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Below is a post that was written by a great real estate agent in my area - with whom I share great concerns with. Lock Box Combinations are SACRED!! Not to be given out to buyers EVER!! Sellers have given us their confidence to keep their home safe and secure, to the best of our ability - while something like this happens and it can destroy trust. Please read...and share with Sue, your comments. Via Sue Gabriel ~ West Cleveland Suburbs (Prudential Lucien Realty):
"Oh that's ok. Our agent gave us the lockbox code!"
My new sellers were so excited! We listed their house recently and they had their first showing scheduled for 11am today. At 12:10pm, Mr. Seller called: "Sue, it doesn't look like anyone was here. There isn't a card, and the lights were still on." I told him I'd give the buyer's agent a call & confirm they saw the house. I got the BA's voicemail, and then Mr. Seller called back.
"Hey Sue, there's a young couple at our front door with "Fred's" business card. They said he's out of town & he told them they could come see the house without him. So we're out on the deck and they're walking through the house."
Yikes! I didn't like THAT...having these strangers wandering through their house without an agent accompanying them. That was problem #1.
The couple was there about 15 minutes, and as they were getting ready to leave Mr. Seller asked, "By the way, what would you have done if we weren't here?"
Ready for this??? Problem #2...
"Oh that's ok. Our agent gave us the lockbox code!"
SERIOUSLY?!?!?!
Apparently this couple saw 2 other houses before ours...but those were vacant. So that made it "ok"?!?!?!
To say I was livid would be an understatement! My seller was surprisingly calm about it, but they are obviously not happy. This is not a foreclosure (which would not make it ok!!). This is a home my sellers are living in! I have since changed the code on that lockbox, and yes, I have contacted the agent's manager. That agent has been licensed since 2002, so there's no excuse.
Ready for the kicker?? I just received a call from "Fred" who proceeded to lie and tell me he was there at 11:30 with a female client. Oh really?? How then did this couple get his card? And my code?? When I laid into him expressed my displeasure, he tried to turn it around and had the nerve to demand: "Do your sellers want to sell their house or not?!?!"
Absolutely unbelievable.
I have never, ever shared a lockbox code with a client. Or even another agent! When I am given that code, it is the key to someone else's property! The Golden Rule again, folks. Do you want strangers wandering through your house whenever they want??? I don't care if it's a relative or someone "you trust". NO WAY!!! We have a Code of Ethics we must live by. Even if it weren't for the Code, what about common sense????
What would you do???
Stewart Penn wrote the below post - and I agree totally with him. I think the market is turning around since I see more people at the malls spending money, restaurants are packed with people most afternoons & especially the weekends. Our area still has foreclosures and short sales galore - but existing home sales have improved since this winter. Via Stewart Penn - Los Angeles Property Specialist (Penn Properties):
 Anyone that's read my blog will know I'm a Contrarian when analyzing markets, be it the Stock Market or The Real Estate Market.
While many people are still discussing a further deterioration in the National Real Estate Market due to continuing forecloses and the "Banks Shadow Inventory" (that may or may not really exist), I'm wondering if the "churning" we're currently witnessing might actually be indicating that we've reached the bottom and are preparing for the long and gradual stabilization and eventual improvement of the market.
This week alone I've had three Sellers call me worried that the market will drop even further. They're prepared to sell now, even at a loss, to avoid further losses from a further decline in prices.
This thinking reflects the continuing fear being experienced by homeowners.
But as with all markets, no-one rings a bell when we've hit the lowest point and often many people are caught on the wrong side of the market, buying or selling at the precisely wrong time.
The "Smart Money" is made by those who don't allow fear and greed to dominate their decision making.
Obviously trying to time the market isn't a good idea (and most people lose out by doing this).
Rather, people should be buying or selling Real Estate for good well thought out reasons.
Simple day-to-day observations make me think that the economy is starting to pick up: Stores and restaurants seem busier, parking lots at malls seem fuller and the number of store-fronts with "To Lease" signs appear to be diminishing,
Economists will tell us what's happening after the fact - that's how they work .... and while I'm not saying I see the market suddenly roaring ahead, I think the downside is very limited.
Thinking of buying a home? Are you looking online for that perfect dream home? Do you know what steps to avoid? Have you been running away from a REALTOR when you should be running towards one? Are you working with a real estate agent now? Have you ever heard of the statement "Buyer Beware" or "Buyer's Remorse" ????
Certain strategies should be put in place once you become serious in wanting to purchase real estate. Buying a home should be exciting. Just look around - inventory of homes are plentiful! Interest Rates remain historically low while most mortgage loan programs are desirable - where you can often buy with house payments cheaper than renting.
Your FIRST step should be: Get a Pre-Approval from a Lender. Know what loan program works best for you. Understand what your buying power is - just how much home can you truly afford? Be educated - take the time to prepare a budget. Make sure the house payment will be the perfect fit in your financial affairs. Ask for a full disclosure of fees from the lender, which will include how much down payment is needed and what closing fees will be charged.
Understand that you "may" be bidding against another buyer on a home. How do you make your offer stand out? Having a strong, pre-approval letter is number one! Offering to put up a higher earnest money deposit is another angle. In our area, $500 is considered the norm - but $1,000 or more gets a seller's attention - it shows you are motivated. Another way to have your offer stand out is to have very few, if any, contingencies. Example: not having another home to sell first, in order to buy this one.
Home Inspections are Important - know what you are buying! Have the utilities on to check out all systems - electrical, plumbing, etc. Home Appraisers DO NOT go through a home, making sure showers drain and toilets flush. The job of an appraiser is to give a "home's value" to the lender, paid for by the buyer. They do not check the "mechanics" and "systems" within the home.
Much more is involved when buying a home - I have just touched the surface of steps to take. For a confidential consultation - please take the time to talk with your local REALTOR. If wanting to purchase or sell a home in Lorain County or the Western Suburbs of Cleveland - I would love the opportunity of working with you. Let's talk!
Carla Harbert, Re/Max Pros Agent Direct: 440-309-5209 Agent E-mail: homes@glwb.net
Search for Homes in Lorain County & the Western Suburbs of Cleveland Ohio - click HERE.
A close relative of mine who lives in California, plus is in the gasoline industry for 31 years, sent me this information regarding gas-saving tips. I felt this was really good information to share with all of my activerain readers:
GAS SAVING TIPS ON PUMPING GAS 
Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the
ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations have their
storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground the more dense
the gasoline, when it gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the
afternoon or in the evening....your gallon is not exactly a gallon. In
the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature of the
gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products
plays an important role.
A 1-degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the
service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.
When you're filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a
fast mode. If you look you will see that the trigger has three (3) stages: low,
middle, and high. You should be pumping on low mode, thereby minimizing
the vapors that are created while you are pumping. All hoses at the pump
have a vapor return. If you are pumping on the fast rate, some of the
liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor. Those vapors are being
sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you're getting less
worth or your money.
One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank is HALF
FULL. The reason for this is the more gas you have in your tank the less
air occupying its empty space. Gasoline evaporates faster than you can
imagine. Gasoline storage tanks have an internal floating roof. This
roof serves as zero clearance between the gas and the atmosphere, so it
minimizes the evaporation.
Another reminder, if there is a gasoline truck pumping into the storage
tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up; most likely the gasoline
is being stirred up as the gas is being delivered, and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom.
To have an impact, we need to reach literally millions of gas buyers.
Below is a wonderful Quick Guide to home remodeling and repair costs, well written by Amy Mullen of Re/Max Professional Associates of Worcester, MA. Spring is here and many questions are raised since this is an ideal time to get started on those home projects. Questions such as: What improvements will benefit the sale of my home? What costs would certain projects run? Or I just bought my home and would love to change out the flooring - any idea on price? Again, Amy did a wonderful job on the below post... please read and keep handy! Via Amy Mullen (RE/MAX Professional Associates):
I have so been neglecting my blog. It's true. It's shameful. In my defense it's because I have been so focused on my clients. I am correcting that today and giving it the attention it needs!
Tis the season for home remodeling! I have been working with a new buyer client who is looking at homes in Worcester that will need some repair - as well as working with a seller whose home will need to be repaired when the buyer has the keys in hand. My parents are remodeling their kitchen and I am still picking away at the rehab on my own house.
It seems as if remodeling is happening everywhere! And IT IS! (Stay tuned for details on a home renovation event in May....ssshhhhhh...press release coming but it's going to be HUGE!). I did stumble upon (I love that site) this quick guide to estimating the cost of home repairs / remodeling that Freddie Mac has published and I love it! It's quick - easy to read and realistic.
Check it out and bookmark this page - it's a great way to thumbnail the costs of new projects or to see what you would be getting into with a new home.
Estimated Remodeling and Repair Costs
| Additions |
Costs |
| Build addition |
$70 to 120 per square foot |
| Enclose porch |
$5,500 to 15,000 |
| Drywall ceiling over plaster |
$1.50 to 2.00 per square foot |
| Basement |
Costs |
| Convert basement to legal rental unit |
$30,000 to 50,000 |
| Bathroom |
Costs |
| |
| Remodel bathroom |
$7,000 to 12,000 |
| Add half bathroom |
$3,500 to 5,000 |
| Add full bathroom |
$7,000 to 12,000 |
| Electrical Service |
Costs |
| Increase service to 200 amps |
$700 to 1,200 |
| Run separate electrical lines |
$150 to 300 |
Install connectors on outlets
(of aluminum wired homes) |
$15 to 20 per connection/
$2,000 to 3,000 (whole house) |
| Exterior |
Costs |
| Regrade lawn |
$500 to 1,500 |
| New gutters and downspouts |
$2.50 to 3.50 per linear foot |
| Fireplaces |
Costs |
| Build masonry fireplace |
$3,300 to 4,800 |
| Install prefabricated fireplace |
$1,800 to 2,300 |
| Reline chimney with terra cotta |
$2,000 |
|
Floors
|
Costs |
| Sand and finish wood floors |
$1.50 to 3.30 per square foot |
| Install ceramic tile floor |
$11 to 22 per square foot |
| Install vinyl tile floor |
$2.64 to 5.34 per square foot |
| Install wall-to-wall carpet |
$3.38 to 6.61 per square foot |
| Garages |
Costs |
| Build single car garage |
$6,000 to 9,500 |
| Build double car garage |
$8,000 to 12,000 |
| Heating and Air Conditioning |
Costs |
| Replace warm air furnace |
$1,500 to 3,800 |
| Replace electric heat pump |
$2,200 to 3,600 |
| Replace central air conditioning system (electric) |
$1,500 to 3,000 |
| Replace central air conditioning system (gas) |
$2,600 to 3,500 |
| Install humidifier |
$300 to 550 |
| Install electrostatic air cleaner |
$500 to 750 |
| Replace hot water boiler |
$2,500 to 3,500 |
| Install attic ventilation |
$250 to 450 |
| Insulation |
Costs |
| Insulate attic / basement |
$.75 to 1.20 per square foot |
|
Kitchen
|
Costs |
| Remodel kitchen |
$8,000 and up |
| Plumbing |
Costs |
| Hot water heater |
|
| (40-gallon capacity) |
$400 to 650 |
| (40-gallon capacity) |
$300 to 550 |
| Install new well |
$3,000 to 5,000 |
| Install new septic system |
$3,000 to 5,000 |
| Install sump pump |
$400 to 500 |
| Install French drain and sump pump |
$2,000 to 3,500 |
|
Roofs
|
Costs |
| Asphalt / fiberglass shingles- |
|
| Install over existing shingles |
$1 to 1.20 per square foot |
| Remove existing shingles and install news |
$1.30 to 1.75 per square foot |
| Windows |
Costs |
| Install storm windows |
$60 to 100 each |
| Replace existing windows |
$250 to 500 each |
Yes, beware of the Seller's Property Disclosure - there may be more than what is actually stated. I am living proof of that fact. Being a real estate agent, I should have known better.
Here is my living proof:
J) Do you know of any current flooding, drainage, settling or grading or erosion problems affecting the property? answer by seller: Yes.
Please describe:
When heavy rains, the pond overflows.
Ok, sounds understandable enough... but failed to tell us that most of our acreage goes underwater! This is the 4th time this year of severe flooding. And at times, you can't even tell where the driveway is, which is not safe to drive in or out during these times.
 
Side Yard (we live on 11 acres) More of side yard showing MUDDY waters
 
Getting closer to front yard area Front yard where we have 680 foot driveway to home
 
More of Driveway going to other side of front yard This is our front yard
 
Going towards pond area This is the pond area, that is 3x larger than normal
We should have been "smarter" by asking the seller to explain or tell more details on the "pond overflow" issue. Had we known, this would NOT have been the property we purchased. Our pole barn is under water again with inches of MUDDY water inside, our back detached garage that holds our yard equipment is also under water again. Thank goodness our basement has not flooded (yet). Sump pump barely rests.
So BEWARE of the Seller's Property Disclosure - there may be more than meets the eye!
That's right ... What the heck?
I am reading a quote from the Bank of America CEO claiming that "...some people shouldn't be thinking of their home as an asset" ??? which is coming from an article I just finished reading. Again, I say, What the Heck?
Perhaps someone in the financial field would not consider a home an "asset" if there is a mortgage against it, but many home owners have "equity" and when is "equity in a home" NOT an asset?
In my opinion, real estate is an asset in so many ways, from those of us who own a home "free and clear" of any mortgage, from landlords who own that have a tenant paying the mortgage with positive cash flow back to the owner, from those that put money down on a home where there is "equity" built up is an asset, my list can go on and on.
I agree, home ownership isn't for everyone. But to "own" a home, even with a loan against it, is an asset!! Unless you owe more than what it is worth.
Does anyone have another opinion on this that they would like to share? Please post!!
Want to be a part of a positive networking group in Lorain County? If you are a Woman Business Owner - please read on...
Meetings take place on the first and third Thursday of each month at various locations throughout Lorain County, Ohio. Meetings start at 6 p.m. and usually consist of dinner, 30 second commercials, featured business(es), and a guest speaker.
Our calendar is open to the public, but you must have a yahoo ID to access it online. A downloadable PDF version of our schedule and additional information about our group is located at www.wbonlorain.org Our next meeting will be this Thursday, April 21st at 6 p.m. at the Jackalope Restaurant on the Lake in Lorain. The guest speaker will be: Shelley Solomon Cull, who will be speaking on the topic "Seeing the Big Picture". We are looking forward to a big turnout. If you would like to attend, please rsvp to: wbonlorain@yahoogroups.com or contact Karen at jrstorage@aol.com Karen can also be reached by phone at: 440-986-3200
If you have any questions or would like to be added to or removed from the group please email wbonlorain-owner@yahoogroups.com.
Set your sights high, the higher the better. Expect the most wonderful things to happen, not in the future but right now. Realize that nothing is too good. Allow absolutely nothing to hamper you or hold you up in any way."
Eileen Caddy, Author
Just wanted to share another great quote that was sent to me by a friend. We should always reach for the stars - staying positive and motivated, servicing others with a smile, leaving a mark in this world and knowing "you" really made a difference in someone's life. So, make it a great day and Happy Tuesday to all of my friends here on ActiveRain. I love networking with each and every one of you - please stay in touch!!
Randy Harden of Wieder Realty, Pompano Beach Fl posted tips that buyers need to understand and take warning - that I have asked permission to share on my blog. When going through the mortgage/loan process - especially when you have found the home of your dreams, it's happened more than once where a buyer has made the trip to purchase newer appliances "on credit" for their new home, or running out to buy the perfect living room furniture "on credit", not fully understanding how that just put a "kink" in their credit processing. Via Wieder Realty, Inc.:
You have just signed a contract on a property after weeks of searching and research. You found the perfect home and you cannot wait to move in a few weeks from now. You start imagining all the things that you will need in your new home and begin your window shopping in anticipation. While in a particular store you find the perfect piece of furniture and you feel like you have to have it right away. You open up a credit card with that particular store to get the 10% discount AND YOU'VE JUST CAUSED YOUR MORTGAGE APPLICATION PROCESS TO FAIL!
When you get approved for a loan it is based in large part on your credit score. If you alter your credit score during your approval process you can mess up the whole deal.
How not to screw up your credit during the approval process:
1. Don't open any new accounts
2. Don't make any large purchase on your already established lines of credit
3. Don't buy or lease a car
4. Do not co-sign for any accounts
5. Do continue to make your payments on time
You should also be careful how you handle cash at this point. Any large deposits into your bank account may be subject to inquiry from the lender. Also, speak to your mortgage agent about how to go about receiving gift funds from relatives. If mishandled that too can sink your deal.
Follow these tips to make your mortgage transaction one with a happy ending!
Wieder Realty is your best source of information when it comes to Palm-Aire and the surrounding area.
Call us at 954-978-8300 or 888-979-9788
1221 S Powerline Road - Pompano Beach - Florida 33069
(Next to Bagel Snack)
Wieder Realty - Your Best Move!
www.Palm-Aire.com
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Carla Harbert - RE/MAX Pros of Westlake, Ohio
Avon,
OH
More about me…
www.LorainCountyHomeSales.com
Address: 2035 Crocker Road, Suite 104, Westlake, OH, 44145
Office Phone: (440) 925-0723
Cell Phone: (440) 309-5209
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