview your Real Estate Agents. You should be speaking with 2 or 3 Realtors who know the area. Normally the Realtor will set an appointment to view your house. They will then do a Comparative Market Analysis which would give the market dictated price you could expect to sell your home for, go over their marketing strategy with you and make suggestions as to how you can prepare your house for sale. Beware of the agent that walks through your house and gives you a price on the spot. They clearly haven't done their homework. The agent should take the time to go back to their office and do a detailed market analysis of your property and then go over it with you. After you have interviewed the agents it's time to decide which one you feel will do the best job and that you are most comfortable working with.

After you have chosen your Realtor and developed a marketing strategy its time to make your house shine. There are many things that you can do that cost little money and will yield big results in the end.

If you have a garage or basement make sure that they are spic and span. Overhaul everything that you no longer use and make sure the rest is very organized.
Make sure your lawn is neatly kept and your sidewalks are free of debris. Purchase a new welcome mat for the front entry and add some hanging or potted plants.
If your entryway door is in bad condition consider painting it and adding new hardware.
Make sure your homes interior is completely free of clutter and don't hide it in the closets buyers will notice this and it makes the closets feel small. Start putting things in storage or getting rid of things you no longer use. Make sure your counters are clear and any desks or tables are cleared off.
If your homes color choices are untraditional or badly marked by all means paint! Painting is fairly inexpensive and pays off in the end. Make sure you are neat and don't forget the moldings. If you are unsure about colors ask your Real Estate Agent or go to your local paint store. Neutrals work well and by all means stay away from pure white.
Make sure your bathrooms are clean and fix that leaky toilet. If needed add fresh caulk around the bathtub and purchase coordinating bath rugs and towels.
Degrease your kitchen cabinets, make sure your countertops and your faucets sparkle and get rid of all clutter and unnecessary objects in the kitchen. Add small throw rugs and new curtains for a quick kitchen spruce up.
Be sure to clean all the bedrooms and have the beds made whenever there is a viewing of your property.

The list can go on and on. Your Realtor should be able to recommend exactly what you need to do before the For Sale sign is in your yard. And by all means do not be offended by their advice. As you can see it will take a couple of months to get your house into tip top shape so start preparing yourself now and it you will see big results in the end!

The one thing we all know here in Upstate New York is that even though it seems like it will never get here Spring will always come! And to me that is the beauty of our 4 seasons.

Happy spring selling!

Sellers Now is the Time to Prepare for Spring Selling

Amy Testa (Auburn Sherlock Homes Real Estate, Inc.) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 11:02:16 -0600

If you have a garage or basement make sure that they are spic and span. Overhaul everything that you no longer use and make sure the rest is very organized.
Make sure your lawn is neatly kept and your sidewalks are free of debris. Purchase a new welcome mat for the front entry and add some hanging or potted plants.
If your entryway door is in bad condition consider painting it and adding new hardware.
Make sure your homes interior is completely free of clutter and don't hide it in the closets buyers will notice this and it makes the closets feel small. Start putting things in storage or getting rid of things you no longer use. Make sure your counters are clear and any desks or tables are cleared off.
If your homes color choices are untraditional or badly marked by all means paint! Painting is fairly inexpensive and pays off in the end. Make sure you are neat and don't forget the moldings. If you are unsure about colors ask your Real Estate Agent or go to your local paint store. Neutrals work well and by all means stay away from pure white.
Make sure your bathrooms are clean and fix that leaky toilet. If needed add fresh caulk around the bathtub and purchase coordinating bath rugs and towels.
Degrease your kitchen cabinets, make sure your countertops and your faucets sparkle and get rid of all clutter and unnecessary objects in the kitchen. Add small throw rugs and new curtains for a quick kitchen spruce up.
Be sure to clean all the bedrooms and have the beds made whenever there is a viewing of your property.

The one thing we all know here in Upstate New York is that even though it seems like it will never get here Spring will always come! And to me that is the beauty of our 4 seasons.

Happy spring selling!

Now is the Time to Buy Real Estate

Amy Testa (Auburn Sherlock Homes Real Estate, Inc.) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:16:24 -0600

Every time we turn on the news or hear anything about the Real Estate Industry lately it is all negative! Foreclosures are rising, home values are declining, real estate sales have dropped 20% from last year etc. No wonder the buyers are running scared! But what the media is not telling home buyers is that now is a great time to buy. The interests rates are low, inventory is up, prices are down so call you local Real Estate agent. The market is not going to stay down forever. Buy now while it still is a genuine buyers market. What more can a buyer ask for? Low interests rates, low home prices, high inventory... Four years ago buyers had to out bid each other to get the home that they wanted which often meant paying more than planned. Today buyers have the power to negotiate with the home seller. While the seller owns the property and ultimately has the final say on the selling price they do have to consider all offers today with seriousness.

And if you are a first time home buyer with little or no money down your window of opportunity to get into a home is now. Federal programs like the Nehemiah and Ameridream programs that offer credits to pay for the down payment and closing costs are going to be non-existent as of march 31, 2008. So if you are a buyer with little or no money to work with and want to own a home I would get out their today and start looking. Don't be afraid of the projection of the Real Estate World that the Media has created. They like to scare us!

Real Estate Agents need to do their due diligence too. We have to stay united and project a positive outlook on our Industry. If we walk around with a big cloud of negative energy above our heads then we are going to project this to our clients. Don't scare off your business. My Real Estate office was very productive in 2007. Our sales were steady and our listings got better. This market will chase out the agents that got into it to make fast money. Because as we all know nothing is fast and easy in this business.. We have to work hard and serve our customers well. The Real Estate boom is over we are now in a normal market and we have to continue to work hard and come out with cutting edge marketing techniques and customer service skills. Because after all thats what are business is all about. Here is to a sucessful 2008 for everyone.