Market Changes benefit you if you'll let them. - 08/31/10 07:48 AM
Over the years I've noticed a common denominator among Realtors who drop out of the business.  On Celebrity Apprentice one of the contenders was labeled a "one trick pony".  That's how I see so many agents who come into the business without a business plan and blame the market or the broker when they don't succeed. 
Even worse is a newbie who gets business from friends and family the first year but doesn't develop a marketing system then fails as soon as all the friends and family deals are done.  Suddenly it's the markets fault or the brokers fault.  When you … (15 comments)

Don't Be A One Trick Pony: Change as the Market Changes - 08/31/10 07:46 AM
Over the years I've noticed a common denominator among Realtors who drop out of the business.  On Celebrity Apprentice one of the contenders was labeled a "one trick pony".  That's how I see so many agents who come into the business without a business plan and blame the market or the broker when they don't succeed. 
Even worse is a newbie who gets businiess from friends and family the first year but doesn't develop a marketing system then fails as soon as all the friends and family deals are done.  Suddenly it's the markets fault or the brokers fault.  When you … (0 comments)

Listen to the Media then Make a Winning Decision. - 08/28/10 08:39 PM
There is a current TV ad showing what could happen if a drill sargeant became a psychologist.  It's a hoot.
As a Realtor I've done my own version.  When clients say " what if rates go even lower" "what if the market declines" "what if the economy stalls" "what if we later find something we like better"?  The drill sargeant would say " what if you did research, decided what is important to you, read the LOCAL market information we have at hand, grew a pair and made a decision?
This drill sargaent is a fictional character in the TV ad as well as … (1 comments)

So Many Buyers on the Back Burner: I'll have to buy a bigger stove. - 08/28/10 08:34 PM
There is a current TV ad showing what could happen if a drill sargeant became a psychologist.  It's a hoot.
As a Realtor I've done my own version.  When clients say " what if rates go even lower" "what if the market declines" "what if the economy stalls" "what if we later find something we like better"?  The drill sargeant would say " what if you did research, decided what is important to you, read the LOCAL market information we have at hand, grew a pair and made a decision?
This drill sargaent is a fictional character in the TV ad as well as … (2 comments)

Extreme Makeover visits Reverse Mortgages - 08/28/10 10:58 AM
Today I became eligible for Social Security and a Reverse Mortgage.  I wouldn't dream of taking the huge pay cut i would need to quality for early retirement but I am checking out Reverse Mortgages.
Even though Reverse Mortgages were unattractive last time I checked I thought I'd look again.  I'm glad i did.  According to Bankrate.com FHA will be introducing a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (Reverse Mortgage" that competes with Equity Line of Credit Products.  The article goes on to say the homeowner can choose either a lump sum payment or a revolving line of credit or a combionation of the two.
I'm … (4 comments)

Reverse Mortgages: Changes in the Air Sound Promising - 08/28/10 10:55 AM
Today I became eligible for Social Security and a Reverse Mortgage.  I wouldn't dream of taking the huge pay cut i would need to quality for early retirement but I am checking out Reverse Mortgages.
Even though Reverse Mortgages were unattractive last time I checked I thought I'd look again.  I'm glad i did.  According to Bankrate.com FHA will be introducing a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (Reverse Mortgage" that competes with Equity Line of Credit Products.  The article goes on to say the homeowner can choose either a lump sum payment or a revolving line of credit or a combionation of the two.
I'm … (2 comments)

The Market Has Stabilized since the Government Interference ended - 08/23/10 08:58 PM
First they pulled May and June sales into March and April and then wondered why May and June sales were down.  Then they extended closing times for the tax incentive.  Those programs sucked all the air of the the market and put all the emphasis on the entry level buyer.  I love entry level buyers; they keep my bills paid between the higher end sales.  The problem was the gov't programs made the market so focused on entry level buyers and REO properties that higher end buyers decided to watch from a distance.
Since the tax incentives ended the market has … (2 comments)

Wow? How the market has stabilized since the goverment programs ended. - 08/23/10 08:54 PM
First they pulled May and June sales into March and April and then wondered why May and June sales were down.  Then they extended closing times for the tax incentive.  Those programs sucked all the air of the the market and put all the emphasis on the entry level buyer.  I love entry level buyers; they keep my bills paid between the higher end sales.  The problem was the gov't programs made the market so focused on entry level buyers and REO properties that higher end buyers decided to watch from a distance.
Since the tax incentives ended the market has … (1 comments)

Why Seller Cash Incentives Don't Work Any Longer - 08/21/10 10:51 AM
I've noticed that erudite buyers reject cash incentives from sellers because they assume the amount of the incentive has simply been added onto the price of the home. They are right.  I usually suggest they request the amount of the cash incentive be deducted from the price of the home to reduce their loan amount.  When I show them how much additional interest they would pay over 30years to get that incentive they are floored.
Also with the new underwriting guidelines it appears lenders don't want to see the borrower getting any money at closing.  I'm glad we're returning to the … (1 comments)

Calling all Active Rain experts. Get ready to shout a big Duhhh!! - 08/19/10 08:21 PM
Get ready to shout a big DuHHHH!.
My techno brain is wholly involved in sales and shameless self promotion as all Realtors should be.
Anyone want to save me some time and tell me how to follow other Rainmakers blogs.  I get the featured blogs but I want others.
Don't overload the server please.
… (8 comments)

Spotting Mortgage Fraud - 08/18/10 10:58 AM
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 I recently had to cancel a purchase contract because the lender didn't like the way the seller had taken title.  That's why this Rismedia article caught my eye.
Do You Know the Red Flags of Mortgage Fraud?  By Howell HaunsonRISMEDIA, August 18, 2010--Mortgage fraud is not going away any time soon. The FBI has been working with bureaus of investigation in states that recently passed residential mortgage fraud acts to stay abreast of the latest fraud tactics.The FBI has found that fraudsters are evolving new ways to take advantage of others and hide their intent. For this reason, anyone involved in … (5 comments)

Hilltop Country Estate between Springfield & Branson 4200sf 3ac - 08/18/10 07:41 AM
Magnificent inside & out. 360 degree views. Scraped Oak Flooring. Gourmet Kitchen w/ Granite Counters & Large Island & Pantry. Enough storeage for even the most well equipped chef. Enormous Hearth Room includes a fireplace that is a work of art and views to the horizon. Guest suite w/ private full bath. Master has large ensuite Bath with Jetted Tub & Walk iin Shower & Huge Walk in Closet completely finished with high end cabinets and racks.. Storm shelter vault in garage Top of the World with panoramic views to the horizon. Enter the elegant front door a behold the jaw … (0 comments)

325 Countryman Road Springfield / Branson area - 08/15/10 12:03 PM
Impeccably Maintained, Elegant Country Residence. Dual Heat pumps about 3yrs old. Waterheater 3yrs old. Septic &Laterals,Roof, Pressure tank all 2yrs old. But that's just the start. This home has a graceful elegance and a serene setting yet it's just off McCracken not far from Riverside park. Washer/dryer incl. Shop Approx. 65 x 60. Check out the pictures and virtual tour then call for a showing.  2420sf on 3acres  3bdr 3ba large shop building.  Park like setting 5 mnutes from town. Offered at $205,000  Click for Video
Bob Hashbarger  RE/MAX Solutions 417 209 4480
… (1 comments)

High End Buyers are back out in force : looks like pent up demand. - 08/15/10 11:52 AM
High End Buyers are back out in force in our area.  It may just be because our local economy is so ebullient or the product of pent up demand.  Either way I'll take it.  I'm getting buyers from all over the country coming to Southwest Missouri, specifically the Springfield / Branson area, to relocate or retire. 
Springfield is the 3rd largest city in Missouri but with numbers 1 and 2 being Kansas City and St Louis we get little attention on the national level.  Another little known fact is that or weather is a little milder than the weather our northern cousins … (1 comments)

Lucky Friday the 13th I got a high end buyer with great credit: pinch me - 08/13/10 07:13 PM
Today I spent 4 hours with out of town buyers looking at relatively expensive houses.  I asked 3 lenders to call and pre-qualify them and, hold you breath, they're are well qualified.
Tomorrow I have another set of out of town buyers coming to look at higher end properties and they too are qualified.
Is this a Twilight Zone Episode? 
… (6 comments)

3+2 $111K Springfield MO Area move in ready on large lot - 08/12/10 07:23 PM
CAREFULLY MAINTAINED 3 BDR ON AN OVERSIZED LOT THAT BACKS ONTO COMMON AREA. VAULTED CEILINGS, PLANT SHELVES. FLOORPLAN MAKES EXCEPTIONAL USE OF THE SPACE. THE PICTURES SAY IT ALL. LANDSCAPING AND WINDOW TREATMENTS ALREADY IN PLACE. GREAT CUL DE SAC LOCATION; LOT IS NEARLY TWICE THE SIZE OF MOST IN THE RIVERS.  click for tour
… (1 comments)

One of my Most Memorable Transactions - 08/11/10 02:29 PM
I listed an abandoned ironite mine in Arizona for a lady who lived in Ohio (don't ask).  A couple driving on I-10 from CA decided to take a side trip off the Interstate.  The lady traveler told her companion to follow my directionals to a forsaken 40acre plot at the foot of the Estrella Mountains.  When they arrived she said I must have this so her wealthy companion called me for a meeting.  We drafted a contract and  got it accepted.  The family had owned the property so long that title had to be traced back to when it was a … (2 comments)

Wah, Wah, Wah or Move on and Get it Done. - 08/10/10 09:27 PM
The best time to move forward is when everyone else has their shoes stuck in the mud (media hype).
Think about it: when everyone else is mired down there is less competition for sales.  Don't inspire your competitors, motivate your clients.  
I recently took a listing where the competing agent didn't show up because "nothing is going on in the market anyway"  I made my presentation and we agreed on staging and competitive pricing and sold in 4 days.
When someone says the market is so bad agree with them: then stick with Plan A.
 
… (4 comments)

Low Down and No Down Loans are back but it's a different game this time. - 08/10/10 01:48 PM
There are still low down and no down programs out there but qualification criteria is a lot tougher.  One program we had earlier this year required the borrower to complete a credit counseling class before the loan could close.With this and interest rates at historic lows buyers are back out in force.  Another difference though is that they are now looking for houses that cost less than their pre-approval level.  They're also looking at a lot more houses before they decide.  This is a double edged sword because the good ones go fast and by the time Mr & Mrs Ambivalent decide … (1 comments)

Read, Study and Think Your Way to Prosperity - 08/10/10 07:48 AM
Prior to getting promoted to RE/MAX I worked at a brokerages with hundreds/thousands of agents many of whom thought they could buy their way to prosperity.  It doesn't work in our households, it doesn't work in Washington and it most certainly doesn't work in Real Estate.  Put your wallet away and put your thinking cap on. 
There are hundreds of companies who want to sell us their secret to success for $39/mo m/l.  I searched the web and found college guys dissertations that tell how it works.  I will admit I paid $25 for one of the white papers and worked on it every time … (3 comments)

Winning Combination: Mix Technology with the Personal Touch. - 08/10/10 07:17 AM
I've come to the conclusion multi media gets us part of the way to the closing table but not all the way.  Earlier this year I put all my coins in the technology basket and saw a decrease in activity.  Quickly I learned to use internet technology to support old fashioned phone calls, note cards, open houses, ads and face to face networking.
I think I've found the right mix, for now.  I'm warming prospects up with the internet, sending a printed pre-listing kit then following up with a phone call with great results.  For buyers I like to look at what listings … (2 comments)

 
Bob2010_jacket_grey_shrt2

Bob Hashbarger REALTOR®,Springfield, MO, Homes for Sale

Branson, MO

More about me…

Self Employed

Address: PO1777, OZ, MO, 65721

Office Phone: (417) 209-4480

Cell Phone: (417) 209-4480

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