Rodney's Blog

Buyer Broker Agreement... Is it still effective in today's market?

Rodney Barnes ABR, GRI, Realtor (Keller Williams Realty, Prof. Partners) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:20:41 -0500

Through my career, I have heard both sides to the buyer broker agreement. For many Realtors using the agreement, they are very effective and they would not consider working with a client without it. On the flip side, Realtors who do not use it, have found they are successful and see no need.

This past year, I have come in contact with many Buyers who have a buyer broker agreement with another agent, yet they are still in need of information. Of course, I limit my conversation and never advise to cancel the agreement. But, I am still curious as to why they are calling other Realtors and not their agent of choice?

In some cases, the buyers with Buyer Broker Agreements are wanting to change agents and/or cancel their agreement as if their current business relationship is meaningless. I understand that not every client is going to be a business match. But do you think that buyers today are taking the agreement lightly and feel that it's just another piece of paper and they can just cancel when they want? Is it even worth it to use in today's market? What are your thoughts?

30 Day Snapshot of Residential Sales in Phoenix, AZ. (Maricopa County)

Rodney Barnes ABR, GRI, Realtor (Keller Williams Realty, Prof. Partners) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 21:46:17 -0600

30-Day Market Snapshot as of 11/15/2008
(from ARMLS for past 30 days - residential sales only)

Active listings in ARMLS 54,843 (54,179 last week)

Active with contingency 1,019 (1,030 last week)

Pending sales 6,261 (6,203 last week)

Sales in last 30 days 5,284 (5,132 last week)

Cancelled 4,788 (4,664 last week)

Expired 3,564 (3,565 last week)

Temporarily Off Market 983 (942 last week)

For a Bi-Monthly Snapshot Report Sent directly to your email contact Rodney @ 623-217-7548 or email RodneyBarnes1@cox.net. Compliments from Rodney Barnes with Keller Williams Realty Professional Partners. http://www.RodneyBarnes1.com

4 bed / 3 bath 2757 sqft. Peoria Home w/Pool, Fire Pit, Out Door Kitchen, Den, Bonus Room, Large Kitchen and Much More!

Rodney Barnes ABR, GRI, Realtor (Keller Williams Realty, Prof. Partners) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 23:59:16 -0600

FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY LISTED AT $279,000. THIS HOME SHOWS PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP. LARGE ENTERTAINING BACKYARD, WITH STUNNING SWIMMING POOL, OUTDOOR FIRE PIT, HUGE KIDS PLAY AREA AND FABULOUS OUTDOOR KITCHEN WITH REFRIGERATOR AND GAS GRILL. INSIDE KITCHEN OPENING TO BREAKFAST ROOM. FAMILY ROOM W/SURROUND SOUND SYSTEM. HIGH CEILINGS. ALL KITCHEN APPLIANCES CONVEY. LAMINATE HARDWOOD FLOORING. COZY FIREPLACE. BONUS ROOM CAN BE USED AS AN OFFICE. RV PARKING FOR ALL YOUR TOYS. SPACIOUS LIVING/DINING ROOM, LARGE ENOUGH FOR A POOL TABLE. CUSTOM CABINETS IN GARAGE. WALKING DISTANCE TO SCHOOL. COMMUNITY PARK WITH TENNIS COURTS, PLAY AREA, VOLLEYBALL AND MUCH MORE. YOU WON*T BE DISSAPOINTED. BUYER TO VERIFY ANY INFORMATION THEY DEEM IMPORTANT. MLS# 4054975. Call Rodney Today at 623-217-7548 or email RodneyBarnes1@cox.net. For additional Pictures and detailed information visit www.RodneyBarnes1.com

Still Waiting to Buy Real Estate in Goodyear? 5 Reasons to buy now!!!

Rodney Barnes ABR, GRI, Realtor (Keller Williams Realty, Prof. Partners) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 16:26:35 -0500

The market continues to adjust to our changing economy. There are many factors to consider that provide unique opportunities for homebuyers and investors. If you are looking to take advantage of the buying opportunities, there is no time like the present.

Here are 5 Reasons why Now is a great time to Buy Real Estate in Goodyear.

Lower Interest Rates

Interest rates still remain at near-record lows, especially compared to the 1980's rates and rates during of the real estate boom. Lower rates simply mean lower mortgage payments for those who buy in today's market. Lenders want to earn your business. Of course, lending standards are tighter now than they were a few years ago, but that means that lenders today are even more eager to work with buyers with good credit. So, lock in your low rate today! For existing owners, you can move up to a bigger and better home with little or no change in your monthly payment.

Competitive Home Prices

Today's market shows a high level of inventory and many homebuilders as well as Banks are facing a surplus of inventory homes. Take Goodyear for instance, today there are over 250 Affordable Real Estate listings and over 400 Nearly New Homes for sale. During the boom, in many areas, prices reach levels that the average buyer was unable or unwilling to pay, and home values began to drop. As everyone adjusts to the current market conditions and builders compete for remaining buyers, these prices are returning to normal levels.

Increasing Rent

Renters are faced with the realization of more competition as more people move out of their homes and more potential homebuyers decide to wait. As the overhead costs of utilities, daily maintenance and repairs continue to cut into the profits, property owners, rental agencies and apartment complexes must increase their rent rates to stay afloat.

Increasing Down-Payment Requirements

On January 1st, 2009, the minimum down payment will probably jump from 3% to 3.5%. A half of a percentage point may not seem like much, but on a $200,000.00 dollar home, this change can cost an average of $1,000 more to the down payment on a new home.

Great Home Selection

Today, many communities are filled with spec homes, models and a wide range of homes, offering new home buyers a great opportunity to find the perfect home. As a result of the market growth and decline, there is an incredible selection of homes available. New developments continue to come to the area and as homes continue to come available in these growth areas. Spectacular designs, innovative floor plans, breath taking features help many builders differentiate themselves from the market. There is home for even the pickiest of buyers. To see today's available inventory in Goodyear visit http://www.RealEstateGoodyear.com for all of Maricopa County visit http://www.RodneyBarnes1.com

"My Priorities Are Simple...They're Yours!"

Rodney Barnes, ABR,GRI

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

KELLER WILLIAMS Realty Professional Partners

Direct: 623-217-7548

E-Fax: 480-393-4896

Email: RodneyBarnes1@cox.net

Web: www.RodneyBarnes1.com

Web: www.RealEstateGoodyear.com

Phoenix Market (Including Real Estate in the Goodyear area) is picking up.

Rodney Barnes ABR, GRI, Realtor (Keller Williams Realty, Prof. Partners) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 23:04:57 -0500

Great news!

Market statistics from ARMLS are showing a positive direction! Home prices are very affordable for today's buyer's.

•o Aug 08 was the 3^rd of a 3 month increase for median home price

•o That has not occurred since 2005

•o Houses sold Sept 08 compared to Sept 07 up 81%!

•o Months on Market

•o Jan 08 - 19.83 months of inventory

•o Sept 08 - 8.83 months of inventory

•o Median home price $170,000 (not too high and not too low)

•o Interest rates remain good. For today's rates contact Chris Davis at CDavis@statemortgage.net

•o It is truly a great time to be buying!!!! Share the good news.

For information on Real Estate in Goodyear Visit

http://www.RealEstateGoodyear.com

Rodney Barnes, ABR,GRI

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

KELLER WILLIAMS Realty Professional Partners

Direct: 623-217-7548

E-Fax: 480-393-4896

Email: RodneyBarnes1@cox.net

Web: http://www.RodneyBarnes1.com

Web: http://www.RealEstateGoodyear.com

"My Priorities Are Simple...They're Yours!"

Amazon.com coming to Goodyear Arizona

Rodney Barnes ABR, GRI, Realtor (Keller Williams Realty, Prof. Partners) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 12:23:38 -0500

Amazon.com Inc. announced it will be creating approximately 700 temporary and 600 permanent jobs in the growing city of Goodyear.

This fall, the new facility will have over 500,000 square feet in size and will be located at 16920 W. Commerce Drive.

Amazon already is recruiting for full-time jobs, including area managers, operations managers, safety managers and facilities area managers.

An open house for people interested in the management positions will be held June 26 from noon to 7 p.m. at Radisson City Center, 3600 N. Second Ave. in Phoenix.

Feel free to visit www.amazon.com/careers for more information or to apply for positions.

Rodney Barnes, ThePreferredTeam at RE/MAX Integrity REALTORS.

MY PRIORITIES ARE SIMPLE...THEY'RE YOURS!

www.RodneyBarnes1.com

DIRECT: 623-217-7548 OR Email: RodneyBarnes1@cox.net

A "FREE" Daily Email log of Newly Listed Homes and Resale Home Changes as They Come on The Market! No Calls and Absolutely No commitment. Feel Free to visit

http://www.MyWestValleyBuyers.com

MyWestValleyBuyers.com is a "PRESSURE FREE" service to help area home buyers find their dream home. Your first email will list all homes currently for sale in your desired location and price range. Then each day you will be emailed an updated list of all of new homes on the market and price changes. It's just that easy. No more having to rely on manual searches and NO ANNOYING PHONE CALLS. Simply complete the form below and start your auto-email home search today.

2008 Built! Goodyear Estrella Mountain Ranch Home! 3192 sqft. Below Appraisal! This will not last long!

Rodney Barnes ABR, GRI, Realtor (Keller Williams Realty, Prof. Partners) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:02:21 -0500

2993195 ER Active / Residential LP: $ 450,000
14531 S 182 DR Goodyear 85338-	Open House: No
Lot #: 57
Area/Grid: 315 / T27	Hun Block: 14000S
Beds/Baths: 3 / 2.5	SF: 3,192 / Assessor
	Lot Size: 10,001-12,500
AN: 400-82-854-	Year Built: 2007
FE: 32.5FRDO3G	Pool: Yes - Community
Photos: 6
Listed by: Diana Durham (DD127)	Email: RodneyBarnes1@cox.net
Office: 623-362-3000	Mobile: 602-789-8241
Home: 602-789-8241	Pager:
RE/MAX Integrity REALTORS(RMXI02)

Corporate Transfer. Immaculate one of a kind David Weekly Mira Home. A State of the Art Dream Kitchen with Monogram Stainless Steel Appliances. Oak Cabinets with Crown Molding, Large Kitchen Island, Double Oven. Serving Table and Much More. Large Elegant Family Room with Gorgeous Mountain Views. Custom Surround Sound Pre-Wired Media Niche for all Your Favorite Movies. Computer area, plus Den, Play Room/Bonus Room. Custom Shutters ordered, Pre-wire for Security Alarm, Recess Lighting, Smoker Grill to stay with Home. Custom Pavers in Driveway and Entrance. Vaulted Circular Entrance. This is a 'WOW FACTOR' HOME offered Below Appraised Price! You don't want to miss this!

Rodney Barnes My Priorities Are Simple...They're Yours!

The Preferred Team @ RE/MAX Integrity REALTORS 623-217-7548 or RodneyBarnes1@cox.net

For Similar Homes or a free list of Homes Sent directly to your email visit

www.RealEstateGoodyear.com

No Obligation and your information is kept confidential.

Great Goodyear Opportunity for $120K. 4 bd with 2.5 baths. Over 1600 sqft with a large yard.

Rodney Barnes ABR, GRI, Realtor (Keller Williams Realty, Prof. Partners) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 13:11:29 -0500

2965547 ER Active / Residential LP: $ 120,000
16678 W Culver ST Goodyear 85338-
Lot #: 19
Area/Grid: 314 / Q27		Hun Block: 16600W
Beds/Baths: 3 / 2.5		SF: 1,612 / Assessor
		Lot Size: 1-7,500
AN: 500-91-019-		Year Built: 2002
FE: 32.5FRO2G		Pool: No

GREAT Opportunity for 1st time home buyers! Nice open Loft/Den, Open floor plan, Clearstory windows, Double entry doors to large master-W.I.C. w/ organizer and bath with water closet , Bright open kitchen w/ plenty of cabinets, downstairs powder room with pedistal sink, Neutral 2-tone paint. Roomy terraced back yard. All this home needs is a quick cleaning and its ready for you to move in or rent! This is priced for a quick sale so don't wait!! Subject to lender approval

Rodney Barnes My Priorities Are Simple...They're Yours!

The Preferred Team @ RE/MAX Integrity REALTORS 623-217-7548 or Rodney@thepreferredteam.com

This 6 Bdrm w/Pool home in Surprise will astound your pickiest buyers with decorator touches throughout.

Rodney Barnes ABR, GRI, Realtor (Keller Williams Realty, Prof. Partners) — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 12:55:28 -0500

2906483 ER Active / Residential LP: $ 479,900
18425 W IVY LN Surprise 85388-2349
Lot #: 69
Area/Grid: 313 / l27		Hun Block: 15550N
Beds/Baths: 6 / 4.5		SF: 5,262 / Assessor
		Lot Size: 10,001-12,500
AN: 502-09-571-		Year Built: 2006
FE: 64.5FRDXPO4+G		Pool: Yes - Private

Extensive tile and natural plantation shutters through most of the home. The formal dining room has room for 16 for dinner, with a butlers pantry and custom wine rack. The kitchen boasts a fantasy island, with extensive raised panel hickory cabinets, and corian custom edge counters. The family room has a gas fireplace and media niche. The media room (could be den) is wired to the max. The loft upstairs is a den with extensive built ins. The upstairs master (3 masters total) is stunning, and the bath rivals a resort. Outside features a pebble tec pool with a stunning water feature.

For additonal information Feel Free to contact Rodney with The Preferred Team at RE/MAX Integrity REALTORS 623-217-7548 or email Rodney@thepreferredteam.com

Are you using DSL to send faxes, receive faxes and make local calls? If so, I Need Your Help.

Rodney Barnes ABR, GRI, Realtor (Keller Williams Realty, Prof. Partners) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 02:05:43 -0500

Hello Everyone,

I am seeking a little advice.

My goal for the next coming month is to be able to eliminate my current phone lines and use my (DSL) internet to send faxes, receive faxes and make local and long distances calls. I am searching for a tool or tools to help me accomplish this.

I still consider myself a novice when it comes to computers and internet, especially with the constant changes every 5 minutes. That might be a slight exaggeration, but it sure feels that way to me. (lol) If you have any suggestions or using programs that are "user friendly" I would really appreciate hearing them.

Thank you for taking time to share your ideas!

Rodney Barnes, The Preferred Team @ RE/MAX Integrity REALTORS, 623-217-7548 or 800-916-3235 ext. 4

http://www.RodneyBarnes1.com My Priorities Are Simple...They're Yours!

Are you tracking hits on your listings and website? (Free Services Available)

Rodney Barnes ABR, GRI, Realtor (Keller Williams Realty, Prof. Partners) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:30:50 -0600

I came across these sites today and thought they would be helpful for those who want free tracking. I am still in the process of going through everything to see how they work, but it's free. Also, Since Craigs list is gaining momentum, you have nothing to loose, (except a few minutes of time).

http://www.craigslistcompanion.com/

For Web Tracking, this is an interesting free site.

http://www.sitemeter.com/

Good Luck and I hope it works out for you all.

Rod

Military Relocation! Supporting our Troops is my Specialty! Rentals also Available!

Rodney Barnes ABR, GRI, Realtor (Keller Williams Realty, Prof. Partners) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 11:05:29 -0600

Being a Marine and serving in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm, I have a strong understanding of the moving process. Helping families, find a good home quickly and with the least amount of stress is my priority. As the Military Relocation Specialist serving Luke Air Force Base (http://www.luke.af.mil/) in Glendale Arizona, I have the ability to assist not only the personnel, but the families as well. Ensuring a smooth transition for spouses and children.

Luke Air Force Base is Located in Beautiful Glendale Arizona. Minutes from the Cardinal Stadium, Jobing.com Arena and Westgate Entertainment. Here you'll find an array of dining, sports, shopping and activites. Also, there will be a 1.3 million square feet mall being built in Goodyear.

Whatever the families needs are, I am here to help. Here are a few items i help assist with....

Housing Needs, both Short Term and Long Term.

Employment Assistance

Local Private and Public School information

Family Entertainment and Activities

Moving Companies

Relocation to do's list

Area Tour and so much more...

Feel free to Visit http://www.glendaleaz.com and http://www.ci.goodyear.az.us/ for update City information

I want to be your agent of choice! My Priorities are Simple...They're Yours!

Rodney Barnes

The Preferred Team, RE/MAX Integrity, REALTORS

20241 North 67th Avenue, Suite A-1, Glendale, AZ. 85308

1-800-916-3235 ext. 4

www.ThePreferredTeam.com

Email: Rodney@ThePreferredTeam.com

Macy's Distribution coming to Goodyear Arizona

Rodney Barnes ABR, GRI, Realtor (Keller Williams Realty, Prof. Partners) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 22:03:52 -0600

Macy's is Coming to Goodyear!

Along with the 1.3 million square feet mall and The New Cleveland Indians Training Facility. Macy's will provide over 800 jobs for the growing Goodyear community.

The location is of Macy's will be at MC-85 and Loop 303 with close proximity to Luke Air Force Base and Lockheed Martin. The first of two phases of Construction is planned on beginning Mid March 2008.

Goodyear has a bright future and will reap the benefits with the incredible growth of a New and Modern Community. This is just the tip of the iceberg!

Visit http://www.goodyearaz.gov or http://www.macysjobs.com/macys/index_flash.asp for more detail information or feel free to contact Rodney Barnes, ABR with The Preferred Team, RE/MAX Integrity, REALTORS

http://www.MyWestValleyBuyers.com

http://www.ThePreferredTeam.com

800-916-3235 ext.4 or Direct at 623-217-7548

My Priorites Are Simple...They're Yours!

Do you use scripts for Sign Calls or play it by ear?

Rodney Barnes ABR, GRI, Realtor (Keller Williams Realty, Prof. Partners) — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 00:20:39 -0600

Hi everyone, this is one of my first Blog's and I have just started with Active Rain. I am trying to take my business to the next level in 2008 by using scripts for sign callers. Currently when I receive sign calls, I simply ask the general questions like the ones listed below and adlib from there.

1. Are you wokring with a realtor?

2. Have you been pre-approved with a lender?

3. How can I help you?

4. What's your goal?

I would like to use more personal, non threatening questions to help the caller feel welcome and invited.

Does anyone have any suggestions and/or success with scripts that have a more passive approach and will allow the conversation to flow smoothly to get the appointment? Please share. Any and all comments will be greatly appreciated.

Thx

Rod

FTHB Passive Approach that helps secure writing that offer.

Rodney Barnes ABR, GRI, Realtor (Keller Williams Realty, Prof. Partners) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 16:51:11 -0600

I want to share my experience with First Time Home Buyer clients today. Before I explain my occurrence, I stumbled on this idea from watching a television show on real estate last week. During the show, the agent did not enter the home with her buyers. She stayed outside and waited. I thought that was an interesting, yet passive approach. I am always looking for new ideas, so I tried this approach today and allowed my clients freedom to view the homes as I waited by the front door. My clients were puzzled at first, but quickly warmed up to the idea. As they finished with each home, I simply asked what they thought. I was amazed at their responses to each home as they were open and shared more of their likes, dislikes and comparisons to other properties. I did preview the properties earlier this week and was able to talk about some of the features each home had to offer. At the end of the tour, they came out of the last home and said, we are ready to put an offer on XXX property. No pressure tactics and "they" made the decision. Of course this approach might not work for everyone, but it's certainly something to keep as an option. Hope this helps with your success.

Price isn't always the only solution for sellers...

Rodney Barnes ABR, GRI, Realtor (Keller Williams Realty, Prof. Partners) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 11:54:56 -0500

I recently experienced a listing appointment where the seller was very adamant about the best price to list her home. During the conversation I expressed to the seller that "Price" is a factor, but there are two other fundamentals to consider.

My beliefs are that it takes three elements to help sellers today.

1. Marketing - Agents and Buyers need to be aware that the Sellers home is for sale on the market. Most states have an MLS system, however, that alone might not be enough. Without marketing, your listing does not exist.

2. Condition of the Home -- Your target audience for a fixer vs. a completely remodeled home will be more diverse.

3. Price - Simply making sure the home is priced accordingly.

Although, the seller's priority was price, it was less difficult to come to saleable terms with the couple.

Property Nut. Free Site for Posting Listings (No Longer Free 11.09.07)

Rodney Barnes ABR, GRI, Realtor (Keller Williams Realty, Prof. Partners) — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 14:47:48 -0500

I have heard about http://www.propertynut.com/ and thought I would give it a try. The site is free and all Ads posted are sent to other sites like googlebase, lycos, trusearch,and a few others. Property nut was very easy to use, however the picture downloads did take some time. With all the current sites avaialbe, the more exposure you have, the higher the probability of getting some hits. Give it a try. Hope you find it effective in your business.

11.09.07 I want to add that I have found out today that propertynut.com is no longer a free service. There is now a charge of $9.99 for their services. I have included a copy of their email explaining the new change. I am terribly sorry if this caused any confusion. It does seem that if lisitings were posted prior to the increase, they are still active with no charge.

Hi Rodney and thank you for the email inquiry about PropertyNut. PropertyNut has been live and free for over 8 months now. During that time we have demonstrated to our Agent member that our Marketing of your Ads and YOU works. We have been driving prospective buyers to the Agents on PropertyNut in ways other are not because of our specialized methods. Agents have reported to date, 18.8% of all properties listed on PropertyNut sold or rented as a result of our efforts. In a market where more exposure means more changes of getting in front of that buyer, we are an important addition to your marketing efforts. So, yes now after we have made our investment in you and the rest of our Agent customers, it's time to charge what amounts to 3 gallons of gas or maybe 2 Starbucks a month or just call it what it is, only $9.99 per Ad each month to help produce a potential buyer for you. Our feedback has been that we are well worth this small price per month for all we do. I sure hope you will allow us to keep putting your Ads out on the nearly one dozen websites and other places we use that we know buyers are looking so we can put your property Ad in front of them. Please feel free to call or email any questions you might have to me, anytime - 480.980.3881 (7 Days a week) or email direct to AgentServices@PropertyNut.com Thanks again, Craig

M. Craig Cocciola
http://www.propertynut.com/

New to Active Rain

Rodney Barnes ABR, GRI, Realtor (Keller Williams Realty, Prof. Partners) — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:50:01 -0500

Hello Everyone,

I am new to Active Rain!

I would like to introduce myself. My name is Rodney Barnes and I am a Certified Buyers Representative (ABR) for The Preferred Team at Remax Integrity Realtors. As a Marine I served Proudly in Operation Desert Storm (1990-1991) and I now Proudly serve your Real Estate needs. My Bachelors of Arts Business Degree is from California State University.

A few years ago, I relocated to the Phoenix area and currently provide assistance to Lockheed Martin Relocation employees. I have a strong understanding of the process and it would be an honor to assist you in your relocation clients to the area. When you use me as your Realtor you get the added benefit of having 5 full time experienced Realtors and 3 support staff members dedicated to seeing clients through the process of purchasing or selling their home.

I am confident I will be able to help your referrals achieve their goals.

My Priorities Are Simple...They're Yours!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me directly at the number listed below and Please keep me in find for future referrals or AZ home information.

Thank you for choosing The Preferred Team.

Rodney Barnes

Realtor Consultant, ABR

The Preferred Team

RE/MAX Integrity, REALTORS

Office: 602-789-8241 ext. 4
Toll Free: 800-916-3235
www.ThePreferredTeam.com

See our "Blog" for up to the minute news on loans

A good "FREE" source for E-mail and Text Messaging

Rodney Barnes ABR, GRI, Realtor (Keller Williams Realty, Prof. Partners) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 15:33:36 -0500

I have found Jott.com very useful to help me with sending text and emails to clients while on the go. It's perfect for people who prefer not to text from the dial keys. Simply call an 866 number, record your transmission and you're all set. It has good voice recognition. Take a look. Hope you find it as helpful as I have. www.Jott.com