Buyers and sellers want more from their agent (or potential agent) than just a sales pitch. They have the WIIFM ("What's in it for me?") mentality. So give them what they want. Give them the information they are looking for and be there for them when they need your services.
Blogging is a great example of using the internet to provide valuable real estate information to our communities. Our websites are another great source. We can provide buyers tips on selecting an agent, buying their first home, or knowing what features best contribute to a home's value. Sellers can learn how to stage their home, price their property to sell, and how to get effective marketing from their agent.
Make getting the information simple...don't hold it hostage! This will make it more likely that these buyers or sellers will return for more information from their "resource"--their agent. If you're not their agent now, you may be someday down the road once you build credibility and trust.
Of course this all means that you have to become knowledgeable about the information you are providing, which will only build your potential to better educate your clients.
In the market that I am in, Naples has had its share of ups and downs. This is an important time to give people the information they need to make the best decisions for their situations.
Buying bank owned properties can be an ideal way to "buy right" in today's real estate market. These homes are often priced below market because the banks want to sell and they are in a position to be realistic to market conditions.
Buyers need to thoroughly understand the benefits and risks involved in purchasing foreclosures, but they are positioned in a market cycle where they can generally buy into an equity situation. The next step is to get a well-researched list of bank-owned listings for their area and use the services of a real estate professional knowledgeable in these types of transcations. The negotiations procedures with the bank can range from straight-forward to complex, so again it is critical to use the best agent who can represent the transaction. From search to close, the relationship between the buyer and agent should be honest and goal-oriented to be successful.
Buyers interested in learning more about bank owned properties in Naples and how the transaction process works can request information here.
An article in the Wall Street Journal, Online (5/6/08) reported "The Housing Crisis is Over." The national housing market is considered to have bottomed out in April 2008, with a long but forward moving road towards recovery. The significant factor: affordability.
The quick summary is that new home construction has been significantly cut, contributing to declines in inventory, which has in turn slowed the decline in prices. Inventory is expected to continue to drop, and as we near the 5-month supply level, should see the prices beign to readjust as the market demands shift. There is a good video clip from Jim Cramer's Mad Money interview of Bob Toll, CEO of Toll Brothers, that gives a builder's perspective on this...offering a light at the end of the tunnel for Naples, Florida.
I have seen these and other clips and articles flowing through my email lately (and repeatedly), which causes me to think that perspective is valuable! Good news builds on good news. The market's recovery is at least in sight, and won't we all be happier for it?!
Real estate agents show properties every day to people they don't know. What if the "prospective buyer" is just using the situation--whether an open house or a private showing--to isolate the agent and put them into a potentially dangerous situation? This is unfortunately one of the possible scenarios that go with the territory.
With competition up for getting buyers, agents, males and females, maybe too eager to meet with a buyer before evaluating them first. All agents need to make sure to have a safety system in place to decrease the chances of something happening that could place them at risk. Here are a few suggestions:
Ask questions of the prospective buyer to legitimize their interest in the property you are going to show them.
Always leave the buyer's information, especially a phone number, with someone before you go to meet with them.
Do not park too far away from the property you are showing.
Be extra careful when showing a vacant home.
Consider bringing someone else with you--safety in numbers!
Trust your instincts! There is probably a good reason for that little voice screaming in your ear!
FSBOs are at even greater risk for personal attack since they don't have an agent to filter out some of the questionable people who could show up at their door. This might be a good selling point if an agent is trying get a FSBO listing.
So agents should play it safe. Be on guard, but also don't let anxiety about being in isolated situation affect how properties are shown.
Feel free to share you stories here...it might give us all more ideas on what to incorporate into our safety system!
Real estate auctions have seen an increase in gross sales in the last three quarters of 2007, according to recent industry surveys by the National Auctioneers Association (NAA)*. This is an important trend to consider given the current slump in the real estate market. But it is conceivable in light of the forecasted rise in foreclosures.
Investors are waiting on the market to show favorable conditions to buy--but real estate auctions and foreclosures may be just this opportunity! Consider that the current real estate market has led to an increase demand for persons or entities to (1) actually sell their property, and (2) sell it quickly to cut further losses. Auctions then become an ideal venue to "liquidate" and get out from under that property, especially when there are multiple properties to sell. With the number of closed sales down considerably nationwide and the turn towards a buyer's market, these auctioned properties are often sold at a considerable discount to the highest bidder.
"Discount" spells out investment opportunity!
An investor, however, shouldn't just jump into the auction ring. There is a lot of homework to be done! This is where using the expertise of a qualified and experienced real estate agent can be beneficial. The auction-experienced agent can provide:
Knowledge of the area, including zoning, demographics, and local restrictions
Comp data: recent sales information, current market trends, comparative market analysis, etc.
Listing and sales history on the property
Upcoming auction information
Property previewing
Guidance through the auction process
For instance, the real estate agent specializing in residential investments and auction sales can inform investors about specific auction terms and conditions, such as whether the sale has a minimum bid or reserve, and what the procedures are for inspecting the property and placing a bid. There are also a number of documents that need to be completed that the agent can assist with.
This is the time to consider purchasing real estate investments through the auction process--but learn before you buy!
For more information or for an updated list of local residential real estate auctions, call or email me.
The gated community of Marker Lake is located between Vanderbilt Beach Rd and Airport Rd, just west of the Stonewood shopping center (click here for a map of Marker Lake). Home prices start in the low $300s, making Marker Lake an affordable opportunity to enjoy a newer construction home close to the beach, shopping, restaurants, and schools. Lake views and a private community atmosphere of only 36 homes offer tranquility to residents who are looking for a peaceful setting to call home.
To view listings in Marker Lake click here. To search Marker Lake listings on ActiveRain / Localism click here.
Community Amenities:
Community Pool
Recreational Facilities
Lawn Maintenance
Security Gated
For more information on Naples / Bonita Springs real estate, community information, current listings, relocation and more, search at http://www.kenfishsells.com/ or contact Ken Fish at: (239) 860-6521 or RealEstate@KenFishSells.com.
Ken Fish, REALTOR Downing-Frye Realty, Inc. 3411 Tamiami Trail N, Ste 100 Naples, FL 34103
FREE Reports
And introducing my NEW report for people wanting to know about their neighbor's home:
Key Royal IS SELLING!!! These affordable condos are an excellent opportunity to buy a 2 bedroom unit for under $170k in a central location off Immokalee Rd in North Naples, only minutes to the beach!
Here are some of the closed sales for Key Royal since May 2007:
For more information on Key Royal listings or closed sales, Naples / Bonita Springs real estate, community information, current listings, relocation and more, search at http://www.kenfishsells.com/ or contact Ken Fish at: (239) 860-6521 or RealEstate@KenFishSells.com.
Ken Fish, REALTOR Downing-Frye Realty Inc. 3411 Tamiami Trail N, Ste 100 Naples, FL 34103
FREE Reports
And introducing my NEW report for people wanting to know about their neighbor's home:
When the real estate market is slower than what we are used to, seeking supplemental income is often a reality for many real estate professionals. But what path to pursue?
The criteria:
Something that will generate a substantial income and
Something that will utilize our sales and networking skills.
Recently, a number of agents in my office have looked into network marketing opportunities. Yikes!...At least that's what I thought until I did some research and talked with some "big hitters" in the network marketing industry.
Network marketing can actually fit the above criteria--if it's done right.
An interesting statistic: only 6-7% of people will be successful in this industry.
Fact: These 6-7% of successful people don't even sell a product. They sell a concept.
In real estate, is it really about selling a house? No, it's about selling the "concept" that a property can provide investment success, income-generation, fulfill a dream...something bigger than the "house" itself. It seems a reasonable transition, then, that a real estate professional could supplement his/her income in a way that still utilizes a sales-oriented strategy (selling the concept) and the network resources we can access, just applied to a different industry.
Like selling real estate, it is an opportunity to provide a benefit to someone...and it's not someone you are selling anything to. It is someone whom you mentor and train to be successful like you.
Tony Robbins has a great perspective on financial success: "Wealth is created by distribution." Successful network marketing follows a concept-oriented approach that takes advantage of the exponential potential of distribution. And not necessarily product distribution. I'm talking here about concept distribution: sell the concept over and over again, have the people you mentor continue the cycle (mentor, sell the concept), and the idea of virally inducing financial success becomes a legitimate reality.
There's a great online training program (and it's free) that anyone can attend to learn more about how these 6-7% of people find success by merely taking advantage of the viral marketing of a concept. You can contact kfishes@comcast.net to register for the seminar or to just get a free copy. If supplementing your income in these slow times seems appealing, what can you lose?
The gated waterfront luxury tower of Lesina in Hammock Bay is situated on a peninsula overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the Ten Thousand Islands, Marco Island, and McIlvane Bay in Naples, Florida (map of Hammock Bay Golf & Country Club). Priced from the $900s, Hammock Bay offers world-class golf, concierge service, and the ultimate in luxury living. Some residences available for immediate purchase--contact Ken Fish at (239) 860-6521 for more information.
Naples Area Residential Single-family Homes NEW LISTINGS Trends
The statistics show the number of new residential listings of single-family homes in Naples to have dropped off by over 10% below the average trend line for the month of April. Historically, as the inventory of real estate on the market decreases, the stability of sales prices strengthens. We will continue to watch the number of new listings as a factor for evaluating market recovery. May statistics should be in shortly. Check back soon!
The accuracy of this information is not warranted or guaranteed. This information should be independently verified if any person intends to engage in a transaction based upon it.
Based on information from the Naples Area Board of REALTORS and Association of Real Estate Professionals, inc. for the period 05/2006 through 04/2007.
For more Naples real estate market reports and statistics, try these links:
And introducing my NEW report for people wanting to know about their neighbor's home:
For more information on Naples / Bonita Springs real estate, community information, current listings, relocation and more, search at http://www.kenfishsells.com/ or contact Ken Fish at: (239) 860-6521 or RealEstate@KenFishSells.com.
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.
Real estate auctions have seen an 
The gated community of Marker Lake is located between Vanderbilt Beach Rd and Airport Rd, just west of the Stonewood shopping center (click 
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