Ron's Blog

Thinking about Home Staging!

Ron Martin Team (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:06:47 -0500

Home Staging can sell your house faster at the best price! What is Home Staging? Home Staging is the art of strategically preparing a home going on the market so it shows off its best features in a positive manner. The entire objective is to make the house look as good as possible to as many potential home buyers as possible, thus increasing its chances for a quicker sale at the highest expected market value price for its area. Home Staging is the hottest new concept in real estate marketing and it is being used by savvy realtors and home sellers all over the country. Both are benefiting greatly!

A prospective home buyer makes a decision on whether to buy a house within the first few minutes (some estimate the first 15 seconds) of viewing. Most buyers make that decision with their heart and not their head. They buy on emotion. First impressions are all important and curb appeal is vital! If your home does not give out the right signals then potential buyers are likely to go elsewhere with their house hunting in search of that "right feeling".

It's Halloween time for the children!

Ron Martin Team (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:08:13 -0500

It's Halloween time for the children!

Yes it is Halloween time, time for the children to dress up in their cute costumes and trick or treat. Fountain Inn is having a function for the kids on the 31^st, right on Main Street. They are having the following:

1. Trick or treat

2. Entertainment

3. Music by the Fountain

4. Movie at 9pm by the fountain and whatever else they can come up with until then.

The children should enjoy all the excitement that's going to go on that evening, so if you are interested in bringing your child somewhere safe to show off the beautiful costumes, Fountain Inn is the place. Don't forget Friday Night October 31st.

Reaching my 40,000 goal!

Ron Martin Team (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 08:08:24 -0500

I'm excited today, I met my goal that I sat out to make. I enjoy blogging on a daily basis. It keeps my mind on other things then fighting my cancer. I look forward to blogging and reading other blogs. I enjoy reading the experiences that everyone has blogging, in their jobs. It gives me ideas and inspiration to keep going.

The Fall Weather!

Ron Martin Team (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 07:59:04 -0500

Isn't this time of year beautiful? Yesterday was the first time I was able to get out for myself for over 3 weeks and we decided to go to the office. It was a little bright and cool but I was glad to beable to get out. As we were driving I had taken in some beautiful sites of the leaves changing, people being decorated for the holiday. What does everyone else think about the weather, the fall colors, the decorations?

Improve or sell as is!

Ron Martin Team (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 07:25:51 -0500

I am amazed by the amount of homes listed in our local market that are in need of basic improvements that wouldn't cost the seller very much, and am interested in points of views from agents about recommending improvements before listing the home.

I'm not talking major renovations here. I'm talking about basic improvements such as removing dated wallpaper, repainting the interior with neutral paint, replacing worn carpet, changing the kitchen countertops to granite, and so forth.

So the question is... What's the best recommendation to today's home seller? Market the house in its current condition at low price or, invest in basic home improvements and hope to get a higher price?

Clean up your credit!

Ron Martin Team (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 07:12:10 -0500

1. Pay your bills on time.
This is the best way to improve your score, and it's never too late to start. Even if you've had serious delinquencies in the past, those will count less over time if you keep paying your bills on time.

2. Keep credit card balances low.
High outstanding debt can pull down your score. Don't go maxing out your credit cards all the time. Only put 20% of the total amount you can put on the card also this helps raise your score.

3. Check your credit report for accuracy.
It's possible that there may be inaccurate information on your credit report that can be easily cleared up .

4. Pay off debt rather than moving it around.
Consolidating your credit card debt onto one card or spreading it over multiple cards will not improve your score in the long run. The most effective way to improve your score is by simply paying down the amount you owe. The reason is most of the time its a revolving debt.

5. Keep your credit cards - but manage them responsibly.
In general, having credit cards and installment loans that you pay on time will raise your score. Someone who has no credit cards tends to have a lower score than someone who has managed credit cards responsibly. Pay them off and destroy the card but leave about four accounts open this will raise your score.

6. Opt out of receiving credit cards

Pumpkin Praline Cheesecake!

Ron Martin Team (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 07:01:28 -0500

Try it, It's delicious

1/3 cup butter

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup all-purpose flour

3 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 15-ounce can pumpkin

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

3 eggs

1 8-ounce carton dairy sour cream

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Pecan halves (optional)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions

1. For Pecan-Praline Pieces and Powder,* line a large baking sheet with foil; set aside. In a heavy skillet place the 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Cook over medium-high heat, shaking skillet occasionally until sugar begins to melt. Do not stir. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the chopped pecans; cook about 3 minutes more or until sugar is golden brown and pecans are toasted, stirring occasionally. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading with a wooden spoon as thin as possible. Cool. Break or chop the cooled praline into 1/4-inch pieces. Set half of it aside. For Pecan-Praline Powder, place remaining broken pieces in a blender container or food processor bowl. Cover and blend or process until ground. Store in separate containers in refrigerator or freezer up to 1 week.

2. For crust, in a medium mixing bowl beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed about 30 seconds or until softened. Add the 1/4 cup brown sugar and beat until fluffy. Add the 1 cup flour. Beat on low to medium speed just until combined.

3. Pat dough onto bottom and 1-1/2 inches up the side of 9-inch springform pan. Bake in a 375 degree F oven about 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool crust on a wire rack while preparing filling.

4. For filling, in a large mixing bowl beat cream cheese, the 3/4 cup brown sugar, and the 2 tablespoons flour with an electric mixer on a medium to high speed until combined. Add the pumpkin, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Beat until combined. Add eggs all at once. Beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in the coarsely broken pecan-praline pieces, reserving the powder for the topping.

5. Pour filling into the crust-lined springform pan. Place the springform pan in a shallow baking pan on the oven rack. Bake in a 375 degree F. oven for 45 to 55 minutes or until center appears nearly set when shaken.

6. In a small bowl combine sour cream and granulated sugar. Spread over top of cheesecake.

7. Remove springform pan from baking pan. Cool cheesecake in springform pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Use a small metal spatula to loosen crust from sides of pan. Cool 30 minutes more. Remove side of the springform pan. Cool for 1 hour. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

8. Just before serving, sprinkle the Pecan-Praline Powder over sour cream topping in center of cheesecake and garnish with pecan halves, if desired. Makes 12 to 16 servings.

Moisture and ventilation in your home!

Ron Martin Team (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 22:04:10 -0500

You're nearing the end of a soothing hot shower, a roast is browning in the oven, potatoes are boiling on the cook-top, the last load of laundry is in the dryer, the water heater just kicked on to provide some more hot water for your shower and the heater is keeping your home at just the right temperature.

Each one of those activities creates moisture inside a home and hopefully the house is properly ventilated to provide enough fresh air circulation to sufficiently dissipate that moisture and transfer it to outside the building.

In older homes, the construction methods left air leaking through and around windows, doors, walls, floors and ceilings. Plus, once upon a time ceiling vents were commonly installed in closets, kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms.

Since the gas crisis of the 1970's, the concept of energy conservation has been driving architectural design, construction materials and building codes toward tighter more energy efficient living spaces. The concepts are sound and well-founded in good logic except to a large degree they fail to factor in the sharp reduction or even the elimination of fresh air circulation in most areas.

20 quick fixes to ensure your home will sell!

Ron Martin Team (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:42:12 -0500

1: Generally Improve Your Home's "Curb Appeal"

Mow the front lawn, water and fertilize if necessary, pick up any trash, sweep your driveway and walks and make sure your home looks good from the street.

2: Make The Front Door And Porch Attractive

You only get one chance so make sure their first impression is the best. Sweep the porch, touch up any paint in this area, wash windows and wipe down the front door.

3: Fix Cracks In The Driveway And Remove Any Oil Stains

Resealing your driveway can dramatically improved the appearance of your home from the street and really make a great impression to potential buyers.

4: Replace Warped Roofing Shingles

This can potentially save you thousands if your roof in near needing replacement. It makes the buyers feel more comfortable making an offer. Don't get caught with a bad roof by the home inspector and have to spend money you were not planning on.

5: Paint Siding, Trim, Shutters and Doors

If your home is needing a little extra maintenance on the outside definitely do it. Buyers will see the exterior and judge the interior. If it looks good on the outside they will want to see the inside.

6: Straighten Any Gutters

Ice and snow can take its toll on Alaskan homes. Take a few minutes and make the lines of your home stand out, in a good way.

7: Stage The Entry

Replace your worn out doorbell button. Replace your old doormat or place one in front if you don't currently have one. These things will say you care about your home and the doormat will help protect floors and carpets.

8: Clean Your Kitchen

Clean the kitchen especially well. Include the oven, exhaust hood, the inside of the refrigerator and dishwasher. Remove clutter from your counters and cabinets. Some buyers will judge the maintenance of the entire home by the cleanliness of the kitchen.

9: Freshen The Paint

You might need just a touch up or maybe a full repaint. Few things increase the marketability and give you a better cost return than new paint. All walls should be painted light, neutral colors and be welcoming. Fix any holes and touch up any cracks or major blemishes before painting.

10: Polish All Wood or Vinyl Floors

Make sure they are not only clean but shine and look like new.

11: Steam Clean or Replace Worn Carpeting

Your house may not be new but the more it looks that way the more comfortable buyers will be to make an offer on it. Many time replacing worn carpet can get you more out of your home than it cost to have done.

12: Repair Any Dripping Faucets

This quick fix makes a big difference to the buyers and will probably be asked for once the home inspection is completed anyhow.

13: Fix Crooked Drawers & Cabinets

Make sure your kitchen and bathroom cabinets look straight and operate properly.

14: Fix Any Doors That Stick

Make sure all your doors in the home operate properly and do not sick when being opened or closed.

15: Tighten Your Hardware

Make sure that all knobs and handles on cabinets and doors are tightened so that the do not slip or wobble. These minor type repairs in your home suggest neglect to potential buyers.

16: Replace Worn Appliances

Make sure all the appliance that come with the home are in good condition, look nice, and work properly. If not the buyers will already be deducting from your price the cost to replace these.

17: Clean All Windows Inside & Out

Remove the dirt and grime. Make sure to open any blinds or window covering prior to the house being shown. More light makes the home feel larger and more inviting.

18: Scrub Counters, Bathroom Fixtures and Tiles

Make the bathrooms shine and make sure to remove any lingering stains, water deposits or mildew. If your grout needs attention make sure to re-grout.

19: Clean Off The Exterior Of The Water Heater & Furnace

Clean the front surface where prospects will be inspecting. Also drain a bucket of water from the hot water heater to remove any rust particles.

20: Finally, Stage Your Garage!

The ideal two-car garage holds two cars. Make sure that you remove any clutter and make the garage look clean and as though the appropriate number of cars will fit without any problem.

Six mistakes buyers make when purchasing a home!

Ron Martin Team (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:55:28 -0500

1: Not Having Proper Representation

In today's market it is important to have qualified representation. When you select a Realtor to work with be sure to ask questions about there qualifications and even sales history.

2: The Right Loan

There are many different loan types available. Depending on how long you plan to live in your home there are some great options to purchase and keep you payments low or get you into a larger home for the same amount of money.

3: The Right Location

Figure out what location you would like to live in and stay as close to that area as possible. Sometimes buyers will jump into a home that may look great but is not really located where they want to be.

4: Make Your Offer ASAP

Making an offer in a timely manner once you find a home you like is advisable. Two common problem buyers face when buying are other buyers making offers on the same property and waiting too long.

5: Get The Home Your Purchasing Inspected

Make sure you have the home you are purchasing inspected. The inspection could easily change your mind about the deal you thought you were getting.

6: Stay In Contract

Stay within your contract dates. Many times if you do not stay within your contract dates the contract can be cancelled and you run the risk of losing not only the home you were purchasing but your earnest money.

Clemson Head Coach hanging it up!

Ron Martin Team (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 08:28:01 -0500

What does everyone think about Tommy Bowden saying that's it for the clemsons? I can't believe that after all that time with the team he would walk in one day and say that's it, he's stepping down from being head coach. It just seems like he was asked to step down, during the press conference, he seemed like he wasn't too happy about going public. He had gotten up too fast after speaking his opinion. He didn't even wait to answer any questions. I feel like the new coach that's taking over as interim will do a good job at first. All we can do is hope that they pull it together for next few games.

Techniques in internet marketing!

Ron Martin Team (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:16:25 -0500

Every business with a website utilizes Internet marketing to promote its website and products/services. Internet marketing service providers creates rage among website owners. Every business has its characteristics and marketing needs, so the type of online marketing is used in different ways. They can be used in combinations in order to meet the goals you set out to accomplish. Here are a few of the different methods:

1) SEO marketing - It is the most widely used Internet marketing tactic, where the site content is made internet friendly. This means when a user enters a specific phrase, your site would appear in one of the top results of the search engine. This increases site visibility and web traffic.

2) Affiliate Marketing: It is an indirect form of online marketing where an organization or website hires another firms for marketing of their services. These affiliates are websites that showcase your company's logos or banners. When a user clicks on it, they land on the sponsor's website.

3) Pay-Per-Click marketing: Here a search engine is paid by the advertiser for featuring their website separately. When a user types in keywords related to the advertiser's business, their web link appears in the search engine results.

4) Online marketing : Unlike print media, there are websites also that are similar to online yellow pages. Businesses can register their website in them either free of cost or for a fee specific to a category related to their business.

5) Online Auctions: This is similar to that of real auctions. The only difference is that it happens in the world of the Internet. Products that are for sale are quoted by the opening price offered by the seller. Buyers then begin bidding on their price. The product is sold to the highest bidder.

6) E-mail marketing: This concept of Internet marketing is best for a personalized form of marketing. The database is used to locate target customers and they are sent personalized e-mails informing them about certain products/services and any offers that are related to their interests. If carried out correctly, it can fetch positive responses from the recipient.

Cheesesteak Subs !

Ron Martin Team (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 05:59:11 -0500

1 1/2 pounds top round steak
2 green bell peppers, 1/2-inch slices
1 large onion, 1/2-inch slices
8 ounces mushrooms, quartered
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons onion soup mix
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon minced garlic
6 slices provolone cheese
6 sandwich rolls

Slice steak into very thin slices. Place sliced steak into large zip-top bag, set aside.

In another zip-top bag, add sliced peppers and onions, and quartered mushrooms. Set aside.

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, onion soup mix, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour half of marinade into each of the zip-top bags. In a small bowl combine mayonnaise and minced garlic, set aside.

Preheat saute pan on grill. Saute vegetables until desired degree of doneness, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside. Quickly grill steak. Remove and set aside.

Spread sandwich rolls with garlic mayonnaise. Fill rolls with steak, vegetables and a slice of provolone cheese. Wrap sandwich with foil and place on the grill and cover. Cook until cheese has melted. Serve.

Cook's Tip: Put the steak in the freezer for 15 minutes to make it easier to slice.

Pasta Fagioli Soup!

Ron Martin Team (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:11:47 -0500

Last year my friend and I found this wonderful recipe on http://www.crockpot.com thought I would share it! I am also going to include my variations. This is a wonderfully hearty soup, perfect for a cold day, or any day!

Instead of 1lb. of ground beef, I do a half pound of ground beef and a half pound of sausage all fried together.

Instead of 2 cans of stewed tomatoes (Love the taste of tomatoes, can't stand the texture) I opt for 1 can of tomato sauce. I also add a carrot or two, depending on how much I am trying to make. Slices or chunks work, whichever you prefer! Cook until all is done.

***Make sure to wait on adding the macaroni. It'll get too tender if you add it too soon!

I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. We rarely ever have left-over's when we make it, and on the rare occasion that we have them, it's really good the next day too!

Enjoy!

5 ways to get prepared to buy your home!

Ron Martin Team (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:05:01 -0500

1.Check your credit.
Before you apply for a home loan, regardless of your credit, it's a smart idea to obtain a copy of your credit report from the three major credit bureaus and review the information. If there are errors or things that need to be addressed, it's easier to address them before you have found a house, than after you have found a house and are trying to close your loan.

2. Get approved before you buy.
An approval means that a lender has reviewed your credit history, verified your assets and employment, and has approved your loan before you have found a home to purchase. As long as the home appraises for at least the purchase price, the loan should close.

3. Learn about the neighborhood.
Often times the house you find may be in a neighborhood that you're not familiar with, which is ok. It just means that you'll have to do a little more research. If you find a house that you like, ask for a list of the neighborhood properties that sold in the last year. How does your home rank? Is it at the top of the price range? If so, it might be hard to resell. Is it average or on the low end? If so, great - as the other home prices go up in value, they will pull your home's value up as well.

Check out the schools
Contact the police station and obtain crime statistics
Talk to the neighbors.
Check out the location of the shopping, police and fire stations, schools, and air traffic overhead.

These are all things that might affect your property value or quality of your life.

4. Protect Yourself.
Ask your Realtor for a copy of the documents you will be asked to sign if you decide to buy the house. Read them ahead of time so that you'll understand the questions that you will be asked, the things you need to know, and the decisions you will need to make.

5. Have reasonable expectations.
There is a lot of money at stake. No house is perfect. Understanding and remembering these two statements will help diffuse the negotiation stage, the inspection stage and the closing stage.

Emotions are high for both buyers and sellers. - The seller may have loving memories and years of sweat equity in the house. Maybe they are being relocated and don't want to go. Understanding their motivations for selling will help you appreciate their situation and predicament during these emotional times.

Five Tips On Buying A Short Sale!

Ron Martin Team (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:58:29 -0500

You will often come across the term "short sale" when searching for a home in many markets today. You'll find that, in some cases, these can be the best deals on the market.

Buying a short sale property is a different process from buying a home the traditional way. It's not only about you and the seller ... the seller's lender or lenders are involved in the process, as well, and nothing gets done unless the lenders give their blessings.

Foreclosures are bad for the homeowners and expensive for the lenders, so they might opt to accept less than the mortgaged amount to allow the property to sell. The buyer gets a good buy, the seller avoids the foreclosure, and the lender gets some money back and stays out of the expensive foreclosure process.

1. Be Patient. The process of getting bank approval takes, on average, 4-6 weeks before getting an answer from the seller's lenders on whether they will accept the offer. There's no use being angry about that or fighting that ... that's just the way it is. If you're not willing to wait that long, or longer, you're better off going after another purchase.

2. Ask the seller's agent how she is handling the short sale process. Not every process is being handled the same. The seller's agent is required by law to present all offers to the seller. Remember, though, that the seller is the seller, not the lender. Some listing agents are sending all offers to the lender, while others are sending the highest and best offer, and holding any other offers as backup.

3. Limit contingencies. The seller's lenders won't usually balk at "as is with right to inspect" and financing contingencies, from my experience, but you're hurting your chances of getting the home if you load a contract with contingencies.

4. Limit buyer closing cost concessions, or at least be specific. Some lenders won't pay buyer closing costs. Others will ... if you ask for them the right way. If you need to ask for buyer closing costs, ask for a specific dollar figure, not "the seller shall pay half the lender fees and the property insurance." The lender is looking at a bottom line, and requests like that can't be processed.

5. Look for a deal, not a steal. The short sales are often discounted below market value already. Low-balling the low-ball is often a waste of everyone's time. The lender will only discount off of market value a certain amount, or else it's in the lender's interest to foreclose. If you lowball the lowball on a home you really want, you won't get the home, and the seller might be many steps closer to foreclosure once the process plays out to no one's benefit.

BREAKFAST CASSEROLE!

Ron Martin Team (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 07:10:05 -0500

Here is a recipe from a cookbook that family and friends have. It's great for special events, or family staying with you, holidays, etc. It also serves nicely with a variety fruit bowl! You can make this the night before so in the morning all you need to do is preheat the oven and bake!

1 (2lb) bag Potatoes O'Brien

1/2lb Shaved Ham

1/2lb Velveeta Cheese

1 Stick of Butter (1/2 cup)

10-12 Eggs (Depending on how egg-y you like things. I use 10; my mother in law uses 12)

3/4 Cup of Milk

Spray the bottom of a 9x13 pan with non-stick spray. Pour in frozen potatoes. Put the shaved ham on top of the potatoes. Melt the cheese and butter together. In a separate bowl, mix the eggs and milk, and then add the cheese mixture. (A hand mixer, like for shakes, is a great tool for this!) Pour the mixture over the ham and potatoes. If you are preparing this the night before, cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees, and bake for 1 hour.

I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. As I said before, the mixed fruit bowl is a nice addition with a tall glass of orange juice.

Selling your homes during holidays!

Ron Martin Team (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 07:06:56 -0500

Many home owners question is keeping their home on the market during the holidays. Is it a good idea? Will their home sell? Will it be worth keeping the house clean for just a couple of showings? The answer is YES! During the holidays those buyers desiring to return to the Cities are visiting for the holiday season. Most home owners don't want to deal with the additional stress of showings and the holidays, so they take their home off the market for 6-8 weeks over the holidays, reducing the inventory available. Also, your home smell's, looks and sounds the best during the holidays. Your home is celebrating a wonderful holiday and buyers can pick up on the positive energy. So yes keep your home on the market during the hoilday season.

Financial Crisis!

Ron Martin Team (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 06:52:31 -0500

What do you think about all the financial crisis going on with the major companies like Lehman Bros, AIG Insurance and Merryl Lynch? How is this going to change the way buyers get financing on homes? How many extra hoops are they going to have to jump through? When is this going to end. How many people must be hurt by this financial situation? I think all of us are hurting because of this. We as realtors can't get our clients financed, the Mortgage companies are hurting because the banks won't let them finance the loans through most banks. Where is this heading toward?

FIRE SAFETY IN THE HOME!

Ron Martin Team (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 06:48:02 -0500

The number of residential fires increases during winter, peaking between December and February as we spend more time indoors. Here are just a few of the precautions homeowners can take to help prevent dangerous conditions:

1. Keep fireplaces clean and use a sturdy screen to keep sparks inside the firebox

2. Use extra caution when using space heaters and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Do not use near beds, curtains, or flammable materials.

3. Never leave a burning fireplace or candles unattended

4. Always make sure smoke detectors are properly installed and have fresh batteries.

Home Inspections – A buyers access!

Ron Martin Team (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 06:46:10 -0500

In South Carolina as in most states, the "Offer to Purchase" gives the buyer the right to conduct home inspections, termite inspections, etc. This is a time for the buyers to have total access to the property to determine its condition.

Most buyers hire a professional Home Inspector. Professional Home Inspectors are knowledgeable, experienced, and thorough. These inspections take 3 - 4 hours to conduct and in the course of the inspection they will go into the attic, crawl under the house, run the appliances, open every door, turn on every faucet, etc.

The point I'm trying to make is that they were hired by the buyers to inspect the property. As a seller you agreed to this condition. Therefore, you should give them the time and space they need to do what they need to do.

Inspection Tips!

Ron Martin Team (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 06:44:49 -0500

When interviewing a home inspector, ask the inspector what type of report format he or she provides. There are many styles of reports used by property inspectors, including the checklist, computer generated reports, and the narrative style.

Some reports are delivered on site and some may take as long as 4 - 6 days for delivery. All reporting systems have pros and cons.

Are you adapting to the changing market for realtors, mortgage brokers, Etc?

Ron Martin Team (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:23:23 -0500

Every day, more and more agents/Mortgage Brokers are throwing in the towels to find other ways to make ends meet. Some are finding it difficult to stay above water.

What is it that is keeping me in this business? For one, it is because we are passionate about what we do and we are determined to succeed in what we do. We pay attention to the changing market and we do not wait on analysis to tell me what's wrong with my market. We make necessary changes as we see fit. The end result is getting the listing but we do not make that our biggest focus, we focus right now in keeping busy in this business and not give up. Our past customers do keep in touch with us and we do likewise, referral's is also a part of our business and we sincerely appreciate the relationships that we have formed with others.

What is it that will keep everyone in this business? Why is it that you have not thrown in the towel yet? Are you about to break? Everyone's circumstance varies and naturally you must do what will benefit you and your family. If you have a can do and a want too attitude, then you will survive in this business.

When applying for a mortgage, Three things you will need to know!

Ron Martin Team (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:14:48 -0500

1. Good Faith Estimate (GFE) - This will break down all of the closing costs of the loan. These numbers are very difficult to get exact but the loan officer should never be off more than a couple hundred dollars.

2. Truth in Lending Statement (TIL) - This document will disclose several important numbers but most importantly the Annual Percentage Rate, and whether the loan has a prepayment penalty or not.

3. Financing Agreement - This document right here is gold and you should have a financing agreement early on whether the rate is locked or floating. The loan officer should issue this to you not only for your protection, but also for his since it lays out whether the rate is locked or if it is floating, the loan type, rate and any points being charged.

Tips for selling a high-end home in a real estate market!

Ron Martin Team (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 14:12:19 -0500

1. Proper Pricing - No matter the size of your home, pricing will determine how long your home sits on the market. Don't be afraid to drop the listing price to gain more interest. The chances are the money you lose here will be substantially less than if you priced your home high and brought down.

2. Hiring a Realtor - A good Realtor adds enough value to your home (or generates a good offer) to cover the commission you will pay out. An important factor in choosing your Realtor is to make sure they're familiar with the neighborhood. Knowledge is priceless when it comes to a Realtor selling your home. Also, how do they plan on marketing your home? Hiring a team of agents can assure you will have the proper representation.

3. Quick Fixes - Investing money in a huge remodel is not usually going to pay off. Unless there is a great need for a fix like a leaky roof, stick with easy inexpensive fixes like painting and landscaping.

4. Web Brokers - Using a service like HomeZill.com will reduce your overhead costs and allow you to sell your home paying a reduced commission. 95% of home buyer's use the web when searching for homes so unlike in the past, it is important to have a tech-savvy Realtor with a large online market presence.

5. Staging - Hiring a staging company to fill your home with nice furniture and professional decorations will make your home more attractive to potential buyers. The offers that you will receive often will make up for cost of the staging.

6. Incentives - Think about it... The cost of giving away a plasma TV, paying for hardwoods, or a credit for new appliances is worth it. These incentives are not going to get someone to buy your home, but they definitely get people in the door.