Jeff Burke's Real Estate Blog

11 Leadership tips for 2008

Jeff Burke~ Associate Broker, Lansing MI Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 07:23:08 -0600

Happy New Year everyone. I hope you had an awesome Christmas, and have a very prosperous 2008. A couple of years ago I received a daily devotional on leadership as a gift from the President of the Greater Lansing Board of Realtors. This gift was for all the directors who served for that year to enjoy. I am now going on my third time through, and thought I might share a little from the book titled "Leadership-Promise for every day" written by John C. Maxwell. It talks about eleven tips to help us develop our leadership skills, and I thought I would share it with you as well.

1. Always value excellence.
2. Never settle for average.
3. Pay attention to every detail.
4. Remain committed to what really matters in your life.
5. Have sound ethics, and display integrity in all that you do.
6. Show a genuine respect for everyone you know, and meet.
7. Demonstrate consistency in your life.
8. Never stop looking for ways to improve.
9. Always go the extra mile.
10. Always give 110%
11. Make excellence a lifestyle.

Have an awesome 2008.

Rock Solid Leadership video

Jeff Burke~ Associate Broker, Lansing MI Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 11:42:39 -0600

Rock Solid Leadership Video:

I received an email today from www.simpletruths.com with this three minute inspirational video on Leadership that I thought I would share with everyone. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Click Here for Video

Answer the Million dollar Question: Is it better to buy or rent?

Jeff Burke~ Associate Broker, Lansing MI Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:12:41 -0600

Should I buy or Rent? I often hear this question from potential buyers. There is an awesome website to go to to help answer that question for first time buyers. This web site will actually calculate your present rental situation and project out the benefits to buying vs. renting. This is an awesome tool for Realtors that is provided by NAR. Hope everyone enjoys it as much as I do. Click on the link below and start the home buying process today. Click Here to Calculate.

NAR Survey: FSBO Rate Remains Steady in 2007

Jeff Burke~ Associate Broker, Lansing MI Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 10:56:27 -0600

The level of for-sale-by-owner transactions remains at a record low, according to the just-released NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® 2007 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.

Only 12 percent of transactions in 2007 were for-sale-by-owner, unchanged from 2006, according to the survey. The level of homes sold without professional representation has continued to decline since 1997, when a record 18 percent of transactions were for-sale-by-owner properties.

The survey also found that four out of ten FSBO properties were not placed on the open market and were "closely held" between parties who knew each other in advance, such as family members or acquaintances. This additional data confirms that the majority of Consumers selling on the open market are choosing to work with an Agent.

Although there are sites that cater to unrepresented Sellers, their total Listings are in the tens of thousands, in contrast with more than 3 million homes showcased on NAR's Consumer Web Site, http://www.realtor.com/.

Information provided by: (REALTOR® Magazine Online)

Commercial & Residential Property in Potterville And Okemos Michigan

Jeff Burke~ Associate Broker, Lansing MI Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 22:48:25 -0600

2 Acres Commercial Land:0 Lansing Rd~ Potterville, Michigan

This vacant land is a rare opportunity in growing market. This property sits just off a Major highway exit on I-69 between Lansing and Charlotte. This land sits next to a newer strip mall, and has major franchises (McDonalds, Honda, Taco Bell) located around it. This 2.0 acres will accommodate the most aggressive users that need great Highway visibility. Electric, water and sewer have been run to the property. Click Here for a Virtual Tour...

2.25 Acre lot In Chimney Oaks~Okemos. Michigan:

Beautiful Lot situated in Chimney Oaks subdivision in Okemos, Michigan. This lot is surrounded by exceptionally large executive home-sites and luxury homes. This land has a beautiful country setting yet close to shopping and Michigan State University. All Builders are welcome. Click on the link below to tour the subdivision, and start building your beautiful luxury home today! Click Here for a Virtual Tour...

Great Buys in Okemos and Holt Michigan: 4 Bedroom Homes

Jeff Burke~ Associate Broker, Lansing MI Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 22:19:23 -0600

1391 Silkwood~Okemos Michigan

This 4 bedroom 2.5 bath contemporary 2 story home located in Cornell Woods and is just waiting for a new owner! This home has been lovingly cared for. This contemporary home has many wonderful features: Vaulted ceiling in the great room with an open stairway to the second floor. Formal dining room for all those special occasions. Open kitchen with oak trim and informal eating area. Off the informal eating area you'll enjoy the cozy family room featuring a Wood-burning fireplace and tile hearth. From there take the slider to a large 2-tier deck or the door to screened porch with a tile floor and a ceiling fan. This home also has a First-floor laundry with built-in cupboards, closet, and a tile floor. Updated half bath on first floor, French doors leading to the lower level with finished rec. room, exercise/TV room, and a computer area. Second floor includes a Master bedroom with a walk-in closet and an updated private bath with tile shower and floor. Three additional bedrooms and a second full bathroom. This home has lots of mature landscaping and a beautiful lot. Click Here for a Virtual Tour...

2765 Oakleaf~Holt, Michigan

2765 Oakleaf is located in one of Holt, Michigan's most desirable neighborhood situated in the beautiful River point subdivision. This gorgeous home is stunning inside and out! Fabulous landscaping! And minutes from Michigan State University. Pride of ownership shows! As you enter the home you find yourself in the beautiful open foyer which leads to the spacious living room, or open kitchen area. The kitchen features an Island with granite counter top, and is open to the nook area which overlooks the family room with beautiful gas fireplace. This is an excellent layout for entertaining family or friends. This home features a formal dining room as well as a full finished basement with wet bar, bedroom, second kitchen, and full bathroom. The basement has a wall of daylight windows which lets the natural lighting in. The second level features a master bedroom/bath suite and more. Click Here for a Virtual Tour...

Buy a Foreclosed Home in Michigan for only $100.00 Down*

Jeff Burke~ Associate Broker, Lansing MI Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 23:19:13 -0600

The Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announce new sales incentives on HUD Home sales in Michigan.

• $100 Down Payments!
Purchase a HUD Home with FHA-insured financing for low down payments.
• Huge Sales Allowances!
Purchasers using FHA Financing will receive $2,500 at closing to use on repairs, closing costs, or to lower their mortgage amount. Not using FHA financing? You'll still get $1,000 to assist in paying closing costs!
• Available State-wide Benefits of FHA Financing!

• Flexible Underwriting, No minimum credit scores, Competitive often lower interest rates

• Government Insured.
*This special sales offer may not be combined with any other HUD discount sale, including sales under the Good Neighbor Next Door program or sales to non profit organizations.
$100 Down Payment o n HUD Homes
Take Advantage of BIG Incentives when you Purchase HUD Homes with FHA Financing.
For more information call 517-853-6385 TODAY!!!
*Restrictions apply call for details.

Upcoming Events in The Greater Lansing, Michigan Area

Jeff Burke~ Associate Broker, Lansing MI Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 22:55:43 -0600

With the Holidays right around the corner thought it would be nice to share what's going on throughout the Greater Lansing Area. First and foremost remember to take your family to Potter Park Zoo this year to enjoy the 2007 Wonderland of Lights, it's an awesome night out for all who attend.

November 29 through December 30
Thursdays through Sundays
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Events run 6:00 to 8:00PM
(closed Monday through Wednesday)

$4 for adults (15 and older); $3 for seniors (60 and up); $2 for children; Parking is FREE

Zoo Society Members Get in FREE

Eastwood Winter Wonderland Nov. 24 from 5-8pm at the Eastwood Towne Center in Lansing.

Santa Clause will be there with his sleigh and live reindeer, Carolers, live ice carvings and more.

If your looking to stay inside Rumpelstiltskin is playing at the Riverwalk Theatre in lansing Nov. 23-25, Nov. 30-Dec. 2, and Dec. 7-9

Click below for the following: Information/ Reservations

5th Annual BBBS Wine Tasting Event is being held at the Uncle John's Cider Mill in St. Johns Michigan Nov. 27 from 6pm-8pm. $15/ per person. Tickets available at the office. Call (517) 372-0160 or (877) 483-7145

Uncle Johns Cider Mill, 8614 N. US-127, St. Johns Michigan

Question: Property Auction web sites

Jeff Burke~ Associate Broker, Lansing MI Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 13:44:58 -0600

I recently had a buyer ask me about a property that is listed in my local Board in Lansing Michigan for $185,000. The property is being auctioned off at a minimum bid of $129,500. The site is propertyexchange.com. Does anyone know about this service or any other services like this? I think it's merely a lead generator for the agent, but I could be wrong. Thanks for your help.

Foreclosures in Lansing, MI: What to do before it's too late.

Jeff Burke~ Associate Broker, Lansing MI Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 21:51:55 -0600

Foreclosures in Lansing, Michigan:

Tips for home owners who might be falling behind on their Mortgage payments.

1.) Make sure you don't avoid your Mortgage company. Call them as soon as you become late on your payments. Communication is the key here. If the Mortgage company feels that your avoiding them they are less willing to work with you to come up with a solution to the short fall.

2) If your a couple of months behind call to see if the Mortgage company can put the past due amount on the back-end of your loan and work out a payment plan to get you back on your feet.

3.) Mortgage companies are starting to allow your Mortgage to go into Forbearance for up to 6 months. Which would allow you six months without a payment to stop the foreclosure process.

4.) If your behind on your payments, and can't get anywhere with your Mortgage company call a professional Realtor who has experience in what is called "Short Sales". A short sale is when you can negotiate with your Mortgage company for a lower payoff on you loaned amount. There are pro's and Con's to everything, and I highly recommend that you consult a professional for this process. You can actively market your home and be pretty aggressive with the price of the home to get it sold to avoid foreclosure.

There are more tips and techniques that can be attempted to avoid foreclosure, but the key is as soon as you start to fall behind contact you Mortgage company and an experienced Realtor who can assist you through those difficult times.

Lansing, MI Real Estate:10 Questions to Ask Before You Hire an Agent to List your Home

Jeff Burke~ Associate Broker, Lansing MI Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 13:19:01 -0600

"It's critical that you make the right decision about who will handle what is probably the single largest financial investment you will ever make."

•1. What makes you different? Why should I list my home with you?

It's a much tougher real estate market than it was a decade ago. What unique marketing plans and programs does this agent have in place to make sure that your home stands out favorably versus other competing homes? What things does this agent offer you that others don't to help you sell your home in the least amount of time with the least amount of hassle and for the most amount of money?

•2. What is your company's track record and reputation in the market place?

It may seem that everywhere you look, real estate agents are boating about being #1 for this or that, or quoting you the number of homes they've sold. If you're like many homeowners, you've probably become immune to much of this information. Afterall, you ask, "Why should I care about how many homes one agent has sold over another. The only thing I care about is whether or not they can sell my home quickly for the most amount of money."

Well, because you want your home sold fast and for top dollar, you should be asking the agents you interview how many homes they have sold. I'm sure you will agree that success in real estate is selling homes. If one agent is selling a lot of homes where another is selling only a handful, ask yourself why this might be? What things are these two agents doing differently?

You might be surprised to know that many agents sell fewer than 10 homes per year. This volume makes it difficult for them to do full impact marketing on your home, because they can't raise the money it takes to afford the advertising and special programs to give your home a high profile. Also, at this low level, they probably can't afford to hire an assistant, which means that they're running around trying to do all the components of the job themselves, which means service may suffer.

•3. What are your marketing plans for my home?

How much money does this agent spend in advertising the homes s/he lists versus the other agents you are interviewing? In what media (newspapers, magazine, TV, etc) does this agent advertise? What does s/he know about the effectiveness of one medium over the other?

•4. What has your company sold in my area?

Agents should bring you a complete listing of both their own and other comparable sales in your area.

•5. Does your Broker control your advertising or do you?

If your agent is not in control of his or her own advertising, then your home will be competing for advertising space not only with this agent's other listings, but also with the listings of every other agent in the brokerage.

•6. On average, when you listings sell, how close is the selling price to the asking price?

This information is available from the Real Estate Board. Is this agent's performance higher or lower than the board average? Their performance on this measurement will help you predict how high of a price you will get for the sale of your home.

•7. On average, how long does it take for your listings to sell?

This information is also available from the Real Estate Board. Does this agent tend to sell faster or slower than the board average? Their performance on this measurement will help you predict how long your home will be on the market before it sells.

•8. How many Buyers are you currently working with?

Obviously, the more buyers your agent is working with, the better your chances are of selling your home quickly. It will also impact price because an agent with many buyers can set up an auction-like atmosphere where many buyers bid on your home at the same time. Ask them to describe the system they have for attracting buyers.

•9. Do you have a reference list of clients I could contact?

Ask to see this list, and then proceed to spot-check some of the names.

•10. What happens if I'm not happy with the job you are doing to get my home sold? Can I cancel my listing contract?

Be wary of agents that lock you into a lengthy listing contract which they can get out of (by ceasing to effectively market your home) but you can't. There are usually penalties and broker protection periods which safeguard against the agent's interests, but not yours. How confident is your agent in the service s/he will provide you? Will s/he allow you to cancel your contract without penalty if you're not satisfied with service provided?

Evaluate each agent's response to those 10 questions carefully and objectively. Who will do the best job for you? These questions will help you decide.

Not all real estate agents are the same. If you decide to seek the help of an agent when buying or selling your home, you need some good information before you make any moves.

An agent can cost or save you thousands of dollars.

Picking an agent is one of those critical issues that can cost or save you thousands of dollars. There are very specific questions you should be asking to ensure that you get the best representation for your needs. Some agents may prefer that you don't ask these questions, because the knowledge you'll gain from their honest answers will give you a very good idea about what outcome you can expect from using this agent. And let's face it - in real estate, as in life - not all things are created equal.

Hiring a real estate agent is just like any hiring process - with you on the boss's side of the desk. It's critical that you make the right decision about who will handle what is the probably the single largest financial investment you will ever make.