Jake Luehrs - KW Team Leader

Should I Interview More Than One Agent?

Jake Luehrs (Keller Williams Integrity - Team Leader) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 19:58:08 -0700

There can be multiple benefits to interviewing more than one agent, both from the realtors perspective as well as from the consumer's perspective. There are many agents to choose from, and it's important that all of your expectations are met when choosing the correct one. Consider the following aspects in choosing a realtor that best fits your needs:

*Are they involved in the market place and have they completed any sales that validate their expertise?

*Based on your expectations, is their business a good fit for what you are looking for? There are many different ways to run a real estate business, both from a representation and service standpoint, as well as location and niche perspectives. All can provide great services. It's important to know this information simply because it will help in identifying a good fit for all parties.

*Has trust been established? This is a big component of developing a strong business relationship in which everyone will win. Trust needs to be the foundation in making it a win win scenario.

*Caution on choosing a Realtor based on commission. The adage "you get what you pay for" can sometimes make this a difficult situation. There are many scenarios that are taken into account when listing your property. However, if an agent struggles with negotiating their own commission, how comfortable are you having them negotiate the sale price of your home?

There are a lot of extremely professional and credible realtors that can help in selling your home. Due your due diligence and make sure that the focus is on choosing the right realtor, based on how they conduct business and how well your needs align with that realtors way of doing business.

Will I get more if I wait???

Jake Luehrs (Keller Williams Integrity - Team Leader) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:14:56 -0700

This is a loaded question, and really depends on the goals of the client. There are so many scenarios that may or may not hold this to be ture. Wells Fargo stated in January that they anticipate an 8% delcine in prices by the end of the second quarter. This in itself suggests that they may know more than me? However, Bank of America and Fannie Mae didn't quote a specific percentage, but also anticipated a drop in prices.

You can see where the question can be a simple answer. A couple questions that you may want to ask yourself include:

1. Why are we moving? There are different scenarios that can make it a good time to sell or have it make more sense to wait. If you're happy in your home, have refinanced and really have no real need to sell, it may not make sense. However, if you need to move or would like to upgrade, financially it may make sense. There are two things to consider: PRICE vs. COST! Affordability rates were just under 15% in December, that is an all time low! Not only are prices attractive, but interest rates still offer substantial saving long term. If you upgrade, the money you will save over the life of the loan will be dramatic simply because of the decision you made at this point.

2. Are we willing to wait 3-5 years to sell? If you decide not to sell now, and prices do in fact decline, you'll likely be waiting a substantial amount of time before the market truly recovers. If you're comfortable and able to wait, with no real need to move, maybe staying is ok for you. There is nothing wrong with this decision, it's just good to have the information to make an educated decision.

Ultimately, based on what many of the banks are saying, in addition to various economists, it doesn't seem like there will be any kind of quick rebound. Stability will be welcomed at this point in the game. There are huge opportunities out there, simply taking in the information and exploring your options is well worth the time and effort put into it.

Jake Luehrs

Stimulus - Creating a Win-Win!

Jake Luehrs (Keller Williams Integrity - Team Leader) — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 14:41:15 -0800

There are plenty of factors that go into making a deal work for both buyers and sellers. There are also a lot of great ideas that can offer a win-win. One recently that I was introduced to was having sellers offer a buydown of interest points for the buyer. With the flood of bank owned inventory on the market, some buyers simply don't have the liquidity to put $15,000 into a property. However, if a seller is willing to "negotiate" on price through offering discount points to buyers, it offers the buyer a higher qualification to purchase and a seller more potential buyers.

I can understand that there are a ton of caveats. The first one being to make sure the buyer is aware and financially capable to pay the mortage in the event it's a temporary buy down. I'm passionate about financial responsibility. This type of program won't work for those that are financially maxed, it offers a high rate of default, which is what has put us in this position in the first place. This type of program can offer buyers a home in a condition that is acceptable to them, and it increase possible exposure for the seller. Each situation needs to be considered on a case by case basis. And this certainly could be a great fit for some currently in the market.

Talk to your local loan officer for details and options that may work. It's worth exploring!

Upcoming Forums for Elk River and ISD 728

Jake Luehrs (Keller Williams Integrity - Team Leader) — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 11:32:26 -0700

There are some important forums coming up for the ISD 728 that may impact you. Regardless of your stance on any particular issue, these will be some good forums to attend to stay on top of the current proposals and candidates.

All ISD 728 parents, guardians, students and stakeholders are encouraged to attend one or more of the upcoming forums relating to local public education:

    * ISD 728 School Board Candidates Forum
      7 p.m., Tuesday, October 5, 2010
      Otsego Elementary School
          Sponsored by the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce and the I-94 West Chamber of
          Commerce

ISD 728 State Legislative Candidate Forum
7 p.m., Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Elk River High School
      Sponsored by the ISD 728 Legislative Action Team, the Elk River Area and I-94 West
      chambers of commerce, Citizens League and Keller Williams Realty

ISD 728 Community Levy Forum
7 p.m., Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Otsego Elementary School

ISD 728 School Board Candidates Forum
9 a.m., Saturday, October 16, 2010
Elk River City Hall

ISD 728 Community Levy Forum
7 p.m., Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Zimmerman Elementary School

ISD 728 Community Levy Forum

7 p.m., Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Rogers Middle School

For more information on the potential levies and what they entail, visit http://www.elkriver.k12.mn.us/departments.cfm?subpage=19327&adminActivate=1

How do YOU view Change!

Jake Luehrs (Keller Williams Integrity - Team Leader) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 15:21:50 -0700

There are so many different definitions and assumptions on change. Many view change as a negative thing. The type of personality also has an impact on the perception of change. I've been through a lot of change over the past year, both personally and professionally. The changes that we as agents get to go through offers a lot of opportunity for future growth. This industry offers so many dynamics that can match nearly any personality or position.

Recently changing from real estate sales to more of a coaching and training position, I find more purpose in helping others grow their business. Not just saying that I enjoy it, but I really have the drive to help other succeed. Do you feel that in your business? If not, what would give you that drive? As I've mentioned, we have so many opportunities in this field, it's important for us to take advantage of that, not only for ourselves, but for the benefit of the industry as a whole!

Here are just a few benefits of change:

1.)Identifies your passions through thought - thought that is triggered by change

2.)Opens the door to new opportunities

3)It's easy to be complacent with ‘what is', change allows to you plan your next move

4.)Looking back, many times change is a blessing in disguise, either teaching you something or provides for more appreciation for things previously taken for granted.

There are many benefits to change, it's our thoughts and perceptions that will allow it to be a positive or negative change. I challenge everyone to look at what makes them tick. If you don't have an answer, dig a little deeper until something makes sense. Starting at that point will allow you to define goals and systems that correlate with your drive and passion. Just think how successful you can be doing something that you not only say you believe in, but something that you back up through your actions.

Maple Grove and Rogers Road Construction Game - Weekend of 8/19/10

Jake Luehrs (Keller Williams Integrity - Team Leader) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:10:33 -0700

Information provided by I-94 Chamber of Commerce and MnDot

Be aware-ramp and lane closures happen this weekend

We're really cranking on the I-94 projects between Maple Grove and the Crow River, and you may run into some ramp and lane closures this weekend if traveling in the area. Ramp closures will include

*The westbound I-94 ramps to and from Weaver Lake Road in Maple Grove are closed from 10 p.m. Friday, Aug, 20 until 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 23 for concrete rehabilitation. Detours will direct you to use Maple Grove Pkwy to exit and enter westbound I-94

*The ramp from eastbound I-94 to Hwy 101 and the ramp from Hwy 101 to westbound I-94 in Rogers are closed between 11 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 22 and 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 23 for resurfacing. Detours will direct you to use Hwy 241 to exit and enter I-94

Non-rush hour lane closures will continue in both directions for the concrete rehabilitation project between Maple Grove and Rogers. We're still working on overnight resurfacing of I-94 between Hwy 101 and the Crow River as well. Here's what to expect over the next few days near Rogers:

*Eastbound I-94 will be reduced to a single lane between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. tonight (Aug. 19) and tomorrow night (Aug. 20)

*Westbound I-94 will be reduced to a single lane from 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 22 until

5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 23

For more information about this project, visit:

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/i94bridges/index.html.

Rogers MN Road Construction Maze! Week of 8/16/10

Jake Luehrs (Keller Williams Integrity - Team Leader) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 11:18:00 -0700

Information Provided by I-94 Chamber of Commerce and MnDot.

I-94 Bituminous Paving

Westbound I-94 paving between the TH 101 and the Crow River continues at night until Sunday, August 15. Traffic will be reduced down to one lane from 10pm to 6am. Eastbound paving operations will begin on Wednesday August 18 for approximately one week, starting from the Crow River towards TH 101. Traffic will be reduced down to one lane from 8pm to 5am.

CSAH 81/Main Street Intersection Improvements

Lane reductions continue to be inplace on CSAH 81, TH 101, Main Street, John Milless Drive and Industrial Blvd within the project area. This work is part of the stage 1 construction of the project that is expected to last through mid-September. Motorists will be able to travel on these roadways as they are under construction, but should expect major delays.

Open meetings for the public take place weekly on Wednesdays from 12:30pm pm 1:30 pm. at the Rogers Community Room. Project personnel will be available to answer any questions you may have related to the project schedule and construction activities for the CSAH 81 project as well as the other projects taking place in the City of Rogers.

I-94/TH 101 Flyover

No new traffic changes.

I-94 Concrete Rehab

The westbound Weaver Lake Road exit and entrance ramp from I-94 will be closed on Friday August 13 at 10:00pm until Sunday August 15 at 5:00am. These ramps will also be shut down the following weekend from Friday August 20 at 10:00pm until 5:00am Monday morning August 23.

Crews will continue working on westbound I-94 starting at the Fish Lake Interchange and continuing west from 9pm to 2pm.

Eastbound work should resume on Monday August 16 from 9am to 5am and will last a few days.

Please visit the City of Rogers website www.roads.cityofrogers.org <http://%20%20www.roads.cityofrogers.org/> or Mn/DOT's website www.dot.state.mn.us <http://www.dot.state.mn.us/> for more information. You can sign up for email notifications on the City's website to receive immediate information on these projects as they occur.

Buying a home? Prepare yourself!!

Jake Luehrs (Keller Williams Integrity - Team Leader) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:01:45 -0700

I have this discussion with each one of my buyers at our initial consultation. It has become less of an issue with the tighter lending restrictions, however, some still qualify for more than what they can truly afford. I make a couple suggestions to my buyers to gauge what they can afford AND still live life not married to the mortgage:

*Create a budget - it is amazing to me how many people don't have a budget in place to organize their finances. I will say that many more people with the turn in values, have given this much more direct attention.

*Define what spending can be scaled back - without a budget (or for businesses, a business plan), it is very easy to spend money on unnecessary things, while being unaware of how much you're actually spending. I realized this in my business plan. I became so busy that I was just spending money without making it accountable to work for me!

*Be prepared for the unexpected - owning a home can be expensive. It is not only important for homeowners to maintain their home, but you can also be less stressed knowing that you've saved for a rainy day. Sometimes it's just impossible to know whats at the end of the tunnel!

Ultimately, many of these activities get a way from us when life happens. Just keeping track of where you stand and where you want to be can make the difference!

Blessings in disguise

Jake Luehrs (Keller Williams Integrity - Team Leader) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:06:53 -0800

I think the current economy has put things into perspective for many people. Even with these more stressful times, we should be thankful for everything that we do have. It is so easy to complain about what we don't have or how something didn't go perfectly right. Well, this is a great opportunity to charish the good things we do have.

There is nothing more effective than working through "hard" times that make you appreciate that all is good. It is those tough times that allow us to grow as well as enjoy the good times even more. Without sadness, there would be no laughter, without heartache, there would be satisfaction. Take this time to be thankful for what you have and the great country that we live in.

Wishing all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Making it fun again!

Jake Luehrs (Keller Williams Integrity - Team Leader) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:01:13 -0800

There was recently a group of realtors in my office that came up with a great idea to get us back to having fun. As we all know, the market hasn't given us any reason to jump up an down. However, there is no reason we can't still be positive and have fun. If you truly think about it, we have two options. 1.) Get out of bed, be positive and do what we should do to run our business or 2.) Find another job since we are so unhappy about this one. Our clients will know if we are negative in general, and they will also know that we are positive and confident we will come out successful on the other side of this lagging time.

Keep real estate fun! Have a friendly competitiion, keep track of the activities you do and meet every week to see what others are doing. I know, there are agents out there that don't want to share anything with anyone. I'm happy to share with fellow realtors.....my reasoning? It's going to take hard work to be successful, and the people looking for a hand out will not commit to the activities that have to be done to succeed, so share, unless your scared!

Check out this video, hopefully it will give you the extra boost to do just a couple more things that you normally would.

http://www.thepowerof10percent.com?SRC=NETPOTPMOVIE

Enjoy!

Got Inspiration???

Jake Luehrs (Keller Williams Integrity - Team Leader) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:33:23 -0800

I just watched a short video that discussed the impact of giving that extra 10%. Giving an extra 10% in life will offer endless limits and personal satisfaction! It a short video and I highly encourage you take a look. That's all for now!

http://www.thepowerof10percent.com?SRC=NETPOTPMOVIE

Enjoy!

Jake

Maple Grove MN and Rogers MN local Market Update

Jake Luehrs (Keller Williams Integrity - Team Leader) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:24:24 -0800

There is a lot of activity in the Rogers and Maple Grove real estate market. Below is a quick snapshot of the current activity:

Rogers:

Current Inventory: 111 Properties

Percentage of properties bank owned or short sale status: 34%

Sold Properties in Past 30 days: 8

Percentage of properties sold that were bank owned or short sale: 37.5%

List vs. Sold Percentage: 93.4% (ex. if a property were listed at 100,000, the sales price on avg. would be 93,600)

Averaged Days on Market (solds): 121 Days

Maple Grove:

Current Inventory: 575 Properties

Percentage of properties bank owned or short sale status: 27%

Sold properties in past 30 day: 62

Percentage of properties sold that were bank owned or short sale: 32.2%

List vs. Sold Percentage: 96.5%

Average Days on Market (Sold properties): 88 Days

Enjoy!

Jake Luehrs

Becoming an Expert in Buyer Programs!

Jake Luehrs (Keller Williams Integrity - Team Leader) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:16:10 -0800

I've recently dug into trying to find all the first time home buyer programs that are available. It seems that there are more being added to the mix on a monthly basis. After January 20th, I would imagine there will be additional changes and programs to explore. I wont' waste you time trying to explain any of the programs as they vary in availability and are many times based on a local market level. A great resource that I am sure many of you are aware of (like me, I simply never looked in depth that the site) is www.hud.gov.

I would encourage anyone interested to look into this as it may provide another marketing avenue to generate some business. I am a big advocate of beating the client to the product rather than them asking and me not knowing the correct answer. This not only makes us look more professional and offers credibility to our name.

Jake Luehrs

Minnesota Weather - The direct correlation with market activity

Jake Luehrs (Keller Williams Integrity - Team Leader) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:59:19 -0700

Ok, I had to write something with regards to the weather. Just when you think it's time for spring, another storms sets you back another week, snow, slush, ice, wind, it pains me. Don't get me wrong, I love the changes in season in minnesota. My complaint comes due to it's impact on our market. The spring brings out the best in everyone, the sun puts smiles on faces, and people start to make decisions.

Based on my years in real estate, everytime it warms up, so does the sales activity. It is a great thing. However, this latest storm is playing a big role in prolonging the winter market. I will continue to push through this delay in the spring market, I'm just not thrilled about it. AHG!

Buyers: Are they ready or not?

Jake Luehrs (Keller Williams Integrity - Team Leader) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:47:03 -0700

I'm continuing to hear all the negative press regarding the stagnant real estate market. What I am experiencing in the marketplace is different than what I am hearing. Is the market as great as it was 3 years ago? Of course not. However, are properties still moving? ABSOLUTELY! I am getting a good volume of buyer leads from particular listings I have.

I have recently sat down with two buyers that are "ready" to buy and a couple of more buyers I've cultivated via email. They are planning to buy in the fall or late summer. I find myself wanting to provide them with pertinent information on a regular basis, however, I'm struggling with what to send them. My goal is to continue to keep in touch so they are willing to use me when it's time to look. How can I effectively gain their trust on such a limited communication structure. Any suggestions?

Jake Luehrs

Hennipen County Short Sales

Jake Luehrs (Keller Williams Integrity - Team Leader) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:08:51 -0700

I've recently been dealing with Short Sales in Hennipen County. I haven't been heavily involved with these until recently. I received an offer on a property yesterday. The sellers continue to be concerned with the outcome of doing a short sale. I've discussed that if the bank accepts the offer as full payment, the loan will be satisfied with no delinquent amounts.

Another issue is the income tax repercussions. With the recent bill that was signed into law, there will be no additional income tax based on the delinquent amount. From my understanding, there is no stipulation, if anyone knows differently, I would welcome a further explaination.

Jake Luehrs

http://www.luehrsrealestate.com

Minnesota Short Sales

Jake Luehrs (Keller Williams Integrity - Team Leader) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:07:27 -0700

Jake Luehrs

www.LuehrsRealEstate.com

Thing are selling!!

Jake Luehrs (Keller Williams Integrity - Team Leader) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:02:26 -0700

I have finally come to terms that watching the news isn't as beneficial as it used to be. The media continues to be overly negative with the current real estate economy. With the booming market from 2000-2005, of course were no where near those levels. However, all things considered, we are still towards the top of all time highs.

The past couple of days I've been showing homes in Elk River, Rogers, and Maple Grove, MN. I'm starting to enjoy a non-confirmation, let me explain! Nearly 30% of the showings have been denied because the properties have sold. THINGS ARE SELLING! There are still buyers, still motivated sellers, and situations in which people have to move, why are so many focusing on what is bad. Go out there and give people the truth. There hasn't been a better time to buy within the past thirty years, low rates and high inventory! Lets get out there and sell!

What is the correct listing price?

Jake Luehrs (Keller Williams Integrity - Team Leader) — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 14:38:13 -0700

We all have felt a hit from the turn in the market, however, the changes make us stronger not only individually, but also as an industry. I have to admit, it has taken some time for me to figure some things out. One item in particular is pricing a home correctly.

In years past, we were able to price a house above market value and eventually the market would catch up through the means of appreciation. What a great time that was! I'm starting to come to the conclusion that a listing should be priced lower than all the comparables that are used for the CMA. Let me explain, just as values caught up to the listing price in the past, once we list a property in this market, if we list based on the "market" a month after the property has been listed, it's perceived value is actually less due to depreciation. This is where I struggle.

The Rogers Real Estate Market in Minnesota continues to see depreciation in prices. So my question, or struggle is at how much less should a home be listed for a quick, efficient sale while getting our clients the most money we can. It seems as though it can act as a catch 22? Are there any markets out there seeing the same thing? If so, how are you handling not only the prices, but also clients and prospects.

This all makes sense in my head so I apologize if I'm not conveying it properly.

Consolidating Listing Exposure

Jake Luehrs (Keller Williams Integrity - Team Leader) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 14:59:10 -0700

With all the websites we can put our listings on, it presents a catch 22 in my mind. Being an effective agent requires us to make sure we are actively seeking all the exposure that we can for our listings and providing accurate informations on those listings. The problems arises when a price change is made, seasons change for photos (in Rogers MN, they can be quite drastic!), etc.

As I mentioned before, it is our obligation to our sellers to provide as much exposure as possible, right? So then the question lies at how many is too many? Is the answer as many as you can handle? At what piont does that take away for our true jobs that is selling. I try to post my listings on as many websites as possible but eventually I began running into problems of making sure the updated content was the same across the board.

What seems to be the best thing I can find at this point is to be able to enter the listing on one site that promotes on various other websites such as point2agent. When a listing is entered on that site, there are roughly 10 sites that is forwarded to, this also depend on the geographical area for each site. That is the most efficient site I have found. If you haven't had the chance to see it, I would recommend taking a look.

Any suggestions or thoughts?