Kernersville Real Estate WorkHorse Blog

Reading contracts

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 01:01:01 -0700

Reading contracts should be a must no matter how long one has been a Realtor. So often the only focus is price and closing date. Reading the entire contract at least once during negotiations helps in allowing time to digest and not over react. It does not help to get caught in all the little details to the point of forgetting the goal. This can avoid conflict during the transactionand should be explained and communicated to clients. Often it is good to bring up that conversation as things progress. Client have often been grateful at closing being amazed that this particular closing went so smoothly.

www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Bonner Thomason

Foreclosures numbers seem to be dropping

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 02:29:37 -0700

Reports are that the foreclosures numbers are declining,but still at high levels. Arms will be resetting for some time. Jobs and the broader economy is juct cripping along. Transfers are few.

This all points a new normal. At some point there will an new equilibrium and there will be exceptal absorbtion rates again.

The big qeustion will be how long will these homes be on the market and what condition will they be in after sitting for so long.

Bonner

Bonner Thomason

Tax credit extenision political spin

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 01:58:31 -0700

The tax credit extension is good. Make no mistake. Loans that are in the pipeline will be able to close. The spin becomes that Washington has done something. Now most first time home buyers that are and were going to buy have done so or wil have. Following good sound disipline these buyers will likely be in the homes for seven years. Jobs and transfer are the life blood of the economy. Jobs will be the key a helthy housing market. The correction of 2009 has become the balance of 2010.

www.RealEstateWorkhorse.com

Bonner Thomason

Listing Book Login

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:26:47 -0700

Listing Book Login now is not direct as it was when it only served the Triad of NC. A link can be otained to place on an agents website that will allow direct access. This greatly helps clients as they search for home. Also helping sellers as they check for feedback of showing on their home.

The url is rather bulky that feeds directly to the specific MLS. Book marking the specific page that gets you to the MLS page you want is also another way to go. I feel confident that over time this will become resolved as new town also experience the change of login procedure.

Until then visit www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com to login directly to the Triad MLS.

Bonner Thomason

Mortgage Rates are still hanging in there

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 22:33:14 -0700

Mortgage rates are still hanging in there. There has a lot of talk about the rates rising in 2010. It is the general consensus that as inflation pressure appear there will be rate hikes. With mortgage rates tied to treasuries and MBS, there will also be pressure to give investor incentives to get into these.

As for buyers and sellers (to a certain extent) rates will still be in line with affordability. That is to say, that sound credit will still allow a logical decision on homes buying.

www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Bonner Thomason

It seems unreal

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 01:31:36 -0800

The begining of 2010 has been much the same as we would expect. Improving economy condition overall. Life is much the same for many people as it was in the last part of 09. I have had a life changing experience of a relationship ending from a wonderful person that is overwelmed from work, kids and finance. Accepting something I cannot change and the wisdom to know the difference eludes me on this experience. With an empty void I stay busy. With so many blessing I seem to not be as grateful as I should be.

Each day I have to tell my we are because of what we have gone through.

Bonner Thomason

Balance in 2010

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 08:04:35 -0800

With 2009 behind now. We have the perceived greener pasture of 2010. As with all things the present is a gift. Make no mistake 2009 will be better than 2010. We must guard against expecting to much. Living with the balance of having to reduce debt, build reserves and do them with less income creates a reality. The passing of the year and beginng of a new does not erase these realities. 2010 will be the year of finding the balance between these things and being happy.

It comes back to the saying of - a persons wealth can be measured by the things they do not want> .

BONNER

WWW.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Bonner Thomason

M & A of Webitesites and Blogging

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 07:53:43 -0800

Mergers and acquisitions were fairly common in the last decade. Virtual Mergers and consolidation can be a great start for the next few years. With the growth of blogging and the unintended consequence of many viewers tuning out from the overload of hype.

Blogging is a great resource with a wealth of information and solutions to challenges. Bloggs offer a great vehicle for marketing and prospecting. Now to be effective with social media there needs to be thread that ties back to a site. Bloggs are made up of a community of people with somewhat similar goals.

The merger for my 2010 techonolgy plan is to blogg local information rather than creating new webpages. The hope with be first and foremost to meet customer needs. The second would be to create more creditable with SEO spiders.

www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Bonner Thomason

The new decade

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:40:54 -0800

Should we say good ridens to this decade or be grateful for the lessons learned.

The answer may be somewhere in the middle. Certainly the crash of the last 15 months is not something we want to to be happy about. Many families have endured hardships and are struggling.

As we look back in the future there very well may be a sense that this decade was "the good old days"

There is a saying that comes to mind that PRESENT is a gift. Keep this in mind to have a happy life and present.

www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Bonner Thomason

2010 The Year of inventory

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 07:22:46 -0800

2010 will be the year of paying attention to inventories. This will be across the board of all sectors of the economy. Housing will be important but not in the forefront as it was in 09. Manufacturing is running very tight and holding inventories low. Housing is becoming more regional and following employment. Given that there is an eight month inventory of homes at this point in time the focus will become how much comes on board. Foreclosures will certainly keep pressures on inventory. Commercial Real Estate and the associated financing would be a big plus as this would create jobs rather than just creating temporary work.

The big surprise for me was that vacancy rates were up across the board. There seems to be little absorption from the downsizing.

All this adds up to a positive 2010 for the economy. All be it a conservative positive .

www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Bonner Thomason

November Housing Numbers

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 07:35:22 -0800

No big surprises for Realtors. (maybe Wallstreet) The existing homes sales that had come out earlier was encouraging as buyers rushed for what they thought was the tax credit deadline. I had read that about 50% were first time buyers. New home sales were down which does not surprises many Realtors, But seemed to get comments from wall street. For the year home prices were down (-7.9% nationally)

Having said all this 2010 looks moderately great. Inventories have been steadily declining and there is still the tax credit for many buyers.

www.RealEstateWorlHorse.com & www.BonnerTCR.com

Bonner Thomason

Somerset Crossing Kernersville, NC Yearly Report

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:43:25 -0800

Somerset Crossing, Kernersville, NC is typical of the broader economy. SLOW !

For 2009 there has been 1 sale, there are 2 Active listings, 3 Expired and 2 Withdrawn listings according to the MLS tracking.

The great news is that this neighbor seems to be weathering the storm with respect to home values. In Kernersville, homes that are in goo condition and priced in line with current purchase appraisals there is a realatively strong market. Expect a slight appreciation in value over the next couple of years as inventories and stressed sales in the area and region are worked out of the market.

www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Bonner Thomason

Data Management and Year End Back Up

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:29:59 -0800

This is the best time of year to back up data and de-clutter files on your computer. Portable thumb drive devises are the best thing since chocolate for storing data. The more you back up the better you become at both organizing and retrieving data. With software like Top-producer everything has gone web-based. I always fell more comfortable with the original tucked away in the basement. As technology progress there will be better ways but probably never replace the paper trail. Please respond with ideas and pains in this difficult task. Remember Out look emails have a different format and can be a challenge to store and recover.

Lost data in real estate can send blood pressure soaring.

Visit www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com for Kernersville NC Real Estate

Bonner Thomason

Owner Finacining on the rise

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:52:12 -0800

As I was reviewing stats I there seemed to be a trend. An increase in the percentage on owner financing and lease purchases is beginning to take form. For some one that owns a home out right, this may be a great option. It can generate a steady income with a target date for getting the balance. This also allow the the seller to have leverage in generating a market price. Conservative diligence should be adhered to as with any lending criteria. Holding a note to the property as collateral would be the assurance that in the case of default there would be re-coarse.

www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Bonner Thomason

Lease Purchases

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 09:26:17 -0800

This is a description of how I answer customers on lease purchases;

With lease purchase, the terms become what the owner and leaser negotiate and agree to terms on. That is where I come in and can help tremendously. This is where you choose me as your representative. We communicate on the terms that you are comfortable with and hopefully the seller/owner will accept. Then negotiate! One issue that is generally asked for is a statement from a mortgage officer on the expected ability to purchase. (Also this gives you a chance to work toward any criteria that would be involved.)

One item that I always try to get for my buyer is to have some portion the rent to go toward the down payment. (usually 5 - 10% of rent)

A SIMPLE answer is that generally the lease is equal to what the mortgage payment is for the owner. This can vary, but is a good rule of thumb.

Seller will consider short term lease. Seller will want some cash up front to make sure house does not get tore up. Non refundable if house is not purchase (that to let the lease expire)

I would be glad to talk and advise on where to go from where you are at and also explain the Home buyer tax credit. Contacting a mortgage officer would be a great benefit. It does not cost any thing to see where you are and does not commit you to anything. I can give you an extensive list but highly recommend Andy Pilcher with WR Starkey.

Please email me to set up a time we can discuss this and best phone number ( would like to be at the office in case I need any information)

Bonner Thomason

Kernersville Holidays

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 02:28:36 -0800

Kernersville Holiday Activities are rampingup for this season. Open houses and decorated homes fill the streets and communities. Street decorations and homes with yards scenes are dancing at night. Kernersville takes on the small home town feel as people enjoy life for the season. As one rides throughout Kernersville there is a feeling that each home has a unique story and dynamic.

Activities and get togethers are all over Kernersville. There are many links to these events at the www.toknc.com and www.KernersvilleNC.com( Chamber of Commerce ) websites. Shopping and the convenience of stores makes the traffic seem fairly light. The recent parade with the cold weather was well over a mile long. Showing the spirit of Kernersville and the American people. The homes will be having the annual gatherings that create memories and bring ideals back to a happier time.

Kernersville lends itself well to the holiday season with the quint buildings and restored homes. With the leaves mostly off the trees early this year there was a feel of winter until the decor seemed to bring the town to new life. The evergreens stand out as there has been a fairly mild fall as if the they are waiting for the approaching first day of the winter season. Winter flowers still bloom in holding on before the frost makes them go dormant.

Remember the spirit of the season from the good people and good times. This becomes the spice of life.

And most of have a happy holiday season.

www.BonnerTCR.com

Bonner Thomason

Kernersville Water rates increase

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 08:46:43 -0800

Kernersville water increased this billing cycle. This adds to the cost of living and can reflect on the monthly utilities of owning a home in Kernersville and Forsyth county. Capital projects that the increase is to pay for are becoming more expensive. There seems to be double talk with respect to how they are paid for. Obviously infrasture across the nation is aging and there is a catch up. Kernersville has for some time relied on the Forsyth county water system. Conserving water will now more at the forefront of home owner practices.

www.BonnerTCR.com

Bonner Thomason

Sending Emails with animation

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 10:02:18 -0800

I have been sending emails with animations to clients and friends for some time. It is a good out of the box type attention getter. When ever I think of an animation that can relate to the subject or a point in the email.

This puts a world of ideas at your finger tips. There are plenty of free downloads that can be used to emphasize points. The next step will be to create my own animations of listings.

I am looking foward to seeing you vist my site from North Carolina to see the next level of website animations in 2010.

www.BonnerTCR.com

Bonner Thomason

Call for Real Estate Cyber Tuesday

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:30:10 -0800

I would like to make a push for a Cyber Tuesday Real Estate push. As Black Friday and cyber Tuesday set in with consumers there may be a realization of what is important. Having their home valves appreciated or be able to get into that dream home that has been out there for many people may be boiling to the top. It takes years to plan and save for a house correctly. The days of quick into a home or back in a home months after a bankruptcy are gone. Often the dream is closer than people think with small life changes.

www.BonnerTCR.com

Bonner Thomason

NC cell use law goes into effect December

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:04:03 -0800

The use of cell phones in automobiles ban goes into effect December 1 in North Carolina. Texting and emails are out. As Realtors, this is probably good. Often there seems to an urgency of answering correspondencein real time. When we reflect is it worth getting in a wreck, injuring our selves or now getting a ticket ( along with increased insurance). I will be dusting off my blue-tooth for use. A rule of thumb I like to use is when I get a text, email or call is, I will ask myself is this one worth pulling over in a parking lot. Rarely do I pull over. So remember priorities and why this law has been put into effect.

www.BonnerTCR.com

Bonner Thomason

The Weak dollar and the US housing Market

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 09:10:04 -0800

Having interest rates low is a plus. The ability and/or willingness of banks to lend is the negative. The weak dollar has created an environment for investors ( of the bond market) to look elsewhere. By creating the huge amount of paper dollars and the disparity of the population of those that have savings and those that have debt there is a gridlock. Inflation is the key factor that has everyone scared. Those struggling can hardly afford commodities and increased prices would only lengthen the recovery. Business hesitate on hiring when customers are only ordering when they themselves get orders. Jobs and the security of these jobs will be the key to economic growth. America will turn to the things that made itself great in manufacturing, agriculture and technology. With so much potential, a weak dollar is a good thing if only for a wake up call.

www.BonnerTCR.com

Bonner Thomason

Keeping IDX information current

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 07:45:17 -0800

Keep IDX information current will be a chalenge going forward. With the matrix of feeds and downloads there seems to be a weekly call that has a customer asking about a property that is no longer active. As an industry there hopefully will be a calming of the numbers of feeds and a criteria for the way it is updated. Many sites are multi tasking and have little or no experience with the local market. There seems to be a need for a balance of sharing information and sharing the correct information.

Bonner Thomason

Will the Fed run out of money or just print more

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:54:03 -0800

Will the Federal resrve run out of money to buy to buy mortgages or just print more paper. This at least is keeping the industry up that was the the breaking point for the economy domino that is on us. These mortgage yield something for the Fed. especially when they are distributing " " printing money to industries that have major flaws in staying afloat. Are they to big to fell or is there greed involve and to much lobbying. At some point the Fed will slow down and the institutions will see the benefit of the secondary mortgage bond market,especially with the loan criteria beung more sound.

Bonner

Bonner Thomason

Kernersville Real Estate

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:50:34 -0800

Kernersville Real is probably like it is in a lot of places in America. There is limited new construction with few or none new subdivisions being started. Many projects that are in the works are on hold. Kernersville has had it share of REO properties. Not the house after house the is seen in some places. Kernersville real estate values have seem to hold at par or slightly below.

Kernersville is in the middle of North Carolina a few hours to both the beach and mountains. Businesses and industry is treading water. There seems to be a lot of activey and the area will do well as there is alot of diversity of economics. The real estate statistics of Kernersville have little luster as I pulled them and show an increase in pending real estate contract.Most likely due to the tax credit that was end in November.

Learn more about Kernersville at www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Bonner Thomason

2010 Calender mail out

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:47:33 -0800

Today my 2010 refrigerator calenders arrived. For the next two weeks I expect my office to be a mess.Happens every year. This is multi tasking at its best. Update data base. Create new marketing ideas. Add to business plan. Do the personal touches.

With the Real Estate WorkHorse logo It opens up the the opportunity to be top of mind. Each year I use a different picture for the calenders ( because of the feedback I get from SOI).

This year symbolizes the new beginng in the economy and industry. Take a look and give me your feed back.

www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Bonner Thomason