THINKING OF BUYING NEW?....

If owning a home is the American Dream, then building your own home is the epitome of that dream.  If you are seriously considering building in the near future, you have a lot of homework to do.

Fortunately, we are here to help you.  All of us have incredibly busy schedules, but you need to plan time to research builders, neighborhoods, schools, and any other factors that may affect your personal situation.

Once you have decided that you will probably build, and before you go wandering around model homes, take the time to select a competent Realtor who is familiar with new construction!  The majority of people we meet are surprised that you NEED a Realtor to help you if you are going to build.  Most people assume because there is a sales person at the model to answer your questions and complete the paperwork that they do not need a Realtor working on their behalf.

The FACT that most people DO NOT KNOW or DO NOT UNDERSTAND is that the nice agent in the model is representing the seller.  Most people also assume they can get a better deal if they do not use a Realtor since they understand that the builders would be paying their Realtor and they ASSUME the builder will reduce the price of the house or cut them a deal if they don't use a Realtor.

Two important facts you need to be aware of: 

•(1)  The builder pays the commission no matter what.  If you have a Realtor, the commission gets split between your Realtor and the builder's sales agent.  If you walk into their model with no Realtor, when you sign the contract, the builder's sales agent will get the entire commission. Any compensation given to the Realtor is built into the seller/builder's marketing budget. 

•(2)  No matter what field you are in or how competent you are, you may not have the knowledge and background you need to protect yourself when writing the contract and the other millions of details which go with building a house, unless you have real estate and legal background and know the real estate laws, building codes, building trends, etc. 

Many builders' agents will say "You don't have to have a Realtor."  That is true; you do not have to have a Realtor.  YOU NEED TO HAVE A REALTOR.  The law allows you to have a buyer's agent.  Your Realtor can help you with the building of a home, just as though you were buying an existing home.  The law allows for your Realtor to be paid from the commission the seller/builder MUST pay when the home sells.   Using a competent Realtor is more likely to save you money.  It will certainly save you headaches.

REALTORS CAN HELP YOU WITH THE FOLLOWING WHEN BUILDING A NEW HOME:

•1.  Select a builder who meets your needs.

•2.  Select a location and lot that you can be happy with.

•3.  Thoroughly understand the contract.

•4.  Explain the need for an independent home inspector.

•5.  Be with you during the actual writing of a purchase contract.

•6.  Carefully cover important details about the selection process.

•7.  Attend the meeting when you review and sign the blueprint for your house.

•8. Coordinate the independent inspection and builder walk through so you can respond to repairs that are needed.

•9.  Be involved in handling the closing and needed follow-up.

•10. Act as your representative should any problems arise before, during or after the closing.

Loretta Blendermann and The Texas Hometown Team can work with all builders in the area and can get all the information you need to help you make any decisions. 

One important note, in order for your Realtor to get paid by the builder, he/she will need to accompany you to the property or model on the initial visit.

By allowing your Realtor to help you with building, you get all of the services offered in this presentation and those offered by the builder as well. 

YOU WILL GET MORE, BUT YOU WON'T PAY MORE FOR IT!

Building a home is a timely process, but with a Realtor's help, they can provide you with the knowledge that can make the difference between a successful building experience and the TRAUMA OF YOUR LIFE!

THE TOMBALL OFFICE IS READY...BUT OUR OFFICIAL OPENING IS MARCH 1, 2008. JUST A FEW MORE FINE TUNING DETAILS TO TAKE CARE OF....I INVITE YOU TO DROP BY AND VISIT US TODAY OR CALL FOR YOUR CONFIDENTIAL INTERVIEW... OUR OFFICE IS FILLING UP FAST!

  EXIT REALTY IS BY INVITATION ONLY... YOU MUST HAVE A SPONSOR SO CALL ME TODAY FOR DETAILS!

  Question:            Where can you make more than 100% commission?  Have a retirement?? And leave money to your family in the event you leave them un-expectantly?? 

Answer:               EXIT Realty Group... that's where!!

ASK ME ABOUT RESIDUALS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 Are you tired of your broker taking all your hard earned commission and giving you nothing to help you grow your business?  Me too, that is WHY I joined                EXIT REALTY GROUP!

My owner and broker want to see me be successful!  Why??  They know if I am successful they will be also!  We offer to you a way for you to grow and earn more business which means more commission more than 100%      Can your broker offer you this??   I didn't think so!

  NO DESK FEE

TRAINING (IF NEEDED)

Learn how to set yourself apart from other agents

Learn how to use technology for lead generating

Learn how to market yourself and your listings through blogging and other methods

Learn how to give a buyers seminar

Learn how to generate business in a down market

PAID LEAD GENERATING ADVERTISING FOR YOUR LISTINGS

Monthly ads in local magazines, newspaper, and other resources but leads go directly to you NOT YOUR BROKER OFFICE

Free personalized website (lead generating)

TEAM ORIENTED ATMOSPHERE

HAVE A VESTED INTEREST IN YOUR COMPANY!  CONTACT ME TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THE EXIT FORMULA!

EXIT IS GROWING!!!!!!!!!!!!! JOIN OUR TEAM TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

loretta@texashometown.info                          cell# 713-851-2620

 

        "We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but for potential." 
                                                               ~Ellen Goodman, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Columnist        

 As we kick off the new year "All Together," it is easy for us to get all caught up in news about what is wrong with the real estate market. The truth is that 2008 is shaping up to be a promising year for real estate, with plenty of opportunities to buy and sell in every market.   According to NAR (National Association of Real Estate) Research, there is significant pent-up housing demand that will begin to be unleashed into the marketplace in 2008. Many markets will see rising home sales and strengthening home prices. We believe that the worst of the credit problems are behind us. This is great news for consumers who are ready to sell or buy in the Houston and surrounding areas.  Thanks to a vast number of new resources available to Realtors®  for 2008, We are pulling out all the stops to give you the information and resources you need to understand what is really happening in your local markets and to keep your clients informed. Check out our newest resources offered to Realtors by NAR:

• Local Market Reports - In addition to our national indicators and forecasts, REALTORS® now have access to more than 70 local market reports. With insights on sales, prices and economic factors, these reports will give Realtors®   everything they need to counter negative news and tell consumers what is really happening in their local area real estate.
• Surround-Sound Media Outreach - Some of these resources include a new developed called "Surround-Sound" media outreach toolkit which can help spread the word about all of the great opportunities to buy and sell real estate. This toolkit complements our current national media outreach efforts and includes talking points, story ideas and tips for working with the media.
• Research Studies - Another example of several new research reports developed include "Profile of Vacation and Investment Home Buyers" that will allow Realtors® the ability to tap into new markets. "The Homebuyer and Seller Profile"  also can tell us exactly what consumers are looking for in a home"   

       Since 1908, REALTORS® have worked hard to earn a reputation as America's leading community builders and dream makers. Today, the "Voice for Real Estate" is stronger than it has ever been, speaking for millions of consumers in neighborhoods across America. And, we're just getting started. Mortgage Relief - We achieved a major victory for consumers caught in costly mortgages, when President Bush signed the Mortgage Cancellation Tax Relief Act in December. We also are making affordable financing available to potential buyers through landmark FHA Reform. We expect this bill will go to conference early next year. In addition, Terrorism Insurance - NAR (National Association of Realtors®) also worked with Congress to keep the commercial real estate market strong and stable well into the future. President Bush recently signed a bill that continues the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program for seven years. And what about: Banks in Real Estate? - For the first time ever, Congress also passed a two-year moratorium on banks entering the real estate business, which will take effect early next year. We also have record support for a permanent ban through the Community Choice in Real Estate Act.  Some will ask "why should I use a Realtor®?"  Hopefully this information allows you the ability to see past the agent making 6% on the sale of your home. It is about soo very much more!. It is about Realtors® contributing behind the scenes by partnering with local, state and national associations in an effort to have a strong voice and in keeping our economy strong. I think the questions should be "why would you not use a Realtor®?"  

First impressions make a significant impact on a buyer's decision-making process!

After all if you really think about it a buyer has 10 minutes to decide if they want to buy and live in your house and your neighborhood for many years to come...not to mention making sure when they are ready to sell there is still a good return on their investment. So...how do we make our home appeal to a buyer in 10 minutes or less? Through Home Styling or Staging!

Once your home goes on the market, it becomes a product. Home Styling or Staging simply allows you to highlight the best of your home and de-emphasize its flaws. It's not about decorating, but actually turning your home into a model, to appeal to the broadest range of prospective buyers. The goal is to make people feel like they could live there, and the best way to do this is to "neutralize" the surroundings.

I have compiled the best tips from stagers and real estate pros-things you can do for little or no expense to put a home in prime showing shape. Try out these helpful tips for Home Styling or Staging your home to sell!

• Clear out closets and clutter-sellers can give away or pack up toys, linens, and small kitchen appliances to store offsite. Buyers are also forgiving of storage boxes neatly tucked away in a garage or basement.
• Focus most on the most visible areas-the foyer, kitchen, living room, master bedroom, and family room.
• De-personalize the home by removing photos, mementos, and dated items.
• Use plants in colorful pots or inexpensive wicker baskets to fill in empty spaces.
• Look to home catalogs for little details on beautifying the home. For instance, group books, pictures, and objets d'art appealingly on bookcases.
• Try angling one or two pieces of furniture slightly and move furniture 4 inches to 6 inches from the wall to create more interesting room spaces.
• Put away large collections- porcelains, plates, and so on.
• Remove valuables, prescription medicine, collectibles, and breakables.
• Trim trees, prune shrubs, and make sure the lawn is mowed and watered regularly.
• In summer, turn on the sprinklers for five minutes, 30 minutes before the open house. It makes the lawn and driveway sparkle.
• Refrain from cooking anything that leaves a distinctive odor, such as fish, garlic, or cabbage.
• Hire a professional service to clean the home, including the carpets and the windows.
• Set the dining room table with attractive linens, dishes, and stemware.
• Arrange fresh or silk flowers throughout the home.
• Light a fire in the fireplace in fall and winter.
• A mirror in a pretty frame can make a small room feel more open.
• Use as much natural light as possible. Add extra lamps in dark rooms or corners.
• Make functional repairs-fix dripping faucets, sticking doors, and broken fences.

Bring in another pair of eyes-even if it's not a professional stylist. The person may see problems you may have missed. Some real estate agents have taken classes on staging...invite them to tour your home and take their advice as they know what buyers are looking for...after-all...they are with them all the time hearing what buyers comments are when viewing a home. For more info on Home Styling or Staging contact The Texas Hometown Team of EXIT REALTY GROUP!

There are a lot of foreclosures in our area now. And you can pick up some good ideas. If you are buying a foreclosure just keep in mind that you might need to be flexible; Most of the time foreclosures take a very long time to close If you are in a hurry to move in then buying a foreclosure may not be for you. Recently, I have had several buyers that have not closed on time. When you are buying a foreclosure you are dealing with a bank; this is a lot different than when you are buying directly from a seller. And with that comes bank bureaucracy. Depending on how many foreclosures are getting closed at the time will depend on how fast your paperwork makes it through the system. The paperwork has to be approved and if there are a lot of foreclosures your paperwork can get buried in the mound.

There can be other problems als well; Even if errors are the banks fault you are unable to close until everything is correct.  You just need to realize this is a lengthy process from the start. You probably want to have some flexibility on your move in date. If you are moving in to the property yourself you might not want to schedule the moving truck until after you have closed. For more information on foreclosures in your area contact The Texas Hometown Team