Maria's Blog

Yes...sold it in 3 hours!

Maria Haun ABR, CNE (Whitehead Inc. Realtors) — Tue, 19 May 2009 19:08:43 -0500

Is the market really down..or is it that there are just overpriced homes that need work out there?

I took my client out on showing a couple weeks ago and as i was getting ready to leave I thought I would take a quick look to see if there were any more listings that she may like...well there was a listing I pulled up..didn't know the secretary had "just put it in the MLS" until I called to set up the showing. It was right in her price range and sounded great...newer, rehabbed property, no pictures yet, but I thought i would give it a try.

We went through 4 others before we came to this one. Well we came to the new listing last and the second we walked in I just knew this would be the "one". Newer home..open vaulted ceilings, stainless appliances. Well what else does a younger first-time buyer want?! Well this is it!

This seller did it right! Great work on the house, but I truly believe the thing that did it was he priced it very, very well. He didn't get greedy, and let me tell you he could have gotten more for this home! I told my buyer if she waited to make a decision that house would be gone within the day, so we went back to my office and wrote the offer. I absolutely loved the selling agent as well. I had worked with her before and she is a definate straight shooter...no games, no hassle, and up front honesty! I just love working with agents that are like that..everything just goes so smoothly!

Anyway, the moral of the story?.....Buyers are coming out and if your house is priced right and shows great you just may get that lucky 3 hours to sold story as well!

Great investment

Maria Haun ABR, CNE (Whitehead Inc. Realtors) — Tue, 19 May 2009 18:43:16 -0500

Was rented for $750 a month...3 bedrooms 2 baths. Updated kitchen and bathrooms.

MLS# 43301 Only $43,000. Dues $140 month.

Listed with Whitehead Inc. Realtors

Short Sale Closed!

Maria Haun ABR, CNE (Whitehead Inc. Realtors) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:24:39 -0500

I had a closing last Friday and it was a dandy to say the least. It was a short sale. I don't run from these, actually I kind of like the challenge sometimes. Anyway, got the offer the beginning of Feb and sent it in right away, the WHOLE package that is required, even though the lender had most of the info already due to a past offer that another buyer had walked on us from. I started making my calls....leaving messages..asking questions...getting nowhere. This was a GREAT offer, GREAT buyer as well so it was a bit frust

rating to say the least...I did not want to loose this buyer too!

Fast-forward a month...it is the beginning of March now and the buyer is getting antsy and getting ready to walk..she does extend the offer another couple weeks but will walk if we don't hear something soon. Find out my negotiator has been out over a week due to a death in the family..apparently they don't assign a new person to anyone's files when this happens....

Fast forward another week...still making daily calls and leaving messages..finally get to speak with a supervisor and she looked at it and within 24 hours I had my approval! Now, tell me how this happens? Why all these weeks go by with NOTHING, NADA, ZILCH, no answers to my calls and then BAM I can get an approval within 24 hours?! I am not complaining here..well maybe a little..I understand these lenders are inundated with these offers and are understaffed, so I don't want to be in their shoes either...but just a call...or email...or some sort of sign that they even got the offer and it is in the right persons hand, would be great!

How have your short sales been going?.........

PS: don't get me started on our compensation either............

I had a Great Day Today...

Maria Haun ABR, CNE (Whitehead Inc. Realtors) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 21:58:35 -0500

Now I remember why I got into the business..I love helping people! I have been wondering lately why I am doing this...with things being slower than usual. It has been a little disheartning to say the least.

Anyway, today I took out a new client to see some condos and it was fun. This lady was so upbeat and excited to look at condos and start out on her own, it made me remember what a great business this really is and how exciting it can be from getting to know my clients to them possibly becoming a friend. I love how I am helping people with a very big decision! I guess sometimes we have to remember the good times to get us through the not so good times!

I started working with a young couple that is moving back home from out of state, and they to were so excited about coming home and finding a new place and it was just so great to start working with someone that was excited about buying and not afraid of what the economy was doing or what is going to happen in the future....they just wanted a place to call home..they both had jobs to come back to...which they could be thankful for...but they aren't worried about "overpaying" for the house because it might go down in value...they are relying on me to make sure it is priced right and to look at what our local market is doing. It was just so wonderful to feel needed I suppose..to work with clients that actually felt you know how to do your job and relied on that knowledge!

Anyway....I also got a call from another potential buyer and a past client that needs to list their house...so yeah...I had a GREAT day today! I think things are looking up.

Rockford IL First Time Homebuyer Program

Maria Haun ABR, CNE (Whitehead Inc. Realtors) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 18:22:09 -0600

The ADDI Program provides six percent (6%) of the purchase price to be used as downpayment and/or closing cost assistance. The funding is provided as a five (5) year forgivable mortgage loan. As long as the loan terms are met, no payments are required.

• Applicant must be a first-time homebuyer i.e. an individual and his or her spouse who have not owned a home during the three-year period prior to the purchase of a home with ADDI assistance.

Exceptions made for "displaced homemakers" as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The property must become the principal residence of the applicant.

• The applicant's household income (income of everyone over the age of 18) projected over the next year, must be at least $14,250 and must not exceed eighty percent (80%) of median income, as defined by HUD and subject to change annually. (See Projected Income Inclusions/Exclusions) 80% of Median income:

• The applicant must complete homebuyer's training offered through Rockford Area Affordable Housing Coalition (RAAHC) or complete the Rockford Housing Authority's Buying a Home Workshop prior to purchasing a property. For the purpose of the City programs, a Certificate expires 3 years from the date on the Certificate.

• The property must be located within the area bounded by Central Avenue on the west, Riverside on The north, the Rock River on the east, and Whitman/School Street on the south, and located in the City of Rockford. (See map & address ranges)

For more information on this and other city prgrams please feel free to contact me!

Machesney Park, IL Ranch

Maria Haun ABR, CNE (Whitehead Inc. Realtors) — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 15:21:01 -0600

Updated ranch, New electrical, plumbing, Furnace/AC in 2005, H2O heater in 2004. New kitchen cabinets, updated bathroom. New roof on garage. New windows, siding & gutters.

Harlem School Dist. Great location. see more info at www.whiteheadweb.com/mhaun

Quite, Peaceful, Wooded....Rockton, IL 61072

Maria Haun ABR, CNE (Whitehead Inc. Realtors) — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 19:15:19 -0500

Nice Tri-level located in Rockton, IL. Listed for 152,900. Features

3 bedrooms
1.5 baths
3 season porch
Big Living room
Big Family Room
Huge fenced-in backyard
Shed
Garden
Hardwood floors in Bedrooms (and under carpet in LR, condition unknown)
Eat-in kitchen w/ oak cabinets
1/2 acre lot located in small country subdivision

I think I will wait........

Maria Haun ABR, CNE (Whitehead Inc. Realtors) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 20:43:17 -0500

Until the market gets better to sell! I was talking with a woman the other day at a party and of course she asked me how I thought the market was. I told her for me it was going well. This summer has been fantastic and will, cross-my-fingers, keep going! I explained to her that homes are selling, especially the ones that are priced right and in great condition, as well as the cheap investment properties! I had a listing sell in less than 30 days because of location and condition, it was a bit on the high end on price but he didn't loose too much on what he wanted!

She was concerned that a home on her street recently sold as a foreclosure would bring the value of hers down dramatically. She proceeded to tell me everything they have done to the home in the past few years and was worried she would not get that back, with the way the "market is" today! I asked her where her home was located and she told me it was in a local town that gets quite the traffic when a home is listed, so as I had told her before, with the condition her home is in she wouldn't have any problems. I asked her what she thought her home was worth, and after she told me what she thought, I really reassured her she would have no problems as long as the condition was as good as she says it was.

I know in every market location, price, and condition have always played a role in a home selling, and in our market today you can bet yours will sell quickly if all of these are together in a nice selling package!

Why I want to meet you at my office

Maria Haun ABR, CNE (Whitehead Inc. Realtors) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:01:44 -0500

We agents have heard the stories of agents getting robbed, beaten, and even worse raped or murdered. So why is it some of us still go out alone? Are we too trusting and let our gaurd down because it hasn't happened close to home? I have done this many times but have now chosen to start meeting with them at the office if they call me out of the blue on one of my listings, either on my cell phone or on a floor call. Not only for my personal safety, but to really sit and get to know this person I could potentially sell a house to. I think this will also help build rapport and save the trouble of finding they are working with a couple other agents!

At many of our office meetings our broker managers always press the issue of meeting someone you don't know at the office first! Not only as a precaution, but it will give you a chance to actually talk with the person or persons and really get to know them and what they are looking for.

So as a buyer don't be irritated with an agent that wants to meet you at their office first. We want to understand your needs and wants better and what better way to do that then to sit and chat with us. This way even helps you on whether or not the agent you are meeting with really is the right "fit" for you. Personalities do clash and this is one way to find out early and not waste any of your time working with someone you are not comfortable with!

What potholes?!

Maria Haun ABR, CNE (Whitehead Inc. Realtors) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:10:23 -0500

Our wonderful city of Rockford has been plagued by this crazy. cold winter and our roads are sure showing the damage. If you see or "hit" any areas that haven't been repaired yet you can call 964-4653 or make a request online at ci.rockford.il.us.

2712 Ridge Ave, Rockford, IL 61103

Maria Haun ABR, CNE (Whitehead Inc. Realtors) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 14:08:43 -0500

Cute 2 bedroom ranch, possible 3rd bedroom used as dining room. 1 bath, Hardwood floors in LR and bedrooms. Nice kitchen with oak cabinets and new flooring. Freshly painted throughout. Bathroom totally remodeled. Clean, dry basement. Washer/Dryer stay. Huge deck off of kitchen. 2.5 car attached garage. Shed. New electric panel and service. some new plumbing.

Click on the following link for a visual tour of the home

http://www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T=1380645&close=true

Lead based paint grant.

Maria Haun ABR, CNE (Whitehead Inc. Realtors) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:47:42 -0500

The Winnebago Health dept. is giving federal grants to homeowners for the abatement or mitigation of LEAD BASED PAINT. A child under the age of 6 must live in the home, income limits apply as do zip code requirements. For more information on the grants you can call 815-961-3379.

For more information about lead based paint and its effects on you check out www.epa.gov.lead.

Do you want to sell or do you want to stay?

Maria Haun ABR, CNE (Whitehead Inc. Realtors) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 16:39:57 -0500

At our weekly sales meetings this has been an ongoing question asked by my broker, one we are supposed to ask our sellers when the home they listed with us just doesnt seem to be getting any interest....mostly because of price. I think this is a fair question, because if you think of their motivation, they really are either motivated to move on or stay where they are at correct?

We are even given a bar graph chart to show them the past 4 years sales history on inventory, what has sold and what is on the market. When looking at this chart it really hits home the reality of todays market. Weekly we are asked if we have posed this question to our sellers...I have not, others have and some say it has worked, others say their sellers are still not quite getting it, or the reality of what is going on today. It's really amazing how the buyers are "waiting it out", are our sellers not listening to the same news as our buyers?

Though our prices here have not fallen dramatically, they were never high to begin with, we certainly have had a slowdown of potential buyers. So in today's market, pricing a home correctly for condition is the only way your home is going to sell! Your pool of buyers has been reduced, so you need to get them in the door and WOW them. Just becuase the Smith's 2 doors down got what they did 8 months ago, and thier home wasnt nearly as "nice" as yours doesn't mean the market will hold what you want to get for your home now.

I tried to insert the bar graph on here and it wouldn't show up so here is the link...check it out!

www.mywhtd.com/intranet/agenttools/doyouwanttostayorsell.pdf

Local School information

Maria Haun ABR, CNE (Whitehead Inc. Realtors) — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 08:57:51 -0500

Here are websites for our local community schools for anyone that is interested in doing a search and finding more information about some of the schools in our area

Winnebago County

Rockford Public Schools http://www.rps205.com/

Harlem District 122 http://www.harlem122.org/

Hononegah http://hononegah.il.schoolwebpages.com/

Roscoe http://il.localschooldirectory.com/schools.php/cPath/4419

Winnebago http://www.winnebagoschools.org/schools/schools.htm

South Beliot http://www.southbeloitschooldistrict.org/

Boone County

Belvidere schools http://www.district11.net/

Boone county schools http://www.nbcusd.org/schools/nbhs/

Escrow money gone!

Maria Haun ABR, CNE (Whitehead Inc. Realtors) — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 17:15:46 -0500

I have a question for everyone.

I have a client that seems to be having an issue with their mortgage company. To make a long story short, my clients have an escrow account with this company for taxes and insurance and have been makine their payments on time, what has happend is the mortgage co. is telling my clients that they have no money in their escrow to pay the second installement of their property taxes! I looked over everything and there should be plenty of money in this account. there was one person that told them they didn't even have an escrow account with them but when i pulled up thier tracsaction history is shows that an amount goes into escrow!

I guess my question is, has anyone here had a client that this has happened too? If so what is the quickest route to get this issue solved? Attorney? our state's mortgage fraud division? At a loss here!

Any advice would be appreciated.

Why buy now?

Maria Haun ABR, CNE (Whitehead Inc. Realtors) — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 21:13:21 -0500

It is really surprising to me how people are not out there buying homes right now. It is after all a buyers market! Imagine getting a great price on a home and maybe even some great seller concessions.

Rates are still good, just not at the lowest they have ever been. Ten years ago I bought my first home and paid a rate of 7.75 (8,75) with no PMI and thought that was fine.

So is it the negative talk of the media that has both buyers and sellers scared? I would imagine that the buyers would be out in droves trying to find that great deal but what I am seeing is the buyer that is having a hard time making a decision because there are too many homes to choose from. I am also seeing buyers wanting to make such a low offer that they are not getting anyone to accept their offers at all! I suppose it is up to us to inform our buyers of the market they are looking in and that not all markets are the same. Some markets are seeing a 10%+ drop in values but in ours values are not dropping that dramatically, at least not at this time.

Could it be there is just too many homes on the market that need work? Our first-time buyer market is still strong in this area and quite a few agents have mentioned they have clients that have "seen everything" and can't find anything decent! I have seen homes go quickly when others are sitting. I believe gone are the days where the seller could do nothing and have their home sell. Now the buyers are snatching up properties that are in great condition, why should they have to spend their money to fix someone else's problems? Now we have to educate our sellers more than ever, and hope they are on board, that if they changed the paint color, or that old furnace, etc. that their home will look better in the buyers eye. I suppose nothing has really changed, they are just doing it now to make sure their home doesn't sit as long!

Posting listings on other sites

Maria Haun ABR, CNE (Whitehead Inc. Realtors) — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 20:47:56 -0500

I recently started posting my homes on sites such as Zillow and Craigslist. I heard this is the thing to do and I want as much exposure of my client's homes as possible. What I am wondering is if anyone here has had someone call them or contact them from one of these sites? I would like to get some feedback from all that have had some success with these sites or see if it is another time consuming chore?

I know it doesn't take much time to post but is it just other agents looking at these sites? Which wouldn't be a bad thing either......just curious on how others feel.

Have a great day!

Maria

To calm a seller....

Maria Haun ABR, CNE (Whitehead Inc. Realtors) — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 21:30:00 -0500

I have a new listing and today held my first open house. The seller came back afterwards and as we were talking I could tell she was just so nervous! She seemed to be a basketcase actually. She is so worried she has overlooked not "fixing" or cleaning something she should have. I tried to reassure her that the house is in great condition, I couldn't ask for a better listing! She just wants to impress everyone and it is going to make her blood pressure soar! I

I guess as real estate professionals we are more than just an "agent" we play so many different roles don't we? There are so many emotions that I don't think people realize they will feel during the whole process, and it is really up to us to guide them through it all! I think that is why many of us enjoy what we do, becuase it is the knowledge that we did more for our clients than just "sell" or "find" their home.

Have a great day!

Maria Haun

Earnest money notes......

Maria Haun ABR, CNE (Whitehead Inc. Realtors) — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 21:25:23 -0500

I have a listing I recently received an offer on and along with the offer was an "earnest money note" that stated by a certain date this buyer would hand over the $500. My seller agreed to accepting this note and we felt everything would go smoothly, after all it was a cash offer! The buyer sold his home and was using those proceeds to purchase this house.

I think we know where this is going....needless to say the day came that the money was due and the buyers agent calls to tell me the buyer had changed his mind and does not want the home. He cannot come up with the earnest money and he can't come up with $1500 that would have covered the rest of the homesale price. Basically this buyer made and offer on the assumption he would be able to come up with more money than he was getting. The agent then tells me he knows the buyer is supposed to hand over the earnest money but that he will not because he doesn't think he has to because he did not purchase the property! I of course have to give my seller the bad news.

Our predicament is it is only $500 so an attorney would probably charge more than that to cover his costs. So my seller loses out and that just doesn't seem right.

I have used these notes on a couple occasions and everything worked out fine, so that is why I was comfortable taking one........maybe I should have asked for more money to make it worth while? I guess it is another learning experience that I will have under my belt and be able to make it work for my sellers! Or maybe I will not accept them!

To What lengths should we go.....?

Maria Haun ABR, CNE (Whitehead Inc. Realtors) — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 11:53:49 -0500

I had another first, I closed on a deal today and found out something about the other agent that kind of disturbed me. While negotiating the purchase price on the contract she tells me that her sellers, at the price they countered back with, would only net about $900 so they could not go any lower becasue they REALLY needed this money to go towards their new home.

ok, so to make a long story short the sellers today walked away with a check for over $14,000. Did she not remeber that I would actually see her sellers bottom line?

Needless to say my buyers were not to happy. They really didn't say anything until I pointed it out and they say they believe what the other agent did was unethical, or should we say made her a liar, just to get her sellers what they wanted. Is this what we have to do while negotiating? Am I that naive to think we can do this without sacraficing our morals?

I have to say my buyers were not impressed with her at all and it just irratates me to see this happen. We already have a hard time convicing people that we are not all bad people, but this happens and it changes their perception of us. To top it off I guess that makes me look like a fool too.......

So, question to all of you, is this a normal tactic to use? I thought bringing in comps and the condition of the house is the way to go...or again, am I just a naive newbie?

Can anyone help?

Maria Haun ABR, CNE (Whitehead Inc. Realtors) — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 18:10:36 -0600

Are we allowed to post to Localism? There is no information on my community or town so I would like to post on it. If so how do I go about it?

Have a great day!

My Input?!

Maria Haun ABR, CNE (Whitehead Inc. Realtors) — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 19:17:16 -0600

The other day I had a first and wanted to share. I have been working with this couple for a few weeks now and have shown them quite a few houses and finally they called me and "decided on the one". After talking awhile the gentleman says 'my wife wants to know if You think this is a good choice". I was speechless to say the least. Usually the client just wants to make sure the house is worth what the seller is asking and wants to know they are not getting ripped off. These two really wanted my opinion and asked for it! I was flattered to say the least....like I said it was a first.

Most of the time the buyer has to have "that feeling" that it is right and go with that and don't ask anyones opinion, but maybe a close family member, or someone else they trust, which is fine. I am just so excited that this couple trusted me enough to want my opinion on such a huge decision. These little things make this so worth it!

To bad there were 2 other offers and another one got accepted! LOL!

Have a great day!

Maria

Wishful Thinking?

Maria Haun ABR, CNE (Whitehead Inc. Realtors) — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 20:07:41 -0600

Ok, I have been in business for 2 years, not long compared to some but have made it past the 18 months that I have been told most don't. I have run into some great agents and the not so nice ones. My question is are most "exclusive subdivision" agents all jerks or is it just me? I went to 4 different new home subdivisions today and 3 out of the 4 agents, I believe, hated that I was there! Trying to get info from them was like pulling teeth. I know they would have to "split" their comission with me but come on, is it really that bad? It wasn't like there were numerous others there, it is. after all Super bowl Sunday in a land of Chicago Bears lovers! I would like to hear from everyone that has dealt with this or has exclusivity of there own. I have learned to take the negativity but is it wishful thinking to hope most agents will work with you?!!

Maria