busy busy

I know it has been awhile since I posted but I don't know about you but I have been fairly busy!  Between Real Estate business and kids out of school........  Can not believe that summer is half way over!

Been noticing that there are not as many sellers but more buyers.  I have even heard there are more multiple offers being received.  Are we out of the woods?  No not yet but I think we are turning a corner.  I have also noticed that people are actually coming to Michigan.  I have a couple of out of town buyers  and there are some agents that have been showing my listings to people from out of town.  Good sign!  Doesn't make up for the thousands that have left, but it is better than no one coming in to Michigan at all.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel!!!!!

Need a referal

I have a client that is interested in moving to Florida (the Orlando area).  I would love to refer her to someone that can give her some in sight of the market down there and what are the options as far as buying, renting, etc.  This is a second request for help.

Need input on marketing ideas

Here is the deal.  I have a listing that has been on the market since March.  It is a great home.  Of the 15 showings and several open houses, the feed back as been positive.  Home shows well, priced right, tastefully decorated, etc.  We had one offer for $20,000 less than the asking price.  We countered but the potential buyer would not counter back (for very valid reasons on their end).  Now we have not had a showing in a week.  I have given my clients all the stats (what is on market, what has sold which is not much, etc).  I recommended that we drop the price at least $10,000.  They just can not bring themselves to do it.  I think I have them convinced to drop but now they want to offer some incentives to potential buyers and the buyers agents.  Here is my question:  Would you show a home that had a bonus of $500 to the buyers agent if a contract is received by a certain date and then at closing receive the bonus?  We are going to offer to assist with closing costs upto $2500.  The other question is does anyone have any other ideas on how to get this place sold?  It really is a great home that they really need to sell but they just don't want to give it away.  Unfortunetly the reality of the market with all the forclosures and short sales, is they may have no choice but to give it away (and come to the table with some money).

Question about FL real estate

I have a client that is planning on moving to Florida.  I think it is somewhere around the Orlando area (I can not find the paper that I wrote the info on).  Anyway, her question is this:  She has heard that the cost of Homeowners Insurance is outragious so is it better to buy or rent?  What is the rough cost of insurance?  Also, what are homes selling for roughly and what is rent costing?  I told her that I would see what I can find out and maybe refer her to someone in that area.  Any info you could give would be great.  Thanks for your help.

Short Sales

Just curious as to what your take is on short sales.  There has been alot of talk lately!  I feel that for once, everyone seems to be on the same page.  But I still hear that most banks are not willing to go this route and of course for various reasons.  I would think that all the banks would see this as a win - win situation for everyone involved.  The bank is not stuck with a house they really do not want, the seller is able to walk away with a little dignity, and the buyer gets a deal (which you know that is what they are looking for).  But what about the real estate agents?  Who should take the cut in the commission?  Is it the listing agent, the buyers agent, or both?  I have heard many stories of the listing agent taking the biggest cut because the buyers agent is not willing to give up any of the commission entitled to them.  Personally I think why be greedy?  You have a deal and everyone is happy.  Why ruin it?  Just a thought!

Amazing what happens when you go on vacation!!

It was right around the middle of March when things started to get busy!  YEA!!!!!  Then of course the first week of April we are leaving to go on vacation.  Well, things really got crazy!!  I got three phone calls to see houses with two of them wanting to be cash deals and the third one is trying to find the "right one".  Which thank god both cash deals wanted to wait till I returned.  Then the night before we are suppose to hit the road I get a phone call that an offer is being written on one of my listings.  Which of course I have my business covered while I'm gone.  Well, then I get a frantic phone call from my seller that they only want me to negotiate the deal.  So I spent three days of my vacation (thank goodness my family is very understanding) working on a deal that did not happen because the buyer was not willing to negotiate.  But that is okay because within 2 days of my return, I got 2 phone calls that may turn into offers!!  So needless to say, if you want your business to take off, go on vacation!!  As for the 3 buyers, we will be working on things this coming week and as for the offers........

Now is the time!

NOW is the time to buy!!  There are some great deals to be had whether you are a first home buyer or a seasoned home buyer!  Plus the interest rates have dropped!!!  If you are unsure where to start, let me help you!! 

First, find out what you can afford by going to a LOCAL lender.  They will be able to assist you and guide you in the right direction.  If you want a referral to a reputable local lender, please call me.  Please do not use an Internet lender because most are out of state and do not understand the Michigan market.  Plus there are many programs that are specific to Michigan market.

Second, make sure you receive a PRE-APPROVAL letter from the lender.  This will help show the seller that you are a serious buyer when you make an offer.  Do not get a PRE-QUALIFIED letter because it means you have not gone through the approval process with the lender.  Basically, pre-qualified means that you gave information without any paperwork and based on that info this is what you might be approved for.

Once you find out for sure what you can afford, lets start looking!!  Keep in mind that just because a lender says you qualify for X amount does not mean that you have to get a house for that amount.  It is highly recommended that you stay under that amount.

Some great deals in Stockbridge

I have two listings in Stockbridge that need to sale! If you know anyone interested in that area, please send them this way. One home is in town, victorian, some updates done and needs a few more but is livable. The other is just outside of town on 1 1/2 acres, ranch, oversized 3 car garage, very well maintained. Both are easy commutes to Lansing, Ann Arbor, Jackson, and Brighton. Bring ALL offers!!!!!

Now is the time!

It has never been a better time for buyers! Interest rates are low and you can get a lot of house for NOT a lot of money! Whether you are looking for an investment or something to call your own, I would love to help you!

As anyone used this marketing tool?

Has anyone used and had success with Talking House?  I'm going to try it.  What else have I got to lose?  Any feed back would be greatly appreciated!  I'm looking for new ways for marketing, so any suggestions would also be appreciated.