After years of doing short sales (even when they weren't popular), I realized that I wanted something more for my customers. I just recently acquired the designation of CDPE. This designation didn't necessarily teach me anything ABOUT short sales, but it sure shed some light on some of the processing errors that may hold the banks up.
The best bit of learning was about BPOs and REOs. I have moved my focus to Distressed properties, because now that I am more familiar with the process in general; I have already seen my contracts closing faster; more efficiently; and without the added stress of "holding things together".
Now that I hold this designation I am eager to meet others who have done this training. I would like to mind map; brain storm; mastermind; whatever you want to call it; with other Realtor professionals and those in the lending industry as new issues are popping up to make these contracts as bullet proof as we can make them.
As always, I am interested in your referrals and your comments! I hope you all have a wonderful week, and a successful month!
Printed in the Sun-Sentinal (South Florida Newspaper) by Paul Owers and modified by Josephine Carpenter for release.
Dated: Mar 27, 2009
Keller Williams Realty of Brevard (KW international) is joining a growing list of companies starting job-loss protection programs for customers
People who lose their jobs within two years of buying homes through Keller Williams may receive up to six months of mortgage payments. The program has been approved for borrowers with FHA, VA and USDA loans, and the real estate firm hopes to make it available for people who have conventional loans.
To be eligible, borrowers must qualify for unemployment benefits. This protection plan is offered only to home buyers that work with Keller Williams Agents. The Keller Williams Realty of Brevard office holds quarterly homebuyer seminars that lay out the full details of the plan; including involving lender professionals, title professionals, Real Estate Attorney, Inspection Company, surveyors, Appraisal Company, and a moving and storage consultant.
The Homebuyer seminars are intended for any homebuyer, even those who may think they are not eligible to purchase a home. The Education that a buyer can receive at one of these seminars is priceless; and it's Free!
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Keller Williams Realty of Brevard is the only Keller Williams Office independently owned in Brevard County FL; with over 65 agents and currently the 4th largest producing office in the county. KW international just released (February 2009) that it is the 3rd largest Real Estate Agency in the US; with over 72,000 agents, and over 600 offices nationwide. The agents, who are affiliated with Keller Williams Realty of Brevard, live throughout Brevard county, and spread as far North as Mims, and as far south as Malabar.
I hope everyone has set their TIVOs and DVRs to Tuesday at noon. I am interested to see what the new President will have to say, and may have to stay home to catch it live. I was watching the Realty times videos, and for all intents and purposes; the message continues "We have to revel in the small changes". I'm sure many of you have done the same-it's what got us through 2008. I'm sure the blogging waves will be cresting on Tuesday, and I can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts.
Its great to have a little time to start blogging again! Happy New Year!
I had a great 2008 in Real Estate, but boy did I have to work for it; like I know many of you did too. I am amazed this year, particularly with the affiliates too! The end of this year, so many of my affiliates went out of business, or got laid off. It hasn't been easy. So, i'm trying to reimplement another referral network for myself.
I thought it was going to be difficult to find new folks to do business with. I am looking for great follow up and resources; its tough to find. I am so glad to have joined active rain; because I get a referral network right at my fingertips!
I have cracked into the REO business; sort of a normal progression after the year of a million short sales that I did! I had a great year with over 25 transactions! I averaged 2 closings per month; it was great for me. (with no assistant) And you have to figure my percentage of fall out, because of the whole "bank not getting back to you-buyer backs out" deal. Didn't that stink. REOs seem much less 'stressful', let's say.
Anyway, now that I've caught up; I'd love to hear from all of you out there; and how your business is changing in 2009! I'm loving my listings this year; you should check them out! www.abrevardagent.com or if you have a referral, want to meet to get on my referral network, or just want to network; Call me, 321-243-4519
Hi again everyone. Whew, its been a while since my last post. It seems that things have made a definite turn for the better. Families are still needing help, advice, and more; but it seems like with all the mortgage programs and new information out there: its getting a little easier. The investors have arrived!and they are taking full advantage of the great deals that are going on in Brevard County Florida! In fact, I wish I had some more money to invest, that is how great the deals are! There are several hundred homes under the 90K mark, and they are in decent condition. Personally, I have 3 or 4 at any given time right now. You should check out all the deals I have on my website: www.abrevardagent.com or if you just want to call me, I'd love to talk to you about what is available! 321-243-4519. Ok, so I am back in circulation! Talk to you soon!
I thought all day about the announcement today from the President about the relief for the Mortgage Crisis. Then I started looking for the loyal bloggers; those folks who I can always count on for mental hopscotch and great opposing sides. Sadly, no-weigh ins...can't find them except in the newspapers and the AOL world. I can say that I was a little surprised.
Whatever your feelings are about the solution proposed today; and whatever your political affiliation, you've got to be scratching your head a little bit don't you? The temporary freeze takes us right up to the vote on January 29th.. for the next person to deal with.
The only opposing sides that I read were : "well, atleast its something" or "why postpone the inevitable"... nothing real meaty though. From a business perspective, it seems like for us as Realtors that it puts a definite freeze on our business as well. Just from a visual perspective it's like Mortgage Limbo, or pergatory as it may be for most. Seems like a tough place to be stuck, even if it is only for a couple of months.
I also wonder what it will do to the mortgage brokers; is this the nail in the coffin for most? Well, whatever happens, and whatever the consequences; buckle your seatbelts..its going to be a long year. As always, I love to hear your comments.
A shameless plug, pass the word on...lets try and get the same amount of people who vote each week for reality shows to get out and vote on January 29th, 2008. Tell all your friends...Bring a friend to the polls. YOU do make a difference. Again, I don't care how you vote for, just vote.
I may have a surplus of short sales that may have a sigh of relief for a minute, so if you have anyone that wants a great deal on property in Brevard County, FL please visit my website; www.abrevardagent.com or call me, Josephine Carpenter, 321-243-4519
My business has really been taking off with Short Sales; being able to help families in need has become somewhat of a focus for me now. The banks, although overloaded with many files, have really been responsive to me because of my thouroughness and completeness of my files. This has been a lot of trial and error, and listening to what the loss mitigators have been telling me.
If you want some really great deals in Brevard County Florida, please call me, Josephine Carpenter, 321-243-4519. I have homes that are at incredible prices for the investor and the first time homebuyer; or the person who wants to downsize. The banks have been working with me to get these homes closed quickly.
I have access to many of the short sales in Brevard County, in some really desirable neighborhoods with incredible ammenities, like waterfront and golf course communities. The deals I have now wont last long, so if you are looking to move to Brevard County, you need to call me! I can save you thousands!
If you have any questions about my listings or you want to get a better look, visit my website: www.abrevardagent.com. Or if you are an agent that does not want the burden of dealing with the bank, call me! I am willing to give you a referral fee and a fast close!
I wanted to see if anyone felt the same way that I do about the articles that I have read about the ineffectiveness of Open Houses. Personally, I don't sit them regularly, but I have read in two articles in the last month that they have been called "the dying diamond" or basically a "waste of time".
My thoughts about this are similar to many of my collegues, that if you do all the right things: ie tour the neighborhood before hand, pass out flyers, make sure that you have some refreshments, and advertise (either through your neighboring real estate agencies, or otherwise); that your potential is greater for having visitors.
My thoughts are if you are going to do anything; do it big! Have an event, and make it beneficial for people to come to the open house. Many times co-marketing is the trick, to get into your vendor's databases as well. Lets face it, nothing happens easy; atleast nothing good.
Of the two articles I read: one was from a FAR (Florida Association of Realtors) email, and the other was from the October edition of Broker/Agent News; I don't know if I agree with either of them.
My listings, these days, consist of a lot of pre-foreclosures/short sales, in Brevard County FL. So, unfortunately, Open Houses are not the right thing for those types of sales (the houses, characteristically are not in the best shape for that type of situation) If you want to see any of my listings you can go to www.abrevardagent.com, and see them all. I've got some really great deals, but like I said, the investors; and the folks that would be interested in these types of properties are not looking in the open house sections.
Have you had more success at Open Houses? Or do you agree with the articles that they are becoming a lost leader? I wonder if it is geographically changing: I'm sure that the winter months are not the best for open houses. In California, where I am from, and in Florida where I now live, it is conducive for Open Houses all year long.
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Call me or comment: Josephine Carpenter, 321-243-4519
Real estate is challenging now, in every city and in every state. Some areas are harder hit than others. In Melbourne Florida, we are experiencing the aftershocks of a very lucrative, over priced market. A few things have kept my business going. I have become an expert with Short Sales, and have been very successful in my negotiations with the bank, and with buyers who have purchased some great deals from my clients. I have been a business owner most of my life, in one capacity or another. The most important part has been my mindset, and I thought I would share some of my thoughts.
There is nothing more important than customer service. If you are in the business of real estate, you are in the business of people. Regardless of the market, this never stops. You have to check your customer service level, and make sure you are delivering on your promises and achieving your milestones. The challenging market syndrome has a tendency to harbor complacency. Wake up every day with your list of to-do's and plan every week for your intended accomplishments. As a buyer or seller of a home, set your expectations of what you want your service professionals to do for you, understanding that they do not "make" the market, they can only inform you of that. Decide together how to deliver and react to negotiations.
When slow times appear this is the perfect time to educate yourself. If you are a Buyer or a Seller of a home; find out who is moving into and out of your neighborhood and why. Go and preview the competition that you have to your home, comparable size and age is most important; then check condition and composition. Agents slow times they should turn to education. This is the time that I took to learn about Short sales. I invested a lot of time and energy in learning about this trade, and how to make each transaction successful for all clients involved.
Lastly, check your attitude and energy. You are on your game when you are delivering what you can deliver, at 100%. If I had a dime for every nay-sayer, poor attitude, and negative Ned, that I have been dealing with-over the last month-I would be rich. This a difficult business; and right now it is difficult to sell a home. Short Sales are difficult. If you dont like to do them, give them to me! I love a challenge. I love people. And I want people to be successful. Be successful at something that you love to do.
My formula for success is easy: Customer Service (World Class, Red Carpet style!); Education; and Energy! Call me, or comment, I'd love to hear from you! Josephine Carpenter, 321-243-4519, or you can visit my website, www.abrevardagent.com to check out my services.
Brevard County Homes for Sale have hit an all time high. Every street, it seems has one home for sale or rent. The newspaper articles blame it on the economy, taxes, and insurances. Of course we all know about all the negative aspects of the declining real estate market, we're living it too. Let the truth be known,(you can check it out yourself) that there is more inventory that there has ever been. I'm sure that is true in more areas than not. The world is full of enough drama, is ther a ray of sunshine?
Lets talk about all the advantages this poses for families that were unable to purchase homes 3 or 4 years ago. There is more housing downpayment money available than ever before; the prices of the homes are adjusting in a more reasonable range. You can get a 60 year mortgage now! Check out my properties search or visit: http://public.brevardmls.com/cgi-brv/ACT_ainv?3168091. You can also visit my website: www.abrevardagent.com
I spoke to our local newspaper, who is the main source of advertising in the community. They agreed that the newspapers, although getting most of their revenue from real estate professionals; have not been treating the real estate profession very well. As agents we need to contact the journalist who wrote these stories, and give them the positive side of the real estate news. The housing department is giving more grant money than I have ever seen. The opportunity for investors to get some great deals is better than ever.
The real estate professionals need to speak out and talk about some of the positive things that are happening in the marketplace. The news will be sure to cover all the bad stuff. Some of us are still doing enough business to be happy! Right?
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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