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The Hansens use the same analogy I always use. If you go to work and expect to get a check at the end of the week or at the end of the job how would you feel if your employer decided to give your check to another employee after you did a really excellent job for them...that is what happens when buyers have one agent and then decide to call another. It is not fair to let the second agent do a lot of work for you and go back to the first agent. The second agent is spending time with you that they aren't spending with a client that will ensure they get paid.
Via Sally & David Hanson WI Realtors Luxury\Short Sale\CDPE\ABR\e-Pro\REDS (Keller Williams 414-525-0563):
 We could show you houses…but if we show you the house, we are also your agent for the houses we show you. It is better for you to decide to who you want to work with and stay with one agent. The buyer said that they had another agent who had shown them a few houses but they really didn’t feel he was listening to their needs and that he understood what they wanted. He did not know the areas they had chosen based upon their commute to work….they were not comfortable with him and had no buyer agency contract.
We explained our qualifications and sent them information about the areas and about our experience in real estate and suggested that he and his wife discuss who they would like to have represent them in the purchase of their home.
 It would not be fair to either the present agent or to us to shop with more than one agent. When buyers ask us questions like this, we tell them that it would be like if they went to work and at the end of the week expected a paycheck. Instead of getting paid, the employer paid the person in the next office instead of paying them. They laughed…but this illustration made it clear to them that working with one agent and evaluating their background and experience in addition to how they felt the “personal chemistry” fit their needs helped them choose the agent who worked best for them and with them.
If you are looking for a home in southeastern Wisconsin, we invite you to call us, test our chemistry and interview us for the honor of being your agent for one of the largest purchases you will ever make. We are agents for a lifetime, and proud to be of service.
When selling a home a seller often hears that you need to declutter but what does that mean. Here is a well thought out list of 10 items to start with. Via Lindsey Hasford (Coldwell Banker Vision):
Everyone has heard rumors of de-cluttering when it's time to sell your home. But, what does that really mean? Before going hog wild and moving out... here's a few of the most important things to consider removing before you list your home for sale.
10. Personal photos. I don't always recommend removing photos of the 'family' but if you have hallways filled with photos or photos on every end table it is probably necessary. Buyers really DO get distracted by them. They will take them all in as they walk down the hall. Not only do they take away from the home, but it's really disturbing when a buyer is excited to 'know' the sellers. And, the buyers do look at them.
9. Bills and personal papers. I understand that you cannot remove these document from the home all together, but please take the time to organize them, box them up and put them out of sight. If you have bills laying out on the counter or kitchen table it's like an invitation for the buyers to 'peek' at them. Believe me - I discourage it - but it still happens. And as a seller you just don't want to leave the temptation behind.
8. Money. I would love to say that every buyer (and Realtor) going through every home is honest, but I really don't want to test those waters. If you have cash, cash boxes or coin jars sitting out in the open... put them away. It's just better for everyone if it's out of sight. As Realtors we do what we can to protect your home, but your help makes a difference!
7. Valuables. Jewelry, watches, valuable antiques.... anything that might be worth a bit of money that you wouldn't want to lose. Out of sight, out of mind. If buyers don't know they are there they won't think about it. I can't tell you how many homes I've been in where the jewelry is left on the dresser.... somehow it's uncomfortable. At least put it away.
6. Guns and ammo. I don't care if they are in a case or out laying around or under a bed. It's better if you just plain old remove them from the home prior to listing. For some reason they make buyers (in my experience) feel really insecure.
5. Shoes! If you have a pile of shoes at the door... ask yourself why. A pile of shoes gives a buyer two impressions. The first? That there isn't enough storage in your home. 2. That there are too many people living in the home. So, in order to avoid wondering on the part of the buyer... just put them away.
4. Medicine. Take it out. Don't store it on the counter. Don't store it in the cabinet. Don't store it in the bathroom. Remove it. There have been many complaints over the years of potential buyers 'stealing' the medicine out of the cabinets. I have never had it happen on my time clock, but to avoid any trouble it's best to simply remove it.
3. All things on your kitchen counter. Everything? Really? Yup. The cleaner you can leave the counter, the more buyers dream of being in there. Have you ever been in a cluttered kitchen? Does it feel inviting? How about a cleaned up kitchen? Does it make you wanna spend time there? Also, if you store things on the counter it gives the appearance that you do not have enough storage space.
2. No more junk drawers. Seriously. Clean 'em out. There is nothing more tacky than a potential buyer opening the cupboards and drawers and having things sticking out everywhere. Box up all the notes, pens, tacks, and odds and ends and put them away. Chances are you don't dig in the drawer often anyways.
1. Nothing but magnets.... and maybe not even that. Take a photo of your fridge, take everything off, wash the front (and side), and take another photo. It is really refreshing to walk into a home that has a clean fridge. The kids pictures are beautiful (believe me... my fridge is covered in them) but buyer's can't imagine their own children's drawing on there if it is covered with yours. And, the magnets... If they aren't decorative (and even then) they are generally more of a distraction to the room than a help. Consider it.
There are many more ways to declutter a home for sale... but these are some important things to consider. For more information on selling your home in Minnesota... give me a call.
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In the meantime... if you are looking to move into the area... I'll wait for you to call!
Selling Real Estate in Minnesota!
If you are looking for professional real estate services I am only a ring away! I am looking forward to working with you. And, please feel free to share my name with anyone that you know who needs assistance buying or selling a home ~ I love referrals!
Lindsey Hasford, REALTOR
Coldwell Banker Vision
231 Main Street - Elk River - MN 55330
763-241-5488 (office) 763-218-1347 (cell)
lindseyhasford@coldwellbankervision.com
http://www.hasfordhomes.com
Good review of funding fees for 2012 for those in the military, active or retired, national guard or reserves. It is still possible for these individuals to get a -0- down loan. Via Mark Taylor FHA VA USDA HUD & Investor Loans (First Time Buyers Investors and move up buyers):
VA Funding Fees for 2012
The VA funding fee is required by law.
The VA Funding Fee is paid directly to the Department of Veteran's Affairs and is the reason they can guarantee this no-money-down loan program. This fee is paid so that VA eligibile borrowers can enjoy loan benefits such as $0 down financing and no PMI payments.
So as a reference i created this for you the VA Funding Fees for 2012
For a first-time buyer the fee, is currently 2.15% of loan amount financed.
For second time users who do not make a down payment is 3.3%
The reason for the difference is intended to enable the veteran who obtains a VA home loan to contribute toward the cost of this benefit, and thereby reduce the cost to taxpayers. The idea of a higher fee for second time use is based on the fact that these veterans have already had a chance to use the benefit once, and also that prior users should have had time to accumulate equity or save money towards a down payment.
For purchases or construction loans by active military or retired is:
Zero down for a 1st time user the VA Funding Fee is: 2.15%
5% down for a 1st time user the VA Funding Fee is: 1.5%
10% down or more for a 1st time user the VA Funding Fee is: 1.25%
Zero down 2nd time or more user the VA Funding Fee is: 3.3%
5% down for a 2nd time user the VA Funding Fee is: 1.5%
10% down or more for a 2nd time user the VA Funding Fee is: 1.25%
For Reserves or National Guard
Zero down for a 1st time user the VA Funding Fee is: 2.4%
5% down for a 1st time user the VA Funding Fee is: 1.75%
10% down or more for a 1st time user the VA Funding Fee is: 1.5%
Zero down 2nd time or more user the VA Funding Fee is: 3.3%
5% down for a 2nd time user the VA Funding Fee is: 1.75%
10% down or more for a 2nd time user the VA Funding Fee is: 1.5%
Cash-out refinancing loans
Regular military require a 2.15% fee for first time users and a 3.3% VA Funding Fee for subsequent users.
Reserves or National Guard, the requirement is a 2.4% VA Funding Fee for first time users and a 3.3% fee for subsequent users.
If there are down payments involved, refer to the information above. On interest rate reduction loans, the VA funding fee is .50% and it is 1.0% on Manufactured Home Loans.
Good news there are exceptions
- Veterans receiving VA compensation for service-connected disabilities.
- Veterans who would be entitled to receive compensation for service-connected disabilities if they did not receive retirement pay.
- Surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from service-connected disabilities (whether or not such surviving spouses are veterans with their own entitlement and whether or not they are using their own entitlement on the loan).
For more information or to see why we are blessed to serve our military personnel stop by www.vaarizona.net
KIVA is a program that extends loans to extrepreneurs around the world and is currently in two United States cities, New Orleans and Detroit. Micro loans as low as $25 can be contributed and anyone can lend money, you decide who you want to support, you are not contributing money to the organization but to specific individuals. Micro lenders around the world contribute. 450 individuals out of 100,000 started small businesses in the New Orleans area last year which is above the national average of 350 out of 100,000.
New Orleans is the model city for KIVA in the United States. Some points of the program.
$10,000 maximum loan
36 months loan term
15% interest/no collateral/no credit score - interest rate can be lowered with a good payment history
Borrowers need to have a viable business plan and the ability to repay the loan
Good Work Network processes the application.
The actual loans are posted on the KIVA site and are fully funded within 24 hours
Business support services available
Most banks don't make small loans and the borrowers from KIVA have been turned down by a financial institution
Loans are funding within 24 hours
KIVA New Orleans
For any of you who didn't see the video that Rep. Giffords office released yesterday about her resignation I am posting it here. It brought tears to my eyes, this is one classy lady. When you think of what she survived and her struggle this past year to come to where she is now it is remarkable. it also makes most of our day to day issues look a bit trivial. Health and living life are what is important. I am not taking away from the day to day challenges we face - but just think.
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Sunny and Nice
Overview
Maps
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Main Features
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3 Bedrooms
2 Bathrooms
1 Unit
Interior: 1,250 sqft
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6900 Gentry
Marrero, LA 70072
USA
To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below:
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Miriam Bernstein
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 It has come to my attention that there is a HUD scam in place in many communities throughout Louisiana. A HUD home always has a white sticker in the window with the contact information for the company in charge of maintaining the lawn, and if there is any vandalism they are the individuals who make the repairs. In addition to the white sticker in the window there is a real estate brokers sign.
There are individuals who claim to be real estate agents who call and gain access to the properties. They go into the property and remove the white sticker and remove the real estate agent sign. There is also usually a sign in sheet in the house that they also remove. They remove anything that would indicate that the home is a listed property, on the MLS, home. They want it to look like they could own it.
In one instance an individual removed the legal listing broker sign and replaced it with their own sign.
These individuals then place signs on highway exits or on roadways or on poles that say:
"HOUSE FOR SALE - $55,000 555-55-5555"
They tell the individuals who call that they own the home and are trying to sell. They say they have two offers but if you bring them $2000. they will sell the house to you.
SCAM, SCAM, SCAM. HUD homes are owned by the federal government and the consequences are severe. In one case a buyer gave one of these crooks $2000. and realized he had been scammed and reported the individual to the police. He has been arrested.
This type of scam could be perpetrated on any vacant home or in fact on any home. Always insure that the individual who gains access is actually a licensee in your state. In Louisiana and I would guess in most states it is illegal to sell properties your don't own without a license.
Be careful out there.
Originally published at www.neworleanspropertylady.com/A-HUD-Home-Scam-Alert!
Barbara Todaro is one of my favorite bloggers on AR. She blogs and blogs and always has something to say of interest. This post is so true. The other thing I learned way back when was to never lose sight of who I represent in the transaction.
. Via Barbara Todaro "Franklin MA Homes" (RE/MAX Executive Realty ):
 Do you remember the first lesson you learned when you started in the real estate business? I remember my first lesson and I’ve passed it along to other newly licensed real estate agents who I’ve had the pleasure of training.
I was reminded by Carol-Ann Palmieri, an ActiveRainer who does a fantastic job of blogging, that one of the first lessons she learned from me was “to always take care of the co-broke agent.” Today that would be a buyer’s agent. Decades ago, it was just “the co-broke agent” because we all represented the seller.
This was one of the first lessons that I learned, and if any lesson will make you money, this is the one. If you want other agents to continue to show your listings and encourage their clients to see them, be good to those agents. Make life easy for those agents.
Return phone calls made by those agents; have written information about the property readily available for those agents; make access to the home easy; make yourself available if they want to be accompanied; and do whatever it takes to make their job easy.
You’ve heard the old adage “happy wife, happy life.” “Without that co-broke, you may go-broke.” Don’t bite the hand that feeds you. Cooperation goes a long way in the real estate business.
This happens all of the time. Rentals are as much work as a sale and the payment is very little. As a courtesy for a client I will always help a homeseller out and find them a place to rent. Via Jane Peters - Los Angeles Real Estate (310-473-6919) (Power Brokers Int'l):
There is not a pecking order for Realtors®.
There is no Realtor® who can only do rentals or only do listings, or only work with  buyers. That is a choice they make.
So, if you have an agent who just sold your home and you are looking for a rental, ask them to help you. They are quite capable of doing so. If they choose not to it is probably because they are too lazy, after all there is not much money in rentals. But, they are doing you a disservice. They presumably made a nice enough commission on the sale of your property that they should continue to provide you with service.
If you have an agent who is helping you to purchase a home, but meanwhile you need to lease, then please use the same agent to help you with the lease. Don't tell me that the agent "doesn't do leases". Again, they are going to make a nice enough commission on the purchase of a home for you that they should put themselves out and help you find a rental.
I dropped a rental client today because I found out they were also looking to buy, but with another agent who "doesn't do leases."
See me do a double-take.
Grrrr.
P.S. So that there is no misunderstanding here, my point is thatanyone is entitled not to do rentals. I don not think that they are entitled to tell an existing client that they don't do them and offer no solutiuon.
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Miriam Bernstein REALTOR® New Orleans Real Estate
New Orleans,
LA
More about me…
RE/MAX N.O. Properties
Address: 8001 Maple Street, New Orleans, LA, 70118
Office Phone: CALLMYCELL
Cell Phone: (504) 908-2268
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