CINDY MUSTAFA, AURORA REALTOR's Blog

Hire a REALTOR! Don't search the Net!

CINDY MUSTAFA, AURORA REALTOR (Independent Contractor, RE/MAX) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 11:41:51 -0800

If you want minimize the time it takes to buy or sell a home [in this market] please suggest that buyers and sellers don't start their search ANYWHERE but with a REALTOR.

We know 90% of home buyers and sellers start their search on the Internet. We want desperately to compare the homes 'for sale' for our exciting purchase. Some may want to compare where they should price their home as they consider putting their home on the market. If you think the Internet is a "disinterested" third party, this couldn't be further from the truth. If you want only to have an internet site, call me so that I can give you one that will have the most updated information, 216-408-1513, it's my direct line and I'm always available. If you want to work with a Real Estate Professional and local area expert, hire a REALTOR.

The Internet has become completely flooded with irrelevant, (paid for) sponsored search results that may have nothing to do with what your interested in finding. Past, Present and Future real estate listings can be found on line. It's all mixed together today to capture the attention of buyers, sellers, realtors, brokers etc. and the giving of your e-mail address with some personal information is just NOT a good idea. Companies have paid to come up on your search first, second or third place, sometimes based on where you live, just to sidetrack and sell you something else in the end. It's a QUAGMIRE.

Beware that some search results may return sites with viruses, sponsored sales pitch links, infomercials, tracking cookies, buy me's, click me's, and you still haven't gotten an answer to or original questions. It can be overwhelming and a complete frustration. Real Estate can be simple, with a simple real estate professional. MESSAGE: HIRE A REALTOR!

Relevant real estate searches starts with live communication. It requires the "human factor" that the internet oftentimes just can't provide that.

When you are ready to save some valuable time and have a personal conversation with an area expert who's licensed and ready to help, feel free to call me direct.

I'm Cindy Mustafa, I'm a REALTOR and I will be happy to organize a search for any buyer or sellers. I'll be the advocate and commit myself completely, to your goals. I only ask that buyers and sellers are ready to make the same commitment. Otherwise, respectfully....call me second.

My direct phone number is: 216-408-1513.

Cindy Mustafa, REALTOR, ABR, CDPE, E-Pro

Pros and Cons of an Ibox and ikey

CINDY MUSTAFA, AURORA REALTOR (Independent Contractor, RE/MAX) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 19:34:06 -0700

I would love to know the answer to this one so everyones help is greatly welcomed and appreciated.

I was advised many years ago to get an ikey. An Ikey, [I was told], communicates to the ibox. An ibox is an electronic device that securely holds a house entrance key, and in order to access it, you will need an ikey to communicate to the ibox. [I was also told, "If you want to work with buyers - you need to have the tools of the trade", also "If you Don't have a Pager, get one" In addition, I was told, "If you were a carpenter, you would have a hammer, rso get an ikey"]

An Ikey is something you need a 'subscription for. [Kinda of like a pager [You pay a quarterly or 1/2 year subscription fee to a company, who has an agreement with your board of realtors.] Some boards allow ikey sharing and other boards, you can be reported to the board and face a fine, for sharing. No two are the same but one thing is for sure. Across the counties, we are having some discomfort up to and including [worst case] adversarial relationships/

First, "What is" and "what does" ...the ibox do for me? For me, It's an electronic assistant of sorts. It beeps to tell me that the ibox is being opened and SOMEONE[holding and ikey] is about to access the VERY key that will open the house I have securely placed in an ibox. [First Thought: Yeah, they showed up] This ikey will electronically tell me the iinformation pertaining to the Broker, Agent, their phone, fax and address [of the assigned key holder]. The electronic record also shows the time of access and the date [That doesn't tell me who is physically holding the ikey now opening the door since some multiple listing services have ikey sharing agreements and can let anyone use it if the so choose]

One thing is for sure, the 6 months fee is 102.00, the Iboxs cost around 100.00 each [25.00 if you can find people retiring their license or selling them to buy combos] AND the house can still be broken into, whether you have an ibox or a combo. [for combos, some agents use the same code for every house, it's the year they were born]

The ikey...it's a pretty cool device. It also allows me to set up the showing times which are defaulted at 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. BUT if the home has children, I can adjust the time on the ibox to block the opening of the device. [OR I can call the showing service and set the block out times myself.]

I'm troubled about this ikey and the iboxes and here's why. I'm in a East Side, West Side situation. I also have a Northeast side and recently I've gotten calls from agents who have said they never heard of an 'IKEY'. I get calls to please leave my sellers house open; I've been told to represent my seller like a good agent and be there when they get there, they have a cash buyer; I've been told to reschedule my appointments so I could open the house or the buyer will buy something else; truth be told - why can't we just get rid of these things? I guess we have to ask, "Do they generate more problems than what they are worth?".

If we want to know if the agent made it to the listing, whatever happened to the phone? Can we start to talk again? Have we gotten disconnected? Are we disconnecting from the clients too? Are we so automated that we can't pick up the phone?

Are electronics making us more efficient or taking us away from what we do best, which is helping people achieve their real estate goals.

We, Guide, council, advocate and negotiate - by electronics only?

By the way, you can now buy ikey attachments for your iphone, droid, smart or dumb phone. Of course there is a fee for that too.

Cindy Mustafa, REALTOR, ABR, CDPE, E-Pro

YOUR listing is expiring so here's what I'm going to tell the sellers

CINDY MUSTAFA, AURORA REALTOR (Independent Contractor, RE/MAX) — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 11:02:58 -0800

I oftentimes get calls from sellers when they are counting down the days until they expire. It's like the 12 days before Christmas for them. They are riddled with anxiety, disappointment and frustration from watching everything around them come up and go down [sold] but they still remain on the market and rightly so, they want to know WHY?

My first meeting with the sellers is full of compassion. They have had it with the market and want to move on with their journey in life. They are aprehensive about believing a REALTOR at this point but want to know what it's going to take to finally sell their home, get the family back together again and what is the collateral damage. Oftentimes sellers can be living in two different states and houses, tracking back and forth to keep the family together and the uncertainty of when it will all end is excruciating. At this point, it's easy....I listen....

#1. Compassion for the situation, If you're getting traffic and no offers, and you like your agent - My Advice; REDUCE YOUR PRICE and stay with your agent, they have worked hard I'm sure but can't control the buyers out there, By the way Mr. Seller, have you had any offers? If so, what were they? Oh yeah, your price, who recommended the price you were listed at?

#2. If they feel there is no going back, and they want a new strategy, I ask them what they liked and disliked about the prior listing/agent. I make sure I do what they liked (within reason) and better yet, DON'T DO...what they didn't like.

#3. I am prepared for this listing presentation and I know my market inside and out. I come with a CMA, Absorption Rates, Tax and Legal and I have memorized my potential objections. If they are interested in my 'global' marketing strategy, I have that as well.

#4. I have the answers, if I don't - I don't fake it. I tell the sellers I'll get the answer for them today and get back with them.

#5. I ask how they like to communicate and get e-mail addresses as it's the easiest way to do so.

#6. I ask how soon they would like to be sold and have a range for my list price as in, Sold next week or sit for a little while, the later I don't recommend.

#7. I have a NET PROCEEDS sheet showing what they walk away with if they accept this price today but focus on the end result of getting the family together and moving on with your journey in life.

#8. I have a staging checklist to leave with the sellers of what to do during a showing and any little repairs that may need to be done.

#9. I have a contractors list of several contractors in hundred of categories. If they need help, it's at thier finger tips.

#10. I have a listing contract and all supporting documents - YES, I ask for the listing.

#11. Lock Box, Sign and Camera are with me and I'm ready to put this listing on the market NOW.

#12. As in the 12 days of Christmas, If they decide to continue to do the same thing and expect different results, I leave ONLY my business card and kindly ask them to call me if they need help in the future.

I want your listing and I ALSO want to make a living so how can I help you?

If you can add to my list, it's welcomed and greatly appreciated!

Cindy Mustafa, REALTOR, ABR, CDPE, E-Pro

Need a Local, Aurora Ohio, Realtor?

CINDY MUSTAFA, AURORA REALTOR (Independent Contractor, RE/MAX) — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 09:26:44 -0800

I love to work in the real estate industry. I love my market of Aurora Ohio and Portage, Summit and Cuyahoga Counties in general. I love and respect my clients, their families and friends. I see my clients over and over, after they move in. I watch their children grow. I know their names and their schools. I feel good about selling them the home.

I make it a point to know about the inventory in my market and I love to share it with new buyers and sellers. If I know about your home, it's roof, foundation, the sugar sand it's sinking in, the mold, how the kids trashed it after dad died and anything else that could a/effect them, including zoning issues and levies that have passed or will pass. I know what's sold, the days on the market and how many times it's been listed before it sells - I'm going to disclose it to the vast numbers of buyers that cross my path.

I'M A PROUD REALTOR, my clients trust I will tell them the truth, and they should. They make big decisions based on my opinion! Buying a home is one of their biggest decisions one can make in their life, It's my business to keep them informed & safe.

Working with a Realtor who knows the area, it's land and demographics, is important. Anyone can fill in the blanks, that's in part, what Realtors do. Knowing the large 'rest' of the equation is what keeps my clients happy.

Honest, Reliable, Trustworthy, Ethical, Informed, Educated, Full time, Fun and Accessible

Cindy Mustafa, REALTOR, ABR, CDPE, E-Pro

Accepted Offer, Now Let's go Buy - OR NOT?

CINDY MUSTAFA, AURORA REALTOR (Independent Contractor, RE/MAX) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 21:59:34 -0700

Used to be; once you've negotiated an offer on your listing, you'd be in the car with your sellers, now your buyers - on your way to buying a bigger better home. Not so fast....

Explain 'why you should slow down' to your sellers. Explain what CAN go wrong to them and you'll be talking for an hour with them on the multiple possibilities of what COULD go wrong. No one wants to be negative but let's face it...it's not over til it's over and I subscribe to laying it all out on the table so everyone knows what COULD go wrong and at the end of the day, be prepared to handle any and all situations.

Remember the Home Inspection that I thought would be a good idea, Mr. Seller, when I listed your home? These might be some of the things you might not have known about.

What can go wrong?

General Home Inspection - Yikes!
Anything the General Home Inspector recommends [in addition to the General Home Inspection]
Roof deemed 'end of life'
Furnace - A/C appear to be end of life
Well Test -Coliforms/Bacteria
Water Potability Test
Radon Test - Over 4.0 In Ohio and it's 800.00 - 900.00 to mitigate
Septic Test, Min 14k to 35K and some counties you can't escrow the funds, seller needs to replace.
Pest Inspection, $75.00 but could cost $500.00 for treatment, if wood boring insects found
VA OR FHA Inspection [they call it an appraisal to catch you off your guard]
Final Walk Through Inspection, buyers sometimes think it's time to renegotiate
Appraisal, FHA/VA Banks Require, Cash, no worry, Conventional-Sometimes, Homes must appraise for purchase price.
Buyer remorse
Seller remorse
Loan Conditions not met, Loan Denied!
Hardship
Death

Now...most of these items are things that we can get through and get over, most often. It takes experience, patience, understanding, communication and education and then more experience. This is where having an experienced agent pays off!

This is what I've been through lately. Needless to say, I do a lot of praying.

Anyone care to add to this list?

Cindy Mustafa, REALTOR, ABR, CDPE, E-Pro

I'm a Realtor, because I was a buyer...

CINDY MUSTAFA, AURORA REALTOR (Independent Contractor, RE/MAX) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 09:09:14 -0700

Some 12 years ago, I was a "First Time Home buyer" and my first mistake was not interviewing agents that would help me buy my home. I chose him from a picture and shallow me, he had a nice mustache. [He didn't look like his picture but I didn't want to be rude once we started]

The second mistake I made was not buying a home warranty nor was I offered one and didn't know about them either. Third was an inspection nightmare and the pressure of the market/agent to overlook things or someone else would snatch up my home.

Finally, A final walk through, never performed nor ever suggested, On the day we filed and took possession, we noticed a coat rack loosely stuck into and covering the hole where the wall stereo was permanently mounted in the kitchen. I was so looking forward to cooking breakfast for my husband while singing....in my new home. -

Fast forward to today and why I'm a Realtor; I learn quickly, through experience.

Some of the things that set me apart from my experience 12 years ago is:

I AM a Full Time Realtor

I am an electronics junkie

I have every tool of the trade

I am addicted to my Ipad, Iphone, electronic documents, the Internet, continuing education and love being an advocate for buyers and sellers [but not both in the same transaction]

Different market? Yes. Do I hold a grudge, No, Life is to short!

What did I learn? Educate, Educate, Educate, our clients to the best of our ability. Treat each transaction with great importance. Real Estate is a Process. Everything is a process. Start your process, polish it, make it the best, always be honest, consistant and always follow up.

Life goes on and more importantly, I still sing... [o.k., I didn't say my husband always likes it but I do it because I can!]

From a Caring, Honest Realtor in Aurora, Ohio

Cindy Mustafa

RE/MAX Traditions, 216-408-1513

173 S. Chillicothe Road, Aurora, OH 44202

Cindy Mustafa, REALTOR, ABR, CDPE, E-Pro

Sit or Sell, What's it Gonna Be?

CINDY MUSTAFA, AURORA REALTOR (Independent Contractor, RE/MAX) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 10:19:39 -0700

Heard it before? Many Times!This is NOT a discretionary sellers market.

Look at what's being sold. Consider the square footage and upgrades. Price to Sell OR.....Price to Sit!

If you're not getting 3-5 showings a week and If you're not willing to make the adjustment in price or change the condition, sit.....but kindly sit with someone else.

When you're ready to sell, just call.

Respectfully,

Cindy Mustafa, REALTOR, ABR, CDPE, E-Pro

Why my listing is not selling, Its a Price War and a Beauty Contest

CINDY MUSTAFA, AURORA REALTOR (Independent Contractor, RE/MAX) — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 16:25:30 -0700

My hope is this blog won't be redundant but instead help someone who has had the same questions as I.

Have we heard of the 8 second rule; Buyers have a tendency to make the big decision of whether or not they will make an offer on the home, in the first 8 seconds

Not Selling, no offers? I always ask myself these questions:

Is it the Staging? Some houses are vacant and so we have to consider trying some little things which can be done to make kitchens and baths look warmer. Towel racks, table settings, floral arrangements etc.
Is it the Price? If you are already over priced, it's not hopeless but should be avoided in this market. I show sellers where the sold price points are in homes of their caliber and ask them if they were a buyer, would they mind paying 20k more just because the seller needed it? Make price adjustment if you've been on the market and not getting an offer.
Is it the Condition? 8 Seconds is not a long time when making a decision to buy a home. Buyers are said to make their decision in 8 seconds of entering. What do you see in these 8 seconds? Can you see the house? Is it filled with personal pictures? Do you see small rooms, cluttered closets, kitchens in disarray, packed storage? Suggest Minimize and Declutter, on the whole house!
Is it Curb Appeal? If you see a cracked sidewalk, chipped and peeling paint, door handles that need attention and rocky terrain for landscaping, probably the home could use some external attention. If a buyer is seeing safety and health hazards outside the home, the feeling will probably follow them inside.
Is it the Location? If it's location, go back to price. If the location is a challenge, you can't change it unless you hire a structural engineering company to relo the house. If it's not the location, you have no offers and pricing is right, look to the condition or make a suggestion to adjust price for it.
Is it the Agent or their marketing? Some agents don't do much, put a home on the mls and put a sign in the ground. We've heard it before; real estate is a visual medium. Pictures tell a thousand words and visual tours tell more. If as an agent, we're not using them, I know first hand that listings are excluded in searches because they have none or 1 in the picture department. Classes are everywhere, most free, on how to take pictures and also make visual tours. It's easy, most often free and we're doing our sellers a favor. Do we really have a ‘marketing strategy', if not, we should consider polishing one. It's one of the things that sets us apart OR NOT.

Price War and Beauty Contest. That's what we have today. Today's market is less forgiving than the past. I always recommend home inspections before going on the market. Detailed Pricing strategies to include all recent sales and then don't try to beat them. I like to Stage, price correctly, declutter and minimize stuff while putting your most seductive dress on. I mean that in a professional way as in "dressing up your house". All of these things can lend themselves to a interested buyer.

Cindy Mustafa, REALTOR, ABR, CDPE, E-Pro

The sellers are coming to close with $30,000 - AND YOU WANT WHAT?

CINDY MUSTAFA, AURORA REALTOR (Independent Contractor, RE/MAX) — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:25:21 -0700

I have heard it all now!

I represent the kindest sellers and don't ever want to get in the way of a transaction closing. I also need to act in the best interest of my clients by guiding them. This time I want to tell the sellers to say 'GET LOST'! to the buyer - BUT I CAN'T.

10k under asking price which was 30k under what they purchased 3 years ago and the buyers come back with 'reverse polarity, gfci, this stoop is a trip hazard, the door has rotting on it, 1/8 difference on back yard concrete [trip hazard] I WANT TO SCREAM! But I can't.

The negotiations took a complete week to arrive at an amicable price. The buyers say since there was no price negotiations for the repairs, we don't want to inherit them - fix or we'll walk.

After the inspections, radon or pest no longer issues, the list had 11 bullets points - REALLY? Wouldn't you think the condition is reflected in the price negotiated?

Where does it end , MY SELLERS HAVE A BLACK EYE! The only other house in the area to buy at this price is the 'foreclosure' and you will need 30K to renovate it from the last seller who trashed it.

Temporary housing IS available, perhaps the buyers should rest there until the market rebounds! OR MAYBE, This might not be the house for you.

Cindy Mustafa, REALTOR, ABR, CDPE, E-Pro

INNOCENT BUYER NAMED AS DEFENDANT IN LAW SUIT, UNFAIR?

CINDY MUSTAFA, AURORA REALTOR (Independent Contractor, RE/MAX) — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 08:32:04 -0700

Has this ever happened to you?

One sunny afternoon I jumped in the car as a friend said she wanted to buy a home for her daughter. It would be a starter home and hopefully help to teach her daughter about responsibility and home ownership. Yeah! I was the lucky chosen one!

We conducted a search and eliminated all but 4, selected one to see [her choice] scheduled the appointment and wrote the offer. The house sat on one lot and there was a vacant lot in the rear. All total .25 acres. Being told there was another offer coming in, the buyer wanted to offer a couple thousand over asking to make sure she was the winning one. - Wow! They responded so quickly - I was amazed - but not so much when I found out the second really didn't write - it was a verbal offer that must of fizzled out, he said.

Well, now that we were the highest CASH bidder, and arranged for a 15 day close - we thought we'd speed it up. The offer was written on the 7th of June and instead of closing on the 21st, we thought we'd move it up to the 15th and be done with it. OH, did I mention there was a 2k earnest money check - the sale was part of a trust and they wanted solid offers only - no inspections were asked for.

One day after the accepted offer was returned to us, the agent calls to say there may be a 'bump' in the road. He said there was a daughter of the deceased, living adjacent to the vacant lot behind the home, who claims dad verbally told her she could have the lot and while she had nothing in writing - she might cause a stink but assured us if we close quickly, we should have no problems.

Initial title search was done and no clouds found on the title, no liens against the house made me feel a little more at ease - until we tried to file on the 15th. At this time, a co-trustee informs the title company an injunction was filed against our close, we'd close albeit delayed.

The 16th I received an e-mail from the Defendant's attorney, who I come to find out is also a 'co-trustee' in the trust who said my buyer would be calling me as some papers were sent to her from the courts, about the injunction details.

On the evening of the 16th [how fast was this] my buyer called me to ask about some papers she was served with; a Summons to appear, 100 pages of the complaint [about the families business] and a restraining order - ?

The daughter of the deceased, now a complainant, is suing the trust for her promised property and[my buyer] is now named as a 'Defendant- [along with 15 others], now a little unnerved at the attempt to be used as a pawn, we initiate a Mutual Release, since we're not closing on the 15th [they can't even perform by the original closing date 21st] and the seller wants to change the verbiage to state that the release is one sided - the seller doesn't want to release but instead only the buyer, to prove to the courts that they could of sold the land but were prevented by the daughter of the deceased so they might keep my buyer on the hook for the future lawsuit.

CAN I ASK YOU THIS?

Should the disclosure have stated there was a boundary dispute? The lot wasn't listing but instead, stated in the mls - Is this considered a material defect, which should be listed as 'honorable mention' on the property disclosure?

I find it hard to believe that someone didn't know about the Hatfields and McCoys battle we were innocently pulled into and furthermore, the listing agents duty was to disclose something, anything, on the mls listing or in the disclosures.

My seller doesn't want to move forward with this purchase, even if they could close - and have her daughter live amongst the family that is eating it's young. Just a plain unhealthy environment.

Why didn't I see it coming? How could I have protected my client? How can we really protect our clients when agents don't disclose? LA didn't know about it,? I find this hard to believe. When we list a house we should be intimate with it and it's history.

Cindy Mustafa, REALTOR, ABR, CDPE, E-Pro

IS THAT YOU IN THE PICTURE?

CINDY MUSTAFA, AURORA REALTOR (Independent Contractor, RE/MAX) — Sat, 22 May 2010 09:39:25 -0700

In the least we owe everyone honesty and fairness so let's start with the face we put out to the public.

Having your glam shot or a picture from the 'not even immediate' past on your business card, web site, for sale sign, the side of your car - no matter where, if it doesn't look like you, change it. That includes 'CARICATURES'. [Are we allowed to use cartoon drawings in our profession?]

If you don't photo well, that's alright - at least get your best 'current' picture, if you are going to use one.

Be honest with yourself, the public cares.

Cindy Mustafa, REALTOR, ABR, CDPE, E-Pro

Realtors are Providing a Service or is it just about the numbers?

CINDY MUSTAFA, AURORA REALTOR (Independent Contractor, RE/MAX) — Mon, 10 May 2010 08:52:46 -0700

I'm so grateful to be associated with one of the most giving groups of people in our culture today, the Realtors.

Being a Realtor myself, I know that 'giving back' is a key essential to my very existence as a Realtor. Having said that, I wonder sometimes if some in our industry might forget that we are here [yes, as a career and we get paid, icing on the cake] to provide a 'service' which in and of itself spells 'HELP'. [Pay for Help, hmmmm-sounds great]

If we don't come across as wanting to help we suffer from not being able to attract buyers or sellers first and foremost, who need someone to 'help' get them to a goal or get them them in our out of their situation, it just happens to involve real estate, something that we are licensed to do. Seconldy, when a negative comment gets out, it hurts our future business and can reflect negatively on our peers and profession.

As I scroll across my transactions, I recall the stories of how I became connected with my seller or buyer and one of the most frustrating parts of what I do is listen to a client who's had an experience that could of put the Realtor to the Grievance Committee and quite possibly in front of the Professional Standards Committee, I'm listening to it more today than ever before.

What we might remember is that 'the story' out lives the transaction and it's told over and over again. If we are going down a path where the outcome is going to be a 'bad story', it's sometimes better to 'just let go'. If a client wants out of the relationship - we might consider making good with them and then saying goodbye, if only to avoid the negative press. We are professional consultants, advocates and marketeers and we love what we do, let our business reflect this.

The Internet has become a way to spread the news; good, bad or indifferent. Being a Realtor, the Internet should work FOR us and be our friend....our names and our business are saturated throughout this 'unchecked' highway of information. We rely on it! There is generally 'NO' accountability for someone who feels compelled to write a BAD testimonial on a fellow Realtor. A bad light could be certain 'death or no consideration' for someone who is consistently getting bad Internet report cards. The generation surfing the web....is here to stay friends. Protect your reputation and surf yourself sometime, we need to know what's being said on 'The Net'.

We are here to help, if we can't help.....we can professionally and politely move on.

Cindy Mustafa, RE/MAX Traditions

216-408-1513

Portage County 'Preferred' Realtor

Cindy Mustafa, REALTOR, ABR, CDPE, E-Pro

TAX CREDIT - That's not my final answer and I'd like to phone a friend....

CINDY MUSTAFA, AURORA REALTOR (Independent Contractor, RE/MAX) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:47:17 -0800

IT'S EXTENDED - IT'S ALSO EXPANDED - YEAH! THE EXTENDED EXPANDED TAX CREDIT WAS SIGNED INTO LAW!!! YEAH SAYS EVERYONE... Wait just a minute.....what was that 'fine print'?

Were we the conduit? Were the Realtors used for our mighty BIG push?

What happens after April? Would we have created a 'minny bubble'?

Won't this only work if home values remain 'under valued'? Won't this only work if the interest rates stay lower than 10 year norms? Are sellers starting to catch and keep their prices a little inflated because they know the buyer is getting a tax credit?

What if, what if, what if....

Has anyone ever found out where the money for the tax credit is really coming from?

Japan and China have bought treasury note totaling 560 and 467 BILLION respectively. When they want to cash in those notes, who do call? Right....the US GOVT....and who do THEY call.....right again, the tax payers.

While this is an assumption on my part, only because I really don't know - maybe you can help me...

WHO'S REALLY PAYING FOR THIS TAX CREDIT ANYHOW?

Cindy Mustafa, REALTOR, ABR, CDPE, E-Pro

CLOSING IS A PROCESS, IT'S NOT AN EVENT. WHO CHANGED THE RULES?

CINDY MUSTAFA, AURORA REALTOR (Independent Contractor, RE/MAX) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:17:51 -0700

I can't tell you the number of loans that have been red flagged in the 11th hour, 24 hours before close. Lender says, everything will be alright, the underwriter is just pulling the credit one more time before they issue loan commitment - it's alright....I'll call you tomorrow with the good news! Next day the news isnt' so good and the damage control police have to be called in to try to save the deal.

What part of 'Don't apply for credit cards, Don't charge credit cards, Don't make any sudden moves with credit, no major credit purchases - just lay low' UNTIL WE GET THE LOAN CLOSED - ISN'T IN PLAIN ENOUGH ENGLISH? How many times should we say it? How many times does a buyer have to hear it?

11TH HOUR, 4 transactions,

1. Buyer buys a Pedigree DOG for $1,000.00 and puts it on their credit card [they will have to now get gift funds to pay it off to proceed]

2. Buyer uses a credit line to take out some money for moving expenses and to cover the cash they used for earnest money 1 week before close [Pay it off before proceeding]

3. Buyer goes and co-signs for her husband new car, 1 week before close and he dies two days before closing. [take the car back to the dealer and ask for loan foregiveness]

4. Buyer gets a credit card to buy new furniture but was going to wait until after the close to buy it, so no one would know. [omg, what do I do now]

NO NO NO NO - All four are part of the 'DON'T MAKE ANY SUDDEN MOVES WITH CREDIT, NO MOVEMENT UNTIL WE GET THIS PURCHASE CLOSED!

Is there another language that I can use besides throwing my hands over my forehead and slowly shaking it back and forth, I do this since I've never laid a hand on a client but hey, times are changing.

Cindy Mustafa, REALTOR, ABR, CDPE, E-Pro

Short Sale and Foreclosure, helping yourself to the goods - not good.

CINDY MUSTAFA, AURORA REALTOR (Independent Contractor, RE/MAX) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 11:46:42 -0700

I started noticing damages to the homes when the foreclosures really started to increase in numbers. I started to gain a client base that was interested in looking 'only at foreclosures'. I noticed mls pics with all appliances and then when I show the home, it's stripped and sometimes damaged, as well.

Simply put - damaging a home because one can't afford the mortgage just isn't the solution. We're all aware that emotions during this time are heightened but again, this doesn't solve anything. It's actually a 'criminal' act.

The federal agencies are starting to crack down on the defaulting parties that damage the properties before exiting. They will go after suspecting looters, they are aware that some try to sell the heist on craigs list or e-bay, A for sale sign in the front yard is not an invitation to help yourselves.

If you see someone hauling away a toilet, stove or other household equipment, knowing the home is in foreclosure or financial distress, call the local authorities and alert them of the suspected activity.

p.s. They watch Realtors activity too.

It protects us all, in the end.

Cindy Mustafa, REALTOR, ABR, CDPE, E-Pro

What about a Realtor Bail Out?

CINDY MUSTAFA, AURORA REALTOR (Independent Contractor, RE/MAX) — Wed, 27 May 2009 07:24:05 -0700

Since everyone is talking Bail-outs, how about me? I'm concerned about my future too so what do I do - I work harder and smarter, that's my option. I specialize, downsize, qualify prospects more intelligently, make smarter decisions and listen better but is that enough? What about my bail out? I know that I'm "just a Realtor" But I"m a professional and on a different scale, I'm effected too. The difference is that every day I wake up - I'm unemployed. I don't make a living unless I successfully close a transaction and even after everything is perfect, the short sale, foreclosure or REO might still not close or it can come back to haunt us costing more time and at the end of the day, time is money. My 401K and SEP IRA are down substantially, not to mentione the overall number of transactions are down, effecting my income. I've taken a hit and no one is coming to bail me out. Am I affected, UBETCHA. My investments were for MY retirement, not to fund failing businesses or wall street adventures. I want my money back. They say 'wait, it will come back" - WHEN? Will it be before I retire? Make me whole, I'll take my money and hide it and hope someone doesn't find it. IMHO, Tax payers are paying to bail out companys that turn around and file chapter 7 and after giving them billions and billions of our money, there is no chance of a return to us. I've had enough already. What's the bail out to our middle class, our professionals that struggle? Was the solution a $600.00 stimulus check? LOL.

Cindy Mustafa, REALTOR, ABR, CDPE, E-Pro

Will 'Stimulus Bill 2009' Work for Real Estate?

CINDY MUSTAFA, AURORA REALTOR (Independent Contractor, RE/MAX) — Wed, 27 May 2009 06:32:09 -0700

President Obama passed the bill in February with congressional support. The $787 Billion Stimulus Plan contains some rather interesting provisions that impact the real estate market arena. A major bullet point which was designed to stimulate new sales of course, is the First Time Home-buyer Tax Credit. [National Association of Realtors lobbyist proposed $ 14,000 back to ANY home-buyer in 2009 but was finalized to be what we see today] If a first time home buyer (or someone who has not owned a home in 3 years) purchases between 01/01/09 and 11/30/09 they will be eligible for up to a $8,000.00 tax credit when they file their taxes, and depending on when the purchase closes, the credit can be applied to either 2008 or 2009 taxes. Also, a major difference between the two tax credit plans, this one does not require the buyer to return the money although the provision remains that the home cannot be resold for three years or the money then, must be returned. Additional factors put back into the Stimulus bill are: • The FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac 2008 loan limits were put back into place for 2009. At the end of 2008, they lowered the loan limits which hurt the higher end market. Why were they set back to begin with, in a down-turning economy? • It also includes a 30% tax credit on Energy Efficient upgrades to your home (up from 10%) such as windows, insulation and furnaces. The credit proposes to be available through 2010 and does include income restrictions, so check with your accountant to be on the safe side. So, what everyone wants to know is “will this help, and is it nearly enough?” Personally, I feel that only time will tell. Buyers that were sitting on the fence, are for the most part still sitting. When a buyer does finally jump, the jump is with great hesitation. It takes just one problem to be found in the home at inspection time, leaving the buyer with a knot in the stomach and another question..'will it get worst and should we try getting the home for juuuuust a little less"? Oftentimes the deal goes south when this emotion enters the transaction. What we need are positive numbers that show values are rising, not dropping. Once we've leveled off with the numbers of homes for sale vs. the numbers of buyers, our market will again be balanced. Until then, we are in a period of market correction. Does that make sense? Bottom line, in Northeastern Ohio, we may have less inventory today than we had at this time last year [great sign] but values and average home sale amounts have hit an all time low. We are on our way back and I personally feel that there is only one way from here - that's up up up and up... I am hopeful that we will see a much healthier market in the very near future.

Cindy Mustafa, REALTOR, ABR, CDPE, E-Pro

Double Close and Flip - A Breach of Fiduciary Duty

CINDY MUSTAFA, AURORA REALTOR (Independent Contractor, RE/MAX) — Fri, 01 May 2009 22:37:05 -0700

This probably won't seem new to some of you but kinda new to me. It never ceases to amaze me that dishonest people lurk just around every corner.

One of my sellers recently told me they wanted to use a shot sale company to negotiate a 'short sale' on thier behalf, of the home I've been trying to sell for several month, with no luck.

The Short sale company contacts my seller direct, they inform my seller that they would pay cash for the home, they are investors in apool with a lot of money backing her. She tells the sellers, let your real estate agent focus on bringing a buyer and turn over your letter of permission to communicate with the bank - your assets and income statement, a hardship letter and make me cry when you write it - at least you'll have peace of mind knowing that I'll buy it and you will be free. Your credit, in the end will show 'PAID IN FULL' and with Obama's new law, you won't have to pay any taxes on the delta that the bank claims at a loss - end of story, like you'll be whole again - NOT!

Meeting set up for Listing agent to meet short sale girl -

Meeting went smooth as I listened to short sale girl paint a pretty picture of how peaceful everything would be. The first purchase and the buyer that you bring in will close simultaneously, or within 24 hours of eachother. Shot sale girl says, I'll need to control the BPO [Broker's Price Opinion] even though you already do them for the bank, I need full control over the price reflected on this opinion. It's crucial to get the bank to pay the lowest price and you'll get a buyer to pay the market value of the home.

It wasn't long before I felt like the bank was about to be decieved, the ultimate buyer would feel ripped off, possibly the lender representing the bank of the new buyer and then - the seller would have second thoughts after the deal would be finalized and everyone would come back to visit me and my broker, at the end of the day - with a big ol fat law suit.

WHEN YOU FEEL A RIPPING SENSATION IN YOUR GUT - It's usually telling you that something isn't right!

IT'S A BREACH OF FIDUCIARY DUTY AND IT'S KNOWN AS A DOUBLE CLOSE AND FLIP -

If you have a license to sell real estate, you'll want to stay far, far away from this one.

DON'T BE FOOLED, This is what we've gotten all the training for.

Watch your back on these 'to good to be real' short sale companies. Find out how they work before you sign any paperwork. If it sounds to good to be true, it usually is.

Cindy Mustafa, ABR Realtor [216] 408-1513

Remax Traditions

Cleveland, Ohio

Cindy Mustafa, REALTOR, ABR, CDPE, E-Pro

Cindy Mustafa, ABR Realtor, Aurora, Ohio Real Estate

CINDY MUSTAFA, AURORA REALTOR (Independent Contractor, RE/MAX) — Sun, 04 May 2008 09:05:54 -0700

Accomplishments as a Woman Business Owner

MOTIVATION TO BECOME A WOMAN BUSINESS OWNER:

After 18 years of office & sales management, most of them with the same owner/investor and four consecutive years of salary cutbacks, I realized that I had no control over my career growth or financial destiny but desperately wanted to accomplish more than I had in the past. I decided to start my own real estate business. I am an independent contractor and my license is on deposit with a local broker, so that I can conduct business, my way.

LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY:

First and foremost, my philosophy changes as I learn. I am a transformation leader that focuses on assisting my team with improving performance, communicating well, being decisive and making good decisions. I always encourage others to learn from the past, look forward to the future but live in the moment. I emphasize loyalty, being ethical & fair and stress honesty no matter what the circumstance or consequence is.

CREATIVE INITIATIVES:

I help people make decisions about buying and selling real estate which is predominately a ‘visual medium. To set myself apart from the traditional real estate agent, I truly excel at providing unparalleled services & support with bleeding edge marketing techniques & strategies not currently being used by other agents. Through continuing education, internet advancements & real estate technology trends, I provide a 360 degree marketing plan with other guaranteed services that get my clients results. I make multi-media presentations, slide shows, ad slicks, color brochures and eye-catching promotional materials that sing. I network at the gym, over coffee, over dinner or at the spa. Any opportunity to talk about what I do and what I have available in terms of inventory, is a chance to sell one of my client's homes.

GROWTH & SUCCESS OVER THE PAST 3 YEARS

After a couple years in real estate, I realized that I could apply my passion for helping people to my real estate business. I spent most of my time acting like a sponge to figure out what other top producing agents did to make their businesses grow. I networked with top agents and began reading everything I could about growing your own real estate business. I invested hundreds of hours talking with coaches & motivators in my industry and quickly & quietly moved into the Top Producers Circle to continue to learn, while gaining a reputation for being ethical, honest and fair. 2004 was really where my hard work started paying off. In 2005 my referral business picked up and 2006 & 2007 have been my best years yet. I attribute my growth to giving back to my community and helping people understand that with me, it's about people first. The money that I make is proportionate to the large amount of work that I do, the extra mile that I go, and the techniques that I create which set me apart from most all other Realtors. I am not ashamed to say that I am a ‘for profit' company. I have a lot to offer, in terms of services, and my clients think I'm worth it.

CHALLENGES AND OVERCOMING THEM

I've had my share of challenges; I'll list two of the bigger ones. First, learning to sell real estate in an extremely sluggish market was and still poses a great challenge. There is so much inventory on the market. There are so many homes for sale through so many foreclosures. We have bank-owned properties that are sky-rocketing by the day; new builders with new construction keeps popping up everywhere; regular resale homes are at an all time high; some homeowners are trying to sell because their mortgage payments ballooned due to unscrupulous sub-prime lending practices. Then we have those sellers that have a ‘make me move' prices and who are not really motivated to sell or not in the right mood to sell BUT for the right price, they'll think about it. All of the above makes it harder for those that really want or need to sell, get sold.

Second challenge, there are so many realtors in the nine counties that I wanted to service. I had no experience; why would anyone hire me? There were some bad realtors and mediocre realtors, and a few really good ones. But, one thing was for certain...there sure were a lot of realtors. I asked myself, "how would I find my place in this saturated industry?" and the answer would come to me. I set out to be one of those really few "good ones".

I quickly learned that I needed to set myself apart from the other realtors in my industry and minimize these two challenges. I did this by learning all that I could about internet technology. I put my high-spirited personality and high level of energy to work. I made myself ultra-accessible and I excelled at, and provided, exceptional "personal' customer service with both buyer and seller alike. I made myself available almost 24/7. I still answer and return all calls personally, whenever possible, and always end up over promising and over delivering. I networked like mad and loved every minute of it. I volunteered whenever possible and now sit on committees where they have openings. I enjoyed what I was doing, and still do. I have enhanced my marketing skills and learned to price a home for sale, properly. I learned how to stage homes, shoot photography and partnered with the best of vendors to solve homeowners problems, and even learned how to get someone financed that had not been able to accomplish getting a loan in the past. My core services are a vital part of my business. I worked smarter and harder and it paid off. No other realtor in northeast Ohio uses the 360 degree marketing plan that I have developed. This alone has set me apart from other realtors, and has provided me with repeat business through countless referrals from happy customers I have worked with in the past. There is nothing greater than word-of-mouth advertising, and nothing can give me more satisfaction than knowing I did the best job possible for that client.

I learned from it, learned how to deal with it, accepted it, became accustomed to it and haven't quite overcome it, but it's a part of my industry and I must always be aware of what this industry is about. I do not take anything for granted nor do I ever give up. It's been the best experience of my life and has taught me to be accountable, dependable, patient, and loyal and a whole lot more. Life's priceless lessons are about helping people overcome obstacles, and not just about making money. When you give all that you have, the income will come. It's definitely about ‘people first'.

It's my passion, my pleasure and I accept the good with the bad and keep on smiling; it's contagious.

Business Professional Honors Accomplishments & Contributions

Professional/Business Involvement

Member National Association of Realtors NAR Being a member of NAR is a privilege. Being in a trade association with over 750,000 members worldwide is priceless. And in being so, allows me to use the title ‘Realtor'. The term REALTOR® is a registered collective-membership mark which identifies a real estate professional as a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and as a subscriber to its strict Code of Ethics and higher professional standards. A REALTOR® member of CABOR or PCAR is also a member of the Ohio Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®. The multi-tiered organization provides for resources to its members, through its members.

Not all people that sell real estate are ‘Realtors'. I network with other realtors and grow professionally as our organization takes great pride in leveraging the massive numbers of Realtors to pass & change legislation at a State level with organizations namely, RPAC, the Realtor Political Action Committee. Saving green space for future growth in our world is important. Building communities safely and sensibly as to not overpopulate any one area are also focuses of our attention.

NAR - National Association of Realtors (Federal Legislature)

OAR - Ohio Association of Realtors (State Legislature)

CABOR - Cleveland Area Board of Realtors (Local Legislature) Local affiliation with OAR & NAR

RPAC Realtors Political Action Committee - supporting all Realtors for a better world to live in. Being a part of RPAC assures Realtors they have a voice at a higher level. We're all called on to perform our duties and serve on committees and gather information which allows us to get things done, the right way, the first time.

REBAC Real Estate Buyers Agent Council ABR® Accredited Being part of the Buyers Agent Council allows me to learn more about the multiple generations and their buying patterns. From ‘first time home-buyer to ‘last time homebuyer or second home & vacation homes, everyone buys and sells for a reason. Increasing my knowledge of buying patterns allows me to assist sellers in positioning their homes for sale. Knowing the latest of what buyers want & need helps me position my sellers' homes for sale where specific buyers would be looking to satisfy their needs. Networking with other REBAC members is working with professionals with the same goals in mind.

E-PRO

Being e-Pro accredited shows my clients that I've taken the proper course to stay in tune with what the Internet has to offer all buyers & sellers of real estate. Positioning homes for sale or searching for buyers has over the last 5 years become prevalent on the information highway AKA the Internet. Knowing where to market my listings and how to make them look attractive are very much a part of what I have to offer, and I feel I have a harness on this technology that most Realtors do not.

PCAR Portage County Association of Realtors

Concentration - Cuyahoga, Portage, Summit & parts of Geauga Counties, I work with the people of the above mentioned counties, first and foremost to buy and sell real estate. Being licensed in the State of Ohio, allows me to conduct business anywhere in my State and I frequently go beyond the borders above. As a Realtor® and member of PCAR & CABOR, it's my duty to share the knowledge and to help others learn of services available that would help them in their workplace, with general living conditions and growing stronger in our communities. People who are also volunteers are vital importance to our counties, knowing the resources helps us help each other. Leading by example is one of my strengths, giving back to the community starts with ‘where you live'.

AWARDS/RECOGNITION

2004-Brass Service Award, Realty One for Outstanding Achievement
2005-OAR, Ohio Association of Realtors - Award of Achievement & President's Sales Club Award
2005-CABOR, Cleveland Area Board of Realtors, Professional of the Year with Award of Achievement
2005-Bronze Service Award, Realty One - Outstanding Achievement
2006-CABOR, Cleveland Area Board of Realtors, Professional of the Year with Award of Achievement
2006-OAR, Ohio Association of Realtors, Award of Achievement for Outstanding Sales Achievement & President's Sales Club Award
2006-OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, REALTY ONE
2006-TOP PRODUCER, OFFICE TOP LISTER, REALTY ONE
2006-TOP PRODUCER, OFFICE TOP CLOSED VOLUME, REALTY ONE
2007-OAR, AWARD OF DISTINCTION, OHIO ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS PRESIDENT'S SALES CLUB AWARD
2007-Professional of the Year - Silver Award of Distinction
2007-Top Producer, Realty One, Aurora Ohio - Units & Volume
2008 -NAWBO-Winner, Cleveland, Oh - Top 10 Women Business Owners

CIVIC AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

MEMBER:

CITY OF AURORA, OHIO - CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CITY OF STREETSBORO, OHIO - CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Supporting and being active in the Chambers allows me to network with other local business owners that have success in mind. In doing so, I have the ability to work with professionals of all agencies, city government and organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life in these two cities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ONE PAGE BIO As a lifetime resident of Northeastern Ohio, I grew up in rural farming area where everyone knew each other and everyone helped one and other. I attended Berkshire Local Schools, a local regional campus of Kent State University for Nursing and joined the US Army. After spending time in the military for hospital administration, my curiosity pulled me to the computer industry where I would spend another 18 years learning all about them and sharing my knowledge of them with other people in the corporate, government and school market segments, and to provide them with the computers they needed to help their businesses grow.

Having the passion for people and the desire for personal growth, this led me into a career in Real Estate where I now spend most of my waking hours helping people achieve dreams that before the day I met them, they thought they could never reach.

It is the most challenging and rewarding career that I have had the pleasure of working in and at the same time, I don't consider it work; it's MY business and I fully intend on staying in this field until I can't help any longer. The real reason my clients choose me; I make the process exciting & fun; the environment friendly & inviting and I feel that the greatest place in the world for me....is helping people.

Achieving goals in real estate, one person at a time - it's my passion and my pleasure.

CURRICULAM VITAE

Contact Information Name: Cindy Mustafa

Address: Kensington Lane, Streetsboro, Oh 44241

Telephone: 330-655-0546

Cell Phone: 216-408-1513

Email:

Web-Site www.CindyMustafa.com

Cindy Mustafa, REALTOR, ABR, CDPE, E-Pro

Aurora Ohio and surrounding real estate markets are getting better, by Cindy Mustafa, 2008 NAWBO-Cleveland Winner

CINDY MUSTAFA, AURORA REALTOR (Independent Contractor, RE/MAX) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 10:46:43 -0700

From the desk of Cindy Mustafa.....

I'm happy to report the real estate sale patterns are changing. We're seeing positive media reports showing the 'numbers of homes sold' growing at higher numbers than first and second quarters of 2005 & 2006. Thanks to the ABJ, Plain Dealer and National Association of Realtors, the message is positive. Inman News and Realty Times are on the same page. We're coming out of the slump - YEAH!.

MESSAGE TO SELLERS: If 58,000 homes across the nation, not concerned with whether or not you sell, kindly remove your ‘For Sale' signs [you know who you are]. The homes with the ‘make me move price' or ‘I don't need to sell, I just want to see what happens' or ‘I'm trying to line someone up for when my new house is built in 6 months' or ‘I need to net the higher price for the down payment on my next home' or ‘I want to net 80k just because that's what I need in my pocket' and so on and so on. If you'd kindly remove your home from the market while we try to get some sellers sold, the end result potentially helps to stabilize the real estate market.

Sellers truly wanting and needing to sell their home will be able to get the job done in a reasonable amount of time. I know some of these sellers; they truly DO want and need to sell.

This leads me to the topic of inventory.

Due to so much inventory sitting, it's hard for an incoming buyer to sort out the mess making it harder to make a decision in a reasonable amount of time. [I remember when buyers use to look at 6-10 houses and buy one. Now buyers are seeing 30 to sometimes 50 homes with a Realtor® providing graphs and charts and comparisons to show square footage, taxes, lot size and travel distance to their new jobs.] I sometimes feel like an interior designer or logistician instead of a Realtor.

The bottom line is 2005 and 2006 were very strong buyers markets due to the colorful loan products available. Can I ask you something? Who wouldn't take a 100% loan w/no money down and pay interest only at 4% [sounds like rent to me] knowing that walking away had no consequences and owing nothing in the end with no equity to lose and no investment in the home? Now we see what happens and we've learned a lesson. O.k. won't do that again. What happened is we have an influx of short sales, foreclosures and bank owned properties adding to the people trying to sell because home equity & adjustable rates came due tripling mortgage payments making the home unaffordable in many instances.

The overall home prices have been on the downward slope until now, now we are starting to see light at the end of the tunnel. We're bouncing back.

Visit my web-site and know I'll be with you every step of the way. [www.CindyMustafa.com]

Buying or Selling? It's Got to Be Real!

Cindy Mustafa, ABR Realtor
2007 Top Producer - Aurora
2008 NAWBO-Cleveland
Top 10 Women Owned Businesses, Northeast Ohio

216.408.1513
"With me, It's All About You"

Cindy Mustafa, REALTOR, ABR, CDPE, E-Pro

CINDY MUSTAFA REAL ESTATE HELPING "FOR SALE BY OWNERS" IN AURORA & STREETSBORO OHIO

CINDY MUSTAFA, AURORA REALTOR (Independent Contractor, RE/MAX) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 06:53:05 -0800

Is Your Buyer Qualified?

Unless the buyer who makes an offer on your home has the resources to qualify for a mortgage, you may not really have a sale. If possible, try to determine a buyer's financial status before signing the contract. Ask:

1. If the buyer has been prequalified or preapproved (better) for a mortgage. Such buyers will be in a much better position to obtain a mortgage promptly.

2. Does the buyer have enough money to make a downpayment and cover closing costs? Ideally, a buyer should have 20 percent of the home's price as a downpayment and between 2 and 7 percent of the price to cover closing costs.

3. Is the buyer's income sufficient to afford your home? Ideally, buyers should spend no more than 28 percent of total income to cover PITI (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance).

4. Does your buyer have good credit? Ask if he or she has reviewed and corrected a credit report.

5. Does the buyer have too much debt? If a buyer owes a great deal on car payments, credit cards, etc., he or she may not qualify for a mortgage.

17 Service Providers You'll Need When You Sell:

1. Real Estate Attorney
2. Appraiser
3. Home Inspector
4. Mortgage Loan Officer
5. Environmental Specialist
6. Lead Paint Inspector
7. Radon Inspector
8. Tax Advisor
9. Sanitary Systems Expert
10. Occupancy Permit Inspector
11. Zoning Inspector
12. Survey Company
13. Flood Plain Inspector
14. Termite Inspector
15. Title Company
16. Insurance Consultant
17. Moving Company

6 Forms You'll Need to Sell Your Home

1. Property Disclosure Form: This form requires you to reveal all known defects to your property. Check with your state government to see if there is a special form required in your state.

2. Purchasers Access to Premises Agreement: This agreement sets conditions for permitting the buyer to enter your home for activities such as measuring for draperies before you move.

3. Sales Contract: The agreement between you and the seller on terms and conditions of sale. Again, check with your state real estate department to see if there is a required form.

4. Sales Contract Contingency Clauses: In addition to the contract, you may need to add one or more attachments to the contract to address special contingencies-such as the buyer's need to sell a home before purchasing yours.

5. Pre- and Post-Occupancy Agreements: Unless you're planning on moving out and the buyer moving in on the day of closing, you'll need an agreement on the terms and costs of occupancy once the sale closes.

6. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Pamphlet: If your home was built before 1978, you must provide the pamphlet to all sellers. You must also have buyers sign a statement indicating they received the pamphlet.

5 Ways to Speed up Your Sale....

5 Ways to Speed Up Your Sale

1. Price it right. Set a price and leave room to negotiate but know the value before you start.

2. Get your house market ready for at least two weeks before you begin showing it.

3. Be flexible about showings. It's often disruptive to have a house ready to show on the spur of the moment, but the more often someone can see your home, the sooner you'll find a seller.

4. Be ready for the offers. Decide in advance what price and terms you'll find acceptable.

5. Don't refuse to drop the price. If your home has been on the market for more than 30 days and you have marketed it property but have received no offers, be prepared to lower your asking price before the showings stop all together.

CONTACT ME FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS

CINDY MUSTAFA, ABR REALTOR

216-408-1513

WEB SITE

WWW.CINDYMUSTAFA.COM

E-MAIL DIRECT

Cindy@CindyMustafa.com

Cindy Mustafa, REALTOR, ABR, CDPE, E-Pro

Steps to Buying, Cindy Mustafa, Realtor - Real Estate in Aurora, Ohio

CINDY MUSTAFA, AURORA REALTOR (Independent Contractor, RE/MAX) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 15:04:51 -0800

Steps to Buying Your New Home...

You're ready to make a move - and your next home is waiting for you somewhere out there! Let me help you by:

1. Showing you homes that meet your needs and compliment your lifestyle. Buying TO MUCH house won't serve your family. Streamlining Your Home Search is a must. As an ABR Certified "Buyers Agent" I will work on your behalf to find your new home, first expanding your choices then helping you narrow the field. I will will set-up home tours, send you a suggested tour of homes that match your needs, and provide maps and directions by e-mail, U.S. mail or fax.

2. Providing a Comparative Market Analysis
A "comparative market analysis" or "CMA" is an overview of property values, prepared by me. It includes data on recent sales in a specific neighborhood, along with homes that are presently on the market.

3. Facilitating Financing
Unless you're a cash buyer, you'll need to apply for and acquire a mortgage loan. I can help you select a lender and title company and coordinate timing and paperwork. Preapproval is essential BEFORE you start your search as it will be an indicator of how much house you can comfortably afford.

4. Preparing Required Documents
Helping you write your purchase offer is one of the most significant areas of assistance, I provide the guidance, as a buyers agent. Depend on my expertise to manage all the paperwork and appropriate documents.

5. Evaluating/Negotiating Offers and Counter-Offers
While it may be true that anything is negotiable, it may not be in your best interest. An agent skilled in negotiation is your best ally in a competitive market.

6. Counseling for Contract Acceptance
I am an objective professional in your home purchase. Where emotion might cloud your better judgment, you can rely on me to advise you of your options throughout the transaction and make sure your interests are protected.

7. Setting Up Inspections
Sellers in Ohio must disclose material facts about their home's condition to interested buying prospects. Buyers may protect their own interests by acquiring various inspections; municipalities and lenders sometimes require additional once-overs. I will help you determine what you need, make the appointments and accompany you to the inspections.

8. Negotiating Disputes/Issues
Even the smoothest, simplest real estate transaction involves two parties with needs and objectives that may differ. I will provide skilled negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution.

9. Providing Contingency Resolution
Contractual contingencies are terms that must be met before an agreement is binding. The written contingency, therefore, must also be removed in writing, by a specified date, before the contract can be fully in effect. Whether it's financing, inspection or any other item your agreement is "subject to," I will assist you in understanding the fulfillment and removal of contractual conditions.

10. Facilitating Closing
The No. 1 irritant among home buyers is unanticipated difficulties gaining possession of the home they purchased. I will make it happen, finalizing the transfer of utilities, house keys and ownership.

Common Closing Costs for Buyers

The lender must disclose a good faith estimate of all settlement costs. A check to cover your closing costs will probably have to be a cashier's check. The title company or other entity conducting the closing will tell you the required amount for:

Downpayment.
Loan origination fees.
Points, or loan discount fees you pay to receive a lower interest rate.
Appraisal fee.
Credit report.
Private mortgage insurance premium.
Insurance escrow for homeowners insurance, if being paid as part of the mortgage.
Property tax escrow, if being paid as part of the mortgage. Lenders keep funds for taxes and insurance in escrow accounts as they are paid with the mortgage, then pay the insurance or taxes for you.
Deed recording fees.
Title insurance policy premiums.
Survey.
Inspection fees-building inspection, termites, etc.
Notary fees.
Prorations for your share of costs such as utility bills and property taxes.

A Note About Prorations. Because such costs are usually paid on either a monthly or yearly basis, you might have to pay a bill for services used by the sellers before they moved. Proration is a way for the sellers to pay you back or for you to pay them for bills they may have paid in advance. For example, the gas company usually sends a bill each month for the gas used during the previous month. But assume you buy the home on the 6th of the month. You would owe the gas company for only the days from the 6th to the end for the month. The seller would owe for the first 5 days. The bill would be prorated for the number of days in the month, and then each person would be responsible for the days of his or her ownership.

What to Keep From Your Closing

The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) statement. This form, sometimes called a HUD 1 statement, itemizes all the costs associated with the closing. You'll need for income tax purposes and when you sell the home.
The Truth in Lending Statement summarizes the terms of your mortgage loan.
The mortgage and the note (two pieces of paper) spell out the legal terms of your mortgage obligation and the agreed-upon repayment terms.
The deed transfers ownership of the property to you.
Affidavits swearing to various statements by either party. For example, the sellers will often sign an affidavit stating that they have not incurred any liens on the property.
Riders are amendments to the sales contract that affect your rights. For example, if you buy a condominium, you may have a rider outline the condo association's rules and restrictions.
Insurance policies provide a record and proof of your coverage.

Buying or selling a home? Off-season can be prime time. If you're buying or selling a home and the end of the spring-summer real estate season is stressing you out, relax.

Even though real estate sales do fall off at the end of warm weather, there's still plenty of buying and selling coming this fall and winter.

Remember, sales volume is not your problem. The only house you care about is the one you're selling or hoping to buy. The real estate business definitely buzzes in the fall and winter. Real estate isn't nearly as seasonal as it used to be.

If a house is priced and marketed appropriately, no matter what time of year it is, there will be a buyer for it.

What's more, many home buyers and sellers are bucking the seasonal nature of residential real estate. They're finding that buying or selling houses in the fall and winter months has many advantages -- not the least of which are the gorgeous fall leaf colors and holiday decorations that showcase many homes to their fullest potential.

Buyers are motivated. Many off-season buyers are more serious than some among the horde who descend like locusts on open houses in the spring. After all, there's a reason they didn't buy during the peak season. Perhaps they didn't have enough for a down payment or couldn't get financed. The fact that they've entered the market in a downtime might be very meaningful.

There is a second season. While sales definitely fall off in the early fall, they usually escalate again in October in many parts of the country.
Cyber sales. The expansion of the Internet and the numbers of people who use it have added a significant off-season dimension to real estate sales. Potential buyers can now find properties for sale in the comfort of their home through a vast array of Web sites. Virtual tours can take them into homes and they can preview neighborhoods, schools and city information before venturing out.

When you put up a home for sale in the fall or winter, you have the advantage of hindsight. I can review which homes sold quickly in your area during the warm-weather "peak season." This gives you the chance to adjust your price and terms accordingly and to make your home more marketable.

Connect with Cindy ?

CALL ME FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS, 216-408-1513

Cindy Mustafa, REALTOR, ABR, CDPE, E-Pro

AURORA OHIO REAL ESTATE - STEPS TO SELLING YOUR HOME

CINDY MUSTAFA, AURORA REALTOR (Independent Contractor, RE/MAX) — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 08:23:51 -0800

Aurora, Ohio Real Estate IMO,

The market for home sellers and buyers in our local market is at an all time high. This is absolutely, by far, my best year in Real Estate - THANK GOD!

I encourage everyone to steer clear from nay-sayers and dloom n gloom people, they drain you of your energy and convince you that there is no way you can sell your home in this market - I'm here to assure you, they're wrong!

Reality for sellers is that we're not seeing a 3.5 % ROI [RETURN ON INVESTMENT] like we did in 03/04 - BUT- Homes are still selling, buyers are still buying. Ohio is doing well aside from an influx of bank repo's and foreclosures. The beat goes on....If you can't wait a couple years to sell your home - call me - I'll get is sold.

The fact is - houses need to be priced correctly and you'll need to be in your best suite [curb appeal] when that home goes on the market. Don't try to fit into a price point that you don't belong. If you do, you'll be in competition with homes that are showing better than yours and this is guaranteed to be disappointing, at best.

PRICE TO SELL - NOT SIT

Steps to Selling Your Home

1. Make a Good First Impression
An attractive, well-maintained home will generally sell faster and for a higher price than a similar home that looks tired or run-down. So when you prepare your home for sale, take a critical look at its interior and exterior. Be on the lookout for areas that could be tidied up and items that should be repaired or replaced.

2. Know the Market
Your home will be in competition with other, similar homes for sale in and around your neighborhood. It's a good idea to know what homes are on the market in your area and the asking prices. I can provide you with a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to help you determine the fair market value of your home.

3. Price Your Home Correctly
Overpricing your home can discourage offers from serious buyers. On the other hand, under pricing your home leaves you no room to negotiate. That's why intelligent pricing is so important.

4. Market Your Home Effectively
It's difficult to find a buyer for your home if no one knows it's for sale. I create maximum exposure for your property through our Internet site, home books and other marketing tools. I use these unique and unmatched services to actively market your home every day, until it's sold - it's my service guarantee.

5. Prepare For Showings/Open Houses
Showings and Open Houses allow potential buyers to personally tour a home to determine how it might accommodate their lifestyle. Your goal should be to create an environment where potential buyers can visualize how the space will fit their needs.

6. Negotiate the Terms of the Sale
Home buyers and sellers usually expect to negotiate the price and terms of a home sale. This process will proceed more quickly if you evaluate and respond to offers and counteroffers in a timely fashion.

7. Review the Home Inspector's Findings
Most buyers will request a home inspection before completing the transaction. Following the inspection and based upon its results, the buyer may request certain repairs. As the seller, you should receive a written copy of the inspection report, and review it carefully to gain a thorough understanding of the nature and extent of any problems.

8. Sign the Purchase Agreement
Once you reach an understanding with the buyer, it's time to sign the purchase agreement. Review this document carefully. It should specify all the terms and conditions of the sale to which you have agreed with the buyer.

9. Prepare for Closing
The closing process involves an attorney or title company representative, all buyers, listing and selling brokers and all owners. The home seller should bring all warranties on equipment and any instructions on equipment maintenance or operation.

10. I will coordinate with you, the time and dates for closing, title transfer and key ceremony. If anything pops up that is out of the ordinary, I will handle it before the closing.

YOU CAN COUNT ON ME!

WWW.CINDYMUSTAFA.COM

216-408-1513

Cindy Mustafa, REALTOR, ABR, CDPE, E-Pro

WHY I'M PROUD TO BE WITH RE/MAX TRADITIONS OF AURORA

CINDY MUSTAFA, AURORA REALTOR (Independent Contractor, RE/MAX) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 13:34:41 -0800

Strategize, Advise, Negotiate

The City of Aurora is a central hub to individuals coming and going, looking for great schools, wanting to be close to the city but a little rural. It's a wonderful place to live, work and play.

Small town living, Big City Advantages!!! Rural enough to see the countryside yet minutes away from most all cities, shopping and theatre. Quick access to Cleveland, Pepperpike, Beachwood, Youngstown and Kent or Akron through the I480 or I77 & I71 couridors or the Ohio Turnpike, can take you where you need to be.

I'm proud to say I"m with RE/MAX Traditions of Aurora and serving the local real estate needs whether it be buying or selling your home. My business is one that believes in 'Putting the client first" so daily, people call with questions on staging their home to market analysis and guidance on home repairs. You can call me too.

Real Estate is changing and real estate agents must have the flexibility to change in order to grow their businesses. Having flexibility in our marketplace speaks volumes for my Team and we're ready to help you with your goals, 24/7.

CINDY MUSTAFA, Realtor, ABR, E-Pro,

NAR, OAR, PCAR

216-408-1513

www,CindyMustafa.com

Cindy Mustafa, REALTOR, ABR, CDPE, E-Pro